Best Places of Interest - Page 32 of 184

September 7, 2019 Travel, Within India

Hidden Gems in India to Visit Before You Die

Continuing my series on What are the best and hidden places to visit in India? Part 7

India is a land of many adventures, treasures and surprises. Though tourism in our subcontinent is a fast growing sector but there are many special places that only real travelers know and care about.

Here are hidden treasures in India that every traveler must visit before they die.

Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya

This small village located in Khatarshnong Laitkroh Block of East Khasi Hills, is the perfect hideout for people hungry for isolation in the lap of nature.

Chettinad Palace, Tamil Nadu

Rajasthan is not the only retreat for history enthusiasts. The Chettinad Palace in Tamil Nadu is a unique amalgamation of art, architecture and tradition.

13 Arch Bridge, Kerala

The 13 Arch Bridge of Kerala is located in Kazhathuruthi in Kollam district. This architectural marvel is a sight to behold. Constructed over a century ago with just rocks, the 13 Arch is also an architectural marvel.

Tada Falls/Ubbalamadugu Falls, Andhra Pradesh

These not so famous waterfalls of Andhra Pradesh are tucked away in beautiful hillocks and greenery. Hikers and trekkers looking for a quiet escape can be spotted around the falls.

Arvalem Caves, Goa

The rock cut caves are monuments of the pre-historic life in Goa, a time of Pandavas and Mahabharata. These caves (located 9kms south of Bicholim Town) are now a rather recent discovery and are said to be a hide out for Pandavas during their exile.

Jhatingri, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is a popular tourist destination but this little abode is situated five kilometers from Ghatasni on way to Barot. The hill town is completely unspoilt and is perfect for those who don’t make/like a lot of noise.

Doodhpathri, Kashmir

Doodhpathari is considered one of the most beautiful meadows in India, and situated only 42 km away from Srinagar a visit here is almost mandatory.

Idukki, Kerala

One of the most beautiful districts hidden away from mad tourist crowds. But what it is an absolutely scenic drive through forest with signs telling you to watch out for elephants by the side of the road.

Chalakudy, Kerala

Move away Munnar and Thekkady, if you are the explorer kind then Chalakudy is just the place for you. It brings together hills, wildlife, waterfalls and backwaters of Mala and Azhicode along with a stunning Munakkal beach, all within itself.

Nagarhole National Park

Under conseration for UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngarhole National Park has a reserve of wildlife and plants that will make for any photographer’s delight.

Adalaj Stepwell, Gujarat

Known as one of the finest examples of ancient architecture in India. The stepwell is a historical monument that can make even the most modern travelers stop and stare.

Maithon, Jharkhand

Want to combine your obsession of exploration with travel, the Maithon is the place you have been waiting for.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa

A ferry ride away from Ribandar, the Bird Sanctuary is located in the island of Chorao. During the migratory months birds come from as far as Siberia, and are best spotted early in the morning.

Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

Kitchakdari and Shakkal Lakes are amongst the many places of interest in this small place. From Gawilghur Fort to ancient temples and wildlife museum, Chikhaldara is truly a gem hidden from the popular eye.

Badami Caves, Karnataka

Hidden in the Bagalkot district of north Karnataka, Badami Caves stand reminiscent of the great Chalukya architecture. The town used to be a capital of the Chalukya empire in 6th century.

Haflong, Assam

Even if you find Haflong too boring, Halflong Lake is beautiful enough to keep you going for days in its admiration.

~ Thorma Heyerdal, consultant at Indiae-visa.com (2016-present)

Health Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea

Tea and coffee have the terrible reputation of being mind-altering drugs that are more detrimental to your health than not, but herbal brews like dandelion root tea have many health benefits than you can imagine.

Herbal teas have more anti-oxidants that flush out the toxins in your body; they can help you lose weight and maintain your health.

For dandelion plants, people can use each part of the plant to create their blend; meaning roots, leaves, and stems can be turned into a health drink. You can mix your concoction at home or shop online; plus, with the various coupons for health products available, you can save on the cost of the ingredients or the whole mix.

If you are planning on adopting a healthier lifestyle, here are some of the health benefits of dandelion root tea that you should know:

Substitute for Coffee

The thing about eating and drinking unhealthy foods is that the effects are not always immediate. That’s why most people think there aren’t any.

But, the fact is that coffee and any other caffeinated drinks are beautifully advertised drugs that might make you feel fancy when drinking but have adverse on your body. They cause addictions, nausea, insomnia, increased heart rate, restlessness, nervousness, fidgeting, and more.

