Today we will talk about Mount Roraima, one of the oldest formations on Earth, a natural border between Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana in South America. It is also called Roraima Tepuior Cerro Roraima.

There are some wonderful places on Earth that offer such breathtaking views that they might just stick with you forever and ever down in some rusty memory box. And there are others worth discovering that we do not even know about. This site is about unconventional traveling ideas, a place where people can find unworldly landscapes and a new way of seeing things. And this definitely one of them.

Long before the European conquistadors took over these lands, Mount Roraima was considered a symbol of these regions, an “axis mundi”, an enormous tree within which all the vegetables and fruits of the world grow. This mountain, surrounded by 400 meter (1,300 ft) tall cliffs was a place of mystery, myths and legends for the indigenous people that used to live here centuries ago.

Today this unusual looking mountain can be visited by anyone having the will to discover it. The ascend starts in the Pemón village of Paraitepui which can be reached via the town of Santa Elena. Getting to Mount Roraima is possible by taking a plane to Santa Elena de Uairén airport. This is a town in Brazil, very close to the border.  From here on, you will see there are buses or shuttles that can get you close to the ascending point- the village of Paraitepui.

Hiking here is not hard and you can also get help from the indigenous population, as they organize tour guides in exchange for a small sum of money. If you are on your own however, try to reserve at least four days for this fantastic journey, as there are plenty of things to see and enjoy up there. Mount Roraima is said to have some of the most fascinating hiking trails in the world.

You should not leave after 2 p.m. from the village as trekkers are no longer allowed after this hour. At the beginning of your climb, your baggages will be strictly checked and you can not take more than 15 kilos with you. So careful how you organize things. Being given that this is a national park , you are not permitted to take rocks or plants along the way.

The top of the mountain measures 2772m, it offers amazing landscapes and establishing a tent around here is possible. However, you should know the weather changes suddenly in this area so be prepared.

Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km squared, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. 

Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.

The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park. The population practices agriculture and more specifically rice cultivation.

Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. Recognized for outstanding cultural and natural values, the mixed World Heritage property covers 32,592 hectares of mountain slopes, peaks and valleys surrounding its heart, the spectacular archaeological monument of “La Ciudadela” (the Citadel) at more than 2,400 meters above sea level. Built in the fifteenth century Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known to the outside world.

The approximately 200 structures making up this outstanding religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural centre are set on a steep ridge, crisscrossed by stone terraces. Following a rigorous plan the city is divided into a lower and upper part, separating the farming from residential areas, with a large square between the two. To this day, many of Machu Picchu’s mysteries remain unresolved, including the exact role it may have played in the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of astronomy and domestication of wild plant species.

The massive yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu blends exceptionally well with the stunning natural environment, with which it is intricately linked. Numerous subsidiary centres, an extensive road and trail system, irrigation canals and agricultural terraces bear witness to longstanding, often on-going human use. The rugged topography making some areas difficult to access has resulted in a mosaic of used areas and diverse natural habitats. The Eastern slopes of the tropical Andes with its enormous gradient from high altitude “Puna” grasslands and Polylepis thickets to montane cloud forests all the way down towards the tropical lowland forests are known to harbour a rich biodiversity and high endemism of global significance. Despite its small size the property contributes to conserving a very rich habitat and species diversity with remarkable endemic and relict flora and fauna.

In early spring t you can witness an amazing “Golden Sea” of canola flowers. The canola flower fields in China are one of the world’s beautiful sight’s in small Luoping (Yunnan, China). Luoping іѕ a small county іn eastern Yunnan, China, located аbουt 228 kilometers north east οf Kunming close tο thе border οf Yunnan wіth Guizhou аnԁ Guangxi provinces. In early spring, whеn thе yellow rapeseed flowers (аƖѕο known аѕ canola) аrе іn full bloom, thе area takes οn thе look οf a “golden sea” – a spectacle thаt hаѕ mаԁе Luoping something οf a Mecca fοr photographers. Thе sprawling farmlands ɡеt covered іn golden, yellow rapeseed flowers stretching аѕ far аѕ thе eyes саn see, аƖƖ thе way tο thе horizon. Thе best time tο visit Luoping fοr thіѕ visual fiesta іѕ February through March, bу June thе ѕhοw іѕ over.

Thе town wаѕ previously overlooked bу tourists passing through thе area, whο usually headed tο thе more commercialized tourist attractions іn thе center аnԁ eastern раrt οf thе province. Today, Luoping’s canola fields attracts photographers frοm аƖƖ over, whο flock tο thіѕ small county еνеrу early spring tο capture thе magnificent “sea οf yellow” οf blooming rapeseed flowers. Thе majestic photos іn turn, draw more аnԁ more tourists tο thіѕ bеаυtіfυƖ rural photographic haven.

         

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, next to the Ajigaura Beach, is a flower park and a popular tourist destination. The park covers an area of ​​3.5 hectares and the flowers are amazing all year round. Each season you will find a different variety of flower blossoming over the “Miharashi No Oka”, a hill commanding a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The park is particularly famous for blue nemophilas. Nemophilas are annual flowers with transparent blue petals. During spring, more than 4.5 million blue nemophilas bloom all over the park. The blooming period is called “Nemophilia Harmony” and attracts many visitors.

        Aside from nemophilas, the park has about a million daffodils blooming amidst the pine trees, about 170 varieties of tulips and many other flowers. Filled with woods, gardens, a mini amusement area and cycling courses sprinkled throughout the park, Hitachi Seaside Park is a must-see for anyone venturing to Japan.

Etretat, a romantic open-air theatre overlooking the Channel, has provided inspiration to some of the most illustrious artists, and even a brief visit is enough to understand why.

Étretat is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department in the Haute-Normandie region in northern France. It is a tourist and farming town situated about 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Le Havre, at the junction of the roads. It's located on the coast of the Pays de Caux area.

Although the time is long past when women came to wash their linen on the beach, Etretat is still a place where emotions are real and man is in direct contact with Nature at its most beautiful and fragile. 

The astonishing verticality of the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast contrasts perfectly with the gentle roundness of the shore. The waves of pebbles on which children love to slide reflect those of the sea, and transport you into a world of dreams. 

Will you let yourself be tempted by a boat trip, or do you prefer to discover the cliffs, following trails that overhang the Channel ? Whether you are aboard a small craft or on the summit of these limestone dignities, you can only marvel at the splendour of a completely unique seascape. Even if the treasure of the Kings of France were hidden somewhere in these mysterious surroundings, legends do not need to be written, here they have their own lives in this setting whose ageless renown has not undermined its wild beauty.

Nottingham Castle is a castle in Nottingham, England. It is located in a commanding position on a natural promontory known as "Castle Rock", with cliffs 130 feet (40 m) high to the south and west. In the Middle Ages it was a major royal fortress and occasional royal residence. In decline by the 16th century, it was largely demolished in 1649, but sufficient fragments remain to give an impression of the layout of the site. A ducal mansion later occupied the summit of the promontory. This was burnt out by rioters in 1831, and later adapted as an art gallery and museum, which remains in use today.

Historic site at the heart of the Robin Hood legend and starting point for the English Civil War

       Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city and once rivalled the great castles of Windsor and the Tower of London.

Its history is chequered with sieges, murders and intrigue. Totally destroyed after the Civil War, the medieval castle was replaced by a magnificent ducal mansion in 1674. Then in 1875 it was converted into the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London. Award-winning cave tours tell this history and take you down into the passageways and tunnels beneath the building.

Museum and Gardens

        The museum, recently refurbished, now contains spectacular fine and decorative arts galleries, as well as galleries telling the story of Nottingham, the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum and an exciting programme of art exhibitions. The museum also has a shop, a cafe and a medieval playground within its grounds.

       Whilst on your visit you can also enjoy the six acres of Victorian inspired grounds and gardens.  The grounds boast magnificent views of the city and beyond.  The Castle Green, with its medieval style playground and covered picnic area, provides the ideal spot for a family day out. 

Cave Tours

     Beneath the Castle a labyrinth of manmade caves and tunnels continue to tell the turbulent story of this historic site. Come along for a memorable tour and discover the secret passageways, King David's legendary dungeon, the Duke of Newcastle's Wine Cellar or Mortimer's Hole.

       Due to the amount of steps involved, caves tours are strenuous and not recommended for all.  Please note that Cave Tours are on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability and weather conditions. Cave tour times and admission prices

The city of Venice, Italy, is simply stunning and completely unique. Founded more than 1,500 years ago on 117 different islands, Venice is linked by a series of over 150 canals, 400 bridges and many ancient pavements. The historic city centre of Venice is divided into six quarters (sestieri) - Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo and Santa Croce. All buildings in Venice are supported on slender oak and pine piles (posts) which are driven deep into the ground to create a solid foundation. As the soil is waterlogged, with no free oxygen, the piles remain strong and do not decay.

         Venice is without doubt one of the most beautiful and popular cities in the world, and is always admired by the many tourists that visit throughout the year. There are several tourist information branches operated by the Azienda di Promozione Turistica, located on the Piazza San Marco, the Piazzale Roma, the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, the Lungomare Adriatico, the Venice Pavilion and the Stazione di Santa Lucia. A further tourism outlet is conveniently situated in the arrivals hall at the Marco Polo Airport. If you have time for day trips, there are also many interesting towns to explore, such as Burano, Murano, Padua, Torcello, Verona and Vicenza.

