·   Top 10 Forest in India

Amid the noise of the horns, the chirping of the birds fades away,
Amid the tall concrete buildings, the green heavens fade away,
Thus, now it’s high time to enjoy a genuine wildlife getaway.

With more than 99 national parks, 40 tiger reserves and 450 wildlife sanctuaries, India has cosseted enthralling species of fauna and flora. Be it the mountains of Uttarakhand or the deserts of Rajasthan, every nook and cranny of India embraces rich wildlife. Especially, if you are eager to get a sight of the big striped cats – the tigers, India is the ultimate destination to visit.

In case all this has made you excited and you are thinking to spend some time amidst the wilderness of the respective nation, you are at the right place. Mentioned below are India’s top 10 places for enjoying unforgettable wildlife safari holidays. Read and take a virtual tour.

1. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Stretched across 1,334 square kilometers, the Ranthambore National Park is a home to the royal predators dwelling in the royal land of Rajasthan. Tigers being the main attraction of the park easily fetch the interest of wildlife photographers. While enjoying a safari in Ranthambore, you will be enthralled by the sight of these cats prancing freely and absorbing the warmth of the desert. In addition to the tigers, there are various other wild beings like Sloth Bears, Wild Boars, Sambar and so on that lure tourists.

Best Time to Visit: The park remains open from October to June, but the ideal time to sight tigers is March – May.

2.Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

The journey of the Jim Corbett began in 1936, when it was announced as Asia’s very first National Park. Thereafter, in 1974 it was established as the first Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, and since then the saga hasn’t seen a full stop. Residing in this oldest established national park is the most furious member of the cat family, the Tigers. People from different parts of the world visit Corbett just to get a glimpse of these brilliantly dangerous cats. Besides tigers, Jim Corbett National Park is a habitat of Fishing Cats, Serow, Goral, Himalayan Tahr and several other fascinating wild species.

Best Time to Visit: Visitors are welcomed from Mid November to June end, and the best time for tiger sighting is March to May.

[You may also like to read How to Get Best Deals on Jim Corbett Park HolidayPackages ]

3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Do you wish to get the spectacular vista of the Royal Bengal Tigers? If yes, come and bask in the wilderness ofthe Bandhavgarh National Park. Owing to the presence of the striped cats and various other exotic fauna species, Bandhavgarh is counted among the best places for wildlife safari in India. In the past this place worked as a hunting ground for the royalties, but with time the scenario has changed. Presently, Bandhavgarh is a protected area wherein different wild beings can live and prosper intrepidly.

Best Time to Visit: You can visit the park between mid October and June, but if you are there just for the big cats, March to May is the ideal season.

4.Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

While the Sher Khan of the Jungle Book roars in the pages, the tiger of Kanha roars in the real woods.

More popular as the Mogli land, Kanha is the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s best ever classic – the Jungle Book. Be it Bagheera (Black Panther), Baloo (Bear), Kaa (Python), Hathi (Elephant) or Sher Khan (Bengal Tiger), every character of that best seller emanated from the real time inhabitants of  the Kanha National Park. Thus, it would not be wrong to state that the wonderful terrain of Kanha is among the perfect places that boast of rich and vivid wild creatures.

Best Time to Visit: The gate is set open from mid October to June, the peak time is March to May, as you get to see the royal cats.

5.Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Wish to get a glimpse of one of the most exotic animals – The One Horned Rhinoceros? If your answer is yes,visit the Kaziranga National Park. Spread across 429.69 square kilometers, the Kaziranga National Park is a home to world’s largest population of One Horned Rhinoceros. This place is far away from the human inhabitance and perhaps that is why wildlife is flourishing so beautifully here. Along with the giant Rhinos, Elephants, Bears, Panthers and various pretty birds dwell in the Kaziranga National Park. All this is quite sufficient to justify Kaziranga’s title as one of the famous World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.

Best Time to Visit: November to end of April is the ideal time to explore this park.

[Get here best deals on 4 Nights 5 Days Kaziranga WildlifeHoliday Package]

6.Sunderban National Park, West Bengal

Have you ever seen a tiger swimming in the water? Have you ever even heard of it? If not, then you must travel around the Mangroves of the Sunderban National Park. Be it the crown for cosseting world’s largest forest cover of the Mangroves, or for forming India’s largest tiger reserve, or for boasting a tiger populace that has adopted an amphibious lifestyle, Sunderban owns them all. Perhaps no more words are required to state that this park is certainly among the ultimate destinations for enjoying wildlife holidays in India. Further, it is also UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, and by now you know the reason behind this honor.

Best Time to Visit: The Park remains open throughout the year; however, for getting the perfect glimpse of the amphibian tigers the best time is October to April.

7.Gir National Park, Gujarat

The Gir National Park is among the most sparkling jewels of Gujarat’s treasure trunk. If you ask anyone about the Piece de Resistance (center of attraction) of Gir, the unanimous answer would be – the Asiatic Lions. The Gir National Park is the only home to the populace of Asiatic Lions, and thus these big cats considerably contribute to India wildlife tourism. Along with the Lions, the park inhabits around 32 species of mammals, 300 of birds and 26 of reptiles. Hence, Gir is bestowed with rich biodiversity and the same is responsible for the increasing number of visitors in the park.

Best Time to Visit: October to May end is regarded as the best season to visit the respective park.

8.Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Established as a National Park in 1983, Pench is one of the best places to spot tigers frisking around with a carefree attitude in their eyes. When the big and furious predators rumble, it is more like a declaration stating ‘this is my kingdom’. In this kingdom of the tigers, reside various other wild beings like Leopard, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Crimson-breasted Barbet and so on. Further, Pench has been an inspiration for BBC’s documentary – ‘Tiger: Spy in the Jungle’.  This documentary speaks a lot about the flourishing wildlife of the park.

Best Time to Visit: The park’s gates are set open from mid October to June, and the best time to sight tigers is March to May.

[You may also like to read Top Bird Sanctuaries and NationalParks around Bangalore]

9.Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Be it the Spotted Dear, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Black Buck, Sambar, Four Horned Antelopes, Porcupine, Smooth Otter or Pangolin, every member of the wild world can be seen enjoying a wonderful stay in the Satpura National Park. All those who simply fall for adventure must visit this national park, as the terrain is very rugged and is further complemented with peaks of sandstone, slender gorges, ravines and dense jungle.

Best Time to Visit: October to April is the ideal season for visiting this park.

10.Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra 

Declared as a National Park in 1955, Tadoba is a wonderful place to enjoy wildlife safari holidays in India. Located within this park is a beautiful lake encircled by lush mixed deciduous forests and undulating hills. This lake is so stunning that it stands among the main attractions of the place. Coming to the wildlife of this park, the inhabitants of Tadoba include Tigers, Barking Deer, Hyenas, Gaur, Leopards and so on.

Best Time to Visit: Though the park remains open from October to June, the best time to spot tigers is March, April and May. As during this time the vegetation becomes dry and animals make their way to the park.

All the above mentioned national parks are bestowed with exotic species of fauna and flora that entice travelers to visit these destinations. Furthermore, with more and more efforts being made for the conservation of wildlife, the beauty of these protected areas is mounting brilliantly. Thus, without much ado, pack your bags and bask in the wilderness of the Indian National Parks

Top 10 biggest cities in the world

The population of world is increasing with the passage of time and cities of various countries became megacities with highest number of inhabitants living in the metropolitan area of the city.

To rank top largest cities in world we have analyzed the population with respect to people lived in all surrounded areas outside of the established border of the city. The list contains most of Asian cities while some of American cities also included in the list of top largest cities around world with respect to total resident living in the city while few of them also have large land area while other could be ranked among densely populated cities on planet.

