Which is the largest waterfall in Kerala?



Athirappilly Falls, is situated in Athirappilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala, India on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 80 feet. 



The 145 kilometres (90 mi) long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats[2] and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirapilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.



Daily jungle safari trips are organized by Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council with Athirappilly Destination Management Council from Chalakudy to Malakkappara.



 



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Which waterfall in India literally means Sea of Milk?



One of the most scenic waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar literally means ‘Sea of Milk’. Though perennial, the beauty of the waterfall increases multi-fold during the rainy season. Dudhsagar Waterfall is situated inside the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary in Sanguem district of Goa close to the border with Karnataka. It is about 60 km from state capital Panaji.



The roads leading to the waterfall, maintained by the Goa Forest Department, remain closed during the monsoon and open in October. Trekking to the waterfall is the most popular activity and passes through steep mountain terrain. Jeep safari is also popular with tourists. There are four routes to reach the waterfall. The most adventurous trek starts from Kuveshi village. It is not allowed during monsoon as it requires cross the Mandovi River. The 10 km long route passes through thick jungle.



Legend has it that a beautiful princess lived in the forest on the edge of the King's palace grounds. She enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and ritually drank sweetened milk from a Golden Jug upon finishing with her bath. One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a handsome prince standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, the Princess poured the jug of milk in front of her to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while one of the maids rushed to cover her with a dress.



The sweetened milk cascades down the mountain slope to this day as tribute to the virtue and modesty of the Princess.



 



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Which waterfall features in the film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”?



Recognize this waterfall? That’s because it appears in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film while Harry battles the Hungarian Horntail during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. The Steall Falls, near Fort Williams in the UK, is so popular with walkers that it now needs repairs to its surface due to erosion. On average, 40,000 people a year climb the 393 ft. path up the falls.



Repairs will involve a helicopter because it will be the easiest way to drop necessary materials down on the path. This need and methods used for repair will mean closure for the path and road through Glen Nevis when work needs to be completed on the aerial section.



Goodman also stated, “The trail retains that feel of wildness that people of all ages love.” His statement certainly reflects the popularity of the waterfall and the need to repair the landmark for future climbers.



 



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Which two countries does the Niagara Falls straddle?



Niagara Falls is a geological wonder and one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, it has been a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years, as well as a major source of hydroelectric power.  



When Niagara Falls formed, it was about 7 miles (11 km) downstream from where it is today. Even now, erosion continues to push the falls farther upstream at a rate of about a foot a year. By some estimates, the river will erode back to Lake Erie in about 50,000 years, cutting through an escarpment and through soft shale and beginning to drain Lake Erie. 



Native Americans settled in the area between A.D. 1300 and 1400, according to Niagara Falls Info. One of the first native tribes called themselves the Onguiaahra, which French explorers turned into "Niagara." Also among the earlier settlers was an Iroquois group, the Atiquandaronk, who were called the "Neutrals" by French explorers because of the tribe's peacekeeping efforts between neighboring warring tribes.



 



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Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls collectively make up which popular waterfall?



Niagara Falls in Canada is a collective name given to three waterfalls, namely Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, on the River Niagara along the border of US state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. 



Niagara Falls is a collective name given to three separate waterfalls situated on the River Niagara on the border between US state of New York and Canada’s Province of Ontario. The main waterfall, the Horseshoe Falls, lies on the US-Canada border while the American Falls and Bridal Veil are the territories of the USA.



The largest waterfalls of the Niagara Falls is the Horseshoe Falls, which has an average flow rate of 225000 Cubic Feet per second, making it the largest waterfall in North America by flow rate. Over 90% of River Niagara flows into this fall while only 10% goes to the other two combined.



The best time of the day to visit the Niagara Falls, especially during the peak, is just after the opening timing when people are still yet to come or just before the closing time when most people have left.



 



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The Zamberi river is situated on the border of which two countries?



The 2,574-kilometre-long river (1,599 mi) arises in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the north-eastern border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Mozambique, where it crosses the country to empty into the Indian Ocean.



By far the most notable feature of the Zambezi River is the mighty Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site. Not to be disregarded, other well-known falls over which the river cascades are the Chavuma Falls in north-west Zambia, and widely inaccessible Ngonye Falls in western Zambia.



