Showing posts with label Courtyard Houses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Courtyard Houses. Show all posts

Damascus "World's Oldest Continously Inhabited city"

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.
Photo Credits: www.worldofmosques.com
Facts:
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

Get-in:
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

Getting Around:
Taxi is the major mode of transportation. 
Photo Credits: doctormobiles.blogspot.com
Attractions:
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

Do:
1. Bath in a Hammam, Turkish bath.
2. Relax at a Hooka cafe
3. Taste the popular Shawarma

Tips:
1. Please check travel advisory before planning the trip
Side-Trips:
1. Homs - an ancient city by the river Orontes
2. Bosra - a Roman city 

Tradition Accommodations around the World

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

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