UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India

Every history buff must visit these UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India at least once.

India is renowned for its intriguing history and rich heritage. Right from its diverse geographical terrain to its ancient temples and historic monuments, India is home to several great landmarks which are the envy of the world. A number of these amazing spots have been identified as UNESCO World Heritage sites making them all the more previous and revered. While these sites are scattered all over the country, south India in particular in particular is home to some excellent specimens of Indian history and architecture that are worth visiting to gain an insight into the country’s heritage. Here are 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Hampi

Hampi in Karnataka

Famous for its historic ruins, Hampi in Karnataka takes you back to the Vijayanagara era. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire and an important religious center, Hampi is now a great epitome of the architecture of that historic era. Its temples and market ruins will leave you in awe imagining life at a time when there were no cement roads and technology.

The Great Living Chola temples

Chola temples

Built during the Chola rule in the 11th and 12th century, the Great Living Chola temples include the Brihadisvara Temple of Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. Built by Rajendra I, these temples are popular for their architecture and sculpture. 

Temples of Mahabalipuram

Temples of Mahabalipuram

The temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu were declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 on account of their architectural brilliance. Constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries, the rock-carved monuments of Mahabalipuram form the largest open-air bas-relief in the world. Particularly famous is the Shore temple of Mahabalipuram which attracts visitors all year round.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Photograph Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Built by the British in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. It takes you through spectacular places in the region like Ooty and Coonoor. It became known as part of the Mountain Railways of India along with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Western Ghats

Spanning across an area of 60,000 square kilometers, the Western Ghats are known to be India’s most beautiful region. With plantations of tea, coffee & various spices the Western Ghats are home to a number of tourist spots and monsoon retreats. In south India, the Western Ghats consist of places like Bandipur, Mudumalai, Kemmangundi, Agumbe, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, and Munnar.

Pattadakal

Home to 7th and 8th century Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal in Karnataka is one of its lesser-explored tourist attractions. It is located just 22 km from another historic spot – Badami. The group of monuments at Pattadakal are remnants of the Chalukya rule and a delight for history buffs. 

Summer pics: Every drop counts

IMAGE: Pravin Bombatkar shared this beautiful image of a sparrow reaching out to a water droplet. "Every drop of water counts," he captioned it.

IMAGE: This thoughtful photograph is clicked by Pragnesh. "They have been nurturing us like parents. Now is our turn to nurture them," he captioned it.

IMAGE: "Will the water come?" Rajendra Dharashivkar described this photograph.

IMAGE: M Banerjee clicked this spotted deer in the Amazon of India, the Sunderbans.

IMAGE: And lastly, we have this image of a camel from Khuri sand dunes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan."This camel seems to be least bothered by heat," Palanki Narayana expressed.

Share your funny, heart-warming, quirky or just plain summery pics!

It could be someone enjoying an ice candy or relishing a mango. Kids taking a dip or a memory from your summer holidays...

6 Best Hotels to Experience the Royalty of Mysore

One of South India's most enchanting cities, Mysore's essense lies in the history, Tipu Sultan, the palace, the heritage buildings and the gardens all add up to the old world charm. If you want to experience the best of the city, these are the hotels you should pick.

HolidayIQ reviewer Avirup says, "It's been a long time since I visited a hotel like this. It's nature friendly, calm and decent. I wasn't expecting all these together in one place. Thanks to Holidayiq for referring this hotel and providing all the useful information in the web. I will highly recommend this hotel to my relatives.

The services are decent and the rooms are as I wished. It is slightly costly but it is worth it. No one will regret after paying for this hotel as it is one of the best hotels in Mysore. "

HolidayIQ reviewer Dileep says, "The hotel has an exquisite and pleasing location, facing the KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens. It was built when Mysore was a royal kingdom! That speaks for itself. It has excellent facilities for the tourists. The complimentary buffet breakfast is more than sumptuous. The views from the room balcony and the restaurant lobby are beautiful."

HolidayIQ reviewer Chetan says, "It was indeed a very pleasant stay at JP Fortune Palace. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. I would surely go back to this hotel the next time I travel to Mysore. We enjoyed the time spent time at the swimming pool. It is one of the good hotel in Mysore."

HolidayIQ reviewer Ashok says, "The hotel location was good and the best way could reach is by car. The appearance is excellent, old palace with a new look. Front office is fine, check in and checkout is quick. Rooms are neat with a balcony view. The food and drinks are excellent. We had complimentary breakfast, bar is also available in hotel. There were other activities like horse riding and it is too good."

HolidayIQ reviewer Saranya says, "I stayed in this hotel to attend a conference. The front office attendant Namritha was ready with all the information. The lift needs the key to go up and also to come down from top floor pool and gym. I was alone in the room. But the room attendant Sarat saw to that I don't feel it. First evening he left 'Maddur vada' with a leaf written good night and sweet dreams on the bed. Next evening he left a puppy (towel art) and nicely decorated chocolates. Imagine an engineer at 11 pm to switch the TV off (I did not know how to use the universal remote) the breakfast spread was so vast that I was full by seeing them itself."

HolidayIQ reviewer Manjunath says, "Beautiful interiors, larges room makes very comfortable. Very nice hotel to stay in Mysore, value for money. Nice large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam are added advantages. Breakfast was great, from south Indian to Continental was very tasty. Located in heart of the city."

Iringole Kavu: where trees are the deities

Myth or reality, the nearly 50 acres of forest is home to birds, animals and flora of the Western Ghats that are on the endangered list.

Fifty acres of forest, myth, belief and mystery, canopies of trees so old that the land has slept in their shade for ages and a beaming Durga temple in the midst of it- this is 'Iringole Kavu', a sacred grove. The temple is easily accessible by an auto (Rs. 40) from the Perumbavoor bus stop and an easy detour was a quick decision.

The trees here are Gods and the undergrowth here houses no dangerous animals but abundant flora and fauna. Inside, there are three main pathways and several smaller ones leading to the temple. We walked in lead by Babu, a former temple executive and Ajith who had done extensive studies about the biodiversity of the grove.

From them I learned the history and myth of the grove and the story behind its name. One of the stories says that the Goddess who was the eighth born of the Vasudeva- Devaki couple imprisoned by the cruel king Kamsa is the power behind this place. It is believed that the little baby who rose up from his hands as he attempted to kill, her beaming bright in the sky above. The place where the beam fell was called 'Irunnol' which later became Iringol as it is known today. The fallen and old trees and even the undergrowth in the grove are never removed as it is believed that the Gods who descended on the earth to pay obeisance to the Goddess became trees and plants in the grove.

Another story is that Sage Trinabindu meditated in these forests. Once Hanuman watched him without his knowledge. Soon he was driven away by the sage who did not recognise him. Hanuman soon returned with an elephant and a lion for guard only to enrage the sage who saw it all in his sixth sense. The Sage felt humiliated and cursed Hanuman, who was sitting atop a tree watching him, that he would be unaware of his strength.

Hanuman's father is known to have scourged the forest for his son learning about the curse. He kept shaking every single tree and except for one all of them trembled under the immense power of the wind God. Hanuman was sitting on the tree that did not shake and this tree is believed to be the one revered here as the 'Valiya Ilavu'.

It is believed that the God of wind bowed in front of the sage asking for penance but the sage was stubborn. He apparently reminded the God that Iringol was a sacred land. Even the wind must be soft on the land. No one will cut the old large trees, there will be no dangerous animals and the venomous animals will not harm anyone.

He further said that Hanuman will be reminded of his powers by Jambavan during the age of Lord Rama and thereafter will live as 'Sakthahanuman'. He also blessed Hanuman that so long as Ramanama stays in the universe, the Monkey God will stay a 'Chiranjeevi'.

Myth or reality, the nearly 50 acres of forest is home to birds, animals and flora of the Western Ghats that are on the endangered list. The stretch has rare woods like the 'Kambakam' or Iron wood of Malabar, white pine, wild jack (Anjili), teak etc. and medicines like wild pepper, long pepper and 'pathari'. There are 44 species of birds in this forest including parrots, cuckoos and eagles.

Forty-nine species of trees, 19 types of spiders, four species of amphibians and seven species of reptiles are residents of Iringole. With most of the residents being the ones under extinction threats, Iringole also has 42 species of insects and 5 species of mammals.

