With all the terrible things you see in the news these days, it’s sometimes easy to forget the astonishing beauty that our world possesses. Of course, this is understandable if you are a compassionate human being – that’s a good thing don’t worry! – but I’m here to remind you that it’s not all bad out there. The world itself has so much beauty to restore our faith in it. Don’t believe me? Why don’t you take a look for yourself at some of the most breathtaking views on the planet…
1. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Perched atop of the 2,300 ft Corcovado Mountain is the ultimate likeness of Jesus Christ ‘the Redeemer’, looking over the stunning vista of Rio de Janeiro. This magnificent statue is now classed as one of the ‘new’ wonders of the world and if you’re prepared to climb to the viewpoint, you will remember it for a lifetime.
Image source: hungertv.com
2. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Interestingly enough, Victoria Falls sees the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe (in Southern Africa) meet in the most astounding cascade of water the world has ever seen. There can be no doubt why this waterfall is classed as one of the natural seven wonders of the world and it is well worth seeing.
Image source: africantraveldesk.com
3. Grand Canyon, USA
There are few spectacles in the world that come close to the Grand Canyon in terms of beauty and sheer magnitude. Easily accessible from tourist hub Las Vegas, millions of people flock to witness this geological marvel every year.
Image source: outdoorproject.com
4. Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
Made up of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the extraordinary ‘Giant’s Causeway’ is the lasting result of a volcano eruption that occurred hundreds of years ago in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Image source: misadventuresmag.com
5. Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
The ancient Temples of Bagan really are an outstanding sight to behold, dating all the way back to the 9th and 13th centuries. Originally there were over 10,000 of these Buddhist temples built in the plains of Bagan (Myanmar) and at least 2,200 still exist today and can be witnessed in the amazing panorama of this ancient city.
Image source: adventureinyou.com
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
It can be argued that you will never find a panoramic view to match the majesty of the 15th century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is set amongst the beauty of the Andes Mountains. With the average trek lasting 4-5 days, it isn’t easy to reach this stunning location but you can guarantee it will be worth it.
Image source: cloudfront.net
7. The Great Wall of China, China
One of the most renowned ‘Wonders of the World’, the spectacle of the Great Wall – with its sinewy landscape sweeping over the ups and downs of mountains for miles and miles – is a once-in-a-lifetime view to behold. In fact, it is so big it can even be seen from space.
Image source: wikimedia.org
8. Pulpit Rock, Norway
If you fancy trekking for 2.4 miles to the top of the 604 metre-high Pulpit Rock (a.k.a. Preikestolen in Rogaland, Norway) then you will be rewarded with one of the most captivating – not to mention most recently publicised – views in the world.
Image source: pulpitrock.no
9. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Luckily for visitors of ‘The Peak’ in Hong Kong, there is a tram ride that makes the build-up to this stunning view all the more impressive. Situated at the top of Victoria Peak, looking over the metropolis of buildings, The Peak is the highest point you can reach on Hong Kong Island.
Image source: rackcdn.com
10. New York City Skyline, USA
If man-made spectacles are more your thing then you won’t find one more impressive than the New York City skyline. There are many places from which the gargantuan skyscrapers can now be viewed and this includes the world-famous Empire State Building, the Rockerfeller Center and the newer One World Trade Center 360 degree Viewing Deck.
Image source: wikimedia.org