UNESCO world heritage – VAGABOND IMAGES

10 things not to be missed while in Bruges

Upendra SwamiOctober 15, 2019675 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...

IndiaPhotogallery

Hampi in Monsoon : Images from Hemakuta Hills

Upendra SwamiJuly 23, 2017842 Views6

We are in UNESCO World heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka and have already went through the Virupaksha temple which is considered to be the most sacred of Hampi's all temples. Right to the north of Virupaksha temple in Hampi is a big rock face which is known as Hemakuta Hill. It is not a big hill per say, but it is located very strategically. You can have a grand view of the Virupaksha temple and the Hampi Bazar from the top of the hill. There are ruins scattered all around. Also read: Hampi in Monsoon - Virupaksha Temple It is aptly also called as a canvas of rocks. And its actually a very amazing sight of the temple ruins around and the very strange rock formations. This rock hill has small temples, gateways and pavilions scattered all around. There are also remains of a forti

IndiaPhotogallery

Hampi in Monsoon : Virupaksha Temple

Upendra SwamiJuly 22, 20171818 Views8

Hampi is indeed one of the most prominent heritage sites in peninsular India. In our childhood, we all had been deeply associated with stories of Raja Krishna Dev Raya (Krishnadevaraya) and Tenali Raman (Ramkrishna). It is always fascinating to be there where all those immortal stories of Vijayanagara empire would have taken place. Hampi is also a place which can be included in our monsoon travel itineraries. Having there been in monsoon, I can safely say that it is one of he best time to visit Hampi. Summers are indeed a torture here and winter would be fun but it is the monsoon which brings the best out of this historical place in Hemakuta hills of Karnataka. So here are few images from monsoon travel in Hampi, starting with the Virupaksha temple. Few striking ones to begin with- view...

International

This year it would be Japan on the Flower Carpet

Upendra SwamiJanuary 16, 2016528 Views8

Every two years, in the month of August, the Grand-Place at Belgian Capital Brussels is adorned with its most beautiful attire and becomes a gigantic ocean of flowers. This year will be even more special, as the famous carpet of flowers will be celebrating its 20th anniversary! In 2016, Belgium and Japan will be celebrating 150 years of diplomatic and friendly relations. It is therefore perfectly natural that the organisers have chosen to let the colours of Japan inspire the design of the carpet. The general public will be invited to come and admire this Japanese creation on 13, 14 and 15 August 2016, from 10 am to 10 pm, on the Brussels Grand-Place. The traditional inaugural evening will be held on 12 August at 10 pm. The Flower Carpet is 75 m long by 24 m wide. 1,800 m2 of beg...

InternationalNews

Philadelphia named 1st world heritage city in US

Upendra SwamiNovember 8, 2015316 Views1

The City of Philadelphia has become the first World Heritage City in the United States. It received the designation through a vote taken by the XIII World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Arequipa, Peru. The designation comes as the result of a two-year campaign and is expected to enhance the City’s international stature and provide a new growth engine to drive tourism and commerce in the region. As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world as the epicenter of American democracy and for its enduring commitment to preserving the unique historical and cultural assets in its diverse community. From its Colonial history to the present day, Philadelphia has rightfully earn...

IndiaPhotogallery

Spring in Khajuraho – A photo diary

Upendra SwamiMarch 13, 2015542 Views10

Well when we talk about Khajuraho, what comes to our minds of this UNESCO world heritage site is its beautiful temples and world famous erotic sculptures. But then nature has its own carvings and sculptures. Spring being one of the best of them. What about a spring in Khajuraho? Lets have a photo journey of Khajuraho with a nature's view in all its splendid colours. What a break it would be from dancing divas on and off the temples of Khajuraho! Truly romantic! Isn't it! ...

International

A fairytale trip on Glacier Express

Upendra SwamiDecember 23, 2014374 Views1

If you think that it is tough to be in Europe on a vacation in winters, then think again. There are many things you will simple fall in love with during winters, when everything is white as snow, literally. Glacier express is among the top of them. Any sight that comes closer to this one in India is a train trip from Ramban to Baramulla in Kashmir Valley. But then Swiss beauty is something everybody craves for. A journey on the Glacier Express in winter has its own uniquely special charm. The Glacier Express is the most famous railway in the world. It travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz in around seven hours. It is a day trip through untouched mountain landscapes, glamorous health resorts, deep gorges, delightful valleys, 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges. The tr...

InternationalNews

Pakistan to relaunch its tourist train

Upendra SwamiNovember 11, 2013482 Views0

In order to give its tourist sector a boost Pakistan railways have planned to establish a tourist train from Rawalpindi to Khewra and other frivolous areas. According to plan set initially the tourist train will cover routes from Rawalpindi to Taxila, Attock Khurd, Rohtas Fort, Mangla dam and Khewra. Afterwards, the Railways will extend its tourist train operations to other entertaining spots of the country. Railways also plan to offset some of its losses through this. The ‘tourist train’ will be run by Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy Service (PRACS), a subsidiary of Pakistan Railways, on weekly basis. In the past Railways started such project on October 2010 between Rawalpindi and Taxila Museum to attract people to visit the tourist locations, but due to some reasons, ...

International

8th Wonder or not, Torres del Paine is really wonderful!!

Upendra SwamiNovember 5, 2013268 Views0

The lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and granite towers of Chile's Torres del Paine are a wonder to behold. The "8th Wonder," one travel website says. Whether it can be christened 8th wonder or not, many may argue, but there can't be any doubt that it is indeed one of the most wonderful places in the world, one you would never like to miss. After receiving 5 million votes on VirtualTourist.com from visitors across the world, the national park has been named the "8th Wonder of the World" by the site, beating out more than 300 entries from 50 countries in a contest launched earlier this year. "With its awe-inspiring physical attributes and breathtaking landscapes, it's no wonder our site visitors named Torres del Paine the winner," claimed website. Earlier this year, VirtualTourist decla...

IndiaNews

Nilgiri Mountain Railway celebrates 106th anniversary

Upendra SwamiOctober 16, 20131094 Views0

The 106th anniversary of the heritage Nilgiris Mountain Railway (NMR) services was held in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) on Tuesday, 16th October 2013. Passengers alighting from the train were welcomed with red rose, cake and chocolate by railway officials. Built by the British, NMR train ran on steam engines for a long time. Running between Mettupalayam in Coimbatore and Coonoor covering 41.8 km, it now operates on an oil-fired engine. It is very popular among tourists alike the other mountain railways such as Shimla, Darjeeling and Jogindernagar. It has been given Heritage Status by the UNESCO. The train shot into fame after the song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from popular Bollywood film “Dil Se”, featuring Shahrukh Khan, was shot on its roof top. METTUPALAIYAM - OOTY : It was in 1854, that ...