Travel Information

Off the beaten track, Indian travellers explore the uncharted

2012-06-14T00:58:00.001-07:00

Off the beaten track, Indian travellers explore the uncharted

A rise in disposable incomes and changes in lifestyle patterns and exposure to the world through the internet have led Indians to explore offbeat destinations and spend much more on vacations, say travel experts.

Rakesh Chaudhary, an adventure seeker had trekked through several dense jungles and deep valleys around the India but was wondering where to go next. That was until he heard about Costa Rica. A week-long trip later, he did not want to return home from South America. "I had covered almost all of India and wanted something new. So, I chose Costa Rica and am proud of my decision. It's a mesmerizing place. I never wanted to come back to Delhi," Chaudhary, manager at an international bank, told IANS.

A rise in disposable incomes and changes in lifestyle patterns and exposure to the world through the internet have led Indians to explore offbeat destinations and spend much more on vacations, say travel experts. Those with deep pockets and spare time are heading to eastern Europe, Africa or even Latin America while others continue to flock to short haul destinations like Thailand and Singapore, but keep away from the general tourist spots. "An ever increasing number of Indian travellers are opting for places like Kao Mai, Phi Phi islands and Hua Hin in Thailand instead of just Bangkok and Phuket. The numbers of such people are rising," Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head of online travel portal Expedia India, told IANS. "Working professionals who can't afford a long holiday constitute the largest number of travellers to these short-haul destinations," he added.

According to another online travel portal, Tripadvisor, 35 percent of Indian travellers are heading out to offbeat destinations within the country and across the globe while 38 percent of them are spending more and more on summer holidays. "Adventure travel too is gathering steam as travellers opting for adventure activities such as outdoor camping, rafting, hiking and safari trips have seen a fillip from last year," said Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India.

International holiday spots Iceland, Finland, Romania, Spain and Greece are emerging as the new favourites, indicating a trend to go off the beaten track. Meanwhile, several countries too are going all out to woo the Indian traveller, especially those looking for a change with food festivals, roadshows and business and trade fairs. "Keeping in mind the number of Indians now travelling around the world, India is definitely an important market," Haitham M. Al-Ghasani, Oman's Director of Tourism, Promotion and Awareness, told IANS.

Oman organised the second edition of its annual roadshow that covered several Indian metropolitans in February, promoting itself as a high-end tourism destination. Similarly, South African Tourism's (SAT) eighth annual five-city roadshow began in January in Mumbai as it showcased its popular destinations and varied culture. "As per our research, a majority of Indians love a mix of adventure and leisure activities. From bungee jumping to window shopping, South Africa is the perfect blend of both," said Hanneli Slabber, SAT's country head for India. According to the tourism board, 25,995 Indians visited South Africa in the fiscal ended February 2010. The figure rose to 30,304 in the fiscal ended February 2011 and settled at 28,684 in the fiscal ended February 2012.

Industry experts too feel that Indians are getting paid better and are venturing out more and don't mind spending on expensive international holiday packages. "Rise in disposable has led to a tremendous rise in the number of Indian travellers over the last few years and there is still tremendous potential left untapped," George Kutty, secretary, northern region of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), told IANS. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the number of Indians travelling abroad in 1991 was 1.9 million, which rose to 12.99 million in 2010 with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 percent. The number of departures in 2010 registered a growth of nine percent over 2009 as compared to 1.8 percent growth in 2009 over 2008.

Where will the British royals be travelling to this year?

2012-06-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica

Prince Harry visited Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica as part of his Diamond Jubilee tour. Given that it is was his first solo royal tour, we were pleased to see that he was on his best behaviour.

Read on to find out where the rest of the royals, including Wills and Kate, will be travelling to this year...

Gibraltar

The Earl and Countess of Wessex will certainly feel at home when they arrive in Gibraltar; this huge lump of rock isn't just a Commonwealth state but British overseas territory. There are helmeted bobbies, red telephone boxes and the dependency's residents can even vote for UK MEPs. In 2009 Princess Anne visited the tiny British overseas territory, although her visit angered the Spanish government, who slammed the visit as an affront to the Spanish people, due to their objection to Britain's continued role in the territory

Tuvalu

In September, Wills and Kate will pay a visit to the remote island nation of Tuvalu, which hasn't had a royal visit for decades. Let's hope the duchess has a head for heights - when her grandparents-in-law, the Queen and Prince Philip, last visited the country, in 1982, they were carried shoulder-high in canoes into the capital of Funafuti, and Tuvalu's government has confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be treated to the same reception.

British Virgin Islands

In March, the British Virgin Islands will be graced with a visit from the Duke of Gloucester. The royals are no strangers to the islands - princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are regular visitors to Necker Island.

Canada

When Charles and Camilla arrived in Canada in May, they fortunately didn't find any bad feeling regarding Prince Philips' famous blooper in 1976. During a visit in 1976, he told locals: 'We don't come here for our health. We can think of other ways of enjoying ourselves.' Charles was even able to endear himself to the Canadian public by indulging in a spot of DJ-ing during a visit to a youth centre!

Singapore

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will bevisiting Singapore in September, which means they might just be in time to catch the Grand Prix. How their security team will cope remains to be seen - Singapore is the most densely populated country in the world, with 6,430 people per square kilometre.

Malta

In the past, Malta may have been unfairly written off as one big retirement home (which probably wasn't helped by the Queen's decision to spend her second honeymoon there in 2007) but the Duke of Gloucester's planned visit has already boosted the country's tourism industry. Its citizens played an important role in the defence of Britain and its allies in the Second World War, particularly during the siege of Malta. In recognition of this, King George VI bestowed the George Cross upon the entire nation - making Malta the only recipient of a collective George Cross.

Australia

When Charles and Camilla visit this winter, we hope they don't repeat Prince Philip's 2002 faux pas. During a visit to Queensland's Cultural Park, the gaff-prone prince consort asked aboriginal William Brin: 'Do you still throw spears at each other?' The couple's itinerary is yet to be confirmed but it's expected to include a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service HQ (the world's largest medical practice).

India

In 2012 India will welcome the Duke of York. It's thought a visit to Delhi (pictured) be included in his official itinerary, although if he's expecting to check out the capital's statue of great grandfather George V, he'll be disappointed. When India became independent in 1947, it was quietly moved from its place in the city centre to the run down Coronation Park in the north of the city.

Trinidad and Tobago

The Earl and Countess of Wessex's visit in March comes during a particularly significant year - 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the islands' independence.

The 7 most breathtaking waterfalls in India

2012-06-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

They are a photographer's ultimate fantasty, a filmmaker's wet dream come true and a dream-come-true for weary trekkers. Check out India's best waterfall destinations.

1. Shivasamudram Falls: Mandya, Karnataka, India; Height: 322 ft

If you have been looking for a quick getaway near Bangalore or Mysore, hop on to your bike now and head for Shivasamudram Falls.

Surrounded by hill forests of the Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, the place is a visual treat.

2. Athirappally Falls: Thrissur, Kerala; Height: 82ft

Mani Ratnam chose this enchanting waterfall to shoot parts of Raavan starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

If you wish to see huge mountains, deep valleys, dense greenery and a beautiful waterfall -- all in their full glory, visit Athirapally during monsoon.

3. Dhuandhar Falls: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; Height: 98 ft

Only 16 km away from Jabalpur city, Dhuandar Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in central India. The picturesque beauty of this place has been beautifully captured in Shah Rukh Khan's movie Asoka.

Visit this place right after monsoons, preferably during Shivratri when the white rocks appear silver in the moonlight.

Don't miss the boat ride if you wish to access beautiful places that cannot be visited by foot.

Pick up beautiful souvenirs from road side shops that sell marble sculptures, paintings and customized gift items.

4. Dudhsagar Falls: Goa, Height: 1017 ft

If you are tired of visiting beaches in Goa, Dudhsagar Falls, 90 kms from Panaji should be an ideal choice for you. The entry is through a national park so one can spot animals and bathe elephants.

The falls look stunning post monsoon as it ripples with bubbling foam-like water. You might not get a cab but hire a bike and ride alongside the railway tracks!

5. Soochippara Falls: Wayanad, Kerala; Height: 656 ft

Soochippara Falls in Wayanad, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is an ideal spot for budget travellers who do not want to spend money on costly water parks.

Visit during the monsoon and take Meppadi route to enjoy scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.

The best attractions in Soochippara Falls are the tree top huts presenting a distinct view of the Western Ghats. The waterfalls have a cliff face which is ideal for rock climbing.

6. Attukal Waterfalls: Munnar, Kerala; Height: 196 ft

Set amidst hills and jungles, Attukal Waterfalls is the most noteworthy tourism attraction in Munnar.

The place is known for its tranquility, majestic falls and beautiful locales and is ideal for long trekking and hiking.

The falls are at their glorious best between September and May. When there, make sure you stop and have a Masala Chai whilst watching the falls crash.

7. Bhagsu Waterfall: Mcleod Gunj, Himachal Pradesh; Height: 7112 ft

Bhagsu Waterfall in McLeodganj is a small but an incredibly beautiful place. The waterfall became popular after an Israeli movie Hummus Curry was shot here. Only 20 minutes walk from the popular Bhagsu Temple, it is an ideal place for those who like to combine a spiritual trip with a small getaway.

The hilly terrain can make the trek a little tricky but the view after reaching is absolutely worth it! Pick up local handicraft souvenirs from shops on the way.

Meghamalai – A walk in the clouds

2012-06-12T01:51:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a quiet escape to untouched, pristine lands, less of which seem to be remaining every day, then Meghamalai's your answer. Tucked away in the clouds of the Western Ghats, this little-accessible mountain range offers gorgeous views of lush green mountains, dense forests, teal lakes and, above all, peace.

Pruning tea at the Woodbriar estate. The amused workers asked me to give up my job.
Meghamalai, also called the High Wavy Mountains, is located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and can be reached by road from Theni via Chinnamanur, the nearest town. The drive can be a little unsettling on the narrow, winding, muddy path which shows little sign of human activity; it took us almost half a day to traverse the last 40 km of the road. The climb is exhilaratingly steep, with a view of the peaceful Manalar Dam nestling in the valley. The kachcha road then leads to a tar road at the beginning of a sprawling 6,000-acre tea plantation which houses two large, spacious bungalows run by the Woodbriar Group. Scrumptious food and the sounds of birds greeted us at the Sand River Cottage.

The High Wavys Dam nestling in between the mountains.
We soaked in the warm hospitality and the cool mountain climate. Mornings at the cottage were spent in an almost meditative state watching layers of clouds play hide-and-seek with the peaks. A visit to the WoodBriar Tea Factory took us through a behind-the-scenes journey of the fascinating processes that go into the making of our morning beverage. We drove up to Vattaparai in Upper Manalar, famous for its animal sightings, but the clear morning was wrapped in thick fog within minutes, forcing us to go back. Cloud Mountain does live up to its name!

Tea estate in Meghamalai
One afternoon, a plantation worker came running into the bungalow, saying he saw a group of elephants nearby. We set off in the car and after some time, the driver stopped abruptly.
"What happened?" I asked, and was much amused by his embarrassed reply: "Elephant doing bathroom!"

An elephant in the forests of Meghamalai
He pointed to a large dung pile that lay on the road. We got out of the car and walked some distance. Hiding behind the tea bushes we spotted a family of elephants, complete with grandparents and kids, walking in the forest. We made our way back to the car in awed silence and on the way, spotted a bison in the distance and found (much to my delight) tiger scat on the path. I even picked up a porcupine quill.
Long drives in and around Meghamalai are beautiful, with the view alternating between dark-leaved woods and light-green plantations. If you're lucky, you can spot some rare wildlife like the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Great Indian Hornbill. These mountains are also home to the one of the world's rarest bats, the Salim Ali's Fruit Bat. From the Maharaja Mettu View Point, one can get a panaromic view of the hills, extending all the way to the plains. The misty mountains of Meghamalai are something out of a fairytale. They invite you to walk, trek, breathe, disconnect, relax and experience a bit of almost tangible transcendence.
Ramya Sriram is an editor, writer and artist of sorts based in Hyderabad. She runs The Tap, a webcomic dedicated to stick figures, and creates customized designs on order. She loves traveling, especially when it involves filter coffee and long train journeys.

Vazhachal Reserved Forest unfurled in front of us – wet, evergreen, wonderful and, as beautiful things go, fragile. The windshield wipers were ineffective at times and the going was slow. Which was as it should be, for the forest is breathtaking. Here, in Vazhachal, is where ferns still live.

Banks rose from the sides of the road, covered in roots and ferns, fungi and moss. Rock-faces seemed to melt into rivulets as water seeped through and over them. Boughs and lianas were smothered in moss, and epiphytes were everywhere. Creepers hung from branches like curtains and every bend in the road had a frothy, white, gushing waterfall. It looked like a set from the movies. The bigger characters in this drama –Nilgiri Langurs, Malabar Giant Squirrels and birds – seemed to respectfully give way to the small, the immobile, and the green. The setting breathed and pulsed with life – from the smallest snails chomping on leaves to the fairy lantern fungi that defied my camera to catch its color.

And then there were the impatiens – little pink, fuchsia and white flowers that grow on wet rock. Whole beds, small clumps, and lone sentinels bending and twisting but holding their own under waterfalls. The sun had pushed its way through the thick blanket of grey and briefly spotlighted a moss here, a fern there. Tucking two cameras and one pair of binoculars under my new rain-jacket, I jumped out and took in a lungful of fresh, drizzly forest air.

Light was low and photography in that rain was a prayer. But for me, the quest for tack-sharp images respectfully retreated behind the grand drama of green that surrounded me. The dark of the rainforest in monsoon is what it is. Raindrops on every blade, every edge, every petal, every moss fruiting body, is life – as it unfolds. Hence, if blurry, grainy, and high-ISO images were to be a legacy of this trip, so be it.

Soaking wet by now, finding a dry corner of my t-shirt to wipe my lens clean was nothing more than a dream. My knees were muddy from kneeling to take eye-level shots. I’d found a couple of leeches on my neck, one on my face and one on my lip. I’d no idea what else was inside my clothes. I was faced with a choice. Wetness and leeches can make one miserable. But I had one glorious day in such a forest, and a few hours to simply soak it all up. And so I took all my leech-bloody-wetness thoughts and locked it up in a small compartment in my head. Then I threw the key away. Access denied to negative emotions, I chased snails and sloshed across a stream to see insanely huge fungi. Clambering up mud walls and slip sliding on leaf litter, I was laughing inwardly at the sheer joy of being there.

It was dark by now – the sun had given up the fight with the clouds and called it a day. I looked at my camera. Surely the lens would be kaput the next day. Fogged up at a minimum. And we’d probably see the highly endangered lion-tailed macaques up close, and I’d have nothing to photograph them with. Well, I thought to myself, there is a way out. I would just have to soak up that experience so deep that I’d remember it forever. Leaning back on the by-now-oh-so-wet Scorpio seat, I smiled a broad, satisfied smile.

Gorgeous: Underground resort in China

2012-06-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sky-high hotels and resorts are invariably impressive – shooting up as if to kiss the clouds. But what if a resort was created inside a deep gorge - would it look equally spectacular? Here are some artist impressions of the Songjiang Shimao Hotel project by engineering and design consultancy, Atkins.

Songjiang Shimao Hotel is a resort that includes extreme sports facilities, visitor centre and a five-star luxury hotel with some levels of the hotel situated under water.

The unique resort is being built into an abandoned, water-filled quarry.

A naturally-lit internal atrium incorporates the existing rock face, with its waterfalls and green vegetation.

The design solution for the resort includes the use of green roofing and exploiting the site’s geothermal heat to generate electricity and heating.

Atkins is providing the architecture, structural and civil engineering services for this leisure resort in China.

The resort includes extreme sports facilities, visitor centre and a five-star luxury hotel with some levels of the hotel situated under water.

Top 7 Summer Getaways

2012-06-10T19:24:00.004-07:00

Top 7 Summer Getaways

The one thing that is synonymous with summer is holiday.

Once the sun handicaps the city and it's inhabitants with the heat, it is time to wrap things up and embark upon a holiday. Summer holidays are meant to be the perfect getaways; away from work, the terrible heat and daily stress of life. There are many destinations to choose from depending on your budget and liking, so a summer getaway is always within reach.

1. Bali

There is no combination like that of the beach and the sunshine. It is always wise to hit a cool, beachy destination in the summer and soak up the sun. Bali offers this delight to tourists and is a perfect getaway destination. It offers a variety of accommodation options depending on your budget, so there is something for everyone.

2. Kerala

Kerala is indeed God’s Own Country. If you don’t want to fly abroad, then this is the perfect destination within the country for you. All you have to do is call up the Kerala Tourism helpline and you’ll be given a variety of holiday packages to choose from. Planning a holiday was never this easy.

3. London

London has unpredictable weather conditions, but then it is a favourite summer holiday spot. Getting a London visa might be difficult but once you get one, pack your bags and get on that plane. While you will be going to another city and not necessarily a ‘relaxed’ destination, London is sure to charm you. There are plenty of things to do in this city, and the food it offers is sure to please your palate.

4. Leh – Ladakh

This destination has only recently become a must visit place for all tourists. Right from snow-capped mountains, to deserts at high altitudes there is enough natural beauty to captivate your senses. If you haven’t already, you must visit Leh-Ladakh.

5. Rio De Janeiro

This is an unusual decision but it is sure to pay off. A city of 6 million, Rio is sure to blow your senses. From a hip night life and tasty food, to 25 amazing beaches to lounge at, this city offers everything to add delight and fun to your life.

6. Shimla-Manali

The oldest and most preferred tourist destination of Indians, Shimla-Manali will not let you down. Here, you can enjoy the weather, the snow and the calm vibe.

7. Paris

One never needs an excuse to visit this romantic city, but if you need a season, then summer it is. With long days, and longer nights, Paris is every romantic's dream come true. Walk the cobbled streets, enjoy a long lunch at the roadside cafes, and lounge around in the parks. Most importantly, walk along the Seine and find a way back into love.

These are our picks for perfect summer getaways. By now, you should be adjusting your work schedule and planning your perfect summer holiday. If aren't already, get to it now!

Mount Everest is the world’s tallest mountain.

2012-06-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Mount Everest is the world’s tallest mountain.

Mount Everest is so famous for being so high that you’ve probably heard of it before. It has been known the world over since the early 1950s when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay first climbed to its awesome summit. Hillary surveyed Everest at the time and determined that it was 29,000 ft/8840m high – a figure amazingly close to the current reading of 29,035 ft/8850m, which was confirmed using radar and global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.Using state-of-the-art technology Professor Brad Washburn of the Boston Museum of Science, the world’s foremost mountain cartographer, and his team have calculated that earth’s highest elevation is actually 7 feet higher than the previous record. That makes the official height 29,035 ft/8850m. Thanks to some engineering whizzes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who developed really light, high-tech gear, the work of Washburn was made easier because he was able to hand carry a radar device to the top of Everest where it could be positioned to measure the actual height of the mountain – underneath all that snow. GPS technology was also deployed near the summit, which uses satellite signal relays to take readings from the top of Everest. After months of crunching numbers

Washburn’s team arrived at the new, official world-record elevation.

They’ve also determined that the Himalayan Mountains are still growing higher, at a rate of about 2.4 in/6.1cm per year. That’s twice as fast as previously thought. A growth rate of 2.4 in/6.1cm per year doesn’t sound like very much. If you think about it, that means in the last 26,000 years the Himalayans have risen almost a mile into the upper reaches of the earth’s atmosphere!
When Hillary and Norgay climbed to the top of Everest they wore oxygen tanks. Because Everest is so high it juts into the upper reaches of the earth’s atmosphere, where there are much lower concentrations of oxygen than at sea level. What that means to folks trekking up the side of Everest is that their bodies get less oxygen from each breath they breathe while climbing. But their brains and muscles require the same amount of oxygen to perform as they would at sea level. That makes it especially tough to climb Everest.
Try to imagine what it feels like to climb up a mountain with very little oxygen in your body – you get dizzy, your nose, fingers and feet get numb and tingly, your heart thunders in your chest trying furiously to keep up with the muscles’ demand for oxygen. You feel sleepy, confused, downright stupid as your brain struggles to function on limited oxygen. Every step you take is extremely slow and plodding, requiring every ounce of will you have. Hillary and Norgay had extra oxygen to help them make the trip, but there have been a few people who have made the trip since who did it without the aid of oxygen – taking one step about every five minutes! About 4,000 climbers have attempted the summit of Everest, but only 660 have made it.

One-hundred forty-two people have died trying.
Mount Everest is just one of over 30 peaks in the Himalayas that are over 24,000 ft/7315m high. Himalaya is a Sanskrit word meaning, “abode of snow“, which is so true. The snowfields which dominate many of the peaks in the Himalayas are permanent. Yes, they never melt (not even in the summer). That means there are glaciers in the Himalayas – lots of them. Mount Everest is permanently covered in a layer of ice, topped with snow. The “top” of the mountain at which the elevation was measured can vary as much as twenty feet or more, depending on how much snow has fallen on its peak. Scientists believe that the actual tip of the rock lies tens of feet below the ice and snow on its summit. There are current plans to use ground penetrating radar to get a reading of the actual height of the mountain beneath all that snow. Although the Himalayan Range is only 1,550 miles/2480km long, the average height of all the major peaks in the Himalayas easily makes it the highest mountain range on land.

Mountains aren’t just big piles of dirt, they’re made of solid rock. Believe it or not, the rocks that make up the Himalayan mountains used to be an ancient sea floor. Over millions of years, rivers washed rocks and soil from existing mountains on the Indian subcontinent and nearby Asia into a shallow sea where the sediment was deposited on the floor. Layer upon layer of sediment built up over millions of years until the pressure and weight of the overlying sediment caused the stuff way down deep to turn into rock. Then about 40 million years ago, in a process called “uplifting”, the sea floor began to be forced upward forming mountains.

What caused the sea floor to be pushed up toward the sky was the result of the action of plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics was developed about thirty years ago by scientists who discovered that the earth’s crust is made up of many “plates” which are constantly moving around. They are still moving around, even today, but the speeds at which they move are REALLY SLOW. In human terms the movement can’t even be seen, but it can be felt occasionally when we have earthquakes. Earthquakes happen when plate margins (edges) move past, or bump into each other. In the case of the Himalayan mountains, the continent of India is part of a plate that “crashed” into southwest Asia, but it didn’t stop when it hit. It continued to push northward, crushing and rumpling the earth’s crust, resulting in the mountains we see today. If you go back to the map of the Himalayas, you can see that the mountains look kind of like a rumpled blanket. India is still pushing northward today, raising the Himalayas even higher!
Scientists know this because they’ve been measuring the increasing height of the mountains. There have also been a lot of earthquakes recorded down deep in the mountains, which indicates continuing movement. The Himalayas are growing, but only about an inch a year. That’s not very much in human terms, but imagine how much that would be over millions of years! You may be thinking, “That would have been kinda cool to be here on earth 40 million years ago to be able to watch the Himalayas forming”. You would have been really bored, though. The movement that took many millions of years to form the mountain range is still taking place today, and I doubt you would stake out a camp at the foot of the mountains just to watch them grow. You’d be waiting a LONG TIME.

Hong Kong tops U.S. as most competitive nation

2012-06-10T04:45:00.002-07:00

The United States is no longer the most competitive nation in the world, a title it once shared with this year's champion, Hong Kong. The U.S. slipped to second in this year's World Competitiveness rankings, compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, giving sole bragging rights to Hong Kong.

1. Hong Kong has been ranked the world's most competitive economy for the second consecutive year according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2012.

"Hong Kong is highly competitive vis-Ã -vis most other economies in the world, especially in terms of government efficiency, business efficiency and macroeconomic performance.

Germany

Norway

Qatar

United States of America

Despite losing ground in this year's rankings, the United States remains at the center of world competitiveness "because of its unique economic power, the dynamism of its enterprises, and its capacity for innovation," the report from the Lausanne, Switzerland-based IMD School of Business said.

The United States also has economic ties with virtually every economy in the world, which makes the direction of its economy.

Singapore

Switserland

Sweden

Taiwan

Canada

Kotagiri – Where the Blue Mountains turn green

2012-06-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

My first introduction to Kotagiri was through someone who had lived there and claimed that it was the prettiest place in the Nilgiris. Having visited Ooty and Coonoor earlier, I was surprised I hadn't heard of it. My interest was fuelled years later when I read an article about Longwood Shola, one of the few remaining shola forests in the Nilgiris, and saw that name again — Kotagiri. In the summer of 2011, I visited Longwood and explored this little-known town.

Our first view of Kotagiri
Kotagiri, home of the Kota tribes and picturesque trekking trails, lies below the busy town of Ooty and above the growing town of Coonoor. We checked in at Heavenly Stay, a quiet homestay run by a charming lady who plied us with scrumptious food at regular intervals. We had obtained permission from the District Forest Officer to visit Longwood Shola but to our dismay, we were informed on our arrival that the forest was temporarily closed for visitors due to a leopard attack the previous day. We drove down to the forest only to find all the gates closed. Eager to abate our disappointment, one of the workers at the cottage, a Badaga man, offered to show us around the area.

