Tourist Guide

The Beauty of Taiwan

2009-06-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Trip to Bhuj in Gujarat

2009-01-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Blissfully remote and uniquely colourful is Bhuj in the Kutch region of Gujarat, which for decades, even centuries, has beckoned travellers and traders with the promise of release from the restrictions of civilization.
Old Kutchis still recount the romantic tales of caravans that criss- crossed the vast expanse of the Rann, which formed a part of the trade route between Central Asia and the Far East. The age-old routes have vanished in the maze of Indo-Pak border with no less interesting spy stories, border infiltration, smuggling and more recently the mystery of a plane that was never traced but claimed to have been shot down by the Indian Air Force.

A Tourist Delite

Bhuj comes as a pleasant surprise to most of the tourists who were skeptical about the destination as just another stretch of arid land on the western frontier of India. A sense of remoteness and space that is part of the mystique of Kutch is exhilarating. People are friendly, lacking the neurotic stripe that makes urbanites identifiable anywhere. Well-maintained budget hotels and restaurants serve the best of the vegetarian cuisine and at places the milk products were the tastiest. Herds of goats, sheep, cows and camels are a common sight in Kutch. The colourful arts, be it bead work or glass embroidery, copper bells or leather work produced in Bhuj are simply a temptation for the purse.

In and around Bhuj

In and around Bhuj there is plenty to be seen; somewhere something or the other will keep you happy for the day. Dholavira - for the archaeologists, colourful temples are taken over by the pilgrims, wildlife enthusiasts may zoom in their binoculars to locate the wild ass, a fashion crazy designer can get a lesson or two from the Kutch women who create a variety of embroideries in glass, bead, leather etc. Others can explore the fort ruins or the palaces and if you are not sure of the sun, consider few of the interesting museums in Kutch.

Water-The Most Precious Compound

Water is scarce here, so make sure to carry potable water if you are planning far-flung excursions. Surprisingly there are 27 rivers in Kutch but none of them fetch water. Vijay Vilas Palace is up for sale but no buyers for lack of water! It is certainly one of the most testing places on the globe where temperature shoots up to the extreme. Water is elusive, vegetation is choked and a sea of salt like an unending skating rink dominates the landscape. The Rann is referred to as a salt crusted wasteland, which keeps on adding and thereby absorbing the air moisture which, results in skin cracks. I wonder if this much of salt can be put to any industrial use or shipped to the Gold Coast (Ghana) straightway, where once they traded gold by equal volume of salt!

Kutch Museum

To being with one should consider the Kutch museum (the oldest in Gujarat) in order to get a proper preview of lands and life in the region. As a part of marriage celebration of Rao Kehngarji in 1884 an exhibition of Kutch arts and crafts was organised. Later this collection of 5897 exhibits necessitated the construction of a museum complex. Named after Sir James Fergusson, the museum continued to be the private property of Maharao for his personal guests. However after Independence it changed its name to Kutch Museum and entry was open to all. Besides numerous handicrafts, textiles, arms, coins, utensils, the museum is noted for its collection of Kshatrap inscriptions dating back to 89 A.D. and a seven trunked elephant of Indra which is a 18th century wooden masterpiece called Airavat.

Maharao - Sri Madansinhji Museum

One can walk down to the nearby Aaina Mahal to explore another private collection of the Maharao - Sri Madansinhji Museum that is a storehouse of royal paraphernalia. Travel writers have by passed this museum as a mausoleum of 19th century mail catalogue art objects. However, one should save time to appreciate the 47 feet long panel of Kutch paintings depicting Nag Panchmi procession commemorating the victory of the Kutch army over a Mughal subedar. The painting executed by Juma Ibrahim in 1876 is a perfect specimen of Kamangar - a Kutch painting tradition that spread to other parts of Gujarat. Marriage Mandap is another attraction dwelling upon articles that are required for a typical Hindu marriage under the Vedic rites. Adjoining to the Aina Mahal is the City Palace, which is party open to public. One can climb up the steps to get a view of the spacious Darbar Hall decked with wild life trophies.

Attractions of Royal Cenotaphs

In the centre of the Hamisar Lake are the numerous royal cenotaphs built in red sandstone. Some of these are specimens of fine carvings on stone. of these funerary monuments, Rao Lakhpatji’s Chhatri is the largest and the best preserved. With Maharao Lakhpat’s death, 15 of his consorts too gave in their lives on the funeral pyre as evident from the memorial stone.

Dholavira Archaeological Site

Beyond the city precincts, one may consider Dholavira (260 kms from Bhuj) and save a full day for a trip to this archaeological site, which is one of the 45 Harappan sites in Kutch. Here archaeologists are at work, processing every bit of underground wealth that they discover and creating a true picture of the ancient civilisation that is believed to predate the ancient Vedic Age.

The Famous Circuit Tour namely: Bhuj - Roha - Kothara - Mandvi - Khera - Bhuj.

Another day can be planned for a circuit tour namely Bhuj - Roha - Kothara - Mandvi - Khera - Bhuj. Roha, 45kms west of Bhuj, presents a picturesque hill top fort, which is in ruins except for few of its buildings including a temple. Another 45kms brings us to Tera, famous for a colourful Jain temple, however a very different Jain temple, as if painted thoroughly with silver paint and profusely sculptured on the exteriors can be seen at Kothara (30kms from Tera). One can drive south (60kms) to reach Mandvi where Maharao’s summer resort - Vijay Vilas Palace can be seen amidst its silent splendour with a spill of cool sea breeze. Close by is the Arabian Sea and the famous Mandvi port where sea faring people can be seen assembling the ships. In ancient times Mandvi was an important port given to foreign trade, which contributed to the Kutch prosperity. One can prefer spending the evening here to celebrate the immemorial tradition of sundowners. Alternatively leave early in order to get a glimpse of the 7th century Shiva temple ruins at Khera, 40kms away but en route to Bhuj.

Tour guides are particular about a trip to the Banni area in order to explore the different tribes engaged in a variety of handicrafts. Each village is made up of a cluster of bhungas (dwellings) made of stone, mud, and dung. These dwellings are rounded structures with a conical roof. The thick walls keep the interior cool during summer and warm during the chilly clime. The people are friendly and they don’t mind taking visitors inside their bhunga, which has a spotlessly clean floor with highly, decorated walls in mud. It spells the high degree of creativity by the tribals. Utensils, embroideries, and a pile of quilts are well arranged. The greater the pile of quilts, the greater respect commanded by the owner as it indicates the number of guests he can entertain in one go.

Ludia- The Farthest Point

The farthest point is Ludia, 75kms from Bhuj where the Harijan community creates wooden crafts while women are given to embroidery. The women at Dhordo work out still better embroidery called Mutva. The geometric and angular patterns reflect the Sauf embroidery by the Sodhas, which is believed to be the earliest extension of Iranian influences. The ladies from Lohana community busy themselves in silk thread work in deep hues.
However, the most popular work force is that of the Rabaris, dressed in back skirts with creative edges embroidered and so are their profusely decorated veils with tie and dye patterns.
A Rabari bridegroom’s embroidered long coat is worth a look for the dazzle of glasswork that has been so finely fixed together. In fact their patterns, designs or colours of their dress and embroidery identify the Kutch caste and communities. The rare to come across is the intricate patterns of embroidery by the Jat community where the tiny mirrors are so meticulously taken care of. Hodka village is famous for its leatherwork while the craftsmen at Zohra produce the fine bells with copper plantings. At Nirona one finds a unique craft called Roghan - art akin to the Afridi wax cloth that is created by the lone craftsman in the village. While exploring the Banni area consider halting at Bindiara for dairy products. Kutch wool has long been famous for its quality and the best place to buy some of these woolen shawls is at the cooperative shops where they are produced.

¤ An Exclusive Temple Tour of Bhuj

A temple tour of Bhuj commences with Punareshwar (35kms from Bhuj) noted for its 9th century Solanki temple and a palace at Vadimedi where religious rites are performed. A few kilometers from Punareshwar is a small hillock with 72 idols of Yakshas identified with Greeks who are believed to have strayed to this area during a shipwreck. A further 100kms drive brings us to an 8th century temple dedicated to the goddess of the ruling family. This place, Lakhpat boasts of a beautiful landscape where a fort in ruins can be visited along with a tomb and a mosque noted for their fine carvings. A nearby gurudwara is historically significant, as Guru Nanak is believed to have visited this site while he was on his way to Mecca. Few of his relics are retained here. An hour's drive brings us to Narayan Sarovar- one of the five holy lakes of India. Though bereft of water, this site is the oldest and holiest of the Hindu pilgrim points in Kutch, which finds reference in ancient texts. Few kilometers from Narayan Sarovar is Koteshwar - an ancient pilgrim site famous for its temple overlooking the sea. Possibly it was associated with Buddhism at one time as Hieun Tsang visited it and further a Buddhist arch was discovered here. An ideal place to enjoy the sunset but take care not to shoot pictures in the prohibited zone.

Best Time To Visit Bhuj

The best time to visit Bhuj is between November and March. Summer is severe and the dust or the high-speed winds can spell havoc. One of the most colourful fairs in Bhuj is the Drang fair celebrated around Shivratri when locals assemble to celebrate and camel and bullock races are organised

Shimla

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Distance :362km from Delhi, 93km from Kalka
Population : 1,23,000
Altitude : 2,100 m, 0177

Most Desired Hillstation of India

It was an English dream made a shade delirious and out of the true by the thin, high air, combined with all that many a heart loved with passion in India – the outdoor life, the horses, the wild animals, the early walking in the Indian mornings, with their matchless dazzling purity that makes each day seem the first ever created. The lanes, the downs, the tumbling streams were all there, to be tamed and enjoyed as much as possible in the likeness of home."

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a major travel hill station in India. Shimla is also an important administrative centre. It has been variously described as the Indian Capua, Mount Olympus and the Abode of the Little Tin Gods. At the other end is Sir Edward Lutyen’s (the architect of New Delhi) snooty remark – "If I had been told it had all been built by monkeys, I would have said, what wonderful monkeys, they must be shot in case they do it again."!! Shimla and attention have always courted each other.

The city spreads over a 12km ridge with just two main roads – The Mall which runs from the far west to the lower eastern side, and the Cart Road which circles the southern part of Shimla. This is where the railway station and the bus and taxi stands are located. The crescent of the wooded Ridge stretches from the lofty 2476 m high Jakhu Hill and Chhota Shimla in the east, to the Observatory (2,148 m) and Prospect hills (2,176 m) in the west. The best time to travel to Shimla is in autumn, when the days are warm and bright and the nights crisp and cool. Summer sees a burgeoning tourist population and this is precisely why you should avoid going there at this time.

The people of HP are simple and warm. They feel strongly about their natural and cultural heritage so do not in any way belittle their customs or rituals. Norms of dress and behaviour are pretty relaxed in Shimla, as the tourist traffic every year has made the place almost cosmopolitan. A word of caution, however, don’t travel to the interiors of the state without a reliable and authorized tourist guide and also beware of touts.

Shimla - the Summer Capital of British Raj

There probably isn’t one mountain freak in India who hasn’t set foot in Shimla. Having been the official summer capital of the British Raj, it is among the largest and most popular hill stations in the country today.
Shimla (formerly spelt Simla) is set amidst spectacular hills and seeped in an aura of crumbling colonial charm. More than a government seat, it worked as the perfect setting for romance in the days of the British.

The scenic landscape, the fabulous weather and the more relaxed social norms spelt love with a capital.

Far away from the censorious eyes of Delhi and Calcutta, hot-blooded men and women indulged in drinking, gambling, and all sorts of licentious behaviour.
Shimla was indeed the hotbed of passion and gossip, the lovely Mall being the centre of all action.

To the writer Rudyard Kipling, it was a place of illicit romance. In story after story in his Plain Tales from the Hills, the same plot repeats itself.
After the sweltering boredom of the plains, the young officer goes up to Shimla where, bowled over by the sudden glut of young English beauties, he falls in love with a Mrs Hakusbee or a Mrs Reiver: ‘He rode with her and walked with her, and picnicked with her, and tiffined at Peliti’s with her, till people raised their eyebrows and said "Shocking!"’

Discovery of The Heaven

Shimla was once part of the Nepalese kingdom and called Shyamala (another name for goddess Kali). The British ‘discovered’ it in 1819.
After they laid down the Kalka-Shimla railway line in 1903, Shimla became a second home for all those escaping the heat of the Indian summer.

Main Attractions

Today Shimla tourism has translated into being the grooviest spot for honeymooners.
Apart from seeing evidences of some great colonial architecture in monuments like the Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Gorton Castle and others, there are dozens of tiny travel places around which offer the most pleasant walks like Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Chadwick Falls, Tara Devi, Chharabra and others. Two of the most famous nearby getaways are Kasauli and Chail. and its not that there is nothing for the more adventurous kinds; Shimla tourism has excellent scope for treks too.

Splendid by itself, Shimla is also the tee off point for the rest of Himachal, with roads leading west to the Kangra and Chamba valleys, north to Kullu and Lahaul valleys, and east to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley. South of it lie the lower districts of Solan and Sirmaur.

Festivals

Shimla tourism highlights like most of the Indian cities, fairs and festivals in the valley. Most of these are mainstream and have been discussed in detail in the section on Religion.

Christmas :
Christmas is particularly fun here owing to the overwhelming British presence in the past. A white Christmas is what Shimla’s inhabitants really look forward to. Here we will only discuss festivals that are unique to this area or celebrated here in a manner distinct from the rest of the country.

Baisakhi :
Though celebrated in many northern states, this agrarian festival is celebrated differently in different regions of Himachal. Generally held on the first of Baisakh (13th April), it is called Bissu or Bisha in Shimla.

It signifies vigour and vitality and serves as a ritual before the onset of the harvesting season. Burning the jhalra – a pile of dry twigs with a pole bearing a conical bamboo basket erected in the middle – is an important ritual. It is set afire in the morning as young boys sing and dance around it.

Rhyali :
Rhyali is the festival of the rainy season. In the Indian society rains denote good harvest thus ensuring prosperity. Therefore it’s an absolute must to keep the rain god happy.

Rhyali is celebrated on the first of Shravana (16th July). Some ten days before this, seeds of five or seven kinds (wheat, barley and the like) are mixed together and sown ceremoniously by the head of the family or the family priest in a small basket filled with earth, or near the place where the household gods are kept.

Then one day before the actual day, a kind of a mock wedding is performed with a wooden hoe, and as many kinds of available fruits are placed near the tender saplings.
Clay images of Shiva and Parvati are placed amidst the tender growth, and the priest chants, "O Haryali, may thou ever remain in the green fields..." and a whole lot of rituals follow. Rhyali is same as Haryali of Kangra.

Contemporary Carnivals :
A Summer Festival conducted by the tourism of Himachal is held in Simla every June which includes cultural programmes from Himachal and neighbouring states. An art and handicraft exhibition, a folk dance festival, a Mushaira (recitation of Urdu poetry), the Red Cross Fair, sports tournaments, a fashion show based on folk costumes and a flower show are also scheduled around this time to make most of the tourist season. The extravaganza of the Ice Skating Carnival is normally reserved for December, where the winter winds carry with them the delights of ice skating at Shimla.

