London Bridge is falling down-Port Campell National Park.

London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down.
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
 
Time to go back to school if these lines do not remind you of your kindergarten days. If I ask you to guess the monument I am talking about, you will probably say the London Bridge, England. You are close to the answer. Some thousands of kilometers close. What I am mentioning here is the natural bridge named the London bridge located in Victoria Australia.
 

 London bridge is a major natural arch created by water erosion. Recently renamed as the London arch after the breaking down of a major portion, it is one of the major attraction at Port Campbell National park.

The arch closest to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly on 15 January 1990. An incident that also plagued the Percé Rock, Canada. As part of the Port campbell National part London Bridge holds the main attraction along with the twelve apostles. The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Their proximity to one another has made the site a popular tourist attraction. The stacks are susceptible to further erosion from the waves. On 3 July 2005, a 50 metre tall stack collapsed similar to the fate of the London Arch.

The next visitor attraction at the Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road is the Loch Ard Gorge. you park across the road near a tourist centre and then trudge with hundreds of others through a tunnel under the Great Ocean Road to the wooden walkways and viewing platforms. The Loch Ard Gorge provides and excellent private beach atmostphere and is worth a visit. The gorge ends in two coves divided by a dramatic rocky outcrop which share one beach. From here the long gorge heads out to the open sea. The shipwrech site can be visited too.

There is a blowhole at the Loch Ard Gorge. The blowhole is connected to the sea by a long but narrow tunnel. When high seas enter in, the waves compress air and enter the tavern with a loud roar. The tunnel extends to about 100 metres and is increasing based on corrosion.

Next on the list will be the Grotto. The Grotto is a sinkhole geological formation and tourist attraction, found on the Great Ocean Road outside Port Campbell in Victoria, Australia. Wooden steps wind down the cliff face to the bottom, providing visibility of the sea beyond a pool at low tide. The Grotto looks like there is nothing there until you get down to sea level and look through an arch out to part of the ocean. Beyond the arch lies a still pool and then the open sea

The whole trip is best taken along The Great Ocean Road which is a 243 kms long stretch of road along the South Eastern Coast of Australia.  The road begins at Torquay and travels 243 kilometres westward to finish at Allansford near Warnambool the largest city along the road.

Other attractions

Gibson steps- Steps to a wonderful beach at the Port campbell National Park at the beginning of The Great Ocean Road.

razorback- a stone range sticking out in the sea.

Snorkelling and scuba diving tours are also available in the area. Surfing is possible at Bell's beach along the Great Ocean Beach where various surfing competitions are held.

Directions and Accomodation and days required

A total of three to four days will be required depending on how much time you would like to spend at the beach.

The 250 km drive from Melbourne via the Princes Highway takes about three hours. A more scenic but longer and winding route, the famous Great Ocean Road takes about five hours. Organised bus tours are available. Vic Roads Touring Guide Map 100 gives additional detail.


various motels are available at port cities along the way.

Beaty level 6/10 - The scenic drive and the natural rock formations make for an exciting adventure for your eyes.

Excitement Level 8/10 - The landmass provides for some excellent hiking opportunities along with snorkelling and scuba diving activities. A great way to spend the summer bathing in the sea. A great added bonus is the drive on the Great Ocean Road.

References
*- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Arch
*- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Apostles,_Victoria
*- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grotto,_Victoria
*- http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=175

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Oldest hotel in the world.

When was the last time you saw a structure that was built in 1300 years ago? Add to that the last time you got to stay in such a place. Hoshi Ryokan( Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn) in Ishikawa, Japan which was founded in 718AD is the oldest inn in the world. This fact has also been acknoldged by the Guinness Book of world Record. Also appreciative is the fact that Hoshi Ryokan is the oldest continuous operating company in the world with the same owners running it for forty six generations.

The hotel came into operations when an inn was built near a hot-water spring said to have miraculous healing properties. The waters are still celebrated for their recuperative effects. The Ryokan has evolved through the centuries. A new guest, on arrival, is garbed in a "Yukata", the japanese traditionnal cotton kimono. Located in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, the hotel began as a spa on an underground hot spring which was built by the Hoshi family because, according to legend, the god of Mount Hakusan ordered it.

