King Cobra

• • Khordha, Odisha • Tags:
King Cobra

King Cobra – This photo was taken at NANDANKANAN Zoological Park in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha).

  • Common Names: King Cobra
  • Scientific Names: Ophiophagus hannah
  • Distinctive Characters: It is the longest venomous land snake. Grow upto 5-7 meter in length weight (20 kg). Venom is neurotoxin.
  • Size, Identification: King Cobra lifts one third of its body off the ground, makes a hood and hisses loudly when threatened.
  • Habit: Venomous snake, Excellent swimmer.
  • Habitat: Mountains region of India, South China, Malaysia. Prefer to live in areas dotted with lakes and streams, mangroves.
  • Food: Feeds on other snakes
  • Breeding: Make nests for laying eggs.
  • Status: Schedule – 1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act.

(Source: Display Board)

Giraffe

• • Khordha, Odisha • Tags:
Giraffe

Giraffe – This photo was taken at NANDANKANAN Zoological Park in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha).

  • Tallest land animal with long neck naturally found in the African plains.
  • Has only seven neck bones like other mammals including human beings.
  • Both sexes have horns and individuals can be recognized by unique body markings.
  • Average height of adult – 16 to 18 ft, weight – 850 Kgs to 1600 Kgs.
  • Maturity after 4 years, Gestation period – 400 to 460 days.
  • Has a prehensile toungue which is about 50 Cm. (20 inches) long.
  • Can run upto 50 Kms per hour.
  • Even toed ungulate completely herbivorous.

(Source: Display Board)

How Far is Sultanpur Lodhi from Mohali?

• • Kapurthala, Mohali, Punjab • Tags:

Sultanpur Lodhi from Mohali (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar) Distance is 185 km.

We started our journey at 7:35 am and reached Sultanpur Lodhi at 11:30 am via a hired car. The hired car driver charged us Rs. 8 per km Total of Rs. 3200 for the to and fro journey we paid.

Directions

Mohali > Samrala (50 km)

Samrala > Machhiwara (10 km)

Macchiwara > Nagar (46 km)

At Nagar, after traveling 106 km, we stopped at Doaba Sweet House (right side) for bread pakora as we were hungry.

Nagar > Phillaur (5 km)

Phillaur > Nakodar (33 km)

Nakodar > Malsian (16 km)

Malsian > Sultanpur Lodhi (25 km)

Road condition – OK.

Gilbert Hill – Ancient Heritage of Mumbai

• • Maharashtra, Mumbai Suburban
Gilbert Hill – Ancient Heritage of Mumbai

There were two reasons to visit the 200-foot monolith column of black basalt rock known as Gilbert Hill. One – visiting a rare and unique volcanic structure that was created 65 million years ago due to molten lava that squeezed out of the earth’s clefts during the Mesozoic Era. And the second reason is to offer prayers at GaonDevi Durgamata temple, which has been there since 500 – 550 years and is swayambhu (self-manifested). Approx. 180 steep stairs one has to climb to reach the temple situated on top of Gilbert Hill. Upon query, Shri Nagesh Shindi, the priest, enhanced our knowledge about festival days. Each year, during Chaitra Purnima (April month) there is a big festival here at the temple venue, and also in the month of December, there is another festival to celebrate the temple construction day. Half of Mumbai is seen from the top of the hill. And not to forget one of the best venues to watch the Sunset. There is a small garden also on the top of the hill. Swami Vivekanand Road near Andheri Railway Station is one of the best ways to reach the hill.

There are two more rocks as similar as Gilbert Hill in the world. One is the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, and the Devils Postpile National Monument in eastern California, USA. For more info, check this video.

Tea Centre – Serving One of The Best Tea in Mumbai

• • Maharashtra, Mumbai

Maharani of Darjeeling, Maharaja of Darjeeling, Vintage Green Tea, White Tea, Rose Tea, Kulhad Masala Chai, Almond Tea, Irish Tea, Spicy Tea, Pudina Chai, Lemon Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa, English Afternoon Tea, Blood Orange Tea, Mango Tea, Hot Buttered Apple Tea, Cherry Tea and more… Almost endless menu, especially about Tea.

So many names/types of tea. Never knew. Knowledge enhanced. Thanks to the Tea Centre situated near Churchgate Railway Station (next to Vodafone Store/behind the Chowk bus stop) in Mumbai.

Which one to choose? I requested them to serve a cup of tea, which is the most or one of the most popular among most of the visitors.

Hot Buttered Apple Tea was served after 10 mins. With the first sip, I was 110% sure, it is one of the best for sure. Delightful to the tongue. Tough to express it via writing, but yes, the desire to have more was there even after finishing the kettle. The ambiance around is too good to relax to have a cup of tea. The restaurant was almost full in the afternoon.

How much do I pay?

Rs. 166 including taxes, but let me tell you the kettle served was maybe for two people.

In short, if you are thinking of tea or something different, visit the Tea Centre, Churchgate, Mumbai.

Upon query, Alok, the supervisor enhanced knowledge:

It was opened in 1949 by the Tea Board to promote tea. Not only tea, but they also serve continental food.

And not to forget good quotes around to read, such as:

‘Tea is a cup of life.’

‘Kissing is like drinking tea with a tea strainer, you can never get enough.’

If you are cold; tea will warm you,

If you are too heated; it will cool you,

If you are depressed; it will cheer you,

If you are excited, it will calm you.

Timings: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm

7 days open except 26 January, 15th August, and 2nd October.

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