Worlds Prettiest Place

Worlds Prettiest Places

By Jada A. Graves
U.S. News & World Report

First off, not every pick on our list is indeed a place, per se. One is actually a scientific phenomenon, while another is considered a massive living organism home to more than 1,500 fish species and nearly 3,000 individual coral reefs. Several are wide-open spaces, but a few are brick-and- mortar sites built for kings (and in one case, a queen). Three have been included on the listing of the Seven Natural Wonders; three were also selected for the listing of the New 7 Wonders of the World. But no matter how you slice and dice them, all 10 have something important in common: Sometimes, it is all about what pleases the eye. Heres our list of the Worlds Prettiest Places.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Our next selection is largely unknown to tourists from the United States, and perhaps that makes it even more precious. The limestone caves of the Plitvice Lakes National Park make the water of its 16 lakes and a handful of waterfalls shimmer brilliant shades of turquoise, silver and green. And to get a better view the lakes beauty, youll find a web of wooden plank walkways scattered throughout. But note that there is no true best or worst season to stop by this site in central Croatia. Snow and ice transforms the area into a winter wonderland; in summer the surrounding trees further enhance the hues of the lake water. If at all possible, though, avoid the onslaught of local tourists in July and August.

Taj Mahal, India

Molded out of red sandstone and white marble, and sparkling with the glint of semi-precious stones, this mausoleum of northeastern India needs no justification to appear on our list. Frommers says, Its not just the perfect symmetry, ! the ethe real luminescence, the wonderful proportions, or the sheer scale, that makes us revere the Taj Mahal. Its also the exquisite detailing covering every inch of marble that justifies it as a wonder of the world. Its amorous background also feeds our admiration: It was commissioned by a 17th century Mughal emperor to honor the memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Consider planning a trip for sometime between October and March to behold Tajs majestic domes, chambers and minarets; that way the weather will be somewhat cooler for walking around. If you have time, stay from the early morning until the late night, as the radiance of the Taj under the moonlight is beyond any explanation, notes TajMahal.org.uk.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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Australias luscious islands, cays and coral reef system of the Great Barrier Reef are awesome in scope and visuals in fact, this reef covers more of the world than any other entry on our list (approximately 135,000 square miles; the only living thing visible from outer space). All who encounter even a small portion of this gorgeous giant are dazzled by its aquamarine waters and honeycomb beaches. Even more beauty awaits you below the water surface: a maze of more than 2,900 spectacular coral reefs and countless marine life. Come to this area just off the coast of Queensland between June and October, so you can avoid the worst of Australias oppressive heat.

Borobudur, Indonesia

The true origins of this impressive Buddhist monument, located in central Java, are somewhat disputed. According to the UNESCO World Heritage website, the Borobudur temple was founded by a Saliendra dynasty king sometime between 750 and 842 A.D. Still, you dont need a definitive history lesson to fully appreciate its grandeur. Just! feast y our eyes on its intricately sculpted gray-stone relief panels (slats of stone carved with artwork to depict the life of Buddha) and the perfectly symmetrical stupas (mound-shaped structures containing Buddhist relics). Theyre even more precious due to their resilience: Borobudur is still gorgeous despite nearby bombings and volcanic eruptions. Try to visit in May; thats when the air is supposedly the cleanest in Java. And plan your trek at sunrise or sunset to witness how the light catches the stupas perforations.

Grand Canyon, USA

We have to root a little for the home team. And here in the United States, the astonishing depths and incredible sunsets of the Grand Canyon make it a shoe-in on this list. Plus you can enjoy the scenery while you work up a sweat, hiking the rigorous Bright Angel Trail or rafting the Colorado River. As President Theodore Roosevelt famously noted, this park is one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, must see. Many take Teddy up on his word so if you want to explore this northern Arizona park, we suggest you avoid the staggering crowds of the summer. Consider visiting between March and May or September and November, when the weather is pleasant and the lodging rates are reasonable.

The Palace of Versailles, France

The Palace of Versailles might have had humble beginnings, but times have changed. Now, this aint no simple hunting lodge, but rather an opulent tribute to the former French monarchy. Highlights include the reflective Hall of Mirrors, where world leaders met to sign the 1919 treaty that ended World War I; the manicured French-style gardens, which prominently feature the iconic Bassin dApollon (fountain) and the verdant Orangerie garden; and the Petit Trianon, a smalle! r chatea u gifted to the infamous Marie Antoinette by her husband, King Louis XVI. Early summer is idyllic in the le-de-France region, so plan your sojourn for that season. Thats also when youll find a few music concerts and special events taking place in the Versailles gardens.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchus 12 acres of mysterious temples and exquisite terraces are perpetually shrouded in cloud tufts, proving that this ancient site of Perus Urubamba Valley still lives up to its reputation as the Lost City of the Incas. Or at least it seems like it from the pictures. In reality, this ancient city is always overrun with hikers exploring the Inca Trail or catching the view from the Temple of the Sun. So come with plenty of camera film and patience. For fewer crowds though not by much visit between October and April.

The Great Temple of Ramses II, Egypt

During his 67-year reign, Pharaoh Ramses II left many visual reminders of his greatness. Perhaps the best known are the four larger-than-life statues carved into a mountainside of southern Egypt. Many dont realize theres more to this site sometimes called Abu Simbel for the town youll find it in than those seated statues seated on the facade. Pass through them and youll find more detailed statues and intricate hieroglyphs depicting the Egyptian armys victory over ancient Libya, Syria and Nubia. Next door is the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the Pharaohs favorite wife. If you truly want to be wowed, you should swing by Abu Simbel around Feb. 20 or Oct. 20. Twice a year around those days the suns rays shine directly into the larger temple to illuminate the artwork and statues within.

The Great Wall, China

Fiction: The Great Wall of China can be seen from outer space (with the naked eye). Fact: it is pretty fantastic to view up close and personal. It sweeps through approximately 4,000 miles of north! ern Chin a, and different sections guarantee different tourist experiences: The jungly sections of Simatai and Jinshanling are good for hiking; the arresting and gorgeous Mutianyu stretch is good for snapping photos; and the crowded Badaling portion is good for convenience (its only an hour away from exciting Beijing). Plan your trip for anytime (just imagine the contrast of the Great Wall with the white snow of winter, the red leaves of fall and the green grass of spring and summer), but do try to bypass the hordes of tourists that visit on the weekends year-round.

The Northern Lights, Arctic Circle

This scientific phenomenon occurs when charged solar particles collide in the earths geomagnetic field and create a colorful, magnificent glow in the skys upper atmosphere. According to the Huffington Post, ideal viewing conditions are crisp, cold, clear and cloudless skies with little light. And though it is possible to see the Northern Lights in other parts of the globe, this phenomenon is most prevalent in the worlds polar regions; the name Aurora Borealis refers to the lights as seen from northern latitudes (Aurora Australis is the name for the lesser-known Southern Lights of the South Pole). For the best viewing, Fodors recommends visiting Anchorage, Alaska or Calgary, Alberta. You can also see the Northern Lights in parts of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Russia, among other countries.