Mystery and enigma had always fascinated man since time lost in the past. However, at present there exist sites which clearly baffle us. Our limits of logical reasoning have failed to demystify the bizarre phenomena defying the laws of natural science, and this had been the most powerful factor drawing in millions of tourists and enthusiasts. Was there a more advanced civilization prior to our advent upon this earth? Have they mastered the laws of science and technology more efficiently than we did? If they had the feats achieved are naked testimonies to their ground breaking achievements, it could easily put us into embarrassment.
Another popular theory has been put forward that it is the aliens from outer space that frequented our earth at intervals. The astounding feats and ground shattering landmarks that we see today at various mysterious sites like the Stonehenge for example may be contributions from outer space or more appropriately the handiwork of extra terrestrial aliens with superior intellect. Whatever may be the background; these interesting sites are shrouded in mystery with irresistible tourist attraction. An attempt has been made here to list out five such sites which has baffled tourists over years rolled past.
1. Nazca lines in Peru:
Peru has featured with prominence ranking top as one of the world most enigmatic places so far as the location of the famous Nazca lines is concerned. Sketched right into the Pampa desert these huge lines form specific patterns that are not random creases formed by the winds eroding effect on the sand. It is some deliberate art work assuming fingerlike shapes nearing around 300 in number and yet these geographic sketches are so enormous in size which rules out the possibility of any human artist being involved. Nevertheless, Nazca lines are massive tourist pullers.
2. Stonehenge(Great Britain):
Located in the English county near Wiltshire, this array of stone monuments is absolutely mysterious fascinating the tourists with their hypnotic charm. These awe inspiring stone structures were built around 2500 BC and had been renovated and reoriented quite a number of times. However, so far none could draw a logical conjecture as to the motive behind construction of this Stonehenge. Was it an observatory and a meteorological study centre or a temple for worship and rituals or a sacrificial platform is a baffling question yet to be answered.
3. Easter Islands(Chile) :
The existence of mammoth and yet mystifying stone statues arranged in a circular perimeter over stone platforms is what that makes the Easter Island in Chile famous and a centre of tourist appeal. It is guessed that these statues known as Moai were basically a ritualistic worship observed. These huge statues were said to have been sculpted between 1250 and 1500 Christian era. The heaviest statue weighs around 86 tons. The purpose behind building these statues is shrouded in mist as is the baffling fact that how could these massive loads weighing hundreds of tons could be handled with primitive tools and tackles?
4. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx (Egypt) :
These astounding monuments had been a cynosure for tourists, architects, civil engineers and engineering enthusiasts over generations. They were basically tombs for burying the Pharaohs along with his treasure and objects of day to day use because ancient Egyptians believed in after life. But the date and methods of construction is still an enigma. Why the structure of the tombs had to be pyramidal in shape? Did the shape conform to better preservation techniques? How on earth those huge boulders were pushed up through such great heights? What were the types of pulleys and tackles available in those days? Was there an existence of stone quarry nearby for procurement of raw materials? Do they exist till date? If not what could be the reason that they ran dry? These conjectures are open to a range of explanations propounded by experts, archeologists and scientists which certainly adds to the attraction and enigma of these legends frozen in stone. The intricate designs, the symmetry, the secrets of mummification and the awesome treasure trove of the Pharaoh fascinate the layman and the learned equally. Perhaps the mysterious death of an eminent archeologist named Sir Howard Carter who had been engaged in digging up the ancient Egyptian tomb of the dead brings about a spooky feeling. Was it some kind of disease and physical disorder that took his life or was it the curse of the dead whose journey after life had been disturbed by the digs? The series of unanswered questions are both baffling and arresting as are the tombs and monuments that keep the tourists spellbound.
5. Machu Picchu (Peru):
One of the most fascinating and well conserved cities of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu in Peru has been pulling tourists from all over the world. It was actually lost in oblivion but was rediscovered in 1911 by an archeologist named Hiram Bingham. The city was built around 1450 Christian Era as one of the most inscrutable construction and looks like an exquisite piece of painting set amid a mountainous terrain. It sure is a massively favorite tourist destination. Machu Picchu is a classic example of the lost world, and in fact it is an icon of the bygone Inca civilization. It is shrouded in a veil of mystery. For ages it was secluded from foreign eye until 1911. Much of the original city which was crumbled and fallen apart has been put to phase wise restoration. It is here where the fabled gold reserve of the Incas lay buried and was a powerful lure to the greed of the Spanish intruders led by Pizzaro. The legendary city was voted among the new Seven Wonders of the World. The city is vulnerable to earthquakes and weather erosion as much it is threatened by the pressure of heavy rush of tourist and the accompanying sound and dust pollution.