Monday, August 27, 2012

Top Ten Popular Tourist Destinations in South India

Bangalore


IT city Bangalore welcomes travelers with open arms. Blessed with a soothing climate, Bangalore is the most preferred tourist destination on south Indian itineraries. Here, past can be seen embracing the future. Gardens, malls, lakes and ancient bazaars hold the sense of cosmopolitanism. Also famous as Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has taken great advancements when it comes to science and technology. However, cultural ethnicity finds a stronghold amid all technological advancements. As a travel destination it offers quite a few places that will bowled you over. Famous attractions of city are Cubbon Park, Wonder La Amusement Park, Innovative Film City (IFC), ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple and Lal Bagh.

Ooty

Soubriquet as Queen of Hill Stations. Not only it provides break froview of ootym the sun spell of the plain regions, but offers scenic views that travelers would love to capture during their visit to India. During colonial days, Ooty used to be a favorite getaway for the British. Besides its beautiful mountains and rich vegetation Ooty will take your breath away with its grasslands and tea estates. Journey on mountain train is an added attraction for tourists on their golden tour.

Alleppey

Alleppey is known as Venice of the east due of its large network of inland canals. Alleppey enjoys status of most popular tourist attractions of south India. In past, it was one of the most engaged trade centers. Much famous for backwater tourism also attracts tourists towards its snake boat race competition held every year on second Saturday of August.

Cochin
Located in south-west coast of Indian headland, Cochin is a part of thcochin forte most beautiful south Indian state Kerala. It’s outstanding port and international airport links it to major cities across the world. Adjoined by Western Ghats and Arabian Sea in east and west respectively, this gorgeous sea side city is one of the popular tourists’ sites. Here one can enjoy boat riding and performances by great Kathakali dancers as well.

Top tourist spots in Cochin are:

1) Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi
2) Fort Kochi beach
3) St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
4) Vasco House, Fort Kochi
5) Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
6) Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
7) Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry
8) Hill Palace, Tripunithura

Chennai
Chennai, the largest city in Tamil Nadu, is situated on the southeastern coast of India. Formerly known as Madras, this city was recognized by the British and is famous as the ‘Gateway to South India‘. Chennai has been endowed with the rich heritage of art and culture. Various cultural events, showcasing the performing arts such as Dance, Music and Drama reflect the great asset of arts and literature. Tamil literature holds strong wealth in content and advocates ancient morals and values.

As a travel destination, it offers variety of places where visitors can have fun, enjoyment and add an everlasting travel experience. George Town, Government Museum, National Art Gallery, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and Snake Park are the most popular highlights.

Madurai
Madurai, one of South India’s great temple towns, is famous worldwide for the much celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Located on the banks of Vaigai River, this place has inherited 2500 years old affluent cultural heritage from great Tamil era. Since time immemorial, Madurai has been a significant cultural and commercial center. During the supremacy of great Pandya Kings, Madurai enjoyed the status of the capital city.

Most popular for the Meenakshi temple, Madurai is visited by lots of tourists from various parts of India. Architecture of the temple inscribed it on the list of the nominees selected for the new list of 7 wonders of the world. It’s rich culture and heritage is noticeable through its architectural marvels dotted all over the town.

Kanchipuram
The City of Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest temple towns of India. Revered as one of India’s seven holy cities, Kanchipuram has a great past. It was ruled by several powerful dynasties like Cholas, Pallavas and the empire of Vijayanagar. Each one of them imparted a unique architectural style to the temples and significant monuments.
The famous hand-woven silk fabrics and saris of Kanchipuram are woven by skilled weavers who use the supreme quality silk and pure gold thread. With great availability of varied quality of silk, Kanchipuram is also known as Silk City. Highly venerated Sankaracharya ‘Math’ is located at Kanchipuram.

Mahabalipuram

Globally renowned for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram was the secoMahabalipuram shore templend capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 km from Chennai on the Bay of Bengal, this small coastal village is set in a boulder – strewn landscape. Its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art act as magnet that attracts a lot of tourist. The sculptures of the town have an intriguing quality that particularly interests the onlookers. Their depiction of day-to- day life is in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.

Mysore
One of the most highlighted travel destinations, Mysore is a culturally rich city of Southern India. Known for its magnificent Sandalwood products of this city are famous all across the world. It truly represents rich culture of Indian state Karnataka at an international level.

