My Travelling Spree : Turkey : Cappadocia

#Cappadocia

Cappadocia also known as Kapadokia is one of the most magical places on Earth,right out of a fairytale!One would fall in love with its picturesque scenic beauty and weird terrain.

Cappadocia is an unique city formed 60 million years ago created by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash erupted from Mount Argeus, Mount Hasan and Mount Güllü by rain and wind.

 Facts about Cappadocia:

• The terrain in Cappadocia resembles that of Mars.
• Cappadocia is strewn with Fairy and Love Chimneys.
• You will fall in love with the Hot air Balloon ride over the red coarse terrain.
• It has caves all over,the Hotels and restaurants are actually within caves.
• One can enjoy the sunrise and sunset , the view of which is worth a million bucks.
• There are stunning underground cities ,the deepest one is Derinkuyu underground city, while the widest is the Kaymakli Underground City. The Derinkuyu underground city is located in the same named town Derinkuyu, which is situated 40km from Goreme (30 minute drive).
• The Uchisar area gives you a secluded ambience with only Hotels there away from Goreme.
• The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a vast monastic complex composed of many monasteries placed side-by-side, each with the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness.It is only 15 minutes walk (1.5 km, 1 mile) from Goreme village center.It also presents unique examples of rock hewn architecture and fresco technique. The Goreme Open Air Museum has been a member of UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984, and was one of the first two UNESCO sites in Turkey.
• Goreme is studded with market places and great restaurants on it's happening lanes.
• One can shop their heart out and learn pottery from there, also at Avanos.

Sharing our own Itenary :

The Green Tour

1.Starting with the Panoramic view of Goreme. 

   You get information about history, formation of Cappadocia while watching the fairy chimneys. 

2.After driving about 40 minutes, you ll arrive to Underground City. 

3.Then would be Ihlara Canyon which is 52 km away from Underground City. 

4.Visit the Melendiz River and have sumptuos local lunch by the River.

5.After lunch visit Yaprakhisar. 

6.The Selime Monastery would be next. At first look, the monastery looks like a castle, but shelters,churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages and big cathedral proves us its being a monastery.

7.Next stop is Pigeon Valley, pigeons will meet you on the top of the valley. Pigeons have always been important for Cappadocian people. Their eggs and droppings were used for different purposes.For this reason, local people carved houses for them to the slopes of valley.

And this will wrap up the Tour for the Day. Well you can also avail the Red or Blue Tour according to your point of interest.

  

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My Travelling Spree : Turkey : Oludeniz

#Oludeniz

"The setting sun strews amazing crimson hues around it;

Waves from the sea gently caress the golden shimmering sand and the pleasure mingles with the exquisite sound of giggles from the turquoise beach;

The distant but magnificent mountains silhouette against the bright blue sky adorn by playful birds chirping and heading towards their nests."

Witness such aura of Nature here at Oludeniz.

It is a small village and beach resort in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, on the Turquoise Coast of southwestern Turkey, at the conjunction point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. It is located 14 km to the south of Fethiye, near Mount Babadag.

Oludeniz is famous for Paragliding, Scuba Diving and Ultramarathon.

If you are at Oludeniz you must indulge in pampering yourself at Sentido Lykia Resort & Spa.

The Sentido Concept makes one feel like Home.

All your senses would be touched with bliss 

Your sense of hearing will be blessed when you are welcomed in and invited to relax with gentle music specially composed for SENTIDO hotels.

Your sense of touch will be blessed when you will be made to feel at home by providing a tangible feeling of quality and Natural Ambience.

Your sense of vision will be blessed with impressive sight of the fascinating and specially designed atmospheric lighting detailed with stylish furnishing, fresh flower arrangements and harmonious lighting to further enhance the feeling of friendly hospitality.

Your sense of smell will create awesome memories  with a special aroma concept that is developed for SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts, giving them a highly individual feel and a memory for guests to take home with them.

Your sense of taste will mould the core of your heart with the freshly prepared delicacies cooked before their eyes and the exclusive à la carte service in the 9 speciality restaurants where you have the  facility to avail unlimited feasting at any point of time.

So all you need to do is to pack your bags and get set go!

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My Travelling Spree : Turkey : Ephesus

#Ephesus 

Its an world Heritage declared by UNESCO and is the Home to one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The relics at Ephesus is stuffed with mysteries and facts from the 10th Century.

According to the legend, Ephesus (also called Ephesos) was founded by the tribe of the Amazons, great female warriors. The name of the city had derived from "Apasas", a city in the "Kingdom of Arzawa" meaning the "City of the Mother Goddess".

Facts :

Ephesus is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites and the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean.

Ephesus is considered as one of the greatest outdoor museums of Turkey.The Grand Theatre in Ephesus has seating capacity of 24000 and a high of 38 meters

The exterior facade of Celsus Library has 2 stories but the interior facade has 3 stories because of original architecture. There are four Statues in the Celsus Library 

• Sophia - Wisdom
• Arete - Virtue
• Ennoia - Intelligence
• Episteme - Knowledge
  
  
  
  

Our Virgin Mary lived her last years of her life in Turkey, here in a small cottage near Ephesus.The first Church dedicated to Virgin Mary is at Ephesus.

Apostle Paul lived in Ephesus.

Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders, is at Ephesus. Artemis was the daughter of Leto and Zeus, and the twin of Apollo. She is the goddess of the wilderness, the wild animals, and fertility.

Ephesus was a centre of learning and the birthplace and the home of the great pre-socratic philosopher Heraclitus was born in Ephesus.

Ephesus is believed to be the city of the Seven Sleepers. 

Mystery behind the Seven Sleepers is a legend of seven noble Christian bureaucrats named Maximillium, Jamblichos, Martin, John, Dionysios, Exakostodianos, and Antoninos. When Decius, a Pagan emperor came to Ephesus between 249 and 251 A.D. to enforce his laws against Christians, these seven noble men did not accept his commands, so they decided to give their property to the poor, and then went into a cave on Mount Anchilos to pray and prepare for their deaths. The youths fell asleep, and when the Roman soldiers found them in the cave, they were ordered by the emperor to seal the cave with large stones, thus trapping the youths in the cave.

About 180 years later, a wealthy landowner named Adolios decided to open the cave to use it as a cattle stall. When the youths woke up, they were hungry, so one of them set out to buy some bread. He was astonished to see churches in the city, as he thought that he had only been asleep for a day. When he tried to pay for bread using old gold coins from the reign of Decius, the bishop was summoned. The bishop then went with him to the cave, and was told their story. 

Finally the sleepers then died praising God, and were declared saints.And thus the Cave of Grotto became famous as the "Seven Sleepers".

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Magical Panda Lights : NICCO PARK

#Magical Panda Lights : NICCO PARK

The City of Joy "Kolkata" welcomes the experience the magic of China’s Lantern Festival,"Magical Panda Lights" during winter at Nicco Pary, Jheel Meel,Sector IV.

It says "Lantern Festival".

The legend associates the Lantern Festival with the worship of Taiyi, the God of Heaven in ancient times,to bring favorable weather and good health to the Qin Dynasty.. The belief was that the God of Heaven controlled the destiny of the human world. He had sixteen dragons whom he used to order when to inflict drought, storms ,famine or flood  upon human beings. Beginning with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who named China, all the emperors ordered splendid ceremonies each year. 

Lantern Festival used to be described as "City Fare of Lion and Lantern", "Hand-Holding Lantern Festival", "River Lights" and "Mantian Guohai".

On the 8th day after the Chinese Lunar New Year, all the temples would be flaming with incense and candles. The doors of all families would be all hanging with red lanterns.

The brightest lanterns were symbolic of good luck and hope.The Lantern Festival is commercialized as the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

So if you want to live a memorable and lit up day with your loved ones, do visit the Nicco Park and witness the mesmerizing Park come alive with sprinkle of Lights and Sparkle!

Significance of the Lantern Festival : It marks the end of the Chinese Year and also celebrated as Valentine's Day in China.

The movements in the  "Lights performance" traditionally symbolize historical roles of dragons demonstrating power and dignity.

A Video that demonstrates the beauty of the Lights Festival, a glimpse of which we could observe in Kolkata at Nicco Park.

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My Travelling Spree : Turkey : Pamukkale

#Pamukkale

"Cock-a-doodle-doo"...

 Surprised? Well this is how you would be woken up everyday!

That's nothing new! 

But yes the Roosters out here are Unique.

So let's check them out in the "City of Roosters-Denizli"!
The Denizli Rooster has adapted to harsh environmental conditions and highly resistant to contagious diseases.  

Its appearance is as follows: It has long legs, a long and strong neck, a broad and deep chest and an abrupt tail.

Facts :
Denizli Rooster Gene

The Agricultural Directory of Denizli Province his trying to conserve the Denizli Rooster's healthy gene pool.

The Crowing Time
The timing in crowing is important. Good crowing should start with a slow tempo, then increase to a fast tempo and then end with a slow tempo again. This is known as crowing quality.

Pamukkale 
It means "Castle of Cotton", it's so because of its immense deposit of Calcium Carbonate which hardens into limestone and looks like fluffy cotton. Within the limestone walls are cascading white pools with bright turquoise water bodies.

No shoes allowed when u climb up the white terraces.

Healthy Hot Springs

It has 17 healthy Hot Springs  which has mineral rich water having several health benefits.

Firstly ability to lower blood pressure.

Secondly ability to alleviate rheumatism.

Thirdly ability to reduce skin problems.

So come and dip into the pools and come out healthier!

Hierapolis :Ruins of an Ancient City

The city of Hierapolis was a Greco-Roman and Byzantine town that stood on top of the castle.The ruins of an ancient Theatre which was built around 70 AD stands protected UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

Karahayit

Other attractions near Pamukkale are the Red Springs of Karahayit & the Market place at Karahayit.

Anyone who comes here can bag in amazing Souvenirs and have grand Countryside meals at the happening Eateries on the lanes of Karahayit.

To travel around and Enjoy:

Just take a Mini Bus or Van(Dolma) and they will take you to all the spots around.

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Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple @ City of Joy

Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple @ City of Joy

   Lord Shiva,He is the Omnipotent essence of  the Universe

  He is the inner self of one and all.

   He is Power

   He is Tandav

   He is Dev Adi Dev Mahadev

Mahadev, Lord Shiva

Salkia's Bandhaghat area is the abode of the 52 feet tall Mahadev Idol which was unveiled by honorable Pranab Mukherjee on 23rd December,2015. 

Location :

The Shiva Temple lies in between Howrah Railway Station and Salkia's Bandhaghat area which is both way connected to Kolkata either by road or by river through Bandhaghat-Ahiritola Ferry service. 

Naya Mandir

A very surprising moment stands hidden behind the dome of Naya Mandir ,when one walks towards t he Mandir , he will have the glimpse of The tallest Shiva. A Perfect glimpse while entering this famous temple we know by several names, such as Naya Mandir or Natun Mandir or Bangeshwar Mahadev Mandir or Seth Banshidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir.

Standing Posture of Mahadev

Facts :

• This Lord Shiva has 5 heads, four heads can be seen in the above photo from front, while the other one is facing the Ganges. If in search of tranquility come visit Lord Shiva who blesses one with His 15 eyes ,such an unique firm of Mahadev.

Five Heads of Mahadev

• This Lord Shiva is constructed with fibre glass, cement and reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and took 6 months to complete, weighing around 3 tonnes.

• There is a continuous flow of water from his head(Jata in Bengali) and when it breezes the pious water touches ones face like sprinkles. Feels Great!

Moto :

"Clean Ganga - Save India" 

Everywhere around the Temple , there are writings about cleanliness of the Ganges.

Temple Slogan

This awesome initiative helps curb pollution of the river. 

A little more self responsibility about Saving our Own Mother Ganga could not only solve Waterbody Pollution but also let the aquatic ecosystem thrive.

Mahadev stands high to protect Maa Ganga with His 5 heads ,15 eyes & His trishul(trident) in one hand to kill the evils polluting river and to bless the souls who values and maintain the purity and essence of the sacred river with his other hand 

As the historical story says "When Ganga descended towards Earth from Her abode ,her flow was devastating.Looking at the deplorable conditions on Earth created by her uncontrolled flow ,Lord Brahma & Vishnu pleaded Mahadev to protect Mother Earth ,thus Mahadev contained Ganga in his Jata and controlled her flow in Earth for prosperous,fertile and happy being."

So I pledge not to pollute River Ganga and also plead my friends to protect, stand by and spread words of hygiene. That will help the ailing Ganga and prevent snatching mother Ganga from Mahadev's Jata.

Say "NO" to Pollution!

Har Har Mahadev!

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