The grove is kept green by the many marshes and ponds in the area meshed on the bottom by the braids of roots thousands of years old. The 'theerthakulam' or temple pond here is also lush throughout the year, even in the peak summers. The temple doors are open to believers of any religion who are ready to follow the rules of ritualistic hygiene.

The Goddess changes from Saraswati in the morning to Vanadurga in the afternoon and later in the evening becomes Bhadrakali. The chief offerings are Sarkara nivedyam, neypayasam and Kadumpayasam. Chathussatham, Karthika oottu, thulabharam and koottupayasam are also major offerings. The major pooram happens from the second to the tenth of the malayalam month of Meenam. Unlike other temples, here only female elephants participate in the festival. Punaprathishta day and thrikarthika are also very important celebrations.

There is also a famous 'vitthidal' ritual in this temple led by the heirs to a 'pulaya' woman who is once believed to have witnessed the Goddesses grace in a stone herself. On the thirtieth day of Makaram month, the party reach the east gates of the temple after the afternoon pooja with their traditional Thudikottipaattu and Kudathullal. They then circumambulate the temple with a handful of seeded straw and a 'para' of rice.

Currently, the temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board. During the olden days 32 'manas' were in charge of the temple, the Naganchery mana which is very close by being one of them. Today this mana is a museum run by the Tourism department and has a children’s park. There is also a star-forest nearby. The tickets for an adult is priced at Rs. 20 and for children it is Rs. 10.

After the walk and exploration, Babu and Ajith invited over for a cup of tea. Once at Perumbavoor, the world changes in a flash. There is a bustling Sunday market with pan parag, jeans, shirts and mobiles. Perumbavoor is the headquarters of the migrant labourers flocking into the state from Bengal. No wonder, the nearby Lucky Theatre is running a Bengali movie.

20 Powerful Reasons to Eat Bananas !

If You Think Bananas Are Just For Monkeys, Think Again

Image: Google Search

These 20 ways to use and eat bananas will blow your mind!

1.Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
2.Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.
3.Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and night time leg cramps by eating a banana.
4.Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana.
5.Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation.
6.Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
7.Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas.
8.High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.
9.Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body.
10.Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.
11.Constipated? High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility.
12.Got the runs? Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea.
13.Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD.
14.Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.
15.Eating bananas will help prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.
16.Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.
17.Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.
18.Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness.
19.Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
20.Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.

Apply Banana in your life And Get so many benifit .

Apple iPhone 6s 128GB

Apple iPhone 6s 128GB Brief Description

Apple iPhone 6s 128GB Smartphone was launched in February 2017, comes with a 4.7-inch IPS Retina Display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels at a pixel density of 469 pixels per inch. The screen is not protected by a Scratch Resistant display.

The phone is 7.1-mm thin , and tips the scale at 143 grams. The phone is powered by a 1.4 GHz Dual core A9 processor and it comes with 2 GB of RAM. What this means is the processor has Dual cores in the CPU and 2 GB of RAM ensures the phone runs smoothly with multiple applications open simultaneously. The Apple iPhone 6s 128GB also packs in a graphics processor, and 64 GB of internal storage and does not support expandable storage.

The Apple iPhone 6s 128GB runs iOS 9 OS and is powered by a 1715 mAh battery. Its a No SIM Smartphone, and connectivity options on the Apple iPhone 6s 128GB include , GPS, HotSpot,,Bluetooth.

The main camera on the Apple iPhone 6s 128GB is a 12 MP shooter with Auto Focus, Face Detection, HDR, Panorama Mode, Geo-tagging, Touch Focus, Digital Zoom, Video Recording. The smartphone also has a Front Facing Camera capable of shooting 5 MP selfies.

Apple iPhone 6s 128GB Specification

Product Name

Apple iPhone 6s 128GB

Manufacturer

Apple

Model

iPhone 6s

launch date (global)

9/9/15

Status

Available

operating system

iOS

os version

9

Type

Smartphone

display

screen size (in inches)

4.7

screen resolution (in pixels)

1080 x 1920

display technology

IPS Retina Display

Pixel Density (PPI)

469

Scratch Resistant Glass

No

camera

Phase detection

Yes

Laser focus AF

No

Aperture (f stops)

f/2.2

Rear Camera Megapixel

12

Front Camera Megapixel

5

Maximum Video Resolution (in pixels)

