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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