Renowned as an exceptional example of Buddhist art and architecture, the Sanchi stupas is a great UNESCO world heritage site in India. The town of Sanchi lies 45 km north of Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The stupas of Sanchi (“heaps” containing Buddhist relics) are some of finest and most well preserved structures of ancient India, especially for those interested in Sanchi Buddhist monuments that were constructed between the 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. Sanchi also makes a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhists from all around the world. It is among the few Buddhist sites in India that give visitors an opportunity to see how Buddhist art and architecture originated and prospered in India about 2,000 years ago. ...
Visitors that tote their golf clubs and equipment to what's known as the Devil's Golf Course, are going to be in for a little bit of an awakening. That's because the Death Valley attraction isn't what most people would call a playable golf course. The place has taken on its name because its said that only the devil could play golf on the rough surface of the land. Devil's Golf Course is located in the Badwater Basin of Death Valley National Park. Situated near the California/Nevada border, the Badwater Basin is known as the lowest point in the U.S., at almost 300 feet below sea level. Years ago, nearby streams ran from the nearby mountains into what is today known as the Devil's Golf Course. ...
The vision of thousands of crimson torii gates stretching up the mountainside is one of the most iconic images of Kyoto, and of Japan. The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is one of the most famous shrines in the city, and one of the oldest Inari shrines in Japan, founded in 711. Popularized throughout the world in the film adaptation of Memoirs of a Geisha, walking through the tunnel of red lacquered torii (a distinctive shape for Shinto gates) is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Shrine stands out among the temples of Kyoto as a unique and whimsical tribute to the Shinto god of rice and industry, Inari, whose representatives are fox spirits (“kitsune”). When first ...
Thissur in Kerala, India, is possibly best known for it's annual elephant festival, Thissur Pooram. As one of the biggest festivals in Kerala, it is often called the “pooram of all poorams", or the "meetings of all meetings." Devotees and spectators from all parts of the state make a beeline to the Thissur Pooram festival to enjoy the colourful celebration and ornately decorated elephants. Thrissur Pooram is about 200 years old and was introduced during the reign of Sakthan Thampuran, the Raja of Kochi. The legend behind the annual elephant festival is believed to trace back to a time when neighbouring gods and goddesses met up for a day of celebration. Arriving with an entourage of elephants draped in ornaments, tusks decorated, and a panchavadyam ...
Just an hour outside of Paris by TGV, the town of Lille is home to one of the most anticipated events in France: the annual two-day Braderie de Lille. As the largest flea market in all of Europe, this vibrant event dates back to medieval times and now attracts almost two million visitors each September. The “Braderie” (French for “sell at a low price”) offers over 10,000 exhibitors hawking their wares with everything from knick-knacks to treasures. Saturday kicks off the Braderie de Lille, and as with any yard sale, the first day offers the best selection. Note that “window shopping” is allowed on Saturday morning, but the sale does not officially begin until 2:00 p.m. Although the streets will get crowded and may even ...
If you're looking to experience traditional Hong Kong in one of its most unique and fascinating festivals, look no further than the weeklong Cheung Chau Bun Festival. This whimsical holiday, characterized by folkloric costumes, traditional handicrafts, crowded festive streets, and crowned by the race to the top of the bun towers, is one of the liveliest events in Hong Kong every year. Taking place in late April or early May (it's a lunar festival, celebrated in the fourth moon of the year), the Cheung Chau Bun Festival makes the little island of Cheung Chau (the smallest of Hong Kong's outlying islands) the focus of the entire metropolis. Take the half-hour ferry ride to Cheung Chau during the Bun Festival, and you will be greeted by ...
In many ways, the Iditarod is for winter what the Tour de France is for summer. Representing one of the cruellest and most challenging sporting events in the world, the dog race tests the will and strength of racers to the very limit. Not for the faint of heart, this sports event is certainly not just a snow day. Beginning in the early ‘70s, the Iditarod is a world-renowned race, pushing both humans and their dogs to the limit. Though the Iditarod race only dates back a few decades, dog sledding has a long history in Alaska. Named after the small Alaskan town of Iditarod, the race was originally meant to end there; however, races finished up in Nome, Alaska. The proper term for the ...
In the middle of the poor and dusty central plains of the Brazilian state of Bahia, there arises a highland plateau that can only be described as a natural paradise. Chapada Diamantina National Park is about 1,500 square kilometers, including hills, valleys, monoliths and mountains. Here you will find rivers rambling through the semi-arid tropical forest where fruit trees overhang the banks. Waterfalls and natural slides abound. On the forest floor you'll encounter crystals, and underground are caves where gold and diamonds have been discovered. “Chapada” means a region of steep cliffs near a plateau. The name Diamantina stuck after diamonds were discovered here in the mid 19th century. There are parts of the park that look like a green Arizona. Other parts are covered ...
London is the home of one of the world’s greatest theatre districts—the West End. Like Broadway in New York, London’s West End is synonymous with famous plays, musicals and grand productions. Great shows like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables have remained so popular, that they have been running non-stop for 24 and 25 years respectively! As popular as they are, these shows are dwarfed by the long-running Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap, which has been running since 1952! London’s West End theatre district can mean a large area of central London, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and other notable places. At the heart of the London West End show scene the corners of Shaftesbury Avenue, Drury Lane, and The Strand stand ...
When you first think of Yellowknife, it might conjure up visions of snow-clad tundra, caribou hunts, or maybe even ice fishing in this northernmost territory of Canada. During the winter season, October through April, Yellowknife’s almost 19,000 residents come out to celebrate during their annual Caribou Carnival. Since 1955, Yellowknife's Caribou Carnival has been held in the spring months of either March or April. Originally, the Caribou Carnival was designed as a get-together for local trappers who would compete in various events in the hopes of being crowned the champion. Don’t worry about being cold in the Diamond Capital of North America. As long as you’ve dressed appropriately, there are plenty of places to warm up and enjoy a nice big mug of hot chocolate ...
