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Aug 9, 2024Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam

In 1991, a Vietnamese logger stumbled upon something big in Vietnam"s Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. During a jungle expedition, he found the entrance to a cave with a roaring underground river, which was later named Hang Sơn Đoòng, or "cave of the mountain river." In 2009, the British Cave Research Association led an expedition to explore the site. It was then that they realised something incredible: it was the world"s largest cave.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 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

Jul 16, 2024A hammock in Central Florida, USA

Imagine swaying gently under a canopy of leaves, a soft breeze coaxing you into a serene slumber while you gaze at the stars above. Invented by the Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, hammocks were called "Hamacas" and were originally woven for sleep and relaxation. Back then hammocks were made from the bark of trees, whereas now they can be made of various materials like cotton, nylon and canvas. They come in different shapes and sizes, like Nicaraguan hammocks, which are usually made of woven material with a wooden spreader bar. These sleeping swings have sailed across oceans as sailor beds, swung from the trees as forest dwellers" bedrooms and nowadays, add a touch of chill to hip outdoor retreats. They have health benefits, too; gentle rocking can improve your sleep and even relieve stress. So go ahead, jump into a hammock, and let it gently sway your worries away for a while.Desktop Version

Feb 16, 2024Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA

In today"s image is a pyrrhuloxia—also known as the desert cardinal—a songbird that lives in the deserts of northern Mexico and the American Southwest. The female cardinal, while lacking the flamboyant colouration of her male counterpart, possesses a unique charm in her own right. While she shares the distinctive crest and red bill with the male, her plumage is a more subdued yellowish, cinnamon-brown, adorned only with subtle touches of red. Unlike females in many bird species, the female cardinal is an accomplished vocalist, harmonising with the melodies of the male.Desktop Version

Jan 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China

Harbin, in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province of China, welcomes an icy twist in January by opening its doors to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. This festival traces its origins to a humble garden party that featured ice lanterns in 1963 and has since evolved into an event where sculptors from around the world came together to create sculptures from the frozen waters of the Songhua River. This wonderland has towering castles, lanterns and intricate sculptures, all made of ice. In 2007, "Romantic Feelings," the world"s largest snow sculpture at 35 metres in height, was created here in the shape of an Olympic-themed artwork. During the evenings, multicoloured lights illuminate the translucent sculptures, adding another layer of charm. While exploring Harbin, you can try alpine skiing, and if you"re feeling brave, winter swimming in the Songhua River.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, 2023Humpback whale

Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches, these gentle giants were once on the edge of extinction due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear. Inhabiting oceans and seas across the globe, humpback whales prefer polar waters for feeding; they journey to tropical or subtropical regions for breeding and giving birth. Their diet predominantly consists of krill and small fish, and they employ a unique bubble-net technique to efficiently prey. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimate of 135,000 today.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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 7, 2024Roques 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

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