The Gir is known all over the world as the last home of the Asiatic lion.

History Of Asiatic Lion Live in Sasan Gir

The lion was once widely distributed in Asia Minor and Arabia through Persia to India.

In the Indian sub-continent, its range extended over northern India, as far as east up to Bihar, with the Narmada river marking the southern limit. Before the close of the last century, the Asiatic lion had become extinct from its range except Gir. The probable years of its extermination region-wise were Bihar 1840, Delhi 1834, Bhavalpur 1842, Eastern Vindhyas & Bundelkhand 1865, Central India & Rajasthan 1870 and Western Aravallis 1880. The last animal surviving in the wild outside Saurashtra was reported in 1884.

By the end of the last century, the then Nawab of Junagadh indicated the number of lion to be a dozen in the Gir. Lions struggled to survive during one of the most severe famines between the years 1901 to 1905 as they killed many human beings and domestic cattle. The Nawab of Junagadh provided adequate protection to the animals and population of lion increased between the years 1904 to 1911. After the death of the Nawab, about 12 to 13 lions used to be shot annually. From the year 1911 onwards, shooting was rigidly controlled by the British Administration and during the year 1913, the Chief Forest Officer of Junagadh reported that there were not more than 20 animals in the Gir Forests.

Population estimates of lion given before 1936 were only estimations based on personal knowledge and the first organized census was conducted in 1936 which showed a population of 287 lions. The results of estimate of lions in the Gir Forests during the previous censuses are as follows:

The onslaught of human pressure resulted into shrinkage of the Lion’s habitat and now what remains with us is the Gir as the last refuge of the endangered mammal.

Wildlife conservation programme for the Asiatic Lion was started by the forest Department from September 1965 with the declaration of 1265.01 sq. km area as sanctuary which was expanded up to 1412.1 sq. km till date. With implementation of wildlife management and Gir Development Scheme, population of lions increased gradually from 177 in 1968 to 359 in 2005. Similarly, herbivore population of major animals (Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild boar, Four horned Antelope, Chinkara etc.) has also increased from abut 38221 in 1995 to 49965 in 2005.

Population The Asiatic Lion sasan Gir

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Beaches of Goa Travel And Tourism india

The beaches of Goa are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. The list below includes some of my favorite Goa beaches. You won't find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here - like Colva and Calangute beach - that are done to death in every Goa travel guide or information brochure. These are only the best beaches to visit, some a little off the beaten track.

Candolim Beach Goa

Candolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach. 

There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. 

This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.

 Sinquerim Beach Goa

Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. 

You can take a long walk from Sinquerim beach all the way up to Candolim beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.

Baga Beach Goa

Baga is a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water's edge. 

There are few buses that come all the way to the beach's edge, but none after dark. It's a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport. 

Baga is really an extension of Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand.

Bambolim Beach Goa

Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. 

The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and the Goa University. The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. 

The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cozy picnic.

You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula. A little off the road before Dona Paula just before the National Institute of Oceanography, is a restaurant called White House. It serves excellent seafood and has a view of the bay to die for.

Arambol Beach Goa

Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain. Until recently Arambol was a favorite Goa beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to. The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot. There's a hot spring near the main beach that runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding.

Vagator Beach Goa

Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife. The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you'll find the quiter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a fresh water pool. You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accomodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.

Benaulim Beach Goa

My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog. But I also remember all of us - the entire family - feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.

Palolem Beach Goa

Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona district, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips. At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide.

Agonda Beach Goa

Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there.

Mobor and Cavelossim Beaches Goa

Cavelossim Beach is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boasts of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort. Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.

Ten Simple things you can do this Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22nd, so in honor of Earth Day, I have compiled a list of 10 easy things you can do, to help keep our earth luscious and green! Every one person who does even one thing on this list makes a difference!

I am by no means a “granola nut, Birkenstock wearing, tree hugger” however, I do have kids and I want their planet to be a good, healthy place to live! So go on, pick one- I dare you… Who knows, you might even develop a good habit or something…

1. Slow The Flow

A faucet leaking just one drop per second wastes over 1,300 gallons per year! Most repairs to plumbing fixtures pay for themselves within just a year. Fix it!

2. Think Green When You Clean

Choose nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, which are proven effective but won’t cause long term damage to the Earth.


