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Dec 21, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia

What a lovely city! The Slavic word "ljub" means "to love", and it serves as the prefix to Slovenia"s capital city, Ljubljana, and the Ljubljunica River that runs through it. This relatively small capital, with a population just under 300,000, was established on a trade route connecting the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. To the south of the city lies the Ljubljana Marsh, the largest marsh in the country, covering 163 square kilometres. While modern buildings have cropped up on the city"s periphery, the core of town preserves its historic structures, which have ancient Roman and mediaeval elements. Examples include the Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge and the historic Old Town. Keep an eye out while you stroll around, you might encounter the city"s symbol, the Ljubljana Dragon.Desktop Version

Aug 19, 2024Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan"s here. Are you ready with your rakhis? This is an annual Hindu ritual celebrated by sisters of all ages as they tie a sacred thread called a rakhi around their brothers" wrists to symbolise protection. In return, brothers traditionally promise to safeguard their sisters and often give them gifts as a token of appreciation. The celebration is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, usually in August.Desktop Version

Dec 13, 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway"s Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional houses—called rorbu—are built on poles over water, and add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for travelling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.Desktop Version

Feb 1, 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain

Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks and warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Aýna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Aýna is a part of. About 242 kilometres south of the capital, Madrid, Ayna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version

Sep 7, 2024Ganesh Chaturthi

Get ready to dance and paint the town red; it"s Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival honours Ganesha, revered as the Hindu deity of fresh starts and the dispeller of challenges, along with being the embodiment of wisdom and intellect. Celebrated across the Indian subcontinent, it brings together people in a joyous observance. The exact origins of the festival are not clear, but it has been a prominent public celebration in Pune since the time of King Shivaji, who ruled from 1630 to 1680. Later freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar popularised it in Maharashtra in 1893. This move aimed to foster a "Hindu nationalist identity" and resist British colonial rule.Desktop Version

May 27, 2025Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia

Ever wanted to swim in the ocean without accidentally tasting half of it? Enter Mona Vale rockpool in Sydney, Australia—a watery paradox where the ocean is wild beyond the walls and well-behaved within its calm, contained edges. Perched between two beaches—The Basin beach and Mona Vale Beach—this rock pool feels more like a natural wonder than a man-made one. Built in the 1930s during the Depression, it was carved out of a natural rock shelf as part of an unemployment relief scheme. Upgraded over time, the pool is more than 20 metres long and flanked by a smaller children"s pool. The pools were also used by large numbers of World War II troops who camped nearby. They are free, open year-round and cleaned regularly by both council crews and the ocean itself. So next time you are in Sydney, make a splash where the waves meet the wall. It"s a shore thing.Desktop Version

Feb 2, 2025Alappuzha, Kerala

Tucked away in the state of Kerala, Alappuzha offers stunning backwater views, rustic village vibes and unforgettable sunsets. The city"s landscape is mostly flat, with no major mountains or hills, though there are a few small hillocks scattered between the Bharanikkavu and Chengannur blocks in the eastern part. The area is also free from forests. This city holds a special place in the state"s cultural calendar as a key site for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place during Onam. On the western side, Alappuzha is bordered by the Laccadive Sea, and the town is crisscrossed by an intricate network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers.Desktop Version

Jul 24, 2024Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England

Today"s image features a group of Swaledale sheep in the North Yorkshire dales of England. Known for their off-white wool, curled horns and distinctive white markings around their nose and eyes, they are used for lamb and mutton production, breeding the North of England Mule sheep and as pedigree breeding stock. Adapted to the harsh environments they inhabit, Swaledales are exceptionally hardy, with thick coats, strong bodies and a bold disposition. The ewes are excellent mothers, capable of raising lambs successfully even under challenging conditions. With their unique appearance and remarkable adaptability, Swaledale sheep continue to thrive in the dales, contributing significantly to local economies and preserving traditional farming practices.Desktop Version

Dec 28, 2024Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Today, let"s explore the magic of Dudhsagar Falls in Goa. Towering at an impressive 310 metres with a 30-metre width, it is among India"s tallest waterfalls. Translating to "Sea of Milk," it is a spectacular four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi River. Legend has it, a beautiful princess would take a bath here and then drink sweetened milk from a golden jug. One day she saw a handsome prince watching her. To protect her modesty, she poured the milk, forming a white curtain as a shield. According to the tale, the milk continues to flow down the mountains as a tribute to her grace and virtue. This gem in the Western Ghats marks the journey of the Mandovi River as it falls toward Panaji and finally meets the Arabian Sea. During the dry season, the falls might seem unassuming, but with the arrival of the monsoon, they transform into a magnificent cascade of thundering water.Desktop Version

