Travel Notes Archives

Trip to Kathmandu, sharing a few memories & experiences

Jaspal Singh - 15 June 2020

Updated on May 27th, 2023

We planned a trip to Kathmandu in December 2016. It was a trip for both leisure and professional reasons. The few days spent there were full of memories that I was trying to gather for the last few weeks as I was planning to put those moments in the shape of a blog, highlighting a few attractions that Kathmandu has. Kathmandu is a historical, spiritual, enticing, and vibrant place and has many things to offer to visitors. So many monuments and temples are treasured in the city, even after a natural disaster that occurred a few years back. In 2016, it was a depressing scene when I visited this city.

Effects of Earthquake in 2015

In an earthquake in April 2015, centuries-old buildings, like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan Temple, were destroyed. A nine-story building called Bhimsen Tower was also destroyed. In 2016, the city was still under the effect of disaster but trying to put itself back together. Many buildings were so damaged that you could see from a distance only, as they were not safe to visit. As I am writing this blog after a few years, so I hope the situation would be better today.

Kathmandu: Tracing into history

Going back in history, they originally knew Kathmandu as Kantipur. It was a trading center between India and Tibet, which gradually led to the growth and construction of present-day Kathmandu. The city flourished in the 13th century when most monuments and incredible temples, including the famous Durbar Squares, were built. Kathmandu was an independent city within surrounding valley areas divided into three kingdoms. A long rivalry and regular infightings and wars between these kingdoms resulted in the decline of the valley’s kingdoms. Still, finally, in 1769, an invasion by Prithvi Narayan Shah made the unification of Nepal and Kathmandu became the capital city.

In 1846 again, a big change occurred. Rana’s family became the royal family of Nepal for almost 100 years. In the 1950s Nepal became a tourist point, and the tourist industry took an important shape. Tourists from all over the world started coming to Nepal and enjoying the exotic and beautiful scenery, and hippy culture became a part of life. Finally, in 2006, a parliamentary democratic setup was restored, and since then, it has had a politically stable era.

Everest View from hill's top — *Everest View from Hill’s top*

Nepali people & lifestyle

Nepali people are amicable and welcoming. I met many people concerning my professional reason; they all were very cooperative. The city is full of activities all day. There are shopping centers, where you can spend time but if you are thinking to buy something, never forget to bargain. Yak wool woolens, especially blankets, are very popular and you will find them everywhere. While moving you will surely find local whispering offers of weeds, hash, and opium in your ears. It is always better to say no to them and move on because you may get in trouble easily—almost everything like vegetables, eatables, fruits, and cigarette vendors you will find on roadsides. Same way, wines, and other drinks are available in local general shops.

If you are visiting for the first time

Portraying a city with a negative image is not the purpose of this blog, but a few details need to be shared. If you are visiting for the first time, you must keep in mind that it is still a developing city with many things that can frustrate you. Under construction roads, dusty air, traffic nuisance, street vendors, and beeps of cars are everywhere. When you stay a few more days, you will also find many outstanding things that you will never forget. Buddhist and Hindu temples are so outstanding that you keep on clicking all on your cameras.

…few more attractions in and around Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, there are so many awesome things that any visitor would love to see. As I mentioned earlier, that city has historical and religious significance as well. Visiting different temples can make you feel blessed. You will also find Sadhus (Monks) outside temples always ready to pose for photographs for some donation. Pashupati Nath temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is on the banks of the Bagmati River. The huge-sized temple is a commonplace of worship for Hindus and Buddhists, where cremations take place along the river’s edge. This temple is so big that you can spend an entire day browsing the campus.

In the surrounding city, there are so many attractions that can add more memories to your trip.

While you are in Kathmandu, you can’t miss visiting another ancient place, Bhaktapur. The remarkable architecture of temples and the entire city is full of woodcarving and metal craft. You feel while praising those monuments. Bhaktapur is a nearby place where a beautiful temple attracts tourists. You can spend hours strolling and exploring this incredible place on foot. Boudhanath Temple is situated several kilometers outside the city. This temple was again under construction, but still, there were a lot of visitors browsing it. If you can spare a little more time, Pokhara, Chitwan & Chandra Giri can offer you a lot of breathtaking and soothing relaxation. Tourism is a way of life, and it can be felt everywhere, from the city’s chaotic streets to religious and historical temples.

