The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India, was built in 1799 for the sole purpose of allowing the ladies of the royal household to watch processions unobserved. Hence the 953 intricately screened windows in its facade.
A nuisance for motorists but an aesthetic delight: In the UAE, the wind is constantly creating and destroying sand dunes that sometimes even bring road traffic to a standstill. Australian photographer Irenaeus Herok used a drone to capture the beauty of the drifting sand on the highway.
Koreans never used to eat dairy products, but that’s all changed. Fans from around the world now flock to Cheese Village in Imsil, the world’s only cheese theme park. A few decades ago, a Catholic priest from Belgium sparked the trend by making goat’s cheese. An entire nation now appreciates what raised a few eyebrows at first.
Is this a Russian version of the Burning Man? Almost. Artists here create giant outdoor art for the Archstoyanie Festival every year, but as very little of it is burned, the meadow has become a veritable sculpture park.
Hey, what’s wrong with volunteering in traditional vacation spots? Many voluntourism projects may be controversial, but these three projects are ethically just fine.
Helping people who are sick or working with children requires certain qualifications, but living and working on an organic farm does not. The WWOOF network can help you find your ideal farm.
Protecting elephants is a great idea, but many places keep their animals in miserable conditions. One very good act to follow is the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand.
If you’re interested in saving coral reefs, lionfish or turtles, check out Blue Venture, which organizes sustainable projects and offers volunteering programs complete with daily dives.