World Best Tourist Spots

Traveling of Kolkata – Eastern Part of India

2011-02-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

Eastern part of India is very rich culturally and geographically. Kolkata is center point of the region. It is the capital of West Bengal. Historically, it was the capital of India in British emperor. In 1911, the capital transfer to Delhi. Initially, it was – Kalikata then Calcutta and now Kolkata.

Tourist has great scope to tour the region of India. From historical aspect, a tourist can travel - St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial, Vidyasagar Setu and National Library.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is situated beside Victoria Memorial. In Kolkata it is known as "island of attractions". It was built in 1847 by Bishop Wilson in Gothic Revival style. It is one of the most attractive places for tourists in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial was built in the memory of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom between 1906 and 1921.

Eastern part of India is very rich culturally and geographically. Kolkata is center point of the region. It is the capital of West Bengal. Historically, it was the capital of India in British emperor. In 1911, the capital transfer to Delhi. Initially, it was – Kalikata then Calcutta and now Kolkata.

Tourist has great scope to tour the region of India. From historical aspect, a tourist can travel - St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial, Vidyasagar Setu and National Library.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is situated beside Victoria Memorial. In Kolkata it is known as "island of attractions". It was built in 1847 by Bishop Wilson in Gothic Revival style. It is one of the most attractive places for tourists in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial was built in the memory of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom between 1906 and 1921.

High Culture and High Adventure Make Nepal a Great Travel Destination

2010-10-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Shangri-La of legend, novel and classic film is a real place, the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. This tiny country next to Tibet is home to Mount Everest and much more. From arts and handicrafts tours to trekking and mountaineering, the Himalayan kingdom has something for every traveler.

All Nepal adventures start with the flight into Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. Spectacular mountain views give way to green, terraced hillsides and small villages of thatched homes as the plane makes it's rapid descent. Immigration and customs clearance are easy for tourists; visas are issued automatically on arrival for $30.

Expeditions and tours start from Kathmandu, so you'll need a base and a chance to recover from the long flight. The Yak and Yeti hotel, next to the Royal Palace, is close to shopping and the old city. If the Yak and Yeti's $200 rates leave you wooly-headed, there are many options, from $2 per night guest houses to comfortable hotels for less than $100. Even if you don't stay at the Yak and Yeti, stop for an exotic drink in their lovely garden or a roll of the dice at the Casino Royale. The Raj lives on too at high tea every afternoon in the lobby.

Walk into the old city of Kathmandu along a street that was the ancient trade route from India to Tibet. The city grew up around traders' stalls lining that route, and the market is still in full swing. Fruit, flowers, spices, medicines, metal wares, silk and pashmina, incense, jewelry and more - the 2,000 year old bazaar churns with activity.

The bazaar opens into a complex of palace buildings, enormous temples, and interconnected open plazas. The old Palace Square rivals the best Venice can offer for elegance of design, baroque complexity, and majesty. But here the materials are simple brick and plaster, with elaborately carved wood. Every exposed wooden surface is carved with animals both mythical and real, flowers, religious symbols and gods and goddesses.

The house of the Kumari, Nepal's virgin goddess, faces the palace. A small girl is chosen by elaborate rituals, and Nepalis believe the king's personal goddess enters into the girl. From then until she reaches puberty she is treated as a deity. Each fall she confers on the king the right to rule for another year. In 1955 the then-Kumari dozed off during the ceremony, then blessed the crown prince by mistake when she awoke. Later that year the king died and the crown prince ascended to the throne.

North of the Palace Square, 15 minutes walk or a one-dollar rickshaw ride away, is Thamel, the trekkers and tourist neighborhood. Thamel resembles Harvard Square or The Haight, but on a dizzyingly vast scale. There are literally thousands of small shops selling handicrafts, clothing, expedition gear, music and much more. Mixed among the shops are hundreds of restaurants catering to every taste from Korean to Kosher, and scores of budget hotels and guesthouses. Darbar Marg, two blocks west is Kathmandu's High Street, a neighborhood of expensive, classy shops and hotels, including the Yak and Yeti.

In medieval times there were three great cities in the Kathmandu Valley. One of them, Bhaktapur, was mercifully spared from being "developed". It is a few miles from Kathmandu, but centuries away. Bhaktapur moves to the same rhythm it has for a thousand years. The craftsmen and farmers you will meet are doing as their families have for dozens of generations. In Bhaktapur the festivals and traditions are so old that people say the gods created them.

Pashupatinath temple complex is the holy-of-holies to Nepal's Hindus, and the destination for many Indian pilgrims. The dead are cremated here, and their ashes are cast into the holy river. Here too pilgrims cleanse their sins by bathing in the same river. The central shrine, off-limits to those who are not Hindu, has a spectacular temple with a giant golden bull kneeling in worship. The riverbanks and surrounding hills are littered with sculptures rivaling any museum's Asian art gallery.

Most visitors head out of Kathmandu for other adventures. Jungle safaris from two to four days feature elephant-back expeditions to watch wildlife, and jungle walks with naturalists. Accommodations are rustic but pleasant, with attached baths, all meals and a well-stocked bar. Older children are welcome for all activities, and one lodge has a separate facility for families with younger children, with a pool, ponies, and special activities.

Nepal is the most vertical country in the world, and the whitewater rafting is superb. There are one and two day trips and longer expeditions. Rafting companies provide all equipment and training, and professional guides. You can combine a short rafting trip with mountain biking, a bungy jump, or the new sport of canyonning, a combination of rock climbing and tubing through river gorges and pools.

Today even an armchair lover of the mountains can see them up close. Every morning the Mountain Flight takes people up for an hour of Mount Everest and the entire central Himalaya from 17,000 feet. For many it is the highlight of their trip.

Trekkers visit Nepal's countryside, a timeless world where the rhythms of life and of walking bring peace. There are dozens of routes, and programs to fit anything from a couple of days to several weeks. Trekking agencies will arrange your trek in advance; most offer group programs, but the better outfitters can make individual arrangements, even for one or two people. Trekking costs vary from $40 per day to more than $100 per day.

For those brave few who climb mountains, the Himalayas are the ultimate. But even beginners can climb a "small" 20,000 foot peak here. The great mountains are a different matter. Even though purists now scoff at the "tourist trail" to the top of Everest, it is still difficult, dangerous and all too often deadly. But with eight of the ten highest mountains in Nepal - and hundreds of peaks taller than the Rockies - there is no shortage of alternatives.

Visitors to Nepal should make arrangements in advance with a good agency, either international or Nepali, and stay informed. The US Government Department of State has information sheets for all countries, and many Nepali newspapers are available on the internet.

Kathmandu's temperature is mild, 35-60 degrees in Winter, 60-85 degrees during the long Summer. Short-term visitors need to pack only the essentials and clothing appropriate to the season. Trekkers will need warmer clothing; it is always cold at high altitudes. All clothing and supplies are available in Kathmandu.

Nepal's culture, history and the world's greatest mountains are amazing and one of the best tourism values on the planet. And Nepal's warm, hospitable people truly make it Shangri-La, the timeless land of tranquility, wisdom, and peace.

source:http://newsblaze.com/story/20080623222855chil.nb/topstory.html

The Popular Tourist Attractions in Dwarka

2010-10-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Dwarka is known as one of the seven most ancient cities in India. Dwarka is also one of the main centers of the Krishna legend. The origin of Dwarka is related to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is believed that after killing the evil Kansa adopted the city of Dwarka and he gave up his home at Mathura.

Dwarka is home of attractions worth visiting. These popular tourist attractions in Dwarka comprised of architectural wonders, interesting origin and history.
Lighthouse of Dwarka offers magnificent panoramic view of the setting sun which shows in the nightfall. The calm and quiet atmosphere of this monument provides the much needed relaxation from the busy life. This tourist spot-free for the public, is remains open between 16:30 and 18:00 hours.

Dwarka Lighthouse has magnificent architectural works. It has also rich checkered history to share with to its visitors.

Its history goes back to the 19th century when a port was constructed at Rupeen Creek. The history of this famous structure started in the early 19th century when a port was built at Rupen creek. There is a flag posted here with a lamp at the top to work similarly to a lighthouse.

The square tower made of stone was constructed at the present site in the year 1866. This tower stands 18 meters high. The lamp was made of oil wick and installed afterwards at the tower of this lighthouse.
When Sir Richard Temple, Governor of Bombay visited Dwarka in November 29, 1877 via sea route took chance to visit Dwarka Lighthouse. The governor then found out that the light was very insufficient. It was replaced with a better form of light in 1881. This equipment was imported from M/s. Chance Bros of England. In 1900 this Lighthouse had undergone also minor modifications.

Further more, D. Alen Stevenson, LH specialist also visited the lighthouse in February of 1927. Stevenson then appreciated the good maintenance of this lighthouse. The new square masonry Tower, 43 meter tall was built from Birmingham's Stone Chance was installed over the tower between the year1960-62. The storm warning signal mast which was the latest equipment at that time was also installed at the station of the lighthouse.

July 15, 1962 was the date when Raj Bahadur, then Minister for Transport, Government of India, inaugurated the new lighthouse. It was constructed with RCC Baffle wall with vibrations and fog signals technology. These new equipments were supplied by M/s BBT of Paris, and were commissioned in April of 1964. It was in the year 1988 the fog signal service was eventually stopped.May 11 1978 was the date when this Lighthouse of Dwarka took a Racon of Marconi origin. And it was on April 5, 1996, when the incandescent lamp was substituted to MH lamp and the direct drive was replaced to a stepper motor.

Moreover, visiting this famous landmark in Dwarka one will find lighthouse keepers. These people are friendly and are always ready and willing to guide the visitors around the Lighthouse. They accept token or something not available in Dwarka like souvenirs and foreign coins especially the old coins, very much in demand among the Lighthouse keepers.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple also called Nagnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva in India. This structure is considered to represent the removal of evil activities from earth. It is located 17 kilometers from Dwarka and remains open from 6am to 10pm.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga has interesting legend. There was a devotee of the temple, named Supriya who was attacked by a demon called Daaruka. Daaruka imprisoned the devotee and several others in his Daarukaavana. Lord Shiva appeared at the temple in the form of Jyotirlinga. Lord Shiva freed the prisoners and killed Daaruka.

The place took its name from the demon Daruka. According to legend, before Daaruka's death, this demon appealed to the god that the place be named after him, now known as Nagnath.

This temple houses the idol of Shivalinga that faces towards the south. The idol of Gomugam housed inside the temple is positioned on the east portion. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga also houses the Giant statue of Lord Shiva which allures the devotees. This temple during the eve of Shivaratri turns to a place of festivities amidst a large number of devotees.

Another beautiful place in Dwarka to visit is the Sabha Mandapa there. Sabha Mandapa is a 12th century structure which has been the highlight of Dwarkadhish Temple.

Sabha Mandapa is a stunning multi-pillared structure of prominent Dwarkadhish Temple. This structure leads to 60 pillared sanctum of the temple which has very old scriptures dating back of 2500 years.
source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Popular-Tourist-Attractions-in-Dwarka&id=2907467

Must To Visit Places on Rajasthan Tours

2010-10-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to the place where the grandeur, glory and past of the state preserved much better than a history book? Yet not then visit to Rajasthan in India, the state globally renowned for its amazing beauty of monuments, which were built by the erstwhile rulers during the time of sorrow and joy. There are several fascinating places of tourist interest which can be explored on Rajasthan travel. Some of the must visit tourist destination are:
Jaipur: Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City of India. It is dotted with captivating forts, palaces and havellis that depicts the grandeur, glory and past of the city. Some of the must see attraction within the city are the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, etc. You can also enjoy shopping in the bustling market of Jaipur well known for handlooms and traditional artifacts.
Udaipur: Udaipur is famously known as the city of Lakes. It is endowed with amazing monumental attraction, beautiful landscapes, blossoming gardens, picturesque lakes and several other captivating attractions. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Jag Mandir, Nehru Park, etc are some of the most admire tourist attraction of Udaipur. You can also enjoy boating over the picturesque Pichola Lake which will truly be a delightful experience of Rajasthan tours.
Pushkar: Pushkar is well known for its annual fair which gathers the attention of tourists from all over the world. During the festival season the city get a new life as it becomes lively and colourful at the same time due to the fair. It also has 400 temples which for the major tourist attraction, Brahma Temple being the most admired one. It is the only Brahma temple in the world where the Lord Brahma the creator of this world (according to Hindu Mythology) is worshipped.
Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer is fondly known as the Golden City. Some of the most admired attractions of the city are Golden Fort, Jain Temples, Havelis and Desert National Park. One can also enjoy delightful camel safari on the shimmering Sam Sand dunes of Jaisalmer.

Well in this beautiful state there are several other tourist attractions which can be delightfully explored. The state is well known for its exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries, heritage hotels, warm hospitality, rich culture, tradition music and several other tourism attractions.

Indian Wildlife Tours - Adventurous Exploits In Wilderness

2010-10-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

India is as diverse in its flora and fauna as it is in its culture. The wide varieties of colorful birds and animals have become an integral part of the country's rich tradition. If you have an adventurous spirit, you can find every means to quench your thirst for adventure with the different wildlife tours in India customized for individual, family or group travelers.

There are a number of travel companies operating in different parts of India. Avail of the tour packages offered by these companies and you can come across exclusive varieties of fauna like the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Snow Leopard, the Asiatic Lion and the Indian Bison. The different categories of tour options available are the following:

Rajasthan Wildlife Tours
The Wild Adventure
The Lure of Jungle
North East India Wildlife Tour
Wildlife Safari Tour in India
Wildlife Tour in India
Elephant Safari
Corbett Adventure Tour
Bird Watching Tour
North India Fishing Tour
Camel Safari
Coast to Mountain
Horse Safari
South India Wildlife Tour
Jeep Safari Adventure in Uttaranchal

To gain the ultimate joy of adventure, the tourists can go in for horse safaris, jungle jeep safaris and elephant safaris. Horse safaris would take you on an awesome journey along rough roads to explore the nitty-gritty's of the country including some of the remote villages and the customs and rituals followed there. Jungle Safaris, otherwise known as forest trail, is another remarkable experience, which would take you to the almost inaccessible regions of a desert or forest. It includes moving through the forest and discovering its hidden treasure, be it by Jungle hiking, walking, trekking, or moving on a jeep or on the back of an elephant.

You have the complete liberty to unravel the secrets of the wilderness on your own. Indian Maharajas used to travel from one place to another on the back of elephants, and from this tradition comes the concept of Elephant Safari. Riding on the back of an elephant would definitely give you that majestic feeling which once was solely enjoyed by the kings. Elephant safari is undoubtedly the best way to venture into those parts of the jungle where even jeeps fail to go. Usually lasting for one or two hours, an elephant safari can take you exceptionally close to animals from where you can take clear photographs.

There are a number of wildlife parks and sanctuaries spread over the entire country, where you can experience a different world—a world where unfathomable wilderness rules. These are spread around the north, south, east, west and central parts of the country. Some of the most visited parks are Corbett National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Kanchenjunga National Park, Sariska National Park,
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar National Park, Manas Tiger Reserve, Sunderbans National Park, Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park. To add to the richness of your experience, there are many wildlife resorts, which offer exemplary service in terms of hospitality.

Pushkar Mela – The Most Memorable Trip to Rajasthan

2010-10-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

When it comes to celebrate fairs and festivals in India, there is no comparison to Pushkar Fair. This is one of the most famous fairs held at Pushkar town which is located just 11Km from Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is the small peaceful and the sacred town along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake that comes alive during Pushkar fair . Today it is considered as one of the most popular and colorful fairs and festivals in India that attracts numerous tourists from every corner of the world. This cultural cum trade fair provides ample of opportunities for vacationers to enjoy the attractive and lively spectacle of Rajasthan.

During Pushkar fair this small town comes alive and brings the rich tradition of Rajasthan enhancing the glory of the golden sand. Stunning fair ground with decorated camels and cattle, meditating, adventures competitions and vibrant stalls are few essential characteristics of this fair that make it more unique and different. Spending holiday or visiting Pushkar fair in true sense can be your lifetime experience.
This famous fair usually begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and continues for five days till Kartik Purnima. Generally, the time of the fair coincides with the bright half of the moon during the months of October-November. Adding to this, it is also believed that during this fair and time, the Gods visit Pushkar for 5 days every year. This sacred conviction towards the existence of God results in gathering of unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the Pushkar Lake to wash away their sins. In fact, the Pushkar Lake is yet important facet of the fair that adds a unique charisma and provides an ideal setting to the Pushkar Camel fair. Lake is believed to posses some medicinal properties and many devotees perform ceremony of ritual bath in the Pushkar Lake on the Full moon day of Kartik Purnima.
The next major feature of the Pushkar Mela is its camel and cattle fair which is also considered to be the largest cattle fair in the entire Asia. Visitors and tourists gather here in huge numbers to view the participation of numerous camels, mules, horses, cows, goats and sheep along with their masters. In addition, most of the days of the fair are dedicated to selling and purchasing of cattle and camel. However, this entire process normally takes lot of days as initially the sellers draw in customers by praising their animals and once the deal get finalized lots of negotiations take place.

Apart from all this, those who are looking for more fun and enjoyment cannot afford to miss the camel race that take place in Pushkar Fair. This camel race is very popular in the midst of visitors from across the world. Spectators, visitors and participants, each of them have a gala time during the race. In addition to this, the camel beauty contest is another vital and unique feature of Pushkar fair. It is the most interesting part of this event when camel are decorated and paraded. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned and interestingly decorated to form patterns.
Vacationers can also find special stalls that set up selling finery and jewelry items for the camels. In Pushkar fair, visitors can also find some of the most beautiful and splendid varieties of ornaments, accessories and other jewelry at different stalls. Craftsmen who make these ornaments or accessories are engaged in this craft for whole year and wait for the fair to make some profits. In addition to this, numerous stalls of trinkets, chains, nose rings, necklaces, anklets, toe rings and the ivory bangles worn from wrist to shoulder attract many women in the fair. Garments and tattoos are also very popular among womenfolk.

Kerala - A tourist destination in India

2010-10-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Kerala is likewise renowned as Gods personal nation, the name itself is similar with paradisal feel and to go through this paradisal home all you have to do is pack your suitcases and direct straight away to Kerala. Kerala is a home of duplex opportunities of which you can choose the ones that matter to you the most and design your personal package for your Kerala tour. You can come to Kerala for various grounds and the better part is that you will find miscellaneous tour packages here providing to your distinct requires, some of the well-known tours are honeymoon tour, backwater tour, beach tour, ayurveda tour, wildlife tour etc. There and many more such tours that are planned to make your Kerala tour revolve around the activities that interests you most and to make all those actions accessible in your time permits. You can Besides custom make your personal kerala tour packages wherein you can mix two packages into one and so on.

However, numerous of the most energizing actions that can be done and seen when you are in Kerala for vacations - searching the nature, learning the ethnical fests, treating yourself with mouthwatering dishes, loving the earthy discourses and so on. You might get went through several of the most exotic health spas in the globe, but the ayurvedic interventions in Kerala are an unparallel match. Ayurveda is an older medical skill of India which has heal to most of the physical and moral problems by the earthy means. So go through this therapeutic exponent of nature at Kerala, which is quick becoming a hub for alternative medicinal drugs in India. Ayurveda and ayurvedic discourses are one of the causes for accelerative tourism in Kerala

Today if we speak about the picturesque places in Kerala that you can search during your Kerala tour, than we can tell Kerala as a whole with all the hooks and corner is pretty but if we choose those awful sites than the first one in the list would be Munnar, a hill station which is 120 km away from Cochin and renowned for its picture ideal locations and tea and coffee orchards. Then there are backwaters of Kerala, that you should not drop for anything in this universe because it is one of the most poised and calm points to find peace of mind in this globe. Then there are those renowned beaches of Kerala with waters and sand to make your vacation package a complete one. some of the most famous beaches of Kerala are Kovalam, Varkala, Mararikulam, Alleppey etc. Visit these beaches to have the picturesque sundowns with crystal water and sands around, a perfect style to unwind in the evening.

Also the advisable fashion to judge a home is by experiencing its civilization and the best style to hook in the vivid civilization of Kerala is by Witnessing the snake boat racing which takes site only once in a year in front Onam. If you are on time for your Kerala tour then dont overlook the irresistible get of this race. Generally to see so many happening matters you get to visit many places. But all this and much more fantastic things can be went through at one home and that is Kerala. So to get a smooth, fair and rocking vacation at the same time, opt for Kerala vacations. Why to wait? start planning for your kerala honeymoon packages and vacations

Wonderful Tours To Rajasthan

2010-10-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

India is one of the famous destinations among tourists that has lot of things for tourists ranging from sightseeing places, attractions, places to visit, easy accommodation, ayurveda treatment, pilgrimage centers and lots more that attracts tourists from all over world. Among different states of India Rajasthan is one of the tourists hub where tourists get chance to experience unique culture and traditions along with tourists destinations like wildlife sanctuaries, temples, forts, mahals that reflects to luxury and royal lifestyle of families living in Rajasthan. During India tours every tourist like to visit to Rajasthan tours that makes their tours to India a awesome one to remember forever.

Rajasthan is famous for The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's first and oldest civilizations. The Rajputs, Naths, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars, Meenas and some other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. Tour to Rajasthan is a unique experience which leaves you spells bounded as you explore it more & more. The major Tourist Destinations like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur are well interconnected to take up a round tour in form of Itinerary. Here you'll see a perfect amalgamation of ages old traditional culture, modern luxury and comforts. In Jaipur which is known as pink city is famous for its exotic Forts, Lavish Palaces, evergreen gardens and for shopping. City Palace Complex in Jaipur is the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. This large area is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards, gardens and buildings. Amber Fort a exotic fort is famous for its fascinating architecture, Old City where you get chance to explore Johri Bazar, Bapu bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar and Chand Pol Bazaar. Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh, Hawa Mahal, Royal Gaitor, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar, Galta Ji are some of the attractions of Jaipur.

Apart from these sightseeing Jaisalmer is another destination in Rajasthan that every tourist want to explore while their tour packages Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is "the land of sand" is famous for its exotic sand dunes, the Fort and unique lifestyle. Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadi Sagar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes are some of the attraction of Jaisalmer. After Jaisalmer, Rajasthan tours take you to Jodhpur that was founded by the chief of the Rathore Clan - Rao Jodha, in 1459. Besides huge rush hotels and accommodation and eating out places are not an issue in Jodhpur as it is second largest city of Rajasthan. Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Clock Tower & Markets, Mandore Garden, Sardar Govt. Museum & Umaid Public Park are some of the places to visit in Jodhpur while Rajasthan tour. Apart from this Pushkar - holy place is famous the world renowned camel fair & the Holy lake, Udaipur - city is famous for lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes, Bikaner - is famous for its historical background, forts & palaces, wild life sanctuary and Camel research and breeding farm, Chittorgarh and Dungarpur are another places to visit during your tour to Rajasthan

Golden Triangle Tour in India

2010-10-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

The golden triangle tour in India is very much popular tourist circuit, which comprises three famous tourist destinations of north India such as Jaipur (Rajasthan), Delhi and Agra (Uttar Pradesh). This popular tourist circuit is visited by thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. By availing this golden triangle tour package, tourist can get a feel of the rich tradition and culture of three different states and also the picturesque beauty of north and western India. Each destination has its uniqueness through its culture, historical monuments and through other beautiful tourism spots.

Tour itinerary of the golden triangle tour package gives you opportunity to explore the popular spots of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Being a capital city of India, Delhi itself is a great tourist destination and it often considered as a gateway of Indian tourism for international tourists. Delhi houses a lot of tourist spots, which you can explore during your Delhi stay of this tour. Some famous attractions in Delhi which a tourist can explore during his/her golden triangle tour are -the Rajghat (cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi), Jama Masjid, Red Fort, newly built Akshardham temple, Delhi metro rail, Lotus temple, Kutub Miniar, the Chandni Chowk area, Humayun's Tomb, Lakshminarayan Temple, Rastrapati Bhawan, and the India Gate. Apart from these tourist attractions of Delhi, tourists can also experience the metropolitan culture of this capital city as it also houses many pubs and night clubs. Experience of shopping in hustle bustle locality of Meena Bazar and Chandni Chowk Market of old Delhi will certainly give you different kind of fun. You can buy a wide range of handicrafts and local artifacts as a momentous memento of your tour. Mouth-watering local and Mughlai dishes in the dining zones of old Delhi area will savor your taste.
Next destination of your golden triangle tour is Agra. It is the Agra and its heritage property of Taj Mahal, which brings India in top position in tourism map. This popular monument is a representation of undying love of a Mughal king and his beloved queen which is considered as a worlds wonder and it is also known as worlds heritage. This is a most visited heritage site in the world. During this Agra chapter of golden triangle tour in India, tourist can also visit other historical sites such as Agra Fort, Sikandra, the tomb of Akbar and Fatehpur Sikri, built by great Mughal ruler Akbar as his capital.

The third and last most important destination of golden triangle tour in India is Jaipur. Jaipur, which is popularly known as pink city, is the most preferred destination in Rajasthan where tourist can experience the age old royal charm of culture and hospitality. During your sightseeing of Jaipur, you will see three major forts such as Amber, the Jaigarh and the Nahargarh fort. Apart from these forts, you will also see Hawa Mahal- Palace of winds, the City Square & Palace, and Albert hall museum. This golden triangle tour gives you opportunity to enjoy the delicious royal dishes of exclusive Rajasthani cuisine and experience of staying in heritage hotel of city.
source:http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/

Lions and tigers and bears

2010-06-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

When you have walked among the wildlife, birds, reptiles and raptors in the nature-like environment at the Denver Zoo. For many urban families and children it may be the closest they get to an experience in the natural outdoors. But it is a worthy substitute that should not be missed.

The Denver Zoo is not just a zoo. It is an environment that transports you from the metro urban population to a sitting that makes you feel you are truly in the outdoors, in the habitat of the wildlife you are witnessing.

The zoo is an educational classroom. It is a place to visit, a place teens and adults can volunteer. When you are there it absorbs you into the sense you are moving from the plains of South Africa to the rainforests of the Amazon to the world’s deserts, the rivers and lakes around the globe and the tundra and frozen artic circle. The realism of the animal and bird environments cast you into a kind of outdoors reality show. One forgets you are in the midst of a metropolitan city.

One of the good feelings you leave the Denver Zoo with is simply having consumed the beauty and presence of wildlife and unique bird species being conserved and protected. You feel equally good to witness wildlife existing in an amazingly realistic and natural environment.

There is an abundance of programs open to individuals, families and children that benefit the animals and birds.

The Adopt-an-Animal classroom program is an interactive learning experience for school students. The adult volunteer program and teen volunteer program for ages 13-17 bring wildlife and young people together. Families and youth can be updated monthly by registering for the Educator, a bulletin available to the public. The zoo sponsors a Scout night each year that offers merit badge points. The Wild at the Movies offers adults and youth a unique wildlife film festival comparable to the popular Discovery Channel. A Halloween Boo at the Zoo day is a fun kids program held annually. The popular Zoo Lights runs through December, featuring animated animal light sculptures. 2008 is the year of the frog and the Denver Zoo will host a Leapfrog Day. These are just some of the community wide zoo programs.

Parents and teachers have an equally exciting variety of educational programs as well. The Children’s Conservation Theater, overnight Bunk with the Beasts, environmental service-learning, Young Scientists, Science Workshops, Guided group tours and career programs are some of the wide ranging learning programs where the zoo partners with metro area school districts. And the popular outreach program staff takes the zoo on the road. Some of these programs have a cost, which are supported by scholarships.

The family and youth educational programs and the classroom and community outreach programs administered by the zoo staff can be explored in detail by calling Matt Herbert, Outreach Manager, or Jim Garcia at 303-376-4867 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 303-376-4867 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. For general information, including group tours and outreach road programs available in metro communities, call 303-376-4888.

The Denver Zoo is one of the nation’s most extensive facilities housing a wide range of wildlife species. Don’t miss a day outdoors at the indoor world of the Denver Zoo.
source:http://www.metrowestfyi.com/story_display.php?sid=9632

Wildlife tourism gaining popularity in Kerala

2010-06-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Wildlife tourism is slowly gaining popularity in kerala and many tourists, especially foreigners, are increasingly enthusiastic about spending time in the wild.

Many wildlife enthusiasts keep coming back for these special interest tours again and again. Though only five percent of the total tourists visiting Kerala are interested in wildlife tourism, their numbers are growing, say wildlife tour operators.

The tourists have six options to choose from, Silent Valley National Park, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

With the help of local communities and forest department, the company has created a well-planned wilderness experience that introduces a small group of travellers to new environment with minimum impact on the environment, he told a news agency.

People of all age groups, especially in the 35 to70 age group take the tours, he said.

The bookings are made with the help of the forest department that in turn informs the local forest office and the local eco-development communities. The tribal youth and local communities were also involved, he said.

The Chimmony Sanctuary has incredible bird, butterfly and animal diversity and is considered to be one of Kerala's best stretches of deciduous forests. Eco guides from the indigenous Malaya community show the common medicinal herbs used by them. The tourists can feast their eyes on the floral diversity and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of mountain streams.

Source:http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=451983&sid=LIF&ssid=8

Rhodes Voted Top Destination In Europe

2010-06-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Rhodes is the only short haul destination in the top ten of the 2008 Traveller’s Choice Destinations Awards, winning the accolade for highlights ranging from the largest inhabited Medieval town in Europe, located in the island’s capital, to more rural attractions such as the Valley of the Butterflies. One of the tourist hotspots is Lindos, a beautiful town with a beach overlooked by an ancient castle.

The type of property available on the island is hugely varied, ranging from modern apartments in more touristy areas to traditional villas in the smaller villages and towns. Property in Lindos is among the more expensive on Rhodes, but rental returns are also likely to be higher here than in other areas.

However, when compared to other European countries, prices still seem low. According to the Buy Association a small newly-built apartment in the area can be found for under £70,000, while a two-bedroom detached villa on a small development of 20 houses will cost around £150,000 off-plan.

Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment on the island rents out for an average of £256 per week, making Rhodes the perfect place to buy a holiday home to let.
source:http://www.homesworldwide.co.uk/europe/greece/news/articles/rhodes_voted_top_destination_in_europe?news_id=0070234

Visit Bangladesh : See the enchanting beauties of nature

2010-06-27T23:47:00.001-07:00

Bangladesh, land of enchanting beauty, is endowed with almost all the natural potentials to attract tourists. All her six seasons vibrate with fairs, festivals, mirth and merriment. All riverine beauty, colourful tribal life and simple village life of the friendly millions are main motivational factors for the potential visitors.

Though one of the world's small countries, Bangladesh boasts of certain world class attractions and assets. Bangladesh offer ample opportunity to tourists for rowing, angling, jungle trekking, sun and sea-bathing and above all to be in and amidst the pristine nature. Bangladesh is heir to rich cultural legacy.

In 2000 or more years of its chequered history, many illustrious dynasties of kings and Sultans have ruled and disappeared and left their mark in the shape of magnificent cities, monuments, the desolate ruins which are still visible in places throughout the country. The archaelogolical treasures of Mahasthangarh, Pahapur Buddhist Vihara, a world heritage site and Salbana Vihara at Mainamati and sixty-domed grand mosque at Bagerhat, also a world heritage site, World War-ÐÐ cemetery at Comilla, Kantaji's temple of Dinajpur, the Hindu temples of Chandranath at Sitakund, Adinath at Mahashkhali, Sonargaon and Dhakeshwari in Dhaka bear testimony to its devotional past.

Most outstanding places in Bangladesh also include Cox's Bazar Beach, Dhaka, Kaptai, Chandanpura mosque, Kuakata, Rangamati Lake, tribal life, Sylhet Tea Garden and wildlife of Sundarbans. Other places of tourist attractions are Shilaidaha Kuthibari(Kushtia, a memory place of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore), Sagordari in Jessore, Mujibnagar memorial, Gandhi Asram, Jamuna Bridge, Trishal and Sri Chaitanya Temple.

Above all, simple and friendly people of Bangladesh along with its tribes isolated from modern society by their own distinct culture and way of life make Bangladesh a distinguished and unique attraction for tourists. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), national tourism organization of the country, has renovated the existing tourist facilities and created new facilities at important tourist spots.
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Sorce:http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/06/16/news0529.htm

Palace on Wheels – The Gem of the Rajasthan Train Tours

2010-06-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

When it comes to Rajasthan Train Tours, Palace on Wheels features the very best that India offers. Embark on a journey back in time, of peacefulness, tranquility, adventure, culture, cuisine... an unforgettable sojourn, all made possible for you on this superb luxury train.

Since its beginning in 1982, the guests of the Palace on Wheels have received service above the ordinary with an experience which was unashamedly romantic and adventurous. To this day the travelers expect nothing less. This is a journey which should only be embarked upon with the highest of expectations. The train provides an opportunity to explore the centuries, to appreciate the history and culture of Rajasthan without missing the features and details of the passing landscapes and enjoying all the on board comfort and state-of-the-art facilities one could ask for.

Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant and historically and culturally rich states of India. The history of Rajasthan is all bravery and chivalry of the Rajputs. Their tales of gallantry and valor are part and parcel of the Rajasthan culture. Their passion for buildings and architecture is manifest in the myriad of magnificent palaces, forts, havelis and temples that speak volumes about history and heritage of the state.

The Palace on Wheels is an effortless way to experience Rajasthan at its best. The spectacle of Rajasthan's great wilderness will take your breath away. This Rajasthan Train Tour is truly worthy of kings, not surprising the experience is labeled as the Palace on Wheels. In a series of trips, the train links some of Rajasthan's greatest destinations including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra, before culminating the journey to New Delhi. The itinerary covers the very best attractions of North India from Jaisalmer at the tip of Rajasthan to the pink city Jaipur, from scenic splendors as diverse as the bird sanctuary of Bharatpur to the sleepy villages of Jodhpur, from the desert landscapes of Chittorgarh to sparkling lakes of Udaipur and the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. During your cruise you will experience the fascinating history and spectacular scenery, exotic wildlife, the beautiful heritage havelis, palaces and forts, desert villages and rippling sand dunes.

The train combines the luxury of five star hotel with the charm of train travel. The Maharaja and Maharani dining cars receive only accolades for their connoisseur selection of Rajasthan cuisines. The food served during the sojourn puts sheer good taste on a plate while gracious hospitality puts you on a pedestal. With 14 coaches named after former Rajput princely states, with spacious cabins, the passengers on board the Palace of Wheels have plenty of space, time and encouragement to do as they please. One can enjoy the company of others, recline idly with a favorite book or simply watch through the window which unfolds new vistas of passing beauty.
Source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/65262

Top tips for solo travellers

2010-06-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

The world teaches you certain lessons pretty quickly when travelling solo. Some of these come easily, especially through talking with experienced travellers - whose knowledge can be a valuable (although not always reliable) resource.

But other times you find things out the hard way. Experiences like desperately chasing after your bag as it's driven off on a random rickshaw, spending hours queuing for train tickets, or holding your head in your hands when you realise that you've been screwed over teach you the basics very quickly.

To help you avoid the worst panic-attacks travelbite.co.uk blogger Nick Claxton brings you some top tips for stress-free solo travels:

You will stand out, no matter what

There may be thousands of ex-pats in Singapore but I'm still conscious that most locals can tell I'm a tourist. In Nepal and India, there is no question of slipping by unnoticed.

It's important to accept that you'll attract stares or be approached by enquiring strangers.

Sometimes it can feel claustrophobic - and I imagine it's twenty times worse for women - but getting angry or annoyed will not make it any better.

Make as big a scene as possible if you feel threatened but try and shrug these things off until that line has been crossed.

bag may be a burden, but make it a light one

Your rucksack is impossible to miss, and sometimes you're incredibly aware of this fact. But instead of thinking that it makes you a target, its best to view it as an annoyance.

Too much fuss over your bag is only likely to attract attention to it. Pack nothing that you would sorely miss and then treat your rucksack with something approaching distain.

I've found this makes other people view it in the same way – this means I can stop worrying about it being nabbed and enjoy myself a lot more.

Pack light, but bring one luxury item

It may be bulky, impractical and responsible for the bruise developing on the top of my head after repeatedly falling from overhead compartments, but my guitar is one of the best things I'm carrying with me.

Try to keep everything else to the minimum but if possible bring something that's a luxury.

It might make no sense to bring along your prized chess set, a clarinet, or even your laptop, but they can be great ways to meet people - and give you something to do whenever boredom inevitably hits on those long train rides.

your instincts

I've left my guitar in the hands of toilet attendants, been driven off to hostels in places I'd never heard of, and taken a guided city tour from a guy I soon realised was a drug dealer - all without running into any trouble.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I put it down to trusting my instincts. I've turned away from similar situations just as readily when some red warning light flashed on in my head.

Don't feel sheepish about saying no; it can save you a lot of hassle. At the same time be open to saying yes to anything - as long as it feels right.

You'll be lonely sometimes, but it'll pass

Loneliness is the biggest, and most obvious, drawback of travelling solo. Unless you're incredibly outgoing or quickly run into someone travelling the same trip, you're unlikely to completely avoid this - especially if you are moving on regularly.

There will always be times when you're stuck by yourself, or stuck in a crowd with no-one else who understands you - which is a much worse feeling.

The best advice I can offer is to keep an upbeat, welcoming attitude and you'll soon bump into someone new to hang out with, at least until the next station.

is the hardest word

Finally, one of the hardest things I've found when travelling is deciding when to move on to the next destination.

Stay too long in one place and you can stagnate, but when you're enjoying yourself there's always the nagging feeling that you'll be missing out by leaving.

So far I've successfully followed a simple rule to solve this dilemma: If you're having fun, stay.

But when you know the next track on the hostel playlist, its time to leave - that night if possible!

source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/travel-advice/travel-tips/top-tips-solo-travellers-$1226225.htm

Jim Corbett National Park India

2010-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Jim Corbett National Park India had the proud distinction of being chosen as the venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India; earlier part of Uttar Pradesh now comes under Uttaranchal, the newly found state. Jim Corbett National Park India is home to a variety of flora and fauna, Corbett park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett Tiger Reserve has a great variety of fauna on account of habitat diversity. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals' species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species

im Corbett National Park India has always been famous for their resident tigers. Initially Jim Corbett National Park reserve was named as 'Hailey National Park' in 1936. Jim Corbett National Park was renamed in 1954-55 as 'Ramganga National Park' and again in 1955-56 as 'Jim Corbett National Park' after Jim Corbett who hunted down tigers that had turned man-eaters, between 1907 to 1939. Jim Corbett National Park India is the 1st and oldest National Park of India. Jim Corbett National Park India was one of the nine Tiger Reserves created at the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973.
im Corbett National Park India is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the Corbett park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal. Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among one of the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the 'Mugger' Crocodile. Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the jim corbett national park and warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a Tiger or Leopard from tree-top perches.
Hotels in Jim Corbett National Park can divided in four category: Resorts, Hotels and Forest Rest Houses, providing a higher standard of accommodation at a price as well as guides for expeditions in the forests, which can be as rich in wildlife as the Jim Corbett National Park, without the restrictions.
There are many accommodation facilities at Ramnagar as well as at the Corbett National Park. Being one of the most frequently visited parks in the country, the forest department and other agencies have their hotels, lodges, rest houses, log huts for the visitors.
Forest rest houses, log huts etc at Dhikala, forest rest houses at Sarapduli, Bijrani, and Ghairal offer some of the best stay in the region. There are many resorts along the periphery of the park which take the load off the governments accommodation facilities. To stay at the government hotels, rest houses etc make sure that reservations are done well in advance as the pressure is really high during the tourist seasons.
In order to make the travel tour to Corbett even more joyful we at Corbett Park offer just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Corbett. We at Corbett Park can customize the tour package and offer the corbett jungle resort and hotel accommodation. As Corbett is quite popular destination during the tourist season, it is better to get reservation before reaching there.
The park normally opens at 0600 hrs in the morning and is open till about 1100 hrs in the morning. In the afternoon the park timings usually are from 1430 to 1730. However depending on the season the timings change locally which the forest authorities of Corbett notify.

Tips to ensure a happy, healthy, summer holiday

2010-06-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

A change is as good as a rest' and over the coming months hundreds of thousands will take to the roads, to the skies and even to the rail tracks in pursuit of their change.

While very few people go on holiday anticipating that they won't enjoy it, there are things that make it more or less enjoyable.

Surprisingly, even the tourism industry now scientifically studies the aspects of holidays that make them enjoyable.

However, I could only identify one study that measured the impact on psychological well-being. The study, published in the Journal Of Travel Medicine in 2005, was conducted by Austrian researchers and identified characteristics that predicted the psychological health outcomes of the annual holiday.

One hundred and ninety one, mainly white-collar workers, were administered a questionnaire one week after completion of their annual vacation, evaluating five broad areas, including: physical characteristics of the holiday (eg, duration, distance travelled to reach destination, time zone, temperature, etc), structuring of the day (eg, number of meals provided, planning of the day, etc), health and social activity (eg, amount of sleep, physical activity, making new acquaintances, etc), stress during the vacation (eg, rows, health problems, etc) and, finally, the physical and mental strain of work and basic characteristics, such as age.

Subjects were asked to rate their subjective feelings of recuperation and exhaustion in comparison to before the holiday. Some of the results were unexpected and counter-intuitive. A proportion of the outcome (27pc) could be predicted by measuring the variables.

The higher the mental strain of work, the greater the feeling of recuperation. In addition, a warm temperature at vacation site, the amount of time vacationers had for themselves and for their needs, engaging in physical activity, good quality of sleep and making new acquaintances all had a positive effect.

Interpersonal conflict was negatively associated with recuperation, but only to a very small extent (two per cent), while health problems during the vacation, number of hours slept and number of meals provided had no impact.

Turning to the predictors of improvement in levels of exhaustion, only 15pc of the variance could be explained. Time-zone differences, temperature and health problems during the holiday predicted improvement but, surprisingly, the duration of the holiday and the travel time to the destination did not impact on this.

The finding that the duration of the holiday did not effect exhaustion levels might seem surprising, since it is assumed that the longer the vacation, the greater the time to sleep and unwind.

However, other leisure research has shown that the greatest improvement occurs in the first three days of holiday and peaks by seven.

On the other hand, the extent to which leisure time predicts recuperation is proof of our intuition that freedom from obligations is central to a holidays restorative value.

Surprisingly, self-determination of daily activities or some scheduling of daily activities was not related to recuperation as other studies found, but the mood-enhancing effects of physical activity and also of social interaction were clearly demonstrated in this study.
source:http://www.independent.ie/health/tips-to-ensure-a-happy-healthy-summer-holiday-1402382.html

Kerala Festival Message

2010-06-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, Kerala has around 20,000 Hindu temples and shrines and in almost all the villages there is at least one place of worship for Christians and Muslims.

These major and minor places of worship had contributed significantly to the development and continued maintenance of the rich cultural heritage of the state through the vibrant annual festivals.

Although some of the major festivals are known at the national and international levels, many of them are not known beyond the boundaries of the state.

The organisers of these celebrations are not publicity-conscious. As a result, the efforts to keep track of these festivals have become very difficult.

Obviously, neither the State Tourism Department nor any individual have tried to systematically bring out the detailed information on these cultural festivals till recently.

Kerala Festival Message 2008’, a directory of festivals in Kerala, edited by C A Menon, is a major work which provides detailed and systematic information about the festivals in Kerala.

The directory was first published in 2004 figuring out the details of around 1000 festivals across the state.

The latest and updated version lists out over 2500 festivals in the state in the year 2008, with eye-catching pictures to provide a glimpse of the richness of these festivals to its reader.

The latest volume also covers all the festivals beginning from January 2009 as well as major festivals next year.

The compilation is a valuable addition to the material that helps both domestic and foreign tourists to acquaint themselves with the festivals and rituals in Kerala.

Aimed at facilitating travel agents, tour operators and tourists, especially foreign tourists, to plan their programmes well in advance and to synchronise them with the festivals of their choice, the author is at present engaged in bringing out a directory of festivals in the state in the next five years shortly.

source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IER20080527001853&Page=R&Title=Kerala&Topic=0

Goa Hotels: Staying at the Beach Capital of India

2010-03-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Goa, a romantic confluence of cultures offers finest accommodation matching with international standards. Goa people are lovely and hospitable. With their warm, broad smiles and affectionate hospitality, you will be swept off your feet with the intimate atmosphere at Goa hotels. With many hotels residing next to the beaches, the guest have additional privileges to enjoy such as overlooking the sparkling sea from the balconies and enjoying the refreshing ambience of the lush green locales. Some hotels have their own private walkways leading to beach. Strolling in the evening with your beloved through these walkways may be an ultimate experience you will relish with fond remembrance.

Luxurious accommodation with state-of-the-art amenities. Swimming pools, spas and Ayurveda are available with most of the hotels. Sightseeing tours, adventure sports, water sports and musical nights are some of the features that these hotels often offer. What's more, they come in a range of budget, which suit to every pocket and preference. No matter what hotel or resort you choose, the unforgettable stay with warmest hospitality is assured.

Kerala Tourism: The Culture and The Curry

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Kerala is a gateway to paradise. The state offers an enthralling experience with its captivating landscapes, mind blowing backwaters, majestic hills, wildlife parks and sanctuaries, tea plantations, and last but not the least, its stunning sun-kissed beaches. With the hordes of tourists and travelers visiting Kerala for spending holidays, Kerala tourism is rising at great strides. Apart from an excellent getaway to nature, Kerala tourism is also redefined as Kerala Health Tourism, Kerala Backwater Tourism, Kerala Culture Tourism, Kerala Beach Tourism, and many more.

Kerala takes pride in being one of the oldest civilizations on the face of the earth. Historians suggest that Kerala culture is a blend of numerous civilizations, varied customs, practices and beliefs as a result of interaction of Indian as well as overseas cultures. A variety of performing arts such as Koodiyattom, a type of drama or theater and UNESCO-listed human heritage art; Kathakali, a dance drama that depicts ancient epics; Kerala natanam, a popular offshoot of Kathakali; Koothu, a light-hearted comedy performance similar to modern-day stand-up comedy; Mihiniyattam, the dance of the enchantress which is a choreographed performance by women accompanied by music and vocalizations, and many more art performances are unique to Kerala.

The Kerala culture is reflected in its festivals, pilgrimages, literature, music, traditional performances, customs, practices and cuisine. Variety and uniqueness of Kerala's culture may be experienced by being a part of its annual ten-day festival known as Onam. During Onam, a host of colorful sports, cultural programs and rituals are organized. Celebrated at the end of August or beginning of September, the festival is a complete reflection of the rich culture that Kerala boasts of.

The Kerala food is unusual which offers some of the most sumptuous tastes on earth. Keralites are gourmets with a difference. The cuisine is usually hot, spicy, aromatic and flavored. Use of coconut is an integral part of the cuisine. It is used either chopped or grated to garnish the dishes. Coconut milk or paste is used to thicken gravies and its oil is used for cooking. Rice is the staple diet. A typical lunch or dinner may consist of rice, seasonal vegetables cooked in coconut oil with different spices for flavor, dal, seafood curry and a sweet dish as dessert. Seafood is taken almost with every meal. Fish like sardines, tuna, rays, and crabs, mussels and oysters are taken with unique preparations. Apart from meals, different snacks such as banana chips, murku, shakaruperi and many types of halwa are consumed any time during the day.

Sorce:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/62158

Tiger Sightings Visit Ranthambore for a wild holidayz...

2010-03-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Ranthambore is known for it's tiger sightings and for the ones who are looking for an audience with the king of the jungle, the Ranthambore National Park is a great weekend getaway, about 140 km from Jaipur.

Ranthambore is well connected both by rail and road and for those wanting a jungle holiday, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Ranthambore is the place to be.

The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is probably one of the only sanctuaries in the country where one can sight a tiger up close.

''Yes I saw a tiger. First we saw it walking along the road and then by a tree watching the deer as they were coming close,'' said one of the visitor to Ranthambore.

''I gather about 35 tigers here and we were just lucky, it was so close to the lorry that I am glad it had it's breakfast,'' said another visitor.

Safaris at the break of dawn, and a drive through the jungle at dusk are among few exciting Ranthanbore offers.

Between an open gypsy and canters, people vacationing in a large group can pick up their mode of travel.

Most of the routes for tourists run alongside the tigers favourite water holing, making it a great place to sight the big cats.

In the past two years, there has been a baby boom in Ranthambore. They have had 13 new cubs and a visit to this place can get a glimpse of the king of the jungle.

And to take back memories of these majestic animals, Ranthambore also offers a variety of tiger mementos.

The Ranthambore tiger sketches, mostly done in charcoal, are quite famous. T-shirts and souvenirs all add to make an interesting collection of tigeria.

There are hotels to suit everyone's budget in Ranthambore, from luxury five star hotels to those which are light on the pocket but heritage properties can also add a touch of history and romance to the jungle adventure.

The best time to visit Ranthambore is during winter but it is open for guests now too, except between July and September, the three months when it's shut during the monsoons.

source:http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080050080&ch=5/17/2008%207:35:00%20AM

The World is Full of Mysterious Places, Needs a calm Exploration

2010-03-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

In the monotonous life, most of us feel the need to change. This is a universal fact that after a particular time period, we all resist with our same old ways of doing things.

Our tedious works do not allow us to dream beyond the box and go wild with our strange way of imagination. This actually puts us in a dilemma of what to do and how to do. Is there a better way to get out from this boring life? Well, for those who are still confused and thinking about different ways to break the restraints of obscure lives. Holiday packages are the only way that helps you in breaking the barriers of life and gives the moral fiber to break all the conventions of life.

So, before the scheduled life gets over you, indulge yourself with your kin with any of the holiday retreats. There are numerous benefits of these tiny yet meaningful holidays. Even the researchers have shown that the best from a man evokes after a happy and eventful break from his daily work.

If you able to manage a holiday vacation for yourself then you can get benefit from numerous websites that give you a clear idea about the prospective destinations. These websites give valuable information’s that will help to plan your holidays in a memorable way. In fact, most of the travel agencies, tour operators, and travel agents take help from these websites to come up with all cheap holiday packages to their clientele.

The tourism industry could be seen growing at a very fast pace. This is the result of the growing market competition, emergence of new tourist market players and the urge to offer products and services to the customers at a reduced price. There are so many unexplored destinations that need your wild visit. These destinations ensure to spend quality time with your family away from the hassles of the life. There are places like Goa, Kerala, Seychelles and Zurich requires more and more visitor.

So don’t think twice, just grab the chance and go for your dream holiday vacation.

One of the World Famous Tourist Place in India Jodhpur

2010-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan in India and is also known as the blue city because the color gives an indigo aura to it with blue colored houses surrounding the Mehrangarh Fort.Also known as the Sun City due to its perennial sunny weather, it receives sparse rainfall and is located in the Thar Desert. Jodhpur is a famous tourist destination in rajasthan and offers myriad places of interest that have significant historical importance. It is also famous for its well preserved forts that are adorned with exquisite intricate carvings and pieces of art. The city is teeming with bazaars and crowded with tourists and is comparatively more populated than other cities in Rajasthan The city was founded in the late 1400’s before which it was ruled by a completely different empire called the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire. However, it was overtaken by the Rajputs who took advantage of the trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, making the place a cornucopia of trade and wealth. The city became an integral part of the state called Marwar. The locals, also known as Marwaris, now flourish in almost every part of India and are renowned for their skill in running small businesses. This city saw the arrival of Mughals and became an important fiefdom; however the administration of the city still remained under the Rajputs. Consequently, Mughal influence in some parts of the city is apparent in the pieces of art, carvings, and architectural design.
Jodhpur is connected to almost every major city and town in India by air, railroads, and by roads. Flights can be boarded from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur; Indian Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, and Jet Airways provide regular flights from many of these cities. The nearest airport is just three miles away from the city and is conveniently located to provide easy access to it. The city is also well connected by railways and can be reached from Delhi, Chennai, Banglore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. The approximate cost of an air conditioned coach from these cities can range from INR1000 to INR 2000. The city is also well connected by roads to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur among many others. However road journeys are best avoided since major cities are located at long distances and it takes almost a day to get there from Mumbai and sixteen hours from Delhi.
The city offers so many attractions that it may take almost a week to absorb the beautiful monuments, forts, and museums that the city is dotted with. The labyrinths of alleyways in the old city are unique to the place and overwhelm a visitor with its bazaars that vend handicrafts, textiles, and other pieces of art. The old city is surrounded by a six mile long wall that has eight entrances and is a good place to wander around and take in the essence of the culture and architecture of this place.
This fort is one of the magnificent pieces of architecture in Rajasthan and offers a stunning view of the city from the top. This fort is located atop a humungous rock and has seven gates that are strategically located in order to make the fort impregnable to enemy attacks. The fort is very well preserved and is one of the ‘must-see’ places in India; the museum is one of the best in Rajasthan and has many costumes, arms, and artifacts on display. The national geological monument located inside the fort is the place where the last igneous activity took place around 4000 million years ago. This place has been declared a National Geological monument to increase Geotourism in India. Other attractions inside the fort include Moti mahal (palace of pearls), Sheesh mahal (palace of mirrors), and Phool Mahal (palace of flowers) which attract hundreds of tourists from India and around the world.

The Famous Favourite Summer Holiday spots

2010-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Summer holidays are about taking time out from the busy working year to recharge the batteries and spend time with the important people in our lives.

We all have memories of childhood summer holidays at the seaside and for many a beach holiday is an essential part of the summer break.

This year the strong Euro and environmental concerns are making summer holidays at home more attractive. Holidaymakers looking for a bargain are also considering the US and lesser-known destinations in Europe.
For more visit....
source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/favourite-summer-holidays-2008-$1219933.htm

Best Tourist Attraction in Malta - Sliema

2010-03-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Shops, Bars, Hotels, beautiful beaches and belvedere are amongst the few of the tourist attraction. Sliema is beautiful all year round, but especially in summer.

If you are a hardcore tourist looking to live in the centre of things happening in the island, we suggest you book a hotel in Sliema. Most hotels (even budget hotels) are just a two minute walk from the sea and the main shops and bars in Sliema.

As with many other major cities and villages in Malta the festa is one major yearly event. The feast of Sliema is held in honor of Our Lady Stella Maris (the festa is held in August) and another in of the Sacre Cour in July. Whilst to a lesser extent other feasts are Our lady of mount carmel in July and St. Gregory in September, all these feasts make for a great tourist attraction in whilst visiting Sliema and highlight different areas of this lovely city. We strongly recommend that if possible you book your vacation around these months and try to make it a point to get a glimpse of these spectacular local celbrations.

