Cruising the Coast

Much is made of the beautiful culture and great entertainment found through mainland Spain, but there is just as much to be made of the stunning scenery. Your holiday in Spain can be enjoyed more so by heading off the beaten track than just touring the cities and well known hot spots.



The ability to travel at your own accord whilst on holiday opens up a lot more opportunities for adventure so why not consider car hire? Barcelona is one of Spain’s greatest cities but been able to travel along the coast when you feel like would be a great way to explore more.

Have you considered travelling across Spain to explore all the hidden gems along the coast? You will find many relaxing havens that the world’s leading travel agents haven’t exploited just yet. Holidays in Spain were once a chance to retreat from out busy live and relax on a sun kissed coast where the easy living dream could be realised, if only for a week or so. Nowadays it seems like a holiday can be more stress than your usual day-to-day life thanks to the many hyper holiday reps and regulars to the 18-30 club scene.



There could be few genuinely exciting holiday experiences where you get to see the true side of the country you visiting. You could embark on a coast crawl if you start in Barcelona and head down to Alicante, or you use Alicante car hire and make you way up to Barcelona. Using two cities as your start and end point means that you are able to leave you car with another branch of your care hire service.



Next time you’re planning a holiday consider the opportunities that are there to help you beat the typical Mediterranean experience and make summer a truly memorable experience!

Stretching Every Penny

If you are thinking that a holiday to foreign shores is a little beyond your budget this year then you should consider what is available to you in and around the UK. Throughout Britain there are many places where you can enjoy a relaxing break in the countryside or a lively and fun experience of city life.



London is one of the most popular cities worldwide where people come to take in all the history and culture during a short visit. During anytime of the year you can discover some really affordable low cost deals to visit England’s capital and enjoy all it has to offer. This is made more evident due to the fact that there is plenty of budget accommodation London. Well known international chains as well as popular domestic hotels can be found all over London which can really help structure your budget when you are considering a short break.



Why not take a tip from the students who enjoy city breaks all over the world and manage do so on a shoestring budget. With the use of hostels you can keep accommodation costs down to a minimum which will in turn allow you to spend more on enjoying yourself. The cheap cost of youth hostels London doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the standard either, many people have the preconception that hostels are of a very low standard, but in fact they offer better service than many hotels.



London is a vibrant city where people come to explore the great history of Britain, or indulge themselves in the intoxicating culture and arts. With so much to see and do you will find that London is an inexpensive option if you want a low budget break this year.

Why You Should Your Next Holiday Through Apartment Letting Websites Like Wimdu

A traditional package holiday is great for those of us who just want to laze about in the sun sipping cocktails, but what options are there for travellers who want more from their break but do not want to go on an ‘adventure’ holiday packed full of trips and activities? This is where private apartment letting sites like wimdu come into their own.



If you are interested in visiting a city but want to avoid the areas that are traditionally popular with tourists, these sites are where you should start your search. For example, you can find furnished apartments in Istanbul that are located in the heart of the city, close to transport links and hosted by a resident. When you stay at in a private apartment or rent a room in a local’s home, you are not just paying for somewhere to lay your head at night; you are paying for your host’s local knowledge. Who better to tell you where the best restaurants or art galleries and museums are than someone who has an acute knowledge of the area? Who is better placed than someone with local knowledge to inform you of where the tourist hotspots in the city are and what times you should avoid going there?



It is a requirement of booking with these private lettings sites that upon returning from your break you produce a review detailing your experience with your host. This means that you can find out about the quality of the accommodation and your host without committing to booking with anyone. You should keep in mind that reviews are entirely subjective and one guest may have a completely different experience to the next. It is recommended that you use caution and common sense before you decide where you will be staying and who you will be staying with.

Tourist Tips for Jamaica Villas

Jamaica is definitely a top ten tourist spot. Thousands of people migrate there every year, whether just so spend their few weeks of vacation, to live for a month, or even in some cases to transfer permanently. No matter what type of person you are, if you are making a trip to Jamaica, then you are in for a time of fun and adventure. However, there are a few things that you need to do to make sure that your time there is as incredible as possible.



Tip 1: Spend Smart

First of all, just because it’s vacation doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank. Vacations are all about planning and budgeting, and while that might seem like too much work, you’ll thank yourself when it’s over. If not, you’ll just end up spending far more than necessary.
If you’re going to be staying in one of the many luxury Jamaica villas, then that’s great for you. There are many extremely quality villas in Jamaica that offer reasonable prices, and if you’re smart, you can get them for better prices. Renting in advance could save you a great deal off your bill.
You can also save money vacationing if you plan your vacation to fall during a time when most people aren’t vacationing. Beachfront villas always cost less during downtime, as do plane tickets and most other expenses you’ll come up against. Plan your vacation wisely so that as little is spent as possible, and you’ll have much greater ease of mind than otherwise.

Tip 2: Bring Extra Currency

Nothing talks like money in Jamaica, just like everywhere else in the world. Bringing extra cash could get you out of a heap of troubles and ensure that no emergency come up which you are unprepared for. Jamaica accepts US dollars, and most currencies are easy to change if need be.

Be sure that your money is kept in a safe place, however. Just because Jamaica seems like a paradise, and Jamaica villas seem safe, doesn’t mean that some people will snatch at your money if they have a chance. Put valuables away in your villa room, keep case in a secure place on your body, and take as many precautions as possible to protect yourself and your family.



Jamaica is an incredible place to visit, especially if you get the chance to enjoy one of the beachfront villas. Bring mosquito repellant, appropriate clothing, and a happy face, and Jamaica will be a dream come true vacation for you.

Provinssirock in Finland

Having its 31st time in June 12 to 14 of 2009, the Provinssirock is now the largest international rock festival in Finland. This three-day festival is annually held in Seinajoki City. Founded by Kemu ry in 1992, the known festival is now run by Seinajoki Live Music Association and Selmu ry. Since it existence in 1979, the festival’s audience steadily growing with its all time high last 20008 festival with 75,000 visitors with the then 2-day even turned into a three days of fun and exciting music.



Aside from watching those local and international bands performing, there are many activities that the festival visitors can do within the festival area. They have various bars in the area that are licensed in selling strong alcohol. Getting into the bars requires its visitors to show an identification to prove their age, for strong alcohol are only sold to visitors above 18 years old. There are also camping areas within the festival sites and fires are allowed at the specially marked camp fire places only.
Running out of cash will never be a problem when visiting the Provinssirock because cash dispensers and bankcards are also situated around the festival area making it easy for the visitors to withdraw money if needed. Besides, majority of the bars in the festival areas accepts credit cards. However, the shops are on cash basis only.
The Provinssirock has East and Wes entrances with the West entrance closer to those who are from the Kyrkosjarvi camping and to those who are taking the taxi from the city to the festival area. Guests with wristbands are only the ones allowed to enter the festival area.  Visitors must take note that broken wristbands will not be honoured. Festival tickets will be changed to wristband upon entering the festival entrances. To avoid the rush, one can also change their tickets to a wristband in advance.

Olympic fever hits London

With the 2012 Olympics approaching London is a hive of activity and is sure to be an amazing place to visit when the Olympics get underway, even for those who weren’t lucky enough to get their hands on tickets. London has a great sporting heritage, and the Olympic Games next year could be the pinnacle, get your hands on budget accommodation London as soon as possible as it is likely that every possible room will be snapped up.

The truly multicultural city of London will reach a new level when the 2012 games come to town and I am sure Londoners will embrace the thousands of people attending the events. With amazing sights and attractions such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and many more to keep the sporting tourists entertained, it will be more than a trip a stadium to watch an event, it will be the experience of London as a whole that people will remember.

If you get your hostel in London there are a number of things I would recommend seeing/doing:

London’s West End is one of the world’s top destinations for theatre so it is definitely worth while taking in a show one night, especially around Leicester Square or Shaftesbury Avenue which always have a buzzing atmosphere in the evening.

Open top bus tour – by far the best way to take in the best sights of London.

Shopping trip to Oxford Street – Maybe not everyone’s ideal activity, but Oxford Street, along with Regent Street are the prime shopping areas of London with flagship stores of all British major retailers.

Pubs & Bars – No matter where you are in London you certainly won’t struggle to find pubs and bars. The South Bank of the Thames is lined with great pubs with fantastic views of the city, and the areas surrounding the Olympic venues will be packed with fans if you are lucky enough to be here at that time.

Borough Market – If you like food you’ll certainly love this place, although considered slightly expensive it’s certainly worth a visit to treat yourself to some culinary delights.

So as the Olympics gets closer the excitement will rise in the capital, and whether your here for the games, or just visiting for a weekend prior to them, London will not disappoint! The cultural mix, and hustle and bustle you get from most major cities provides a brilliant atmosphere, the locals are friendly and I have no doubt you won’t forget the London experience.

Kerala Beaches

Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest,internationally known, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves.The beaches and shorelines of Kerala, washed by the pleasant tropical sun, are peaceful and pristine as ever and contribute to the attraction of domestic and international tourists.

Beaches of Kerala are at their best in Kovalam. Situated on the Malabar Coast, Kovalam Beach is full of swaying coconut trees and has gained fame with the sea surfers all over the world.Kerala is known throughout the world as one of the worlds best beach destinations. The beaches of Kerala are beautiful stretches of clean sand, fringed by swaying palm trees on one side and rippling waves on the other. You can have a memorable beach holiday on the beaches of Kerala.

Visitors to Kerala beaches get to relax on the golden sands of the beaches of Kerala, or stretch out in the shade of the rows of palm trees along the beaches, drinking the refreshing juice of tender coconuts and maybe undergoing an ayurvedic massage.Kovalam,Varkala,Marari,Alappuzha,Kappad and Bekkal are some of the popular beaches of Kerala.

The River Retreat Resort:

FACILITIES

The River Retreat offers 24 fully furnished air conditioned guest rooms. All these have soothing blend of ancient royal ambience and modern day amenities. The rooms have been done in soft and sober colors. The fabrics are in perfect harmony with the rest of ambience of the room.A true reflection of the luxury and plush enjoyed by the then royals.

::  Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre.
::  24 heritage rooms.
::  Riviera: Multi cuisine restaurant.
::  White Sands: Well stocked bar.
::  Air-conditioned conference hall.
::  Swimming pool.
::  Health Club.
::  Lush green lawn.
::  Childrens play area.
::  Customized Holiday packages.
::  Highly skilled and experienced masseurs.
::  Set in pristine and calming environment.
::  Regular shows of performing arts.
::  Facilities for sight-seeing of the nearby areas.

AYURVEDA

Holy Basil, aestheticaly built-in Ayurveda treatment centre, reveals the responsive and caring imperial and genuine healing magic in The River Retreat style under the medical supervision of God-gifted ayurvedic legend Thaikot Moosad and Dr. Nambi.

Ayurveda, the science of life and longivity epitomizes the harmonic blending of the body, mind and spirit of the individual with the cosmos. According to yhe hindu mythology, Brahma, the cosmic creator composed ayurvedda in a hundred thousand verses and presented it to humanity.

This ancient therapy, which is as old as the civilization that treasured it and which it nurtured, continues to flourish in the land south of the Himalayas. In a region rich in biodiversity, the herbal therapy has stood the test of time and proven itself natures panacea for all ailments of body and mind.

Sree Chithra Ayur Home & Nursing Home

Sree Chithra Ayur Home, is the one and only specialty ayurvedic centre, approved by Govt of Kerala, with Green Leaf Classification and run by two highly qualified doctors with post graduation in ayurveda, who are members of Perumbillyssery Tharavadu, a family produced veteran doctors in ayurveda for generations and can claim a heredity of more than 400 years in ayurvedic traditional field.  Sree Chithra Ayur Home, situated on the bank of river at Manathala, a village still retaining the bucolic backdrop and the hygienic environment, carry out both swasthavrutha and athura vrutha so efficiently, that clients, not only from india but from all over the world come here for rejuvenation therapy as well as seeking treatments for specific diseases.



Why Ayurveda? 
Over 5000 years people trust on Ayuveda as it is proved that only Ayurvedic Treatment is devoid of any side effects compared to other branches of Medical Science. Ayurveda gives more emphasis on uprooting the Cause of the disease and there by giving permanent Immunity, whereas others go for instant reliefs by which eliminating impurities from the body becomes Impossible.



Sree Chithra Ayur Home 
Sree Chithra Ayur Home gives importance for the maintenance of physical and mental health.A Nalukettu constructed according to Vaasthu concepts and under the supervision of experts in both modern and vaasthu technology is a unique building. You get a special atmosphere of the gone days along with all modern facilities. The non polluted and non stop cool breeze in this original Interior Village Atmosphere gives you a refreshing experience. The coolness given by the thickly grown coconut trees and the beautiful sight of the pure water river running by the side of the building will definitely give mental and physical energy and vigour.


I T Ayurveda - A unique Ayurvedic Therapy for Computer Professionals
RSI – Repetitive Stress Injuries & CRI – Computer Related Injuries 
Ayurveda is only solution for a permanent cure from all the diseases without any side effects. It brings back the equilibrium of body and mind Ayurveda treatment can be taken as a preventive measure too. Proven positive results show that more than 95% of people have escaped diseases connected to IT by taking Ayurvedic treatment as a precautionary measure.

Back Pain Aurveda :
Back pain is common pain in the modern world. Reasons are many. Back pain can be considered as an injury related to computer and IT. Sitting still for long can cause back ache. Lifting ways, lying on un even surfaces etc.. also can cause back pain. Once started, every minute it increases and finally reach an intolerable state. Those who use vehicles - Two Wheelers or Four wheelers- also suffer from back ache due to various reasons. Disk collapse is one of the main reasons for back ache. Ayurveda treatment has found very effective in curing and as a preventive method. Every day so many come to Sree Chithra Ayur Home seeking treatments for back ache and spondylosis.



