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Beach Honeymoon

Lazying out in the endless coastlines, soaking in the clear turquoise waters and a sunset dinner cruise is your perfect honeymoon destinations, then here are some beaches that will make you so “AWW”.

Glacier Express – A train to fall in love with

Some of the most spectacular train journeys one can make is in Switzerland. Topping the list is the “Glacier Express”. During this 7 ½ journey, expect to see gorgeous villages, soaring steeples, red sloped roofed houses, brown cows munching away the lush green grass, ice melting into little water falls, green forests and wild meadows. This St. Moritz/Davos - Zermatt panoramic train journey, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass which is 2033 meter above the sea level.

Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant never-say-sleep city. Neon-lit skyscrapers, tightly packed sidewalk, molasses-slow traffic, steam-filled eat outs identifies this overwhelming harbor city. In addition to the Cantonese Chinese and British influence, one can notice a diverse influence from Vietnam to Vancouver making Hong Kong a unique destination

Paris Highlights

Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Adventure Sport: Zorbing down the hill

For Adventure Sports enthusiast, Zorbing is a must do. Simply saying, Zorbing is a recreation activity of rolling down a hill inside a inflated ball. The experience is more like throw inside a washing machine. Though you might think with all the movement inside the zorb, you would end up black and blue, but Zorb is incredibly safe. The Zorbing site was first established in Rotoura, New Zealand.

World Famous Cuisines

The history, climate, geography, religion and culture have a deep impact on any cuisine in the world. The origin and migration of food have in turn influenced the history, culture and culture. For any traveler, tasting the world famous cuisine with its authenticity is indeed a great opportunity. Here are some of the world famous cuisines in no particular order: Lebanese Cuisine, Greek Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Thai Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, French Cuisine, Italian Cuise...

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Friday, January 28, 2011 8:55 AM TOIP
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 The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, viewing it from greater distance one can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China, stretching over 3000 km almost parallel to Queensland coast, from the coastal town of Bundaberg up to the tip of Cape York. It is also the only living thing on earth visible from space.

The reef, between 15 km and 150 km off the shore and around 65 km in some parts, is a gathering of brilliant, vivid coral providing divers with the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable. A closure encounter with the Great Barrier Reef’s impressive coral garden reveals many astonishing underwater attractions including the world’s largest collection of corals (about 400 different kinds), coral sponges, dolphins, molluscs, rays, tropical fishes (about 1500 species), birds, turtles and clams. In recognition of its significance, The Great Barrier Reef was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981.

The Great Barrier Reef’s islands are simply enchanting. There are over 100 islands, scattered off the coast of Queensland. Some islands are continental islands and some are coral clays. Some islands have marine life and some don’t. Some have standard accommodation facilities and many are not on the reef.
List of Reef Islands
 
Reef tourism has rapidly grown over the recent times; there are approximately 820 operators and 1500 vessels operating in the Marine Park. There is a diverse range of tourism operation in the Great Barrier Reef. The popular tours are days trips, overnight trips, snorkeling trip, scuba diving trip, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning tour, fishing charter, glass-bottomed boat tour, cruise ships, beach hires, water sports, whale watching, swimming with dolphin and many more.
List of some tours

Lisbon –Monuments, colorful streets and squares

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:05 PM TOIP
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Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since 12th century. This legendary city has a rich and impressively integrated diversity and a history of over 20 centuries. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place of neighborhoods. 
Photo Credits: www.trekexchange.com
 Facts:
Currency: Euro
Language: Portuguese
Time Difference: 5 ½ hr behind IST
Best Time to Visit: Feb-June is ideal

Get in:
Visa: Indian Nationals will require a visa to enter Portugal. Like other EU members Schengen Visa can be obtained prior to arrival in Portugal.
Flights: There are no direct flights from India to Lisbon. The major transit points are Paris, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt.