2160p @ 30fps

Autofocus

Yes

Front Facing Camera

Yes

LED Flash

Yes

Video Recording

Yes

Geo-tagging

Yes

Digital Zoom

Yes

Touch Focus

Yes

Face Detection

Yes

HDR

Yes

Panorama Mode

Yes

OIS

No

battery

battery capacity (mah)

1715

Sensors and Features

Multi touch

Yes

Light Sensor

No

Proximity Sensor

Yes

G (Gravity) Sensor

No

Finger print sensor

No

Orientation Sensor

No

Accelerometer

Yes

Compass

Yes

Barometer

Yes

Magnetometer

No

Gyroscope

Yes

Dust proof and water resistant

No

Connectivity

GPS

Yes

SIM

No

3G Capability

Yes

4G Capability

Yes

Wifi HotSpot

Yes

Bluetooth

Yes

technical specifications

cpu

A9

CPU speed

1.4 GHz

processor cores

Dual

RAM

2 GB

dimensions (lxbxh- in mm)

138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1

weight (in grams)

143

storage

64 GB

removable storage (yes or no)

No

removable storage (maximum)

No

Why you need to visit Greenland: It could just be the most incredible place on Earth

The multicoloured houses of Greenland are a sight to behold. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

LURED by a distant chorus of sled dogs, my wife Jess and I wound our little wooden sailboat around the whales and icebergs of Greenland’s west coast towards Ilulissat in 2011.

Even before the mosaic of multicoloured houses slid into view from behind another glistening wall of ice, we knew we’d found something special.

While cruise ships sometimes visit Greenland’s desolate eastern coastline on their way to hot spots like Iceland and Svalbard, the western side of the world’s largest island is truly spectacular, and only just waking to the world of tourism.

Since our first visit, Lonely Planet has listed Greenland as a “Top 10 Travel Destination” and with regular flights now from Iceland and Denmark, Greenland is fast becoming a must-see.

Here’s why we keep going back to this incredible place.

Not a bad view to wake up to. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

ICEBERGS

Bathed in 24hr sunlight above the Arctic Circle in summer, ‘Ilulissat’ literally means ‘Iceberg’ in Greenlandic.

This waterfront township is nestled right beside the enormous Jakobshavn Glacier, annually emptying some 35 billion tonnes of icebergs into the UNESCO world heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, making it one of the world’s most productive glaciers.

It’s believed that the iceberg that sank the Titanic likely originated from this very spot.

This is what ‘going for a walk’ looks like in Greenland. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

WHALES

Six years ago we watched old wooden whaling boats (complete with harpoon guns) unload their catch upon the docks, and the whales we saw were understandably shy.

Returning last year to run a photography tour, it was wonderful to see these same old boats now converting to the more tourism-friendly activity of whale-watching tours, and a growing population of Humpback whales reliably cruising among the icebergs.

Whales, icebergs and the ‘golden hour’ lasting all night, it doesn’t get better than this. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

With the ‘golden hour’ of photography stretching on all night, these midnight-sun cruises around the whales and these exquisitely sculpted bergs is an experience like none other.

WILDLIFE

Behind the colourful houses, well-maintained hiking trails of varying lengths meander across the surrounding treeless landscape where wildlife including arctic fox, arctic hare and — if you’re lucky — even Muskox roam around on the tundra.

Just a couple of Arctic wolf puppies. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

I left my GoPro camera outside one hole, and the next morning, it was gone! I eventually found it, and reviewing the footage, was delighted to find three black arctic fox cubs had playing with it!

One of the cheeky black arctic fox cubs. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

SLED DOGS

In 2011 there were more sled dogs than people in Ilulissat — about 5,000 of them staked around the outskirts of town — and although there are less than half that many today, returning last July, five adorable puppies had just been born.

Their eyes not yet open, they fumbled and squeaked around inside the kennel while their mother stood beside us peering in at the very newest additions to one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, arriving with the Saqqaq people between 4000 and 5000 years ago.

North of the Arctic Circle in Greenland, only these Greenlandic sled dogs are allowed, keeping this wonderfully strong and noble breed pure.

Chris Bray playing with a cute sled dog puppy. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

While still authentic-looking, Ilulissat actually offers everything from backpacker accommodation and kayak hire to quality museums and the world’s most northerly 4-star hotel.