Infertility Treatments in Ayurveda
This happens due to the imbalance of three Doshas, Thridoshas - Vatha, Pitha and kapha. The imbalance may cause absence of sperm or reduced sperm count etc.. in men . So also it causes inflammation or infection of the uterus in female. The result would be infertility. Ayurveda treatment is to eradicate the root cause and there by purify the entire body externally and internally to bring back normality to every internal and external organs.
Since the causes are found different, the treatment in Ayurveda is done separately for male and female. 100% positive results are obtained at Sree Chithra Ayur Home and completely satisfied couples give us more and more energy to continue our experiments in this field.


Obesity Ayurveda
Obesity is another factor caused by the imbalance of Thridoshas. Most of them, suffering over weight would be of Kapha prakruthi-the imbalance of kapha - one of the three doshas. Digestive power of these people would be very low. Over weight can also happen when the nutrients are not properly supplied to the body or accumulation and there by exaggeration of such characteristics. Ayurveda treatment, by which, every nervous system as well as internal and external organs get stimulated and accelerated, is an apt remedy for obesity. A minimum of 14 days’ scientific Ayurvedic treatment assures normality. Sree Chithra Ayur Home has records of shelling out 12kg within 19 days, still maintaining the same energy and vigor.

Hereditary Ayurveda
The heredity of Sree Chithra Ayur Home can counted back to 400 years. An ancient family, Perumbillissery, still retain the 100% purity of Ayurvedic science. Treatments are being done, adhering strictly on the advises inscribed in the palm leaves (Thaliyola Grandham), preserved by the family for generations. Added to the knowledge and experience obtained by heridity, the new generation of this family had secured higher qualification from Ayurveda Universities. Sree Chithra Ayur Home has no compromise, they stick on to the 100% scientific approach to Ayurveda as there predecessors.

Arthritis Ayurveda
Imbalance of Thridoshas is the reason for Arthritis. The different symptoms show which of the three doshas are affected to a person.Mainly people approach Sree Chithra Ayur Home with complaints of joins pain, difficulty for mobilization of limbs etc.. Arthritis caused by indigestion and accumulation of undigested toxins in joints freezing and aching the joints. Ayurveda treatments stimulates the entire system and accelerate digestive power.

Bardenas Reales – Europe’s secret Wuste

In the southeast of Navarre, only two hours drive from Bilbao, is the Bardenas Biosphere Reserve, have cut with 420km ² of Europe’s largest desert, the wind and water in a bizarrely fascinating landscape.



Clay, limestone and sandstone rocks form high plateaus, canyons and playful shapes that make up the harsh semi-desert area of ​​the Spanish countryside and take a surreal dream of shepherds on the way to cyclists, walkers or riders all kinds of people in the spell.



The zones of the Bardenas

The biosphere reserve Bardenas consists of different zones, of which especially the White Bardena and Black Bardena are remarkable. While the Bardena Blanca with its gypsum-bearing soil, the canyons and plains, and the steppe-like landscape comes closest to a desert, can be found in the Bardena Negra Pine forests and eroded chalk rock. With the Eguaras Vedado, The Boo Corner and Falls of the Black Three parts of the Bardenas as Nature Reserves shown to preserve the biodiversity of the reserve maintained. Thus, in the Rincón del BU headquarters and golden eagles and owls, only two of over twenty raptor species that occur in the Bardenas.
Trips to Europe’s largest desert

Who wants to spend several days in Bardenas can, in Hotel Aire de Bardenas , are among the invited guests, with its large panoramic windows, even from your bed in the barren Moonscape take in the desert and is suitable as a starting point for excursions into the desert. You can explore the area of ​​Bardenas in many ways. About 700km of trails and paths meander through the rock formations and are Hiking equally suitable for Biking or Rides. Do not miss the famous rock formation Castildetierra and Pizquerra. Also the view points Aguilares high and Pilate’s balcony, Of which one has a wonderful view of the different zones and the local Birds of Prey can observe, are a must.
A spectacle which offers itself in the Biosphere Reserve is once a year, the Sanmiguelada on 18 September, when tens of thousands of sheep to Pyrenees in the warm semi-desert of the real Bardeas be driven to spend the winter here. For wine, music and local food is the Sanmiguelada a good start or end a visit to Europe’s hidden desert.

Looking for Cheap Flights to Malaga

--> Are you looking for cheap flights to Malaga Spain? Well, the sea-side Spanish city is recognized for its superb weather, beautiful beaches, numerous museums, extraordinary cuisine, vibrant nightlife which altogether makes it a must visit tourist destination especially among the Europeans. And you will get lot of airlines that offer cheap flights to Malaga Spain. Airlines running at the city airport provide a broad range of flights in different destinations all over the world. The flights arriving and departing from Malaga airport fly to 60 foreign countries altogether. The airport is a huge one with a crowd of almost 13 million people every year.



In case you are searching for good discounts on flight fare you must talk to the airlines directly browsing their online website or via travel agent. It’s always recommended to use the internet in these cases since it’s the place for making the market research and that too within a few hours. There are various airlines that come with their own terms and offers. A thorough market research is very important for an effective comparison before booking the ticket as per your convenience. Don’t complain about the time as a suitable deal ultimately leads to a lot of monetary saving.



The most lucrative airline deals are usually available for the flights that operate in and around the European community. Some of the highly cheap flights to Malaga would be found from the North European nations. These include the flights from Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom. Most of them are the direct flights. In case, you are traveling from the Northern American States, it’s really hard to get direct flights if you are searching for discount airfare. There would be minimum 1 layover. The first halt would be either in Ireland or United Kingdom. In some cases, there is a second halt somewhere in one of the major Spanish airports.



However, there are always certain limitations while you are availing a cheap flight since a considerable portion of your convenience has to be compromised for the better fares. So, don’t complain of fewer services. The most common restriction is laid on the quantity of carry bags. Thus, check out how many luggage would be allowed before buying the ticket. Also verify how much they charge for extra fees on additional carry bags. And yes do not forget to bring your own drinks and food as most of the discount airlines usually do not provide refreshments.

Becoming a volunteer in Africa

If you have a dream to explore the vivacious continent of Africa while you give back something at the same time, you are simply thinking of becoming a volunteer in Africa. There are a number of volunteering opportunities available throughout this vast beautiful continent which you can choose according to your interest. You can select from teaching in schools in Morocco or Ethiopia, helping kids in Kenya or Tanzania, conserving wild life in South Africa or working for human rights in Togo or Ghana. You will have a number of non-profit organizations or private or governmental agencies that offer chance to volunteer overseas in various developing countries including Thailand, Africa, India, Fiji, Nepal and others. These serve as fantastic platform of learning, educating, conserving the wild and contributing to the lives of those in need.



willing to enjoy new adventurous experience in Africa. Apart from this, any participant from all nationalities, professional or non professional background, with or without special skills can apply for a project to volunteer overseas. Generally there are no restrictions over the duration for any volunteers stay in the host country and one can customize the place, project and length of stay in Africa as most preferable. Every volunteer is made to stay with a carefully selected host family where you will always feel welcomed. They will be eager to know about you and your life back in your country and in this way you will get to interact with the living of new community and its people. While you work in Africa as a volunteer, you will also have time to travel and tour the beautiful cities of the continent and witness an exciting experience to carry it back home. This is the best way one can make a difference in others lives as well as in their own.