Visiting Chandra Giri Hills

We planned to Visit Chandra Giri Hill resort and temple which is on the top of the hills. To reach there, take the ride on the cable car, and a 10-15 minute journey in astonishing views of the mountains is so fascinating that you can’t stop saying, it’s fabulous. Cold and fresh breeze welcomes you with its freshness. It’s a climb of about 2500 meters from sea level. Snow-capped peaks are visible from the top, and this entirely makes the surrounding a dreamland. There is a temple on the top of the hill dedicated to Lord Shiva, where an idol of Nandi is erected.

Resort Chandra Giri Hill — *ChandraGiri Hills Resort*

There is a cafeteria next to the temple where you can get snacks like popcorn and dumping. You can sit in the open area and enjoy eatables while enjoying nature. You can view the snow-capped tops of Everest from there. I still remember the panoramic view of Everest.

In concluding words, I can say that Kathmandu is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. I wish to visit once again to recapture more about it.

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Road trip Tasmania: Launceston to Hobart

Jaspal Singh - 14 June 2020

Updated on January 22nd, 2022

Roads are made for journeys, not destinations, and sometimes, while travelling, we get moments that can’t be explained in words. Tasmania is one of those destinations, which is perfect for road tripping with outstanding views around every corner, an abundance of beachfront, and roadside produces stalls aplenty, there’s every reason for you to hit the highway. Road trip Tasmania has a lot of things that can make your trip a lifelong memory.

Many years have passed, but the memories are still afresh that I can recall all the wonderful moments I experienced during my trip to Launceston & Hobart in Tasmania. We travelled from Launceston to Hobart by bus. In 2014, the University of Tasmania organized a trip for education consultants working with them, and I was part of it. We spent two nights in Launceston, a beautiful city in Tasmania. It is like some holiday place, where you get everything that refreshes your mind and soul. You can’t stop praising the elegant architecture of the city.

*Volunteer holding Koala at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. I got the picture.*

It is indeed a city full of art and design, beautiful green parks, surrounding hills, pleasant and cold weather make you feel outstanding. I spent my maximum time walking around different places in Launceston and seeing the sights. Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed lifestyle, but this is more true of Launceston.

Tamar Valley, Launceston

Tamar Valley is a place you can’t miss visiting when you are in Launceston. It’s a very scenic place where you can easily spend your afternoon checking out some wineries.

Launceston’s local airport receives flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Before coming to this place, my stay was in Melbourne, where I often stay while I am in Australia. Launceston Airport is a regional airport on the outskirts of the city.

After visiting campuses of universities and few colleges in Launceston, our next destination was Hobart. Organizers of the trip planned to take us to Hobart by road on a tourist bus. The trip guide asked us to be ready in the morning at a time.

First stay at Colonial town Champbell with some refreshment

The next morning, we all were ready in front of our hotel at the right time. We all were excited because the road trip was going to be full of wonderful experiences. The very first stoppage, on the way, was Campbell town. Located 67 km southeast of Launceston, Campbell Town is the perfect place to stay and have some relaxing moments. You may take a walk along the banks of the Elizabeth River before finding a local bar or restaurant for a well-earned meal.

In 1811, Governor Macquarie named the river Elizabeth after his wife’s name. There are so many interesting tourist spots in town that you can explore. There are so many buildings dating from the 19th century. Campbell Town is full of colonial history where you can find many colonial structures; you can’t stop yourself admiring them. Red Bridge is one of them, which was built in 1830 by convicts. You may also visit Campbell Town Museum if you wish to learn more about the town’s history. Here you can have a useful brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.

If you feel hungry, you need not worry. There are a lot of eateries for quick snacks and lunches. If you have sufficient time, you may sit on the bank of the river and enjoy your picnic.

Red Bridge on River Elizabeth, — *Red Bridge on River Elizabeth*

St Michael's Catholic Church Campbell — *St Michael’s Catholic Church Campbell*

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

The next important stoppage we took was Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just 17 miles before reaching our last destination, Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. As the sanctuary is mostly situated outdoors, you get plenty of free parking. It was almost evening time when we reached there.

Bonorong is one of Tasmania’s important sanctuaries. It is home to many awesome animals, including Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. You get free time to see a sanctuary, touch even feed these beautiful and cute animals like kangaroos, koalas. Visitors get pictures clicked to keep as memories.

Check timing before planning trip

As I said, the sanctuary is outdoor, so you must keep with your weather-appropriate clothing. The sanctuary is open almost daily, but you must check it before planning your trip. You can take your eatable if you have a picnic there, but even if you forget to take food, you will find excellent restaurants serving snacks and other eatables.

