With Popular Wineries, Learn the Things to Do in Mudgee! 

BY  sagnika Sep 20, 2023

Did you know that the United States took Alaska away from Russia? Do you know how far is Russia from Alaska? The two Diomedes Islands, belonging to the USA and Russia, have a mysterious relationship due to their standard time and geographical features. Read the article to uncover the truth behind the mysterious relationship! The two largest countries worldwide, the United States and Russia are 21 hours apart. Alaska is situated nearest to Russia, being a state of the U.S. The Bering Strait is the geographic point between the borders of Russia and the United States! Want to learn more about this point? Keep reading. Isn't it weird that Little Diomede residents depended on helicopters for food? Marine beings play an important role; hence, I will highlight the significance of aquatic animals in the mystery. Bridging Continents: Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska's Proximity! How far is Alaska from Russia? You have to read the article to learn about how the two nations, the United States and Russia, are claiming their rights on the two Diomedes Islands. Guess the interesting aspects of the Island and why it is all mysterious. The time and the geographical differences between the two points of the Islands make you question the International Date Line and the American-Russian maritime border. Being a day ahead by a day of the Big Diomedes as compared to Little Diomedes makes you question the time zone concerns! It is quite curious to know how the islands have been named and their significance concerning the history of Alaska and Russia. There are Alaskan natives to be considered among all these political, geographical, and time zone aspects. Want to know the distance between Alaska and Russia? Separated By Geography And United By Mystery! Want to know how far is Russia from Alaska? The closest geographical connection between Russia and Alaska is the Diomede Islands, which are 2.4 miles apart. Water is separating the two Islands, in another way, separating the two countries. The two islands are the extremes of the two countries, thus claiming the big and the little Diomedes Islands as the symbolic sentinels. The two countries have a history of heroic explorers who have sledded, kayaked, and swum across the distance. A 2.4-mile distance between the two Islands is connected with the water body, the Pacific Ocean. With a very rocky history, the Islands share an indigenous group of people; however, it needs to be considered more important by the nations. The Bering Strait The narrowest point between the Seward Peninsula (U.S.) and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) is 55 miles, separating Alaska from Russia. This waterway was discovered by a second European, a Danish explorer, Vitrus Bering, who inspired the Berling Strait. The first explorer of this frigid waterway was the Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev! Vitrus Bering named the place Greek Christian Saint Diomede because he discovered the Islands on 16 August 1728. This day coincides with the feast day. Hence, the Island was named the Big Diomede Island and the Little Diomede Island. The Bering Strait is significant because it is the only marine gateway that allows mass migration of gray whales, bowhead, and beluga. It is known as an important ecological zone for marine animals. Seals, walruses, fish, and other marine animals can access nutrient-rich Arctic Ocean environments through this zone. The Big Diomede Island The Ratmonov island is towards Russia and is also claimed as Russian Island, which is the nation's easternmost point. It was in 1867 that the Alaskan Territory was sold on a $7 million sale. During the Cold War and World War II, the Island was a perfect location for the outposts of the Soviet military. The rocky Island is flat and houses up to 11 species of birds with rough weather with clouds and storms. The Little Diomede Island Little Diomede Island is the smallest of the two Islands, with a population of 80 to 100 citizens! You can only access the Island by waterways or through one heliport in town. They receive their supplies from mainland Alaska as these are the only two ways! During the harsh winters, the Island is covered with thick ice sheets, so the locals must carve the ice sheets to create landing zones. It is situated in the eastern area. The Time Difference Between The Two Islands! So, if you are wondering, how far away is Alaska from Russia? The International Date Line (IDL) separates the two Islands, Big Diomedes Island and Little Diomedes Island, which makes the time difference so apparent! The Big Diomedes Island is known as Tomorrow Isle as it is 21 hours ahead of time. So, wanna know how far from Russia to Alaska? The Little Diomedes Island is known as the Yesterday Isle because it was further back then. Overall, the two islands are separated by 23 hours. The 9 hours have been adjusted concerning daylight saving time! Apart from that, 12 hours have been established for managing the timezone of the Island along with the nations! So now you have got the answer to your question, how far is Russia from Alaska! Alaska Was Taken Away From Russia! It was in 1867 that Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States, thus becoming a political separation. During this time, a new border was drawn across the two islands. During the Cold War, the section of the Bering Strait was nicknamed the "Ice Curtain" between the two Islands. The islands are situated south of the Arctic Circle, about 52 miles apart. Read More: Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip The Politics Of Diomede Islands! The Indigenous Inupiat people claim the two Diomedes Islands as theirs; however, both the nations, the USA and Russia, have disrespected these claims. The two countries have made national declarations regarding the Diomedes Islands as their extreme points. The Bering Strait can become a bottleneck for ship traffic that will pollute the ecosystem. The narrow area acts as a pathway with a fragile ecosystem with oil spills and engine noise. Finishing Off… So, to answer, how far is Russia from Alaska? For the answer, read the article! When learning about the political history of Alaska related to Russia and the USA, there is the question: How far is Russia from Alaska? It was important to understand how close the countries are, and yet there is a time gap between them. The interesting thing was naming the Islands and how it impacted people's perceptions. Apart from the mystery, the concern is how nobody is giving importance to the indigenous people of Alaska! The governments of both Russia and the United States are not concerned about the people. Comment to let us know your perspective on the time difference between the Big and Little Diomedes islands! Read Also: These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! Paradise Found: Exploring Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s Tropical Gem! Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville!

