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Revitalizing Hill Stations Near Bangalore

Travel Destination - Shelia - June 5, 2015

The third largest city in India,Bangalore is often described as the silicon valley of India due to its rapidly growing information technology sector. The city is located 914, kilometers above sea level and is known for its perennially pleasant climate. The region that comprises the metropolitan town has known to be inhabited since 4000 BCE and came under the subsequent rule of several south Indian kingdoms such as the Western Ganga Dynasty, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, later Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughals, Mysore kingdom and finally the British. Bangalore became a major trade town under the British and developed as a metropolitan giving rise to several technological advancements in India. Today despite of being a well frequented tourist location, Bangalore is not without the ills of a metropolis life. The pollution and the traffic laden streets and roads make it essential for the people of Bangalore to find refuge. Here’s the list of some of the most popular hill stations near Bangalore.

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Horsley Hills

Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh,Horsley hills is a picturesque hill town situated 1,290 meters above mean sea level. The town is in close proximity to the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and one can also spot the sambhar deer early morning if you’re lucky. The town was discovered by the British in the mid-nineteenth century and was then turned into a summer retreat. Horsley hills are famous for its picturesque surroundings and dense vegetation. One can also enjoy adventure sports activities like Zorbing in Horsley hills.

Coonoor

Coonoor is a picturesque hill town located in the state of Tamil Nadu, and is situated at an average elevation of 1,850 meters above sea level. Coonoor is the second largest hill station after Ooty and is ideal for hiking and trekking into the picturesque Nilgiri hills. The town’s major sources of income are its tea and tourism industry and the UNESCO world heritage attraction, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways. The climate in Coonoor stays relatively cool compared to the low lying areas and can be visited all year round. Sim’s park, Dolphin’s nose, Lamb’s rock, Droog fort, Law’s falls, Katary Falls etc. are the various attractions that can be visited in the picturesque town of Coonoor.

Yelagiri

Situated at an elevation of 1,410 meters above sea level, Yelagiri is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Unlike the neighboring hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal, Yelagiri is not developed as a proper hill resort, but is famous for its un-commercialized nature destination with enchanting hills, valleys and flower orchards. The government has recently started promoting the place as an adventure sport hotspot, offering adventure sports like paragliding, rock climbing and hiking. Yelagiri is best visited during the end of May when the state government organizes the Yelagiri summer festival which features flower exhibitions, cultural programs and dog shows.

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Yercaud

Nestled amidst the Shevaroys hills of the Eastern Ghats in the state of Tamil nadu,Yercaud is situated at an elevation of 1,515 meters above sea level. The name Yercaud literally translates to seven forests and is known for its serene surroundings and a huge variety of flora and fauna. Eco-tourism, coffee and hospitality are the major sources of the town’s economy and due to its favorable climate throughout the year is visited perennially by tourists. Yercud Lake, Lady’s seat, the Grange, Silk Farm, Rose Garden, Kiliyur Falls and Karadiyur view points are the not to be missed attractions in Yercud.

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Beautiful Northeastern Aegean Islands

Travel Destination - Shelia - June 2, 2015

The Northeastern Aegean Islands, scattered off the Aegean coast of Asia Minor, form a rather arbitrary archipelago. These islands, the most remote of the Greek islands, are reachable by ferry or plane, and are well worth the trouble to get there. They figure prominently in Greek mythology, home to several gods and goddesses, as well as some famous ancient Greek, including the classic poet Homer. They’re filled with antiquities left by Roman, Greek and Ottoman rulers. Oh, the beaches are pretty great, too.

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Ikaria

Ikaria, located 16 km southwest of Samos, owes its name to Greek mythology since Icarus, the son of Daedalus, fell into the nearby sea. Its biggest city, Argus Kuryokos is today’s administrative capital of the island, while Oenoe and Evdilos are its historic capitals. Inhabited since 7,000 BC, the island is rich in archeological sites and beautiful beaches, but the main draw just may be the laid-back lifestyle where centenarians are common, perhaps due to the simple diet.

Samothrace

Samothrace, also known as Samothraki, is another Northern Aegean island that is steeped in Greek mythology where it is referred to as Aeolus. Mount Fengari, the highest mountain in the Aegean Islands is located here, on one of the most rugged islands in the Aegean. Local legend has it that Poseidon watched the Troy war from here. Visitors rate the Church of Holy Mary Krimniotissa, which sits on a cliff overlooking the water, as the island’s top tourist attraction. Kipos Beach, with its sand and crystal blue water, is the top beach.

Lemnos

Travelers who prefer a less touristic scene may enjoy Lemnos Island, which is less developed because of the difficulty in getting there from Athens. Located between Lesbos and Thassos, the island has sandy beaches that provide plenty of privacy, making them top tourist draws. Hungry visitors will like this island because of the food and wines produced here. They definitely will want to try Kalathaki Limnou, a cheese made from sheep and goat’s milk, and Muscat wines, which are putting the island on the wine map.

Chios

Chios is a mountainous kidney-shaped island located off the coast of Turkey. It’s known for its mastic gum exports, but probably more famous as the birthplace of Homer. Viontados, a suburb of Chios the city, points to Teacher’s Rock as proof the famous author was born there. Other sites on the fifth largest Aegean Island include a medieval castle built during Venetian and Ottoman rule, and Nea Moni, an 11th century monastery. Visitors also will enjoy walking through traditional villages that have been around since the 14th century.

Thasos

Thasos is known as the Green Island of Greece because of its many varieties of large pine trees. In ancient times, the island was known for gold and marble; it is still known for its white marble, which is shipped around the world. The island is also known today for the wine and honey it produces, as well as its beautiful clean beaches. Reachable by ferry, Thasos is popular with bikers traveling between quaint villages; helmets are required. There are also several archeological sites, including the remains of an agora, theatre and acropolis.

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Lesbos

Travelers to this third largest northeastern Aegean Islands will want to brush up on their Greek mythology, as it was named for its patron god, Lesbos. Many of its towns are named after the daughters of Macar, the island’s first king. Sappho, who was born here, directed many emotional poems toward women, giving rise to the term lesbian, making the island popular today with gay travelers. Old historic churches, castlesvand other ruins can be found here. A beautiful place is Molyvos, a traditional village on the slopes of a hill with excellent views of the Aegean Sea and a Medieval Castle on top. The island is the main producer of ouzo, a Greek liqueur that tastes like licorice.

Samos

Samos is a picturesque island located north of Chios that is as famous for its past residents as it is for its stunning beauty. Samos was the home of Pythagoras, the father of mathematics; Epicurus, a philosopher; and the birthplace of the mythical Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus and the goddess of women and marriage. Samos has many great beaches, either developed or totally secluded. Hiking in the mountains is a good place to experience the island’s lush and varied vegetation.

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Largest Monoliths in the World

Travel Destination - Shelia - May 31, 2015

A monolith is a geological feature consisting of a single massive stone or rock, such as some mountains, or a single large piece of rock placed as, or within, a monument or building. Erosion usually exposes the geological formations, which are often made of very hard and solid metamorphic or igneous rock.

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Pena de Bernal

Pena de Bernal also known as Bernal Peak is Mexico’s largest monolith located in San Sebastian Bernal, a small town in the state of Queretaro. The rock rises 350 metres above the town and was formed some 100 million years ago during the Jurassic period when it was at least three times higher than present day.

Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on the southern coast of Spain at the entrance to the Mediterranean sea. It is basically a limestone monolith which is 426 metres (1,396 feet) high and is the home of 27,800 Gibraltarians and 250 Barbary macaques, the only wild primates in Europe. It is said in Greek mythology that Gibraltar was one of the Pillars of Hercules manifested on the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world.

El Capitan, Yosemite

It is one of the most famous sights in Yosemite National Park. It is a granite monolith which rises almost 910 metres vertically from Yosemite Valley. It is a preferred challenge among expert rock climbers.

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine is a national park in the Extreme South region of Patagonian Chile and features mountains, lakes and glaciers. The centerpiece of the park are the three Towers of Paine; fantastic granite monoliths shaped by the forces of glacial ice. The highest peak is about 2,500 metres high(8200 feet).

Ben Amera

The Ben Amera is actually hidden in the desert of Mauritius. As per sources it is the second largest monolith in the world after Uluru. Ben Amera is located 5km from Tmeimichat, a small village on the route of the desert train between Nouadhibou and Zouerate.

Devils Tower

Devils Tower is the core of an ancient volcano exposed from erosion which rises 386 metres (1,267 feet) above the surrounding terrain. It is located in the Black Hills in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming and was declared a United States National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The mountain is also famous as the selected location of the alien-human rendezvous point in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar winning science fiction film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a stunning 370 metres high ‘Lion rock’ fortress. It is one of Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions. The Sigiriya rock is a toughened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano, similar to Devils Tower. From about the 5th century BC it was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery and afterwards turned into a rock fortress by King Kasyapa.

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Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Travel Destination - Shelia - May 29, 2015

Private Colosseum Tours

Check out the following fantastic places if you want to explore the most astonishing places in the world.

Genoa

Sometimes overshadowed by the popularity of other Italian cities like Rome and Venice, Genoa nevertheless is one of Italy’s true hidden gems. As the capital city of the Liguria region on the northwest coast of Italy, Genoa is most associated as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The city’s shining crown is its historic center, which features narrow, winding streets that reveal surprising gems at every turn like marvelous architecture and artistic treasures. At the base of the city center is the historic seaport. Docked with cruise liners, yachts and fishing boats, Genoa’s seaport today sports a trendy renovation of new features such as a bustling marina, waterfront bars and the Aquarium of Genoa.

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Milan

Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as the country’s financial and fashion capital. Milan’s most famous site is the Santa Maria della Grazie where da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is on display. The 14th-century Sforzesco Castle houses the exhibits of the Museo d’Arte Antica, which includes Michelangelo’s “Pietà Rondanini.” Decked out in sumptuous red and gold, the 18th-century La Scala opera house is a must-see attraction too, as is the Duomo, known as one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. When it comes to shopping, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the place to go for the best of Italy’s haute couture designs.

Portofino

With its picture-perfect harbor, verdant scenery and haphazard rows of hilltop and waterfront homes, Portofino is one of the prettiest towns on the Italian Riviera. Located just a short drive south of Genoa, the little village has been a popular day-trip destination for centuries. It’s a favorite stopping point for cruises along the Italian Riviera too, and the cluster of yachts floating in the harbor only adds to Portofino’s visual appeal. Short climbs up the hillside to the medieval Castello Brown, the historic Church of San Giorgio or the lighthouse at Punta Portofino offer photographic views of the charming city.

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Lake Garda

The largest of the glacial lakes of the Lombardy province, Lake Garda is bordered by Alpine peaks to the north and flat plains to the south. Gardens, orchards and forests rim the shore, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors seeking rest and recreation. The southernmost town of Sirmione features natural hot springs, a small castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the largest collection of Roman ruins in Northern Italy. On the northern shore of lake lies Riva del Garda, which is the destination of choice for visitors interested in outdoor activities, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and swimming.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is undeniably one of the most beautiful areas of Italy. A visit to just one of the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia will confirm this. Made to grace picture postcards, the towns are built on steep hills and atop high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. It doesn’t get much more scenic than this. Most towns are reachable only by train. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since cars aren’t allowed in the older sections of these towns.

Venice

The perfect destination for a romantic getaway, Venice is a city where canals replace roads and buildings rise up out of the Adriatic Sea as if by magic. There’s a timeless quality to Venice that has attracted and engaged travelers for hundreds of years. When not enjoying the enchanting experience of being serenaded while gliding down a canal on a gondola, visitors flock to the sidewalk cafés of St. Mark’s Square. Inside the Basilica of San Marco lies a treasure trove of jewel-encrusted altarpieces, icons and holy relics, including the marble-canopied tomb of St. Mark.

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Travel to New Zealand to discover new experiences

Travel Destination, Travel Stories - Shelia - May 27, 2015

The various exciting and fascinating locations at New Zealand are always renowned by the people all over the world due to its great sense of beauty. One visit’s to New Zealand will definitely makes those travelers to feel as if they are landed on one among the unique and best place on the whole universe. Hence one can definitely spent their holiday vacations in these kinds of places so as to experience the good feels of delights. For the people who were going to proceed with the travels to New Zealand for the very first time, can definitely prefer their travels by air, because many air lines fly to this country from the different parts of the world like India, China, Australia and so on. Cruising is also the one another option left to the seekers of adventurers and one has to ensure that they hold the necessary passport and visas with them. Hence with the possession of these valid official documents one can definitely proceed to fly to this country as it always give warm welcomes to its visitors.Travel to New Zealand

Treasures of New Zealand

The islands at the southern regions of New Zealand are the paradises with the possession of green hills that can roll, craggy mountains and the beaches that are swept by the wind always remains as a fascinating features to the tourists of this location. One should never miss their opportunities to visit the location Lake Tekapo which can be reached within the duration of three hours from the Christchurch. The reason for the stunning looks of the lake is the rock flours that have its presence in water. Hence those warm springs will aid the visitors in feeling a greater sense of relaxation and will definitely makes those persons to feel calm. Since the ambiances around this lake are extremely stunning, there is no doubt that these places remain as a delight to the professional photographers.

Also, one should not miss their valuable opportunities to visit the hidden secrets of New Zealand such as the Ruakuri caves and the flights from Rotorua which takes those travelers to the island at off-shores which goes by the name of White Islands and the visitors of these locations are definitely assured for their greater enjoyments.

Tips on the Safety Aspects of Travels

New Zealand is usually safe for carrying out one’s travel but definitely cannot be assured for any crime activities. Some intended people have the ability to recognize the tourists in the range of their possessions and they try to involve in the thefts which causes those individuals to lose their valuable resources. Therefore it is always the responsibilities of the tourists to take the proper care of their money and the various other possessions so to avoid becoming the victims of various criminal activities. People are always recommended not to hire the use of Hitch hiking because those means of travel are not safe generally. Hence it always recommended for the travelers to assure with enough precautionary measures so as to stay secured.

Image by little.tomato under cc license

 

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