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21 Beautiful Places to See in Wales

Officially, Wales is a part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain. The reality is that this heaven on earth is its own little kingdom, full of breathtaking places. Wales is about 170 miles (270 km) north–south and 60 miles (97 km) east–west, it has over 1,680 miles (2,700 km) of coastline and is largely covered with mountains.
Although Wales closely shares its political and social history with the rest of Great Britain, the country has retained a distinct cultural identity and history. This makes a visit to Wales feel like something you have never experienced before, and it's well worth your time to come by and have a look...
The Dan yr Ogof cave system
wales
The meaning of the name is  "under the cave” and it is an eleven miles (18 KM) long cave system. It is one of the largest "tourist friendly" caves in Europe and is full of stalactite and other beautiful rock features. 
 
Caerphilly Castle
wales
This medieval fortification in South Wales was constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century. It is surrounded by extensive artificial lakes, considered by historian Allen Brown to be "the most elaborate water defenses in all Britain". It occupies around 30 acres (120,000 m2) and is the second largest castle in Britain.
 
Pontarfynach
wales
The meaning of the name is “the bridge on the monk”. The bridge is unusual in that three separate bridges were each built, one atop the other. The most recently built is an iron bridge (1901), which was built over a stone bridge (1753), which was built when the original bridge was thought to be unstable. The builders of the 1753 bridge used the original bridge (built 1075–1200) to support scaffolding during construction.
 
Pistyll Rhaeadr
wales
“Spring of the waterfall” is located a few miles from the village of Llanrhaeadr - ym - Mochnant in Powys. The cliff face, over which the water falls, is 240 feet tall, and it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, with its water falling down like thin, beautiful threads of silk.
 
Gelert’s grave
wales
Gelert is the name of a legendary dog associated with the village of Beddgelert. The story of Gelert is a variation on the well-worn "Faithful Hound" folk-tale, which lives on as an urban legend. To honor his loyalty, two slate memorials were built next to his grave mound, one in Welsh and the other in English.
 
Llyn Llydaw
wales
One of the most visited lakes in the United Kingdom, thousands of people visit this beautiful place every year and enjoy the view of Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain.
 
Beaumaris Castle
wales
Located on the Isle of Anglesey in Beaumaris, this seven hundred years old castle is incredibly preserved for its age and the fact that it was never really completed. At  the year 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent on making it, a huge sum for the period, but the castle was still incomplete and left the way it was.
 
Chepstow Castle
wales
This castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain, built during the reign of William I the Conqueror (1066-1087). Chepstow Castle is open to the public, and since 1984 has been in the care of CADW, the government body for protecting and conserving the heritage of Wales. There are special events often held in the castle and visitors are able to walk along the battlements and into the towers.
 
Conwy Lake
wales
This is the source of the River Conwy, which flows north into Conwy Bay. It is an amazingly peaceful area with no near towns. the lands around the lake are farmlands open to the general public by power of the right of public access to the wilderness.
 
Turf Lake
wales
This beautiful lake is located next to the small village of Rhyd Ddu, on the foothills of the mighty Snowdon mountain. If you want to find a place to take a picture that will define what Wales is like, this is a pretty good choice.
 
Elan Valley
wales
The Elan Valley Trail is a popular destination for cyclists as it sits in the heart of the Welsh Lake District. With over 80% of the valley designated as conservation grounds, it is famous for its picturesque scenery.
 
Criccieth Castle
wales
Located in Gwynedd, This castle is maintained by CADW (the environment service of the Welsh Government) and includes exhibits and information on Welsh castles and life in the country during their time.  The castle was set on fire in 1404 and some stones still show the scorch marks.
 
Tryfan and Llyn Ogwen
wales
The “Three Peaks” and “Ogwen Lake” are located in North Wales and are a dream come true for any fisherman in Wales. The lake is very shallow, with a maximum depth of a little over 3 meters (9ft), and full of excellent trout.
 
The lighthouse of Ynys Llanddwyn
wales
Llanddwyn Island is a tidal island, it remains attached to the mainland at all but the highest tides, so there is still a need for the lighthouse. It provides fantastic views of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula, not to mention the lighthouse itself.
 
Castell Coch
wales
In English, it is called the Red Castle, and it was built during the 19th century, on the remains of a 13th century establishment. It has a very impressive medieval appearance, working portcullis and a drawbridge. It has been described as "the most spectacular example of translation from High Gothic architecture into High Victorian.
 
South Stack Lighthouse
wales
The South Stack Lighthouse has warned passing ships of the treacherous rock below since 1809, and until today. The lighthouse is open seasonally, and visitors can climb to the top to see the engine room and the wonderful panoramic view.
 
Three Cliffs Bay
wales
Declared by the BBC as Britain's best beach, Three Cliffs Bay is perfect for both swimmers and rock climbers, thanks to its many limestone rock formations.  Pennard Castle, which sits on high ground near the main beach, is associated with local legends of fairies.
 
River Dee
wales
The River Dee forms part of the Welsh-English border, it rises in Snowdonia, Wales and flows east to Chester. The river has many beautiful bridges and picture-perfect little towns and villages along its route.
 
Dolbadarn Castle
wales
Dolbadarn Castle is a fortification built during the early 13th century, at the base of the Llanberis Pass, in North Wales. The castle was used as a manor house for some years, before falling into ruin, but today it is a well managed tourist attraction.
 
Craig yr Aderyn
wales
“Bird’s Rock” is a hill rising to a height of over 250 meters (820 ft) above sea level on the south bank of the River Dysynni, in north-west Wales. It is named after the large number of birds, such as the Great Cormorant, that nest on the peak. According to local tradition, there were two castle watchtowers on the end of the rock and watchmen would raise red flags in case of danger.
 
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
wales
This was once the longest cliff railway in the British Isles, surpassed in length only by the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Opened in 1896 at 778 feet (237 m) in length, it was the longest funicular railway built in the Britain. The view from the top is nothing sort of spectacular.
 
 Anna W.

Gokarna

Gokarna is a village in Karnataka, in the district of Uttara Kannada of Karnataka state.  Gokarna literally means “Cow’s ear”.  It is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here. Hence it is also known as the temple town and is an important pilgrimage center for the Hindus.  Another probable reason for the name Gokarna could be due to its Geographical location. The area where it is located is the convergence of rivers Gangavali and Agnashini and resembles the shape of a cow’s ear. 
The early settlements of this region can be traced back to the Brahmins.  They escaped from Gomantak to avoid forcible conversions by the British and Portuguese and settled in and around Gokarna around the 15th century.  At that time, Gokarna used to be a part of the kingdoms of Vijaynagar and Sodhe.  However, it later came under the Portuguese rule as the Konkan region was vehemently taken over by them.  Gokarna is also an important center for Sanskrit studies. It is the residence of Bhandikeri Math and Togu Math where Sanskrit knowledge is passed down from generations in Brahmin families.  The main language spoken here is Kannada. However, Konkani and Marathi are also widely spoken.
green gokarna
Mahabaleshwara temple is one of the chief temples here. It is a famous Shiva temple. There is a custom that one has to bathe in the sea and pay respect to a Shivalingam, made out of sand.  The famous Atmalinga is housed here. It is preserved in a square called Saligrama Peetha. It is opened for viewing once in forty years.
temple
The other temples are Maha Ganapathi Temple, Uma Maheshwari Temple, Varadraj Temple and many more. Gokarna also has many mythological stories associated with it.
temple 2
Gokarna is not just a temple town.  It is also a popular tourist destination with its endless coconut and palm trees and clear blue seas.  It is a paradise for beach lovers.  Four of the most gorgeous beaches are located in the south of Gokarna.  First is the Kudle beach, a beautiful beach that seems to go on forever and is surrounded by palm trees.
sunset at kudle beach
Next is the Om beach, which is shaped like its name.
om beach
The final two are Half-moon beach and Paradise beach.  These beaches have huts (shacks) on them which are available for rent.
Sunset at Om Beach, Gokarna
half-moon beach
They also have hammocks and guitars which give a hippy feel to the small village. They attract both foreigners and Indians alike.  You can explore this quaint little town by walking through the two main streets which are lined with shops and conventional houses.
shacks
The presence of beaches and temples together create a contrast that few other places in the world possess. The best time to visit Gokarna is from October to March.

