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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
A little distance from Amsterdam, in a place called Lisse lies this beautiful, Tulip garden called Keukenhof. Open only for two months of the year, this park attracts thousands of tourists from across the world to witness gorgeous blooms of every possible color and experience a floral extravaganza.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
Tulips of every possible color greet you within the park. The colorful landscape is a perfect backdrop for capturing your travel memories through photographs.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
The gorgeous fountains and pools add to the refreshing atmosphere of the park. Don’t be surprised to find a few mallards floating along the fountains.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
It is not just the ducks that you will find here. Adding to the floral landscape are lovely winged beauties like this peacock.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
It is not just the Tulips but other flowers like the brightly colored Hyacinths that charm you as you walk through the park. The unusual color combinations tend to mesmerize most of the visitors here.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
Keukenhof is also, a cultural hub where you can experience and understand the Dutch heritage. You can climb up the old wooden windmill here or try out the giant wooden clogs (traditional Dutch shoes) kept in front of the windmill. The windmill is also, the start point for the famed Whisper boat ride at Keukenhof.
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Tulip gardens in Netherlands
Don’t forget to visit the glass house at Keukenhoff. Witness the lovely floral arrangements - each one being an amazing creative piece of art.
Compiled & Contributed by Ami Bhat
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
The Nandankanan Zoological Park (meaning Garden of Heavens) in Bhubaneshwar comprises the zoo and a botanical garden, part of which is a sanctuary.
Among the 126 species of animals it claims to house, the Royal Bengal White Tiger is Nandankanan Zoo’s most prized inhabitant. White tigers are produced by breeding two Bengal Tigers with a recessive gene that controls the colour of their coat.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
Carved out of the Chandaka Forest and spread over an area of 4 square kms, this zoo is among the biggest in India and one of the best kept too.
The Nandankanan Zoo started the ‘Adopt An Animal’ program in 2008 to spread awareness about animal conservation and to raise funds. So, you can offer to pay for the upkeep of this giraffe.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
The Elephant Enclosure is right at the beginning of the park and houses juvenile elephants, who can be seen playing with one another. An indulgent mahout keeps an eye on them so that frolic doesn’t turn into a fight. As expected, this is one of the most popular spots in the zoo.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
The Indian Rhinoceros is also called the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. Rhinos in Java also have one horn while those in Africa and Sumatra have two horns.
On land, it is the second largest Asian mammal species. Like the Elephant, it is also herbivorous. So much for a vegetarian diet! It loves daily mud baths, which not only keep bugs away but also help it cool off.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
The Common Langur or Black Faced Monkey is a lively creature, but not as violent as the Red Faced Monkey. This female Langur at the Nandankanan Zoo was moving around with its baby clinging to its stomach or back, as all mother monkeys do.
If you’re carrying foodstuff with you, you would be wise to keep it concealed so that is doesn’t get snatched away by monkeys.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
There are two kinds of bears in India – the Asiatic Black Bear and the Sloth Bear. While both might appear similar, the Sloth Bear has a longer face and snout while the Black Bear has a more prominent white or brown chest patch.
The ones featured here are a mother and a playful cub. At Nandankanan Zoo, they have a comfortably large enclosure, with trees and a moat filled with water.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
Nandankanan Zoo’s reptile park is home to several species of snakes, crocodiles and turtles.
The Zoo began a captive breeding program for Gharials in 1980 and now has the largest enclosure for them in India. The male Gharial has a distinct swelling at the end of its snout, resembling an Indian pot.
The Malayan Gharial is similar to a Gharial, but its snout widens greatly at the base, earning it the name ‘False Gharial’.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A must visit in Orissa
More than 2 million visitors come to Nandankanan Zoo every year. The park is closed every Monday and remains open from 8 am to 5 pm on other days. Facilities like this map are of immense help to visitors in this huge Park.
Senior citizens and parents with little kids needn’t worry – battery operated vehicles take you around for a price (cost not included in entrance fees). The Zoo also offers boating at the lake and operates a safari.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
The Malvan region has much to offer a visitor – pristine beaches, historic forts, Malvani cuisine, coral reefs and adventure activities like Scuba diving. Its name was probably derived from ‘Maha’, which means great and ‘Lavana’ meaning salt in the local language Marathi.
Among the popular tourist spots in this area are the Sindhudurg Fort, Tarkarli Beach,Vengurla Beach, Tondavali Beach, Jai Ganesh Temple and Rameshwar Temple.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
As you approach the Malvan jetty, you see colourful boats bobbing up and down in the clear, bluish- green water. Over 500 fishing boats operate in these waters and smaller boats or ‘Pagaar’ make up for the rest of the boat population.
The boats have names like Durga Prasad and Godavari Prasad – the suffix ‘Prasad’ means Pooja offering, indicating that they are perceived as blessings of the Gods.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
Sindhudurg gets its name from ‘Sindhu’ meaning the sea and ‘Durg’ meaning fort. The Fort isn’t far from the coastline (around 2 kms away), yet its position in the middle of the sea made it an invincible target for the enemies of ChhatrapatiShivaji.
Today, boats are available to ferry passengers to the Fort from Malvan Jetty. It is an exhilarating ride, with the boat heaving in the waters of the Arabian Sea as the wind blows in your face.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
More than 350 forts were built in Maharashtra and the great Marathi warrior, ChhatrapatiShivaji either reinforced or built forts during his reign as he fought wars primarily against the Mughal Empire and later, against the British.
Sindhudurg Fort is one of the few forts built entirely by Shivaji. Constructed under the guidance of HirojiIndulkar in 1664, the Fort is believed to have been completed in three years.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
Shivaji is said to have personally selected the site for this fort. Built on an islet, with the sea posing obvious limitations on its size, the Sindhudurg Fort spans 48 acres. It used over 15,000 tonnes of iron for casting and had its foundation laid in solid lead. With walls 30 feet high and 12 feet thick, the Fort was built to fight the sea and enemies alike.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
Tourist season runs from October-May, but the best time to visit is November-February. Even though the Fort is a star attraction, visitors are given just one hour by boatmen to see the fort and return.
This obviously means you cannot see everything.The must visit, especially for tourists from the rest of Maharashtra, is a temple dedicated to Shivaji inside the fort. The Maratha warrior’s son Rajaram built the sole cenotaph for his father here.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
TheSindhudurg Fort served as headquarters of the fledgling Maratha Navy headed by Shivaji. It had 52 semi-circular bastions and embrasures for cannons. The three km long rampart walls were only 29-30 feet high but 12 feet thick. Narrow staircases lead from the floor of the fort to the top of the walls.
As remembrance, foot and handprints of Shivaji were preserved in a slab of dry lime on one the turrets above the fort’s entrance.
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Sindhudurg Fort: A pictorial guide to Shivaji’s invincible sea fort
Temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai and Mahapurush were built inside the Fort for the king and his warriors to offer obeisance. One of the temples is believed to hide a secret tunnel that opens at Kolamb, a place few kms away.
Around 15 families still live on the premises. Among them is the original killedar’s (fort caretaker/administrator) family, the Sakpal Naik family.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
I’m trying to capture an Asian brown flycatcher in my camera as it flits from one tree to the other in Bhimashankar.
Here in December to spend a weekend with my extended family, I have decided to take a quick walk around the resort while the others get ready to leave for the Bhimashankar temple.
Known primarily as a pilgrimage site, the place Bhimashankar derives its name from the Shiva (or Shankar) temple which houses one of 12 jyotirlingas in India and the Bhima River which originates here.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
It is in fact, much more than that. It has a wildlife sanctuary that is home to Maharashtra’s state animal, the Shekru or Giant Squirrel.
Threatened bird species like Lesser Kestrel, Great Spotted Eagle and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon also find a safe haven here.
For wildlife and photography enthusiasts, Bhimashankarpresents the perfect opportunity to get close to nature.
It also makes for an ideal weekend retreat during monsoon (June-Sept) when different shades of green cover the topography.
As a trekking destination, Bhimashankar rewards fans of the foot slog with views of green valleys and cascading waterfalls among towering hills.
But this being December, a month when monsoon seems like a distant memory, the landscape is a patchwork of yellow and green.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
As I chase the flycatcher,a slight breeze makes the two feet long golden grassmove witha gentle, rustling sound. It’s quiet otherwise – quiet enough to make me mentally admonish a buzzing bee as if it might chase the bird away.
I stand trying to appear inconspicuous while the smell of dry vegetation gets up my nose. Fighting back the urge to sneeze, I finally get my shot.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
I’ve lost track of time though and have to sprint up to the waiting cars.
The temple is not too far off. As I walk down the road lined with shops selling Pooja offerings, bhajan (Indian hymn) books, bead and rudrakshnecklaces and photos of Shiva and his consort Parvathy, I have to steer clear of cows moving at a languid pace.
They are completely at home here as devotees offer them food, touch their quivering rumps in respect and nonchalantly walk past their droppings.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
I walk down the over 200 steps of the black stone staircase leading down to the temple and realise why Palkhiwalas (palanquin bearers) are hovering around.
Nothing like the elaborately carved palanquins of yore, these makeshift contraptions consist of just a chair strapped to horizontally placed poles.
Though it’s not that difficult for youngsters to walk down the steps, it would definitely be a tough task for older people.