KASHMIR

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Explore Jammu & Kashmir : the land of everlasting charm with endless beauties. Jammu & Kashmir Tourism takes you to the Leh-Ladakh Tour - the crescent land of Lamas. Adventure & Sports Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir delivers some challenging adventure sports for the daring people like you. Travel to Jammu & Kashmir and visit the Kashmir Pilgrimage Places, blessed with some of the most sanctified places on earth. Tour Wildlife in Jammu & Kashmir and take a glimpse of some of the rarest species existing on earth. But, after all this and more...! the tour to Jammu & Kashmir is incomplete without the exciting Houseboats tour in Jammu & Kashmir.

Srinagar

Dal Lake : The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and Shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal.

Nagin Lake : Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is also divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway.

Mughal Gardens : Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal emperors who visited it as often as they could.

Hazaratbal Mosque : Across the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazratbal, the only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret.

Gulmarg

Golf Club : Gulmarg boasts of a magnificent grassy golf course that is the world's highest too. One can even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg too. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players.

Trekking : Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range.

Skiing : Gulmarg is amongst the best skiing resorts in India. Gulmarg is also a good skiing sight for learners.

Jammu

The Raghunath Temple : This temple is situated at the city centre. It was built in 1857. The temple consists of seven shrines, each with tower. Its arches, surface and niches shows the Mughal influence. The interior of the temple is decorated in gold.

The Vaishno Devi Temple : This cave temple is 61kms north of Jammu. It is dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati, the three mother goddesses of Hinduism.

Pahalgam

Baisaran : The most beautiful of these is the huge, unspoiled grassland of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Mamal : Pahalgam has eight tiny villages within its surroundings, one of which is Mamal.

The Amarnath cave : The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shiva-Ling in the Amarnath cave.

Tarsar Lake : It can be reached from Lidderwat.

Patnitop

Patnitop : a beautiful hill station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is no less beautiful or serene. If one is aiming to get away from it all for some time, this place is hard to beat. The beautiful paths passes through wooded lanes and fascinating scenery linking Patnitop with Kud and Batote.

Sonamarg

Nilagrad : A mountain river meets the Indus at the Baltic colony, Nilagrad, 6-km away from Sonamarg. The water of the river is reddish in colour. The Baltic thinks the water has curative power of many diseases. Inhabitants of the colony visit this place every Sunday to bath in the river.

Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake : These are two beautiful lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. On the way from Sonamarg to Bisansar Lake via Nichinai Pass, stands the Bisansar Lake at an altitude of 4, 084m, while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasagar Lake at an altitude of 3,801m, famous for Trout fishing.

Delhi : The Heart of India

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Capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jehan between 1636 & 1658.The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), & is tree-lined & spacious.

Famous Sites :

Humayun's Tomb : Humayun's tomb lies on the Mathura road near its crossing with the Lodi Road. High rubble-built walls enclose here a square garden divided initially into four large squares separated by causeways and channels, each square divided again into smaller squares by pathways ('Chaharbagh') as in a typical Mughal Garden.

India Gate : At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.

Jantar Mantar : A unique structure raised in 1724, now lies in the heart of Delhi's commercial centre near Connaught place. This is the Jantar Mantar, one of several astronomical observatories raised by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

Qutub Minar Complex : In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason why it took two decades to complete this monument.. Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, completed it.

Red Fort : After transferring his capital to Delhi from Agra in 1638 Shah Jahan commenced the construction of Shahjahanabad, and a little later, on the 16th April 1639, he also laid the foundation of his citadel, Lal-Qila (Lal-Qal'a) or Red Fort, known also by other names in contemporary accounts. It was completed after nine years on the 16th April 1648. The entire fort is said to have cost about one crore of rupees, half of it on the palaces.

Tughluqabad : The massive strong walls of Tughluqabad, the third city of Delhi, are located east of the Qutub Minar. The citadel frowns down ominously like some Gothic palace all over the Qutub-Badarpur road and seems to prefer its splendid isolation..

JAIPUR : The Pink City

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The capital of Rajasthan state, this city is also called as 'Pink City', because of the pink sandstones which were used to construct the buildings. Jaipur, which is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls, is a major attraction for the first-time visitor.

Also known as pink city houses three hill forts and a plethora of palaces. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharyaformalised the citys plans in a grid system.

Famous sites :

The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones.

Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

Jantar Mantar : A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

Govind Devji Temple : The most popular temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji,originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Hawa Mahal : Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Swargasuli (Isar Lat) : The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Sisodia Rani Garden : It has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.) : The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

Galtaji : An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city. Old City: Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple ofNarsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund.

Jaigarh : One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Amer : Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.

Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple : A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions,gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh,Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pol and the Jalebi Chowk.Two flights of stairs rise from on end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess,worshipped by thousands of deovtees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.

A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond th corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Ram Niwas Bagh : A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.

Jain Temple : The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple : Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back,are also noteworthy.

Statue Circle : The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

The Kanak Vrindavan Complex : of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the 'chattri' of SawaiJai Singh II with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.

