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Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Nabatean city of Petra

This is one of the wonders of the world; Petra is an archaeological relic in Jordanian. This beautiful place lies between the mountains which form the eastern wing of a large valley of Wadi Aramba, precisely in the lowlands. Petra means rock, a former city that was founded by chiseling the stone walls, exactly in a 40-meter-high rock.
 Petra was founded by Nabatean tribe in nine eighteenth dynasty of Egypt by the King Aretas IV as the city that are difficult to be attacked by enemy and secure from natural disasters such as sandstorms. Petra was the capital of the kingdom, which was built with an elaborate irrigation system and a theater that holds 4000 people.The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was introduced by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It was described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" in a Newdigate prize-winning sonnet by John William Burgon. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Migrating animals in the Serengeti park

UNESCO has declared Serengeti National Park as one of the WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Serengeti is one of the most unique wilderness areas of the world, fantastic in its natural beauty and unequalled in it's scientific value. This park is a vast expanse of land with a large concentration of plains animals. It also contains a wide variety of bird-life inhabiting a diversity of habitat and vegetation. One of the most unique remarkable scenes is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, giraffe, gazelle, buffalo and other plains animals. As the herds move to new grazing ground, they are followed by predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals and hunting dogs waiting for weak prey while vultures soar overhead waiting for their share of the kill.

he endless plains of east Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5 million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to Masai Mara (Kenya). Over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March. This spectacle takes place in Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Even discounting the migration the Serengeti is superb. But the migration puts the park in a league of its own. It is, quite simply, the greatest wildlife show on Earth. Two million animals at times, mostly wildebeest and zebras, moving around an ecosystem 25,000 sq. km. in area, almost as big as the state of Massachusetts. But a lot wilder.
At its most spectacular the Serengeti migration is one of the few experiences that really justify the word “awesome”, but to see it you have to know where and when to go, and it isn’t as predictable as some people might think, though over a period it does follow a fairly regular pattern. We will assume on this web-site that we are talking of a typical year – but just remember that wildebeests and zebras don’t use the Internet...
There is no beginning or end to the migration but we’ll imagine it all starts with the onset of the “rainy season” (don’t be put off by this expression as the “green season”, as it is now often called, is a lovely time of year and usually nowhere near as wet or dismal as it sounds). The rains tend to begin around mid-November, when the big herds start to file into the south-eastern short-grass plains, around Naabi Hill, Lake Ndutu, the Gol Kopjes, Oldupai Gorge and all other parts of the short-grass plains.


Between late January and mid-March the wildebeest  calving season takes place. At its peak about 80% of the pregnant females give birth within three weeks, collectively producing something like 8,000 babies each day. The large predators, of course, are on hand to take advantage of this glut.
Between mid-May and the month’s end, as the plains dry out, the whole menagerie, as if at the wave of a magic wand, streams off in columns which are sometimes 40 km. long, heading via the Moru Kopjes for the Western Corridor. On the way, the wildebeest rut takes place, for a period of about three weeks, from around mid-June to early July. Dr. Richard Estes, the greatest authority on the Serengeti wildebeest, has described the event as “unbelievably spectacular”. It is certainly chaotic, as something like 250,000 males strive to mate with as many of the 750,000-or-so females as they can.

