Ancient Archives - Awesome Places to Visit

The Forbidden City – Listed on the Guinness Book of World Records

The iconic Meridian Gate entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing, a symbol of imperial power.

The Forbidden City is the name given to a palace complex in central Beijing, China. It is now a world-famous tourist attraction, well known for its unbelievably large land area, and medieval architecture. It harbors the famous Palace Museum of China.

Neither is it forbidden nor is it a city!

Why was the Forbidden City built?

It was built as a residence for Emperors and their families. Though it also played the role of a central political and ceremonial center in China during the mighty Ming and Qing dynasties.

"Panoramic view of the expansive Forbidden City, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and red walls. — Marvel at the panoramic view of the Forbidden City, a sprawling complex that epitomizes traditional Chinese architecture.

Who built the Forbidden City?

Building this place was started under Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty. After he suddenly thought of moving the capital to Beijing, upon his ascend to the throne in 1402.

Laborers, artisans, engineers and architects took 14 long years to get this magnificent palace complex designed and constructed. It was built from 1406 to 1420. Since then, it has been home to 24 of China’s Emperors.

Why is the Forbidden City forbidden?

As of now, it is not forbidden, but it used to be in the past. Common people were prohibited from entering the palace complex without permission, and only imperial families and relations, along with invited officials, were allowed entry. So you are lucky to have been born into this era.

Ancient artifacts and imperial treasures on display inside the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City. — Discover a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and imperial relics inside the Palace Museum at the Forbidden City.

The meaning of numbers in the Forbidden City

Numbers play a special role in the architecture of this monument. The key to this originates from the philosophy of Yin and Yang. The Yang is the opposite of Yin and is not the male element associated with the emperor, but also the element of odd numbers.

Thus, the numbers three, five and seven are found particularly often in the architecture of the Forbidden City.

For example, five marble bridges lead across the Golden Water, three terraces support the three halls of harmony. In total, the Forbidden City is said to have 9999 rooms. And since nine times nine is supposed to bring special luck, many doors have 81 brass knobs.

Is there a best time to visit the Forbidden City?

The ideal time is from late March up to early June as well as from late August to early November. The goal is to avoid vacations and public holidays so that you get to face a considerably lesser crowd.

How to get to the Forbidden City?

The only possible way of entry is from the Meridian Gate. You can easily get there by subway or a bus from around the city. Talking of the tickets, you can purchase them online as well as on the spot. For on-spot purchase of Forbidden City tickets, don’t forget to bring your passport along with you. The exhibits of the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery demand additional tickets.

Make sure to visit this area with a local guide – Not only will that bring the place to live, but also save you from the crowd.

Some spicy Facts about the Forbidden City

Planning a visit to Beijing? Here are some lesser-known Forbidden City facts:

According to estimates, it took over a million laborers to construct this humongous palace complex!

This area is the largest imperial palace in the whole world and thus holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The complex harbors a total of 8,728 rooms distributed in 980 buildings!

It is spread over an area of unbelievable180 acres!

According to theories, the Majestic Outer Court is completely devoid of trees for a reason – It would ensure that assassins get no place to hide and the family lives happily ever after

The beautifully preserved interiors of the Forbidden City, revealing insights into ancient Chinese royalty. — Delve into the beautifully preserved interiors of the Forbidden City, offering a glimpse into the life of ancient Chinese royalty.

Where to stay when visiting the Forbidden City?

Depending on your preference you might find below the most recommended places to stay.

Beijing Downtown Travelotel: If you are on a budget this is a perfect base with good value for money and see what the “real” Beijing is like.

The PuXuan Hotel and Spa: A modern Chinese style hotel which provides exceptional luxury amenities to relax after a long day visiting the Forbidden City.

Hotel Cote Cour Beijing: A very nice boutique hotel, furniture with old-world charm upscale Hutong style. We liked the rooftop terrace very much.

Conrad Beijing: For a high-end luxury stay, this brand new hotel will elevate your China experience to higher levels.

