Carved between the 6th-12th centuries AD, Maharashtra’s Ellora Caves are hailed by many as an overlooked wonder of the world. The site is home to the spectacular Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), but over
Nashik may be a city of 1.5 million inhabitants that’s just a few hours from Mumbai, but it’s well off the tourist trail – at least for foreigners. The city largely attracts religious
Due to the abundance of volcanic rock in the region, the Indian state of Maharashtra is teeming with ancient manmade caves. The most impressive among them are the Ajanta and Ellora caves near
Iowa isn’t exactly known for its natural beauty, and the stereotype of endless cornfields as far as the eye can see is largely true. But the state is also home to the stunning
Hidden in a canyon about 30 km south of Novi Pazar is one of the world’s most unique cave churches. Crna Reka Monastery was established as early as the 1200s and its current
Millions of years ago in Cappadocia, the ash spewed forth by local volcanoes hardened into a soft stone called tufa. In addition to forming the region’s breathtaking landscapes, tufa deposits also extend far
Built on a slope of Karadag Mountain in the Maçka district of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery is one of the defining images of eastern Turkey. The monastery appears to hover in the air at
Central Georgia’s Imereti region is full of unusual attractions. In addition to visiting dinosaur footprints and an abandoned spa town, there are more offbeat and highly worthwhile destinations just east of Kutaisi. In
It may lack the coastline of Batumi or the nightlife of Tbilisi, but Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city, is worth checking out. What makes the city unique is the variety of things one can
Behind a door in an unassuming residential district of Yerevan is a portal to another world. It’s hard to believe at first, but this vast underground network of caves was carved out over
Cave houses, stone circles and underground passageways. These are just a few of the things awaiting visitors in the mysterious region of South Armenia, a place where relatively few venture. From the scenic
If ancient pagan temples, rock-carved monasteries and otherworldly geological formations are what you’re after, Armenia’s Kotayk Province is home to all three. Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery and the ‘Symphony of the Stones,’ all
While Armenia may be a tiny country, it’s incredibly dense in terms of historical and religious landmarks. Just about every town, it seems, is home to at least one beautiful monastery set amongst
Mountain trekking and scenic monasteries aside, one of the best things to do in Georgia is visiting its ancient ‘cave cities.’ And the most famous among them is Vardzia, a large complex first
Uplistsikhe is as fascinating to visit as it is difficult to pronounce. The ancient cave city may be as old as 3,000 years, and it long served as a major religious center of
Walking up the steep dirt path, I stopped to look at a vulture flying over the otherworldly desert landscape. Meanwhile, a large lizard, seeking shade, dashed across a nearby pile of rocks. I
The Fenghuang Ancient Town area has plenty to do and see. One can spend several days in town, exploring its hidden spots and cobblestone backstreets. But if you purchase Fenghuang’s ¥168 ‘through ticket,’ you’ll
Waterfalls? Caves? Traditional Chinese architecture? How about all three in the same scene? Furong Ancient Town, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is undoubtedly one of China’s most unique historical towns.
Tianmen Mountain, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is one of China’s most impressive national parks. The mountain is home to a number of geological mysteries, such as a massive hole
Most who arrive at Krabi airport are eager to head straight to the beach. But the provincial capital, locally known as Krabi Town, is more than just a pass-through destination. From the town
Mulu National Park is home to some of the world’s most stunning geological formations – the Clearwater Cave and Deer Cave systems among them. Named after Mt. Mulu, the park is situated between
The Marble Mountains, located about halfway in between Da Nang and Hoi An, hold true to their name. They’re a group of five marble rock formations, each one having been named after a