Feb 27, 2024Polar 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

Feb 3, 2024Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Venice, Italy

When in Venice, you might pass by the Santa Maria della Salute, seen towards the back of today"s image, a baroque basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was considered to be the protector of the Republic of Venice. Situated between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, this architectural gem graces the Bacino di San Marco, offering a striking welcome to those entering Piazza San Marco by water. Designed in the fashionable Baroque style by Baldassare Longhena, a student of Vincenzo Scamozzi, construction of the basilica commenced in 1631. The Salute"s dome swiftly became an emblem of Venice"s skyline, immortalised by local and visiting artists. Today, the Salute stands not only as a representation of faith but also as a reminder of Venice"s history and artistic legacy.Desktop Version

Apr 11, 2024Eid al-Fitr

Rise and shine, it"s Eid al-Fitr! Pictured here is the spiritual submission of devotees at Jama Masjid, Delhi. A festival observed by Muslims worldwide, Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. Ramadan holds profound significance in the Muslim religion, as it serves as a time of introspection and spiritual growth.Desktop Version

Nov 30, 2023Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

Scotland"s often supernatural-seeming landscapes are suitable backgrounds for folklore and culture. The Storr—a 49-metre-tall rocky pinnacle on the Isle of Skye—is no exception, as it resembles a craggy old man when viewed from the right angle. The frequent mists and fickle weather that give Skye its mystical aura, and the ethereal beauty of this island has inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. The Isle of Skye isn"t just a place; it"s an enchanting experience—a journey into Scotland"s untamed soul.Desktop Version

Jan 30, 2024Martyrs’ Day

As the nation observes Martyrs" Day on January 30th, it resonates with the echoes of sacrifice and valour. Mahatma Gandhi, a trailblazing Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist, was assassinated on this day in 1948. He spearheaded India"s successful quest for independence from British rule.Desktop Version

Jan 5, 2025Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

The ancient city of Hampi"s architectural brilliance is displayed in the Pushkarani water tanks. These beautifully designed tanks, with their perfectly laid stone steps, were crafted to make access to the water easy. These tanks have deep cultural significance and are highly revered. Historically, Pushkaranis were built for ritualistic temple practices or as royal amenities during the Vijayanagara Empire. In Hampi, almost every grand temple has one tank, serving both spiritual and functional purposes. The Pushkarani in front of the Sri Krishna Temple, seen in today"s image, is one of the most elegant and accessible tanks here.Desktop Version

Oct 17, 2023Persepolis, Iran

Cuneiform, a script characterized by wedge-shaped symbols, was used in transcribing numerous languages of the Ancient Near East, which region roughly corresponds to today"s Middle East area. Its usage spanned from the early Bronze Age to the dawn of the 1st century CE. The publication of Achaemenid royal inscriptions at Persepolis—modern-day Iran—shed light again on cuneiform in the early 17th century. These inscriptions presented a mosaic of languages, a linguistic puzzle that would ultimately yield to the determined efforts of scholars in the 19th century. Unraveling the secrets of cuneiform opened a window into the past, allowing us to grasp the profound significance of this ancient script in shaping human history.Desktop Version

Mar 9, 2025Kedarkantha, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

One of India"s most sought-after destinations, the Kedarkantha peak is a trekker"s paradise, renowned for its snow-covered trails. In the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this mountain peak stands at 3,800 metres. What sets this spot apart is its exhilarating summit climb, which attracts countless trekkers to the Indian Himalayas. The forests surrounding Kedarkantha are dominated by towering pine trees, with deodar, oak and rhododendron adding to the region"s greenery. The rare blue poppy and other blooms bring colour to the terrain. This area is also home to species like the Himalayan snow cock, kala titar, chakor, magpie, thrush, paradise flycatcher, parakeet and bulbul. Beyond its avian residents, the region shelters a variety of wildlife, including the elusive Himalayan black bear. Marmots and various other rodents also inhabit this zone, while leopards, tigers, barking deer (kakar) and sambhar occasionally make an appearance.Desktop Version

