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Frank Lloyd Wright buildings to be nominated to World Heritage List

2011-04-14T21:31:00.001-07:00

A collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings will be nominated by the U.S. to the United Nations for inclusion on the World Heritage List, a prestigious honor that recognizes the most significant cultural and natural treasures in the world, places such as the Taj Mahal and the pyramids at Giza.

If the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, selects the Wright structures for inclusion, it would be the first time a modern building from the U.S. was chosen, the Department of the Interior announced Thursday.

There are 936 World Heritage sites in 153 countries, though only 21 exist in the U.S. In order to be included on the list, sites must meet rigorous criteria, including National Landmark status and a systematic plan for the maintenance and upkeep of the site. Other U.S. landmarks on the list include the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall.

“The buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright are a testament to one of the world’s foremost architectural geniuses,” stated Ken Salazar, secretary of the Interior, who made the announcement. “They deserve to be recognized as World Heritage sites.”

A taskforce of scholars reviewed approximately 400 existing Wright buildings to select those that best represent outstanding, universal value and a lasting contribution to architecture. Four of the buildings selected for the group nomination are in Wisconsin. They are Taliesin, near Spring Green; the S.C. Johnson and Son. Inc. Administration Building and Research Tower in Racine; and the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs First House, in Madison.

The remaining buildings include Unity Temple in Oak Park, Ill; the Frederick C. Robie House, in Chicago; Hollyhock (Barnsdall) House in Los Angeles; Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania; Taliesin West, in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, Calif.

“Each of the Wright buildings represents a separate and outstanding creative contribution to modern architecture and to the history of architecture as a whole,” stated Neil Levine, an architectural historian from Harvard, Wright scholar and member of the selection taskforce. “Each is given a powerful symbolic form directly expressive of the institution it houses, be it the family, the workplace, the place of worship or a cultural or civic activity.”

Along with the Wright nomination, the prehistoric earthworks site of Poverty Point in Louisiana was named as the next prospective U.S. nomination. The U.S. may nominate two sites per year.

During the coming months, the Chicago-based Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy will develop extensive documentation, consulting with the Office of International Affairs of the National Park Service, the principal government agency responsible for implementing U.S. participation in the World Heritage Convention.

After the formal application is filed, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee could decide in June 2013 or June 2014 to admit the Wright buildings to the international list.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and S.C. Johnson and Son Inc. also announced Thursday a long-term agreement for the company to display a collection of Wright artifacts that highlight the famed architect's influence on families and the home.

The company will begin exhibiting a collection of Wright objects, including drawings, models, furniture, fixtures, photos and personal effects in the spring of next year. The exhibit will be fee, open to the public and on view in Fortaleza Hall, a recent addition to the company's campus, designed by world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. A Frank Lloyd Wright library and reading room already exists in the hall.

Four natural wonders added to UNESCO World Heritage List

2011-03-18T01:50:00.003-07:00

The UNESCO World Heritage list grew by four with the additon of new natural wonders. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, has added four new locations to its list of World Heritage sites. The destinations fall under the category of "natural wonders," and were cited for their spectacular beauty, biodiversity, and importance to the surrounding ecosystems.

Newly added to the list was Japan's Ogasawara Islands, which are home to more than 200 endangered bird species, as well as a "critically endangered" bat. Much like the Galapagos Islands, this remote archipelago has a number of unique plants and animals, some of which can only be found there. The islands are also viewed as a living laboratory where the process of evolution can be studied in a self-contained environment that mixes influences from both northeast and southeast Asia in unusual ways.

The Ningaloo Coast, located along Australia's lonely western shores, was also given the nod thanks in no small part to its outstanding biodiversity. Just off the coast is one of the world's largest near-shore coral reef systems, which stretches for miles and is home to sea turtles, whale sharks, and other exotic sealife. An intricate network of underwater caves spiderwebs across the region as well, creating a distinct ecosystem all its own, that boasts even more unusual and unique wildlife. Back on dry land, the Ningaloo Coast also provides spectacular scenery along rugged hiking trails.

Jordan's Wadi Rum received World Heritage status thanks to its blend of both nature and culture. The towering rock walls and maze-like canyons, surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful desert, is only part of the reason this destination was recognized by UNESCO. It is also home to several distinct Bedouin tribes who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, leaving traces of their culture that date back to before the pyramids were built. There are reportedly more than 25,000 rock carvings and an additional 20,000 inscriptions, found throughout the area, some of which show the earliest examples of what would eventually evolve into the earliest alphabet.

The fourth location added to the list is the Lake System in Kenya. Consisting of three interconnected bodies of water, all located inside the Great Rift Valley, the region is home to one of the most biologically diverse avian populations in the world. UNESCO notes that there are no less than 13 species of threatened birds that live in the Lake System, some of which exclusively breed and nest there. The region also plays host to plenty of other wildlife as well, including giraffes, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and black rhinos.

Any one of these locations would make an amazing destination for adventurous travelers. These are fragile ecosystems however, so if you do go, be sure it is with a reputable guide service that believes in sustainable travel and ecotourism. After all, these places have been designated as World Heritage sites for a reason, and UNESCO isn't the only one that wants to see them stick around for future travelers to enjoy as well.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan

2011-03-18T01:50:00.001-07:00

In Japan, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are extremely popular and there is even a weekly travel show dedicated to showcasing sites from all over the world. The United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims (among an incredibly long list of other duties) to designate and help to protect cultural or natural sites that show “outstanding universal value.” “Sekai isan” or World Heritage Sites, are so popular that Japanese tour companies do a steady business developing mass tours all around the world as well as within Japan itself.

While many people of heard about World Heritage Sites, I was shocked to discover while researching for this article that despite the large sums of money invested to win World Heritage status, and then the vasts amounts of sums needed to protect and maintain those sites (with of course some funds made available from UNESCO) that there is very little interest on the internet for Heritage Sites in Japan.

As little as 170 people per month, GLOBALLY, actively search for information in English on Japan’s World Heritage Sites. While the marketing value of making the list seems to be quite high, there does not seem to be a subsequent push by the ordinary tourist to find information on them over the internet. Compare this low search level with “Japan Sex” which comes in at 201,000/month and you see what the heritage of the world is up against. Yes, I somehow was able to weave “sex” into a World Heritage post ;)

Despite the lack of knowledge on World Heritage Sites, Japan is filled with them (relative to other countries) and boasts some impressive and incredibly preserved sites.

Travel to Japan’s World Heritage Sites

If you are planning a visit to Japan, you can hardly go wrong by including a few of Japan’s 16 World Heritage Sites in your itinerary. To help you out, and because I know you are not going to search for them on your own, here they are. I have been to over half of these and can’t wait to visit the rest. They are grouped by region starting north to south and include the 2 new additions that were just added in June 2011!

Cultural UNESCO Sites

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Winter at Chuson-ji Temple Japan: New to the list in 2011, Hiraizumi, in Iwate Prefecture boasts a long history of beautiful temples that rivaled the size of Kyoto back in the 12th Century. The area comprises five sites, including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan. The sites boast the remnants of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hiraizumi was the administrative center of the northern realm of Japan. The realm was based on the cosmology of Pure Land Buddhism, which spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, a type of enlightened realm. The highlights of the area include Chuson-ji Temple, with its spectacular Konjikido golden hall, Motsu-ji Temple, and the former garden of Kanjizaio-in Temple which is representative of a combination of indigenous Japanese nature worship and Shintoism and Pure Land Buddhism that developed a type of garden design unique to Japan.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Changing leaves in Nikko Japan: The shrines and temples of Nikko have long been associated with the wealth and power of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and together with the beautiful surrounding nature illustrate the architectural style of the Edo period. The mountains of Nikko were first worshiped as a sacred Shinto area and in the 8th century the first Buddhist building was built. The area highlights the unique nature of Japanese religious centers blending nature worship with adapted Buddhist principles. One of the main highlights is Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu’s grand, elaborately (gaudy?) decorated mausoleum – the Toshogu – that was built in the mid 17th century. Watch out for the monkeys that are known to terrorize the town and the visitors alike.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Autumn colors at Shirakawa-go in Japan: Located in a mountainous regions in Gifu Prefecture (Shirakawa-go) and Toyama Prefecture (Gokayama) are cut off from the rest of Japan. These villages have Gassho-style houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs that were designed to protect from the massive amounts of snow dumped on the area each winter by moisture extending from the Sea of Japan and are the only examples of their kind in Japan. The resident lived off of the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. It is difficult to find a more rural traditional lifestyle in Japan.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

Yes, this is three cities in one and the monuments are shared between Kyoto Prefecture and my former home Shiga Prefecture. With so many amazing historical temples and shrines in the area it would have been impossible to grant them all UNESCO status individually. If you manage to hit all of these temples and shrines then you are way ahead of the most tourists who spend a few days seeing just a few of these sites. The full list includes:

Kinkakuji Golden Temple in winterKamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja)
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja)
To-ji Temple (Kyouougokoku-ji), Minami-ku Kyoto-city
Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera)
Enryaku-ji Temple, Otsu-city
Daigo-ji Temple, Fushimi-ku Kyoto-city
Ninna-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Byodoin Temple, Uji-city
Ujigami-jinja Shrine, Uji-city
Kozan-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Saiho-ji Temple, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-city
Tenryu-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji), Kita-ku Kyoto-city
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Jisho-ji), Sakyo-ku Kyoto-city
Ryouan-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Hongan-ji Temple, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-city
Nijojo Castle, Kyoto-city

