All posts by justnshalom

A – Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple.

St. Lawrence’s Parish, Macau

Phone : +853 2836 6866

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/A_Ma_Temple_200907.jpg/300px-A_Ma_Temple_200907.jpg
The front of A-Ma Temple

This is a World Heritage Site

A-Ma Temple , situated on the southwest tip of the Macau Peninsula, is one of the oldest and most famous Taoist temples in Macau. Built in 1488, the temple is dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.

The name Macau is thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied  “A-Ma-Gau” (bay of goddess A-Ma). The Portuguese then named the peninsula “Macao”. The temple was well described in ancient Chinese texts, as well as represented in paintings, related to Macao. It is also one of the first scenes photographed in Macao.

Temple consists of six main parts: Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence (the oldest part of the temple), the Hall of Guanyin, Zhengjiao Chanlin – Buddhist Pavilion.

In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau enlisted on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Source : Wikipedia

The A-Ma Temple is a destination offering silence and spectacular views. It contains six main parts, all of which make up a series of classical Chinese architectural treasures, and this is all guarded by stone lions. Entering it and going across a gateway, you will reach the Hongren Hall by a winding path. A statue of Mazu is worshipped here, and it is believed that the hall has the longest history in the complex. Going ahead, the Hall of Avalokitesvara will present itself to visitors. It was constructed mainly using bricks and stone in a simple style. Compared with the other halls, the Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist hall) was designed tastefully both in regards to size and architectural style.

Containing not only an ancient architectural complex, the temple also possesses a measure of the rich and profound Chinese culture. It is worth your while to stay and enjoy the various poems and inscriptions carved on the stone along the cliff. Furthermore, each year, on the days of the birthday of Mazu and the Chinese New Year, many male and female disciples gather here. They burn lots of incense to pay homage and pray for good fortune.

Source : travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=640KyJW_AhE

Reviews

https://goo.gl/eD6OGG

Opening hours : 07.00Am to 06.00PM

Getting there : Bus 6,8,9,28B

A Symphony of Lights

Symphony of Lights

A Symphony of Lights

Locations : Central, Admirality, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom

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Decorative light and laser from buildings

A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records.

The show is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and is displayed every night with good weather at 8 pm Hong Kong Time (UTC+8). An orchestration of music, decoration lights, laser light displays, and pyrotechnic fireworks, the multimedia light and sound show lasts for around 14 minutes and was conceptualised, created, and installed by Laservision.

The best vantage points for ‘A Symphony of Lights’  include the “Avenue of Stars ” on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, on the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and on sightseeing ferries (i.e. Star ferry) running across the Victoria Harbour. The Show’s music and narration live at the “Avenue of Stars” and the promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai every night. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the narration is in English, while it is in Mandarin on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Cantonese on Sundays.

Special pyrotechnic fireworks will be added to the show on the rooftop of participating buildings on both sides of the harbour or stages off at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. They are used on special events or holidays, like Chinese New Year and Christmas.

Source : Wikipedia

Named the ‘world’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by Guinness World Records, coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights perform in an unforgettable all-round spectacle synchronized to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of HongKong. There are five main themes : Awakening, Energy, Partnership, and the finale, Celebration. The show is free for public enjoyment and no admission ticket is required.

Source : discoverhongkong.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlxQxUndPlI

For more Images and Details

https://goo.gl/wpqDhE

Reviews

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Agra Fort

Agra Fort

Agra Fort

Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India

Phone : +91 562 296 0457

http://agra.nic.in/six/agrafort.jpg

This is a world heritage site.

Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when Mughal capital was shifted from Agra to Red Fort in Delhi. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.

History
After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the victorious Babur stayed in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. He later built a baoli (step well) in it. The emperor Humayun was crowned in the fort in 1530. Humayun was defeated at Bilgram in 1540 by Sher Shah. The fort remained with the Suris till 1555, when Humayun recaptured it. Adil Shah Suri’s general, Hemu, recaptured Agra in 1556 and pursued its fleeing governor to Delhi where he met the Mughals in the Battle of Tughlaqabad.
Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort:The effect produced by lighting candles in Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort.
Realising the importance of its central situation, Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. His historian, Abu’l-Fazl, recorded that this was a brick fort known as ‘Badalgarh’. It was in a ruined condition and Akbar had it rebuilt with red sandstone from Barauliu area in Rajasthan. Architects laid the foundation and it was built with bricks in the inner core with sandstone on external surfaces. Some 4,000 builders worked on it daily for eight years, completing it in 1573.
It was only during the reign of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current state. Legend has it that Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan tended to have buildings made from white marble. He destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort to make his own.
At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was deposed and restrained by his son, Aurangzeb, in the fort. It is rumoured that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal.
The fort was invaded and captured by the Maratha Empire in the early 18th century. Thereafter, it changed hands between the Marathas and their foes many times. After their catastrophic defeat at Third Battle of Panipat by Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761, Marathas remained out of the region for the next decade. Finally Mahadji Shinde took the fort in 1785. It was lost by the Marathas to the British during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, in 1803.
The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company’s rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Layout
The 380,000-square-metre (94-acre) fort has a semicircular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river and its walls are seventy feet high. Double ramparts have massive circular bastions at intervals, with battlements, embrasures, machicolations and string courses. Four gates were provided on its four sides, one Khizri gate opening on to the river.
Two of the fort’s gates are notable: the “Delhi Gate” and the “Lahore Gate.” The Lahore Gate is also popularly also known as the “Amar Singh Gate,” for Amar Singh Rathore.
The monumental Delhi Gate, which faces the city on the western side of the fort, is considered the grandest of the four gates and a masterpiece of Akbar’s time. It was built circa 1568 both to enhance security and as the king’s formal gate, and includes features related to both. It is embellished with inlay work in white marble. A wooden drawbridge was used to cross the moat and reach the gate from the mainland; inside, an inner gateway called Hathi Pol (“Elephant Gate”) – guarded by two life-sized stone elephants with their riders – added another layer of security. The drawbridge, slight ascent, and 90-degree turn between the outer and inner gates make the entrance impregnable. During a siege, attackers would employ elephants to crush a fort’s gates. Without a level, straight run-up to gather speed, however, something prevented by this layout, elephants are ineffective.
Because the Indian military (the Parachute Brigade in particular) is still using the northern portion of the Agra Fort, the Delhi Gate cannot be used by the public. Tourists enter via the Amar Singh Gate.
The site is very important in terms of architectural history. Abul Fazal recorded that five hundred buildings in the beautiful designs of Bengal and Gujarat were built in the fort. Some of them were demolished by Shahjahan to make way for his white marble palaces. Most of the others were destroyed by the British between 1803 and 1862 for raising barracks. Hardly thirty Mughal buildings have survived on the south-eastern side, facing the river. Of these, the Delhi Gate and Akbar Gate and one palace – “Bengali Mahal” – are representative Akbari buildings.
Akbar Darwazza (Akbar Gate) was renamed Amar Singh Gate by the British. The gate is similar in design to the Delhi Gate. Both are built of red sandstone.
The Bengali Mahal is built of red sandstone and is now split into Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri mahal.
Source : wikipedia 

Lay out of Agra Fort

https://goo.gl/iIM8lp

Reviews

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Visiting Hours : 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days of the week.

Entry fee : https://goo.gl/ZjTJfr

 

Air Force Museum

Air Force Museum

Air Force Museum

Palam Road, Palam, New Delhi, Delhi 110010

Phone : 011 2568 7194

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Image Credit : delhitorism.gov.in

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Entrance_to_Air_Force_Museum%2C_Palam%2C_New_Delhi.JPG/320px-Entrance_to_Air_Force_Museum%2C_Palam%2C_New_Delhi.JPG

The Indian Air Force Museum, Palam, is the museum of the Indian Air Force, and is located at the Palam Air Force Station in Delhi. The museum was the only one of its kind in India until the unveiling of the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa in 1998.

The Air Force Museum  entrance features an indoor display gallery that contains historic photographs, memorabilia, uniforms and personal weapons of the Indian Air Force from its inception in 1932. The gallery leads to a hangar exhibiting small aircraft and Air Force inventory like anti-aircraft guns, vehicles and ordnance. Larger aircraft are exhibited outside the hangar. This outdoor gallery contains aircraft that also displays several war trophies, radar equipment and captured enemy vehicles.

The Vintage Aircraft Flight services some rare aircraft and maintains them in an airworthy condition. These aircraft are not open to the general public for viewing. Large transport aircraft are stored on the apron of the airbase due to lack of space. These aircraft are displayed only on the annual Air Force Day. The Museum also has a small souvenirs corner.

Source : Wikipedia

The Air Force Museum reflects the very best of what the Indian Air Force has stood for in War and Peace. Its compilation is, in itself, a lasting tribute to hundreds of people who have each in their own way contributed to build a glorious tradition. It is befitting for a fighting service like the Indian Air Force to have a sense of history and tradition and the museum is a temple where memories of our glory are enshrined.

The most remarkable site of this Museum is a wall in one of it’s sections. It has Roll of Honour in golden letters, of officers and men who made supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives in Kashmir Operation in 1947, Chinese Aggression 1962, Indo-Pak conflicts 1965 and 1971. Their names liveth forever more.

On display is another important historical photograph wherein Lieutenant General Niazi of Pakistan Army is seen signing surrender document of Indo-Pak war 1971 with General Jagjit Singh Arora. On both the side walls are photographs and painting showing Hunter and Gnat aircraft hitting, smashing and setting ablaze enemy targets during Indo-Pak conflicts.

In the Hanger, we have a full size United states Appollo Lunar Module which carried American Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin to moon’s surface on 21 July, 1969.
Source : indianairforce.nic.in/

The Air Force Museum also contains some rare and special items such as a Japanese suicide rocket plane (“Ohka”). There is also a B-24 on display, a Spitfire and a Hurricane and other propeller driven airplanes, along with the many special modern types from Russia and France. They even have some quite big transport planes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9BDT6lcrL8

Reviews

https://goo.gl/ooTsIG

Visiting Hours : 10.00AM to 5.00 PM. Closed on Monday, Tuesday & government holidays.

Entry fee : Free.

Akbar’Tomb at Sikandra

Akbar’Tomb

Akbar’Tomb at Sikandra

Sinkandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 282007

Phone :+91 562 264 1230

http://agra.nic.in/six/Sikandra.jpg
Image credit : agra.nic.in

The Tomb of Akbar the Great is an important Mughal Architectural masterpiece, built in 1605–1613, set in 48 Ha (119 acres) of grounds in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra.

The third Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great (1555–1605), himself commenced its construction in around 1600, according to Tartary tradition to commence the construction of one’s tomb during one’s lifetime. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. After his death, Akbar’s son Jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613. Akbar was one of the greatest emperors in the history of India. However, during the reign of Aurangzeb Alamgir, Rebellious Jats under Raja Ram Jat, ransacked the intricate tomb, plundered and looted all the beautiful gold, jewels, silver and carpets, whilst destroying other things. There are still signs of burning on the gates. Akbar’s bones were also burnt and the Tomb suffered a lot, until extensive repair was carried out by the British under Lord Curzon.

The south gate of  Akbar’Tomb is the largest, with four white marble chhatri-topped minarets which are similar to (and pre-date) those of the Taj Mahal, and is the normal point of entry to the tomb. The Akbar’Tomb itself is surrounded by a walled enclosure 105 m square. The tomb building is a four-tiered pyramid, surmounted by a marble pavilion containing the false tomb. The true tomb, as in other mausoleums, is in the basement.

The buildings are constructed mainly from a deep red sandstone, enriched with features in white marble. Decorated inlaid panels of these materials and a black slate adorn the tomb and the main gatehouse. Panel designs are geometric, floral and calligraphic, and prefigure the more complex and subtle designs later incorporated in Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

Source : Wikipedia

Reviews

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Visiting hours : Sunrise to Sunset

Entry fee : https://goo.gl/ZjTJfr

Ava Art Gallery

Ava Art Gallery

Ava Art Gallery

Hill Cart Rd, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

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Imagr Ctrdit : wikimapia.org

Ava Art Gallery

Situated about 4 km from the Market Square and on the National Highway, Ava Art Gallery was established in 1965 by the Late. Bhopal Rao Sett and Ava Devi. It is the only Art Gallery of its kind in the Hills. A collection of 60 pieces of art work in water, oil and thread paintings are displayed in the Gallery. Visitors can travel on foot to get to the Gallery or simply hire a taxi. Entrance fees are not charged.
Source : darjeeling.gov.in
You simply cannot miss this flamboyant purple and yellow colored monument as you cruise along the Hill Cart Road to Darjeeling. The Ava Art Gallery is an important center of art and culture and a must visit for all serious art lovers.
There is a permanent collection of sixty pieces of exquisite artwork of Ava Devi including water, oil and thread paintings. The paintings “ Still strong” and “Torture” shows Ava Devi’s outstanding talent and skill in the field of artwork. There are some delicate hand made embroidery and Silk appliqué as well. Photography is not permitted inside.

 

Reviews

https://goo.gl/VXqU9H

Visiting hours : 08.00AM to 12.00PM and from 01.00PM to 05.00PM

Entry fee : Free

Avenue of Stars

Avenue Of Stars

Avenue of Stars

Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Avenue_of_Stars_Overview_201508.jpg/320px-Avenue_of_Stars_Overview_201508.jpg

The Avenue of Stars , modelled on the Hollywood Walk of fame, is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong Film Industry.

The Avenue  Stars is the eastern node of several tourist attractions along the Tsim Shat Sui waterfront. In addition to the promenade and New World centre, a number of attractions exist including the Museum of art, Space Museum, Cultural centre and the Clock tower.

Entering from Salisbury Garden, a 4.5-metre-tall replica of the statuette given to winners at the Hong Kong film awards greets visitors. Along the 440-metre promenade, the story of Hong Kong’s one hundred years of cinematic history is told through inscriptions printed on nine red pillars. Set into the promenade are plaques honouring the celebrities. Some plaques contain hand prints and autographs of the stars set in cement, but most of the plaques only contain celebrities’ names as they are now deceased. A 2.5-metre bronze statue of Bruce Lee was erected along the Avenue of Stars in 2005.

The promenade commands a stunning panoramic view across Victoria Harbour. At night it is a popular viewing place for the Symphony of Lights display.

A large replica of the 2008 summer Olympics torch will be on permanent display here.

Source : wikipedia

Avenue  Stars is closed for repair and improvement works, which are expected to be completed around the end of 2018. A selection of the Avenue of Stars exhibits is currently on display at Garden of Stars and Starry Gallery.

https://goo.gl/dyTeoV

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

Image result for baba mandir

Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh (August 3, 1941 – October 4, 1968) was an Indian army soldier who died in 1968 near the Nathu La in eastern Sikkim,India. He is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as the “Hero of Nathula” and the army men have also built a shrine Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir in his honour. He has been accorded the status of saint by believers who refer to him as the Baba (saintly father). Many of the faithful people, chiefly Indian army personnel posted in and around the Nathula Pass and the Sino-Indian border between the state of Sikkim and Chinese occupied Tibet have come to believe his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.

As with most saints, the Baba is said to also grant favours presumably to those who revere and worship him.

Harbhajan Singh’s early death at the age of just 27 is the subject of legend and religious veneration, which has become popular folklore among Indian Army regulars (jawans), the people of his village and apparently also soldiers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) across the border guarding the Indo-Chinese border between Sikkim and Tibet.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Baba_Harbhajan_Singh_Plaque.jpg/220px-Baba_Harbhajan_Singh_Plaque.jpg
Plaque at Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

According to legend, Harbhajan Singh drowned in a glacier while trying to lead a column of mules carrying supplies to a remote outpost. His remains were found after three days and he was cremated with full military honours. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra medal for his bravery and martyrdom on 26 January 1969.

The legend further claims that it was Harbhajan Singh himself who helped the search party find his body. Still later, through a dream, he instructed one of his colleagues to build and maintain a shrine in his memory.

Some Indian soldiers believe that in the event of a war between India and China, Baba would warn the Indian soldiers of any impending attack at least the three days in advance. During flag meetings between the two nations at Nathu La, the Chinese set a chair aside to honour of Harbhajan Singh who has since come to be known as “Saint Baba”. Every year on 11 September, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, from where it is then sent by train to the village of Kuka, in the Kapurthala district  of the Indian state of Punjab. While empty berths on any train of the Indian Railways are invariably allocated to any passenger without a confirmed reservation (Reservation against cancellation, RAC, or wait listed) or on a first come first served basis by the coach attendants, a special reservation for the Baba is actually made for him and his berth left empty for the entire journey to his home town every year with other soldiers accompanying “him” so as to reach him till his home. A small sum of money is also contributed by soldiers posted in Nathula to be sent to his mother each month.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYxHgYSd_KE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJWAxObtnrI

Reviews

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Ban Jhakri Water Falls

Ban Jhakri Water Falls

Ban Jhakri Water Falls

Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Image credit : commons.wikimedia.org

Ban Jhakri Water Falls is about 10-12 kilometers from Gangtok on the way to Ranka. Ban Jhakri Falls is a new sightseeing destination for tourists, its compound spreads on 2 two acres of land. The main attraction of the park is the waterfalls which cascades from a rocky height of almost 40 feet and plunges down with intense force. Around the waterfalls gardens have been beautifully landscaped and the place is further adorned with several statues of Ban Jhakri, Lyam Lymay, Mangpas and Lepcha ancestors. Other recreational activities and refreshment stalls are also placed at the entrance of the park.

Ban literally means forest or jungle, and Jhakri means traditional healer. A Ban Jhakri is a mythical man, who exists only in folktales within the Nepali Community in Sikkim. Local people believe that Ban Jhakri dwells in the forest and live in rock caves worshiping sprits. The ethnic communities of Sikkim still believe in such mysteries as it is part of their tradition and culture.

All along the park you will witness ethnic sculptures and figurines depicting jhakri culture. The figurines in the park illustrates rituals, some healing ceremonies and others the induction     process in the life of a shaman. Other recreational activities and refreshment stalls are also placed at the entrance of the park. Entrance fee is levied for all visitors.

Source : sikkimstdc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13UyOcsnhzM

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 05.00PM,  all days of the week

Entry fee : Rs.20/- per person

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop

West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

This is 5 kms. From Darjeeling.

Batasia Loop can be visited while taking Toy Train Joy ride from Darjeeling.

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Image credit : tripadvisor.in

The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway  created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling.. At this point, the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. It was commissioned in 1919.

It is 5 km from Darjeeling, below Ghum. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947.

Source : Wikipedia

Batasia Loop is a name given to an interesting train-track loop where Darjeeling’s Toy Train takes a unique and distinct turn. The Loop that has been excellently attracting tourist’s attention is an engineering splendour where the Toy Train corkscrews around through a tunnel. Just before the train reaches this loop, it covers an unquestionable height of 1,000 ft within a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdPeD83RKII

Reviews

https://goo.gl/K8vZ07

Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Tour

3 Salisbury Rd, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 3102 9021

The Big Bus Tour
Image credit : discoverhongkong .com

The Big Bus  tour reveals the city’s rich blend of Chinese and Colonial history and offers the most extensive route of any Hong Kong sightseeing tour , taking you to more tourist attractions and revealing more things to do in Hong Kong than any other tour.

The Day Tour includes tours of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Stanley. You will see the best of Hong Kong’s attractions and landmarks, including  Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak, Man Mo Temple, Soho and Stanley Market. The Night Tour  showcases the vibrant night life of Kowloon, the neon spectacle of Nathan Road and the fantastic Symphony of Lights display.

With a choice of 24 or 48 hour tickets , the hop-on, hop-off buses (Big Bus tour) give you the freedom to appreciate and explore Hong Kong at your leisure.

Day Tour

During the day you have the choice of either the Premium Tour (24 hours) or Deluxe Tour (48 hours). Both ticket options provide you with unlimited access to three sightseeing tours: Hong Kong Island Tour, Kowloon Tour and Stanley Tour. Each route of Big Bus tour includes several break points where you can hop-on, hop-off to explore places of interest or interchange between routes.

The Deluxe Tour also includes a cruise around Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong’s famous Star Ferry Company.

A multi-lingual audio system is available on every bus offering you a personal tour commentary in a choice of 10 languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.

Night Tour

A visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without experiencing the famous ‘Symphony of Lights’ illuminations and the neon spectacle of Nathan Road. The Big Bus Night Tour of Kowloon offers the best view of both.

The Night Tour is a 1 hour panoramic tour of Kowloon. The tour will take you through the bustling heart of Hong Kong at a time when Kowloon is at its vibrant best. The view of Hong Kong Island’s fantastic ‘Symphony of Lights’ illuminations is undoubtedly the tour highlight and will provide an unforgettable experience.

Source : eng.bigbustours.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmMtcA0D8c

Reviews

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For timings , routes and price :

https://goo.gl/OvWUFU

Birla House ( Gandhi Smriti )

Gandhi Smriti

Birla House ( Gandhi Smriti )

5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi, DL 110001

Phone : 011 2301 2843

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Birla_HouseGandhi_Smriti%2C_New_Delhi.jpg/200px-Birla_HouseGandhi_Smriti%2C_New_Delhi.jpg

Gandhi Smriti formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, situated on Tees January Road, formerly Albuquerque Road, in New Delhi, India. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It was originally the house of the Indian business tycoons, the Birla family. It is now also home to the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, which was established in 2005.

The 12-bedroom house was built in 1928 by Ghanshyamdas Birla. Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi were frequent guests of the Birlas. During his final stay, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948 when he was assassinated. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote to Ghanshyamdas Birla seeking to turn part of the Birla House in to a memorial. Ghanshyamdas was rather reluctant to give up the house with associated memories. The Birla House was purchased from KK Birla, in 1971, by the Government of India, after protracted and tough negotiations, in which, according to some reports, he even included the cost of fruit trees in the sale price. Eventually KK Birla, sold the property to the Government for Rs 5.4 million and seven acres of urban land in exchange, which was considered a very profitable deal. Birla House opened for the public on 15 August 1973, renamed the Gandhi Smriti (or Gandhi Remembrance). The museum in the building houses a number of articles associated with Gandhi’s life and death. Visitors can tour the building and grounds, viewing the preserved room where Gandhi lived and the place on the grounds where he was shot while holding his nightly public walk. Gandhi was shot during his prayers at the place where Martyr’s Column now stands.

