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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...

Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts

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

Rickshaws around the World

Friday, December 24, 2010 8:19 PM TOIP
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Rickshaw, a popular vehicle for hire, has been customized around the globe. With a different names, appearance and mechanisms, these three wheelers has a dense presence and commute people in affordably. Here are few rickshaws you may want to have a ride in:

Auto/Tuk-Tuk is a most popular means of transport in Asia. These rickshaws have also started to make their in many countries in Europe. Tourists are quite excited to ply around the cities in these open vehicles. Auto rickshaws are common in Indian Subcontinent whereas Tuk-tuk in south-east Asia. In some regions, these 3-wheeled rickshaws are manual, but mostly motor driven. The appearance is also customized from region to region.  

Traysikels in Philipines is a modified version of tuk-tuk. These Filipinos popular mode of transport is a small side car attached to the motorcycle. Traysikels are affordable priced and offers a great means to see Filipino.
Photo Credits: /www.scientologytoday.org.dev.scientology.net
 Cyclo in Vietnam is another version ok Tuk-Tuk. This economical and ecological is manual driven. Cyclo is a small seat which can hold two people is attached to the front of the cycle and the driver drives from behind the seat. Hence, great cities view for the passengers.  
Photo Credits: http://www.travellingvietnamtours.com/
In Shangai, China, the sidecar remained us of the song ‘Yeh Doshti’ from Sholay. If you don’t get a chance to do that in India, try one in Shangai. These army abandoned vehicle was available for hire in many parts of the city and tourist love them.

Photo Credits: wwwchangjiang750-x.com.
Coco Taxi is a beautiful looking rickshaw in Havana, Cuba. These yellow three wheeled motorcycles is a very affordable and ply around the city extensively.
Photo Credits: blog.hostelbookers.com

Forbidden City, Beijing China

Monday, December 20, 2010 12:24 PM TOIP
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Forbidden City (Zijin Cheng) in the heart of Beijing is considered as one of the most important palaces in the world. This UNESCO site is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest palatial structure in the world.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty. The palace was constructed by Emperor Yongle of Ming Dynasty. The construction took place for 15 years started in 1406 and ended in 1420. In ancient times, Emperor Yongle claimed to be the son of heaven and the supreme powers have been bestowed on him. Hence, the palace was built as a replica of the Purple palace where God was thought to live in Heaven.
Photo Credits: tourdechina.cn
The Forbidden City covers an area of about 72 hectares with a total floor space of approximately 150, 000 square meters. It consists of 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms. To represent the supreme power of the emperor given from God, and the place where he lived being the center of the world, all the gates, palace and other structures of the Forbidden City were arranged about the south-north central axis of Beijing.

Location: north side of Tian'an Men Square across Chang'an Dajie, commonly referred as Gu Gong (Former palace)
Get there: Tiananmen East (116) or Tiananmen West (117) station in Line 1 subway. Taxi is not recommended as parking near the southern gate is not allowed.
Timings: 8:30AM – 5PM (summer); 8:30AM – 4:30PM (winter)
Entrance fee: 60 RMB (summer); 40 RMB (winter); Additional charges for some exhibits and halls.
Tours: Audio Tour in several languages is available at the gate (40 RMB plus 100 RMB deposit). English Speaking tour guide is available on the other side of the gate and value for groups. They charge per hour basic. [200 RMB for 1 hr, 300 RMB for 1 ½ hr, 400 RMB for 2 hrs and so on]

RMB to INR (as on when posted) – 6.7 (approx)

Tradition Accommodations around the World

Thursday, December 9, 2010 10:46 AM TOIP
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Tradition accommodations provide you the taste of its culture and tradition. To make you holiday exclusive, why not stay in some of these world renowned traditional stays:

Paradores of Spain are a chain of historical and regional establishments "Inns" in unique locations and within monumental buildings like: Castles, Monasteries, Noble Mansions, Palaces. 
 In the old downtown area of Beijing, the traditional Courtyard Houses are quite impressive for the unique charm of the northern Chinese folk residence. 
Photo Credits: www.dailygalaxy.com
Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality
Photo Credits: www.nihonsun.com
Shop-houses are one of the most significant building types in Singapore. It reflects the architectural heritage and portrays the island's history and development. 
Photo Credits: www.photo.net
 Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. An important design concern was Islamic notions of privacy for women inside residential gardens.
Photo Credits: www.travelrags.com
Peniches is a Parisian term for barges or houseboats. In recent years some of this Barge Paris (péniche Paris) have been given a more personalized look and have been converted into houseboats. These peniches in Paris become vacation rentals with a difference.
Photo Credits:www.pnich.com
Ger or yurt is a portable, felt-covered, wood lattice-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by nomad Mongolians. Many tourists want to stay in gers in the countryside, and so tour companies are catering to this popular demand by setting up ger camps with simple but adequate facilities.
Photo Credits:www.telegraph.co.uk
Cappadocian cave hotels provide a unique experience for any traveler. Old volcanic rock homes have been restored into comfortable, extraordinary caves for travelers. Cave rooms range from very simple to luxurious and elaborate.
Photo Credits:www.suncodel.wordpress.com

Hong Kong Highlights

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 2:35 PM TOIP
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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.

