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The following is Touriosity’s compilation of the 125 most important towers of the world. The list comes with the name of the tower, height, year of construction, location and the claim to fame of each tower. 1. Eiffel Tower (Height: 324 m; Year: 1889; Place: Paris, France; Famous for: First to surpass 300 meters, tallest tower in the world 1889-1958) 2. CN Tower (Height: 553.33 m; Year: 1976; Place: Toronto, Canada; Famous for: Tallest structure in the world 2009-11) 3. The Seattle Space Needle (Height: 142 m; Year: 1962; Place: Seattle, United States; Famous for: Observation Tower, can withstand earthquakes of upto 9.0 magnitude) 4. Empire State Building (Height: 443.2 m; Year: 1931; Place: Man­hattan, New York, United States; Famous for: World’s Tallest Building for 40 years) 5. One World Trade Center (Height: 541 m; Year: 2013; Place: Manhattan, New York, United States; Famous for: Tallest building in the United States) 6. Stratosphere Las Vegas (Height: 350.2 m; Year: 1996; Place: Las Vegas, United States; Famous for: Tallest observation tower in the United States) 7. Willis Tower (Sears Tower) (Height: 442.1 m; Year: 1973; Place: Chicago, USA; Famous for: Tallest building in the world for 25 years) 8. Berliner Fernsehturm (Height: 368 m; Year: 1969; Place: Berlin, Germany; Famous for: Tallest structure in Germany) 9. Burj Khalifa (Height: 829.8 m; Year: 2010; Place: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Famous for: Tallest structure and building in the world currently) 10. Petronas Towers (Height: 451.9 m; Year: 1996; Place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Famous for: Tallest twin towers in the world) 11. The Shard (Height: 309.7 m; Year: 2012; Place: London, United Kingdom; Tallest building in the United Kingdom) 12. Tokyo Skytree (Height: 634 m; Year: 2012; Place: Tokyo, Japan; Famous for: Became tallest tower in 2011, second tallest free standing structure in the world) 13. Ostankino Tower (Height: 540.1 m; Year: 1967; Place: Moscow, Russia; Famous for: Tallest freestanding structure in the world 1975-2007, tallest in the western hemisphere) 14. John Hancock Center (Height: 240 m; Year: 1976; Place: Boston, United States; Famous for: Recipient of National Honor Award, tallest building in Boston) 15. Canton Tower (Height: 604 m; Year: 2010; Place: Guangzhou, China; Famous for: Tallest in the world 2009-11) 16. US Bank Tower (Height: 310.3 m; Year: 1989; Place: Los Angeles, USA; Famous for: Library Tower, First Interstate Bank World Center) 17. Rockefeller Plaza (Height: 260 m; Year: 1940; Place: New York, United States; Famous for: Top of the Rock Observation Deck) 18. Skylon Tower (Height: 160 m; Year: 1965; Place: Ontario, Canada; Famous for: Observation Center overlooking the Niagara Falls, American Falls, Horseshoe Falls) 19. Oriental Pearl Tower (Height: 468 m; Year: 1994; Place: Shanghai, China; Famous for: Tallest in China 1994-2007, among the ugliest tow­ers in the world) 20. Gateway Arch (Height: 192 m; Year: 1965; Place: Missouri, United States; Famous for: World’s tallest arch) 21. Eureka Tower (Height: 297.3 m; Year: 2006; Place: Melbourne, Australia; Famous for: It is one of the tallest residential towers in the world) 22. Sydney Tower (Height: 305 m; Year: 1981; Place: Sydney, Aus­tralia; Famous for: Sydney’s tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere) 23. Europaturm (Height: 337.5 m; Year: 1979; Place: Frankfurt, Germany; Famous for: The top of the tower can turn and provides a panoramic view of the Rhine Main Area) 24. Renaissance Center (Height: 230 m; Year: 1976; Place: Detroit, United States; Famous for: Group of seven interconnected skyscrap­ers, the central tower is the third tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere) 25. Calgary Tower (Height: 191 m; Year: 1967; Place: Calgary, Canada; Famous for: This tower was a founding member of the World Federation of Great Towers) 26. Trump Tower (Height: 202 m; Year: 1983; Place: New York City, United States; Famous for: Headquarters for The Trump Or­ganization, also known as one of the ugliest towers in the world) 27. Busan Tower (Height: 120 m; Year: 1973; Place: Busan, South Korea; Famous for: Used only for entertainment purposes, it is said to be a good place to get a view of the city’s port) 28. Shanghai World Financial Center (Height: 492 m; Year: 2008; Place: Pudong, Shanghai; Famous for: Was named by the architects as the best skyscraper completed in 2008, receiving both the Best Tall Building Overall and Asia & Australasia awards from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) 29. Sky 100 (Height: 393 m; Year: 2011; Place: Hong Kong, China; Famous for: 360 degree indoor observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre) 30. Kuala Lumpur Tower (Height: 421 m; Year: 1994; Place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Famous for: Tallest in South East Asia) 31. Taipei 101 (Height: 509.2 m; Year: 2004; Place: Taipei, Taiwan; Famous for: The first building in the world to break the half-kilometer mark in height, the world’s largest and highest-use green building) 32. Tower of the Americas (Height: 228.6 m; Year: 1968; Place: San Antonio, Texas, United States; Famous for: Observation tower restaurant, was built as the theme structure of the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ’68) 33. Milad Tower (Height: 435 m; Year: 2007; Place: Tehran, Iran; Fa­mous for: Tallest in the Middle East) 34. Q1 (Queensland Number One) (Height: 322.5 m; Year: 2005; Place: Queensland, Australia; Famous for: The landmark building was recognized as one of Queensland’s icons during the state’s 150th birth­day celebrations) 35. Bank of America Plaza (Height: 365.8 m; Year: 2009; Place: New York, United States; Famous for: One of the most efficient and ecologi­cally friendly buildings in the world) 36. Tokyo Tower (Height: 332.6 m; Year: 1958; Place: Tokyo, Japan; Famous for: Tallest tower from 1958-67) 37. 63 Square (Height: 274 m; Year: 1985; Place: Seoul, South Korea; Famous for: Tallest gold clad structure in the world) 38. Tianjin Radio and Television Tower (Height: 415.2 m; Year: 1991; Place: Tianjin, China; Famous for: Tallest in Asia 1991-1994, Tallest in North China) 39. Istanbul Sapphire (Height: 261 m; Year: 2010; Place: Istanbul, Turkey; Famous for: Has the deepest foundation pit excavated for any structure in Turkey) 40. Collserola Tower (Height: 288 m; Year: 1992; Place: Barcelona, Spain; Famous for: The highest point of this tower is actually the highest place you could be in the city of Barcelona) 41. West Pearl Tower (Height: 339 m; Year: 2004; Place: Chengdu, China; Famous for: Revolving restaurant with a 360 degree view of the city) 42. Blackpool Tower (Height: 158 m; Year: 1894; Place: Blackpool, Unit­ed Kingdom; Famous for: Aquarium and cafeteria, tower circus, tower ballroom and roof gardens) 43. Olympiaturm (Height: 289.5 m; Year: 1968; Place: Munich, Ger­many; Famous for: Rock Museum)45. Donauturm (Height: 252 m; Year: 1964; Place: Vienna, Austria; Famous for: The tallest structure in Austria) 44. Jin Mao Tower (Height: 382 m; Year: 1999; Place: Shanghai, China; Famous for: It contains the Grand Hyatt Shanghai Hotel, which at the time of completion was the highest hotel in the world) 45. Donauturm (Height: 252 m; Year: 1964; Place: Vienna, Austria; Famous for: The tallest structure in Austria) 46. Gerbrandy Tower (Height: 366.8 m; Year: 1961; Place: Ijsselstein, Netherlands; Famous for: Tallest structure in European Union from 1961-1973) 47. Emley Moor (Height: 330.4 m; Year: 1971; Place: Kirklees, United Kingdom; Famous for: Tallest freestanding structure in the United Kingdom) 48. Prudential Tower (Height: 276 m; Year: 1964; Place: Boston, United States; Famous for: 50th floor observation deck, the Skywalk Observatory, is currently the highest observation deck in New England open to the public) 49. Yokohama Marine Tower (Height: 106 m; Year: 1961; Place: Yokohama, Japan; Famous for: The light characteristic is marked by a flash every twenty seconds, whereby the light’s colour is alternating red and green) 50. Sky Tower Wroclaw (Height: 212 m; Year: 2012; Place: Wroclaw, Poland; Famous for: Sky Tower is the tallest building in Poland in the category of height to roof and category of highest floor, a publicly ac­cessible viewpoint is located on the 49th floor) 51. JP Morgan Chase Tower (Height: 305.4 m; Year: 1982; Place: Texas, USA; Famous for: The tallest five sided building in the world) 52. Gran Torre Santiago (Height: 300 m; Year: 2013; Place: San­tiago, Chile; Famous for: The tallest building in Latin America) 53. Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel (Height: 220.37 m; Year: 1976; Place: Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Famous for: One of the tallest all-hotel building in the world) 54. Federation Tower (Height: 450 m; Year: 2017; Place: Moscow, Russia; Famous for: Accommodates the tallest restaurant in Moscow, ‘Sixty’, run by Ginza Project) 55. Olympic Stadium (Height: 175.3 m; Year: 1987; Place: Mon­treal, Canada; Famous for: Highest inclined tower in the world, with 45-degree angle) 56. Sky Tower (Height: 328 m; Year: 1997; Place: Auckland, New Zealand; Famous for: Tallest freestanding structure in Southern Hemisphere) 57. Reunion Tower (Height: 170.7 m; Year: 1978; Place: Dallas, United States; Famous for: The tower is located near the site of the assassination of John F Kennedy) 58. China Olympic Park Observation Tower (Height: 258 m; Year: 2014; Place: Beijing, China; Famous for: Its design is meant to echo the Olympic rings. The overall design was inspired by blades of grass; however it has also been likened to “huge nails”) 59. Dragon Tower (Height: 336 m; Year: 2000; Place: Heilongjiang, China; Famous for: Second tallest freestanding lattice tower in the world and Asia, and the tallest in China) 60. Terminal Tower (Height: 235 m; Year: 1930; Place: Ohio, UnitedStates; Famous for: It was the second tallest building in the world when it was com­pleted) 61. Macau Tower (Height: 338 m; Year: 2001; Place: Macau, China; Famous for: Adventure sports – a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim, bunjee jump, skyjump) 62. Main Tower (Height: 240 m; Year: 2000; Place: Frankfurt, Germany; Famous for: It is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public viewing observatory) 63. Colonius (Height: 266 m; Year: 1981; Place: Cologne, Germany; Famous for: Cafeteria, viewing platform, and a restaurant) 64. Bitexco Financial Tower (Height: 262.5 m; Year: 2010; Place: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Famous for: Shape of the skyscraper is inspired from Vietnam’s national flower, the Lotus) 65. Tuntex Sky Tower (Height: 347.5 m; Year: 1997; Place: Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Famous for: An Atrium that extends from Level 45’s Shimmer Ballroom to 83, one of the highest continuous atrium in the world) 66. Rheinturm (Height: 240.5 m; Year: 1981; Place: Dusseldorf, Germany; Famous for: Revolving restaurant, observation deck, tallest building in Dus­seldorf, the light sculpture on the Rheinturm is the largest digital clock in the world) 67. Carew Tower (Height: 175 m; Year: 1930; Place: Cincinnati, Ohio; Famous for: The tower was added to the register of National Historic Landmarks) 68. Donauturm Wien (Height: 252 m; Year: 1964; Place: Vienna, Austria; Famous for: Tallest tower in Austria) 69. N. Seoul Tower (Height: 236 m; Year: 1971; Place: Seoul, South Korea; Famous for: Marks the second highest point in Seoul) 70. Fernsehturm Stuttgart (Height: 216.61 m; Year: 1956; Place: Stuttgart, Germany; Famous for: First telecommunications tower in the world construed from reinforced concrete, and it is the prototype for many such towers worldwide) 71. Avala Tower (Height: 204.5 m; Year: 1965; Place: Avala, Serbia; Famous for: Destroyed in NATO bombing on April 29, 1999; reconstruction completed October 2009; tallest in the Balkans) 72. Alor Setar Tower (Height: 165.5 m; Year: 1997; Place: Alor Setar, Malaysia; Famous for: Telecommunication tower, tourist destination, restaurants, souvenir shop. The tower is an observatory tower to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim months) 73. Monas (Height: 137 m; Year: 1975; Place: Jakarta, Indonesia; Famous for: National Monument of Indonesia built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence) 74. Kuwait Towers (Height: 187 m; Year: 1979; Place: Kuwiat City, Kuwait; Famous for: Recipient of Aga Khan Award for Architecture) 75. Minaret and Archaelogical Remains of Jam (Height: 65 m; Year: 1190; Place: Shahrak District, Ghor Province, Afghanistan; Famous for: Since 2002, the minaret has remained on the list of World Heritage in Danger, under serious threat of erosion, and has not been actively preserved) 76. Galata Tower (Height: 66.9 m; Year: 1348; Place: Istanbul, Turkey; Famous for: There is a restaurant and café on its upper floors which have views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Also located on the upper floors is a night club which hosts a Turkish show. 77. Two Towers of Bologna (Height: 97.2 m; Year: 1119; Place: Bologna, Italy; Famous for: Leaning style, known as the symbol of Italy) 78. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi (Height: 73 m; Year: 1220; Place: New Delhi; Famous for: Architecture, movie and television series shoots) 79. Chrysler Building (Height: 318.9 m; Year: 1930; Place: Manhat­tan, NY; Famous for: Tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework) 80. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa (Height: 55.86 m; Year: 1372; Place: Pisa, Italy; Famous for: Its unitended tilt) 81. Statue of Liberty (Height: 93 m; Year: 1886; Place: New York City, United States; Famous for: It is a gift to the US from France to celebrate the friendship the two endured during the American Revolution) 82. Tashkent Tower (Height: 374.9 m; Year: 1985; Place: Tash­kent, Uzbekistan; Famous for: Tallest in Central Asia) 83. Spinnaker Tower (Height: 170 m; Year: 2005; Place: Ports­mouth, United Kingdom; Famous for: Landmark observation tower in Portsmouth) 84. Washington Monument (Height: 169.3 m; Year: 1884; Place: Washing­ton DC, United States; Famous for: Observation level at 152 m) 85. Liberation Tower (Height: 372 m; Year: 1996; Place: Kuwait City, Kuwait; Famous for: The second tallest structure in the country) 86. San Jacinto Monument (Height: 172.92 m; Year: 1939; Place: La Porte, Texas, United States; Famous for: World’s tallest monumental column) 87. Zizkov Television Tower (Height: 216 m; Year: 1992; Place: Prague, Czech Republic; Famous for: Rocket and gantry appearance, known as the second ugliest building in the world) 88. Euromast (Height: 186 m; Year: 1962; Place: Rotterdam, Netherlands; Fa­mous for: “Crow nest” observation platform, member of the World Federation of Great Towers, the tower hosted an extreme sports event which featured BASE jumping) 89. Pharos Lighthouse (Height: 122 m; Year: 280 BC; Place: Alexandria, Egypt; Famous for: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, World’s Tallest tower from 280 BC to 1180 AD) 90. Malmesbury Abbey Tower (Height: 131.3 m; Year: 1180; Place: Malmes­bury, United Kingdom; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1180 to 1240, one of the oldest churches) 91. Tower of Old St Paul’s Cathedral (Height: 150 m; Year: 1240; Place: London, United Kingdom; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1240 to 1311) 92. Tower of Lincoln Cathedral (Height: 159.7 m; Year: 1311; Place: Lincoln, UK; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1311 to 1549) 93. Tower of St Mary’s Church (Height: 151 m; Year: 1549; Place: Stralsund, Germany; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1549 to 1647) 94. Tower of Strasbourg Cathedral (Height: 142 m; Year: 1647; Place: Strasbourg, France; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1647 to 1874) 95. St. Nikolai Memorial (Height: 147.3 m; Year: 1195; Place: Ham­burg, Germany; Famous for: Church ruin, World’s Tallest tower from 1874 to 1876) 96. Tower of Rouen Cathedral (Height: 151 m; Year: 1030; Place: Rouen, France; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1876 to 1880) 97. Tower of Cologne Cathedral (Height: 157.38 m; Year: 1880; Place: Cologne, Germany; Famous for: World’s Tallest Tower from 1880 to 1889) 98. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Height: 107 m; Year: 1915; Place: Ohio, United States; Famous for: World’s most massive Doric column; fourth-tallest memorial in the US) 99. KLIA2 Control Tower (Height: 133.8 m; Year: 2013; Place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Famous for: Tallest air-traffic control tower in the world) 100. Funkturm Berlin (Height: 150 m; Year: 1926; Place: Berlin, Germany; Famous for: Only observation tower standing on insulators) 101. Ulm Munster (Height: 161.5 m; Year: 1377-1890; Place: Ulm, Ger­many; Famous for: Tallest church tower in the world) 102. Hillbrow Tower (Height: 269 m; Year: 1969; Place: Johannesburg, South Africa; Famous for: Tallest in Africa) 103. Lotus Tower (Height: 350 m; Year: 2018; Place: Colombo, Sri Lanka; Famous for: Tallest structure in South Asia) 104. Burj Al Arab, Dubai – Boat hotel (Height: 321 m; Year: 1999; Place: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Famous for: One of the top five tallest hotels in the world, the shape of the structure is designed to resemble the sail of a ship) 105. Torre Agbar, Barcelona (Height: 144.44 m; Year: 2004; Place: Barcelona, Spain; Famous for: Unique shape like that of a bullet, also known as one of the ugliest tall buildings in the world; recipient of green building award from the Euro­pean Council for its energy efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions) 106. Montparnasse Tower (Height: 210 m; Year: 1973; Place: Paris, France; Famous for: Known as the ugliest building in the world) 107. Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science (Height: 237 m; Year: 1955; Place: Warsaw, Poland; Famous for: Musical Concerts, known among the ugliest buildings in the world) 108. Sagrada Familia Towers (Height: 170 m when completed; Year: Work in progress since 1882; Place: Barcelona, Spain Famous for: UNESCO WHS – Unique building with unique structure of towers. Will be the tallest cathedral towers in Europe when complete) 109. Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple (Yingxian Wooden Tower) (Height: 67.31 m; Year: 1056; Place: Shanxi, China; Famous for: It is the tallest among the ancient still existing wooden Pagodas in China) 110. Tianning Pagoda (Height: 153.79 m; Year: 2007; Place: Changzhou, China; Famous for: This wooden pagoda is the tallest pagoda in the world) 111. Hwangryongsa Temple (Height: 80 m; Year: 660; Place: Gyeongju, South Korea; Famous for: This was tallest structure in East Asia and tallest wooden structure in the world during that time – destroyed in 1238 AD by the Mongols) 112. Tiger Sky Tower (Height: 110 m; Year: 2004; Place: Sentosa Island, Sin­gapore; Famous for: Tallest free standing observation tower in Asia) 113. British Airways i360 (Height: 161 m; Year: 2016; Place: Brighton, United buildings Kingdom; Famous for: Thinnest tall tower in the world) 114. Tortoise Mountain TV Tower (Height: 311.4 m; Year: 1986; Place: Wuhan, China; Famous for: China’s first self-supported TV tower) 115. Abraj AL-Bait Clock Tower (Height: 601 m; Year: 2012; Place: Mecca, Saudi Arabia; Famous for: World’s largest clock face) 116. Jeddah Light House (Height: 133 m; Year: 1990; Place: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Famous for: Has a credible claim to be the world’s tallest light tower) 117. Palacio Barolo (Height:100 m; Year: 1923; Place: Buenos Aires, Ar­gentina; Famous for: The lighthouse at the top of the building can be seen all the way in Montevideo, Uruguay) 118. Ile Vierge Lighthouse (Height: 82.5 m; Year: 1902; Place: Finistere, France; Famous for: Tallest traditional lighthouse) 119. Lighthouse of Genoa (Height: 77 m; Year: 1543; Place: Genoa, Italy; Famous for: Tallest in the Mediterranean) 120. Swinoujscie Lighthouse (Height: 65 m; Year: 1857; Place: Swinou­jscie, Poland; Famous for: Tallest brick lighthouse, tallest in Poland) 121. Central Radio & TV Tower (Height: 405 m; Year: 1992; Place: Beijing, China; Famous for: Tallest structure in Beijing) 122. Windmill Viewpoint, Phuket (Place: Phuket, Thailand; Fa­mous for: Spot passing sea traffic, ranging from long-tail boats with their long converted truck motors, to fishing boats heading out in the Andaman, to oil tankers and even mega-sized cruise ships com­ing from and heading back to Singapore) 123. Montefiore Windmill Tower (Place: Yemin Moshe, Jerusa­lem, Israel; Year: 1850s; Famous for: Acts as a museum at the entry point to this quaint neighborhood) 124. Windmill Tower & Tulips (Place: Akebonoyama, Japan; Fa­mous for: This machine in Akebonoyama decorated with tulips field is a real attraction for the tourists to spend a great time relaxing) 125. Salt Flats and Windmill Tower (Place: Mozia, Sicily, Italy; Famous for: This was a pumping mill for salt works, but now it is a salt museum)

A visit to a waterfall is a favourite of most of us. It brings the much needed break from the urban hustle and bustle as you can enjoy soothing environment near a waterfall in the midst of nature. Foamy white water cascading from the top of a rocky or green mountain making a gurgling noise is a sight to behold. The experience is to be had in person and is difficult to describe. There are different types of them, from the ones that fall from hundreds of metres to those that provide adventure options. For those who like to take bath in the water (wherever it is allowed, and not dangerous), it is nothing short of a thrill. To provide our readers with a bucket list, we have drawn up a list of 100 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. But it is important to be cautious and follow the directions and warnings to avoid mishaps. 1. Iguazú, Cataratas del (Place: Parana, Argentina; Famous for: Largest waterfall system in the world) 2. Kaieteur Falls (Place: Mazaruni-Potaro, Guyana; Famous for: The world’s largest single drop waterfall by the volume of water flowing over it) 3. Victoria Falls (Place: Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe; Famous for: The largest waterfall in the world) 4. Kerepakupai Merú or Angel Falls (Place: Bolívar, Venezuela; Famous for: World’s tallest waterfalls with a total fall of 979m or 3,212ft) 5. Gocta, Catarata (Place: Amazonas, Peru; Famous for: Third highest waterfall in the world) 6. Sutherland Falls (Place: Southland, New Zealand; Famous for: Tallest waterfalls in New Zealand) 7. Virginia Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Famous for: Glacier National Park, Hiking) 8. Ventisquero Colgante, Cascada de (Place: Aisén, Chile; Fa­mous for: One of the top five falls in South America) 9. San Rafael, Cascada de (Place: Napo, Ecuador; Famous for: Ac­tive Reventador volcano) 10. Cerberus Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Icefall Canyon) 11. Jog Falls (Place: Karnataka, India; Famous for: One of the high­est waterfalls in India) 12. Helmcken Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Fourth highest waterfalls in Canada) 13. Takakkaw Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Second tallest waterfalls in Canada) 14. Dettifoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: The most powerful waterfall in Europe, into Iceland’s largest canyon, the Jokulsargljufur canyon) 15. Odegaard Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Bella Coola Valley, 4X4 drive) 16. Kalandula Falls (Place: Malanje, Angola; Famous for: One of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa) 17. Gullfoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Staircase type shape) 18. Grande Cascade de Gavarnie (Place: Hautes-Pyrénées, France; Famous for: Highest waterfall in mainland France) 19. Langfoss (Place: Norway; Famous for: The fifth highest wa­terfall in Norway) 20. Sivasamudram Falls (Place: Mysore, India; Famous for: Tem­ples, fishing) 21. Mardalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: The tenth highest waterfalls in Europe) 22. Vettisfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Tallest free-fall­ing waterfall in Europe) 23. Augrabies Falls (Place: Northern Cape, South Africa; Fa­mous for: Orange River) 24. Hafragilsfoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: the largest canyon in Iceland) 25. Middle Cummins Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Picnicking, hiking and fishing) 26. Søtefossen Falls (Place: Kinsarvik, Norway; Famous for: High­est in cascade of four waterfalls in Husedalen Valley) 27. Cummins Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Cummins Falls State Park) 28. Helmet Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Height: 352 m; Famous for: Hiking) 29. Niagara Falls (Place: Ontario, Canada; Famous for: Approx 30 million visitors every year, Maid of the Mist boat tour) 30. Hunlen Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: One of the highest free falling waterfalls in Canada, Hiking, Trekking) 31. Twin Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Snake river canyon, drive or walk across Perrine Bridge) 32. Basaseachic, Cascada de (Place: Chihuahua, Mexico; Famous for: One of the tallest waterfalls in the world) 33. Lofoi, Chutes (Place: Katanga, Congo; Famous for: One of the largest waterfalls, both in volume and height, in Africa) 34. Wapama Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Hik­ing, trails) 35. Tjørnadalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Watching sunset, trekking, hiking) 36. Oshi, Salto (Place: Mazaruni-Potaro, Guyana; Famous for: High­est falls in Guyana) 37. Nevada Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Yosemite National Park, Nevada Fall Trail) 38. Lower Yellowstone Falls (Place: Wyoming, United States; Famous for: Grand canyon of the Yellowstone) 39. Depot Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: North Cascades National Park, long hikes) 40. Ruacana Falls (Place: Namibia; Famous for: River rafting, canoe rides, hydro-electric power plants) 41. Skytjefossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Scenic beauty; Hydro-electric power plants) 42. Shoshone Falls (Place: Idaho, United States; Famous for: Shoshone Falls Park, Shoshone Falls Dam, Bridal Veil Falls) 43. Nyastølsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Hiking, Trek­king) 44. Goðafoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: Mythological importance) 45. Snoqualmie Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: TV and movie shoots) 46. Vøringsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Most famous falls in the country) 47. Alexandra Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Fa­mous for: Beautiful spot to enjoy picnic) 48. Krimmler Wasserfalle (Place: Salzburg, Austria; Famous for: Beautiful backdrops found while hiking) 49. Wapta Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Yoho National Park) 50. Selfoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: Of­ten regarded as one of the natural wonders) 51. Ramnefjellfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Third position in World height ranking) 52. Yosemite Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park) 53. Kalambo Falls (Place: Northern Zambia, Zambia; Famous for: Second highest uninterrupted fall in Africa) 54. Barron Falls (Place: Queensland, Australia; Famous for: One of the Q150 Icons of Queensland) 55. Shomyo-daki (Place: Toyama, Japan; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Japan) 56. Wallaman Falls (Place: Queensland, Australia; Famous for: Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall) 57. Ædnafossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Peculiar and unique shape) 58. Green Lake Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: North Cascades National Park) 59. Parijaro, Catarata de (Place: Junin, Peru; Famous for: The Ashaninka jungle tribe) 60. Wagenia, Chutes (Place: Orientale, Congo; Famous for: Fishing) 61. Vernal Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Happy Isles Trail, Yosemite Valley) 62. Upper Yellowstone Falls (Place: Wyoming, United States; Famous for: Yellowstone National Park) 63. Louise Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Famous for: Ice climb­ing when frozen) 64. Háifoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Fourth highest waterfall in Iceland) 65. Berdeen Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Bacon Creek) 66. Della Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Among the tallest waterfalls in Canada) 67. Pétain Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Elk Lake, hiking) 68. Sju Søstre (Place: Norway; Famous for: Consists o seven separate streams and hence is known as “The Seven Sisters”) 69. Cumberland Falls (Place: Kentucky, United States; Famous for: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, also known “Little Niagara”, “Niagara of the South, “Great Falls”) 70. Lady Evelyn Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Fa­mous for: Camping, hiking, canoeing) 71. Bow Glacier Falls (Place: Alberta, Canada; Famous for: Sunrise watch, Bow Glacier Falls trail) 72. Skógafoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Skoga river, Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano) 73. Multnomah Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon, second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States) 74. Nordre Mardalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: One of the ten highest waterfalls in Europe) 75. Mollisfossen (Place: Reisa National Park, Norway; Famous for: Fishing) 76. Blanche, Cascade (Place: Réunion; Famous for: One in a group of very high waterfalls) 77. Vinnufallet (Place: Norway; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Eu­rope) 78. Upper Stevens Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Unique shape and structure) 79. Comet Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Known as the best falls in the Mount Rainer region) 80. Yutajé, Salto (Place: Amazonas, Venezuela; Famous for: Third highest waterfall in Venezuela) 81. Sulphide Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: North Cascades National Park, Sulphide Lake, Mount Shuksan) 82. Serio, Cascata del (Place: Lombardy, Italy; Famous for: Italy’s highest waterfall) 83. Cohoes Falls (Place: New York, United States; Famous for: Mohawk river, small version of Niagara Falls) 84. Jordan Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: Blue-green color and distinctive travertine formations) 85. Dawson Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Murtle River, Camping) 86. Feather Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Most impressive waterfall in the state north of Yosemite National Park) 87. Skálabrekkufoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Ey­jafjallajokull and Katla volcanoes) 88. Nohkalikai Falls (Place: Meghalaya, India; Famous for: Tallest plunge waterfall in India) 89. Tjøtafossen (Place: Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; Famous for: Briksdal Trail) 90. Angeline Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: West Fork Foss river, Delta Lake) 91. Svøufallet (Place: Norway; Famous for: Deep gorges, can­yons and rivers) 92. Salt Creek Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall) 93. Illilouette Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Yosem­ite National Park) 94. Keyhole Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Largest waterfall along the Lillooet River) 95. White Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Spa lodg­es, Northern lights) 96. Bridalveil Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: One of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California) 97. Strupen (Place: Norway; Famous for: One of the three significant melt water streams originating in the Myklebust Icefield) 98. Tugela Falls (Place: Kwazulu Natal, South Africa; Famous for: The world’s second tallest waterfall) 99. Ice Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Ice climbing) 100. Drury Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Fishing, walking, picnicking and hiking)

India is truly a land of waterfalls. There are so many of them. Some states, especially Sikkim, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya and Karnataka have many beautiful cascades worth checking out. There are glacier-fed falls as well as river-fed ones, single cascade as well as multiple cascades. The following is Touriosity’s compilation of the 56 ‘must see’ waterfalls in India. 1. Dudhsagar Waterfall – Goa’s prestigious falls (Height: 320 m; Place: Sonaulim, Goa; Famous for: India’s fourth largest waterfall) 2. Jog Waterfall – The wonder fall of Karnataka (Height: 253 m; Place: Shi­moga, Karnataka; Famous for: Second-highest plunge waterfall in India) 3. Nohsngithiang Waterfall – A surprise waiting at Mawsmai Village (Height: 315 m; Place: Mawsmai, Meghalaya; Famous for: Seven-segmented waterfall, also known as Seven Sister Falls) 4. Thosegharh Waterfall – Maharashtra’s pride waterfall (Height: 20 m; Place: Thosegarh, Maharashtra; Famous for: Great scenery with windmill farms nearby) 5. Athirappilly Waterfall – India’s very own Niagara (Height: 25 m; Place: Thissur, Kerala; Famous for: Movie shoots) 6. Courtallam Waterfall – Tamil Nadu’s largest waterfall (Height: 160 m; Place: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Also known as ‘Medical Spa’) 7. Talakona Waterfall – Sri Vankateswara National Park (Height: 82 m; Place: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh; Famous for: Highest Waterfall in Andhra Pradesh) 8. Khandadhar Waterfall – Odisha’s gem water fall (Height: 244 m; Place: Sundergarh, Odisha; Famous for: Historic importance) 9. Chitrakot Waterfall – a stunner fall from Chhattisgarh (Height: 29 m; Place: Bastar, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: Kanger Valley National Park) 10. Dhuandhar Waterfall – an odd but spectacular fall (Height: 30 m; Place: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; Famous for: Cable Car Service covering the entire falls) 11. Kunchikal Falls – Ghati’s hidden treasure (Height: 455 m; Place: Shimoga, Karnataka; Famous for: The Highest Waterfall in India) 12. Barehipani Falls – Simlipal National Park, Odisha (Height: 399 m; Place: Mayurbhanj, Odisha; Famous for: Simlipal National Park) 13. Langshiang Falls – a sight to behold (Height: 337 m; Place: Nongs­toin, Meghalaya; Famous for: Third highest waterfalls in India) 14. Nohkalikai Falls – India’s largest water fall (Height: 340 m; Place: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; Famous for: India’s tallest plunge waterfall) 15. Meenmutty Falls – Kerala’s spectacular water fall (Height: 300 m; Place: Wayanad, Kerala; Famous for: Jungle Trekking) 16. Kune Falls – Pune’s secret weekend outing (Height: 200 m; Place: Pune, Maharashtra; Famous for: Stunning backdrop of the famous Sahy­adri Mountains) 17. Thalaiyar Falls – an impressive gift from Tamil Nadu (Height: 297 m; Place: Theni Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu) 18. Vantawng Falls – Serchhip’s tourist attraction (Height: 229 m; Place: Thenzawl, Mizoram; Famous for: Highest uninterrupted waterfall in Mizoram) 19. Umbrella Falls – God’s wonder in Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra (Height: 52 m; Place: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; Famous for: Wilson Hydropower Dam) 20. Hogenakkal Waterfall – Tamil Nadu’s majestic falls (Height: 20 m; Place: Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Boating during the dry season) 21. Abbey Falls – A surprise awaiting at Madikeri (Height: 20 m; Place: Madikeri, Karnataka; Famous for: View from the hanging bridge) 22. Kiliyur Waterfalls – a treasure hidden in the Eastern Ghats (Height: 91 m; Place: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Boating and swimming) 23. Papanasam Waterfall – The Majestic Falls (Height: 91 m; Place: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Nearby temples) 24. Shivasamudram Falls – one not to be missed while in Karnataka (Height: 98 m; Place: Mandya, Karnataka; Famous for: India’s second hydro-electric power station) 25. Soochippara Falls – the misty cascades (Height: 200 m; Place: Vellari­mala, Kerala; Famous for: Rock climbing) 26. Bhagsu Waterfall – Mcleodganj pilgrimage offers a treasure (Height: 20m; Place: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh; Famous for: Shiva temple nearby) 27. Amritdhara Waterfalls – a fair and a fall at the same place (Height: 27.4 m; Place: Koriya, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: A very auspicious Shiva temple and a very famous mela is held every year) 28. Barachukki Falls – a double treat awaits at Mandya Karnataka (Height: 107 m; Place: Mandya, Karnataka; Famous for: Coracle ride that takes travellers up to the mouth of the waterfall) 29. Bear Shola Falls – where bears come to drink! (Height: 20 m; Place: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Trekking and popular picnic spot) 30. Chunnu Summer Falls – Darjeeling’s wonderful waterfalls (Height: 20m; Place: Darjeeling, West Bengal; Famous for: Rock Garden, a small lake, boating) 31. Elephant Falls – Shillong’s icon (Height: 135 m; Place: Shillong, Megha­laya; Famous for: Step type falls, also known as ‘Three Steps Waterfalls’) 32. Ethipothala Waterfalls – falls and crocodiles make a double treat (Height: 21 m; Place: Guntur; Andhra Pradesh; Famous for: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Crocodile breeding) 33. Ghatarani Waterfalls – Chhattisgarh’s furious falls (Height: 9 m; Place: Durg, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: Biggest waterfall in Chhattisgarh) 34. Hanuman Gundi Falls – a jewel at Kadremukh National Park (Height: 22 m; Place: Chikmagalur, Karnataka; Famous for: A famous Shiva temple, Kem­managundi National Park) 35. Hajra Falls – lush greenery, a feast for the eyes (Height: 50 m; Place: Dhanegaon, Maharashtra; Famous for: Lush green surrounding, nearby rail­way station) 36. Iruppu Falls – the elongated Karnataka fall (Height: 40 m; Place: Kadago, Karnataka; Famous for: Rameshwara Temple, Pilgrimage) 37. Karumalai Falls – Tigers and Waterfalls (Height: 37 m; Place: Valparai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Tiger Reserve) 38. Kempty Falls – Mussoorie’s towering icon (Height: 15m; Place: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand; Famous for: One of the longest waterfalls in India, fishing) 39. Rajdari Waterfall – a staircase made by nature (Height: 65m; Place: Chakai, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Unique step type formation) 40. Sirimane Falls – Perfect weekend getaway (Height: 12m; Place: Sriheri, Karnataka; Famous for: Weekend getaway for nearby residents) 41. Thommankuth Waterfalls – in remembrance of a great hunter (Height: 40 m; Place: Thodupuzha, Kerala; Famous for: Exotic flora and fauna) 42. Kanchenjunga Waterfall – A perennial waterfall in Sikkim (Height: 90 m; Place: Pelling, Sikkim; Famous for: Trekking, Sewaro Rock Garden) 43. Barkana Falls – India’s tenth largest fall (Height: 259 m; Place: Agumbe, Karnataka; Famous for: One of the top ten largest falls in India, Trekking) 44. Duduma Falls – Orissa’s biggest waterfall (Height: 157 m; Place: Badigada, Odisha; Famous for: Matsya Tirtha pilgrimage centre) 45. Lodh Falls – the marvel hiding in Burhaghaugh (Height: 143 m; Place: Latehar, Jharkhand; Famous for: Tallest waterfall in Jharkhand) 46. Nuranang Falls – The pristine beauty (Height: 100 m; Place: Ta­wang, Arunachal Pradesh; Famous for: Movie shoots) 47. Bhimlat Falls – The melodious falls (Height: 60 m; Place: Bundi: Rajasthan; Famous for: Mahadev Temple and a green lake) 48. Kynrem Falls – Highest waterfall in Meghalaya (Height: 305 m; Place: Sohra, Meghalaya; Famous for: 7th highest falls in India, Thang­kharang Park) 49. Magod Falls – The jewel of the woods (Height: 198 m; Place: Yel­lapur, Karnataka; Famous for: Trekking) 50. Palani Falls- The utmost surge waterfall (Height: 150 m; Place: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; Famous for: River rafting, paragliding, camp­ing, local festivals) 51. Kalhatti Falls – The traveller’s hub (Height: 122 m; Place: Kallattipura, Karnataka; Famous for: Veerabhadreshwara Temple) 52. Tambdi Falls – The immaculate and wild (Height: 130 m; Place: Surla, Goa; Famous for: Shaivite temple) 53. Arvalem Falls – The tranquilising and reinvigorating (Height: 50 m; Place: Sanquelim, Goa; Famous for: 6th Century ancient caves) 54. Gira Waterfall – The Misty Cascade (Height: 23 m; Place: Waghai Town, Gujarat; Famous for: Nearby Saputara Lake) 55. White Surf Waterfall – Into the wild (Height: 25 m; Place: Little Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Famous for: Adventure Sports) 56. Changey Waterfall – Tranquil falls with observation decks (Height: 300 m; Place: Pelling, Sikkim; Famous for: Crystal clear water)

Dotting the map of India there are a number of beautiful towers that are worth checking out for tourists. Some of them are historical ones, some modern day constructions, and each one was built for a different purpose. There are TV towers, clock towers, temple towers, historical minars (towers), watchtowers, light houses, commercial and residential buildings. The following is a list of the top 45 towers of India. 1. INS Kattabomman (Height: 471 m; Year: 2013; Structure Type: Guyed Mast; Place: Tirunelvali, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Tallest military structure in the world) 2. Rameswaram TV Tower (Height: 323 m; Year: 1995; Struc­ture Type: Concrete and Lattice; Place: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: It is the tallest structure in India) 3. Fazilka TV Tower (Height: 305 m; Year: 2007; Structure Type: Lattice Tower; Place: Fazilka, Punjab; Famous for: Second tallest man-made structure in India) 4. O. P. Jindal Knowledge Centre (Height: 282 m; Year: 2009; Structure type: Steel; Place: Hisar, Haryana; Famous for: Tallest of its kind in Asia and the second tallest steel tower in the world) 5. The 42 (Height: 268 m; Year: 2017; Structure type: Residen­tial building; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: The 42 is Kolkata’s and India’s tallest residential building) 6. Imperial Towers (Height: 254 m; Year: 2010; Structure type: Residential building; Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Fa­mous for: Tallest in India from 2010 to 2017,The Imperial 3 is a proposed 396.2 m 116 floor super tall residential skyscraper in Mumbai, India, when completed it will be the tallest building in India) 7. Rajabai Clock Tower (Height: 85 m; Year: 1878; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Famous for: The tower is part of The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, which was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018) 8. Fazilka Clock Tower (Height: 27 m; Year: 1939; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Fazilka, Punjab; Famous for: A archi­tectural mixture of Mughal Empire, British India and Vaastu Kala) 9. Chaura Bazaar Clock Tower (Year: 1906; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Ludhiana, Punjab; Famous for: Marked the silver jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign) 10. Husainabad Clock Tower (Height: 67 m; Year: 1881; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Constructed by Husainabad Trust to mark the ar­rival of Sir George Couper, 1st Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh) 11. Secunderabad Clock Tower (Height: 37 m; Year: 1897; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Secunderabad, Telangana; Famous for: To honour the progress achieved by the British of­ficers stationed at Secunderabad Cantonment in Hyderabad) 12. Clock Tower Dehradun (Height: 85 m; Year: 1953; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand; Famous for: Six face clock tower with a clock in each face, this monument stands much before independence) 13. Clock Tower Kollam (Year: 1944; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Kollam, Kerala; Famous for: Non official em­blem of the city and major landmark of Kollam) 14. Ghanta Ghar Mirzapur (Year: 1891; Structure type: Clock Tower: Place: Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: British Architecture, built by the British East India Company) 15. Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur (Year: 1911; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Jodhpur, Rajasthan; Famous for: Promi­nent landmark in Jodhpur) 16. Mint Clock Tower (Height: 18 m; Year: 1909; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The first standalone clock tower in the city) 17. Clock Tower Murshidabad (Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Mur­shidabad, West Bengal; Famous for: Hazarduari Palace) 18. Clock Tower Mysore (Height: 22 m; Year: 1927; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Mysore, Karnataka) 19. Kolkata Clock Tower (Height: 30 m; Year: 2015; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: Replica of Big Ben in London) 20. Mahabodhi Temple Tower (Height: 55 m; Year: 500 CE; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Bodh Gaya, Bihar; Famous for: The location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment) 21. Brihadeeswarar Temple Tower (Height: 65.9 m; Year: 1010; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: One of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture) 22. Annamalaiyar Temple Tower (Height: 66.4 m; Year: 1260; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The temple has six daily rituals and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar) 23. Qutb Minar (Height: 72.5 m; Year: 1368; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: New Delhi; Famous for: Tallest minaret made of bricks) 24. Chaturbhuj Temple (Height: 104.8 m; Year: 1558; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh; Famous for: The tem­ple has a complex multi-storied structural view which is a blend of temple, fort and palace architectural features) 25. Tazia Tower (Height: 18 m; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan; Famous for: This tower was built by Muslim craftsmen in the shape of a Tazia – the tableaus made by Muslims during Muharram festival) 26. Vijay Stambh (Height: 37 m; Year: 1448; Structure Type: Mina­ret; Place: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan; Famous for: victory monument to commemorate Rana Kumbha’s victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji) 27. Kirti Stambh (Height: 22 m; Year: 1185; Structure Type: Mina­ret; Place: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan; Famous for: Built for the glory of Jainism) 28. Sargasuli Tower (Height: 43 m; Year: 1749; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Jaipur, Rajasthan; Famous for: Tallest historical building in Jaipur) 29. Tower of Mandvi (Height: 63 m; Year: 2004; Structure Type: Light House; Place: Mandvi, Gujarat; Famous for: One of the two towers, built in a bid to make Jamnagar a walled city to protect it against any invasions) 30. Charminar (Height: 56 m; Year: 1591; Structure Type: Mosque; Place: Hyderabad, Telangana; Famous for: Global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India) 31. Jhulta Minara (Height: 34 m; Year: 1452; Structure Type: Mosque; Place: Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Famous for: Vibrating or shaking towers, when one minaret is shaken the other begins to vibrate, though the con­necting passage between the two remains vibration-free; what causes the vibration is unknown) 32. Minarets of Taj Mahal (Height: 40 m; Year: 1653; Structure Type: Mausoleum; Place: Agra, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Slight inclination towards the outside of the terrace, in the event of an earthquake they would come crashing into the gardens and the Yamuna, and not on the mausoleum) 33. Shaheed Minar (Height: 48 m; Year: 1828; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish architecture) 34. Chand Minar (Height: 30 m; Year: 1445 C.E.; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Daulatabad, Maharashtra; Famous for: It is considered to be among the finest specimens of Persian architecture in South India) 35. Fateh Burj (Height: 100 m; Year: 2011; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Chappar Chiri, Punjab; Famous for: Tallest Victory Tower in India) 36. Ek Minar (Height: 20 m; Year: 1445; Structure type: Mosque Minaret; Place: Raichur, Karnataka; Famous for: One of the famous mosques in Raichur) 37. Thangassery Light House (Height: 42 m; Year: 1902; Structure Type: Masonry Tower; Place: Kollam, Kerala; Famous for: Tallest lighthouse in Kerala and on India Coast) 38. Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (Height: 26 m; Year: 1887; Structure Type: Stone Tower; Place: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: India’s oldest lighthouse, built around 640AD by Pallava king Mahendra Pallava stands next to this modern structure) 39. Bonnie Camp Watch Tower (Height: 15.24 m; Structure type: Con­crete; Place: Sunderbans, West Bengal; Famous for: Highest watch tower in the Sunderbans, Tiger and other wild animals spotting) 40. Neti Dhopani (Structure Type: Concrete; Place: Sunderbans, West Bengal; Famous for: The watch tower presents one with a unique expe­rience of watching wildlife from its Canopy Walk which is about half a kilometer long and at a height of about 20 ft from the ground) 41. Shri Mangeshi Temple Lamp Tower (Height: Seven story tower; Structure type: Lamp tower; Place: Mangeshi Village, Goa; Famous for: 450 year old temple, temple architecture consisting of several domes, pilasters and balustrades and also a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple) 42. Meenakshi Temple Gopuram (Height: 51.9 m; Year: 1238; Place: Madurai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The south gopura is the tallest and curvilinear. The colorful sculptures narrate legendary scenes from Hindu texts) 43. Alai Minar (Height: 24.5 m; Year: Started in the year 1311 AD, construction was abandoned after the death of Alauddin Khalji in 1316; Structure type: Minaret; Place: New Delhi; Famous for: The tower was conceived to be two times higher than the Qutub Minar. The first storey of the Alai Minar, a giant rubble masonry core, still stands today, which was evidently intended to be covered with dressed stone later on. It lies in ruins today) 44. Kovalam Lighthouse (Height: 36 m; Year: 1972; Structure type: Lighthouse; Place: Kovalam, Kerala; Famous for: Kovalam Beach is also known as lighthouse beach) 45. Khandoba Temple Lamp Tower (Height: 21.33 m; Structure type: Lamp tower; Place: Beed, Maharashtra; Famous for: The temple is said to be built in the Nizam era)

