Nalanda- Most Ancient Seats

A nondescript suburb on the outskirts of Rajagriha played host to Buddha and Mahavira. Centuries later, it was destined to become the world’s most ancient seat of learning.Nalanda owes its name to a naga (serpent) who lived in a tank, not very far from the royal capital Rajagriha. The Chinese legend accounts for the naga being injured while digging the foundation of a monastery. The soothsayers observed that "this is a very superior site. If you build here a Sangharama (monastery), it must of necessity become highly renowned. Throughout the five Indies it will be a model. For a period of a thousand years it will flourish still. Students of all degrees will here accomplish their studies. But many will spit blood because of this wound given to the Naga."

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City Palace of Udaipur

City Palace of Udaipur, the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh, the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was not conceived as a whole. The palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola.
Approach to the palace is through the 'Hati Pol' or the 'Elephant Gate'. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'great gate' leads to the first court, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates are eight carved 'toranas' or arches, which mark the spot where the rulers were weighed against gold or silver, the equivalent value of which was then distributed among the poor. Beyond the Tripolia is the arena where the elephant fights were staged.
The path then leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilions, terraces, corridors and hanging gardens - a harmonious profusion hard to describe.The soft cream coloured central 'Chhatri' has facing of blue coloured tiles with massive octagonal towers crowned with cupolas. The Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirror work. The Krishna Vilas has a series of miniature paintings, which are witness to the royal processions, festivals and the game of 'Chogan'.

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Famous Indian Beaches

India’s coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. India is bordered by Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and has a coastline of more than 7,000 kms. As a result it is home to numerous beaches and they are perfect places to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Whether it is a secluded beach in Andamans or a party beach in Goa, every beach in India is a perfect tourist destination. To make these beach holidays a luxury travel extravaganza, there are many beach resorts and luxury hotels available very close to these beaches. These beach resorts in the various palm-fringed beaches provide excellent recreation facilities.

Famous Indian Beaches:

Anjuna Beach,

GoaCalangute Beach,

GoaDona Paula Beach,

GoaColva Beach,

GoaGoa Baga Beach

Juhu BeachMarina Beach,

ChennaiKovalam Beach,

KeralaMarari Beach,

KeralaCherai Beach,

KeralaPuri Beach,

OrissaBeaches of Lakshadweep

Beaches of Andaman and Nicobar

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Himalayas

The Himalaya Mountains are the highest, most arduous mountain range in the world. Boasting each and every one of the fourteen highest peaks on the globe, none is more famous, or synonymous with the struggle of man versus nature, as Mount Everest. A map of the Himalayas shows that the mountains actually stretch across six separate countries, and include ranges within the Himalayas, one of which is the Karakoram Range where K2 is found. Mount Everest and K2 are two of the most famous of the Himalaya Mountains, the latter of which is considered by most mountaineers to be an even harder climb. Though a map of the Himalayas shows few peaks actually upon Chinese land, the cloud soaked peaks in Xinjang are only a couple thousand feet shorter than Everest itself, though considerably less notable.
For those who can handle a short ascent, there are thousands of serene lakes that can be found in the Himalayas, the largest being Pangong, on the Nepal-China border. However, few passes throughout the Himalaya Mountains allow people to cross. The least arduous (which is only true in relative terms) are the old offshoots of Silk Road, the Jelep La and Nathu La passes. Even these have charming monikers such as “the Gate to Hell,” named by Nepalese traders due to the impossibility of the terrain.
Though most travellers to China have little interest in climbing these giant peaks, the occasional trip is sent high into these mountains. But Himalaya trekking is hardly advisable for most. Even the smallest peak is often too much for an experienced climber, and any trip should be set up well ahead of time – you will need guides, not to mention all sorts of equipment that may not be readily available in the foothills of China. Most base camps are located along the Tibetan border, the main one being called, well, the Everest Base Camp. Located on the road between Lhasa and Kodari, the camp, and nearby guest houses, are set more for those who want a close up look at the towering mountains. Unfortunately, though, for most the Himalayas are for viewing purposes only. Drowned in snow at their summits, the mountains are unlike any other in the world, and true nature lovers habitually make their way to the foot of the great peaks, basking in the crisp air and majestic scenery that the land displays.

