Hawa
Mahalis
the most awe-inspiring sight in the city of Jaipur. It is also known as ‘Palace of Winds‘ because of its windows that
allow the wind to flow in keeping it cool. There are 953 stone-carved screens
or windows in the palace.
In earlier times, the royal ladies were not allowed to give public
appearances. The palace was constructed to let the ladies of the court view the
daily activities in the streets and the areas in the vicinity, without being
noticed by anyone. The palace is an extended part of a huge complex. The
stone-carved screens, small casements and arched roofs are some of the features
of this popular tourist spot. The monument also has delicately modeled hanging
cornices. Just like the other monuments of Jaipur, the palace is also
constructed in pink and red colored stone.
The palace stands at a height of 15 meters. The frontal of the
Hawa Mahal appears as if it is just a frame and there is nothing behind it. The
top three storeys comprise of just one room each. The base of the palace has
two courtyards. The front of the palace is embellished with semi-octagonal
bays, finials and domes, and intricately carved grills made of sandstone.
Some people say that the shape of this monument resembles the
crown of Lord Krishna. The palace looks appealing just from the outside. The
interior section is deprived of architectural ornamentation. The chambers are
very simple and have pillars to reach the upper part of the monument.
Interestingly, the entry to the palace is from the rear side and not from the
front. The palace also has an archaeological museum.
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built the
Hawa Mahal in 1799.
Hawa Mahal is a five-storied building.
Lal Chand Usta designed the monument.
The monument has undergone extensive
and expensive restoration in recent years.
Hawa Mahal is located
in the heart of Jaipur, on a big road intersection known as Badi Chaupad. If
you are coming from abroad, you can fly to Jaipur International Airport.
Alternatively you can fly to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
From here either take a taxi, or reach Jaipur via domestic flight to Sanganer
Airport, Jaipur. If you wish to visit Jaipur using rail transport, then from
Jaipur railway station, you will have to either take a bus or taxi to reach the
monument.
As summers are very
hot in Jaipur, a trip to the Hawa Mahal must be made in spring, fall or the
winter season.
The monument opens
from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm everyday.
The entry fee for the Hawa Mahal is Rs. 10 per
Indian and Rs. 50 per foreign tourist.
Near by Attractions : Tripolia Bazaar, Shesh Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Maharaja
Sawai Man Singh II Museum, Swargsuli Tower, Monkey Temple, Sisodia Rani Palace
and Garden, Jaipur Zoo, Raj Mandir Cinema and Royal Gaitor Tumbas.
Ashtarakin Armenia is an important industrial region in the country. It is
located by the River Kasagh and is the capital of the famous Aragatsotn
Province. Ashtarak in the Armenian language means tower or fortress.
Armenia has beautiful lush green surroundings and a plethora of
sightseeing options that you can visit while you are in the place. While you
are touring the land, make sure you visit Ashtarak.
A legend says that three sisters who lived in Ashtarak fell in
love with the same man, Prince Sargis. The two elder sisters committed suicide
in favor of the youngest one. When the youngest sister saw her sisters dead,
she also threw herself into the george. After this incident, Sargis became a
hermit. Later, three churches came up at the edge of the gorge, named after the
colors of the sisters’ dresses i.e. apricot-orange, red and white.
These are the Karmravor (reddish), a church that contains a
tambour which belongs to the 7th century. This has been built in the honor of
the Mother of God. The two other churches are Tsiranavor (apricot-colored)
which dates back to the 5th century and Spitakavor (whitish) which dates back
to the 14th century. St. Mariane is the biggest church in the town. It was
built in the year 1281. This is centrally located and is cross-shaped.
Another
site that is definitely worth visiting is the bridge that has been constructed
over the River Kasagh. This was built in the year 1664 and has a total of three
arches which are unequal in size.
Besides these sightseeing options, you would also have the option
of engaging in some shopping while you are on tours to Ashtarak. This is an
industrial town and there are many products that are available in the town. You
are sure to come across different varieties of products and shopping would
surely be a pleasurable activity. You can also go to the restaurants and bars
that are located in the town and taste their fare. The availability of exotic
local food is sure to make you feel delighted.