Vacation Spot

The city of Sliema began rapidly developing in the 19th century and later it became a popular summer resort for wealthier Maltese citizens. Villas and town houses started to be developed in front of sea in the quiet and orderly streets. The 3 kilometer sea promenade and belvedere started to attract the first tourists and many started to look for places where to spend their vacation and many hotels emerged as a result. A very important and centre place is the Independence Garden near a small sandy beach on the coastline.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Sliema---Tourist-Attraction-in-Malta&id=570466

The State of Rajasthan Train Tour: The Palace on Wheels International and Domestic Crowd Puller

2010-03-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

The state of Rajasthan, which is a major international and domestic crowd puller, also has a good railway network that connects to major cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur and more. However, the best of Rajasthan Train Tour can be experienced on board the Palace on Wheels- one of the premium luxury trains in India.

The inception of the Palace on Wheels has been an important step in the promotion of Indian tourism industry. The Palace on Wheels starts from Delhi and visits Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra before returning to Delhi. Palace on Wheels is thus by far one of the best cost effective means of traveling to Rajasthan. Easily the most recognized name among luxury trains in India,

The Palace on Wheels is truly in no way less than a luxury heritage hotel. The Palace on Wheels is thus a very important aspect of luxury Rajasthan tourism and has their customer base mainly in the foreign tourists and the leisure tourists. In fact, travel in Rajasthan these days carries tremendous scope for luxury tourism. Thanks to the large number of palace turned hotels and the traditions of luxury prevalent due to the existence of the royalty, Rajasthan is now a haven of pleasure tourism and the Palace on Wheels is just another feather in the cap of Rajasthan Tourism.

The Indian State Kerala Ayurveda : From holistic treatments to health tourism in Kerala...

2010-03-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Indian state of Kerala is located in the South Western tip of India. The state has a tropical type of climate and covers a total area of about 38, 863 square km. God´s own country as it is famously known, it is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West and has a network of 44 rivers, lakes, and estuaries popularly known as backwaters, that drains into the Arabian Sea,. The state has a long shoreline with tranquil beaches which attract tourists from all across the globe. Besides this, the state is also famous for its age-old Ayurvedic therapy. Kerala Ayurveda is indeed gaining momentum worldwide for its holistic effect on the body and mind. The healing effects of Ayurveda have spread as much by government initiatives as well as by word of mouth. As a result, you now you can also avail of comprehensive Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages.

Ayurvedic massage is a medical treatment which can be applied to individuals of any age. However, the intensity of the massage varies from age to age. The ayurvedic massage therapy helps in relieving pain, improves blood circulation, relieves stress, sleep better, provides flexibility in muscles and remove toxic materials that gets accumulated in the joints and tissues. Interestingly, this age-old holistic treatment has become one of the main revenue generators for India in terms of health tourism. Tourists, who are Indian, but mostly foreign, are keen on Ayurvedic therapy forming part of the package deal for a tour of Kerala. The resort or spa which offers Ayurveda treatment in Kerala also provides you with Ayurveda diet, yoga and meditation classes, and massage therapy. From obesity to liver problems, skin care to hair loss everything is believed to have an answer in Ayurveda.

he equable climate and the natural abundance of forest with a large variety of herbs and medicinal plants make Kerala a wonder destination for Ayurveda. Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages are some of the most healing and restorative packages in India. The ideal time to book tours for Kerala Ayurveda is in the monsoon, when the atmosphere remains dust free and cool.

Several types of Ayurvedic therapies are practiced in Kerala. The most prominent ones include the Abhyangam, Dhanyamla Dhara, Dhara, Kativasthi, Ksheeradhoomam, Njavarakizhi, Sirovasthi, Snehapanam, Udvarthanam, Urovasthi, Vasthi and the Yoni Prakshalanam. The duration of these treatments ranges from seven to fourteen days or even more depending upon the package you are choosing. Each of these packages has some distinct medicinal value and helps in attaining the harmony of body, mind and soul.

Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages generally include accommodation for days depending upon the massage pack chosen, body massage and food. One can also avail the shared accommodation at a discounted rate. Kerala tour Operators have basically three options – a seven day package, a fourteen day package and a twenty one day package, from which the guests can choose depending upon his need. Among the prominent resorts which offer Ayurveda in Kerala include Sanjeevanam Resort, Somatheeram Resort, Thirummal Resort, Manal Theeram Beach Resort and the Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort.

source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/58894

United Kingdom - A Great Tourist Destination for Vacation

2010-03-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

United Kingdom can be a best destination option for the vacation to any age group of people. This beautiful country has a constitutional monarchy comprising of four constituent countries. These countries are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and collectively called United Kingdom.

London city is one of the major tourist attractions of the world and is a highest visited place in UK by tourist. In London (England) many famous tourist places like Alton Tower and Buckingham Palace are welcoming to the London visitors. Wales is another beautiful tourist destination in UK and traveling in Scotland is a wonderful experience to the tourist, because of its natural beauty and traditional approach. The large cities of UK like London, Edinburgh and Glasgow are famous for their cuisine, pubs, and traditional approach.

In all major cities of United Kingdom you can choose your accommodation according to your choice. These choice hotels are available in every city of the United Kingdom, with a variety of range. UK is fifth most powerful economy of the world and one of the major tourist destinations in world map therefore there is lots of good and cheap hotels are available according to your need and expenses. Inter city hotel, Maranton house hotel, Fraser Suites Glasgow- Scotland and many other good hotels are provide a best services to their customers.

There are various good cheap hotels in UK, which provides best facilities in lower prices. These cheap hotels are started their prices from 30 Euro to 40 Euro pre night. During the festival seasons like Christmas and New Year Four Star and Five Star hotels also offer various discounts in their services. So find a cheap hotel with best facilities is not a tough task in UK. UK is a place where you can find cheap hotels to Choice hotels easily.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?UK---A-Great-Tourist-Destination&id=875213

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions of Abu Dhabi

2010-02-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Dubai is not the only United Arab Emirate which is a fast growing travel destination as more and more travelers are now visiting Abu Dhabi as well.

This wonderful tourist destination has a lot to offer its visitors and you certainly won't get bored during your stay. If you are planning a visit then there are a number of tourist attractions which you should definitely see whilst in Abu Dhabi.

Heritage Village
The Heritage Village should definitely be on your list of places to visit during your vacation. You can learn more about the local culture and the way of life of the Bedouin. There are also a number of interesting shops at the Heritage Village where you can purchase unique local products.

White Fort
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Abu Dhabi is the White Fort which is also known as the Al Hosn Fort. It is one of the oldest buildings in the entire region. A wide range of activities are organized at the White Fort and include for example conferences, movie festivals and workshops.

The Corniche
One of the most beautiful spots in town is most certainly the Corniche which is an amazing coastal boulevard that borders the town. If you would like to walk along the coast or perhaps enjoy some rollerblading then be sure to head down to the Corniche.

Golf
This outstanding United Arab Emirate is home to a number of world class golf clubs so if you enjoy this sport then you will have a wonderful time during your stay. Two excellent 18-hole golf courses can be found at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi golf club.

Al Ain Museum
This is the largest museum in the nation and is located in the Al Jahili fort. There is a rather interesting historical section as well as a splendid ethnological section at the Al Ain Museum.

Liwa Oasis
If you have always wanted to visit a real authentic desert Oasis then be sure to visit the Liwa Oasis which is very popular among travelers. You can view the date plantations and the fresh water pools.

Shopping
This destination is definitely a real paradise for shoppers and many people visit Abu Dhabi because of the excellent shopping malls, stores and outdoor markets. One of the main products which many people purchase here is gold and the best location to shop for that is at the Madinat Zayed gold market.
formore:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Most-Popular-Tourist-Attractions-of-Abu-Dhabi&id=2388342

Top 3 places to visit in Mexico City

2010-02-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Mexico City is a very big city, with a population of 111,211,789 according to The World Fact Book. And although there are many great places to see while there, there are too many to write in this blog. So, here are a few that really caught my eye and should be on your list if your planning on visiting.
1. Coyoacan- Coyoacan is a very artsy, hippy, colonial-era suburb noted for its beautiful town center. It has cobble stone streets, old mansions, and several of the cities most interesting museums. This was also the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Coyoacan has a hippy feel with a very popular market every weekend in the town center(Centro de Coyoacan). At night, during the Christmas season there is an incredible slide show of beautiful Holiday themed art that is projected on the outside wall of the church in the town center.
2. Colonia Condessa-This area of Mexico City is a more upscale area and is very well known for some of the city's hippest cafe's, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. The neighborhood is also well known for its parks and restored Art Deco buildings. From upscale restaurants, off-beat shops, art galleries, fashion shows, and nightclubs, you can pretty much find it all here.
3. Polanco- Similar in some ways to Condessa, Polanco is also a very upscale area of Mexico City. Here in Polanco you have a street named Mazaryk. This street is like the Rodeo Dr. of Beverly Hills, so be prepared to spend some pesos because Mazaryk is home to some of the best designers in the world. Other than shopping, there is also the Hard Rock Cafe, the W Hotel, and the Mexico City Museum located nearby. Most everything is within walking distance, the people are very friendly, and the area is very safe.

A beautiful island continent Australia Holidays - the Natural Marvel...

2010-02-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

A beautiful island continent, Australia is a breathtaking land of natural marvels, damp woodlands, rich grasslands, deserts and mountains, deep blue beaches and oceans. Australia is a country with a continental mainland in the southern hemisphere of Indian and Pacific Oceans, with a number of islands and Tasmania as its major island and a number of other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the southern hemisphere.

Mentioned below are some of its main attractions which no visitor can afford to miss when on a vacation to Australia.

Sydney

Sydney is a harbor city situated in the south-east shore of Australia and is one of the major tourist destinations in Australia. Tourist and visitors from across the world, on a holiday in Australia, make sure they visit this beautiful city. This city is the ideal way to enjoy your trip to Australia and has lot to offer, like world famous opera house, the harbor bridge, the Rocks, amazing buildings, fashion, art and rich cuisine. Since the city is situated on the right of the Pacific Ocean, it also has fun filled sunny beaches to offer for a great family vacation or relaxation time. The city is known to have tourists flowing in from different parts of the world for a memorable vacation.

Sydney Opera House

Designed by a Danish architecture, Jorn Utzon, this tourist attraction is amongst one of the wonders of the world and is home to art, dance, music and the theatre world. The place is a cultural and art paradise of Australia and is one of the world heritage sites. You must not miss this tourist attraction, for it has a magnificent structure worth capturing. The opera house has more than 1000 rooms to boast.

Great Barrier Reef

This is another major tourist attraction of Australia and must be visited when on a trip to Australia. If you wish to add a touch of adventure to your Australian holiday, the Reef offers you helicopter ride, snorkel, scuba dive, surfing and fishing in deep sea. Tourist and visitors can always take a helicopter ride to enjoy the immensity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Melbourne

Renowned for its architecture from Victorian time, Melbourne is a cultural city known for its beauty, galleries, gardens and museums. One of the major tourist destinations in Australia, Melbourne has everything for making your holiday a perfect one. From sports to delicacy of rich cuisine, this city has it all. One such amazing tourist attraction to be found in Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Situated on the southern bank of river Yarra, in the heart of Melbourne, the Royal garden is spread in an area of 354,000sqm. You must not miss the breathtaking landscapes, refreshing flora and pictorial beauty of the city in this tourist attraction.

Colonial museum, Sydney

The Colonial museum is situated on the college street of Sydney and is a great way to enjoy your holiday in Australia with family. On a trip to Australia, you can always take your kids to this house of anthropology and natural history. The museum holds exciting exhibitions as well as has a collection of invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, Palaentology, anthropology and mineralogy

Sports Tourism Destination: Philippines

2010-02-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Do you want to see the Philippines? Or do you want to experience the Philippines?

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has been promoting the country’s adventure and ecotourism destinations and activities as it aims to position the country as an exciting outdoor travel destination.

You do not have to be an expert athlete. You just have to be physically fit and to have that adventurous spirit to test the waters of adventure sports. Beginners may be given training or orientation before they undertake the activities. These adventure destinations challenge the body and offer an exhilarating escape from the day-to-day life.

1. Surfing in Siargao

What’s a chocolate bar got to do with surfing? Cloud 9 was coined by John Callahan when he found the wave by chance, naming it after the locally made chocolate bar. From the time his article on Siargao came out in Surfer Magazine in its March 1993 issue, the formerly obscure Siargao Island located in the province of Surigao del Norte became popular to surfers and tourists alike.

Callahan describes Cloud 9 as “a thick, pitching peak takeoff over a reef shelf followed by a hollow section and a clean exit into the channel or a pinching section, depending on swell direction. The wave works on typhoon season groundswell from two feet up to eight feet Hawaiian at peak high tide. On a clean easterly swell and offshore southwest wind, Cloud 9 can be mechanically perfect, with a guaranteed barrel on every wave.”
Hmmm. Cloud nine does sound surfi-licious!

2. Wakeboarding in Camarines Sur

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. The Camarines Sur Watersports Complex or CWC is one of the only two cable parks in the country. It is called as such because a series of tower-connected mechanical cables pulls the rider around the water. Its 6-point cable ski system is designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing.

Since the completion of the cable park, beginner and professional wakeboarders and skiiers from all over the world have visited the CWC to compete or simply to have fun. The province owes its inclusion in the Top 5 destinations in the country to CWC. Camarines Sur ranks 4th next to Davao, Boracay and Cebu in attracting the biggest volume of visitors for the 1st quarter of 2009. The sport has indeed taken the province by waves.

3. Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan

In whitewater rafting, participants guide and paddle a raft through whitewater, or the river’s rapids. The sport’s popularity began to grow when it became part of the Olympic Games in the 1970s. In the Philippine setting, from the mid '80s to mid '90s, locals in Cagayan de Oro used inflated tire tubes, rafts made of bamboo and banana trunks. Nowadays, this sport has evolved into a major tourism draw in Cagayan de Oro.

Part of the thrill, excitement and challenges of rapids are sailing on different degrees of rough waters, paddling through areas with higher water volume and steeper descents and navigating a number of boulders and rocks. While you ride down the river, you’ll be looking at the scenery for the duration of your trip!

4. Canyoning in Cebu

Canyoning is a combination of several sports, such as walking, trekking, climbing, abseiling, rafting and swimming. For starters, the jump or descent is made from 8 meters while for the more experienced, the jump could be several waterfalls higher than 30 meters.

Cebu and its limestone mountains provide a scenic and suitable place for canyoning. Get active, feel the adrenaline rush and delight in its surrounding landscape. As the places for canyoning are situated in the densely forested mountain valleys, you will see and enjoy nature in its pure and raw form.

A piece of advice—once the abseiling has begun, there is no way back. You must complete the descent! As all mountaineers know, “going up is optional, coming down is mandatory.”

5. Volcano Climbing in Albay

Mayon Volcano is a highly active volcano. Climbing season for Mt. Mayon is restricted to the summer months of March to May because landslides are common during the rainy season. It is also advisable to contact the local Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology office before scheduling a climb for safety.

The Knife’s Edge or the level close to the summit is for intermediate to expert climbers. Camp 1 site is good for beginners planning on a day trek. Camp 1 is the base camp used by mountaineers before their final ascent. To reach the campsite at 780 meters above sea level, you’ll trek through different vegetation zones, from rich agricultural land to light Agoho Pine forest and thick giant fern forest.

Famous world top Vacation Places To Visit In Rajasthan tour

2010-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan is famous all over the world. It is the most charming state with the capital Jaipur, Pink City of India. There state is endowed with myriad tourism options that are worth exploring on Rajasthan tour. The prime Rajasthan tourism that never fails to appeal tourists from all over the world are Heritage Tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, cultural tourism, etc. with myriad and eye catching attractions, Rajasthan the royal state of India never fails to fascinate its visitors.

Drenched in the royal grandeur the royal state of India offers its visitors and vacationers wonderful opportunity of fascinating tourism and memorable holiday experience. The eye catching monuments, beautiful landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, rich culture & tradition, colourful festival and great hospitality steal the heart of tourists. Tourists can grab the beauty of Rajasthan and its royal grandeur by exploring the magnificent cities and the eye catching beauty they have preserved till date. Travel to any place in Rajasthan and the magnificent attractions will leave you spell bound with its magnetizing look.

There are myriad fascinating monuments in Rajasthan showing the richness of the state in tourism and culture. Travel to any part of the state and you will exquisite palaces, alluring forts, magnificent monuments, marvelous temples, frescoed havelis and lot more fascinating attractions. Monuments, palaces and forts are considered to be the eminent tourist attraction in Rajasthan. You can explore the beauty of the magnificent forts, havelis and palaces by travelling to the famous cities of Rajasthan. There are several splendid cities in Rajasthan but the most popular ones visited by tourists all the year round are Jaipur- Pink City of India, Udaipur- Lake City of India and Jaisalmer- Princely state of India.
Visit to Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan also famously known as the Pink City of India. It is the one of the popular cites visited by tourists on their Rajasthan travel tour. The city is endowed with fascinating tourist attractions that never fails to steal the hearts of tourists with their look. Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Rambagh Palace, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Albert Hall Museum, Jain Temple, Ram Niwas Garden, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh fort are the prime attractions of tourists in Jaipur. Come and explore the attractions of Jaipur that are off beat that other cities of Rajasthan.

Udaipur famously known as the City of Lakes is the eminent tourist attraction of Rajasthan. The city is gifted with innumerable royal attractions that steal the heart of tourists. Udaipur has always fascinated its visitors with its grandeur look and the beautiful landscape. Some of the prime attractions of tourists in the city are Jag Mandir, City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort or Monsoon Fort, Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichola Lake, etc. The most wonderful experience beside the city tour is the mesmerizing boating over the glittering water of Lake Pichola. Tourists can enjoy boating in the Pichola Lake and explore the beauty of the lake in splendor.

Beside Jaipur and Udaipur, Jaisalmer the Golden state of India is quite offbeat then other cities of Rajasthan. The city lies in the heart of Thar Desert and holds royal attractions that never fail to lure visitors. Eminent attractions of the city are Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisisar Lake, Nathmalji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh and many other royal attractions. Beside these attractions Jaisalmer is also the popular destination of Rajasthan desert tour. Visitors can enjoy memorable camel safari on the gleaming sands of Sam Sand Dunes. It will be the wonderful experience on can enjoy on their trip to Rajasthan

5 must see Place in South Africa dont miss it

2010-01-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

There is lots to see in South Africa, but here are what I consider to be the most important or the most important. The following are in no particular order...

5) The Big Five
4) The Garden Route
3) The Drakensburg Mountains
2) Cape Town
1) The Wild Coas

The Big Five in Kruger National Park. There are also a number of other game parks, and they really do offer the same thing. Most of the parks you can enjoy nice accommodations and the Big Five, as well as many other of South Africa's native species.

The Garden Route is a wonderful way to spend a week...or two...or four. There are lots of beautiful stops and plenty of interesting things to see [and do] along the way. Many of the towns are nestled right along the ocean and many also have gorgeous national parks very close by.

The Drakensburg Mountains are a must if you can get yourself out to the north-eastern portion of the country. Absolutely breathtaking with its lush expansiveness and rather treacherous roads. Rumor has it that they were the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings setting...

The five major tourist attractions of Cape Town are Table Mountain, Robben Island, a Cape Peninsula tour, shark cage diving and a tour of the Winelands. Though, after a semester studying marine biology, I don't feel as though shark cage diving and teasing animals is quite an environmentally friendly practice...If you get the chance, try to also hit up the beautiful waterfront district, as well as the lively Long Street. Be aware, though, that Cape Town doesn't represent much of 'Africa,' as it is very European-influenced.

The Wild Coast is much like the Garden Route, but more preserved and less traveled, which defiantly appeals to someone like myself. Many native villages still exist relatively undisturbed along this coast and there the water is a bit a warmer to swim in.

Source:http://blog.mlive.com/spartan_abroad/2008/07/top_five_places_to_see_in_sout.html

Tour in Kerala Wildlife tourism gaining popularity

2010-01-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Wildlife tourism is slowly gaining popularity in kerala and many tourists, especially foreigners, are increasingly enthusiastic about spending time in the wild.

Many wildlife enthusiasts keep coming back for these special interest tours again and again. Though only five percent of the total tourists visiting Kerala are interested in wildlife tourism, their numbers are growing, say wildlife tour operators.

The tourists have six options to choose from, Silent Valley National Park, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), CEO of Wild Kerala Tour company K G Pramod said.

With the help of local communities and forest department, the company has created a well-planned wilderness experience that introduces a small group of travellers to new environment with minimum impact on the environment, he told a news agency.

People of all age groups, especially in the 35 to70 age group take the tours, he said.

The bookings are made with the help of the forest department that in turn informs the local forest office and the local eco-development communities. The tribal youth and local communities were also involved, he said.

The Chimmony Sanctuary has incredible bird, butterfly and animal diversity and is considered to be one of Kerala's best stretches of deciduous forests. Eco guides from the indigenous Malaya community show the common medicinal herbs used by them. The tourists can feast their eyes on the floral diversity and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of mountain streams.

source:http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=451983&sid=LIF&ssid=8

Goa- Enjoy amidst the best beaches of Inida

2010-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

If you love sun, sea and sand, then Goa is the perfect holiday retreat for you with indiaprofile.com. Goa is the ideal romantic destination for the vacationers. Dotted with the churches and impressive edifices, this city boasts of its natural beauty. The ocean waves lapping on the sandy beaches draw thousands of travelers to Goa from all over the globe. Holidays to Goa will definitely be a memorable experience, which you will cherish all your lifetime.
Beaches of Goa
The long stretches of sandy beaches of Goa fringed with swaying palm trees are the major highlights of Goa. At both the north and South Goa, you will find the sun kissed beaches. Some of the popular beaches, which are largely visited by the tourists, are Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach Agonda Beach, Calangute Beach, Colva Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Palolem Beach and Vagator Beach. The beaches of Goa are ideally suitable for the adventure sports like water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, water scooter and river cruises.

Cities and churches of Goa

Visit the churches to get an insight about the cultural richness and the historical background of Goa. You can site the churches at the cities of Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, Pilar and Vasco da Gama. Some of the major churches, which can not be missed are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Reis Magos Church, Se Cathedral Church, Church of St. Francis of Assissi and Church of St. Paul.

Shopping in Goa

During your holidays to Goa, you can go on a shopping spree and buy various interesting items. The beaches and the local shops are the best places for shopping in Goa. The interesting items, which you can buy from Goa, are handicrafts, shell work, carved furniture, brassware, crochet, terracotta, bamboo work and papier-mache.

Fairs and Festivals in Goa

If you visit Goa during the time of festival, then you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. The beaches are known for its multihued and eventful carnivals. The Goa carnivals are attended by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Some of the Goa´s very own festivals include Kalas Utsav, Novidade, Zatra of Shri Shantadurga, Bonderam Festival and Goa Carnival.

Cruises in Goa

Book the cruise journey and spend some thrilling and exciting moments amidst the lakes and rivers of Goa. The various cruises, which are arranged in Goa, include the following:

Sunset Cruise
Backwater Thrills
Dolphin Fantasy Cruise
Full Moon cruise
Sundown cruise
Pearl of the Orient
Pleasure Cruise
Casinos in Goa

Goa is synonymous with casinos, where you can try your luck and play games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Some of the premier casinos in Goa, which are largely frequented, are the following:

Renaissance Goa Resort and Casino
Holiday Inn Goa Resort
Las Vegas The Gaming Club Leela Palace Hotel
Cidade de Goa Beach Resort and Casino
Haciencda De Oro Casino & Pub
Advani Pleasure Cruise Company
Treasures Casino Majorda BeachResort

Hotels in Goa

You can choose from the diverse type of goa hotels to fit your requirements, preferences, taste and budget. Some of the premier hotels in Goa include Renaissance Goa resort, Majorda Beach resort, Dona Paula Beach Resort Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Bogmolo Beach Resort, Aguada Hermitage, Baywatch guesthouse and Bambolim Beach resort.
source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/82903

South Indian tours just check and enjoy

2010-01-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

South India is one of the most visited destinations of the country. The superb sculptures, dance forms and the temples give evidence of the rich cultural heritage of South India. The tours around South India will help you discover the true spirit of this part of the country. You can visit various places, which are rich in scenic beauty, monuments, temples, beaches, wild life, hill stations and Ayurveda centers. You will find several places to visit during your South India tours.

Some of the major places, which you can visit during the South Indian tours are the following:

Bangalore

Bangalore, also known as the garden city of India, is known for its modern architectural edifices and historic buildings. Vidhana Soudh, which is beautiful post independence architecture, is located in Bangalore. This structure now houses the State legislature and Secretariat. The guided tour in Bangalore will take you to the Tipu Sultan Palace, which gives an insight into the Mughal lifestyle. This palace has now turned into a museum. The ISKCON temple is another impressive structure that shows the blend of Dravidian and modern architecture. Another important place which you can cover in Bangalore during the South India tours is Lal Bagh Garden.

Mysore

This city with rich heritage, grand palaces, beautifully laid pout gardens, impressive buildings and sacred temples has a quaint charm around it. Maharaj Palace, the Amba Villas Palace and Chamundi Hill are the major attraction of Mysore. Brindavan Gardens can not be missed during the visit to Mysore. The beautiful lush green garden with musical fountains is sure to enthrall you.

Nagarhole

Another important tourist destination, Nagarhole, is greatly frequented by the travelers. Kabini River is the major attraction. You can go for boating on this river and have a great time. You can book a jeep or van to go on a wildlife tour to the national park.

Conoor

Conoor is a popular getaway for the tourists. This romantic hill station in the Nilgiris, is marked with tea plantations. You can spend some time bird watching and visiting the botanical gardens.

Cochin

Visit this natural harbor city, which happens to be one of the most important places to visit during South Indian tour. Here, you can enjoy the scenic view of the rougher seas and the beauty of the natural harbor. The major attractions include Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and mosques. Chinese fishing nets are the major draw of this place.

Kerala

This city of scenic beauty, absolute serenity and peacefulness is the land of backwaters and swaying coconut trees. You can spend your small trip on the house boats that lay afloat on the waters of the lake. Kerala Ayurveda is also an important aspect of this city. There are various Ayurveda resorts which are worth visiting the tour.

Madurai

This historic city is also marked by the presence of Meenakshi Temple, Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple.

Mahabalipuram

This city of 1000 temples was the capital of the Pallavas. These temples have 124 existing shrines, which are dedicated to various deities. The paintings on the walls tell us about the rich cultural past. You can visit the temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy. The rock temples and pagodas are tourists´ delight.

