Rajasthan Tourism

Beautiful Old India Photo

2010-07-30T00:05:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Old India Photo

Shaheed Bhagat Singh photographed secretly at Lahore during his first arrest - 1927

Shaheed Bhagat Singh photographed secretly at Lahore Railway Police Station, during his first arrest 29 May to 4 July 1927 - in connection with Lahore Dussehra Bomb Case (25 Oct 1926) with Gopal Singh Pannu DSP, CID Lahore.

Indian Lady in Saree (2)

Indian Lady in Saree - Date Unknown

Beautiful Indian Lady

Beautiful Indian Lady - Date Unknown

Beautiful Indian female model in gorgeous dress

Beautiful Indian female model in gorgeous dress - Date Unknown

Indian female model in beautiful Saree

Indian female model in beautiful Saree - Date Unknown

Indian Lady in white Saree

Indian Lady in white Saree - Date Unknown

Group of women with Children

Group of women with Children - Date Unknown

Two ladies creating Alpana (Rangoli) on the floor

Two ladies creating Alpana (Rangoli) on the floor - Date Unknown

Enjoying Hookah in an Indian Village

Enjoying Hookah in an Indian Village - Date Unknown

South Indian Brahman Girl

South Indian Brahman Girl - Date Unknown

Indian Lady in Saree

Indian Lady in Saree - Date Unknown

Calcutta ( Kolkata ) 1945: An American Military Photograph Album

After a couple of years in India, the bizarre aspects of street life become commonplae to the average soldier, as evidenced by the scant notice given the passing snake-walla by the GI at right bargaining for a shine from one of he city's hundreds of bootblacks. The New American Kitchen is a popular Chinese restaurant, owned by a Portuguese, and serves up a steak of chop suey before you can say "Teek hai".

Probably the largest market in the East is the New Market. Convering several blocks in the downtown area,the 2,000 stalls offer most anything you could ask for, wartime shortages excepted. In addition to all the items appealing to the local and tourist trade, the market contains giant food departments.

The GI tourist here ponders the purchase of a 'rare gem'---a typical camera study of life on Chowringhee during the war. Firpo's famous restaurant is in the background, and dhoti-clad Indians and a British officer in shorts lend a bit of atmosphere.

A couple of GI's consider the pucrhasse of trinkets for the girl friend, harassed by the ever-presetn plea for "Baksheesh, Sahib", "You American Rajah", "No food, no money, no poppa".

Brassware and Gurkha knives are two of the most popular souvenir purchases made by soldiers. Bargaining is the rule and only the sucker pays the fist price asked. The New Market is alive with stalls like this.

Beautiful BeijinG tourism

2010-07-29T23:44:00.001-07:00

Beautiful BeijinG tourism

The Great Wall of China Tourists walk on Badalinskomu site. Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing.

Young visitors consider giant panda at Beijing Zoo, which hosts many species of rare animals including the golden monkey, and others from around the world.

Zoo also is a research and conservation center, where a number of programs for the reproduction of rare animals.

"Happy Valley" - an amusement park and attractions in Beijing, the largest in China. It consists of 6 thematic sections.

Park was built 4 years, it more than 40 rides. Currently China has more than 2,000 theme parks, although the boom began just 20 years ago.

Here walked emperors. This park Beyhan in Beijing, which more than 1000 years, and served as a place of rest for the rulers of the Five Dynasties.

Park opened to the public in 1925, it has a lake area of 96 square meters. miles, pavilions, towers, and beautiful landscape.

People bought up traditional Chinese shoes on the street Vanfudzin.

It's popular among tourists and among the inhabitants of Beijing, for its many beautiful bright stalls with a variety of dishes and snacks.

Speech by the actor at the Beijing opera. This genre combines literature, music, dance, martial arts and even acrobatics.

Engineered by the French architect Paul Andrew Theatre Centre, located near Tiananmen Square.

The Center has an opera theater at 2,398 seats, a concert hall for 2019 seats, and theater in 1,035 locations.

The ruins of the palace Qian Yuan. Also known as the Old Summer Palace,

the residence consisted of three independent garden area and covered an area of approximately 864.8 square meters. miles, which included about a hundred different landscape attractions.

The palace was looted and burned by British and French troops in 1860-m.

Chinese Muslims gathered for prayers in the mosque Nyudze in Beijing on the eve of Eid al-Fitr - the day that marks the end of the month of Ramadan and fasting.

Thousands of people came to this oldest and largest mosque in Beijing, to perform the morning prayer, meal after the fast in tents with food and dancing in the street.

The mosque was built in 996, and is the spiritual center for more than 10,000 Muslims, the Chinese capital.

Hall of Prayer for Harvest photographed from the window of the Temple of Heaven. Hall is shishkoobraznoe wooden structure with triple eaves.

His blue tiled roof is visible far outside the palace complex and is a visiting card of the Chinese imperial architectural style.

Rajathan Desert Safari

2010-07-29T22:59:00.001-07:00

Rajathan Desert Safari

Desert Safari is one of the most popular tourist activity. The desert safari is basically a trip into the depth of the desert on a 4×4 vehicle. This exciting trip begins with the vehicles proceeding into the desert as a convoy, The desert safari is quite like a roller coaster ride as driver will drive thrillingly up and down red sand dunes. After a short ride the convoy will come to a stop in the middle of a desert. So the tourist have great opportunity to take photographs of thrilling moment of desert safari. Enjoy These photos.

Tourism in Bangalore India

2010-07-29T22:55:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Bangalore India

Beautiful City Walls of Bangalore

Murals in Bangalore, India

The streets of Bangalore in India are covered with colourful murals. In 2009, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) - the Greater Bangalore Municipal Body - embarked on the idea of painting the city walls with colourful motifs and designs

Scenes from mythology, animals, monuments and sporting heroes are just a few of the themes of the huge paintings on the city's walls

BBMP came up with the idea of the murals to beautify the city and to stop people defacing properties with graffiti or posters

The scheme also provides employment for local artists - more than 100 painters from Bangalore are involved in the scheme

Authorities say they plan to extend the scheme to cover virtually every city wall

Cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar

A painting of Sachin Tendulkar on the boundary wall of a sports ground

A painting of Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue

A mural of the Taj Mahal

An elephant on roller skates

A mural depicting a child holding a swan in the palm of his hand

An auto rickshaw driver passes a mural depicting a tiger

Royal Elephant

Royals

Men walk by murals of Mughal architecture

A man walks by murals depicting deer

Ajanta type mural

19th century typical scene

sOme maGnificent temples of india

2010-07-19T04:26:00.001-07:00

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Dakshineswar (near Kolkata), West Bengal

Kedarnath temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Lord Kalabhairaveshwara Temple , Adichunchanagiri Math (95 Km from Bangalore ), Karnataka

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple , Dharmasthala (75 kms from Mangalore), Karnataka

Sri Krishna Temple , Guruvayur, Kerala

Sri Shantadurga temple, Ponda, Goa

Suchindram Temple , Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu..

Sri Madhuru Madananteshwara Siddivinayaka Temple , Madhur (50 kms from Mangalore), Kerala

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The best part of the temple is the the huge idol of Lord Vishnu sleeping over the snake is turning into gold(it weighs almost 700 kg)! It is believed that when Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India in the middle ages, the people of the then kingdom invented a black coating which would not wear out even by the strongest chemicals. They coated the large idol with this so that the plunderers wont come to know that its made up of gold. they were unable to remove the coating after the invaders left. But recently, in the past 10 yrs or so the coating is finally wearing out little by little.

Sri Virupaksha Temple , Hampi, Karnataka

Sri Venkateswara Temple , Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh

Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple , Mangalore, Karnataka

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple Corridor, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Sri Ranganathaswamy Kovil ( Temple ), Srirangam (Near Trichy), Tamil Nadu

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar ThiruKovil, Madurai , Tamil Nadu

Shore Temple , Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple , Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Brihadeeshwar temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

The Gopuram of this Temple does not cast any Shadow. Also the Vimaanam( top of the gopuram) of this temple is made of one Single Stone.

Nataraja Temple , Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamivari Temple , Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh

Sri Kalahastheshwara Temple, Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

The Only Hindu Temple in the world which is opened even during Lunar and Solar Eclipses as the Graha Doshas do not effect this Temple .

Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple , Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu

Arulmigu Sarangapani Temple - Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

Tiruchendur Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu

Sri Sharadamba Temple , Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri (101 km from Mangalore), Karnataka

Sri Hoysaleshvara Temple , Halebidu (Near Hassan), Karnataka

Sri Chennakesava Temple , Belur (Near Hassan), Karnataka

Chamundeswari Temple , Chamundi Hills, Mysore , Karnataka

Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple, Udupi (60 kms from Mangalore), Karnataka.

Murudeshwara Temple , Murudeshwar (165 km from Mangalore), Karnataka.

BARODA india OLD PHPTOS...

2010-07-19T03:50:00.001-07:00

Hunting Cheetas at Baroda - 1895

Photograph of a group of three cheetahs with handlers at Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. Hunting with cheetahs was one of several royal sports traditionally favoured by Indian princes and continued during the 19th century. These animals belonged to the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939), 12th Maharaja of Baroda.

Durbar hall in the palace at Makarpura, Baroda - 1895

Photograph of the durbar hall in the new palace at Makarpura, near Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The palace was built by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939) between 1883-1890 as a country residence, and designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915) in an Italian Renaissance style.

Elephant with a golden ambari at Baroda - 1895

Photograph of an elephant with a golden ambari at Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The elephant was one of about 55 state elephants owned by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939), 12th Maharaja of Baroda. They were used in ceremonial processions and were granted to high officials as a mark of royal favour. In this side view, the elephant is caparisoned in cloth of gold and bears on its back the ambari, a throne or state howdah made of gold which only the largest and strongest elephants could support.

Makarpura Palace, Baroda - 1895

Photograph of the Makarpura Palace, near Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The palace was built by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939) between 1883-1890 and designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915) in an Italian Renaissance style. It lies to the south of Baroda and was used as a country residence. This view shows the front façade, consisting of two three-storey wings arcaded with semi-circular arches, linked by a central arcade and tower. The palace is surrounded by English-style formal gardens, shown in the foreground.

Zenana ( Girls) school at Baroda - 1895

Photograph of a zenana school at Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The Department of Public Instruction was opened in 1875 and a policy of free, compulsory education for both sexes and all castes was pursued by the state government with the encouragement of the Gaekwar Maharaja Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939). The Gaekwar particularly valued the education of women and in 1885 published a memorandum on the subject. A girls’ schools was opened in Baroda in 1875, and by 1880 there were eight throughout the state. In addition a training college for women teachers was opened in 1882. Zenana classes were attended by grown-up women who were taught reading, writing, arithmetic and needlework. This view of the school shows a brick building built in an Anglo-Indian style.

State Library at Baroda - 1895

Photograph of the State Library at Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The library was built in 1876 and designed by Major Charles Mant (1840-81) in the Indo-Saracenic style. He was a pioneer of the style and used it in his designs for other civic and state buildings in Baroda such as the Countess of Dufferin hospital and his masterpiece, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The library is one of the public offices contained within the Juni Kothi or old fort. It predates the Baroda Library movement initiated in c.1910 by the Gaekwar Maharaja Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939), which founded the Central Library, a system of state-aided libraries, reading rooms, travelling libraries and the first library school in India.

Library at Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda - 1895

Photograph of the library at Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. An immense structure, the palace was built for the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939) and was reputedly the most expensive building erected by a private individual in the 19th century. Originally designed and begun in 1880 by Major Charles Mant (1840-81), it was completed in 1890 by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915). Both architects were pioneers of the Indo-Saracenic style, an orientalist fusion of Eastern and Western forms. The interior was richly decorated with lavish ornamental detail in this style but was planned and furnished in a largely Western manner, as shown in this view of the library. The Gaekwar’s library consisted of c.20,000 volumes which he donated in 1910 to form the nucleus of the Baroda Central Library. This was established as part of the Baroda Library movement, a campaign to found free state libraries initiated by the Gaekwar.

Group portrait of Sir Madava Rao and ministers of Baroda - 1880

Photograph of a group portrait of Indian office holders from the state of Baroda (Vadodara) from the 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c.1880. Seen in this group portrait is Sir Madhava T. Rao, the British appointed administrator or Chief Minister to the Princely state of Baroda. The state of Baroda (Vadodara) in Gujarat, western India was ruled by the Gaekwads from 1734 till Indian Independence. In 1802 a treaty was concluded between the Gaekwar and East India Company by which a British Resident was appointed to the court and a provision was made for the maintenance of a British military force in the state.

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda - 1919

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Baroda - 1890

Photograph of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, at Baroda in Gujarat, from Lee-Warner Collection: 'Baroda views and buildings, c.1890' taken by an unknown photographer. A colossal structure, it was built for the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (r.1875-1939) and was reputedly the most expensive building erected by a private individual in the 19th century. This is a general view of the west facade shortly after completion, with landscaped gardens in the foreground. Originally designed by Major Charles Mant (1840-81) in an exuberant Indo-Saracenic architectural style, it was begun in 1878 and completed after his death in 1890 by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915). Both architects were pioneers of the Orientalist style, which combined western and eastern forms, particularly arches and domes. The skyline of the palace is a fantastical mixture of bangaldar eaves, chhatris, a tall tower and a central cupola. In creating a modern palace, Mant retained the traditional division of an Indian palace into three sections but arrayed them in three blocks along the main axis of the building. The Durbar Hall is at the left, the Maharaja's residence in the centre and the zenana or women’s apartments at the right.

Side view, Makarpura Palace, Baroda - 1890

Photograph of the Makarpura Palace, near Baroda in Gujarat, from the Lee-Warner Collection: 'Baroda views and buildings, c.1890', taken by an unknown photographer.

Old & new Palace, Makarpura, Baroda - 1890

Photograph of the old and new palaces at Makarpura, near Baroda in Gujarat, from the Lee-Warner Collection: 'Baroda views and buildings, c.1890', taken by an unknown photographer. Situated to the south of Baroda, the palaces were built by the Gaekwad Maharajas as country residences. They are surrounded by English-style formal gardens containing pergolas, fountains, and grottoes. The old palace was originally built by Khande Rao (r.1856-1870) . The retreat was enlarged and improved when the new palace, at right, was built by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (r.1875-1939) between 1883-1890. It was designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915) in an Italian Renaissance style and is connected to the old palace by a central corridor. This view shows the rear of the old palace in the foreground, with balconies and steps leading down to the gardens, and the arcaded classical facade of the new palace beyond.

Elephant with golden howdah, Baroda - 1890

Photograph of an elephant with a golden ambari at Baroda in Gujarat, from the Lee-Warner Collection: 'Baroda views and buildings, c.1890' taken by an unknown photographer. The elephant was one of about 55 state elephants owned by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (r.1875-1939) , 12th Maharaja of Baroda. They were used in ceremonial processions and were granted to high officials as a mark of royal favour. In this side view, the elephant is shown caparisoned in cloth of gold and bears on its back the ambari, a throne or state howdah made of gold which only the largest and strongest elephants could support.

State procession in Baroda (Second View) - 1880

Photograph of a State procession in Baroda (Vadodara) from an 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1880.

Street scene in Baroda - 1880

Photograph of a a street scene in Baroda (Vadodara) from an 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1880. Vadodara, on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, was capital of the princely state of Baroda from 1734 to1947 under the Gaekwads who transformed the city into a progressive centre of education, culture and industry.

State procession in Baroda - 1880

Photograph of a State procession in Baroda (Vadodara) from an 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1880. Vadodara, on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, was capital of the princely state of Baroda from 1734 till 1947 under the Gaekwads who transformed the city into a progressive centre of education, culture and industry. In 1802 a treaty was concluded between the Gaekwar and East India Company by which a British Resident was appointed to the court and a provision was made for the maintenance of a British military force in the state. After Indian independence the city became a part of the Bombay state and in 1960 of the state of Gujarat. This is a view looking down a street during a State procession in Baroda (Vadodara).

Tarabai, Jamna Bai and Gaekwar of Baroda - 1880

Photograph from the 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown phtographer in c.1880. This group portrait shows Her Highness the Maharani Jamnabai (the widowed consort of Khande Rao who adopted Sayaji Rao) sitting on a chair with the Gaekwar behind and to her left and Tarabai (possibly the Gaekwar's sister) standing at her right side.

Portrait of Sir Sayaji Rao The Gaekwar of Baroda - 1880

Photograph of Sir Sayaji Rao, Gaekwar of Baroda (Vadodara) from the 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c.1880.

Group portrait with the Gaekwar of Baroda, the Governor of Bombay, Sir Richard Temple and various Indian and European officials - 1880

Photographer: Unknown

Group portrait of Sir Sayaji Rao, the young Gaekwar of Baroda (seated, front centre), Sir Richard Temple, Governor of Bombay and officials from the 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by an unknown photographer in c.1880. Also in the portrait Sir Madhav T Rao, British appointed administrator of Baroda and Phillip S. Melville, Agent to the Governor General. The state of Baroda (Vadodara) in Gujarat, western India was ruled by the Gaekwads from 1734 till Indian Independence. In 1802 a treaty was concluded between the Gaekwar and East India Company by which a British Resident was appointed to the court and a provision was made for the maintenance of a British military force in the state.

Maharajah Sayaji Rao Gaekwar of Baroda - 1875

Photograph by Bourne and Shepherd

Photograph Sir Sayaji Rao, Gaekwar of Baroda, from the 'Album of portraits and views in Baroda' taken by Bourne & Shepherd in November 1875. The Full-length portrait of Sir Sayaji Rao, the young Gaekwar of Baroda (Vadodara) is taken a few months after his accession to the throne of Baroda on 27 May, 1875. The state of Vadodara in Gujarat, western India was ruled by the Gaekwads from 1734 to 1947. The rule of Sayaji Rao (r.1875-1939) was characterised by unprecedented progress and reform. He initiated a number of social reforms and paid great attention to the economic development of the state. He founded modern textile and tile factories and it is largely due to his policies that Vadodara is today one of the most important centres for the textile, chemical and oil industries in India. In order to develop education he introduced compulsory primary schooling, a library system for adult education and founded the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Vadodara.

The Maharaja of Indore at the Delhi Darbar of 1877

The Festival of San Fermin, 2010<

2010-07-19T03:44:00.001-07:00

The Festival of San Fermin, 2010

Today marks the final day of the Spanish festival of San Fermin, a nine-day festival held since 1591. Tens of thousands of foreign visitors descend on Pamplona, Spain each year for revelry, morning bull-runs and afternoon bullfights. Although the tradition of bullfighting remains strong in Pamplona, opposition from animal rights groups remains high, and the parliament of the nearby Spanish province of Catalonia will soon be voting on a motion to outlaw bullfighting altogether. One new recent restriction in Pamplona - no vuvuzelas allowed. Sale of the noisy horns has been banned by the local government. Collected here are several photos of this years events in Pamplona, Spain.

Spanish matador Oliva Soto stares at a bull during a bullfight during the San Fermin festival at Pamplona's bullring in northern Spain on July 9, 2010. (RAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

A statue of Saint Fermin is carried during a procession on the saint's day in Pamplona, Spain, Wednesday, July 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Ivan Aguinaga)

Revelers hold up traditional red neckties during the "Chupinazo", the official opening of the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona, northern Spain, Tuesday, July 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

Participants in the San Fermin festival crowd together in a square during the "Chupinazo", the official opening of the 2010 San Fermin fiestas on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 in Pamplona, Spain. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

Revelers toss one of their number into the air, during the "Chupinazo" in Pamplona, Spain on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

A man jumps from a fountain to be caught by fellow revelers during the first day of the San Fermin festival on July 6, 2010 in Pamplona, Spain. (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Figures dance through the streets during the San Fermin festival's "Comparsa de gigantes y cabezudos" (Parade of the giants and the big heads) in Pamplona July 13, 2010. Enormous puppets accompanied by brass bands parade daily through the city during the nine-day-long festival. (REUTERS/Eloy Alonso)

People watch from balconies over Estafeta street for the run of the Penajara ranch fighting bulls during the San Fermin fiestas on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, in Pamplona, Spain. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

Participants run in front of Fuente Ymbro fighting bulls on the third San Fermin Festival bull run, on July 9, 2010, in Pamplona, Spain. (RAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

Runners sprint alongside Penajara fighting bulls at the town hall curve during the first running of the bulls on the second day of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona July 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Vincent West)

On July 12, 2010, participants run in front of Victoriano del Rio fighting bulls in Pamplona, Spain. (PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/ Getty Images)

A young bull leaps over revelers in the bullring after the second running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona July 8, 2010. Six people were hospitalized, two having been gored, following the run, according to local news sources. (REUTERS/Joseba Etxaburu)

A calf chases after revelers at the bullring during the San Fermin fiestas on Friday, July 9, 2010, in Pamplona, Spain. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

A runner is tossed in the bullring following the sixth running of the bulls of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona July 12, 2010. (REUTERS/Eloy Alonso)

An unidentified man is attended by medical personnel following the third running of the bulls in Pamplona on July 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Vincent West)

A child cries next to Caravinagre (Vinegar Face), one of six big head characters known as Kilikis that walk the streets of Pamplona hitting children with sponges and inflated bladders during the San Fermin festival on July 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Eloy Alonso)

Revelers run with bulls on Santo Domingo street next to Miura bull fighting ranch during the fifth run of the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona on Sunday, July 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

Participants run in front of Dolores Aguirre Ybarra's fighting bulls on the 4th San Fermin Festival bull run, on July 10, 2010 in Pamplona. (PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/ Getty Images)

A runner is knocked down by a Cebada Gago fighting bull at Estafeta Corner during the second running of the bulls in Pamplona on July 8, 2010. The runner was among six people who were hospitalized following a run that lasted three minutes and thirty seconds according to local news sources. (REUTERS/Eloy Alonso)

A reveler runs from a Jandilla ranch fighting bull during the San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona on July 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Participants run with Victoriano del Rio fighting bulls on the sixth day of the San Fermin Festival on July 12, 2010, in Pamplona. (RAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

A "recortador" jumps over a bull during a contest at Pamplona's bullring on the fifth day of the San Fermin festival July 10, 2010. (REUTERS/Joseba Etxaburu)

Spanish bullfighter Francisco Marco is performs in the second bullfight of the San Fermin fiestas on Thursday, July 8, 2010, in Pamplona, Spain. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

ISTANBUL TURKEY the city i live

2010-07-19T03:41:00.001-07:00

ISTANBUL TURKEY the city i live

Bosphorus Bridge Galata Bridge Blue Mosque Blue Mosque-inner Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia Cistern (Yerebatan Palace) Pillar base in Cistern - Yerebatan Palace Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace Obelisk of Theodosius in Hippodrome Maiden Tower-Topkapi Palace at the back. View of the Bosphorus from Topkapi Palace.

Atacama Desert - Driest Place On Earth

2010-07-07T03:23:00.001-07:00

Atacama Desert - Driest Place On Earth

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The Atacama desert in South America has been in a super-dry state far longer than any other location on Earth - nearly 40 million years in some places.
The Atacama is well known for its lack of rainfall, but scientists are only now getting a handle on how long it has experienced low precipitation levels.
Dr Tibor Dunai from Edinburgh, UK, is working in the region to date surfaces. His team reports the existence of hyper-arid conditions in the desert have lasted at least 20 million years.
"If you camp there, even after five days, you will notice that there are no flies because there is nothing for them to eat; that's how dry it is," Dr Dunai told the BBC.
"The desert is known for saltpetre which was very important in explosives production in the past. It is the only place in the world where it has accumulated because it is so easily dissolved by rainfall."
There are locations in the Atacama where not a single drop of rain has been recorded by humans, and the Edinburgh University researcher has studied dry river beds he can show have had no water running through them for 120,000 years.
But it is with the general hyper-aridity conditions of the Atacama that the Scottish-based scientist is most interested. Hyper-arid zones can receive some moisture (less than a few tens of millimetres per year), although this can be delivered simply by fogs.

Amazing Meteora Monastery in Greece

2010-07-07T03:20:00.001-07:00

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The word Meteora means literally 'hovering in the air' and of course brings to mind the word meteor. What created this rare geological phenomenon is one of the mysteries of nature and there are many theories though they remain theories and none have been proven.
But as amazing a marvel of nature as these giant rocks are the buildings on the top of these are a marvel of man and seem just as miraculous and make Meteora one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece.
The area of Meteora was originally settled by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th Century. But as the times became more unsure during an age of Turkish occupation, brigandry and lawlessness, they climbed higher and higher up the rock face until they were living on the inaccessable peaks where they were able to build by bringing material and people up with ladders and baskets and build the first monasteries. This was also how the monasteries were reached until the nineteen twenties and now there are roads, pathways and steps to the top.
The two closest villages to Meteora are Kalambaka and Kastraki and these are where most people stay. The name Kalambaka comes from the Turkish word Kalembak which means beautiful fortress. The village of Kastraki in the shade of the rocks of Meteora is a popular destination for the rock climbers who can walk out the door of their hotel and be climbing in a few minutes.

-Agia Triada or Holy Trinity was founded in the 15th century and was the monastery used for the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only";

-Varlaam Monastery was founded in 1517;

-Roussanou Monastery was founded in 1545;

-Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas was built in the 16th century;

-Megalo Meteoro or Metamorphisis, the first church of the Transfiguration is the best known of the Monasteries and is built upon the highest rock;

-Agios Stefanos is the only convent in Meteora and has an unimpeded view of the plain towards Kalambaka;

Tourism in Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan

2010-07-07T02:33:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in northern India. It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur, which is also the nearest airport. The nearest town and railway station is at Sawai Madhopur, about 11 km away.

Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Ranthambhore became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjacent forests were declared the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.