3. Give Weeds A ‘Hand’

Herbicides aren’t the only way to control weeds, and they’re certainly not the most environment-friendly way! Invest in a good pair of gloves and garden tools, and remove weeds by hand. Also, choose natural alternatives to pesticides for getting rid of pests!

4. Walk, Hike, Ride A Bike

If people in the U.S. would occasionally ride a bike for a short errand instead of driving a car, over 70 million gallons of fuel could be saved each year! And there’s the added benefit of enjoying the fresh air and exercise! For short errands, take a hike!

5. Plant A Tree Every Earth Day!

Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. It also provides shade that keeps homes and cities cooler!

6. Reduce, Reuse Recycle

It’s more than just a slogan. You can start making the world a ‘greener’ place today: return hangers to the cleaners, donate clothing and computers to charities, pack lunches in reusable containers instead of bags, there are hundreds of easy things to do! It’s up to you!


7. Paper not Plastic

For once at the Grocery store, when they ask- say paper please! I know it is less convenient, but there are a lot of non-toxic, biodegradable re-uses for those paper bags! There is no doubt that plastics are notoriously bad. Americans dispose of 10.5 million tons of plastic garbage every year!

8. Go Vegetarian for one day a week

Put down the meat, and cook Alfredo with mushrooms… Tofu sandwiches..or even grilled veggie burgers! There are actually some great tasting recipes for meatless dinners- and I guarantee you won’t miss it as much as you think!

9. Buy Local Fruit & Veggies

Food sold in American supermarkets has to travel an average of 1,500 miles to get from the farm to your plate. Buying locally not only supports your local economy, but cuts out the massive amounts of energy used to store and transport the products across the world


10.Lighten Your Energy Bill

Turn off the lights, the computer and the television when they are not in use. Using only highly efficient and money-saving appliances can reduce the electricity consumption of an average household to one-10th of the national average.

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Related link:- What you can do this Earth Day

Agra Fort



Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the banks of River Yamuna at Uttar Pradesh in India. The fort was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort is made of red sand stone and it consists of small palaces and structures such as Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal and built three marble mosques in them viz. Moti-Masjid, Nagina-Masjid and Mina-Masjid.

Located on the right bank of the River Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is the Agra Fort; one of the most important strongholds of the Mughals as per Indian history. The fort was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains of an ancient site known as Badalgarh.

Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift his capital from Delhi to Agra. The Mughal rulers took the fort from his son Ibrahim Lodi, who held the fort for nine years until he was defeated and killed in the battle of Panipat in 1526 by Humayun the second emperor of Mughal dynasty. Humayun captured the fort and seized vast amount of treasure including the Kohinoor diamond. His father Babur built a baoli (step wall) in Agra and Humayun was coronated here in 1530. After Humayun’s defeat at Bilgram in 1540, Sher Shah of the Sur dynasty occupied Agra fort and garrisoned it.

Akbar arrived in Agra in 1558. He ordered to renovate the fort with red sandstone. Some 4000 builders worked on a daily basis and it was completed in eight years (1565-1573).

The Fort, which is semi-circular in plan, spreads over 94 acres of land and is surrounded by a 21.4 m high fortification wall. There are four gates on its four sides, one of the gates was called khizri-gate (the water gate), which opens to the river front, where ghats (quays) were provided. The fort survived the onslaught of time, nature and men and at present there exists more than two dozens of monuments in the Fort.

Abul Fazl, a court historian of Akbar, records that 5000 buildings were built here beautifully in Bengali and Gujarati style. Most of these buildings have now disappeared. Shah Jehan himself demolished some of these in order to make room for his white marble palaces. Later, the British destroyed most of the buildings for raising barracks. Hardly 30 Mughal buildings have survived on the southeastern side. Of these, the Delhi-Gate, Akbari-Gate and Bengali-Mahal, are representatives of buildings raised during the reign of Akbar.

Shah Jehan raised several white marble palaces and fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal and built three marble mosques in them viz. Moti-Masjid, Nagina-Masjid and Mina-Masjid. Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb in the fort for eight years. Aurangzeb further built the barbicans around the two gates and on the reverse side to strengthen it. Shivaji came to Agra in 1666 and met Aurangzeb in the Diwan-i-Khas. Aurangzeb died in 1707 and 18th century history of Agra Fort is a saga of sieges and plunder during which it was held by the Jats and the Marathas and finally by the British who captured it in 1803.


