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India.com
16 hours ago
- India.com
Top 5 Monsoon Destinations To Drive From Lucknow For A Refreshing Escape
Lucknow stands as the capital of Uttar Pradesh where Indian residents honor the city for its traditional ancestral legacy together with its famous culinary artistry. The surrounding areas near the city experience a vibrant transformation during the monsoon season because the landscapes turn into colorful green regions with numerous waterfalls and rivers plus calm country environment. The following list showcases the best rainy season destinations suitable for road trips originating from Lucknow which provide extraordinary experiences. 1. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary – A Haven for Nature Lovers The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary near Lucknow serves as a sanctuary both for birdwatchers and nature lovers due to its location which stands at 45 kilometers from Lucknow. This sanctuary occupies approximately 2.25 square kilometers of area where Siberian cranes and bar-headed geese along with pintails have their home. Water fills the wetlands completely during monsoon season which results in additional bird species coming to the area. Traveling to Nawabganj leads you past stunning green landscapes that create a perfect opportunity for both family groups and individual explorers to visit. 2. Kanpur – Exploring Historical Landmarks Amidst Greenery The Indian industrial settlement of Kanpur exists 80 kilometers west of Lucknow. The city of Kanpur usually lacks aesthetic beauty during its normal state but the rainy season changes its environment into visually stunning landscapes. Discover nature at the Allen Forest Zoo where wildlife exists amid forested grounds while also seeing the historic Nana Rao Park with its vast green terrains and peaceful environment. The route connecting Lucknow to Kanpur presents spectators with the picturesque landscapes of tiny settlements along with lush agricultural fields and this enhances the overall trip experience. 3. Sitapur – Journey Through Serene Countryside The location of Sitapur at a 90 kilometer distance northeast from Lucknow makes it an outstanding destination for monsoon road trips. During monsoon Sitapur emerges as an agricultural highlight because its vast farmers' fields and sugarcane plantations become visually spectacular. Before continuing your journey make sure to stop at the Awadhi architecture symbol Mahmudabad Palace which stands as a historical landmark. Sightseers should not overlook visiting the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve which stretches further ahead because monsoon rain brings new life to the forest and lets visitors watch wildlife including tigers, leopards and elephants. 4. Raebareli – A Blend of History and Natural Beauty Raebareli remains hidden to many visitors who should explore this location which exists near Lucknow's southern edge at 78 kilometers. The city maintains popularity because it contains the historical landmarks such as both Samaspur Bird Sanctuary and the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. The district of Amethi in proximity to Raebareli becomes spectacular in the monsoon season thanks to its dense vegetation and pleasant atmospheric conditions. Traveling along State Highway 30 lets visitors experience breathtaking views of moistened agricultural fields combined with reflective ponds under cloudy overhead conditions. 5. Chitrakoot – A Spiritual Retreat Surrounded by Hills Those seeking a combination of spiritual quietude and natural picturesque scenery should place Chitrakoot on their travel itinerary since it lies around 260 kilometers southeast of Lucknow. The religious site known as Chitrakoot attracts Hindus because it contains spiritual places including Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Temple and Gupt Godavari Caves. Thus it earns its nickname as 'Hill of Many Wonders.' During the monsoon season the area reaches its peak charm because waterfall cascades along with flowing streams produce an enchanting natural setting. During the journey to reach Chitrakoot travelers encounter many attractive towns and hills that create perfect photo spots. Why These Destinations Are Ideal for Monsoon Road Trips Different holiday experiences await travelers throughout these locations because they serve both history enthusiasts and wildlife lovers and people who desire prolonged nature-induced relaxation. These travel destinations transform into enchanting landscapes through the magic of monsoon season because of their bright green vegetation along with flowering plants and shimmering water bodies. Through driving during monsoons you can completely experience the altering scenery and choose to stop at any time inspiration hits. Tips for a Memorable Monsoon Road Trip A car service prior to longer trips is crucial because wet driving conditions demand car maintenance. Packing essentials should contain raincoats along with umbrellas and waterproof bags that guard your possessions. Consult weather reports together with road condition updates to minimize unexpected traffic problems. Despite rain you should maintain proper fluid intake for your body. Keep your phone camera ready for snapping pictures of spectacular views that will appear during your trip. People should show respect toward local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples or dargahs in addition to adhering to traditional practices. Order the authentic local food that roadside stalls offer for sale when you travel through the region. Conclusion Lucknow functions as a starting point to reach various remarkable locations that find their peak attraction during monsoon season. Every driving adventure features memorable moments that you can treasure because you can select from exploring peaceful places of worship or cultural monuments or religious sanctuaries. The enchantment of rainfall accompanies your travels to new destinations so set yourself down for an adventure.
National Geographic
2 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
Scientists discovered a new kind of human with its pinkie bone. Now we have a skull.
Finally, we can put a face on a Denisovan. The "Dragon Man" skull was discovered in Harbin, China in 1933 by a local laborer, but remained hidden away until 2018. A new analysis now finds its very likely to be a Denisovan. In the summer of 2021, a team of five Chinese researchers stirred up some controversy by suggesting that an unusual skull unearthed in northeastern China belonged to a previously unknown species they thereby officially described as Homo longi, nicknamed 'Dragon Man.' (Both names were inspired by the Long Jiang Dragon River region where it was found.) Soon afterwards, the team was contacted by paleogeneticist Qiaomei Fu of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, who asked if she could try and get DNA from the skull. Back in 2010, she'd been the first to investigate the DNA from a tiny finger bone found in a Siberian cave called Denisova that became world famous because it revealed the existence of a population of hominins not previously known to science, and for which no other fossils existed: the Denisovans. In two papers published in the journals Science and Cell this week—coauthored with Qiang Ji of Hebei GEO University, an author on the original Homo longi paper—Fu and her team conclude the 'Dragon Man' was likely a Denisovan too. Which is big news, as it makes the stunningly complete skull of 'Dragon Man', also known as the 'Harbin skull', the only Denisovan skull known to science. 'After 15 years, we give the Denisovan a face,' she says. 'It's really a special feeling, I feel really happy.' This illustration depicts how Homo longi may have appeared when they lived during the middle Pleistocene, over 146,000 years ago. Illustration by John Bavaro Fine Art, Science Photo Library We now know Denisovans had a wide and low face that combined more primitive features, like a prominent brow ridge, with more modern ones, like delicate cheekbones and a relatively flat lower face that does not jut out like it does in other primates and more ancient hominins. Its massive size also suggests a very large body that perhaps helped protect it from brutal winters in northeastern China. The findings open the door to a better understanding of these ancient hominins and the world they inhabited. 'Having a well-preserved skull like this one allows us to compare the Denisovans to many more different specimens found in very different places,' says paleoanthropologist Bence Viola of the University of Toronto, who was not involved in the new study. 'This means we might be able to compare their body proportions and start thinking about their adaptations to climate, for example.' How dental plaque helped confirm the findings Bulgaria's cultural capital After she was granted access to the skull, the first thing Fu did was look for DNA, specifically in the teeth and the petrous bone, a dense part of the skull near the inner ear that is known to be the last spot where DNA might survive in a skull that is estimated to be at least 146,000 years old. When that revealed no genetic material, she turned to a different method: extracting proteins. These are usually more hardy than DNA – and because they are what the genes in the DNA code for, they can also provide genetic clues about the DNA that gave rise to them. She was able to collect information from 95 different proteins, four of which are known to differ between Denisovans and other hominins. For three of those, the skull had a Denisovan variant (sometimes in combination with another one on the other chromosome). Yet Fu still wanted to find DNA to confirm if the skull belonged to a Denisovan. And so she looked in the dental plaque on its single remaining tooth. It was a long shot: while plaque is a very hardy material, researchers more typically find bacterial DNA in it. It's rarer to find the DNA of the owner of the teeth. Against expectations, she did find a tiny amount of DNA there that was human and looked sufficiently old to have belonged to the skull itself, and not one of the people who have handled it since. (How a molar, jawbone, and pinkie are rewriting human history) 'They may have actually recovered many DNA fragments from me because I studied and handled the specimens so many times,' says paleoanthropologist Xijun Ni, who is based at the same institute and was one of the coauthors of the paper proposing Homo longi as a new species, but was not a coauthor on the current paper. (He is not convinced that the protein analysis is sufficiently specific, nor does he believe the degraded DNA is enough to identify the specimen as Denisovan.) Fu acknowledges in the paper 'a substantial proportion' of the DNA she found was clearly the result of contamination. But using the established protocols to select only the DNA that is indeed ancient, she found that the tiny amount of DNA that remains, like the proteins, confidently identifies the skull as Denisovan 'It contains 27 gene variants only found in the seven known Denisovan individuals,' says Fu. 'None of these can arise from modern human contamination.' 'The data are quite convincing,' says paleobiologist Frido Welker of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, who specializes in the analysis of ancient proteins, but wasn't involved in this study. 'The Harbin cranium appears to be a Denisovan.' Other researchers are convinced as well. Since the description of [the Harbin skull] I was hopeful that we finally had a face for the Denisovans, and these papers prove it,' says Viola who has conducted excavations in Denisova cave. 'It's great that two different methods gave us the same result, this makes me much more confident that this is real.' Denisovans inhabited an even wider range than we thought These results provoke an unsettled question: Since Denisovans have never been formally described as a species, but Homo longi has, should we now refer to Denisovans as Homo longi? For some, the answer is clearly yes. 'Assuming the author's claim is true, then Denisovans are a population of Homo longi, just as New Yorkers and Beijingers are both Homo sapiens' says Ni. Paleoanthropologist Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London, who has been collaborating with Ni and others on a new analysis of Chinese hominin fossils, agrees that even though 'it is increasingly likely that Harbin is the most complete fossil of a Denisovan found so far, Homo longi is the appropriate species name for this group.' But other researchers don't think it's useful to assign separate species names to hominins from this period. 'We ourselves do not use species names for Neandertals or Denisovans,' says paleogeneticist Svante Pääbo of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthrology, who leads the lab where Fu first analyzed the Denisovan DNA. 'We do not find it helpful as these are closely related groups that have been shown to mix and have fertile offspring, with each other and with our own direct ancestors. But if a species name is needed, we would simply call them all Homo sapiens.' (The best evidence yet that Roman gladiators fought lions: a bite mark) Naming discussions aside, a very exciting discovery remains: a kind of human we once only knew from a pinky bone dug up from a cave now has a face. And we now know this kind of human did not just live in Siberia where the first pinkie bone was found, but across much of East-Asia. Confidently identifying this fossil will also help researchers make sense of the many other mysterious fossils found across East-Asia, and will encourage them to try and get molecular evidence from those as well. This may also cast a new light on how and when Denisovans and our own ancestors interbred, which is why long after the death of the last direct descendant of the Denisovan 'Dragon Man', some of its genetic material still survives in people alive today.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
The incredible Irish home that comes with ‘striking' castle on market for €5million on huge site with loads of perks
A STUNNING home with its own castle has hit the Irish market for €5MILLION - and it comes with huge perks. Killaleigh Castle and Sopwell Hall, Cloughjordan, is located in 10 Killaleigh Castle and Sopwell Hall Cloughjordan is selling for €5million Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 There is a grand staircase Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 The home is beautifully designed Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 The kitchen is fully fitted Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty Situated in Cloughjordan, the It has 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms, making it perfect for a large The detached home sits on a site spanning 240 acres and comes with its own parkland estate and hall. 100 acres are woodland, and there are an extra 60 acres of grassland available. READ MORE IN PROPERTY This Georgian country home was originally built in 1745, while the Killaleigh Castle dates back to 1590. According to the listing, "the accommodation is grand and beautifully executed." In the main A studio and three estate lodges present an additional 318 square metres, and the stone outbuildings add 851 square metres. Most read in Money The design of Sopwell Hall is attributed to renowned architect Francis Bindon. Built in 1745, it features the best traditions of early Georgian architecture. Inside three bed family home on Irish market for €170k on 'generous site,' in 'desirable location' It features three storeys over a basement with direct access from the ground and basement levels. It features a reception hall which is lined with distinctive fluted Doric pilasters and divided by arches. This spacious hall comes with a morning room, a study, a drawing room and a dining room. It is filled with natural light and is complete with marble chimneypieces and open fires with ornate cornicing. There are many tall and large glazed windows, which lead to a home full of natural light. The lower level features a sitting room, a large kitchen, a wine cellar and a laundry/staff apartment. A large staircase leads to a large landing off the main bedroom floor. There are six matching scagliola sienna marble columns with a domed ceiling and glazed atrium. On this floor there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms. PRIVATE LOCATION The master bedroom sits in the south-east corner, offering stunning views of the grounds. On the second floor there are five more bedrooms and a bathroom, along with a games room and study. In the courtyard there is a study, spanning 61 square metres - the perfect place to work from home. The property boasts a large amount of privacy, sitting at the end of a half-mile drive. Outside, the estate comprises a perimeter woodland belt, and there are several ancient and specimen trees including Spanish chestnut, a noted ancient beech wood and a rare Siberian crab-apple tree. The woodlands have indigenous oak, beech, ash, larch and spruce. The garden is beautifully landscaped, with an array of different colours visible year round. WALKING TRAILS And you may even see red squirrels, pine martens, foxes, hares, buzzards, owls and falcons within the estate. Right beside the estate is the Coillte forestry, spanning 500 acres. This offers stunning walking trails to keep your steps up. Birr, Roscrea and Nenagh are all nearby, with Borrisokane just 8km away. Ballingarry is just 5 minutes away by car. Shannon Airport is an hour's drive, but Dublin and Cork airports are also accessible and take just 2 hours to drive to. There are a range of amenities nearby, with the M7 motorway just 20km away. 10 There are 10 bedrooms Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 There is a large landing area Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 There are six bathrooms Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 There is a large dining room perfect for entertaining Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 There are multiple buildings included in the sale Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty 10 It sits on a large site Credit: Lisney Sotheby's International Realty
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Roar In the Wild With 6 Best Wildlife Safari Near Jaipur City
The metropolitan capital of Rajasthan which is Jaipur wins fame through its heritage forts and cultural diversity and ancient historical background. Near Jaipur city exists a valuable collection of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which invite passionate nature lovers to explore thrilling wilderness experiences. Jaipur presents wildlife enthusiasts together with adventure-seeking travelers with their ultimate safari destination opportunity. These guidelines present the most recommended wildlife safari destinations close to Jaipur for readers to explore. 1. Ranthambore National Park Situated at 130 km distance from Jaipur the Ranthambore National Park stands as a renowned tiger reserve of India. Residing within 1,334 square kilometers, this area grants people the exciting chance to witness Bengal tigers in their natural setting. The park has two main species of predators—leopards and sloth bears—and both sambar deer and many bird types make this area their home. Tours in Ranthambore National Park occur twice in a day with two distinct morning and afternoon time slots and they are led by professional naturalists who share their knowledge to improve your experience. Ranthambore Fort located inside the park creates a remarkable alliance between wildlife and history during your visit. 2. Sariska Tiger Reserve As the 107 kilometer journey leads from Jaipur you will discover the important wildlife safari destination at Sariska Tiger Reserve. This reserve achieves success through its tiger relocation program within its 866 square kilometer area where multiple species of both flora and fauna exist. The wildlife sanctuary offers a chance to observe hyenas and jackals while wild boars and many bird species also inhabit the area. The area of Sariska houses two historical temples: Kankwari Fort along with Pandupol Temple. The park enables visitors to discover its conservation and traditional value through guided tours and Jeep safaris. 3. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) Travelers who want to observe birds absolutely must see the Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur which is about 55 km from Jaipur. A yearly residence of thousands of migratory birds attracts both Siberian cranes and painted storks and pelicans to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This combination of wetlands and grasslands establishes the optimal environment for birdwatching at the location. Visitors at the sanctuary may walk, bike or ride through the park by rickshaw while observing birds without interrupting their natural actions. A visit to this region should be planned during winter to observe the large number of migrating birds which arrive there. 4. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary The wilderness of Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary exists at an approximate 150 kilometer distance from Jaipur while showcasing broad stretches of grassland areas. The area maintains an essential home environment that protects blackbucks and desert foxes together with multiple reptile species. Animals stand out more easily from their surroundings because the region features open areas instead of thick growth of trees. The sanctuary attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts since it offers both peaceful scenery and a small number of visitors. Customers have the opportunity to experience serene excitement during their jeep-based safari adventures in this destination. 5. Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Area The Jawai Bandh region with its famous leopard population exists approximately 160 kilometers southwest of Jaipur. Jawai sets itself apart from standard parks because it delivers private safari adventures to its visitors. The combination of steep hills made from granite rocks serves as perfect natural hiding spots for leopards so their sightings become more satisfying. Besides leopards this wildlife reserve features different animals including crocodiles along with hyenas and several types of bird species. Many luxury camps provide guests with the chance to merge adventure experiences with comfort in this specific region. 6. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary exists deep in the Aravalli Hills at a distance of 185 km from Jaipur. The main attractions in Mount Abu do not overshadow its abundant natural wildlife population which includes three key species: sloth bears, panthers and langurs. August is a suitable season to visit this sanctuary because its green forest landscapes combine with refreshing temperatures. Visitors who visit can drive through the reserve in jeeps or explore trekking paths that cross the forested tracts. Experience the beautiful Nakki Lake which features its waterbody where visitors can admire scenic landscapes around it. Conclusion Visitors can find extraordinary opportunities to unite with wildlife biodiversity when they visit the Jaipur-area wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The natural attractions of Ranthambore promise tigers as their star attraction while Bharatpur offers elusive yet breathtaking migrations of birds. Visitors who love wildlife photography as well as birdwatchers and nature lovers can access their perfect wildlife safari experience from Jaipur's surrounding area. Embark on your trip now to discover Rajasthan's untouched wild nature.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
See inside Georgian Tipperary mansion with it's own castle on market for €5.5m
Sopwell Hall in Cloughjordan, close to the Tipperary Offaly border, is a detached ten-bed, six-bath mansion with an overall floor area of 1,322 sqm. The entire property is set in a 240-acre (97-hectare) parkland estate with Sopwell Hall, an early Georgian country home built in 1745, accompanying the striking Killaleigh Castle, which dates back to around 1590. It was bought by antiques expert Michael Ramsden in the 1980s and the main house has been modernised, with new electrics and heating system. The original Georgian interior has also been restored. It was on the market in 2023 with an asking price of €8.5million, but is now on offer at the reduced price of €5.5million The estate is situated equidistant of the historic towns of Birr, Roscrea and Nenagh. The nearest small town is Borrisokane, some five miles or eight kilometres away and the nearby village of Ballingarry is a five minute drive. Sopwell Hall is privately and centrally positioned, deep within mature parkland that extends to a tree-lined perimeter. The castle is unoccupied but largely intact. The accommodation is describes as 'grand and beautifully executed', with the principal house comprising 14,235 square feet (1,322 sqm) and including five reception rooms and 10 bedrooms. The house stands three storeys over a basement, with direct access from the ground and basement levels. The reception hall is lined with distinctive fluted Doric pilasters and divided by a screen of arches. It leads to a morning room, study, drawing room and dining room. Each room is filled with natural light and has large marble chimneypieces with open fires and ornate cornicing. A feature of the entire house is the ample tall and large glazed windows. The lower level includes a sitting room or den, a large kitchen, wine cellar, laundry and staff apartment. ADVERTISEMENT A broad carved staircase leads to a large landing on the main bedroom floor. There are six matching scagliola sienna marble columns and a large, domed ceiling, with a glazed atrium. There are five principal bedrooms and four bathrooms on this floor. The master bedroom suite occupies the south-eastern corner. The second floor provides five further bedrooms and a bathroom and has a games room and study. A studio, positioned in the adjacent courtyard, comprises some 660 square feet (61 sqm). 'The estate is a haven of tranquillity and privacy that is rare in the 21st-century. Positioned at the end of a half-mile drive Sopwell Hall occupies a central position within its own estate and enjoys a panoramic view over the park and woodland,' said the agents. A studio and three estate lodges combine to present an additional 3,424 square feet or 318 sqm. The castle is 4,000 square feet or 369 sqm. The stone outbuildings comprise 9,158 square feet (851 sqm). Among the many ancient and specimen trees throughout the estate are some Spanish chestnut, a noted ancient beech wood and a rare Siberian crab-apple tree. The woodlands include indigenous oak, beech, ash, larch and spruce. There is plenty of wildlife to be found on the estate. Red squirrels, pine martens, foxes and hares are regularly sighted, and buzzards, owls and falcons can also be found. The Coillte forestry, of some 500 acres, which adjoins the estate, provides great amenity with access to long walking trails in beautiful surroundings. Of the 240 acres (97ha) within the estate about 100 acres is in woodland. An additional 60 acres or so is grassland available. David Ashmore at Lisney is the selling agent.