Entry to the wildlife sanctuary is paid. This entry fee is used to maintain Bonorong sanctuary. You also get a free bag of kangaroo food with this entry fee. We all enjoyed a good time being at the sanctuary. I can certainly recommend this place as must visit if ever you are near Hobart.

Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre Tasmania — *Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre*

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania — *Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary*

Kangaroos in Tasmania — *He too enjoying posing to Camara*

In Hobart, our stay was at Hotel Maya Colonial, near to Salamanca market. It was very comfortable to stay, especially because of its location. Hobart’s picturesque waterfront is quite close to this hotel. Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market, which opens every Saturday. You can buy almost everything you need like fresh food, homeware, crafts, jewellery, and so many other things.

As I earlier said, the University of Tasmania and the Department of Education organized our trip, so our primary focus was visiting the university and different Tasmania TAFE campuses. After two or three day’s busy schedules, our trip organizers again planned a leisure trip to two awesome places. One of them was Mt Wellington, and another one was Bruny Island.

Exploring the Salamanca market

Salamanca Market is a street market in Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Trip to Mt Wellington

On the day of the trip, we again started around 8 am. Everybody was so excited to see Mt Wellington from the close; no doubt it is normally visible from the city of Hobart itself. We all were on a tourist bus running through the green forest and zig zag slopes. All this was creating an incredible experience.

All members of the group were enjoying the natural scenery and trying to feel windy mountains. It was a cool but sunny day, but the roaring cool wind was making everyone feel chilled. I recommend everybody should be dress according to the weather.

Standing on Mt Wellington, you can feel Hobart city somewhere in the clouds, and all this makes stunning scenery, which you can never forget. You can catch panoramic views of clouds, sunrise and sunset. The Wellington Range is popular for mountain biking as well as horse riding. We all spent few hours there, enjoyed the beautiful facets of nature before moving to our next destination.

Mt Wellington Hobart, Tasmania — *Mt Wellington*

Day spent at Bruny Island

Bruny Island is nothing less than a paradise for those who love beaches, surfing, scenic views, boat riding, and food lovers. We went there in our tourist bus arranged by trip organizers. The entire way was through a green forest. You have to board your vehicle on a ferry at one particular point, which takes you to Island.

The very first view after reaching the island makes you outstanding. A natural wonderland full of stunning coastline gives you such a soothing impression that you can’t forget it throughout your life. Food lovers get so much variety of eatables that you will love to stay a few days there. Locally produced cheese, chocolate, whiskey, seafood, berries, wines, and so many other options you get to enjoy your trip.

Scenic views at Bruny Island are an all-time attraction. You can enjoy a long beach walk, see the sunset and so many such moments. Boating can add a thrill to your trip. As a whole, it is a complete paradise you would like to visit again and again.

..more about Bruny Island

Beautiful video of Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

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A visit to beautiful cities, Zurich & Lucerne, Switzerland

Jaspal Singh - 29 May 2020

Updated on May 22nd, 2023

I have been fortunate enough to visit Europe many times with plenty of charming cities catching my eye and heart. Still, my last visit to Switzerland, especially to Zurich & Lucerne, undoubtedly compelled me to feel that Switzerland is a place where beauty gets its meaning.

Lucerne Lake, Switzerland — *Lucerne Lake, Luzerne: I wish I could start every day with a view like this.* Jaspal Singh.

It’s a small country in the center of Europe bordering countries like France, Germany, Austria & Italy. Still, because of its majestic beauty, it is a dream destination for everyone with wandering lust. I have an undoubted belief that Switzerland really has something for everyone.

Beautiful Switzerland — *I clicked it from the terrace of the **International Management Institute**.* Jaspal Singh.

I visited this beautiful country in June and July 2019 while on an educational trip to visit different universities and colleges in Europe. My flight was from India to Warsaw in Poland, from where I reached Zurich, and then I boarded a train to reach Lucerne.

Day One in Luzerne

Lucerne is one of my favorite cities I have ever visited. The city’s beauty is so outstanding that you don’t find enough words while trying any description. My host from IMI Switzerland, Ms. Greta Frey, came to pick me up in her car. It really amazed me to see the beauty and magical ambiance everywhere, in nature, in architecture, in monuments, parks, and all public places. Three enormous mountains touching the shores of Lake Lucerne surround City.

It makes you feel like standing in some beautiful painting. So many ancient churches add more value to their beauty. Chapel Bridge is a popular landmark connecting the center of Lucerne. Chapel Bridge is the biggest wooden covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. On the walls of the bridge, so many paintings depicting Lucerne’s history and culture are fixed.

