Sight By Walk

Sight By Walk : Nyangabgwe Hill

2016-04-22T20:11:00.001+06:00

Photo blog : Nyangabgwe Hill

Francis Town : Botswana

Francis Town is an important North Eestern City of Botswana. This city is last big city near Zimbabwe to the North Estern border of the country.The city is quite an old settlement, as well as second largest urban area of Botswana. The town was founded in 1897 is the major railway stoppage or link for Harare and Bulawayo railway. This city is now spread in a good length and reach the bank of Tati river.

Nyangabgwe Hill is iconic hill for this town. Anyone can see this hill from a good distance and it can be seen from almost any parts of city. It is situated at the just beside the Zimbbwe road and almost in the mid east side of town. The hill is elevated almost 1083 meters from sea level.

From Panoramio

There are two walk way to climb and descent from this hill. A small water tank is up there. The hill is the top place of the city, thus, mobile, radio communications towers is standing on the hill. Some five mobile communication tower and antenna can be seen. The hill is a good destination for morning walker. Jubilee Clinic is the nearest public facility of this hill.Government residential area is situated down at southern part of this hill. Government Hospital of FrancisTown is named after this as Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.

Geotag: 21° 9'7.88"S 27°30'39.96"E | ifaysal.blogspot.com

Crossing 'Tropic of Capricorn' Line over Botswana

2016-03-23T02:27:00.005+06:00

Crossing 'Tropic of Capricorn' Line over Botswana

Mahalapye : Central District : Botswana

Tropic of Capricorn is one of five important geographic latitudinal circle across the Earth, which is 23.5 degree South of the Equator. The opposite line of Tropic of Cancer at Southern Hemisphere. The southern most point of Earth, where sun rays directly at local noon. According to Wikipedia:

"The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 22 March 2016, its latitude is 23°26′13.9″ (or 23.43718°) south of the equator, but it is very gradually moving northward, currently at the rate of 0.47 arc seconds, or 15 metres, per year."

This important geographical line has crossed through Three Oceans: The Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean as well as ten countries across the continents from South America toward Oceania. These countries are:

1. Chile, 2.Argentina, 3. Paraguay, 4.Brazil, 5. Namibia, 6. Botswana,

7. South Africa, 8. Mozambique, 9. Madagascar and 10. Australia.

Tropic of Capricorn Road Mark

Travelers will find monuments, marks or road sign while crossing this line over the regions of the above mentioned countries.I had an opportunity to cross this line twice over Botswana. Tropic of Capricorn Line is crossed over three places at Botswana, including Kalahari desert. These places are: Khutse Game Reserve, Khule and Mahalapye.

Monument of Tropic of Capricorn. Photographer: Umme Habiba Jasmine

Monument of tropic of Capricorn : Angular view 01

Tropic of Capricorn monument frontal angular view.

Botswana's only monument on this line is situated near Mahalapye, just beside the A1 Highway. The monument made beside the road. There is a tube stand affixed on the top of the monument. There are two plates of wrought iron, attached to this markup monument. its very simple monument, just like a geographical benchmark.s There is a little description about this monument is inscribed on plates in English and Setswana.
Here is the English version:

"THIS POINT IS ON THE TROPIC OF CAPRICORN, WHICH IS THE MOST SOUTHERLY LATITUDE REACHED BY THE SUN. HERE THE SUN WILL BE AT THE ZENITH EACH YEAR ON MIDSUMMER DAY AT MIDDAY LOCAL APPARENT TIME WHICH IS ON 22 DECEMBER AT APPROXIMATELY 12 MINUTES PAST TWELVE O' CLOCK NOON AT THE TIME THE SUN WILL SHINE DIRECTLY DOWN THE TUBE ABOVE THE NOTICE"

This is the first time I have seen such type of monuments. Its a very simple monument but I like it for the information, geographical value.24-08-2015

____________________

Geographical Coordinate: 23° 29' 58.41" S 26° 36' 48.75" E

Sight By Walk: Digital Desire

2015-05-30T15:47:00.000+06:00

Sight By Walk : Digital Desire

Agargaon: Dhaka: Bangladesh

There are some fascinating sculpture on public display around Dhaka City. Digital Desire is one of those innovative, eye catching, masterpiece from sculptor Mrinal Haque. This sculpture is erected at the front gate of BCS Computer City,the annexed part of IDB,which is a very popular IT accessories market of Bangladesh.

The Theme

Mrinal Haque is a well known artist for his murals, sculptures of Bangladesh. He has made this sculpture, which represent the theme of 'leaping toward futuristic world'. The title of the sculpture- 'Digital Desire' represents the development of Information Technology and digitization in various sectors of Bangladesh to keep the pace with current IT based communicative world. Title of this sculpture is also symbolize the desire of people for adopting digitization, mostly the Generation 'Y' of Bangladesh.The sculpture is unveiled for public on 03 January 2011.

Description of Sculpture

There are a man and a woman in pose of 'running'. The couple is structured on a black ceramic tiles covered concrete podium. The man is taller than the woman. Both of them is over 10 feet tall. They are running by their right feet on forward. The sculptor has used lot of computer hardware scraps specially circuit boards and cables to build these two humanoids. Bodies are made of printed circuit boards. The hairs are made of various electrical wires. There are lot of connectivity cables comes out from the back of these running duet as the depiction of 'flash running'.

Wanna See it !

You have already known the place of this sculpture.The couple of 'Digital Desire' is running in front of IDB-BCS Computer City entrance. People can find out this fascinating one by giving two minutes walk from Agargaon Bus Stand. Here is the GeoTags:

Google Street View | Google Map location.

Sight By Walk: "Bibi Mariam" The Cannon of Mir Jumla

2015-01-06T21:00:00.000+06:00

Sight By Walk: "Bibi Mariam" The Cannon of Mir Jumla

Osmani Park : Gulistan : Dhaka : Bangladesh

At present there are some cannons at Dhaka National Museum, but you have to buy tickets to see those medieval warheads. Only one gorgeous and giant cannon is out of museum and install in a public place- The Bibi Mariam.

Front Side: 20th July, 2012[Panoramio]

Rare Side: 10th July, 2013

Bibi Mariam cannon is a fascinating war-piece. It has a fascinating history as well long time attachment with Dhaka City. It is part of pair cannons made by Dhaka's local blacksmiths under the supervision of Mughal arm designers. The other one of the pair was titled after male name as 'Kaley khan Jam-Jam' . Bibi Mariam is smaller than the Kaley Khan Jam-Jam. These two cannons were used to keep the Mogh and Arakanese pirates away and secure the waterway e.g. the Buriganga during Mughal era. These two were the best gun of Mir Jumla's Arsenal. Mir Jumla was the Governor of Mughal Dhaka since 1660-1663. Bibi Mariam was used and travelled a great deal of annex Mughal Empire upto Kamprupa of Assam. later the pair was brought back to Dhaka. Kaley Khan was vanquished by river erosion since 1832 somewhere between todays Sadarghat and Zinzira area. Since then Bibi Mariam is placed in different places around the Old part of Dhaka City:Chawkbazar, Sadarghat, Gulistan and lastly now at South Gate of Osmani Udyan[Osmani Park].

"Bibi Mariam is 17’-6” long, maximum outer diameter at rear is 2’-2” and at mouth 2-6” with 6"dia. barrel hole (inside dia)". The cannon is made of wrought iron. Barrel of the cannon is conjuncted of three separate tubes.
_____________

In Google Map | British Library | Dhaka

Sight By Walk : Nandail Tank of Kalai

2014-12-28T23:46:00.001+06:00

Sight By Walk : Nandail Tank of Kalai

Nandail : Punot : Kalai : Joypur Hat : Bangladesh

Introduction

Kalai[কালাই] is an upazila of Joypurhat[জয়পুরহাট] District of Bangladesh,which is famous for cultivating potato, rice and various spices. The place is situated between Joypurhat and Bogra. It is a nice plain land of Barind[বরেন্দ্র] Tract. This place is significantly important for Joypurhat District, because the largest tank of district is located here at Nandail[নান্দাইল] village.

Series of Acacia Tree on the bank of tank [ Panoramio]

Nothern part from from Southern edge

Series of trees

Nandail Tank/ Dighi/ Deeghi

There is a man made tank situated at Nandail village of Punot Union of Kalai. I took a Sight By Walk around that huge tank few day ago and experiences to see some nice scene and calm environment as well as local biodiversity based on that vivid pond. People of Kalai feel proud and believe this tank is the only tourist attraction of their Upazila.

Nandail Tank is locally known as Nandail Dighee [নান্দাইল দীঘি], a man made rectangular shape tank or reservoir for the vicinity. This huge tank is the main source of irrigation and fish culture of Nandail Village, as I find no notable channel for natural irrigation is there for such farming and cultivating village. Some four habibat of Nandail is surrounding this huge tank.

Small pit for boats

A broken boat is waiting to be fixed up.

History, Myth and Facts

Entire tank is roughly 952-55 meters long and 230-242 meters wide, acquiring total volume of 59.40 acres{0.24 square kilometers}. It is said that the local raj Nandalal was the mastermind to dig up this tank in 1610. Another common myth about this tank that is- tank was dug out in one night. This is a governments property now, local government leases this tank for fish farming every year. The tank is surrounded by several series of trees, including palm,coconut, acacia, mango, mehgoni and some other species, and lot of aquatic plants at banks. There are many snakes, few otters, fresh water frogs and domestic ducks always be seen. Checkered Killback (Xenochropis piscator) is very common species at there. This huge tank is the home for many migratory birds in winter season.
There is a college and a local library by the name of this tank is established at the southeast corner of this tank.

Nandail Dighee College

Northern View [Panoramio]

A chekered killback is swiming.

Time to visit

This nice place can be visited any time of year. To see the migratory bird, November to February is the best time of year to go there. Morning and evening view of this tank and its surrounding is very scenic. Sunset at Nandail is more beautiful as my following photos shows:

Awesome Sunset at Nandail Tank 1

Silhouette effect of sunlight on the water

Series of palm trees beside the tank[Panoramio]

Awesome Sunset at Nandail Tank 2

Awesome Sunset at Nandail Tank 3

Awesome Sunset at Nandail Tank 4 [Panoramio]

Awesome Sunset at Nandail Tank 5

There is no hotel at Nandail village, travelers have to stay at Kalai Municipality Area. It takes 15-20 Taka per person from Kalai to Nandail bustand before Punot Hat busstand by local vehicles : Nosimon , BatteryTrikes are also available to go near tank directly from Kalai. Tourist can take rickshaw or van to go Nandail village from bus stand, I did not wait for any rickshaw, I walked in to see the road side village scenery.
Travellers can come to Kalai via bus or by train via Joypur Hat. Have a safe Journey.

Here is the Google Map Location : Nandail Tank on Google Map

Jagannath Temple : Stands Tall on Octagon

2013-12-04T02:25:00.000+06:00

Jagannath Temple : Stands tall on Octagon
Jagannath Temple : Jagannathpur : Comilla : Bangladesh

There are several popular archaeological and historically important places in Comilla. Among these- World War II Cemetery, Mainamati Bhiahra, Itakhola Moth, Maharni;s Mound, are quite popular names. These places are easily accessible from Dhaka-Chittagong High Way. Therefore, there is always a good rush of people in those places. There is another religiously spiritual, valuable, historically important, less talk-about place in Comilla- The Temple of Jagannath[জগন্নাথ] or Jagannatha[sanskrit].

Jagannath Temple also known as Jagannath Dev Mandir [জগন্নাথ দেব মন্দির] of Comilla is one the significant medieval religious architect in Bangladesh. The temple is situated at Jagannathpur village, five kilometers away on road; to East from Comilla City Corporation; just beside the Comilla-Bibir Bazar Raod. The village is named after Hindy Deity Lord Jagannath. The temple is a landmark and precise influence for local people to name the village after the Jagannath- the form of Lord Vishnu. This Mandir is also famous to Hindu Religious community as 'Saptaratna Mandir'[সপ্তরত্ন], which is literally means Seven Jewels Temple in English.

The temple is presumed to be one of oldest one on the soil of Comilla as well as of Bangladesh. There is a saying that one Maharaja of Tripura 'Sri Srijukta' Ratna Manikyo Bahadur, was the visionary for founding such an inspired architecture on Tippera[previous name of Comilla], only district of Tripura at plain land. Later its is completed by 'Sri Srijukta' Radha Kishor Manikyo Bahadur. The exact date of founding and the duration of construction is still not properly referred in History. From the history of Princely State of Tripura and Price Radha Kishor Manikyo Bahadur's ruling period as well as the the origin of terracotta's design, archaeologist presume that this edifice might be dated back from Sixteen Century.

There is a little detail about Murtis of this temple. According to wiki- The murtis of Jagannatha Triad- Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were originally installed in a temple of Hilly Tripura part. From there these statues were relocated to this Mandir.

This four storied, conical shaped temple is a brick built structure, constructed on a concrete octagonal base-stone. This is the only octagonal based and shaped temple of Bangladesh, and one of its type. External wall of every floor looks like octagons and were ascended like inverted Cone. It is a single spire Temple. I believe there were so many artistic terracotta all over this Mandir , from Top to bottom. I find some of the traditional Bengal design on the outside wall of third floor- a terracotta of flower, leaves and petals. Department of Archaeology renovated outside portions of Ground and first floor. Terracotta of these two floors was ruined[that's my opinion].

There is a rumor about this ordinary looking spiritual place. Some believes there are two more floors underground, which is filled by sedimentation from Gumti River over the years. I feel this is a weak and bogus point.

This 16th Century edifice is almost 60 feet tall. There is a tank to the West of Temple premises. That Tank could be as old as the temple. The tank is also sketched in 1863 drwaing[a British Library Collecton].

British Library

Follwers of Jagannatha also celebrate the fastival of Chariot al around the world. This Mandir is not different from others. There are three Chariots for Ratha Yatra[রথ যাত্রা]. Every years local Hindu community bring out a Ratha Yatra from this Mandir, with a festival. This festival is dated according to Boishnava Calendar[বৈষ্ণব পঞ্জিকা] around last week of June to first week of July, every year.

At present, This temple is acknowledged and listed Heritage Site of Bangladesh Department of Archaeology. New Mandir and Ashram is build beside the ancient one within the Temple's Estate, for performing religious and community activities and worshiping Lord Jagannatha. Temple is now authorized and run by a Hindu religious Group named ISKCON. Best way to go there in group by hiring Battery trikes from Chawkbazar of Comilla. It will cost 10-15 Taka per person for riding there.

26.03.2013

Wiki | Comilla Sadar | Bangla Version | Google Map

World's Smallest Prison: Needingworth

2013-08-14T12:34:00.000+06:00

World's Smallest Prison: Needingworth

Needingworth : Cambridgeshire : United Kingdom

Untill today, I have known that the smallest prison of the world is situated in Sark Island. Now, I find out another prison, which is actually a lock up - the tiniest one, situated in Needingworth Village of Cambridgeshire of England. Shark Prison is habitable for least two inmates. The lock up of Needingworth is much smaller in case of habitability, because it can accommodate only one prisoner at a time, in temporary basis.

Edited from Google Street View

From Flickr by symonmreynolds

This strong wall structure was build in 1838, establishment year is inscribed on the front plate as "1838 VILLAGE LOCK UP" This lock up is locally known as cage, and used to kept drunks or felons for shot time , before moving to more bigger prison. It has a cat slide tile roof, with one front door, the door is only ventilation for this lock up. I guess, This lock up is not operative this days.

This tiny lock up is situated at the junction of 38 High Street and Overcote Lane, just in front of "Memorial'.

Thanks to Sight By Walk reader Graeme Donnelly for bringing me this place of interest into my attention. It is really an impressive and rarely known landmark for many people like me.

--------------

WayMarking | Geograph | Google Map

Unique Banyan Tree of Akhaura

2013-06-19T13:29:00.001+06:00

Unique Banyan Tree

Debagram: Akhaura: Bangladesh

Last year on the victory day(16-12-2012), I had gone to Akhaura to see the border side villages. I walking though an unknown street inside Akhaura Municipality to reach the main road. I rarely know this place thus I ended up at an entrance of a Shiva Temple, and there was the tree waiting for me to view with charms.

Usually Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) a native tree of Bangladesh have unique fruit structure and are dependent on fig wasps for reproduction. The seeds of Banyans are dispersed by fruit eating birds. The seeds germinate and send down roots towards ground, which may envelop part of host tree and building structure. This nature of banyan tree often creates very impressive, eye catching and unique outlook with very mystical value.

Sight by walk take me to an unique Banyan tree in the premises of the temple. There is the surprise for me. The Banyan tree covers the entire Shiva Temple by it's roots and branches in a natural geometry.There are four passage to go inside this single chambered 15 feet tall temple, without those entrance almost Tree jacketed every bricks and plasters, it is awesome.

I was so interesting to know more about this master tree. It is the time of sunset, there were two children playing at the premised, they could not provide me the exact date of building this typical but very interesting Shiva Temple. I assumed that the temple is some 150 years old, and the Banyan tree is more than 80 years old. There is a electric lamp hanging and fixed into the trees branch without any base for night lighting, interesting.

My following amateur YOUTUBE video might give the redears better idea about how interesting an unique the Banyan tree is, enjoy:

Here is the location of This Latest Sight by Walk Finding: Google Map

Giant Magpie Robin at Dhaka

2012-08-21T20:33:00.000+06:00

Giant Magpie Robin Statue at Dhaka

DIT Avenue: Dhaka: Bangladesh

Magpie Robin(Copsychus saularis) is the national bird of Bangladesh. Commonly known as Doyel (দোয়েল) has some ood impact on our national life. The bird is used in our currency landmark. Using as a symbol for Bangladesh. This bird also selected as the mascot of SA games of its last edition.This time, sight by walk edition is going to show the statue of a life size Oriental Magpie Robin. This statue caught my eye on my regular on road journey to cross Gulistan grid-lock, one of the busiest of Dhaka City. Any pedestrian can see this giant bird at the gate of Bangladesh Olympic Association building, while walking on DIT Avenue, from DIT building to Gulistan node.

The Replica of Giant Magpie Robin in front of Prime Minister's Office

দোয়েল চত্তর Doyel Circle at Dhaka University

Well, I have no proper idea about the size and height about this life size statue of this one. This statue is made in honor of 11th South Asian Games. There is another one of the same size at the entrance Prime Minister's Office. There is a popular sculpture of of this bird at Dhaka University, in the node of Shishu Academy and Curzon Hall, but this one is like the original one looking for fly to catch. Enjoy.

Google Map Location

Remembering War Heroes at Maynamati War Cemetery

2012-03-23T19:57:00.001+06:00

Remembering War Heroes at Maynamati War Cemetery

Maynamati : Comilla : Bangladesh

Prologue
Recently I have few times to roam to the middle Eastern part of Bangladesh, in this hectic schedule. I revisit some of my old day traveled places, like many other tour I miss my camera to take some good snaps around, but did not delay to collect my clicks by others cellphone VGA cameras. This time I pay homage to the World War II heroes, visiting the War Cemetery at Maynamati, Comilla.

From Panoramio

Background
According to CWGC the historic background is given as-

"Before the war Maynamati was a hamlet of a few dozen huts, but during the war a large military camp was established there. Several ordnance depots and a number of military hospitals, both British and Indian, were in the area, including Nos. 14 and 150 British General Hospitals; and the majority of the burials in Maynamati War Cemetery were from the various hospitals. Graves from isolated places in the surrounding country, and some from as far afield as Burma, were moved into the cemetery by the Army Graves Service and later on by the Commission; and it was found necessary to transfer also graves from small cemeteries at Dacca, Faridpur, Paksay, Saidpur, Santahan and Sirajgany, where they could not be maintained.

Under a canopy of indigenous flowering and evergreen trees such as teak, gold mohur or flamboyant and mountain ebony -- serene, sombre and peaceful -- dominated by a small flat-topped hill, lies the graves of 737 soldiers.[Mysyed]

The cemetery was started by the Army and laid out by the garrison engineer. It is dominated by a small flat-topped hill crowned with indigenous flowering and evergreen trees. Between the entrance and this hill lie the Christian graves, and on the far side of it are the Muslim graves. On a terrace about half-way up the hill, facing the entrance, stands the Cross of Sacrifice, and on the other side a shelter looks over the Muslim graves to a tree-framed view of the countryside beyond."

This place is quite calm,there is no hassle around. CWGC mentioned that there are some 700 hundred casualties engraved here, exact figure is 737.

Other Trivia
Most of the war heroes are young soldiers within the age range of 18-25 of various religions, while civilians around 40. A large cross make the center piece of this grave yard. This is the second World War II, graveyard in Bangladesh, other one is situated in Chittagong. Muslim casualties are graved on the mound of the grave yard. This cemetery is the rare place which have the grave of Jews. 23 unknown soldiers has been buried here. Each tombstone of marble and mosaic carries the name of the deceased and some information about the origin of the person and the regiment he belonged to. In this cemetery lie the bodies of British, African, Indian, Australian and Japanese.

Google Map | Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Jaintapur : Megalithic Monument of Bangladesh

2012-02-12T02:43:00.000+06:00

Remnant of Jainta Dynasty : Only megalithic monument of Bangladesh

Jaintapur : Sylhet : Bangladesh

Jaintapur is a famous place at the Jainta foothill of Sylhet region in Bangladesh.It is located 40 kilometres north of Sylhet divisional town, Jaintiapur is only 5 kilometers past from Jaflong. Now this place is official Upazila(sub-district) of Sylhet District. The name 'Jainta' reminds the strong presence of a powerful kingdom, known as Jainta Kingdom. This place served as the of Jainta Kingdom once(at 18th Century).

History
Due to its geophysical condition the region remained independent for a long time and was well known as Jaintapur Kingdom. As such it was mentioned in Epic, Puranic, and Tantric literatures. However, a number of local legends, folk tales, and inscriptions suggest that from approximately the 7th/8th century AD Jaintapur came under the control of Kamarupa Kingdom and that later it went under the control of the Chandra and Varman rulers. After the fall of the Varmans, Jaintapur was again ruled for some time by the Deva dynasty. Jayanta Ray, the last ruler of the Deva dynasty, had a daughter named Jayanti, who got married to a son of a Khasi chief, named Landowar. Due to this matrimonial alliance, Jaintapur kingdom went under the control of the Khasis in c 1500 AD. Subsequently, Khasi kings ruled over the kingdom independently till the British occupied it in 1835.{Banglapedia}

Remnant of Jaintapur Palace

The Megalithic Monument of Jainta
This regal place bears the remnant of Jainta Kingdom, so far the dilapidated Rajbadi or King's palace, Jainteshvari temple, and megalith ie monuments. Among these three, megalithic monument is the best heritage structure in that region. It is the only megalithic monument of Bangladesh. According to&Syed Rezaul Kabir Rana of Jahangirnagar University-

...This megalithic assemblage is outstanding and bears uniqueness among the Asian megalithic culture. In the context of India and Asian region, this culture comprises a great variety of styles.The megalithic instances with stylistic features found in Jainta, close to the Khasia Hills, are among the richest regional varieties. Here we find unique types of stands, dolmen and menhir that are rare in other megalithic findings in Turkey, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.

Megalithic Monument : picture is taken around 1990's, from Bagnlapedia

The date of Jaintapur megalithic cultural assemblage has not been determined. But we are hopeful that we can easily deduce the time and cultural practices mainly the burial and sacrificing attitude of the then people through study of artefacts yielded from the excavation. The megalithic cultures earlier recorded in India and other Asian sites go back to 1500BC to 100AD.{The Daily Star}

Megalithic Monument: Nowadays January 2012

Nevertheless among the cultural remains of Jaintapur are a few megalithic monuments that are worthy of mention. Megalithic structures are defined as graves or commemorative monuments made by large and small stone chunks. These structures can be seen throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. In different parts of the Indian subcontinent these are present in large numbers and their form and spatial distribution have proved extremely valuable in the re-construction of past cultures, especially after the beginning of the Iron age in India. The only megalithic remains discovered so far in Bangladesh are the ones in Jaintapur.{Banglapedia}

Following Video is a best on web, I found on the cultural remnant of Jaintapur, By Fazlul Karim, I hope many will like this one.

Photo Courtesy: Kazi Rabeya Ame | Google Map(Still blurred)

Buddha Dhatu Jadi : Theravada at best

2011-12-24T14:02:00.000+06:00

Buddha Dhatu Jadi : Theravada at best
Balaghat : Bandarban : Bangladesh

Buddha Dhatu Jadi is one of the beautiful Pagoda of Bangladesh. I had spent some serene time at this hilltop pagoda few years ago, it was a wonderful experience. It is the largest pagoda of Theravada Buddhist School in Bangladesh. the following glimpses remind me the calm session there, shared with my followers on this occasion of Chirstmas--

------

Travelers will find the geo location here at Google Earth

More trivia at Wikipedia | More photos @ Panoramio

Amazing Wave Bridge : Henderson Waves

2011-12-04T18:27:00.002+06:00

Amazing Wave Bridge : Henderson Waves
Henderson Road : Singapore

Recently another amazing attraction of Singapore caught my eye, I stumble upon this walk way. Despite of popular infinity pools of Marina Bay Sand, this bridge is amazing:
Henderson Waves (亨德森波浪桥)) is a 274-metre (899 ft)long pedestrian bridge. At 36 metres (118 ft) above Henderson Road, it is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It connects Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park. It was designed by IJP Corporation, London, and RSP Architects Planners and Engineers (PTE) ltd Singapore.The bridge has a wave-form made up of seven undulating curved steel ribs that alternately rise over and under its deck. The curved ribs form alcoves that function as shelters with seats within. Slats of yellow balau wood, an all-weather timber found in Southeast Asia, are used in the decking. The wave-forms are lit with LED lamps at night from 7pm to 2am daily.[Wiki]

The 1,500 square meter timber deck sitting on top of the steel structure is the centrepiece of the project.The complex, doubly-curved portions of this large expanse of tropical hardwood form a tapestry of 5000 modular boards, each varying by a single degree every 10m –and many tapered to measure. The entire deck being supported on a steel sub-frame with vibration dampeners, the coordination of steel and timber became a challenging task. Using its proprietary equations, the architect issued precise numerical descriptions of the surface at regular 500mm intervals, and provided dimensional coordinates that greatly assisted the production of the timber manufacturer’s shop drawings.[Source]

Here is a youtuve video of this bridge, by Jawker :

Geo Tag: Google MaP | Bing Map

Posankka The Piggyduck of Turku

2011-11-21T00:08:00.000+06:00

Posankka The Piggyduck of Turku

Helsingforsgatan : Turku : Finland

The word Posankka, derives from the conjunction of Possu[pig] and Ankka[Duck]. Pink Posankka statue is made by Alvar Gullichsen. It describes a mixture of pork and duck. The statue is about five meters long and seven meters high. It is made of glass fiber, resin, steel cord reinforced plastic.It represents a hybrid between a marzipan duck and a pig. It's about five meters long and seven meters high.

Posankka The Piggyduck in Google Street View

Anssi Koskinen from Flickr

This sculpture is a pig in a duck sitting style, at first thought it reminds me, the loony tunes character- the Porky Pig. I guess, young Alvar Gullichsen took his inspiration from the same character of my thought.

At first, Posankka was a floating on the Aurajoki river, since its installation in 1999, later it removed to the Caribian hotel. Latest installation near the campus area of the University of Turku and the Turku Student Village, makes it more famous and an icon of Turku for the last ten years(since 2001). According to local news site and wiki, Posankka has been wearing a large size Santa Clause hat in every winter by the students of its native campus. Take a closer look at this pink buddy with a white cap here[by aboturku]:

------

Address : Helsingforsgatan, Turku, Western Finland, Suomi [Street View]
------
Links: volny.cz | ts.fi | Wiki

Magic Mountain Lodge : Waterfall Hotel

2011-11-19T14:04:00.000+06:00

Magic Mountain Hotel : Montana Magica Lodge : Waterfall Hotel

Huilo Huilo : Panguipulli : Valdivia : Los Rios Region : Chile

Magic Mountain hotel is situated in a privately owned reserve forest in Huilo Huilo biological reserve, just 2.6 kilometers on national highway 203 from Puerto Fuy village of Southern Chile. Main attraction of this hotel is the waterfall[~~don't guess it's natural too~~] cascading from the top and water fall down by a side. The water in these places is of great purity, and from the idea of showing the energy and life of this element, the project is a mountain, from which comes this life and contains the magic of the forest trees inside, finding in each of its details, the beings and elements that are unique and irreplaceable native forests.

The most impressive character of this volcano shaped architect is the nature around its area, combined with forest setting. To me this lodge is a classic example of eco-friendly or naturally sustainable tourism. Half of the exterior of this surprise architect is covered with exotic herbs of South America, which makes this hotel camouflaged in forest. Like magical exterior, interior of this lodge is also superbly decorated with many modern comforts. Interior of hotel is decorated,designed and structured according to the traditional Chilean house by the local woods and stones. Windows,door and stairs, even walls are created using the local woods found around Puerto Fuy village by local craftsman.

There are nine rooms in this noble architecture, which are named after the local birds. It is a four star hotel, including sauna, restaurant, playing space for children, minigolf, reading rooms and special bathrooms in ancient logs heated with natural waters. It is really a great place to stay in jungle.
----------
Photos collected from the official web this hotel, for more photos click here.
Geotag : Google Map | Useful link : atlasobscura

World's Highest Glass Trail : Zhangjiajie

2011-11-16T03:05:00.000+06:00

World's Highest Glass Planked Trail : Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie : Hunan : China

Zhangjiajie is one of the most naturally beautiful place and famous for its scenic sites of Wulingyuan, which place is a UNESCO heritage site. Forest park of Zhangjiajie is also bear the status of being the first national park of China. Tianmen(Heaven's Gate) Mountain Range blesses this place with the bounty of nature. This place is already famous for the Bailong Great Elivator, is now going to set another record by building the glass plank road on the highest altitide. The amazing glass trail is already constructed and open for the visitors, Check out the thrilly-chilly photos:

Tianmenshan glass plank road

This topper glass trail is open for tourist since 07-11-2011. Chinese tourism department took a great risk to set up those glass planks on these high degree vertical mountains, Its really a subject of credit for them to finish the project. I appreciate the idea of making such trail on good level of altitude and give them many greetings for making this trail by glass instead of any other materials. Many tourists still need some time to get accustomed to the seeming emptiness under our feet over a huge chasm.

This glass trail is a part of west road, located at the top of western side Tianmen Mountain, at the 1430 meters(4700 feet) above the sea level, one of the highest hiking trail of the world. Entire trail is 60 meters long(200 feet) joins the west cliff at the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the summit of Tianmen Mountain and Zhang Jiajie. This glass-paved way is just under 3 inches thick[~~this state is quite scary~~] Sooner or later this trail will be a hot topic around the world. Tourist may get the trill for 'standing on the sky', while loitering on that transparent trail. Tourists are suggested to wear protective shoes to avoid slippery on glass track . Chinese tourism department suggest tourist to cover their shoes for keeping the glass clean also(good idea!). Faint heart! please don't try to be a hero,be careful! there is no hospital around that trail.

It is going to be another bizarre and attractive path for many adventurous travelers very soon. I can imagine, the scenery of cliffs would be more exciting to watch from the railing of this glass plank road. Check out this short Youtube video[ by clouprai]:

----
Image and Info source : 1.Zhangjiajie Tourism | 2. afinance.cn | SkyNews

Possible Geo location : Google Map | Google Earth KMZ here

Teota Palace : Another Ruined Rajbari

2011-11-11T02:41:00.000+06:00

Teota Palace : Another Ruined Palace
Teota : Shibalaya : Manikganj : Bangladesh

Introduction

Teota(often pronounced as Tauta) is a place beside the Bank of mighty Jamuna river, is the home of another ruined palace of land lord; a heritage site, dated back to 1703. This is the second palace estate in Manikganj, but not so famous like the Baliati palace of Saturia. Last 17th Oct,2011 I visited the palace to check out its recent status. To my opinion, its is one one of the fascinating palaces in Bangladesh. If the entire estate would reenumerate, it would equally bring tourist and keep its glory alive like Ahsan Manjil or the Rangpur JamindarBari. Most of these photos in this post were taken in low resolution VGA Camera, i hope the readers will enjoy the pictures too.

Teota palace and Navaratna temple southern view

Background
Panchanan Ray Chaudhury,a tobacco business man from Dinajpur[3] , founded this palace to collect revenue durring the Company rule[1]. According to DC of Manikganj, the estate was home for two brothers, named Hemshankar Ray Chaudhury and Jay Shankar Ray Chaudhury, who use this estate complex for collecting revenue[2].

Teota Palace various snaps, click on pic for large view

Teota Palace: ruins custody & corridor to stair click on pic for large veiw

Architect Style and Interior
The palace has a lot of similarities with another palace of Baliati, .This palace,comprising a maze of courtyards and buildings[3]on 7.38 acres of land, blocks accommodated sleeping chambers, a large ballroom with sun roof, dining hall,prayer hall, guest house, a charitable dispensary, stable, attendants quarter,conference hall and hidden chambers. Entire palace contains some 55 chambers for various types of use. Most of these rooms ruined and faded in course of time.
Most interesting fact about this palace is that, its a blend of both Mughal and European style of late 18th century. Plinths and stair rooms were made according to the Mughals, again lot of motifs reminds me the Greek Style of ceiling. Check out the following photo, the sample of two enriched architect of the world.

Teota Palace: Mughal and European decoration click on pic for large view

Teota Palace ; Various motifs and decors, click on pic for large view

Most of these motifs are of flowers and petals, i rarely found any of the animals or motif of human around. Though the palace is faded away, but these decorations proved that the estate is one of the most prominent and graceful place in its vicinity at it glorious days. Tourist will find the ruins of entrance gate and 'katcharighar'-the court room at premises of complex.

