Kenya is divided into 47 counties. Each county is again divided into many sub-counties.

Sub-Counties of Kwale County:

• Matuga
• Msambweni
• Kinango
• Lunga Lunga

Sub-Counties of Mombasa County:

• Changamwe
• Jomvu
• Kisauni
• Likoni
• Mvita
• Nyali

Likoni:

It is one of the sub-counties of Mombasa County, situated to the south-west of Mombasa Island. It connects Mombasa Island with the main land via Likoni Ferry.

Likoni Ferry:

It provides a vital ferry service accross Likoni Channel, operated by Kenya Ferry Services (KFS). It began operating in 1937 and provides around 500 m ferry ride.

Likoni Channel:

It connects Kilindini Harbour with Indian Ocean.

Mvita:

It is another sub-county of Mombasa. It is also the traditional Swahili name for Mombasa and often referred to as Kisiwa cha Mvita.

meaning: Island of War

It covers the only CBD (Central Business District) of Mombasa, where Mombasa Tusks is located.

Mombasa Tusks:

It was erected in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the city. It symbolizes the entrance to the heart of the town and resemble elephant tusks, in the form of M (M for Mombasa), representing the ivory trade.
It is situated over Moi Avenue, which was previously single name. So, the first construction consisted of a single pair of tusks, which were made of wood & canvas. But, the municipal council, trying to make it more permanent and expanding Moi Avenue into 2 lanes, commissioned new set of 2 pairs of tusks, which are made of aluminium, with the help of Haji Suleman Haji Ladh & Sons (a well established local family company).
It is situated near Uhuru Garden.

Languages Of Kenya:

Official language: Swahili (Kiswahili) & English
On the whole, languages are divided into 2 parts.

Major Language

Cushitic:

• Oromo, Borana & Orma
  
• Somali

Minor Language

Bantu:

• Swahili

• Kenya African Union (KAU): Central political voice for independence under leaders, like Jomo Kenyatta.
• Kenya African National Union (KANU): Primary political party, formed in 1960, negotiating independence.
• Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU): A political party, formed in 1960, advocating for regional interests.

Bats:

Nocturnal mammal with true & sustained flight ability, they are essential ecological contributors. Bats are insectivores, frugivores or carnivores. They emit emitting high-frequency sounds to detect prey and fly around in darkness. They help in controlling pets, pollinating & dispersing seeds. There are around 1,400 species of bats. But, only 3 species are referred as vampire bats:

1. Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus Rotundus)
2. Hairy-legged Vampire Bat (Diphylla Ecaudata)
3. White-winged Vampire Bat (Diaemus Youngi)

But, bats are under threat of habitat loss and White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), which is a fungal disease, generally caused by Pseudogymnoascus Destructans.

Madagascar:

It is an island in Indian Ocean, officially known as Republic of Madagascar, located around 400 km away from southwestern coast of Africa, separated by Mozambique Channel, which is an arm of Indian Ocean.
Madagascar was formed by the geological breakup of Gondwana (supercontinent), separating it from Africa (during Early Jurassic Period), around 170 million years ago, and later, splitting from Indian subcontinent, around 90 million years ago.
Madagascar achieved full independence from France on 26th June, 1960.
capital: Antananarivo

Mombasa:

It is said that the founding of Mombasa is associated with 2 rulers, Mwana Mkisi & Shehe Mvita, representing early Pre-Islamic and Islamic origins of the city. Out of the two, Mwana Mkisi is considered to be the original ancestor of Mombasa‘s oldest lineages within Thenashara Taifa (Twelve Nations). Families, who are associated with Thenashara Taifa, are still considered as the original inhabitants of the city.
Vasco da Gama was the first known European to visit Mombasa, in 1498.
Mombasa was the capital of British East Africa Protectorate from around 1887 to 1907. The capital was then shifted to Nairobi, which is still the capital of Kenya.

Mombasa Old Port:

This port was eshtablished around 900 AD as the key Swahili trading hub. And, by 12th century, it became internationally recognized port. Situated on the eastern side of Mombasa Island, adjacent to Fort Jesus, it operated as the main harbour for East African trade for centuries till 1890s, before the rise of Kilindini Harbour.

Countries Of North Africa

Countries Of West Africa

Countries Of East Africa

Countries Of Central Africa

Countries Of South Africa

Situated in Kalimpong Khasmahal, Pine View Nursery is a nursery, consisting of different plants, especially different varieties of cactus.

Pine View Nursery was eshtablished in 1971 by late Mr. S. Pradhan, who is said to have left his initial orchid business to pursue his passion for breeding cacti. It is famous for housing one of Asia‘s largest private cactus collections and is often referred as Mohanji Nursery.

Kanchenjunga can be viewed from here.

Kalimpong Khasmahal:

It is in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India, near the main town. It has some popular sites, like Deolo Hill (famous for panoramic Kanchenjunga view), Gouripur House (once a favorite retreat of nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore) and other sites.

Greenhouse:

It is a house-like structure with transparent walls & roof (made of glass or plastic), specially designed to grow plants safely. It traps solar heat, which does not escape easily, keeping the plants in warm & optimal climate, protecting the plants from extreme cold weather.

Nursery:

It is a a place, where new plants, trees & shrubs are nurtured and grown under optimal and controlled condition, just like school nurseries, where kids are grown into good adults. Plants from such places are either sold to gardens, wholesales & individuals, or, used for reforestation & agriculture.

Port of Mombasa:

The only international seaport in Kenya, which connects Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan & Somalia via a multi-modal transport network. The history of the port dates back to 1st Century AD, especially from the ancient Arab and Persian dhow trading hub to East Africa‘s largest, modern deepwater port. Kilindini Harbour is one of the main parts of the port.

Kilindini Harbour:

Inaugurated in 1896, during the construction of Uganda Railway. During World War II, it served as the base of the British Eastern Fleet.

47 Counties of Kenya

Diani:

It is a popular beach on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. The beach stretches from Congo River (north) to Galu Beach (south).

Lunga Lunga:

It is a border town, in Kwale County, Kenya. It is located near Kenya‘s international border with Tanzania (another country of Africa).

Dongo Kundu Bypass:

It is also known as Mombasa Southern Bypass Highway. It was opened to public traffic in August 2024. It is roughly around 17.5 km, reducing the time of travel from Moi International Airport to Diani Beach, making tourist travel & transport faster than before.

J. J. Reitz:

Born: 3rd May, 1801 in Cape Town, South Africa
Joined British Royal Navy: 29th April, 1814
He was promoted to lieutenant of British Royal Navy, in February 1824. The same year he died because of high fever, which was suspected as Malaria.

Darad Diani Hotel:

It is a hotel in Ukunda, Kenya. It is close to Diani Beach.
Road Access: Diani Link Road

Coast Dishes:

A local restaurant, which is close to Darad Diani Hotel & Diani Beach.
Road access: Diani Beach Road

Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose:

Born: 23rd January, 1897
5th Mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata): 22nd August, 1930 – 15th April, 1931
President of the Indian National Congress: 18th January, 1938 – 29th January, 1939
President of the All India Forward Bloc: 22nd June, 1939 – 16th January, 1941
Leader of Indian National Army: 4th July, 1943 – 18th August, 1945
Died: 18th August, 1945 (it is said that he died due to Third-Degree Burns from aircrash)

Kolkata International Airport:

Eshtablished in 1924 as DumDum Airport.
In 1995, it was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Before the eshtablishment of this airport:
28th December, 1910 – Baron de Caters and Jules Tyck conducted early demonstrations at present Tollygunge Club. Mrs. N.C. Sen (Mrinalini Sen), sister of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, became the first Indian woman to fly in an aeroplane during these demonstrations.
24th December, 1912 – Jules Tyck and Baron De Cators took off from and landed on the Calcutta Maidan.
1920 – Empty area, near the construction of Victoria Memorial, was used as airbase for Italian aircraft.

Mrinalini Sen:

First Indian woman to fly in an aeroplane. She was a poet.
Born: 3rd August, 1879
Married to Raja of Paikpara at the age of 12 and widowed few years later.
Married Nirmal Chandra Sen (Mr. N.C. Sen), after placing her brother on the throne of Paikpara, and became Mrs. N.C.Sen.
She had 1 son, N.C. Sen (Jr), and 3 daughters, Srilata, Arati & Anjali.
Died: 8th March, 1972

Indian National Army (INA):

Founded by Captain Mohan Singh, in 1942, using Indian prisoners of war from the British army, with Japanese support, to fight for India’s independence.
From 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose led INA, transforming it into a powerful force and eshtablishing Azad Hind Government.

