Smoky Mountains National Park – Simply Great
March 29, 2010 / 7 Comments


Smoky Mountains National Park – Simply Great

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses some of the oldest mountains of the planet. It is situated in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The boundary of the state passes through the park. The park is one of the largest in eastern United States. The park measures 54 miles in length and 19 miles in breadth. The total area of the park stands at half a million acres. The number of tourists visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is higher than any other park. This may be due to the fact of its close proximity to more than 60 percent of the nation’s population. The average number of people visiting the park annually has touched nine million. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets its name from the mist and blue haze that surrounds the mountainous regions. The mist is formed due to the interaction between  [...] 


Great Basin National Park
March 25, 2010 / 9 Comments


Great Basin National Park

For millions, the casinos of Las Vegas are the only glimpse of Nevada. It may be surprising for these individuals to learn that some 250 miles north are present permanent snowfields and a small glacier. These are the hallmarks of Wheeler Peak, which is the central attraction of the Great Basin National Park. Great Basin National Park has numerous wildlife zones and amazing views of the distant mountains and desert scenery. This is a welcome change from the greenish plains covered by sagebrush. These plains cover much of the state. Great Basin National Park has another attraction in the form of Lehman Caves. It is a cavern system replete with beautiful limestone formations. The park was created in 1986. Before this, only the cave areas were officially recognized as the Lehman Caves National Monument. The rest of the park has not been covered  [...] 


Utah National Parks
March 22, 2010 / 10 Comments


Utah National Parks

Utah National Parks comprise of eight national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Grand Circle, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon. Zion National Park Zion National Park is the oldest among Utah National Parks. The park is renowned for its unbelievable canyons, which includes the ‘Narrows’. The park draws canyoneers from all over the globe. The possibilities for hiking are endless. The average number of visitors per year touches three million. Bryce Canyon National Park The park’s amphitheater gives rise to thousands of carved spires having different colors. The pink cliffs of the park are the result of millions of years wind and water activity. It is not merely a canyon, but comprises eastern slope of Paunsaguant Plateau. Arches National Park Arches National Park is home to the largest concentration of stone arches.  [...] 


New Orleans resting on the rim of Mississippi river
March 18, 2010 / 8 Comments


New Orleans resting on the rim of Mississippi river

New Orleans is for sure a very seductive city. Located in Louisiana State of America, the city is placed in between the Lake Pontchartrian, which is located to the north and River Mississippi, which is located to the south. The various city areas are designated as downriver or upriver areas depending upon the location of the area in connection to the River Mississippi. New Orleans is over and over again stated as purely the ‘Big Easy’, owing to its negligent approach, as well as this metropolitan has developed a sturdy tourist representation of a festivity township, with most important jazz venues as well as specific Creole pressures. The French Quarter, which is located in New Orleans is a predominantly momentous district, which consist of almost 80 blocks in the region of the lively Jackson Square that is frequently overflowing  [...] 


Acadia National Park
March 15, 2010 / 9 Comments


Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the most splendid places in North America. The park comprises of mountains, islands, and ocean. This has made the park a crowning glory in all of Maine. Each year, Acadia National Park sees million of travelers, who wish to have a good vacation. The town of Bar Harbor is engulfed within the park. This has created a blend of perfect landscapes with a ‘downeast’ flavor and character. Most tourists return for a second visit. The experience will stay with you for a lifetime. The donation of private citizens keeps the Acadia National Park teeming with activity. The vision of benevolent members has stood the test of time. George B. Dorr and Charles W. Eliot prevented the park from over-development. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., played a role in the development carriage roads. He donated nearly 11,000 acres of land,  [...] 


Arunachaleswara temple housing Lord Shiva as fire
March 11, 2010 / 1 Comments


Arunachaleswara temple housing Lord Shiva as fire

The three main categories which are devoted to lord Shiva, in India are as follows:- The Jyotir Lingams The Bhuta Lingams The Svayambhu Lingums It is stated that Lord Shiva had marked his presence in the five south Indian temples. The places were Lord Shiva was present as any normal elements are known to be the Bhuta Lingams. The five south Indian temples and the particular elements are given below Sri Kalahasti – wind Chidambaram – air and the heart. Kanchipuram – earth Tiruvanaikka/Jambunath – water and the stomach. Tiruvannamalai – fire and the chest. Legend behind the Temple: Alan Morinis in one of the pilgrimage books that was related to the Hindu customs and tradition narrated a very appealing story. The story provides information regarding a blessed hill located in Arunachala, which came in the contact  [...] 


Khajuraho – temples of love
March 8, 2010 / 8 Comments


Khajuraho – temples of love

Location: Khajuraho is a small village located in the Madhya Pradesh state of India. The village is famous for the various temples located in the village. It is located at a distance of around 626 km to the east of the Delhi city. The temples of Khajuraho took around hundred yeas from 950-1050 AD for its construction. The temples were constructed during Chandela reign. The temple’s exterior are carved with the sculptures depicting the physical splendor of woman and man. The demonstrations of the pure poetries that are derivatives of the thought are found nowhere apart from the Khajuraho temples. The most flourishing capital of the reign, Khajuraho was the most glorious place between the 10th and the 12th century. The beautifully carved temples of Khajuraho are the major tourist attractions. Orginally there were around 80 temples but till  [...] 


Sanchi Stupa-Major Symbol of Buddhism in India
March 4, 2010 / 7 Comments


Sanchi Stupa-Major Symbol of Buddhism in India

Location: Numerous Buddhist memorials that belong to early third century and up to the late thirteen century are located at Sanchi, India. These memorials includes a number of monasteries as well as stupas also pillars and temples. Stupas are nothing but huge dome which are semicircular in the shape. The stupas have rooms located in its interior. In the rooms that are situated in the center of the room, the remnants of the Lord Buddha are kept. The Stupa is permeated with many representative values. One of the most famous Emperors, Ashoka Priyadasi had got converted to Buddhism. He ordered to create a Stupa in Sanchi as to celebrate his conversion. Located near the flourishing settlement of Vidisa, Sanchi is more of a thoughtful place. Since the Stupa was located very close to Vidisa, the monks were able to fulfill their spiritual task of  [...] 


Borobundur- the largest Buddha temple in Indonesia
March 1, 2010 / 8 Comments


Borobundur- the largest Buddha temple in Indonesia

Location: Borobudur is a place where you will come across the mountain of statues. It is located in the State of Central Java in Indonesia. Also it is placed in the South of Magalang. Borobudur is well-known for the huge and the lavish Buddhist Stupa. The Stupa at Borobundar is considered as the largest Stupa in the world. It is believed that the Stupa represents the universe. The monument is known for its incredible splendor and refinement. Structure: The Borobudur Temple looks like a mixture of Indian stupa and the mid-Asian pyramid, ziggurat. This huge monument is located on the crest of a hill and is made out of a volcanic rock. The structure has a form of a massive mandala that symbolizes the path to deliverance. The monument has around nine terraces which are constructed one over the other. The six terraces which are placed in the bottom  [...]