Navaratna Temple
There is a Navaratna Temple (e.g. Kantanagar) at the premises of the palace, which seems lot more 'younger' than the original palace, to me! The temple was built around 1920s[1], owners of this palace tried to make the temple in European style rather using traditional Hindu mythological decor. The remarkable Navaratna adjoining the rajbari, built in honour of the family god and used during the ‘Dol' festival, is among the tallest and most elegant ones of its kind [3]it is 75 feet high. I guess, the temple is white washed and plastered by local community several time. See the following photos:

Navaratna Temple Beside Teota Palace | click on pic for large view

Navartna Temple of Teota | click on pic for large view

How to reach there
Before going to Teota, travelers must reach Aricha port. Bus from Dhaka to Aricha is available at Gabtali or Fultali bus stand. bus fare depends upon the hike of oil price(90 to 100 taka). After reaching Aricha one can reach Teota by Rickshaw or electric wheelers(fare ranges from 15 to 20 taka) , check out the google map at the end the post :)

Teota Palace and Navaratna Mandir

Conclusion
Teota palace is somehow connected with Promila Nazrul, wife of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Biren Sen, a cousin of Promila, was friend of Nazrul. There is a rumor that Nazrul saw Promila at this palace first before marry her. Entire palace is now acquired by government. Land register of Teota is using a chamber at ground floor of this palace, there is a new Kaali Mandir is situated on the Nothern side of the palace. Like other Jamindar estates, this palace is also surrounded by some 4 ponds, Western tank is the largest of these ponds. Estate is now surrounded by Teota Union Council, fish market and other commodities. In the early days Jamuna river was directly visible from the frontal terrace of the palace. Now some 56 flood refuged families residing in the palace since the independence of Bangladesh[2].
----------
Geotag : Google Map

Ali Amjad Khan's Clock Tower : Oldest & First in Bangladesh

2011-10-15T02:19:00.000+06:00

Ali Amjad Khan's Clock Tower : Oldest & First in Bangladesh

Chandnighat : Kotwali : Sylhet : Bangladesh

I find so few tourist who did not see the singular clock tower crossing the Kean Bridge of Sylhet. Most of them notice it properly or at least stare at it once. Clock tower is not an interesting thing to watch with attention to many people world wide; but it is really a rare tower in Bangladesh. Again, there is no Big Ben in Bangladesh; but many urban dwellers of Dhaka and Sylhet may disagree that a clock tower is not so interesting subject to write blog about it. To me, Ali Amjad's clock tower is a special one and clearly distinctive from the other two of Dhaka's DIT and Nagar Baban towers(see picture 1).

Picture 1: Clock towers of Nagar Bhaban and Dhaka DIT, now RAJUK

Ali Amjad's Clock Tower

Ali Amjad's* clock is a popular attraction of Sylhet City. Situated on the Northern bank of the Surma river at Chandnighat, down left to another most 'talk-about' subject - the Kean Bridge. This is the oldest and first clock tower of Bangladesh, as well as a singular genre. Ali Amjad Khan, a Nawab of Prithimpassa, built this tower.

At far sight, one can easily presume it as a church, because of its structure. I wonder what was the color of corrugated sheets at the early days. I find the architecture of it is also interesting Tower is standing one an octagonal base, clock chamber is rectangular and lastly the crest of tower is a triangular pyramid.

Picture 2: Ali Amjad's Clock Tower and the Kean Bridge

Picture 3 : Ali Amjad' s Clock Tower, from Ali Nasir Khan

Unlike other two dials this is not a part of a big building, it is build only to be a clock tower, and this is the best distinctive feature of this clock tower with others of Bangladesh. The clock is now active after a long time break. District Council of Sylhet maintains and provide mechanical support, these days.

Background of This Clock

I guess, Ali Amjad was a philanthropist and had good taste to build this tower. But exactly since when this clock has been start ticking, I could not find out. I did ask the local people about the history, unfortunately Sylhety dialect was really more than Greek to me. I have dilemma about the exact story behind building this tower. Perhaps the following two sources could provide idea about the background story-

According to Nawab's family web, the clock was presented by Ali Amjad's father Nawab Ali Ahmed Khan, which he was later constructed around 1895(1301 Bangla Calender). Another source+,Ali Amjad was invited to see Delhi and thereby charmed by the clock made with the instigation of the princess of Delhi. He also craved to build the same and eventually made it with the similar design & pattern.

Whatever the history is, I find this clock unique and notable attraction to write about.

-----------

Picture Source: RAJUK and Nagar Bhaban,from Banglapedia | Wikipedia

History Soure : +Tour to Bangladesh | Prithimpassa Estate

Geotag: Google Map

*[alternatively pronounced as Ali Amzad ;and mistakenly Ali Amgad]

Baliati Palace : Unfaded Heritage

2011-08-31T21:52:00.000+06:00

Baliati JamindarBari Palace : Unfaded Heritage

Baliati : Saturia : Manikganj : Bangladesh

Baliati Zamindarbari is situated about 35 miles northwest of Dhaka and 5 miles east of Manikganj district headquarters. Passing another jamindar palace of Dhankora on the way. There were two great periods of palace construction in India: the first corresponded to the period of Mughal supremacy from the mid-16th century to the mid-18th century and the second to the British Raj.Here are some of the amateur snaps of this semi preserved archeological heritage :

Photography courtesy : Ayesha Sharmin for Sight By Walk. Rest of the album can be accessed here at the Facebook fanpage. Enjoy :)
-------------
Geotag: Google Maps

Painted Cooling Tower of Meppen

2011-08-05T19:54:00.000+06:00

Painted Cooling Tower of Meppen

Gewerbegebiet Huntel : Meppen : Germany

Cooling towers are heat removal devices used to transfer process waste heat to the atmosphere. Cooling towers may either use the evaporation of water to remove process heat and cool the working fluid to near the wet-bulb air temperature or in the case of closed circuit dry cooling towers rely solely on air to cool the working fluid to near the dry-bulb air temperature. Common applications include cooling the circulating water used in oil refineries, chemical plants, power stations and building cooling.

From above description, we may assume that a cooling tower is totally a technical thing, a subject of engineer and technology lovers, but this simple tower can be an attractive and eye catching subject if it is a colorful and full of graffiti. Here is another one from Meppen, Germany.

From Google Earth

This tower can be viewed far from twenty kilometers, from almost all directions. Christoph Rihs is the master painter of the world map, he also won a completion for this tower renovation.
Geotegs : Google Map | Bing Map

Bostami Turtle : the last stand

2011-07-19T23:15:00.000+06:00

Bostami Turtle : the last stand
I had a chance to visit Chittagong last week. This time I was focused to revisit the shrine of Saint Bayezid Bostami, to see the popular and rare black soft shell turtle with more attention. I was interested about this endangered and almost extinct species and learned that the pond of Bayezid Bostami is not the only place left for this beautiful creature.

Taken from the shrine of Bayezid Bostami. Do you think this is the largest tortoise ;)

Zoological ID

Black soft shell turtle also known as the Bostami turtle in Bangladesh (after the saint of Bayezid Bostami), is a fresh water species { Aspideretes nigricans(=Trionyx nigricans), of the family Trionychidae, order Testudines} It was believed to be an endemic species. The wild population is almost extinct from the world.
The population shows two colours: one with dark brownish-black carapace and the other olive-greenish; the carapace of hatchlings is predominantly light olive-green but marginally darker and having four distinct ocelli on the carapace consisting of five concentric rings.The nesting season extends from February to May.). Incubation period varies from 96-106 days.

Social Importance
This turtles has some religious value in Bangladesh. Turtles of Chittagong is protected and taken care by the Shrine authority-'' the mazar committee', they don't allow any scientific research, or any specimen for breeding in wild. Moreover, many of them believe that these 'mazari' turtles are the descendants of the sinners, who are turned into turtle miraculously by the Saint at 13th Century. Many tourist visit the pond to see and feed them for their such religious value. There is another local belief is very popular about these reptiles, that if any person feeds them and the turtles take the meal, than his will come true. ~~Though these turtles never take the given bread or any other meal, if they are not hungry~~.

No! they are not largest tortoise like the Galapagos

Last Habitat

Some 300 turtle is living in the attached pond of the Shrine of Bayezid Bostami; however, still there is another artificial habitat is found in Gowhati,Assam, India, beside the Kamaksha mandir.
According to wiki there are three habitats left for this turtles, all are situated in India and Bangladesh. Huge population is survived in two ponds and according to another source, it is believed there are few lives in the wild environment at the River Jia Bhoroli, a northern tributary of mighty Brahmaputra. This turtle was also found in Arakan River System. So the spotted habitats are:

Srine of Bayezid bostami , Chittagong , Bangladesh
Nilachal Hill , Gowhati, Assam, India
River Jia Bhoroli, Assam, India

This could be the last stand for this beautiful reptiles.

---

References : Banglapedia | Wiki | For Google Earth

Painted Cooling Towers of Bloemfontein

2011-07-10T02:00:00.001+06:00

Painted Cooling Towers of Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein:Free State:South Africa

From above description, we may assume that a cooling tower is totally a technical thing, a subject of engineer and technology lovers, but this simple tower can be an attractive and eye catching subject if it is a colorful and full of graffiti. Here is one of those colofrul COOLing tower from Bloemfontein. There are two towers of same nature in Soweto too.

Inspired by the positive response from the newspapers and other media, after painting the Orlando cooling tower of Soweto First National Bank took the initiative to paint these four cooling towers of Bloemfontein's coal power station. An Ad agency named Draftcb from Johannesburg did the paint to revive theses 200 feet towers.
--
Geotag and source: Google Map | See Bing Map too
Address : Harvey Road, Bloemfontein, South Africa [Street View]

Another Painted Cooling Tower at Johannesburg

2011-06-27T04:08:00.000+06:00

Painted Cooling Tower at Johannesburg

Johannesburg : South Africa

Just like the cooling towers of Soweto and Bloemfontein, this inactive one was also painted during the World Cup Soccer 2010. This one is situated so close to the Soccer City stadium of Johannesburg.

A close up view of Johannesburg cooling tower
Photo credit: Umme Habiba Jasmine

But this one has a dissimilarity with the other painted towers, it is fully painted as the advertisement of famous brand Coca-Cola, even though rest of the towers were painted to show the cultural phenomena of South Africa. Thus, globalization wins over the local appearances.
Take a look at this cooling tower before painting here.
----

Geotag and source: Google Map |also in Bing Map

Address :Nasrec Road,Gauteng 2013,Johannesburg South, South Africa [StreetView]

Painted Cooling Towers of Soweto

2011-06-23T09:08:00.000+06:00

Painted Cooling Towers of Soweto
Soweto : South Africa

From Gregor Rohrig

These two towers were painted during the World Cup Soccer 2010. One of the sponsor of WC was First National Bank, it was their idea to color these two tallest structure of Soweto. One of the tower was painted for the FNB and the second one was painted with the south african cultural theme. It took ten painter to finish the work.7 of them are all qualified artists and 3 assistants. There were 2 on the ground to move the heavy 6m gondoliers across the towers the other assistant was up on the tower doing flat painting. Now these towers are using for the bungee jumping.
---
Take a look at these cooling towers before painting here.

Geotag and source: Google Map |see in: Bing Map
Address: Nicholas, Soweto, South Africa[Streetview]

Giant Wooden Ruble Coin

2011-05-26T05:23:00.000+06:00

Wooden Coin of Ruble

Novosobornaya Square : Tomsk : Russia

tnews,tomsk.ru

tnews.tomsk.ru

From Visualrian.com

Location : 56.474475°, 84.950711°