Ksar Ouled Soltane is a Multi-Story Vaulted Granary Built by Berbers in the 15 Century

Ksar Ouled Soltane is located approximately 20 kilometers south of the city of Tataouine, in southern Tunisia. This is an attractive and perfectly preserved fortified granary well built by the Berbers in the 15th Century. This is built with adobe; the ksar is spread out over two courtyards, each of which has a perimeter of multi-story vaulted granary cellars called ghorfas. In those unruly Middle Ages, granaries were frequently fortified to stop raids on a village's food supply. Such as other granaries created by North African Berber communities, Ksar Ouled Soltane is located on a hilltop, to help protect it from raiding parties.

Ksar Ouled Soltane was originally built in the 15th century and had myriads of ghorfas for storage of grains. Therefore later in the 19th century, the ksar was stretched into a second courtyard, and the quantity of ghorfas increased to around 400. The two courtyards are interlinked by a passage made of palm wood. The ghorfas are four stories high and reachable by steep external stairs that reach up one by one to the single doors. Each ghorfas was assigned to and used by a single family. So more than five hundred years, the nomadic tribes used them to store grain and olives. However on Friday afternoons the courtyard functioned as meeting places for the community, the majority of whom spent most of their year in the pastures with their goats, sheep and camels. Ksar Ouled Soltane appeared in the Star Wars movies as slave quarters where Anakin and his mother lived in the Phantom Menace. With the passage of ups and downs, The Ksar was needed to repair in 1997 and restored to its original state, though with cement rather than the original materials of mud and brick. It is now a popular tourist destination in Tunisia with visitors coming to see its well-preserved granary vaults. 

“Bibi Ka Maqbara” is an Architectural Wonder Actually Inspiration from Taj Mahal

There’re very few peoples know; that India has not one but two Taj Mahals? Yes; indeed, there’s a monument indistinguishable to the Taj Mahal that remains in Aurangabad in Maharashtra. This is very attractive mausoleum named “Bibi Ka Maqbara” (Tomb of the Lady) actually built by Prince Azam Shah, the son of the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, between 1651 and 1661 A.D, in the memory of his beloved mother, “Dilras Banu Begum”. The tomb draws its inspiration from the renowned Taj Mahal of Agra built by none other than Prince Azam Shah’s grandfather, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Azam Shah proposed to build a monument that would rival the Taj Mahal. Unluckily, he lacked the treasury his grandfather had access to, as well as the trained labour the treasury bought, resulting in a meager copy of the latter. However; without any doubt “Bibi Ka Maqbara” is an architectural wonder with sophisticated designs, carved motifs, impressive structure and prettily landscaped Mughal-style garden. Due to its robust resemblance to the Taj Mahal, it is lovingly named the “Taj of the Deccan”.

The mausoleum stands at the center of a commodious enclosure measuring approximately 458 meters by 275 meters, with axial ponds, lovely fountains, and water channels, several defined by stone screens and lined with broad pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenelated walls with fortress set at intervals, and open pavilions on three sides. The mausoleum is built on a high square platform with four minarets at its corners, precisely like the Taj Mahal, and reached by a flight of steps from three sides. The main onion dome of the Maqbara is, though, smaller than the dome of the Taj and its minarets are shorter. Seen by itself, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a striking piece of work, but it pales in comparison to its famous forbearer. While the monument in Agra is made entirely out of pure white marble, the mausoleum in Aurangabad is encased with marble only up to the dado level. Above this is well covered with a high quality plaster polished to give a marble-like finish. Therefore; only the onion dome was built with marble. The walls of the Maqbara are also a little dusky by contrast, which gives the mausoleum a duller appearance compared to the Taj. According to some records, Bibi Ka Maqbara cost Alam Shah 700,000 Rupees to build. If we do the comparison, then the Taj Mahal was built at a cost of roughly 32 million Rupees at that time. This is perhaps another reason why Bibi Ka Maqbara is often referred to as the "poor man’s Taj".Source; CP

Fjaorargljufur Canyon in Iceland

A lot of travelers believe Iceland is the heaven on the earth due to its natural beauty. And Fjaorargljufur Canyon happens to be one of the most widespread tourist attractions in Iceland. The majestic and scenic beauty of this area is definitely enthralling travelers and local people thinks these canyons as a part of dreamland itself. Moreover, the best part of this place lies in the fact that it is very easily accessible even if it is a canyon. Moving westwards from Kirkjubaejarklaustur hamlet and going towards the southern direction will take a person straight to the Fjaorargljufur Canyon. Dimensionally, Fjaorargljufur Canyon is 100 meters deep and two kilometers long. River Fjadra flows through the canyon and falls in the vicinity of Ring Road. 

The history tells us, the canyon was ultimately created after repeated occurrences of erosion as a result of the water that flows down from the glaciers. This water from the glaciers flows down through the rocks and crevices. For thousands of years, this canyon has seen fresh water from the glaciers and sightseers from all corners of the world wanted pay a visit to Fjaorargljufur Canyon, Iceland. So here you may have seen allot of stunning and gorgeous Canyon’s around the world, but in all our travels this is possibly the most Attractive Canyon in the World. It is completely unpronounceable by the way, and you can find it in Iceland.

Papalaua Falls, Hawaii United States

It is impossible not to acknowledge that the falls are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena. So, the northern part of Moloka'i Island is characterized with exceptionally tall cliffs, deep lovely valleys and lush green vegetation. Papalaua Falls is one of such beautiful falls located at the beginning of deep valley. This is extremely tall waterfalls adding the extra beauty to this idyllic fairy-tale landscape. Volcanoes, rain and ocean in the north-eastern part of Moloka'i have created one of the most remarkable landscapes in the world.

Moreover volcanic activity over the last 1.5 million years has created mountains here. Summit of East Moloka'i volcano 1,514 m high gets a lot more rain than the western part of Moloka'i Island almost 4,000 mm per year thus the rainwater has cut amazing valleys in the volcanic shield and formed very tall, almost vertical ridges. Rain maintains lush vegetation is even very steep slopes which are well covered with emerald green cover of plants. Waves of Pacific Ocean have washed out the volcanic shield, creating spectacular cliffs.

Papalaua Falls are almost 501 metres tall and comprise of five drops. Particularly impressive in the middle part approximately 340 m tall drop. Water is most part does not have a free fall; it beautifully flows along a very steep fissure made by the force of the stream. Therefore each of the drops ends with a pool. This middle part of falls can be well observed from the sea. Lower part though disappears from the sight it is hidden in a very deep and steep chasm. Papalaua Falls is a sure bet for adventurous travelers who are eager for an authentic Hawaiian experience off the beaten track.Source: Charismatic Planet