The Kariba Dam (or Lake Kariba) in Zimbabwe, and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique are both man-made dams constructed to provide hydroelectic power to Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and South Africa respectively. 200km from Victoria Falls, Kariba is the world largest man-made lake – 226km long and up to 40km in several places. Cahora Bassa, on the other hand, is an arch dam with a length of 171m and a maximum width of 303m.



Due to the fact that the Zambezi River runs through many game reserves and national parks, it provides sustenance to a diverse array of game, birdlife and fish species. Wildlife to be spotted on a game drive along its banks, or a cruise within its waters include elephant, hippos, crocodiles, water buck, buffalo, zebras, and even lion.



 



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Why is Hogenakkal named so?



The name Hogenakkal is derived from Kannada words hoge, meaning “smoke” and kal meaning “rock,” because the mist created when the water lands at the bottom of the falls makes it look as if the rocks are smoking.



In the western part of Tamil Nadu in India, the Kaveri River tumbles over rocks to create Hogenakkal Falls. Sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of India,” Hogenakkal Falls is dwarfed in size and strength by the Niagara, but it offers an impressive view nonetheless. The Hogenakkal Falls are formed where the river cuts through the rocky terrain on the border between the two states. The falls are made up of a number of individual waterfalls, which range from about 15 feet to 65 feet tall. 



This place has many waterfalls on the river cauvery. Hogenakkal is a hamlet situated in Tamil Nadu bordering Karnataka.



The 15 km descent from Pennagaram to Hogenakkal snakes through very interesting terrain. In these lands, one can see villages with lush fields of mulberry, fodder for busy silkworms, and the broad-leaved though often scraggy castor. On the outskirts of the rural settlements en route are their fascinating guardian deities, often referred to as Aiyanars. Made of terracotta or plastered brick, these giant figures are brightly colored and generally depict fearsome and mustachioed warriors. But exceptions to this excessively macho rule are also seen at some places.



 



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In which river does Jog Falls originate?



Jog Falls is a waterfall on the Sharavati river located in the Western Ghats in Siddapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district and its viewpoint is in Sagara taluk, Shimoga district. It is the second highest plunge waterfall in India The Jog Falls are located 18 miles (29 km) upstream from Honavar at the river’s mouth on the Arabian Sea. As it plunges 830 feet (253 metres) into a chasm, the river splits into four cascades known as the Raja, or Horseshoe; Roarer; Rocket; and Ranee (“Queen”), or La Dame Blanche (“The White Lady”). A leading scenic attraction, the falls can be observed from bungalows on either bank of the river. A large hydropower project has been developed at Jog, downstream.



Many smaller waterfalls make an appearance in this area. Even if the main waterfall is completely hidden by mist, which does occur, you are likely to catch a glimpse of the other seasonal waterfalls. The nearby district of Uttara Kannada has plenty of waterfalls too. Sharavathi Valley Viewpoint, Linganamakki Dam, and Muppane backwaters are a few other attractions near Jog Falls. The green paddy fields, tree canopies, and undulating terrain in and around Jog provide an experience which no movie can recreate.



 



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Why is the Angel Falls named so?



The waterfall has been known as the Angel Falls since the mid-20th century; they are named after Jimmie Angel, a US aviator, who was the first person to fly over the falls. Angel's ashes were scattered over the falls on 2 July 1960.



The common Spanish name Salto Ángel derives from his surname. In 2009, President Hugo Chávez announced his intention to change the name to the purported original indigenous Pemon term ("Kerepakupai Vená", meaning "waterfall of the deepest place"), on the grounds that the nation's most famous landmark should bear an indigenous name. Explaining the name change, Chávez was reported to have said, "This is ours, long before Angel ever arrived there ... this is indigenous land." However, he later said that he would not decree the change of name, but only was defending the use of Kerepakupai Vená.



 



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In which country will you find the Angel Falls – the highest waterfall in the country?



Angel Falls, Spanish Salto Ángel, also called Salto Churún Merú, waterfall in the Guiana Highlands in Bolívar state, southeastern Venezuela, on the Churún River, a tributary of the Caroní, 160 miles (260 km) southeast of Ciudad Bolívar. Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest waterfall, with a total height of 3212 feet (979 meters). This total height includes a single uninterrupted drop of 2648 feet (807 meters), plus 564 feet (172 meters) of steep cascades and smaller drops downstream from the main falls.



Angel Falls was named for James Angel, an American pilot, who in 1933 was the first aviator to fly over the falls. Within a few years, Angel's story of a "mile-high waterfall" had been widely publicized through stories and trivia items in popular media. This occurred before the height of the falls was properly measured and before the name Angel Falls was in popular use



Angel falls has been in its current location for thousands of years. It will remain there until gravity pulls another block of the highly fractured sandstone away from the mountain. The block will fall to the ground and explode into a catastrophic rain of rock. The river will flow without interruption, but the position of the waterfall will change.



 



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How Sarojini Naidu found her voice as a poet?



Sarojini Naidu was the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and free India’s first woman governor.  But first and foremost, she was a poet. A uniquely talented poet, Sarojini had the ability to capture the essence of humanity through her lyrical verses, which are recited in schools across India even today. But do you know how she found her voice as a poet?



Early life



Sarojini was born in Hyderabad on February 13, 1879, to Aghornath Chattopadhyay, a scientist, philosopher and co-founder of the Nizam College, and Barada Sundari Devi, a Bengali poet. A gifted student, Sarojini was proficient in Bengali, Urdu, Telugu, French and English. At just 12 years of age, she topped the matriculation exam at the University of Madras.



Once while working on an algebra problem, she penned a 1,300-line-long poem titled The Lady of the Lake. When she showed it to her father, he recognized her literary talent and encouraged her to pursue writing, even though he initially wanted her to study mathematics.



Sarojini wrote the play Maher Muneer in the Persian language. And her father sent one copy to the Nawab of Hyderabad. The Nawab was greatly impressed by the play written by a young girl and offered her a scholarship to study abroad. So at 16, she took admission to King’s College, London, and later, pursued further studies at Girton College, Cambridge.



Finding her voice



Studying in England, Sarojini got an opportunity to meet with some of the greatest literary names of the time. One of them was prominent English poet, Edmund Gosse, who had influenced James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. Gosse guided Sarojini to stay true to Indian themes in her poetry. Following his advice, Sarojini was able to find her voice as a poet. Weaving Indian festivals, customs and traditions, flora and fauna into her verses, she wrote about the simple joys and sorrows of life. Her collections The Golden Threshold, The Bird of Time, and The Broken Wing earned her both national and international recognition. Prominent Indian personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru counted them among her fans.



At 19, she married Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu even though he belonged to a different caste. When she returned to India she actively took part in demonstrations against the Partition of Bengal. Freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who admired her poems, inspired her to use her poetry to encourage the masses to join the Independence movement. Her poetry helped galvanise the public into action since the British had banned the publication of Indian newspapers. Her In the Bazaars of Hyderabad spread the message of Swadeshi.



For her work in the field of poetry writing, Sarojini earned the sobriquet “The Nightingale of India”.



Empowering women



Sarojini travelled throughout the country to encourage women to take part in the movement. Along with Annie Besant, Sarojini founded the Women’s India Association at Adyar in Chennai (then Madras). She demanded recognition from the Congress and the British for women’s suffrage in India.



Sarojini developed a strong friendship with Gandhiji, and remained by his side for 30 years.



After India attained independence, she became the first woman governor of the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh). She served as governor till she died of a heart attack on March3, 1949.



 



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Which groups of monuments founded by the Pallava kings in Tamil Nadu in 7th and 8th centuries and in which town are these monuments located?



The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is a collection of 7th- and 8th-century CE religious monuments in the coastal resort town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Chennai.



The monuments were built during the Pallava dynasty. Known as the Seven Pagodas in many colonial-era publications, they are also called the Mamallapuram temples or Mahabalipuram temples in contemporary literature. The site, restored after 1960, has been managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.



Mahabalipuram is known by several names, including Mamallapuram; Mamalla means "Great Wrestler", and refers to the 7th-century king Narasimha Varman I. Other names found in historic texts include Mamallapattana, Mavalipuram, Mavalivaram, Mavellipore, Mauvellipooram and Mahabalipur, all of which refer to a "great wrestler city" or "city of Mahabali". The latter is related to the mythical Mahabali, the demon king defeated by the dwarf Vamana (a Vishnu avatar). According to Nagaswamy, the name is derived from the Tamil word mallal (prosperity) and reflects its being an ancient economic center for South India and Southeast Asia. This theory is partially supported by an 8th-century Tamil text by the early Bhakti movement poet Thirumangai Alvar, where Mamallapuram is called "Kadal Mallai".



