Like most people, I have a bucket list of all the places I would like to visit in my lifetime but the problem is most of the entries in that list stays in the bucket. Last year I ticked off one location from that list – Dubai, commonly known as the shopper’s paradise. I’m not much of a package person so I had packed light for the trip which I found to be very useful because on my way back I had a significant amount of luggage to carry. When I landed in Dubai what I saw around me was very different from what I had in mind. Every road divider in the city had more flowers and plants than I had seen back in India and this were surprising because I had imagined Dubai to be a desert with very little vegetation. Now being a non vegetarian I fell in love with the food there and you can get pretty much any variety of meat here. But for a city with a majority of non vegetarians, I was surprised when I discovered that it is an offense to harm camels in any part of the country. One of the […]
This travel experience is shared by Jessica from India. The pleasure and experiences that I derived during my last visit to the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire was awesome. Wondering which city I am referring to? If you have guessed Agra in India then you are absolutely right. My desire to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an epitome of true love came true last year when I travelled to Agra. Located in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Agra was one of the most powerful cities with mythological significance during the Mughal rule. Referred to as Akbarabad, during the Mughal emperor’s rule, this city has turned out to be one of the most popular and favourite tourist destination spots. Located by the side of holy river Yamuna, the monument is worth seeing after dawn especially on a full moon day. With the beauty of this white monument being reflected in the water along with the blooming full moon, this site is undoubtedly a feast to the eyes. Besides being a monument with historical significance, Taj Mahal is a true example of the craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Taj Mahal includes a beautiful mosque, guest house […]
Singapore is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Singapore is a city-state and it is probably by necessity that this city has to offer almost as much as an entire country could. There are quite a few attractions to find in Singapore that would urge you to make a trip to this wonderful city at least once. History Singapore was established as a colonial trading post by the British in 1813, giving it a rich history. Though you cannot go back in time, but the history of the city is well preserved in its colonial buildings and historical museums. Culture The prime culture attraction in Singapore is the Esplanada Theaters in the Marina Bay area. Apart from the motion pictures, it is also the home venue of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The Bras Bsah and the Riverside areas are the colonial heart of the city and feature a number of museums. Chinatown is another popular destination, while you cannot afford to miss the Burmese Buddhist Temple in Balestier as well. Festivals Singapore is a city of many cultures and religions, which is why almost all well-recognized festivals from around the world are celebrated here. If you […]
There are fewer destinations in South East Asia which are more popular in the West than Bali. This Indonesian island is dubbed a tourist’s paradise and for good reasons. If you have been to Bali before, you certainly may want to visit the place again, but are you sure that you didn’t some of its most exciting and not so well known attractions. Everyone hangs around beach resorts, the usual water sports and parties, but there are activities and things to see in Bali that are often ignored by tourists. If you are in the mood to fly over to the paradise island, then here is why it could offer you an experience you never expected. 1. Countryside Rice Fields Not many tourists bother to take a look at the wonderful Bali countryside, which offers a great mix of scenic beauty and the local culture at its purest. If you have never seen a rice paddy before, then Bali can offer you a chance to actually visit one. There are terraced rice fields in Central Bali, particularly in the Tegallalang village near Ubud, Jatliuwih and Munduk villages in Bedugul and Jati Luwih Rice Terrace in Tabanan. Rice fields near Negara […]
If you are bored of visiting the same old destinations for a beach vacation and want to experience something new, then perhaps the tropical island of Boracay would interest you this season. Though it’s not really an unknown destination, considering it has just been declared the Best Island in the World title by the Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2012. Location Boracay is located just 2 kilometers northeast of the Panay Island of the Philippines in the Municipality of Malay in the Aklan Province. The island is pretty small with an area of a little less than 4 square miles. Attractions There are quite a few attractions to look forward to in Boracay. White Beach: Probably the most well known district of Boracay. This is what naturally makes the White Beach the home to the best resorts and commercial and social activity on the island. The beach is divided into three stations. Station 1 features the widest beach area and the best and the most expensive hotels and resorts. Station 2 is commercial with mid-range accommodation and eating areas, while Station 3 is known for budget accommodation, but still a scenic and peaceful environment. Puka Beach: Puka Beach is probably […]
Phuket is not just known for its scenic beaches, but also for the tremendous entertainment and culture that it has to offer you. While there is no doubt about the vibrancy of its nightlife and events, there are some attractions that your family should not miss on your next trip to Phuket to make it an unforgettable experience. 1. Phanga Nga Bay Whatever you do, don’t let your family miss a cruise to Phanga Nga Bay. The water-surrounded limestone hills of this fabulous location is one of the most recognizable and famous natural landmarks of Phuket. The most well-known spots of this destination are James Bond Island and Koh Panyee that could offer you a glimpse of its hidden wildlife if you are lucky. 2. Phuket FantaSea Show Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park that offers you a colorful and festive atmosphere. The Phuket FantaSea Show is an amalgamation of colors, light, fancy costumes, exotic shows, fireworks and exciting elephant rides, and truly offers entertainment for the entire family. 3. Phuket Big Buddha If you have kids, they will be super excited on seeing the giant statue of Buddha in Phuket. As a matter of fact, adults are as […]
Southeast Asia is quickly becoming the most popular region for people from America and Europe to spend their vacations. While Thailand and Malaysia continue to be the popular choices, during my recent trip to Southeast Asia I discovered the ‘secret jewel of the Andaman Sea’ or more simply the island of Koh Lipe. Located about 65 kilometers south of mainland Thailand, Koh Lipe is a remotely located exotic island that has plenty to offer. Part of a series of Butang islands scattered across the Andaman Sea inside the Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe is part of the Satun province of Thailand. However, the island itself falls outside the jurisdiction of the ‘National Park’ which is not particularly a bad thing as it has led to much infrastructure development there in recent years. Transportation Most tourists pick the island of Koh Lipe as their last stop during their stay in Southeast Asia. Since, Koh Lipe can only be reached via sea route it is important to remember that Pak Barra in Thailand is the main spot from where you can catch a ferry leaving for Koh Lipe. The speedboat at Pak Barra usually leaves at 11:30 am and thankfully I […]