BY  Ankita May 1, 2024

India has some historical monuments that are not only wonders of India but also wonders of the world. Further, from Rishikesh in the north to Pondicherry in the south, India has many spiritual hubs scattered across the country.  In addition, due to the diverse landscape, it has Himalayan peaks, lush jungles, and the coastal life of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal.  So, as a first-time tourist or even the most seasoned traveler, finding the wonders of India can be overwhelming for you. Here is an attempt to curate eclectic destinations that cover the preferences of all tourists.  Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India: India has cultural and historic heritages, monuments, and national parks. Here is the list of the top 10 wonders of India that you must visit. Some of them are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Further, thanks to numerous government schemes and a development in the infrastructure, India has shown significant progress in the worldwide tourism scenario. The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 shows India's 39th position among the 119 countries. It is a proud moment, considering how it has advanced by 15 positions in respect to the 54th rank in 2021.  1. Taj Mahal Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visiting India and failing to visit the Taj Mahal means missing great opportunities to explore India. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his consort Mumtaz Mahal.  The architectural styles and the marble work of the Taj Mahal attract tourists from all over the world.  Talk to your tour guard about the slot for the best time touring the Taj Mahal. You will have an excellent opportunity to experience one of the world's great wonders. Direction: The nearest airport to Agra is Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport. Agra is only 200 km away from the IGI airport. You can get a cab from the airport or rent a car. 2. Red Fort Red Fort is a great edifice by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.  It is one of the best architectural wonders in India. When visiting India, you should not allow the Ref Fort to be out of your list of the top places to visit in India. This architectural marvel was constructed with red andstone which makes it look like a red aura that is nice to see. Most people who visit India don’t want to miss out on this excellent opportunity of visiting Red Fort. It will be more beautiful during Independence Day that is full of decorations and has a royal appearance. There is a Sound & Light show at Red Fort that is held every evening. It describes the history, tradition, and culture of the Mughal Emperor. Who will not want to make a feel of this when visiting India? No wonder it falls among the top 10 famous wonders of India. Direction: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk, and the nearest railway station is old Delhi. However, the nearest bus stand is Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand. 3. Sanchi Stupa Sanchi Stupa is a famous Buddhist architectural and cultural monument in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular tourist attraction sites that should not miss out on your list when touring India. It is a beautiful wonder in India with decorative images, designs, etc. Under the rule of Shunga, this monument was added with some more modifications like a beautiful harmonica on the top and stairways. It is excellent scenery for anyone who is visiting Australia. Direction: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj in Gandhi Nagar. Sachi stupa is only 55 k.m away from the airport. 4. Gateway of India This famous Indo-Saracen-style monument was built by British architect George Wittet in 1911. Gateway of India was made entirely of concrete and yellow-colored basalt rock, attracting many people. This glorious architectural marvel adds glory to Mumbai city with its massive structure. You can be sure of having a good time when touring the Gateway of India. Most people who have stepped on this ground will tell you it’s a fantastic experience. Directions: The Central Secretariat metro station is the nearest to the Gateway of India. From the metro station is the only 3k.m.   5. Khajuraho Temples Khajuraho’s group of temples is very famous for its architectural style and exotic sculptures. These temples from the Rajput Chandela Dynasty are holy sites in Jain and Hindu religions. By visiting this wonderful monument, you can experience the skills of architects of the 10th century. It will give you an exclusive opportunity to learn about the great wonders of India. Direction: Lucknow is the nearest airport to Khajuraho Temple. In Khajuraho, a single terminal airport connects to Lucknow airport. Flights to Khajuraho are available from Lucknow, Delhi, and Varanasi. 6. Qutub Minar Qutub Minar is a five-storied famous monument in Delhi by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak that shows his victory over Hindu rulers. This beautiful wonder was designed in complete Afghan style, and it will be very interesting to experience this place. It has several destroyed monuments and tombs that are a must-watch for the visitors. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would like to experience the top 10 famous wonders of India. Along with the Qutub Minar, you can see the non rusted iron pillar of Delhi within the same campus. Direction: The nearest metro station is the Qutub Minar metro station. And Mehrauli Bus stand is the nearest Bus stand of the Qutub Minar. 7. Ajanta And Ellora Caves Ajanta and Ellora caves are the best examples of beautiful paintings, sculptures, and murals in the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD.  This destination also has so much to talk about the history of India. The art effects date from 600 to 1000 CE. Every cave has significant art effects, and all the periods are different. These magnificent caves are significant in Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. However, these monuments are the best places to experience the arts of the bygone era. Most people get the opportunity to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Direction: Aurangabad is the nearest city to the Ajanta Ellora Cave. You can get the train, bus, and flight facility from Mumbai to Aurangabad. 