From vibrant neighbourhoods to powerful heritage sites, South Africa lets visitors see how the Rainbow Nation idea plays out in everyday life.

Some nicknames describe landscapes or climate, while others capture something far more human. Travellers often hear the phrase “Rainbow Nation” long before they arrive in the country it describes. The name appears in documentaries, travel blogs and conversations about culture, yet it is much more than a catchy line. It reflects a society shaped by many identities, and a history that still influences its streets, food and everyday life. When you explore the country behind this title, the meaning slowly begins to reveal itself in markets, museums and neighbourhoods. So which nation carries this colourful identity, and why does the name matter to anyone planning a trip there?

South Africa: The Country Which Is Known As The ‘Rainbow Nation’

The nation known as the Rainbow Nation is South Africa. The phrase became widely recognised in the 1990s when Archbishop Desmond Tutu used it to describe the country as it emerged from apartheid. It symbolised the coming together of different communities after decades of segregation. Even today, the nickname continues to shape how travellers understand the mix of languages, traditions and stories that define the country.

Why The Nickname Holds Meaning

The term came at a turning point in South Africa’s history. After 1994, the country was rebuilding itself as an inclusive society. The idea of the Rainbow Nation became a way to describe unity during a difficult transition. For travellers, this background adds context to what you see on the ground, from national monuments to street art and community museums.

A Blend Of Cultures, Languages And Traditions

South Africa officially recognises 11 languages and is home to communities of African, European, Indian and mixed heritage descent. This diversity is not limited to history books. It is visible in cities where multiple languages are spoken in a single neighbourhood and in food traditions that bring together influences from different cultures. Markets, festivals and local music scenes give travellers a glimpse of how these communities live side by side.

Where Travellers Can Experience The Rainbow Nation Spirit

1. Cape Town

Walk through Bo‑Kaap, known for its colourful homes and Cape Malay heritage. Explore neighbourhoods where food, architecture and community life reflect a blend of cultures.

2. Johannesburg

Visit the Apartheid Museum for an honest look at the past. Areas like Maboneng offer a lively mix of art, design studios and local eateries.

3. Durban

Experience a coastal city shaped by Zulu and Indian influences. Durban’s distinct food scene, including the famous bunny chow, tells its own cultural story.

4. Soweto And Other Townships

Guided visits offer insight into community life, local businesses and the roots of South Africa’s modern identity.

Why This Matters To Visitors

Understanding why South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation deepens the travel experience. It explains the country’s cultural richness and the openness with which people discuss history. Travellers often arrive for the scenery and wildlife but leave with a stronger appreciation of the people and stories that shape the nation.

How To Explore Beyond The Usual Highlights

• Visit Robben Island for insight into Nelson Mandela’s life
• Explore multicultural areas such as Bo‑Kaap or Maboneng
• Spend time in heritage museums and community centres
• Attend festivals that showcase regional music, food and craft

The Rainbow Nation is not just a title. It reflects a journey that continues even today. For travellers, it offers more than sightseeing. It creates moments of learning, connection and understanding, making a trip to South Africa feel layered and meaningful.

The tallest buildings in the world have always been symbols of ambition, being engineering feats that reshape city skylines and redefine what’s possible in the built environment. These towers trace a geography of 21st-century ambition, stretching from East Asia to the Gulf and North America. Advances in high-strength concrete, wind-resistant structural systems, and high-speed elevators have made vertical growth more feasible than ever, while mixed-use programming ensures that supertall buildings function as dense urban ecosystems rather than isolated monuments. Observation decks, luxury hotels, offices, residences, and retail now coexist within single structures, drawing both travellers and locals upward. Even as new contenders emerge, the buildings on this list remain defining landmarks of their cities, instantly recognisable on postcards, film backdrops, and flight approaches. For travellers, they offer not just sweeping views but a way to read the aspirations of the places below. Using globally verified height data, this list ranks the tallest buildings in the world by their official architectural height.

Source and methodology

Heights and rankings are based on data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the international authority that standardises skyscraper measurements. Buildings are ranked by architectural height, which includes spires but excludes antennae and temporary structures. Only completed buildings are included.

The tallest buildings in the world

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai: 828m

The undisputed tallest building on Earth since 2010, this needle-like tower dominates Dubai’s skyline and remains the global benchmark for vertical scale. Designed as the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, it anchors a district of malls, residences, and fountains that helped redefine the city’s global image.

2. Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur: 679m

Completed in 2023, this faceted tower reshaped Kuala Lumpur’s horizon and now stands as the tallest structure in Southeast Asia. Its name references Malaysia’s declaration of independence nearby, tying national symbolism to contemporary architectural ambition.

3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai: 632m

Defined by its twisting glass façade, Shanghai Tower reflects China’s rapid urban rise and houses offices, hotels, and observation decks within its spiralling form. The aerodynamic design reduces wind load and energy use, signalling a shift toward more sustainable supertall construction.

4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Mecca: 601m

Overlooking Islam’s holiest site, this monumental clock-topped tower combines religious significance with supertall scale. Part of a vast pilgrimage complex, it accommodates thousands of worshippers and visitors during peak Hajj seasons.

5. Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen: 599m

A sleek commercial skyscraper anchoring Shenzhen’s financial district, symbolising the city’s transformation into a global tech hub. Its height and prominence mirror Shenzhen’s rapid evolution from manufacturing zone to innovation powerhouse.

6. Lotte World Tower, Seoul: 555m

Tapering gracefully into the sky, this mixed-use tower blends retail, offices, residences, and one of the world’s highest observation decks. The structure has become a defining landmark of Seoul’s modern skyline and a major draw for visitors.

7. One World Trade Center, New York City: 541m

Rising from the rebuilt World Trade Center site, this tower is both a memorial and a modern landmark on Manhattan’s skyline. Its symbolic height of 1,776 feet references the year of American independence, embedding history within architecture.

8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou: 530m

A vertical city of offices, residences, and a luxury hotel, designed for density and speed with some of the world’s fastest elevators. The tower forms part of a cluster of supertalls redefining Guangzhou’s Pearl River skyline.

9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin: 530m

Twin in height to its Guangzhou counterpart, this slender tower anchors Tianjin’s expanding financial core. Its curved glass exterior is engineered to minimise wind resistance while maximising interior efficiency.

10. CITIC Tower, Beijing: 528m

Nicknamed “China Zun” for its vessel-inspired silhouette, this skyscraper blends traditional form with contemporary engineering. It now stands as the tallest building in Beijing, marking the capital’s growing vertical ambitions.

Cao Cristales isn’t easy to reach. It requires international flights, domestic flights, boat rides, long hikes, basic accommodation, and adaptability.

Imagine a river that looks like a liquid rainbow. Where the water flows over rocks painted in red, pink, yellow, green, and blue. Where nature creates a colour palette so vivid that photos look Photoshopped but are 100% real. Welcome to Caño Cristales in Colombia—the River of Five Colours, often called the most beautiful river in the world. Located in a remote corner of Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena National Park, this 100-kilometre river transforms into a stunning natural wonder between June and November each year. The colours come from an endemic aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera that blooms in brilliant red and pink, mixing with yellow sand, green algae, blue water, and black rocks to create this otherworldly spectacle. For decades, this natural treasure was off-limits due to Colombia’s civil conflict. But since 2009, the region has opened to tourism, and now travellers from around the world make the journey to witness what locals call “the river that escaped from paradise.” For Indians seeking bucket-list nature experiences beyond the usual European circuits or Southeast Asian beaches, Caño Cristales offers something genuinely unique. It’s remote, it requires effort to reach, and it’s only accessible half the year. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

How Does a River Have Five Colours?

The magic happens thanks to a unique combination of factors that exist nowhere else on Earth quite like this.

The Star: Macarenia clavigera

This endemic aquatic plant grows only in this region. It attaches itself to the riverbed rocks and, under specific conditions, blooms in brilliant shades of red, pink, and magenta. The plant needs several things to thrive: crystal-clear water (so sunlight penetrates), moderate water flow (too fast washes it away, too slow doesn’t provide nutrients), and specific temperature ranges.

The Five Colours Explained:

1. Red and Pink: From the Macarenia clavigera plant in full bloom
2. Yellow: From the sandy riverbed visible through crystal-clear water
3. Green: From algae and moss growing on rocks
4. Blue: From the sky reflected in deeper pools
5. Black: From the volcanic rocks on the riverbed

Why Only June to November?

During Colombia’s dry season (December-May), water levels drop too low and the plants don’t get enough nutrients. During the wet season (too much rain), the current is too strong and washes away the blooms. The sweet spot is the transition period between wet and dry seasons when water levels, sunlight, and temperature align perfectly. Peak viewing is July-September.

How to Reach Caño Cristales

Getting here requires commitment, but that’s part of the adventure.

Step 1: Reach Bogotá, Colombia

From India: No direct flights. Most routes connect through Europe (Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) or North America (New York, Miami, Houston) to Bogotá. Total journey time: 24-30 hours with layovers.

Airlines: Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Avianca, LATAM

Visa: Indians need a Colombian tourist visa. Apply at the Colombian Embassy in New Delhi with a passport, photos, bank statements, hotel bookings, and return tickets. Processing takes 10-15 days. Visa fee is around ₹5,000-7,000.

Step 2: Bogotá to Villavicencio

From Bogotá, you can fly or take a bus to Villavicencio (4-5 hours by road, 30 minutes by flight). Most tour packages include this transfer.

Step 3: Villavicencio to La Macarena

By Air (Only Option): Small charter flights operate daily during tourist season (June-November) from Villavicencio to La Macarena. Flight time: 50 minutes.

Important: There are no roads to La Macarena. Flying is the only way in and out. Small propeller planes carry 12-20 passengers. Book through tour operators as individual tickets aren’t available.

Step 4: La Macarena to Caño Cristales

From La Macarena town, it’s a 30-45 minute boat ride on the Guayabero River followed by a 20-minute walk to reach Caño Cristales entry points.

Key Point: You cannot visit Caño Cristales independently. All visitors must go with registered tour operators, licensed guides, and groups. This protects the fragile ecosystem.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are basic but clean. This isn’t a luxury resort destination, it’s an eco-tourism zone focused on conservation.

In La Macarena Town

Budget (₹1,500-3,000/night):

• Basic guesthouses and hostels
• Shared bathrooms, fans (no AC)
• Simple but clean
• Examples: Hostal Macarenia, Casa del Turista

Mid-Range (₹3,000-6,000/night):

• Small hotels with private bathrooms
• Basic amenities, hot water
• Some have generators for electricity (town has limited power hours)
• Examples: Hotel Macarena Real, Posada Turística Manigua

Important Notes:

• La Macarena has about 5,000 residents. Tourism infrastructure is developing but still basic.
• Electricity is limited (usually 6pm-midnight from generators).
• No ATMs work reliably—bring cash in Colombian pesos.
• No international restaurants—expect local Colombian food.
• Wi-Fi is slow or non-existent.

What to Expect:
Think of it as a remote village experience rather than a hotel stay. Rooms are simple. Food is home-cooked Colombian fare (rice, beans, grilled meats, arepas, plantains). Showers might be cold. But the warmth of the locals and the anticipation of seeing Caño Cristales makes it all worthwhile.

Tour Packages

Most visitors book all-inclusive packages that include:

• Return flights Villavicencio-La Macarena
• Accommodation in La Macarena (2-3 nights)
• All meals
• Guided tours to Caño Cristales
• Permits and entrance fees
• Boat transport

What to Do at Caño Cristales

The Main Experience: River Hiking

You don’t just look at Caño Cristales from a distance. You wade through it, swim in natural pools, hike alongside it, and immerse yourself completely.

Typical Day Tour (Full Day, 8-10 hours):

6:00 AM: Breakfast in La Macarena

7:00 AM: Boat ride on Guayabero River to entry point

8:00 AM: Start hiking along Caño Cristales

You’ll trek through multiple sections of the river, each offering different colours and formations:

• Los Pianos (The Pianos): Layered rock formations that look like piano keys, covered in red Macarenia clavigera
• Piscina del Turista (Tourist Pool): Natural swimming hole with crystal-clear water where you can swim (following strict rules)
• Cascada de la Virgen (Virgin’s Waterfall): Stunning waterfall with rainbow-coloured rocks
• Los Ochos (The Figure Eight): Two circular pools connected by a narrow channel forming an “8” shape
• El Tapete Rojo (The Red Carpet): Section where Macarenia clavigera is so dense it looks like a red carpet underwater

Throughout the day, you’ll:

• Hike 12-15 kilometres total (moderate difficulty, wear good shoes)
• Wade through shallow sections of the river
• Swim in designated pools
• Climb over rocks and through jungle trails
• Stop for packed lunch by the river
• Take countless photos

4:00 PM: Return boat ride to La Macarena

5:00 PM: Back to the accommodation

 Important Rules (Strictly Enforced):

• No sunscreen or insect repellent (chemicals harm the plants)
• No smoking
• No littering
• No touching or stepping on Macarenia clavigera
• Swim only in designated areas
• Follow guide instructions always

What Else to Explore

Serranía de la Macarena National Park

Caño Cristales sits within this 6,200 square kilometre national park—one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions. The park contains species from the Amazon, Andes, and Orinoco ecosystems all meeting in one place.

Other Attractions:

• Caño Canoas: Another colourful river nearby, less crowded than Caño Cristales
• Cachivera de la Lindosa: Stunning waterfall in the national park
• Cerro del Mirador: Viewpoint overlooking the La Macarena mountain range
• Indigenous Petroglyphs: Ancient rock art from indigenous communities
• Wildlife Watching: Monkeys, caimans, pink river dolphins (in Guayabero River), countless bird species

La Macarena Town

Small but worth exploring. Chat with locals, visit the plaza, try local food at family-run restaurants, see the modest church, and feel the rhythm of life in remote Colombia.

Best Time to Visit

• Peak Season (July-September): Best colours, most reliable weather, highest tourist numbers, higher prices
• Good Season (June, October, November): Still colourful, fewer tourists, slightly lower prices, occasional rain
• Closed Season (December-May): River not accessible to tourists. Either too dry (plants don’t bloom) or too wet (dangerous currents, colours washed out).
• Book Early: Tour operators have limited permits. Peak season tours sell out months in advance.

Practical Tips for Indians

1. Language: Spanish only. Almost no English. Download offline translation apps (Google Translate with Spanish downloaded).

2. Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). 1 INR ≈ 50-55 COP. Bring enough cash, ATMs in La Macarena are unreliable.

3. Safety: La Macarena region was once guerrilla territory. It’s now safe for tourists, but stay with your tour group and follow guide instructions.

4. Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination recommended (sometimes required). Also consider typhoid and hepatitis A. Bring malaria prophylaxis if your doctor recommends.

5. What to Pack:

• Quick-dry hiking clothes
• Sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals
• Waterproof bag for electronics
• Hat and sunglasses
• Light rain jacket
• Water bottle (bring your own—reduce plastic)
• Basic first aid kit
• Cash in small denominations

6. Fitness Level: Moderate. You’ll hike 12-15 km over uneven terrain, wade through water, climb rocks. Not extreme, but you need reasonable fitness.

7. Photography: Bring a good camera and waterproof case. The colours are real but photos still don’t do justice. GoPro works great for underwater shots.

The River Of Five Colours

Caño Cristales isn’t easy to reach. It requires international flights, domestic flights, boat rides, long hikes, basic accommodation, and adaptability. There’s no luxury, no five-star service, no Instagram-perfect hotels. But what it offers is something increasingly rare in our over-photographed world: genuine wonder. The first time you see that red plant blooming underwater, turning the riverbed into a living painting, your breath catches. When you wade through crystal-clear pools surrounded by five different colours swirling together, you understand why people call it the river that escaped from paradise. For Indians tired of the same beach resorts or European city tours, Caño Cristales represents true adventure. It’s remote enough to feel undiscovered, beautiful enough to justify the journey, and protected enough to remain pristine.

