TAJ MAHAL, Agra, India

The most famous building in India is the snow-white Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum located in Agra.

The Taj Mahal was built by Moghul ruler Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 after the birth of her 14th child. The construction began in 1632, and finished in 1648. The materials for construction were brought in from all over India and central Asia and white marble from Jodhpur. Precious stones for the inlay came from different parts of the world: Baghdad, even Egypt and Russia, China, Afghanistan, Ceylon, Indian Ocean, Persia. The unique Mughal style combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islāmic architecture.

Photo: Saleem Taqvi /sxc

The pure white marble of Taj gives it a special effect in different times –  it shimmers silver in the moonlight, glows softly pink at dawn, and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting Sun. From the tower in the Agra Fort across the River Yamuna, Shah Jahan spent his last days as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb, gazing at the tomb of his beloved Mumtaz.

The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. In 1983 it became a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Facts Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC, Wikipedia

THE MISTICAL MONOLITS OF STONEHENGE, Great Britain

Stonehenge is a megalithic monument that dates back to the Neolithic and Bronze age. Today it is one of the most famous symbols of Great Britain, located in the English county of Wiltshire, 3 km west of Amesbury and about 13 km northwest of Salisbury. Stonehenge is formed from the giant stone blocks set in the circle. Why?  Well, that is still a great mystery, because scientists are not sure what the Stonehenge served for and who actually built it, although there are a couple of stories and legends that suggest it. To preserve it from destruction, Stonehenge is on the UNESCO Heritage list since 1986.

Photo by: Lukas Odhner /flickr

HRVATSKA VERZIJA: STONEHENGE – MISTIČNI MEGALITI VELIKE BRITANIJE

STONEHENGE – MISTIČNI MEGALITI VELIKE BRITANIJE

ENGLISH VERSION: THE MISTICAL MONOLITS OF STONEHENGE

Megalitički spomenik koji datira iz doba neolitika i brončanog doba, danas jedan od najpoznatijih simbola Velike Britanije, nalazi se u okolini Amesburya u Engleskom okrugu Wiltshire, otprilike 13 km sjeverozapadno od Salisburya. Krugovi načinjeni od ogromnih kamenih blokova i dalje predstavljaju veliki misterij jer znanstvenici još uvijek nisu sigurni čemu je Stonehenge služio i tko ga je zapravo sagradio. Kako bi se sačuvao od propadanja i uništavanja, Stonehenge se nalazi na popisu UNESCO-ve liste Zaštićene baštine od 1986. godine.

Photo by: Lukas Odhner /flickr

JAMEH MOSQUE OF YAZD, Iran

Yazd is one of my favorite towns of Iran and I have only nice memories from that trip. This photo represents the Jameh mosque that was built in 12th Century and it`s known by two minarets which are the highest in Iran. I love the turquoise-blue color of the tiles that cover the portal.

Photo credit: Sandra Bortek

TOP 10 WORLD WONDERS (I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT)

Life is too short just to think about the most beautiful places and destinations you would like to visit. To travel is like to breathe, to eat, to drink… it is not a habit it is a natural thing for humans.

Well, I feel pretty much like a human, besides I look like one! Ok, I love to travel, but I was thinking about my top 10 places that I would like to see before I die, or if you gave me a limited time on Earth, this would be my choice. I reserve the right to change my mind if I discover something better!

TOP 10 WORLD WONDERS BY POSVUDUSHA

1. PETRA, Jordan – If you haven`t heard about this magnificent red (and forgotten) city in Jordan then you should check my travel blog about Jordan to just see the pictures if you can`t translate the text (I hope it will also be in English one day!). I have already been there, but would like to go again.

Photo credit: Sandra Bortek

2. VICTORIA FALLS, Zambia-Zimbabwe – This one of my favorite natural wonders that I would like to experience. It is believed that the first European to view the Falls was David Livingstone who gave the falls the name Victoria. Indigenous name of the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya — literally meaning the Cloud that Thunders. The falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Look at the picture, isn`t this wonderful?

Photo credit: i-pinz/ flickr

3. MACHU PICCHU, Peru – This is the famous South America’s archeological site. It is a City of Inca, situated in the mountains of Cusco region 2,430 m above the sea level. Although I want to see the city, I look forward to go for 3-4 day trekking and waking up just over the City.

Photo credit: mckaysavage/ flickr

4. MT KILIMANJARO, Tanzania – Well, to someone this would be a regular hike, but seeing the Kilimanjaro from the distance with his white cap on (snow in Africa!) it looks so appealing to me. I can see myself on the top of Africa. Scientists say that the snow cap is getting smaller due to the global warming, it seems that I should hurry with my plans.

Photo credit: Gary Craig/ flickr

5. GREAT WALL OF CHINA, China – This is incredible human work built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China. Seeing pictures, it must be great to walk the wall, to imagine the people who build it and the strength of the (past, present and future) Chinese Empire.

Photo credit: Pedronet/ flickr

6. GALAPAGOS ISLAND, Ecuador – these 13 islands make a living laboratory of evolution and a place where the animals have no fear of man. I can imagine how Charles Darwin was surprised seeing unique species.

Photo credit: David Cook Wildlife Photography

7. GRAND CANYON, USA – This is my number one thing that I would like to see in USA. There are couple more things but G.C., a gorge of Colorado River, makes me wanna scream: I wanna see that!

Photo credit: Pedronet/ flickr

8. NAMIBIAN DESERT – It is something that I find appealing in the desert sand and enjoying a view from the dunes, I know only from pictures how the biggest dune looks like, a how magical Namibian desert is. Hot for sure!

Photo credit: Dietmar Temps, Cologne/ flickr

9. MT EVEREST BASE CAMP, Nepal – I don`t feel like climbing Himalaya`s top, although I would like to see Mt Everest, my wish is to go trekking just to the base camp (just 5,380 m!). I`ll better start training if I want to climb that high!

Photo credit: Tom2008Tom/ flickr

10. RONDA, ANDALUSIA, Spain – I was making itinerary for trip to Andalusia (still waiting to go) when I found this beautiful town situated in the mountainous area. The Guadalevín River runs through the city, dividing it in two and carving out the steep, 100 plus meters deep El Tajo canyon upon which the city perches. Ronda has a great bullfighting tradition and it`s known as a home of a bullfighting (first bullring was built in Ronda in the late 18th century).

Photo credit: Jesse Varner/ flickr