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area, Nara Prefecture

Horyu-ji Temple in NaraWith around 48 Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area, in Nara Prefecture, you could spend a whole day taking photographs. A number of them date from the late 7th or early 8th century, including the Hyoru-ji gate, main hall and pagoda, making them the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. These masterpieces of wooden architecture illustrate the adaptation of Chinese Buddhist architecture and layout to Japanese culture, as well as the with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from China through the Korean peninsula.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

todaiji great BuddhaLike Kyoto, there are so many sites in Ancient Nara that one can spend a few days trying to discover all of the UNESCO sites. Japan’s capital from 710-784, it is a classic site that every visitor should see. Stop to pet the free roaming deer located throughout the city and the park, visit Todai-ji the world’s largest wooden building housing Japan’s largest statue of the Buddha, or marvel at Kofuku-ji’s 5 story pagoda. Don’t forget to walk along the paths in the surrounding hills and discover centuries of stone statues and Buddhist symbols.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Set in the remote and dense forests of the Kii Mountains three ancient sacred sites- Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan, reflect the inter-linkages between the native nature based worship of Shinto, and Buddhism which arrived from China and Korea. The sites are linked to the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto along pilgrimage routes that are still used today for hiking and ascetic disciple. The natural landscapes and the sites themselves have a long and well documented tradition of use and pilgrimage for over 1,200 years. The rugged mountains raising from 1,000-2,000 meters and the natural beauty of the area, which was once thought to have been the origin of the Japanese Shinto Gods, are still visited by millions of people each year. Each of the sites are worth a visit but are spread out quite a bit. Koyasan is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, a form of esoteric Buddhism and its founder Kobodaishi is one of the great Japanese historical figures. He is also the founder of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Kumano Sanzan on Kii Peninsula in Japan

Approaching a small Shinto Shrine in the Kii Mountains

Yoshino and Omine is the northern-most site near to Nara. The Yoshino or northern part of the site was the most important sacred mountain in Japan by the 10th century and was the object of mountain worship, Shinto, in the 7th and 8th centuries. Later in the 8th century it became one of the prime sacred places for the Shugen sect of ascetic Buddhism, and the Omine in the southern part of the site was also known for its harsh mountain ascetic rituals and particular fusion of Shinto and Buddhism.

Kumano Sanzan is the furthest south and has three main shrines, and two temples, connected by a pilgrims’ route. The site also reflects the Shinto and Shugen sect of Shinto-Buddhism and the wooden architecture is considered some of the best in Japan.

Himeji-jo

Himeji Castle, Japan: This is possibly Japan’s best preserved and most beautiful castle. The castle site includes 83 buildings with highly developed systems of defense and and creative means of protection dating from the beginning of the Shogun period. The original castle was built in the 14th century and the existing castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1580. It was further enlarged 30 years later by Ikeda Terumasa. This is one of those sites that is a must see for any visitor to Japan.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

Inside Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane Prefecture in the south east of Japan’s main island, Honshu, is a mountainous area reaching 600 meters cut through by deep river valleys featuring the archaeological remains of large-scale mines, smelting and refining sites and mining settlements worked between the 16th and 20th centuries. The mines produced most of silver and gold in south-east Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries with shipping routes to China and the Korean peninsula. The site includes fortresses, a number of temples that catered to the short life expectancy of silver miners of the time, and three port towns Tomogaura, Okidomari and Yunotsu, from where the ore was shipped.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

Hiroshima Genbaku Dome: This used to be the Industrial Promotion Hall, but after being at the hypocenter of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 the partially standing remains are now a reminder of the world’s first atomic attack. It was the only building in the area to survive the blast and has been kept in its original state by the city of Hiroshima. Each year on August 6th, services are held at the dome in remembrance and a moment of silence is observed. The Dome stands opposite of the Peace Memorial Park.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine: The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a sacred place for Shintoism since the earliest times. The shrines main torii gates, better know as the “floating shrine,” rises out of the the ocean during high tide and is one of the enduring images of Japan. The first shrine buildings were around the 6th century with the present shrine being erected in the 12th century. The shrine plays on the contrasts in color and form between mountains and sea and is a remarkable illustration of Japan’s sense of beauty which highlights the balance between nature and humans.

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Okinawa Prefecture

The Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa served as the economic and cultural hub between Japan, China, Korea and the rest of south-east Asia for several centuries. The area is dotted with fortresses and castles with the main attraction being Shuri-jo a castle with a particularly Chinese flavor to it. The castle was the seat of power in the area from the 15th century to 1879 when Okinawa was taken under full control by the Japanese government. Unfortunately the castle was almost fully destroyed during WWII and the current building is a reconstruction.

Natural UNESCO Sites

Shiretoko

Shiretoko Hokkaido's Oshinkoshin Waterfall: If Hokkaido is often refereed to as the most American area in Japan with it’s wide open spaces then Shiretoko must be the Alaska of Japan.The Shiretoko Peninsula in north eastern Hokkaido is a remote, untouched wilderness accessible only by boat or a long trekking expedition. The Peninsula is 65 km long and 25 km wide, houses a number of rare plant and animal life and is home to the world’s highest number of brown bears. The site is globally important for threatened seabirds and migratory birds and for marine mammals including Steller’s sea lion. Good luck getting there!

Shirakami-Sanchi

Lake in Shirakami Beech Forest : Located in Akita Prefecture in northern Honshu the area consists mainly of virgin Siebold’s beech forests that once spread all over Northern Japan. Black bears inhabit the area and a traditional faith ceremony and traditional bear hunting still takes place from time to time. The beech forest is almost entirely undisturbed with few access trails or man-made facilities. There is occasional use by bear hunters but in general the area is protected and has a buffer zone around it.

Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Isands Japan: One of two new Heritage sites listed in 2011 the beautiful topical islands of Ogasawara are technically a part of Tokyo but are located over 1,000 km to the south and consist of over 30 islands. Often call the Galapagos of Asia the islands have never physically been attached to any other part of Japan leaving the flora and fauna millions of the years to evolve into distinct species, including the Bonin Flying Fox. About 2,500 residents live on the islands which can only be reach by a 25 1/2 hour ferry ride from Tokyo. The surrounding ocean is home to an abundance of sea life and is an ideal place to watch Humpback and Sperm whales.

Yakushima

Yakushima Island Japan : This island located just to the South of Kyushu, Japan’s southern most main island, is a wonderland of ancient cedar trees and an abundance of plant species with over 1,900 recorded. The massive Yaku-sugi, are endemic to the island transforming the island into enchanting land. Combined with the monkeys, and sparking blue waters around the island it is impossible not feel in awe of the natural wonders.

Explore beautiful Cape Town

2011-02-05T02:45:00.001-08:00

Explore beautiful Cape Town and its surrounding attractions and scenery onboard the Blue Train

Cape Town in South Africa is one of the most beautiful cities on the continent and, indeed, the world. If you really want to see this gorgeous destination in style, there is nowhere better to do it than from onboard Africa train journeys.

As the second most populated city in the country, this destination in Western Cape is not only bursting with culture but is also home to some gorgeous vistas for you to enjoy as you journey down the rail tracks.

Being one of the world's most iconic cities to visit, it is no wonder Cape Town is becoming an increasingly popular destination with tourists from across the globe, who flock here to see sights such as the striking Table Mountain.

Luckily, as your tour with Great Rail Journeys will begin in the city, you will have plenty of opportunity to explore this fascinating landmark. Standing at one side of the city centre, the flattened top of this peak stretches some two miles, which makes for an unusual sight.

Sharp cliffs edge the mound and it is frequently topped with cloud cover that, according to local legend, is the result of a smoking contest between a pirate and the devil.

You may be happy to hear that you will not have to don your hiking and climbing gear to enjoy the magnificent views from the summit, as you can instead take a cable car to the top of the mountain. Make sure you pack your camera as this is a sight you will not want to miss.

During your time in Cape Town you can also take a guided tour and discover some more about this fascinating city. You will find yourself staying in luxury surroundings on the waterfront, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront in particular is popular with tourists and is packed with great shops and restaurants to visit, while there are also museums and other attractions to be found here.

Your next daytrip will take you to the Cape of Good Hope on Cape Point. This is a rocky headland that has an interesting seafaring past and was the area where Dutch settlers arrived way back in the mid 17th century.

From here you will take the train to Boulders Bay where you can enjoy seeing a thriving penguin colony - the perfect end to an ideal day in South Africa.

Of course there is so much more to see in this destination and you will be able to experience it all, including a tour of the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys. These lie within the country's famous wine producing region so you must make sure you sample a glass or two of the tipple.

There is lots to see and do in Cape Town you are likely to be spoilt for choice but you will have an entire day to spend at your leisure here so make sure you choose wisely.

Popular attractions include Robben Island. Situated just off the coast, this isle has become infamous as the place where political prisoners were held during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela. You can find out more about its dark former days from the tour guides, some of whom were themselves political inmates. As a Unesco World Heritage site, this is a place that is definitely worth taking some time out to explore.

Other places of interest include the Two Oceans Aquarium where you can watch the sharks being fed, the Bo-Kaap Museum, which offers an insight into the city's Muslim community, and the gorgeous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

You are sure to be sad to leave Cape Town but boarding the Blue Train for the rest of your tour will help to make up for it.

This is the ultimate luxurious way to travel and you are sure to have an experience that lasts you a lifetime. Onboard there is a well-stocked library, bar, a lounge car - perfect for relaxing in - and even a boutique where you can purchase traditional African jewellery.

Your meals will be truly sumptuous - prepared using local ingredients and accompanied with, of course, South African wines. And your cabin is the perfect spot for you to enjoy those amazing views from, as during the day your bed folds up to transform the room into an elegant lounge.

You can be certain this is a holiday you will remember for the rest of your life.

1 trip, 3 Chinas: Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau

2011-01-09T23:17:00.001-08:00

In booming Beijing, remnants of ancient China are tangible in the Forbidden City. In Hong Kong, skyscrapers symbolize one of the world's most successful economies. And in Macau, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, gambling generates more revenue than in Las Vegas.

In one trip, I visited all three places -- sampling history on the mainland, the fruits of capitalism in Hong Kong and the glitzy casinos of Macau -- and experienced three very different Chinas.