Ashtarak covers an area of 7.5 sq km (2.9 sq mi).
This city is located at an elevation of 1,110 meters above sea level.
The city was first
mentioned in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 17th century.
The nearest airport to Ashtarak is Zvartnots
International Airport (EVN / UDYZ). It is located at a distance of 31 km from
the center of Ashtarak. You can hire a marshrutka (shared taxi or minibus) or a
taxi to reach Ashtarak.
June and September are ideal months for visiting
Ashtarak as there is no rain and the temperature is also mild.
Nearby Attractions:Hovhannavank Monastery, Surb Hovhannes Church of
Byurakan, Tegher Monastery, Amberd, Vahramashen Church and Etchmiadzin
Cathedral.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is located on the Argentine island
of the same name, which is a part of Patagonia and the Andes. Tierra del Fuego,
meaning land of fire, is a triangular island that is part of both Chile and
Argentina. The National Park contains coastal forests where visitors can enjoy
nature as well as hiking, climbing, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor
activities. The natural beauty of this park is characterized by waterfalls,
mountains and glaciers, and many species of wildlife.
The National Park houses two kinds of forests characterized by
Lenga and Guindo trees. The peaks also have valleys with rivers and lakes of
glacial origin.
For the facilities of the visitors, many trekking paths have been
built inside the Park. They can be followed to make your tour easy. Here are
some of the attractions at the Park:
Black
Lagoon:It can be
reached by covering only 400 m. area on Route 3. The peat makes its color dark.
Meet the
beavers:Climbing
around 400 m. up to Los Castores stream, you can see the dams system built by
beavers that is adversely affecting the environment. They cut down the trees to
make dams, which, rather provoke floods in some parts of the forest.
The
Lookout Point:You can
directly reach Lapataia Bay by walking on route 3 for panoramic views of the
bay.
Animals
and Birds:Canadian
beaver, black eye-browed albatross, steam duck, chungungo otter, diving petrel,
guanaco and red fox are some of the animals and birds that can be spotted in
the National Park.
Walk the
De la Isla path:If you
love to stroll on the beach shores, then this 8,000-metre walk around the
Cormoranes archipelago, right along the shores of Lapataia and Ovando would be
a great idea.
You can camp beside Lago Roca and a few other free campsites with
basic necessities in the Park. The visitors are allowed to make fires in the
designated campsites. However, as this is a protected area, they must
extinguish the fire carefully before leaving the campsite.
Tierra del Fuego National Park was established on October 15, 1960.
It covers an area of 630 square kilometers (243 square miles).
It is the
country’s only park that boasts an ocean shoreline.
Located on the southern tip of Argentina, Tierra
del Fuego is the southernmost national park in the world. The park can also be
accessed from Chile, from the park entrance that borders the country, though
additional permits may be required. The park can be accessed by car (or even
bicycle) or train. The End of the World Train (El Tren de la Fin del Mundo), which was once a freight line and a prison train,
is the southernmost train in the world, and now transports visitors into the
national park. Rio Grande Airport is the nearest airport. If you choose to
travel by bus, then you need to pay Ar$100 per person, for the round trip.
The rainiest season at Tierra del Fuego is from
March to May, and rain and fog are frequent in the temperate climate of the
region. Summer temperatures tend to be warmer and may be a better bet, but the
park is scenic in the foggy weather as well.
The Park opens throughout the week at 8:00 am.
Nearby Attractions:Chile, Ushuaia, Argentina, South Pole, Beagle Channel
and Pipo River Cascade.
Cueva de las Manos, meaning “cave of the hands” in Spanish, is a
series of famous paintings on the walls of caves. Located in the Santa Cruz
province of Argentina, the cave paintings date back to between 9,000 and 13,000
years ago, and were created by the hunter-gatherer people who resided in
Patagonia. These communities were some of the earliest in South America, making
this site very important. The caves were inhabited by several waves of people,
though the most recent of these were probably ancestors of the Tehuelche people
around 700 CE.
Archaeologists have found that the cave dwellers used pipes carved
from bones to spray paint the cave walls, using their hands as stencils to
create hundreds of silhouettes of their hands in varying shades of red, purple,
yellow, and brown. Most of the hands are left hands, suggesting that the
artists were right handed, and painted their own hands.
There is also art featuring humans and animals in hunting scenes,
with the indigenous guanacos and rheas, as well as abstract designs like shapes
and zigzags. The hunters are depicted using bolas, their traditional hunting
weapons.
The cave paintings date back to around 7370 BC.
The main cave is 24 meters (79 feet) deep and 10 meters (33 feet) high,
but the interior slopes upwards, so the back part of the cave is only 2 meters
(7 feet) high.
The entrance to the main cave is 15 meters (49 feet) wide.
The color pigments
are made from iron oxides (red and purple), kaolin (white), natrojarosite
(yellow) and manganese oxide (black).
Cuevos de las Manos is situated in the valley of
the Pinturas River in Patagonia. The caves are part of the Santa Cruz province
of Argentina, about 163 kilometers (101 miles) south of Perito Moreno. The
region is characterized by canyons and cliffs, and the distant caves must be
reached by road, either by car or by bus, and visitors must take a tour to view
the caves.
The temperate climate makes this a destination for much of the year,
though as an outside site, it should be avoided during the full sun, and the
middle of winter. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the caves.
Nearby Attractions: Bajo Caracoles, Parque Nacional Perito Moreno,
Tierra del Fuego, El Chalten
Los
Glaciares National Parkin
Argentina welcomes a large number of tourists from all over the world, offering
multiple choices to visit it almost throughout the year. The park covers more
than 600,000 hectares of landscaped area and is endowed with picturesque
scenery. The park offers a serene atmosphere and beautiful landscape. The
sights of the park will surely enthrall you. The major
highlight of the park is thePerito
Moreno Glacierthat is
formed by huge moving ice blocks. You could see and admire the glacier on a
lake excursion. Glaciar Perito Moreno ranks among the few stable glaciers in
the worldwhich is growing and moves slowly. People usually like to visit the
park at thePeninsula
de Magallaneswhere they
can view the slow movement of the Perito Moreno Glacier from boardwalks and
platforms placed at a safe distance. You must also watch the floating icebergs
in the area. Los
Glaciares National Park also has a number of lakes likeLake ViedmaandLake
Argentinoand theFitz Roy
Mountain, besides the beautiful glaciers. These lakes are fed by thawing
glaciers. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The
park offers plenty of activities for tourists such as climbing, sport fishing,
trekking and exploring the flora and fauna of the region. The place is also
loved by bird watchers and you may even spot flamingos. The forested region has
lenga and beech trees. Diverse fauna at the park includes varieties of fishes, amphibians
and reptiles, birds, mammals, invertebrates, introduced or exotic species and
special value fauna species, such as the Heumul or South Andean Deer. Other
glaciers that you will see on a visit to the Los Glaciares National Park,
enveloped by the Onelli and Bertrand mountains areUpsala,SpegazziniandOnelli. These
glaciers rise 5,000-feet (1,500 m) above sea level.
Los Glaciares National Park was established in 1937.
The park was a declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1981.
Los Glaciares National Park is the second largest park in Argentina.
The park has 47 large glaciers and 200 small
glaciers.
Los Glaciares National Park is located in the
area known as Austral Andes in Argentina, in the south west of Santa Cruz on
the border with Chile. You can reach the park by plane, bus or car. El Calafate
International Airport in El Calafate is just a few kilometers away from the
Park. Daily flights operate from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. Taxi and bus
services are readily available from both Buenos Aires and El Calafate to reach
the park. The best time to visit the park is from November
to March when the weather is pleasant. Entry to the park is free of cost. You need to
pay a certain amount for guided and boat tours. Nearby Attractions:Tribus del Sur, Mount Fitz Roy, Tehuel Plaza, and
Helsingfors Hosteria.
Patagonia Located in
Southern Argentina,Patagoniais one of the largest regions of the
country. It can aptly be described as a haven for nature lovers and the region
offers you a rare opportunity to experience pristine natural beauty.
Patagonia was once a home to extinct dinosaurs and the proof of
this is spread in many places across the region. There are huge dinosaur
footprints beside the lake in Villa El Chocon and several dinosaur eggs have
been discovered in northern Neuquen.
Etymologically, the name Patagonia has been derived from the word
‘patagon’ that Megallan used to describe the aboriginal people that his
expedition conceived to be giants. Their height of these mythical people was
supposedly almost double the normal height.
Patagonia
is interspersed with extended lakes and gigantic mountains along with some
unique geological features and landscapes. But then this is not all, it is also
a paradise for wildlife lovers. Places likePeninsula Valdesand thelake
region of Barilocheboast
of penguin colonies, where you can also watch whales from close quarters. These
places are also famous for their glaciers. Both these places resemble European
alpine resorts. The region seems to have been inhabited continuously since
10,000 BC, by various cultures and alternating waves of migration, the details
of which are as yet poorly understood.
These
areas are also the sites of numerous activities and sports like skiing, hiking,
biking, golfing and rafting. Some of the major attractions of the place are thePerito
Moreno Glacier, theUpsala GlacierandGlacier National Park.
You can also visitTierra del Fuegothat is situated in the southern part
of Patagonia. It is a region, which is renowned for its spectacular glaciers,
ocean channels and colonies of penguins. Overall Patagonia highlights the
wildlife resources of Argentina and represents an altogether different face of
the country.
There are about 5.5 million sheep in Argentinian Patagonia.
The Welsh were the first Europeans to settle in Patagonia.
The Chilean
Patagonia region has around 5,000 rivers.
Patagonia is located at the southern part of
Argentina. You can reach Patagonia by taking a flight from Santiago or Puerto
Montt to Punta Arenas. Alternatively, you can take the Navimag ferry from
Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, or board on a bus from Puerto Montt to Punta
Arenas.
Patagonia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, thus the seasons here are
entirely the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. As several activities can be
carried out here for fun and adventure throughout the year, Patagonia can be
visited all year round
Fly Fishing from November to May
Kayaking and Horseback Riding from December to April
Trekking / Hiking and Photography from November to April
Bird Watching from December to March
Sightseeing from October to May
Skiing and Snowboarding from June to September
Nearby Attractions:El Chaltén, Puerto Madryn, Palaeontology Museum, Punta
Tombo and Camarones.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio De Janeiro,
Brazil, is the Corcovado. The Corcovado is a mountain and the name means
‘hunchback’ in Portuguese. Previously, the mountain was named Pinaculo da
Tentacao, which means ‘Pinnacle of Temptation’.
TheCorcovadois world famous for the hugeChrist the Redeemerstatue crowning its peak. From the peak tourists can enjoy
sweeping panoramic views of the sea and mountains. With outstretched arms the
statue of Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet high and is situated on a 26-feet
pedestal. The statute weighs 1,145 tons, and it also has a chapel which can
accommodate 150 people.
This monument celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2001. It was
inaugurated on 12th October, 1931, on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida
(national patroness). The statue was designed by Carlos Oswald and developed by
the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. The statute took five years to
complete.
Travelers can climb up the Corcovado by taking the century-old
Corcovado Train or car. While travelling up by train they can experience the
beautiful landscape of Rio De Janeiro. The train was inaugurated by Dom Pedro
II , Emperor of Brazil, in 1884 and the whole ride takes around 20 minutes.
The ride is environment friendly as the train is electric. Part of
the funds from the entrance tickets goes to the Brazilian Institute for the
Preservation of Nature or IBAMA. While climbing the mountain you will pass
through the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest. It is a great
place for walking and bicycle riding. In 1881 the whole forest was replanted
with 60,000 trees by Major Manoel Gomes Archer.