The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km², and is famous for its tiger population, and is one of India’s Project Tiger reserves. Other major wild animals include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles. Ranthambore is also the site for one of the largest banyan trees in India.

Flora and Fauna

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers and is a favorite with photographers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora – species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

For the wildlife savvy, Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary today offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. Tigers, the park’s pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. Apart from that a large numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.

The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

Climate

Ranthambore National Park is open from 1st October to 30th June (July – September closed to visitors). A good time to visit is between November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.

Get in

Nearest Town is Sawai Madhopur, situated on the Delhi-Mumbai railway line and also linked with Jaipur and Agra by rail.

Near by Airports – Jaipur and Kota.

Distance by rail: Delhi – 362 km, Agra – 227 km, Bombay 1027 km, Kota – 108 km, Jaipur – 132 km

Distance by road: Delhi – 480 km (via Dausa), Jaipur – 180 km (via Tonk)

Fees/Permits

At the entrance to the park you will have to pay ONLY for usage of your video-camera. Foto-cameras are used free of charge.

See

National Park (Ranthambore National Park), Rajasthan (Sawai Madhopur). Ranthambore National Park located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan is one of the most visited wildlife parks in India. The main attractions of Ranthambore National Park are its tiger and bird population. The main faunas of Ranthambore are Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirrels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose. Various species of reptiles are also found in this park. edit

Ranthambhore Fort, (13 Km from Sawai Madhopur Railway station). Founded in 944 and initially named “Ranath Bhawar Garh” which means “a place of Rajput warriors”.

Do

Take all the safaris you can (in the morning at 6:30 and in the afternoon at 14:30). You need a certain amount of luck to see a tiger (about 1 in 4 chance), but there are plenty of other wonderful sights. It is better to book the safaris while booking your hotel.

You can go to the safari in wheel drive jeeps called “Gypsys” (which seat up to 6 visitors) and 20 seater safari buses called “Canters”. Jeep safaris cost a bit more, but jeeps are more mobile and everything is better seen from them.

At the entrance to the Park your guide goes to the drawing procedure in order to get one of several roads you will be allowed to drive (since the park is a nature reserve only a limited number of cars can enter it and they are obliged to follow only one route). A good guide asks also a representative of the tourist group to be present at this procedure.

Tourism in Udaipur Rajasthan

2010-07-07T02:31:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Udaipur Rajasthan

Udaipur pronunciation (उदयपुर) is a city and a municipal council in Udaipur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, and the administrative headquarters of Udaipur District. It is also known as the City of Lakes. The Pichola lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

It is known for its Rajput-era palaces. Particularly famous is the Lake Palace, which covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels.

History

Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by Ranawats of the Sisodia clan. The founder of Udaipur was Rana Udai Singh. The ancient capital of Mewar was Chittor or Chittorgarh, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.

Getting In

Udaipur is well connected to the world through land, rail and air.

Road : The city falls on the Golden Quadrilateral, lying midway between Delhi and Mumbai on National Highway (NH) 8; it is around 650 kilometres from either metro. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 6 hours) or Ahmedabad (3.5 hours), or take a Rajasthan Tourism bus from India Gate in Delhi. It also falls on East West Corridor which starts from Porbandar and ends at Silchar and is intersecting the Golden Quadrilateral and shares the common space from Udaipur to Chittor.

Air : Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, is 24 kilometres from the city centre. Daily Indian Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai & Delhi. There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur on Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. The airport is going through modernisation project and will soon have a new terminal building with an additional 4 stands. The airport has been confirmed as an International airport by the Government of India.

Train : Train connectivity is established between Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad through trains run by Indian Railway. Recently Udaipur got connected with Delhi, Kota and Mathura with the “Mewar Express” on broadgauge tracks. In August 2007 Udaipur was connected with Kolkatta, by the “Ananya Express”. A train has also been introduced between Mumbai and Udaipur via Vadodara, Ratlam and Chittorgarh. Udaipur lacks direct connectivity to South India, and one has to reach it either via Kota or Ahmedabad.

Local transport : Unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, city bus, and regular city bus service is available for Udaipur City main roads to Dabok Airport, Badi Lake, and Bedala.

Places of interest

City Palace Udaipur

Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of “Jag Niwas” (the Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas – in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.

Lake Palace

Originally known as the Jag Niwas, took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746. Nothing but marble is used in the composition of this palace.Lake Palace is now a luxury hotel owned by Taj Group of Hotels.

Jag Mandir

Another island in the Lake Pichola, which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father.

City Palace and Museum

Pratap Museum, While entering the City palace the straight way go to the Government Pratap Museum housed with old sculptures and inscriptions. The antique paintings of Mewar, the turban of prince Khurram later on called Shah Jahan, who built the world famous Taj Mahal has also been displayed here as a token of friendship of Maharana Khazan Singh. Next to Fateh Prakash Palace, houses glass and mirror works.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

A museum of folk arts. Also hosts puppet shows in its auditorium.

Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri

Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse “Chetak”. More details are available at Maharanapratap.net, a collection of facts and figures on Maharana Pratap and his life.

Sajjangarh Fort

The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around.

Sukhadia Circle

Sukhadia Circle (Square), Udaipur, a large roundabout in the city’s northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. The centrepiece of the Circle is a large, three-tiered fountain just over 21 m. high, with scalloped dishes surmounted by a wheat-ear motif, representing prosperity. Illuminated at night, it is now a well-known landmark. Its foundation was laid in 1968 and was opened in 1970. The Circle is a popular recreational centre and meeting place. A circular pond surrounds the fountain; nearby are pleasant gardens. Families and friends come together, especially at night, when music plays, and dozens of food, cold drinks and tea stalls do a flourishing trade. Children particularly enjoy the experience: they float toy boats in the central pond, where odd duck-shaped pedallos (paddle boats) vie for space; there is even a mini train nearby. Sukhadia Circle commemorates the memory of Udaipur’s MOHAN LAL SUKHADIA, one-time Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a native of Udaipur.

Jagdish Temple

A temple situated in the middle of the city – a big tourist attraction, the temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument. It is raised on a tall terrace and was completed in 1651. It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double – storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell – roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non – functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo – Aryan architecture.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sager Lake is a vicinity for young lovers, it is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh, As lot of destruction was caused by heavy rains.In the year 1993-1994,the water vanished from the lake and again in the year 2005-2006, the lake regaind its water.The lake is tried directly to connect with mansivacal dam so that it doesnot suffer any type of water problem again in future.

Lake Pichola

The Sapphire Udaipur : Lake Pichola is a lake that has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II after he discovered Rajasthan “Udaipur”. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of lake, the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. This palace hotel is considered to be 3 decades old in the history of Udaipur. The Lake remains fairly shallow, at the time of heavy rains, and gets dry easily at the time of severe drought. A hermit is said to have advised the Maharana to establish his kingdom over Lake Pichola, after the fall of Chittaurgarh by Mughal emperor Akbar.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Sahelion Ki Bari’ was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant- shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place.

Udaipur Solar Observatory

Asia’s only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatehsagar and the main office building is located at its NW-shore near Bari Road – Rani Road Junction. The site is run under PRL (Physical Reaserch Lab) in Ahemdabad. The sky conditions at Udaipur are quite favourable for solar observations. The large water body surrounding the telescopes decreases the amount of heating of the surface layers. This decreases the turbulence in the air mass and thereby improves the image quality and seeing. The main objective of obtaining the high spatial and temporal resolution observations of solar photospheric and chromospheric.

Tourism in Jodhpur Rajasthan

2010-07-07T02:30:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Jodhpur Rajasthan

Jodhpur pronunciation (जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, also known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.

History

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of to the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Rao Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Rao Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee.

Early in its history, the state became a fief under the Mughal Empire, owing fealty to them while enjoying some internal autonomy. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world: new styles of art and architecture made their appearance and opportunities opened up for local tradesmen to make their mark across northern India.

Get in

Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns.

By plane Connected by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city centre

By train Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network . It is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

By bus Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as the cities of Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Get around

Means of transport include

Tourist Cabs (Taxis) – ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis

Mini buses – public transport is available but chaotic and not advisable except when on a shoestring budget
Car Rental – Visit Jodhpur by Car. There are many Car Rental Companies available which Provide world Class Services.

Enterprises Car Rental a reputation luxury car rentals service.

Auto Rickshaws (unmetered) – negotiate before you board one
Tongas – horse driven carriages

See

Mehrangarh Fort Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha’s new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It’s easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150-meter hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges.

Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall). Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.

Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.

Phool Mahal (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja’s pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.

Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja’s wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.

Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.

A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they’ll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable Turban Gallery.

Jaswant Thada, 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh (easily walked). Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake.

