Published on: 06 March 2016
Last Updated on: 31 October 2024
Lord Rama was one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu who manifested himself on the earth in the form of a human. He was born to the king of Ayodhya, Dasaratha and Mata Kaushalya. So, being the birthplace of Lord Rama, the land of Ayodhya is much revered in the hearts of the Hindus. In fact, Ayodhya has been regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Saptapuri) of the Hindus.
This is the reason; Ayodhya has now become a significant place for religious tourism among the divine devotees of the Lord. Let’s have a sneak peek of some of the amazing places to visit in Ayodhya. Quickly grab a flight and trot the land of God himself.
Also known as Bada Asthan and Badi Jagah, the palace is renowned as it was the place where King Dasharatha of Solar family resided with his kith and kin and ruled the city. Now the place embezzles with a temple, crowning the deities, Lord Rama and his brothers, as well as Goddess Sita. The aura of the place is breathtakingly serene and one is bound to get soaked in the spirituality blanketed here. The best time when the place glitters with gala and show is during the festivals of Diwali, Kartik Mela, Ram Vivah, Shravan Mela and Chaitra Ramnavami. During these festivities, the footfall of the devotees increases manifold and it is when the real feel of a typical Indian festival, proliferating with life and utmost joy can be felt and experienced.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nageshwara Temple has an interesting legend behind it. It was established by none other than the son of Lord Rama, Kush. That is the reason every year on the day of Shivratri, it witnesses a plethora of devotees, who mushroom the place with pleading eyes and hopeful hearts. While bathing in the river Sarayu, which flows through the city of Ayodhya, Kush lost his armlet, which was retrieved by the Nag-Kanya who fell in love with him. Kush built her this time as she was a trifle devotee of Lord Shiva. The best part about the temple is that it survived the destruction of Ayodhya after Lord Rama’s era and it was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya found Ayodhya.
As much is the devotion for Lord Rama, the same it is for his devotee, Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Garhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it is believed to be the residence of Hanuman during the time of the epic Ramayana. The temple has a shrine of Goddess Anjani with baby Hanuman in her lap. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of all the devotees, as is believed by the locals.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Visit this quintessential place, Sita Ki Rasoi and catch the real essence of Goddess Sita. It is the place where she first cooked food for her family after her marriage to Lord Rama. The temple resides the statues of Lord Rama and his brothers, along with their wives.
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working on an Online Travel Guide. She helps travel lovers to find Delhi to Goa flights price list for their wonderful journey.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
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Red Sea Star
Image source: Pinimg.com
Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
Image source: ravelingisrael.com
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
Image source: igoogledisrael.com
Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
Image source:.deadsea.com
The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
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For outdoor adventure lovers nothing can feel more exhilarating than the idea of exploring a new hiking or camping spot. Whether you are looking to escape to travel to a remote mountainside base camp or a vast lake amongst the trees, you can camp anywhere in the world. Because camping means freedom and adventure. Here are seven new camping sites that you may not have considered yet.
Shenandoah National Park, USA:
Just outside of America’s capital, Washington, D.C., about 75 miles away, you’ll find Shenandoah National Park. Here you can experience wilderness and breathe fresh mountain air while enjoying time learning about the history and nature of this national park. The main road to get to the park is Skyline drive: a winding, narrow road with a gorgeous view along the way. You will see eye-popping vistas and various beautiful waterfalls in this breathtaking national park. The park sits on 200 thousand acres of land protected to preserve the wildlife and scenic views. There are plenty of areas for rustic camping and hiking, though cell phone reception may be limited during your visit. Because the park is open throughout the year you can decide whether you’d prefer hiking in the summertime or have a snow trek during the winter.
The Alps, France:
With crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains, this is the perfect destination for skiers in the winter months. When the snow thaws the Alps become one of the world’s most beautiful camping and hiking destinations. Hikers and campers arrive from around the world to experience the gorgeous villages at the foothill of the mountains and the fresh air of the Alps. This area is perfect for hiking, skiing or enjoying a beautiful starlit evening among the mountains. If you are not a skier then you can still enjoy the quaint towns or even relax in a thermal hot spring during the day.
Mount Everest Base Camp, Tibet:
Admire fantastic views of the world’s largest mountain on a campsite constructed to protect the environment around Mount Everest. While you can spend the trip in an attempt to hike to the summit of the largest mountain in the world, you can also just enjoy the camping experience surrounded by one of the most beautiful views in the world. Though it may be difficult to sleep at high altitudes due to shortness of breath here you can witness the night time starry sky with no light pollution to dilute it. And you can sleep in if you’d like because the sunrise is delayed by the surrounding mountains. If you are feeling particularly adventurous you can climb the 20,540 feet to the summit of the mountain for one of the least seen and most coveted views in the world.
The Isle of Arran, Scotland:
The largest island in the Fifth of Clyde offers a little bit of everything that you’d hope to experience on a Scottish island. From beautiful coastlines, lush forests, and mountain peaks, you are sure to experience something on the Isle of Arran that you’ve never seen before. Along with brilliant camping and hiking, you can also witness various cultural festivals and enjoy the local cuisine. The island is known for great beers, cheeses, oatcakes, and various confections. You can sample traditional Scottish whiskey at the Arran Distillery and then take a hike around the island to enjoy the many wildlife on the island, including deer, seals, and otters. The Isle of Arran is a once in a lifetime getaway that you’re sure to enjoy.
Karijini, Australia:
Located just 1,055 kilometers from the state’s capital of Perth is Karijini National Park. It is the second largest national park in Western Australia. Here you can explore the parks many gorges, waterfalls, and canyons while witnessing the local wildlife of red kangaroos and geckos. The landscape has been carved by water over billions of years and allows for rock climbing, kayaking and plenty of hiking trails from beginner to expert. At night you can sleep under the stars in a beautiful landscape. If you aren't sure where to start with your journey to this scenic national park, there are companies that can help you plan how to spend your visit. Charter North Tours offers a variety of guided excursions for solo trips, couples, and even groups.
Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile:
Southern Chile and Argentina are home to Patagonia comprised of the Andes mountains, deserts, and grasslands. It is one of the few regions with coasts on three oceans, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south. Here you can visit Torres del Paine National Park or Tierra del Fuego. These areas with picturesque mountains and gorgeous scenery that switch between mountain peaks, glistening lakes, and deserted grassland offer a plethora of various hiking and camping locations. Traveling in the off-season will reduce your costs tremendously and you will be able to avoid the crowds that come with seasonal travel.
Sahara Desert, Morocco:
This scenic hot and dry climate is perfect for a camel trek along the desert dunes. Spend a night under the starry African sky before spending your days hiking the dunes and trying your hand at sandboarding. Sandboarding is an extreme sport similar to snowboarding that includes riding down a sand dune on a board. You can spend your evenings having an authentic Berber dinner and camping in a traditional Berber tent. Enjoy a scenic sunrise over the seemingly endless sand dunes before hiking through the ancient villages to begin your camel trek. It is the ultimate bucket list trip.
Any of these destinations will provide you with a once in a lifetime vacation. Whether you prefer mountainous views or sand boarding in a desert climate, these destinations are sure to give you something that any outdoor adventurer would appreciate.
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When you visit Phoenix, Arizona, you will be pleased to see entertaining things to do here. The temperature is warm, which means that you don't need to worry about having your days ruined with lousy weather, and you can have a great time as a family!
1. Come To The Zoo
Come to the zoo if you want to see the best animals around. You will see exotic animals like Sumatran tigers and Galapagos tortoises. You can have fun in the petting zoo as well, or you can enjoy a narrated safari tour.
2. Castles N’ Coasters
This is an interesting theme park with roller coasters that have multiple loop-de-loops and rides with zombie themes that drive people from all over the country to this location. Horror rides not your thing? Check out the mega arcade or tower drop!
3. Phoenix Homes For Sale With A Pool Are Near The Hall Of Fame
If you are looking for a more permanent visit here, you will find that Phoenix homes for sale with pools are near the city's highlights. When you are looking for your forever home, that is something that you can indeed be grateful for. The Hall OfFlame is a museum dedicated to showing what firefighters go through and the history of the field. You will find that it makes the area a wonderful place to visit or live.
4. Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum has over fifteen thousand instruments and artifacts. It is considered to be the only museum like this on the planet. You will see instruments played by famous musicians, and you can experience high-tech displays.
5. Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale was a town a century ago, but it no longer looks like it once did. However, the oldest part of the town has a neighborhood full of things to experience. You will see art galleries, farmers' markets, history and culture displays, and areas that showcase Native American heritage.
6. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the most well-known and beautiful attraction, and there is good reason for it. The canyon offers true beauty and wonders while offering attractive options to see everything you want. For instance, you can ride a donkey to the bottom and experience the canyon from the inside instead of looking down at it.
7. Come See A Ghost Town
The Goldfield Ghost Town is a tourist destination that you might want to check out. It was established more than a century ago, and it was during the time that prospectors were finding gold. The town was abandoned when they couldn't see anymore. Today, it's full of buildings and reenactments that place you in the center of the action.
8. The Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is considered to be the nation's top Native American history and artifacts. To see this spot, you should set aside a day of your trip so that you can fully enjoy it and immerse yourself.
Come And See The Sights!
When you come to Arizona, go and see the sights! If you are ready to take the chance and move here, remember that Phoenix homes for sale with a pool are near all of the things you would love to see!
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