Ajanta and Ellora caves, including Kailasa Temple The scale at which the work was undertaken is enormous. It covers twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens and is 1.5 times high, and it entailed removing 200,000 tonnes of rock. It is believed to have taken 7,000 labourers 150 years to complete the project. The rear wall of its excavated courtyard 276 feet (84 m) 154 feet (47 m) is 100 ft (33 m) high. The temple proper is 164 feet (50 m) deep, 109 feet (33 m) wide, and 98 feet (30 m) high. Kailasa Temple, cave #16 at Ellora, India Full resolution (1,280 × 960 pixels, file size: 545 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) It consists of a gateway, antechamber, assembly hall, sanctuary and tower. Described as Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple is considered the pinnacle of Indian rock-cut architecture The gigantic, 8th century Kailasa Temple at Ellora, Cave 16, was chiselled from solid stone. Kailasa Temple, cave #16 at Ellora, India Dramatic sculptures fill the courtyard and the main temple, which is in the center. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves Don't Miss:
Italy Travel Information and Travel Guide If you get it right, travelling in the bel paese (beautiful country) is one of those rare experiences in life that cannot be overrated. Luscious Landscapes Italy's fortes extend beyond its galleries, plates and wardrobes. The country is one of Mother Nature's darlings, its geography offering rarely rivalled natural diversity. From the north's icy Alps and glacial lakes to the south's volcanic craters and turquoise grottoes, this is a place for doing as well as seeing. Bella Vita In few places do art and life intermingle so effortlessly. Why I Love Italy By Cristian Bonetto, Author Italy's 20 regions feel more like 20 independent states, each with its own dialects, traditions, architecture and glorious food. Cultural Riches The French may rightfully brag about Paris, but Italy's showstopping cities include Venice, Florence and Rome. Buon Appetito It might look like a boot, but food-obsessed Italy feels more like a bountiful table.
Prabalgad Fort, India Prabalgad Fort, also known as Kalavantin Durg (Kalavantin’s Fort), is located between Matheran and Panvel in the Indian state of Maharashtra, at an elevation of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. It was built at the pinnacle of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran. Previously, the fort was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji's rule. The fort can be approached via a chillingly steep climb. Photo credit According to legend the fort was built for a queen named Kalavantin but that really seems to be all that anybody knows. The fort was conquered by Shivaji from the Mughals in 1657, after he establishing himself in the Kalyan-Bhivandi area. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit
Costa Rica Travel Information and Travel Guide Costa Rica is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Central America because of its comfortable lifestyle, peaceful democracy and overwhelming natural beauty. The country’s Disneylike cast of creatures – ranging from howler monkeys to toucans – are populous and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive. A peaceful oasis in a tumultuous region, this tiny nation draws 1.5 million visitors every year. To put things in perspective, consider the fact that prior to 1950, half of the country struggled with grinding poverty, and living beyond the age of 50 was an achievement in itself. What’s on tap? Of course, the frenzy to snatch up a piece of Shangri-la has its consequences. Ready to go? These tours & activities make it easy: Read more
Le Kerala, "Venise" de l'Inde du Sud The Luxury Dhigu Resort, Maldives | Luxury Furniture, Property, Travel & Interior Design The luxury Dhigu Resort, Maldives Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa is encircled by mystic lagoons and unspoilt crystal shores, the resort is a heavenly sanctuary on a secluded paradise island, offering barefoot elegance in one of the world’s most celebrated tropical havens. Here the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean offer an endless horizon of aquatic allure and the evocative location is matched by a tranquil island design style. Anantara Dhigu is a luxurious five-star resort hidden on tropical terrain on Dhigufinolhu Island in the Maldives’ South Male Atoll, a mere 35 minute speedboat journey from the island nation’s international airport, or a scenic five minutes by private chartered seaplane. Male-based architect Mohamed Shafeeq from Group X Design Associates and Thailand-based interior design company, Abacus, headed by John Lightbody, have styled the resort’s distinctive environment as a creative complement to the natural beauty of the island. Anantara Dhigu, P.O.
Acheter du tissu indien… En inde – Tissu Inde Acte II - Couture Stuff | Couture Stuff Pendant mon voyage en Inde, j’ai fait une orgie d’achat de tissu. Depuis les marchés de quartier jusqu’aux boutiques chic, j’ai été prise d’une fièvre acheteuse et suis revenue avec 70 mètres de cotons, crêpes, georgette, soies et laines. Heureusement j’avais prévu une valise vide supplémentaire pour le retour Je n’ai pas acheté de Saree/Sari. Eh bien en Inde on trouve très couramment (et surtout en fait) des tissus coupés et vendus en lot pour faire des ensembles Salwar Kameez. Une partie des tissus indiens que j'ai ramenés Un « lot », appelé « suit », inclus 3 tissus coordonnés afin de fabriquer une longue tunique indienne (kameez), un pantalon (salwar) et l’écharpe/foulard (dupatta). Un lot pour Salwar Kameez représente environ 4,5 à 5 mètres de tissu (sans compter le dupatta). tissus indiens Nalli Silk Saree Sur les marchés, comme quasi partout en Inde, vous aurez à marchander. Sur un marché à Delhi Dans les boutiques chics (Nalli Silk Sarees, Kilol…) les prix sont fixes et affichés.
LE SARI DANS LA CULTURE INDIENNE - Mosaik boutique de bijouxMosaik boutique de bijoux Nous vous avons parlé de l’importance des bijoux indiens en Inde, aujourd’hui partons à la découverte d’un élément incontournable de la culture indienne: le sari Très représentatif de la tradition indienne, en coton, en soie ou en d’autres matières, il s’agit uniquement d’une longue bande de tissu d’ environ 1m20 de large sur 5,5 à 10 m de long. Mais d’où vient ce vêtement si particulier ? L’histoire du sari est millénaire… D’apres le Mahabhrata (épopée de la mythologie hindou ) on raconterait même que celui- ci est magique !!! En effet, lors d’un duel, Draupadi, fille du roi Drupada d’une grande beauté fut promise comme récompense… La sublime Draupadi Le duel étant perdu, les vainqueurs voulurent profiter de leur gain, mais le Dieu Khrisna avait promi de protéger la vertu de cette princesse. le sari protege Draupati de l’homme Voici la manière classique de mettre le sari : Manière classique de mettre un sari Il existe d’autres styles de drapés (ou encore de porter le sari) comme par exemple :
The Ajanta Caves – Ancient Temples Carved from Rock Two thousand two hundred years ago work began on an extensive series of cave monuments in Maharashtra, India. Over a period of hundreds of years, thirty one monuments were hewn piece by piece from the rock face. Then, some speculate around the year 1000AD, they fell in to disuse. Dense jungle grew around, hiding the caves away from human eyes. They Ajanta caves lay undisturbed for hundreds of years. Then, in April 1819, during the time of the British Raj, an officer with the unassuming name of John Smith came rediscovered a doorway to one of the temples. One can only imagine what went through Smith's head when he made his find. The nearest human habitation is Ajinṭhā, a tiny village a few miles away from the caves. The first caves were hewn from the bare rock at the time of The Sātavāhana Empire which started around 230BC. There are paintings everywhere – literally. They were created using an ancient method. Image Credit Flickr User Ashok666
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Bellary District, Karnataka Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh