Belarus

Belarus-Minsk-City Hall / Image Credit

Belarus is a former constituent republic of the USSR. It was occupied by the Nazis during the World War II. During the period the country lost more than two million people, including most of its large Jewish population. After seven decades as a republic of the Soviet Union, Belarus became independent in 1991, following the downfall of the Soviet Union.

After seven decades as a republic of the Soviet Union, formerly known by the name Belorussia, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Alexander Lukashenko has ruled the country with an increasingly iron fist.

Travel overview

The landscape of Belarus is very diversified. Wide plains, deep forests, thousands of lakes and scenic landscapes lure the nature lovers. The country possesses a wealth of historical monuments including ancient castles and monasteries. History weighs heavily on Belarus, famous for hundreds of architectural monuments that date back to the 12th century. For wildlife enthusiasts Belarus presents European bison, wild boar and wolf, elk and deer, bear and fox, beaver and lynx including a large number of birds. If your idea of a perfect vacation is a mix of history, culture, wildlife and modernity, then Belarus is where your mental images will give way to vivid memories.

Hemis Festival

Hemis Festival / Image Festival

Come the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar and Hemis Gompa, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, plays host to one of the most important festivals of Ladakh. For visitors seeking a rendezvous with the unique Ladakh’s culture, the two- day Hemis Festival makes for a great opportunity offering them a matchless spectacle of masked dances, traditional music, religious rituals and ceremonies and a lifetime opportunity to sample the delicious cuisines of Ladakh. 

Hemis Festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of the Vajrayana Buddhism in Ladakh. The festival brings out the extroverted side of the famously friendly people of Ladakh.

Sitting on a hillock, Hemis Gompa is 40km from Leh and the centerpiece of any visit to Ladakh. During the celebration of the Hemis festival the monastery comes alive with the spectacular mask dance by the lamas to the accompaniment of drums, cymbals and long horns.

During the Hemis Festival you will have the opportunity to sample the rich cuisines of Ladakh in the stalls outside. Here you can also pick up gifts and souvenirs.  

Assandh: Buddhist Site in Harayana

View of Assandh town from the Stupa / Image credit

Assandh in the Karnal district of Haryana has for long been in the shadows of better known Buddhist sites.  The place has the unique distinction of being home to an imposing Buddhist Stupa. With a height of 25 metres and diameter of 75 metres, this colossal structure testifies to the greatness of the ancient Buddhist architecture.

The probable date of the establishment of the Assandh stupa is ascribed to the Kushana period (1st-3rd century AD). Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas, was a great patron of Buddhism. Several remains bear testimony to the popularity of Buddhism during his reign. The Mathura school of art which is credited with having produced the first images of the Buddha flourished under the Kushana rule. 

How to Reach Assandh

Air: Nearest airport to Assandh is Delhi, 132 km from this place.

Rail: Nearest railway stations to Assandh are Panipat and Karnal which are 39 km and 45 km from this place respectively. Both the railway stations are connected with all major cities and places of India.

Road: Good motorable road connect Assandh with major places in Haryana and India

Best Time to visit Assandh

During winters the day temperature of Assandh ranges between 19°C and 4°C. December and January are the coldest months in Assandh. It is good to visit the place between October to March when daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant.

 

 

Ratnagiri: Top Buddhist destination of India

                                    Main stupa, Ratnagiri / Image Credit

Along with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, Ratnagiri is one of the three points of the Buddhist Triangle popularly known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha. After going through the accounts of the seventh century Chinese traveller we can safely say that Ratnagiri was not only an important entre of Buddhism but also rivalled Nalanda at that time. 

Beautiful Stone Murti at Ratnagiri / Image Credit

In the eighth century AD, Buddhist art and architecture reached its zenith in Ratnagiri then under the rule of Bhaumakaras who were devout Buddhists.

Statue of Buddha and other statues recovered from excavation in Ratnagiri, Odisha by ASI / image credit

In the sixth century AD Ratnagiri was a centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Later Vajrayana form of Buddhism began to be practised here. 

Votive stupas Ratnagiri / Image credit 

The remains of two huge monasteries, a large Stupa, a good number of votive stupas and Buddhist sculptures have been excavated at Ratnagiri. 

The Ratnagiri museum is an invaluable introduction to the history of Buddhism in the area and has some fascinating finds including sculptures unearthed from the area. 

How to Reach Ratnagiri 

Air: Nearest airport to Ratnagiri is at Bhubaneswar, 100 km from this place.

Rail: Nearest railway station to Ratnagiri is Cuttack which is 70 km from this place. Cuttack is connected with all major cities and places of India.

Road: Good motorable road connect Ratnagiri with major places in Odisha. Krushnadaspur is the next bus stop to Ratnagiri. Several buses run between Paradeep and Cuttack via Krushnadaspur. You can also find autos from Chandikhol from where you can travel to Ratnagiri. Ratnagiri is 18 kms and 30 kms from Krushnadaspur and Chandikhol respectively. 

Best Time to visit Ratnagiri 

The best time to visit Ratnagiri is between the months of October and March. Temperature is extreme in summers and winters.  

Sanghol:

 

Sanghol: Punjab / Image credit

A famous archeological site in Punjab, Sanghol is home to one of the most striking Buddhist remains of ancient India. It was a famous entre of Buddhism during the Kushana rule (1st-3rd century AD). An excavation at the site in 1968 had unearthed the remains of an ancient Buddhist Stupa whose presence has led the place to be locally called Uchha Pind (high site) 

Another excavation in 1985 has revealed a large number of Buddhist remains which were the works of craftsmen belonging to the Mathura and Gandhara schools of art which vie for the credit of having produced the first statues of the Buddha. Both the schools flourished under the Kushana rule (circa AD 30 to circa 375). The Kushana rulers were great patrons of Buddhism.

The Stupa

Built of burnt bricks in the 1st or the 2nd century, the remains of the Buddhist Stupa is a prominent Buddhist attraction of Sanghol. The Stupa has a high raised platform which contains the relics of the Buddhist scholar Bhadras. With figures of Yakshis engraved on them the stone slabs discovered near the Stupa depict scenes from the tales from Jatakas.

Sanghol Museum

Set up in 1990, the Sanghol museum is a treasure trove of thousands of items, artifacts, statues found in the area. Also on display in the museum is ‘The Head of Buddha’ which was recovered from the Sanghol stupa.

How to Reach Sanghol 

Air: Nearest airport to Sanghol is Chandigarh which is 40 km from this place.

Rail: Nearest railway station to Sanghol is Chandigarh which is connected with all major cities and places of India.

Road: Located on Chandigarh-Ludhiana highway, Sanghol, popularly known as Uchcha Pind, is connected by good motorable road with major places in Punjab and India Sanghol is less than an hour’s drive from both Chandigarh and Ludhiana. 

Best Time to visit Sanghol 

With extreme temperatures in summers and winters in Sanghol it is good to visit the place between October to March when daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant.

Indasala Cave or Indrasala Cave

Sakka visits Buddha at Indasala Cave / Image credit

A visit to the Indasala Cave or Indrasala Cave (35 km north-west of Nalanda) in Bihar is easily managed as a day-trip from Gaya or Rajgir. Set at the base of a cliff of sheer rocks in the Giriyek Mountain in the midst of a serene and tranquil landscape, Indasala Cave is a famed Buddhist site to the east of Rajgir. Its claim to fame lies in its being the place where the Buddha is said to have delivered one of his most thought provoking sermons which are recorded in the Sakkapanha Sutta. 

According to the Buddhist accounts, Sakka, an inquisitive person who was searching answers for his questions, came  to the cave where the Buddha stayed for some time and asked his eight questions which were fittingly answered by the Buddha .  

It was during his stay at Indasala Cave that the Buddha uttered verses 206, 207 and 208 of the beautiful Pali text, Dhammapada (Verses on the Virtues). Added to this, the Indasala Cave also played host to Buddhasrijnana, the famous commentator on the Guhyasamaja Tantra. 

Another prime attraction of the area is the Hansa Stupa, located on the top of the Giriyak Mountain. The stupa, hailed as the most complete one in India, finds mention in the accounts of famous 7th century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang who gives a valuable description of its construction.  Hiuen Tsang made it a point to visit this stupa. 

Before Hiuen Tsang, Indasala Cave was also visited in the fifth century AD by the Chinese monk Fa-hsien who came to India to obtain copies of Buddhist scriptures. 

How to Reach Indasala Cave

Air: The nearest airport to Indasala Cave is in Patna which is connected by flights to major cities in India. 

Rail: Rajgir, the nearest railway station to Indasala Cave is well connected by rail with major places and cities in the country including Delhi, Patna and Gaya.