Just to the south though, in the tiny traditional village of Ilimanaq, the 53 local inhabitants still hang their fish out on drying racks and enjoy a much simpler lifestyle.

Despite it’s recent surge in popularity from tourists, locals in Greenland still live the traditional way of life. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

CLIMATE

While the long bitter winter offers the chance for dog sledding and perhaps the aurora borealis, the brief, vigorous summer is the best time to experience Greenland at it’s most vibrant and beautiful. A high-pressure system usually develops over the icecap delivering surprisingly warm and sunny weather in July, with temperatures sneaking above +10° C.

THE HIGHLIGHT

After Ilulissat, Jess and I sailed onwards right across the top of Canada and Alaska through the infamous Northwest Passage finding polar bears and more, but of the whole multi-year adventure, we enjoyed our time in Greenland the most.

Chris and Jess Bray’s yacht Teleport the first time they travelled to Greenland in 2011. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

Chris Bray grew up sailing around the world, then leading arctic expeditions before becoming an award-winning photographer running tours around the world. He travels to Iceland and Greenland every July. Follow his wildlife photography on Instagram.

5 natural ways to do hair removal without waxing or shaving

Women are not alone in body hair removal. A 2005 study found more than 60 percent of American men remove hair below the neck. You may be surprised to learn voluntary hair removal is relatively new. It only gained popularity in the 1920s. However, it looks like the trend is here to stay. Save yourself time and money with these 5 natural ways to do hair removal without waxing or shaving.
1. Oatmeal scrub. Rapid Home Remedies recommends this oatmeal scrub to remove unwanted facial hair, while also exfoliating and nourishing the skin. To make a DIY oatmeal scrub, mix 1/2 teaspoon ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon honey and 6- 8 drops fresh lemon juice. Apply the scrub to the skin and let it soak in for 15- 20 minutes. When the scrub dries, use your fingers to massage the scrub into the skin. Rub in the direction of hair growth to gently remove the hair. Wash your face and repeat twice weekly.
2. Papaya and turmeric root. This home remedy requires a bit of prep but is totally worth it. Peel and chop raw papaya into small cubes. Using a fork, mash the cubes into a thick, juicy pulp. Next, grate a small piece of raw turmeric root. Mix the turmeric zest with the papaya pulp until the turmeric is fully absorbed. Gently massage the paste into the skin and let it settle for 20 minutes. Finish by rinsing your skin with warm water. Positive Health Wellness says if you repeat twice weekly, the papain in papaya and curcumin in turmeric may stop hair from growing back.
3. Turmeric, rose water. If you liked turmeric in #2, you’ll love it here. According to Positive Health Wellness, applying a thick paste made from grated turmeric root and rose water can be effective in removing hair from the legs, back, and arms. Let the paste seep into the skin for 15- 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
4. Egg mask. This tip from Home Remedies for Life is best used on facial hair. Mix the white from one egg with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 tablespoon corn flour. Apply the mask and let it dry for 15- 20 minutes. When you’re ready, slowly peel it away. Repeat 3- 4 times weekly for best results.
5. Basil and onion. This all natural method for hair removal from Home Remedies for Life uses just 2 ordinary kitchen staples: basil and onion. Crush 10- 12 basil leaves and 2 onions together in a bowl to make a paste. Apply the solution to the skin and leave the home remedy for 15- 25 minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat 3- 4 times weekly for at least 1 month to completely remove the hair from the root.

India to export mangoes to Australia for the first time

Image for representational purpose only.

MELBOURNE: India may export mangoes that meet biosecurity standards to Australia for the first time following revision of protocols to allow them in the Australian economy.

Robert Gray from Australian Mango Industry Association, said the Indian mangoes would be for sale outside of the Australian mango season. However, the fruit has to meet biosecurity standards including irradiation before they are exported, he clarified.

"Our position is that, as part of the global trade, if we want access to other countries around the world [to export Australian mangoes], then providing the protocol is safe and not bringing in any pests or diseases, then we're supportive of other countries having access to our market," he said, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Mexico, the Philippines and Pakistan have previously exported mangoes to Australia over the years. He said India had started exporting mangoes to the US as well, but it was hard to know what type of volumes would be sent to Australia. "While India is a huge mango-growing country, their export business is a bit like ours," he said. "[India will be] targeting affluent markets, markets where they can place small quantities of very high-value product," Gray said.

