Sunday, 9 August 2009

Burj Al Arab



The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,050 ft), it is the second tallest building in the world used exclusively as a hotel.[2] However, the structure of the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang North Korea (unfinished for over 20 years), is 9 m (30 ft) taller than the '"Burj Al Arab'", and the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, topped Burj Al Arab's height at 333 m (1,090 ft), becoming the world's tallest hotel.[3][4][5] The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure,designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of the boat.

Construction

Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a vast "mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium. The architect Tom Wright[6] said "The client wanted a building that would become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its Opera House, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country."[7]

The architect and engineering consultant for the project was Atkins, the United Kingdom's largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts.[8] The hotel cost US$650 million to build.[9]

Several features of the hotel required complex engineering feats to achieve. The hotel rests on an artificial island constructed 280 m (920 ft) offshore. To secure a foundation, the builders drove 230 40 m (130 ft) long concrete piles into the sand.[10]

Engineers created a surface layer of large rocks, which is circled with a concrete honeycomb pattern, which serves to protect the foundation from erosion. It took three years to reclaim the land from the sea, but less than three years to construct the building itself. The building contains over 70,000 m3 (2,500,000 cu ft) of concrete and 9,000 tonnes of steel.[10]

The atrium

Inside the building, the atrium is 180 m (590 ft) tall.

Burj Al Arab promotes itself as the world's only "7-star" property, a designation considered by travel professionals to be hyperbole. All major travel guides and hotel rating systems have a 5-star maximum, which some hotels attempt to out-do by ascribing themselves "6-star" status. Yet according to the Burj Al Arab's official site, the hotel is a "5-star deluxe hotel". It is the world's tallest structure with a membrane facade[vague] and the world's second tallest hotel (not including buildings with mixed use) and was the first 5-star hotel to surpass 305 m (1,000 ft) in height.

Rooms and prices

One of the hotel suites

The hotel is managed by the Jumeirah Group. Despite its size, the Burj Al Arab holds only 28 double-storey floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 m2 (1,820 sq ft), the largest covers 780 m2 (8,400 sq ft). It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. The cost of staying in a suite begins at US$1,000 per night; the Royal Suite is the most expensive, starting at US$28,000 per night.[11]

Suites feature design details that juxtapose east and west. White Tuscan columns and a spiral staircase covered in marble with a wrought-iron gold leaf railing show influence from classicism and art nouveau. Spa-like bathrooms are accented by mosaic tile patterns on the floors and walls, with Arabian-influenced geometries, which are also found elsewhere in the building.





Ambaji Gabbar


Ambaji is a census town in Banaskantha district in the state of Gujarat, India. Ambaji is an important temple town with millions of devotees visiting the Ambaji temple every year. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.

Ambaji mata temple is a major Shakti Peeth of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 65 kilometers from Palanpur and 45 kilometers from Mount Abu and 20 kilometers from Abu Road near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border.

The original seat of Ambaji mata is on gabbar hilltop in the town. A large number of devotees visit the temple every year specially on Purnima days. A large mela on Bhadarvi poornima (full moon day) is held.

In the holy temple of "arasuri ambaji" there is no image or statue of goddess the holy "shree visa yantra" is worshiped as the main daity. No one can see the yantra with naced eye. the photography of the yantra is probhited.

Ambaji is also very famous for its Bhadarvi Poonam (Full Moon). Every Year from all over the country people come here walking all over from their native place just to worship MAA AMBE in July. The whole Ambaji is been lighted up as the whole nation lights up at the festive time of Diwali.

Ambaji town is known for possessing mines which produce fine quality marble and granite.

History Ambaji-the Origin of the Supreme Cosmic Power of the Universe is one of the fifty one 51 ancient Shakti Piths Tirth in India. There are 12 main Shakti Pith Tirth, significant places of pilgrimage for the worship of Shakti, namely, Ma Bhagwati Mahakali Maha Shakti at Ujjan, Ma Kamakshi at Kanchi Puram, Mata Bramaramba at Malay Giri, Shri Kumarika at Kanya Kumari, Mataji Ambaji at Anartgujarat Mata Mahalaxmidevi at Kohlapur, Devi Lalita at prayag, Vindhya Vasini at Vindhya, Vishalakshi at Varansi, Mangalavati at Gaya and Sundari Bhavani at Bangal & Guhya Kesari in Nepal.The Great Miracle of this Holy Place is that there is no idol or picture in the Nij Mandir the Temple of Shri Arasuri Mata Ambaji, but a simple cave like Gokh in the inner wall, in which A Gold Plated Holy Shakti Visa Shree Yantra having kurma back convex shape and 51 Bij letters therein, connected with that of the original Yantras of Nepal and Ujjain Shakti Piths, is also ritually installed in such a way it can be visible for devotion, but never photographed in past nor can be so done in future. The worship of this Visa Shree Yantra is done only after tying a bandage on the eyes.

The famous mountain of Gabbar is situated on the border of States of Gujarat and Rajasthan, near the flow of the origin of the famous Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, on the hills of Arasur in forest , towards south-west side to ancient hills of Arvalli, at the altitude of about 480 meters, at about 1,600 feet (490 m) high from sea level, having at 8.33 km² (5 sq. miles area ) area as a whole, and it is in fact One of the Fifty One (51) famous Ancient Pauranik Shakti Piths - The Centre of Cosmic Power of India and it is the original holy place of Mata Ambaji, where the piece of the heart of the dead body of Devi Sati fell at the top of this holy hill of Gabbar as per the legend narrated in the "Tantra Chudamani". The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has also a small temple fortified from the western side and there are 999 steps to go up to the mountain and reach this holy temple at the top of Gabbar Hill. A Holy Lamp is constantly burning on this hill temple facing exactly in front of Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. There are many more beautiful Site Seeing Places on Gabbar together with a sunset point, Cave and Swings of Mataji and Trips through Ropeway.

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Haji Ali Dargah




The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in Southern part of Mumbai. Lying as it does in the heart of the city, the dargah is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai.

The structure

The dargah is built on a tiny islet located 500 yards from the coast, in the middle of Worli Bay, in the vicinity of Worli. The islet is linked to the city precinct of Mahalakshmi by a narrow causeway. This causeway is not bound by railings, and is lashed by the sea during high-tide. Therefore, the dargah is accessible only during low tide. This 500-yard-walk on the causeway, with the sea on both sides, is one of the highlights of a trip to the shrine.

The whitewashed structure occupies an area of 4,500 metres, and an 85 foot (26 m) tower is the architectural highlight of the edifice. The tomb within the mosque is covered by a brocaded red and green chaddar (tomb cover sheet). It is supported by an exquisite silver frame. The main hall has marble pillars embellished with coloured mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips. The ninety-nine names of Allah are also written on the pillars.

Most of the structure is corroded due to saline winds blowing from the surrounding sea. It was last repaired in the 1960s, but civil engineers say the structure is beyond further repair. The Dargah Trust is awaiting permission to raze the structure and rebuild it with Makrana marble, the same marble used to build the Taj Mahal. Permission must be obtained from the Central Government as the shrine lies within the Coastal Regulation Zone. The accessibility to the dargah is very much dependent on the tides. The access path, which is nearly a kilometre (0.62mile) long is submerged under the sea when the tides are high. As the tide recedes the path becomes accessible. Thus, during the high tide, the dargah seems completely isolated with no access. It looks more like a little island.


Wednesday, 5 August 2009

Skanda vale



The Skanda vale temple at Carmarthen county of West Wales near Lampeter is called "Community of the Many Names of God". It was in 1973 that Guru Subramanium visited this place and realized the existence of God at the tranquil location. In cooperation with Rev. James Keeler, intermediary of the Presbiterian Free Church of Scotland and the high commission of Sri Lanka they decided to form the Community of the Many Names of God, and later buy a farm to form a monastery for all religions. In 1978 the monastery bought a vast 115 acres of bordering land. In taking the custom of the Hindu religion the Guru established a multi-faith Temple making sure that people of all religions and denominations could worship here.

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

Beijing , China









Beijing is one of the four ancient cities of China (together with Xian, Luoyang, Nanjing), the best preserved, and famous around the world. Beijing is also known as a cradle of humanity. As early as 700,000 years ago, Peking Man lived in Zhoukoudian area of Beijing.

Beijing City was established over 3,000 years ago and was called Jin City in the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC - 771 BC). Ever since Emperor Qin united China in 221 BC, Beijing has played an important role in north China. It was the capital city in the Liao (916-1125), Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. During these 800 years, 34 emperors lived and ruled here. The world renowned Forbidden City was built during this period. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, World War I broke out. Beijing became the focus of invaders. The war disrupted the society. Many residences of royal families were robbed and burned down. After that, the whole country was reduced to the status of semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. It wasn't until October 1st, 1949 that the People's Republic of China was founded. Beijing is known as the capital city of the prosperous new country which has flared into importance in Asia.

The Great Wall of China is one of the 'Eight Wonders of the World' and is enlisted in the World Heritage Directory. This immense wall was built to keep out invaders as well as to retain the inhabitants. It spans five provinces from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west, looking like a gigantic dragon across deserts, grasslands and mountains.

Thanks for the 29th Summer Olympics, Beijing has been well-known for travelers all over the world. This hospitable metropolis of China has been mixed with lots of modern elements, which is also a new part for its mysterious orient civilization. There are so many representative buildings displaying this international metropolis, such as the Beijing National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center for 2008 Olympics and the China Century Monument.

Beijing Climate - Best Time to Visit
The four seasons in Beijing, a northern city, are demarcated with a long hot summer, long chilly winter, and shorter spring and autumn. The hottest month is July and the coldest is January. Considering the frequent sandstorms in spring, September and October with their pleasant weather are considered the best visiting times.

To visit Beijing in spring or autumn, bring lightweight clothing such as long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, plus one or two jackets and sweaters. The temperature in summer ranges between 30 and 39 centigrade, calling for summer clothes.

A winter journey to Beijing may be a shock to visitors from tropical countries. Enjoying the snow scene on West Hill, skating in Beihai Park, followed by a steaming hotpot with mutton slices will drive out the chills. Be sure to bring winter clothes, including wool sweaters and down coats.

Spring is rainy season in Beijing, with some rain in summer and between summer and autumn. Rainstorms may happen without warning in the afternoon of sunny days. Sometimes even weather forecasters can predict a shower only one or two hours ahead. Heavy rain may block traffic; inconveniencing everyone. Remember to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

White House - USA


WHITE HOUSE HISTORY

For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States.

About the Building

For two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the American people. Its history, and the history of the nation's capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square…on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L’Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As preparations began for the new federal city, a competition was held to find a builder of the "President’s House." Nine proposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.

Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.

The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and another fire in the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout much of Harry S. Truman’s presidency, the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while the Trumans lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless, the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed two centuries ago.

Presidents can express their individual style in how they decorate some parts of the house and in how they receive the public during their stay. Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. Many of those who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol simply followed him home, where he greeted them in the Blue Room. President Jefferson also opened the house for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, ever since. In addition, he welcomed visitors to annual receptions on New Year’s Day and on the Fourth of July. In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inaugural callers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while, on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure the mob out of the mud-tracked White House.

After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Inaugural crowds became far too large for the White House to accommodate them comfortably. However, not until Grover Cleveland’s first presidency did this unsafe practice change. He held a presidential review of the troops from a flag-draped grandstand built in front of the White House. This procession evolved into the official Inaugural parade we know today. Receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July continued to be held until the early 1930s.

  • There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
  • At various times in history, the White House has been known as the "President's Palace," the "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.
  • Presidential Firsts while in office... President James Polk (1845-49) was the first President to have his photograph taken... President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09) was not only the first President to ride in an automobile, but also the first President to travel outside the country when he visited Panama... President Franklin Roosevelt (1933-45) was the first President to ride in an airplane.
  • With five full-time chefs, the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.
  • The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface.
  • For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane.

London Big Ben


The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one of London's iconic landmarks.

The building is known as the Palace of Westminster and the clock tower is sometimes called St Stephen's Tower, although it is commonly referred to as Big Ben.

Big Ben is actually the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg).

Big Ben: London's Clock Tower

The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.

  • Each dial is 23 feet square (2.13 square metres)
  • Big Ben's minute hands are 14 feet long (4.26 metres)
  • The figures on the face of Big Ben are two feet high (0.6 metres)

A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when parliament is in session.

Big Ben's timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum. Big Ben has rarely stopped. Even after a bomb destroyed the Commons chamber during the Second World War, the clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to strike the hours.

The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.

The History of Big Ban:

The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock. The bell was refashioned in Whitechapel in 1858 and the clock first rang across Westminster on 31 May 1859.

Just two months later, Big Ben cracked. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer. This is the bell as we hear it today.

My other website

If you want to do shopping click below:

www.worldonlinepurchase.com


If you want to enjoy seeing night club photos click below:

www.fotopixes.net


If you want to watch Gujarati & Hindi movie click below:

www.filmjagat.blogspot.com

Sabarmati Ashram , Ahmedabad


Sabarmati Ashram was built in 1915 and served as Gandhi's headquarters during the struggle for Indian independence.

The Ashram houses a museum, office, library, two photo galleries and an auditorium. Exhibits include original manuscripts of Gandhi's letters and articles. The museum has eight life-size color oil paintings and a pictorial record of his life.

Handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels are still produce on site at Sabarmati Ashram.

A sound and light show is presented on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Hours


MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open8:308:308:308:308:308:308:30
Closed18:3018:3018:3018:3018:3018:3018:30

Cost
FREE

Monday, 3 August 2009

Information

Hi,

My name is Jyoti Kadam. In this site i will give you all information about world travel.
Like, LONDON, USA, INDIA, CANADA & more other countries.

If you know anything interstring place you can write me. I will publish it on my website or blog.


Email : jyotikadam87@yahoo.co.uk