The beauty of Mughal art and architecture

The Fort of Agra is a perpetual monument to Mughal art and architecture. The fort is a huge complex built of red sandstone and has four gates.

The fort was constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great. The fort is situated towards the east of Agra city in Uttar Pradesh, India. The walls and roof of the Fort are decorated with splendid example of Mughal architecture.

The Fort houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including Jehangir Palace, Diwan-I-Am, Khas Mahal, Palace of Mirrors and the jewel-like Gem Mosque.

Nagina Masjid in Agra Fort

Nagina Masjid is inside the Agra Fort and is made of white marble. The Fort was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Nagina Masjid is also called Gem Mosque. This building was constructed by the Emperor Shah Jehan as a prayer palace with typical cusped arches. It was for the ladies of the court.

The Gem Mosque is situated in the north- west corner of the Machili Bhavan. There is a Mina Bazaar for the royal ladies to buy things from the marble balcony beneath the Nagina Masjid.

The Fort of Agra is an amazing structure comprising  sprawling palaces showcasing not only the Mughal empire under Akbar, but also the advancement of Mughal art and architecture. Agra fort and city is an incredible Indian travel destination.


Jehangir's Palace, Agra Fort

Jehangir’s Palace (Mahal), one of the outstanding and the most beautiful palaces inside the Agra fort. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Agra fort has been listed as one of the monuments in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace is a double storied building made of red sandstone with protruding balconies. The structure is a blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Its walls and ceiling are painted in bright colours including the golden paint in traditional Rajput style.

Agra fort is an interesting destination for those who travel to the state of Uttar Pradesh in India.


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History and culture of Venice Italy

The first human settlements on the Venice Lagoon islands date back to the 5th and 6th centuries, when the inhabitants from the mainland came to this semi-swamp area to escape the barbaric invasions that followed the fall of the Roman Empire. The populations coming from mainland Venice settled in the lagoon, fighting as hard as they could to survive: little by little this group of pieces of land surrounded by water took on the semblance of a real town, a town that was so unique and special that it would become the only one of its kind in the world. The new inhabitants built several rafts of various sizes, supported by strong wooden poles that were fixed to the underside. The rafts were connected to each other with wooden walkways and houses, buildings and monuments were then built on them.
When Venice had a big enough population to begin to deserve the title of city, it was then annexed to the Byzantine Empire, while maintaining its own independence. In 697, Venice elected its first Doge, giving life to a new government: the Dogado (Maritime Empire). However, the event that finally made Venice’s name in the world took place in 828, when two enterprising Venetian merchants stole the Apostle Mark’s body from Alessandria in Egypt, and secretly transported it to Venice. A huge church, consecrated in 1094, was built to house the remains of the Saint, who then became the patron saint of the city: the Basilica of San Marco.

Since the very beginning, Venice showed strong inclinations towards trade. This increased to the point that at the end of the 11th century, the city set up close trading connections with Byzantium. This was the start of the Republic of Venice, which was finally consecrated in 1202 through the 4th crusade that saw the conquering of Byzantium and then the islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The eastern city was sacked and the booty was taken to Venice, where it was used to decorate churches and palaces. The four bronze horses that still adorn the main facade of the Basilica of San Marco were also part of that booty.
After the 4th crusade, Venice gained a strong political role due to the fact that it now controlled a large part of the Mediterranean and it also increased its military power and its trading.
The city’s historical rivalry with Genoa exploded under the form of four wars that were fought one after the other until a truce was finally agreed at the end of 1381, when Venice beat Genoa in the famous Battle of Chioggia (1380). Venice then realized that it was necessary for the city to have bases on the mainland too and began to expand towards Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia and Bergamo. Venice’s prestige grew at the same rate as the increase in the land it controlled and was thus given the name of Serenissima. However, danger was round the corner: the Serenissima was so busy expanding on the mainland that it did not realize that the Turks’ power was expanding rapidly, to the point where they took over Constantinople (Byzantium) and some cities on the Greek and Albanian coastlines.

The League of Cambrai was founded in 1508: this was a sort of coalition against Venice which most of the European powers joined. Venice managed to maintain some of its land after seven years of war, but it lost its control over the Mediterranean.
In the 17th century, the Serenissima had to give up Crete, one of its historical lands and the whole of the Peloponnesus area to the Turkish Empire. In the period that followed, Venice’s political power was seriously damaged but there was a considerable increase of the arts and literature in the city, which gave rise to the creation of works of art by Tiepolo, Pietro Longhi and Canova and to theatre plays by Carlo Goldoni.

In 1797, Napoleone Bonaparte conquered Venice, and sacked the whole area, just as he did in the rest of the country. A short while later the Emperor handed over the city to Austria, a ruler that was never accepted by the Venetians: in 1848, the Austrians were run out of the city by a group led by Daniele Manin, and the second Republic of Venice was proclaimed. This new republic did not last for long, however, as Venice was annexed to the new Kingdom of Italy in 1866.

Eiffel Tower Paris History Facts Information And Travel Guide

eiffel tower paris history facts information

Once the tallest structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower is probably Europe's best known landmark and Paris's most famous symbol.

Eiffel Tower, Paris
You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft); when it was completed at the end of the 19th century it was twice as high as the Washington Monument, at the time the tallest structure in the world.

1889 World Exhibition
The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789.
The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris.

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris
Today, there is no such aversion anymore among the Parisians, and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, in fact it has become the symbol of the City of Light.

Gustave Eiffel
The man behind the Eiffel Tower was Gustave Eiffel, known from his revolutionary bridge building techniques, as employed in the great viaduct at Garabit in 1884. These techniques would form the basis for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. He was also known for the construction of the Statue of Liberty's iron framework.

The structure took more than two years to complete. Each one of the about 12,000 iron pieces were designed

Eiffel Tower in the evening
separately to give them exactly the shape needed. All pieces were prefabricated and fit together using approx. 7 million nails.

The Tallest
Inaugurated March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower would be the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930.

Location
Champ de Mars
7e arrondissement
Subway
Trocadéro (M6, M9), École Militaire (M8), Champ de Mars (RER-C)

Paris world's most popular city Paris attractions city guide for tourism and travel

Paris, the world's most popular city destination, has plenty of must-see places but make sure you spend at least a day strolling off the beaten path, as this is the only way to discover the real Paris: a lively cosmopolitan but undeniably French city.

The center of Paris is divided in 20 arron-dissements with the majority of the world known attractions (Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Louvre, Panthéon, Notre-Dame,...) situated in the first 8 arrondissements.

Paris is the greatest city on earth – who would argue? Londoners and New Yorkers put up a fight, but in terms of architectural beauty, art history, gastronomy and sheer extravagance, it’s Paris that wins. And that is reflected in its visitors – there are more than any other city.

It’s more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre of course. Spending a few days in Paris can serve as a crash course in how to live. When you walk along the River Seine or take a seat in a corner café, it’s evident the finer things in life are appreciated. People don’t rush lunch. Children are doted upon. Hairdressers are always busy. And although you can’t take Paris with you, when you return home, that sense of pride will linger.

You can’t come to Paris and not indulge in culinary ecstasy. From light and flaky croissants in the morning to a rich slab of foie gras in the evening, Parisians love food. From the neighbourhood bistro to the Michelin-starred restaurant, dining out in Paris is a joy.

For the genuine foodie, Paris is the Holy City. For the art lover, Paris is the Holy City. For the lover, Paris is the Holy City.

Paris Most Popular Attractions

1. Eiffel Tower
2. Arc de Triomphe
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
4. Louvre Museum
5. Sacré-Coeur
6. Champs-Elysées
7. Jardin du Luxembourg
8. Versailles Palace
9. Pont Alexandre III
10. Jardin des Tuileries
11. La Défense1
12. Centre Pompidou
13. Musée d'Orsay
14. Place de la Concorde
15. Opéra de Paris Garnier

Some Paris Facts

Continent:     Europe
Country:     France
Region:     Île de France
City:     Paris
   
Coordinates:     48:51:17N 2:20:12E
Altitude:     34m / 114ft
   
Currency:     Euro (EUR)
Language:     French
   
Time Zone:     Central European Time (CET) (UTC+1)