An observation deck or viewing platform is an elevated platform or deck for sightseeing that is usually built in tall towers or archi­tectural structures like skyscrapers as also often on mountains and canyons. Often these observation decks double up as places offering thrill to those looking to have their adrenaline rush with activities like bungee jumping, augmented reality and other excit­ing rides. Many of us love observation decks, not necessarily for the same reason. While most would agree that the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the surroundings is a reason that attracts us, others often visit observation decks to test their fear of heights, or to check out how the world looks like from our favourite landmarks. There was a time when most of the highest observation decks, except for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, were located in the continent of North America. But in the last one decade, Asia and the Middle East have taken the lead and today, the world’s highest views can be experienced in these regions only. The following are some of the observation decks around the world that one may visit. The heights men­tioned against the names of tower or deck here refer to the height of the observation deck and not the tower itself. Entries have been listed in descending order of heights. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,841 ft. The highest observation deck in the world is located at a height of 561.3 metres (1,841 ft) in the 632-metres-tall (2,073-ft) Shanghai Tower (which is also known as Shanghai Center). It is an office-cum-hotel building in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Shanghai, China and was completed only recently in 2015. It is currently the tallest building in China and is said to have the world’s fastest elevators. The observation deck is located on the 119th floor and amongst other things it provides a view of the nearby Shanghai World Financial Centre, another super-tall skyscraper which is ranked 10th highest in the world now. The Shanghai Tower is expected to come up with more observation decks in the recent years. Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca, Saudi Arabia Height: 1,831 ft. Mecca is the holiest place in the world for the Muslims. You can enter here only if you are a Muslim; hence, this attraction is just to read about if you are a non-Muslim. This is a huge complex with a maximum height of 601 metres. It is the world’s third-tallest building, after the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower and contains more floor space than any other building in the world. It houses a hotel, a five-storey shopping mall and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The soaring towers of this building are the world’s largest clock faces and are visible from a distance of 25 kilometres. There is an observation deck both at the clock face and just beneath the central tower’s summit, but as stated earlier, only Muslims can visit here. The viewing platform located at the central clock tower just below the golden crescent has a height of 558 metres. The other viewing deck below the clock facade has a height of 400 metres and this one is located adjacent to an exhibition hall. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE Height: 1,821 ft. Reaching a height of 828 metres (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and has the maximum number of floors (163). This tallest manmade structure in the world was opened at the beginning of 2010. However, it missed out on having the world’s highest observation deck; the one here, although located at the 148th floor, is at a height of 555.7 metres, about 5.5 metres lower than the one at Shanghai mentioned at the top of the list. There is an outdoor observation deck that is accessible at 1,483 feet. The Sky Deck, at a height of 1,821 feet, was opened in late 2014 and provides magnificent views over this mag­nificent desert city dotted with skyscrapers. Readers may note that in less than two years, the feat of being the tallest building in the world is going to be handed over by Burj Khalifa to the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. This upcoming tower has been writ­ten about later in the article. Shanghai World Financial Centre, China Height: 1,555 ft. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, this super tall skyscraper is home to the hotel Park Hyatt Shanghai (which is located in the 79th to 93rd floors making it cur­rently the third highest hotel in the world). This tower itself is the second tallest in the city and looks like a bottle-opener, giving it its popular name. Apart from the hotel, offices, conference rooms, restaurant and shopping malls, the tower also has three observation decks on its 94th, 97th and 100th floors. These decks were opened soon after completion of the building in 2008. The obser­vation deck on the 100th floor has transparent glass-walled walkways. The decks offer views of the Huangpu River and the marvelous sky-rises of the city and one must target going up the decks on a clear day, as both weather and pollution can play a spoilsport otherwise. So it is important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip here. The sightseeing hall is also a venue of exhibitions and has a café and a souvenir shop in case if you are looking forward to spending some time or having some food and drinks. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada Height: 1,465 ft. Dating back from 1976, this tower was the world’s tallest manmade structure when com­pleted. Not any more! There are three observation decks here, all of which are very popular with locals and visitors alike. At 1,136 feet is the LookOut deck, at 1,168 feet is the hands-free outdoor EdgeWalk deck and at 1,465 feet is the SkyPod deck, which, on a clear day, provides a visibility of more than 160 kilometers. From the LookOut deck one must board a special elevator for the SkyPod that takes you up 33 storeys. Visitors come to SkyPod for a chance of spotting the famous Niagara Falls on the horizon. Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan Height: 1,456 ft. This is the world’s second-tallest structure and the tallest in Japan reaching a total height of 634 metres. The Sky Tree houses communica­tions satellites, television and radio broad­casting facilities, a restaurant and observation decks at various levels (the last level deck is a transparent spiral staircase with views all the way back down to busy street level). From the deck visitors may have views over To­kyo’s mind-boggling urban sprawl up to a distance as far as the iconic Mt. Fuji. Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China Height: 1,421 ft. The Canton Tower reaches a height of 600 metres and is located on the south bank of the Pearl River in the Haizhu district. The skyscraper has a spectacular design of two subtly twisting ellipses that is narrow at the ‘waist’, taking inspiration from the female body structure. In the evening time, the tower is beauti­fully lit with LED lights with changing colours and patterns. On special occa­sions fireworks are also launched from its sides. The tower is home to restaurants, entertainment rides and many lookout platforms. The observation deck located at 1,421 feet provides beautiful views of the city and over the Pearl River Delta. This deck has the Guinness World Record of being the world’s second-highest out­door observation deck. There are also the Cloud Observation Deck on the 107th Floor and the Star Observation Deck on the 108th floor that give visitors the chance to see the starry skies and clouds. There is also a space post office here. Apart from this there are many other attractions also like the Engineering Marvel Tour on the 109th and 110th floors, the Bubble Tram that has 16 glass cabins that take tourists to travel along a track circum­navigating the rooftop in about 30 minutes and the 100-foot freefall, the highest vertical free fall in the world. Skydeck at Willis Tower, Chicago, IL, USA Height: 1,353 ft. Often referred to as the Sears Tower, the Wil­lis Tower (renamed in 2009) in Chicago is a 110-storey skyscraper which, when completed in 1973, was the tallest building in the world. It held on to the title for quarter of a century. To­day it is the 16th tallest in the world and the 2nd tallest building in the United States. It overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan and being one of the biggest attractions in this part of the world, attracts more than 1.7 million visitors every year. There is an observation deck on the 103rd floor, the highest in the US. Elevators take visitors to the top in less than a minute and one can feel the sudden change of pressure. There is another observation deck on the 99th floor. Yet more exciting is The Ledge, installed in 2009, that comprised of all-glass boxes, including glass bottom that extend four feet out from the building to hover high above the street below. These are like glass bot­tom balconies and can give you butterflies in stomach as you look below. You must definitely not miss visiting here. Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Height: 1,310 ft. This is the tallest building in Southeast Asia with a total height of 462 metres and a total of 81 floors. The top three levels at 79th, 80th and 81st floors come with well equipped observation decks that are increasingly becoming popular with tourists ever since these were opened to public in April 2019. These observation decks start at about 400 metres in height. At the 79th floor there is a Café lounge that offers photo opportunities. The 80th floor has a Japanese Fine Dining restaurant and the 81st floor has the observation deck called the SkyTouch that comes with some adventure activity options. There is an open space but visitors are required to wear protective gear. There is also a virtual reality game called Top of Vietnam that gives viewers the feeling of skydiving from 461 meters. The 47th to 77th floors belong to the Vinpearl Luxury Hotel which has the distinction of being Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, China Height: 1,289 ft. This is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the sixth tallest in China. It is home to the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton that occupies the floors 102 to 118. This tower also famously houses the Sky100 observation deck, a 360-degree indoor observation deck on the 100th floor. Lifts take visitors up the 100 floors in just about a minute. However, the build­ing lacks the floor numbers 4, 14, 24 and so on (as the number ‘4’ is regarded as inauspicious in many parts of Asia). Hence the actual floor numbering of the deck as well as the entire tower is disputed. The deck offers views of the Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula and the highest peak of Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan Height: 1,284 ft. This post-modernist structure is the tallest and largest LEED-certified building in the world and has a height of 509 metres. Opened in 2004, this building became the first one to cross the half kilometre mark. The structure of the build­ing is said to resemble a lotus blossom. It has three observation decks of which two are inside at the 89th floor and one juts outwards at the 91st floor. The decks can be reached in superfast elevators that climb 84 floors in just 37 seconds. Initially it was also claimed that these were the world’s fastest elevators, stating that it travelled at a speed of 17 metres per second. However, this has not been confirmed. The view from the 91st floor outdoor observa­tion deck can be a little dizzying and is open only when weather permits. One World Observatory, New York, USA Height: 1,250 ft. Located on the top of the One World Trade Centre, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Observatory deck on the 102nd floor is a ‘must visit’ for all visitors and locals in New York City. An elevator takes just about 60 seconds to take visitors up there. From there one can have views of all attractions of New York including Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East rivers, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey. The observatory uses state-of-the-art technology and that enhances the quality of the experience for visitors. They can take an augmented reality tour of the skyline of New York by using a tablet to explore the city’s landmarks. As you go up the floors on the elevator, the floor to ceiling monitor gives a time-lapse recreation of the skyline of Manhattan. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 1,214 ft. When opened in 1998, the 452 metres-tall Petronas Twin towers held the record for the world’s tallest building, but that feather in the cap has since gone. Nonetheless, the twin towers did bring the country of Malaysia and city of Kuala Lumpur a lot of worldwide attention. The twin towers however continue to hold the record of being the tallest twin towers in the world and are connected by a double-decker bridge located at the 41st and 42nd floors. The observation deck is to be found on the 86th floor of the second tower. The tower was in the news when Alain Robert, the renowned French ‘Spiderman’, scaled the outside of the building by using only his bare hands and feet. He was arrested at the 60th level. Thankfully, for visitors, ascending is easier. There is a double-decker lift that takes one to the skywalk that joins the two buildings. From there one can continue to the floor obser­vation deck. One must keep in mind that being one of the most popular attractions in the city of Kuala Lumpur, visitors start queuing up for tickets as early as 6.30 in the morning. Empire State Building, New York, USA Height: 1,211 ft. One of the oldest skyscrapers in the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. With a height of 443 metres to the tip, the iconic building remained the tallest in the world for nearly four decades and has been featured in numerous Hol­lywood movies ever since its completion. Although much overshadowed now as far as the height is concerned, the Empire State Building remains a cultural icon and a big tourist puller. It has two observa­tion decks, at the 86th and 102nd floor respectively. Its 86th floor outdoor deck is among the world’s most visited one and the one at 102nd floor is not quite as popular. The decks remain open until 2 am every night. Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,152 ft. This is the second tallest TV tower in China, and the sixth tallest in the world. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai by the Huangpu River right opposite the Bund, this tower has a unique design, with three 7-meters-wide slanting stanchions support­ing its base. There are many spheres along the height of the tower, each housing variety of activities and recreation. Inside there is a 25-suite Space Hotel, a revolving restaurant and sightseeing floors. At night the exterior of the tower is decorated in colourful LED light. There is a Space Capsule sighting floor at 1,152 feet and double-decker elevators take visitors up there in the wink of an eye. The Shard, London, United Kingdom Height: 1,076 ft. The historical city of London got its tallest building in the year 2013. Located near the Thames River and London Tower Bridge, this skyscraper has superfast elevators that climb 20 feet per second and take visitors to two observation decks at the 68th and 72nd floors respectively. One of the decks is indoors, and the other one is partially located outdoors. It provides a 360-degree view of the 1,000 years of the city’s history. While you look at the breathtaking views from the deck, there is a computer here that allows you to replace the current views with the corresponding historical views at the same place in London. While there are very few entries of tallest tow­ers and observation decks in Europe, the Shard holds a position of pride. It also houses the Shangri-La Hotel. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Height: 906 ft. This wrought iron lattice tower was erected in Paris for the 1889 World Fair to act as the entrance to the big fair venue. For more than 40 years thereafter it remained as the world’s tallest manmade structure and one with the highest observation deck for 41 years. Initially the tower had come in for huge criticism from artists and intellectuals and the government even contemplated to bring it down. However, over the centuries it has become a cultural icon and the biggest landmark of the whole of France. While the total structure is 1,163 feet tall, the highest floor and observation deck is at 906 feet. There are three levels of observation decks with restaurants on the first and second levels. There are elevators to go up there but those looking to shed some calories may also climb the stairs, there are 300 stairs to reach the first level and 300 more to reach the second level. The Eiffel Tower of Paris is the most visited paid monument in the whole world and about 7 million people visit it every year. This also makes it the most popular observation deck in the world. KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 906 ft. The highest viewpoint in the touristy city of Kuala Lumpur, this communications tower opened to the public in 1996, has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck that can be reached by super-fast elevators in less than a minute. It is the 7th tallest communications tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. The tower is also popular with sports enthusiasts and hosts a run up the interior staircase competition every year and is also a regular venue on the International BASE Jump Circuit. Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas, USA Height: 869 ft. The Stratosphere is a Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas and its tower houses the tallest free-standing observation deck in the United States. The tower itself is 1,149 feet high but the observation deck is at a height of 869 feet. It is second in the world only to the CN Tower in Toronto. It provides two observation decks, a restau­rant and four ‘thrill rides’ that take visitors on an aerial show over the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. Top of the Rock, New York, USA Height: 850 ft. Located on the rooftop of the iconic Rock­efeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Rock is the place to be in, if you want to have a bird’s eye view of the city of NYC. Up there one finds three indoor and outdoor viewing decks that provide a 360-degree view of the city. Opened in 1933, the Rockefeller Centre is a historic Art and Dine centre in the city of New York. The viewing deck is often said to have the best views in the city. The open deck also has a restaurant up there. Tianta Radio and TV Tower, Tianjin, China Height: 830 ft. Tianta is the tallest building in Tianjin with a total height of 415 metres. It has an observation deck at 253 metres and a high speed elevator takes visitors there in a matter of few seconds. There is a telescope at the viewing deck to have a 360 degrees close-up view from top of the city. At night the tower is beautifully lit up presenting a spectacular night sky view of the city. Thyssenkrupp Test Tower, Rottweil, Germany Height: 761 ft. This is a test tower for elevators owned by the elevator manufacturer Thyssenkrupp. Visitors who go up the observation deck are rewarded with spectacular views, which on a clear day, can go up to the Swiss Alps since there are no other tall structures around. It is the tallest elevator testing tower in the whole world and acts like a laboratory for testing high-speed and innovative elevators. It is a twisty engineer­ing wonder and is currently the highest viewing deck in Germany. SkyTower, Auckland, New Zealand Height: 720 ft. Built as a part of the SkyCity Auckland Casino complex, this is a telecommunica­tion tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of Auckland, the ocean, and the rolling mountains of New Zealand. If you have vertigo, you may not want to visit the glass bottomed observation deck here. With a total height of 1,076 feet from ground level to the top mast, this tower is the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere and the 25th tallest tower in the world. It also offers two types of adventure activities for the adventure aficionados at extra cost – the SkyWalk and the SkyJump. The SkyWalk provides walking on an open-air ledge, and the SkyJump offers breathtak­ing bungee plunge options. Both are at a height of 620 feet above the ground. The SkyTower is beautifully lit on special occasions like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day decorating the night skyline of the city of Auckland. Berliner Fernsehturm, Berlin, Germany Height: 666 ft. Built as early as 1969 by the government of the then East Germany, this is the city’s iconic Radio and Television tower located in the famous Alexanderplatz area in cen­tral Berlin. Due to its location near Alex­anderplatz, it is also often called the Alex Tower. The tower was originally intended to be the symbol of Communist power here, but today it is a true symbol of Berlin city. It is the tallest structure in the entire country with a total height of 1,207 feet, although the viewing deck is not the tallest one. In addition to having a famous indoor observation deck, this tower also has a revolving restaurant and a bar and attracts more than a million people every year. Calgary Tower, Calgary, Canada Height: 627 ft. Originally called the Husky Tower, this observation tower was built to mark the centennial of Canada in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968. It was then the tallest structure in Calgary and the tallest in Canada outside of Toronto. It was once the world’s highest 360-degree-viewing observation deck, and became the found­ing member of the World Federation of Great Towers. There are colourful exterior light that are turned on daily between 5 in the morning and sunrise, and then again at dusk and at midnight. The Space Needle, Seattle, WA, USA Height: 520 ft. Our last entry in the list of highest obser­vation decks is located in Seattle. Built in the Seattle Centre for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower measures 605 feet in height and has an observation deck and rotating restaurant at 520 feet. From the deck one can have a view of the Seat­tle skyline, Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and the nearby islands on the Bay. There are elevators to take you up there. Today the Space Needle is famous for having the world’s first revolving glass floor at the observation deck. Other observation decks Talking of the highest Observation decks in the world, it must be remembered that not all of them are located in towers. While in our Tower special issue, above we have presented the highest ‘Tower-based’ observation decks, the following should not escape a special mention. These are the other very high observation decks that are not located in towers. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA Height: 4,000 ft. This horse-shoe shaped skywalk is 10 feet wide and extends 70 feet out over the rim of the canyon at Eagle Point. The glass-bottomed observation deck, although actually at ground level, is located 4,000 feet above the floor of the Canyon below giving you bouts of vertigo. That makes it more than twice as high as the observation deck at Shanghai Tower or Burj Khalifa. It is a difficult walk for even the toughest hearted visitors. As a consequence, very few tourists actually go for a walk on this skywalk and prefer to take the helicopter ride instead. Yuanduan, Chongqing, China Height: 2,356 ft. This is the world’s longest glass skywalk making it one of the most terrifying tourist attractions in the world. The skywalk arches out 90 feet from a cliff’s edge in the Longgang National Geological Park in south-western China. With a height of 2,356 feet from the ground, this is also the highest observation point in the world, and only visitors with very strong heart conditions must visit here. Although the glass skywalk can hold up to 200 people at a time, only about 30 people are allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. Stegastein Viewpoint, Flåm, Norway Height: 2,123 ft. This viewpoint juts out 100 feet over the Aur­landsfjord and is located half an hour north of Flåm in Norway. The viewpoint provides visitors with views across to the UNESCO World Herit­age Site of Næøyfjord. The viewpoint is located on the National Tourist Road and provides unparalleled views of the fjords. Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria Height: 1,300 ft. It is a suspension bridge with a viewing plat­form, a rather terrifying one at that. Located 1,300 feet above the Dachstein Massif, it presents spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and the rock-face below. Located an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Salzburg, the suspen­sion bridge is 100 metres long and located near the Dachstein Glacier. At the end of the bridge those with very strong hearts can descent 14 steps into a glass viewing platform that juts above the glacier. Future tallest Observation Deck Jeddah Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Height: 2,113 ft The Jeddah Tower, that is all set to be com­pleted in 2020, is going to be the future tallest building in the world with a total height of 3,280 feet (558 feet higher than the current tallest building Burj Khalifa). This building is set to become the first building in the world to surpass the distance of 1 kilometer in height. With that it is also planned to house the world’s highest observatory at 2,113 feet. The outdoor terrace at the deck is planned to be a huge one (697 square meters) that will overlook the Red Sea and have many glass bottomed panels to let visitors challenge their nerves.

Festivals, apart from their social significance, are also great tourist attractions. They certainly have a fascinating charm and the potential to contribute to the sustainable local economic development, the latter being directly linked with development of tourism. No wonder the tourism bodies around the world have woken up to this need of the hour. And so we have flower festivals, community wedding festivals, mud festival, beach festivals and so on. While a mammoth percentage of such festivals today originated as tourist-tempters, there are some that have been culturally rooted for centuries and that have evolved over time and yet do not fail to attract tourists from far and wide. But there is definitely a negative side to over-commercialization of socially and culturally important festivals. They stand the chance of losing their inherent character and charisma due to artificial makeup driven by tourists’ demands. Beclouding the ethnicity of festivals by excessively commercialized tourism needs to be carefully checked both in the interests of ensuring social sustainability of festivals and of promoting tourism. Here’s a compilation of 13 unique festivals around the world that are great tourist pullers. RETURN OF THE SUN FESTIVAL, GREENLAND Greenland sees very less of the Sun. Naturally the return of the sun in January after several weeks or even months of darkness calls for celebration here. The exact day varies from year to year. People throughout the country celebrate the occasion with coffee, cakes, sweets, music and family get-togethers. People of all ages drive dogsleds to Holms Hill and sing songs to greet the sun. It is pleasing to see the sun reappear on the horizon. Several excursion trips and dogsled competitions are held to commemorate the day. The 2013 festival was held on 10th January. UMBRELLA FESTIVAL, BO SANG, THAILAND Chiang Mai is the largest and the most culturally important city in northern Thailand. Located just 9 km eastward of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, an otherwise nondescript village but famous for its innumerable umbrella manufacturers. Nearly the entire village is dotted with crafts shops selling colourfully painted umbrellas. Over a period of time the village has earned a name for itself as an internationally renowned umbrella manufacturing centre. In the latter half of January every year, the village comes alive with the Umbrella Festival. The main feature of the festival is a colourful umbrella procession. Numerous pretty young girls hold aloft umbrellas in a brilliant display of colourful creativity. The streets of the village are adorned with lanterns and innumerable varieties of umbrellas of various shapes, sizes and colours are seen hanging from the beams of the houses and shops. The bands play soothing tunes and the villagers compete with each other in designing the most colourful and attractive umbrellas. Apart from the umbrellas, concerts, a beauty contest and a food festival all vie for the tourists’ attention. Buzzing activities engulf this village during the three day festival. The 2013 festivals were held recently from 15th to 17th of January. VENICE CARNIVAL, VENICE, ITALY The internationally renowned Venice Carnival in Italy is held annually in the month of February. The Carnival ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday, which is also celebrated with the eating of pancakes. The festival sees the gathering of a large number of masked people from all walks of life. An ancient festival, its origin can be traced way back to the early fifteenth century. During the festival, the streets of Venice come alive with people in all kinds of colourful masks and beautiful attires. Under the guise of the masks, almost everybody is able to hide his identity, so much so that it is not possible to differentiate between common people and those belonging to the nobility. During the festival, there is no dearth of interesting performances and entertainments, apart from the traditional Italian parties reflecting the Venetian cultures and tastes. The streets of Venice are also adorned with numerous souvenir shops for the tourists during the festival period. So if you make it to the next festival, wear your mask, shed off your inhibitions and experience an adventure of a different kind. The upcoming festival dates are 2nd to 12th February, 2013. SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL, JAPAN Each year during the month of February, Japan plays host to the Sapporo Snow Festival. The origin of the festival dates back to 1950 when a few high school students built some statues at Odori Park at Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, the second largest, northernmost, and the least developed among the four main Japanese islands. Since then the festival has grown in popularity with every passing year, and today it has become one of the largest and most popular Japanese festivals, attracting about two million people from all over Japan and the world. The main attraction is to see the innumerable snow statues and ice sculptures which line Odori Park, and the adjoining areas. Seeing the whole landscape dotted with the statues and sculptures will somehow deport your mind to a fantasy world of snow. The larger statues on display measure more than 25 meters in width and 15 meters in height, and are lit up daily till 10 pm. Besides the larger statues, the site also exhibits more than hundred smaller statues. Various concerts and events are also organised at the festival, using the sculptures as the stage. The 2013 festival will be held from 5th to 11th of February. CARNIVAL, RIO DE JENEIRO, BRAZIL Another internationally renowned festival held annually before Lent every year is the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the single biggest carnival in the world where about two million people are out on the streets during each day of the carnival! It is an ancient festival dating back to 1723 AD. It provides one with an excellent opportunity to get an insight into authentic Brazilian culture and Brazilian way of life and to appreciate that they know how to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, in spite of the myriad day-to-day problems facing everybody. The carnival is a joyous event where people dance, sing, party and have loads of fun. Throughout the carnival and on the days preceding and after it, innumerable parties are held, offering the people the chance to have unbounded enjoyment. Once the carnival starts, festive mood engulfs everybody and it is fun and frolic everywhere. All the venues and streets, squares, bars and clubs buzz with an atmosphere of pure festivity. If you manage to be there during the next festival, the spontaneous joys and laughter sprouting everywhere will help you forget the worries and tensions of daily life. The upcoming festival dates are 9th to 12th February 2013. LANTERN FESTIVAL, SINGAPORE The Lantern Festival is held every year to commemorate the first full moon of the Chinese New Year. The festival is hugely popular with the Chinese people. As in other locations with concentrations of Chinese people, it is also celebrated in Singapore with lot of enthusiasm. People get together and organise family feasts. Over the years, the Lantern Festival has also become known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as lovers normally show their mutual affections under the full moon. The festival is held at three places, viz., Chinatown, Singapore River and Chinese Garden where many local Chinese reside. The festival attracts a large number of tourists every year, and showcases some unique Zigong lanterns of exemplary craftsmanship skills. The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, and are created in the form of animals, insects, flowers and even machines and buildings. Scenes from popular Chinese stories are also depicted preaching devoutness and traditional values. A favourite theme is the zodiac animal of the year. Besides the lanterns, there is cuisine and entertainment galore at the festival. Tourists from all over the world visit Singapore at this time. The 2013 Lantern Festival date is 24th February. QUEEN’S DAY CELEBRATION, THE NETHERLANDS The Queen’s Day is celebrated every year by the Dutch people with much fanfare. 30th April is a National Holiday in the Netherlands and is the most widely celebrated among all the holidays in this country, so much so that on this day, Amsterdam is absolutely full to the brim, with up to two million visitors all ready to party. While celebrations take place all over the country, Amsterdam is particularly popular with visitors as it hosts the largest number of events and parties. Amsterdam turns into an enormous sea of orange colour. Quite literally, it is orange everywhere, people are in orange clothes, wigs, caps and shoes. Some even paint their bodies orange. Orange balloons fly in the air, and there are fountains spraying orange coloured water. It does not take long for one to realise that the colour orange is deeply embodied as a way of life and has deep rooted nationalistic implications for the Dutch. It is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family (the lineage of the present royal family dates back to William van Orange). Today the colour signifies something much more and it reflects a sense of nationalistic pride among the Dutch people. Being in Amsterdam on this day is a lifetime experience. Orange Day is celebrated on 30th April unless it is a sunday, in which case the celebrations take place on 29th. DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, CHINA The 5th day of the 5th month of Chinese Lunar Calendar is considered to be important and auspicious by the Chinese people and on this day the popular Dragon Boat Festival is held. The festival is organised to honour and remember the great patriotic Chinese poet Qu Yuan, whose legendary story associated with courage, valour, patriotism and loyalty is deeply embodied in Chinese culture and traditions. For many, the festival is also an occasion to ward off evils and taboos. During the festival competitions of boats shaped like dragons are held. Competing boats vie with each other to be the first to reach the finishing point, and all this takes place to the accompaniment of drumbeats. The competition and the rituals of the festival are but symbolic attempts to rescue the zealous poet Qu Yuan who was drowned on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month way back in 277 B.C. People throw bamboo leaves filled with cooked rice into the water, to divert the attention of fishes away from the body of the heroic poet. Eventually, this custom also led to the practice of eating tzongzu (rice dumplings), in various shapes and fillings. In 2013, the festival will be celebrated on the 12th of June. THE GALICHNIK WEDDING FESTIVAL, MACEDONIA Macedonia, a landlocked country located in the south eastern part of Europe, offers myriad attractions for the tourists. Apart from the natural beauty and historical monuments, one of the greatest tourist attractions in this country is a unique event held annually here – the Galichnik Wedding Festival. It is an exclusive and rare commemorative event. The festival is held every year in the village of Galicnik over the weekend nearest to the 12th of July (St. Peter’s Day). During the event, a selected couple gets married in the traditional “Galichka” style. The wedding feast is sponsored by the state. In the past, as many as 30 couples got married at a time and a huge feast followed. But today only one couple .gets the privilege and for this many couples apply to be wed on the day. To be eligible, at .least one of the partners must have roots in the village. During the ceremony, men dance Teskoto, a traditional Macedonian folk dance. The dazzling costumes, spectacular ceremonies and unique rituals of the festival will undoubtedly leave one spellbound. The festival has gained in significance once it got the UNESCO recognition as an event of important spiritual values of humanity. MUD FESTIVAL, BORYEONG, SOUTH KOREA Boryeong is a South Korean town located at a distance of about 141 km from Seoul. The place is well known for the annual mud festival which is generally held in the first fortnight of July, and is most popular during the final weekend of the fortnight. The festival apparently attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world, who throng the festival grounds in large numbers to experience the beneficial and curative properties of the mud at Boryeong. Visitors to the festival also enjoy the numerous fun filled events like mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud super slides, mud marathon, mud painting, mud massage and other such events related to mud. For a swimming experience of a different kind, one can also head straightaway for the mud mega tub. The festival was first introduced in 1998 mainly to promote the wide range of cosmetics which were manufactured using the mud from Boryeong. Over the years the festival has gained in popularity internationally and it is .reported that nowadays more than two million visitors from all over the world throng the festival venue every year. The 2013 festivities are scheduled to take place from the 19th to 28th of July. OCTOBERFEST, MUNICH, GERMANY Every year Munich eagerly looks forward to Octoberfest, a festival celebrated with gala consumption of beer and food. With over six million visitors thronging the festival grounds every year, it can undoubtedly claim to be the largest single public festival in the world. Consumption of beer is the main attraction of the festival. Lovers of the golden brew look forward to having the time of their lives at the fest. Beer served here is usually of the darker and stronger variety with a higher concentration of alcohol. The tradition of the festival dates back to 1810 AD when a wedding party was thrown by King Joseph Maximilian to celebrate his marriage to Princess Theresa of Saxony. Beer loving people enjoyed the party so much that they decided to celebrate again next year, and it has been held regularly since then. A notable feature of the Octoberfest is the large variety of tents, usually run by families for generations. Each tent is markedly different from the other, and has something special to offer. The tents have cafes serving delicious food to go with your beer. The festival is usually held for a period of 16 to 18 day. In 2013, it is scheduled to be from 21st September to 6th October. HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Every year, Hermanus Coast, situated 80 km from Cape Town, plays host to the unique ‘Hermanus Whale Festival’, an amazing celebration of these majestic mammals which have fascinated and captivated mankind over the ages. People of all ages are drawn to the unique festival year after year in multiples of thousands. The whales are the star attraction and kids too enjoy whale-watching. Hundreds of whales make their way back from Antarctica where they have spent the winter feeding on plankton. Now it is time to breed and warmer water beckons them. On their way back, they put up a magnificent show for spectators. They stick their tails up out of the water, take their heads out of the water to look around and splash the water with their tails. They seem to be in playful mood. First held about 21 years ago, the festival has gained in popularity over the years. Besides watching the gigantic mammals, visitors can also soak in the unique natural environment and enjoy the variety of music and taste the cuisine of the numerous restaurants dotting the festival grounds. Dates of the 2013 festival have been tentatively fixed for the period starting from 28th September to the 1st of October 2013. However, final confirmation is still awaited. WATER FESTIVAL, CAMBODIA Cambodia celebrates the water festival for 3 days in November every year. For Cambodians, it is a significant festival and an important holiday in their calendar. During the festival, a carnival atmosphere grips the country, especially Phnom Penh. People arrive in hordes to Phnom Penh from the provinces to witness the annual boat races, availing of various forms of transports like buses, cars, bikes, bicycles and even trucks. They choose to stay back in the city during the festival days to lend support to their respective teams. Many also avail of the opportunity to explore the city as it is the only opportunity for them to visit the city. More than 400 boats are propelled by expert oarsmen. The Water Festival also marks a one- of-its-kind natural phenomenon. The Tonie Sap river starts flowing in the opposite direction during this time. It is the only river in the world which reverses its flow in opposite directions in different times of the year. Tonie Sap Lake is also an important geographical feature here. It is a vast expanse of water, which was once a part of the sea. Today, the rivers Mekong and Tonie Sap feed the lake. The date for this year’s festival is 27th November.

With over 20 mountain ranges across its length and breadth, India has no dearth of picturesque hill stations. While some are already popular and hence crowded, oth­ers are quaint and serene. Out of about 1000 hill stations of the country, this list covers 125, whether crowded, less-explored or totally off the beaten path. Some more have been covered in the pictures only. We hope this list would satiate the travel thirst of our readers by giving them an exhaustive list of hill stations to escape to when they get tired with the din and bustle of city life. Visit these hilly retreats during summer to beat the scorching heat, or go there to enjoy the heavenly beauty during the monsoons or winters to get the best of the ethereal charm. A Almora, Uttarakhand This hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is the perfect meeting ground of culture, history, heritage and natural beauty. The dreamy place abodes some important temples like Nanda Devi, Asht Bhairav and Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple and it is a pilgrim site as well. Shaped like a horse shoe, this town is famous for its pre-British period heritage. It was well known as place where people came to gain health. Auli, Uttarakhand Yet another sought after hill station of Uttarakhand is Auli. Snow clad peaks, gorgeous views of glaciers and the longest cable car ride in Asia, are what make this hill station special. It is a popular skiing destination as well. Surrounded by coniferous and oak forests and Nandadevi and Nar Parvat mountains, the town is also blessed with other nearby attractions like the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath temple and unique alpine flora and fauna that includes red foxes and snow leopards. One can reach Auli from the nearest airport of Dehradun. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh This beautiful place in the Eastern Ghats in the Visakhapatnam district is also known as the ‘Food bowl of South India’. Coffee plantations, hills enveloped in green woods, caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscape cut into half by serpentine hill roads makes this a much sought after holiday destination. Tourist attractions like Sangda Waterfalls, Dumbriguda Fall, Katiki Falls, the Ananthagiri hills, the Tribal Museum and Borra Caves are not to be missed here. Vishakhapatnam is the closest Airport and the place can also be reached by road and railways. Aru Valley, Kashmir For those who enjoy rural settings of Pahalgam, the sounds of gushing Lidder River and galloping horses, pitching a tent in Aru Valley will certainly amplify pleasure. From waking up amidst misty mountains in the morning and taking an early morning stroll across the valley, to going for horse riding or trekking, there are ample opportunities for pleasure of tourists. Photographers can click photos incessantly here. Nearby tourist attractions include Betaab Valley, Baisaran and Chandanwari. Aru is also the starting point of expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonamarg. Andretta, Himachal Pradesh Located only 17 km from Palampur and 44 km from Kangra, Andretta is a small village in Himachal Pradesh for artists and art aficionados. It was promoted as an artist’s paradise and drew the attention of film makers, painters and other eminent personali­ties. There is a theatre and a Pottery and Craft Society here. With Dhauladhar Mountains and lush green forests surrounding the place, it is also a perfect destination for nature and bird lovers. There are around 550 species of birds found here. Andretta can be reached by a car from Palampur or Kangra. Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh With an elevation of 1,048 m, Amarkantak is a decent place to visit if you are looking for a hill station. It is however more popular as the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges from where the River Narmada originates. It is a sacred place for the Hindus. The town is also surrounded by rich flora. Askot, Uttarakhand If you want to spend your holidays in a hill station on the Indo-Nepal Border, Askot is a good option. Rather lesser known, and hence retaining its pristine beauty, Askot is one of the best destinations Uttarakhand has to offer. Located in the Kumaon region, Askot is blessed with surreal beauty that is composed of emerald mountainous views, rhododendrons, dense vegetation and a wildlife sanctuary that is home to the endangered Musk Deer. While for nature lovers there is so much here, for adventure lovers also there are many interesting activities to engage in. There are extremely challenging trek routes along the Dharchula Range up towards the Kailash and Mansarovar. Askot is also a base point for many short treks that offer spectacular views. The hill station is situated 54 km from Pithoragarh and one may hire a cab from Pithoragarh to reach here. Aizawl, Mizoram Aizawl is one of the oldest cities of north eastern India and is culturally very significant. Located at an elevation of 1,130m, the city overlooks the Tlwang and Tuirial rivers. The hill station is an indigenous home to some of the primitive and ethnic groups in North East India. Mizo festivals like Chapchar Kut is a good time to visit the place. It may be noted that even Indians need an Inner Line Permit to visit the state of Mizoram. Amboli, Maharashtra Located in the Sahyadri Hills of Western India, Amboli is an eco tourism hotspot with abundance of flora and fauna. The major tourist attractions of Amboli are the ruins of the historic Mad­havgadh Fort, Amboli Waterfalls, the Shirgaonkar Viewpoint, the caves and nearby Hiranya Keshi temple. This Maharashtrian hill station is located 690m above the sea level and is tucked away in a remote corner, away from the humdrums of the world. This is the last hill station of Maharashtra and is geographically close to the state of Goa. The best way to reach here is by road or train. The nearest airport is that of Dabolim in Goa which is located only 108 kms away. Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand This quaint mountain top hamlet in the Kali Kumaon region of Champawat District of Uttarakhand houses some British style bungalows. The snow-capped cliffs of the Himalayan Range of mountains can be viewed from here. A whiff of fresh air wel­comes tourists here. Tucked away in a remote corner of Uttara­khand, Abbott Mount is perfect for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The best way to explore the place is on foot. From this place one can see an ancient cricket in the distance as well as some village in Nepal. Achabal, Jammu and Kashmir The beauty of the state is well known far and wide. Achabal, in the Anantnag district, is one of the lesser explored places in the state. It is home to one of the most stunning gardens in the state – the Mughal Garden that was once the retreat for Noor Jahan, the Chief consort of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Another attraction here is the beautiful waterfall of Aharbal, located a little away from the main town. One can also consider trekking to the lush meadows of Kungwatar. To reach Achabal one can take a cab from Srinagar or Anantnag. B Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh Located in the West Kameng district of this state in north eastern part of the country, this is a place known for its sheer pristine beauty. The town provides views of the Kangto and Gorichen Peaks. The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby and those visiting here can easily make trips to the forest areas as well. 70 km from here is a 17th century monastery called the Lhagyala Monastery. The beauty of this place was pictured in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer Bollywood movie ‘Koyla’. Banjar Valley, Himachal Pradesh A rather quaint destination in a state that is full of well known hill stations, Banjar Valley has many things to offer to tourists. It is however, not just one town, but has many small destina­tions. The main attractions here are the town of Banjar and the villages of Jibhi, Shoja and Chaini. At Jibhi one can stay by the riverside and enjoy unlimited trout fishing and getting drenched in a beautiful waterfall. Shoja is a quiet hamlet with incredible mountain views and the Jalori Pass which is a little away. The Pass is the beginning point of a trek for the high altitude Serol­sar Lake. Chaini is known for the Chaini Fort. To reach the valley one can take buses from Delhi or Chandigarh up to Aut. From Aut one can take the bus up to Banjar Valley. C Coonoor, Tamil Nadu Of the three hill stations in the Nilgiri hills, Coonoor is the quainter one and perhaps more pristine due to its virgin and unspoilt beauty. Its botanical gardens, tea and coffee plantations are to die for. That apart, for the adventure aficionados trekking paths leading to outside of the town is a big attraction. Chikmagalur, Karnataka Located at the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range, Chikmagalur is often referred as the ‘Coffee Land’ of Karnataka. Away from the din and bustle of city life, a holiday in this region brings the much needed respite. The place is dotted with many hills and mountains and offers an unforgettable experience to visitors. The nearest airport is at Mangalore. Chikhaldara, Maharashtra This lesser known hill station in the Amravati district of Maha­rashtra has a reference in the Mahabharata. It is believed that it is here that Bheema killed Keechaka and threw the body into the valley below. Important attractions here include the tiger sanctuary, Tribal Museum, botanical gardens, Kitchakdari, Sema­doh and Shakkar lakes, the Gavilgad Fort and Narnala Fort and a few viewpoints like the Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point. The place is rich in wildlife and abodes panthers, sloth bears, sambar deers, wild boars and wild dogs. Chikhaldara can be reached by train from Akola. Chopta, Uttarakhand This is a more known hill station of Uttarakhand and is often called the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand. Forming a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is especially popular with adventure-seekers and trekkers. It serves as the base for trekking to Tunganath. The majestic Himalayas serve as the backdrop of this pristine hilly retreat and paints a divine beauty around. The pristine beauty of the place beckons you to visit here again and again. The nearest airport is at Dehradun. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds is home to Cherrapunjee, once known as the rainiest place on earth. Today it is more known for its waterfalls, nearby caves and living root bridges. Located in the Khasi Hills of the state, a 2 hours’ drive from the capital city of Shillong, this place casts a magic spell on its visitors with its misty climate. Chaukori, Uttarakhand Situated in Pithoragarh district of the state close to the Indo-Nepal border, Chaukori is a paradise for nature lovers. It sits at an elevation of 2010 m and is 173 km away from Nainital and makes for a perfect day trip from the latter. Towering Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the Panchauli form the background of this hill station. The place is known for its tea plantations. Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir In this age of technology invasion, if you want to visit a place with the old world charm, Chatpal seems like the best choice. There is no electricity here, but that does not stop the place from being a paradise. It is so cold here that even during summer one needs layers of blankets to sleep comfortably. Apart from enjoying the surreal beauty of the place, trekking to the nearby Thimran village past apple orchards, walnut and oak forest is an option. One can take a cab from Srinagar to reach here. Chail, Himachal Pradesh Located 44 km from Shimla and 45 km from Solan at an elevation of 2,250m, Chail was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. It famously abodes the highest cricket ground in the world and also has dense forests. Apart from the scenic beauty here, one can enjoy adventure activities like Burma bridge, rope walk and rock rappelling at Chail. The nearest airport is at Chandigarh. Champhai, Mizoram Located in the Indo-Myanmar border, Champhai is also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Mizoram’ because it has the big­gest stretch of plain land used for rice cultivation in the state. Surrounded by hills on all the sides, this hill town in Mizo­ram, some 200 km from Aizawl, is a visitor’s delight. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Myanmar Hills. The place is inhabited by different tribal groups, and is a good cultural experience too. Coorg, Karnataka Located in the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the scenic and pristine hill stations in Karnataka. It is a popular weekend get­away for wearied city dwellers from Bengaluru and Mysore. Embraced with lush evergreen forests, alluring waterfalls, pleasantly flowing streams and rivers, holidays in Coorg spell a sojourn of natural beauty, peace of mind and enjoyable times. The culture and cuisine of Coorg are also not to be missed. The nearest airport is at Mangalore. Champawat, Uttarakhand Bordered by the enchanting mountain ranges and the majestic Kali River, this serene hill station is one of the least crowded destinations in Uttarakhand, and hence serene. The place provides scenic views in Champawat. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh has many hill stations and Chamba is one of them located at a height of 996 m above sea level at the meeting point of River Ravi and River Sal. The place is home to many ancient temples that attract pilgrims. The Suhi Mata Mela and Minjar Mela are important events to get acquainted with the culture here. The Pathankot airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 120 kilometres. From there one can take taxis to reach Chamba. Chirmiri, Chhattisgarh The lone hill station of the state of Chhattisgarh in this list, Chirmiri deserves special mention. The place is more known for its coal mines than for anything else. However the hill station is blessed with picturesque views around which tourists can enjoy. One also finds here a Sjri Jagannath Temple that was built in the style of the Jagannath temple at Puri by workers coming to work here from Odisha. Apart from this there are a few other temples in and around Chirmiri. D Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand Located 24 km from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is a quaint hill station on the foothills of the Garhwal Range of the Himalayas. The place attracts the travellers looking for some solitude. The eleva­tion is 2,286 m above sea level. While the nearby Mussoorie is crowded with tourists, those coming to Dhanaulti find the much needed respite in its laid back pace. Darjeeling, West Bengal Located in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is one of the most revered destinations of eastern India and is a craze with tourists from all over India. Tea gardens, UNESCO World Heritage listed Mountain Railway, churches, monasteries and parks make it a place worth visit at least once. One of the biggest highlights of the place is the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, one of the tallest peaks in the world. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Nestled amidst the picturesque coniferous forests of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is the abode of the snow-clad peaks, spectacular landscapes and stunning views of the Himalayas. It is famously the home to His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile. It has an elevation of 1,450 m and is the starting point of several treks around the Himalayan Range. It is a centre for Tibetan Buddhism and is a favourite place for foreign tourists. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh Spread across five hills near the Dhauladhar Mountain Range with an elevation of about 2,000 m, this hill station was the summer retreat of Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor General of India. The place is dotted with many colonial era buildings that add to its heritage look. One can trek up the Dainkund Peak to reach the Pholani Devi temple. Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Subhash Baoli etc. are some of the important attrac­tions of the place. The nearest airport is at Kangra. Daringbadi, Odisha Also called the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’, Daringbadi has an elevation of only 914 metres but temperature in winter often reaches sub zero, thus making it a popular winter destination. Coffee and black pepper plantations, a number of waterfalls and viewpoints are the major attraction of the place. Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh This is a tranquil hill station atop the hill above Mcleodganj in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This place is more known for its meditation centres and slow-paced life. It is also a starting point for the trek to Triund. The cafés in Dharamkot are known for their pancakes, lasagnas, pastas and hummus. Fruit wines and apple cedar from here are also popular. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kangra. E Elapeedika, Kerala This is a small village located at an elevation of 1000 m above the sea level in the Western Ghats. It is the highest place in the Kannur district and provides a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. At the Periya Pass here Pazhassiraja’s force and East India company had fought a battle. Elappara, Kerala This is a village in Idukki village with an elevation of 1000 m. Its cool climate and tea plantations draw a lot of visitors. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Mullaperiyar Dam are not far from here. G Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir The most popular and liked skiing destination in India, Gulmarg, which means ‘meadow of flowers’, is located 52 km from Srina­gar. This place was once the summer retreat of kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir. Gulmarg is truly a white beauty. Besides skiing and ice-skating, you can also chance a ride on the second highest cable car in the world. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Goeche La, Sikkim At an elevation of 4,940 metres, this is a Mountain Pass in the Himalayan Range. The southeast face of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga, is visible from here. Goeche La serves as the base camp for those climbing the Mount Kanchenjunga. Gangtok, Sikkim Gangtok, the capital city of north eastern Indian state of Sikkim is cosseted by some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Pristine beauty and awe-inspiring location of this hill station make it an ideal place to enjoy ropeway cable ride and river rafting. The city is full of monasteries, parks, gardens and other tourist attractions. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Gurez Valley, Kashmir Located in the interiors of Kashmir, Gurez Valley is blessed with ethereal beauty and is often dubbed to possess one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Kashmir. Situated very close to the Indo-Pakistan border, Gurez boasts unparalleled natural beauty of which the scintillating Kishenganga River, the lofty snow-capped mountains, sparse wooden houses and acres of meadow are part of. The locals here thrive on homestay facilities provided to tour­ists. Gurez Valley is situated 123 km from Srinagar and can be reached from there by car. H Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh Located in Andhra Pradesh around 140km from Bangalore, Hors­ley Hills is quite a mystical hill station. According to the legends, this vicinity was once inhabited by a miracle girl, who had magi­cal power of healing. Named after W.D. Horsley, this place is also a popular ground for adventure activities like zorbing, rappelling and trekking. Haflong, Assam This is a quaint little hill station in Assam and can be reached by rail or road from Guwahati. Bright green surroundings, blue rivers and clouds grazing the blue hills that are covered with around 2 lakh varieties of flowers is what aptly describes Haflong. It is home to warm Assamese tribes and tribal culture flourishes in this place. Haflong Lake, Maibong and Jatinga Village are tourist places to visit here. Adventure lovers have options like paragliding, trekking and boating. From October to April is the best time to visit. I Idukki, Kerala A lesser explored place in Kerala, Idukki is just a bus, or train ride away from Kottayam. Lakes, dams, tea plantations and the Eravikulan Wildlife Sanctuary are the main attractions here. The best time to visit is from October to February. The best way to get here is by private vehicle so that one can enjoy the drive through picturesque forests with sight of elephants from time to time. Imphal, Manipur Having a mere elevation of 786m, it is not among the highest hill stations of north eastern India for sure, but definitely one of the most beautiful and important. The Kangla Fort, which is now in ruins, was once the seat of the local rulers. The other attractions here are a historic polo ground, museum and temples. J Johar Valley, Uttarakhand For trekkers this is the best destination. Difficult terrains, cold climate even in summer and picturesque views make it so. The Milam Glacier can be reached crossing the Johar Valley. One can camp at villages like Pungdeo, Bogudyar and Martoli, from where one has majestic views of peaks, closeness to the temple of Nanda Devi Temple and warmth of hospitality of the locals. River Gori Ganga cuts through beautiful gorges, lush meadows and dense forests in Johar Valley making it a rare beauty. Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh Named after the ruler of Mandi, Raja Joginder Singh, this quaint hill station is often called the ‘Powerhouse of India’. The mountain ranges surrounding this place house three of the most effective hydro-electric power plants in India. While nature is at its best here, one can also take part in adventure sports like paragliding and trekking. Jhalong, West Bengal Located near the Indo-Bhutan border, this is a small hill station by the Jaldhaka River. This village in Kalimpong District is only 99 km from Siliguri and 77 km from Jalpaiguri. Jhalong is often also referred to as Jaldhaka, after the river. The Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park etc. are close by. The first hydro-electric project in India was developed here and this is one of the major attractions. Jhalong is also a birders’ paradise. K Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Located at an altitude of 1,230m, Kullu is one of the most cap­tivating hill stations in India with an abundance to visit. It is on the banks the River Beas and has a bundle of adventure activities like paragliding, camping under the starry nights and so on. The landscape here is composed of green woods, majestic hills and shimmery rivers. Kalimpong, West Bengal Perched atop a ridge above the Teesta River at an elevation of 1,250m on the Himalayan foothills, Kalimpong is a delightful experience. Dotted with colonial era buildings, churches, monas­teries and parks, this hill station has a lot to offer to tourists. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Shimla district on the foothills of the Himalayas, Kufri is a paradise for travellers. The hypnotic charm of the place with lush greenery and the snow clad hills around coupled with its chilly climate makes it a favourite with couples. In winter the place gets a white snow cover making it a sought after destination for activities like skiing and tobogganing. In summer trekking and hiking are the more popular activities. The closest airport is Jubbarbhatti Airport near Shimla (20 kms). Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu In Kotagiri one can witness the Nilgiris changing its colour. While the Nilgiris are known as the ‘Blue Mountains’, at Kotagiri it turns green. Endless patches of tea plantations are responsible for the change in appearance of the hills. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore. Kohima, Nagaland The capital city of Nagaland is a hill station with an elevation of 1,444m and was founded by the British in the later half of the 19th century. It is home to people from various Naga tribes. The Kohima Cemetery which is a WWII memorial is by far the most popular attraction here. Other attractions include museums, churches, viewpoints and the Heritage Village that is a little drive away. Kurseong, West Bengal Located 32 km from Darjeeling at an elevation of 1,450m, Kur­seong is the land of ‘White Orchids’. It has pleasant climate all year through and is a sought after hill resort especially with the people from West Bengal. Kurseong is known for its beautiful tea plantations, churches and boarding schools, but is equally famous for the spooky Dow Hills which is said to be the most haunted place in India. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh Located gracefully atop a plateau at an elevation of 1,920m, Khajjiar is called the mini Switzerland of India. The region is cov­ered with lush greenery and cedar forest. Khajjiar was unknown to the rest of the world until 1992 when the Vice Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland visited this hill station and praised it. Attractions here include the 12th century Khajji Nag Temple, high altitude Khajjiar Lake and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. Khandala, Maharashtra Located atop the Bhor Ghat in Maharashtra, this hill station is one of the most celebrated summer retreats in the country. It is also popular for trekking and hiking. It became more famous after the song “Aati kya Khandala” in Aamir Khan starrer movie ‘Ghulam’. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh Established during British rule as a colonial hill station, Kasauli sits at an elevation of 1,800m. Lined with scenic pine and oak plantations, the colonial architecture of this quaint hill station offers a unique charm of India’s pre-independence era. Kasauli can be reached by road from Chandigarh which is the nearest airport. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Located in the Dindigul district of the state, Kodaikanal sits at an elevation of 2,133m. Surrounded by lush green forests, grassy hills, waterfalls and granite cliffs, Kodaikanal is often known as the ‘Gift of the Forests‘. It is also said to be the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ and has a lot to offer to tourists including the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rock and Guna Caves. Kanatal, Mussoorie A town within a town, Kanatal is located inside Mussoorie but isn’t at all like it. At Kanatal one is surrounded by pine forests, lush greenery, apple orchards, flower gardens, waterfalls and small temples hidden away. For foodies and nature lovers it is the quintessential town to visit. Khati, Uttarakhand Trekking to Khati is a popular activity, although largely this is still a much unexplored hill station. Khati is the last inhabited village on the way to the Pindari Glacier and is the base for the trek to it. The hill station is lined with oak forests and rhododendrons making it a breathtaking experience. Kausani, Uttarakhand Popularly known as ‘Switzerland of India’, Kausani is a place from where one can feast the eyes on mesmerising view of Himalayan peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli and the Someshwar valley, Garur and Baijnath Katyuri valley below. Surrounded by dense pine woods and tea gardens, Kausani is also a great place to spot wildlife. Situated at an elevation of 1,890m, natural beauty of Kausani is heavenly to say the least. Apart from that there is not much to do here except to see Anashakti Ashram and Pant Museum. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh This is a high-altitude cold desert on the banks of the Spiti River with an elevation of 3,650m above sea level. The terrain here is similar to that of Tibet or Ladakh. Buddhist culture pre­vails here and the town is accessible from Kinnaur as well as Lahaul Valley. Less frequented by tourists due to rough terrain, Kaza mainly attracts mountaineers, adventure junkies and trek­king enthusiasts. Tangyud Monastery, Kibber Village and Key Gompa are some of the most prominent attractions here. Kibber, Himachal Pradesh At an elevation of 4,205m, Kibber is the highest village in the world, located just 18 km away from Kaza and lies in proxim­ity to villages like Komic, Langshu and Hikkim, which are base camps for many treks. Due to very difficult terrain, the hill sta­tion sees very less tourist. The allure of barren and the majestic mountains besides the overwhelming silence of monasteries adds to the charm of this place. There is a wildlife sanctuary here that is home to Himalayan wolf, Tibetan wild ass, snow leopard, Tibetan woolly hare and blue sheep among others. Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir Some 60 km from the tourist hub of Pahalgam is situated the lesser known yet beautiful hill station of Kokernag. If you love Mughal Gardens, you will be happy to know that Kokernag has the biggest garden in Kashmir. Asia’s largest trout fishery is also located her. One can go there and learn about breed­ing this species of fish. Kokernag can be reached by cab from Pahalgam or Srinagar. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh Keylong is on the picturesque Manali-Leh Highway, at an elevation of 3,080m. Located on the banks of the Bhaga River, it is often thronged by the tourists during the Manali to Leh motorcycle expedition. In the month of July, tourists can witness its annual celebration which is full of fun, colours and merriment. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar. L Lansdowne, Uttarakhand A quaint hill station, situated at an altitude of 1,706m above sea level, in the Garhwal district, Landsdowne is blessed with a pleasant climate all around the year. The place has a cover of thick oak and blue pine forests and also provides visitors pristine views and peaceful environment. Adventure lovers can indulge in activities like trekking and nature walks, bird watching, boating and paddling. Lonavala, Maharashtra Thanks to Bollywood, Lonavala, a hill station on the Sahyadri Range, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is also known as the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’. Resting at an elevation of 622m above sea level, this place is bestowed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Visitors may indulge in activities like trekking, fishing and picnicking apart from sightseeing. Lonavala can be reached by road or train from Mumbai and Pune. Lavasa, Maharashtra It is the first ever planned hill station in India, and not a gift of the colonial rule. It was built in the style of an Italian town called Portofino. This yet-to-be completed hill station is located near Pune and is a private property. Lepchaghat, West Bengal Located in wilderness at an altitude of about 6967 feet above sea level, Lepchajagat is a quaint little mountain village which is charmingly beautiful, to say the least. The village lies on a hill slope amidst rhododendron and oaks forests. The best thing about the place is that although it is a mere 19 kms away from Darjeeling, and easily accessible by a 45 minute journey by road, this hilly village has somehow quite miraculously been able to maintain its tranquil atmosphere. Landour, Uttarakhand 6 km from Mussoorie, one finds Landour, a cantonment town that has an old-world vibe. Abode to the famous author Ruskin Bond and others including Allan Sealy and Colleen Gantzer, Landour’s connection to the literary world is not unknown anymore. The laid back lifestyle here attracts tourists here. One can take a walk or rent a bike to explore nearby attractions like Kempty Falls, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi or Chamba. Lava, West Bengal This hill station is located only 34 km from the more popular hill station of Kalimpong. It has an elevation of 2,140 meters and is popular for being the entry points of the Neora Valley National Park and the Jelep La and Rechi La Passes. Located about 670 kms from Kolkata, this place brings the much needed respite to the city dwellers from the heat and hustle and bustle. Lolegaon, West Bengal Located at an altitude of 1,675m at the extreme end of a Himalayan ridge, about 24 km from the more popular hill station of Lava, Lolegaon is a small picturesque village. From here one can have beautiful views of the Singalila Range, the Kanchenjunga and Tiger Hill. M Matheran, Maharashtra Located 800m above the sea level, Matheran is known for its mild climate, Neral-Matheran heritage toy train ride and colo­nial era architecture. Motor vehicles are banned inside this pris­tine hill station and you arrive by the train and inside the place, commuting is either on foot or on horseback. The viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountains. Munnar, Kerala Located 1,600m above the sea level, Munnar in Kerala is a picturesque hill station. Also called the ‘Green Capital of India’, it is laced with scenic mountains, rolling hilltops, tea and coffee plantations, and is a true cradle of nature that befits fairy tales and fantasies. The nearest airport is at Kochi. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Famous for being the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu rests on a rocky plateau on the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The place is surrounded by forests and lakes and has many as­sociated myths and legends. It offers respite to travellers from the heat of the desert around. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Often called the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie rests at a height of 1,880m above the sea level. It is located at a distance of 35km form Dehradun. The serenity of the place, its pristine beauty, panoramic views of the Doon Valley and an exhilarat­ing ropeway cable ride, are some of the attractions Mussoorie has on offer. Manali, Himachal Pradesh One of the top skiing destinations in India, Manali is known for its alluring beauty and splendour. Located at an elevation of 2,050m beside the Beas River Valley, Manali is popular with honeymooners and sports lovers alike. The snowy blanket of Manali in winter is a heavenly sight. Paragliding in these beau­tiful hills of Manali is a popular activity. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra Located on the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,353m, Ma­habaleshwar, with its tranquil and evergreen ambience, used to be the summer capital of Bombay. The hill station is also known as the ‘Land of Strawberries’. Mahabaleshwar can be easily reached both from Pune and Mumbai. Mirik, West Bengal One of the many hilly jewels of West Bengal, Mirik is all about natural beauty and splendour. Located mystically amongst the hills of Darjeeling, this small hill town offers a tranquil holiday experience ornamented with prismatic views of the Mt. Kanchen­junga. Surrounded by lush and evergreen pine forests and exotic gardens, the Sumendu Lake is the main attraction of Mirik. Morni, Haryana The sole hill station of Haryana, Morni is a village on the Morni Hills and is popular with tourists. The attractions here include the Bhim Taal and Draupadi Taal lakes, Morni Fort Museum, Garhi Kotaha Fort, Masoompur Fort, a waterfall, a pheasant breeding centre, herbal forest and the ruins of an ancient temple. Morni lies about 45 km from Chandigarh and 35 km from Panchkula. Mahendragiri, Odisha One of the seven famous Kulagiris in India, Mahendragiri is the second highest peak of Odisha and located 51 km from Berhamp­ore. It is mentioned in the poetry of Kalidasa. It is mainly visited during the Shivaratri festival. Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh Mashobra is a quaint little town connected to Shimla via Hindu­stan-Tibet Road, the historic road built by Lord Dalhousie way back in 1850. Not frequented by tourists often, this place is apt for a relaxing holiday. Thickly wooded with oak, rhododendron, Himalayan deodar and cedar trees, Mashobra is ideal for a crea­tive break for artists. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand A beautiful hill station at an elevation of 2,298m, Munsiyari is extremely popular with adventure-seekers. Deeply forested with rhododendron, cedar and deodar trees, this place offers beautiful views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. It is a starting point of many treks including the popular trek to Namik Glacier. N Nainital, Uttarakhand A Himalayan resort town, Nainital as a hill station needs no introduction to tourists. Resting at an elevation of 2,084m in the Kumaon region, the town of Nainital is tucked within hills and mountains. Among the tourist destinations here, the Nainital Lake is a popular boating destination. For those willing to have a view of the town from above and of the Nanda Devi Peak, there is a cable car option. Nelong Valley, Uttarakhand Nelong Valley lies in the Gangotri National Park and was historically part of Indo-Tibet trade route. It presents a desert landscape like that in Ladakh. The unexploited natural beauty here makes it a destination to visit. However night stay here is not permitted and permission of the DM’s office in Uttarkashi is required even for visiting. But once here, one realises that the place is worth all these extra efforts. Netarhat, Jharkhand Set at an elevation of 1,070m, Netarhat town in the Latehar district of Jharkhand is known for its sunrise and sunset views. It is the highest point of Chhotanagpur Plateau and is also called the ‘Queen of Chhotanagpur’. A day trip from Ranchi is the best way to enjoy the place. The hill station brings respite to the state that is otherwise depried of mountains. O Ooty, Tamil Nadu The scenic beauty of Ooty makes it one of the most celebrated hill stations of South India. Nestled deep within the Nilgiri Hills, this quaint hill station has been traditionally a delight for the honeymooners, family holidayers and nature lovers alike. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage can be experienced here as Ooty is one of the stations it connects. Tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, botanical gardens and parks make it a must visit destination. P Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh This hill station is often called ‘The Queen of Satpura’ and happens to be the only hill station of the state. Located at an elevation of 1,100m, this hilly retreat is popular for its scenic beauty, picture-perfect outlook and the tranquil ambience. Shar­ing history with the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Pachmarhi offers many tourist attractions like Dhurgarh, Sunset Point, Sangam, Silver Falls and several caves. Pelling, Sikkim Located about 2,100 metres above sea level, Pelling is a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and spirituality. It offers the most stunning views of the Himalayas and Mt Kanchenjunga. The Pemayangste and Sanga Choling monasteries are the high­lights of the hill station as is Pelling’s scenic beauty, its waterfalls, the Khecheopalri Lake and its historical architecture. Pelling, being the base camp for a number of interesting trekking routes, is popular with mountaineers. Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir Another hill station that needs no introduction, Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,740m. Be it honeymooners, pilgrims, family holidayers or friends, Pahalgam is a top destination for all. There is a mountain trail running from here to the Amarnath Cave temple. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Ponmudi, Kerala Ponmudi is nestled at an elevation of 1,100m and is home to acres of tea gardens, national parks and rivers. The quaint hill station offers excellent views of dramatic sunrise from the hill tops. Tea gardens, crystal clear waters of the Kallar River and fresh water springs are its biggest attractions. There is also a deer park, a wild­life sanctuary and a biological park here. Ponmudi is a shutterbug’s paradise. Peora, Uttarakhand A quiet hamlet in the lap of Kumaon region of the Himalayas, Peora is a birdwatchers’ paradise near Nainital. The elevation of the place is 1,997m. It is surrounded by sal, pine, oak, kaphal and rhododendron trees. It is possible to taste locally grown apple, plum, peach or apricot. Pangi, Himachal Pradesh This is one of the remotest places in this list. In the Chamba tehsil of HP exist this hidden beauty where reaching is a challenge itself. But once there, one realises that it was worth all the pain. The lush green Pangi valley, having an elevation up to 3,400m, is as unex­plored as it can be. The place has a unique fragrance due to some rare Ayurvedic herbs and plants. One can trek from here to the Sach Pass (4,400m). But it must be remembered that Pangi Valley is only for the brave-heart and physically fit people. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur is embraced by gazing peaks, tea plantations, striking pine forests and other natural marvels. While the Dhauladhar Mountains at the back of Palampur offers a picture-perfect background, the narrow yet intriguing terrains leading to the town makes it more enchant­ing and a must-visit hill station. Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh About 131 km-drive from Shimla is Rohru in the Pabbar Val­ley, which marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience for visitors. Lush green valley with meadows, forests and apple orchards greet you. The valley is also rich in trout fish giving visi­tors ample opportunity to go fishing and angling. Trekkers also have the option of trekking to Chanshal Pass and Kuper Valley. Apart from Rohru, two other important places to see in Pabbar are Hatkoti and Jubbal. Reaching Pabbar Valley from Shimla by private or public transport is easy. Panchgani, Maharastra For those who want to witness and experience how flourishing the colour green can be, Panchgani is a must visit. Discovered during the British era, this tranquil hill station is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra and is guarded by five different hills. The place has an elevation of 1,293m and is replete with tourist attraction in the form of ancient forts and viewpoints. R Ranikhet, Uttarakhand At Ranikhet one gets mesmerised by the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Surrounded by lush green woods, fields and hills, with meandering roads, Ranikhet is a sheer delight. The place also offers some activities for adventure-lovers. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar Airport and the nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Raithal, Uttarakhand A small village in the Garhwal Himalayas, Raithal gives you the much needed laid back atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed holiday. Take a stroll, enjoy the breeze, bask under the sun, gaze at the picturesque mountains and lush forests and live in the mud houses with carvings and designs – that’s all you do here. If you want more activity, trek to the gorgeous Dayara Bugyal. From Uttarkashi one can take a cab to Raithal unless you are driving yourself from Chandigarh or Delhi. S Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is often referred as the ‘Kashmiri Venice’. One of the most romantic destinations in India, the mystical outlook of this place entices the visitors with its charm and beauty. Visit this piece of paradise and witness the mesmerising beauty of the Dal Lake and enjoy a Shikara rides to several gardens within the lake. Stay in a House­boat for a unique experience. Shillong, Meghalaya Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is a true paradise to say the least. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, it is a must-visit hill station in north eastern part of India. Rolling hills, salubrious ambience, alluring waterfalls, scenic beauty, beautiful lakes, a sprawling park, cool temperature, sumptuous food and cheerful people add to the heavenly beauty of the place. Shimoga, Karnataka With an elevation of only 569m, this hill station is the gateway to the Western Ghats and is hence called ‘Gateway of Malnad’. The place is replete with waterfalls and the Jog Falls is worth special mention. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh Sirmaur district that lies at a distance of approx 150 km from popular hill station of North India, Shimla, boasts being the Peach Bowl for the state. There are many temples to visit here. It is also a great trekking destination and the Churdhar Peak trek is a popular activity for the adventure-minded. Sirmaur can be reached by cab from Chandigarh and Shimla by public or private transport. Sanasar, Jammu and Kashmir An off the beaten path destination in the Jammu region, 20 km from the famous hill station of Patnitop, Sanasar is an unexploit­ed hill station. This place has vast expanse of meadow which takes you to tiny settlements with mud houses, farms, and streams. The locals are very welcoming. One can reach Sanasar from Jammu City. Sani Village, Jammu and Kashmir It is a village in the Zanskar Valley, located a few kilometres from Padum at an elevation of 3,700m. Time here seems to have come to a standstill. Visitors can stay in the houses of locals at a minimal cost and have local meals and locally brewed Chang (rice beer) as a gesture of hospitality. Local festivals and the Sani monastery are tourist attractions. To reach here cabs are avail­able from Kargil and Leh. Saputara, Gujarat Located at an altitude of 1,000m atop a plateau, Saputara is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats. Lush green forests, mountains, cascading waterfalls and serpentine roads makes it a dreamy destination. Over the last few years, it has emerged as an ideal tourist spot offering various fun and exciting activi­ties like boating, ropeway rides and several others. The nearest airport is at Surat and the nearest train station is at Bilimora. Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir Sonmarg or the ‘Meadow of Gold’ is one of the most mag­nificent hill stations in Kashmir at an elevation of 2,800m. The place is full of enticing glaciers and picture perfect alpine forests. It is a favourite ground for Golden Mahseer and Trout fishing. But entry to Sonmarg remains restricted in the winters due to excessive snowfall. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Sandakphu, West Bengal Set at an elevation of about 3,700 meters above the sea level, Sandakphu is located 650 kms from the state capital of Kolkata. This destination is mainly popular with trekkers, mountaineers and ski enthusiasts. Being the highest point in the entire state, the place also provides view of four of the highest peaks of the world being the Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is indeed one of the most sought-after hill stations in India. Once the summer capital of India, it now serves as one of the main tourist destinations of the country. Be it the winters or the summers, Shimla always offers a pleasant climate and ample of sightseeing options to its visitors and other amazing activities like skiing, trekking and paragliding in the region. Samsing, West Bengal With an elevation of 920m above the sea level, Samsing is located not on a very high hill, but it is nevertheless one of the most beautiful hill stations of the state and is situated in the sought after Dooars area of the state, 640 kms from Kolkata. Lush green landscape, tea gardens and foggy weather makes it a dream getaway for city dwellers. The Neora Valley National Park is only 18 kms from here. T Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh A leisurely road trip away from Delhi, this valley is known to be one of the most picturesque places in Himachal Pradesh. The Valley is located in the Kullu District and makes for the quintes­sential hill station getaway to connect with yourself and dear ones. Choose to live amidst nature at its rawest. This is where you do bonfires as you huddle up when the temperatures drop. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh For the adventure enthusiast, Tawang promises to be a great site for paragliding, rock-climbing and trekking. Resting at a height of approximately 3,048 m (10,000 ft), Tawang is right in the middle of Bhutan and Tibet. It beautifully captures a mix of Buddhist and north eastern culture. It is one of most popular hill stations of the north eastern part of the country. The main attraction here is the Tawang monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in the world outside of Lhasa. Apart from it there are stunning views of Tawang Valley, Tawang Chu River, Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges besides glacial lakes such as Sangetser and Banggachang Lake, which remain frozen during winters. Visitors to this quiet hill station can keep themselves busy rock climbing, paragliding and river rafting. Tawang can be reached by either road or flying down to the nearest airport which is Salonibari Airport. One must get a government-issued special Inner Line Permit to enter the district, from Tezpur, New Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati. The best time to visit is during the summer months between March and October. Turtuk, Jammu & Kashmir Turtuk is a border village in Leh district that was annexed to India post 1971 Indo-Pak War. However, the place remained closed for visitors until 2010. The surreal destination is situated on the bank of the Shyok River and is surrounded by moun­tains of Karakoram Range. All around there are barley fields and stone houses. Turtuk is perfect for those who desire to see ancient Tibetan and Indo-Aryan cultures. Turtuk is a part of Nubra Valley and can be reached by hiring a car from Leh which is around 204 km away. Thekaddy, Kerala Considered as the best hill station town God’s Own Country, Thekkady is the home to the renowned Periyar National Park. In addition to the natural beauty of Thekkady, visitors love to delve into the wilderness of the park and witness some of the rare and exotic wildlife species. Taptapani, Odisha With an elevation of 550m, Taptapani is a hill station in the Ganjam district that is known for its sulphur water springs. The place is surrounded by a cluster of hills and thick forests. How­ever, people mainly come here for the hot water springs. U Udumbanchola, Kerala This lesser known hill station is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and some hills here have an elevation of 2,000m. One of the latest discoveries brought this place to news. In the Potha­mala hills here historians recently discovered the largest menhirs found in the region, indicating the existence of a prehistoric graveyard here. Umrangso, Assam Located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam it is an industrial town. The elevation is 640m. This area has been known for violence and hence sees very less tourist. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Located on the bank of River Bhaghirathi at an elevation of 1,158m, it is a holy town close to Rishikesh. It has a number of temples and because of its similarity with Kashi (Varanasi) it has been named as Uttarkashi. V Virajpet, Karnataka Nestled at an elevation of 909m, this hill station was founded in 1792AD by King Virarajendra to commemorate his meeting with General Robert Abercromby, his ally against Tipu Sultan, the King of Mysore. Verinag, Jammu & Kashmir Located in the Anantnag district at an altitude of 1,851m, Verinag is the first tourist spot one comes across while travel­ling from Jammu to Kashmir Valley and is often referred to as the Gateway of Kashmir. The most important attractions here are the Verinag Spring and the Mughal Garden laid down by Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Valparai, Tamil Nadu Located 3,500ft above the sea level and lying gracefully in the lap of the Anamalai Mountain Range, Valaparai is the vicinity where the stunning waterfalls, lush meadows and scenic valleys whispers liveliness into the visitors. Comprising of 40 hairpin bends, the journey to this spectacular hill station in Tamil Nadu is filled with thrill and excitement. W Waichin Valley, Himachal Pradesh Unperturbed by the chaos of the other tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, Waichin hides itself in thick woods and lofty mountains. One can get here after a steep ascent that can make one’s legs go weak and breath heavy for 2 hours that it takes from Malana Village. But once one reaches here, all the pain is compensated by sheer magic, i.e. gigantic mountains that one seems to be able to touch, the velvety meadow that one can walk bare feet on, and the crisp air that fills one’s senses with positivity. Waichin is a place to reconnect with nature and self. Y Yercaud, Tamil Nadu A small hill station with an elevation of 1,515m, Yercaud is known as the ‘Jewel of the South’. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched and unchanged by humans thus making for a paradisiacal destination for a peaceful vacation away from the chaotic city life. The region’s heavenly beauty, pleasant climate, exquisite range of flora and fauna, beautiful resorts, the tem­ples, small forested areas, the rock formations and the gardens – all make it a mesmerizing experience. Yusmarg, Jammu & Kashmir Located around 47km from Srinagar at an altitude of 2,396m, Yusmarg is a captivating hilly retreat. Legends have it that Jesus Christ once visited the place and so it is also called the ‘Meadow of Jesus’ by the locals. While snow clad peaks, picturesque outlook and fascinating sights of Yusmarg can keep the visitors engrossed, its option for different adventure activities also fulfil the requirement of thrill and excitement among the visitors. Yumesamdong, Sikkim Situated at an elevation of 15,300 ft, this is the last point of motorable road and after this point no motor vehicles can go. This is therefore called the Zero Point. The Chinese Border is very close from here. Yuksom, Sikkim This place is located at an elevation of 1,780m. It was the first capital of Sikkim established way back in 1642 AD by the then Namgyal of Chogyal of Sikkim. Also known as the ‘Gateway to Kangchendzongha’, Yuksom presents picturesque views of snow-capped mountain peaks. There are a number of monaster­ies here. A major attraction here is the Royal Complex of Tashi Teenka. Yamunotri, Uttarakhand Mythologically the seat of Goddess Yamuna and the source of the Yamuna River, Yamunotri sits at an elevation of 3,293m in the Garhwal Himalayas. This is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims who throng here all year long. Yamunotri is also popular for its thermal springs and glaciers. Z Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh In a region that is blessed with one of the most bewitching natu­ral landscapes in the country, Ziro is the highest point. Located in the Lower Subansiri district, Ziro is home to the ancient Apatani tribe, which is known for its unique cultural values, agricultural and social forestry system. Facial tattoos and nose plugs that the elderly locals sport gives the place a mystical feel, delineating the rich cultural heritage that it has been carrying till now. Beautiful pine hills and rice fields characterise Ziro. The hills here are cov­ered with a variety of flora and fauna. Peppered with beautiful rice fields, this place has a laid back vibe that turns musical and hippy during September when Ziro Music Festival is organised, an event that is attended by thousands of music lovers from around the world. Ziro is also a hub for trekkers and picnic lov­ers. It is awaiting its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

When we speak of a tower, what pops up in our mind immediately? - A tall and slender structure, with a height more than its width, often characterised by different aspects of history. But why are tourists attracted to towers? Why do towers hold such an importance in the advent of tourism? It is important to research a bit on this to know the answer. Towers were first built by man in pre­historic times, to provide a wide field of view or just for beautification. Later civi­lizations built watchtowers in the form of fortifications as a high, safe ground from where a guard could observe the surroundings. In the entire Anno Domini era, all sorts of towers have been built which includes bell towers, clock towers, service towers, communication towers and minarets. These diverse backgrounds of towers are what gives tourists a unique point of view about them. One can visit a tower to marvel at the beauti­ful construction and the history behind it, or at the height and the view that makes us all feel giddy. Towers have also played a significant role in fairytales and classics... like the tall tower without doors or stairs where Rapunzel was trapped, or the clock tower that struck midnight in Cinderella’s tale, or in the bell tower that was home to Quasimodo in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. To grown-ups, this gives an added fancy for towers and they visit places looking for them. Given the importance of towers in tourism, I thought of listing the most important ones for the readers of Touriosity. Here is a list of the most important towers across the globe that are popular tourist attractions and that must be visited at least once in a lifetime: Obelisk of Axum, Aksum, Ethiopia The Obelisk of Axum, located in Axum (now called Aksum), Ethiopia was built in the 4th-century AD (making it 1700 years old) by King Ezana of Axum in an attempt to solidify the kingdom’s conversion to Christianity. It is a 24-metre-tall (79-feet) granite stele / ob­elisk, weighing 160 tonnes. This obelisk was damaged by an earthquake most likely in the 16th century, and was left there in ruins for hundreds of years. Finally, it was re-discovered by Italian soldiers in 1935 during a conquest of Ethiopia. The 160 tonne stele was taken back to Rome as loot, where it was reassembled. But after World War II the United Nations directed that the obelisk must be returned to its original owner Ethiopia, which led to a lot of complica­tions. After years of conflict and procedural delays, the stele was finally returned to its rightful location in Ethiopia, where it stands till today. Some people believe that the obelisk is a funeral monument and that the tombs of ancient rulers of Axum lay beneath it. Although technically not really a tower, the Obelisk of Axum because of its sheer histor­ical significance and structural magnificence deserves to be included in this list. Galata tower, Istanbul, Turkey The Galata Tower (locally known as Galata Kulesi in Turkish language), earlier called Christea Turris (the Tower of Christ in Latin) by the Genoese people when Istanbul was a colony of Genoa, is a medieval stone tower in the Galata or the Karaköy quarter of Istanbul in Turkey, and is strategically located to the north of the meeting point of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait. The structure of the tower is cylindri­cal, with a conical cap, and because of its height (66.9 metre / 219.5 feet) it provides a panoramic view of Istanbul’s historic peninsula and its sceneries. This original Romanesque-style tower at this location was built in 1348 AD dur­ing an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. The tower was heav­ily damaged due to an earthquake that occurred in 1509 AD, but luckily, could be restored by the famous Ottoman architect, Hayreddin. The Galata Tower, that was initially built to replace the old Tower of Galata, an original Byzantine tower named Megalos Pyrgos (Great Tower), was used as a prison and a fire tower during the Ottoman era under the reign of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent. The tower was again destroyed, this time by a fire, in 1794 AD but it was restored during the reign of Sultan Selim III, when a cumba (alcove) was also added to the beauty of the tower. After the destruction caused by yet another fire in 1831 AD, the tower was restored once more, along with the addition of two more floors and a conical-shaped tip, under the orders of Sultan Mahmut. Historically, the tower has been quite signifi­cant and has been destroyed again and again and rebuilt each time with further modifica­tions that went on increasing its beauty. Today, the Galata tower serves as an important touristic attraction of the city of Istanbul, and provides a 360-degree view of the city from the balcony. An elevator is built to take visitors up seven floors, but the last two floors are only accessible through stairs. Svan Towers, Svaneti, Georgia Svan towers are the tower houses built as defensive dwellings, mostly found in the Georgian historical region of Svaneti. These tower houses are today found in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region in Georgia. The oldest tower houses date back to the 8th or 9th century, and the newest was built in the 18th century. A Svan tower has an average height of 20 to 25 meters and has four to six floors, the latter being very rare. The towers were living quarters, fortresses of defense, and personal treasures to the Svans, a sub-group of ethnic Georgians who practiced blood revenge, spoke their own Svan language and were the traditional gatekeepers of mountain passes. It is interesting to note that each indi­vidual house in Svaneti region was fortified separately as a result of dwellings being too scattered to have a boundary wall surround­ing them all. This has definitely resulted in one of the most unique tourist attractions in the country now. The Towers of Bologna, Bologna, Italy The Towers of Bologna are a group of towers in Bologna, Italy built during the Medieval Age. The two most prominent ones are known as the Two Towers, consisting of the 320-foot Asinelli Tower and the much shorter Garisenda Tower, both of which are leaning. Their names are believed to be derived from the families credited with their construction, which began as a competition to prove which family was more powerful. In the 12th and the 13th century, the number of towers in the city was esti­mated to be as high as 180; the reasons for their construction are still not very clear though. Some hypothesises are that the richest families used them for offensive / defensive purposes during the period of the Investiture Controversy or as a symbol of wealth and status, as well as for defensive purposes to guard their land. Some of the smaller structures were also built as dwellings. During the 13th century, many towers were taken down and demolished, and few others simply collapsed on their own. Many towers were utilized in one way or the other either as a prison, a city tower, a shop or a residential building. Minaret of Jam, Shahrak, Afghanistan This minaret is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the present day western Afghanistan in the remote region of the Shahrak District, Ghor Province in close vicinity of the Hari River. The minaret is 65-metre (213 ft) high, and was built in 1194 AD by the Ghurid Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din in the ancient city of Firuzkuh, the summer capital of the Ghurid dynasty. It is constructed of baked bricks, stucco and glazed tile and is famous for its exterior of Kufic and Naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Quran. Since 2002, the minaret has been on the list of World Heritage in Danger, under serious threat of erosion, and its preservation has not been acted on. According to reports of the BBC in 2014, it may collapse. Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal The Belém Tower is located in Santa Maria de Belém in the municipality of Lisbon, Portugal. The tower was built by Francisco de Arruda under the orders of King John II between 1514 and 1520 AD as a defence system and a gateway to the city of Lisbon near the Tagus River. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 because of its important role in the Portuguese maritime discoveries during the Age of Discoveries. The tower contains an exotic rhinoceros gargoyle which probably depicts the rhi­noceros that Manuel I (the second patron for the construction of this tower) sent to Pope Leo X in 1515 AD. The Towers of San Gimignano, San Gimignano, Italy San Gimignano is a small hill town in Siena Province, Tuscany in north-central Italy. It is situated 56 kilometers south of the city of Florence. It is said that this small town became quickly rich due to the arrival of pilgrims to or from Rome and each household craved to have a palace of their own, but due to the small size of the town, the citizens settled for towers instead. Thus, these families began com­peting against each other for who could build a higher and more impressive tower to show their wealth and power. Accord­ing to the residents, at the peak of tower building, the number of towers almost reached 72 (some of them as high as 50 meters). As of now, only 14 of them remain. The town was devastated by a breakout of Plague (also known as Black Death, Black Plague or Great Plague) in 1348 AD when almost half of the townsfolk died and those surviving submitted to the rule of Florence. The latter did not pay great importance to the towers and even reduced a few to the height of houses. In course of time these were lost. The towers were rediscovered as important touristic and artistic sites in the 19th century. Now, the towers of San Gimignano have been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire town presents a Medieval look and must be visited for its sheer charm. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada The CN Tower, also known as Tour CN in French, is a communication and observati tower located in Downtown Toronto, On­tario in Canada. It is 553.3 metre (1,815.3 ft) high and weighs 117,910 tonnes. Its construction began in 1972 on the former Railway Lands, and was completed in mid 1976. It is interesting to note that the name ‘CN’ is derived from the words ‘Canadian National’, the railway company that built the tower. The CN Tower is a perfect location for tourists who know how to spend their time while visiting the city of Toronto. It consists of floor-to-ceiling panoramic window walls, glass floors and an out­door sky terrace. One must experience the thrilling EdgeWalk at the CN Tower, which holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Highest Outdoor Walk on a building. Canadian cuisine and breathtaking revolving views at ‘360 The Restaurant’, a restaurant at the CN Tower is unmissable. It is the perfect place to entertain or celebrate a special occasion. The splendid lighting of the tower from dusk onwards intrigues tourists even more. Big Ben, London, United Kingdom Big Ben was originally the pet name given to the Great Bell of the clock at the Palace of Westminster in London but nowadays it refers to both the clock and the clock tower. The origin of the bell’s nickname is still not certain; it may have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation, or after the heavy­weight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt. The tower in which Big Ben is located was originally named the Clock Tower and as St. Stephen’s Tower in the Victorian Era, but then the name was changed to Elizabeth Tower in the year 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a neo-gothic style. After its completion in 1859 AD, its clock became the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The tower is 315 feet (96 m) tall, and its base is square, measuring 39 feet (12 m) on each side. It also had the largest bell in the United Kingdom for 23 years. Qutub Minar, Delhi, India The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, India is a 73 metre (239.5 feet) tall narrowed tow­er of five storeys, with a 14.3 metres (47 feet) diameter at the base, that slowly reduces to 2.7 metres (9 feet) towards the top. It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps and is built of red and yellow sandstone and marble. The construction of Qutub Minar was started in 1192 AD by the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak and later continued by his son-in-law and successor, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish after the former’s death. The Minar was damaged during several occasions, and repaired and supplemented by the rulers of the subsequent dynasties ruling over Delhi, including Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Sher Shah Suri. The Qutub Minar stands till today, in its utmost glory, and attracts tourists from around the globe. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has footfall of tourists from all over the world in millions every year. One can also see the incom­plete Alai Minar at the Qutub Minar complex that was started off ambitiously as a tower that would surpass the Qutub Minar in height by two times. Started by Ala-ud-din Khalji of the Khalji Dynasty to commemorate military victories, only one storey of this massive tower could be completed and today it lies in ruins at the complex. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy One of the most famous towers in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower located in the cathedral of Pisa, Italy. It is known world­wide for its tilted form and the tower has its name enlisted in the Guinness Book of World Records for the same feat. The construction of this tower began on 14th August 1173 and continued for as many as 199 years as a result of military on-goings. The tower’s tilt began during its construction in the 12th century, and was said to have been caused by a fault in its foundation as the ground on one side was too soft to support the struc­ture’s weight. The slant increased with time before its completion in the 14th century. In 1990 the tower was found to be leaning at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but correction work between 1993 and 2001 reduced this to 3.97 degrees. It lost a further 4 cm of tilt till 2018. The height of the tower is 55.86 metres (183.27 feet) from the ground on the low side and 56.67 metres (185.93 feet) on the high side. While Bonanno Pisano was originally believed to be the architect, some recent studies have raised doubt about that resulting in the fact that till today, the architect of this magnificent tower is unknown. The tower has 296 steps (two less on the lower side) and eight storeys in total. It is located in the cathedral complex in Pisa, which is 87 kilometers from the city of Flor­ence and 350 kilometers from Rome. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France The Eiffel tower, also known as La tour Eiffel in French, is a lattice tower constructed of wrought iron. Located in Chemps de Mars area in Paris, France, this tower is also often called, ‘The Iron Lady’ or ‘La Dame De Fer’ in French by the locals. It was named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company had built the tower. The tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889 AD and was meant to be the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, and a temporary structure. There were other buildings constructed around it as well. When constructed, the artists and intellectuals criticised it as lacking in beauty and the French government even decided to pull it down after the fair was over. However it was allowed to remain, only to become the most visited paid tower in the world. It is not only the symbol of the city of Paris, but also of the country of France. It attracts millions of tourists from across the world every year. There are three levels of viewing platforms in the tower where visitors can climb using el­evators. One has to buy tickets for the same. The Eiffel Tower is 324 metres (1,063 feet) tall, making it equivalent to the height of an 81-storey building, and it holds the record for being the tallest freestanding structure in all of France. The 130-years old tower still stands in all grace and glory in the French capital city. At night it is beautifully lit with millions of small bulbs that makes it look like coming straight out of fairy tales. Three Pagodas, Dali, China These three pagodas were built in the early part of 9th century (during the rule of Kingdom of Nanzhao) and the 10th century (during the rule of the KIngdom of Dali) AD by Chinese rulers and are situated near the city of Dali at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and on the shore of Erhai Lake. The three pagodas belong to the Chongsheng Temple; these are equidistant from one another and are arranged in such a manner as to form an equilateral triangle. The middle one has a height of about 70 meters (227 ft) and the other two have a height of about 42.2 metres (140 ft). While most buildings in the ancient town of Dali in the Yunnan region were destroyed over the centuries for some reason or the other, these pagodas have withstood natu­ral calamities for over a millennia. Originally built to keep the dragons away, these pago­das still attract tourists to them today. Article by Tannistha Nandi