The world’s deepest freshwater, which is also the oldest lake on earth, lies in Russia, stretching over 1.6 kilometres down, Lake Baikal holds immense water and life. Its age, size, and unique species earned it UNESCO protection and global fame. It also holds nearly one-fifth of the world’s unfrozen freshwater and is the planet’s oldest lake.

Hidden in the icy wilderness of Siberia lies a lake so deep that if Mount Everest were dropped inside, its peak would still remain underwater. This is Lake Baikal, the deepest and the oldest lake on Earth, and it belongs to Russia.

But Baikal is not just about depth and age. Scientists consider it one of the most mysterious and valuable natural places on the planet. Let’s understand why.

WHERE IS THE WORLD’S DEEPEST AND OLDEST LAKE LOCATED?

Lake Baikal is located in southern Siberia, Russia, close to the Mongolia border.

It stretches like a giant blue crack across the land because it was formed in a rift valley, a place where Earth’s crust slowly pulls apart. That is why the lake keeps getting deeper even today.

Baikal freezes from January through May or June. Surface temperatures reach 10–12°C in August, rising to 20°C in shallow areas. The lake’s waters are low in minerals and highly oxygenated even at extreme depths, making it ideal for supporting unusual aquatic life.

Waves can reach up to 4.6 metres, while the average depth of 744 metres is astounding compared to most other lakes worldwide.

HOW DEEP IS LAKE BAIKAL?

Lake Baikal is about 1,642 metres deep.

It is a natural wonder of immense depth and age. It stretches 636 kilometres, covers over 31,500 square kilometres, and plunges to a maximum depth of around 1,642 metres.

To understand this:

• It is deeper than the height of most mountains in Europe.
• You could stack multiple skyscrapers inside it.
• Sunlight cannot reach most of its bottom.

Because of this extreme depth, scientists still discover new species there.

IS IT ALSO THE LARGEST FRESHWATER LAKE?

Not the largest in area, but the largest freshwater lake by volume.

Lake Baikal holds nearly 20 per cent of all unfrozen freshwater on Earth. That means one-fifth of the planet’s drinkable surface water is stored in this single lake.

Its waters are incredibly clear, with visibility reaching up to 40 metres, and contain approximately 23,600 cubic kilometres of fresh water, more than any other lake on Earth.

IS IT ALSO THE OLDEST LAKE ON EARTH?

Yes. Lake Baikal is around 25 million years old.

Most lakes live only about 10,000–20,000 years before drying or filling with soil. Baikal survived ice ages, earthquakes and climate shifts, making it the oldest lake in the world as well.

ARE THERE UNIQUE ANIMALS IN THE LAKE?

Yes. More than 80 per cent of Baikal species exist only here.

Lake Baikal is often called Russia’s Galapagos. Around 1,500–1,800 animal species live here, most found nowhere else. Notable residents include the Baikal seal (nerpa), the only freshwater seal species, omul salmon, golomyanka fish, and 25 endemic goby species.

Over 320 bird species also thrive in the surrounding forests and wetlands, making the lake a hotspot for scientific research and ecological tourism.

Scientists still explore the lake because new organisms are discovered regularly.

WHY IS LAKE BAIKAL IMPORTANT FOR SCIENCE?

Because it acts like a time capsule of Earth’s history:

• It stores climate records in its sediments.
• Its water is extremely clear and oxygen-rich.
• It helps scientists study evolution and tectonic activity.

Baikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Russian laws, national parks, and reserves like Barguzinsky (since 1916) aim to protect its waters.

Local industries, such as fisheries, tourism, and paper mills, have long posed threats, prompting ongoing monitoring and protective measures to preserve this unique ecosystem.

Lake Baikal is not only a record-breaker in depth and volume but also a treasure trove of biodiversity. Its location in Russia makes the country home to a freshwater gem that continues to fascinate scientists, conservationists, and travellers alike.