Becoming a volunteer overseas brings in a chance to make new friends, amass some ever lasting memories and leave a huge impact on the lives of local community of the host countries. So if you choose to be a volunteer in Africa you will certainly help improve many needy lives and have a taste of their culture which will be a memorable experience for you to appreciate for years to come.

Havana – A trip to the capital of Cuba’s

Havana is connected to a modern and cosmopolitan city with an ancient past and today’s turbulent presence. It is the center of the civilized, social and economic life in this country.



Havana has about 2.2 million inhabitants the third largest city in the Caribbean. The city center was the authentic UNESCO Declared a World Heritage Site. The city flourishes with its versatile beauty, wide streets, busy streets and historic buildings. La Habana Vieja, Old Havana, offers different attractions.
Fascination Havana

The Parque Central, La Catedral and La Plaza de Armas beautiful examples of colonial architecture present. Endless cafes, bars and restaurants can be found in many streets of Havana. The most popular bars are the La Bodeguita del Medio and the Floridita. There used to drink the famous writer Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drink Mojito and Daiquiri. Attraction in the center of the capital is the Plaza de la Revolución. This place is characterized by a high stone boundary associated with the statue of the poet and Freedom hero Jose Marti. The Plaza de la Revolución is encompassed by the Home Office with a huge steel image of Che Guevara, the Government House and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Close by is the largest cemetery in America, the Cementerio Cristóbal Colón. Also worth seeing is the Malecón, the famous promenade.



These and many other attractions make one Cuba Vacation worth seeing. Havana at night is a fantastic attraction by the many dance clubs and discos. Here you also get the real life feel of salsa dance and in no other country like Cuba can this experience it firsthand. Havana offers a terrific insight into the life of the Cuban population, by the openness of the Cuban people and their culture. The charm of the city of Havana makes it a special experience and will remind you of a memorable Cuban holiday.

The City Of Barcelona Truly Offers Something For Everyone

Bri Kim from http://www.traveldoozie.com From beautiful beaches to important religious sites, the city of Barcelona has been thrilling and satisfying visitors to it for many centuries. Barcelona offers an incredible variety of places to stay so that absolutely anyone can afford to spend the night there and still feel comfortable and safe. The city also offers some of the best restaurants in the world, and there is a fine selection of styles of eating and cuisines as well. When it comes to Barcelona’s best trait though, the thing it is known for above all else, all you have to do is take a look at the long list of things there are to do in and around the city. The vast number of activities and attractions in the city of Barcelona make it the go-to travel destination that experienced travelers have either known about for years or have heard about from reliable sources. The truth of the matter is, the city of Barcelona truly does offer something for everyone. Plan your Barcelona travel on travelocity. Use a travelocity code for added discounts on checkout.



Accommodations
Staying in Barcelona is a real treat and the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. There are a number of different styles of accommodations available in the city including rental homes, condominiums, hostels, and hotels. Each style of accommodation is favored by different people, so it is completely up to you which options you make use of. For each option, there are also a wide variety of pricing options available, so don’t let price be the sole determining factor of what type of accommodations you book for your Barcelona vacation. Hotels are by far the most popular way to stay overnight in the city and some of the more popular ones include Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona, Hotel Barcelona, Hotel 1898, Hotel Monte Carlootel Jazz, Hostal L’Antic Espai, Villa Emilia, Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya, EuroPark Hotel, Condado Hotel Barcelona, Catalonia Port, and the Hotel Denit Barcelona.

Restaurants
Similar to accommodations, Barcelona is blessed with an incredible selection of restaurants. There are a number of different cuisines offered in the city, though naturally the easiest type of food to find is Spanish. This is also a great opportunity for those from outside of Spain to sample classic authentic Spanish food prepared the way it is meant to be prepared. There are also a number of different styles of eating establishments available too including everything from fancy fine dining down to street vendors. All of it is good and one of the best ways to enhance a visit to Barcelona is to sample the food from a number of different sources. Some of the more popular restaurants in the city include Con Gracia, Cerveceria Catalana, Milk Bar & Bistro, Montiel Restaurante, Shunka, Mercat de la Boqueria, Diez, Restaurant Me, La Luna, Pla, Restaurante Bilbao-Berria, Cinc Sentits, Restaurante Rincon de Aragon, Yashima, Biblioteca, Bubo, and La Crema Canela.



Activities
Barcelona is an active city with a number of different things available for those wishing to be a little for on-the-go during their stay there. A great deal of exercise can be had just walking around the city and seeing the sights like that, but there are also other ways to get out and move too. There are also places like local hillsides, wilderness area, and of course the famous beaches where specific activities are not only allowed, but they are encouraged too. Some of the popular activities to participate in while staying in Barcelona include touring the city, taking an aerial tour, sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, beach sports, walking, jogging, hiking, biking, and more.

Attractions
The city of Barcelona is a vibrant place to go with a fabulous world of wonders and interesting things to see. Some of the city’s treasured attractions have a long history in either the religious or historical world, or even both. Other attractions in the city are decidedly modern and more current in nature. There are still other attractions both inside the city and in the surrounding area that are more natural and scenic too. Some of the popular things to see while traveling to or through Barcelona include the Magic Fountain, Guell Park, Cook and Taste, Palace of Catalan Music, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, Casa Batilo, Church of the Sacred Family, The beautiful beaches, Monester de Pedralbes, La Pedrera, Barcelona Zoo, Picasso Museum, Passeig de Gracia, City History Museum, Tibidabo Funfair, and the Hospital de Sant Pau.



Visiting Barcelona gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the true culture of Spain, and especially the unique culture found in the area in and around the city. Barcelona offers a wide array of things to do, see, and experience. The city is filled with amazing architecture, both old and new, and also a healthy selection of historical buildings and sites. For those interested in history, the museums and palaces of Barcelona will intrigue you to no end. When it comes to natural beauty, Barcelona and the surrounding area is tops there as well. Barcelona is also known in travel circles to have some of the nicest and most highly thought of hotels. The eating establishments in Barcelona, everything from the open air cafes to the fine dining experiences available is top notch too. There are a number of great European cities you could choose to visit on your next vacation, but no one ever went wrong spending all or part of their vacation in beautiful Barcelona. Barcelona really does have something for everyone.

Check out Manchester’s fantastic art scene

Manchester has an excellent art scene with galleries and museums found all over the city, making a city break in Manchester a great option for any art enthusiasts out there.
One of the leading cultural institutions in the city is the Manchester Art Gallery. Located on Mosley Street near Piccadilly Gardens, you will find that its permanent collection encompasses a range of disciplines, including pre-Raphaelite paintings to modern-day multimedia installations.



Pablo Picasso and David Hockney are just two of the artists whose work can be found here, while you can also see pieces from Dutch painter Willem Kalf and Hungarian Alexander von Wagner.
Open every day of the week with the exception of Mondays, the gallery hosts a number of temporary exhibits through the year. In the past these have included drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and prints by Francisco de Goya, so you can be sure of seeing something captivating with each visit.
You’ll be in good company should you choose to visit the Manchester Art Gallery as it attracts some 400,000 people each year.
Some fantastic paintings and drawings can also be seen at the Whitworth Art Gallery, which is part of the University of Manchester and is located just outside the city centre.



