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Narwhal adopted by friendly belugas

Usually found in the frigid waters of the Arctic, it’s extremely rare for narwhals to travel as far south as the waters of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, and yet one particularly adventurous narwhal has done just that. In a video taken by the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a Quebec-based whale research nonprofit, the juvenile narwhal was spotted in Quebec’s Ungava Bay, 621 miles south of its usual habitat, and appeared to have been adopted by a pod of beluga whales.

The drone footage captured a group of nine or 10 belugas, and a single narwhal, swimming together. “It behaves like one of the boys,” Robert Michaud, GREMM’s president told CBC News. “They are in constant contact with each other.”

Researchers spotted the same narwhal on July 29th, 2016, among a pod of 60 to 80 belugas, then again in 2017, and three times already in 2018. They reported that the narwhal typically behaves exactly like the belugas, even blowing bubbles — doubtless trying its best to fit in.

While it’s not completely unheard of for young whales to venture out of their usual habitat, rarely are they so lucky to find friends so accepting. Most get too friendly with boats or humans, and become fatally injured in the process.

While narwhals and belugas belong to the same family, Monodontidae, they’re very different. Belugas prefer shallow, warm, coastal waters with salmon, while narwhals generally hunt deepwater fish and are more at home in colder waters covered in dense ice. Also, narwhals have huge tusks. They’re both, however, very social species. More than anything else, that’s probably the reason behind this unlikely friendship in Quebec.

H/T: CBC News

More like this: In search of whales

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Bullet trains in India

India’s government just announced that it will purchase 18 E5 series Shinkansen train sets from Japan, for $964 million USD. These trains would be able to move at speeds of 217 miles per hour, reducing travel time considerably. The first bullet train route is likely to run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just two or three hours, instead of the current seven to eight-hour journey.

But the most intriguing part of this train isn’t the speed at all. It’s the prospect of getting to travel underwater for part of the journey — from Thane Creek to Virar — through a submerged corridor. Economy fares are expected to cost around $41, according to the Economic Times, with first class featuring amenities on par with airlines.

The project is being funded by a loan of $12 billion from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, who is apparently more than happy to spread the tech love. As part of the Make in India program, to encourage domestic companies to manufacture goods in India, the deal also includes plans for the construction of a new local manufacturing plant.

While the project may sound perfect, Business Insider India reported that landowners in Gujarat and Maharashtra are demanding government jobs and higher compensation in exchange for use of their land. Pending the resolution of this issue, construction could begin on the new trains and railways by January 2019, with a projected completion date of 2022.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: 7 of the world’s fastest trains and where they can take you

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7 reasons to visit Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea isn’t at the top of most people’s must-see lists — mainly because it’s a heck of a long flight from most places in the world — but that’s all the more reason to go. Still largely undeveloped, the remote nation in Oceania is one of the most culturally rich and naturally blessed places on the planet. It’s a dream destination for travelers looking to get fresh mountain air in view of majestic volcanoes, scout pristine bays replete with coral reefs, and bear witness to unique traditional practices — you might even meet a witch doctor. Here are seven reasons why you need to check out Papua New Guinea before you kick the bucket.

1. It’s home to hundreds of distinct indigenous groups.

Photo: isaxar/Shutterstock

More than 800 languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, an independent state roughly the size of Sweden, owing to its vast number of tribal communities. Each tribe has its own customs, which are shared between villages at annual gatherings known as sing-sings. These lively assemblies bring together various indigenous groups to foster peace and cultural exchange, and they feature an array of ceremonial practices, including music and dance performances.

Two of the largest sing-sings are the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, hosted in the Western Highlands Province, and the Goroka Show, which takes place in the Eastern Highlands Province every September as part of the national Independence Day celebration. Tourists are invited to attend the events and should definitely do so to see what Papua New Guineans are all about.

2. You’ll get postcard-worthy beaches all to yourself.

Photo: Guido Amrein Switzerland/Shutterstock

Pretty much everyone loves lazing on white-sand beaches while the sun beats down and cooling off in crystalline waters. But the beach can be hard to enjoy when it’s littered with lounge chairs and taking a dip in the ocean feels more like wading in a public pool. Thankfully in Papua New Guinea, the beaches are still unsullied by mass tourism. To make your fantasy of having paradise all to yourself come true, head to the Milne Bay region in the southeast, nearby Tufi, or Madang on the north coast. There are also several tropical islands off the coast of Papua New Guinea worth checking out, including the Conflict and Panasia Islands.

