Thursday, May 5, 2011

Kerala Honeymoon – Attractions Which Impress the Honeymooners

Kerala is a beautiful state in India which is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea. This beautiful state in India is truly a heaven on the earth and wonder in India. This beautiful state is endowed by the astounding nature. The amiable cool climate, magical greenery, scenic charm and the warm hospitability has made this Kerala a paradise for the lovers. The picturesque hill stations, secluded beaches, tranquil backwaters, lovely lakes, well organized tea gardens and many alike has made this state bliss for the honeymooners. This state in India is emerged as the best place for the romantic honeymoon which is offers the honeymooners golden mesmerizing memories. Kerala Honeymoon Travel is blend of natural; luxury, security and privacy which can be meet at their best and in abundant. Some of the attractions which truly impress the couples as on their honeymoon vacations here are as follows:

Beaches in Kerala are the prime attractions for the honeymoon. The newlywed couples easily are enticed by the secluded beaches as in Kerala. The Kovalam beach town is mostly visited by the couples and it truly impresses the newlywed couples with its beauty. The beach is beautifully endowed the swaying palm trees, glistering sands and azure water are sheer wonder and which will cast magical spell on you. Kovalam beach is intercepted by the three beaches which are named as Hawa, Samudra and Light House beaches.

The honeymooners truly go crazy as they love the cruise on the houseboat over the tranquil backwaters which are the most unique attractions in the world. Alleppey Backwater is mostly loved by the couples and is most visited attractions by the honeymooners. The couples on there honeymoon loves to cruise on the houseboats as they get lovely time of intimacy to spend along the beautiful nature. This truly is the feast for the honeymooners as the backwater journey truly take them to the new world of love and romance. Alleppey houseboat is very well organized and privacy is well maintained. It comprises of luxurious bedroom, a kitchen with a chef, hygienic toilet and a sundeck from where the scenic sunrise and the sunset can be enjoyed.

Munnar is love at first sight destination on your Honeymoon Tours Kerala. This hill town is located at an elevation of 1600 meter above the sea level. The lush valley, green well organized tea gardens, aromatic spice plantations and flora and fauna truly entice the honeymooner's lot. Truly speaking honeymoon is not completed as any couples do not visit this scenic hill town in Kerala. Munnar is such a romantic hill town which is blessed with some natural attractions and is very worth to visit. Tree house and the colonial beautiful resort in this hill station are very much visited and the honeymooners love to spend some solitude time together.

Apart from these any honeymoon in Kerala with any packages will bring you with some more attractions and destinations that is very worth to visit and explore. So contact a tour operator and book a honeymoon package to Kerala and enjoy the most memorable tour in your lifetime.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Develop the Attributes of Kindness and Wisdom with Buddhist Tours India

If we simply define Buddhism it means the spiritual development. The tradition of Buddhist involves meditations, which means changing oneself for developing the attributes of awareness, kindness, magnanimity and wisdom and it ends with enlightenment. Nowadays, with so much busy schedule people are suffering from problems such as stress, depression and disillusionment that can be overcome only by meditation.

During your India Buddhist Tours you will find several famous Buddhists pilgrimage sites such as Bodhgaya, Dharamshala, Ajanta caves etc. Buddhist Tours are totally mesmerizing and an unforgettable experience, taking you on a spiritual journey where each destination has its own significance associated with the life of Buddha. Every site offers a glance of rich legacy of Buddhism, be it Mahabodhi temple of Bodhgaya, Buddhist caves of Ajanta, Ellora or the beautiful Gompas of Dharamshala.

Amravati- It is the fourth major place for Buddhist worship in the country. Here Lord Buddha taught the Kalachakra for the first time. The destination is well known for the ruins of 2000-year-old Buddhist settlement and the great Buddhist Stupa (the largest one in India). The villages of the district gives a replica of Tibet and you can find monks all over.

Dharamshala- The famous Buddhist Destination in India lies in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This place encompass in itself lofty snow peaks, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, Buddhist monasteries and temples, in short a peaceful religious place for holidays.

Ratnagiri- It is another Buddhist Center in India that lies in the Jaipur district of Orissa. The place has unearthed two big monasteries, one big stupa, Buddhist shrines, and votive stupas in bundles. It also has antiquities; most notable are the bronze and stone images of Buddha. Moreover, Ratnagiri is also an important center of learning for the Tantric Buddhism or Vajrayana. You can find a large monastery over here having beautiful doorways, cella, and sanctum with a colossal Buddha figure along with various Buddhist sculptures.

Kushinagar
- It is a small rural town of Uttar Pradesh and is well known as an Indian Buddhist Destination, as here only Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana and was cremated. As it is an important site, it offers lots of monasteries and stupas dedicated to Buddha. The religious significance of the place can be witnessed by the fact that large number of pilgrims visits this place every day. You will also find a museum housing objects that were found during excavation of Kushinagar.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Taj Mahal The Diadem of Golden Triangle Tour

The topography of India is a land of majestic grace where every element calls for an unforgettable experience to cherish. The terrain of the subcontinent is bejeweled with vibrant fest, sparkling civilizations, historical wonders, cultural evolutions, and aesthetic nature. The vacation of India also offers lot of opportunities to shopaholics as well as food lovers amidst its scores of shopping destination and delicious Indian cuisines. The charming aspects of India can be explored to its best with Golden triangle tour.

Taj Mahal in Agra a symbol of love, grief, and ardent affair is the star of golden triangle outing and is a must visit mausoleum. Same day Taj Mahal tour is the best way to feel the Mughal magic the royal face of India. The temple of love is a fascinating experience for all visitors and inspires to believe in the divine grace in love. The monument built in the mid 17th century was a memorial tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved Mumtaz.

Taj one of seventh wonder of the world was declared a world UNESCO heritage site in the year 1983 and attracts millions of tourist every year. Agra is about 204 Kms from Delhi so it is around 4 hours drive from Delhi and is easily accessible on the same day. The same day tour includes escapade to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mughlai dining, and a visit to Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb.

The excursion to Taj will be more exciting amidst horse cart ride, camel ride, baggi ride and will give you a feeling of the bygone magic came alive. The moment you enter the entrance of Taj you will be awe-struck with the sparkling Indo-Islamic architectural design that silently demonstrates the saga of true love. The art, sculpture, Persian decoration of inner chambers, the crypt of the Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, along with the passion behind its creation will call for an unforgettable moment that will haunt you forever.

The tour will next take you across the administrative as well as the royal retreat centre of Mughals famed as Agra Fort. The fort situated beside the river Yamuna is a world heritage site and it's from here that the fate of India was written. Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb was a tribute by Nur Jahan to her father and the structural wonder is design is decorated with at, sculpture and precious gem stones. The Agra tour cannot be complete without the Mughlai cuisines so all food lovers fast for two days before you visit Agra to make sure you have plenty of this spicy cuisines.

So these vacations visit the diadem of Golden triangle tour with friends and family for a memorable holiday to treasure forever.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Delhi to Leh biking Trip

Delhi to Leh is an adventure bike ride to some of the highest mountain passes in India, and the most exciting one! Enchanting town and the ancient Buddhist monasteries rejuvenate your journey through bikes.

The bike safari tour starts at the historic capital of India, New Delhi. On arrival, check into your hotel, guides will take you around the city. From Delhi, you will proceed to the hill town of Manali. The Khardung La Pass is at an incredible height of 18,370ft. This pass is the highest motor able pass in the world.

The road was opened for foreigners in 1990 and the approach to the Pangong Lake in 1994. The road covers a distance of 520 km between Manali and Leh, and is paved all the way, besides 30 km stretches crossing the Taglang pass.