Chapel Bridge on Fire

In 1993, the bridge was burned, and it destroyed many paintings in the fire. On August 18th, 1993, shortly after midnight, about two-thirds of the wooden Chapel Bridge was destroyed by fire. The fire broke out on August 18th after midnight. At 0:50 hours a tourist alarmed the fire brigade that a boat under the bridge and the bridge itself were burning. Detailed analysis showed later that the fire broke out on the bridge itself (maybe because of a cigarette) and encroached upon the boat from there. After the fire, they banned parking boats under the bridge.

Chapel Bridge, Switzerland — *Chapel Wooden Bridge*

After checking in to my accommodation at IMI College, I wasted no time settling out of my evening and nighttime. The friend group I was a part of during this visit added more unforgettable memories to the trip. We all friend planned to visit an open traditional market, shop craft shops, snack on ice cream and enjoy eatables and drinks. It was really a lifelong experience sitting with friends, having chilled beer and other drinks. A few of us were not having beers. We spent almost a long evening enjoying ourselves together. There was an open cultural show that made our visit really mind-blowing and unique.

Mt Pilatus is Lucerne’s landmark

Lucerne’s best things are its proximity to nature, the beautiful lake, and the mountains surrounding the city. Mount Pilatus is Lucerne’s landmark with an incredible panoramic view where you can spend as much time as you wish. There are so many activities that you can enjoy in the snow. As we had limited time, we couldn’t enjoy every activity, and I feel there are so many such things that give reason to visit there again.

Luzerne attracts you

Lucerne Lake attracts you all the time, whether it’s early morning or late evening. So many nature-loving people and swimmers spend time on the beautiful banks of the Lake. I spent more than a week in this beautiful city, and the lake was my favorite place to spend my evenings. So many memories filled with nature’s beauty are still fresh in my mind, and I feel I can’t ever forget those scenic & peaceful moments.

The beauty of the Lake is outstanding, and while standing on the edge, you can’t stop saying, what a beautiful place to stay for a few more moments! Crystal-clear greenish-blue water with a backdrop of mountains makes a majestic panoramic view that relaxes your mind and soul.

Hospitality Options in Luzerne

IMI Institute Switzerland — *IMI College Campus*

Switzerland has many things on its list like chocolates, cheese, banking, majestic natural beauty, punctual trains, and hospitality management education. It is home to the world’s top-ranking institutes for hospitality & leisure management. Switzerland is called the ‘home of hospitality, a welcoming destination for tourists since the 18th century. Natural beauty and amazing landscapes made it a must-see destination worldwide. They started the very first hotel schools during the late 19th century.

..another city I visited: Zurich

Another beautiful city that I visited during my trip was Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, which is also the social and cultural hub of the country. Rich in history, natural beauty, and notable architecture, they knew Zurich as the country’s financial capital. Lake Zurich and the Limmat River add more beauty to this beautiful city. The charming streets of the old town make you feel outstanding with its stunning scenery. So many gorgeous places you can’t miss visiting including Beautiful Oldtown, where while walking you will get everything like monuments reminding your city’s history, restaurants, medieval houses, and Old Churches. Lake Zurich is the perfect place for boating, swimming, and other activities to make your trip worth it. A boat ride can help you get a full view of the city’s surroundings. The city has so many other things to pamper you.

Ask us to make this beautiful place your next DESTINATION

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A Beautiful city Prague, where Beer is cheaper than Water

Jaspal Singh - 15 May 2020

Updated on September 7th, 2021

Quoting Dalai Lama on the importance of travel, which says; Once a year goes someplace you’ve never been before, I am starting my blog. And I feel lucky to be in the international education industry, where I often get the chance to travel to so many destinations across the globe. I keep on sharing my experiences and expressions in my blogs from time to time. During the past few years, I got the chance to travel to different parts of Europe. This article I feel is just sharing few impressions I had while spending a few days in the beautiful city of Prague.

Prague is full of visitors from around the world throughout the year, but especially in summers. While roaming in streets, you can’t stop your eyes from admiring the art and beauty of city architecture. The city is full of art all around. Prague’s public places are full of stunning beauty that you can’t miss praising awesomely. You can easily say, that if European cities were necklaces, Prague would be a diamond among pearls.

Charlie Bridge Prague

The most iconic place that every visitor sees in Prague is Charlie Bridge built across the River Vltava. After long walks through Prague, this place is a relaxing point to take deep breaths and watch the beauty of the city around. 516 meters long and 9.5 meters wide and standing on 15 pillars. This bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. There is nothing wrong if I say this bridge represents the glamorous era of Prague. If we have a quick glimpse about the history of this bridge, they built it in 1357 after floods had destroyed the previous bridge.

Charlie Bridge in Google MAP — *Charlie Bridge in google map*

The bridge is decorated with so many big-size statutes and lamps on both sides, which add more beauty to a scenic view. Every statute has its own history and background that we can write separate articles on each of them. Statute of St. John of Nepomuckis is one of the most interesting statutes mounted there. A legend says that St. John was tortured to death when he refused to give away the confessional secret of the queen. Many people believe that it brings luck if you touch the statue. Standing on a bridge, you can have a scenic view of so many historical buildings, castles, and churches. You’ll see a splendid view of lovely domed churches and soaring old towers everywhere. This all makes Prague a city with a stunning skyline. The city is well preserved, with historical buildings everywhere.

National Gallary, Prague — *Building of National Gallary*

Prague Castle, another beautiful icon

Prague Castle is another beautiful icon in the city; once it was home to the Kings and these days, it is an official residence of the Czech Republic’s President. Castle has a wonderful architectural style preserved for centuries. There are so many other attractions within the walls of the castle, including the Old Palace, St George’s Basilica, St Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane. Although it is the official residence of the President, few sections of the Castle are open to the public. You need almost a full day to see the castle and its surroundings. Having limited time I could not explore it properly and I wish whenever I visit Prague next time, I would certainly spend more time there.

*Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral*

Old Town Square

After Charlie Bridge and Prague Castle, Old Town square is another important spot that you can’t miss if you coming to Prague as a tourist. Townhall is a complex of several ancient buildings. A big medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall is one of the must-see attractions. This clock, also known as Prague Orloj, was installed in the 15^th century and it is the oldest and still working astronomical clock in the world.

*Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square*

..where beer is cheaper than water

Now coming to another interesting fact about the Czech Republic and especially about Prague is the amazing price of beer. I have been traveling to the Czech Republic for years and every time I learned many things. When I visited the first time, it amazed me at the price of beer in Prague. Someone commonly said that beer is cheaper than water in Prague. You get the best and finest beers in Prague’s pubs. Normally in some classic pubs, you don’t have to order it and they will serve you. Czechs adore Pilsner, which is actually a premium option and a thing of pride for many Czechs. Other popular names are Budweiser. You also get options like Staropramen, a Prague-based brewery.

Tank beer is one of the best tastes that you must try. Breweries distribute their own beer in stainless steel tanks like anything. Those tanks are installed directly in pubs and you are served more fresh beer. Craft beer is also very popular these days in Prague. There are so many good beer bars where they serve you some of the best beer brands from around the world. An interesting fact about beer in Prague is that they have beer festivals, which take place on weekends. Different breweries organize these festivals where you have time to taste fresh beers. Such events offer a glorious experience for all beer enthusiasts.

Enjoy beer spas in Prague

Prague can offer you a totally different experience with beer. There are beer spas where you can bathe in beer. It amazed me to hear that you can sit in a bathtub full of beer and enjoy your glass of it. What an amazing fact about beer in the Czech Republic and Prague. The logic behind beer bathe is to relax your fatigue, revitalize the skin and relax the whole body. They used a curative mixture of beer with vitamin B for this purpose. This therapy first became popular in Middle Ages when so many natural ingredients were used to create a mixture.

For Czechs, drinking beer is a social affair, so you have to have it; yes you have the option of taste and flavour. So when you are visiting Prague, try a few of the finest beers. Even if you don’t drink beer, I will suggest you at least experience it. Rest choice is yours, I can’t be suggestive on this point.

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Beautiful Places around Melbourne

Jaspal Singh - 11 May 2020

Melbourne

Updated on May 15th, 2023

I visited Australia and Melbourne many times in the last almost ten years, but I spent so many days in Melbourne during my first visit. This city is one of my favourite cities I have ever visited. The reasons behind my all visits were mixed. Visiting campuses of a few colleges and universities was also one reason, as I have my profession related to it. But as a whole, I spent my days as long vacations as I visited almost every known place in Melbourne. Every time, I felt Melbourne was one of the best places to be. There are so many beautiful places around Melbourne.