St Catherine Falls
We set off to the St Catherine Falls, Aravenu. It involved a walk up to one of those quaint viewing huts that are found throughout the Ghats and offered a splendid view of the rugged hills and the 250-ft jet of water gushing down the mountain. In the evening, we drove to Kannerimukku, home of the first European resident of the Nilgiris, John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. He built this bungalow in 1819, and then went on to build Ooty. The bungalow itself has a rich history -- it changed hands many times and was used as a summer home, godown, village school, cattle shed and was finally renovated and opened to the public in 2002. It showcases some ancient photographs, tribal art, implements used by the Kotas, Badagas, Todas and other tribes of the Niligiris. It even stocks the Nilgiris' very own and rather impressive magazine -- Bluest Heaven. We were then taken around the village and were shown the Panchayat-style meeting place of the villagers -- a giant tree. Badaga women gathered at their doorsteps, made conversation and even invited us for a cup of tea.

Tribal art on a window in the John Sullivan Bungalow
For old times' sake, we decided to visit Coonoor the next day. We stopped on the way to see the Ralliah Dam, which was closed. A narrow trail led into a thick, silent forest which was completely deserted, offering an exhilarating hike. After lunching at Coonoor, we drove past Wellington and its famous Gymkhana Club and made our way upwards to the Ketti Valley View Point near Ooty. From there, one can see all the Badaga villages nestled in the valley, and the trail of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway -- "where Chaiyya Chaiyya was shot" -- our guide supplied helpfully.
The Kodanad View Point was the high point of our trip, literally. Tea estates sprung up from the clouds on either side of the route in an unending expanse of green. We saw a lot of uniformed men on the road and learnt that Kodanad was Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's summer retreat. We reached the view point after having heard for a few minutes the driver and guide debate about the number of rooms in her bungalow. A few plain clothesmen (who informed us they were Jayalalithaa's guards on their day off) suggested we wait for a while -- and in about half an hour, the mist lifted, unveiling to us a view that exhausts superlatives.
The Mysore Plateau spread out before us, the green of the Thengumarahada forest extended up to the soft velvety mountains (the "folding hills"), the Rangasamy Peak stood out like a guardian, the mighty muddy-green Moyar river flowed through the plain and the white lines of the Catherine Falls cut through the brown rock. We took in this scene in a meditative silence. Suddenly, I saw two brown moving blobs in a clearing.
"Elephants!" I yelled, waving at them impulsively. "Haha," said the men politely, "you're seeing cows." Grabbing the camera frantically, I zoomed in, and one could see that they were quite unmistakably a bunch of elephants strolling in the sunshine. We took a couple of photos, and before we knew it, a thick fog descended on the mountain and the view was gone.

The view of the grassland from within the cool darkness of the shola forest.

Early morning in the Nilgiris, and the vegetation is covered with needles of icy frost. This flower is glazed with a coating of it. The temperature at 8 AM on a January morning was 9 degrees Celsius.

The frost chars the grass but only a few metres away, I chance upon a moss-covered rock that leads me into a dense, dark evergreen forest where the air is uniformly, pleasantly cool and humid.

This is the shola forest, characteristic of the higher reaches of the Western Ghats. On the dark, cool forest floor, sunlight is a stranger but a welcome visitor nonetheless.

A few stray shafts of sunlight do reach the forest floor, and nourish new growth

A female Nilgiri Flycatcher rests between sallies to hawk tiny flying insects

It's a fernery on the forest floor.

Up in the highest reaches of the Nilgiris, Parts of the sholas intersect with stands of hardy, woody rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum nilagiricum), which are a riot of flowering red in January. The timing of its flowering, which coincides with the Tamil New Year, gives it the local name Pongal Poo.

The shola ecosystem comprises dense clusters of evergreen forest interspersed with grassy meadows. In the Nilgiris, the sholas are increasingly fragmented by monocultures of introduced exotic trees such as Eucalyptus, Black Wattle and Pine. The tall trees in the background are eucalyptus, while further behind are dense groves of wattle. They have choked much of the natural forest in the Nilgiris.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the market in town. The ginger biscuits at the Royal Bakery come highly recommended. Also worth a visit is the Green Shop run by the Keystone Foundation, which stocks all kinds of eco-friendly products.

Kotagiri shows you a side of the Nilgiris which you might not have seen earlier. Away from the commercial hustle-bustle of the other hill stations, it gives you a chance to experience the mountains at your own pace, like a local and not a tourist.

Travel around the Best Places This Summer

2012-06-08T22:56:00.005-07:00

People look for places that offer soothing climate, serene surroundings and beautiful landscape during summer, to escape from the burning sun and at the same time enjoy the enchanting charm of these places. Here are some of the ideal destinations which offer you greater relax from this strenuous climate-

Backwaters of Kerala

The enchanting backwaters of Kerala make the state one of the most preferred tourist destinations, especially during summer. Kerala Backwaters comprises of a chain of lagoons and lakes which lies parallel to the Arabian Sea. A cruise in the House boats gives tourists a unique and exciting chance to experience the beauty of the surrounding greenery and nearby villages. Some of the marvelous backwaters in Kerala are- Kuttanad Backwaters, Cochin Backwaters, Kollam Backwaters, Kumarakom Backwaters.

Coorg

Coorg is famously known as "the Scotland of India" and is a perfect getaway from the scorching heat. One can enjoy the beauty of lush green forest, tall hills, essence of coffee estates and pale green rice valleys in Coorg. The other main attractions that make the place mesmerizing lies in the calm banks of Kaveri River; waterfalls like Iruppu, Abbey and Mallalli, and Abbi Falls, which would serve as an ideal and cooling vacation spot. Well connected roads are there to reach Coorg from places like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Ooty and Mysore.

Ooty

Ooty located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a popular hill station and one of the coolest places on earth. It is rich in scenic beauty, with a beautiful botanical garden and many lakes and also has a good weather. Apart from this, beautiful Mountains, thick forests, sprawling grasslands, striking lakes tea gardens and eucalyptus trees are the most attractions of Ooty. Well connected roads from South Indian states help us reach Ooty.

Naintal

Nainital is one the most charismatic and beautiful hill station in India. It is in the Uttaranchal state and is at an altitude 6,358 feet above sea level. Nainital is also popularly known as the Lake city and is surrounded by huge mountains that give it a picturesque look. The sparkling lake waters and the flickering lights all along the lake at nights creates a magical aura and you can enjoy the scenic beauty by taking long walks.Since it is a hilly area there is no railway station and Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, which is 35 km away from Nainital, and the nearest airport is Pantnagar airport which is 71 kms away from the city. Nainital is very well connected by roads to all major cities, Buses communicate regularly from Delhi.

Shimla

Shimla greets its visitors with its scenic beauty and salubrious air. The colonial structures spread across the city create an aura which differentiates it from other hill stations. Simla's enchanting beauty is surrounded by snow Peak Mountains and picturesque green hills. It is a splendid hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport is nearly 25 km away from the heart of the city, Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from kalka and HPRTC buses offer bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shimla.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is fondly called the 'Queen of the Hills' and is at an altitude of 2134 meters above mean sea level, nestled among the rolling mountains. Darjeeling produces most popular teas in the world and one can admire clear view of the world's third highest peak, Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling hosts some of the most popular hill resorts in India while the sunrise is spectacular.

India's Top 5 Natural Wonders

2012-06-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

India Shelters some of the most exotic travel destinations. While you're out exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Incredible India, don't miss out on these 5 exquisite natural wonders of India listed out by tripcrafters.

#1. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh

Can you imagine of your vehicle moving up the hill with its ignition off? Sounds impossible right? Well, this is what magnetic hill offers you experienced while you are travelling to Leh-Ladakh. Magnetic Hill is located about 30 kilometres off the gorgeous town of Leh in Kashmir. At 14,000 feet above sea level, the hill is alleged to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull stationary cars uphill at a speed of around 20 km/hr. Interestingly, aircrafts and helicopters that pass through the area have to fly at a greater speed to avoid the impact of magnetism created by the Magnetic hill

#2. The Himalayas

Himalaya's are the world's highest mountain ranges which are located at the north of Indian sub-continent; they also shelter the world's highest peaks.Himalayas are considered paradise on earth and its cenic beuty is a visual treat. Some of the world's vastest river systems arise in the Himalayas and their combined drainage basin is home to some 3 billion people (almost half of Earth's population) in 18 countries!