        There is no question that Venice is an expensive city, particularly when it comes to accommodation, even during the low season (November, early December and also January). In recent years, many new hotels have opened and improved availability, although hotel rooms and Venice apartments with views of the Grand Canal are always in demand, and never more so than on Valentine's Day, when romance arrives in the city. Many of the best hotels stand around the San Marco area, with an increasing number of cheap options residing near to the train station. Accommodation is also in good supply around the districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce and San Polo, and on the island of Giudecca, within the Venetian Lagoon.

       There are numerous famous Venice attractions and sights to see. Highlights include the Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica) - a vast church which is one of the most famous sights associated with this city; the Piazza San Marco (San Marco Square) - situated in the heart of Venice and affectionately referred to by Napoleon as the 'finest drawing room in Europe'; the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) - a simply breathtaking waterfront palace and a superb example of Gothic architecture; and the Accademia Gallery - with wonderful masterpieces from the 14th century to the 18th century by world-famous artists, such as Bellini, Giorgione, Rosalba Carriera, Longhi, Picasso, Tintoretto, Titian, Tiziano, Veronese and many others.

       With a large number of art galleries in Venice, art lovers can enjoy displays of spectacular paintings and sculptures by well-known artists. Museums are also plentiful in Venice, housing many important Italian masterpieces, painted by acclaimed Ventian artists such as Giorgione, Rosalba Carriera, Pietro Longhi, Tintoretto, Titian and Paolo Veronese. More information about Venice Tourist Attractions.

        For lovers of fine cuisine, Venice offers a wide selection of excellent restaurants serving delicious Italian food, as well as a choice of international cuisine. Pasta and pizza has never tasted more authentic than when eaten on the Piazza San Marco, in the shadows of the Basilica San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale.

          The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, is a long stretch of water running right through the city and is often referred to as 'the most beautiful street in the whole of Venice'. The first bridge ever built over the canal was the Rialto Bridge, which has since become one of the main symbols associated with this iconic Italian city. Travelling along this canal and the many others is a great way to see the city, and there are numerous different modes of travel available. Public transport consists mainly of water-buses (vaporetti) and there are also water-taxis (motoscafi), which are faster, more modern motorboats. Of course, who could think of Venice without picturing the well-known and much loved Italian gondolas. What could be more romantic than a nighttime, moonlit trip along a Venetian canal? The atmosphere and reflections are quite unforgettable.

Chittorgarh is in the southern part of Rajasthan, lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District. It is 112 km from Udaipur and 182 km from Ajmer served as a capital city to the Sisodia clans of Rajputs of Mewar for a long time. The district is a famous tourist destination for its massive fortress claimed to be the largest amoung all the Rajput fort and has witnessed the legendary tale of Queen Padmini's act of jauhar that fascinates most historians and travellers. 

History

        Historically, the Chittorgarh fort was built by the Maurayans in 7th century A.D. Some accounts say that the Mori dynasty was in possession of the fort when Bappa Rawal the founder of the kingdom of Mewar seized Chittorgarh (Chittor fort) and made it his capital in 734 AD. While some other accounts say Bappa Rawal received it as a part of the dowry after marriage with the last Solanki princess.

The first attack was by Alauddin Khilji in 1303 A.D., who was enamoured by the beauty of Padmini of which he had only heard. Rani Padmini preferred death to abduction and dishonour and committed jauhar (an act of self immolation by leaping into a large fire) along with all the other ladies of the fort. All the men left the fort in saffron robes to fight the enemy unto death. Chittorgarh was captured in 1303 A.D. by Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi who led a huge army. Elderly people then had the responsibility to raise the children. It was recaptured in 1326 A.D. by the young Hammir Singh, a scion of the same Gehlot clan. The dynasty (and clan) fathered by him came to be known by the name Sisodia after the village where he was born.

      By the 16th century, Mewar had become the leading Rajput state. Rana Sanga of Mewar led the combined Rajput forces against the Mughal emperor Babur in 1527 A.D., but was defeated at the Battle of Khanua. Later in 1535 A.D., Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage. It is said that again just like in the case of Jauhar led by Padmini in 1303 A.D., all 32,000 men then living in the fort donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face certain death in the war, and their women folk committed Jauhar led by Rani Karnawati. The ultimate sacrifice for freedom, Jauhar was again performed for the third time after the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Chittorgarh in 1568 A.D.

       Chittorgarh is also famous for its association with two very widely known historical figures of India. The first is, Meera Bai the most famous female Hindu spiritual poetess whose compositions are still popular throughout North India. Her poems follow the Bhakti tradition and she is considered to be most passionate worshipper of lord Krishna.

Chittorgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds a very special place in the hearts of Rajputs, as it was a bastion of the clan at a time when every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion. The fort and the city of Chittorgarh also hosts the biggest Rajput festival "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, not the one by Padmini which is most famous. This festival is to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three Jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh. A huge number of Rajputs which include the descendants of most of the princely families do a procession to celebrate the Jauhar.