Darshan done, we walk back up and contemplate taking a look at the Gupt (hidden) Bhimashankarlinga that is on a trail nearby.
No one is in the mood for more exertion. Gulping down glasses of iced fresh lime juice instead, we return to the cars.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
The group scatters as soon as we get back.
Adults wait for the familiar whiff of tea to rejuvenate themselves while kids clamber up mango trees, helping one another in an unfamiliar activity.
Later, we get together atwhat seems like a seasonal lake nearby and on our return, sit by a bonfire swapping stories till late in the night.
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Bhimashankar – a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune
The next morning we consider our options. We could trek to places like the Ganesh Temple or Nagphani Hill.
There are Buddhist style carvings of Amba andAmbika in Manmod hills. Everyone is not up post a late night though and a few of us have to get back early.
So, after the early risers have enjoyed a spectacular sunrise, we drive back to Mumbai.
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Sam Dunes, Jaisalmer
Rajasthan - a land of Colorful traditions, gorgeous heritage sites and countless legends. A trip to Rajasthan does not just involve sight-seeing but also, needs you to soak up the culture and the atmosphere of the place – right from sampling the local food to shopping, staying and more. Here are some travel suggestions that can help you truly experience this amazing state of Rajasthan.
General tips:
-Best time to Visit – October to February
-Stay light with cotton wear during the day and some warm woolens in the evening
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Consider staying at least 2 nights in each of the major cities of Rajasthan. The key ones being – Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Haveli styled Hotel in Udaipur
Small Havelis converted to Hotels are good Budget Stay option – comfortable, beautiful and affordable. You will find them across all cities in Rajasthan
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Pushkar Lake
Opt for a Road Trip to discover and explore the smaller towns alongthe way – like Pushkar and Ajmer enroute to Jodhpur from Jaipur.
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Cycle rickshaw, Jaipur
Experience the local transport within the cities – from battery operated rickshaws to cycle rickshaws. Quite convenient and quick.
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Rajasthani Thali
Experience a traditional Rajasthani meal at the local restaurants. Go for their Bajre ki Roti, Gatte ki Sabzi, Missi Roti or Papad ka Saag.
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Amer Fort, Jaipur
Explore the Forts and Palaces with Local Guides or opt for the Audio guides. The guide rates are generally, specified at the ticketing counter. Remember to hire an authorized guide.
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Rajasthan: A land of Colorful traditions
Street Shopping, Udaipur
Indulge in shopping for Traditional Rajasthani Handicrafts, bags, footwear and clothes
Compiled & Contributed by Ami Bhat
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
View of the Colosseum from the outside
“As long as the Colosseum is standing, Rome will stand and the day it falls, Rome will fall and so will the world”
And so the saying goes about Colosseum – one of the 7 wonders of the World. It is not surprising that they say so about this gigantic amphitheater in Rome for the sheer size of it can make you gasp.
An arena for the ancient Roman games with beasts and boats, this theatre is said to accommodate over 80,000 Romans in its hey days. Let’s re-live the glory of the gladiators through this virtual tour of the Colosseum.
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
View from Level One
Besides the ground and underground, the Colosseum towers over three conspicuous levels. You can climb up to level one, while level two is closed and level 3 is partially destroyed.
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
The main Arena
The wooden arena served as a stage for the main games. Note the underground maze in the background.
This was flooded with water for some naval games in the early Roman days. Later, wild beasts were set loose in the maze while the gladiators tried to escape them to safety.
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
Seating for the Audience
The seating was for the Senators was the closest to the Arena while the slaves had to climb to the highest levels
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
Underground tunnels
There are special tours that take you through the underground tunnels in the Colosseum. The same are published on the official Colosseum website. Here is a glimpse of the tunnel from level One.
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
Trapdoors and Cages
The trapdoors and cages were used to contain the slaves and the wild beasts before the games begin.
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A virtual tour of the Colosseum
View of the Roman Forum from the Colosseum
Take some time and visit the ruins of the Roman Forum behind the Colosseum. The ruins have their own interesting tales for you.
Compiled & Contributed by Ami Bhat
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Considered among the top 10 museums of the world, the Vatican Museum in the Vatican City, is a treasure trove of curios and artifacts from the Roman and Greek history.
Being a museum, one would expect exhibits of sorts to be displayed around the place, but one amazing feature of the Vatican Museum is that you do not just have exhibits displayed around but painted and sculpted on the walls as well.The museum is known for the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and their disciples. From the floors to the ceiling, each room is a work of art – something that I will showcase in the slides that follow.
General tips:
-Book your tickets either online or well in advance, for the museum tends to be crowded at the ticket windows.
