In 1877, a school instructor named Arthur Lakes, unearthed skeletons, bones, and tracks of Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Allosaurus dating back a hundred and fifty million years in the sandstone formed from the beds of what were once rivers and lakes. After unearthing so many fossils of such a wide variety, paleontologists flooded into the local area in what was later called a “Bone Rush.” Later in 1937, workers began construction on a road in the area and discovered hundreds of mostly Iguanodon-like footprints which became known as the Dinosaur Freeway.

In the 1950’s fossil collectors began to produce collectible fossils from the site to be marketed to a larger public. Finally in 1989 paleontologists petitioned the government to have the site designated as a natural landmark in order to stop the theft of fossils and preserve the site for future generations.

Colorado used to be made up of wetlands along the Cretaceous Interior Seaway which at the time stretched from Colorado to Missouri and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. Dinosaurs lived in this area permanently and were not just here to migrate through. Along these shorelines, dinosaurs would walk along the edge of the sand leaving their footprints. Along the road today there are stations set up along the road for bicyclists or dinosaur fans who come out to read about Dinosaur Ridge.

If you don’t mind walking almost a mile (with a 200 foot change in elevation) you can journey through paleontological and geological history. You can start in the Jurassic shale and work your way west towards the fossilized remains of a brontosaur. All throughout the experience bones, ribs, and unidentifiable bits stick out from the sandstone and boulders. You can even touch a piece without being yelled at by guides!

While the tracks are the best part of Dinosaur Ridge, there are also numerous fossils, bones, and imprints left from insects and plant life spread throughout the ridge. Children often try to find a T-Rex footprint, but these dinosaurs are a little too young for that age. Instead, there are plenty of iguanodons and prints large enough to create perfect photo moments with the children.

There are many outdoor exhibitions at Dinosaur Ridge, which is maintained by the nonprofit Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. There is a small free museum with guide books, exhibits, and tours. While admission is free, donations are accepted and once a month there is a $2 fee for a ride up to the first checkpoint so you can walk back down Dinosaur Ridge with a guided tour.

Also don’t forget to check out the Screaming Tunnel, Niagara Falls

The four main petals of the blooming flower are said to represent the provinces of Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh. The three smaller petals are said to be representing the three smaller territories of Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and Federally Administered Tribal Areas). When a top view of the monument is taken from air, it looks like a star with a crescent moon. While the centre of the monument forms the star, the walls forming the petals of the flowers look like the crescent moon. This is exactly the reason why the flag of Pakistan holds this sign on it.
The whole initiative and plan to build the National Monument of Pakistan was taken up by the Ministry of Culture. After this, the Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) hosted a nationwide contest for architects to send in their designs for the monument. It was mentioned that the designs should represent a free and independent nation that is rising on its way to progress and glory. Since Arif Masood’s design stood for the creation and development of the country, it was selected among the total of twenty designs that were submitted as contest entries.

The location of the monument is towards the west side of the Shakar Parian Hills, and it covers an area of almost 3 hectares. It is located on a high level, and is thus very easily visible from both the cities – Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The foundation stone for the monument was laid in 2004, and the construction was completed in 2006. The formal inauguration of the monument happened in 2007.

A lot of granite has been used for building this monument, and there are four blossoming flower petals that are said to be representative of the unity of people in Pakistan. There are murals too inside the complex, and on the inside of the petals, which are based on Islamic architecture. Overall, the National Monument of Pakistan is quite charming and visitors and tourists make it a point to see this magnificent architectural delight. The central platform which represents the star is surrounded by a water body as well.

Looking at the site where the Princess Theatre stands today, it is actually the second building. The first was Astley’s Amphitheatre, which was also built in 1854. It was actually named after the magnificent Astley Royal Amphitheatre, which is located near Westminster Bridge, London.  Astley’s had a unique structure with a central ring for equestrian type of entertainment performances, along with a stage at one end for dramatic activities. It was in 1857, that this amphitheatre was renovated, and the Princess theatre was opened along with the opening of the Opera House as well.

There is a very beautiful Victorian feel to the theatre which was created and renovated by the best of architects and artists. The building when completed was known to have the world’s first retractable or sliding kind of roof and ceiling. Also, the stage lighting was done in an impeccable manner, and was quite impressive. From time to time, the owners of the theatre of changed, and each of them have renovated and reopened it with great performances or dramas. In this respect, the Princess Theatre is known to have its audience some of the finest dramas and other kinds of performances.