3. The surfing and scuba diving are pretty killer, too.

Photo: Ethan Daniels/Shutterstock

Sunbathing in Papua New Guinea is as relaxing as it gets, but don’t be fooled: The underwater scene is just as extraordinary as the beauty you’ll bask in on land. Surfers should plan to visit Madang during the wet season, between December and March, for the best swells. Alternately, Tufi is one of the main hubs for reef and muck diving, as well as wreck diving among sunken World War II vessels. If snorkeling is more your thing, head straight to Kokopo, the capital of East New Britain off the east coast of the mainland. The reefs there are known for their colorful biodiversity, making you feel like you’re swimming above a fireworks display, and there’s a good chance you’ll even see sharks reveling in their natural habitat.

4. The Kokoda Track is a dream for hikers and history buffs alike.

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The Kokoda Track, a 60-mile trail that passes through the Owen Stanley Range, is a rewarding albeit challenging trek. The remote mountainous region is filled with luxuriant rainforest flora, obscure villages where you can stay the night, flowing creeks you’ll cross on log bridges, and WWII relics ranging from leftover munitions and forgotten helmets to entire aircraft. The site served as a battleground for Japanese soldiers and Allied forces during the war, making it one of the wildest history museums you’ll ever see.

Permits are required before you can set off on the Kokoda Track, and they’ll run you roughly $100 for adult hikers and $50 for students and kids. Follow this link to obtain the necessary paperwork, learn how to prepare for the trek, and find tour operators to take you.

5. It’s a paradise for bird watchers.

Photo: feathercollector/Shutterstock

Birding is one of the most popular activities in Papua New Guinea, which hosts more than 700 avian species, around 10 percent of which are endemic to the area. You’ll see the most avifauna during the dry season from June to October, and tours are offered along the coast, in the mountains, and everywhere in between. Birds of paradise are the thing to see in Papua New Guinea as the majority of the world’s existing species can be seen flaunting their colorful plumage there. For some of the best birding around, organize a morning hike through the Rondon Ridge area, traverse the shores of Lake Murray, or wander around Tari — home of the hospitable Huli people — camera in tow.

6. The markets put your neighborhood flea and farmers markets to shame.

Photo: Byelikova Oksana/Shutterstock

Local markets are essential to Papua New Guinean life, serving as places where people come together to buy and sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade crafts, artwork, and even animals. Locales like north-central Mount Hagen and Wewak on the northern coast host bustling markets throughout the week, but the real must-see is the Ela Beach Craft Market in capital city Port Moresby, which feels more like a festival with its late-morning music and dance shows. Stock up on souvenirs like woven baskets, carvings, and wax candles or simply meander around, barbecue in hand, on the last Saturday of the month for a special treat.

7. Winding down the Sepik River is incredibly peaceful.

Photo: Trans Niugini Tours, Papua New Guinea/Facebook

The longest river in Papua New Guinea, the Sepik River snakes through dense lowland forests populated with remote tribes that still have limited exposure to the outside world. Sepik River cruises combine all the best parts of Papua New Guinea into one serene outing, during which you’ll take in the flora and fauna, stop ashore for village tours, and appreciate the untamed wilderness while rocking gently back and forth in your boat.

If you’re looking for slightly more luxurious overnight experience, consider booking a three-night stay on the Sepik Spirit, which starts and ends its journey in Karawari. Whether you opt for a day trip or a longer tour, keep your eyes peeled for crocs while you float down the river; they’re revered by many local tribes, some of which even practice initiation rituals for young men during which their backs are scarred to look like the reptilian beasts.


More like this: Each year Papua New Guinea holds one of the biggest tribal gatherings in the world

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Lesotho is ideal for mountaineers

Surrounded by South Africa and just a short hop from Johannesburg sits Lesotho, a kingdom fit for mountaineering royalty. It’s one of only three enclaved “countries within a country” in the world, which means that epic mountains basically surround this beautiful nation. Whether you climb to the top of these peaks or play at the foot of them, this awe-inspiring landscape welcomes challengers by foot, ski, boat, 4×4, and even pony. With nicknames like the “Kingdom of the Sky” and the “Switzerland of Africa,” you know you’re entering the perfect playground for all manners of outdoor activities. Rise to the challenge and discover why Lesotho should be on every mountaineer’s radar.

