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NSG_Blackcats

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Ganges River Dolphin

Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica

Habitat
Ganges River Dolphins prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence of two or more rivers. They share their habitat with crocodiles, fresh water turtles and wetland birds.

Characteristics
The Ganges River Dolphin has a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin. It weighs upto 150 kg. The calves are chocolate brown at birth and becomes greyish brown in adulthood with a smooth and hairless skin. Females are larger than males. The maximum size of a female is 2.67m and of a male 2.12 m. Females attain sexual maturity at an age of 10-12 years, while the males mature earlier. The gestation period is 9-11 months and a female gives birth to only one calf, once in 2-3 years.

Dolphins are amongst one of the oldest creatures in the world along with some species of turtles, crocodiles and sharks. The Gangetic Dolphins are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. The dolphin then registers this image in its mind and subsequently catches hold of its prey.

Conservation Challenges
Once present in tens of thousands of numbers, the Ganges River Dolphin has dwindled abysmally to less than 2000 during the last century owing to direct killing, habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages, indiscriminate fishing and pollution of the rivers.
Now there may be only 200/300 left. So it is very rare if you find one.





 

NSG_Blackcats

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Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam,Kerela

The Ashtamudi is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala. This estuarine system lies in Kollam district and is the second largest of the State. It is a palm-shaped extensive water body with eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. The arms converge into a single outlet at Neendakara near Kollam, to enter the Lakshadweep sea. This estuary is the deepest among all the estuaries of Kerala with a maximum depth of 6.4 m at the confluence zone. The major river discharging into the Ashtamudi is the Kallada river, formed by the confluence of three rivers, viz., the Kulathupuzha, the Chendurni and the Kalthuruthy. The Kallada river originates from the western ghats. It traverses through virgin forests and finally falls into the Ashtamudi wetland, after travelling a distance of about 120 km. Ashtamudi Lake has been designated as a Ramsar Site in November 2002.







 

afriend

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Hey.. back in full form..!!!! Gr8 going brother..!!! I loved your post there, was about to tell you about joining here and posting those wonderful pics..!!!! Seems that you have already taken the job..!!!! :)
 

NSG_Blackcats

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Hey.. back in full form..!!!! Gr8 going brother..!!! I loved your post there, was about to tell you about joining here and posting those wonderful pics..!!!! Seems that you have already taken the job..!!!! :)
Thanks Brother for your appreciation.
 

NSG_Blackcats

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Oberoi Vanyavilas - Sawai Madhopur

Location- Ranthambhore National Park, Sawai Madhopur-322001, Rajasthan, India
Sawai Madhopur is one of the India's finest wildlife destinations, famous for the Ranthambhore National Park. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Sawai Madhopur is the first luxury wildlife resort in India, located in Sawai Madhopur. Its proximity to the Sawai Madhopur Tiger Reserve is an added advantage for the tourists here.





 

NSG_Blackcats

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Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

This is the route through which the Chinese soldiers entered Indian Territory, almost unchallenged, in 1962. This is where the Golden Pagoda shines from atop a hill, 3500 meters above sea level. This is the land of orchids, quaint sounding lakes and the handsome Monpa tribe.









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NSG_Blackcats

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akshardham temple, Delhi

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.











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NSG_Blackcats

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Havelock Island, Andaman

Havelock, 55km northeast of Port Blair, is a 100 sq km island that has great white-sand beaches and clear water, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are interesting coral formations and large fish—dolphins and turtle, which make snorkeling very interesting. This is one of the few islands at which foreigners are permitted to stay overnight.











 

NSG_Blackcats

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Munnar, Kerela
Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats has lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates. It is called the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It stands at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Moonu in tamil means "three" and aar "river". It is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.









 

NSG_Blackcats

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Konkan Railways
The Konkan Railway was the missing link between India’s commercial capital, Mumbai,
and Mangalore. The 760-kilometre line connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka
States — a region of criss-crossing rivers, plunging valleys and mountains that soar into
the clouds. Until the Konkan Railway started its operations, the two important port cities Mangalore and Mumbai were not directly connected by the railway network. Even though economic reasons provided a strong need to connect these two cities, the region through which the railway track passed was geographically very tough and would be an engineering challenge. Due to the uneven terrain of the region, railway lines were not laid for many years.
The Konkan Railway has also in a way changed the lives of the Engineers and other
people associated with the project. For them it was the glory of overcoming all odds,
and the satisfaction and pride that they have built something for posterity.







 

NSG_Blackcats

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Palace On Wheels (one of the top ten Luxury Trains in the world.)
The exquisite and exclusive Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could compromise of heaven on earth for seven days!













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NSG_Blackcats

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Valley of Flowers, Uttranchal
Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, Nestled high in West Himalaya, is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 Sq. Km.







 

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