#3. Chir Batti at the Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch is a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. It's the world's largest salt desert, measuring over 16,000 square kilometers.At night, an unexplained phenomena known locally as Chir Batti (ghost light) occurs in the Rann. Chir Batti can be described as unexplained bright lights occurring on dark nights in colours that change from blue to red to yellow. The lights often resemble a moving sphere or pear shaped blob of fire which may move fast or stop and stay stationary. They say the lights can only be seen after 8pm on dark nights and are known to be harmless. A traveller's dream, it looks even more fantastic as the sun sets on the arid landscape.

#4. The Sundarbans

Sunderbans resembles its name 'sunder' means 'beautiful' and 'bans' means 'forest', collectively 'Sunderban' in Bengali Language means 'beautiful forest'. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest single block of tidal mangrove forest in the world! Sunderbans mystic beauty is augmented by the majestic 'Royal Bengal Tiger' and is the only tiger inhabited mangrove forest in the whole world.

#5. Cherrapunji

With pristine beauty Cherrapunji is situated high above the misty valleyson East Khasi Hills in the state of Meghalaya "abode of clouds". Situated at a height of 4500ft, hidden under the rolling clouds, foaming rivers and mystical ambience, Cherrapunji, is a adorning beauty bound to keep its lovely impression on every tourist mind. It has the dubious distinction of being the wettest place of earth by sheer virtue of the amount of rainfall it receives every year.

Longing in love for Ladakh

2012-06-07T22:28:00.004-07:00

Those who've been to India's great lakes region and high altitude desert Ladakh come away falling for it, or being a bit shaken out by its sparse harshness. NITIN DAS is a film maker and Ladakh did get hold of him. Here he pokes us – Does the seemingly barren have an energy or is one speaking with the heady lack of oxygen that has swung many a head in Ladakh? Like Prabuddha Dasgupta, the talented photographer, who wrote in his book on his Ladakhi journey, ‘an exploration of India's last wilderness, on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, and final stronghold of the old Tibetan Buddhist way of life. A solitary journey through a tortured and beautiful land… A visual communion with a fragile yet impressive culture in the throes of change, and a threatened landscape exploding with stark, uncluttered beauty... an enigmatic loneliness on the edge of everyone's world.’ Nitin's photo essay too muses on the confusions of change in Ladakh, through its capital Leh. He does so with an affectionate power, alternately ticking colour and black & white glands of his photo-vision. He also reminds us that India has landscapes where you might least expect a breathtaking autumn. Where the seasons can be sharp, but also a subtle rage.

Maitreya at Thiksey Monastery. Faith seems to be a key component for survival and the colour of people's daily lives.

The Leh Palace, a landmark structure that has overlooked the town since the 17th century. With time new structures have sprung up to give it company.

An old transformer sits amid a graveyard on the outskirts of Leh. Modern amenities might make life a little less harsh in the cold desert?

Tsemo Gompa, one of the highest structures in Leh, which itself is situated at an altitude of 3524 metres (11562 ft).

In August 2010, a flash flood caused by heavy rain from a cloud burst created havoc in this small town of vastness (and snugness).

Masks symbolizing demons and deities are an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism. Leh also has Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

Leh looking like a classic oasis.

Spot the solitary yak. Livestock rearing is an important industry for village folk here. In fact certain animals are critical to help the people survive the winter months.

Shanti Stupa almost blends with the sparkle of autumn. But it is meant to stand out as a comforting beacon.

Tsemo Gompa at sunset as seen from the Shanti Stupa. What seasons this monastery must have seen from the elements.

The blue-gold Autumn of Leh -Where leaves of poplar and the willow turn gold in autumn.

Leh constantly presents wide angle vistas that rest the eyes.

Leh in not-so-black-and-white.

Nitin Das is an independent filmmaker based out of New Delhi. He is working on a project called 'Enchanted Lands & Fables'. The idea is to use fables and films from fragile ecosystems of our planet to create awareness about the environment.

Magnificent Belur - Poetry in soapstone

2012-06-07T22:13:00.003-07:00

Belur, 40 km from Hassan city and 220 km from Bangalore, is in Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. The Chennakeshava temple was built by the Hoysalas under the rule of King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. The deity of this temple is lord Vishnu and the word 'Chennakeshava' literally translates to ‘Handsome Vishnu’. Within the temple complex, the Chennakeshava temple is in the centre, facing east, flanked by Kappe Channigaraya temple on its right, and a small Sowmyanayaki temple set slightly back. On its left, set slightly back is the Ranganayaki temple. Two main Sthambhas (pillar) exist here. The pillar facing the main temple, the Garuda sthambha was erected in the Vijayanagara period while the pillar on the right, the Deepasthambha, dates from the Hoysala period.

The Hoysala emblem at the Chennakeshava temple in Belur depicts the fight between the mythical Sala and a tiger, the emblem of the Cholas. Historians and scholars believe it represents King Vishnuvardhana's victory over the Cholas at Talakad.

The main entrance to the complex is crowned by a Rajagopura built during the days of Vijayanagara empire. The Rajagopura is a five-storey structure comprising idols of Lord Vishnu in different incarnations, as well as erotic idols.

A view of the temple with the flag mast in the foreground.

The Chennakeshava temple is built on a 4.5 feet plinth. The temple, including the plinth, is in the shape of Sri Chakra (star shape), a characteristic feature of Hoysala architecture. Sri Chakra is considered most auspicious in Hindu religion.

Another view of the temple

A pillared corridor inside the temple complex.

Tourists at the Chennakeshava temple precincts.

Another view of the temple complex

Lord Garuda, the sacred steed of Vishnu, greets devotees at the portals of the temple.

Note the intricate carving of the sculpture of Garuda, and its harmony with the temple in the background.

The main temple consists of three bottom friezes. The lower frieze depicts charging elephants, which symbolize strength and stability. The middle frieze depicts lions, which symbolize courage and valor. The upper frieze depicts horses, which symbolize speed. No two elephants, lions and horses are alike.

A priest in the temple precincts. Belur is among the few Hoysala temples where regular worship services are held.

Darpana Sundari (lady with mirror) is one of the main attractions in the temple. The intricate carvings include the mirror frame, the tendrils around the lady, and her jewelry. A maid on her right is feeding grapes to a pet monkey.

Shukhabhashini depicts a woman in conversation with a parrot.

The scene is called Gajasura Samhara.Lord Shiva, in one of his furious forms- Gajasura Mardana, is dancing on the head of Gajasura, the elephant demon, and ripping off his skin. Observe the ripped skin above Shiva's head.

In Hindu mythology, Bhasmasura was an asura or demon who was granted the power that anyone whose head he touched with his hand should burn up and immediately turn into ashes (bhasma). The asura was tricked by the god Vishnu's only female avatar, the enchantress Mohini to turn himself into ashes. The specialty of this sculpture is that a drop of water from the tip of her right hand would fall on the left breast, then on the tip of the left hand and then on the thumb of the left leg. Such was the brilliance of Hoysala architecture.

Here, a monkey is teasing the lady by pulling her sari. The lady is trying to shoo the monkey off by holding a tendril in her hand.

Tribhangi pose is considered to be humanly impossible in Indian dance forms. Tribhangi consists of three bends in the body; at the neck, waist and knee. The body is oppositely curved at waist and neck which gives it a gentle "S" shape.

The Hoysalas carved the sculptures incorporating the finest of details. In this photo, one can see the care taken and effort put to carve the fingernails to perfection. Their talent for detail and ability to match imagination to sculpture were matchless.

This is a scene from the Mahabharata. Here, Arjuna is piercing the eye of a rotating fish with his bow and arrow by looking at the reflection of the fish in a bowl of oil. He does so to win the hand of Draupadi. Some people say that the bow in this sculpture, which has been destroyed now, would twang when struck

Asia's beautiful heritage temples

2012-06-07T00:02:00.001-07:00

Are you an architecture and culture enthusiast? Then you probably know that India is not the only place in the world that boasts beautiful temples. Enjoy this fascinating photo feature on temples around the world. Click on the links in each slide to enjoy more slideshows. You can also submit your heritage temple photos to our Flickr group

A view of the impressive Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat. The eight Dikpalas are the Guardians of Direction, guarding specific directions of space. They are traditionally represented on the walls and ceilings of Hindu temples.

The Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebeedu in Hassan district, Karnataka, is a survivor of centuries. It has two shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara are the two deities.

Built of soft bluish-grey soapstone, the Chennakeshava temple at Belur, Karnataka is a jewel of Hoysala architecture.

Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, was the ancient capital of the glorious Vijayanagar Empire. The ruins of the Achyuta Raya temple here look so serene and beautiful that one can only wonder how grand the temple must have looked 500 years ago

The segment that joins the Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara shrines.

Bali, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Bali is home to the majority of the country’s Hindus. Balinese Hinduism is characterized by the worship of the supreme god Acintya, along with the trinity in Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The art and ritual of the Balinese Hindus trace back to influences from the 4th century when Hinduism reached the island’s shores. Balinese temples are ornate, beautiful and situated in visually stunning locales.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
Thought Angkor Wat was synonymous with Siem Reap? Think again. Once you are done with the sunrise and sunset and the tour of Angkor Wat, do not head back to the next destination in Cambodia. Buy yourself a three-day Angkor pass and visit other marvelous temples and you will find a slice of ancient civilization waiting for you.

The cave temple at Seeyamangalam, 80 km from Chennai, was constructed by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the 7th century. The temple is dedicated to Stambeshwara, a form of Shiva.

Bishnupur
Bishnupur, a small town in the Bankura district of West Bengal, is famous for its terracotta temples and rich artistic tradition.

Hoysala Temples
Nearly everybody has visited the spectacular Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebeedu and Somnathpur. Off the tourist map lie several others. Many are located deep inside forests and coffee plantations

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Built on the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh, the ancient city of Orchha houses the citadels and cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers.

Tungnath
Tungnath, at 12,073 above mean sea level, is the highest Shiva temple in the world, discounting perhaps the Amarnath Cave shrine near Srinagar, Kashmir, which is situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet. Tungnath is second in importance among the five mountain shrines collectively known as the Panch Kedar and is situated in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalaya.

The Chausat Yogini Temple, or the temple of 64 yoginis, is located atop a hill in Bedaghat, some 20 km from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Thanjavur, 342 km from Chennai is where Tamil Nadu's cultural heart beats. Its monumental shrine to Brihadishwara called a Great Living Chola Temple. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1011 to commemorate the victory of the Chola dynasty, this architectural gem remains brings together religious fervor and architectural grandeur as it did centuries ago.

air hosTress from aroUnd the woRld `

2012-06-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

air asia

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Colosseum in Rome

2012-06-06T22:13:00.003-07:00

The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a giant amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Originally capable of seating 50,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It was built on a site just east of the Roman Forum, with construction starting between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian. The amphitheatre, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign.

Isfahan - A beautiful and historic city

2012-06-05T23:59:00.005-07:00

Once a caravan stop, Isfahan is now metamorphosed into a thriving oasis with spectacular architectural monuments and scrumptious authentic Middle Eastern food.

Entrance into the ancient Masjid-e Atigh

Golden honey comb dome of Masjid-e Atigh

In the golden glow of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

Inside the Imam-e Masjid, Isfahan

Masjed-e Imam, Isfahan

Masjid-e Atigh in Isfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Restaurant in Isfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, a happy haunt for locals too

Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

Sun peeps into the golden prayer room of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

The blue exquisiteness of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

The European style wall paintings at Chehel Sotoun Palace

The exquisite blue of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

The fan-tailed peacock dome of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

The golden prayer room of Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque

The mirrored dome of Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan

The plaster of paris hollow dome of music hall at Ali Qapu Palace for better accoustics.

The wall paintings at Chehel Sotoun Palace, Isfahan

View of Naqsh-e Jahan Square from Ali Qapu Palace

source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/eshfahan-slideshow/chehel-sotoun-palace-photo-1338874821.html

Shravanabelagola - where faith and grace converge

2012-06-05T23:48:00.002-07:00

Nestled amidst two hills, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, is the picturesque town of Shravanabelagola. It has been one of the prime pilgrimage destinations in Jainism for more than 2,000 years. The statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali is the main attraction. Carved elegantly, it is one of the architectural marvels of the world and happens to be the world’s largest monolithic sculpture. Shravanabelagola also enshrines a number of Jain temples (called Bastis or Basadis). This destination is situated about 50 km south-east of Channarayapatna in Hassan district of Karnataka State

Shravanabelagola got its name from the pond in the image. This pond is located between the hills Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. Belagola translates to a white pond in Kannada and Shravana translates to Jain monk or ascetic.

A view of Vindhyagiri, the larger of the two hills.

The statue of Lord Bahubali on Vindhyagiri hill overlooks Vadegal Basadi in the foreground.

The shrine of Vadegal Basadi got its name from the stone props placed against the basement. This is the only ‘Trikoota’ (triple-shrine) temple at Shravanabelagola. The three sanctums house the idols of Thirthankaras (Jain renunciates) carved in schist. This temple dates back to the 14th century and is known as Trikoota Basadi in literary works.

Tyagada Kamba. ‘Tyaga’ in Kannada translates to sacrifice and ‘kamba” translates to pillar. This pillar was erected probably in the tenth century by the then minister Chavundaraya. He distributed gifts to the poor and needy near this pillar and hence the pillar got the name ‘Tyagada Kamba’. It is also said that Chavundaraya renounced his worldly possessions and his life near this pillar. The floral scrolls in bold lines on the pillar bring out the best of the Ganga dynasty’s workmanship.

Gullakayajji or ‘the granny holding the eggplant’ is a five-feet-tall statue that stands opposite to the statue of Gomateshwara. The story goes that when Chavundaraya arranged for the Mahamastakabhisheka – a festival held every 12 years when, among other rituals, the gigantic idol is consecrated with milk -- the milk did not descend lower than the thighs of the statue. Upon the order of his guru, Chavundaraya used the milk brought by Gullakayajji in the eggplant and performed the abhisheka.

Entrance to the Gomateshwara statue enclosure.

The index finger of the statue’s left hand is slightly shorter in length. Some say it was deliberately done to show that the statue was actually man-made, and not a divine creation. Another speculation is that the sculptor might have done it to show that nobody is perfect.

A Jain sadhvi meditates at the lotus feet of Gomateshwara.

A scenic view of Chandragiri Hill, which got its name from the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who stayed here, served and followed the path of his spiritual guru, Acharya Bhadrabahu, the eighth in the lineage of the 24 Thirthankaras.

Entrance to the temple complex at Chandragiri.

View of the temple complex at Chandragiri. There are a total of 14 Basadis on Chandragiri and a cave where Bhadrabahu stayed and meditated.

The over 800 inscriptions on Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills are carefully protected. The first inscriptions on Chandragiri are the signatures of Chavundaraya and of the Kannada poet Ranna.

Regular worship services are held at the Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola.

Cab fares around the world

2012-06-04T23:02:00.002-07:00

Deutsche Bank's new report looking at prices around the world gives you taxi fares for a three kilometre ride across different cities in the world.

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Mumbai costs you Rs 62 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Delhi costs you Rs 67 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Auklans costs you Rs 588 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Berlin costs you Rs 750 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Chicago costs you Rs 305 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Frankfurt costs you Rs 563 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in London costs you Rs 713 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Melbourne costs you Rs 600 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Moscow costs you Rs 276 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in New York City costs you Rs 516 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Paris costs you Rs 630 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Sao Paulo costs you Rs 370 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Singapore costs you Rs 264 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Sydney costs you Rs 660 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Tokyo costs you Rs 770 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Toronto costs you Rs 595 (approx)

A 3 kilometre cab ride in Wellington costs you Rs 500 (approx)

Go back in time at Stonehenge

2012-06-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

The mystic beauty of the prehistoric monument Stonehenge renders everyone into awe-inspired silence taking in the absolute grandeur of the site. Stonehenge comprises bizarrely thrown-together stone structures standing tall in a pillar formation. A throwback to the past signifies this monument is estimated to date back to 3000BC. The site is ensconced amid English countryside and retains its period majesty.

Stonehenge is in Wiltshire, UK, and the type of stone used in this mammoth monument ranges from bluestone, sarsen and Welsh sandstone. Gentle inclines, panoramic views of the surroundings lend it a very serene energy.

It is argued to make the most vivid impression on anyone who visits. Stonehenge is said to be constructed in three phases and needed thirty million hours of labour. Speculations are rife that the monument was built for reasons ranging from human sacrifice to astronomy.

Stonehenge is legendary and presents a historical gateway for everyone to bask in, and is perfect for a quick getaway.

