Top Ten Wonders of the World

Ever since ancient times there have been wonders of the world, though not many of those ancient wonders still exist. For instance hardly anything remains of the Colossus of Rhodes, a huge statue which once guarded the entrance of that Greek island. Today the only ancient wonder of the world to still attract millions of visitors annually is Pyramids of Giza. Lists of the world’s wonders are also constantly being revised to include new wonders like Machu Picchu and natural wonders like the Victoria Falls. Here’s an alternative list of the world’s top ten wonders.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

As the only living organism which can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s greatest natural wonder. This massive reef system is comprised of nearly 3,000 individual reefs all teeming with coral and amazing marine life. There are also 900 islands which can be visited by boat. The Great Barrier Reef is also therefore the number one attraction for marine biologists as well as snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

2. The Great Wall of China

Similarly the Great Wall of China is the only manmade structure which can be seen from space. This interconnected series of stone fortifications was built in the north of this vast country to protect the Chinese Empire. Parts of the wall date back as far as 220 BC and altogether the wall is thought to measure five and a half thousand miles long. As you cross China from east to west the wall takes in forests, deserts, mountains and plateaus. More than can be seen in one day trip then.

3. Serengeti Great Migration

This incredible natural wonder sees millions of herbivores such as wildebeest cross the Great Plain as part of their annual migration. It is the largest mass movement of animals in the world. In pursuit of water they cross the Mara River, many of them falling prey to opportunistic predators such as crocodiles. The Great Migration is an absolutely unbelievable sight which attracts thousands of safari goers.

4. The Pyramids of Giza

Despite being increasingly swamped by the massive city of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza remain well worth seeing. These huge Pyramids still stand majestically in the desert, even if they are close to the nearby KFC restaurant. Visitors should note that the entrance to the Pyramids of Giza is a rather stressful crush and once you are inside all sorts of touts try to take your money. Don’t hand your tickets over to anyone and take the horse and camel tours at your own risk.

5. Easter Island

This Polynesian Island off the west coast of South America has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is mainly down to the creepy collection of Moai stone statues, which loom unblinking over the otherwise empty landscape. The statues are thought to date back to 1100–1680 CE and like other attractions such as Stone Henge in England, no one knows exactly how they got there.

6. The Grand Canyon

Craved by the mighty Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is the world’s largest canyon and it is also the site of America’s first national park. Astounding stone structures and eerie desert landscape await the visitor, and a new glass platform has been built which extends out over the canyon edge to give visitors a spine-chilling experience.

7. Kaieteur Falls

There are higher and wider waterfalls in other parts of the world but for sheer volume of water and incredible jungle scenery few can beat the Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. The Potaro River measures 113 metres wide as it plunges over a precipice 226 metres below. The best thing about the Kaieteur National Park is that very few tourists go here so you will likely have the spectacular view more or less to yourself.

8. The Taj Mahal

The jewel of India would be higher on the list, were it not for the depressing poverty that surrounds it. This mausoleum in Agra is incredibly beautiful, yet it has attracted numerous hawkers and scammers who try to part you from whatever cash they can. However there are few more stunning sights than the light being reflected of the white marble dome of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

9. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the most spectacular of the many Mayan temples which can be found in Mexico. It has a distinctive pyramid shape with a long row of steps carved into it. Furthermore ominous decorations such as feathered serpents are hewn into various ledges. Such fine touches make this Pre-Columbian temple on the Yucatan Peninsula one of the most visited tourist attraction in Mexico. If the manmade wonders are not thrilling enough for you here are also two large natural sinkholes nearby in this area of arid desert. Get here early in the day before the sun gets hot.

10. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Standing like a gateway to the mighty Pacific Ocean beyond, the Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of architecture and engineering. In nearby Pacific Heights you can get impressive views of the iconic bridge and the Alcatraz prison island within San Francisco Bay.  This steel bridge is 90 feet wide and nearly two miles long and at one time was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today a team of 38 painters work continuously to touch up the paint, which is classified as Orange Vermillion in colour.