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Visit Popular National Park of Mu Ko Ang Thong in Thailand
Visit Popular National Park of Mu Ko Ang Thong in Thailand Ang Thong, which means “Bowl of Gold,” is a popular national park in the Gulf of Thailand. Consisting of 42 islands, which are close together for easy island hopping, the park is headquartered on Ko Wua Talap. There, travelers can stay in lovely bungalows and take in incredible views of the surrounding islands and bizarre rock formations. Exploring the island’s white sand beaches and snorkeling among the shallow coral gardens makes a popular day trip from Ko Samui. Established as a marine national park in 1980, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands covering 102 km² at the shore of the Surat Thai Province in the Gulf of Thailand. The park is registered as a Ramsar site by Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for recognition of important wetlands. Many sources refers to the islands as “Angthong” which is wrong, “Ang Thong” is the correct spelling and means “golden bassin”. The islands covers 18km² of the park, major ones Ko Phaluai, Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Hin Dap, Ko Nai Phut and Ko Phai Luak. Highest peak is located on Ko Phaluai at 396m above the sea level. Islands concists mainly of rugged and steep limestone hills, sinkholes, caves and inland marine lakes. There is one nomadic village at Ko Wua Ta Lap and one other at Ko Phaluai, other islands are uninhabited. The forests consist mainly of dry evergreen forest on bigger islands, also limestone forest and minor planted mangrove forest around the beaches and bays. Among the plants, Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum Ang Thong) is an endemic species found only in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. The amount of animal species are limited, 16 mammal, around 50 bird, 14 reptile and 5 amphibian species. Some of mammal species on the islands are dusky leaf monkey, long-tailed macaque, leopard cat, fishing cat, wild boar and smooth-coated otter. Few of bird species are collared kingfisher, white-bellied sea eagle, brahminy kite, black baza, oriental pied hornbill, eurasian woodcock, pacific reef heron and common hill myna. There are few diving sites on the northern islands, more ideal for snorkelling. The average depth of the sea is around 10m with low visibility due to heavy sediment from the Tapi River on mainland. Diving on one of coral gardens may give opportunity to see marine species like green sea turtle, hawkbill sea turtle and yellow-spotted trevallies. Best time for diving is February to October with best visibility around March/April. Inspired by the novel “The Beach” by Alex Garland, Ang Thong was one of the prime destinations for backpackers in Thailand for many years until the subsequent movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio came out. While the beach scenes from the movie was filmed on Ko Phi Phi at Krabi Province, the jump scene from the waterfall was filmed on Haew Suwat Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park. Click Here : – Visit Popular National Park of Mu Ko Ang Thong in Thailand
Read MoreVisit Beautiful Place of Prasat Hin Phimai in Thailand
Visit Beautiful Place of Prasat Hin Phimai in Thailand Prasat Hin Phimai boasts some of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand. Similar in style (if much smaller) than those at Angkor, the temples were built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area was part of the Khmer empire. Though built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple, the carvings also feature many Hindu deities as explained in the visitor center. Phimai historical park is the largest of all Khmer temples in Thailand, the rectangular complex measures over 1,000 meters long by almost 600 meters wide. It contains some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand.What makes this temple unique is that is constructed as a Buddhist temple, even though the Khmer who built it were Hindu. Phimai, which is officially named Prasat Hin Phimai was built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area was part of the Khmer empire. It was constructed on the end of the ancient highway connecting it with Angkor (present day Siem Reap), with other Khmer temples like Muang Tum and Phanom Rung in between. Layout and structures of Phimai The layout and structures of Phimai remind of another Khmer temple on the same ancient road towards the South East, called Phanom Rung. The rectangular complex is completely surrounded by moats and outer walls. A number of ponds around the site symbolize the oceans surrounding Mount Meru. To the left of the Naga bridge is a small structure which was probably built as a place where the King could prepare himself for ceremonies inside the inner sanctuary. The Naga bridge symbolizes the passing from the world of men into the world of the Gods. After passing the Naga bridge the gateway or gopura through the Southern outer wall gives access to the temple complex. A long walkway towards the inner sanctuary provides an impressive view of the temple structures with the massive prang in the center. To the left outside of the inner sanctuary are two libraries where ancient sacred scriptures were kept. Click Here : – Visit Beautiful Place of Prasat Hin Phimai in Thailand
Read MoreOne Of The Popular Ancient Temples Of Bhagsu Nag In Himachal