 



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Under which dynasty was the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal built in the 7th and 8th centuries?



Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.



The rise of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India and a golden age in the history of Karnataka. The political atmosphere in South India shifted from smaller kingdoms to large empires with the rise of Badami Chalukyas. For the first time in history, a South Indian kingdom took control and consolidated the entire region between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers. The rise of that empire also saw the birth of efficient administration, rise in overseas trade and commerce and the development of new style of architecture called Vesara. Around the ninth century, it also saw the growth of Kannada as a language of literature in the Jaina Puranas, Veerashaiva Vachanas and Brahminical traditions. The eleventh century saw the birth of Telugu literature under the patronage of the Eastern Chalukyas.



The rock-cut temples of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Badami and Aihole constitute their most celebrated monuments.That marks the beginning of Chalukya style of architecture and a consolidation of South Indian style.



In Aihole, the Durga temple (sixth century), Ladh Khan temple (450), Meguti temple (634), Hucchimalli and Huccappayya temples (fifth century), Badami Cave Temples (600) provide examples of early Chalukyan art. Vikramaditya II (740) commissioned the majestic temples at Pattadakal. Here the Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna (740), Sangameswara (725) and a Jain temple display the Dravidian style while Jambulinga, Kasivisweswara, and Galaganatha (740) show the Northern nagara style. The Papanatha (680) temple shows an attempt to combine the Northern and Southern styles.



 



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Odisha’s 13th Century Sun Temple, marked by a chariot, is seen as “one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture”. In which town is the temple located?



The Sun Temple at Konârak, located on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture and art as revealed in its conception, scale and proportion, and in the sublime narrative strength of its sculptural embellishment. It is an outstanding testimony to the 13th-century kingdom of Orissa and a monumental example of the personification of divinity, thus forming an invaluable link in the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya,the Sun God. 



Like many Indian temples, the Sun Temple comprises several distinct and well-organized spatial units. The vimana (principal sanctuary) was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara (crowning cap), which was razed in the 19th century. To the east, the jahamogana (audience hall) dominates the ruins with its pyramidal mass. Farther to the east, the natmandir (dance hall), today unroofed, rises on a high platform. Various subsidiary structures are still to be found within the enclosed area of the rectangular wall, which is punctuated by gates and towers.The Sun Temple is an exceptional testimony, in physical form, to the 13th-century Hindu Kingdom of Orissa, under the reign of Narasimha Deva I (AD 1238-1264). 



Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa, India. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The entire temple is made in the form of a huge chariot of Sun God with 24 wheels (12 pairs) and pulled by 7 horses. This temple has 3 main strutures. The Dance Hall, Prayer Hall and Main Temple. The Dance Hall wall and pillars are carved with 277 Devadasi dance poses which is considered as the first form of Indian Classical Dance. The wall of the Prayer Hall showcases the famous love making sculptures and for this reason Konark Sun Temple is also called second Khajuraho Temple of India. The Main temple has already collapsed 80%. At western side of Sun Temple there is Temple of Chaya - the wife of Sun God. Another scientific marvel of the Konark Sun Temple is Sun-Dial which tells time accurately during day.



 



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Which site in present-day Bihar comprises the archaeological remains of which scholastic institution dating to the 13th Century?



The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent.



While the original mahavihara was a much larger complex, all surviving remains of Nalanda present in the property area of 23 hectares comprising 11 viharas and 14 temples, besides many smaller shrine and votive structures, demonstrate amply its attributes such as axial planning and layout along north-south axis, its architectural manifestation and extant building materials and applied ornamental embellishments. Preserved in-situ are the structural remains of viharas and chaityas whose layers of construction show evolution of the respective forms. The positioning of these structures over the extent of the site shows the planned layout unique to Nalanda. The property also retains a corpus of moveable and immoveable artefacts and artistic embellishments that show iconographic development reflecting changes in Buddhist belief system.



Nalanda's layers of construction, iconography and records testify these remains to be its oldest surviving parts. The spatial organization evident in these excavated remains demonstrate its systematic planning. Temple-like form of chaityas and quadrangular-form of viharas replete with infrastructure authenticate Nalanda's contribution in developing sacred architecture of the Buddhists and residential-cum-scholastic facilities. Its stucco, stone and metal art retain iconographic features that enabled changes in Buddhist belief system and transition of Mahayana to Vajrayana.



 



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