The figure of population contains the most recent estimated data from reliable sources to make the list most accurate and updated for the users. The list of top largest cities in the world is given below for you.

10: Lagos, Nigeria (21,000,000)

Lagos is most populous city of Nigeria which has population around 21,000,000 becoming the largest metropolitan area in Africa. It is one of fastest growing city in the region while it has often described as Nigeria’s economic focal point which generates significant portion of the country’s overall GDP. Lagos has one of the highest standards of living not only in Nigeria but also in Africa, home to numerous headquarters of financial institutions, commercial banks, and major corporations of the country.


9: Sao Paulo, Brazil (21,000,000)

Located in southeastern Brazil Sao Paulo is a municipality, metropolis and global city which stand among most populous cities in Brazil, in Americas, in Western and Southern hemisphere. The capital of state of São Paulo has sturdy influence in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment having largest economy in Latin America. The city has major national and international influence with respect to cultural, economic and political influence, home to several monuments and museums while its total population is estimated 21 million approximately making it one of largest city in the world.

8: Karachi, Pakistan (23,500,000)

Karachi is the capital of the province of Sindh and largest and most populous metropolitan city of Pakistan while the second most populated city in the world with respect to its urban areas. Karachi is one of largest urban agglomeration in world and largest city in Muslim world while it has been considered as centre of banking, industry, economic activity and trade in Pakistan. Beta world city has also known as The Bride of the Cities and the City of Lights for its vivacity, ranked among the largest cities of world having more than 23,500,000 inhabitants.

7: New York City, USA (23,632,722)

The most populous city in the United States New York City one of most populous urban agglomerations in the world having significant impact upon different fields like commerce, finance, fashion, media, technology, education, and entertainment described as world’s cultural and financial capital. New York City has situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbors consist of five boroughs including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. New York is the most densely populated major city in the United States with an estimated population of 23.6 million in the Combined Statistical Area.

6: Beijing, China (24,900,000)

Beijing is the capital of People’s Republic of China and one of most populous cities in world with more than 24 million residents around the world. Its stand among the largest Chinese city by urban population and is the major hub for the national highway, expressway, railway, and high-speed rail networks. It has been the political center of the country since eight centuries which ranks among most developed and prosperous in China, added on International Financial Centers Development Index.

5: Shanghai, China (25,400,000)

The largest Chinese city and the largest city proper by population in world Shanghai has over 25,400,000 inhabitants in Metropolitan area making it one of largest city in the world by population. The major administrative and trading town is a global financial centre and a transport hub having world’s busiest container port all around the globe. The city is renowned for its historical landmarks and monuments for which it became one of popular tourist destination in China while several foreigners also prefer to visit the city because of its attractions.

4: Delhi, India (25,703,000)

The Capital city of India New Delhi is a district which is centre of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and one of populous city in world with total inhabitants of more than 25 million. One of North India’s largest commercial and financial centers city is home to major industries information technology, telecommunications, hotels, banking and media. The city is home to several historic sites and museums making it one of most visited destination in India and one of popular tourist attraction in the world.

3: Seoul, South Korea (26,100,000)

The largest metropolis and capital of South Korea Seoul is the world’s second largest metropolitan area with over 25.6 million people ranked among top megacities of the world. It has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and Namhansanseong. It has wide tourism industry from which it earned huge portion of its GDP while it ranked among the most visited cities in the world. Seoul is considered a leading and rising global city and Asia’s most livable city because of its quality of life and fast growth in few decades.

2: Jakarta, Indonesia (30,326,103)

The capital and largest city of Indonesia Jakarta is one of the most populous urban agglomerations and among largest cities in world having total estimated population of above 30 million in its metropolitan area. The global city is an important trading port for the Kingdom of Sunda while it has seen rapid growth in last decade adding it among the most developed cities with respect to its overall economy in the world. It stands among the emerging world cities having potential to improve their global standing in near future.

1: Tokyo, Japan (37,126,000)

The largest city in the world with respect to metropolitan population of nearly 37 million Tokyo is capital city of Japan which has the world’s largest urban agglomeration economy. The global city is considered an alpha+ world city which ranked among top position in several sectors including Helpfulness of locals, Nightlife, Living Standards, Quality of Life, and world’s most expensive city especially for expatriates. The Most Liveable City has been added among the most visited cities because of having numerous tourists every year

भारतीय सेना को सलाम - Inspirational Facts About Indian Army



भारतीय सेना पर हर भारतीय को गर्व है और हो भी क्यों न, यह भारतीय सेना ही जो भारत को हमेशा दुश्मनों से दूर रखती है| भारतीय सैनिक अपनी जान पर खेल कर हमारे वतन को सुरक्षित और स्वतन्त्र बनाये रखते है| उनकी वीरता और कर्त्तव्य-भावना के लिए पूरा देश उन्हें सम्मान की नज़रों से देखता है| वैसे तो हम में से लगभग सभी को उनके योगदान और उनकी उपलब्धियों के बारे में कुछ न कुछ तो पता ही है| परन्तु यहाँ हम जिन बातों का जिक्र करने जा रहे हैं, उससे आपका भारतीय सेना के प्रति सम्मान और बढ़ जाएगा|

Inspirational Facts About Indian Army

Siachen Glacier: @ -50 Degree Celsius

सीयाचिन ग्लेशियर इस दुनिया का सबसे ऊचाई पर स्थित रणक्षेत्र है, जो कि समुद्र तल से 5000 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर है| यहाँ पर तापमान -50 डिग्री से नीचे चला जाता है और इतने कठिन वातावरण में भारतीय सेना हर पल सीमा की सुरक्षा करती रहती है|

Third Biggest Military

भारतीय सेना चीन और अमेरिका के बाद विश्व की सबसे तीसरी बड़ी सेना है| भारत की पूरी सेना में 13 लाख 25 हजार सक्रिय सैनिक और 21 लाख 43 हजार से भी अधिक रिज़र्व सैनिक है

Nuclear Test – Pokharan

1970 के आरम्भ और 1990 के आखिर में भारत ने गुपचुप तरीके से अपने परमाणु परिक्षण कर लिया और अमेरिका के गुप्तचर संगठन सीआईए को इसकी भनक तक नहीं लगी। इन घटनाओं को आज तक सीआईए की एक बड़ी विफलता और भारतीय सेना की एक बड़ी सफलता माना जाता है|

The Battle of Longewala

लोंगेवाला की लड़ाई बहुत ही मशहूर लड़ाई है| बाद में जिसकी कहानी से प्रभावित होकर बॉलीवुड में ‘बॉर्डर’ नाम से एक फिल्म भी बनाई गई| यह लड़ाई सन् 1971 में भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच हुई थी| इसमें जहाँ एक तरफ तो 2000 पाकिस्तानी सैनिक थे, तो दूसरी तरफ सिर्फ 120 भारतीय सैनिक थे| भारतीय सैनिकों के पास एक जीप पर लगी हुई एक एम40 रिक्वाइल-लेस के अलावा कोई भी विशेष घातक हथियार नहीं था| वहीँ दूसरी ओर पाकिस्तानी सैनिकों के पास 45 टैंक और एक मोबाइल इन्फेंट्री ब्रिगेड था| बहुत ही कम संख्या और लगभग हथियार-विहीन होने की विपरीत परिस्थितियों में भी भारतीय सैनकों ने दुश्मनों को अपनी पीठ नहीं दिखाई| वो मैदान-ए-जंग में पूरी रात तब तक डटे रहे जब तक कि उनकी मदद को सुबह वायुसेना न आ गई और दुश्मनों को उल्टे पैर भागने को मजबूर न कर दिया|

Biggest “voluntary” Army

भारत के पास दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी “स्वैच्छिक” सेना है। भारतीय संविधान में अनिवार्य भर्ती (जबरन भर्ती) का प्रावधान होते हुए भी भारतीय सेना को अपने पूरे इतिहास में कभी भी ऐसा करने की आवश्यकता नहीं पड़ी| पूरी सेना का हर-एक सैनिक अपने स्वयं की इच्छा से इसमें शामिल हुआ है|

No Reservation Based on Caste or Religion

भारत की अन्य सरकारी संगठनों एवं संस्थाओं के विपरीत, भारतीय सेना में जाति या धर्म के आधार पर किसी भी तरह के आरक्षण का प्रावधान नहीं है| सैनिकों को उनके परिक्षणों में केवल उनके द्वारा प्रदर्शित की गई उनकी योग्यताओं और शारीरिक क्षमताओं के आधार पर ही चुना जाता है|

The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971

सन् 1971 में भारत-पाक युद्ध, 93 हजार पाकिस्तानी सैनिकों और अधिकारियों के आत्मसमर्पण के साथ ख़त्म ख़त्म हुआ। द्वितीय विश्वयुद्ध के बाद, युद्धबंदियों को इतनी बड़ी संख्या में हिरासत में लेने की यह सबसे बड़ी घटना है| यही वह युद्ध था जिसकी समाप्ति ने एक स्वतन्त्र बांग्लादेश की नींव रखी|

Operation Rahat (2013) : Biggest Civilian Rescue Operations

ऑपरेशन राहत (2013) अब तक का किया जाने वाला दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा असैनिक बचाव कार्य है| इस अभियान को भारतीय वायु सेना ने उत्तराखंड में बाढ़ से प्रभावित नागरिकों को बचाने के लिए संचालित किया था| इसके पहले चरण, 17 जून 2013 से आगे, में वायु सेना ने हेलीकॉप्टरों की मदद से कुल 2 लाख लोगों को बचाया और 3 लाख 82 हज़ार 4 सौ किलोग्राम की राहत सामग्री और उपकरणों को पहुँचाया|

Highest Bridge in the World: Bailey Bridge

भारतीय सेना ने दुनिया के सबसे ऊँचे सेतु का निर्माण किया है| बेली ब्रिज दुनिया में सबसे ऊंचा सेतु है, जो कि हिमालय पर्वतश्रृंखला में द्रास और सुरु नदियों के बीच स्थित लद्दाख घाटी पर बना है| भारतीय सेना ने इसे सन् 1982 में बनाया था|

Agni Missile

अग्नि मिशाइल श्रृंखला के पहले और दूसरे मिशाइल परीक्षणों के विफल हो जाने पर अमेरिका, ब्रिटेन और पकिस्तान जैसे देशों ने भारत का मजाक उड़ाया था। पर तीसरे परिक्षण में अग्नि मिशाइल की सफलता ने उन सबके मुंह पर ताला जड़ दिया| इसके अतिरिक्त भारतीय सेना ने और भी कई मिसाइलों का सफल परिक्षण किया, जैसे कि पृथ्वी और ब्रह्मोस|

हम भारतीय सशत्र बल के उन वीरों को सलाम  करते हैं, जिनके कारण हम अपना जीवन स्वतंत्रता और शान्ति के साथ व्यतीत कर रहे हैं|

The Great Himalayas Mountain ranges is the world’s highest mountain range and home to planet’s highest Mountain peaks. Major Himalaya mountain peaks are situated in the Karakoram ranges,Garhwal Himalaya and Kanchenjunga. The highest Himalaya Mountain Peaks in India are Kanchenjunga,Nanda Devi and Kamet. Most of the peaks are situated in the Uttarakhand state of India, follow the link to know about the top 10 Highest Himalayan Mountain Peaks of Uttarakhand.

The 8 Magnificent Peaks of Indian Mountain Ranges

kangchenjunga-peak

The Kangchenjunga is the highest mountain peak in India and ranked 3rd highest summit in the world with an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft). The highest mountain Kangchenjunga is located at the border of India and Nepal in the great Himalayas range,Sikkim. Kangchenjunga section contains five peaks and the region has twelve more peaks over 7,000 m (23,000 ft).

Kangchenjunga                8,586 m (28,169 ft)
Kangchenjunga West      8,505 m (27,904 ft)
Kangchenjunga Central  8,482 m (27,828 ft)
Kangchenjunga South     8,494 m (27,867 ft)
Kangbachen                       7,903 m (25,928 ft)
Ranked 3rd
Himalayas Ranges, Sikkim

Nanda Devi

The Nanda Devi is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas region in the state of Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is the highest summit in the two massif another one is called as Nanda Devi East, located at the eastern part. Nanda Devi is one of the highest mountain in the world and ranked second in India.

Nanda Devi            7,816 m (25,643 ft)
Nanda Devi East   7,434 m (24,390 ft)
Ranked 23rd
Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

kamet-peak

The Kamet is the highest summit in the Zaskar mountain Range of Garhwal region in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Kamet is second highest mountain summit of Garhwal Himalayas and third highest mountain peak of India with an elevation of    7,756 m (25,446 ft). Kamet mountain peak is surrounded by three major neighboring peaks and lies very close  the Tibet.

Kamet                7,756 m (25,446 ft)
Abi Gamin        7,355 m (24,130 ft)
Mana                 7,272 m (23,858 ft)
Mukut Parbat  7,242 m (23,760 ft)
Ranked 29th
Zaskar Range, Uttarakhand


Saltoro-Kangri-Peak

The Saltoro Kangri is the highest peak of Saltoro Mountain ranges,a sub range of Karakoram, the biggest range of greater Himalaya mountains. Saltoro Mountains are situated at the center of great Karakoram and very near to the longest glaciers in the world, the Siachen Glacier. The Saltoro Kangri is 31st highest independent mountain peak in world with an
elevation of 7,742 m (25,400 ft) in Kashmir.

Saltoro Kangri  7,742 m (25,400 ft)
K12                       7,428 m (24,370 ft)
Ghent Kangri     7,401 m (24,281 ft)
Sherpi Kangri     7,380 m (24,213 ft)
Ranked 31st
Karakoram,Greater Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir

Saser Kangri

The Saser Kangri are group of five majestic mountain peaks situated in the the Saser Muztagh range in Jammu and Kashmir. Saser Muztagh is one of the sub-range of the great Karakoram range lies at the southeast part of he Karakoram range. Saser Kangri I is the highest mountain peak among the all five brothers with an elevation of    7,672 m (25,171 ft) and Ranked 35th in the world.

Saser Kangri I              7,672 m (25,171 ft)
Saser Kangri II East    7,518 m (24,665 ft)
Saser Kangri II West   7,500 m (24,600 ft)
Saser Kangri III            7,495 m (24,590 ft)
Saser Kangri IV            7,416 m (24,331 ft)

Ranked 35th
Saser Muztagh, Karakoram greater Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir

Mamostong Kangri

The Magnificent Mamostong Kangri is the highest mountain of sub ranges Rimo Mustagh of of the Great Karakoram range. Mamostong Kangri is located at a majestic altitude of 7,516 m (24,659 ft) in the remote area of the Siachen Glacier. Mamostong Kangri is ranked 48th independent highest peak in the world.

Mamostong Kangri   7,516 m (24,659 ft)
Ranked 48th
Rimo Muztagh, Karakoram, Jammu and Kashmir

Rimo-peak

The Rimo massif is located at the northern side of Rimo Muztagh in the famous the Karakoram ranges. The striped mountains are lies northeast part of the great Siachen Glacier with an elevation of 7,385 m (24,229 ft). Rimo mountain are consists of four peaks, the Rimo I is the highest peak among them with 7,385 m (24,229 ft).

Rimo I    7,385 m (24,229 ft)
Rimo II   7,373 m (24,189 ft)
Rimo III  7,233 m (23,730 ft)
Rimo IV   7,169 m (23,520 ft)
Ranked 71st
Siachen Area, Jammu and Kashmir

Hardeol-Peak

Hardeol also called as Temple of God is one of the major mountain peak of the Kumaon Himalaya located at the northern side of Sanctuary and guarding the Nanda Devi. The 7,151 m (23,461 ft) highest Hardeol peak is situated in the Milam valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. Hardeol peak lies very next to another Himalayan mountain peak called Tirsuli with an height of  7,074 m (23,209 ft).

Hardeol  7,151 m (23,461 ft)
Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

Chaukhamba


The Chaukhamba summit is the highest peak in the group of the Gangotri situated in the Garhwal Himalaya region of Uttarakhand. The Gangotri Group has total four peaks and Chaukhamba I is the highest among them with an elevation of 7,138 m (23,419 ft). Chaukhamba got its name due to the four big peaks along with each other.

Chaukamba I     7,138 m (23,419 ft)
Chaukamba II     7,070 m (23,196 ft)
Chaukamba III     6,995 m (22,949 ft)
Chaukamba IV     6,854 m (22,487 ft)
Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand


Trisul-peak

Trisul is one of the three mountain peaks of a group located at mountainous regions of Kumaon in Uttarakhand state. The highest peak of the group is Trisul I at an elevation of 7,120 m (23,359 ft). The three got its name after Trishul weapon of Lord Shiva, Trisul mountain peaks are near to the Nanda Devi sanctuary.

Trisul I    7,120 m (23,360 ft)
Trisul II   6,690 m (21,949 ft)
Trisul III  6,007 m (19,708 ft)
Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

INTRODUCTION
It's not easy to put together a Top 10 Best Waterfalls List because it's completely subjective and limited to each person's experience with the falls being named. Heck, even my wife and I couldn't agree on our own favorites. Nonetheless based on popular demand, we've finally come up with our own list of the favorites that we've personally visited (check out our itineraries). While Julie and I believe that we have a pretty extensive survey of such waterfalls (covering all major regions of the world such as the American Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Eastern Regions of the United States as well as Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean), we recognize that this list is by no means permanent, and it's sure to change as we continue to collect more waterfall sightings from around the world. So without further adieu, here they are in reverse order...

10. SUTHERLAND FALLS [Fiordland National Park, New Zealand]
In a country that holds a special place in our hearts, this gorgeous 580m waterfall was easily New Zealand's most spectacular waterfall and certainly the one waterfall that was heads-and-shoulders better than the other waterfalls that Julie and I had visited in the Land of the Long White Cloud. And given its remote location deep in the wild and beautiful Fiordland National Park (also a World Heritage Area), it was one of many highlights of the Milford Track - said to be one of the finest walks in the world. Indeed, this waterfall had a lot going for it, and we just had to make room for it on this list.

 9. PLITVICE WATERFALLS [Northern Dalmatia, Croatia]
When it came to the overall waterfalling experience, it was hard to beat this world famous attraction. While the rest of the waterfalls on our Top 10 List are primarily singular waterfall attractions, this one was really a network of countless waterfalls (some of which were impressive enough to stand out on their own). The waterfalls themselves segregated the many clear and colorful lakes that brought life to this lush and protected ecosystem. Plus, Julie and I walked along its boardwalks that take us under, over, and around almost all of the notable waterfalls for some of the most intimate waterfalling experiences to be had. Add it all up, putting these waterfalls on this list was an absolute no-brainer as far as we were concerned.

8. DETTIFOSS [Vatnajökull (Jökulsárgljúfur) National Park, Iceland]
It was said to be Europe's most powerfull waterfall sending glacial meltwaters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500 cubic meters per second. It epitomized the wild and raw landscape that characterized Iceland, and it was certainly a favorite amongst nature lovers both from the country as well as internationally. Its position at the head of the impressive Jökulsárgljúfur (the Icelandic version of the Grand Canyon) surrounded by three other major waterfalls on the same river made it a no-brainer for us to include it on our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

7. GULLFOSS [Haukadalur, Iceland]
One of the more unique waterfalls we had ever seen in the world, this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvítá River in two tiers at 90 degree angles to each other was one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions. Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the Southwest, this was a must on our itinerary, and we think it should belong on anyone's itinerary wishing to see the best of Iceland. In addition to the falls' unique shape, we were also able to see rainbows arcing over the falls when we had the benefit of cooperative weather as well as a little patience.

6. YOSEMITE FALLS [Yosemite National Park (California), USA]
Even though this waterfall doesn't flow year round, it does flow for a good part of the year and it's one of the tallest in the world at 2425ft. It's the crown jewel of attractions in the incomparable Yosemite Valley and it's easily seen from a multitude of viewpoints and trails. Julie and I have been fortunate to have seen this falls so many times and in so many ways that we tend to think of it like an old friend. So given its ease of access, scenery, location, and sheer size, there was no doubt that we had to include this waterfall amongst our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

5. KAIETEUR FALLS [Potaro River, Guyana]

Said to be one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, this rectangular-shaped monster (said to be 741ft tall and 370ft wide) sat atop the ancient Guyana Shield amidst some of the most pristine rainforest left on earth! Indeed a visit to this world wonder could yield rare wildlife settings as well as the reassurance that there were still places on the planet where nature was still allowed to thrive. And after experiencing this for ourselves, we had to make room for this waterfall on our Top 10 List!

4. ANGEL FALLS  (SALTO ÁNGEL) [Canaima, Venezuela]
Plunging uninterrupted for 807m (with total drop of 979m) from a mystical tabletop mountain (tepuy) deep in a Venezuelan equatorial rainforest, it has been widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent waterfall in the world. Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy. No doubt about it, there's nothing like this waterfall and there's just something to be said about seeing the World's Tallest Waterfall. Besides, the adventure to even get to this so-called Lost World (Mundo Perdido) for a chance to see this world wonder certainly left Julie and I a lasting impression, and we're sure it will do to same to anyone else fortunate enough to make the adventure and be blessed with a sighting of this special place.

3. NIAGARA FALLS [Ontario, Canada / New York, USA]
Easily the most famous waterfall in North America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average of about 7000 cubic meters per second! In addition to its raw power, the falls is easily one of the easiest to access and view from all sorts of angles. Julie and I managed to visit this waterfall twice and with each visit, we still couldn't help but be awestruck at its sheer size and power. While its surroundings were a bit less naturesque for our liking, there was no denying that it clearly belonged amongst the upper tier of our list of Top 10 Waterfalls.

2. VICTORIA FALLS (MOSI-OA-TUNYA) [Livingstone, Zambia / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe]
Easily deserving of the top spot on this list (though it finished a very close second), it's the largest singular waterfall in the world spanning a width of 1.7km, a height of 108m, and an average flow of 1 million liters per second! It's no wonder this "smoke that thunders" is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Julie and I had trouble staying dry and seeing through the intense mist from the ground, we also managed to experience it from the air to truly appreciate its awesome size and scale! Indeed, it made us feel humble and awestruck, and we suspect it will do the same to you, too!

1. IGUAZU FALLS (IGUASSU FALLS) [Puerto Iguazú, Argentina / Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil]

With its brink spanning a distance of an incredible 2km in its average flow of 1000 cubic meters per second, this falls tops our list of favorites. The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades. Catwalks made it easy for Julie and I to get closeup and intimate with the many of these waterfalls, and the rainforest surroundings made the scenery feel right for a natural attraction such as this. Put it all together and we believe this falls is heads and shoulders above the rest (except Victoria Falls) that we've seen!

10 Largest Hindu Temples In The World

largest Hindu Temples
The primary goal of every Hindu temple is enlightenment. The architectural styles, towering gopuras, magnificent sculptures, images, carvings and decorations of temple bring a high positive energy. Here the list of largest Hindu temples in the world.

10 Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu, India, 15 Acres

The vast Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Shiva temple located in Tamil Nadu State of India. The temple is named after Vaitheeswaran, one form of lord Shiva worshiped in this temple. Vaitheeswaran Koil is also one of the Navagraha stalams in India and it represents Angaraka (Mars). It is believed to be some of Shivalingas of this temple have been worshiped by Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Surya and Vulture king Jatayu.

The temple has five main gopuras and enormous enclosures. There are metal images and stone sculptures of Lord Subramanya, Surya and Durga within the precincts of the temple. The visitors also believe that holy waters of temple have power to cure all diseases. The sacred ash from Vaitheeswaran Koil also found as medicine by devotees.

9 Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, 17.3 Acres


The enormous Meenakshi Amman temple is a significant symbol of Madurai city and an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. This large Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy or Meenakshi. The lord Siva also called as ‘Sundareswarar’ in Madurai. The temple commonly named after Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathy). The large temple complex covers an area of 17 acres.

There are 14 ‘gopuras’ or pyramidal gates rise to the height between 40 and 50 meters. The four tallest gopuras stand as entrances to the temple complex and smaller gopuras direct to the main shrines. The gateway towers of the temple facing four directions and visitors usually prefer Eastern entrance of the temple as it open to the main shrine. The Multi-Storeyed gopuras of Meenakshi temple also carved with figures of animals, Gods and demons.

The Madurai Meenakshi temple was originally built by Pandyan king Malavarman Kulasekara Pandyan in 13th century. In 14th century the Meenakshi temple was sacked by Muslim invader Malik Kafur. Later the temple was rebuilt by Nayak ruler Viswanatha Nayakar in 16th century. He redesigned the temple in accordance with the principles of ‘Shilpa shatras’, an ancient Hindu texts of arts and design.

The central shrine of Meenakshi temple dedicated for Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) and Meenakshi (Goddess Parvathy). The sanctum of Meenakshi and Lord Shiva is covered with golden plates. The main sanctum of temple is also surrounded by a number of other shrines. The ‘Mandapam’ of Meenakshi temple contains 985 unique pillars made of granite. Some of the pillars produce music on taps. There is also a art gallery in the temple that displays drawings, photos and icons that illustrate ancient Indian temple architecture.



8 Jambukeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, 18 Acres

The Jambukeswarar or Thiruvanaikaval Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli of Tamilnadu is one of ‘panchabhoota sthalams’, means one of five Shiva temples that represents five great elements (land, water, air, sky and fire). The four Shiva temples of ‘panchabhootha sthalams’ located in Tamil Nadu and one in Andhra Pradesh. The Thiruvanaikaval temple represents  ‘water’ and the main sanctum of the temple also has an underground water stream. The main deity of the temple is Jambukeswarara, one form of lord Shiva.

According to mythological believes once Akilandeswari (Incarnation of Goddess Parvathy) came this place from ‘Kailasam’ to conduct penance. She made a lingam with water of Kavery river. That’s why Thiruvanaikaval temple represents water or neer, one of prime elements of nature. The Shiva lingam of Thiruvanaikaval temple is known as ‘Appu lingam’ means lingam made of water.

The Thiruvanaikaval temple was built by the emperor Kocengannan Chola in 1st century. The temple also contains inscriptions and sculptures from Chola period. There are five enclosures in the Jambukeswarar temple complex. The enormous outer wall of the temple complex known as vibudhi prakara has a length of 1 mile and a height of 25 feet. The fourth enclosure of the temple contains 196 pillar. There is also a small tank that fed by natural springs. The central precinct has two gopuras at 100 feet and 73 feet high. The main shrine, appu linga can be found at inner precinct of the temple.

7 Ekambareswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, 23 Acres

The Ekambareswarar temple is the largest temple in the holy city of Kanchipuram in Tami Nadu, dedicated for lord Shiva. The temple is one of ‘panchabhoothasthalam’ that represent Earth or Prithvi, one of the significant elements of nature. This enormous Shiva temple covers an area of 23 acres. Standing at a height of 59 meters the gateway tower of the Ekambareswarar temple known as Raja gopuram is one of the tallest gopuras in India.

The temple was built by Paranthaka Chola in 650 A.D. In the months of March and April the Sun rays will directly fall on the main Shiva linga of Ekambareswarar temple. There are five different courtyards in the temple complex. The inner wall of the temple is decorated with 1008 Shiva lingams. Another attraction of the temple is a hall with thousands pillars known as ‘Aayiram kaal mandapam’. It is also said to be a hidden underground holy river flows under the temple.

6. Annamalaiyar Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, 25 Acres

Annamalaiyar temple in Thiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu is one of the grandest Shiva temples in India. The temple represents ‘Agni’, one of main temple of pancha bhoota stalas. The main Shiva linga of this temple is called as ‘agni linga’. The Annamalaiyar temple is also called as Arunachaleswarar, one of form of Lord Shiva. The Goddess Parvathy is also worshiped in this temple as ‘Unnamulai Amman’.

The present masonry complex and towers were built by Cola rulers dated back to 9th century. There are inscriptions of that time on the structures of Annamalaiyar temple.The temple complex covers 10 hectares of land. The temple houses many halls and four huge gateway towers. The tallest gateway tower in the complex has a height of 217 feet. There is also a huge hall with 1000 pillars built by King Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagar. The towers and pillars of the temple also decorated with excellent sculptures.

5 Belur Math, Kolkata, India, 40 Acres

The Belur math is a magnificent temple and international headquarters of Ramakrishna mission founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. The most interesting feature of Belur math is it look like a temple, church or a mosque from every angle. The temple reflects a fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Rajput and Christian architectural styles. Belur math is also considered as a symbol of unity of all religions in the world.

“The spiritual light that this place will emit will flood the whole universe” Swami Vivekananda said on the occasion of  laying the foundation stone of Belur Math in 1898. The entire complex of Belur math covers an area of 40 acres. The Belur Math complex contains temples dedicated for Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Holy mother, Sri Sarada Devi. The main gate of the temple contains symbols of different religions. The museum of the Belur math also contains different artifacts used by Sri Ramakrisha and Swami Vivekananda.

4 Thillai Nadaraja Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, 40 Acres

The Nadaraja temple in Chidambaram town of Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva in in Anada Tandava pose (Nadaraja). Chidambaram temple is one of panchabhootha sthalams and it represents ‘Akasha’. The historic Hindu temple spread across 50 acres. The Shiva linga in the innermost sanctum of Nadaraja temple is known as ‘Aakasha linga’.  The sanctum also contains images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.

The temple was renovated by rulers of different dynasties including Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara and Chera in different period of time. According to the hypothetical believes the Nadaraja temple is located in the lotus of the universe known as ‘virat hridhaya padhma sthanam’. The main sanctum of the temple is a wooden structure known as Chitsabha where main Shivalinga located. The golden hall located near chitsabha also contains images of Lord Shiva in ‘Urdhva Tandava posture’.

The outermost prakaram or sanctum of the temple housed Sivakami (Goddess Parvathy) Amman temple, Sivaganga tank and a hall with a thousand pillars known as Raja Sabha. There are four main gopuras standing at a height of 250 feet and face four different directions. The magnificent towers are also decorated with 108 different poses of Bharata Natya and with images of Hindu mythology.

3 Akshardham, Delhi, India, 100 Acres

The large Akshardham Hindu temple complex is located on the banks of Yamuna river in Delhi. The temple complex spread across an area of 100 acres. It is regarded as an icon of Hindu culture, art and spirituality. The central part of this religious complex houses murtis of Sita Ram, Siv Parvati, Radha Krishna and Lakshmi Narayanan. The Akshardham temple complex as built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, The spiritual leader of BAPS organization.The Akshardham temple complex is entirely made of sandstone and marble.

The magnificent gajendra pith of the temple symbolizing the animal kingdom. It features 148 full sized elephants, 42 birds and 125 human sculptures carved in pink stone.  The 1070 feet long gajendra pith also represents a deep relation of ancestors of India and with nature. The main monument of Akshardham temple consists of 234 carved pillars and nine domes. The carvings of detailed information about Hindu deities, plants, animals and arts also can be found inside the monument.

2 Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India, 156 Acres

Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the most famous and largest Hindu temple in India. The vast temple complex was built across 156 acres of land in Srirangam of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated for declining form Lord Vishnu known as Ranganatha. The temple is also known as Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandalam. This magnificent Vishnu temple is also one of the finest Dravidian religious structures in India.

The inscriptions from Sri Ranganathaswamy temple describe the role of Different dynasties including Chola, Pandya, Hoysala and Vijayanagar in the restoration and renovation of the temple. There are 21 towers and 39 pavilions in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. At height of 236 feet main gopura of the temple known as Rajagopuram is the second tallest temple tower in Asian continent.

The temple comprises seven enclosures formed by thick walls. The rampart wall encircles the golden plated main sanctum of the temple. The inner five prakaras as function as temple and the Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter main sanctum of the temple.  A shrine over the main sanctum of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is known as ‘Ranga Vimana’ made in the shape of ‘om’,mythical sound of Hindu religion. There is also a hall with thousand pillars and decorated with sculptures.

1 Angkor Wat, Cambodia, 500 Acres

Stretching over 500 acres the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is the largest religious structure in the world. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and icon of Cambodia. The Angkor Wat consist of  hundreds of stone temples and remains of the Khmer empire. The largest temple complex was built in 12th century by Khmer king Suryavarman II. Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to Lord Vishu and later it became a Buddhist complex.

Unlike other Hindu temples Angkor Wat faces West. Archaeologists believed that Angkor Wat is not only a temple but also a mausoleum. The skilled workers of Saurvarman only used sandstones as main material for the construction of the largest religious complex. The Angkor Wat is actually a portrayal of sacred mountain mount Meru. The center tower of the temple stands at a height of 65 meters is surrounded by four smaller towers.

The main entrance of the Angkor Wat on West side has rich decorations with sculptures and carvings. There is also a 3.2 meters high statue of Lord Vishnu made of sandstone. The central complex of Angkor Wat is a three storey structure.There are three main galleries in the central complex of the temple. Each gallery also has a lotus-bud shaped tower. The gallery of thousands Buddha houses hundreds of images of Lord Buddha. The inner wall of Angkor Wat is also decorated with important scenes from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

1.Cheraman Juma Masjid:

The first in this list is Cheraman Juma Masjid. It is constructed brilliantly and your eyes will get true heavenly experience after visiting this place. It is supposed to be the earliest mosque in India which was constructed just about 629 AD. This is that holy place where Juma followers were originally started. It is placed in Methaala town of Kodungalloor Taluka, in Kerala. This is real example of architectural design. The mosque is exceptional in it’s appear as well as is based on intermingle of customary Kerala as well as Arabian talent and construction style. This place is too beautiful to visit. Every Indian wishes to visit this place at least once in a lifetime.

This masjid is a mausoleum of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, who was a Sufi saint, arrived from Persia and dedicated his life to the God’s service and enlistment of the deprived and exploited. This creates a great affection in people’s mind. People of all religions and belief from worldwide, without looking at their social group, belief and conviction; stay at this great holy place to put forward the flowers of their admiration and affection. The moneyed as well as the underprivileged rest side by side to give worship and admiration to this godly spirit. This Dargah has a huge opening with silvery gates. A silver paling and a granite screen envelop the real grave of the saint, plus it is made up of granite with a gold laminated dome. It is recommended to visit this Dargah to take real experience of sacredness.

2.Dargah Sharif

It is essential to place one more mosque while thinking about most popular mosques in India. The Haji Ali Mosque is placed on a land mass off the beach of Worli in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Even though it is a mosque as well as dargah, yet it is very well-liked amid Hindus too. Hindus go to this place to speak God about their wish. It is supposed that praying at the mosque facilitates complete one’s desires. More than 40,000 prayers stopover this holy place on every Thursdays and Fridays.

This place is very famous in India and each Indian visits this place once in a lifetime and assumes them a sacred person after visiting this place.

3.Haji Ali Mosque
If you are thinking on popular mosques in India then Jama Masjid can be one which you need to think. The Jama Masjid is one of the eminent holy places in India. This one is the biggest and famous mosque there in India. It is said that this mosque is constructed by the Mughal Ruler Saha Jahan in the year of 1656 AD. It is constructed with the granite and ashen marble. The Jama Masjid is an exclusive mixture of Hindu as well as Islamic structural design. This mosque is located in the centre of India’s capital Delhi i.e. in the Chandani Chowk of previous Delhi.

4.Jama Masjid
If you are asked one example of beauty then you are free to take name of this mosque. The gorgeous four-sided figure granite grave of Sheikh Salim Chishti is one of the supreme models of Mughal style in India. It is placed in the city of ‘Fathehpur Sikri’ near Agra. This tomb was made where well-known Sufi sage Sheikh Salim Chishti took a seat in thoughts and meditation throughout his lifetime.

The tomb was constructed by Akbar as a sign of his admiration and astonishment for the saint; furthermore it was accomplished in the year of 1580-81. The opening has four thin props with remarkable Gujarati approach roundabout supports that curl upwards to the top which are extremely pleasing to the eye. Coming to the main hall, which controls the grave of the saint, it is covered by a sole falcate dome.

People of all religious conviction come in groups to present flowers along with urge at the holy place and strap cord threads in the faith that their desires would be rewarded.

5.Tomb Salimchisti

This one is highly eye satisfying place in India. The Moti Masjid was an imperative signpost of Bhopal, plus was constructed in 1860 by Sikandar Jehan Begum, who was a daughter of Qudisiya Begum’s.

Bhopal came to be recognized as the province of the moderately enlightened, yet progressive women, it was none other than Sikandar Begum who situate the movement. She was passionate recreation, untie to new thoughts.

She stopped slavery faith and constructed roads, conduits and gorgeous tombstones similar to the Moti Masjid.

6.Moti Masjid

This one is one of most beautiful mosques in India. It can be listed at the top of any list. This mosque has a granite-white front with two tiny cupolas at the top of it, and it encloses two massive black minarets on any face of it.

This mosque has ability to stick people at their place watching its gloominess and experiencing its hugeness. This makes this mosque more unique than any other mosque. It is believed that any wish you pray near to this mosque with pure thoughts in mind, that wish comes true. It is experienced by large quantity of people. They are still going there just to show their respect towards God and to prove their sacred behavior.

