23 March, 1931 (SHAHEED DIVAS)

World Water Day 2015

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12 most haunted places in India

1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Bhangarh fort is located in the ruined city of the same name, somewhere between Jaipur and Alwar, in Rajasthan. The place is so haunted by paranormal activities that even the Archaeological Survey of India has put up a board that restricts people from visiting the fort area before sunrise and after sunset. Legend has it that a tantric named Singhiya fell in love with a princess from the fort. He tried to use black magic to get her to fall in love with him, but it backfired and he died. Just before his death, he cursed the fort saying all who lived within it would die.

Today, villagers who live in the area continue to build roofless dwellings because everytime they do build a roof, it inexplicably collapses. People have also mysteriously gone missing after-hours inside the fort. It’s an hour and a half by road from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Alwar road.

2. Church of the Three Kings, Cansaulim, Goa

There is a scene in the Bollywood film ‘Bhoothnath’ set in the Three Kings church, situated atop a hill in Cansaulim, Goa. This church is reputedly haunted as it was the site of a meal given by one king who wanted to gain power over another two, and poisoned them. The story goes that the third king eventually killed himself also by poison, possibly out of guilt. The church is now haunted by the spirits of these three kings.   

3. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

As soon as they enter this beach area, dogs are known to behave strangely. This might not come as a surprise to you once you learn that this beach is where Hindus were cremated and, after dark, people on the beach claim to hear whispers on the wind telling them to return home. They say it’s the voices of the tormented souls that have remained behind after cremation and now haunt the beach. Fly to Ahmedabad and take a train to Surat. Dumas beach is about 20 kilometres southwest of Surat and you can get a bus from Surat railway station to the beach.

4. Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune

The story goes that a young prince was brutally assassinated in this famous Pune fort when he was still a teenager. While the prince was chased by his assassins, running for his life across the fort, he shouted, ‘Uncle save me.’  On full moon nights, people in and around the fort claim to hear these same words reverberate around the fort walls. 

5. Grand Paradis Towers, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

Possibly the most haunted place in Mumbai, Grand Pradis Towers is a residential block located in one of the most affluent areas of Mumbai – Malabar hill. A flat located on the eighth floor was the site of a series of suicides even resulting in the death of three generations of one family that lived there, within a year. The building society has recorded up to 20 cases of fatal accidents and suicides since the building was built in 1976. Apparently, the incidences have stopped since the society did a puja and a havan, but the flat remains unoccupied. 

6. Tunnel No. 33, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Hill stations already have the reputation of being atmospheric, mysterious places due to their relative isolation and silence. Tunnel No. 33 (also referred to as Tunnel 103) is one of the tunnels on the Shimla-Kalka railway route. This is where the friendly ghost of Colonel Barog loiters, in search of friendly chats with people who take the tunnel. Colonel Barog was a railway engineer during the British Raj who committed suicide due to a gross miscalculation while the engineering work for the tunnel was ongoing. He was fined but the humiliation of his error and reprimand turned out to be too much for him. They say his spirit lingers on in the tunnel, albeit he’s the chattiest ghost around for miles! 

7. South Park Street Cemetery, Kolkata

This cemetery is an attractive tourist spot, known for its classical Greek and Palladian structures. The cemetery was built in 1767 and is burial grounds for British soldiers. There is an urban myth that has gained stronghold however that a group of friends taking photos at the site managed to capture the appearance of a mysterious fist in one photo frame. The friends then started experiencing inexplicable illnesses soon after the incident. Others say that there is a foggy figure that cuts through the early morning mist on some days. Visit at your own peril!

8. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi

This extraordinary stepwell is surprisingly found hidden among the buildings of Connaught place in Delhi. Made of red stone and lined with many arched niches, it has 103 steps that used to lead into water, but the bottom of the well is usually dry now. It’s the deep black waters of the well that were claimed to be haunted... purported to draw disheartened and depressed admirers towards it with a magnetic effect, where they would give in to the hypnotic lure and drown to death in the waters.

9. GP Block, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Meerut’s GP block is a compound of three long-abandoned buildings located in the city’s Cantt area, next to a known school. However, it's only recently that locals have been exchanging stories about boys seen drinking beer on the rooftop of the double-storeyed buildings and some have seen a girl in a red dress come out of one of the buildings. Others say they’ve spotted four men sitting at a table with a lighted candle inside the building and drinking beer. Urban myth or actual haunting? Rent a car to find out ! It is a couple of hours drive from Delhi to Meerut.

10. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Many will have been to film city and say that they didn’t find anything unusual while seeing the sights, but it's actually people staying in the hotels within the film city that have had sightings of paranormal activity. Some claim they’ve heard knocking on doors when no one is around and others have seen mysterious figures disappearing and re-appearing. Stay overnight if you dare!

11. National Library, Kolkata

Kolkata’s National Library was once the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, but is now the state’s Central Public library, housing many rare books and journals. Guards are afraid to take night shifts at the library and people have reported hearing a woman’s footsteps. Some labourers lost their lives during renovations in the building and some claim to see their apparitions appear and fade before their eyes. 

12. Dow Hill, Kurseong, West Bengal

Kurseong, a hill station located about 30kms from Darjeeling, has a place called Dow Hill which is reknowned for its spookiness within some boarding schools. People have claimed to hear inexplicable footsteps around the empty corridors of the boys' boarding school during school vacations. Woodcutters working in the forested areas nearby have seen a headless boy walking around, who then vanishes through the trees. The odd sightings are attributed to various murders that have taken place in the area. Kurseong is one of the stops on the Darjeeling Himalayan railway, which you can board at New Jalpaiguri railway station. Arrive at Bagdogra airport and take a taxi or rickshaw to the railway station.   

14 places in India where you can disconnect from the world

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

The royal tiger, the Asiatic elephants, the gurgling streams and beautiful silences beckon. What better way to disconnect? You can fly into Dehradun, and drive the 180 km to Jim Corbett National Park from there.

2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

If you haven’t already, put this one on your bucket list. Experience a full moon night in the white salt desert of Kutch. The views from Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch are spectacular.

3. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Located about 150 km from Leh, the Nubra Valley is a Ladakh experience not to be missed. Little villages that are oases amidst the stark slopes give you a glimpse of the Ladakhi way of life. Non-locals need a permit to visit.

4. Alleppey, Kerala

Cruise down the backwaters in Kerala in a luxurious houseboat. The views are great, the food delicious and the tranquility is unbeatable. Stay overnight and experience the sounds of just the insects and the water around you. Alleppey is just an hour’s drive from Kochi.

5. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Camp in the Thar desert, and soak in the culture of Rajasthan. Experience a camel ride, watch local dance and puppet shows, and have a simple, yet tasty local feast. You can fly to Jodhpur from major cities in India.

6. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Scuba diving in the surreal waters can be a life-changing experience. Fish in a myriad of colours and gorgeous coral reefs will make it unforgettable. Barefoot Scuba resort has a wide range of courses for beginners and professional divers.

7. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu

When you stroll through the lanes of Karaikudi, you cannot help being engulfed by the elegant architecture, the cultural richness and the warmth of the Chettiars around you. Ancient temples, delicious Chettinad chicken and delicate traditional jewellery are draws in this beautiful region. The nearest airport is at Madurai, less than two hours away.

8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Need a spiritual getaway to retrospect and clear your head? The Tawang Monastery, amidst the snow-capped hills, will offer you the peace you’re looking for. Switch off that phone and that laptop; take long walks in this calm retreat. Fly into Guwahati, and Tawang is a 11-hour, breathtakingly scenic road trip from there.

9. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

It’s a perfect blend of the unapologetically loud, and immensely spiritual – it is a riot of colours and sounds. While millions gather to wash away their sins in the Ganga, visit Varanasi just to experience a whole new world.

10. Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Located just 65 km from the state’s capital, Shillong, Mawsynram is reportedly the wettest place on Earth. Witness the full fury of the rain, and make sure you visit the beautiful caves to see their limestone formations. Shillong is 120 km from Guwahati.

11. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Very different from most other cities in Rajasthan, Pushkar’s energy and magnetism will dazzle you. Home to one of the few Brahma temples in the world, Pushkar is also famous for its Camel Fair held in October/November every year. Pushkar is a two and a half hour drive from the Jaipur airport.

12. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Close to a 9-hour drive from Mumbai, Sindhudurg is a Konkan district that will have you charmed in no time. The dramatic Sindhudurg Fort complements the solitude offered by the beautiful coast. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scuba dive too.

13. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Trekking through the Valley of Flowers in the month of July once the flowers begin blossoming will help you disconnect from the world, and take in the serenity that you need so badly. So take time to smell the flowers, and you won’t regret it.

 

14. Munnar, Kerala

Gently sloping, lush green tea plantations for miles, a hot cuppa in the land of tea itself – sounds enticing? Head to this retreat in Kerala where the hills, rivers, elephants and yes, the tea, will make you feel blessed. Munnar is a three and a half hour drive from Kochi.

10 exotic destinations that are totally worth the bus journey

1. Hampi

The ruins of a 14th century imperial city lie by the Tungabhadra river. The landscape, dotted by boulders and of course the once-majestic stone buildings, is stunning. Hampi would also be a delight for history buffs. To reach Hampi, take a bus from Bangalore. 

2. Pondicherry

Brightly coloured colonial buildings, quaint cafes and the sparkling sea await you at this erstwhile French colony. The bus route to Pondicherry is as interesting as the town itself, with casuarina groves and glimpses of the sea running along the East Coast Road. Board your bus to Pondi from Chennai. 

3. Jaisalmer

The most popular landmark in Jaisalmer is the Sonar Kila, or golden fort, which is alive with shops, hotels and old havelis (mansions). You could visit some of these havelis even, as well as old temples and the Gadisar lake. You can get here from Jaipur or Jodhpur by bus.

