Explorer
3200 Points
Rising majestically out of the pine-scented forests of Banff National Park, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands as one of Canada's most legendary travel destinations. Modeled after a Scottish Baronial castle, this year-round luxury resort offers guests an unparalleled blend of opulent hospitality, rich heritage, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Rundle and the Bow River Valley.Visitors to the castle will discover world-class amenities designed for ultimate relaxation and adventure. The hotel features over 700 guest rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Stanley Thompson, and the award-winning Willow Stream Spa, complete with mineral pools and outdoor whirlpools overlooking snow-capped peaks. Gastronomy is at the heart of the experience, with over a dozen restaurants and lounges offering everything from hearty Alpine fondue at the Waldhaus Restaurant to fine cuts of prime beef at 1888 Chop House.Even if you aren't staying overnight, day visitors are welcome to explore the grand public spaces, browse the high-end boutique shopping galleries, enjoy afternoon tea in the Rundle Bar, or take a peaceful walk around the scenic hotel grounds and nearby Bow Falls.
Nestled amid the bustling lanes of Central Delhi, the Jhandewalan Temple stands as a powerful beacon of faith, devotion, and divine feminine energy (Shakti). Dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti, an incarnation of Supreme Goddess Durga, this historic temple draws millions of pilgrims annually, particularly during the bi-annual festival of Navratri. The name Jhandewalan literally translates to 'the place of flags', a moniker earned due to the towering prayer flags presented by devotees over centuries in fulfillment of their vows.The temple layout is distinctively unique, structured across multiple levels to accommodate the vast stream of visitors. As you descend into the lower level, you encounter the sacred Gupha (Cave Sanctum). This subterranean chamber houses the original, centuries-old idol of the Goddess alongside the natural rock formations where she was discovered. Walking through the cave fills devotees with profound serenity and awe. The upper level features a brightly lit, beautifully decorated modern sanctum where regular evening and morning aartis take place with intense devotional chanting and temple bells ringing in unison. Beyond its spiritual significance, Jhandewalan Temple is renowned for its humanitarian work. Managed by the Badri Bhagat Jhandewalan Temple Trust, the complex runs a massive daily free food service (Langar), medical dispensaries, educational aid programs, and free distributions during major Hindu religious observances. Visiting this sanctuary offers not just a spiritual sanctuary from Delhi's urban chaos, but a glimpse into centuries-old traditions that remain vibrantly alive today.
Nestled in the gentle hills of Yamunachala in southern Maharashtra, the Tulja Bhavani Temple is one of India's most vibrant centers of Shakti worship. As one of the three-and-a-half sacred Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra, this holy shrine draws millions of devotees, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts from across the country every year.The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, an incarnation of Durga who represents supreme power, protection, and compassion. Unlike many traditional Hindu icons fixed to the temple floor, the idol of Goddess Bhavani here is Chala Murti—a movable deity carved out of smooth black basalt stone. She is depicted with eight arms holding various celestial weapons while slaying the demon Mahishasura.A visit to the temple is an immersive cultural and spiritual experience. The temple complex is accessed through two grand entrance gateways named after Shivaji Maharaj’s parents—the Sardar Shahaji Raje Mahadwar and the Rajmata Jijau Mahadwar. Inside, the soothing sound of temple bells, traditional nagada drums, and the divine chant of 'Udo Udo Bhavani Mata' echo through the courtyards.Key Highlights & RitualsChalaraj Idol: Thrice a year, the main deity is moved from her sanctum for a sacred sleep ritual (Nidra period) onto a special bed (Chhar Sej).Kallola Tirth & Gomukh Tirth: Sacred water tanks inside the complex where devotees take purifying baths before offering prayers.Bhavani Shankar Temple & Matangi Temple: Ancient sub-shrines surrounding the main courtyard showcasing intricate carving work.Navratri Festival: The nine-night festival of Navratri sees the city turn into a sea of red kumkum (vermilion) and turmeric, celebrating the divine triumph of light over dark.