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Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa

Archaeologists discovered two 4000-year-old cities, 400 miles apart, along the banks of the Indus River in Pakistan. These expertly constructed cities were parts of an advanced civilization comparable to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. We don’t know what the ancient people of the Indus River Valley called themselves. Archaeologists named the cities Mohenjo-Daro, which means “hill of the dead,” and Harappa, after a nearby city.
The people of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa lived in sturdy brick houses that had as many as three floors. The houses had bathrooms that were connected to sewers. Their elaborate drainage system was centuries ahead of their time. Archaeologists have found the remains of fine jewelry, including stones from far away places. This shows that the people of the Indus Valley civilization valued art and traded with other cultures.
We don’t know what happened to the Indus River Valley civilization. It seems to have been abandoned about 1700BC. It is possible that a great flood weakened the civilization. The moving tectonic plates that created the Himalayas may have caused a devastating earthquake. It is also possible that the people may have been defeated by another culture.
What we know about the Indus civilization is evolving. Archaeologists are continuing to find new artifacts. In time, we may learn how this amazing civilization developed, how they learned to create an advanced ancient civilization, and why they suddenly disappeared.

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Will the world end in 2012?

According to the culture of ancient Maya, part of what scholars call Mesoamerica, astronomy predicts some major cosmic developments for December 21, 2012, including, perhaps, the end of the world as we now know it, as some people believe. Mayan calendars are still used by a few cultures in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador and are said to be the most accurate ones in existence. They date the solar year accurately within minutes, taking account of the cycles of sun, moon, Venus, and other cosmic bodies and only have to add one "leap day" after 380,000 years. Mayan civilisation was quite advanced, possessing technology that modern man is still trying to comprehend.

2012: The Year The Internet Ends:

Every significant Internet provider around the globe is currently in talks with access and content providers to transform the internet into a television-like medium: no more freedom, you pay for a small commercial package of sites you can visit and you'll have to pay for seperate subscriptions for every site that's not in the package.

Photon Energy to Peak in 2012

She says that people are finding there aren't enough hours in the day because of something called the "Photon Energy" which peaks in 2012. "No, it's not the end of the world, but it's going to feel like it to many." Who is she? Her name is Margaret McElroy, or Margaret M as she is known. An Australian now living in Seattle with her husband Alan, Margaret says "The Photon Energy is causing so many problems for people all around the world. We think there are 24 hours in the day, but really there are only about 6 - 8.

An orderly visit of Extraterrestrial Federation in 2012 representing 88 star constellations:

The world is getting ready for something spectacular in 2012. According to researchers, the Federation of the Universe representing all the 88 star constellations will officially visit earth in 2012 and reveal themselves. It will bring an end to all UFO cover-ups in various countries.

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Chola Temples

Chola Temples:
The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur was built by the potent ruler of the Chola dynasty, King Rajaraja chola in the 10th century AD. This temple is a mirror to the exquisite Dravidian architecture and the paintings, letters and the inscription on the temple walls speak of the rich cultural heritage and high literary progress under this dynamic ruler.
The Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram was built by another erstwhile leader King Rajendhra Chola, son of Rajaraja Chola between 1020 and 1029 AD. The king after conquering Madurai and Ellum extended his territory till here and carried water from the river Ganges to purify the local water body thus giving this place the name Gangaikondacholisvaram. He later went on establish his capital in this place and also built a temple resembling the structure of the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur. This temple though a little smaller when compared to the temple at Thanjavur reflects the Chalukya architecture and also portrays the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The temple was damaged during the wars and was also used as garrison by the Pandya rulers and later on by the British.
Airavateswara temple at Darasuram was built by King Rajaraja chola II and is a true representation of the chola dynasty.

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