One Of The Popular Ancient Temples Of Bhagsu Nag In Himachal At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand & 6 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag Temple also known as Bhagsunath Temple is one of the popular ancient temples located in McLeod Ganj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the local deity Bhagsu Nag. Bhagsu Nag Mandir is an ancient temple believed to have been built by King Bhagsu from Rajasthan. The present Bhagsu Nag temple was constructed by 1st Gurkha Rifles in early 19th century and worshipped majorly by 14 Gurkha platoon villages in Dharamshala. Adjacent to the temple building are a series of pools where Buddhist monks and visitors enjoy baths. An annual fair is conducted in the month of September at this temple which attracts tourist from the entire region. This temple is situated on the way to Bhagsunag Waterfall. The three of us walked slowly along the narrow path, paying more attention to the stalls that lined it, Samhith grumbling that we had just started our trip, and were already breaking rule no. 1. “No Temples”. More interesting are the structures around the temple. Behind the temple is the waterfall, and the water flows down into a tank just outside the temple. There are faces carved into the stone, and a number of shrines old and new surround it. An iron pipe brings water out of the tank for people to drink, and beyond the tank is a brand new swimming pool, which seems to be surprisingly clean and well maintained! There were a number of people frolicking in the pool, so I did not click a photograph. Besides, I was more fascinated by this small shrine on the side. The story is from mythological times, and the first temple here is said to have been built in the time of Raja Dharamchand, who had a dream, advising him to build it. That story is also part of legend, dating back to over 5000 years. The present temple is a recent structure, with a main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Click Here : – One Of The Popular Ancient Temples Of Bhagsu Nag In Himachal
Read MoreVisit Cultural Significance Of Tsechokling Gompa In Himachal Tour
Visit Cultural Significance Of Tsechokling Gompa In Himachal Tour At a distance of 200 m from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Tsechokling Gompa, also known as Tse Chok Ling Gompa is a religious monument constructed on a steep hillside in McLeod Ganj. Tsechokling Gompa is amongst the popular monasteries in the region and is highly regarded for its cultural significance. This peaceful Gompa was built in 1987 to replicate the original Dip Tse Chok Ling Gompa in Tibet, destroyed in the Revolution. Home to a small order of Gelukpa monks, the prayer hall enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni in a magnificent jeweled headdress.The monks who lived in the Gompa made two huge drums covered in goatskin and painted beautifully. The Gompa is famous for the fine Mandalas. Roll a metal prayer wheel, light a candle and make a wish at Tsechokling Gompa, a temple complex and monastery built on a steep hillside overlooking McLeod Ganj, the seat of Tibetan government in exile. Built in 1987 as a replica of a monastery destroyed in Tibet during Cultural Revolution, which was once residence of the Dalai Lamas, the monastery offers accommodation and is close to the current exiled Dalai Lama’s residence in the town. Admire a large lotus-seated Sakyamuni Buddha perched on an ornate chest and listen to prayers accompanied with sounds of cymbals, drums and Tibetan horns. Enjoy a view of Dharamsala from the balcony. Before you visit Dharamsala, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there. Click Here : – Visit Cultural Significance Of Tsechokling Gompa In Himachal Tour
Read MoreVisit Very Peaceful Spot In Namgyalma Stupa in Himachal Tour
Visit Very Peaceful Spot In Namgyalma Stupa in Himachal Tour Namgyalma Stupa is a Buddhist memorial honoring those who lost their lives during the freedom struggle for Tibet. The beautiful structure surrounded by prayer wheels, is said to be similar to the structure built in third century during the time of the great emperor Ashoka. The stupa portrays an image of Sakyamuni Buddha in a small chamber. Set amidst a beautiful and lush environment, this is a very peaceful spot and many Buddhist pilgrims come here every year to offer their prayers.At a distance of 3 km from Dharamshala and 6 km from McLeod Ganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old Buddhist structure situated at Uparli Barol. Namgyalma Stupa is a dome-shaped construction that contains the remains of Buddha, which the Tibetans consider to be a sacred place of worship. It holds a huge shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Namgyalma Stupa was constructed in the remembrance of the Tibetan soldiers who fought for the freedom of Tibet. This structure is similar in design to the structure built during the 3rd century BC by King Ashoka. The Namgyalma Stupa is carved from sandstone and is made with a vision of being long-lasting. It is a belief among Tibetans that anything that falls on the Namgyalma Stupa gets purified. Some believe that rain water falling on the Stupa is blessed. It is also believed that a visit to the Namgyalma Stupa cleanses any bad karma that exists in the soul. The Stupa is surrounded by a number of prayer wheels. Tibetans who visit the Stupa for worship circle it rotating the wheels and reciting prayers. Click Here :- Visit Very Peaceful Spot In Namgyalma Stupa in Himachal Tour
Read MoreVisit Aghanjar Mahadev Temple in Himachal Pradesh Tour
Visit Aghanjar Mahadev Temple in Himachal Pradesh Tour At a distance of 9 km from Dharamshala and 16 km from McLeod Ganj, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is situated in the Khaniyara village at the foothills of Dhauladhar. This temple is believed to be five hundred years old. The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that once upon a time when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, was on his way to the Kailash Mountains, Lord Shiva appeared at this spot and blessed him with the boon of victory over the Kauravas. There are several idols of Lord Shiva and a Lord Hanuman statue. The temple is surrounded by forests, mountains and a little waterfall is situated behind the temple with continuous flow of water. There is also a small cave with Shivlinga near the temple. This Shiva temple and its surroundings offer a great relief. This is a beautiful place to relax and capture the beauty of nature and surrounding mountains. Located about 9 kilometers from Dharamsala, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is located in the foothills of Dhauladhar Mountains in Kangra district. This beautiful town is in Khaniyara temple and is known for its scenic and religious splendor and awe. The temple has a deep history associated with the Mahabharata. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted Arjun the boon of victory before the Mahabharata war. The temple commemorates and celebrates this boon and is of much religious importance. There is a beautiful stream in the vicinity that one can visit as well. Large stones adorn this area and add to its beauty. This place is a must for those looking for things to do in Dharamsala. Best time to visit: All throughout the year. Click Here :- Visit Aghanjar Mahadev Temple in Himachal Pradesh Tour
Read MoreVisit Beautiful Mountain Of Indrahar pass In Himachal
Visit Beautiful Mountain Of Indrahar pass In Himachal At a distance of 16 km from McLeod Ganj and 21 km from Dharamshala, Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas near the town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 4,342 m above mean sea level, Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. The trekking trail to Indrahar pass is very popular and the trek starts from Galu Devi temple above Dharamkot village near Dharamsala, which is 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. The Indrahara Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The trek passes through the camping grounds of Triund, Illaqa, and Lahesh Caves. Guna Devi to Triund is a 6 km steep but marked trail. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass and Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. Trek up to Triund is very popular and busy with many local and foreign visitors. The trek gets slightly difficult from this point and it requires climbing boulders after passing Lahesh Cave. From Triund, the trail leads to Lahesh Cave (4 km from Triund) via Illaka passing through a meadow scattered with boulders. From Lahesh Cave, another 4 km steep climb over the rocks will take to Indrahar Pass. At the higher elevations there is a steep 300 – 400 m ascent towards the crest of the Dhauladhar. The trail continues over the crest and comes across several ascents. From the pass one can view Pir Panjal Range in the north and Mani Mahesh Kailash (5656 m) peak in the east. The total trek needs to 3-4 days and having a guide is recommended.Best time to visit Indrahar Pass is from Mar to May and September to December. Click Here : – Visit Beautiful Mountain Of Indrahar pass In Himachal
Read MoreThe Famous Hindu Guna Devi Temple In Himachal Tour
The Famous Hindu Guna Devi Temple In Himachal Tour At a distance of 8 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 13 km from Dharamshala Bus Stand, Guna Devi temple is a famous Hindu temple located at Guna near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2310 m in Kangra Valley. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a pilgrim center of the Gaddi shepherds, a semi-nomadic tribe from Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Sri Guna Devi Mandir is completely surrounded by forests of oak and deodar. People from neighboring villages including Kangra, Dharamshala come here for pilgrimage. This small complex displays wonderful and closer views of Dhauladhar Mountains. The regular one day trail to Sri Guna Devi temple starts from Naddi village above Dal Lake, 4 km from McLeod Ganj. From Naddi, a 2 km moderate trial amidst houses of Naddi village lead to Baal village after crossing a bridge over a small stream. Further 2 km from Baal village is needed to reach Guna Devi Temple and the trail takes 2 hours (one way). The temple provides shelter facilities with mattresses and blankets for those who want to stay overnight. Small shops are available where one can get Maggie and other eateries. Click Here :- The Famous Hindu Guna Devi Temple In Himachal Tour
Read MoreThe Best Treking Experience of Lahesh Cave in Himachal Tour
The Best Treking Experience of Lahesh Cave in Himachal Tour At a distance of 12 km from McLeod Ganj and 17 km from Dharamshala, Lahesh Cave is a Camping ground which is used by shepherds in the summers when they take their sheep to the high altitude meadows here. It lies at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Lahesh Cave is a 12 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. This is an easy to moderate trek, which can be done either from McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeod Ganj. The trail is 10 km from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi Temple, Triund and Illaqa. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass to Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. After a 2 km ascent from Triund, traversing through a ridge will lead to Illaqa or Laka which has a temporary shepherd camp. The path is rock-strewn and uneven, some spots were treacherous too. Illaqa is a flat stretch of land on the Moon Peak Mountain which divides the Kangra Valley and Chamba Valley. It is situated at the snout of small glacier, which is covered with snow capped mountains. There is a tea stall at Illaqa, one can buy some eatables and can spend night in the camps or own tents. From Ilaka, a 2 km steep ascent over rocky ridge will take to Lahesh cave. It will take you about 2-3 hours to get to Lahesh Cave from Triund. The total trek needs 2-3 days from McLeodGanj and having a guide is definitely recommended. Visitors can camp at Lahesh Cave or come back to Ilaka for overnight stay.Best time to visit Lahesh Cave is from March to May and September to December. Click Here :- The Best Treking Experience of Lahesh Cave in Himachal Tour
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