The UNESCO acknowledges it as the world’s largest assemblage of preserved antique and ancient wooden structures. As of 1987, the Forbidden City was finally declared as a World Heritage Site.

Bagan In Myanmar – Discover The Secrets Of This Extraordinary Temple Plain

Aerial view of Bagan during sunset, highlighting the golden hues on the temples and landscape.

Rising from the lush green trees, the extraordinary plain of more than 3500 ancient temples and pagodas of Buddhists, the Bagan is just aesthetic beauty. With the details of the beauty, it stores, this article will take you to a trip of Bagan Myanmar Temples. Keep reading the article ahead to know everything about Began.

With the free-flowing Irrawaddy river and surrounded by the hazy silver-grey mountains, the land of peace and beauty, at its peak, Bagan, Myanmar is mesmerizing. With the astonishing aerial view and such a stunning cluster of ancient buildings and temples that stretch beautifully to around 16 square miles, the Old Bagan Myanmar temples are just charming.

With so much to explore and visit, this place will literally amaze you.

How to get to Bagan in Myanmar?

Bagan is a place that has restores the beauty of the ancient temples with the lush green trees and the beautiful silver-grey mountain, all covered by the cottony clouds from above. To reach this destination the best travel route is from Yangon to Bagan. Just fly from the Yangon International Airport into Nyaung U airport and book a cab from there to reach the Old Bagan Myanmar in 10 minutes or New Bagan, Myanmar in 20 minutes.

Intricate stone carvings adorning the façade of a Bagan temple, showcasing Myanmar's artistry. — Admire the intricate stone carvings on Bagan’s temples, reflecting the artistic mastery of ancient Myanmar.

What things to do in Bagan?

The alluring beauty of nature, the endless sky running above the head, and the architectural beauty of temples blended with the charismatic aura, this place is a paradise. With so much to explore and visit, the best things to do here are:

Sunrise over the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar, with silhouettes of temples and hot air balloons in the sky. — Witness a breathtaking sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar, where the sky comes alive with hot air balloons over ancient temples.

Wake up early and fall in love with the beautiful sunrise.
Get an electric bike and go cycling around the temples and pagodas
Explore the archaeological ruins.
Try on the delicious and authentic Burmese cuisine.
Visit Mani-Sithu Market.
Stop by a Lacquerware workshop.
Go for the charming Bagan’s sunset.
Ride in the Balloons over Bagan

When to visit Bagan in Myanmar?

With the usual temperature high all through the year, the best time to visit Bagan in Myanmar is between November and February. During this time of the year, the temperature decrease creates a soothing and calming environment.

The sensational beauty of the temples with the charm of nature, the Bagan are just thrilling. With so much to explore and with every moment awe-inspiring, a trip to this place would be just calming to the soul and memorable, so plan one today!

A panoramic view of the sprawling temple plains of Bagan, dotted with pagodas and stupas. — Explore the panoramic beauty of Bagan’s temple plains, a testament to Myanmar’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Where is best to stay in Bagan?

The Bagan is an extraordinary place that will give you shivers. With so much it holds and the soothing and calming environment that id created here, the place is bliss. The positive aura of the mind-blowing architect will help you to leave all your worries behind.

The best places to stay here are:

Hotel at Tharabar Gate: With a couple of temples in the garden, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a wellness center, this hotel is a luxury.
Bagan Hotel River View: With the view of the astounding river, and just next to the Bagan Archaeological Museum and the Gawdawpalin Temple, this hotel is a smooth stay.
Myanmar Treasure Resorts Bagan: The palace-like resort with a beautiful garden and so many swimming pools, this hotel is a luxurious stay.
Heritage Bagan Hotel: The luxurious and the most spectacular hotel just near to the airport, this is one of the best and comfy stay options.
Amata Garden Resort Bagan: The budget-friendly hotel with splendid hospitality and the best scenic view, this is a place to consider on the trip to amazing Bagan.

Acropolis of Athens – All You Need To Know To Explore The Amazing Sacred Rock Of Athens

Sunset casting a golden hue on the ancient stones of the Acropolis, creating a magical atmosphere

The historical site of the Acropolis of Athens is the stunning and gigantic sanctuary of ancient Athens crowned by the Parthenon, which shines in the gleam of the midday sun, and the honey-hued shade spread in the sky makes the place a bliss. With so much to see and explore, to dive into the beauty of the past, this article will drench you with the astonishing history of Greece. We have covered all the information about Acropolis in the article ahead.

The Acropolis with the remains of the marvelous ruins of ancient buildings and historic temples on the Acropolis, this place is flabbergasting. The beauty of the ancient rocks under the honey-red toned sky and the glimpse of the magnificent sight creates an awe-inspiring moment.

How to get to the Acropolis of Athens?

The Acropolis is the beauty of the history still preserved in the perfect state in Athens. The best way to get to the Acropolis is to reach the Plaka, and the entrance is up from the rock of Areopagus. With 80 steps reaching this peaceful place of standing rocks and limestone, this place is bliss and blessing both.

The Parthenon temple standing majestically on the Acropolis hill under a clear blue sky in Athens. — Marvel at the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization, on your visit to the Acropolis in Athens.

What does Acropolis mean?

The sacred rock of the Acropolis is an extraordinary place that will give you shivers. With the beauty loaded and the history unfolded, this place is a perfect blend for tourism with the scope to explore nature and history. The Acropolis is an ancient Greek word that refers to the citadel, which is the home to kings, and the mystical gods, built on the hilltop. The Acropolis meaning is deep that says the highest and topmost city.

Close-up of the intricate friezes and sculptures on the Parthenon, displaying ancient Greek artistry. — Admire the intricate friezes and sculptures on the Parthenon, showcasing the zenith of ancient Greek artistry.

When was the Acropolis built?

The stunningly charming Acropolis of Athens stands between the astounding Parthenon and Erechtheum. Structured and planned to stand with all beauty in 438 BC, this temple of the Acropolis is startling. With the fragmented structures that stand today clubbed with the scenic beauty of nature and the honey-hued sky painted by the sun, the place is flabbergasting.

Panoramic view of Athens from the Acropolis, showcasing the city's blend of ancient and modern architecture. — Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Athens from the Acropolis, where history meets modernity.

What to do at the Acropolis?

The Acropolis is undoubtedly a trip to the past. The trip to the past blended with the attractions that stand today; there is a lot to do at this historian charm. Buying the Acropolis tickets in advance will ensure that no monument is missed, and the trip is memorable and beautiful. The best sites to visit or the best things to do at the Acropolis are:

Parthenon
Erechtheion
Propylaia
The Temple of Athena Nike
Old Temple of Athena
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Acropolis Museum
Ancient Angora
Kerameikos

When to visit The Acropolis?

Visiting the site of natural history and the beauty of the ancient period is always bliss. With so much to see and explore, the time spent here under the clear sky would be thrilling. The Acropolis of Athens closes for a few days every year. During summer, it is advisable to visit early in the morning, and the rains need to be avoided as the rocks turn slippery.

Where to stay in Athens to visit the Acropolis?

The sensational beauty of the rocks at the Acropolis of Athens is awe-interesting. With the beauty scattered and the belief of the past, this place is a must to visit. So, to explore the rock monuments at the Acropolis, don’t forget to plan a visit to this historically distinctive site!

Abu Simbel – The Unforgotten Home Of The Temple That Moved

"The grand facade of Abu Simbel temples, with colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, against a clear blue sky.

Abu Simbel is a remote and tiny village located in southern Egypt, quite close to its border with Sudan and hardly has 3000 inhabitants. Then what is so special about this village? Let us dig into some interesting facts.

Why is Abu Simbel Important?

The Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II built the massive carved out rock temple in 1244 B.C., bragging about his accomplishments. There are two temples at the site – a larger one and a smaller one. The walls of this temple of Abu Simbel depict scenes from the Battle of Kadesh.

Night view of Abu Simbel, with the temple facade dramatically illuminated against the dark sky. — Witness the stunning illumination of Abu Simbel at night, casting a majestic glow against the Egyptian night sky.

What happened to Abu Simbel?

The Abu Simbel temple had to go through quite a lot. Originally constructed in 1244 B.C., it was previously situated at the west banks of the Nile River, in between the first and second cataracts. The concerned authorities decided to relocate it for a reason – They had to construct a dam (now the Aswan High Dam), while the level of the Nile River was already rising. The goal was to prevent flooding and destruction of the Abu Simbel temple.

It was a tough task – breaking the massive structure into pieces that weighed tons, followed by physical transportation. Assembling the pieces and reconstructing the temple as before was the most challenging, though. It took 5 long years and a good 42 million dollars to secure the temple 200 feet above the original location.

The interior of Abu Simbel, showing intricate hieroglyphics and carvings on the temple walls. — Step inside the Abu Simbel temples to discover the ancient hieroglyphics and stunning wall carvings.

How to get to Abu Simbel from Aswan?

The quickest possible way is by flight – it takes hardly 45 minutes. Nevertheless, you can always consider hiring minibusses or private cars as per your choice.

What to do at Abu Simbel?

The number one priority of a traveler would obviously be to visit these magnificent temples. It is spectacular inside out.

Experience a real life time machine as the melodies in the sound and light shows around the temples transpose you to the time of the Pharaohs.

Another landmark is the temple of Wadi El-Sabua, which is also an ancient ruin.

Explore the banks of Lake Nasser as the Lake Nasser Cruise takes you on a memorable ride.

Tourists taking a guided tour to learn about the history and relocation of Abu Simbel. — Explore the rich history of Abu Simbel and its monumental relocation on a guided tour.

Some lesser-known Abu Simbel facts

The temple complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nubian Monuments.

The deliberate placement of the colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses and of his favorite wife, Nefertari ensure that the rising sun rays fall on them on only two days of the year – the Pharaoh’s birthday and his coronation day. Mark the dates – 22 February and 22 September. Do not miss the phenomenon if you visit here around this time.

Jean Louis Burkhardt rediscovered the temple complex in 1813 by a matter of chance after layers of sand had covered it over time.

Lastly, why bother visiting the Abu Simbel temple?

Visit the Abu Simbel temple and see the fascinating history of its temples come to life – watch the engineering phenomenon and participate in the local events. You just can’t make out that this magnificent monument was ever moved. It looks as if it has always belonged there over the rocks.

Where to stay at Abu Simbel?

Stop reading reviews and visit this magical place one and for all. The reality is grander and more majestic than words can capture!

Some of the best hotels near Abu Simbel include the following:

Chichen Itza – Stunning pre-Columbian city in the heart of Mexico

The iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza, a marvel of Mayan architecture

Chichen Itza is a breathtaking and large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people. The amazing piece of architecture is a wildly popular tourist attraction. In this article ahead, we have explained the beauty of this place entirely, read the complete article to find out more about this place. The perfect blend of the Maya and Tolfec culture, this Mayan ruins in Mexico is phenomenal.

This Mayan jungle hidden ancient Maya city is awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

The blend of beauty with the architectural perfection, in the middle of the greenery and beneath the clear sky, makes the Chichen Itza tours pleasant and charming. With the ravishing atmosphere and the uniquely designed structure, it is phenomenal and incredible.

What is Chichen Itza?

The stunning and beautiful pre-Colombian city created by the Maya people and still standing upright with all pride and glory is the Chichen Itza Mexico.

Visitors exploring the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza, the largest in Mesoamerica. — Walk through the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza, where ancient sports and ceremonies took place.

With an area of just 5 square kilometers, the site contains many fine stone buildings, some of them are preserved and many are in the restoration stage. With the beauty of the structure, the green grass fluttering, and smiling, the clear sky running above the head, the place will take you to the era of beauty and amazement.

How to get to Chichen Itza?

This glamorous ancient city in the middle of Mexico is phenomenal. Reaching this Pre-Colombian age will need the help of the air.