The site itself is cocooned in sprawling green meadows and has a rustic feel to it. Stonhenge is a great introduction to Heritage sites in the UK.

Stonehenge is an imposing edifice that commands attention instantly. The pillars seem to spring alive and their character is etched very deeply and prominence of the pre-historic period rears its head.

Braving the seasons over the decades the pillars stand tall unfazed by the constant wear and tear, but rather seem like they own the space they stand on.

This monument is shrouded in mystery as to how Britain’s early settlers managed to build something of this scale and magnitude, shedding light on their ingenuity and intelligence.

Stonehenge is one of the most well-known groups of megaliths in the world. There are two groups of pillar formations consisting circles of menhirs.

This site is one Britain's national icons and is a visual representation symbolizing intelligence and the power to withstand any obstacle.

source:http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/go-back-in-time-at-stonehenge-slideshow/stonehenge-photo-1336554021.html

Among happy feet in Antarctica

2012-06-02T22:23:00.004-07:00

Counting emperor penguins in their icy Antarctic habitat was not easy until researchers used new technology to map the birds from space. Take a trip to penguin land.

Emperor penguins on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica in an undated photo courtesy of the British Antarctic Survey

Ice melt shows through at a cliff face at Landsend on the coast of Cape Denison in Antarctica

Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica April 10, 2012. Counting emperor penguins in their icy Antarctic habitat was not easy until researchers used new technology to map the birds from space, and they received a pleasant penguin surprise for their efforts. Using satellite mapping with resolution high enough to distinguish ice shadows from penguin poo, an international team has carried out what they say is an unprecedented penguin census from the heavens over the past three years.

A foraging Emperor penguin preens on snow-covered sea ice around the base of the active volcano Mount Erebus, near McMurdo Station, the largest U.S. Science base in Antarctica.

Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica

An emperor penguin colony near Halley Bay in Antarctica in an undated satellite image courtesy of DigitalGlobe.

Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica.

An Emperor penguin is seen close to its herd in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica.

An emperor penguin on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica is seen sheltering its chick between its feet.

An emperor penguin on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica in an undated photo courtesy of the British Antarctic Survey.

source:http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/among-happy-feet-in-antarctica-slideshow/emperor-penguin-photo-1335955307.html

Dhanushkodi - at land's end

2012-06-02T22:04:00.001-07:00

Barely 20 km from the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dhanushkodi gets its name from Dhanush (bow) and Kodi (end). The name alludes to an anecdote in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama broke the bridge constructed by his army of monkeys between the mainland and the island of Lanka with a stroke of his bow. Barely 50 yards long, Dhanushkodi is the sole terrestrial border between India and Sri Lanka. It was inhabited until 1964, when a terrible cyclone wrecked the village and swept a passenger train into the sea. Though Dhanushkodi today is a ghost town, it is still visited by pilgrims. Yahoo! reader J MADHU RANTHAKAN presents a photographic travelogue of a journey to land’s end.

A distant view of Dhanushkodi town from a vehicle. Pilgrims from all over India visit Rameswaram Temple to bathe in the holy wells and in the sea. It is a well-known pilgrimage site. Only a few, though, know the mythological and historical importance of nearby Dhanushkodi.

A view from Kothandaramaswamy Temple, located 12 km from Rameswaram. Popular belief goes that Vibishana, brother of the demon king Ravana of Lanka, surrendered before Lord Rama here. The mythological importance assigned to this town is that when Lord Rama returned to India after vanquishing Ravana, Vibhishana pleaded with him to break the setu (bridge) so that no other armies would use it. Rama acquiesced to his request and broke the Indian side of the bridge with the end of his bow. This place came to be known as Dhanushkodi (Dhanush is 'bow' and kodi is 'end' in Tamil) and remains to this day a holy place for Hindus.

Road leading to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram. It was on this island in January 1897 that Swami Vivekananda, after his triumphant visit to Chicago to attend the Parliament of Religions in September 1893, set foot on Indian soil from Colombo.

Dhanushkodi is today a ghost town and human habitation is almost non-existent as only a few fishermen with their families now live here.

On the fateful night of December 22, 1964, Indian Railways train number 653, the Pamban-Dhanushkodi Passenger, left Pamban with 110 passengers and five railway staff. It was only a few yards before Dhanushkodi railway station when it was hit by a massive tidal wave. The train was washed away, killing all 115 on board. In all, over 1,800 people perished in the cyclonic storm. Following this disaster, the town was declared unfit for living.

All forms of transport to Dhanushkodi stop at Moonram Chathiram. From here, we hire a vehicle – a smelly van that carries fish – more suited to the sandy terrain, to traverse the mud tracks leading up to the ruins. A 7-km bumpy ride along the shore and sometimes into the sea water takes us to the actual ruins.

Dhanushkodi used to have a railway station, a small railway hospital, a higher secondary school, a post office, customs and port offices, temples and a church. Ferries between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka transported travelers and goods across the sea. There were hotels, textile shops and inns (dharmashalas) for pilgrims and travelers.

Remains of the ruined town. Groceries and vegetables were brought by the railways through the Indo-Ceylon Express also called Boat Mail), which connected Madras (now Chennai) to Colombo. Ferries from Talaimannar brought textiles and luxury goods. Before 1964, a train connected Sri Lanka to Madras. It stopped at a pier in Dhanushkodi. From there, passengers used a ferry to cross the 18-km Rama Setu

Brick walls etched by time and tide tell tearful stories. The structures that withstood the tidal wave exist, buried under the sand and some partly weathered by the sea, adding a mysterious beauty to the place.

The remains of the church and railway station buildings. A few fishermen have settled here in thatched huts.

The walls of the church still stand.

A survivor of the 1964 cyclone who now lives in Dhanushkodi supplies drinking water to tourists from a well on Dhanushkodi beach.

It is amazing that the well, which is just a few yards from the sea, supplies sweet drinking water.

An array of fishing boats seen from the bridge.

A view from the centre of Pamban bridge. I was fortunate to get this shot without any vehicular traffic.

source:http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/dhanushkodi-at-land-s-end-slideshow/dhanushkodi-photo-1338448904.html

11 ways to cut travel costs

2012-06-01T05:52:00.002-07:00

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfortable accommodations and decent flight times. In fact, savvy travelers already know how to maximize their travel budget and take advantage of low prices on travel packages, airline tickets, and other travel-related expenses. Planning ahead will usually give you the upper hand when it comes to playing the vacation-booking game, and there are several tricks and tactics you can use to slash those costs even further. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to the Bahamas or looking to book an overseas adventure, make sure you're aware of all of the different deals, discounts, and specials available to your destination of choice. Here are 11 tips to help you slash travel costs with ease: By Wise Bread | U.S.News & World Report LP

1. Fly in to Alternate Airports Don't overlook the opportunity to fly in to an alternate airport when you are heading to a major city or other hub with multiple airports. Flights to alternate airports can end up being slightly less expensive than flying into a larger, international airport in the same city. In some cases, you might also be closer to your final destination and be able to skirt traffic. Just make sure to calculate taxi fares from all airports, so you aren't paying extra for ground transportation when flying in to an alternate airport.

2. Book and Fly on the Right Day of the Week Shop for airfare on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, says Travelzoo's Senior Editor Gabe Saglie. Most airlines publish their sale fares on Tuesday--this is when competition to match those fares begins each week. You're also likely to find a better deal when you fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. This might mean you have to wait a few days to secure that vacation package, but you could end up saving a significant amount of money on those airline tickets.

3. Book Group Travel with a Rewards Card Earn bonus miles when booking a group trip by paying for travel expenses using a travel rewards credit card. The best travel rewards card program will allow you to earn extra miles under your own account, and you can have the group members pay you directly in cash for their portion of the trip. Buying airline tickets with a rewards credit card is a smart move for most--especially if you travel frequently and are planning on taking another trip in the near future.

4. Plan Ahead for Holiday Weekends Holiday weekends will be among the priciest times to fly, so unless you're heading to a destination specifically to celebrate the holiday, steer clear of those long weekend trips to save some money. The weekend before or after a major holiday weekend usually commands lower rates and fares.

5. Seek Out Off-Peak Deals Do your homework to find out which destinations are currently in their off-peak season. You'll find that many destinations around Europe have very attractive package deals during the spring and early summer months. Traveling during the off-peak season could save you up to 50 percent or more off your entire vacation package.

6. Keep Your Passport Up-to-Date Don't wait until the last minute to update your passport information if it's expired. The application process can take up to six weeks and you'll need to pay a set of fees for the service. If you're an avid traveler, make sure your passport never gets too close to the expiry date before you request a renewal.

7. Subscribe to Deal Sites Groupon Getaways, Travelzoo, and LivingSocial Escapes are just three of the leading travel deal sites that will keep you in the know about the latest deals and discounts. You can also sign up for free membership-only sites like Jetsetter or Spire to get exclusive, pre-negotiated rates at many luxury hotels and travel packages around the country.

8. Learn to Pack Properly Overpacking can lead to extra checked baggage fees, so make sure you're packing only what you really need. If you're planning an extended stay trip, get quotes from shipping service providers that will be able to ship and pick up your items at your destination of choice. In some cases, shipping your belongings instead of carrying them in a suitcase will end up being less expensive.

9. Negotiate Hotel Rates If you can't find great deal on a hotel and flight package through a third-party travel site, consider calling the hotel or resort directly and inquiring about the best available deals. Sometimes the rates extended by the hotel end up being lower than rates published online. Hotels may need to fill rooms at the last minute and some will be open to negotiating a rate or package deal.

10. Research Ground Transportation Options Don't wait until you arrive at the airport to figure out how you are going to get from the airport to your hotel or resort. Research taxi service providers and rental car companies before you leave so you can negotiate a rate or book a great deal. Waiting until you arrive won't give you any time to compare prices, so you'll end up just paying any price as you go.

11. Look for Freebies and Deals at Your Final Destination Search like a local for free attractions in the area, free events you could participate in, and free guided tours that may be available at different venues throughout the town or city you're visiting. Keeping activity costs low means you can spend more on a great meal and splurge on other travel expenses if you want to. You could also check out the daily deal sites at the city you're visiting to see what types of discounts may be available for local activities, events, and dining destinations. Consider buying a "city pass" or similar activity card that lets you visit several attractions for one low price. Save even more with a discount that reduces the ticket prices of some of the most popular attractions in the city

Top 10 cities that high net worth individuals prefer

2012-06-01T05:44:00.003-07:00

According new-look global cities study by Knight Frank Mumbai ranks ninth when it comes to ‘The Cities that are growing in importance to HNWIs the fastest.’ These are results of a sentiment survey that draws on the insight of Citi Private Bank’s wealth advisors around the world, as well as luxury property specialists from Knight Frank’s global network. The objective of the survey was to assess the importance of key cities to high net worth individuals (HNWIs), based on everything from investment potential and economic openness to their appeal as somewhere to live or visit. The survey also includes the findings of research into the competitiveness of 120 cities, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and commissioned by Citi Private Bank.

No:1 Beijing

No: 2 Shanghai

No: 3 London

No: 4 Singapore

No: 5 Hong Kong

No: 6 New York

No: 7 Sao Paulo

No: 8 Dubai

No: 9 Mumbai

No: 10 Paris

Condé Nast Traveller Brings You 20 Best Destinations For the Summer

2012-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Spread out across the Western Ghats, the misty vales of Coorg offer the perfect getaway from Bengaluru's ills. Its capital Madikeri, once the throne of the Kodava kings, is now a tourist magnet.

This is a destination where you can pick coffee and cardamom in the morning, go white water rafting in the afternoon and sip your tipple by campfire at night. Yes, you can also just sit around and watch the fog roll by.

Stepping onto the private island of Vettila Thurutu, it's hard to believe we are only half an hour by speedboat from the bustling city of Kochi. Surrounded on all sides by the waters of Lake Vembanad, the island is now home to one of Kerala's most exclusive properties.

Vaamika Island resort has five lakefront villas with a total of nine guestrooms spread across its lush seven acres.

We know this one's been around for years, but trust us when we say Mussoorie is making a comeback -- and you won't want to miss it. A new breed of small heritage properties are dotting the hillsides here, making a stay in the Himalayan foothills a newer, cooler experience.

Less than 200km away from Mumbai, this popular retreat - also known as India's wine country - has managed to balance rapid industrialization with the preservation of important religious and cultural sites, while protecting its green landscape, fresh lakes and winding rivers.

Though Nashik is best known for the Indian winery Sula Vineyards, it's also home to a few noteworthy temples, a lovely sprawling garden, 2000 year old caves and even a brand new water park.

Shimla is superbly ensconced in a dense cedar forest and offers spectacular vistas of the majestic snow-clad peaks. This small town was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in 1864.

The British, for their part, tried to recreate an English village in this Himachali Town. Evidence of this still exists today; as you enter Shimla you will notice the colonial architecture and the beautiful English gardens.

The majesty of Mehrangarh; the romance of the Blue City; the extravagance of Umaid Bhawan -- Jodhpur's landmarks are some of Rajasthan's most iconic, and make it a spectacular setting for a weekend away.

Though more often visited as part of a wider tour of the region, Rajasthan's second-largest city is a short flight from Mumbai and New Delhi, so works equally well as a two-night break.

Shanghai is a city of immense magnitude with a consummate desire to be bigger, better, faster and newer. Beyond this grand obsession lies a fascinating city with pulsating energy, a rich history and unparalleled charm. In the global spotlight following the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai has rolled-out the red carpet for the world to see.

If you haven't been to Udaipur yet, it's safe to say you're missing out on one of India's most beautiful sights.

Full of heritage hotels, new and 'faux' palaces, it's where Rajasthan is at its most romantic and peaceful. Wherever you stay, take a boat ride along Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, splendidly lit up at night.

Just an hour's flight from Dubai, you'll find yourself in romantic Oman. Its ruler, Sultan Qaboos, has ensured new architecture here is tasteful, low-key and -- to a large extent -- eco-friendly, meaning the culture and charm of Oman are still very much in evidence

The capital, Muscat, is a great base from which to explore the rugged interior of Oman or visit nearby souks, shisha cafes and pristine beaches.

The Arab traders referred to Sri Lanka as Serendib, or serendipity, and since peace was declared on the island in 2009 it is once again becoming a destination for travellers in search of a tropical oasis.

Condé Nast Traveller suggests you how to spend time on the tear-shaped island's seaside capital -- Colombo.

Any jaded traveller will say that there isn't much to Singapore unless you love eating, drinking and shopping. But we don't believe that's true. Colonised, split and restructured, the island nation that calls itself the Republic of Singapore has bold splashes of art, culture, heritage and some of the world's most curious architecture.

Indeed, the land of the Merlion may be small -- but you can't deny that it keeps you coming back for more

There are two kinds of people in this world -- ones who have been to Bali and others who haven't. If you belong to the latter, we suggest you pack your bags and check-in your surfboards because you won't want to miss what this Indonesian beauty has to offer.

With smiles as warm as the sun that hits their shores; Balinese folk are possibly the kindest people you will ever come across. Bali's Seminyak area is akin to North Goa with its narrow roads, boutique stores and a variety of restaurants.

Australia with its miles of coastline, vast stretches of outback and the famous Great Barrier Reef is fast becoming a great destination for those planning their holidays.

Whether it's cruising by Sydney's famed Opera House or basking in the sun at the exclusive Hayman Island resort, Australia serves up a range of delightful offerings.

South America is one of the world's most diverse continents. Home to the biggest rainforest, the highest waterfall and the largest continental mountain range, this vast peninsular is for the most part overlooked for the sake of its more advanced northern neighbour.

South America has only recently emerged as a holiday destination for the well-heeled traveller with top of the line resorts, luxury homestays and chic beach villas popping up from coast to coast.

Visitors usually flock into sunny Monte Carlo for luxury, casino hotels and beautiful beaches.

Hong Kong is a city with two personalities. During the day, it is one of the biggest financial centres of the world. In the evening, however, the entire city transforms into a canvas where mesmerising evening lights dance with the electricity of a young night.

Antwerp in Belgium is Europe's second largest port and for many years was the centre of diamond trade. It is a city rich in Flemish art and architecture.

Hua Hin has carved a unique niche for itself in Thailand's tourism history. Unlike the more recently-discovered and done-to-death beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, Hua Hin still has some of the intrigue and charm it possessed on the day King Rama VII discovered it way back in the 1920s. He built an official palace there called Klai Kangwon which is used by members of the Royal Family, even today. Hua Hin hosts many of Bangkok's rich and famous, who use their properties -- sprinkled along the mile-long beach -- as ideal weekend getaway spots from the big city.

Today, this city is in the throes of an urban renaissance with its cutting edge fashion, contemporary architecture and vibrant café culture.