Tag: Architecture

Travel

Uttar Pradesh to Unveil Its First Glass Skywalk Bridge at Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot

Tanisha Cardozo

Uttar Pradesh is set to open its first-ever glass skywalk bridge at the scenic Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot, a Rs 3.70-crore marvel that fuses modern engineering with timeless spirituality. Shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, the structure symbolizes strength, precision, and divinity while offering visitors a thrilling and immersive experience above one of Bundelkhand’s most serene landscapes.

The skywalk, made from a fusion of glass and steel, stands as both a tribute to the region’s mythological legacy and a bold step in eco-tourism development. Officials from the Chitrakoot district administration have confirmed that the bridge was inspired by Bihar’s Rajgir Glass Bridge but features a unique design tailored to the cultural ethos of Chitrakoot — the land where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have spent years during their exile.

“This bridge is a blend of spirituality and modern architecture,” said a senior official from the Forest and Tourism Department. “Our goal is to develop Chitrakoot as a model for faith-based eco-tourism, allowing visitors to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.”

The transparent glass panels of the bridge offer a 360-degree view of the three-tiered Tulsi Waterfall — once known as Shabari Waterfall — which was renamed to honour Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas and was born nearby in Rajapur. The area surrounding the waterfall has been transformed into Kodand Van, an eco-park named after Lord Ram’s bow, featuring walking trails, viewing decks, and meditation zones.

Chitrakoot Divisional Forest Officer S.K. Chaudhary described the experience as both thrilling and tranquil. “Standing on the glass deck, visitors will feel as if they are floating above the waterfall. It’s an unmatched experience of peace and exhilaration,” he said.

Constructed by Ghazipur-based Pawan Sut Construction Company, the bridge extends 25 metres into the gorge and spans 35 metres between its two pillars. It has been engineered to withstand a load of up to 500 kg per square metre, ensuring maximum safety even during peak tourist hours. Reinforced steel frames and multi-layered laminated glass panels have been used to ensure durability against environmental and temperature challenges.

“Safety has been our top priority,” said project engineer Pramod Mishra. “Each component has been tested to international standards. The structure is designed to be both aesthetically striking and sustainable in an eco-sensitive area.”

The glass bridge is part of a wider effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote sustainable tourism in Bundelkhand. Additional amenities, including a herbal garden, open-air park, and food court, are being developed near the waterfall to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining ecological balance. The project also integrates local communities by generating employment opportunities for guides, artisans, and small business owners.

Authorities are implementing eco-friendly measures such as solar-powered lighting, controlled vehicle access, and comprehensive waste management to ensure the site remains environmentally responsible. “Our approach is to balance development with conservation,” DFO Chaudhary emphasized.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon after the Lok Sabha elections and is already being hailed as a future landmark for Uttar Pradesh. Once open, it is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting faith-based and adventure tourism in the region.

Tourism officials are planning a series of cultural festivals, eco-camps, and local food fairs to establish Chitrakoot as a year-round destination. “This project will put Chitrakoot firmly on the national tourism map,” said an official from the tourism department.

For centuries, Chitrakoot has been celebrated as the confluence of devotion and nature — a sacred land immortalized in scriptures and songs. With the unveiling of the glass skywalk, the district now embraces a new identity: a place where heritage meets innovation. The shimmering bridge above the Tulsi Waterfall stands as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s evolving vision — a state that honours its sacred past while stepping confidently into the future.

International

Dubai Unveils DUMA: A Floating Museum of Art Rising Above Dubai Creek

Tanisha Cardozo

Dubai is preparing to add another extraordinary landmark to its skyline — the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a floating cultural destination that will quite literally rise above the waters of Dubai Creek. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the museum will stand as a global hub for modern art and creativity while reflecting Dubai’s growing stature as a capital of innovation and culture. Sheikh Mohammed described DUMA as “a museum that floats above the waters of Dubai Creek to enhance its brilliance and reflect Dubai’s civilisational spirit and artistic identity.”

The project, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind structure inspired by nature and heritage. Its form will symbolize a shell and pearl — a tribute to Dubai’s pearl-diving past — while its design will embody harmony between water, sky, wind, and light. The museum will feature five expansive floors showcasing global and regional artists, alongside creative learning spaces, a library, a café, and art-inspired viewpoints overlooking the creek.

Sheikh Mohammed credited businessman Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar Al Futtaim for their contribution to the development, describing it as a model for how the private sector can meaningfully participate in cultural progress. He emphasized that “cities are completed by culture and art, and flourish through the economy when both public and private sectors work together.”

