Crown of PalacesThe Taj Mahal is arguably the most famous of India’s countless cultural wonders. Located in Agra in the north of the country, it was originally built as a mausoleum for the third wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Taking over 20 years to complete in the 17th century, it is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Harmandir SahibLocated near the Pakistani border in Amritsar, Punjab, India, the Harmandir Sahib is the Sikh religion’s holiest site. Commonly known as the Golden Temple, construction began on its symbol-rich architecture in 1574. Today, the shrine is a pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world.
Bata DrumsThe island nation of Cuba is home to a rich musical history. Early Afro-Cuban rhythms and melodies have become the foundation for many present-day musical styles such as son, rumba, mambo, and salsa. Cuban music is full of wonderfully complex rhythmic syncopation, and keeps listeners on their toes with frequent improvisation.
City BirdsFounded in 1680 as a Portugese colony, the city of Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay’s oldest city. Its Barrio Histórico, or “historic quarter” has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Making themselves at home in the city’s tree-lined streets, chattering birds accompany the cobblestone streets and classic architecture.
Bosques de PalermoParque Tres de Febrero is a large park in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Inaugurated in 1875, the urban park features groves, lakes, and rose gardens. The park is a popular place for both the city’s residents and its local bird population.
RíoThe Cali River flows through western Colombia and the city of Cali. Its headwaters come from a portion of the Andes Mountains located west of the city called Farallones de Cali. Providing water and electricity for the area, the river flows into the Cauca River and eventually the Caribbean Sea.
Chasing WaterfallsSpanning the Brazilian and Argentinian border is the spectacular Iguazu Falls. With up to 300 waterfalls depending on the water level, Iguazu has the second largest annual water flow in the world. The Devil’s Throat or Gargantua del Diablo is the best known and accounts for half of the flow. In 2011, the falls were named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
OwlsMany birds flock to the Gat swimming hole to feed amongst prey in the area. It also serves as a place for visitors to cool down while traveling on safari. The word “Gat” means hole in the Afrikaans language.
Flora and Fauna Queensland is home to the world’s oldest continual growth rainforest. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests, Daintree Forest is home to species that are millions of years old. The forests have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its high concentration of rare and threatened species.
Camel TracksOutside of the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer, India lies the Thar Desert. Located in the northwest of the country, the desert is over 200,000 square km. Desert safaris have become an increasingly popular way to enjoy this remote yet beautiful landscape.