Between June and August the migrating animals drink from and eventually cross the Grumeti River, but for many it will be their last drink or their last river crossing. For here in the Grumeti are crocodiles that grow to over five metres in length and weigh more than three-quarters of a tonne. They have jaws so thickset and powerful that they can crush a wildebeest's head like a melon, then tear the body into bloody rags. Usually after yanking the victim into the water.
The great majority of wildebeest survive, to cross the Ikoma Controlled Area outside the park then pass through the Serengeti’s Northern Extension, crossing the next challenging river, the Mara, in July or August. Most but not all of the wildebeest and zebras also cross the Kenyan border a little way beyond, to remain in the Maasai Mara Reserve until about mid-October, when they begin the return journey. This takes them down the eastern boundary of the Northern Extension, in and out of the park, and eventually back to the short-grass plains. The 1000 km. trek – for those which make it - is complete.
Things to remember if you want to see the migration:
1) Decide which time of year you want to go to the Serengeti and choose a lodge or camp that will (hopefully!) put you within easy reach of the migration at that time. A few hints are given in the appropriate sector on hotels and lodges (Northern Circuit).
2) Don’t be put off by the term “rainy season”. It is one of the best times of year in which to see the migration.
3) Remember that you can almost always reach the migration from any lodge or camp within the Serengeti at almost any time, if you are prepared, in some cases, for a long drive.
4) Don’t make the mistake of thinking that if you don’t see the migration your trip to the Serengeti will be pointless. All parts of the Serengeti are interesting at all times, though the south-eastern plains, from about June to mid-November, are relatively empty (this doesn’t rule out the Lake Ndutu or Seronera localities, which have resident game even when the migration is absent).
*Note - the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year.
I hope the above information will help you realize that witnessing Migration will entirely depend on weather and their location at any given time can never be guaranteed as they can move approximately 100 miles overnight !!!

The great canyon of Colorado

The Great Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Great Canyon National Park, one of the first national parks in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Great Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.
The Great Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet). Nearly two billion years of the Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While the specific geologic processes and timing that formed the Great Canyon are the subject of debate by geologists,recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago. Since that time, the Colorado River continued to erode and form the canyon to the point we see it at today.

The Great Canyon Skywalk is a transparent horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge and tourist attraction in Arizona near the Colorado River on the edge of a side canyon in the Great Canyon West area of the main canyon. USGS topographic maps show the elevation at the Skywalk’s location as 4,770 ft (1,450 m) and the elevation of the Colorado River in the base of the canyon as 1,160 ft (350 m), and they show that the height of the precisely vertical drop directly under the skywalk is between 500 ft (150 m) and 800 ft (240 m).
Before European immigration, the area was inhabited by Native Americans who built settlements within the canyon and its many caves. The Pueblo people considered the Great Canyon (“Ongtupqa” in Hopi language) a holy site and made pilgrimages to it. The first European known to have viewed the Great Canyon was García López de Cárdenas from Spain, who arrived in 1540.

The pyramids and the sphinx

                                                              country : Egypt
                                              place : Giseh, south-west of Cairo

 The pyramids in Egypt date from 2700 B.C. to about 1000 B.C.   These pyramids served as a tomb for the late Pharaohs of Egypt.  Construction for these pyramids started when the Pharaoh was born and sometimes was not completed until after his death.  The pyramids are an incredible feat of architecture and the Great Pyramid, built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu, it is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  This pyramid measures 481 ft. (147 m) high and has a base measuring 756 ft. (230 m) on each side.  There are other examples of pyramids around the world, for example ancient civilizations such as those found in Mexico and Peru used pyramids for some of the same reason the Egyptians did.This Sphinx is defined in Greek Mythology as a monster with the head and breasts of a women, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird.  The riddle of the Sphinx is a term added later to the legend after it was said the Sphinx would not let anyone enter the city of Thebes without answering a riddle.  Such as this one "What is it that has four feet in the morning, two at noon, and three at night?"  Those who could not answer this riddle were killed.   But following the mythology, one man named Oedipus solved this riddle by saying "Man, who crawls on four limbs as a baby, walks upright on two as an adult, and walks with the aid of a stick in old age," Thus the Sphinx killed herself.  Ridding the Thebans of this monster, they made Oedipus their king.
In Egypt, the sphinx is located near the pyramids.  When these Sphinxes were built – many times they were made into an image of a king.   The Great Sphinx of Giza is the most famous of them all and dates from before 2500 B.C.

The Great Taj Mahall

                                                        country : India
                                             place : Agra, south-west of Delhi



Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.
The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.