It is impossible to imagine a trip to Rio de Janeiro without
visiting Christ the Redeemer. Located on top of Corcovado's Mount, the monument
is the best-known Brazilian image, famous all over the world. Every year, more
than six hundred thousand people are taken to Christ the Redeemer's statue
through the almost hundred-year-old Corcovado's Railway, the oldest tourist
excursion in the country.
Apart from being amazed by seeing Marvelous City's most beautiful landscapes,
visitors will also take an educational trip throughout Brazil's recent history.
Corcovado's Train was inaugurated in 1884 by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II and
it has already transported on its cars several distinguished personalities such
as popes, kings, princes, presidents, artist and scientists.
This is also an eco-tour. The train cuts through the world's largest urban
forest: Tijuca's National Park, a part of the so-called Atlantic Forest,
considered as an example of nature conservation.
And
everyone who travels on Corcovado's Railway helps take care of the forest: the
train is moved by electricity; therefore, it's not contaminating whatsoever. In
addition to that, part of the ticket sale will go to fundraising for Brazilian
Institute of the Environment (IBAMA) which is in charge of forest conservation
issues.
Corcovado's
Railway
Corcovado's
Railway was the first of its kind to use electric energy in Brazil. It's even
older than Christ's statue itself and was inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Dom
Pedro II. In fact, the train was used for four consecutive years at that time
to carry parts of the monument.
Back
in those days, the steam engine was regarded as a real miracle of civil
engineering for covering a 3824-meter long railway in a complete steep terrain.
However, in 1910, these trains were replaced by electric machines and more
recently, in 1979, the company Esfeco took charge of the railway and brought
safer and more modern train models from Switzerland.
Christ
the Redeemer
The typical Brazilian post-card had its foundation stone placed in 1922 and was
inaugurated on October 12, 1931. Christ the Redeemer, icon of Rio de Janeiro
city, was chosen out of 21 nominated monuments all over the world as one of the
New Seven Wonders of the World through an online and cellular phone messaging
election organized by the New Seven Wonders Foundation from Switzerland.
The prize was really deserved. From its 38-meter height – and from Corcovado's
Mount's 710-meter tall, Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of faith and
happiness of carioca people (native Rio de Janeiro people) and it will turn 82
years old in 2013. Since the year 2000, when it gained a new lighting system,
the monument has been going through a upgrading process. The highest point of
it was the installation of mechanical access in 2002, including escalators and
panoramic elevators.
Tijuca
Forest
Situated in the heart of the city, a few minutes away from most part of Rio's
neighborhoods, Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest replanted by
men. Its reforestation was carried out in XIX century as a pioneer initiative
in Latin America, after years of indiscriminate logging and planting, mainly
for coffee production. Holding around 3200 hectares, this natural area features
hundreds of flora and fauna species which can be only found within the Atlantic
Forest.
Tijuca
Forest owns locations and historical attractions that are worth a visit, such
as: Cascatinha (Little Waterfall), Capela Mayrink (Mayrink Chapel), Mirante
Excelsior (Excelsior Viewpoint), Barracão (Big Shack), Gruta Paulo and Virginia
(Paulo and Virginia Cave), Lago das Fadas (Fairy's Lake), Vista Chinesa
(Chinese Viewpoint) and Açude da Solidão (Solitude Weir), all of them spots
often visited by entire families on the weekends.
·
The mountain peak is
2330-feet high and lies west of the city center.
· Corcovado is a granite peak.
The Corcovado Mountain is located in central Rio
De Janeiro. It is located inside the Tijuca Forest which is a national park.
Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is the nearest airport to the
Corcovado mountain. The peak can be accessed both by road and railways.
The months from September through November are
the best time to visit the Corcovado mountain.
Nearby Attractions:Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay,Copacabana Beach,Ipanema Beachand Tijuca Jungle.
Kangaroo
Islandin South
Australia boasts of unspoilt and pristine beauty as the authorities did not
want the natural beauty of the place to be diminished by overdevelopment and
excessive tourism. It is one of the rare places in the world where civilization
and wilderness co-exist in harmony and peace. The place is replete with a wide
array of flora and fauna, cliffs and beaches.
As far as the fauna of the island is concerned, besides kangaroos,
you can also see sea lions, penguins, dolphins and koalas here in a natural
environment. The island houses the premier sea lion watching destination, the
Seal Bay Conservation Park that boasts of 600 sea lions. The park allows you to
see the sea lions from close quarters, you can see them idling about in the
sun, nurturing pups, or heading into the ocean for fish. The island also
features the Flinders Chase National Park that is located on the south-western
tip of the island, and is home to a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.
Kangaroo Island’s coastline is replete with spectacular beaches
and cliffs. Some of the popular beach destinations in the area are Stokes Bay,
Emu Bay and Vivonne Bay. These beaches are an ideal place to rest and relax and
also offer breathtaking natural beauty and scenery. Antechamber Bay on Dudley
Peninsula is a site for camping and bush walking on Kangaroo Island.
While on Kangaroo Island do not miss:
·Tasting honey made by Ligurian bees.
·Fishing on pristine beaches.
·Going on an eco tour or charter.
·Surfing under the dramatic rock arc of Admirals Arch
·Staying at the super-luxe clifftop Southern Ocean Lodge (if budget
is not a constraint)
·
Kangaroo Island covers an area of 4,405 sq km.
·
It is Australia’s third largest island.
·
The island features a coastline of 540 km.
· Prospect Hill is
the highest point of Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island is located near the tip of the
South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The journey to Kangaroo Island from
Adelaide Airport takes around four hours and the trip includes a ferry.
Kangaroo Island can be visited throughout the
year. It has milder winters and cooler summers. December through February are summer months and
the wildlife takes refuge in the bush habitat to escape the summer heat. The
beaches look spectacular at this time. From March through May due to the
rainfall there is greenery and the waterways start flowing. The months of
September to November mark rebirth. It is spring time, and a number of animals,
birds and flowers are seen on the island. From June to August the island
experiences winter and is the most appealing time as in the backdrop of the
lush green countryside abundant wildlife can be spotted performing their
natural activities.
Nearby Attractions:Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide, Flinders Ranges, and
Eyre Peninsula.
Angkor in
Cambodia is a complex of religious temples at the capital of the Khmer Empire
and is the most important archaeological site in the region. The most famous of
these temples isAngkor Wat, a Hindu
temple built under the rule of King Suryavarman II in the Temple Mountain architectural
style. Angkor Wat, which means Ctiy of Temples in Khmer, was the state temple
and capital city, and later became a mausoleum for Suryavarman II.
Angkor Wat differs from many other temples because it is oriented
to the west rather than the east. This could have been because the king wanted
it to be a burial temple for himself, or it may have been because it was
dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, who has associations with the west.
Representing Mount Meru, the temple is surrounded by a rectangular
moat with entrances on the west and east, constructed in a mountain-like
pyramidal shape, crowned by exactly five towers, symbolizing the five peaks of
Mount Meru. A statue of Vishnu, called Ta Reach is among the artwork and many
decorations around Angkor Wat.
Around 5 million tons of sandstone was used in the construction of
the temple complex. The sandstone was transported from a quarry located 25
miles away. An interesting fact about the raw material used in construction is
that the Khmer bricks were bound together invisibly by applying a vegetable
compound instead of the mortar.
After
King Suryavarman II’s death in around 1150, construction on the temple ended.
It was conquered and later restored by King Jayavarman VII, who built a new
temple, Bayon, and moved the new state capital to Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat is the biggest tourist attraction in the country, and has become an
important part of Cambodian history and culture.
ANGKOR WAT was listed in World Wonder List
Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is
unrivaled. Its mightiness and
magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that
of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the
Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal.
Angkor
Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of
Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west
gate. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th
century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by
King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style
of art.
BACKGROUND
Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and
the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in
composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the
finest monuments in the world.
Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is
"vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it
became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century.
After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by
Buddhist monks.
It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary
temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the
symbolism between the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs, designed for
viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this
function.
