Amazing cars must see

Amazing cars to sit and drive atleast once before Die.

Click here to see 10 most expensive cars 2011

Click here for must read advices for used used car buyers

2013 calendar - in days count

Click here to see monthly 2013 calendar.

 

Click here to find out very important tips for students travelling to the UK.

 

 

2013 Calendar

Julian 2013 Calendar

Click here for Julian 2013 Calendar with days count for complete year.

Click here to find out that Mayans Origin in Ancient Tamilnadu, South India???

 

Top 10 UK amazing new years eve parties to be

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday this year, which makes it a rushed one for people who aren't on holiday come 31 December 2012. 1 January is still a bank holiday, though, which means you can head out and enjoy a big night with your friends and family. To help get you on your way, we're counting down the Top 10 New Year’s Eve Parties around the UK.

10. Fancy Dress In Newquay

Newquay New Year's Eve

Newquay is known for its festive nightlife, and New Year's Eve is a golden opportunity to see how it got this reputation. It's local custom for everybody to get dressed up and take to the streets for a wild night on the town. The local pubs, restaurants and clubs are ready for the big one, offering great specials on food and booze for the thirsty crowds. The best place to be at midnight is Bar Help, which overlooks the crowd at Central square, where everybody gathers to watch the fireworks show. The bar ceremonially hoses everyone down with 'snow' afterwards, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
 

9. Allendale Tar Bar'l Ceremony, Northumberland

The pretty little town of Allendale blazes into the new year (literally) with a fire festival that lights up the midnight sky. The local townsmen, or "guisers", march towards a ceremonial bonfire carrying whiskey barrels filled with burning tar, clad in Pagan costumes and chanting "Be Damned to He Who Throws Last". As they toss the barrels into the bonfires, the flames get wilder and cheers get louder. It's an incredible spectacle and a great night for everybody in the town.

Take a look at the festivities in the video below:

8. Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Spinnaker Tower fireworks
 

For something a bit out of the ordinary, Spinnaker Tower is throwing a New Year’s Eve bash more than 500 feet above the beautiful Portsmouth harbour. Attendees can enjoy a lofty view of the city, harbour and the Isle of Wight, over canapés, cocktails and music. A New Year’s party is not complete without champagne-fueled dancing, and DJs will be on hand to make sure that happens. Spinnaker Tower is one of the most interesting buildings in the UK - the 550 foot structure is shaped like an actual spinnaker at full tilt and boasts the largest glass floor in Europe. And, If you like out of the ordinary with a touch of culture, see New Year All Year to get a taste of how the rest of the world will be celebrating New Year. As for Spinnaker Tower, along with landmarks like 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), it is a standout structure that adds to the growing collection of unique modern architecture in the UK. Tickets for this event are £45 and must be pre-booked. For more information about the tower and other upcoming events, go to their website , or call +44 (0)2392 857 521 to book.

7. The Bristol Experience

Bristol is a pretty lively town at the quietest of times, but over New Year's Eve it puts its best dancing shoes on and cuts loose. The city opens itself up to thousands on December 31, with pubs and restaurants offering a wide selection of live music and DJs to keep everyone happy until the morning. Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure you book in advance, to secure a spot. For a full list of what is going on in Bristol, check out www.headfirstbristol.co.uk.

6. The Lake District

Winter in the Lake District is icy and beautiful, offering a different side of the country to the crowded summer scene. Spending a Christmas or New Year holiday in one of the smaller, traditional inns will charm your socks off with the personal touches, excellent food and fresh air. It might be chilly, but on clear days you can still go outside and explore the region's famous hillsides. On New Year's Eve, the local taverns are cosy and warm, with a smaller crowd that gets downright festive as the night rolls on. For a great selection of cottages and the New Year's Eve party plan at the Kings Head Hotel & Inn, take a look at www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk.

5. London's Most Famous Icons In One Place

Fireworks over River Thames

New Year's Eve at London's South Bank is festive in a way you don't see for 363 days of the year (Christmas is pretty close). The pubs and restaurants that face the Thames are full and cheerful, as people prepare to bid the previous year adieu. Towards midnight, everyone makes their way over to the footpath for Big Ben's countdown to midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, one of the most spectacular firework displays in the UK kicks off on another of the city's most recognisable structures: The London Eye. 2012 has been a momentous year for the city, hosting a Royal Jubilee and the Olympics, so it's a good time to reflect on and appreciate the capital.

