All posts by Zacharia Thomas

Athirappilly

Pariyaram, Kerala 680724

Athirappilly is a first grade Grama Panchayath with 489.00 km2 area in Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is located 60 km from Thrissur city, 70 km northeast of Kochi city, 55 km northeast of Cochin International Airport, and 30 km from Chalakudy town.

The Athirappilly Falls is situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy river, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, Athirappalli is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world.

Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala, which Athirappilly States with neighbouring Ayyampuzha Panchayath . Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal.

Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, night driving is not advised. But you can enjoy the adventurous drive in the middle of jungle.
Source : wikipedia 

Vazhachal Falls
Vazhachal Falls is situated in Athirappilly Panchayath of Thrissur district in Kerala on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and at the edge of the Sholayar ranges, it is just 5 km from entrance of Athirappilly Falls. It is located 36 km from Chalakudy.
Source : wikipedia 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD1-5j-OlDA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD5gysRYI5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahdUGrjRwTI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edEnYqXEPGg
Reviews
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Timings : 08.00 am to 06.00pm
Entry : Rs.15/- per person

Attukal Pongala

Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvanathapuram

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal in Kerala.The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, in which over three million women participate. A festival that has figured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity, the Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of women with each passing year. Attukal Temple is situated within 2 kilometres of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvanatnapuram.

Attukal Pongala is the main festival of this temple. Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is a 10 days festival which falls on February – March every year (Malayalam month of Makaram – Kumbham). The festival begins on the Karthika star with the traditional Kappukettu and Kudiyiruthu ceremony, the idol of Devi, is embellished with Kappu (Bangles). The 9th day of the festival is the major attraction, The Attukal Pongala day and the festival will conclude with the Kuruthitharpanam at 10th day night.

Millions of women gather every year in the month of Kumbham around this temple and prepare Pongala (rice cooked with jiggery, ghee, coconut as well as other ingredients) in the open in small pots to please the Goddess Kannaki. Pongala (literally means to boil over) is a ritualistic offering of a sweet dish, consisting of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins. It is done as an offering to the presiding deity of the temple – the Goddess – popularly known as Attukal Amma. Only women are allowed to participate in the Pongala ritual.

Source : Wikipedia

The tentative date for Attukal Pongala 2017 is 11.03.2017. Maholtsavu is from 03.03.2017 to 12.03.2017

For Exact dates :

https://goo.gl/HMP5AZ

In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. But there can be changes in the dates according to the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2VJwrPT-W0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KpDQXJtuso

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64mOIhFGDxU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCf2ECENjl0

Reviews

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Attukal Waterfalls

Situated between Munnar and Pallivasal, Attukal Waterfalls is a charming spot frequented by tourists as well as locals. Set amidst undulating terrains and dense jungles, this waterfall can be reached through a narrow wooden bridge.

The fall looks like a glittering silver line from a distance but as you come closer, you will see water cascading from a towering height. The beauty of the waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season. Besides its natural splendour, the site is also ideal for trekking and hiking. If the water level is low, one can splash in the water pool formed at the bottom of this fall.
Opening Closing Time
10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Open all days
Source : makemytrip 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-BA3cxPzn8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR23R0G6Wu8
Reviews
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Auxerre Cathedral │The Cathedral of Saint-Etienne

Place Saint-Étienne, 89000 Auxerre, France Phone: +33 3 86 51 29 20

Auxerre Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre) is a Roman Catholic church located in Auxerre, Burgundy, France. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Stephen, and is known for its large stained glass windows.
Most of the Burgundian Gothic cathedral was built between 1215 and 1233, above an 11th-century crypt. Construction continued until the 1540s when the cupola, in Renaissance style that takes the place of one pinnacle on the completed tower, was completed. The first building campaign erected the chevet at the liturgical east end, followed later in the century by a new façade and the bases of new towers at the west end (still linked to the apse end by the nave of the old cathedral). Construction on the nave and transepts proceeded slowly throughout the 14th and 15th centuries.
The narrative sculptural program of the portals on the west end are noted for their extent and variety. Guillaume de Seignelay, bishop of Auxerre decided to undertake the reconstruction of the older edifice about 1215, to which he set an example by contributing heavily and consistently from his own resources, and even bequeathed funds after his transfer to the see of Paris in 1220. The chevet was completed by his successor, Henri de Villeneuve (1220–34); he left 1000 livres for the project, but construction slowed after his death, hampered by a dearth of funds.

Stimulus was provided about 1270 by Jean de Châlons-Rochefort, who had recently become Count of Auxerre, having supported the Duke of Burgundy against his own brother, by marrying Alix, the heiress of Auxerre. He was the largest fief-holder in the Duchy and commemorated the new status of his fief of Auxerre by enriching the front of its chief ornament, the cathedral, whose Carolingian nave had been erected by his ancestor Hugh de Châlons, 10th-century bishop of Auxerre. Its program of sculpture was carried through long after his death and completed in the early 15th century
Source : wikipedia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvtltfczpmQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwaQQmNC7Lw
Reviews
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Awesome Extreme Air Show Performed by Blue Angels Team With F/A-18 Hornet

Azheekal Beach

It is one of the most unknown and untouched beaches on the coast of Arabian Sea.In Malayalam, Aazhee means place where the Back Waters and the Sea confluence. Azheekal is located at the northern end of the land mass of Alappad peninsula in the district of Kollam, Kerala.

The Beach is conveniently located 12 Km away from Karunagappally Town. It can be accessed through Panikkar Kadavu Bridge (via Lalaji Jn) or Kallum moottil kadavu Bridge (via Mini Civil Station Jn). Beach is 7 Km away from Ochira Parabrahma Temple, can reach the Beach through Ayiramthengu Bridge. Beach is 5 Km away from Mata Amritanandamayi Math and 6 Km away from Amritapuri campus. The Beach is famous for its White Sands. The evening views of the Sunset are worth lingering over. One of the main attractions are the small islands near the Beach. Some of the islands are filled with Mangrove forests. A Pulimuttu which is 0.5 Km extended in to the Sea. The Beach is also a good spot for flying Kites.The presence of Cheenavala adds to the scenic beauty of the Beach.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKfYVNAn8ZU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0poK3RqKox4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq34mZJBksE

Reviews

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Baba House

157 Neil Rd, Singapore 088883

Phone : +65 6227 5731

Image credit : yoursingapore.com

Baba House (also referred to as NUS Baba House) is a museum in Singapore, showcasing Peranakan history, architecture and heritage. It is a traditional Peranakan pre-war terrace-house which was formerly owned by the family of a 19th-century shipping tycoon Wee Bin who settled in Singapore, after arriving from the southern Chinese province of Fujian. The Baba House is also an outpost of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Museum and co-managed by the NUS Centre for the Arts.

The House was officially opened by President of Singapore Mr S R Nathan on September 4, 2008 as the Baba House, and opened to the public on September 15, 2008. Staff and students from NUS’ School of Design and Architecture and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ South-east Asia Studies Programme were involved in the restoration, which has elaborate and intricately carved wooden windows, doors and partition screens. About 70 per cent of the furniture in the House belonged to the Wee estate, while the rest of the items were acquired from Peranakan families in Singapore and Malacca. The first two storeys of the House showcase the Peranakan domestic interior, while artists showcase modern interpretations of Peranakan culture through the exhibition gallery on the third storey. At the same time, the House will also be a venue for Peranakan culinary and craft workshops to be organized by the NUS Museum

In contrast to the Peranakan Museum, the Baba House enables visitors to experience more intimately how typical Peranakan homes looked and functioned in the 1920s, the Golden Era of Peranakan culture in Singapore. It is a showcase of lavishly carved antique furniture and items used by Chinese Peranakans of that time.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–IVlfAk3is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yCNC6zY29g

Reviews

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Opening hours : Visits are by appointment only. Visitors may sign up in advance for heritage tours which fall on,

Monday 02.00PM to 03.00PM , Tuesday 06.30PM to 07.30PM, Thursday 10.00AM to 11.00AM and Saturday 11.00AM to 12.00Noon

Entry : Heritage tour fee applies: $10 (adults) | $8 (55 years and above) | $5 (18 years and below) | $3 (NUS students)

Getting there : MRT Outram Park

Backwaters of Kochi

Kochi allures the tourists with its antiquity –the quaint ambience and monuments of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry — with its modernity – the bustling MG Road, Broadway and Marine Drive — and finally with its nature’s bounty – the stretch of backwaters.
A ride on a country boat through the backwaters offer you a great picture of the land, with many islands scattered here and there and lush greenery along the banks. Another characteristic feature of Kochi visible while on a backwater cruise is the sight of Chinese fishing nets.
You can also watch the cargo ships, passenger ships or boats passing by while you are on boat ride in the Kochi backwaters. Kettuvalloms or houseboats too are seen plying through the backwaters of Kochi.
If you are taking a ride near the Marine Drive, it will be the skyscrapers that capture your attention first. But as the boat moves, you can feel the change in ambience . The traditional tile-roofed houses with a quaint charm appears when you near West Kochi, the arresting building of Cochin Port Trust interests you when you near the Willington Islands and thus the tour offers you various pictures at various locations.
The State- Government owned Kerala Tourism Development Corporation conducts boat rides around the city as well as village tours in country boats. The trips are of different duration and starts at different timings, but all trips begin at the Sea Lord Jetty in Marine Drive. A village-backwater-canal tour is conducted through the canals that link the city with the village.
Source : keralatourism.org 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TFsGyvpfeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi2dtotdfgY
Reviews
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Bada Bagh

Ramgarh Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – 305001

Phone +91 2992 252406

Bada Bagh or Big Garden is located 6 km from Jaisalmer on the Ramgarh road. A descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of the state and Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Jai Singh IIi (1688–1743), commissioned a dam to create a water tank during his reign in the 16th century. This made the desert green in this area.

After his death on September 21, 1743, his son Lunkaran built a beautiful garden next to the lake and a cenotaph for his father on a hill next to the lake. Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here. The last cenotaph, meant for maharaja Jawahar Singh, dates from the 20th century and remains unfinished after Indian Independence.

The gardens are largely neglected, but the hill with the cenotaphs is still quite an interesting sight.

Source : Wikipedia

Reviews

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

Entry Fee : Rs.20/- for Indians and Rs.50/- for foreign tourists.

Baffled rescuers free dog mysteriously found with its tail and legs frozen into the middle of giant lake – but are then criticised for letting it go and not taking it to a shelter

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Bagore-ki-Haveli

Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Bagore-ki-Haveli is a Haveli in Udaipur. It is right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the eighteenth century.

The palace has over a hundred rooms, with displays of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors are Haveli work. It also preserves an example of Mewar painting on the walls of the Queen’s Chamber. The two peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are examples of glasswork.

There are 138 rooms, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and terraces. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, you can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms.

The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style and there are glorious coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms as well as two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship.

Unique symbols of the Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items are also on display here.

In the evening, the haveli lightens and stages enjoyable performance of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. The haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night. Bagore Ki Haveli is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6CglpGroA8

Reviews

https://goo.gl/ohQgr6

Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 05.30PM all days of the week

Entry fee : Rs.25/- per person

Baijnath Temple

NH20, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176125

Phone : 0189 426 3126

Baijnath, a small township in the Dhauladhar range of western Himalayas, 16 km from Palampur in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its 13th century temple dedicated to Siva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. Originally known as Kiragrama, the town lies on Pathankot-Chakki-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, a tributary of river Beas.

The Baijnath temple has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the temple indicate that a temple of Siva existed on the spot even before the present one was constructed. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is through a vestibule that has a large square Mandapa in front with two massive balconies one each in north and south. There is a small porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared shrine. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The outer doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them are very rare to be found elsewhere.

The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year.

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n40aYKX4ACA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeLD8ZWXKwo

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 06.00AM to 09.00PM

Bakrota Hills

Bakrota Hills, located 5 kms. away from Dalhousie at an altitude of 2100 meters, is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and serene landscapes. Thick ‘Deodar’ forests seem like a beautiful carpet covering the surrounding hills. While walking through the hills every turning looks beautiful when the golden sunshine filter through the oak, pine and Deodar trees and fall on the ground, creating a magical effect on the hill. Dalhousie experiences heavy snowfall during winter and then majestic Bakrota Hills start the white magic of snow and enjoy. A journey to Dalhousie is incomplete without a walk through this magical paradise. It is surely one of the must visiting places in the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUuuI9IKRsQ

Reviews

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Banana Reef

North Male Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives has become one of the world’s best Scuba diving destinations, because of the white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear warm waters, scuba diving sites and rich marine life.

Most holiday resorts in the Maldives have a scuba diving facility and there are a number of liveaboard operators offering scuba diving cruise holidays that take guests to many dive sites all over the Maldives. Many scuba divers are keen to dive in the Maldives because of the presence of whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and moray eels, as well as many smaller fish and coral specie

Banana Reef was the first dive site to be discovered in the Maldives which continues to be one of the most popular. The dive, which ranges in depth from 5 to 30 meters, has several interesting characteristics including a pinnacle and some overhangs. Coral formations here are prolific and colorful, attracting an extensive variety of fish, including squirrelfish, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips. Currents can be strong at times around the reef, with occasional turbulence occurring around the overhangs. As such, the use of a surface balloon is recommended.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOOD_Lewx30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os6k0ki3jFw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3gyjAsuEE

Reviews

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Banni Grasslands Reserve

Banni Grasslands Reserve or Banni grasslands form a belt of arid grassland ecosystem on the outer southern edge of the desert of the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch in Kutch District, Gujarat State, India. They are known for rich wildlife and biodiversity and are spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometres. They are currently legally protected under the status as a protected or reserve forest in India. Though declared a protected forest more than half a century ago Gujarat state’s forest department has recently proposed a special plan to restore and manage this ecosystem in the most efficient way. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has identified this grassland reserve as one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India and a possible reintroduction site for the species.
The Gujarat State government is developing Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve, along with the surrounding areas in and around the Banni grasslands in the district of Kutch, for ecotourism.

To boost tourism in the area a few of the local villages in Banni are being developed as village resorts, showcasing local arts, crafts, ancient architecture of Kutch and traditional Kutchi cuisine; these mini resorts are being run by the villagers themselves in collaboration with the formal tourism infrastructure. A 270 km stretch has also been specially created in the grasslands of the Banni for the Adani Desert Car Rally organised by Kutch Infrastructure Development Society.
Source Wikipedia  

Barot

Barot located at a distance of 65 kms from Mandi, is a village, originally developed in 1920s for Shanan Hydel Project is now a tourist location in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.  It is sometimes possible to use the funicular trolley from Jogindernagar. The road route includes terraced fields and thick cedar forests,

Barot is a frequent backpacker and day tourist destination. Many trekking trails pass through Barot, including trails to Bada Bhangal, Maali and Kullu . Most of the day tourists are attracted by the serene surroundings and cheap availability of accommodation.

Of late, Barot is also developing into an angling destination. The Uhl supports trout breeding and Barot has a few fish farms. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctury, home to goral, Himalayan black bear and a variety of pheasants. Three artificial lakes including one reservoir on Uhl river enhance the beauty of this magnificent hidden treasure as one enters the Barot village near Dhrangan. An old fountain channelising the waters of Uhl erupting at regular intervals is another source of attraction. Just opposite the fountain, two centeres of religious faith are situated. One is the temple of Dev Pashakot, the local deity of rain whereas the other is old temple which have been the witness to majority of couples of valley getting tied in marital bonds. The Thandi Golai ground on the way to old Mayot road is the camp site for various treckers organised by the trecking organisers. Rulling, the highest village in Mandi district is just an hour’s uphill treck falling in Lapas panchayat.

The funicular trolley system connecting Barot with Jogindernagar built during the construction of the Shanan Hydel project and was the only access until the road was opened in 1975. This trolley link was set up to facilitate transport of construction material to Barot for a reservoir on Uhl river for Shanan Power House. However, once the road connection was established, the trolley fell into a state of disrepair.It is currently owned and maintained by the Punjab State Electricity Board. Currently, the trolley is not in use and is only operated for occasional inspections of the penstocks

Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiCj8UvUWo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GVHEYYf5o0

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

Reviews

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Barra da Tijuca Beach

Barra da Tijuca (usually known as Barra) is an upper-class neighborhood or bairro in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located in the western portion of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. Barra is well known for its beaches, its many lakes and rivers, and its lifestyle. This neighbourhood represents 4.7% of the city population and 13% of the total area of Rio de Janeiro.
Beach
The 18 km long beach is the largest of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches. Barra’s beach starts at Morro do Joá and ends at the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, in Pontal de Sernambetiba, beyond Avenida Lúcio Costa. Most of its waters are clear and green, and have an uncommon wave formation.[clarification needed] Barra da Tijuca beach is one of the most sought after beaches by surfers, windsurfers, bodyboarders, kitesurfers and fishing enthusiasts. There is also a cycling lane along the beach. Pepê beach, closer do Morro do Joá, has kite surf schools, food kiosks, and surf schools.
Source : Wikipedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6VnD6ZTB18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OarYxhDt98k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV1n3-7lbR0
Review
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Bashweshwar Mahadev Temple

Bishweshwar Temple Rd, Bajaura, Himachal Pradesh 175125

Basheshwar Mahadeva temple is 15 km away from Kullu. It has a ninth century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has intricate stone carvings.
Basheshwar Temple, Bajuara, KulluBajaura is on the main road where BASHESHWAR MAHADEV temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century. The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21, about 4 kms from Bhuntar Airport. There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one. The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara.The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings.

Source : himachaltouristguide.com

Visiting hours : 06.00AM to 07.00PM

Basilica Notre Dame de Beaune │Basilica of Our Lady of Beaune

Place du Général Leclerc, 21200 Beaune, France Phone: +33 3 80 26 22 70

The Basilica of Our Lady of Beaune is a canonical ensemble dating from the second half of the xii th century located in Beaune in Côte-d’Or .
The collegiate Basilica Notre-Dame de Beaune is one of the last great Romanesque churches of Burgundy . Its construction was begun in the middle of the xii th century on the model clunysien and was completed early in the next century maintaining a remarkable stylistic unity.
The basilica is classified as a historical monument by inscription on the list of historical monuments of 1840 . The convent building ( presbytery ) is registered as a historic monument since May 26 , 1926.
The church includes a nave with two aisles, a transept and a choir with apse , ambulatory and radiant chapels. The nave, the transept and the choir are covered with broken cradle arches, the aisles and the ambulatory of arches, the porch, the apse, the chapels , the cloister and the chapter house of ogive vaults. , the chapel Button a ceiling. Around 1690, Gabriel Revel realized The Adoration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 2 , an oil on canvas of 243 × 223 cm 3
Source : wikipedia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcjf7ITuUd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh6dc3xMrSg
Reviews
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Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine│ Vezelay Abbey

89450 Vézelay, France.    Phone : +33 3 86 33 39 50

Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine │Vézelay Abbey was a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery in Vézelay in the Yonne department in northern Burgundy, France. The Benedictine abbey church, now the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine (Saint Mary Magdalene), with its complicated program of imagery in sculpted capitals and portals, is one of the outstanding masterpieces of Burgundian Romanesque art and architecture. Sacked by the Huguenots in 1569, the building suffered neglect in the 17th and the 18th centuries and some further damage during the period of the French Revolution.
The Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine and hill at Vézelay were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
Claimed relics of Mary Magdalene can be seen inside the Basilica
Source : wikipedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI8tY7T3Dz8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDyxkGiPcDc
Reviews
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Basilica of San Francisco el Grande

Calle San Buenaventura, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Phone : +34 913 65 38 00

The Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande is a Roman Catholic church in central Madrid, Spain, located in the Barrio (neighborhood) of La Latina. The main façade faces the Plaza of San Francisco, at the intersection of Bailén, the Gran Vía de san Francisco, and the Carrera de san Francisco. It forms part of the convent of Jesús y María of the Franciscan order. The convent was founded in the 13th century at the site of a chapel.

The basilica was designed in a Neoclassic style in the second half of the 18th century, based on a design by Francisco Cabezas, developed by Antonio Pló, and completed by Francesco Sabatini. The church contains paintings by Zurbarán and Francisco Goya. The temple once functioned as the National pantheon and enshrined the remains of famous artists and politicians.

The dome is 33 metres (108 ft) in diameter and 58 metres (190 ft) in height; its shape is very similar to the Pantheon’s dome, having a more circular shape than the typical domes built in the 18th century.

Although they are derelict and unringable, the church holds the only peal of change ringing bells in Spain, and in Southern Europe, cast by John Warner and Sons in 1882 and weighing around 430kg.
Source : wikipedia 
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Basilica Of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the most prominent Franciscan churches and a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Here are some key details about the Basilica of Santa Croce:

History: Construction of the basilica began in 1294 and was completed in the mid-14th century. It was built on the site where a small church originally stood.

Architectural Style: The Basilica of Santa Croce is a prime example of Italian Gothic architecture. Its facade features a series of pointed arches, rose windows, and intricate details.

Location: The basilica is situated in the Piazza Santa Croce in the historic center of Florence, not far from the Florence Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria.

Franciscan Order: The basilica is closely associated with the Franciscan order, and it serves as a Franciscan church. It is often referred to as the Temple of the Italian Glories due to its historical and artistic significance.

Interior: The interior of Santa Croce is vast and contains numerous chapels, each adorned with frescoes, sculptures, and artwork. The chapels are dedicated to various saints and historical figures.

Tombs of Famous Figures: The basilica is the final resting place for several notable figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Dante Alighieri. Their tombs are among the highlights of a visit to Santa Croce.

Frescoes: The basilica is adorned with a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of various saints and biblical stories. The Bardi Chapel and the Peruzzi Chapel are particularly renowned for their frescoes.

Cenotaph of Dante: Although Dante Alighieri is buried in Ravenna, a cenotaph (a symbolic tomb) honoring the poet is located in Santa Croce.

Cloister: The basilica includes a beautiful cloister with a peaceful garden, providing a serene escape from the bustling city.

Events and Concerts: Santa Croce hosts various events, including religious ceremonies, cultural events, and classical music concerts.

The Basilica of Santa Croce stands not only as a place of worship but as a testament to the rich history, culture, and artistry of Florence. It’s a must-visit destination for those exploring the artistic treasures of the city and seeking a deeper connection to its past.
Source : openai.com
Visiting hours : 09.30 AM to 05.00 PM
Entrance : https://shorturl.at/pyDJ6
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The Basilica of Santa Croce stands not only as a place of worship but as a testament to the rich history, culture, and artistry of Florence

Batu Caves

Selangor, Malaysia

Phone : +60 1-300-88-5050

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu (Batu River), which flows past the hill and also it is the tenth (Pattu in Tamil) limestone hill from Ampang.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.

Rising almost 100 m above the ground, the Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The biggest, referred to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a very high ceiling and features ornate Hindu shrines. To reach it, visitors must climb a steep flight of 272 steps.

At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings. The Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of the hill. On the way to the Ramayana Cave, there is a 15 m (50 ft) tall statue of Hanuman and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, devotee and aide of Lord Rama.

The Ramayana Cave depicts the story of Rama in a chronicle manner along the irregular walls of the cave.

A 42.7-metre (140 ft) high statue of Lord Murugan was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world.

Source : Wikipedia

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Visiting hours : 06.00AM to 09.00PM

Getting there : Batu Caves is easily reached by commuter train at Batu Caves Komuter station, costing RM 4.4 for a one-way journey from KL Sentral . Batu Caves may also be reached by bus 11/11d from Bangkok Bank Terminus (Near to Puduraya Terminus) or bus U6 from Titiwangsa.Batu Caves is also easily reached by travelling in car.

Batu Ferringhi 

Source : Wikipedia

Batu Ferringhi, the second most popular destination after George Town, is a suburb of George town in Penang, Malaysia.Famous for its beaches, It is one of the prime tourist destinations on Penang Island. It consists of a long stretch of soft, sandy beach along a winding road named Jalan Batu Ferringhi. Its waters are popular spots for a range of water sports activities such as parasailing and windsurfing.

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Getting there: You can  catch bus 101 from Chulia Street opposite the 7-Eleven all the way to the beach  17 km away by bus.

From the jetty where the ferry from Butterworth to Penang terminates, you can catch bus 101 out to the beach.

The 101 departs from the left hand side of the bus station as you come off of the ferry and leaves every 10 to 20 minutes. Distance from the jetty is 18km and tickets cost RM 2.70.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Chakranpadi, Kumarakom North (p.o),
Kottayam, Kerala
Ph: +91 481 2526223
Curator (Mob):+91 9447464296

A museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood sculptures of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern art form, Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.
During her professional tenure in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, a dynamic lady school teacher used to pick up pieces of driftwood deposited by the sea in the sea shores, comprising twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots etc. which had potential for transformation to sculptures with marginal efforts, thanks to the Bay of Bengal prone to frequent cyclones that make the sea turbulent and unpredictable. Every cyclone brought back many things to the shore as it washed away from it. Some of these wood pieces and roots were centuries old, and having drifted across the seas they became more resilient. Having traversed vast distances, what is left of a tree is its sturdiest part which has weathered much inclemency. The gathered pieces were cleansed, dead parts removed, scraped and trimmed to conform to the shape she had in mind. Many of these pieces closely resemble birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Shaping, scraping, polishing, finishing and preserving are done with fierce dedication.
The admirers and connoisseurs of this rare and innovative form of art frequent the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. The student community finds the art form adopted in the preparation of the exhibits in the museum interesting and educative as the museum inculcates in them the qualities of imagination, creativity, originality, and initiation to produce useful articles out of materials normally considered waste.

National record 2010 & 2013
The Limca Book of Records has certified that Bay Island Museum ( est 2001) located in kumarakom, kerala, the only drift wood museum, showcases objects that have been painstakingly recovered and collected from the andaman seas and beaches by Raji Punnoose (proprietor and curator) during her career as a post graduate teacher in the islands.
The India Book of Records(2013) also has certified that the Bay Island Driftwood Museum(Estt 2001) is the only driftwood museum in India that showcases driftwood of various shapes and sizes.
Source : bayislandmuseum.com
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Visiting Hours:
Weekday: 1000 – 1700 hrs
Sunday: 1130 – 1700 hrs
Monday: Holiday
Entry : Rs.50/- per person

Beemapally Mosque

Beemapally is a muslim mosque situated in Thiruvananthapuram. The mosque is widely visited by people of all religions and castes. This mosque houses the tomb of Syedunnisa Beema Beevi who was a Muslim lady with divine powers and her son Syedushuhadamaheen Abubacker. Every year, a feast is held in honor of Beema Beevi. Pilgrims from across the state and globe come to the mosque to witness the feast. This mosque is famous for the yearly Urs. The most important festival celebrated here is the Chandanakudam festival which begins on the first of Jama dul Akbar.The festival lasts for the next 10 days. The mosque is also renowned for the yearly Uroos. Chandanakudam Mahotsavam, also known as Beemapalli Uroos, is a very colorful festival that is celebrated to mark the death anniversary of Beema Bheevi.The celebration starts with hoisting the traditional flag of the mosque in front of the elders and other devotees. This denotes the beginning of the festival. The devotees carry money in pots which are decorated with flowers and incense sticks. Sandal paste is also smeared on these pots; hence it is called as Chandanakudam. The opening of the pots is covered with white cloth and a garland is tied around the neck of the pot. Beemapally Mosque Thiruvananthapuram is easily accessible from both Trivandrum International Airport and Trivandrum Central Railway station which lie 2 km and 8 km away respectively.

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Behind enemy lines: Nazi soldiers come under attack and snipers take aim at Allies in colour photoshttps://goo.gl/MjPKwN

These remarkable pictures of Nazi Germany forces in battle, in mourning and at rest were colourised and brought to life by British electrician Royston Leonard, who set out to show World War II “from all sides”

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Beras Basah Island

Pulau Beras Basah, Kedah, Malaysia

Phone : +604-966 7789 Langkawi Tourist Information Centre

Located at the western tip of Langkawi,  Beras Basah Island offers a relaxing getaway with its pristine beaches and lush green forest.
Visitors to Beras Basah island usually come as part of a 4- hour island hopping tour, which includes Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Almost every travel agency in Langkawi would be able to assist you in arranging the island hopping tour.
As the island isn’t very commercialised, don’t expect the place to be abuzz with activity. Rather, take some time out for yourself and relax with a book, sunbathe, or go for a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters.
Source : malaysia.travel/en

Beras Basah Island, located 25 kilometres southwest of Kuah, features expansive sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and clear blue waters against a verdant mountain backdrop. Therefore, we highly recommend bringing along a change of clothes, blankets, and beach essentials during this trip.
Despite its popularity amongst tourists, Pulau Beras Basah remains mostly underdeveloped save for several washrooms and rustic-looking stalls selling drinks and snacks for their convenience. There isn’t any accommodation on the island, so an overnight stay is inadvisable for travellers.
Great for travelling families, the waters surrounding Pulau Beras Basah are shallow enough for children to swim in while banana boats, parasails and jet-ski rentals are available at RM100 onwards.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wooden pier on the island or simply sunbathe on the beach. This island is also home to wild monkeys, so be aware about leaving your belongings out in the open as they have a tendency to grab unattended bags in search for food.
Pulau Beras Basah is boat-ride from Kuah Jetty and the best way to visit the island is via an island-hopping tour, where you can enjoy various recreational activities for about an hour before heading off to other Langkawi islets. If you are travelling in a group and want to explore the island according to your own pace, speedboat rentals are available between RM600 and RM900.
Source : langkawi-info.com/attractions

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The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris or Canis familiaris) is a member of genus Canis (canines) that forms part of the wolf-like canids, and is the most widely abundant carnivore. The dog and the extant gray wolf are sister taxa, with modern wolves not closely related to the wolves that were first domesticated. The dog was the first domesticated species and has been selectively bred over millennia for various behaviors, sensory capabilities, and physical attributes.
Their long association with humans has led dogs to be uniquely attuned to human behavior and they are able to thrive on a starch-rich diet that would be inadequate for other canid species. Dogs vary widely in shape, size and colours. They perform many roles for people, such as hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, assisting police and military, companionship and, more recently, aiding handicapped individuals. This influence on human society has given them the sobriquet “man’s best friend”.
It is estimated that three-quarters of the world’s dog population lives in the developing world as feral, village, or community dogs, with pet dogs uncommon.
“The most widespread form of interspecies bonding occurs between humans and dogs” and the keeping of them as companions, particularly by elites, has a long history. (As a possible example, at the Natufian culture site of Ain Mallaha in Israel, dated to 12,000 BC, the remains of an elderly human and a four-to-five-month-old puppy were found buried together). However, pet dog populations grew significantly after World War II as suburbanization increased. In the 1950s and 1960s, they were kept outside more often than they tend to be today (using the expression “in the doghouse” to describe exclusion from the group signifies the distance between the doghouse and the home) and were still primarily functional, acting as a guard, children’s playmate, or walking companion. From the 1980s, there have been changes in the role of the pet dog, such as the increased role of them in the emotional support of their human guardians. People and dogs have become increasingly integrated and implicated in each other’s lives, to the point where pet dogs actively shape the way a family and home are experienced.
There have been two major trends in the changing status of pet dogs. The first has been the ‘commodification’ of the dog, shaping it to conform to human expectations of personality and behaviour. The second has been the broadening of the concept of the family and the home to include dogs-as-dogs within everyday routines and practices.
Source : wikipedia

Bhagsu Waterfalls

Bhagsu is like a picturesque taste of Indian village life combined with technology; many of the old authentic houses here share the landscape with recently built guest houses catering to the increasing number of visitors.

Bhagsu has a known ancient Shiv temple. The main attraction for the tourists is not only the temple but also the Bhagsu waterfall and the public swimming pool.

Bhagsu waterfalls is located in Bhagsunaag village, 2 kms from McLeodganj, behind the Bhagsu temple, in the district of Dharmasala, state of Himachal Pradesh. The waterfall is 7112 feet (2165 meters) in height.

The name of the waterfall has been derived from that of the vanquished King Bhagsu. The folklore that makes it round in the place is that about 5000 years ago, Nagdevta, the snake God declared a war against King Bhagsu who dared to steal the sacred water from Nagdal Lake. The king was defeated by Nagdevta and forgiven. At this site was built the sacred Bhagsunag temple which gives importance to the king and to the snake god and the waterfall got the name of Bhagsunag. The temple is revered by the Ghorkhali community.

Bhagsu waterfalls is a spectacular sight especially because it needs a bit of hard trek to reach there. One needs to climb half a mountain with marked pathways. There is a marked path littered with beautiful stones that was actually a river which dried up during the dry season.

The inhabitants in the villages and towns nearby are mainly Gorkhas. There are a large number of Israelis in Bhagsu, the vicinity around McLeodganj has Haddy, a shepherd tribe. They are the original inhabitants from Dhauladhar, and the followers of spiritual leader and head monks of the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Bhudhism Dalai Lama, who lives in McLeodganj. The people mainly speak Hindi, Gorkhali and a smattering of English, because they have to communicate with so many foreign tourists from all over the world.
Source :beautyspotsofindia.com

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Bhandashah Jain Temple

Bhandashah Jain Temple  is the oldest existing structure in Bikaner. The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514 A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them. It is believed that the temple was made with 40,000 kilograms of ghee instead of mortar, which locals insist seeps through the walls on hot days. The entire temple building is divided into three floors and is Carved in red sand stone and white marble – it is famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artistically designed statues. The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah: and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy. The ground floor of the Bhandasar Jain Temple mesmerizes you into a calm trance as your eyes rest on the white marble statue of Lord Sumatinath perched on a silver throne atop a 2 feet high pavilion. On the 1st floor of the temple are beautiful miniatures of the sentries of the gods. The views over the city from the 3rd floor, with the desert stretching to the west is wonderful and worthwhile.

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Visiting hours : 06.00AM to 07.00PM,  all days of the week

Bhangarh Fort

Tehsil, Gola ka baas, Rajgarh, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410
Phone : +918529707106
88 kms. from Jaipur

The Bhangarh Fort is a 16th-century fort built in the Rajasthan state of India. It was built by Bhagwant Das for his younger son Madho Singh. The fort and its precincts are well preserved.

The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in Alwar district of Rajasthan. The nearest village is Gola ka Baas.The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the king’s palace are located on the lower slope of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.

The fort is located 235 kilometres (146 mi) from Delhi and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) stretch of the road is unpaved. The fort is 20 miles (32 km) from Thana Ghazi. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is 88.2 Km from the fort.

According to legend, a sadhu named Baba Balak Nath lived within the fort area, and it was his injunction that any house built in the precinct of the fort should not be taller than his own, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his, it would result in destruction of the fort town. According to another tale, a wizard adept in black magic named Sinhai fell in love with Ratnavati, a beautiful Bhangarh princess with many suitors. One day, the wizard followed her to the marketplace and offered her a love potion; however, she refused it, throwing it onto a large rock that consequently rolled onto the wizard and crushed him to death.

Entering through the main gate of the completely ruined fort city, one can find temples, palaces, and havelis. In addition, there are four more points of entry to the fort – the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Phulbari Gate, and the Delhi Gate. At the entrance of the main gate are many Hindu temples such as Hanuman Temple, Gopinath Temple, Someshwar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Navin Temple. The Gopinath Temple is built above a 14 ft raised plinth, and yellow stones are used for the exquisite carvings of the temple. The residence of the priest, called the Purohitji Ki Haveli, is located in the precincts of the temple complex. Next in order is the Nachan Ki Haveli (dancer’s palace) and Jauhari Bazar (market place), followed by the Gopinath Temple. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort’s limits.

The temples dedicated to Hanuman and Shiv Mahadev are built in the style of cenotaphs rather than temples. Jhiri marble has been used in their construction. A Muslim tomb found outside the gate of the fort is reported to be that of one of the sons of King Hari Singh.
Source : wikipedia 
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Visiting hours : 06.00 am to 06.00 pm
Entry : Rs.25/-

Bhangarh Fort – Asia’s most haunted town

Located in between Jaipur and Sariska National Park

The Bhangarh Fort is a 17th-century fort built in the Rajasthan state of India. It was built by Man Singh I (one of the navratans of Akbar’s court) for his younger brother Madho Singh I. It was named by Madho Singh after his grandfather Man Singh or Bhan Singh. A new village of Bhangarh with a population of 1,306 in 200 households has developed outside the limits of the fort. The fort and its precincts are well preserved.

Geography
The Bhangarh Fort is located on the border of the Sariska Reserve in the Aravali range of hills in Alwar district of Rajasthan.The nearest village is Golakabaas. The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain. The ruins of the King’s palace are located on the lower slopes of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.

The fort is located 235 kilometres (146 mi) from Delhi and the approach to the entrance gate of the fort in the last 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) stretch of the road is an unpaved road.

Legends
There are two legends narrated to the history of the fort city, which is reported to be haunted, and no one is allowed to remain in the precincts of the fort at night, per a notice board put up by the Archaeological Survey of India at the entrance.

One version of the legend is that a sadhu named Baba Balak Nath lived within the fort area. It was his injunction that any houses built in the precincts of the fort should not be taller than his house, and if the shadow of any such house fell on his house, it would result in destruction of the fort town.

In another version, N.K. SINHAI, the wizard who was adept in black magic fell in love with Ratnavati, the princess of Bhangarh who was very beautiful and had suitors to marry her from many royal families of the country. One day the princess, 18 years of age, went shopping with her friends and was buying Ittar (scent). The wizard saw this and replaced the scent with a love potion in order to ensnare the princess. He offered the potion to her so that she would take a liking to him and marry him.However, the princess saw through the wizard’s trickery, and when he offered her the bowl of potion, she threw it onto a big boulder nearby. As a result, the boulder started rolling down towards the wizard and crushed him. Before he died, he cursed that Bhangarh would be destroyed soon and no one would be able to live within its precincts. Subsequently, Bhangarh Fort was invaded by the Mughals from the north and the city was surrounded and sacked; 10,000 people lived in the fort city at that time. All the people in the fort, including the princess, were killed. The present state of the fort is attributed to the curse of the wizard and people believe the ghosts in the fort are that of the princess and the wizard.

Features
Entering through the main gate of the completely ruined fort city, one can find temples, palaces and havelis. In addition, there are four more gates of entry to the fort – the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Phulbari Gate and the Delhi Gate. At the entrance of the main gate, are many Hindu temples such as Hanuman Temple, Gopinath Temple, Someshwar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple and Navin Temple] The Gopinath Temple is built above a 14 ft raised plinth and yellow stones are used for the exquisite carvings of the temple. The residence of the priest called the Purohitji Ki Haveli is located in the precincts of the temple complex. Next in order is the Nachan Ki Haveli (dancer’s palace) and Jauhari Bazar (market place) followed by the Gopinath Temple. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort’s limits.

The temples dedicated to Hanuman and Shiv Mahadev are built in the style of cenotaphs rather than temples. Jhirri marble has been used in their construction but presently covered by white wash. The Muslim tomb found outside the gate of the fort is reported to be that of one of the sons of King Hari Singh.

Source : Wikipedia

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Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

Saheli Marg, Madhuban, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution based in Udaipur in Rajastha state in India engaged in studying folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and to popularise and propagate folk arts, folk dances and folk literature. It was set up in 1952 by Devilal Samar. The institution has a museum that exhibits collection of folk articles from Rajasthan like rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. There is puppet theater (Kathputli) too where puppet shows are held at regular interval.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal recently performed in Toronto Canada at the Living Arts Centre, Mississauga. They brought the Life of Swami Vivekananda and his message alive. Everyone in attendance enjoyed it.

Source : Wikipedia

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Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 06.00PM, all days of the week

Entry fee : Rs.20/- for Indians and Rs.35/- for foreign tourists

Bhoothathankettu

Kothamangalam – Idamalayar Road, Kerala 686681
Phone: +91-4842367334

Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Kerala, India. It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi. The original natural dam has been supplemented by a modern dam impounding the Bhoothathankettu Reservoir (Thattekad Reservoir). During the Malayatoor pilgrim season, travelers use the roads through the forest.
Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on both sides of the Periyar River to form the dam, making it look like a natural dam built by superhumans. The name Bhoothathan Kettu, means “monster fort”; past generations believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster).
Source : wikipedia 
Eye -pleasing sceneries, bird watching, adventure trekking, wild life photography, boating are the key attractions that draw tourists here.
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. Trekking through the forests here is an exhiliarating experience.
The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district – the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar, one of the biggest Hydro Electric projects are also located nearby.
A very popular picnic spot, the dam has a children’s park, a pedal boating centre and a restaurant.
Source : keralatourism.org 
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Entry : Rs.10/-per person

Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake is a lake located at an elevation of around 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located to the east of Rohtang Pass and is around 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Gulaba village. It can be reached by trekking either from the Vashishth temple, which is famous for its hot water springs, which is close to the town of Manali or from Gulaba village. Actually there is no settlement in Gulaba and is actually an area of the Pir Panjal mountain range. It is named after Maharishi Bhrigu.

Legend has it that the sage used to mediate near the lake and hence it has been rendered sacred; the locals believe that due to this the lake never freezes completely.

Source : Wikipedia

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Bhuri Singh Museum

Hatnala Gali, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh 176310

Phone :  0189 922 2590

The Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba was established on September 14, 1908 in honour of the raja at the time, Raja Bhuri Singh, who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. J. Ph. Vogel, an eminent indologist, and expert on the history of Chamba state, proposed the museum to preserve a number of valuable inscriptions, mostly in Sarda script, which contained some rare information about the medieval history of Chamba; the Prashastis (Inscriptions) of Sarahan, Devi-ri-kothi and mul Kihar (fountain inscription) are still preserved in the museum. Bhuri Singh donated his family collection of paintings to the museum, including royal portraits which ranged from Basohli to Guler-Kangra in style, and embroidered Pahari miniatures. Numerous artifacts, important to the heritage of Chamba were added, including coins, hill jewelry and royal and tradiitional costumes, arms and armour, musical instruments and other items. The current museum was built in 1975 in concrete.

Source : Wikipedia

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Visiting hours : 10.00AM to 05.00PM, Closed on Gazetted holiday and every Monday

Entry : Indian Citizens Rs. 20/-, Foreign citizens Rs.100/-, Still camera Rs.100/- and video Camera Rs. 1500/-

Big Beach

Big Beach, also known as “Oneloa Beach” and “Mākena Beach”, is a popular spot for sunbathing and bodyboarding by both tourists and locals. Big Beach is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and more than 100 feet (30 m) wide. The shore is fairly protected from wind. The “Makena cloud” that stretches from the top of Haleakalā to Kahoʻolawe is often overhead, cooling the sand. One song has been written by Lazar Brcic Kostic with lyric “Makena Beach”
Source : wikipedia
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Reviews
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Big Winch

XQR5+96 Mount Clarence Station, South Australia, Australia
This 8m high structure which overlooks the town was built by Klaus Wirries in the 1970’s to celebrate the Opal Capital of the World. The Big Winch was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1986.
Sitting on top of a mound overlooking the town, Big Winch was originally built in the 1970s as a tribute to Coober Pedy’s opal-mining industry. Today, the main reason to visit this structure is its scenic lookout, which offers sweeping views of the town’s underground homes with flat rooftops and almost barren surroundings.
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BIGGEST Guard Dogs in the World

Bijli Mahadev temple

Kashawri, Himachal Pradesh 175138

Bijli Mahadev is one of the sacred temples of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 2,460m in the Kullu Valley. Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India. Located 22 km from Kullu across the Beas river, it can be approached by a rewarding trek of 3 km.

A panoramic view of Kullu and Paravati valleys can be seen from the temple. The 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun.

In this temple of lightning, it is said that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightning. It is believed that the priest of the temple has to restore the Shiva linga placed inside the temple using butter and sattoo after every lightning as it shatters to pieces with flash of lightning.
Source : wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ir_WL4pICc

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 04.00AM to 08.00PM

Birla Mandir

Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

Phone : 0141 5110598

Birla Mandir, Jaipur is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur of Rajasthan state , India and is part of one of the several Birla Mandirs located all around the country. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari hill in Rajasthan. The temple is sometimes also referred to as the Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Birla temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Stained glass windows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel.The images of Lakshmi and Narayan attract the attention, being made out from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events.

Source : Wikipedia

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

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 05.00AM to09.00PM, all days of the week.

Bishnoi Village

23 Kms from Jodhpur

Bishnoi (also known as Vishnoi) is a religious group found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. They follow a set of 29 principles given by Guru Jambheshwar. Jambheshwar, who lived in the 15th century, said that trees and wildlife should be protected, prophesying that harming the environment means harming oneself.

History
Bishnoism was founded by Guru Jambheshwar of Bikaner, who was born in 1499, and is buried in Talwa/Mukam in Bikaner. He announced a set of 29 tenets.The name Bishnoi was derived from “Vishnu”. His spiritual name was Jambhaji. These were contained in a document written in the Nagri script called Shabdwani, which consists of 120 shabds. Of his 29 tenets, ten are directed towards personal hygiene and maintaining good basic health, seven for healthy social behaviour, and four tenets to the worship of God. Eight tenets have been prescribed to preserve bio-diversity and encourage good animal husbandry. These include a ban on killing animals and felling green trees, and providing protection to all life forms. The community is also directed to see that the firewood they use is devoid of small insects. Wearing blue clothes is prohibited because the dye for colouring them is obtained by cutting a large quantity of shrubs.

Demographics
Bishnois are found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The adherents of the sect are the descendants of immigrants from Bikaner, parts of Haryana and Punjab and are exclusively Jats and Rajputs by caste, though they often abandon the caste name and describe themselves simply as Bishnois. They do not allow intercaste marriage. In addition, there are followers from castes such as the Agrawals and Guptas, most of whom are located in Uttar Pradesh.

Places of pilgrimage
The most prominent places of pilgrimage of the Bishnois is situated at village called Mukam in a temple in Nokha Tehsil, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.

Khejarli Massacre
The Bishnoi narrate the story of Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman who, along with more than 363 other Bishnois, died saving the Khejarli trees. Nearly two centuries ago, Maharajah Abhay Singh of Jodhpur required wood for the construction of his new palace. So the king sent his soldiers to cut trees in the nearby region of Khejarli, where the village is filled with the large number of trees. But when Amrita Devi and local villagers came to know about it, they opposed the king’s men. The feudal party told her that if she wanted the trees to be spared, she would have to give them money as a bribe. She refused to acknowledge this demand and told them that she would consider it as an act of insult to her religious faith and would rather give away her life to save the green trees. This is still remembered as the great Khejarli sacrifice. Some Bishnois who were killed protecting the trees were buried in Khejerli village near Jodhpur, where a simple grave with four pillars had been erected. Every year, in September, the Bishnois assemble there to commemorate the extreme sacrifice made by their people to preserve their faith and religion.

29 tenets
The 29 tenets of Bishnoism state:

1. Observe 30 days’ state of ritual impurity after child’s birth and keep mother and child away from household activities.
2. Observe 5 days’ segregation while a woman is in her menses.
3. Take bath daily in the morning.
4. Obey the ideal rules of life: Modesty, Patience or satisfactions, cleanliness.
5. Pray two times everyday (morning and Evening).
6. Eulogise God, Vishnu, in evening hours (Aarti)
7. Perform Yajna (Havan) with the feelings of welfare devotion and love.
8. Use filtered water, milk and cleaned firewood.
9. Speak pure words in all sincerity.
10.Practice forgiveness from heart.
11.Be merciful by heart.
12.Don’t steal or keep any intention to do it.
13.Do not condemn or criticize.
14.Don’t lie.
15.Don’t indulge in dispute/debate.
16.Fast on Amavashya.
17.Worship and recite Lord Vishnu in adoration
18.Have merciful on all living beings and love them.
19.Do not cut green trees, save the environment.
20.Crush lust, anger, greed and attachment.
21.Cook your food by yourself.
22.Provide shelters for abandoned animals to avoid them from being slaughtered in abattoirs.
23.Don’t sterilise bull.
24.Don’t conuse or trade opium.
25.Don’t smoke or use tobacco or it’s products .
26.Don’t take bhang or hemp.
27.Don’t drink alcohol/liquor.
28.Don’t eat meat, always remain pure vegetarian.
29.Don’t wear blue clothes.

Source : Wikipedia

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Reviews

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Biyadhoo Island

Biyaadhoo or Biyadhoo is a circular ten-acre resort-island in South Male atoll  of the Maldives. The island is located 18 miles south of Male International airport. It is located 330 yards from another resort-island, Villivaru. Both Biyaadhoo- and Villivaru islands are owned and managed by the Taj group from India. It is mostly made up by the Biyadhoo Island Resort, but remains a densely vegetated and forested island.  There is one resort, a restaurant, spa, and one bar located on the island, all which are parts of the resort.

The island of Biyadhoo is oftentimes referred to as a Scuba-diving island, and its situation in South Male Atoll gives access to many famous diving sites in the Maldives. The scuba-diving in the area is famous for sites such as Kandooma Thila, known for its dense schools of fish species, Kandooma Caves, which is famous for its soft corals, and the Protected Marine Area of Guraidhoo Kandu, which is a broad, fast channel. The Nautico Watersports Center runs the scuba-diving on both Villvaru- and Biyadhoo islands. It is close to shore all the way around, with an abundance of coral growth inside its lagoon as well as down the drop-off. Other water sport activities on the island includes snorkeling, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and canoe paddling.

Source : Wikipedia

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Blood moon best pictures: Lunar eclipse lights up skies around the world

The rare phenomenon was visible around the world – apart from in the UK where clouds got in the way of the spectacle

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Blossom International Park Munnar

Munnar, Idukki, 685612, Kerala

Situated around 3 km from the picturesque Munnar town, Blossom International Park is close to Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project. Sprawling over an area of 16 acres, it is one of the famous tourist attractions in this region. The park comprises several rare species of flowering plants and lofty trees that make it a place worth visiting. Visitors can indulge in a lot amusing activities, such as boating, cycling and roller-skating here. For people looking to spend moments of leisure in the serene environs, there are tree houses, ropeways and swings within the park.

A painstakingly manicured area- the Blossom International Park exudes beauty at every turn. The water body, beautiful flowers and expansive patches of grass serve as excellent backdrops for photography.
For Kids
The park can be considered as a huge playground for kids. There are swings, tree houses and ropeways to delight the young visitors up to their heart’s content.

Opening Closing Time
09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Open all days
Entrance Fee
Rs. 10 for Adults Rs. 2 for Children
Source : makemytrip
Reviews
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Blue Caves

Porthmos Zakinthou, Greece

The Blue Caves, in the island of Zakynthos which start around Agios Nikolaos and stretch to Skinari Cape, are a series of geological formations created naturally by erosion. The area, a hot spot for scuba diving aficionados, features a succession of limestone arches through which small boats can travel. It’s even possible to visit some of the caves, including the biggest one, Kianon (from cyan), where you can admire stalactites hanging like chandeliers from the top of the cave.

But what is most spectacular about these natural wonders is the unique colour of the water found inside. Indeed, as light reflects onto the water, it gives an eerie and ethereal blue colour to anything that touches it, including you.
Source : theculturetrip 
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Bluetribe Moofushi

Since the highlights of the Maldives are its great waters and marine life, the Bluetribe Moofushi diving center offers the best experience in terms of water sports activities such as windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, riding on catamarans/pedal boats, and many more activities. Moofushi is also known for the excursions that it offers, where you can spot whale sharks, manta rays and a lot of fish from the shore.

It is situated in one of the best locations of Ari Atoll, close to the western barrier reef, at mid-atoll. The most famous dives spots of Maldives are in the surrounding area and the divers can reach to all of them. Within 5 minutes and 1 hour by boat, we can reach 37 magnificent dive sites.

All year around you can see whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sting ray, eagle ray, turtles, pelagic and benthonic organisms. You can visit wonderful coral gardens, oceanic reef, shoals full fitted by colourful soft corals. During North-Eastern monsoon season (from December to April-May) you can see manta rays both during dives and snorkelling tours.

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WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT. Friends discovered their missing pal in the belly of the snake after finding the animal sprawled out in his back garden

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The Pythonidae, commonly known simply as pythons, from the Greek word python (πυθων), are a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world. Eight genera and 31 species are currently recognized.
Pythons are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, southern China, Southeast Asia, and from the Philippines southeast through Indonesia to New Guinea and Australia.
In the United States, an introduced population of Burmese pythons, Python molurus bivittatus, has existed as an invasive species in the Everglades National Park since the late 1990s.
Source : wikipedia 

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and 737 MAX 9 Fly Together in Dramatic Display

Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built by the Dutch in India, located on the island popularly known as Bolghatty Island in Kochi, Kerala. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1744 by Dutch traders, was later extended and gardens were landscaped around it. The building was then the Governor’s palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar, and later in 1909 was leased to the British. It served as the home of the British Governors, being the seat of the British Resident of Cochin during the British Raj.

In 1947, when India attained independence, the palace became the property of the state and was later converted into a heritage hotel resort. Bolgatty Palace now has a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, ayurvedic centre and daily Kathakali performances and is a holiday destination for Indian and overseas tourists. There is in a temple dedicated to Shiva that is the first of its kind in Kerala.
Source : wikipedia
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Bollywood Veggies

100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026

Phone : +65 6898 5001

Bollywood Veggies Organic Farm (also known as Bollywood Veggies) is a farming collective and organic growing education center located in the Kranji district of North West Singapore. The center was launched in 2000 by Ivy Singh-Lim and her husband, former NTUC FairPrice chief executive , Lim Ho Seng, as a project to run after they had both retired from their previous careers. Neil Humphreys covered the center in his 2006 book Final Notes From a Great Island.

Source : wikipedia

The Bollywood Veggies story started in 2000, shortly after Ivy Singh and her husband Lim Ho Seng shelved plans to move to Perth. With the death of one of Ivy’s best friend’s husband, the couple pondered the direction their lives would take in their retirement years. Unwilling to waste away on a golf course, and cherishing their local friendships, the duo considered wider options.
When they chanced upon a newspaper story about farming in Singapore, they decided to investigate further. Exploring the Kranji countryside, they talked with the few remaining farmers and explored what land was available. The idea of starting a farm was conceived then, and in spite of logistical and bureaucratic hurdles, Ivy and Ho Seng established the farm. They successfully tendered for a lease on 10 acres of land and Bollywood Veggies was born. The name Bollywood Veggies was chosen because of Ivy’s half-Indian heritage, and also to reflect the enthusiasm and boisterous personality of the farm.
With the help of then Minister of State for National Development Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Ivy and a small band of visionary farmers pushed for changes in government agencies and regulations to expand the facilities and offerings of farms to include recreational spaces and F&B. In 2005, Poison Ivy on Bollywood Veggies farm opened its doors and the Kranji Countryside Asssociation was established to promote the countryside as a destination for all.
Since then, the farm has grown from strength to strength, adding a culinary school and a museum in 2009. The company makes it a point to hire challenged and less fortunate Singaporeans, creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups. The farm is run as sustainably as possible with no pesticides or fertilizers used on site, effectively making it a planet-friendly operation.
Ivy was the president of the Kranji Countryside Association from 2005 to 2014, when she stepped down to make way for young energy. She continues to vocally represent local farmers and champion their issues.
Source : bollywoodveggies.com/

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Opening hours and getting there :

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Entry : Adult S$ 2.00 Free for Children below 12 years and for Senior Citizens above 60 years

Getting there : Nearest MRT : Kranji station

Bonacaud

Bonacaud (Kerala state, India) is the base station of the famous peak, Aghasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills. The Agasthya hill range is famous for its abundance of rare herbs and medicinal plants.

The hill resort Ponmudi is near to Bonacaud. It(natively called Bonakkad) is now used as a base camp for trekking to Agasthyakoodam. It has lots of shooting locations including the forests, waterfalls and tea estates.

The place has the famous Bona Falls a truly enthralling place with a lot of fauna. Vazuvanchola near Bona falls is also famous for its waterfalls

Source : Wikipedia

Bonacud – Kurishumala Trekking

Kurishumala is an amazingly beautiful mountain top overlooking the Peppara Dam and Reservoir in the district of Trivandrum, Kerala. Located 95 kms from Trivandrum, and within the Agasthykoodam and Peppara Forest Range, this place is a trekker’s and bird watchers paradise. Its one of the rare spots in Trivandrum where nature is at its best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw37S8CEras

Botanical Gardens

Penang Botanic Gardens Department

Kompleks Pentadbiran Bangunan Pavillion

Jalan Kebun Bunga 10350 PENANG

Phone : +604-2264401, +604-2264404

The Penang Botanical Gardens, more popularly known as the “Waterfall Gardens”, was established by the British way back in 1884 from an old quarry site. The beautiful grounds and the tranquility of the Botanical gardens have long been enjoyed and admired by millions of visitors.

The Gardens were founded in 1884 by Charles Curtis from the Gardens and Forests Departments Straits Settlements. As the first Curator, Curtis was a devoted plant lover who tirelessly transformed the granite quarry into a garden, and greatly contributed to the botanical and horticulture development of the Gardens.

Walking around the Gardens, one cannot miss the Cannon Ball Tree (Couropita guanensis) and the large buttress roots of the Sengkuang Tree (Dracantamelon dao). Look out for the Pinang Palm (Areca catechu) that lent its name to the island of Penang, and the Black Lily (Tacca integrifalia) with its unique purplish-black coloured flowers. The endemic Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum barbatum) and the ginger, Geoctachys penangensis, can also be found here.

Look out also for the wildlife inhabiting the gardens. Commonly seen are the long-tailed Macaques, Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Black Giant Squirrels and a myriad of insects and butterflies.

From afar, one could catch a view of the famous waterfall up on the hills above the reservoir.

Source : visitpenang.gov.my

Botanical Gardens lies in a deep valley, at the foot of 366 feet jungle clad hills, bound by evergreen tropical rain forests, divided by a cascading stream that meanders through a sprawling 29 hectares of prime and undulating grounds.

Its lush greenery and tranquil setting makes it a favorite park and a popular tourist attraction. It is Penang’s unique natural heritage, being the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Besides, being a repository of flora & unique to the country and to the region, it serves as a “green lung” for Metropolitan Penang.
Source : http://botanicalgardens.penang.gov.my/

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Timings & Entrance :

https://goo.gl/CguxoW

Getting There

By car or bus. The garden is about 8 km from town centre. Parking is available for vehicles at several car parks just outside the Garden entrance.

Brahmas Temple

Brahma Temple Rd, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022

Jagatpita Brahma Mandir  is a Hindu temple situated at Pushkar in close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them.

Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri. The temple is governed by the Sanyasi (ascetic) sect priesthood. On Kartik Poornima, a festival dedicated to Brahma is held when large number of pilgrims visit the temple, after bathing in the sacred lake.

Source : Wikipedia

Brahmas Temple is built in beautiful white marble, with steps leading to the main shrine. The central shikhara is a bright red with the figure of the ‘hansa'(swan, which is Brahma’s vehicle) over it.

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma performed a Yagya on the same spot where the temple stands. All Hindu gods and goddesses participated in the Yagya.

The decorations of the temple of Lord Brahma include silver coins. A silver turtle adorns the black and white floor of Brahma Temple.

The idol of Brahma is a full image with four hands and four faces. The faces of Brahma looking in the four directions symbolize the supervision of the Lord over the whole creation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux-f-pu174w

Reviews

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Visiting hours : 05.30AM to 09.30AM and 03.00 PM to 09.00PM all days of the week.

Brahmas Temple, a Hindu temple close to the sacred Pushkar Lake is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India

Brave vets save eye of the tiger when they operate to remove cataract

The Sumatran Bengal Tiger had artificial lenses implanted during the four-hour operation

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Break out of work from home monotony with co-working

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Breathtaking photos of ‘alien-looking’ landscape show woman walking across solid stone waves

The set of pictures was taken by Spanish photographer Raúl Cruz Arnelas in Arizona, USA

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Raul Cruz Arnelas and his wife were among the lucky ones to access the Jurassic-era sandstone at Paria Canyon in Arizona –a site which caps the number of visitors to 20 per day. The Spanish photographer documented the experience and snapped pictures of the awe-inspiring rocky formations which date back about 190 million years. Too beautiful to not be Photoshopped? You be the judge!

Source : facebook.com 

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

288, South Bridge Road. Singapore 058840

Built in 2007, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum may be a recent addition to the historic Chinatown district. Yet the temple is definitely worth a visit, with its rich features and exhibits on Buddhist art and culture.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum located in the Chinatown district was recently built in 2007, but the temple’s richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over hundreds of years old. The temple gets its name from what the Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of Buddha, which has been recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India and displayed in its grounds.

Careful design

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum gets its name from what the Buddhists regard as the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.

This Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple was conceptualised and designed by the temple’s Chief Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, with the help of local and overseas consultants. It cost S$75 million to set up, and is based on the elements of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala, which is a representation of the Buddhist universe.

Sacred relics and giant stupa

You’ll find sacred artefacts of the Buddha, such as bone and tongue relics, at the Buddhist Culture Museum on the third floor.

But it is the Sacred Light Hall on the fourth floor that contains the temple’s centerpiece.

The Buddha Tooth Relic is housed in a giant stupa weighing 3.5 tonnes and made from 320kg of gold, of which 234kg were donated by devotees. You’ll have to see it from the public viewing area though – only monks are allowed into the relic chamber.

Other highlights include the Eminent Sangha Museum, a theatre that holds cultural performances, talks and film screenings.

If you need some quiet contemplation amid Chinatown’s hubbub, the roof garden, with its pagoda and Buddha prayer wheel, is a good spot.

Source : yoursingapore.com

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Reviews

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Opening hours : 07.00AM to 07.00PM

Relic viewing : 09.00AM to 06.00PM

Getting there :  MRT : China Town, Exit B

Bugis Street

Bugis, in Singapore, was renowned internationally from the 1950s to the 1980s for its nightly gathering of trans women, a phenomenon which made it one of Singapore’s top tourist destinations during that period.
In the mid-1980s, Bugis Street underwent major urban redevelopment into a retail complex of modern shopping malls, restaurants and nightspots mixed with regulated back-alley roadside vendors. Underground digging to construct the Bugis MRT station prior to that also caused the upheaval and termination of the nightly transgender sex bazaar culture, marking the end of a colourful and unique era in Singapore’s history.
Today, the original Bugis Street is now a cobblestoned, relatively wide avenue sandwiched between the buildings of the Bugi’s Junction shopping complex. On the other hand, the lane presently touted as “Bugis Street” by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board is actually developed from New The Street, formerly Albert Street, and is billed as “the largest street-shopping location in Singapore”. An attempt by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board to bring back the former exotic atmosphere was unsuccessful. Although the street is now not a well-known tourist destination, it is frequented by many Singaporeans.
The fame of the original Bugis Street has spawned many namesakes eager to capitalise on the brand, even though many tourists, as well as some young Singaporeans, have no inkling as to the reasons for its erstwhile “glamour”.
Amongst the new places, buildings and companies which carry the name of “Bugis” are New Bugis Street, Bugis Square, Bugis Village, Bugis Junction, Parco Bugis Junction, Bugis Junction Towers, Bugis Cineplex, Bugis MRT station, Bugis Pasar Malam, New Bugis Food Village, Bugis Music World, Bugis Money Changer, Bugis City Holdings, Bugis Health Centre, Bugis Store Trading, Bugis Backpackers, and Bugis Street Development.
This cacophony of Bugis’es clamouring for a spot in the limelight, reminiscent of the trans women who gave the original its glory, leads to great confusion when trying to locate Bugis Street itself.
Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81lp1gWbJjs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPpFLb1VwPE

Reviews

https://goo.gl/dNoFNF

Getting there : MRT Bugis

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang stylized as Bintang Walk or Starhill, the latter being a translation of the Malay name is the name of the shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It encompasses Bukit Bintang Road and its immediate surrounding areas. The area has long been Kuala Lumpur’s most prominent retail belt that is home to many landmark shopping centres, al-fresco cafés, swanky bars, night markets, as well as hawker-type eateries. This area is popular among tourists and locals, especially among the youths. A part of Bintang Walk is designated as an “Arab Street”.

Bintang Walk refers to the more developed stretch along the main Bukit Bintang Road and Sultan Ismail Road roads, with the intersection of these two roads as its axis. This place has been transformed over the last 5 years to become one of the most trendy and busiest shopping clusters in the city. On weekends, thousands of locals as well as tourists throng Bintang Walk and its shopping centres.

Many major nightlife events take place here such as the New Year’s countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, street concerts and parties. The annual Malaysian F1 Grand Prix pit stop and Guinness St Patrick’s Day Celebrations are held here too.

There are two major annual fashion events held here annually. The STYLO Fashion week as well as the annual glitzy Malaysia International Fashion Week (M-IFW)

Many of the city’s major retail malls are located in this area, including Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10 and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Imbi is a commercial area located near Bukit Bintang and being a popular tourist spot, the district is especially crowded during public holidays and peak hours. The Berjaya Times Square shopping complex and hotel is located in Imbi. Imbi Road is the main road running through this area.

Source : Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukUMYDQCI8M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VkIiEIoD1M

Reviews

https://goo.gl/WeZrEa

Getting there : Nearest station is Sentral and from there take a taxi

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom

51 Imbah Rd, Singapore 099702

Phone : +65 9178 6456, 6275 0013

Surrounded with lush tropical greenery, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom showcases the stunning beauties of mother nature. With a great variety of fluttering butterflies and exotic insects, this tamed wilderness is sure to delight you.
A must-see outdoor experience for children, tourists and nature lovers alike, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom has wowed visitors from all over the world. With the scents, sights and sounds of an authentic tropical rainforest, it’s a multi-sensory, interactive experience that’s guaranteed to engage you from start to finish.

Source : sentosa.com.sg

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is a landscape garden with over 15,000 live butterflies, representing more than fifty species. Housed in a cool outdoor conservatory, these butterflies range from the 25 millimetre (1 in) Eurema sari to the 150 mm (6 in) Papilio iswara . The Insect Kingdom houses some 3,000 species of rare insects from around the world, including a 160 mm Dynastes Hercules beetle.

Source : wikipedia

With beautiful butterflies freely flying around you, this area is similar to a tropical forest. Equally noteworthy in this section is Pupa House – a glass exhibit where the butterfly pupae are preserved to give you an idea about the metamorphosis of butterflies. Housed within a 70m-long cave is Insect Safari Tunnel that conserves numerous intriguing insects in their natural habitat, such as the large Dynastes Hercules beetle, diving beetle, giant scorpions and giant millipedes. The first of its kind in the world, its significant insect collections also include fireflies that form the major highlight of Firefly Enclosure Show.
In addition to butterflies and insects, there is a lot more to see in Butterfly and Insect Kingdom. For instance, the park has an aviary that has some of the world’s most striking jungle parrots on display as well as an area exclusively dedicated to reptiles such as lizards and snakes. Another segment of the insectarium is the Insect Kingdom Museum, where ‘Insect Revolution’ exhibits throw light on the history of insects’ evolution as well as several million-year-old insect fossils. The park conducts stage shows twice a day in order to enable visitors to get better acquainted with insects, birds and reptiles.
Read more at: http://www.singapore-guide.com/attractions/singapore-butterfly-kingdom.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jcQ8obX9zI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Nh5njq8Ag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVQYto9iobE

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

Reviews

https://goo.gl/2x9ppD

Opening Hours
9.30am – 7pm daily
(last entry at 6.30pm)

Admission
Adult – $16
Child (3 – 10 years old) – $10

Admission Restriction
NA

Getting There
By Sentosa Express monorail: Alight at Beach Station
By Foot: Walk from Sentosa Boardwalk

Nearest Carpark
Beach Station car park

Butterfly Park.

Taman Tasik Perdana, Jalan Cendarasari, Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Malaysia

Phone : +60 3-2693 4799

The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park  is a large public butterfly zoo in Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a popular tourist attraction in the country. It is located adjacent to the Lake Gardens and the Bird Park. The butterfly park houses many species that are local to the country.

Spanning over 80,000 square feet of landscaped garden with over 5,000 butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants and ferns, it is one of the largest houses in the world. The park also houses an exhibition area with information on butterflies and other insects, and offers a souvenir store for tourists at the end of the tour.

Source : wikipedia

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is a veritable secret paradise where butterflies actually dance nonchalantly in clumps of fern amidst scented beautiful flowers and flowering vines.
From the words of the internationally renowned programme- Discovery Channel ,
in an interview and broadcasted to over 200 million viewers worldwide, it says “of all the butterfly parks in the world, none can compare with this one”.
This is the largest butterfly garden in the world spanning over 80,000 sq ft of landscaped garden with over 5,000 live butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants and ferns. Other attractions are japanese koi fish, fresh water turtles, live insects and a museum with a large collection of butterflies and insects from around the world.

Source : klbutterflypark.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHpcSS1LFRc

Reviews

https://goo.gl/1Tyqnh

Opening hours & Admission fee :

https://goo.gl/3Eo2t4

Getting there : The easiest way to get to the Butterfly Park is of course by taxi. If you are taking the KTM Komuter, stop at the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and walk towards the National Mosque. The Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur is just behind the National Mosque.

Byodo-In Temple

47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Phone: +1 808-239-9844

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational temple located on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a functioning Buddhist temple in the proper sense as it does not host a resident monastic community nor an active congregation. Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a 18 ft (5.5 m) statue of the Lotus Buddha, a wooden image depicting Amitabha. It is covered in gold and lacquer. Outside is a three-ton, brass peace bell. Surrounding the temple are large koi ponds that cover a total of two acres (8,000 m²). Around those ponds are lush Japanese gardens set against a backdrop of towering cliffs of the Ko’olau mountains. The gardens are home to sparrows and peacocks. The temple covers 11,000 sq ft (1,000 m2).

The Byodo-In Temple is visited and used by thousands of worshipers from around the world. It welcomes people of all faiths to participate in its traditions. Apart from worship, the temple grounds are also used for weddings and office meetings.

Byodo-In Temple was commissioned and built largely by concrete (the original is wooden without the use of nails) in 1968 at its present location in the Valley of the Temples to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the arrival of Japanese culture to Hawaiʻi. It was dedicated by Governor John A. Burns, a favorite of the Japanese community for his long service for the cause of Japanese rights during the state’s territorial years. Japanese immigrants entered the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and later Territory of Hawaiʻi to labor in the sugarcane and pineapple plantations. They joined the Chinese, Filipino, Korean, native Hawaiians and Portuguese.

Byodo-In Temple previously housed the remains of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. His body was held in a mausoleum until it was moved back to the Philippines where it is now held in a refrigerated tomb.

The TV series Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I. featured several episodes where the temple is incorporated into the plot. The temple and its vicinity also served as a stand-in for South Korea in one episode of the ABC series Lost and as the Presidential Villa in an episode of seaQuest DSV.

The temple was also used in the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor as a replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan as well as several other movies.
Source : wikipedia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uxzn1LmS68
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5alckbsaWxc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKxxP0xoErA
Reviews
https://bit.ly/2Lgzpyr

C V N Kalari (Martial Arts School)

S Street Rd, Chalai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Phone : +91 0471 247 4182

CVN Kalari Sangham at East fort, Trivandrum was established by Sri C. V. Govindan Kutty Nair Gurukkal following the lineage of Sri C.V. Narayanan Nair Gurukkal in the year 1956 coinciding with the formation of the state of Kerala. This pioneering institution was the first traditional school offering training in northern style Kalarippayat in the southern part of Kerala. During the last 6 decades, it has pioneered many schools of thoughts and practices and guided the evolution of the tradition of kalarippayat. The centre has spearheaded the promotion and propagation of the tradition of Kalarippayat by organizing many international and national level performances and workshops of  Kalarippayat  and by running an year round training program for local and foreign students at Trivandrum, Kerala, South India. CVN Kalari also runs a traditional ‘Kalarichikitsa’ clinic specialising in Ayurvedic orthopaedic treatments.

Source : cvnkalari.in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAd4_aOgZQo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUa9P2aKAxw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsJfpKna7bI

Timings : 09.30AM to 12.30PM and 04.30Pm to 06.30 PM (Sunday closed)

Cameo Island

290 92, Greece
Phone: +30 697 274 8210

Cameo island is a small island off the shore of Laganas beach on the island of Zakynthos in Greece. In daytime it is a tranquil area to enjoy a swim and a drink away from all the hustle/bustle of mass tourists. White curtains flow in the wind, it’s a beautiful sight. The small beach area has a pleasant atmosphere that will help you unwind and recharge your batteries. In the evening, it turns into a very popular beach party with plenty of music.

It’s a simple but beautiful setting where you can relax with the sand between your toes and the waves lapping at your feet. Located just off the coast of Laganas, this tiny island is accessed by a pretty footbridge and pathway leading to the beach area. Cameo island is a private island and you pay a € 5,– entrance fee, but a drink is included!
Source : bohoguide 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z9ehOh-oPo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc1veV8wxrc
Reviews
https://bit.ly/33ZkQYW
Timings : 09.00 am to 12.00 am
Entry : 5€ per person

Camera Museum

Jalan Muntri, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone : +60 4-261 3649

The Camera Museum  is a museum   in George town, Penang, Malasia. The museum started its operation on 31 August 2013 and was officiated on 9 October 2013.  The museum is housed in a two-story shop house building, which is divided into Dark Room, Obscura Room and Pinhole Room. It also features a cafe and souvenir shop. The museum displays up to 1,000 vintage cameras and accessories.

Source : Wikipedia

The Camera Museum’s collection consist of Camera Obscura, Daguerreotype, Box Camera, Folding Camera, Large and Medium Format Camera, 35mm Camera, Single and Twin Lens Reflex, Point and Shoot o Instant and Digital Camera from the eighteenth century right up till present day from all over the world including, Britain, Europe, France, India, Japan Russia and Thailand which made a complete camera evolution timeline for the exhibition.

Amidst the display, visitors will get the opportunity to handle actual antique cameras and the experience booth will allow them to feel the weight of the relics like the iconic Kodak Brownie, Rolleiflex and FoldingCamera in their very hands at the museum exhibition hall on second floor. Aspires to bring back the time through its exhibit captivating stories of how camera have transcended our human history since the fifteenth century, The Camera Museum believes that cameras need to be experienced.

Source : visitpenang.gov.my

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNx3BUvAWjs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-uk4o7dVUQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQb650lZfSY

Reviews

https://goo.gl/eQSvUj

Visiting hours : 09.00AM to 08.00PM

Entry fee : Adult RM 20 and Studenta & Senior citizens RM 10

Getting there : To reach the front door, the nearest bus stop is along Penang Road (Rapid Penang bus 103, 204 and 502). From bus stop, walk south on Penang Road till junction of Muntri Street, then follow Muntri Street heading east till you arrive at the museum on your right. To enter by the back door, the nearest bus stop is on Chulia Street (Rapid Penang bus 10, 11, 101,104,201,202, , 206). Depending on which bus stop on Chulia Street you alight, walk towards Mesjid Road. Go all the way to the end of Mesjid Road and look for the back door to the museum

Camp Nou

C. d’Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 902 18 99 00

Camp Nou, meaning new field, often referred to in English as the Nou Camp is the home stadium of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957.

With a seating capacity of 99,354, it is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe, and the third largest football stadium in the world in capacity. It has hosted two European Cup/Champions League finals in 1989 and 1999, two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup finals, four Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final games, five UEFA Super Cup final games, four Copa del Rey finals, two Copa de la Liga final games, twenty-one Supercopa de España final games, five matches including the opening game of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, two out of four matches at the 1964 European Nations’ Cup and the football competition final at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Source : wikipedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70y2hOBjHOE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huOQ_IHXcy8
Reviews
http://bit.ly/2J1YegH
Visiting hours : Mon – Sat 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sun 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Tickets
http://bit.ly/2PNacvm

Cancer patient with days left to live marries girlfriend in emotional wedding organised by kind strangers

There was another special wedding yesterday, as Ray and Tracy tied the knot in a romantic ceremony after his terminal cancer diagnosis

Click On the Headlines Or the Image for the complete News, Videos and more photos.

Cappella Sansevero

The Cappella Sansevero, officially known as the Museo Cappella Sansevero (Sansevero Chapel Museum), is a historic and artistic gem located in the heart of Naples, Italy. This chapel-museum is renowned for its extraordinary collection of art, sculptures, and curiosities. Here are some key details about the Cappella Sansevero:

History: The Cappella Sansevero was commissioned by Prince Raimondo di Sangro in the late 16th century and completed in the early 17th century. It was originally a private chapel for the di Sangro family but is now open to the public as a museum.

Architecture: The chapel itself is a fine example of Baroque architecture and features a beautiful marble facade. However, the true treasures lie within.

Art and Sculpture: The chapel is most famous for its remarkable sculptures, including the masterpiece “Veiled Christ” (Cristo Velato) created by Giuseppe Sanmartino. The sculpture is renowned for its exquisite detail, particularly the translucent veiled shroud that appears to drape over Christ’s body.

Anatomical Machines: Inside the chapel, you can also find a collection of anatomical models created by the prince himself. These “anatomical machines” are intricate, life-sized models that depict the human circulatory and nervous systems, as well as other anatomical features.

Esoteric and Alchemical Symbols: The chapel is adorned with various symbols and decorations related to alchemy and esotericism, reflecting Prince Raimondo di Sangro’s interests.

Historical Significance: The chapel is not only an art and science treasure but also holds historical importance, as it provides insights into the intellectual and cultural climate of the time.

Visiting: The Cappella Sansevero is open to the public, and visitors can explore its unique collection of art and artifacts. It is a popular cultural and historical attraction in Naples and offers a glimpse into the artistic and intellectual pursuits of its time. Visitors can also learn about the intriguing history of the di Sangro family and Prince Raimondo’s contributions to the chapel.
Source : openai.com
Visiting hours : 09.00 AM to 06.30 PM Tuesday Closed
Entrance Fee : Sansevero Chapel tickets, from 8 € (Attention: Due to the visitor limit, the museum recommends that you book tickets online. This can easily be done via the official website where you pay a € 2.00 booking fee 10 – 25 years 5 € and 0 – 9 years free entrance / audio guide 3.50 €
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKOLRl8PDIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMXEZupgTKs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdMmGvOlHzw

Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt, located in Rome, Italy, is a unique and somewhat macabre attraction known for its unconventional decoration using human bones. Here are some key details about the Capuchin Crypt:

Location: The Capuchin Crypt is situated beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, which is located near the Piazza Barberini in Rome.

History: The Capuchin Crypt was established in the 17th century by the Capuchin friars who resided in the adjacent monastery. They used the crypt as a burial site for their own members.

Decorative Use of Bones: What makes the Capuchin Crypt distinctive is the way in which it is decorated. The bones of around 4,000 deceased Capuchin friars were used to adorn the walls, ceilings, and even the furnishings of the crypt. The skeletal remains are artistically arranged in various patterns and designs, often with a religious or moral theme.

Chambers: The crypt consists of several small chapels, each with its own distinct arrangement of bones. Some of these chapels have themes related to mortality and the passage of time, reminding visitors of the transient nature of life.

Museum: In addition to the crypt itself, there is also a museum within the complex that provides historical context and information about the Capuchin order and their traditions.

Chapel of the Resurrection: One of the most famous chapels within the crypt is the “Chapel of the Resurrection,” which features a Christ figure created entirely from human bones.

Spiritual Significance: While the decoration may appear macabre, the Capuchin Crypt is intended to be a contemplative and spiritual place, reminding visitors of the impermanence of life and the importance of reflection on one’s own mortality.

Visitor Experience: The crypt is open to the public, and it is both a historical and somewhat eerie attraction. Visitors should be respectful and mindful of the somber nature of the site.

The Capuchin Crypt is a unique and memorable place to visit in Rome, offering a distinctive perspective on art, religion, and mortality. It is a thought-provoking attraction that may not be suitable for all visitors but is certainly one of a kind.
Source : openai.com
Visiting Hours : 10.00 AM to 06.30 PM
Entrance Fee : https://shorturl.at/dkrPY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMEgRR1RiSw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od6l3CaOdy0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVg-UDBBvqo

Casa Batlló

Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Phone : +34 932 16 03 06

Casa Batlló is a building in the center of Barcelona. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, and is considered one of his masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that. Gaudí’s assistants Domènec Sugrañes i Gras, Josep Canaleta and Joan Rubió also contributed to the renovation project. The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones), as it has a visceral, skeletal organic quality.

Like everything Gaudí designed, it is only identifiable as Modernisme or Art Nouveau in the broadest sense. The ground floor, in particular, has unusual tracery, irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work. There are few straight lines, and much of the façade is decorated with a colorful mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles (trencadís). The roof is arched and was likened to the back of a dragon or dinosaur. A common theory about the building is that the rounded feature to the left of centre, terminating at the top in a turret and cross, represents the lance of Saint George (patron saint of Catalonia, Gaudí’s home), which has been plunged into the back of the dragon.
Source : wikipedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwgiTWvUO4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-WG7Jgwihk
Reviews
http://bit.ly/2DT8tQa
Opening hours : 09.00 am to 09.00 pm all days of the week
Tickets
http://bit.ly/2VQqdGm

Casa Milà│La Pedrera

Provença, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Phone : +34 902 20 21 38

Casa Mila, popularly known as La Pedrera, is a most unusual building, constructed between 1906 and 1912 by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) and declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Today it is the headquarters of Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera and houses a cultural centre that is a reference point in Barcelona for the range of activities it organises and the different spaces for exhibitions and other public uses it contains. A visit to La Pedrera, landmark building and container, gives us a better understanding and appreciation of architecture and transports us to the period when Antoni Gaudi lived.

Source : tripadvisor

Casa Milà popularly known as La Pedrera or “The stone quarry”, a reference to its unconventional rough-hewn appearance, is a modernist building in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1906 and 1912.

The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon. At the time, it was controversial because of its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies and designed by Josep Maria Jujol. Several structural innovations include a self-supporting stone façade, and a free-plan floor, underground garage and the spectacular terrace on the roof.

In 1984, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. From 2013 is the headquarters of the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera which manages the visit to the building, exhibitions and other cultural and educative activities at Casa Milà.
Source : wikipedia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvg9rAltDfE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvi61qT6EQ
Reviews
http://bit.ly/307rxnA
Timings and Tickets
http://bit.ly/2Jh6BUZ

Casino Lisboa

Casino Lisboa  is one of the most famous hotel casinos in Macau, China. This three-storey complex was built in late 1960s.

The original casino  and the 12-storey round hotel tower were built in 1970. A 270-room extension was added in 1991 for a total of 927 rooms. In 2006, another extension, the Grand Lisboa, was built next to the current complex. Therefore, a total of 2362 rooms are in place in Hotel Lisboa as of 2010. This expansion is being done partly in competition with the newly opened Wynn Macau, located right next to the original Casino .

Source : Wikipedia

Casino Lisboa is  in the charge of He Hongshen, the Macau casino tycoon. The main building looks like a bird cage. Seen from afar, it also looks like a giant boat. The main gate is located at the junction of Avenida do Infante D. Henrique and Avenida da Amizade. It looks like a big mouth of a tiger. Tourists and gamblers will feel threatened when seeing it, so they prefer to enter the casino through the side left door. On the ceiling of the lobby is painted a Portuguese-style boat confronting a strong storm. Casino Lisboa is luxuriously furnished with valuable treasures and curiosities, which fascinates tourists a lot.

Dozens of desks are distributed around the lobby and slot machines are put at four corners. Many kinds of Chinese and western gambling games can be found here. The lobby is very crowded, but pretty orderly. Tourists who come here for the first time will be amazed. In addition, there are 26 VIP halls especially for rich people from all over the world to play. You can play different gambling games here, like the roulette and the Blackjack. Try your fortune and have fun!

At the same time, there are sound entertainment facilities, including fitness centers, shopping malls, hair salons, sauna and massage rooms, and restaurants. Also, free drinks and snacks are served for gamblers in the casino. After playing gambling games, people can have a lot of fun and get relaxed here. Next to the Casino Lisboa is the Hotel Lisboa where you can have a good rest.

Source : travelchinaguide.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKvcUy9GNqo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvtPpsvXT28

Reviews

https://goo.gl/g13zyg

Castel dell’Ovo

Castel dell’Ovo, also known as the “Egg Castle” in English, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Naples, Italy. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and holds a rich history dating back to ancient times. Here are some key details about Castel dell’Ovo:

History: Castel dell’Ovo is one of Naples’ oldest and most historically significant castles. Its name, which translates to “Egg Castle,” is believed to have originated from a legend involving the Roman poet Virgil. According to the legend, Virgil placed a magical egg in the foundations of the castle to protect the city. The belief was that as long as the egg remained intact, Naples would be safe from harm.

Location: The castle is situated on the seafront in the Santa Lucia neighborhood of Naples, on the Borgo Marinari promontory. This location provides stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and the surrounding coastline.

Architecture: Castel dell’Ovo features a mix of architectural styles, including Roman, medieval, and Renaissance elements. The most distinctive feature is its round tower, which is a prominent symbol of the castle. The fortress is surrounded by the sea on three sides, making it a unique and picturesque structure.

Visiting: Castel dell’Ovo is open to the public, and visitors can explore its courtyards, gardens, and the central tower. The castle often hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and art installations. There are also various viewpoints within the castle that provide panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Cultural Significance: The castle has played a significant role in the history of Naples, serving as a residence for various rulers and a defensive structure over the centuries. Today, it is not only a historic site but also a cultural hub that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

Legends and Folklore: Besides the legend of the egg, Castel dell’Ovo is associated with various myths and folklore that add to its allure and mystique.

Visiting Castel dell’Ovo is a must for tourists exploring Naples. It offers a unique blend of history, stunning views of the Gulf of Naples, and a tangible connection to the city’s rich past. The castle’s location on the seafront also makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Source : openai.com
Visiting hours : 09.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Entrance to the castle in Naples is free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qbVgdIVZr0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asW6QiCCmUo

Castle Nuovo

Castle Nuovo, also known as Castel Nuovo or Maschio Angioino, is a historic medieval castle located in Naples, Italy. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved fortresses in the city. Here are some key details about Castle Nuovo:

History: Castle Nuovo was constructed in the late 13th century during the reign of Charles I of Anjou. It was built to replace an earlier fortress and served as a symbol of Angevin power in Naples.

Architecture: The castle is an excellent example of medieval military architecture. It features a distinctive main tower (maschio), a large central courtyard, and various defensive walls and towers. The main entrance is adorned with a triumphal arch.

Renaissance Additions: Over the centuries, the castle underwent various modifications and renovations. During the Renaissance, the Spanish viceroy Pedro Alvarez de Toledo added the triumphal arch and made other changes that gave the castle a more elegant and decorative appearance.

Artistic Significance: The interior of the castle houses an important collection of art and historic artifacts, including paintings and sculptures from different periods. It also served as a royal residence for some time.

Landmark: Castle Nuovo is not only an architectural landmark but also a significant historical site, having witnessed various events and political changes throughout Naples’ history.

Location: The castle is strategically located along the waterfront in Naples, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is in close proximity to other historical and cultural attractions in the city.

Castle Nuovo is a prominent symbol of Naples and a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich and complex past. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and architecture.
Source : openai.com
Visiting hours : 08.30 AM to 05.00 PM Sunday Closed
Entrance Fee : Adult 6 Euro. Free for uder 18 Years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MHQRLoCIhg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBXT_rr34A0

Castle Sant Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a historic monument located on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome, Italy. It is a significant and iconic structure in the city with a rich history. Here are some key details about Castel Sant’Angelo:

History: Castel Sant’Angelo was initially commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a fortress, a papal residence, and a prison.

Architectural Features: The building is characterized by its cylindrical shape and is covered with a layer of travertine marble. It was once topped with a statue of Hadrian and his horse, which was later replaced with a statue of the Archangel Michael, giving the castle its current name.

Papal Residence: Castel Sant’Angelo was used as a papal residence for several popes, who connected the castle to the Vatican City with a fortified corridor called the Passetto di Borgo. This passageway was used as an escape route in times of danger.

Defensive Role: Throughout its history, the castle played a crucial role in the defense of Rome. It was used as a fortress and refuge during times of conflict and instability.

Prison: Castel Sant’Angelo served as a prison for various individuals, including political prisoners and other detainees. Its reputation as a prison led to it being nicknamed the “Castle of the Holy Angel.”

Museum: Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore its various rooms, including the Papal Apartments and the historical prisons, and enjoy panoramic views of Rome from the castle’s terrace.

Bridge of Angels: The castle is connected to the city by the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a famous bridge adorned with ten angel statues designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century.

Events and Exhibitions: Castel Sant’Angelo often hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Its historical significance, architecture, and location make it a popular attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts.

Castel Sant’Angelo is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to the rich history of Rome. It stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring connection to its past and continues to be a remarkable landmark for visitors to explore.
Source : openai.com
Visiting Hours & Entrance Fee : https://shorturl.at/afgOQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0PpfF5_ZOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AoILAsBrXw

Catacombs of Milos

Milos 848 00, Greece
Phone: +30 2287 021625

Milos Catacombs: One of the most important archeological findings of Milos is the famous catacombs. These catacombs were found in 1844 and it is estimated that they were built towards the end of the 1st century. They were used as Christian cemeteries during Roman times. The catacombs are three in total and they are found underground. They are interconnected as they have hallways that decrease in height as you reach the death chamber. The hallways are typically about 200 meters in length with 5 to 7 carved graves on each side of the hallway………………
Source : Greeka.com

The Catacombs of Milos are a historical site located on Milos island, in Cyclades, Greece. They are found near the modern settlement of Trypiti, next to the site of the agora of the ancient city of Melos and 200 m to the east of the ancient theatre. The name Trypiti derives from the fact that the surrounding area is full of caves cut into the porous volcanic rock, which are still used by the inhabitants as storerooms and stables. In ancient times, however, these caves were used as family burial chambers.
The galleries are of differing widths, ranging from 1 to 5 metres in width and from 1.6 to 2.5 metres in height. In addition to the tombs cut into the walls, there are also many graves cut into the ground and covered with unworked stones of irregular sizes.
Source : wikipedia 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgohFw60Mp8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArfhwyaUTw
Reviews
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Visiting Hours : Wed to Mon 08.30am to04.00pm Tuesday holiday
Entry fee : EUR 3 per adult.

The Catacombs of Milos are considered to be the most important early Christian monument of worship and burial site in all of Greece

Catacombs of Saint Gennero

The Catacombs of San Gennaro (Catacombe di San Gennaro) are ancient underground burial sites located in Naples, Italy. These catacombs are of great historical and religious significance and are dedicated to Saint Gennaro (Saint Januarius), the patron saint of Naples. Here are some key details about the Catacombs of San Gennaro:

History: The Catacombs of San Gennaro date back to the 2nd century AD and were originally used as a burial site for early Christians. They are among the oldest and most important catacombs in Italy, second only to the catacombs in Rome.

Location: The catacombs are situated in the northern part of Naples, near the Capodimonte district. They are built underground, below the city’s surface.

Layout: The catacombs consist of a complex network of tunnels, passages, and burial chambers. These underground passages extend for several kilometers and are organized into two main levels: the lower level (Hypogea) and the upper level (Superiora).

Early Christian Art: The catacombs are adorned with early Christian frescoes, paintings, and symbols that reflect the religious beliefs and practices of the time. Some of these artworks are remarkably well-preserved and offer insights into early Christian iconography.

Patron Saint: The catacombs are dedicated to Saint Gennaro, who is one of the most venerated saints in Naples. His relics are kept in the nearby Cathedral of Naples, and his feast day is celebrated with great fervor in the city.

Guided Tours: The Catacombs of San Gennaro are open to the public, and visitors can explore them through guided tours. These tours provide historical and cultural context and offer a deeper understanding of the catacombs’ significance.

Religious Pilgrimage: For many Catholics, visiting the catacombs is a form of pilgrimage, and they hold special religious significance.

Conservation and Preservation: Efforts have been made to preserve and restore the catacombs to maintain their historical and cultural value.

Visiting the Catacombs of San Gennaro is an opportunity to delve into the early history of Christianity in Naples and to explore the underground world where early Christians were laid to rest. It is a unique and fascinating experience that offers insights into the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Source : openai.com
Visiting hours : 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Entrance fee :Combi ticket with reservation of guided tour Catacombs of San Gennaro, from 11 €
6 – 18 years 5.50 € and students / 65+ 7.70 €
Free entrance under 6 years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR-qz5a5vPo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg7AHkrmYcQ