Taroko Gorge-Most Beautiful Canyons of the World

Taroko Gorge

Situated near the rocky east coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions. The canyon is 19 kilometer long and offers a number of different hiking trails through breathtaking scenery of spectacular cliffs and white-water rapids.
Taroko Gorge (太魯閣: Tàilǔgé) [1]) is an impressive 19-km-long canyon, situated near Taiwan's east coast. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park (太魯閣國家公園; Tàilǔgé gúojiā gōngyuán).

The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly metomorphic rocks, such as marble,gneiss, "schist",etc. The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area.

[edit]History

When Taroko National Park [2] was eventually established on November 28, 1986, it was of special significance for the environmental protection movement in Taiwan: it showed that both the public and the government agencies had realized despite the nation's four decades of extraordinary economic success, serious damage was being done to its natural resources. According to the National Park Act of the Republic of China (passed in 1972), parks are established to protect the natural scenery, historic relics and wildlife; to conserve natural resources; and to facilitate scientific research and promote environmental education.

[edit]Landscape

The most phenomenal aspect of the park is the amazing relief. In a single afternoon you can travel from rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of subtropical forested canyons to high elevation subalpine coniferous forests.

In about 60 kilometers the landscape rises from sea level to some of the tallest peaks in Taiwan at over 3400 meters. That's steep!

The force behind the steep valleys and narrow canyons is a (geologically speaking) relatively fast rate of uplift combined with ample water. Over the last 70 million years, these two forces collaborated to form the world's deepest marble canyon. The slot canyons here are remarkable with narrows sections a thousand feet high and only a dozen yards apart, reminiscent of the Virgin River in Zion National Park in Utah, USA. Ignore the fact that Zion is in the desert, and made of sandstone and Taroko is subtropical and comprised of marble, and these two gorges have a lot in common.

[edit]Flora and fauna

The park has 144 species of birds 10 percent of which are indigenous to Taiwan. It also hosts over 30 large species of mammal including deer, boar, and bear. 251 species of butterflies, 32 species of reptile and 18 species of fish are also known but considering the rugged terrain of the park, this is probably only a fraction of the species that actually live in the park.

[edit]Climate

The climate is subtropical and generally mild. Rainfall is abundant year round so be prepared and be especially cautious about entering the gorge during typhoons or periods of extended heavy rain due to the danger of landslides and rockfall.

According the the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, average temperatures at low elevations in the park range from 14 degrees Celsius in January to 27 degrees Celsius in July. At higher elevation it is much cooler with winter temperatures at 2000 meters being about 5.5 degrees C in the winter and 17.5 degrees in the summer and at 3400 meters at the top of Hehuan, temperatures average -3 in January and 9 in July.

[edit]Get in

The nearest major city is Hualien. Flights and trains are available from Taipei and most major cities.

[edit]By bus

From Hualien, bus departs from the train station at 6.30am (to Luoshao), 8.40am (to Lishan), 10.50am (to Tiansiang) and 1.50pm (to Tiansiang). After that, no bus is running anymore. All buses stop at Tzuchi Vihara, Sincheng Taroko Station (太魯閣火車站), Taroko Visitor Center (park entrance), Shakadang (砂卡礑) and Buluowan (布落灣）. Although the distance is not large, this bus should take at least 2 hours to Tiansiang, due to very frequent stops and reduced speed inside the gorge. Price: about 170NTD. No change is given, so be sure to bring the exact amount.

In 2010, the Taiwan Tourism Office began running a Tour Taiwan (台灣好行) Taroko Bus departing from Hualien train station, stopping at Sincheng station, Taroko Tourist Information Centre (太管處), Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑), Buluowan (布洛灣), Swallows Grotto (燕子口), Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞), Lushui (合流.綠水) and finishing at Tiansiang (天祥). The service is free until the end of 2010. On weekdays, there are 8 buses per day, departing from 6.50am from Hualien with last bus leaving Hualien at 3:00pm. From Tiansiang to Hualien, buses begin at 8:20am with last bus leaving Tiansiang at 4.30pm. The buses run hourly [http://www.taroko.gov.tw/English/?mm=5&sm=3&page=4#up ]. Additional services run on weekends. The Tour Taiwan bus stops are red in colour with the 'Tour Taiwan' logo. They are placed in prominent locations at the pick up/drop off locations. Make sure you are standing on the right side of the road and hail at the bus if you wish to get on. In 2011, this service seems to have been discontinued. In 2012, this service has been resumed. 1-day unlimited pass is NT$250, 2-day unlimited pass is NT$400. As of October 15, 2012, Shakadang Trail and Tunnel of Nine Turns have been closed due to typhoon damage; it is a good idea to ask the information center about a good tour path.

[edit]By train

A journey by train from Taipei to Hualien takes 2 hours by express train (440NTD) and 3 to 4 hours by local trains. The trains are cheap, reliable and comfortable. Station names are announced in English and Chinese so you should have no problem identifying your stop. The closest train station to the park entrance is Sincheng (新城). From there, there is the choice of a one way taxi ride from the station to Taroko for about NT$200 or a day tour costing about NT$2,000.

The Tour Taiwan (台灣好行) Taroko Bus picks up and drops off at both Singcheng (新城) station and Hualien station.

[edit]By taxi

A taxi from the Hualien train station to Tiansiang (town in Taroko National Park, where the Grand Formosa hotel is located) costs about NT$1200 and takes about 1 hour.

[edit]By scooter

You can rent a scooter near the train station in Hualien. It takes around 30min to reach Taroko Gorge. However in some cases you may need a local drivers license to do so. You can also rent a scooter by the Xincheng train station, which is closer to the park. The price quoted in April 2012 was NT$500 per day. An American or European drivers license (and possibly other countries as well) and a passport will suffice at this shop.

[edit]Fees/Permits

Entry to the park is free but if you want to go to some of the wilderness or into areas designated as Eco-protection areas or restricted mountain areas, you will need an entry permit. Be sure to apply for the permits early (at least 1 week before) as some permits are limited by a small number per day. Refer to the official Taroko National Park information website for application procedures: http://www.taroko.gov.tw/English/

[edit]Get around

[edit]By bus

There are numerous bus tours visiting the gorge every weekend. And, while the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, the tours tend to have a tight itinerary (including, of course, the obligatory stop at some local gift shop), leaving little time for extended hiking. Tour buses leave from the Hualien visitor information center and cost about NT$988 per person for a whole day tour.

There is also a non-tourist bus that brings passengers to and from Tiansiang. However, it goes pretty fast around some sharp turns along steep cliffs. If you get car sick easily or are afraid of heights, you might want to pass on this bus. From Tiansiang, buses depart to inside the gorge at 8am to LuoShao (洛韶) and 10.05 to LiShan (梨山). Starting from Tiansiang (169.5km of highway 8; altitude: 480m), the bus to Lishan runs through Wenshan (167km, 575m), Huitouwan (163.4km, 750m), Xibao (161.4km, 915m), Luoshao (洛韶, 154km, 1117m), Xinbaiyang (143km, 1644m), Ci'en (132.8km, 1995m), Bilü Sacred Tree (128.3km, 2150m), Guanyuan (117.3km, 2374m), Dayuling (112.5km, 2565m), Lishan (1800m). The bus to Lishan arrives there at 1pm, and departs from Lishan to Tiansiang at 3pm. Buses from Tiansiang depart to Hualien at 9.10, 14.00, 16.40 and 18.00. Price: about 170NTD. Don't forget to bring enough coins as no change is given.

There is (or has been?) also a free shuttle bus which you can take from outside the Visitors Centre near the Train station. This runs all the way to Tiansiang and you can get off and on at about 10 stops. The timetable is available from the Visitor's Centre. It runs approximately every hour from about 8:00 to 17:00 [though not on the hour]. There are a few extra services at weekends. This bus does not seem to run in 2011. This bus has started running again in 2012 but gets fairly crowded at the end of the day when everyone wants to leave. It costs NT$250 for a 1-day unlimited use pass or NT$400 for a 2-day pass.

[edit]By car

Renting a car in Hualien is definitely an option, though be very cautious; the roads through the gorge are extremely narrow with numerous bends. In addition, there are pedestrians, scooters, cars and massive tour buses all vying for the tight space.

[edit]By scooter

The Gorge is not the best place for a first scooter experience. However, it's a fantastic place to ride for those with experience. Scooters are available to rent in Hualien. If you run low on fuel, the locals often stock a small supply that they'll part with for a miraculously uninflated price. There is also a gas station 50km passed Taroko on the number 8 road (around kilometer 118). The drive there climbs to an impressive 3 km altitude. Bring warmer clothes and rain gear. Also make sure to get a helmet with a rain visor. You can rent a scooter from Pony near the train station in Hualien (around NT$400/day)

[edit]By bicycle

For the truly adventurous, cycling is a wonderful way to traverse the park.You can rent a bike just in front of the entrance of the Taroko national park. It costs NT$250 for a day.

[edit]By foot

If you do not have any of the above you can see some parts of the national park by foot. The closest hiking trail to the park entrance is the Shakadang Trail, which departs from the road after the first tunnel approximately 1 km from the park headquarters. The eternal spring shrine is only 1.4 km further trough the tunnels. Taking this tour takes about 4-5h, don't forget to take enough water with you.

[edit]By hitchhiking

Although Taiwan is not a hitchhiking paradise, it is pretty easy to hitchhike in the Taroko gorge and, more generally, on Highway 8, especially if you are a foreigner.

[edit][add listing]See

• The Eternal Spring Shrine （長春祠）

Drive from the west exit of the Changchun Shrine Tunnel of Central Cross-Island Highway, then turn south to Liwu River Valley, you can see the Changchun Shine (Eternal Spring Shrine) which recognizes the personnel died during the construction of Central Cross-Island Highway. Rivers adjacent to the Changchun Shine become the scattering falls, and the Highway Bureau named it after "Chanchun Falls" which is now the significant landmark on Central Cross-Island Highway.

In 1987 the cliffs of the rivers tumbled and destroyed the pavilion nearby the Changchun Shine. After 10 years it has been restored and now open to the public agagin. In the back of the Changchun Shine , there are stairs leading to Kuanyin Caves, Taroko Tower , Bell Tower , and through a hanging bridge, so called "Heaven trail" to Changuang Temple. The river valley next to the Changuang Temple has a calabash shape, and it is named thereafter as Calabash Valley (Hu-lu Gu).

Sun Temple, Konark

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun temple in Konark in the state of Orissa was built by King Narasimhadeva in 13th century. This magnificent temple to Surya, the Sun God, is one of India’s architectural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage. 

Built on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Orissa, its main image is a superb statue of the sun god standing on his chariot. Twelve superbly carved wheels, each representing a month of the year and seven stone horses, representing the days of the week, pull the sun god in his journey across the skies. The temple is covered with exquisite sculptures of beautiful maidens, erotic couples, dancers, deities and animals. It is a magnum opus of Orissa’s architectural grandeur. The drive along the seashore from the temple town of Puri to Konark is delightful. 

The wheels of the chariot at the base of the temple are the main attraction of the Sun Temple. The shadow created by the spokes of the wheel act as sundials and gives the exact time of the day. The roof of the temple which is pyramid shaped is made from sandstone and is about 30m in height. 

The temple walls are adorned with floral, geometrical, human, animal, divine and semi divine figures. Pair of monolithic elephants and horses depicts the dynamism of medieval sculpture. 

This temple is also referred as the Black Pagoda, since it was built in black granite. The Sun temple looks magnificent even in its ruined state. Only a personal visit to Konark gives a clear picture of the imposing yet exquisite temple. 

Shimla

Shimla 

Location - Situated in the north-west Himalayas, Shimlais the capital of Himachal Pradesh. 

Shimla was the most important British hill resort, prior to India's independence. It is named after its patron goddess, Shamla Devi, amanifestation of Kali. Shimla, located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air and amazing views. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys, and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range, on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge. 

Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hill sides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc. 

Places of Interest :

» Gaiety Theatre - This theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the world. It is on the Mall Road. Famous plays are often staged here.

» Himalayan Bird Park - Situated 1km from the Mall Road, in this park one finds rare birds. Models of some endangered species (animals and birds) are also found here.

» Viceregal Lodge - This hall is the most beautiful building in Shimla. It houses some of the most ancient articles that would take us back to the times of the British rule. 

» Jakhu Hill - Shimla's highest Peak, this is situated 2km from the town. One can have a breathtaking view of Shimla from here. A Hanuman Temple is also found on this peak.

» Chadwick Falls - 7km from Shimla, this is an ideal picnic spot. At 1,586 meters above sea level, it is surrounded with waterfalls.

» Summer Hill - Another picnic spot 4 kms. from Shimla, it is located at 1,851 meters above sea level. It has a beautiful temple of Goddess Taradevi. 

» Prospect Hill - Located on this hill isthe temple of Goddess Kamna. Sunrise and the moon are spectacular sights from here. A 15-minute climb from Baluganj would bring you here. For those interested in the culture and art of Himachal Pradesh, here is a State Museum.

» Kufri - 16km from Shimla, beautiful Kufri is alsocalled the "Chinese Bungalow". Many games are organised here from February to March. In winter one can ski on its snow-covered slopes and inthe summer have a ride on the back of the Yak. Kufri is well known for its natural scenic beauty.