Slogan of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Shivaji I):

Born: 19th February, 1630
Member of Bhonsle dynasty.
Became Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort, in 1674.
Father: Shahaji
Mother: Jijabai
Died: 3rd April, 1680

Wives:
Sai Bhonsale ​(married: 1640; died: 1659)​
Soyarabai ​(married: 1650; died: 1681)​
Putalabai ​(married: 1653; died: 1680)​
Sakvarbai ​(married: 1657) [died in the captivity of Aurangzeb, when taken as a prisoner along with royal family members, following the death of Sambhaji I]​

Mumbai International Airport:

1928 – Juhu Aerodrome was established as first civil airport of India.
1942 – Santa Cruz Airport (now Terminal 1) was built as Sahar Airport.
1999 – renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
30th August, 2018 – renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Independence day of Kenya:

12th December, 1963, which is celebrated as Jamhuri Day

Mombasa

Moi International Airport (MIA)

Jomo Kenyatta:

Born: around 1894 (birth records among the Kikuyu were not kept at that time)
Original Name: Kamau wa Mūigai
Place Of Birth: Ngenda, British East Africa (now in Kenya)
1938: Named as Jomo Kenyatta
Member of Parliament for Gatundu: 1963 – 1978
Chairman of the Kenya African National Union (KANU): 1961–1978
Prime Minister of Kenya: 1st June, 1963 – 12th December, 1964
1st President of Kenya: 12th December, 1964 – 22nd August, 1978
Died: 22nd August, 1978

Nairobi International Airport:

9th March, 1958 – opened as Embakasi Airport.
1978 – renamed as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Situated in Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Daniel arap Moi :

Born: 2nd September, 1924
Original Name: Toroitich Arap Moi
around 1930s: Named as Daniel arap Moi (baptized into the Christian faith at a mission school)
Member of Parliament: 5th December, 1963 – 20th December, 2002
Minister for Home Affairs: 28th December, 1964 – 9th April, 1978
3rd Vice President of Kenya: 5th January, 1967 – 22nd August, 1978
Chairperson of the OAU: 24th June, 1981 – 6th June, 1983
2nd President of Kenya: 22nd August, 1978 – 30th December, 2002 (longest-serving president of Kenya till date)
Died: 4th February, 2020

Mombasa International Airport:

Eshtablished during the Second World War as Port Reitz Airport.
1979 – renamed as Moi International Airport (MIA).
Situated in Port Reitz, Mombasa, Kenya.

Indore:

Cleanest city of Madhya Pradesh, India. The city is divided into:

• Old Indore – Historic place, consisting of old & magnificient palaces, temples & market places
• New Indore – Modern developing part, including some special areas like Super Corridor, VIjay Nagar, Pithampur & other such areas.

Chappan Dukan (56 Shops) is a speciality of Indore, where 56 different vendors sell different varieties of Indian street foods.

Choral Dam:

Built on Choral River, it is famous for the scenic beauty & popular picnic spots near Mhow, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was a part of Choral River Valley Project, which began in 1978 and completed in 1993, providing water to irrigation.

Mhow:

Founded by Sir John Malcolm, in 1818.

Full form: Military Headquarters Of War

Historically, it served as a vital British cantonment. In 2003, it was officially renamed as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar), who was born here.  He was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer & political leader, who was born on 14th April, 1891 and died on 6th December, 1956.

Sir John Malcolm, who was born on 2nd May, 1769 and died on 30th May 1833, was a Madras Army officer, diplomat, colonial administrator, politician and historian.

Today, Mhow is recognised as Indian Army cantonment area, consisting of infantry school, museum and other things related to Indian Army.

Choral River:

A tributary of Narmada River, which rises in the Vindhyachal Range, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It provides different activities, like boating, picnic & other related activities, especially for those who love nature. It is famous for Choral Dam.

3 Main Natural Destinations:

• Hadahadi Waterfall
• Sacred Sal Tree
• Barehipani Waterfall

Hadahadi Waterfall:

Hidden natural beauty of Similipal National Park, situated about 1.5 km from Jamuani Nature Camp, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Sacred Sal Tree:

Age: around 340 years
It is termed as heritage & sacred by the people of Similipal National Park.

Sal Tree:

scientific name: Shorea robusta

Cultural Aspect:
According to Hindu tradition, this tree is sacred. It is associated with Lord Vishnu. The name Sal came from the word Shala, which means rampart in Sanskrit. Some Hindus worship Sarna Burhi, who is depicted as the Goddess of Sal tree groves and she is strongly associated with water and plant life.
According to Buddhist tradition, Gautama Buddha died at the age of 80, in a grove between two Sal trees.

Uses:

• Strong durable & decay resistant wood is used in railway sleepers, construction, shipbuilding & furniture.
• Sal Butter, extracted from seeds, is an edible oil, which is used in cooking & lighting.
• Resin is used in rituals, like making incense. It is also used in treating oily skin, itching & rashes.
• Pastes from the leaves are used to treat skin problems.
• It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating coughs, headaches, piles, fractures & ear problems.
• The leaves are often used in making disposable plates and bowls.