-Wear flat shoes and keep aside at least half a day for the museum
-Audio guide or a tour guide is definitely recommended given the huge museum and its history.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Sphere within the Sphere
Starting with the Octagonal courtyard, the center of which is occupied by this curious Sphere within the Sphere by Arnaldo Pomodoro. Along with the same, you will see various Roman and Greek sculptures – including the Statue of Laocoon and his sons and the Apollo Belvedere Statue.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
One of the Vatican Galleries
Throughout the museum, you will find various objects collected by the Popes and added to the Vatican Gallery-each of them a piece of art with a unique story behind it.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
The Round Room
The Round Room or Sala Rotunda is a unique red colored round room with beautiful life-sized sculptors and a huge circular basin occupying the center of the room. The basis is said to have belonged to Emperor Nero
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Ceiling of the Round Room
Another unique thing about the Round Room is its unique ceiling, designed to imitate the Pantheon. Besides this circular ceiling, you will, also, see another beautiful one with frescos all over – each fresco within the ceiling telling you a different story.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Mosaic Floors
It is not just the ceiling that grabs your attention but the lovely mosaic floors as well.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Gallery of Tapestries
En route to the famed Sistine Chapel, you will have to pass through the Gallery of Tapestries that have beautiful pieces of art – some done by followers of Raphael. Further on, you will also, pass through the Gallery of Maps that have Maps of the ancient world displayed along the walls.
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A walk-through the Vatican Museum
Ceiling of the Gallery of Tapestries
While passing through these Galleries, remember to look up and check out the ceilings like this one in the picture. The ceiling is not sculpted as it appears to be, but painted in such a manner that one feels that it is sculpted.
Sistine Chapel is the point of culmination of the Vatican Tour. The gorgeous work of Michelangelo is a befitting end to this journey of art and history. Sadly, photography of the Sistine Chapel is prohibited.
Compiled & Contributed by Ami Bhat
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_600x450_98962029.jpg "Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills")
Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
Entrance to Horsley Hills
Known as the “Ooty of Andhra Pradesh”, Horsley Hills is a small, unexplored hill station near Chintamani. Accessible from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, this hill station is a refreshing outing for families, couples, friends and corporate team outings. The hill station is named after the British Collector – W.D Horsley, who made it his home. Let’s take a quick tour of the same here -
General tips:
-Horsley Hills is a 3 – 4 hours drive from Bengaluru and around 8 hours from Hyderabad
-Bengaluru and Tirupati are the closest airports to this Hill station
-There is only one main resort – Harita Resort for a stay here. The Hill station is very basic and has a few grocery outlets and nothing more. Hence, either one has to depend on the resort restaurant or head to the nearest town Madanapalli.
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_600x450_98962029.jpg "Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills")
Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
From the View Point at Horsley Hills
The entire valley and the hill station are filled with Yellow Blooms. Don’t be surprised to see deer skipping around as you enter the hill station.
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Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
Horsley’s Bungalow
The British Collector’s bungalow is still preserved for one to look at. Behind the bungalow is a 150 year old Eucalyptus tree called Kalyani.
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Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
Crocodiles at the Park
Within the premises of Horsley’s bungalow is a small animal park where one can see some Emus, Deer, Peacocks, different birds and of course, the crocodiles.
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Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
Adventure sports at Horsley Hills
While you are here, you can book yourself in for some adventure sports. From ATV rides to Burma Loops, Trekking and the rappelling.
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Ooty of Andhra Pradesh: Horsley Hills
View from another Vantage point
All of the view points on this hill station are walkable and each one gives you a different view of the valley. Don’t miss the melodious birds at each of these points. They definitely add to the ambience here.
Compiled & Contributed by Ami Bhat
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Sending employees off?
Travelling yourself is one thing but sending someone to travel for your work is an altogether different errand. Yes, an errand. -
8 Castles that double up as hotels across Britain
While that will remain a pipe dream for most of us, what we can offer you is the chance to live like royalty for a few days. Here’s a collection of castle hotels across Britain you can enjoy the lavish life in; what with the Brexit and the decreased value of the pound, there's never been a better time to make the trip! -
Here are some tips for smart travel packing you could use
Leave the gun, take the cannoli. Whatever Godfather meant must have a ring of truth somewhere
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Mussoorie: The quintessential 'Desi' hill station
The British government and subsequently the Indian government imposed strict restrictions on any new constructions in this area and hence this place has retained its charm. -
The Last 2 Hours of a Long Train Journey
IRCTC caterers run around peddling leftovers at heavy discounts, hoping people will prioritize a good deal over a disease threat. -
Udaipur: Wonderland nestled amid hills
Yes, it is synonymous as the ‘City of Lakes’ but there is more to this ‘Venice of the East’ if you care to venture ahead in this Disneyland of awe.
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