EXPO 2020 DUBAI

 

 EXPO 2020 DUBAI

During my visit to Dubai in the month of March-April 2022, I got an opportunity to visit Expo 2020. The Worldclass mega exhibition with the participation of 192 countries and over 23 million visitors concluded on the 31st of March 2022. Business and Educational institutions also participated in this exhibition. Expo 2020 ran for six months from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 

Terra, the Sustainability pavilion remained the the  center of attraction however the Mobility Pavilion was also very popular during these 182 days spectacular show. Sunreal" waterfall was also one of the biggest attractions of Expo 2020. It was a pleasant surprise to see the team of 150 plus robots that moved around the site interacting with the visitors. Facilities of People Mover, Expo Explorer, Bicycle, Expo Buggy, Strollers and Wheelchair were available all-around Expo. During the exhibition, visitors got an opportunity to observe the heritage, culture. cuisines and the technological progress made by the participating countries. Huge crowd was seen at the entrance gate of the pavilions of Saudi Arabia, Germany, U.A.E., India, Netherland, Singapore and Japan. The Singapore pavilion was like a rainforest in the desert. The Expo passport issued on demand was a unique feature in this exhibition.

The grand closing ceremony included the world-class entertainment and dazzling fireworks. During this ceremony, the Expo flag was also handed over to Japan, which will host the next world fair in Osaka in 2025. The oldest Expo visitor, a lady aged about 98 years has commented that ' I have seen things here that I will remember for the rest of my life", Expo built structures and buildings will find new life in the future city of District 2020. 

Some of the photographs of the Expo 2020 Dubai are as under-

 EXPO 2020 DUBAI

THE THREE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE IN AGRA

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 WORLD HERITAGE IN AGRA -

One of India's  most popular  tourist destination, Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna. The city is famous for  its several legendary Mughal  landmarks. Agra is teeming with artistic  heritage and home to world famous architectures.

Taj Mahal is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but this historical monument is also considered among the eight wonders of world. There are three entrances to the monument, the East, West and South Gates. Electric carts and buses offer a transfer service up to the East Gate. This domed mausoleum built entirely out of white marbles in the memory of the  Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan, is an incredible architectural masterpiece of symmetry and craftsmanship. It still echo the love tales of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Her body is enshrined in the tomb at the Taj Mahal. The interiors of Taj Mahal is equally beautiful and astonishing. The interior is an eight-sided chamber decorated with precious and semi precious stones where the two ornate cenotaphs are enclosed within a marble screen, however the actual cenotaphs  are housed below the tomb at ground level. A beautiful square marble pool is situated midway between the Taj Mahal and it's main entrance. It is said that about 22000 masons were employed to build this monument during a period of twenty two years. This monument is closed to the public on Fridays.
 Fascinated and a bit amazed by the beauty of Taj Mahal, we quickly realised that the city had much more to offer.
Our next destination was the massive red sandstone Agra Fort which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a testament to the power and wealth of Mougal dynasty. The picturesque Yamuna flows delightfully all along the Agra Fort. It has four  huge gates (one on each side), the most impressive being the Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. It is better to engage a  officially guide at the entrance of the Fort who will duly explain the significance of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Shah Burj, Sheesh Mahal, Mina Bazaar, Moti Masjid and other such structures located within its premises.  Diwan-e-Aam is the place where the emperor used to meet his officials, general public and listen to their petitions. You may also like to visit the place where Shah Jahan was kept after his imprisonment and the view of  Taj Mahal from this very place.
Fatehpur Sikri, a small city just 37 km from Agra, was once the proud but short lived capital of the  Mughal Empire. It is an architectural storehouse, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses Royal courts, tombs, mosques and palaces.There is ticket  to enter the Fatehpur Fort but entry to Buland Darwaza & Chisti Dargah is free. Buland Darwaza is a monumental gateway which is  nearly 54m high and 35m wide. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is a revered place. There is tradition of tying a thread inside the Dargah and making a wish with it. The structure of Diwan-E- Khas is a mix of Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture. The lotus throne situated inside it on top of a pillar at the center is just amazing. This was a private court room of emperor where he used to meet his ministers and special dignitaries. The five storey Panch Mahal is a beautifully carved structure over looking the whole area. The ground floor of the building is made of 84 pillars that support the entire structure. Akbar essentially used it for his relaxation and entertainment.
The city of Agra tells a tale of bygone glorious era but still woos you with its tales of love and striking structures of  this place

SAN FRANCISCO-

SAN FRANCISCO-

Situated on the tip of peninsula and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, this Californian city is known for its cool summer, steep rolling hills, mix of architecture and endless landmarks.

