Pages
Travel The Temple of Srirangam , in South India
Srirangam is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirapalli (also known as Trichy or Tiruchi), in South India.
Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River (also known as Cauvery river) on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam (Coleroon) on the other side. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Srivaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu, one of the triumvirate of Hindu Gods the other two being Lord Siva, the Destroyer and Lord Brahma, the Creator).
Srirangam is a native of a notable personality of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha Jayaram, where she had contested and won in State Assembly elections, 2011.
Ahobila Mutt is also present near Srirangam temple.
Cycle-rickshaws are a primary source of commuting..
There is a library cum park present at a walkable distance to Srirangam temple which contains a good collection of books (mostly in Tamil).
Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Srivaishnavites) and one of the largest temple complexes in the world.
According to the temple's website, Srirangam can be considered the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world as it covers an area of about 6,31,000 m². (156 Acres) with a perimeter of 4 km (10,710 ft).[1] Srirangam claims to be the biggest functioning temple, because Angkor Wat is the biggest but non-functioning Hindu temple in the world.
Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu . It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Bhogamandabam. In the Vaishnava parlance the term "KOIL" signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.
The Srirangam temple complex is composed of 7 concentric walled sections and 21 gopurams.[2] The gopuram of the temple is called the Rajagopuram and is 236 feet (72 m) tall, the tallest in Asia.
The temple is constituted by seven prakaras (elevated enclosures) with gopurams articulating the axial path, the highest at the outermost prakara and the lowest at the innermost. In historic times, just after the construction of this temple, the city of Srirangam lived completely within the walls of this temple and hence is quoted as an example of Hindu religious utopia - during its peak of existence.
The three sacred Ranganatha temples on the banks of the Kaveri are:
Adi Ranga: the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapattana
Madhya Ranga: the Ranganathaswamy temple at Shivanasamudra
Antya Ranga: the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam
There is gopuram fully made of gold which is protected by electrical fence.
The clothes such as Silk Sarees, Dhoti, Towels, etc.., used for God will be auctioned here.
Inside the temple compound, there is a separate temple for the goddess Andal. Additionally, There is a museum, a library and a bookshop as well.
Summer is the Time for Travel Tibet
The current report by The Tibet Autonomous Region tells in 2009, 720,237 domestic and foreign tourists visited Tibet between January and May, a figure 1.9 times bigger than that in the same period of 2008. Tibet’s tourism has entered a period of rapid development. Visitors from home and abroad are heading towards the region where there is the highest and largest plateau on earth, often referred to as, the roof of the world.
According to Tibetan people, summer is the golden season to travel in a year. Recently, it is getting more and more overseas tourists to go to Tibet. They are not only craving for gorgeous sights and trek, but also searching for diverse culture tours. Tibet’s culture is visually stunning as its landscape, its Buddhist heritage, and its tradition and history rich. It is better to know the culture of Tibet in the face of the current pace of change.
You can see foreign tourists everywhere in Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Tashihungpo Monastery of Rikaze, etc. An American tourist Cathy, excited talking about her 5-day trip to Tibet, she said:” Tibet is the most mysterious place deep down in my heart as always. The natural environment and culture are unique on the planet. I was looking forward to visiting Tibet, but I was a bit worried about the security state in Tibet before. However, you won’t know until you are there. I went search engine and found out Visit Tibet travel and tours, after further enquiries they made a route out based on my interests. Thanks to them, a decent Tibet tour guide gives me amazing experiences.”
The assistant director of the Tibet Tourism Bureau Wei Min quoted: “Tourism of Tibet has once strongly impaired by the March 14th riots in Lhasa, but from the related statistics both the tourist arrivals and revenue between January and May in 2009 are higher than that in the same period of 2008. We are confident that Tibet’s tourism market is recovering from slack seasons last year.” “As far as I know, China has invested great amounts of money in ecological preservation for sustainable development, by the help of that we’ll see tourists pouring this year.” The general manager of VisitTibet.com said.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/summer-is-the-time-for-travel-tibet-1011569.html#ixzz1VAw7wtvO
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Mongolia Travel guide, Mongolia tourist attraction, where to go and what to see in mongolia
Mix up the vast landscapes of the Gobi, the snowcapped mountains of Bayan-Ölgi and the dramatic gorges and sparkling lakes of Khövsgöl. Sprinkle in the felt homes of the nomad and the cry of an eagle. Add Buddhist temples, mysterious ruins, abundant wildlife and legendary hospitality. Then top it all off with a conqueror who started with nothing and ended up changing history.
If this description perpetuates your belief in an untouched country, then you also need the scoop on the new Mongolia. Add to the above internet cafés in Ulaanbaatar, herders chatting on mobile phones, Manhattan-style cocktail bars, eco-yurts and vegetarian cafés. The Humvees plying Peace Ave would probably have Chinggis Khaan turning green with envy.
Since the fall of communism, Mongolia has done just about everything in its power to open itself up to the world. While the old traditions survive and the wild nature is still mostly intact, Mongolia has also reached out to the West for economic and cultural ties. It's not uncommon to meet Mongolians with degrees from universities in the USA, Europe or Australia.
Along with Japan and South Korea, Mongolia is one of the only legitimate democracies in the whole of Asia. Elections have proven to be free and fair. A constant parade of street protests have forced policy change on everything from mining laws to bus fares.
Democracy has given foreign investors enough confidence to stick with Mongolia during hard times. Attractive investment laws have lured some of the big boys of the mining world – the major target of Mongolia's economic reformers. Despite their progression, Mongolia still faces enormous economic and social challenges; it remains one of the poorest countries in Asia, with typical salaries at less than US$100 a month.
Tourism, along with mining and cashmere, has become a key feature of the economy. The poor infrastructure and short travel season have kept receipts small, but a growing network of ger camps cater to travellers seeking ecotourism adventures. Without fences or private property to restrict a traveller's movement, Mongolia is a perfect destination for horse trekking, long-distance cycling or hiking, or more leisurely activities such as fly-fishing, yak carting or camping out under a sprawling mass of stars.
Most travellers come for Naadam, the two-day summer sports festival that brings Ulaanbaatar to a standstill. But Mongolia's unique charm will always lie in the countryside where, rather than being a spectator to the wrestling, you may find yourself making up the numbers! Outside the villages it's easy to meet nomad families whose relentless sense of hospitality can at times be nothing short of overwhelming.
Mongolia is an up-and-coming Asian country with a young, well-educated population. The economy grows at a robust 7.5% per year – thanks mainly to China's insatiable appetite for Mongolia's raw materials. But Mongolia sits at a crucial crossroads: if the booming economy continues down the road of corruption, with a few getting rich and everyone else left behind, the country may never develop to its full potential.
As a travel destination, Mongolia is a special place for people who enjoy the outdoors and adventure. Heading out on the vast plains, riding horses and camping with nomad families, it offers the chance to step back in time to a simpler age and way of life. It is an invigorating and exhilarating place to visit, and remains one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in Asia.
Mongolia has one of the oldest Cultures
in Central Asia.
For three days,
Mongolians celebrate the festival throughout Mongolia.
Mongolia
is truly one of the World’s last Undiscovered Travel Destinations
and a Safe Country to Visit.
Naadam History
The Naadam Festival is the major Mongolian holiday and a wonderful time to experience the culture and people of this amazing land. The festival has its roots in the nomad wedding assemblies and hunting extravaganzas of the Mongol Army.
The Opening Ceremony
Features Marches and Music …
from soldiers, monks and athletes before the real fun begins!
The word “naadam”, means “manly games” or suur-kharbaan as it is called in Mongolia is a festival of the three mayor traditional sports in Mongolia: wrestling, horse racing and archery.
It is the biggest event in Mongolia. All over the countryside small naadams are celebrated and for three days, the national naadam in Ulaanbaatar is celebrated.The three day event brings all the best sportsmen from over the country to Ulaanbaatar.
Naadam Festival Traditions and Activities
In the Naadam Stadium the three sporting passions of Mongolians, horse racing, wrestling and archery, are played out over 2 days.
Wrestling is one of the traditional sports of the Mongols called “Three manly Games”
and a big event of the Mongolian National holiday.
Wrestling is not only a test of strength, but also have dexterous tricks, and can be even called as an art.
The wrestling are attires in special wearing called zodog(a vest) and shuudag (pants).
The rust arrowhead was popular then. As many people as possible could take part in the contest and the winner was the ones who shot their arrows the farthest.
This kind of contest was in existence in the 13 th century and was in use until recently.
This sport is also century’s old, dating back to the Bronze Age.
They are then taken to an adequate pasture separate from the herd and trained. The riders are aged from 5 to 12 Mongolian children of these ages are good riders, as both boy sand girls have been riding since infancy.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/mongolia-travel-guide-mongolia-tourist-attraction-where-to-go-and-what-to-see-in-mongolia-2558591.html#ixzz1VAlOUgbT
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Ten Essential Things To Do In Greenland
If you are still undecided about making that trip to Greenland, do not let the harsh cold dissuade you from visiting because you will surely miss out on a lot of wonderful things unique only to Greenland. In fact, now is the best time to visit Greenland because scientists predict that in a couple more years, a large part of it will have already melted and its brilliant glaciers and bergs will only be part of its history. Aside from those mentioned, here are some ten things that you need to see and do in Greenland.
1.) National Museum
When visiting any country or city for the very first time, it is always a good part of the itinerary to include its National Museum. In this particular museum, you will see the mummified bodies of what is believed to be those of the people who died when their boat turned over back in the 1400s. You can also find here other artifacts as well.
2.) Festival of Snow Sculptures
This is an annual festivity attended by locals and foreigners. Here, you will see a magnificent showcase of some of the world's best snow sculptures on parade. Go to the country's capital, Nuuk, to witness this yearly event.
3.) Greenland Tours
In order to fully enjoy your stay in Greenland and see as much as possible during your trip, it is best to take guided tours that will take you to Kangerlussuag and then to Ilulissat. These tours will take you around the cities. Here, you will experience native life in Greenland including the traditional welcome coffee drink from a local.
4.) Hiking and mountain climbing
One of the best hiking and mountaineering experiences you can ever have is in the mountains of Greenland. The best place is said to be Ice Cap. However, you should always have an experienced guide with you as you can easily get lost or injured if you don't know your way around.
5.) Qaqortoq
This is located in the southern part of Greenland. This is where you will find the oldest recorded fountain of the country as well as old building structures, and these buildings go as far back as two centuries ago. You will also see here a mini Eskimo Museum.
6.) Dog sleds
What is a visit to Greenland without trying its famous dog sledding down its icy slopes? Skiing is also a must. You can go skiing across the country provided you have a guide, and you are well-versed in the sport.
7.) Disko Bay
It is said that one iceberg here can weigh approximately more than 6 million tons! One of the most breathtaking sights you will ever witness here or perhaps anywhere in the world is the sun touching the icebergs illuminating their brilliance. Be prepared to be enthralled by this magnificent sight.
8.) Old Town Museum
This is located in Upernavik. It is a place considered to have a friendlier climate than most places in Greenland. The Old Town Museum houses historical mementos of the country including those about the earliest people who have inhabited the place.
9.) Polar Bears
Definitely not to be missed, polar bears are only seen in the cold regions, hence, they are a sight to behold in Greenland. Although fiercely wild and can seriously injure anyone he comes across with, the sight of this white bear is enough to entice any tourist to catch a glimpse of this wild animal. You will surely be amazed at the power and beauty these animals possess.
10.) Musk ox and other animals
After polar bears, tourists also come to this icy country to catch glimpses of musk oxen. You can also see in Greenland a few of Santa's reindeers and walruses. Whales are also abundant including the majestic white whales.