Road: There are regular bus services to Indasala Cave from Rajgir. Private buses, taxis and cars can be hired to reach Indasala Cave from Rajgir and Gaya. From Rajgir you can take the Giriyek road which runs parallel to the mountain on the north side.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to visit Indasala Cave when daytime temperatures are not extreme.

The places in St Petersburg you must visit in your trip

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood / Image Source

One of the most intriguing cities in the world, the elegant St Petersburg is known for wonderful architecture and great squares. Built in 1703 by Peter the Great, as Russia’s “Window to Europe”, this former Russian capital is synonymous with several revolutions. Major highlights of the St. Petersburg city tour include the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the imposing façade of St. Isaac's Cathedral, and the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, known for its huge collections of arts. 

The Admiralty 

Built to feed Peter the Great's ambition of making Russia into a naval power, Admiralty building is a major highlight of any visit to St Petersburg. What makes Admiralty a compelling attraction is its ever glistening 61m-high (200-ft.) spire topped by a weather vane in the shape of a ship. Formerly a fortified shipyard, the edifice is now used as a naval academy. Here you will find at the nexus of three main avenues of St. Petersburg's - Nevsky Prospect, Gorokhovaya Street, and Voznesensky Avenue. Though Admiralty is off limits for the visitors, the grounds are worth a stroll. 

St. Isaac's Cathedral (IsaakevskySobor)

St Isaac’s Cathedral / Image source 

Hailed as the world’s largest orthodox basilica, the majestic 101m-high domed St. Isaac's Cathedral is a prime religious site in St Petersburg. The viewing balcony around the gold-plated dome of this 19th-century Cathedral offers an amazing view of the city. Its interior features marble floors wall and ceiling frescoes displayed on the ceiling. It is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great. 

Fine Arts Square (PloshchadIsskustv) 

Originally designed by Carlo Rossi between 1820 and 130, an Italian-Russian architect, Fine Arts Square (PloshchadIsskustv) is a crucible of several cultural and artistic institutions including Mikhailovsky Palace (now the Russian Museum). Other buildings built on this tree-lined square are Ethnography Museum, Mussorgsky Theater, Operetta Theater, and Philharmonic. The statue of the great Russian poet Pushkin, built in 1957, stands in the heart of the square.

Smolny Cathedral 

Originally designed for Peter the Great's daughter Elizabeth, sky-blue Smolny Cathedral ranks among the masterpieces of century Italian sculptor BartolomeoRastrelli. Located on the bank of the River Neva, the cathedral is now used mainly as a concert hall. 

Bronze Horseman (MednyVsadnik)

Bronze Horseman should be high on the list of the best attractions of St. Petersburg. Commissioned by Catherine the Great in honor of her grandfather-in-law and designed by French sculptor Etienne Falconet, this most famous of St. Petersburg's monuments depicts Peter the Great in all his ferocity.  

Hermitage Museum

Hermitage Museum / Image source

No visit to St Petersburg is complete without a trip to the Hermitage Museum.One of largest, oldest and most well-known museums in the world, the State Hermitage houses over 3 million items dating from prehistoric to modern times. Located in the historic and resplendent Winter Palace, a former residence of the czars, the museum, founded b Catherine the Great in 1764, has some of the world’s biggest collections of paintings, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, Raphael and Van Gogh. 

So what are you waiting for? Come and explore the city’s fascinating history as well as its contemporary culture. St Petersburg will not disappoint you. 

Amazing Sites to Visit in Armenia

Garni Temple / Image Temple

It's the outstanding cultural and historical legacy, combined with Armenia’s dramatically beautiful landscape that makes this Christian country so compelling for the traveller. Explore the amazing cultural and natural delights on your trip starting from Yerevan, the country's undisputed cultural capital. In addition to the landmarks of Yerevan you can see Garni Temple, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastic complex of Geghard and the scenic Lake Sevan, the second largest alpine lake in the world. One of the highlights of your tour should be a visit to the charming mountain town of Dilijan.

Yerevan

Very few modern cities in the world can rival the history of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Considered to be one of the oldest living cites in the world, Yerevan was founded in 782 BC by the King of Urartu. Large numbers of cafés lining its leafy boulevards have made Yerevan earn the sobriquet of the City of Cafes.  With the snow-capped peak of Mt. Ararat in the background, the city is a must visit place for its vibrant nightlife, museums and arts scenes.

Visit the Vernissage Market famous for locally produced handicrafts including brass pots, traditional dolls and brass pots.

Garni pagan temple

The Garni pagan temple is the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. On the way to Garni, stop at the Charent’s Arch which commands incredible view of Biblical Mount Ararat, the traditional resting place of Noah’s Ark. After that you can see the 1st century AD Garni pagan temple located on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge. The temple predates the spread of Christianity in the country and is one of the few pagan temples that survived the destruction following the declaration of Christianity the official state religion in the land. Today the Garni pagan temple is one of Armenia’s most popular tourist sites.

                            Geghard Monastery / Image credit

Your next stop is the spectacular UNESCO world heritage site of Geghard monastery, the finest specimen of the 13th-century Armenian architecture. Here the spear that pierced the body of Jesus Christ after crucifixion was kept for many centuries.

Dilijan

                                                        Dilijan / Image source

Hailed as the ‘Switzerland of Armenia’, the beautiful mountain town of Dilijan on the banks of Aghstev River is a place not to be missed even in the most perfunctory of tours. After walking in the densely wooded valleys of Dilijan you will pay a visit to Haghartsin Monastery. Situated in the woodlands of Tavush the monastery was built in the 10th-14th centuries. After soaking in the sacred energy of Haghartsin Monastery, you will make a trip to another jewel in Armenia’s crown, Lake Sevan. One of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes, Lake Sevan is not to be missed while you're in Armenia. After enjoying the beauty of the lake, drive to the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery, a monastery complex on Sevan peninsula.

Tatev

Tatev monastery / Image credit

The 9th-century Tatev Monastery is often described as the pearl of Armenian medieval architecture. A ride in the Tatev Aerial Tramway, which connects the village of Halizor with the monastery, will offer you mesmerizing views across the Vorotan River Gorge en route.

 

Why Azerbaijan attracts its tourists

Baku, Capital of Azerbaijan / Image credit

Though an underrated destination, Azerbaijan has a wealth of tourists’ attractions. Nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan is known for its sublime beauty, peerless treasures, thousands of years of history and mystical intrigue which ensure that even the most jaded of visitor will be awed by the enchanted magic of the country. 

Maiden Tower, Baku, Azerbaijan / Image tower

Today, Azerbaijan has established as an exotic travel destination. The place is an assault on your senses. A land of exquisite natural beauty Azerbaijan is known for its wonderful cuisines and its gleaming skyscrapers coexisting with the walled Old City of Baku- now a UNESCO-listed world heritage site. The 12th century Maiden Tower (QizQalasi) is a famous attraction in Baku. From the Baku Boulevard (also known as Seaside National Park) you can have a wonderful spectacle of the Caspian Sea reflecting city lights at night. The city boasts a wide array of cafes, restaurants and entertainment. 

Few places in the world better showcase the seamless blend of tradition and modern than Azerbaijan, and its cosmopolitan capital Baku has rightly earned the sobriquet “The Paris of the East.” In fact, few cities in the world are changing as fast as Baku. 

Apart from the amazing capital, there are other important reasons for Azerbaijan tourism. Azerbaijan is home to as many as nine climactic zones. Whether it is the snow-capped peaks of the Guba and Gusar Mountains, beautiful beaches or exotic wildlife, Azerbaijan will definitely impress you. 

History 

Steeped in history which is reflected in its palaces, museums and shops, the country offers whole lot of attractions to a discerning visitor.  

Beautiful Beaches 

While there are definitely several other attractions in Azerbaijan, the one reason many tourists are drawn to the country is its wonderful beaches in the Caspian Sea. Sixov beach is one of the most popular of the beaches in the country. 

The great outdoors 

Live mud volcanoe near Baku, Azerbaijan / Image Credit

Azerbaijan is home to more than half of the world’s 700 mud volcanoes. These are found in the sea, at the shore and on the islands. Explore the country’s hinterland to experience these amazing active volcanoes which are feast for the eyes. 

Wildlife

While the Gizilagai Reserve is home to the largest waterfowl migration in Europe, Ilisu Reserve boasts about 50 species of rare and endangered plants. Declared a World heritage site by UNESCO, Gobustan national park is one the most famous sight of Azebaijan attracting thousands of visitors every year. 

Azerbaijan is a destination with more than enough sights to captivate you there and plenty of surprises to keep the visitors dazzled. Though most visitors are drawn to the country by its spectacular monuments and dramatic scenery, the enduring memory is arguably its inhabitants and their way of life. The Azerbaijanis may live in a small country but they extend a warm welcome to those visiting their country.

Sofia: Must-see Attractions

Sofia is the beguiling capital of Bulgaria. A compact mix of the tradition and the modern, the city has been a huge drawcard for travelers for its beauty. With a history of more than 2000 years that is reflected in several architectural attractions in its possession, Sofia is also a base to explore the Bulgaria's beautiful hinterland.  

This blend of old and new worlds makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets.

For tourists, its world-class museums, beautiful churches and street life are reason enough to visit. Following are the things to do in Sofia. 

Aleksandâr Nevski Cathedral 

Aleksandâr Nevski Cathedral / Image Credit

One of the iconic emblems of Bulgaria, the massive Aleksandâr Nevski Cathedral is set in a large cobbled square. Built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who laid down their lives for Bulgaria’s independence during the Russo-Turkish War, this awe-inspring church is characterized by golden domes and incense- fragrant interior embellished by murals, pendulous chandeliers and throne where no king has ever sat.

Rotunda St. George

Built by the Romans, the 4th-century Rotunda of Sveti Georgi is the oldest structure in the city. Initially it was a pagan temple and became a church in the 6th century by the instruction of emperor Justinian.  The 12th- to 14th-century frescoes inside the central dome of this UNESCO-protected small red-brick church are worth a glance.

Banya Bashi Mosque

Banya Bashi Mosque / Image Credit

Built in 1576, Banya Bashi Mosque is Sofia’s only functional mosque marked by red-brick minarets. This mosque is a remnant of the Turkish Ottoman Empire which ruled for more than five centuries in Bulgaria. 

Sofia Synagogue

Designed by Austrian architect Friedrich Gruenanger, this beautiful synagogue was built between 1905 and 1909. The synagogue features massive Viennese chandelier, the biggest in the country.

Zhenski Pazar

Known as "Women's Market," Zhenski Pazar is a popular shopping street in Sofia. It is a great place to stroll down to pick up freshly baked banitsa or sweet cherries.

Church of St. (Sveta) Sofia 

Established in the 5th century, Sveta Sofia is one of the oldest churches in Sofia which is named after it.

Ethnographic Museum and National Art Gallery

Housed in a former Royal Palace the National Art Gallery and Ethnographic Museum is worth visiting. The Ethnographic Museum has an amazing collection of folk arts and crafts. 

Archaeological Museum 

Housed in a former mosque built in the 15th century, this museum is a repository of Thracian, Greek, Roman and medieval artefacts. Exhibits include 400 B.C. Thracian gold burial mask upstairs, and a wonderful bronze head.

St. Nedelya Church

Completed in 1863 this church was largely destroyed by a bomb by communists in 1925 -- intended to assassinate Tsar Boris III. A major landmark of Sofia, the building is famous for its rich, Byzantine-style murals. 

Shopping in Sofia

There are several boutiques lining Vitosha Boulevard, the chief shopping street of Sofia.  You can drop in at Rumi Factory Outlet which has a collection of cheap leather products. 

Another worthwhile stop is Alexander Nevski Square Flea Market for arts and crafts products. This open market in front of the St. Sofia Church is the best place to buy embroidered tablecloths, handmade toys, Russian dolls, knitted socks, ceramics, various carved items, and antiques. 

4 Reasons Why Astana Should be on your Bucket List

             Astana / Image credit

Rising from Central Asia’s remote, open steppes, Astana has been hailed as the fastest growing capital in the world for many years. Known for its space-age skyscrapers and monuments dominating the skyline, the glittering capital of Kazakhstan is still devoid of hordes of tourists, which will not be the case in future. 

Here are 4 Reasons why you should put Astana to the top of your bucket list. 

Climate-sensitive Futuristic Buildings 

          Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center / image credit

With extremes of the climate, Astana brims with futuristic buildings, several of which are designed by the renowned British architect Norman Foster. One of his masterpieces is Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre, a transparent and towering tent-shaped steel structure soaring 150 meters into the Astana skyline. Inside the structure you can find a beach resort featuring swathes of sands imported from Maldives. Khan Shatyr’s quilted fabric roof provides relief from Astana’s extreme climates -- temperature can drop to minus 40 C in winter and reach up to 35 C in the summer. 