Mandore, 7 km outside the city. The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built.
Umaid Bhawan Palace. Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel (see Sleep) and there is also a small museum on grounds .

Balsamand Lake – now converted to a resort.

Kailana Lake – a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city.

Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills.
Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha.
Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon.
Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.

Tourism in Haridwar, India

2010-07-07T02:28:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Haridwar, India

Haridwar (हरिद्वार), also spelled Hardwar, is a city in the state of Uttarakhand. Haridwar, literally Gateway to God, is one of the Hindu holy places in India and a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of River Ganges (Ganga), at the point where the Ganges descends from the hills to the North Indian plains, Haridwar attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.

Festivals

Haridwar is the site of many religious festivals. Most notably, once every twelve years it is the venue for the Kumbh Mela, humanity’s largest festival, which drew a record 70 million in 2003. (The festival rotates between Haridwar and Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik.) The Ardh Mela, or “half mela”, is held every six years. Both will be held in Haridwar for the next time in 2010.

Other yearly festivals include:

Baisakhi, April.
Kanwar Mela, July. The largest yearly festival, drawing up to 300,000 visitors.
Somwati Amavasya, July. Almost as large as the Kanwar Mela.
Kartik Purnima, held 15 days after Diwali on the first night of the full moon in November.

See the Haridwar city website for a complete listing. While the festivals are colorful and fascinating, they also strain the town’s limited infrastructure to the breaking point and sometimes beyond. Book rooms and tickets well in advance, and avoid travel by road as the traffic jams can be horrendous.

Get inHaridwar is about 200 kms from Delhi, the capital of India and is well connected by road and rail network from all parts of India. It is better to avoid travelling to Haridwar during the hindu month of sawan (around july) since there is a heavy crowd and all important roads are blocked and most of the hotels/busses/trains are crowded.

By plane

Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport, with twice daily service to Delhi on Air Deccan , is 20 km from Haridwar.

By train

Haridwar Junction (IR station code : HW) is well-connected by train. The railway station is located on the south side of the town, within walking distance of most hotels.

By bus

Haridwar’s bus station, a stone’s throw from the train station, is chaotic and has no signage whatsoever in English. There are regular bus services from Delhi (4-5 hours), Rishikesh (1 hour) and other important towns of North India to Haridwar. Though they claim they reach New Delhi in 4-5 hours they take at least 6-7 hours. Due to the traffic jams in the roads leading in and out of Delhi it can even take 7-8 hours. Before booking the bus check the bus condition. Always go for cushioned and push-back seats. The long and bumpy ride will take a toll on your mood and body.

Get around

Central Haridwar can be reasonably comfortably covered on foot. Cyclerickshaws abound, and most trips in town should not cost more than Rs. 20. Taxis and autorickshaws congregate at the train and bus stations.

See

Hari-ki-Pairi (or Har-ki-Pairi). To the north of the center, this is Haridwar’s focal point, where devotees gather to bathe and worship on the Ganges. According to legend, this is where a drop of nectar fell from the churning of the oceans when the world was created, and a stone wall has Vishnu’s footprint. Each evening around 7 PM, thousands gather and worship the river Goddess by putting diyas (floating lamps) in the river. You may be asked to make a donation if you linger near the ghats. Beware of con artists posing as officials. If you would like to make a donation there are boxes at the center of the ghats around the light poles.
Maya Devi Mandir , located on upper road. This temple is one of the 51 “shakti peeths” and its the presiding deity of Haridwar. It is from this temple Haridwar derives its other name Mayapur.
Mansa Devi Mandir, atop a hill near the center of town. Can be reached by cable car (Rs 48 for a return ticket) or by a road that gently winds uphill (about 2 km), starting from Railway Rd. The temple is aesthetically not particularly noteworthy, but the views are grand. Expect to queue to board the cable car and once more to enter the temple: despite some rudimentary attempts at crowd control, the crowds of jostling devotees can make this a pretty intense experience.
Bharat Mata Mandir, 5 km north of the center. Dedicated to Mother India, this is half temple, half nation building exercise, with seven floors stacked with deities, saints, and secular heroes of all Indian faiths. Some signage in English.
Chandidevi Mandir,8-9KM from railway station, you get the combi package to see both the temples by AC bus including bus and ropeway charges
Daksh mandir,7-8 km from railway station,you get rickshaw or you can hire a auto,near also many mandirs to see at kankhal.
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir , Shiva temple located on a hill.
Vaishno Devi Mandir
Ma Anandamayee Ashram, Located at Kankhal. The samadhi of Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee is located here and is also the Head Office of the revered organisation. It is a must see. Devotees included late Mrs Indira Gandhi (ex Prime Minister of India). Attend the evening aarti near Ma’s samadhi and have a soul cleansing experience.

Do

Divya Yog Mandir Trust University, 16 km from Haridvar. Founded by Baba Ramdev.

Buy

Haridwar, the holy city is one of the most renowned pilgrimage centers in India. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to this sacred city to take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga.Being a destination for pilgrimage tourism, shopping in Haridwar is not on the itinerary of the tourist.

However shops in Haridwar have some interesting things to offer to the tourist. The main shopping centers are Moti bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Kankhal. You can also check out the Government Handloom and Handicrafts Emporiums and the Gandhi Ashram. Here you will find a range of handicraft decorative pieces. If you are interested in jewellery, then you can choose from a variety of imitation ones which make good fashion accessory.

In Haridwar, you will find neatly and intricately carved stone idols, which make unique souvenirs. It is fascinating that these stones have traversed with Ganga all along and they are eventually deposited in Rishikesh as the river enters the plains. This gives the stones amazing shapes and a natural polish. Besides idols, there are kitchen set toys made from stone, which are interesting buys.

Tourism in Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu

2010-07-07T02:25:00.001-07:00

Tourism in Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal (Tamil: கோடைக்கானல்) is a city in the hills of the taluk division of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Kodaikanal is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. It’s a lot cooler in temperature than lower elevation cities such as Chennai. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and

tropical diseases of the plains. Much of the local economy is based on the hospitality industry serving tourism. The Kurinji Flower is in full bloom around December once in 12 years, and it bathes the valley in a beautiful sea of blue. Its because of this the hills are known as Nilgiris (Nil means Blue and Giri means Hill). It was last in full bloom in 2006; its next bloom is expected in 2018. Kodaikanal is also sometimes referred to as “Princess of Hill stations.”

Get in

By plane The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Madurai 120 km and Coimbatore 175 km.By train Nearest railhead is Kodaikanal road. Kodairoad Station is nearly 80 km.

By car Reach Kodai Road80kms Rs.1000/- aprrox,Dindigul or Madurai and then take a cab to Kodaikanal. Ask the resort to arrange for the pick-up. The drive from Kodai road takes approximately 2 hrs while the drive from Madurai takes approximately 3 1/2 hours and from Dindigul it takes about 2 hrs.

From Cochin/Kochi(kerala) it is 295 kms via the hill station of Munnar(kerala).The route to be taken is Kochi-Muvattupuzha-Kothamangalam-Adimali-Munnar-Devikulam-Poopara-Bodi-Theni-Kodaikanal which is the NH49 Kochi-Madurai.

See

Berijam Lake – perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai
Coakers Walk- If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 3PM and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenlands Hostel. A marvel. Also try out the telescope near the main gate.
Bryant park – A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and is a 10 minute walk from the entrance to the boat club.
Kodai Lake- If you are going in Winter, do the boating in the evening, as its an amazing experience to boat through fogs settling on the lake.
Kurinjiandavar Temple – about 4 km from the lake is a temple whose presiding God is Lord Muruga. The flowers inside the temple bloom once in 12 years. One can get a view of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town from this temple. During the winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the two ends of the temple is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and hence the experience too.

Green Valley View/Suicide Point- has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicides.
Pillar Rocks – huge steep cliffs which look like “Pillayar” (Lord Ganesh in local language Tamil). Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.

Silent Valley View
Devil’s Kitchen – a cave known more to the locals, in between “Green Valley View” and “Pillar Rocks”. Watch out for the deep hidden ravines. What would appear like mere dark gutters are actually a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen prey to the “devil’s trap”. So,watch your step!
Guna Caves – a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to get in. Think public are not allowed to enter this cave nowadays. A very good place to take pics..

Do

Cycle around the lake – and watch the clouds while they slowly descend onto the water; cycles are available for hire at the lake on an hourly basis. It is possible to cycle to other places although cycling one way will be difficult due to the hilly terrain. Do check the cycles before setting out.
Boating at the Kodai lake – paddle and row boats are available at the lake. Entrance is via the Kodaikanal Boat Club.
Trekking – Kodai offers several scenic trekking spots, including one which is to walk along the stream which goes to dolphin nose. Kodai tourist office has a trekking guide which is available for free there, which lists all the possible trekking routes and difficulty levels. The tourist office advises people to take guides and offers to provide them, although this is not necessary. An easy trek is the Perumalmalai trek which is the tallest mountain that area.
Wander About – Kodai has numerous waterfalls and beautiful views not mentioned in the tourist guides, so wandering about can bring you to some spectacular place.
Horse Riding – Right near the front of the entrance to the boat club, you can rent a horse (with the trainer) to take you around the lake.

Buy

Cheese Factory – Various Cheeses.
Home made Chocolates – Kodai’s shops are stocked with home made chocolates. These are a lot cheaper compared to the major brands.
Eucalyptus Oil and herbal oils- A Variety of oils that claim to relieve joint pains and other aches are also available at every shop.

GREECE

2010-06-27T22:25:00.001-07:00

GREECE

http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Greece

Region: Europe

Area Total: 131,990 km2

Coast Line: Mediterranean Sea,Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea

Capital: Athens

http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Rhodes

Rhodes Harbour

Rhodes

Suleiman mosque - Rhodes

Rhodes Palace

Palace of the (Prince) Grand Master—Rhodes

Rhodes

Lindos by night - Rhodes

Lindos - Rhodes

Rhodes - Kolymbia

Modern bronze deer statues in Mandraki harbor, where the Colossus of Rhodes may have stood

Colossus of Rhodes

Church in Siana Village-Rhodes

The Most Colorful River In The World

2010-06-27T22:15:00.001-07:00

The Most Colorful River In The World

At first I rhought this was a hoax, so I looked it up on the net. It really does exist!!

The river shown in the photographs is the Caristales, which is located near the town of La Macarena in Colombia , South America .
The river, world famous for its colorful display, has been called:"the river that ran away to paradise," "the most beautiful river in the world" and "the river of five colors".
During Colombia 's wet season, the water flows fast and deep, obscuring the bottom of the river and denying the mosses and algae that call the river home the sun that they need. During the dry season there is not enough water to support the dazzling array of life in the river. But during a brief span between the wet and dry seasons, when the water level is just right, the many varieties of algae and moss bloom in a dazzling display of colours. Blotches of amarillo , blue, green, black and red - and a thousand shades in between - coat the river.
The part of the river where the colourful blooms occur is quite isolated and is not accessible by road. Adventurous tourists can now fly into La Macarena and then make their way to to the river site on foot as part of guided tours. The site was effectively closed to tourists for several years because of guerrilla activity in the region along with concerns about the impact of unregulated tourist traffic. However, the site was re-opened to visitors in 2009.
So far, some 1,000 people have visited Caristales, including around 100 foreign tourists.
The tours will follow four clearly marked and authorized paths and one is no longer permitted to stay overnight or cook, as this was ruining the area previously.

Awe-Inspiring Landmarks Around The World

2010-06-27T22:07:00.001-07:00

Awe-Inspiring Landmarks Around The World

Landmarks are often structures such as cathedrals, museums, skyscrapers, hotels, homes, libraries, bridges and ruins. Natural phenomena in physical features such as mountains rock formations, rivers and waterfalls, can also be chosen as landmarks if they have special historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Historical landmarks are not just tourist attractions, they serves as a commemoration of a remarkably important national event. This allows us and for generations to come, to remember great cultures and events of the past that is worthy to record in its own history.

To photographers, these landmarks are like invitations; a challenge to bring the best of out them in photos. Below are some of the best and well-selected photos of different historical landmarks from around the world.

Australia

Ayers Rock
Australia (via Floydian)
photograph by Floydian 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Ayers-Rock-photograph-by-Floydian.jpg" width="600" height="402">

Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Australia (via Gun Sydney)
House Sydney Australia photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Sydney-Opera-House-Sydney-Australia-photography.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Cambodia

Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, Cambodia (via Hahli9)
Cambodia photography by hahli9 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Angkor_Wat-Cambodia-photography_by_hahli9.jpg" width="600" height="389">

China

Great Wall
China (via Jmdiocos)
China photograpy 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Great-Wall-of-China-photograpy.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Brazil

Christ on the Corcovado
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (via Kalamu)
Corcovado Rio de Janeiro Brazil 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Christ-on-the-Corcovado-Rio-de-Janeiro-Brazil.jpg" width="600" height="387">

Canada

Niagara Falls
Canada, USA borders (via Flipkeat)
Canada photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Niagara-Falls-Canada-photography.jpg" width="600" height="428">

Egypt

Sphinx Egypt
Giza, Egypt (via Matt Champlin)
Photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Sphinx-Egypt-Photography.jpg" width="600" height="396">

Great Pyramid of Giza
El Gizeh, Egypt (via Matt Champlin)
of Giza photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Great-Pyramid-of-Giza-photography.jpg" width="600" height="392">

England

Bank of England
London, England (via Acuity)
England London by Acuity 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Bank_Of_England__London_by_Acuity.jpg" width="600" height="359">

St Paul Cathedral
London, England (via Spendavis)
Cathedral England photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/St-Paul-Cathedral-England-photography.jpg" width="600" height="399">

Stonehenge
Salisbury Plain, England (via Thpeter)
England travel photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Stonehenge-England-travel-photography.jpg" width="600" height="402">

Buckingham Palace
London, England (via Robert Beardwell)
Palace by robertbeardwell 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Buckingham_Palace_by_robertbeardwell.jpg" width="600" height="209">

Big Ben
London, England (via Paweldomaradzki)
the sky photography by paweldomaradzki 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks
Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Big_Ben_and_the_sky_photography__by_paweldomaradzki.jpg" width="600" height="450">

France

Arc de Triomphe
Paris, France (via Allard One)
photography by Allard One 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Golden-Arches-photography-by-Allard-One.jpg" width="600" height="401">

Eiffel Tower
Paris, France (via Dje514)
by night HDR by Dje514 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Eiffel_Tower_by_night_HDR_by_Dje514.jpg" width="600" height="398">

Notre Dame
Paris, France (via Jpgmn)
Paris by jpgmn 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Notre_Dame_de_Paris_by_jpgmn.jpg" width="600" height="401">

Germany

The Brandenburg Gate
Berlin, Germany (via Gdphotography)
Brandenburg Gate panoramic photograph by Gdphotography 45 Awe Inspiring
Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/The-Brandenburg-Gate-panoramic-photograph-by-Gdphotography.jpg" width="600" height="235">

Neuschwanstein
Fuessen, Germany (via Wohli)
Germany photography by wohli 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Neuschwanstein_Germany_photography_by_wohli.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Greece

Acropolis of Greece
Athens, Greece (via Darrell Godliman)
Greece photography by Darrell Godliman 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around
The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Acropolis-of-Greece-photography-by-Darrell-Godliman.jpg" width="600" height="400">

India

Taj-Mahal
India (via Gilad)
Taj Mahal India Photography by gilad 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around
The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Eternal_Love_Taj-Mahal-India-Photography_by_gilad.jpg" width="600" height="398">

Sahib Golden Temple
Amritsar, India (via Angad)
Sahib Golden Temple photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Harmandir-Sahib-Golden-Temple-photography.jpg" width="600" height="300">

Italy

Colosseum
Rome, Italy (via Joanot)
Italy photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Colosseum-Italy-photography.jpg" width="600" height="396">

Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa, Italy (via Crimsonlipstain)
of Pisa by CRIMSONlipstain 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa_by_CRIMSONlipstain.jpg" width="600" height="396">

Sistine Chapel
Rome, Italy (via R.o.b.e.r.t. o.)
Rome Photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Sistine-Chapel-Rome-Photography.jpg" width="600" height="542">

Japan

The Great Buddha
Kamakura, Japan (via Theraider)
Buddha of Japan by TheRaider 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/The_Great_Buddha_of_Japan_by_TheRaider.jpg" width="600" height="843">

Jordan

Petra
Jordan (via Mikeb79)
mikeb79 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Petra_I_by_mikeb79.jpg" width="600" height="764">

Mexico

Chichen Itza
Yucatan State, Mexico (via Mananetwork)
Mexico Photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-Photography.jpg" width="600" height="369">

Peru

Machu Picchu
Cuzco, Peru (via Szeke)
Cuzco Peru photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Machu-Picchu-Cuzco-Peru-photography.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Russia

Kremlin
Moscow, Russia (via InObrAS)
by inObrAS 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Moscow_Kremlin_by_inObrAS.jpg" width="600" height="599">

Snowy Cathedral
Moscow, Russia (via Soleterranean)
Cathedral of StBasil 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Snowy-Cathedral-of-StBasil.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Saudi Arabia

Masjid AL Haram
Makkah, Saudi Arabia (via Twip)
Haram landmark photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Masjid-AL-Haram-landmark-photography.jpg" width="600" height="450">

Scottland

Balmoral Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland (via John Rogers)
Castle photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Balmoral-Castle-photography.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Spain

Alhambra
Granada, Spain (via Photoskimo)
HDR photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Alhambra-Spain-HDR-photography.jpg" width="600" height="381">

Casa Mila
Barcelona, Spain (via R.Duran)
Landmark photography by R Duran 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Casa-Mila-Landmark-photography-by-R-Duran.jpg" width="600" height="433">

Turkey

Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey (via Dleiva)
Dleiva 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Blue_Mosque_by_Dleiva.jpg" width="600" height="362">

Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey (via Lady Gigi)
Turkey photography by Lady Gigi 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Hagia_Sophia_Turkey-photography-by_Lady_Gigi.jpg" width="600" height="450">

United States of America

Capitol Hill
Washington, DC, USA (via Gursesl)
Sunset photography by gursesl 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Capitol_Hill_Sunset_photography_by_gursesl.jpg" width="600" height="401">

The White House
Washington, D.C, USA (via xlivingdeadgirl)
House II by xLivingDeadGirl 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/The_White_House_II_by_xLivingDeadGirl.jpg" width="600" height="450">

Statue Of Liberty
New York, USA (via PortraitOfaLife)
Liberty black and white photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around
The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Statue-Of-Liberty-black-and-white-photography.jpg" width="600" height="400">

Grand Canyon
Arizona, USA (via MLGn00beater)
photography by MLGn00beater 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Grand_Canyon_photography_by_MLGn00beater.jpg" width="600" height="448">

Empire State Building
New York, USA (via Arnold Pouteau)
Building black and white photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around
The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Empire-State-Building-black-and-white-photography.jpg" width="600" height="399">

Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, USA (via Kaoni701)
Bridge photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Golden-Gate-Bridge-photography.jpg" width="600" height="398">

Central Park
New York, USA (via Kw~ny)
photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Central-Park-photography.jpg" width="600" height="401">

Venezuela

Angel Falls
Bolivar State, Venezuela (via Michael Anderson)
photography by Michaelanderson 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The
World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Angel-Falls-photography-by-Michaelanderson.jpg" width="600" height="257">

Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls
Zambia, Zimbabwe (via Botswanaodyssey)
Aerial Photography 45 Awe Inspiring Landmarks Around The World" src="http://media02.hongkiat.com/awe-inspiring_landmarks/Victoria-Falls-Aerial-Photography.jpg" width="600" height="313">

maGnetic hill in ladakh (India) defies gravity

2010-06-27T21:38:00.001-07:00

maGnetic hill in ladakh (India) defies gravity

Have you ever heard of a place on earth that defies gravity? unbelievable, is it? Nestled in the lap of snow caped Himalayan ranges and silver valleys, Ladakh in India has a Magnetic hill where a vehicle moves up a steep hill even with their ignition off. The Magnetic hill or Gravity Hill is situated at a distance of 30 km from the capital city Leh and is located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, at a height of

The magnetic power here can be experienced by switching off the vehicle at a certain spot here. You will notice the vehicle moving up the hill in no time at a speed of about 20 km/hr. The experience is also termed as Himalayan wonder and is a must if you happen to venture into the Himalayan territory of this part of the world.

Even while flying around this region, one can feel the pull of magnetic field. As reported by the local people and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), when the helicopters and aircrafts come with in the radius of this hill, they start to jerk. To avoid accidents, the fliers are advised to fly at specific speed and height.

The area has become a popular sight seeing place also because of the sikh Gurudwara near the hill which is maintained by the Indian Army. Guru Nanak Dev, the first of the ten Gurus of Sikhism had meditated near this hill in the 17th century. The Magnetic wonder combined with religious sentiments makes this place a must visit while travelling to Ladakh.

People come to this Himalayan terrain for the sheer adventure and rush of adrenalin for this mountain beauty is more rugged than you would have thought.

Khardung La, a region in Ladakh is the highest motorable road in the world. Once you reach here, you fell on top of the world. Literally!

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Khaju Bridge Iran

2010-06-24T22:13:00.001-07:00

Khaju Bridge Iran

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Located in the Isfahan province, in Iran, the Khaju bridges performs many functions. The first, most common one, is connecting the two banks of the Zayandeh river; at the same time, it works as a dam that separates two portions of the river with different water levels; finally, it is an excellent place for leisure, with its pavilions and steps over the water, in a region where the heat is often intense.

The bridge was built in the 17th century, with 23 arches, made from brick and stone, 105 metres long. In the upper level, it has a main central aisle, where traffic goes by (horses and carriages mostly) and two lateral galleries, covered by arches, for pedestrians. The functional concept and the quality of the space are irreproachable.

The series of arches supporting the platform are used as a resting and refreshing spot, thanks to its shade and proximity to the water. Below, well-lined foundations sustain and lead the water from the upper level, upstream, towards the lower level, through a set of very elegant steps, which grab the entire structure to the riverbed. They are commonly used by the population, as a fluvial beach.

Genzano Flower Festival 2010

2010-06-21T00:00:00.001-07:00

Genzano Flower Festival 2010

Please wait images are loading .....

If you’re a flower enthusiast, and you happen to be in Rome, in the second week of June, you just have to visit the small town of Genzano, for its world famous Infiorata.

The Genzano Infiorata is a flower festival that can be traced back to 1778. Every year, local artists cover an entire street (Via Belardi) with intricate flower carpets, inspired by famous artworks, religious paintings or geometrical shapes. The flower carpets are made by talented local artists who have to stick to a previously agreed upon theme, like ‘The Colors of Michelangelo’ or ‘The Designs of Bernini’.

The Infiorata of Genzano begins with the harvesting of millions of flowers, 2-3 days before the event. They are stored fresh, in caves around Genzano, while the artists draw their masterpieces on the pavement of Via Belardi, for the Saturday parade.

Preceded by a ‘mini Infiorata’, where children from local schools create the flower carpets, the Infiorata ends on the Monday of the third week of June, when children are allowed to destroy the colorful artworks, by playing on them.

Some Old Photos of Indian Rulers

2010-06-20T23:56:00.001-07:00

Some Old Photos of Indian Rulers

The Begum of Bhopal 1872

Full-length standing studio portrait of Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal from the 'Lee-Warner Collection: 'Bombay Presidency. William Lee Warner C.S.' taken by Bourne and Shepherd c.1872. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, was founded in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty. By the 18th century, it was ruled by the descendants of the Afghan Dost Muhammad Khan. Bhopal was unique among the princely states as it was ruled by a succession of widows; Begum Shah-Jahan (1838-1901) succeeded as Nawab Begum twice, the first time between 1844-1860 and the second time between 1868-1901. Shah-Jahan Begum was known for commencing the construction of the Taj-ul-Masjid mosque in Bhopal and for other public work projects such as subsidising the cost of a railway to be constructed between Hoshangabad and Bhopal. In 1872 she was created a Grand commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. This portrait appears in J.T.Wheeler's History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi (London,1877) .

Sir Mir Mohammad Khan, Khan (ruling chief) of Kalat 1894

Photograph of Sir Mir Mohammad Khan, Khan of Kalat from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' was taken by Frederick Bremner c.1894. Kalat is located in Baluchistan and was established in the middle of the fifteenth century by the Mir Wari clan, an Arab family.

Sir Arjun Singh, Raja of Narsinghgarh 1900

Photograph of of Sir Arjun Singh (1887 - 1924), Raja of Narsinghgarh from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' taken by Herzog and Higgins c.1900. Born in 1887, Singh was appointed as Raja in 1897 at only ten years of age, gaining full ruling powers from the Government of India in 1909.

Muhammad Hamid-ullah Khan, Nawab of Bhopal 1900

Photo of Muhammad Hamid-ullah Khan, Nawab of Bhopal from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' was taken by an unknown photographer c.1900. Stephen Wheeler, the donor of the collection, was presumably related to J. Talboys Wheeler, organiser of the 1877 durbar and author of 'The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi' (London, [1877]). Bhopal, located in Madhya Pradesh, was founded as a state in 1723 and ruled by the descendants of the Afghan Dost Muhammad Khan. Muhammad Hamid-ullah Khan (1894-1960), succeeded as Nawab of Bhopal in 1926.

Kesri Singh, Thakur of Piploda 1903

Photograph of Kesri Singh (1872 -1919), Thakur of Piploda from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' was taken by an unknown photographer in 1903. Stephen Wheeler, the donor of the collection, was presumably related to J. Talboys Wheeler, organiser of the 1877 durbar and author of 'The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi' (London, [1877]).

Full-length standing portrait of Kesri Singh, Thakur of Piploda. Piploda, located in Rajasthan, was controlled by the Doria Rajputs and was founded by Shardul Singh in 1547. Kesri Singh, succeeded as chief of Piploda in 1887.

Sardar Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur 1900

Photo of Sardar Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' was taken by Gobindram and Oodeyram c.1900. Stephen Wheeler, the donor of the collection, was presumably related to J. Talboys Wheeler, organiser of the 1877 durbar and author of 'The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi' (London, [1877]).
Jodhpur, ruled by the descendants of the Rathor Rajputs, was founded c.1450. Sardar Singh (1880-1911) succeeded as Maharaja in 1895 at the age of fifteen. Sardar Singh's uncle, Maharaj Pratap Singh and a council of regency assisted him for the first three years until he reached eighteen. Sardar Singh visited Europe in 1901, and is known for his involvement in extending the railway from Jodhpur to Hyderabad.

TREASURES OF EGYPT*

2010-06-20T23:29:00.001-07:00

TREASURES OF EGYPT*

Egypt - a country being in which you can not just plunge into the grand millennial history and mystery, but also get a lot of wonderful impressions of an unforgettable vacation. How? Each defines for himself. After all, Egypt is rich not only in their sights and antiquities. Tourists can choose from a large abundance of entertainment. Beach vacation, diving, go-karting, horse riding and camel riding, jeep tours in the desert, visits to museums, golf courses, the famous Egyptian shopping, restaurants, water rides. All this can be found in this ancient country. As the Seven Wonders of Egypt: the Nile, Red Sea, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, the temples at Abu Simbel, the ancient culture of the pharaohs and the Bedouins.

1) Tourists on horses and camels, visiting the historical monument - the pyramids of Giza, located not far from Cairo. The pyramids are the only one of the ancient seven wonders of the world that has survived to this day. In addition, they entered the list of new seven world wonders, drawn up in 2008.

2) The Sphinx of Giza - a huge figure of the creature with the body of a lion and a human head is located on the west bank of the Nile near Cairo. The picture in the background we see the pyramid of Khufu. The Great Sphinx - is the biggest stone statue on the ground. Believed that it was created ancient Egyptians in the third millennium BC, between approximately 2520 and 2494 years. BC

3) Attraction of Cairo - the ensemble of the mosque-madrasa of Sultan Hassan. The mosque was built between 1356 and 1363 years. AD during the reign of the Mamelukes. It is believed that the stones for its construction were taken from one of the great pyramids of Giza.

Mohamed Ali mosque is located in the citadel of Cairo and was built on his order between 1830 and 1848. This Turkish mosque has become the largest mosque built in the middle of the first 19. It was erected in honor of Tuzuna, son of Mohammed, who died in 1816.

5) The Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, which contains the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.

6) The golfer who plays on the field for the game of golf at the hotel «Oberoi House», overlooking the pyramids of Giza.

7) Khan al-Khalili is considered the biggest shopping area in Cairo.

8) Pyramid Meyduma located on the edge of the desert 70 kilometers south of Cairo and is the first Egyptian pyramid with aboveground burial. Ancient Egyptians believed that the higher the buried person, the closer he becomes to the god of the sun. At the foot of the huge building covered with crumbling stones.

9) Fortress Kite beat the 15 th century building is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria.

10) The famous Alexandrian science library - top beauty and splendor.

11) The steamer "Sudan" flies on the Nile River in the direction of the Egyptian city of Aswan.

12) Hotel «The Old Cataract» (old threshold) in the city of Aswan situated on a hilltop, so the windows overlooking the River Nile.

13) Temple of Horus in Edhu second largest temple in Egypt after the Temple of Karnak, and one of the best preserved. This temple is dedicated to mountain - God with the head of a falcon.

14) Tourists visiting the columns, decorated with hieroglyphs in Karnak temple in Luxor. Few sights can compare with the Egyptian Karnak complex in the greatness of columns, obelisks, stelae and decorated stones.

15) The walls of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor decorated with images of the pharaohs. During the 40 years the temple complex has been studied and restored the Franco-Egyptian team of archaeologists.

16) Tourists visiting the Colossi of Memnon - two huge stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

17) Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, located in Luxor, built of limestone. She became a 5-m pharaoh of the 18 th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt and the rules for longer than any other woman of the Egyptian dynasties.

18) Temple of Abu Simbel was erected 20 years: from 1244 to 1224 years. BC Temple made by UNESCO's World Heritage List, is part of the Monuments of Nubia, which run from Abu Simbel to fillet (near Aswan).

19) According to UNESCO, the monastery of St. Catherine is the oldest active Christian monastery in the world.

20) Tourist climbed on a huge limestone, formed as a result of sandstorms in the white desert, Egypt.

21) Camels on the Red Sea on the beach Canyon in Dahab. Camel Safari - one of the most popular attractions in Southern Sinai.

22) In the Red Sea is home to over a thousand species of invertebrates and 200 different species of corals, in addition, it is the most northern tropical sea. Red Sea - a popular place for divers and lovers of swimming Snorkelling.

23) Tourists relax on the terrace on the street King of the Kingdom of Bahrain (King of Barhein Kingdom street). It is considered the main street of Sharm El-Sheikh.

24) A man admires the view of volcanic peaks of the Black Desert.

TREASURES OF EGYPT*

2010-06-20T23:20:00.001-07:00

TREASURES OF EGYPT*

5) The Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, which contains the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.

6) The golfer who plays on the field for the game of golf at the hotel «Oberoi House», overlooking the pyramids of Giza.

7) Khan al-Khalili is considered the biggest shopping area in Cairo.

9) Fortress Kite beat the 15 th century building is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria.

10) The famous Alexandrian science library - top beauty and splendor.

11) The steamer "Sudan" flies on the Nile River in the direction of the Egyptian city of Aswan.

12) Hotel «The Old Cataract» (old threshold) in the city of Aswan situated on a hilltop, so the windows overlooking the River Nile.

13) Temple of Horus in Edhu second largest temple in Egypt after the Temple of Karnak, and one of the best preserved. This temple is dedicated to mountain - God with the head of a falcon.

15) The walls of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor decorated with images of the pharaohs. During the 40 years the temple complex has been studied and restored the Franco-Egyptian team of archaeologists.

16) Tourists visiting the Colossi of Memnon - two huge stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

19) According to UNESCO, the monastery of St. Catherine is the oldest active Christian monastery in the world.

20) Tourist climbed on a huge limestone, formed as a result of sandstorms in the white desert, Egypt.

21) Camels on the Red Sea on the beach Canyon in Dahab. Camel Safari - one of the most popular attractions in Southern Sinai.

23) Tourists relax on the terrace on the street King of the Kingdom of Bahrain (King of Barhein Kingdom street). It is considered the main street of Sharm El-Sheikh.

24) A man admires the view of volcanic peaks of the Black Desert.

Ruby Falls - The Underground Waterfall

2010-06-16T23:25:00.001-07:00

Ruby Falls - The Underground Waterfall

Ruby Falls is a 145-foot high underground waterfall located within LookoutMoutain, near Rock City and Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States.The cave which houses Ruby Falls was formed with the formation of Lookout Mountain. About 200 to 240 million years ago (in the Carboniferous period, at the end of the Paleozoic era) the eastern Tennessee area was covered with a shallow sea, the sediments of which eventually formed limestone rock. About 200 million years ago, this area was uplifted and subsequent erosion has created the current topography. The limestone in which the cave is formed is still relatively horizontal, just as it was deposited when it was below sea level.
The Lookout Mountain Caverns, which includes Ruby Falls Cave, is a limestone cave. These caves occur when slightly acidic groundwater enters subterranean streams and eats away at the relatively soft limestone, causing narrow cracks to widen into passages and caves in a process called chemical weathering. The stream which makes up the Falls entered the cave sometime after its formation.
The Falls are located at the end of the main passage of Ruby Falls Cave, in a large vertical shaft. The stream, 1120 feet underground, is fed both by rainwater and natural springs. It collects in a pool in the cave floor and then continues through the mountain until finally joining the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain.While Ruby Falls Cave combines with Lookout Mountain Cave to form the Lookout Mountain Caverns, the two caves were not actually connected by any passage. Ruby Falls Cave is the upper of the two and contains a variety of geological formations and curiosities which Lookout Mountain Cave does not have.
Electric lights were installed in the cave, making it one of the first commercial caves to be so outfitted. Motorists travelling on I-75 in the 70's were subjected to dozens - maybe hundreds - of billboards along their route with the words "VISIT RUBY FALLS" beginning hundreds of miles north and south of the falls itself. Ruby Falls remains a staple of Chattanooga tourism, operating daily. Ruby Falls is owned by the Steiner family of Chattanooga, Tennessee.