Dandelion roots when roasted until dark brown, then soaked in hot water before straining can be an alternative to coffee for those wanting the pleasure of caffeine without the harm.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Research states that inflammation affects many types of diseases. And, while there is no conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that dandelion tea may help with inflammation, the possibility that the compounds it contains can help is much more significant to be dismissed entirely.

The whole dandelion plant can be brewed for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.

Lowers Cholesterol

lower cholestrol with dandelion root tea

A 2012 study on effects of dandelion on hyperlipidemia in rats suggests that the plant may have the capacity to inhibit the pancreatic lipase enzyme. That, in turn, affects the lipid and cholesterol concentration in their bodies.

Reduces Liver Damage

Another one of the many health benefits of dandelion root tea is also a reduction in liver damage. According to the Nutrition reviews, it limited the extent of damage in rats.

It is believed that the anti-oxidants in the dandelion roots might detoxify the liver; it can also help with eye and skin problems and might reduce symptoms of liver disease.

Helps with Digestion

improve digestion with dandelion root tea

Dandelion has been part of the tribal medical practices used to treat many ailments of the human body. One such problem was with digestion.

All current evidence is somewhat anecdotal; but, in history, dandelion root tea was used to improve appetite, relieve constipation, and other digestive concerns.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the numerous potential health benefits of dandelion root tea; and, while there need to be more research on the topic, human trials to be conducted, it can be safely said that it is a much better way for healthy living than adopting vitamin supplements or medicines.

So, stay away from chemical alternatives and make a habit of drinking and eating healthy for a better, happier life.

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Author Bio

Haziqa Ishtiaq is a versatile blogger and content specialist for PennySaviour. You can find her works in the world of travel, business, tech, fashion, shopping, etc. on her blog. She holds a degree in Biotechnology but also has a passion for literature. She enjoys the simple pleasures in life, like reading next to a warm, cozy fire in the winter. You can follow her Twitter and LinkedIn to read up on her latest updates.

Difference between a sea and ocean?

Both the ocean and sea are large or vast waters-which account for 70 percent of the total land area.

Even as their waters, oceans, and seas are different in many ways;

First, oceans are waters between the continents, such as the Atlantic Ocean separating Africa from North/South America and Europe; the Indian Ocean separating India from Africa, Pacific Ocean separating North and South America from Asia.

The Ocean floor is made up of dense basaltic rock, this is a vast continuous body of water, which account for over two-thirds of the earth’s area.

The world has seven of these waters:

On the other hand, a sea is a narrow body of water; smaller in size than the ocean. Generally, seas are very close to land or human habitation, and the sea floor is made up of light granite rock of the continent. A sea is mostly enclosed land of water, which could be bodies of water as shown in this map. The Mediterranean Sea, otherwise known as the Great Sea is a body of water connecting Africa and southern Europe, this water connects twenty-three countries (in Africa, Europe, and Asia) and four territories.

Sea Within Sea; Not With Ocean

Another difference between sea and ocean is, a sea or seas can be found within another SEA as in the case of the Mediterranean Sea. Within the Mediterranean Sea, they’re other seas, such as the Adriatic Sea, Sea of Crete, Ligurian Sea, Ionian Sea, Sea of Sicily, Alboran Sea, Balearic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Aegean Sea, Myrton Sea, Levantine Sea, Gulf of Lion, Libyan Sea and many more. In the Black Sea, a strait connects it with another Sea of Azov. This is a common feature among the seas around the but not with oceans. Coming to Africa, the Red Sea another body of water through the Strait of Mandeb is connected to the Gulf of Aden, then to the Indian Ocean.

Depth: Oceans are deeper than seas, although, the sea is deep by its own standards and respect; however, oceans are deeper; the average depth of an ocean is put at 3.5 kilometers, which means, certain parts of oceans could be deeper beyond the 3.5 kilometers stretch. In many instances, it is always said, any part of the ocean with a-200-meter-depth, is nothing, but a deep sea. It may surprise you to know that there are underwater mountains, plains, and hills; of the two highest mountains in the world-Mounts Everest and Kilimanjaro-with 8,848 and 5865 meters-none equal in height to mountains in the Oceans, also with mountains in the seas.

The average ocean depth is 10,924 meters, the Arctic, the smallest ocean has an average depth of 5625 meters, while the deepest sea-the Caribbean Sea, also the largest of all the seas, has a depth of 6946 meters.

