Business Schools in India

An interactive map that shows important business management colleges across India for MBA or higher degree, including IIMs and other shought-after business colleges.

Management Education in India

Management studies is a one of the much sought-after fields for Indian graduates. Today, the best and brightest students want to study management because it is a sure way to well-paid jobs with great prospects for advancement. The management schools constitute the base for the thousands of managers in Indian enterprises who need grounding to make an early and positive contribution as managers.

But management schools often face challenges in providing able recruits to companies that need them the most. Many of the management schools have minimal faculty, most of whom have little practical experience in management and who undertake little research of decent quality. That’s why people look for the best business management institute to get the MBA or higher degree.

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are central government-owned-public business schools for management offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive programs along with some additional courses in the field of business administration. The IIMs were established to cater the need of quality business management professionals in the emerging India.

IIMs were declared institutions of national importance by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in 2017. There are 20 IIMs in India. IIM Ahmedabad, established in 1961, is the oldest business school in India whereas IIM Jammu is the youngest, established in 2016. All the 20 IIMs offer MBA courses; some of them offer EPGP, FPM, MPD and Integrate MBA courses.

The full time Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, are the flagship programs across all IIMs. The full time MBA degree is offered as a two-year Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) or the one-year global MBA.

Apart from the 20 premier business schools, there are many other reputed business management institutes across India, which provide high standard management education in India. Browse the map above to check the location and other details of business management colleges in India.

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Medical Colleges in India

An interactive map that shows important medical colleges across India for MBBS degree, including AIIMS and other government and private medical colleges.

Medical Education in India

India has a vast network of medical colleges offering MBBS degree. MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate program. The fifth year is for CRRI apprenticeship (Compulsory Rotating Residential Internship) that is carried out in the field in some government medical college for practical hands-on.

The MBBS degree is a Modern Scientific Medicine practice established by Indian Medical Council Act 1956 and continued in National Medical Commission Act 2019. After MBBS, the doctors register with state medical councils recognized by the Medical Council of India. The MBBS programme is followed by a post-graduate study in surgical specialisations called the MS, a post-graduate course in medical specialties called the MD, or a diploma postgraduate programme in two years called the DNB in any medical or surgical speciality. Only MS or MD holders are permitted to pursue super- or sub-specialties.

Beginning in 2021, admission to medical school is determined on one's performance on the NEET (UG). Some institutions include the Christian Medical College, Kasturba Medical College, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education.

These are some of the top medical colleges in India offering MBBS degree programs. However, there are many other reputed medical colleges across the country. Aspiring medical students should research and choose a college that best fits their needs and preferences.

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Engineering Colleges in India

An interactive map that show colleges and universities across India for studies in engineering and science streams as well as for higher research.

Technical Education in India

India is home to a large number of engineering colleges, with many of them offering world-class education and training in various fields of engineering. These colleges are spread across different parts of the country and offer different specializations in engineering.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is considered the most prestigious engineering college in India. It has 23 campuses across the country and is renowned for its research and education in the fields of engineering, technology, and science. Other notable engineering colleges include the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT).

Apart from these top-tier institutions, there are many other private and government engineering colleges in India that offer excellent education and training. Many of these colleges offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, computer science, and electronics and communication engineering.

Admission to engineering colleges in India is highly competitive and based on a rigorous entrance examination known as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for undergraduate programs and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for postgraduate programs. Overall, India has a vibrant and thriving engineering education ecosystem that offers students a wide range of opportunities to pursue their passion and excel in their chosen field.

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Ukraine Russia War Map

An interactive map that shows ground positions of the respective troops involved on the either sides in the Ukraine Russia war. The Russo-Ukrainian war is an ongoing international conflict between Russia, alongside Russian-backed separatists, and Ukraine. The map shows the regions occupied by Russia inside Ukraine, and also the held or regained regions by Ukraine, along with the major bombing areas and strategic locations and border crossings.

Ukraine Russia War

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014, after Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted following massive protests in Kiev. Russia annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian territory, in March 2014, and supported separatist rebels in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine.

The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of civilians, and ongoing ceasefire agreements have failed to bring a lasting end to the fighting. The war has also had economic consequences, with both Ukraine and Russia imposing economic sanctions on each other.

The conflict is fueled by historical, political, and cultural differences between the two countries. Ukraine has sought closer ties with the West, including joining the European Union and NATO, while Russia sees Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence and a buffer against Western expansion.

The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with the United States and European Union imposing sanctions on Russia for its involvement in the conflict. The war has also had broader implications for global politics, with tensions rising between Russia and the West and concerns over the potential for further conflict.

Efforts to resolve the conflict have included diplomatic negotiations, peace talks, and ceasefires, but a lasting resolution has yet to be achieved. The conflict remains a major challenge for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.

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Backwaters of Kerala

An interactive map that shows ferry routes in the scenic backwaters of Kerala. The map comprise a serene stretch of backwater lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The backwater regions of Kerala are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala, a state located on the southwestern coast of India, is famous for its natural beauty, including its backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique network of interconnected lagoons, lakes, and canals that lie parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of the state of Kerala in India. These backwaters are a network of more than 900 sq km of waterways, and they are a significant feature of Kerala's landscape and culture.

The backwaters are formed by the network of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala. They are fed by 38 rivers and several small streams that flow down from the Western Ghats. The backwaters are located along the entire length of Kerala's coastline, but the most extensive network is in the Kuttanad region, which is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. The network of waterways covers a vast area, connecting several districts in the state, including Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique ecosystem, providing a habitat for many aquatic animals and plants. The area is also an important breeding ground for many species of fish, including prawns, crabs, and oysters. The waters are rich in nutrients and support a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins and otters.

The backwaters of Kerala also play an essential role in the state's economy, serving as a major transportation route for goods and people. Traditional rice barges known as Kettuvallams or houseboats are a popular mode of transportation and are widely used for tourism. These houseboats are made from natural materials such as bamboo, coir, and wood and have become a significant tourist attraction. Kettuvallams are traditional boats that have been converted into luxurious floating homes. These houseboats come equipped with all the amenities one would find in a modern hotel room, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Tourists can spend their days cruising along the waterways, taking in the scenic beauty of the region, while enjoying traditional Kerala cuisine..

Tourism in the backwaters of Kerala has grown significantly in recent years, with tourists from all over the world coming to experience the unique beauty and tranquility of the backwaters. The houseboats offer a unique experience, with the opportunity to see the local communities that live along the waterways and to witness their traditional way of life. Many houseboats are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, and provide a comfortable and luxurious way to explore the backwaters.

Apart from tourism, the backwaters of Kerala are also used for fishing and agriculture. The waterways provide irrigation for the rice paddies and other crops, and fishing is an important source of income for many communities. The local people have developed unique methods of fishing, including the use of traditional Chinese fishing nets, which are a common sight along the waterways.

The backwaters of Kerala are a essential and vital aspect of the state's culture and economy. They offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of the waterways and to witness the traditional way of life of the local communities. With its rich ecosystem and vibrant culture, the backwaters of Kerala are a true wonder of nature that should be experienced by anyone who loves nature and adventure.

In conclusion, the backwaters of Kerala are a unique ecosystem that plays a vital role in the state's cultural and economic landscape. The waterways are not only a source of livelihood for the local population but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance, the backwaters of Kerala are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the southern part of India.

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The Historic Silk Route

An interactive map that shows the land and sea routes and important locations of the historic Silk Route that was the used as trade network.

The Silk Route for Trade

The historic Silk Route refers to the vast network of trade routes that connected East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe through a complex web of land and sea routes. The Silk Route was established more than 2,000 years ago and remained a crucial trade network for more than a millennium. It facilitates the trades between Asian and European countries until the 15th century AD. For almost 17 centuries the Silk Road was the biggest world trade network.

The name "Silk Route" comes from the fact that one of the most valuable commodities traded along these routes was silk from China, which was highly prized in the ancient world.

The Silk Route was not a single road or route, but rather a series of interconnected paths that spanned thousands of miles across Asia and Europe. Merchants would travel from one city to another, trading their goods along the way. Along the route, various cities emerged as key trading centers, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Kashgar in Central Asia, and Constantinople (now Istanbul) in Europe.

The Silk Route facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture across Asia and beyond. In addition to silk, merchants traded spices, tea, porcelain, jade, ivory, and other luxury goods. The route also played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism from India to East Asia, as well as the transmission of Islamic culture and knowledge from the Middle East to Central Asia.

The Silk Route was not without its challenges, however. Traveling merchants faced many dangers, including bandits, extreme weather conditions, and political instability. Despite these challenges, the Silk Route continued to thrive for centuries, and its legacy can still be seen today in the many historical sites, artifacts, and cultural traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

The Silk Route was a remarkable feat of human ingenuity, spanning thousands of miles across multiple continents and connecting peoples and cultures from across the ancient world. Its impact on history and culture is immeasurable, and its legacy continues to inspire us today.

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Reserve Forests & National Parks in India

An interactive map that shows reserve forests and national parks in India, for nature-lovers and enthusiast, with nearest connectivity point.

Forests Cover in India

India's climate mirrors its geographical diversity, with the majority of the country experiencing a tropical climate. And so, a dominant part of the natural vegetation in India are covered by Tropical Evergreen forests.

Since 19.53% in the early 1980s, India's forest cover has increased to 21.71% in 2021. Adding to this a notional 2.91% tree cover estimated in 2021, the country's total green cover now stands at 24.62%, on paper.

Area-wise, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra. In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, the top five States are Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland. Mizoram has nearly 90% area of state under forest, followed by Arunachal Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has largest area under forest.

Haryana had the lowest forest cover with respect to total geographical area in India at 3.63 percent. Trailing closely behind was the state of Punjab with 3.67 percent forest cover. Both Haryana and Punjab are located in the northern part of India.

Flora and Fauna in India

The Tropical forests in India support a variety of ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna. Forests include tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and dedious forests, tropical dry deciduous, and thorn forests, littoral and swamp forests, subtropical hill, and pine forests, wet temperate forests, Himalayan moist, and dry temperate forests, sub-alpine, and moist alpine forests.

Wild lifes include Asian elephants, Indian (Bengal) tigers, different types of leopards, one-horned Rhinos (Assam, West Bengal), wild buffalos, monkeys, langur, gibbons, serows, bears, deer, sambar, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, macaque, lemurs, sloths, squirrels, king cobras, Indian pythons, snails, innumerable endangered birds, which include owls, bats, vultures, eagles, hawks, and more.

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The Ramayana Tour (In Sri Lanka)

An interactive map that shows the places associated with Hindu mythological cum historical epic Ramayana in Sri Lanka.

Ramayana Proofs in Sri Lanka

As we all know, during exile Sita was abducted by demon king Ravana from Lanka. Lord Rama gathered an army of monkeys and bears to search for her. The allies attacked Lanka, killed Ravana, rescued Sita, and crowned Ravana's brother Vibhishana the king of Lanka and restored rule of law.

The island country Sri Lanka boasts something around fifty Ramayana-related sites, ranging from Sita's imprisonment to the battlegrounds where Rama defeated Ravana. Sri Lanka Ramayana tour mainly focus on the Ramayana historical places in the country that are truly living witnesses of the epic in Sri Lanka. These include places like such as Rama temples in Chilaw and Trincomalee, Ravana's palace in Sigiriya hill top, Ashoka Vatika in Nuwara Eliya where Sita was imprisoned, Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, Ravana Water Fall and Ravana Caves, Ussanggoda torched areas where Hanuman was set to fire with his tail, Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple in Colombo, etc.

Hence, with the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka, one can get an opportunity to discover the mythological as well as historical sites that have their mentions in the Hindu epic of Ramayana that was written in approximately 200 B.C.E, that’s seven thousand years back!

In order to complete visiting all these Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka, one would need at least 7-8 days to maximum 13-14 days, depending on tourist’s available time for the tour. The tour would start from the capital city Colombo, and then subsequent transfers (in the order) to the locations Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kataragama. Finally take a flight from Mattala (near Kataragama) and get back to Colombo. Please browse the above map in this sequence.

Jai Shree Rama

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The Ramayana Tour (In India)

An interactive map that follows the sacred places and the associated travel routes related to the path taken by Lord Shree Rama during His exile in the Epic Ramayana.

The Ramayana Tour

The Indian Railways has started a tour called the ‘Shri Ramayana Yatra’ on 7 November 2021 that covers the sacred places associated to Ramayana. The tour, also called the Ramayana circuit tour, got an overwhelming response with 100% occupancy. According to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the “Shri Ramayana Yatra” theme based pilgrimage tour "Dekho Apna Desh" (Trans. See Our Country) initiative launched as an appeal by the Prime Minister to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.

The deluxe air-conditioned tourist train on the Ramayana circuit covers the prominent sacred places that are associated with the life of Lord Rama. The tour package of 16 Nights/17 Days will cover Delhi, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Prayag, Nasik, Hampi, Chitrakoot and Rameshwaram.

Some of the major tourist attractions that the tour covers are Ram janmbhoomi temple, Hanuman garhi, Saryu Ghat, Bharat-Hanuman Temple, Bharat kund, Ram-Janki Mandir, Janaki Mandir at Sitamarhi, Punaura Dham, Tulsi Manas temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Vishwanath temple, Sita Mata temple, Bharadwaj Ashram, Ganga-Yamuna Sangam, Hanuman temple, Shringe Rishi Samadhi and Shanta Devi Temple, Ram Chaura, Gupta Godawari, Ramghat, Bharat Milap temple, Sati Anusuiya temple, Trayambkeshwar temple, Panchvati, Sita gufa, Kalaram temple, Anjanadri Hill, Rishimukh Island, Sugreeva cave, Chintamani temple, Malyavantha Raghunath temple, Shiva temple and Dhanushkodi.

As per details available on the IRCTC website, in 1AC class, single occupancy charges Rs 1,12,955 per person; twin occupancy charges Rs 1,02,095 per person; triple occupancy charges Rs 1,02,095 per person; occupancy for child with bed charge Rs 93,335; occupancy for child without bed charge Rs 91,185. While in 2AC class of the tourist train, single occupancy charges Rs 93,810 per person; twin occupancy charges Rs 82,950; triple occupancy charges Rs 82,950; occupancy for child with bed charges Rs 74,185; occupancy for child without bed charges Rs 72,040.

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Indian Places of Worship in the US

An interactive map that shows Indian Places of Worship and Community Centers in the US that includes mainly Hindu and Sikh Places of Worship and Community Centers.

Indian Places of Worship and Community Centers

Indian communities have a rich cultural heritage that has been influenced by various religions and traditions. Among the major religious communities in the Indian diaspora in the United States are Hindus and Sikhs.

Hindus are the largest religious group among Indian immigrants in the US. They have contributed significantly to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the country. They have established temples, cultural centers, and community organizations that promote Indian culture, traditions, and values. Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri are widely celebrated across the country, and many Americans participate in these events.

Sikhs, on the other hand, are a religious minority in India but have a significant presence in the US. They are recognized for their unique identity, including their distinct dress and turban. Sikhism is based on the principles of equality, justice, and community service. Sikhs have contributed to the US economy as entrepreneurs and professionals, and they have also played a significant role in community service and charity work.

Apart from Hindus and Sikhs, there are other Indian communities in the US, such as Jains, Buddhists, and Muslims. These communities have also made significant contributions to the country in various fields, including business, education, and technology.

The Indian community in the United States has grown significantly in recent years, and with it, the number of Indian Places of Worships across the country has also increased. These Places of Worships serve as a center for the Indian community to come together, connect with their culture, and worship their deities. Indian Americans gather at these community centers to celebrate festivals, cultural events, and other social gatherings. They are an important part of the Indian diaspora, providing a sense of belonging to the community.

The first Indian temple in the US was established in San Francisco in 1906. Since then, the number of Indian temples across the country has grown significantly. Today, there are over 500 Indian temples in the US, ranging from small, community-based temples to large, ornate ones. Some major Indian Places of Worship and community centers in the US are shown in the above map.

In conclusion, Indian Places of Worship and Community Centers in the US are an integral part of the Indian community, providing a sense of belonging and identity to the community. They reflect the Indian diaspora's cultural and social identity and serve as a community center for social and cultural events. These facilities play a vital role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, making them an essential part of the wider American society.

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J&K Region Explained

An interactive map that shows the divisions and areas of Jammu-Kashmir that are illegally occupied by Pakistan and China across the Line of Control (LOC) and the Chinese LOC. Note the area that resides inside the LOC and Chinese LOC lines that is now left with India after Pakistan and China's illegal occupations. Click to expand the legend button on top-left corner of the map window and check the content details. Zoom-in or out and play around the map to check the locations.

Jammu & Kashmir Disputed Area

Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India that has a complex history and a disputed present status. Here's a brief overview of the state on history and present status:

History:
The region was ruled by various dynasties and kingdoms throughout history, including the Mauryas, Mughals, Sikhs, and Dogras. In 1947, when India gained independence from British rule, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir had to decide whether to join India or Pakistan. The ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, initially wanted to remain independent but eventually decided to join India. Pakistan, however, disputed this decision and sent troops to seize the region. This led to the First Indo-Pakistan War in 1947-48, which ended with a ceasefire line known as the Line of Control (LoC) dividing the region into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, there have been several other wars and conflicts between India and Pakistan over the region, including the Kargil War in 1999.

Present status:
India considers Jammu and Kashmir to be an integral part of its territory, while Pakistan claims the region as its own and supports separatist movements within it. In 2019, the Indian government revoked the region's special autonomous status, which had been granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The move was controversial and has been criticized by many, including some human rights organizations, for being undemocratic and violating the rights of the region's residents. Since then, the region has been under direct control of the Indian central government and divided into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Indian government has said that its aim is to integrate the region more fully into the rest of India and bring development and prosperity to its people. However, critics say that the move is part of a larger Hindu nationalist agenda and has led to increased tensions and violence in the region.

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Doklam Standoff

An interactive map that shows the ground situation of the Doklam Standoff between Chinese Army and Indian Army, resulted due to China’s invasion, provocation, encroachment, and infiltration into the Doklam area of Bhutan.

Doklam Disputed Area

Doklam (Donglang in Chinese) is an area spread over less than a 100 sq. km comprising a plateau and a valley at the trijunction of borders between India, Bhutan and China. It is surrounded by the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, Bhutan’s Ha Valley and Sikkim state of India.

As the world knows, China has a peculiar obsession for grabbing lands of neighbouring countries for its territorial expansion through illegal encroachments and occupation. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China under its government’s directions, is actively involved in infiltration and invasion into other’s areas across the borders in the name of safeguarding the Chinese territory.

The Doklam standoff between China and India is the result of one such illegal encroachments by China into Bhutan’s territory across the borders at Doklam. The military standoff between PLA and the Indian Armed Forces occurred over an issue of Chinese construction of a road in Doklam. On 16 June 2017, the standoff arose as China attempted to extend a road into the Doklam plateau southwards near the Doka La pass, an area claimed by both China and Bhutan. India have acted on behalf of Bhutan, with which it has a 'special relationship', and stopped the aggression of the Chinese military at Doklam. Bhutan has formally objected to China's road construction in the area.

Several reports say the Chinese side is continuously beefing up its military presence near the disputed Doklam area after the month’s long standoff in the summer of 2017. Recent satellite images and intelligence reports show the Chinese have erected several permanent military posts, a few helipads and new trenches not very far from where the two Armies faced off. The above map describes the Doklam disputed area with the borders claimed by either countries.

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Wonders and Mysteries of the World

An interactive map that shows the new and ancient seven wonders of the world, along with other mysteries of the world. Click to expand the legend button on top-left corner of the map window and check the content details. Zoom-in or out and play around the map to check the locations.

Wonders of the World

Wonders of the World are the collection of outstanding creation of human from classical antiquity to Modern World. These buildings or structures witness the whole span of human history, from the earliest time that Man began to make his mark upon the Earth, and are places that are considered to be of great importance.

There have been many lists of Wonders of the World throughout history, but the most widely recognized and agreed upon are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The New Seven Wonders of the World:
- Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications that stretches across northern China.
- Petra of Jordan: An ancient city carved into the rock in present-day Jordan.
- Christ the Redeemer: A statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Machu Picchu: An ancient Incan city located in the Andes mountains of Peru.
- Chichen Itza: A complex of Mayan ruins in Mexico.
- Roman Colosseum: A massive amphitheater in Rome, Italy, where gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles were held.
- Taj Mahal: A mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World:
- Great Pyramid of Giza: Located in Egypt, it is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Believed to have been located in modern-day Iraq, the gardens were a spectacular feat of engineering and horticulture.
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Located in Turkey, the temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis and was one of the largest buildings of the ancient world.
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia: A massive statue of the Greek god Zeus, it was housed in a temple in Olympia, Greece.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: A tomb for a wealthy Persian ruler, the mausoleum was located in present-day Turkey.
- Colossus of Rhodes: A huge bronze statue of the Greek god Helios, it stood at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes in present-day Greece.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria: Located in Egypt, the lighthouse was one of the tallest man-made structures of the ancient world and served as a navigational aid for sailors.

The Seven Wonders of the Nature:
Similar to the man-made lists of seven wonders, there is a list of seven natural wonders of the world, but there is no consensus among the experts and judges as there has been debate over how large such a list should be. In 1997 CNN compiled the following list of seven natural wonders of the World:
- Aurora: Natural light display in the polar regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic).
- Grand Canyon: Spectacular river valley in the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, United States.
- Great Barrier Reef: World's largest coral reef system off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
- Harbor of Rio de Janeiro: Oceanic bay located in southeastern coastline of Brazil.
- Mount Everest: Earth's highest mountain above sea level on the border of Nepal and China.
- Parícutin Volcano: Cinder cone volcano located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico.
- Victoria Falls: Gigantic waterfall on the Zambezi River in southern Africa on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

New Seven Wonders of the Nature:
A similar new list of seven natural wonders chosen through a global poll, was organized from 2007 to 2011 by the same group, is lested below:
- Iguazu Falls: Gorgeous waterfall on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná.
- Hạ Long Bay: Means "The bay where dragons landed", is a maze of jewel-like islands in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
- Jeju Island: Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes in the Jeju Province of South Korea.
- Puerto Princesa Underground River: 8.2 km long underground river boasts jaw-dropping cave formations, stunning limestone cliffs in Palawan, Philippines.
- Table Mountain: Flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town, South Africa.
- Komodo Island: The land of dragons, unexplored marine life, and exotic beaches, one of the 17,508 islands that comprise the Republic of Indonesia.
- Amazon Rainforest: Tropical rainforest located in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

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Mumbai Flood Prone Areas

An interactive map that shows flood-prone areas in the Mumbai city. The map has been created based on flooding and water logging data observed in news and local sources based on Mumbai flooding incidences reported in 2005, 2015, 2017 and 2018. The red dots shows the major locations known for water logging and the pale blue polygons show the approximate extent of the water logging area based on news reporting or local knowledge.

Mumbai Overview

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state of India, is a densely populated city on the western coast of Indian peninsula. A cosmopolitan metropolis, earlier known as Bombay, Mumbai is also the largest city in India. Mumbai is undoubtedly the commercial capital of India and is one of the predominant port cities in the country. Mumbai's nature, as the most heterogeneous and multicultural Indian city, is symbolized in the presence of the Bollywood industry within the city, the center of the globally-influential Hindi film and TV industries. It is also home to India's largest slum population.

Mumbai is called as an island city because of its nature of origin. It was originally a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline, which over time were joined through land-fillings to form the island city of Greater Bombay. The city has an estimated metropolitan population of about 22.05 million in 2018, making it the 4th most populous city in the world and one of the populous urban regions in the world.

Mumbai is an efficient city in some ways, but this reputation depends on fair weather. It turns into a soggy mess with the arrival of a monsoon. This year (2018) the season has begun with the spectacular collapse of a pedestrian bridge on a crucial railway line in Andheri, causing injuries and overall urban paralysis. Not even a year has passed since the ghastly stampede on a foot over bridge at Elphinstone Road station, that took over 20 lives. The recurrent disasters involving infrastructure are proof of the indifference among policymakers to the city’s needs, even as they speak of a ‘global standard’ of living, which is highly questionable.

Mumbai Flooding Problems

Come monsoon season and Mumbai, the so called to be a global city, turns into an ugly gutter with flooding and water logging in many parts of the city, disrupting the normal life of the city to almost standstill position. There are some specific areas in the city which are highly prone to flooding and water logging; the first name that comes to this list is the Hindmata area. It’s like the epicenter of news when it rains heavily in Mumbai. Few hours of heavy rain and this place starts drowning. Apart from this places like Kurla, Sion, King Circle, Dadar, and Matunga are prone to severe flooding. Moving to the western part of the town, Juhu, Bandra, Mahim, Santacruz, and Kalina are areas where it rains a lot and these areas are also prone to fill in fast. These areas form the backbone of Mumbai, connecting the island city to its suburbs, or forming entry points to the suburbs. All these flooding and water logging cause public and private transport coming to a standstill, with loss of lives and properties.

Although, it floods every monsoon, the civic body refuses to listen to residents’ claims, said activists. As somebody says, “Mumbai will flood, it will flood every monsoon…, and there is only one reason for that, that is, the people of Mumbai and also those who rules the city…” Obviously, the people of Mumbai are responsible because they throw all their waste garbage here and there, which flows in gutter and blocks all the sewage pipes which results in water logging, and hence cause flooding Mumbai City. Similarly, the civic body is also equally responsible for these floods because of their negligence behavior, lack of planning ability, incompetent planners and engineers, and top of all, a corruption-prone and unethical mindset of the people who are responsible for management of the Mumbai civic system.

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Dangerous Places on Earth

An interactive map that shows most thrilling and dangerous places of the world, which one would not dare to visit in general. These places include dangerous country-borders and locations, which are considered as life-threatening, hazardous, or risky for normal life survival. In the map the red circles with skull symbol shows dangerous locations, whereas the yellow lines show the dangerous country-borders. Click on these features to know more details about it.

Dangerous Places on Earth

When we say the world is a beautiful place to stay or roam around, we should put exception to some places though. Because not all places on this earth are beautiful; some are dangerous too. From deadly earthquake-prone locations to areas with a surplus of crime, there are places on earth that are considered as life-threatening, hazardous, or risky for normal life survival. It’s now easier than ever to visit distant locations around the world. But just how there are beautiful places to visit, there are places that are definitely not tourist-friendly. Of all the places to go on your next vacation, these places should not be on your travel list. You might consider not visiting these places when planning your next trip.

The above map tries to explore and summarize such places on the interactive online map for quick reference.

The definition of dangerous places on earth can be explained as two types - ones that are naturally dangerous for humans to strive, and others that are dangerous because we humans have made it so for ourselves. Places like hurricane-prone areas, harsh deserts, or earthquake or volcano-prone regions comes under the first category, whereas places like most of the war-torn regions, disputed country-borders, or nuclear leakage and contaminated sites, crime-ridden cities, etc. comes under the second category of dangerous places on earth. When we obviously can't do anything for the first category; we can definitely control the second category if we have will-power and understanding and make the world a better place to live.

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The Great Wall of China

An illustrative and detailed map showing the greater geographical extents and ground points of the Great Wall of China, including the Great Wall Traces, Forts, Watchtower and Beacons, identified through various times of the Chinese Dynasties, started from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), continued through Han, Liao, and Jin Dynasties, and finally entering the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664 CE).


Data Source: The KMZ files of the Great Wall of China is freely available to download at the site researchgate.net.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the most extraordinary feature of engineering in history and one of the most iconic man-made structures on the planet. It is the ultimate wonder of the world. It took more time, more people, and more material to build this mega structure than any other man-made features on this planet. The world’s longest wall is the biggest and an awe-inspiring feat of ancient Chinese defensive architecture. The Chinese great wall winds its way across west to east breadths of China, generally built along the historical northern borders of China, scaling all kind of terrains: deserts, rocky mountain peaks, valleys and deep gorges, till it reaches the sea in the far east. Some sources claim that a trace of the Great Wall of China is visible from the space as well.

But why did the Chinese go to that staggering length to build it. Well, as I read somewhere, the wall was the result of immense blood, sweet and fear the ancient Chinese people faced. The ancient northern borders of China were battle grounds of frequent invasions from the fearsome horse-riding archers - the Xiongnu. This forced the Chinese emperors to adopt a radical strategy; they decided to build a wall - a linear complex fortress. It was built to keep out the raiding parties of nomadic tribes of the Eurasian Steppe, including the Mongols, Turic and Xiongnu, of modern-day Mongolia and Manchuria and to protect the Chinese states, empires, and the Han people from these invaders. With the wall height raising up to 20 feet, the wall distinctively changed the landscape across the territories, blocking strategic week points and passing through various terrains, and evolved over 400 years and 6000 miles.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials. Millions of the people were involved in construction of the Great Wall over various times of the Chinese Dynasties, started in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), continued through Han, Liao, and Jin Dynasties, and finally took advanced shape during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664 CE). The labour force used to build the Great Wall were not very skilled craftsmen or engineers, but were common workers, soldiers, forcibly recruited farmers, slaves, convicts and war prisoners. Even then the Great Wall of China carries a simple yet sophisticated and wonderful design; simple enough to be built quickly and with locally available materials and sophisticated enough that still stand upright after centuries.

How I created this map

The KML file that I downloaded from the above-mentioned source was suitable for opening in Google Earth Pro desktop application, but was not suitable for opening on top of online Google Map. So, I studied the content and structure of the KML, made some changes using normal code editors, like Notepad++, SciTE Text Editor, and made changes so that all layers open in Google Map. I have edited the KML files to remove the folder view and converted the data for normal layered view. And then I have added generalised lines to show the extents of the great walls. The KML file was containing various point locations of the of the great walls, like pillar or post locations, fort positions, location of beacons or watchtowers. I interpreted these point locations on top of satellite image in Google Map and tried to draw the traces of the great walls in various dynasties as shown in the map.

Seeing the vastness of the Great Walls of China, it is difficult to draw the exact extents of the walls with precise orientations and alignments. But I have tried to use my best judgment, with whatever time available, to compare the KML data with the impressions seen in the background Satellite image and decide on the positioning of the wall. Somewhere it could be correct, somewhere it might not be accurate. I leave it on the viewer to interpret accordingly. After all, this map created just to explain the extents of the Great Walls of China and to show why it is considered as a wonder of the world.

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Seven Sisters of the North-East India

An informative map showing the geographical positions of the seven north-eastern sister states of India. Click on the polygons to know details about that state in the Legend Box.

The North-East Region of India

In India, North-East is a cumulative synonym for the seven north-eastern states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. These states cover about 8% of India's total area. Although there is great ethnic and religious diversity within these seven states, they bear similarities in terms of the political, social and economic spheres. The land of North East India has the most eco-friendly destinations full of natural attractions, the great wildlife, adventure options, tribal attractions and much more for perfect unexplored holiday tours.

The Northeast region can be physiographically categorised into the Eastern Himalayas, Northeast Hills (Patkai-Naga Hills and Lushai Hills) and the Brahmaputra and the Barak Valley Plains. The region is covered by the mighty Brahmaputra-Barak river systems and their tributaries. Northeast India has a subtropical climate that is influenced by its relief and influences from the southwest and northeast monsoons. It is the rainiest region in the country, with many places receiving an average annual precipitation of 2,000 mm (79 in), which is mostly concentrated in summer during the monsoon season. Cherrapunji, located on the Meghalaya plateau is the rainiest place in the world with an annual precipitation of 11,418.7 mm (449.6 in).

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

An informative map showing locations of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Google map, scattered across various countries worldwide. Click on the red circular dots on the map, representing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to know more details.


Data Source: UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Official World Heritage List in other formats

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties. The sites are judged important to the collective interests of humanity.

There are various parameters that needs to be fulfilled for a site or place to be selected by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. It should have either historical importance or should represent scientific or cultural value of the civilization. Once a site is selected as World Heritage Site, it is the responsibility of the central government of the country in which the site is located to protect and preserve it for future. India is fortunate enough that it has many sites selected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites owning to its rich and diverse heritage covering scientific, cultural, historical significance. As of 2018, India has 36 heritage sites, the sixth most of any country (Wikipedia), representing magnificent specimens of architecture, unique traditions of culture and amazing natural objects.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are generally the places of tourist attraction and attract people from all over the world to visit them. Hence, it would be helpful for people, mainly like tourists, to know about the location and surroundings of these places before planning a tour. The above map was created after grooming the freely available KML file from the above-mentioned data source.

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The Bermuda Triangle

An interesting illustrative map showing the geographical extents of the Bermuda Triangle in the Atlantic Ocean, along with the approximate locations of the unsolved incidents that have happened in the region.

The Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a loosely-defined region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, where a number of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Bermuda Triangle extents are defined between Bermuda Island, Puerto Rico Island and Miami Beach in Florida as shown in the above map. The Bermuda Triangle has long been believed to be the site where a number of mysterious plane and boat incidents have occurred. While it has become part of popular culture to link the Bermuda Triangle to paranormal activity, most investigations indicate bad weather and human error are the more likely culprits.

Research has suggested that many original reports of strange incidents in the Bermuda Triangle were exaggerated and that the actual number of incidents in the area is similar to that of other parts of the ocean. While its reputation may scare some people, the Bermuda Triangle is actually part of a regularly sailed shipping lane with cruise ships and other boats also frequently sailing through the area.

But nevertheless, whether Bermuda Triangle is a myth or an unsolved mystery, the following incidents, which I compiled from various sources in the internet, also illustrated in the above map, can't be denied to have all really happened at the region!

Deering Shipwreak: On January 31, 1921, Carroll A. Deering a coal cargo vessel was sighted run aground on Diamond Shoals, an area off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, that has long been notorious as a common site of shipwrecks.

Flight 19 Disappearance: Flight 19 was the designation of a group of five Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle on December 5, 1945 after losing contact during a United States Navy overwater navigation training flight from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The same night the incidents happened, two Martin Mariner planes were sent for search operation, but then one of them never returned. A passing by freighter ship SS Gaines Mill reported that they saw a huge explosion on the ocean at a distance, but nothing was found in that reported spot.

Star Tiger and Star Ariel Disappearance: G-AHNP Star Tiger disappeared on January 30, 1948, on a flight from Azores to Bermuda, and G-AGRE Star Ariel disappeared on January 17, 1949, on a flight from Bermuda to Kingston, Jamaica. Both were Avro Tudor IV passenger aircraft operated by British South American Airways. Both planes were operating at the very limits of their range and the slightest error or fault in the equipment could keep them from reaching the small island Bermuda Triangle.

Douglas DST airliner Disappearance: The disappearance of a Douglas DST airliner, registered NC16002, occurred on the night of 28 December 1948 near the end of a scheduled flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Miami, Florida.

KC-135 Stratotanker Collided: On August 28, 1963, a pair of US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft collided and crashed into the Atlantic. The Bermuda Triangle version of this story specifies that they did collide and crash, but there were two distinct crash sites, separated by over 160 miles (260 km) of water.

Ellen Austin Encounter: One of the more fascinating oceanic tales is that of the strange encounter between the Ellen Austin and an abandoned vessel found adrift near the Bermuda Triangle. The Ellen Austin‘s captain sent two separate crews to bring the vessel to New York as a salvage prize, however both crews mysteriously vanished, and the derelict was lost forever.

USS Cyclops Missing: The incident resulting in the single largest loss of life in the history of the US Navy not related to combat occurred when the cargo collier Cyclops, carrying a full load of manganese ore and with one engine out of action, went missing without a trace with a crew of 309 sometime after March 4, 1918, after departing the island of Barbados.

Connemara IV Drifting: A pleasure yacht was found adrift in the Atlantic south of Bermuda on September 26, 1955. The crew of the yacht vanished while the yacht survived being at sea during three hurricanes. An investigation revealed that she had dragged her moorings and gone to sea.

Marine Sulphur Queen Disappearance: SS Marine Sulphur Queen, a T2 tanker converted to carry molten sulphur, noted for its disappearance in 1963 near the southern coast of Florida, taking the lives of 39 crew members on board. On February 2nd 1963, Marine Sulphur Queen started her ill fated voyage from Beaumont, Texas destined towards Norfolk when she was carrying over 15000 tons of molten sulphur.

USS Proteus Disappearance: The USS Proteus (AC-9) was a Navy collier that had been converted into a merchant ship. It was never heard from again after November 23, 1941, when it left from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, bound for an East Coast port in the United States. The approximately 540-foot-long (165 meters) ship was carrying 58 crew men and a cargo of Bauxite ore to be made into aluminum, appears lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle.

USS Nereus Disappearance: USS Nereus (AC-10) was one of four Proteus-class colliers built for the United States Navy before World War I. The craft was named after the mythological Greek sea God Nereus, meaning protector of sailors. The USS Nereus was lost at sea sometime after 10 December 1941, at it mad its way to Portland, Maine, from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. It disappeared with a crew of 61 along the same route as its sister-ship, the USS Proteus, had disappeared in the previous month.

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Petroleum Production Sites of the World

An illustrative map showing petroleum production sites and their respective generalized petroleum basins occurring globally. In the map, “Oil Production Site” means the oil drills from where petroleum is recovered from the earth surface. And “Oil Field Basin” means a system of source and reservoir rocks where petroleum was formed, migrated and trapped. Click on the Oil Production Sites (red circles) or the Oil Field Basins (orange polygons) to know details about them.


Map Source and Credits:

1. Oil Production Sites (Point data): Giant Oil and Gas Fields of the World (Compiled by M.K. Horn)
2. Generalised Oil Field Basins (Polygonals): Drawn by Vinod Rowmuria, author of this blog site, taking reference from petroleum geology literatures.

What is this Map about?

Today’s world economy is driven by crude oil and the petroleum industry. Petroleum is the main source of energy till date and it is essential to maintain the present industrial civilization. Many industries run on petroleum products. And therefore its availability is a critical concern for many nations worldwide. The world has seen many wars because of this black gold.

Have you wondered how and where on this earth petroleum is produced? Going back to some basic geology, petroleum is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon material that is believed to have formed from animal and vegetable debris buried in deep sedimentary rock beds for millions of years. The petroleum, being less dense than the surrounding water, was expelled from the source beds and migrated upward through porous rock such as sandstone and some limestone until it was finally blocked by nonporous rock such as shale or dense limestone. In this way, petroleum deposits came to be trapped by geologic features caused by the folding, faulting, and erosion of the Earth’s crust. See the image below to understand the five ways how petroleum reservoirs are formed in the earth crust.

Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling in the earth crust. Although natural petroleum springs or seepages are also found but such occurrences are very rare. Oil drilling comes after the studies of structural geology at the reservoir scale, sedimentary basin analysis, reservoir characterization, mainly in terms of the porosity and permeability of geologic reservoir structures. It is refined and separated, most easily by industrial distillation, into a large number of consumer products, from gasoline (petrol) and kerosene to asphalt and chemical reagents used to make plastics and pharmaceuticals. Petroleum is used in manufacturing a wide variety of materials, and it is estimated that the world consumes about 90 million barrels each day.

USA has come up as a huge contributor to the total petroleum production in the world. Its contribution amounts to almost 25% of the total production of petroleum globally. Subsequent contributors in this line of huge petroleum producing countries are Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, United Arab Emirates, etc. A complete list of countries by its petroleum production can be found here.

Petroleum is a fossil fuels. It take millions of years to form and therefore it is also considered to be a non-renewable energy source. We should use petroleum products (oil and gas) judiciously and try to save them as far as possible. Five ways how Petroleum reservoirs are formed can be understood from the self-explanatory image below. In the above map the Oil Production Sites i.e., those red circles represent the locations on the earth's surface from where the Petroleum reservoirs are accessed through sub-surface drilling to collect the crude oil from the trap shown below.

Subsurface accumulations of Oil and Gas in Reservoir

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