AGATTI : The coral islands of Lakshadweep seem be places which man and nature have conspired to keep more or less pristine. Each island boasts a magnificent lagoon and coral reef with striking marine life. You can swim, snorkel or dive. Agatti is one of the most beautiful isles in Lakshadweep: milky white sands on the beach and turquoise waters with multicoloured fish. The coconut and palm groves and a reef complete the picture. Agatti also has Lakshadweep’s only airport, which must be among the tiniest in the world. Walk along the eastern beach for brilliant white coral of all shapes and sizes. In the shimmering waters there are schools of colourful fish, live coral, sea anemone, starfish and sea cucumbers. The easiest way to access this amazing world is to snorkel around the reefs or take a glass- bottomed boat ride. Golden Jubilee Museum : This simple museum houses a model of a traditional Minicoy sailboat, and a room full of jars and wooden chests recovered from islands and a few shipwrecks. On the ground floor are two busts of the Buddha (dated between 9th and 12th centuries CE), found on Androth Island, which point to the island’s pre-Islamic past.. Mohiyudean Mosque : Visit the old mosque on the island, built in the 16th century in the style of a Malabar temple, with red Mangalore tiles. A stone panel with Arabic lettering decorates its front cornice . Location In the Lakshadweep Sea, off the Kerala coastline Air Agatti is served by flights from Kochi Sea Connected to Kochi by ship .

BANGARAM : Bangaram and its satellite islands of Thinakkara lie 5 to 6 nautical miles north- east of Agatti. The beautiful lagoon offers calm waters in all seasons and the extraordinary variety of underwater life along the coral reefs attracts divers from around the world . On the sandbars, crabs swarm out of tiny pinholes or larger hideouts with an alarming mand of sand heaped close by. Striped orends crabs hunch their bodies high. A walk in the shallows at low tide gives a more prickly experience of the lagoon. For divers and snorkellers, there is live coral: branch coral tipped with fluorescent blue or lumps stained in patches of red, bread-like growths, brain coral and table coral.

KAVARATTI : Kavaratti the administrative centre of the lakshadweep union territory is a busy place. People are everywhere. In the sea , on the land, in boats, working on the off- shore water pipeline, on the jetty and on the trees. Unlike other islands, Kavaratti’s shore is an apology for a beach. Narrow, busy and littered with waste, it almost spoils the beauty of the magnificent lagoon, which is home to starfish, anemones and sea cucumbers. Take off to the north towards the government-run lakshadweep diving academy is the largest eisure-diving organisation in the world and has certified range of programmes from beginners’ to advanced. Diving bookings must be done through the sports office in Kochi . The museum-cum-aquarium has different varieties of shells, including the cowries once used as money across the Indian Ocean, amazing corals and many, many species of fish.

MINICOY : Minicoy was annexed by the British in 1908 and became a part of the Indian Union in 1956, but the people here speak a different language (Mahl), write in religious sonnets (Thana script), look and dress like the Maldivians (in long toga- like capes), and chew betel like true Malayalis. This beautiful crescent-shaped KA island is the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep Sea. The magnificent Unk lagoon includes a secluded beach comence with a lake surrounded by the on slump of mangroves on the Lakshodweep Islands. A walk through the villages is rewarding, particularly nearer the shore, where one can admire the colourfully painted houses. Look for an old sundial near Aloodi village (which the locals still follow their time being roughly 45 minutes behind IST). Built in 1885, the lighthouse offers unparalleled views. Minicoy’s pride, the Tuna Canning Factory, is where foot-long tuna are processed, canned and pickled. Roughly 50,000kg of tuna is processed from September right until late May.

KADMAT : Unknown and unexplored till the 18th century, Kadmat served as a fishing outpost for the villagers of neighbouring Amini Island, who’d explore its waters during the monsoons, when fishing in the sea became dangerous. To its west lies a large bewitching lagoon and to its east, a rich coral outcrop. The island is ideal for swimming and spending lazy, uninhibited hours of pleasure. Elsewhere on the island, life goes on as usual. There are coconuts to be picked and dried, fish to be caught and coir to be soaked, dried and turned into rope.

The Sahara is the world’s largest low-latitude hot desert with an area spread over 3,600,000 sq miles. Emcompassing much of North Africa it covers large sections of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Niger and Tunisia. The Sahara mainly rocky stone plateaus, and large areas covered with sand dunes form only a minor part, though many of the sand dunes are over 590 ft high. Deeply dissected volcanic mountains like the Air Mountains, Ahaggar Mountains, Saharan Atlas, Tibesti Mountains also rise from the desert with the highest peak being Emi Koussi at 3,415 m. The Sahara has only two permanent rivers, the Nile and the Niger and a handful of lakes, but it has substantial underground reservoirs, or aquifers. Typically, the Sahara Desert experiences extremely limited to virtually no rainfall, powerful and capricious winds and wide temperature ranges, where the highest recorded temperature was 57.7°C in 1922 in Libya and falling by nearly 40 degrees at nightfall. A strong wind called the Sirroco at 100 km per hour originates in the Sahara and in fact, sand storms here can be so huge that they are visible from outer space! The Saharan flora comprises around 2800 endemic species of vascular plants like acacia trees, palms, succulents, spiny shrubs and grasses. Altogether, the Sahara hosts some 70 species of mammals, 90 species of resident birds, 100 species of reptiles, and numerous species of arthropods. The most famous animal is the dromedary camel which has been domesticated for thousands of years and used by the desert nomads. It is estimated that the Sahara’s entire population most having Berber or Arabic roots probably equals less than two million people, including those who live near water sources in permanent communities those who move from place to place with the seasons, and those who follow the ancient trade routes as permanent nomads.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a medieval architecture in Romanesque style, is located in Cathedral Square in Pisa. Its construction began in 1173 and was completed in 1399. Designed by Bonanno Pisano, Gherardo di Gherardo, Giovanni Pisano and Giovanni de Simone, this tower is also known as the Bell Tower of Pisa. The original completed height of the tower was 60 metres. However, after the tilt, it is 56.67 m on the highest side and 55.86 on the lowest side. The outer diameter at the base is 15.84 m., while the width of the walls is 2.44 m. Constructed in white marble, three of its eight stories had been completed, when the uneven settling of the building’s foundation in the soft ground became noticeable. But nothing happened for a century because of war and economic strife and that allowed the tower’s foundation to settle and likely prevented its early collapse. With an approximate weight of 14,500 tons, twin spiral staircases are lined in the interiors, with 294 steps leading from the ground to the bell chamber (one staircase incorporates two additional steps to compensate for the tower’s lean). Over the next four centuries, the tower’s seven bells were installed; the largest weighed more than 3,600 kg (nearly 8,000 pounds). By the early 20th century, however, the heavier bells were silenced, as it was believed that their movement could potentially worsen the tower’s lean. Earth was siphoned from underneath the foundation, decreasing the lean by 17 inches (44 cm) to 13.5 feet (4.1 metres); the work was completed in May 2001, and the structure was reopened to visitors. The tower continued to straighten without further excavation, until in May 2008 sensors showed that the motion had finally stopped, at a total improvement of 19 inches (48 cm). Engineers expect the tower to remain stable for at least 200 years. The Cathedral Square, where the tower is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