Over the years, there have been some ghost stories developing about the Princess Theatre. In 1888, one of the performers of a play had died during the middle of it, and since then many claim to have seen a ghostly figure in an evening dress in the theatre. For many years, the third-row seat in the dress circle of the theatre had been kept vacant in the artist’s honour.

Now, the theatre is used for many international musical productions. Some of the finest entertainment and performing companies come here with their shows. The Princess Theatre, Melbourne has an amazingly large seating capacity of 1488, which clearly indicates the level and magnitude of the kind of performances that happen here, and how the response from the audience is to such shows. People going to Melbourne always make it a point to visit this beautiful building, which for years has stood unbeatable and undisputed in its magnificence.

When in Hong Kong, those seeking respite from their love and marital problems will discover that Lovers’ Rock may be just the thing they need. Situated in Hong Kong, on Bowen Road, this rock stands close to 30 feet high and is said to possess magical powers. This rock is well respected by the local crowd that visits it almost everyday to absorb some of its power. Decorated with oriental red and beautifully crafted drapes, it becomes the focal point of a festival held in honour of its magical powers. Better known as the Maiden’s Festival, it is held each year in the month of August at Lovers’ Rock. During the festival, young unmarried girls pray for good fortune in their forthcoming lives as well as a suitable husband.

Other than the rituals of the unmarried girls, tourists can visit the soothsayers and palm readers that congregate at the rock. For a small sum, they will read into your life in the coming future. Special days associated with the Lovers’ Rock are the sixth, sixteenth and twenty sixth day of the Chinese Lunar calendar. On these days offerings consisting of lotus flowers, joss sticks and devotional items are presented to appease the gods. A simple and appealing day trip to the Lovers’ Rock will be the choice of many families especially during the festival season. It is a chance to see the real local culture as well.

The Lovers’ Rock is a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong and is said to attract many visitors each day. It provides a beautiful view of the Wan Chai Gap Road as well the tropical jungle surroundings of the area. It has many scenic stretches that one can relax and gaze at. You can reach the Rock by taking the Wan Chai Gap Road that leads to Bowen Road and then the main tourist area. Otherwise, you can catch Bus 15 from City Hall directly to Bowen Road. The Lovers’ Rock area makes for a nice day trip with the family and is a child friendly area. One can even take a leisurely stroll down the Jogging Path on Bowen Road or simply take in the shady stretch of the road.

The Whaley House was actually a proper house, where a family once lived. Thomas Whaley, the youngest of the three Whaley brothers had built this house, and had moved in here with his wife. Strange events kept on happening in the lives of the couple, as well as of their children, both married and unmarried, such that many deaths happened inside the Whaley house. While there were members of the family who died of sickness, there were others who had even committed suicide. Thus, there came out a long list of family members who died inside the Whaley house, and there have been reports that ghosts of these dead members are often spotted. It is because of such reports, that the house has become one of the 30 haunted houses in the country.

The house was converted into a museum in May, 1960, and it today remains as one of the most famous tourist attractions. Any person visiting San Diego can miss out on something else, but cannot afford to miss out on the Whaley House. The house was built from bricks which were taken from the Whaley’s own brickyard, and they were the proud owners of this house, who claimed that it would be one of a kind, the most beautiful in the town. There is beautiful rosewood and mahogany furniture inside the house with damask drapes, Brussels carpets, and other beautiful luxurious items. Besides being the residence of the Whaley family, the building was also San Diego’s first commercial theatre, a county courthouse, and even a general store. The theatre was located in a bedroom upstairs, and had the seating capacity of up to 150. Moreover, the courtroom occupied 3 bedrooms in total.

Some believe that the Whaley House was haunted even before the Whaley family itself moved in. There are a lot of ghostly legends that are attached with this monument, and many TV channels and newspapers etc. have covered this monument, and given it different rankings in the list of the most haunted houses in the area. Visitors have claimed to see Anna Whaley, wife of Thomas Whaley’s ghost in the gardens of the house. It is also said that when the Whaley family had moved inside the house, they used to hear heavy footsteps, which they concluded to be something else.

Once every month, there are ghost hunting tours that are carried out in the Whaley house by the San Diego Ghost Hunters (SDGH).

The Whaley House Haunted? You decide!

William the Conqueror had during his reign built the Norman White Tower, which stands at the centre of The Tower of London. It was built adjacent to the Thames in a way that it protects the Normans from the people living in the city of London. At the same time, it would protect London from the sudden invasions by outsiders. The person appointed as the architect for this Norman White Tower was Gundulf, who was the Bishop of Rochester. Stone imported from France, known as Caen stone, along with Kentish rag stone was used to build this beautiful edifice. Legend says that the mortar that was used for this monument was tempered with the blood of beasts.

During the reign of Henry III, the tower was transformed into the royal residence, and more palatial buildings were constructed in the surrounding area. This whole area is commonly referred to as the Inmost Ward. Both the White Tower and the Inmost Ward are situated in what is known as the Inner Ward. There is huge curtain wall that acts as the defensive element for the Inner Ward. When Henry III had wanted to extend the area, the city wall of the east was broken down. Many citizens had protested, and there were supernatural warnings too that were given. However, nothing stopped the process, and today, there are a total of 13 towers in the extended circuit.

There is an Outer Ward too in the Tower of London, UK , which has five towers facing the river. There is main water entrance to the tower, which is known as the Traitor’s Gate. Apart from these, there is also the western entrance and the moat.

The entire monument has a long historical account attached to it, especially one that related to prisoners. There are stories and tales of executions and tortures attached with the Tower of London, and for that matter, prisoners have lived and survived here in various conditions.

Recent history and news has suggested about ghosts residing in the monument. The Crown jewels have been kept in the Tower of London, after they were stolen from the Westminster Abbey.

Tower of London Ghost Stories

The grief – stricken emperor built this monument which is a rare combination of Persian, Muslim and Indian architecture. It took almost 22 years and thousands of artisans and craftsmen to build this monument on the banks of river Yamuna. The main structure was completed in 1648 while the magnificent area and the surrounding gardens were completed in 1653. According to rumors, the hands of these artisans and craftsmen were later cut so that something similar could never be built again.

On the main gate are inscribed the words which mean “O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you.” As one walks across the plush green gardens and splendid fountains, one reaches the main tomb which is square in shape and surrounded by four minarets at its four corners. This contains the false cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.  The real cenotaphs are in a closed chamber exactly under false cenotaphs and facing towards Mecca. Shah Jahan’s cenotaph is bigger than that of his wife.

The interior of the chamber was decorated in Persian style with precious and semiprecious stones which were later robbed by the British when they conquered India and The Taj was nearly destroyed. But Lord Curzon later restored it and installed a large lamp, similar to the one in a Cairo mosque, in the interior chamber.

The magnificent monument, Taj Mahal, was constructed with materials brought from all over the world. The white marble came from Rajasthan and the red stone used for the exterior walls surrounding three sides was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, The Saphire was brought from Sri lanka and the Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, jade and crystal were brought from China and jasper from Punjab and many horses and elephants were used to transport it.

Shah Jahan wanted to build a monument in black marble across the river Yamuna and directly opposite to Taj Mahal.  But, he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, known to be the cruelest ruler in the history of India, in Red Fort at Agra, during the last days of his life, from where he would watch the Taj Mahal and weep in the memory of his wife. He died after approximately eight years and was buried next to Mumtaz Mahal with a simple ceremony. One can see the ruins of the black monument which was never built. On a moonlit night, the view of the Taj is simply breathtaking and truly romantic. – The Taj Mahal history

You can take a virtual tour on the Taj Magal monument here.

You may also want to check House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib), Tanzania or Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore.

This tunnel is actually a very small one, created completely out of limestone. The location of the tunnel is such that it stands where the Grand Trunk Railway Lines were once located. Initially, many thought that this was too a railway tunnel, especially considering its proximity to the railways lines, which were located on the northwest corner of the Niagara Falls. However, the main purpose behind this tunnel was to make it serve as a drainage tunnel, which would be useful in removing water from the farmlands, underneath the railway tracks to a valley that was located below.

The tunnel is said to be constructed somewhere in the 1900s and is 125m long with a height of 16 feet. According to legend, the tunnel is haunted by the ghost of a girl. This girl was supposedly running away from a burning farm nearby, and her clothes were on fire too. She is believed to have died within the walls of the tunnel. Of course, like all legendary tales, this one too has a lot of variations. Some say that the girl was actually set on fire by her father who had lost the custody of his children post a divorce. And there is another variation that the girl was actually raped inside the tunnel by someone who had burnt her body in order to kill evidence of the act.

In all the variations of the story, what remains common is the burning aspect of the girl. And for those who wonder about the tunnel’s name – well, it has got a lot to do with the burning itself. It is believed that any kind of fire ignited in the tunnel, for that matter even the lighting of a matchstick leads to screaming voices of a girl coming out aloud. Hence, the tunnel is named the Screaming Tunnel.

Several film directors and others have utilised this place as a location for shooting ghost films and other haunted tales. There have been several brave people who have actually taken the task of going inside the tunnel to figure out if the legendary tale of the girl’s screaming stands true or not. They have even tried to light up matchsticks, but have not heard any screaming, and thus, do not believe in the story. The place however is one which does not hold much of a historical importance.

In the year 658 Abe no Hirafu conquered the Ezo tribes. The places where these tribes existed are exactly where Akita and Noshiro stand today. Hirafu was the governor of the Koshi province, and he had established a fort on the Mogami river, which marks the beginnings of the Japanese settlement in that area. The Koshi province is actually the northwest part of Honshu, which borders the Sea of Japan.

In 733, a new military settlement came up which was later renamed as the Akita castle. Since then, there have been several sets of people coming in and going from Akita. While some have been conquerors, others have been military people. All have used Akita for various purposes, and as a result, Akita has faced a mix of cultures, rulers, functioning systems etc. The Satake clan that had ruled the region for almost 260 years had done a lot to develop agriculture and mining industries in this area, which are predominant event today. In 1871, the Dewa province was renovated to form the modern-day borders of Akita.

The Akita prefecture is squarish in shape with the Ou Mountains making for the eastern border. The Dewa mountains run parallel via the center of the prefecture. Akita is known for having cold winters. Pictures of this prefecture show it to be a place full of greenery and beautiful natural delight that soothes the eyes. For those living there, it soothes the mind, body and soul too.

There are a lot of traditional industries operating in Akita, and thus, like most of the Tohoku region, the economy in Akita too remains dominant with these. These industries include fishing, agriculture, forestry etc. Many young people have considered this place to have slow development, because of which they migrate to Tokyo and other big cities. In this respect, the fall of population in the Akita region is quite quick.

Rice farming and sake breweries are quite famous in Akita and form an important part of its culture. The Akita breed of dogs carries the name of the prefecture and is quite popular.  Tourism is developing here, thanks to some interesting festivals that take place in this region.

Well, it may seem like a stupid question, but the fact is that now you can actually experience such a thing in the remote corners of Bedford County, located in South Central Pennsylvania. Here you can do all types of incredible things such as wearing a space suit and going in a space shuttle for just $10. You will find water traveling in the opposite direction, and cars rolling uphill.

8 miles west to Bedford is Schellsburg, where you can reach by route 30. From there, you can take out route 96. Following some more directions, you will reach to Gravity Hill. Once you reach there, beware! – For you will be seeing the laws of physics taking a u-turn, and wild imagination coming into play. The moment you reach the bottom of Gravity Hill in your car, take your foot off the brake, and you will be automatically rolling uphill. It seems like something impossible, but Gravity Hill makes it possible for you. If you still don’t believe the power of Gravity Hill, try throwing some water or any other liquid outside the car window, and you will see it traveling upwards too.

Gravity Hill is an amazing experience in itself. A 90 minutes trip there is for free, and you and your family and friends can get the experience of a lifetime.

Now for those who are still wondering how all of this happens, the concept is a little technical and may spoil the entire fun and charm of it, but is still quite interesting to understand. A gravity hill is often at times also referred to as the mystery hill, gravity road or magnetic hill. The layout of the surrounding land is such that there is an optical illusion that gets created. This means that a downhill slope will actually appear to be an uphill slope. A car then left out of the gear will appear to be rolling uphill than going downhill.

There are various gravity hill locations across the world, however the one is Pennsylvania is luckily well publicized and campaigned. It has been maintained and developed quite well to make it a popular tourist destination, because of which it is quite popular and attracts many tourists. At times, some people and tourist guides claim that there are certain supernatural forces at work in a gravity hill. However, there have been scientific studies that have proven that these are actually the results of optical illusions that are caused by the hill and the surrounding land. From the paranormal perspective, some even refer to these hills as haunted hills!