A range of 18th and 19th century art can be seen here at the Oxford Road institution, including works by Thomas, Rowlandson, Ford Madox Brown and J R Cozens, while several modern sculptures can be found in the mezzanine court exhibition room and the gallery grounds.
The Whitworth Art Gallery is also home to the country’s largest collection of flat textiles to be found outside of London, with some pieces dating as far back as the third century.
However, it is not lacking for modern art either. British surrealism and neo-romanticism are among the schools of art represented, with items from Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Michael Porter among those that can be seen.
Perhaps one of the Manchester art scene’s most famous names is LS Lowry, who was born in the nearby town of Stretford in 1887. Lowry is known the world over for his paintings of industrial 20th century England and several examples of these can be found at The Lowry, a performance and visual arts centre named after him based in Salford Quays.
In addition to having 1,610 square metres of gallery space, the venue also has several theatres and performance studios. A number of temporary exhibitions and comedic, theatrical and musical shows are held at the Lowry throughout the year but it may be the works of the eponymous artist that really capture your interest.
Should this be the case, visit Lowry Favourites, the venue’s permanent collection where some of his most well-known works, including Coming from the Mill and Seascape, can be seen.
You can also take in art exhibitions at the CUBE Gallery, the only space in the north-west dedicated to showing exhibits on architecture and the built environment, the Richard Goodall Gallery in the Northern Quarter and the Cornerhouse, an independent cinema on Oxford Road.



However, perhaps the best thing about Manchester’s art scene is that it’s free! It will not cost you a thing to enter any of the above galleries, although there may be a charge for some events and special exhibitions.
Even if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget you will have the chance to see some world-class art while on a break in Manchester so getting booking your trip now.
There are plenty of Manchester hotels to suit all budgets so you get tailor your visit to suit your needs.

The magical Kinnaur Kailash at Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh

About Kalpa Tourism

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Kalpa situated in the Kinner-Kailash range, lies in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an elevation of around 2,758 metres above sea level. The ancient headquarters of Kinnaur region, Kalpa was replaced by the modern town of Rekong Peo. The River Sutlej makes its way through the Great Himalayas along with rock face highways from Kinnaur.

Located in Kinnaur District, the history of the region is influenced by myths and legends. It is believed that the place was under the reign of Magadha followed by the Mauryan Empire during the 6th century. The Guge Kingdom of Tibet also ruled Kinnaur between the 9th and 12th centuries. The history of the district lasted until Emperor Akbar conquered the area and included the valley into the Mughal Empire.



Kinner-Kailash, the sacred mountain, is visited by natives for pilgrimage and is also one of the main attractions of the destination. There is a 70 metre high Shivalinga atop the peak that is visited by devotees and travellers. Sangla Valley on Bapsa River banks, at an altitude of 8,900 feet above sea level, is another attraction of the destination.

Some of the architectural marvels in and around the valley are Kamru Fort, Naga Temple and Sapni. The hamlet and village of Chini provides a glimpse of rich heritage, custom and culture. Most of the folklore is engaged in weaving shawls and Kinnauri caps. A fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism which is reflected in the culture and history of Kalpa is one of the chief attractions.

Kalpa can be reached through flights, trains and buses. The nearest airport serving the destination is the Shimla Airport, which is situated at a distance of 787 km. This airport serves only domestic airlines. Shimla railway station is the nearest railhead which is connected with various cities of the country. Besides flights and trains, Kalpa can be reached through buses available from Shimla and Kullu.

Situated amidst the Great Himalayas, Kalpa has a pleasant climate in summer with extremely cold winters. The months from April to September are ideal to make a visit to Kalpa. 

Ratangad fort near Bhandardara, Maharashtra.

About Vembanad Lake

One of the largest lakes in India, the Vembanad Lake is India's longest lake and also the largest lake in all of Kerala. The districts of Allepey, Kottayam and Ernakulam border the lake.

A distinctive feature of the lake is that it has been divided into two parts by the Thannermukkom salt water barrier, which leaves one part of the lake with brackish water perennially and the second part with fresh water from the rivers draining into the lake.

The Vembanad Lake is at the centre of Kerala Backwaters tourism with a myriad ketuvallams (houseboats) crowding it. There are several other reasons which attract tourists to the beautiful lake, in and off season. The town of Allepey, bordering the lake, is considered to be the Venice of the East because of the large network of canals that amble through the town. Also, the Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held annually in August is a major attraction. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake and never fails to draw a huge and enthusiastic crowd of tourists.

On an ecological note, the Vembanad Lake is of importance since it is home to more than 20,000 waterfowls in India and is also an ideal habitat for shrimps.

While visiting the Lake, the Vembanad Lake Villas would be an ideal place to stay at. It is an exotic backwater resort with the most picturesque view of the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Coconut plantations, lush green vegetation with exotic plants and trees such as mangoes, bananas and pineapples cover the area around the villas.

The resort comprises of one Kerala ancestral home or Tharavadu and a cluster of cottages designed according to the Kerala architecture but is well facilitated with all modern amenities like en-suite shower and toilet facilities. The main attraction of this resort is its proprietor and family who run the villa as a family business and also, the traditionally prepared food from the daily fresh catch will give you the real taste of Kerala.

Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and are directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihood. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and has, as a consequence, become a major tourist attraction.

Can you guess the name of this one of the most pious shrines?

Idyllically situated on the banks of the tranquil Dal Lake in the heart of Kashmir, this sparkling white monument outshines as a major religious and tourist attraction of the valley.This is a luxurious holiday package of Jammu-Kashmir that allows you enjoying a refreshing atmosphere along with all ultra-modern facilities. An ideal trip to an outstanding destination brings complete rejuvenation in life. Pleasant panorama of Sonmarg is a pleasure to the eye of the travelers and gives refreshment to them through its air. With complete different sightseeing tours in the deodar trees-clad valley and striking city of Srinagar, you are going to cherish each moment of this pampering getaway.

Enter into a world of fantasies and enchantment while living in royal city of Jaipur. Enriched with rich culture, extensive heritage and palatial forts & palaces, Pink City of India has a lot for you to visit during vacation.

This is a good weekend destination for tourists from .."

"Weekend destination - Water Falls in Adilabad"

Adilabad Experience: A good weekend destination for tourists from Hyderabad. A must-go during September to December. Also a good destination for trekkers. A nice forest cover. Kuntala waterfalls is quiet good and is claimed to be the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. Pochera is a smaller waterfall.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: You need to carry food and water to Kuntala. Their are good dhabas on the Nirmal - Adilabad highway. Kuntala lies 10 km away from the highway. Pochera is about 6 km away from the highway. You could visit the Government Society Showrooms in Nirmal for Nirmal paintings and handicrafts. Nothing near the waterfalls.
Activities & things to do: Trekking and bird watching.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: You need to take NH 7 from Hyderabad and proceed to Nirmal. Take note that it takes a good 4-5 hours to reach Nirmal from Hyderabad. You have very few good lodges at Nirmal so reserve before you leave. For all purposes you need to stay at Nirmal only. You need to carry food to the waterfalls. Their are some dhabas at Neredigonda Village on the highway which serves good food. Be particular to tell your choice of food. In these areas people eat very hot food. So dont take chances.You first complete Pochera and then go to Kuntala and allocate more time for Kuntala.

