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Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
Pictured here is a bodhi tree at Wat Phra Ngam, a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Ayutthaya likely has ancient origins, with evidence of human settlement tracing back to the Mon Dvaravati period. The strategic position of the city on an island embraced by three rivers not only facilitated trade but also served as a natural fortress, shielding the city from maritime invasions. Moreover, the city"s elevated location offered protection against seasonal flooding, safeguarding its inhabitants and infrastructure from the ravages of nature. Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the remnants of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodi I. The city planning here, reflected meticulous organisation and innovation, evident in its systematic grid layout of roads, canals and encircling moats around key structures. This well-designed scheme, documented in contemporary sources and maps, capitalised on the city"s strategic location amidst three rivers.Desktop Version
Lake Magadi, Kenya
Lake Magadi, Kenya
What an unearthly view! This aerial photograph shows a flamboyance of lesser flamingos against the backdrop of Lake Magadi in Kenya. The lesser flamingo is one of the six species of flamingos and is known for its vibrant pink plumage and distinctive feeding behaviour. These birds prefer to eat near the surface of the water due to the way their beaks are built. They primarily inhabit African soda lakes that have a high carbonate concentration. Lake Magadi is one of the soda lakes that are brimming with cyanobacteria and algae, providing ample nourishment for the flamingos. The spectacle of thousands of these avian wonders congregating at the lake reveals the importance of these unique ecosystems.Desktop Version
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
These fascinating red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are best explored on foot! The park"s hiking trails guide you among the world"s largest collection of hoodoos, which are rock spires formed by erosion. The horseshoe-shaped natural amphitheatres create a surreal landscape that changes with the play of sunlight. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute people. Although there is no evidence of them having lived there permanently, Paiute Indians used the Paunsaugunt Plateau for seasonal hunting and gathering. Designated a national park in 1928, Bryce Canyon is dotted with several viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Yovimpa Point and Rainbow Point, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding topography.Desktop Version
Sleeping koala
Sleeping koala
This sleepy koala may inspire you to catch some Z"s. These adorable Australian marsupials can sleep up to 20 hours a day, which helps them conserve the little energy they get from their eucalyptus-based diet. Koalas move slowly when awake, spend most of their time tucked into nooks in trees, and have a lower body temperature than other animals of their size. The koala is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial, it is uniquely adapted to its native habitat. Typically found in coastal areas of Australia"s eastern and southern regions, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, the koala"s stout, tailless body and distinctive features, such as its large head with round, fluffy ears and dark nose, make it easily recognisable.Desktop Version
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Hold onto your hats and binoculars, because in Jim Corbett National Park, the river is no ordinary waterway—it"s an elephant expressway! India"s oldest national park was established in 1936 and named after the naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Housed in the foothills of the Himalayas near the popular hill-station of Nainital, the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its significant tiger population. During the summer months, the park becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity, with Indian elephants frequently spotted roaming in herds numbering several hundred. As part of the Terai Arc Landscape Programme, the park is among the thirteen protected areas targeted for preservation and restoration. The overarching goal of this programme is ambitious yet crucial: to safeguard three of the most iconic terrestrial species, namely the tiger, the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros.Desktop Version
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Time is the great transformer, changing the world and all of us. For instance, this New Mexico badland—the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness—was once a lush, tropical forest. Nearly 70 million years ago, instead of twisted terrains and towering spires, this place was home to an array of Late Cretaceous dinosaurs, including armoured ankylosaurs, duck-billed hadrosaurs and mighty Tyrannosaurs. Today, the area is filled with wonders of a different kind, rock formations that look more like sculptures than natural phenomena. Bisti/De-Na-Zin is named after Navajo words: Bisti means "among the adobe formations," and De-Na-Zin comes from nearby rock carvings of a "standing crane." Visitors to the Four Corners region shouldn"t miss out on this otherworldly landscape of shale and sandstone.Desktop Version
International Womens Day
International Womens Day
Happy International Women"s Day! We celebrate IWD with London"s famous Tate Modern art gallery, lit up in purple. Why purple? The colour associated with IWD symbolises dignity, justice and dedication to the matter. This event celebrates women"s achievements in politics, culture and society. Every year on March 8, educational and cultural activities, demonstrations, campaigns and discussions highlight the importance of gender equality and women"s rights.Desktop Version
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Jutting into the sky above Els Ports Natural Park, the Roques de Benet are a cluster of rock formations in the Ports de Tortosa Beseit region of Catalonia, Spain. The tallest peak out of this cluster stands at an elevation of nearly 1,020 metres above sea level. Overlooking the Ebro delta, the peak offers views of streams and pine forests, with trails that lead into the mountains. The word Benet comes from Arabic, hinting at the varied past that the area has had, including both Arabic and Christian settlers. These days, the park is home to a variety of fauna, from ibex and otters, to vultures and eagles. Animals aren"t the only inhabitants of the area. The villages nestled at the base of this massif have a sense of community and still maintain their shared traditions, such as the age-old craft of using vegetable fibres to create baskets and kitchen utensils.Desktop Version
Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
At the end of a slot canyon in Oregon, there"s something special awaiting hikers: the Wahclella Falls. Fed by Tanner Creek, a tributary of the Columbia River, these waterfalls were named after a Native American village by members of the Mazama Mountaineering Club. At the end of a foot trail, visitors can see the spectacular two-tiered cascade that crashes down 106 metres into a pool below, which is the perfect place to take a dip and cool off. While you"re swimming, don"t forget to keep an eye out for the water ouzel—also known as the American dipper—a species of bird that calls the falls home. They can be spotted flying along the side of the stream and occasionally diving into the water.Desktop Version
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
In vibrant Thailand, the city of Bangkok pulses with life! Covering an area of over 1,560 square kilometres, it is estimated that over ten million people live there, over 15 percent of the country"s population. The capital city is home to a bustling urban infrastructure, featuring a complex network of traffic circles and highways. In 1864, the completion of Charoen Krung Road marked a turn in the city"s transit by serving as a pioneering construction project utilising western techniques. The introduction of a complex elevated motorway network in 1972 and the Don Mueang Tollway has made it easier to drive in and out of the city. Over the years, the road network has evolved to meet the demands of this sprawling urban expanse.Desktop Version
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Greetings from tropical Costa Rica! The conical Arenal Volcano rises to an impressive height of 1,657 metres, standing tall above the surrounding rainforest and Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country. The sleepy mountain roared to life in a massive 1968 eruption that threw rocks for close to a kilometre. The last significant volcanic activity there took place in 2010, and the once lava-lit peak is currently dormant. With over 500 species of birds, Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-visit location for birdwatchers. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including red brocket deer, pumas, white-faced monkeys, orchids, heliconias and ferns. Arenal makes for an imposing and beautiful sight, towering over the tropical trees.Desktop Version
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day
It"s time to step into the wild! World Wildlife Day is an annual event that emphasises the need for worldwide conservation efforts. This year"s theme focuses on advances in digital technology that can be used to help preserve wildlife: it can improve research, communication and DNA analysis. Digital platforms can also be a way to get younger people involved in the efforts to protect our planet"s animals.Desktop Version
Modica, Sicily, Italy
Modica, Sicily, Italy
When Italy comes to mind, iconic cities like Milan, Rome and Venice often steal the spotlight. However, on the island of Sicily lies a less famous gem—Modica. It"s a city that has risen from the rubble of an earthquake in 1693 to become an architectural wonderland of Baroque-style buildings. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts cobbled lanes, echoing with powerful footprints—from prehistoric tribes to the ancient Greeks and Romans to the mediaeval Arabs and Normans. Landmarks like the San Giorgio Cathedral and San Pietro Church awe visitors with their grandeur, and Modica"s recognised chocolate, crafted with Aztec-inspired techniques, tempts the palates of food enthusiasts. So, the next time Italy beckons, how about taking the road less travelled to Modica?Desktop Version
The holy city of Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi
Known for its sacred ghats and bustling alleys, Varanasi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the northern part of India. Located about 120 kilometres downstream from Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindu spirituality and tradition. The mighty Ganges is said to have originated in Lord Shiva"s hair and grown into the revered river that flows through Varanasi today. Along with Sarnath, the city has stood as a venerable centre of education and civilisation for over three millennia. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded the largest university in Asia, the Banaras Hindu University in this city, and the Theosophical Society, led by Annie Besant, also operated in Varanasi. Rightly referred to as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi continues to be a thriving platform for the flourishing of various artistic endeavours, including music, dance and philosophy.Desktop Version
Leap Day
Leap Day
Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle perches over a black crag of volcanic rock in Northumberland, England. The castle area and the nearby beaches are covered by the region"s distinct sand landforms, the Bamburgh Dunes, seen in the foreground of today"s image. The fortress, once a strategic Anglo-Saxon stronghold, evolved over centuries into the imposing structure seen today. The castle played a pivotal role in defending against the Viking invasion in 993. However, the Norsemen destroyed the original fortification, after which significant enhancements were made during the mediaeval period.Desktop Version
Polar bear cubs
Polar bear cubs
These apex predators live and hunt on Arctic sea ice. Their prey largely consists of seals, but they have been known to eat beluga whales, reindeer and other arctic animals. The polar bears in today"s image are in Kaktovik, a small Inupiat whaling community in Alaska, United States. The bears visit the village during autumn, attracted by unused remnants left on the streets by whale hunters. Polar bears exhibit remarkable mobility, traversing areas ranging from as small as 3,500 square kilometres to as expansive as 38,000 square kilometres in a year. Unlike some other bears, most polar bears remain active throughout the year. Hibernation is exclusive to pregnant females. Non-hibernating individuals maintain a regular 24-hour cycle, persisting even in conditions of continuous darkness or sunlight, although cycles shorter than a day are more prevalent during prolonged darkness.Desktop Version
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Enjoy the jungle adventure captured in today"s photo, as a group of tigers strolls through Ranthambore National Park. India is the global stronghold of these robust cats, with more than 70% of the world"s tiger population finding a home within its diverse landscapes. Given the significance of these majestic species, India adopted the tiger as its national animal in April 1972, following a recommendation by the National Board for Wildlife.Desktop Version
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Located on the southern part of the island, this valley has art and history that echo through its green mountains, like Mount Prevost. The region is home to the band government of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in British Columbia. The city of Duncan has an impressive collection of indigenous art, including intricate carvings and paintings. While here, you must visit the collection of totem poles, which stand as towering symbols of indigenous history as they depict ancestral legends and clan symbols.Desktop Version
Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
In the sun-kissed orchards of the Golden State, almonds reign supreme, enticing the taste buds and adorning the natural surroundings. California grows 80 percent of the world"s commercial supply, and 100 percent of the United States". Almonds have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fibre, protein and an array of vitamins and minerals. During February and March, in California"s Central Valley, these seeds—not nuts—emerge from the delicate blossoms of the almond tree and mature within a protective, fuzzy hull. These trees, which belong to the rose family, burst into a spectacle of beauty during full bloom, with fragrant flowers painting the orchards in hues of white and pink.Desktop Version
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Hidden among the forests of northern Armenia, Haghartsin Monastery is a gem of mediaeval Armenian architecture. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park, the monastery complex consists of several ornate structures, including the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory"s Church and St. Stepanos" Church. The buildings date back to the 10th century and are adorned with intricately carved stone monuments, crossing arches and other decorative details, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the era. Haghartsin, which translates to "dance of the eagles," offers a serene escape for those seeking to connect with the country"s rich history. A sense of timelessness pervades as you wander through its quiet courtyards and explore the forested surroundings.Desktop Version
Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
The Brighton Bathing Boxes on Melbourne"s Brighton Beach, painted with a rainbow of colours, are enduring relics. With recent additions bringing their total to 96, these huts have become one of Melbourne"s premier tourist attractions. The history of the bathing boxes is as colourful as their appearance. They first popped up on Brighton"s coastline in 1860, providing a modest cover for bathers swapping for their bathing suits. Worn out and damaged during the post-World War I depression, the beach huts received collective maintenance in 1934. Despite the upkeep, the multicoloured structures were faced with the threat of removal in 1952. But thanks to the Brighton Bathing Box Association for successfully securing their survival, we can still enjoy the vibrant coastguards today!Desktop Version
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Fancy witnessing a fiery waterfall? What might sound like an oxymoron can be found at Yosemite National Park! Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall that flows during the winter and early spring months when there has been ample snowfall and a subsequent temperature warm enough to melt it. For a couple of weeks in February, if skies are clear, water is flowing and the sun shines at just the right angle, the long, slender waterfall takes on a glowing, flame-hued appearance. This phenomenon has earned the moniker "firefall," an homage to the historic Yosemite Firefall, a manmade event that was organised in the park from 1872 to 1968. Eventually, park rangers decided that dumping embers over a cliff onto the land below wasn"t the brightest idea.Desktop Version
Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, UK
Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, UK
Within the vast expanse of the Peak District National Park in the United Kingdom lies the Kinder Scout Nature Reserve, the site of a significant people"s movement in British history. At around 635 metres, Kinder Scout stands tall as the highest point in the Peak District, its rugged moorlands and windswept plateaus having drawn adventurers and nature enthusiasts for generations. In 1932, this area was the stage for a historic mass trespass, where hundreds of people on foot protested for public access to these lands. This act of civil disobedience contributed to the passing of legislation that established national parks in the United Kingdom. The creation of the Peak District National Park ensured that these hills and valleys would be preserved for future generations to enjoy, marking a significant victory for public access and conservation efforts.Desktop Version
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Sun-kissed beaches, colourful buildings, clear waters and rich history—there"s something special going on in the city of Puerto de la Cruz. Located on Tenerife, the largest of Spain"s Canary Islands, it stared out as a fishing village. The city"s centre is full of charming streets and historical buildings. For those seeking sun, sea and sand, Playa Jardín is the city"s answer. This black volcanic sand beach, designed by the renowned architect César Manrique, offers lush gardens, unique sculptures and views of the world"s third tallest volcano, Mount Teide. Other landmarks here include Lago Martiánez, a complex of seawater pools offering a scenic retreat, and Loro Parque, a world-famous zoo and conservation centre. So, take a moment, savour the image and let your imagination set sail to this lively port town!Desktop Version