Kolkata, often referred to as the "City of Joy," is a mesmerizing blend of rich history, culture, and artistic heritage that makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler to India. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata retains much of its colonial-era charm with iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, a stunning marble building surrounded by lush gardens, which now serves as a museum showcasing the city’s colonial and Indian history.
Skopelos is the largest island of the Northern Sporades, situated between Skiathos and Alonissos in the Aegean Sea. It is notably green, with pine forests and olive groves covering much of the island and reaching close to the coast. Skopelos Town, the island’s main settlement, rises amphitheatrically above the harbor, with white houses, tiled roofs, stone lanes, and numerous churches.
Bayeux is a historic town in Normandy, northern France, set near the Aure River and within easy reach of the Normandy coast. Its compact centre contains medieval streets, timber-framed houses, stone buildings, and gardens surrounding the imposing Bayeux Cathedral. The town is especially known for the Bayeux Tapestry, an extraordinary embroidered work that depicts the Norman Conquest of England and is displayed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where ancient temples stand alongside colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Originally known as Madras, the city grew around Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1644. One of Chennai’s most well-known features is Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13 kilometers and is among the longest urban beaches in the world.
Garden Route National Park is a network of protected areas along South Africa’s southern coast, bringing together the Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, and Knysna sections under one management system. The park stretches across a varied landscape of Indian Ocean coastline, indigenous forest, mountain catchments, fynbos, rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
Photo Credit: Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city. Visitors flock to Plaza De Armas De Lima, the spectacular birthplace of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe and clay pyramid in central Lima. Additionally, UNESCO World Heritage Site Basilica y Convento de San Francisco (St. Francis Monastery) is a can't-miss part of the historic city center. This busy metropolis faces the Pacific Ocean and its popular seaport is Callao, about eight miles from the city center.
Other Popular Destinations in Peru
Cusco
Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a story carved into stone, perched nearly 2,500 meters above sea level in the cloud forests of southern Peru. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, this Inca citadel was unknown to the outside world until 1911, when explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention. Today, it remains remarkably well-preserved, with more than 150 stone structures, terraced fields, ceremonial fountains, and temples aligned with astronomical events.