That time of the year is here when the rains come down on us which only adds to the charm and beauty of this extremely romantic destination..Find out where here-

Beautiful cherry trees found in this country..

Japan, officially called Nippon, is an archipelago of 6852 mountainous and volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, East China Sea and Sea of Okhotsk. The four largest islands, namely Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, consist of 97 percent of 377,873 square kilometres of the total land in Japan.  

The name 'Nippon' means the sun’s origin and Japan is nicknamed as the 'land of the rising sun'. Japan was first inhabited in 30000 B.C. by hunters. The migrants from China and Korea brought along agriculture and metallurgy to Japan. The country was one of the allies in World War I. However, during the World War II Japan had to witness incidents like Pearl Harbour and nuclear bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Japanese is the official language and most of the population follows Buddhism or Shintoism. Tokyo, Yokohoma, Osaka and Kyoto, the former capital of the country, are the four major cities of Japan. Though a roughly homogeneous population resides here, it is home to many old and diverse forms of art and culture.

The country has the world's oldest unitary constitutional monarchy. It is the third largest economy in the world, with a population of 127 million which is the tenth largest in the world. Two third of the economic output is generated by the service sector, while a technologically advanced industrial sector specialises in consumer electronics.

Japan is popular for sumo wrestlers and various martial arts like Kendo, Judo and Karate. Moreover, the ancient culture of Geisha and the modern narrow gauge bullet trains have played a major role in forming Japan's identity. Mt. Fuji, an active volcano, has become a well known symbol of Japan and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

While Kabuki and Noh are popular styles of theatre, the Bunraku puppet play is also famous. Japanese flower arrangements called Ikebana, paper folding art called Origami and Japanese tea ceremony have become household names all over the world. The culture of Ninja and Samurai also find their origin in Japan.

Japan is ideal for tourists who look for futuristic cityscapes, traditional heritage and a culturally rich experience. Japan has four distinct seasons and the best time to visit the country is the cherry blossom season of November and April. For sports lovers, the winter season from January to March is ideal for skiing in the northern regions of Japan.

"You go on boats here not knowing how many crocodiles or Tigers could be swimming around you...and that's the most thrilling part" Find out where you can have this exhillirating experience here in India---

About Sunderbans Tourism

Sunderbans is the stretch of a mangrove forests located in the southern tip of West Bengal which touches the Arabian Sea. The site is declared as a forest reserve by UNESCO, and in the year 1989 Sundarbans area was declared as Biosphere Reserve. Initially a part of the reserve was known as Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary. The area of Sundarbans is about 4,110 square km out of which about 1,700 square km is occupied by rivers, canals and creeks.

The literal translation of the word in Bengalis is "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest". Many believe that the word "Sunderban" is taken from “sundari” and “ban”, which means "the forests of sundari" -referring to the large mangrove trees. It is the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. It is a place for birdwatchers as the thick forest here is home to the rarest varieties of birds such as Masked Fin Foot, Mangrove Pitta and the Mangrove Whistler.

The national park is famous for its tiger population and it is home to more than 250 tigers. The famous Royal Bengal tigers have now adapted to the highly saline water and are great swimmers. This adventurous wild land is full of animals such as chital deer and rhesus monkey. It also conserves the rare Ridley Sea Turtle. There is a great variety of marine animals and reptiles such as fishes, red fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, king cobra, rock python and water monitor.

The trees here have a capacity to hold the high salinity, lack of soil erosion and daily inundation by high tides. The plants here have adapted to the changing ecosystem. The terrestrial and the aquatic life are maintained by the tidal forms and the mangrove vegetation in Sundarbans.  There are endangered mammals like Genetic Dolphins which live within mangrove creeks lying close to sea. Also the national reserve is a home for Trans-Himalayan migratory birds. Apart from the natural abundance of the place in terms of flora and fauna, it also features the ruins of a 400 year old temple at Netidhopani.

The best time to visit the national park is from October to March because the weather is pleasant and dry during this time. The monsoon season is not a good time to visit the place as the place becomes hot and humid and not ideal for exploring the place.

Find out where this amazing place blessed by Mother Nature is located--->

The Maldives is an island nation and is officially known as the Republic of Maldives. It is an archipelago of 1,190 coral islands that lie in the Indian Ocean. Composed of a double chain of 26 coral atolls, the country is located in the Laccadive Sea.

Situated at the intersection of Lakshadweep and Chagos group of islands, the archipelago is actually the summit of mountain ranges located in the Indian Ocean. The featured 1,190 islets of the country are located at a distance of 700 km to the south-west of Sri Lanka and south-west of India.

Spread over an expansive area of 90,000 square kilometres, it is the world's most dispersed country, in terms of geographic area. Malé is the largest city and the capital of the country. It is strategically situated at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Kaafu Atoll.

Maldives is the smallest country in the world in terms of population and land area. It is also the lowest country in the world, with a ground level of 1.5 metres. The uniqueness of the island lies in the fact that it has the lowest highest point in the world, which is 2.3 metres above sea level.

The atolls are made of live coral reefs and sand bars, which do not support vegetation. However, the country has an abundance of marine life, which are important both from the biological and commercial point of view. Reef sharks, moray eels, stingray, eagle ray and whale shark are some of the rich marine life of the waters surrounding the islands.

The historic records of Maldives show that the country has remained independent throughout its known history. The country was inhabited by the Aryans in 1,500 B.C. It was a trade centre and contributed to the trade of pearls, spices, coconuts, dried fish and cowry shells to other parts of the world.

However, records also state that the country was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It was a part of the British Protectorate from the years 1887 to 1965. Thereafter, the country came under the Sultanate reign and was ruled by Mohamed Fareed. The country became a republic in 1932.

The culture of the island country has been influenced by Sri Lanka and southern India.  Dhivehi, an Indo-European language, is the official language of the Maldives. Maldives became a Muslim country in mid-12th century. Sunni Islam is the official religion of the country.

The traditional dress of the Dhivehi is the Libas. The dress is adorned with hand stitched gold and silver neckline, called the Kasabu Bovalhu and matching embroidery on the sleeve cuffs. The Libas is complemented with a head dress called the Rumafalhi.

Tourism in the country began with 2 resorts in the year 1972. These resorts were the Bandos island resort and Kurumba Village. Today, there are 91 resorts. Tourism is the largest economic activity and accounts for 28% of the GDP of the country.

Tourists are drawn to the island to enjoy its beaches and water activities. The archipelago is also a paradise for honeymooners. Couples visiting the island also opt for weddings at the beach resorts. Christmas and February to April are the major tourist seasons of the Maldives.

