Taj Mahal India (Agra) Many call the Taj Mahal the world's most beautiful building. The grieving ruler Shah Jahan built this mid-1600 tomb for his beloved wife -- and, later, spent the last years of his life in a prison cell with a poignant view of the monument. The white marble surfaces subtly change color over the course of 24 hours. Best viewing times are sunrise, sunset and (especially) full moon
Peru (province of Cuzco)
Many travelers believe Machu Picchu (the "Lost
City of the Incas") is the world's most dramatic
ruins. And what a setting it offers: Vestiges of
pre-Colombian Inca temples and palaces daub
steep terraces against a verdant mountain peak
backdrop in a remote area of Peru.