Ghat ki Guni : Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra.

Others : Beautiful memorials to the queens,Maharani-ki-chattri are near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Raod. The Island Palace,Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai SinghI, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.

Agra

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Agra hosts some of the world famous landmarks that are epitome of love and beauty. In terms of ambience, it is still associated with its memorable Mughal period. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they can't help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal. Even the most modern areas of the town, such as the cantonment, date back over a hundred years

Agra is known, to the world as the city of Taj Mahal. Agra has its roots, dating back to the time of Mahabaratha. Agra is situated on the west-bank of River Yamuna, 204 km south of Delhi. The old part of the town, north of the fort, is where the main market place is. The modern township is on the south. Agra has a magnificent fort and many other monuments from the Mughul era, not to mention the Taj Mahal, which are major attractions to the tourists.

Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise too. There are plenty of shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy the specialities of the place. Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal made out of Marble, the markets are bound to have replica of the Taj in marble being sold as decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. But the all that looks is not marble. There is one stone called Talk. This stone is cheap and looks like marble only difference being that marble is opaque and talk is not. So, while purchasing any marble item make sure that you are buying the original thing.

Famous Sites :

Agra Fort : Among the other monuments that Agra takes pride in is the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the fort's change from a military structure to a palace. The palace is also notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, The Palace of Mirrors, The Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex

Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb : The Itmad-ud-daulah tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden, an architectural gem of its times. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jahangir's wazir, or Chief Minister, and also his father - in- law. The structure was built by Empress Noorjehan, between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, near Lahore in Pakistan. This splendid garden tomb is believed to be the precursor of the magnificent Taj Mahal, and was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of marble, and the first, again, to make use of pietra dura, the inlay marble work that came to be typical of the Taj. Near the Agra Fort, is Jami Masjid, built by Shahjahan in 1648. An inscription over its main entrance indicates that it was built in the name of Jahanara, the emperor's daughter, who was imprisoned with the hapless emperor by Aurangzeb.

Sikandara : 10 km north of Agra lies Akbar's tomb, in Sikandra. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. Akbar began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone structure in a chahar - bagh, or 4 - square formal garden. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. This last was added by Jahangir, who completed the tomb after the demise of his father. 40 km west of Agra, is the perfectly preserved 'phantom city' of Fatehpur Sikri. Between 1570 and 1586, during Akbar's reign, the city served as the capital of the Mughal empire, and was then abruptly abandoned. Today, albeit deserted, the city's palaces, courts and other monuments stand in mute testimony to the greatness, and amazing vision of the greatest emperor of all times, who was also a fine human being.

Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti : The dargah or tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the renowned saint, set in the courtyard of the Royal Mosque, still draws hordes of pilgrims who come to have their wishes fulfilled.

Bharatpur : 55 kilometers from Agra is Bharatpur, which has an early 18th century Rajput Fort, but is better known, today, for one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Called Keoladeo Ghana, the sanctuary is a 40 sq. km area of swampy light - wooded terrain, which was once the private hunting and shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Today, it is the protected breeding ground of hundreds of species of birds and home to migratory birds, especially the Siberian Crane, that spend their winters here.

Diwan-i-Aam : Within the center of the fort is the Hall of Public Audience, built by Shah Jahan. It replaced an earlier wooden structure. It is a pavillion supported by 40 carved pillars where the emperor once sat in state, consulting with officials and receiving petitioners. Other than the Diwan-i-Aam. There is the small Nagina Masjid or Gem Mosque. Nearby is the Ladies Bazaar, where female merchants came to sell to the ladies of the Mughal court.

Diwan-i-Khas : It was fort's true citadel of power, also built by Shah Jahan, between 1636 and 1637. The Hall of Private Audience glittered with solid gold, silver and precious stones, and was the site where the emperor received important diginitaries or foreign ambassadors. The famous Peacock throne was kept here before being moved to Delhi by Aurangzeb. Nearby are the Khas Mahal, Shah Jahan private pavillions. Lookout for the Sheesh Mahal the royal bathing quarters, where the light of a single lamp is reflected in thousands of tiny mirrors embedded in the walls and ceiling.

Musamman Burj or Jasmine Tower : This exquisite octagonal tower, standing close to the Diwan-i-Khas, is the place where Shah Jahan died as captive of his son Aurangzeb, passing his last days gazing at the Taj (the tomb of his beloved wife). The Mina Masjid was Shah Jahan's private mosque during his imprisonment.

Jahangir's Palace : Built by Akbar, for his son Jahangir, it was the largest private residence in the fort. Its a blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

Among other important attractions are Anguri Bagh, Hauz-i-Jehangiri and Delhi Gate. The first, the Grape Garden was in all probability just a small, formal Mughal Garden. It stand in front of the Khas Mahal. Hauz-i-Jehangiri, located in front of Jehangir's palace, is a huge bowl beautifully carved out of a single block of stone. It is fabled to have been used for preparing bhang.

Jama Masjid : Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, it was built in the name of Jahanara, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter. She was also imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb. This mosque is without any minarets. It's sandstone domes have superb marble patterning.

