Lonar Lake in Maharashtra: Where Compasses Malfunction and the Sand is Magnetic
Approximately 52,000 years ago, a colossal meteor impact in Maharashtra created one of nature's hidden gems: Lonar Lake. This extraordinary crater, formed by a meteor weighing 2 million tons traveling at an estimated speed of 90,000 kmph, stands out among the many meteor impacts on Earth. From above, Lonar Lake might look like any other body of water. However, this almost perfectly oval lake is one of only two natural craters in the world made entirely of basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock. Its waters are seven times saltier than seawater,...
Beaches that Glow During the Night: Nature’s Bioluminescent Wonders
Imagine walking along a beach at night, with waves crashing at your feet and the sand beneath your toes illuminated by an otherworldly blue glow. These magical beaches are not scenes from a fantasy novel but real places where natural phenomena create stunning bioluminescent displays. Bioluminescent organisms such as phytoplankton or dinoflagellates typically cause the mesmerizing glow seen on these beaches. These tiny marine creatures emit light as a defensive mechanism, producing a blue or greenish luminescence when disturbed by waves, footsteps, or any form of agitation in the water. Glowing beaches...
World’s Highest Rail Bridge: Trains to Soon Cross Chenab Rail Bridge in Kashmir
Exciting news from Kashmir! The Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district, standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, will soon see trains running across it. As the highest rail bridge in the world, it exemplifies human ingenuity and engineering excellence, overcoming significant geographical challenges to enhance infrastructure and connectivity. The Northern Railway has announced that the train service from Ramban to Reasi will soon traverse this monumental bridge. Currently, trains operate along the Kanyakumari to Katra route, with services extending from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Vishesh Mahajan, Reasi's Deputy...
Gujarat’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum Nominated for UNESCO’s 2024 Prix Versailles Award
In a recent announcement, Gujarat’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum has been shortlisted for UNESCO’s prestigious Prix Versailles Award 2024. This museum, dedicated to the memory of the tragic 2001 earthquake in Bhuj, serves as a poignant symbol of human resilience and hope. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum stands among seven remarkable museums nominated for the esteemed Prix Versailles Award. Since its inception in 2015, this annual UNESCO competition has highlighted outstanding modern architectural projects from around the world. Smritivan - A Tribute to Resilience Spanning 470 acres, Smritivan pays tribute to those affected...
Sikkim Landslides: Over 1,200 Tourists Stranded and 9 Lives Lost
Massive sikkim landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have left over 1,200 tourists, including 15 foreigners, stranded in Sikkim's Mangan district. The rainfall, which has persisted for more than 36 hours, has caused severe disruptions and claimed nine lives, according to an official report on Friday. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened an emergency meeting in Mintokgang to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Principal Secretary of the Sikkim Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, C S Rao, announced that the Chief Secretary's office has initiated proceedings to airlift the stranded...
Kerala’s Champakkulam Boat Race 2024 to Commence in June
Kerala is renowned for its vibrant boat races, a key aspect of its rich cultural tapestry. Among these, the Champakkulam Boat Race stands out, marking the onset of the boat race season in the state. As the oldest snake boat race in Kerala, Champakkulam holds a cherished place in the hearts of the locals. Scheduled along the scenic banks of the Pampa River in Alappuzha district, the Champakkulam Boat Race 2024 is set to take place in June, attracting spectators from across the globe. The sight of the grand boats gliding...
5 Scuba Diving Destinations in India to Beat the Summer Heat
As the summer sun blazes, there’s no better way to cool off and seek adventure than by diving into the refreshing waters of India’s top scuba diving destinations. From the enchanting Andaman Islands to the hidden gems of Karnataka’s Netrani Island, these spots offer unique underwater experiences that promise to leave you with unforgettable memories. Let’s explore five must-visit scuba diving locations in India to escape the summer heat: LakshadweepThe remote Lakshadweep archipelago is home to some of the most pristine and least-explored diving sites in India. Thanks to its secluded...
India’s Traditional Paintings: A Journey Through Art and Culture
India is a paradise for art enthusiasts and souvenir collectors, offering a rich tapestry of traditional paintings that capture the country's diverse cultural heritage. From vibrant village markets to the artists' workshops, you can explore and collect unique artworks that tell the stories of India's history, beliefs, and way of life.India boasts numerous famous destinations known for their traditional painting techniques. Mithila Region, Bihar – Madhubani Paintings Madhubani paintings, originating from the Mithila region in Bihar, celebrate intricate patterns, vivid colors, and detailed depictions of nature, mythology, and social events.Typically created...
8 Cities Completely Submerged Underwater
Throughout history, civilizations have gravitated towards bodies of water, but what happens when these waters reclaim the land? Over the centuries, many cities worldwide have found themselves submerged due to natural disasters, rising sea levels, or intentional flooding for dam projects. These sunken cities serve as poignant reminders of nature's immense power. Here are eight cities that now lie completely underwater. Heracleion, EgyptOnce a bustling port city at the mouth of the Nile River, Heracleion thrived as a major trade center in ancient Egypt. However, natural catastrophes and rising sea levels...
Katra Goes Tobacco-Free: Jammu Administration Implements Ban
In a significant move aimed at preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the sacred Vaishno Devi temple town, Katra, the Jammu administration has imposed a comprehensive ban on the sale, possession, and consumption of tobacco products making the surroundings tobacco-free. Implemented under Section 144, this prohibition encompasses cigarettes, gutka, and all forms of tobacco from the Numai and Panthal check posts to the Bhawan via the Tara Court area. The ban extends the existing restrictions on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol in Katra and its surroundings, with the...