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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
7 Refreshing Hill Stations Near Lucknow For Your Next Summer Getaway
Lucknow stands as the capital city of Uttar Pradesh where people admire its heritage sites as well as its historic landmarks along with its delectable food. Hot summer temperatures throughout this area force people to look for temperature relief in alternative areas. Multiple charming hill stations exist within reachable distance from Lucknow that provide shelter from hot summer temperatures. People find these scenic locations beneficial for their restful vacations and discover mesmerizing landscapes and peaceful environments with thrilling outdoor activities available. These selected hill stations will provide the best summer refuge close to Lucknow. 1. Nainital: The Queen of Lakes India's travelers consider Nainital one of the premier hill stations as it resides 350 kilometers east of Lucknow because it provides an excellent escape from the flatlands. Nainital has gained its 'Queen of Lakes' title because it features an enchanting lake together with appealing environment and agreeable atmospheric conditions. Located at 1938 meters above sea level the town remains substantially cooler than Lucknow during summer season. Visitors who vacation in Naini Lake can enjoy boating while the Mall Road shopping district offers activities and Snow View Point and Tiffin Top viewpoints await explorers. Wildlife lovers can quickly get to the Jim Corbett National Park from their current position. The Victorian-style town of Nainital provides beautiful scenery that caters perfectly to couples traveling alone as well as families and singles. 2. Mussoorie: The Gateway to the Himalayas Travelers find 'Mussoorie' or the 'Queen of Hills' located 470 kilometers from Lucknow where it serves as an entrance to see the splendid Himalayan mountains. The 2000-meter-high hill station features moderate summer conditions alongside spectacular views of snowy mountain tops. Kempty Falls and Gun Hill together with Lal Tibba represent the top sights for visitors to explore in Mussoorie. The leisurely ambles along Camel's Back Road create an ideal scenario then visitors find joy at Company Garden through colorful flower beds within its beautiful terrain. Tourists seeking adventure have several options such as paragliding together with rock climbing and trekking activities. 3. Ranikhet: A Picturesque Military Town Located approximately 400 kilometers from Lucknow one can discover the peaceful mountain destination of Ranikhet within the Kumaon section of Uttarakhand. Ranikhet derives its name from 'Queen's Meadow' which demonstrates its regal beginnings and enchanting landscape characteristics. Ranikhet exists at 1,829-meter elevation where summertime remains cool. The location caters best to individuals seeking small town natural beauty combined with peaceful solitude. The main attractions in Ranikhet include three landmarks which are Jhula Devi Temple and Chaubatia Gardens and Bhalu Dam. Ranikhet contains the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum that displays Indian Army artifacts. Ranikhet's untouched natural setting serves as an outstanding location for both birdwatching and photography and relaxing in a natural setting. 4. Almora: A Cultural Haven The beautiful town of Almora lies about 430 kilometers from Lucknow where it exists as a traditional mountain town rich in cultural expression. The hill station reaches an elevation of 1,646 meters above sea level where people admire both traditional temples and unique fields and artistic landmarks. People seeking tranquility and peacefulness find their perfect destination in the non-busy Almora hill station. The landmarks in Almora include Kasar Devi Temple and Bright End Corner which offers spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas as well as the Nanda Devi Museum. The city of Almora specializes in producing distinctive handicrafts and Pahari paintings that function as excellent souvenirs for visitors to purchase. Nature enthusiasts can discover the biodiversity of the area by spending time in its forests along with its trails. 5. Chakrata: A Hidden Gem Chakrata exists as a little-known thus far unblemished hill station situated approximately 460 kilometers to the east of Lucknow. The hill station reaches 2100 meters in elevation and it used to serve as the British army's camp. The untouched appeal together with the relaxed atmosphere at this location creates an outstanding place for people seeking tranquil vacations. Physically situated at 2,100 meters above sea level the mountain settlement of Chakrata serves as the home to Asian-continent's tallest waterfall known as Tiger Falls and provides many outdoor activities including trekking pursuits and camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic Himalayan views combined with dense deodar forest landscapes at the close-by mountainic settlement of Deoban. Chakrata exists as a place that lets visitors meet nature or unwind comfortably. 