Chini Ka Ranza : Located about a km north of Itimad-ud-Daulah, the mausoleum of Afral Khan, a poet and official in the court of Shah Jahan. The China Tomb is notable for its giant enamelled dome.

Babur's Ram Bagh : About 2 km north along the Yamuna's side lies this Bagh, laid out in 1528. Probably, it is the oldest of India's Mughal Garden. According to some traditions, this was the place where Babur was temporarily buries before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan as per his wishes.

Other Places to Visit : Mathura and Brindavan. Mathura, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the birthplace of Krishna, and Brindavan, the land of thousands of shrines and temples, which still echoes with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming God.

Goa

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Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, a magnificent place for tourism in india, a place of sun sand and sea, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. Goa tourism offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. With its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and temples, churches & even mosques with a distinctive style of architecture, colorful and lively feasts, festivals & above all, hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile.

Tourism in Goa is an opportunity to see the magnificent beauty of nature in a completely new way and to explore a new and highly interesting culture.

Variously known as “ Rome of the East “, “ Tourist Paradise “ and “ Pearl of the Orient “, the state of Goa is one of the premier locations for tourism and is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. Tourism in Goa is famous for some special reasons - The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made tourism in Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood – prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Tourism in Goa is an excellent opportunity which must be completely devoured.

Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa , Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. The tourism is high in tourist season in Goa which begins in late September and carries on through early March.

The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool. Tourism in Goa in these months is well known and highly popularized all around the world. Weather : The average temperature varies between 25?C – 30?C (67.96F – 81.56F Approx). The average rainfall is approximately 325cms, the average daily hours of sunshine is nine to ten hours in summer and three to five hours during the monsoon. Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms during which tourism is a little lower scale. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around – a perfect place for tourism to grow, expand and make one’s tour in Goa an experience of lifetime.

Lifestyle: Goans as the people from Goa are known around the world, have a unique lifestyle which reflects the perfect blending of the cultural influences that they have experienced over the centuries. By nature, Goans are warm, friendly, easy going and large hearted. They live life in style and at a leisurely pace. They are passionate about dance, music and art which is in their blood and they love their food and feni. Goans attitude to life is best described by the word Susegad which means taking life at a relaxed pace and enjoy it to the full.

This unique philosophy of life originates from the Portuguese word Socegado which literally meant quiet. The people of Goa have taken that to heart, quite wholeheartedly while leading quiet and relaxed lives in their peaceful land, in spite of the heavy tourism Goa attracts every year. How to get there. Air : Goa ‘s international airport is 29 km from Panjim at Dabolim. Rail : Goa has two main stations at Margao and Vasco da Gama. The 760 km long Konkan Railway project between Mangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai has given a major boost to train travel to Goa Road : There are interstate bus services to Mumbai (16 hrs), Mangalore, Bangalore, Pune, Londa, Hubli, Hampi and Hospet.

How to get there.

Air : Goa 's international airport is 29 km from Panjim at Dabolim.

Rail : Goa has two main stations at Margao and Vasco da Gama. The 760 km long Konkan Railway project between Mangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai has given a major boost to train travel to Goa

Road : There are interstate bus services to Mumbai (16 hrs), Mangalore, Bangalore, Pune, Londa, Hubli, Hampi and Hospet.

The best time to visit Goa is during the months of October to April, when temperatures range between 21 and 32 C.

Kerala

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Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the the country's population.

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environs; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.

Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} crisscross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.
Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the the country's population.

In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state.

Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.
The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.
It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environs; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.
The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings. Loitering under the canopy of the foliage, you will feel blossoming the dreams. Thus, on a sojourn in Kerala, away from the rough and tumble of cities, you're breathing freshly purified air all the time.

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Backwaters -- Beaches

Flora: Kerala has over 25% of India's 15,000 plant species. Among them include endangered and rare species, flowering plants, fungies, lichens and mosses. The state's forest wealth include tropical wet evergreen, semi-green and tropical most deciduous. Teak, Mahogany, Rosewood and Sandalwood are common, the forests abound with orchids, anthirium, balsam, and medicinal plants. banyan figs, bamboo as well as 40,000 years old grasslands. Mangroves are seen in coastal areas and low, morass lands. So fertile is the state, thanks to rivers and dams that are replenished by copious rain in Western Ghats.

Thailand

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The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country which lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country is bordered to the north by Laos and Burma, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Burma. By the maritime boundary, the country is bordered to the southeast by Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, to the southwest by Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea.

The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. It is also the country's centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Bangkok is known in Thai as "Krung Thep Mahanakorn," or, more colloquially, "Krung Thep."

Ancient City ( Muang Boran ), south of Bangkok, is billed as the largest open-air museum in the world. Over 100 of Thailand's most impressive monuments are rendered slightly less impressive in this 80-hectare (200-acre) collection of scale models. The grounds follow the basic shape of Thailand itself and the monuments are placed accordingly.

Visions of Las Vegas and tiny tacky treasures may spring to mind, but the Ancient City is architecturally sophisticated and a preservation site for classical buildings and art forms.If you're an architecture buff on a brief stay, or just a lover of these sorts of educational theme parks, Ancient City is well worth the trip out of town.

Bangkok has dominated Thailand's urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Distinctly modern and Westernised, Bangkok is still a sleepy Thai village with a louder soundtrack of traffic and nightlife

Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavoured city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.

Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north was founded in 1296. You can still see the moat that encircled the original city. Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest wats, rises behind the city, providing a dramatic backdrop and fine views of the city.

Long relegated to the back seat by tourist draws like Phi-Phi and Pha-Ngan, Ko Lanta first became popular with backpackers looking for something a bit different. And while it now has loads of accommodation for pockets of all depths, Ko Lanta remains a friendly, relaxing place to stay.

Singapore

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The Merlion has a lion head and a fish body resting on a crest of waves. The lion head symbolises the legend of the rediscovery of Singapura, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek, a Javanese word for sea.

The main attraction is DUGONG, sea cow that entertains visitors with its acrobatic movements. You may observe them through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions specially designed to demonstrate their natural abilities of tail-walking synchronization.

The statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, cast in dark bronze by Thomas Woolner stands in front of Victoria Theatre. Its replica, made of pure white polymarble stands at North Boat Quay

Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches in Sentosa stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong.

East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or on its landscaped vistas and terrains where cycling is much enjoyed.

The Singapore Zoo (Former Singapore Zoological Gardens) is acclaimed as one of the world's most spectacular zoos. The use of natural barriers like streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors enhances the "open" zoo concept. Spreading over 28 hectares, it is home to over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including rare and endangered species. The Zoo's orang utan breeding programme has created a large community of these gentle, endangered species.

As a national heritage site, CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes") is an attraction offering an exciting dining, shopping, leisure and entertainment experience. CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides a spectacular backdrop for musicals, recitals and other theatrical performances.

The Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens is a combination of untouched primary forest and specialty gardens displaying frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants, to name a few. There are numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life.

Australia

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Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the southern hemisphere comprising the mainland of the world's smallest continent, the major island of Tasmania and numerous other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast. Australia is the only single country to occupy an entire continent.

Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sunbaked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors.

Any time is a good time to be in Australia. Summer (December to February) can get uncomfortably hot but it's great beach weather. Up north, the summer wet season is very, very humid and the sea is swarming with box jellyfish. Winter (June to August) offers skiing in NSW, Victoria and sometimes Tasmania. In spring and autumn the weather is mild.

Australian cuisine has the most diverse range, quality, and inventiveness than many others in the world. However, it took Australia some time to evolve from the scenes of meat pies, Vegemite sandwiches, and sausage rolls to the scene of dishes such as "seared kangaroo fillet with wilted beetroot greens and roasted onions".

• New South Wales

Most travel and tourism activites in New South Wales are centered in Sydney, which is also the capital of New South Wales.

• Northern Territory

At the regard of Northern Territory, people will most probably illustrate their imagination with a rugged and bright red desert and at the center of it sits the Uluru, Australia's famous icon, which is a giant stone monolith.

• Queensland

The 'Sunshine State of Australia', Queensland can be described in just one word - adventure. Sunny and bright throughout the year, it encourages outdoor adventures, such as beach sports, scuba diving, and exploration of National Parks, as well as fun and excitement such as its famous theme parks for family entertainment and excitement.

• Southern

South Australia, a state with multinational culture, is celebrated for its food, wine, and festivals. Blessed with a Mediterranean coastal climate, great beaches and awesome stretch of Outback.

• Tasmania

The earliest human dwelling dates back to 30,000 years when Aborigines first discovered the area. At that time, Tasmania was still linked to continental Australia, but waters rose to form today's Bass Strait at the end of Ice Age, 12,000 years ago.

• Victoria

Victoria is the smallest state in Australia with a rich history that ties in closely with the 19th Century gold rush era. Victoria's outstanding natural attractions will surprise even veteran travelers. Each sight and place will bring new experiences and provoke different emotions in us.

New Zealand

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New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands.

With a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a colourful and dramatic history, dominated by the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans).

New Zealand was the last landmass on earth to be discovered, making it the youngest country. Since the first people arrived a thousand years ago many cultures have made New Zealand home.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. It is not, however, the capital, although it was at one time, until the capital moved to Wellington. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand. Auckland is the biggest Polynesian city in the world, and this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life.

New Zealand is one of the top holiday destinations in the world with its clean green natural image, scenery, Lord of the Rings film setting, adventure, culture and value for money.

New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It’s a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.

New Zealand

’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

Malaysia

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Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialization is abundantly clear in its big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, though, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.

Capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur is a fairly sprawling city and its residential suburbs seem to go on forever. The city also merges with the adjacent towns of Petaling Jaya Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Port Klang, creating a huge conurbanation called the Klang Valley.

The city can be divided up into the following areas, each of which offers a particular attraction or activity.

City Centre – This is the traditional core of Kuala Lumpur where you’ll find former colonial administrative centre with the Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Selangor Club. This district also includes Kuala Lumpur’s old Chinese commercial centre which everyone refers to now as Chinatown.

