Technically a US territory, Puerto Rico is not just a home away from home for US citizens it’s a completely different Caribbean world. Known for a long history, including several historical monuments to visit, Puerto Rico has a unique culture that visitors enjoy exploring. This culture is combined with great views over the Atlantic Ocean and a great beach life that is enjoyed year round. Things to do in Puerto Rico include:
El Morro
501 Norzagaray St | San Juan
El Morro is a massive naval fortress that juts out of San Juan habour. This six story fortress was built in the mid 16th century to deter attacks from the sea. In its history El Morro has withstood several attacks, including during both World Wars, but now has retired from active service as a naval fortification and has become Puerto Rico’s main tourist draw. Not only does El Morro offer great vista views over the Atlantic it also has a network of tunnels, barracks, and even prison cells for visitors to explore. Most part of El Morro are open to the public and exploration of the massive site can be done at visitors leisure. Admission into EL Morro is just $ 5 dollars US.
Mosquito Bay
Visitors to Puerto Rico often recount their experience at Mosquito Bay as one of their favourites. This south Viques Beach might not sound like that much till one takes into account its unique attribute of literally glowing at night. Thanks to the 700,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates in each gallon of bay water, the water in Mosquito Bay glows in the darkness providing a once in a life time swimming or boating experience. Access to the bay is free so check Mosquito Bay’s official web site to find out the best times to enjoy its illuminating qualities.
Carolina Beach
Rt 187 | Carolina
Carolina Beach is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular public beaches. Though Carolina beach can be crowded visitors still do adore its white sand beaches and warm water. Also, there is always a life guard on duty while the beach is officially open from 8 am until 6 pm ensuring beach safety. Visiting the beach is free, but if you bring a car there will be a $2 dollar parking fee charged.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square presents a combination of pagoda and shikhara style of temples. The place is an architect’s delight as it is a fine specimen of sculptures and woodcarvings. The temples are located around the fifty-five window palace made of brick and wood. Bhaktapur Durbar Museum represents the traditional art of Nepal. The ancient city engages you with a fine display of magnificent local products, pottery, and various other artworks apart from the beautiful temples. Some of the most important places in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are:
55 Window Palace: Dating back to 15th century AD, 55 Window Palace is a marvelous construction that displays architectural splendor in a very fine form. It was built by King Yakshay Malla and later was renovated by King Bhupatindra Malla during 17th century. The palace derives its name from the unique construction of 55 windows in a balcony, which is a fine example of woodcarving.
The Golden Gate: The main entrance to the courtyard of ancient palace of 55 Windows, Golden Gate, is an awe-inspiring specimen of architectural excellence. King Ranjit Malla erected the Golden Gate, which is embellished with mythical creatures.
The Lion Gate: The Lion Gate was erected in 1696 AD. It has two big-sized lion statues on either side. The statues of Lord Shiva and Ugrachandi are compelling attractions of the gate. It is believed that Bhadgaon King cut off artisans’ hands after they completed the artwork to ensure that such work is not repeated elsewhere.
The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery houses ancient paintings representing the faiths of Hinduism and Buddhism. The gallery is frequented by researchers of these faiths to obtain an insight into the traditions that prevailed in the past.
Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is located on the south of Bagmati River and it is one amongst the three royal cities in Kathmandu valley. It is also the oldest among the three cities. Patan Durbar Square has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, Patan is home to fine arts. The splendid woodcarvings and metal statues speak stories of the skills of artisans. Considered to be established during the 3rd century BC, Patan is a cultural center where many festivals are celebrated every year. Four Ashoka Stupas built in four cardinal points of Patan are considered very important architectural treasures of the land. The Stupas are said to be built by Emperor Ashoka during 250 BC. Temples, palaces, statues and stone baths are some of the constructions found in Patan Durbar Square. Given below are some of the famous places in Patan Durbar Square.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Also referred to as the Golden Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar was built by King Bhaskar Verma during 12th century. The golden façade of the three-storied Pagoda looks stunningly beautiful. Buddha’s golden images and wall carvings are found inside the temple.
Patan Museum: Patan Museum ranks among the best museums in the Asian continent. The museum is situated in an ancient palace, which dates back to 1734. The collections in the museum depict the rich cultural history of Nepal. Most of the collections are bronze statues and gilt copper objects. The garden adjacent to the museum offers a pleasant sight and a peaceful resting place.
Patan Zoo: Nepal’s only Zoo, Patan Zoo, was established in the year 1932. Initially a private zoo, the year 1956 saw the zoo opened to public. The zoo is home to more than 700 species of animals, which include 14 endangered animals in Nepal. The pond in the zoo offers boating facilities.
Godavari Botanical Garden: Godavari Botanical Garden is situated on the southern side of Patan Durbar Square. The garden has a wide range of plants and the dense forest offers great scope for bird watching and hiking. It is also a famous picnic spot.
Kumbeshwor Temple: Kumbeshwor Temple is one among the two 5-tier temples in Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple dates back to 1391 and it was initially a two-tiered construction. The natural spring inside the temple is considered to come from the famous Gosainkunda Lake.
It is also famously called as Basantapur Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. Located in front of Kathmandu’s royal palace, this spectacular Durbar Square reflects the artistry that prevailed in the past. Kathmandu Durbar Square houses palaces and ancient temples that belong to the periods between 12th and 18th centuries. The cultural spirit of Nepal centers in Kathmandu Valley and hence Kathmandu Durbar Square gains more prominence. It consists of two divisions, which are referred to as outer complex and inner complex. The outer complex has famous temples namely Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Shiv-Parvati Temple, Big Bell and Kumari Bahal. The inner complex has old palace, courtyards, Basantapur Durbar, Hanuman Dhoka and other structures.
The palace in the complex was the residence of the Nepalese Royal family until 19th century and coronation of kings took place here. The temples representing Hindu and Buddhist faiths are constructed in pagoda style. The stunning architecture involved in the construction of temples and palaces in Kathmandu Durbar Square makes the place one of the most frequented tourist destinations. No wonder, Kathmandu Durbar Square ranks amongst the eight Cultural World Heritage sites. Some of the important places in Kathmandu Durbar Square are:
Taleju Temple: The first three-tired temple of the land, Taleju Temple, is considered an important religious site by followers of Hinduism and Jainism. Legend goes that Goddess Taleju had appeared before the king in the form of bee to advice that the temple be built resembling the design of yantra.
Jagannath Temple: Jagannath Temple was initially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later it was re-dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is a fine example of architectural splendor of the past. Exquisite carvings on the doors and windows are an inspiration to any artistic mind.
Shiv-Parvati Temple: It is one of the famous temples in Kathmandu Square Durbar. Dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, the temple is believed to be reconstructed later.
Kumari Bahal: Kumari Bahal is the abode of Living Goddess. Built in the year 1757, it resembles a monastery. A girl chosen to be living goddess of the town lives in the place until she reaches puberty after which she returns to her normal life.
Bhandarkal: Bhandarkal is yet another attraction in Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a botanical garden established by King Pratap Mall during 17th century. The garden earns its name after a palace that houses the statue of Jalashayana Narayan, the Sleeping Vishnu. With wide range of fauna, Bhandarkal is haven for nature lovers.
Antiparos
Antiparos may be a little island within the southern Aegean that’s approachable by a brief ferry ride from the close island of Paros. The city district section of the most town, additionally calledAntiparos, is pretty touristed therefore travelers searching for a a lot of authentic expertise square measure advocate to run through it to the quiet village that lies on the far side. town itself wasengineered around a fifteenth century Venetian castle, The oldest prehistoric village within theCyclades is found in close Saliagos. Spelunkers can notice the oldest stalagmites in Europe in a verycave close to Aylos Ionnis Hill. tho’ there square measure a lot of lovely Cycladic islands, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Pierce Brosnan different other celebrated individuals appreciate Antiparos enough to possess a villa on the island.
Delos
Delos, an island within the central Cyclades, is one in every of the foremostnecessary mythological, historical and archaeologic centers in Balkan state. it’s the house of twinsGreek deity and Greek deity in Greek mythology. Plus, early inhabitants is derived back to the third century BC. The island’s prime sights embody the Sacred Harbor, currently a dry lake; the Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Greek deity by Naxos in 600 BC, and therefore the House of Dionysius the Elder, a luxury personal home inbuilt the second century. but twp dpzem individuals live here. The island is accessibly by daily ferry from Mykonos, except weekday, as a result of the archeologic site is closed that day.
Milos
Milos lies between Ellas and Crete, and is understood as a colourful island thanks to its volcanic beginnings. It is, however, most known as being the place wherever the sculpture of Venus was found; the sculpture is currently on show at the Louvre in Paris. This horseshoe-shaped island couldsolely have regarding five,000 residents, however it will have over 70 beaches. Ocean waters vary from blue to violet, depart by white and pink rocks, additionally tributary to the colours of the island. April and May are considered the best times to visit because of the blooming vegetation.
Ios
Ios is a hilly island with cliffs descending to the sea. During the summer months, it’s known as a party island where revelers dance the nights away in clubs in Chora, the main town and port city, where white-washed houses climb the hillside. But it also has picture postcard views of stunning scenery. Visitors rank its golden sand beaches as the top tourist attraction, but the tomb of Homer, who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey, also is a popular draw. Skarkos is a good place to see excavated prehistoric ruins.
Tinos
Tinos, the name for each the island and its main town, can be delineated as ecumenical, because itis vital to the Catholic Church and Catholic religions. Greek pilgrims come back here doubly annually to wish at the church of Panagia Megalochari or Virgin Mary. The island conjointly has forty ancient villages,fantastic beaches and is home to several illustrious Greek artists, particularly marble sculptors who live largely around Pyrgos. Timos has 3 ports serving speed boats and ferries; villages on the island are joined by bus. The island has concerning eighty windmills furthermore as picturesque villages rise the mountainsides.
Naxos
Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades islands, figures conspicuously in Greek mythology and conjointly was invaded within the Crusades throughout the centerAges. Some locals still wear ancient vesture on this island that’s each mountains and inexperiencedvalleys. The capital is Naxos town, conjointly called Chora, that is near many beaches, as well assome that permit nude sunbathing. Walking through the previous space of Chora ranks high on travelers’ must-do lists Another favorite is that the Portara, associate entryway that is still of a Greek temple to Apollo; sunset is that the best time to go to the temple.
Paros
Paros is one in every of the foremost picturesque of the Greek isles with its charming previouscities of cobble streets, painted buildings and spirited vines of bougainvilleas. attributable to itsseveral convenient ferry connections, Paros makes an excellent base if you wish to go to alternative islands within the Cyclades. If you’re craving for a beautiful nightlife scene, you may be spoiled for selection on this Cycladic island because it offers several places that feature a large vary of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The beaches on Paros square measure plentiful yet, starting from the quiet and remote to the additional huddled wherever windsurfing competitions are oft hosted
Mykonos
One of the smallest of the Cyclades islands, Mykonos features two primary towns, Mykonos Town and Ano Mera. Embellished with charming whitewashed buildings and winding lanes, Mykonos Town pulses with lively shopping boutiques, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and stylish bars. Sites not to miss here include the 16th century windmills, the stunning Byzantine church, Panagia Paraportiani, and the romantic seaside district of Little Venice. Like most of the Greek islands, Mykonos boasts beautiful beaches. Tourists will find tavernas, restaurants, beach umbrellas and deck chairs on most of the beaches here.
Images by , Francisco Aragão, Herry Photos, Butch Osborne under CC License.