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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 1, 2023Ross Sea, Antarctica

The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. It is Earth"s southernmost continent and a pristine and forbidding wilderness, often referred to as the world"s last true frontier. From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that flows blood-red, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world"s fresh water. If it were to melt entirely, it could raise sea levels by over 200 feet, threatening low-lying regions worldwide. The infamous ozone layer hole is located above Antarctica, but thanks to global efforts, it is on track to close within the next 20 years.Desktop Version

Oct 24, 2023Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is one of the most significant festivals in India and is celebrated following the Navratri festival. "Vijayadashami" is a Sanskrit word that translates to "Victory on the Tenth Day" symbolising the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka.Desktop Version

Mar 25, 2024Happy Holi!

It"s Holi; get ready to become a walking rainbow and sprinkle joy wherever you go! This festival of colours, spring and love is a cornerstone of Indian culture. Commonly, the festivity lasts for a night and a day. But Holi is celebrated in different regions variedly, highlighting their traditions. In Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, Lathmar Holi sees women playfully chasing men with long sticks. Khadi Holi in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, features traditional attire, khari songs and group dances. Punjab observes Hola Mohalla, with Nihang Sikhs showcasing martial arts skills. West Bengal welcomes spring with Basant Utsav and Dol Jatra, where saffron-clad participants sing and dance. Goa"s Shigmo involves folk dances, attracting both locals and tourists. Manipur"s Yaosang combines Hindu and indigenous customs, featuring the Thabal chongba dance. Kerala celebrates Manjal Kuli, adding its unique touch to Holi festivities.Desktop Version

Nov 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Today"s image gives us a glimpse of beautiful Grand Teton National Park, in our least populous state, Wyoming. The park, established in 1929, includes numerous lakes, the Snake River and the Teton Range, famed for its series of sharp, jagged peaks. Bring your binoculars with you, and if it"s summertime, be on the lookout for Pronghorn, who travel about 241 kilometres to get there. They aren"t the only creatures to visit seasonally; elk and bison are also summer visitors. These migrations play a vital role in the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park. The animals help disperse seeds and provide food for predators.Desktop Version

Dec 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy

The Val Gardena valley in Northern Italy is renowned as a tourist destination for skiing, rock climbing and woodcarving enthusiasts. Don"t let the model village appearance fool you, Val Gardena is a real, yet magical site in the Dolomites of South Tyrol that transforms into a place known as Christmas Valley during the festive season. Wooden huts open their doors to visitors, and a nostalgic cable car ride, each cabin adorned with twinkling fairy lights, travels above the Christmas Village. During the 18th century, the valley became famous for its production of statuettes and intricately carved wooden figurines, which were initially crafted to decorate Catholic churches. Amongst those creations, the peg wooden doll emerged as one of Val Gardena"s best-known products and is still being produced today.Desktop Version

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