Saturday, April 30, 2011

Poetry in Stone - 2

Temples all over India represent the rich cultural heritage. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.

One such little known temple is in Padavali (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple located inside a small fort is a architectural gem.
This externally simple looking temple is a treasure trove from inside. The carvings are examples of master craftsmanship.

These numerous tiny carvings are in the ceiling or on the walls close to the ceiling. These carvings depict stories of Lord Vishnu.

There is another temple close by at Mitavali (State: Madhya Pradesh) with totally different style of architecture from the above. This circular temple is a Lord Shiva temple and very unique in shape.

Here the carved circular double pillars are noteworthy.

For more visit ABC Wednesday


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Friday, April 29, 2011

Whitewater Rafting in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! A Splash of Adrenaline!



I like to periodically share with my readers some of my favorite tour companies in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica areas. Therefore, as we get ready to enter our “green” season (green=more rain), this means some of the best white water rafting is just ahead on the horizon. I can’t think of a better company to share with you then the great people at Amigos del Rio (“Friends of the River”)!

Offering world class Whitewater Rafting only a short distance from the new Quepos Marina and famous Manuel Antonio Park, Amigos del Rio features challenging whitewater rafting on both the Savegre River (“Wild River”) and the Naranjo River (“Orange River”), with incredible views of rainforests, waterfalls, flora and fauna. Not limited to just rafting, Amigos del Rio guides visitors along the Manuel Antonio coastline for Ocean Kayaking, or choose the unique opportunity to explore the Damas Island Estuary Mangroves as you glide along in your Mangrove Kayak.

Safe, Unique, Reliable and Intense Water Adventures are what Amigos del Rio lives for!

Savegre River Rafting

Beyond the incredible Class II, III & IV rapids, be astounded by the awe-inspiring canyons, waterfalls, and primary rainforests that are an integral part of the beauty of Costa Rica. The Savegre River is truly a magnificent stretch of whitewater, winding through a sparsely inhabited mountain crested valley and offering some of the most exciting rapids and beautiful tropical scenery around. The full day Savegre River Rafting Excursion includes a hike to one of these majestic waterfalls, leaving time for guests to go swimming in the natural waterfall ponds.



Naranjo River Rafting

The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride all the way to sea level. Passing local farmlands and palm plantations, the river banks team with green jungle and meet the steep canyon walls at sharp 90 degree angles. Even for the advanced rafter, this Class II, III & IV river is an exciting and refreshing rush of adrenaline. For those beginner rafters, our well trained river guides will explain, teach, direct and inspire even the most timid of rafters will want to meet the Whitewater River challenge!














Ocean Kayak Manuel Antonio

Designed for beginner or advanced kayakers, you start with paddling along coastline of Quepos and the offshore islands by ManuelAntonio National Park. Experience the excitement of paddling a kayak in the open ocean, while observing Costa Rica's marine and coastal wonders, such as the nesting grounds of endangered sea birds like the Brown Boobie, as well as sea turtles, fish, dolphins, whales and other seasonal marine life. Sea kayaking is considerably easier than river kayaking, and most trips can be done by guests that have little or no experience, so don’t miss your chance to try this exciting sport!














Mangrove Kayak DamasIsland

This tour will show you nature's unparalleled wonders as you explore an entirely different eco-system just 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Kayaking (or boating) through the mangrove canals is like a meandering ride through times gone by. Let the current carry your kayak as you observe the unique flora, fauna and wildlife found only in this biologically diverse heaven! Beginners will delight in the ease of paddling through protected inland waterways, while your guide points out and explains this unique jungle environment.













Transportation

The exclusive fleet of transportation for Amigos del Rio includes brand new Microbuses and 4x4 vehicles rarely found in Costa Rica such as the HUMMER and the UNIMOG.










Equipment

Adventure tours should only offer the best in safety and equipment, so for that reason, Amigos del Rio chooses to use high performance AIRE rafts, specially design for our favorite rivers.











Meals

Complete relaxing “Tico” style meals are provided on the tours, with refreshments and local fruits. There’s no hurry on these tours, time is on your side.










Safety First

The Amigos del Rio gear is all U.S. Coast Guard approved and operated by professionally certified guides that have past extensive safety guidelines. Amigos del Rio is a fully insured and bonded company.










Team Amigos del Rio

Their team of expert guides is all formed by locals who have grown up rafting these rivers, and know their business better than anyone!










The Amigos del Rio Promise

From the owner to the reservations personnel, they guarantee the level of safety and fun you are seeking, all supervised by the Amigos del Rio professional team of Whitewater Rafters. They love what they do and it shows!

So if you find yourself traveling to the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area of Costa Rica, and you are looking for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime, while enjoying the wonders and scenery of Costa Rica, don’t wait……sign up with Amigos del Rio, and you too will discover the fun and adventure of Whitewater Rafting!!



AUTHOR:

Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in Parismina and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for Byblos Resort & Casino and Hotel Makanda by the Sea.
[Read Posts...]

Khandala


An ideal place to unwind on the weekends far from the hustle bustle of everyday din, Khandala is one of the major hill stations in India in the state of Maharashtra. Nestled at an altitude of 625 meters, it sits pretty on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Gifted with abundant natural beauty, Khandala offers beautiful green environs and draws the interest of travelers from far and wide.

A small but beautiful hill station, the town of Khandala provides a spectacular view of the lush green hilly surroundings. If you are tired of the daily work and toil, you can drive down a distance of 101 kms from the busy city of Mumbai to soak a few moments’ peace and pleasure. It has several trekking trails around it which is a delight for the adventure lovers.

Earlier, Khandala was a part of the terrain of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Later it eventually went to the power of the British. Khandala is positioned at the top end of the Bhor Ghat on the roadway between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. The Ghat serves an extensive amount of both road and rail traffic. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the main connection between the main cities of Mumbai and Pune, cuts through Khandala.
Located barely 5 km from Khandala is the other famous hill station of Lonavala which also has the similar picturesque landscape as that of Khandala. There are plenty of lakes around Khandala like the Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Lake. Also the Walvan Dam located here is worth visiting.

Karla and Bhaja Caves, situated amid the hills 16 km away from Khandala, are fine places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples which date back to as early as 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and excellent instances of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India adhere to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Amruntanjan point is another tourist interest that impresses its visitors to the core.

History of Khandala

Information regarding the origin of Khandala is not much vividly available. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the originator of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the territory around Khandala. Presently it came under the control of the Peshwa rulers, who discovered the second Maratha Empire. It was eventually taken over by the British when they routed the Peshwas.
[Read Posts...]

Waterfall Cihanyawar

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SKW: Ngamplang
Sub: Cilawu
Tour Type: Nature
Attractions: Waterfall

Natural Physical Environment
Cihanyawar waterfall is located in the Village Sukamumi Cilawu Garut District and located at an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level. Oaya Its main attraction is a waterfall with a height of 16 m. The source water comes Cihanyawar waterfall and stream water from Mount Cipadaruun Cikuray springs.
Curug Cihanyawar are under the management of PTP Nusantara VIII and Sukamurni Village residents. Although located at the boundary between land owned by PTP Nusantara VIII and Sukamurni Village community owned land, but the formal legal ownership is in the hands of PTP Nusantara VIII Dayeuh Plantation gig, and included in the block Cipang plantations covering a total area 12.57 ha. General physical condition is hilly with steep slope. land around this waterfall is the area of ​​agriculture and plantation crops of local communities.
Dominant flora in this area are pine trees, lisamara, and kawung tree, while the fauna is dominated by a wild boar, snakes, raccoons, squirrels and various bird species.

Curug Cihanyawar have administrative boundaries as follows:
North: Village Sukamaju
South: Village Wangun Jaya
West: Village Sindangsari
East: Tasikmalaya Regency.
Tourism activities that can be done at the waterfall Cihanyawar include tracking, recreational / picnic, enjoy the scenery and photography

Special Aspects
In the waterfall Cihanyawar dikernbangkan not many facilities to support tourism activities, while the support facilities available in the form of 5 pieces of shelter located?50 m from the waterfall and places of worship in the form of small mosque and the mosque which is located in residential areas. In the vicinity of tourist accommodation facilities are not yet available and eating and drinking, but visitors can stay at the Hotel Ngamplang which is located in Tasikmalaya Highway at a distance? 2.5 km from the center of District Cilawu. Restaurant facilities closest to the location of this object is Megawati's Restaurant located at Jalan Raya Cigarangsang No. 42, Sub Cilawu.

Accessibility
To reach the waterfall location Cihanyawar to use private vehicles or public transportation routes Guntur-terminal Bojongloa Rp.2.000 rate, - per person and use other means of transportation such as microbus-Garut route Singapama Rp.6.000 rate,-per person. Achievement to the location of the final waterfall Cihanyawar access roads, visitors can use ojeg Rp.1.500 rates - Rp.3.000, - per person. The road to the falls is supported by the type of district roads with a width 2.5 m and a fairly good condition.

Read Source>>>
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Spot Me

This post is not related to travel, just fun. One day when my kids standing in the balcony, they spotted a bird flying around the mango tree. I rushed out with my camera clicked few snaps and here they are:

Picture 1


Picture 2

Try spotting the bird in both the snaps. Name the cell and its position in the cell.

Clue: Bird is Humming Bird

Looking forward to your answers. No prizes, just fun.

I shall post the answers on 07-May-2011.

For more visit Camera Critters

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Santolo Beach

SKW: Pameungpeuk
Sub: Cikelet
Tour Type: Nature
Attractions: Beach scene 


One of the most popular beaches are in the district. Garut is Santolo Beach. Located in the district. Cikelet, south of Garut city center, distance traveled within 3.5 hour drive or about 88 km.

Panati are well known in the city of Bandung and is a tourist destination. Santolo Coast region is a gathering of traditional fishermen who will be developed into a beautiful tourist destination. It is also an area for fishing activities as a dock (port) fishing vessel or boat that is in Pameungpeuk.

Enjoying panoramic coastal and marine tourism is an activity that can be done. There are also charter boats that serve the tourists to enjoy the pounding surf south coast is quite challenging. In addition we can enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a simple dish. facilities required by tourists is available such as inns, souvenir stalls at affordable prices.

Other Photos: 


Read Source>>>
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

View on Naples from the Castle Sant Elmo

This sunday I passed in Naples. I wanted to visit the castle and the museum that you have seen together with me from the port but did not planned it for the next days. My husband said me: the weather is still good and who knows if it will maintain so -go now there. And I followed his advise. Fortunatelly -because the weather changed yesterday, it's too cold and the wind is very strong.

Here in the center, on the hill, is the place I visited. What you can see is the wall of the Carthusian monastery. Behind it is situating the castle. I thought, it is the castle from early medieval times but I was wrong. It was built in XVI century. The monastery is older.

"Новый" Порт Неаполя

The castle is interesting because there are very beautiful views from it's walls. There were 2 exhibitions there, too. One, I did not visit it, -something about cartoons. Ther other is permanent and you can follow the development of the trends in the painting from the beginning till the end of the passed century. The guides explain what you see there.

After it I went up on the wall and made some photos. Here is the "classic" view of Naples with Vesuvius. By the way, if you look forward, behind the volcanoe, more or less the same distance, I think, will be the house where I sit now to tell you about this city. :-)))

Неаполь

Here is the other famous image. Probably you've seen it many times. But I'm sure, you did not associated it with Naples. Next time you'll visit it, remember that this helmet ("elmo" in Italian) is collocated in Castel dell' Elmo (with the island Capri behind it).

Неаполь

Surprising was the other view from the wall. The very desired in the Roman times part of this region where there were ( and there are till today) healing springs. Where Virgil ( Publius Vergilius Maro) collocated the entrance in the Hell. Where the other volcanoe, Solfatara, scares the persons living around it. Where there are many interesting attractions for the discovering this zone tourist.

Неаполь
[Read Posts...]

View on Naples from the Castle Sant Elmo

This sunday I passed in Naples. I wanted to visit the castle and the museum that you have seen together with me from the port but did not planned it for the next days. My husband said me: the weather is still good and who knows if it will maintain so -go now there. And I followed his advise. Fortunatelly -because the weather changed yesterday, it's too cold and the wind is very strong.

Here in the center, on the hill, is the place I visited. What you can see is the wall of the Carthusian monastery. Behind it is situating the castle. I thought, it is the castle from early medieval times but I was wrong. It was built in XVI century. The monastery is older.

"Новый" Порт Неаполя

The castle is interesting because there are very beautiful views from it's walls. There were 2 exhibitions there, too. One, I did not visit it, -something about cartoons. Ther other is permanent and you can follow the development of the trends in the painting from the beginning till the end of the passed century. The guides explain what you see there.

After it I went up on the wall and made some photos. Here is the "classic" view of Naples with Vesuvius. By the way, if you look forward, behind the volcanoe, more or less the same distance, I think, will be the house where I sit now to tell you about this city. :-)))

Неаполь

Here is the other famous image. Probably you've seen it many times. But I'm sure, you did not associated it with Naples. Next time you'll visit it, remember that this helmet ("elmo" in Italian) is collocated in Castel dell' Elmo (with the island Capri behind it).

Неаполь

Surprising was the other view from the wall. The very desired in the Roman times part of this region where there were ( and there are till today) healing springs. Where Virgil ( Publius Vergilius Maro) collocated the entrance in the Hell. Where the other volcanoe, Solfatara, scares the persons living around it. Where there are many interesting attractions for the discovering this zone tourist.

Неаполь
[Read Posts...]

PATIALA - PUNJAB



The erstwhile capital of one of India's richest princely states, Patiala is an ancient city with a modern face. Amidst modern institutions and buildings, concrete roads and gardens stand the magnificent forts and palaces dating back to the 18th century.The present day city can also be descried as commercial center for consumer goods.

HISTORY

The early history of the Patiala state is considered more of a myth than fact. Baba Ala Singh, a man with vision and courage assumed the leadership in 1714 and carved out an independent principality from a petty Zamindari of 30 villages. His successors were instrumental in the expansion of Patiala into a big state. The state's borders touched the Shivaliks in north, Rajasthan in the South and upper courses of the Jamuna and Sutlej.
The state of Patiala assumed prominence on the Indian map during the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1900-1930). The rich architectural legacy of the place is to his credit only. Also his son facilitated the process of natural integration of the state by    signing the instrument of accession.


PLACES TO VISIT


1. Rajpura, located midway between Patiala and Chandigarh. It is an old Mogul outpost with a dilapidated fort. It is an important town today. It has manufacturing units for cables, tyres and a whole range of agro-products.


2. Nabha-- It is renowned for its Old Palace that has now been converted into a Government College. The Royal Guest House and High Court Complex located here have also become parts of a public School. Hira Mahal, the residence of the ruling family preserves antique cars, and fascinating murals on the inside walls.


3. Qila Mubarak -- Built in 1764, by Maharaja Amar Singh, the fort has two portions. Qila Androon is the inner fort and Qila Mubarak, the outer. The gate of Qila Androon is done in lime plaster with geometrical and floral designs on it. Inside the fort are two painted chambers illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology and portraits of Sikh Gurus in Patiala style. Also a part of the fort is a museum of chandeliers and famous weapons.


4. Motibagh Palace -- It was the residence of former rulers of Patiala. Today, it accommodates the National institute of Sports. It also houses a museum of antique arts and the artifacts along with the world's greatest collection of medals.


5. Mogul Serai, Shambhu - It is located at about 11 km from Rajpura on Rajpura- Ambala G.T. Road. Built during the Mogul times, this inn has two majestic gates with a mosque in the center and 'bowli' (paved well). It is a protected monument.


6. Bahadurgarh Fort -- It stands to commemorate the visit of the 9th Sikh Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur. It was constructed by Nawab Saif Khan in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in 1837 A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh. Located at 6 km from Patiala town on Patiala-Chandigarh road, the fort is enclosed by 2 circular ramparts, 110 feet apart with a moat, 58 feet wide.


7. Chattbir Zoo -- It On Chandigarh-Patiala highway is the Chattbir Zoo. The Zoo is the largest simulated natural habitat of the animals and birds in the northern India. Its major attractions are a deer park and a lion safari.


8. Ghuram -- It is a village in Patiala District and known to be the hometown of Mata Kaushalya. The place is replete with archaeological ruins.
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Sunday, April 24, 2011

Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on January 2011 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing.

There were more than 25 variety of Orchids on disp
lay. The color combination and designs on each of them were beautiful.

There were stalls selling the Orchids plants outside the flower show. The price ranged from Rupees 600 to 1200 depending on the variety.

For more visit Todays Flowers,
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Saturday, April 23, 2011

Lalbagh Flower Show - Purple Anthurium

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on January 2011 there were exclusive collection of various flowers on display. A wide variety of Anthurium flowers were grown with mix of colors.

Purple color Anthurium was of interest to me.

[Read Posts...]

Friday, April 22, 2011

Jafar Umar Sidik Graveyard

SKW : Cangkuang
Sub : Leuwigoong
Tour Type : Culture
Fascination : Tomb, Heritage
Distance : 15 km
Natural Physical Environment
Umar Jafar Sidik tomb is 300 m from the capital district, and 15 km from the capital city of Garut regency, with the north boundary adjacent to the Village Cibiuk Kaler, on the south by South Cibiuk Village, adjacent to the east by the Village Sindang Like and in the west with Hegar Sari Village.

Activities that can be done at this tourist attraction is a pilgrimage and study the culture, especially history and culture of Islam.

Special Aspects
Umar Jafar Sidik tomb is a tourist attraction that belong to the heritage of cultural attractions with physical formations (relic / artefac) form of the tomb, and is located in the Village Cisareupan, District Cibiuk. This tomb complex of the extent of 5 ha and is managed by Mr. Ustadz Ade and surrounding communities. Umar Jafar Sidik tomb consists of four main tomb, all of which are close relatives of Omar Jafar Sidik and other Islamic religious spreaders in Garut district, which is the tomb of Abdul Jabar grandparent who is an in-law Omar Jafar Sidik, Umar Jafar Sidik own tomb, the tomb of Siti Fatimah's grandparent who is Jafar Umar's wife, and the tomb of Wali Mohammed Nur Kosim grandparent who is none other than his sister. The four tombs are located sequentially in order of mention from top to bottom are each bordered by wooden fences.

To support tourism activities available range of facilities, both specifically designed for pilgrimage as well as the nature of activities not directly allocated to activities of pilgrimage. Facilities available in this region, among others, 7 pieces hawker stalls in reasonably good condition, parking, public toilets, shelters and places of worship. Snacks are available at kiosks around the area especially along the path to the tomb. This hawker stall serves also as a shelter because of the deliberate construction formed as well as a place to rest with the capacity and adequate structure. Parking for private vehicles as the dismissal of visitor facilities provided by the village community with a maximum capacity of 10 cars and the surface is not coated with cement, with a medium and vegetation conditions are not adequate shade so impressed poorly maintained. For the needs of worship facilities are located near the mosque and tomb chamber and made of bamboo or use the mosque located near settlements. For basic amenities like public toilets available two conditions because of inadequate physical plant maintained and clean less. One of two public toilets are located in the parking lot.

Infrastructure contained in this tomb complex as the source of water and electricity are available in adequate amounts. For clean water sources are wells in the vicinity of the tomb area during the dry season the water discharge is very small and somewhat cloudy. The power source used to illuminate the road on the path to the tomb area who come from PLN.

Accessibility
When visitors visit the cemetery, it will pass a long road Cibiuk District? 140 m with asphalt a good condition, and passing along the road village? 80 m and 50-60 m along the path that shaped the surface coated with cement foothpath. To get to the site visitors can use to route Limbangan rural transport? Cibatu until the beginning of the road access or to use the services of ojeg with a tariff of Rp. 3,000 from Limbangan to the tomb area.

Other photos:

Read Source>>>
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Sacred Tomb Godog

SKW : Tomb Godog
Sub : Karangpawitan
Tour Type : Culture
Fascination : Tomb, Heritage
Distance : 14 km

Natural Physical Environment
The tomb is a tourist attraction Keramat Godog cultural heritage located in the village of Great Valley, with an area of ​​approximately 1.5 ha.Jarak this tourist attraction to the capital district 5 km, to the district capital 14 km, and the provincial capital 74 km.
Administratively, the tomb complex boundary Kramat Godog are as follows:
  • North: Village Tanjung sari
  • West: Kec. Garut City
  • South: Mount karacak
  • East: Village Like Negla
Shrine complex is managed by local governments which levy set at Rp. 1000 for the pilgrims who visit. For day-to-day management carried out by Mr. H. Endang Ahmad who acts as caretaker.

Activities that can be done in this Godog Cemetery Keramat is a pilgrimage which is generally done on the day of the Islamic religion, such as during the feast of Eid al-Adha, Eid and other Muslim religious holidays.

Special Aspects
Inside the tomb complex Godog Keramat there are 7 pieces tomb. In the main room is located the tomb of Indiana Jones, while the tomb Dalem Sareupan Sucim Worship, Worship tomb Sareupan Dalem Agung, the tomb of Worship Kholipah Dalem Agung, and the tomb of the Holy Marjaya Santuwaan located in another room. Other tombs in this complex is the tomb of Sheikh Dora and the tomb of Worship Paging Jaya is located in open space separate from the tombs of the above.

Keramat Godog tomb complex have stories associated with King Indiana Jones or Sheikh Sunan Rohmat. King Indiana Jones and the 2 brothers, namely Dewi Rara Jones and stinky Breech is the son of King Siliwangi. King Indiana Jones was born in the year 1315 AD in the current Pajajaran Bogor. At the age of 22 years old Indiana Jones was appointed to the Bogor Dalem II. From minor until the age of 33 years, the universal Java there is no bravery and supernatural powers that rival the King Indiana Jones. Since they do not have a commensurate opponent, King Indiana Jones left the kingdom to the land of Mecca Pajajaran to compete with Sayyidina Ali. In the land of Mecca, they were then played, and it turns out King Indiana Jones can be defeated. After Indiana Jones knuckle renamed Galantrang Setra and later converted to Islam.

After that Kian Santang went home to the ground Pajajaran to see his father and his brothers. Since the King Indiana Jones can not spread the religion of Islam because they have not mastered it perfectly well the teachings of Islam, he returned to the city of Mecca. In the year 1362 AD King Indiana Jones back to Java and then spread the teachings of Islam in the land of Java.
Existing tourist facilities in this complex are:
  1. 14 fruit stalls, 10 are located in the zone and 4 facilities in the area of ​​the tomb
  2. parking facilities in the zone has a capacity of 15 buses or 30 cars of cement-coated surface
  3. 2 toilets, 1 on the tomb area and 1 in zone facilities with adequate conditions
  4. guardhouse at the same time information facilities
  5. piece of shelter called a rest house to function for a place to rest
  6. 4 places of worship, visitors used to stay and separated by sex 
Accessibility
This complex can be reached via public transportation route terminal or transportation Sukawening Guntur-Guntur-Karangpawitan Terminal City until the road access to the complex, can also be passed by ojeg. Road access is? 4 km, followed by foothpath a ladder rung 53 pieces. 

Other photos:

Read Source>>>
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Munnar - Kerala



Located in “God’s Own Country”, Munnar is a picturesque hill retreat and vacations in this heavenly place would be a welcome break from the usual humdrum of city life. Munnar hill station in Kerala is one of the most sought-after by the tourists who want to experience the sublime exquisiteness of nature. It is an important town of tea estate and the undulating tea gardens seem to captivate the senses. Munnar is at an altitude of about 1, 700 meters above the sea level and is blessed by the undulating terrain of the southern Western Ghats.