7.Adhai Din Ka Jhopra
Mosques are famous for their wonderful construction. The great example of beautifulness of any mosque is Jamali Kamali Tomb. It has freshly been mended by INTACH, which is an independent artistic association. The name “Jamali” is the assumed name of the Sufi saint Shaikh Fazlullah. This mosque can surely fulfill all your wishes to watch a beautiful place. Once you visit this mosque, you will wish to revisit this place. This is more important as it reveals the true affection of people towards any mosque.

8.Jamali Kamali Tomb

Have you ever seen example of gorgeous construction? If no, then just visit one place in India. The most striking construction in Bhopal is named as Taj-ul-Masjid, which is one of the biggest as well as most well-designed Muslim mosques available in India.

The structure actually presents an extravagant scene and is significance attractive obeisance too. Its pink front elevation is crowned by two enormous white-domed minarets positioning upwards to the universe, just like if looking for its blessings.

Visitors situate at this holy place not only for the purpose of holy thoughts but also for taking real experience of glove.

9.Taj-ul-Masjid

Most astonishing mosques are placed in the state of Delhi. It is a capital of India and called as heart of this country. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid can be an incomprehensible understanding for those who are new with its olden times. At one side there is the gorgeous, curvilinear Islamic script, the arabesque means and after that there are props with undoubtedly pre-Islamic Hindu designs. This place can surely turn anybody’s mind towards holiness and one can surely become a God loving person after visiting this place. This place is situated in the heart of country Delhi and thus it is more easy for those who are willing to visit India, as after visiting this place you can go anywhere in India by standing at the center.

10.Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid

All these are famous top ten mosques in India. If you are planning for something new in life or planning to go for a family trip then you can surely visit these places. This will not only provide you a holy experience but will tell you about few famous monuments.

These 10 sites are the best sites that we have found that will help you learn to speak English. We have submissions from writers all over the world, and I have had a few of those writers ask for help speaking English. Many are very good writers, but they just want some help speaking. So we gathered up 10 sites to help you learn to speak English.


1. Talk English http://www.talkenglish.com/

Best site we've found. It has tons of audio for you to listen to, vocabulary, phrases and conversations.

2. Lets Talk In English http://www.lets-talk-in-english.com/

Lets Talk in English give you the chance to talk in English. They have many many resources for writers.

3. BBC Learning Englishhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/talkaboutenglish/

BBC has a ton of resources on how to speak and learn English. A must for someone struggling.

4. English Club http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/
A good site.

5. Voki http://www.voki.com/

This is a pretty fun site. It allows you to create an avatar of yourself and share it with others. You can practice speaking this way.

6. Language Guide http://www.languageguide.org/english/

Another great English guide.

7. Listen and Write http://www.listen-and-write.com/

Basically Listen and Write allows you to hear the language and then asks you to fill in the words by typing them. It is a helpful site.

8. Lyriscs training http://www.lyricstraining.com/index.php

The site lets you sing along with songs to learn the language.

9. Nonstop English http://www.nonstopenglish.com/exercise.asp?exid=916

Has some great resources that allow you to practice your English.

10. I Learn to Speak Englishhttp://www.ilearntospeakenglish.com/#/welcome-to-our-site/
This is a new site, but it looks promising. Just the first couple of lessons are online, but it seems like more is to come. It is easy to practice your English here.

Mosque (Masjid) is a Holy place for Muslims. It is a place for worship for all the followers of Islam. Mosque is the place where all the Muslims of the community come together and have their prayers. Mosques or Masjids are fine examples of excellent architecture of Islam and Muslims. Beautiful mosques are found all around the globe, with the spread of the Islamic empire throughout the World. Islam has taken its fine culture and arts to those places. Because Islam had reached parts of Europe and Africa, it has left great influences in their cultures, which is clear from the offset.

There are so many beautiful mosques founded in many countries. All these look stunning from the outside and if you are lucky enough to be a Muslim and have visited some of the interior, well then you would know that it is breath-taking!

What better time than to appreciate the beauty of these Islamic architectures than the month of Ramadan? Here’s 10 awe-inspiring, beautiful mosques from various countries around the world that’ll leave you breathless.

The top ten of the Most Beautiful Mosques

1.  Al Haram Mosque – Macca, Saudi Arabia

Beautiful Mosques
The Qur’an said that this was the first house built for humanity to worship Allah. The most famous monument in the world, Al Haram mosque or “Grand Mosque” is located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds one of Islam’s holiest places, the Kaaba. The mosque is also known as the greatest Mosque. Current structure covers an area of 400,800 square meters (99.0 acres), including outdoor and indoor praying spaces and can accommodate up to 4 million people during the period of the Hajj, one of the largest annual worship of the Muslim in the world.

2.  Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – Medina, Saudi Arabia

Beautiful Mosques
Al Nabawi Mosque, often called the Prophet’s Mosque, is a mosque built by the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) situated in the city of Medina. It is the second holiest site in Islam (the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca). It was the second mosque built in history and is now one of the largest mosques in the world after the al-Haram mosque in Mecca. One of the most important place of this mosque is Green Dome (the center of the mosque), where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is located. In 1279 AD, a wooden cupola was built over the tomb which was later rebuilt and renovated multiple times in late 15th century and once in 1817. The dome was first painted green in 1837, and later became known as the Green Dome.

3.  Al Aqsa Mosque – Jerusalem, Palestine

Most Beautiful Mosques
Al-Aqsa Mosque also known as Al-Aqsa and Bayt al-Muqaddas, is the third holiest site in Islam and an Islamic shrine located in the Old City of Jerusalem. In the mosque itself is part of Al-Haram ash-Sharif or “Sacred Noble Sanctuary” (together with the Dome of the Rock), a site which is also known as Temple Mount as the holiest site in Judaism, because it is believed to be The Temple of Jerusalem once stood. Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Night Journey. Islamic tradition states that Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) led prayers toward this mosque until the seventeenth month after the emigration, when Allah ordered him to turn to the Kaaba.

4.  Hassan II Mosque – Morocco

Beautiful Mosques
The Grande Mosquée Hassan II, located in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 metres (689 ft). It was completed in 1993. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca. The mosque stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, the sea bed being visible through the glass floor of the building’s hall. The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside grounds.

5.  Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque – Brunei

Beautiful Mosques
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a royal Islamic mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei. The mosque considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Asia Pacific and a major landmark and tourist attraction of Brunei. The building was completed in 1958 and is an example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque is built in an artificial lagoon on the banks of the Brunei River at Kampong Ayer, the “village in the water”. It has marble minarets and golden domes with courtyards and lush gardens full of fountains. The mosque is surrounded by a large number of trees and floral gardens which in Islam symbolizes heaven. The mosque unites Mughal architecture and Italian styles.

6.  Zahir Mosque – Kedah, Malaysia

Beautiful Mosques
The Zahir Mosque is Kedah’s state mosque. It is located in the heart of Alor Star, the state capital of Kedah, Malaysia. It is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque was built in 1912, funded by Tunku Mahmud, son of the Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The architecture from the mosque inspired by AZIZI Mosque in the city of Langkat in north Sumatra, Indonesia. The mosque was founded with five large domes symbolizing the five main principles of Islam. The state’s Quran reading competition is held annually within the premises of the mosque. This mosque has been voted the top 10 most beautiful mosques in the world.