 

           Bayterek tower / image credit

 

The 100-meter-tall Bayterek tower is another architectural wonder that has become synonymous with Kazakhstan’s capital. You can have a glimpse of the tower from almost every part in Astana.

     Peace and Reconciliation / Image credit

The 77-metre-high pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is another famous building created by Foster. Built to host the Congress of Leaders of World, the monument serves as the centre for various religious groups in the country. The building houses opera house that can hold 1,500 people, art gallery and several conference facilities.

    Assumption Cathedral in Astana / Image credit

The massive Russian Orthodox Assumption Cathedral, consecrated in 2010, can house up to 4,000 people. 

    Hazrat Sultan Mosque / Image credit

With its soaring white turrets, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, is visited by some 10,000 worshippers. 

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan / Image credit

Another attraction that will detain the visitors to Astana is the blue-and-white marble National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The museum's Golden Hall is home to thousands of artefacts belonging to the Bronze Age. 

Try Traditional Bathhouse Experience in Steamy saunas

One of the reasons why you must visit Astana is to enjoy a traditional bath in one of city’s several banya bathhouses. That Astana is the world's second-coldest capital after Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator is the reason that you should include this activity in the list of your best things to do in Astana.  

Versatile dining

For sampling traditional Kazakh cuisines, Astana teems with large number of restaurants and eateries where you can try the quintessential Kazakh dish beshbarmak -- a noodle and meat combination with noodles and onion sauce. Another popular speciality is shashlyk, which is skewered meat. 

Stunning nightlife

You can party the night away in the countless clubs in Astana. Chocolate Room in Radisson Hotel, Icon Club, in the heart of the city, The Barley, Zoloto and Hungry Rabbit are some of the avenues where you can immerse yourself in the stunning nightlife. 

You will be richly rewarded by visiting the untapped city of Astana which is also a convenient base to explore the rest of the country.

Top Must-see Monasteries of Ladakh

Located in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, Ladakh, which literally means the ‘Land of Passes‘,  is a site of immense significance for the Buddhists. Flanked by awe-inspiring snow-clad capped peaks of the Himalayas the centuries-old monasteries of Ladakh attract seekers of spiritual enlightenment from all over the world. 

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa 

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa / Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Located in the close proximity to the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is known for its three storied statue of Maitreya (Chamba) Buddha in a sitting posture. 

Thikse Gompa

        Thiksey Gompa, Leh / Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Located 25km south of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, on a craggy peak, Thikse Gompa is architecturally, artistically and visually spectacular. The 12 story edifice consists of several temples from where you can have a wonderful views of the valley dotted with white stupas. Not to be missed while you in Ladakh is the Thikse festival which is held in the month of September.

Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery

Located on a lone rocky hill, the 15th-century Spituk Monastery enshrines the image of Mahakal whose face remains covered throughout the year except during the Spituk festival which is held in January. 8km from Leh, the Spituk Monastery is home to ancient Buddhist artifacts.

Alchi Gompa 

Alchi Gompa / Image credit: wikimedia

One of the most extraordinary gompas in Ladakh, the millennium old Alchi Gompa is located along the left bank of the Indus and is enshrined with sacred relics of the saints and Buddhist texts. The interiors of the Alchi Gompa, 70km northwest of Leh on the way to Lamayuru, are adorned with colorful murals. The assembly hall houses the image of Avalokiteshvara made of gold. 

Likir Gompa 

Likir Monastery / Image: wikimedia

61 km from Leh on the Srinagar - Leh road, Likir Gompa was established in 1065 by Lama Duwag Chosje. Here you will find 1000 year old wall paintings, centuries old bulletproof iron jacket and shield.  A small museum in the monastery is an added advantage. 

Shey Palace and Monastery 

Shey Palace and Monastery / Image credit: wikimedia

15 km from Leh, Shey Palace and Monastery is another important gompa in Ladakh. The masterpiece of the Shey monastery is a 7.5 meter statue of Champa or Maitreya Buddha in a seated position. 

Phyang Gompa

                            Phyang Gompa / Image credit: wikimedia

Located on the Leh-Kargil road, Phyang (or Phiyang) gompa was built by king Tashi Namgyal in 1515 and has a rich collection of manuscripts. A large assembly hall is the highlight of this large monastery which belongs to the red sect of the Buddhists. Phyang festival is held on the 28th to 29th of the fifth Tibetan month during July / August. 