The Martyr’s Column now marks the place where Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation” was assassinated.

The Gandhi Smriti or Birla House is located at 5 Tees January Marg, a couple of kilometres from the Connaught Place, one of the Central Business District’s of New Delhi.

Outside the house stands a pillar that contains a swastika symbol. The prominence of the pillar means that it has been used as a visual example of the way the ethical meaning of the swastika symbol has changed in the West in the 20th century. The same pillar also contains the Sanskrit symbol for the meditation sound, Om.

Source : Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rat-UXyfu_o

Reviews.

https://goo.gl/0tzFsL

Visiting Hours : 10.00AM to 5.00 PM Closed on Monday.

Entry fee : Free

Cactus Garden

Cactus garden

Cactus Garden

Panchkula Urban Estate, Sector 5, Panchkula, Haryana 134108

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Image credit : youtube.com

Cactus garden is located in the heart of the city Panchkula, 8 kms. from Chandigarh. Officially known as National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre, the garden is Asia’s biggest garden having rare and endangered species of more than 3,500 species. Collection of Indian succulents here is considered the largest in the world. There are Cacti small enough to fit in your palm and some about 11-15ft tall. The garden was set up in 1987. This garden is drawing more tourists every year including botanists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl_SvKVD8zw

Reviews

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Visiting hours : April to September : 09.00Am to 01.00PM and 03.00PM to 07.00PM all days of the week,   October to March : 09.00AM to 01.00PM and 02.00PM to 06.00PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Rs.10/- per person

 

Camoes Garden

Camoes Garden

Camoes Garden

Praça de Luís de Camões, Macau

Camões Garden  Camões Garden C:\Users\user\Pictures\Macau\Camoes Garden.jpg

In the 18th century this hilly, heavily wooded garden formed part of the grounds of the house which was occupied by the Chairman of the British East India Company, known as Casa Garden, which now houses an art gallery, and the Old Protestant Cemetery, filled with walkways, flowering trees, and old headstones marking the graves of merchants, missionaries, and others from foreign lands who made their home in Macao.

In 1835 the British moved out and the Portuguese owner had a grotto built around a bust of Portugal’s national poet, Luís de Camões.The present bronze bust was installed in 1886 when the grotto became state property. Behind the grotto, paths lead up to a wooded hill with a Chinese pavilion and stone tables and stools, where local men gather to play Chinese chess. In front of the grotto is a spacious garden, with benches shaded by banyan trees, where people bring their caged birds for an outing, do their morning tai chi exercises, or meet with friends. At the entrance of the Camoes garden is a fountain that contains a bronze sculpture entitled “Embrace”, specially made to symbolize the centuries’ old friendship between Portugal and China.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

The small mountains, the topping trees, the flourishing grass and flowers will all capture your imagination as you walk through the garden Camoes. As you walk along the winding paths, you will reach the highest point in the park, the Gazebo, where you can enjoy the striking views of the inner harbor. Looking north, you will see a man-made fountain built in 1990.

Camoes Garden is a popular spot for locals to do their morning exercises, to play chess, to walk their caged birds (a Chinese custom) or to meet with friends. It’s an oasis in the busy city.

Source : travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqEM8FYk-HE

Reviews

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Opening hours : 06.00AM to 10.00PM

Getting there : Bus 17

 

Capitol Complex

Capitol Complex

Capitol Complex

Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Palace_of_Assembly_Chandigarh_2006.jpg/640px-Palace_of_Assembly_Chandigarh_2006.jpg

This is a World Heritage Site.

The Capitol complex comprising three buildings – Legislative Assembly, Secretariat and High Court, located in ChandigarhIndia,  is designed by noted architect Le Corbusier.  After the partition of Punjab, in 1947 following the independence of India, the divided Punjab required a new capital as Lahore was now in Pakistan. Thus Le Corbusier was commissioned by first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru to build a new city of Chandigarh. The brief for the design was a city “unfettered by the traditions of the past, a symbol of the nation’s faith in the future”. Subsequently Corbusier and his team built not just large assembly, and high court building, but all major buildings in the city, and down to door handles in public offices.

Source : Wikipedia

The Capitol Complex is Le Corbusier’s most spectacular work. The magnificent edifices, set against the Shivalik peaks, stand “as massive concrete sculptures, representing the monumental character authority that the complex represents. It is the seat of the government of the States of Punjab and Haryana. It comprises three epoch-making master-pieces: the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly. Separated by large piazzas, the subtle and most evocative grouping of these buildings is of breath-taking beauty.

And in the centre stands the giant metallic sculpture of The Open Hand, the official emblem of Chandigarh, signifying the city’s credo of ‘open to give’ open to receive’.

THE HIGH COURT

The law-interpreting monument was built in the Capitol Complex during 1951-57. This structure has a double roof, projecting over the office block like a parasol or an inverted umbrella. The magnificent outward sweep of the upper roof is symbolic of protection and justice to the people. The three vertical piers, rising 60 feet from the floor and painted in bright colours form the grand entrance to the building. A gigantic egg-crate screen covers the building façade. On the rear walls of the court rooms, hand the giant woolen tapestries designed by Le Corbusier.

THE SECRETARIAT

The law-executing monument is the largest and tallest of the three edifices in the Capitol Complex. Built during 1953-59, it is shaped like an eight-storeyed concrete slab, with its distinctive brise-soleil-louvered screen of deeply sculptured two-storey porticos in the centre, housing the offices of ministers. The cafeteria rests stop the terrace is like an art object, giving a spectacular view of the city.

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

The profile of this law-forming monument epitomizes stately grandeur. Square in plan, with a monumental portico standing free from the main building, it faces the High Court. The shape of the cupola is an obliquely truncated hyperbolic parabolic, extending well above the roof line. A pyramid covers the upper chamber of the erstwhile bicameral system and offers an exciting counterpoint to the cupola, lending artistic grace to the entire complex.
Source : chandigarhtourism.gov.in

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 05.00PM all days of the week

For permission to visit capitol complex,

https://goo.gl/TgfxhP

Casino Mahjong

Casino Mahjong

Casino Mahjong

MAHJONG Casino, Located in MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, National Highway 31A, Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Sikkim 737135

Phone : 03592 250 126

Image result for casino mahjong gangtok

Casino Mahjong at the Mayfair Spa Resorts & Casino is owned and managed by TRIO VENTURES, a company started by three visionary entrepreneurs from Gangtok. Though it may be an unexplored territory for them so far, they have left no stones unturned in trying to bring the best of elements to your table. Social responsibility being the foundation of the company’s philosophy, responsible gaming/gambling is going to be our main concern. God willing, we have also pledged to associate with various charitable activities in the near future.
Located among acres of lush green forest & surrounded by mountains, Mayfair Spa, Resort & Casino has a monastic theme with Sikkim’s colonial architecture. This luxury resort offers luxury rooms, family rooms, premium cottages and villas amidst nature and consigns comprehensive spa therapies at Asia’s award winning Spa. For a perfect holiday in Gangtok, go trekking, bird-watching, mountain-biking or hire a cab for some sightseeing and top it up with a pulsating evening of gaming at the casino. So plan a holiday in Sikkim and make it an unforgettable one with a visit to Casino Mahjong.

http://www.casinomahjongsikkim.com/

Reviews

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Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Causeway Bay

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High Density Buildings in Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay or East Point is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, located on Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai District. The rent in the shopping areas here was ranked as the world’s most expensive for the second year in a row, after overtaking New York’s Fifth Avenue in 2012.

This is one of Hong Kong’s major shopping districts. It includes the 13-storey Japanese department store SogoTimes Square, an indoor shopping complex, and Hysan Place. There are also smaller malls such as World Trade Centre, Windsor House, Hang Lung Centre, Fashion Island, Fashion Walk, Lee Gardens and Lee Gardens Two. The area is one of the most crowded areas in Hong Kong since it contains many trendy shops carrying both locally made fashion and products from Japan, Europe and the United States. As such, it is a popular social spot for young people. Many shops are open until well after midnight.

For years, Jardine Matheson has fired a cannon shot at noon every day in this area, by Victoria Harbour, slightly eastward of the former Kellett Island. The gunshots have served as time signals for many generations of old inhabitants of Hong Kong. This tradition still continues today. This is the “Noonday Gun ” mentioned in the Noel Coward song “Mad Dogs and Englishmen “.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Ebsqm5KcE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpdkZWmoLc

Reviews

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Getting there : Causeway Bay is on the MTR subway on the Island line (blue). The Causeway Bay station is one of the biggest in the system, and has many exits leading to exits all over the area. Important exits, include exit A for the Times Square shopping mall and exits D3-D4 to the SOGO Department Store. The Island line tram also travels through this station, stopping in front of SOGO.

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is situated opposite to Red Fort.

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Image credit : amazingindiablog.in

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. Chandni Chowk is located close to Old Delhi Railway Station and the monument Red Fort is located within the Chandni Chowk. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan, and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara, the market was once divided by canals (now closed) to reflect moonlight, and it remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets.

Chandni Chowk’s speciality is the variety of its markets and their Indian-ness: from authentic Indian food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1,000 kinds, to sarees with chikan and zari work. There are many narrow lanes with shops selling books, clothing, shoes and leather goods, electronic and consumer goods and whatnot. The area, even more so than the rest of the city, is very congested. This is also a good place for window shopping. It is the location of the original Haldiram’s and many other brands like Gianis. A particular local delicacy are the jalebis, which are fried in pure ghee (clarified butter).

The Cloth Market, supplies home furnishing fabrics, including ready-made items as well as design services.

Nai Sarak is the wholesale market of stationery, books, paper and decorative materials. It house folder stores including SOLOand Shipra. It also offers bridal Saris and Lehengas from DIVASA by Devta Apparels Pvt. Ltd jogiwara, Arun Sarees and Nandlal Silk Mills.

Lal Kuan is a wholesale market for hardware and hotel kitchen equipment. It is adjacent to Tilak Market which is a wholesale market for industrial chemicals.

Dariba is the market for silver and gold jewelry. The popular jewelry stores are Hare ram Hare Krishna and MM Jewellers. This market also offers trophies, shields, mementos and related items.

Source : Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_4yQ9dlFmE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=714I85UMq4Q

Reviews

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Changey Waterfalls

Changey Waterfalls

 

Changey Waterfalls

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Image credit : tripadvisor.in

Changey Waterfalls is located about 10 km from Pelling on the road side of Dentam Bazar, which is very attractive in all seasons. It falls from a height of 50 meters. The views of this waterfall is extremely amazing and it disappears into the abundant greenery.Its surroundings are lush green and offer a sense of peace. This waterfall leap out of the hillside to the valley floors in plumes of white and is worth photographing. While visiting the waterfalls Dentam Bazar can also be visited, where the latest attraction is Alpine cheese factory of which the famous Swiss collaborated gouda cheese is all over in towns of India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azZGj6MjMzE

Reviews

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Char Dham │Siddhesvara Dhaam

Char Dham │ Siddhesvara Dhaam

Char Dham │Siddhesvara Dhaam

Solophok, Namchi, Sikkim 737121

The statue of Lord Shiva at Siddhesvara Dhaam in Namchi

Char Dham │ Siddhesvara Dhaam is a unique pilgrimage tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as “Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre” having a 87 ft statue of Lord Shiva atop the main Shiva temple which is at a height of 108 ft. and replicas of four Dhaams of the country at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. Char Dham │ Siddhesvara Dhaam, the four most revered Dhams of the Hindus have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. It is situated amidst the breadth taking surrounding of Solophok hill, befitting the mythological setting behind the establishment of the original Dhams. For the consecration of the Dham Shri Jagadguru Sankaryacharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling and his wife Smt Tika Maya Chamling did the “Pran Prastisha” of the Dham. There are replicas of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingas” (the twelve jyothirlinga) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageswar, Rameshwar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva and the Char Dhams . There is a grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. One can have a view of the Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling and other such locations from here. The Dham has stay facility for the devotees at “Yatri Niwas” which can accommodate more than 90 people at a time. The Dham has won the National Tourism Awards 2010–11 under the category of “Most Innovative/Unique Tourism Project” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81bdeZpcdw

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 07.00PM    all days of the week

Entry fee :  Rs.50/- per person and Rs. 30/- per vehicle

 

Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley

Chopta Valley

Chopta

Chopta valley is a small settlement and valley that is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This region is very popular among tourists, mainly because of the number of options it provides for exploring. The entire region is a haven of beauty, and the ones among you who are looking for a good place to relax, without the hustle and bustle of a typical tourist hotspot can visit Chopta valley and gaze in awe at the many peaks located a short distance away from the valley.

The valley is a great place for adventure buffs and trekking enthusiasts, because trekking is a popular activity in the valley. During your trip to Chopta valley, you can take a trek to the nearby region of Deori Tal. Deori Tal is a very famous lake that is surrounded entirely by forests on all sides. This lake lies under the Chukhumba peak, and a trek to this lake can be taken provided you receive proper services from a guide in the region. You can stay near the lake for as long as you want to as many tourists camp out here.

You can also take a trek to the temple in Tungnath. This trek can be easily completed without any guidance, as the roads to this temple are well paved and set. The temple at Tungnath is located at an altitude of 3660 metres.
Source : uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5iPj9lUVW03

Reviews

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Chungthang Valley

Chungthang Valley

Chungthang Valley

Image result for chungthang valley wikipedia images
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

A small town on way to Yumthang, Chungthang Valley stands at the confluence of the rivers Lachen chu and Lachung chu. The North Sikkim highway bifurcates from here with one road leading to Lachen and the other to Lachung. Chungthang valley is considered to be a holy place which has been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. There is a rock here which to this day bears the hand and footprints of Padmasambhava. From a small opening in the rock there is continuous flow of mineral water. There is a small patch of land here from which grows paddy every year. The nature defying miracle is believed to be the blessing of Guru Padmasambhava who sprinkled a handful of grain on the spot which has sprouted paddy ever since.

Chungthang is a good place to halt before one takes off for the more alpine regions of Lachen, Lachung and the Yumthang Valley. Chungthang is mired in myths and legends, one such being that this is the place from where the word ‘Demazong’ [the hidden valley of rice, as Sikkim is known] first originated.

Source : sikkimtourism.gov.in

City of Dreams

City Of dreams

City of Dreams

City of Dreams, The shops at the Boulevard,Macau.

The City of Dreams 200907.jpg
City of Dreams  is a property along the Cotai Strip in the Cotai reclamation area in MacauChina.. City of Dreams is located directly opposite The Venetian Macao, the first property in Cotai, opened by Las Vaga Sands Corp.

City of Dreams, is in the style of a podium, with four towers: namely the Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel, and the Grand Hyatt Macau (2 towers). Its three-floor podium includes a mega-casino, over 200 shopping facilities and hotel guest facilities. City of Dreams has 420,000 square feet (39,000 m2) of gaming space with 450 gaming tables and 1514 machines, over 20 restaurants and bars, including one of the largest in the city. The property also includes 175,000 square feet (16,300 m2) of high-end retail space (The Boulevard) spread across two levels.

There are two theaters, the first, called “The Bubble”, currently shows an immersive HD media projection presentation entitled “The Dragons Treasure”. The second, the “Dancing Water Theatre “. It features an in-the-round water show, the largest of its kind in the world.

One installation is called the Vquarium. These four video walls measure nearly 61 feet (19 m) wide and 22 feet (6.7 m) tall. Constructed in the United States in several pieces for ease of transportation and for on-site installation. It weighs 11 tons (10,000 kg).

Behind each of the four sections sits a rear projector that displays images on the acrylic. Water cascades down the acrylic faces to enhance the sub-sea ocean scene that is projected on each wall. The Vquarium debuted with the opening of the complex on 1 June 2009 with larger than life mermaids that swim onscreen and into the distance at the end of the short show. The mermaid show was conceived and executed by Falcon’s Treehouse.

A second installation(The Bubble Foundation) designed to enhance the environment of the retail area features a large water sphere. The finished sphere measures 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter. A hole in the top of the sphere allows water to be pumped through the inside of the sphere and bubble out the top before gently cascading evenly down the sides of the globe into the catch pool below.

Franco Dragone Entertainment Group has created a new show entitled The House of Dancing Water at the Dancing Water Theatre. The theatre contains one of the largest commercial pools in the world, holding approximately 3,700,000 US gallons (14,000 m3). The 270-degree theatre in the round has a central stage with a diameter of approximately 25 meters (82 ft), surrounded by sloped seating on three sides for as many as 2,000 theatre patrons including a V.I.P. section of 70 seats. The theatre arena has a 40-meter-high steel trussed space (30 meters clear) providing generous height to the show’s display of acrobatics.  The show, which incorporates various design elements such as fire, water effects, and atmospheric effects, opened on 17 September 2010. “The House of Dancing Water” was the recipient of a 2012 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for a Live Show Spectacular

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8EKzb0LzA

Reviews

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The House of Dancing Water

https://goo.gl/9AnMlp

Reviews

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Getting here by free shuttle:

https://goo.gl/pL96jW

Clock Tower

Clock Tower

Clock Tower

Star Ferry Pier, Kowloon Point, Tsim Sha Tsui , Kowloon.

Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower 2013-08.JPG

The Clock Tower is a landmark in Hong Kong. It is located on the southern shore of Tsim Sha TsuiKowloon. It is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon Station on the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Officially named Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower , it is usually referred to as the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower  for its location.

Built out of red bricks and granite, the  Tower peaks at 44 metres, and is topped by a 7-metre lighting rod. The top of the tower can be reached by a wooden staircase located within the interior of the Tower, had previously been open for visit, but is currently closed for maintenance. The clock tower is located near Victoria Harbour at the foot of Salisbury Road. Another landmark, the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, is located nearby.

The tower has been listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong since 2000.

Source : Wikipedia

The once-bustling station is long gone, but this red brick and granite tower, now preserved as a Declared Monument, survives as an elegant reminder of the Age of Steam. It has also been a memorable landmark for the millions of Chinese immigrants who passed through the terminus to begin new lives not just in Hong Kong, but in other parts of the world via the city’s harbor.

Source : discoverhongkong .com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwCwex3BuZU

Reviews

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Getting there :

MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit E. Walk towards Salisbury Road, then turn right and take the subway (pedestrian tunnel) located next to the YMCA to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Turn right again and walk straight ahead towards the waterfront; or,

Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai and follow the signs. The Clock Tower is located next to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.

Coloane Village

Coloane Village

Coloane Village

Hac Sa Beach
Hac Sa Beach
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Chapel of St.Francis Xavier and monument Commemorating a victory over pirates

Coloane, officially Freguesia de São Francisco Xavier, is one of the two main islands of the Macau Special Administrative Region in China. The island is located directly south of Macau’s other main island, Taipa, and east of Hengqin Island of Zhuhai in Guangdong province.

Coloane Village  located on the southwestern coast of Coloane, is the island’s main settlement.

The village centers on Eduardo Marques Square, which is a rectangle paved in cobblestones that are black, white and yellow, laid out in a wavy pattern reminiscent of the sea. The square faces a seaside promenade that traces the channel dividing Macau from the hills of China proper. At the eastern end of the square stands the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, built in 1928.

Hac Sa Beach is the largest natural beach in Macau, located on the southeast side of Coloane Island.

Tam Kung Temple is located at the southern end of Avenida de Cinco de Outubro.

Chapel of St.Francis Xavier, of the Freguesia de São Francisco Xavier,  built in 1928, is located on the southwestern coast of the island and stands near a monument commemorating a victory over pirates in 1910. The chapel used to contain some of the most sacred Christian relics  in Asia, including the remains of 26 foreign and Japanese Catholic priests who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597, as well as those of some of the Japanese Christians who were killed during the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637. They are now located in the Museum of Sacred Art, opened in 1996 next to the Ruins of St.Paul’s. Another relic was a bone from the arm of St. Francis Xavier, who died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, 50 miles (80 km) from Macau. This relic has been transferred to St.Joseph’s Church.

Source : Wikipedia

The locals live on fish, as s result, there are many ship docks on the island. Owing to rapid development of Macau, a number of infrastructure projects have been successfully completed on the island, represented by Jiuao Port.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=264plb0a3KE

Reviews

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Getting there : Bus 15, 21A, 25, 26A, N3

Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling Ropeway

Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104

Image result for darjeeling ropeway photos
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

The Darjeeling Ropeway is a ropeway in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The ropeway used to be a popular tourist destination in the town. It consisted of sixteen cars and plied between the “North Point” in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. The journey on the ropeway offered beautiful views of the hills and the valleys around Darjeeling.

The ropeway was started in 1968 by the forest development department and comprised only a single From an elevation of 2,134 m (7,001 ft) in Darjeeling’s North Point (Singamari), this bicable ropeway descended to 244 m (801 ft) at Singla on the banks of the Ramman river, which with Little Rangeet, meets the Great Rangeet. Stopping at Tukver, Burnesbeg and Singla tea estates, it took 45 minutes to reach Singla Bazar, 8 km away. The ropeway passed over dense forests, mountain ridges, water falls, flowing rivers, green valleys and tea gardens.

The Great Rangeet flows from the glacial elevation of Kabru, in the lower regions of the Kanchenjunga, meeting first the Ramman and then the Little Rangeet further down. Singla offers is a view of the valleys of these two streams. The Little Rangeet flows across the lush green Bijanbari valley. While the Little Rangeet is overflowing with trout, the valley has wildlife, flowers and butterflies.

The passenger ropeway was operated as a joint venture of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and the Conveyor and Ropeway Services Private Ltd. It had been revamped in 1988.