It conjures up reminiscences and visions of the splendid glory of the memorable Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital retains its tradition in music, dance, art and literature. Mysore, the second biggest city in the state of Karnataka lies 130 km’s from the State.
Popular places of the city are Ambavilas Palace (Mysore Palace), Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Chamundeshwari Temple (Chamundi Hills), Mysore Zoo, Regional Museum of Natural History, Brindavan Gardens, Railway Museum and Nagarhole National Park.

Pondicherry
With grand boulevards and quiet promenades Pondicherry town is a surprise in India. The four unconnected, erstwhile French colonies of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam together form the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Pondicherry is opulently cosmopolitan. Pondicherry is a preferred hunting ground for the shop-hopper as wonderful bargains are easy pickings. It is a peaceful, easy feeling that makes you want to put your feet up and let your hair down. Famous places to visit in Pondicherry are the old colonial quarter, Pondicherry Museum, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Old Light House, Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary Cathedral, Botanical Garden and certainly Auroville.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Top 10 Australian Tourist Attractions

1) Sydney
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Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia and offers a lot of interesting tourist locations. The most famous is, off course, Sydney opera house. It is designed by the Dutch architect John Utzon. Tourists are allowed to see the backstage and the front of the house. Beside the Opera house, other tour destinations are the Hunter Valley Wineries, Harbour Highlights Cruises, Jenolan Caves, the marine aquarium at Darling Harbor and many others.

2)Perth
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Perth is the city with a wide range of attractions from a sight-seeing, wildlife, aquatic fun and adventures to Aboriginal culture and dance. Attractions that should be seen in Perth are: Perth Zoo, the Perth Mint, Stirling Gardens, Lake Monger, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, His Majestys Theatre.

3)Tasmania
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Tasmania is the place where you can go to take a break of the fast urban life. It is very unique place for holiday, and the nature and wilderness are inseparable. The reasons for visit Tasmania can vary… From rich Tasmanian history and culture, spectacular beaches to the mountains and lagoons. Tasmina is widely well known for its wild life and beauty.

4) Fraser Island
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Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. You can call it hidden natural treasure. It is host of an endangered species of wild dogs, Dingos, and several types of fish found only in Australia. With the beaches that looks like haven, it is very popular holiday destination for people all over the world.

5) Kakadu National Park
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Kakadu National Park is declared as one of the World Heritage Kakadu National Park sites in Australia. Stretching for more than 200 km south from the coast and 100 km from east to west, Kakadu National park has a rich wild life and native plants. It is also home to about 500 Aborigines.

6) Cairns
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Cairns is the main entry point for Great Barrier Reef visits. Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. It stretches about 80 million acres along the North East Australian Coast. It is home to some of the world’s rarest sea organisms and here you have opportunity to see them and observe them.

7) Adelaide
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Adelaide is one of the best planed cities in the world and offers a lot of attractions. It is ideal place to get away, but in the same time offers interesting night life. Close to Adelaide are the Adelaide Hills with national parks and reserves. About one hour from Adelaide is the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The 9 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Canada

1) Mont Royal Park – Montreal


Mont Royal Park is located at the highest point in the city of Montreal. Within the park you’ll find a ski trail, an oratory, and a Roman Catholic Basilica – amongst many other attractions. The park, named for the city itself, captures the attention of more than 3 million visitors each year.

2) Canada’s Wonderland – Maple, Ontario


Canada’s Wonderland is home to the largest wooden roller coaster in existence in Canada. It’s also the location of the only “flying coaster” in the country – the Time Warp. More than 3.35 million people visit this incredibly fun theme park each year and, according to news sources, the park is still expanding.

3) Banff National Park – Alberta



Banff National Park was the first national park established in Canada. The park consists of 2,500 acres of land in the Canadian Rockies and regularly attracts nature lovers to its glaciers and meadows. There are two towns within the park: Banff and Lake Louise. Both are filled with galleries, museums, and cultural attractions designed to occupy visitors in between treks into the wilderness.

4)Exhibition Place – Toronto


Exhibition Place is a large urban park spanning over 192 acres of land. The park sits on the shores of Lake Ontario and regularly hosts special shows, including the Canadian National Exhibition. The Canadian Bureau for the Advancement of Music calls Exhibition Place its home year round and is proud to cater to the 5.2 million visitors who flock to the park every year.

5) Vieux Port – Montreal



Vieux Port, also known as Old Port, draws nearly 6 million visitors each year. The riverfront is completely separate from the nearby Port of Montreal but has its own distinct and attractive allure. During the summer months there are circus shows and dances while during the winter months patrons stop by to see the Montreal High Lights Festival and fireworks shows.

6) Stanley Park – Vancouver, B.C.



The 1,000 acre Stanley Park lies within the city limits of Vancouver. Visitors come to walk amongst the cedars, hemlocks, and gardens or to watch their children in the playgrounds. There are even a few small restaurants scattered within the park grounds. More than 8 million people stroll the park grounds on an annual basis.

7) Grandville Island – Vancouver, B.C.



Granville Island was once a major epicenter for those working in the slaughterhouse or saw milling industries. Over time the island transformed and for the past 30+ years has drawn visitors to its steadily growing collection of artist studios, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and artisan shops. The island receives more than 10.5 million visitors each year and it is believe that only 29 percent of those visitors are British Columbia natives.

8) Harbourfront Centre – Toronto


The waterfront in Toronto consists of 10 acres of sheer beauty. Here you’ll find an amazing ice skating rink, a large boardwalk, and a number of great ships on display. One such ship, the 1812 War Privateer of the North Atlantic, allows visitors to come on board and look around. Approximately 12 million people visit the waterfront of Toronto annually.

9) Niagara Falls – Ontario



The folks in the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario estimate that Niagara Falls receives more than 12 million visitors every single year. We really weren’t surprised to find that it’s such a popular attraction – it’s one of the most famous in the United States as well.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

The Most Beautiful Cities And Places In Europe

1) The Isle of Skye. Scotland




The reasons it has been rated so high are clear. The wild landscape of Skye, the second largest island in Scotland, is dramatic, vibrant and breathtaking. The inland mountains, cliffs, inlets and endless beaches create spectacular scenery capable of amazing even those thick-skinned urban enthusiasts insensitive to the nature's charm.

2) Sicily. Italy



Sicily, burned by sun, permeated with the smell of wine, sundried tomatoes and the scent of history...this is an island where espresso tastes better than anywhere else in the world, and water seems to be unrealistically azure.
The island is inhabited by 5 million people, and the 25,700 square kilometers that it occupies make it the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea.



Sicily is home to Mt. Etna, the tallest (3,320 m/10,900 ft) active volcano in Europe. Despite frequent droughts, the island is covered with vineyards and olive groves as well as orange and lemon trees.





3) The Swiss Alps and Switzerland.

The Alps, the greatest mountain system in Europe, is stretching from Austria in the east, through Switzerland, to France in the west. This spectacular range, with its sharp peaks always covered with snow, is a stunning travel and sport destination in both summer and winter.
A big portion of this rocky cake belongs to Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world, with a unique blend of cultures and people speaking four languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh).



The place that can hardly escape attention in the Swiss Alps is St. Moritz, one of the world's oldest mountain resorts. The town, backdropped by the magnificent alpine walls, lies at the foot of a crystal-clear lake and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.



4) Venice. Italy



Venice lies somewhere between dreams and reality. It is hard to believe that this town was built by man, and not by some magical creatures. Marcel Proust once said: "When I went to Venice, I discovered that my dream had become-incredibly but quite simply- my address."
This is Venice - the town of magic, dreams, fairy tales and beauty.



The canals of Venice were constructed on an archipelago that comprises 118 islands. Around 400 bridges connect the town and therefore Venice is also called "the City of Bridges". The canals serve as roads for the gondolas and their modern version - motorbuses- to be used as the main means of public transportation.





5) Iceland

Ice, geysers, hot springs, rocks, glaciers, green hills and lakes... these are the features of Iceland - the second largest island of Europe, located in the corner of the continent, in the cold North Atlantic Ocean.



Tundra covers around 60% of the land while lakes and glaciers take up approx. 14%. The climate is subpolar oceanic, wet and windy. Due to rather unfriendly weather conditions the island is inhabited by only 320,000 people, of which around 120,000 live in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Japan

1) Hiroshima Peace Memorial


The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.

2) Jigokudani Monkey Park



Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous hot spring area near Nagano,. The name Jigokudani (meaning “Hell’s Valley”), is due to steam and boiling water that bubbles out the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold forests. It is famous for its large population of wild Snow Monkeys that go to the valley during the winter when snow covers the park. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm hot springs, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings.

3) Kiyomizu-dera


The Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in Eastern Kyoto and can be traced back as far as the year 798. An indoor waterfall fed from the outside river keeps the temple in harmony with nature and not one nail was used in construction. While locals used to jump off the edge to have a wish granted (with a survival rate of 85.4%), modern visitors can enjoy the shrines and talismans and artwork on display without risking life and limb.

4) Himeji Castle


The Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of Japanese castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against enemies during the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many times throughout the centuries and reflects the different design periods. It survived the bombings of World War II and is frequently seen in domestic and foreign films, including the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice”. The white exterior and design give the castle the appearance of a bird taking flight, earning the the castle the nickname ‘white egret castle’.

5) Great Buddha of Kamakura


The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a colossal outdoor representation of Amida Buddha, one of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist figures. Cast in bronze, the Great Buddha stands at over 13 meters (40 feet) high and weighs nearly 93 tons. The statue reportedly dates from 1252. Although it originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the Great Buddha now stands in the open air as the original temple was washed away in a tsunami in the 15th century.

6) Todaiji Temple


The Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the world’s largest wooden building, it is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed to freely roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.

7) Golden Pavilion


Kinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction in Japan and Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. Unfortunately, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950 by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. Five years later, the temple was rebuilt as an exact copy of the original. Emphasis is placed on the building and surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the pavilion in the pond and the pond’s reflection on the building.

Mount Fuji


Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft). The volcano’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as a popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An estimated 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year, 30% of whom are foreigners. The ascent can take anywhere between three and eight hours while the descent can take from two to five hours.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Most Enjoyable Picnic Spot In the World

1. Jardin des Tuileries, Paris (France)


Imagine you sit back in comfortable seats while enjoying the green garden, fountains and the warm sun. Not only that, statues and museums were a familiar sight at your picnic. All that you can get at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris.

By the River Seine on one side and the House Rue de Rivoli on the other hand, the park is a small paradise in the middle of the bustle of the city of Paris. Pay a visit to the bakery to buy a cake Angelina Mont Blanc such as cream cakes, meringue and bean paste cakes. Thereafter, body and mind rest for a moment under a shady tree while enjoying the beautiful scenery of this quiet. The Eiffel Tower can wait for another time.

2. Garden of Villa Borghese, Rome (Italy)


Beautiful garden with a tranquil lake is located near the Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy. Spanish-style staircase will lead you to an English-style garden. But all this does not eliminate the Italian atmosphere, because the park is a lot of sculpture by Bernini. Not only the sculpture, the park also has a gallery filled with paintings of the work of Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio.

You can picnic by bringing a variety of typical Italian foods such as pickles, olives, pizza and salumi. Choose the best place to enjoy the ruins of the century Renaissance building. Not only that, you can also enjoy the garden from the middle of the lake. Leisurely paddle in the middle of the lake is a fun idea.

3. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Western Cape (South Africa)


A sloping green grass, warm sun and shady trees. Perfect! Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the Western Cape, South Africa could become one of your picnic. As a botanical garden that has a very wide area, this area has a lot of plants that would not be found in any place.

There are over 7,000 species of plants that are medicinal herbs and plants are also typical of South Africa. One well-known plants that are here are the King Protea flower, flowers typical of South Africa. In addition to sitting around and enjoying the scenery, you can also walk around the gardens and forests through the bush safe.

4. Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu (Peru)


At an altitude of 9,000 feet, on the ruins of Machu Picchu area of the tower, is a wonderful point to be a place to picnic. It is not easy to achieve here. You must climb a steep and slippery rocks to get to the top. But all these difficulties could be paid off with the view you see in this place. You could be looking at the valley of the Urubamba river and the former city of Incas.

After a long climb it, of course you want to enjoy the food and soft drinks are not typical of Peru? Before climbing, make sure you bring enough supplies to be enjoyed up there. You can bring as Inca Kola and butifarras drinks, sandwiches containing bacon typical Peru, onions, meat sauce and lime juice.

5. Aran Islands, Ireland


Unlike other picnic, you will be invited to a little adventure around the three islands in the Aran Islands, Ireland. Make no mistake, the third island in the mouth Gayway Bay has long been a destination for picnic lovers. Do not forget to bring smoked salmon sandwiches and a bottle of whiskey for the charger and your belly warmers.

After that, be prepared to travel by ferry that will leave you breathless. Enjoy a trip through the karst limestone and Inishmore island that has a wavy green plains. Do not forget to explore some of the oldest archaeological sites in Ireland. Finally, enjoy a picnic in the fort of Dun Aengus iron for a picnic while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.