Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan, and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan’s dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced as capital by Thimphu in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by the 3rd Druk GyalpoJigme Dorji Wangchuck. read more…
Paro is a town and seat of Paro District, in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. It is also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s sole international airport. The main street has many examples of traditionally decorated buildings. Paro is home to Bhutan’s tallest building, the Ta-Dzhong, which is 22 meters (72 feet) high, and has 6 floors. It was completed in 1649. read more…
Wangdue Phodrang is a town and capital (dzongkhagthromde) of Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan. It is located in Thedtsho Gewog. The town shares its name with the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 that dominates the district. The name is said to have been given by Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who was searching for the best location for a dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot, the Zhabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the dzong “Wangdi’s Palace”. read more…
Hyderabad is a city located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is the second-largest city in Sindh and 8th largest in Pakistan. Founded in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhora Dynasty, Hyderabad served as a provincial capital until the British transferred the capital to Karachi in 1843. The city was named in honour of Ali, the fourth caliph and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Hyderabad’s name translates literally as “Lion City” – from haydar, meaning “lion,” and ābād, which is a suffix indicating a settlement. “Lion” references Ali’s valour in battle, and so he is often referred to as Ali Haydar, roughly meaning “Ali the Lionheart,” by South Asian Muslims. read more…