Coverage or Area: The areas covered by Oceans are far greater than the seas; even where there are multiple seas or bodies of seas within the same geographical area, oceans or oceans are larger. World water covers a total area of 361,900,000 square kilometers holding 1.35 billion cubic kilometers of water. Of the seven oceans-Pacific is the largest holding about 60,060,000 square kilometers of water; the Arctic, the smallest ocean, holds 5,427,000 square kilometers; while the Mediterranean Sea holds just 1,144,000 square kilometers of water.

Ocean Resources: Another difference between the sea and the ocean is that-World Oceans hold enormous resources, which mankind will never exhaust. The amount of world wealth-especially the HYDROCARBON PRODUCT in the oceans is stupendous-extremely astonishing. Since the industrial revolution of the mid-19th century, records or history shows that about 147 billion tons of oil have been pumped out for human consumption from world reserve; half of it, in the past 20 years. As of today, the conservative world reserve, which is reachable or explorable by modern technology is put at 157 billion tons, of this amount, 26 percent or 41 billion tons buried under ocean bed. In 2007, 1.4 billion tons of oil were sourced from the ocean; representing 37 percent of annual production.

On natural Gas, the oceans of the world harbor a chunk of world reserves-Middle East harbors considerably more gas in the “ocean floor” than any region; in the lead, is the South Pars/North Dome Oil field between Iran and Qatar. This is the world’s largest natural gas and condensate jointly owned by Iran and Qatar.

The International Energy Agency says it holds 50.97 trillion cubic meters (1800 trillion cubic feet) of In-situ gas and some 50 billion barrels of condensate with a volume equivalent to 360 billion barrels of oil, and 310 billion barrels equivalent of gas and 50 billion of bbl of condensate. This is the world’s largest conventional Hydrocarbon Accumulative-bigger than the Ghawar Oil field, which holds 170 billion barrels of original oil in place.

South Pars/North Dome-Gas Condensate Field-Jointly Owned by Iran and Qatar.

Finally, Animals in Oceans and Seas are Different:

Marine life in the seas is somehow different from those in the oceans-In oceans, we have microscopic organisms, plankton, bacteria, shrimps, big mammals-whale, sharks, dolphins, and many more. In the sea, we have both aquatic and amphibian; animals that live in the water and on the land. And because light can penetrate into the seawater than ocean water, it allows photosynthesis.

~ Silas O. Abayomi, Scholar, Researcher, Publisher, Mediator, Historian (2008-present)

Why planes don’t fly over the Pacific Ocean?

You may like to read Why planes don’t fly over the Pacific Ocean?

August 26, 2019 Travel, Within India

Monasteries with most beautiful architecture in Sikkim

The north-eastern state of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of India. Added as the 22nd state to the Republic of India, Sikkim was once ruled by the royal family of Sikkim. Sikkim is home to the world’s third-highest mountain peak – Mt Kanchenjunga.

The stunning Himalayan mountain, ecstatic cultural diversity, organic living, atmospheric calmness, and close-to-nature surroundings bring travelers from around the world to this stunning state. Buddhist Monasteries of Sikkim nestled on the hilltop of mountains are homes for spirituality that drive a lot of travelers to unleash the stress of their city lives.

The stunning architecture, colorful interiors, prayer chants and serene silence of these Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim is an overwhelming experience. While some have become a center of learning for the children, others are dedicated to prayers and chanting of Lord Buddha. Here are some truly revering monasteries with the most beautiful architecture in Sikkim!

Rumtek Monastery

One of the largest and most important monasteries in India – the Rumtek Monastery is at a distance of 25kms from the Gangtok city. Celebrating the Tibetan culture in its design and outlook, this beautiful monastery was built in 1960 as a seat of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. Ever since the 12th Karmapa reached Rumtek Monastery after leaving his Tibet Seat, this monastery has become a religious activity center of the Buddhist and is also called by the name Dharmachakra Center. At any point of time, the monastery if full of learners and people chanting in its arena which makes the visit quite serene and connecting. With lush greenery on the background, the colorful appearance of the monastery invigorates the eyes and is a pleasant experience.