Beyond being a traditional museum, DUMA is envisioned as a living, breathing cultural hub — a place where “the world gathers for art and culture.” It will strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for creativity, joining the ranks of the city’s architectural icons such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and the Museum of the Future. As construction begins, DUMA stands poised to become a floating masterpiece — a tribute to Dubai’s artistic spirit and its vision for the future.

#faith

A Monument of Faith Rising in Poland’s Konotopa

allycaralgoa

In a remarkable fusion of faith and architecture, construction has begun in the village of Konotopa on what will soon become Europe’s largest statue of Mother Mary, standing an astounding 55 meters high — surpassing even Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer.

The initiative, funded by renowned Polish entrepreneur Roman Karkosik, represents more than just a feat of engineering. It is a spiritual landmark — a testament to Poland’s enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary, who holds a deeply revered place in the nation’s Catholic faith.

Once completed, this monumental statue will depict Mother Mary with open arms, symbolizing peace, compassion, and divine protection. The project aims to inspire hope and serve as a place of reflection for visitors from around the world.

Local church leaders and residents have expressed pride and gratitude for this project, calling it “a gift of faith for future generations.”

“This isn’t merely a monument,” said a local priest. “It’s a reminder that faith can rise even higher than stone.”

With construction already underway, the statue is expected to become a spiritual beacon, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and art enthusiasts alike to Konotopa — reinforcing Poland’s reputation as one of Europe’s most devoted and faith-filled nations.

When complete, the monument will stand as a global emblem of love, resilience, and unity — a towering testament to the power of belief.

💙🙏 A symbol not just for Poland — but for every heart that believes.

International

Paris Prepares to Tear Down the Eiffel Tower After 20 Years

Tanisha Cardozo

Paris stands at a crossroads — the city may soon bid farewell to the Eiffel Tower. Originally conceived for the 1889 Universal Exposition as a temporary iron structure, the tower was intended to be dismantled after 20 years. Though its permit was extended and the structure survived thanks to scientific uses and sheer popularity, now officials say the time has finally come to restore Paris’s classical aesthetic.

The move comes amid persistent complaints from locals that the tower is “ugly,” “out of place,” or a blight on the city’s architectural harmony. City planners argue that Paris should return to its tradition of Haussmannian facades, elegant boulevards, and harmonious rooflines — unspoiled by industrial iron frames piercing the sky.

Officials claim the Eiffel Tower has served its purpose: as a showcase of modern engineering, a magnet for tourists, and a communications platform. But they argue its continued existence undermines Paris’s identity and that the monument must go once the 20-year lease, which expires next year, lapses.

Heritage experts and historians, however, warn of the cultural cost. The tower has grown into a global icon — a symbol synonymous with Paris. To erase it could be to erase a piece of collective imagination. Some say future generations may scarcely know it existed. The debate raises deeper questions: how do cities balance preserving iconic structures with evolving civic identities? Where does the line lie between architectural purity and living heritage?

Previous generations saved the Eiffel Tower by converting it into a radio and meteorological station, extending its life beyond original intentions. Throughout its existence, it has undergone recurring renovations — repainting, structural audits, modernization of lifts and lighting — funded through tourism revenue and public investment.

Yet, dissent remains. Some residents see the tower as an ever-present oddity in a city defined by elegance. Others fear that removing it would be an irreversible act of cultural amnesia.

As Paris debates the fate of its most famous landmark, it confronts a central paradox: can a city truly flourish if it erases the very monuments that made it legendary?

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Taj Mahal Declared the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025

allycaralgoa

Agra, India – July 2025: India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, has been crowned the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025 by a global architecture and design ranking released this week. The announcement further solidifies the Taj Mahal’s status as a symbol of artistic excellence and architectural genius.

Constructed in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble marvel in Agra has stood as a timeless ode to love for nearly four centuries. Its symmetrical design, intricate inlay work, calligraphy, domes, and lush gardens continue to awe millions of visitors every year.

The 2025 recognition was part of an international survey conducted by architectural experts, cultural institutions, and tourism platforms who considered factors like aesthetics, historical significance, architectural style, global influence, and visitor experience.

According to the panel, “The Taj Mahal is more than a building; it is a visual poem in marble, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Its symmetry, serenity, and emotional backstory place it above all others.”

The announcement has been welcomed with pride across India. The Ministry of Culture stated, “This honor reflects India’s unmatched cultural heritage and the global love for the Taj Mahal. It is not just a monument—it is a symbol of beauty, devotion, and timeless craftsmanship.”

Tourism boards are already witnessing a surge in interest following the announcement, as the Taj Mahal continues to be a bucket-list destination for travelers around the world.

📍Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, the Taj Mahal remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

As the world evolves, the Taj Mahal’s pristine presence reminds us that true beauty stands the test of time.