Hemis Gompa 

Hemis Gompa / Image credit: wikimedia

Hemis Gompa is the centerpiece of any visit to Ladakh. Sitting on a hillock, Hemis Gompa comes lauded as the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. 45km from Leh, the monastery is adorned with ancient relics. If you want to see the annual Hemis Tsechu festival you will have to come in the months of June and July. During the celebration of the festival which commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the monastery comes alive with the spectacular mask dance by the lamas. 

Chemrey Gompa 

Chemrey Gompa / Image credit: commons.wikimedia.org

45 km from Leh, Chemrey Gompa is located in a picturesque valley leading to Changla. The monastery came into being in 1664 and is dedicated to Sengge Namgyal who had died in 1645. Adjacent to the monastery is a cave believed to have been the abode of 8th century sage Padma Sambhav during his wanderings to spread Buddhism.

Tak-Thog Gompa 

Ancient murals at Thagthok / Image credit: wikimedia

50 Km east of Leh, Tak-Thog Gompa is the only monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa set in Ladakh. The foundation is this monastery is traditionally attributed to Guru Rimpoche (Padma Sambhav).

Lamayuru Gompa 

Lamayuru Gompa from above / Image credit: wikimedia

125 km from Leh, Lamayaru Gompa can be reached after crossing Fotu La, the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh road, this is the oldest sacred site in Ladakh. Lamayaru gompa was a Bon Shrine before it was converted into a Buddhist monastery.

Stakhna Gompa 

                Stakna Gompa and Indus River / Image credit: wikimedia

20 km from Leh, the Stakhna gompa was founded in 1618 and is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. A few kilometers away from Thikse Gompa, the Stakhna gompa is adorned with beautiful murals and houses statues of Bhutanese lama Zhabthang Rimpoche.

How to Reach Ladakh

Air Located at a height of 3,600m above the sea level, Leh's Bakula Rinpoche Airport is connected by flights with New Delhi. 

Rail: The nearest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi which is 690 km from Leh. 

Road: It is advisable to travel to Leh by taking the road from Manali to Leh to enjoy the incredible scenery. Leh is 475km from Manali. Ladakh has an extensive network of good roads. 

 

Best time to Visit Ladakh

May to November is the best time to visit Ladakh. 

Dharamshala

The headquarters of the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala comes lauded as the sacred abode of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and has been the seat of the Tibetan Government in exile since 1960. Perched on the Dhauladhar mountain range, the hillside town is located at an altitude of 1,457 m in the lap of nature surrounded by magnificent dense deodar, conifer and pine forests. 

Divided into two distinct parts - Upper Dharamshala, more famously known as McLeod Ganj, and Lower Dharamshala, Dharamshala is a convenient base for leisurely walks and treks into the Dhauladhar mountain range.

Prayers on stones outside the Tsuglagkhang Complex 

Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

For many, the principal reason to visit Dharamshala is to experience the spiritual life of Tsuglakhang complex, the Dalai Lama's residence, the Buddhist temples and Tibetan institutions located in it. During the aggression of Tibet by China in 1959, many Tibetan refugees fled from Tibet and crossed over to India along with the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is one of places where the Tibetan refugees were allotted land to reside.

                            Dharamshala stadium / Image Credit: wikimedia.org

Opposite Tsuglakhang is located a Buddha temple around which are a Tibetan monastery and nunnery. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) McLeod Ganj is known for its preservation of musical, dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. 

Norbulingka Institute / Image Credit: wikipedia

Norbulingka Institute, Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang), Namgyal Monastery and Namgyaima Stupa are other Tibetan Buddhist landmarks of Dharamshala.

                Kangra Art Museum / Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

While at Dharamshala one should explore the Kotwali Bazaar to get themselves acquainted with the life of the Tibetan Buddhists. Located in Kotwali Bazaar, the Museum of Kangra Art, a landmark of Dharamshala, houses some of the finest miniature paintings from the Kangra school.  

How to Reach Dharamshala 

Air: The nearest airport to Dharamshala is at Gaggal which is 13 Km from the place. However, Chandigarh, 275 km from Dharamshala, is the convenient airport connected by various airlines with different cities in India. From Chandigarh you can hire a taxi to reach Dharamshala. 

Rail: Though Kangra Mandir, 22 km from Dharamshala, is the nearest railhead, Pathankot, 85 km from Dharamshala, is the major railway station connected with major cities in India. From Pathankot you can take a taxi to reach Dharamshala. 

Road: Good motorable roads connect Dharamshala with different places and cities in India. 

Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

The summer season in Dharamshala starts from the month of March till May and it is generally the most-preferred time to visit Dharamshala.  

Excursions from Dhanbad

Topchanchi

Located 37 km from Dhanbad, Topchanchi Lake is an artificial reservoir excavated in 1915 to supply water to Jharia. Occupying an area of 214 acres, the place is a famous picnic spot. 

Maithon Dam 

Maithan

This is one of the most popular excursions from Dhanbad. One of the dams under control of the Damodar Valley Corporation, Maithon Dam is an engineering and architectural marvel. 48 km from Dhanbad, Maithon Dam is visited for its beautiful artificial lake that captivates picnickers in a large number. 

Panchet Dam 

Located 54 km from Dhanbad, Panchet Dam in Jharkhand is another dam under control of Damodar Valley Corporation. The dam is a major sightseeing attraction. 

Bokaro

47 km from Dhanbad is located India’s biggest steel complex of Bokaro. Apart from the steel plant of Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), other places of attractions in Bokaro are City Park and Garga Dam.

Places in Ukraine You Should Visit in Your Next Trip

It can be said with absolute certainty that those travelling to Ukraine will be richly rewarded if they visit the following places on your next trip to the country.

Lviv

                                Rynok Square in Lviv / Image Source

  

45 miles from the Polish border, Lviv is rightly called Ukraine's cultural capital and a popular city break. The UNESCO-listed Old Town at the centre of the city is famous for magnificent Gothic and Renaissance monuments and churches, fascinating museums and relaxed atmosphere.

Though Lviv is the seventh largest city in Ukraine, it is cut above many when it comes to historical, architectural and cultural attractions.

Lviv is famous for its restaurants offering lip-smacking dishes, and great nightlife. Lviv Rynok Square, Korniakt Palace, Armenian Cathedral, the Mannerist Boim Chapel are some of the many sights of Interest in the city which was founded in 1256. You can find some beautiful castles on the outskirts of city.

Chernivtsi

                                Chernivtsi University /  Image source   

Profusion of rich Austro-Hungarian architectural grandeurs has earned Chernivtsi the sobriquet of ‘Little Vienna’. Apart from being home to the wonderful UNESCO-listed building of its namesake university, Chernivtsi is known for romantic walks. Lovers of Art Nouveau architecture will be startled by the elegant interiors and beautiful frescoes of the Chernivtsi Museum of Art. 

Kiev

                                        Pechersk Lavra / Image Source

The capital of Ukraine, Kiev is a compelling destination to get all your big city life under one skyline. Apart from the capital’s throbbing nightlife, there are enough cultural attractions to detain you for days. However, your lasting impression of the city would be the golden domes that dominate the city’s skyline.

A major highlight of a trip to Kiev is Pechersk Lavra, also known as Monastery of Caves. It is an extensive complex of more than 100 churches and museums founded by monks in 1051. Spread over an area of 28 hectares of grassy hills above the Dnipro River the UNESCO-listed Pechersk Lavra sits over several catacombs housing the remains of sainted monks and consists of several Byzantine-inspired golden domed churches and cathedrals as well as hermit dwellings built by Christian monks from the 11th century.

St. Sophia Cathedral is another UNESCO World Heritage site in Kiev.

Taking a boat trip along the Dnieper River, Europe's third-longest river, is an excellent way to marvel at the wonderful scenic views of Kyiv.

 

Odessa

Abounding in history, Odessa is one of Ukraine's largest seaports. Oval-shaped Opera Theater and Pushkin Museum are amongst other several cultural treasures in Odessa’s possession, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

 

For the lovers of sea and sun, the coastal town of Odessa offers kilometers of Black Sea coastline. Arkadia beach is the most famous of the beaches in the city.

 

Kamianets-Podilskyi

Kamianets-Podilskyi /Image source

Kamianets-Podilskyi is one of the undisputed highlights of Ukraine. Known for its namesake castle, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and naturally enough rich in history.

 

Sofiyivka Park

Built by Polish noble Stanisław Potocki for his wife, Sofiyivka Park today attracts half-a-million annual visitors. The park is a wonderland of enchanting waterfalls, beautiful lakes, fountains and meticulously manicured gardens.