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 date only about 22 temples have survived. The sensuous pictures of women and men attract the overwhelming tourists. In the year 1986, Khajuraho’s temple were declared as a World heritage site by UNESCO.

Structure:

The whole Khajuraho temple is enclosed in a wall that has around eight gates which are surrounded by a golden colored palm trees. An area around 8 sq.miles is been covered by the 22 Hindu temples. The decoration of the temple has a unique combination of religious as well as sensuous images. At a point of time the temples became a ruin. The Khajuraho temples were again discovered in the early 20th century. The 22 Khajuraho temples are groups into three main groups; they are the southern group of temples, the eastern group of temples and the western group of temples.

The Southern Group of Temples:

Chaturbhuj and Dhuladeo temples are the part of the Southern Group of Temples. The Dhuladeo temple is located at a distance of about one kilometer towards the south direction of the Khajuraho village and also nearly a mile towards the south west direction of the Jain temples. The Chaturbhuj temple is located at a distance of one mile towards the south of the village. Chaturbhuj temple is located very near to Khajuraho airport.

The Eastern Group of Temples:

The temples that come under the eastern group of temples are located very near to the Khajuraho village. This group of temple comprises of total six temples out of which three temples are Hindu temples where as the remaining three are the Jain temples. The temple of Javari, Brahma and Vamana are the Hindu temple, while the temple of Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath are the Jain temples.

The Western Group of Temples:

The western group is located at the chief entrance gate of the Khajuraho temples. Here the temples are place into 2 different rows. One complex of the temples is formed by the Matangesvara, the Varaha and the Laxama temples while the other complex is formed by the Visvanatha and Nandi temples which are located very close by. These temples form an uneven row of temples from north to south. The temples of Kandariya Mahadeva, Chitragupta and Jagadambi form a regular towards the west. The temples of this group face the east direction. The Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for the maintenance of the temples in the Western Group.

Architecture:

The construction of the Khajuraho temples is done with the circular superstructures. Some of the temples are devoted to the Jaina pantheon while the remaining temples are dedicated to the Brahmanical trio and also to the various Devis or goddesses. The designs of the temples have four small shrines that are placed at every curve of the major temple. Also, the most important shrine is placed on a stage at the heart of the temple. There is also a group of minor shikras that come together and outline the foundation of the major Shikhara over the chamber. These shikharas envelop from portal to chamber sanctorum going up in a pitch.

Few temples in the Temples of Khajuraho:

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is located to the western side of the Laxmana temple. It is the prevalent as well as the most striking temple among the 22 present day temples. The construction of the temple took around 25 years which was started in 1025 and came to an end in1050 AD. The height of temple is about 40 meters. This temple is devoted to the Lord Shiva and has a lingam placed inside the temple.

The Chounsath Yogini Temple:
The Chounsath Yogini Temple is located at the southwest region in the western group of temples. The temple is devoted to the 64 expression of the Mother Goddess. It is placed in the shape of tiny shrines, one for appearance of the heavenly Mother. The construction of the temple is supposed to by complete by the early 9th century. Also it is known as the oldest temple among the Khajuraho temples.

The Visvanatha Temple:
The Viswanatha temple lies in the northeast side of the western group of temples. It is stated that the temple belongs to 1,000 AD. The layout of the temple is quite alike to the Kandariya Mahadeva temple. On a little podium, mandapa is been located also it has graceful roof in a shape of a triangle; here a huge stone statute of Nandi, a bull is placed. Bull is known to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

How to reach:

Khajuraho is well connected with Delhi, daily a flight takes off from Delhi to Khajuraho. Khajuraho doesn’t have its personal railway station. Jansi and Satna is the nearest railway station from where you can take a taxi or a car and reach Khajuraho by traveling a distance of around 175 km and 120 km respectively. A good road routes’ network is found connecting Khajuraho with Agra on Delhi-Mumbai national highway.

When to go:

Khajuraho is a place which can be visited at any time of the year. But the time to visit the place is from October to the month of April. Try and make plans to visit Khajuraho around February, especially on the day of Makarsankranti which is the most important festival celebrated in Khajuraho.

Entrance fees:

Everyone who intends to visit the Khajuraho temple is required to pay Rs. 10 at the entrance booth. The entrance is free for everyone on every Friday.

Opening timings:

The temples of Khajuraho are open for the public visit throughout the year, from the early morning up to the sunset.

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 begging very easily. The finance that was required for the construction of the wonderful stupa at Sanchi was been provided by the Merchant’s community that belonged to Vidisa.

Many romantic stories are found that have their backdrop based in Sanchi. It is believed that the Vidisa’s merchants came up to the Emperor Ashok and asked him to convert the location of Sanchi as a Buddhist center. Emperor Ashok was quite happy with the suggestion and thus he himself took an active part in this project. During this time he met a merchant’s girl, fall in love with her and eventually got married. It is said that the girl had refused to move to Pataliputra which was the capital of Maurya Empire. This brought Emperor Ashok quite close to the Buddhism as well as Sanchi. Emperor Ashoka had two children named Sanghamitra and Mahendra are well- known for the spread of Buddhism as Sri Lanka.

History:

During the rule of Emperor Ashoka, Buddhism became the major religion in India, thus making his one of the most popular Buddhist Emperor ever in India. Emperor Ashoka is specially associated Sanchi for the numerous monuments such as sanctuaries as well as pillars and Stupas. The groundwork at Sanchi was put down when he put up the first Stupa. This Stupa is placed along a monumental pillar. Emperor Ashoka built around eight Stupa on the crest of the hills in Sanchi, this also includes the Stupa One.

The eastern as well as the central region of India was been ruled by the Sunga reign. During the Sunga reign many edifices were constructed in Sanchi. The Stupa at Sanchi which was built by Emperor Ashoka was been enlarged as well as façade was constructed around the Stupa with the help of stones. It is ornamented with railings also staircase which would make its way to the top of the Stupa. Around the same period the Stupa three as well as Stupa four was been constructed. The renewal of the temple forty also took place around the same time.

A delicate carving was added to the gateways of the Stupa One during the first century BC by the Andhra Sathavahanas, who at that period had reached up to Malwa. From second century up to forth century the Kushanas used to rule Sanchi and Vidisa was been ruled by the Kshatrapas. Later both the cities was been ruled by the Gupta’s. The Gupta’s played a key role in the temples as well as sculptures which were constructed later. The architecture that was did by the Gupta’s were quite different to that which was seen in the early times in Sanchi.

The Buddhism as well as Sanchi got declined in the later twelve century. At this time the Hinduism was developed in India as well as the Muslim over took the northern region of India. The site of Stupa was in ramshackle state, it was been attacked by the thieves and also by the looters. The Stupa at Sanchi was been rediscovered by the British Officer named General Taylor in the year 1818. Sir John Marshall constructed the stupa again and gave it its present look. Sir John Marshall is also well known for the work he did in the Indus Valley civilization in the year 1919. The Sanchi stupa is also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Apart from the Stupa do visit the Ashoka Pillar which is located very near to the Stupa in Sanchi. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Sanchi after the Stupa. Ashoka Pillar is one of the many pillars that are spotted across the area. Some of these pillars are broken while some are in proper order. The top of the pillar has four lions which stand back to back of each other. These lion symbol is very popular. Also it is been adopted as India’s national emblem. The Ashoka pillar acts as an outstanding icon of Greco-Roman art.

Getting there:

Sanchi is located at a distance of around fifty kilometers from Bhopal. Cars as well as buses are easily accessible. Bhopal is very well connected to the various important cities in the country by the roadways as well as airways and also the rail routes.

When to visit:

The best time to visit Sanchi is from November up to January.

Entrance fees:

The entrance fee for children is Rs 10, where as for the adults the charge is Rs 250. The entrance is free for everyone on Friday’s.

Opening timing:

The site is open through out the year for the visit from the sunrise till the sun set.

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 of the monument have a square shape, while the upper three terraces are circular in shape.

History

An inscription which dates back to 842 AD, states that earlier Borobudur was a place which was used for praying. The inscription reads ‘Bhumi Sambhara’. Many researchers believed that Borobudur Temple was constructed around t-850 AD. It was during the rule of Sanmaratungga, who used to rule the Shailendra dynasty that is located in the central Java. Sanmaratungga used to follow the Mahayana division of Buddhism.

The Circumambulation:

The visitors need to walk in a clockwise direction around the monument and later starts climbing the stairs that are located at the right of the mountain. Later you are required to go around the monument before you climb up to the next level. You will reach the top of the temple only by walking around the monument. The total distance that you would be required to cover is around five kilometers.

What to see:

Waisak Festival
This festival is one of the most important festival in the country. Generally it takes place in the month of May. Waisak festival is celebrated as the birth date of Buddha. The city gets colored in the color of joy. Candle-lit processions are organized. Monks with saffron clothes are seen every where. Visiting Borobudur during this festival would be surely a very-exciting experience in your life.

Candi Mendut
It is a peaceful Buddhist temple. It is located at a distance of 3 km from Borobudur. Candi Mendut has wonderful interiors. Around three huge Buddhist statues are placed in the temple. The temple is a must-see for the one who is very much interested in the heritage.

Candi Pawon
Pawon Temple is located at a distance of around two km in the eastern direction from Borobudur. This temple is also constructed with the volcanic stones. The temple is located in the middle of the Stupa and the Candi Mendup. Candi Pawon is a Buddhist temple and also has a merge of Indian and the ancient Javanese art. It is believed that the temple is built in the honor of Kubera, who is the Hindu as well as the Buddhist God of fortune.

How to Reach:

You can take a flight to Jog Jakarta Airport which serves quite a few flights to Borobudur. Also many buses as well as cabs will take you to Borobudur from the airport. A car can be easily rented from Jog Jakarta. You can also ask the car to stay if you want have a stay at Borobudur. If you need only a drop off, try and get the metered taxi. A number of bus leave for Borobudur from the Jog Jakarta’s Giliwagan Bus Terminal, from the Borobudur bus top the site of temple is at a distance of one and a half km thus you can surely walk down the distance.

When to visit:

The best time to visit Borobudur is from the month of May till October. Also the time of the day to visit the temple site is Morning.

Opening timing:

The site is open for the public visit from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening.

Entrance costs:

All the registered students are required to pay Rp 70,000 for entering the site, while the Indonesian adult needs to pay Rp 9,000 also the non-Indonesians adult are supposed to pay Rp 120,000.

The three temples that are grouped together to form the Great Living Chola Temple are located in Tamil Nadu, which is the Southern region of India.

History:

UNESCO declared The Living Chola temples as the world heritage site in the year 1987. Originally in 1987 only the Brihadiswara temple at Thanjavur was declared as the world heritage site later in the year 2004 another two temples were added to the same category. The construction of the Brihadeshwara temple was ordered by King Rajaraja. The Brihadiswara temple belonged to the 10th century where as the later added Gangaikondacholisvaram temple and the Airavatesvara temple belonged to 11th and 12th century respectively. The temples of Airavatesvara and Gangaikondacholisvaram are located at Darasuram. The Gangaikondacholisvaram temple was been constructed by Rajendra I in 1035 AD where as the other one was constructed by Rajaraja II. An idol of Lord Shiva is placed in the temple of Airavatesvara. All the three temples are well-known illustrations of painting, architectural, sculptural, and also the achievements and the progress the have seen during the chola period

The Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur

The Brihadisvara temple is located at Thanjavur. The temple was been constructed by the famous ruler Rajaraja Chola who belonged to the Chola dynasty. The temple was declared as a World Heritage Site in the year 1987. The temple was constructed in 10th century AD. The architecture of the temple is very much inspired from the Dravidian temples. The wall that fortified the fort was later built in the 16th century. Peryil Koyil which is a central temple is placed inside the fort. The tower which is commonly known as Vimana is constructed inside the temple. The height of the tower is about 70 meters. It is the considered as the world’s biggest tower. The Sikaram that is the crown of the temple is octagonal in shape. The weight of the crown is about 82 tonns. Lord Shiva in a form of Shivaling is worshipped in the temple. The Shivaling at Brihadisvara is the considered as the world’s largest Shivaling. The height of the Shivaling is about 8.7 meters. The stone bull commonly known as Nandi is another prominent characteristic of the temple.

The weight of the nandi is around 27 tonnes. It is known to be the world’s second largest nandi. The temple is of a huge size also the interior of the temple is decorated with designer painting mostly of the Thanjavur style. The walls of the temple are adorned by the full scale images of Laxmi, Durga, Saraswati as well as numerous forms of Shiva. The Lord Ganesh shrine in the interior of the temple was been constructed by a Maratha ruler, Sarfoji. It is observed that fine arts have got a huge encouragement in the temple.

Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram :

Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram is one of the important architectural monuments in the Chola dynasty. The temple was consytructed by Rajaraja Chola who was the son of Rajendra Chola. The Cholas had established their rule over the northern India areas of Ellum and Madurai were conquered by them. Later the Chola kingdom was extended on River Ganga’s banks The local water supply body that belonged to Rajendra Chola was been purified by adding the water of Ganga river to it. The Gangaikondacholapuram temple was constructed during the glorious period of the Chola dynasty. Rajendra Chalo expected to construct a temple which was similar to that of the Brihadwisvara temple in its magnificence.

The construction of the Gangaikondacholapuram temple was started in 1020 AD and was completed by 1029 AD. The total height of the temple is 55 meters. The temple has delicate curves. The carvings on the temples tower are very much complex. Also the architecture of the temple has taken its impression from the Northern Chalukya. The temple of is built out of granite stone. The entrance of the temple is very much ruined. A nandi is placed beyond the entrance. A figure of dancing Shiva or Natraja is also found in the temple. A image of Lord Ganesha dancing as well as a figure of Shiva were half of his body is male while remaining is female, commonly known as Ardhanarisa is also seen. A shivalingam which is 5m tall is placed inside the temple.

Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram:

It is the last temple among the trio. Rajaraja Chola II built the Airavatesvara temple. The temple has a Vimana that is a tower. The height of the tower is 24 meters. A Stone figure of Lord Shiva is placed inside the temple. All the 3 temples are excellent examples of impressive art and exotic architecture that belonged to the Chola reign.

How to reach:

The nearest airport to visit the great living Chola temples is Tiruchirapalli airport. It is located at a distance of 65 Km from the The Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur. You can reach the remaining temple by taking a metered taxis or traveling through the state transport bus. Also you can take a direct train from a number of cities in India and reach Thanjavur. You can also rent cars for traveling in the interiors of the city.

When to go:

The best time to visit the three temples located in South India is from September to January. The climate during this period is quite cool.

Opening timings:

All the three temples are open from 6 am ton 12 pm and later 4 pm to 8 pm through out the year.

Entrance fees:

The entrance to the temple is free to its every visitor.

History:-

Aksum is talked about in the 1st century AD in the “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea” as an imperative bazaar place for ivory, which was sent abroad all the way through the prehistoric world, and it is also said that Zoskales was the monarch of Aksum in the 1st century AD. It is believed that apart from controlling the empire of Aksum he was also ruling 2 different harbours on the Red Sea namely the Adulis (located very close to Massawa) and Avalites (located very close to  Assab) Both of the islands were situated in Eritrea. It is also said that he had a good amount of knowledge of the Greek literature.

The Empire:-

The Empire of Aksum at its tallness was all extensive from corner to corner of the majority of the contemporary Eritrea, along with northern Ethiopia, also Yemen, as well as southern Saudi Arabia and also northern Sudan. Aksum the capital city of the empire at present is located in northern Ethiopia. In the present day a less important group of people, the city of Aksum was on one occasion a full of life city. It had played a role of being the economic as well as the cultural center of the empire. Two hills lies in the east of the empire whereas the west expanse of the capital is surrounded by two rivers. Maybe it was providing the preliminary impulsion for the people to get settled in the area. By the side of the hills as well as the plain which are located in the exterior of the city, the Aksumites had graveyards with involved grave stones renowned as stelae and also the obelisks. Other significant cities included Yeha,  Matara, Hawulti, Adulis, and also the city of Qohaito. Three of the above mentioned cities today are an integral part of Eritrea.

In the early third century, Aksum began snooping in South Arabian dealings, calculating at epoch the western Tihama expanse surrounded by other regions. By the late third century it had started casting its own money and was known as Mani as one of the 4 grand authorities of his time by the side with the provinces of China, Rome and. The empire was attracted and later changed to Christianity around 325 or 328 AD during the rule of King Ezana. The empire of Aksumite was the foremost state always to bring into play the picture of the cross on its money. At its stature, Aksum restricted northern Ethiopia, northern Sudan, Eritrea, southern Egypt, Yemen, Djibouti and southern the Saudi Arabia. The total area that was controlled by the empire was around 1.25 million sq km.

It was a quasi supporter of Byzantium in opposition to the Persian kingdom of the day and did turned down subsequent to the 7th century due to unidentified motives, but well-versed assumptions puts forward the ascend of Islam greatly shocked its capability to buy and sell with the Far East in the period when shipping was restricted to coastal steering as well as cut it off from its most important marketplaces in Byzantium, Alexandria and Southern Europe.

Society:-

The Aksumite residents comprised of the Semitic-speaking populace. They were in a group acknowledged as Habeshas. Cushitic-speaking locals were known as Kunama while the Nilo-Saharan-speaking crowds were known as Nara. Aksumites did have their personally appointed slaves, and a customized feudal arrangement was in set to ranch the ground.

Religion:-

Previous to its alteration to Christianity the Aksumites experienced a polytheistic religious conviction. Astar was the most important god of the pre-Christian Aksumites. The kings of Aksum were used to trace their heredity from his son, Mahrem (also known as Maher). Some where around 324 AD the King Ezana II was transformed by his slave-tutor named Frumentius. He was the originator of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Frumentius trained the monarch at the same time as he was immature, and at several spot staged the change of the kingdom. We are well acquainted with that the Axumites transformed to Christianity for the reason that in their coins they restored the disc and hemispherical with the cross. Frumentius was in touch with the Church in Alexandria and was selected Bishop of Ethiopia more or less around the 330 AD. The Church of Alexandria by no means reined Aksum in strongly, to a certain extent permitting its individual outline of Christianity to expand; on the other hand it did kept hold of a number of authority and the Ethiopian Church got behind the Coptic Church of Alexandria hooked on Monophysitism subsequent to the Council of Chalcedon. Aksum is also the supposed to be the house of the sacred remnant of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is supposed to have been situated in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion for its protection by Menelik I.

Coinage:-

The Empire of Aksum was the foremost African empire which was politically as well as economically and politically determined sufficient to concern its personal coins, which weary legends in Ge’ez as well as Greek. As of the time in power of Endubis up to Armah (just about 270 to 610), gold as well as silver and also bronze coins were made. Producing currency in very old times was a performance of huge significance in itself, for it announced that the Axumite Empire well thought-out itself equivalent to its neighbors. A lot of of the coins are utilized as a signpost on the subject of what was occurring at the time when they were created. An instance being the adding up of the cross to the currency, subsequent to the adaptation of the kingdom to Christianity. The occurrence of coins also made trade to be easily carried out, and was at one time a helpful tool of the half-truths and was also a resource.