Forest getaways are preferred by most of us. While travelling to a forest area, we generally expect to see a lot of trees, wildlife and birds, sometimes water bodies too. But there are forests in the world that are very different form this general perception. Here are 8 most unique forests of the world Bamboo Forest in Maui’s Pipiwai Trail, Hawaii , US If you are looking for a tropical holiday destination, where Nature unfurls herself in all her glory, the best place for you is definitely Maui in Hawaii. It is a place where the visitor is greeted by spectacular natural sceneries all around. Nature seems to have poured her heart out at Maui – often lovingly referred to by the visitors as “The Magic Isle”. Every visitor to Maui can have his or her own reason to fall in love with Maui. Among its varied attractions is the Bamboo Forest, which, to put it simply, is awesome, spectacular and marvellous. To get to the Bamboo Forest one has to hike for about a mile. However, once there, one is sure to realize why the visitors are left spellbound. As far as vision goes, there are these thick, dense groupings of bamboo stalks. Looking up, one can see innumerable bamboo stalks, towering high towards the heaven whispering and dancing in the breeze. Being in the midst of the bamboo forest, where the grasses are extremely tall, a feeling is likely to creep in that you are just a tiny ant in the midst of these enormously tall grass blades. The Dancing Forest, Kaliningrad, Russia If you happen to be in the vicinity of Kaliningrad in the Baltic Sea area, then be prepared to witness and have close encounters with a unique natural phenomenon in our planet – the Dancing Forest at the Curonion Spit National Park. The local people here rather like to call it the Drunken Forest. It is a rare kind of pine forest made up of trees of various shapes and sizes, most of which are bent in circles and spirals along the ground, reminding one of dance movements. If examined at close quarters, one will notice that almost every tree has got its own distinct shape. Unlike the case with Japanese Bonsais the trees here have not been forced to alter their shapes and sizes. It is a pure natural occurrence; a wonder weaved by Mother Nature. The unusual characteristics of this one-of-its-kind and unique forest has been generating considerable amount of interest among the people engaged in scientific studies and research. Many curious people make a beeline to Kaliningrad to try and unravel the mysteries behind the queer phenomenon. And the theories forwarded by various groups of people multiply with time, so does the curiosity about the Dancing forest. The Crooked Forest, Poland In the north western part of Poland lies a pine forest, another one-of-its-kind forest. The Crooked Forest consists of a grove of peculiarly shaped pine trees that have grown with a bent of ninety degrees at the base of the trunks. What is also unique is that somehow all the trees are uniformly bent northward. This group of about 400 crooked trees are surrounded by a much larger forest of straight growing pine trees. It is believed that the crooked trees were planted around 1930 when this Polish region was under German occupation and the area was a part of the German province of Pomerania. The bent shape of these 400 trees is believed not to be a natural phenomenon, but the result of direct human intervention. The exact motive, as to why anybody would want to give bent shapes to otherwise normal and straight growing palm trees, remains an eternal mystery. Many have conjectured that in all probability, these crooked trees were harvested with the idea of providing tools for bent wood furniture, the ribs of boat hulls, yokes for horse drawn ploughs and so on. But these are mere speculations. The exact reason still remains shrouded in mystery. Petrified Forest Nati onal Park, Arizona, Us The Petrified Forest National Park in the USA is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Over 400 varieties of plants can be found, the various grass varieties being the most conspicuous. The Fauna include a variety of large and small animals. Apart from the flora and fauna the forest area also harbours over 200 varieties of avifauna, some of which are local, and some of which are migratory. More than half of the park is designated wilderness. These apart an interesting factor about the forest is that it contains 225 million-year-old fossilized remains of dinosaurs, amphibians and large reptiles. The area was originally a floodplain, and the forests were washed into it and engulfed by volcanic ash and tilt, which slowed down the decaying process. This extraordinary forest has generated considerable amount of interest among various scientists. The Rainbow Forest Museum has a splendid collection of fossils, including dinosaurs, from the Triassic era, and all through the area there are amazing examples of rock art, carved by early inhabitants, depicting birds, reptiles, animals and even human forms. In fact research indicates a human presence here for about two thousand years. Fossil Forest, West Lulw orth , Dorset, England Those who wonder about conditions prevailing in earth in Upper Jurassic period should head straight for the Fossil Forest located to the east of Lulworth Cove on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The remains of an ancient forest of the Jurassic period here provide intriguing understanding into the conditions prevalent about 135 million years ago. The trees here belonged to late Jurassic or early Cretaceous period and are of cypress or juniper type. It lies on Jurassic Coast on a wide ledge in the cliff by the seaside and is within Lulworth Military Range and thus has limited access. Portions of it can also be seen on Isle of Portland and in quarries near Weymouth. On the ledge one finds some ring-shaped structures, believed to be moulds of coniferous trees that died because of encasement in sediment. At the time of death, the trees stood upright and as a result, vertical moulds formed. Few fallen trees around have resulted in horizontal moulds. It is believed that at the end of the Jurassic period, when sea level came down, a number of islands encircled by lagoons were formed here. In course of time a tropical forest grew. When the lagoon flooded, the forest was filled with sediments resulting in today’s Fossil forest. The Stone Forest, Bulgaria The Stone Forest in Bulgaria is unique in the true sense of the word. It is a rare natural geological phenomenon not to be found anywhere else in the world. The forest is situated around 18 km inland from Varna in Bulgaria. The forest is easily accessible by road and can be chanced upon just off the main road to the capital of Sofia at the Pashovi area. It is also known as the “Pobiti Kamani”, which literally means the “hammered stones”, although it is often translated as the fossil forest or the stone forest. It brings to visitors a wondrous natural phenomenon. The area is full of trees made of stone, quite a remarkable thing! Exactly how these unique stone trees came into being is a matter still much debated. The first in-depth study of the Fossil Forest was commissioned in 1828 by the Russian General Dibich, who became fascinated with these stones and their potential origins. Whatever the case may be the fact remains that these trees are truly magnificent. A visit to this forest can be truly overwhelming. It will, without any doubt, provide a visitor with an “out of this world” experience. Grizedale Forest, England A popular tourist destination in England, Grizedale is managed by the Forestry Commission. Located in the Lake District of north-west England, near Hawkshead, the Forest area here is ideal for a day out with family. Perfectly way-marked footpaths and biking trails beckon tourists to go for long walks and bike rides which lead them to serene locations with majestic views across the fells. In fact, walking is the best way to explore the beautiful woodlands here which is spread over 2000 hecters. With spectacular views of lakes and mountains, shelter of the trees and the sculptures in the forests to explore, there will never be a dull moment during a walk. The area is a beautiful combination of pine forests and woodlands. During walks and bike trails, one should keep a look out for the outdoor sculptures, which Grizedale is famous for. It is reported that there are about sixty such sculptures all over the forest, spread all over the forest roads, bridleways and the way-marked trails. Those who are more adventurous, may opt for “Go Ape”, an award winning high wire forest adventure course of extreme rope bridges, Tarzan swings and Zip slides. Yellowwood State Forest, Us Brown County is Indiana’s largest state park and attracts about five million visitors annually. It is located amidst the picturesque hill surroundings of southern Indiana. The Brown County is also home to the Yellowwood State Forest which derives its name from the yellowwood, a tree which is not so randomly found in the U.S. The forest reserve established way back in the 1930s, has, over the years, been the focus of attention for an unsolved mystery. It all started a few years ago when a hunter scouting through the forest discovered a large boulder right at the top of an eighty feet tall chestnut oak tree. The boulder, about four feet wide and a foot thick, seemed to be trapped between the branches. The boulder was ultimately named Gobbler’s Rock, after the turkey hunter who discovered it. However, what is remarkable is that hikers have found more of these giant sandstone heavy boulders precariously lodged between the branches of trees here. Two such boulders which have been discovered recently seems to weigh around 200 pounds, one of the boulders is way up and nearly 45 feet off the ground. Among the locals, the boulders are popularly known as URBs (Unexplained Resting Boulders).

An observation deck or viewing platform is an elevated platform or deck for sightseeing that is usually built in tall towers or archi­tectural structures like skyscrapers as also often on mountains and canyons. Often these observation decks double up as places offering thrill to those looking to have their adrenaline rush with activities like bungee jumping, augmented reality and other excit­ing rides. Many of us love observation decks, not necessarily for the same reason. While most would agree that the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the surroundings is a reason that attracts us, others often visit observation decks to test their fear of heights, or to check out how the world looks like from our favourite landmarks. There was a time when most of the highest observation decks, except for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, were located in the continent of North America. But in the last one decade, Asia and the Middle East have taken the lead and today, the world’s highest views can be experienced in these regions only. The following are some of the observation decks around the world that one may visit. The heights men­tioned against the names of tower or deck here refer to the height of the observation deck and not the tower itself. Entries have been listed in descending order of heights. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,841 ft. The highest observation deck in the world is located at a height of 561.3 metres (1,841 ft) in the 632-metres-tall (2,073-ft) Shanghai Tower (which is also known as Shanghai Center). It is an office-cum-hotel building in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Shanghai, China and was completed only recently in 2015. It is currently the tallest building in China and is said to have the world’s fastest elevators. The observation deck is located on the 119th floor and amongst other things it provides a view of the nearby Shanghai World Financial Centre, another super-tall skyscraper which is ranked 10th highest in the world now. The Shanghai Tower is expected to come up with more observation decks in the recent years. Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca, Saudi Arabia Height: 1,831 ft. Mecca is the holiest place in the world for the Muslims. You can enter here only if you are a Muslim; hence, this attraction is just to read about if you are a non-Muslim. This is a huge complex with a maximum height of 601 metres. It is the world’s third-tallest building, after the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower and contains more floor space than any other building in the world. It houses a hotel, a five-storey shopping mall and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The soaring towers of this building are the world’s largest clock faces and are visible from a distance of 25 kilometres. There is an observation deck both at the clock face and just beneath the central tower’s summit, but as stated earlier, only Muslims can visit here. The viewing platform located at the central clock tower just below the golden crescent has a height of 558 metres. The other viewing deck below the clock facade has a height of 400 metres and this one is located adjacent to an exhibition hall. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE Height: 1,821 ft. Reaching a height of 828 metres (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and has the maximum number of floors (163). This tallest manmade structure in the world was opened at the beginning of 2010. However, it missed out on having the world’s highest observation deck; the one here, although located at the 148th floor, is at a height of 555.7 metres, about 5.5 metres lower than the one at Shanghai mentioned at the top of the list. There is an outdoor observation deck that is accessible at 1,483 feet. The Sky Deck, at a height of 1,821 feet, was opened in late 2014 and provides magnificent views over this mag­nificent desert city dotted with skyscrapers. Readers may note that in less than two years, the feat of being the tallest building in the world is going to be handed over by Burj Khalifa to the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. This upcoming tower has been writ­ten about later in the article. Shanghai World Financial Centre, China Height: 1,555 ft. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, this super tall skyscraper is home to the hotel Park Hyatt Shanghai (which is located in the 79th to 93rd floors making it cur­rently the third highest hotel in the world). This tower itself is the second tallest in the city and looks like a bottle-opener, giving it its popular name. Apart from the hotel, offices, conference rooms, restaurant and shopping malls, the tower also has three observation decks on its 94th, 97th and 100th floors. These decks were opened soon after completion of the building in 2008. The obser­vation deck on the 100th floor has transparent glass-walled walkways. The decks offer views of the Huangpu River and the marvelous sky-rises of the city and one must target going up the decks on a clear day, as both weather and pollution can play a spoilsport otherwise. So it is important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip here. The sightseeing hall is also a venue of exhibitions and has a café and a souvenir shop in case if you are looking forward to spending some time or having some food and drinks. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada Height: 1,465 ft. Dating back from 1976, this tower was the world’s tallest manmade structure when com­pleted. Not any more! There are three observation decks here, all of which are very popular with locals and visitors alike. At 1,136 feet is the LookOut deck, at 1,168 feet is the hands-free outdoor EdgeWalk deck and at 1,465 feet is the SkyPod deck, which, on a clear day, provides a visibility of more than 160 kilometers. From the LookOut deck one must board a special elevator for the SkyPod that takes you up 33 storeys. Visitors come to SkyPod for a chance of spotting the famous Niagara Falls on the horizon. Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan Height: 1,456 ft. This is the world’s second-tallest structure and the tallest in Japan reaching a total height of 634 metres. The Sky Tree houses communica­tions satellites, television and radio broad­casting facilities, a restaurant and observation decks at various levels (the last level deck is a transparent spiral staircase with views all the way back down to busy street level). From the deck visitors may have views over To­kyo’s mind-boggling urban sprawl up to a distance as far as the iconic Mt. Fuji. Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China Height: 1,421 ft. The Canton Tower reaches a height of 600 metres and is located on the south bank of the Pearl River in the Haizhu district. The skyscraper has a spectacular design of two subtly twisting ellipses that is narrow at the ‘waist’, taking inspiration from the female body structure. In the evening time, the tower is beauti­fully lit with LED lights with changing colours and patterns. On special occa­sions fireworks are also launched from its sides. The tower is home to restaurants, entertainment rides and many lookout platforms. The observation deck located at 1,421 feet provides beautiful views of the city and over the Pearl River Delta. This deck has the Guinness World Record of being the world’s second-highest out­door observation deck. There are also the Cloud Observation Deck on the 107th Floor and the Star Observation Deck on the 108th floor that give visitors the chance to see the starry skies and clouds. There is also a space post office here. Apart from this there are many other attractions also like the Engineering Marvel Tour on the 109th and 110th floors, the Bubble Tram that has 16 glass cabins that take tourists to travel along a track circum­navigating the rooftop in about 30 minutes and the 100-foot freefall, the highest vertical free fall in the world. Skydeck at Willis Tower, Chicago, IL, USA Height: 1,353 ft. Often referred to as the Sears Tower, the Wil­lis Tower (renamed in 2009) in Chicago is a 110-storey skyscraper which, when completed in 1973, was the tallest building in the world. It held on to the title for quarter of a century. To­day it is the 16th tallest in the world and the 2nd tallest building in the United States. It overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan and being one of the biggest attractions in this part of the world, attracts more than 1.7 million visitors every year. There is an observation deck on the 103rd floor, the highest in the US. Elevators take visitors to the top in less than a minute and one can feel the sudden change of pressure. There is another observation deck on the 99th floor. Yet more exciting is The Ledge, installed in 2009, that comprised of all-glass boxes, including glass bottom that extend four feet out from the building to hover high above the street below. These are like glass bot­tom balconies and can give you butterflies in stomach as you look below. You must definitely not miss visiting here. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, China Height: 1,289 ft. This is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the sixth tallest in China. It is home to the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton that occupies the floors 102 to 118. This tower also famously houses the Sky100 observation deck, a 360-degree indoor observation deck on the 100th floor. Lifts take visitors up the 100 floors in just about a minute. However, the build­ing lacks the floor numbers 4, 14, 24 and so on (as the number ‘4’ is regarded as inauspicious in many parts of Asia). Hence the actual floor numbering of the deck as well as the entire tower is disputed. The deck offers views of the Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula and the highest peak of Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan Height: 1,284 ft. This post-modernist structure is the tallest and largest LEED-certified building in the world and has a height of 509 metres. Opened in 2004, this building became the first one to cross the half kilometre mark. The structure of the build­ing is said to resemble a lotus blossom. It has three observation decks of which two are inside at the 89th floor and one juts outwards at the 91st floor. The decks can be reached in superfast elevators that climb 84 floors in just 37 seconds. Initially it was also claimed that these were the world’s fastest elevators, stating that it travelled at a speed of 17 metres per second. However, this has not been confirmed. The view from the 91st floor outdoor observa­tion deck can be a little dizzying and is open only when weather permits. One World Observatory, New York, USA Height: 1,250 ft. Located on the top of the One World Trade Centre, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Observatory deck on the 102nd floor is a ‘must visit’ for all visitors and locals in New York City. An elevator takes just about 60 seconds to take visitors up there. From there one can have views of all attractions of New York including Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East rivers, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey. The observatory uses state-of-the-art technology and that enhances the quality of the experience for visitors. They can take an augmented reality tour of the skyline of New York by using a tablet to explore the city’s landmarks. As you go up the floors on the elevator, the floor to ceiling monitor gives a time-lapse recreation of the skyline of Manhattan. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 1,214 ft. When opened in 1998, the 452 metres-tall Petronas Twin towers held the record for the world’s tallest building, but that feather in the cap has since gone. Nonetheless, the twin towers did bring the country of Malaysia and city of Kuala Lumpur a lot of worldwide attention. The twin towers however continue to hold the record of being the tallest twin towers in the world and are connected by a double-decker bridge located at the 41st and 42nd floors. The observation deck is to be found on the 86th floor of the second tower. The tower was in the news when Alain Robert, the renowned French ‘Spiderman’, scaled the outside of the building by using only his bare hands and feet. He was arrested at the 60th level. Thankfully, for visitors, ascending is easier. There is a double-decker lift that takes one to the skywalk that joins the two buildings. From there one can continue to the floor obser­vation deck. One must keep in mind that being one of the most popular attractions in the city of Kuala Lumpur, visitors start queuing up for tickets as early as 6.30 in the morning. Empire State Building, New York, USA Height: 1,211 ft. One of the oldest skyscrapers in the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. With a height of 443 metres to the tip, the iconic building remained the tallest in the world for nearly four decades and has been featured in numerous Hol­lywood movies ever since its completion. Although much overshadowed now as far as the height is concerned, the Empire State Building remains a cultural icon and a big tourist puller. It has two observa­tion decks, at the 86th and 102nd floor respectively. Its 86th floor outdoor deck is among the world’s most visited one and the one at 102nd floor is not quite as popular. The decks remain open until 2 am every night. Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,152 ft. This is the second tallest TV tower in China, and the sixth tallest in the world. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai by the Huangpu River right opposite the Bund, this tower has a unique design, with three 7-meters-wide slanting stanchions support­ing its base. There are many spheres along the height of the tower, each housing variety of activities and recreation. Inside there is a 25-suite Space Hotel, a revolving restaurant and sightseeing floors. At night the exterior of the tower is decorated in colourful LED light. There is a Space Capsule sighting floor at 1,152 feet and double-decker elevators take visitors up there in the wink of an eye. The Shard, London United Kingdom Height: 1,076 ft. The historical city of London got its tallest building in the year 2013. Located near the Thames River and London Tower Bridge, this skyscraper has superfast elevators that climb 20 feet per second and take visitors to two observation decks at the 68th and 72nd floors respectively. One of the decks is indoors, and the other one is partially located outdoors. It provides a 360-degree view of the 1,000 years of the city’s history. While you look at the breathtaking views from the deck, there is a computer here that allows you to replace the current views with the corresponding historical views at the same place in London. While there are very few entries of tallest tow­ers and observation decks in Europe, the Shard holds a position of pride. It also houses the Shangri-La Hotel. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Height: 906 ft. This wrought iron lattice tower was erected in Paris for the 1889 World Fair to act as the entrance to the big fair venue. For more than 40 years thereafter it remained as the world’s tallest manmade structure and one with the highest observation deck for 41 years. Initially the tower had come in for huge criticism from artists and intellectuals and the government even contemplated to bring it down. However, over the centuries it has become a cultural icon and the biggest landmark of the whole of France. While the total structure is 1,163 feet tall, the highest floor and observation deck is at 906 feet. There are three levels of observation decks with restaurants on the first and second levels. There are elevators to go up there but those looking to shed some calories may also climb the stairs, there are 300 stairs to reach the first level and 300 more to reach the second level. The Eiffel Tower of Paris is the most visited paid monument in the whole world and about 7 million people visit it every year. This also makes it the most popular observation deck in the world. KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 906 ft. The highest viewpoint in the touristy city of Kuala Lumpur, this communications tower opened to the public in 1996, has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck that can be reached by super-fast elevators in less than a minute. It is the 7th tallest communications tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. The tower is also popular with sports enthusiasts and hosts a run up the interior staircase competition every year and is also a regular venue on the International BASE Jump Circuit. Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas, USA Height: 869 ft. The Stratosphere is a Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas and its tower houses the tallest free-standing observation deck in the United States. The tower itself is 1,149 feet high but the observation deck is at a height of 869 feet. It is second in the world only to the CN Tower in Toronto. It provides two observation decks, a restau­rant and four ‘thrill rides’ that take visitors on an aerial show over the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. Top of the Rock, New York, USA Height: 850 ft. Located on the rooftop of the iconic Rock­efeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Rock is the place to be in, if you want to have a bird’s eye view of the city of NYC. Up there one finds three indoor and outdoor viewing decks that provide a 360-degree view of the city. Opened in 1933, the Rockefeller Centre is a historic Art and Dine centre in the city of New York. The viewing deck is often said to have the best views in the city. The open deck also has a restaurant up there. Thyssenkrupp Test Tower, Rottweil, Germany Height: 761 ft. This is a test tower for elevators owned by the elevator manufacturer Thyssenkrupp. Visitors who go up the observation deck are rewarded with spectacular views, which on a clear day, can go up to the Swiss Alps since there are no other tall structures around. It is the tallest elevator testing tower in the whole world and acts like a laboratory for testing high-speed and innovative elevators. It is a twisty engineer­ing wonder and is currently the highest viewing deck in Germany. SkyTower, Auckland, New Zealand Height: 720 ft. Built as a part of the SkyCity Auckland Casino complex, this is a telecommunica­tion tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of Auckland, the ocean, and the rolling mountains of New Zealand. If you have vertigo, you may not want to visit the glass bottomed observation deck here. With a total height of 1,076 feet from ground level to the top mast, this tower is the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere and the 25th tallest tower in the world. It also offers two types of adventure activities for the adventure aficionados at extra cost – the SkyWalk and the SkyJump. The SkyWalk provides walking on an open-air ledge, and the SkyJump offers breathtak­ing bungee plunge options. Both are at a height of 620 feet above the ground. The SkyTower is beautifully lit on special occasions like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day decorating the night skyline of the city of Auckland. Berliner Fernsehturm, Berlin Germany Height: 666 ft. Built as early as 1969 by the government of the then East Germany, this is the city’s iconic Radio and Television tower located in the famous Alexanderplatz area in cen­tral Berlin. Due to its location near Alex­anderplatz, it is also often called the Alex Tower. The tower was originally intended to be the symbol of Communist power here, but today it is a true symbol of Berlin city. It is the tallest structure in the entire country with a total height of 1,207 feet, although the viewing deck is not the tallest one. In addition to having a famous indoor observation deck, this tower also has a revolving restaurant and a bar and attracts more than a million people every year. Calgary Tower, Calgary, Canada Height: 627 ft. Originally called the Husky Tower, this observation tower was built to mark the centennial of Canada in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968. It was then the tallest structure in Calgary and the tallest in Canada outside of Toronto. It was once the world’s highest 360-degree-viewing observation deck, and became the found­ing member of the World Federation of Great Towers. There are colourful exterior light that are turned on daily between 5 in the morning and sunrise, and then again at dusk and at midnight. The Space Needle, Seattle, WA USA Height: 520 ft. Our last entry in the list of highest obser­vation decks is located in Seattle. Built in the Seattle Centre for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower measures 605 feet in height and has an observation deck and rotating restaurant at 520 feet. From the deck one can have a view of the Seat­tle skyline, Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and the nearby islands on the Bay. There are elevators to take you up there. Today the Space Needle is famous for having the world’s first revolving glass floor at the observation deck. Other observation decks Talking of the highest Observation decks in the world, it must be remembered that not all of them are located in towers. While in our Tower special issue, above we have presented the highest ‘Tower-based’ observation decks, the following should not escape a special mention. These are the other very high observation decks that are not located in towers. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA Height: 4,000 ft. This horse-shoe shaped skywalk is 10 feet wide and extends 70 feet out over the rim of the canyon at Eagle Point. The glass-bottomed observation deck, although actually at ground level, is located 4,000 feet above the floor of the Canyon below giving you bouts of vertigo. That makes it more than twice as high as the observation deck at Shanghai Tower or Burj Khalifa. It is a difficult walk for even the toughest hearted visitors. As a consequence, very few tourists actually go for a walk on this skywalk and prefer to take the helicopter ride instead. Yuanduan, Chongqing, China Height: 2,356 ft. This is the world’s longest glass skywalk making it one of the most terrifying tourist attractions in the world. The skywalk arches out 90 feet from a cliff’s edge in the Longgang National Geological Park in south-western China. With a height of 2,356 feet from the ground, this is also the highest observation point in the world, and only visitors with very strong heart conditions must visit here. Although the glass skywalk can hold up to 200 people at a time, only about 30 people are allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. Stegastein Viewpoint, Flåm, Norway Height: 2,123 ft. This viewpoint juts out 100 feet over the Aur­landsfjord and is located half an hour north of Flåm in Norway. The viewpoint provides visitors with views across to the UNESCO World Herit­age Site of Næøyfjord. The viewpoint is located on the National Tourist Road and provides unparalleled views of the fjords. Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria Height: 1,300 ft. It is a suspension bridge with a viewing plat­form, a rather terrifying one at that. Located 1,300 feet above the Dachstein Massif, it presents spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and the rock-face below. Located an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Salzburg, the suspen­sion bridge is 100 metres long and located near the Dachstein Glacier. At the end of the bridge those with very strong hearts can descent 14 steps into a glass viewing platform that juts above the glacier. Future tallest Observation Deck Jeddah Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Height: 2,113 feet The Jeddah Tower, that is all set to be com­pleted in 2020, is going to be the future tallest building in the world with a total height of 3,280 feet (558 feet higher than the current tallest building Burj Khalifa). This building is set to become the first building in the world to surpass the distance of 1 kilometer in height. With that it is also planned to house the world’s highest observatory at 2,113 feet. The outdoor terrace at the deck is planned to be a huge one (697 square meters) that will overlook the Red Sea and have many glass bottomed panels to let visitors challenge their nerves.

Rock formations can be really interesting not only for a Geologist or a rock-climbing enthusiast, but also for tourists in general as they present a unique but beautiful picture of mother nature. There are notable rock formations all across the globe but in this issue we thought of focussing more on the beauty of our own land. Even when it comes to rocky landscape, India is a land of diversity and sheer magic. So, this is a list of all the major spectacular rock formations in India that a traveller must see at least once in a lifetime. Touriosity brings this Snapshot exclusively for its readers. 1. Savandurga monolithic hill Savandurga is a hill located about 60 km west of Bengaluru (Karnataka) off the Magadi Road. The hill is considered to be among the largest monolithic hills in Asia. The hill rises to 1,226 metres above the mean sea level and forms a part of the Deccan plateau. It consists of peninsular gneiss, granites, basic dykes and laterites and is worth visiting. The Savandi Veerabhadresh­wara Swamy and Narsimha Swamy temple at the foothill of it draw many pilgrims. In addition, this hill is also popular with adventurers, spelunkers and rock climbers. 2. Marble rocks of Bhedaghat Bhedaghat Marble Rocks are simply magical, to say the least. The entire 8 km stretch is formed by River Narmada near the city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The flowing water of the river has carved the soft marble on the banks in such a way that it looks like a beautiful white gorge. Locals here create beautiful figurines, by carving these marbles, which are exported across the country. 3. Krishna’s butterball Krishna’s Butterball is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline in the historical town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. The boulder is approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons. Legend has it that this pre­cariously balanced boulder is actually a chunk of stolen butter that was dropped by the Gods from heaven. This is one of the most photographed places in Mahabalipuram. 4. Anegundi This small village in Karnataka is believed to be the old king­dom of Kishkinda where monkey king Baali and Sugriva once ruled. There is a place which is believed to have ashes of Baali. There are many places in Anegundi which are associated with Ramayana. Hanumana was believed to have been born around this area. At Anegundi there is a prehistoric settlement called Onake Kindi. The boulders with rock art, a rock with some red and white markings had figures of human and bull. On another boulder there is a circular diagram like sun and moon and with some symbolism. Located close to Hampi, this place is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. 5. Mawsmai cave There is a network of underground caves at Mawsmai in Megha­laya. These caves are full of beautiful, and sometimes scary, stalac­tites and stalagmites. Fossils of pre-historic creatures preserved in time on the walls of the cave. Located close to Cherrapunji, this cave location has become quite popular with tourists nowadays. This is one of the explorable caves in Meghalaya. 6. Mahishashur Rock, Mahabalipuram Mahishasura Rock is positioned in Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) in Tamil Nadu. This is probably the most secret and most left out archaeological sculpture in the whole of Mahab­alipuram. Other rock-cut structures in the town like Five Rathas, the temples, Arjuna’s Penance or Krishna’s butterball are quite popular with tourists. 7. Dwar Ksuid, Mawsynram The name literally translates to ‘entrance to devil’s home’ in Khasi language. This place is a waterfall with a charming pool that has sprawling and rocky banks. The rock formations in the region are quite unique due to their unusual lotus-like shape 8. Mawmluh Also located in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, Mawm­luh Cave, locally known as Krem Mawmluh, is one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent. Situated very near to Cherra­punjee, there are multiple entries to this cave. It is a great thing to explore for the adventure minded. 9. Siddara betta Located in Tumkur, about 100 km from Bangalore, Siddara Betta is surrounded by rocky hills, caves and temples. Siddara Betta trek is an easy climb with scenic landscapes. The hills will mystify you with its rock-cut majestic appearance and its caves that enshire Lord Shiva. 10. Hyderabad unique rock formations For every visitor to the city of Hyderabad, the first few minutes of drive across the city brings something unique in sight. The city is home to a landscape that is replete with unique ancient rock for­mations. The spectacular rock formations come in various shapes and sizes – toadstools, mushroom rocks, hanging monsters, turtle back and so on. These rocks are said to have formed 2.5 bil­lion years ago due to spheroidal weathering, a kind of chemical weathering that creates rounded boulders and domed monoliths. 11. Yana Karst Rock formations, Karnataka Yana village is located in Karnataka in the Sahyadri Mountain Range in the Western Ghats and is known for unique rock formations. Yana is also regarded as the second cleanest village in India after Mawlynnong. This village is known for two mas­sive rock formations (limestone) which are found in the forests. These rocks are called Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. 12. Borra caves The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, are located along the eastern coast of India, in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Val­ley of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh. These are very popular tourist attractions of the region. 13. Riverine potholes of Nighoj Nighoj is a village in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. It is about 90 kilometres away from Pune and is famous for the naturally created potholes (locally called tinajas) on the riverbed of the Kukadi River. Experts from all over the world come here every year to study the phenomenon of their formation. This is the biggest geological attraction of Maharashtra and attracts tourists and geologists from all over. 14. Gandikota Canyon and Fort Gandikota is a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota has a spectacular gorge that has been formed by River Pennar by cutting through the Erramala Hills. There are other attractions too. There is a fort here that got its name from this ‘gorge’ (which in Telugu is called ‘gandi’). It is called the Gandikota Fort and one finds it sitting majestically on the top of the gorge. The village is a true treasure for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. 15. Hogenakkal Falls Hogenakkal Falls is also often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India. It is a waterfall on the Kaveri river in the Dharmapuri dis­trict of Tamil Nadu. The place is located 180 km from Bangalore and 46 km from Dharmapuri. The entry of this falls in this list is due to the Carbonatite rocks here which are considered as the oldest of the kind in India and one of the oldest in the world. 16. Krem Liat Prah Cave One of the greatest attractions of Meghalaya, Krem Liat Prah is the longest natural cave in the country. It measures an unbeliev­able 25 km in length, so far as the discovery till date is con­cerned, there are chances that more parts of it are discovered in future. It is one of the 150 known caves in the Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. For spelunkers, Meghalaya is truly a paradise. 17. Umngot Riverbed This is another rocky attraction of Meghalaya. Water of Umngot River is so clear that the river-bed can be seen even from a sus­pension footbridge located high above. A boat ride on the river can be a mesmerising experience for tourists. Looking at the water one discovers that the river-bed is clearly visible through the crystalline waters. 18. Columnar Basaltic rocks, St. Mary’s Island St. Mary’s Islands, also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. These islands are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava. The volcanic rocks look like pillars and the formation dates back to more than 88 million years when Madagascar was attached to India and thereafter gradually rifted apart. 19. Belum Caves The Belum Caves is the second largest and longest cave system in India. These caves are known for speleothems, such as stalac­tite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long pas­sages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. The deepest point of the caves is called Paatalganga. 20. Balancing Rock, Jabalpur This roadside rock formation is comprised of a big oval stone steadied over another large stone. It is located at the base of the Madan Mahal Fort which is 6 km from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. These rocks are basically volcanic rock formation that have eroded over the years and have even withstood the trem­ors of big earthquakes. 21. Gilbert hill, Mumbai Gilbert Hill is a 200 ft monolith column of black basalt rock at Andheri, in Mumbai. The rock has a sheer vertical face and was formed when molten lava was squeezed out of the Earth’s clefts during the Mesozoic Era about 66 million years ago. 22. Natural Arch, Tirumala Natural Arch, Tirumala hills, a notified National Geo-heritage Monument, is a distinctive geological feature 1 km north of the Tirumala hills temple, near the Chakra Teertham in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The arch is also called Silathoranam in the local language. 23. Balancing Rock, Mahabalipuram The boulder, also known as Krishna’s butterball, is approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons. 24. Phantom Rock, Wayanad Phantom Rock is a tourist destination in Ambalavayal in the district of Wayanad in Kerala. It is a natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull, and thus is known as Phantom Rock. This structure is situated 17 km from Kalpetta and can be reached by trekking. 25. Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal One of Kodaikanal’s most famous attractions, these three mam­moth rock pillars stand shoulder-to-shoulder, looming 400-ft-high in the sky. Affording a bird’s eye view of the surrounding vista, these granite structures are located at a distance of about 8 km from the lake tower, and encompasses little hidden nooks and crannies within them, which are great to explore. 26. Toad Rock, Mount Abu This is a rocky lookout point in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. From here one has views over the Nakki Lake. Toadlike shape of the rock distinguishes it from other rocks, and hence it is named so. 27. Himalayan Rock, Leh The Trans-Himalaya is made up of granitic and volcanic rocks formed from 110-40 million year ago. These igneous rocks in­truded the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks of the southern Tibetan block. 28. Nijagal Betta, Bengaluru There is a rock cut Hindu temple in Nijagal Betta, which is a rocky hill with caves. It is in the state of Karnataka and is very popular with trekkers. 29. Ramanagar Rocks, Ramanagaram The Closepet granites are a major geological feature of this region and are from the Lower Proterozoic era. This belt of rocks extends in the north-south direction in 50 km belt. This belt has younger potassic granites and is believed to separate two dis­tinct crustal blocks of Archaean age. The block to the west has low-grade granite-greenstone belts with iron-manganese ores and to the east are younger gneisses of granitic and granodior­itic composition with gold-bearing schist belts. 30. Sidlaphadi, Badami The natural rock bridge structure looks like a wide arch between two sandstone boulders (served as a roof). The rock structure has large, gaping holes in the arch and allows sunlight to enter inside which provides the required light for interiors. It was a shelter for hunter-gatherer prehistoric people. 31. Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Bangalore Peninsular Gneiss is a term coined to highlight the older gneissic complex of the metamorphics found all over the Indian Peninsu­la. This term was first fashioned by W.F. Smeeth of the Mysore Geological Department in 1916 based on the first scientific study of this rock exposure 32. Bugle Rock Bugle Rock is a massive rock in the Basavanagudi area of South Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka. It is an abrupt rise above the ground of peninsular gneiss as the main rock formation and with an assessed age of about 3,000 million years. Bugle Rock has generated wide interest among the scientific community. 33. Hampi Boulders The Hampi’s boulder strewn landscape is one of the oldest exposed surfaces on earth. Unlike most of the mountain ranges, the boulder heaps of Hampi were not formed as a result of volcanic eruption or of any changes in the earth’s crust. The boulders were once part of gigantic granite monoliths. 34. Bear’s Nose, Shilparamam, Madhapur This is one of the unique rock formations in Hyderabad and is to be found in the Shilparamam area of Madhapur. 35. Cliff Rock, Jubilee Hills This is yet another unique rock formation in Hyderabad located at Jubilee Hills. 36. Monster Rock, Jubilee Hills Another beautiful rock formation in Jubilee Hills of Hyderabad, this is a single formation rock with no access. One has a good view from Nandagiri Hills. 37. Obelisk, Jubilee Hills It is a small single formation on Sidewalk in Jubilee Hills. 38. Sentinal Rock, Moula Ali It is a single formation with a few surrounding boulders. It is a good place for short climb. 39. Marble Rocks, Jabalpur The Marble Rocks is an area along the Narmada river in central India near the city of Jabalpur in Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh state. The river has carved the soft marble, creating a beautiful gorge of about 8 km in length. It is a popular Indian tourist destination. The local marble is mined and carved into various figures and transported all over India. 40. Kyllang Rock, Nongstoin Some 78 km away from Shillong is a unique giant rock made out of red granite. Kyllang Rock is a giant dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

An obelisk is a tall stone pillar that is square at the base and pointed at the top. It is generally erected as a monument or landmark or to commemorate an event. There are many important obelisks to be found around the world. Touriosity likes to bring to its readers a compilation of important attractions around the world. For those who find interest in Obelisks, this article is a compilation of 123 amazing obelisks around the world. 17th century 1. Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins (Place: Aix-en-Provence, France; Year: 1667) 18th century 2. Market Square obelisk (Place: Ripon, United Kingdom; Height: 24 m; Year: 1702; Fact: The first large scale obelisk in Britain) 3. Stillorgan Obelisk (Place: Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland; Height: 30m; Year: 1727) 4. St. Luke Church (Place: London, United Kingdom; Year: 1727–33; Fact: spire by Nicholas Hawksmoor) 5. Boyne Obelisk (Place: near Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland; Height: 53 m, Year: 1736; Fact: To commemorate William of Orange’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It was destroyed in 1923, only the base remains) 6. Conolly’s Folly (Place: Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland; Year: 1740) 7. Killiney Hill Obelisk (Place: Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland; Year: 1742) 8. Mamhead obelisk (Place: Mamhead, United Kingdom, Height: 30 m, Year: 1742–1745; Fact: An aid to shipping) 9. General Wolfe’s Obelisk (Place: Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom; Year: 1754) 10. Montreal Park Obelisk (Place: Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom; Year: 1761; Fact: Lord Jeffery Amherst’s Obelisk) 11. St George’s Circus Obelisk (Place: St George’s Circus, London, United King­dom; Year: 1771; Fact: Obelisk by Robert Mylne) 12. Kagul Obelisk (Place: Tsarskoe Selo, Russia; Year: 1772) 13. Chesma Obelisk (Place: Gatchina, Russia; Year: 1775) 14. Villa Medici (Place: Rome, Italy; Year: 1790; Fact: A 19th-century copy of the Egyptian obelisk moved to the Boboli Gardens in Florence) 15. Obelisk Fountain (Place: James St., Dublin, Ireland; Year: 1790) 16. Constable Obelisk (Place: Gatchina Palace, Gatchina, Russia; Year: 1793) 17. Moore-Vallotton Incident marker (Place: Wexford, Ireland; Year: 1793) 18. Rumyantsev Obelisk (Place: St Petersburg, Russia; Year: 1799) 19. Obelisk at Slottsbacken (Place: Stockholm, Sweden; Year: 1800) 19th century 20. Nelson memorial (Place: Springfield Park, Liverpool, England, United King­dom; Year: 1805) 21. St. Emmeram’s Palace Obelisk (Place: Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; Year: 1810) 22. Constitution Obelisk (Place: St. Augustine, Florida, United States; Year: 1814; Fact: In commemoration, of the Spanish Constitution of 1812) 23. Brightling Needle (Place: Brightling, East Sussex, United Kingdom; Height: 20m; Year: 1815) 24. Patriots’ Grave, Old Burying Ground (Place: Arlington, Massachusetts, United States; Year: 1818) 25. George IV Monument (Place: Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland; Year: 1823) 26. Blantyre Monument (Place: Erskine, Renfrewshire, United Kingdom; Height 24 m; Year: 1825) 27. Captain Cook’s Monument (Place: Easby Moor, Great Ayton, North York­shire, United Kingdom; Height: 15.5 m; Year: 1827) 28. Groton Monument (Place: Fort Griswold, Groton, Connecticut, United States; Height: 41 m; Year: 1830) 29. Bunker Hill Monument (Place: Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States; Height: 67 m; Year: 1827-43) 30. Spencer Monument (Place: Blata l-Bajda, Malta; Year: 1831) 31. Thomas Jefferson Obelisk, Monticello (Place: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States; Year: 1833; Fact: Erected by his family, Jefferson had willed that only three achievements be sketched onto it: Author of the Declaration of Independence, author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia) 32. Obelisk of Lions, Copou Park (Place: Iași, Romania; Height 13.5m; Year: 1834) 33. Villa Torlonia (Place: Rome, Italy; Year: 1842, Fact: Two obelisks) 34. Reggio Emilia obelisk (Place: Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy; Year: 1842; Fact: Commemorates marriage of Francis V, Duke of Modena to prin­cess Adelgunde of Bavaria) 35. Rutherford’s Monument (Place: Anwoth, Scotland, United Kingdom; Year 1842; Fact: A memorial to Samuel Rutherford) 36. Political Martyrs’ Monument (Place: Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Height: 27 m; Year: 1844) 37. Lansdowne Monument (Place: Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom; Height: 38 m; Year: 1845; Fact: Erected by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne to commemorate Sir William Petty) 38. The Obelisk (Place: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Year: 1850) 39. Wellington Monument (Place: Wellington, Somerset, United Kingdom; Height: 53 m; Year: 1854) 40. Stoodley Pike Monument (Place: Todmorden, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom; Year: 37 m; Year 1856) 41. Hyde Park Obelisk (Place: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Height: 22 m; Year: 1857) 42. Herndon Monument (Place: Annapolis, Maryland, United States; Height: 6.4 m, Year: 1860, Fact: Erected by the US Naval Academy to commemorate the loss of William Lewis Herndon.) 43. Obelisk of Fontenoy (Place: Fontenoy, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France; Year: 1860) 44. Wellington Monument (Place: Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland; Height: 62 m; Year: 1861; Fact: The tallest in Europe) 45. Prince of Wales’ Obelisk (Place: Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Fact: Intended for one George Kemp but erected to commemorate the marriage of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and Alexandra of Denmark in 1861. Originally on Market Square, now in front of the Bayworld Museum Complex) 46. Lincoln Tomb (Place: Springfield, Illinois, United States; Height: 36 m; Year: 1865) 47. Tyndale Monument (Place: North Nibley, Gloucestershire, England; Height: 34 m; Year: 1866) 48. Nicholson’s Obelisk (Place: Margalla Hills, Rawalpindi–Islamabad, Pakistan; Height: 12 m; Year: 1868) 49. Captain Cook Obelisk (Place: Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia; Height: 1870) 50. Dauphin County Veteran’s Memorial Obelisk (Place: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States, 34 m, 1876) 51. Washington Monument (Place: Washington, D.C., United States; Height: 169 m; Year: 1884) 52. Oriskany Battlefieldmonument (Place: Rome, New York, United States; Year: 1884) 53. Monument to the Restorers [Place: Restauradores Square, Lisbon, Portugal; Year: 1886; Fact: Erected to celebrate the victory in the Por­tuguese Restoration War (1640–1668)] 54. Ludwig van Beethoven’s grave (Place: Vienna Central Cemetery, Austria; Year: 1888) 55. Bennington Battle Monument (Place: Bennington, Vermont, United States; Height: 92 m; Year: 1889) 56. Monolith “The Obelisk” (Place: Villalar de los Comuneros, Castile and León, Spain; Year: 1889) 57. Dalhousie Obelisk (Place: Raffles Place, Central Area, Singapore; Year: 1891) 58. The Obelisk, Penn State University (Place: University Park, Pennsyl­vania, United States; Year: 1896) 59. Confederate War Memorial (Place: Dallas, Texas, United States; Year: 1896) 20th century 60. William Dudley Chipley Memorial (Place: Plaza Ferdinand VII, Pen­sacola, Florida, United States; Year: 1901) 61. Sergeant Floyd Monument (Place: Sioux City, Iowa, United States; Year: 1901) 62. Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial (Place: South Royalton, Vermont, United States; Height: 15 m; Year: 1905) 63. McKinley Monument (Place: Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York, United States; Height: 29 m; Year: 1907) 64. Veterans’ Monument (Place: Elizabethton, Tennessee, United States; Year: 1904; Fact: Dedicated to American Civil War veterans from Carter County, Tennessee) 65. Finn’s Point National Cemetery (Place: Pennsville Township, New Jersey, United States; Height: 26 m; Year: 1910; Fact: Erected by the U.S. government in 1910 to memorialize Confederate soldiers buried at the cemetery.) 66. Coronation Memorial (Place: Coronation Park, Delhi, India; Year: 1911; Fact: To commemorate the founding of New Delhi in 1911 followed by other obelisks around the Rashtrapati Bhavan) 67. Victory Memorial (Place: Fort Recovery, Ohio, United States; Height: 31 m; Year: 1913) 68. Rizal Monument (Place: Luneta Park, Manila, Philippines; Height: 12.7 m; Year: 1913; Fact: Built to commemorate executed Filipino nationalist, José Rizal.) 69. National Women’s Monument (Place: Bloemfontein, South Africa; Year: 1913) 70. Ozark Trail (Place: Various locations including Stroud, Oklahoma, Farwell, Dim­mitt, Wellington, and Tulia, Texas, United States; Year: 1913; Fact: Formerly a series of 21 obelisks) 71. PAX Memorial (Place: Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Height: 6 m; Year: 1919; Fact: A World War I memorial to local fallen soldiers) 72. Flagler Monument (Place: Flagler Monument Island, Miami Beach, Florida, United States; Height: 34 m, Place: 1920) 73. Southport War Memorial (Place: London Square, Southport, Lancashire, Eng­land, United Kingdom; Height: 20.6 m; Year: 1923) 74. Veterans Memorial Plaza (Place: Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, Indianapo­lis, Indiana, United States; Height: 30 m; Year: 1923) 75. Jefferson Davis Monument (Place: Fairview, Kentucky, United States; Height: 107 m; Year: 1924; Fact: Commemorating the birthplace of the President of the Confederate States of America) 76. Boer War Monument (Place: King’s Domain, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Height: 23 m; Year: 1924) 77. Camp Merritt Memorial Monument (Place: Cresskill, New Jersey, USA; Height: 20 m; Year: 1924; Fact: Monument dedicated to the soldiers who passed through Camp Merritt, New Jersey, en route to Europe in World War I, particularly those who died at the camp due to the influenza epidemic of 1918) 78. Hobart Cenotaph (Place: Queens Domain, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Year: 1925; Fact: A World War I memorial) 79. The Big Red Apple (Place: Cornelia, Georgia, United States; Height: 2.4 m; Year: 1925; Fact: A short square obelisk with the world’s largest apple on top) 80. Prague Castle Obelisk (Place: Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic; Height: 15.42 m, Year: 1930) 81. Obelisk of Montevideo (Place: Parque Batlle, Montevideo, Uruguay; Height: 40 m; Year: 1930) 82. High Point Monument (Place: High Point, Montague, New Jersey, United States; Height: 67 m; Year: 1930, Located on top of New Jersey’s highest point, 550 m above sea level) 83. Foro Italico (Place: Lungotevere Maresciallo Diaz, Rome, Italy; Year: 1932; Fact: Erected to honour Benito Mussolini) 84. Paterson Monument (Place: Windmill Point, George Town, Tasma­nia, Australia; Year: 1935, Fact: Erected to commemorate the 1804 landing of William Paterson) 85. Obelisk of Buenos Aires (Place: San Nicolás, Buenos Aires, Argen­tina; Height: 71.5 m, Year: 1936) 86. Trujillo Obelisk (Place: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Height: 42 m; Year: 1937) 87. War Memorial (Place: Floriana, Malta; Year: 1938) 88. San Jacinto Monument (Place: La Porte, Texas, United States; Height: 172.92 m; Year: 1939) 89. Trylon and Perisphere (Place: 1939 New York World’s Fair, Flushing, New York, United States; Height: 190 m; Year: 1939; Fact: Not a true obelisk, but an art deco variant.) 90. Maungakiekie Obelisk (Place: One Tree Hill, Auckland, New Zea­land; Year: 1940) 91. Victory Monument (Place: Bangkok, Thailand; Year: 1941; Fact: To commemorate Thai victory in the Franco-Thai War, a brief conflict waged against the French colonial authorities in Indo-China, which resulted in Thailand annexing some territories in western Cambodia and northern and southern Laos. These were among the territories which the Kingdom of Siam had been forced to cede to France in 1893 and 1904, and patriotic Thais considered them rightfully to belong to Thailand) 92. Plaza Francia Obelisk (Place: Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela; Year: 1944) 93. Banská Bystrica Obelisk (Place: Banská Bystrica, Slovakia; Year: 1945; Fact: Commemorates the soldiers of the Red Army and those of the Romanian Armywho fell while liberating the town. 94. Cenotaph on Leinster Lawn (Place: Leinster House, Dublin, Ireland; Height: 18.28 m; Year: 1950; Fact: Erected to commemorate the memories of Arthur Griffith, Michael Collinsand Kevin O’Higgins; and replaced an earlier temporary cenotaph, erected in 1923) 95. Lucas Gusher Obelisk (Place: Beaumont, Texas, USA; Year: 1951; Fact: Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the birth of the liquid fuel age as the Lucas Gusher came in at Spindletop on January 10, 1901) 96. Heroes Monument (Place: Surabaya, Indonesia; Height: 41.5 m; Year: 1952; Fact: Commemorate the events of November 10, 1945 at the Battle of Surabaya) 97. Israel War of Independence Memorial (Place: Safed, Israel) 98. Obelisk of São Paulo (Place: São Paulo, Brazil; Height: 72 m; Year: 1954) 99. Monument to the abolition of slavery (Place: Abolition Park, Ponce, Puerto Rico, Height: 30 m; Year: 1956) 100. Obelisk of La Paz (Place: La Paz, Bolivia) 101. Demidovsky Pillar (Place: Tsentralny City District, Barnaul, Altai Krai, Russia; Height: 14 m) 102. Victory Obelisk (Place: Poklonnaya Hill, Moscow; Height: 141.8 m) 103. Bayonet-Obelisk of the War Memorial (Place: Brest Fortress, Brest, Belarus; Height: 100 m) 104. Trinity Nuclear Test Site Obelisk (Place: Jornada del Muerto, Socorro, New Mexico, United States; Height: 3.7 m; Fact: The location of the first atomic bomb explosion) 105. Cairn to mark the Geographic Centre of North America (Place: Rugby, North Da­kota, USA; Height: 4.6 m; Year: 1971; Fact: The structure is more like a cairn sited near the geographical center of North America (Mexico, USA and Canada). The location of the geographical center is approximately 15 miles (24 km) for the location of the cairn.) 106. Pirulito da Praça Sete (Place: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil) 107. Oregon Trail (Place: Boise, Idaho, United States; Fact: 21 obelisks that mark the trail) 108. Islamic Summit Minar (Place: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan; Height: 47 m; Year: 1974; Fact: An obelisk-shape structure built to commemorate the Organisation of Islamic Conference) 109. Monumen Nasional (Place: Merdeka Square, Jakarta, Indonesia; Year: 1975; Fact: Symbolizing the fight for the independence of Indonesia) 110. Juche Tower (Place: Pyongyang, North Korea; Height: 170 m, Year: 1982) 111. Leningrad Hero City Obelisk (Place: Vosstaniya Square, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Year: 1985) 112. 1948 Arab–Israeli War Memorial (Place: Ad Halom, Ashdod, Israel; Fact: Memorial to Egypt’s fallen soldiers) 113. Avis Obelisk (Place: Avis Farms Office Park, Pittsfield Township, Michigan, United States; Year: 1998) 114. Bahá’í House of Worship (Place: Bahá’í World Centre buildings, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel; Year: 1971; Fact: Marking the site of the future Bahá’í House of Worship) 115. Independence Monument (Place: Maha Bandula Park, Yangon, Myanmar) 21st century 116. Capas National Shrine (Place: Tarlac province, Philippines; Height: 70 m; Year: 2003) 117. Kolonna Eterna (Place: San Gwann, Malta; Height: 6 m; Year: 2003; Fact: Egyptian obelisk by Paul Vella Critien) 118. Colonna Mediterranea (Place: Luqa, Malta; Height: 3 m; Year: 2006; Fact: Abstract art by Paul Vella Critien) 119. Plaza Salcedo Obelisk (Place: Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines) 120. Cyclisk (Place: Santa Rosa, California, United States; Height: 20 m; Fact: Made of 340 bicycles) 121. Obelisco Novecento (Place: Rome, Italy; Year: 2004; Fact: Sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro) 122. Armed Forces Memorial (Place: National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; Year: 2007) 123. Särkynyt lyhty (Place: Tornio, Lapland, Finland; Height: 9m; Fact: Made of stainless steel)

Rock climbing is a popular adventure sport across the world and is gradually becoming popular in India too. For our adventure loving readers, we at Touriosity thought of bringing out a snapshot of rock climbing destinations to check out. The following is a list of the most important and popular rock climbing sites across the country. 1. Sar Pass, Himachal Pradesh Sar Pass, in Himachal Pradesh, is a gigantically prevalent rappelling and shake climbing destination with charming perspectives and excellent trails. For the most part of the year the area is covered with shimmer­ing snow. The place is swarmed by crowds of adventure lovers particularly during summers. 2. Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh It is classified as a climb of moderate difficulty. It is ideal for climbers who want to experi­ence something completely different. This climb is ideal for first-timers who have decent levels of fitness. 3. Shey Rock, Kashmir Located close to Leh, the Shey Rock is one of the best spots for rock climbing in the Kashmir region. At the Shey Rock, you will find around 20 bottled sport routes that are ideal for climbing. Difficulty levels range from easy to moderate and the safety facilities provided are top-notch. The Hiram Crack is the best place for rock climbing at the Shey Rock. 4. Madhugiri, Karnataka Popular for its numerous monstrous rocks, it is consid­ered as the second biggest stone monu­ment in Asia and is a preferred place for rock climbers from all around the globe. 5. Paithamala, Kerala It is a scenic destination that has much to offer to the soul, but then if you want to do something exciting and thrilling, you can take part in trekking and rock climbing. The latter is very popular here, and tourists come here from all parts of India to explore the adventure sport options that it offers. 6. Hampi, Karnataka Hampi allures ad­venture seekers with its huge rocks placed in and around the historical town where one can see numerous rock climbers hiking up to the summits. The rocks at Hampi are quite different from the rocks at other places in Karnataka in terms of their age and formation. 7. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra A beau­tiful destination in Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat should definitely be on your wish-list, more so if you are a rock climber. The destination is great for adventure sports as well, and rock climbing is one such sport. 8. Badami, Karnataka Badami is located 150km north-west of Hampi, and is home to some of the best sport climbing in India. With routes ranging in difficulty levels from 5b to 8b+, there is something in Badami for every rock climber, amateur to pro. 9. Ramanagara, Karnataka Ramanaga­ra is more of a trekking destination rather than a site for rock climbers. However, you can still test your energy on the highest rocks if Ramanagara. Even though the rocks settled in and around the town of Ramanagara are of small height, they are always busy with rock climbers. Interest­ingly, this place was the setting for the Hindi blockbuster Sholay. 10. Ramadevara Betta, Karnataka This mountain is located in the Silk City of Ramnagara, which is just 50 kms from Bengaluru. Numerous Rock climbing and adventure camps are set up here which cater to the booming apetite of the adven­ture loving urban crowd. 11. Savandurga, Karnataka The mono­lithic extensions, Karigudda and Biligudda, of Savandurga hills offer great opportuni­ties for the rock climbers. The rock climb­ing trails begin from near the temples. The routes for climbing are marked in white on these monolithic hills. The midway of rock climbing is marked with the brick wall of Kempegowda Fort and the summit with a statue of Nandi. 12. Kabbal, Karnataka This place of­fers several climbing opportunities and explorations, thus drawing rock climbing enthusiasts. Climbers can look forward to few climbing routes (two bolted routes) and plenty of other opportunities for exploration. 13. Kambakkam, Tamil Nadu Located approximately 100km north of Chennai, this area is ideal for camping, hiking and rock climbing; there’s scope here for a range of new climbs. 14. Tilaboni, Purulia, West Bengal Tilaboni is a rock climbing spot in Purulia district of West Bengal which is gaining more and more popularity with time and is being visited by numerous adventure enthusiasts from different areas. There are rocks for everyone here - both beginner as well as the most seasoned rock climbers. 15. Susunia Hills, West Bengal It is an excellent place for rock climbing in the state of West Bengal. If you are looking for a new experience then head to the Susunia Hills. 16. Tenzing Norgay Rock, Darjeeling A huge natural rock is present here, where you can enjoy rock climbing experience with the help of expert trainers. 17. Kanheri Caves, Maharashtra These caves provide a pleasant and breathtaking walk exploring the different options of rock climbing. 18. Mumbra Boulders, Maharashtra Mumbra Rock Nursery is very famous place among the rock climbers of Mumbai. This place has a 70 feet nature rock wall and also on there are some boulders which provide as perfect place to train new rock climbers. 19. CBD Belapur, Maharashtra This is Maharashtra’s first ever natural rock climb­ing trail. 20. Manori Rocks, Maharashtra Rock climbing at Manori offers a thrilling op­portunity to rock climb at Manori, in the outskirts of Mumbai. During this activity you will climb up a near vertical natural rock surface using a harness. The Manori rocks are ideal for beginners as well as experienced climbers. 21. Pavagadh, Gujarat This place of­fers several climbing opportunities and explorations, thus drawing rock climbing enthusiasts. 22. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Here you can indulge in an amazing short trek and rock climbing in the hills of Mount Abu city. Whether you are a pro trekker or a newbie, this trek is for everyone. Enjoy this short trek with your family or friends and make a lot of amazing memories. 23. Bhimbhetka, Madhya Pradesh Rock climbing is one of those expeditions that is gaining momentum in Madhya Pradesh. Bhimbhetka is breathtaking and climbing in such topography is something that every tourist shouldn’t miss out. 24. Panchmadi, Madhya Pradesh A game of endurance and strength, rock climbing in Panchmadi is quintessentially a heady mix of breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills and verdure, and the difficult terrain that needs to be overpowered. 25. Sanjayvan, New Delhi Sanjay Van was discovered a few years ago and has some very nice bouldering. Climbing real rock is one of the greatest experiences of the discipline of climbing. Every rock has a different spirit and it takes teach­ing differently. One finds oneself in the process of climbing real rock. This place familiarizes climbers with real rock and helps them apply the techniques learned in the gym for true climbing. 26. Manali, Himachal Pradesh Due to its gorgeous scenery and mountainous terrain, Manali is a haven for adventure sports. One of the sports that is growing in popularity here is rock climbing. It doesn’t require any experience to begin Manali rock climbing. In fact, regular tourists can take a rock climbing course during Manali trip and get the certificate. 27. Sethan, Himachal Pradesh Sethan is a veritable mecca for rock climbers. In the beautiful alpine valley that leads to Hampta Pass, thousands of boulders lie right off the side of the road. The abundance of rock has prompted local climbers to rent rooms in the small village and go to work doing first ascents wherever there are climbable lines. 28. Chattru, Himachal Pradesh A paradise for climbers, Chhatru is full of granite boulders and big walls. 29. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh The imposing mountains act as a fortress for this busy city. Cradled amidst the Dhauladhar ranges, the hilly terrains of Dharamshala possesses numerous challenges for the adventurous soul. Test your limits by engaging in the Rock Climbing expeditions at Dharamshala-Nayagroeon region. 30. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh is a well-known destination among adventure lovers because of the various thrilling activities organised here. This plateau consists of some parts of the Himalayan and Karakoram Ranges, making it a paradise for rock climbers. 31. Chembra Peak, Kerala Experience a challenging and adrenaline induced climb to the top of the formidable Chembra Peak, located near the heart shaped Chembra Lake in Wayanad. 32. Ranipuram, Kerala It is well known for trekking and climbing. The natu­ral walk through the forest and the landscape view on top of the hill are mes­merizing experience. This peak is vehicle accessible but only up to the entrance. 33. Nashik, Maharashtra Nashik is the destination for all types of adventure sports lovers. Rock climbing is one of the sports on offer. 34. Bilikal Rangaswami Betta Every year locals from the surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Ranganathaswamy temple at the top. The way they have been following throughout the years has turned into a standard trekking and climbing trail. 35. Nun and Kun Peak The Nun Kun mountain massif consists of a pair of Himalayan twin peaks: Nun, 7135 m (23,409 feet) and its neighbor Kun, 7,077 m (23,218 feet). Mt. Nun is located in the remote landscape of the Zanskar ranges in northern India and is the highest mountain in the region. Climbing this peak is a great chance to get high altitude climbing experience on a classic expedition.) 36. Sickle Moon Peak The small Himalayan peaks of Kishtwar are quite difficult to climb. One of the popular peaks of Kishtwar is the Sickle Moon. 37. Sunset Peak, Jammu and Kashmir Rock climbing here is possible year-round. You may need snowshoes in winter and a lot more endur­ance unless you can get your hands on a snowmobile. 38. Tatakooti Peak It is located in the Pir Panjal peaks, a sub range of the Himalayas. The Peaks here are: the Sunset Peak and the Tatakooti Peak for which the expeditions and climbs take place. 39. Turalli, Karnataka It is a famous rock climbing destination among the rock climbers of Bangalore. This place offers excellent opportunities in bouldering, a form of rock climbing in which the climbers have to climb on short, low routes without the use of the safety rope. 40. Kanchenjunga, Sikkim Kanchenjunga is the third-tallest moun­tain in the world. Only Everest and K2 are taller. It sits in the eastern Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Sikkim. According to many who have seen it, as well as to those who have climbed it, Kanchenjunga is not only one of the tallest mountains in the world, but one of the most dangerous as well. 41. North Cachar Hills, Assam The North Cachar hills in Assam are ready to receive tourists for mountaineering and rock climbing. 42. Karbi Hills, Assam This are a good place for rock climbing and is slowly becoming popular with tourists, mountaineers and rock climbers. 43. Elephant Rocks, Morigaon, Assam There is a rock hill in Morigaon District of Assam which is known as the ‘Elephant Rocks’. It offers ample scope for Rock Climbing. 44. Simhasana Hills, Karbi Anglong The Simhasana Hill of Karbi Anglong is also known for rock climbing. 45. Guwahati, Assam The main city of Assam, Guwahati, is bounded on three sides with beautiful hills and thus has great op­portunities for rock climbing. 46. Champai, Mizoram This commercial town located 192 km from Aizwal, is a good base for trekkers and climbers especially dur­ing the spring season. 47. Phawangpui, Mizoram Known as the ‘Blue Mountain’, it is the highest peak in Mizoram with a height of 7,100 feet above the mean sea level. The whole plateau is a garden of rhododendron skirted by beautiful trees and flowers of all colours and shapes. There are splendid views of the blue hazed hills and valleys. This spot is one of the most ideal places for the mountaineers. 48. Lunglei, Mizoram Natural landscape, cool and pleasant climate, rich flora - all make this place a beautiful Hill Station and a great place for rock climbing. 49. Shillong Peak, Meghalaya If you are an adventurous soul and have been craving for some adrenaline rush in the city of Shillong, rock climbing is the best adventure for you. There are many opportu­nities for this activity in the beautiful city, and the best place to do it is at the outskirts of Shillong, in some parts of East Khasi Hills. 50. Sohpetbneng Peak, Meghalaya One of the most liked attrac­tions in Shillong by the visitors is Sohpetbneng Peak. For those who want to spend few moments of their life in solitude, this place is the perfect pick. For taking the full pleasure of this spot, however, they have to hike to a height of 1,343m above the sea level. On reaching the peak, one is mesmerised at the view of Shillong city and thick forest around. Literally, ‘Sohpetbneng’ means the naval of heaven, and refers to this heavanly beauty. Initially, this place was famous for celestial focal point but it has, over the years, taken the shape of a major tourist attraction. 51. Khoh Ramhah, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya Popularly known as Mohrop or Pillar Rock, Khoh Ramhah is a famous tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. It is an ideal picnic spot and is formed on a huge rock which is cone in shape. According to the legends, Khoh Ramhah is a fossilized cone shaped basket associated with an evil spirit. The place offers spectacular views of the cascading waterfall along with the view of the Bangla­desh plains. During monsoon, the beauty of the place reaches the epitome with the ascending clouds moving across the huge rocks. Rain water passing between the rocks presents an over­whelming sight for the visitors to be enjoyed in monsoon. 52. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Tawang is already a famous tourist destination. Now it is even starting to receive tourists for mountaineering and rock climbing. 53. Gorichen Peak, Arunachal Pradesh This peak is ideal for mountaineering and rock climbing. 54. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Surrounded by legends and fables, the Panpatia Glacier trek and rock climbing that takes you through Panpatia Col route requires endurance and willpower to get through harsh yet beautiful nature. 55. Nainital, Uttarakhand Rock Climbing is one of the fascinating and fastest growing sports in Nainital because it combines physical agility with the conceptual skills of problem solving in finding the way up the routes that are new to you. Rock Climbing thus attracts a broad spectrum of participants here. 56. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Rock Climbing Adventure in Mussoorie and Dhanaulti is a traditional adventure sports activity played by every country of the world. There is a Snow Activity Zone which provides various type of Rocks for climbing like - 50 ft., 100 ft., 150 ft. 300 ft. up to 600 ft. This is a very unusual thing about this Adventure Park. 57. Gangotri, Uttarakhand Pandav Gufa is located near Gangotri and can be reached af­ter a trek of 1.5 km from the town. The place is of mythological importance as it is said to be the site where the five Pandavas mediated on their way to Kailash) 58. Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand The hilly terrain of Uttarakhand provides plenty of op­portunities for mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing. 59. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand If you are travelling to Rishikesh you should try Rock Climbing here. As Rishikesh is located near the foothills of the the Great Indian Himalayas the nearby cliffs and mountain Rock Climbing in Rishikesh ranges offer ample challanges and opportunities for climbers. 60. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand Situated at a height of 2,286 meters above the sea level, it is a very good place for rock climbing. Chauli ki Jaali is the place in Mukteshwar where one should go to do rock climbing and rappelling. 61. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand Rock climbing is an adventure activity that is traditionally done at Dhanaulti and must definitely be tried once if you are visiting here. 62. New Tehri, Uttarakhand It is a preferred location by the mountain trekkers and adventurers. Rock climbing at various places is usually car­ried out in an artificial environment. But, here at Tehri, the trek lovers get to experience the entire activity and be a part of the natural environment it is carried out in. 63. Ramnagar, Uttarakhand While visiting Jim Corbett National Park, you can challenge yourself with this very thrilling sport at Ramanagar. Proper guidance and tool support are available here. However, personal safety concerns should be kept in mind. 64. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu The Perumal peak is a high peak at Ko­daikanal, which is a part of the greater Western Ghat mountain range in Tamil Nadu having an elevation of 2,440 metres. It is a favourite spot for rock climbers from across India. 65. Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu The Nilgiri Hills is a great place to indulge in an off-beat backpacking trip. It provides an array of adventure filled activities like mountain trek and rock climbing. 66. Parvatti Valley, Himachal Pradesh The Parvatti Valley is a very rocky valley of Himachal Pradesh and is characterized by many alpine flower plantations and rocky outcrops. The rocky outcrops ensure that one gets ample opportunity for rock climbing. 67. Eruthavoor, Kerala Situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, Eruthavoor is fast developing as a rock climbing site. The craggy rock here is 160 ft in height. 68. Thenmala, Kerala The adventure zone at Thenmala offers options for recreational rock climbing and rappelling with rocks of different heights and sizes, equipped with pegs and ropes. 69. Munnar, Kerala While the pristine beauty of the place is no secret for travellers thereby drawing visitors in large numbers, Munnar’s hilly landscapes also provide the perfect terrain for rock climbing and rappelling. Adventure enthusiasts can trek right up to the top of the misty peaks here and also hike off a steep cliff. 70. Yana Rocks, Karnataka Comprising of two monumental rocks, Yana Rocks are very popular amongst rock climbers. These gigantic rocks test the patience and endurance of rock climbers who come here through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. 71. Skandagiri, Karnataka With a height of 1,450 metres, Skandagiri has become a rock climbing destination since its discovery. Even though it is not very popular amongst hardcore rock climbers, it is definitely a place for beginners. 72. Shivagange, Karnataka Being a mountain peak with a height of 2,640 feet, it is natural for Shivagange to attract trekkers and rock climbers towards it. Even though climbing this wonderful summit started as a Hindu pilgrimage, today, it is a destination for all rock climbers and trekkers apart from Hindu devotees. 73. Kalay, Goa Goa is blessed with excellent rock faces which are good for introducing rock climbing to beginners. Learning the techniques of rock climbing under the watchful eyes of qualified instructors here is a once in a lifetime experience. 74. The Sahyadri Mountain The Sahyadris or The Western Ghats in Goa, stretch to the border of Karnataka. It is an ideal place for rock climbers. 75. Damdama Lake Located in the Sohna district of Haryana, the Damdama Lake is known for its pristine beauty and people come here to do boating. In the recent years it has been gaining popularity also as a rock climbing destination. The place also provides a few other adventure sports options.

India is one of the countries in the world that is known for its stone and rock-cut structures. Be it temples, ancient caves, sculptures, carvings or pillars, we have them all gifted to us by our ancestors. In addition there are the modern day rock gardens and sculpture parks making the country quite a diverse one when it comes to rock tourism. In this snapshot we decided to bring for our readers a list of all the rock-cut structures in the country. These attractions are diverse and are found in various parts of the country. So whichever part of India you may plan to visit, there’s one or more attractions from this list to check out around. 1. The Thousand Pillar Temple Warangal The Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreshwara Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the town of Hanamakonda in Telangana. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. This temple, along with the Warangal Fort and the Ramappa Temple are in the proposed list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 2. Pattadakal This place is full of beautiful architectural masterpieces in rocks which unknown architects and artists studying here created while experimenting with different styles, by blending the Naga­ra and Dravidian styles. The structures are mainly cave temples inside rocks and structural temples built above ground. 3. Ajanta caves These are 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra which date from the 2nd century BC to about 480 AD. The caves have paintings and rock-cut sculptures which are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. 4. Ellora caves Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurang­abad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-cum-temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments, and artwork, dating from the period from 600-1000 AD. 5. Elephanta Caves Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a col­lection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These are to be found in the Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour, located 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai in Maharashtra. 6. Kailasha temple, Verul The Kailasha or Kailashanatha temple is one of the largest In­dian rock-cut ancient Hindu temples located in the Ellora Caves. A megalith carved out of one single rock, it is considered to be one of the most remarkable cave temples in India because of its sheer size, beautiful architecture and sculptural treatment. 7. Vivekananda Rock Memorial It is a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. According to local legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kumari performed austerity. 8. Bhimbhetka Some of the Bhimbetka rock shelters feature prehistoric cave paintings and the earliest of these are about 30,000 years old. These cave paintings show themes such as animals, early evidence of dance and hunting. The Bhimbetka site has the oldest known rock art in the Indian subcontinent. It is also one of the largest prehistoric complexes in the country. 9. Masrur temples The Masrur Temples, also referred to as Masroor Temples or Rock-cut Temples at Masrur, is an early 8th-century complex of rock-cut Hindu temples in the Kangra Valley of Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. The temples face northeast, towards the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. 10. Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram Pancha Rathas is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic rock-cut architecture in India. 11. Shore temple, Mahabalipuram The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its crea­tion, the site was a busy port during the reign of King Narasim­havarman II of the Pallava dynasty and the area was quite opulent. 12. Descent of the Ganges, Mahabalipuram Descent of the Ganges is a monument at Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram), on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. Measuring 96 by 43 feet, it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two mono­lithic rock boulders and is quite popular with tourists. 13. Krishna mandapam, Mahabalipuram Mandapa of Krishna or Krishna Mandapam is a monument in Mahabalipuram. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahaba­lipuram that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. 14. Ganesha ratha, Mahabalipuram Ganesha Ratha is a temple in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of ten rathas carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of the Pallava Period at Mahabalipu­ram, a UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site since 1984. 15. Arjunas Penance, Mahabalipuram This is a unique attraction in Mahabalipuram that features an ancient sculpture carved into boulders. It has intricate details. 16. Tiger Cave, Mahabalipuram The Tiger Cave is a rock-cut Hindu temple complex located in the hamlet of Saluvankuppam near Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. It gets its name from the carvings of tiger heads on the mouth of a cave which forms a part of the complex. 17. Mahishashurmardini mandapa Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa Cave Temple; also known as Yampuri, is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. It dates from the late 7th century, the reign of the Pallava dynasty. It is a rock-cut cave temple located on a hill, near a lighthouse, along with other caves in Mahabalipuram. 18. Stone Chariot, Hampi One of the most important attractions of the ancient Kingdom of Vijayanagar at Hampi in Karnataka, the beautiful carvings of this stone chariot and its sheer beauty makes it a ‘must-visit’ at­traction of the place which is otherwise covered in ruins. 19. Varaha cave temple It is one of the most impressive temples in Hampi and is famous for its architectural beauty and carvings on the walls. The temple is located close to the River Tungabhadra. 20. Kanheri caves These are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments carved from a huge basalt outcrop in the forests of Sanjay Gandhi Na­tional Park, on the island of Salsette in the outskirts of Mumbai. 21. Lomas Rishi cave Also called the Grotto of Lomas Rishi, it is one of the man-made Barabar Caves in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills of Jehanabad in Bihar. This rock-cut cave was carved out as a sanctuary. 22. Pataleshwar temple The Pataleshwar Mandir is a Hindu Temple in the city of Hajipur, Bihar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located at Jadhua Road, Hajipur. As per local folklore, it is said to have been in existence since ancient period and Lord Shiva is believed to be in the form of Lingam here. 23. Guntupalli caves The Guntupalle or Guntupalli Group of Buddhist Monuments is located near Kamavarapukota, West Godavari district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located around 40 km away from Eluru. The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves, a chaitya hall and a large group of stupas. 24. Talaja caves The Talaja Caves are located in Talaja in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. The rocks are carved out into deserted conical ones. The rock cut group include 30 caves out of which about 15 are water tanks. 25. Bojjannakonda caves Bojjannakonda is a small group of six rock-cut caves that dates back to 4th Century AD when Buddhism was flourishing in the region. The caves have beautifully carved statues of Gautam Buddha which draw tourists and believers from all over the world for its aesthetic and religious importance. 26. Lingalakonda caves Lingalakonda is a Buddhist rock-cut cave situated near a village called Sankaram, which is a few kilometres away from Anaka­palle, Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The sites are believed to date between 4th and 9th Century AD, when the 3 phases of Buddhism (Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana) flourished at Sankaram. 27. Thirunadhikkara cave temple Thirunandikkara Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple of Pal­lava art that dates from the seventh and eighth century AD. It is part of Thirunandikkara temple, which is near Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. 28. Gavipuram cave temple Also called Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, this temple is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. It is located in Banga­lore in the state of Karnataka. The temple is famous for its mys­terious stone discs in the forecourt and the planning allowing the sun to shine on the shrine at certain time of the year. 29. Udayagiri caves The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh dating from the early years of the 5th century AD. They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in the country. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta period monarch from its inscriptions. 30. Undavalli The Undavalli Caves, a monolithic example of Indian rock-cut architecture and one of the finest testimonials to ancient viswakarma sthapathis, are located in Undavalli of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. 31. Badami The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka. The caves are a typical example of Indian rock-cut architecture, the Badami Chalukya architec­ture to be precise. The caves date from the period between the 6th and 8th centuries. 32. Aihole The rock-cut Hindu temple of Ravana Phadi in Aihole, Karna­taka, was made during 550 AD. The temple of Ravana Phadi was once decorated with stunning paintings and artworks, but due to lack of proper preservation there are only fade remnants of paintings on ceiling. Aihole was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty and the sheer number of rock cut temples (125) prove that it was quite a happening place. 33. Barabar Caves These caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating from the Maurya Empire. Some of these have Ashokan inscriptions. The caves are located in the Makhdumpur region of Jehanabad district of Bihar, 24 km from Gaya. 34. Sitamarhi Cave This is an artificial cave, and an important example of Indian rock-cut architecture. The cave is located 20 km from Rajgir, 10 km from Hisua, and dates from the Maurya empire. It was hewn in a huge hemispherical rock of granite. 35. Jain Son Bhandar Caves Also called Sonebhandar, these are two artificial caves located in Rajgir in Bihar. The main cave is rectangular with a pointed ceiling, and the entrance is trapezoidal, reminiscent of the structure of the Barabar Caves. It was believed that there were treasure inside. Entry inside the caves is not possible and one has to be happy with just a look from outside. 36. Khandagiri Caves Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, formerly called Kataka Caves or Cuttack caves, are partly natural and partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance. Located near the city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, these caves are quite popular with tourists. 37. Karla Caves These are a complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves located at Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is just 10.9 km from Lonavala. The shrines here were developed over the period from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. 38. Pandavleni Caves The Nasik caves, or the Pandavleni Caves, are a group of 24 caves carved between the 1st century BC and the 3nd century AD. Insignificant additional sculptures were added up to about the 6th century; these reflect changes in Buddhist devotional practices. 39. Manmodi Caves These are a complex of a rock-cut caves located on the Man­modi Hill about 3 km from Junnar in Maharashtra. There are three distinct types of caves here, the Bhutalinga, the Amba-Ambika and the Bhimasankar Group of caves, all of which are architecturally significant. 40. Tulja Caves Tulja Caves are located beyond the Shivneri hill, about 4km to the west of Junnar in Maharashtra. There are altogether 11 caves that were excavated around 50 BC. Out of these caves, the cave no. 4 has been converted into the temple of Hindu Goddess Tulja Devi. 41. Bagh Caves The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, situated among the southern slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. These monuments are located at a distance of 97 km from Dhar town. 42. Lenyadri Caves Lenyadri, sometimes called Ganesa Lena, Ganesh Pahar Caves, or Suleman Caves, represents a series of about 30 rock-cut Bud­dhist caves, located about 5km north of Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. 43. Kazhuku Malai Kalugumalai is a panchayat town in Kovilpatti Taluk of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. This place is 21 km and 22 km from Kovilpatti and Sankarankovil respectively. The place houses the rock-cut Kalugasalamoorthy Temple, monolithic Vet­tuvan Koil and Kalugumalai Jain Beds. 44. Pitalkhora The site of the Pitalkhora Caves, in the Satamala range of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, is an ancient Buddhist site consisting of 14 rock-cut cave monuments which date back to the third century BC, making it one of the earliest examples of rock-cut Buddhist architecture in India. 45. Ramatheertham, Andhra Pradesh Ramateertham is a village panchayat in Nellimarla mandal of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. It is about 12 km from city of Vizianagaram. It is a famous pilgrimage and an ancient Historical Site since 3rd Century BC. 46. Amarnath Temple Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in India’s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres, about 141 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. The destination can be reached through Pahalgam town. 47. Vaishno Devi Temple Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Mata Adi Shakti or Ma­halakshmi. Located in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, this is a cave temple complex consisting of 4 temples. While a lot of trekking was required to reach here until recently, a ropeway has now been introduced making commuting a little easy. 48. Edakkal Caves These are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. They lie 1,200 m above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, near an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast. The interior of the caves feature pictorial writings that are believed to date from 6,000 BC. The Stone Age carvings here are unique to South India. 49. Kallil Temple Kallil Temple is a Jain temple located at Kerala, South India. It is 12 km away from Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Kallil in Malayalam means ‘in stone’. It is one of the most ancient Jain temple in Kerala and one of the protected monuments in Kerala under Archaeological Survey of India. 50. Aurangabad Caves The Aurangabad caves are twelve rock-cut Buddhist shrines located on a hill running roughly east to west, close to the city of Aurangabad, Maharashtra and are not to be confused with Ajanta and Ellora Caves. 51. Jagannath Temple Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of lord Maha Vishnu, located on the eastern India, at Puri in Odisha. The temple is housed in a temple having rock-cut architecture. 52. Andimalai Stone Beds, Cholapandiyapuram The attractive feature of this village is the presence of hillock called Andimalai with Jain caves, stone beds, inscriptions and sculptures. There are 25 stone beds and some of the stone pillows of the beds are carved semicircular. 53. Mahendravadi Mahendravadi is a village in Tamil Nadu located 58 kms from VEllore and 25 km from Arakkonam. The Mahendravadi Rock-cut cave temple is located here. 54. Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple Tiruchirappalli Rockfort is a historic fortification and temple com­plex built on an 83 metres (272 ft) high ancient rock. It is located in the city of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. 55. Singaperumal Koil Padalathri Narasimhar Temple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Singaperumal Koil, a town near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is built on a rock. 56. Bhaja Caves, Lonavala This is a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd cen­tury BC in Pune district, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. The caves are 400 ft above the Bhaja village, on an important ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan Plateau. 57. Akkana Madanna Caves This cave temple is a rock-cut cave temple in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at the foothill of the Indrakeeladri temple known for Kanaka Durga Temple. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance 58. Belum Caves These caves are the largest and longest cave system open to the public on the Indian subcontinent. These are known for stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. 59. Bhairavakona Caves Bhairavakona is a holy place situated on the heart of Nallamala Hills in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. 60. Bodhikonda Caves At Ramateertham there are three lines of hills standing parallel east and west, and each separated from the other by a narrow valley. The southernmost is known as the Bodhikonda, and on it are the spots connected with Lord Rama, and Jaina remains. There are natural caves, rock art, images and a ruined Jain brick temple towards south west of the hill. 61. Ghanikonda Caves At Ramateertham, the northern hill is Ghanikonda, so named from an image of that goddess which stands in a natural cave at its western base. In front of this cave and on the rock above it are some mounds that contain both Buddhist and Jain remains. 62. Borra Caves The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, are located on the East Coast of India, in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh 63. Guntupalle Caves The Guntupalle or Guntupalli Group of Buddhist Monuments is located near Kamavarapukota, West Godavari district, in Andhra Pradesh, about 40 km away from Eluru. The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves, a chaitya hall and many stupas. 64. Moghalrajpuram Caves The Moghalrajpuram caves are located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. They are home to three temples. It is one of the cen­trally protected monumemts of national importance and has five rock cut sanctuaries dating back to the 5th century AD. 65. Kamakhya Temple The Kamakhya Temple also known as Kamrup-Kamakhya temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India and is located on a hillock in Guwahati in Assam. 66. Longthai ni Noh, Maibong Maibong was the capital of the Kachari Dimasa Kingdom. One of the most important remnants of the kingdom is the Stone house which is a monolithic ancient Indian temple from the 12th century with two roofs. It is called the Longthai ni Noh. 67. Dudhnath, Jogighopa Dudhnath temple, a rock cut one with images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is located at Jogighopa in Assam. 68. Dhank Caves These caves are located near Dhank village near Upleta, Rajkot district, Gujarat. They were chiseled out of calcareous sandstone outcropping during Kshatrapa’s regime. The caves are influenced by Buddhist and Jain cultures and date from 7th century AD. 69. Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups are located in Junagadh district of Gujarat. The caves are not really caves, but three separate sites of rooms carved out of stone to be used as monks’ quar­ters. These caves were carved from Emperor Ashoka’s period up to 1st-4th century AD. 70. Bava Pyara caves These are an example of ancient man-made caverns. The caves are a part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups and are located in the eastern part of Junagadh in Gujarat. Bava Pyara caves contains artworks of both Buddhism and Jainism. 71. Kadia Dungar Caves These are located at Kadia Dungar near Zazpor village of Za­gadiya Taluka of in Bharuch district of Gujarat. The group has seven caves carved out in 1st and 2nd century AD on the moun­tain. The group includes sculpture of monolithic lion pillars. 72. Khambhalida Caves Khambhalida Caves, or Rajkot Caves, are three Buddhist caves located near Gondal in Rajkot district, Gujarat. 73. Sana Caves These are a group of caves located on a hill at different levels in Somnath. These caves were built as early as the 2nd century BC. Beautiful carvings, stupas, rock cut pillows and chaityas make these caves even more interesting to tourists. 74. Siyot Caves The Siyot Caves, sometimes referred to as the Kateshwar Budh­hist Caves, are five rock-cut caves located near Siyot village in the Lakpat Taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat. The main cave has east facing sanctum, ambulatory and space divisions which sug­gests a Shiva temple from the first or second century. 75. Dhosi Hill Cave Temple Dhosi Hill is an extinct volcano, standing alone in the North-West end of the Aravali mountain range with height varying from about 345 to 470 meters from the surrounding land and 1170 meters from the sea level. There is a temple, a pond, a fort and caves on the top and forest around it. 76. Nar Narayan Cave Temple This is a rock cut temple in the Shivalik range. 77. Tosham Hill Cave, Aravalli Mountain Range The Tosham rock inscription, dating from 4th to 5th century, on Tosham hill in Tosham town of Haryana, is an epigraph docu­menting the establishment of a monastery and the building of water tanks for followers of the Satvata during the time of late Gupta Empire 78. Narasimha Jharni This Hindu temple is accessed by wading through a cave with water around four to five feet deep. 79. Nellitheertha Cave Temple Nellitheertha Cave Temple in Nellitheertha, Karnataka, is dedi­cated to the Indian deity Sri Somanatheshwara, or Shiva. The temple dates back to 1487 AD. To the right of the temple is a natural cave, about 200 metres long. Access is restricted, forc­ing visitors to crawl in on their knees. 80. Ambukuthi mala Ambukuthi Mala is a mountain in the Sultan Bathery taluk of Wayanad district in Kerala. It is 12 km from Sulthan Bathery and is located near Ambalavayal. 81. Kaviyoor Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple is one of the important Shiva temples in Kerala, and is located in Kaviyoor, Tiruvalla Pathan­amthitta District, Kerala. It is commonly called Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. The main deity here is Lord Shiva. 82. Jogeshwari Caves The Jogeshwari Caves are some of the earliest Buddhist cave temple sculptures located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari. The caves date back to 520 to 550 AD. These caves belongs to the last stage of the Mahayana Buddhist architecture, which was later taken by the Hindus. 83. Mahakali Caves The Mahakali Caves, also Kondivite Caves, are a group of 19 rock-cut monuments built between 1st century BC and 6th century AD. This Buddhist monastery is located in the eastern suburb of Andheri in the city of Mumbai. 84. Bahrot Caves Locally known as Barad, near Dahanu, Maharashtra, these are the only Parsi or Zoroastrian Cave temple in India. Bahrot Caves is located 25 km south of Sanjan, Gujarat and are situ­ated 8 km away from the village of Bordi. 85. Konark Sun Temple Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE sun temple at Kon­ark about 35 kilometres northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 AD. 86. Armamalai Cave Armamalai Cave is known for its Indian cave paintings. It is to the west of Malayampattu village which is 25 kilometres from Ambur in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The cave is in the protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India and it is an important tourist attraction of Tamil Nadu. 87. Samanar Hills Samanar Hills or Samanar Malai is a hill rock complex located in Keelakuyilkudi village, 15 kilometres from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The hill has been declared as a protected monu­ment by the Archaeological Survey of India. 88. Kalugumalai Jain Beds Kalugumalai Jain beds in Kalugumalai, a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, are dedicated to the Jain and Hindu religious figures. 89. Namakkal Rock Fort It is a historic fort in Namakkal in Tamil Nadu. The fort was built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak of Madurai in 17th century. The fort is located on the top of a hillock made of a single rock that is 75m tall. 90. Sittanavasal Cave It is a 2nd-century Jain complex of caves in Sittanavasal village in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu. Its name is a distorted form of Sit-tan-na-va-yil, a Tamil word meaning ‘the abode of great saints’. The monument is a rock-cut monastery. 91. Sri Balasubramaniaswami Temple The Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple is a small Hindu temple in the village of Ayikudi, Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is visited by pilgrims and tourists who come to visit Kutralam Falls, Kasi Vishwanathar Temple Tenkasi and Thiruchendur. 92. Thirakoil The image of the deity is made up of stone and is placed in the chamber of temple which is shown with the body of a serpent. 93. Thiruparankundram It is known for the Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, which is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. 94. Tirumalai (Jain Complex) Tirumalai is a Jain temple and cave complex dating from the 9th century that is located northwest of Polur in Tamil Nadu. 95. Rajarani Temple Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a ‘love temple’ because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the complex. 96. Manikeshwari Temple Manikeshwari Temple is located in Kalahandi district of Odisha. The temple is located to the south of Bhawanipatna. The main deity here is Goddess Manikeshwari. The main devotees are from the fishermen community. During Dussehra festival, ani­mal sacrifice is offered at this temple. 97. Simhanath Temple Singhanath Temple is dedicated to Shiva who is worshipped by Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. The temple has a rekha deula and terraced roof jagamohana of traditional phase of temple style of Kalingan order. The temple is unique for its sculptural embellishment of both the Saivaite and Vaishnava sects. 98. Anegundi Hill Located in Anegundi village, this is believed to be the erstwhile kingdom of Kishkinda, ruled by the monkey ruler Bali. There is a rocky hill which takes one to a hilltop temple which is believed to be very sacred. 99. Yana Rocks If you want to admire rock formations, you must come to Yana to see the unique rocks here. One has to trek a little to reach here. At the bottom of the rocks is a Shiva Temple which de­serves a visit. The view all the way up to Yana is also mesmeris­ing. Yana is situated in Karnataka. 100. Toad Rock, Mount Abu This is one of the viewpoints in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. This is a rocky outcrop that resembles a toad and is quite popular with tourists for views of the hill station.