Photo Courtesy: http://www.photos4travel.com/
Quick Facts:
Language: Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), English
Currency: Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
Time Difference: 2 ½ hours ahead of IST

Best time to visit:
Oct – Dec: Warm, dry and sunny.
Jan – March: Cool, less humidity

Events:
Chinese New Year in month of February
Hong Kong Arts Festival, a month long festival of international performance, in Feb and March

Get – in:
Visa: Indian Passport holders can get visa on-arrival for a stay not exceeding 14 days
Airport: Hong Kong International Airport/Chek Lap Kok
Flights: ex-Bangalore (Dragonair, Cathay Pacific), ex-Delhi (Air India, Jet Airways, Cathay Pacific, Kingfisher Airlines), ex-Mumbai (Air India, Kingfisher, Jet Airways, Cathay Pacific)
Budget Flights: JetStar Asia (via Singapore), Bangkok Airways (via Bangkok)

Getting around:
Hong Kong is very convenient when it comes to getting around. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.
For more information
Octopus card is a must if using the public transport. It provides instance electronic access to Hong Kong's public transport system and also in many convenience store and restaurants. Basic Octopus card costs $150 with face value $100 and $50 is refundable deposit.
For more information

Top Attractions:
  • Hong Kong Museum of Art
  • Hong Kong Museum of History
  • Ocean Park
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • Victoria Peak
  • Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
  • Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Must-do:
  • Take a gamble in Horse Race
  • Shopping in Street Market
  • Learn Tai Chi in Hong Kong Museum of Art
  • Ride in the Central Mid-level Escalator (World's longest outdoor covered escalator)
  • Sail away in the Star ferry
  • Taste the Hong Kong street food
  • Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Night Life: Lan Kwai Fong

Get out:
Macau, China - the most populous and richest cities in China
Shenzhen, China - the most populous and richest cities in China
Zhuhai, China – nicknamed as City for Lovers and city of a hundred islands

Snow, Ice and Festivals

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 5:59 PM TOIP
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If snow and ice sculptures are your fascination, here is a few snow celebration that you will love:
Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo, Japan (Feb 7 '2011 – Feb 13 '2011)
This Japan's largest winter events attracts 2 million people every year. Began in 1950, when the local high school students built 6 snow statues, soon became famous as Japan Self-Defense Force joined them in building the first massive snow sculpture. Expect to see around 400 massive snow sculptures built by participants from various regions of the world.

 
Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec, Canada (Jan 28' 2011 – Feb 13' 2011)
The history of Quebec Winter Carnival dates back to the time when the inhabitants of Quebec, then New France, had a tradition of getting together before starting to drink, eat and enjoy. Today the carnival is the largest one in the world. The Quebeckers have understood it that it is better to embrace the cold than to fight it. There are loads of exciting activities in the carnival.

 
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China (Jan 5' 2011 – Feb 25' 2011)
Do you want to see world record sized snow sculptures longer than 1 or 2 football fields..Or be amazed at buildings, palaces, castles and other architecture that are wildly lit up and spectacular and are made entirely of ice. The tallest ice buildings in the last two years were about 50 meters (about 160 feet) tall! Or would you want to see the beautiful and intricately carved ice art of the international ice carving competition? Then come to Harbin during the International Ice and Snow Festival and see them before they melt. 


World Ice Art Championships, Fairbanks, Alaska (Feb 22' 2011 – March 27' 2011)
The world's largest ice art competition is a month long event where more than 100 artist build amazing ice sculptures. Though not a festival, the event is one of the best of its kind.

 
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, St Paul, MN, USA (Jan 27' 2011 – Feb 6' 2011)
Offended by a reporter remark “St Paul is another Siberia, unfit for human habitat in winter”, St Paul Chamber of Commerce commenced the first carnival in 1886. The event featured many activities like bobsledding and ice horse racing.

 

Where to travel in January?

Monday, October 25, 2010 4:23 PM TOIP
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Why January? There are two possible holidays, 14th (Pongal/Lohri) Friday and 26th (Republic day) Wednesday. Lets make the best use of it. Here are few places that is best to travel in January:

Asia-Pacific: Traveling to China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong kong, Macau is ideal as there will be less rain and the temperature is moderate. Also, during the month of January, Chinese New year is celebrated beautifully with fireworks, lamps, dragons in most places and it is a must-see.


Middle East: Dubai Shopping Festival begins in mid-Jan and lasts till mid-Feb. Turkey hosts the famous camel wrestling show in the third Sunday of January. A ideal time to shop your heart out in Dubai or see some of the places listed in “1000 places to see before you die” in Turkey.
Europe: If icy scenery is your cup of tea, head to Europe. The Ski resorts in Europe is busiest in January. In Sweden, Kiruna snow festival is mind blowing with snow sculptures, reindeer racing etc.

Caribbean: During January, the Caribbean islands are lush green post rains. Since there places are very crowded in December, January is ideal to avoid the crowd.

Maldives: Maldives beaches are a bliss in January, but pricey too.

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