Goat:

scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus
Generally domesticated four-legged mammal.
food habit: Herbivores (though sometimes they may opportunistically eat small animals or animal-based scraps whenever they find)

They are Ruminants with four-chambered stomach (Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum & Abomasum), which allow them to ferment and digest tough plant matter through a process called Rumination, which involves regurgitating and rechewing. 

Uses:

• Good source of meat, milk & dairy products.
• Some breeds, like Angora and Cashmere goat, provides high quality fibers, which are used in making clothes & rugs.
• Goat skins are used in making leather goods, like gloves & shoes.

Barehipani Falls:

India‘s second highest waterfall
Odisha‘s highest waterfall
height: 399 meters (1,309 ft)

Two-tiered waterfall located in Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is on Budhabalanga River.

Another waterfalls (Joranda Falls) is roughly around 0.4 km (20 km  drive from Barehipani Chowk through Ghati routes). Sometimes, Joranda Falls & Barehipani Falls are referred as natural companions in Similipal National Park.

Budhabalanga River:

Budhabalanga means Old Balanga. It rises in the Similipal Hills and flows through different villages, cities & districts:

• Karanjiapal village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
• Jhankapahadi village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
• Baripada city Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
• Balasore (Baleswar) district of Odisha, India

The river finally flows into Bay of Bengal. Some tributaries of Budhabalanga River are:

• Palapala
• Sunei
• Kalo
• Sanjo
• Deo
• Gangahari
• Katra Nala
• Chipat

Simul Tree:

scientific name: Bombax ceiba
Also known as Semal Tree or Silk-Cotton Tree. Similipal is named after this tree.
The kapok fiber (fluffy & cotton-like fibers) of Simul are used for stuffing  pillows, quilts, sofas and other such things.
Medically, the roots & bark are used for treating diarrhea, dysentery & constipation. The flowers & their extracts help in treating cough, asthma & bronchitis. The bark & gum are used for healing wonds. The gum is used for Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment.
Garasia tribe (of Rajasthan, India) consider this tree as sacred.

Barehipani Nature Camp:

A resort under Odisha Eco Tourism, which is under Odisha Government Tourism.

Tribes:

The tribes, who dwell in and around Similipal, are Khadia, Mankidia, Lodha, Ho, Kolha, Santal, Bhumija & Munda, out of which,  Khadia, Mankidia & Lodha are recorded as PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups).

Lodha:

They belong to a larger Munda ethnic group, who generally speak Mundari language. History says that, the British government termed them as the Criminal Tribe under the Criminal Tribes Act, which later got repealed.

Mankidia:

This semi-nomadic Austroasiatic tribe is a section of Birhor tribe. This tribe traditionally depend on forest for their livelihood through hunting, food-gathering & rope-making.

Kolha:

This indigenous tribe of approximately 6,25,009 people were historically hunters & gatherers. Now, they are primarily agriculturists, who are mainly involved in paddy cultivation.

Santal (Santhal):

The third largest tribe of India with rich cultural traditions, which include distinctive music, dance & festivals. They speak the Santhali language, which is a Munda branch of Austroasiatic language. In 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu developed the Ol Chiki script (30 letters) for the Santhali language.

Birsa Munda:

He is an icon of Munda tribe, who was born on 15th November, 1875, at Ulihatu village, in Ranchi district of Bengal Presidency (now in Khunti district of Jharkhand, India). He is remembered as the rebellion, who raised a movement against the British oppression. His movement is referred as the key event of Indian freedom strugle. He was arrested and died in jail on 9th June, 1900.

Tribal Dance:

• Pinkali, Bahabana & Kathi dances are generally performed by the Kolha tribe. They are typically performed to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments, like drums and flutes.
• Changu Dance is a folk dance, which is generally performed by women, following the rhythm of changu (a rural tambourine, which is played by men). This dance is associated with Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Khadia, Juang, Mechi & Kondha tribes.

Early morning, we started our road trip from Kolkata, West Bengal, India, by a 4 wheeler.

Rupnarayan River:

The river originates as Dhaleshwari River, in Chota Nagpur Plateau (northeast of Purulia, West Bengal, India). It flows southeast, passing Bankura (a city in West Bengal, India), where it is known as Dwarakeshwar River. This Dwarakeshwar River joins with Shilabati River, near Ghatal (a town in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India), where it is known as Rupnarayan River. Finally, the river discharges into Hooghly River.
History says that, Tamralipti Port (ancient port of Gupta Dynasty) was located at present day Tamluk (a town in West Bengal, India), on the banks of Rupnarayan River.

GUPTA DYNASTY: early 4th century AD – late 6th century AD

NH16:

It is a national highway, which starts from Dankuni, West Bengal, India to Nallur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is also known as Grand Northern Trunk Road. It runs through the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana & Tamil Nadu.
Nallur is a town in Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Dankuni is a city in Hooghly district of West Bengal, India. It is near Kolkata, West Bengal, India. So, NH16 is sometimes called Kolkata-Chennai Highway.
Previously, NH16 was known as NH5.

Haldia:

It is an industrial port city of Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is situated at the mouth of Hooghly River. It is said to be the center of petrochemical business and the major trade port of Kolkata, West Bengal, Inida.
History says that, Haldia was the only Indian city to have a Japantown (Japanese communities in cities & towns outside Japan).

Ghatal:

It is a town in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India.
History says that, before early British rule, Ghatal was famous for the manufacture of cotton goods, tussar silk, bell metal utensils and other such products. Even, there was a Dutch factory. During the early British period, Ghatal was a part of Jahanabad (later Arambagh), in Hooghly district.
1869 – Formation of Ghatal municipality
1872 – Ghatal moved into Medinipur district
1876 – Formation of Ghatal subdivision
2002 – Ghatal moved into Paschim Medinipur district (when Medinipur was divided into Purba [East] Medinipur & Paschim [West] Medinipur)

Kharagpur:

It is the major industrial city in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is located to the west of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is famous for the oldest & biggest IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) institute (IIT Kharagpur).
History says that, Kharagpur was named after Kharga Malla [841 AD – 862 AD] (12th ruler of Mallabhum dynasty), who conquered it.

MALLABHUM DYNASTY: around 694 AD – 1983 AD

Jhargram:

It is a city in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is a popular tourist destination, containing many ancient temples, dense forests & royal palaces.

Sambalpur:

It is said to be the fifth largest city of Odisha, India, located on the banks of River Mahanadi. The river originates in Sihawa Hills of Chhattisgarh, India. It flows through Chhattisgarh & Odisha, crossing cities like Raipur, Sambalpur & Cuttack, before flowing into Bay of Bengal. River Mahanadi is famous for Hirakud Dam (built accross River Mahanadi), which was the first major multipurpose river valley project after India‘s independence.

Nagpur:

It is the Orange City of Maharashtra, India. It is the major trade center of distinct & high-quality oranges, which are grown in the region and brought to Nagpur for export to different cities, states & countries. So, it is called Orange City.

Baharagora:

It is a town in East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. It provides an entry point to Jharkhand from 2 states – West Bengal, India (12 km) & Odisha, India (7 km).

Mayurbhanj:

It is a district of Odisha, India. It is famous for Similipal National Park or Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Bisoi:

It is a village in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Similipal:

1956 – Officially designated as a Tiger Reserve
1973 – Included under Project Tiger program
1979 – Declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Odisha Government
1980 – Declared as a National Park
1994 – Declared as a Biosphere Reserve by India Government
2009 – Added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Khairi:

An orphaned tigress cub, who was found abandoned near Khairi River by Saroj Raj Choudhury, who was the first Forest Conservator under the government of Odisha. She lived in his house and raised by him & his wife (Nihar), from 1974 to 1981, depicting a unique, affectionate & trusting bond between animals & humans. Khairi died in 1982.

Mainak Tourism Property

West Bengal tourism property
in Siliguri

Malda:

It is a city in West Bengal, India, on the banks of Mahananda River. It is also known as English Bazar because of the English factories, which were eshtablished in the 17th century, along the banks of Mahananda River for high profitable trade.

Siliguri:

Situated on the banks of Mahananda River and in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of the northern cities of West Bengal, India and famous for tea, timber & tourism.

Chel Khola:

It is a river, which originates in the Sakam Reserve Forest and flows through Ambiok, Gorubathan, Odlabari, Rajadanga & other places. It merges with the Neora River, forming the Dharala River, which eventually joins with the Teesta River.

Sakam Reserve Forest:

It is a forest, which is located in the Kalimpong Forest Division, from where Chel Khola originates.

Some say that Chel Khola originates in Pankhasari Reserved Forest of Kalimpong Forest Division.

Lepcha Tribe:

They are indigenous people, composed of the Renjóngmú of Sikkim, the Dámsángmú of Kalimpong, Kurseong & Mirik, the ʔilámmú of Ilam district of Nepal and Promú of Samtse and Chukha in southwestern Bhutan.

Ambiok:

Also spelled as Ambeok, is a small village in Ambeok Tea Garden of West Bengal, which is famous for tea garden & production.