6. Pithoragarh: The Land of Gods As Pithoragarh lies 480 kilometers from Lucknow the area attracts the 'Land of Gods' designation because it hosts a multitude of religious temples throughout its boundaries. This Kumaon area hill station in Uttarakhand embraces the beauty of elevated mountain peaks as well as lush green valleys that encircle it. Pithoragarh functions as a starting point to visit the attractions which include Chandak Hill and Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple and Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. Thrilling adventure treks lead climbers to explore Milam Glacier and Ralam Valley through Trekking enthusiasts. Pithoragarh functions as a foundation due to its convenient position for traveling on spiritual journeys that lead to Kailash Mansarovar. 7. Auli: A Paradise for Skiers and Nature Lovers Auli creates an unforgettable summer experience even though people generally consider it a destination for winter activities. Auli exists about 520 kilometers from Lucknow at an altitude of 2,800 meters as an elevated skiing spot. This area features Nanda Devi among its mountain peaks in addition to fresh mountain air which provides breathtaking vistas. Auli functions as both a skiing paradise and nature destination after the winter months are complete. The facilities at this location include trekking and camping and gondola rides that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. Wildflowers that decorate Auli's meadows create an unforgettable surreal scene. Conclusion Locals and visitors living in Lucknow can take advantage of pleasant hill station retreats because these beautiful places are located near the city during summer despite the usual heat and humidity. Travelers discover different coastal attractions in Nainital while enjoying both peaceful meadows at Ranikhet and mountain adventure at Auli. Visitors can choose from various hill stations closest to Lucknow to create their perfect vacation experience in the wonderful natural environment. Your summer should start with packing your bags to leave behind urban life and enjoy the mountain's refreshing atmosphere.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
28 Wild Things Cat Owners Do For Their Pets
I don't currently reside with any cats (sad), but I grew up with two perfect little kitties who meant the world to me. And I'm not exaggerating when I say I would have done almost anything for them. So when I came across video on TikTok asking people to share the "craziest thing [they] did for their cat," I was like "yep, yep, sounds about right." So, here are 28 of wildest things people have done for their cats, let me know in the comments if you would (or wouldn't) do any of these: "My parents didn't want my cats in the house, so they let them sleep in the garage. I slept in the garage for a month until they decided to let me and my cats back in." —caitlinnn0_0 And, similarly: "[When our cat went missing], my boyfriend slept in the garage with the garage door open and cat litter and food beside him, and a bunch of laundry strewn out across our driveway." "I used to chew food up for her and spit it out for her to eat. She wouldn't eat otherwise, trust me I tried." — "My parents cooked BBQ chicken for our elderly cat because she wouldn't eat anything else. She lived to 21." "I felt so bad my cats didn't have enough outside time, so I built basically a cardboard version of the labyrinth style stairs, which led to the outside and back safely. It took over 72 hours to make." —etherialles "During the economic crisis in my country, they stopped importing cat food, so I found these people who illegally imported and sold them for hefty prices; I paid my entire salary for black market cat food." "We were told she was going to die. She loved ripping flies' wings off in our apartment (to play), so I went to Petco and got winged grasshoppers and made a murder playground for her. She's alive still." —mmmkloppp "I once ran back into our burning house to save him, just for him to give me scars all over my leg. But I love him." "I broke up with a guy because he was allergic to my cats. Sorry, not sorry." —maeganvg"Told my husband to divorce me if he didn't like my cats. Gatos before Vatos"—ligia_paim "Once my cat choked on a piece of sausage. It already got out of his throat, but in the heat of the moment, I rushed to the vet on foot and bare feet (we had a car) a whole two kilometers in the heat." "For some reason, my cat is obsessed with coffee. So I make her little cappuccinos served in a little cup, aka frothed 'cat milk.'" —alwayskaitlyn_ "My cat has such severe anxiety that he goes to Cat Therapy, where we talk about his behavior and attitude for an hour every month and discuss his meds. It's $250 for an hour session." "My mom got me a Victorian-style portrait of my three-legged cat, Andi, in a looks great in her suit." —kaykayke4 "I was a nervous wreck when my cat got his bits removed. So I left work early and spent the rest of the day napping with him on the couch, watching The Lion King on repeat so he could 'learn from his ancestors.'" "Once my indoor cat escaped and started fighting with a stray cat. I had three seconds to intervene before my ragdoll was about to get mauled, so I stepped