The are plenty of peaks to bag.

Photo: Hannes Thirion/Shutterstock

Lesotho is the only independent state in the world situated entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation. It’s rugged and varied landscapes — riddled with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls — rise and drop away, giving hikers a vast expanse of scenic beauty to explore on foot. You’ll find lengthier trails in spots like Sehlabathebe National Park or Bokong Nature Reserve, but the Giant’s Cup trail from the Sani Pass Lodge to Bushman’s Nek makes for a more accessible trip. If you’re up for a challenge, continue this climb to Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest mountain in all of southern Africa at 3,482 meters (11,424 feet). Much like rural areas of New Zealand, however, hiking in Lesotho doesn’t always come with clearly marked trails. Instead, winding footpaths criss-cross over much of the fenceless terrain. You’re free to bush-camp as long as you ask permission from locals.

You can shred the gnar by ski or snowboard.

Photo: SAPhotog/Shutterstock

Skiing and snowboarding in Africa? That’s right. You’ve seen the Lion King a hundred times, but not everything the light touches is a flat savannah. Temperatures drop to well below freezing in the high-altitude peaks of the Maluti Mountains during winter months (June-August). In this northern range you’ll find Afriski, the only ski resort operating in Lesotho and one of only a handful on the entire African continent. It’s only a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, so you’ve got easy access to fluffy fresh powder for shredding. The resort stays open year-round to let visitors explore the beautiful Oxbow region, though skiing only happens in winter months.

Get off-road by motorbike, 4×4, or quad.

Photo: Ariadna22822/Shutterstock

In 1967, a Roads Engineer by the name of Bob Phillips asked the Sports Car Club in Johannesburg if it wanted to run a race in Lesotho on the worst road in the world. He had just finished constructing it and was looking to bring attention to the alluring yet challenging terrain of the Lesotho Highlands. The Club agreed, and so began the Roof of Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Rally.

Though the roads have improved somewhat, Lesotho still offers some of the best off-roading in all of southern Africa. The rugged terrain is sure to test both man and machine. If you go solo, make sure to keep an eye on the temperamental weather and have some mechanical know-how. Tours for all travelers, including family groups, are available for spectacular views from the kingdom’s nine passes. A drive through the fresh air of UNESCO World Heritage site Maloti-Drakensberg Park to Sani Pass is a particular highlight. No matter how many wheels you’re cruising on, motorized 4×4 vehicles are usually the quickest (and sometimes the only) way to get to Lesotho’s most remote locations.

Save a horse; go pony trekking.

Photo: Fabian Plock/Shutterstock

If rough 4×4 roads aren’t your thing, ditch the wheels and ride a Basuto pony instead. These rugged little guys are the best way to get you and your gear to all the stunning locations unreachable by 4×4. Trip lengths vary from hours-long safaris to multi-week excursions, and you don’t need prior riding experience. Tour operators such as Drakensberg Adventures will lead you into the backcountry. Plan ahead and book in advance of your arrival. Be sure to ask for a local guide when you book, and enjoy a peaceful trek free from the sound of rumbling engines and noxious exhaust fumes.

The fishing is on point.

Photo: Dendenal/Shutterstock

By pony, motor, or manpower, you’ve gotten yourself up into the Lesotho Highlands. Here, eons of erosion have carved out massive earthen water basins. Hopefully you remembered to pack your fly rod. The rivers and dams, kept cold and clear from September to May, offer exciting opportunities for high-altitude angling. If you don’t want to waste time looking for the best fishing hole, go trout-trekking with a guide from Semonkong Lodge and fish the Maletsunyane River for brown and rainbow trout. You’ll be battling and landing trout in true River Monster fashion from the first cast.

You can kayak beneath giants.

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

In Lesotho, you can paddle beneath a larger-than-life landscape that’ll leave you pondering your tiny existence in the universe. Locals refer to the water that flows through their kingdom as “white gold” due to its important role in encouraging economic growth. The Katse and Mohale Dams help bring hydroelectric power and irrigation to surrounding areas, but they also serve as perfect launching points for paddle or boating experiences. Bring a camera as you’ll see the clear, tranquil waters act as perfect mirrors for the monstrous mountains rising from the depths. Float onward from Katse Dam through the old Malibamatso Valley and bask in the sheer magnitude of the towering peaks on either side of the Malibamat’so River as they dwarf you in your tiny kayak.

The country is home to the world’s highest abseil.

Photo: mbrand85/Shutterstock

You’re strapped into the harness, helmet on. The guide gives the contraption a few tugs to check that it’s secure. You walk slowly, heat pumping, toward the edge of the cliff — backward. Putting full faith in the straps and cables that hold you, you lean back into open air and disappear over the cliff edge. You are now hanging 206 meters (676 feet) up, back parallel to the ground, as you abseil (rappel) down the world’s highest commercially operated abseil at Maletsunyane Falls. Rappelling off Maletsunyane rewards true adrenaline junkies with breathtaking views and a hose down from the mist blowing off the falls, leaving you drenched and triumphant as you plant your feet at last on solid ground. If you make it, you can forever claim that you descended the highest abseil in the world.


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Norwegian Cruise Lines free airfare

Free doesn’t always mean good. Ask anyone who’s ever spent a “free” weekend in Myrtle Beach sitting through timeshare presentations. But Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering up some seriously good free stuff this weekend in the hopes of luring you north next summer to take a cruise to Alaska.

On September 14, NCL will offer free coach airfare from over 100 US and Canadian airports if you book a seven-day voyage on the Norwegian Joy. The offer was available to previous NCL guests yesterday and to everyone else today. So basically, once you book the cruise, that’s the last money you spend until you start ordering drinks on the Lido Deck — one of the most alluring cruise ship offerings in recent memory.

Free flights sound pretty fantastic… almost too fantastic. And yes, of course, there’s a catch. You can’t just book the cheapest cabin on the ship and expect NCL to fork over your airfare. The free airfare is only included with balcony staterooms and above. Although depending on how much flights from your hometown cost, you might still spend less booking a better cabin and flying for free.

That said, if you live in, say, Sacramento, and a round-trip ticket to Seattle costs less than dinner at an upscale sports bar, you can also opt to get $1,000 off your cruise fare per stateroom. NCL will also allow guests to combine this offer with its Free at Sea program, which lets you pick stuff like free open bar, free specialty dining, or free WiFi along with up to $500 in onboard credit for select bookings.

So those drinks on the Lido deck might not cost you anything either if you play your cards right.

The offer applies for sailings on the Joy from April to September 2019. The Joy recently underwent a $50 million renovation to bring it up to par with its sister ship, the Norwegian Bliss, which debuted this year on Alaska routes out of Seattle. Its itineraries will stop in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay, and Icy Strait Point in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

After summering in Alaska, the Joy will stay on the West Coast, running cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal out of Los Angeles. No free flights being offered for those, though.

You’ve literally only got a day to jump on this offer, and bookings can be made at NCL.com or by calling 888-NCL-CRUISE. So DM this story to your spouse, your best travel buddy, or the extended family you had to visit this summer but weren’t really thrilled about. Even they’ll be tolerable while cruising past glaciers and gazing at bald eagles. And everything is better when it’s free.


More like this: This round-the-world cruise stops at every continent and 32 countries

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Royal tour through Oceania itinerary

It’s only been three and a half months since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, but royal duties wait for no one. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will head out on their first royal tour together in just a month, hitting several countries in Oceania. And while fans may not be able to travel alongside the pair, they can follow their exact itinerary on trips of their own.

The official visit will last two weeks, from October 16 to October 31, and span multiple cities in the Commonwealth countries of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Tonga. It’ll focus on youth leadership, as well as environmental and conservation efforts. It also includes attendance at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, a multi-sport event created by Prince Harry to promote the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women.

An exact, day-by-day outline of the schedule was released on the royal family’s official website:

October 16: Sydney, Australia

Harry and Meghan start their trip by arriving in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in Australia. It’s best known for must-see attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach.

October 17: Dubbo, Australia

Next, they move further inland to the city of Dubbo. Despite the smaller population, the city has several heritage-listed sites like the Dubbo railway station, Dundullimal Homestead, and National Australia Bank building. Another draw to the area is the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to 4,000 animals from over 350 species.

October 18: Melbourne, Australia

The capital of Victoria is known for being artsy and cool, hosting a number of museums — like the National Gallery of Victoria, which is dedicated to Australian and indigenous art — performing arts centers, and tons of incredible street art. Other points of interest include Federation Square, the Queen Victoria Markets, and the Yarra River, where visitors can partake in water sports.