About Valley of flowers Tourism

State: Uttaranchal District: Chamoli
Famous for/as: Hill Languages: Hindi
Best Season: Mar - Nov Weather: Summer 13 to 27°C,
Altitude: 3250 m Winter 7 to 20°C
Pin Code: 249401 STD Code: 01389
The Valley-of-flowers is an extensive amassment of flowers, which is situated in the Himalayas. It is perched at an altitude of 3,600 metres above sea-level, protected by snowy mountains in Uttarakhand. Stretching over a vast expanse of 87.50 square kilometres, the valley is located in the district of Chamoli, upper region of Bhyundar Ganga near Joshimath in the Garhwal region.

Earlier, the valley was known as Bhyundar Valley. It was declared a national park in 1982 and is now a World Heritage Site. The Valley-of-flowers was discovered by the mountaineer, explorer and botanist, Frank Smith in the monsoons of 1931. In the same year, the renowned botanist, Margaret Legge, conducted numerous investigations of the valley to explore the new varieties.

According to the mythological stories of Ramayana, it was here that Hanuman searched for Sanjivani for Lakshman when he was injured by Indrajit. At present, no settlements and grazing is allowed in the national park. One can reach the Valley-of-flowers by trekking a distance of 17 kilometres from the nearest town of Joshimath. The trek starts from a place called Govindghat, which is small place close to Joshimath.

The Valley-of-flowers offers diversity in both flora and fauna. Various species of animals in the region can be seen such as Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear and Pika along with a huge variety of butterflies. Some of the birds including Pheasant, Himalayan Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon and Sparrow Hawk can also be seen in this valley.

The valley also displays an extensive variety of flora such as Orchids, Poppies, Primulas, Marigold, Daisies and Anemones. Alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover parts of the park's area.

From the decade long study of Prof. C.P. Kala, it has been concluded that the valley has 520 species of higher plants. Out of these, 498 are flowering plants. Besides, the valley also has various species of medicinal plants including Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Picrorhiza kurroa.

With temperatures ranging between maximum of 17⁰ Celsius to minimum of 7⁰ Celsius, the ideal time to visit the Valley-of-flowers is July to October.

About Coorg Tourism

State: Karnataka District: Madikeri
Famous for/as: Hill Languages: Kannada
Best Season: Jan - Dec Weather: Summer 19 to 34°C,
Altitude: 1525 m Winter 14 to 29°C
Pin Code: 571201 STD Code: 08272
Coorg is an administrative district located in the southern state of Karnataka. It is also known as Kodagu and covers an area of 4,102 sq km in the region covered by the Western Ghats.

To its north-west lies Dakshina Kannada, in the north is Hassan district, to its east is Mysore, and Kannur district of Kerala is located at its south-western border. The headquarters of Coorg district is Madikeri.

History of Coorg      
The northern part of Coorg district was under the reign of Kadambas between the 2nd and 6th century. However, after a war between the Kadambas and the Gangas in the 11th century, the Cholas were the sole rulers of this province. After the 12th century, the Hoysalas, who were ruling Hassan district, defeated the Cholas and in the 14th century, the Vijayanagara kings took over and ruled the province.

After their downfall, the local Nayaks took over different parts of Coorg. The war between different rulers of the province and the Haleri kings made the latter the new rulers of Coorg from the year 1600 to 1834, and after their reign ended, the region of Coorg was under colonial rule.

Coorg was declared as an independent state in the year 1950 by the Indian Constitution and when many Indian states were reorganised in the year 1956, Coorg was merged with the state of Karnataka and declared a district. Coorg has three taluks which include Madikeri, Somavarapete and Veerajapete.

People & Culture of Coorg
Some of the popular festivals feted here include the festival of Arms-Keilpoldu celebrated in the month of June. As part of the celebrations of this ancient festival, weapons are polished and worshipped before using them again. The festival celebrated around the Cauvery River is known as Cauvery Shankaramana. In the months of November and December, the harvest festival Puthar is celebrated by singing to folk songs and performing traditional dance forms.
 
Things to do in Coorg
Popular places in Coorg include Kakkabe, which is also the largest producer of honey in south Asia. One of the main religious sites here is the ancient Omkareshwara Temple. Nagarhole National Park is another popular tourist attraction that is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants and panthers.

With its economy dependent on agriculture, plantations and forestry, Coorg is considered to be one of the most prosperous districts in Karnataka. Known as the ‘Coffee Bowl of India’, Coorg contributes 30% to the total coffee production in India.

Besides coffee and pepper, cardamom and oranges are the other mainstays of Coorg’s economy. Set amidst verdant valleys, misty hills and acres of coffee plantations, Coorg is a perfect getaway for travellers.

Coorg is also a paradise for adventure junkies. Its hills are a perfect for adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, biking and white water rafting.

December to May is the best time to trek in Coorg. Tourists can contact local organizations like the Coorg Adventure Club, which organises regular trekking expeditions for interested travellers to prominent peaks like Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri, Mandalpatti and Tadiandamol. For white water rafting, holidaymakers can visit Barapole in Coorg.

Food & Shopping in Coorg
Coorgi cuisine is also as distinct as its coffee. It is spicy and meat along with rice is the staple diet of locals. Coorgis are predominantly non-vegetarians and use pork, chicken and fish extensively in their food, in addition to ingredients like coconut, chillies and pepper. Mushrooms are also grown in abundance across Coorg and they too are used in local food. Tourists can try popular delicacies like pork pepper fry, idamane hittu, kolli saaru, pandi curry and pathrode at local restaurants.

Coorg shopping can include freshly ground coffee found easily in the local markets of Coorg and different species like Cardamom and pepper.

Travelling to Coorg
Coorg does not have a railway station but is well connected to Mysore (120 km) and Mangalore (135 km), the nearest cities to the destination. Tourists can take a flight to Mangalore, the nearest airport to reach Coorg, and then head to Madikeri by bus or taxi. Mysore is the nearest railhead and is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Coorg.

The best time to visit Coorg is from September to March as the destination enjoys a pleasant climate during this season.

Accommodation Options in Coorg
Coorg offers numerous accommodation options suiting the budget of all kinds of travellers. Hotels in Coorg are located away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.There are home stays in coorg which cater to the needs of all types of visitors.

Hold your breath for this one! A swimming pool on the 57th floor!

Singapore is located at a distance of 137 kilometres (85 miles) to the north of the equator. This island country is a city-state in Southeast Asia, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Straits of Johor in the north separate Singapore from Malaysia, while the Singapore Strait in the south separates it from Indonesia's Riau Islands.
   
Singapore ranks as the world's fourth leading financial centre and its port is one of the five busiest ports in the world. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore has the best quality of life in Asia and eleventh in the world.

Singapore has been named after its founder, Sang Nila Utama. The island country, also known as the Lion City, was first inhabited in the 2nd century AD. During this time, the island remained an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya Empire. Singapore became a part of the Sultanate of Johor, Malaysia, between the 16th and early 19th centuries.

Portuguese raiders destroyed the settlement at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1613. Thereafter, the island remained isolated for two centuries. Thomas Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore in 1819 and signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company. The treaty outlined the development of Singapore as a British trading post and settlement.

Singapore was made a British colony on 2nd August 1824 by John Crawfurd. Thereafter, it became a part of the Straits Settlements, a British colony in 1826. After British capitulation in the Battle of Singapore during World War II, it was invaded by the Imperial Japanese Army. The British repossessed the island on 12th September 1945.

In 1955, the first general elections were held in Singapore. The country declared its independence from Britain on 31st August 1963. Singapore was granted sovereignty on 9th August 1965.

Singapore is an island country that is composed of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore which is officially known as Pulau Ujong. The Johor–Singapore Causeway in the north and the Tuas Second Link in the west are the two man-made connections between Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore's largest islands are Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa.

The highest natural summit in Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill that is 166 metres above sea level. Nearly 23% of the land area consists of forest and nature reserves. After its urbanisation, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest remaining forest in Singapore.

Due to extensive immigration from various parts of the world, Singapore has become a multi-racial country. The diverse cultures that have significantly influenced Singapore are Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Filipinos, Burmese, Japanese and Thais.

Being a multicultural country, Singapore celebrates Chinese, Muslim, Indian and Christian festivals. The Dragon Boat Festival is a popular event that is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar. Some other important festivals include Hungry Ghost Festival, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Art festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Singapore also holds other festivals like Singapore Food Festival, the Singapore Grand Prix and the Chingay Parade. Singapore Jewel Festival, the World Gourmet Summit, Singapore Sun Festival and ZoukOut also attract numerous tourists from across the world.

Tourism is a major sector in Singapore and is managed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), for which the Merlion was designed by Mr. Fraser Brunner. The Merlion has a lion head, which symbolises the legend of the rediscovery of Singapore, and a fish body resting on a crest of waves.

There is no particular tourist season in Singapore which is visited by tourists throughout the year. However, most tourists prefer to visit Singapore during the festive seasons.    

Truly Spectacular Scenery!

China is a multifaceted country, a derivative of an ancient civilisation, a modern nation and an entity with a global presence. The country was named by traveller Marco Polo. Its name originates from the Persian name Cin. The cultural influence emanating from China is known to span across the whole of East Asia.

China is known to have influenced the customs, religion and writing systems of other countries such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam.  The capital city of China is Beijing. Other main cities comprise Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Harbin, Tianjin, Wuhan, Chongqing, Hong Kong and Chengdu.

China has a continuous history spanning over 4,000 years. This puts it amongst the oldest civilisations in the world. Chinese history is divided into ancient, imperial and modern ages.

The history of China comprises many dynasties that ruled the country at different points of time. Some of the dynasties include Xia, Shang, Zhou, Quin, Han, Xin, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The modern part of the history begins with the People's Republic of China (1949 - present).

The advent of civilisation in China led to the invention of writing in the region. The Shang dynasty used Oracle bones for inscribing scripts for forecasting the future. This is the oldest form of Chinese writing. The characters used in this script have influenced the modern Chinese characters prevalent today. In fact, these characters are used throughout the whole of East Asia.

Present-day estimate of the population of China is 1,33,01,41,295 people. According to the 2000 census, the varied ethnic groups in China include Han Chinese, Manchu, Miao, Mongol, Korean and Tibetan amongst others.

The Han Chinese is known to dominate the Chinese population with 91.5% presence. The people of China follow various religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Muslim and Christian. Mandarin is the language of the country, which is also known as Putonghua.

China is politically led by the Communist Party of China. China as an area was first unified by the Qin dynasty in 221 B.C. This unification continued till the Manchu dynasty, when it was finally replaced by the modern People's Republic of China in 1949. Today, it comprises 22 provinces other than Taiwan, 5 municipalities ruled by the State Council and 5 autonomous regions that consist of Tibet amongst others.

There are numerous world heritage sites in China. The popular ones are Forbidden City (Beijing), Great Wall of China, Old Town Lijiang, Summer Palace (Beijing), Temple of Heaven and Mount Taishan (Shandong).

Other heritage sites include Shaolin Temple, Suzhou Gardens and Terracotta Army (Xian). Moreover, tourist attractions within China consist of cruises along the rivers Yangtze and Li, Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), The Bund (Shanghai), West Lake (Hangzhou) and Giant Pandas.

Located in north-east Asia, China spreads across an area of 95, 96,961 sq km. The area has diverse terrains with mountains, hills, deltas, plateaus and deserts, with climate changes from south to north.

While the northern climate remains subarctic, the southern climate is tropical in nature. The summers in the country are extremely hot and winters are harsh. Fall or autumn, from September to November is considered the best time to visit.

"This place has not just excellent natural beauty but excellent people... You get treated by esteemed guest by everyone."

China is a multifaceted country, a derivative of an ancient civilisation, a modern nation and an entity with a global presence. The country was named by traveller Marco Polo. Its name originates from the Persian name Cin. The cultural influence emanating from China is known to span across the whole of East Asia.

China is known to have influenced the customs, religion and writing systems of other countries such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam.  The capital city of China is Beijing. Other main cities comprise Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Harbin, Tianjin, Wuhan, Chongqing, Hong Kong and Chengdu.

China has a continuous history spanning over 4,000 years. This puts it amongst the oldest civilisations in the world. Chinese history is divided into ancient, imperial and modern ages.

The history of China comprises many dynasties that ruled the country at different points of time. Some of the dynasties include Xia, Shang, Zhou, Quin, Han, Xin, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The modern part of the history begins with the People's Republic of China (1949 - present).

The advent of civilisation in China led to the invention of writing in the region. The Shang dynasty used Oracle bones for inscribing scripts for forecasting the future. This is the oldest form of Chinese writing. The characters used in this script have influenced the modern Chinese characters prevalent today. In fact, these characters are used throughout the whole of East Asia.

Present-day estimate of the population of China is 1,33,01,41,295 people. According to the 2000 census, the varied ethnic groups in China include Han Chinese, Manchu, Miao, Mongol, Korean and Tibetan amongst others.

The Han Chinese is known to dominate the Chinese population with 91.5% presence. The people of China follow various religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Muslim and Christian. Mandarin is the language of the country, which is also known as Putonghua.

China is politically led by the Communist Party of China. China as an area was first unified by the Qin dynasty in 221 B.C. This unification continued till the Manchu dynasty, when it was finally replaced by the modern People's Republic of China in 1949. Today, it comprises 22 provinces other than Taiwan, 5 municipalities ruled by the State Council and 5 autonomous regions that consist of Tibet amongst others.

There are numerous world heritage sites in China. The popular ones are Forbidden City (Beijing), Great Wall of China, Old Town Lijiang, Summer Palace (Beijing), Temple of Heaven and Mount Taishan (Shandong).

Other heritage sites include Shaolin Temple, Suzhou Gardens and Terracotta Army (Xian). Moreover, tourist attractions within China consist of cruises along the rivers Yangtze and Li, Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), The Bund (Shanghai), West Lake (Hangzhou) and Giant Pandas.

Located in north-east Asia, China spreads across an area of 95, 96,961 sq km. The area has diverse terrains with mountains, hills, deltas, plateaus and deserts, with climate changes from south to north.

While the northern climate remains subarctic, the southern climate is tropical in nature. The summers in the country are extremely hot and winters are harsh. Fall or autumn, from September to November is considered the best time to visit.