The world is full of interesting and exotic places, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Truth be told, 10 places is too less. It was tough, but these get top billing from me.
1. Panama
The Panama Canal cuts through land and joins the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; the Bridge of the Americas, connecting North and South America and is a tribute to human effort, triumphing over nature. Thousands of men dug through solid land to connect the two oceans, with a huge lake in the middle; that is some job! To go thru the Canal you need to be on a ship or yacht; if you can manage to find one sailing through the canal, jump at the chance. The experience is out of the world.
2. Iguazu Waterfalls
Travel a little south from Panama right into South America, and at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, you will find the most picturesque water fall in the world. On the Argentinean side, you can walk right around it, but the best views are on the Brazilian side.
3. Socotra, Yemen
This one is strictly for nature lovers! This place is got the most exotic plant life you could ever dream to see. The dragon’s blood tree is the most famous. Shaped like an umbrella, its sap is red, which gives it the name. It’s an extremely bio-diverse place. Most of the birds, insects and animals are endemic species.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Famed for its exotic and perfectly manicured gardens and its beautiful tiered Buddhist temples, this Japanese city on the island of Honshu will take your breath away. It’s steeped in history as it was the erstwhile capital of the Royal rulers of Japan. It’s also very urbanized and efficiently managed.
5. India
There’s a lot you can see and do here: modern cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, historic cities like Delhi and Jaipur, dotted with exuberant architecture, deserts, snow capped mountains in the North, sunny beaches in the South, dense forests. You name it, it’s there! Take a yoga course, delve into the spicy delights of the local cuisine and drop in uninvited to a local wedding. That’s how you will truly enjoy this country.