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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 Middle East. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle East. Show all posts

Damascus "World's Oldest Continously Inhabited city"

Friday, May 20, 2011 3:20 PM TOIP
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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 

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.

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.

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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