Hotel Kronenh of Pontresina, Switzerland

Being a young couple who likes to enjoy fine, tasty and cozzy style of life, this was definitely the perfect way of relaxing To start with an amazing view, elegant rooms and never ending storical building. A wellness area full of surprises and perfect decorated, it was worth a trip back to the Engadin. I can only recommended.

This is not only a hotel, it is a whole story. Amazing beautiful views and surroundings, very elegant and refined decoration, splendid spa area, delicious, really tasty food..... But the true masterpiece of the story is the personnel , the staff is doing such a great job you could hardly expect these days in services area. They are restless in making you feel so welcome and important, no matter what is the issue. 

All in all if you want a memorable escape/ski trip/vacation. You will find here the perfect place. They really are one of the best I have seen. Special thanks and best regards to Violetta and Davide, they made our stay more sweet and warm.

I had a wonderful stay at the Kronenhof where I joined my grandfather for one week of holidays. Coming from Zurich Airport the access is very easy by train (to Chur and then to Samedan where the hotel transfer can pick you up). I absolutely enjoyed every moment of our stay. 

Coming here since I am little I enjoyed much the total renovation of the Spa which is incredible now. The swimming pool with underwater music, the different hamams (normal and salt hamam), the relaxation bath, the different saunas (normal and bio sauna) were all great!

Breakfast is delicious (fresh fruit, figs, different breads, lots of cheeses, yoghurts, porridge, diffrent kind of teas). At night we enjoyed the delicious dinners in the Grand Restaurant with the beautiful music from the pianist (we could even ask our favourite songs) and also had dinner twice at the Kronenstubli where they serve on wednesday the Tafelspitz which I would absolutely recommend. The staffs  in both restaurants is so kind and helpful.

The rooms are very clean and quiet. During the day I enjoyed the sun at the terrace of the Pavilion with a beautiful view on the mountains.

As a fourth generation coming to the Kronenhof, I would absolutely recommend this hotel. Food, service, ambiance, interior, spa, you will have an unforgettable stay.

s a young, same-sex couple who would not normally have the resources for such luxury, we were delighted to find that we were made to feel entirely welcome by each member of the team.

We were staying at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof for numerous special occasions: the flights to Zurich were a birthday present to my partner, our stay at the hotel was a Christmas present to him, our visit was planned to coincide with my own birthday – and I had secret plans to propose to him! We shall never forget the great experience we had, the ways in which the team worked hard to ensure perfection.

The fact that we could not speak German or Italian was not a problem; everyone spoke English very well and we were treated with courtesy, grace and good humour. In particular the Concierge went to extreme lengths for us, managing to organise the hand delivery of an engagement ring to me without giving away the secret. They drove to Pontresina station to collect a person who had flown from London with the ring, and provided him with a place to hide in the Salon Bleu while we were on our way back from skiing. They also liaised with the ski rental shop and ski school in advance of our stay, ensuring we had good equipment and an excellent instructor, Alberto, who was patient, encouraging and spoke English fluently.


The facilities were first-rate. I belong to Virgin Active Health Clubs in London, which is a desirable and well-regarded brand of fitness centres, and they use exactly the same brand of gym equipment, both weights and machines. The difference was that I had the gym area to myself each morning, and a breathtaking view of the mountains. We also had full access to the spa, which consisted of several different rooms beyond the main swimming pool (with music playing underwater!) and hot tub. There was a silent room with waterbeds and pine scent where we would always meditate after our time in the spa, enjoying the view and feeling blessed.

Dining was exquisite. The policy of formal dress for dinner in the Grand Restaurant was fitting, as the full effect of the elegant setting and discipline of service would not have been felt without that level of participation from the guests. My partner works in fashion, so he was keen to dress up (our hanging bag broke en route because we had over-packed it), but we never felt overdressed. We were offered four courses each night, in addition to a cheese selection, coffees and petits fours, and we were pleased that they catered to my "pescatarian" diet and permitted selections from the low-fat menu as part of the main meal.

Finally, we felt flattered to have the Hotel Manager welcome us on arrival and speak with us each evening, as well as on departure. The Pianist played a particular piece at dinner that we had not heard before and came to love. He played it for us on request in the main room immediately after we returned from lunch (we were still dressed in partial ski-wear!) as a newly-engaged couple. 

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Pontresina from Zurich, we strongly recommend the train from Chur. Not only is it the safest way of travelling up the mountains, but the views from either side of the carriage justify the UNESCO World Heritage status. To avert the hassle of our changing trains at Samedan, the team drove us to and from Samedan station rather than Pontresina station, helped us with our luggage and provided us with bottled water. 

Even though I am not used to treating us to five-star hotels, I believe the level of service we received actually made the visit excellent value. Sleep Quality has been marked "Very Good" because the room was slightly too hot on the first night – but as soon as we mentioned it, as we could not find a thermostat, they changed it for us and we slept extremely well thereafter. Besides that tiny, momentary confusion, I don't know how the holiday could have been any better!

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Peninsula Valdes in Argentina

Peninsula Valdes in Argentina is one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary and is an ideal gateway to the nearby town of Puerto Madryn. The Peninsula Valdes is a unique natural reserve that has plenty of attractions to attract tourists from all over the world. Most of the place is barren, dotted with salt lakes.

National Route 3 runs the entire Patagonia from north to south, always staying close to shore. This route meets Provincial Route 2 at the height of Carlos Ameghino Isthmus. You should take this route to the east to enter the peninsula. By bus, plane or car, the starting point to get to this Natural Reserve is usually Puerto Madryn, which has all communication services: port, airport and tourist agencies.

From Puerto Madryn, in whale season (June to December), it's worth making a first tranche by Provincial Route 4, gravel route, taking the opportunity for a first Coastal Whale Watching on the beach EI Doradillo,considered natural reproduction area.

The Peninsula Valdes is an oasis of serenity. It is literally an island located on the eastern edge of central Patagonia in Argentina. Ameghino Isthmus is a 35-km narrow lane joining the natural reserve with the continent. Peninsula Valdes gives us a unique landscape where arid lands contrast with the blue and crystalline sea. You can play around with dolphins, seals and penguins. Watch the spectacular acts of whales, elephant, seals and sea lions at this beautiful place.

Some of the species that you will come across are rhea, foxes, flocks of guanacos, mara, wolves, sea dogs and many other fascinating animals and birds. Puerto Piramides is the only city in Peninsula Valdes which is built along the Golfo Nuevo and is ideal to watch whales playing and diving in the water.

It offers an insight into the variety of marine species. You can also visit the various fauna reserves such as Istmo Carlos Ameghino, Isla de los Pajaros, Puerto Piramides, Punta Delgada, Punta Cantor and Punta Norte. The best possible way to explore Peninsula Valdes is through diving. The best time to visit is August or September.

There are about 450 people that live in Peninsula Valdes dedicated to tourism and the pastoral attention of 150,000 sheep, 800 cows and 400 horses.

In 1999 UNESCO declared Peninsula Valdes as ‘”a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals.”

A 5-km wide strip of land connects Peninsula Valdes to the continent.

Valdes receives an average rainfall of 12 mm to 20 mm throughout the year.

Accommodation can only be found in the nearest towns – Puerto Madryn and Trelew.

Peninsula Valdes is an island located off the eastern coast of Patagonia in Argentina, connected by a narrow isthmus to the mainland. The nearest airport is in Trelew.

The best time of the year to see whales here is from May until September. From September to April it is the best time to watch penguins. Sea Lion and elephant seal watching is done throughout the year. It is good to visit Valdes during the day time. It must be noted that the winters are extremely cold while heavy winds blow in spring.

The entry ticket for foreigners is ARG$100 while Argentine residents have to pay just ARG$30

Nearby Attractions: Punta Loma, Gaiman, Isla de los Pajaros Nature Reserve, and Dolavan.

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Varanasi - India

     

                

Varanasi (also called Benaras) is one of the most sacred cities in the world today. Mark Twain famously described it as being “older than history”. The history of this city dates back to as much as 8,000 years. Located on the banks of the Ganges (also known as the Ganga) and founded by Lord Shiva, this city has been mentioned in scriptures from the early Vedic period.

The Ganges is viewed as the river of salvation and a symbol of hope making this city magical and overwhelming. Many rituals take place in public on the city’s ghats and the accessibility to the ancient but living traditions is what attracts many visitors to Varanasi. The Ganges is the most important river in the Indian subcontinent and people travel long distances to come to the holy river. Although, the water is now polluted, the sanctity of the river and belief of the people are still the same.

It is not possible to imagine Varanasi without the Ganges and watching the sunset over the river is probably one of the most beautiful sights people see during their trips to the holy city.

Varanasi is also known for its old and beautiful temples including Kashi Vishwanath, Kal Bhairava, Durga Kund and Annapurna. These temples get particularly crowded during religious activities. Apart from the attractions, music and dance also remain important aspects of the history of this city. There are a number of dance festivals in Varanasi and many famous musicians and dancers trace back the origins of their art to this city.

Varanasi has attracted many pilgrims. It was even visited by Buddha after he achieved enlightenment. Pilgrims continue to visit Varanasi to wash away their sins in the Ganges.

There’s a common belief according to which anyone who dies in Varanasi attains instant enlightenment. Hence, many elderly people choose to spend their final days in this city.

Varanasi is home to the first university established in India in 1916. It’s known as the Banaras Hindu University.

  

                                   

Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is about 200 miles away from the capital of the state, Lucknow.

The best months to visit Varanasi are October and March. This is a good time since the temperatures are quite pleasant. The winter months bring in a lot of tourists since that’s when festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm. The summer in the city is really hot and humid so visiting between April and October would not be a good idea.


Nearby Attractions : Mughalsarai, Lucknow, Mirzapur, Chunar

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Barbados.America

Bottom Beach is one of the most scenic and unspoilt beaches of Barbados. It is also one of the top tourist attractions of this beautiful country. An increasingly popular destination for beach weddings, Bottom Bay is also an ideal family vacation or honeymoon destination. From sports, to local culture and cuisine, Bottom Bay has a lot to offer its visitors.

Bottom Bay Beach Map

The verdant stretch of Bottom Bay is known for its soft white sands, the dark blue waters, and the vivid green coconut trees. There is nothing more to see here but the beauty of this serene beach is guaranteed to keep you captivated. The sea is rough and visitors are advised against taking a bath or swimming. The sun is never too strong here. The excellent breeze and the setting is perfect to make you spend many lazy afternoons tanning on the beach. A dainty picnic, some beach sports, and the crashing waves; it is not difficult to imagine why tourists flock to Bottom Bay despite the seeming lack of entertainment options. Turtles are often spotted when the tide comes in.

Shopping at the Six Roads Shopping Complex is fun while you may also enjoy a visit to Earthworks Pottery Gallery. Golf and horseback riding are popular activities in Bottom Bay.

Bottom Bay is a great place for snorkeling but, it is not advisable for novices to venture into the sea. The locals are often willing to rent their boats. Venturing out for sailing is indeed a pleasant evening activity.

Instead of staying at hotels and inns, tourists to Bottom Bay prefer to rent one of the luxurious mansions that overlook the beach. These houses are built to resemble mansions and are built on the cliffs beside the beach. The spectacular views and the breeze makes its an idyllic vacation spot. While there are no hotels in Bottom Bay, there are some excellent accommodation options within two-to-four miles.

The villas at Bottom Bay with their own well-stocked kitchens and larders are another option for a comfortable stay. Most villas have caretakers who are glad to assist with cooking or direct you to local eateries. Alternatively, you may wish to hire one of the local chefs. There are a number of shacks that serve drinks.

Horseback tours, cruises, cycling tours, treks – Bottom Bay has all that you may wish for on your vacation. The views from the villas are breathtaking, as most are built on the cliffs adjoining the beach.

·  The locals say that it is one of the best beaches of Barbados.

·  The beach is situated between Cave Bay and Palmetto Bay.

·  The palm-fringed Bottom Bay beach is also popular for its coral cliffs.

·  The waves that wash the shore of the beach are strong and rough. So, swimming may be a challenging task here.

Bottom Bay is located in St. Philip’s parish, on the south eastern coast of Barbados. Bottom Bay is connected with Bridgetown by an excellent bus service. The international airport nearest to Bottom Bay is the Grantley Adams International Airport, only about six miles away. The airport is connected to a number of European and North American cities. Bottom Bay is a 15-minute drive from the airport. Cars rentals and taxis are the easiest means of transportation and are available in plenty. Local chauffeurs are both helpful and courteous. Top Car Rentals and Stoutes Rentals are popular car rentals of the parish.

Barbados receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Winters are cool and probably the best time to get here. Summers are never too hot due to the cool north east trade winds. Spring and fall are not distinct seasons in Barbados and rainfall is never too long. Bottom Bay can be visited at any period since the cool shades keep away the scorching sun and pleasant winds do not make it very humid.


Nearby Attractions: King George V Memorial Park, Sunbury Plantation House & Museum, Rugged Point Lighthouse, Bushy Park Racing Circuit, and St. Philip’s Church.

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The Pampas - Argentina

The grasslands of Argentina are known as The Pampas. The name of the area is derived from the word “pampa” that means “a plain without trees”. As the name suggests, the entire region of the Pampas comprises of vast areas of fertile land, and covers the states of Buenos Aires, La Pampa and major parts of Santa Fe and Córdoba.

