Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, and has over 900 million followers worldwide. Though most of the Hindus live in India there are substantial numbers present in Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Temple construction in India started nearly 2000 years ago and marked the transition of Hinduism from the Vedic religion. The architecture of Hindu temples has evolved ever since resulting in a great variety of styles. They are usually dedicated to one primary Hindu deity and feature a murti (sacred image) of the deity. Although it is not mandatory for a Hindu to visit a Hindu temple regularly, they play a vital role in Hindu society and culture. Situated on a large rock, Tanah Lot is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali, and probably the most photographed. The Tanah Lot temple has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of 7 sea temples, each within eyesight of the next, to form a chain along the south-western coast of Bali. The City of 1000 Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and known for its ancient Hindu temples and silk sarees. The city contains several big temples like the Varadharaja Perumal Temple for Lord Vishnu and the Ekambaranatha Temple which is one of the five forms of abodes of Lord Siva. Source : touropia

You probably know the world’s made up of a ton of countries, but ever catch yourself wondering which ones take up the most space? Some nations sprawl so far, their borders practically touch multiple time zones and climates, covering millions of square miles. Diving into the world’s largest countries gives you a glimpse into how geography shapes everything cultures, weather, even the news headlines. These huge places are packed with natural wonders, people, and lifestyles you might not expect. Honestly, they’re just plain interesting to learn about.Here’s one that surprises a lot of folks: Algeria is Africa’s biggest country by area—about 919,595 square miles. Most of it? Pure Sahara Desert, so you get endless sand and rocky stretches. Algeria hugs the northern edge of Africa, with a long coast along the Mediterranean. The capital, Algiers, sits right by the water. Head inland and the landscape flips fast from green coastal areas to dry, endless desert. Even though Algeria’s wide from east to west, the whole country sticks to just one time zone. Not sure why, but it works for them. People here mostly speak Arabic and French. There’s a cool mix of African and Mediterranean culture, and the food and music reflect that. Source : touropia

Although China now has the most amount of skyscrapers in the world, the race to the sky began in America during the late 1800s, when architects decided that building out was so yesterday and building up was the future. These pioneering skyscrapers might look cute next to today’s supertalls, but back in their day, they were the equivalent of landing on the moon. Each one held the title of world’s tallest building when completed, making them the original height-obsessed overachievers. From Chicago’s game-changing steel frames to New York’s Art Deco masterpieces, these buildings tell the story of how humans learned to defy gravity with style. Ready to meet the OG giants? Although it’s not among the tallest skyscrapers in the USA today, it remains one of the most recognizable. This Art Deco beauty shot up to 1,046 feet, making it the world’s tallest for about eleven months before the Empire State Building crashed the party. The whole building is decorated with automotive-inspired details, from hubcap patterns to stylized radiator grilles and shiny eagle gargoyles that look like hood ornaments. The lobby alone is worth the visit because, sadly, the observation deck is no longer open. But if we are being honest, the best views include the Chrysler Building, so head up the Empire State Building to catch the best glimpse. Source : touropia

Europe is wonderful year-round, but there is something particularly magical about the continent in July. Cities burst into life with festivals, open-air concerts, and sunny evenings that can stretch well past your usual bedtime. As the flowers bloom and temperatures rise, locals emerge from their winter hibernation with a refreshed energy that feels almost contagious. Whether you’re following the midnight sun in Northern Europe or the verdant green Alps in central Europe. Or if golden Mediterranean beaches call your name, these are twelve of the best cities to visit during the month of July: For much of the year, Stockholm sits in the shadow of winter darkness. July is one of the city’s sunniest months—so sunny, in fact, that they call it the land of the midnight sun. The city comes alive during Midsummer, one of Sweden’s most cherished summer traditions. Locals dance around maypoles and sing traditional songs. It’s a joyful festival that every seasoned traveler should experience at least once in their lives. Beyond Midsummer, the city has a striking blend of modernity and history. You can spend one hour exploring the cobblestone streets of Gamle Stan and the next having a boutique coffee in a glass-built building. Aveiro is often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’ because of its countless canals that crisscross the city. Colorful moliceiro boats, historic vessels once used to harvest seaweed and fish, cruise the canals throughout the summer months. For a touch of history, visit the Museu de Aveiro. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich religious history and contemporary culture. Source : touropia

Not all buildings were created equal. Some look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, and others are dreamscapes. Architecture has always been about more than just creating shelter—it’s an art form, a way to reflect culture, and occasionally turn heads. From ancient Roman apartments to post-war brutalist towers, the humble apartment block has evolved with human society’s changing needs and styles. But every now and then, a building pops up that disrupts the norm, redefining what we thought we knew about the apartment block. These ten apartment blocks are so unique that they break the mold and push boundaries with bold aesthetics and gravity-defying designs. Imagine a mountain oasis amidst the concrete jungle of Amsterdam. Completed in 2021, Valley is a mixed-use building that houses office space, residential apartments, and commercial spaces such as retail, exhibition space, and bars and restaurants. From the front, the building looks almost corporate, but its aesthetic changes completely as you walk around it. The facade looks almost like a rock that has exploded, revealing a jagged arrangement of lush greenery, vertical gardens, and balconies in its wake. It is located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, buzzing with business and activity. The Valley offers a breath of fresh air with its unconventional design and oasis feel.

Sure, the headlines about Mexico can be scary sometimes, but don’t trust everything you see on Narcos. Mexico has always, and will always, reign supreme with plenty of amazing places where you can kick back and enjoy all the tacos, beaches, and culture without constantly looking over your shoulder. Millions of travelers have awesome, trouble-free trips to Mexico every year and you can too. But if you need facts, the Numbeo Safety Index have put these claims into perspective where higher numbers = safer places. From colonial towns that look like they belong in a fairy tale to beaches that’ll blow up your Instagram, these places let you focus on having fun instead of worrying. Ready to discover the Mexico your news feed doesn’t show you? Yeah, Cancun has that spring break reputation, but it’s actually got its safety game together too, especially in the Hotel Zone. Those postcard-perfect beaches with powder-soft sand and water so blue it hurts your eyes? They’re well-patrolled and resort security is no joke. When you’re not working on your tan, you can check out some mind-blowing Mayan ruins or cool off in cenotes, gorgeous natural swimming holes that are everywhere in this part of Mexico. The food scene covers everything from street tacos to fancy dining. Plus, you’ll find English speakers everywhere, making this a super easy place to visit if your Spanish stops at “cerveza, por favor.” The food here? Incredible. From hole-in-the-wall taco spots to restaurants that would feel at home in any major city. The main square always has something going on, day or night, but still feels super chill and safe. And don’t miss the markets because you can find amazing crafts without someone following you around pressuring you to buy. Source : touropia

When the gruel of everyday life starts to get too much, who doesn’t dream of escaping to a remote mountain town? Somewhere nestled away from life’s demands, where the next adventure is on your doorstep. Whether you want to live adventurously year-round or you’re just looking for a revitalizing escape, these beautiful mountain towns offer travelers refuge from the rat race. Catch your breath and reset surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes. From alpine gems in the Alps to lesser-known mountain towns in the Philippines and India – we’ve searched the globe for the best mountain towns. Mountain towns don’t get more picturesque than this little village in the northern Luzon region. Cradled by the rugged peaks of the Philippines Mountain Province, it feels remote and isolated. The colorful tin roofs of the houses stick out against the backdrop of lush rainforest vegetation. Travelers come here seeking tranquility, adventures in the town’s untamed surroundings, and authentic rural culture away from the country’s beach holiday hotspots. Most notably, people visit to see the town’s famous hanging coffins. This extraordinary tradition of mounting coffins onto the limestone cliffs is more than 2,000 years old! .

Each state in the country has bragging rights to iconic buildings, many often highlighting its past and present. From the colonial homesteads of New England to the frontier towns of the West, America’s buildings trace the country’s history, regional differences, and the endurwwing influence of the people who made the continent their home long before the arrival of the Europeans. New York City’s skyscrapers celebrated the drive of its commercial heart. The mansions along the Atlantic seaboard; in Newport, Rhode Island; and Miami drew inspiration from French chateaus. Museums gathered art collections unique to America and became attractions themselves. Other museums in the Midwest honored the region’s pioneering settlers and the farms they created. A house in Alaska is a reminder that Russia was once a colonial power in North America, while a pueblo in the Southwest remains a living community. A high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, recalls the determined group of Black teenagers willing to put their safety at risk to integrate the building and get an education alongside their white contemporaries. Stacker compiled this list of iconic buildings from historical and government records and news articles. Some are grand—a statehouse modeled on a Roman temple and a skyscraper reminiscent of the Washington Monument. Others are modest, like a tiny church in the woods, or deserted, like a hotel in a ghost town emptied when the gold rush ended. You’ll find people’s homes, national monuments, corporate headquarters, theaters and museums, and government centers in the mix. Some of the buildings are in cities; others in the country. Some represent the levers of power; others, ordinary people. Some serve as memorials, while others are whimsical. Take a look through the list and find the building that salutes your state. Source : touropia

Forget your typical hotel room. Imagine drifting off to sleep with the sound of waves and waking up to panoramic coastal views, all from inside a historic lighthouse. These beacons of light make for pretty postcards but some actually open their doors for overnight guests, offering a truly unforgettable stay. So, if the idea of a standard queen bed and tiny shampoo bottles makes you yawn, listen up. There are lighthouses across the USA where you can ditch the generic and bunk down like a keeper. Get ready to pack your bags for a stay that’s anything but ordinary. This Oregon celebrity sits on a dramatic 200-foot headland, its powerful beam still slicing through the Pacific night, a reassuring presence. You won’t just be snapping photos from below either, the Lightkeeper’s House is meticulously restored to its 1894 glory, and operates as a charming bed and breakfast. Think antique furnishings that whisper tales of the past and an authentic coastal vibe that’s impossible to replicate. They’re renowned for a locally sourced, seven-course breakfast that’s practically legendary, so definitely arrive with an appetite ready for a feast. Afterwards, you can hunt for treasures in nearby sea caves accessible during low tide, hike trails with stunning cliffside panoramas, or try spotting migrating whales making their seasonal journey. It’s a genuine Pacific Northwest immersion, with the magnificent, glowing lighthouse itself as your constant, impressive companion. Source : touropia

If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your sensible sedan for a noble steed (or at least parking it in a grander driveway), then you’re in the right place. Europe is practically littered with castles, and guess what? Some of them let you sleep over! Forget musty museums; we’re talking about full-blown fairytale fortresses where you can live out your royal fantasies, minus the pesky dragon-slaying or arranged marriages. From German strongholds with knightly tales to Irish estates fit for a king or queen, these castle hotels offer a stay that’s anything but ordinary. So, get ready to upgrade your vacation from “nice” to “once upon a time.” Fancy clinking glasses where a legendary iron-handed knight once roamed? Burg Hornberg, perched dramatically above the Neckar Valley, isn’t just a hotel; it’s a time capsule with Wi-Fi. This place has seen centuries of history, and you can practically feel the medieval vibes seeping out of its ancient stone walls. The views alone are worth conquering a small kingdom for (or at least the drive up). You can explore the castle grounds, imagine banquets in the grand hall, and then retreat to your surprisingly cozy chamber. It’s the kind of place where you half expect a minstrel to serenade you at breakfast. Plus, it’s in a renowned wine region, so your goblet will never be empty.

Source : touropia