The story of the Hoshi Ryokan began in 717, when Taicho Daishi, one of the greatest Buddhism teachers in the history of Japan, climbed Mount Hakusan to perform his training exercises. One night, while he was asleep, the spirit of the mountain appeared in his sleep and spoke to him of a miraculous underground spring, located in Awazu village, 20-24 kilometers from the base of the mountain. He was instructed to travel to this wondrous place and, with the help of the villagers, unearth the hot spring that would cure the people of all their illnesses. So Taicho and his disciple , Garyo Hoshi went there. With the help of villagers they managed to locate the spring. Taicho told the sick to bathe and soon their health becomes better. Taicho ordered his disciple, Garyo Hoshi, to build a spa on the site. Since then, the Hoshi family members has been running the Hoshi Ryokan for 46 generations. Zengoro Hoshi is the current patriarch of the family business. With 100 rooms, Hoshi Ryokan can accommodate up to 450 guest.



Hoshi Ryokan buildings are named after each season in Japan.

Shinshun no Yakata (Early spring building).
Haru no Yakata (Spring building)
Natsu no Yakata (Summer building)
Aki no Yakata (Autumn building).

One night in Hoshi Ryokan costs around 350 USD per person with breakfast and dinner included. They also offer activities like tea ceremony or guided tours around the area. The best thing they offer are the hot springs, known in Japan as onsen.

Directions to reach the hotel.

By express train, four hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nagoya.
By plane, one hour from Tokyo; 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Fukuoka, and 1 hour from Sendai.

By Road, Hokuriku Expressway, Katayamazu Interchange; Komatsu Interchange.



Places to visit nearby-
The most popular destination in Ishikawa is Kanazawa. Tourists can get to Ishikawa by plane via Komatsu.

Shibayama Lagoon
Mount Haku
Kaga hot-springs district
Kenroku-en
Higashi-chaya district in Kanazawa
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Chirihama Driveway
Wajima Morning Market
1000 Rice Fields


Accomodation- At the place itself.
Beauty level- 8/10 The place boasts of seren historic architecture even though it has been renovated from time and again.

Excitement level- There is not much to see nearby and unless its the springs you are interested in, there is not much adventure.
*
- http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/index.htm
- http://www.wikipedia.com/
- http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/index.htm
- http://something-interesting4u.blogspot.com/2009/10/hoshi-ryokan-oldest-hotel-in-world.html

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Bhangarh Fort - Haunted at night

The Bhangarh Story

The story (and the history) of the Bhangarh began in the year of 1573 when the fortress was established. Built by Raja Bhagawant Das – the ruler of the city of Amber, Bhangarh Fort had become the residence of Madho Singh, ruler’s second son who fought alongside his father and brother in many wars. The decline of Bhangarh Fort started in 1630 after Chhatr Singh, son of Madho Singh got killed in a violent attack. The decline continued until 1783 when the fortress and the city were completely abandoned following that year’s famine.

 Bhangarh is famous because it is a ghost town. Recognition of this fact by the official government body adds to its popularity. ASI(Archaeological Survey of India) has put up a signboard almost 1 km away from Bhangarh fort; warning the tourists and local folks to stay away from it before sunrise and after sunset.

No accommodation is offered within the ruins and even the office of ASI has been built at a safe distance from the fort, instead of within it as is the case with other similar sites.The main lane ends at a temple with a water tank fed with a perennial stream of water that originates in the magical snake-infested sandal woods, that is what the country folk still affirm. The other temple nearby has some fine segments of architecture. While on the outer surface, the figures of Mahishasuramardini and Varaha avatara of Vishnu are distinctly carved, some more unusual figures can be found on door jambs and the lintel of the garbha-griha that include Shiva-Parvati on the camel-back—a typical Rajasthani variant. For half a mile along the main road between the ruins, are shops on either side-perfectly symmetrical and harmoniously balanced, sings of a prosperous urban center.

The Bhangarh Myths

According to one of the myths, Bhangarh was an idea by Guru Balu Nath (Baba Balanath), who originally sanctioned the construction but warned that his sacred meditating place lies nearby and should the palace reach the size which would cast a shadow big enough to reach his forbidden retreat, the city would fall into ruin. Ignorant of the warning, Ajab Singh – one of dynasty’s later descendants raised the palace to a height that cast the shadow on the Balu Nath’s retreat and the city was was doomed

Another of the many stories talks about princess Ratnavati who was so beautiful she had no match in all of Rajasthan. Marriage proposals came coming, but one day she was spotted by a tantric named Singha Sevra. The Tantrik was charmed by her beauty and decided to use his black magic to get to her. On one occassion he saw her servant buying perfumes for her. The tantric used the opportunity and put a black magic spell on the lotion which was supposed to draw the princess to him upon initial use. His intentions were uncovered by a person loyal to the princess who informed her of bewitched lotion. The princess took the bottle and smashed it against the rock which came to life and rolled over the tantric killing him. Before he died, he laid a curse on entire land which came to be the following year during battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh. All who dwelt in Bhangarh died, including the princess.

There are several other myths and legends that explain the reasons why the fort was abandoned overnight and never re-inhabited, but they all revolve around the fact that the city was cursed and is now haunted by ghosts. The temples around the town are considered unscathed by the magic of wizard and hence safe from ghosts.

Places to visit

Sariska Palace and natural reserve (21kms)- a palace resort built with French influence is worth a stay which also includes a safari ride into the natural reserve. Some architectural wonder in the reserve predate to 750 A.D. Kankawari fort, Alwar where Dara Shikoh (brother of Aurangzeb was kept prisoner).

Pandupol (70 kms) natural arch converted into a temple to signify the victory of Hanuman over Bhim.

Talbraksha is famous for its sulphur springs,  A copy of the Mahabharata minutely written out in a single 80 yd. Page: an illuminated Koran, and an exclusive copy of the Persian Gulistan, lovingly created over 10 year, are some of the gems of a priceless collection of Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and Urdu manuscripts.The armoury section displays weapons dating back to the days of Hazeat Ali-Prophet Mohmmed's son-in-law -as well as the swords and armour of famous warriors like Muhammad Ghori. Akbar and Aurangzeb.

Directions and accomodation

2 hours journey from Jaipur, Nearby cities of Jaipur and Alwar(80kms) are connected by Railways and roadways. Flights to Jaipur are available from major cities. 

Regular bus service leaves for Bhangarh Ruins but requires about a kilometer of walking because nearest bus stop is not directly at the ruin. Another option is to take private taxes which are more expensive than buses, but get you there faster and at a time convenient to you.

A luxury hotel called Amanbagh is a modern resort built to resemble the Rajasthani values but with modern touches. Sariska Palace Reserve also serves as a nice place to heighten the experience.Nimrana fort palace is also a good option. Regular hotels and inns are available at Alwar and Jaipur.

A visit to Bhangarh will around 6 hours including travel from Alwar/Jaipur. Sariska Reserve and nearby places will require a 2 day stay and Bhangarh can be included withing that stay. Alwar will require another 2 days.

Excitement level (8/10)- With the ghost stories included Bhangarh offers lots of excitement and the planned and well preserved ghost city offers an unmatched experience.

Beauty level (6/10)- The ASI has been negligent in maintaining the relics and beautifying the place. It will definitely entice the historians.

* http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98dec06/sunday/head2.htm

* http://www.dancewithshadows.com/nuts/2008/08/26/bhangarh-haunted-city-where-government-tells-you-to-keep-off/  

* http://rajasthanspider.com/resources/2452-Rajasthan-s-Ghost-Town-Bhangarh.aspx

* http://www.limitthesky.com/?p=91

* http://www.indiamike.com/india/rajasthan-f26/bhangarh-the-haunted-town-in-rajsthan-t53186/

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Sedlec Ossuary- Human bones never looked more beautiful

How many times in your lifetime have you been excited to tour a monument famous for its gallery made with the help of Human bones? Let me present to you the Sedlec Ossuary, A small Roman Catholic Chapel in the Czech republic. For those who do not know an Ossuary is a place where human bones are kept as final burial in places where space is scarce. The Sedlec Ossuary has skeletons of between 40,000 to 70,000 people.

The Chapel become a famous burial ground before the black deaths in the 14th century. In 1870, Frantisek Rint, a woodcarver, was employed by the Schwarzenberg family to put the bone heaps into order. The macabre result of his effort speaks for itself. Four enormous bell-shaped mounds occupy the corners of the chapel. An enormous chandelier of bones, which contains at least one of every bone in the human body, hangs from the center of the nave with garlands of skulls draping the vault. Other works include piers and monstrances flanking the altar, a large Schwarzenberg coat-of-arms, and the signature of Rint, also executed in bone, on the wall near the entrance. He even used the bones to spell out his name on the right-hand wall at the bottom of the stairs. Even so, that's a lot of bones and so he can be forgiven for having a few left over; in fact he had an awful lot left over, which he arranged into four large pyramids of bones, one of which you can see behind the coat of arms.

Apart from the church Kutna Hora also has some nice architecture depicting the time of the Black death in Europe when half the population on the continent was wiped out. Also do not miss the gothic Cathedral of  St. Barbara. The organ at the cathedral itself is a work of art.

Directions:
By road- 1 hour drive from Prague. (70kms)
By air- N/A
By Water- N/A
By rail- 1 hour (70 kms)

Days required- 6-8 hours including the Sedlec Ossuary, Cathedral of St. Barbara, Wallachian court and a gothic fountain around town.
Stay- Affordable hotels available in Prague.

Excitement level 6/10- Most people will be less excited and more disturbed after looking at this monument. Carry paper bags as somebody in your group is bound to throw up.

Beauty level- 9/10- Mr. Frantisek Rint definitely knew what he was upto and the beauty definitely shows.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_Church
*http://www.richard-seaman.com/Travel/CzechRepublic/Highlights/index.html

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The Highest Waterfall in the world.-Cainama National Park

Ironic to begin with but it came as a surprise that most people think Niagara Fall, Niagara Ontario in Canada is the highest waterfall in the world amongst the list of major falls. Angel falls located in the Cainama National Park in Venezuela takes the first prize with a height of 3212 feet(Niagara falls is around 67feet). Falling off  Auyantepui mountains, The water fall is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The biggest waterfalls were not known to the outside world until American aviator Jimmie Angel flew over them on 16 November 1933 on a flight while he was searching for a valuable ore bed.

Returning on 9 October 1937, Angel tried to land his Aircraft atop Auyan-tepui, but the plane was damaged when the wheels sank into the marshy ground, and he and his three companions, including his wife Marie, were forced to descend the tepui on foot. It took them 11 days to make their way back to civilization, but news of their adventure spread, and the waterfall was named Angel Falls in his honor. Angel's plane remained on top of the tepuy for 33 years before being lifted out by helicopter. It was restored at the Aviation Museum in Maracay and now sits outdoors on the front of the airport at Ciudad Bolívar.

Caianama National Park itself is a wonder to be visited in itself. Spread over 30,000 sq. kms the national park borders Brazil and Guyana and is roughly the size of Belgium. Most mountains in the national park are table top mountains making it a unique characteristic of the area. The tabletop mountains belong to an era when South America and Africa were part of a super continent.Pemons have developed some basic and luxurious camps, which are mainly visited by tourists from across the world.

Mount Roraima has a 31sq. km flat top with 400feet cliffs on the sides. It is easy to climb via an old trail. The mountain served as an inspiration for Disney/pixar movie 'UP'. the mountain is also home to caves which are 2 billion years old with unique flora nad fauna. The pictures will tell the rest of the story.

While at the Canaima National park, also indulge in boating, bathing and sun bathing at the Canaima Lagoon which has red water and a pinkish sand due to the presence of quartz. Visit the Sapo(frog) and little Sapo (Little frog falls) where you can walk from behind the falls. Also on offer is the wildlife including Jaguars and Armadillos.

PS: Due to the extreme height much of the water is carried away as mist by the blowing wind. This site is also used a wallpapers on various sites without pointing to its location.

Excitement level- 8/10 Lots of adventureous trips breathtaking views on offer.
Beauty level- 8/10 The highest waterfall and Mount Roraima offer an unmatched beauty.

Days required: 7 days including the hike and return(2day) and stay(1 day) to Mount Roraima and their caves and Angel falls(1 day) and a day each for travel into and from the National park. A hike to Lake Gladys will require another day.
Hotel: The local people have built Permons have built luxurious camps for visitors to stay.
Directions: Air: As stated, access to Canaima National Park is by air to the village of Canaima, about 50 km away from the falls. From there, you take either a smaller plane and fly to an airstrip at Canaima Lagoon, or travel by river to the lagoon. From the lagoon, you hike to a view point of the falls. There are also daily flights via Puerto Ordaz connecting Canaima airstrip with the major cities of Venezuela. The airstrip is a short jeep-train ride from nearby Lodges. Check flights from your area to Caracas or other Venezuelan cities with connections to Ciudad Bolicar and Canaima. From this page, you can also browse hotels, rental cars, and special deals.

Water:From Canaima, when the water is neither too high or too low, you can travel by motorized canoe, called curiara up the Carrao River, then the Churun river to an point where you can then hike through the jungle to the falls. The river portion takes about four hours, and you should allow an hour or more for the hike. Canoe access to Angel Falls is restricted to the rainy season, June to November.

Helicopter tours are also available from Venezuelan city of Santa Elena de Uairén.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_falls
*http://partyflock.nl/topic/1089519:Mt_Roraima.html
* http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/VenAngelCanaima.htm

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