                    

The landscape of the area is varied and includes forested hills, extended grasslands and salt lakes. The entire region is the mainstay of vegetation in Argentina, and is represented by the symbol of the gaucho (cowboy), which has achieved iconic status in the minds of the residents of the country.

The primary facet of the region is agriculture; the region is renowned for its cattle rearing, and its hospitality. Population wise, it is one of the densely populated regions in Argentina and accounts for more than one-third of the population of the entire country. There is no dearth of tourist attractions in the region and from beaches to modern cities; you will find it all here.

Some of the popular tourist attractions of the region are the Parque National Lihué Calel, which boasts of animals like puma and many guanaco, rhea and native hares, and the cities of La Plata, Luján, Rosario and Santa Fe, all of which are famous for their colonial legacy and historical landmarks.

A tour of the Pampas is incomplete without a tour of Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. Dubbed as the Paris of Argentina, the city can easily be described as the gateway to the country. Furnished with all the modern requisites it offers you a flavor of Europe. The city is famous for its architectural marvels, food, wine and the mesmerizing dance form, the tango. Located near the city is one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world, the Iguazu Falls.

Overall you are bound to fall in love with the region and your trip to Argentina will be impossible and implausible without a tour of the Pampas.

·  The Pampas are regarded as a grassland biome.

·  They cover an area of 300,000 sq. miles.

·  The local name of these fertile plains is Las Pampas.

                        


The Pampas are spread over the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Uruguay, La Pampa, Entre Ríos and Córdoba, and the southernmost Brazilian State, Rio Grande do Sul. Buenos Aires airport is the nearest airport.

In the summer season, the temperature reaches 30°C. Thus the months of January and February are the best time for water-sport activities, and fishing trips at the Pampas.

Nearby Attractions:   Iguazu Falls, Rio Grande do Sul attractions, and Buenos Aires.

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Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spaning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide,three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.

Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco to the Marin headlands for 1.7 miles is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Opened in 1937, the bridge was built at a cost of $35 million in principal and $39 million in interest and 11 workers’ lives. The single-suspension span is anchored by twin towers that reach skyward 746 feet, and was once taller than any building in San Francisco. To support the suspended roadway, two cables, each more than 7,000 feet in length and both containing 80,000 miles of wire stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore. More than 10 years in planning due to formidable opposition, but only four years in actual construction, the Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together.

Pedestrians including wheelchair users and bicyclists can go on the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours but roller blades, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted. There are vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge with parking lots. 

From downtown, take #38 Geary Boulevard to Park Presidio and transfer to #28 northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re taking Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.

For additional information, routes and schedules, please visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Golden Gate Transit  sites.

                

Passion. Ingenuity. Danger. Triumph. Learn why the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and hear incredible stories about the challenges and dangers that workers had to overcome to build the Bridge on personally guided 45-minute tours.

The 2013 tour season runs April 1–Oct. 6, 2013. Tours are offered seven days per week, six times per day (10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm)

Please plan to arrive at the Bridge at least 30 minutes before your tour time in order to find parking and obtain audio equipment. Tours leave promptly and tickets are not refundable.

Advance tickets at www.goldengatebridgetour.com or (877) 349-7625. Walk-up tickets are sold at the Round House, subject to availability. 

The Golden Gate Bridge has lost 7,500 tons (in weight) since it opened in 1937.

It is estimated that 5,000 - 10,000 gallons of paint are used to repaint the Golden Gate Bridge each year.

Three babies have been born on the Golden Gate Bridge. All of them have been boys.

The name came from the fact that the Golden Gate Strait (named by John Fremont) is the entrance into San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

International Orange was selected as the color of the bridge because it provided visibility in the fog for passing ships and also because it was a color that fit in naturally to the bridge’s setting and the surrounding land area.

The bridge has only been closed three times due to weather since it was built; all three times due to high winds gusting close to or over 70 miles per hour.

The bridge has also been closed for visits from dignitaries President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Charles de Gaulle of France and also on its 50th and 75th Anniversaries.

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Belize Barrier Reef - America

The reef consists of carnivores called polyps, which prey on small sea creatures that float by catching them with twinging tentacles. These multi-colored corals are eye-catching. Other organisms found in the reef include 500 species of fish, 45 hydroids, 65 scleritian corals, and 350 molluscs along with a great diversity of sponges, marine worms and crustaceans.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with a wide variety of sea life, including plants and animals like coral fish and invertebrates. Much of the sea life has yet to be explored or discovered. Visitors can explore the reef, the cays, the atolls, and the caves on their trip out to the Belize Barrier Reef.

As the reef is under threats due to the oceanic pollution and several other factors, measures are being taken by the concerned authorities to protect the reef. Within the Belize Barrier Reef are several protected zones, like the Great Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole, and Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve.

You need to either hire a boat or choose to travel in a water taxi for Barrier Reef tours. Always remember to take an expert with you for safety purposes.

People visit Belize also because it is dotted with several archaeological sites of one of the world’s most mystic civilizations – the ancient Maya. You can climb up the stairs to visit the tall stone temples that offer 360-degree views of the forest or descend deep into natural caves to see the places where the Mayan kings preformed sacrifices.

The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system's seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species.

The reef extends from the border with Mexico to the north, to near the Guatemalan border to the south. The Belize submarine shelf and its barrier reef, represent the world second largest reef system and the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean area. Outside the barrier, there are three large atolls: Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef.

Between the mainland and the barrier reef is an extensive offshore lagoon which increases in width and depth from north to south. In the north, water depth averages 2-3 m over a flat, featureless bottom 20-25 km wide. South of Belize City, the shelf gradually deepens forming a channel between the mainland and the outer platform, reaching a depth of 65 m in the Gulf of Honduras.

The approximately 450 sand and mangrove cays confined within the barrier and atolls range in size from small, ephemeral sand spits to larger, permanent islands capable of sustaining human settlements.

A total of 178 terrestrial plants and 247 taxa of marine flora has been described from the area. There are over 500 species of fish, 65 scleritian corals, 45 hydroids and 350 molluscs in the area, plus a great diversity of sponges, marine worms and crustaceans. The area harbours a number of species of conservation concern, including West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and American crocodile. 

The West Indian manatee population (300-700 individuals) is probably the largest in the world. Several bird species of conservation concern are found in the cayes and atolls. Major seabird and waterbird colonies include those of the red-footed booby (3,000-4,000 individuals) on Half-Moon Caye, brown booby on Man O'War Caye, and common noddy on Glover's Reef. Other noteworthy breeding birds are the brown pelican and the magnificent frigate bird. The Belize coral reef ecosystem is distinctive in the Western Hemisphere on account of its size, its array of reef types and the luxuriance of corals thriving in such pristine conditions. 

The are several unusual geophysical features including the nearby contiguous shelf edge barrier reef, the complex maze of patch reefs and faros in a relatively deep shelf lagoon, the unusual of reef types in a small area, the presence of atolls, and the large offshore mangrove cays.

Shell middens at Mayan sites along the coast and on the cayes provide evidence that the reefs were used for fishing some 2500 years ago. Between 300 BC and AD 900, the coastal waters were probably used extensively for fishing by the Mayans, and trading posts, ceremonial centres and burial grounds were established on the cayes. With the decline of the Maya civilization, the reef's resources probably went largely unused for a number of centuries, although early Spanish explorers used the cayes to repair their boats and collect fresh water. 

By the early 17th century, the coastal water of Belize had however become a heaven for pirates and buccaneers, largely from Britain, who looted Spanish and British trading ships and survived on the abundant marine resources available. Subsequently, many of the pirates, as well as Puritan traders from the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua, settled in the cayes, becoming fishermen and plantation owners. Since then, there have been a number of waves of immigration into the coastal area, including the Garifuna people, immigrants from Mexico, and most recently North Americans and other foreigners who have been lured by the beauty of the reef and its surroundings and have taken up residence in the cayes.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the third largest coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the New Caledonia Barrier Reef.

The Belize Barrier Reserve System is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

This outstanding natural system has been found to possess 178 terrestrial plants and 247 taxa of marine flora.

           

The Belize Barrier Reef is located off the Belizean coast, and the nearest city to the reef is Belize City. The nearest international airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, about 30 minutes from the city center.

Belize is a popular destination for visitors from North America and Europe during the dry season from November to April. The dry season is also high season, however, meaning that hotels and attractions will be busy and more expensive. Hurricane season in Belize is especially rainy from July to October and most tourists stay away, so if you don’t mind the rain you could get some great bargains if you visit Belize at this time.

Nearby attractions: Altun Ha, Caracol, Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye and Old Belize.