8. Amer Fort Amer Fort is a famous majestic monument. Maan Singh built it in Jaipur. It is a marvelous architectural wonder with Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.  Amer Fort gives those visiting this place an excellent opportunity to enjoy the land's beauty. It is a unique monument with attractions such as Diwan-e-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Mandir and a light show in the evening. Ensure you request the tour guard include this site on the list of places you will be visiting while in India. Direction: Jaipur is the nearest airport. Pick a cab from the Jaipur airport or railway station if you want to reach the Amer fort.  From New Delhi station, you get many options to reach Jaipur, and from New Delhi, you will get the Jaipur connecting flights. 9. Charminar Charminar is the pride of Hyderabad. In a real sense, the monument is a sacred mosque built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. Some of the historical sites still define the wonders of India. Due to the rapid growth of the population, it has remained in the center of traffic. The Charminar's four minarets symbolize the Islam religion's first four caliphs. Get an opportunity to experience this beauty by slotting Charminar on your Indian trip. Direction: Charminar metro station is the nearest metro. Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Charminar. And Charminar is just 2.6 km from the Mahatma Gandhi Hyderabad Bus stand. 10. Konark Sun Temple Sun Temple in Konark is a famous temple in India.  The temple exists in the form of a huge chariot that is dedicated to Lord Surya Deva in the 13th century. A major attraction of this temple was depicting the mythological figures and images of animals when the first sun rays touch. It is an excellent place for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of India.  Direction: From Puri, only 32 km away from the Konark Sun Temple. You can simply book a cab from Puri and reach the Sun Temple within one hour. 11. Gomateshwara Gomateshwara, located in Karnataka, is a monolithic statue dedicated to the Jain god Baahubali. Voters chose the massive work of art in Karnataka’s Shravanabelagola as one of India’s seven wonders.  The magnificent structure, one of the world’s largest freestanding statues, appears extremely tranquil and peaceful. To keep the rock’s luster and shimmer, the figurine is polished and washed with milk, saffron, and ghee during this celebration. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival takes place here once every 12 years at the temple. And THIS is a sight that you cannot miss! It took place in February 2024. So, it is going to be held again in 2036.  Direction: You can drive from Bangalore for a distance of 144 km through the National Highway 75. This place is also located nearly 95 km from the Mysore airport. 12. Golden Temple The most important Sikhism shrine is Harmandir Sahib, also known as Durbar Sahib and the Golden Temple. It is one of India's most visited religious sites, decorated both inside and out with portions of the Holy Granth Sahib.  The gold-plated structure has copper domes and walls made of sparkling white marble that look like floral patterns from the Islamic style. It is one of India's most well-known wonders due to its tranquility, charm, clean and sanitary environment, and spiritual solace. Direction: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is 11 kilometers from the center of the city. There are daily flights from several international and Indian cities. You can also take a cab from Amritsar Railway Station to reach the temple. 13. Hampi One of India's most well-known historical sites is Hampi, which is in Karnataka and is on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. One of India's Seven Wonders, Hampi is renowned for its historical ruins and relics of the grand Vijaynagar Kingdom. Its magnificent art display has also made it one of India's Seven Wonders. The stunning architectural ruins of temples and monuments make up the charming location, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Direction: Through NH 48 and NH 50, the driving distance from Bangalore is 343 kilometers. The Hospet railway station is 13 kilometers away. 14. India Gate Pardon me for mentioning the India Gate so late in the list. However, India Gate is the monument you must visit first in the country. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this famous landmark in India, and the construction was open to the public in 1931.  Earlier, this monument was called the All India War Memorial, and it commemorates the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I as part of the British Army and lost their lives. It also pays respect to the soldiers of the Third Anglo-Afghan War. You can also see the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate. Conceptualized after the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, this forever-burning torch is a tribute to the country's armed forces.  India Gate is open to visitors throughout the day. However, you can visit the India Gate between 7-9 pm as it looks radiant in the floodlight.  Direction: The Central Secretariat Metro Station is the closest to the India Gate. Further, you can take a metro to Udyog Bhawan and take an auto to the India Gate.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Now that you know the wonders of India, it is time for you to learn about the most asked questions related to this topic. Check these out before you leave! 1. What Is The 8th Wonder Of The World In India? Ans: Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi outlines 10,000 years of Indian history in all its breathtaking charm, grace, erudition, and joy. It showcases brilliantly the fragrance of India's antique architecture, beliefs, and timeless spiritual messages. 2. Who Decided The Seven Wonders Of The World? Ans: The original Seven Wonders of the World (also known as Ancient Wonders) are often connected to Greek writer Antipater of Sidon. He gathered a list of the seven most remarkable constructions recognized by man. This list was created to be based upon what was widespread among travelers. 3. Why Seven Wonders Are Called Seven Wonders? Ans: The unusual works of art and architecture are known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World toil as a testament to the ability, insight, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. The first list comes from a work by Philo of Byzantium written in 225 B.C. called On The Seven Wonders 4. Is The Taj Mahal Removed From The Seven Wonders Of The World? Ans: Ultimately, in 2007, an informal list of the new seven wonders was published. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, breaks the ice. Recognized as an architectural masterpiece, the 17th-century white marble mausoleum draws up to eight million vacationists a year. Conclusion These are the top 10 famous wonders of India that you must visit on your India tour. Each of them will leave a memorable experience in the back of your mind.  All these historical or mythological monuments are touristy because of the attractions of architectural styles and interesting facts. It will be very enthusiastic and enjoyable to visit these places.  You can be sure that you will have the best experience by visiting any of them. Besides, each of them will give you the best value for your money. Do your homework well so that you have no regrets after you visit India.   Read Also: Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler

BY  Pijus Maity May 23, 2023

The world heritage site of Machu Picchu, which is the main highlight of the Andean region, is a must-see attraction for tourists who come to South America. This Inca site has been closed for a while because of certain social and political situations. This has been done so to protect the safety of the local and international tourists. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on is Machu Picchu closing! The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu The Cusco Ministry of Culture agency and headquarters of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also in coordination with the Protected National Areas agency. They announced that the current situation in their region and country had experienced led to the site closing down. They closed down the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Road Network. This was ordered on January 21st, 2023, and untill further notice, to safeguard the general population's and tourists' safety. Similarly, it was also informed that all the facilities would be provided to the foreign and national tourists affected by Machu Picchu closing. This was effective from January 21st, 2023, and remained until one month after the social mobilizations or after the request to return the amount ticket. Temporary Closing Of Inca Trail Is Machu Picchu closing? Well, Machu Picchu got closed down on January 21st, 2023, because of the actions of the protestors. They were earlier also affected by an especially slow and low tourism season. The roads were blocked, and the supply chains were cut off. According to various Machu Picchu news, here were protests, and due to that, the Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary (of Machu Picchu) shut the place down. The whole of it was shut down - including the ancient city of Inca, the Inca trail. The whole of tourism went to sleep while the country tried to work out its problems. Visiting Machu Picchu Post Protest One thing to understand is that no one can guarantee that there won't be any interruptions on your visit to Peru. Whether you plan it this or in the next year! The month of February is when travel remains the most low. This is also the time when the Inca trail closes down for prevention work and maintenance. The month of March, on the other hand, is when the tourists start re-opening for their new travel season. It is also considered to be one of the best places to travel to in September. Due to Machu Picchu and Peru's busy tourist season in the month of March, travelers should always book in advance. There are timed entry tickets to this site. For the year 2023, tourists are limited to 4,500 per day. Hence, one needs to make advance purchases if one wants to visit this gorgeous attraction. Tip: Is Machu Picchu open? Well, it is certainly open now and has been since the month of March. Things To Remember Before Visiting Here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards the Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains - Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is the standard train that brings one to Machu Picchu and is known to be equipped with panoramic windows. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features half-panoramic windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version and is known to be equipped with large panoramic windows so you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside. This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu. After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route. Which means that you can only walk in a single direction. It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots. This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack - it should be of regular size. There are certain measurements of backpacks up to which a backpack is allowed entry into the premises of Machu Picchu. Keep reading till the end to find out about is Machu Picchu closing! Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the event of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location. It was not found by the Spanish explorers at that time. This makes it one of the most best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory. It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately. A total of twice a year - the sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner untill the professor of Yale - Hiram Bingham again discovered the site in year 1911. His book "The Lost City Of Incas" was actually based on his findings. Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes. The wonder is known as Peru's most visited tourist destination. It also symbolizes the Incan Empire that was actually built around 1450 AD. The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of The World in 2007. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding is Machu Picchu closing and related information. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: A Guide Of Top 6 National Parks In Wyoming A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States