The best way to reach here is to book a flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza. With a trip of less than just an hour and the amazing clouds in between, the journey will be stupendous.

Sunset casting shadows on El Castillo, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. — Witness the play of light and shadow during sunset at El Castillo in Chichen Itza, a magical experience.

What is so special about Chichen Itza?

With everything so mystical and magical, Chichen Itza is extraordinary. To explore the exotic creation of the humans that stands straight will all its pride even today is alluring. With Mayan ruins, Mexico based rock jungle is just classy.

The things that make it so special and the structure that will amaze you here are:

El Castillo- the Temple of Kukulkan
The Great North Platform
The Ossario Group
The Central Group
The Old Chichenat
The Great Ball Court
The temple of Jaguars
The Caracol
The Sacred Cenote

Intricate stone carvings depicting Mayan deities and symbols at Chichen Itza. — Discover the rich history of the Mayans through detailed stone carvings at Chichen Itza.

The amazing facts about Chichen Itza

With so much to explore and the exotic history trapped in the ruins, this ancient Mayan city is filled with some of the most phenomenal facts to share.

Chichen Itza means the mouth at the well of Itza.
At the time of the Spring (20th of March) and Autumn Equinox (22nd September), sunrays develop a phenomenal shadow across the Kukulkan Pyramid imitating a serpent slithering down the staircase.
Clapping at one end of the Ball court will generate nine echoes in the middle of the court
Clapping in front of the Kukulkan Pyramid will generate a sound similar to the serpent’s chirp.

The stunning and phenomenal city of the past that stands with pride today and is the place adored by the tourists, Chichen Itza is surprisingly curious to explore.

How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun?

Traveling to Mexico and exploring the natural and cultural beauty of the place is breathtaking. With so many astounding places to visit and explore, Mexico is sparklingly beautiful. The beauty of the place can be seen in every city. Chichen Itza as the most famous and stunning archaeological site in Mexico is just 120 miles away from the alluring city of Cancun. Taking a day trip from Cancun to the Mayan ruins Mexico is just splendid.

With the awe-interesting facts and the site-seeing, a day here would be remarkable. Planning a trip of the Mayan ruins Mexico and visiting this place is sure to fill you with amazement.

Ruins of Tikal – The amazing Mayan architecture wonder

Majestic Temple I at the ruins of Tikal towering over the lush Guatemalan jungle

Tikal harbors are a complex of Mayan Ruins deep inside the rainforests of northern Guatemala. A couple of buildings in Tikal date back to as early as the fourth century B.C.

If you have a thing for historical city ruins and ancient architecture, the Mayan Ruins of Guametala shall probably be the best option to conjure upon.

Where are the Mayan Ruins of Tikal?

To be precise, these ruins are located in North Central Petén in Guatemala, around 50 miles to the northwest of its border with Belize. Tikal or YaxMutal is the largest, as well as the oldest of the many Maya cities.

Hikers exploring the jungle trails leading to the remote temples of Tikal — Embark on a jungle adventure to uncover the less-explored temples on your visit to the ruins of Tikal.

Why was Tikal so important to Mayans?

Archaeologists state that Tikal was the capital of a large conquest state, which was once one of the most powerful kingdoms in ancient Maya. During the Classic Period, this city dominated most of the Mesoamerican lands politically, militarily as well as economically.

Why is Mayan architecture special?

The area encompasses at least 3,000 buildings, which also include some very tall temples that manage to surpass the heights reached by the tall, thick canopy jungle!

Its impressive architecture comprises nine groups of courts along with plazas, interconnected with the help of bridges and pathways.

The ancient World Heritage site of Tikal at dusk, with temples silhouetted against the sky — Witness the enchanting beauty of Tikal at dusk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during your visit.

What are the most notable attractions?