The Colosseum, located in Rome and also known as the Flavian amphitheatre, is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The construction began between 70 and 72 AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was inaugurated in 80 AD by his son, Titus. It is located just east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of what used to be Nero’s Golden House . This 50,000-seat Colosseum was clad in travertine and covered by a huge canvas awning held aloft by 240 masts. A freestanding structure of stone and concrete, measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 metres), the Colosseum has a complex system of barrel vaults and groin vaults. Spread over 6 acres, its vaults span between eighty radial walls to support tiers of seating, passageways and stairs. Its façade is 48.5 m. high and the outer walls have three levels of arches, framed by decorative columns topped by capitals of the lonic (at the bottom), Doric and Corinthian (at the top) orders. The upper level, with windows and slender Corinthian pilasters, had supports for the masts that held the awning over the arena, protecting the spectators from sun and rain. The 80 entrance arches, known as vomitoria, allowed the spectators to enter and occupy their seats in a matter of minutes. The Colosseum’s interior was divided into three parts: the arena, cavea and podium. The arena had a wooden floor covered in sand to prevent the combatants from slipping and to soak up the blood. The cavea, for spectator seating, was divided into three tiers: magistrates and senior officials sat in the lowest tier, wealthy citizens in the middle and the plebs in the highest tier. The podium, a broad terrace in front of the tiers of seats, was reserved for emperors, senators and VIP’s. With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Colosseum was abandoned. In the Middle Ages, it became a fortress occupied by the powerful Frangipani family. Later, it was robbed of its precious travertine, and the marble stripped from Colosseum was used to decorate notable buildings such as the Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Cancelleria. Though two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed over time, this amphitheatre remains an iconic symbol of Rome and its long, tumultuous history. This, the most recognisable of Rome’s classical buildings, is also one of the new seven wonders of the world.

State : Maharashtra Important temples Mumba Devi, Balaji Mandir, Walkeshwar, Banganga Tank, Babulnath, Mahalakshmi, Makareshwar Mahadev Temple, Siddhi Vinayak Temple, ISKCON Temple, Shankara Matham, Guruvayur Temple, Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Titwala Ganesh Temple . Location The island city of Mumbai, which has a deep, natural harbour, is connected to the mainland by several bridges, and spreads linearly along the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India . Distances 154 km NW of Pune, 545 km S of Ahmedabad, 593 km NW of Panaji (Goa) Route from Pune Pune Expressway via Wadgaon, Lonavla and Panvel . There are a few hundred temples in Mumbai, some ancient and popular, some small and known only to the locals. But they exist as magnets of peace and quiet, spread all across this urban sprawl, indicating that the bustling com- mercial capital always has a moment to spare for faith and prayer. The name Mumbai is itself derived from Mumba Devi, the deity representing Mother Earth. Many of the city’s suburbs also bear the names of the temples they house. The immediate vicinity of most temples are full of colourful markets selling garlands, incense, and other things related to worship, signifying a blend of commerce and faith, in many ways an apt description for this pulsating city. Mumba Aai (mother Mumba) or Devi gave Mumbai its name. The goddess, who sits astride a tiger and is revered as Mother Earth, is said to be the guardian deity of the Kolis (fisherfolk) who were the city’s first settlers. She slayed the asura Mumba- raka and remained to rule the hearts of her devotees forever. The temple is currently in the locality also called Mumbadevi, but originally stood in the exact spot where the Victoria (Chhatrapati Shivaji) Termi-nus now is . A small group of seven islands, namely, Colaba, Old Woman’s Island (now known as Malabar Hill), Mumbadevi, Mazgaon, Worli, Parel-Sion and Mahim, collectively called Bombay and inhabited primarily by the Kolis, was where the British set up a commercial hub in the late 1600s. Thus most of Mumbai’s colonial architecture, including landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Flora Fountain, the Prince of Wales Museum and the Rajabai Clock Tower among them, is to be found beyond Central Bombay to the ends of South Bombay. Most of these heritage structures still stand strong, even though little is being done to maintain them well, as they stand braving the intense Mumbai mon- soon, which lashes the city for almost five months every year. Mumbai grew into India’s most populous metropolis as more and more people from other parts of India were drawn to the promise of this ‘dream city’ of better opportunities . Though a vast city spread across 55 km , Mumbai is traversed thanks to it mostly reliable but crowded local train network, divided into three sections Tines: Central, Western and Harbour. The Central Railway (CR) line operates between en Thane (a district-suburb to the me north-east, out of the Greater city limits, separated from the and by a creek) and the Chhatrapati Terminus (CST, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, situated at the southern end of the city). The Western Railway (WR) line runs between Virar in north to Churchgate, also to the south. The Harbour line connects CST and Navi Mumbai, another district to the north-east. The two key terminals, CST and where Churchgate, are at a walking distance of about 11/2 km from each other, but the trains that ply from them spread out to different directions of the city (the central suburbs and western suburbs respectively). It’s convenient, not to forget cheap, to use ely, the public transport system to access Mumbai’s many wonders. Newcomers should avoid travelling in local trains vely during peak office rush hours in the mornings and evenings.

Formerly known as bori bunder and also victoria terminus the chatrapati shivaji maharaja terminus in mumbai is an outstanding example of victorian gothic revival architecture in india , blended with themes from Indian traditional architecture. Designed by the british architect f.w.stevens this railway terminus building was built over 19 years beginning 1878 and its high victorian gothic design was based on late medieval italian models . The stone dome , turrets , pointed arches and eccentric ground plan resemble indian palace architecture giving a distinct style that is unique to mumbai . This building became a symbol for mumbai as a mercantile port in the british commonwealth and at the the same time an outstanding example of 19th century railway architecture when the railway was introduced in india . The busiest railway station in the world this building houses the terminus for suburban as well as long distance trains named after the great king of the maratha empire chhatrapati shivaji maharaj it was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004 .

From its crumbling mansions and slated windows to its notorious club culture kolkata has a distinct charm that settles into the mind of the onlooker and transports you right back to the days of the empire . A melting pot of several colonial behests this heritage city is a tribute to a time gone by . Kolkata is the second largest city in india after mumbai and is the capital of the eastern state of west bengal . Established first as a trading part for the east india company by job charnock in 1690 it held fort as the grand capital of the british in india till 1911 . The city was built by british by joining the three villages of gobindpur , sutanuti and kalikat . A bustling metropolis now the city has always been a confluence of culture as several colonial traders established themselves here in their conquests of the orient . Though in terms of economic prosperity it may have long been overtaken by mumbai and delhi . Kolkata remains the mecca of intellectual prowess and cultural vibrancy. Eulogised in literature and cinema and arguably one of the most beautiful cities to photograph despite its squator and over population this city with its layered history and influential opinion makers futuristic in their vision continues to exist outside its time . The city of kolkata originally developed in two parts the white town consisted of the colonial district around the arterial chowringhee road and the dalhousie square . The black town which centered around north kolkata was inhabited by indians .North kolkata remains the oldest part of the city and is characterized by its decrepit structure , overcrowded alleyways and densely populated areas such as shobhabazar , nakodha masjid , burrabazaar , baghbazaar , calcutta ùniversity and college street . Towards the centre lies kolkata’s commercial district which also houses most government buildings the grand colonial structure of dalhousie square and the esplanade area , high streets and prominent places of worship including cathedrals and jewish synagogues . The sprawling maidan area adjoins the district giving it an air of openness in the heart of the city . South kolkata comprises more affluent neighborhoods and shopping arcades and malls . Recently there has been a surge in development of east kolkata where areas of salt lake city , rajarhat , new town and em bypass have been transformed into major economic and it hubs 

One of the coldest and most uninhabited places in the world is also one of breath taking beauty. The white continent of antartica is the fifth largest continent in the world and covers the south pole .It wasn’t until 1820 that this continent was first discovered. Also a cold desert situated within the antarctic circle and surrounded by southern ocean the continent stretches over 14 million sq kms . Of this 98% is covered with thick ice sheets antartica has 70 % of all the world’s freshwater frozen as ice and 90 % of worlds ice . In fact the antarctic ice sheet is the single largest mass of ice on the planet . The remaining 2 % of ice free areas are where you would find research stations which are about 4000 in short summer and 1000 in winter . In 1983 antarctica recorded the lowest ever temperature on earth of -89 c . The continent is witness to many unusual spectacles. Like the aurora australis a curtain of red or green light that appears in the sky . Another beautiful phenomenon is diamond dust . This occurs when water vapour condenses in the cold air and forms tiny ice crystals . When the sun rays glint off these crystals as they fall to the ground it presents a lovely sight . Hiding under the antarctic ice is an entire freshwater lake . Lake vostok is buried beneath 3.7 kilometers of solid ice . This world of ice and snow is a nestling ground for variety of wildlife. Like migratory birds , penguins and many marine animals like seal , whales , krill and fish . Penguins are most common bird in antarctica and live in large colonies . Each of these animals have different adaptive features for surviving the continents extreme cold . The lack of moisture and low temperature make it hard for plants to grow . There are no trees or shrubs and only two species of flowering plants are known to grow here . However some species of lichen , moss and algae that can survive the hash conditions are found here . Like the artic to the north most of the continent is completely dark during the winter . But during summer more sunlight reaches the south pole than over a similar duration at the equator. 

The red fort complex or lal qila complex in delhi was built by mughal king shahjahan in mid 17 th century. Enclosed within the massive red sand stone walls which stands 75 feet high punctuated by turrets and bastions is a complex of palaces , entertainment halls , projecting balconies , baths indoor canals , geometrical gardens as well as an ornate mosque . Among the most famous structures of the complex are the hall of public audience ( diwan -i- am ) which has 60 red sandstone pillars supporting a flat roof and hall of private audience ( diwan – I- khas ) which is smaller with a pavilion of white marble. The planing of the palace is based on islamic prototypes but each pavilion demonstrates architectural elements typical of mughal building reflecting a fusion of persian , timurid , and hindu tradition. Spread over 255 acres this whole complex was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 .

The mighty himalayan chain stretches from arunachal pradesh in north east india to jammu and kashmir the northern most tip of india . Generally the himalayas the karakoram and the hindu kush are considered to be a part of one chain . However when one makes a reference to the indian himalayas . It more often than not refers to that part of the himalayan chain which falls within indian territory. Starting from the east the indian himalayas originate from a knot between china and india where the brahmaputra river enters arunachal pradesh . The chain continues until the borders of bhutan . Beyond that lies sikkim which is home to many peaks including the third highest peak in the world khangchendzonga . The himalayan ranges to the west fall within nepalese territory until the border of kumaon and grahwal. From here the ranges extend without a break in indian territory- kinnaur , spiti , kullu, lahaul , zanskar , ladakh , and east karakoram . The ranges further west are part of pakistan and afghanistan. A climbing or trekking trip in the indian himalayas can be more enjoyable if you acquaint yourself with the regions rich geography , history and biodiversity. 

Regions of the indian himalayas broadly consists of following regions:
1 . Kumaon ( Central Himalayas Uttarakhand State ) 
2 . Garhwal ( Central Himalayas Uttarakhand State ) 
3 . Kinnaur ( North West Himalayas Himachal Pradesh) 
4 . Spiti ( North West Himalayas Himachal Pradesh) 
5 . Kullu ( North West Himalayas Himachal Pradesh) 
6 . Lahaul / Northern Valleys ( North West Himalayas Himachal Pradesh ) 
7 . Kishtwar ( Western Himalayas) 
8 . Kashmir ( Western Himalayas) 
9 . Zanskar ( Western Himalayas) 
10 . Ladakh ( Western Himalayas) 
11 . East Karakoram ( Western Himalayas) 
12 . Sikkim ( Eastern Himalayas )
13 . Arunachal Pradesh ( Eastern Himalayas )

The himalayas have played an important role in shaping indias history in many ways the two are inextricably linked . For thousands of years the himalayas have protected the indian subcontinent from marauding central asian tribes .Their height prevent the moisture rich clouds of the south western monsoon from completely by passing the country .The mountains also black cold wings from central asia that would have turned the great indian plains into a cold desert . All the great rivers in north india originate from glaciers high up in thee mountains .The rivers also carry rich alluvial soil from these ranges down to the plains which result in extremely fertile soil that support high agricultural yields .