There are several other destinations, which are counted as major places to visit during the South Indian tour. Tanjore, Periyar, Kanchipuram are other major tourist destinations that are worth visiting.
Source:http://www.americanchronicle.com

Vacation Destination in Bangladesh

2010-01-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Bangladesh is an ideal destination if you are planning for vacation comprising of natural beaches and lush green forests. Bangladesh is one of the most beautiful places on the earth. The capital of this country is Dhaka. There are many places of attractions you would love to visit when you are vacationing in Bangladesh. You could go horse riding on the secluded beaches, enjoy the cloud-reaching mountain at Bandarban by taking a gentle walk up. Bangladesh has wonderful wildlife too. Spotted deer, Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles, sea turtles and so on are a common sight in Sundarbans. There are many roaring elephants existing in Chittagong Hill Tracts. A few of Bangladesh vacation packages include beach tourism, tiger-watching packages, honeymoon packages and many more. Cox's Bazar and Sundarbans; competing to be top of world 7 natural wonders, are exclusively popular tourists' haunts

Bangladesh is a tropical land with many popular tourist attraction spots. There are pristine beaches, national parks, ancient palaces, mosques, temples, churches and wildlife. There are many tourist packages which offer different kinds of sightseeing opportunities. A few interesting and a must see destinations are listed below.

Cox's Bazar is one of the major attractions of Bangladesh. The mesmerizing land of beauty and beaches, Cox's Bazar attractions has been charming travelers across globe since a very long time. The magnificent plethora of sights and sounds that can be experienced in Cox's Bazar is simply fascinating and awe-inspiring. With Cox's Bazar Travel Guide, a vacation in Cox's Bazar will become easy and smooth. Cox's Bazar offers a wide range of activities and things to do and to enjoy during your vacation.

Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest" is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavor and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. Here land and water meet in many novel fashions. Wild life presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or crocodiles basking on the river banks. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonders for which they all crave.

You can get cheap deals on flights to Dhaka throughout the year, and once there, the cost of living is amongst the lowest in the world, making Dhaka, and Bangladesh as a whole amongst the best value destinations in the world.

Dhaka is friendly and relatively clean in the posh areas. There are many sights to attract visitors. The most important sights are the Lalbagh Fort, the National Assembly Building, the Baitul Mukkaram Mosque,National museum,Savar smiti saudo,shahid minar, national gardens, zoo & many more important places to enjoy.

Bangladesh enjoys moderate tropical climate. A vacationer could either stay in a hotel or a motel. If he is planning to stay for a longer time in Bangladesh with his family or close friends it would be ideal to rent out a guest house or a flat. The reason is a vacation home; that is "a home away from home".

It would be a good idea to move around Bangladesh with your constant vehicle. Renting a car is a good option. There are many companies offering car rental and hiring services. You could negotiate your rates with them.
source:http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/11/28/news0764.htm

Enjoy days after your marriage in Shimla best honeymoon place

2010-01-01T05:12:00.000-08:00

It was Diwali... And I was in a complete fix. Where do I go? Should I go to a hill station or a beach resort? North or south? Should I plan the trip on my own or go in for a package?

So, my wife and I discussed quite a few options and then finally decided on our dream spot, Shimla (originally called "Simla"). Shimla is a beautiful and pristine hill station, located in north-west Himalayas of India and is a popular honeymoon spot for newly weds.

We begun our train journey from Delhi to Kolka (a small station). Here we got ourselves comfortable in fun looking toy train. The journey is 90km long, which includes 100+ tunnels (in which 1 tunnel was almost 1 kilometer long) in Barog and uses 500+ bridges to reach Shimla. It's a once in a lifetime experience!.

At Barog, the train halts for 10 minutes and it was good experience to see the staff serve breakfast, while other young couples were chugging along hand-in-hand. As I mentioned earlier Shimla and its neighbours, are quite the destination spot for a lot of couples.

We finally reached Shimla station, and the moment we got off the train, we could see a swarm of kashmiri potters. We got one and he guided us through the platform and found us a cab. Finally, we reached our destination, our hotel, Kufri Holiday Resorts. After resting in the hotel we went to the scandal point where the guide told us that one of the officer's wife ran away with an Indian prince! The next couple of days, we spent on "Mall Road", where we shopped and generally freaked out. In the 3 days that we stayed the hotel staff was very friendly and amicable

Mexico Vacation Package

2010-01-01T05:08:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking about your next vacation, but are still not able to decide on the location then you must definitely consider Mexico. Mexico is culturally very rich and a great destination to visit. It has a moderate climate all year long, Mexico is very rich in flora and fauna and the food is fabulous. Once you have decided to go to Mexico, you need to decide on a Mexico City vacation package, this is not an easy job as there are plenty of Mexico packages available, the simple reason being - Mexico is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.

Choosing the right Mexico packages is of prime importance because these packages will provide you with all the luxuries making your holiday memorable. Packages offer great deals and thus help reduce the expense of your Mexico vacation to a large extent. Travel agencies and various websites are devoted to helping you find the best Mexico package within your budget

There are many Mexico vacation packages that are suitable for different types of travel. For example if you plan a romantic getaway or a trip with your family, there are Mexico City vacation packages; similarly there are packages for every occasion.

There are many travel agencies that offer Mexico vacation packages but what you need to keep in mind is the experience that a travel agency has, because the company providing you Mexico vacation must understand your needs, your budget and your expectations. You can buy simple Mexico packages that include the basic and the most essential aspects for a comfortable Mexico vacation or if your pocket allows then you can always select a custom Mexico vacation package where you need to tell the travel agencies the places you want to visit during your Mexico vacation and they will arrange your trip accordingly. This will allow you to visit the places that you always wanted to visit.

Whenever you plan your Mexico vacation make sure that you have a professional to help you out with it, because if you don't, then you will be totally confused, because there are so many options available. The website of mexico-vacation-retreat is one of such professional websites; it has a host of information to make your Mexico vacation unforgettable
Source:http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=node/26967

Famous Places to Visit in Italy 10....

2009-12-31T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, let me just say that 10 'places' in Italy would be too few! So I'm giving a list of 10 cities or areas, which are truly the pride of the nation.
Rome: All roads lead to Rome! Rome is the capital and one of the oldest cities in Italy. It is said that the way most of Europe has shaped out can be attributed to the Roman civilization, whose capital is this very beautiful city. Rome also houses the prime seat of Christianity, the Vatican City. Along with the Sistine Chapel, Rome also houses the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Rome is a culturally rich city, and is one of the best places to visit in Italy with kids.

Milan: Known as the fashion capital of the world, Milan is the economic and financial capital of Italy. The Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Milan, and is home to the Last Supper Mural. The Castello Sforzesco is a castle in Milan and has a lot of the city's art and collections on display. For the football fans, there is the grand San Siro, home of both Internazionale and AC Milan, two of the best football clubs in the country.
Florence: This Italian city is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance art movement and is home to Michelangelo's very famous work, David. Florence is located in the wine country of Italy, Tuscany and hence will be on the Italy travel itinerary for those who love Italian wine. There is also the Basilica di Santa Croce which attracts people from all over the world.

Venice: One of the places that is a permanent fix on an Italy vacation is Venice. For those who do not know, Venice is a city which is built around so many canals. Boats are one of the many modes of transportation in Venice. One could go on a romantic trip to old Venice in a boat, and is one of the places to visit in Italy that you just can't miss. And don't let the canals take all of your time, you can't afford to miss St. Mark's Square!
Sicily: Notoriously known as the home to the Italian mafia, Sicily is geographically the largest place in Italy. It is also one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. One of the most famous cities in Sicily is Palermo, where you can go any time of the year. Palermo has hosted several kingdoms in the past and hence you can find people of various cultures in Palermo and all of Sicily.

Turin: This city is located in Northern Italy and is located in the Italian Alps. Turin is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Italy in winter. It is home to the car-maker Fiat and Juventus, one of the best football clubs in Europe.
Capri: One of the less known places to visit in Italy, Capri has been a vacation destination since the time of the Roman republic. It is located in southern Italy off the Gulf of Naples. It is a lovely island and is one of the best places to visit in Italy for a honeymoon.

Sorrento: Staying on the south side of Italy, Sorrento is one of the places you have to visit while you are in Italy. Sorrento is a beautiful area which has been a getaway for several Spanish rulers. It is best known for its beaches. Along with tourism, agriculture is a thriving activity in Sorrento.

Abruzzo: Abruzzo is one of the lesser known areas in Italy, located on the western coast of Italy. Abruzzo is an area which is packed with it all, Alpine adventure and lovely beaches. It also has many of medieval and Renaissance architectures, and is said to have Italy's best preserved original landscape.
San Gimignano: And to end the list of the places to visit in Italy, there is San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a small medieval hill town in Tuscany and a place to visit on your trip to Florence. It is a quieter city compared to Florence and will take you back in time and give you a feel of what Italy was like in the medieval times.

Switzerland is a celebrated spot of Europe

2009-12-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

Switzerland is a celebrated spot of Europe known for its desirable quality life and for small mountains and peaks. A land of delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches, Switzerland is a popular tourist destination around the world. It offers top ski resorts for being an elegant tourist destination like Zermatt. Its celebrity -studded St Moritz Switzerland's Current distinguished opinionated impartiality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have allowed it to play a central role in European affairs. Set against blue skies its white peaks of mountains make a magnificent backdrop for summertime hiking. Switzerland is a favorite meeting place for conventions and international conferences, and peak tour will give a break to your Work.

Swiss Peak packages are there for a glamorous and meaningful Swiss tour. Make your adventurous exploration within these world- class peaks of Switzerland. A plethora of travelers are making their way to Switzerland for just to unfurl peaks covered with snow and fog. Here the visitors will glad to get enough opportunities to discover the splendor and charm. Utilize your vacation while trekking the multifarious of peaks and mountains festooned in this tiny land of Europe. Peaks tour to Switzerland will come with the ultimate pleasure of traveling that you ever imagine. Berne, comes with tinge majesty to your peak vacation, provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping. Swiss nightlife, the Tops of Switzerland, their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs, are additional features of your Swiss peak tour.

Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries of Asia

2009-12-27T00:03:00.000-08:00

Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries of Asia. The name of Corbett is coming from Edward James Corbett who was born on July 25th, 1875, in Kumaon. His father was postmaster in Nainital. James "Jim" had spent most of childhood time in Jungle. With the passage of time he fell in love with animals and he started mimic animal sounds and track lethal predators. He never killed an animal and roaming freely without any hindrance in the jungle. Corbett wildlife covers an area of 520-sq-kms. It is first national park of the country. It attracts tourists from all over the world mainly overseas tourists from different countries that prefer to visit here during their India holidays.

Corbett Wildlife is located at the foothills of western Himalayas. Here you get chance to see jungle in the open jeep that takes you to around 20 KM deep in jungles. There is a guide with you that guides and telling you about all the famous points of sanctuaries. Corbett consists 488 species of flora, 585 different kind of birds like king vulture, eagles, kingfishers etc., 50 mammals like tiger, leopards, leopard cats, jungle cat, fishing cat, jackal, Indian wild dog – dhole, porcupine, civet, otter, mangoose, barking deer, ghoral etc., 33 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 7 species of fish and 37 species of dragonflies, crocodile gharial, crocodile, cobra, krait and lots more that makes India tour packages awesome one. It is really great time to be in open jeep while traveling around wild jungle. It is affcourse is beauty with beast.

Nainital and Pauri Garhwal cities of Uttaranchal are the near by areas of Corbett tiger reserve. If you are wildlife and adventure lover then Corbett Park is waiting for you. Mostly all the tourists to India tours prefer to visit to Corbett National Park. It is really an excitement to see wild animals. After reach to Rampur and catch bus or hire a taxi to Jim Corbett park. If you have plan to stay night then nearby area of Corbett national park have verities of hotels that offers easy hotel booking along with some transport facilities also.

There are many travel agents in India that offers wildlife tour India along with Nainital, Rajasthan tours and other areas near to foothills of the Himalayas with car rentals
Get ensure with destinations and prices of packages to get best deal while booking India tour packages
source:http://www.sooperarticles.com/jim-corbett-tiger-reserve-wildlife-tours

Europe is a great and Cheap holiday destination.

2009-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Planning and going on a holiday trip is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your self. It doubles the excitement and energy especially when you are traveling at cost effective rates. Cheap travel to Europe offers you with same joy and allows you to plan a good vacation at lower rates. Europe is a great holiday destination. Rich history and diverse culture along with beautiful locations is what fascinates most holiday lovers to this beautiful destination. Now its time for you because even you can plan an exotic holiday trip at effective prices easily.
In Europe there are innumerable destinations to visits Switzerland, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Italy and Denmark. You can visit your favorite destinations and locations. For this you must plan your holiday in advance.

Cheap travel to Europe
is attractive and affordable tour package offered by various travel agencies. To facilitate you with cost effective and cater all your traveling needs they extend easy solution. Right from ticket to food, accommodation, reservation, booking and lodging everything is planned to make your tour comfortable. Your budget is very well taken care of while designing these tour packages. Your bookings and hotel or taxi reservations are done in advance so that you are at ease and can just enjoy your tour. These agencies have tie up with various hotels etc. and therefore they charge a very reasonable rate that easily fit into your budget.
You can even search and access information online. There are many agencies offering cheap travel to Europe you can easily view the information and apply with them. You can easily select a deal according to your budget.

Travel to India to find out the real you

2009-12-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

Travel to India to find out the real you. We tire ourselves out working hard, all for getting a good life; that life keeps eluding us until we realize that it's an endless cycle. To get out of this trip, the human race has been blessed with nature's bounty. Nothing soothes a stressed mind than the magnificence of nature, and if you are looking for a place that has it all, come to India. A country of contrasting extremes, India has been the answer to countless peoples' quest for peace of mind. The spiritual, the adventurous, the fun loving, and the religious, all find India a perfect holiday destination.

From the lofty snow capped peaks of the Himalayas to the waves of the Arabian Sea, India offers the most sought after tourist destinations of the world. The holiday packages in India take you to the well known as well as the lesser known tourist spots of the country. Starting from the north, the Himalayas are equally attractive to the spiritually inclined and those in the quest for adventure. The region is home to some of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath and Rishikesh. The Gangetic plain is one of the most densely populated regions of the world, and is home to many famous cities of India like Agra, Lucknow, Allahabad and Varanasi.

The holiday packages in India also include fascinating journeys into the protected forests. National Parks like Bandhavgarh, Sariska, Corbett and Sunderbans offer a splendid opportunity to watch the wildlife of India from close quarters.

History of India is well preserved in its numerous forts and palaces. The magnificent forts at Agra, Delhi and Rajasthan are just the places where you can lose yourself into the glorious past of India.

The long coastline of India on either side offers fascinating beach destinations like Goa and Kerala. They offer a peaceful holiday combined by a multitude of water sports.

The temples and other religious places will also feature prominently in your itineraries when you travel to India. The country has an incredible number of ancient, medieval and modern temples that still carry on the tradition of temple architecture. The famous mosques of the country like the Jama Masjid in Delhi are not to be missed too. Add to the list the famous Buddhist pilgrimages and your tour to India may well turn out to be a journey of self discovery. After all, this is the land where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment!

To conclude, the natural beauty of this amazingly diverse country has the power to mesmerize any tourist. The serene lakes and their backwaters in Kerala, the slow meandering rivers, the milky white water falls, the lush green tea gardens, gentle slopes of the hills in Ooty, and the coconut lined beaches; all make up a giant, colorful canvas that India is.

The people of the country and their festivals covering an amazing range of rituals also make up the seemingly unending discovery of India. No matter what you read, you have to experience India first hand. The holiday packages of India help you plan your trips efficiently. Find out about them whenever you decide to travel to India

My Favourite Travel Destinations Kuala Lumpur located in Asia

2009-12-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite travel destinations in Asia is Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian capital city is not only one of the cleanest cities in Asia but it also offers plenty of great tourist attractions for travelers. I have been to KL a number of times and each time I continue to find outstanding new places and fun and thrilling activities.

If you would like to visit Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for the first time then you should definitely visit some of the wonderful attractions listed in this article.

Petronas Twin TowersThe most famous landmark of Kuala Lumpur is without a doubt the Petronas Twin Towers which at one time was the tallest structure in the world. The KL Twin Towers are 452 meters in height and was constructed in 1998. A few places which you can visit here include the luxurious Suria KLCC mall and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
If you are planning to visit the Malaysian capital city with your kids then you should definitely plan a visit to the world famous Sunway lagoon theme park. It is generally considered to be one of the premier theme parks in all of Asia. The Sunway Lagoon is located on eighty acres and it is home to a large selection of pools, slides, rides and other fun and entertaining activities. There is even an amazing zoo at this excellent attraction.

Shopping

A very popular activity among many tourists and travelers is shopping. Prices for many products are considerably less expensive in Kuala Lumpur then what you would be expected to pay back in your home country. Shoppers can choose from a wide range of malls, markets and specialized stores. Please note that you should pay in local currency and that most larger and upscale stores accept international credit cards.

Batu CavesThe Batu Caves are located just north of the Malaysian capital and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. These giant caves are located in the limestone hills and have been home to various religious structures and ceremonies of the local Hindu population.
formore:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-best-tourist-attractions-of-kuala-lumpur-892598.html

Spectacular Travel Destination Singapore

2009-12-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

Singapore is a rather spectacular travel destination and it should definitely be on every tourist’s list of places to visit. Singapore is not a typical Asian city as there is a strong British influence which can be seen in everything from architecture to politics. It is definitely a city where the East meets the West. Singapore is also a wonderful holiday destination as there are so many excellent tourist attractions from which tourists can choose.

Singapore is one of the leading travel destinations in Asia and millions of tourists visit this nation island every year. It is also a popular business travel destination as a large number of exhibitions and conferences are organized every month in Singapore. This article however focuses on what makes Singapore such as fantastic destination for tourists which is why we have listed some of the most popular Singapore tourist attractions.

Night SafariThe ever so popular Night Safari can be found on the grounds of the Singapore Zoo. It is in fact the first night safari found anywhere in the world and it allows its visitors to view a large number of nocturnal animals in their natural settings. There are over a hundred species of animals which visitors can see during their visit to the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. Opening hours of the Night Safari are daily from 19:30 until midnight. Tickets for the Night Safari range from SGD 10.40 until SGD 15.50.

Jurong Bird Park

Another very popular tourist attraction in Singapore is the Jurong Bird Park. Not only tourists enjoy visiting the Jurong Bird Park as also a lot of local Singaporean residents enjoy visiting this lovely and rather stunning wildlife park. Visitors can find nearly ten thousand birds from six hundred species in this twenty hectare bird park. If you would like to visit the Jurong Bird Park then please note that opening hours are daily from 08:00 until 18:00. Entrance fee for children is SGD 4.10 and the entrance fee for adults is SGD 10.20.

Sentosa IslandNo visit to Singapore can possibly be complete without a visit to the amazing Sentosa Island. It is an island which is located on the main island of Singapore and it has been developed into a major travel destination. There are a number of wonderful hotels and resorts located on Sentosa Island and a large section of Sentosa Island has also been developed into what seems a major theme park. All types of attractions and activities can be found on Sentosa Island including an underwater world as well as several camping grounds. Please note that the entrance fee for adults to Sentosa Island is SGD 6 and for children it is SGD 4. You will need to buy separately tickets for all the various attractions on Sentosa Island.

California, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean are the Best Places to Go for Winter Sun just enjoy ur vacation

2009-12-26T23:49:00.000-08:00

There are many fun not-too-far-off places to go during the winter to get away from the freezing weather. My favorites are California, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. (Actually I live in California, so I don't have to go there on vacation!)

California is my favorite state. I have lived there for about half my life and I never get tired of it. Both northern and southern California are quite exciting in very different ways. When people think of California, they usually think of southern California - the beaches, Hollywood, and Disneyland. These are all very fun places to visit. The three main big cities in southern California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.
Northern California is another world. San Francisco is a beautiful, large old city surrounded by water on three sides, the San Francisco Bay to the east, the Golden Gate to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Bay Area, the metropolitan area of San Francisco, is comprised of the nine counties along the San Francisco Bay and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. It includes San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, and San Jose.

Hawaii is the southernmost state. It consists of eight islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii. Hawaii is the biggest island geographically and home to the volcano Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the islands. All the islands were formed from volcanoes. Honolulu, the capitol and largest city in Hawaii, is on the island of Oahu. Hawaii also has many beautiful beaches.
Florida is another gorgeous state with lots of sun and nice beaches. Fun places to go in Florida include Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Daytona, and the Florida Keys, Key West in particular. Orlando has many theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Sea World.

From Florida it's easy to get to the Caribbean by boat. A cruise is the best way to tour the Caribbean Islands, which include the Bahamas, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Puerto Rico. The Islands are beautiful but very poor. However, the natives are quite friendly.
formore:http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Places-to-Go-for-Winter-Sun&id=453659

A Royal Destination of Wonderful Art - Rajasthan Tour

2009-12-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan gives you a feel of tradition and strength. This land of Rajputas is known well for its power and strength. This power can be seen at every part of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is land of architectural art of palaces, forts and monuments. Rich culture and tradition of Rajasthan differs it with other state. Folk music of Rajasthan is very prosperous. Music is so fascinated that it bounds not only to Indian but also foreigners, who don’t know Hindi. Rajasthan ladies do their traditional folk dance (“Ghoomar”) in a very attractive manner. Colorful attires amiable way of people adds the beauty of this land. It is the perfect place for visitor, travelers and those who want to spend some quality time. If you are looking for a destination to visit, plan for Rajasthan tour. Rajasthan never disappoint the lovers of wild life. Many wild life sanctuaries are here.

While thinking India tour, Rajasthan tour is more pleasurable journey. Come to this amazing land of royals and collect cherish able moments to your life. Some of the most popular city of Rajasthan is Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaiselmer, Ranthombore, Udaipur, and Kota. Visitors from all over the world come to see these cities. It will be a worth experience to explore these eye catching wealth of Rajasthan during India Tour.

Rajasthan tour package is not so expensive. It is accessible to every man. Many tour packages are provided by Rajasthan tour and travel. You may choose your tour package Rajasthan tour package arranged by a travel company will be easier and hassle free journey. In this case you would not have to be bother about tour planning and sight seeing schedule. Tour package will be beneficial in the way of searching a proper hotel and food arrangement.

Some of the places of Rajasthan must visit are Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber fort, Mehrangarh Fort, city fort place, Jag Mandir, Chambal Garden, Pichola Lake, Sajjangarh Place etc. Besides this, exotic wild life is center of attraction. Some famous wild life sancturies are Bhensord wild life sanctuary, Sariska wild life sanctuary, and Bharatpur bird sanctuary.

Karnataka Boat House in Hoode Backwaters to make Udupi a new tourist destination......

2009-11-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the history of Karnataka the introduction of the Boat House Cruise by the well known Paradise Isle Resorts of Malpe will help in putting the Kemmannu Hoode of the Udupi region onto the world map as one of the best chosen holiday destination.

The survey of River Swarna revealed that the best high tide cruise can take the tourists cruising along and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding Kemmannu backwaters with a breathtaking view of the green gardens, the tall and majestic palms swaying with the breeze and nature's wonders like migratory birds on the sand reefs and the shellfish habitats in the shallow waters near Thimman Kudru.

The arrival and introduction of the new Boat Houses in Kemmannu back waters of River Swarna is a new and a rare viewing experience for the onlookers and the hundreds of local people living on this beautiful ridge of land between the sea and river at Bengre Kemmannu.

This place is astounding and distinctive as it is surrounded by the natural beauty and this ridge of land between the sea and the river is unique at Bengre beach. The back waters here are comparable to the backwaters seen in Gods own country and this makes Kemmannu the perfect destination for tourism.

The coastal region including Udupi, Kaup, Kemmannu, Bengre, Kundapoora and Baindoor are favourable for all kind of tourism activities including water sports, But Kemmannu in particular has the advantage of being a town which has a beach and a river and it is located just about 9 Km from the main City Udupi.

With this tourist destination gaining popularity the people of Karnantaka and the world over can now enjoy a holiday in Kemmanu like they would have had in Kerala as this place too now boasts of the popular House Boat Cruise that will attract tourists from India and the world over. A cruise on Paradise lagoon boat house is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

The houseboat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making of the boat are; bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc which are local and eco-friendly. The main wood used is "Anjili". These houseboats are fully furnished and have single room, double room and triple rooms for tourists to rent.

All the houseboats have sundecks, private balconies with comfortable chairs, a kitchen and restrooms. Traditional lanterns are used as a source of light and this gives the tourists a perfect ambience of a typical costal home. Traditional Udupi cuisine is served on the boat with local specialties that include delicious fish and prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for couples and houseboats with two bedrooms for four people or a family of four. The houseboat crew includes a chef, and two oarsmen.

A holiday on the houseboat of the enchanting backwaters of Kemmannu Hude and Bengre is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the neat tiny hamlets lined up along the either side of the canals is a panoramic sight to behold.

Tourists can perceive the flashes of toddy tapping (natural Kali), traditional techniques of the shellfish gathering,(Koyyol, Marvayi), village walk, and they can visually capture the flocks of cormorant, egret, herons, four species of moorhens, water ducks, Siberian storks, Purple herons, seagulls, teals, and the different types of King fishers in the waters.

source:http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=72561

Spend ur holidays in Switzerland a perfect place

2009-11-28T02:26:00.001-08:00

Switzerland is the year round holiday destination, with sunny snow-filled winters in the hills ushers the tourist for a cool drive of the state. Basel, Geneva, Lugano, Bern, Interlake, Davos, Lucerne, Zermatt, Valais and Lausanne are counted among those places of Switzerland successful in luring a plethora of travelers every month.

The diversity of the place is locked in mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches and resorts. The fine cheeses, chocolates, watch-making industry and extravagant scenery make the place a perfect place for holiday. The climate of the place is also suitable for those residing in different in different parts of the world.

Celebrating holiday with enjoyment, peace and leisure this small European country, Switzerland is the genuine option. The place offers accommodation, transportation and freedom in a very reasonable rate. The place also gifts adventurous activities as skiing, biking and climbing for adding crisp to visit. Beaches and lakes of Switzerland are not only meant for honeymooners but also the family visitors

summer holiday

2009-11-28T02:26:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year when the majority of people will start scouting for options to take advantage of their children’s school holidays and exhaust their pending leave from the previous year as well.

Though the planning for these trips is done well in advance, if you are one of those who is still working out the nitty-gritties, take a look at some of these planning tips.

WHAT IS POPULAR?
Kashmir has been a popular destination historically. But over the years, it had lost its sheen because of apprehensions about terrorism. However, this summer, Kashmir has made a comeback.

“The problems of targeting tourists have come down as tourism is a source of income in many parts of the state,” says Sandeep Srivastava, head, domestic travel, Thomas Cook.

The other preferred destinations include Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Leh and Ladakh, Ooty and Munnar.

Travel companies have come up with aggressively-priced packages for this season. For instance, Thomas Cook is offering a 5-day package at Rs 8,000 per person for Kashmir.

This includes accommodation, meals and sightseeing, but does not include train or flight costs. In Uttaranchal, one can visit the four pilgrimage sites or take a multiple tour of Corbett National Park, Mussoorie and Nainital. The basic package per person for this multiple location tours starts at Rs 13,000 per person, excluding the airfare.

Other areas where aggressively priced packages are available include multiple destination packages for Himachal Pradesh that includes the hill stations, Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie.

Besides hill stations, another destination that is witnessing rising interest is the Sundarbans in West Bengal that is only accessible through waterways. Only a private cruise operator and government ships take visitors to the forests. “One of lures in this delta is that there is a weather change every three hours,” says a tour operator.

If you looking for adventure, there are difficult Himalayan treks that can be pursued. These treks last for about 11 days and there are a large number of travel packages that are offered by tour operators. These packages start at Rs 14,000 per person.

For the super rich, there are options of travelling to resorts such as Ananda in the Himalayas, where a range of spas and meditation packages are available. These tours are typically for three days and start from Rs 15,000 per person per day.

Other similar luxury areas include Udayvilas, Ram Bagh and Shiv Vilas in Rajasthan and Amanbagh and Brunton Boatyard in Kerala. The packages to these places could go up to Rs 50,000 a night per person.

PLANNING THE VACATION
Okay, enough of luring you to luxurious places, but the business end of it requires you to have the funds and take a call on the different packages on offer. Here’s a “how to do it” guide for the newbies

Budget: For starters, you need to create a budget for travelling. This would imply savings for that cause. “Typically, a tourist should be able to manage his stay within a budget of Rs 2,000 – 3,000 per person per night in a three-star category package. This expense would include meals, local transport and sight seeing,” says an industry expert. As a result, most of the week-long packages start from Rs 13,000 – 15,000.

For you, the important part is to figure out the money you will be able to spend. This would help in choosing the destinations, transportation, and accommodation. Try to control the urge to over spend on your vacation.

Cost optimisation: Now that the budgeting and the destination have been decided, you need to carefully gauge other costs. For instance, though the travel person might want to sell you a hotel room with a view for that little extra, if you are planning to do a lot of sight seeing, there is no need to go for it.

Shop around: Vacation packages are often good because they offer attractive discounts. Also, booking everything separately could lead to a lot of headaches. If you belong to a frequent-flyer programme, vacations are the perfect time to cash-in. Look into how many frequent-flyer miles you've earned and when they expire.

Choose payment method carefully: If you can afford to pay for the entire trip at once, exercise that option. For travellers on a budget, paying in instalments helps to ease the financial burden. Travel companies do offer various financing options to their customers.

For instance, Kuoni India has a finance scheme. Kesari, another tour operator, arranges personal loan with Bank of India. Thomas cook, who were offering financing options, have withdrawn it from this year. Instead, it has a co-branded credit card with ICICI Bank.

The payments made through the cards can be converted into equated monthly instalments (EMIs). Using a credit card is another option, but make sure you can pay it off promptly. Of course, financial planners would always advise that when you do not have the money, there is no need to spend.

When to book: Ideally in order to go through least amount of hassles, you should do all the work well in advance. However, travel operators say that in metros, since most of the family members are unsure of their schedules, they process requests even 10 days in advance.

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu6&subLeft=2&autono=319899&tab=r

Hoode Backwaters to make Udupi a new tourist destination House Boat

2009-11-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the history of Karnataka the introduction of the Boat House Cruise by the well known Paradise Isle Resorts of Malpe will help in putting the Kemmannu Hoode of the Udupi region onto the world map as one of the best chosen holiday destination.

The survey of River Swarna revealed that the best high tide cruise can take the tourists cruising along and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding Kemmannu backwaters with a breathtaking view of the green gardens, the tall and majestic palms swaying with the breeze and nature's wonders like migratory birds on the sand reefs and the shellfish habitats in the shallow waters near Thimman Kudru.

The arrival and introduction of the new Boat Houses in Kemmannu back waters of River Swarna is a new and a rare viewing experience for the onlookers and the hundreds of local people living on this beautiful ridge of land between the sea and river at Bengre Kemmannu.

This place is astounding and distinctive as it is surrounded by the natural beauty and this ridge of land between the sea and the river is unique at Bengre beach. The back waters here are comparable to the backwaters seen in Gods own country and this makes Kemmannu the perfect destination for tourism.

The coastal region including Udupi, Kaup, Kemmannu, Bengre, Kundapoora and Baindoor are favourable for all kind of tourism activities including water sports, But Kemmannu in particular has the advantage of being a town which has a beach and a river and it is located just about 9 Km from the main City Udupi.

With this tourist destination gaining popularity the people of Karnantaka and the world over can now enjoy a holiday in Kemmanu like they would have had in Kerala as this place too now boasts of the popular House Boat Cruise that will attract tourists from India and the world over. A cruise on Paradise lagoon boat house is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

The houseboat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making of the boat are; bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc which are local and eco-friendly. The main wood used is "Anjili". These houseboats are fully furnished and have single room, double room and triple rooms for tourists to rent.

All the houseboats have sundecks, private balconies with comfortable chairs, a kitchen and restrooms. Traditional lanterns are used as a source of light and this gives the tourists a perfect ambience of a typical costal home. Traditional Udupi cuisine is served on the boat with local specialties that include delicious fish and prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for couples and houseboats with two bedrooms for four people or a family of four. The houseboat crew includes a chef, and two oarsmen.

A holiday on the houseboat of the enchanting backwaters of Kemmannu Hude and Bengre is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the neat tiny hamlets lined up along the either side of the canals is a panoramic sight to behold.

Tourists can perceive the flashes of toddy tapping (natural Kali), traditional techniques of the shellfish gathering,(Koyyol, Marvayi), village walk, and they can visually capture the flocks of cormorant, egret, herons, four species of moorhens, water ducks, Siberian storks, Purple herons, seagulls, teals, and the different types of King fishers in the waters.
source:http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=72561

Popular Tourist place Summer cottage near Paragliding in Bhimtal....

2009-11-28T02:23:00.000-08:00

Bhimtal has many tourist attraction,Para-gliding, Island restaurent in Bhimtal lake, Nakuchiatal and seven lakes cluster in Sat Tal, a picturesque picnic spot

Visit to Nainital-Bhimtal-Nakuckhiatal

Lakes has always been tourist attraction for children at their tender age as it is life experience to see water between the hills in form of springs.Colorful peddle , rowing-boats plying on the lakes make the place look more beauitful as the children and tourist take nice long drive with various boats peddling mannually .

This facilities are well managed in Northern State of India, Uttarakhand tourist towns Nainital,Bhimtal, and Nakuchiatal the trio cities within radius of 30Km, but is not given due publicity at national or International tourist maps.Trio towns attarct thousands of tourist round the year especially in Summers when the entire hotels are booked and children along with parents and tourist making beeline to these cities.

Bhimtal has many tourist spots like Island restaurent in Bhimtal lake, Para-gliding, Nauchiatal and seven lakes cluster in Sat Tal, a picturesque picnic spot where Ghatokach of Mahabharat fame lived in these hills with his mother.Bhimtal is very approachable as from road and rail it is hardly five hours journey approximately 250Km from Delhi and highway is extremely safe and well maintain except some short patches.Near Bhimtal is another mid way city on route to Nainital is Bhowaili which has cantonment plus shppers market with various temples famous as Ghanti temples.Wishes of the devotees gets fullfiled as one comes to these temples.

As we move from Delhi by road we cross philkhua , Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, Haldwani,Kathgodam then the first hill town enroute is Bhimtal which is about 20Km from Kathgodam and it is about 4250 ft above sea level,three to four Km south of Bhimtal is Naukuchiatal.

The twin city of Bhimtal -Nakuchiatal has nice arragments of boats peddling and Lakes are quite bigs where one enjoys the fresh air and cold environment .Two city has enough tourist accomodation as it has many hotels on the periphery of the two lakes.The hotels are not very costly and moderately priced for stay and in lean seasons the rates are too economical specially for senior citizen cateogory.Just 20 Km from Bhimtal lies the most beautiful city of Naini Hills called Nainital which has its beauty of its own withs hotels line-up in one side of the lakes and on the other side -the Grand Hill which gives a majestic view for the tourist with city downtown and uptown markets for daily needs.

NainiTal is about 6000ft above sea level and is cooler than Bhimtal and Naukchiatal.The Naintal which has main source of income from hospitality or hotel industry is busy round the years as tourist come from all part of the country to see the queen of Hills Nainital.Nainital is mid town to go to other tourist spots like Rani Khet,Almora, Kausani and other places of religious fervour.Experience to these cities makes you believe that India lives in hills with a quite,serene, life, with peoples worshipping and leading a pious life.Their houses are well kept with flowers and kindergarden well suited for their daily supply of vegetables,fruits and lush green lawns make their living more posh.

Cold breeze round the year,fresh uncontaminated environment and frugal traffic makes the city nice place to recharge ones energy.Bowali,the city on the midway has Lodge of International theosophical society,which has Library and spiritual meeting are held by the local theosophist,but this society is under the federation of Delhi region.Kathgodam to Naini hills many small towns like Rampura,sat Tal,Bowali,Naukchiatal,having hundred years old churchs and temples give its majestic look with natural scenes adds to its beauty.
During the month of April,May and June,july when the plains in Delhi are getting too much hot then the best weather to enjoy during summers are the Nainihills close to capital 280 Km with five hours drive to these cities with most economical lodging and foods, a paradise for health conscious people.
source:http://www.pr-inside.com/summer-cottage-near-paragliding-in-r550068.htm

A Paradise on Earth Kashmir still captures the hearts of modern day travellers

2009-11-28T02:22:00.000-08:00

Coined “A Paradise on Earth” by one of the early Mughal emperors and a favourite summer escape for the British Raj, Kashmir still captures the hearts of modern day travellers with its magnificent Himalayan peaks, tranquil lakes, untouched wilderness and friendly open people.

To coincide with the height of India’s summer, specialist Tour Operator to India, Indus Tours have introduced two new escorted group tours up into Kashmir to enjoy its wonderfully clement weather, serene waterways and lush green foothills.

Commencing in the ancient lakeside town of Srinagar, with its colourful mosques and temples, formal Mughal gardens and intriguing old city, guests get to experience the beauty of the city’s waterways firsthand staying in the beautifully ornate houseboats (which were built to house British‘Days of the Raj’ holidaymakers) and cruising the sights by shikara (Kashmiri row boat). Both tours then head further afield to experience village life and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The first of the two tours, ‘Escape in Kashmir’ takes place from 4 – 15 June 2008 and will be escorted by Royal Geographic Society fellow, Joan Pollock. This trip includes a fascinating water safari along the backwaters of the Jhelum River to a majestic Pir Panjal mountain backdrop, two nights camping at a picturesque spot on Lake Mansabal with its myriad of birds and two nights in the peaceful foothill village of Gulmarg which just happens to sport the highest golf course in the World!

Accompanied by Kashmiri-philes Ian and Penny Fleming, ‘The Vale of Kashmir – A Secret Paradise’ tour then takes place from 14 to 23 June 2008. Also covering Srinagar in detail, it gives travellers the option of going to Gulmarg or to the caravan road town of Kargil to see the famous Mulbeck statue with its avid followers of devotees.

source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Holidays/article-166335.html

Top Tourist attraction place BridgeClimb

2009-11-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said the awards, handed out in Canberra tonight, recognised the standards of excellence achieved by tourism businesses across Australia.

"Australia has some of the world's best tourism experiences and through Tourism Australia's activities in 23 markets across the globe, including Australia, we aim to take this message to the world," Mr Buckley said.

"In promoting our country we are selling dreams about what an Australian holiday can offer, but the challenge is to make sure that we live up to the dreams and expectations of our international and domestic customers."

In the tourist attraction category, Clipsal 500's Adelaide Racetrack event was the winner.

Montague Island Tours, which offers coastal and historical tours to the southern NSW island won the ecotourism award.

Mr Buckley said Australia received a record 5.6 million visitors in 2007, two per cent more than the previous year.

"Australia had its best ever year on record for international tourist arrivals in 2007," Mr Buckley said.

"However, we have seen some slowing in growth as a result of a number of factors including increased competition from other destinations."

Mr Buckley said there was greater potential to build on Australia's success in tourism.
source:http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,26058,23309321-5014090,00.html

Top World Tourist Destination Tunisia Emerging

2009-11-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Tunisians and Koreans have several similarities and many common features: in their attachment to their respective homeland, in their firm willingness to upgrade their countries to the highest level of progress, in some traditions and way of life, when they show respect for elderly people and in their utmost concern to give the most appropriate and best education to their children, Tunisian Ambassador to Korea Mustapha Khammari said.

"Tunisia has no abundant oil resources. As Korea also, Tunisia - and we have to precise at this point that this is a fundamental choice of the policy carried out by His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Republic of Korea,- rely on the capacity and creativity of its own children and young people to pay the efforts necessary to the development of the country," he said in an interview with the Seoul Times.

Briefly, "you" in Korea and "we" in Tunisia, we endeavor to overcome the challenges of progress with our own brains and labor, said Amb. Khammari who assumed the Seoul post on Dec. 7, 2007.

"If we add to those similarities, the beauty Tunisia offers with its vast stretches of glistening and white sandy Mediterranean beaches covering 800 mile coasts, its magnificent countryside panoramas, its lush oases and sweeping Saharan landscapes as well as its rich and deep-rooted history …you will understand why Tunisia can definitely attract Korean tourists, catches their interest and curiosity and offers to them all the ingredients of " Joie de vivre" at a very competitive costs," he went on .

On the other hand, Korean tourists who are lovers of natural and biological products can feast on in Tunisia where vegetables, fruits and fish have a unique taste that comes from the beautiful sun of Tunisia and nurtured by its rich soil, which produces excellent biological and healthy agricultural items, he said.

"This is why Koreans who choose to visit Tunisia will be satisfied. I am confident that their choice to visit Tunisia will be a judicious one, especially that they will be able to follow 3000 years of history of brilliant civilizations that have marked Tunisia since the Phoenicians and General Hannibal with his warlike saga that enables him to cross the Alps on elephants .. to arrive to today's Tunisia, a very stable and safe country with its so blue sea and glistening coasts in the heart of the Mediterranean sea,"Amb.Khammari maintained.

In fact Korean can follow a unique historical itinerary in Tunisia by choosing to visit some of the exceptional and historical treasures, including over 20 000 archeological sites and hundreds of monuments, museums and historical centers and a total of eight world heritage sites. The most frequently visited are Carthage, Bardo Mesum (hosting the world largest mosaic collection) and El Jem Coliseum (second only to Rome), according to Tunisian envoy who has journalistic background before joining the foreign service.

Tunisia ranks 30th in the world hierarchy of the economic competitiveness, according to the latest World Economic Forum Report. The per capita GNP grows five times over the past 20 years.

The efforts that were undertaken during the last two decades under the wise and farsighted leadership of His Excellency the President Ben Ali qualified as "The man of the Tunisian Miracle," have endowed Tunisia with unprecedented assets and infrastructures in all fields..

Tunisia enjoys magnificent football stadium, like the 7th of November stadium built by Koreans, more than 20 golf courses, indoor halls for all kind of sports Infrastructure for yachting …splendid beaches for surfing..Swimming pools…whatever the activity of sport tourism you are willing to practice, he said adding:" Tunisia open its arms to welcome you."

For whom they like sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, horseback riding, pedestrian walk, fishing, underwater fishing, hunting…Tunisia is an ideal place with very reasonable prices, according to Amb. Khammari.

"You can also enjoy Health tourism, which is already the principal magnet for many tourists from all over the world. With 25 Thalassotherapy centers- medical treatment with seawater-, today Tunisia is amongst the top world destinations for this cure," he said. My answer is that "There are more ways to Tunisia than one," You know that Tunisia is located in the center of the Mediterranean basin which makes it a destination at the next door of the main European capitals. Less than three hours flying time from major European and Middle Eastern Cities, the Land of Carthage and Hannibal is a preferred destination, 50mn from Rome..2 hours from Paris, Madrid, Barcelone.. 2 hours 30mn from Frankfurt, London..Brussels..3hours from Cairo, he explained.

Korean Tourist whom, like Americans and Europeans don't need visa to enter to Tunisia, can choose several itineraries to get to there ..

"Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, as Air France, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa could bring you to Tunisia…waiting that Korean Air and Tunis Air establish direct liaison between Seoul and Tunis… We are working on it and we hope to find out the appropriate solutions. Meanwhile, I ask you ..Korean tourists.. to choose from now on Tunisia to spend their vacancies… you will be delighted," he went on .

The Mediterranean Sea, the Mountains, the greenery and the Sahara mix their beauties so they offer to visitors an extraordinary and unique deal of diversity which associates beach to desert in a very eco friendly and warm area.

Tunisia is in fact among the few countries in the world which can offer its visitors the impressive Sahara desert within easy reach of beautiful beaches, thickly-forested mountains and bustling towns and cities

"You can stretch out on the white sandy Mediterranean beaches of Hammamet in the morning and spend, during the same day, the afternoon and the night in the heart of the Sahara under the enchanting blue sky contemplating stars …and their splendid reflection on the golden sand hills," Tunisian envoy pointed out.

he next day you can visit "Djerba," the Island of the Legendary Ulysses, ranked recently by the famous American travel guide 'Trip Adviser" as the 1st tourist spot in the world for 2008, where you can find all the tourist commodities through its luxury world class hotels. From Djerba you can change the cap to Sousse where you can visit El Kantaoui Marina with its beautiful sailing boats.
source:http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=6329

Dont Miss this Place in life time Top places to see in your lifetime

2009-11-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

Travellers have always made lists of the top destinations to be visited in the world and even armchair travellers dream of experiencing the most unique and exciting sites the planet has to offer.

Bruce Poon, the founder of adventure travel company GAP Adventures, shares his top ten tourist places to see in your lifetime.

Despite recent troubles and ongoing Chinese domination, the Tibetan capital of Lhasa is at the top of Bruce Poon's list.

He says the spirit of the people of Tibet is still palpable in the city, which was at one time the spiritual and cultural heart of Asia.

The Potala Palace sits looming over the city and Buddhist monks pass by on their daily routines, reminding visitors that this city carries the pulse of a nation in change.

Every Saturday morning, the world's largest craft market in the Ecuadorian town of Otavalo comes to life with a wash of vibrant colour as the local Indians come down from the hills to market their wares.

India's Taj Mahal is in third place as the greatest monument to love on earth remains an inspiring example of beautiful architecture, creating a powerful effect on visitors from all backgrounds.

The highest waterfalls in the world are also the most spectacular. Angel Falls in Venezuela are approached by river and the canoe journey makes a trip to view this spectacular natural wonder unforgettable.

Watch rhinos and baboons roaming free against a stunning backdrop of the setting African sun in the Ngorongoro Crater.

This lush wildlife playground in the middle of the dry desert of Tanzania offers a truly unspoilt experience African, putting it in fifth spot.

In Guatemala, the ruined city of Tikal was built by the Mayans and seems remarkably undisturbed in the middle of its tropical jungle setting.

"By imagining how the Mayans once ruled this area of the world, it is easy to transport yourself back to a time of ancient and savage civilisation," Mr Poon said.

The desire to get off the beaten tourist track promotes the sandy peninsula of Placencia in southern Belize in seventh place.

This hidden gem remains undiscovered by mainstream tourists aside from a few lost backpackers and it is possible to relax with local villagers in total anonymity.

More lost islands are located just off the coast, which can be easily reached.

Ecuador makes Mr Poon's list a second time with the Galapagos Islands at number eight. Bring what you know about Darwin's research on evolution to life as you explore these curious islands.

This is still quite a remote destination, encouraging relaxation, learning and inspiration in a virtually untouched place.

The magnificent ancient caves of Pak Ou in Laos are set high above the Mekong River some 25km from Luang Prabang.

These caves have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years and more than 4,000 images of the Buddha have been placed inside them over that time.

source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/south-and-central-america/venezuela/top-ten-places-see-in-your-lifetime-$1217114.htm

Recapture the golden age of rail to South African

2009-11-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

Recapture the golden age of rail travel on an epic 1000 mile journey through the heart of South Africa on board one of the world’s most elegant trains - ‘Highlights of South Africa’ is a classic new 16-day itinerary which has been introduced into the 2009 worldwide programme of Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail.

The epitome of luxury, the Pride of Africa sleeper train provides five-star comfort, fine cuisine and first-class service on a journey through the African wilderness.

The tour commences in Cape Town with four nights at the five-star Cape Grace Hotel – regarded as one of the finest in Africa – which is located on its own private quay on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront with views of the ocean and Table Top Mountain.

Highlights here include a city tour, a cable car ascent of Table Mountain, a tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, a visit to the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys – two of South Africa’s finest wine producing areas – plus an excursion to Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope and the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.

The holiday continues with eight nights – in luxurious air-conditioned Pullman Suites - on the restored private Pride of Africa train as it journeys through the African bush to Pretoria and Johannesburg, where guests enjoy city tours and an excursion to the Brenthurst Gardens, the private estate of the Oppenheimer family featured in Monty Don’s Great Gardens of the World series on the BBC.

Included en route are game drives in the Addo Elephant Park, the Mkhaya Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park – three of the best locations to experience South Africa’s abundance of wildlife. There are also visits to many landmark towns and cities including Oudtshoorn – home to the world’s largest population of ostriches - Bloemfontein (the ‘City of Roses’), Ladysmith and Durban, before ending with a night at the five-star Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg.
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Holidays/article-187859.html

Plan your May Holiday Make the most of Bank

2009-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Working out how to make annual leave allowances stretch that little bit further can be a bit of an obsession for travel-hungry workers, but help is at hand from Native Escapes.

The tour operator, which specialises in luxury small group adventure trips in Southern Africa, has availability for trips leaving over both bank holidays during the month of May, giving a prime opportunity to use the bank holiday as part of a proper break.

Don the snorkel & mask and you could find yourself swimming with a pod of wild dolphins on our guided Wildlife, Tribes & Dolphins trip to South Africa & Mozambique this May Bank Holiday. Through a snorkel mask, it’s easy to see these curious mammals interacting with each other, but of course from the side of a boat they are equally fun to watch jumping out of the water alongside the boat. The excursion is run by a research project, and the welfare of the mammals is uppermost in organisers’ minds.

The trip includes Big 5 game drives with a qualified guide whose keen eyes are used to seeking out telling signs of wildlife presence, such as recent elephant tracks in the ground or a kettle of vultures circling prey overhead. Their trained eyes make the difference between spotting a camouflaged leopard and driving straight by it. Night-time wildlife activity is a real eye opener: a game drive after dark might involve keeping up with hippos running at up to 30mph!

Accommodation en route is a treat, and includes a small B&B with tropical gardens, and tented lodges set in the African bush or right on the beach complete with private en-suite facilities and verandas. Falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush after an evening spent round the fire is a special experience – and rivalled only by the enthusiastic dawn chorus as Africa’s birdlife announces the break of the new day.

source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Holidays/article-165093.html

The beach paradise of Goa is the top tourist destination

2009-11-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

The beach paradise of Goa is the top tourist destination for Summer of 2008, despite the recent Scarlet Keeling controversy. Besides the regularly visited locales such as Ooty, Mahabaleshwar, Shimla and Manali the list of top 10 domestic tourist destinations this summer include Auli and Matheran. Munnar (in Kerala) is the destination that the high-end holiday makers are eyeing.

On the other hand, tourists headed to foreign shores are exploring Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Mediterranean cruises and East Europe, according to travel search company, Holiday IQ’s ‘Holiday Intelligence Forecast’.

Though there is still time for families to head to their holiday destination, the verdict is out. Hill Stations, which appeal to families and not just backpackers, are the flavour of the season, Goa being the only exception.

“Munnar is registering fastest growth among the top 10 summer destinations. Though for North Indians a trip to the city can be more or equally as expensive when compared to a foreign destination like Bangkok. But that’s not deterring holiday makers,” says Hari Nair, CEO and founder, Holiday IQ. Another interesting trend is that that the demand among domestic tourists is highest for moderately priced hotel rooms. While 30% searches are for premium range packages, 40% are for mid-priced and 30% for budget holidays. The yardstick which categorises these packages is the room rate per night. A premium holiday would mean spending more than Rs 6,000 for a room per night, while mid-priced means shelling out Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000. Anything below Rs 2,500 for a room falls in the budget category.

The forecast shows that domestic travellers are planning their trip to Goa too as they can avail of some cheap hotel deals there, unlike the New Year time.

Those flying to foreign locales now prefer travelling alone rather than opting for plain-vanilla package tours for groups. “A fall out of this trend is that new and unexplored destinations are also being considered by travellers. Most packages offer regular destinations.
source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Services/Goa_still_top_tourist_destination/articleshow/2912645.cms

London the place to spend holidays

2009-11-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

You've whizzed around in a red double-decker tour bus, watched the changing-of-the-guard at Buckingham Palace, wandered through Fortnum & Mason and ogled at Westminster Abbey.

But this time you're after something a touch more local yet within easy reach of central London.

Try taking a walk along the Thames River around Bankside and South Bank. Even if you only have a few hours to spare while stopping over in London, it provides a good blend of markets, museums, attractions and shops.

The once-disreputable south side of the river has been transformed into a vibrant showcase of urban regeneration. Bankside was once packed with seedy drinking dens, brothels and bear pits. South Bank left its industrial past behind when drab concrete factories and power stations became trendy museums and hip entertainment precincts.

I begin my stroll at the Borough Market, where a typical Saturday scene sees Londoners flock to fill their larders with fresh produce.

Surrounded by barrows of fresh carrots, artichokes and apples, the apron-clad greengrocer enthrals the crowd with an operatic rendition of Bizet's Carmen.

His music weaves its way around shoppers clutching brown paper bags and past nut sellers pushing free samples of their wares.

A few metres along, the Sillfield Farm stall is a flurry of activity as butchers in theatrical red, white and maroon uniforms complete with bowler hats bustle about.

Perhaps it's their eye-catching outfits or perhaps it's the sign advertising "A major supermarket purchased our special dry-cured bacon last week" that is drawing a crowd.

At one stall, there's nothing but wooden buckets filled with varieties of olives, feta cheese and Greek dolmades, while another throng is pressed around the Dark Sugars confectionary stall, eagerly piling freshly made sweets into paper bags.

Near the market is a little-known historic gem. The Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret is a quirky chamber of horrors tucked away in the garret of St Thomas's Church.

A shoulder-wide spiral staircase leads me to a cramped souvenir shop where another flight of creaking steps opens up into a reminder of life before anaesthetics and antiseptic surgery.

The museum looks like a set from a science-fiction horror movie complete with exhibits of 19th-century medical instruments once used by surgeons to amputate limbs, perform skull operations and childbirth procedures.

Next to the museum, the Herb Garret has displays of herbs and potions that would make a witch blush with pride.

In those days, the operating theatre was a godsend for the poor, whose only means of receiving treatment from a skilled surgeon was to agree to be operated on in a public arena watched by an enthusiastic audience of medical students. Rich patients were treated and operated on in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

It's drizzling outside and up goes my umbrella as I make a dash for another museum-like attraction just a few blocks away. At the entrance of Vinopolis, I'm furnished with an audio guide that steers me through exhibitions of wine regions around the world. The section on Australia is fairly extensive with wall maps, photographs and free wine samples. At the central wine-sampling table, Jacques, an effusive Frenchman, plies me with wine from far-flung destinations like Georgia, Israel and Thailand.

Walking along the river reveals a vibrant culture of colourful street performers and sidewalk artists, historic bridges and re-developed wharfs, galleries and museums.

I arrive at Shakespeare's Globe just in time to check out the world's largest exhibition devoted to Shakespeare, before joining a guided tour of the theatre.

Opened in 1997, the theatre is a replica of the 1599 open-air playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote many of his greatest plays and is one of London's key Shakespearean attractions.

Enthused by tales of the bard, I'm inspired to test my acting skills in a scene from Romeo And Juliet. Inside one of the multimedia recording booths at the exhibition area, I practice being Juliet with a pre-recorded reading of Romeo performed by a Globe Theatre actor.

Another Shakespearean-influenced attraction on the south side of the river is Southwark Cathedral, where William Shakespeare's brother Edmund was buried and where a large 19th-century stained glass window depicts scenes from well-known plays.

The cathedral also holds a statue of a reclining Shakespeare, posing with his trusty quill.

Next to the Globe Theatre is the contemporary Tate Modern, London's national gallery of international modern art.

Created a few years ago from the decommissioned Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern's vast display of artworks spans a period of more than a century, from 1900 onwards.

Opposite the Tate Modern, crowds of pedestrians amble across the river over the Millennium Bridge, which is a streamlined structure built to commemorate the year 2000 and London's first new central river crossing for over a century.

A restaurant with a riverside view at Gabriel's Wharf is my idea of a top spot to put my feet up and watch the world go by.

What were musty old garages have been converted into colourful studios and retail shops that sell funky jewellery, fashion and home accessories.

There are lots of shops and restaurants to choose from in this precinct. Next to Gabriel's Wharf, the ex-power station and meat factory - Oxo Tower Wharf - has also been converted into a fresh new retail space with designer shops and more riverside restaurants.

Further along the river, outside the National Theatre underneath the Waterloo Bridge, I thumb through hidden treasures at the South Bank book market.

There are ancient maps, old magazines, out-of-print books and faded prints that look like they might make unusual mementos.

My final stop is the London Eye where, from my glass capsule in the sky, all of London is laid out like a giant three-dimensional Monopoly board with a bird's-eye view of the city's attractions.
source:http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,26058,23422418-5009000,00.html

Historial place in Iran Cultural Tourist Attractions

2009-11-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Iran is a country with enormous cultural and historical attractions which draw in landmark number of tourists in different seasons of the year, especially in spring and at time of Noruz, marking start of the New Year.

The attractions and beautifies of the country are scattered in different parts and cities of it.

The most attractive tourist cities of the country are as follows:

ABYANEH

Being a village of great antiquity, Abyaneh is like a living architectural and anthropological museum.

It affords an impressive exponent of adaptation of man with his environment.

It is located on the northwestern slope of Karkas Mountains, 20 kms away form Natanz.

Considering the evidence found in Abyaneh, it dates back to antiquity, but its golden age was during the Safavid period.

The village is expanded along the river, and its configuration indicates that the past people showed much consideration for security.

The language spoken by the people in Abyaneh is similar to the Parthian language.

Among the attractions of Abyaneh the Jam'e Mosque, Yarzaleh, Hajatgh Mosque, and Zeyaratgah are notable.

Considering the evidence found in Abyaneh, it dates back to antiquity, but its golden age was during the Safavid period.

The village is expanded along the river, and its configuration indicates that the past people showed much consideration for security.

The language spoken by the people in Abyaneh is similar to the Parthian language.

The Castle of Haman, two houses of Dervishes dating back to Safavid era, and the remain of two fire-temples dating back to Sassanid epoch (built in an architectural style called Chahar Taqi (four-arch style)).

YARZALEH MOSQUE

Situated in one of the most ancient neighborhoods of Abyaneh, this mosque has an impressive sanctuary.

The date carved on the front door indicates that the mosque dates back to 14th century Hajat gah Mosque Located beside Mt Sakhreh Kuh, this mosque dates back to the Safavid period.

Its sanctuary has pillars of wood, on which some verses of the Koran have been iscibed.

ZEYARATGAH

Zeyaratgah meaning Shrine, is a magnificently impressive monument, attracting a large number of visitors each year.

There are flowerbeds, brooks, a pool and a large veranda opening onto the vivid green valley of Abyaneh, making Zeyaratgah a place worthwhile seeing.

QAZVIN

The city of Qazvin is located west to Tehran.

It is founded in the time of Sassanide Shapour I, famous as Shad Shapour, in order to prevent the invasions of Dialameh and it was gradually developed as the main nucleus of Qazvin city.

After the invasion of Arabs to Iran and commencement of Islamic conquests, thuscity was surrounded by one of the famous Arab commanders and in the year 25th it became one of the military bases of Arab forces.

Qazvin was selected as capital by Safavid and several buildings and monuments were constructed over there.

Among the attraction of Qazvin we can find: Jame' Mosque, Castle of Alamout, Yaleh Gonbad and Kafar Gonbad domes, and several caravanserai, gates, mosques and castles.

CASTLE OF ALAMOOT

Being constructed by Hassan Sabbah the leader of Ismaillieh movement on 5th century, the Castle of Alamoot is one the most attractive Castles in Iran.

This Castle was attacked by Mongol Holakoo and was the witness of long clashes and wars between central government and Ismailieh.

ARDABIL

Once difficult to reach by tourists because of being 270 km away Tabriz on the way to Astara and the Caspian from eastern Azarbayijan, nowadays Ardabil is the capital of Ardabil Province.

It is 588 km to the northwest of Tehran.

And in contrary to what the foreign visitors might have read in publications available abroad, here in Iran this old town can be reached both by road and air.

It is located in an altitude of 1,300 m above sea level and is 210 km northwest of Bandar-e Anzali and 70 km from Astara on a good asphalt road, then a twisting scenic mountain road.

Ardabil is best known as the birthplace of Shaykh Safi ad-Din (1251-1334) from whom the Safavid dynasty was descended.

Shaykh Safi was the founder of a sufi order and monastery in Ardabil, the center of their theocratic community.

Ismail, a descendent of him and who was later crowned as the Shah of Persia in Tabriz (1501), was a member of this order, and it is noteworthy that it was during the latter's reign that the majority of Persians were converted to Shi'ah Islam.

The most important places to visit In Ardabil are as following:

Neior Lake, Shoorabil Lake, marchlands of Ganjgah, Nooshar and Shoorhul, water fall Goorgoor on Sabalan, hot water springs in Sar-Ain , Shaykh Safi Tomb, old bridges of Qara Sou, Eidi Gouz and Guilandeh, the Old Bazaar complex, Stone Cave of Dakhmeh Sangi, and the tower of Shater Gunbadi.

SHAYKH SAFI TOMB:

Collection of Sheikh Saffieddin Ardebili's Mausoleum includes an architecture of different periods of Iran.

Being a unique religious building, it is considered one of the most fabulous monuments in this town.

Originally it was the residence of Sheikh Safi.

There are two domes one above Sheikh Safi's tomb and the other over Shah Essmaiel Safavids's tomb.

Buried in the tombs of the king and his princes, there are some wooden boxes, which are adorned and artistically carved.

Shah Abbas (I) Safavid presented some copies of valuable hand- written books as gifts to the graveyard library, but a Russian warlord called Passkowich in 1828 plundered the library.

HAMADAN

Dating back to over 2500 years ago, Hamadan, the cradle of Median civilization, has numerous historical monuments.

It is located in the mountainous area of Zagros in the western Iran.

The city of Hamadan the ancient name of which is Ecbatana, has been given an account of the great Median palace of Hegmetaneh, the ruins of which are in the central part of Hamadan as a hill.

During the Seljuk period it was the capital of Iran for 50 years.

Five kms. from Hamadan there are two inscriptions in cuneiform, called Ganjnameh which is one of the most ancient inscriptions found in the world.

In Hamadan we can also find the Mausoleum of Avicenna and Baba Taher the great Iranian doctor and scientist.

Mossalla and Abbasabad hills are both the places worthwhile visiting.

Mosalla hill, on the slop of which there is a huge stone lion, and Abbasabad hill date back both to the first civilizations of the world.

Alavian dome under which there are two tombs belonging to the Alavian Family has impressive plasterwork.

Dating back to 800 years ago, it has been decorated with colored tiles.

But the most attractive site in Hamadan is Alisadr Cave which is the longest cave including a lake inside, in the world.

GANJNAMEH

Dating back to the Achaemenid period, and belong to Darius (550-486 BC) and his son Xerxes, Ganjnameh like other Achaemenid inscriptions, contain prayers to Ahura Mazda (the chief deity of Zoroastrianism) for the protection of the country, and genealogy of the Achaemenid dynasty.

MAUSOLEUM OF AVICENNA & BABA TAHER

The Mausoleum of Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the great Iranian philosopher has been built on 1954.

There is a library with a number of manuscripts in this building.

The tomb of Baba Taher-e Oryan (C. 1000 after 1055), the Iranian poet and mystic, has been built in a beautiful park northwest of Hamadan in recent years.

ALISADR CAVE

According to the specialist Alisadr Cave is one of the most astonishing caves in the world.

It is located 60 kms north of Hamadan.

Alisadr is a vast cave that contains a lake and a labyrinth of chambers along which one can sail for tens of kms.

The clear water of the cave is several meters deep and the cave's walls, floor and ceiling are covered with an abundance of marvelous stalactites and stalagmites and various natural stones that have taken the shape of animals.

ISFAHAN

Locating in the central part of Iran plateau Isfahan province is very well known among the tourists for its rich history and handicrafts.

This city was probably constructed under the Achaemenian era.

Under the Sassanian Isfahan was conquered by the Moslems on 19 AH.

On 1000 the capital of the Safavids was transferred from Qazvin to Isfahan.

The tourism potentials of the province are religious sites and buildings with their own antiquity scattered throughout the province annually attracting so many tourists who are interested on the rich history of Iran.

Moreover some of these sites, as invaluable and important memorials of the past, reflect great national, cultural, and religious heritage of residents of this region in different historical periods.

Among them Chehel Sotun Palace, Jameh' Mosque, Chaharbagh School, Imam Square, which includes itself three magnificent buildings:

Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Place of Ali Qapu, Khaju Bridge, Sio-Seh Pol and tens of Imamzadeh, Shrines and tombs, can be pointed.

Dating back to circa 2500 year ago, Isfahan has been the capital of Iran in three historical periods.

After Islam, the city of Isfahan was under domination of Arabs, like other cities of Iran, till the early 4th century AH.

After the invasion of Mongols on 630 AH. Isfahan flourished again especially in Safavid time under the Shah Abbas who ordered the construction of most of the important sites in the city Isfahan.

CHEHEL SOTUN

The Chehel Sotun Palace (Forty Columns), built amidst a vast garden, is a triumph architecturally.

The wall paintings by the famous painter of the Safavid period are superlative in their kind.

The building has a veranda with 18 pillars, being mirrored in the still water of a pool lying in front of it.

The building and the pool create a beautiful view.

The frescoes and painting on the walls depict specific historical scenes such as a reception for an Uzbek King in 1646 when the palace had only just been completed; a banquet in honor of the King of Turkestan in 1611; the battle of Chalderan against the King of Osmanlis in 1514 in which Persians fought without fire-arms and so many historical events.

The superb wooden roof of the porch was painted with a series of geometrical decorations interspersed with flowers.

The waterproofing of this, and other palaces, was achieved by covering the roof with a fresh layer of beaten earth every year, the weight of which has caused many other collapses.

JAME' MOSQUE

The Friday Mosque (Masjed Jame') is the oldest mosque in Isfahan.

The greater part of the building dates back to the 11th century.

Changes and additions were made is subsequent period.

Comprehensive restoration and clearing work around the building have been carried out during the past few years.

The central courtyard is one of the largest in Iran: 65 meters by 76.

The architecture of this mosque is a different from the Safavid mosques.

The southern porch opens up on a very wide and elegant arch, the proportions of its architrave, which is wider than it is high, are perfect.

This layout reflects a "Mongol" influence and was built under the Timurid dynasty (Tamerlane) in the 15th century.

This fine example of an early four-Ivan mosque is situated in an oasis town on the edge of the central Iranian desert.

The plain brick arcades of its courtyard are highlighted by a simple monumental inscription while the interior arcading of the dome chamber is ornamented with carved stucco panels and a superb stucco mihrab.

CHAHARBAGH SCHOOL

The most frequently visited madresseh (school) in Isfahan is Chaharbagh or Sultani formerly Mada-e Shah (the Shah's Mother) situated at the Chahar bagh Avenues.

This Coranic School was founded upon the initiative of Shah Sultan Hossein's mother.

The Shah was the last of the Safavid sovereigns who, after taking refuge in this very enormous building, was put to death by the Afghan invaders (1622).

In order to finance the school, Hossein's mother got a large caravanserai built nearby, the income of which went to the foundation.

Nowadays are very few students in the Madresseh, but the caravanserai has becom the most famous luxury hotel in Iran.

The blue and gold flower-decked cupola flanked by two magnificent minarets can be photographed from the balconies of the hotel rooms.

The madresseh was skillfully restored.

The caravanserai has become the Abbasi Hotel Imam Square Imam Square (Nagsh-e-Jahan Sq.) is a magnificently impressive sight, known by UNESCO as a unique historical complex.

It is surrounded by Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Palace of Ali Qapu and Qeysariyeh Bazaar.

In Safavid period, the great square was used as a field of horse riding games.

IMAM MOSQUE

This Mosque is situated to the south of Naqsh-e-Jahan square.

Built in the reign of Shah Abbas, tile work and architecture of this mosque are amazingly superb.

Its minarets are 48 meters high.

This Mosque is one of the finest monuments in the world.

The color of ceramic ornaments is the first cause of surprise and admiration.

But the size of the buildings surrounding the courtyard is more enormous.

The Muslim architect of the building used space and stone for mystical purposes.

The first impression of this Mosque is its completely unusual surroundings, the second a breathtaking reaction to the immensity and vacuum of the courtyard, the third the monotonous rectangle of arcades and loggias where minarets mount their blind guard.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque stands to the east of Naqsh-e-Jahan Sq. Built in the reign of Shah Abbas, it represents the best example of architecture and tile work of Iran in the 17th century.

The beauty of its buff dome fills visitors with enchantment.

Shah Abbas and his family used to worship in this mosque.

This mosque differs from all others in several respects.

While turquoise, blue and pink predominate in the motifs on the facade, elsewhere, especially on the dome, both inside and outside, the main color is yellow.

The artist painted on the background delicate interlacing and black or blue flowers.

The cupola is recognized as the most perfect in Iran.

Uncanny lightening seeps through the windows at the base of the vault.

Widespread use is made of the decorative value of calligraphy in the "sols" lettering stile, but there are also realistic miniature- style motifs: flower-bowls, peacocks, cypresses, etc.

Another peculiarity of this mosque is that it has neither courtyard nor minaret, since it was not a place for public worship, but was exclusively intended for the King, his family and his close collaborators.

ALI QAPU

The Ali Qapu Palace is situated to the west of Naqsh-e-Jahan Sq.

In the Safavid period it was used for the reception of ambassadors and envoys from other countries.

It is a six-storied building, the painting and plasterwork of which are extremely impressive.

The entire upper floor of the palace gatehouse consists of numerous rooms whose walls are decorated with a fretwork of niches and bottle shapes cut into a wood and plaster membrane which lines the walls.

KHAJU BRIDGE

Turning back toward the city, the first bridge encountered is the Khaju Bridge.

It is a magnificent structure with two tires of arches.

The lower arches are fitted with locks.

When they are lowered, a small lake forms opposite the Royal Palaces built under Shah Abbas II (1650) on the right bank.

In the middle of the bridge, the King got a pavilion built which is still intact.

On each of the bridge's piers, he got stone seats built so that his subjects could sit there to watch the Zayande River.

SIO-SEH POL

Another extraordinary bridge in Isfahan is the Sio-Seh Pol (thirty three Arches), also called Allahverdikhan Pol (Allahverdi Bridge), after the architect who built it in 1600 and who was also Abbas the Great's Army Chief.

The bridge is about 300 meters in length.

A row of delicate arcades (about 100 of them) lightens its silhouette and lengthens its lines.

KASHAN

The city of Kashan, which is situated in the margin of the central desert of Iran, contains several sites and historical monuments attracting many visitors each year.

Vestiges found on Seek hills, located 3 km. distant from the town, indicate that this area was a home of prehistoric man.

The charm of Kahsan is mainly due to the contrast between the parched immensities of the Kavir (desert) region and the greenery of the well-tended oasis, to the lively atmosphere of this almost compulsory halt, the restful shade of cupola covered houses and the coolness caused by these cupolas are a strange architecture specialized for the cities of desert.

This city has a variety of magnificent building, whose constructions refer to past as well as late times, among which the Garden of Fin, the House of Brojerdies, the Mosque and Scholl of Aga Bozorgand so many other interesting sites for the tourists, are notable.

FIN GARDEN

This Garden, which is located 6 km of Kashan, has been constructed under the command of Shah Abbas Safavid to be used as a water supply for Kashan.

The architecture of the garden is in the old Iranian stile, due to which it is of great importance among the monuments of the town.

The garden, in which there are historical buildings and two baths with pillars made of marble and ceiling decorated with paintings , is a splendid complex.

BORUJERDIS HOUSE

The House of Borujerdies was constructed in 19th century and it took about 18 years to be built by about 150 architects and painters and artists.

This house containing impressive wall paintings of Qjars Kings portraits, plasterwork, decorations with mirrors and beautiful wind towers above the roof, is an architectural triumph, which attracts numerous visitors each day.

THE MOSQUE & SCHOOL OF AGHA BOZORG

The Mosque and School of Agha Bozorg with an impressive facade, two lofty minarets and an eye-catching dome follows the original Iranian architecture.

KERMAN

Being a province of great antiquity, Kerman contains numerous monuments dating back both to pre-Islamic and post- Islamic periods.

It is located in the southeastern of Iran.

Being a town of considerable past history, Kerman is attractive for its several ancient monuments of particular originally, among them a group of utilitarian buildings date back to Sassanian era and also Safavid period in the 17th century.

The governor of Kerman Ganj Ali Khan, founded notable buildings, most of which have survived and now are called Ganj Ali Khan Complex.

Among the monumental buildings in Kerman we can notify Bazaar and the Dome of Jabliyeh.

The style of building in Kerman is high walls, narrow alleys and domed roofs.

THE GANJ ALI KHAN COMPLEX

Taking the mosque, bath, bazaar, school, caravanserai, reservoir and a vast square, this complex is a triumph architecturally.

The bath, containing many statues representing different stages of taking bath in traditional fashion, is used as an anthropological museum.

The tile-mosaic used in the complex is of considerable beauty.

DOME OF JABALIYEH

Dating back to the Seljuq period, it was built on the site of Zoroastrian fire-temples.

It is an octagonal building roofed with a huge dome.

BAM

Bam is a city of great antiquity, 200 kms southeast of Kerman.

Dates, citrus fruits and henna are the most important crops cultivated in Bam.

Dating from 2000 years ago, it was on silk route.

The ruins of the ancient city of Bam called Arg-e Bam, are of great attraction.

Being one of the world wonders covering 6 sq. kms, Arg-e Bam is the greatest mud-brick construction in the world.

Surrounded by lofty walls and towers and a moat, it includes a great number of houses encircling the seat of the ruler, which stand in the center.

ARG-E BAM (DAMAGED)

Being one of the world wonders covering 6 sq. kms, it is the greatest mud-brick construction in the world.

Surrounded by lofty walls and towers and a moat, it includes a great number of houses encircling the seat of the ruler, which stand in the center.

MAHAN

Mahan is an impressive town, 42 kms northeast of Kerman, which is probably founded in Sassanid period.

Spectacular natural sights and the Mausoleum of Shah Ne'matollah-e Vali, the renowned Iranian mystic and poet, and the Garden of Prince, make it a point of interest.

It has the most beautiful minarets of Iran.

KERMANSHAH

Lying west of Iran, Kermanshah province with numerous monument and beauties of nature is of great attraction for visitors.

In general, it enjoys a mild climate.

Kurds, Lors, Arabs and Turks are peoples living in Kermanshah province.

According to historical documents, it has been always an important center.

Considering its great antiquity and its various historical monuments, this city can represent a remarkable part of the history of Iran.

Pol-e Kohne (Old Bridge) having the herring bone arches made of bricks, and Jam'e Mosque, dating back to the 18th century with beautiful brickworks and plasterworks are of more importance.

In the suburb of Kerman shah, relics surviving from Circa 900 BC on the hill of Ganj Darreh and three catacombs dating back to the Median age, near Deh-Nou, Ishaqvand village, are very impressive.

But the most attractive sites in this area are Bisotun and Tagh-e Bostan, which are both among the astonishing attractions of Iran.

TAGH-E BOSTAN

This monument, dating back to the Sassanian period, is located 5 km northeast of Kermanshah.

This world-famous monument has two magnificent arches carved on the mountain with extreme dexterity.

One part of the carving represents a hunting scene in which the king is hunting and some animals are running away.

Another part of the carving shows the ritual of taking crown from God.

This is of high importance to those in the ritual of ancient Iran.

BISOTUN

Situated 25km from Kermanshah, Bisotun is world-famous and magnificently impressive for visitors.

A relief of Darius, the king of Persia (512-486 BC), showing him after the victory over the rebels, is a fascinating monument.

Some of the other ancient relics are inscriptions in the Babylonian, old Persian and Elamite languages.

In historical studies, these inscriptions are extremely important, because they provide a clue to the decipherment of cuneiform.

MASHHAD & GILAN

Being one of the centers of Iranian civilization, Khorasan has been of high importance since ancient times.

As a satrapy in Achaemenid age and a part of Iranshahr in the Sassanid period, it was regarded as an influential region.

After the Arab invasion the people of Khorasan converted to Islam.

The shrine of eight Imam of Shiite Muslims Imam Reza (c.768-818) in Mashhad, has increased the province's importance.

This is the most important pilgrimage in Iran.

TUS

The famous city of Tus, located 24 kms west of Mashhad, was the home of Ferdowsi (c.935-1020) the great Persian Poet who spent about 35 years writing his great epic, Shahnameh.

MASHHAD

Mashhad the provincial capital of Khorasan, containing the holy shrine of Imam Reza, is the most pilgrimage in Iran.

The holy shrine and all its courtyards are the significant of the Islamic architecture.

Aqiq and Azadi courtyards belonging to Gowhar Shad are eye-catching places.

The sepulcher is enclosed by a golden transenna made by craftmen from Isfahan.

GILAN

Enjoying a splendid natural beauty, a pleasant climate, lofty mountains covered with lush vegetation and luxuriant forests the province of Gilan attracts large number of visitors each year.

Situated to the south of Caspian Sea, Gilan covers an area of 14709 sq kms.

It is also bounded to Talesh Mountains westward and Alborz mountain range southward.

The history of Gilan is not so clear till the 6th century BC.

But archeological excavation show that the antiquity of the lands in southern parts of the Caspian Sea dates back to the last Freezing Period estimated to 50-150 millennia BC.

The most important towns of this province are: Rasht, Astara, Astaneh-Ashrafiyyeh, Anzali, Rudbar, Rudsar, Souma'eh Sara, Talesh, Fuman, and one of the most villages, Masouleh.

RASHT

Located in the center of the plateau of Gilan, Rasht is 323 kms distant from Tehran.

It has a mild humid weather.

Dating back to the pre-Islamic period, this city has been an important center for trade and agricultural activities.

The Park of Qods, Saafi Mosque, Haj Mohammad khan Mosque, the town hall, and the Mausoleum of Mirza Koochak Khan are among places worthwhile seeing.

ANZALI

Situated 40 kms northwest of Rasht, this town is the most important northern seaport of Iran.

It is a peninsula, 33 kms long separating Anzali swamp from the Caspian Sea.

Fishing, exporting Caviar and tourism are among the main sources of income in Anzali.

Pol-e Ghazian, the palace of Miyan posht are among interesting places to see.

Anzali swamp, having fascinating landscapes, attract many visitors.

The seaport links Iran with Black Sea via Volga-Don channel.

FOUMAN

The beautiful village of Masuleh is an impressive place situated 35 kms west of Fuman in the mountains of Talesh.

Lush vegetation and beautiful nature on the one hand, and low humidity on the other, afford this village a distinctive position.

Apart from natural beauty, the unique architecture of the buildings with lattice windows and exquisite decorations attracts many tourists each year.

Due to its original architecture this village was registered by the UNESCO.

ORUMIEH & TABRIZ

Orumieh is located 18th kms west of Orumieh Lake in a luxuriant plain.

The weather in this city is cold in winters and moderate in the summers.

The latest archaeological discoveries in Orumieh indicate that the history of this region dates back to 2000 BC.

Some historians believe that Orumieh is the birthplace of Zoroaster, the most famous Persian prophet.

There had been many historical sites and monuments in Orumieh, which were unfortunately destroyed, in some historical events and invasions of different tribes and clans.

The most important historical and eye-pleasing places are as follows: Orumieh lake and its islands Kaboodan, Ashk, Arezoo and Espeer, Mineral waters of Zanbil, Church of Saint Thaddeus, Haftabeh and Qaynarjeh, and many other mosques and monuments.

ORUMIEH LAKE

"The most beautiful blue" in the world is how people used to describe that water, which contains a concentration of salt almost as heavy as that of the Dead Sea.

The ancient Persians called it the "Royal Sea".

TABRIZ

Regarding as the center of Azarbayjan, an immense area in the northwestern Iran, Tabriz has been the center of trade and tourism since the distant past.

It is a city of great antiquity and has been the capital of Iran in different periods, as a result of which monuments of rich variety are found in it.

The following are of more prominence: Blue Mosque, Arg of Tabriz, IL Goli, the historical Bazaar, Jame' Mosque, City Hall, Clock Tower, Castle of Rashidieh, and many other attractions.

Near Tabriz there are so many villages and towns, who are attractive sites for tourists.

Some of these villages are: Kandovan, Ahar, Jolfa, Shabestar, Kaleibar and Maragheh.

BLUE MOSQUE

It is a famous mosque, the interior and exterior facades of which are decorated with some of the finest tile-mosaic in Iran.

Dating back to the 15th century, it is a triumph architecturally.

ARG OF TABRIZ

Arg or citadel of Tabriz, dates back to the 14th century.

It is an evidence of heroic resistance of the city's people to the invaders.

Arg is a leading tourist attraction of Tabriz.

EL GOLI

It is a park containing an impressive building and a vast pool encircled by lofty trees in the center.

From this garden, you can see a large red cliff overlooking the valley of the Taikel River which was through Tabriz.

This beautiful pavilion dates back to Qajar's era.

KANDOVAN

Kandovan is situated in Oscoo town, near Tabriz.

In this village, a unique architecture suitable for mountainous areas has developed.

The village's people have managed to preserve their traditions in the course of history.

Apart from architecture, the mineral springs of Kandovan has endless fascinating for many tourists.

JOLFA

Church Saint Stephen, being of considerable attraction architecturally, is in 16 kms west to this village.

The construction of this church dates back to 10- 12 AC.

There are so many calligraphies in Armenian language in this church, which refers to the way of its construction.

Another attracting Church in this city is Holy Mary's Church the construction of which refers to 16 AC.

KALIBAR

This town is located 165 kms northeast of Tabriz.

The Arras River crosses this district from the northern part, and the famous Castle of Babak in this town is located on the mountain.

It is located 2600 meters high, west to Kaleibar.

SEMNAN, SHIRAZ, TEHRAN & YAZD

Semnan is located 221 kms distance from Tehran.

During its long history, this city was occupied by many tribes and its name has been mentioned in many historical books.

Semnan was one of the main provinces of ancient Iran.

Its inhabitants speak in a specific language, which seems to be one of the ancient dialects of the ancient Persian.

The Seljucid minarets with an epitaph in Koofi script on it and the Friday Mosque beside the Minarets, and the Gate of Semnan Citadel, are of the valuable monuments of Semnan.

SHIRAZ

Situated in Fars province, which is one of the most famous provinces of the Old Persian Empire, Shiraz is known in the entire world as the city of roses and poets, and is located in a specious region of the oldest human civilizations of the world.

Before the Islamic period, two commanders rose from this region and each established a big monarch; the first, the Achaemenid by the king Cyrus, and the second is Sassanid, by the king Ardeshir Babekan.

It is remained some attractive and enormous palace worthy of the empire of Achaemenids, Persepolis, Naqsh-e-Rostam, and Pasargad which are among the most attractive sites of the world.

The long history of Shiraz has left many historical and cultural places a long side with the natural views, such as Bagh-e-Eram Narenjestan, Vakil Mosque, Bazaar and Castle, Aghigh Mosque, and many other mosques and beautiful houses along with the tombs of two famous Iranian poets Sa'di, Hafez, and the holy shrine of Shah-e-Cheragh.

PERSEPOLIS

Persepolis is a large bare plain surrounded by mauve cliffs with sharp edges.

It is there, in the center of the Marv Dasht basin, 60 km from Shiraz, that Cyrus the great chose, toward the end of his region, to build under the shelter of a fold in the mountains, a palace worthy of the Empire.

Persepolis includes the Achaemenid kings' palaces and tombs, inscriptions carved in the stone, and massive columns.

This majestic complex represents the ancient Iranian architecture and art in its superb manifestation.

Alexander burned Persepolis the completion of which took 120 years, on 330 BC.

The largest building of this complex is Apadana, which belonged to Darius and was used as a place for public audience in New Year celebration.

NAQSH-E ROSTAM

Naqsh-e Rostam is a sort of "Valley of King", dominated by tall Ochre-colored cliffs, cracked and wrinkled by the wind with half-way up, the cross-shaped cavities of the tombs cut right into the stone.

The gaunt beauty of the mountains and the immense landscape are appropriate for the sacred character of this necropolis sheltering, the toms of the main Achaemenian Sovereigns.

Form right to left the tombs are those of Xerxes, Darius, the Great Artaxerxes I and Darius II.

PASSARGAD

Pasargad the capital of Cyrus the Great and Cabyses is to the north of Persepolis in Dasht-e Morghab.

It includes the mausoleum of Cyrus, a palace and a stone tower.

Here Cyrus fought and won his last battle against his former suzerain, the Median king Astyages in 550 BC.

And Pasargad named for the chief tribe of the Persian, was built as Strabo relates, as a memorial to that epic victory.

ERAM GARDEN

Baghe Eram or the Eram Garden with old impressive cypress trees and a building with beautiful mirror-incrusted stalactites is a place worthwhile seeing.

This is famous for its unique plants and is typical late Qajar Palace, now donated to Shiraz University.

NARENJESTAN

This famous 19th century Palace consisting of a museum and a garden is among points of interest; its architecture, mirror-incrusted stalactites and paintings are of considerable beauty.

The garden consists chiefly of orange-groves from which the Palace acquired its name.

VAKIL MOSQUE, BAZAAR & CASTLE

The Castle of Karimkhan belonging to the Zand dynasty (1750-1794) is a splendid building located in the center of Shiraz.

The architecture, plasterwork, stylized doors and windows, and the four lofty towers of the castle are highly impressive.

The Vakil Bazaar also dates back to the Zand period.

At the end of bazaar is the traditional Caravansary of Seray-e Moshir.

Today it is a center for selling handicrafts produced in Fars.

The Vakil Mosque, having four Ivan, a vast sanctuary, massive stone pillars and a stone pulpit, is in the vicinity of the bazaar.

HAFEZ & SA'DI

The Mausoleums of Sa'di (c.1213-1292), and Hafez (c.1325-1389), the great Iranian poets attract large number of visitors.

SHAH-E CHERAGH

The most important shrine in Shiraz is the mausoleum of Seyyed Mir Ahmad whose title is Shah-e Cheragh (the King of Lights).

He is the brother of Imam Reza the eight Imam of the Shi'ites.

TEHRAN

With nearly 9 million inhabitants Tehran Province is Iran's most densely populated province.

The cities of Tehran, Ray who has been destroyed by Mongols on 1220, Damavand, Varamin, Karadj, and Shemiranat are in the province of Tehran.

The metropolitan city of Tehran slopes of mountains of Shemiran and Damavand is the world-famous capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

It has been Iran's capital for only 200 years now.

Tehran is a city of four seasons, with hot summers, freezing winters, and brief spring and autumn.

The old historical monuments of Tehran date back to Qajar period.

Some of them are: The Golestan Palace and Museum, the Shamsolemareh Building, the Imam Khomeini Mosque, the Museum of Carpets with lots of valuable and old carpets, Anthropological Museum, National Iranian Museum containing both the pre-Islam and post-Islam parts, Abgineh or Glass Museum, and the complex of Sa'd Abad and Niavaran, beside a large number of other museums and attractions.

YAZD

Immense desert and scanty rainfall are the causes of unique architecture emerged in Yazd, attracting many visitors.

Moreover, the mysterious silence of the deserts has endless fascination for those who love deserts.

Numeral historical monuments date back to Sassanid period, are also counted of the attractions of this city, among which the most important ones are: Jame' Mosque, Amirchakhmagh Mosque and Bazaar, Fire Temple and so many other sites attractive fir tourists.

JAME MOSQUE

Dating back to 600 years ago, with its huge dome, lofty minarets and impressive tile work is a triumph of architecture.

The minarets of this mosque are the highest in Iran; the portal's facade is decorated from top to bottom in dazzling tile work.

AMIRCHAKHMAQ BAZAAR & MOSQUE

The Bazaar and Mosque of Amirchakhmaq, founded by Amir Chakhmaq, the governor of Yazd, are of great attraction from historical and architectural point of view.

The entrance of Bazaar is the greatest one in Iran.

FIRE-TEMPLE

A Fire-Temple, the fire of which has been brought from Fars Fire- Temple and has been burning since 3000 years, is in the center of the city.

Source:http://mathaba.net/news/?x=586380

Idaho is one of America’s best-kept secrets places to visit

2009-11-27T05:08:00.000-08:00

Idaho is one of America’s best-kept secrets and in recent years has emerged as one of the West’s premiere vacation destinations with its timbered mountains, pristine lakes, wide-open vistas, vibrant cities and irrigated farmlands that dot the state from Nevada to Canada.

The Gem State’s door is wide open to family travelers looking for fun, outdoor enthusiasts in search of the thrills of nature, adventure seekers or those just looking to relax.

Adjacent to Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is a big state with lots to see and do. Whichever part of the state you choose to discover for yourself, you’re bound to find spectacular scenery, helpful, friendly locals and impressive wildlife.

To help you decide what to do first, take a look at Idaho’s top 10 places to see and you’ll be on your way.

1. Sun ValleyThe Sun Valley/Ketchum area sits at the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests in a setting found nowhere else in Idaho.

Nestled among mountains and pastures, clean air and water, Sun Valley is the very definition of the American winter vacation, being the nation’s first destination ski resort.

Sun Valley attracts a mix of Hollywood movie stars and Olympic champions, some of whom own homes in the Wood River Valley. Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis are just a few of the many celebrities who own vacation homes locally.

“Sun Valley is just a very special place,” Sun Valley Company Director of Sales, Marketing and Public Relations Jack Sibbach said. “The weather is fantastic year-round and that brings in many families and groups who come for the quality of the experience we offer.”

Sun Valley boasts a world-class mountain, with a quality ski school, experienced instructors and some of the best snow in the state. Casual elegance is the style at the resort’s stately Sun Valley Lodge and Sun Valley Inn.

Born out of a desire to bring the magic of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon and continues to be ranked among the best in North America.2. McCall/Tamarack Known as one of Idaho’s most popular resort areas, McCall is a small mountain community nestled along the shores of Payette Lake just a two-hour drive from the Treasure Valley.

McCall is home to popular vacation destinations such as Brundage Mountain, Ponderosa State Park, the U.S. Forest Service Smokejumper Base and the annual Winter Carnival that draws more than 70,000 people each January.

Traditionally a logging community, McCall’s last sawmill closed in 1977. Since then, the city has transformed into a popular year-round destination and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Known for having the highest average snowfall in the state with an average annual accumulation of 300 inches, McCall’s Brundage Mountain Resort is a favorite among skiers and snowboarders for its friendly, family atmosphere and top-notch powder skiing.

Visitors enjoy alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, lift-served snow tubing or simply settling in beside a warm fire.

McCall’s summers are generally mild, influenced by the mountains, lakes, altitude and latitude. The area offers swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing on Payette Lake.

Just a short distance from McCall near Donnelly is Tamarack, the first newly permitted resort in North America in more than two decades. The resort features an incredible blend of mountain, meadow and lake amenities, including skiing, mountain biking, zip-line and more. Tamarack played host to President George W. Bush in 2006 and is the site of a luxury hotel under development by tennis superstars Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff.3. Boise The city of Boise is perhaps best known across the nation for its college football team, the Boise State Broncos, who won the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

While fans and tourists alike come to Boise to see Boise State’s iconic blue turf at Bronco Stadium, the capital city’s claims to fame run much broader and deeper.

Boise is a beautiful city with a delightful blend of traditional and non-traditional sights and attractions. Known as the City of Trees, Boise boasts one-of-a-kind museums and picturesque urban parks that residents and visitors enjoy year-round.

The Boise River flows through the heart of the city and features a 25-mile riverfront greenbelt, cherished by walkers, bikers and runners alike. And the city offers the broadest selection of dining, shopping and entertainment choices in Idaho.

“Boise is an incredible city that people around this country are just now starting to discover for themselves,” Owyhee Plaza Hotel front office manager Sandra Pack said. “Boise offers so much to all different types of people — and that is what makes it so unique.”

Visitors have plenty to see and do when they come to Boise, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center, Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, Idaho Black History Museum and the World Center for Birds of Prey.

Boise is also home to professional sports teams like the NBA Development League’s Idaho Stampede, NHL affiliate Idaho Steelheads, Arena Football League 2’s Boise Burn and Chicago Cubs farm team the Boise Hawks.

Folks can also enjoy nearby mountains, breathtaking canyons, the Canyon County Wine Country, whitewater rafting rivers, deserts and dunes and more.4. Coeur d'AleneABC’s Barbara Walters once called Coeur d’Alene “a little slice of heaven” and included it in her list of most fascinating places to visit.

Located about 30 miles east of Spokane, Wash., Coeur d’Alene is the largest city in the northern Idaho panhandle and lies at the northern end of Lake Coeur d‘Alene, a 30-mile-long body of water that showcases breathtaking vistas and crisp, blue waters ideal for water skiing, parasailing and fishing.

The city has grown substantially in recent years as a result of increased tourism. Two major ski resorts, Silver Mountain Resort to the east in Kellogg and Schweitzer Mountain ski resort to the north in Sandpoint, have helped Coeur d’Alene become one of the most desirable destinations in the state.

Coeur d’Alene also draws golf enthusiasts from across the nation. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is considered one of the best in the United States, largely because of its scenic setting and the fact that its 14th hole boasts the world’s only movable floating green.

Coeur d’Alene is always abuzz with activity, including art shows, athletic events, outdoor fun and an endless list of things to do and see.

The city may be best known for its waterfront Coeur d’Alene Resort, a world class, full-service destination resort featuring multiple restaurants and lounges, European spa, tennis, recreation center and lake cruises on Lake Coeur d’Alene.5. Twin FallsLocated on the high plains of southern Idaho, Twin Falls is perched on the edge of the Snake River Canyon and is home to unique attractions.

Despite the name and the unusual location of the city, the most impressive falls nearby are actually Shoshone Falls, a towering, commanding waterfall taller than Niagara that draws big crowds in high water years.

Another scenic feature near Twin Falls is the Snake River Canyon, brought into the national spotlight in the 1970s by famed stuntman Evel Knievel, who aborted an attempt to jump the canyon on his rocket motorcycle. The Sawtooth National Forest to the south features hiking, camping, skiing and fun for the whole family.

Unpopulated until about 100 years ago, extensive irrigation from the Snake River paved the way for the beginning of farming and habitation on the arid plateau. The landscape and scenery is enhanced by brilliant night skies undimmed by light pollution.

Twin Falls is home to the College of Southern Idaho, an institution that has helped the city grow into one of Idaho’s largest cities. It is also home to the Perrine Memorial Bridge, which spans the Snake River Gorge nearly 500 feet above the water and is a popular stop for BASE jumpers and their spectators. The bridge design is distinctive and is considered a tourist attraction in itself.6. StanleyIf you want to see Idaho the way Lewis and Clark saw it more than 200 years ago, look no further than Stanley.

Surrounded by the splendor of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley is a picturesque playground for all seasons. Visitors can discover Stanley on foot, on skis, on horseback, from a snowmobile, kayak or car, and can sense the wonder and beauty of this small slice of heaven on earth.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a day of fishing, biking, rafting, hiking, climbing, skiing or sledding while viewing the majestic snow-capped mountains and breathtaking foliage of this special place.

View wildlife in beautiful meadows full of wildflowers, read a favorite book by the lake, visit a ghost town or historic museum or watch Chinook salmon return home after swimming 900 miles to their birthplace beneath the towering peaks.

Visitors who come in the fall are treated to aspen leaves turning red and gold, uncrowded trails in the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains and quiet, crisp fall mornings.

In the winter months, clear blue skies and glistening white snow combine to create the perfect setting for cross-country skiing, hunting, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and photography.7. Craters of the MoonFor more than 15,000 years, lava eruptions created a bizarre and unusual landscape that is unlike any other in the state. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is part of the Snake River Plain, a volcanic terrain that spans across all of southern Idaho and can be found 18 miles southwest of Arco.

Craters of the Moon is considered by some to be one of the best places in the world to see the effects of volcanism. In various places, this volcanic plain is 60 miles wide, and drilling into it has shown its lava deposits to be more than 10,000 feet deep in some locations.

Visitors can feast their eyes upon features like cinder cones, spatter cones, lava tubes and several types of lava flows.

In 1969, the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon visited Craters of the Moon, but did not train there. Instead, they studied the volcanic geology of the area and were also able to explore the remarkable and harsh environment in preparation for their historic trip into space.

Many visitors wonder if Craters of the Moon will ever erupt again. Geologists say the site is dormant rather than an extinct volcanic area. The volcanoes here are not dead, only sleeping, and are expected to become active again within the next 1,000 years.8. Hell's Gate State Park/Hell's CanyonHell’s Gate State Park, located in north-central Idaho, serves as a gateway to both Idaho’s Lewis and Clark Country as well as Hell’s Canyon, the deepest river gorge in all of North America, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Wildlife, fishing, boating and sightseeing make Hell’s Gate one of Idaho’s best and most sought-after parks. It is situated in an area not far from Lewiston and is just 30 minutes away from the Nez Perce National Historic Park.

For those up for an adventure, boat excursions to Hell’s Canyon leave regularly from Hell’s Gate Park and allow visitors to behold the canyon’s majesty, depth and unusual formation.

The park, which is elevated at 733 feet above sea level, also offers a calm camping atmosphere along the shores of the Snake River. A large beach and day-use area is available for recreational activities like horseback riding, hiking and biking, making this a must-see location for sportsman and campers alike.

Wildlife lovers are likely to find pheasants, quails, chakras, hawks, geese, ducks, owls and cottontail rabbits within the park.9. Priest Lake Long considered a crown jewel, Priest Lake is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Breathtaking scenery and surroundings that are unspoiled and spectacular make Priest Lake one of Idaho’s premiere destinations.

A location that is truly sensational in all seasons, Priest Lake is a year-round family vacation stop as well as a location for group conferences, seminars and retreats.

The centerpiece of this spot on the map is a magnificent 23,000-acre azure lake that stretches for 25 miles nestled beneath the majestic Selkirk Mountains, making it one of the most beautiful wilderness areas you will ever see.

Located about 75 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, Priest Lake actually consists of two lakes joined by a two-mile long slow moving river known as the Thoroughfare. The landscape offers 80 miles of shoreline and many popular accesses and beaches for swimming, picnics and an array of boating sports accommodated with marina and vehicle services, boat rentals, as well as grocery and tackle shops.

This oasis in the mountains also boasts 400 miles of groomed, marked and patrolled snowmobile trails. Ample snowfall and open spaces make Priest Lake a winter wonderland. Cross-country skiers come from far and wide to enjoy over 70 kilometers of groomed trails throughout the area. 10. Bruneau Sand DunesThe Bruneau Sand Dunes, located in Bruneau Dunes State Park in the high desert south of Mountain Home, features the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. The dune rises to a 470 feet high above a collection of small lakes located in the park.

Massive sand-piles remain trapped in a semi-circular basin, due largely to opposing wind currents, contributing to the dunes’ unusual makeup.

The state park is perfect for anyone who loves to fish, bird-watch, camp, hike or swim. The park also features one of only two public observatories in Idaho and gives visitors the chance to look through a 25-inch Obsession, the largest telescope in the West that’s accessible to the public.

Visitors are welcome to climb the unique dunes and explore some of the park’s most attractive and popular features, including desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat. Some are even lucky enough to observe nocturnal species when the opportunity presents itself. No vehicles are allowed on the dunes.

The visitor center is a popular stop on the way through Bruneau Dunes State Park, where you’ll find a detailed exhibit on the area’s desert denizens, among them the coyote and the golden eagle, along with fossils from former residents such as the mammoth.
source:http://www.idahopress.com/news/?id=4257

Enjoy ur holiday Norway with great Adventurous

2009-11-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

Escape your everyday routine and try an adventurous activity holiday in Norway. Get back to nature as you experience this relatively undiscovered activity destination offering a variety of resorts and activities.

Norway’s stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop to enjoy the peace and quiet in a canoe, horseriding or for more adventure join FlatEarth and go glacier walking, abseiling, paragliding and much more.

Activity Holidays in Vradal Log Cabins
Visit the Telemark region of Norway on a self drive break. The beautiful resort borders placid Lake Nisser. Sail from Newcastle to Stavanger late on a Sunday night and your adventure begins as soon as you board the ship –great restaurants, bars, shops, even cinema swimming pool and casino.

Prices include 2 nights onboard ship, carriage of a standard vehicle 4/5 nights in a Vradal lodge, plus live onboard entertainment. After you arrive in Stavanger is about a 4 hour drive through picturesque country to Vradal where you stay in pretty lakeside log cabins. You can enjoy watersports, cycling and hiking. 7 nights from £155 pp 6May – 17 June and 2 Sept to 30 September / 6 nights from £203 pp 20 June – 26 August.

6 night activity holiday at FlatEarth
Sail from Newcastle to Bergen on the DFDS Seaways cruise ferry. If you like Adrenalin sports this is for you. Enjoy 3 fun packed days of activities with FlatEarth in the heart of the Norwegian Fjords. With over 25 years experience and located on the fabulous Hardangerfjord you’ll be enjoy individually tailored activities.

Each day you can choose a different activity including river and fjord Kayaking, glacier expeditions, climbing, abseiling, fishing, sea kayaking, canoing or mountain biking. Prices from £633 pp include sea crossings, return carriage of standard car, 4 nights at the Eidfjord Fjell and Fjord hotel, 3 days FlatEarth pass as well as breakfast and dinner at the hotel

6/7 night activity holiday at Voss
From £578pp for high season 19th june- 27th August, from £444pp for low season 25 Jan – 18 June and 28 August to 27 December.

Situated between the two famous fjords or Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord – Fleischers Hotel in Voss is a popular year round destination. The ideal base for various activities and in a beautiful setting. The attractive swiss style 19th century hotel is still run by the Fleischers family and offers modern amenities and traditional charm.

The hotel’s restaurant is renowned for delicious food including local fish and Norwegian specialities. Summer activities in Voss are extensive. Price includes 2 nights onboard, 5 nights at Fleischers, carriage of a standard car and great onboard entertainment

Activity Holiday to Lilland Hotel near Pulpit Rock
6 nights from £476pp in high season 20 June to 26 August). 7 nights from £505 pp in low season 6 May – 17th June and 2nd September to 30th September.

Pulpit Rock near Stavanger is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Norway with its unrivaled views. It is a popular hiking site. Sail to Norway from Newcastle and stay at the Lilland Hotel 30 minutes from Stavanger, the perfect base from which to visit Pulpit Rock. Two ways to visit Pulpit Rock –3 to 4 hour hike or a boat ride- both offer great views from the top. Price includes 2 nights onboard, 4/5 nights at the Lilland Hotel, carriage of a standard vehicle and a wide range of onboard entertainment.
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Holidays/article-168958.html

Holistic Treatment to Health in Kerala Ayurveda

2009-11-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

The Indian state of Kerala is located in the South Western tip of India. The state has a tropical type of climate and covers a total area of about 38, 863 square km. God´s own country as it is famously known, it is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West and has a network of 44 rivers, lakes, and estuaries popularly known as backwaters, that drains into the Arabian Sea,. The state has a long shoreline with tranquil beaches which attract tourists from all across the globe. Besides this, the state is also famous for its age-old Ayurvedic therapy. Kerala Ayurveda is indeed gaining momentum worldwide for its holistic effect on the body and mind. The healing effects of Ayurveda have spread as much by government initiatives as well as by word of mouth. As a result, you now you can also avail of comprehensive Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health care which has its origin in the Indian sub-continent. The origin of this therapy is much argued, but this science of cure has passed on from generation to generation. This science of medicine operates on the percept that every material object, be it animal or human or even mineral resources, has some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these objects have been used for centuries to cure illness and maintain good health. Even writers and compilers of Indian History like Charaka, Sushruta, Vagabhatta, Bhav Mishra, and Shaligram have written about the qualities and medical uses of these herbs, mineral, metals, chemicals, animal parts and fruits. The effects and practice of Ayurveda was also mentioned in the ancient Indian texts like Vastu and the Vedas.

Ayurvedic massage is a medical treatment which can be applied to individuals of any age. However, the intensity of the massage varies from age to age. The ayurvedic massage therapy helps in relieving pain, improves blood circulation, relieves stress, sleep better, provides flexibility in muscles and remove toxic materials that gets accumulated in the joints and tissues. Interestingly, this age-old holistic treatment has become one of the main revenue generators for India in terms of health tourism. Tourists, who are Indian, but mostly foreign, are keen on Ayurvedic therapy forming part of the package deal for a tour of Kerala. The resort or spa which offers Ayurveda treatment in Kerala also provides you with Ayurveda diet, yoga and meditation classes, and massage therapy. From obesity to liver problems, skin care to hair loss everything is believed to have an answer in Ayurveda.

The equable climate and the natural abundance of forest with a large variety of herbs and medicinal plants make Kerala a wonder destination for Ayurveda. Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages are some of the most healing and restorative packages in India. The ideal time to book tours for Kerala Ayurveda is in the monsoon, when the atmosphere remains dust free and cool.

Several types of Ayurvedic therapies are practiced in Kerala. The most prominent ones include the Abhyangam, Dhanyamla Dhara, Dhara, Kativasthi, Ksheeradhoomam, Njavarakizhi, Sirovasthi, Snehapanam, Udvarthanam, Urovasthi, Vasthi and the Yoni Prakshalanam. The duration of these treatments ranges from seven to fourteen days or even more depending upon the package you are choosing. Each of these packages has some distinct medicinal value and helps in attaining the harmony of body, mind and soul.

Kerala Ayurvedic tour packages generally include accommodation for days depending upon the massage pack chosen, body massage and food. One can also avail the shared accommodation at a discounted rate. Kerala tour Operators have basically three options – a seven day package, a fourteen day package and a twenty one day package, from which the guests can choose depending upon his need. Among the prominent resorts which offer Ayurveda in Kerala include Sanjeevanam Resort, Somatheeram Resort, Thirummal Resort, Manal Theeram Beach Resort and the Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort.

Source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/58894

Up-and-coming Tourist Destination In Northern Ireland emerges as a hot spot Tourist Place

2009-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Since the Good Friday Peace Accord of 1998, Northern Ireland has morphed from the land of "Troubles" to an up-and-coming tourist destination.

Before that, sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics made headlines around the world as Loyalists to the British Crown battled those who wanted Northern Ireland free of English rule. Skirmishes between the British military and paramilitary forces broke out on a regular basis.

The Good Friday agreement, however, ushered in equal rights, legitimization of the Irish language, demilitarization and arms decommissioning. As a result, violence subsided and the streets of Belfast and Derry became safe. With peace came economic prosperity.

Investment companies formed to develop and reconstruct vast areas of Belfast. New restaurants and bars opened; more jobs resulted in a population with more sterling to spend.

Suddenly, 19th-century Ireland's most industrial city became a bustling European hot spot.

The airlines have helped. Belfast is Aer Lingus' new hub, making it a popular weekend getaway for Europeans who come for the food, drink, attractions, shopping and entertainment. (One of the U.K.'s biggest Ikeas just opened nearby and throngs of shoppers arrive from the Republic of Ireland.) On Thursday, a new mixed-use Victoria Shopping Centre opened, with leisure facilities, apartments and over 70 retailers.

FAR FROM FAMINE

It's hard to imagine that a century and a half ago, famine forced millions to flee Northern Ireland when today the country's food is so plentiful and tasty that food tourism is one of its many draws. Seafood such as monkfish, oysters and mussels, together with local cheese, beef and produce, form a larder for the region's fresh, innovative menus.

Don't miss Belfast's restaurant scene. Malmaison Belfast, housed in two former warehouses near the River Lagan, sports a stylish hotel, bar and brasserie, which in addition to the regular menu features a popular and reasonably priced local one. Chef Colin Manson uses producers like Maurice Kettyle for his locally reared and aged beef, Bob Couhoun for organic tomatoes and Courtney's Orchard for local Armagh apples.

MAGNET FOR EUROPEAN VISITORS

A decade ago, even locals wouldn't venture into Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. The neighborhood stood derelict, victim of severe economic decline and years of sectarian violence between Catholics and Protestants. Now it's the city's art and entertainment center, and brand new restaurants, like No. 27, cater to visitors and natives alike.
source:http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/travel/2008/03/09/2008-03-09_northern_ireland_emerges_as_a_tourist_ho.html

Spend your Holidays with the world Best Adventure Places

2009-11-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

These days people want more from their holiday than just a holiday - they want an adventure holiday. It has to be a holiday that will take them far away from working life and give them something to talk about in the pub when they get back.

Now that backpacking in Thailand or tea-house trekking in Nepal has become mainstream, travellers are looking for new challenges to fill their time off.

The world's largest adventure travel company, takes 70,000 people on 1,000 adventurous holidays annually and sales director John Warner says the sector is continuing to show strong growth.

He quoted a 2005 Mintel study that showed one in four Europeans would go on an adventure holiday.

The market for adventure holidays is particularly robust in the UK, with several generations of former backpackers now grown up, with disposable income and often a family in tow.

Above all they are looking for an experience, maybe even a life-changing one. They have got over their fear of the unknown and they're looking for something exotic and different - an adventure holiday.

"They don't want to just be able to say they've been to Cambodia. They want to say they've been rafting down the Mekong river, met the local people, got to the heart of the country and really experienced it," explains Mr Warner.

Adventure holidays appeal across all age groups and may not necessarily involve physical challenge.

For many people going to a developing country and finding they have no familiar cultural or language references and no communication with the outside world is enough of an adventure holiday.

"Sitting five feet away from a gorilla is just sitting there but believe me it could be one of the most exciting things you'll ever experience," said John Warner.

"And when a big silverback gorilla walks past and picks up a baby - you'll never forget that."

The independent writers at travelbite.co.uk have looked around the globe for the best adventure holiday destinations and activities:

North America adventure holidays – Yosemite National Park

America's national parks offer some of the most beautiful and varied locations for adventure holidays, and the lush green utopia of Yosemite in California is surely one of the very best.

The perfect paradise for those wanting to do something more with their holiday than simply sitting by the pool, Yosemite national park offers plenty of activities, from horseback riding and river rafting in the summer to snowboarding and skiing in the winter.

For the rock climbers among you, the Yosemite Valley features one of the most famous and inspiring of all challenges - El Capitan - the largest exposed granite monolith in the world.

While there are plenty of places in the park for beginners to try their hand at rock climbing, this is certainly not one of them. The sheer cliff face is more than a kilometre high, and the task of conquering it takes most climbers three to five days - surely a must for experienced climbers wanting to add to their list of achievements.

If attempting to perform standard bodily functions while precariously hanging off El Capitan for 100 hours straight is a little too adventurous for your liking, the natural wonderland of Yosemite is also perfect for hiking and backpacking.

There are many different suggested routes for scenic walks and treks throughout the park, which will suit people of different fitness levels.

However, for the more serious adventurers out there, the 17-mile round-trip up to the peak of Half Dome is perhaps the most breath-taking, with views across the valley to El Capitan.

The National Park Service classify this hike as "extremely strenuous", and the trip is generally estimated to require between ten to 12 hours, but if you're the type to not do things by halves then the view from 9,000ft up is certainly worth it.

There are a number of excellent lodges for visitors to stay in the base of the Yosemite Valley as well as the famous Wawona Hotel.

Yosemite can be quite inaccessible during the winter as heavy snow often leads to road closures, so particular attention to your route is needed in deciding when to travel.

Robert Hastings

Europe adventure holidays - Via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites

This popular adventure sport has a fascinating history and offers the opportunity to combine a holiday in Italy with adventure amid some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.

The Dolomite mountains once formed the first world war's most extreme battle ground as the Italian and Austrian armies fought a ferocious two-year campaign.

They tunnelled and fixed wires across the Dolomite mountains, building fortifications and gun emplacements along miles of narrow pathways and across ridgelines at high altitude.

Their legacy is the basis of the via ferrata (Italian for "the iron way") routes enjoyed by adventurous holidaymakers today.

War-time routes have been restored and expanded into a network of ferrata that allows anyone with a head for heights and reasonable fitness to enjoy the exhilaration of being high in the mountains without specialist skills.

The tunnel system of the Sentiero de Luca/Innerkofler route offers superb views of one of the most iconic images in the Dolomites: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the three peaks of Lavaredo).

These three giant tombstones of rock stand in splendid isolation on what was the Austro-Italian border until 1919. The tallest is 1,640 feet (500m) high.

Despite its violent past, the valley today is a place of peaceful recreation. The clamour of cow bells in the high pastures and alpine meadows full of harebells, hawkbit and the tiniest of miniature pink rhododendrons surround walkers.

The highest point on this via ferrata is Monte Paterno (2,744 metres) and the ascent is a combination of walking and mountain climbing.

It is as easy as snapping your carabiners onto the steel cable fixed into the mountain, reaching up to find a hand hold and scrambling up the rocky face.

The views from the top are breathtaking, with mountains receding into the distance in every direction. The south faces are like gothic carving covered by cobwebs in the evening sun.

No special training or techniques are required to follow via ferrata. There are plenty of guided tours available but people who are confident about being in the mountains should be able to go it alone after some instruction.

The equipment needed includes a climbing harness, a helmet and a specially designed via ferrata kit. This is a Y-shaped rope which is attached to your harness at one end and clipped into the fixed wire on the mountain at the other ends.

A friction plate in the middle means that if you fall the shock will be absorbed by the rope. The whole lot can be hired in Cortina sports shops for around 14 euros per day.

The best time to take this adventure holiday is during the summer. Many ski-lifts and telecabine continue to operate and provide useful (and painless) access routes to the higher via ferrata routes.

There is plenty of accommodation and you can get some good deals in summer. There are a number of excellent campgrounds, including Camp Rochetta.

Climbers and walkers can also stay in comfortable Rifugios along the mountain trails, enabling an earlier start or multi-day routes. These are fully catered and serve delicious meals.

Outside Italy, via ferrata routes have been developed in many of Europe's mountainous regions.

For more information see the guidebook Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1 (North, Central and East) by John Smith and Graham Fletcher, published by Cicerone,

Natasha von Geldern

Australasia adventure holidays - New Zealand is the adventure holiday capital of the world

New Zealand is the adventure holiday capital of the world and offers endless opportunities for adventurous fun in the great outdoors.

A highlight for many travellers in New Zealand is kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park.

Whether you take a tour with an expert guide or choose to do it yourself with a freedom kayak rental, this stunning park will seduce you with its clear turquoise waters and golden sand beaches.

It takes around three days to kayak from Marahau to Totaranui (or the other way around), although there are shorter or longer adventure holiday options.

As you kayak along the forest-fringed coastline you can explore quiet lagoons, stop for a spot of afternoon tea and sunbathing on a beautiful beach, and visit a Maori village site.

The wildlife around the offshore islands is a highlight for many, particularly the Tonga Island marine sanctuary.

Here you can kayak among frolicking seals and watch the sea birds nesting on the cliffs. You may even be lucky enough to see a little blue penguin.

The sea kayaks have plenty of room for camping equipment, food and beverages and there are campgrounds on the way, all designed to minimise human impact on the environment.

Once you've had your fill of kayaking and relaxing on the beach at Totaranui, continue the adventure holiday with a day or two hiking inland or along the coastal track.

With excellent trails, pristine native forest and great views out along the coast, the Abel Tasman national park has something for everyone.

There are a number of companies offering tours and kayak hire in the holiday villages of Kaiteriteri, Totaranui and Marahau, including Abel Tasman Kayaks.

Kayaking adventure holidays can be undertaken from spring through to early winter but are always weather dependent.

Summer is a very popular time but it is also common to get calm good weather for kayaking in spring and autumn.

There are a number of small-boat ferry services which stop on certain beaches, so you can make this holiday as adventurous as you choose or head for civilisation at the end of the day.

And if camping is not your thing, Awaroa Lodge in the heart of the park offers comfortable accommodation and meals.

Asia adventure holidays – Horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan

The central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan is another adventure-holiday-lovers' paradise.

With 93 per cent of the country at over 1,000 metres, the spectacular scenery and rugged terrain create an adventure holiday destination that is truly off the beaten track.

This is a country of horsemen and saddling up for an adventure holiday trek into the wild mountain landscape is the perfect way to see the real Kyrgyzstan.

There are a number of places where treks can be arranged, including the little town of Kochkor.

Arranging a guide and horses is a simple matter through the excellent scheme office, which also arranges simple but comfortable homestay accommodation in the town.

Depending on the time of year and how much snow is still in the mountains there are a variety of treks that can be undertaken from here into the mountain ranges that seem to stretch on forever.

Kochkor is bounded on one side by the Terskei Alu mountain range, and by the Khyrgizia range to the north.

Around Kochkor, long lines of poplars and willows frame the green farmland but the sturdy horses soon carry you up into the velvety brown hills.

It is a day's ride to Lake Kol Ukok, still frozen over in late May and surrounded by oxidised red hills and snow-covered peaks.

Golden marmots scamper about in the sunshine but it is impossible to get anywhere near them.

In these hills of central Kyrgyzstan the semi-nomadic people herd their flocks of fat-bottomed sheep, cattle and horses for their wool, skin, milk and meat.

They stay in a village on the plain, like Kochkor, during the winter and at the first sign of spring head for the jailoo, or summer pastures.

Then they follow the grass all summer, moving their herds and yurt from place to place.

Meeting these hospitable and kind people is an incredible experience. The yurt our hosts live in was built of thin wooden slats covered in thick woollen felt and it smelled of mutton-fat.

We feasted on delicious fresh cream and yoghurt with home-made bread and jam. The pot-belly stove kept us all warm until it was time to snuggle down in our sleeping bags on the sheepskin rugs and quilts.

The best time to go on a horse-trekking adventure holiday in Kyrgyzstan is late spring through to early autumn.

Natasha von Geldern

South America adventure holidays - Colombia is the next big thing

South America has always been a popular adventure holiday destination, offering a diverse range of adrenaline filled activities, including trekking and climbing.

Colombia is set to be the "next big thing" with the Hollywood film of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' novel Love in the Time of Cholera, starring Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, enjoying its UK release in March 2008.

The stunning shots of the Colombian city of Cartagnena in the film, as well as the unspoilt Magdalena River and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, will get travellers excited about visiting the country.

Adventurous treks such as the (Lost City) in Colombia are proving increasingly popular for those who want to get away from the tourist hordes and find the real South America.

Back in Peru the is also becoming popular as adventurous holidaymakers discover Machu Picchu's sister site Choquequirao, hidden deep in the Salkantay Mountain Range.
Climb mountains in the Andes, trek Inca routes, raft the Urumbamba River into the Amazon rainforest, sand board in Huacachina and drive off-road to discover a country of contrasts.

Or trek to the Colca Canyon - one of the world's deepest at 3,400m - to view the magnificent condors.

There are plenty of white water rafting opportunities in the Amazon and Andes regions and rafting on the Tambopata and Apurimac rivers is among the best in South America.

Travel through lush tropical forests in deep canyons and view the incredible wildlife up close.

source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/south-and-central-america/peru/best-adventure-holidays-in-world-$1213911.htm

Hawaii Islanda The place to Spend your Weekendz Window: Lanai,

2009-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and the state's bigger islands usually get the most visitors. That's why the state's smallest island is the perfect getaway for those looking for more low-keyed relaxation.

"It's just so different from any other Hawaiian island. You won't believe it," said Kathy Caroll of Mike Caroll Gallery. "I think people should come to Lanai if they want to experience complete and utter solitude. I can't think of a more relaxing place to be."

The destination spot may have a calmer vibe than the sometimes-crowded beaches and tourist destinations on the larger islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

"You come to Lanai and you commune with nature. It's a real experience; it's not something that's contrived," said Kepa Maly, of Lana'i Cultural Heritage Center.

Lanai, which also is known as the Island of Mystery and the Secluded Isle, only has about 2,800 inhabitants, which adds to its feeling of quietude.

The island's geography offers a view of different cliffs and rock formations.

"[The] cliffs go [to] 1,000 feet. God has made all these rock formations," said Mike Lopez, of Trilogy Excursions. "I believe each formation represents something within itself."

Many see Lanai's landscape as a divine experience.

"One of the most amazing places to see here is Keahikawelo, otherwise known as the Garden of the Gods. It looks like a surreal landscape. It almost feels like you're walking onto the surface of Mars," Carroll said.

"When you go up onto the slopes, there's this amazing geology. The wind erosion that's occurred where the core of lava flows have remained intact," Maly said. "You get up on the flatlands, and onto the slopes above us, and you have this amazing mounding and piling of stones that some people would think, that's man-made. But in reality, it's God-made."

source:http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4416809

South Africa make list of top 10 ethical destinations Costa Rica,

2009-11-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

In an effort to get travelers off the beaten path and support destinations in developing countries, a group called Ethical Traveler has published a list of the "10 best ethical destinations."

The organization said in a statement that many countries "are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. By bringing our commerce to such places we encourage their efforts, and inspire neighboring countries to support these values as well."

To create the list, Ethical Traveler looked at environmental protection, social welfare and human rights in the world's developing nations. The honorees on the Ethical Traveler's list, in alphabetical order, are Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Namibia, Nicaragua, and South Africa.

The organization used various resources to make the determinations, including data collected by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network; progress made by countries in reducing infant mortality rates as measured by UNICEF; and reports on civil liberties and human rights from sources like Amnesty International and Freedom House.
source:http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-07-30-ethical-destinations_N.htm

Best SeaShore One of the Worlds Beautiful Beachs

2009-11-26T05:12:00.000-08:00

I recently spent a fabulous two weeks in Cuba, staying in Varadero and Havana.

Varadero, perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world, attracts tourists from all over the world and is a wonderful place to visit if you're looking to relax on a pristine, white-sandy beach with unbelievably gorgeous turquoise water.

I've been to the beaches of Australia, New Zealand, southern California, Portugal, Spain and the south of France and I've never seen a more beautiful beach than the 20-kilometre stretch of pure, white sand at Varadero.

Varadero was the winter home for super-rich Americans prior to the Cuban Revolution on Jan. 1,1959, with the likes of Al Capone and Joseph Kennedy (father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy) owning beachfront mansions. After building dozens of new hotels in the 1990s, Varadero now rivals Havana as Cuba's No. 1 tourist attraction.

Since first visiting Cuba in 1986, I've stayed at eight different villas and cabanas in Varadero, but my favourite is the Hotel Internacional. Opened in December, 1950, it was Varadero's premier hotel until the more luxurious hotels were built on the eastern edges of the town over the past 15 years.

A classic art-deco hotel located right on the beach, the Hotel Internacional, like much of Cuba, is a throwback to the 1950s. Its large, beautiful swimming pool is vintage '50s -- so much so that you can imagine Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner, sipping a piña colada and daiquiri poolside.

The hotel has a classic room called the Continental Cabaret, which is home to a spectacular dance show that rivals Havana's world-famous Tropicana nightclub for glamour. The room turns into a disco at midnight.

I always try to visit Havana, and this trip was no different as I took a two-hour bus ride to the capital city and spent three nights in the moderately-priced Hotel St. John's located in the lively Vedado area. It is an exciting, cosmopolitan city, teeming with life, energy and excitement, not to mention classic 1950s American cars.

I've decided that Havana is among my Top 5 cities in the world, up there with Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco and Sydney. I love walking around the city, whether along the Malecon -- the seaside road beside the Atlantic Ocean -- around Vedado or La Habaña Vieja (old Havana).

On my latest trip, I walked to the bronze statue of John Lennon, which has the former Beatle sitting on a park bench near the corner of 17th and 6th Streets. President Fidel Castro unveiled the statue of Lennon -- who has become a hero in Cuba for his stance against the Vietnam War and his fight for world peace -- on Dec. 8, 2000.

Music is everywhere in Havana and you can hear incredible music emanating from any number of patios, terraces, bars, lounges and restaurants. You walk in free of charge and have a Cuban beer (Cristal and Bucanero are the best), Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or a daiquiri while listening to amazing music.
source:http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/story.html?id=8a48216d-c463-450d-86e4-680021865426&k=97434

wildlife hot spots of Top 10 coastal

2009-11-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

The clear, shallow water of Grand Cayman's North Sound teems with southern stingrays. They began to congregate here because it's where fishermen cleaned their catch. Now, they come for handouts from tourists. Ebanks Watersports (345/925-5273) offers trips to visit the sandbar, where passengers can touch, feed and snorkel among these gentle swimmers.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

From now until June, Oregon's "whale-watching capital" welcomes roughly 18,000 gray whales en route to Alaska. Visit the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay to learn the best spots to view the grays. (Insider's tip: Northbound whales, which migrate now, swim closer to shore than southbound winter travelers.) Spring Whale Watch Week, when center volunteers will be stationed along the coast to provide viewing tips and facts, starts March 22. Or, for an up-close glimpse, hop aboard a Tradewinds Charters tour

Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia and Maryland

During spring and fall, this area's famed wild horses spend much of their time grazing the Virginia and Maryland coastlines. The best way to see the privately owned Virginia herd is aboard the Pony Express Nature Tour cruise. Captain Mark Coulbourne knows where the horses hang out (tours run May through October, 866/766-9794). On land, hike or bike the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge's 1 1/2-mile Woodland Trail to an observation platform overlooking the ponies' habitat

Big Pine Key, Florida

This is the only place in the world to see the pint-size Key deer. A subspecies of Virginia white-tailed deer, they stand just 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Go to the National Key Deer Refuge in the early morning or at dusk for the best viewing -- you may spot a newborn during the April-to-May fawning season. Stop at the visitor center before heading to an observation platform, or hike trails to see the deer.

Maui, Hawaii

Many green sea turtles (or honu) that gather off Maui's shores eventually make their way to Maluaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town. To view the sea turtles in their natural habitat, grab your snorkel or scuba gear. Maui Eco Tours' Seafari claims an average of 15 turtle sightings per snorkel trip . Sign up with Tropical Divers Maui for an introductory lesson with a guided dive . The Turtle Lagoon at the Maui Ocean Center offers a chance to see the reptiles and stay dry.

Stonington Peninsula, Michigan

During August and September, thousands of monarch butterflies swarm Michigan's Stonington Peninsula on their long southern migration. You're likely to find many at Peninsula Point, a resting spot on the Upper Peninsula. Visitors can climb the 40-foot lighthouse for a bird's-eye view of the butterflies' journey across Lake Michigan, or observe them resting in the surrounding cedar trees. Pack a picnic, and don't forget a camera.

Delaware Bay, Delaware

Head here to visit one of the world's largest spawning grounds for horseshoe crabs. These crustaceans are protected at five community-based sanctuaries --Broadkill Beach, Slaughter Beach, Fowler Beach, Pickering Beach and Kitts Hummock, all accessible to the public. There are also plans for a horseshoe-crab museum and research center in Milton (the only other museum of this kind is in Japan). You can help save the crab: If you see one turned on its back, "just flip 'em."

Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Often called bio bay, this is one of the best places in the world to experience bioluminescence, a natural glow produced by living organisms. You can observe the glowing dinoflagellates (a type of microscopic algae) throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during a new moon when the night sky is darkest. Blue Caribe Kayaks in Esperanza leads educational expeditions and invites you to swim among the "stardust" (787/741-2522/; reservations are highly recommended).

San Simeon, California

Winter is a great time to observe one of California's largest resident populations of elephant seals. Visit Friends of the Elephant Seal's Web site to learn about these funny-looking marine mammals and to get recommendations for the best places to find them. One top viewing spot: the Piedras Blancas rookery just north of San Simeon, where on-site docents will answer questions.

Knight Inlet, British Columbia

To see black bears and grizzlies, head to Knight Inlet, northwest of Vancouver. The Knight Inlet Lodge, open June through mid-October, offers three-, four- and five-day packages. A boat takes guests to a channel brimming with salmon and to other areas the bears frequent.
source:http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/02/29/wildlife.hotspots/

Famous 10 hot hotels from Hyatt

2009-11-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

It is a well known fact that Hyatt is expanding across the globe with a number of remarkable luxury hotels opening year upon year. In celebration of this fact we have picked some current short-haul Hyatt hotels that really showcase what the Hyatt brands already have to offer, setting a high standard for what is to come.

Park Hyatt Milan

Milan has long been the capital of fashion, and the Park Hyatt Milan is certainly in keeping with the refined style and sophisticated elegance that characterises the city. The first Hyatt accommodation to be built in Italy, the hotel has been constructed around a beautiful historical palazzo dating back to 1870, and its interiors use the elegant history of the building to combine a sense of contemporary, clean design with its original material.

In line with the extravagance of Milan, this glamorous Park Hyatt has created a number of indulgent packages, from VIP pampering for guest’s VID (very important dogs) to the inclusion of Porsche rental with bookings in either the Presidential Suite or Diplomatic Suite!

Grand Hyatt Berlin

Since reunification in 1990, Berlin has evolved into a dynamic, sexy and creative city where a surprising light heartedness lurks beneath an austere exterior. It has emerged as Europe’s avant-garde cultural hub, and New York architect Tony Chi has embodied the spirit of the city in this wonderful hotel.

Grand Hyatt Berlin Hotel anchors the newly built heart of Berlin at Potsdamer Platz with powerful architecture and innovative interior design that encompasses an exceptional, modern art concept throughout the hotel. Grand Hyatt is conveniently located within walking distance of the Berlin Tiergarten, the Mitte district, the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, making guests’ stay in the city a truly authentic experience.

Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is a truly luxurious Parisian hotel, located in the heart of the city on the prestigious Rue de la Paix. It is within walking distance of the Place Vendôme, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay are also nearby. This is the place to be seen in one of the slickest cities in the world.

Its fabulous new 2700 sq ft ‘Blaise Martin’ spa has fast become one of the most popular in the city, and the ‘in-suite spas’ containing a bathroom with whirlpool bath, hammam, steam room shower and a dedicated table for massages, make this stunning hotel all the more exclusive.

ANdAZ Liverpool Street, London

Formerly The Great Eastern Hotel, the first of Hyatt’s ANdAZ hotels is located directly beside Liverpool Street Station in the heart of London’s financial and cultural district, the colourful East End. Standing proud in a splendid 19th century red brick building, prepare to be impressed at the innovative 21st century contrast that lies within!

Once you have paid that first visit to ANdAZ Liverpool Street, you will see how this fascinating concept is revolutionising the travel industry today. There is a decisive focus on personal and attentive service, yet this is kept simple even as you walk through the door. Any signs of a front desk or check-in lines are omitted and are replaced by a comfortable lounge and warm greeting from a member of staff. True luxury should be effortless, and this is what ANdAZ is all about.

Hyatt Regency Kiev

This new hotel has a fabulous location, lying in the very heart of the city centre. Overlooking the Old Town, which features many of Kiev’s many historical sights, the Hyatt Regency is within walking distance of the cathedral of St Sophia, Saint-Michael’s Monastery and the boutiques of Kreschatyk Street.

The hotel boasts a whole host of luxury amenities, amongst them a luxury Spa Naturel, where guests can enjoy a multitude of treatments and spa equipment. It also holds state-of-the-art fitness centre, Club Olympus, which offers a 25 metre swimming pool, saunas and whirlpool bath, and a business centre for those who are visiting on business and not leisure!

Park Hyatt Zurich

Innovational, stylish and chic, this hotel is in the centre of Zurich’s bustling business district. Not to be overlooked for leisure visitors, however, Zurich also boasts a proud artistic history which is certainly worth exploring. Zurich witnessed, for example, the birth of the eccentric Dada art movement with the creation of the 'artist tavern' known as Cabaret Voltaire in 1916, and has been home to many influential reformers, from Lenin to James Joyce!

The hotel itself is just steps away from the fashionable Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, the Lake of Zurich, the Zürich Kongresshaus and the Old Town, and is thus centred where business meets leisure. In all public areas of the Park Hyatt Zurich exquisite art objects are displayed in accordance to a carefully prepared program presenting an ensemble of representative modern and contemporary art pieces. The whole concept of the hotel focuses on elegance and beauty as well as on wit and irony – a rare display which is not to be missed.

Grand Hyatt Cairo

The Grand Hyatt Cairo is a luxury landmark hotel situated on Roda Island; a peaceful haven with all of its stunning rooms overlooking the River Nile. The hotel enjoys a perfect location in the centre of the business and commercial district of the city, and yet it is also very close to Cairo’s many cultural and tourist attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Tower and the Cairo Museum.

Of its nine top-class restaurants, the magnificent Revolving Restaurant is the highest restaurant in the Middle East. It has unprecedented views of Cairo and is 30 metres in diameter whilst rotating 360 degrees in 75 minutes, bringing the Pyramids, the River Nile and the entire city of Cairo all into view.

Park Hyatt Dubai

One of the newer members of the Park Hyatt brand, the Park Hyatt Dubai a hidden treasure at the waterfront between the world famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, with the city centre, prime business districts and world class shopping just minutes away.

This hotel is a peaceful haven harmoniously in contrast to the vibrancy and heart beat of the city of gold, and its Condé Nast award winning spa is utterly exemplary of this feat. This Amara spa is an attractive sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, where exotic rituals are used to create an atmosphere in perfect harmony with the retreat feel of the hotel itself.

Park Hyatt Dubai is currently offering a ‘Pamper at the Park’ package which includes vouchers for either the spa or food/beverage alongside half board accommodation.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow

Moscow is the barometer and nucleus of the changes sweeping through Russia. Nowhere are Russia's contrasts more apparent than here - ancient monasteries and ultra-modern monoliths stand side by side, and 'New Russian' millionaires and poverty-stricken pensioners walk the same streets.

With this in mind it is natural that the hotel’s architecture harmoniously blends contemporary character with tradition. The ‘Café Ararat’ restaurant for example is a replica of the historical Café Ararat, a landmark of Moscow during the 1960’s, whilst the innovative style and comfort hotel offers more than the usual standards of a contemporary five-star hotel.

Located in the very heart of the city, within immediate vicinity of the Bolshoi Theatre and only a few minutes walk from the Kremlin, Red Square, the Parliament house and the central business district Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is a timeless, world-class, residential style hotel; one of the best in this popular city.

Grand Hyatt Muscat

The areas surrounding Muscat city are diverse in scenery and culturally rich, and for all round sun, luxury and leisure at its very opulent, the Grand Hyatt Muscat is an offer you cannot refuse!

A haven for water-sports enthusiasts, Omani waters are home to some of the most amazing marine life in the world, and as the hotel stands on the sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm, guests can conveniently explore what the ocean has to offer.
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Hotels/article-165898.html

Enjoy Life Pleasures of India

2009-11-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

If you want to enjoy life's pleasures, make sure that you plan for a travel to India as soon as possible. Some people love to travel and if you're one of them, you should not forget to include India in your travel destinations. You can find fascinating travel locations that you can visit alone or you can join the tours given by the different travel agencies.

India is an incredible combination of modernity and tradition. No matter what you're desires in traveling, it will surely be fulfilled in India. This country is also among the leading tourist destinations all over the world. In fact, millions of people visit India every year and after their tours, they are able to carry sweet memories that can last a lifetime.

What attracts many tourists to travel to India? You see, there are many beautiful and attractive places that you can visit in the different regions of India. The hearts of the many visitors are captured as they see the full range of India's captivating tourist spots. They get ultimate pleasures in all of their trips in the locals. You too can see all the tourist places that include beaches, mountains, wildlife, hill stations, sports and adventure, heritage sites, deserts, pilgrim sites, palaces, and monuments. One tour alone will already tell you why so many tourists visit India each year.

Each tourist spot you visit can give you a different experience, as well as pleasure. You'll never get disappointed and that is an assurance. New attractions are out there waiting for you. You can visit Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and many other places.

What can you expect from these locations? You can see matchless paradise beauty, breathtaking beaches, and intricate monuments, palm dotted beaches, magnificent forts, exotic culture, palatial palaces, churches, and gardens.

If you don´t believe any of these things, surf the net and visit India's official site. Check out their tourism and you will be astonished to find out that all these things are real. Take it from the previous visitors of India; you're going to get the grandest vacation ever if you plan for your next trip to India.

Planning for a trip to India is not that hard. You can easily contact a travel agency that can guide you in your trip. There are several travel agencies in India, so make sure that you choose a reputable one and who has been in service for quite some time now. Ask for the travel package that suits your needs. There are expensive packages as well as cheap ones; so you decide which is best suited for you. The budget is another thing to consider because traveling to a foreign country can get very expensive.

If you want, you can also go there without trying to contact any travel agency. But you must gather all important information about India; it's easy to get lost. Have a map. As long as you know hot to read and you know how to get along with different types of individual, you'll be alright.

It's really all up to you; book with a travel agency or travel there alone. Any option you choose is surely for the best of your travel experience. Plan your travel to India ahead of time so that you can enjoy all of life's pleasures.

source:http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/51012