Azalea Lakes: Fill & Download for Free

It would be easier to answer the question “Which two counties in Ireland are *not* completely different to one another” (Laois and Offaly, perhaps) since all are quite individual, and there is much variety even within some of the larger counties, such as Galway and Cork.But to mention just two that I have lived in over the last 25 years: next-door neighbours Wicklow and Wexford.Wicklow is a land of heather and hill, bogland and lakes, forests and lush pockets of land. Horticulture thrives, but agriculture is mainly confined to sheep and dairy cows. The lush pockets of land were mostly held by Big Houses, and the landlords who lived there cultivated fine gardens with exotic plants from the Himalayas and the Americas - rhododendron and azaleas, cedar and sequoia. It’s for this reason that in spite of its rugged and barren interior, Wicklow is called “the Garden County”.Right next door, Wexford has the most arable land in Ireland. Its lush, rolling acres grow most of Ireland’s wheat, potatoes, and strawberries. The farming tradition dates back to the Normans, who arrived there first after invading Ireland. The Normans brought heavy horses and introduced large-scale tillage with the ploughs and harrows they could draw. The thatched cottages are English-style with the thatch going round both gables, and neat as a pin, like most things in Wexford. Ireland’s first Model Farms were established in the county. Farmers from the rest of the country visited these Model Farms to learn best agricultural practice - giving rise to Wexford’s title: “The Model County”.

Landscape photography is difficult in Orlando because of how flat it is, how developed it is and how dense the tree canopy is – makes sunset / sunrise shots challenging because there are few good spots with a clear view of the horizon. Your best bet is to stake a spot out on or at the edge of one of the many lakes in the area to open up your view. Harry P. Leu Gardens on the shore of Lake Rowena is a popular photographer’s spot. The Conway, Butler, and Winter Park/Maitland lake chains are nice too. Kraft Azalea Garden and Isle of Sicily on Lake Maitland and the Rollins College campus on Lake Virginia are great, especially at sunset.Seminole and Osceola counties have more wilderness areas and large lakes. Check out the Wekiva, Lake Jessup, Lake Monroe, Lake Tohopekeliga and Kissimmee chain of lakes. The St. Johns river at the eastern edge of Orange county also provides some great marshy topography with virtually no tree canopy to block the view.

[1][1][1][1] If you wanted to cover only Sikkim then 9 Days and if you wanted to add Darjeeling along with Sikkim then 11 days.Suggested route:-Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra Airport and Transfer to GangtokPick up from Bagdogra & drive to Gangtok - (114 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours) - On the way visit Dello - Forwarding journey to Gangtok - Check-in to the hotel - A perfect destination for tourist in search of enchantment, tranquillity, trekking or any other adventure - A neat city and the hub of all tourist activity originates from Gangtok - Land of the monastery, mystic rituals/festivals - It is situated at an elevation of 1,437 meters / 4,715 feet is the most often visited spot of India for its rare Orchids and Butterflies - Half Day Sight Seeing to Rumtek Monastery (Optional) - Evening free to stroll to M.G.Marg - Overnight stay at the hotel in GangtokDay 2: Gangtok Local Sight SeeingMorning breakfast - After breakfast drive for the city tour of Gangtok - Sightseeing will be for full-day hence the drive will be a bit fast from each point - It is not possible to visit all the places hence some of the important places are selected for the guest - Guest are required to maintain the time with the driver - Visit Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Ranka / Rumtek Monastery and Tashi Viewpoint are some more places of tourist interest - Back to hotel - Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center or visit any of the discotheques in central Gangtok - Over Night stay at GangtokDay 3: Excursion to Changu / Tsomgo Lake - Baba Mandir- Nathu La-Pass (Optional)Early morning breakfast - Permits are made one day prior to visit - This isnearly 48 kilometers drive and takes nearly 2 hours - Visit Tsomgo / Changu Lake and Baba Mandir, cool, serene water and the picturesque beauty -Tsomgo lake is one of the holy lakes of the region - A temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside - Primula flowers and other alpine plantation provide an immaculate beauty to this place - Till April it is full of snow and lay frozen - (Nathu La Pass visit has to be arranged the previous Nightwhen Voters ID card will be asked for - Nathu La Pass once booked the amount is not refunded even if the trip gets canceled - Nathula Pass supplement of INR 5000 /- per car has to be paid on the spot as it is not included in the final costing) - Back to the hotel for lunch or lunch on the way - The rest of the day is free - Evening one is free to stroll around M G Road or the Local Market - Overnight stay at GangtokDay 4: Transfer to Lachen from GangtokEarly morning breakfast - Drive 135 kilometers, 5 - 6 hours drive -Chungthang is 96 kilometers from Gangtok - Lunch at Chungthang - Lachen is 35 kilometers from Chungthang Reach Lachen late afternoon / early evening -The snow-capped peaks, the Shingbha wildlife sanctuary, Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, Thangu is a major attraction - It's a valley surrounded by gigantic and humbling snow peak mountains and the starting point of Green Lake Trek - In fact, the village cradled between stern, tall rock faces standing like guards - A hamlet with very few people - It almost like this the town is hidden from the outside - Like a Shangri - La - Check into a hotel - Welcome Tea - Evening free to stroll and visit the Lepcha Village -Overnight stay at Hotel in LachenDay 5: Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake and Transfer to LachungEarly morning breakfast - Visit Gurudongmar Lake 55 kilometers, 2 ½ - 3 ½ hours drive - A valley at an altitude of 11, 800 feet through which Lachen Chu flows, generally covered with snow from December to April or even more is known as the Holy / Sacred Lake - Next drive through the cold desert till Tibet / China back to Resort for Lunch - After lunch drive to Lachung -The region is fully covered with Rhododendron forest with Chopta Valley and Thangu are the other places of interest - Back to hotel for lunch - Afterlunch proceed to Lachung - Nearly 50 kilometers and two hours drive - Check into the hotel at Lachung - Evening free to visit Lachung Monastery -Overnight stay at Hotel at LachungDay 6: Sight-Seeing at Yumthang -GangtokEarly morning breakfast - After breakfast drive towards Yumthang situated at an elevation of nearly 11800 feet - 26 kilometers and 1 ½ hour drive -On the way back one can visit the famous hot spring which is known for its curative properties of skin diseases - Yumthang is a valley near the river Lachung Chu surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends - In spring the valley erupts in riots of colors as Primula, Rhododendronsand many other Alpine flowers in full bloom along with the snow-covered valley except in autumn - During winter Yumthang is somber with snow all around and the snow-clad mountains adding to the beauty - Return to Gangtok - 128 kilometers and is 5 - 6 hours drive - Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) - Overnight stay at GangtokDay 7: Transfer to PellingMorning breakfast and check out of the hotel to proceed to Pelling - A drive of nearly 130 kilometers - 3 ½ - 4 hours drive - Pelling is situated at an altitude of 2072 meters / 6800 feet - On a clear day guest can get a clear view of Himalayan range with snow-capped mount Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Khangchendzonga, Zopuno, Shimbho, Nursing, Sinolchu, etc - It is one of the exotic settlement with varieties of Rhododendron, Orchids, historical sites, short trek routes, and wildlife - Its botanical and zoological richness is inspiring and the scenic view from the top of the ridge across the deepvalley to the heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be seen to be believed - Yuksom, Ravangla, Rinchenpong, and Namchi are some of the tourists spot nearby - Check into hotel - Evening free to roam around the small settlement - Over Night stay at PellingDay 8: Pelling Local sightseeingAfter breakfast at the hotel - Drive for Full Day Sight Seeing - The routes are forested and the botanical and zoological richness is inspiring. Places of the visit are Rimbi water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kechopalri Lake, it is one of the holy Buddhist lakes and it is believed that any wish in front of the lake comes true - Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird and thus the water surface is always free of leaves, Kechopalri Monastery, Kanchenjunga water Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse Ruins, the scenic view from the top of the ruin to the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished.Day 9: Pelling-Darjeeling (Approx.125 KM / 4-5 Hours)The morning after breakfast drive towards Darjeeling, on arrival check-in to the hotel and the rest of the day are at leisure or you can visit M.G. Marg (Mall Road). Dinner and overnight stay at DarjeelingDay 10: Darjeeling Local Sight SeeingEarly morning at around 3:45 AM drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, magnolia to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather) - On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop - Back to the hotel for breakfast -After breakfast, next round of sightseeing - Half Day city tour includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed), Peace Pagoda - Back to hotel - Evening free to stroll around the area - Overnight stay at DarjeelingDay 11: Departure to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)Drive to Siliguri, on the way to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) (120 kilometers, 2 ½ - 3 hours) - Morning breakfast -After breakfast transfer to It's a two hours drive - Mirik is a quiet town between Siliguri and Darjeeling noted for its secluded charm, Beautiful Tea Gardens, Samendu