All about the Fort Aguada – the Fortress of Strength
- Goa, the smallest state in India in terms of area and word length, synonymous for the spectacular beaches, stunning parties and ultra modernity has lot more to offer in terms of heritage and culture in addition to its exciting touring destinations popular the world over.
- A stark reflection of the state’s colonial history, the Fort Aguada is built in 1510 after the Portuguese conquered it comprehensively.
- The fort that stands stall is located on the Sinquerim beach at the mouth of the Mandovi River facing the Arabian Sea.
- Built between the years 1609 and 1612, the name of the fort comes from ‘agua’ meaning ‘water’. There is a spring within the fort that enabled the crews of passing ship to top up their freshwater sources.
- The fort was bifurcated into two sections: the upper part functioning as a watershed, and a fort well insulated by a deep dry moat. The lower part served as a safe hour for the Portuguese vessels to hoard and top up their supplies, in addition to being a bastion, gun powder room and a clandestine escape passage during emergency.
- Besides the huge cistern of the fort could store up to 2, 30,000 gallons of water. The high fort served as a citadel against invading forces during the Portuguese rule.
- Main attractions of the fort include a four-storey lighthouse, one of the oldest in Asia, which was raised in 1864. However, it has remained out of use since 1976.
- Interestingly, huge bonfires were lit on the ‘Hills of Pilot’ just above the site of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Pune to guide the sailing ships into safety.
- It was under the administration of Antonio de Oliveira that he turned the lower part of the fort into prison, and protestors who demanded that Goa be handed back to India were imprisoned here. Today, it is more popular as Goa’s central jail housing those accused of trafficking and narcotics-related offenses.
- Much of the fort today is acquired by the Taj group of Hotels as a Heritage hotel. Get yourself transported back to the time where the angry waves rolled the ships into its sheltered harbour. Definitely, worth a visit.
Everything you need to know about the Dolmen Circle in Kodaikanal
- Are you burned out and knackered this summer and wanted to take a breather? One of the best places in Tamilnadu to be this summer is the charming hill station of Kodaikanal that has about 40 tourist attractions. One of the lesser known places in Kodaikanal, though popular, is the Dolmen Circle.
- The Dolmen Circle is about 8km from Kodaikanal Lake and 18km from Berijam Lake. It is one of the most important places among anthropologists. A pre-historic site, the Dolmen Circle dates back to 5000 BC.
- This place is believed to be the dwelling place and burial site of the pre-historic man who belonged to the Iron Age and Stone Age. They are known as dolmens and Kistavens.
- Situated nearby the Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu village, the dolmen is raised out of two huge erect slabs covered by a huge flat slab.
- The sands of time brought destruction to several dolmens, so only two survive now. One is found at the Ghat Road near Periyakulam and another 2 km away from the hamlet of Pannaikadu.
- It is located on the highest point before you descend to Pattiveerampatti still standing rock-solid without significant damage.
- The place is the remains of pre-historic inhabitants in addition to models of dolmens and burial urns. The ruins and remains of the place can transport you right to the pre-historic living.
- Research also shows that these were used as hideout for the pre-historic man. It is also widely believed that this site served as a safe haven for people to hoard their valuables. Site excavations in the past unearthed several copper and brass ornaments in addition to the utensils. On the other hand, Kistavens were used as burial grounds.
A dream ride into the hills of Ooty – The Nilgiri Mountain Railways’ (NMR) Toy Train – Part 2
Ooty had been an unchartered territory until 1820 and it had inconsistent boundaries of forest terrain. It is said that Ooty was an accidental find by the British who found the place to be stunningly beautiful and the weather to be clement throughout the year. Thus, they gave birth to a hill station that boasted eternal beauty and charm. The then district collector John Sullivan at once decided to transform it into a lovely hill station in the 1820s and founded Ooty, building two stone-houses one, Kal Bangla, which turned out to be the official residence of the Principal of the Government Arts College and was given a new makeover.
A railway line was first commenced in 1854 but it took no less than 40 years to get it done. In 1873, the train to Coimbatore underwent extension up till Mettupalayam and one has to take the ghat road before the laying of the tracks. The NMR, now the lifeline of Ooty’s economy, became world heritage in 2005. The rail-trails cover various activities including trekking along the railway tracks, exploring tunnels and viewing how the signal-systems work and other milestones.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway makes its way through plains for the first 5 miles. In the next 12, it makes an ascend spectacularly up to 4363 ft passing through nine tunnels, lending you splendid views of the eastern slopes of Ooty. You can take non-stop selfies and photo-ops, moving to the left. A mystifying spectacle beholds you when the train hustles and whistles though Wellington, Coonoor, Lovedale and stops near the Ooty Lake.
Other attractions include the longest rail bridge across River Bhavani near the Mettupalayam station, Coonoor station (built-in stone), Fernhill station (now closed and made ‘rest’ guesthouse), track/tunnel-walk through tunnel no. 16 that is 4-km long and unique masonry or rock-cut tunnels. The toy train featured in the 1984 David Lean-directed ‘A Passage to India’ movie. At least three chief ministers of South India have had their movie songs shot here. As there’s no pantry car on the train, you need to carry your own food while traveling. There’s a tree planted at the Government Arts College compound by Sullivan which you can add to your sightseeing bucket list.
News – Ooty (Nilgiris) To Get A New Botanical Garden On A Sprawling 80 Acres Of Land Soon
Ooty, or Udhamagamandalam, as it is popularly called in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. This charming hill station receives maximum visitors during the summer season. The cool and salubrious climate, well complemented by the lush and fertile greeneries, in Ooty, has attracted tens and thousands of tourists on their holiday vacation every year. The botanical garden, opened in 1847, has been a major tourist destination ever since. The Tamil Nadu Horticultural Department is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining it all around the year.
The Queen of Hill Stations will get its second botanical garden soon on a sprawling 80acres land, as per an announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Government. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is buoyant that Ooty’s second botanical garden will see more tourist influx during the summer season.
The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr E. Palaniswami, brought smiles to many when he made the announcement in accordance with Rule 110 in the Assembly House that a second botanical garden will be set up at Ooty. He followed it up with the allocation of the project cost of 10 crores for establishing the 200th year Evergreen Grassland at Ooty.
Large crowd hits the picturesque hill station of Ooty during the annual Flower show organised with great fanfare; the second botanical garden would add to the overall attraction. Another famous park in Ooty is the Rose Park, which receives over 10 lakh tourists a year, resulting in traffic congestion during the peak season and lack of adequate parking space for the vehicles. The Chief Minister also announced that a permanent parking space that can put up as many as 500 vehicles will be opened at an outlay of Rs 3 crores here.
Tourists in TajMahal Can Enjoy Aerial View With The New Heliport in Pipeline
For tourists looking to enjoy an airborne view of Taj Mahal, India’s finest monument and one of the seven world wonders, the long wait is finally over. Thanks to the construction of a heliport by the tourism department of Agra on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway that would reduce the travel time considerably from the heliport to the 17th-century monument Taj Mahal, constructed by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a resting place for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, as reported by ANI.
Mr Amit Kumar, deputy director of UP tourism, believes that the construction of a heliport will not only offer an aerial view of the monument but also that of the entire historical city of Agra. The helicopter, he added, would transport them to the site in just about 10–15 minutes.
Mr Kumar said that the helicopter operation would commence soon as the required land grants to construct the heliport have been approved by the Government authorities. He further added that lands have also been earmarked and would be granted approval soon for the heliport scheme in Mathura, Lucknow, Varanasi and Allahabad, in addition to Agra.
This will be a sort of different experience for the average tourist, who would have viewed the Taj Mahal only from the ground level an ariel view would warrant fun and adventure for all. This may also help the physically challenged, elderly and children who can take a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal below. It can be a tough ask to take children and the elderly around the entire complex. The heliport scheme can make light work of viewing the monument, in addition to saving travel time. As what will be a fillip to the tourism of the city, the heliport service comes as a relief to tourists who have less time to spare.
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Things to do in Budapest
Budapest is a favourite tourist haunt. There is a lot to see and do in this historic city. Savour the local cuisine, take a dip in one of the city’s famous baths, check out some of the cool shops featuring local designs, or just sit and people-watch at one of the great downtown cafés.
Your travel agency will be able to guide you on your Budapest tour. Here are some of the things you must do while visiting Budapest.
Visit Széchenyi Baths
A visit to the thermal baths, one of the last leftovers of the Turkish control in Hungary, is an ideal Budapest experience. Don’t miss the grandiose Széchenyi Baths. The best time to visit these thermal baths is early morning or just before sunset.
Take a Danube River Cruise
Budapest is simply breathtaking at night as the buildings lining the banks of the Danube sparkle and reflect on the dark waters. Take a Danube River sightseeing cruise at night. It will be a memorable experience. You also get to learn interesting facts about the history of Budapest. You can take buffet-style romantic dinner cruises or one-hour cruises.
Walk Across the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge, completed in 1849, was considered as one of the wonders of the world at that time. It is a magnificent sight when the bridge is lit up in the evening. Take a stroll across the bridge in the evening to soak in its beauty.
Go Hungarian Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Budapest is yet another activity you should not miss. The wine cellars here have a relaxed and romantic setting. You can learn a lot about Hungarian wine, too.
Sneak Around the Labyrinth of Buda Castle
The Labyrinth of Buda Castle is one of the 7 wonders of the underground world, and adding to its mystery and allure, it was closed down in 2011 after a police raid. It has reopened, and you can visit 1 mile of the 6-mile-long labyrinth.
Take a Segway Tour of Budapest
There is no need for you to have any prior experience operating a Segway. You can see all the major attractions and get to know the city better on a Segway. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, too.
Shop at the Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall, built in the 19th century, is a large indoor market. You can buy all the typical Hungarian products here. The food hall is on the first floor, where you get to buy anything from Hungarian sausages to vegetables and Hungarian wines. You will find vendors selling wares like traditional Hungarian embroidery and souvenirs on the second floor.
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Indulge in Pastries
Budapest is full of cafes, where you get to eat truffles, fresh pastries, and coffee concoctions. With antique furniture and tools of the old confectionery trade in the glass curio cabinets, the decor is charming, too.
Sightseeing in Gulmarg
Gulmarg, the popular hill station and skiing destination, can rightly be called the crown of Kashmir. It is the perfect picnic spot and has featured in several Bollywood films like Bobby, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Highway, to name a few.
Gulmarg, the popular hill station and skiing destination, can rightly be called the crown of Kashmir. It is the perfect picnic spot and has featured in several Bollywood films like Bobby, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Highway, to name a few. Adventure seekers, nature lovers and spiritual seekers will never run out of place to visit in Gulmarg. Here is a list of some of the must-see sightseeing spots in Gulmarg for a Stress Free Vacation.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg Golf Course with its irregular curves is one of the largest 18-hole golf courses in the country. It was in the early 1920s that golfing began in the reign. Thanks to the British who chanced upon the golfing possibilities of the place while spending their summers here. It has now become one of the most popular golfing destinations in India.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a lot of rare species of avifauna, fauna and flora, is spread over an area of 180 sq km. Here you will find biodiversity in its richest form. It is situated at a height varying between 2400 and 4,300 metres above sea level.
Shrine of Baba Reshi
This is a popular religious haunt, which is known for its architectural splendour, built in the 13th century. It is dedicated to Baba Reshi, a Muslim saint, who is believed to have meditated here. People from all walks of life visit the shrine to seek blessings. The shrine is built in old Kashmiri architectural style and is a symbol of fine craftsmanship.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church built in Victorian style of architecture in the early 20th century is a major tourist attraction in Gulmarg. The church has grey stone walls and a steep green roof with wooden trimmings. It is surrounded by tall alpine trees and soaring mountains, which are covered with snow during winters.
Strawberry Valley
If you are visiting Gulmarg in the summer you are in for a delight. You get to taste the best strawberries you have ever tasted in Gulmarg’s Strawberry Valley. A walk to this unexplored part of Gulmarg will be certainly a walk to remember.
Apharwat Peak
Situated at an altitude of almost 4200 m above the sea level, the Apharwat Peak is one of the most stunning peaks in the country. It is located just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LOC). It receives heavy snowfall and is covered with snow all year round. This makes it an ideal spot for skiing. You can take a cable car ride to reach the spot.
Ferozepur Nallah
Between the beautiful Chinamarg and Nurpur Pass lies Ferozepur Nallah, an enchanting mountain stream flowing through lush valleys. It is surrounded by pine trees, verdant pastures and soaring snow-capped mountains. It is the picnic spot of your dreams. The place is also a popular fishing spot.
So, while planning a holiday to Gulmarg, make sure that you include all these charming places in your itinerary with the Best Travel Agency Tour package.
Inspiring Cities Around the World – World Tourism
People, places, history, present, future… inspiration comes from a variety of sources and reveals itself in many forms. Several cities in the world have their own unique traditions and rich history, and people never get tired of visiting these places time and again and draw inspiration from them. Choosing inspiring cities is not an easy task. It is like choosing dinner from a large menu in a wonderful restaurant. Here is a peek into some of the inspiring cities in the world.
New York
One of the factors that makes New York inspiring, especially for artists, is the numerous galleries dotting the city. There are 500 galleries in New York, a paradise, indeed, for artists. With its first-class art schools and premier trade shows and art events, New York’s art scene is always being reinvented. People-gazing, or simply a walk on the streets, will present plenty of unforgettable moments, all of which light the creative spirit.
Paris
The Eiffel Tower is the signature monument of Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year.
It has three different floors spread over multiple levels. Here you can soak in the breathtaking beauty and tranquillity of Paris from different altitudes.
Paris has many other world-famous monuments, which are architectural marvels. Some of them are the Louvre or the Louvre Museum, which is the world’s largest museum and a historic monument. Notre Dame de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile are the other monuments that are truly inspiring for its architectural splendour.
Vermont
Vermont has inspired some of the world’s famous romantic poets, like Robert Frost, who spent 20 years in Shaftsbury, Vermont, with his wife and children. And it is here that he wrote Stopping by Woods… along with two books of poems. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum is a tourist attraction and will surely inspire budding poets.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s capital city is also its creative capital. It is a city known for its cultural diversity and is a mecca for artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz in the early part of the 20th century. The beautiful city is proud of its creative community. The city is not stuck in its glorious past. It has a proud present, too, with many contemporary, abstract, and avant-garde artists settling here. Like New York, Santa Fe also has innumerable art museums and galleries. It is a wonderful mix of nature, art and culture.
Los Angeles, California
It is the centre of the motion picture industry, and has around 850 museums and galleries, and thousands of arts organisations. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Los Angeles is the creative capital of the world and is full of artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians. It is a city of creative people, and what attract them to Los Angeles is its world-famous museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Getty Centre and the Museum of Contemporary Art, to name a few.
Experience the Winter Solstice here!!
Hong Kong
When you think of Hong Kong, the first thing that comes to your mind is the luxurious malls. However, it has much more to offer. Hong Kong’s skyline is one of the most stunning in the world, with the surrounding mountains and Victoria Harbour complementing the skyscrapers. It is also a haven for antique collectors. The Lion Rock hike, the Lion Rock Country Park with its spectacular views, Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong, etc, attract thousands of visitors every year.
Best Sightseeing in Horsley Hills | Tourist attractions
Horsley Hills, located at the southwestern border of Andra Pradesh and Karnataka is called the “Andra Ooty” for the salubrious climate that enhances the senses. The panoramic views and pleasant climate with its rich flora and fauna make it one of the most visited places by tourists from all over India. Its rich deciduous forest comprises trees like Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Silver Oak, Gulmohar, Allamanda, Red Sanders, and Sandalwood. It also has a vast area covered by coffee.
The thick forest is also home to a variety of wild animals and birds like panthers, sambar deer, wild boars, porcupines, antelopes, and bears. The availability of ample water resources makes it a frequently visited spot for several migratory birds like the red-throated flycatcher, blue-headed rock thrush, and the great Indian bustard. The encompassing tranquility, refreshing aroma of the eucalyptus trees, and the songs of the exotic birds take you to nature’s lap and soothe your tired mind.
Several other sightseeing attractions wait to be explored by tourists of Horsley Hills Andhra Pradesh, also look at the Best Road trips in South India.
1. Environmental park:
The park is a green oasis embarking several rare trees, coffee plants, a crocodile preserve, a nature study center, and a zoo. The most awesome wonder is Lake Mansarovar next to the environmental center. There is a museum that also exhibits wildlife videos in addition to the library.
2. View Point:
Horsley Hills has the highest point that displays a spectacular view of hillocks, terrain, lakes, and all the forests below. The top attraction is to view the beautiful sunset from this point of the hill.
3. Lake Gangotri and Lake Mansarovar:
These lakes are situated at the entrance of the hills. The study center is located next to Lake Mansarovar offering a stunning view.
4. Kalyani tree:
It is a 149-year-old Eucalyptus tree named Kalyani. It was planted by WH Horsley in the year 1859 and it is a must-see.
5. Thimmamma Marimmanu Banyan Tree:
Horsley Hill’s Banyan Tree is the world’s largest banyan tree located near Horsley Hills. It holds the Guinness Record for the world’s biggest banyan tree.
6. Gali Bandalu:
It is a rocky slope made of a single rock. It is called the windy rock as the wind keeps blowing all through the day. It is at a distance of 1km from Horsley Hills bus depot.
7. Adventure sports:
In addition to all the wonderful tourist spots inspired by nature, there are several adventure activities like trekking, rope sliding, zorbing, and rappelling. Some high rope activities include rope sliding, horizontal ladder, cobweb, Burma Bridge, and earth quake. Other sports include archery, trampoline, and shooting. A swimming pool is located amidst the scenic landscape and it is open for tourists from morning until 6 pm in the evening.
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Many famous temples are located close by and are suitable for a traveler on a religious tour. The place holds the charm year-round and accommodations are affordable with a complimentary breakfast. Delicious lunch buffets are reasonable and enjoyable. Music and campfire are set on request with an additional cost. All that matters is for you to carry adequate money as there are no ATMs available on the hills.
Travel Tips for Ladakh | Travel Agency
Ladakh, the mesmerizing heaven on earth, is at the Indus Valley at a very high altitude of the Himalayan ranges. What makes this cold, arid, and barren, desert, an epitome of unfathomable beauty is the scenic silence of nature with large snow capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, streams, strips of lush greenery, and unspoiled rich cultural heritage. However, this most wanted magical place on earth experiences scorching heat in summers and freezing cold in winters.
Ladakh, the mesmerizing heaven on earth, is at the Indus Valley at a very high altitude of the Himalayan ranges. What makes this cold, arid, and barren, desert, an epitome of unfathomable beauty is the scenic silence of nature with large snow capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, streams, strips of lush greenery, and unspoiled rich cultural heritage. However, this most wanted magical place on earth experiences scorching heat in summers and freezing cold in winters. To manage these drastic climatic changes, you must be aware of the weather, the best season to reach Ladakh, essentials to carry with and so on. This article on travel tips on Ladakh will guide you for an unforgettable adventure journey to Ladakh.
Weather and Tips
Due to the extreme chill climate during winter, with temperatures falling below -20 °C, Ladakh is closed to visitors in the months of November to February. Summers experience scorching heat with colder nights. As a rain shadow region, Ladakh receives an annual rainfall of 6”.
In summers, you can carry cotton wear for the daytime and trekking activities; still one needs warmer clothing during the night.
The best time to visit Ladakh is the monsoon season from June to September, as the area receives sparse rainfall. You can enjoy a warm climate, occasional showers, and chill winds. Trekking shoes, extra sandals, wind sheets, rain coats are essential.
Altitude and Precautions
As Ladakh is situated at a very high altitude of 3000 m above mean sea level, altitude sickness due to low oxygen level is most common. Some symptoms include headache, nausea, irregular breathing, fatigue, etc. To overcome this, some basic precautions to follow are:
• Drinking warm water at regular intervals
• Adequate rest for first two days
• While trekking, do not exert too mush strain on yourself
• Spend little time at high altitude passes
• Within one or two days, your body will get used to low oxygen and later you can spend your time with lots of ease.
Do not miss the activities
Trekking at Ladakh’s glaciers is the most adventurous and exciting activity in the whole of the world. As the trekking season starts from June, one can plan the visit during this period. Those not keen on long trekking can opt for short treks and visit monuments and monasteries. Adequate warm water and woolen clothing is essential even during trekking.
Mountaineering in the accessible peaks is another great activity that adventure lovers would enjoy. However, foreigners will need permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Which will be acquired by Best Travel agency packages
Your adventure journey to this remote and most wanted place is incomplete without experiencing river rafting at the deep canyon and roaring white waters of Indus and Zanskar. Those experiencing river rafting for the first time can choose the stretch from Spituk to Karu. A guide’s help is always advisable.
Chief attractions at Ladakh
Buddhist monasteries, Leh palace, Hall of Fame, Palaces of Shey and Sto, Museum, and Shanti stupa are not to be missed out.
Dos and Don’ts
• Do not use plastic bags.
• Never litter waste and dispose them effectively by burning or burying.
• Do not photograph the local nomads without permission.
• In national parks, never try to disturb the wild life.
• Always carry a water bottle.
• Try to book tickets and accommodation in advance.