The Iguazu waterfalls

                                                       country : Argentina - Brazil
                                                place : borders between the two countries


Recognized world-wide, the Iguazu Falls is considered to be one of the most impressive natural beauties on Earth. With more than 200 falls reaching heights of 200 feet (60 meters), the power, size and sheer noise of Iguazu is simply breathtaking. This Argentinian wonder is definitely not to be missed!
Highlights
  • Full day trip to Iguazu Falls
  • Breathtaking views of the Iguazu Falls from various lookout points
  • Choice of a multitude of activities around the falls
  • Complimentary pickup and drop off from most Puerto Iguazu hotels
  •  

This sub-tropical region shared by Argentina and Brazil covers an extensive area that starts in the North-east part of Argentina and ends in the Carnival capital of Rio de Janeiro. In this full day tour of Iguazu Falls, you'll find a multitude of activities such as:
Upper Circuit: magnificent view of the waterfalls and access to the Iguazu River delta, made up of luxuriant vegetation islands.
Time: 1h 15min. Difficulty: no stairs
Lower Circuit: a series of catwalks strategically placed for visitors to get several views of the falls and to get close to the cascades and charming spots of the forest.
Time: 2hrs Difficulty: stairs
Devil's Throat: indescribable for its beauty and energy, it presents an overwhelming combination of sounds and surroundings.
Time: 1h 30min. Difficulty: no stairs.
Train of the Forest: a circuit of ecological trains running inside the forest and skirting the river that allows you to get around within the park and to access the footbridges to see the attractions.
Please note: Tour includes Argentina side of the falls only.

Additional Information
Inclusions:
    • Hotel pickup and drop off
    • Professional guide
Exclusions:
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • National Park Entrance Fee (USD20.00)
  • Lunch
Additional Info:
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Please bring: warm clothing, hat, camera, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, insect repellant and waterproof clothing
  • At the time of booking, you must enter all passengers' full names and passport number as they appear on their passports
  • Tour includes Argentina side of the falls only
Voucher Info: You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity. What's this? Local Operator Information: Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.


The inca city of Machu Picchu

Take an all-inclusive day trip to breathtaking Machu Picchu from Cusco. Visit the world-famous Incan ruins and learn about the city, its history and the people who once lived there. Ideal for first-time visitors, families (non-strenuous hiking) and individual travelers, this once in a lifetime experience is a must-do when visiting Peru!
Highlights
  • Day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco
  • Scenic rail tour with two distinct options
  • Guided tour of the sacred city
  • All entrance fees, train and bus tickets, lunch and hotel transportation included
  •  Completed in approximately 1450 at the height of the Incan empire, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later following the Spanish conquest of Peru. Today it is considered by many to be the new spiritual center of the world.

    From Cusco, you'll be transferred to the railway station to enjoy your 2-hour scenic rail tour to Aguas Calientes. In order to meet various customer needs, you can choose from two different types of options.

    The Backpacker option was created for adventurous passengers seeking comfort and security without the extra frills. The seats have been reupholstered with indigenous fabrics, giving them a touch of local flavor. Snacks are available for purchase, as well as additional storage space for backpacks.

    The Vistadome option is a comfortable way to journey to Machu Picchu. Renovated carriages have beautiful panoramic windows to make the most of the spectacular scenery and allow for fantastic photo opportunities. Delicious snacks as well as hot and cold refreshments are served on the way.

    Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, you'll board a small bus and head up to the ruins of the “sacred city”, Machu Picchu. Your expert guide will walk with you through the main streets of these amazing ruins. Stroll through town squares and climb delicately carved stone stairways. Esoteric wisdom holds Machu Picchu as the new spiritual center of the world. There will be time to be alone and fully embrace this magnificent wonder of the world, letting this once in a lifetime experience set in. Hiking the ruins is sure to work up an appetite so there will be a buffet lunch waiting for you.

    In the afternoon you'll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Cusco.

    IMPORTANT: Your passport detail is needed for the Machu Picchu Day Trip (Full name and Passport ID). Please provide your passport detail in the additional request box, otherwise the tour is not confirmed.