Polonnaruwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, served as the island’s capital nearly a thousand years ago. Today, it offers one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in South Asia. Visitors can walk among the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries, and intricately carved stone temples. One of the highlights of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha statues carved directly into granite.
Nestled high on the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a gem of medieval charm and stunning vistas. This picturesque town is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and its lush gardens, such as the famed Villa Cimbrone.
Guanajuato is situated between the dry north of the country and the more verdant south, and geographically belongs to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Mexican Plateau.
Skeleton Coast National Park stretches for about 500 kilometres along Namibia’s northwestern Atlantic coast, from the Ugab River toward the Kunene River. The park covers roughly 16,390 square kilometres of beaches, dunes, gravel plains, ephemeral riverbeds, canyons, and rugged mountain landscapes. Cold Atlantic water from the Benguela Current helps produce frequent coastal fog, which can extend inland across the desert.
A shallow lake at over 3200 feet above sea level in central west Kenya, it is the home of the Kamasya and Njamus who raise cattle and crops and fish for tilapia. The lake covers about 50 square miles.
Photo Credit: Photo by Vismantė Žigutytė on Unsplash
Antiquity is everywhere on the island of Rhodes, from its cobbled Old Town to a mighty acropolis presiding high over the town of Lindos. Ancient ruins recall Crusades-era occupation and Ottoman tyranny, but today, a rather magical Aegean lifestyle is predominant. Travelers will enjoy excellent food, picturesque beaches, buzzing nightlife, and snorkeling in clear waters. Some must-sees here include the Palace of the Grandmaster of the Knights of Rhodes (a medieval castle), the Colossus of Rhodes statue, and the nature reserve Valley of the Butterflies.
Other Popular Destinations in Greece
Athens
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
Santorini
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea. Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water.