4. Manali

This Himalayan hill station lies by the Beas river and is a popular summer destination among tourists. Those with penchant for adventures can set off on treks from here or go white-water rafting. Catch your bus from Shimla – the roads will be winding and the views magnificent. 

5. Kanyakumari

The southernmost tip of India, which also sees the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, is a must-visit. Sunsets here are epic and you could also witness the rare sight of a simultaneous sunset and moonrise. Travel here from Thiruvananthapuram or Coimbatore.

6. Kaziranga

The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest habitat for the Indian single horned rhinoceros. There are other animals too, of course – elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and several species of birds and reptiles. You can tour the park by jeep or on elephant back. Get your bus at Guwahati.

7. Gokarna

Once a small temple town, Gokarna is now a bustling seaside tourist destination. The town is home to a Shiva temple that is an important pilgrimage centre. For tourists though, there are stretches of sandy beaches – Gokarna, Kudle and Om beaches, to name a few. You can travel here from Bangalore, Mangalore or Goa.

8. Mahabaleshwar

Head to the green hills of the Western Ghats when the city heat gets too much. This hill-station is a popular holiday spot and has several sight-seeing points to take your breath away. You could also spend your time boating, trekking or horse riding. Mahabaleshwar is about six hours by bus from Mumbai. 

9. Diu

This little union territory is a coastal town rich in Portuguese architecture and history. Visit the Diu fort and the old Portuguese churches around town. Also soak up the sun and indulge in some water sports at its beaches. You can take a bus to Diu from Ahmedabad.

10. Jagdalpur

The district headquarters of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Jagdalpur is known for its lush forests, waterfalls and caves. Head to the breath-taking Chitrakote waterfalls. This horse-shoe shaped fall is the widest in India. Around the town are several caves, like the Dandak and Kotumsar caves. Also try and visit a haat, or local market, which will have colourful ware and food from the tribal regions. To get here, take a bus from Vishakhapatnam.

The world's most spectacular bridges: in pictures

1. Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia

This multi-arched dramatic bridge crosses Lake Paranoá in Brasilia. Popularly known as the JK Bridge, it is quite the tourist magnet.

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

A structure that probably makes every bridge list that exists, the Brooklyn Bridge is as famous as the city it is an icon for. One of the oldest bridges in the United States, it spans the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

3. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Possibly the most famous suspension bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait. Interestingly, the bridge is not golden as its name suggests, but a dull, rusty orange.

4. Nanpu Bridge, Shanghai

One of Shanghai’s main bridges, Nanpu Bridge is possibly its most dramatic. This cable-stayed structure is a sight with the coiled multi-level approach road that leads up to it. 

5. Alamillo Bridge, Seville

With its single upward arm stretching into the sky to support its weight, the Alamillo Bridge looks like a huge stringed musical instrument spanning the Canal de Alfonso XIII.

6. Rialto Bridge, Venice

Of the four beauties that span the Grand Canal in Venice, Rialto Bridge is the oldest. It is the true cultural centre of the city, there being a market place for Venetians on both sides of it. 

7. Nine Turn Bridge, Shanghai

This quaint bridge, surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture is to be found in the centre of the Shanghai Old Town. It is also known very aptly as the Zigzag Bridge.

8. Tower Bridge, London

Which bridge list can claim to be a list of stunning bridges without Tower Bridge in it? Tower Bridge spans the River Thames and is a combined bascule and suspension bridge, which takes its name from the Tower of London in its vicinity. 

9. Henderson Waves, Singapore

The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and definitely the most dramatic, Henderson Waves is 36-metres above Henderson Road, connecting two hills. Its unique undulating wave form, which is lit up every evening, makes it a must-cross bridge!

10. Banpo Bridge, Seoul

Banpo Bridge spans the Han River in downtown Seoul and is the upper part of the double deck bridge set. Adding drama to the multi-level bridge are the fountains lit up with colours which make for a spectacular sight. If you're travelling on the lower level, it's like driving through a waterfall!

11. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Langkawi

A bonus at the end of a cable car ride is the Langkawi Sky Bridge. It is a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge accessible only through the cable car.

12. Khaju Bridge, Isfahan

This 17th century Iranian traffic stopper was built on the foundations of an older bridge. Built as a bridge and a dam, it served as a place for public meetings and a teahouse as well.

13. Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct), France

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Roman Aqueduct is the highest of its kind and one of the best preserved. It spans the Gardon River and is part of a 50-kilometre-long structure built to carry water known as the Nimes Aqueduct.

14. Millau Viaduct, France

Another cable-stayed wonder, the Millau Viaduct spans the valley of the River Tarn in southern France. A funky feat of engineering, it is also the tallest bridge in the world.

15. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney

And of course – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A steel through arch bridge, it is also known as ‘The Coathanger’ for obvious reasons!