12 highest Waterfalls in the World

Posted by admin On 5/20/2013 0 comments

One of the most stunning sights on earth is the endless, incredibly loud  wonder of  literally tons of water falling over the edge of a rock face every second,  in a veritable kaleidoscope of rainbow colors that can take away your breath.  We wanted to find out more, so we decided to research what the tallest waterfalls in the world were, measured by the highest drops.

 12.Waihilau Falls · 2,600 feet (792 m) · United States
image by pake
In Hawaii’s large Waimanu Valley, the Waihilau Falls are the second tallest in the world, with an estimated drop of 2,600 feet (792m). For hikers, the valley is extremely fascinating: the whole area was abandoned in 1940 and it has become one of the few unaltered and unspoiled locations in Hawaii. And if you get to see a "monstrous" rainbow, the word “beautiful” will not adequately describe what you’ll see.

11.Ramnefjellsfossen · 2,685 feet (818 m) · Norway
image by sindre
Located in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in the township of Stryn, Nesdalen in Norway, the Ramnefjellsfossen waterfall is a series of horsetail cascades with the tallest single drop measuring 1,968 feet (600 meters). However, the total height, if we include all the smaller cascades from the end of the Ramnefjellsbreen Glacier and those below the main point, is 2,685 feet (818 meters). Because of the small flow of water coming from the Jostedal Glacier, it was never used for hydroelectric purposes, unlike other waterfalls in Norway.


10.Browne Falls · 2,744 feet (836 m) · New Zealand
image by keep
 Browne falls are on number 10 of the world’s tallest waterfalls, its sheight is 836m (2744 feet), and it is a kind of cascade with tallest single top 244m (800 feet), if its width is measured , it is something like 12m( 40 feet), this waterfall is located Fiordlands National Park, south island of New Zealand.

9.James Bruce Falls · 2,755 feet (840 m) · Canada
image by darrell
James Bruce Falls are located in North America means Canada at the height of 2755 feet. Though it is not at a great height, yet it is on the number 9, in the line up of tallest waterfall of the world, it starts out from the snowfield Princess Louisa Inlet.

8.Pu'uka'oku Falls · 2,756 feet (840 m) · United States
image by jake
Pu’uka’oku Falls are the 8th largest waterfalls in the world, they are positioned on the Molokai( an island of Hawaiian) and their height is 2756 feet, another good things is that the tallest sea cliffs are associated and linked on the north cliff of Molokai which increases the impressiveness of Pu’uka’oku Falls.

7.Balåifossen · 2,788 feet (850 m) · Norway
image by raquel
Baläifossen is a wonderful waterfall, is situated in Norway at the height of 2788 feet. As its height describes that it is the seventh tallest waterfall of the world, which spills into the waters of Osafijorde. These falls are filled with pure water, but a bad thing is that the water gets dried out in the summer season in them.

6.Vinnufossen · 2,822 feet (860 m) · Norway
image by thomas
Vinnufossen is the sixth tallest waterfall of the world which is located in Sunndal, Norway and its height is 2,822 feet.

5.Catarata Yumbilla · 2,938 feet (896 m) · Peru
image by paulo
Catarata de Yumbilla was a thin 896m waterfall plunging in several tiers. Although it was said to be taller than Catarata Gocta, we were only able to see about 600m of its overall drop. Its volume was also much less in comparison so that made us doubt that it would last year-round.

4.Olo'upena Falls · 2,953 feet (900 m) · United States
image by keep
Hawaii, specifically the island of Molokai, is home to the highest seaside cliffs on earth, reaching over 3,000ft into the sky. Because of this phenomena, several very tall waterfalls, among the highest known in the USA, can be found here. and Olo’upena Falls is the highest, at over 2,953 ft., making it one of the highest waterfalls on the planet. This amazing waterfall is very slender and deep within the surrounding rock, only really visible by sea, but nonetheless a glorious natural sight.

3.Cataratas las Tres Hermanas · 3,000 feet (914 m) · Peru
image by keep
Tres Hermanas, Cataratas las Falls are  3000 feet in their height, and they are the third tallest waterfalls of the world which is located Rio Cutivireni in Peru.

2.Tugela Falls · 3,110 feet (948 m) · Africa
image by philip
These stunning waterfalls, second highest in the world at a mighty 3,110ft, are to be found deep within the Drakensberg Mountain range, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Tugel means sudden in Zulu, perhaps a reference to the sharp drop as the water falls over the edge. the entire fall is made up of a series of five in total, pure safe drinking water that cascades stunningly down the mountainside.

1.Angel Falls · 3,212 feet (979 m) · Venezuela
image by poco
The tallest waterfall in the world with a total height of 3,212 feet (979m) and a clear drop measuring 2,648 feet (807m), Angel Falls (Kerepakupai merú ) located in the Canaima National Park, in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivar State, Venezuela. The first to discover the waterfall was Ernesto de Santa Cruz in 1910. Notwithstanding this, the story of pilot Jimmy Angel who first saw the falls in 1937 (and subsequently nose-dived into them) is far more famous. Luckily, he and all the passengers escaped unharmed and received near-legendary status in Venezuela. 

12 Longest Bridges In The World

Posted by admin On 5/05/2013 0 comments

This is a list of 12 longest bridges in the world. It is interesting to note that most of the longest bridges in world are present in China. These are the true examples of excellent engineering by mankind.


12.Shanghai Maglev line · 29,908 m (98,123 ft) · China
image by alex
This 30 km long span of elevated track runs from Pudong International airport to the Shanghai city outskirts where passengers can transfer to the metro.

11.Donghai Bridge · 32,500 m (106,600 ft) · China
image by zhang
Donghai Bridge is one of the longest cross-sea bridges in the world. It has a total length of 32.5 kilometres (20.2 mi) and connects mainland Shanghai and the offshore Yangshan deep-water port in China.

10.Runyang Bridge · 35,660 m (116,990 ft) · China
image by zang
Rung Yang Bridge is situated in China. It was constructed in 2005. This is the tenth longest bridge of the world. It is 35,660m long.

9.Hangzhou Bay Bridge · 35,673 m (117,037 ft) · China
image by zeller
At 35.673 km (22 mi) in length, Hangzhou Bay Bridge is one of the longest trans-oceanic bridges in the world.

8.Yangcun Bridge · 35,812 m (117,493 ft) · China
image by wiki
This beautiful Bridge was constructed on the river of  Yangtze and as well constructed for an important mission. Its construction was completed in 2007.  Its length is 36.6km

7.Manchac Swamp bridge · 36,710 m (120,440 ft) · United States
image by melanie
The total length of this bridge is  36,710 meters (120,440 feet). It is one of the longest bridge in the world over water.  Its piles were driven 250 feet (76 meter)beneath the swamp and the cost of the span about  $7 million per mile to complete. The total width of this bridge about 95 km and it carries  It’s represent one – third of the highway’s approximately 66 miles in Louisiana.

6.Lake Pontchartrain Causeway · 38,442 m (126,122 ft) · United States
image by arthur
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, or the Causeway, consists of two parallel bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana, United States. The longer of the two bridges is 23.83 miles (38.35 km) long. It is the longest bridge in the world that runs continuously over water.

5.Beijing Grand Bridge · 48,153 m (157,982 ft) · China
image by edward
The  Beijing Grand Bridge is also one of the longest bridge at the position of fifth in world ranking. The Beijing Grand Bridge is first high speed longest bridge in the world. Beijing Grand Bridge is 48.153 km (29.921 miles) long railway viaduct on the Beijing – Shanghai high speed railway.

4.Bang Na Expressway · 54,000 m (177,000 ft) · Thailand
image by uwe
The Bang Na Expressway is a 55 km long six-lane elevated highway in Thailand. It is often considered to be one of the longest bridges in the world (until 2010 the longest) but it is excluded from some lists since it does not cross a body of water for most of its length. The largest body of water that it crosses is the Bang Pakong River.

3.Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge · 79,732 m (261,588 ft) · China
image by wiki
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is placed Zhenggzhou in the china country. It is one of the longest high speed rail bridge. The main span of these bridge nearly about 80 meter (260 feet). The total length of this bridge is 79,732 meter (261,588 feet). It is long crossing the Wei river twise as well as many other rivers. The bridge was complected in 2008 but the railway line itself didnot open until february 6, 2010. It was surpassed by two new bridges on Beijing –  Shanghai high speed railway that was complected in 2010.

2.Tianjin Grand Bridge · 113,700 m (373,000 ft) · China

image by wuyouyuan
This is the second longest bridge of the world as mentioned in the Guinness book of world record. It is also located in people republic of China. This is as well a high speed Railway bridge. It is completed in 2010 and opened in 2011. Its total length is 113,700m.

1.Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge · 164,800 m (540,700 ft) · China
image by real
The Danyang – Kunshan Grand Bridge was placed in the rail line between Shanghai and Nanjing in East China. The bridge was complected in 2010 and opened in june 30, 2011. The total construction over used minimum four years works on nearly about 10,000 people. The total cost of these bridge is nearly about  $8.5 billion.  Danyang – Kunshan Grand Bridge  is currently holds the Guinness World Record for the  longest bridge in the world in any category.

Top 12 Longest Beaches in the World

Posted by admin On 4/18/2013 0 comments

12.Clifton Beach · Pakistan · 16 km  (10 miles)
image by charman


This ten mile long beach on the Arabian Sea is a popular place for Pakistan’s tourists due in no small part to the fact that it’s believed to be safe even in times when the rest of the country is politically unsettled. That safety was jeopardised in 2003 due to an oil spill in the area but it has since been rebuilt. Amusement parks, camel rides and general beach activities all draw people to the area.


11.Colva Beach · India · 19 km  (12,5 miles)
image by globaltrekkers

At approximately twelve and a half miles long, Colva Beach is the longest of the beautiful beaches of Goa. This part of India became popular with in the 1970’s with Western tourists who were interested in exploring an Eastern way of life. Its popularity grew when it became a spot for multi-day raves where people from around the world would party the days away. There are over 50 miles of coastal white sand beaches here that welcome in a diverse array of backpacking travellers.

10.Muizenberg · South Africa · 19 km  (12,5 miles)
image by julielaurent

This is a beach located in a small beach town in Africa that is charming, quaint and filled with small historic sites. The beach is slightly longer than twelve miles and is popular among rock climbers who scale the cliffs there. They tend to watch out carefully below though because part of the beach, called False Bay, is known for its White Shark population.

9.Stockton Beach · Australia · 32 km  (20 miles)
image by snelvis

This beach is only about 20 miles long but it’s one of the widest long beaches in the world. In other words, this baby’s got length and girth. It’s known for its sand dunes; in fact, it’s said to have the largest moving sand dunes in the world. You can ride quads or go sandboarding on the dunes and then hit the water with your surfboard.

8.Long Beach · Washington · 48 km  (30 miles)
image by jennifer 
This beach regularly claims to be the longest beach in the world and/or the United States but it’s only about thirty miles long, so in reality it’s five times shorter than the longest beaches in the world. Nevertheless, it is a long beach and the longest beach on the United States’ West Coast so it gets to rank even though it boasts to be bigger than it is.

7.Virginia Beach · Virginia · 56 km  (35 miles)
image by jim
This popular tourist beach that people on the East Coast flock to each summer is approximately 35 miles long. It has the distinction of being named ‘The World’s Longest Pleasure Beach’ by the Guinness Book of World Records. You can take that to mean whatever you like but keep in mind that Virginia’s state motto is ‘Virginia is for Lovers’.
6.Playa Novillero · Mexico · 80 km  (50 miles)
image by maz
This little-known beach is a favourite of people who have travelled extensively throughout Mexico. It is a pristine beach that stretches about fifty miles long and has unique wave patterns that interest people who study water. Despite the fact that this isn’t a tourist attraction, there are some interesting sights to see in the nearby area including historic churches and an indigenous art museum.

5.Ninety Mile Beach · New Zealand · 141 km  (88 miles)
image by jasper
Not to be outdone by Australia, this neighbouring country also has a Ninety Mile Beach. However, this one is slightly shorter at about 88 miles in length. It’s a popular tourist destination because the sand dunes here look a lot like desert land which provides an interesting contrast to the ocean.

4.Ninety Mile Beach · Australia · 141 km  (88 miles)
image by jo
At just over ninety miles, this is a beautiful Australian beach dotted with charming coastal towns. Unfortunately, there aren’t terrific swimming or surfing conditions here most of the time so it’s not necessarily a favourite beach for watersports. Nevertheless, people who are seeking to get great beach photographs will find miles and miles of picture perfect spots here.
3.Padre Island · Texas · 209 km  (130 miles)
image by maeliza
This beach is about 130 miles long and is known for being one of the longest drivable beaches in the world. Located in Texas, the water here is from the Gulf of Mexico so it’s a place where the water is warm enough for swimming nearly all year round. There are two distinct sides to this beach; the north side is a party spot for spring break kids and the south side is a National Seashore where visitors can see the dunes and tides preserved in their original state. Make sure to look for the sea turtles which are a favourite tourist attraction here.

2.Cox’s Bazar · Bangladesh · 241 km  (150 miles)
image by zak
This beach has the distinction of being the world’s longest ‘natural sand’ beach, stretching across 150 miles. It’s an interesting place which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangladesh but remains relatively little known amongst travellers in general since Bangladesh is not considered a top destination for the average family. The people who do go here will find that there are three separate spots to enjoy: Laboni Beach which is the main beach close to town, Humchari which is loved for its waterfalls and Inani Beach which is favoured for suntanning. You may hear people here calling the beach Panowa; the term means ‘little flower’ and is the nickname that locals know the place by.

1.Praia do Cassino Beach · Brazil · 241 km  (150 miles)
image by eduardo
At over 150 miles in length, this is the longest beach in the entire world. Brazil’s beaches are known for their white sand, warm temperatures and welcoming locals. Any trip here is going to be hot, hot, hot! All sorts of water activities can be enjoyed here but surfing is the most popular pastime.



12 highest Dams in the World

Posted by admin On 4/13/2013 0 comments

A dam is a man-made structure built across a river. Most dams are built to control river flow, improve navigation, and regulate flooding. However, some dams are built to produce hydroelectric power. The sight of a dam one of the largest and most complex structures that humanity has ever created can be quite breath taking. Here is a top 12 highest dams list.

12.Mica Dam · 243 m (797 ft) · Canada · Columbia
image by dar56
The Mica Dam (243 m height) is a hydroelectric dam spanning the Columbia River 135 kilometres north of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada.

11.Alberto Lleras (Guavio) Dam · 243 m (797 ft) · Colombia · Guavio River
image by philipp
The Alberto Lleras Dam, also known as the Guavio Dam, is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Guavio River near Guavio, Colombia.

10.Deriner Dam · 249 m (817 ft) · Turkey · Çoruh River
image by babsack
Deriner Dam is a concrete double-curved arch dam under construction on the Çoruh River 5 km (3.1 mi) east of Artvin in Artvin Province, Turkey. Construction on the dam began in 1998, the reservoir began to fill in February 2012 and the power station is expected to be operational by the end of the year. It will have a 670 MW power house and is the tallest dam in Turkey. 

9.Laxiwa Dam · 250 m (820 ft) · China · Huang He
image by dam
The Laxiwa Dam is an arch dam on the Yellow River in Qinghai Province, northwest China. The main purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and it supports the largest station in the Yellow River basin. The facility generates power by utilizing six turbines, each with a generating capacity of 700 MW, totaling to a capacity of 4,200 MW.

8.Mauvoisin Dam · 250 m (820 ft) · Switzerland · Bagnes
image by 4000er
Lac de Mauvoisin is a lake in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The reservoir is formed by the Mauvoisin Dam, which is 250 m high. The dam is currently the 8th highest in the world, and the third highest arch dam. It was built in 1951–1957, and raised by 13.5 m in 1991.

7.Tehri Dam · 261 m (856 ft) · India · Bhagirathi
image by arvind
The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand, India. It is the primary dam of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. and the Tehri hydroelectric complex. The dam is a 260 metres (850 ft) high rock and earth-fill embankment dam. Its length is 575 metres (1,886 ft), crest width 20 metres (66 ft), and base width 1,128 metres (3,701 ft).

6.Manuel Moreno Torres (Chicoasén) Dam · 261 m (856 ft) · Mexico · Grijalva
image by mexico
 It is located about 40 km from Tuxtle, capital of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It is also known as Sumidero Canyon and canyon is regarded as an important tourist attraction in the state of Chiapas. The chicoasen is the home to a great variety of wildlife including corocodiles. It is the 6th largest dam in the world with a height of 261 meters.

5.Vajont Dam (disused) · 261.6 m (858 ft)· Italy · Vajont
image by emanuele
The Vajont Dam is a disused dam, completed in 1959 in the valley of the Vajont river under Monte Toc, 100 km north of Venice, Italy. One of the tallest dams in the world, it is 262 m (860 ft) high, 27 m (89 ft) thick at the base and 3.4 m (11 ft) at the top.

4.Inguri Dam · 271.5 m (891 ft) · Georgia · Inguri
image by polgraf
The Inguri Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Inguri River in Georgia. Currently it is the world's highest concrete arch dam with a height of 272 metres (892 ft). It is located north of the town Jvari.

3.Grande Dixence Dam · 285 m (935 ft) · Switzerland · Dixence
image by roland
The Grande Dixence Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Dixence River at the head of the Val d'Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. At 285 m (935 ft) high, it is the tallest gravity dam in the world and is part of the Cleuson-Dixence Complex.

2.Xiaowan Dam · 292 m (958 ft) · China · Lancang
image by dam
It is  world’s 2th tallest Dam. Construction on the Xiaowan Dam was started in January of 2002, and continues today. This hydroelectric arch Dam, on the River Lancany in South West China. Each power-generating units will have a 700 MW capacity.

1.Nurek Dam · 300 m (980 ft) · Tajikistan · Vakhsh
image by ibrahim
The Nurek Dam is an earth fill embankment dam on the Vakhsh River in the central Asian nation of Tajikistan. At 300 m (984 ft) it is currently the tallest dam in the world.

12 Largest Church Buildings in the World

Posted by admin On 3/30/2013 2 comments

The term church is any building that was built for the primary purpose of Christian worship, for any recognised denomination of Christianity. This article lists the twelve largest church buildings in the world as measured by various criteria.

12.Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe · Mexico · 85,000 square feet
image by jan 

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic church located on top of Tepeyac Hill in the northern part of Mexico City, Mexico. There are actually two basilicas on top of the hill with the same name with the newer one being much larger and having been built from 1974-1976. The older one is much prettier to look at but also much smaller in size. The new Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe can seat some 10,000 people.

11.Basilica of the Sacred Heart · Belgium · 85,000 square feet
image by markus

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and parish church in Brussels, Belgium. King Leopold II laid the first stone in 1905 during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Belgian Independence. Halted by two World Wars, its construction was completed in 1969. Covering an area 164.5 m (540 ft) long and 107.80 m (353.7 ft) wide, it is the sixth largest Roman Catholic Church in the world and the seventh among Christian churches.

10.Cathedral of Saint Sava · Serbia · 88,000 square feet
image by petar

The Cathedral of Saint Sava is an Orthodox church located on the Vracar plateau in the capital city of Belgrade, Serbia. Construction of the church began in 1935 and it was mostly finished by 2003. The church honors Saint Sava who founded the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1219 and is today the patron saint of education and medicine in Serbia.

9.Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar · Spain · 90,000 square feet
image by paulo

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Zaragoza, Spain. It was built in the Baroque style of architecture from 1681-1872. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar was built to honor the Virgin Mary who appeared before the Apostle James as he prayed by the banks of the Ebro River in Spain and she gave him a pillar of jasper and asked him to build a church for her in 40 AD. James built a small chapel for Mary near the spot which was destroyed after James was executed in 44 AD but the pillar was saved and preserved and placed in subsequent churches built on the spot including the present day basilica.

8.Church of the Most Holy Trinity · Portugal · 94,000 square feet
image by therese

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity in the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal is the fourth largest Catholic Church and the sixth largest Christian church in the world. It was constructed between 2004 and 2007 and was consecrated on October 12, 2007, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima. The church, dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity was entirely paid with gifts from the pilgrims. It measures 95 m (310 ft) long and 115 m (380 ft) wide, holding up to 9000 people.
 
7.Liverpool Cathedral · United Kingdom · 104,000 square feet
image by andrew

Liverpool Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral located right off Hope Street on St. James Mount in downtown Liverpool, England. It was built beginning in 1904 in Gothic Revival style using designs by architect Giles Gilbert Scott and considered finished in 1978. The massive cathedral tower is 331 feet high.

6.Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen · Poland · 109,000 square feet
image by mizera

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lichen is the largest church in Poland, the seventh in Europe and the tenth in the world. It was constructed from 1994 through 2004 covering an area 120 m (393 ft) long and 77 m (252 ft)wide. It was built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is home to a 200-year-old painting known as the “Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland.”

5.Milan Cathedral · Italy · 109,641 square feet
image by markus

Milan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the northern Italian city of Milan. This massive Gothic cathedral was built from 1386-1558. On top of the tallest spire is a baroque gilded bronze statue entitled "Madoninna". Tourists are allowed to climb up to the roof where they can view many sculptures.

4.Cathedral of Saint John the Divine · United States · 120,555 square feet
image by gesablte

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in the City and Diocese of New York is claimed to be the largest Cathedral and Anglican Church and fourth largest Christian church in the world. Its interior measures 183.2 m (601 ft) long and 70.7 m (232 ft) wide. It was originally designed as Byzantine-Romanesque but was changed to Gothic. A huge fire damaged the church in 2001; construction and restoration still continues today thus earning its nickname: St. John the Unfinished.

3.Seville Cathedral · Spain · 124,000 square feet
image by pepijtnje

The Cathedral of Seville is a Catholic Church located in southern Spain in the city of Seville. It is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. The church was built in Gothic style from 1402-1511 and twice since then the dome has been replaced once due to an earthquake. Inside the massive Cathedral of Seville are 80 chapels and as many as 500 masses have been said on a daily basis. Christopher Columbus is buried on the church grounds.

2.Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida · Brazil · 129,167 square feet
image by valter

The new Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida was built in 1955 and designed in the form of a Greek cross. It measures 173 m (567 ft) long and 168 m (551 ft) wide, sitting up to 45,000 people. Pope John Pau II named it the most important National Marian Shrine in Brazil. It was officially declared as “the largest Marian Temple in the World” in 1984.

1.St. Peter's Basilica · Vatican City · 227,065 square feet
image by dillif 

Ironically the largest church in the world is located in the smallest country in the world as St. Peter's Basilica is in Vatican City which is considered its own country. St. Peter's Basilica is a magnificent structure built from 1506-1626 by a number of different architects including Michelangelo who designed the dome. St. Peter's is a Roman Catholic church and can hold some 60,000 people. It is certainly one of the most famous buildings in the world and one of the most visited by tourists and worshipers.