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Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks and warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Aýna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Aýna is a part of. About 242 kilometres south of the capital, Madrid, Ayna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version
Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Say hello to the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. These gentle giants are not related to whales, despite their impressive size of an average 12 metres in length. Whale sharks are calm creatures that are usually safe for divers to swim alongside. These sharks are filter feeders and consume plankton and small fish by sieving them through their gill plates. There has been a significant decline in their populations, with an estimated 63% decrease in their numbers in the last 75 years. Threats include being hit by boats or tangled in fishing gear and their habitats are being damaged by pollution, coastal development and over-fishing. Advocates work through education and community engagement to help safeguard whale sharks and preserve our oceans.Desktop Version
Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
Ever wanted to swim in the ocean without accidentally tasting half of it? Enter Mona Vale rockpool in Sydney, Australia—a watery paradox where the ocean is wild beyond the walls and well-behaved within its calm, contained edges. Perched between two beaches—The Basin beach and Mona Vale Beach—this rock pool feels more like a natural wonder than a man-made one. Built in the 1930s during the Depression, it was carved out of a natural rock shelf as part of an unemployment relief scheme. Upgraded over time, the pool is more than 20 metres long and flanked by a smaller children"s pool. The pools were also used by large numbers of World War II troops who camped nearby. They are free, open year-round and cleaned regularly by both council crews and the ocean itself. So next time you are in Sydney, make a splash where the waves meet the wall. It"s a shore thing.Desktop Version
Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Today"s image features a group of Swaledale sheep in the North Yorkshire dales of England. Known for their off-white wool, curled horns and distinctive white markings around their nose and eyes, they are used for lamb and mutton production, breeding the North of England Mule sheep and as pedigree breeding stock. Adapted to the harsh environments they inhabit, Swaledales are exceptionally hardy, with thick coats, strong bodies and a bold disposition. The ewes are excellent mothers, capable of raising lambs successfully even under challenging conditions. With their unique appearance and remarkable adaptability, Swaledale sheep continue to thrive in the dales, contributing significantly to local economies and preserving traditional farming practices.Desktop Version
Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway"s Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional houses—called rorbu—are built on poles over water, and add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for travelling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.Desktop Version
Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
In 1991, a Vietnamese logger stumbled upon something big in Vietnam"s Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. During a jungle expedition, he found the entrance to a cave with a roaring underground river, which was later named Hang Sơn Đoòng, or "cave of the mountain river." In 2009, the British Cave Research Association led an expedition to explore the site. It was then that they realised something incredible: it was the world"s largest cave.Desktop Version
Ross Sea, Antarctica
Ross Sea, Antarctica
The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. It is Earth"s southernmost continent and a pristine and forbidding wilderness, often referred to as the world"s last true frontier. From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that flows blood-red, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world"s fresh water. If it were to melt entirely, it could raise sea levels by over 200 feet, threatening low-lying regions worldwide. The infamous ozone layer hole is located above Antarctica, but thanks to global efforts, it is on track to close within the next 20 years.Desktop Version
International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China
International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China
Harbin, in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province of China, welcomes an icy twist in January by opening its doors to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. This festival traces its origins to a humble garden party that featured ice lanterns in 1963 and has since evolved into an event where sculptors from around the world came together to create sculptures from the frozen waters of the Songhua River. This wonderland has towering castles, lanterns and intricate sculptures, all made of ice. In 2007, "Romantic Feelings," the world"s largest snow sculpture at 35 metres in height, was created here in the shape of an Olympic-themed artwork. During the evenings, multicoloured lights illuminate the translucent sculptures, adding another layer of charm. While exploring Harbin, you can try alpine skiing, and if you"re feeling brave, winter swimming in the Songhua River.Desktop Version
Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
In today"s image is a pyrrhuloxia—also known as the desert cardinal—a songbird that lives in the deserts of northern Mexico and the American Southwest. The female cardinal, while lacking the flamboyant colouration of her male counterpart, possesses a unique charm in her own right. While she shares the distinctive crest and red bill with the male, her plumage is a more subdued yellowish, cinnamon-brown, adorned only with subtle touches of red. Unlike females in many bird species, the female cardinal is an accomplished vocalist, harmonising with the melodies of the male.Desktop Version
A hammock in Central Florida, USA
A hammock in Central Florida, USA
Imagine swaying gently under a canopy of leaves, a soft breeze coaxing you into a serene slumber while you gaze at the stars above. Invented by the Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, hammocks were called "Hamacas" and were originally woven for sleep and relaxation. Back then hammocks were made from the bark of trees, whereas now they can be made of various materials like cotton, nylon and canvas. They come in different shapes and sizes, like Nicaraguan hammocks, which are usually made of woven material with a wooden spreader bar. These sleeping swings have sailed across oceans as sailor beds, swung from the trees as forest dwellers" bedrooms and nowadays, add a touch of chill to hip outdoor retreats. They have health benefits, too; gentle rocking can improve your sleep and even relieve stress. So go ahead, jump into a hammock, and let it gently sway your worries away for a while.Desktop Version
Polar bear cubs
Polar bear cubs
These apex predators live and hunt on Arctic sea ice. Their prey largely consists of seals, but they have been known to eat beluga whales, reindeer and other arctic animals. The polar bears in today"s image are in Kaktovik, a small Inupiat whaling community in Alaska, United States. The bears visit the village during autumn, attracted by unused remnants left on the streets by whale hunters. Polar bears exhibit remarkable mobility, traversing areas ranging from as small as 3,500 square kilometres to as expansive as 38,000 square kilometres in a year. Unlike some other bears, most polar bears remain active throughout the year. Hibernation is exclusive to pregnant females. Non-hibernating individuals maintain a regular 24-hour cycle, persisting even in conditions of continuous darkness or sunlight, although cycles shorter than a day are more prevalent during prolonged darkness.Desktop Version
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
What a lovely city! The Slavic word "ljub" means "to love", and it serves as the prefix to Slovenia"s capital city, Ljubljana, and the Ljubljunica River that runs through it. This relatively small capital, with a population just under 300,000, was established on a trade route connecting the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. To the south of the city lies the Ljubljana Marsh, the largest marsh in the country, covering 163 square kilometres. While modern buildings have cropped up on the city"s periphery, the core of town preserves its historic structures, which have ancient Roman and mediaeval elements. Examples include the Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge and the historic Old Town. Keep an eye out while you stroll around, you might encounter the city"s symbol, the Ljubljana Dragon.Desktop Version
Humpback whale
Humpback whale
Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches, these gentle giants were once on the edge of extinction due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear. Inhabiting oceans and seas across the globe, humpback whales prefer polar waters for feeding; they journey to tropical or subtropical regions for breeding and giving birth. Their diet predominantly consists of krill and small fish, and they employ a unique bubble-net technique to efficiently prey. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimate of 135,000 today.Desktop Version
Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The ancient city of Hampi"s architectural brilliance is displayed in the Pushkarani water tanks. These beautifully designed tanks, with their perfectly laid stone steps, were crafted to make access to the water easy. These tanks have deep cultural significance and are highly revered. Historically, Pushkaranis were built for ritualistic temple practices or as royal amenities during the Vijayanagara Empire. In Hampi, almost every grand temple has one tank, serving both spiritual and functional purposes. The Pushkarani in front of the Sri Krishna Temple, seen in today"s image, is one of the most elegant and accessible tanks here.Desktop Version
Happy Holi!
Happy Holi!
It"s Holi; get ready to become a walking rainbow and sprinkle joy wherever you go! This festival of colours, spring and love is a cornerstone of Indian culture. Commonly, the festivity lasts for a night and a day. But Holi is celebrated in different regions variedly, highlighting their traditions. In Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, Lathmar Holi sees women playfully chasing men with long sticks. Khadi Holi in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, features traditional attire, khari songs and group dances. Punjab observes Hola Mohalla, with Nihang Sikhs showcasing martial arts skills. West Bengal welcomes spring with Basant Utsav and Dol Jatra, where saffron-clad participants sing and dance. Goa"s Shigmo involves folk dances, attracting both locals and tourists. Manipur"s Yaosang combines Hindu and indigenous customs, featuring the Thabal chongba dance. Kerala celebrates Manjal Kuli, adding its unique touch to Holi festivities.Desktop Version
Persepolis, Iran
Persepolis, Iran
Cuneiform, a script characterized by wedge-shaped symbols, was used in transcribing numerous languages of the Ancient Near East, which region roughly corresponds to today"s Middle East area. Its usage spanned from the early Bronze Age to the dawn of the 1st century CE. The publication of Achaemenid royal inscriptions at Persepolis—modern-day Iran—shed light again on cuneiform in the early 17th century. These inscriptions presented a mosaic of languages, a linguistic puzzle that would ultimately yield to the determined efforts of scholars in the 19th century. Unraveling the secrets of cuneiform opened a window into the past, allowing us to grasp the profound significance of this ancient script in shaping human history.Desktop Version
Eurasian lynx
Eurasian lynx
Ready for a next-level staring contest? The Eurasian lynx, sporting grey or rusty fur with patterned dark spots, is hard to catch sight of, even though it is widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Known for their elusive nature, these cats often go unnoticed for years in their native habitats. Their low vocalisations are heard by other lynx but can escape the notice of humans. Eurasian lynxes are primarily active at night, dawn and dusk, but can hunt during the day when they need to. These solitary hunters are renowned for their keen senses and remarkable agility. In temperate forests, where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping prey species numbers in check, their primary food includes rabbits, hares, marmots and other small mammals.Desktop Version
Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
Scotland"s often supernatural-seeming landscapes are suitable backgrounds for folklore and culture. The Storr—a 49-metre-tall rocky pinnacle on the Isle of Skye—is no exception, as it resembles a craggy old man when viewed from the right angle. The frequent mists and fickle weather that give Skye its mystical aura, and the ethereal beauty of this island has inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. The Isle of Skye isn"t just a place; it"s an enchanting experience—a journey into Scotland"s untamed soul.Desktop Version
Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece
Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece
Embrace the call to adventure! Explore the staircases along the Mylopotamos shoreline in the Thessaly region of Greece. Situated on the eastern coast of the mountainous Pelion peninsula in central Greece, Mylopotamos offers an enchanting fusion of verdant scenery and a secluded beach, inviting you to discover its distinctive and picturesque coastal beauty. The sinuous path to the beach winds beneath the cool shade of pine trees. Enough steps for today? Don"t worry, there"s a beach bar along the wayDesktop Version
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr
Rise and shine, it"s Eid al-Fitr! Pictured here is the spiritual submission of devotees at Jama Masjid, Delhi. A festival observed by Muslims worldwide, Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. Ramadan holds profound significance in the Muslim religion, as it serves as a time of introspection and spiritual growth.Desktop Version
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi
Get ready to dance and paint the town red; it"s Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival honours Ganesha, revered as the Hindu deity of fresh starts and the dispeller of challenges, along with being the embodiment of wisdom and intellect. Celebrated across the Indian subcontinent, it brings together people in a joyous observance. The exact origins of the festival are not clear, but it has been a prominent public celebration in Pune since the time of King Shivaji, who ruled from 1630 to 1680. Later freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar popularised it in Maharashtra in 1893. This move aimed to foster a "Hindu nationalist identity" and resist British colonial rule.Desktop Version
Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is one of the most significant festivals in India and is celebrated following the Navratri festival. "Vijayadashami" is a Sanskrit word that translates to "Victory on the Tenth Day" symbolising the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka.Desktop Version
Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka
Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka
Pictured here are mangroves, resilient shrubs or trees, thriving in the challenging environments of coastal saline or brackish waters. These shrubs, known for their intricate network of stilt roots, play a crucial ecological role. Acting as "green shields," they provide essential protection against coastal erosion and help mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of natural calamities. Having evolved unique mechanisms to absorb additional oxygen and expel salt, they endure conditions that are fatal to most flora. Their intricate salt filtration and robust roots enable them to withstand saltwater submersion and wave impact, while thriving in the low-oxygen mud of the intertidal zone"s upper regions. Analysis of satellite imagery in 2014 has unveiled this hidden ecological treasure along Karnataka"s coast. Despite mangroves being traditionally associated with India"s east coast, Karnataka boasts a significant expanse of these vibrant saline-water ecosystems.Desktop Version
Alappuzha, Kerala
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tucked away in the state of Kerala, Alappuzha offers stunning backwater views, rustic village vibes and unforgettable sunsets. The city"s landscape is mostly flat, with no major mountains or hills, though there are a few small hillocks scattered between the Bharanikkavu and Chengannur blocks in the eastern part. The area is also free from forests. This city holds a special place in the state"s cultural calendar as a key site for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place during Onam. On the western side, Alappuzha is bordered by the Laccadive Sea, and the town is crisscrossed by an intricate network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers.Desktop Version
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan"s here. Are you ready with your rakhis? This is an annual Hindu ritual celebrated by sisters of all ages as they tie a sacred thread called a rakhi around their brothers" wrists to symbolise protection. In return, brothers traditionally promise to safeguard their sisters and often give them gifts as a token of appreciation. The celebration is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, usually in August.Desktop Version