Explore the famous passes while moving to Leh on bikes. Bike Safari tour will take you to Rohtang Pass, Baralachala Pass (4,892 m), Lachalangla Pass (5,065m) and the highest pass on this circuit, the 5,360m high Tanglangla Pass. After a stopover at Leh, you will proceed to the Khardungla Pass, 18,370ft, which is the world's highest motor able point road.

The first leg of the biking safari tour will start from Manali to Marhi, covers 39km. About 15km from Marhi lays the Rohtang Pass (3,980m). Stay at night and next day, your bike safari will take you 50km uphill to cross the famous Kunzam Pass (4,551m). Enter the Spiti Valley, home to some of the world's oldest Buddhist monasteries.

There are some famous monasteries: Tabo and Dankar. Thereafter, explore Kibber, the highest village in the valley, and 1,000-year old Ki Monastery (4,116 m).

Move further on this road, which touches the high- altitude lake of Tso-Kar, a mineral lake with verdant wildlife. The Tibetan wild ass, the kiang, can be seen. Explore the famous monasteries of Ladakh, like Tikse and Hemis, populated by nomads with herbs of yaks and sheep.

Each day unfolds fresh panoramas filled with sun-bathing walls, multi-colored rock. Snow capped peaks with clear blue sky backdrops set beside deep gorges, canons and a barren desert landscape!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Luxor Day Trip By Road From Hurghada To Valley Of Kings And Karnak Temples

Hurghada Day Trips By Air Conditioned Modern Private Van To Luxor East and West Banks. Thebes Sightseeing Tours To Luxor and Karnak Temples From Hurghada, Day Trips To Valley Of Kings And Hatshepsut Temples.

We will pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada early morning with an air conditioned van for a discovery tour to Karnak temples, the greatest example of worship in the history, which, dedicated to the God Amoun. lunch en route in quality restaurant in Luxor. Next we will cross the river Nile by Felucca, a typical Egyptian sailing boat, to explore The City of The Dead, the Colossi of Memnon, the only remains of the temple of Amenophis III, Valley of the Kings, the magnificence of the grandeur of architecture, less often called the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The wadi consists of two valleys, East Valley (where the majority of the royal tombs situated) and West Valley. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only Pharaonic women who reigned ancient Egypt and then we will return back to Hurghada.

Inclusions
• Pick up services from your hotel and return
• All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Qualified Egyptologist guide
• Felucca on the Nile
• Mineral water on board the vehicle during the tour
• Lunch meal at local restaurant
• Shopping tours in Luxor
• All Service charges & taxes

Exclusions
• Any extras not mentioned in the program
• Gratuities

What To Bring
• Passport valid for 6 months
• Comfortable shoes
• Cotton clothes in summer
• Warm clothes in winter
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Photo/Video Camera

Friday, April 29, 2011

Night Markets In Asia Are Worth A Visit

A Ttrip to any Asian destination is not complete without a visit to its many night markets. Food stalls of local cuisine and delicacies are sure to be aplenty.

A sprinkling of mats full of local handicrafts and products can be all over the market place and there's also a remarkable profusion of luxury good rip-offs as well. I don't personally promote the latter, but if it's your thing you are sure to find a great bargain.

These markets in Asia are a melting-pot of culture, cuisine, fashion and handicraft. If you want to be in the middle of it all when visiting an Asian city, head to the nearest market and get pleasantly lost in the ordered chaos of commerce, culture and art.

Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong

Located in the Yau Ma Tei area in Kowloon, Temple Street is the busiest and most visited of all open-air night markets in Hong Kong. Tourists and locals alike flock to this night market from dusk until the wee hours of the morning. Cheap ready-to-wear items for all ages as well as toys, watches, electronic gizmos and knick knacks of all kinds are all available for sale within the market's vicinity.

You can even buy a glimpse of your future from the many fortune tellers - that is, if you trust their clairvoyance enough to pay good money for it. You are bound to find a number of opera singers in your exploration of the night market and be treated to the delightful sound of traditional Chinese folk songs.

Huaxi Night Market, Taipei

Located between Xiyuan and Huan roads near Longshan Temple, Huaxi is one of the smaller markets that comprise the vast network of markets of Guangzhou, Wuzhou and Xichang streets. Previously famous as a red light district, Huaxi St. reinvented itself to promote legitimate commercial activities after the local government of Taipei prohibited prostitution.

Now, a tourist favorite, this night market is sought for its exotic cuisine offerings such as snake-based dishes and fresh water turtle fare. It also offers tourists a more picturesque and historical alternative to other Taipei night markets.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Bangkok

Located in Pathum Wan District opposite Lumphini Park, Suan Lum is a haven for budget-shopping enthusiasts who do not want to brave the sweaty crowd of a typical night market. Suan Lum is housed in a complex of covered walkways with a Khmer-inspired façade.

Merchandise of all kinds, like shoes, clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, beachwear and tapestries among a plethora of many others, are readily available here. A mere stone's throw away from the shopping area is a big open-air beer garden with a decent selection of Thai restaurants and other bistros specializing in various cuisines such as Italian, German and Japanese.

Visitors to Suan Lum can also enjoy a rare pampering of fishes exfoliating their feet in the various fish spas or a luxurious massage in the many massage parlors located in the area. Those who want a quick look at the Indian epic of Ramayana, also known as Ramakien in Thai, should find time to watch the performance at Joe Louis Puppet Theatre nearby.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

China's Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is called one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and to be honest, it is one very impressive piece of ancient history. Where else in the world can you find a life size army of terracotta warriors over 2240 years old??? I'll tell you. NO WHERE!!! Like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army is one of the places in China you must see before you go back home.

Background - The first emperor of China, Ying Zheng united China, created the first version of the great wall, standardized the written language, killed a lot of people and lived a pretty violent and impressive life. The terracotta army was a part of an underground mausoleum built for him.

Work began on the mausoleum in 246 BC soon after Ying Zheng took to the throne as king and took 11 years to complete by 700,000 workers. The mausoleum was put to use later in 210 BC at Ying Zheng's death.

The army itself is estimated to be over 8000 warriors, horses and chariots and is buried in a series of four pits. Precise estimates are still not possible because excavation of the pits is not complete. The purpose of the army was to accompany Ying Zheng in the afterlife.

You can see from the pictures below that many of the actual statues are in pieces and putting them back together again is a long and painstaking task.

The pits holding the army are 1.5 kilometers east of the actual tomb of the emperor which remains unexcavated because archaeologists fear that excavating the tomb will damage or destroy its priceless contents.

Getting There - The Terracotta Army is near city of Xian in Shaanxin province south west of Beijing in the centre of China. The best way to get there is by catching an over night train from Beijing West train station. There are at least 3 trains leaving Beijing each evening and the train trip takes about 12 hours. Depending on the train you catch, you'll have a choice of a seat (no, no, no), hard sleeper (my favourite), soft sleeper (too pampered) and a deluxe soft sleeper (no comment).

Look for a train with the sign in the photo below and make sure you are in Beijing West train station not Beijing train station. To many hapless foreigners and locals have ended up at the wrong station.

You'll arrive in Xian in the morning so head of to your hotel, dump your bags and prepare yourself for a great day. I stayed at the Xian City hotel which was not the best but good enough. You'll need at least half a day to see the Terracotta Army and mausoleum. There are public buses leaving from different parts of the town that will take you all the way to the Terracotta Army. Ask your hotel staff for directions to the nearest bus stop. The bus trip will take about an hour.

Stay over night and catch an evening train the next day back to Beijing. Going back to Beijing there is also at least 3 trains in the evening. Xian is a great place and you'll find that even two days there is not quiet enough.

Trivia - The Chinese for Terracotta Army is bing ma yong which means soldier horse funeral statues. Tell your Chinese friends and travel companions you've been to see the bing ma yong and they will be impressed.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.