For more information: www.london.gov.uk

4. Cardiff's Winter Wonderland

Wonderland

 

We featured Cardiff's Winter Wonderland in the Top 10 Outdoor Ice Rinks, and this month we're going back there for a New Year's Eve party that will rock your socks off. The Admiral Open Air Ice Rink sets the scene for what promises to be a night of good times and bright lights. There is live music from 9pm onwards, as well as a free bus service provided by Admiral, so that everyone can have fun and get home safely.
 

3. Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

The is a reason Edinburgh was voted our number one city in the UK for Christmas - there is something about the city's gothic architecture being lit up by sparkling lights that puts people in a good mood. That same positivity is radiated on New Year's Eve and there is no better way to celebrate it than by showing face at Edinburgh's Hogmanay - a three day street party that showcases some of the best international music acts. This year sees Primal Scream headlining the festivities. For more about Edinburgh's Hogamanay, check out our latest feature on New Year's Eve.

2. Your Own Home

Sometimes going to a big New Year's Eve event isn't what you feel like after a full day of work. A good old-fashioned house party sorts the problem out. The only crowd you have to worry about are friends and family, you won't have to throw elbows to get a drink and as the night winds down towards midnight, there's no risk of losing your party members (unless you've had about twenty glasses of cava too many). Best of all, the whole evening is going to be cheaper than any pub or club.

1. London Icons Revisited By Water

London at midnight

The MV Pride Of London, a fully licensed river cruiser that is practically a floating mansion, offers party goers one of the best views of the proceedings from its spacious foredeck. This beautiful vessel takes its passengers on a slow, relaxing cruise before pulling up next to Big Ben, giving you full viewing pleasure of the firework displays that celebrate moving into 2013. Enjoy unlimited drinks, finger buffets, dancing on the upper deck and an overall awe-inspiring view of the city.

Credits: essentialtravel.co.uk

Interesting things you never knew about London
Interesting Eiffel tower facts

 

Visitig london fireworks event on newyear eve - must read this

 

The night skies will be a blaze of light and colour on Monday 31 December 2012 with a display of stunning pyrotechnics by the London Eye on the famous South Bank.

 

Be aware of the thugs who would also want to take advanatage of the crowd gatherings and easy pickings; we heard of stories of people been mugged by groups of youngsters not once but twice in the same day at the new year eve fireworks event nearby southbank. So be cautious and safe.

 

 

 

 

Follow the tips given below TO BE SAFE than SORRY: 

• Arrive at your destination well ahead of time and leave immediately after the event
• Familiarise with your locations andavailable transport facilities
• Park your cars at a safe and designated place
• Never leave your friends or family
• Never take your valuables at others reach or leave unattended; especially phones, wallets, cameras.
• Leave the place immediately or call for help if you notice anything suspecious
• If possible stay at hotels or b&b and avoid journeys after the event (I know it might be expensive)

 

 

 

Stay away from the thugs and have a great time.

 

Pictures: Google



 

Interesting facts about 2012 London
Students-coming to uk useful tips

tips for buying used cars and cheaper insurance

 

• 1. Type of car

  Don't choose a high power engine, or luxury car as your first vehicle. These types of car are typically more expensive to insure, especially for young and 1st time drivers. We'd recommend buying a car that has a smaller engine size, and is of a standard model, and free of modifications. A 3 or 5 door hatchback with approximately a 1 Litre capacity, or a car in a lower insurance group may be best for you (see www.parkers.co.uk for groupings).

• 2. Value of your car

  The lower the value of your car, the cheaper your car insurance is likely to be. Don't go out and buy the biggest flashiest, most expensive car you can afford. If you are reading this article, you're looking at ways to save money. High value, flashy cars are considered a high risk. Again if you keep to a good, reliable second hand car, that doesn't cost the earth, this will help reduce your premium. (See suggested cars in point 1.)