Source : Wikipedia

Reviews

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Visiting hours : During winter and monsoon 10.00AM to 04.00PM and during Summer and autumn 10.00AM to 02.00PM

Entry Fee : Rs.150/- Per person and Rs.75/- for children between 3-8 years

Dello Hills

Dello Hills

Dello Hills

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/09/a2/8f/19/deolo-hill.jpg
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

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Dello, also known as Deolo or Dello Hills is located at a height of 1700 m, 6 kms from Kalimpong, on the edge of a reef connecting Delo Hills and Durpin Hills, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is a must to visit Deolo Hill where you get an amazing view of Teesta valley and best views of Kanchenjunga range. Near Delo there is a Hanuman temple where you can see  a  huge statue of Lord Hanuman. A nice statue of Lord Budha is also there on the way to Kalimpong from Deolo hills. Dello hills were used as shooting locations for more than 50 movies.

Three water reservoirs, two of which serve as the primary drinking water source to the town are present atop this hill. The town of Kalimpong, the surrounding villages of Relli valley, Teesta River and its valleys all can be viewed from this point.

On a clear day, the snow-clad mountains of West Sikkim are also visible from this hill. At the summit of this hill, there is a park built for recreation purposes which feature exotic flowers. The park is a popular picnic spot for tourists as well as locals.Overall Deolo provides a panoramic 360 degree view of Kalimpong town and its neighbouring hills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fRqYNK8Vws

Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 05.00PM

Entry fee : Rs.10/- for Indians and Rs.50/- for foreign tourists.

Dilli Haat 

Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat

Sri Aurobindo Marg, Laxmi Bai Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023

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Image credit : indiamike.com

Dilli Haat is an open-air food plaza and cradia, and from a variety of cultural traditions of India. Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. It is located in the commercial centers of South Delhi , opposite INA market The 6 acres of land on which this complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmosphere. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotated, usually for fifteen days. Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics. A number of shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process and spaces are allocated according to which state the seller is from. In all, Dilli Haat, INA Market has 62 stalls allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen a payment of INR 100 per day for a maximum period of 15 Days.

Dilli Haat was established jointly by Delhi Tourism (DTDC), Government of Delhi and NDMC, D.C. (Handicrafts) & D.C. (handlooms), Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and opened in March 1994. Around 2003, this market became fully wheelchair-accessible, including an accessible bathroom. Delhi’s second Dilli Haat, the Dilli Haat, Pitampura, also was developed by DTTDC in Pitampura, close to Pitampura TV Tower and spread over 7.2 hectares, was opened in April 2008. More Dilli Haats are set to be created in other parts of Delhi with the third expected to open in Janakpuri in August 2013.

Over the years, Dilli Haat became a venue of crafts, music, dance and cultural festivals, for example India’s first comic convention, Comic Con India was organized at Dilli Haat, INA, in February 2011.

Only craftsmen registered with D.C.Handicrafts] are eligible for places at the Dilli Haat. The stalls are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of India at nominal payment for a period of 15 days.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkcCIkGv6ac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJ6Pst7BwE

For More Detailed Information – Tripopedia

Reviews

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Timings : 11.00AM to 09.00PM

Entry fee : Rs. 20/- per person for adults and Rs. 10/- per children up to 12 years.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms

Handicrafts & Handlooms

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms

Zero Point, NH 31A, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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Image Credit : sikkimcrafts.gov.in

In Sikkim major shopping opportunities are available in the capital city of Gangtok. Nevertheless, souvenir and craft shops are gradually coming up in the District headquarters as also some of the tourist spots.

The main emporium of Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms is located at a convenient place at ‘Zero’ Point in the capital city. Most of the handicrafts & handlooms items produced in the state are beautifully showcased here. These are, thanka paintings, carpets, handlooms, wooden carved and painted items, wooden masks, cane and bamboo works, traditional hats and caps, multi-craft items, embroidered products and stuffed dolls.

The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms has 28 centers all over the state as also one emporium in Sikkim House, New Delhi. Apart from training talented persons in art and crafts, the Directorate also helps in preserving and keeping alive the marvellous cultural heritage of Sikkim. In addition, it takes part in the exhibitions and fairs all over, thus extending help in not only popularization of local art and crafts but also in their marketing. Upon gaining confidence out of such experiences, some of the craftsmen are not only benefiting financially but a few of them have also opened their own websites.

Source :sikkimtourism.gov.in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H09NGsRxQE

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 04.00PM Closed on Sundays and Govt. holidays

Entry fee : Rs.10/- per person

Disney Land

Disneyland

Disney Land

Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Phone :  +852 3550 3388

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Hong Kong Disneyland  is located in Penny’s BayLantau Island. It is the first Theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disney Land Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. It is, together with Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of the two large theme parks in Hong Kong. Disney attempted to avoid problems of cultural backlash by incorporating Chinese culture, customs, and traditions when designing and building the resort, including adherence to the rules of feng shui.

The theme park’s cast members speak Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. Guide maps are printed in traditional and simplified Chinese as well as English, Japanese, Thai, Malay and Indonesian.

The park has a daily capacity of 34,000 visitors — the fewest of all Disneyland parks. To AECOM and TEA, Hong Kong Disneyland is the 13th most visited theme park in the world in 2013, with 7.4 million visitors.

The park is divided into “lands” (themed areas) and well-concealed backstage areas. On entering a land, a guest is completely immersed in a themed environment and is unable to see or hear any other realm. The idea behind this was to develop theatrical “stages” with seamless passages from one land to the next.

Main Street,U.S.A, designed to resemble an early 20th-century Midwest town;

Adventureland, featuring jungle-themed adventures;

Fantasyland, bringing to life characters and places from Disney’s movies for children;

Tomorrowland, an optimistic vision of the future.

Toy Story Land, based on the DisneyPixar film series Toy story.

Grizzly Gulch, reminiscing an abandoned mining town set amidst mountains and woods.

Mystic Point, heart of a dense, uncharted rain forest where supernatural events take place.

Throughout the park are Hidden Mickeys, or representations of Mickey Mouse heads inserted subtly into the design of attractions and environmental decor.

An elevated berm supports the 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad (built by Seven Lamb) that circumnavigates the park.

Disney land Layout

https://goo.gl/lnMO1A

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ7B3yzNZQU

Main attractions of Disneyland

https://goo.gl/3IhCfM

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10.AM to 08.45PM

Tickets : https://goo.gl/Sc3Ziq

Getting there : https://goo.gl/4D1k4Q

DoDrul Chorten

DoDrul Chorten

DoDrul Chorten

M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102

DoDrul Chorten Stupa is located at a short walking distance from Namgyal institute of technology.

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The DoDrul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete ‘Zung'(mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting “Hail to the jewel in the Lotus”, to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Source : sikkimstdc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDdDGCFP89g

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 08.0AM to 06.00PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Free

Dolls Museum

Dolls Museum

Dolls Museum

Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, 110002

Phone: 011-23316970-74 ( 5 lines )

http://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Shankars-International.jpg
Image Credit : tourmyindia.com

The International Dolls Museum is a large collection of dolls in Delhi, India. It was set up by K.Shankar Pillai, a political cartoonist. Housed in the Children’s Book Trust building on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, accessed through a separate entrance, a winding staircase, leading up to a foyer. The museum has a floor area of 5,184.5 sq ft (481.66 m2) and occupies a portion of the first floor.

The collections of dolls are classified into two parts. One part consists of the dolls collected from European countries such as UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Commonwealth of Independent States and the other section consists of dolls collected from other Asian countries, Middle East, Africa and India.

The main collections of Dolls Museum are of 150 types of Indian costume dolls created at the own workshop of the museum which is located inside the museum. The craftsmen create the dolls with utmost perfection to create a symphony of the physical features, costumes and ornaments. In the pageant are characters from India’s unique classical dance, Kathakali, with its lavish costumes. Other dolls of special interest are Boys and Girls Festival dolls from Japan, replica Dolls of the Queen’s collection (UK), Maypole Dance from Hungary, Kabuki and Samurai dolls from Japan, Flamenco dancers from Spain, Women’s Orchestra from Thailand, and Kandy Pehara from Sri Lanka.

Besides, dolls representing various countries, there is also a special display of a representative collection of over 150 dolls in Indian costume dolls. There are dolls showing various Indian dances and cultures, regional costumes, pairs of bride and grooms of various states, a group of dolls showing how to wear a saree. These were made at the Dolls Workshop attached to the Museum. Indian dolls made at the workshop are exchanged for gifts received from abroad as well as sold to collectors and museums in India and abroad. Each doll is handcrafted after meticulous research into the physical attributes, dress and jewellery of individual characters. The museum also runs a “clinic” for “sick” dolls, where rare deteriorating dolls are restored.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1zUdPihh7Q

Reviews

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Timing : 10am to 5.30pm ( Monday Closed )

Entry fee : Adult : Rs 15/- and Children : Rs. 5/-.

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Calçada do Teatro, Largo de St Agostinho

Phone : +853 2893 9646

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Teatro_Don_Pedro_V%2C_Macao%2C_2013-08-08%2C_DD_02.jpg/220px-Teatro_Don_Pedro_V%2C_Macao%2C_2013-08-08%2C_DD_02.jpg

The Dom Pedro V Theatre , situated at Largo de Santo Agostinho,St. Lawrence Parish, MacauChina. It is one of the first western-style theatres in China. The theater is an important landmark in the region and remains a venue for important public events and celebrations today. The Dom Pedro V Theatre was built in 1860 by local Portuguese to commemorate their reigning king, Peter V. The theater is neo-classical in design, incorporating a portico front on a rectilinear plan. Its current façade was added in 1873. The building is 41.5 metres long and 22 metres wide. It used to be a regular meeting place for the Portuguese and Macanese people living in Macau.

Apart from being a theatre, it features a ballroom, a study room and a Billiard room.

Hosted the Italian opera Madama Butterfly’s premiere in Asia.

Was used as a refugee shelter in the second world war.

Undergone various reconstructions throughout its history.It discontinued operating and was left unused for almost two decades due to structural corrosion by termites before reopened in 1993 after large scale renovations.

Source : Wikipedia

Having spent over a century in vivid use by the Macau community, the Dom Pedro V Theatre is now one of the important historic buildings in the Historic Centre of Macau ensemble inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Theatre has survived as a witness to the bygone leisure and entertainment activities of the Macanese community and today remains a tremendously refined and distinctive performing venue foe culture and arts, staying true to its traditional function and historic legacy. It stands as one of the most important and enduring testimonies to the development of Macau’s performing arts.

Source : wh.mo/theatre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdlZouhT6o4

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Opening hours : 09.00AM to 06.00PM (closed on Tuesday)

Getting there : Bus: 3, 4, 6A, 8A, 19

Dr.Grahams Home

Dr.Grahams Homes

Dr.Grahams Home

District Darjeeling, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301

File:Dr. Graham's Homes.jpg

Dr.Grahams Homes formerly called the St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes was founded in 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham a missionary of the Church of Scotland, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the turn of the 20th century. Whilst working in Edinburgh as a clerk in the Civil Service, Graham was influenced and encouraged by the Minister of his Church, the Reverend John McMurtrie, to be ordained in the Ministry of God.

On 24 September 1900, Reverend Graham founded St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes. The beginnings were in a rented building (Kiernander Cottage). There were six children – two first generation Eurasians, and four European children whose recently widowed mother became the first ever Housemother of the homes.

Source : Wikipedia

Dr.Grahams Homes is spread over in 400acres.It is a miniature town having all the facilities inside including food, clothing and lodging.

The UK Committee for Graham’s home, Kalimpong, a charity based and registered in Scotland pays for the education,board and Lodgings at Dr.Grahams Homes.This “Childrens village in the Himalayas” still faithfully fulfils the original vision to give a future to impoverished children from greater Calcutta. You can also be a part of their work by sponsoring a child, making a donation, or participating in one of their fund- raising events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZTiDk3ElVk

Reviews

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Durgiana Temple

Durgiana temple

Durgiana Temple

Hati Gate, Goal Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab 143001

Phone :: 0183 255 0800

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Durgiana_Temple%2C_Amritsar.jpg/320px-Durgiana_Temple%2C_Amritsar.jpg
Durgiana Temple
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Bridge_to_the_Durgiana_Temple%2C_Amritsar.jpg/320px-Bridge_to_the_Durgiana_Temple%2C_Amritsar.jpg
A bridge linking the temple

The Durgiana Temple, also known by other names of Lakshmi Narayan TempleDurga Tirath and Sitla Mandir, is a premier Hindu temple of Punjab (India) situated in the city of Amritsar. Though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple of Sikh religion. This temple derives its name from the Goddess Durga, the chief Goddess deified and worshipped here. Idols of Goddess Laksmi (goddess of wealth) and Vishnu (the protector of the world) are also deified here and worshipped.

The temple is situated near the Lohgarh gate, in Amritsar, at the site of a small lake known as Durgiana. It is very close to the Amritsar Railway station, and is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the bus station.

The original temple is reported to have been built in the 16th century.It was rebuilt in 1921 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor in the architectural style of the Sikh Golden Temple.The newly built temple was inaugurated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Even though Amritsar is not declared a Holy city, restrictions are in force prohibiting sale of tobacco, liquor and meat within a radius of 200 metres (660 ft) around this temple and the Golden Temple.

The temple is built in the middle of a sacred lake, which measures 160 metres (520 ft) x 130 metres (430 ft). A bridge provides the approach to the temple. The dome of the temple is gilded. Marble is used extensively in the temple’s features. The dome is illuminated with colourful lights. The temple is sometimes called Silver temple because of its large exquisitely designed silver doors. It has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures. The temple complex also has some historic subsidiary temples such as Sita Mata and Bara Hanuman.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqBP1P2VRFU

Reviews

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Visiting hours : Open 24 hours.

Entry fee : Free

 

Durpin Hill and Jang-Dong-Palri Fo-Brang Gompa (also known as Durpin Monastery)

Durpin monastery

Durpin Hill and Jang-Dong-Palri Fo-Brang Gompa (also known as Durpin Monastery)

East Main Road, Chandraloke, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301

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View from Durpin Dara looking at Deoloand
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Jang-Dong-Palri Fo-Brang Gompa (Durpin Monastery). Image Credit : tripadvisor.in

Durpin Dara is one of the two hills (dara in local language)(the other being Deolo Hill) connected by a ridge on which the town of Kalimpong stands. The hill is 1,372 metres (4,501 feet) above mean sea level and is located south west of the town. The hill commands a panoramic view overlooking the town of Kalimpong, the snow clad Himalayan  ranges of West Sikkim, the Teesta River and its valleys and the Jelepla Pass in the distance. A golf course is also present just off the summit.

Atop the hill sits the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery  (Durpin Monastery)which was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. The monastery holds in its reliquary 108 volumes of the Kangyur, as well as other holy books and scrolls that were moved out of Tibet after the Chinese invasion.

The Indian Army has a major base atop the Durpin Hill due to its proximity to the international border. Near the monastery, a helipad has been constructed by the Indian Army.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hr00mQqgb0

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Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282005

Phone : 0091 562 2421204

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Image Credit : agra.nic.in
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Jama_Masjid-Sikri-Fatehpur_Sikri-India0008.JPG/320px-Jama_Masjid-Sikri-Fatehpur_Sikri-India0008.JPG
Image credit : wikipedia

This is a world heritage site.

Fatehpur Sikri is a city founded in 1569 by the Emperor, Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. After his military victories over Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar decided to shift his capital from Agra to a new location 23 miles (37 km) W.S.W on the Sikri ridge, to honour the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Here he commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction of a series of royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings. He named the city, Fatehabad, with Fateh, a word of Arabic origin in Persian, meaning “victorious.” it was later called Fatehpur Sikri. It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, were born. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collections of Indian Mughal architecture in India.
Fatehpur Sikri sits on rocky ridge, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in length and 1 km (0.62 mi) wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Its architects were Tuhir Das and Dhruv Chawla and was constructed using Indian principles. The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarat and Bengal. This was because indigenous craftsmen were used for the construction of the buildings. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements. The building material used in all the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri, palace-city complex, is the locally quarried red sandstone, known as ‘Sikri sandstone’. It is accessed through gates along the 5 miles (8.0 km) long fort wall, namely, Delhi Gate, the Lal Gate, the Agra Gate and Birbal’s Gate, Chandanpal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Chor Gate and the Ajmere Gate.

Some of the important buildings in this city, both religious and secular are:

Buland Darwaza: Set into the south wall of congregational mosque, the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri is 55 metres (180 ft) high, from the outside, gradually making a transition to a human scale in the inside. The gate was added some five years after the completion of the mosque c. 1576-1577 as an ‘victory arch’, to commemorate Akbar’s successful Gujarat campaign. It carries two inscriptions in the archway, one of which reads: “Isa, Son of Mariam said: The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses on it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity. The world endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen”.
The central portico comprises three arched entrances, with the largest one, in the centre, is known locally as the Horseshoe Gate, after the custom of nailing horseshoes to its large wooden doors for luck. Outside the giant steps of the Buland Darwaza to left is deep well.
Jama Masjid: It is a Jama Mosque meaning the congregational mosque and was perhaps one of the first buildings to be constructed in the complex, as its epigraph gives AH 979(A.D. 1571-72) as the date of its completion, with a massive entrance to the courtyard, the Buland-Darwaza added some five years later. It was built in the manner of Indian mosques, with iwans around a central courtyard. A distinguishing feature is the row of chhatri over the sanctuary. There are three mihrabs in each of the seven bays, while the large central mihrab is covered by a dome, it is decorated with white marble inlay, in geometric patterns.
Tomb of Salim Chishti: A white marble encased tomb of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti(1478–1572), within the Jama Masjid’s sahn, courtyard. The single-storey structure is built around a central square chamber, within which is the grave of the saint, under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother-of-pearl mosaic. Surrounding it is a covered passageway for circumambulation, with carved Jalis, stone pierced screens all around with intricate geometric design and an entrance to the south. The tomb is influenced by earlier mausolea of the early 15th century Gujarat Sultanate period. Other striking features of the tomb are white marble serpentine brackets, which support sloping eaves around the parapet.
On the left of the tomb, to the east, stands a red sandstone tomb of Islam Khan I, son of Shaikh Badruddin Chisti and grandson of Shaikh Salim Chishti, who became a general in the Mughal army in the reign of Jahangir. The tomb is topped by a dome and thirty-six small domed chattris and contains a number of graves, some unnamed, all male descendants of Shaikh Salim Chisti.
Diwan-i-Aam : Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience, is a building typology found in many cities where the ruler meets the general public. In this case, it is a pavilion-like multi-bayed rectangular structure fronting a large open space. South west of the Diwan-i-Am and next to the Turkic Sultana’s House stand Turkic Baths.
Diwan-i-Khas: the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, is a plain square building with four chhatris on the roof. However it is famous for its central pillar, which has a square base and an octagonal shaft, both carved with bands of geometric and floral designs, further its thirty-six serpentine brackets support a circular platform for Akbar, which is connected to each corner of the building on the first floor, by four stone walkways. It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions discuss their faiths and gave private audience.
Ibadat Khana: (House of Worship) was a meeting house built in 1575 CE by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, where the foundations of a new Syncretistic faith, Din-e-Ilahi were laid by Akbar.
Anup Talao: Anup Talao was built by Raja Anup Singh Sikarwar A ornamental pool with a central platform and four bridges leading up to it. Some of the important buildings of the royal enclave are surround by it including, Khwabgah(House of Dreams) Akbar’s residence, Panch Mahal, a five-storey palace, Diwan-i-Khas(Hall of Private Audience), Ankh Michauli and the Astrologer’s Seat, in the south-west corner of the Pachisi Court.
Hujra-i-Anup Talao: Said to be the residence of Akbar’s Muslim wife, although this is disputed due to its small size.
Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace: The building of Akbar’s Rajput wives, including Mariam-uz-Zamani, shows Gujarati influence and is built around a courtyard, with special care being taken to ensure privacy.
Naubat Khana: Also known as Naqqar Khana meaning a drum house, where musician used drums to announce the arrival of the Emperor. It is situated ahead of the Hathi Pol Gate or the Elephant Gate, the south entrance to the complex, suggesting that it was the imperial entrance.
Pachisi Court: A square marked out as a large board game, the precursor to modern day Ludo game where people served as the playing pieces.
Panch Mahal: A five-storied palatial structure, with the tiers gradually diminishing in size, till the final one, which is a single large-domed chhatri. Originally pierced stone screens faced the facade and probably sub-divided the interior as well, suggesting it was built for the ladies of the court. The floors are supported by intricately carved columns on each level, totalling to 176 columns in all.
Birbal’s House: The house of Akbar’s favourite minister, who was a Hindu. Notable features of the building are the horizontal sloping sunshades or chajjas and the brackets which support them.
Hiran Minar: The Hiran Minar, or Elephant Tower, is a circular tower covered with stone projections in the form of elephant tusks. Traditionally it was thought to have been erected as a memorial to the Emperor Akbar’s favourite elephant. However, it was probably a used as a starting point for subsequent mile posts.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4huJ9B4FjU4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysW8qn6uTiU

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Visiting hours : Sunrise to Sunset

Entry fee : https://goo.gl/ZjTJfr

 

Feroz Shah Kotla

Feroz Shah Kotla

Feroz Shah Kotla

Balmiki Basti, Vikram Nagar, New Delhi -110 002

Image result for feroz shah kotla delhi
Image Credit : tripadviser.in

The Feroz Shah Kotla was a fortress built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq to house his version of Delhi city called Ferozabad. A pristine polished sandstone pillar from the 3rd century B.C. rises from the palace’s crumbling remains, one of many pillars of Ashoka left by the Maurtan emperor; it was moved from Pong Ghati Ambala, Punjab (currently in Haryana) to Delhi under orders of Firoz Shah Tughlaq of Delhi Sultanate, and re-erected in its present location in 1356.

The original inscription on the obelisk is primarily in Brahmi script but language was prakrit, with some Pali and Sanskrit added later. The inscription was successfully translated in 1837 by James Prinsep. This and other ancient lats (pillars, obelisk) have earned Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Delhi Sultanate fame for its architectural patronage. Other than the Ashokan Pillar, the Fort complex also houses the Jami Masjid (Mosque), a Baoli and a large garden complex.

Feroz Shah Tughlaq (r. 1351–88), the Sultan of Delhi, established the fortified city of Firuzabad in 1354, as the new capital of the Delhi Sultanate , and included in it the site of the present Feroz Shah Kotla. Kotla literally means fortress or citadel. The 13.1 metres high column, made of polished sandstone and dating from the 3rd Century BC, was brought from Ambala in 14th century under orders of Feroz Shah. It was installed on a three-tiered arcaded pavilion near the congregational mosque, inside the Sultanate’s fort. In centuries that followed, much of the structure and buildings near it were destroyed as subsequent rulers dismantled them and reused the spolia as building materials.

Jama Masjid

Jami Masjid is one of the most ancient and largest surviving mosque and monument, still in use. Architecturally it was built on a series of underground cells and made of quartzite stone, covered with lime stone. It is surrounded by a large courtyard with cloisters and a Prayer Hall. The Prayer Hall now in complete ruins, was once used by the Royal Ladies. The mosque and its architecture is an example of Tughluq architecture.

The entrance of Jama Masjid lies on the northern side. It is connected by a causeway to the pyramidal structure of the Ashokan Pillar. This mosque was visited by Sultan Timur in 1398 AD to say his prayers. He was spellbound by its beauty and constructed a mosque in Samarkand in Iran imitating the design of this Masjid. This mosque is also known to be the place where Imad ul Mulk, a Mughal Prime Minister, was murdered by his own Emperor Alamgir Sani in 1759 AD.

Ashokan Pillar

The Ashokan Pillar that lies within Feroz Shah Kotla is perfectly placed towards the north of Jama Masjid [Mosque]. The Pillar was first erected by King Ashoka between 273 and 236 BC in Topra, Ambala, Haryana. In fact there was another Ashokan Pillar, that is seen installed near the Hindu Rao Hospital, also erected by King Ashoka in Meerut. This pillar, however was unfortunately broken into five pieces after it was damaged during an explosion. The pillar was neglected for a century up till 1838, when Hindu Rao took charge to transfer the Ashokan Pillar’s broken pieces to Kolkata’s Asiatic Society. Within a year, the structure was put together and re-established.

Both the Ashokan Pillars were carefully wrapped with cotton silk and were kept on a bed of reed made of raw silk. These were hence transported on a massive carriage attached with 42 wheels and drawn meticulously by 200 men from their original places to Delhi by Feroz Shah Tughlaq to avoid any damage during the journey. Upon reaching Delhi, they were then transported on huge boats to their final destination, one within Feroz Shah Kotla and the other on the ridge near Delhi University and Bara Hindu Rao Hospital.

Baoli (The Well)

The circular Baoli, which means ‘step well’, lies towards the north western side of the Ashokan Pillar. It lies in the heart of a large garden constructed in the form of subterranean apartments and a large underground canal built on its eastern side through which the water runs into the well. This Baoli served as a summer retreat for the Royalties, where they spent time cooling off and bathing in the water of this well.[11] The baoli lies locked and in ruins but is still used to water the gardens within the Firoz Shah Kotla complex. One would not be able to see much of the insides of the baoli. You can however climb up the pyramidical monument where the Asokan pillar in installed for an elevated view. However, a clear view of the baoli is still not possible. The guards at the complex maintain that the baoli has remained locked since a suicide incident in early 2014.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNVqlQyz8og

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19YJvUP9AVs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PPnG4Emszk

Reviews

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Timings : Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee : Indian Nationals Rs.5/- and Foreign Nationals Rs. 100/-

Flower Show

Flower Show

Flower Show

White Hall complex, Gangtok

Image result for flower show gangtok tripadvisor images
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

The flower show exhibition complex is situated just below the Ridge Park and adjacent to the White Memorial Hall that draws numerous visitors during the annual flower exhibition. Located not very far from the main town, one can easily walk to the flower exhibition center or take a cab. Here you can find many varieties of Orchids and other flowers most of the year, but best time to visit this place is around April-May (spring season), when the management gathers and showcases fresh varieties of orchids and other flowers from around the state. The climate of Sikkim is exceedingly conducive to cultivate orchids and other variety of flowers. The Government of Sikkim invites participants from the neighboring states also to participate in the annual flower show contest.

The Ridge Park is a site developed for visitors and is a small stretch of plain straight road leading to the Palace gate.  It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister’s official residence, known as the Mintokgang, meaning “blossomed crowned hilltop” on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a Pagoda rooftop on the other end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout above White Hall.  White Hall was built in the memory of first Political officer of Sikkim, Claude White in 1932. White hall is a small two storied building and has typical British architecture, all the important functions used to be held in this hall, till 1960. Situated on the Ridge is also a beautiful Sikkimese designed resting shed for visitors. The Ridge is lined with ornamental plants and trees which when bloom are a riot of colours.

Source : sikkimstdc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlht-CVxXCE

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 08.30AM to 05.00PM Closed on Sunday

Entry fee : Rs.10/- per person

Fun City

Funcity Chandigarh

Fun City

3rd Floor, Elante Mall, 178-178A, Chandigarh Industrial & Business Park, Phase-1, Ram Darbar Colony, Chandigarh, 160002

Phone: 098886 66995, +91 0172 2709539

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Image Credit : tripadvisor.in

FUNCITY Chandigarh , the biggest Amusement Park and Water Park in entire northern region, is spread over 43 acres of scenic land. Just 20Kms from Chandigarh on the Panchkula – Barwalla Nadha Sahib Gurudwara Highway near Ramgarh. It is unique combination of Amusement Park, Water Park and Resort. We offer the most exiting and hi-tech hydraulic rides in Amusement Park for both children and adults. Aesthetically laid out flora and fauna matching in every bit to the splendor and grandeur of an exclusive haunt for FUNSEEKERS awaits you at FUNCITY.

Amusement Park

20 hydraulic Rides (Razzle-Dazzle, Big Apple, Thumak-Thumak, Octopus, Crazy Cars, Fun Slide, Spin-o-Spin, Fun Flight, Big Wheel, Kids Castle, Funny Boats, Fun Spin, TOTO Train, Fun on Wheels, Paddle Fun, Grand Prix, Froggy Fun, Gyroscope, Crazy bull,Tot Spot, Inflatable, Dream Boat, Space walk, Hedge Maze) attracts children and everybody irrespective of age enjoys spending time here. There are a few smaller-size pools as well, consciously made for the children. Recently, 4 new attractions were added including a 5D Theatre.

Wunder Water

Wunder Water – the first and the biggest wet park in the funcity Chandigarh has six landing pools, one activity pool, one wave pool and 17 water slides of different sizes and shape including a few small ones for children.

Types of rides:

Wave Pool
Red Dragon Slide
Activity Pool
Typhoon Tunnel
Aqua Dance
Crazy Cruise
Family Pool
Pendulum
Lazy River
Well Shower
Bowl Speed Slide
and our brand new Crusader

Source : funcitysurya.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEvcaj6lgpI

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10AM to 07.00PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Free for children of height below 3 ft. and sr.citizens above 65 years, Rs.680/- per person for Amusement park & rides, Rs.750/- per person for water park, Rs.790/- Per person combo ticket for amusement and water park

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok

Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Image result for ganesh tok gangtok tripadvisor images
Image Credit : tripadvisor.in

Ganesh Tok is located at an altitude of 6500 ft., 6 kms, from Gangtok on the Gangtok – Nathula highway. This is the most famous Ganesh temple of Gangtok. The temple is situated on top of a small elevated hill. To reach the temple you have to climb up a starcase. The stairs get divided into two one leading to the view Point and the other one to the temple.The temple is very small, but attractive and beautiful.

The view point is circular in shape. From here you can see the Gangtok town, rolling hill and the snow capped mountains including Kanchenjunga.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yUmiA9Sq44

Reviews

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Garden Of Fragrance

Garden-Fragrance

Garden Of Fragrance

Fragrance Garden Rd, Sector 36, Chandigarh, 160036

Image result for garden of fragrance chandigarh
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

Situated to the south of the Hibiscus Garden, Garden of Fragrance is very popular for different varieties of aromatic and fragrant plants. The flower plants like Raat ki Rani, Motia, varieties of Jasmine, Demask Rose, Mehndi, Champa, Haar Shingar and many others cast a pervading aroma in this part of the Leisure Valley.

Source : chandigarh.gov.in

The Garden-Fragrance is located towards the south of the Hibiscus Garden. The garden is popular among locals, as one of the best picnic spots in the city. Jogging and walking tracks have been laid out in the garden for the convenience of early risers, and those who wish to enjoy a morning or evening walk in the beautiful and refreshing surroundings. There are several people who visit the garden regularly for walking, meditating and other physical activities like yoga, exercises and playing. Children also enjoy visiting this garden because of its beautiful setting, and the sheer number of flowers in the garden.

This garden-fragrance is a must visit for anyone, who is planning to visit Chandigarh. The diverse varieties of plants that can be seen in the garden include motia, raat ki rani, mehndi, champa, haar shringar and different varieties of roses and jasmines. The captivating scent emanating from the Garden of Fragrance is such that, it can be sensed from even a distance. The garden has been properly landscaped with winding paths surrounded by plants and trees.

During the morning time, the garden is filled with joggers, morning walkers, fitness and yoga enthusiasts, who enjoy working out early in the mornings, in the lap of nature. The garden is completely man-made and is very beautiful. The garden has lots of open spaces, where visitors can engage in games and physical activities. Throughout the garden, there are several colourful flowers that are well maintained and pleasing to the senses. The routes and paths inside the garden look beautiful because of the surrounding natural beauty.

Source : discoveredindia.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9lnlA9eMg4

Reviews

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Visiting hours : Open 24 hours

Ghoom Monastry

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastry

Hill Cart Rd, Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

Ghoom Monastry can be visited on the way back from Tiger Hill after viewing the sunrise.

Image result for ghum monastery
Image Credit : tripadvisor.in

Ghum Monastery or Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling Monastery located at Ghum at an elevation of 8,000 feet, 8 km from Darjeeling.

The Ghoom monastery follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a 15-feet high statue of “Maitreya Buddha” (Coming Buddha) in the monastery. It contains images of Buddha’s disciples, Chenrezi and Chongapa.

It was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and is the largest of the three monasteries in Ghum.

Amongst the Buddhist texts available are the Kangyur, the Tibetan Buddhist canon, running into 108 volumes. The monks fly prayer flags in the Tibetan tradition.

Source : Wikipedia

Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, this ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. The specialty of Ghoom monastery is that it contains the statue of the ‘Future Coming Buddha’ known as Maitreye Buddha. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. You could visit the monastery on your return journey to Darjeeling from Tiger Hill.
Source : http://darjeeling.gov.in/

It is advisable for the guest to visit this area either early morning or late evening to get a glimpse of the beauty of the Himalaya and the rising or setting sun. At Ghoom one can spend more than a day. The Monastery, The highest Railway Station of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, The War Memorial, Batasia Loop and the scenic beauty is worth enjoying.

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 12.00AM to 12.00PM, all days of the week

Entry fee : Free

Golden Bauhinia Square 

Golden Bauhinia

Golden Bauhinia Square 

1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

Phone : +852 2582 8888

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/GoldenBauhiniaSquare.jpg/250px-GoldenBauhiniaSquare.jpg
The Golden Bauhinia Square at night

The Golden Bauhinia Square  is an open area in Wan Chai , Hong Kong . The square was named after the giant statue of a golden Bauhinia blakeana  at the centre of the area, situated outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre , where the ceremonies for the handover of Hong Kong and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region  were held in July 1997. A flag-raising ceremony is held every day at 8:00 am. It is considered a tourist attraction.

The sculpture, a gilded flower bauhinia, is six metres high. The major part is composed of a bauhinia on a base of red granite pillar on a pyramid.

The sculpture is deemed an important symbol for the Hong Kong people after the handover. On the second day of Chinese New Year  and National Day of the People’s Republic of China , the square is lighted up by a firework show. The Golden Bauhinia has also been nicknamed the “Golden Pak Choi” by locals.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOiPGE9ZcKk

Reviews

https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g294217-d1916366-Reviews-Golden_Bauhinia_Square-Hong_Kong.html

Daily Flag –raising ceremony : Every day except the first of each month

7.20 to 8.30am

This ceremony is performed by Hong Kong Police officers in ceremonial uniform and includes the playing of the national anthem. The Ceremony will be conducted by different uniformed youth groups on the second Sunday of each month.

Enhanced Flag – raising ceremony : On the first day of every month

7.45-8.13 am

This ceremony includes a flag-raising party of Hong Kong police officers accompanied by a rifle unit, both wearing full uniform. The ceremony will include the playing of national anthem by the Police Band followed by a 10 minute musical performance by the Police Pipe Band.

Please be aware that the flag-raising ceremony may be cancelled at any time due to bad weather conditions. In the case of a cancellation, an announcement will be made through local media channels between 7am and 8am.

Getting there : MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A5, walk along the footbridge of O’Brien Road, pass through Immigration Tower and Central Plaza to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Source: discoverhongkong.com

Golden Temple

Golden Temple

Golden Temple

Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Punjab

Harmandir Sahib 2015 copy.jpg
Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib (The abode of God) informally referred to as the “Golden Temple“, is the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism, located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. Amritsar (literally, the tank of nectar of immortality) was founded in 1574 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan, designed the Harmandir Sahib to be built in the center of this holy tank, and upon its construction, installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the Harmandir Sahib.  The Harmandir Sahib complex is also home to the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one, constituted by the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind). While the Harmandir Sahib is regarded as the abode of God’s spiritual attribute, the Akal Takht is the seat of God’s temporal authority.

The construction of Harmandir Sahib was intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally. Accordingly, as a gesture of this non-sectarian universalness of Sikhism, Guru Arjan had specially invited Muslim Sufi Saint, Sai Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib.  The four entrances (representing the four directions) to get into the Harmandir Sahib also symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. Over 100,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship, and also partake jointly in the free community kitchen and meal (Langar) regardless of any distinctions, a tradition that is a hallmark of all Sikh Gurdwaras.

The present-day gurdwara was rebuilt in 1764 by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with the help of other Sikh Misls. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and its English name.

Architectural features
Some of the architectural features of the Harmandir Sahib were intended to be symbolic of the Sikh world view. Instead of the normal custom of building a gurdwara on high land, it was built at a lower level than the surrounding land so that devotees would have to go down steps to enter it. In addition, instead of one entrance, Sri Harmandir Sahib has four entrances.

The gurdwara is surrounded by the Sarovar, a large lake or holy tank, which consists of Amrit (“holy water” or “immortal nectar”) and is fed by the Ravi River. There are four entrances to the gurdwara, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness. There are three holy trees (bers), each signifying a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the gurdwara there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints and martyrs, including commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World War I and World War II.

Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework dates from the early 19th century. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Hukam Singh Chimni and Emperor Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the causeway to the Harmandir Sahib; it is 6.2 metres (20.3 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) in width. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a major donor of wealth and materials for the shrine.

The Golden Temple complex also houses the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one), built by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind as an authority for administering justice and consideration of temporal issues. Within the complex, the Akal Takht constitutes a counterpoint with the holy shrine, in that the Harmandir Sahib is the abode of God’s spiritual attribute, and the Akal Takht is the seat of God’s temporal authority.

World’s largest soup kitchen
The Golden Temple is house of the world’s largest soup kitchen. According to Croatian Times can serve free food for up to 100,000 – 300,000 people every day. At the Langar (Kitchen), food is served to all visitors regardless of faith, religion, or background. Vegetarian food is often served to ensure that all people, even those with dietary restrictions, can eat together as equals. The institution of the Sikh langar, or free kitchen, was started by the first Sikh Guru (Prophet), Guru Nanak. It was designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender, or social status, a revolutionary concept in the caste-ordered society of 16th century India where Sikhism began. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. Every Sikh Gurdwara (shrine) serve Langar for everyone.

Visiting guidelines
In keeping with the rule observed at all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide, the Harmandir Sahib is open to all persons regardless of their religion, colour, creed or gender. The only restrictions on the Harmandir Sahib’s visitors concern their behaviour when entering and while visiting:
Maintaining the purity of the sacred space and of one’s body while in it:
Upon entering the premises, removing one’s shoes (leaving them off for the duration of one’s visit) and washing one’s feet in the small pool of water provided;
Not drinking alcohol, eating meat, or smoking cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine
Dressing appropriately:
Wearing a head covering (a sign of respect) (the gurdwara provides head scarves for visitors who have not brought a suitable covering);
Not wearing shoes (see above).
How to act:
When listening to Gurbani, one must also sit on the ground while in the Darbar Sahib as a sign of deference to both the Guru Granth Sahib and God.
First-time visitors are advised to begin their visit at the information office and then proceed to the Central Sikh Museum near the main entrance and clock tower.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTyzqlY0q6M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7FAyrtkbv0

Reviews

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Visiting hours: 02.16AM to 11.00PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Free

 

Government Museum and Art Gallery

Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh

Government Museum and Art Gallery

Jan Marg, Sector 10 C, Chandigarh, 160011

Phone:0172 274 2010

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Arch_Museum_46.JPG/320px-Arch_Museum_46.JPG

The Government Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh is a natural history museum and an art gallery in the Indian Union Territory Chandigarh, located in the city of Chandigarh (Sector 10-C near the Rose Garden). Established in August 1947, the building is square 165×165 feet (50x50m) and was designed by noted architect, Le Corbusier.

Source : Wikipedia

The Government Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh, owes its existence to the partition of the country in August,1947. It is one of the premier institution of India with a very rich collection of Gandharan sculptures, Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings. Before the partition in 1947, the collection of art objects, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, were housed in the Central Museum, Lahore the then capital of Punjab.

On April 10, 1948, the division of collection took place by which sixty percent of objects were retained by Pakistan and the remaining forty percent collection consisting mainly of Gandharan sculptures and Indian miniature paintings ( Mughal and Pahari schools) fell in the share of India. Received in the month of April,1949, this collection was first housed in Amritsar then Shimla, Patiala and finally shifted to Chandigarh.

Of the various multi-dimensional Museums in India, the Government Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh occupies a very distinctive position for not only its unique collection of the objects, but also for other reasons as well. Situated in the heart of the city planned by Le Corbusier, and very close to the city center in beautiful view of the Shivalik range of mountains, the Museum has a very sprawling and spread out campus at one side of which is located the Government College of Art. The Government Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh building is an attraction in view of the fact that Le Corbusier himself designed it. The Museum was inaugurated on the 6th May, 1968 under the initiative and active support of Late Dr. M.S. Randhawa, renowned connoisseur and patron of art, and the then Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh. Later a few other buildings were added in view of the growing need of the Museum’s expansion. The campus in which the Museum is situated is surrounded with selective trees adding grandeur to the campus. The vast expanse of the courtyard of the Museum is dotted with some contemporary sculptures suitable for environmental display.

The Government Museum-Art Gallery Chandigarh has four wings of which the largest and the most imposing is doubtless the building of the Art Gallery. Another wing constitutes the Natural History Museum, Chandigarh Architecture Museum and National Gallery of Portraits. The Chandigarh Architecture Museum documents the different stages of development from the inception to the present stage of the city of Chandigarh.

The Chandigarh Architecture Museum
On display here one can have the glimpse of the original documents pertaining to the planning and evolution of the city, and also of some rare plans, sketches and relevant photographs prepared by Master Planner of the City. The detailed information about this Chandigarh Architecture Museum can be had from a beautifully published handbook for the Museum which is on sale at its reception counter.
The Natural History Museum

in 2001, in a landmark decision , the existing museum of Evolution of Life was upgraded to its present status as the Natural History Museum with five major sections:

Cyclorama of Evolution of Life
Nature in Art section
Evolution of Man section
Dinosaurs of India section
Source : chdmuseum.gov.in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV-uGmNKgnU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f5AOcIyVLc

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 04.30PM except on Mondays and Gazetted holidays

Entry fee : Rs. 10/- per person, Free for children below 12 years and senior citizens

Light & Sound show timings : Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Except gazette holidays )

Summer : 07.30PM to 08.15PM

Winter   : 06.30PM to 07.15PM

Guia Fortress

Guia Fortress

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Macau_-_Fortaleza_de_Guia.JPG/320px-Macau_-_Fortaleza_de_Guia.JPG

The Guia fortress was built between 1622 and 1638. Inside the fortress stands Guia Chapel, originally established by Clarist nuns, who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. The chapel’s elaborate frescoes depict representations of both western and Chinese themes, displaying motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macao’s multicultural dimension. Guia Lighthouse, dating from 1865, which also stands within the perimeter, is the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are symbols of Macao’s maritime, military and missionary past.

Guia chapel was first built in the 17th century as part of the Guia Fortress. The present chapel dates from 1637, containing the image of the Virgin and a fine old painting of St. John the Baptist. During the restoration of the chapel in 1996, the oldest vestige of paintings that dates back to the construction of the hermitage in 1622 were founded. The murals are characterized by Oriental and Occidentals symbols.

Source : http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/

The lighthouse was constructed between 1864 and 1865, the first western style lighthouse in east Asia or on the China coast. The lighthouse stands at Guia Hill near Guia Fortress, which stands at 91.4 metres (300 ft) tall, and has a light visible for some 20 miles in clear weather conditions. The complex was built upon the highest point on Macau, Guia Hill, and named after the same location.

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9hWG-Viy9U

Reviews

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Opening hours : Fortress : 09.00AM to 06.00PM

Chapel : 10.00AM to 06.00PM, no admission after 05.30PM (no photographs allowed)

Light house not open to the public.