For me, it was a personal journey as well as a vacation. My family left China in 1949, first for Taiwan and then the Philippines. I'm Chinese, but I act like a foreigner culturally. Despite this, I was surprised at how much I felt at home in China, and I felt proud of the country's economic development. This, I felt, was the future for our people.

But like most visitors, I wanted to see the country's history, too. I spent my first full day in China at the Great Wall's Badaling section. The wall resembles the writhing body of a dragon hugging China's hills, mountains and grasslands. Parts of the wall date back to the first century B.C., and it was built and rebuilt over two millennia to keep out invaders. At 3,500 miles long, it's longer than the United States is wide.

The Great Wall is in the mountains, an hour outside Beijing. I joined a tour group to see it, reserving ahead online for about $30 ($20 less than reserving through a hotel). The tour included lunch, but the guide detoured us to jade and silk factories where prices gouge unwary tourists -- a common practice among local operators. An alternative is to take a cab, but make sure to negotiate a price with the driver before leaving.

The Forbidden City is located in the middle of Beijing, surrounded by concentric circles of roads, across from Tiananmen Square, easily accessible by subway.

Built in the early 1400s, the Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The imperial dynasty ended with Puyi, who ruled from 1909 to 1911 and was portrayed in the movie "The Last Emperor." It is called the Forbidden City because commoners weren't allowed in until 1925.

As the world's largest palace complex, it spans 7.8 million square feet, or about 135 football fields, with over 8,700 rooms. The Forbidden City is divided into the southern Outer Court, where emperors conducted state affairs and elaborate ceremonies, and the smaller Inner Court where they lived. It is believed that in the Inner Court heaven and earth met, and yin and yang -- opposing yet linked cosmic forces such as dark and light, male and female -- are united.

You can rent your own audio guides at the Forbidden City, and they even have built-in GPS that automatically triggers commentary when you're near a historic attraction. But the audio and the sites aren't always in sync, and the commentary only plays once. Too bad if you didn't pay attention the first time. The entrance fee is about $6 to $9 depending on the season; audio guide rentals are about $6.

Window to the west

Before leaving mainland China, I visited one additional historic site, taking an overnight train from Beijing to Xi'an to see the terracotta warriors. I booked a sleeper compartment, sharing it with a college student and young engineer who were eager to practice English. The first look of bewilderment on their faces after they found out I couldn't speak Mandarin soon gave way to an easy acceptance that while we're now culturally different, we do share the same heritage. They saw me as their window to the West, with the added bonus that I can see the world through the prism of the Chinese culture as well.

We talked for hours about politics, culture, the West and families. It gave me a deeper understanding of the country my parents had left. But I committed a cultural faux pas by asking how many siblings they had. "None," they said. I had forgotten about the one-child policy.

At Xi'an, I bypassed tour groups and for $1 took a local bus, No. 306, from the train station to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses museum, an hourlong ride. About 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors stand or kneel in pits at the site, along with their horses. Each warrior is unique, with variations in mustaches, top knots, armor and stance. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered these soldiers made around 246 B.C. to accompany him to the afterlife.

One country, two systems

My next stop was Hong Kong, which I have visited many times. Both Hong Kong and Macau are former colonies. Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain in 1997, and Macau was returned by Portugal in 1999. China designated them as Special Administrative Regions, giving them a degree of autonomy, using the catch phrase "one country, two systems." Each has its own chief executive and economic and political system. Hong Kong is more than 1,000 miles from Beijing, but the two former colonies are just a ferry ride from each other.

Compared to Beijing, English is more widely spoken in Hong Kong, and Western customs are more common. After Beijing's prices, Hong Kong is also a shock to the wallet.

This has long been considered Asia's Wall Street but for visitors, the main pastimes are shopping and eating. Hong Kong Island, one of two main regions there, is home to the financial district, gardens, malls and Victoria Peak, its highest hill, known for great views. Kowloon Island has the biggest concentration of shops, along with museums, hotels and restaurants. Hong Kong Disneyland is on nearby Lantau island.

Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui district is famous for its shopping, especially along bustling Nathan Road. Chains include Marks & Spencer department stores, kind of like a British Macy's. But if you're looking for bargains, better head back to the mainland.

Kowloon also is good for jet-lagged shoppers. The Temple Street Night Market is open from sundown to 10 p.m., and bargains can still be found. But the quality of goods is inconsistent, so buyer beware. At the very least, it's an exotic contrast to American suburban malls: Here jewelry, clothes and toys hang from booths crowded next to each other, hawkers yell on the streets and locals and tourists jostle for the best deals.

Gambling mecca

Macau is one of the world's biggest gambling destinations and an easy jaunt from Hong Kong. It's accessible by inexpensive ferries, with free shuttle buses to take you to your hotel.

I'm not much of a gambler, but I wanted to see the Venetian hotel in Macau. I had been to the one in Las Vegas when it first opened in 1999, built at a then-staggering cost of $1.5 billion. The $2.4 billion Venetian Macau hotel boasts 3,000 suites, a million square feet of retail space and a casino floor with 870 gaming tables and more than 3,400 slot machines.

The Venetian Macau, themed on Venice, Italy, is as glitzy and over the top as the Vegas version. Singing gondoliers ply a man-made waterway inside the hotel as tourists snap pictures. Elaborate murals decorate the lobby corridor ceilings, and there is a re-creation of a Venice landmark, the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica.

But the action is in the casinos, where gamblers sit transfixed in front of rows of slot machines or pray for a windfall at the blackjack tables. On the ferry going from Hong Kong to Macau, I sat next to a tourist snapping pictures from his seat, eagerly looking forward to his gambling vacation. Like so many of the visitors here, he was from the mainland, come to sample another side of China.

Article contributed by :Deborah Yao

25th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2011 - A Kaleidoscope of Indian Handicrafts, Handlooms and Folk Traditions

2011-01-03T02:52:00.001-08:00

The Surajkund Crafts is an annual event that highlight some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of the country.

From 1st to 15th February rural India basks in the warmth of admiration at Surajkund mela village that lies some 8 km from South Delhi.
The Mela also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre- and a theme State that makes each visitor marvel.

Surajkund becomes alive with the rhythm and beats of folk dances and riot of colors.

Uzbekistan is the Partner Country of 25th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2011. It is one of the six independent Turkic states. It is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia, formerly part of the Soviet Union.

Andhra Pradesh- The magic of vibrant Andhra Pradesh is the theme state for this year Mela.

Surajkund is the annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines. As winter turns briefly into spring, a caravan of more than 400 National and State awardee craftpersons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craftpersons from SAARC Nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela. At Surajkund Mela, the artisans' delicate hands create the most beautiful pieces which have fascinated many through ages !

25th Surajkund Crafts Mela offers a lot of Fun, Frolic,Entertainment and exclusive shopping. In the rural ambience, more than 400 craftperson will display and Demonstrate their finest crafts work that is set to capture your hearts. The authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines will kindle your taste buds. Tap your feet with the beats of enthralling folk dancers from the various parts of the country.

A fair to cherish and remember..... forever.

The 41 Places to Go in 2011

2011-01-03T02:51:00.001-08:00

From the beaches of Mexico to the wilds of Kurdistan, the places on this year's list take you to the end of the world and back.

1. Santiago, Chile - Undaunted by an earthquake, a city embraces modern culture.

Less than a year after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in Chile, its capital, Santiago, has largely recovered, the economy continues to grow, and tourism is in an upswing.

Though the quake, which caused hundreds of casualties, was centered more than 200 miles away, many of Santiago's older buildings were damaged, including the Museum of Fine Arts.

But the earthquake last year -- and another in Chile last week that caused more panic than damage -- seems to have only briefly paused a cultural shift that had begun to take hold in the city. Known as a buttoned-up place, Santiago has in recent years added modern museums, smartly designed hotels and sophisticated restaurants. The city has become decidedly more vibrant.

This year, it has even been chosen as the first foreign city to host a rather unbuttoned event: Lollapalooza. The 20-year-old American music festival picked Santiago for its first overseas outing because of its open space and the variety of cultural offerings, and because locals have a passion for contemporary music, said Lollapalooza's founder, the musician Perry Farrell. The festival takes place in April in O'Higgins Park.

This musical awakening owes much to the government's investment in the arts. The new Centro Gabriela Mistral, for example, a 200,000-square-foot center made of glass and weathering steel, has a varied calendar of concerts, dance performances, plays and art exhibits.

Perhaps the most remarkable cultural space to open in the last few years is the Museo de la Moda, a privately financed fashion museum inside a revamped 1960s Modernist mansion. It has a permanent collection of nearly 10,000 pieces of couture and memorabilia (of which 800 are typically on display), including a light-blue jacket worn in 1966 by John Lennon and a black strapless gown worn in 1981 by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Luxury hotels are not new to Santiago, but when the W opened in 2009, it was the first to feature truly modern design. The recently opened Aubrey is equally chic and much more intimate. With an attractive mix of vintage and new furniture (Tom Dixon lamps, 19th-century Parisian rugs, tufted leather sofas), the 15-room property raised the bar for boutique lodgings in the city. It occupies two renovated residences in the Bellavista neighborhood, a creative district where Lollapalooza's fans would feel right at home.

2. San Juan Islands, Wash.Bold-face restaurateurs vie with unspoiled nature. Nature wins.

The big draw for the San Juan Islands this year just might be its dining scene. Blaine Wetzel, a former chef at the wildly acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma, took the reins at Willows Inn on Lummi Island (due to reopen on Feb. 10), while Lisa Nakamura, who has trained with big-name chefs like Thomas Keller, opened Allium on Orcas Island.

But the eternal lure of the San Juans -- what brings chefs out as well as tourists -- are the landscapes. On islands from Shaw to Decatur, pastoral hills give way to broody forests and scrappy escarpments that overlook fjordlike inlets. Thanks to an active land preservation effort by organizations like the San Juan County Land Bank, each year new areas are protected from logging or unruly development, and in turn provide fresh terrain for the public to explore.