It was once upon a time the most favored retreat of the British and is strategically located at the confluence of the three rivers Muthirappuzha, Chandavurai and Kundaly. A trip to Munnar is going to be a satisfying one since it offers many places of interest apart from its unsurpassed natural beauty. The most popular among the tourist attractions in Munnar is the Mattupetty Dam which is one of the most scenic points in the entire region. Watch the actual beauty of Munnar in Pothamedu which is an important plantation hub of this town. For the adventure enthusiasts, Attukal would be an ideal place since it features formidable tracks ideal for trekking and hiking. Some of the other scenic points and attractions of Munnar are Pallivasal, Nyayamakad, Rajamala, Chithirapuram and Echo Point.

The Munnar hill town of Kerala has gained huge importance as a tourist destination and thus there are many accommodations that can be found here. You will find all sorts of hotels here that range from the five stars to the three star categories. The Club Mahindra Lake View Resort is the five star hotels in Munnar. The four star hotels include T&U Leisure Hotel, Tea County Hill Station Resort and Windermere Estate Hotel. The three star categories include Issacs Residency, Munnar Woods Resort, Sterling Resort, The Siena Village and The Tall Trees Hotel.

Munnar can be easily accessed by air, rail and road transport. The nearest airport is in Kochi and the other one is in Madurai which is 142 kms from Munnar. The nearest railway stations are in Kochi and Kottayam and regular train services are available to and from Munnar. The road transport is equally good and you can easily travel to Munnar from the nearby and distant towns of India. The local means of transport such as buses and private cabs are easily available for transportation in and around the city. Add more pleasure to your travel to Munnar by setting out on the exciting excursions to the nearby destinations such as Anayirankal, Top Station, Marayoor, Cheeyappara, Meenuli and Nadukani. The flora and fauna of Munnar is very impressive and diverse and add to the beauty of this town to a significant extent.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ekambareshvara Temple, Kanchipuram

There are many beautiful temples in Kanchipuram (State: Tamil Nadu). Here, the Ekambareshvara Temple is one of the largest temple and dates back to sometime between 16th to 17th centuries. The temple was constructed by the rulers of Pallava Dynasty and improvised by other dynasties.

The tall tower on the Southern entrance is 180 feet in height. This was erected by Maharaja Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara Dynasty.

The temple has a huge hall with thousand pillars. To the North of the mantapa is a tank; west of the mandapa is the main shrine which contains the Earth Lingam (a form of Lord Shiva). There is a 3500 year old mango tree to the west of the main shrine. The tree produces four different varieties of mangoes.
[Read Posts...]

Eternity

I thought about the Eternity after I've discussed the life of Jesus between His childhood and 33 years. My friend wanted to know what I think about the possibility that Jesus passed some yars of His life in Tibet.

Well, I don't want to speak about it now. I simply wanted to understand: what feelings I have after this call. I opened the photos of my visits of Greek and Roman sites this year. And understood that all >I feel now is possible to explain in only one word: Eternity. Maybe I'm not right, maybe I choosed a wrong definition. Here are the photos that made more impression on me.
Do you agree with me? Is it the right word to explain the concept?

(Photo 1,2 -Paestum; 3 -Roman town under  Naples; 4 -the view from the crater of Vesuvius on Sorrento coast and Capri)

Вечность

Вечность

Вечность

Вечность
[Read Posts...]

Eternity

I thought about the Eternity after I've discussed the life of Jesus between His childhood and 33 years. My friend wanted to know what I think about the possibility that Jesus passed some yars of His life in Tibet.

Well, I don't want to speak about it now. I simply wanted to understand: what feelings I have after this call. I opened the photos of my visits of Greek and Roman sites this year. And understood that all >I feel now is possible to explain in only one word: Eternity. Maybe I'm not right, maybe I choosed a wrong definition. Here are the photos that made more impression on me.
Do you agree with me? Is it the right word to explain the concept?

(Photo 1,2 -Paestum; 3 -Roman town under  Naples; 4 -the view from the crater of Vesuvius on Sorrento coast and Capri)

Вечность

Вечность

Вечность

Вечность
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