Exortic Places On Earth

World Best WaterFalls

2009-11-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

=-=Yosemite Falls:
Yosemite National Park is located in the central Sierra Nevada of California and lies 150 miles east of San Francisco and only a six-hour drive from Los Angeles. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biological diversity. The 750,000-acre, 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads. Two federally designated wild and scenic rivers, the Merced and Tuolumne, begin within Yosemite’s borders and flow west into California's Central Valley.
Yosemite Valley Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a Yosemite hallmark, drawing visitors from around the globe year after year. Because many of Yosemite’s waterfalls are fed by snowmelt, the amount of water rushing over each waterfall can vary widely throughout the year. In addition to those below, numerous other falls can be seen during the spring run-off or after a heavy rainstorm.

Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,430 ft.; Middle, 675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is one of the tallest in North America and fifth highest in the world with a total drop of 2,425 feet.

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft.) called "Pohono" or "spirit of the puffing wind" by the Ahwahneechee Indians. The wind often blows the falls sideways giving it the appearance of a "bride's veil".

Vernal Fall (317 ft.) and Nevada Fall (594 ft.) are visible from the Mist Trail. and rewards hikers with a refreshing, rainbow-filled shower on hot spring days.

World Best Waterfalls

2009-11-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

=-=Dettifoss WaterFalls:
*Dettifoss is Iceland's greatest and most majestic waterfall. It is also rated as Europe's most powerful waterfall, based on its magnitude. Dettifoss is 45 metres in height and 100 metres wide and its force is such that the bedrock trembles when hit by the weight of an immense column of white-foaming water. The average flow is 193 cubic metres per second but during floods it reaches up to 600 m3/s.

*Dettifoss is in the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which emerges from beneath Vatnajökull glacier and runs into Öxarfjörður bay. It is part of Vatnajökull National Park. Dettifoss is the centre fall in a unique series of waterfalls; about one km up river is Selfoss, and two km down river is Hafragilsfoss.

*Dettifoss cuts the river at an angle so the scenic experience is quite different depending on which side the waterfall is viewed from.

*The East Bank Of Dettifoss:
On the east side of Jökulsá river, road 864 runs between road 85 in Öxarfjörður region and main road 1 in the Mývatn area. Despite being a gravel road, it has usually been better than the road on the on the west side, so this is where most visitors come to Dettifoss.

*The West Bank Of Dettifoss:
Road F862 runs between road 85 and road 1 on the west side of Jökulsá river. Between road 85 and Dettifoss it is a gravel road, but between Dettifoss and Road 1 it is more of a mountain track and conditions can vary greatly. A new road is under construction, scheduled to be completed in 2010

World Best Waterfalls

2009-11-18T23:12:00.001-08:00

=-=Lower Falls of Grand CanyOn:

*How to get there?
The Lower Falls area is located just to the east of Canyon Village. A one-way loop drive takes you to the brink of the Grand Canyon and offers four views, with the last stop at the trail that leads to the top of the Falls.

*Lower Falls:
Lower Falls, the biggest waterfall in Yellowstone, is the most famous in the Park, hands down. In fact, the 308-foot tall waterfall it is most likely the second most photographed spot in Yellowstone, with Old Faithful Geyser being the first. There are numerous views of the Falls from both the east (Inspiration Point, Grandview Point and Lookout Point) and west (Artists Point) sides of the Grand Canyon, most of which require only a short walk or virtually no walk to see. The trail to the top of the Falls (3/4 of a mile roundtrip, but steep with many switchbacks) is a must, as the experience of standing atop the Falls is one of the most breath-taking experiences in the entire Park.

The canyon's colors were created by hot water acting on volcanic rock. It was not these colors, but the river's yellow banks at its distant confluence with the Missouri River, that occasioned the Minnetaree Indian name which French trappers translated as roche jaune, yellow stone. The canyon has been rapidly downcut more than once, perhaps by great glacial outburst floods. Little deepening takes place today.

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=-=Kaieteur Waterfalls:

*Kaieteur Falls is one of the most spectular waterfalls in the world.

*It has a free fall height of over 700 feet

*It is one of the few places in the world where endangered species are easily observed. Our specially designed on-site nature walk places you face-to-face with the many and varied exotic plant and animal species.

*Kaieteur can be admired close-up or filmed at varying distances and from numerous camera angles; aerial views of the Falls are truly spectacular.

*Kaieteur National Park is situated on the Guiana Shield, a plateau that is one of the world's oldest and remotest geological formations.

*The entire Kaieteur National Park area is located within one of the largest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world.

*The Falls are accessible both by air and by land. By air, it is an hour's flight from Georgetown, the Capital of Guyana. By land there is a popular adventurous wilderness trek that requires 3 to 5 days to complete.

World Best Waterfalls

2009-11-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

=-=Sutherland Falls,NewZealand:

Physical Descripition Information:

Topic Help

English

Metric

Total Height:

1904 feet

580 meters

Tallest Single Drop:

885 feet

270 meters

Number of Drops:

Waterfall Type:

Tiered

Average Width:

90 feet

27 meters

Average Volume:

400 cubic feet / sec.

11 cubic meters / sec.

Maximum Recorded Volume:

5,000 cubic feet / sec.

142 cubic meters / sec.

Watercourse:

Arthur River

Seasonality:

Perennial

Seasons of Best Flow:

Year Long

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Location, Directions & Maps:

Topic Help

Continent:

Oceania

Country:

New Zealand

State / Province:

South Island

Locality:

Southland

Specific Location:

Milford Track

Latitude / Longitude:

-44.8019 / 167.7308

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Falls is one of the most well known waterfalls in New Zealand, and definitely has a reputation around the world. The falls drop directly out of Lake Quill, which is in turn fed by several glaciers producing their own waterfalls, then drops down three steps in very quick sucession, dropping 751 feet, 815 feet, and 338 feet respectively. The falls can be seen either from the air, or by hiking two miles to the base of the falls from the Milford Track.
Sutherland FallsThe high Sutherland Falls is the most impressive of the numerous falls encountered on the Milford Track. It is actually about a 45 minute side hike from the main trail each way, but is worth it. You can walk right up to the base of the falls and feel the power of the wind rushing down, driving the mists outward around the base. It sounds like an airplane, almost, it is so loud.

World Of Waterfalls

2009-11-16T23:14:00.000-08:00

=-=DamajaguaWaterfalls: This inspiring activity for nature lovers takes you beyond the gold-sand beaches of Puerto Plata and into the silver-capped mountains for the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, a fairytale-like labyrinth of tunnels and caves set against a backdrop of rural mountain scenery.
Trek through jungle and scale rock mounds as high as 40 feet before cascading into crystal-clear natural swimming pools. The most intrepid explorers hike the hour required to reach the highest waterfall before descending a three-hour-long track. A shorter but no less challenging trail scrambles up and down the first seven falls with plenty of swimming breaks in between.

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=-=The WaterFall At Langfoss,Norway:
Langfoss or Langfossen as it is sometimes called is possibly one of the more beautiful cascade waterfalls in the world. A width of 250 feet, the river spills over the side of a mountain slope for a length of 2000 feet before it joins the waters of the Åkra Fjord. The mountain is green with flora in the summers and a slippery slope in the cold season. Langfoss is the 5th highest waterfall in Norway and is among the tallest waterfalls in the world. Though some dismiss it as a true waterfall because it is a cascade rather than a true plunge waterfall that loses contact with the rock face as it plunges to the water below. However many visitors to the sight care less for the dispute and more for the awe inspiring sight.

Kabba in Saudi Arabia

2009-09-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

=-=Kabba in Saudi Arabia:

The Kaaba (a square building) is the 'House of God', where the divine touches the mundane and it is toward the Kaaba that Muslims face during their prayers. The Kaaba is located in the courtyard of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to the Koran, the cubic-shaped structure was built by Adam according to a divine plan. When Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) was ordered by Allah to build a Shrine for worship he uncovered the original foundation of the Kaaba built by Adam. Ibrahim with the help of his son Ismael (also known as Ishmael) erected the new shrine on the original foundation. When the Prophet Muhammad began to preach to the people of Mecca the Kaaba was a shrine for the pagan deities of the Arabs. After the Prophet established control of Mecca, the shrine was rededicated to Allah. Around the Kaaba is a restricted area, haram, extending in some directions as far as 12 miles (19.3 kilometers), into which only Muslims may enter.

The actual structure of the Kaaba has been demolished and rebuilt several times in the course of its history and was originally four walls without a roof. The Kaaba is now a cubed shaped one room structure that is about 60 feet high (18.3 meters), 60 feet wide from east to west and 60 feet from north to south. A door is fixed about 7 feet (2.1 meters) above ground level facing north east.

The Black Stone, or the Kaaba Stone, is set on the outside of the eastern corner of the Kaaba and is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the ground. The stone is a dark reddish brown color and its diameter is about 12 inches (30.5 centimeters). The Black Stone is now in pieces, three large parts and smaller fragments, which are now encased in a massive silver band. It is presumed to be of pre-Islamic origin, possibly meteoric and has always been the dark color it is because it was burned as it fell through the atmosphere. Some Muslims believe that this stone fell from the sky during the time of Adam and has the power to cleanse worshippers of their sins by absorbing them into itself. For these, the Black Stone is believed to have originally been colored white, but it turned black because of the sins it has absorbed over the years. Others believe the stone was given to Ismael by the angel Gabriel in order to provide the cornerstone for the Kaaba. The Black Stone is kissed by all who can gain access to it but is not considered idol worship. The single most important reason for kissing the stone is that Prophet Muhammad did so. No devotional significance whatsoever is attached to the stone.

SAUDI ARABIA

2009-09-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

=-=Saudi Arabia:-The Land Of Culture And Peace:

A visit to the attractions of Saudi Arabia is a lifetime opportunity for all Muslims across the world. Home to Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest cities in Islam, Saudi Arabia is a country drenched in prayers and religious monotones.

=-=Top Attractions In Suadi Arabia:

Tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia are more about Arabic traditionalism than about modernity. Although the country has witnessed immense growth and has even adopted some of the aspects of Western sumptuousness, it remains deep-rooted in its culture.

==================================

*Al-Masjid al-Haram, Saudi Arabia:

Al-Masjid al-Haram, also known as the 'Sacred Mosque', is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Saudi Arabia. The largest mosque in Islamic world, Al-Masjid al-Haram, Mecca is a must-visit religious center for all Muslims.
Situated in the holy city of Mecca, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, Al-Masjid al-Haram is simply matchless in magnificence. Sprawling across an area of 356,800 square meters, the Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is capable of accommodating more than 820,000 pilgrims .

As per the Five Pillars of Islam, all Muslims are expected to make a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, given that they are in good health and can afford the same. The Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the mosque where Hajjis end their pilgrimage and pay respects to the almighty.

The Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca surrounds the Kaaba and Black Stone, the place to which all Muslims turn to during prayer time. In Islam, the Kaaba is also regarded as the holiest place on earth. Thus, the Al-Masjid al-Haram is the most important structure for Muslims around the world.

The Al-Masjid al-Haram is believed to have been built by angels even before mankind existed on earth. The mosque was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. According to legends, Allah had ordered Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael to build the mosque and Kaaba for the final time. The present structure of Al-Masjid al-Haram was refurbished after an extension in the year 1982.
Focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, Al-Masjid al-Haram hosts more than three million visitors every year. Non-Muslims are not permitted entry into the mosque as well as the city of Mecca. In fact, non-Muslims caught in the city have the risk of being executed in public.

Apart from the Kaaba, the Al-Masjid al-Haram has a colossal courtyard wherein worshippers perform their prayers. The main mosque has been time and again renovated to suit the needs of pilgrims who come from faraway lands. The Al-Masjid al-Haram, Mecca has been provided with facilities like air conditioners, escalators and rest rooms.
A visit to the Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the most spellbinding experience for all Muslims around the globe.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

=-=St. Martin, Caribbean:

With an area of only 37 square miles, the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world to be divided between two governments. Its dual owners are the Dutch and the French, who have shared the tiny and paradisical island more or less peacefully for almost 350 years. This understated absence of conflict testifies to one of the island's most precious and attractive characteristics--its unusual serenitySituated about 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, Dutch St. Maarten (the French spell it St. Martin) covers 16 square miles of the southern part of the island, an area marked by verdant, rolling hills that languidly rest above mile after mile of beach, salt pond, and lagoon.

Although the region falls under the government of Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its diversity and the strong influence of West-Indian traditions make its culture anything but exclusively Dutch. St. Maarten's atmosphere is a winning blend of Caribbean hospitality and European sophistication.

Philipsburg, the Dutch capital since 1768, is widely known for its colonial architecture. The town began as a Dutch trading center, and the forts around Philipsburg are haunting reminders of its one-time strategic importance. Traders from throughout the empire once sailed through the protective arms of its Great Bay, establishing the town as a lively center of international commerce. Although most of the vessels that arrive in the harbor today are cruise ships, international trade still thrives in St. Maarten thanks to its status as a leading duty-free port. To put it simply, St. Maarten is a shopper's dream.

St. Maarten is also known throughout the Caribbean for its eclectic nightlife. The evening ritually begins at sunset, when cafes and night clubs open their doors and the music of steel drum bands floats along the beaches. The island's festive spirit peaks during carnival, a vibrant, two-week festival of feasting, street dancing, parties, and parades. St. Maarten's dependable trade winds free the island from oppressive heat or prolonged leaden skies, and its temperate climate is consistently graced by the sun.

The island's sugary-white beaches are spiritually restive and abundant, and walkers who encounter them are often struck by their splendid seclusion. Off-shore, St. Maarten's life-rich waters provide superb boating and fishing, as well as excellent diving areas. The inland region, with its gentle valleys and hills, is ideal for biking, horseback riding, and exploration. All these offerings have made St. Maarten a famous tropical destination, and the island is dotted with world-class resorts. Private guest houses are also an increasingly popular form of lodging, catering to visitors seeking traditional Caribbean hospitality.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

=-=Mazatlan, Mexico:

Location: on Mexico's Gold Coast, Mazatlan is the closest Mexican resort to the United States, and it's been a favorite destination for those looking to soak up the relaxed pace of life along the Pacific Coast for decades.

Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific," Mazatlan offers everything from full-service all-inclusive resort life to intimate villas, hotels and private residences available for short- or long-term rental. It is in every respect a top-notch vacation getaway, but without the relentless push to go, see and do present in so many places. Mazatlan embraces tourists, but is a full, rich city in its own right above and beyond its attractiveness

For golfers, courses designed by Lee Trevino and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., one of the world's foremost course designers, will challenge and delight with fantastic layouts and stunning ocean views.

If romance is in the air and you're in the market for a fantastic wedding destination or honeymoon, you can't go wrong with Mazatlan. With 10 miles of stunning Pacific beachfront and many picturesque churches and other historic buildings, you'll certainly find just the right spot to start life as a couple

For beer lovers, one of the largest breweries in Mexico, Pacifico, will give you plenty of reasons to smile with brewery tours and chances to sample brews that never make it north of the border. All the traditional amusements and diversions are here including some of the finest sport fishing on the Pacific coast, whether your desire is deep-water big game or the challenge of shallow-water predators.

Mazatlan is also a great family vacation destination! Visit Stone Island, with its horseback riding, boogie boarding and snorkeling. Go whale or dolphin watching. And don't forget the Aquarium, with hundreds of species of marine life and stunning sea lion shows!

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

=-=Phuket and Pattaya, Thailand:

Introduction:-

White shores and the most stunning aqua blue waters you'll ever see, Thailand and other coast-side spots in Southeast Asia such as Penang, Malaysia, are popular holiday destinations. They bring together cultural heritage, mountain views, elephant camps, ancient temples and palaces, stunning beaches, water sports, resorts, restaurants and nightclubs -- all in one place. Popular Phuket destinations include Karon, Patong and Kata Beaches. Hotels, resorts, B&Bs, or half/full board accommodation are all available.

Pattaya and Phuket are the most developed beach resorts in Thailand, and both receive millions of tourists every year. Phuket has some very nice beaches, but every year it is getting more and more crowded and is very expensive compared to almost anywhere else in Thailand. Pattaya is much cheaper, but has a mediocre beach and dirty water. Most visitors here come for the bars, discos and prostitutes for which Pattaya is internationally famous/infamous. Phuket's Patong beach seems to be rapidly developing into a mini Pattaya. Due to the amount of tourists there, both have developed into very good areas for all kind of watersports.

*Pattaya:

Pattaya is only 133 kms from Bangkok so it is easy to get to. Pattaya is best known for its bars and night life but as you say beaches aren't of much interest to you so that doesn't matter. There are many things to do during the day like go to Nong Nooch, the Tiger Zoo, Big Buddha up on the Hill, Koh larn (island) a 45 minute ferry ride away...etc etc... There is one big benefit of Pattaya over Phuket, it is less expensive and the entertainment offered is of high quality, there is literally 1000's of venues to choose from. Pattaya is not or prudes though, if you are offended by looking at bar girls working in open air bars then perhaps it may not be for you. It shouldn't affect you if you and your partner are broad minded.

*Phuket:

Phuket is about 900 kms south. Will take you all night to get there by bus or you can fly in an hour. Phuket is a beautiful place with everything on offer for the tourist, trouble is it is expensive. The beaches are better but that does not concern you anyway but it is very beautiful. I always hire a motorbike and Phuket is an ideal place for riding around on. Plenty of bars and venues there too but just more expensive hope that helps.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

=-=BALI — THE "ULTIMATE ISLAND"(Indonesia): *In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali's economy, local and international tourism, and communications (television, fax, pagers, GSM hand phones, Internet), the influx of people from other Indonesian islands, and the strong influence of the government and "big business" in Jakarta, the island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world.

*Bali's wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island.
*The friendly people and the absence of any serious criminal activities guarantee visitors a totally relaxing stay – which is a very pleasant surprise for guests who repeatedly felt threatened in Barbados, Jamaica, and other "dream islands" in the Caribbean.

*Stay for a month in Bali to get the best of enchanting Indonesian culture, cuisine, and beautiful beaches. Popular spots in Bali include Benoa Beach, Legian and Sanur Beach. This region is known for water sports enthusiasts including honeymooners, scuba divers and surfers.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

=-=Canary Islands, Grand Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura:

Gran Canaria, sometimes called Grand Canary (older name) or even Grand Canaria is one of and is the second largest island in the Canary Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean 210 km from the northwest coast of Africa and belonging to Spain. It is located southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura. The island is of volcanic origin.

The island was populated by the Canarios from 3000 BC, who called it Tamarán, but was claimed by Spain in the 15th century.

Gran Canaria's surface is 1,560 km2 and its maximum altitude is 1,949 meters (Pico de Las Nieves). It has a round shape, having a diameter of just about 50 km.Gran Canaria is divided into twenty-one municipalities:Agaete Agüimes Artenara Arucas Firgas Gáldar Ingenio Mogán Moya Las Palmas San Bartolomé de Tirajana San Nicolás de Tolentino Sta. Brígida Sta. Lucía de Tirajana Santa María de Guía Tejeda Telde Teror Valleseco Valsequillo Vega de San Mateo.

The island has a population of 789,908 with 377,600 (year 2003) of those in the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also the capital of the province of Las Palmas, and also the capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands.

Grand Canaria is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found.

Most tourists stay in the south of the island, which is sunnier and has less rain than the north. There is a large bird park, Palmitos Park, in the south of the island, as well as many beach resort communities. The resort communities start in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas where most tourists visit. The Dunes of Maspalomas, supplied by sands from the Sahara, are located between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Another tourist attraction is the Lighthouse at Maspalomas.

Playa del Inglés is a popular destination for European gays with bars, restaurants and businesses centered primarily in the Yumbo Centrum shopping center. A gay beach is found near the Maspalomas Dunes.

Heading west along the southern coast is the fishing city of Arguineguin in the Municipality of Mogán. The market, which is held on Tuesdays, is the largest on the island.

Still further to the west along the southern shore, also in the Municipality of Mogán are the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, a pictoresque village referred to as "Little Venice" on account on its many canals.

The capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the north of the island, has a vibrant city life and the beach Las Canteras is located in the heart of the city. Las Palmas is also known for its annual Carnaval.

The number of annual visitors is 2.2 million (2,200,000). Most of the tourists visit the southern part of the island.

Other attractions includes Banana Park. Roque Nublo (an 80m monolith), Dedo de Dios in Puerto de las Nieves, Cenebio de Valerón with about 290 caves, the botanical garden Jardin Canario in Tafira Alta and many more.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

=-=Florida:

The author Budd Schulberg once quipped about Florida, "
...It's a melting pot, a frontier, a place to improve your health or your luck."

*Intro:

Florida, meaning "Land of Flowers." Florida has undergone many transformations since that time and is now one of the most popular vacation and retirement destinations in the world. This tourist magnet is known worldwide as the land of sunshine, orange groves, Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center. Florida is home to the electric city of Miami, stylish beach communities such as South Beach and West Palm, the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and so much more to fill a lifetime of Florida vacations.

While Florida may not be the most exotic destination on the list, Florida is home to hundreds of thousands Canadian snowbirds each year. Stay in the Florida Panhandle area, which is less crowded, or the attraction-filled Orlando. Perfect your "Captiva Crouch" on Captiva Island or your golf game at the hundreds of golf courses throughout the Sunshine State. Many condo rentals, airlines and tour operators offer great deals.

*Florida Attractions, Vacations & Living:

The living is easy, scuba diving is spectacular, and it all feels good in Key West Florida, Southern most point of the nation and home of the most brilliant sunsets on the East Coast. The Tampa attraction page, as with all our city pages, features a map pinpointing the locale of all the activities discussed, including the world famous Busch Gardens Tampa.

Florida is the most popular retirement destination on the planet, so if you're searching for Ponce de Leon's legendary Fountain of Youth, Florida will surely end that search. For seniors or kids of all ages who want to play, live, and feel young, a Florida lifestyle has a whole lot to offer.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

=-=Goa India:

Those who haven’t visited Goa tend to imagine it as some kind of Indian Costa Brava but with more cosmic karma and, thanks to this image, many people vow never to set foot there. However, Goa, like everywhere in India, is never quite what you expect. In places the infamous hash-fuelled days of Goa’s golden hippy years are still alive and kicking, especially around Vagator & Chopora, while in others, like Calangute & Baga, the all-inclusive package holiday is king. But these are two very narrow sides of the Goan experience and anyone who spends much time here will discover that Goa contains more variety and vitality than almost anywhere else in India. Head into Panaji (Panjim), one of India’s smallest and most likeable state capitals, and, instead of self-contained tourist resorts and trinket-selling dreadlocks, you’ll discover a Portuguese pantry of flaking architectural delicacies spiced up with Indian exuberance. Inland, you can stand in greener-than-green fields picking vanilla pods, bathe with elephants or visit market towns like Mapusa.

The main draws of Goa are the beaches, such as Anjuna, which are every bit as cliché-beautiful as they’re supposed to be, but just as much of an attraction is its intriguing fusion of colonial Portugal and modern India. There is almost nowhere else in India where the influence of the former colonial overlords remains as strong as it does in Goa and it’s not at all unusual to find crucifixes hanging on walls next to posters of Shiva and groups of elderly Goan men conversing in Portuguese. Wander the majestic, time-worn cathedrals and basilicas of Old Goa, for a fascinating insight into this colonial legacy. Goa may not be as cool as it once was but it’s certainly just as magical.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

=-=Southern Spain: Costa del Sol:

The Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The area's mild climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.

*Eastern Costa del Sol*
This is the the 54 kilometre stretch of coast to the east of Malaga city (the capital of Málaga province). Though highly developed from a property point of view, it is not anything like the property development on the western Costa del Sol.

*From Malaga eastwards there are cliffs of up to 200 meters where the Sierra Almijara joins the sea. This section ends at a place called Mara, on a coastal plain. It has an urban landscape surrounded by traditional agriculture.

*Nerja is the most important urban centre on this end of the coast and has grown rapidly. Much of the eastern Costa del Sol's accommodation for tourists is found in Nerja, which is surrounded by tourist pueblos. This town also has one of this area's main tourist attractions - the Nerja Caves, a spectacular find that is open to the public and that hosts an annual music and dance festival within its famous caverns. At the foot of Nerja town a winding footpath joins several coves and there are some nice beaches to be found in this area.

*Western Costa del Sol*

This is the 100km of coastline that begins at Malaga city and stretches westward all the way to the border of Cádiz province. This part of the coast is highly developed in terms of both property and infrastructure and it attracts an important percentage of Spain's international tourism. Communications revolve around Malaga International Airport (8 km west of the city) and the N340 backbone coast highway. In the middle of the Costa the greatly improved district road from San Pedro de Alcantara inland to the historic town of Ronda is the most important inland connection.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday

2009-09-16T03:35:00.000-07:00

Algarve, Portugal :

Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique architecture - terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses.
However, the distance that was difficult to cover back in the 13th century is no longer an obstacle thanks to the modern Lisbon-Albufeira-Castro Marim road (IP1) or Faro international airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its idyllic .
temperatures which are ideal for playing golf and other sports. In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.

Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserves special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are other alternatives, such as tennis courts, famous golf`courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an exciting nightlife.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
>Albufeira

>Alcoutim

>Aljezur

>Castro Marim

>Faro

>Lagoa

>Lagos

>Loule

>Monchique

etc etc.........!

Top 10 places to propose in Europe !!(f)

2009-08-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, has compiled it’s top 10 places in Europe to propose, according to TripAdvisor travellers and editors.

1: Eiffel Tower, Paris, France:

Confirm Paris’ reputation as the city of love, by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower overlooking spectacular views of the city.Afraid of heights? Set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park. A TripAdvisor traveller advises, “Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and pop the question atop the Eiffel Tower after enjoying the beautiful views of Paris.”

2. London Eye, London, England:
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye - the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule – complete with champagne – for that special moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A romantic place to propose might be the Millennium Wheel (or London Eye). It gives you a great view of London.”

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece:

Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia, on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings, to the cliff-like Kastro walls – known for having the best views. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The village of Oia is a romantic village perfect for your proposal plans.”

4. Alhambra, Granada, Spain:

Described as a “pearl set in emeralds” by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A great private place [to propose] would be in any garden in the Alhambra in Granada.”

5. Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy:

An over-the-top romantic? Work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. Hire a opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment (and response). As one TripAdvisor traveller recommends, “Take a gondola ride and hire a guy to sing. See if he can sing something romantic while you propose. Hide some flowers and champagne for when she says yes.”

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany:

Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Channel medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage. According to one TripAdvisor traveller, the Neuschwanstein Castle is “by far the most fairy tale-like building that I have ever visited.”

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland:

Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “From the summit you can take the semi-safe trails to the mountain's precipice and really get a feel of the Alps (don't look down!). What a great place to propose to your significant other.”

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy:

For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and (ideally) cheering crowd. Toss a coin (not the ring) into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone. As one TripAdvisor traveller recalled, “At Trevi Fountain, a guy asked his girl to marry him and the whole piazza started cheering.”

9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic:

Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the Prague skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Many people I know proposed on the Charles Bridge at night, very romantic!”

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy:
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot....buona fortuna, e auguri, or mazel tov, as the case may be!”

2009-08-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Agra Fort

Overview:

» Agra Fort occupies a significant place on the map of Agra. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by Emperor Akbar , the fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. The fort comprises of several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gateof which only the Amar Singh gate is now open to the public. The original and grandest entrance was through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the inner portal called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate.

Key Attractions of Agra Fort:

>Diwan-i-Khasor Private Audience Hall was adorned with silver leaves on the wooden ceiling. This room was used by the emperor for reception of kings, ambassadors and nobles in private. The Moti Masjid- Also known as the Pearl Mosque was constructed between 1648-54. From outside the structure appears to be made of brick, but inside it is completely made of marble.

>Mussaman BurjA two-storeyed pavilion, where Shahjahan caught the last glimpse of the Taj Mahal before he died.

Other Attractions :

The Agra Fort houses the Royal Pavilions, which were designed to catch the cool breeze across the river. Other attractions comprise of the Macchi Bhawan or the Fish Palace, the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Royal Bath, the Nagina Masjid or the Gem Mosque, and the Zenana Meena Bazaar, where the ladies of the court would browse through goods like silk, jewellery and brocade.

2009-08-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Red Fort Delhi

Through the pages of history.....

The Red Fort stands as the result of the decision of Shahjahan in 1639, to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort.

Specimen of artisitic brilliance- red fort:

The Red Fort stands witness to the glorious Indian history and architecture. This fort built behind red sandstone walls gives the fort its name. The Red Fort or Lal Qila reiterates the period of Moghul magnificence. This famous citadel comprises of massive audience halls and marble palaces. The architecture was accentuated with precious stones when constructed.

The two main gateways are the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate.

>The Red Fort is to be entered by the Delhi Gate, that leads to the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. >The Diwan-e-am and the Diwan-e-khas are pavilions from where the king addressed the common people and the elite respectively.

>The Rang Mahal is a water-cooled apartment for the royal ladies and in the basement of the fort there is a market where one can buy traditional Indian goods at very competitive rates.

>The Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are exquisitely decorated halls, that radiate the brilliance and splendor of Mughal royalty.

>The Lahore Gate opens to Chatta Chowk which as once a royal market . The arcade was also known as Meena bazar.

>Moti Masjid (pearl mosque) was a private mosque built by by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son) for his personal use.

2009-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Chittoragarh Fort

Chittor a city which finds its place in the Great Indian Epic Mahabharta has the Fort known as the Chittorgardh Fort. Famously known for the beautiful Queen Rani PADMAVATI, it can be reached either from Delhi (14hrs), Udaipur (3 hrs), Or Jaipur (8 hrs) by road. Luxury buses/ Tourist buses and cabs which are easily avialable from all these places.

Flashback

It is one fort among other fortresses filled with legends of bravery, love and romance. It dates back to 7th century to the kingdom of Mayuras who first built this fort. Chittorgarh was captured in 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji who was then the King of Delhi. In the 16th century Mewar bacame the leading Rajput dynasty. Mewar is also known for two famous personalities Meera - the famous Indian Spiritual poetess who sang in worship of Lord Krishna and Maharana Pratap - the valiant King.

The Fort

Formed in the shape of a fish, it stands on a top hill that is 180m high with a 28 sq km site. Some of its Stupas (pillars) were made by the Mayuras in the 7th century. It has three main gates called as Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol (Gate). The fort stands its attraction due to the sculpture and the architecture it has. A river seperates the Fort from the rest of the city. This fort is also famous for the beautiful Queen Padmini whose beauty from the word of mouth attracted Ala-ul-din to have a glimpse of her and then later on a wrong intention to possess her. However his evil plans were laid off when the Queen went on to do Jauhar (a mass suicide by the woman in a pyre of the lost warriors of a war).

In and Around

» Padminis Palace : On the southern side of the Fort, there lies the Padminis Fort with a Lotus Pond with central pavillion - the summer palace of the King. The story goes by that it is the same pond where the Glimpse of the Queen Padmini prompted Ala-ud-din to possess her. Near this palace is the prison where the captives were kept.

» Tower of Fame : This Kirti Stambha dates from the 12th century and is smaller in height than the Tower of Victoty. It not made by any King but a Jain (one who followed Jainism), is dedicated to Adinath , the first Tirthankar (one of the 24 revered Jain teachers). It has the sculptures of various Tirthankaras. It is seven storied; though no one is allowed to move inside the tower.

Not to be Missed

» Mewar Festival : It is celebrated to welcome the coming of the spring. The women folk gather dressed in local Rajasthani dress and then carry out processions in various parts of the city with pomp and show. Dances of Rajasthani style and local songs fill the air on this occassion. The procession usually finds its end in the Pichola lake in Udaipur. Fireworks mark the end of the festival.

2009-08-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Ranthambore Fort One of the most beautiful forts built in its era, it showcases the historical developments of Rajasthan. Lying near the place called Sawai Madhopur it can be easily reached from Jaipur by road.

Flashback

The Chauhan Rajputs were the architects of the fortress of Ranthambore. The Chauhan King Prithvi Raj III was subsequently defeated by Muhhammad of Ghaur in 1192. The Sultan of Illtumish captured Ranthambore in 1226,but it was taken over by the Chauhans in 1236 after the death of Illtumish. Then the fort was again captured by the Mewars under Rana Hamir Singh (1226-1364) and Rana Khumba (1433-1468). It was captured by Rana Udai Singh (1768-1473), and then passed on to HADA Rajputs. Then it was captured by the King of Gujarat (1532-1555) from whom it was taken over by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress was last captured by Kachwaha Maharajas of Jaipur, and it remained a part of Jaipur till independence of India.

The Fort

There are three temples inside the fort dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva and Ramlalji built in 12th and 13th century. The fort is also said to be the site where a number of Jauhars (ritual mass suicide by immolation of self) in the Rajput History. From a distance the fort almost looks indispensible and incredible looking out over the lotus filled lake of Padma Talab which lies in the rampants. It has an area of 405sq kms giving a view of the Badal Mahal ( Cloud Palace).

In and Around

» Pushkar Ka Mela : In the month of Kartika (October - November), in Pushkar there is this Camel Fair held on one of the holiest days of Hindus. Each year around 200,000 people converge here, bringing along them around 50,000 camels and cattle for trade. The place blends itself into with musicians, mystics, tourists, traders, devotees and camel crews. Its a MUST SEE FESTIVE.

Not to be Missed

» Ganesh Chaturthi :The Ranthambore Tiger reserve has a beautiful temple of Ganesha (Lord of Intellect). Here each year in the month of September/October the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with Pomp and Show. It is thought that all auspicious functions of Hindus should began with the first invitation to Lord Ganesha. This festival marks this school of thought.

2009-08-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Jaisalmer Fort Located in the desert of the Thar (meaning adobe of the dead), it is the second oldest Fort of Rajasthan. It can be reached from Jaisalmer by road. Cabs and tourist buses are easily available to take you to the Fort. * It has been listed in the New York Based World Monuments Watch List of the 100 endangered sites worldwide

Flashback

Built by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, it was the main focus of a number of battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur. Constructed by Raja Jaisal, who was searching for a new capital as the earlier one Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions, he built the fort and the city surrounding it, thus fulfilling Lord Krishna's prophecy in the Mahabharata The uniquness of the fort lies in the fact that the craftsmen used were mainly Muslims to craft the SONAR QUILA - Rising from the sand!

The Fort

The uniqueness of the fort lies in the fact that 25% of the population of the old city resides within the walls of the fort. There are a number of forbidding gates at the entrance itself, leading to the courtyard. Inside its a whole world with people, shops and kids playing around. However the vehicles cannot go beyond the courtyard. Near the courtyard is the palace of the former King which has its elegant seven stories. The main attraction of the fort is the sculpted walls and the balcony. The doorways connecting the rooms of the fort are quite low - unique to the fort - made so to force those who walked the corridors to the room to maintain a low stature in front of the King and his Queens.

In and Around

» Diwan-i-Khas: This Hall of Private audience is inside the fort. Today it has a collection of old stamps . This room gives a god view of the fort and the the town spread beneath.

» Diwan-i-Am :Just near the Hall of Private audience there is this Hall of Public Audience. It has lower walls with porcelain tiles over them.

» Jain Temples : Just attached to the walls of the fort are the Jain Temples - seven of them, lined to give a maze like look made of yellow sandstone. * Leather items have to be removed before entering the temples and the time of visiting the temples keeps on changing.

» Gadi Sagar :Once the source of water supply of the city, it was built in 1367 by King Gadsi Singh and hence its name

» Museums :There are a number of museums here around the fort like the Desert Culture Center and Museum, Jaisalmer Folklore museum and the Government museum. Watch out for exclusive folk programmes and puppet shows held from time to time.

Not to be Missed

» Camel Safaris : Jaisalmer Camel Safaris are not to be missed out. Trekking Jaisalmer on the back of the Camel is a exciting adventure to do.

2009-08-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Golconda Fort Considered as one of the seven wonders of Andhra Praesh, it is one of the most beautiful Forts of Andhra. It can be easily reached from Hyderabad via road as the fort is only 11 kms from Hydeabad City. It is the same city from which the world known diamonds like KOHINOOR came from. Luxury buses and cabs are easily avaialable to take you to the fort.

Flashback

Mankal is the other name of the place where Golconda Fort is situated. It derives its name from the Kai Temple which to this date exists in the premises of the Fort. And as the story goes the Fort derives its name from the name Golla Konda, which in Telgu means The Shepherds Hill. It is so said that a little shepheard boy came across an idol which lead to the construction of a mud fort by the then Kaktiya Dynasty ruler of the Kingdom which is today knowm as the Maha Kali Temple(Temple of Goddess Kali). The fort was administered by Recherla Vellamas who ruled over Golkonda, Rajaconda and Devarconda. Their capital was Rajaconda. After the defeat of the Recherla Velamma kingdom, the three forts were ruled by the Bahamani Kings (1364). When the Bahamani Kingdom collapsed, Golkonda rose to prominence as the seat of the Qutb Shahi dynasty around 1507. Over a period of 62 years the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort made up of Granite. It remained so until the capital was shifted to Hyderabad. The qutab Shahis were then blown over by Aurangzeb in 1687 who eventually took over the Golconda Fort.

The Fort

Golconda Fort has four distinct forts inside it, with a 10 km outer wall with 87 semi - circular bastions. It has the great cannons to boast of, eight gateways, four draw bridges and royal apartments, mosques, temples inside the circumference of the fort. Then there is the Fateh Darwaza ( The Gate of Victory) with giant iron spikes. This Gate is also famous for its architecture - a hand clap at a peculiar point (ask your Guide for that particular point), below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard at Bala Hisar Pavilion, the highest point around one kilometer away from the Darwaza. (In the olden days it acted as a warning for the residents of the Fort). Golconda Fort has four distinct forts inside it, with a 10 km outer wall with 87 semi - circular bastions. It has the great cannons to boast of, eight gateways, four draw bridges and royal apartments, mosques, temples inside the circumference of the fort. Then there is the Fateh Darwaza ( The Gate of Victory) with giant iron spikes. This Gate is also famous for its architecture - a hand clap at a peculiar point (ask your Guide for that particular point), below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard at Bala Hisar Pavilion, the highest point around one kilometer away from the Darwaza. (In the olden days it acted as a warning for the residents of the Fort).

In and Around

» The Clay Pipes : Though they sound ordinary, these clay pipes fitted into the wall planks provided sufficient supply to the uphill residents. A series of Persian Wheels carried water to the upper terrace where the pipes channalised the water into gardens, kitchens, cisterns etc.

2009-08-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mehrangarh Fort

Its a beautiful Fort and that is the best thing about it. It can be easily reached as it is situated in one of the major cities of India - Jodhpur. One of the best things about the fort is that it has audio - tours which are multilingual apart from the guided tours. Pick the one of your choice!

Flashback

On May 12th 1459, Rao Jodha - the Rajput ruler laid down the foundation of the largest Fort of India. It was constructed to give a safer place to the king Jodha. At the time of foundation there on the hill called Bahuchera where the Fort was bult, there was only one lone resident, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji. He did leave the place for the Fort but with a curse of water scaracity in the Fort. Later on, on the completion of the fort, King Jodha made a residential place for the hermit where he reside for years. Though the Fort was made by King Rao Jodha, today what we see has a major portion made by King Jaswant Singh Rao(1638-78). Inside the palace there are seven pols(gates) to commomerate various victories, the queens palace(Moti Mahal) and other residential complexes.

The Fort

Also known as The Majestic Fort it has seven gates (pols) including the Jaya Pol (Victory Gate - to celebrate the victory over Rulers of Jaipur and Bikaner) built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806.Then there is the Chattri of Kirtasingha Sodha - the brave soilder who fell defending Jodhpur for Jaipuranians. Imritipol is another gate made to defend the fort from the elephants of the enemies and the Fatehpol which was built by the King Ajit Singh to symbolise his victory over the Mughals. Then there are the Loha pol (Iron Gate) - near the ground of Jauhar (an act of self immolition by the wives of war martyrs); the Surajpol which leads to the musem and the Singar Chowk where the coronations took place. Inside the fort there is the Phool Mahal ( Mahal of Flowers) where royal dances took place on large scale. The fine pantings on the walls of the Mahal with golden leaf and the golden ceiling are the main attractions of the Mahal. The Fort is a splendor in itself. * Just near Surajpol there is this eatery called Cafe Maharan (09am-05pm) offering snacks and small meals to ease down your hunger pangs. Try it out - it's the good one.

In and Around

» Thakahat Villas : Its the private chamber of the King Thakhat Singh who had a round about 30 queens. Here you will find the beautiful lac painting in various colors which is so unique of Rajasthan.

» Moti Mahal : The pearl palace as it is also called is the place where the royal ladies had meetings.Its a beautiful palace with sea shell painting on its walls, five alcoves across its walls and gold plated ceilings.

2009-08-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Junagarh Fort

It is known as one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. It can be easily reached from Bikaner by road.

Flashback

Constructed between 1588-1593, by a General in Mughal Army - Raja Rai, it is made on ground and not on the top of any hill. As the time passed by the later on Maharajas added luxorious suites to the Fort.

The Fort

It is one of the most impressive forts of Rajput Dynasty. Once it was protected by a 986m long wall with 37 bastions and was surrounded by a moat. The entrance to the Fort is from the Suraj Pol(the Sun Gate). There are small palaces inside the fort in the southern side which have the coutyards, towers and windows with beautiful carvings on them. Then there is the Daulat Pol which tells the tale of thousand wives of Rajput knights and soilders who commited sati on their husbands pyre. Enter the Diwn-i-Khas (Hall of private audience) with the silver Gaddi(throne) still there to remit the past. It has the gold painted ceiling which is a charm in itself. Then there is the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), besides which is the statue of the Surya, the Sun God. The entire fort is a beautiful land of paintings and carvings.

In and Around

» Gaj Mandir : It was the private chamber of King Gaj Singh.The Queens chamber here is filled with mirror tiles and gold painting all over its walls. On the other hand, the Maharajas chamber has its ceiling carved out of wood and has beautiful carvings on it with ivory doors.

Not to be Missed

» The Museum : From the Suraj Pol there is a direct way to it. It has all which shows the Western Influence on the Bikaner Kings and there generations. Crockery from countries like France and England are shown here. In addition there is also a cafe and a small shop in the museum to relax and read from the collection of books which are there.

2009-08-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Amber Fort

Just 11kms northeast of Jaipur, stands this magnificent pink fort palace of Amber, once the capital of Jaipur state. It can be easily reached from Jaipur by road with half an hour drive.

Flashback

Built by RAJPUTS hailing from Gwalior, where they reigned for 800 years. It was the marraige between a Kachhwaha Prince Taj Karan and a Rajput Princess which resulted in in the hranting of the region of Dausa to the prince by the Princes father. It were the descandents of Prince Taj Karan who later on thought of building a fort on the hill top and then realised this dream into reality. The original makers of the Amber fort were the Susawat Minas, the Minas were given a grant of guardian ship of the Kachhwahas Treasury. The todays Amber Fort was made on the ruins of the old structure on the hilltop. The Kachawas with war booty financed construction of fort palace at Amber, which began in 1592 by the King Man Singh. It was later on extended and completed by the Jai Singh.

The Fort

Its from the Jaleb Chowk that you began your journey uphill the fort. Entry is through Suraj pol (Sun Gate). Jaleb Chowk which is the main courtyard is the place where the armies would display their war booties. (Our tour guide will provide you details as you move along the fort). From the Jaleb Chowk move on to Kali Temple which is the revered one of Maharaja Man Singh. Above the image of the Goddess Kali is the image of Lord Ganesha carved out of a single piece of CORAL From here just up the staircase lies the Diwan-i-Am(Hall of Public Audience) where the King used to listen to the audience and their petitions. Around the third courtyard are the Kings Residences. There is the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) with its mosiacs and sculptures. It has patterns made of glass which would illuminate in the darkness of light (the convex mirrors) just like the stars. Just opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) with a sandalwood door and a channel running down the room (to cool down the temperature of the hall in the summers). From here the view of the Maota Lake is clear as one can see the ducks swimmimg down the lake.The Zenana (Ladies House) make a good part of the fort. The unique thing is that all the rooms have a common entrance but has seperate chambers.

In an Around

Hall of Mirrors:Deep inside the Mahal is the hall of mirriors. Its unique in the sense that so many nirrors have been installed to lighten up the path. It is said that only one candle was enough to ward away the darkness of the night as those thousand mirrors would lighten up as soon as that single candle entered the premises of the hall of miror.

Armory or the Museum:It has all that takes to win a battle - a collection of war weapons and some royal images like the dress worn by the kings and the knights during the battle. It also includes the Shubhat NIWAS (Hall of Wrriors) which has some old drums and carvings to look out for.

Blue Potter:Around the fort you will find shops filled with Blue Pottery. These make for a part and parcel of Jaipur. Don't forget to take some of them along with you.

Famous 10 Forts In India

2009-08-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

Famous Forts in India
History has its pages written in the Forts of India. Forts of Indian present the magnamity of the Royal Kingdoms which India used to have. Today these stand as a reminder of the past and the Grandeur it had. See them and realize this fact for yourself. Here is a list of the most famous and prominent Forts of India which has been standing there for ages....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jaigarh Fort

Built in 15th and 18th century it showcases the worlds largest cannon. It can be easily reached by road from Jaipur.

FlashbackMade on the 'Cheel ka teela' or the Mound of Eagles, this fort was planned by Sawai Jai Singh I, but was realised by Jai Singh II. It is one of those forts which was never captured, it stands without the palitial frills found mostly in Rajput Forts. It has Amber Fort at its Bottom.

The Fort Its made on the top of the hill - the Mound of Eagles. It has hatted lookout towers which spresd their wings around the fort. The fort was made to made to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber and thus dosen't have much of a pomp and show. The most spectacular thing about the fort is the massive cannon named Jaivan which was produced during the Mughal Empire - a time period when Jaipur produced many weapons for the Mughals. It dates from 1720, has a barrel(6mts long) which is made from a mix of six metals, and weighs 50tonnes. It requires 100 kg of gunpowder and has a range of 30kms. A big thing at that period of time! Another spectacular thing about the Fort is the rainwater harvesting system. There are the complex channels which fed three large tanks scattered throughout the fort. To this date its a architectural marvel. These tanks had a capacity of 22.8 million liters.

In and Around
» The Museum: The museum inside the fort has a good collection of coins, puppets, old photographs of the King and his Queens, buildings and processions. There is also a pack of cards laid down in a circular form.
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2009-08-19T00:10:00.001-07:00

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Tripura Castle

It is situated in Agartala, the capital of Tripura state. It can be easily reached from Tripura by cab or a tourist bus. Agartala on the other hand can be reached from Gwahati, Calcutta and New Delhi via air.

Flashback:

The King Radha Kishore Manikya was the architect of this palace who thought of making this Fort. It costed 1millon rupees to make this magnificent Palace. After the older palace (10kms away from the newr one) was destroyed by an earthquake in 1897, this one was built to replace the old one.In 1949, the kingdom of Tripura was merged in the Indian legislative and so was the palace. The Neoclassical Palace was designed by Sir Alexander Martin of Messrs Martin & Co.

Epitome Of Magnificence:

It covers an area of approximately one square km. The beautiful walls of the palace encase public halls such as the Throne Room, the Durbar Hall (Courtroom), Library and the reception.Then there is the Chinese Room which was made by Chinese artists who were called from China especially for this work. Then there are fountains around the palace with the grand one at the entrance of the Palace.Its a two storied Palace with three large domes which rests atop a four storied central tower. There are the Gardens in the palace on the lines of Mughal Gardens with fountains and two artificial ponds on the either side.

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Mandavi - Vijay Vilas Palace

Gujarat is a beautiful place. Its beaches, temples and historical places make it a different place to visit. Considered to be the most advanced states among all other States of India, it still retains its culture in the form of its Historical Forts and Palaces. Kutcchh is place in Gujarat which is famous for its Run ( shallow but vast desert). It is here in Runn Of Kutchh lies the Vijay Vilas Palace, which is worth a watch. Lying in the desert of the Kutchh it is a beautiful Palace from every sense. It is as beautiful as the Rann of Kachchh. It can be easily reached from Bhuj in Gujarat by road.

Flashback:

It was built by a Architect of Jaipur in AD 1920 in the lines of Orchha Palaces as the Royal Adobe of the then Kings.

Epitome Of Magnificence:

This royal adobe was constructed by a local architect and craftsmen from Jaipur in AD 1920. This palace has a great similarity to the Orchha Palace and the Datia Palace. Marble fountains and water channel among the sprawling gardens cover the palace from all sides. The carved stone jalis, colored glasses, stone carved walls make the palace beautiful. What is the most interesting is the Private beach of the Palace which provides for the air conditioning of the palace throughout the year. Another most splendid thing about the fort is the central dome with Bengal Pillars on its sides.

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2009-08-18T23:58:00.001-07:00

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Castle of Mandav

The castle is located at the heart of the Shekhawati region. It is easily reachable as it is just is 260 kms from Delhi, 200 kms from Bikaner and 165 kms from Jaipur. A cab or a tourist bus is a easy way out.

Flashback:

Its a 240 yrs old Fortress made by Thakiur Nawal Singh. Now it has been coverted into a Heritage Hotel by the Royal Family.

Epitome Of Magnificence:

It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh in the year 1755. Its a enormous monument - with a whooping nummer of 51 elegant rooms! And the most splendid thing about these rooms is that no two rooms match each others decor - each one is unique! The Darbar Hall (Courtroom) with the royal frame of the Royal family stands there beautifully. The carvings, the colors, the paintings and the jades all adding to the beauty of the rooms. The terrace is another beautiful place to go as from here you can see the beautiful city lit with night lights and temples all around. Also hear the blowing trumphets and see the decorated camels in the royal form.

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Thirumalai Palace

Considered to be one of the wonders of South India it is situated in Madurai. It can be easily reached from Madurai by cab or a tourist bus. It is about two and a half kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple.Lord Napier allocated half a million Indian Rupees in 1858 for its restoration.

Flashback:

The Great King Thirumalai Nayak (1623-161659) was the person behind this great architecture. It is thought that it was an Italian Architect who made this beautiful Palace. The Thirumalai Palace is a classic example of Indo - Saracenic architectural style. The beautiful Palace has been divided into two major parts - Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa.

Epitome Of Magnificence:

Its a blend of Dravadian, Islamic and European Style. Its coutyard on the entrance is about 3,700 sq mts in size. It is surrounded by circular pillar and circular garden.The palace was divided into two major parts, namely Swarga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) and Ranga Vilasam. These two portions included the royal residence, theatre, apartments, armoury, quaters, pond and garden. The Swarga Villasam was the Thorne Room. It has a octagonal dome which is 70m high supported by massive circular columns.The king used to perform dance and music on daily basis in the palace. The ornate ceilings bear paintings relating to various themes of the Shiavite and the Vaishnovite. The marriage of Sundareswarar with Devi Meenakshi has also been depicted in the paintings.

2009-08-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Palaces Of India
The Royal Palaces of India represent the Golden Age of India. With their elegance and grandeur still maintained, these are one of the most elegant places to live in. The cuisine, the dress, the services, the rooms, sports and even the surroundings have been maintained to match the Royal Taste. Live here to experience the same....
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Udaipur Lake Palace

Historical Background:
The Lake Palace is a five star hotel seemingly afloat on the still blue waters of Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Udaipur's 250-year old palace offers guests a perfect blend of serenity and grandeur.

Epitome Of Magnificence:
Udaipur Lake Palace: Today this pleasure palace is a luxury hotel like none other in the world. Staying here is the ultimate privilege, affording the pleasures of a long gone age of princes. Arrive by boat and spend a lovely holiday amidst slender carved columns, filigreed screens, swimming pools, fountains - all created in the most beautiful marble. There are 84 centrally air-conditioned rooms including 17 suites and 53 Deluxe rooms. Each room is tastefully done with antique decor that takes you back in history. The palace also comprises of a Restaurant, acoffee shop and a well appointed lobby with jewellery and souvenir shops. The royal banquet rooms are now converted into reception rooms, bars and restaurants. This world class hotel offers its guests a wide variety of facilities combined with a high level of personalized service.
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Orchha Palaces

Its a combination of Palaces made by susequent Kings Of Orccha. Orccha lies in the state of Madhya Pradesh and can be reached by road and rail from Delhi (220kms), Jhansi (19 kms) and Agra (110 kms).

Flashback:
It was founded by Raja Orccha in the 16th century but what we see today is the work of his Successor, Raja Bharti Chand. There are two main palaces of Orccha - Raja Palace and the Jahangir Palace. Raja Mahal, its construction took place by the King of Orccha, Raja Rudra Pratap but he died in 1531 leaving the work of construction in mid. His son then proceeded with the construction. The final touches were given by later on Kings. The Jahangir Mahal was constructed in the honour of Mughal Emperor Jahangir by Orccha Emperor, Vir Singh for a SINGLE DAY STAY OF JAHANGIR.

Epitome Of Magnificence:
The Raja Mahal is a pure depicture of the Mughal architecture.It has Jaals of stone and artifacts at its entrance. Inside the Palace there are the Diwane Khas and Diwane Aam - Hall of private and publc Audience. The Hall of Private audience is on the first floor. It has massive columns and ceiling with beautiful carving on it. It also has paintings of Mughal and Bundela arts. The exteriors has elephants and lotus flower made on it.On the other hand, the Jahangir Palace is made on the lines of Bundela Art. It has eight stories with eight pavillions. There is a big hall where meetings with the subjects were held. There is a long arcade of elephants upto the entrance. The entire palace is filled with carvings of flowers, peacocks and geometric patterns. The third palace known as Rai Parveen Palace is a three storyed structure made to honour the dedicatd Poetess and Music Composer of Orccha - Rai Parveen. She was also known for her beauty. The third floor of the Palace is filled with carvings of Nritya Mudras. The entire palace was once surrounded by lush green gardens, whose reminances can be seen even today.

2009-08-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Corbett National Park
Corbett National park world renownedand is known as the 'Land of the trumpet, roar and song'. The kaleidoscope of flora and fauna here makes this an ideal destination for an enthusiastic naturalist. Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km. The park is named after the famed hunter-author-photographer-naturalist, Jim Corbett.

A Walk In The Wild:

The park has always been noted for its tigers that are spoted quite often, are one of the prime attrcations for the tourists. The park has a magnificent blend of green flora that include a diverse variety of trees, shrubs, bamboos and grasses. Apart from the greens Corbett National park is home to a long list of wildlife that comprises of 50 mammals, 580 kinds of birds and 25 reptile species. The entire spectrum of animals that this park inhabits include elephants, Himalayan black bear in the higher elevations, sloth bear, varieties of lesser known cats, dhole -the wild dog. If you happen to be passing by the lake then one can spot crocodiles, gharials, tortoises and pythons. Elephants are now permanent inhabitants following the building of the dam & the inundation of their old trekking routes.

Corbett park also has a spectacular bird diversity to offer its visitors. The park, has over 600 species of birds, including the pied kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle and Himalayan grey headed fishing eagle.

Dhikala is the park centre and for the convenience of the tourist it offers accomodation. There are forest rest houses dotted around but these are suitable only if the visitors possess their own transport. Elephant rides are available at low cost from Dhikala & this is the best way to seee the jungle and its inhabitants.

Top Tips:

This park is only open from 15th November to 15th June. For an overnight stay inside the park a permit must be obtained at Ramnagar, this permit allows for a maximum stay of three days. If the park is too busy no permits will be issued. You can enjoy the elephant ride and explore the park. From Dhikala elephant safaris are organized twice a day. There is a watch tower and observation posts at Dhikala for wildlife watching, binoculars are very useful.

Climate:

Summer begins in March-April, with a minimum of 9 and maximum of 40 degrees; May-June gets hotter at 21-45 degrees. Winter is November - February at 4-26 degrees.

Wheels To Jim Corbett Park:

» By Air: Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport.

» By Rail: Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park.

» By Road: Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar.

2009-08-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Ganges River:The Ganges has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga. Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, born in Allahabad on the Ganges.

Background: The river known as the Ganges is officially and popularly known by its Hindu name, Ganga. The river Ganges is very sacred to the Hindus. The river has its source in the Himalayas, at Gaumakh in the southern Himalayas on the Indian side of the Tibetan border. It is 1 560 miles (2 510 km) long and flows through China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The Ganges river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated in the world and covers an area of 400 000 sq miles (1 000 000 sq km). The river flows through 29 cities with population over 100,000, 23 cities with population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns.

Ganga in The Hindu Myth:

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga flowed in the heavens but then was ordered to go down to earth. Fearing that her forceful descent might wash away the earth, the gods sought the help of Shiva. Shiva broke the fall of Ganga-Ganges by capturing her in his mighty locks. Since then, Ganga-Ganges resides on top of Shiva's head as his second wife, the first being Parvati.

Religious Significance:

Hindus regard the Ganges as the holiest of rivers. It was named after the goddess Ganga, the daughter of the mountain god Himalaya. Pilgrimage sites are particularly significant along the river. At the confluence of the Ganges and and the Tamuna tributory near Allahabad a bathing festival in January and February attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Other holy pilgrimage sites along the river include Haridwar, the place where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas, and Allahabad, where the mythical Saraswati river is believed to enter the Ganges. It is believed that bathing in Ganga washes away one's sins and the water cleanses you of all the evil. The Ganges water is considered to be holy and Hindus cast the ashes of their dead in the river in the belief that this will guide the souls of the deceased straight to paradise.

Cleaning The Ganges:

Along with the glory of Ganga, comes the pollution as well. The pious river has become an agent of the worst waterborn diseases like dysentery, hepatits, and cholera. Money is being raised by the government and other groups such as the Swatcha Ganga to clean the Ganges. The Ganga Action Plan was also initiated with the objective of purifying the holy river. None the less, the Ganges is still the purifying waters for the Hindus of India.

2009-08-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Ajanta Caves

Location:Located In Maharashtra, 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. Aurangabad can be reached by flight or train, or even by motored down to from Manmad , the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.

Ajanta and Ellora:

» Ajanta: These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture.The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. These historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

» Ellora

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures reflect the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. . The interiors of the cave are exquisitely adorned

Ajanta provides a unique platform to study the early phases of Buddhist sculpture, painting and architecture.

Plan Your Trip:One can easily spend 2 days at this impressive cave complex and for a suspended moment in time, lose all track of time.

Climate: The best time to visit the caves is during the monsoons- the river is swollen and the ravine is surrounded by gushing waterfalls. The cooler winter months- between October and March- are also a comfortable time to travel to Ajanta. The summers are quite gruelling, especially as you have to walk around quite a bit.

How to Reach Ajanta:

» By Air : Aurangabad can be reached from New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. Govt. run Indian airlines flight to Aurangabad daily from New Delhi and Mumbai. » By Rail : Two express trains with an accommodation run between Mumbai an Aurangabad, daily. If travelling from New Delhi to Mumbai, alight at Jalgoan from where the caves can be reached in one hour.
» By Road: Ajanta- 106 kms, Bombay- 392 kms, Ellora- 30 kms, Nanded- 272 kms, Nasik- 221 kms, Pune- 229 kms, Shirdi- 136 kms.

2009-08-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

Kerala Tourism:Kerala is a land of great natural beauty situated in South India. Kerala is synonmus with azure backwaters, Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health holidays and wonderful art forms. The state enjoys a unique topography that makes it a magnetic tourist destination. Kerala is considered an advanced state as there is hundred percent literacy. Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters.

Kerala At A Glance:Kerala offers some stunning picturesque locales that make it the most sought after tourist destination for visitors from India and abroad. Lose your heart to the mesmerizing charm of Kerala's natural beauty.

Wild Life: God's own country boasts of some exotic wildlife that can be witnessed by you. Watch the elephants swing their trunks, the monkeys doing trapeze on the trees and the deers running on the green grass. If you are an animal lover then visit the famous sanctuaries like Eravikulam National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and many others.

Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala are irresistable and what better way to explore them than houseboats. Float on these calm waters in immense luxury in a houseboat, designed in a diverse range to suit the variegated need of the tourist.

Ayurveda: Rejuvenate your body and senses with the age old Ayurveda. Kerala offers some exotic natural treatments that are very popular all over the world.

Shopping Euphoria: Kerala is famous for her ivory carvings. Aranmula mirror, gold and silver brocaded fabrics, boxes, buttons and ash trays of steel with silver lining, pottery and ceramic products are the speciality of Kerala. The shopping centres are Chalai Bazaar and Main Road.

Reach:

» By Air: Connected to Bombay, Madras, Cochin, Delhi Colombo.
» By Rail: Connected to Calcutta and other important cities.

» By Road: Calicut- 448 kms, Cochin- 223 kms, Kanyakumari- 87 kms, Madurai- 417 kms, Periyar- 272 kms, Ponmudi- 61 kms, Quilon- 73 kms, Varkala- 55 kms.

Climate:The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges from 80 to 90 F in the plains but drops to about 70 F in the highlands. The state gets its due share of both the southwest as well as the northeast monsoons, and the rainfull is heavy, averaging around 118 inches annually.

2009-08-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

(2) Goa Tourism:Goa is situated on the western coast of the Indian peninsula. Goa displays colonial heritage that had been patronized by the Portuguese. India's most popular beach resort lures ardent tourists from all over the globe. Afternoon siesta and evening feista rule the way of life here. Goa is a traveller's ultimate destination for its scenic splendor, golden beaches, rocking night life and scrumptious food and of course the good old feni. A walk down the city promises to captivate your attention with the beautiful churches and the towering forts that take you back into the Portugese era. Goan culture is a confluence of many cultures. The vibrant life of Goa makes it an irresistable vacation destination..

Goa is popular for its tourist destinations with highly equipped beauty's of nature.Its feel like heaven resting and shading in Goa's beaches with beautiful scenery around,luxuriest hotels to stay and a partner to hang on with makes Goa package complete.

Some famous Goa beaches are:

-Anjuna Beach

-Baga Beach

-Colva Beach

-Candolim Beach

-Benaulim Beach

-Dona Puala Beach

-Miramar beach

where 1000 of tourist comes and enjoys the beauty of nature.

Famous 10 Attractions of India

2009-08-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

India is a vast land and there are thousands of places you can visit. From North to South, East to West there are numerous places which you can see, each more beautiful than the other. Out of those thousands, here we list out the top 10 for you to see in case you are on a short trip to India. Even if you are on a long visit, these are the ones which you must not miss out. Read more about them...

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(1) Taj Mahal:"Let the splendor of the diamond, pearl and ruby vanish like the magic shimmer of the rainbow. Only let this one teardrop, the Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time..."

'Rabindranath Tagore'

Location:Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, one of the most powerful cities in the medieval world. Agra is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi.

Legendary Saga: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu. The Taj Mahal is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage and the jewel of Muslim art in India. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed at a cost of 32 Million Rupees.

Elegy in Marble- Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. The architecture is stunning and the unique mughal style combines elements of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. Most impressive are the black and white chessboard marble floor, the four tall minarets (40 m high) at the corners of the structure, and the majestic dome in the middle. If observed minutely around the archways, the lettering of the Quran verses appears to be uniform, regardless of their height.

The impressive pietra dura artwork includes geometric elements, plants and flowers, mostly common in Islamic architecture. There is a high level of intricacy involved in artwork when one realizes that a 3 cm decorative element contains more than 50 inlaid gemstones.

The Taj Mahal is inspired by love and shaped to perfection, it immortalizes one man's love for his wife and the splendor of an era.

India(The Land Of Culture)

2009-08-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

INDIA - The land of great diversity, offers a very large variety of tourist attractions. Besides the natural beauties, also the historical places and many more attractions force people all over the world to visit India. Here one can visit many tourist destinations,explore new sights and learn different cultures and religions. This very reason makes India travel very special. A visit to India thus can be the holiday of a lifetime, a great never forgetting experience! Indian land boasts of diversified geographical features like, coastal areas, dry plateaus, fertile plains, tropical rain forests, desert regions, valleys, mountain ranges etc. This is one of the basic reasons for tourists all over flocking to India to get a glimpse of this mysterious land of geographical diversities. Indian land is covered by Himalayan mountains in north and remaining three sides by oceans – Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay Of Bengal. Besides these, there are excavations and monuments covering mellinia in history to remind the visitor of a multi-faceted, multi-religious country where the aesthetic sense in man and his spiritual fervour have combined to produce works of art that are among the most beautiful in the world.

India has rare mixture of races, people, languages, customs and traditions. Very few countries can boast of such a wide spectrum!India is a land of great variety, seemingly of contradictions where the past of thousands of years is living and vivid. The people, their colour and the intermingling of the past and the present are India's greatest charm and attraction. Little realised fact is that India has strong infrastructure of tourist facilities which provide for travel within the country in comfort. There are deluxe and palace hotels uniquley Indian in character. There are hotels of 3 to 5 to 7 star levels for the medium, high budget and luxurious budget tourist. The budget traveller can expect 1 and 2 star hotels, tourist bunglows and youth hostels for accomodation.

There are restaurants in plenty catering to all tastes and offering indian, chinese or continental cuisines. The indian menus are again, of a great variety with each region having own specialities. Many well known flight operators operate air services between practically all the major towns and cities. The indian railways on the other hand gives a chance to see country side. For those who prefer road travel,there are chauffer driven luxury taxis, tourist taxis and coaches available for hire.Besides, there are bus / luxury coach services connecting tourist centres with nearby cities and towns. Most tourist spots conduct inexpensive sight seeing. Much of the reaction of a visitor to india depends upon how well the tour is planned and conducted. This blog attempts to give in nutshell the basic information required in planning tour to India. Exotic destinations are there for intrepid traveller and exciting one for those who prefer the well trodden route. There are myriad places suitable for travel during different seasons of the year making india truly a travel destination for all seasons!

Haunted Place

2009-08-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Haunted New Orleans, Louisiana:Haunted New Orleans is by far considered by locals, visitors and paranormal investigators world wide as actually the most haunted and No. # 1 Haunted City in all the United States. With all the past and present spiritual activity taking place in this central plot The haunted French Quarter - transcendent, dark, and in between two worlds - most who witness this City for all it's worth of supernatural origins.
With 200 years of ghostly legends involving Voodoo curses, Spanish moss draped oak encircled duels, cold-blooded murders, Stories of Revolutionary War Pirates and Civil War soldiers, and Jazz. New Orleans has earned a serious reputation as one of Haunted New Orleans Tours most haunted cities. Locals say that the concentration of extremes leaves the city open to ghosts within the homes and businesses of Central New Orleans.
" The most popular tourist site to have your possible brush with the supernatural. But there is more to Haunted New Orleans then just the supernatural Locales. It's an experience you will never forget!"
Haunted New Orleans Voted Haunted New Orleans the best Haunted City in the United States for 2004 - 2005 - 2006.
South Louisiana possesses the Crown Jewel of all Haunted Cities - New Orleans.
Long before the docks of haunted New York City became crowded with European refugees, the port of New Orleans was already melting everything in its wondrous Creole pot. Among the earliest settled cities of the New World, New Orleans' place at the bend of the mighty Mississippi River more than guaranteed it a unique and interesting life. Held by French and Spanish, threatened by the British, and governed by Abraham Lincoln's Army of the Republic during the Civil War, this venerable "Old Lady" has seen generations come and go with grace and quiet charm.
One could spend an entire lifetime in the Crescent City - so-called because of its auspicious placement at the river's turn - and still not know all there is to know of her, nor ever, it has been said, get enough of her. Characterized as an almost living being, the City itself has been suspected of casting a spell over all who come to her, assuring that all who visit will eventually come back.
This magic translates into the architecture and, indeed, the very air of this infamous city; like a chameleon, she can change in a moment and become anything desired. In Congo Square one-time slaves beat the rhythm of the Old Lady's heart to an African frenzy under the watchful tutelage of Marie Laveau, the greatest Voodoo Queen to ever live; the well-to-do built mansions Uptown, while the immigrants and nati ves packed into the ramshackle row houses of the burgeoning French Quarter, where the true soul of this old city is really to be found. Jean Lafitte and his pirates plotted in a blacksmith shop that is still preserved amid the neon and decadence of Bourbon Street; blocks away the memories of the great priest Pere Antoine seem to resonant still from the walls of the St. Louis Cathedral; and all around the seething, humid air seems filled with memory and thoughts of days gone by.

Haunted Place

2009-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Catacombs of Paris: is a famous burial place in Paris, France that became a tomb near the end of the 18th century, created as a large network of subterranean chambers and galleries.

Originally the caves were depleted limestone quarries, some from the Roman times. Burial use was established by the order of Monsieur Thiroux de Crosne, Lt. General of Police, and by Monsieur Guillaumot, Inspector General of Quarries, in 1786. At the time the Les Halles district was suffering from contamination caused by poor burials and mass graves in the churchyard cemeteries that spread disease in the area. They decided to discreetly move the bones and place them in the underground passageways.

Remains from the Cemetery of Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs and others were the first. Also bodies of the dead from the riots in the Place de Greve, from the Hotel de Brienne, and from Rue Meslee, were put in the Catacombs on August 28 and 29, 1788.

The chamber walls are full of graffiti from the 18th century onwards. In the 19th century some families even lived there. Victor Hugo used his knowledge about the tunnel system in his novel Les Misérables. In 1871 communards killed a group of monarchists in one chamber. During World

War II, some Parisian cells of French Resistance used the tunnel system. Germans also established an underground bunker below the 14ème arrondissement for their own purposes.

Today, an eerie walk through the dark passages of the catacombs will take you past the remains of millions of Parisians, carefully stacked skull-upon-skull, and labeled by their year of burial.
Entrance to the guided tours underground is in the Montparnasse quarter. Paris Catacomb museum is in the address of 1 Place Denfert-Rochereau. It closed temporarily for renovations on November 1 2004, and will not be re-opening for visitors until May 2005.
Still, burial chambers—the only ones open to public—are only a small part of the full amount of galleries under Paris. The total amount of underground tunnels is more than 300 km.
In theory, entrance to catacombs is restricted. However, enterprising souls can enter the tunnels through certain places in the sewers or the subway system. Some have reputedly used explosives. On rare occasions drug dealers, addicts, eccentrics and those who want to keep clandestine meetings or unusual parties frequent catacombs. Most of the explorers who visit the catacombs today are adventurers or urban explorers. The most enthusiastic refer to themselves as "cataphiles". They might spend days underground. Others have hidden casks of wine or supplies in secret places.

Legally speaking, going into catacombs has been illegal since November 2, 1955. There is a 100 € fine and a special tunnel police. They have closed off the most dangerous places, especially in the center of the city.

In September 2004, a hidden chamber with a movie theater run by the Mexican Perforation group (a French artistic movement that seeks to express their ideas in underground places) was found by the French police in the Catacombs of Paris.

Exortica OF Australia

2009-08-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

Great Ocean Road:The Great Ocean Road, one hour drive east of Melbourne, runs along the southern coast of Australia and is one of the most beautiful roads on earth. Its length is 250 km, and it starts at the Trecky surf resort, 90 km from Melbourne. The road was built in 1930 in memory of soldiers who fell in WWI; it passes by magnificent cliffs and lonely beaches. Main attractions include the resort towns of Loren, Apollo Bay, and picturesque Port Fairy. Otway National Park offers hiking paths through rain forests, rivers, and amazing waterfalls. Campbell National Park, on the western side of the road, is located in an area famous for its rocks jutting out of the ocean, the most famous ones being called “Twelve Apostles.”

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A place can truly be experienced only by visiting it. The culture, people, and cuisine are best “lived” and not just read about. Australia is a lot more than what this article has to say. Check out Australia and be mesmerized by its mélange of the old and the modern.

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Australian Exortic Places

2009-08-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

Ayers Rock or 'Uluru' :The Red Centre is located at the southern end of the Northern Territory. This area consists of Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon and the Kata Tjuta or 'Olgas'.

Alice Springs is the geographical centre of the continent, and home of the Aboriginal people for 30,000 years. The centre of the town is conveniently compact, clean and modern and only a stone's throw from the outback and some of the country's most spectacular and unique natural sights.

Ayers Rock or 'Uluru' as it is sometimes called is world famous and one of the many sacred sites of the Aboriginal people. It rises 350m out of the desert and at 3.6km long is the world's largest monolith. It is famous for changing colour as the setting sun turns it a series of deeper and darker reds before it fades into grey. This performance is reversed at dawn.

Kings Canyon is located to the north in the Watarrka National Park and is a spectacular gorge with natural features such as clusters of domed outcrops, and lush palms of the narrow gorge called the 'Garden of Eden'. The canyon stretches for over a mile with a 300m drop to the valley floor. For spectacluar views head to the rim, or to cool off in the Garden of Eden waterhole where you can enjoy a cooling swim in crystal clear water.

Kata Tjuta (Olgas) are situated about 30kms to the west of Ayers Rock, these are a collection of smaller more rounded rocks than Uluru and although less well known are equally as impressive.Take a fascinating walk to the Valley of the Winds a 7km circuit track or take the shorter signposted trail into the pretty Olga Gorge.

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Australian Exortic Places

2009-08-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Snowy Mountains Of Mt Kosciuszko :In the Snowy Mountains there is the Mount Kosciuszko which could be explored either by foot or by skiing if you are going in winter. There are guided tours for different age groups and depending on how fit you are, you could opt for any of these hikes. This highest mountain in Australia has Alpine flowers which could be blooming if you go at the right time of the year. Ningaloo Reef, another reef in the West Coast off Australia is a white sandy lagoon. You can actually walk to this coral reef. Swim along with the many species of fish and other water creatures. You could also see the reef in a half submerged cruise. Also, make time to visit the Ningaloo Marine Park. Glen Helen with its Ormiston Gorge and Pound National Park in Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is along the legendary Finke river. The walks in the park could anywhere from a thirty minute walk right up to a three day walk. You'll find that the accommodation is more than decent and the presence of other attractions makes this place that is close to Alice Springs very tourist friendly.
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Melbourne City:No holiday can be truly complete without a fair amount of shopping thrown in. In Melbourne, go to the Chapel Street or Greville Street for some chic clothes and leather goods. (Try Melbourne City Shops for a list of shops around Melbourne) The fancy bistros and the designer boutiques make for a compelling reason to check out this city. Chapel Street alone has more than a thousand shops along a two kilometer stretch. Between July and August, the city also plays host to Melbourne Film Festival and screens some of the finest movies, both local and foreign. There are shops scattered all over the city from where you could get souvenirs. St James Old Cathedral takes you back to the Victorian times with its quaint architecture.

2009-08-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

The ‘Natural State’ Tasmania: has an endearing air to it, all thanks to its as yet unspoiled natural beauty. The ‘Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race’, the ‘Road rally in Tasmania’ and the music events make it a popular destination. ‘Falls Festival’ has drawn crowds for many years now. Around the time of Christmas, ‘Carols in the candlelight’ is another well-known event. The food festival has food and wine that attracts people in thousands. Wines such as ‘Cascade’ and ‘Boags’ are popular both in mainland Australia and also across the world. The cheese and dairy products are also a hit with the tourists. Cradle Mountain is another place in this state whose scenic beauty is seen to be felt. This mountain in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is made of dolerite columns. The vegetation in this area is mostly alpine. At the Cradle Mountain, you could even be start off on the ‘Overland track’ that would take you across the mountain terrain over six days. You could take walks around the bushes and with the Lake Dove in the vicinity, the place must be visited. On a nocturnal visit, you could even run into animals such as pademelons, wallabies and possums.

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The rugged terrain of Kimberley in Western Australia: is sure to have you perplexed. The cruise around this region is splendid as it offers views of waterfalls, red cliffs, rivers and some rainforest as well. King George Falls and Mitchell Falls have some of the most breathtaking views. This region also has some art centers. While the works of many foreign artists are on display, the local artists are also encouraged and these art shows are internationally recognized. Kimberley is also famous for its diamonds. The Bungle Bungles or Purnululu National Park is another attraction. However, this is closed for some months every year. You can start off on your Kimberley cruise either at Broome, Darwin or Derby. If you are planning to drive down to this place during the wet months, you need to check if the roads are closed.

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Australian Exortic Places(1)

2009-08-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Great Barrier Reef:

Checking out the Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-do activities in Australia. The variety of bio-diversity that this reef supports is seen to be believed. The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, dwarf minke whale, flatback turtle, olive ridley turtle and salt water crocodiles are some of the species found here. There is a wide variety of birds in this reef. It’s one of the heritage sites in this continent country. Located off the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea and is the largest coral reef in the world. ‘Live aboard’ is a floating guest facility that is offered by many places along the coast. A scuba diver would find this reef really fascinating. You could also try snorkeling and diving.

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Sydney Harbor: is a natural harbor and it provides the backdrop for the breathtaking Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. At the Opera House, you’ve performances by local music groups as well as foreign productions. The architecture is really modern with its typical ‘shells’ forming the roof. ‘The Coathanger’ or the Harbor Bridge is another image that represents Australia to most of the world. The pyrotechnics on New Year’s Eve is splendid. If you are willing to take the risk, you could climb the bridge. Of course, there are enough safety precautions in place!

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Australia

2009-08-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIAN EXORTIC PLACES

Introduction Of Australia

So, you want to go on a trip to some place that offers you not just the run-of-the-mill water activities, sightseeing opportunities, wonderful cities, but also a tryst with some exotic animals, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, and maybe even a desert? In this case, Australia would be the perfect destination for you. This country in the Southern hemisphere has something for everyone. Nature lover, sportsperson, and outdoor person, no matter who you are or what interests you the most, you’ll be at home here. This country has six states–Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales. Also, it has two major territories and some minor territories. A number of these smaller territories are not even inhabited! More than ninety percent of the country’s population is of British or Irish ethnicity. The Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders comprise the indigenous population. Australia is mostly desert with only the south-east and south-west having temperate climate. Snow falls in the mountains of Tasmania, New South Wales and other states. Australia’s flora and fauna is something that is unique to this continent. However, due to the indiscriminate use of the forests for cultivation land and industries, some of the species have become extinct. Protected areas in every state are working hard to recreate the ecosystem. Animals and birds such as kangaroos, dingoes, koala bears, emus, and kookaburras have come to symbolize Australia. The variety that the country offers is one of a kind. This sports crazy nation has a national cricket team and a rugby team in addition to the scores of athletes who have gone on to become international names in their chosen sport. Ian Thorpe, Patrick Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt, Rod Laver are only some of these greats. Cathy Freeman, the Olympic sprinter is probably one of the most famous Australian sportsperson of aboriginal origin. Then there is the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix, additional testimonies to the fact that sports is more than a leisure activity in this country. Surfing is something you must try when you are in this beach country. They have courses for beginners and also for the veterans. Each city and state offers something unique. You could even take a cruise instead of driving or flying down to the different cities. Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Hobart are some of the popular Australian cities.

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

Ride an elephant:The experience of sitting high a top an elephant in a teak wood chair, through the cool jungle of Taro, is an experience you'll never forget.

The Elephant Sanctuary provides the experience of a lifetime for visitors who really want to touch the wild in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa. All the African Elephants at the sanctuary have been rescued and their trust gained through unique reward based training

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

South Africa is a great mountain biking destination. And not just mountain biking – there are lovely day cycle tours and good places for bikepacking expeditions. Most MTB trails are on farms, in forestry land or national parks. You’ll find good places to cycle almost anywhere but what follows are a few of the best options.

Mountain bike Harkerville Forest:Situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Harkerville forest is the ideal location for recreational mountain-biking. The relatively easy gradients and diversity of the rides offer some of the finest cycling in the Southern Cape.Probably the best mountain biking in the world. Gorgeous forest scenery and some of the most fabulous single track.

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Fly through the trees: A treetop canopy tour will offer you a birds eye view of the forest - and a bit of an adrenalin rush - as you slide through the trees on a strong steel cable. There are three treetop tours: in the Tsitsikamma Forest, near Stormsriver; at Karkloof in KZN; and off the edge of the Magaliesberg.

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Hot Air Balloning In South Africa:Hot air ballooning in South Africa - Up up and away: Hot air ballooning in South Africa is arguably the best way to take in the landscapes of this beautiful country. Floating high above the ground, you have a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the gorgeous countryside below. Described as a somewhat magical experience, hot air ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight known to man. Nowadays tailored to meet the needs of the public, hot air ballooning in South Africa has become a highly sought after activity.

A hot air balloon trip will usually begin just before sunrise. You’ll gently lift off the ground to a height of approximately 10-20m and leisurly float along with the wind. At this height you’re able to have a glorious view of the sunrise as well as keep on the lookout for animals on the ground below. The panoramic views that you are privy to from this height leave many speechless as they witness the sunrise and the spreading light extending to the opposite horizon. It’s a magnificent experience and will leave you with a warm glow for weeks after.

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Spend some time really looking at rock art:The northern Cedarberg, just over two hours north of Cape Town, has some of the most easily accessible and best documented rock art around. If youre in a position to splurge out on a luxury game lodge experience, stay at Bushmanskloof, where youll be pampered and taken on escorted rock art tours. If, however, youd rather watch your budget, Travellers Rest, next door, is an inexpensive self-catering establishment that offers access to the equally spectacular rock art on the Sevilla Trail. You wont be accompanied by a hunky game ranger, but you can buy an inexpensive map and explanatory guidebook.

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Ride with the herd at Kaapsehoop: This fabulous, misty, mountainous landscape is home to what is probably the largest herd of feral horses in South Africa. Theyll often join up and spend some time with the domestic horses (and riders, of course) on an escorted horse trail. You also stand a good chance of seeing the rare and endangered blue swallow.

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Wine Route:The wine routes of the Cape are arguably the signature experience of the region, and certainly one of the principal tourist attraction in South Africa as a whole. Africa may conjure an image of big game, of the open plains and thundering hooves, and although in South Africa there is perhaps more of this than anywhere, South Africa is also a nation or rare accomplishment, of civil, legal and administrative sophistication, and of artistic, cultural and social maturity. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Cape, and in no phenomenon more dramatically than in the wine industry.

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Exploring South Africa

2009-08-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

Nesting Turtles An MaputaLand:Every year turtles return, sometimes travelling thousands of kilometres, to the warm watered beaches in this region to lay their eggs near the spot they had hatched.

Once they’ve arrived on the beach, the nesting is a slow process and most turtles lay between 500 and 1000 eggs at a time, dug into large holes and finally covered by 30cms of sand. The eggs hatch two months later and the tiny hatchlings dig their way out of the nests and scurry to the ocean. The warm water attracts different kinds of turtles: Loggerheads, huge Leatherbacks and Green Turtles and tropical Hawksbills.

Turtles lay their eggs at different times and if you’re lucky you will be able to see both nesting and hatching in the one night. The season starts in October and finishes in April. Most of the money generated by tourism in this area goes back into the Maputaland Sea Turtle Project (you can even adopt your own turtle, who you can hold before you release into the ocean.

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Abseil off Table Mountain:Go to the edge and heights you never experienced before, enter the adrenaline zone, try the The "long drop", a 112 metre trip into oblivion. This is the highest commercial abseil in the world, off the top of Cape Town’s famous landmark Table Mountain. Amplify that rush with the exhilaration of putting your trust in the strength of a single, slender rope while dangling above the full expanse of the Mother City and its environs.

The views are intoxicating and photo opportunities are incredible. You can catch the cable-car or walk up to the top for a mind-blowing experience. Experience the Cape's beathtaking scenery from a unique point of view. Qualified instructors will explain the gear and technique to you, make sure of your safety and over you go for the experience of a lifetime. The cost is offer the guided walk-ups at R 200pp depending on what you and trips run --daily, weather permitting.

Exploring South Africa

2009-08-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Grahamstown Festival:The Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2009: Africa’s largest cultural event offers a choice of the both local and international talent. Thousands of people flock to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape to experience a feast of dance, opera, caberet, fine arts, craft arts, music and much much more. Every hall becomes a theatre, parks and sport fields become flea markets. Grahamstown Festival is one of the most diverse festivals in the world.

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Kruger National Park: The Kruger National Park (KNP) is in north-east of South Africa and and runs along the border of Mozambique in the east, Zimbabwe in the north, and the southern border is the Crocodile River. The park covers 20,000 square kilometers and is divided in 14 different ecozones, each supporting different wildlife. It is one of the main attractions of South Africa and it is considered the flagship of South African National Parks (SANPark).If youve never explored this mega South African icon, youre really missing out. Dont listen to the mother grundies who say its too developed. Its 20 000sq km with, granted, some tarred roads and huge rest camps, but this is a wild place. You go self-drive, join a night drive, take a self-guided 4x4 trail or even adventure on an escorted mountain bike trail.

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Exploring South Africa

2009-08-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Berg Lake:Berg Lake is a lake on the Robson River just below the river's source located within Mount Robson Provincial Park, at the doorstep of the north face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.It is partly fed by the Berg Glacier.
The turquoise colored Berg Lake is dotted with icebergs even in the middle of summer.

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Cable Car up Table Mountains:Table Mountain is Cape Town's icon, easily seen from almost anywhere in the Cape Town area when the distinctive flat top isn't covered in a thick layer of clouds. It is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east, Lion's head and Signal Hill to the west, and Karbonkelberg to the southwest. The top of Table Mountain is a flat-topped plateau overlooking Cape Town, and on a clear day, The Twelve Apostles standing along the Atlantic Coast are visible.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cable Way, is used by around 800,000 tourists per year and up to 65 people can fit into the rotating compartments. Yes, the floor of the cable way actually rotates so all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city! How unusual it that... It takes 5-10 minutes to reach the top and when the weather is good, what a view it cant be expressed in words.

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Exploring South Africa

2009-08-02T20:47:00.001-07:00

Paddle The Orange River:The Orange River (Afrikaans/Dutch: Oranjerivier), Gariep River, Groote River or Senqu River is the longest river in South Africa. It rises in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, flowing westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. The river forms part of the international borders between South Africa and Namibia and between South Africa and Lesotho, as well as several provincial borders within South Africa. Although the river does not pass through any major cities, it plays an important role in the South African economy by providing water for irrigation, as well as hydroelectric power.

Awesome scenery, fun but easy rapids, great food and sleeping under the stars is one of the best destressers around.

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The long white beach at Buffels Bay(Kynsa):Buffalo Bay, Knysna is situated halfway between the towns of Sedgefield and Knysna. Buffalo Bay is one of the major and most beautiful Knysna Tourist Attractions. Buffalo Bay's pristine white beaches stretches along the way to Brenton on Sea. The fascinating beaches with splendid view of the deep-blue sea and the rocks along the beaches make Buffalo Bay, Knysna an ideal location for day trips. It is only 21 kilometers from the town of Knysna. It is also a popular sunset point near Knysna and must be included in the list of Sightseeing in Knysna.
Buffalo Bay, Knysna is a family beach where the water is safe for swimming. Adventurous people will enjoy surfing as the location has excellent surfing conditions, including a "wild side". The Buffalo Bay beach is also ideal for long walks and beach fishing. While swimming or walking along the beach you can spot dolphins and whales. Those who are adventure freak can go for a thrilling horse ride through the surf. Romantic couples can go for a 'Romantic Low Tide Beach Horse Ride' along the beaches at Buffalo Bay.

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Juniper Forest in Ziarat (Pakistan)

2009-07-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

Ziarat is also very famous for its juniper trees. Junipers are found in Ziarat districts and Zarghoon mount and some other mounted areas of Balochistan known as the second largest Juniper forest in the world, which covers an area of about 247,000 acres. United Nations (UN) included this forest in the world heritage list. There are many important species found in this ecosystem including animal and birds, the Chakor partridge, bushes and ground flora which local people use these plants as indigenous treatments for a variety of diseases.The junipers are considered to be the real treasure of Ziarat. There are trees in the valley which are more than 5000 to 7000 years old. In Ziarat a herb called Ephedra sinica is found in abundance from which a chemical called ephedrine is extracted, an important constituent of various medicines, especially cough syrups. When the snow falls in Ziarat's winter the juniper valley is at its most beautiful.Chiltan Adventurers Association Balochistan is raising voice on National & International level as Juniper Defenders for the conservation of this world heritage since 1984.

Quid-E-Azam Residency Ziarat (Pakistan)

2009-07-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Stanley Wolpert Qouting about QuideAzam:

"Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the mapof the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state.Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three".

Quid-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah The Founder Of Pakistan was a great leader and the first Governal General Of The newly freely state the then 'Pakistan'.

His great struggle brought Muslims out of the chains of slavery and awoke them from their sleepiness and tought them the lesson of their Freedom.

After a long struggle this great leader felt ill and spend his last breaths in the Quid-E-Azam Residency and died there.After then he was brought to Karachi and is buried there.

These days this Quaid Residency Is serving as a National Monument for the people Of Pakistan and for tourists.

Exploring America

2009-07-28T11:44:00.001-07:00

Grafton, Varmont:Grafton is one of the prettiest villages in Vermont. Many of its beautiful old buildings have been lovingly restored by its residents and the Windham Foundation, so what you see today looks much like it did years ago. Grafton’s uniqueness, however, comes from being a real town - not a museum-like town - with its citizens being its most valuable resource. It is a vibrant community, still holding the traditional Town Meeting for government, with participation from a wonderfully diverse population of 600 people. Come walk our village streets. Picnic by a covered bridge. Visit our shops, galleries and museums. Linger a few days and you will see the beauty that surrounds us in these hills and feel the peace and quiet charm.

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Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:Jenny Lake, formed by melting glaciers about 60,000 years ago, is a beautiful blue mountain lake set in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, at the base of Teewinot Mountain. On the west side, the lake touches the Teton Mountain Range. The lake is about 260 feet deep at the deepest point.
Jenny Lake is the starting point for numerous hiking trails in the area, including Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. There is a 6.6-mile long trail that winds around the entire lake.
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Exploring America

2009-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

!BEAUTIES OF AMERICA!
!

Red Rock Country (Sedona, Arizona):Massive red-rock monoliths bearing the descriptive names of Bell Rock, Courthouse, Church House and Steamboat stand as sentinels guarding the town snuggled under the dominating and awesome Mogollon Rim, the southwestern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. This rugged, geological uplift, dotted with stalwart volcanic cones reaching nearly 13,000 feet in height, speaks of eons of cataclysmic activity. Fossilized sea shells and dinosaur tracks, embedded when the sandstone was merely mud, leads one to imagine how the area appeared during a much wetter period and to conjecture on the forces that shaped this magnificent and stunning locale.

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The upper Mississippi River:The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States,with a length of 2,320 miles (3,730 km) from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is part of the Missouri-Mississippi river system, which is the largest river system in North America and among the largest in the world: by length (3,900 miles (6,300 km)), it is the fourth longest, and by its average discharge of 572,000 cu ft/s (16,200 m³/s), it is the tenth largest.
The name Mississippi is derived from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi ("Great River") or gichi-ziibi ("Big River").

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Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast:On the North Shore of Kauai, the incredible Napali Coast overlooks panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Along this spectacular coastline, you can walk amongst velvet green cliffs towering into the sky and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys.
The only land access to this enchanted place is via the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trail that crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. The hike into Kalalau is often challenging, and sometimes even dangerous, with narrow sections and heavy rainfall that can make the topsoil muddy.
Many hikers choose to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp at the beach of Hanakapiai, then heading to Kalalau the next morning. Camping permits are required from the State Parks office in Lihue. A trail guide is recommended and hiking during the winter months is discouraged.

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Exploring South America

2009-07-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

Lake Titicaca:This Lake evokes a spiritual tranquility in everyone who visits the place. This is the most beautiful lakes of the world with dark blue waters, which you have never seen before in any lake.
This is the biggest freshwater lake of South America that lies in the border of Peru and Bolivia. This fresh water lake has some famous islands in it namely, The Floating Islands and The Island Of Sun.

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Iguazu falls:This is definitely the most visited place of the South America. Most famous natural attraction of Argentina, these are taller than Niagara Falls and twice as the width with a horse shape of the falls.
These falls are considered as the jewel of the continent, you can explore different species of flora and fauna at the surroundings of the Iguazu falls.

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There are many other places in South America which are to be visited; Galapagos Islands, Panama Viejo, Caraz in Peru, Buenos Aires Cabildo etc.
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Exploring South America

2009-07-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

PATAGONIA:This is famous place of Chile; it offers the spectacular landscapes scenery, dazzling exposure of the islands, icebergs, mountains and glaciers. This place is also referred as the ending point of the world. This is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing places of the world.
The most famous attraction of the place is the whale watching; the season of whale watching is from May to December. These cetaceans are seen in the shore of Patagonia for mating and giving birth to babies.

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Salar de Uyuni: If you have not heard of the place, then you do not know one of the most beautiful places of the world. This is the largest salt flats of the world, located in Bolivia.
This is a dried hill with huge cactus all around the place; within this place there are several islands which form as a smooth uniform fish island. This place offers the tourists with different types of boarding facilities, such as you can stay in a salt hotel and can witness the geyser bathing.

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The Lost City Of Incas:This is commonly known as Manchu Picchu. If you want to experience the mystical and sacred place of South America, then you should visit Manchu Picchu. The ruins you see at the Manchu Picchu are the most beautiful and ancient ruins of the world.
The archeologists who have surveyed Manchu Picchu have decided that this construction was for the priestesses and the nobility of the Incans dynasty. This is referred as the pearl of Peru Mountain.

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Mt Washington Of Pittsburgh(America)

2009-07-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

Mount Washington is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's south city area. It has a zip code of 15211 and has representation on Pittsburgh City Council by both the council members for District 3 (Central South Neighborhoods) and District 2 (West Neighborhoods). The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire houses 27 Engine in Mt. Washington. 27 Engine is a new 75 foot Pierce quint.
It is known for its steep hill overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline, which was rated the second most beautiful vista in America by USA Weekend [1] (and the best urban vista); its funiculars, the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines, which are the oldest continuous inclines in the world; and for the row of upscale restaurants paralleling the crest of Mount Washington, the hill the community sits upon.

Azad Kashmir

2009-07-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

Post Independence and Partition of British India:After the Partition of India in 1947, the princely states were given the option of joining either India or Pakistan. However, Hari Singh, the maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, wanted Jammu and Kashmir to remain independent. In order to buy some time, he signed a stand-still agreement, which side-stepped the agreement that each princely state would join either India or Pakistan.The raiders from North-West Frontier Province and the Tribal Areas feared that Hari Singh may join Indian Union. In October 1947 supported by Pakistani Army they attacked Kashmir and tried to take over control of Kashmir. Initially Hari Singh tried to resist their progress but failed. Hari Singh then requested Indian Union to help. India responded that it could not help unless Kashmir joins India. So on 26 October 1947 Kashmir accession papers were signed and Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar. Fighting ensued between Indian Army & Pakistani Army with control stabilizing more or less around what is now the "Line of Control".
Later, India approached UN to solve dispute & resolutions were passed to hold a plebiscite with regard to Kashmir's future. However, this plebiscite has not been held on either side since the legal requirement for the holding of a plebiscite was the withdrawal of the Indian and Pakistani armies from the parts of Kashmir that were under their respective control—a withdrawal that never did take place. In 1949, a cease-fire line separating the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir was formally put into effect.
Following the 1949 cease-fire agreement, the government of Pakistan divided the northern and western parts of Kashmir which it held into the following two separately-controlled political entities:

Languages:Urdu is the official language of Azad Kashmir but is spoken by only a minority of people. The dominant language spoken in the state is Pahari, which is very similar to Pothwari and Hindko.

The Lost City Of Harappa(Pakistan)

2009-07-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

H arappa was a city in the Indus civilization that flourished around 2600 to 1700 BCE in the western part of South Asia.

HISTORY:One of the most fascinating yet mysterious cultures of the ancient world is the Harappan civilization. This culture existed along the Indus River in present day Pakistan and India. It was named after the city of Harappa as it was the first of that civilization's cities discovered. Harappa and the city of Mohenjo-Daro were the greatest achievements of the Indus valley civilization.These cities are well known for their impressive, organized and regular layout, road and street networks, drainage and step-wells for water. Over one hundred other towns and villages also existed in this region. The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization, evinced in numerous seals, pottery graffiti and a probable sign at Dholavira, remains undeciphered.

DECLINE AND FALL OF HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION:There has been much speculation on the decline and fall of this civilization. The decline of the Harappans was gradual at first and may have come to a very abrupt termination later on[6]. In the period of climate history coinciding with the decline of the Harappans, a significant change in the global climate took place by the expansion of arctic air. This may have been responsible for such things as drought in northern Iowa, affecting the Mill Creek Indians, and in Greece, affecting the Mycenaeans [7]. It may have contributed to the fall of the Harappans as well.[8]
Another possibility is an invasion from the Aryans, who inhabited the region of present day Northwest India.

The Lost Of City Of Moen Jo Daro(Pakistan)

2009-07-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Mohenjo-daro was built around 2600 BC and abandoned around 1900 BC. It was rediscovered in 1922 by Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay.

Mohenjo-daro in ancient times was most likely one of the administrative centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. [6] It was the most developed and advanced city in South Asia, and perhaps the world, during its peak.

The Mohenjo-daro ruins were one of the major centres of this ancient society. At its peak, some archaeologists opine that the Indus Civilization may have had a population of well over five million.
To date, over a thousand cities and settlements have been found, mainly in the Indus River valley in Pakistan and northwestern India.
The language of the Indus Civilization has yet to be determined, and the real name of the city as of other excavated cities in Sindh, Punjab and Gujarat, is unknown. In Sindhi "Moan" or "Moen" means "dead(plural)" "jo" means "of" and "daro" means "mound.

Some remains founded by archealogist are dancing girl statue,King priest statue,a doll,head of a bull,statue of the Buddha etc which were crafted immensely beautifully.

Machu Pichu

2009-07-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountain top (9060 feet elevation), erecting many hundreds of stone structures from the early 1400's, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old Peak' in the Quechua language) was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small (5 square miles) but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba river, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. These structures, carved from the gray granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius. Many of the building blocks weigh 50 tons or more yet are so precisely sculpted and fitted together with such exactitude that the mortarless joints will not permit the insertion of even a thin knife blade. Little is known of the social or religious use of the site during Inca times. The skeletal remains of ten females to one male had led to the casual assumption that the site may have been a sanctuary for the training of priestesses and /or brides for the Inca nobility. However, subsequent osteological examination of the bones revealed an equal number of male bones, thereby indicating that Machu Picchu was not exclusively a temple or dwelling place of women.

Botanical Gardens In Colombo

2009-07-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya:(109 km. from Colombo) The Gardens date back to the Kandyan kingdom, when they were used as royal pleasure grounds. However, it was soon after the British seized the Kandyan Kingdom that they were established in 1821. The Gardens are elegantly landscaped over 150 hectares of beautifully undulating grounds. Within this large loop of the meandering Mahaweli Ganga is a spectacular display of more than 400 species of indigenous tropical flora and exotic plants.

Hakgala Botanic Gardens:After the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, Hakgala, 10km (6 miles) south of Nuwara Eliya, is the second most important garden in Sri Lanka. Though on a smaller scale than those at Peradeniya, Hakgala's plantations of roses, shrubs, ferns and montage woodland are delightfully located, with scenic views. Above the gardens, a forest trail leads into virginwoodland - the home of a troop of purple-faced leaf monkeys, a species endemic to Sri Lanka, and to endemic bird species including the Sri Lanka white-eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and Sri Lanka whistling thrush.Open daily from07:30 to 17:00.

Viharamahadevi Park:This is the largest of several parks in Colombo. It is the last remnant of the cinnamon plantations that covered adjacent land, giving the residential area of Cinnamon Gardens its name. The park is a wonderful sight from March to May, when its trees burst into flower. You can see ebony, mahogany, fig, lemon and the last cinnamon trees from the plantations established over a hundred years ago. Tethered in the shade and swaying to and fro in one corner of the park may be elephants, sometimes parked here for the night. During peraheras held at nearby temples, upto fifty or so elephants may be accomodated here for about a week.

Shangrila Skardu(Pakistan)

2009-07-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Coast Of Victoria(Australia)

2009-07-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

West Coast Railway was formed in 1993 when the Kennett Liberal Government offered long-distance country rail services previously run by the government-owned operator V/Line to private operators. Their bid was entered in February 1993 and was announced as the successful tender on April 30 the same year. The initial franchise was for 8 years, being later extended for 3 more. Their head office in Geelong was opened on July 12, 1993 and the company officially came into existence on August 1.
While several rail services were replaced by road coach services, West Coast Railway successfully tendered to maintain the South-West region's rail service, thus - in the words of the company - "giving new life to a region serviced by rail for over 100 years". During the 11 years of WCR operation of the line, patronage increased by 20%. The first rail service under WCR operated on September 19 when V/Line locomotive N466 City of Warrnambool hauled the 17.00 up Warrnambool to Melbourne service.
In 2001, the two directors of the company brought a 50% share in Tranz Scenic, the national passenger operator in New Zealand.However, the investment was not successful, and the share was sold in 2003 to Toll NZ.

Singapore

2009-07-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE - a small country well known for most technical people especially for those who are in the field of engineering and IT not withstanding other field. Also known for promising tourist attractions and the renowed cleanliness. This country has been the bread and butter for the realization of our future goals.

In 2009, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Singapore the tenth most expensive city in the world in which to live—the third in Asia, after Tokyo and Osaka.[13] The 2009 Cost of Living survey, by consultancy firm Mercer, has ranked Singapore similarly as the tenth most expensive city for expatriates to live in.

Chocolate Hills(Phillipines)

2009-07-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Chocolate Hills are an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines.According to the latest accurate survey done,there are 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.
The Chocolate Hills are a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. They are featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attractions in the province.They are in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; they have been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Hundred Islands(Phillipines)

2009-07-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan: Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old.

Switzerland

2009-07-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Switzerland is multilingual and has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The country's formal name is Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft in German, Confédération suisse in French, Confederazione Svizzera in Italian and Confederaziun svizra in Romansh. The establishment of Switzerland is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291; Swiss National Day is celebrated on the anniversary.

Some Tourist Attractions In Switzerland Are:

ZURICH:Zurich is truely a wonderful place set among some of the most beautiful scenic vistas on the shores of Lake Zurich. Zurich is just a stone's throw from the Alps. Gentle hills, peaceful woods, the unpolluted lakes and rivers, picturesque villages, all provides an ideal starting point for all kinds of excursions from Zurich.

INTERLAKEN RESORT:Situated in Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a striking tourist destination in Europe region consists of the quaint villages of Iseltwald, Bönigen and Ringgenberg-Goldswil on Lake Brienz, Wilderswil at the entrance to the mountain valleys and the mountain villages of Beatenberg and Habkern.

Montreux:The lovely little towns of Montreux and Vevey are nestled on the waterfront of a pristine lake. Enjoy the 15 km of lakeside where steamships ply up and down, the snow-capped mountains, the charming hotels and their many international celebrities.

There are many other places like Swiss Alps,Luassene etc as the tourist attraction in SwitzerLand.

Vagator Beach Goa(India)

2009-07-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Vagator Beach is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. It is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim in Pernem.

Vagator Beach has dramatic red cliffs looking down on the shore and two fresh water springs within a stone's throw of the sea. But Vagator has little by way of seaside accommodation. The accommodation ranges from simple beach shacks to serious luxury resorts. While some of the luxury can be very expensive, there is generally enough ok priced places (300 - 500 Rupees per night) to make it possible to stay for a reasonable length of time.
Vagator Beach is split into two main beaches by a seaside headland which holds the car park and lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. As you face the sea, on your right is North Vagator Beach (Big Vagator)and on your left Ozram Beach, more commonly known as Little Vagator Beach.There are a number of places playing to a dance & trance crowd during the tourist season. These include: Nine Bar located just above Little Vagator Hilltop (a little back from Little Vagator) and Primrose back towards Big Vagator beach, they play different types of trance and psychedelic music from different DJ's from around the world.

Its advisable that you have your own mode of transport if you are planing to visit here.

Anjuna Village Goa(India)

2009-07-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Anjuna (Konkani: हणजुणें, pronounced [ɦɔɳzuɳẽ]) is a village in Goa, one of the twelve Brahmin comunidades of Bardez. It was a famous destination for hippies during the sixties and seventies. It currently faces the problems that all of Goa faces: garbage disposal, unauthorized land conversion, usurpation of community land, and a disregard for the rule of law.Anjuna is known throughout North Goa and to travellers from all over the world for its flea market at the Beach (Wednesdays), where one can find anything from Indian souvenirs to Trance music.Anjuna is known throughout North Goa and to travellers from all over the world for its flea market at the Beach (Wednesdays), where one can find anything from Indian souvenirs to Trance music.

Some famous markets in Anjuna are Flea Market and Hippo Market.

Arambol Beach Goa(India)

2009-07-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Arambol Beach is located a few kilometers from the city of Mapusa within the Pernem administrative region of northern Goa.
The beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the winter season between December and February. Arambol has a distinct bohemian feel which is no longer found in areas such as Calangute and this inevitably attracts many hippie travellers.Currently no major hotels exist in this area due to local pressure and consequently rooms are available at very reasonable rates when compared to tourist laden beaches such as Baga and Candolim. Arambol beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, amongst many other popular locations including Vagator, Anjuna and Palolem.Soccer and cricket are considered to be the famous sports of goa.

Naran Kagan And Saif-ul-Mulk

2009-07-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Naran kagan and saif-ul-mulk are considered to be the wonders of pakistan incase of beauty and naturality.Naran and kagan are the most beautiful village for the tourist attractions in Pakistan with mountains,hills,farms,farming,lakes,streamers etc.

Saif-ul-mulk is popular for its Jheel which is too beautiful and the main tourist attraction.

Snow Village of Lainio in Finland

2009-07-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Snow Village in Lainio, Finland, is a destination that's hard to forget. The Snow Village is an arctic adventure offering a large ice hotel with an ice restaurant (see picture) and ice bar, along with activities such as an ice maze and snow slides. Opened in 2000, this ice hotel's accommodation consists of 20 igloo bedrooms and 7 fancy ice suites.
Pack yourself tightly into your sleeping bag during a night at the Snow Hotel. The temperature in the Snow Hotel ranges from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius (23-32 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the Scandinavian weather outside. However, there is a heated area where hotel guests can enjoy warm showers and a sauna, or warm up in the group room in front of the fireplace and TVs.

Kirkenes Snow Hotel

2009-07-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Kirkenes Snow Hotel is situated in the eastmost town of Norway, close to the Norwegian-Russian border. The hotel had its first season during winter 2006/2007, the hotel had 20 rooms and the largest snow dome in Norway (8 metres high and 12 metres in diameter). All the rooms were individually decorated by the ice artists from Finland and Japan. The west Snow Hall was decorated by a local sculptor Arild Wara. A night in the snow hotel is combined with a special dinner prepared on an open fire, the visitors can also get a sauna before or after staying at the hotel. There is also a reindeer park and a husky farm in the hotel area.

Pattaya Beach(Thai Land)

2009-07-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

Venice

2009-07-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

The City Of Venice is fully covered with water and the only way of transport is boats,streamers,ships etc are there for people to migrate from one place to another.

Venice is a district in western Los Angeles, California, United States. It is known for its canals, beaches and circus-like Ocean Front Walk, which features performers, fortune-tellers and vendors.[1] Throughout the summer months, the boardwalk is actively entertaining, and this tradition continues on weekends in the winter. It is an important tourist attraction in Southern California, and has retained its popularity in part because it is an attractive location for walking and bicycling. It was home to early Beat poets and artists.

Mykonos Island beach- Aegean Sea

2009-07-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

A small island in the Aegean Sea Mykonos Island present perfect beaches of Ornos and Psarou.Its white sands and clear water are ideal for spending hours of sunbathing and relaxing. But the beaches at Paradise and Super Paradise are the real places to go if you are a hardcore party animal. Party and music go on right through day and night so do not take the kids along .Dress code is minimal as nudity is permitted here. The island is a dream destination for all those with adventure streak in them as it is full of small tucked away shops, churches, bars, windmills against the blue coastline. The capital Hora is full of small monasteries telling the history of the place or visits the streets of Little Venice. Mykonos is one of the few islands where diving is allowed. It is an ideal spot to explore the magic of under water.

Horse Shoe Beach-Bermuda

2009-07-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

Horseshoe Bay is considered to be world's one of the loveliest beach. The wide stretches of pink soft sand and clear blue water entice travelers to its 21 mile long shoreline full of corals, and shells. For those seeking shelter from prying eyes for romance can retreat to Somerset Long Bay, Longwood Cove or Astwood Cove which are wedged within a cliff. Horseshoe Bay beach is very popular among beachgoers as it offers best facilities in equipment rental and life-guards. The turquoise calm water with reefs beaches of Church Bay and Daniel's Head is home to exotic fishes. You can go for variety of water sports like snorkeling or diving. Apart from beaches the island offers historic monuments and museums. You can stroll around in towns full of vibrant life. There are many luxurious hotels, shopping areas and plush restaurants offering every delectable cuisine for your taste-buds. To get real feel of the place we will recommend renting bicycle or scooter to see the streets and towns.

Bora Bora Island (French)

2009-07-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

One of the magical islands Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. It lies at Matira Point with in a lagoon characterized by sandy beaches. It is most romantic place where you can find secluded beaches and cozy hotels to share intimate moments with your partner. For adventure lovers there are wide -ranging activities from shark feeding expedition or tour to island's hinterland. If you are searching for perfect black pearl then visit to Main Island is must. For history lovers the island has number of World War II landmarks and memorabilia to keep you busy. But the activity you will love or enjoy the most is lazing on the Matira Beach and enjoying the sun. The Scuba divers will find colorful coral bed, turtles and other sea animals. If you are lucky you can say hello to sharks. Take romantic strolls on soft sand beach or sip heady cocktails at the beach bars. Enjoy live music and dance in the nightclub located on the beach itself.

Anguilla Beach - Caribbean

2009-07-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Anguilla offers breathtaking beaches, crystal blue water, luxury resorts and laid back environment. This 16 mile stretch of island has total 33 beaches all open for public.The island has lot more to offer .

Amsterdam

2009-07-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Amsterdamis the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country.

Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, its red-light district and its many cannabis coffee shops, draw 4.2 million tourists annually.

Mauritius

2009-07-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mauritius counts among the most romantic places in the world and is ideal location for honeymoon lovers where they can rest under the shaded trees,enjoy on the beaches,have a calm and relax atmosphere at the mauritius hotels.

Mount Everest

2009-07-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mount Everest – also called Sagarmāthā is the highest mountain on Earth, as measured by the height above sea level of its summit, 8,848 metres (29,029 ft). The mountain, which is part of the Himalaya range in Asia, is located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China.

K.2 Mountain

2009-07-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

K2 is the second-highest mountain on Earth (after Mount Everest). With a peak elevation of 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), K2 is part of the Karakoram segment of the Himalayan range.

K2 is known as the Savage Mountain due

to the difficulty of ascent.

Sahara Desert(Africa)

2009-07-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Sahara, with a size of 8.6 million km², is the world's largest desert, covering large parts of North Africa. Around 4 million people live here.Its maximum length is 4,800 km, running from west to east, and up to 1,200 km from north to south.

Sahara has a subtropical climate in its northern parts, and a tropical one in the south. Winters in the north are cold to cool; in the south, mild. Summers are hot all over the desert.

Burj Al Arab

2009-07-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Most luxurious 7star hotel ever made in history is located In Dubai and is the most expensive one.