TOIP

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is believed to be established between 10,000 to 8,000BC. Amidst all the controversial explanation for the etymological origin of "Damascus", the city has greater significance. Under the Romans, Damascus was a chief town and later a fortress of Bilad-Al-Sham and also a passage to Mecca. The old-walled city of Damascus still preserves its historical aspect and gives an ancient feel with its narrow puzzling alleys, verdant courtyards, bazaars, minarets, mosques, street-cart vendors and coffee houses. Damascus city is also an UNESCO world heritage site.

Currency: Syrian Pound or Lira [10 SYP = Rs. 9 at the time of post]

Language: Arabic

Time Difference: 2 1/2 behind IST

Best Time to Visit: March-May, Sep-Nov

Visa: Indian Nationals should obtain an visa before entering the country.

Flights: There no direct flights from India. Major transits are Dubai, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain. Major middle-east airlines fly between the transits.

Trains: There are also trains between Turkey and Damascus. Seat61 can provide all the information.

Buses: Damascus can also reached in bus from Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon

Taxi is the major mode of transportation. 

Below the must-see sights in Damascus:

1. Azzam Palace 

2. Umayyad Mosque

3. National Muesum

4. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum - Persian-Iraqi Architecture

5. Souq al-Bizuriyyah - Spice Bazaar

6. Khan As'ad Pasha, a cathedral from Khans

7. Chapels of Ananias

8. Souq al-Hamidiyya - a old narrow bazaar

9. Citadel

10. Mount Qasioun

1. Bath in a Hammam, Turkish bath.

2. Relax at a Hooka cafe

3. Taste the popular Shawarma

1. Please check travel advisory before planning the trip

1. Homs - an ancient city by the river Orontes

2. Bosra - a Roman city 

KL, the capital city of Malaysia "truly Asia", has transformed from a humble tin mining village to a bustling metropolis This Asian cyber-city retains the historic temples and mosques along with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the Southeast Asia.The most memorable thing in KL is the culture and coexistence of various ethical groups, Malays, Chinese, Indians and the British.

Currency: Ringgits (RM or MYR) [1 MYR = Rs. 14.83] rate at the time of blog post

Language: Malay/ Bahasa Malaysia

Time Difference: 2 1/2 hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to visit: Nov-March

Visa: Indian Nationals are no logger eligible for visa on-arrival. Valid Tourist visa is required before entering the country.

Flights: Metropolitan cities in India have direct flights to KL. Air Asia is a Major no-frill airlines to Malaysia. Air Asia flies from Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Tiruchirapalli. Air India Express (Indian low cost airlines) also flies to KL from Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

Boats, Trains and Buses are also available from the neighboring countries of Malaysia.

Getting Around:

Trains, Monorails and Buses are the major mode of transport. KL Sentral is the major transportation hub. Prepaid cards and maps are available at all the stations. Metered taxi is also a very reliable and can be seen at all major sites and stations.

Attractions:

KL is one of those cities which doesn't boost many must-see. The highlight of the city is the people and their life. Most of the visitors spend at least 2 days to enjoy sight seeing, shopping and eating.

1. Petronas Twin Tower

2. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)

3. Aquaria KLCC

4. Menara KL Towers

5. National Mosque

6. Batu Caves

7. KL Railway Station

8. KL Bird Park

9. Petaling Street, Chinatown

10. Cosmo's World Theme Park

1. If you are in KL during Thaipusum, Hindu Festival, visit Batu Caves to watch the celebration

2. Enjoy shopping and night-life in the KL's Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle covers the busy shopping area of Bukit Bintang, 5-star hotel strip of Jalan Sultan Ismail, The Jalan P. Ramlee party street and KLCC.

3. Chinatown is a haven for shopping and street food.

4. During F1 season, head to Sepang Formula One circuit (50 km from KL)

1. If you want an excellent view of the city, head to Petronas Towers. It has a observatory viewing bridge between levels 41 and 42. The tickets to the viewing bridge is free and limited. Reach the tower early in the morning to collect the tickets, there will be a long queue.

1. Genting Highlands - City of Entertainment. Casino and Theme Park is the mark of the place. The city can be reached in 40 mins by road from KL.

2. Putrajaya - The new Federal Administrative center of Malaysia. Has many beautiful federal buildings. It can be reached by KL International airport Transit.

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. 

Currency: Euro

Language: Portuguese

Time Difference: 5 ½ hr behind IST

Best Time to Visit: Feb-June is ideal

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.

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.

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

 Do:

1. Spend a evening in a Fado themed restaurant

2. Ride a tram in the old Quarter (Tram 28)

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

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

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