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Purnululu National Park - Australia

Situated in Western Australia, in the East Kimberly region, Purnululu National Park is one of the most visited and enthralling geological landmarks in the state as well as the country. The Purnululu National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers and is home to varieties of flora and fauna. The park also features some rare and endangered species like rainbow bee-eaters, nail-tail and rock wallaby.

The major attraction in the Purnululu National Park is the Bungle Bungle Range, which is spread over 45,000 hectares. It comprises of a hidden world of gorges and pools and as you move further you can see fan palms clinging to walls and crevices in the rocks. The range ascends 578 meters above sea level and is situated 200 to 300 meters above a woodland and grass covered plain.

The Purnululu Park boasts of a rich historical heritage. It is a site that reflects the aboriginal culture of Australia. The entire region features many aboriginal burial sites as well as aboriginal art, and it was inhabited by the aboriginal people, especially during the wet season, when plant and animals are abundantly found in the park.

There are arrangements for camping at Walardi or Kurrajong. However, the camping facilities are limited in the park. You can obtain necessary commodities like petrol, water and other essential things from Turkey Creek. Turkey Creek is a three-hour drive from the park. If you are interested in camping in the area, then it will be advisable to bring food and other essential commodities. You can also opt for private camping grounds that offer accommodation and other facilities, but then you have to book in advance if you wish to stay in these camping grounds.

Update: Due to fire, the Purnululu National Park is closed. The park along with the Walardi campground will reopen on April 1, 2014 while Kurrajong campground will open for the next season on May 1,2014.

·  The park was included in the UNESCO World heritage List in the year 2003.

·  The national park spreads over an area of 239,723 ha.

·  There are 298 vertebrate species in the park.

Purnululu National Park is located in Western Australia, about 300 km south of Kununurra. You can enter the park by air or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. By air tours leave from Kununurra, Halls Creek or Warmum (Turkey Creek).

The park opens during the dry season only – generally from April through November (dates vary according to conditions).

The park opens from Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.

he entry fee, camping fee and other fee varies every year. You can check the fee charged from October 2013 in detail at their official website.



Nearby Attractions: Cathedral George and Bungle Bungle Range.

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Qutub Minar - Delhi, India

In 1198 AD, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak built the Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque to the northeast of the present  Qutub Minar.  In 1199, Qutub-ud-din Aibak raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Some people believe that it was used as a tower by the muadhdhins to call the faithful to prayer.

However, only the first storey was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor and son-in-law, Illtutmish(1211-36 AD). The two circular stories in white marble were built by Firozshah Tughlaq in 1368, who used marble to face the red-stone. Its projecting balconies with inscriptional decorative bands on different storeys heighten its decorative effect.

With a height of 72.5 m and 379 stairs, it is the highest stone tower in India. It is also one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi’s recognised landmark.

       

There is an Iron Pillar in the Qutub Minar complex that bears an inscription in Brahmi script. The inscription reads that the pillar was constructed as a Vishnudhvaja on Krishnapada hill in memoriam of a mighty king named Chandra.

The Qutub Minar suffered damage due to earthquakes and lightning strikes on various occasions. Thus, it was renovated from time to time by various rulers.

The Minar has a tilt of just 60 cm from the vertical which even though it is safe, yet needs monitoring to avoid weakening of the foundation of the monument due to rainwater seepage.

Prior to 1981, the general public were allowed access inside the monument. However, an accident of rare seriousness (the death of 45 people in a stampede following power cut in the tower on 4 December, 1981) led to the authorities forbidding the public access to the interior section.

In 1993, the Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

From a base of 14.32 m it gradually narrows to 2.75 m, at a height of 72.5 m.

The tower is covered with beautiful and striking carvings, and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran.

Located in Mehrauli, Newdelhi, India. The Qutub Minar is just 10.8 K.ms away from Indhira Gandhi International Airport.New Delhi Railway Station is just at a Half hour drive from the Qutub Minar.You can take a call taxi from the airport and railway station to reach theQutub Minar.The monument is well connected by a fine network of roads.You can also choose to travel in a bus as sevaral private and goverment buses offer sound connectivity.Qutub Minar is the nearest station on the Delhi Metro.

         

The Qutub Minar is open throughout the year. However, the months of October through March are the best for visiting Qutub Minar as the weather is pleasant during these months.

The visiting hours of the Qutub Minar are from sunrise to sunset.

For Indians the entry ticket costs Rs. 10 while for foreigners it is Rs. 250. Children under 15 years of age are allowed free entry.

Nearby Attractions: Ansal Plaza, Qila Rai Pithora, Moth Ki Masjid, Garden of Five Senses, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art and INA Market.

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