Lake, Orange Orchards, Cardamom Plantation and it's pleasant Climate - Halt at Seemana for the view - One will travel through the best Tea estate of the world - Drive to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) /Siliguri - Guest are advised to start early and not to rush - Forwarding JourneyAn Insight into Gangtok Tourism:-Soaring Himalayan peaks, serene glacial lakes, high mountain passes, and salubrious weather is what defines the beautiful hill resort of Gangtok, which proudly sits as the capital of North-East Indian state of Sikkim. The little town is counted amongst the most peaceful holiday destinations in India and calls for uncountable tourists every year, who especially travel here looking for immense quiet and solitude, away from the humdrum of chaotic city lives. For nature lovers, the tiny hamlet is no less than a paradise and leaves them entranced with unmatched vistas of nature at every twist and turn; be it the mystical beauty of the third highest mountain peak in the world, ‘Mt. Kanchenjunga’, the hypnotizing spectacle of the ever-alluring ‘Banjhakri Falls’ or the sheer wilderness of the second-highest mountain pass in the world, ‘Nathu La’, one is sure to be taken in complete awe of a rustic scenery here in no time and would return back home with a magnetizing panorama etched in his memory forever.For those holidaying in Gangtok and looking for an adrenaline-pumping trekking adventure, the town has a lot to offer to such sorts too; the ‘Dzongri Trail’, considered to be the most captivating trails in the region traverses through thick forests of the ‘Kanchenjunga National Park’ and leaves every thrill-seeker with heart-pounding moments of a sudden surprise rendezvous with a snow leopard or a red panda. Besides, ‘Versey Trek’ and ‘Tholung Trek’ are also worth venturing and provides one with an opportunity to explore remote Himalayan culture along with nature photography and bird watching. For those looking forward to indulging in an adventure activity other than trekking, Gangtok does not leave them disappointed too; paragliding, parasailing, mountain biking, and river rafting are as popular and provide every adventure junkie with a much-required dose of fun, thrill, and excitement.Gangtok also has in its store, something for spirituality seekers; the little townhouses a number of colorful and vibrant monasteries which count amongst popular tourist attractions of the place and leave every visitor with a divine experience unprecedented; some of the monasteries which warrant a visit by every traveler include the spectacular ‘Pemayangtse Monastery’, the ancient ‘Rumtek Monastery’ and the ever-famous ‘Enchey Monastery’. For those traveling to Gangtok with a sole purpose to soak in spiritual vibes of the city and get a deeper insight into its colorful and vivacious culture, must plan a trip during the famous ‘Gangtok Food and Cultural Festival’ which is held in December every year. Organized by the Sikkim State Tourism Department, it makes for a great venue to witness beautiful folk art of North East India, admire the artistic skills of the state’s brilliant craftsmen and off-course, relish the region’s most exotic cuisine. Unlike many other Himalayan hill stations, Gangtok offers an eclectic nightlife with its popular MG Road dotted with a number of happening restaurants, pubs, and casinos that open till 11 in the night. One can drop in at any of these restaurants and pubs after the sunset and chill with a glass of beer, delicious Sikkimese food, and foot-thumping music. The place is great for shopaholics too; with shops open till late in the evening, it gives them that extra time to stuff their bags with Tibetan handicrafts, woolens, and tea products, which are considered some of the great buys from Gangtok.While traveling to Sikkim makes for an ultimate delight for every travel enthusiast, be informed that the state is banned from all forms of tobacco; smoking here is an illegal offense. Also, Sikkim is one of the cleanest in India; MG Road in Gangtok is recognized as India’s first litter and spit free zone. Unlike other states in the country, it is completely plastic-free and littering or spitting here count among punishable offenses. So, when roaming around the streets of Gangtok, make sure you adhere to these rules and regulations, else you may find yourself in a big hassle.Tsomgo Lake:Tsomgo Lake; popular as Changu lake among the locals, is the revered river of the Sikkimese people that also carries special significance for the faith healers (Jhakris) of the state. This astoundingly beautiful glacial lake offers as an aspiring outing place for the tourists as well as for the locals. The adventure starts with the trek through the winding trails amidst the edgy cliffs that take you to the serene Tsomgo lake, where other activities like riding on colorfully decorated yaks and mules awaits to make for a perfect weekend getaway.Things To Do And See:-The other closely located lakes and valleys to Tsomgo lake are Menmcho Lake and Nathang Valley that mesmerizes the tourists with their immense beauty. The other must-visit places of Sikkim like Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Nathula Pass, Jelep La Pass, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary that resided within the range of 10 km from this wonderful lakeBest Time To VisitThe lake seems different in different times of season like from Jan - March; the lake and the surrounding hills are in a frozen state, from April - May; one can visit the Rhododendrons and Orchids, whereas from Oct-Dec offers the pleasant atmosphere with best views of the hills.Getting ThereIt is situated 38 km from Gangtok, one can hire a private taxi, that will take around one hour to reach Tsomgo LakeBaba Harbhajan Singh Temple, GangtokSituated on the road passing between Nathu La and Jelepla Pass, at a distance of 64 km at an elevation of 4000 meters, Baba Mandir is the shrine that was built at the Samadhi of Harbhajan Singh. It is the local belief that every person visiting the Nathang Valley and crossing through this enchantingly beautiful terrain has to pay their respects to Baba Harbhajan Singh. Don't think of it as an ordinary temple, for you'll be mistaken! As you climb the stairs to the concrete construction, flanked with bells on both side, you'll be rewarded with the most ineffable samadhi you'd have ever visited.Legend has it that 35 years ago while leading a pack of mules from his division at Tukla to Deng Dhukla in East Sikkim, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh went missing. After a search was launched, his body was discovered after three days by the army. It is also believed that he was one who led the soldiers to his body. Thereafter, many soldiers in the troop reported that Baba had been coming in their dreams asking them to build a shrine in his memory. A samadhi was thus made in his memory and called the 'Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple'. Many people believe Harbhajan Singh comes to the temple every night and does his rounds after putting on his uniform. People worship him as a saint who guards the lives of soldiers along the border.Inside the Baba Mandir, you will come across a large photo of Harbhajan Singh which is worshipped by his devotees. Tourists who come here leave their water bottle for a few days and collect it later for it is believed that by drinking that water all the wishes come true. Harbhajan Singh's office has been built on one side of the temple with a dining place, and a room for him to stay at with his uniform and shoes. Though the temple is present on the side of a road, it is surrounded by magnificent mountains thereby giving an amazing view to the tourists. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a must-visit due to the tales associated with the place.Mystery and Legend of Baba Harbhajan SinghHarbhajan Singh has come to be known as "Baba" and is treated as a soldier who never died by the Indian Army. Although he is no more, the soldiers believe his spirit lives on who protects and guards them. Across the border in China, the soldiers have reported seeing a turbaned sentry doing rounds at nights many times. The sentries believe that he visit his samadhi every night as his bedsheet is found crumpled every morning with his polished shoes turning muddy. Spooky, right?!Every year on 11th September, his personal belongings are sent by a jeep the New Jalpaiguri station, from where it is loaded and sent off in a train to his hometown Kuka, a small village in Kapurthala area of Punjab. Every year, his seat is left empty for the journey and 3 soldiers lead Baba Harbhajan Singh to his home. Even his salary is sent to his home every month to aid his old mother.Nathula Pass GangtokNathu La is a high altitude pass situated on the old silk route at the Indo-China border and is the favorite hotspot for the tourists in Sikkim. Several visitors come here every year to enjoy the scenic trek to the valley while listening to the lyrical waterfalls astride the road from Gangtok to Nathu la. It also offers a breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains under the light blue sky and the long winding roads. Nathu la offers the mesmerizing view of Chumbi valley of Tibet, guarded by mountains.‘Nathu’ and ‘la’ are two Tibetan terms which mean ‘Listening ears’ and ‘pass’. It is situated at an altitude of 4302 m and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, blessed with picturesque beauty and fresh mountain breeze. The place mainly receives cold weather for most of the parts of the year and gets flocked with visitors during summers. One another fascinating fact about this mountainous pass is that it is one of the three trading border posts between China and India, the other two are in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.Things To Do And See :The sight of the international border of India and China, restrained by huge gates, barbed wires and military bunkers behind them. The Indian tourists can visit the Watershed War Memorial to salute the soldiers' effort in the achievement of the war. There is also an Army Exhibition center and canteen near to it. And around 16 km long winding road from Nathula Pass leads to the beautiful Tsomgo Lake; a glacial lake encircled with high mountain peaks and flowery meadows. One can not afford to miss the Yak ride, which is the popular attraction for the visitors here. Along with this place, cherish the combined visit to Menmecho Lake enjoying the 4 km idyllic trek from Baba Mandir; popularly known as the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, which is very close to Tsomgo Lake. The Menmecho Lake is fed by the snow-covered mountains surrounding the Jelep La Pass. Near to this lake is Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Zuluk Wildlife Sanctuary, well-stocked with rich and rare species of flora and fauna. A visit to Nathu la is bestowed with several other visits to the beautiful attractions around it, that truly make it worthwhile.Getting there :Gangtok-Nathula pass is a charming ride full of adventure with deceptive roads and high altitude winds. One can opt for shared jeeps and other reserved vehicles available in Gangtok, from the tour operators approved by the Sikkim government.But before starting your journey to Nathula, one (only Indian) has to obtain the Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued by Tourism and Civil Aviation at Gangtok, or through a registered travel agency and few hotels. The cost for Nathula Pass Permit is Rs. 4000/- to 5000/- per cab.Best Time To Visit :Summer, between the months of May to October, is the appropriate season to visit here. The weather is pleasing and offers a clear view of the Tsomgo Lake and the daring mountains. Nathula Pass is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It remains fully covered under snow during winters and the temperature drops down to -25 º Celsius. If you have doting for snow, you are advised to bear heavy woolen clothes to cope up with such cold weather. Otherwise, this is not the season considered as the best time to visit Nathula Pass, because of the snow-blocked roads and extremely cold temperatures. Though the amazing view of snow-showered mountains and frozen lakes can blow your mind with its beauty and charm. The same is the case during rains more or less.Lachen is a town in the North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 meters. The name Lachen means "big pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests, and hot springs.Pelling is a small town in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The late-17th-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery has mountain views. Pemayangtse Monastery features wall paintings, sculptures and a gold-plated statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Overlooking a valley, the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace, now in ruins, still has evidence of the king’s bedroom and kitchen.Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 5,425 m, in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus.Yumesamdong (Zero Point) SikkimYumesamdong is situated at the elevation of 15,300 ft. in the Nothern District of Sikkim, India. This place is often called “Zero Point” because there is no motorable road after this place and the visitors are not permitted to go further beyond this point due to its proximity to the Chinese border. It is 26 km from Yumthang Valley and takes about 1-hour to reach here. It is, in fact, the last part of Yumthang valley.Driving this road is an adventure and it requires some additional skill and courage as it is very treacherous, this drive is amusing as the place itself through several curves and bends through rugged mountainous roads amidst the rocky terrain. The route leading to Yumesamdong passes through the beautiful mountains, the colorful bushes of Azalea flowers welcome the visitors with the subtle aroma pervading the entire atmosphere, these plants are used by the local people as incense for their religious activities.The majestic natural beauty of the place welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It is a perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in the stillness of nature. The exotic splendor of this place is enough to keep you engrossed in its charm. Yumesamdong is a land of perennial snow, and snow has always been of great attraction for tourists, it remains snow laden mostly throughout the year. The landscape begins to change with the melting of the snow transforming the entire place into a beautiful meadow. It is now the grazing ground for the nomadic shepherds. Blue sheep are also spotted sometimes grazing around the place.Tea, pakora, and momos are the only refreshments sold by vendors who travel all the way from Lachung every day. Tourists are seen enjoying the taste of steaming hot tea and momos to keep away the cold at that altitude.The Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, is a nature sanctuary with the river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India.Hope the above is in line with your requirement if not Whatsapp to me (Check the number from my Quora Profile Anupama Pal - Quora) for more informationRegardsAnupamahttp://linkedin.com/in/anupamapa...Photo clicked by Meet Panchal:-Footnotes[1] Customize tours | My Trip To India (MTTI)[1] Customize tours | My Trip To India (MTTI)[1] Customize tours | My Trip To India (MTTI)[1] Customize tours | My Trip To India (MTTI)