» Chail - Another scenic spot where the river A saniflows. This adds to its beauty. The world's highest cricket field is situated here. A story goes that due to some differences, the British hadfor bidden the Maharaja of Patiala from going to Shimla. Therefore, he laid the foundation for the town of Chail and since he loved the game of cricket,a field was specially laid. Chail is about 45 kms from Shimla. 

» Nalderao - 22 kms from Shimla, it has the oldest golf course in India. The pine and deodar add to its beauty.

» Fagu - It is located 2,510 mts. above sea level.Winter is extremely beautiful here. Dense forests and apple orchards have their unique attraction. The snow-capped mountains can hold anyone spell-bound.
How To Get There?

» By Air - The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kmaway. 
» By Rail - Shimla is connected to Kalka by anenchanting narrow guage railway line - where even a quaint rail-car plys. 
» By Road - By road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manaliis 219 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi,the driving time is about eight hours. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh,Luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla


Temperature : 

Climate	Max	Min
Summer	33°	4°
Winter	18°	1°

Distance from towns and cities :

Cities / Towns	Kms.
Amritsar	342
Chandigarh	116
Delhi	343
Dharmasala	280
Chamba	502
Jammu	848
Kulu	240
AmbalaKalka	151
Manali	89
	280 173

Jaisalmer Fort , Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort

History :

Standing almost 30 m above the city of Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer fort. The fort is also known as the Sonar Quila. This is because standing against the backdrop of the desert with its golden sand, the fort looks straight out of a fairy tale. Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer is a massive complex comprising of a palace, various security sources, the havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders.

During the reign of the Bhatti Rajputs, the Merchant community acquired great deal of power. They constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other. The havelis of merchants have decorations on walls and ceilings and carvings on outdoors and interiors. The sandstone mansions of the merchants were built by stone craftsmen. The sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies of the mansions are worth paying attention to. Even today, these examples of superb architecture stand inhabited.

Also enclosed within the fort is an entire living area within huge ramparts. The walk to the fort, through the narrow lanes, is an experience in itself. Leading to the fort are its four gates Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. The Jaisalmer fort of Rajasthan also encompasses a group of Jain temples dating back to the 12th century.

Timing : Opening Time 9:00 AM Closing Time 5:00 PM

Tel : 0141-2375578

BIRLA TEMPLE , JAIPUR

Birla Temple

Built in:	1988 AD
Built By:	B.M Birla Foundation
Visiting Hours:	8.00 AM to 12.00 Noon; 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM everyday

The Birla Temple, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and is situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble, the Birla Temple is unlike the traditional ancient Hindu temples, and is built with a modern approach. Inside this magnificent shrine, beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods and Goddesses, can be seen. Delicate carvings of Hindu symbols, and ancient quotes from the Geeta and the Upanishads ornament the walls of this fascinating temple. One can also recognize the mythological events engraved on the walls. Apart from the religious idols, pictures and figures of several religious saints, philosophers and historical achievers, like Socrates, Buddha, Zarathustra and Confucius, are also included in the temple. A work of art, this temple truly represents architectural beauty, in a modern form.

Birla Mandir Jaipur

History Of The Temple
According to history, the Birla temple was built on the land given to the Birla family by the Maharaja, for just a token sum of one rupee. One of India's most famous business families, B.M Birla Foundation, built this temple in the year 1988.

Layout Of The Temple
Located beneath the Moti Dungri Fort, the Birla Temple has three domes to represent the three religions of India; a tribute to the secular nature of the country. The Birla temple is bordered by lavish green gardens that highlight the splendour of the temple.

Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is between the months of October to March. In this temple, 'Janmashtami', the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and gusto; that is the time you would witness the glamour of this temple at its fullest scale. The regular visiting hours are between, 8.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM every day. At night, one can witness the temple illuminated beautifully, against the dark skyline.

Nearby Tourist Attractions
Apart from the main temple, the Birla Temple complex incorporates a majestic museum that displays the ancestral possessions of the Birla family, and a stunning garden with a shopping complex. Various items are available at this shopping complex, perfect for tourists who wish to make their trip memorable. Situated very near the Birla temple is another famous temple of Jaipur, the Ganesh Mandir or Moti Dungri Temple. The people who visit the Birla Temple usually visit the Ganesh Mandir as well.

The Birla Temple has a calm and serene atmosphere that compliments this spiritual site. The temple's exquisite structural designs and elegant carvings represent the sophisticated architectural formation of a modern India. The Birla Temple is aptly located in the city, and is bounded by a luxurious garden setting, making this temple a major attraction, for tourists everywhere.