Getting there : Bus 2, 2A, 6A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 19, 22, 23, 25, 25X, 32

Cable car service is there from the entrance of Flora Gardens , Macau’s largest Public park.

Guru Padmasambhava Statue

Guru Padmasambhava

Guru Padmasambhava Statue

The world’s largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava , also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm.

Source : wikipedia

The foundation stone of the statue is laid by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 22-10-1997. With the hard efforts of 1000 labourers and scores of experienced engineers and highly skilled architects and sculptures it took nearly three years to complete this awe inspiring and towering statue.

Within the complex, there’s a permanent photo exhibition of archival images from India’s history, including a rare photo of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue of Guru Padmasambhava is visually stunning and therefore is a must visit attraction for any tourists visiting the area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ULA_PEZHM

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 07.00AM to 05.00PM

Entry fee : Rs.10/- For Indians and Rs.50/- for Foreign tourists

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake
Panorama view of frozen Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake, also known as Gurudogmar Lake,66 kms. from Lachen, is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 m) in the Indian state o Sikkim. It is a lake which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tibetan Buddhism who visited the lake in the 8th century. The lake is not only blessed by Guru Padmasambava but also by Guru Nanak, the spiritual leader of Sikhism while he had passed through this area, and hence regarded as sacred.

A legend related to the frozen condition of the lake is linked to the visit of Guru Padmasambhava to the lake, on his way back from Tibet. When he saw the lake he felt that the lake was worthy of veneration as it represented the divine location of Dorje Nyima or Chhoedten Nyima. As the lake remained frozen most of the year with no possibility of providing for drinking water needs, the people of the area appealed to Padmasambhva to help them. Then the guru agreed to help them and placed his hands on a small part of the lake area which stopped freezing during winter thus facilitating the source of drinking water to the people. Since then the lake has been considered sacred and devotees carry this sacred water in containers.

In another fable traced to the 15th century, Guru Nanak during his journeys had, while on his return from Tibet visited Sikkim had passed through the lake. He was requested by the local people of Gurudongmar village to help them to make the lake a drinking water source as it remained frozen throughout the winter period. Nanak then touched a part of the lake with his stick and from then onward a part of the lake has remained snow free throughout the year. The villagers had also told Nanak that their “virility” had been affected by the high altitude. Nanak. therefore, blessed the lake and told the villagers that “whoever takes the water of this lake will gain virility and strength”. Since then both the lake and the surrounding hills came to be known as Gurudongmar.

Source : Wikipedia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HXZkB-Cu_c

Reviews

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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Ashok Road, Near Connaught Place

New Delhi – 110001

Phone: 91-11-23365486, 23342871

Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.jpg
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib as viewed from Main Entrance
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Bangla_Sahib_Gurdwara_Panorama.jpg/500px-Bangla_Sahib_Gurdwara_Panorama.jpg
Bangla Sahib Gurdwara Panorama

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar.” It was first built as a small temple by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.

It is situated near Connaught Place on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and it is instantly recognisable by its golden dome and tall flagpole, Nishan Sahib Located next to it is the Sacred heart Cathedral.

The Gurdwara and its Sarovar are now a place of great reverence for Sikhs, and a place for special congregation on birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan.

The grounds include the Gurudwara, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The Langar (food) is prepared by gursikhs who work there and also by volunteers who like to help out. At the Gurdwara, visitors are requested to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Assistance to foreigners and visitors with Guides, head scarves, and shoe-minding service can be found inside the compound and are available free of charge. Anyone can volunteer to help keep the shoes in the shoe-minding room, and cleaning the precincts of the Gurudwara.

The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital. The Gurudwara and Langar Hall are now air-conditioned. A new “Yatri Niwas” (Travellers Hostel), and multi-level parking space have been constructed. Toilet facilities are available. The space around the back entrance to the Gurudwara is also being spruced up, so as to give a better view from the roadside.

The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara complex has appeared in several literary works.

Source : Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgyr2UbcTBc

For more detailed information –  Tripopedia

Reviews

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Timings : All days of the week 12.00 AM to 12.00 AM

Entry fee : Free

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok

Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Image result for hanuman tok in gangtok
Image Credit : templesofindia.net

Hanuman Tok located at an altitude of 7200 ft.  is a Hindu temple complex in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated 11 kms from Gangtok town on a road that branches off from the Gangtok-Nathula highway. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the Monkey God. According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with the “Sanjeevani”(mythological life saving herb) mountain to save Rama’s brother Lakshmana he rested in the spot where his temple now lies for some time.

In 1968 the temple was handed over to the India Army. Now the temple is maintained by the Units of 17 Mountain Division of the Army. Rigtht above the temple there is a famous shrine of Sirdi saibaba. There is a viewing area from where you get unobstructed views of Kanchenjunga range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB7uetv9sk0

Reviews

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Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse

6/F Grandstand, Happy Valley Racecourse, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Phone :  +852 2895 1523

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Happy Valley Racecourse is one of the two racecourses for horse racing  and is a tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is located in Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island, surrounded by Wong Nai Chung Road and Morrison Hill Road.

Facilities

The Happy Valley Racecourse is one of two racecourses in Hong Kong used by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for horse racing meets, the other being the Sha Tin Racecourse. Races in Happy Valley usually take place on Wednesday nights ( September to July ) and are open to the public as well as members of the Club. The Happy Valley Racecourse and its seven-storey stands are capable of accommodating approximately 55,000 spectators.

The inner field of the course contains sports and leisure facilities such as footballhockey and rugby fields, managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum (or Hong Kong Racing Museum) was set up in 1995 and opened on 18 October 1996. It is now located on the second floor of the Happy Valley Stand of the racecourse.

There are four galleries in the museum:

The Origin of Our Horses: Shows the migration route horses traveled in the early days from the northern part of China to Hong Kong.

Shaping Sha Tin: Exhibits the history of construction of  Sha Tin Raccourse .

Understanding Horses: Exhibits the skeleton of the three-time Hong Kong Champion Silver Lining.

Thematic Exhibitions: The history of the Jockey Club is exhibited. Selected charitable organizations and community projects supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust are also displayed in this gallery.

There is also a cinema and a souvenir shop in the museum.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7iuWB2EmVU

Reviews

https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g294217-d320717-Reviews-Happy_Valley_Racecourse-Hong_Kong.html

Timings : http://www.happyvalleyracecourse.com/

Entry fee : $HK 10

Hauz Khas Complex

Hauz Khas Complex

Hauz Khas Complex

Hauz Khas is close to Green Park and Safdarjung Development area, South Delhi

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Hauz_Khas_Complex.JPG/220px-Hauz_Khas_Complex.JPG

Hauz Khas Complex in Hauz Khas, South Delhi houses a water tank, an Islamic seminary, a mosque, a tomb   and pavilions built around an urbanized village with medieval history traced to the 13th century of Delhi Sultanate reign. It was part of Siri, the second medieval city of India of the Delhi Sultanate of Allaudin Khilji Dynasty (1296–1316). The etymology of the name Hauz Khas in Farsi is derived from the words ‘Hauz’: “water tank” (or lake) and ‘Khas’:“royal”- the “Royal tank”. The large water tank or reservoir was first built by Khilji {the plaque displayed (pictured in the gallery) at the site records this fact} to supply water to the inhabitants of Siri. The tank was de–silted during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–88). Several buildings (Mosque and madrasa) and tombs were built overlooking the water tank or lake. Firuz Shah’s tomb pivots the L–shaped building complex which overlooks the tank.

In the 1980s, Hauz Khas Village, studded with domed tombs of Muslim royalty from the 14th to 16th centuries, was developed as an upper class residential cum commercial area in the metropolis of South Delhi, India. It is now a relatively expensive tourist cum commercial area with numerous art galleries, upscale boutiques and restaurant. Swans and ducks are among the attractions at Hauz Khas Lake – which is part of the attraction to visitors.

The notable structures built by Firuz Shah on the eastern and northern side of the reservoir consisted of the Madrasa (Islamic School of Learning – a theological college), the small Mosque, the Main tomb for himself and six domed pavilions in its precincts, which were all built between 1352 and 1354 A.D.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0uraQ6u_w

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10.30AM to 07.00PM ( Closed on Sundays )

However, the restaurants inside the complex remain open daily.

Entry fee : Free

Heritage Transport Museum

Heritage Transport Museum

Heritage Transport Museum

Located 63 kms. from Delhi.

Bilaspur – Taoru Road (Major District Road 132) Off NH 8 (Bilaspur Chowk), Taoru, Gurgaon, Haryana 122105

Phone : 011 2371 8100

http://www.heritagetransportmuseum.org/uploads/image/automobile4.jpg

Outreach
The philosophy of the Heritage Transport Museum is that of an object-based, visitor-centered, interdisciplinary museum. Key methods and media have been identified and deployed for communication with visitors at all levels in each gallery. Through these, the museum’s learning and engagement activities deliver innovative learning opportunities to a wide range of audiences and seek to provide interactive experiences that encourage multiple interpretations of the museum exhibits.

Discovery Centre
Situated on Level 2, visitors to the Discovery Centre gain knowledge about the principles and mechanisms of various modes of transportation by interacting with actual parts and models, for example an engine, a gearbox or a chassis. Exhibits have been designed to be operated primarily by visitors, with clear educational objectives, which will encourage visitors to understand real object and phenomena through hands-on physical exploration.

Library & Research Centre
Situated on Level 3, the Library & Research Centre holds over 2000 books related not only to transportation and its history, but also books on art, design and technology, street art, enamel signs, museology, and so on. There are several rare books in the collection that were printed in the early 20th century The museum plans to continually expand its collection of books, journals, and archival records, in order to enhance its diverse collection. Visitors are encouraged to spend time at the Library & Research Centre for an enriching experience.

Automobile gallery

This gallery showcases the evolution of the Indian car industry, as well as cars that have been used in India since the advent of motoring. On display are over 75 vintage and classic cars – parked alongside a recreated Indian street scene from yesteryears, sporting vintage Ephemera. A vintage petrol pump with spare parts memorabilia has also been recreated ,while a special section showcases the role of cars in Bollywood. Films on transportation are screened in a mini auditorium on this floor.

Source : heritagetransportmuseum.org

Apart from this, there are galleries of Pre-mechanised transportation, Heavy Mechanised Transportation, Railways, Aviation, Two-Wheelers, Collectible Indian Toys on Transport, Historical Collections, Contemporary Art Gallery, etc., also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5bzxaytrbI

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 07.00PM Monday Closed

Entry fee : Rs. 300/- per person

Rs. 150/- for children under 12 years

Rs. 150/- for students ( with valid student ID )

Free for children under 3 years

Free for Disabled person and 1 companion

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Jawahar Parvat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Phone:0354 225 4087

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The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was established in Darjeeling, India on November 4, 1954 to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. The first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary sparked a keen interest in establishing mountaineering as a well-respected endeavor for people in the region. With the impetus provided by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, HMI was established in Darjeeling. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of field training for HMI.

HMI regularly conducts Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These are very comprehensive courses. They are also highly subsidized to encourage mountaineering as a sport.

Source : Wikipedia

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world. Founded on November 4th: 1954 by none other than Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, the institute is located in the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling.

In more than 62 years of its existence, the Institute has trained more than 45,000 thousand students including 2,500 from different foreign countries.

Mountaineering is an art and science and not merely physical activity. It is one of the finest sports but to practice it without training and technique is deliberate suicide. Training promotes caution and clear thinking. It avoids fatigue and danger and improves safety. A mountaineer must not only learn climbing but also understand the mountains.

The objective of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is to encourage and promote mountaineering amongst youths of the country. HMI aims to train enterprising members of the community, who in turn develop mountaineering activities in the Himalayas as a sport and as a scientific and entrepreneurial pursuit in field of adventure.
Source : hmidarjeeling.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAzT0uSOhAM

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 01.00PM and 02.00PM to 05.00PM

Entry fee : Free

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park

Bulbulay, National Highway 310, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Image result for himalayan zoological park gangtok
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

Himalayan Zoological Park is certainly a place for wildlife lovers in Sikkim. The Park has been natural habitat. Located in Bulbuley, Himalayan Zoological Park is at a distance of 3 km from Gangtok. At an altitude of 1,780 mtrs, the Zoological Park also tenders a splendid view of Mt. Khangchendzonga. This Park sprawls in an area of 205 hectares in the mountainous terrain. The Park houses a variety of fauna species found in the Himalayas. Some of them are Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Red Panda, Snow Leopard Cat, Goral, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear and Crimson – Horned Pheasant.

Himalayan Zoological Park is the first Zoological park of Sikkim. The Park accomplishes the perception of modern zoo, where the animals are kept in replicated natural conditions. The best time to visit the area is during mid- February to May and Mid-September to December.  The Park is maintained by the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim.

Source : sikkimstdc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKID2k-MRl0

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 04.00PM,  closed on Thursday

Entry fee : Rs.25/- for Indians and Rs.50/-for foreign tourists

Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong Museum of History

Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 2724 9042

The Hong Kong Museum of History
Main Entrance

The Hong Kong  Museum  History has proved it’s possible to squeeze 400 million years of history into one 7,000 square metre space. A list-topper for history buffs, the museum has made enormous efforts in studying, collecting, processing and exhibiting countless objects which are related to the archaeology, history, ethnography and natural histories of Hong Kong and South China. Thematic exhibitions are also regularly held at different times.

Source: discoverhongkong.com

The Museum’s collections are divided into three major areas of interest : natural history, ethnography and local history.

Natural History

The Museum’s natural history collection is classified into categories of rocks and minerals, shells, as well as animal specimens. All help to illustrate the history and development of geology of Hong Kong. The Museum has collected about 2,800 rock and mineral specimens from the territory and over 750 specimens of shells from local beaches. The Museum has also acquired over 1,600 animal specimens, including mammals, birds and butterflies.

Local History

The Museum has built up a collection of over 70,000 items on local history, which illustrates the development of Hong Kong from its early days. Various facets of life in Hong Kong are depicted in the extensive archives of over 14,000 historical photographs and postcards dating from the 1860s. The majority of the photographs show the streets and everyday life of Hong Kong before the Japanese occupation. Furthermore, the Museum has acquired over 19,000 historical documents and books, including accounts, certificates, business and government letters, textbooks and other items, all of which shed light on the social, economic and educational development of Hong Kong.

The Museum has a comprehensive collection of Hong Kong stamps, reaching around 4,000 items. These philatelic items illustrate the development of local postal history. The Museum also possesses a currency collection of around 5,500 items. It comprises not only local banknotes and coins, but also those of Macau and Guangdong, giving a more rounded picture of the Hong Kong economy over the years. Other items of local historical interest include industrial products, furniture and commercial items, Dr Sun Yat-sen’s and his family’s collection, the items collected from various government departments prior to the 1997 Handover and those relating to the Handover Ceremony, etc.

Ethnography

The Hong Kong Museum has built up a sizable collection of materials on the local ethnic cultures. It includes farming implements, rural household wares and furniture, fishing gears and junk models, all of which illustrate the traditional life of local villagers and boat-dwellers, as well as their farming and fishing industries in Hong Kong. Besides, a unique collection of traditional local costumes has also been built up, which includes over 5,500 items of rural and urban clothing and accessories worn by people of different ethnic origins, age and social classes from the 19th century to the 1970s. From this magnificent collection, one can learn the life styles of different ethnic groups, such as their living environment, historical development, moral values, customs and beliefs. These historical objects provide a comprehensive source for studying Hong Kong people’s social life and history.

Over the years, the Museum has also been collecting historical objects reflecting the disappearing Chinese traditional art forms and occupations. There are more than 850 puppet accessories and musical instruments, as well as over 1,500 items related to wedding customs, religious practices and traditional trades. These artifacts provide valuable information for us to understand the development of traditional entertainment, customs and beliefs, as well as the early trades of Hong Kong.

Source : hk.history.museum/en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axJHaodGwog

Reviews

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Visiting hours and tickets :

https://goo.gl/PM6Zy0

Getting there :

MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit B2. Walk along Cameron Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui East for approximately 20 minutes.

MTR Jordan Station Exit D. Walk along Austin Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui East for approximately 20 minutes.

MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P2. Walk along the Chatham Road South for 10 minutes.
Source: www.discoverhongkong.com

 

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park

19 Cotton Tree Dr, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 2521 5041

Hong Kong Park Overview 2009.jpg

The Hong Kong Park is a public park next to Cotton Tree Drive in Central Hong Kong . Built at a cost of HK $ 398 million and opened in May 1991, it covers an area of 80,000 m2 and is an example of modern design and facilities blending with natural landscape.

Hong Kong Park captures the natural landscape in the busy and crowd business centre and provides a relaxing environment. Its main feature is Edward Youde Aviary  which is the Hong Kong’s largest aviary while the Vantage Point is another great place to see the “bird exhibition”. Moreover, inside the Hong Kong Park, there is a greenhouse  (Forsgate Conservatory) which holds “plant exhibition” such as “Orchid Exhibition” temporarily. There are also many modern gardens, including Garden Plaza and Tai Chi Garden. In order to suit the sport-lovers, a sport centre and a squash centre were also built in Hong Kong Park.

Source : wikipedia

The Edward Youde Aviary  is a 3,000-square-metre (32,000 sq ft) aviary built over a natural valley at the southern corner of Hong Kong  Park. The Edward Youde Aviary was opened to the public in September 1992. The aviary, largest in Southeast Asia, is named after the late Sir Edward Youde, The Governor of Hong Kong from 1982 to 1986.

The valley is bounded by an east-facing slope fully covered with natural vegetation and a west-facing slope previously occupied by a barracks. It has a highest point of 46.5 metres (153 ft) and a lowest point of 30 metres (98 ft) above the valley floor.

This walk-though aviary features a collection of 600 birds representing 80 species indigenous to Southeast asia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Ground dwelling birds including pheasants, partridges, pigeons and thrushes. Great argus pheasants proclaim their presence by ringing territorial calls and give one of the most elaborate courtship displays in the bird world.

The entrance to the aviary consists of a small rectangular building. This building holds on display different types of eggs.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0scVfzveGQ

Reviews

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Opening hours : 06.00AM to 11.00PM

Entry: Free

Getting there:  MTR Admiralty Station, Exit C1. Follow the signs up the escalator to Hong Kong Park.

..

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Dong)

Hong Kong Tramways

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Dong)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Hong_kong_tram.jpg/220px-Hong_kong_tram.jpg

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Dong)  is a tram system in Hong Kong and one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis.

Trams in Hong Kong have not only been a form of commuter transport for over 110 years, but also a major tourist attraction and one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in Hong Kong. The tram system is the only one in the world operated exclusively with double-decker trams, and is one of only three non-heritage tram systems in the world that use double-deck cars.

On average, the headway  between each tram departure is approximately 1.5 minutes during peak hours. In the past, trams had a maximum speed of 40 km/h. However, since early 2008, the maximum speed of some trams was increased, with a maximum speed of 50 km/h now enabled on most trams – a few of them even have a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The maximum capacity of each tramcar is 115 people.

The Hong Kong Tramways is the cheapest mode of public transport on the island. The comparatively affordable fare is highlighted by Hong Kong Tramways’ advertising slogan: “Hop on 1. $2.3. Tram so easy!”

The current fare is HK$2.30 for adults, HK$1.20 for children under 12, and HK$1.10 for senior citizens 65 and above. Unlike most other forms of public transport in Hong Kong, fare charged is uniform regardless of the distance travelled. Passengers pay upon alighting by either depositing the exact fare in coins into the farebox, or by tapping the Octopus card on the processor. The turnstile at the tram entrance and closed circuit television prevent fare evasion by passengers.

Ordinary and antique trams are available for private hire. The open-balcony antique trams are often used for parties and promotional events. Tourists can also travel on the open-top trams through tours organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGXdtWqz3tA

Reviews

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Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb

Mathura Road, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Phone :011 2436 5275

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Humayun%27s_Tomb_from_the_Charbagh_-_1.jpg/320px-Humayun%27s_Tomb_from_the_Charbagh_-_1.jpg

This is a World heritage Site.

Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nazamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah citadel also known as Purana Quila (Old Fort), that Humayun founded in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale.

Humayun’s Tomb represented a leap in Mughal architecture, and together with its accomplished Charbagh garden , typical of Persian gardens, but never seen before in India, it set a precedent for subsequent Mughal architecture.

The site was chosen on the banks of Yamuna river, due to its proximity to Nazamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of the celebrated Sufi saint of Delhi, Nizamuddin Auliya, who was much revered by the rulers of Delhi, and whose residence, Chilla Nizamuddin Auliya lies just north-east of the tomb. In later Mughal history, the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar took refuge here, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, along with three princes, and was captured by Captain Hodson before being exiled to Rangoon. At the time of the Slave Dynasty this land was under the ‘KiloKheri Fort’ which was capital of Sultan Kequbad, son of Nasiruddin (1268–1287).

The Tombs of Battashewala Complex lie in the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site of the Humayun Tomb Complex; the two complexes are separated by a small road but enclosed within their own separate compound walls.

Source : Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAsIyGDnDgc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/j14qdH

Timings: Open on all days from sunrise to sunset.

Preferred Timings: Late afternoon is the best time to see Humayun’s Tomb, because the natural light aids photography

Entry fee : Rs.10/- for Indians and Rs.250/- for foreign Nationals.

International Dolls Museum

International Dolls Museum

International Dolls Museum

Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, 23C, Sector 23-C, Chandigarh, 160023

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/b2/cf/e2/international-dolls-museum.jpg

The International Dolls Museum  in Sector 23 of Chandigarh has an interesting collection of dolls and puppets from all over the world covering the variant art of more than 25 countries. The Indian section of the dolls is another attraction of the museum. They are dressed with the attires worn by people of different states.

Source : tripadvisor.in (Frontiermail)

Highlights: toy train and beautiful dolls collected from all over the world

Located in Sector 23, International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh, India is one of the best museums of our country. It houses splendid dolls and puppets gathered from all over the world. International Dolls Museum was established in the year 1985 by Chandigarh administration in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Chandigarh. It was set up for the purpose of entertaining the kids. It serves like an amusement park for children. In the Chandigarh International Dolls Museum, you can find about 250 different kinds of dolls collected from countries like Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Russia and Korea etc. An added attraction for children is the toy train. It is a must visit place of the city.

Source : chandigarh.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4CssNt2dkQ

Reviews

https://goo.gl/PWli8u

Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 05.00PM. Closed on Sundays and official holidays

Itimad-Ud-Daula

Itimād-ud-Daulah

Itimad-Ud-Daula

Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Phone : +91 562 228 0030

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Itmad-ud-Daula_29.JPG/320px-Itmad-ud-Daula_29.JPG
Entrance gate, inside view
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Itimat-ud-Daul

Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum, located on the right bank of Yamuna River, set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. Often described as a “jewel box”, sometimes called the “Baby Tāj”, the tomb of Itimād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.
Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The tomb, built between 1622 and 1628 represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture – primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, as in Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra – to its second phase, based on white marble and pietra dura inlay, most elegantly realized in the Tāj Mahal.
The mausoleum was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, originally a Persian Amir in exile, who had been given the title ofItimād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal (originally named Arjūmand Bāno, daughter of Asaf Khān), the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan, responsible for the construction of the Tāj Mahal. Nur Jehan was also responsible for the construction of the Tomb of Jehangir at Lahore.
The Itimād-ud-Daulah itself covers about twenty-three meters square, and is built on a base about fifty meters square and about one meter high. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about thirteen meters tall.
The walls are made up from white marble from Rajasthan encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations – cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz formed into images of cypress trees and wine bottles, or more elaborate decorations like cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Light penetrates to the interior through delicate jālī screens of intricately carved white marble. The interior decoration is considered by many to have inspired that of the Taj Mahal, which was built by her stepson, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Many of Nūr Jahān’s relatives are interred in the mausoleum. The only asymmetrical element of the entire complex is that the cenotaphs of her father and mother have been set side-by-side, a formation replicated in the Tāj Mahal.
Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLnkV0wHTbY

Reviews

https://goo.gl/bkhgX4

Visiting hours : Sunrise to Sunset

Entry fee : http://tajmahal.gov.in/ticketing1.html

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh

Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Punjab

Jallianwala Bagh.jpg
Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar in the Punjab state of India, and houses a memorial of national importance, established in 1951 by the Government of India, to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators including unarmed women and children by British occupying forces, on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Colonial British Raj sources identified 379 fatalities and estimated about 1100 wounded. Civil Surgeon Dr. Smith indicated that there were 1,526 casualities. The true figures of fatalities are unknown, but are likely to be many times higher than the official figure of 379.

The 6.5-acre (26,000 m2) garden site of the massacre is located in the vicinity of Golden temple complex, the holiest shrine of Sikhism.

The memorial is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, which was established as per the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act passed by the Government of India in 1951.

Jallianwala Bagh massacre
On 11 April, Brigadier General R.E.H. Dyer arrived from Jalandhar Cantonment, and virtually occupied the town as civil administration under Miles Irving, the Deputy Commissioner, had come to standstill. On Sunday, 13 April 1919, Dyer was convinced of a major insurrection and he banned all meetings; however, this notice was not widely disseminated. That was the day of Baisakhi, the main Sikh festival, and many villagers had gathered in the Bagh. On hearing that a meeting had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Dyer went with fifty Gurkha riflemen to a raised bank and ordered them to shoot at the crowd. Dyer continued the firing for about ten minutes, until the ammunition supply was almost exhausted; Dyer stated that 1,650 rounds had been fired, a number which seems to have been derived by counting empty cartridge cases picked up by the troops. Official British Indian sources gave a figure of 379 identified dead, with approximately 1,100 wounded. The casualty number estimated by the Indian National Congress was more than 1,500, with approximately 1,000 dead.

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fys2Lvv7VEA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgiZtQjec0g

Reviews

https://goo.gl/srGPwk

Visiting hours : 06.30AM to 07.30PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Free

 

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid Agra

Jama Masjid

Opp.Agra Fort, Near Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 282005

Phone 562 2227261

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Image credit : youtube.com

Jama Masjid Agra is opposite the Agra fort and overlooking the Agra Fort Railway Station. The Jama Masjid Agra is also popularly known as the Jami Masjid or “Friday Mosque”. It is one of the larger mosques in India.

The Jama Masjid Agra was built by Shah Jahan (who also built the Taj Mahal, at Agra and the Red Fort in New Delhi) in 1648 and dedicated to his daughter Jahanara begum.
More than 5000 worked on the mosque and was finished in 1656. It has 3 huge gates, four towers and two minarets (which have been built from strips of red sandstone and white marble). The courtyard is huge which can accommodate more than 25,000 people at one time.
Out of all the gateways, the eastern one, which was used by the emperors, remains closed during weekdays. The mosque was built on a red sandstone porch -about 30 feet from ground level.
This mosque is an example of the Mughal style of architecture.

Reviews

https://goo.gl/i9nMhC

Visiting hours : 5.00am – 9.00pm all days of the week

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden Chandigarh

Japanese Garden

Sector 31, Chandigarh

Phone: 098883 34332

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Image credit : youtube.com

The Japanese Garden Chandigarh  is a park located in Sector 31 in union territory of Chandigarh. Built in 2014 on 13 acres of Land, by Indian Government, it was inaugurated on 7th November 2014. It consists of water bodies, pagoda towers, water falls, meditation centre, a buddha idol and golden bamboos. This is first ever garden in Chandigarh with Japanese touch. The garden has been developed at a cost of Rs 6 crore.

The Japanese Garden Chandigarh consists of two phases. The Phase-1 was inaugurated on 7 November 2014 and the Phase-2 of the park was opened to public on 4 June 2016. Both the phases of the park are connected by an underground tunnel decorated by beautiful Japanese paintings on both sides. The garden is designed using Japanese architecture and each of the elements in the garden is given a unique Japanese touch.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCCJfzGcdr4

Reviews

https://goo.gl/dMeQ5a

Visiting hours : Open 24 hours

This park is free for visitors, there is no entry ticket. Here you can enjoy a picnic with your family for free. There are no specific timings for the entry to this garden. If you want to go there for a morning walk or you want to visit the park for a stroll after dinner, you will find the gates open.

Entry fee : Free

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Phone:0354 225 4102

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Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling or Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds to help unite them in their search for world peace. It is located in the town of Darjeeling in theIndian state of West Bengal. Like most of the other Peace Pagodas, it was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order.

The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid on 3 November 1972 by Nichidatsu Fujii, and was inaugurated on 1 November 1992. The pagoda was designed by M. Ohka, and it took 36 months for constructing it. The height of the pagoda is 28.5 metres (94 ft) and diameter is 23 metres (75 ft).

Source : Wikipedia

The Japanese Peace Pagoda was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
Source : darjeeling.gov.in/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O3fOGhmPOQ

Reviews

https://goo.gl/Op6ka5

Visiting hours : 04.30AM to 07.00PM all days of the week

Prayer timings : 04.30AM to 06.00AM and 04.30PM to 06.30PM

Jumbo Kingdom

Jumbo Kingdom

Jumbo Kingdom

Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 2553 9111

Aberdeen
Image credit : jumbo.com.hk

In Aberdeen, modernity meets tradition with skyscrapers overlooking a community living on traditional junks. The typhoon shelter on the south side of Hong Kong Island is also a popular seafood dining spot and home to Jumbo Kingdom, one of the world’s largest floating restaurants.

Designed like a Chinese palace, the restaurant can seat up to 2,300 diners in a multi-faceted complex, which includes a tea garden and a gourmet restaurant  serving high-quality traditional Chinese and modern fusion dishes.

Source: discoverhongkong.com

Website : www.jumbo.com.hk

Attractions

Top deck: A restaurant and bar located on the top deck of Jumbo which serves western cuisine. Top deck was opened in 2005 and is managed by Café Deco Group.

Dragon Court: Dragon Court is a fine dining Chinese restaurant which serves authentic and innovative Cantonese cuisine located on the first deck of Jumbo. The interior design of the restaurant is a mixture of Ming Dynasty and contemporary Chinese.

Cooking Academy: A Chinese culinary school taught by the chefs of Jumbo Kingdom.

Sampan Dining: Visitors can experience the nostalgic Hong Kong dining experience from a bygone era, the Typhoon Shelter seafood meal on a sampan.

The Chinese Tea Garden

Pier Plaza

Bronze ware Exhibition

Wine Garden

A traditional Hong Kong-style food area is allocated at 4/F of Jumbo Kingdom, named SO-Kee Coffee Shop  Fast foods such as sandwiches, hotdogs, noodles, soft drinks, coffee & tea are provided, at lower prices.

Over 30 million visitors have visited Jumbo Kingdom, including Queen Elizabeth II,John Wayne, Chad Garvin, David bowie, Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chow Yun Fat, Stephen Chow and Gong Li.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZF-QekaD5k

Reviews

https://goo.gl/fuP9aK

Timings : 11.00AM to 11.30PM ( Mon-Sat ) and 09.00AM to 11.30PM ( Sundays and Public holidays )

Getting there: :

Bus 70 from Exchange Square bus terminus (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D), and get off near Aberdeen Promenade. Cross the highway, use the pedestrian tunnel, then turn right and walk towards the pier for the free shuttle service to Jumbo Kingdom.

 

Kanchenjunga Water Falls & Khecheopalri Lake

Kanchenjunga Waterfalls

Kanchenjunga Water Falls & Khecheopalri Lake 

Image result for kanchenjunga waterfalls pelling
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

One of the largest waterfalls in Sikkim Kanchenjunga waterfalls is 25 kms. from Pelling. To reach the foot of the  waterfalls you have to climb up little steps. Cascading from a height of 300 feet Kanchenjunga waterfalls is amazing. It is believed that the pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Khechopalri wishing Lake  is located at a distance of 25 Km from Pelling. This scared lake surrounded by prayer flags is worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. To reach the lake you have to walk up through a trail by the side of a Monastery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vcUjd_t4no

Reviews

https://goo.gl/iXMDCV

Katao

Katao

Katao

Image result for katao sikkim tripadvisor images
Image credit : tripadvisor.in

Katao is a popular destination near Lachung that lies at a distance of 28 kilometers with  panoramic view of snow capped peaks of the Himalayas. it is a rival to Yumthang in beauty. Usually Tour to here is not included in normal packages. The tour can be arranged from Lachung at an additional cost. It is known as “Switzerland “ of Sikkim. It is filled with ice everywhere and considered as ‘Heaven “ on earth.

A military check-post is nearby. it remains under ice cover in March-April. May-June and September-November seasons are the best time to visit this place. The valley is around 24 km from Lachung.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG3Ycw9BlSY

Reviews

https://goo.gl/Sp41ty

 

Kingdom of Dreams

Kingdom of Dreams

Kingdom of Dreams

Located 26 kms. from Delhi

Auditorium Complex, Near IFCCO Metro Station, Sector 29, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001

Phone : 0124 452 8000

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Culture Gully and Nautanki Mahal auditorium

Kingdom of Dreams is India’s first live entertainment, theatre and leisure destination.  It was inaugurated on 29 January 2010, and opened to public on 18 September 2010. The opening showcased a special preview of the Bollywood musical, Zangoora, starring Hussain Kuwajerwala, Gauhar Khan and Kashmira Irani. Spread over 6 acres (24,000 m2) and built at a cost of over Rs. 2 billion, Kingdom of Dreams is run by the Great Indian Nautanki Company (GINC), a joint venture between Apra Group and Wizcraft.

The destination consists of two theatres, Nautanki Mahal and the Showshaa Theatre, and a cultural and cuisine area known as Culture Gully.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was named the global ambassador of Kingdom of Dreams on 19 September 2010. The 2010 Commonwealth Games’ official theme song, Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto by composer A R Rahman was launched in the complex on 28 August 2010, with a performance by Rahman, accompanied by dance performances by Hussain Kuwajerwala, Gauhar Khan and Kashmira Irani, on the theme of Zangoora – The Gypsy Prince.

Nautanki Mahal

Nautanki Mahal is an 835-seat auditorium within the complex and is designed like a grand palace.[1] Indian and international theatrical productions are staged there.
The auditorium holds a hydraulic stage, automated fly bars, and a matrix sound system that makes the theatre experience real.

Culture Gully

Culture Gully is the arts, crafts and food boulevard at the Kingdom of Dreams. It is fully ac boulevard spread across 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2), with theme restaurants and live kitchens from 14 states of India, represented with their representative architecture and decor.

Each state pavilion’s architecture has something unique.

Other than regional delicacies, the state pavilions hosts street performances, artisans and handicraft stores.This “Indoor street of India” has a mystic center and massage center that provides “Dry” massage. Opened in July 2010, the entrance to the indoor boulevard is through a 20 ft (6.1 m) gateway, made with Golden lotus petals sparkling with tiny mirrors.

Culture Gully houses two lounge bars – ‘The Mehkhana Bar and the Kerela Bar.

Showshaa Theatre

Showshaa Theatre is a 350-seater covered amphitheatre, complete with a soaring tent. Multiple theatrical performances take place here including productions based on Indian mythology.

IIFA Buzz Lounge

The IIFA Buzz Lounge, a Bollywood-themed resto-bar on the first floor of Culture Gully. It also showcases Bollywood memorabilia, the IIFA Awards trophy, movie costumes and posters. It was launched on 1 September 2010 by actor, Salman Khan.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTEjn-C6aZc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/iAUYzE

Visiting hours and Entry fee:

https://goo.gl/Pnq7Bs

https://goo.gl/GIpFaS

Kun Iam Statue

Kun Iam Statue

Kun Iam Statue

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/c7/da/1d/kun-iam-statue.jpg
Source : tripadvisor.com

Kun Iam Statue, the symbol of Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre,  located on an artificial island connected to Av. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, NAPE, by a 60-meter long causeway, the total height being 32 meters. The statue  is made up of approximately 50 bronze castings, weighs 50 tons and measures 20 meters high.

This sculpture’s face was specifically designed to show the Universality expressed in the concept of “Ecumenic” – without any distinctive ethnicity.

Inaugurated on 21st March 1999, the Centre was designed and made by the Portuguese architect and sculptor Cristina Rocha Leiria, with UNESCO support, in order to promote mutual respect and friendship among all peoples and civilizations. Kun Iam, or Guan Yin in Mandarin, is a deity embodying love, mercy and compassion, and a figure that represents this message of solidarity and rapprochement between people, worshiped even beyond the scope of the Buddhist religion.

The base of the statue, shaped like a Lotus Flower, includes a Contemplation Room where visitors can rest, listen to music, read, and get videos, CDs, books, teaching materials, sculptures and a variety of information on Oriental Thoughts, displayed in the Information Counter. The cupola is decorated with figures, symbols and texts related to Lao Tse, Confucius, Mencius and Buddha, painted on rice paper by the local artists Kwok Woon and Joana Ling.

The lower level offers a Multipurpose Room and a small Library and Media Centre with Internet connection. Having capacity for 50 people, this room is used to host concerts and conferences, film screenings and other multi-cultural activities such as Art exhibitions, all in order to bring harmony and inner peace to every visitor.

This Public Art complex offers a collection of educational materials, especially for young people, focusing on different modes of “Thought ” from both the Occident and the Orient, particularly that of the Buddha, Lao Tse and Confucius. So, the activities that can be developed at the Centre are ultimately aimed at revealing the potential of these Philosophies, some of which gave rise to religions that have one significant thing in common: the power to bring about World Peace.

Source : macaumuseum.gov.mo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmoMMV_Vnuc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/05jB0G

Opening hours : 10.00AM to 06.00PM (Friday closed)

Entrance : Free

Getting there : Bus 10A, 17

Kun Iam Temple 

Kun Iam Temple

Kun Iam Temple 

No. 2 Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, Macau

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The Kun Iam Temple is one of the three largest and richest Buddhist temples in Macau , and was originally called “Pou Chai Yes Un” (Pou Chai Temple). It is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Macau and was founded in the 13th century by the venerable Kun Iam, the Chinese representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy.

Source : Wikipedia

Kun Iam Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy was founded in the 13th century and the present buildings date from 1627. It is one of the biggest and wealthiest of Macao’s temples with a huge entrance gate and roofs clustered with porcelain figures. Separated by open courtyards are richly decorated halls dedicated to the Precious Buddhas, the Buddha of Longevity and Kun Iam, who is dressed in embroiled silk with a fringed crown (which is changed every year). She is attended by 18 Buddhas on either side of the altar. In adjoining rooms are funeral chapels and scrolls honouring Kun Iam in pictures and calligraphy.

Behind the temple are terraced gardens. In one is the stone table on which was signed the first Sino-American treaty on July 3, 1844, by the Viceroy of Canton Ki Ying and the United States Minister Caleb Cushing. Nearby is the marble statue of a monk in an ornate pavilion, and four ancient banyan trees with branches intertwined which is known as the Lovers Tree and a symbol of marital fidelity.

In other parts of the garden are fountains shaped like miniature Chinese landscapes, groves of bamboo and small shrines to departed priests. The festival of Kun Iam is celebrated on the 19th day of second, sixth, ninth and 11th moons.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTkSiUw_hFU

Reviews

https://goo.gl/gyFdar

Opening hours : 07.30Am to 05.00PM

Getting there : Bus 12, 17, 18, 23, 28C

Kushak Mahal

Kushak mahal

Kushak Mahal

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/07/06/e0/f7/kushk-mahal.jpg
Image Credit : tripadviser.in

Kushak mahal or Kushk Mahal is a protected monument in New Delhi. Kushk mahal is located within the premises of Teen Murti Bhawan. This monument is hidden by trees and it remains unnoticed unless someone goes towards the Nehru Planetarium.

Kushk Mahal is an almost square rubble-built formation, three-aisle deep and with three arched openings resting on stone pillars. Its vaulted ceiling is finished flat on the roof.

Kushk Mahal was probably built by Feroze Shah Tughluq and was used by him as one of his several hunting lodges. Originally there existed an embankment near it, which stored rainwater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc16b0I0nCo

Reviews

https://goo.gl/vDRkoz

Lachung Monastery

Lachung Monastery

Lachung Monastery

File:Gumpa.jpg

Lachung Monastery is a Nyingma Buddhist gompa in the Lachung Valley, Sikkim, northeastern India. It was established in 1880.

Lachung means a ‘small mountain’. Lachung is at an elevation of about 3,000 m (9,600 ft) at the confluence of the Lachen River and Lachung River, tributaries of the Teesta River. The village is 118 km from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway and is the last one before the Indo-Chinese border. It was a trading post between India and Tibet before India annexed Sikkim in 1950. Permits are required for visits to North Sikkim. The monastery hosts a famous mask dance each year.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jmusd8CVAc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/uabCf9

Ladies Market

Ladies Market

Ladies Market

Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Tung Choi Street 5, Hong Kong, Mar 06.JPG

Tung Choi Street (Ladies Market) is a street situated between south of Sai Yeung Choi Street and Fa yeun Street in Mong KokKowloonHong Kong. It is one of the most well-known street markets in Hong Kong. Its southern section, popularly known as Ladies’ Market or Ladies’ Street,  sells various, low-priced products for women and also other general merchandise. Its northern section not far above Bute Street, has a wide variety of affordable plants, pet supplies and animals especially goldfish since it is also known as “Goldfish Street”.

Source : Wikipedia

Browse through the whole market first and you’ll have a snapshot of the latest ideas for garments, colours, accessories and gifts. Although some things are classics which will always be there, such as traditional Chinese dresses for children, and souvenir T-shirts for tourists, there are others which are up to the minute trends. As these change so often don’t miss a chance to accessories now on your visit as by the next time you are here they may be an old trend and be nowhere to be found!

The Ladies Market is a giant “style board” that is always turning over to the latest ideas and is the fastest way to get the ideas of trends, particularly those from Japan, Korea and China which drive fashion in the region.

Source : ladies-market.hk

At Ladies market and Fa Yuen Street Market which sells a great variety of inexpensive fashions, all sorts of accessories like handbags, watches, belts, wallets, cosmetic items. Different types of Chinese Souvenirs, from apparels, carvings, Buddha statues, silk embroideries, paintings, fans, magnets  and all kinds of knick knacks. Variety of food items are available at the food stalls and covered canteens which are very inexpensive. Fresh fruits, dry fruits and  all local specialties are also available here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSgZr_G1BH0

Reviews

https://goo.gl/q24MDH

Getting there :  MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks; or,

take bus 1, 1A, 2, 6 or 9 from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and get off at Nelson Street,
Source: discoverhongkong.com

Lamma Island

Lamma Island

Lamma Island

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Lamma Island also known as Pok Liu Chau or simply Pok Liu, is the third largest island in Hong Kong . Administratively, it is part of the Islands District.

In contrast to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Lamma is peaceful and tranquil with an abundance of natural scenery. Buildings higher than three storey’s are prohibited and there are no automobiles but diminutive fire trucks and ambulances, as well as distinctive open-back vehicles to transport construction materials. The community’s only means of transport is either by foot or bicycle.

Lamma provides an alternative to the hectic life in the city. Property and rents are cheap compared with those of central Hong Kong. These factors have attracted a significant expatriate community to Lamma Island. It is also popular with younger people and a haven for artists and musicians.

Actor Chow Yun -fat   grew up on the island in the village of Wang Long near Yung Shue Wan. His relatives still operates a seafood/pigeon restaurant called “Shau Kee” in the main village.

Lamma has a significant Western and international population. The island has had a reputation for alternative lifestyles, hippies, and a relaxed attitude, but Lamma is being urbanized and property prices are on the increase, because of the attraction of this lifestyle.

Source : Wikipedia

Lamma Island is also popular for its hiking trails, multicultural shops and cafés and renowned seafood dining.

Those wishing to indulge in the latter will usually head to the old fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan. Here, a row of restaurants, perched above the bay on stilts, offer diners excellent seafood served with pleasant alfresco dining and sea views. Fresh chilli crab, garlic prawns, deep-fried squid and steamed fish with ginger and spring onions are all firm favorites.

It is possible to conclude a day visiting Lamma Island at Sok Wu Wan by following the Lamma Island Family Trail.

Source: discoverhongkong.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vs28tEJr6g

Reviews

https://goo.gl/nbmru1

Getting there :

Take a ferry from Central Pier 4 to Sok Wu Wan. The journey takes 30 – 40 minutes. The seafood restaurants are an approximately 1 minute walk from the ferry pier.

Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong

Central Hong Kong

Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hot spots and home to over 90 restaurants and bars. The atmosphere ranges from stylish wine pairings to raucous jelly shots and the food on offer is as diverse as the clientele.

Thanks to Hong Kong’s dominance in Asian cinema, this centre of late-night revelry is so renowned that its official street sign is more photographed than many of the celebrities who haunt its clubs. Mostly, the area is crowded with people from the surrounding offices of Central, eager to shake off the working day or week. Get in the thick of it with a street side perch, or watch the antics on the road below from one of the upper floors.

Lan Kwai Fong usually hosts carnivals and other celebrations during major festivals, such as Halloween , Christmas and New Year  and has its own beer festival.

Source: discoverhongkong.com

Lan Kwai Fong is a small square of streets in Central, Hong Kong. The area was dedicated to hawkers before the Second World War, but underwent a renaissance in the mid-1980s. It is now a popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking, clubbing and dining.
The area is defined by D’Aguilar Street and the smaller lane, an L-shaped, cobble-stoned lane. Both streets turn 90 degrees to form a rectangle. It is near the Mid-Levels. Its eating and drinking establishments are considered upmarket in price and the area is also considered a tourist spot. From the west side of the rectangle, Wo On Lane and Wing Wah Lane extend to host several more spots for drinks and food. The area arguably extends to Wellington Street and Wyndham Street, through to the Hong Kong Fringe Club. It is also home to a small number of art galleries.

The Lan Kwai Fong Association is a non-profit making business chamber which groups together over 100 restaurants, bars, clubs, retailers and service providers in Lan Kwai Fong to promote the unique Lan Kwai Fong culture and charms to locals and the world.

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72eNZOtEbtE

Reviews

https://goo.gl/oFy6Dm

Getting there : MTR Central Station Exit D2, walk along Theatre Lane, and up D’Aguilar Street.

 

Leal Senado Building

Leal Senado Building

Leal Senado Building

No. 163 Av. Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lo),Macau

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Originally built in 1784, this was Macao’s first municipal chamber, a function it maintains to the present. The name “Leal Senado” (“Loyal Senate”) derives from the title “City of Our Name of God Macao, There is None More Loyal” which was bestowed by Portuguese King Dom John IV in 1654. The “Leal Senado” Building is neo-classical in design and has retained all its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back. Inside the building on the first floor there is a ceremonial meeting room that opens onto an elaborate carved library styled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal, and a small chapel.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

The building is U-shaped. The right part of the first floor of the building features an exhibition hall, hosting art exhibitions on a regular basis. The convention hall is on the second floor, where the public meetings and press conferences of the former Macau Municipal Council and the current Institute of Civic and Municipal Affairs are held. A public library, opened in 1929, is located at the Northwestern part of the first floor. It is blueprinted after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal, decorated in classical style. It contains around 18,500 books and specialises in collecting foreign language books in dating from 17th century to the 1950s, in particular those of Portuguese history in Africa and the Far East. The building has retained all its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back.

It became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic centre of Macau in 2005.

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUiHec5MHHU

Reviews

https://goo.gl/Hk5x4F

Opening hours: Gallery: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Mondays, open on public holidays),

Garden: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Getting there :Bus 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A

Lin Fong Temple

Lin Fong Temple

Lin Fong Temple

Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, Macau

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Temple of Lotus

Built in 1592 and most regularly restored, this Temple of the Lotus has a fine facade of intricate clay bas-relief carved in the 19th century depicting historical and mythological figures. Stone lions guard the entrance. Inside is a hall with a statue of Tin Hau on the altar, flanked by the guardian generals. Beyond is a courtyard decorated with a frieze of writhing dragons, a lotus filled pond and fine iron brazier. The main hall is dedicated to Kun Iam, whose statue occupies an elaborate altar. Aside altar has a shrine to Kwan Tai. The temple’s ceiling is a particularly good example of the black beams and exposed white tiles construction. Lin Fong Temple is historically famous as the place where for centuries Chinese Mandarins from Guangdong Province would stay when they came to Macao. The most renowned visitor was Commissioner Lin Zexu, who spent most of September 3rd 1839 in Macao. He is honoured with a six-foot granite statue and a new museum in the temple courtyard.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

Lin Fong Temple, together with A-Ma Temple and Kun lam Temple are the three most famous temples in Macau. It was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and originally named Tianfei Temple. The building’s current architectural design is the result of several reconstructions undertaken from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The entire complex is comprised of a cluster of palaces. Tianhou Palace, which is in the center of the complex, is dedicated to Kwan-yin. The Emperor Wu Palace is located to the left and Renshou Palace (the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity) is located to the right of Tianhou Palace. Yiling Palace, Shennong Palace, Juyong Palace, and Doumu Palace are also parts of the complex.

In front of Lin Fong Temple is a spacious square surrounded by stone enclosures. Ancient trees with thick leaves grow in the square. Behind it there is a small ornamental garden with pavilions, flowers and grass. In addition, in the temple itself there is a lotus pond. During summer, the pond flourishes with green leaves and fragrant flowers. Behind the lotus pond is a screen decorated with writhing dragons and giant cyprinoids.

Source : travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvjIX_cKhCU

Reviews

https://goo.gl/tzpq36

Opening hours : 07.00AM to 05.00PM

Getting there : Bus 1A, 8, 8A. 10, 28B, 28BX, N1B

Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens

Near Khan Market, Lodi Estate Lodhi Road, New Delhi, DL 110003

Phone : 011 2464 0079

Image result for lodi gardens delhi
Image Credit : Maps of India

Lodi Gardens is a park in Delhi, India. Spread over 90 acres, it contains, Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Sikander Lodi’s Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century by Lodhis, an Afghan dynasty. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s Tomb on Lodhi Road and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites.

Architecture

In the middle of the gardens is the Bara Gumbad (“Big Dome”), it consists of a large rubble-construct dome, it is not a tomb[citation needed] but a gateway to an attached a three domed masjid (mosque), both built in 1494 during the reign of Sikander Lodi, there is also a residence surrounding a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be seen. Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Shisha Gumbad (“Glass dome”) for the glazed tiles used in its construction, which contains the remains of an unknown family, this was also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi.

Further into the gardens, are remains of a watercourse which connects the Yamuna River to Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. This tomb still has the battlements enclosing it. Nearby to Sikander’s tomb is the Athpula (“Eight Piered”) Bridge, the last of the buildings in Delhi, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar,it contains seven arches, amongst which the central one being the largest. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, the earliest of the tombs in the garden, was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Mohammed Shah. The tomb is octagonal in shape, with numerous ornamental Hindu-style chhatris around the central dome, numerous arches, verandahs and sloping buttresses. There are turrets at each corner. The main tomb is supported by a 16-sided drum. It is of a flattened type and is surrounded by chhatris, which make it look diminutive compared to its substantially larger base. Several years later, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi seems to have been copied from this Sayyid tomb.

As there is little architecture from these two periods remaining in India, Lodi Gardens is an important place of preservation. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is visible from the road, and is the earliest structure in the gardens. It is a good example of a combination of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. The Hindu features include eight chhatris, each of them capped by a lotus finial with a decorative band around the base; corner ornamental pinnacles (guldastas)and chhajja.

Source : Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auLYWQ3DPqc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/VYZ8v8

Timings : 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

Lotus Square

Lotus Square

Lotus Square

(Near to Wine And Grand Prix Museum)

Rua Luís Gonzaga Gomes, Macau

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Standing in Lotus Square next to the Forum, the large sculpture of “Lotus Flower In Full Bloom” presented by the State Council of China in 1999, marks the return of sovereignty of Macao.
The sculpture, made of gilded bronze and weights 6.5 tons, is 6 meters high and the diameter of the flower is 3.6 meters at maximum. The major part is composed of a stem, petals and pistil, with a total of 16 components. The base of the flower consists of 23 pieces of red granite.
The lotus flower, which is in full bloom, symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macao. There are three layers of red granite at the base, which are in the shape of lotus leaves, signifying the Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

The Lotus Square has become a great site to hold various activities since it came into use. The most well-known is the flag-raising ceremony at 08:00 every morning. In September, 2000, the local government installed two flagpoles on the square to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The first flag-raising ceremony was held here on October 1st, 2000. Since then, it has become a daily practice to raise the flag of China and the flag of Macau. On National day (Oct. 1st) and Macau S.A.R. Establishment Day (Dec. 20), government officials participate in the ceremony.

Furthermore, beautiful flowers are usually displayed around the golden lotus sculpture during great festivals, such as the Chinese New Year and Christmas. A great number of local people and tourists can be found taking photos and strolling around the square.

Source : travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktqemnF4Or0

Reviews

https://goo.gl/PEiRNj

Getting there : 1A, 3, 10, 10B, 28A, 28B, 28BX, 28C, 32

Lou Kau Mansion 

Lou Kau Mansion

Lou Kau Mansion 

No.7, Travessa da Sé, Macau

Phone : +853 8399 6699

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The mansion is believed to be built in 1889.This was the home of Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties in the city. The location of this grand old house depicts the diverse social profile present in the centre of the old “Christian City”, where this traditional Chinese residence stands near Senado Square and Cathedral Square. Lou Kau Mansion is a two-storey, traditional grey-brick courtyard house, with the architectural characteristics of a typical Xiguan Chinese residential building.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

As a typical Chinese-style mansion, the two-storey Lou Kau Mansion is made of blue bricks. Three courtyards can be found in Lou Kau Mansion for the purpose of better lighting and ventilation. Inside, visitors can find Chinese architectural features coexisting superbly with western styles. To be specific, the Chinese-style brick carvings, wood carvings, and lime sculptures contrast well with the western-style iron handrails, colorful glass, and French windows, making it very interesting and beautiful.

In the living room on the first storey stand a row of spectacular screens. Behind them is a door which bears the inscriptions “Great Wealth and High Position”. All the front windows towards the street are in Portuguese style, among which the upper two are the most delicate. They are embellished with lime sculptures and the corners are wrapped with metal.

Ascending the second storey, tourists can look down at the halls and courtyards in the mansion. The brick carvings and the lime sculptures above the doors on the first floor can also be appreciated and studied clearly. The second storey consists of a master bedroom and a living room with a lot of ancient flavor. The window frames are carved with elaborate patterns. The wood boards under the windows bear inscriptions and paintings. Even the floor is decorated with intricate patterns, which is very fascinating!

Free wifigo is provided here.
On the desk at the entrance is a memorial stamp and sheets of paper. You can stamp a mark on a piece of paper, and take it back home as a souvenir.

Source :travelchinaguide.com

This is also included within the Historic Centre of Macau, and was included on the list of World Heritage Sites in 2005.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1vbCD7lYGE

Reviews

https://goo.gl/I7gAvf

Opening hours : 10.00AM to 06.00PM (Closed on Mondays, except public holidays )

Getting there : Bus 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A

Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

No. 10 Estrada de Adolfo Loureiro, Macau

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The most Chinese of all of Macao’s gardens is the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. It was built by a wealthy 19th century Chinese merchant, Lou Kau, and was inherited by his son Lou Lim Ieoc in 1906. When the family fortunes declined the garden fell into ruins, but it was eventually purchased and restored by the government and opened to the public in 1974.

The Lou Lim Ieoc garden is modeled on those of Suzhou, the most famous of all Chinese classical gardens. Enclosed by a high wall, it is a miniaturized landscape with narrow paths winding through groves of bamboo and flowering bushes, under moulded concrete “mountains” to a large pond filled with golden carp and lotus flowers. A nine-turn bridge zigzags across the pond (according to legend, evil spirits can only move in straight lines) to a large pavilion combining Classical and Chinese architecture elements. There are frequent art and craft exhibitions in the pavilion, which also serves as an auditorium for recitals during the annual International Music Festival.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

Qingcao Hall (Green Grass Hall) in the center of the garden is the focal piece of architecture, and together with the marvelous pavilions, cloisters, ponds, bridges and rockeries, makes the garden a tridimensional landscape picture. This hall is a masterpiece harmoniously blending Chinese and Western culture. The fence is bright scarlet, a color favored by Chinese, whereas the wall is painted in beige, a color favored by Portuguese. The corridor pillars are Gothic style, with European style engravings of white flower patterns at the top. During Sun Yat-sen’s second visit to Macau in 1915, he stayed in this hall and met with many celebrities.

An elegant nine-turn bridge sits above the small pond in the front of the hall. In the centre of the pond stands stone figure of an ancient-time beauty. Stream water pours from the rockery top down to the pond, creating wonderful waterfalls. There are crowds of fish playing about under lotus leaves in the pond. Many visitors enjoy sitting on stone stools in the shade under the weeping willows and looking into the pond. There visitors can enjoy a nice rest and take in the beautiful scenes.

Source :travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnjFUmOsmK0

Reviews

https://goo.gl/Ya94Lz

Visiting hours : 0600AM to 09.00PM

Entry fee : Free

Getting there : 2, 2A, 5, 9, 9A, 12, 16, 22, 25, 25X, N2

Macau Cathedral

Macau Cathedral

Macau Cathedral

No.1 Cathedral Square, Macau

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Built around 1622, the Macau Cathedral was originally constructed with taipa (compound material consisting soil and straw). During the restoration of 1780, the religious services of the Cathedral were temporarily transferred to the old chapel of the Holy House of Mercy. The facade is characterized by pilasters and the twin belfries that stand out on the streetscape. The exterior is clad in Shanghai plaster, giving the church a monolithic subdued appearance.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

Visitors arrive at the spectacular facade after passing by a small fountain and a cross on the square in front of the Macau Cathedral. The Cathedral consists of a main building and the Bell Tower. The main building has just one floor with a sloping roof and wooden truss. With a 39 feet (12 meters) high symmetrical-styled facade, the main building is constructed in typical neoclassical style. The main body of the Cathedral has an oblong shape, with a transept with chapels on each side. There are wooden Portuguese folding screens at the entrance to the Macau Cathedral. With light green as the interior color, the indoor decoration of the main shrine basically keeps the reconstruction details of 1937, concise and majestic. The magnificent buildings and solemn atmosphere make people feel peaceful and equable in mind. Over and above its influence and attraction to Catholics, even a nonbeliever would be in awe standing in the Cathedral.
The main altar appears simple, for it just has stained glass windows as the background, but those bishops and devotees who remains are buried beneath the alter have brought immeasurable glory to the Cathedral. Some Catholic relics and monuments are restored in the Cathedral. Some famous religious paintings are also preserved in the Cathedral, these include St. John’s Baptism Picture and the Japanese Catholics Crucified in Nagasaki. The oldest wing of the transept incorporates a wooden vault with the Duteous Madonna enshrined in it.
The Bell Tower is next to the main building. It is about 43 feet (13 meters) high, and has three floors with a flat roof. The bell was made in Britain. Whenever there are important Masses, Feast Days, or weddings, the Bell will ring. The Bell last rang on April 6th, 2005 – to mourn the death of the Sanctus Ioannes Paulus PP. Ⅱ (John Paul II).

Source :travelchinaguide.com

The Macau Cathedral is within the Historic Centre of Macau, and was included on the list of World Heritage Sites in 2005. People call it the ‘Great Church’; though it is not the largest, it is the most influential church in Macau. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Jesus Christ, it serves the second largest parish on Macau Peninsular, including Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, the South Bay, and Terminal Marítimo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN0j9lnOxpA

Reviews

https://goo.gl/xBBy9l

Opening hours : 07.00AM to 06.30PM

Getting there : Bus 2, 5, 6A, 7, 16, 28B

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau, Macau

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Main Entrance
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Marina at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront integrated, hotel, convention, dining, retail and entertainment complex. It is located at Freguesia da Se in Macau Peninsula, near the Hong Kong Macau Ferry pier and a 15-minute ride to the Macau International Airport.

The construction of the theme park took 5 years, and trial operation began on December 31, 2005. After one year of trial operation, the wharf was officially opened on December 31, 2006.

The complex includes over 70 stores and restaurants in buildings built in the style of different world seaports such as Cape Town, and Amsterdam, a convention and exhibition centre, a marina, two hotels and a casino spanning over 133,000 m2 of area. The theme park gets 40% of its area from reclamation from the sea.

Visitor attractions at Fishermans Wharf
Rocks Hotel, modeled on the elaborate charms of 18th century Victoriana[citation needed], providing 72 guestrooms and suites.

Harbourview Hotel, based on 18th century Prague design, provides 389 comfortable[citation needed] guest rooms and 55 spacious[citation needed] suites.

Roman Amphitheatre, an outdoor Colosseum equipped with 2,000 seats, designed as a venue for concerts and other performances .

Convention and Exhibition Centre, one of the largest venues for meetings and banquets in the city centre .

Legend Boulevard,a complex of retail, hotels, dining and a casino themed on coastal towns including Miami, Cape Town, New Orleans, Amsterdam, Spain, Lisbon, Rome and English, the Palace and the Italian Riviera. There are different cuisines from all over the world such as Jade Orchid, Vic’s, Praha Restaurant and etc..[citation needed]

Babylon Casino, features VIP room and mass gaming floor, and near the slots casino which is connected by a sky bridge in Harbourview Hotel.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwUBRt7lcQ

Reviews

https://goo.gl/fYm3Is

Opening hours : 24 hours

Entry fee : Free

Getting there : bus no. 1A,3,3A,8,10,10A,10B,17,28A,28B,28BX,28C,32, get off at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.

Macau Museum

Macau Museum

Macau Museum

112 Praceta do Museu de Macau (Mount Fortress)

Phone :+853 2835 7911

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Macau_Museum.jpg/500px-Macau_Museum.jpg
Source : wikipedia

The Macau Museum is a historical and cultural museum with a vast number of objects of great historical value, which demonstrates the way of life and cultures of the various communities which have been inhabited the city for ages.

The first floor of the Macau Museum is a short and comparative presentation of the way western and Chinese civilizations were developed before the arrival of the Portuguese in the Pearl River Delta in the 16th century. Besides, history of Macao, commercial activities, religions and cultures of the two civilizations are also displayed. Mounting the stairs to the second floor, visitors have the opportunity to come into contact with different aspects of the popular art and traditions of Macao; such as people’s daily lives, entertainment, religious ceremonies and traditional festivals. The third floor shows contemporary Macao including the characteristic aspects of city life. The way Macao has been portrayed in literature and the arts is prominently highlighted.

The Macau Museum is located in the Mount Fortress, which was built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century. For a long time, the Fortress was the city’s principal military defence structure where public access was restricted. In 1965 this Fortress was converted into the Meteorological Services and later opened to the public. Built on top of the Mount Hill, the Mount Fortress offers a panoramic view of the city. On its west is the Ruins of St. Paul’s. On 15th July 2005, the Historic Centre of Macao was officially listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The Mount Fortress and the Ruins of St. Paul’s are significant historical monuments of the Centre.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7ugIxnm2g

Reviews

https://goo.gl/ItVze6

Opening hours : 10.00AM to 06.00PM ( closed on Monday)

Admission fee :  MOP15, MOP8 for Children under 11, students and seniors of 60 or above. Free admission for Children under 5 and school visits. Free entry to the public on the 15th of each month.

Getting there : Bus 3,3X,4,6A,8A,18A,19,26A,33,N1A

Macau Museum of Art

Macau Museum of Art

Macau Museum of Art

Macao Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, Nape, Macau

Phone : +853 8791 9814

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The Macao Museum of Art, established in 1999 is the only art museum in Macao and provides the largest space dedicated to visual arts.

There are 5 floors in the Museum with seven different exhibition galleries. The Gallery of Chinese Calligraphy and Paintings and Gallery of Chinese Ceramics are located on the fourth floor, where mainly Chinese Calligraphy, Paintings, and Shiwan Ceramics from Canton are exhibited. On the second and third floors there are galleries for temporary exhibitions which has on display various artist’s collections from Macao and around the world. The Gallery of Historical Pictures is also located on the third floor, including the export-orientated Western paintings and European prints of Macao’s scenery by Chinese and Western painters, including Lam Kua and the British artist George Chinnery.

The auditorium of Macau Museum of Art  is located on the first floor with the capacity to seat more than 100 people. It is equipped for video projections and slides and various seminars are regularly organised for the public. The Museum has a library with many art-related books and allows use of the audio facilities and internet services for free. The library is also equipped with visual facilities where the public can choose from over 400 international films to watch in its visual room. On the ground floor, there is also a workshop where various art courses are regularly organised.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wBLJQeTOcM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDb3_Gaa2Nk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5I2QSHtqzw

Reviews

https://goo.gl/phuOr6

Opening hours : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., last admission until 6:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Admission : Adults: MOP5; Students (with valid student card) and Group (minimum 10 people, each): MOP2; Under 12 and over 65 years old: Free; Free admission on Sundays and public holidays.

Getting there : Bus 3A, 8, 10A, 12, 17, N5

Macau Tower

Macau Tower

Macau Tower

Phone : +853 2893 3339

Macau Tower CE Centre.jpg
View underneath Macau Tower showing the outer rim.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Macau_Tower_edit1.JPG/200px-Macau_Tower_edit1.JPG
Macau Tower

Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre, also known as Macau Tower, is a tower located in the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of china. Macau used to be a Portuguese colony until 1999. The tower measures 338 m (1,109 ft) in height from ground level to the highest point. An observation deck with panoramic views, restaurants, theaters, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim. It offers the best view of Macau and in recent years has been used for a variety of adventurous activities. At 233 meters, the Macau Tower’s tethered “skyjump” and Bungee jump by AJ Hackett from the tower’s outer rim, is the highest commercial skyjump in the world (233 meters), and the second highest commercial decelerator descent facility in the world, after Vegas’ Stratosphere skyjump at 252 meters..

The Macau tower is one of the members of the World Federation of Great Towers. Besides being used for observation and entertainment, the tower is also used for telecommunications and broadcasting.

In popular culture

Jack Osbourne has bungee-jumped off the tower as well, as part of the third series of Jack Osbourne: Adrenaline Junkie.

Anthony Bourdain bungee-jumped from the top floor of the building in an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

It served as the venue of photoshoot of Episode 10, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 18: British Invasion.

The tower was featured in the third episode of An Idiot Abroad 3, where Karl Pilkington and Warwick Davis perform the Skywalk which involves walking around the perimeter of one of the highest floors. Davis then proceeded to take a controlled descent to the ground.

It was used on the South Korean variety show Running Man for episode 133. The cast (not including Kim Jongkook) and their guests,Lee Dong-wook and Han Hye-jin, were given three missions – sky jump, mast climb, and sky walk – to be completed on the tower to acquire the three characters they needed to continue onto the next mission.

The tower was also used as a “roadblock” in an episode of US version The Amazing Race: All-Stars that originally aired on April 22, 2007, on CBS as well as a roadblock in the Amazing Race Canada 2 in 2014. The tower also appeared in one roadblock each on two episodes of The Amazing Race Asia 3.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9uV00tKHu8

Reviews

https://goo.gl/wmwpvp

Opening hours : 10.00AM to 09.00PM (Monday-Friday) 09.00Am to 09.00PM (on weekends and public holidays)

Admission fee : MOP 135 for adult / MOP 70 for the seniors (65years old and above) and children (3-11years old)

Getting there : Take Bus 9A, 18 or 21 and get off at Macau Tower

Madam Tussauds 

Madame Tussauds

Madam Tussauds

The Peak Tower, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 2849 6966

Madame Tussauds HK.jpg

The entrance to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, part of the renowned chain of wax museums founded by Marie Tussaud of France, is located at the Peak Tower on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. It is the first Madame Tussauds museums in Asia, the other being the Shanghai branch, which opened in 2006 and the third branch at Singapore which opened in 2014. The Hong Kong branch houses nearly 100 wax figures of internationally known personalities, with Asian figures taking up more than a third of the total, of which sixteen were Hong Kongers. The wax figures are featured in a range of themed settings such as Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical and National Heroes, The Champions and World Premiere.

In the late 1990s, Madame Tussauds had outlets spanning worldwide in major cities such as London, Amsterdam and Las Vegas, but none was in the Asia-Pacific region. When the “Madame Tussaud’s Touring Attraction” ran in Asian cities of Singapore and Australia, proving to be highly popular, the Tussauds Group decided to open a permanent outlet in Asia to cater to such demand, and Hong Kong was chosen for its proximity to the Asian markets. Asian celebrities and superstars have often graced the unveiling of their wax likenesses with sizeable groups of their fans tagging along.
The museum is accessible from Central via minibus, taxi or Peak Tram and opens all year round from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Admission fee is HK$140 (US$18) for adults and HK$70 for children aged between 3 and 11 years old.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV30DPDW4X0

A great insider tip is to secure your seat on the right side of the Peak Tram. This will give you the best angle to capture exceptional video footage while you are moving to the 373 meters hill top.

Reviews

https://goo.gl/qFUuhm

Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 10.PM  all days of the week  ( Last entry at 09.45PM )

Tickets : https://goo.gl/tk8p6a

 

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple

124 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Phone : +852 2540 0350

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/HKSW_ManMoTemple_60211_58.jpg/200px-HKSW_ManMoTemple_60211_58.jpg
Entrance of Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu is a Cantonese transliteration of Wen Wu Temple , a temple for the worship of the civil or literature god Man Tai  / Man Cheong and the martial god Mo Tai  / Kwan Tai ). The two gods were popularly patronized by scholars and students seeking progress in their study or ranking in the civil examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are several Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong, the best known of which is the temple in Sheung Wan.

The largest Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong is located at Nos. 124-126 Hollywood Road, in Sheung Wan. It was built in 1847. It is part of a complex that comprises three adjacent blocks namely Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Temple (No. 128 Hollywood Road) and Kung So. The Temple, the main building of the complex, is dedicated to the civil god Man Cheong and the martial god Kwan Tai. Lit Shing Kung  is for the worship of all heavenly gods. Kung So , to its west, was an assembly hall where community affairs and disputes were settled. In 1908, the Temple was officially entrusted to Tung Wah Board of Directors.  It was graded as a Grade I historic building in 1993 and it is now a declared monument.

Source : Wikipedia

The Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), both of whom were worshiped by ambitious students looking to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China. These involved rigorous systems aimed at finding the best administrative officials for the state.

Built in 1847, this remains the largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong. To pause for a moment’s respite under its giant hanging incense coils makes for a pleasant contrast with the hectic pace of the nearby financial district.

The Temple is part of a complex that also includes the areas Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor. Lit Shing Kung was created for the worship of all heavenly gods, while Kung Sor, built to the temple’s west, was an important assembly hall where community affairs and disputes were often discussed and settled.

Source : discoverhongkong.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGcuoRy32ys

Reviews

https://goo.gl/pBJ2gf

Visiting hours  : 08.00AM to 06.00PM  all days of the week

Getting there   :

Bus 26 outside Pacific Place at Admiralty to Hollywood Road and get off near Man Mo Temple.

MTR Central Station Exit D2 and turn right to Theatre Lane. Walk along Queen’s Road Central towards The Center. Then take the Central—Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.

MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit A2 then walk along Hillier Street to Queen’s Road Central. Then proceed up Ladder Street (next to Lok Ku Road) to Hollywood Road to the Man Mo Temple.

Mandarin’s House

Mandarin's House

Mandarin’s House

10 Tv. de Antonio da Silva, Macau

Phone : +853 2896 8820

C:\Users\user\Pictures\Macau\Mandarin’s House.jpg  C:\Users\user\Pictures\Macau\Mandarin’s House 1.jpg

Built before 1869, Mandarin’s House was the traditional Chinese residential compound home of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying. It is a traditional Chinese compound consisting of several courtyard houses, displaying a mix of Chinese and Western detailing, such as the use of grey bricks against arched ornamentations and Chinese timber lattice windows against mother-of-pearl window panels of Indian origin.

Source : en.macautourism.gov.mo

Mandarin’s House was built largely in Cantonese style but is noted for its fusion of western architectural elements.

Between the 1950s and the 1960s, the Zheng family gradually moved out and the house was then rented out. There were at once more than 300 tenants living inside the complex, resulting in poor living conditions.

The government overtook the complex in 2001. Mandarin’s House occupies an area of 4000m2, which is amongst the largest family houses in Macau.  In 2005, the house was listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jcxbq9Kd_o

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Opening Hours : 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  (No admission after 5.30 p.m., closed on Wednesdays, except public holidays)

Entry : Free

Getting there : Bus 18, 28B

Mangal Dham Temple

Mangal Dham

Mangal Dham Temple

Relly Rd, Strawberry, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734316

Image result for mangal dham in kalimpong
Image Credit : tripadvisor.in
Image result for mangal dham in kalimpong
Image Credit : tripadvisor.in

Mangal Dham Temple sprawling over a landscaped area of 2 acres, was built in 1993, in memory of Late Guruji Shri.Mangaldasji, who is also enshrined in the Temple below the prayer hall. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.  On the top floor is the prayer hall, where the idol of Ram shyamji stands withidols of Shri Prannath and Shri. Guru Mangaldasji erected on either side.Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid pictureaque story of Nijanandacharya  shri Devchandraji meeting Lord Krishna. The Temple which is close to the Sikkim border is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raa7-MpTLpc

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 06.00AM to 07.00PM

MG Road

MG Road Gangtok

MG Road

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Image credit : tripadvisor.in

MG Road Gangtok is the heart of Gangtok. Evening after dark is the best time to visit MG Road and you feel that you are in a foreign country. All the tourists and locals move around here. There are shops of local and international brands on both sides of the path. It is very difficult to come out of here without buying anything. There are number of benches where you can sit and relax. The place also boasts a lot of eateries and other shops. The paved road is a no-vehicle zone which makes it ideal for hangout. Shops in MG Marg are open from 8am to 7pm. The market here is closed on Tuesdays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWdJtY6KKPw

Reviews

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Mirik

Mirik

Mirik

49 km (30 mi) south-southwest of Darjeeling town.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Mirik_Sumendu_Lake.jpg/320px-Mirik_Sumendu_Lake.jpg

Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal in India . The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yokmeaning “place burnt by fire”.

This is a popular tourist destination for its climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is the Sumendu lake, surrounded by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other and linked together by an arching 80 ft ( 24m) footbridge called Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of Kanchenjunga on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint shikaras and pony riding are available.

A panoramic view of the tea gardens can been seen from the Tingling View point nearby.

This place is famous for its high-quality oranges. These are grown in Mirik Busty, Murmah and Soureni Busty.

Scenic views of the sun rising in the east and its reflection on Kanchenjunga  in the north from the Sunrise point. The plains of North Bengal can also be seen from here.

At an average elevation of 1,495 m (4,905 ft), the highest point is the Boker Monastery at about 1,768 m (5,801 ft). Mirik lake at about 1,494 m (4,902 ft) is the lowest point. Mirik is 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Siliguri city and 49 km (30 mi) south-southwest of Darjeeling town.

The climate is pleasant almost all the year round with temperatures of a maximum of 30 °C in summer and a minimum of 1 °C in winter.

Source : Wikipedia

The road trip from Darjeeling to Mirik is an awesome experience. Every turn is beautiful & mesmerizing. Pashupati Nath Market in the Nepal area located 12 kms. from here is full of imported electronic gadgets, jackets and clothes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-qh3HJmCgg

Reviews

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Mount Fortress

Mount Fortress

Mount Fortress

R. do Monte, Macau

Phone : +853 2835 7911

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Cannons_line_the_fortress_walls.jpg/90px-Cannons_line_the_fortress_walls.jpg
Attribution : Flying Toaster

Fortaleza do Monte (Portuguese for Mount Fortress, also Monte Forte; in English: Fortress of Our Lady of the Mount of St. Paul) is the historical military centre of MacauChina. It forms part of the “Historic centre of Macau “, a UNESCO World heritage site.

The fort was built between 1617 and 1626 on the 52 metre-tall Mount Hill, located directly east of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. It was constructed to protect the properties of the Jesuits in Macau, primarily from pirates. Later it was seized by the governor for the defense of Macau.

It occupies an area of roughly 8,000 square metres. 32 cannons were placed around the fort and the two corners of the southeast wall have watchtowers. They were crucial in successfully holding off the attempted Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622.

Mount Fortress was a restricted military area until 1965 when the barracks in the fort were rebuilt into a weather observatory, and was opened to the public. The observatory ceased its function and was relocated to Taipa in 1996,then it was demolished to make way for the Museum of Macau, which was officially opened on April 19, 1998. The tree-covered park at the top of the fort has a panoramic view of the mainland area of Macau.

Apart from being a fortress,it has served various functions:

First residence of the Governors of Macau (1623 and 1740)
Home to of two companies of the Prince Regent Battalion to act as police force from 1810 to 1841
Weather Observatory, Meteorological Department of Portuguese Macau (1966 and 1996)
Museum of Macau (1998-)

Source : Wikipedia

The fortress covers an area of 8,000 square metres, in the shape of a trapezoid. The four corners of the fortress protrude to form bulwarks.

Reviews

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Opening hours : 07.0AM to 07.00PM

Getting there : 3,3X,4,6A,8A,18A,19,26A,33,N1A

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Syari Rd, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

NIT

Since its establishment in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has sponsored and promoted research on the religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area which includes Sikkim. The NIT library holds one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art. It has published the Bulletin of Tibetology since 1964 and numerous books over the years.

The site on which the institute was established was donated by the late Chogyal (king) of Sikkim Sir Tashi Namgyal. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on the 10th of February 1957 and the institute was declared open by the late Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the 1st of October 1958. The institute’s main building is an imposing monument and a splendid example of Sikkimese architecture.

Source : http://tibetology.net/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn1x-Qqwvyo

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 04.00PM  It is closed on Sundays, second Saturdays every month and on official government holidays.

Entry fee : Rs.10/- per person

Nathula Pass

Nathu La Pass

Nathula Pass

Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Nathu La Pass  is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level, forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathu means “listening ears” and La means “pass” in Tibetan. On the Indian side, the pass is 54 km (34 mi) east of Gangtok, the capital of Indian state of Sikkim. Only citizens of India can visit the pass, and then only after obtaining a permit in Gangtok.

Nathu La Pass is one of the two open trading border posts between China and India; the others being Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Nepal. Sealed by India after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La Pass was re-opened in 2006 following numerous bilateral trade agreements. The opening of the pass was expected to bolster the economy of the region and play a key role in the growing Sino-Indian trade. However, the outcome has not been satisfactory. Currently, agreements between the two nations limit trade across the pass to 29 types of goods from India and 15 from the Chinese side. The opening, however, shortens the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region.

It is also one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between the Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army of China  for regular consultations and interactions between the two armies, which helps in defusing face-offs. The four BPM are: Chushul in Ladaakh in , Nathu La in Sikkim, Bum La Pass in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh of , and Lipulekh pass  in Uttarakhand, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the Chinese town of Burang.

Source : Wikipedia.

Nathu La Pass being a restricted area, Foreign tourists are not allowed here. Indian, to visit Nathula require a valid permit.Permit is issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok. You can get it only through a registered tour agency or your hotel where you stay can help you. You should apply for the permit at least one day before with a photo ID proof (Pan Card not accepted) and two passport size photos. Permit cost is Rs. 200/- per person. Permits are not required (or issued) to children below 4 years.

Nathula Permit issuing officer :

Ph: 03592-209090

At Nathula Pass photography and videography are not allowed.

Nathula Pass experiences heavy snowfall during winter. The temperature of the region may drop down to -25 degree C. You can visit Nathula Pass in winter with proper garments. The sight of the snow capped mountains and snow covered valleys on all sides is amazing. May to mid November is the summer time in Nathula, when the temperature ranges around 10 to 15°C

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObAOw_hrc5I

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Nathula Pass is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

National Geographic travel photography contest winners unveiled

National Geographic Channel

An image of a horseman in Inner Mongolia wins first place in this year’s National Geographic travel photography contest.

https://goo.gl/qXFthM

A horseman cracks a whip in Inner Mongolia
Image credit : bbc.com

Click On The URL Or PICTURE for the complete News, Videos and more photos.

National Geographic (formerly National Geographic Channel and also commercially abbreviated and trademarked as Nat Geo) is the American digital cable and satellite television channel that is owned by National Geographic Partners, majority-owned by 21st Century Fox with the remainder owned by the National Geographic Society.The channel airs non-fiction television programs produced by National Geographic and other production companies. Like History and Discovery Channel, the channel features documentaries with factual content involving nature, science, culture, and history, plus some reality and pseudo-scientific entertainment programming. Its primary sister network worldwide, including the United States, is Nat Geo Wild, which focuses on animal-related programming, including the popular Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.

As of February 2015, National Geographic Channel is available to approximately 86,144,000 pay television households (74% of households with television) in the United States
In September 1997, the first National Geographic Channels were launched in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. In July 1998, National Geographic Channel Asia was launched in partnership and distribution with STAR TV (before replacing NBC Asia Channel; the same happened after NBC Europe’s demise in 1998). Today, the channel is available in over 143 countries, seen in more than 160 million homes and in 25 languages.
Being the first country in Latin America to receive the channel, broadcasts from Brazil started substituting the independent channel Superstation channel on November 1, 2000 released by FOX Latin American Channels. According to people connected to the channel, it was first launched in the country due to the sales success of the magazine National Geographic.
In the United States, the National Geographic Channel, launched on January 12, 2001, is a joint venture of National Geographic Television & Film and Fox Cable Networks. National Geographic provides programming expertise and the Fox Networks Group provides its expertise on distribution, marketing, and advertising sales. In the same year a Latin American version of the channel was released.
In Canada, the channel National Geographic (Canada) is owned by Corus Entertainment and National Geographic Channel U.S., while the European versions are operated in partnership with Fox’s sister company, Sky plc, which had been partly sold to Fox in 2007. This includes an English-language version for the UK, Iceland and Republic of Ireland, which is carried on Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk TV in the UK, Sky, Virgin Media, Magnet Networks, SCTV in the Republic of Ireland and Skjarin in Iceland.
In Australia, National Geographic Channel is carried by Foxtel, Optus, Austar, Neighbourhood Cable, TransTV, and SelecTV. The Australian version includes Australian guest presenters of promotional material and to introduce certain programs, series and specials. In New Zealand, National Geographic Channel is broadcast on SKY Network Television and TelstraClear InHomeTV.
In South Africa, the channel is carried by Digital Satellite Television (also known as DStv) MultiChoice’s multi-channel digital satellite television service in Africa. In the Middle East, an Arabic version is broadcasting free to air on Nilesat as National Geographic Abu Dhabi. It is co-owned by the National Geographic Society/Fox International Channels and Abu Dhabi Media Company. In India, the channel was launched on July 1, 1998, in a joint venture with STAR TV.
The ’90s: The Last Great Decade, a documentary series narrated by Rob Lowe, pulled in 1.10 million viewers, was the second highest-rated July telecast in the National Geographic Channel rating history. The 2000s: A New Reality, also narrated by Lowe, premiered on July 12, 2015.
On November 14, 2016, National Geographic Channel was rebranded as National Geographic, dropping the “Channel” from its name.

Source : wikipedia

National Rail Museum

National Rail Museum

National Rail Museum

Shanti Path,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi – 110021

Phone : 011 26880804

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00837/15ytdiscoverrail_GT_837063e.jpg
Image Credit : the hindu.com

The National Rail Museum focuses on the rail heritage of India. It is located in over 10 acres of land with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. A toy train offers rides around that site on regular days.

The museum has a fascinating and exotic collection of over 100 real size exhibits of Indian Railways. Static and working models, signaling equipments, antique furniture’s, historical photographs and related literature etc. are displayed in the museum. The collection of old coaches includes the Prince of Wales Saloon, built in 1875. Not to be outdone is the Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon built in 1899 with its brocade covered chairs and an elegant rosewood bed. The main attraction is the Fairy Queen, built in 1855 and considered to be one of the best preserved steam locomotive engines of her age. Do not miss the handsome Fire Engine on your way out.

A number of attractions has been added to enhance the visit
1) 1:8 scale toy train: – Runs on Wednesday and Friday only between 14:00 to 15:00 Hrs. Ticket charges Rs 100 per person per ride.
2) Diesel Simulator : – Runs on Tuesday only between 11:30 to 13:30 Hrs. Ticket charges Rs 150 per person per ride.
3) Steam Simulator : – Runs on Thursday only between 11:30 to 13:30 Hrs. Ticket charges Rs 100 per person per ride.
4) Coach Simulator : – Runs on Saturday and Sunday only between 11:30 to 13:30 Hrs. Ticket charges Rs 200 per person per ride.

Main exhibits

Patiala State Monorail Trainways
Fairy Queen, the world’s oldest working steam locomotive in operational service.
Fire Engine
Saloon of Prince of Wales
Saloon of Maharaja of Indore
Saloon of Maharaja of Mysore
Electric locomotive 4502 Sir Leslie Wilson
Electric locomotive Sir Roger Lumley
Cranetank
Kalka Shimla Rail Bus
Matheran Rail Car No 8899
Fireless steam locomotive
Steam Locomotive A-885 HASANG
Steam Locomotive X-37385 – This engine was used for trains to Ooty.
MG Diesel SR 203 ( Fowler Diesel )
Electric Locomotive YCG -E1/21900
Betty Tramways ( Fowler Diesel ) – This used to run in Rajkot owned by Rajkot-Beti Tramways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WkNRsPIHes

Reviews

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Timings : 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM Closed on Monday

Entry fee : Adults Rs 20/- Children Rs.10/-

Nehru Memorial Museum &Library

Nehru Memorial Museum & Library

Nehru Memorial Museum & Library

Image result for nehru memorial museum & library new delhi
Image Credit : the indianexpress.com

The Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) is a museum and library in New Delhi , which aims to preserve and reconstruct the history of the Indian Independence movement. Housed within the Teen Murti House complex, it is an autonomous institution under the Indian Ministry of Culture, and was founded in 1964 after the death of India’s first prime minister, Jawarhalal Nehru. It aims to foster academic research on modern and contemporary history. Today, the Nehru Memorial Library is the world’s leading resource centre on India’s first prime minister  and its archives contain the bulk of Mahatma Gandhi’s writing’s  apart from private papers of C.Rajagopalachari, B.C.Roy, Jayaprakash Narayan, Charan Singh, Sarojini Naidu and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur . In March 2010 it launched a digitization project of its archives, under which by June 2011, 867,000 pages of manuscripts and 29,807 photographs were scanned and 500,000 pages uploaded on the digital library website. Amongst noted publications of the NMML are Selected Works of Jawaharlal NehruMan of Destiny by Ruskin Bond, Nehru Anthology (1980) and Nehru Anthology.

Nehru Memorial Museum & Library has over the years supported scholars and historians across India and through its fellowship programme, ‘The Nehru Memorial Fellowship’ has funded some of India’s best academics such as historian Ramachandra Guha and Chief Information Commissioner OP Kejriwal. It is also one of the best library in Delhi for Social Sciences as it has a huge collection on labour related issues in the form of PhD dissertations, reports, books,journals and news papers.On 26th April 2016 A dagger gifted to former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru by Saudi Arabia has been stolen from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. The Incident came into light when one visitor noticed a broken glass frame in the museum.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nmbci6ptig

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 05.00PM closed on Monday