Mind-Twisting Optical Illusion Paintings







  

Even Google Says Live In Peace Love.

Deepak Punjabi

24 Gorgeous Hotel Views from Around the World 

 
Imagine opening up the window and seeing a mile of the ocean, a breathtaking view of the mountains or even the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. You won't believe what these lucky guests see once they roll down the curtains. 
 
1) Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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2) Corinthia Hotel, London, England
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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3) La Sirenuse, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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4) The Lodge at the Golden Gate, San Francisco
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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5) Caesar Augustus Hotel, Anacapri, Italy
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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6) The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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7) The Omnia, Zermatt, Switzerland
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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8) Hotel Hassler Roma, Rome, Italy
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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9) Villa la Estancia, Los Cabos, Mexico
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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10) Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu, Peru
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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11) Soneva Fushi Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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12) Katikies, Oia, Santorini, Greece
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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13) Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris, France
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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14) Blanket Bay Lodge, New Zealand
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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15) Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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16) The Regent Grand, Turks and Caicos
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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17) Selous Safari Camp, Tent Sita, Tanzania
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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18) Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge, Dakhla Oasis, Egypt
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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19) Aman Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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20) Explora Hotel Salto Chico, Patagonia, Chile
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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21) Ambassade Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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22) Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island, Newfoundland
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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23) Mykonos Blu, Greece
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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24) Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
24 Amazing Hotel Room Views
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We’ve all seen them at one point or another – in a park, at a festival, or practically any place where tourists gather in large numbers. Some of us walk right past them as if they were actual statues while others might stop and stare a while. Eventually, we all end up thinking the same thing – “I could do that!” After all, this has to be the cushiest job in the world. You make money by literally just standing there. What could be easier, right?
As it turns out, being a living statue isn’t really that easy. If you think otherwise, try it for yourself. A living statue will do “solitude” sessions of 30 minutes to an hour followed by a quick 5-minute break and then repeat…and this goes on for several hours at a time. You have to have very good control over your body to do that – knowing how to keep your muscles from cramping up, how to deal with aches and spasms, your bladder, etc. These are issues you need to contend with if you want to be a living statue – or at least one that makes rent.

Living Statues Levitation
Levitation is pretty big right now
Source: Panasonic

Living Statues Falling
Living statue or just good timing?
Source: Arnhem
Believe it or not, the living statue world is a highly competitive one. As they make money mainly from tourists, multiple statues will inevitably end up congregating at the same turf. If you want to be the one who gets the tips, you need to find a way to attract the most attention. This is often accomplished through a well-developed costume and persona. You have to let your imagination run wild here, since simply draping yourself from head to toe in silver or gold paint doesn’t get the job done.

Living Statues Costume
Source: WordPress
That said, upward mobility does exist, and the pay isn’t absolutely terrible: if you do the job well, you can earn up to $300 a day. For the living statue elite, it’s possible to abandon the streets and enter swanky corporate galas. Companies will often hire living statues and rent them out for corporate gigs, promotions and other events. The work is more lucrative than busking and you generally don’t have to worry about idiots groping or tickling you or whatever else they might do to get you to move.
Contrary to popular belief, these organizations don’t hire people to remain absolutely motionless for as long as possible. If this is what they wanted, they’d get an actual statue. The goal is for the statues to make subtle movements and gestures so as to be almost unnoticeable. It’s all in the timing.

Living Statues Tennis
Professional statues at the US Open
Source: Party Productions NYC
If you are a living statue or intrigued by the prospect of becoming one, there is only one place for you – Arnhem, Netherlands. Every year, towards the end of summer (this year in September), it hosts the World Living Statue Festival complete with the World Championship of Living Statues. Hundreds of statues and thousands more visitors attend each year, so it’s the perfect place to get noticed. There is also an Amateur group for those of you just starting out, as well as one for kids. Afterwards all the living statues take part in a massive parade through the city.

Living Statues Amazement
Dutch statue(s) De Verwondering (Amazement) Won the Championship This Year
Source: Parks And Landscapes



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