The planet today is home to many wonders that enthrall our senses, captivate our imagination and transport us into magical lands that surpass the most delightful dreams we’ve ever had. Sadly enough, we are doing very little to keep these treasure chests intact both for us and for the future generations.

Global warming and the dark clouds of pollution have already started tarnishing the sheen of these wonders. While some of them are man made spectacles, others are rare jewels bestowed upon us by Mother Earth. If we are not careful enough these exotic destinations will not be around much longer and that is exactly why you better go take a visit before they disappear forever. Here are the 15 places to visit before they vanish.

1. Great Barrier Reef

The largest coral reef system in the world is an underwater magical world filled with plenty of color, biodiversity and visual grandeur. While much of the reef is protected area, it still is not immune to the effects of climate change, growing global temperatures and changing sea levels. Scientists and even the casual tourists already tell you that the reef is not the same as it was a decade or two ago and there might be very little left of it at this rate, come another couple of decades. Everyday you sit back at home, you’re sure to miss something at the Reef that will never be back again!

2. Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Statue of the Sphinx might not be fading away at the rate of the Great Barrier Reef, but these wonders of ancient Egypt are equally under threat because of changing climate and increase in pollution. Over the centuries thieves, excavators and others have robbed the place already, but its structural integrity is being robbed away each day by the impact of human activities and natural degradation of the structure. You might want to take that snap in front of the Sphinx, before it completely goes faceless!

3. Mount Everest and the Himalayan Range

The calm and quiet valleys in Nepal that lead you to the Everest and many others across India that are the gateway to the imperious Himalayan range, are changing at a rapid pace. The growing population of South-East Asia, congested spaces, and expanding human activity are robbing the Himalayas of their renowned tranquil beauty and untouched charm. Growing tourism is also a reason for the pollution caused in the region, but a more responsible visitor should enjoy the towering magic without ruining it for others.

4. Los Glaciares

This ice-capped land in the heart of Patagonia is the second largest national park in Argentina and one place where the impact of global warming can be seen profoundly. Large glaciers have broken down over the decades, with the park’s ice cap, which is the largest in the world outside Antarctica, has been melting at an alarming rate. The entire park looks much like the ‘home of superman’, though at the current rate, that might not be for long.

5. The Galapagos Islands

The unique species of the Galapagos are no strangers to the world thanks to Charles Darwin, but if you were to go by current climate patterns, then not many of the islands could remain intact for long. The archipelago of islands is a place of constant activity and home to some unique endemic species and the sooner you plan a trip to the place, the better, in terms of catching a glimpse of the best still on offer.

6. Babylon

So you can blame this one squarely on the Bush administration and for its dealing with Iraq. Setting up a military base at the heart of a historic site is another first for the glorious US Army and this one will surely not go down well with people. We really do not yet know if the place is safe to visit or will ever be. But with both US and Iraqi plans for Babylon, there might not be anything left soon.

7. Maldives

The island of Maldives is a complete delight for visitors both in terms of hospitality and its natural beauty. But the island lies so low that it will probably be the very first one to disappear in coming years with rising sea levels and global temperatures. A trip to this tropical island better be planned before it disappears off the world map.

8. Forbidden City (Gu Gong)

The Forbidden City of China is exactly what it is seems, forbidden and secluded from the world for a large period in history. But it opened up in the last century for visitors and historians revealing some amazing facts and well-kept secrets of Chinese royalty. Modern day pollution and the exploding population of China are taking a toll on this majestic royal palace.

9. Taj Mahal

The symbol of undying love that stands inspirationally in full moonlight is also falling prey to modern day industrialization and pollution. The structure in pristine white marble is already losing part of its sheen thanks to the poor air quality and negligence of the authorities. A trip to the Taj is often described by tourists as a deeply moving experience, though that might not be the case for much longer.

10. Lord Howe Island

The Island North of Queensland might be the best possible example for the way in which human activity, introduction of foreign species and overgrazing can destroy the ecosystem of an island. More than half of the original recorded species of birds on this island are extinct due to hunting, even before we could figure out that it needed protection. Even though the island is protected today, it faces the usual threats of oil spills and marine pollution.

11. Mount Kilimanjaro

One look at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the difference in the snow-clad top of the volcano in the last decade tells you a story about global climate patterns. As much as 80% of the snow cap has been lost in less than a few years, and the situation only continues to get worse. If you happened to visit Kilimanjaro back in the early 1990s and today, you would hardly recognize it from memory. Need we say more?

12. Archipelago of Indonesia and Bali

Few need to tell about the beauty and overwhelming holidays that Bali can offer you. The archipelago of Indonesia is equally enthralling with thick tropical forests and biodiversity that is next only to the Galapagos Islands. Global warming, rising sea levels and deforestation are causing irrevocable damage to this ancient land.

13. The African Serengeti

This might sound a bit out of the ordinary, but plan a trip to the African Serengeti and you will return home with memories like none other. It is a must for every nature lover to visit the vast and vibrant planes of Africa and with the rate at which these lands are shrinking, the sooner the better. Africa is expanding fast with human needs expanding into the animal domain. The Serengeti may not vanish away soon, but its wonders are already dwindling.

14. The Amazon Rainforest

You might have heard many stories about the Amazon rain forest, and when you visit the place, you will actually find that most of them are indeed true. This vast stretch of lush green carpet is one of a kind on the planet and even visiting it by air will leave you refreshed. The rain forests are obviously under threat from expanding human activity, but the conservation programs seem to be keeping it fairly intact. Like the Serengeti, this is a must visit if you love green!

15. Antarctica

Yes, the day Antarctica disappears as a whole, there might not be much left on the planet anyway! But the Antarctica that the world once knew has already disappeared and the land that tourism is cashing in on today will further shrink within the next few decades. The delights of this untouched paradise, many feel, are better left that way- untouched. So do not be surprised if the world puts a ban on these trips very soon and you might want to get on one before it stops.

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