The report quoted Kaushal Khakhar, chief executive of Kay Bee Exports, as saying that all shipments to Australia would be sent by air, and the company would initially focus on exporting the Alphonso and Kesar varieties of mango.

"Alphonso is slightly tricky but handled well it is one of the best varieties in India," he said. "Kesar is the best commercial variety because it has a good price, good flavour, and it handles very well," Khakhar said. He said the opportunity to export mangoes to Australia first opened up several years ago, but the revised protocol has made it a more viable option.

The Indian mango season runs from March until the end of July. Indian mango exports are likely to surpass last year's level and touch 50,000 tonne mark in the ongoing fiscal, buoyed by strong demand and supply of export quality fruit, India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority ( APEDA) had earlier said.

Ready for a microchip to control your body?

The throbbing chip may sound futuristic, but are you game to let it take over your whole life, asks Rajiv Makhni

Implanting a microchip in the brain is the ultimate plan

You walk up to your office door and it automatically slides open for you – no security codes to tap in. Your car senses your presence, the doors unlock and the engine comes to life – all without you using a key. You pay for your movie and the dinner that follows, simply by standing there, no credit card, no cash, no wallet. Your child leaves for school with the driver, followed by a dance class and an evening out with friends. Every activity shows up on a location map, but without any phone, GPS or any other tracker device on your child.

Sci-fi movies and books have predicted it, Nostradamus had some pretty fantastic things to say about it and even the Bible (the ‘Mark of the Beast’ described it in the book of Revelation) may have had some observations on it. The microchip implanted inside the human body – the ultimate geek fantasy has become a reality now!

It’s real

Swedish start-up Epicenter implants its workers with a microchip the size of a grain of rice. No more identity cards. Just waving your hand opens doors, gives you access to printers, buys things from the cafeteria and logs your attendance. The implant itself isn’t a very big deal. No surgery, no time consuming complex operation. All it needs is a syringe pre-loaded with the chip. The chip is implanted into the fleshy area just underneath the thumb in a process that takes a second and is almost painless. This seems to be creating quite a frenzy, as more than 150 people have opted for the implant.

Digital RFID tattoos can monitor body temperature and UV exposure

All around us

And they aren’t the only ones. Multiple companies all around the world have the chip implant option and people seem to be opening up their hands in droves to become the first to have a semi-bionic hand. Massachusetts-based MicroCHIPS implants a contraceptive chip that allows a woman to turn birth control medicine on and off by remote control. There are now digital RFID tattoos to monitor body temperature, hydration levels and even UV exposure, all of it on your body with no fitness bands and smartwatches needed. But that’s just the beginning.

Brain tool

Elon Musk wants to take it to a whole new level and to a whole new location. In the brain! His new company Neuralink is working towards a brain implant that will emit tiny electrodes to treat brain disorders. But that’s just early stuff. The final objective is to have brain implants that turn you into a superhuman computer, providing the mental boost to take on the dangers of artificial intelligence and robotics taking over the workforce and making us redundant.

The microchip is even smaller than a matchstick

It’s here and now

It seems like the chip in our body is pretty much a given thing. That’s the next big thing, the holy grail, the tech that will make us superhuman. Our smartphone will be an implant as will all other physical forms of access and utilities we carry around with us. Amazing, isn’t it? Unfortunately this also opens a can of worms, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

Chipped away

As with any radical breakthrough technologies, chip implant raises serious issues. The information these chips will generate are a hacker’s gold mine. Unlike your smartphone or your credit card, you can’t separate yourself from your chip when you want to. It’s right there, in you at all times. These chips could be a health hazard too. What if all the signals and radio waves and the processing taking place inside is proven dangerous for the human body, but only 20 years later? And while it’s awesome that you can gain access to your car or house, what if you’re locked out by your bank because you missed an instalment? The chip gives complete control of you to an outsider. And privacy would be deemed as a joke due to the amount of data this chip would give out. Where you are, who you’re with, how long you worked, how many toilet breaks you took and how fast you’re driving, it’s all there for the right people to tap into.

So give it some thought. The world of implantable microchips is just around the corner. Is a chip implanted in your body really worth it? How about opening the door by hand, how about fishing out a wallet and paying, how about starting your car with a key? Maybe, just maybe – we don’t need a throbbing pulsating flashing chip inside our body to do things we’ve done very well on our own for years.

Rajiv Makhni is managing editor, Technology, NDTV, and the anchor of Gadget Guru, Cell Guru and Newsnet 3

21 Destinations Every Woman Should Visit Before You Die

Lady-friendly, far-flung, about to have a major moment: check, check, check.

Sure, there's something comforting about returning to the same beach town year after year. But for your next trip, rack up some airline miles instead and explore these very #travelgoals, totally far-flung destinations.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Just an hour's drive north of Bangkok lies this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city, which was founded in 1350 AD, is filled with towering spires and massive former monasteries. And a mere 10 minutes away is the mysterious temple of Wat Phra Mahathat, famed for the sandstone Buddha sculpture intertwined with the roots of a Bodhi tree.

Lake Como, Italy

Long a playground for the rich and famous (its most notable resident is George Clooney), this stunning region in northern Italy features everything from magnificent lakeside villas to charming, postage stamp-size towns. For authentic Italian luxury, stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a 100-year-old art nouveau palace with views of the majestic Grigne mountains and the famed Villa Carlotta gardens. Looking for something more intimate? Book a stay at Villa Sola Cabiati, a once-private residence now available for overnight guests.

Banff National Park, Canada

With over 2,500 square miles of valleys, glaciers, forests, and rivers, this wonderland in Alberta is nature at its most untamed. To take full advantage of all the outdoor fun, reserve a room at the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs. The concierge can book everything from guided fly-fishing trips and horseback riding in the warmer months to snowmobiling and helicopter tours in the winter.

Negril, Jamaica

This area of Western Jamaica is known for its turquoise waters, powder-soft sand, and seven miles of shore — often voted one of the best beaches in the world. Book a room at the Rockhouse, a chic boutique property located on the dreamily named Pristine Cove. Amenities include eight acres of verdant tropical gardens, a cliffside spa, and the knowledge that Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones have also stayed here.

Virunga Mountains, Uganda

For anyone who's ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with primates, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest of Uganda is one of the world's most spectacular refuges for mountain gorillas and the endangered spider monkey. Book a stay at Volcanoes Safaris' Mount Gahinga Lodge, where activities include gorilla tracking and birding. You can also get the chance to meet the indigenous Batwa people, who have lived in the mountains for generations.

Havana, Cuba

After decades of a travel embargo, Americans are flocking to this country's capital to explore everything from the churches of Habana Vieja (Old Town) to the brightly colored buildings of the seaside Malecón. And for a true adventure, skip the hotel and rent a vessel from Sailo (think Airbnb for sailing). They offer half a dozen boats that will take you from Miami straight into Havana Harbor.

The Maldives

Made up of over 1,000 islands, this tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is home to some of the best eco-tourism in the world. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, guests can try sunset dolphin watching or visit the newly opened turtle rescue center. And if relaxation is more your speed, the hotel boasts one of the largest beaches in the country.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as the Crown of the Continent, this park in northern Montana is home to rushing waterfalls, stunning snowcapped peaks, and, of course, majestic glaciers. Lions, eagles, and bears are just a few of the fauna you might stumble across while hiking; the sheer number of different species helped to designate the park a World Heritage Site. Book a night at Under Canvas Glacier, just seven miles from the park, for a stay in a luxury camping safari tent.

Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

White sand beaches, breathtaking cliff views, and cerulean waters make this jut of land on the west coast of Mexico a favorite for sun seekers. Venture all the way down to the very tip for a stay at Grand Solmar Land's End Resort. With a private beach, eight restaurants, and a stunning seaside spa, seclusion has never been so delightful.

Kyoto, Japan

Often considered the crown jewel of Japan, Kyoto is a city where history is everywhere, from the geishas who still walk the streets to the moats of the Imperial Palace and the galleries selling traditional woodblock prints. And, of course, a visit during cherry blossom season is like something out of a fairytale. Consider a stay at Hoshinoya Kyoto, a former villa for Japanese aristocracy that also features a Michelin-starred restaurant.