• 3. Type of cover

  Get third party fire and theft cover. Third party cover is the minimum amount of cover you need to have to legally drive on the road. This type of cover will protect you against damage to other people's property or injuries you may cause to them.
  Third party fire and theft also covers you for loss or damage caused by fire or theft to your own vehicle. It does not cover any accidental damage you may cause to your own vehicle.
  Comprehensive cover is a bit more expensive, however in addition to what is covered by third party fire & theft, it protects you for accidental damage to your own vehicle.

All above are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

• 4. Keep a clean licence

  Be sensible and drive safely, and avoid penalty points or convictions. Any points or convictions relating to dangerous driving will undoubtedly influence your premium. Never ever drink and drive, or speed. A young driver with any of these type of convictions on their record, is likely to find it impossible to get insurance and if they do, it’s likely to be so expensive that it won't be worth your while.
  If you keep accident & claims free for the duration of the cover, when you renew your insurance you will be entitled to a 'No Claims Bonus' discount for the previous year of safe driving up to a maximum of 5 years.

• 5. Choose your drivers carefully

  When you are getting your insurance quote, it may be cheaper to limit the cover to yourself. However, you may be able to add named drivers to your quote at no extra charge! The way it works is if you are the highest risk driver, adding other drivers of a lower risk will not bump up the price. Why not price adding your parents to your policy? It’s certainly worth a try – we all like getting something extra for free!

• 6. Keep the cover basic

  As well as limiting your cover to Third Party Fire and Theft cover, you can keep the price lower by not adding any additional extras on, such as windscreen cover or legal cover. Of course, they don’t cost very much anyway, but you may be in a position where you want the most basic cover for the cheapest price. Don’t forget, we have some great benefits included in all of our policies which won’t cost you an extra penny!

• 7. Keep your mileage low

  The less you drive, the less of a risk you are. It is only fair that offer a cheaper price to those drivers who aren’t on the road as much as others.

• 8. Pay in full for the lowest price available

  This will mean no monthly payment charge. If you are lucky enough to be able to pay in one go, do that! It’s cheaper after all.
  

• 9. Avoid Modifications

  Modifications which increase the performance of your vehicle are likely to increase the insurance premium. By avoiding changes such as engine modifications or a lowered suspension, you can keep the price of your insurance down. Of course not all modifications will increase your insurance premium. It is best to check with us if there will be an increase before you go ahead with any modifications.

• 10. And finally...

  Getting insurance cover for the first time can be a costly business, so if you adhere to this advice, you can reduce your insurance premium. Remember, that driving without insurance is illegal, and if you are involved in an accident that is your fault, you will have no protection against the unlimited expense involved, not to mention the legal consequences of not having insurance cover.

• Its not all doom and gloom, if you start driving now and begin to build up a history of accident free driving with no claims, it won't be long before you will have a good driving record and a 'No Claims Bonus' entitlement that will dramatically reduce the cost of your cover.

 

Courtesy: quinn-direct.co.uk

 

Must read advice for used car buyers

 

 

Tips for Students heading for Studies in the UK

Going to UK for further studies? What you should carry and what you should leave behind? To answer these questions we will compile a list of things that you would need for a successful study abroad stint. This is probably this is the best time for students to know who are leaving in a months time for their higher studies in United Kingdom.

Students have many question and apprehensions such as:

1. Which airport should you land at and how will you get to the university?
2. What is the method of teaching and how difficult will it be to adapt?
3. Will I be able to work part-time there to cover up my expenses

As soon as you receive an offer letter from your university, write to the university to find out about the various kinds of accommodations available to you as an international student. Some of the options are on-campus accommodations, rented flats and family accommodations, hostels, guest houses etc.

On-campus accommodations are preferred the most by international students in order to avoid the feeling of homesickness, loneliness. Being with other students who are also coping with being away from home will help you adjust to your new life faster.

If you decide to rent a flat, you will need to sign a tenancy agreement which is a legally binding document. Most rental accommodations will come fully furnished, however you will need to pay an advance and pay the monthly electricity and water bills which can be quite expensive, so it is a good idea to share accommodations with other students. Also, make sure your accommodations are close to your university to cut down on your travel expenses.

What to carry?