There are many villages around the world that draw tourists due to their uniqueness. This article is a compilation of 30 such villages from around the world which every traveller must try to visit at least once in a lifetime. 1. FLOATING VILLAGES, HALONG BAY, VIETNAM Halong Bay is located at the shore of northern Vietnam. The bay is famous for its beauty and mysterious allure. Halong Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is also considered as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Dating back thousands of years, Ha­long Bay has been populated by small local communities living on floating villages tucked away in between the karst, sunken moun­tains. At the centre of the bay lies an area of 330 sq.km that consist of islands, caves and its famous floating village. People have inhabit­ed the area for centuries but made no damage to the heritage. In fact they preserved the unique beauty of the bay. The beauty of the bay is remarkable enough to make it to the big screen. Filming of some movies have been done in the Halong Bay area. What’s unusual about the karst towers at Halong Bay is that the beautiful place inspires not just geologist but also artists, scientists and painters to come together to explore and understand the landscape. 2. BIBURY, ENGLAND Bibury is a charming village, nested in the eastern hills of the Glouces­tershire Cotswolds, just a short drive from the capital of Cotswolds – Cirencester. It has also earned its title as ‘the most beautiful village in England’ by William Morris, the famous artist. In Bibury, Arlington Row is regarded as England’s most iconic and photographed site. It is famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages with their steep pitched roofs. Other most attractive spot in Bibury is the Bibury Trout Farm. It is one of the oldest and most attractive trout farms in England. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, a Saxon church, is delightful to see with its medieval windows and stained glasses. Moreover, Bibury comes under one of the most famous locations in Cotswolds as well as in England also, because the quintessential cottage and pretty riv­erside location comes under the must visit spots. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful gardens at Barnsley House at Barnsley, 3.3 miles away. 3. AIT-BEN-HADDOU IN MOROCCO Ait-Ben-Haddou, located on the foothills in the Ounila Valley is an Ighrem or Ksar (fortified village), along the former caravan route be­tween the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Recog­nized as a UNESCO site, the Ksar is one of the most extraordinary Kasbahs in Morocco. This giant fortification, which is made up of six kasbahs and nearly fifty Ksours (individual kasbahs), is a great exam­ple of clay architecture. The village sitting on a hilltop is decorated with a labyrinth like series of sandstone colored towers and walls. The village is divided into two parts. The modern part is filled with sou­venir shops and parking lots and the traditional part is full with Kas­bahs, small streets and alleys, palm trees and decorated motifs. The community areas include a mosque, a public square, grain threshing areas outside the ramparts, a fortification and a loft at the top of the village, two cemeteries (Muslim and Jewish) and the Sanctuary of the Saint Sidi Ali or Amer. Climb to the top of one of the neighboring hills to get a magnificent view of the village. Sunrise is best time to get a photo shoot from the neighboring hills. 4. HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA Hallstatt, one of Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed vil­lages and an UNESCO heritage site, is located between Stalberg and Graz in the Salzkammergut Lake district of the country. This was once a quiet and inhabited place but in recent years Hallstalt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. There are a few op­tions for arriving in this spectacular Alpine village, but the best way to experience this famous location is with a ferry ride across the lake. This village is a very small one and you can walk from one end to the other in a few minutes but there are handful of sites located inside the village which will take few hours to explore. The world first salt mine is also located here and there are few stunning salt caves which can be vis­ited by tourists. The Hallstatt Ossuary, also called Charnel House or the Bone House, is the most unusual spot to visit in Hallstatt. In this small cave-like room, over 2,100 skulls and various other human bones are perfectly stacked along the walls. The World Heritage Skywalk above 350 meters over the top offer panoramic view of the entire region. 5. JUZCAR, SPAIN Juzcar is located 113 km away from Malaga and 25 km from Ronda in Spain. Juzcar is the first ever Smurf town in the world. The transforma­tion of the village is owed to the fact that every single building here are painted blue; the houses, the church, the cemetery and the town hall, embrace the premier of the world renowned film The Smurfs 3D. Once with the village dramatic transformation into a fairy tale realm, tourism started flourishing. After the positive reactions the residents voted to keep their homes blue permanently. In Juzcar not only the buildings are still blue, but they are still accompanied by the giant murals and portraits of Smurf characters, with statues of The Smurfs also standing on street corners. So, as you walk through the village you may meet many characters of The Smurf on your way. The walls are adorned with Smurf scenes and giant toadstools which makes for a great fun activity for children. Hence, this village is a must visit for those who love art. 6. EZE, FRANCE Eze, located between Nice and Monaco, is a hilltop village in France that dates back to the Middle Ages. It owes its name to an ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis. The village surrounds the ruins of a 12th-century castle. It was shaped by the Romans, Moors and the House of Savoy. The village was built on top of the rocky outcrop for security reasons, and its stun­ning views over the Mediterranean Sea. As you wander through the cobblestoned sloping streets you will find ancient fountains, archways, superbly restored stone houses, shady square and quiet courtyards. The structures here are several hundred years old, and the oldest building in Eze is the beautiful Chapelle de laa Sainte Croix built back in 1300s. The village of Eze is also famous for its greenery, like you can visit the exotic Jardin Exotique, the botanic garden where an impressive col­lection of cactus, plants and rare vegetation surrounds the remains of an ancient chateau. This botanical garden has spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Monaco, Monte Carlo and the hills below. Do have a drink or a lunch during the day time at Chateau Eza. The restaurant here has some of the best views and picture opportunities. 7. INLE LAKE, SHAN STATE VILLAGE, MYANMAR The villages around Inle Lake are located in the middle of Myanmar in the western Shan state. The lake is shallow, 13.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. This lake is famous for its floating villages and gardens. Here, the local people live in a unique way with their living communities based entirely on water. There are ten different Shan ethic groups living in the villages around the lake. In these villages you will find wooden houses which are built on stilts and the fisherman steer their one-man boats with a characteristic rowing style, wrapping one leg around their oar. Hydroponic tomato farming is also big here, based on an aquabiotic system in use since the 1960s. Cruising along channels hemmed in by floating gardens is simply sublime. Numerous monasteries can be found on the land and its shores. You will find many handicraft workshops also as handicraft is an important part of the local economy apart from fishing. The natural and unpolluted scenic beauty of the Lake and its surrounding villages makes it as one of Myanmar’s most popular desti­nations for travellers. 8. LAMAYURU, LADAKH, INDIA Lamayuru is a small village between Kargil and Leh in the Ladakh re­gion of Jammu and Kashmir. The whole region has moonlike landscape carved into the greater Himalaya. It is home of one of the oldest monas­teries in Ladakh. It is believed that this place was once a lake that dried up. The village has around 100 houses scattered around the Lamayuru Monastery. The tranquil ambiance and scenic location of the monastery is mesmerising. It is one of the most intriguing places to visit for sure. Being one of the oldest and largest Monasteries it has many stories and legends associated to it. Lamayuru is also known as ‘the moon land of Ladakh’. Tourists are attracted because of its extraordinary and incred­ible landscape. The best location to view the moonscapes of Lamayuru is to climb up what is known as a Meditation Hill. Stones lay strewn on the way up the Meditation Hill. These centuries old prayer rocks are an im­portant part of the Buddhist culture. Carved meticulously with the beau­tiful Tibetan script, these stones are a piece of art. Although the place is quite remote, it is favourite hunt for photographers and trekkers. 9. ISLA DEL SOL, BOLIVIA A short boat trip from Copacabana, Isla De Sol is an archeological mar­vel. Believed to be the birthplace of the Sun and Inca dynasty, remnants of these old civilizations is spread over several small villages in the rug­ged 70 km island in which only 800 indigenous families live. Without cars and telephones, you will feel as if you have taken a trip back in time. Wifi is a rarity. The village of Yumani, located on the south side, Cha’llapampa, on the northern side and Cha’lla, on the central east coast, are the main tourist spots. Isla del Sol itself boasts a stunning landscape that juts up in dramatic fashion out from Lake Titicaca, which is not only South America’s largest lake but also the largest navigable lake in the world. While hiking the rocky and hilly trails, you’ll pass by agricultural terraces, serene beaches, tiny settlements and giant euca­lyptus trees. There is a noticeable swell of visitors between 10.30 am and 4 pm. But when trekking around the island in the morning and late afternoon hours, you may feel like you’re the only person around. It’s not possible to fully experience the serenity of this special place during a rushed day trip to Isla del Sol. So the best idea is to spend a night and enjoy a view of stars and planets on the night sky and if you are lucky, may even spot a shooting star. 10. LARUNG GAR, TIBET Larung Gar is the world largest Buddhist institute and one of the most significant sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The village is spread around hills in Serta country in Kardre in eastern Tibet. When you reach this place your mind is sure to get blown by the strange beauty of this place. Larung Gar is built in a very unique way. It seems like a maze when you walk around and it is very easy to get lost in the small alleys and streets of this village which is quiet fun experience too. There are several mon­asteries which welcome monks, nuns and students from Tibet, China as well as as other countries. Larung Gar is one such place which you visit and experience for yourself as it is full of charm as well as historical past and traditional stories. Despite the restrictions imposed on Tibetan Buddhism under the Chinese occupation, Larung Gar has contributed greatly to the spread of the religion and to the preservation and inter­national spread of Tibetan culture. 11. MARSAXLOKK, MALTA Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village situated in the south-eastern part of Malta. Surrounded by green vegetation, this port is totally shel­tered and has deep water. It is very quiet village compared to oth­ers, but at the same time it has become a very touristic location with many fish restaurants and cafes lined along the promenade. At present Marsaxlokk has the largest population of active fisherman with many traditional fishing boats of all sizes anchored in the port. The village is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative boats called Luzzus. It will be an fascinating opportunity to mix with locals and experience Maltese life if one wanders in and around the market. Marsaxlokk has a small sandy beach on the eastern side and stunning St. Peter’s pool at Delimara which is a 20 minutes walk away. St. Peter pool’s bay is excellent for diving, snorkelling and cliff jumping down into the natural pool. Visit the Parish Church, which is worth seeing for its majestic interiors. Also one must see the St. Lucian Tower, which is one of the largest watch towers in the Island. 12. OIA, GREECE Oia is the most scenic village on the north-west edge of the Santorini island. In fact, its beauty is so unsurpassed that it is almost impossible to describe in words. The natural beauty of Oia village in combination with its traditional architecture which consist of white washed houses, old mansions, narrow streets and blue domed churches, which makes the village unique and extremely popular among the tourists. The whole village is built along the cliffside and the beaches are located on a flat side of the island. Its streets have plenty of tourist shops, taverns, cafes and other shops. Oia is one of the most photographed place in Greece. Its beauty has inspired artists, poets and visitors who visit San­torini. It is best known for its breath-taking sunset. Everyday thousands of people gather to see the famous Oia sunset. But if truth be told the sunrise at Oia is also very magical. There are some notable restaurants here like the Golden Chef’s Hat, Ambrosia, Ochre, Dimitris and Katrina where you can have delicious Greek cuisine. Do not miss Kastro, the old Venetian castle, Atlantis Bookshop and the Maritime Museum. 13. NAVALA VILLAGE, NADI, FIJI One of the most picturesque villages in Fiji is the Navala Village where people are still living in thatched roofing ‘bures’. It is a home to roughly 1000 people. Navala is very special because all the houses here are of the same size. Located near the mountain of Ba, it is only a three hours drive from Nadi / Denarau. You will get a Kava welcome ceremony once you reach the village. Get firsthand knowledge about the traditional Fi­jian lifestyle by mingling with the locals and listening to the old folklores about this ancient village. Take a dip in cold water of the upper source of Ba River. Climb up to the top of the adjacent hill to have a great panoramic view of Yasawa Island Group. Witness coconut tree climbing and enjoy fresh coconut juice from freshly picked coconuts. Visit the vil­lage market and learn how the locals harvest wild fruits and yams. Join the local people on hunt for wild pigs in the jungle. Visitors must spend at least a night in the village to have a lifetime experience but remember consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the village. 14. ENKERI VILLAGE, MASAI MARA, KENYA Enkeri Village is situated within 3 km (approx) of Olololoo main entry gate of the Mara Conservancy. A drive of 3-4 hours or a flight of less than an hour duration from Nairobi will take you to this village via the Game Reserve. Make a plan to stay here for a couple of nights to learn about the culture and traditions of Masai tribe, who have been beauti­fully harmonizing their life with wildlife and environment for centuries. Stay in a local hut mostly made up of mud. There is no electricity or running water, so hurricane or solar lamp will be available for use. Take traditional meals including rice, maize porridge vegetables and meat. Water is precious here and so try to carry enough bottles of water. Par­ticipate in local village activities like grazing cattle, ploughing the field in primitive way, carrying water on your head, milking the cows, etc. Also try to learn how they make fire using nothing more than two sticks. Spend the day with the tribal women and learn the art of making of Masai jewellery. It is also possible to participate in the famous ‘Adumu’ dance with the enchanting tribal songs. Enjoy the traditional singing and dancing in the evening around camp fire under the starry sky. 15. NUBIAN VILLAGE, ELEPHANTINE ISLAND, EGYPT Nubia’s history can be traced as far back as 2,000 BC. An area between northern Sudan and southern Egypt is what is left of the ancient King­dom of Nubia. Less than a 10 minute Felucca ride from Aswan Centre, 3 hours drive from Luxor, and a 1 hour flight direct from Cairo to As­wan are the two Nubian villages of Siou village and Koti village, both of which run across the center of the Elephantine island. The two vil­lages nestling amid lush palm groves are connected by a footpath, and collectively, they are remains of three distinct settlements. The village features mud brick alleys. Houses painted sky-blue, pink or yellow and often decorated with hajj scenes. Walls are painted with scenes from everyday life or nature. Henna is an important part of Nubian culture. Visitors usually leave with tattoos of reddish-brown flowers and geomet­ric shapes. Nubians also traditionally made necklaces and bracelets from camel bones. The village has many places to buy souvenirs, handicrafts and aromatic herbs. Crocodiles are also a feature of village life here. This is a tradition that dates back to ancient Nubia. Crocodiles are taken in as pets and still live in some households, though only a few houses have them now, most people use these to attract tourists. 16. NUUK, GREENLAND Greenland’s capital Nuuk, sits atop a barren grey rock and moss land­scape. Though Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland it is built slightly isolated. You can reach here by boat, plane or a helicopter. The peninsula is surrounded by bare rocks and mountains. Nuuk is home to many historical sights. In the picturesque old harbour you will find dreamy wooden homes, which are nested like pearls along the water’s edge. Nuuk is full of experience that won’t be found anywhere else in Greenland. It mixes the fascinating lives of old traditions with modern twists and diverse influence. Imaneq Street is a must go destination for traditionally made goods where most shops offer items of local need, thus giving the chance to find something unique and authentic to carry back home. Tourists must visit National Art Museum housing notable collection of artifacts. Most iconic piece here is the bronze sculpture ‘Mother of Sea’, the most revered statue in Greenland. In recent time, Nuuk is quickly shedding its old image and transforming into a Nordic cultural capital. During winter the whole village is buried in snow. 17. PARIANGAN, WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA Pariangan village is located on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, in Tanah Da­tar at west Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the oldest village, thought to be the cradle of the Minangkabau culture. Pariangan is one of the best-preserved traditional Minangkabau villages, containing many ‘rumah gadang’ or traditional houses. The oldest of these are said to be three hundred years old and feature beautiful wood-carving. The surround­ing of the village with paddy fields, traditional houses and one of the oldest mosque is very beautiful and charming. This historical village still reflects the pure social structure of the Minangkabau concept of village. It also has some historical relics, such as stone basurk and long grave. Apart from these is a hill, called Sirang Kiang, which is a perfect place for the tourists to enjoy the breath-taking view of the scenery along the foot of the mountain and the hot spring. Pariangan has a natural beauty that provides comfort and a traditional atmosphere which is appreciated by the tourists who visit this village. 18. PALANGAN, IRAN Palangan (which means ‘leopard’) is located at the north-western part of the city of Kamyaran in the Kurdistan Province. It is one of the most beautiful and amazing villages in Iran. Palangan is a must-see and a unique place especially for those who seek to spend some days off in a natural environment. This village has much to offer to its tourists like scenic nature, tasty food, authentic village life, unique architecture and mysterious history. According to the latest census, about 1000 people live here, mostly employed in the local fishing industry. The vil­lage is spread over both sides of a steep valley. In the middle flows the Tangi Var River. Connecting both sides of the village are several narrow bridges. But Palangan is most famous for the distinct terraced structure of the stone houses. The roof of each house is the yard of the one above it. Without a doubt the best time to visit Palangan is during the annual Nowruz (Iranian New Year) celebration, usually held in the mid­dle of March. In short, this village is a hidden gem or treasure in Kurd­istan region of Iran. This place has become popular for the tourist, not only because of its beauty but also for its polite and welcoming local people. Far away from the endless distractions of big cities, Palangan offers visitors a glimpse of a lifestyle that is different from the modern world but filled with calm and tranquillity. 19. PUNJI, BANGLADESH Magurcherra Punji is a tribal village located in Sreemangal Upazila, Maulvibazar District in Bangladesh. It is located on the Sreemangal–Kamalganj Highway. It is the larger of the two villages located within Lawachara National Park, the other being Lawachara Punji. These are inhabited by the Khasi ethnic minority. These tribal villages are located within the tea plantations of the Sreemangal region of Bangladesh. While Sreemangal with its green hills, tranquil atmosphere and bird-and gibbon-filled Lawachara Forest is an attractive region for visitors, these tribal villages offer a glimpse into the cultures of the Khashia and Monipuri people. The Monipuri village of Ramnagar is located near the Tea Research Institute and Tea Factory. Those who wish to visit a Khashia tribal village, like Magurcherra on the road to Kamalganj, must take per­mission from the local chief. Tea plantations are located in these villages and surrounding areas. It is assumed that the entire internal parts of that Park are the residences of these tribal. 20. PYGMY (BATWA) VILLAGE, MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH WEST UGANDA Batwa, more commonly known as pygmies, used to be known as the ‘Keepers of the Forest’ because they lived in harmony with the jungle in small huts made out of branches and leaves for over 50,000 years. These indigenous people, who are about 120 centimeters tall were given the name ‘Pygmy’, which means ‘dwarf’, by the Europeans. Pygmy men are approximately 10 centimeters taller than their women. With their curly hair and fuzzy bodies, Pygmies differ from other groups. They live in small groups and construct temporary cottages to live in by using bamboo trunks and large leaves they gather from trees. Still leading a primitive life, Pygmies spend most of their time hunting in the deep for­ests and gathering fruit and plants. In 2011, Uganda Wildlife Authority started the now famous Batwa Cultural Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Nation­al Park, where members of the Batwa community lead tourists through the forest in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes and show them their old way of hunting and living. On your way you will learn how to make fire without matches, you will fire an arrow with a bow, extract herbal medicines and learn a lot about Batwa traditions and legends. Also by the end of the tour they will do a local dance performance for you which is yet another great experience. 21. SHIRAKAWA-GO, GIFU, JAPAN The Shirakawa-go is located in a mountainous region of Ono district, Japan. The old gassho-zukuri style houses (about 112 in numbers) are spotted in this mountain village and some of these are more than 250 years old. The name ‘Gassho-zukuri’ means ‘hands together’ as in prayer, referring to the steep roofs that keep the snow off in the winter. Processing the most original and beautiful scenery in Japan, Shirakawa-go was chosen and enlisted as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. This village shows different faces in four different seasons - cherry blos­soms in spring, bright green rice fields in summer, autumn leaves in autumn and snow-clad in winter. This means you can enjoy a trip to Shirakawa-go throughout the year and to see all its faces, one has to make at least four trips during four different seasons. There are various attractions within the village, within them the key attractions are the Wada House and Nagasa House. Visitors are given a rare opportunity to enter these traditional houses that were built as early as the Edo period. There are several beautiful natural landmarks nearby. One is the Mount Haku, one of Japan’s three famous mountains, surrounded by a virgin forest at its foot. The Three Amo Waterfalls: Taka falls, Naka falls and Ki falls can also be seen along the pass leading to the Amo highlands. This beautiful traditional village is the definition of picture- postcard perfec­tion and is a ‘must visit’ if you are around. 22. XIDI, CHINA Xidi Village is located at the south foot of Mt. Huangshan, China. Its original name was Xichuan. The old merchant village was cited in 2000 by the UNESCO World Heritage List for its well preserved old archi­tecture and water systems. Xidi is an outstanding representative of Huizhou traditional culture, building techniques, agriculture and land­scaping. The village has historical, artistic and scientific value. There are about 124 Ming and Qing houses (dating from the period between 1368 - 1911 AD), dining places, sightseeing options and shop for sou­venirs and country products. Among the residences, only some are open to the public including Linyun Pavilion, the Eastern and Western Gardens, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden, Da Fu Grand House and Lufu Hall. Carvings on wood, stone and brick are an important part of these residences. The clan made an ingenious use of the local water resourc­es to provide running water to all the houses. The ancient halls and houses attract many student artists here to do sketching. If you are in­terested in history and culture, Xidi Village is a good place for you. The best time to visit Xidi Village is spring and autumn. If you visit in March or April, you can appreciate plenty of flowers around the village. Yel­low Mountain and Hongkun Village are the added nearby attractions. 23. SWAT VALLEY, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN The Swat Valley is located in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paki­stan. Swat lies in the lap of the Hindukush Mountain Ranges. The larger part of Swat is covered with high mountains and hills, the crests of which are hidden by everlasting snow. Swat was home to the last iso­lated pockets of Gandharan Buddhism, which lasted until the 11th cen­tury, well after most of the area had converted to Islam. The charm of the valley attract thousands of tourists; hence it has become a popular tourist destination. Swat is also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. One who will visit the valley will get amazed by its scenic surroundings. Its roaring rivers, waterfalls, meandering streams, glacier-fed lakes, pine forest, fruit laden orchards, flower filled mountain slopes and above all the friendly Swati people makes this valley one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Pakistan as well as in Asia. One should spend a few hours at local Mingora Bazar to mingle with local people. Spend the night beside River Swat in Fiza Ghat. Visit Malam Jabba, the most famous ski resort in Pakistan which is only 40 km away from Swat. Swat with its magnificent scenic beauty and rich historical past is a must visit destination that must feature on every tourist’s bucket list. 24. TAMAKI MAORI VILLAGE, ROTURA, NEW ZEALAND Situated in the midst of ancient Tawa Forest in Rotura, the Tamaki Maori Village will give you a glimpse of the Maori way of life, which dates back to an era before European settlement in New Zealand. When you arrive, you will not be permitted to enter the village until a formal welcome ceremony named ‘haka’ takes place. It is a traditional war dance which will show the strength and power of the Maoris. It is accompanied by a chant and, in some cases, by fierce facial expres­sions meant to intimidate, such as bulging eyes and the sticking out of the tongue. Then a peace offering will be made and you have to listen to ‘karanga’, a welcome call. Finally you will to watch ‘powhiri’, a welcome dance which would permit you to enter the village. One can get a crash course in war dancing here. Take part in the daily life of a Maori such as planting and tending crops in communal gardens, fishing or gathering seafood and hunting moa, other birds or seals. Ride on the ‘wakas’ and hear about the ancient stories of the great Maori war­riors. Take traditional ‘hangi‘ meal, which consist of meat and vegetables cooked underground for hours. At night enjoy a cultural performance with harmonious singing and traditional dances. 25. WENGEN, SWITZERLAND A scenic village, located in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Wengen is a part of the Jungfrau region. Wengen is located on a south facing plateau at 1,274m above the sea level with many nostalgic timber houses, dis­persed holiday chalets and hotels dating from Époque Period. This village has all the characters of a picture-postcard mountain village. This car-free village has age old Alpine summits with inherent Swiss culture with white floral pastures, lush green countryside views and the picturesque snow–drenched Alpine ranges forming a wonderful fairy tale backdrop perfect for holiday. The village is a perfect base to explore the Jungffrau region. As Wengen is located high enough, the place gets plenty of snow in winter. Hence, it is the best place to enjoy winter sports activi­ties and other snow activities. A special cultural feature of Wengen is the so-called ‘Pfeifende Lurch’ (German for ‘whistling amphibian’). It is a legendary creature from myths and tales that only exists in Wengen. 26. JUKKASJÄRVI, SWEDEN Jukkasjärvi village in Kiruna region of Northern Sweden is home to only about a 1,000 inhabitants; it is rather known for the Ice Hotel. There are lot of winter activities involving snow and ice available here for tourists. Temperature in winter can go down to – 55°C at night. Daylight is very limited during winter, with darkness until around 10 in the morning and a pale twilight until around 3 in the afternoon; the sun does not rise for two months between mid-November and mid-January. One can still find here the traditional husky sleighs for transport, however, mostly for tourists and competitions now-a-days. 8 to 10 dogs pull each sleigh (depending on how heavy the tourists are), and they are eager to get going, yelping and tugging at the reins. The paths are quite narrow and surrounded by fresh, loose snow; often the sleighs topple over when go­ing round a bend or over a mound, leaving you to fight your way out of the thigh-deep snow. The dogs would carry on regardless of it until the handler can stop them; so you may have quite some distance to walk to catch up with them. The Sami are indigenous people who live in tents here and still have a fairly traditional and nomadic lifestyle; they herd their reindeer for weeks across the wild tundras in the frozen north. The tents are quite basic inside, with reindeer skins creating the seating area around the edge, and a fire in the middle to keep you warm. 27. KASH GOZ, AFGHANISTAN In the hotbed of conflict and terror, the villages of the Kyrgyz and Wakhi people are nestled peacefully in the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. Modernisation and technological development is a far cry in this remote corner of the world, although the people here live peaceful life amidst nature. There is a Kyrgyz yurt camp at Kash Goz at an altitude of ap­proximately 4,150m. Like most camps this nomad camp has five yurts and one mud house which is home to the mosque of the clan. An en­closure formed by mud walls also gives shelter to the sheep and goat herd. Yaks move around the yurts freely at night. There are no trees or bushes at that altitude. The high plains receive a lot of water but ex­treme altitude and tough weather conditions do not allow any farming on this arid land. The arctic winter lasts for six months and can badly decimate the livestock, which is a big problem since Kyrgyz nomads completely depend on their cattle. All types of daily needs are covered by stock farming or by trading in their products like wool, ropes, yurt cover, clothes, milk, yoghurt, quark, cheese, meat and leather. These are traded for flour, tea, sugar and all other goods the Kyrgyz cannot produce by themselves. A yak caravan to the closest Wakhi settlement takes a troublesome 5 day’s march. The region being surrounded by the Hindu Kush, Pamir and Karakoram Range of mountains, is remote and difficult to reach. However, this is accessible for mountaineers. 28. GIETHOORN, THE NETHERLANDS This is a car-free village in Overijssel Province of the country that is known mostly for its waterways in which boats are the main transport. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North. The village has a popu­lation of about 3,000 people. The centuries-old thatched roof houses, cycle paths and greenery add to the charm of the place. There is a na­tional park and a museum for tourists. The marshy Weerribben-Wieden National Park is interesting to explore. Adjacent to it is the Giethoorn’t Olde Maat Uus which is a farm museum illustrating the history of the region. There are quaint canalside restaurants for dining and spending time in the beautiful environment. The peaceful ambience of the village and its sheer beauty makes it look dreamy. There are day trips to this place from Amsterdam. 29. GÁSADALUR, FAROE ISLANDS, DENMARK This is a scenic village on the western side of Vágar in Faroe Islands. It is named after wild geese which are said to be found in abundance here. From this village one can have panoramic views over to the Mykines Island of the Faroe archipelago. The village is surrounded by the high­est mountains of the region like the Árnafjall, Eysturtindur, Tindhólmur and Gáshólmur and this adds to its pristine beauty. Despite the beauty of the place, the population here has been declining due to the diffi­culty in transportation. As of now, only about 16 people still live here. However, a tunnel was blasted recently in one of the mountains thus making a road for easier entry. This makes it easier for tourists to reach the place now. 30. FREUNDENBERG, GERMANY This is a village in North-Rhine Westphalia region of Germany that seems to come straight out of the fairy tale books. The village is full of beautiful half-timbered houses that add a Medieval charm to it. The village is situated in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains that provide hiking trails for adventure tourists. There are also other sports options. The Altstadt or the Old Town area dates back to 1605 AD and has a single road to explore. There is a museum that has exhibits relat­ing to the local history and especially interesting here is the collection of clocks. There is also a museum of technology that displays exhibits relating to the industrial history of the place and the biggest attraction here is the steam engine dating from 1904. There are also ruins from a former castle and a church dating back to the 14th century. The village has served as backdrop of films due to its sheer beauty. Around the place are a few accommodation options for tourists who come here to spend some time away from the crowds of citi Article by Miles with Smiles

Traditionally rock gardens are meant to feature the va­riety and natural beauty of rocks, stones and boulders and is also often called rockery or alpine garden. With diminishing area under green cover in cities these days, the existence of traditional rock gardens has greatly been affected. On the other hand, rock structures and formations attract people and they travel miles to see the heritage sites featuring them. In order to cater to these both, many cities have started coming up with modern day rock gardens, and there are already a handful of them in India now. In order to help its readers prepare their bucket list, Touriosity brings this Snapshot that features a list of the most important rock gardens in India to check out. 1. Rock gardens Chandigarh The rock garden in Chandigarh is by far the most popular one in India. Officially known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden after its founder Nek Chand Saini, it is basically a sculpture garden that features sculptures and structures using industrial and domestic waste. Although the idea was not really to feature rocks, it ulti­mately ended up being called so as the area uses rocks in great number. Nek Chand was a government employee who secretly started collecting the wastes and converting them into sculp­tures in 1957. Today it is no secret and is spread over 40 acres of land near the prominent location of Sukhna Lake. The garden receives visitors close to a million annually. 2. Jatayu earths centre This is one of the newest entries in this list, but not the least significant. Located in the Kollam district of Kerala at Chaday­amangalam, this park is also known as Jatayu Rock or Jatayu Nature Park. It has the largest bird sculpture in the world, that of Jatayu. Located on the peak of a hill overlooking Kollam, the bird measures 61m in length, 46m in width and 21m in height. 3. Rock garden Jamshedpur There is a rock garden in Jamshedpur, although many may not be aware of it, the reason being lack of efforts at popularising it. This rock garden is very basic and is located in Telco Colony. 4. Rock Garden, Darjeeling In a hill station that is already so popular with tourists from all over, this is the newest addition to attractions. Also known as Barbotey Rock Garden, this attraction is located near the Chunnu Summer Falls and Ganga Maya Park. It is 10km from Darjeeling on the way to Ghum. It is surrounded by lush green tea gardens. It is not a rock garden in the traditional sense. It has a rocky waterfall and a lake inside. In Darjeeling one finds another rock garden as a part of the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden. 5. Utsav Rock Garden Built mainly as a picnic spot, this rock garden is located near Hubli in Karnataka. This place brings together art, culture and nature at one place and is a good place for a day out. 6. Oravakallu Rock Garden Also known as Orvakal Rock Garden, this is a 1000-acre sculpture garden park near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The park features some ancient caves and igneous rock formations. There is a walkway for visitors to have a look around. 7. Rock Garden Ranchi In the city of waterfalls, this rock garden is one of the most visited places. Built out of the rocks of the Gonda Hill, this garden is about 4km from Albert Akka Chowk. There are rock sculptures, waterfalls and a lake inside and the place is great for picnics. 8. Venkateshwara Rock Gardens, Tirupati This rock garden is also known as Silathoranam, this is basically just one rock that has the shape of a natural arch that captures the attention of people. Its formation dates back from the Pre-Cambrian period and there is no such formation anywhere else in Asia. People here believe that Lord Venkateshwara walked on this arch on his way from Tirumala to Vaikunth. This protected place is frequented by tourists. 9. Rock Garden Dhanbad, Jharkhand There is a rock garden at Sardar Patel Nagar in Dhanbad. 10. Nartiang Rock Garden This is not a modern day rock garden like the other entries in this list. It is an ancient one, with a beautiful history and leg­ends associated with it. This is an area of monoliths in Nartiang in Meghalaya and the monoliths are associated with the Jaintia rulers who ruled over the region about 600 years ago. 11. Eco Park, Kolkata The Eco Park in the newly developed New Town Rajarhat area of Kolkata is one of the latest crazes in the city. both with the locals and tourists. The huge park is home to many gardens including flower garden, butterfly garden, mask garden, sculp­ture garden, architecture garden, artificial forest and so on. The latest addition here is the Seven Wonders Park here which features miniature versions of the modern day seven wonders of the world. The Moais of Easter Island have been beautifully replicated in this park and these, along with the other attrac­tions, are quite popular with visitors and photo hunters.