Melbourne Nights — *Somewhere in Melbourne*

Metro Trains in Melbourne

During my first visit, Ashburton on Warrigal road was an area of my stay. It was very near to Homes glen metro station. I used this station so many times while roaming around Melbourne. Having 16 simple train lines starting from Flinders street station, this metro service passing through 211 stations is like the lifelines of Melbourne. Flinders Street Station is the central railway station on the corner of Swanston and Queen Street. We knew flinders Street as the heart of Melbourne. The most crucial icon here is the building of a station built inbuilt and started in 1854, and it was the first train station in any Australian city. Yarra River is also passing near Flinders station.

‘I will meet you under the clock’ is a famous idiom in Melbourne, which refers to clocks fixed on the main entrance of Flinders’ street station. Because of being in the city’s central place, people use this place as a meeting point. I can assure, you will never get bored being at Flinders street, Swanston, and Elizabeth, Collins, or Queens street. I used to be there frequently.

Another prominent place touching to Flinders’ station is Federation square. Its meeting place as well centre of various cultural and other activities. It is open 24 hours and 365 days of the year. Fed Square Pty Ltd, a company wholly owned by the state government of Victoria, is committed to representing Melbourne’s multiculturalism via the array of festivals throughout the year and acknowledging the National Days of countries across the globe.

Melbourne Aquarium

The day first, I planned to visit some important places. Melbourne’s Aquarium, Parliament House, Eureka sky deck, and Crown Casino were on the top of my list of sites. All these sites are in the central city within walking distance of each other. Melbourne Aquarium is on the Yarra River. It is the world’s only Southern Ocean aquarium, housing a Great Barrier Reef exhibit, Giant Southern Crabs, Japanese spider crabs, clownfish, jellyfish galore, sea turtles, and Grey nurse sharks. Walk along the glass tunnel and watch the underwater world swim around you! Watching the sharks around is a fantastic experience. You feel like walking through Ocean, looking at sea life. It’s a beautiful place to spend your day. No wonder if I say that no trip to Melbourne is complete without visiting Melbourne Aquarium.

Shrine of Remembrance

Another beautiful place within walking distance of Flinders street station is the National War Memorial of Victoria, popularly known as the Shrine of Remembrance. As Australia’s largest war memorial, it is another landmark in Melbourne. Opened in 1934, the Shrine is a memorial to those served during different wars for the country. It is the annual Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, which commemorates the sacrifices made by the countrymen for the country. The upper balcony of the Shrine offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the skyline of Melbourne. In brief, it is a must-visit while you are in Melbourne.

One of the best things to do in Melbourne is just being outside, with some fantastic weather. In June July, there are so many great places to enjoy it. Going city with or with no work, roaming in shopping malls, sitting on the banks of Yarra River, Tasting Chinese, Italian, Indonesian and Indian foods, walking on the sand and water on different beaches can be your regular activities. Williams’s town and St Kilda beaches were my favourite beaches during my stay in Melbourne.

Regional escapes are full of more beautiful things than city life. Suppose you wish to breathe more fresh air. In that case, you can plan a long trip to any destination like Mt Buller, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road, Dandenong Hill Ranges, Sovereign Hill gold mines at Ballarat, or Grampian National Park.

Ballarat & Sovereign Hills gold mines

One day, we planned to visit Ballarat and Sovereign Hills gold mines. It is situated 110 km northwest of Melbourne. The day we went there, it was cloudy with drizzling at brief intervals. Way to Ballarat from Melbourne passes through beautiful landscapes and breathtaking sceneries. Wines, yards and green hilly slopes create a soothing effect on you. At Ballarat, you will get a re-created environment of 1850s gold mining. The Discovery of gold in the 1850s is the most significant event in the state’s evolution of Victoria. Even now, you can try your luck and pan for gold in water and sand flowing there. You can wander through colonial buildings and feel the atmosphere of a bygone era. Continue reading more beautiful places around Melbourne

Initially written in 2010, so dates belong to that year.

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Stunning & Beautiful Melbourne Beaches

Jaspal Singh - 4 May 2020

Torquay Beach

Updated on May 26th, 2023

If you feel a love affair with the sea, sand, salt, and clear water, you will find all these in Melbourne’s bayside city. I got fascinated with the crystal clear water of Melbourne beaches during my recent visit, and my first encounter was with stunning Brighton Beach on 14 June 2010. Coastal Melbourne’s bay-side, touching its Yarra River, has a lot of breathtaking views.

Nobody can describe Melbourne’s ultimate beauty without its beaches. Coastal Melbourne faces Port Phillip Bay, and the city’s closest Melbourne beaches are Albert Park and Middle Park just south of South Melbourne. St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton and Sandringham, Williams Town, and Frankston are other beaches in Melbourne. Melbourne’s beaches have excellent facilities like beachside restaurants, water sports, beach games, surfing, cafes, bars, barbecue, pedestrian pathways, and parking areas.

Driving along the gorgeous Great Ocean Road, you can see the fantastic Port Campbell National Park and the famous Twelve Apostles rocks. Here are some of the most popular beaches in the Melbourne area.

St Kilda Beach

Because of its proximity to the city center, St Kilda Beach is one of the popular beaches in Melbourne. Today St Kilda is the prime tourist destination on one of the most picturesque points of the Bay. Being Melbourne’s most fashionable suburbs, St Kilda is home to the wealthiest people.

In the mid of 20^th century, this area was dominated by prostitutes and drug dealers. The haunt of prostitutes and druggies now has been pushed to some outer parts of the city. I found the shops and eating areas on the busy Fitzroy and Acland Streets. Carlisle Street is the right place if you prefer European delights.

The safe and sandy beaches of St Kilda offer you the best place for many outdoor activities like windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, rollerblading, beach volleyball, jet-skiing, waterskiing, and sunbathing.

St Kilda Beach, Melbourne — me@ St Kilda Beach, April, 2023

St Kilda Pier is the most famous attraction on St Kilda’s beach. Constructed in 1853, the wooden structure was originally used for loading timbers and other materials. At the end of the pier, the iconic kiosk was built in 1904, which got destroyed in a fire in 2003 but was rebuilt soon. The pier is a popular destination for cycling, roller-skating, strolling, and fishing. At the end of the pier, there is also a ‘ Little Blue Restaurant’ where you can enjoy a fantastic range of foods and local wines.

Brighton Beach

Having the reputation of being the cleanest of the many beaches along Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is near St Kilda. Golden sand and sparkling blue water, and bright, colorful “beach huts” make it a colorful beach. The beach huts, symbolic of Melbourne Australia, and its beach suburbs, command high prices when they come up for sale.

Beach walks, sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, fishing, and kite surfing are popular activities on this beach. There are a few excellent restaurants around with good beach views, including a café/bar and a restaurant at Middle Brighton Sea Baths. You can also glimpse the city at the end of the beach. Brighton Beach is popular with both locals and tourists visiting the Melbourne area.

Williams Town Beach

Williamstown Beach was my favorite place during my stay in Melbourne. I used to go there whenever I felt like being close to nature. It is at the mouth of Yarra River, where it enters Hobson’s Bay and Port Phillip Bay, southwest of Melbourne city center.

Williamstown has developed from what was a neglected industrialized center into a popular maritime village. Water surrounds Williamstown on three sides. We can enjoy scenic views of the Melbourne skyline from Gem Pier, where cruises on the Yarra River and the bay depart regularly. I wish to go to this place again and again as I feel close to my soul while seeing seashores and changing the colors of the sky.

Torquay: Surfer’s Beach

Torquay Beach, Australia — *Bhawana @ Torquay Beach*

Any detail about Melbourne beaches can’t be completed if we miss Great Ocean Road and Torquay Beach. At around 105 kilometers in southwest Melbourne, it is a beautiful beach having so many fun-oriented activities you can spend your wonderful picnic. If you are fond of surfing, this is the best place. Even if you can’t go surfing like me, you will certainly enjoy the picturesque views changing every moment as the sun moves.

Because of surfing, it is also known as the Surf Capital Of Australia. Besides surfing, there are so many other options to make your trip enjoyable. So many cafes where you will find delicious eatables. Beer bars are there full of varieties of beers and other drinks. This place is also popular for fishing spots. Torquay is the most rapidly expanding town. Just 22 km from another area named Geelong. Torquay has many businesses and manufacturers of surfboards and surf-related products.

Torquey Beach, Australia — *On the way to Torquey Beach*

You can coastal walk or bike ride there. There is a 44-kilometer coastal walk, which is certainly not for faint-hearted ones. So many eucalyptus trees surround the beach, making it an amazing place to enjoy your time. There is an information center in Surf Coast Plaza. You can get all information easily if you are going for the first time. Torquay has been a holiday place since the late 19th century as they designed its beaches with grasslands and shady trees where you can sit and watch the movements of the sea. In summer, this place remains overflowing with visitors, especially day-trippers from Geelong and Melbourne.

