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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...

Tokyo – A city of contrast

Monday, January 17, 2011 12:44 PM TOIP
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Tokyo, Japan, is a city of contrast, where future innovations in technology unfold in the center of old heritage and tradition. In this crowded city, shrine and temple stand side by side with tall and modern architecture. Advanced technology, craze for animation, youth culture, beautiful parks makes the city overwhelming. The land of rising sun is a great destination for anyone looking for everything during their vacation.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan. Photo-credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Quick Facts:
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen 
(Exchange Rate: 100 INR = 183 YEN, at the time of the post)
Time Difference: 3 ½ hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) – The famous cherry blossom happens in March – April, when the cherry trees blossoms and turns into a shade of pink, making parks beautiful and picture perfect. The temperature is warm. There are many festivals during these months

Autumn (Sep - Nov) – The temperature and humidity is tolerable. The trees also change colors and it is as impressive as cheery blossom.

Get-in:
Visa:
Tourist Visa must be obtained from Japanese Embassy/Consulate prior to arrival. The Visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 30 days. Passport, Visa application, Photo, Flight ticket confirmations and Certificate of Income/ Certificate of Deposit balance to prove travel expense are required. Additional documents or sponsorship might also be required. Once in Japan, one must carry his passport at all times, if found without passport, one can be fined up to 2,00,000 YEN.
Flights:
Direct Flights: Air India has a direct flight from Delhi to Tokyo.
Transit Flights: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Beijing are some major transit points for Tokyo, Japan
Boat: There are ferries from Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia to the major ports of Japan

Getting around:
In Tokyo, train and subways are the most efficient means of transport. It is crowded and confusing at time. It’s best to analyze the Subway map before boarding. Passes and prepaid cards are available. Buses and ferries are also available in areas where subways are not present.
Photo credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Attractions:
Tokyo has a number of attractions parks, temples, shrines, markets etc. The below link has the attractions divided by area: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html. Most of the tourists spend 3 – 5 days in Tokyo. There is a must see list:
  1. Shinjuku – The area around the busiest railway station in Japan. Place to see cosmopolitan city.
  2. Shibuya - The trendy and fashionable shopping district
  3. Akihabara – The electronic device market
  4. Ueno Park – Has temples, shrines, museums and a large pond
  5. Imperial Palace and Garden – Residence of the imperial family of Japan
  6. Tsujiki Fish Market – Japan’s largest fish market
  7. Tokyo Towers – The symbol of Tokyo
  8. Asakusa(Sensoji temple & Nakamise)
Do:
  1. On a Sunday, head to Harajuku to witness the fashion and cosplay culture of Tokyo teens
  2. Try Sushi
  3. Get a great view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for free
  4. Visit Ginza, the premier shopping district
  5. Stay in a capsule
  6. Visit the theme parks and enjoy some adrenal rushing rides
Tips:
  1. Japan Rail Pass is great option if traveling in whole of Japan
Side Trips:
  1. Kamakura – Small city with full of historic treasures
  2. Hakone – National Park with the view to Mount Fuji
  3. Nikko – A world Heritage Site

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.

Langkawi - Honeymooner's Paradise

Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:54 AM TOIP
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Langkawi is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. Langkawi, located in the Kedah state in the north-western part of Malaysia, is a cluster of archipelago of 99 islands. The clear turquoise water, green mountain ranges, beachfront resorts, limestone caves, mangroves and sandy beaches defines Langkawi.

Langkawi, the Malaysia’s best kept secret, is an ideal destination for Honeymooners. Why Langkawi for Honeymoon?
  1. Low cost airlines like Tiger airways, Air Asia etc. cuts down the travel cost and makes it affordable.
  2. Langkawi has many beach resorts and high-end hotels
  3. Activities in Langkawi is not tiring, hence making the honeymoon days laid back
Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi
 Quick Facts:
Language:  Malay/Bahasa Malaysia
Currency: Ringgit [1MYR=14.5 INR] (at the time of the blog post)
Time difference: 2 1/2 hrs ahead of India
Best to Travel: Nov-March, Apr-Aug (Sunny), Sep-Oct (rainny)

Get-in:
Visa – Indian’s can no longer get visa on arrival. Tourist Visa is required before entering Malaysia.
Flights – There are very few or no direct flights to Langkawi from India. Kuala Lumpur is common transit point. Low cost carriers like Air Asia, Tiger Airways fly from major cities in India to Kuala Lumpur.
Trains & Ferry – Since Langkawi is an Island, a combination of train and ferry travel can be done. The nearest station is Kuah and a ferry should be taken from Kuah to Pantai Cenang Jetty terminal. [Not recommended: Long journey time]

Getting around:
Taxi can be found everywhere and the rates are fixed. Scooters/motorbikes and cars can be hired and it is highly recommended. Rentals can be found near airport, Pantai Cenang shops and jetty terminal. Road conditions are good for driving but children crossing the roads and animals on the roads are common. Helmets and seat belts are mandatory.

Sight-Seeing:
Tours:
Though there is a long list of tours provided by the operators, these are the some of the highly rated tours:
  1. Island Hopping Tour – As the name suggests, in this half day tour you will be taken to few islands around Langkawi. Eagle feeding can also be witnessed in the tour.
  2. Scuba diving & Snorkeling Tour – The full day tour will take you to the Pulau Payar marine Park, where you can snorkel. Snorkeling equipments and food is included in the tour. But for scuba diving you might need to pay extra. Three companies operate the tours, so read the reviews and choose the one you want.
  3. Mangrove & Limestone Cruise – In this half day tour, you can explore the mangrove forest and limestone rock formations. Some tour operators also include Kayaking along the mangrove forests.
  4. Jet Skiing- Many beach resorts rent out Jet Ski to their guest. But if you are not in one of them, jet skiing in the clear blue waters of Langkawi will be a great experience.
Most of the tour operators provide pick-up and drop off to the hotel. Tours booked through hotel include a commission which is quiet hefty. Hence, it’s a good idea to head to Pantai Cenang and book the tour with the operators.
Cable Car to Mount Gunung
Other Activities:
  1. Cable Car Ride & Hanging Bridge – This location will remind of the climax scene of Shahrukh’s Don (2007). It was shot here.From the Oriental Village, take a ride in the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the 700m high sky bridge for a spectacular view of the islands and the mountains.
  2. Underwater World: Beautiful indoor aquarium.
Get-out:
  1. Penang which can be reached from Langkawi by ferry is a must see historical town
  2. Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city. Since many flights transit through Kuala Lumpur its good idea to stop over and visit the Petronas Towers, Bird Park and China Town.

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)

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