The Aksumite Empire is represented as the most important supporter of Byzantium in the Belisarius sequence by David Drake and also Eric Flint printed by Baen Books. The sequence takes place for the duration of the time in power of Kaleb of Axum, who in the sequence was killedby the Malwa in 532 AD at the Ta’akha Maryam and his position was taken over by his youngest son Eon bisi Dakuen.

The Temple of Horus is located in Edfu in Egypt. Commonly it is known as the Temple of Edfu. The temple of Horus known to be the best-conserved as well as an off-beat temple located in Egypt. Most parts of the temple were constructed during the Ptolemic era in the years 237 BC to 57 BC. Even tough the temple was constructed in the later time its paranoiac structural design makes it quite easy for you to get a thought of the appearance of the temples located in the city.

The temple of Horus is a huge temple. It is stated as the largest temple in Egypt only after the Karnak temple. The regional township of Edfu is positioned at the intermediate of Luxor which is around 115km away and Aswan which is located at a distance of 105km. Also Edfu is located at a distance of 65 km to the northern end of Kom Ombo. A much admired location, Edfu is incorporated in nearly all of the tours that go to Egypt. This journey is made by cruising the Nile River or just hiring a taxi.

History:

Egypt was been occupied by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Alexander the great, died in 323 BC. Later the region was occupied by Ptolemaic reign. It is supposed to be the last reign in sovereign Egypt. Originally the Ptolemies were the Greeks. They showed up to the Egyptians as the inhabitants of Pharaohs. Also they intimately copied the ethnicity as well as structural design of paranoiac Egypt.

The area that is laid in between the Sanctaury and the Festival Hall is known to be the oldest section of the temple. The construction of the temple was started by Ptolemy III and was completed by the time his son Ptolemy IV, Philopator took over the place. Also Ptolemy VII added a new hall named Hyposstyle Hall in 116 BC. Ptlomey IX in 81 BC erected a Pylon. The temple was completed entirely by 57 BC during the reign of Ptolemy XII

Horus was basically the god of sky. He had a falcon head. The sun as well as the moon was his two eyes. He was later incorporated in the famous legend of Osiris and Isis. He was known to be the only child to the holy couple. Osiris was murdered and later Horus was been looked after by hathor and Isis. Osiris brother, Seth had killed him. A huge battle took place at Edfu were Horus took the revenge of his father’s death. Seth was sent away and the throne was taken over by Horus and he was been guided by Osiris from the gangland. Horus was also known as the living king.

What to see:

Birth House:
It is placed to the south of Pylon. The festival of Coronation takes place here every year. It has a colonnaded arrangement. The architecture of the birth house is Greco-Roman. Here the birth of Horus is enacted during the annual festival.

Pylon:
Pylon was later added to the temple structure in 81 BC by Ptolemy IX. The height of the Pylon is around 37m. It is one of the tallest pillars in Egypt.

Court of Offerings:
The court of offerings is located further than the Pylon. People come to the court to make offerings. An image of Horus is also placed in the court. The either sides of the court are bordered by columns. The decoration of the court has taken its inspiration from the festival celebrations.

Hypostyle Hall:
Ptolemy VII constructed the Hypostyle hall in 116 BC. The roof of the hall is intact and is supported by six pillars which are placed in two rows. The astronomical paintings created on the roof of the hall represent the sky.

Festival Hall:
This is the oldest section of the temple. The hall decorated with the help of colorful flowers, faience and herbs during the festival time. The hall is also scented with the help of Myrrh and incense.

How to reach:

Luxor is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 115 km, the distance can be easily covered with the help of taxis which are easily available outside the station.

When to visit:

The best time to visit Edfu is from October till May. Also the best time of the day to visit the temple of Horus is in the morning. Avoid going on holiday as the place can get crowded

Accommodation:

There are very few options available to stay near the temple. You will get the basic food in the temple’s vicinity also the cafeteria which is located quite next to the temple charges a lot more than the basic cost.

Opening time:

The temple is open for is visitors everyday from morning seven till four in the evening.

Entrance Fees:

The entrance cost of £E35 is applicable to everyone visiting the temple.

Location

Located in the Western Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, is Madagascar, the fourth largest Island of the world. The Mozambique Channel separates it from Africa.

When to go

The Tropical climate of the Island of Nosy Be keeps it bright and sunny throughout the year so you don’t have to think too hard on when to go there. The summer season in months of December, January and February is humid. The rains mostly come in the months from November to March. The months from April to October are dry.

The Tsaratanana massif to some extent protects the Nosy Be Island from the strong north-east winds that affect the region in August and during the tropical depressions.

The temperatures of water here remain around 25 degree Celsius.

How to reach

The Island of Nosy Be is pretty much tourist friendly and more so with the development of an international airport here. The Fascene Airport here has direct flights from Europe.  The three major airlines offering their services here are the Corsairfly airlines, the Air Madagascar Airline and the Air Austral Airlines.

Attractions of Nosy Be Island

The Nosy Be Island is one of the pretty islands of Madagascar. One step here and you will be busy with plenty of destinations around that demand a visit.

Of the main towns here is the town of Hell Ville, the capital of the island, in its southernmost part. The name comes from a French Sea Captain. The structures here are reminisces of French Colonialism. The port of Hell-Ville provides is open to Madagascar as well as international freighters.

Besides, there are entertainment centers of the modern days like the cafes, eating joints, bars as well souvenir shops.

On the west coast of the Island of Nosy Be is the Dzamndzar town where you can see the former cane sugar that was used to make rum. It has a vibrant nightlife with a number of clubs and bars around.

Located between Hell- Ville and the Crater Mania, is The Sacred Forest or the Arbre Sacre Mahatsinjo where people come to pray around the Sacred Tree.

About 20 kilometers from Hell Ville, to the north of Nosy Be Island is the Mount Passot, the highest point here measuring 329 meters. The pretty crater lakes, some of which are said to have crocodiles, surround the mountain. This makes a perfect setting for a breathtaking sunset view. There are special tours to this place arranged by hotels and tour operators.

The Island also has the Lokobe Natural Reserve, spread across 740 hectares. This reserve is home to a rich flora and fauna such as the boa constrictors and four varieties of lemur. You can spot here some of the rare species of birds like the ‘Paradise Fly Catcher’ and small kingfishers. In the reserve is Ampasipohy, a small village and the only place within the reserve where you can stay. You can hire a guide to tour the reserve and get more out of it.

There is the Little Waterfall which is also a sacred place for the Sakalava people. Fishes in the lake of the fall and a rich variety of flora round makes this place vibrant.

The most attractive element of an island is very obviously its beaches and the Nosy Be Island has plenty of them. About 7 kilometers from Hell-Ville, is a small fishing village of Ambatoloaka, which is also home to a popular beach of this island that opens to the Mozambique Channel and offers you a nice view with lots of sunshine, along with the crystal blue water for a good swim. The beach also has scuba diving centers.

Not far from here is the beach of Madirokely, known for its beach party that attract locals as well as tourists who wish to dance away their afternoons at the beach and especially on Sundays. Further north of the Madirokely beach is the Ambodrona beach or the Palm Beach. The beach is excellent to relax at with its sandy bay and several small and charming bungalows.

Another fantastic beach here is the Andilana Beach, at a distance of about 27 kilometers from the Capital Town of Hell- Ville, on the northwestern tip of the Island of Nosy Be and is the centre of attraction among all the beaches of this Island.

Again on the northwestern coast of Nosy Be is the isolated beach of Orangea that’s worth a visit because of its deep waters and the view of the Sakatia Island that it provides.

With a wealth of marine life that the Island of Nosy Be can boast of, diving centers are in plenty here. The Mozambique Channel is in fact known as the aquarium of the western Madagascar.

Some of the popular dive sites on this Island are the Nosy Tanikely, 20 minutes by boat from Ambataloaka and Nosy Iranja, 2 hours by boat from the Nosy Be Island. More than half an hour by boat takes you to the Grand Bank where the expert divers can visit the underwater pinnacles covered with gorgonian sea fans. Ocean drop off here is up to 80 meters.

At about 15 minutes away by boat from the Ambataloaka is Nosy Sakatia Island with well known diving sites around.

In addition to the above, you are spoilt for choice if you want to go for excursions in the Nosy Be Island. You could rent cars, motorcycles, Quads, bicycles and boats and join the day trips and excursions that operators here arrange fro you.  Sea fishing excursions too can be arranged here.

There are many small islands around that make for delightful excursions. Not far from Hell-Ville is the Island of Nosy Comba, which means Island of Lemurs. The highest summit here measures about 622 meters and there are magnificent beaches around.

South of the Island of Nosy Be is the Island of Nosy Tanikely, which means ‘The Small Island’. As a nature reserve and as a marine reserve, with a variety of corals, fishes and turtles and with a beach that’s just perfect for a picnic, this Island is one of the most visited Islands around Nosy Be.

With forest trails, wild orchids, bats and chameleons among other species of flora and fauna, the Nosy Sakatia Island off the west coast of Nosy Be is serene Island just 5 minutes away by boat from Nosy Be.

To the southwest of Nosy Be is the impressive Island of Nosy Iranja and about 55 kilometers to its north east is Nosy Mitsio Island, a diverse archipelago with plenty of small islands like the Nosy Tsarabanjina and Nosy Antalys.

A major attraction in the Nosy Be Island is the Donia Music Festival, launched in 1994, held over 5 days to the end of May. It is the biggest festival of the Indian Ocean, attracting about 50,000 spectators.

That the Island of Nosy Be is still authentic and under development, gives it its unique charm and makes it a place worth a visit.

Location

Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, in fact lie in what is known as the coral triangle. This area includes reefs of northern Australia, Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea, between the Indian and the Pacific Ocean.  The Raja Ampat archipelago comprises over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. The Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and the Kofiau are the main Islands of this 40,000 kilometer square archipelago.

The largest Indonesian Marine National Park – the Cenderawasih Bay, is also a part of Raja Ampat waters.

When to dive here

The season here is more all less constant and favourable for divers throughout the year, with water temperatures around 27-30 degree Celsius. However, it’s best to time dive in here in the Months of April and May, September and October.

How to reach Raja Ampat

For avid divers, no diving site is far too remote to access. Similarly, the remoteness to Raja Ampat is defeated and tackled with in two simple steps. Get to one of the three Indonesian destinations – Manado, Bali, or Jakarta – which are all well-connected internationally. From here, you need to fly to Sorong on Papua Island and then begin your voyage to the diving paradise of Raja Islands.

Beneath the waters of Raja Ampat

The reefs of Raja Ampat have as many as 1,100 fish species that include many unknown ones too, about 537 coral species, 699 mollusc species and a rich marine life. One of the most abundant of the fish species here is the Damselfish.

The archipelago’s location contributes majorly for making it a rich source of marine life. This is at a convergence point of sea currents from surrounding areas, creating environment that are conducive for the marine life.

For the divers, there are war wrecks, dolphins, kart hills, underwater caves of Misool Island along extensive mangrove forests and deserted beaches. To the west of Misool Island, the “blue water mangroves”, off the Waigeo Island and the coral and fish drives of Dampier straight are absolute haven for divers.

Most of the lands you step on are actually coral skeletons and sharp coral shards are in abundance in on the sands here. To get most out of exploring the Island and the life beneath its waters, it would be a good idea for you to join a sailing party, or hire a larger boats and a local guide.

However, there are concerns for preserving the coral system and marine life here from human activities like bomb fishing or dynamite fishing. Efforts are on to device ways to help local fishermen with a more ecological ways of fishing.

Nevertheless, for now, for the divers and snorkelers out there, a trip to Raja Ampat should certainly be a priority.

The northern part of this coastal park is adorned by high cliffs and rock formations and in the southern half is the typical Rias-type coast.

How to reach

The site is easily accessible by trains and buses. Tour buses and boats too operate to the coast, though boating is not possible in winters.

When to visit

Summers are when you should explore this coast.

Attractions of Rikuchu-Kaigan Coast

The best way to explore the coast is get on the trains on the railway line meandering along the coast. Boarding the train at Miyako would be good to start with.

Miyako city is in the Sanriku district, which is home to an active fishing industry. There are quite a few stations worth getting out at and exploring for a while. You can find some great scenery in the form of cavities and rock formations at Tanohata cliffs, up the sea by about 200 meters.

The view of the Pacific Ocean is brilliant when the train crosses the iron bridge over the Akka River. For your pleasure, the trains slow down here so you can enjoy the scene.

The final station the train takes you to is Kuji. The uni bento – a boxed lunch made by boiling seas urchin is a popular meal here, in combination with rice. Some of the other scenic sites that you will cross are the Kitayamazaki Point, the Jodogahama Beach – with white rocks over clear waters, the Namiita-kaigan Beach, the Unosu cliffs and the rock formations at Sannaoiwa.

The southern coastlines have the Goishi-kaigan Beach, the Takada-Matsubara beaches, Hanzo with unique rock formations, Oganma and the ports of Rikuzen-Takada and Ofunato, where you can have a feast of fresh seafood.

Tunnels and villages adorn the tracks all along.

The villages along the coastline have some interesting places to visit, other than being scenic beauties. Old temples, shrines and merchant houses remain intact in Marioka city. There is the Iwate Park and the Nakatsugawa River Banks. In the temple district of Kitayama is the Hoonji Temple with Budhdhist statues having different expressions.

Also deserving a tour en-route is the Ryusendo Cave, one of the three largest stalactite caves in Japan. A major attraction of this cave is the small lake at the bottom, which is about 120 meters deep.

Creating a beautiful background to small fishing districts, the saw-toothed Rikuchu-Kaigan coastline is a nothing less than a scenic wonder. Unique rock formations and cliffs dealing the beats of strong ocean waves, wonderful beaches en-route with ignite rocks, interesting places and sites to explore at almost every little villages that the coastline runs along, the sea food you can enjoy at the fishing viilages and in fact the entire site in itself is splendid.

The Konark Sun Temple is many times spelled as Konarak temple. It is a Hindu temple that belonged to the early thirteenth century and it is devoted to the sun god. The shape of the temple is like a huge chariot, the temple is acknowledged all across for the wonderful rock carvings that envelop the complete construction.

The Konark Sun Temple is the most renowned tourist attraction located in Orissa in India. The Konark Sun temple has been decalred as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1984. The temple is situated in the Konark village, which is located at a distance of around 35kms to the north of Puri in the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal.

History:

King Narasimhadeva, who ruled the East Ganga ordered for the construction of the temple at Konark around the year 1250. It is believed that he had constructed the temple as to celebrate his victory against the Muslim attackers.

As stated in the various stories regarding the temple as well as its construction, the temple possess a huge aura of power. It is believed that this enormous power comes from the two powerful magnets. It is stated that these magnets are used in the construction of the tower. The magnet made the throne of king to hover in the middle of the air.

A number of European mariners who used to sail off the coast were using the tower of the temple for the navigation purposes. They named the Sun temple as the Black Pagoda for the repeated ship wrecks that used to take place along the coastal lines. They credited the tragedy to the renowned magnets’ result on the tidal model.

The Muslim Yavana army did sack by the Konark Sun temple in the early 15th century. The vital statue which was been preserved inside the temple was been smuggled all the way to Puri by priests. The Sun Temple faced a huge damaged due to the attack.

Later the destruction of the temple was over taken by the nature. For many centuries which passed by the sea used to move away the sand which later surrounded the building also the salty breezes that came from the sea played a key role in the worming out of the stone. The sun temple remained covered beneath a massive mound of sand in anticipation of the early 20th century, when the restoration of the temple began under the rule of the Britishers.

British archaeologists exposed the inferior elements of the temple that had stayed behind well conserved under the sand and re-establish what they could of the remaining parts of the remains. Many trees were planted surrounding the temple as to cover the temple from the huge harmful winds and also a museum was later opened to exhibit whatever sculpture were left. Also many sculptures were sent London, Calcutta as well as Delhi.

The Earl of Ronaldshay in the year 1924 announced the newly- exposed temple to be “one of the most stupendous buildings in India which rears itself aloft, a pile of overwhelming grandeur even in its decay.”

The major entrance in the temple is place on the east side and it faces the sea. This entrance is located in the façade of bhogamandapa which is also known as the Hall of Offerings. The sculptures of dancers as well as musicians is engraved on the walls of this hall, hence the hall was later used for the traditional dance recital.

At a point of time the sanctuary tower was showpiece of the Konark Sun Temple. This masterpiece of the temple today is nothing but just a clutter of various sandstone slabs which are kept one over another. It is located in the western side of the temple. This impressive construction has a pyramidal roof which is actually a terrace. Commonly it is known as jagamohana.

The roof of jagamohana has a roof that has around 3 tiers and many statutes are placed over them. The statutes are either of dancers or the musicians. It is believed that the statutes perform for the sun god who looks up to them from heaven. The platform at the base also has a sculpture of Lord Shiva as Nataraja and performing the dance. The interior of the terrace is now-a-days barren up.

The stairs that takes you up towards the Statute of Surya is located beyond the terrace. The statute of the Sun god is carved out a huge green colored chlorite stone. It is supposed to be the most beautiful work of art present in Konark. The statute of Surya is shown as wearing huge riding boots. An image of Aruna is also engraved with the statue. You can make your way further to the original shrine of the deity.

Lovely sculptures are carved on the surface of the Konark temple. The sculptures are of varied subjects which also include numerous erotic sights which are influenced by Kama Sutra. Such sculptures are seen in the hallway that takes you up to the terrace and also by the side of platforms as well as in the doorways’ region located in the main structure.

What to See:

A huge chariot is been formed in the Sun temple for the sun god, Surya. The chariot is very huge and has 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels and also a squad of seven running horses. Till date only one of the seven horses has survived intact.

The temple does represent the passage of time, and declares that the time is under the control of the sun god. The sun temple which is pulled towards the east by the seven horses, symbolizes the seven days of the week. Also, the 12 pairs of wheels stand for the 12 months of the year. Further the eight different spokes placed in each and very wheel represents the eight perfect phases of a day in a women’s life.

Getting There:

You can use the regular buses as well as the Jeeps that serve between Konark and Puri. The distance between Puri and Konark is around 33 km away from the coast. The time required by the bus trip is about an hour. Remember that last bus that comes back to Puri leaves in the evening at 6:30pm. You can also try out the option of an auto-rickshaw. The round trip will cost you something around Rs250-300 which even includes waiting period.

The Official guided tour for The Konark Sun Temple leaves from the city of Panthaniwas in Bhubaneswar. They also visit the Dhauli. The official tours are available everyday expect Monday from 6:30 in the morning till 6:30 in the evening.

Opening Timings:

The temple is open for the visitors from morning 9 to evening 6.

Entrance fees:

The entrance fees that is to be paid at the booth before entering the temple is Rs 250/- per individual.