Getting Around:
Metro: The underground metro is the best to tour Lisbon. The Metro stations are highly decorated and it’s a real treat to see.http://www.metrolisboa.pt/
Trams: Trams/streetcar is good for short hops between crisscross streets. The tickets can be bought from outlets, driver or the machine in the tram. http://www.carris.pt/
Suburban Trains: Suburban trains is the best connection to Belem, Estoril and Cascais
Funiculars and Elevadores: Take advantage of these rope ways to navigate the hilly areas.
Bicycle and Foot: Lisbon is city of seven hills. Hence cycling and thumbing the hilly terrains is quite a challenge.
Car: Taxi is a economical if you are considering sharing among three or four people. However, renting a car might be a disadvantage since parking is a pain and the streets are jammed during peak hours.

Attractions:
The major attraction in Lisbon is the city itself. Here is a list of major attractions:
Jeronimos Monastery – A world Heritage Site. It was once the place of resting for Vasco da Gama.
Belem Towers – Lisbon’s iconic tower and also a symbol of age of Discovery
Gulbenkian Museum – A treasure from East to West
Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary art – A great collection of Modern and contemporary Arts
Ocenarium – A sea odyssey in a state of art building
St. George Castle – Millennium old Walls overlooking the city
Ancient Art Museum – Fascinating Oriental and European art
Coach Museum - Houses the world’s largest collection of Coaches and Royal vehicles
Downtown Baixa – Located in the center of Lisbon, the area was reconstructed entirely after an earthquake in 18th centaury.
Ajuda Palace – A neoclassical monument in the city

Photo Credits: http://www.theworldeffect.com
 Do:
1. Spend a evening in a Fado themed restaurant
2. Ride a tram in the old Quarter (Tram 28)

Events:
March – Lisbon Fashion Week (ModaLisboa)
April – Dias Da Musica (Classical Music concert)
May – Rock in Rio (Biggest Music Entertainment Event), Ola Love 2 Dance (Annual Dance Festival)
June – Gay Pride, Alkantara Festival (Street Festival)
July – Sparkling Party
August - Jazz em Agosto – (Jazz Festival)
October – Lesboa Party (Dance Party)
November - Luzboa - International Lighting and Urban Art Bienal
December – New Year’s Eve Party

Tips:
1. Lisboa Card grants access to all public transport (buses, metro, tram and even CP trains to nearby places). Free entrance or discounted entry fee to many attractions) http://www.golisbon.com/Lisboa-Card/
2. Many attractions are closed on Monday
3. Most Monuments has free entry on Sunday until 2PM

Side-trips:
1. Sintra – A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 mins by car/train from Lisbon
2. Evora – A Museum town less than 2 hours away by express bus/car from Lisbon

Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

Monday, January 24, 2011 2:57 PM TOIP
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The iconic red Ferrari logo roofed building of Ferrari World amusement Park is the first Ferrari theme park. This world’s largest indoor amusement park is located in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Yas Island also boosts the Yas Marina circuit, home of Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari World comprises of over 20 Ferrari inspired attractions which include Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, operating at a speed of 240 km/hr. There are rides and entertainments for children, family and adults. The theme-park also houses the largest Ferrari Store in the world, where the guests can buy the Ferrari merchandise and even personalize them. Dining and accommodation are also available on the Island.
Getting there:
The ‘Ferrari World’ can be reached by car. If you don’t own one, hire a Taxi
Ticket Information:
General Admission: Unlimited access to all rides and attractions and a single entry into the park which is valid for 6 months from the day of purchase
Adult: AED 225 [Rs. 2800 approx.]
Child: AED 165 [Rs. 2000 approx.]
Premium Admission: Unlimited access to all rides and attractions through fast track lane and a single entry into the park which is valid for 6 months from the day of purchase. Also, an exclusive access to VIP lounges.
Adult: AED 495 [Rs. 6150 approx.]
Child: AED 390 [Rs. 4600 approx.]
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun [12:00 – 22:00]. Park is closed on Monday.
Tip:
It’s best to avoid the park during the F1 season in Abu Dhabi, since the park might be reserved only for Teams.

Flamenco Show in Spain

Friday, January 21, 2011 3:38 PM TOIP
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A trip to Spain is incomplete without a Flamenco show. Flamenco is a style of music and dance which is native in southern region of Spain. Flamenco origin like many other folk art forms is unknown. Flamenco is expressed using guitar, song and dance. Flamenco is also listed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
photo credit: www.garrett-axford.co.uk
Flamenco shows is a must do in Spain. The best Flamenco can be seen in “Tablaos” Flamenco restaurants. “Tablaos” are establishments with their own performers. The major cities and tourist spots of Spain have many Tabload Flamenco restaurants. The typical Flamenco show is a drink (wine) + show or dinner (Tapas) + show. The show starts timings might vary but the ideal duration is 1 ½ to 2 hours. The price also varies depending on the city, restaurant and the Tablaos.

If you are packing your bags to Spain, do not miss Flamenco show and entice in the harmony of the music, dance and food.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:41 AM TOIP
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Perched on the top of the Marpo Red hill in the center of the city of Lhasa, the red and white Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world. The palace is a symbol of Lhasa and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Potala palace was originally built by King Songtsan Gambo in 7th century for his bride Princess Wenchang. The palace he built had 9 stories, 999 palace chambers and 1000 meditation halls. As the Songtsan Gombo Dynasty collapsed, the ancient fortress like palace was destroyed in wars. The modern Potala palace was rebuilt in 17th century by The Great fifth Dalai Lama, Lozang Gyatso of Qing Dynasty. 
Photo credits: wallpapers.free-review.net
The main architecture of the Potala Palace is composed of two parts:
The Red Palace – The places used by the Dalai Lama as his living chamber and for political activity. The palace occupies 10,000 square meters, where the statues of King Songstan Gambo and Princess Wencheng along with many hundreds of Buddhist figures are kept for worship.
The White palace – is a 7 storey palace which has various halls to deal with Buddhist activities. The 4th storey called the eastern hall is most important Buddhist hall where major religious and political activity, including the enthronement ceremony for reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama was held. The seventh floor, sunshine hall was the winter palace of Dalai Lama.

Now, a museum, the palace is a must visit. An ancient history, murals, stupas, statues, thangkas and rare sutras attracts a number of visitors. The palace has a lot of stair cases up and down and located at a high peak hence acclimate to the weather condition before visiting.

Getting there: Located in the city center, it can be reached easily by foot, taxi or tricycle
Admission Fee: CNY 100 (Nov-April) CNY 200 (May-Oct). Only 2300 tickets are issued per day [1600 for the travel agent and 700 for individual tourist]
Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00 

1 CNY = Rs. 6.8

Tokyo – A city of contrast

Monday, January 17, 2011 12:44 PM TOIP
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Tokyo, Japan, is a city of contrast, where future innovations in technology unfold in the center of old heritage and tradition. In this crowded city, shrine and temple stand side by side with tall and modern architecture. Advanced technology, craze for animation, youth culture, beautiful parks makes the city overwhelming. The land of rising sun is a great destination for anyone looking for everything during their vacation.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan. Photo-credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Quick Facts:
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen 
(Exchange Rate: 100 INR = 183 YEN, at the time of the post)
Time Difference: 3 ½ hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) – The famous cherry blossom happens in March – April, when the cherry trees blossoms and turns into a shade of pink, making parks beautiful and picture perfect. The temperature is warm. There are many festivals during these months

Autumn (Sep - Nov) – The temperature and humidity is tolerable. The trees also change colors and it is as impressive as cheery blossom.

Get-in:
Visa:
Tourist Visa must be obtained from Japanese Embassy/Consulate prior to arrival. The Visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 30 days. Passport, Visa application, Photo, Flight ticket confirmations and Certificate of Income/ Certificate of Deposit balance to prove travel expense are required. Additional documents or sponsorship might also be required. Once in Japan, one must carry his passport at all times, if found without passport, one can be fined up to 2,00,000 YEN.
Flights:
Direct Flights: Air India has a direct flight from Delhi to Tokyo.
Transit Flights: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Beijing are some major transit points for Tokyo, Japan
Boat: There are ferries from Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia to the major ports of Japan

Getting around:
In Tokyo, train and subways are the most efficient means of transport. It is crowded and confusing at time. It’s best to analyze the Subway map before boarding. Passes and prepaid cards are available. Buses and ferries are also available in areas where subways are not present.
Photo credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Attractions:
Tokyo has a number of attractions parks, temples, shrines, markets etc. The below link has the attractions divided by area: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html. Most of the tourists spend 3 – 5 days in Tokyo. There is a must see list:
  1. Shinjuku – The area around the busiest railway station in Japan. Place to see cosmopolitan city.
  2. Shibuya - The trendy and fashionable shopping district
  3. Akihabara – The electronic device market
  4. Ueno Park – Has temples, shrines, museums and a large pond
  5. Imperial Palace and Garden – Residence of the imperial family of Japan
  6. Tsujiki Fish Market – Japan’s largest fish market
  7. Tokyo Towers – The symbol of Tokyo
  8. Asakusa(Sensoji temple & Nakamise)
Do:
  1. On a Sunday, head to Harajuku to witness the fashion and cosplay culture of Tokyo teens
  2. Try Sushi
  3. Get a great view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for free
  4. Visit Ginza, the premier shopping district
  5. Stay in a capsule
  6. Visit the theme parks and enjoy some adrenal rushing rides
Tips:
  1. Japan Rail Pass is great option if traveling in whole of Japan
Side Trips:
  1. Kamakura – Small city with full of historic treasures
  2. Hakone – National Park with the view to Mount Fuji
  3. Nikko – A world Heritage Site

At the Top - Burj Khalifa (World's tallest building)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 8:03 AM TOIP
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The pictures of crackers busting from the world’s tallest building was widely circulated in mails. Those jaw dropping pictures incubated a desire in every one to get a slice of the huge building, the Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa, currently the worlds tallest man made structure, is located in the premises of Dubai Mall, in downtown Dubai. Visitor can get a great view of downtown Dubai from the 124th floor observatory deck. In addition to the observatory deck, the building also has about 900 apartments, the infamous Armani Hotels and corporate suites.

Photo credits: phatcity.wordpress.com
Amidst the skyscraper filled skylines of Dubai, one can get a glimpse of Burj Khalifa from various districts of Dubai. The tour to observatory deck called the “At the top Burj Khalifa” starts from lower ground level of the Dubai Mall. The ticket can be purchases at the ticket counter near the entrance. Throughout the journey to the top, multimedia presentations about the history of Dubai, the plan and construction of Burj Khalifa and the facts about it are played out, making the journey entertaining.

Ones you reach the elevator make sure to glue your eyes to the display screen. The elevators that takes you to/from the observatory deck is the current World’s fastest elevator at a speed of 18 m/s, so experience the floor numbers altering in micro seconds. After the ride, disembark to the observatory deck and step into the world’s highest outdoor observatory deck. The observatory deck also has live zooming cameras at various points, take a stall around the deck and enjoy the view of Dubai from all the angles. One can stay for about an hour at the deck and return down. Don’t forget to see the pictures of people behind the construction of Burj Khalifa, there are many Indian names.

Tips:
  1. Buy ticket in advance from the ticket counter or online. The ticket price is 100 AED if bought in advance, otherwise be ready to pay 400 AED if purchased on the same day. [1 AED = 12.5 INR]
  2. Ticket can be bought only for specific time of the day. So make sure you plan accordingly.
  3. Also reach the “At the top” desk at least half an hour in advance, to collect your tickets.
  4. There is long prohibited list one is not allowed to carry to the top, so get a locker if you need.
  5. For independent travelers, take the Metro to Dubai mall station and then take the free shuttle buses from the station to the mall. Then follow the “At the top” signs to reach the desk.

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