travel – Page 7 – VAGABOND IMAGES

Flowers of trekking: Sighting of rare Brahma Kamal

Upendra SwamiOctober 21, 20198833 Views10

Had heard a lot about the Brahma Kamal flower earlier. But got to see it blooming for the first time when I went to Valley of flowers and Hemkund trek almost fifteen years back. (But here I will like to remind you that it is not Valley of Flowers, where you will find it normally, but on the Hemkund trek. Everywhere around the sacred lake on the surrounding mountains, you can see this flower blooming.) Thereafter, have seen it on various occasions during high-altitude trekking in Uttarakhand. Watching this flower in its natural habitat is a luxury that only serious trekkers can afford to. Rest all can enjoy this post and the photographs. Kamal is Hindi term for Lotus, but unlike different species of Lotus family, Brahma Kamal blooms amongst rocks and grasses on hillside. Even Brahma Kamal ...

International

Open House Jerusalem – A lifetime opportunity to view unseen architectural and artistic treasures

Upendra SwamiOctober 17, 20191530 Views2

This one is for connoisseurs of art and some aficionados of interesting architectures at one of the holiest cities in the Israel. Some of Jerusalem’s most fascinating architectural treasures will open their doors to the public for the Annual Open House Jerusalem festival, which takes place this year from October 31 - November 2, 2019. As part of the international Open House festival, one weekend a year Jerusalem offers a once in a lifetime access to unseen artistic treasures and private spaces, including designer lofts, urban villas, unique synagogues, architecturally significant public buildings, curious construction sites, plazas and gardens. During the event weekend, the public can visit, explore and attend lectures about these sites. Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Scienc...

International

10 things not to be missed while in Bruges

Upendra SwamiOctober 15, 20191948 Views4

Bruges is said to be a city that will capture your heart. Being a major trading port, it has been an international metropolis for centuries. Despite this, it has retained its medieval charm as well as its natural beauty. Something that has helped its historic city centre to attain the tag of World Heritage Site of UNESCO. In Europe it is also referred as Venice of the North, because of its canals. It is indeed one of my favourite European cities. Although a city like Bruges is worth spending a plentiful of time, but I am shortlisting ten things that you shouldn't miss when you visit this marvellous city. Lets, have a look at them. Boating in Bruges A trip in its canals Bruges looks more charming when you take a boat trip on its canals. Half hour trips on boats are most popular a...

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‘Buddycations’ are India’s new Holiday Mantra

Upendra SwamiSeptember 27, 20194815 Views2

‘Dosti ki hai toh nibhani padegi’ – a famous dialogue from a classic Bollywood movie. Sounds too cheesy? Absolutely not. A recent study commissioned by the leading private non-life insurer on the occasion of World Tourism Day reveals that Indians take vacations with their buddies (aka “Buddycation”) and make compromises individually in order to fulfill promises of the whole group. Friends playing in waves on beach The survey by ICICI Lombard suggests that school or college friends in India are more inclined to meet over an annual ‘Buddycation’ (21%) than during their annual alumni meet (16%). As per the survey, respondents in Mumbai (29%), Ahmedabad (26%) and Hyderabad (22%) are most likely to to take an annual vacation with friends, while respondents in Chennai (32%) and Delhi (22%...

International

Romancing the horse coaches in Bruges

Upendra SwamiSeptember 23, 20193232 Views4

Almost every city in the world has its own distinct way for tourists to explore its destinations, landscape and heritage. Few of them still have an old world charm of doing that. Belgian city of Bruges is one of them. Actually, Bruges has not one but two classical way to be explored- by boat on its canals and by horse-drawn carriages. Both of them are fairytale sort of romantic rides in a city which is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I would largely agree to that. Two women with their horse carriages at Bruges market square Cobbled streets, winding canals and magnificent Gothic architecture, make Bruges a trip back to medieval times. Besides, swans gliding on canals, horse-drawn carriages, historic buildings, the Belfry and the Beguinage and ...

India

Shah Waliullah Library: A little effort with a rare, outstanding reach!

Upendra SwamiSeptember 9, 20193891 Views2

For book lovers around the world, libraries bring together a world of fascination. Libraries not just store the large, larger and largest volume of books, but big or small, they are also the treasure-trove of knowledge, culture and history. This time around, I am taking you all to a very small library situated in dark alleys of walled city in Old Delhi. Very small, but very unique. Libraries can be unique in their own ways- some in volume of books, some in sheer size of complex, some in collection, some in antiquity, some in architecture and many others in many other ways. Therefore, it won’ be fair to compare a library with 162 million items to a library with just over 21 thousand books. Libraries are dependent on resources, support and patronage and, also on their motives. Little spa...

InternationalNews

Art, food, wine & comics – September fun in Brussels

Upendra SwamiSeptember 4, 20191726 Views2

September is so interesting in Brussels, my favourite international city. Although Brussels remains occupied with various activities almost round the year, but September is when it hosts some of its most famous events. Events which truly reflect the essence of Brussels, enjoying things Brussels is truly famous for- its art, its comics, and classic wines as well as food. Its one of the best times to be here. eat! Brussels Photo © visit.brussels - Eric Danhier Contemporary art makes a comeback From September, contemporary art will take centre stage on Brussels’ cultural scene. From the unmissable Brussels Gallery Weekend to the Chiharu Shiota exhibition at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Accessible Art fair, the shows and exhibitions honour artists from all walks of life. Bru...

IndiaNews

Snake boat races in Kerala get their own champions league

Upendra SwamiSeptember 1, 20193057 Views2

Kerala’s famed snake boat race lost most of their charm last year because of catastrophic floods. Heavy rains in first half of August threatened to repeat it again this year. But the God’s own country somehow escaped the nature’s fury this time and though delayed, the boat race season in now on its track, which normally kicks off every year with historical Champakulam Boat Race on the Moolam day. But there was lot more in store this year. Kerala’s all-famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race got an added feature this year when Champions Boat League (CBL) was flagged off at Alappuzha amid the star presence of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, gifting the country its first such water sport formatted on the lines of IPL cricket. Pallathuruthi Boat Club were the proud winners of the Nehru Boat Rac...

International

Six most restricted countries you might be traveling next

Upendra SwamiAugust 27, 20191383 Views2

According to the pro-democracy think tank Freedom House, internet freedom is declining all around the world. Censorship is being ramped up on everything from social media or e-commerce websites to search engines. Interestingly, many of the countries with the strictest rules and highest censorship are also popular tourist destinations. “With this in mind, it’s wise to check if your next travel destination has any internet restrictions. Especially if you are planning to do some work there,” says Daniel Markuson, digital privacy expert at NordVPN. “One of the most powerful tools to avoid such internet censorship is a virtual private network. Both travelers and locals use VPNs to access the internet with no limitations.” Antalaya, Turkey Tourist destinations with mo...

International

11 tastes you must try when visiting Israel!

Upendra SwamiAugust 21, 20191368 Views1

Israel is every Epicurean’s dream destination and a wide variety of cafés serve everything from Arabic, European to Asian fare. But no matter what one picks, the food in the Jewish heartland will always be infused with the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, the goodness of fresh dairy products and meats, garnished with garden crisp fruits, nuts and vegetables. Here’s a low down on dishes you must indulge in whether you’re in a market, street or at a restaurant in Israel Challahs with poppy seeds. Photo: Haim Yosef Challah - A special Jewish ceremonial bread, braided and brushed with egg white that is baked to perfection Sabich – A pita pocket stuffed with crispy fried eggplant, hardboiled egg, creamy hummus and tahini, along with Israeli salad and pickles. The sandwich created by...