Bangalore Temples

Bangalore is home for huge number of temples and they attract large number of devotees from across the country. Some of these temples are very old and they reflect the ancient history, heritage, culture and history. These temples with their ornate carvings on the walls and stone pillars stone pillars, beautiful statues have become popular tourist attractions of the city. Majority of temples in the city are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

For example, the Venkataramanswamy Temple is more than 300 years old. It is built in the Dravidian style. Each of the temples in Bangalore are known for their own unique architecture and religious importance. Some of the temples are very popular among the tourists. There are some which are not so famous due to lack of awareness among the people of their heritage.

Some of the popular temples in the city are:

Bull Temple
Dharmaraja Temple
Gangadhareswara Cave Temple
Venkataramanswamy Temple
Someshwara Temple
Nandi Teertha Temple
Kadu Mallikarjunaswamy Temple
Dodda Ganesha temple
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple
Shiva Statue

For more visit ABC Wednesday T for temples

Port Profile: Cape Town, South Africa

This September I spent several weeks exploring South Africa. It's a fascinating and vibrant country and a place I hope to return to soon! While in Cape Town, I was on assignment for Cruise Critic. Several days of touring included a visit to a colony of African penguins, a shark cage-diving adventure, a meet-and-greet with a cheetah "ambassador," and much more. Read more about this unique port of call at Cruise Critic's website. —Andrea M. Rotondo

American Safari Delays Entry to Hawaiian Cruise Market

With the Dow closing under 10,000 today, many of us are reevaluating our business and leisure plans for 2009. Cruise lines are no different. Rising fuel costs, tighter airline capacity, and a soft U.S. economy are affecting all companies and sometimes tough decisions must be made. American Safari Cruises made such a decision today by deferring entry into the Hawaii inter-island cruise market. The line's newly rennovated Safari Explorer was set to sail Hawaiian itineraries starting this November.

According to Capt. Dan Blanchard, president and CEO of American Safari Cruises, "It's the wise and prudent thing to do. We plan to inaugurate our Hawaii cruises when liquidity returns to the capital markets."

Guests who are booked for Hawaii cruises will receive full refunds, future cruise savings of 15 percent, and allowances for air ticketing. They also will be given first priority to secure space in American Safari Cruises' other active warm water destination, Mexico's Sea of Cortés. The 22-guest Safari Quest begins the eighth season in Mexico on November 13 with seven- or nine-night sailings through April 7, 2009. Re-accommodated Hawaii guests will also receive a $250 per person air credit.

While this is disappointing news, I hope all affected travelers will be able to rebook an alternative American Safari experience. This is one of my favorite cruise lines and I look forward to when Hawaii cruises are added back to American Safari's agenda. In the meantime, check their website for other fantastic itineraries in Mexico, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises