Cellular Jail Port Blair Andamans India
The jail was named 'Cellular Jail' since it did not have any dormitory, only solitary confinement cells - 693 of them. This was a deliberate move by the British. They did not want the freedom fighters to interact and plan their moves to gain freedom -
Le Morne Brabant Mauritius
There are two recognisable natural tourist spots in Mauritius - Crystal Rock and Le Morne Brabant. While Crystal Rock is just a fossilised coral reef, Le Morne Brabant Mauritius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for an unfortunate reason. Read on for details.
St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow, Russia
When it was being built, red bricks were a new construction material. The masons were so fascinated with bricks that they kept the brickwork exposed wherever they could. They essentially used bricks as a decorative material.
The Bahá’í Gardens Haifa Israel
Beginning at Mount Carmel’s base, the gardens extend almost one kilometre (0.6 miles) up the side of the mountain. These beautifully-landscaped gardens cover around 200,000 sq mt (or about 2 million sq ft) of land. - The Bahá'í Gardens Haifa Israel
Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park Gujarat India
Join me on this photo tour and check out some of the iconic architectural structures of this archeological park that have survived the ravages of time from as early as the 8th century CE. - Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park Gujarat India
Skogskyrkogarden or Woodland Cemetery Stockholm
The clever use of the natural landscape created an extraordinary environment of tranquil beauty at Skogskyrkogarden. So much so it has had a profound influence on cemetery design throughout the world.
Architectural Marvel Markthal Rotterdam
For starters, besides housing 228 apartments, it also houses 4600 sq. mt. of retail space, 1600 sq. mt. of HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and cafes), and a 4-storeyed underground parking that can accommodate over 1200 cars. - Architectural Marvel Markthal Rotterdam
Rock Church Helsinki Finland
It looked nothing like a church. As he walked away, I looked around uncertainly if I was in the right place. A couple of benches and patterned cobblestones greeted me. Unsure, I walked towards a couple of bulletin boards. To my relief, the pinned notices settled it. I was in the right place! - Rock Church Helsinki Finland - Travelure ©
The Catacombs Paris France
Insides of the Catacombs felt like a wine cellar. Cool, damp, and dark. Knowing what lay ahead made it eerie too. A short walk later we saw the first stack. Of human bones. - The Catacombs Paris France - Travelure ©
Oculus Transportation Hub NYC
There is a placard at the Oculus. It states the skylight of the Oculus will open every year on September 11 to allow the sun to fill the entire space.
UNESCO Heritage Site Ayutthaya Thailand
Ayutthaya today is a historical park. What remains of this former capital tells a tale of glory and gore. While there, spare a thought for the fact it is a site of mass murder, rape, and enslavement of Siamese people. - UNESCO Heritage Site Ayutthaya Thailand - Travelure ©
Ellora Caves Maharashtra India
It is one of the largest megalithic rock-cut Hindu temples in India. To excavate this temple, the artists removed 3 Million Cubic Feet of basalt. This rubble weighed a whopping 200,000 Tonnes. - Ellora Caves Maharashtra India - Travelure ©
Temple of Heaven Beijing China
In the cool shade, I spotted a couple of sexagenarians. They were facing each other. Clasping each other’s arms, they moved in tandem. Their moves resembled part dance, part hand combat. A few seconds and I realised it was their morning workout - Tai Chi. - Temple of Heaven Beijing China - Travelure ©
Bet Guvrin-Maresha Caves Israel
Bet Guvrin and Maresha caves lie scattered over a large area of 1250 acres in Judean Lowlands. The locals call it the Land of the Caves and Hiding Places (Official Name: Bet Guvrin National Park). There are over 500 caves containing more than 3500 rooms. The distance is about 60 km from Jerusalem. - Bet Guvrin-Maresha Caves Israel - Travelure ©
Charles Bridge Prague Czech Republic
On this graceful epochal edifice of the Bridge Tower, it was a pity to see the terrible repair work. Despite regal decorations, the refurbishing seemed more an overhaul that a careful restoration. Still, UNESCO rightly lumped the bridge with the Old Town Centre of Prague to inscribe it on its World Heritage Sites List in 1992. - Charles Bridge Prague Czech Republic - Travelure ©
Sun Temple Konark Odisha India
The first structure that greeted me had hidden all that lay beyond. Two gigantic lions with exquisite carving flanked a wide stone stairway. As I climbed, I found what must have been a large hallway with massive pillars. This must be the performance area, I thought to myself... Sun Temple Konark Odisha India - Travelure ©
Central Park New York City
It may now be a back-up water source, but it remains the crown jewel of the park’s expansive layout. Out of Central Park’s 315 hectares, it covers 43 hectares. Its perimeter is 2.5 kilometres. - Central Park New York City - Travelure ©
Canals of Amsterdam Netherlands
Amsterdam is regarded as the Venice of the North. It is hardly surprising as the city has 165 canals. With a combined length of more than 100 km. Plus 90 islands. And, 1280 bridges! That is three times more bridges than Venice!
The Taj Mahal Agra India
A water channel with fountains that opens out into an enormous reflecting pool, leads you from Darwaza-i-rauza to the Taj. This pool does what humans couldn’t - duplicate the beauty of Taj in its reflection. - The Taj Mahal Agra India - Travelure ©
Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg Austria
As I boarded an OBB train from Vienna, a few scenes from The Sound of Music replayed in my mind. The baroque city centre, the invincible-looking Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the meandering River Salzach. And of course, the cemetery crypt where von Trapps hid before their escape. - Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg Austria - Travelure ©
Galle Fort Galle Sri Lanka
A few metres inside the fort, I found myself on a crossroads. I realised I had to be my own guide. I spotted a lighthouse. Being a sea lover, I chose to go that way. - Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka - Travelure ©
Long Glacier Langjokull Iceland
Soon, we were in the middle of never-ending whiteness. The glacier had begun. The flat white expanse mesmerised us. The snaking tarred road we drove on seemed to be a fine black line. Drawn by an artist on a huge blank canvas. - Long Glacier Langjökull Iceland - Travelure ©
The Great Wall of China
Snake-like, it slithered along the undulating mountain ridge. Between relentless long stretches, watchtowers provided relief. But, only to the eyes. Not an easy stroll. - The Great Wall of China - Travelure ©
Chateau de Versailles Near Paris France
As we entered the palace, the first significant chamber we saw was the Royal Chapel. Corinthian columns, gold accents, and an intricate ceiling mural gave it grandeur... Château de Versailles Near Paris France - Travelure ©