Golden Triangle – The area of Kuala Lumpur located to the north-east of the city centre, the Golden Triangle is where you’ll find the city’s shopping malls, five-star hotels, Petronas Twin Towers and party spots.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman – This is the traditional colourful shopping district of Kuala Lumpur north of the city centre and moves into high gear when the festivals of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr) and Deepavali approach. Located just beside the Golden Triangle (northern neighbour) with many popular budget accommodations. The gigantic Putra World Trade Centre & the traditional Kampung Baru food haven are among the most important landmarks. Lately Plaza GM had emerged as the Largest Wholesale Plaza certified by The Malaysian Book of Record.

Brickfields – This area, located south of the city centre, is Kuala Lumpur’s Little India filled with saree shops and banana leaf rice restaurants. Kuala Lumpur’s main railway station – KL Sentral – is located here.

Damansara and Hartamas – Largely suburban, this two districts to the west of the city houses some interesting pockets of restaurant and drinking areas. This district virtually merges into the northern part of Petaling Jaya.

Ampang – Located east of the city, Ampang is home to Kuala Lumpur’s Little Korea and most foreign embassies.

Bangsar and Midvalley – Located south of the city, Bangsar is a popular restaurant and clubbing district while Midvalley, with its Megamall, is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations.

Northern suburbs – This huge area to the north of the city is home to several attractions, such as Batu Caves, the National Zoo and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

Southern suburbs – This district may not interest travellers although Kuala Lumpur’s main stadium at Bukit Jalil and The Mines theme park is located here.

Dubai

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Dubai is one of the seven emirates and most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The city of Dubai is sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate.

A relatively new tourist destination, Dubai has gained in popularity in recent years. It is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), and excellent tourist amenities.

Just 5 hrs from Europe and 3 hrs from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and the sub-continent of India, Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events, and even a few sinful pleasures.

It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination.

The weekly day off is on Friday. Note that, since September 2006, a harmonised weekend of Friday and Saturday has been adopted for the public sector and schools. Government departments, multi-national companies, and most schools and universities are now off on Friday and Saturday (after years of a mixed bag of Friday/Saturday and Thursday/Friday weekends). Some local companies still work a half day on Thursday with a full-day on Saturday.

According to the census conducted by the Statistics Center of Dubai, the population of the emirate was 1,422,000 as of 2006, which included 1,073,000 males and 349,000 females. As of 1998, 17% of the population of the emirate was made up of UAE nationals. Approximately 85% of the expatriate population (and 71% of the emirate's total population) was Asian, chiefly Indian (51%), Pakistani (15%), Bangladeshi (10%) and others (10%). About 3% of the total population of Dubai was categorized as "Western"

The city of Dubai is situated on a coastal strip bordered by desert and gets very hot. It is dry on the hottest days and humid during the cooler days in the summer. Cooler, more pleasant weather lasts from the end of September to beginning of May (although note that pleasant is relative, with daily temperatures from October to January and March to May still being in the lower 20s Celsius/70s Farenheit), but be prepared for cold night temperatures.

In winter the temperature at night is usually from 10-16 Celsius (50-60 Farenheit). In May, June, July, August and September, the sun is intense and temperatures can touch 45 degrees Celsius in the city and even higher in the desert. The heat coupled with humidity of 60-70 near the coast effectively precludes most activity outdoors for the daylight hours during summer.

December to April generally produces the highest precipitation, which at 10 cm (5 in) still isn't much. Some years yield no more than a few minutes of shower in Dubai. November 2006 brought record rains up to 50 cm of rain with temperatures going down to record lows.

Hong Kong

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Hong Kong , officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Guangdong province in the north and faces the South China Sea in the east, west and south. It has a population of 6.9 million people, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Hong Kong is located on China's south coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on the east, south, and west, and borders the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province to the north over the Sham Chun River

Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centres. Its highly capitalist economy has been ranked as the most free economy in the world in the Index of Economic Freedom for 14 consecutive years. It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region, and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers for its high growth rates and rapid industrialisation between the 1960s and 1990s.

Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 90% of daily travels (11 million) are on public transport, making it the highest percentage in the world. The Octopus card, a stored value smart card payment system, can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries, and also for car parks and parking meters.

Hong Kong is made up of four parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong Island is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. Northern Hong Kong Island is the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area; the residential area is located in Eastern Hong Kong Island; and Southern Hong Kong Island known for its sea shores and bays. Kowloon is another flourishing part of Hong Kong. Above all, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai , Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are the most popular areas.

These areas are busy day and night, and tourists can feel secure enjoying the lively nightlife, because Hong Kong is one of the most secure cities in the world. The New Territories and Outlying Islands are ideal places to experience a peaceful and natural Hong Kong.

An open city with a wonderful natural harbor, Hong Kong is the meeting place of various cultures that blend harmoniously with Chinese traditions and exotic influences.

It is the dynamic Hong Kong that provides the environment in which the richest Chinese listed in Forbes directory do business. The city also is the backdrop for modern movies and pop music that together enjoy worldwide recognition. Home of Kongfu heroes like the late Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Hong Kong continues to attract more and more ambitious would-be stars and entrepreneurs.

If there is no other reason why people from the world over are so interested in this island, the answer is likely to be 'because it is there!' Don't wait any longer. Join us and explore this wonderland for yourself!

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