During admissions season many airlines offer students a variety of benefits. One of these is allowing students to carry a certain amount of excess baggage free. Enquire with your airline the exact amount of excess baggage you are allowed.

If you have an onward journey from your initial point of arrival, you should check with your carrier whether they will allow this excess baggage. If not, you might end up paying a lot of money.
It is very important that you carry the following items with you on the aeroplane (not in your suitcase):

• Your valid passport with Visa or Entry Clearance
• Your travel tickets
• Offer letter from the university
• All financial documentation you will require to submit to the university or immigration authorities
• All original certificates and other important documents
• Some warm clothing (but not a lot)
• Traveller's cheques and sufficient cash
• A list of everything you are carrying in your checked-in baggage. If there is a delay in the arrival of your baggage or in case your baggage is lost, you will need to know exactly what you have packed in order to claim for it.
• The name and number of a 24-hour contact at the university who you can call in case of an emergency
• Detailed directions to your university or accommodations.

During the Journey?

• Keep your important documents and valuables safely with you at all times on the aeroplane or train. Do not leave them packed in your suitcase.
• Do not leave any items of luggage unattended in the airport or station
• Security at international airports is now very tight and there will be a number of items that you will not be permitted to carry in your hand luggage such as liquids or scissors. Your airline will be able to provide a list of prohibited items
• At many airports there are new scanning machines so don't be surprised if you have to go through one of these (it's a bit like an X-ray machine)

The British Council runs pre-departure briefing programmes for students in many of the countries where it has a local office. You can also get in touch with the nearest UK Embassy, High Commission or British Council office and they will be able to advise you about what documentation you need to enter the UK.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is another very useful organization for students and has produced a series of fact sheets giving information on many areas of life in the UK from dealing with culture shock to choosing a qualification to advising on visa and immigration issues.

You can leave the queries/ comments below and our counsellors will help you further.

Best of Luck!

Courtesy: studyuk.learnhub.com

Tips for abroad travelers
Ever unknow secrets behind 911

Mahabalipuram

Globally renown for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea - side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder - strewn landscape. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture, here, is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.

Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories : open air bas - relief, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas ('chariots' carved from single boulders, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area.

History

The temples of Mamallapuram, built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The mandapas or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed what makes Mamallapuram so culturally resonant are the influences it absorbs and disseminates.

All but one of the rathas from the first phase of Pallava architecture are modelled on the Budhist viharas or monasteries and chaitya halls with several cells arranged around a courtyard. Art historian Percy Brown, in fact, traces the possible roots of the Pallavan Mandapas to the similar rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Referring to Narasimhavarman's victory in AD 642 over the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II, Brown says the Pallavan king may have brought the sculptors and artisans back to Kanchi and Mamallapuram as 'spoils of war'.

Temples in Mahabalipuram

There are, or rather were, two low hills in Mahabalipuram, about 400m from the sea. In the larger one, on both sides, there are eleven excavated temples, called Mandapas, two "open air bas reliefs", one of which is unfinished, and a third enclosed one. Out of a big rock standing free nearby there is a "cut out" temple, called a "Ratha". This type is unique to Mahabalipuram.

Out of the other hill, much smaller and standing about 200m to the south, are fashioned five more rathas, and three big sculptures of a Nandi, a Loin and an Elephant. On the top of the bigger hill there is a structural temple, and a little distance the magnificent beginnings of a Vijayanagar Gopura and also survivals of what is believed to be a palace.

Shore Temple

Perched on a rocky outcrop, it presides over the shoreline, serving, as Percy Brown puts its, 'a landmark by day and a beacon by night'. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun and to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out. As the main shrine faces the sea on the east, the gateway, the fore count and the assembly hall of the Shore Temple all lie behind the sanctum.

Unusual, too, is the fact that the temple has shrine to both Shiva and Vishnu. The main sanctum and one of the two lesser ones on the west are dedicated to Shiva. The enclosing wall has a series of Nandi bulls on it.

Interconnected cisterns around the temple meant that the sea could be let in to transform the temple into a water shrine. But, in recent times, a stone wall as been added to protect the shrine from the rising seas and further erosion.