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St Kilda Beach: April 2023

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A Symbol of Eternal Love: Taj Mahal

Jaspal Singh - 4 May 2020

Taj Mahal

Updated on October 10th, 2021

A symbol of eternal love, Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous and beautiful buildings. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built Taj in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum, when Shah Jahan was on an expedition to the south and, like always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. She was the emperor’s beloved wife and trusted companion, travelling with him all over the Mughal Empire.

Title of Mumtaj Mahal

Initially known as Prince Khurram, Shah Jahan met Persian Princes ‘Arjumand Banu’ and fell in love with her. After five years, in 1612, they got married. In 1628, Shah Jahan became emperor, and he gave her the title ‘Mumtaz Mahal’, meaning ‘Jewel of Palace.’

On the death of Mumtaj, Emperor was so heartbroken that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. After her death, Shah Jahan erected the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. Before she passed, she had her husband’s promise to build something unique in her memory.

Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It took 22 years and the labour of 22,000 workers to construct the monument. This was the last wish of Mumtaz Mahal.

Close up View of Taj Mahal: One of the most beautiful monuments of the world — *Close up view of Taj Mahal: One of the most beautiful monuments of the world*

Poets described beauty of Taj

Built as the ultimate expression of love, Taj remained a fascination for many poets and lovers.

Here are lines from an exquisite song written by Shakeel Badayuni:

“Ek Shahanshaah Ne Banavaa Ke Hasi. N Taaj mahal.
Saarii Duniyaa Ko Muhabbat Kii Nishaanii Dii Hai”
(In having the beautiful Taj Mahal built, an emperor has given the entire world a token of love.”

Rabindranath Tagore described Taj as “a teardrop on the cheeks of time”.

Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj in these words:

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world, this edifice has been made;
To display the creator’s glory.

It is best described by the English poet Sir Edwin Arnold as ‘Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.’

Taj Mahal as it looks from Red Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan — *Taj Mahal as it looks from Red Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned* Shah Jahan

Taj is the centre of Pilgrimage

In Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16^th and early 18^th centuries, Taj is the centre of pilgrimage. Tourists from all over the world visit Agra to see Taj. It is 125 km south of New Delhi, the capital of India. Travelling through the road route takes you approx 4 hours to reach Agra from Delhi. There are regular luxury bus and coach services between Delhi and Agra. If you catch a flight from Delhi to Agra, in just 30 minutes, you find yourself at the Kheria Airport of Agra, 7 km from the city centre and 3 km from the railway station.

There are different entrance gates to visit Taj. They made the main entrance gate of red sandstone. It is 150 ft. Wide and nearly 100 ft. high and consists of a lofty central arch with double-storeyed wings on either side. The whole courtyard of the Taj is framed in symmetrical. The only asymmetrical object in the Taj is the casket of the emperor, which was built beside the queens as an afterthought. The symmetry of the structure is there even in the flowerbeds and the small gardens dotting the place.

The real tragic part of the love story lies in the final years of Shah Jahan. When he was 65, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in Red Fort at Agra and became the throne’s successor. While he was in prison, he somehow managed to gaze at Taj from the grill of prison.

Beauty designed in stones

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, Taj attracts you to see the ultimate beauty designed in stones. A green carpet of the garden runs from the main gate to the foot of the Taj Mahal. According to the holy Koran, a garden is symbolic of paradise.

I visited Taj during my recent visit to Delhi on the 23^rd of February. I went to Delhi to receive Bhawana, who was coming from Australia, and we planned to visit Agra before coming back to our place. It was an all-time fascination for me to be there and breathe in the air touching Taj. The beauty of the Taj has everything to create lifelong impressions on everybody’s mind. I still feel all vibrations; I felt being over there. Though it was a concise visit, we really enjoyed being there. Our ‘guide boy’ described all details related to Taj. The monument’s size looked huge as we entered, but as we approached it, it just receded to its actual size. They called this geometric illusion.

Taj change colours with changing daylight

Very interesting, Taj changes colours with changing daylight. They build it to reflect the sky, pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden by moonlight. As the day turns to night and the sun completes its journey, and the moon comes to heal the world; Taj becomes a mystery. You may even forget to breathe or blink, wondering it to be real or some illusion. Changing the colours of the Taj signifies the changing moods of a woman.

Impressed by the flawless beauty of the Taj, I wish to visit Taj again and again. Long live Taj and long live feelings of undying love, it is made for.

The article is written in 2011, so the dates mentioned regarding my visit to Taj belongs to 2011

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