October 19, 20, and 21: Sydney, Australia

The couple will head back to Sydney in preparation for the 2018 Invictus Games, which officially begin on the 20th.

October 22: Fraser Island, Australia

Fraser Island is the largest island in the world, spanning approximately 160 miles. The UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a number of scenic locations, including the Champagne Pools — famous due to its pools of bubbling water caused by waves crashing over volcanic rocks — and Lake McKenzie with its white-sand beaches. Harry and Meghan will be visiting as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project to preserve natural environments.

October 23 and 24: Suva, Fiji

The next stop will be in Suva, the largest city in Fiji, as well as the South Pacific. Here, visitors can explore the Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve, Thurston Gardens, and Albert Park.

October 25: Nadi, Fiji and Nuku’alofa, Tonga

The royal couple will split their time between two countries on this day. First, they’ll arrive in Nadi, a town on Fiji’s main island that’s most people’s first stop in the island nation. Then they’ll head over to the capital of Nuku’alofa in the Kingdom of Tonga, home to Tonga’s own royal family.

Friday, October 26: Nuku’alofa, Tonga and Sydney, Australia
Saturday, October 27: Sydney, Australia
Sunday, October 28: Wellington, New Zealand

After a brief return to Sydney, Harry and Meghan will head over to New Zealand’s capital on the North Island. It’s also home to the Weta Cave and Weta Workshop, the production company behind the props and special effects for series like the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. But if you aren’t into seeing movie magic, there’s always the Wellington Botanical Gardens and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Monday, October 29: Wellington and Abel Tasman, New Zealand

Next up is Abel Tasman National Park, a wilderness reserve on New Zealand’s South Island. Whether you want relaxation or adventure, you’ll find both here with activities like kayaking, cruises, helicopter tours, sailing, swimming, and hikes.

Tuesday, October 30: Auckland, New Zealand

They’re back to the North Island with Auckland and its harbor boats aplenty, which give Auckland its nickname of “City of Sails.” The seafood is excellent, and with access to vineyard-filled islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto, so is the wine scene. The Sky Tower is where you can test the limits of your bravery by either walking along the rim of the tower over 600 feet up or jumping straight down (all in a harness, of course).

Wednesday, October 31: Rotorua, New Zealand

Last but not least, the trip will end with a stop in Rotorua. Home to several lakes, geysers, and spas, it’s the perfect place to wind down and end a two-week jaunt.

With this, you can spend two full weeks following in Harry and Meghan’s royal footsteps. You can book those plane tickets for the same dates and follow the itinerary exactly. You may not be able to always spot the couple performing their royal duties, but you’ll be able to visit some pretty amazing places.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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Museum of the Moon exhibit coming

Good news for stargazers. Now you don’t have to wait until space travel becomes an affordable option to see the Moon in all its glory. The “Museum of the Moon” exhibit, a touring artwork installation by UK-based artist Luke Jerram, is coming soon to Europe, and it’ll allow visitors to get up close and personal with the Moon’s surface.

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Measuring 23 feet in diameter, with a scale of 1:500,000, the internally lit spherical sculpture will give a scientifically accurate, detailed representation of the moon’s surface. Creator Luke Jerram explains that since the moon has inspired artists, poets, scientists, and writers throughout history, he hopes his installation will continue that tradition, and highlight how different cultures interact with the exhibit. “Some visitors lie down and moon-bathe,” he said, “and once in Bristol we had an unexpected group of visitors who arrived in slow motion to the exhibition dressed as spacemen!”

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True to the celestial body that inspired it, the Museum of the Moon will not be stationary, but travel across the world touring various countries. After spending part of the summer in China, the Museum of the Moon will land in Europe this fall, between September and November. It’ll pass through the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Finland, before making the long journey to Melbourne, Australia, where it will stay until spring 2019.

To bask in the moonlight yourself, check out the exhibit’s tour dates and details.

H/T: Lonely Planet

More like this: These are the best spots out west for stargazing

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World Cleanup Day on September 15th

This Saturday, September 15th, residents of more than 150 countries around the world will participate in a large, coordinated effort for good. The event, dubbed World Cleanup Day, is expected to bring 20 million people together to clean up litter, as reported by Lonely Planet. The cleanup will begin at daybreak in New Zealand and end 36 hours later in Hawaii.

While the coordinated global effort is new, the concept actually dates all the way back to 1989. Ian Kiernan and Kim McKay, a pair of Australian environmentalists, launched a one-day effort to clean up plastic from Sydney Harbor that they called Clean Up Australia Day. The event vastly exceeded expectations, bringing 40,000 people together and resulting in 5,000 tons of trash being removed from the harbor. The day’s success inspired similar events across Australia in subsequent years.

In 2007, a group of Estonian outdoors enthusiasts launched the Let’s Do It! World organization to work toward the same goal of cleaning up trash in the country’s forests and open spaces. This effort was also successful, attracting the attention of the media and public and spreading throughout Europe and beyond. Eventually, the two efforts joined forces to create a worldwide day of cleanup.

“This global, civic-led action will unite local communities worldwide who are battling with the challenges of mismanaged waste, such as litter and illegal dumpsites, which is tarnishing their beaches, rivers, forests, and streets,” the Let’s Do It! Campaign said in a press release. You can follow live updates via the World Cleanup Day YouTube channel and Facebook page. For volunteer opportunities and more information, head to the organization’s website.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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Free lodging for hurricane evacuees

Hurricane Florence has upended over one million people in North and South Carolina, as well as in Virginia, forcing them out of their homes in anticipation of high winds and heavy flooding. The storm’s landfall is predicted for today (Friday), so home rental site Airbnb is offering $0 listings for those displaced by the storm through its “Open Homes” program.

Through Airbnb’s charitable program, hosts are able to offer up their rentals — be they guest homes, apartments, or even just a spare bedroom, free of charge, as reported by Condé Nast Traveler. To date, more than 100 listings have been made available to those in need. Hosts throughout the southeast coast, primarily in larger cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Columbia, all have numerous $0 listings available.

If you or your family have been forced to evacuate due to the storm, you can view the available listings on Airbnb’s Open Homes page. While no documentation is needed to prove that an applicant is actually displaced, Airbnb is taking measures to ensure regular renters aren’t abusing the policy. “Any reservation reported to have been made by a non-evacuee will be cancelled and guests must leave the listing immediately,” Airbnb explained on the Open Homes site.

Those with a room to spare are able to list it via the same site. “We are incredibly proud that so many of our hosts offer to volunteer their homes to their fellow neighbors in need during times of disaster,” Airbnb said.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

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Most beautiful Buddha statues

Hundreds of millions of people practice Buddhism worldwide, so it comes as little surprise that some of the largest and most impressive testaments to any faith are various Buddha statues found throughout Asia, where the largest concentrations of Buddhists live. From elaborate rock reliefs to brightly painted sculptures, these 11 effigies will leave you absolutely awestruck.

1. Leshan Giant Buddha — Sichuan, China

Photo: dttmstock/Shutterstock

A highlight of the UNESCO-recognized Mount Emei Scenic Area, this 233-foot-tall statue is the largest stone Buddha in the world. The creation was carved into a sandstone cliff during the Tang Dynasty around 800 AD. It depicts a Maitreya, an iteration of Buddha that is believed to be yet to come. Despite suffering some weathering over the years, the massive carving is one of the grandest Buddhas ever sculpted and a must-see in the Sichuan province of China.

2. Tian Tan Buddha — Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Photo: Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock

Construction on this bronze Buddha overlooking Lantau Island began in 1990, making it one of the newer statues on this list. Nonetheless, weighing in at more than 250 metric tons, the Tian Tan Buddha is an important example of a seated Buddha statue. It sits on a lotus flower and stands guard over the nearby Po Lin Monastery, a hallowed site for Buddhist pilgrims and popular tourist attraction. If you get the chance to visit, be sure to follow the 250 steps to the base of the statue for an up-close and personal look.

3. Wat Pho Reclining Buddha — Bangkok, Thailand

Photo: corwardlion/Shutterstock

Wat Pho is an ancient temple complex in Bangkok. Although the site is filled to the brim with more than 1,000 Buddha images, the most impressive tribute to Siddhārtha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, is the golden reclining Buddha that stretches 150 feet across the hall in which it’s housed. Ornamental details include mother of pearl inlays on the bottom of the Buddha’s feet and glass mosaic designs surrounding its head.

4. Kamakura Daibutsu — Kamakura, Japan

Photo: Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock

Found at the Kōtoku-in temple about an hour south of Tokyo by car, this great bronze Buddha is an important feature of the Japanese cultural landscape and a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site. Completed in 1252, the statue weighs just under 100 tons, lighter than one might expect given its 43-foot height. This is because the statue is hollow, allowing visitors the chance to explore the interior of Japan’s second-largest Buddha for a nominal fee.

5. Buddha Dordenma — Thimphu, Bhutan

Photo: Jesse33/Shutterstock

One of the top attractions in the Bhutanese capital, this massive gold and bronze statue towers more than 164 feet over the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park atop a meditation center. The big Shakyamuni Buddha — another name for Gautama Buddha — was twice prophesied to bring peace and good fortune, first by yogi Sonam Zangpo and later by Guru Padmasambhava. Inside the meditation hall, more than 100,000 smaller gold and bronze Buddhas further honor the deity.

6. Gal Vihara Buddha — Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Photo: saiko3p/Shutterstock

There are several Buddha statues at the Gal Vihara temple complex in Sri Lanka, but the site is best known for housing a 46-foot-long, rock-cut reclining Buddha, one of the longest in South Asia. Lotus flowers decorate the statue’s right hand and feet, symbolizing purity, and its pose, called parinirvana, represents Buddha post-enlightenment. Perhaps the most striking feature of the carving is the marbling present in the granite, which together with its impressive detailing makes this relief an icon of the Sinhalese craftsmanship found in Sri Lanka.

7. Grand Buddha at Ling Shan — Wuxi, China

Photo: JoeyPhoto/Shutterstock

Standing tall at around 290 feet and weighing 700 tons, this big bronze Buddha certainly lives up to its name. It was completed in the 1990s and smiles down at visitors to the Mount Lingshan Scenic Area. The Buddha’s right hand is raised with its palm facing outward, making the abhaya gesture, a sign of fearlessness. Roughly an hour and a half outside of Shanghai, the Mount Lingshan Scenic Area is popular with tourists, who enjoy taking the 216-step staircase to the base of the statue.

8. Pakse Golden Buddha — Pakse, Laos

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Buddhism is the most common religion in Laos, so it makes sense that the Southeast Asian nation houses an impressive tribute to Buddha himself. Erected on a hilltop overlooking the Mekong River at the Wat Phou Salao temple site, this large statue was completed in 2013, as is evidenced by its untarnished golden sheen. It’s a bit of a trek to reach — there’s a staircase leading up the hillside, as well as a steep back road — but it’s worth the effort to see up close.

9. Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha — Ushiki, Japan

Photo: Joaquin Ossorio Castillo/Shutterstock

Reaching heights of 394 feet, this Buddha statue is one of the tallest in the world. The bronze, open-palmed Buddha is seen standing on a lotus flower, which adds about 33 feet to its already impressive height, and visitors can take an elevator up 289 feet to take in the surroundings from an observation floor. Built to honor Shinran, the Japanese Buddhist monk responsible for establishing the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, the statue is located just over an hour outside of Tokyo by car, making it a perfect day trip from the Japanese capital.

10. Monywa Buddhas — Khatakan Taung, Myanmar

Photo: Anut21ng Photo/Shutterstock

Admirers of grand Buddha sculptures get not one but two beautiful displays at the Maha Bodhi Tahtaung monastery in Myanmar. The first thing you see when you approach is a 423-foot-tall standing Buddha, which towers over a second image of a reclining Buddha. The statues were built just a few years apart: the reclining Buddha was built first in 1991 and the other in 1995. While both are impressive, the upright Laykyun Sekkya image blows visitors away not only with its glittering facade but also its interior, which is split into 31 floors representing the Buddhist lifecycle. Each floor is decorated with murals on theme with the different stages of life.

11. Bodhi Tree Buddha Head — Ayutthaya, Thailand

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Neither the tallest nor most opulent Buddha in the world, this sandstone relic is nonetheless one of the coolest you’ll ever see. It once belonged to a 14th-century temple called Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, though the temple is now in ruins. Today, the statue can be found peeking out from the trunk of a Bodhi tree, a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism. Over the course of 250 years, the tree’s roots have grown around the sandstone bust, making this Buddha an important part of the Thai landscape in more ways than one.


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