Saturday, June 19, 2010

State Watch (Kerala)

About 
Kerala

Kerala, located on the Southwestern tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, 
 
Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are just two to four hour drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colourful festivals, unique cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a top of the line destination.

And in Kerala, the season never ends, thanks to the year-long moderate climate and numerous festivals and events. 
 



Champakulam Boat Race
Kerala is well-known for its water bodies that take the form of canals, backwaters and rivers. And there are regions in Kerala, where water dominates life of those living in its vicinity. The southern district of Alappuzha is one such region in Kerala..



Bekal
The northern region of Kerala is emerging these days as the next most favoured among destinations in Kerala. The region has an eventful history, unique cultural traits and richly endowed nature, which are no doubt, entities good enough to captivate..



Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
Birds often fascinate us in many ways. Their colour, flights, calls and size and shape; all captivate most of us in one way or the other. Kerala, blessed with a tropical climate and a forest wealth supporting an abundance of bird population is an exciting..

 
 http://www.topnews.in/files/kerala_map.JPG

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Fact file

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/EpaperImages%5C%5C17062010%5C%5Cfactfilegffg-large.jpg

Japan's Hayabusa asteroid probe returns to Earth

Japan's Hayabusa asteroid probe returns to Earth

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency confirmed the return of a space capsule last night which may contain a sample of asteroid Itokawa.

The seven-year mission saw the agency's Hayabusa explorer travel 4 billion miles to visit Itokawa, a 540 meter-long asteroid, collect a dust sample from its surface and return to Earth. 
A specially-designed capsule containing the sample parachuted back to Earth after being ejected from the Hayabusa spacecraft and landed in the Woomera area in southern Australia at 11.56pm Tokyo time.

 

Russia and its neighbours map

http://i.infoplease.com/images/mrussia.gif

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Gangotri Glacier

Retreat of Gangotri Glacier
The terminus of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow's mouth, and the place is called Goumukh or Gaumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). 

Goumukh, which is about 18 km (11 miles) from the town of Gangotri, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganga.  

Goumukh is situated near the base of Shivling; in between lies the Tapovan meadow.

The Gangotri glacier is a traditional Hindu pilgrimage site. Devout Hindus consider bathing in the icy waters near Gangotri town to be a holy ritual, and many make the trek to Goumukh and Tapovan.

In recent times, it has been pointed out that the retreat of the glacier has quickened significantly.
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Sunday, June 13, 2010