Living Root Bridges:
In the northeastern state of Meghalaya, near the village of Cherrapunjee (also known as Sohra), you can find the remarkable living root bridges. The local Khasi and Jaintia tribes have ingeniously trained the roots of the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) to grow across streams and rivers. The bridges are formed by guiding the roots along the natural path of the water bodies using hollowed-out betel nut trunks or other supportive materials. Over time, these roots strengthen and become living, sturdy bridges, capable of supporting human foot traffic. Some of these bridges are estimated to be several centuries old.
These living root bridges are not only a testament to the ingenuity of the tribal communities but also serve as an ecologically sustainable solution to crossing water bodies in the region's challenging terrain.
CopyRight Pic ancient-origins.net
Magnetic Hill:
Located about 30 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh in northern India, Magnetic Hill is a unique optical illusion. When you park your vehicle in the designated spot and put it in neutral, it appears to move uphill without any engine power. This effect is an optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape. The layout of the hills and the altitude creates an apparent uphill slope, making it seem like the vehicle is moving against gravity.
While scientists have explained this phenomenon as an optical illusion, Magnetic Hill remains a popular tourist spot, attracting curious visitors from around the world.
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Shetpal Snake Temple:
The Shetpal Snake Temple, situated in Shetpal village in the state of Maharashtra, is a highly unusual place of worship. Unlike conventional temples, this temple is dedicated to snakes, particularly cobras. Numerous live cobras are housed within the temple premises, and the villagers believe that these snakes are the guardian deities of the village.
Visitors and devotees offer milk and prayers to the snakes, and it is considered auspicious to see the cobras slithering freely around the temple grounds.
copyright pic siasat.com
Floating Post Office:
Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, is known for its stunning beauty, and amidst its serene waters lies an extraordinary feature - the Floating Post Office. Housed on a traditional houseboat, the post office offers regular postal services to locals and tourists.
The idea behind the Floating Post Office was to provide postal services to remote areas and make communication more accessible for the people living on the lake's islands. Apart from sending letters and postcards, visitors can also buy unique postage stamps and souvenirs from the Floating Post Office.
Varanasi's "Baba" Gang:
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world. However, the city is also known for its "Aghori" sadhus, a sect of Hindu ascetics who follow unconventional practices and rituals.
The Aghori sadhus meditate in cremation grounds, use human skulls as begging bowls, and engage in rituals involving cremation ashes and other taboo practices. They believe in the transcendence of traditional societal norms and seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
While the Aghori sadhus may appear strange and unusual to many, they are an integral part of Varanasi's spiritual landscape and are respected by certain followers for their unorthodox path to enlightenment.
copyright pic religionworld.in
The Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi:
The Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, is an architectural marvel from the Vijayanagara Empire era. One of the most captivating features of the temple is the hanging pillar. Among the seventy pillars in the temple complex, one pillar appears to be hanging from the ceiling without any visible support.
Legend has it that British engineers tried to uncover the secret of this gravity-defying pillar during the colonial era, but they were unsuccessful. The pillar's unique construction continues to be a source of wonder for visitors.
copyright pic curlytales.com
The Village of Twins - Kodinhi:
Kodinhi, a small village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, has gained fame for an unusual phenomenon - an abnormally high number of twin births. The village, with a population of a few thousand, has over 400 pairs of twins and a few sets of triplets.
Researchers and scientists have been intrigued by this phenomenon, but the exact cause behind the high rate of twinning in Kodinhi remains a mystery. Some theories attribute it to genetic factors, environmental influences, or dietary habits, but conclusive evidence is yet to be determined.
copyright pic .wikipedia
Rat Temple - Karni Mata Temple:
The Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is famously known as the "Rat Temple." The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage considered an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The unique aspect of this temple is the presence of thousands of rats that are considered sacred.
These rats, known as "kabbas," are treated with reverence and are believed to be the reincarnations of Karni Mata's devotees. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings and believe that spotting a white rat amidst the swarm is particularly auspicious.
pic copyright bbc
Kumbh Mela:
The Kumbh Mela is the world's largest religious gathering, attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims from across the globe. It is held at four different locations in India - Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain - on a rotational basis, each occurring every twelve years. Additionally, the "Ardh Kumbh Mela" takes place every six years.
The event is a significant spiritual and cultural celebration, with pilgrims taking holy baths in the sacred rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and attain spiritual liberation. The Kumbh Mela is an extraordinary spectacle, where millions of people come together in harmony to celebrate their faith.
pic copyright time.com
Living with Tigers - Baghpat:
In the village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, located near the Thakurdwara Tiger Reserve, a unique relationship exists between humans and tigers. Unlike most areas where tigers are feared and considered a threat, the villagers of Baghpat have been living in close proximity to tigers for generations.
The villagers consider the tigers as protectors and guardians of their community. They believe that the tigers maintain a balance in nature by preventing the excessive growth of herbivore populations, thus reducing the chances of crop damage and human-wildlife conflicts.
Though conservation efforts have aimed to maintain a safe distance between villagers and tigers, this harmonious coexistence remains an unusual and inspiring aspect of the region.
These ten unusual things showcase the diversity and distinctiveness of India, making it a country of endless surprises and cultural wonders.