Jan 10, 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece

Embrace the call to adventure! Explore the staircases along the Mylopotamos shoreline in the Thessaly region of Greece. Situated on the eastern coast of the mountainous Pelion peninsula in central Greece, Mylopotamos offers an enchanting fusion of verdant scenery and a secluded beach, inviting you to discover its distinctive and picturesque coastal beauty. The sinuous path to the beach winds beneath the cool shade of pine trees. Enough steps for today? Don"t worry, there"s a beach bar along the wayDesktop Version

Jan 11, 2024Eurasian lynx

Ready for a next-level staring contest? The Eurasian lynx, sporting grey or rusty fur with patterned dark spots, is hard to catch sight of, even though it is widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Known for their elusive nature, these cats often go unnoticed for years in their native habitats. Their low vocalisations are heard by other lynx but can escape the notice of humans. Eurasian lynxes are primarily active at night, dawn and dusk, but can hunt during the day when they need to. These solitary hunters are renowned for their keen senses and remarkable agility. In temperate forests, where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping prey species numbers in check, their primary food includes rabbits, hares, marmots and other small mammals.Desktop Version

The dawn of a new beginning

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Dec 27, 2024Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in Slovenia gets plenty of attention in summer, but winter? That"s when things slowdown in the best way. The lake"s emerald waters take on a softer tone, and Bled Island, with its quaint church, looks straight out of a winter fairytale, as seen in today"s image. This over 2-kilometre lake, surrounded by the snow-dusted Julian Alps, was formed over 14,000 years ago through glacial and tectonic activity. The first signs of settlement on Bled Island date back to the New Stone Age (10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE). Additionally, archaeologists uncovered an Early Medieval graveyard here from the 9th century CE. Today, it houses the Church of the Assumption—built in its current form near the end of the 17th century—where visitors ring the "wishing bell" for good luck.Desktop Version

Nov 17, 2023Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin, USA

Pictured here is Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin. From a 27-kilometre trail along the Bad River to waterfalls and ancient lava flows, this park has a lot to offer. The park derives its name from the stunning waterfalls along the Bad River, which flows through volcanic rock. Whether it"s a rugged mountain path, a serene forest walks or an oceanside stroll, this country has a trail waiting for you. Hiking trails, such as the Doughboys Nature Trail and Red Granite Falls Trail, offer access to awe-inspiring views, dense forests and the ancient lava formations that define the park"s geology.Desktop Version

Apr 26, 2024Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka

Pictured here are mangroves, resilient shrubs or trees, thriving in the challenging environments of coastal saline or brackish waters. These shrubs, known for their intricate network of stilt roots, play a crucial ecological role. Acting as "green shields," they provide essential protection against coastal erosion and help mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of natural calamities. Having evolved unique mechanisms to absorb additional oxygen and expel salt, they endure conditions that are fatal to most flora. Their intricate salt filtration and robust roots enable them to withstand saltwater submersion and wave impact, while thriving in the low-oxygen mud of the intertidal zone"s upper regions. Analysis of satellite imagery in 2014 has unveiled this hidden ecological treasure along Karnataka"s coast. Despite mangroves being traditionally associated with India"s east coast, Karnataka boasts a significant expanse of these vibrant saline-water ecosystems.Desktop Version

Dec 11, 2023Huangshan Mountains, China

These highlands are the Huanghan Mountains—also called the Yellow Mountains—of China"s Anhui province. In 1990, these peaks were granted the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic granite peaks, covered with mist in winters, create a surreal atmosphere that has captivated artists and poets for centuries. Rising majestically to a height of 965 metres, the Huangshan Mountains are composed of granite that formed 140 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. Visitors come here to experience the breathtaking rock formations, pine trees, ethereal seas of clouds, hot springs and captivating winter landscapes. So, let"s climb high, dream big and protect our mountains!Desktop Version

Oct 31, 2024Happy Diwali!

Homes sparkle with decorations, and the night sky bursts with colour as Diwali celebrations begin. Also known as "Deepavali," the name translates to "rows (avali) of lights (deepa)" in Sanskrit, capturing the essence of this festival. Widely celebrated across various religions and regions, each has its own origin story. Regardless of the countless narratives and reasons behind the festivities, the central theme remains the triumph of good over evil. For many, Diwali is a homage to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who is thought to be guided into the homes of devotees by the glow of lights and lamps. The day isn"t just about lights and legends—it"s also a time for enjoying moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts and sweets, indulging in delicious feasts and dressing up in new outfits. Observed worldwide, its largest celebrations outside of India occur in Leicester, United Kingdom.Desktop Version

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