TOIP

The phenomenon which occurs after the long months of cold and darkness, when the summer emerges and the daylight is seen round the clock is called White Nights. St. Petersburg, the world's most northern city with a population over 1 million, stands at such a high latitude (59 degree 57` N) that the sun does not descend below the horizon enough for the sky to go dark. In fact the nights become so indistinguishable from the day that the authorities never need to turn on the city's streetlights. This is not a unique phenomenon to St. Petersburg, but no other northern city welcome the summer months with such a lively and artistic celebration.

The breathtaking city of St. Petersburg was constructed on some 100 islands formed by rivers, creeks, streams and natural canals that flow into the Baltic sea at the mouth of Neva River. The historic center of St. Petersburg is listed in UNESCO world heritage and the city boosts some of the beautiful museums, palaces, monasteries, cathedrals and bridges. The White Nights Festival is a stunning celebration of culture and life that is a must-see for any travel enthusiast. 

The festival is kicked off with the classical ballet, opera and orchestral performance, "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. During the festival, there are daily evening performances featuring some of the biggest names in the arts world. 

There are also carnivals to delight both the children and adults. The largest carnival is held in the suburb of Peterhof (45 mins train journey from St. Petersburg) where the historical figures and events are reinterpreted by costumed actors. Carnivals at the Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk suburb are also highly artistic. For music lovers, St. Petersburg's Palace Square becomes home to some of the international music world's biggest stars during the festival.

The culminating event of the festival is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the school year that is known for its spectacular fireworks display and a water show that features boats full of pirates battling on the Neva River. Musical acts and motorboat rowing races are also highlights of the celebration.

Tips:

1. St. Petersburg is busiest during the White Nights festival. Hence, book your tickets early.

2. For opera, ballet performance purchase the tickets online in advance http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/    

3. During the period, many bridges across Neva river are raised at night to let the ships pass, a spectacle you dont want to miss.

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.

The Romantic Road or Romantische Strasse, aptly named, is one of Germany's most popular tourist routes. The route is little over 260 miles, between the town of Würzburg in the north and Fussen in the foothills of Bavaria Alps. In Medieval Age, the route used to be a major trade route and now it still retains the medieval glory with picturesque towns with walled cities, hidden monasteries, timbered houses, beautiful castles, towers and hotels. All the more romantic is unspoiled nature and driving along the vineyard, clear water and rolling hills until you reach the Bavarian Alps.

Frankfurt is the major departure point for the route. Many tourist coaches are available and can provide a day trip from Frankfurt to Fussen. However, the most romantic option is to rent a car from Frankfurt and enjoy the route leisurely by dining in romantic courtyard restaurants, strolling through lush parks, taking in historical castles,exploring the old town centers that have lost nothing of their original splendor and staying in a romantic hotel.

The major stops along the route are:

Würzburg: if you like your wine, you'll like Würzburg and its outdoor cafes and excellent restaurants. The Residenz Palace is a World Heritage Site, and you'll want to visit it along with the Marienberg Fortress.

Creglingen is a small and attractive town set in the Tauber valley in southern Germany with access to some spectacular countryside of vineyards and woods in the hills around the historic centre.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Rothenburg is a must stop on the Romantic Road. Not only is it one of Germany's best preserved medieval towns with walls you can walk around, but it has a torture museum for when things get a little too romantic for you. 

Dinkelsbühl is one of the archetypal towns which give the German Romantic Road its character

Nördlingen is one of the most attractive of the towns in the central part of the Romantic Road.

Harburg is a pleasant daytime stop on the way south down the Romantic Road.

Augsburg: Augsburg has a rich history dating back to the Roman empire. Dubbed both "The Renaissance City" and "Mozart City", it has been an important center of trade down through the ages. During the Renaissance, Augsburg was a main cultural center which is reflected in its fine Rococo architecture.

Landsberg is one of the towns on the Romantic Road which is located at an important junction to the rest of Bavaria.

Pfaffenwinkel: This part of Bavaria (called "Pastor's Corner") is famous for its churches and pristine landscapes; a must-see is the pilgrimage church Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow") in Steingaden; this rococo masterpiece is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Füssen is located at the very end of the Romantic Road. The town itself has a wealth of historical interest, but it's also close at hand to some of the most popular castles in southern Germany - Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenswangau Castle.

For more information: