Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho

The Chaturbhuj Temple built in 1100 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is west faceing and stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and are interconnected, located on the same axis.

The tower of this temple is plain when compared to other temples in the region. Below the tower there are three bands of sculptures with the images of dikhpalas, ashtavasus, nymphs and the recesses of mythical lions.

Over the lintel of the doorway are carved exquisite figures of Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh. Inside the sanctum there is a idol of massive 9ft high, carved image of four armed Lord Vishnu.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Trusted Adventures Consortium Presents Extraordinary Active Vacations

If active travel is your thing, it's time to get acquainted with Trusted Adventures. This alliance, headed up by executive director Brad Moss, is made up of like-minded travel providers that focus on cruise and yacht vacations, eco trips, biking and hiking getaways, rafting adventures, and more.

Read about the group and explore each member's website. I guarantee they'll be a few trips you bookmark for future reference.

American Safari Cruises—focus is on active and luxurious yacht cruises in Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and Hawaii.

Austin-Lehman Adventures—specializes in adult and family vacations around the world, including Yellowstone, Bryce/Zion, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, the Galapagos, South Africa, and several western European countries.

Ciclismo Classico—offers expertly designed biking expeditions in many locations, including Croatia, Norway, Italy, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Great Alaska—this is the place to find sport fishing and wildlife adventure trips to Alas.ka, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

InnerSea Discoveries—this is the sister company to American Safari Cruises (mentioned above); InnerSea offers active cruise adventures at a more affordable price in Alaska.

Myths & Mountains—unusual excursions to Asia (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, and Peru).

ROW Adventures—from Idaho rafting adventures to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between...ROW offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, fly fishing, barge and yacht cruising, biking and hiking trips, and much more.

The Wayfarers—unique walking tours in the British Isles, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Alaska.

Western River Expeditions—looking for a rafting adventure? Western River Expeditions offers trips in the Grand Canyon, Utah, and Idaho.

Wildland Adventures—Wildland has a varied list of itineraries that feature the best of wildlife viewing and active pursuits in the United States, Africa, Central and South America, the Antarctica, and the Far East.

For more information about these travel companies, visit their websites, call your travel agent, or do some research at Trusted Adventures.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Monday, August 2, 2010

Try Crystal Cruises' New Priority Check-In & Planning Center

While not every traveler feels the need to digitize their cruise plans, more and more luxury lines are offering online planners and reservation mechanisms. Crystal Cruises just announced a serious upgrade to its pre-cruise planning functionality by introducing its Priority Check-In and Planning Center.



The Priority Check-in Checklist takes care of all the basics like...
  • immigration forms
  • credit card information for onboard charges
  • preferences, such as bed configuration
  • air itineraries for transfer arrangements
The Planning Center can assist with...
  • spa and salon appointments
  • Crystal Dining Room reservations (through Open Dining by Reservation, beginning in 2011)
  • specialty restaurant and Vintage Room winemakers' dinner reservations
  • Crystal Adventures shore excursions
  • tuxedo rental
  • Creative Learning Institute and Computer University@Sea classes
The Cruise Calendar function keeps track of all your reservations and preferences and provides a day-by-day snapshot of your cruise. Helpful information includes dress codes, docking times, and port locations for each day of your voyage.

The great thing about Crystal's new online planner is that you can choose to use it yourself or designate that duty to your travel agent. Give this new online planner a try once you put down a deposit on your next Crystal cruise.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...