Tuesday, August 11, 2009

About Ooty travel hotels attraction places guide and pictures

An important and Interesting Tourist spot of Tamilnadu. This place is also a place of visit in the summer season for its chill climate. Udagamandalam-Ooty in short is called as the “Queen of Hills”. It is located at the tri junction of Tamilnadu, kerala and Karnataka. It is at 7500 feet above the sea level and finds its location in the Nilgris (also called as Blue Mountain).

Nilgris is a beautiful mountain range which is a part of Western Ghats. Totally there are three places to visit namely Kothagiri, Coonoor and Ooty. Among these three Ooty is given the primal importance because of its scenic Beauty and excellent climate conditions. Nilgris is oldest than the Great Himalayas. Like Icing on a cake ooty adds Pride to this mountain Range.


Tourist Places in Ooty

The erstwhile summer getaway of Britishers, Ooty is presently one of the most popular hill stations in South India. For all those who want to beat the heat, this Queen of Hill Stations stands with extended arms to gift all with a very memorable vacation. A trip to Ooty is coveted not just by mountain lovers but all those who seek few moments of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of city life in the lap of mesmerizing nature. In addition to the impressive mountain range of the Nilgiris, the lush green grasslands, the tea gardens, there are several other Tourist Places in Ooty that are all well worth a visit when on a tour to Ooty.

One of the major tourist attractions is the Botanical Gardens in Ooty. Covering an extensive area of 50 acres, the Botanical Garden lies at the lower slopes of the Dodabetta Peak in Ooty and is home to an amazing variety of flora. Bird lovers will also love visiting the gardens because there are several resident as well as migratory birds in it. Incidentally the Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in Ooty and commands an absolutely spell binding view of the surrounding landscape. If you can make it to the top, you are sure to be impressed by the beautiful views.

The serene stretch of the Ooty Lake has a very tranquilizing effect on the minds of the visitors. Built by John Sullivan, this artificial lake is a must see when on a tour to Ooty. Engage yourself in the fun filled activities of Boating and Fishing at this lake.

When you are on a holiday in Ooty, you can easily plan a picnic at Lamb's Rock in Ooty. This picturesque spot also offers great views of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea estates on the mountain slopes. Take a camera to capture nature at its charming best.

When on a sight seeing trip in Ooty, make sure to visit the Kodanadu's View Point in Ooty. It is one of the most impressive of all the Tourist Places in Ooty. Positioned at the eastern range of the Nilgiri Mountains, it offers a view of the River Moyar. An added attraction is the watch tower from where one can also see the Rangaswamy Peak.

All the Tourist Places in Ooty are worth seeing and any tourist is sure to regret missing out on any. So make it a point to visit all the Tourist Places in Ooty.

Hotels in Ooty



If you are thinking of a Tour to Ooty and constantly being perturbed by the thought of whether you will get a hotel of your choice or not to put up in Ooty, we, at Ooty India assure you that accommodation in Ooty is never going to be a cause of concern. What was earlier the summer retreat of the British, has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India and in order to keep pace with this rising tourist inflow, a large number of Hotels in Ooty have come up in recent years. There are different categories of Hotels in Ooty to cater to the needs and tastes of the diverse variety of tourists visiting this well liked place of Tamil Nadu. In order to savor the beauty of Ooty, endearingly referred to as the Queen of Hill Stations, it is very important that you enjoy comfortable accommodation, eat good food and are at the same time provided with all other standard facilities and services. The Hotels in Ooty are sure to provide you with all of them.

Heritage Hotels in Ooty
Taj Savoy Hotel Ooty
First Class Hotels in Ooty
Club Mahindra Resort Ooty Fortune Sullivan Court Ooty
Hill Country Resort OotyHoliday Inn Gem Park Ooty
Hotel Sinclairs OotyHoward Johnson The Monarch Ooty
Nahar Hotel OotySagar Holiday Resort Ooty
Sterling Holiday Resorts Elk Hill OotySterling Holiday Resorts Fern Hill Ooty
Economy Hotels in Ooty
Fernhills Palace Ooty Hotel Lakeview Ooty
Kings Cliff Hotel OotyRed Hill Nature Resort Ooty
Regency Vilas Palace OotyThe Willow Hill Hotel Ooty
Budget Hotels in Ooty
Bamboo Banks Farm Guest House OotyBlue Valley Resorts Ooty
Hotel Charring Cross OotyHotel Hillock Ooty
Hotel Silver Oak OotyMerit Inn Southern Star Ooty
Nalapad Residency OotyThe Nilgiri Woodlands Ooty
The Queens Residency Ooty

Transportation and Access


The hill station of Ooty, is a very popular hill station, so getting there is no problem. You can either travel by road, air or rail.

By Air

The nearest airport to Ooty is at a distance of about 88kms and is located in Coimbatore. There one can take Indian Airline flights to Coimbatore, Bangalore, Cochin and Chennai.

By Rail

The Ooty railway station is merely 2kms from the City Center and the other railway station is 46km away at Mettupalayam.

There is also a toy train that connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor, another famous hill station. Though it is not really the fastest way to get there, but the guests can enjoy scenic beauty all along the way.

By Road

Traveling by road is a not a bad idea either, since Tamil Nadu has a very good road network. The state has many highways that connect distant places and make traveling much easier.


Ooty Tour Packages

Ooty is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu India, where you can enjoy a delightful vacation. Ooty India offers Ooty tour packages and tour itineraries for Ooty that take you to the scenic hill station of Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills.

See the beautiful 'Blue hills' of the Nilgiris, go on nature walks along winding roads, see hill slopes covered with greenery and wild flowers, hear the silence of the mountains broken only by the calls of birds and the chirping of crickets, while on Ooty tour packages with Ooty India. Stand at the edge of a cliff and see the astounding view of undulating hills and valleys extending as far as the eye can see. Have a relaxing holiday in the scenic hill station of Ooty with Ooty tour packages from Ooty India.

Tour Packages for Ooty India, which take you to the scenic hill resort of Ooty, are:

  • Golden Triangle with Ooty
  • The Wild Adventure
  • Golf in India
  • Beautiful Nest and Backwater

  • Ooty Photos Collection









    Click Here For More Details

    Friday, August 7, 2009

    KanyaKumari tourism Attraction Places Guide

    The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage. The tourists who visit this southern most tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multicolored.

    Lakhs of tourist, round the year are lured by the serene beauty of this place and the spectacles of sunrise and sunset. Though sunrise can be viewed throughout the year, sunset is visible only from October 15 to March 15 from this southernmost tip. But one can view both sunrise and sunset throughout the year from atop a hill called Murugan Kundram which offers a panoramic view of Kanyakumari. The sunset and moonrise can be seen almost simultaneously on full moon days from the same spot. It is a unique spectacle.

    Amidst the sea there are two rocks known as ‘twin rocks’ both contributing to the rich Indian heritage with the monuments of swamy Vivekananda and Saint Thiruvalluvar.

    Kanyakumari and its surroundings are believed to be part of the land which was created by Parasurama, incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Folktales and mythological stories speak volumes about Kanyamymari.

    Tourism

    The Gandhi Mandapam

    Beginning the early part of the 1970s, tourism has been an important activity in the town. Today, it is one small town in South India where one can see different languages of India spoken at different street corners, among the tourists and traders. Of late, Tourism is increasingly being promoted in the district also, apart from the town, with several beautiful natural landscapes, historic and religious places found around the district.

    A total of 1.9 million tourists (domestic and foreign) visited Kanyakumari in 2007.

    With tourism also picking up in neighbouring Kerala, the future prospects for the growth of tourism looks bright both in Kanyakumari town and the district.

    Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea - makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, (locally called Chitra Pournami) one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time - on either side of the horizon.

    BEST TIME TO VISIT

    Due to its proximity to the sea, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, the best season to visit this place would be between October and March. During summers, the temperature can rise to a high of 34.8�C while it can dip to a low of 20.4�C during winters.

    Pictures of Kanyamari:



    Best Tourist places in kanyakumari

    Kanyakumari Temples and beaches

    Kanyakumari tourism Map

    Kanyakumari tourism sports

    south indian tourism Kanyakumari sports

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    Friday, July 17, 2009

    Singapore Tourism spots,Travel Guide

    Singapore Wildlife & Marine Life

    Singapore will provide you the way to witness the wildlife & marine life, which would surely be a memorable experience for you. The tour to Singapore is incomplete without the rich and rare exhibition of animals and underwater world, this marine life can easily be watched along the sandy sea shore and famous aquarium houses.
    Wildlife & Marine Life
    - Botanical Gardens
    - Dolphin Lagoon
    - Jurong Bird Park
    - Parks & Reserves
    - Singapore Zoo
    - Underwater World


    Singapore Tourism

    Singapore tourism guide offers information on popular tourist destinations and attractions in Singapore such as monumental heritage, beautiful destinations, wildlife parks and culture and traditions. Experience rich arts and crafts, the traditional music and dance and the latest fashion trends of Singapore.
    Singapore Tourism
    - Architecture
    - Singapore Tour
    - Heritage & Culture
    - Little India
    - Map
    - Singapore Vacation
    - Travel Guide

    Photo Gallery:






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    Tags:singapore Travel and Tourism,singapore Travel Guide,Singapore Beaches & Islands,Singapore Travel Packages,Singapore holidays vacation,Singapore travel places,singapore Hotels.

    Thursday, July 16, 2009

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    Australia Travel & Tourism Guide|holidays vacations attractive places

    About Australia:

    Learn all about Australia! Get interesting information about Australia and read up on our history, culture, movies, books and music.
    Learn about Australian history, from the Aboriginal Dreamtime to British settlement, our convict history and the birth of a modern, multicultural nation.

    Gain an insight into Australian culture, which is founded on notions of a ‘fair go’, love of the great outdoors and a dry sense of humour. Learn more about Australians - our Aboriginal culture, our legendary folk heroes, modern day heroes and the diverse nationalities that make up modern Australian society.

    Check out our quirky and interesting information about Australia, with facts across a range of areas, from our record-breakers to Australian flora and fauna.

    Want to know more about Kylie Minogue or Nicole Kidman or find out which Australian authors have won the Man Booker Prize? Get an overview of our film credits, award-winning authors and talented musicians.

    Australia Holiday:

    Plan your holiday in and from Perth in Australia.

    You’ll love Australia’s westernmost capital city, which sits on the Swan River, framed by Indian Ocean beaches and Swan Valley vineyards.

    Get a quick overview of Perth alongside snapshots of other Australian cities. Find out more about the places to visit in the city and surrounds. From lush Kings Park and the uncrowded beaches to the charming port of Fremantle and nearby Rottnest Island, Perth has it all. Our three-day itinerary offers ideas of what you can fit in to your Perth holiday.

    Learn about other Western Australia destinations you can explore from Perth. Drive south to the wineries, waves, caves and tall forests of Margaret River or north to Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef. Further afield experience the vast outback landscapes of the Kimberley and historic gold rush towns such as Kalgoorlie. Explore the unforgettable journeys you can take from Perth and across the continent.

    Discover Australia’s spring season, which lasts from September to November for most of the country. In our tropical north, this is the ‘build-up’ or pre-monsoonal season.

    Watch Melbourne dress up for the nation-stopping Melbourne Cup. Enjoy opera, jazz, blues and sculpture amongst the wineries of the Hunter Valley, near Sydney. Combine food, wine, diving and surfing in Western Australia’s Margaret River. Trek through the primeval treetops in Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Experience the wildlife and wildflower show on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island or snare a prize barramundi during the Northern Territory’s ‘build-up’. See Canberra come alive with a million spring blooms at Floriade or follow Tasmania’s blooming gardens to natural and historic attractions. In Australia, spring is also a great season to surf, sea kayak and canoe.

    Kangaroo Island’s Spring Showcase:

    From wildlife to wildflowers, from September to November, spring delivers an action-packed show on Kangaroo Island. The best part is, the many walking trails give you dress circle seats. Spot dolphins from Cape Borda and migratory birds in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. Hike past casts of colourful wildflowers at Hanson Bay. Watch wader birds fresh from Siberia and kangaroo joeys fresh from their mother’s pouch. Get up close to nesting platypus and endangered Cape Barren geese. With mild, sunny days and energetic wildlife, spring is a great time to unveil Kangaroo Island’s secrets.

    Walking is a wonderful way to get acquainted with Kangaroo island’s native animals and scenic terrain. Start with the short Clifftop Hike at Cape Borda, in the island’s north-west corner. Watch out for soaring sea-eagles, playful dolphins and whales on their annual migration. Afterwards, join a guided tour through the historic Cape Borda Lightstation and trek the path that lighthouse keepers hauled supplies up. In Flinders Chase National Park, you can take in spectacular coastal views on the Cape du Couedic Hike. Or walk to Admirals Arch to see hundreds of docile kangaroos and thousands of New Zealand fur seals playing on the rocks. Follow the Platypus Waterholes Walk to Rocky River, where in spring Cape Barren geese incubate their eggs in native iris grasses and platypuses nest in a burrow up to 20 metres long.


    Tasmania’s blooming gardens:

    Visit Tasmania from September to November, when blooming gardens provide a backdrop to breathtaking scenery and historic attractions. Embrace dozens of cultures and hundreds of tulips at Hobart’s Spring Tulip Festival and wander the grand gardens in Huonville and Richmond. See elms and oaks planted by convicts in Port Arthur. Do the daffodil walk in Launceston’s Cataract Gorge and skip between the gorgeous gardens of Tasmania’s north-east. Join the tulip festivities in Wynyard and bushwalk past tulips on Table Cape.
    Start your floral trail at the Spring Tulip Festival, which hits Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for a weekend in October. It’s a celebration both of spring and Tasmania’s cultural diversity. Amongst the colourful crowds of tulips, you’ll find a multicultural carnival of food, dance and music. Savour the spring scents while deliberating over the smorgasbord of cuisines. Afterwards, join a tour through the groomed parklands and themed gardens or join a community gardening class with a local green-thumbed expert.

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    Tags:australia maps,australia holidays,travel australia,australia visit,sydney australia,accommodation,australia tours,australia hotels,australia vacations,australia tourists INFORMATION,australia town,beach tourism,cairns australia,AUSTRALIA kangaroos,tourist places.

    Wednesday, July 15, 2009

    malaysia tourism places|malaysia travel guide|malaysia photo gallery

    Penang Attractions:
    Here are maps of Penang, and here’s information on Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport and how to get to Georgetown from there. If you are taking an express bus, you will probably arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong and the Railway Station is on the mainland, located at Butterworth, Seberang Prai, if you took the KTM train. Ferry services are also available from Langkawi daily.
    There’s so much to see and do in Penang, good food everywhere, and beautiful beaches to relax your mind.
    Most of Penang’s fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Feringghi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown.


    Kuala Lumpur Guide:
    Selamat Datang! It means "Welcome!" in Malaysia. And here, you truly are.
    On Malaysia Travel Guide, you'll find friendly unbiased updated travel information for touring Malaysia, what to see and what to avoid.
    Here’s information on KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) and LCCT KLIA (Low Cost Carrier Terminal), and how to use the Express Rail Link, taxis, airport buses to get into the Kuala Lumpur. If you are taking a express bus from Singapore, you will most probably find yourself in Puduraya Bus Sation.
    There’s so much to see and do in KL, lots of good hotels and good food, fascinating bazaars and shops.
    Once you’ve settled into your hotel (It is ,however, important that the hotel is situated in the Golden Triangle of the city. Then you’re close to the shopping centres of Sungei Wang, Bukit Bintang, Lot 10 and Low Yat Plaza. And you’re within walking distance of the famous Petronas Towers with its shopping centre Suria.

    KL nightlife is unbelivable diversify, so join the locals to party and drink, especially on weekends.


    Selamat Datang! It means "Welcome!" in Malaysia. And here, you truly are.
    On Malaysia Travel Guide, you'll find friendly unbiased updated travel information for touring Malaysia, what to see and what to avoid.
    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
    Posted by pktan on Nov 21st, 2007
    Filed Under: Diving, National Parks, Sabah, beach

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

    image credit: Nora Carol (Flickr)

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Travel Guide
    1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Introduction
    2. The Islands
    3. How to get there

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Introduction

    Located 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu and named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises of a group of five islands – Pualu Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Sulug and Pulau Gaya. Spreading over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which is sea, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a State Park created to protect the natural environment which includes the coral reefs, marine life, the fauna and flora. The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers; however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

    Tun Abdul Rahman Park

    All five islands can be visited all year round; temperature here ranged between 23.8 - 29.4 degrees Celsius and humidity remains high.

    The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is popular for activities such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, barbeque, bird-watching, nature walks along guided forest and mangrove trails, beach fishing (only hook and line permitted), outdoor camping (only on Sapi and Mamutik, with prior permission from the Sabah Parks office or the Park Ranger at the islands. Cost is about RM5.00 per person per night), water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking and recently parasailing which offers visitors a great bird’s eye view of the islands and Mount Kinabalu.

    The Islands

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Manukan

    Pulau Manukan

    PULAU MANUKAN is the second largest island of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and the island with the most complete facilities: Tropical timber chalets managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, restaurants, swimming pool and tennis courts, and infrastructure support water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar powered public telephone are provided. Visitors who wish to stay overnight at the chalet can make their bookings through local tour operators. One of the star attractions and must see on Pulau Manukan is the fish feeding at the jetty where large school of fishes have made their home.

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Mamutik

    Pulau Mamutik

    PULAU MAMUTIK is rather underdeveloped but is still accessible by jetty. Its 15-acres make it the smallest of the 5 islands of the Park. Rich coral life surrounds the islands. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, picnic shelters, tables and barbecue pits. Chalet can be arranged with Sabah Park if you don’t wish to camp. Visitors staying at the resthouse must bring their own food, as there are no canteen facilities on the island. This little island of slightly bigger than a football field is very diver friendly. Most open water courses are done here, visibility varies from 4m to 10m. PADI Instructor Examinations are also conducted here. Lifeguards are on patrol during the day.

    PULAU SULUG: Farthest away and relatively undeveloped is the 20-acres Pulau Sulug, visitors can opt to camp if they wish to stay overnight. Changing rooms and toilets, picnic shelters and tables are provided. Supply of fresh water is available. The island is inhabited and dive operator have daily trips there for diving off the corals on the northern shore as it is one of the best site around in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
    “clean white sand and crystal clear water and coral reefs fringing the shoreline”

    PULAU SAPI: A small island of 25 acres, Pulau Sapi has one of the nicest beaches in the Park - its clean white sand and crystal clear water and coral reefs fringing the shoreline makes it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Day use facilities include a jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets. Camping is allowed, with the permission of the Park Warden.

    A sand-bar connects Pulau Sapi to Pulau Gaya, and it is possible to walk across in shallow water at very low tides. This is also one of the best spots for swimming and picnicking and it is very popular for island BBQ tours. They are no overnight facilities available on this island but during week-ends light refreshments are sold, and snorkeling gear is available for rent.

    PULAU GAYA is the largest island of the Park. Water at Police Beach is crystal clear, up to 50 feet and it is a great place to dive and snorkel. Pulau Gaya has 16 miles of shoreline with beaches ranging from fine white sandy to pebbly, and mudflats, mangrove and sandstone cliffs. Remember to bring your own food, drinks and gears, as there are non for rental.

    How to get there

    It is best to try and go to these islands during the week as the islands are a popular destination for locals and it can get busy during the weekend. It is also advisable to go before noon as the boat operators usually fill their respective boats up before leaving the jetty.

    Go to the Sabah Parks Jetty just right at the end of Jalan (about 8-10 mins walk from Trekkers Lodge Kota Kinabalu) to purchase your ticket. Tell the staff at the ticket counter which island you wish to visit, and what time you want to be picked up. Please note that the boats leave the KK jetty from 7:00am onwards, and the last boat from the island departs at about 4:00pm. Boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending of which island you are visiting and most boats accommodate up to 12 passengers.

    SEE ALSO:

    * Sabah Islands and Beaches
    * Malaysia Islands and Beaches
    * Travel Malaysia Itinerary: Beaches & Islands Tour
    * Experience the beauty and diversity of Malaysia National Parks
    * Travel Malaysia Itinerary: Sabah Tour
    * Johor Islands and Beaches
    * Diving in Malaysia
    * Penang Clan Jetties, Weld Quay
    * Langkawi, Malaysia Guide
    * Tuanku Abdul Rahman Shopping, Kuala Lumpur

    For More See

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    Tags:malaysia travel and tourism,malaysia tourist,malaysia attractive places,malaysia beaches,malaysia vacations,malaysia travel guide,malaysia food,malaysia tourism places.

    Tuesday, July 14, 2009

    Bangkok travel and tourism guide information details-photos

    Bangkok Sights and Attractions:

    Bangkok is as intoxicating as it is diverse; a melting pot of exotic aromas, interesting sights and visual delights. It's a city with infinite layers which you need to explore to reveal its hidden secrets. If you're planning a trip to the City of Angels - or Krung Thep as it's called in Thai - make sure to allow enough time to see some of the treasures that has given this city iconic status. At least three to five days. In this section we feature some of the highlights and traditional must-see attractions.

    Bangkok Temples:
    Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. A visit here would not be complete without seeing at least two of them. The architecture is awe-inspiring and the glittering decoration like no other. Imagine thousands of pieces of coloured glass and pottery adorned with intricate structures gilded in glaring gold - you're indeed in a City of Angels!

    The best time to visit most temples is in the early morning. It's cooler and generally less crowded. The temples ('wats') are not just tourist attractions but also play an important part in Buddhist traditions. Monks live in the temple complexes, wake up around 04:00, attend to prayers and duties and then collect food and necessities from ordinary people on the streets. If you are up very early in Bangkok you will see monks walking around, dressed in saffron coloured robes. This daily alms ritual (called 'tam boon') takes place all over Thailand and is part of the Buddhist philosophy of giving and making merit to attain a better life beyond this one.

    It's daunting to visit all the temples, so we've listed in the following sections those in the 'must- visit' category, according to their beauty, cultural significance and high regard in Buddhism. Please not that most temples are not open after 18:00. Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately. No shorts or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in. This applies particularly to Wat Phra Kaew (inside the Grand Palace.)



    Bangkok Wat Phra Kaew (The Emerald Buddha):

    Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

    Raised high on a series of platforms, no one is allowed near the Buddha except HM the King. A seasonal cloak, changed three times a year to correspond to the summer, winter, and rainy season covers the statue. A very important ritual, the changing of the robes is performed only by the King to bring good fortune to the country during each season. The temple is beautifully decorated and has a great sense of peace about it.

    The construction of the temple started when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only elaborately decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main building is the central 'ubosot' (ordination hall), which houses the Emerald Buddha. Even though it is small in size, it is the most important icon for Thai people.

    Other attractions in Wat Phra Kaew include a model of Angkor Wat, which was built under the order of King Rama IV when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was later recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal City. Also, don't miss the Balcony, which can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana epic in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals. Each gate of the Balcony is guarded by the five-metre tall 'Yaksa Tavarnbal' (Gate-keeping Giants), the characters taken from the same epic.

    A guide is on duty from 10:00 to 14:00 and Personal Audio Guide (PAG) is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Russian, and Spanish. Remember that 'wats' (temples) are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. No shorts, slippers, sandals, or revealing tops, otherwise you simply won't be allowed in. There's also a facility that offers proper trouser wear rental should you need it.



    Wat Arun in Bangkok (Temple of Dawn):

    Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking.

    He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang, both of which had been removed from Vientiane.

    The temple has flourished throughout the Rattanakosin Period. The beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temple of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. It has an imposing spire (prang) over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it's absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night.Admission to the temple is 125 baht.

    Photo Gallery:

















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    Tags:Bangkok,Bangkok travel & tourist guide,Bangkok Hotels, Tours, Lifestyle and Travel Information Guide,Hotels in Bangkok, Travel, Tourism and Bangkok Vacation Reviews,Bangkok Tourism and Tourist Information,Information about Bangkok,Bangkok temples,Bangkok Attraction places,Bangkok visits.

    Sunday, July 12, 2009

    nayagara water falls pictures|nayagara images

    The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

    Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, the majority of which lies on the Canadian side of the border, and American Falls on the American side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island.

    Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than six million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falls over the crest line every minute in high flow,[1] and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.[2]

    The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 1800s.

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    Thursday, July 9, 2009

    new 7 wonders of world pictures|wallpapers news



    The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (before 800 A.D.) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
    MEXICO
    Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures - the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples.



    Christ Redeemer (1931) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    BRAZIL



    This statue of Jesus stands some 38 meters tall, atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, it is one of the world’s best-known monuments. The statue took five years to construct and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms.







    The Roman Colosseum (70 - 82 A.D.) Rome, Italy
    ITALY

    This great amphitheater in the centre of Rome was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the Roman Empire. Its design concept still stands to this very day, and virtually every modern sports stadium some 2,000 years later still bears the irresistible imprint of the Colosseum's original design. Today, through films and history books, we are even more aware of the cruel fights and games that took place in this arena, all for the joy of the spectators.



    The Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 - 1644 A.D.) China
    CHINA
    The Great Wall of China was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading Mongol tribes out of China. It is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built and it is disputed that it is the only one visible from space. Many thousands of people must have given their lives to build this colossal construction



    Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru
    PERU
    In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu ("old mountain"). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the Spanish defeated the Incan Empire, the city remained 'lost' for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.





    Petra (9 B.C. - 40 A.D.), Jordan
    JORDAN
    On the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the glittering capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV (9 B.C. to 40 A.D.). Masters of water technology, the Nabataeans provided their city with great tunnel constructions and water chambers. A theater, modelled on Greek-Roman prototypes, had space for an audience of 4,000. Today, the Palace Tombs of Petra, with the 42-meter-high Hellenistic temple facade on the El-Deir Monastery, are impressive examples of Middle Eastern culture.



    The Taj Mahal (1630 A.D.) Agra, India
    INDIA
    This immense mausoleum was built on the orders of Shah Jahan, the fifth Muslim Mogul emperor, to honor the memory of his beloved late wife. Built out of white marble and standing in formally laid-out walled gardens, the Taj Mahal is regarded as the most perfect jewel of Muslim art in India. The emperor was consequently jailed and, it is said, could then only see the Taj Mahal out of his small cell window.

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