7.  Faisal Mosque Islamabad – Pakistan

Beautiful Mosques
Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is the biggest mosque in south east and southern Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world. It was the largest mosque in the world of 1986-1993 before defeated measure by the completion of the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco and after the expansion of Masjid Al-Haram (Grand Mosque) of Mecca and the Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia in the 1990s.

8.  Taj ul Mosque – Bhopal, India

Beautiful Mosques
Taj-ul-Masajid literally means “The Crown of Mosques” situated in Bhopal, India. The mosque is also used as a Islamic school during the day time. It is one of the largest mosque in asia. The mosque has a pink facade topped by two 18-storey high octagonal minarets with marble domes. The mosque also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars and marble flooring resembling Mughal architecture the likes of Jama Masjid in Delhi and the huge Badshahi Mosque of Lahore. It has a courtyard with a large tank in the centre. It has a double-storeyed gateway with four recessed archways and nine cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall.

9.  Badshahi Mosque of Lahore – Pakistan

Beautiful Mosques
The Badshahi Mosque or the ‘Royal Mosque’ in Lahore, commissioned by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673, is the second largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world. Epitomising the beauty, passion and grandeur of the Mughal era, it is Lahore’s most famous landmark and a major tourist attraction. Capable of accommodating 55,000 worshippers in its main prayer hall and a further 95,000 in its courtyard and porticoes, it remained the largest mosque in the world from 1673 to 1986 (a period of 313 years).

10.  Sultan Mosque, Singapore

Beautiful Mosques
Sultan Mosque, located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road in Kampong Glam Rochor District in Singapore is still considered one of the most important mosque in Singapore. Sultan mosque has stayed essentially unchanged since it was built, only with improvements made to the main hall in 1960 and annex added in 1993. It set as a national monument on March 14th 1975.

Many might think that the internet isn’t conducive to studying–that it’s all cat videos and social networking–but there are thousands of websites out there designed specifically for learning new skills, managing everyday life, and even helping students study for exams.

Here we’ll shine the spotlight on 10 websites dedicated to being a your new best study-buddy. Whether it’s time management, digital flashcards, self-made quizzes, study games, or other educational tools, these sites and apps can help students of any age get ready for upcoming tests, all for the low, low price of absolutely free.

1. GoConqr

Flickr user UTC Library

Visual learners, rejoice. What makes this site unique are the mind maps, a web of information that breaks down broad subjects into smaller topics. When a you create a map, it allows you to see how things are connected — this helps with both memorization and understanding.

The site also has numerous other helpful features like flashcards, a note taking platform, self-created quizzes, study planner, a collaboration tool, and a way to track how much you’re learning. This versatile tool is also available across multiple platforms for studying on the go.

GoConqr

2. Quizlet

Flickr user Official GDC

With this site, you provide the information and Quizlet provides the study tools. Users can create “sets” in any subject under the sun, and based off the set the website will generate flashcards, quizzes, practice tests, matching games, and even auditory tools. Quizlet also has a free app for learning on the go, and studying even offline.

The two games, Scatter and Space Race, allow you to learn the material and have fun doing it. In Scatter, users drag definitions or information to their related counterpart as quickly as they can, clearing the screen. In Space Race, definitions scroll across the screen and you type in the correct word or phrase associated with it before the definition reaches the end of the screen. With leaderboards and high-scores, you can compete to get the best times, adding the motivation of competition to your studying.

Quizlet

3. Evernote

Flickr user hackNY.org

Studying can sometimes cover several different platforms, but with Evernote all of your notes, information, and research can be collaborated together in one place. An invaluable organizational tool, this site can sync your info across computers and phones, share with other users, gather web-clips, and create all from one central platform.

Evernote can be used in a multitude of ways: keeping research paper information in order, organizing presentation notes, creating study guides off of in-class note taking, not to mention everyday non-school related tasks, too.

Evernote

4. StudyBlue

Flickr user hackNY.org

Collaboration is the name of the game for this website. StudyBlue connects students through similar learning goals and subjects, allowing them to share and access flashcards, study guides, and more. StudyBlue can even connect students in specific classes, letting them message each other and collaborate on projects.

The site also has a diverse content library, multiple study modes, class-based study guides, storage for all your notes, and a real-time self-assessing score that tracks your progress on a subject. And with free mobile apps, StudyBlue can be taken on the go.

StudyBlue

5. Marinara Timer

Flickr user Michael Mayer

Despite making you hungry for some spaghetti, this site is dedicated to increasing productivity. Inspired by the Pomodoro method of productivity — working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break) — Marinara Timer allows you to customize your own personal timer (complete with entertaining alarm sounds like “alien bot ordering lunch” or “echoing into space”) to study effectively.

Taking a small break while studying increases attention span, focus, and productivity. This site can help you reward yourself for your hard work by letting you know it’s time to sit back scroll through your Twitter feed or watch a few funny videos, and then letting you know when it’s time to get back to work.

Marinara Timer

6. StudyStack

Flickr user hackNY.org

Studying with flashcards has never been so easy. StudyStack allows users to create flashcard sets and use what others have already made. When a card is flipped, you can choose whether you got it right or wrong. Wrong cards will be repeated until you’ve learned it, making it a great tool for memorization.

Once created, the site can turn the information into a number of tools and games perfect for studying. You can play hangman, unscramble, or a matching game before taking quizzes and practices tests.

StudyStack

7. Memorize.com

Flickr user Hillary

As its name suggests, this site is perfect for learning terms and definitions. Users can post articles, images, diagrams, and more to share general information on any number of topics. Memorize.com also encourages collaboration, working together to create the best learning tools for studying.

When you find a set you want to study, it’s offered in three different formats of varying difficulty — multiple choice, matching, and finally the ever-popular flashcard. This engaging site can even award badges for completed sets. The site may not have been updated in a while, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of it.

Memorize.com

8. clusterFlunk

Flickr user University of Salford Press Office

Combine social media and studying and you’ve got clusterFlunk. This site connects you to other students who are studying similar material, have the same professor, or maybe in your class. You can ask questions about the format of the test and receive answers from previous students, ask for suggestions on paper topics, or even ask people to proofread essays. Whatever you need help with, fellow students are there to collaborate and help you out.

With the ability to upload class notes, study guides, slide reviews, and other forms of test prep, clusterFlunk is a great way for students to get connected with each other and trade study materials.

clusterFlunk

9. Study Guides and Strategies

Flickr user Nicole Abalde

If you want to learn how to learn, this site is for you. It has numerous articles on all sorts of learning styles –classroom learning, group learning, self-studying, etc.– as well as tips on how to write papers, how to manage your time, how to do presentations, solve problems, prep for and take tests, how to read critically, do effective research, and is available in about 40 different languages.

Study Guides and Strategies is a site chock full of in-depth looks at learning for a diverse variety of students. Whether you want to learn how to properly cite a paper or get over test anxiety, learn how to solve linear equations or how to navigate lab reports, this site can offer all that and much, much more. It might be an old site, but the information there is priceless.

Study Guides and Strategies

10. Schooltraq 

Flickr user Sean

When you keep track of assignments, tests, and events, planning time to study becomes a lot easier. Schooltraq is an online digital planner that keeps due dates in check. An alternative to the traditional paper agenda, this site ensures you never lose your schedule as it syncs up between your phone and computer.

The design is sleek and simple, allowing for clarity and low stress. When your ducks are all in a row, school life becomes more manageable. This site can go beyond helping you study for your next test since you can use it for your personal life as well.

Schooltraq

Many of the sites on this list have upgraded packages or “pro” accounts for some cost, but every single one has free tools ideal for any student. Give them a try and see which ones help you out the most.

Happy studying!