The Golden Gate Bridge is definitely the San Francisco's most famous landmark. Visit the bridge at any time of the day to get a breath taking view of the city skyline and some cool breeze. It is a magnificent bridge, an engineering marvel and supposed to be a wonder of modern world. The view of Golden Gate bridge, all of it painted red -orange is simply amazing.
Fisherman wharf  is a favourite place for tourists with so much to see, eat and buy. There is something for everyone in the Fisherman wharf. If you like seafood, this place provides  you  lots of choice for dining. You may also like to visit the USS Pampanito, a WW II Balao class fleet Submarine which is a historical vessel and now a popular floating museum in the San Francisco's Fisherman wharf.

The most visited destination in San Francisco, Pier 39 is a must on your list of things to do. Bustling with people, it offers bay views, dining entertainment, shopping and attractions including Aquarium of the Bay. One of the best attractions of pier 39 is the sighting of sea lions who camp out on the pier's K Dock. Take the Bay cruise which takes you directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge on a smooth one hour journey that provides you a view of the city skyline, the Bay lights and more.
Sail around the famous(or infamous)Island of Alcatraz, a brief trip to Alcatraz is of great experience. Once a prisoner's island, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972. The audio tour would provide you additional information, various stories and incidents related to this place.

The Golden Gate Park is perhaps San Francisco's biggest gift to visitors. It is one of the largest urban parks in the world and a great attraction for tourists. The park is filled with flora around the world and beautiful sights.

California Academy of Sciences is home to various science related educational programs like aquarium, planetarium and Natural history museum, certainly a must-see tourist destination in San Francisco. Definitely a place for adults and kids where you will find lots of interactive and educational exhibits. 

While in San Francisco you will also like to visit and see the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Cable Car Museum.

Always crowded with tourists, Lombard Street which is also known as the "Crookedest" street in the world  is a scenic road on the Russian hills.
Union Square is a well known area bustling with flagship stores and numerous major retail outlets, however plenty of shopping opportunities are also available in the Financial District. You may also choose a guided tour of this beautiful city.
Some of the photographs of the Fisherman Wharf and Pier 39  are as follows-

   

MYSORE (IN THE STATE OF KARNATAKA)--

 MYSORE (IN  THE  STATE OF KARNATAKA)-

 Mysore is blessed with so many important religious places, historical monuments, beautiful gardens several lakes and home to tranquil surroundings.

The royal city of Mysore has several interesting places to visit both inside the city and nearby. The city is also known for the Yoga, Ayurveda  and as a major  trading center of Silk, Sandalwood & incense.
Dusshera in Mysore ,is one of the most widely  celebrated festival. It is also the official State festival of Karnataka. It was started off in the 15th century during the rule of Vijayanagram kings but even today the entire Mysore comes together to celebrate the festivities.
Mysore Desshera is a celebration in honour of Goddess Chamundeshwari devi, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The festival terminates on the tenth day with a grand procession that begins from the illuminated Mysore palace attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike. The grand elephant procession during Desshera celebrations is an unparallelled sight. On this occasion the diamond studded royal throne is exclusively put on display.
Mysore Palace is located in the heart of city. Even the glimpse of the Palace before entrance is exciting. It used to be the residence of the royal Wodeyar family for about six hundred years and during this period several renovations and reconstruction were made in it. The architecture of the Palace is a unique blend of Hindu, Muslim and Gothic styles. The interior of the Palace is richly carved,beautifully decorated and intricate colourful.

The temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari Devi is located at  the top of  pictures Chamundeshwari hills which is about 13 km from Mysore. The place is enriched with natural beauty and green forest. Goddess Chamundeshwari  is also the presiding deity of Mysore. The other important temples in Mysore are Shweta Varahswamy temple and Mahsabaleshwar temple. 

Sprawling over a area of about 150 acres Brindavan Gardens, situated near Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir is a unique sight in  the entire  south Indian region. The sunset is the best time to visit when you can enjoy the sight of beautiful fountains dancing to the tunes of music.
Next in the list was Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysore Zoo,  spread across 157 acres. It is a  very well-managed zoo that houses a large collection of animals and  wildlife species. The zoo is the abode to various animals, one can get to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, rhinoceroses, zebras, hippopotamus,  baboons and lots more. Green area and broad pathways make the ambiance excellent. It is a great place to visit with kids. Children’s park and boating point are the major attraction of this place in Mysore.

Karanji lake, Kukkaranahalli Lake, Regional Museum of Natural History, Melody World Wax Museum and Railway Museum are some other prominent attractions of Mysore.
You may also like to visit Srirangapatna, which  is about 15 km from Mysore. The Rangnathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, is one of Karnataka's most revered shrine. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was later modified and expanded by Vijayanagara kings and Wodeyars. This is a very old temple , now managed by the Archaeology department, Government of India

Shivanasamudra Falls, located about 65 km east of Mysore is also a favourite destination of tourists. The falls are their best during the monsoon season i.e. from June to September.
Some of the photographs of the historic sites in Mysore are as follows-

                        

      

AMRITSAR

AMRITSAR (INDIA) -

Amritsar is an ancient and holy city which is known for its various historical and religious sites. The city was founded by Guru Ram Das and later developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Golden temple with its majestic golden dome is the nucleus of the city and also the most sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The architecture of Golden temple reflects the basic tenets of Sikhism.
A devotee must cover his/her head before entering the temple complex. The Harmandir has four entrances which emphasises the fact that its doors are open to all devotees. A magnificent golden dome rises  over the two storied temple structure. It is one of the most revered places of worship in India and the most important seat of Sikh history and culture. Here you may also eager to visit the "Langar House" which is said to be the largest kitchen in all over the world. Volunteers working here cook and serve simple yet delicious meals comprising dal, roti, sabzi and kheer to all devotees
Within the premises of Golden temple complex, in the Central Sikh Museum you can also see the display of several paintings as well as the  traditional weapons depicting the glory of Sikh history.
Now visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum,which was once the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh Empire. The museum displays several historical articles like old paintings, manuscripts and coins, which are centuries old. 

Jallian Wala Bagh is a well known memorial where hundreds of innocent people participating a peaceful rally were killed or wounded  in an indiscriminate firing by the British troops commanded by Gen Micael O Dyer. This unfortunate incidence on the occasion of Baisakhi (April 13,1919) resulted in the death of 379 and injured more than 1200 persons and later it became an important mile stone in the  freedom struggle from British rule.

Durgiana temple is an other well known shrine in Amritsar. The temple complex houses the Lashmi Narayan temple, Sheetala Mata temple and a legendary Hanuman temple. It is believed that it is also a place where the great epic Ramayan was composed by Maharshi Balmiki. This was also the same place where, Lov and Kush spent their childhood along with their mother Mata Sita.
Sri Sri Gaur Radha Gokulananda Temple, founded by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness  is another tourist attraction in Amritsar.
You may also like see an interesting ceremony which takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagha border. This check post on the Indo-Pak border lies on the G.T.Road about 32 km from Amritsar and 24 km from Lahore.Large crowds gather at the stadium like galleries to watch the foot thumping by troops of the B.S.F. India and the Pakistani Rangers while marching towards the gate from their respective side.

You may like to visit the  Rambagh Garden which was formerly known as ‘Company Garden’. The garden got its present name from Maharaja Ranjiit Singh, the great king of Punjab who named this beautiful garden after the great sage Guru Ram Das. 
The people of this city are not only very hospitable, but jovial and reliable as well.

While staying in Amritsar, you should also enjoy true Punjabi flavors / delicacies like makki ki roti with saarson da saag,  kulchas stuffed with either potato or paneer with chhole, Lassi and  certain other such local preparations.

Some of the photographs of Golden Temple and Jallian Wala Bagh are as follows-

        

    

PATTAYA,THAILAND

PATTAYA, THAILAND-

Pattaya is a beautiful city located on Thailand's eastern coast known for it's beaches, nearby Coral Island and a vibrant nightlife that attracts so many international tourists.This is an ideal place for sun lovers ,thrill-seekers and water sports fan. Apart from swimming and sunbathing,it is home to numerous activities including speed boating, para sailing, water skiing,wind surfing and scuba diving..Pattaya beach is about three km long and bordered by a beach road Pattaya is a popular choice among youngsters for their bachelor party and where you may also meet and interact with locals.Just take a Tuk-Tuk and explore the night life in Pattaya.