in and yanked him out of there. I got permanent nerve damage on both hands." —spideymenacespade "I found my cat a temporary home when I was homeless. I made sure to give [the people watching her] money for food and her litter. I put her 100% first! It wasn't her fault, I was homeless." "My cat was running around my room, so to calm him down, I downloaded a cat game on my tablet. I made an iPad-cat-kid. He won't leave my tablet alone now and sits on it when he wants to play." — "I spoon fed my cat his pate for breakfast for five months cause that's the only way he'd eat it." "I took a wall down (frantically) because she got stuck in the middle of it. To this day, my father doesn't know [how she got in there]." —anna.123456789 "I took my cat, Salem, to work with me because I heard a loud noise in my apartment and was worried the world was ending." "When my cat was severely constipated after our vet visits I started sitting by the litter box when he pooped to make sure it was all coming out fine. Now, he doesn't like pooping when I'm not there." —savannahjainemusic "I won a $3,000 jackpot at the casino and then spent it all on my cat's vet bill the next day because she had a UTI. $3,000 for a UTI…" "I bought my cat cat-water. Like, specifically pH-balanced water JUST for him. I also make sure his food has all these essential vitamins, meanwhile I'm living off coffee and a dream." —spookybeautician "I screamed and chased a raccoon that was chasing her. It was so scary, but Tofu made it home safe, and the raccoon and I both left that interaction scared and confused." "I once slept outside in the woods, surrounded by open cans of tuna to catch my cat that had gotten out. I had lots of visitors that I had to chase off, but around 3 am, I got him!" —mskittycarrie81 "My cat ate a balloon during COVID. I wasn't allowed to wait in the vet's office, so I stood outside in the freezing cold for six hours because I wanted to be there if anything happened." "My cat loved my balcony so much, but it wasn't safe for him on the 9th floor. I contacted the building management to put up a net. They ignored me for two months, so I went to the city and put in a formal complaint. The building [management] came the next week and put it up. I was the only one with a net. Then I proceeded to duct tape the edges so there were no gaps. Then it was safe. Then I moved out a month later." —josyredo And lastly, "When my cats were in the process of dying, I held them in my arms until they passed because I wanted love to be the last thing they felt." There you have it, 28 of some of the wildest things people have done for their cats. Have you ever done anything truly bananas for your favorite feline friend? Let us know in the comments!
Boston Globe
20-06-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Homes in Brockton, Newton that help bring the outside in
LOT SIZE 0.16 acre BEDROOMS 5 BATHS 2 full, 1 half LAST SOLD FOR $157,900 in 1999 PROS Enter this gabled, corner-lot 1925 Colonial with Victorian-style flourishes by way of an elegant foyer with hardwood floors. The spacious living room at right features bay windows and a gas fireplace, and the formal dining room beyond has a coffered ceiling. French doors lead to a heated sunroom with walls of casement windows plus access to the backyard and a garage with wood stove. The updated eat-in kitchen has quartz counters, stainless appliances, and two-toned Shaker cabinets; there's a half bath nearby, and a mudroom exits to the side porch. Up either staircase, four bedrooms (one with access to a walk-up attic room) share a roomy bath. The basement has laundry, a family room, bedroom, and bath. CONS No central air. Advertisement 43 Ash Street in Brockton Handout Sue Hays, Keller Williams, 508-259-5116, Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up $1,575,000 50 GROVE HILL PARK / NEWTON Sunroom of 50 Grove Hill Park in Newton. Handout SQUARE FEET 2,389 LOT SIZE 0.21 acre BEDROOMS 4 BATHS 2 LAST SOLD FOR $1,207,000 in 2016 PROS This 1921 Craftsman with hardwood floors is set on a tranquil cul-de-sac in Newtonville. From the sunroom entryway, French doors open to an inviting living room with stone fireplace, recessed lights and speakers, and built-in shelves. A breakfast bar splits the dining room from the open kitchen with Shaker cabinetry, double sink, stainless appliances, and granite counters. A nearby mudroom with pantry storage leads to a side patio and fenced yard. Past a bath, the primary bedroom connects to a heated sunroom with over a dozen swing-out windows and rich wood wainscoting. On the second floor, three more bedrooms share a newer bath with double vanity. There's a family room and laundry in the walk-out basement. CONS Shared driveway. Advertisement 50 Grove Hill Park in Newton Handout Noreen Boyce, Advisors Living, 617-749-5308, nboyce@
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘We used a saw to cut a hole into the wall and realised it was an old back stairs area' – hidden tunnels and secret rooms in Co Cork
Asking price: €1.6m Agent: Hegarty Properties (021) 4639411 A hidden tunnel, a secret room and links to the Knights Templar lend plenty of intriguing lore to historic Carewswood House, a five-bedroom, 4,823 sq ft pocket mansion which was originally constructed as a dower house to Castlemartyr House, now a resort hotel. Sitting on three acres, Carewswood still has the boarded up tunnel running from its basement area which likely served a dual purpose for the dowagers (widowed mothers or unmarried sisters) of the Earls of Shannon, who constructed Castlemartyr in the 18th century. While the dowager could walk back and forth to the 'Big House' along its covered 2km-plus length, without being exposed to the elements, the tunnel also provided for a failsafe escape in either direction back in fraught times when the natives were a good deal more antsy. Castlemartyr House, part of the Castlemartyr Resort, is beside the castle founded by the Knights Templar in 1210 under the leadership of Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow. Following the seizure of the estate after the Geraldine Wars, these lands were handed over to Sir Walter Raleigh who later sold them on in 1602 to the Earl of Shannon. Earl Richard Boyle constructed an estate home there in the 1700s, and Carewswood followed, likely in 1814, just 2.4km away. 'In those days, the mother of the heir moved out of the house once her husband passed away and the son and heir remarried and took over the main house, and she would have lived here,' says its owner Gill Hornibrook, who comes from the locality. She bought the property in 1996 with her husband, the late Jack Hornibrook who headed up Hornibrook Builders. The couple had been living in nearby Glendonagh House, a 14-bedroom estate house, which they'd transformed into private nursing home. 'Glendonagh was a Victorian-style house and we'd always wanted a Georgian home,' she says. 'We were attracted to the size of Carewswood. It was the perfect place to raise our four daughters.' The previous owners had added a new roof, a maple floor in the kitchen and a mahogany floor in the dining room, both of which came from an old hotel in Midleton. 'It was a very basic Georgian house when we bought it but we did a major amount of work on it.' The reception rooms include a sitting room, a dining room and a TV room, all of which the couple updated and redecorated. 'We removed all of the old wallpaper and re-plastered and painted the walls, and had the plasterwork in the high ceilings repaired.' They added a front porch with French doors to the south-east facing front and insulated the walls throughout, contributing to its C-BER rating, unusual in a house this age. 'Given that my husband already had a team of craftsmen working for him, everything was done to a very high standard,' she says. 'In the hallway, for example, we searched everywhere to find old limestone to replace the existing slabs. It proved impossible, so we laid Travertine marble instead.' In the kitchen, they installed an Aga stove and had bespoke white solid wood units constructed and added a white dresser and a Belfast sink in the island. 'The island counter is teak and came from a night club,' explains Hornibrook. 'Everyone who comes into the kitchen comments on it.' Off the kitchen are two utility rooms. It opens to an east-facing sunroom which has underfloor heating. 'It's a lovely comfortable room that gets the sun all day,' she adds. Whilst renovating it, the couple came across a secret room which was boarded-up. 'My husband calculated that there was six feet of space extra between the wall and the door and thought there had to be something there. One of his carpenters used a saw to cut a hole that allowed us to see into the space and we realised it was an old back stairs area.' The rediscovered room was renovated and turned into a traditional bar which has high stools, a piano and seating along the wall. 'We've had some great family parties here,' says Hornibrook. 'All four of my daughters got married in Castlemartyr Resort and all of their 'day two parties' were held in the house.' There's also original granite steps leading to a basement, which houses a pool table. 'The steps are quite worn and we think that the same servants probably went between the two houses by foot.' Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms (added by the couple). 'We've gone to great trouble to maintain the Georgian style in all of the rooms. It's a comfortable house without being ostentatious, and everyone feels at home here.' There's an outdoor courtyard at the back which they renovated in a Mediterranean style with Indian sandstone underfoot. Here, there's an outdoor office, a potting room for the garden and an outdoor bathroom. The original walls surrounding the estate still stand and there's a 1km driveway leading up to it. The grounds contains a Koi pond, a fountain and oak trees that are over 200 years old. The house comes with one-bedroom Gate Lodge, which they've also renovated. 'It had a tree growing in it when we bought the house,' laughs Hornibrook. Sadly, husband Jack died in 2023 so she's now downsizing to a house in Kinsale. 'I hope a family with young children buys it and looks after it because, really, we're just custodians of houses like this.' Hegarty Properties seeks €1.6m.
India.com
20-06-2025
- India.com
These Forgotten Heritage Homes In Bengaluru Are Now Open for Public Tours
Bengaluru is often called the 'Silicon Valley of India'. The city effortlessly mixes modernity and historical India. While the city's tech parks, the flourishing IT industry, and its cosmopolitan culture are famous, Bengaluru is a city that can be forgotten for its rich history. One of the many hidden gems are heritage homes that belonged to some of the major colonial officers, families, and leaders of the past. These homes, which were decayed over time, are now open for the public after restoration, letting them get a chance to understand the history of the city. Whether you're into history, art, architecture, or you are just a tourist, these heritage homes are worth your time. Why Heritage Homes of Bengaluru Are So Special Heritage homes located in Bangalore are more than unique buildings; these homes are like windows that tell the story and culture of the galaxy. These homes represent the amalgamation of the royal history and the blend of the cultures that gave birth to the city. Each of the heritage structures possess their own unique charm ranging from Indo-Saracenic structures to Victorian-style bungalows. Most of these houses were constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries when Bangalore was a key cantonment town during British rule. However, urbanization and ignorance over time led to the damages of these buildings. Fortunately, the neglect did not kill the structures, and with the help of the government, private organizing firms, and Heritage lovers these homes came back to life. This can help the visitors travel back in time. 1. The Bangalore Fort The Bangalore Fort provides a glimpse into the history of the city, making it a notable heritage site. Kempe Gowda I. constructed the fort in the 16th century. It was later fortified by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan before further modifications by the British. A museum was later established on the premises. Although the fort has managed to survive the constant test of time, the reside structures provide a peek into Bengaluru's military location. Even though the majority of the fort is a ruin, the remains, including the Delhi Gate, portray Bengaluru's architectural and militaristic past. 2 The Mayo Hall In order to commemorate Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India, The Mayo Hall was constructed and is an admirable example signifying colonial architecture. This hall served as a venue for social events and administrative activities which shows that it was an important building in the city. Now, the hall is a government office but its sophisticated design allows everyday people to gaze upon it. The grandeur the hall serves is unparalleled. The exquisite details of the dome and the wide verandas and polished pillars details the work done in the colonial period. 2. The Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum The Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum boasts a building that's truly remarkable on its own. It is a colonial construction with red brick walls and arched entrances. It is one of the best examples of colonial artistry in a building. The museum features a large collection of artifacts such as coins, sculptures, and paintings from ancient periods while the art gallery boasts K. Venkatappa's works, the highly regarded artist from the state. Anyone interested in the history of Bengaluru will find this heritage site very appealing. 3. The Bangalore Palace Bengaluru has many kings and queens' designed and built structures. One of the most famous ones is Bangalore Palace. Bangalore Palace is one of the most famous examples of historical architecture in the city. The palace was ordered to be built long ago and we can truly understand why the blueprints resembled Windsor Castle. First built by the Rev J Garrett, the headmaster of Central High School, it was later purchased by the Wadiyar Dynasty of Mysore. Vintage furniture mixed with stained glass and exquisitely carved wood gives the interior furnishings a royal touch. The expansive gardens surrounding the Palace are available to the public and serve as venues for cultural gatherings and concerts. 4. The Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace This summer palace of Tipu Sultan is crafted solely from teak and now has the doors opened for tourists. It is situated next to the Bangalore Fort. This majestic place is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic style architecture. In today's world, this palace serves as a museum that exhibits artifacts relevant to the life of Tipu Sultan. As the rhyme of a celebrated historical figure unfolds, viewers are treated with intricate carvings, floral motifs, and beauty beyond words. The palace has been restored for the modern inhabitants of the land to share in its glory. 5. The Attara Kacheri (High Court) Just as famed as the Karnataka High Court, The Attara Kacheri is composed of red bricks. This building is a commemoration for the colonial history of Bengaluru. With lavish gardens cast aside for public usage, the royal head of the building is still functional and cloaked in archaic neoclassical design, gripping its Corinthian columns, vaulted windows, and regal dome. There is no doubt that the statue head of Kacheri beautifies the history of Bengaluru's ruler alongside the border of grandeur and beauty. Maintaining the Heritage of Bengaluru The reopening of these heritage homes and buildings is a step forward in maintaining the cultural and historical legacy of Bengaluru. These structures serve a dual purpose of being tourist spots and helping people understand the city's history. The efforts to protect and develop these heritage sites are most certainly important for the preservation of the unique identity of the city of Bengaluru for the future years to come. Final Thoughts The lost heritage buildings of Bengaluru are more than architectural attractions. Civilization is a thread, and such structures are stitches that keep the city or region's life intact. The uniqueness of Bengaluru comes to the limelight as these homes focus on ever welcoming the tourists. If they open their doors, a studious analysis of the culture and artistry spotlighted in these homes and the historical context behind it will emerge. It does not matter if you are new to the world of history, an architecture admirer, or just a tourist; these places should be visited if deeper comprehension of this heritage laden city is desired. So next time, if you are visiting Bengaluru, instead of the tech parks and malls, visit these splendid heritage homes and walk into the pages of history.
