Over the centuries, human history has managed to produce some rather stunning monuments that continue to inspire and fascinate travellers to this day. Most of these historical destinations in the world have been able to withstand the challenging tests of time. And they have enabled humanity to study the culture of ancient civilisations that once ruled the world and so much more.
Dating back centuries ago, most of these phenomenal man-made wonders to this day hold an aura of mystery, moving millions from around the world to travel and experience these sites for themselves. This is why we at Holidayscapes.com decided to put together a list of ancient historical travel destinations that will take you back in time and surely leave you mesmerised. So if you want to experience history at its best make sure to add these destinations to your travel list.
Sigiriya- Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous sites, an ancient rock fortress, and a royal palace. Listed as one of the most important architectural heritage sites of Sri Lanka in 1982, this destination attracts more than one million visitors every year. The overall complex of Sigiriya consisted of five gates that are under two miles wide, a citadel, and a palace at the top of the rock as well as palaces on the ground level. Ancient frescoes beautify the western side of the rock along with a mirror wall that leaves many amazed as it is able to produce reflections with little difference from an actual mirror.
But what makes this site a national treasure is its ingenious garden and water systems at the bottom of the rock. The gardens in Sigiriya are some of the oldest landscape gardens in the world as well as some of the best-preserved water gardens in entire South Asia. The gardens consist of beautiful fountains, artfully designed pools, streams, as well as platforms that are used to hold pavilions and performers. But overall, this magnificent lion rock is a testament to the brilliance of early Sinhalese engineering and design and should not be missed on your next vacation. So get some customised tour packages to Sri Lanka and explore ancient Sigiriya in all its brilliance.
Hoi An- Vietnam
Located in Vietnam’s central Quang Nam province, Hoi An is an Ancient town near the Thu Bon River. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, this destination is a small-scale trading port that was active during the 15th to 19th centuries where it traded widely. Being a well-preserved ancient town, it comprises 1107 timber frame buildings made with wooden or brick walls which include religious buildings, commercial and domestic vernacular structures, architectural monuments, as well as an open market, and a ferry quay. The houses of this ancient town are tiled and their wooden components are carved according to ancient traditions. The remaining wooden structures and street plan over the years are intact and original and today represents the traditional townscape of the 17th and 18th centuries. To this day, Hoi An continues to be occupied and function as a centre of commerce and trading port. Visiting Hoi An will be a unique experience for all history lovers, so book a tour from our tour packages to Vietnam at Holidayscapes.com and we will plan a unique travel package for you that will help you experience Vietnam at its best.
Angkor Wat- Cambodia
Known to be one of the most famous archaeological sites in South-East Asia, Angkor Wat contains the remains of the Khmer Empire dating back to the 15th and 9th centuries that stretches over 400 km2 along with a forested area. This destination includes the famous temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon temple, and Angkor Thom which are spectacularly designed with unique sculptural decorations. Testifying an exceptional civilization with a unique concentration of features, Angkor Wat is a place that is teeming with impressive monuments, large water reservoirs, and different ancient urban plans.
Consisting of noticeable levels of social order and ranking within the architecture and layout of the successive capitals of the Khmer Empire, Angor Wat to this day is known as a site that exemplifies religious, cultural, and symbolic values with high artistic, architectural, and archaeological significance. But what makes Angkor Wat famous is the way that the forest has overgrown into and straddled the structure. It is the perfect representation of what happens when a structure made by man is given back to mother nature. Presently, this destination is inhabited by many villages and people whose ancestors date back to the Angkor period. They take part in rice cultivation and live a secluded and peaceful lifestyle. So if you want to get to know Cambodia, its culture, history, and lifestyle, Angkor Wat is the place you should go to.
Thebes- Egypt
A city that is flourishing with impressive monuments, delicious food, trade, and lively festivals, Thebes is one of Egypt’s most important cities. Famously known to be a city of antiquity, Thebes lies on both sides of the Nile River and it also includes the famous archaeological sites of Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens. All these sites that date back to the 11th dynasty include the remains of impressive palaces, temples, and royal tombs that provide a view of religious customs, architecture, and daily life of Egypt. They are full of gigantic statues and various other artefacts. You will even come across pottery that dates back to the reign of Amenhotep III, working tools, rings, etc.
This destination is ought to take you back in time to the 13th century and there’s so much more that has not been unearthed by archaeologists. Overall, nothing beats actually visiting this destination to explore its unique sites yourself, without a doubt it’ll be a journey to remember.
Herculaneum- Italy
Similar to Pompeii, Herculaneum was a Roman town situated on the coast of southern Italy. Even though both of these towns were exposed to the volcano eruption, they were destroyed due to different reasons. Pompeii was struck by a 25-metre thick shower of falling rocks, whereas Herculaneum was exposed to a 250°C pyroclastic surge of hot gas and ash. However, what makes Herculaneum so special is that it’s quite different from Pompeii.
In comparison to Pompeii, the buildings in Herculaneum are much better preserved. Some of these buildings still have their wooden balconies and upper floors intact, and this town was much wealthier than Pompeii, so most of its buildings are opulent and richly decorated. And not forgetting the stunning mosaics and frescos are larger, brighter, and more intricate here. The whole town is surrounded by wildflowers and the tranquil sound of singing birds makes you feel almost like you stepped into a different world. The effect Herculaneum has is quite powerful, close your eyes as you walk the streets and you can feel the sense of roman life going on around you. It truly is a magical feeling and is a destination that should not be missed.
Overall, there is no better way to experience the significant times of the past other than by visiting these mesmerising destinations. So if you’re a history buff, travelling to these ancient historical travel destinations should definitely be on your bucket list. So pack your bags and book that flight ticket for an exciting journey that will take you back in time.
