World Tourism Day is marked every year on September 27 to raise awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. While places such as France, Italy, Thailand etc tops the most visited places, the whole concept of how we view tourism solely for the purpose of leisure or adventure is taking a U-turn with people starting to take into considerations on places that might be considered wholly ‘picturesque’. The most primarily example is that of Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster which is set to become an official tourist attraction by next year.
So, without further ado, let us look at some of the abandoned ‘ghost towns’ for the Indiana Jones in you:
The Pontiac Silverdome, Michigan: Once used as a platform for some of the most famous rock bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin, the Silverstone stadium now waits in line to be abandoned.
Ross Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: Once used as a settlement by the British with extravagant dance halls, bakeries, clubs, pools, and gardens until in 1941 when an earthquake shook the island that was followed by an invasion by the Japanese. This town once called ‘Paris of the East’ now remains strewn in creepers and tree roots looking like one straight out of Angkor Wat.
Kolmanskop, Namibia: Used by the German miners to hunt for diamonds in the early 1900’s, the town began to decline after World War I which was followed by the discovery of a diamond-rich area along the coast in 1928. It now remains completely abandoned survived by eerie sounds and echoes from the abandoned buildings.
The Orpheum Theatre, New Bedford, Massachusetts: Opening the same day the Titanic sank, the Orpheum Theatre which was once a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture followed the same fate as the ill-fated ship with some even claiming that the theatre is abandoned.
Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York: Named after Frank Bannerman, a Scottish munitions dealer in New York City, this castle on Pollepel Island on the Hudson River was damaged after a powder explosion in 1920, Today, visitors interested in taking a look at the once-majestic castle can wade their way to the island via passenger boat or kayak.
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