You should definitely not miss visiting the following places:

The Great Plaza – the main central square in the city.
The Central Acropolis – The mighty palace housing the major rulers of the city.
The North AcropolisThe MundoPerdido – a large Mayan Pyramid that served as a temple.
The Temple of Ah Cacao (Temple of the Great Jaguar) – is again a large pyramid that was used to be a burial site.
Temple I – It’s image is used in the currency notes of Guatemala.

The Mayans built these magnificent structures out of limestone, imparting strength, and durability to them.

Aerial view of Tikal National Park, with the ruins emerging from the dense jungle — Get an aerial perspective of Tikal National Park and its hidden ruins during your visit.

Furthermore, there is evidence of a system of paved causeways called the ‘Sacbeobs’ along with a thoughtfully designed network of canals. The canals were destined to capture falling rainwater and feed it all to the city’s water reservoirs. In addition to these, they also found ruins of ball courts that were used to play the Mesoamerican ballgame.

Unfortunately, the city was gradually abandoned because people started facing overpopulation and crop failure issues, which in turn led to hunger and suffering. To add to that, the city is believed to be hit by numerous natural calamities over and over again. A multitude of reasons explains the falling of this majestic city into mere ruins.

Facts about the Mayan Ruins in Guatemala

There is evidence of early agricultural activity and remains of ceramics. Archaeologists have discovered the burial sites of prominent leaders of the era.

As of 1979, the Mayan Ruins of Guametala have declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and why not!

In addition to its various well-excavated courts, temples, and pyramids, Tikal further fascinates tourists by providing them with an excellent opportunity to watch birds and animals. You are bound to find some new friends along your paths – Spiders, Howler monkeys, gray foxes, and red coatis. You just can’t get more pleased with your visit to the Mayan Ruins in Guatemala.

Petra in Jordan – Stunning and elongated caves made of pink stones

The ancient Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) in Petra, Jordan, seen through the narrow canyon of Al-Siq

The phenomenal architectural site built by carving in the pink stones that creates an alluring beauty and the stunning art, Petra in Jordan is no less than the heaven of rock-carving. Keep reading this article ahead to dig deep inside the spectacular beauty of this place.

The stunningly long and elongated caves of pink stones cut and carved, polished and decorated, with the beautiful pink-hued sky above the head, the atmosphere turns here to be a dreamland of rocks.

With half-built and half-carved in stones, the mesmerizing beauty of Petra in Jordan will leave you speechless. The jaw-dropping carving on stones creates an alluring effect. With such a beauty of nature and the efforts of humans to make it even more astounding, this article is all you need, to know about the wonderful Jordan Petra.

Aerial view of the Monastery (Ad Deir) in Petra, showcasing its large facade carved into the pink sandstone — Explore the panoramic beauty of Petra in Jordan, an enduring symbol of ancient Nabatean culture.

When and who built Petra in Jordan?

The famous rock-cut architecture and the wonderful pink beauty spread all over, this place is awe-interesting. With every nook and corner carved to its utmost beauty and everything sparkling pink dust in the hued-orange sunshine, the aura created here is alluring.

Built between 400 B.C. and 106 A.D, the Petra Jordan, was the capital of the flourishing and glorious Nabateans Empire. Camels in the doorway of the Petra Jordan treasury and great temple are enough to display the enormity and luxury of the Empire.

How to get to Petra in Jordan?

The stunningly built and carved beauty in stone, the pink fascinating architect of nature and human, the caves of calmness, and the sky of infinity, generates the vibes of positivity that you look for.

The best way to reach this gigantic rose city is:

Fly to Queen Alia International Airport just half an hour from Amman
Book a card ride of three hours to reach Jordan Petra

Ancient tombs and houses carved into the pink cliffs of Petra, reflecting the Nabatean engineering skills — Unveil the secrets of Petra’s carved tombs and houses, a testament to Jordan’s ancient Nabatean civilization.

Why is Petra Jordan one of the wonders of the world?

The historical beauty and the classic piece of architecture, built by carving the pink stones and the alluring appearance, the Petra Jordan is just stunning.

The emerging attraction of the tourists for the rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became so much more prominent after the Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade in 1989.

