Introduction To Dartmoor Zoological Park

Dartmoor Zoological National Park in the South West of England is the most southerly of Britain’s National Parks ( See in the Google Map at bottom ). It’s home to 368 square miles of ruggedly beautiful moorland, ancient ruins, wooded valleys and magnificent wildlife. Take a trip to the zoo with a difference. Dartmoor Zoological encloses some of the wildest, bleakest country in England: suitable terrain for The Hound of the Baskervilles one of Sherlock Holmes’ more notorious foes.                

There are over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park: from tiny stick insects to Ben our Brown Bear or Solomon our Lion all set in over 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Discover something different, learn something amazing and help us make tomorrow's world rich in animal life.You may of seen us on the BBC2 documentary series "Ben's Zoo" come and join us and try and spot some of the animals featured in the programme.We are open daily from 10am all year round. It is a wonderful place to bring children. Come and see the animals and enjoy new our new restaurant with-far reaching views, and delicious healthy food.

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique family owned zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, jaguar, lynx and cheetah (the largest collection of big cats in the region), bears, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoons, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
We work very hard to ensure that the development of the zoo does not have an adverse effect on the beautiful woodland environment which makes it quite unique among zoos

If you’ve read the book or seen the movie We Bought A Zoo, you’ll have some idea what Benjamin Mee and his family went through when they decided to take on this quirky dartmoor zoological park back in 2006. Despite having no experience in running a zoo or caring for wild animals, the Mee family were determined to preserve the park and its animals. And after a few teething problems including a big cat escaping they re-opened the doors to the public and re-instated a wonderful attraction tucked away in the scenic South Hams.

We have regular daily events such as public talks at feeding times, animal encounters and special activities for the kids during the holidays such as quiz-trails and face-painting. Our restaurant is a great place to stop off for a coffee and cake or a freshly cooked lunch and there's space set aside for the under-fives to roll around with toys.

Historical Monuments in India

India is rich in culture,tradition and heritage buildings, temples, forts and palaces. The Famous Indian Monuments Old Goa Churches,The Taj Mahal, Qutab minar, Charminar, Red fort and Jantar mantar are the few most visited Heritage Sites in India.Visit these popular historical places in India and take a trip back in time to ancient India. You'll marvel at the architecture of what are some of the most stunning and captivating historical attractions that India has to offer.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple of Delhi is called Bahai Temples, situated near kalka Ji.Lotus Temple is a house of Worship for every religion and best place for meditation and peace. Bahai Faith is spiritual unity of all humankind, there are eight continental Houses of Worship have been built around the world. Lotus Temple is one of them and the historical attraction in Delhi.                    

Fatehpur Sikri

First start with name of this city "fatehpur sikri".Are you know why this city has name fatehpur sikri?There is a small story behind this name this city was known as sikrigrah and built by Maharaja sangram singh who is the last emperor of Rajput Raja.Akbar attacks at this city many times but when he attacks at seventh time Rajput left the city Sikrigrah and because of these sikrigrah was named fatehpur sikri(victory on sikri).

Mysore Palace

Mysore palace popularly known as Mysore Maharaja Palace is situated at the centre of city at Mirza road. It is one of the major and the largest palaces as well monument in India also known as Amba Vilas Palace where Maharaja Wodeyar of Mysore state resided. The original palace which was carved out of wood was accidently burnt in 1897 but was again re-designed on its foundations itself in 1911 by well known architect Henry Irwin. The external structure of the palace is constructed with Indo-Saracenic features along with wonderfully designed square towers at various prime points enclosed by domes made from stones like granite, dark grey, ochre colors.

Charminar

Constructed in 1591, Char minar is a mosque built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and is located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. One theory is that Qutb Shah prayed to the gods to the end of a plague which was ravaging his city at that time and if his will be done he promised to build a Mosque at the very place where he prayed. Other theory says in the event of beginning of the second Islamic millennium year which was being celebrated in the far Islamic world, Qutb Shah founded the Hyderabad city to celebrate the event of millennium year with the construction of Charminar while according to the book “Days of the Beloved” charminar was built in 1589.

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies at a distance of approximately 52 km from the capital city of Bhopal and 10 km from Vidisha. The major attractions of Sanchi include a number of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars. All these structures date back to somewhere between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka founded all the stupas at Sanchi in the honor of Lord Buddha. They have the distinction of being included by UNESCO in its list of World Heritage Sites.

Facts About South African Zulu Tribe

The Zulu Tribe of South Africa believe that they are descendants of a chief from the Congo region. They believe that everything happens for a reason as a result of an evil sorcery or offending of the spirits, this is why they interact with the spirits for their god Nkulunkulu does not get involved with the daily aspects of the human life. The Zulu Tribe code of dressing is complex as a result of their shields. The work of the women is to cultivate the land while men take care of the cows.

Over thousands of years the Zulu's ancestors, the Nguni people, migrated down the east coast of Africa as part of the Bantu migrations. They eventually reached South Africa around the ninth century AD, where a small Zulu clan formed.In the early 1800's the famous Zulu Tribe warrior and king Shaka ka Senzangakhona united the Zulu tribes into a powerful kingdom. He is known for his military genius which was matched with his brutality.                  

                                                     
As much as there are some scattered Zulu Tribe speaking people all over the provinces, majority of the Zulu-speaking people live in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. Most of the 9 million Zulu-speakers in South Africa reside in this province or have migrated initially from this province to other provinces in South Africa Culture Since majority of its population are Zulu-speaking people, it is therefore known as the home of the Zulu Tribe.

The Zulu peoples language is called isiZulu Tribe. IsiZulu is part of the Nguni subgroup of the Bantu language. It is South Africa’s most widely spoken language. Many Zulus Tribe also speak several of South Africa’s eleven other official languages including English, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Shangaan, and Sesotho.

The Zulu people of African Tribe wear different types of clothing for different occasions. They may wear traditional tribal clothing for cultural events or ceremonies but otherwise wear westernized clothing for everyday use.The type of clothing a women wears is dictated by her marital status. A single unengaged women will wear a short skirt usually made of grass and will also wear beautiful beadwork. An engaged women will let it be know that she is engaged by covering her bosom with a decorative cloth. Married Zulu Tribe women wear clothing that covers their body completely.

However, the Zulu Tribe culture extends far beyond the battles fought for land and settling rights. Theirs is a culture that is centred on tradition and ritual. Most major life events (weddings, funerals, coming of age, etc...) are marked by the slaughter of an animal, feasting, drinking and socialising with friends and family. Of course, the traditional cuisine is a major part of this culture.

Khajuraho Temples - Erotic art and Images

Khajuraho Temples have created a niche for itself as one of the highlights of Madhya Pradesh Tourism due to its uniqueness. Khajuraho temples are the living images of the glorious cultural heritage of India. These temples have the most unique images and sculptures engraved on them which apparently depict erotic and sensuous themes, but were actually intended to convey the spiritual aspects of the passions of human beings, according to one of the many theories that have been put forward by experts on these khajuraho temples. These temples are more like India's own gift to the outside world.                                              

Hisotry

The Chandellas,the descendants of the moon-god the ambitious builders and great connoisseur of erotic arts,embelished their cities and towns with palaces, pools and temples, but the complex of sunshine’s at Khjauraho represents the climax of the erotic art of Hindu temple architecture during the medieval times. These Khajuraho temples were built during the 9th and 10th century AD. King Yasovarman began the era of temple construction here that was going on to become one of the country's major tourist attractions. There is a legend behind the Khajuraho temples which says that the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl named Hemvati.Soon she gave birth to Chandravarman who was the founder of the Chandela dynasty.

Erotic Art

There are many concepts describing the specific purpose for including sexual art using the sacred temples. The Khajuraho temples usually do not contain sexual or erotic art within the temple or close to the deities; however, some external carvings bear erotic art. Also, some of the khajuraho temples which have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the exterior of the inner wall. There are many interpretations from the erotic carvings. They portray that, for seeing the deity, one must leave their sexual desires outside of the temple.

Markandeshwar Temple

The Markandeshwar temple complex, by the River Wainganga, showcases a sprinkling of erotic art. A couple performing ‘fellacio’ will raise eyebrows. Know to be built by danavas (evil forces) in one night, the temple is made from stone, and follows Hemadpanth architecture. The annual fair during Mahashivratri attracts devotees from far and wide every year.

Sun Temple 

Sun Temple It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama conducted a yagna here to purify himself of the sin of killing a Brahmana-Ravana. Like Konarak, its architecture is such that the temple catches the first rays of the rising sun. The most striking feature of the temple is a perfectly designed Kama Kunda (water tank) meant for ablutions and for a reflection of the temple in the water.

Khandariya Mahadev temple

Khandariya Mahadev temple has been an old favourite from school days when I scouted book-stores for picture post cards to display in history files. On the stepping stone to the inner sanctum of Khandariya Mahadev lay offerings of flowers, rice and a few coins. A visit later in the evening to Matangeshwar temple was a clear contrast. Recorded Sanskrit chants, bells, and chanting of Om Namah Shivaay, women with heads covered and puja thalis in hand, incense smoke clouding the air, vermillion dots on visitors' foreheads… The priest said that this was the oldest of the Khajuraho temples.

Chittorgarh Fort In India - A Historical Landmark

The Chittorgarh Fort holds a great place in the Indian history. Its palaces, broken walls show the heroism of innumerable sieges. This fort is located in the Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. It is a seven mile fort with a number of palaces. This amazing fort is spread in a large area and located at a great height. It is the largest fort in India in terms of area.

Evidence  of  history  of  India  is  almost  7000 years  old, which presents  India as an oldest civilization of the world Historical forts, caves, tombs, and monuments draw  attention  of  the world  wide tourists very much. Many world heritage sites are present in India that catch the attention of tourists, that makes India as the top choice for historical places in the world. Huge list of historical places is present that raises the Indian glory.                                                                                              

Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive and majestic fort situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in Rajasthan state in India. Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most historically significant forts not only in Rajasthan but whole of North India. Chittorgarh Fort reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh Fort is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on a 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.

Rana Kumbha palace is 15th century palace where Rana Kumbha lived and spent his royal life. This historic monument is very popular among tourists due to its charming and artistic architecture.The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh was born in this same palace. Rana Kumbha palace have the cellar where brave Rani Padmini performed an act of jauhar along with other women during an attack of Khilji. Lord Shiva temple in the nearby and light and sound show in its coomplex takes visitors more close to the Chittorgarh Fort history.

One of the most beautiful temples around, the Meera Temple in Chittorgarh is one that actually revels in a divine aura. As Chittorgarh was the birthplace of Meera Bai, the most ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, Rana Kumbha had the Meera Temple built to honour her devotion to the God. The Temple consists of gorgeous idols which are carved on its pillars, walls, outer limits and in the sanctum. On the walls of this temple are also inscribed the bhajans (songs of devotion) Meera wrote and sang in praise of Lord Krishna.

Maharana Fateh Singh, one of the greatest Maharanas of Mewar, ruled from 1884 to 1930. This palace, constructed during his reign as an exclusive venue for royal functions, has been meticulously preserved for discerning guests.The Durbar Hall Sabhagaar, which is one of the main features of the hotel, is of historical significance as in 1909 Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, laid its foundation stone: The hall was originally called Minto Hall in his honour.

Padmini’s Palace, the erstwhile residence of Rani Padmini (queen of Raja Rattan Singh who ruled Chittorgarh during the 1300 A.D.) the embodiment of beauty, courage and grace, is situated inside the majestic Chittorgarh Fort. Built beside the lotus pool, its historical pavilion seemed to have changed the history of Chittor. It is believed that it was in this palace the Sultan Alauddin Khalji (one of the ruler of khalji dynasty during sultanate rule over India) saw the reflection of Queen Padmini and was so mesmerized that the quest of possessing her led to a furious battle which saw the last of Maharana Ratan Singh (husband of Maharani Padmini). However, in order to avoid dishonoring herself, she jumped into the pyre. This signifies the heroic spirit of Rajputs.