Taj Sixth on Global list

Despite growing concerns over the monument losing its sheen, a survey shows it continues to be a favourite among tourists

Around 400 years after it was constructed, the Taj Mahal continues to grab eyeballs of global visitors and never ceases to amaze them, becoming the sixth of the top ten internatinal bucket list compiled by a travel site.   Meanwhile, Angkor Wat in Cambodia continued to top the favourite list. Five Indian landmarks even made it to the Asia list — Taj Mahal (#2), Amber Fort (#9), Harmandir Sahib (#10), Swaminarayan Akshardham (#13) and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (#14).

The award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. This year’s Tripadvisor awards recognised 759 landmarks across 68 countries and eight regions across the globe. On the domestic India list, the Taj was followed by Amber Fort, steadfast at number 2, a position it has held since 2015. Harmandir Sahib makes its way to number 3 from seventh position last year. There were representatives from more recent constructions as well.  Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi stood at number 4 while Delhi’s Gurudwara Bangla Sahib stood at number 5. Another construction by Emperor Shahjahan made it to the country list with Agra Fort in Agra coming up sixth. Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Bandra Worli Sea link in Mumbai were the others that made it to the top 10 in India.

The Taj came in at number 6 in the world list of landmarks. It was preceeded by Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, Cambodia; Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy and Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba in Cordoba, Spain. In the Asia list, it stood at number 2 where the top spot was occupied by the world leader, Angkor Wat. The other monuments that featured in top five  included the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) in Bangkok, Thailand;  Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.  

Top five locations in India

• There is certainly a reason why the top five made it to the list for each holds out a distinct attraction.
• Taj Mahal  is undisputedly the most beautiful example of Mughal architecture, makes it to the list every year and sees an increase in visitor arrivals from all over the world.
• Amber Fort  is one of the most well-known and most-visited forts in India, Amber Fort is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Set amidst the hills, the fort boasts of many awe-inspiring buildings within the complex such as Diwan-e-Aam, SukhNiwaas, Kesar Kyaari and of course the stunning Sheesh-Mahal.
• Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is the holiest shrine in Sikhism which flourishes with religious fervor and sacredness. With great historical and architectural interest, thousands of people across the world visit Golden Temple to seek spiritual solace and religious serenity.
• Swaminarayan Akshardham is spread across 100 acres in Delhi and this magnificent cultural complex beautifully captures the 10,000-year-old culture and heritage of India. Built on the banks of River Yamuna, the temple perfectly blends technical modernity with traditional architectural styles.
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib  is located in Connaught Place, the heart of the city, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara has become a center of pilgrimage for thousands of people every day. Known for its history, spirituality and architecture, this iconic landmark attracts devotees from various religious backgrounds to spend time in peace.