Coral Island is the largest and most visited island among Pattaya's nearby  islands. This island is a home of white sand beaches and is a popular place for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a perfect place  to be for  any beach lover. You will see lounge chairs, beach umbrellas dotting the coastline. You may be charged for using the beach chairs or for using the bathrooms. When in need, visitors may find several of restaurants,cafes serving up juices,soft drinks,coffee and seafood. 

Alcazar cabaret show in Pattaya is a popular attraction for fun lovers. This show is performed in a theatre having a capacity of 1200 viewers. This colourful show is  performed only by men. At the end of the show you can have a picture with the performers outside the theater but within the theater premises.

The big Buddha in Wat Phra Yai is a must see place in Pattaya. A stairway flanked by two colourful mythical snakes leads to the magnificent Buddha image at the top. This place is revered by local residents and entry to this temple is free. Apart from the a 300 feet high image of big Buddha, there are several smaller Buddha figures in different impressive postures.

Underwater World Pattaya is supposed to be the one of the most modern ocean aquariums in south-east Asia. The voyage through the 100 meter long pedestrian tunnel with acrylic windows is simply a spectacular experience. The aquarium houses about 4000 marine animals which includes shark and star fishes where you can also feed Koi fish from bottles. There is also a small souvenir shop near the exit. 

A trip to the floating market in Pattaya is an experience where you can enjoy a wide selection of snacks, local dishes, shakes and juices. It is a nice place to shop where you can experience local living and while boating where you may find lovely clothing, souvenirs, tropical fruits, herbs and condiments. 
Mini Siam is also a recommended place to visit, which features replicas of famous structures from Thailand and all over the world.

The Herb Garden ,The Bottle Art Museum, Gems Gallery, Million -Year Stone Park, Silver lake Winery and Crocodile Farm in Pattaya are some other interesting places to see.

Some of the photographs of Pattaya are as follows-

PATTAYA

BIG BOAT TO CORAL ISLAND

CORAL ISLAND

BIG BUDDHA

BIG BUDDHA

UNDER WATER WORLD

UNDER WATER WORLD

JUNGFRAUJOCH,SWITZERLAND

JUNGFRAU-

During our visit to the  Switzerland, we got an opportunity to visit Jungfrau . Jungfrau is known for its extra ordinary beauty and fantastic land escape. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region in Switzerland is also a UNESCO  World Natural Heritage Site. Jungfrau, also known as the 'Top of the Europe', is a perfect fun family destination.

The Jungfrau Railway station is served by the cogwheel trains which run from Kleine Scheidegg. The cogwheel train travels  over the steep mountains  up to the Jungfrau.The fun and excitement starts as soon as you ride the cogwheel train. Now enjoy the breath taking view of Alps.
The credit for the Europe's highest-altitude cogwheel trains goes to Colonel Eduard Locher-Freuler , who was  a renowned engineer  and constructor of several railway bridges.
The spectacular train journey up to the top is an unparalleled experience. After the journey, disembark at the Jungfrau railway station situated at a height of about 11332 feet.

The underground Jungfrau Railway Station is situated below the Jungfraujoch col  and close to the summits of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monchmountains. The facility of luggage lockers  is also available at the railway station.
The main complex is accessed from the railway platform where you enjoy the Jungfrau-Panorama, the history of Jungfrau railways and the Alpine Sensation . The complex has several restaurants,coffee bar and souvenir shops. If you want to relax, enjoy an authentic Swiss cuisine or Indian /Inter-continental lunch with champagne.
Now take the elevator to the Ice Palace and have a look of the exhibition of crystal -like sculptures such as  eagles and penguins etc.
The  lift takes the visitors up to the Sphinx terrace  at the height of 11716 feet which provides a  spectacular views over the Aletsch Glacier. The top of this complex also hosts a domed shaped Sphinx observatory well known for astronomical studies.
 All the fun and excitement at Jungfrau just did not stop here.
 Now it is time to experience the magic of mountain ,breath taking  Jungfrau peak and awesome Aletsch Glacier. At the ground level there are several places of adventure and  recreations where you can enjoy skiing,snowboarding which includes playing with the snow.

Some of the photographs of the panoramic views of  Jungfrau are as follows-

Cogwheel Train

Adventure and  Recreations at Ground Level

The Ice Palace

Sphinx Observatory