125 Hill Stations of India With over 20 mountain ranges across its length and breadth, India has no dearth of picturesque hill stations. While some are already popular and hence crowded, oth­ers are quaint and serene. Out of about 1000 hill stations of the country, this list covers 125, whether crowded, less-explored or totally off the beaten path. Some more have been covered in the pictures only. We hope this list would satiate the travel thirst of our readers by giving them an exhaustive list of hill stations to escape to when they get tired with the din and bustle of city life. Visit these hilly retreats during summer to beat the scorching heat, or go there to enjoy the heavenly beauty during the monsoons or winters to get the best of the ethereal charm. A Almora, Uttarakhand This hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is the perfect meeting ground of culture, history, heritage and natural beauty. The dreamy place abodes some important temples like Nanda Devi, Asht Bhairav and Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple and it is a pilgrim site as well. Shaped like a horse shoe, this town is famous for its pre-British period heritage. It was well known as place where people came to gain health. Auli, Uttarakhand Yet another sought after hill station of Uttarakhand is Auli. Snow clad peaks, gorgeous views of glaciers and the longest cable car ride in Asia, are what make this hill station special. It is a popular skiing destination as well. Surrounded by coniferous and oak forests and Nandadevi and Nar Parvat mountains, the town is also blessed with other nearby attractions like the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath temple and unique alpine flora and fauna that includes red foxes and snow leopards. One can reach Auli from the nearest airport of Dehradun. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh This beautiful place in the Eastern Ghats in the Visakhapatnam district is also known as the ‘Food bowl of South India’. Coffee plantations, hills enveloped in green woods, caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscape cut into half by serpentine hill roads makes this a much sought after holiday destination. Tourist attractions like Sangda Waterfalls, Dumbriguda Fall, Katiki Falls, the Ananthagiri hills, the Tribal Museum and Borra Caves are not to be missed here. Vishakhapatnam is the closest Airport and the place can also be reached by road and railways. Aru Valley, Kashmir For those who enjoy rural settings of Pahalgam, the sounds of gushing Lidder River and galloping horses, pitching a tent in Aru Valley will certainly amplify pleasure. From waking up amidst misty mountains in the morning and taking an early morning stroll across the valley, to going for horse riding or trekking, there are ample opportunities for pleasure of tourists. Photographers can click photos incessantly here. Nearby tourist attractions include Betaab Valley, Baisaran and Chandanwari. Aru is also the starting point of expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonamarg. Andretta, Himachal Pradesh Located only 17 km from Palampur and 44 km from Kangra, Andretta is a small village in Himachal Pradesh for artists and art aficionados. It was promoted as an artist’s paradise and drew the attention of film makers, painters and other eminent personali­ties. There is a theatre and a Pottery and Craft Society here. With Dhauladhar Mountains and lush green forests surrounding the place, it is also a perfect destination for nature and bird lovers. There are around 550 species of birds found here. Andretta can be reached by a car from Palampur or Kangra. Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh With an elevation of 1,048 m, Amarkantak is a decent place to visit if you are looking for a hill station. It is however more popular as the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges from where the River Narmada originates. It is a sacred place for the Hindus. The town is also surrounded by rich flora. Askot, Uttarakhand If you want to spend your holidays in a hill station on the Indo-Nepal Border, Askot is a good option. Rather lesser known, and hence retaining its pristine beauty, Askot is one of the best destinations Uttarakhand has to offer. Located in the Kumaon region, Askot is blessed with surreal beauty that is composed of emerald mountainous views, rhododendrons, dense vegetation and a wildlife sanctuary that is home to the endangered Musk Deer. While for nature lovers there is so much here, for adventure lovers also there are many interesting activities to engage in. There are extremely challenging trek routes along the Dharchula Range up towards the Kailash and Mansarovar. Askot is also a base point for many short treks that offer spectacular views. The hill station is situated 54 km from Pithoragarh and one may hire a cab from Pithoragarh to reach here. Aizawl, Mizoram Aizawl is one of the oldest cities of north eastern India and is culturally very significant. Located at an elevation of 1,130m, the city overlooks the Tlwang and Tuirial rivers. The hill station is an indigenous home to some of the primitive and ethnic groups in North East India. Mizo festivals like Chapchar Kut is a good time to visit the place. It may be noted that even Indians need an Inner Line Permit to visit the state of Mizoram. Amboli, Maharashtra Located in the Sahyadri Hills of Western India, Amboli is an eco tourism hotspot with abundance of flora and fauna. The major tourist attractions of Amboli are the ruins of the historic Mad­havgadh Fort, Amboli Waterfalls, the Shirgaonkar Viewpoint, the caves and nearby Hiranya Keshi temple. This Maharashtrian hill station is located 690m above the sea level and is tucked away in a remote corner, away from the humdrums of the world. This is the last hill station of Maharashtra and is geographically close to the state of Goa. The best way to reach here is by road or train. The nearest airport is that of Dabolim in Goa which is located only 108 kms away. Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand This quaint mountain top hamlet in the Kali Kumaon region of Champawat District of Uttarakhand houses some British style bungalows. The snow-capped cliffs of the Himalayan Range of mountains can be viewed from here. A whiff of fresh air wel­comes tourists here. Tucked away in a remote corner of Uttara­khand, Abbott Mount is perfect for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The best way to explore the place is on foot. From this place one can see an ancient cricket in the distance as well as some village in Nepal. Achabal, Jammu and Kashmir The beauty of the state is well known far and wide. Achabal, in the Anantnag district, is one of the lesser explored places in the state. It is home to one of the most stunning gardens in the state – the Mughal Garden that was once the retreat for Noor Jahan, the Chief consort of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Another attraction here is the beautiful waterfall of Aharbal, located a little away from the main town. One can also consider trekking to the lush meadows of Kungwatar. To reach Achabal one can take a cab from Srinagar or Anantnag. B Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh Located in the West Kameng district of this state in north eastern part of the country, this is a place known for its sheer pristine beauty. The town provides views of the Kangto and Gorichen Peaks. The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby and those visiting here can easily make trips to the forest areas as well. 70 km from here is a 17th century monastery called the Lhagyala Monastery. The beauty of this place was pictured in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer Bollywood movie ‘Koyla’. Banjar Valley, Himachal Pradesh A rather quaint destination in a state that is full of well known hill stations, Banjar Valley has many things to offer to tourists. It is however, not just one town, but has many small destina­tions. The main attractions here are the town of Banjar and the villages of Jibhi, Shoja and Chaini. At Jibhi one can stay by the riverside and enjoy unlimited trout fishing and getting drenched in a beautiful waterfall. Shoja is a quiet hamlet with incredible mountain views and the Jalori Pass which is a little away. The Pass is the beginning point of a trek for the high altitude Serol­sar Lake. Chaini is known for the Chaini Fort. To reach the valley one can take buses from Delhi or Chandigarh up to Aut. From Aut one can take the bus up to Banjar Valley. C Coonoor, Tamil Nadu Of the three hill stations in the Nilgiri hills, Coonoor is the quainter one and perhaps more pristine due to its virgin and unspoilt beauty. Its botanical gardens, tea and coffee plantations are to die for. That apart, for the adventure aficionados trekking paths leading to outside of the town is a big attraction. Chikmagalur, Karnataka Located at the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range, Chikmagalur is often referred as the ‘Coffee Land’ of Karnataka. Away from the din and bustle of city life, a holiday in this region brings the much needed respite. The place is dotted with many hills and mountains and offers an unforgettable experience to visitors. The nearest airport is at Mangalore. Chikhaldara, Maharashtra This lesser known hill station in the Amravati district of Maha­rashtra has a reference in the Mahabharata. It is believed that it is here that Bheema killed Keechaka and threw the body into the valley below. Important attractions here include the tiger sanctuary, Tribal Museum, botanical gardens, Kitchakdari, Sema­doh and Shakkar lakes, the Gavilgad Fort and Narnala Fort and a few viewpoints like the Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point. The place is rich in wildlife and abodes panthers, sloth bears, sambar deers, wild boars and wild dogs. Chikhaldara can be reached by train from Akola. Chopta, Uttarakhand This is a more known hill station of Uttarakhand and is often called the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand. Forming a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is especially popular with adventure-seekers and trekkers. It serves as the base for trekking to Tunganath. The majestic Himalayas serve as the backdrop of this pristine hilly retreat and paints a divine beauty around. The pristine beauty of the place beckons you to visit here again and again. The nearest airport is at Dehradun. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds is home to Cherrapunjee, once known as the rainiest place on earth. Today it is more known for its waterfalls, nearby caves and living root bridges. Located in the Khasi Hills of the state, a 2 hours’ drive from the capital city of Shillong, this place casts a magic spell on its visitors with its misty climate. Chaukori, Uttarakhand Situated in Pithoragarh district of the state close to the Indo-Nepal border, Chaukori is a paradise for nature lovers. It sits at an elevation of 2010 m and is 173 km away from Nainital and makes for a perfect day trip from the latter. Towering Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the Panchauli form the background of this hill station. The place is known for its tea plantations. Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir In this age of technology invasion, if you want to visit a place with the old world charm, Chatpal seems like the best choice. There is no electricity here, but that does not stop the place from being a paradise. It is so cold here that even during summer one needs layers of blankets to sleep comfortably. Apart from enjoying the surreal beauty of the place, trekking to the nearby Thimran village past apple orchards, walnut and oak forest is an option. One can take a cab from Srinagar to reach here. Chail, Himachal Pradesh Located 44 km from Shimla and 45 km from Solan at an elevation of 2,250m, Chail was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. It famously abodes the highest cricket ground in the world and also has dense forests. Apart from the scenic beauty here, one can enjoy adventure activities like Burma bridge, rope walk and rock rappelling at Chail. The nearest airport is at Chandigarh. Champhai, Mizoram Located in the Indo-Myanmar border, Champhai is also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Mizoram’ because it has the big­gest stretch of plain land used for rice cultivation in the state. Surrounded by hills on all the sides, this hill town in Mizo­ram, some 200 km from Aizawl, is a visitor’s delight. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Myanmar Hills. The place is inhabited by different tribal groups, and is a good cultural experience too. Coorg, Karnataka Located in the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the scenic and pristine hill stations in Karnataka. It is a popular weekend get­away for wearied city dwellers from Bengaluru and Mysore. Embraced with lush evergreen forests, alluring waterfalls, pleasantly flowing streams and rivers, holidays in Coorg spell a sojourn of natural beauty, peace of mind and enjoyable times. The culture and cuisine of Coorg are also not to be missed. The nearest airport is at Mangalore. Champawat, Uttarakhand Bordered by the enchanting mountain ranges and the majestic Kali River, this serene hill station is one of the least crowded destinations in Uttarakhand, and hence serene. The place provides scenic views in Champawat. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh has many hill stations and Chamba is one of them located at a height of 996 m above sea level at the meeting point of River Ravi and River Sal. The place is home to many ancient temples that attract pilgrims. The Suhi Mata Mela and Minjar Mela are important events to get acquainted with the culture here. The Pathankot airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 120 kilometres. From there one can take taxis to reach Chamba. Chirmiri, Chhattisgarh The lone hill station of the state of Chhattisgarh in this list, Chirmiri deserves special mention. The place is more known for its coal mines than for anything else. However the hill station is blessed with picturesque views around which tourists can enjoy. One also finds here a Sjri Jagannath Temple that was built in the style of the Jagannath temple at Puri by workers coming to work here from Odisha. Apart from this there are a few other temples in and around Chirmiri. D Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand Located 24 km from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is a quaint hill station on the foothills of the Garhwal Range of the Himalayas. The place attracts the travellers looking for some solitude. The eleva­tion is 2,286 m above sea level. While the nearby Mussoorie is crowded with tourists, those coming to Dhanaulti find the much needed respite in its laid back pace. Darjeeling, West Bengal Located in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is one of the most revered destinations of eastern India and is a craze with tourists from all over India. Tea gardens, UNESCO World Heritage listed Mountain Railway, churches, monasteries and parks make it a place worth visit at least once. One of the biggest highlights of the place is the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, one of the tallest peaks in the world. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Nestled amidst the picturesque coniferous forests of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is the abode of the snow-clad peaks, spectacular landscapes and stunning views of the Himalayas. It is famously the home to His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile. It has an elevation of 1,450 m and is the starting point of several treks around the Himalayan Range. It is a centre for Tibetan Buddhism and is a favourite place for foreign tourists. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh Spread across five hills near the Dhauladhar Mountain Range with an elevation of about 2,000 m, this hill station was the summer retreat of Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor General of India. The place is dotted with many colonial era buildings that add to its heritage look. One can trek up the Dainkund Peak to reach the Pholani Devi temple. Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Subhash Baoli etc. are some of the important attrac­tions of the place. The nearest airport is at Kangra. Daringbadi, Odisha Also called the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’, Daringbadi has an elevation of only 914 metres but temperature in winter often reaches sub zero, thus making it a popular winter destination. Coffee and black pepper plantations, a number of waterfalls and viewpoints are the major attraction of the place. Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh This is a tranquil hill station atop the hill above Mcleodganj in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This place is more known for its meditation centres and slow-paced life. It is also a starting point for the trek to Triund. The cafés in Dharamkot are known for their pancakes, lasagnas, pastas and hummus. Fruit wines and apple cedar from here are also popular. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kangra. E Elapeedika, Kerala This is a small village located at an elevation of 1000 m above the sea level in the Western Ghats. It is the highest place in the Kannur district and provides a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. At the Periya Pass here Pazhassiraja’s force and East India company had fought a battle. Elappara, Kerala This is a village in Idukki village with an elevation of 1000 m. Its cool climate and tea plantations draw a lot of visitors. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Mullaperiyar Dam are not far from here. G Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir The most popular and liked skiing destination in India, Gulmarg, which means ‘meadow of flowers’, is located 52 km from Srina­gar. This place was once the summer retreat of kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir. Gulmarg is truly a white beauty. Besides skiing and ice-skating, you can also chance a ride on the second highest cable car in the world. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Goeche La, Sikkim At an elevation of 4,940 metres, this is a Mountain Pass in the Himalayan Range. The southeast face of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga, is visible from here. Goeche La serves as the base camp for those climbing the Mount Kanchenjunga. Gangtok, Sikkim Gangtok, the capital city of north eastern Indian state of Sikkim is cosseted by some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Pristine beauty and awe-inspiring location of this hill station make it an ideal place to enjoy ropeway cable ride and river rafting. The city is full of monasteries, parks, gardens and other tourist attractions. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Gurez Valley, Kashmir Located in the interiors of Kashmir, Gurez Valley is blessed with ethereal beauty and is often dubbed to possess one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Kashmir. Situated very close to the Indo-Pakistan border, Gurez boasts unparalleled natural beauty of which the scintillating Kishenganga River, the lofty snow-capped mountains, sparse wooden houses and acres of meadow are part of. The locals here thrive on homestay facilities provided to tour­ists. Gurez Valley is situated 123 km from Srinagar and can be reached from there by car. H Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh Located in Andhra Pradesh around 140km from Bangalore, Hors­ley Hills is quite a mystical hill station. According to the legends, this vicinity was once inhabited by a miracle girl, who had magi­cal power of healing. Named after W.D. Horsley, this place is also a popular ground for adventure activities like zorbing, rappelling and trekking. Haflong, Assam This is a quaint little hill station in Assam and can be reached by rail or road from Guwahati. Bright green surroundings, blue rivers and clouds grazing the blue hills that are covered with around 2 lakh varieties of flowers is what aptly describes Haflong. It is home to warm Assamese tribes and tribal culture flourishes in this place. Haflong Lake, Maibong and Jatinga Village are tourist places to visit here. Adventure lovers have options like paragliding, trekking and boating. From October to April is the best time to visit. I Idukki, Kerala A lesser explored place in Kerala, Idukki is just a bus, or train ride away from Kottayam. Lakes, dams, tea plantations and the Eravikulan Wildlife Sanctuary are the main attractions here. The best time to visit is from October to February. The best way to get here is by private vehicle so that one can enjoy the drive through picturesque forests with sight of elephants from time to time. Imphal, Manipur Having a mere elevation of 786m, it is not among the highest hill stations of north eastern India for sure, but definitely one of the most beautiful and important. The Kangla Fort, which is now in ruins, was once the seat of the local rulers. The other attractions here are a historic polo ground, museum and temples. J Johar Valley, Uttarakhand For trekkers this is the best destination. Difficult terrains, cold climate even in summer and picturesque views make it so. The Milam Glacier can be reached crossing the Johar Valley. One can camp at villages like Pungdeo, Bogudyar and Martoli, from where one has majestic views of peaks, closeness to the temple of Nanda Devi Temple and warmth of hospitality of the locals. River Gori Ganga cuts through beautiful gorges, lush meadows and dense forests in Johar Valley making it a rare beauty. Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh Named after the ruler of Mandi, Raja Joginder Singh, this quaint hill station is often called the ‘Powerhouse of India’. The mountain ranges surrounding this place house three of the most effective hydro-electric power plants in India. While nature is at its best here, one can also take part in adventure sports like paragliding and trekking. Jhalong, West Bengal Located near the Indo-Bhutan border, this is a small hill station by the Jaldhaka River. This village in Kalimpong District is only 99 km from Siliguri and 77 km from Jalpaiguri. Jhalong is often also referred to as Jaldhaka, after the river. The Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park etc. are close by. The first hydro-electric project in India was developed here and this is one of the major attractions. Jhalong is also a birders’ paradise. K Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Located at an altitude of 1,230m, Kullu is one of the most cap­tivating hill stations in India with an abundance to visit. It is on the banks the River Beas and has a bundle of adventure activities like paragliding, camping under the starry nights and so on. The landscape here is composed of green woods, majestic hills and shimmery rivers. Kalimpong, West Bengal Perched atop a ridge above the Teesta River at an elevation of 1,250m on the Himalayan foothills, Kalimpong is a delightful experience. Dotted with colonial era buildings, churches, monas­teries and parks, this hill station has a lot to offer to tourists. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Shimla district on the foothills of the Himalayas, Kufri is a paradise for travellers. The hypnotic charm of the place with lush greenery and the snow clad hills around coupled with its chilly climate makes it a favourite with couples. In winter the place gets a white snow cover making it a sought after destination for activities like skiing and tobogganing. In summer trekking and hiking are the more popular activities. The closest airport is Jubbarbhatti Airport near Shimla (20 kms). Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu In Kotagiri one can witness the Nilgiris changing its colour. While the Nilgiris are known as the ‘Blue Mountains’, at Kotagiri it turns green. Endless patches of tea plantations are responsible for the change in appearance of the hills. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore. Kohima, Nagaland The capital city of Nagaland is a hill station with an elevation of 1,444m and was founded by the British in the later half of the 19th century. It is home to people from various Naga tribes. The Kohima Cemetery which is a WWII memorial is by far the most popular attraction here. Other attractions include museums, churches, viewpoints and the Heritage Village that is a little drive away. Kurseong, West Bengal Located 32 km from Darjeeling at an elevation of 1,450m, Kur­seong is the land of ‘White Orchids’. It has pleasant climate all year through and is a sought after hill resort especially with the people from West Bengal. Kurseong is known for its beautiful tea plantations, churches and boarding schools, but is equally famous for the spooky Dow Hills which is said to be the most haunted place in India. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh Located gracefully atop a plateau at an elevation of 1,920m, Khajjiar is called the mini Switzerland of India. The region is cov­ered with lush greenery and cedar forest. Khajjiar was unknown to the rest of the world until 1992 when the Vice Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland visited this hill station and praised it. Attractions here include the 12th century Khajji Nag Temple, high altitude Khajjiar Lake and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. Khandala, Maharashtra Located atop the Bhor Ghat in Maharashtra, this hill station is one of the most celebrated summer retreats in the country. It is also popular for trekking and hiking. It became more famous after the song “Aati kya Khandala” in Aamir Khan starrer movie ‘Ghulam’. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh Established during British rule as a colonial hill station, Kasauli sits at an elevation of 1,800m. Lined with scenic pine and oak plantations, the colonial architecture of this quaint hill station offers a unique charm of India’s pre-independence era. Kasauli can be reached by road from Chandigarh which is the nearest airport. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Located in the Dindigul district of the state, Kodaikanal sits at an elevation of 2,133m. Surrounded by lush green forests, grassy hills, waterfalls and granite cliffs, Kodaikanal is often known as the ‘Gift of the Forests‘. It is also said to be the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ and has a lot to offer to tourists including the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rock and Guna Caves. Kanatal, Mussoorie A town within a town, Kanatal is located inside Mussoorie but isn’t at all like it. At Kanatal one is surrounded by pine forests, lush greenery, apple orchards, flower gardens, waterfalls and small temples hidden away. For foodies and nature lovers it is the quintessential town to visit. Khati, Uttarakhand Trekking to Khati is a popular activity, although largely this is still a much unexplored hill station. Khati is the last inhabited village on the way to the Pindari Glacier and is the base for the trek to it. The hill station is lined with oak forests and rhododendrons making it a breathtaking experience. Kausani, Uttarakhand Popularly known as ‘Switzerland of India’, Kausani is a place from where one can feast the eyes on mesmerising view of Himalayan peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli and the Someshwar valley, Garur and Baijnath Katyuri valley below. Surrounded by dense pine woods and tea gardens, Kausani is also a great place to spot wildlife. Situated at an elevation of 1,890m, natural beauty of Kausani is heavenly to say the least. Apart from that there is not much to do here except to see Anashakti Ashram and Pant Museum. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh This is a high-altitude cold desert on the banks of the Spiti River with an elevation of 3,650m above sea level. The terrain here is similar to that of Tibet or Ladakh. Buddhist culture pre­vails here and the town is accessible from Kinnaur as well as Lahaul Valley. Less frequented by tourists due to rough terrain, Kaza mainly attracts mountaineers, adventure junkies and trek­king enthusiasts. Tangyud Monastery, Kibber Village and Key Gompa are some of the most prominent attractions here. Kibber, Himachal Pradesh At an elevation of 4,205m, Kibber is the highest village in the world, located just 18 km away from Kaza and lies in proxim­ity to villages like Komic, Langshu and Hikkim, which are base camps for many treks. Due to very difficult terrain, the hill sta­tion sees very less tourist. The allure of barren and the majestic mountains besides the overwhelming silence of monasteries adds to the charm of this place. There is a wildlife sanctuary here that is home to Himalayan wolf, Tibetan wild ass, snow leopard, Tibetan woolly hare and blue sheep among others. Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir Some 60 km from the tourist hub of Pahalgam is situated the lesser known yet beautiful hill station of Kokernag. If you love Mughal Gardens, you will be happy to know that Kokernag has the biggest garden in Kashmir. Asia’s largest trout fishery is also located her. One can go there and learn about breed­ing this species of fish. Kokernag can be reached by cab from Pahalgam or Srinagar. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh Keylong is on the picturesque Manali-Leh Highway, at an elevation of 3,080m. Located on the banks of the Bhaga River, it is often thronged by the tourists during the Manali to Leh motorcycle expedition. In the month of July, tourists can witness its annual celebration which is full of fun, colours and merriment. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar. L Lansdowne, Uttarakhand A quaint hill station, situated at an altitude of 1,706m above sea level, in the Garhwal district, Landsdowne is blessed with a pleasant climate all around the year. The place has a cover of thick oak and blue pine forests and also provides visitors pristine views and peaceful environment. Adventure lovers can indulge in activities like trekking and nature walks, bird watching, boating and paddling. Lonavala, Maharashtra Thanks to Bollywood, Lonavala, a hill station on the Sahyadri Range, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is also known as the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’. Resting at an elevation of 622m above sea level, this place is bestowed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Visitors may indulge in activities like trekking, fishing and picnicking apart from sightseeing. Lonavala can be reached by road or train from Mumbai and Pune. Lavasa, Maharashtra It is the first ever planned hill station in India, and not a gift of the colonial rule. It was built in the style of an Italian town called Portofino. This yet-to-be completed hill station is located near Pune and is a private property. Lepchaghat, West Bengal Located in wilderness at an altitude of about 6967 feet above sea level, Lepchajagat is a quaint little mountain village which is charmingly beautiful, to say the least. The village lies on a hill slope amidst rhododendron and oaks forests. The best thing about the place is that although it is a mere 19 kms away from Darjeeling, and easily accessible by a 45 minute journey by road, this hilly village has somehow quite miraculously been able to maintain its tranquil atmosphere. Landour, Uttarakhand 6 km from Mussoorie, one finds Landour, a cantonment town that has an old-world vibe. Abode to the famous author Ruskin Bond and others including Allan Sealy and Colleen Gantzer, Landour’s connection to the literary world is not unknown anymore. The laid back lifestyle here attracts tourists here. One can take a walk or rent a bike to explore nearby attractions like Kempty Falls, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi or Chamba. Lava, West Bengal This hill station is located only 34 km from the more popular hill station of Kalimpong. It has an elevation of 2,140 meters and is popular for being the entry points of the Neora Valley National Park and the Jelep La and Rechi La Passes. Located about 670 kms from Kolkata, this place brings the much needed respite to the city dwellers from the heat and hustle and bustle. Lolegaon, West Bengal Located at an altitude of 1,675m at the extreme end of a Himalayan ridge, about 24 km from the more popular hill station of Lava, Lolegaon is a small picturesque village. From here one can have beautiful views of the Singalila Range, the Kanchenjunga and Tiger Hill. M Matheran, Maharashtra Located 800m above the sea level, Matheran is known for its mild climate, Neral-Matheran heritage toy train ride and colo­nial era architecture. Motor vehicles are banned inside this pris­tine hill station and you arrive by the train and inside the place, commuting is either on foot or on horseback. The viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountains. Munnar, Kerala Located 1,600m above the sea level, Munnar in Kerala is a picturesque hill station. Also called the ‘Green Capital of India’, it is laced with scenic mountains, rolling hilltops, tea and coffee plantations, and is a true cradle of nature that befits fairy tales and fantasies. The nearest airport is at Kochi. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Famous for being the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu rests on a rocky plateau on the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The place is surrounded by forests and lakes and has many as­sociated myths and legends. It offers respite to travellers from the heat of the desert around. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Often called the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie rests at a height of 1,880m above the sea level. It is located at a distance of 35km form Dehradun. The serenity of the place, its pristine beauty, panoramic views of the Doon Valley and an exhilarat­ing ropeway cable ride, are some of the attractions Mussoorie has on offer. Manali, Himachal Pradesh One of the top skiing destinations in India, Manali is known for its alluring beauty and splendour. Located at an elevation of 2,050m beside the Beas River Valley, Manali is popular with honeymooners and sports lovers alike. The snowy blanket of Manali in winter is a heavenly sight. Paragliding in these beau­tiful hills of Manali is a popular activity. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra Located on the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,353m, Ma­habaleshwar, with its tranquil and evergreen ambience, used to be the summer capital of Bombay. The hill station is also known as the ‘Land of Strawberries’. Mahabaleshwar can be easily reached both from Pune and Mumbai. Mirik, West Bengal One of the many hilly jewels of West Bengal, Mirik is all about natural beauty and splendour. Located mystically amongst the hills of Darjeeling, this small hill town offers a tranquil holiday experience ornamented with prismatic views of the Mt. Kanchen­junga. Surrounded by lush and evergreen pine forests and exotic gardens, the Sumendu Lake is the main attraction of Mirik. Morni, Haryana The sole hill station of Haryana, Morni is a village on the Morni Hills and is popular with tourists. The attractions here include the Bhim Taal and Draupadi Taal lakes, Morni Fort Museum, Garhi Kotaha Fort, Masoompur Fort, a waterfall, a pheasant breeding centre, herbal forest and the ruins of an ancient temple. Morni lies about 45 km from Chandigarh and 35 km from Panchkula. Mahendragiri, Odisha One of the seven famous Kulagiris in India, Mahendragiri is the second highest peak of Odisha and located 51 km from Berhamp­ore. It is mentioned in the poetry of Kalidasa. It is mainly visited during the Shivaratri festival. Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh Mashobra is a quaint little town connected to Shimla via Hindu­stan-Tibet Road, the historic road built by Lord Dalhousie way back in 1850. Not frequented by tourists often, this place is apt for a relaxing holiday. Thickly wooded with oak, rhododendron, Himalayan deodar and cedar trees, Mashobra is ideal for a crea­tive break for artists. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand A beautiful hill station at an elevation of 2,298m, Munsiyari is extremely popular with adventure-seekers. Deeply forested with rhododendron, cedar and deodar trees, this place offers beautiful views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. It is a starting point of many treks including the popular trek to Namik Glacier. N Nainital, Uttarakhand A Himalayan resort town, Nainital as a hill station needs no introduction to tourists. Resting at an elevation of 2,084m in the Kumaon region, the town of Nainital is tucked within hills and mountains. Among the tourist destinations here, the Nainital Lake is a popular boating destination. For those willing to have a view of the town from above and of the Nanda Devi Peak, there is a cable car option. Nelong Valley, Uttarakhand Nelong Valley lies in the Gangotri National Park and was historically part of Indo-Tibet trade route. It presents a desert landscape like that in Ladakh. The unexploited natural beauty here makes it a destination to visit. However night stay here is not permitted and permission of the DM’s office in Uttarkashi is required even for visiting. But once here, one realises that the place is worth all these extra efforts. Netarhat, Jharkhand Set at an elevation of 1,070m, Netarhat town in the Latehar district of Jharkhand is known for its sunrise and sunset views. It is the highest point of Chhotanagpur Plateau and is also called the ‘Queen of Chhotanagpur’. A day trip from Ranchi is the best way to enjoy the place. The hill station brings respite to the state that is otherwise depried of mountains. O Ooty, Tamil Nadu The scenic beauty of Ooty makes it one of the most celebrated hill stations of South India. Nestled deep within the Nilgiri Hills, this quaint hill station has been traditionally a delight for the honeymooners, family holidayers and nature lovers alike. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage can be experienced here as Ooty is one of the stations it connects. Tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, botanical gardens and parks make it a must visit destination. P Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh This hill station is often called ‘The Queen of Satpura’ and happens to be the only hill station of the state. Located at an elevation of 1,100m, this hilly retreat is popular for its scenic beauty, picture-perfect outlook and the tranquil ambience. Shar­ing history with the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Pachmarhi offers many tourist attractions like Dhurgarh, Sunset Point, Sangam, Silver Falls and several caves. Pelling, Sikkim Located about 2,100 metres above sea level, Pelling is a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and spirituality. It offers the most stunning views of the Himalayas and Mt Kanchenjunga. The Pemayangste and Sanga Choling monasteries are the high­lights of the hill station as is Pelling’s scenic beauty, its waterfalls, the Khecheopalri Lake and its historical architecture. Pelling, being the base camp for a number of interesting trekking routes, is popular with mountaineers. Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir Another hill station that needs no introduction, Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,740m. Be it honeymooners, pilgrims, family holidayers or friends, Pahalgam is a top destination for all. There is a mountain trail running from here to the Amarnath Cave temple. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Ponmudi, Kerala Ponmudi is nestled at an elevation of 1,100m and is home to acres of tea gardens, national parks and rivers. The quaint hill station offers excellent views of dramatic sunrise from the hill tops. Tea gardens, crystal clear waters of the Kallar River and fresh water springs are its biggest attractions. There is also a deer park, a wild­life sanctuary and a biological park here. Ponmudi is a shutterbug’s paradise. Peora, Uttarakhand A quiet hamlet in the lap of Kumaon region of the Himalayas, Peora is a birdwatchers’ paradise near Nainital. The elevation of the place is 1,997m. It is surrounded by sal, pine, oak, kaphal and rhododendron trees. It is possible to taste locally grown apple, plum, peach or apricot. Pangi, Himachal Pradesh This is one of the remotest places in this list. In the Chamba tehsil of HP exist this hidden beauty where reaching is a challenge itself. But once there, one realises that it was worth all the pain. The lush green Pangi valley, having an elevation up to 3,400m, is as unex­plored as it can be. The place has a unique fragrance due to some rare Ayurvedic herbs and plants. One can trek from here to the Sach Pass (4,400m). But it must be remembered that Pangi Valley is only for the brave-heart and physically fit people. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur is embraced by gazing peaks, tea plantations, striking pine forests and other natural marvels. While the Dhauladhar Mountains at the back of Palampur offers a picture-perfect background, the narrow yet intriguing terrains leading to the town makes it more enchant­ing and a must-visit hill station. Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh About 131 km-drive from Shimla is Rohru in the Pabbar Val­ley, which marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience for visitors. Lush green valley with meadows, forests and apple orchards greet you. The valley is also rich in trout fish giving visi­tors ample opportunity to go fishing and angling. Trekkers also have the option of trekking to Chanshal Pass and Kuper Valley. Apart from Rohru, two other important places to see in Pabbar are Hatkoti and Jubbal. Reaching Pabbar Valley from Shimla by private or public transport is easy. Panchgani, Maharastra For those who want to witness and experience how flourishing the colour green can be, Panchgani is a must visit. Discovered during the British era, this tranquil hill station is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra and is guarded by five different hills. The place has an elevation of 1,293m and is replete with tourist attraction in the form of ancient forts and viewpoints. R Ranikhet, Uttarakhand At Ranikhet one gets mesmerised by the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Surrounded by lush green woods, fields and hills, with meandering roads, Ranikhet is a sheer delight. The place also offers some activities for adventure-lovers. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar Airport and the nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Raithal, Uttarakhand A small village in the Garhwal Himalayas, Raithal gives you the much needed laid back atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed holiday. Take a stroll, enjoy the breeze, bask under the sun, gaze at the picturesque mountains and lush forests and live in the mud houses with carvings and designs – that’s all you do here. If you want more activity, trek to the gorgeous Dayara Bugyal. From Uttarkashi one can take a cab to Raithal unless you are driving yourself from Chandigarh or Delhi. S Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is often referred as the ‘Kashmiri Venice’. One of the most romantic destinations in India, the mystical outlook of this place entices the visitors with its charm and beauty. Visit this piece of paradise and witness the mesmerising beauty of the Dal Lake and enjoy a Shikara rides to several gardens within the lake. Stay in a House­boat for a unique experience. Shillong, Meghalaya Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is a true paradise to say the least. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, it is a must-visit hill station in north eastern part of India. Rolling hills, salubrious ambience, alluring waterfalls, scenic beauty, beautiful lakes, a sprawling park, cool temperature, sumptuous food and cheerful people add to the heavenly beauty of the place. Shimoga, Karnataka With an elevation of only 569m, this hill station is the gateway to the Western Ghats and is hence called ‘Gateway of Malnad’. The place is replete with waterfalls and the Jog Falls is worth special mention. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh Sirmaur district that lies at a distance of approx 150 km from popular hill station of North India, Shimla, boasts being the Peach Bowl for the state. There are many temples to visit here. It is also a great trekking destination and the Churdhar Peak trek is a popular activity for the adventure-minded. Sirmaur can be reached by cab from Chandigarh and Shimla by public or private transport. Sanasar, Jammu and Kashmir An off the beaten path destination in the Jammu region, 20 km from the famous hill station of Patnitop, Sanasar is an unexploit­ed hill station. This place has vast expanse of meadow which takes you to tiny settlements with mud houses, farms, and streams. The locals are very welcoming. One can reach Sanasar from Jammu City. Sani Village, Jammu and Kashmir It is a village in the Zanskar Valley, located a few kilometres from Padum at an elevation of 3,700m. Time here seems to have come to a standstill. Visitors can stay in the houses of locals at a minimal cost and have local meals and locally brewed Chang (rice beer) as a gesture of hospitality. Local festivals and the Sani monastery are tourist attractions. To reach here cabs are avail­able from Kargil and Leh. Saputara, Gujarat Located at an altitude of 1,000m atop a plateau, Saputara is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats. Lush green forests, mountains, cascading waterfalls and serpentine roads makes it a dreamy destination. Over the last few years, it has emerged as an ideal tourist spot offering various fun and exciting activi­ties like boating, ropeway rides and several others. The nearest airport is at Surat and the nearest train station is at Bilimora. Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir Sonmarg or the ‘Meadow of Gold’ is one of the most mag­nificent hill stations in Kashmir at an elevation of 2,800m. The place is full of enticing glaciers and picture perfect alpine forests. It is a favourite ground for Golden Mahseer and Trout fishing. But entry to Sonmarg remains restricted in the winters due to excessive snowfall. The nearest airport is at Srinagar. Sandakphu, West Bengal Set at an elevation of about 3,700 meters above the sea level, Sandakphu is located 650 kms from the state capital of Kolkata. This destination is mainly popular with trekkers, mountaineers and ski enthusiasts. Being the highest point in the entire state, the place also provides view of four of the highest peaks of the world being the Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is indeed one of the most sought-after hill stations in India. Once the summer capital of India, it now serves as one of the main tourist destinations of the country. Be it the winters or the summers, Shimla always offers a pleasant climate and ample of sightseeing options to its visitors and other amazing activities like skiing, trekking and paragliding in the region. Samsing, West Bengal With an elevation of 920m above the sea level, Samsing is located not on a very high hill, but it is nevertheless one of the most beautiful hill stations of the state and is situated in the sought after Dooars area of the state, 640 kms from Kolkata. Lush green landscape, tea gardens and foggy weather makes it a dream getaway for city dwellers. The Neora Valley National Park is only 18 kms from here. T Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh A leisurely road trip away from Delhi, this valley is known to be one of the most picturesque places in Himachal Pradesh. The Valley is located in the Kullu District and makes for the quintes­sential hill station getaway to connect with yourself and dear ones. Choose to live amidst nature at its rawest. This is where you do bonfires as you huddle up when the temperatures drop. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh For the adventure enthusiast, Tawang promises to be a great site for paragliding, rock-climbing and trekking. Resting at a height of approximately 3,048 m (10,000 ft), Tawang is right in the middle of Bhutan and Tibet. It beautifully captures a mix of Buddhist and north eastern culture. It is one of most popular hill stations of the north eastern part of the country. The main attraction here is the Tawang monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in the world outside of Lhasa. Apart from it there are stunning views of Tawang Valley, Tawang Chu River, Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges besides glacial lakes such as Sangetser and Banggachang Lake, which remain frozen during winters. Visitors to this quiet hill station can keep themselves busy rock climbing, paragliding and river rafting. Tawang can be reached by either road or flying down to the nearest airport which is Salonibari Airport. One must get a government-issued special Inner Line Permit to enter the district, from Tezpur, New Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati. The best time to visit is during the summer months between March and October. Turtuk, Jammu & Kashmir Turtuk is a border village in Leh district that was annexed to India post 1971 Indo-Pak War. However, the place remained closed for visitors until 2010. The surreal destination is situated on the bank of the Shyok River and is surrounded by moun­tains of Karakoram Range. All around there are barley fields and stone houses. Turtuk is perfect for those who desire to see ancient Tibetan and Indo-Aryan cultures. Turtuk is a part of Nubra Valley and can be reached by hiring a car from Leh which is around 204 km away. Thekaddy, Kerala Considered as the best hill station town God’s Own Country, Thekkady is the home to the renowned Periyar National Park. In addition to the natural beauty of Thekkady, visitors love to delve into the wilderness of the park and witness some of the rare and exotic wildlife species. Taptapani, Odisha With an elevation of 550m, Taptapani is a hill station in the Ganjam district that is known for its sulphur water springs. The place is surrounded by a cluster of hills and thick forests. How­ever, people mainly come here for the hot water springs. U Udumbanchola, Kerala This lesser known hill station is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and some hills here have an elevation of 2,000m. One of the latest discoveries brought this place to news. In the Potha­mala hills here historians recently discovered the largest menhirs found in the region, indicating the existence of a prehistoric graveyard here. Umrangso, Assam Located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam it is an industrial town. The elevation is 640m. This area has been known for violence and hence sees very less tourist. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Located on the bank of River Bhaghirathi at an elevation of 1,158m, it is a holy town close to Rishikesh. It has a number of temples and because of its similarity with Kashi (Varanasi) it has been named as Uttarkashi. V Virajpet, Karnataka Nestled at an elevation of 909m, this hill station was founded in 1792AD by King Virarajendra to commemorate his meeting with General Robert Abercromby, his ally against Tipu Sultan, the King of Mysore. Verinag, Jammu & Kashmir Located in the Anantnag district at an altitude of 1,851m, Verinag is the first tourist spot one comes across while travel­ling from Jammu to Kashmir Valley and is often referred to as the Gateway of Kashmir. The most important attractions here are the Verinag Spring and the Mughal Garden laid down by Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Valparai, Tamil Nadu Located 3,500ft above the sea level and lying gracefully in the lap of the Anamalai Mountain Range, Valaparai is the vicinity where the stunning waterfalls, lush meadows and scenic valleys whispers liveliness into the visitors. Comprising of 40 hairpin bends, the journey to this spectacular hill station in Tamil Nadu is filled with thrill and excitement. W Waichin Valley, Himachal Pradesh Unperturbed by the chaos of the other tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, Waichin hides itself in thick woods and lofty mountains. One can get here after a steep ascent that can make one’s legs go weak and breath heavy for 2 hours that it takes from Malana Village. But once one reaches here, all the pain is compensated by sheer magic, i.e. gigantic mountains that one seems to be able to touch, the velvety meadow that one can walk bare feet on, and the crisp air that fills one’s senses with positivity. Waichin is a place to reconnect with nature and self. Y Yercaud, Tamil Nadu A small hill station with an elevation of 1,515m, Yercaud is known as the ‘Jewel of the South’. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched and unchanged by humans thus making for a paradisiacal destination for a peaceful vacation away from the chaotic city life. The region’s heavenly beauty, pleasant climate, exquisite range of flora and fauna, beautiful resorts, the tem­ples, small forested areas, the rock formations and the gardens – all make it a mesmerizing experience. Yusmarg, Jammu & Kashmir Located around 47km from Srinagar at an altitude of 2,396m, Yusmarg is a captivating hilly retreat. Legends have it that Jesus Christ once visited the place and so it is also called the ‘Meadow of Jesus’ by the locals. While snow clad peaks, picturesque outlook and fascinating sights of Yusmarg can keep the visitors engrossed, its option for different adventure activities also fulfil the requirement of thrill and excitement among the visitors. Yumesamdong, Sikkim Situated at an elevation of 15,300 ft, this is the last point of motorable road and after this point no motor vehicles can go. This is therefore called the Zero Point. The Chinese Border is very close from here. Yuksom, Sikkim This place is located at an elevation of 1,780m. It was the first capital of Sikkim established way back in 1642 AD by the then Namgyal of Chogyal of Sikkim. Also known as the ‘Gateway to Kangchendzongha’, Yuksom presents picturesque views of snow-capped mountain peaks. There are a number of monaster­ies here. A major attraction here is the Royal Complex of Tashi Teenka. Yamunotri, Uttarakhand Mythologically the seat of Goddess Yamuna and the source of the Yamuna River, Yamunotri sits at an elevation of 3,293m in the Garhwal Himalayas. This is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims who throng here all year long. Yamunotri is also popular for its thermal springs and glaciers. Z Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh In a region that is blessed with one of the most bewitching natu­ral landscapes in the country, Ziro is the highest point. Located in the Lower Subansiri district, Ziro is home to the ancient Apatani tribe, which is known for its unique cultural values, agricultural and social forestry system. Facial tattoos and nose plugs that the elderly locals sport gives the place a mystical feel, delineating the rich cultural heritage that it has been carrying till now. Beautiful pine hills and rice fields characterise Ziro. The hills here are cov­ered with a variety of flora and fauna. Peppered with beautiful rice fields, this place has a laid back vibe that turns musical and hippy during September when Ziro Music Festival is organised, an event that is attended by thousands of music lovers from around the world. Ziro is also a hub for trekkers and picnic lov­ers. It is awaiting its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