The most visited tourist attraction, that collected 100 million votes, is one of the wonders of the world now.

Journey through the Siq to Petra – Jordan's majestic entrance to an ancient world — Discover the Monastery, Petra’s hidden gem, perched high in Jordan’s desert landscape.

What to do in Petra?

The illuminating rock-cut marvel and the pink-rosed beauty this ancient place is mind-blowing. The beauty of the sun, when blends with the pink alluring color of rocks, the sparkling aura is formed.

The best things to do at Jordan Petra are:

Start Petra Jordan tours from Bab As-Siq
Explore Siq – tectonic forces breaking mountain into two pieces
Visit the Petra Jordan Treasury and Great Temple
Walkthrough the Street of Facades
Hike through the Petra complex
Visit the Royal tombs
Explore The Monastery (Al-Deir)
Visit the High Place of Sacrifice
Love the Petra at sunset and sunrise
Visit Aaron’s tomb

What is the kind of weather Petra observes in Jordan?

With the summer long, warm, and arid; and the winters cold, dry, and clear, the temperature at Petra is soothing. The weather it observes round the year makes the place one of the best for tourism.

The amazingly cut and carved gigantic city of rose pink, the charismatic look, and the alluring sight makes this place just sensational. The beauty of the tomb and the luxury of camels at the door sings the songs of prosperity.

With such charm and the alluring climate, a trip to this pink city must be on your bucket list!

Machu Picchu – Trip to the marvelous Inca architecture

The iconic Sun Gate at Machu Picchu, offering a breathtaking entrance to the ancient city with stunning mountain views

The stone city of Machu Picchu is by far a fascinating archaeological site in Peru. It is a testament of power and ingenuity of the Inca people, one of South America’s largest ancient empires.

Built around the mid-fifteenth century, Machu Picchu is one of the few well-preserved remnants of the Inca civilization.

What is Machu Picchu, and who built them?

Machu Picchu is a striking example of the Inca’s engineering feat. The Inca people constructed Machu Picchu’s palaces, terraces, temples, plazas, and the infrastructure using only stones.

Mind you, they didn’t use any metal tools, wheels, or mortar while building these structures.

Nonetheless, the stones of Machu Picchu buildings are so sharply and precisely cut that they snuggly fit into one another, even after forgoing the use of mortar. You just can’t separate two rocks.

Panoramic view of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, under a clear blue sky — Explore the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, a testament to Incan ingenuity, set high in the Peruvian Andes.

Another thing to note is that the location of Machu Picchu is between two fault plates. This factor makes it prone to damage due to earthquakes. The stones’ unique cut and fit, make sure that they bounce back to their original position after shaking. These engineering marvels have managed to preserve Machu Picchu for over 500 years.

Why it was built, you may ask. Its purpose is still a mystery to many archaeologists. These human-made structures seem to align perfectly with certain astrological events. However, all of a sudden, in the sixteenth century, Machu Picchu was abandoned.

Stone structures of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu mountain in the backdrop, illustrating the harmony between Incan architecture and nature — Marvel at the harmony of ancient Incan architecture with the natural landscape, with Huayna Picchu towering over Machu Picchu.

Who discovered Machu Picchu?

Archaeologists couldn’t configure the purpose of the site since the Incas had no written language. It was long isolated and unnoticed until Hiram Bingham, an American archaeologist, discovered it in 1911.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

Below are our recommendations for routes from Lima to Machu Picchu. First, get to Cusco from Lima by plane or the Peru Hop bus. Then you may choose any of the following :

If you have a tight schedule, you can go by train: Get on a train from Cusco, followed by a bus ride to the entrance of the ruins.
But if you want to enjoy your travel to the fullest, keep four days in hand and follow the classic Inca trail. Trek all the way, and explore some picturesque spots on your ways such as Phuyupatamarca and WinyaWayna.

Close-up of the intricate stone walls of Machu Picchu, displaying the Incas' advanced masonry skills — Admire the intricate stone walls of Machu Picchu, a testament to the Incas’ advanced masonry skills.

How much does it cost to get there?

The entry ticket costs somewhere around $60-80. If you travel with minimal expenditure, by trekking and bus and stay in the cheapest of hotels, you are bound to spend $250 on the entire trip. At the same time, the average expense of a Machu Picchu trip, including flights to food, may go up to around $550.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

We recommend booking your Machu Picchu tours for October, as the weather is pleasant and you get to face the little crowd.

Where to stay when visiting this ancient Inca place?

In 1983, Machu Picchu got the title of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and since then, it has attracted millions of tourists each year. Located more than 7,000 feet above the sea level on the mighty Andes Mountains, this marvelous symbol of the Incan empire was designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Terracotta Army – Get to know to the eternal Chinese warriors

No chapter in the annals of history is as intriguing as the story of how a few peasants stumbled upon this historical monument in Shaanxi, China. The archeological value of the Terracotta Army is only compounded by the extremely individualized figurines. Do you still have to wonder why this UNESCO World Heritage site is on our radar?

The ancient sculptors demonstrated extreme attention and meticulousness while moulding these figures.

Why was the Terracotta Army built?

Only one thing comes to mind when you think of a series of Chinese warrior statues, right? However, the inspiration behind the Terracotta Army was not to promote warmongering but to celebrate the immensely complex administrational structure in China during Qin Shi Huangdi’s illustrious reign. As a tribute to the innovations of a standardized writing script, measures, and weights discovered during the emperor’s rule, the mausoleum intended to incorporate the Chinese statues as well.

Not only do you find warriors here but also waterfowl, musicians, court officials, and acrobat troupes. The Terracotta Army symbolizes the microcosm of the court that existed at that time in history – his death marked the demise of one of the most Byzantine political systems that the world has ever witnessed.

Panoramic view of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China, displaying rows of ancient warrior statues — Explore the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army in Xi’an, a magnificent testament to China’s ancient history.

Who built the Terracotta Army

Shih Chi – an ancient Chinese scripture – is the ultimate source for resources on the Terracotta Army. It points out that Qin Shi Huangdi, the ‘First Emperor’ of the Qin state, ordered his best artisans to construct a mausoleum in his honor.

Zhang Han, the Senior General, and Li Si, the Prime Minister of Qin, was assigned the task of overseeing the design and layout aspects of this modern marvel. The intricately designed Chinese statues formed an essential part of the mausoleum’s imperial structure.

Close-up of intricately detailed Terracotta soldiers, showcasing the artistry of ancient Chinese sculpture — Discover the intricate details of each Terracotta soldier, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese art and craftsmanship.

When was the Terracotta Army constructed?

The history of the Terracotta Army is one that dates back to 2200 years between the period 247 BC to 208 BC.

What is the best time to visit and see the Chinese statues?

The Chinese warriors are available to tourists throughout the year. But if you want to pick a time of the year, we would recommend visiting the museum between September and October or from March to May. This is because the weather is pleasant during these times and will afford a leisurely trip to this magnificent indoor museum.

Bonus: If you wish to avoid crowds, you might want to visit during the lunch hour.

The vast burial site of the Terracotta Army, with hundreds of life-sized statues in battle formation — Witness the grand scale of the Terracotta Army burial site, where hundreds of statues stand guard in ancient China.

Top 3 interesting facts about Terracotta Army

The Chinese statues measure about 1.85 meters in height on an average basis. This is because of ancient war forms required strong, tall soldiers.
The Terracotta Army is grey now due to humidity. Originally, they were originally quite colorful with armor and faces painted with bright green, red, and even purple colors.
The Chinese warriors are only found in three of the four pits that are located at the mausoleum.

Individual Terracotta soldier with unique facial features, representing the diversity of the ancient Chinese army — Admire the uniqueness of each Terracotta soldier, with distinct facial expressions reflecting the diversity of ancient China’s army.

Where to stay during the visit of the eternal Chinese heroes?

Trust us – you will definitely depart the Terracotta Army with a sense of awe and wonder for the magnificence of human history.