Mandapas

The main hill at Mamallapuram is dotted with pillared halls carved into the rock face. These mandapas, with their graceful columns and intricate figure sculptures bear witness to the artistry of the Pallavan rock cutter. The ten pavilions at Mamallapuram, of which two are unfinished, were designed as shrine, with a sanctum and on outer hall. The shallow porticoes are adorned with exquisite sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures.

The Ganesh mandapa is an active shrine even today, with the idol of the elephant-god being revered by the faithful, fourteen centuries after it was first consecrated.

Beyond the circular rock called Krishna's Butterball is the Varaha mandapa dedicated to the two avatars of Vishnu as Varaha the boar and Vamana the dwarf. The pillars of this pavilion are perhaps the earliest to display a motif that became the signature of southern architecture-the lion pilaster, where a heraldic lion support ornamental pillar. The Mahishasuramardini mandapa has the goddess Durga in bas relief, slaying a buffalo-headed demon, and the Vishnu Sayana Mandapa shows Lord Vishnu lying under the protective hood of the seven-headed serpent Adishesha.

Of the other mandapas, the Panch Pandava mandapa, that is unfinished, has a more elaborate facade. Its pillars are adorned with rearing lions springing from the capital, and the shrine is the only one surrounded by a passage which allows circumvolutions.

Rathas

The eight rathas are monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery, for each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams and rafters has been simulated in stone.

Of the eight rathas, five have been named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, and their shared wife, Draupadi. The largest is the Dharmaraja ratha and it sets the tone for the others. Modelled on a Buddhist vihara or monastery, it sports a square hall topped by a vaulting roof. The Bhima, Arjuna and Nakula-Sahdeva rathas are lesser copies of the Dharmaraja ratha.

The Draupadi ratha is the smallest and the quaintest. It is simple structure, fashioned as a thatched hut borned on the backs of elephants and lions. It was probably the fascimile of a portable village shrine.

The fact that many of the temples and sculptures of Mamallapuram are unfinished, points to the sudden withdrawal of patronage from rock-cut temples when King Rajasimhavarman came to power.

Thanks: pilgrimageindia & Google Pics

Every tamilian must read this 

Free entry for Safari Park - 06 Nov 2011

Guys,

I know its very late to inform about this offer but I think there are still time to catch up if you are up for it.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/freebies/free-entry-west-midland-safari-park-6th-november-1049711

It seems good to me, so try if you want to enjoy one of the freebies.

Regards

Amazing Bridge - Malaysia

Thanks: jokestation.org

bermuda-triangle-mysterious-facts

Mahapalipuram temple during on Pallava dynasty

Mahapalipuram temple during on Pallava dynasty:


Mahabalipuram city is one of the tourism places in tamil nadu and also famous for the seven pagodas.This ancient rock hewn temples proving the ancient civilization of Dravidian style of Architecture.

Mahabalipuram lies on the east of Coromandel Coast which lines through the Bay of Bengal located in tamil nadu.This temple was built by the King Narasimha Varman I, the name was renamed to mahabalipuram which is called till now.The king Narasimha Varman I was a great valiant warrior.

He was given the title Mamalla which means ‘the great wrestler’ . After that the name was converted from Mamalla to mahabalipuram.This shows the victories and achievements of king Narasimha Varman I.



Flourishment during on Pallava dynasty:

In 7th to 10 th centuries, this places flourished as a sea port on east coast side near to Kanchipuram.Well established and elegant place to watch for all people.This shows the oldest civilization on tamil nadu. This was the second capital of the Pallavas dynasty who ruled Kanchipuram. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali.

They ruled over from the 3rd century to the end of the 9th century A.D. The best period of their rule was called the Golden Age of the pallavas in the southern india. The pallavas were very powerful and profound thinkers also.Any one can definitely say that the pallava's architecture are the forerunners and pioneers in india.This is a great place definitely to praise their skills and art mind.




In the rule of the pallavas,dramatists, great poets,artists,scholars,artisansand saints emerged. New sculptures and unique paintings were innovative and exuberant.It have be the witnessed innovations of their style of arts.

Thanks: best-tourist-places-in-india.blogspot

Jallikattu unbelieveable tamil