There are hundreds of antelopes and deer species availa­ble in different parts of the world. They beckon the wild­life enthusiasts and photographers alike. While Touriosity is committed to bringing a unique theme every issue, this time it has presented its readers with an unusual theme on mothers and babies in the animal kingdom. However, there is also some emphasis on antelopes and deer in this issue. For our readers who are interested in wildlife and photography, we thought of compiling a list of beautiful animals from the wild. The result was this Snapshot on antelopes and deer. This list also contains some species of animals that do not strictly belong to the category of antelopes and deer but look similar and have similar habits. Hence these were included. However, many more species remains to be further explored and we promise to bring a whole issue on antelopes in futures. 1. Barasingha, India, Nepal Also called swamp deer, its antlers are different from other Indian deer species as they have more than three tines. The name literally means ‘twelve-horned’ and full grown stags may have up to 14 tines; history has recorded up to 20. Originally found throughout Indian sub-continent, it is now extinct in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Nepal has a thin population while India has a large population. Barasingha has shoulder height of nearly 4 ft and a head-to-body length of nearly 6 ft. Its body is covered with woolly hair that is yellowish brown above but paler below, with white spots along the spine. In summer the coat becomes bright rufous-brown. Throat, belly, inside of the thighs and beneath the tail is white. Females are paler than males. On an average antlers measure up to 2.5 ft but the highest recorded one has been of 8.5 ft. A stags weighs 170 to 280 kg and fe­males weigh 130 to 145 kg. When alarmed, they give out shrill, baying alarm calls. It is mainly found in Assam, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and it is the state animal of the latter two states. A Barasingha was featured in Rudyard Kipling’s The Second Jungle Book. 2. Barking Deer, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, northeastern India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam Also called the Indian muntjac or southern red muntjac, this deer species is native to South and Southeast Asia. These are highly alert creatures and are called the ‘barking deer’ due to the bark-like sound that it makes as an alarm when danger is present. Barking deer is among the smallest deer species and has soft, short, brownish or greyish thick coat with a darker face and reddish brown limbs. Male muntjacs have short antlers measuring about 4 inch protruding from above the eyes. Fe­males have tufts of fur and small bony knobs instead of antlers. They measure from 35 – 53 inches in length and 16 – 26 inches in height. The animal is found in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, grasslands, savannas and scrub forests, as also in the hilly slopes of the Himalayas up to an altitude of 3,000m. They are omnivores and apart from grass, bushes, leaves, bark, twigs, herbs, fruit, sprouts, seeds and tender shoots, they also eat bird eggs, and small, warm-blooded animals. 3. Bates’s Pygmy Antelope, Nigeria, Congo basin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda It is the second smallest antelope species in the world and is also known as Dwarf Antelope and Pygmy Antelope. It lives in moist forest and bushlands of Central and West Africa and is also found in plantations, secondary forest, cleared areas and areas near the human habitations. An adult Bates’ Pygmy antelope weighs about 2 to 3 kg and measure 20 to 22 inches in length. Their tail measure 1.8 to 2.0 inches. Males have horns measur­ing 1.5 to 2.0 inches that extend back over their head on the same plane as the face. The horns are minute, black or brown in colour, stout and ringed at the base. It has glossy dark chestnut colour on its back that darkens on the back and is lighter on the flanks. There is a sharp contrast white colour on the throat and belly. They mainly eat leaves, buds, shoots, fungus and herbs and very limited amount of grass. Occasionally they also eat crops, especially peanut, which make them a menace for farmers. This antelope can run very fast and make a short and raspy bark when fleeing. 4. Blackbuck, India, Nepal, Pakistan Also known as the Indian antelope Blackbucks look similar to gazelles, and are distinguished mainly by their black colour. Their lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. Blackbucks measure up to 29 to 33 inches at the shoulder. Males weigh 20–57 kg and females weigh 20–33 kg. The males have long, ringed horns measuring about 14–30 inches long, and females occasionally have horns. The horns typi­cally diverge forming a ‘V’-like shape. These antelopes are dark brown to black in colour with white fur on the chin, around the eyes, the underparts and the insides of the legs. The females have a lighter tone. Blackbuck inhabits grassy plains, dry thorn and scrub lands and thinly forested areas close to perennial water sources as they drink a lot of water. Originally they were also found in Bangladesh but are currently extinct there. In India blackbucks are mainly found in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. The population of blackbucks have reduced over the decades and today it is listed as an endangered animal in India. 5. Bohor Reedbuck, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania and Togo Bohor reedbuck has five subspecies. It has a yellow to grayish brown coat. Gener­ally, the bohor reedbuck is yellower than other reedbucks. The young ones are darker than the adults and have longer hair. They have a lifespan of about 10 years. They measure 39–53 inches in length. The males typically weigh 43–65 kg and females 35–45 kg. They have a bushy tail measuring 7.1–7.9 inches in length. The males possess a pair of stout horns measuring 9.8–13.8 inches that extend backward from the forehead and hook slightly forward. Bohor reedbuck eats grasses and tender reed shoots with high protein and low fibre content and drink a lot of water. They inhabit moist grasslands, swamp­lands and woodlands. They can easily camouflage in grasses and reeds, and hide themselves rather than running from danger. But if the threat is close, they flee, whistling shrilly to alert the others. Its main predators are lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs and Nile crocodiles 6. Bongo, Kenya, Southern Sudan, West Africa, Central Africa, Congo Basin Bongos are one of the largest of the forest antelopes. They are of two types, the Lowland Bongo and the Mountain Bongo, the latter is critically endangered with only about 150 in number left in the wild. A nocturnal ungulate, Bongos are characterised by a striking reddish-brown coat, with black and white markings and stripes and long spiraled horns. The stripes help them in camouflaging with the surroundings when in danger. Bongos are herbivorous and need salt in their diet. Hence they regularly visit the natural salt licks. They are found in dense mountain forests, dense undergrowth and rainforests. Adult males and females both are similar in size and both have horns, but that of the male are longer and more massive. The full grown height is about 1.1 to 1.3m at the shoulder and the length is 2.15 to 3.15m. The tail measures 18–26 inches. Females weigh around 150–235 kg, while males weigh about 220–405 kg. It is third largest of the forest antelopes after Greater Kudu and Eland. 7. Bontebok, South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia The bontebok has two subspecies, i.e the bontebok and the blesbok. They are closely related to the common tsessebe which are said to be the fastest antelope in Africa with a capacity of attaining a speed over 90 km/h. The bontebok is chocolate brown in colour, with a white underside and a white stripe from the forehead to the tip of the nose. It has a distinctive white patch around its tail. The bontebok typically stands 31 to 39 inches high at the shoulder and measure 47 to 83 inches from head to tail. The tail measures 12 to 24 inches. They weigh between 50 and 155 kg, with the males being a little larger and heavier than females. Both males and females have lyre-shaped and clearly ringed horns. The horns can measure up to half a metre. The bonteboks are found in the coastal Fynbos and Renosterveld. They are not good jumpers, but they are very good at crawling under things. Bonteboks were once rampantly killed and reduced to a wild population of just 17 in number, but the species has since recovered thanks to conservation efforts undertaken for game hunting. 8. Bushbuck, Sub-Saharan Africa like South Africa, Angola,Zambia, Ethiopia, Somalia Also called Imbabala or Cape bushbuck, it is found in Sub-Saharan Africa in rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna bush and woodlands. Bushbucks have a light brown coat, with up to seven white stripes and white geometrical patches on ears, chin, tail, legs and neck. Only the males have horns which can reach over half a metre with only one twist. The body colour largely depends on the region that a bushbuck inhabits ranging from yellow to red-brown, brown, olive to almost black. Those found in Angola, Zambia, southern DRC, Botswana and northern Zimbabwe do not have any significant stripes. Bushbucks are about 3 ft tall at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg with males being larger. At 10 months old, young males sprout horns that are particu­larly twisted and at maturity form the first loop of a spiral. Bushbucks are solitary animals and the mature males go out of their way to stay away from each other. They are mostly nocturnal animals and are active in early mornings and night. These are in high demand in game hunting. 9. Chousingha, India and Nepal It is a small four-horned antelope found in India and Nepal. It is one of the small­est in Asia. It may be noted that Chousingha is the only antelope with four horns. One pair of its horns is located between the ears, and the other on the forehead. The posterior horns (measuring 3.1–4.7 inches) are longer than the anterior ones (measuring 0.79–1.97 inches). While there are not much differences in appear­ance between the males and females, only the males have horns. It stands 22–25 inches at the shoulder and weighs nearly 17–22 kg. The slender antelope has thin legs and a short tail. It has a yellowish brown to reddish coat. The underpart of the neck is white. Chousingha is an elusive antelope that is solitary by nature although it is possible to sight it in groups of three to five sometimes. They feed on grasses, herbs, shrubs, foliage, flowers and fruits and needs to drink water frequently; so it stays in places with significant grass cover or heavy undergrowth near water sources. There are three subspecies of Chousinghas. 10. Chinkara, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India Also known as the Indian gazelle, Chinkara has six subspecies. They live in arid plains, hills, deserts, dry scrub and light forests. They inhabit more than 80 pro­tected areas in India. 80% of the Indian population of Chinkaras are found in the Thar Desert. The population in Pakistan is scattered, and has been severely reduced by hunting. In Iran and Afghanistan also the population is very less. Adult Chinkaras stand at 26 inches tall and weigh about 23 kg. It has a reddish-buff summer coat with smooth, glossy fur. In winter, the white belly and throat fur is in greater contrast. The sides of the face have dark chestnut stripes from the corner of the eye to the muzzle, bordered by white stripes. The horns measure about 15 inches. Chinkaras are shy and avoid human habitation. They are solitary animals and are mainly seen alone. They can go without water for a long time and can get the required fluids from plants and dew. They are herbivores and share their habitat with other herbivores. They are preyed upon by leopards, tigers, lions, cheetahs, wolves, golden jackels and wild dogs. 11. Dik Dik, Eastern and Southern Africa Dik Diks are one of the smallest antelopes inhabiting the bushlands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. They are found in places with sufficient supply of edible plants. They are herbivores and mainly eat fruits, berries, foliage and shoots, but not grass. They hardly drink any water and that gives them the dis­tinction of having the driest excrement among the animals. Their height varies from 12–15.5 inches at the shoulder, and length from 19.5 –27.5 inches. They weigh between 3 to 6 kgs and live up to 10 years. Female dik-diks are a little larger and the males have longitudinally grooved horns, 3 inches in length. Upper part of the body is grayish-brown while the lower parts, including the legs, belly, crest and flanks, have a lighter shade of brown. Dik Diks have a bare black spot below the inside corner of each eye. Dik-diks have excellent eyesight and reach up to a speed of 42 km/h. When frightened, they run in a zig-zag pattern and whistle through their noses, producing the sound ‘dik-dik’. They are preyed upon by leopards, lions, monitor lizards, cheetahs, jack­als, baboons, eagles, hawks, pythons, hyenas, wild dogs and humans (for gloves). 12. Eland, Angola, Botswana, DR of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mo­zambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanza­nia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe The second largest antelope, Eland prefers habitats like savannahs, woodlands and open grasslands rather than dense forests. It uses loud barks, visual and pos­tural movements to warn others of danger. It primarily eats grasses and leaves. It is the slowest antelope, with a peak speed of 40 km/hr. They can jump up to 2.5-3 metres from a standing start when startled. An adult male is 1.6m tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1000kg with an average of 500–600 kg. Females are slightly shorter and weigh between 340–445 kg. Both sexes have horns with a steady spiral ridge. Horns of males (17–26in) are thicker and shorter than those of females (20–27in). Males use their horns to wrestle with rivals; females use them to protect their young from predators. The coat of Elands differ geographically, with elands in northern part having distinctive markings (torso stripes, markings on legs, dark garters and a spinal crest) that are absent in the south. Females have a tan coat, while the coats of males are darker. As males age, their coat becomes more grey. 13. Gemsbok, Southern Africa Also called the South African oryx, the gemsbok is depicted on the coat of arms of Namibia which has a current population of about 400,000. They are mainly desert-dwelling and grazing animals that dig up to a meter deep to find roots. They supplement their water intake by eating wild melons and cucumbers. Gemsbok are light brownish-grey to tan in colour, with lighter patches toward the bottom rear of the rump. They have long black tails. They have muscular necks and shoulders, and their legs have white ‘socks’. Both sexes have long, straight horns. Female gemsbok use their horns to defend themselves and their offspring from predators, while males primarily use their horns to defend their territories from other males. They stand about 1.2 m at the shoulder and have a body length of 75 to 94 inches. The tail measures up to 3 ft. Male gemsbok weigh between 180 and 240 kg, while females weigh 100–210 kg. Gemsbok are widely hunted for their spectacular horns. Unlike for other ante­lopes, the female trophies are sometimes more desirable than male ones. The horn can be fashioned into a natural trumpet 14. Gerenuk, Eastern part of Africa, including Central Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and north­ern Tanzania Also known as the giraffe gazelle, it is a long-necked antelope found in the Horn of Africa and the drier parts of East Africa. They are found in woodland forests to open plains. They are adapted to survive in arid habitats. Their long legs, long legs and ability to stand on hind legs allows them to eat leaves of trees that are otherwise beyond their reach. The most distinctive feature of the gerenuk is that it has a long, slender neck and limbs. This makes it appear like a smaller version of giraffe. Gerenuk is 31–41 inches tall, and weighs between 28 and 52 kg. Their coat is reddish brown in colour. The strong and thick horns, present only on males, are lyre-shaped and measure 9.8–17.3 inches. Gerenuks do not drink water. They remain hydrated through the intake of succulents. Their population of gerenuks has been declining over the years and its conserva­tion status as of today is ‘Near Threatened’. 15. Grant’s Gazelle, East Africa including Northern Tanzania to South Sudan and Ethiopia, and from the Kenyan coast to Lake Victoria This gazelle is closely related to Thomson’s gazelle. It has five subspecies, namely, Bright’s gazelle, Southern Grant’s gazelle, Northern Grant’s gazelle, Peter’s gazelle and Robert’s gazelle. They are preyed upon by cheetahs, jackals and wild dogs. Grant’s gazelle stands 30–37 inches at the shoulder. Females weigh from 35-50 kg and males from 50-80 kg. The coat has a beige orange shade on the back and a white belly. Compared to Thomson’s gazelle, it is much larger and has lyre-shaped horns which are stout, clearly ringed, and measure18–32 inches long. Grant’s gazelle lives in open grass plains, shrublands, semi-arid and dry areas; it avoids areas with high grass where the visibility of predators is compromised. They are migratory animals, but travel in the opposite direction of most of the other ungulates, such as Thomson’s gazelles, zebras and wildebeest, which are more water dependent. They can subsist on vegetation in waterless, semiarid ar­eas, where they face little competition. They eat leafy material during dry seasons to supplement their intake of water. 16. Hartebeest, Africa Also known as kongoni, it is a large antelope, inhabiting dry savannas and wood­ed grasslands and have also been reported at Mount Kenya at an altitude of 4,000m. It has five sub-species, viz., Bubal hartebeest, Red hartebeest, Coke’s hartebeest, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and Swayne’s hartebeest, each differing in size and colour of the coat. Hartebeests are primarily grazers, with their diets consisting mainly of grasses. A large antelope with a particularly elongated forehead and oddly shaped horns, the hartebeest stands 1 m tall at the shoulder, and has a head to tail length of 79 to 98 inches. Their weight ranges from 100 to 200 kg. They also have long legs, short neck and pointed ears. Both sexes of all subspecies have horns, with those of females being more slender. Horns can reach length of 28 inches. Hartebeest form herds of 20 to 300 individuals. They are very alert and non-aggressive. The population of hartebeest has considerably reduced owing to rea­sons like habitat destruction, hunting, human settlement and competition with livestock for food. It is a popular game animal due to its highly regarded meat. 17. Himalayan Musk Deer, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China Also called the white-bellied musk deer, it is a musk deer found in the Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and China in high alpine environments above alti­tudes of 2,500 m. They are very well adapted for high altitudes with well-developed dew claws, broad toes that provide increased stability on steep slopes, and a dense coat of coarse hairs with air-filled cells to insulate against the cold temperature. These musk deer have a pair of enlarged and easily broken canines that grow continuously up to a maximum length of 4 inches. Their hind legs are longer and more muscular and forelimbs are shorter, thinner. These animals are nocturnal creatures and at night, they emerge to feed in more open habitats, and preferably select leaves of trees and shrubs with high protein and low fibre contents. During winter, they subsist on poorer quality lichens, or climb small trees to feed upon leaves that would otherwise be out of reach. It is an endangered animal. Their predators include leopard snow leopard, Eura­sian lynx, red fox and wolves. 18. Hog Deer, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Thailand The small Indian hog deer is so named due to the hog-like manner in which it runs through the forests. The antler of this animal is three tined. However, antlers with more points are also found. The distinctive features of typical hog deer ant­lers are the acute angle between the brow tine and main beam and the fact that the inner tops tend to be short and angle back from the main beam and across towards the opposite antler. An adult hog deer stands about 70 cm at the shoulder and weighs 50 kg. They have an elongated body and relatively short legs, short tail and rounded ears. The fore legs are shorter than hind legs. Hog Deer’s coat is thick and generally dark-brown in winter except for the under­parts of the body and legs which are lighter in colour. During late spring, the coat turns reddish brown. In summer, there is usually a uniform row of light-coloured spots along either side of the dorsal stripe from the shoulders to the rump. Predators include tigers, leopards, dholes, pythons and clouded leopards. 19. Impala, Southern Africa including Angola, Gabon and Namibia Impala is a medium-sized, slender antelope similar in look to the Grant’s gazelle. It is found in woodlands and savannahs of eastern and souther Africa. They re­main close to water source. Impala measures 28–36 inches at the shoulder and 51 inches from head to tail and weighs 40–76 kg. The males have slender, lyre-shaped horns that measure up to 36 inches long. They use the horns as weapons in fights for dominance. An Impala has a glossy, double tone reddish brown coat and white underbelly. Facial features include white rings around the eyes and a light chin and snout. The ears are 6.7 inches long and are tipped with black. Impalas are diurnal animals and are browsers as well as grazers. They feed on monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods. They are very fast runners and reach a maximum speed on 80 km/hr. Impala is one of the most important prey for some of the biggest predators like cheetahs, lions and leopards. A half of the new-born impalas are killed by the predators during the first few weeks of their lives. 20. Indian Mouse Deer, India, Nepal The Indian spotted chevrotain is often referred to as the mouse deer due to its small size, short legs and round belly. It inhabits the rainforests and is nocturnal in nature making it near impossible to sight during daytime. They are seen by sheer chance if they venture out in the early evenings or mornings from their safe homes in hollows at the base of trees or in rocky crevices. The animal has a body length of 23 inches, a tail measuring 1 inch and weighs around only about 3 kg. It is dull brown in color with three or four dotted white stripes run longitudinally along flank. These markings provide them excellent camouflage helping them to hide from predators. They are ruminants and have a four-chambered stomach like other deer though, although it is not strictly con­sidered to be a deer. They do not have antlers like deer and their characteristics are more pig-like. The animals live in the evergreen and deciduous forests of India near sources of water. They are solitary in nature and are mostly alone, except during mating time. They are not seen in groups. 21. Klipspringer, From northeastern Sudan, Eritrea, northern Somalia and Ethiopia to South Africa, and along coastal Angola and Namibia. Also found in smaller num­bers in Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Burundi Klipspringers are a small but sturdy antelope variety found mainly in eastern and southern Africa. They mainly eat plants, fruits and flowers. They stand 17–24 inches at the shoulder and the body length is between 30 and 45 inches. The tail measures 2.6–4.1 inches. It weighs from 8 - 18 kg. Females are slightly larger and heavier than the males. They have brown forehead, short ears, prominent preorbital glands near the eyes, white lips and chin and spiky horns in males measuring 3–3.5 inches. The coarse coat of the klipspringer contain brittle hair and is yellowish gray to reddish brown and the underbelly is white. The coat provides effective insulation in the extreme cold weather. They have cylindrical, blunt hooves that provide good grip on the rocky surfaces for a smooth climb. They inhabit places characterised by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation at alti­tudes as high as 4,500 metres on Mount Kilimanjaro. They can jump from rock to rock. They migrate to lowlands during food scarcity. 22. Kudu, Africa These are very large sized spiral horned antelopes. There are two main species – Lesser kudu and Greater kudu. A Greater Kudu can reach up to a length of 2.4m and weight of 270 kg. They have very impressive horns which they use during fights. Due to the sharp twist in the horn, the animals sometimes fail to unlock their horns and end up dying of starvation or dehydration. The animals are mainly solitary ones and are seen alone, except during the mating season. Kudus eat leaves and shoots. In dry seasons they eat wild watermelons and other fruit for their liquid content and natural sugars. Kudus are good jumpers and can clear a 5-foot fence from a standing start. They are great kickers and thanks to their sheer size, they can break a wild dog’s or jackal’s neck or back. However, they are preyed upon by lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, pythons and humans during game hunting. A musical instrument is made from the horn of kudu. It is used as a shofar in Jewish ceremonies or as a part of Scouting movement’s Wood Badge training program. 23. Musk Deer, Asia Musk deer are different from real deer which have antlers. They also have a pair of tusk-like teeth and a musk gland. Another point of difference between musk deer and normal deer is that the former have longer hind legs and shorter fore legs. They mainly live in forested and alpine scrub habitats in the mountains of southern Asia. Musk deer measure about 31 to 39 inches in length, 20 to 28 inches in height at shoulder, and weigh between 7 to 17 kg. Males have enlarged upper canines, forming sabre-like tusks. Their feet are adapted for climbing in rough terrain. Musk deer are herbivores, and eat mainly leaves, flowers, grasses, mosses and lichens. They are shy nocturnal animals and live solitary lives. The greatest threat to Musk deer are humans who hunt them for their scent glands, which are used in perfumes. The glands are sold in the black market and it is said that in the olden days the royalty wore the scent of the musk deer. The scent is said to be an aphrodisiac. 24. Nilgai, Indian subcontinent The nilgai or blue bull is the largest antelope in Asia. Timid and tame, if harassed or alarmed, they may flee by galloping away from the source of danger. They are herbivores and prefer areas with short bushes, scattered trees in scrub forests and grassy plains including agricultural lands, but not in dense forest. It stands 1–1.5 metres in height at the shoulder and 1.7–2.1 metres in length from head to tail. The males weigh 109–288 kg while the females are lighter with a weight of 100–213 kg. The males and females also differ in colour. It has a sturdy built with thin-legs and a sloping back. It has a deep neck with a white patch on the throat, a short mane of hair behind and along the back ending behind the shoulder, and around two white spots each on its face, ears, cheeks, lips and chin. There is a column of coarse long hair along the dewlap ridge below the white throat patch. The tufted tail measure 21 inches and is tipped with black. The forelegs are generally longer, and all four legs are often marked with white ‘socks’. Only males possess horns measuring up to 9.4 inches in length. While the females and juveniles have orange to tawny coat, adult males have a bluish-grey coat. 25. Nilgiri Tahr, India Also called Nilgiri ibex or just ibex, these ungulates are found in the Nilgiri Hills up to an elevation of 2,600 m and in the open montane grassland of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Nilgiri tahr is a stocky goat with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. Males are larger than females and of darker colour when mature. Both sexes have curved horns, reaching up to 16 inches. Adult males weigh up to 100 kg and stand about 39 inches tall at the shoulder. Open poaching had resulted in reducing the number of Nilgiri tahrs to as low as 100 by the early 20th century. Since then the conservation efforts have resulted in considerable increase in their population, but it still remains quite less. The Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population pf Nilgiri Tahrs. Apart from here one also finds them in the Anamalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Palani Hills, some parts of the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu and in the Ponmudi Hills in Trivandrum district of Kerala. 26. Nyala, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe This is a spiral-horned middle-sized antelope native to Africa. They inhabit thick­ets within dense and dry savanna woodlands. The male nyala stands up to 43 inches and the female is up to 36 inches tall. Males weigh 98–125 kg while the females are considerably smaller and weigh 55–68 kg. Only the males have horns that are twisted and measure 24–33 inches in length and are yellow-tipped. They have hairy glands on their feet, which leave their scent wherever they walk. The coat is rusty or rufous brown in females and juveniles, but dark brown or slate grey, often tinged with blue, in adult males. Females and young males have ten or more white stripes on their sides. An herbivore, the nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, with sufficient fresh water. They are very cautious animals and live in small groups. Adult Nyalas are preyed upon by lion, leopard and Cape hunting dog, while baboons and raptorial birds hunt for the juveniles. 27. Oryx, Arabian Peninsula including UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, East Africa and North Africa including Niger, Chad and Tunisia There are three types of Oryx, two of them are native to arid parts of Africa, and the fourth to the Arabian Peninsula. They have pale fur with contrasting dark markings in the face and on the legs, and straight long horns. Arabian oryx that became extinct in the wild in 1972 from the Arabian Peninsula was reintroduced in 1982 in Oman, but poaching has reduced its numbers there. A large population exists on Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE. Populations have been reintroduced in Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It is regarded as vulnerable to extinction although many thousands are held in captivity. Scimitar oryx of North Africa, although once reported extinct in the wild, is now said to be seen in some parts of central Niger, Chad and Tunisia. However many thousands are held in captivity around the world. East African oryx inhabits eastern Africa and is closely related to gemsbok which inhabits southern Africa. The East African oryx is an endangered species. 28. Pronghorn, Western and Central North America Though not an antelope, it is often referred to by names like the American ante­lope, the prong buck etc because it closely resembles the real antelopes. Prong­horns have distinct white fur on their rumps, sides, breasts, bellies and throats. Adult males are 1.3–1.5m long from nose to tail, up to 1m in height at shoulder, and weigh 40–65 kg. Females are the same height, but are slender with a weight of 34–48 kg. Their horns are composed of a slender, laterally flattened blade of bone that grows from the frontal bones of the skull. Males horns are 4.9–16.9 inches long with a prong. Females have smaller horns about 1–6 inches in length without prong. They have very large eyes with a 320° field of vision. Pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, with a top speed of 88.5 km/h for predator evasion. It is the second-fastest land animal, second only to cheetah. But it can sustain high speeds longer than cheetahs. They have a large windpipe, heart and lungs to take in large amounts of air when running. The hooves have two long, cushioned, pointed toes which help absorb shock when running at high speeds. They also have an extremely light bone structure and hollow hair. All these suggest that pronghorns are built for speed. 29. Reedbuck, Gabon, Tanzania, South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan and Togo Reedbuck is a common name for three types of African antelopes, viz., South­ern Reedbuck found in Gabon, Tanzania and South Africa, Mountain Reedbuck found in sub-Saharan Africa and Bohor Reedbuck we have written about earlier. Reedbucks males have forward-curving horns. Southern reedbuck is compara­tively larger measuring 31–35 inches at the shoulder and have a body length of 53–66 inches. Females weigh 48 kg, while the males weigh 68 kg. It has distinc­tive dark lines running down the front of its forelegs and lower hindlegs and whitish rings around the eyes. Mountain reedbuck is found in mountainous areas of sub-Saharan Africa. It averages 30 inches at the shoulder, and weighs around 30 kg. It has a grey coat with a white underbelly and reddish-brown head and shoulders. Both sexes have a dark scent patch beneath the ears. The colour of the coat ranges between light- and greyish-brown, and may be lighter on the neck and chest. White fur covers the underparts and the areas near the lips and chin. 30. Roan Antelope, West, Central, East and Southern Africa These are the fourth largest antelope after only Elands, Bongos and large male Kudus. Roan antelopes have a horse-type body structure and are found in wood­land and grassland savanna, mainly in the tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome. They stand up to 5 ft at the shoulder, measure up to 8 ft from the head to tail and males weigh 242–300 kg while the females weigh 223–280 kg. Named for their roan colour (a reddish brown), they have lighter underbellies, white eyebrows and cheeks and black faces, lighter in females. They have white patches around the eyes and the mouth. They have short, erect manes of greyish brown hair extending from the back of the neck, very light beards and prominent red nos­trils. The horns are ringed and can reach a metre long in males, slightly shorter in females. They have a dark tail measuring 21 inches that ends with a black tuft. Their long legs have large hooves. The animal has short and smooth coat that is of brown to amber colour. 31. Royal Antelope, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone This smallest antelope in the world is found in West Africa. It is as small as a rab­bit and looks almost like a rat with long legs. They have large, round dark brown eyes, small ears and a slim muzzle. Compared to the Bates’s pygmy antelope, they have longer muzzle, broader lips, a smaller mouth and smaller cheek muscles. An adult Royal Antelope is only 10 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs 2.5 to 3 kg. Length is 16 inches only, but the females are a little larger. They have long and slender legs, the hind legs being twice the size of the forelegs, similar to hare. They have a thin tail, about 2 to 3 inches in length. The males have short, smooth, spiky horns that bend backwards and measure 1 – 1.2 inches. They have a reddish brown colour on the top and a contrasting white in the abdominal region, chin and the medial surfaces of the legs. A brown band runs across the chest and they have a rufous collar on the neck. Royal antelope is a nocturnal animal and is typically active at night though activity may also be observed during the day. It is an herbivore and lives on tiny amounts of fresh foliage and shoots mainly and some fruits and fungi occasionally. 32. Sable Antelope, East and Southern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa Sable antelope inhabits the savanna woodlands and grasslands during the dry season and eat mid-length grasses and leaves. They are generally rich chestnut to black in colour. The underparts, cheek, and chin are all white, creating a great contrast with the dark back and flanks. Long, white hairs are present below the eyes, and a wide, black stripe runs over the nose. They have a compact and robust build, characterized by a thick neck and tough skin. The males are heavier and about one-fifth taller than the female. The head to tail length is up to 8 ft and males reach about 4.5 ft at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter. Males weigh 235 kg and females 220 kg in average. Both sexes have ringed horns which arch backward. In females, these can reach 24–40 inches in length, while in males they can be 32–65 inches long. These antelopes often have upright mane on the neck, and a short mane on the throat. Sable antelopes are preyed upon by the carnivores. When confronted by preda­tors like lions, they defend themselves using their horns, which in many cases have even resulted in the deaths of the big cats. 33. Saiga Antelope, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan This critically endangered antelope originally inhabited a vast area from the foot­hills of Carpathian Mountains and Caucasus to Mongolia and North America. To­day, they are only found in one location in Russia and three areas in Kazakhstan. Some of these migrate to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in winter. Saigas are seen in very large herds grazing in semi-deserts, steppes, grasslands and open woodlands, eating several species of plants, including some that are poisonous to other animals. They can cover long distances and swim across riv­ers. Their most unique feature is the pair of closely spaced, bloated nostrils di­rected downward. During summer migrations, a saiga’s nose helps filter out dust kicked up by the herd and cools the animal’s blood. In the winter, it heats up the frigid air before it is taken to the lungs. Saiga stands 24–32 inches tall at the shoulder, 39–55 inches long and weighs 26–69 kg. The coat colour changes seasonally. The hairs measures 0.71–1.18 inches long in summer, and up to 1.6–2.8 inches in winter. Only males possess horns measuring 11–15 inches in length that are thick and slightly translucent. Saigas are preyed upon by wolves and the juveniles are targeted by foxes, steppe eagles, golden eagles, dogs and ravens. 34. Sambar Deer, Indian subcontinent, South China and Southeast Asia The sambars inhabit in dense forests with cover of deciduous shrubs and grasses. They differ in size across regions and the biggest ones may reach a height of 5 ft or more at the shoulder and may weigh as much as 546 kg, though they are more typically 100 to 350 kg. Head and body length varies between 5.3 to 8.9 ft, with a 8.7 to 13.8 inch long tail. The females are smaller than males. The males have large, rugged antlers measuring up to 43 inches with three tines. Sambars have a shaggy coat, from yellowish brown to dark grey in colour, and while it is usually uniform in colour, some subspecies have chestnut marks on the rump and underparts. They have a small but dense mane, more prominent in males. Adult males and pregnant or lactating females possess an unusual hairless, blood-red spot located about halfway down the underside of their throats. Sambars are nocturnal and solitary animals. They feed on a wide variety of veg­etation, including grasses, foliage, browse, fruit, and water plants, depending on the local habitat. It is an endangered animal and its population has declined due to hunting, insurgency and industrial encroaching. 35. Sangai, Manipur, India Sangai is an endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer found only in Ma­nipur. It is the state animal of Manipur. Its original natural habitat is the floating marshy grasslands of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, near the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in eastern India. Also called the dancing deer the sangai is medium-sized, with uniquely distinc­tive antlers, measuring up to 42 inches in length with extremely long brow tine, which form the main beam. The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow. The height and weight of a fully grown stag may be up to 4 ft at shoulder and they may weigh from 95 to 110 kg. The height and weight of the female are shorter and less respectively as compared to the male counterpart. The length of the body may be up to 5 ft in both sexes. They have a short tail. Sangai feed on a variety of water living plants, grasses, herbaceous plants, and shoots. Culturally, the sangai finds itself imbedded deep into the legends and folklore of the Manipuris. Based on a popular folk legend, the sangai is inter­preted as the binding soul between humans and the nature. 36. Spotted Deer, Indian sub-continent Also called the chital, cheetal or Axis deer, this is a widely available deer species of the Indian subcontinent. This deer species is said to be the most beautiful and has featured in mythological stories and folklores in India. On an average a male chital reaches a height of 35 inches and females reach 28 inches at the shoulder. The head-and-body length is around 1.7 m. Average males weigh 30–75 kg, while the females weigh 25–45 kg. Mature males can weigh up to 98 to 110 kg. The males are larger than females and have large three-pronged antlers that are 1 m long. The upper parts of the body are golden to rufous, and are covered in white spots. The abdomen, rump, throat, insides of legs, ears and the tail are white. A brown to black stripe runs along the spine. Hooves measure between 1.6 and 2.4 inches in length and the hooves of the fore legs are longer than those of the hind legs. Chital are diurnal animals and are active throughout the day. When a predator is around they give out bellows and alarm barks. They are preyed upon by most of the carnivores. 37. Steenbok, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho Also called steinbuck or steenbok, it is a common small antelope of southern and eastern Africa that live in a variety of habitats like semi-desert to open woodland and thickets, including open plains, stony savannah and Acacia–grassland mosaics. Steenboks stand16 – 24 inches at the shoulder. Males have straight, smooth, parallel horns that are about 3–8 inches long. There is a black crescent-shape be­tween the ears, a long black bridge to the glossy black nose, and a black circular scent-gland in front of the eye. They have a very short tail measuring about 1.5-2.5 inches long. Their coat colour varies from fawn to rufous and the underside, including chin and throat, is white, as is the ring around the eye. They have large ears with finger-marks on the inside. Steenbok are active during the day as well as the night. During hotter periods of the day, they rest under shade. On sensing any trouble, steenbok typically lie low in the vegetation. When predator is too close, a steenbok will leap away and follow a zigzag route in an attempt to shake off the pursuer. 38. Thomson’s Gazelle, Kenya and Tanzania and the whole of East Africa It is one of the best-known gazelles and is nicknamed ‘Tommie’. The current pop­ulation of Thomson’s gazelles in Africa is considered to be more than 6,00,000 making it the most commonly sighted one, especially in East Africa. With a speed of 80–90 km/h it is the fifth-fastest land animal, after the cheetah (which is its main predator), pronghorn, springbok, and wildebeest. They live in the savannas and grassland habitats, particularly the Serengeti region of Kenya and Tanzania. Thomson’s gazelle stands 22–32 inches at the shoulder and the head-and-body length is up to 4 ft. Males weigh 20–35 kg, while the females weigh 15–25 kg. They have white rings around the eyes, black stripes running from a corner of the eye to the nose, rufous stripes running from the horns to the nose, a dark patch on the nose and a light forehead. They have a sandy brown to rufous coat. There is a distinctive black band running across the flanks, from the upper foreleg to just above the upper hind leg. They have a black tail that measures 5.9–10.6 inches. Both sexes possess horns that curve slightly backward with the tips fac­ing forward. The horns measure 9.8–16.9 inches in males and 2.8–5.9 inches in females. But some females are hornless. 39. Topi, Burundi, DR of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda The topi is found in the savannas, semi-deserts and treeless plains of sub-Saharan Africa. They resemble hartebeest but have a darker coat and lack sharply angled horns. They have very good sight and hearing and are very fast runners. Topis have elongated heads, a distinct hump at the base of the neck, and red­dish brown bodies with dark purple patches on their upper legs. They also have a mask-like dark coloration on the face. Their horns are ringed and lyre-shaped. . They stand 39 to 51 inches in height at the shoulder. Their head-and-body length can range from 59 to 83 inches and the tail measures from 16–24 inches. They weigh from 68 to 160 kg, with the males being quite larger, heavier and darker than the females. Being picky eaters, Topis only eat grass and migrate between pastures. The larg­est migration takes place in Serengeti, where they join wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. Topis are preyed upon by lions and hyenas, while the jackals target the newborns. However, when other preys are around, the predation rate on topis seem to be much lesser. 40. Waterbuck, Sub-Saharan Africa The waterbuck is a large antelope found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. They in­habit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes and valleys, the latter being quite evident from its name. The head-and-body length is between 70–93 inches and the average height is between 47 and 54 inches. The males are taller and heavier than females. While males weigh 198–262 kg the females weigh 161–214 kg. The colouration varies from brown to grey. Waterbucks have a long neck and short, strong and hind legs. Males have 22–39 inches long, spiral horns that curve backward and then forward. The tail is 8.7–17.7 inches long. The waterbuck has a shaggy coat that is reddish brown to grey, and becomes progressively darker with age. Males are darker than females. They have white markings around the eyes, muzzle and throat. Waterbuck are mainly grazers and survive on coarse grass discarded by others. They also occasionally eat leaves from plants and trees. They can neither run fast, nor have the endurance to escape from predators and hence fall easy prey to predators. 41. Wildebeest, Africa Also called Gnu, the wildebeest is a common sight in the savannahs of Africa. They are of two types, the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest. The two differ in the orientation and curvature of their horns and the colour of their coats. The blue ones are a little bigger than the black ones. Wildebeest often graze in mixed herds with zebra and are alert to the warning signals emitted by other animals when a predator is around. Both species of wildebeest are even-toed, horned and resemble cattle. Males are larger than females. They have broad muzzles and noses, and shaggy manes and tails. Blue males stand 5 ft tall at the shoulder and weigh around 250 kg, while the black males stand up to 4 ft tall and weigh about 180 kg. The blue females stand about 4.5 ft at the shoulder and weigh 180 kg while the black females stand 3.75 ft at the shoulder and weigh 155 kg. Wildebeest have to compete with domesticated livestock for pasture. There is also some illegal hunting but yet their population is quite stable. In East Africa, the blue wildebeest is the most abundant big-game species, and some popula­tions migrate annually but the black wildebeest is merely nomadic and do not take part in the big annual migration.

Mud is generally a very neglected thing and in our wild­est of imaginations we cannot think of an attraction made of mud. Although many people around the world still live in houses made of mud, for most others it is dif­ficult even to imagine living in one. But that does not make mud unattractive. It has been used as the main construction material in many parts of the world since time immemorial. And once you read this snapshot that lists 20 of the most amazing man-made mud structures of the world, we are sure your opinion is going to change. Architects generally opine that mud structures are not only durable, lasting some thousand years as you will see here, they can also be amazingly beautiful and each of the entries in this list compiled by Touriosity deserves to be in the bucket list of our esteemed readers for years to come. 1. Arg-e-Bam, Bam, Kerman Province, Iran The Arg-e Bam is often regarded as the largest adobe citadel in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This citadel is believed to date back to 6th to 4th centuries BC when the Achaemenid Empire ruled over the region. It is located in southeastern Iran, in the Kerman Province. Bam was a prosperous trading center being on the crossroads of the ancient Silk Route. It was known for production of silk and cotton for trade. It largely flour­ished during the Sassanian period (224-637 AD). The citadel of Bam was constructed entirely of bricks made of a combination of clay soil and palm tree trunks. The citadel is spread over an area of 6 sq km. It has thick walls and 38 watchtowers for protection against invasion. There is a series of underground water canals, supporting about 12,000 people who lived here. During the devastating earthquake of 2003, more than half of the structures at the historic mud-brick Bam citadel were destroyed. However, the citadel has been restored to its past elegance. 2. Bobo Dioulasso Grand Mosque, Burkina Faso, Africa Bobo Dioulasso is the second largest city in Burkina Faso, after the capital city of Ouagadougou. It is famous for a the Bobo Dioulasso Grand Mosque that is popularly known as just Bobo. It is an important tourist attraction in Burkina Faso. The construction of this mosque is similar to that of the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, Mali and represents Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The building is made up of clay and timber only and is the largest building of this type in the country. The mosque was built in the later part of the 19th century. The Bobo Dioulasso Grand Mosque is a century old West African mosque, with timbers sticking out of the wall that are supposed to help in maintainence of the exterior. The timbers allow workers to climb the structure whenever replastering of the exteriors with additional layer of clay is done. The mosque sits on the edge of the old city, and because of a nearby highly polluted stream, it is surrounded by bad odours. The structure is being currently repaired. However, the renovation work is using cement rather than clay in order to protect it against erosion. 3. Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Morocco Morocco as a country is full of tourist attractions. One of the top tourist attrac­tions here is the Aït Benhaddou in Ouarzazate. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, this place was once located along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. In this incredibly beautiful place, there are kasbahs, or small villages, dotted with clay houses. These were built to provide accommodation to the travellers but today look more like part of a filmcity. Being located on the border of the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate was a popular stopping point for travellers even in the ancient times. Aït Benhaddou is one of Ouarzaz­ate’s ancient walled cities. Inside the high mud walls there are 6 kasbahs and a few homes, that house about 8 families today. Aït Benhaddou is a popular location for shooting of movies. These mud brick structures were covered in a few Hollywood movies like the Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Star Wars. The place is also a photographer’s delight, with hardly any rivals. The place looks the most beautiful in the late afternoon and during sunset. 4. Chan Chan, Trujillo, Moche Valley, Peru Chan Chan is a pre-Colombian city that lies in ruins in the Moche Valley near Trujillo on the northern desert coast of Peru. It is an incredibly beautiful complex of adobe mud buildings. Once the seat of the ancient Chimu Dynasty (900 - 1470 AD), before it fell to the Incas, this place is replete with mud brick structures. There are a total of eleven citadels, the Tschudi Palace, a pyramid, temples, pla­zas, cemeteries, court rooms and more. The site is surrounded by a 15 - 18 meter high wall. There are warrior statues carved into the wall of the Palace. The lower-class people lived outside this wall, the inside being reserved only for the for royalty and their servants. Many of the structures here appear to be in perfectly good shape. During its heydays, Chan Chan is said to have large walk in wells. Chimus were adept metallurgists, potters and woodworkers. In the pre-Colombian era, Chan Chan was the largest city in South America. Today it is a huge archaeological site in La Libertad Region and lies 5km west of Trujillo. 5. Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai, UAE The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is not just about high rises, grass-covered malls, shopping centres and air-conditioned markets. Parts of the Old Dubai (from the days before oil was discovered in the region) have also been retained as a tribute to the humble beginning of the place. The best example of the old Dubai is the Al Fahidi Fort situated at the south of the Dubai Creek. This old fort also houses the Dubai Museum and provides visi­tors with glimpses of how life was in the region before the locals here turned into oil-rich sheikhs. The Al Fahidi Fort was built around 1787 AD to defend Dubai against external in­vasion and was residence of the local ruler. It is the oldest building in the city and is located close to the heritage site of Bastakia Quarter. The fort is built with the help of sea rocks, gypsum and mud. The fort has three towers and watchtowers inside and is 41 metres in long and 33 metres in width. In front of the fort a huge boat is displayed as a testimony to the old days when fishing and pearl used to be the only industries here. 6. Great Mosque of Djenné, Djenné, Mali, Africa Built in 13th century, this mud brick mosque on the flood plain of Bani River is considered as the largest mud brick structure in the world. The walls of the Mosque vary in thickness between 40-60cm depending on the height. There are three towers, each 11 metres high and topped with an ostrich egg symbolizing fertility and purity. The building is in Sudano-Sahelian architectural style and has timber jutting out of its walls to help people climb the outer walls during annual replastering time. The mosque was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. During the rainy season, Niger and Bani rivers overflow thereby flooding the region and turning the town into an island that is accessed by causeways. The Mosque it is built on a raised platform of mud bricks that protects it from severe floods. During the annual festivities, the replastering is done and the local communities join hands. The mud used for the adobe bricks and plaster comes from the Niger River. The mud is mixed with rice husks and straw and fermented for a month when it becomes very tough, viscous and rain resistant. 7. Mud Walls of Ichan Qala, Khiva, Uzbekistan Another desert sanctuary, Ichan-Qala or Itchan Kala in present day Uzbekistan is a walled inner town in the city of Khiva. The city of Khiva is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago by Shem, the eldest son of Noah. Ichan-Qala means ‘within the wall’. The inner town is surrounded by mud walls, a 10 meter (33 ft) high rampart made of high quality clay. The clay was mined from a lake shore in Ghovuk Kul. It is believed that the mud walls were built using the same clay as was used to build Medina by Prophet Mohammad. The wall is 2.5 km in length and has four entrances on four sides. The stairs to go up can be accessed at the north gate. Ichan Qala has been granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is like an Open Air Museum which abodes a collection of madrasas (Islamic schools), mosques, other buildings and about 250 houses. Khiva is located in the Kyzylkum desert in the Khorezm province of Uzbekistan. It was part of the ancient Silk trading route. 8. Narin Qal’eh Castle, Meybod, Iran The historic Narin Qal’eh Castle in the town of Meybod in Yazd Province is one of the best preserved mud castles in the world. The castle was built more than 2,000 years ago in pre-Islamic Iran. The castle architecture incorporates mud bricks of the Medes period and of the Achaemenid and Sassanid dynasties. It is beleived that the Narin castle is a descendant of the ancient fire-temples. The ruins of the Narin castle stands 40 meters in height and a striking feature of this ancient fortification is the plumbing system which was built into its massive walls. There are four towers surrounding the complex, and a large gate leading to a large courtyard. The beautiful Narin castle sits atop a hill and has 3 different floors, each meant for a different class of society. The entire castle is made of adobe and mud. The castle has been victim of many earthquakes through the ages. As a result, the outer gates have been destroyed but the inner castle still exists. Some part of the outer walls also exist. 9. Manhattan-like towering residential houses, Shibam, Yemen In the remotest valleys of Yemen surrounded by palm groves is the city of Shi­bam. It abodes more than 500 years old high-rising residential buildings that look more like Soviet-style blocks found across the Arab world. Because of these high rise buildings, Shibam is often referred to as the Mahattan of the Desert. But there is something unique about these buildings. These are made of mud bricks and present a sight that a tourist would not like to miss. Some of these mud-brick buildings are huge, even 16 stories tall and up to 40 meters high. The buildings were built to protect the citizens from Bedouin raids 500 years ago. Shibam is a city of only 2,000 dwellers. Yet it has got the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site as a city, thanks to these mud-brick high rises. The use of mud bricks was done to meet the challenges posed by the harsh climate here. Despite the uniqueness, the mud buildings are difficult to maintain. They have to be frequently renovated by the inhabitants in order to protect them from rain and erosion. 10. Sankoré Mosque, Timbuktu, Mali Timbuktu was in the ancient trading route for Silk and cotton. There were three mosques here where Muslim men passing by for trade would often visit. Soon the town started to gain importance as a centre of exchange of ideas and learn­ing. The town also became wealthy and prosperous in the process. The Sankoré Mosque was one of the three mosques of Timbuktu. It is especially significant for its huge pyramidal mihrab. It was built during the final years before the fall of the powerful Mali Empire, in the early 14th century. It was founded by Emperor Musa I of Mali and flourished as an important centre of learning in the Islamic world under the patronage of the Askia Dynasty. However, this dynasty’s rule came to an end in 1591 AD with defeat in the hands of the rulers of Mar­rakech in the Battle of Tondibi. By the end of the rule of Musa I, the mosque had become a functional Islamic school and had one of the largest libraries in the world with 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 manuscripts. It had the largest collections of books in Africa ever since the fall of Library of Alexandria. 11. Siwa Oasis, Egypt In ancient time Siwa was an important town in the western Egyptian desert. It was located on the ancient date trade route. With natural springs and plenty of palm trees providing the much needed shade to the wearied travellers across the harsh desert, Siwa was like an oasis. Hence it played an important role in the trade. There were fortified buildings at Siwa built for the purpose of sheltering the travellers. In order to provide a cooler tempera­ture inside, the buildings were made of karsheef, a local type of mud that was extracted from the lake shore that is high in salt content. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the trade collapsed and the importance of Siwa declined. It was gradually forgotten. In course of time the place came to be inhabited by the Siwan Berbers from North Africa. The place has been rediscovered as one of the biggest tourist attractions in Egypt. There are some resorts here which promote eco-tourism. It is possible to spend a few days here to experience the lifestyle of the old days. 12. Cliff of Bandiagara, Mali This is yet another UNESCO designated World Heritage Site in Mali since 1989 and provides a unique experience to visitors. Bandiagara is a small town and commune in the Mopti Region of Mali. It is also known as the Dogon County or the Land of the Dogons. The place is covered with sandstone cliffs, some of which are up to 500 metres high. A unique fea­ture of these cliffs is that these are home to 30 villages that feature unique mud huts of the Dogon people. These small huts are carved into the mountains and sometimes they look almost like hanging from the mountains thereby defying nature’s laws. The Dogons adapted to the hostile environment which protected them from any potential attackers back in the 15th century. Over the years they have retained their culture and continue to live here. The place is now open to tourists. How­ever, the terrain is very rough and the climate very harsh. A guide is essential to know more about the place. For visitors it is possible to stay in one of these houses thereby giving them a unique hostel experience. 13. Kuchesar Fort, Bulandshahar District, Uttar Pradesh, India The Kuchesar Fort, also known as the Mud Fort, is the sole entry of an Indian des­tination in this snapshot. It is an 18th-century fort that was originally constructed as a defense against British cannon attack. It was abode of the royal family of Kuchesar, a former princely state. Currently it is a heritage resort owned by the family of Ajit Singh. The family members occupy a part of the fort that houses the erstwhile reception and dining halls built in the colonial style. The location of the fort is picturesque. The main palace sits atop a large bastion that overlooks gardens on three sides and the ruins of a replica of Robert Clive’s Calcutta house to the west. The holy River Ganges is just 24 km away from the Mud Fort. There are sugarcane fields and Mango orchards in the vicinity. The nearby Banks of Brijghat, are a good place for picnics. The Kuchesar Fort is situated 80 km from Delhi, very near to Hapur, Rao Raj Vilas. The Mud Fort of Kuchesar speaks tales of the chequered history of the Jats who contested with the Marathas, Sikhs and Rajputs as well as East India Company, to the take place of the weakening Mughal Empire. 14. Beehive Houses, Harran, Turkey In the town of Harran in the southern part of Turkey, there are houses shaped somewhat like beehives. These were once a very popular housing structure in the region and the huts were constructed out of mud, brick and stone found in the region. The beehive houses are dome-shaped and could be built quickly. Additionally, being built of mud, the houses were resistant to heat and cold, unlike the com­mon tent and could retain the heat in winter. These meant that the nomadic people here preferred to have these houses for themselves. The ventilation holes on the sides provided cooling air circulation through cross-ventilation, and the top of the dome, acted like a chimney. The erstwhile nomads have now more or less settled. Hence the beehive houses are no longer used as homes but these have been retained as storage spaces or barns. Due to the decline in their importance and value for residential purposes, the upkeep of the houses has also suffered. Nevertheless, these continue to be tourist attraction of the region. 15. Sar Yadz Castle, Yadz, Iran About 45 km from Yazd is the Sar Yadz Castle that was once the oldest and largest treasury in the world. The castle juts out like a giant sand castle from the desert. But much of it lies in ruins today and exploring it calls for a good fitness level. From atop the tallest tower, visitors can have a bird’s eye view of the sur­rounding desert and mountains. Built in the 7th century AD during the rule of the Sassanid Dynasty, the Sar Yazd Castle was built to make it difficult to enter and navigate. Small openings made it almost impossible for intruders to enter, and narrow passages allowed only one person to pass at a time. It was not only used to store grains and food, but also to safeguard valuables like gold and jewellery from attackers and invaders. Hence it was like a bank. The ancient bank continues to be a tourist attraction, a short drive away from Yazd. The exterior walls and towers are still intact. These are surrounded by a 20-foot-wide moat. The maze-like interior is replete with 450 chambers in three floors. To explore all the hidden entrances and chambers, one needs a guide. 16. Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, Colombia Along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, there are beautiful small towns to ex­plore. Villa de Leyva is one such Spanish colonial town, established in 1572 and currently a tourist hub of the region. It presents beautiful scenery, with water­falls, vineyards, hiking and camping options, and some interesting attractions like a complete fossil of a Kronosaurus and pre-columbian phallic menhirs. Earning it a spot in this list, there is also a mud house here, which is a little bizarre. The mud house is a bit unusual. It has no ethnic or historical beginning to make history digging interesting. The owner simply wanted to have a unique house and got creative with the design. While you cannot really fit it into any specific architectural style, it is still interesting and is like a tourist attraction of the place now. So during your drive across the scenic towns across the region, you may drop in to see the house. The interiors are beautiful too. At Villa de Leyva, there is also a monastery worth visiting. Built in the 1600s by four Dominican monks the rocks used in the construction of the monastery have fossils of trilobites, critters and other plants. 17. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, USA Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited communities in New Mexico. The Pueblo people have lived here in adobe houses for more than 1000 years. The place is known for the iconic multi-storied ancient community dwell­ings made of mud. Made of sun dried mud bricks (using clay soil called caliche and straw for strength), and coated with an adobe plaster, the mud houses have thick walls. The roofs are made of cedar trees. There are external ladders to reach the second floor. Interestingly, the houses were originally entered through holes in the ceiling meaning that the doors were later additions by Spanish Explorers. Taos Pueblo is set at an elevation of 7,200 ft and the houses have four to five stories. These were initially meant to be lookout posts for residents to be warned about aggression by enemies. There are two main structures, the Hlauuma in the north and the Hlaukwima in the south. The pueblo people have an annual village ceremony when they re-plaster their houses. Tourism in the region centres round these unique houses. The place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. 18. Djingarey Ber Mosque, Timbuktu, Mali One of the three mosques with which the University of Timbuktu was associated was the Djingarey Ber Mosque. It was initially built in 1327 AD after Sultan Musa I returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca. It was designed by Egyptian architect Abu Es Haq Es Saheli and it is said that at its first sight the Sultan was so impressed that he gifted the architect 200 kg of gold. The mosque was built of mud, fibre, straw and wood and has three inner courts, two minarets, twenty five rows of pillars and a huge prayer hall that can accom­modate up to 2,000 people. The mosque was reconstructed between 1570 and 1583 AD by Imam Al Aqib, the Qadi of Timbuktu. During this reconstruction, the southern part and the wall surrounding the cemetery were added. The minaret of the mosque is one of the most noticeable landmarks of the town and dominates is skyline. Once a prosperous city on the ancient trade route and an important centre of learning in the region, Timbuktu today is a sparsely populated desert town. In 1988, the mosque was given the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. 19. Zekreet Film City, Ras Abrouq Peninsula, Qatar This is a mini Arabic town located on the west coast of the Ras Abrouq Peninsula (also known as the Zekreet Peninsula). The Peninsula is located on the western coast of Qatar. The Film city is built in the middle of nowhere, inside a UNESCO Biosphere re­serve. It was constructed for a television series and features mud houses and other structures with wooden doors. There are many small houses, a mosque, some beautiful gates and a lookout point. A small cafe inside provides refresh­ments for visitors. If you are lucky, you may also see animals roaming about. Settlement in the Ras Abrouq region dates back to the neolithic age and has a beach, some archaeological sites and a nature reserve. Excavation in the area has revealed many artefacts used by the ancient people. At Zekreet, there is also a fort to check out. The best way to reach here is by a drive from Doha, which is 80 km from here. But it is important to have a 4 x 4 vehicle. 20. Shali Fortress, Siwa, Egypt The Shali Fortress dates from 1203 AD. It sits perched majestically on a small hill in the Siwa Oasis of Egypt, about 300 km south of the Mediterranean Sea. The elevated position was chosen for the fortress to serve as a lookout for possible attacks from nomadic raiders. The building material used was karshif, a unique material produced naturally through the calcification of clay mixed with chunks of salt from the lake and rock, in simple words, mud. Inside the fortress is a mosque, the oldest mosque in the world constructed using Karshif. The rough, undulating texture of the façade still has the 800-years old handprints of the builders. The mosque has a chimney-shaped minaret and it is possible to climb to the top for panoramic views of the surroundings. The fortress was strongly guarded against invaders and outsiders were hardly allowed inside. But 3 days of rain in 1926 as well as devastating floods during the 20th century caused it heavy damage. Bombings during the Second World War also caused much damage to the mud buildings of the region. However, the mosque still stands today and is a tourist attraction.