Herbs and spices: Indian names

387-388 spices info (xiii), originally uploaded by criminal1 croissant.

Spices Indian names

Kaffir Lime Leaves, Blue Dragon 是一种青柠檬的叶子，这种青柠檬表皮凹凸不平，盛产于东南亚

Panch Phoran （别名panch phoron, panch puran, panchpuran, punch puram, punchpuram, Bengali five-spice） 是一种混合香料，由Fenugreek (methi), Nigella seed (kalonji), Mustard seed or (rai or shorshe), Fennel seed (saunf or mouri), Cumin seed (jira) 五种香料混合。也因为地区不同，有时香料混合的原料略不同。

Phool Makhana, Popped Lotus Seeds 莲子

Pomegranate Seeds 石榴籽 Hindi: Anardana, Bengali: Dalimb, Gujarati: Dalamb, Dadam, Kannada: Dalimbari, Kashmiri: Daan, Malayalam: Mathalanarakam, Marathi: Dalimb, Oriya: Dalima Punjabi: Anardana, Sanskrit: Dadima, Tamil: Mathalam pazham, Telugu: Danimma pandu, Urdu: Anardana, Assamese: Dalim

Cubeb 荜澄茄, 荜茇,尾胡椒,比黑胡椒多了梗柄

Sabudana, Pearl sago, 也是西米中一种
Sago seed 西谷椰子籽

Samo Seeds, Morio Seeds 是稗属类，Hindi 里叫 sawan, 在 Gujarati 里叫 morio, 是 billion dollar grass 这种植物的籽

Sooji, Semolina 是一种粗麦粉

List of culinary herbs and spices 食用香草香料

香草和香料的全面名单可参考如下：
From Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs_and_spices

Herbs and spices / Indian names 印度香料五花八門的名字

印度的各类方言很多，于是同一样香料，天南地北的就有了奇怪名字连串，完全不搭界

Ajwain 香旱芹籽
Carom, carom seeds or bishop's weed: 'owa' in Marathi, 'vaamu' in Telugu, 'omam' in Tamil, 'ajwana' in Kannada, 'ajmo' in Gujarati, 'jowan' in Bengali and 'asamodagam' in Singhalese. Hindi: Ajowan, Bengali: Jowan or Joan, Gujarati: Yavan, Kannada: Oma, Kashmiri: Jawind, Malayalam: Omum, Marathi: Onva, Oriya: Juani, Punjabi: Ajamoda, Avanika, Sanskrit: Ajamoda, Avanika, Tamil: Omum, Telugu: Vamu, Urdu: Ajowain.

Allspice 多香果
Jamaica pepper, ”Kurundu” Myrtle pepper, pimento, or new spice
Kannada: Gandamenasu, Malayalam: Sarvasugandhi, Tamil: Sarvasukanthi

Amchur 生芒果
Goan Amchur / Dried Amchur / Green Mango Powder / Aamchoor ambi in Urdu. Aam is a Hindi/Urdu/Punjabi word for mango.

Anise 大茴香
Patli (thin) saunf or velayati (foreign) saunf to distinguish anise from fennel
Hindi: Valaiti saunf or aawonf, Bengali: Muhuri, Mitha jira, Gujarati: Anisi, Sowa, Kannada: sompu, Malayalam: Shombu, Marathi: Somp, Badishop, Oriya: Sop, Punjabi: Valaiti sounf, Sanskrit: Shatapusapa, Tamil: Shombu, Telugu: Kuppi soptu

Asafoetida 兴渠
Heeng, Hing, devil’s dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods, Hilteet, and giant fennel, Ingu, Perungayam, Hindi: Hing, Bengali: Hing, Gujarati: Hing, Kannada: Hinger, Kashmiri: Yang, Sap, Malayalam: Kayam, Marathi: Hing, Oriya: Hengu, Punjabi: Hing, Sanskrit: Badhika, Agudagandhu, Tamil: Perungayam, Telugu: Inguva, Ingumo Urdu: Hing

Basil 罗勒
Tukmaria
Assamese: Tetali or Tatuli, Hindi: Imli, Amli, Bengali: Ambli, Gujarati: Ambli, Kannada: Amli, Huli, Malayalam: Puli, Marathi: Chinch, Chincha, Oriya: Teetuli, Koina or Konya, Punjabi: Imli, Amli, Sanskrit: Amli, Ambdika, Tamil: Puli, Telugu: Chinthappandu or Chinta or Amlika, Urdu: Imli, Amli

TATA NANO -The $2500 Dream Car

TATA NANO 2 -The $2500 Dream Car, originally uploaded by Rajesh Babu.

The much awaited dream car, Tata Nano, also hailed as the peoples car is likely to be delayed from hitting the market as the agitation by Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Manerjee, joined now by Mulayam Singh's frontman Amar Singh is continuing. Ratan Tata has threatened to quit Singur and the agitators continue to stall the work on the car manufacturing facility at Singur, West Bengal. If he does so, it will definitely affect the flow of investors to West Bengal. Mukesh Ambani, the CEO of Reliance Industries has thrown his weight around Ratan Tata and said that if Tatas have to leave West Bengal, it will be very bad for investors' confidence in going to West Bengal.

Red bananas on sale in Trivandrum

Red bananas on sale in Trivundram, originally uploaded by Stefan @ India.

Thicksey Gompa

Thicksey Gompa, originally uploaded by Stefan @ India.

Thiksey Gompa, Ladakh's most photographed and architecturally impressive gompa. Founded in the fifteenth century, its whitewashed chortens and cubic monks' quarters rise in ranks up the sides of a craggy bluff, crowned by an imposing ochre- and red-painted temple complex whose gleaming golden finials are visible for miles in every direction.

Baba Amarnath Ki Jay

baba amarnath ki jay.........., originally uploaded by Sendhwa anoop Paliwal (M.P.).

Tata Nano may pull out of West Bengal

Ratan Tata on Friday, 22 August, 2008 threatened to shut the Tata Nano cars project in West Bengal if it continues to be haunted by violence. Tata said that it is for the people of West Bengal and Kolkata to decide whether Tata Motors is unwanted, or accept as a good corporate citizen and if it is the latter, then it is good. He said that if it was the other, then it would be impossible to alter the plan, following which Tata Motors would have to make a move out of West Bengal despite whatever investments have been already made in the Nano car project.

Tata told reporters that Rs 1500 crore of investments had already been made in the car project. "If anybody is under the impression that we have made this investment and will not move, they are wrong.” He added, "We are deeply concerned at the violence and disruption and at the safety of our employees, equipment and investments... at Singur," he said ruling out alteration of project plan as demanded by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Asked about the reason for moving, he said, “I can’t bring our managers and their families to West Bengal if they are going to be beaten, if there is violence constantly. If their children are going to be afraid to go to school, and I am sure that is not what West Bengal is”.

On other problems faced by Tata Motors, he said, “our compound walls have been broken, hordes of people are coming in, materials are being stolen. We can’t build and operate a plant under police protection. If that is the way it is to be before we start, we can imagine our concern on what will happen once we start to operate”.

On 400 acres of land earmarked for the ancillary units, Tata said that the small car 'Nano' was a unique product. "It is necessary to incorporate the ancillary units in the same location to keep the logistics cost low." A total of 55 vendors are located near the mother plant, which was coming up on 600 acres.

West Bengal had been long ignored by industrial houses, including the Tatas. It may be recalled that once Kolkata was known to many as the business capital of India. But following problems similar to what the Tata Motors face now, most of the Industries in West Bengal moved out of West Bengal to other states.

But the states fortunes started looking up recently when the investors felt their industries are safe in West Bengal. According to an Assocham report, West Bengal is currently among the top preferred destinations alongside Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan. During the first six months of this year, the capacity expansion plans by corporates amount to a whopping $243 billion. West Bengal for its part attracted investments of $19.26 billion in steel, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. The Tatas too have made substantial investment in the state and a pull out at this time will cost Tata Motors dearly. But West Bengal will be the biggest loser.

There is no way Tata Nano, the people's family car, the world’s cheapest car rolls out of the Singur plant on schedule later this year, if the political agitation lead by Mamata Banerjee continues. This will be a serious loss for West Bengal that needs to generate jobs for the unemployed youths in West Bengal. If Tata Motors relocates out of West Bengal, the ancillary units will also move out. And if a clean group like the Tatas is forced to move out, the scope of other industrialists settling up shops in west Bengal will be very bleak.

The other States are keen to welcome Ratan Tata and Tata Motors. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Chief Minister of Haryana, said, “Why not? It is a prestigious project. We will welcome him to Haryana”. Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh said, “Andhra Pradesh Government is ready to offer all incentives required for Tatas to locate their car plant here”. A senior official of the Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s office said, “Orissa Government had already proposed the Tatas to set up a second automobile plant in the state”. And B C Khanduri, Uttaranchal Chief Minister said, “We have not yet received any proposal from Tata Motors with regard to setting up of a Nano plant”.

Asked whether the company would be able to roll out the Nano within the stipulated deadline of October-December quarter of 2008, Tata said "it is our desire to do so."

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST 6

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

An Indian police officer tries to douse the fire after vehicles set on fire by protesters during a protest in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008.

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST 5

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

Child protester with police helmet on his head and shield in his hand try to act as a police man during a protest in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008.

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST 4

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

Protesters burn tyers and block the road during a protest in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008. The crisis in Jammu began in June with a dispute over land near a Hindu shrine. Muslims held protests complaining that a state government plan to transfer 99 acres (40 hectares) land to a Hindu trust to build facilities for pilgrims near the shrine was actually a settlement plan meant to alter the religious balance in the region.

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST 3

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

Hungry mob loots government ration from a vehicle as Amarnath land dispute enter 54th day and essential supply remain disrupted in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008. The crisis in Jammu began in June with a dispute over land near a Hindu shrine. Muslims held protests complaining that a state government plan to transfer 99 acres (40 hectares) land to a Hindu trust to build facilities for pilgrims near the shrine was actually a settlement plan meant to alter the religious balance in the region.

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST 2

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

The original author of this photo adds:
A protester damages the government vehicle during a protest in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008. The crisis in Jammu began in June with a dispute over land near a Hindu shrine. Muslims held protests complaining that a state government plan to transfer 99 acres (40 hectares) land to a Hindu trust to build facilities for pilgrims near the shrine was actually a settlement plan meant to alter the religious balance in the region.

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST

INDIA KASHMIR LAND PROTEST, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

Women protesters hold sword and shout slogans during a protest in the Northern Indian city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir on 21 August 2008. The crisis in Jammu began in June with a dispute over land near a Hindu shrine. Muslims held protests complaining that a state government plan to transfer 99 acres (40 hectares) land to a Hindu trust to build facilities for pilgrims near the shrine was actually a settlement plan meant to alter the religious balance in the region.

Amarnath bounded Sadhu or Hindu holy man

INDIA KASHMIR AMARNATH PILGRIMAGE, originally uploaded by jaipalsingh.

Amarnath bounded Sadhu, or Hindu Holy man smiles as he waits for the opening of Amarnath pilgrimage at the Bhagwati Nagar Amarnath pilgrimage base camp in the Northern Indian city of Jammu the winter capital of Kashmir. The annual march to the cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir, which was scheduled to begin on June 30, 2007, has been suspended due to road blockade, bad weather and harsh climate on the Srinagar-Sonamargh-Baltal road, officials said. PIX BY JAIPAL SINGH.

Mom Debbie Phelps and Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps, originally uploaded by M@rcopako.

Michael Phelps wins 8th gold medal, his 14th Olympic gold medal

Michael Phelps helped the Americans on Sunday to win a race they never lost at the Olympics. He cheered from the deck as Jason Lezak brought it home for a world record in the 4x100 meter medley relay. And it was Phelps' history-making eighth gold medal of the Olympics. His tally of Olympic gold medals totals 14, making him the all time greatest Olympian.

With the Gold Medal No. 8, Michael Phelps surpassed Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics set at the 1972 Munich Games. Phelps equaled Spitz by winning the seventh gold medal in 100m butterfly. He was trailing behind Serbia’s Milorad Cavic in the final stretch, but he lunged forward on his final stroke to touch a hundredth of a second, the smallest margin possible.

USA was trailing behind Australia and Japan till men’s 4x100 meter medley relay was won by them. Phelps propelled past the two Aussies ahead of him on the return lap and passed off to Lezak a lead of less than a second. The Australians had the former world record-holder Eamon Sullivan as their anchor, who tried to chase down Lezak, but Lezak finished in 3 minutes and 29.34 seconds, and it was Phelps' seventh world record in his personal Great Haul of China. The Aussies won the silver in 3:30.04 while Japan held on for the bronze.

"The Beijing Olympics has witnessed the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps of the USA," the announcer said as Phelps posed with his teammates. They had to wait a couple of minutes for the official results, and finally, it flashed on the board, “World record gold medal No. 8.”

Phelps won three relays in Beijing along with five individual races. He said without the help of his teammates this isn't possible. He was able to be a part of three relays and they were able to put up a solid team effort and they came together as one unit.

Phelps set seven world records and one Olympic record, doing a personal best time in every event. He won some races by very large margins, others with the closest of finishes, most notably, his seventh gold by one-hundredth of a second over Serbia's Milorad Cavic in the 100 fly. After receiving his eighth gold, Phelps received another award from FINA, the sport's governing body, as the best swimmer of the meet.

Phelps hails from a broken home, his policeman father and school teacher mother separated when he was only seven. Phelps attended the 1996 Olympics to support elder sister Whitney. She finished sixth in the 200m butterfly and could not make into the team. Whitney’s career was cut short by four herniated discs. In December 2004 Phelps was sentenced to 18 months probation for failing a drink driving test.

As a boy he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His teacher complained to his mother, “Your son will never be able to focus on anything”. He was on medication, something his mother still feels bad about, and he was put on Retalin for a very short period when he was nine to control hyperactivity. When asked about his childhood disorder, he said, “It is pretty big to stay focus. This is my third Olympics and I have already swum in World Championships and major meets, so I have got used to it. These things helped me to develop an unwavering focus”.

The 23-year-old (born on June 30, 1985) from Baltimore loves hip-hop and rap music, texting with his buddies and wearing his cap backward. Among his favorites is American rapper Young Jeezy. His passions are American football, music, video games and hanging out with his English bulldog, Herman.

Michael Phelps is in touch with his friends in the US. He read out a text message he received from his close friend before last Wednesday’s first race. The message said,” How many times do we have to see your ugly face?” That sent the people around into peals of laughter.

Phelps may or may not be the greatest Olympian of all time. But judging by the pure weight of gold, no athlete has ever been where he reached, not even Mark Spitz, Paavo Nurmi, Larissa Latynina or Carl Lewis, who is the four giants of the Olympic Games sharing career gold medals each. Phelps will compete in London four years from now, after estimated 300,000 training laps and many more world records. If that happens, Michael Phelps may set a record that is impossible to beat by any Olympian. But in all discussions and writings about Olympics greatest achievers Michael Phelps will be featured as the greatest Olympian.

Phelps wins 8th Gold Medal

michael phelps at nbc beijing, originally uploaded by kenyee.

Michael Phelps of USA leaves the NBC studios after an interview about his 8th gold medal performance at Beijing Olympics. It is an all-time historical record.

Ashoka Pillar, a metallurgical wonder

 

Ashoka Pillar, an iron pillar located in the Qutb Minar Complex, Delhi, is an indicator of the superior skills of metallurgy Indians had in ancient times. The pillar is made up of 98% wrought iron of pure quality. Indian iron smiths and metallurgists had highly advanced technologies in the extraction and processing of iron. It has attracted the attention of archaeologists and metallurgists from all over the world as it has withstood corrosion for the last thousands of years. Scientists claim that the pillar was manufactured by forge welding for which the temperatures required to form such a pillar can only be achieved by the combustion of coal.

It is claimed the iron manufactured at a place called Mirjati near Jamshedpur (India) in the 1920’s was found to be of the same quality as the iron used for the Ashoka Pillar.

The pillar is about 22 feet (6.7 m) tall weighing more than six tons. Historical facts show that it was erected at the times of the emperor, Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). It is believed that the Iron Pillar was initially erected at Vishnupadagiri, in Central India and it served as a sundial. It was later brought to Delhi and erected at its present site. Jain and Hindu Temples were present in the area and they were demolished by Qutb-ud-din Aybak who was the first Sultan of Delhi and founder of the Slave dynasty. He initiated the construction of the Qutab Minar (also spelled Qutub Minar and Qutb Minar) at the site of the temples demolished by him.

The pillar bears an inscription in Sanskrit which states that it was erected as a standard in honor of Lord Vishnu.

Pleasures at Las Vegas

 

Las Vegas, originally uploaded by cheukiecfu.

Las Vegas, with its lavish casino resorts, beverages, spicy entertainment and online casinos. As a city of pleasures, this image made Las Vegas a popular setting for many films and television programs. It is also the favorite spot for unwinding, holidaying and de-stressing for many topmost celebrities of Hollywood and elsewhere in the world. Outdoor lighting displays are everywhere on the Las Vegas Strip and are seen elsewhere in the city as well.
Viewed from the space, Las Vegas is the brightest city on earth.

The decline in the top position of Las Vegas is attributed to the emergence of the online casino by many people. As a result, many entrepreneurs are shifting their operations to Macau now.

It gives a great feeling as you sip champagne and board a Sundance Helicopter for a night time flight over Las Vegas's glittering lights and neon signs. There is nothing comparable to a view from the heavens as you fly over the Stratosphere Tower, the fabulous Strip, Glitter Gulch, etc. Or, enjoy the surrealistic celebration of music, dance, acrobatics and comedy from the artists who brought you Cirque du Soleil. Get to know the inimitable Splash, bringing tigers back to the Strip with Dirk Arthur and his amazing cats as well as showcasing ice skating, breath-stopping motorcycle stunts, beautiful showgirls and outrageous comedy.

Las Vegas, billed as The Entertainment Capital of the World, is famous for a number of large casino resorts and associated entertainment. Las Vegas was also known as "Sin City". Visitors play at casinos, pools, health spas and golf courses.

The magnificent sights and hospitality of Las Vegas are enjoyed by over 40 million tourists every year. Whether you're looking for a hip and fashionable Las Vegas nightclub, a trendy hotspot or a lively disco, you can easily book into one. Also you can enjoy a world of movies as you dine at Planet Hollywood, famous for its stunning variety of movie props and costumes and enjoy admission to the hottest hands on attraction in Las Vegas at Madame Tussauds before completing your evening with a dazzling performance of Las Vegas' best variety show.

The Holy Amarnath Cave

The Holy Amarnath Cave, originally uploaded by Jeet.

Are you looking for the most authentic, interesting and beautiful photos and images, news, articles, etc., on everything related to India and Indians abroad ? Come back here for more! Now read on...

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach, originally uploaded by MarinerOne.

Kovalam Beach, situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline, came on the international tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were identified for their beauty. Earlier during the rule of the Kings, it was recognized by the royals too as the presence of the Kovalam Palace shows.

Finding the best travel and hotel services

 

Where would you like to go for holidaying next time? How about some exotic locations like Pattaya, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, the Caribbean Islands, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, the sunny beaches of the Canary Islands, or the French Riviera?

I love travel. I never miss an opportunity to go around places and enjoy scenic sites, visit historical monuments, etc. But sometimes I feel that my entire program could have been planned well beforehand. The most important things for me are timely reservations, for traveling to the desired destination as well as for my stay. Now, the easiest thing, I feel, is searching online for airlines and hotels that suit my taste and budget. I used to be a bit old fashioned, collecting info from many sources and searching for what I want based on the collected data from individual sources. Now I found out some easiest ways.

Recently a rich friend of mine wanted to visit some countries. I had to do a little bit of searching around and planning for him. I started googling keywords for his destinations, hotels, airlines, etc., but eventually ended up depending on some consolidated services sites. For example, kayak.com provides the facility to search for hundreds of travel sites from all over the world and kayak send you directly to the source to make your booking, whether it is a flight, hotel, cruise, or rental car, or whatever.

Similarly, if you are looking for the most popular and comfortable airlines from any country or region in the world, you can select a region of the world to see a complete list of airlines from that region which have websites.

In fact, I went from one online service to another to look for the easiest and reliable services. And finally I landed at HotelsCombined.com and found it suited my needs for online hotel reservation. It is simply a search engine to look for availability of hotel accommodation, details, rates, and to compare prices and offers from various sources. You can compare prices and availability from all major accommodation providers on the same screen. Once you find the accommodation supplier suitable for your needs, they link you to the suppliers’ website to help you book directly. Their services are free to use and they help you search the world’s most popular hotel reservation websites. There are over 900,000 hotel deals, over 1.5 million consumer reviews, about 3 million pictures of hotels, 2 million hotel descriptions and maps.

The best part is HotelsCombined is not involved in any pricing process and they cannot change the prices displayed at various the reservation websites. They are not travel agents. They do not sell or provide reservation services. You cannot make a booking with them but once you identify the best priced hotel service or best deal for you, they link you through to the service providers or their booking sites to complete your reservation directly from their website.