Lachung Monastery

Overlooking the large snow-capped mountains of Sikkim, the Lachung Monastery is located at the Indo-Tibetan Border village of Lachung. Built-in 1880 at an elevation of 3000 meters over the convergence of two tributaries of Teesta River i.e. Lachung and Lachen, this monastery in north Sikkim belongs to Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Holding a quaint presence in the silent surroundings of the hills, the monastery is popular for its Buddhism prayers and activities that keep ringing in the air of the place. With colorful flags, Tibetan architecture, and picturesque beauty, the monastery is a stunning visit at about 118 km from Gangtok. One of the popular traditional mask dance performance is held every year at Lachung Monastery.

Ralang Monastery

One of the newest additions to Sikkim Monasteries – the Ralang Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in Sikkim made with the intricate art of Tibetan architecture. A short ride away from Ravangla (South Sikkim), this monastery combines the traditional values of Buddhism by following the Tibetan Buddhist Traditions and brings along a stunning beauty of the colorful exterior. With Mountains on the background and colorful Tibetan architecture on the front decorated with Tibetan flags, Sikkim Tourism is incomplete without visiting this monastery as it is known for its extensive collection of paintings, and thangkas. Owned by Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery is known to hold an annual festival Pang Lhabsol where the Kagyed Dance is performed by the Buddhist monks. It is one of the popular tourist destinations to visit in Sikkim.

Permayangtse Monastery

An important religious center on the hilltop of Peiling, the Permayangtse Monastery is located at an elevation of 2085 meters. Holding to the beauty of its 300-year-old structure, the monastery is in the highlight of golden and white with stunning Tibetan art and architecture. The pillars are inscribed with ancient manuscripts and the whole interior is a woodwork art making it a serene and blissful experience. The arena is also covered with Buddhist flags and greenery. While the monastery celebrates Buddhism faith and breathes into silent nuances of the Tibetan prayers, it also offers a panoramic view of the whole valley with a peak of snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga.

Dubdi Monastery

Built-in 1701 A.D. the Dubdi Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. At a short distance of 3kms of the town Yuksam (West Sikkim), this monastery is located on a hilltop at an elevation of 6900 meters. The monastery is popular for its statues of the three lamas and close-to-nature beauty. Designed much in line with the Tibetan monasteries, the colorful structure with woodwork, intricate Tibetan scripts, colorful additions, and stone-carved statues is quite an enchanting visit. Being one of the oldest monasteries belonging to Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery holds firm the beliefs of the Buddhist traditions and thus is quite a destination to know the Tibetan culture up close.

Phodang Monastery

Being a part of the three monasteries build in the 1960s under the guidance of the 9th Karmapa of Karma Kagyu lineage, the Phodang Monastery with Rumtek and Ralang is one of the must-visits in Sikkim. The murals, relics, artifacts and artistic design of the monastery capture the essence of the old-age Tibetan cultures. The Phodang Monastery resonate beauty with its colorful but intricate architecture, wooden dome, and scripts from the Buddhism beliefs. It is one of the popular learning centers too.

Tashiding Monastery

Built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunsok Rigzing and founded in 1616 the Tashiding Monastery is widely popular for its beauty and architecture. Ngadak was one of the three holy men said to hold the crowning ceremony of the first king of Sikkim. Today the monastery belongs to Nyingma Sect and is also one of the most pristine and stunning monasteries of Sikkim. On the top of a hill, the complex of Tashiding Monastery is known to have several Buddhist Shrines (Chortens) within the complex. The never-ending chants of the Tibetans here keep the surroundings filled with blissful vibrations making the experience of a visit to this monastery a truly satisfying one.

Sikkim being Buddhism inspired state experiences a lot of Tibetan architecture, and lifestyle. To connect with the life of Sikkim, and unleash in a serene surrounding these monasteries are a perfect getaway. Make the most of your vacay in Sikkim by spending a day learning the Buddhist Culture and traditions in one of these celebrated monasteries.

You may also like to read Best places to visit in Sikkim

Best places to visit in Sikkim for a relaxing experience

If you are planning on adopting a healthier lifestyle, here are some of the health benefits of dandelion root tea that you should know:

First, oceans are waters between the continents, such as the Atlantic Ocean separating Africa from North/South America and Europe; the Indian Ocean separating India from Africa, Pacific Ocean separating North and South America from Asia.

The Ocean floor is made up of dense basaltic rock, this is a vast continuous body of water, which account for over two-thirds of the earth’s area. The world has seven of these waters:

The Ocean floor is made up of dense basaltic rock, this is a vast continuous body of water, which account for over two-thirds of the earth’s area.

The world has seven of these waters: