5 years ago Travel Destination

Check out the following places to have a blast in your trip.

Chikmagalur

Located in the state of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1,090 meters above sea level. The town is known for its coffee plantations and is also nicknamed the Coffee land of Karnataka. The town was formerly known by the name Kadur prior to Indian independence from the British Empire in 1947. The town is located on the foothills of the Mullayangiri, which is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Mullayangiri, Hebbe falls, coffee plantations and Hirekolale pond etc. are the various attractions in Chikmagalur.

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Nandi Hills

Nandi hills or the Nandi Durg refers to an ancient hill fort and hill town located at an elevation of 1,478 meters above sea level in the state of Karnataka. Due to its close proximity to the town of Bangalore, Nandi hills are a much frequented nature resort since the British times. The region was a major stronghold of the Mysore kingdom under Tipu Sultan which was later annexed by the British who used the hamlet as a summer retreat. The hills are covered with several trees and flowery shrubs which are indigenous to this area. It has also been one of the primary interests of horticulturists due to its climate that supports the growth of several new species of flowers. Tipu’s drop, Tipu’s summer palace, ancient temples, Gandhi house, Amruth Sarovar and the secret escape route are the popular attractions that can be visited in Nandi Hills.

Kakkabe

Kakkabe is located in the Western Ghats of the state of Karnataka, and is situated at an elevation of 905 meters above sea level. The town is known for being the largest producer of honey in South-East Asia and for its produce of coffee. The town is covered with coffee plantations and flower orchards and green hills. Kakkabe is one of the most unspoilt hill town one can ever visit in India and the forests house several species such as the flying squirrel, barking deer, pangolin and a variety of bird species. Adventure sports like trekking, hiking and rock climbing is also prevalent in Kakkabe and provides views of the Arabian Sea from its highest point. Nalnad Palace, Karada, Tadiyendamol and Igguthappa Temple are few of the major attractions in this quaint yet scenic hill town.

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Kudremukh

The Kudremukh name refers to a small mountain range and a hill station and mining town in the state of Karnataka. The place is located at an elevation of 1,894 and is famous for housing the Kudremukh national park in the Western Ghats. The area is a bio-diversity hotspot and the terrain comprises mainly of green hills and grasslands with a backdrop of dense shola forests that house a variety of wildlife species like Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dogs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Pig and Common Langur etc. Kudremukh is also an excellent location for hiking and trekking, as the trails transverse through the lush green hills of the Western Ghats and several refreshing waterfalls and forests.

Biligiri Hill

Also known as the Biligiriranga Hills, the nature resort is located at the confluence of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the state of Karnataka. Biligiri Hills is another bio-diversity hotspot away from the concrete and traffic laden cities and houses a large variety of flora and fauna. The region however is more commonly known by the name Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary which is located at an average elevation of 1,551 meters above sea level and houses a plethora of animal, bird, reptile and plant species. Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Chital, and sambar etc. are few of the wildlife attractions here. Tourists also visit the Biligiri hills to enjoy a variety of adventure sports like Angling, river rafting, trekking, camping, bird watching etc.

5 years ago Travel Destination

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.

5 years ago Travel Destination

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.

5 years ago Travel Destination

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.

5 years ago Travel Destination

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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