Now what would you prefer, going to a number of websites for your hotel and travel reservation at various places or finding and booking your needs from one or two sites?

Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

 

Vadakkumnatha Temple, Thrissur, originally uploaded by ArunaR.

One of the oldest temples in Kerala State, India, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of temple architecture with many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. This temple with the deity Vadakkunnathan (Siva) is believed to have been built by the legendary Parasurama. It is on top of a beautiful hillock at the center of Trichur, overlooking Trichur town.

The Government of India has declared the Vadakkumnathan temple as a national monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Main Altar, Se Cathedral, Goa

 

Main Altar, Se Cathedral, Goa, originally uploaded by ArunaR.

ArunaR adds below the original entry, "The principal chapel with its high altar has an imposing appearance, and is 38 feet long and 34 4/5 feet broad. The altar piece is richly adorned with engravings. It has three niches in the center, one above the other, in which stand three images, one of St. Catherine, another of Nossa Senhora d'Assumptio, and the third of Christ crucified."

Se Cathedral, Goa

 

Se Cathedral, Goa, originally uploaded by ArunaR.

One of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa, the Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Asia and it took eighty years to get completed. It is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and is located in Old Goa. This monument truly represents the royalty of Goa during the rule of Portuguese. Se Cathedral has been declared as a heritage site by UNESCO.

Terekhol Fort, Goa

 

Fort Tiracol, originally uploaded by Venkatesh K.

Fort Terekhol (also spelt as Tirakol or Tirakhol) is situated on the Terekhol River on the northern tip of Goa. It was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the King of Sawantwadi in the 17th century. It was rebuilt in 1764 after the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida captured it. But Terekhol was legally incorporated into Goa only in 1788.

Terekhol Fort is at the northern most tip of Goa's shoreline, 42 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa, on a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of river Terekhol. Dr. Bernado Peres da Silva, the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa launched an armed rebellion against the Portuguese using Fort Terekhol as his base in 1825. But the result was not very fruitful as the Portuguese took over the fort once again and Dr. Bernado Peres da Silva never returned to Goa.

The fort was in ruins and the remains of the fort have now been repaired and converted into a hotel, the Terekhol Fort Heritage. The century old Church of St. Anthony is in its courtyard. The Church is not open to the general public except on certain occasions such as the annual feast that is usually held some time in May.

St. Anthony’s Church at Terekhol, North Goa

 

The church at Terekhol (Tiracool), North Goa, originally uploaded by vm2827.

The photographer ads, "One of the most peaceful and prettiest, churches that I have seen. The fort surrounding it is now a resort, again, very graceful, done in yellow and black."

Tata Nano, the people’s family car

Ratan Tata’s brainchild, the people’s family car, Nano, has captured the imagination of innovators and critics alike, as it is a car with futuristic design cues. The “Rs 1 lakh wonder” from Tata Motors will help the man on the street to move from 2-wheelers to 4-wheelers (Rs 1 lakh = US$ 2360, taking Rs/$ at 42.35, the rate on August 2, 2008.) At Tata Motors’ Singur plant technicians are honing their skills in putting together this “623 cc Rs 1700 crore concept” (Rs 1700 crore = US$ 400 million approximately). On July 29, 2008, the engineers at Singur assembled the first Tata Nano and celebrated in a ceremony, complete with garlands and brass lamps.

“We are happy to present the people’s car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to families who need personal mobility”, said Ratan Tata on January 10, 2008 while showcasing the Nano. The Tata Nano is one such car that promises to put the entire nation on 4-wheels. With its beautiful looks, the world’s cheapest car, Nano has been the talk of the town around the globe.

As automobiles experts see, the Nano may compete with Maruti 800 as its main rival, and Alto and Zen Estilo may mark out some design and packaging aspects. To compare, Nano is about 230 mm shorter than Maruti 800, the wheelbase has advantage of 155 mm over Maruti Suzuki 800, 60 mm advantage in width and about 100 mm in height over Maruti. So you get more legroom, better shoulder room and more space over your head!

Nano’s mono-volume design is a better change over the two-box layout of the Maruti 800. The bonnet line is steep and joins with the bumper seamlessly. The fog lamps are in the bumper. Profile-wise, the Nano resembles Mitsubishi’s latest small car ‘i’. The tail lamps seem to be a redesign of Tata Indica’s tail lamps. The back side of the Nano looks attractive with the exhaust pipe peeping out of middle of the bumper.

Though the outer look is quite attractive, the interior does not seem so. The plastics look cheap. The knobs and switches have materials of older generation cars! But the layout of the interiors is spacious and functional. The curved dashboard is useful for storage, which seems to be the current trend. The instrument binnacle is in the middle. The centre console houses all the important knobs and air conditioner vents. Speakers for the audio system are on the rear bench just under the seat area.

The speedometer is designed for 120 km/h. There’s only one sun visor. And sadly for women, there is no vanity mirror to plaster on some make-up (for men too if the current men’s fashion is an indicator!). The seats have integrated head restraints, like in the Hyundai i10. Tata Motors will offer the top end version of Nano with air conditioners, power windows and power steering. Nano is to be exported too, and provision for ABS and airbags will also be there for sure. The gearbox is a floor mounted four-speed version. For its size, Nano is quite roomy, enough for four average sized Indians. (Not so spacious for citizens of New Delhi, as more than half the population is obese, the current crop of children/teens even more obese, and those who settled in Delhi and opted for the famous (or infamous) “Delhi belly” after gulping down buckets of the mouthwatering Delhi delicacies).

Nano is a metal-bodied car with four full-blown doors to ease ingress and egress. It has a uni-body construction that makes use of a sub-frame which adds to the strength. About suspension, the Tata engineers had to optimize the suspension setup and add a fair amount of other technical add-ons like fatter rear tyres while the battery box and fuel tank are placed right underneath the seat of front occupants.

The Nano has an all-aluminum two cylinder 623 cc engine with two valves per cylinder driven by a single overhead camshaft. The Nano moves with 33 BHP power, peaking at 5500 rpm with 48 Nm of turning force supplied at a meager 2500 rpm. The Nano has a 4-speed cable operated gearbox, the fourth being in an overdriven ratio. Tata is developing an automatic gearbox for Nano, but that may not be available when the car is launched by the year end. Besides the 623 cc petrol engine, Tata Motors may also bring out a common-rail 700 cc diesel engine of the same architecture as the one seen on Tata Ace.

Though tagged as “Rs 1 lakh car”, when delivered to the customer it may cost about to Rs 1.2 lakh, while the one with more comforts and extra accessories can be priced at Rs 1.5 lakh. The top-end versions might retail for about Rs 2.0 lakh, as speculations go.

Top of Cabo de Rama

DSCF3390, originally uploaded by itsagoa.

Agencies report from Panaji that the Goa Government has appointed Mumbai based Structural Designers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. as consultants to prepare a master plan for restoration, construction, beautification, rescue and maintenance of Fort Cabo de Rama at Canacona coast in south Goa.

Director of Goa Archives and Archaeology M.L. Dicholkar told news reporters recently that the firm would be paid Rs. 2 lakh for the draft plan and further Rs. 3.39 lakh for the final plan according to the terms of agreement signed.

The Goa State Government also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Delhi based Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for a strategic partnership wherein it entrusted to the latter the task of restoration, conservation and maintenance of 51 of its officially listed heritage and cultural monuments in Goa.

The restoration work of Fort Cabo de Rama would be one of them which would be taken up by INTACH based on the report of the consultants, Mr. Dicholkar said.

The View off the top of Fort Cabo de Rama fort

 

The view off the top of the Cabo de Rama fort, originally uploaded by fritz_da_kat.

This is a view of the sea from the top of Fort Cabo de Rama, Goa, India. The fort is almost in ruins and efforts are on to restore the Fort with possible private builders' and restorers' participation. The ruins of the fort and its surrounding areas are a major tourist attraction in Goa.

View from Chapora fort

 

View from Chapora fort, originally uploaded by ryan_lemos.

View from Chapora fort, the quite and serene greenery, unpolluted, the hallmark of most of the places in Goa. This perhaps is one of the reasons that attracts tourists from all corners of the world to Goa, if not the fabulous beaches with white sand on which waves break gently.

Chapora Fort

 

chapora fort, originally uploaded by WarpHed.

A scenic photo of Chapora Fort in North Goa, a historical landmark and heritage site in North Goa. Set this picture as a desktop wallpaper (1024x768) for your computer.