Street Art is a form of expression which shapes up the wholesome role of dedicated fate which is so dynamic. Anything on the street is not that of the artist but that of the viewer who tests the perception. The perception is built on either reality in general or the more so on reality of the artist.
Mumbai the city which never sleeps, the city where everyone needs to dare in order to survive makes way for the most daring people who have nothing to lose. This daring is not out of a rebellion. It is in fact driven out of the sheer need to express the voice with the compulsion of being bigger than the voice.
The voice becomes so huge that the name of the artist gets lost in the process. The process gives rise to ultimate opportunities which cannot be contained. It gives a voice to a unison calling. Most of the times it just looks visually so amazing that it is value addition to the locality it is painted on.
The value addition becomes a recognized effort which cannot be discounted. The complete countdown comes to the repulse or recall depending on the viewer. The viewer encourages the artist to express more and the person who can express becomes the person who can instill life in the street art.
The meaning of art finds yet another addition through Nostalgia, Bollywood, Political Views, Personal views, Opinions, etc. That is why this form of art is so appreciated in Mumbai. It turns around the line of events into the most defined norm of cohabitance. The norms cannot be spilled over for convenience but they need to be revoked by the awakening of the very spirit.
Street Art allows a lot of scope for contemplation, growth and reminiscence. This makes up for any lost time that anyone can encounter when one does need to fulfil the norms of greatness.
Street Art is the impactful choice of words which scoops up the force of nature. This means that the complete tribute comes from the honesty in art. The nurturing makes the realism shine through. The astounding drama in Art is makes way for the complete faith of time. The vigilance of drama is known to configure the honesty of art.
Street Art contemplates the depth in Art which cannot be measured in any other form. The magic of Street Art is called the revitalizing of the dissociation. The dissociation cannot be removed from the surrounding. Street Art resembles a known passion of things.
Image – Bollywood Art Project – BAP
The passion comes from the very tribute to recognize the belonging of the soul. The soul can measure the type of knowledge forming the capsule towards the forthcoming prize of existence. Passion is what drives a person towards the betterment. The betterment is about finding the balance in society. This makes the balance repel the understated and nobody can make the revolution uptight.
The revolution is a part of society which is to make up for any uptight beliefs. The beliefs are the ones which cannot be seen as the false but a version of alter-ego. The alter-ego is usually the way of life which needs to be managed through various creative outlets which make us surface from nothingness. The nothingness comes from the place where the contribution is known to be massive. The ruling of a countdown cannot be negated.
The whole idea of having street art is to allow the times to flow. Ignorance can never be bliss what Street Art does in a place like Mumbai is wake up towards the reality. The consumer is to find himself in the chase, that is what makes up the role of realization real. The expressions are all known to be circumvented with knowledge, power, expression and empathy.
There is no ignorance in anything which makes up for the space which is occupied with the colorful opinionated murals in Mumbai. The full place is known for its drama and there is nothing which can let loose of all the drama.
The drama showcases the depth of character which leads us towards the extension of what to expect from the artist. The expectation is due to the bearing of the soul. The soul talks to the most known form of recollection which cannot be touched. As the Art is completely visually appealing and it does stir up the soul as it is.
The soul makes up the passion to revitalize the goal of every person even when the collapses, collisions and composures shine through. This is the form of art that we are going to view over a period of time on the Streets of Mumbai. Especially through the mind of the painter and by way of making him feel that even his voice has been heard over and over again.
What is the current attitude or style of writing nowadays? Do the majority of writers begin writing by documenting visions on their notes, or do they start by straight up writing down their ideas in their notebooks? An easy guess is that people typically use computers for these purposes, right?
The characters and attitudes of the digital age readers are different from conventional hardcover book readers. Thus, the vast demand for digital reading sources mandates websites to create regular content without compromising quality.
The good news is: that there are plenty of solutions! We are glad to assist contemporary writers in their aspirations. In this article, we’ll share with you some fantastic tools to significantly boost your productivity and make sure you become a top-quality writer of this millennium.
Google Docs
Google Docs is an element of GSuite. It is an application that allows you to cooperate with other editors and writers. Its most prominent features include viewing the history of your proofreader’s edits to examine and analyze the same modifications that will benefit your progress the most.
Writers can profit from the extensive Google Drive cloud storage to save their notes, drafts, writing and reference files, pictures, and more. The best part about it is its flexibility: employ it to manage your mobile writing device and even update your Google documents on the fly with it.
Grammarly
Since grammar nazis are the thing nowadays, people of all ranks and statuses utilize this software to avoid having lexical, grammatical, spelling errors, and typos in their essays, blog posts, legal papers, and such. Its premium account contains some incredible features that will help you improve your writing abilities. But even without spending money, it’s still an essential instrument for beginner writers.
For basic accounts, it is possible to specify the purpose of your text, including the style, mood, level of formality, and what audience it is designed for, which is, obviously, might be of tremendous value. When you write, Grammarly simultaneously updates the word count and offers immediate corrections to grammar errors. It also evaluates the accuracy, coherence, clarity, appeal, and delivery of your writing.
IA Writer
IA Writer is a tool for bloggers who operate with brief posts or essays. This writing software is compatible with all Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, iMac) and includes the Focus Mode feature that helps the user to maintain a distraction-free environment.
This tool is special among others because it features a big-screen mode that accentuates the line you’re currently typing and dims all other document elements. It’s an ideal instrument for those looking to increase their focus and keep their creative thinking process going strong as ever.
App’s creators selected fiction writers ( know more about it) as their target audience. IA writer comes with a minimalistic yet stylish interface. It’s a beautiful, uncomplicated word processor that allows you to sync your work across all your devices.
Evernote
This application lets you register daily ideas that pop spontaneously and fade away fast. Making quick notes when thoughts arise is an excellent way of capturing glimpses of inspiration in a moment or overcoming writer’s block. Evernote is a note-taking tool definitely worth exploring.
Also, you can save any new pieces of text you’d like to read in the future or manage your writing prompts that you will be able to return to at any time when you’re ready to resume working on them.
This writing app comes with several other features, for instance, the transcription mode that effectively allows you to convert your voice notes into text
iMindMap
iMindMap is mainly used to design mind maps for novels and essays. This writing tool allows us to complete texts promptly. It is strongly advised to outline your work as an integral component of the writing process for non-fiction writers that want to improve their regular word count. iMindMap is more of an organizer that helps you recall what you’ve already outlined.
This technique is especially effective when you record your mind maps as articles. This way, you’ll not get lost in the book because of being swamped by the number of ideas. iMindMap is regarded as the most cutting-edge tool for mind mapping currently available, with less expensive alternatives being MindNode or MindMeister.
Conclusion
It’s a wonderful and, in fact, kind of priceless thing to have these tools nowadays! Writing is gradually and steadily becoming easier because our software developers are committed to developing tools to help spread quality content in this digital age.
You may use these applications as much and long as you will; however, you should remember that they will never be a complete substitute for a person’s writing powers. It is important to develop as an individual and gain more wisdom in the various aspects of your life, as your experiences will be your key weapon to becoming a well-known writer – a rule that remains constant across all millennia.
The world is looking at different ways to become more sustainable, with a major focus being on our wardrobes. It isn’t just large companies that need to be more sustainable, but it is also down to consumers to make conscious choices when they are purchasing. Changing your shopping and fashion habits is a great way we can all do our bit towards making our lives more sustainable, which is what we are here to help you do!
1. Organise Your Wardrobe
One of the best things you can do to make your wardrobe more sustainable is to organise your wardrobe. Stick with us here, as this is a great way to go through everything, where you might find clothes you completely forgot about and you can fall in love with them again. Pick out things that you haven’t worn in a while and try styling them in a different way, to create brand new outfits out of clothes you already have.
If you come across pieces you really won’t wear again, pop them into a bag and we’ll tell you what you can do with them in our next point. Once you just have pieces you know you love, organise them in your wardrobe in a way where you can easily see everything, so you don’t end up forgetting about them again one day.
2. Donate or Sell Your Unwanted Clothes
Now you’ve got your bag of clothes you don’t want, it’s time to donate or sell them. There will always be some clothes in your wardrobe that you do not want, and that’s okay, but the important part is what you do with them. The easiest thing to do is throw away your clothes and they are never to be seen again. However this is the worst thing you can do, as its terrible for the environment and it is very likely that there is someone else out there who would treasure these pieces.
If you have a tracksuit or another piece of clothing that is relatively new but you no longer wear it, sell it. You can then use the money you make to buy more sustainable clothing or to support local charity shops. This could be jewellery, accessories, clothing, anything! If you don’t think you will get much money for it, take them to a charity shop. No matter how you decide to pass on your clothes, just make sure you avoid throwing them away to be as sustainable as possible!
3. Buy Second-Hand Clothes
Many years ago, people frowned at people wearing second-hand clothes, but things have completely changed for the better. Browsing on websites such as eBay, Vinted and Depop are great sites to find second-hand clothing. There are some amazing brands out there which are sold at a more affordable price on second hand websites, so you can find pieces you wouldn’t have originally been able to afford! .
Around 20,000 litres of water is wasted when one kilogram of cotton is produced, one of the most common materials made to create clothing. That is a ridiculous amount of waste for very little clothing, hence why buying clothes that have already been through that process is one of the best things you can do, because you are reducing the demand for the new clothing that causes the damage.
4. Shop Less and Wear More
Now is the time to start shopping less often and start wearing your clothes many more times than you usually do. Before you buy a piece of clothing, you should ask yourself if you will wear it at least 30 times, otherwise you shouldn’t be buying it!
To Conclude
As you can see, there are many ways to make your wardrobe sustainable without spending any money (you will probably end up saving or even making money in the long run).
After two years of complete closures, stay at home orders, and limited travel, countries around the world are quickly opening up their borders to eager travellers.
India has also been following suit: at the end of March 2022, the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation reinstated international passenger flights, and routes have almost been restored to pre-pandemic levels.
With so many countries opening their borders and airline routes being renewed, now is the perfect time to consider traveling abroad once again. The only question remains — Where can Indian citizens travel now?
The answer is quite surprising: more than 150 countries await!
If you’ve been dreaming about jet setting off to an exotic locale, this guide will go over some of the best countries that are open to Indian tourists, what to do there, and much more.
The Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia
For a complete change of scenery — sprinkled with delicious gastronomy, awe-inspiring landscapes, and thousands of years of history — look no further than the Caucasus.
The three countries that make up the Caucasus region — Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia — all have an electronic visa scheme for Indian nationals. In fact, filling out the form (such as the ASAN eVisa application from India) should only take 15 minutes, and the processing time is usually instantaneous.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Caucasus include exploring traditional ruins (such as Vardiza in Georgia, a complex network of caves and cellars); hiking along legendary routes (Mount Aragats in Armenia); and relaxing along Azerbaijan’s Caspian Sea coast.
Europe: A Classic Destination
Indians who have a valid tourist visa can finally use it to explore the classic art museums of Italy, charming cobblestone streets of France, or marvel at the futuristic cities in Germany.
Best of all, the majority of European countries have lifted most (or all) coronavirus restrictions! For example, Italy no longer requires travellers, regardless of their country of origin, to hold a valid vaccination record or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
In fact, there are only a few countries that still have coronavirus restrictions. For example, Malta requires visitors to have proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. Other countries with entry restrictions include France, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg, but mainly for unvaccinated travellers.
No visa? No problem!
There are two countries in Europe, Serbia and Albania, that allow visa-free access for Indian citizens. Serbia is famed for its unspoiled nature and metropolitan-like capital (Belgrade), while Albania has more than 120 kilometres of pristine coastline and Communist-era museums.
Asia: Plenty of Restriction-Free Options
Southeast Asia, which is one of the most popular regions for travel and tourism, had many countries that recently opened to international tourism.
Some of the latest developments include Indonesia (reopened in January 2022), Thailand (April 1), and Laos (May 2022).
For something a little closer, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, India’s nearby neighbours, have also reopened. In fact, the Maldives were one of the first countries to reopen to international tourism all the way back in summer 2020!
Tourists are allowed to enter the Maldives without the need for quarantine or COVID-19 tests, although the Ministry of Health recommends that travellers undertake a PCR test within 3 to 5 days of arrival just in case.
Sri Lanka was also a leader in reopening its borders during the pandemic, and required a slew of requirements before arrival, including two COVID-19 tests (pre- and post-arrival), a minimum number of days in the country, and only staying at accommodations that were pre-approved by the government.
However, there are no entry requirements for Sri Lanka any more, and travellers may freely enter the country without any worries.
India is renowned for its extensive selection of snacks and sweets. Indian states each have their own distinctive sweets and snacks. Additionally well-known nationwide are the traditional sweets produced in Andhra Pradesh. Traditional sweets of Andhra Pradesh are scrumptious and wholesome. The majority of the well-known sweets from Andhra Pradesh are healthy and made of dry fruits. Despite Andhra Pradesh’s reputation for spicy food, the state’s sweets continue to enjoy a strong following nationwide. There are many traditional sweets produced in Andhra Pradesh that are made for festivals and other special occasions. There are several types of sweets offered for different occasions. They have sweets for festivals, weddings, parties, and other occasions. Because they value quality cuisine and maintain a high standard of hygiene, Andhra Pradesh will always have fresh sweets available at all times. Aside from these sweets, they provide a variety of unique and tasty sweets for various religious ceremonies and rituals.
Putharekulu is a traditional South Indian dessert. The sweet is packed with sugar, dry fruits, andnuts and wrapped in a wafer-thin rice starch layer that resembles paper. The dish is popular in Telugu regions for festivals, religious rituals, and weddings. Dip a cloth into the liquid batter and spread it over an inverted kadhai to make it. The cloth is quickly removed, leaving a batter stain on the kadhai. It becomes paper-thin and crispy when cooked in a hot kadhai. Ghee and sugar are then sprinkled on top, and Putharekulu is folded into rolls. To make it even tastier, add crushed dry fruits before folding.
Ariselu is a traditional Andhra Pradesh dessert. It’s made with rice flour, jaggery, and ghee and served during the Sankranti holiday. Ariselu is related to Adhirasam, a Tamil Nadu delicacy. Sesame seeds are added to this version of the dish. Sesame seeds are a speciality in Ariselu because they aid in body temperature regulation, especially during the winter months. This is a delicious Indian treat to make for the holidays and share with family and friends.
Kajjikaya has a light, crisp shell, and when you bite into this crescent-shaped sweet, its crunchy texture expands into every bite, leaving you happy and wanting more. Before being deep-fried, small balls of maida dough are shaped into thin puris and packed with a mixture of dried coconut, sugar, semolina, and cardamom powder.
Kakinada Kaja was made in Kakinada in 1891 when Chittipedi Kotaiah, a native of Chinaparimi village near Tenali in Guntur district, moved to Kakinada and opened a sweet shop. It was carried on as a family legacy from then on, and the family’s entire generation still runs them from the city. It is still marketed in big quantities, and people go from all across India to sample it. They also sell a variety of sweets at their shop. It’s also available in a variety of cuisines throughout the city. Kaja’s main ingredients are refined wheat flour, sugar, and edible oils or ghee.
Bellam Paramannam
Andhra style rice payasam with jaggery is known as bellam paramannam. In some areas, it’s also known as Sankranti pongali or bellam pongali. This is made especially for the Sankranti holiday. Sankranti is the harvest festival. Rice, milk, sugar or jaggery, almonds, and ghee are used to make this sweet delicacy. Some people use a variety of grains, lentils, coconut milk, or other ingredients to make the original sweet Pongal or paramannam.
Poornam boorelu, also known as poornalu, is an Andhra cuisine delicacy made of chana dal, jaggery, cardamoms, urad dal, and rice. In most Telugu festivals and occasions, it has been a staple on the menu. Poornalu, like most other Telugu cuisines, employs urad dal as its main ingredient since urad dal has long been the most widely produced pulse in Southern India. Also it is served at festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. For varalakshmi vratham and Durga Navratri, most telugu-speaking houses cook poornam boorelu to offer as naivedyam to the Goddess.
Kova Kobbari Laddu, also known as Kobbari Kova Kajjikayalu, is a traditional Andhra dessert. The outside layer of the sweet is prepared with khoya (milk solids) and sugar, and the filling is made with fresh coconut and jaggery, which is cooked together to form a thick paste. Many South Indian sweets, such as Kobbari Poornalu, Thengai Poli, and Vella Kozhukattai, can be made with coconut jaggery filling.
Sunnunda, also known as Sunni Unda, is a sweet delicacy from Andhra Pradesh. The main ingredient is Urad Dal, also known as Minapappu (skinned black gram). Roasted urad dal, jaggery or sugar, and ghee are used to make it. Cardamom seeds and your favourite nuts can also be added. In the old traditional recipe, jaggery or bellam is used instead of sugar. This delicious meal is high in antioxidants. They are high in iron, protein, and minerals.
Sweets are an important part of our lives, and they are provided at every happy occasion. These traditional sweets are also valued in Andhra and are prepared on a regular basis. These are the most well-known Andhra Pradesh sweets, however, the people of Andhra Pradesh also enjoy a variety of other regional sweets. Most of Andhra Pradesh’s famous sweets are made at home because they don’t require much precision and are simple to make.
If you want to visit a hill station this summer, Andhra Pradesh is the place to go. The state is known for its serene getaways, which are surrounded by the majestic Eastern Ghats and deep forests. The state includes various attractive sites to explore and plunge into the grandeur of nature, from the popular Araku to the newly found Vanjangi. These lovely hill stations in Andhra Pradesh are a boon to both tourists and local Andhra residents because they allow you to escape the scorching metropolitan heat.
The hill stations mentioned in this list offer visitors relaxing weather, beautiful surroundings, and a scenic experience.
Araku Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in what is regarded as the “Food Bowl of South India” and is about 120 kilometres from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, commonly known as Vizag. Locals from neighbouring cities, such as Vizag, appreciate the location because of its accessibility and lack of commercialization. With features of vegetation, noises, waterfalls, caves, and locals selling home-grown organic coffee, the undisturbed landscapes at roughly 3000 feet quiet the rushed senses. The coffee plantations and the mists that linger over it have made Araku Valley proud of its principal occupation, and as a result, it has grown in popularity to the point where people travel from all over the world to see it. Not to mention the allure of surrounding natural attractions such as the Borra Caves, which are illuminated by multicoloured lights; walking inside and experiencing the careful methods in which Nature works in delicate-looking yet sturdy rock formations many metres beneath the earth’s surface.
Araku Valley is accessible via a road that passes through dense forest, which is an experience in and of itself. There are numerous points of interest, including the tribal museum and the government silk farm, which is known for its mulberry gardens. There are several tribes in the area, and tribal culture is abundant.
Lambasingi is a tiny village in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam district, located in the Chintapalli Mandal. The hamlet is set amid the magnificent Eastern Ghats highlands. Lambasingi, located roughly 1,000 metres above sea level, provides guests with a pleasant environment, a view of deep forests, and a relaxing weekend vacation. Given that numerous sections of Andhra Pradesh experience extreme heat throughout the summer, a journey to Lambasingi can be a welcome respite. Lambasingi is the only spot in the southern region that experiences snowfall, thanks to its picturesque valleys and chilly weather.
Unlike other hill stations, Lambasingi is still relatively undeveloped. Unlike Ooty and Kodaikanal, where stores sell spices, tea, and coffee, the customary bustle of a hill station may be missing. This is welcome news for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of city life. While tourists swarm here on weekends, Lambasingi reverts to being a quiet community during the week.
Horsley Hills is a hill station on Andhra Pradesh’s southwestern border with Karnataka. It’s a lovely mix of Andhra Pradesh’s charms and the grandeur of the hills. It is renowned as Andhra Pradesh’s Ooty. This natural wonder, which stands at an amazing height of 4312 metres, is known for its breathtaking landscape.
This location, also known as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, is home to the world’s largest Banyan tree and the world’s oldest Eucalyptus tree, as well as deep woodland areas with 113 kinds of birds. Horsley Konda’s magnificent nature also serves as a backdrop for adventure sports and activities as a trampoline, shooting, bow and arrow, wall climbing, water walking, rappelling, swimming pool, fish bath, and a little zoo.
Eighty-seven kilometres from Rajahmundry lies Maredumilli, a prominent tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. If you are a true nature lover with a desire to learn about traditional tribal life, this is a place you should visit. There are rivers, rapids, and waterfalls nearby, as well as some quite interesting camping sites, making it an excellent spot for weekend picnicking. When the valleys turn green and vibrant with fresh flora all around, the rainy seasons draw the most visitors. From Kakinada, Vizag, and Hyderabad, Maredumilli is easily accessible. Visitors arrive in the morning and depart in the evening for a day trip. It’s a four-hour drive from Visakhapatnam and a 225-kilometer journey.
Maredumilli is also a great destination to visit if you’re a foodie, especially if you love non vegetarian food. Bamboo chicken is a popular dish in Maredumilli.
Nagalapuram is a tiny historical town in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor District, approximately 87 kilometres from Chennai. Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple and Nagalapuram Falls Trekking (also known as Saddhi Koodu Madugu) are two of Nagalapuram’s most famous attractions. This is one of the most popular hiking destinations around Chennai, as well as one of the best weekend getaways in Chenani for a two-day excursion.
Nagalapuram Falls is a pristine gem that offers a nice one-day trek from Chennai with a stunning waterfall view. Natural environment provides a perfect blend of hard climbs for expert trekkers and moderate hikes for beginners, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
The 12-kilometer (two-way) journey is normally completed in a single day, though some people camp overnight. The hike to the waterfall takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours one way via rocky terrain and a slippery trail. The dense vegetation along the path provides natural shade, making it easier to walk on hot summer days. Midway to the falls, there are various water ponds that are ideal for a quick stop. The main waterfall has a large pool with crystal clear water at the bottom. The pool’s centre is estimated to be roughly 40 feet deep, thus swimmers should exercise extreme caution.
Vanjangi
Vanjangi, located 3400 feet above sea level and about a 3-hour journey from Visakhapatnam, has become a tourist favourite thanks to the amazing sights on offer. Early in the morning, when you approach the vantage point at the location, scenes of dense clouds floating eternally amid the hills make a sight to behold. The most fortunate time to visit Vanjangi is at sunrise, when an orange twilight, visible beyond the cloud cover, proudly announces the sun’s arrival. While the village does not yet have any visitor accommodations, many people are choosing to camp in the open spaces.
The newly discovered hill station is affectionately referred to as ‘Megha Samudram’ by locals (ocean of clouds).
Nallamala Hills is spread throughout the regions of Nellore, Kurnool, Prakasam, Chittoor, and Kadapa, and is regarded as one of the most amazing mountainous places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. It has become a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers due to its captivating sceneries and lush green surrounds.
The hilly enclave also draws a big number of thrill seekers who want to ascend the magnificent routes that rise to a height of 4000 feet above sea level. With the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve encompassing over half of its territory, it is not only a popular tourist destination but also a great place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
To top it all off, Nallamala has various religious sites where you can pray to the almighty while admiring the beautiful surroundings.
At an elevation of 1168 metres, the Ananthagiri Hills in the Ranga Reddy district, near Vikarabad, are thought to be the oldest location of wooded civilisation. It is a hiking heaven because the area has some of the best trekking routes. The city exudes a breathtaking and absolutely captivating elegance, infused with the aroma of coffee and the beauty of exotic vegetation. With surrealism in every element of the city, it is ideal for both honeymooners and family tourists.
Enthralling coffee plantations wash the entire slope in colours of light and dark green during the day. As the trek nears this Telangana hill town, the mesmerising image is mixed with the mists and haze hovering over the valley. The Musi River, which originates in Hyderabad and passes through the city, and the river’s waterfalls only add to the beauty.
Papi Kondalu is a breathtakingly beautiful hill range that stretches along the Godavari River in the Andhra Pradesh districts of East and West Godavari. The Papi Hills are a group of three hills in East and West Godavari districts that form a magnificent canyon on the Godavari River. The entire area of Papi Kondalu is covered by tropical rain forests, and it was recently designated as a protected National Park, making it one of the best destinations to visit in Andhra Pradesh for tourism. During the post-monsoon season, the boat service between Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam is a terrific experience. Tourists can participate in activities such as camping and trekking in addition to admiring the views of the hills, valleys, and waterfalls. Papikondalu is 191 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, 159 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, and 439 kilometres from Hyderabad.
The Nagari Hills are a circular mountain range that rises to 1,050 metres above sea level. The “Nagari Nose” refers to the conspicuous and highest cliff of the hills, which protrude to one side in the shape of a human nose. Around and from the Chennai lighthouse, it can be seen for about 100 kilometres. This cliff, located about 7 kilometres north of Nagari, rises to an elevation of 855 metres above sea level and is known as the “Nagari Murkonda” During the mediaeval period, Nagari Nose acted as a lighthouse for guiding navigation in the Bay of Bengal, as the nose served as a marker for ships approaching Chennai. The cliff has recently been used for mountaineering and range practice. A 12-kilometer jeep track is available, and the area is also good for cycling and hill running. The grasslands surrounding the lake are suitable for camping. Food is provided by the temple priests, and there is also fresh water. The journey to the temple and falls takes about three hours; one can picnic there and return, or remain the night.
The hill stations of Andhra Pradesh will surely satisfy your wanderlust wants if you are desperate for a new area to explore. Pristine, unaffected by modernism, and appealing in their own way, these sites offer both serene and relaxing vacations and thrilling adventurous ones as well. The tranquil beauty of these hill stations will definitely entice you to keep coming back!
Artist Dharshana Bajaj has recently written and published her first book. Like her art, this book too explores the idea of living in harmony with Nature.
Titled Gaia’s Own: Every Child’s Guide To Living In Harmony With Nature, this book is primarily addressed to the as-yet-uninitiated in the concepts related to climate change, specifically children above the age of 12. As the preface to the book says, “Gaia’s Own: Every Child’s Guide To Living In Harmony With Nature is an invitation to every child to get back to the fold, bringing all of humanity with them. Gaia, Mother Earth, is calling. She is calling all her sons and daughters back. It’s time for each of us to rise to the occasion, reset priorities, and follow the way home.
“This book brings to your attention not only facts, but also insights of the wise, both ancient and contemporary, on the radical, deep, and sometimes even simple changes that are required of us. So simple as to be child’s play. And that is why this book is for children everywhere, and the little child in all of us. For we are all Gaia’s own.”
Here is a brief interview with the author.
Q. You are known as a visual artist. What made you write this book?
A. I felt a pressing need to share my concerns and insights on our current climate crisis. To reach more people, via words.
Q.And what do you say has gotten us here, to this present “climate crisis”?
A. The basic premise of the book is that the climate crisis is the result of the human race becoming estranged from its roots, from its connection with Earth and Mother Nature. In securing our comfort and safety, we have lost touch with what it means to be a part of the natural world, to be interconnected with it. We’ve become strangers in our own home. And when we get back to where we truly belong, to being one with Nature, feeling greater love for all it consists of, only then will we begin to find true solutions and ways of living that will be in harmony with the world around us.
Q. And how can children play a part in this? This book is for children, right?
A. This book is for the mature children, in their pre-teens or teens, as well as for the young adult readers. It shares concepts related to climate change and the environment in a personal and wholesome way, via an exchange of emails between a 12-year-old girl and her itinerant grandfather. My focus has been on children because they are still open to forming ideas about the world and the part they can play in it. The book hopes to spread awareness of the issues of the day, and inspire people to think of new solutions and approaches to life. And the book also explains how every single person, be they man, woman, or child, can positively make a difference. Like the Chaos theory mentions, “When a butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian rainforest, it can change the weather half a world away”.
Q. Can a 12-year-old understand these things? Children nowadays seem more interested in video games and movies.
A. Yes, I see that in my own child. But I believe its about striving for a healthy balance between what is fun and what is important. I don’t stop my child from his video games or screen time, I limit it, and ensure he gets enough time outdoors.
Q. Is Satvika, the 12-year-old in the book, based on your son?
A. To a certain extent, though not much. I’ve always loved the name ‘Satvika’, and the girl in the book can be considered my “spiritual” daughter. In some ways my own inner child peeks through from her. She stands for the innocence, the love, and the honesty that’s inside us all.
Q.And who is Grandpa Yogesh inspired by?
A. Grandpa Yogesh is an old soul, wisdom and patience personified. He is also a part of me, although the relationship depicted is inspired largely by the sense of family that my child, niece and nephews share with their grandparents.
Q. Lastly, what does the title Gaia’s Own mean?
A. Gaia is the mythical name of Mother Earth, from Greece. It is one of the many ways people have tried to address or talk about the great universal spirit. It’s a lovely name, bringing to mind a very maternal force, protective yet firm. There have been videos depicting that if humans don’t clean up their act, Nature will overcome her troubles my getting rid of us. My book believes that Nature or Gaia will never do that as we are a part of her, not apart from her. We are all an integral part of Nature. And she will find ways to guide us to correct false steps and honour her laws. This book and the wisdom it shares are one of her many, many ways.
Q. Thank you for sharing your views. Where can the readers buy this book?
A. Gaia’s Own is available in select book shops, like Odyssey in Adyar and The Book Shop in Anna Salai, Chennai. It can also be purchased online from sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi, The Dog Ears Book Shop, and Barnes & Noble.
India has been the location of several of the world’s first civilizations. Whenever we browse through history, the country’s name appears in gold. It has witnessed several strong kingdoms, major emperors, spiritual gurus, cultural groups, etc. leave behind distinctive traces of heritage. Today India has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its glorious history. In India, the interesting monuments and historical places stand tall today to tell visitors their narrative of joy, sadness, courage and sacrifice. India’s magnificent history and cultural variety provide a powerful blend of tourist attractions that attract millions of travellers each year. The rich heritage of India is sufficiently reflected throughout the country in the different temples, palaces, monuments, and forts.
UNESCO has conferred the title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on such heritages and remains, that display outstanding creative art that illustrates major historical milestones, include enormous natural beauty, and represent exceptionally any culture or civilisation.
Taj Mahal is one of the ‘seven wonders of the world’ along with being a World Heritage site. In the former capital of the Mughal empire-Agra, this stunning monument is fashioned entirely out of white marble. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the city.
It was created in the remembrance of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan; it stands as a symbol of pure and everlasting love. Taj Mahal, which is considered to be a masterpiece, combines the best architecture of several Mughal buildings. The wall of this masterwork reverberates her beauty. The path to this splendour is full of royal trees and a straight stretch of water leads up to this huge palace.
This charming beauty is more attractive at night, as the moonstones shine on his grave and make it look ethereal.
Agra Fort is located in the Mughal city of Agra just two and a half kilometres from the famed Taj Mahal. It was the Mughal dynasty’s primary residence until 1638, when the capital was moved to Delhi from Agra. Because of its outstanding Islamic architecture, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Akbar established the fort between 1565-1573 on the banks of the Yamuna. The wall is enclosed with red sandstone, which is 2.4 km long and 21 metres high. It consists of two large ornate gates, ornamented with lovely patterns in white marble with colourful glazing. These designs depict illustrations of living beings, not found in any other Islamic edifice in India.
The Ajanta caves dating back from the Second Century BC are situated near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These Buddhist caves are regarded as one of the most amazing arts of ancient times. About thirty of them remained for a good deal of time abandoned as they were concealed by impenetrable woods before a British officer rediscovered them. The fact that these caves were built from one piece of rock is very remarkable.
The craft of these caves are the finest and highest, and the beautiful sculptures are wonderful to gaze at. They were developed in two stages and each phase had its own artistic flair, making these caves even more charming. The life and teachings of Buddha are mostly depicted in the sculptures, designs and carvings.
The Ellora Caves, which is in the northeast of Aurangabad, is a renowned world heritage site in India and an archaeological site. The Caves of Ellora are famous for their Indian rock-carved architecture. There are over 34 rock-cut temples and caves, dating back to 600 to 1000 AD, which is vital to comprehend the lives of these people. The presence of the temples and sculptures in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain depicts the tolerance extending to many beliefs and faiths in Indian Ancient History. The site explored is made up of the Charanandri Hills, the rock-cut Hindu Buddhist and Jain temples and the 5th and 10th Centuries Viharas and Maths. Built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty, these were listed by UNESCO for their cultural significance as World Heritage Sites.
The Sun Temple at Konark is a temple from the 13th century located in Konark, Odisha, not so far from the famed Puri beach city. Built In the Eastern Ganga Dynasty by King Narasimhadeva I in about 1250, this temple was built in the form of a huge Ratha (a cart) and dedicated to the Sun God (as the name also suggests).
The Sun Temple is in the form of a huge chariot with a carved stone wheel, pillars and walls, which is led by six horses, magnificently sculpted. It is also regarded as one of India’s largest Brahman sanctuaries. The temple was built at the mouth of the Chandrabhaga river but since then the waterline has receded. In India, this World Heritage Site showcases Kalinga Architecture’s greatness that was once widespread in its traditional style.
It looks lovely and splendid, bearing magnificently crafted characteristics. Interestingly, the wheels actually are sundials, making them a place of interest for individuals interested in ancient astronomy.
The Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments are a group of temples on the Bay of Bengal coast of Coromandel, approximately 60 km from Chennai. These temples were built under the reign of the monarchs of Pallava and all of them are carved out of rock.
The site comprises the main Mahabalipuram complex and forty sanctuaries with an open-air-bas-relief ( like the Ganga’s Descent). Some of the most popular are the Ratha Temples such as ArjunaRatha, DraupadiRatha, BhimaRatha that contain art of the Pallava Period, the famed cave temples as well as structural temples such as Shore temple, Olakkanesvara temple and other monuments. The site has gained prominence after Independence as a place of archaeology, tourism and pilgrimage.
The Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is well-known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. It is one of India’s most unspoilt natural locations. It is stated that Lord Curzon started this project in India after his wife could not see a single Rhinoceros in the region and she pushed her husband to take action in protecting the endangered animal. This park is located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and mostly comprises dense wilderness and forests.
Kaziranga features approximately fifteen endangered Indian wildlife species, the most threatened of which is the Rhino. Additional creatures include a capped langur, hoolock gibbon, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, otter, wild boar, water buffalo, gaur, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer and Indian muntjac and the Ganges dolphin. Indian laws connected to wildlife conservation offer the highest level of protection to this national park. The National Park is a popular place for tourists who like to go on a natural heritage tour with its magnificent scenery and immaculate surroundings.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage List protected wildlife reserve in India. It falls under the jurisdiction of seven Assam districts. The name of the place comes from the river Manas, which passes directly through the heart of the sanctuary.
The park is made up of two main biomes, grassland biomes and forest biomes. Pygmy hogs, Indian rhinoceros, Australian wild buffalos, capped langurs, giant Malayan squirrels, Pangolins, wild pigs etc. can be seen here. Its wealthy avifauna species also makes it one of the world’s richest regions of biodiversity.
It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich and diversified flora and fauna and uncommon and endangered creatures. It is also known to be a Project Tiger and Elephant Reserve.
Keoladeo National Park, often called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a renowned avifauna sanctuary located near Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It has more than three hundred bird species, three hundred and seventy botanical species, fifty different types of fish and lizards, amphibians, snakes, turtles and so on. The park has more than four hundred fish species. It is also a popular place for studying ornithology.
Peter Scott, the founder of the World Wildlife Fund, has deemed it to be one of the world’s best bird areas. It was founded in 1982 and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered species habitat. It is about 29 sq km in area.
Before being abandoned by Akbar because of the total failure of the water delivery system, Fatehpur Sikri was the old capital of the Mughal dynasty. This was built by Akbar as a well-planned town when he decided to move his capital from Agra.
UNESCO has granted it the designation of World Heritage Site because it is one of the outstanding examples of Mughal architectural finesse. A historic visit to Fatehpur Sikri will enable you to discover some of the highly amazing characteristics of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Jama Masjid etc. The complete complex is characterised by Buland Darwaza (literal sense: The big gate), as it is the largest gateway in the entire planet.
Khajuraho temples are an architectural achievement of the artisans of the Rajput Chandela Dynasty, located in central India – Madhya Pradesh. These were a group of 85 temples, only 20 of which survived successive efforts to demolish and neglect by rulers thereafter.
The external walls of these temples are one of the outstanding examples of the carving and are decorated with sensual works, sculptures that show everyday life and symbolic art portraying ancient Indian values. There will therefore be some great photographic prospects, which should never be missed on a heritage tour of the temples of Khajuraho.
In December 1986, the churches and convents of Goa were awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are a group of religious monuments located in Old Goa. The monuments include Goan Churches and Convents, Sé Cathedral of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine, Chapel of Santa Catarina, and Church of Divine Providence.
For the following reasons the Site has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site:
They helped spread western art forms throughout Asia.
They depict the work of evangelization perfectly.
Francis Xavier’s tomb symbolises the Catholic religious influence in Asia.
In North Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands among the ruins of Vijayanagar’s ancient and rich kingdom. The Hampi ruins represent the outstanding Dravidian style of art and architecture as well as a collection of historical locations. Virupaksha Temple, still an important religious centre for the Hindus, is the most important heritage monument on this site. There are several more monuments that make up the site, and collectively they are called Monuments of Hampi. Other notable ones are the complex of Krishna temples, including Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta temple groups; the Achyutaraya shrine complex Pattabhirama temple complex,Vitthala temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex; numerous puras or bazaars circling the temple complex, and also living sections and residential spaces.
The Great Living Chola Temple is a set of three temples built in the Chola Dynasty. The temples were built under the Chola kingdom in the southern part of India. The most important of all these temples were the Brihadisvara Temple, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and the Airavatesvara Temple. Under Rajaraja 1’s reign, the temple of Brihadisvara was a landmark in the architecture of Chola. Rajendra 1 was the patron of Gangaikondacholapuram’s temple devoted to Lord Shiva. And when Rajaraja II came, the Airavatesvara temple was created which is why it differs from the other two.
The architecture of the Dravidian architecture is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil art and literature flourished as anything under the reigns of Cholas, and the Chola temples are a wonderful illustration. These three temples symbolise the Tamil people’s ancestral culture and traditions and form an indissoluble part of their ancient past.
This Karnataka monument is a cluster of Hindu and Jain temples from the 7th and 8th centuries CE with the Hindu temples being dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture also contains components of characteristics of Vaishnavism and Shaktism.
In the temple inscriptions, Vedic and Puranic themes are shown together with Purana legends such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, and many more. A solitary Jina is a Jain temple. The temples of Papanatha and Virupaksha represent an unparalleled confluence of the styles North and South. Due to the beautiful combination of northern and Southern architecture, the Site was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
On an island in the Arabian sea, not so far from Mumbai City are the Elephanta Caves. Gharapuri is particularly notable for its system of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island. The rich cultural past of the Indian civilization may be seen through countless archaeological remnants. These caves are renowned for their rock-cut sculpture and carvings depicting Shiva as the Creator and the Destructor of the Universe. The most notable of the caves was Cave 1, where at the entrance of the cave, you can view the Sadashiva, representing the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer, the three facets of Shiva. The caves are fashioned from solid basalt rocks, located 10 km east of Mumbai city.
The Sunderban National Park, famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, is a notable Tiger reserve and biosphere reserve in the state of West Bengal. It is located on the Bay of Bengal, on the Sunderban Deltas which was formed by the Ganges River. It is one of India’s largest reserves covered mainly by dense forests of mangroves. It is also the biggest forest reserve of mangroves in the world. There are also other animals including Gangetic dolphins, spotted deers, wild boar and other mammal and amphibian species along with being the home of the highly endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. Another attraction of this reserve is the unique saltwater crocodile. India’s tigers have the highest population in this place. This is one of the most significant Indian heritage sites for all these reasons.
18. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
The Nanda Devi is Uttarakhand’s highest mountain and India’s highest peak because it is known that the Kanchenjunga shares part of its boundary with Nepal. There are two mountain summits with Sunanda Devi being the eastern peak. It was important from the age of Puranas and Upanishads, which was pointed out many times by the Hindus in their mythological work. It is 6400 metres high above sea level.
The Flowers Valley is a National Park close to Nanda Devi summit, up to 8 km long and 2 km wide. The variety of blooms that stretch the whole valley almost like a bedsheet is recognised and appreciated widely. Some unique endangered creatures such as Asian Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk deer, Red Fox and Blue Sheep can also dwell here. More than 600 species of flora and more than 520 animal species are located in this World Heritage site in India.
In 1989, the Sanchi Buddhist Monuments were named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. These include Stupas, monasteries, monolithic pillars of Ashokan, temples, monuments and sculptures. Lush gardens surround the refuge. The Stupas are built from the top of the hill and are mainly dedicated to Buddha’s teachings.
The Four Gateways to the Stupa are surrounded by beautiful architectural sculptures. A good example of the Greco-Buddhist architectural style is the Ashokan Pillar with its four lions. A museum with various artefacts utilised by the monks is also available.
In 1993, Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden grave in India, was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Humayun’s Tomb is a magnificent fusion of Islamic architecture in Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. It’s a classic Bagh Char garden and has four gateways that divide the garden into four smaller portions.
At the centre of the garden on a 7m high stone platform sits the great building, fully symmetrical. The construction has a red support stand and a white marble dome. The tomb is 47 metres in height and 91 metres in width. Two double-storey arched doorways conduct the access to the tomb.
One of the world’s most famous sites in India, the Qutub Minar was built in 1193 in the wake of the defeat of Delhi’s final Hindu kingdom by the First Muslim monarch, Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Mamluk Dynasty. One of many other buildings in the Qutub complex, the Qutub Minar occupies the centre stage mainly because of its height. It is 73 metres in height and has a base diameter of 15 m and a top diameter of 2.5 m. It was created by Aibak to honour Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, the famed Sufi. The Quwwat Ul Islam mosque, built upon Lal Kot, remains from the former Hindu kingdom, is near the Qutub Minar and is also renowned as one of the country’s first mosques. It is also known for its encircling brick minarets. The Qutub Minar Complex is one of the earliest emblems known to Islamic Architecture in India.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mountain Railways of India (1999), the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2005) and the Kalka–Shimla Railway (2008) was recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, 2005 and 2008. . Darjeeling Himalayan Train is the first mountain passenger railway with indigenous engineering solutions. Modern technology was used on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which rose 326 metres to 2203 metres. A single-track, 96-kilometre-long operating rail in Shimla is called the Kalka Shimla Railway. North Bengal is one of Earth’s most magnificent scenic stations. One will enjoy the fun Toy Train, the lovely Tea plantations and long tunnels and tiger hills. They also traverse the most gorgeous scenery, and people love to go on a fun and romantic tour here.
Bodh Gaya lies almost 96 km from Patna, Bihar and is a UNESCO recognised Indian heritage site. It is vital to the Buddhists for religious life, as it was the location for the enlightenment of Mahatma Buddha. Siddhartha became the Gautam Buddha and the sacred Bodhi Tree was a place for his enlightenment. During the reign of Ashoka the Great in 250 AD, the renowned Mahabodhi Temple was erected. This is one of the first temples of Buddhism. The Mahabodhi complex in Bodh Gaya currently features the Mahabodhi temples, 50 metres in height and is encircled by several old Votive Stupas and includes the Vajrasana, sacred Bodhi Tree and further six divine locations. Because of all this, Bodh Gaya is the most sacred place for Buddhists in pilgrimage.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is a palaeolithic, mesolithic and historic archaeological site. The area consists of 7 hills and 750 rock shelters, covering 10 km. One noteworthy element of the shelters enclosed by quartzite towers is the auditorium cave. There are several paintings in the shelters, some of which are thought to be over 1000 years old.
The Unesco World Heritage Site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was designated in 2004. It was created between 1878-1888 by taking inspiration fromVictorian Italianate Gothic Revival and traditional Mughal buildings by Frederick William Stevens, which made Bombay a commercial port of India. The plan of the terminal with Italian and Victorian components in some ways reminds us of the architecture of the Indian palace and is a remarkable example of the fusion of a western and Indian art style. It was titled formerly Queen Victoria and renamed Shivaji Terminus Chhatrapati in 1996 to recognise Shivaji Bhonsle I. There are 18 platforms in the terminus. Seven platforms are used by suburban trains while eleven platforms are used for long-distance trains.
A World Heritage Site, located in the Panchmahal region of the Indian state of Gujarat is the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park. It’s historically and culturally an important site centering around the town of Champaner or Muhammadabad founded by Sultan Mahmoud Begada of Gujarat. This site is the only Islamic pre-Mughal city that has not changed. A substantial chunk of Champaner-Pavagadh is also considered of legendary significance. It consists of 11 distinct types of structures, including mosques, temples, tombs, portals, fortresses and walls, palaces and pavilions, the Helical Wells and the 16th century Custom-house. The change from earlier Hindu architectural forms to Muslim culture and architectural style can be observed. Some of the old Chalcolithic Indian monuments from the Stone Age were also found in the park.
The Red Fort was built by emperor Shah Jahan when his capital moved from Agra to Delhi (or as Shahjahanabad was known at that time) in the centre of the ancient town of New Delhi. The fort was the Mughals’ political headquarters. Under Shah Jahan, the art and architecture of the Mughal reached great heights, as did the Red Fort. One can see the combination in the various elements of the Red Fort between Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu and Persian forms of architecture. It consists of red sandstone, housing other buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Aam and the Diwan-i-Khas. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, the Red Fort is controlled directly by the India Archeological Survey.
The Jantar Mantar was built in Rajasthan in the 18th century. The Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh from Rajasthan established it as an astronomical observatory in 1738. It is a collection of 19 astrological tools, including the largest stone Sundial in the globe. They are all man-made instruments. The observatory consists of tools used for calculating the celestial coordinate systems, the local horizon-zenith network, the ecliptic and the equatorial systems. This landmark is one of India’s best-preserved observatories and an outstanding representation of Indian scientific and cultural heritage.
On the west bank of the Indian peninsula resides West Ghats or the Sahyadri Mountain Chain. The Range runs on the western bank of the Deccan Plateau north to south. It forms national parks, forest reserves and wildlife reserves of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The hills occupy 160,000 square km, cover 1600 km in length, 100 km in width, and 1200 metres in height. It is extremely diverse in its biological environment and ranks as one of the eight top 8 in the hot spot world. There are around 325 flora and animal species in the forests of the Western Ghats, including some rare species of plants and animals that have been critically endangered.
The Rajasthan Hill Forts are known for their unique Rajput architecture of military defence. There are six spectacular fortresses in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort. They are situated in Rajasthan on the stony Aravalli Mountains. The length and size of the forts are adequate to illustrate the authority and strength of the leaders and chiefs of the Rajputana. These forts have powerful defences. It was nearly like a mini-city within the walls of the fort. The markets, bases, palaces, temples, towns and centres of commerce were numerous. And we know that because some of them survived. In addition, these fortresses contained unique water storage and harvesting facilities that are still used today. It is also recognised to be the film’s location, The Dark Knight Rises, and a few movies including ‘Shonar Kella’ by Satyajit Ray.
UNESCO declared Rani ki Vav as a World Heritage site in 2014. Rani ki Vav is a stepwell on the banks of the Saraswati River in the Paltan town of Gujarat. The stepwell is a temple that is designed as reversed. The stepwell was built in 1063 to memorialise her husband Bhimdev I by Rani Udayamati from the Chalukya Dynasty. It consists of seven stair levels. The building includes the architecture of Maru-Gurjara which demands complicated levels of technology and skill.
The well measures around 65m long, 20m wide and 28m deep. There are around 1500 big and minor sculptures with various mythological characters and other religious and secular symbols.
The Great Himalayan National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. It is situated in Kullu, Pradesh in Himachal. It covers an area of approximately 1171 square km, where the diversity of animals is wealthy and plentiful. Together with other animal species, 31 species were registered of mammals, 181 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 127 insects, and 17 molluscs. The park’s wide altitude supports a vast array of flora and fauna. The World Heritage Site is proclaimed by UNESCO for its remarkable importance for the preservation of biodiversity.
33. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar
Nalanda archaeological site in Bihar, from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE, was a learning centre and a Buddhist monastery. When one wanders about campus, which is a manifestation of a glorious period, one can witness the remnants of stupas, shrines and viharas. Nalanda has promoted Buddhism’s progress as a religion and has remained a residence of knowledge for 800 years. Scholars from all over the world, known for their formalised Vedic study, previously attended the world’s first residential university. This is the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar that has made it even more visible in the Indian Tourism Map.
Khangchendzonga National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2016 and accounts for a total of 35 world heritage sites in India located in the Himalayan districts North and West Sikkim in the lovely state of Sikkim in the North-East. It covers a wide area of over 850 sq. km and has an elevation of 1829m up to 8500m above sea level. Also known as the Kanchenjunga National Park (and Kanchenjunga’s biosphere reserve). National Park Khangchendzonga has the 3rd highest peak in the world, the Kanchenjunga Peak. The national park is well-known for its vegetation and animals with sometimes visible snow leopards. There are a few trekking paths for trekking lovers in this national park.
35. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, Chandigarh
In 2016, Le Corbusier’s architectural work was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Chandigarh Capitol complex is a governmental facility located in Sector 1 in Chandigarh, Punjab. It consists of three buildings, three monuments and a lake, an architectural work of Le Corbusier Architecture. The buildings are made up of the Legislative Palace, a Secretariat building, an open-hand monument and a shadow tower.
In 2017, the historic City of Ahmedabad, the first city of India to enter the list, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as Old Ahmedabad, the capital of their kingdom, was founded by one of the rulers of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The city’s architecture, its old forts and gateways are located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and represents the rich architectural heritage of the sultanate era.
A collection of 94 structures of high cultural interest, which are situated in the Mumbai Fort Area, around the Maidan Oval, previously known as the Esplanade, has been added to the list of heritage sites in June 2018. The Oval is flanked on the east by Victorian neo-gothic buildings from the 19th century, among them the Bombay High Court, the University of Mumbai’s Fort Campus, the Old Secretary’s building. The Rajabai Clock Tower, together with the Watson’s Hotel, David Sassoon Library and the Elphinstone College, is also a notable landmark in the City of Dreams. The Art Deco structures of the 20th century stand right on the western side of the Arab Sea.
The latter consists mainly of residential structures in private ownership and the renowned Eros film – the building which kicked off the rehabilitation of Back Bay on the Marine Drive in 1935. The contrast in style of the two independent parts of the Mumbai Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles is a steady change in creative aspirations which gloriously shine over the metropolis and have thus acquired their position in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
UNESCO declared the city of Jaipur as a World Heritage Site. Jaipur – The pink city in Rajasthan state, with its beautiful architecture, fortifications, monuments, palaces, art and crafts, culture, astrological significance and much more, distinguishes it from other Indian cities. The architectural plan for the city was taken from Western countries on the paradigm of the Grid Plan.
The major streets of all structures, such as markets, temples, stores, etc, have uniform façades. The city’s urban planning also takes elements from Hindu and Mughal civilizations. It is a big business town yet protects the interests of local craftsmen and traditions.
Our busy schedules, lifestyle, travels, and thinking are visible on our skin and hair. The skin and hair then take us to salons and doctors. The spas and treatments are upgraded instead of lowering in magnitude. It becomes a cycle and one tends to wonder how did our grandparents manage without these? Here comes the story of the routines which were traditionally meant for healthy skin, hair, and mind. Here are some I have understood and found true in my case.
Kajal
A thin layer of jet black kajal completes our look by elegantly defining our eyes. Kajal is traditionally made at home and never purchased. The soot made from sandalwood, ghee, and other few earthy sources with drops of castor oil as a lubricant is the best cure for dry eyes.
Staring at the screen for long, we tend to forget to blink our eyes as often as we should. Subsequently, our eyes hurt enough that keeping them open causes added headaches. We then resort to artificial tear drops for instant relief. Fun fact, artificial tear drops contain the oils that are used in natural homemade kajal. Kajal, which we buy from shops, does not help cure the dry eyes because they tend to clog the ducts of the tear line. This is logical as we apply eyeliners and pencils made of chemicals to ensure they last the whole day and never smudge. We coat these on the thinnest skin- our eyelids!
Home-made kajal tends to sometimes tickle in the eyes when applied the first few times. These sensations naturally fade away in a few seconds. The oils in the kajal tend to form a protective layer sometimes blurring the vision for a second or two. The best part, the materials in kajal tend to open the tear ducts and relieve the pain and burning through its natural cooling effect.
Oiling our hairs
There are enough articles on the pros and cons of oiling the hair. Some say it must be done hours or maybe overnight before washing our hair. Some articles say leaving the oil long on hair will block the follicles and attract dirt. Though I am not an expert, the honest biggest mistake I made was to let my hair dry without oil to avoid dandruff (dermatological advice it was!). The advice led to thinning of my hair and added ignorance to learning the right way of oiling from mom!
Different oils are supposed to be used depending on the situation. The light oils work well for everyday use, the heavy ones for pre-wash. The correct way of oiling ensures keeping the scalp healthy, without dandruff, and hair moisturized. The best time to oil the hair is when the scalp is clean. The same is followed in Spa treatments too. Yet, we tend to let the scalp dry though clean for days until we have to wash. Depending on hair type and scenarios, regular oiling of hair and ensuring to avoid dryness goes a long way in keeping the strands strong, without splits, and avoiding graying.
Wooden combs
One of the best inventions with the simple logic of avoiding plastic comb’s static energy. The wooden combs do not hurt the scalp as the plastic combs do. I confidently tell this because I am not able to keep a plastic comb on my scalp ever since I shifted to wooden ones. The wooden comb ensures no hair breakage too.
Flower in our hair:
We Indians live in a tropical region that is hot and humid. Our scalps tend to clog up and have an unpleasant mild smell once the shampoo and conditional smell wears out. Jasmine flowers in the hair were one of the routines that not just helped avoid having a stinky scalp. It also was a way to enhance the mood with the fragrance.
While at fragrances, the earthy smell of sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, saffron, and so on in our bath powders and tilaks were all means of pocket-friendly aroma therapy. If not for religious beliefs, the garlands, and intense sticks used for worshiping had the same effect of positive fragrances without needing luxurious essential oils!
Bindi or Pootu
Traditional perfect round pootus are achieved with a base made of ghee and turmeric. This base is followed by applying Kumkum. Kumkum is traditionally made with turmeric, lemon, and screw-pine juice – all the ingredients we look for in our face packs.
Moisturizer
The oil bath with no chemical soap was sufficient and there is no need for moisturizers after this. It has the added benefit of keeping the skin even-toned.
All this small stuff has kept our grandparents happy and hence they glow without cosmetics while we look like grandmas and grandpas.
#Didyouknow that in Thanjavur, India, a temple called ‘Big Temple’, over thousand years old, rich in sculpture, an architectural granite marvel is home to majestic murals as well? We are talking about the Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva of the Hindu trinity. Built by Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty, the temple is also called Rajarajeshwaram and Periya Kovil. It is located on the bank of River Kaveri in south India. The temple was built during 1003 and 1010 A.D. The structures included gopura (gateway), the main temple, the vimana or tower, inscriptions, sculptures and murals. Additional structures were added over the centuries, and the temple has faced some damage in its history as well. The temple has the largest Shiva linga in India and is the first place to commission the brass Nataraja or Lord Shiva as the Lord of Dance. There are separate shrines for Nandi, Goddess Parvathi as Brihannayaki, Kartikeya or Subramanya and Ganesha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cholas were great followers of Shaivism. There are inscriptions on the temple walls; music and dance were an intrinsic part of the temple’s programmes. Tamil hymns of the Nayanmar were recited by the pidarars (priests). A southern branch of the Marathas was established in 1674 when Ekoji Bhonsle, half-brother of Chhatrapati Shivaji I seized Thanjavur from the Nayakas.
Brihadeeshwara Temple, 11th century, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Wikimedia
Under Maratha rule in the 18th and 19th century, Thanjavur became the premier cultural centre in South India. Under Serfoji I the Big temple was renovated, his mural is in the 2nd mandapa of the Subramanya shrine, also the mural of Serfoji II. Starting with Shahji II (r. 1684-1712) they styled themselves as Cholanadus. The Marathas looked after the temple very well. Shahji wrote multilingual songs in praise of Shiva as Brihadeeshwara. Serfoji II contributed as well and renovations happened under him. He built a dhwajastambha, a flag pole and a masonry podium for dance by the devadasis. The temple is an imposing structure and is the largest Hindu sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, 59.82m tall. The Nayakas were successors to the Cholas followed by the Marathas. The main temple contains the linga sanctuary, ‘linga’ being the anionic form of Lord Shiva. This is surrounded on four sides by a narrow internal passageway that opens into a vestibule with side doorways and a mandapa, a pavilion to the east. There is a Nandi pavilion and a towered gopura set within a big walled compound. The compound is lined with a peripheral colonnade and contains a number of subsidiary shrines.
Story of the murals
The murals at the temple complex have a history of their own. The temple has a circumambulatory pathway with many frescoes along the walls from the floor to the ceiling. They were discovered in 1931 and restored in the 2000s by the Archaeological Survey of India. The frescoes/murals relate to Hindu mythology, especially Lord Shiva, though there are paintings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali and images of the Chola kings as well. The images of the murals have been bit damaged by burning of camphor and soot from the lamps in the temple over a period of time. Around 16 Nayak period frescoes were superimposed on the Chola murals and they were restored by ASI by de-stucco process and displayed separately. The Thanjavur temple is a repository of stone carvings and reliefs, wall and ceiling paintings and thickly encrusted plasterwork. There used to be metal statuettes of deities inside the temple but the metal images have now vanished. The Nayakas and Marathas added further artistic dimensions. The Bronze Nataraja in the minor shrine from Rajaraja’s time is still there and worshipped. The murals from this period and are very interesting from the artistic viewpoint but are inaccessible to most visitors since access is restricted to the passageway around the linga sanctuary where they are located. However, they are available at the ‘’Interpretation Centre’’ in the South colonnade of the walled compound.
Themes of the murals
The murals were made 4 metres above floor level depicting Hindu deities, royals, attendants, sages, musicians and dancers in different ambiences. They also reflect the courtly culture of the period. The Chola murals survive in an incomplete and deteriorated condition and were discovered by in 1931 as already mentioned. The murals were partly visible, being partially concealed beneath Nayaka compositions. There is some similarity of the murals to Chola bronzes as well. The murals in the main temple include Lord Dakshinamurthy with Bhairava, Lord Shiva as Tripurantaka, story of Sundara-murti Nayanar, a poet-saint, Rajaraja worshipping at Chidambaram with his three queens and images of ascetics. Murals are there on the western and northern walls of the passageway that runs around the linga sanctuary. There are paintings on the Nandi pavilion and minor shrines too. The Nandi pavilion is the first structure one sees on entering the temple compound. It was added during the Nayaka period, it could possibly be a replacement of a Chola period feature. The pavilion houses a huge seated Nandi. The pavilion has a painted ceiling showing winged angels and fantastic birds., The Nayaka panels include Tripurantaka, courtly personages and bearded ascetics. The Brihannayaki shrine houses the principal Goddess of the Thanjavur complex, built during the 13th-17th century during Pandya, Nayaka period. It faces the raised podium in the middle of the temple compound and the ceiling paintings are over the central aisle, of the Devi Mahatmya narratives. The Nataraja shrine was made during the Nayaka time and has the Chola metal icon. The Chandikeshwara shrine is six metres from the main temple consecrated to one of Shiva’s most faithful devotees. The Subrahmanya shrine was built by Sevakka Nayakas, expanded in later Nayaka times. Shivaji II had this later mandapa walled in and embellished with a gallery of royal portrait murals. The Ganapati and Karuvar Devar (Guru of Rajajraja) shrines are in the western part of the walled compound. The Ganapati shrine has a stunning painting of Subramanya. The inner face of the walls of the temple are lined with a continuous colonnade. A Nandi is placed in the middle of south colonnade. Paintings on the rear walls of the west and north colonnade date from the period of Shivaji II. There exists a plethora of divinities, rishis, devotees and attendants. The west colonnade starts with Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali then Ganapati riding a blue rat, mooshaka or his vehicle, also called vahana. Shiva-Parvati, Subrahmanya with peacock with Valli and Devasena, an elephant and a courtly couple. The west colonnade also has the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati with a standard in the middle, dancing Shiva flanked by Vyaghrapadha and Patanjali, two demons flying through the air. There is also Yashoda with infant Krishna, Lord Rama and Sita, a moustachioed figure probably Ugra Pandya spearing fish in a river and a battle scene between two armed figures, most probably Lord Rama and Ravana. The north colonnade has narratives from the Tamil Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam, a ‘purana’ of Madurai. The scenes include a Maratha couple worshipping Shiva and Parvati among others. Another group of paintings include a bull and a cow, Maratha warriors riding horses, courtly women paying homage to a male figure, woman worshipping Shiva on the mountain. Some faded scenes include worship of Shiva, musicians, also duck and bird headed figures venerating a linga, rishis (sages), Parvati and a linga and warriors riding horses.
Glimpses of the murals
The murals are hundreds of years old. However, one can still marvel at the murals at the Big Temple and feel their majestic grandeur. As we have understood, the murals include, murals from the Chola, Nayaka and the Maratha times. Let us see a few of them.
Rajaraja I and his guru – This mural shows the king Rajaraja I with his guru, Karuvar Devar. This is a Chola period mural.
Rajaraja I and his guru, mural, 11th century. Wikimedia
Celestial dancers – A mural depicting celestial dancers is also from the Chola times. The dancers are well-coiffured and wearing pearl jewellery. Though faded over the years, the mural still fascinates with its vibrant colour scheme and is reminiscent of the Ajanta frescoes.
A ceiling fresco – The image shows a ceiling fresco at the Nandi pavilion with a lotus mandala in the centre, and four fantastic parrots in the corners around which is a vegetal scroll border. This was probably made under the Nayakas.
An ornate ceilingmural, Nandi pavilion, 13th-17th century.
Majestic Murals At The Big Temple in Thanjavur Nandi pavilion Wikimedia
Goddess Kali – The fresco in the west colonnade depicts Goddess Kali with all her weapons and two attendants waiting over her with flywhisks.
Goddess Kali with attendants, mural, 13th-17th century. Wikimedia
Goddess Saraswati – The goddess of learning is seen with Tamburu and Narada, celestial musicians in the west colonnade. She is holding her majestic veena seated against a bolster and is flanked by the musicians.
Marriage of Shiva and Parvati – The divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is depicted with a standard in the middle. Mural in the west colonnade.
Marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, 13th-17th century. Wikimedia
Shiva-linga – An ekamukhashiva linga with an elephant paying obeisance.
King spearing fish – An interesting mural probably depicting Ugra Pandya spearing fish in a river, mural in the west colonnade.
A king with an arrow spearing fishes in a river, mural, 13th-17th century. Wikimedia
Lord Ganesha – A mural shows the elephant headed God on his vehicle, mooshaka flanked by two attendants. His consorts Riddhi and Siddhi are seated by his side. mural in the west colonnade.
The Trinity– A mural depicting a multi armed Lord Shiva dancing the urdhva tandava. He is depicted with the four-armed blue God, Lord Vishnu and four headed Lord Brahma.
