Monday, June 27, 2005

Delhi - Capital in True Sense

Golden Triangle » Delhi Tourism

Delhi - Capital in True Sense


India Gate - DelhiThe political capital of India, Delhi, as of today is in its seventh incarnation of the city. One of the most important Indian travel and commercial hubs, Delhi finds its roots in the great epic of Mahabharata as Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. The sprawling markets, the rich culture, the matchless enthusiasm that charges the city with an eclectic mixture of the old and the new, makes it one of the most popular cities amongst the tourist destinations.

Delhi City - has always been a seat of power and a witness to the reign of different dynasties, both Hindus and Muslims and the terrible wars and revolts that have resulted in overturning of thrones and passing of the city from one hand to other. It has also been under the British rule for long and the well planned and sophisticated and aristocratic structures of the later period can be attributed to that period. These diverse rulers have left an indelible impression on the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the city.

Places Of Worship In Delhi - The people devoted to different religions live together in Delhi in perfect harmony and the cosmopolitan nature of the city is owed to the feeling of unity and brotherhood that binds all these people together. Nonetheless, people have not yet abandoned their traditions and rituals and observe them as strictly as ever and freely partake in each other's festivals and visit their places of worship with as much reverence as that of their own. This accounts for the thousands of devotees that seem to throng through every temple, mosque, gurudwara and church of the city.

Temples in Delhi - speak volumes of the devotion and faith with which they were built and the fragrant air of their vast intricately-carved and designed sanctums seems to be charged with tranquility and peace that corresponds to the soul of the spiritual growth that attracts many westerners to India. Lotus Temple of Bahai faith is perhaps the best among all of them and offers a divine experience as its lotus-shaped structure stands as an epitome of equality and brotherhood of the humankind with no distinctions of caste, creed, race, religion, color or sex.

1) Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple,
2) Birla Mandir or Laxmi Narayan Mandir,
3) ISKCON Temple,
4) Chhatarpur Mandir, and
5) Bala Hanuman Temple.

Jama Masjid - DelhiMosques In Delhi - The largest mosque in India, Jama Maszid has beautiful black and white striped onion domes and elegant minarets that is in itself is not less than any monument of Delhi in its splendor. The first mosque of India, Quwwatu'l-Islam Maszid is certainly of interest to many as is the double-storeyed mosque of Khirki Maszid, which is said to be one of the seven mosques built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah. There is Jamali Kamali Maszid preceded by the construction of Moth-ki-Maszid, which is said to be a key point in the evolution of the Mughal Mosques.

1) Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah,
2) Idgah,
3) Moth-Ki-Maszid,
4) Chiragh-I-Delhi's Dargah,
5) Jamali-Kamali Mosque & Tomb,
6) Jama Maszid,
7) Quwwatu'l Islam Maszid or Qutub Mosque, and
8) Khirki-Ki-Maszid.


Churches In Delhi - The two most exquisite colonial churches of India, can be found here in Delhi. Both the Cathedral Church of Redemption and the Church of the Sacred Heart owe their beautiful architecture to the designer Henry Medd, who designed both Cathedral Church of Redemption and Church of the Sacred Heart. The other notable church in the capital is also the oldest one in the city - St. James Church.

1) Cathedral Church of Redemption,
2) Church of the Sacred Heart, and
3) St. James Church.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, DelhiGurudwaras In Delhi - The five historically important Gurdwaras (of Sikhs) in Delhi, were built to commemorate the visits of the five Gurus to the city. The white marble building of Gurdwara Sis Ganj amidst the well-planned gardens was built in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is perhaps the most magnificent of the five and is devoted to the eighth Guru Harkrishen.

1) Gurdwara Bangla Sahib,
2) Gurdwara Nanak Piao,
3) Gurdwara Rakab Ganj,
4) Gurdwara Sis Ganj, and
5) Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila.


Monuments Of Delhi - The Red Fort, which is still the pride of India and the Qutub Minar, which was once the tallest structure of the city are not the only monuments that are worth beholding in the city. Purana Qila or the old fort has not only its most interesting history of its own, the excavations near it have revealed some of the most appealing evidences that shows the existence of a city from the times of Mahabharata. There is Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and the India Gate, which is a proud witness to the Republic Day parade held annually on 26th January every year as the public revels to see the glorious artillery and the latest weapons possessed by India and glimpses of the colorful 'jhankis', a glimpse from each of the states and union territories of India.

1) Humayun's Tomb,
2) India Gate,
3) Qutub Minar,
4) Jantar Mantar,
5) Rashtrapati Bhavan,
6) Red Fort,
7) Raj Ghat, and
8) Purana Qila or Old Fort.


Museums & Galleries - Some of the best and rarest collections are on their display in Delhi. National Science Centre, the Doll Museum and Nehru museum with its planetarium are worth seeing at leisure and are as informative as they are entertaining. There is the National Museum, which transports you to the journey of ancient India, and there is Indira Gandhi National Museum, which lets you experience one of the most important political assassination in India and shows a collection of memorabilia of the great Indian women with a nerve of steel, the first and only women Prime Minister of India yet, Indira Gandhi. National Rail Museum is also worth your attention with a vivid display of beautiful royal coaches no longer in use.

1) Delhi Crafts Museum,
2) Shankar's International Dolls Museum,
3) Gandhi Museum,
4) Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum,
5) National Museum or Yadughar,
6) National Museum of Natural History,
7) Nehru Memorial Museum, Planetarium & Library, and
8) National Rail Museum.

Delhi Tourism - is a flourishing industry, thanks to the rich Mughal past, the forts that have played a definitive role in history, most beautiful gardens, the tombs of the revered martyrs, whose very names make Indian swell with pride and patriotism and the tall, imposing government offices and the palatial complex of President's House that adorn the city. The roads of New Delhi are smooth and wide. The mixed bag population of this metropolitan city is known for its unique blend of traditional slow-paced lifestyles of crowded and narrow lanes of Chandani Chowk and the modern up generation of youngsters who love the freshness of gardens, chic restaurants, extensive shopping arcades and lively discotheques and bars of their city.

Excursions in Delhi - The pilgrimage site on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Haridwar, is worth visiting, if only for a dip in the sacred waters and see the complex worship rituals in the numerous shrines crowding on the river's ghats, all in one go. The suspended 'Lakshman Jhoola', the iron bridge, in Rishikesh is a joy to the children of all ages as they throng the city, which gains even more importance as it is the starting point of the Hindu pilgrimage to the four major destinations, known as 'Char Dhaam Yatra'. The cool climate of the place is more in touch with the climate of Dehradun and Mussoorie, which provides the tourists, a respite from the heat of the tropical plains.

1) Haridwar,
2) Dehradun,
3) Rishikesh, and
4) Mussoorie.


Golden Triangle Of South India

Golden Triangle Of South India


Nandy Bull,  MysoreGold signifies the best and this is the essence of the South India Golden Triangle package. It marks the best sites of all the abounding glory of the region with a view to guide one through the three different aspects of splendor of South India. Bangalore is a unique blend of the past and the present. It has a rich legacy of architectural and cultural heritage. It reigns the present as a hub of the masterminds of the technology and modern developments who work day and night to carve a new future for the world. Mysore has always fascinated with its quaint charm, imposing buildings, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The erstwhile British township of Ooty enchants the tourists, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and the film industry alike, nestled amongst the blue mountains of southern India.

Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore
The capital of Karnataka and the seventh largest city of India, Bangalore is a city of contradictions. It has earned the title of the Garden City boasting of its numerous beautiful gardens and parks and also the Silicon Valley, being at par with the latest developments of the world. The present-day city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative center. With some historical sites of immense interest to boast of, the kind and warm nature of the people here is reflected in the legend behind its name. It is said that the city of Bangalore was named after the native translation of 'boiled beans' that an old poor woman offered to a hungry and lost Hoysala ruler.
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Lalitha Mahal Palace - Mysore
A city of palaces, people and smells, Mysore is the erstwhile capital of Karnataka. The word Mysore expands to 'Mahishasurana Ooru', which means the town of the demon Mahishasura, who was slain by the goddess Chamundeshwari, whose shrine is situated atop the Chamundi hill. Beyond Mysore's architectural heritage, the city's long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature, scholarship and time-honored crafts were nurtured under the patronage of Wodeyar dynasty.
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Ooty
Ooty is the short name for the 36-sq-km hill resort Udhagamandalam. Situated in the 'Blue Mountains', which are so called because of the lavender-blue flowers of the famous Strobilanthes that bloom to cover the hills in floral profusion during the season, Ooty's gorgeous golf courses are among the best in the world. It has a beautiful lake with houseboats and the pretty Botanical Gardens to boast of. Founded by the British in the early 1800s, it once served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Government. Its long and lovely walks are soothing while Ooty is also a haven for the seeker of sports and adventure with diverse activities like hiking, riding, fishing for trout and playing tennis andnooker.
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Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Angel Falls

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Exotic Worldwide Adventures

"Adventure, and Ecological tours in remote, isolated
natural areas. Specializing in Venezuela, and the Western United States"

photo of angel falls

WHAT EWA HAS TO OFFER

  • Tours to seldom seen natural wonders.
  • Tours to remote, isolated areas, where it is possible not to see any other people.
  • Low prices, and FREE TRIPS.
  • Experienced knowledgeable guides with high guide/participant ratio.
  • Small ecological sensitive group sizes.
  • Bird Watching/Wildlife tours to areas of outstanding biodiversity and endemic species.
  • Amazon/Orinoco Jungle expeditions.
  • Mountain expeditions.
  • Cultural tours to primitive native Indian communities.
  • We can also arrange tours just for singles, couples, senior citizens, families, and large Groups.
  • Custom tours available.
  • Hiking, Climbing, Skiing and many other Activities.

Above : Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, plunges 3,212 feet from the top of Auyan Tepui in Venezuela.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Quebec City


Quebec City: Your shortcut to Europe
Quebec City has unique EuroStyle appeal. Come explore the old walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, and find out why Conde Nast Traveler calls Quebec one of the top 10 destinations in North America.

» EuroStyle vacations at www.quebecregion.com

Easter Island

Easter IslandEaster Island
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 2400 miles west of Chile, lies the world’s most remote inhabited island: enigmatic Easter Island. Discovered by a Dutch explorer in 1722, this stunning isle is home to one of the world’s most fascinating sights – remarkable stone statues of unexplained origin. These figures have mystified archeologists and visitors alike for centuries; now you can admire them up close

Monday, June 13, 2005

2012 Olympic Bid Survives as Mets Commit to Stadium Deal

Published: June 13, 2005

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg committed last night to help the Mets build a stadium that could be converted into the centerpiece for the 2012 Olympics in an 11th-hour deal to salvage the city's bid for the Games.

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Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times

After state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver rejected plans for a stadium on Manhattan's West Side last week, the city and the Mets opened talks about a new stadium in the Willets Point section of Queens near Shea.

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Vincent Laforet/The New York Times

The Mets' new stadium would be converted to Olympic use - if New York is chosen as host of the Olympics.

The Mets would pay the cost of the stadium, which would open in 2009 and be built adjacent to the existing Shea Stadium in Queens. It would be converted for use for the Olympics if the city is chosen as the host for the Games.

The city and state would contribute $180 million for improvements to the infrastructure around the stadium and would pay an additional $100 million to convert the stadium to Olympic use.

The Mets' principal owner, Fred Wilpon, said he would not know the cost of the stadium until a design was selected, but he estimated that it would be $600 million.

Mr. Wilpon has previously prepared plans for a stadium that would be modeled after Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, but few details were given about this new plan. Mr. Bloomberg said the stadium would have a capacity of about 45,000, which would temporarily be expanded to 80,000 for the Olympics.

The deal was put together in 72 hours after long-held plans to construct an Olympic stadium on the West Side of Manhattan were killed last week.

The new plan seems free of the political problems that were fatal to the West Side plan and will enable the organizing committee, NYC2012, to meet today's deadline to respond to a report by the International Olympic Committee's evaluation commission in which New York's lack of a stadium was specifically noted as a concern.

Mr. Bloomberg had long talked down the idea of putting the Olympic stadium in Queens, saying it lacked the glamour of Manhattan, where the city skyline would add drama to the Games. "This was not our first choice," Mr. Bloomberg said last night at a news conference at City Hall. "But when you don't get your first choice, you find what you do have and fight harder to win with that one."

The host city for the 2012 Games will be chosen in a little more than three weeks, on July 6, when the I.O.C. meets in Singapore to select the winner among the five finalists - New York, Paris, London, Madrid and Moscow.

The I.O.C. gave NYC2012 permission to alter its bid last week after the proposal to finance the West Side stadium plan was derailed when state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and state Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno refused to approve it. The planned $2.2 billion stadium project, for which the Jets were to pay $1.6 billion, would have required a $600 million public subsidy, half of which was to come from the state.

Mr. Bloomberg said the new stadium proposal would have to go through the normal budget process, including approval by the City Council and the state, not to mention reaction from the surrounding community.

Mr. Bloomberg, however, said Mr. Silver and Mr. Bruno had already endorsed the new plan, which changes the focus of the Olympic bid from Manhattan to Queens. Not only would the Olympic stadium move there, but Mr. Bloomberg said the main press center and the International Broadcast Center would also be located in Willets Point, adjacent to the new stadium and part of a redevelopment of that area, now filled with junkyards and auto shops.

"I'm glad that the mayor could put together an alternative so fast and that we will be competitive for the 2012 Olympics," Mr. Silver said in an interview last night.

Mr. Silver said that he and Mr. Bruno would join Gov. George E. Pataki in giving Mr. Bloomberg a signed letter committing to the deal, which the mayor could give to the I.O.C. Mr. Silver said that the state's contribution to the plan, $75 million, would not need to go before the Public Authorities Control Board, the board that Mr. Silver used to thwart the West Side stadium.

Also excited about Sunday's development was the United States Olympic Committee, which had initially warned against any impulse to pull out of the bid altogether. Doing so would have damaged hopes for any American city to win a Games in the coming years.