ARCHITECTURAL PLAN
The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to grasp when walking
through the monument because of the vastness. Its complexity and beauty both
attract and distract one's attention. From a distance Angkor Wat appears to be
a colossal mass of stone on one level with a long causeway leading to the
center but close up it is a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers,
porches and courtyards on different levels linked by stairways.
The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of
the central tower is greater than it might appear: 213 meters (699 feet),
achieved with three rectangular or square levels (1-3) Each one is
progressively smaller and higher than the one below starting from the outer
limits of the temple.
Covered galleries with columns define the boundaries of
the first and second levels. The third level supports five towers –four in the
corners and one in the middle and these is the most prominent architectural
feature of Angkor Wat. This arrangement is sometimes called a quincunx.
Graduated tiers, one rising above the other, give the towers a conical shape
and, near the top, rows of lotuses taper to a point.
The overall profile imitates a lotus bud, Several
architectural lines stand out in the profile of the monument. The eye is drawn
left and right to the horizontal aspect of the levels and upward to the soaring
height of the towers. The ingenious plan of Angkor Wat only allows a view of
all five towers from certain angles. They are not visible, for example, from
the entrance. Many of the structures and courtyards are in the shape of a
cross.
The Visitor should study the plan on page 86 and become familiar with
this dominant layout. A curved sloping roof on galleries, chambers and aisles
is a hallmark of Angkor Wat. From a distance it looks like a series of long
narrow ridges but close up from identifies itself. It is a roof made of
gracefully arched stone rectangles placed end to end. Each row of tiles is
capped with an end tile at right angles the ridge of the roof.
The scheme culminates in decorated tympanums with
elaborate frames. Steps provide access to the various levels. Helen Churchill
Candee, who visited Angkor in the 1920s, thought their usefulness surpassed
their architectural purpose.
The steps to Angkor Wat are made to force a halt at
beauteous obstruction that the mind may be prepared for the atmosphere of
sanctity, she wrote In order to become familiar with the composition of Angkor
Wat the visitor should learn to recognize the repetitive elements in the
architecture. Galleries with columns, towers, curved roofs, tympanums, steps
and the cross-shaped plan occur again and again.
It was by combining two or more of these aspects that a
sense of height was achieved. This arrangement was used to link one part of the
monument to another. Roofs were frequently layered to add height, length or
dimension. A smaller replica of the central towers was repeated at the limits
of two prominent areas-the galleries and the entry pavilions. The long causeway
at the entrance reappears on the other side of the entry pavilion.
Angkor Wat was constructed in the early 12th century.·
Angkor Wat became a Theravada Buddhist site
in around the 13th century.·
The temple complex is even featured on the
nation’s flag.·
Angkor Wat was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1992.·
Covering an area of 40,100 ha, Angkor Wat is
the largest religious monument in the world.·
Angkor Wat lies 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) north of
the modern town of Siem Reap
Angkor is part of the Siem Reap province, just north of the town of the same
name, and east of the former capital, Baphuon.
Winter (November through February) is the perfect time to visit Angkor Wat as
the weather is pleasant.
The Angkor Wat opens from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Tickets are available for:
One day: $20
Three days: $40
Seven days: $60
The
tickets are valid for consecutive days, respectively.
Nearby attractions:Phnom Bakheng, Angkor
Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Lake Tonlé Sap.
Leblon, a
neighborhood in Rio De Janeiro, is one of the most popular tourist attractions
of Rio. Leblon is famous for its beach that is located right next to Ipanema Beach, at the far west end of the same coastline.
A shallow canal and park known as Jardim de Ala or Allah’s Gardens separate the
two beach front areas in Rio De Janeiro. Some of Rio’s most chic clubs,
restaurants and boutiques are found thronged in Leblon and its nearby streets.
Apart from that, several movie halls, theaters, nightclubs and concert halls
are also located in this area of Rio. Leblon has a romantic history. The land originally belonged to a
Frenchman named Charles Le Blond and the place is named after him. The place
was once a hiding place for the runaway slaves as it was difficult to access.
Despite its cosmopolitan atmosphere and modernity, Leblon in Rio De Janeiro
beautifully retains its small town charm.
Upper Leblon also known as Alto Leblon, is a residential area.
This hilly region in the western edge of Leblon is a favorite hangout for the
elites in Rio. There are many exclusively designed residential houses,
mansions, and posh apartments that will catch your eye. Besides there are
several other attractions around Leblon that you cannot miss during sightseeing
in Rio De Janeiro.
Leblon boasts of one of Rio’s most scenic drives, Av. Niemeyer.
This road connects Leblon to São Conrado. Jardim Pernambuco is probably Rio’s
most exclusive residential area. There are many elegantly designed mansions in
this area. Once in Leblon you must visit Bracarense. It is the best botequim
style café and restaurant in the city. The traditional restaurant is reputed
for its 50 years of excellent service.
Also visit Scala, the concert hall cum nightclub at Leblon, to
feel the rhythm of the night in Rio. All these diversities makes Leblon one of
the most popular attractions in the city of Rio De Janeiro.
Leblon has a romantic history. It was an area area of difficult
access, and it was once used as a hiding place for runaway slaves. The
land originally belonged to Frenchman Charles Le Blond, who owned a fishing
company named Aliança. He sold the land to Portuguese José de Seixas Magalhaes. Leblon
started to grow with Ipanema, when a streetcar line connected them to the rest
of the city. Leblon was at the end of the line, and it grew at a somewhat slower
pace. Even though it's very cosmopolitan today, it still retains a small town
charm with neighborhood shops that have been around for generations. Upper
Leblon (Alto Leblon)
is almost strictly residential. This hilly area on the West side of Leblon is a
favorite spot for Rio's rich and famous. There are many houses, mansions and
posh apartments. It starts on the left lane of Av. Visconde de Albuquerque and
goes uphill. Some streets are still cobblestone. There is a curious paper-thin
building looming over Alto Leblon than can be easily spotted from the beach.
According to a dweller you can actually feel the building sway when there is a
strong wind... Lower Leblon (Baixo Leblon) is
the bohemian side of the neighborhood, and it ruled nightlife in the 70's and
80's. A stop for a pizza or beer was almost mandatory after a night of fun -
some restaurants and bars remain open until past 4 a.m. This area starts at
Cazuza Square and includes streets Dias Ferreira and the beginning of Ataulfo
de Paiva. Though landmark nightspots like Real Astoria and Diagonal are no
longer around, it is still a good bet for after-hours. The area surrounding
Clipper, a bar further along Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, is also very popular. It has
lately become a sort of a meeting spot where the young celebrate major soccer
games. Leblon Beach went "under
renovations" in the early 90's. The eroded sand strip became too narrow,
and part of it was reclaimed. Now it is as wide as Ipanema. The water is still
not suitable for swimming after it rains, though. There is a famous baby-boomer
spot across from Rua Venâncio Flores. This is where young Leblon mothers and
their babies get their daily dose of tropical sun, early in the morning. Main street Ataulfo de Paiva was
recently refurbished with project Rio Cidade. Like in Ipanema the street
lights, signs and even public phones are unique. Many corners gained charming
wooden seats. Stop and sit for a while to watch the pedestrians passing by, and
maybe you will understand why Cariocas have a permanent love affair with
Leblon.
The “Dois Irmãos” or “the Two Brothers” peak constitutes the western
border on Leblon.
Av. Niemeyer in Leblon was opened in 1916. It
took 30 years for the completion of this scenic drive.
Leblon is located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. You
can take a private taxi or a private coach or private minicoach or private
coach from Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport (GIG) to reach Leblon.
July through September is the best time to visit
Leblon as these months experience less rainfall and the weather is also
pleasant. However, the streets are crowded with tourists from all over the
world during summers.
Nearby Attractions:Rue de castiglione, Penedo, Bar D’Hotel, Ipanema Beach
and Praia do Arpoador.
The impressive Iguazu Falls, which separate the Iguazu River into its upper and lower sections, are situated along the border between...
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