Last year, the San Juan Island National Historic Park grew by 312 acres with the purchase of densely forested Mitchell Hill. On Lopez Island, a 50-year lease signed by the state Department of Natural Resources in 2009 now protects the Lopez Hill area from logging; a web of public trails winds past mossy conifers and madrona trees with peeling cinnamon-red bark. And some smaller parcels have the air of a secret about them, like the spectacular Watmough Bay Preserve on Lopez, with a trail that leads to a strip of beach on a wooded inlet, its moody water as magically lighted as a Bierstadt painting.

3. Koh Samui, Thailand - A toned-down version of Phuket, heavy on wellness and food.

As Thailand's third-largest island, Koh Samui isn't exactly off the radar. But the 95-square-mile tropical gem in the southern Gulf of Thailand, whose white sand beaches, abundant coral reefs and seas of palm trees were once a backpackers' secret, has emerged as the stylish luxury alternative to crowded Phuket. Last month's much-anticipated opening of the W Retreat Koh Samui on a private beach along the island's northern shore was the chic hotel brand's premiere in Southeast Asia. July saw the arrival of the 78 pool-villas at the Banyan Tree Samui and its bay-facing spa, which includes the island's first hydrotherapy facility. It is burnishing Koh Samui's reputation as one of Thailand's top wellness destinations, along with the yoga and detox center at the Moroccan-inspired boutique resort Absolute Sanctuary, which turns three in April.

Local restaurants have kept pace, luring international chefs who are transforming Koh Samui into an eating destination as well. Newcomers include H-Bistro at the Hansar Samui resort, where the French-Mediterranean and Thai menu was conceived by a former private chef to the Jordanian royal family, and Orgasmic by Chef Wally, which serves innovative cocktails and dishes like cocoa butter Hokkaido scallops and freshly caught white snapper with pecan-celery mash. The local scene goes into full swing at the weekly Sunday Sessions under the soaring thatched roofs at loungey Beach Republic, whose brunch, seafood barbecue and sunset D.J.'s are quickly becoming famous.

4. Iceland - Where a country's hardships are a visitor's gain.

Iceland's economic crash has had an upside, at least for tourists. After the devaluation of the krona that followed the country's 2008 financial crisis, the breathtakingly beautiful island is a lot more affordable, meaning that a hotel room that was $200 before the crash might cost $130 now.

While traditionally a must-see for nature tourists -- who come for thermal springs, glaciers, volcanic landscapes and the Northern Lights -- Iceland is stepping up the cultural offerings with Reykjavik's new Harpa-Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a symphony and opera house whose stunning glass facade was designed in collaboration with the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Opening ceremonies begin in May, with performances by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and local rock bands. Another draw is the third annual DesignMarch (in March), a festival that showcases Icelandic design, from clothing and textiles to furniture. And the Iceland Airwaves music festival, every October, is perennially cool.

5. Milan - A reborn cathedral joins fashion-forward galleries and hotels.

Compared with the Italian troika of tourism -- Florence, Venice and Rome -- Milan is often an afterthought. But with novel, eye-catching design emerging around the city, that should soon change.

For years, unsightly scaffolding obscured the Milan Cathedral; now that most of it has been dismantled, the newly scrubbed Gothic masterpiece, also known as the Duomo, is worth a fresh look. Across the piazza, the city's collection of 20th-century art is now showcased at the Museo del Novecento, which opened in December in the restored Palazzo dell'Arengario.

Outside the historic center, former factories have been transformed into design studios, old warehouses have been repurposed as unconventional art venues, and galleries are packed with avant-garde works. The eclectic Spazio Rossana Orlandi gallery displays the latest creations from emerging designers, while large-scale art installations from acclaimed international artists like Anselm Kiefer are exhibited at HangarBicocca, a cavernous art space that re-opened last year.

And though fashion followers still flock to the wish-filled windows of Miu Miu and Marni, fashion in Milan now extends beyond retail and runways. Arguably the most fashionable addition is the Hotel Milano Scala, which opened last year in a renovated 19th-century mansion singing the eco-chic promise of "zero-emissions hospitality." In a country where green directives are not yet widespread, it proves that Milan is, once again, on the cutting edge.

6. Republic of Georgia - A rustic ski wonderland on the verge of discovery.

Ski buffs don't usually think of Soviet Georgia when planning their next backcountry outing. But some ambitious plans in the Caucasus are trying to change that fast. Tucked between the Black and Caspian seas and smattered with mountains, Georgia has the kind of terrain adventurous skiers yearn for: peaks reaching 16,000 feet, deep valleys and largely untouched slopes. Known best for spectacular off-piste and heli-skiing, Bakuriani and Gudauri -- each a short drive from Tbilisi -- saw 30,000 visitors in 2009 and are expanding fast.

And now, in efforts spearheaded by the Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, the ski-resort bug is spreading even further. In Mestia, the first groomed slopes of a new resort opened in December. Also earmarked as a winter hot spot is Goderdzi pass, which can have snow coverage six months a year.

7. London - Anticipating the 2012 Olympics, a slew of new hotels and restaurants.

There is never a bad time to go to London. But this year may be better than most: the 2012 Summer Olympic Games has prompted the construction of 12,000 hotel rooms, and several hotels that have been around for a while are burnishing their appeal with notable new restaurants.

Many are opening well in advance of the games. The 192-room Four Seasons London at Park Lane reopens late this month after a two-year-plus gut renovation that added a penthouse spa overlooking Hyde Park and new restaurant seating in a private garden. The new W London Leicester Square arrives in February, conforming to British tastes with a trendy take on high tea. In April the Corinthia Hotel London reinvents a vintage 1855 hotel, and in May the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London makes its debut in a cathedral-like Victorian hotel with a restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing.

Other hotels are adding restaurants from renowned chefs. This spring, the May Fair Hotel will become home to the chef Silvena Rowe's Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, Quince.

Expect hotel and restaurant bookings to be tight on and around April 29, date of the royal wedding, for which London tourism officials expect a pre-Olympics wave of visitors.

8. Loreto, Mexico - A beach hideaway with sport fishing gets a luxury resort.

Long known for sport fishing, Loreto, on Baja California Sur's eastern coast, is poised to become one of Mexico's next luxury destinations.

On Wednesday, Villa Group Resorts, one of Mexico's largest privately owned hotel groups, will open a $60 million Villa del Palmar resort with three restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot turtle-shaped pool and 150 suites from $250 to $1,500 a night. The resort is the first phase of an 1,800-acre development, Danzante Ba. It will add seven resort hotels, restaurants and a Rees Jones golf course.

Loreto also has longstanding attractions to tout. It recently started a public relations campaign, with help from the Mexico Tourism Board, to highlight its colonial architecture, deserted beaches and marine life. Founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries, Loreto is home to the historic Mission of Our Lady Loreto, one of the first "California" missions. The baroque Mission of San Javier can be found nearby in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains.

Visitors can take day trips to see prehistoric rock art in the Sierra de San Francisco region of Baja California between Loreto and Bahia de Los Angeles. Five islands that make up the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which covers 797 square miles in the Sea of Cortez, offer extensive snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, whale-watching and scuba-diving opportunities. The area is home to more than 800 species of marine life, including six-foot-long Humboldt squid.

9. Park City, Utah - Beyond the film festival, a growing group of top-tier resorts.

Many film aficionados have been lured to Park City for the annual Sundance festival, missing the slopes entirely, which is a shame. This year, new hotels, expanded terrain and events at area ski resorts make on-mountain exploration imperative. Last month, at Deer Valley, Montage opened a 220-room Craftsman-style midmountain lodge ; it offers ski-in, ski-out access, gas fireplaces in every room, and a spa.

Other recent openings include the St. Regis Deer Crest, the Waldorf Astoria Park City and the Hyatt Escala Lodge.

Over at the Canyons Resort, 300 acres of new skiing and snowboarding terrain includes 10 new trails that range from intermediate to expert gladed tree runs. The resort is also introducing what's billed as the first heated chair lift in North America and opening an après-ski "beach," an outdoor gathering place with beach-style lounge chairs, food and cocktail stations and expansive views of the mountainside.

10. Cali, Colombia - Cafe culture is on the rise while salsa fuels the night life.

Cali has always felt like the grittier stepsister of Medellín, but tucked amid the colonial homes of the barrios of San Antonio or Granada are a number of new jewelry boutiques, low-key cafes and salsotecas teeming with crowds as sexy as any in South America.

Salsa remains Cali's lifeblood. If the dance floors of Tin Tin Deo or Zaperoco are too full, try La Fuente, a pint-size bar jammed with sweaty students who spill out onto the street most nights. Or, follow the sounds of Latin jazz to Guayusa, just next door. Those with serious salsa chops hitch a cab out of town to the suburb of Juanchito, whose dance floors do not fill up until after midnight (but go in a group, as this section gets dicey at those hours). Also be sure to check out a performance of Delirio, the monthly cabaret that is part Cirque du Soleil, part salsa clinic.

11. The Danube - From Budapest to the Black Sea, new cruises on a storied river.

For years, high-end river travel in Europe has focused on western European waterways like the Rhine and the Rhone. But recent developments have brought the high life to the principal river of central and eastern Europe: the Danube.

Last year, California's Viking River Cruises launched new cruises on the river, and in 2011, another tour company, Tauck, will introduce riverboat trips from swinging Budapest to the Black Sea. Meanwhile, the Kempinski Hotel River Park recently opened on the Danube's banks in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. The blue Danube threads its way through four capitals (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade) and touches 10 countries, passing by majestic scenery, outrageously great wine regions and castles, fortifications and ruins dating back centuries. What better way to see all these treasures than from the water?

12. Niseko, Japan - An Aspen emerges in Asia, with luxury to spare.

It was the snow that first brought the Australian ski bums here, the great powder blown in by Siberian cold fronts. Then chefs and designers discovered that this sleepy town on Japan's northern Hokkaido island was actually a lovely spot in itself, with natural hot springs, family-owned inns and spectacular views of impossibly symmetrical Mount Yotei. Now with the development of stylish restaurants and a network of fashion-forward chalets (like the foodie must stop Kamimura and the 10 zenlike lofts at Suiboku), the well-heeled are arriving on direct flights from all over Asia to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, creating the region's answer to Aspen and Courchevel.

Expect that to intensify when a high-speed train line, now planned to begin service in 2015, cuts the trip up from Tokyo to under four hours. This month the fully revamped 200-room Green Leaf Niseko Village, stylishly renovated by the New York-based Alexandra Champalimaud, is reopening its doors, while a Banyan Tree and Tadao Ando-designed Capella complex are in the pipeline.

13. Oahu - Hawaii's most developed island adds resorts and attractions.

The nature that abounds on Maui and rural Kauai often overshadows the attractions on Oahu, the most populous Hawaiian island. But this year Oahu offers travelers fresh incentive in the form of name-brand resorts and other tourist attractions.

Disney plans to open Aulani, a 359-room resort 17 miles west of the Honolulu airport, in August. The 21-acre compound, part of the manicured Koolina Resort & Marina, will emphasize Hawaiian culture over Disney animation by offering hula lessons, lei making and storytelling (Disney movies will be stocked in the kids club). In addition to standard pools and a lazy river, a conservation pool supports stingrays that kids can safely touch.

For grown-ups, in October the hotelier Ian Schrager unveiled the first in a boutique hotel chain that he is creating for Marriott: the 353-room Waikiki Edition. Though it's not on the beach -- it's a five-minute walk to the ocean -- the resort makes up for it with an outdoor movie theater, a restaurant by the Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, surf-and-bikini boot camp and yoga. It has four bars, including one hidden behind a revolving bookcase.

But there's more than sunsets and mai tais to Oahu. A $56 million visitors' center and museum at Pearl Harbor opened Dec. 7 featuring interactive exhibits about the World War II attack that trace the path to war from both American and Japanese perspectives.

14. Antwerp, Belgium - A new breed of boutiques have made it a fashionista's paradise.

There hasn't been so much fashion buzz in Antwerp since the dawn of the Antwerp Six, a group of designers including Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester who rose to prominence in the mid 1980s. And while the city's Royal Academy of Fine Arts is still churning out avant-garde talents, it's Antwerp's latest crop of shops that is causing the current buzz.

"The fashionistas I know have suddenly fallen in love with Antwerp," said Lulu Townsend, the managing director of the London travel company Chic Retreats. "It's a shopper's paradise."

In the last year alone four destination-worthy concept stores have opened, among them the fashion shop-cum-gallery Ra, which sells local and international labels and also hosts art and fashion events. Next door is Your, which offers everything from "a 2-euro pack of bubble gum to 14 brands of jeans and a 350,000-euro Alfa Romeo 8C," said Jorrit Baars, who conceived the space.

Then there are the posh new boutiques Graanmarkt 13 and Renaissance, which features designers like Alexander Wang along with a chic Italian restaurant simply called Ristaurante. While you are in the building, check out the latest exhibition at Antwerp's fashion museum, MoMu.

15. Melbourne, Australia - New hotels plus big-name chefs put Sydney on notice.

With a bunch of new hotels and restaurants led by notable chefs cropping up, Melbourne has been stealing the spotlight from its sister city, Sydney.

The most notable addition comes from the luxury brand Crown, which is investing 1 billion Australian dollars (about the same in U.S. dollars) to expand its sprawling Crown Entertainment Complex on the southern bank of the Yarra River. In April it opened Australia's largest hotel, the 300-million-dollar 658-room Crown Metropol, which has an infinity pool on the 27th floor with 180-degree views of the city, and is home to the Maze and Maze Grill, the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's first endeavors Down Under. The complex also includes the Crown Towers hotel, which has four private penthouse gaming salons with 360-degree views of Melbourne's skyline.

The city's thriving arts scene now has stylish boutique hotels to match, too. Three Art Series Hotels, inspired by (and featuring the works of) famous artists, opened in the last year. The Olsen, named for the landscape painter John Olsen, is the flagship of the group, with 229 rooms (from 215 dollars a night) and a heated, glass-bottomed swimming pool.

Visiting foodies will be able to choose from a number of new restaurants. In October, the Australian chef Neil Perry, of Rockpool in Sydney, opened Spice Temple, a 200-seat contemporary Szechuan restaurant next door to his Rockpool Bar & Grill in the Crown complex, as well as a new bar, the Waiting Room, in the lobby of the Crown Towers hotel. Also within the Crown complex, a new seafood restaurant, the Atlantic, will debut in February with Donovan Cooke as executive chef.

16. Tlemcen, Algeria - An ancient Islamic city dresses up for a gala year.

There's a buzz of anticipation -- and power tools -- in the streets, squares and souks of this ancient Algerian city. Named a Capital of Islamic Culture for 2011 by Isesco (Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Algeria's spiritual heart is preparing for a yearlong gala that will include some 300 exhibitions, concerts, screenings, theater performances, lectures and readings. The ruins of medieval ramparts and towers are being refurbished. Time-worn mosques and hammams are being dusted off. Cultural centers and museums are being started. And a first generation of five-star hotels -- notably a Renaissance by Marriott-- is rising from the ground.

Why Tlemcen? As the seat of a medieval dynasty that controlled much of North Africa, Tlemcen has long been a center of Islamic learning, culture and art. Skilled craftsmen ply their wares around the Kissaria market, traditional orchestras show off their chops every summer at the city's festival of Arabo-Andalusian music, and the Muslim faithful pour into magnificent religious edifices like the Great Mosque and the tomb of Sidi Boumediene -- a revered 12th-century Islamic scholar. With the approaching festival, the city should at last recapture some of its past glory.

17. Sopot and Gdansk, Poland - Poland's Baltic coast welcomes party hoppers and soccer fans.

Every country with a coastline has its version of the Hamptons. In Poland, it's Sopot. In the summer, the small city -- with its white beach, fin-de-siècle villas and lively cafe- and club-lined boulevard -- is packed with young party hoppers from all over Poland and Scandinavia, dancing at flashy venues like the new Dream Club. Vladimir Putin has been known to stay at the palatial Sofitel Grand, which looks over the sea and nearby pier, the longest on the Baltic.

Sopot and the neighboring city of Gdansk (formerly known as Danzig) are gearing up for the 2012 European soccer championships, which will take place throughout Poland and Ukraine. Already there has been a flurry of openings, including a new boutique-style Hilton in Gdansk's historic center, the Ergo Arena between Sopot and Gdansk (Lady Gaga was one of the first to perform), and a symphony hall with a stylish restaurant in Gdansk that was formerly a power plant. But the biggest debut is further off: the reopening of the beloved Forest Opera, an amphitheater in Sopot, which by 2012 should have 1,000 additional seats and a new roof.

18. Erzurum, Turkey - Skiing in Turkey? A winter sports capital emerges in Anatolia.

Turkey may not be the first place people think of for skiing, but it's got mountains -- big, snowy ones. Now the government is making a push to turn Erzurum, a city of 785,000 in eastern Anatolia, into a winter sports capital in time for this month's 2011 Winter Universiade (sort of an Olympics for university students). Two and a half miles from town lies the ski resort of Palandoken, which the Iranian skiers who come here know has the most challenging skiing in Turkey. Three lifts have been added to the bald mountain that rises nearly 3,000 feet from its base to its summit at 10,498. The number of runs is a modest 18 -- but the fun skiing is off-piste, between the runs, on Palandoken's 2,200 acres.

About 11 miles from Erzurum sits the new Konakli Ski Resort, which opened this winter with six chairlifts and 3,000 acres of skiing. A new five-star hotel is scheduled to open next season; until it does, rent a car for day trips and stay at Palandoken's Renaissance Polat Erzurum Hotel.

19. Hyderabad, India - Dynastic grandeur in the heart of modern India.

Even in the 16th century, Hyderabad, in southern India, famous for its diamond trade and sultans' palaces, was a city with serious bling. In the last decade, a new sort of wealth has arrived -- the outsourcing of international companies, which has inspired a boom of sleek cafes and restaurants such as Fusion 9.

The latest buzz is the debut of two five-star hotels, both connected to the Nizam family, rulers of Hyderabad for the two centuries before India's independence. The first, Park Hyderabad, is a futuristic structure designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with an aluminum and glass facade inspired by the settings and metalwork found in the Nizams' jewelry collection. The new Taj Falaknuma Palace, on the other hand, is a window into the past. It's a wedding cake of a building that still belongs to the Nizam family, and it took the Taj Hotels group 10 years to renovate the European-style castle. "The Falaknuma Palace will complete the Indian palace tour for the south," said Shanti Kohli, of New Delhi-based Amber Tours. "It makes a trip to Hyderabad worthwhile just on its own."

20. Manchester, England - An industrial city reinvents its famed musical past.

The cold and gritty factory city that famously inspired the post-industrial anguish of bands like Joy Division and the Smiths has transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Several new music venues are cashing in on "Madchester" nostalgia, including FAC251, an indie-music club that opened in February in the old Factory Records building. The owners of the popular Trof cafe, which bills itself as a "dandyish den of opulence," recently opened a new multiplatform cultural venue called the Deaf Institute. For those who want a taste of the city's favorite depressive sons.

21. Tallinn, Estonia - The beautiful capital city aims to shed its stag-party past.

Soon after EasyJet began flights from London and Berlin to the Estonian capital in 2004, Tallinn became known as the Las Vegas of the Baltics, luring hordes of party tourists with its cheap liquor and wild seaside night life. But now, with the city's selection as a 2011 European Capital of Culture, cash is flowing in and pulling Tallinn out of its stag party adolescence.

Some seven years after Estonia joined the European Union, large-scale infrastructural and restorative work, including several rebuilt museums, a waterfront promenade and a large arts venue, KultuuriKatel (Culture Cauldron), are reshaping Tallinn's cultural identity. Much of Northern Europe's arts community will converge on the city this year, as it debuts a yearlong schedule of European Union-sponsored events, including the student-focused contemporary art triennial Exsperimenta! and "Stories of the Seashore," a project that enlists writers, actors, artists and musicians to reflect on the sea that has been so central to Estonia's development.

22. Fogo Island, Newfoundland - An art colony blooms on remote and rugged shores.

A remote island off the coast of Newfoundland with a dwindling population of 3,000 residents might not strike you as an important cultural enclave. But it soon could be, thanks to a local resident, Zita Cobb and a Norwegian architect, Todd Saunders. They teamed up to create a series of innovative artists' studios in former saltbox houses and deconsecrated churches that perch over the North Atlantic and rugged pristine landscapes. Two are complete, and four more will be unveiled in June as part of the Fogo Island Arts Corporation. The effort, with the help of government financing, puts more than $15 million into showcasing the island as an arts and eco destination.

Besides the cutting-edge studios, which will host artists and writers as part of an international residency program, the foundation will also open a 29-room hotel next year. For the moment visitors can stay at country spots like Foley's Bed and Breakfast and Peg's B&B and rent a car to tour the architectural showcases. Talk about island innovation.

23. Singapore - With new resorts and casinos, the city lets its hair down.

For years, this island country was considered oppressive and humorless. But recently Singapore has started to have some fun with new supersized resorts, design hotels and restaurants.

"There has been a big change in the Singapore scene in the last two or three years," said the hotelier Lik Peng Loh, who recently opened Wanderlust, which he calls an "adult playground."

Singapore's decision six years ago to allow gambling led to the recent opening of two complexes: the Resorts World Sentosa, with a casino, Universal Studios theme park and four hotels, including a Hard Rock; and the Marina Bay Sands.

24. Port Ghalib, Egypt - A low-key beach escape with clear water and sea creatures.

The once unspoiled beauty and calm of Sharm el-Sheikh, on the Red Sea in Egypt, has suffered from an influx of tourists (not to mention a recent series of shark attacks). Those looking to skip the crowds should turn to Port Ghalib, across the Red Sea from Sharm, on the eastern Egyptian coast. Ghalib's beaches offer soft, snow-hued sand and translucent water that divers love.

Since the area's rich marine life hasn't yet been sullied by packs of visitors, the coral reefs are undamaged and ripe for exploring. Admiral Travel, a Florida-based travel consultancy that specializes in trips to Egypt, arranges customized diving expeditions to Elphinstone Reef (a few miles from Ghalib) that allow clients to swim with hammerhead and gray reef sharks. Port Ghalib also offers affordable lodging options, with several attractive hotels. Four resorts operated by the InterContinental Hotel Group include the upscale beachfront Palace Port Ghalib Resort, which features a Six Senses spa.

25. Whistler, British Columbia - The Olympians are gone. Now it's your turn.

You don't need a lifetime of training or a Spandex unitard to retrace the strides of the best Nordic skiers in the world. The 2010 Winter Games left behind a tremendous structural legacy: Whistler Olympic Park, which is now open to the public. The park, and its partner facility, the Callaghan Country Lodge, offer some 55 miles of trails that range from easy to Olympian.

Skiers not yet ready to power up the devastating hills that were part of last year's Nordic sprint events can look to the park's ski school, which offers lessons in most of the Nordic skiing disciplines -- classic cross-country, skate skiing, even biathlon.

Whistler Village, with its extensive lodges, condos and restaurants, is near the park's day lodge, but cross-country skiers seeking a truly remote experience may choose to stay at Callaghan Lodge, a cheery chalet encircled by glacier-swaddled mountains. One five-kilometer cross-country loop from the lodge passes right below the toe of the massive Solitude glacier. In the winter, the lodge is accessible only by trail, which takes about three hours for the average skier to reach from the park's central day lodge. Less ambitious souls can still enjoy the lodge as snowmobile transport is available for an additional fee.

26. Guimarães, Portugal - A city of youth is fired up by its art scene.

Considered the birthplace of Portugal, this picturesque northern city has long been of great historical importance to the country. Now, with half its inhabitants under 30, it is also one of the youngest cities in Europe. A string of recent developments, like its selection as a 2012 European Capital of Culture and the rehabilitation of the Unesco-designated historic center, have helped turned the youthful "cradle city" into one of the Iberian peninsula's emerging cultural hot spots.

Much of the city's burgeoning music and arts scene is nourished by the Centro Cultural Vila Flor, a contemporary-minded cultural center that opened in 2005 in a converted 18th-century palace. It includes amphitheaters, an exhibition villa, artists' studios and a modern Portuguese restaurant. This March, the center will host the first International Festival of Contemporary Dance, bringing in an impressive selection of dance companies from throughout the world.

27. Olympic Park, Wash. Bad weather is good for skiers and storm-watchers.

It's a La Niña year, which means that storms are hitting the Pacific Northwest in a big way. And Olympic National Park offers two ways to take advantage of the wild weather. Skiers can tackle Hurricane Ridge, the mile-high ski and snowboard area, which has massive bowls and glades with 400-plus inches of snow each year. Lifts operate only on weekends, but Hurricane Ridge Road and its visitor center will be open seven days a week for the first time during the 2011 season, so cross-country skiers and snowshoers have all-day, everyday access to the unmarked and ungroomed trails in the forests and meadows around the ridge.

Nonskiers can head to the park's historic lodges, Lake Quinault and Kalaloch, for rooms with fireplaces and epic views. This year, the two lodges are offering "storm-watching" specials through the winter and early spring that include lodging as well as breakfast, rain ponchos, souvenir blankets and rain-forest tour options.

28. Dresden, Germany - A new museum leads the way to a historic city's future.

This city, devastated by bombing during World War II, has meticulously refashioned itself into a prewar picture postcard. Now, with most of the costly historic renovations finished there is finally time for a little reflection. In fall 2011 the city will open a comprehensive new Military History Museum, with a striking glass and steel extension by the architect Daniel Libeskind added to the existing 19th-century building.

The exhibition space, which covers almost 200,000 square feet, offers two experiences. The original space will feature a chronological history of German war, with an emphasis on the last century. The other, spread over multiple floors in the trapezoidal addition, will feature displays related to sociological and anthropological topics, like the effect of war on the individual. The floor will be paved with stones recovered from foreign cities that Germany bombed during World War II, as well as from Dresden itself.

At the summit of Mr. Libeskind's wedge, which bisects the building (representing the fissures of German history), there will be a 100-foot-high viewing platform, giving visitors a new, more informed vantage point over Dresden's reconstructed old town.

29. Oualidia, Morocco - On a Moroccan lagoon, oysters, flamingoes and no crowds.

The seaside Moroccan village of Oualidia is almost exclusively for the birds -- and that's exactly what's special about it.

"It's just about communing with nature: fishing, surfing, kayaking or birdwatching," said James von Leyden, a British expatriate who built a house overlooking Oualidia's lagoon, which is filled with pink flamingoes, migrating herons and the occasional surfer.

Mr. Von Leyden and his family spend about four months a year at Villa La Diouana, their charming riad on the sea; the rest of the year it is rented by savvy Morocco insiders, like the French handbag designer Laetitia Trouillet.

The British writer Danny Moynihan and his wife, Katrina Boorman, an actress, fell so in love with the area that they bought property in 2004. This year they are completing an eight bedroom eco-property. (It will also be available to rent.)

For those who prefer hotels, the luxurious new 11-room La Sultana is the place to stay. Those on a budget can check into the charming but rustic L'Hippocampe, whose bar is a cozy meeting point. As is the seaside fish restaurant L'Ostrea, which serves Oualidia's famous oysters.

30. Zanzibar - On an African isle, luxury lures the après safari set.

Zanzibar. The name alone evokes images of spice markets and swaying palms. Newly renovated palace hotels in Stone Town and exotic villa hotels by the sea are adding to the allure of this Tanzanian island.

Tarquin Barnsby, founder of the travel company Pure Zanzibar, notes that Zanzibar, with its white beaches and relatively modern infrastructure, is a popular beach stop for travelers after a safari in East Africa. He added that the island's trade winds are attracting kite surfers and that a cleaned-up Stone Town, the island's main center, is now worth a visit.

New hotel options include the Mashariki Palace, which just opened with 18 spacious rooms. Small hybrids of villas and hotels include the Baraza, which resembles a sultan's palace, and Kilindi, a property on the north coast, with 15 whitewashed pavilions, private plunge pools and ocean views. Cheaper options include the new Dongwe Ocean View. And burned-out travelers with deep pockets should check into the just renovated, soon to reopen Zamani Retreat Kempinski, the chain's first holistic wellness resort.

31. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay - The ranches beyond a historic village offer a dose of rural chic.

Colonia del Sacramento, on the southwestern shores of Uruguay, has long been a popular detour from Buenos Aires. Reachable by ferry across the Río de la Plata, this Unesco World Heritage site offers centuries-old stone houses, casual restaurants with riverside patios and boutiques selling crafts. In the last few years, its appeal has spilled into the surrounding countryside, where tastefully decorated ranches and locavore offerings are attracting travelers in search of rural chic.

At the recently opened La Vigna, 37 miles south of the historic quarter, guests can learn about organic farming, sheep shearing and other activities worthy of a gaucho. Or they can just relax at the main house, a restored Renaissance Revival estate built in 1880 by Italian winemakers. It has five rooms furnished with rustic antiques and ceramics made on site.

Deeper inland, Estancia Tierra Santa (open March to June and September to December) has three suites inside a renovated colonial manor -- all with wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor terraces. More than 50 bird species have been spotted during expeditions at this ranch, which also offers fishing, hunting and riding on criollo horses.

The promenade at the nearby Puerto Camacho marina includes a stone-walled chapel, a food shop that stocks artisanal preserves and a restaurant, Basta Pedro. The marina, part of a larger development, will include a racetrack with lessons taught by expert riders. You'll be galloping through the grasslands in no time.

32. Tozeur, Tunisia - Camel racing, souks and eco-lodging in a Saharan oasis.

With its luxury hotels and glittery events -- film festival, art fair, Formula One race -- many feel that Marrakesh, Morocco's "jewel of the south," has lost its authentic North African luster. Fortunately, there is an alternative: Tozeur, Tunisia's desert gem. Compared with its Moroccan cousin, Tozeur is smaller, quieter, more remote and (for now) less touristed -- though a few luxury hotels have begun to sprout there. Set in an oasis of date palms, this former Roman outpost and caravan hub is awash in Saharan culture, from traditional souks to a zoo of desert animals. No glammed-out red-carpet events animate the streets, only the annual Oasis festival of traditional dance and music. The closest that the region has come to a star turn were cameos in "Star Wars" movies, thanks to its otherworldly dunes and dried-up salt lake.

Visitors can have a futuristic desert experience of their own, courtesy of the new Dar Hi hotel in Nefta. Designed by Matali Crasset -- a protégé of Philippe Starck -- the small eco-hotel has rooms that suggest sci-fi stone turrets and caves, and a hammam fed by underground springs.

33. Hangzhou, China - An hour from Shanghai, a historic jewel goes five-star.

Although Hangzhou is only now coming into the global spotlight, its gorgeous pagodas, historic temples and lush gardens have been inspiring Chinese poets and painters for centuries. Recently, the feverish growth of Shanghai has sparked the rediscovery of Hangzhou as a peaceful retreat and a cultural masterpiece. And with it, a new generation of luxury hotels has arrived: Shangri-la overlooking West Lake; the Banyan Tree set within China's first wetland reserve; the Aman, close to some of the area's most spectacular ancient Buddhist temples up in the hills; and most recently, the Four Seasons with a destination spa and two swimming pools set up along the lagoons. Next up is an Angsana, the Banyan Tree's design-chic sister hotel. And with the debut of a high-speed train from Shanghai, it's now -- unbelievably -- less than a one-hour journey from central Shanghai. Once there, rent a bike and step into sights like Lingyin Temple, one of the world's most important Buddhist temples.

34. Iraqi KurdistanSafety, history and a warm welcome in a stable corner of Iraq.

As United States forces withdraw from Iraq, a handful of intrepid travel companies are offering trips to the semiautonomous Kurdish region in the north, which has enjoyed relative safety and stability in recent years.

Geographic Expeditions is conducting a 21-day tour to Kurdistan and Eastern Turkey, about half of it spent exploring Kurdistan along the Hamilton Road, which connects strategic gorges, and the other half devoted to the Anatolia region of Turkey. Distant Horizons has been taking small groups of Americans to Kurdistan twice a year since 2008, has a trip this spring, The Changing Face of Iraqi Kurdistan, which will explore Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaimaniyah. And last April, after a 20-year break, Lufthansa resumed service from Frankfurt to Erbil, the Kurdish capital and fourth-largest city in Iraq.

While the State Department continues to warn American tourists to avoid Iraq entirely, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office says the Kurdistan region is an exception. "The risk of terrorism in the Kurdistan Regional Government-controlled provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah is markedly and statistically lower than in other parts of Iraq," states its Web site.

Visitors can tour significant cultural landmarks like Erbil's citadel, which dates to the Assyrian empire, and the site of the Battle of Gaugamela, which ended in the defeat of the Persian king Darius III by Alexander the Great and led to the fall of the Achaemenid Empire. The biggest lure is the opportunity for authentic cultural encounters. "Authenticity is something that can be lost so quickly as development occurs," said Janet Moore, of Distant Horizons.

35. Durham, N.C.A downtown turnaround means food worth a trip.

A decade ago, downtown Durham was a place best avoided after sundown. But as revitalization has transformed abandoned tobacco factories and former textile mills into bustling mixed-use properties, the city has been injected with much-needed life. In the heart of downtown, a crop of standout restaurants and cafes has recently sprouted around West Main Street, where low rents have allowed chefs and other entrepreneurs to pursue an ethos that skews local, seasonal and delicious.

The farmers' market favorite Scratch Bakery has a brand-new storefront for its seasonal homemade pies that include chestnut cream pie and buttermilk sweet potato pie. At the cafe-cum-grocery Parker and Otis, the menu features sandwiches made with freshly baked bread from nearby Rue Cler and locally roasted java from Durham's Counter Culture Coffee. And at the sophisticated Revolution, squash tamales, mascarpone gnocchi, and tuna with wasabi caviar rotate through the seasonal menu.

36. KosovoMountains, medieval architecture and unexpected night life.

Just over a decade ago, this Albanian enclave was a troubled province of Serbia; Slobodan Milosevic's Serbian forces destroyed myriad towns and cities and killed thousands in their pursuit of independence fighters. NATO ended the fighting, but flare-ups continued.

The last few years have seen Kosovo -- which declared independence in 2008 -- attempt to rise from the ashes. Despite problems and controversies, there is progress on the travel front: a $1 billion highway project is under way, government-owned hotels have been privatized and refurbished, various historic sites have won Unesco World Heritage status, and the airport now welcomes the European budget carrier EasyJet.

Travelers will be greeted by rugged mountains and pine forests. They'll also find that Europe's youngest nation boasts the Continent's youngest population, with about half of the people under 25. That statistic comes to life in Pristina, the capital. Thanks in part to the return of enterprising young Kosovars living abroad, the city is filling with cafes, nightclubs and restaurants.

But remnants of Kosovo's Slavic and Ottoman past are the marquee attractions. Once the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the city of Peja contains the Patriarchate of Pec, a complex of medieval churches overlooking a jagged gorge, with interiors that glow with frescoes, and the Decani Monastery, filled with vivid biblical scenes.

37. Pingyao, China - Ming architecture is intact as contemporary culture takes root.

While other towns in China have modernized, Pingyao, in China's coal-rich Shanxi Province, has clung to its old ways, barring cars within its 33-foot-tall Ming dynasty walls and preserving the traditional architecture of incense shops, courtyard houses and 19th-century bank buildings. Named a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997, Pingyao has become a major destination for Chinese and foreigners alike.

But the city is becoming known for more than its history. Its yearly photography festival, which takes place in late summer, has attracted enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe for a decade. Another sign that Pingyao is being embraced by the fashionable set: in 2009, the city's first boutique hotel, the 19-room Jing's Residence, a Relais & Chateaux member, opened in a restored courtyard house built more 200 years ago by a Qing dynasty silk merchant.

38. Salonika, Greece - Out of the country's economic woes, a new wave of artists.

It may come as cold comfort to the Greeks, but the country's financial woes have made it prime territory for bargain-hunting tourists. The coastal city of Salonika, often overlooked by tourists in favor of Athens, has been gaining momentum for the last several years with its prolific cultural scene. Now, with British Airways adding a direct route from London and a new mayor pushing forward a spate of major cultural and tourism initiatives, Salonika is hotter than ever.

The newest wave of culture makers in the laid-back city include the nonprofit Dynamo Project Space, which gives a platform to up-and-coming local artists, architects and designers, and Sfina, a self-appointed "urban prankster network" that instigates flash mob-style events in public spaces. Since it opened last summer, the eco-conscious design firm 157173 has garnered attention for its offbeat minimalist lamps, mobiles and other design objects that are equal parts Bauhaus and Joan Miró. -

39. Okinawa, Japan - A 'Japanese Amazon' with some luxury thrown in.

The latest news about Okinawa might focus on the future of the American military base there, but the cluster of coral-lined islands has long been a uniquely lovely place to experience wild Japan. Few foreigners make it here, though Okinawa is a popular vacation spot for Japanese mainlanders as it's just a few hours from Tokyo by plane and has excellent diving, hiking and palm-fringed white-sand beaches.

Playing off an increased awareness of the islands as a destination for non-Japanese tourists, new hotels are popping up all over the prefecture: InterContinental opened the first two luxury resorts last year, and in March, the Tera Resort Hotel is scheduled to open near the Shuri Castle ruins, which are part of a Unesco World Heritage Site. On Okinawa Island visitors should head to the northern coast for a decidedly unspoiled, natural experience replete with sugarcane fields, hibiscus-lined beaches, and traditional ceramics studios that use old-fashioned Okinawan firing techniques and dragon-shaped kilns. Farther southwest, the island of Iriomote is the wildest of them all, with dense coastal jungle, mangroves, rich indigenous wildlife, and tiny villages accessible only by boat. They don't call it the Japanese Amazon for nothing.

40. Budapest - A scene pops up in abandoned buildings, and glamour rises.

From Castle Hill to Heroes' Square, Budapest is renowned for its grandeur. But in areas blighted by poverty and neglect, a surging bohemian culture revels in the wreckage at "ruin pubs." Originating in the scruffy old Jewish quarter downtown, these bars occupy abandoned buildings and their courtyards, hosting hipsters quaffing German and Czech beers while reclining on cast-off furniture amid haphazard flea market finds. Szimpla Kert epitomizes the "romkocsma" ("ruin pub") movement, which has exploded beyond the district to encompass not just vacant lots, but rooftop bars such as Corvintet, which bills itself as an underground club in the open air.
Not all of Budapest's historic buildings are celebrated for their distress, of course. The Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace, opening in summer 2011, will occupy a vintage 1900 former palace, with 102 rooms and a branch of the Paris-famed Buddha-Bar glassed in on the roof.

Budapest will also be easier reach once American Airlines begins daily nonstops from Kennedy International Airport on April 5. Those flights will land at the new international terminal at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, which opens March 27 with a 60-foot-high glass atrium filled with new restaurants, shops and bars.

41. Miami - Big-time music arrives in a town known for beaches and art.

Between the white-hot Art Basel festival and the growing Design District, south Florida's city on the sea is slowly earning must-stop status on the global arts circuit.
This month, the quest to amass cultural assets to match its beachside charms continues with the opening of a huge performing arts center, the New World Center, designed by Frank Gehry, in the heart of Miami Beach.

The 100,000-square-foot space will be home to the New World Symphony and its conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, and will have a 2.5-acre park for outdoor performances, a 7,000-square-foot outdoor projection wall for videos and installations, and a music academy for young artists. And after only the briefest of pauses in honor of the global economic meltdown, the stampede of hot hotel openings returns, led by Soho Beach House with 49 rooms, a private screening room, and Cecconi's, the city's hot restaurant of the moment. Others include the Dream South Beach, planned to open in the next couple of months, and a new top-end.

Tour to South Africa

2010-12-15T02:25:00.000-08:00

What are the Exciting Places to Visit While Taking a Tour to South Africa, the Adventure Capital of the World?

South Africa has earned its reputation as one of the world’s fastest growing leisure, and business travel destinations. It is a popular tourist’s destination basting a range of cultural, historical, archaeological and geological sites that are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Site project. The climate, culture, tourist activities and infrastructure in South Africa is so diverse that if you take South Africa flights on regular basis and visit this place over and over again it will not let you get bored off. Some of its attractions are:

KwaZulu Natal Durban: It is a breathtakingValley of a Thousand Hills in an exciting city of Durban. It provides multitude of leisure options for the visitors. Throughout the year, holiday-makers flock to their favorite KwaZula Natal taking cheap flights to South Africa from UK and other worldly destinations. To reserve your flights look for some trust worthy travel company like cheap flights to south Africa . One can cultivate a tan, ride the waves, eat, drink and generally have fun by surfing, snorkelling, fishing and swimming here. KwaZulu Natal’s game sanctuaries epitomize the best of the African wilderness.

Johannesburg Gauteng: The largest and most famous city of South Africa.It offers visitors taken flights to South Africa with natural gardens, wild life,and entertainment playground offering world-class restaurants, shebeens, stadiums, shopping malls and music venues. It is known as entertainment Mecca of South Africa.

South Africa World Heritage Sites: South Africa is endowed with fertile natural beauty, and long cultural and historical back ground that’s why South Africa has become the center for tourism for locals as well as for those taking cheap South Africa flights. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seek to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage of South Africa. These are 8 sites Enlisted with UNESCO; Vredefort Dome WHS, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park WHS, The Cradle of Humankind WHS, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape WHS, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park WHS, Cape Floral Kingdom WHS, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape WHS, and Robben Island WHS for which visitors reserve flights to South Africa from UK.

Western Cape, Cape Town: Cape Town’s Attractions are plentiful and diverse which have made it a premier tourism destination. It is well known for the world-famous landmark Table Mountain

Nikko

2010-12-09T23:04:00.005-08:00

STEPPING into the ancient, forested sanctuary of Nikko feels like stepping back in time 400 years – before the Western influence, before the steel-reinforced concrete apartments, before the buzzing illuminated signs and back to a quieter and more beautiful time.

Nikko is a town at the entrance to Nikko National Park, most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nikko is a UNSECO World Heritage site that is only two-hours north of Tokyo. While it is possible to visit during a day trip from Tokyo, I feel that rushing through a place like this will ruin half of what is special about Nikko – the serene, picturesque Japanese experience that everyone who visits Japan craves.

Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s, and Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.

Nikko and the Okunikko area around Lake Chuzenji, in particular, are well known for their beautiful autumn colors (koyo). In the average year the colors start descending from the higher elevations of Yumoto Onsen in early October, are best around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road in mid to late October and reach the town of Nikko in the first half of November.

The main attractions of Nikko are the old temples and shrines, most of which were built over 400 years ago. Granted, there are much older temples and shrines in Japan, but while they have survived, the area surrounding hasn’t; It’s a little hard to feel the connection to a 1300 year-old temple, when you’re hearing the industrial sounds of heavy traffic and seeing the visual pollution of the neighbouring concrete buildings, and their connected jungle of overhead power cabling.

In contrast, Nikko is set in a remote and mountainous area, surrounded by giant trees, pristine rivers and mountains. While there is a city nearby, the actual location of the temples and shrines is enveloped within a fortress of ancient pines, stretching up to dizzying heights that even light has a hard time penetrating. As you walk around this ancient site, you’re removed from all modern stimuli and teleported back to an era of shogunates and samurais.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wild monkeys roaming around.The temples and shrines within are the most spectacular that I have seen in Japan. The colours are vivid, the wooden carvings are elaborate and the scale is unmatched. There are many famous carvings, including the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ trio of monkeys and a carving of an elephant based purely on a written description. It’s far too easy to spend several hours looking at the details.

There is more to Nikko than just old buildings. The area surrounding is almost as popular with Japanese tourists, especially during the brief cherry blossom period in spring, and the equally brief and stunning autumn colours that set the region ablaze in vivid hues of red and yellow. One of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, the 97m-high Kegon Falls, also happens to be high in the hills surrounding Nikko.
Travel is only half experienced if local food is ignored. Nikko is famous for yuba, which is the skin that forms on the surface of heated soymilk. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be eaten raw, added to soup or even fried. There were several places to try Nikko yuba in all it’s variations, which I did and recommend. Raw it’s a little sweet, in soup it’s delicious and fried… just mmm. Apart from yuba, the other specialty of the area is
soba noodles.

In my mind, Nikko is the ultimate Japanese experience. It is a culmination of exquisitely preserved cultural heritage set amongst equally exquisite and ancient natural surroundings.

This truly sets Nikko apart from any other location in Japan.

Due to the special tourism partnership between Nikko and Kutchan, the Tourist Information Center in Kutchan has a variety of brochures on the area should you desire more information.

Where: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Getting there: Trains frequently leave from Shinjuku and Asakusa in Tokyo.
When: Beautiful and popular in all seasons.
Cost: ¥1000 for combination entry to the temples/shrines

7 Places to see before they disappear

2010-12-09T23:04:00.003-08:00

Arunachal Pradesh
China’s proposal to build dams on the Brahmaputra’s Tibetan stretch is threatening to kill the gushing tributaries of one of the biggest rivers of South Asia. The course of the Brahmaputra after it enters India sees the river drastically lose height, creating several waterfalls and rapids, making the white waters ideal for rafting. Although China has said that it would not build reservoirs with these dams and, therefore, not affect the water levels downstream, the construction of a dam on the Subansiri River tributary has already put an end to rafting on that stretch. China’s effort to generate more hydroelectricity is sure taking the charge away from India’s adventure tourism.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
This is not just for the mountaineering enthusiast. The sheer marvel of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain rising amid the arid vastness of north-east Tanzania has fascinated and captured the imagination of innumerable people through the ages. The Africans worship their ‘White Mountain’, which is a dormant volcano. But the snows of Kilimanjaro — as Ernest Hemingway famously put it — are fast receding, thanks to global warming. Researchers claim that about 85 percent of the snow that covered the mountain’s peak had disappeared by 2007. The glaciers on the mountain are shrinking and thinning at the same time. Loss of vegetation around the mountain too is believed to have had an impact.

Turtuk, Ladakh
This border village in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh once fell within Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Although India reclaimed it after the 1971 war, the government imposed the Protected Area Permit Regime in the area, making it off-limits for foreigners. This, however, ensured that the region’s stark beauty remain untouched. Towards the end of 2009 the government lifted its restrictions. Foreign tourists have, since then, been queuing up for Bactrian camel rides and hot water springs. There goes the neighbourhood.

The Caribbean
The coral reefs of the Caribbean are some of the world’s best for scuba diving, with consistent conditions throughout the year, and dive spots suitable for everyone from novices to PADI-certified instructors. Spots such as Bonaire and the Dutch Caribbean offer shallow diving among coral reefs while Provo, Turks and Caicos are must-visits for snorkelling. But pollution — increased levels of carbon dioxide in the sea water — and global warming are taking a toll on them: While acidic waters affects the corals’ ability to secrete new skeletons, warmer waters disrupt their growth. Frequent hurricanes don’t help either. Plan that Caribbean cruise soon.

The Western Ghats
The Marathas built fortresses that were protected by the difficult terrain and isolation. But now, with developments like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway scything through the hills and making transport a breeze, developers are conquering the Ghats. Planned cities that took advantage of changes in the land zoning regulations in the area, which converted hill and agricultural land to residential and commercial ones, are taking shape. Leading the pack: Aamby Valley (10,000 acres) and Lavasa (25,000 acres of land and 60 km of lakefront). And the Ghats, nominated for a place on the Unesco World Heritage List, home to more than 300 threatened species, and one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity hotspots, look like becoming the middle of a vast Mumbai-Pune megapolis. Get that monsoon trekking done soon.

Sinking Islands
The Maldives are the lowest country in the world. With no spot on the islands rising more than two metres above sea level, this archipelago comprises about 1,200 islands and is located south west of India, in the Indian Ocean. Over the last century, changes in global climate are making sea levels rise, threatening the existence of the beautiful country and its people. They’re not the only ones in trouble. A pristine speck in the Pacific Ocean, half-way between Hawaii and Australia, called Tuvalu (it’s one of the smallest nations in the world, better known, perhaps, as the country with the registrar rights to the ‘.tv’ first level Internet domain), will, eventually, disappear under rising sea levels. Coral reefs, atolls and lagoons: Go see them while you can.

Zanskar, Jammu and Kashmir
Part of the Kargil district, Zanskar has become famous for its frozen river trek. Also known as the Chadar Trek, the route follows the Zanskar River that freezes during the winter months. The walls of the gorges cut out by the river reveal geological layers of the Fold Mountains and are best viewed in winter. Traditionally, this frozen route was the only link between the local population and the outside world. Now, of course, there is an airport at Leh. As civilisation creeps in, the presence of tourists can be felt by the junk they leave behind at camping sites along the river. The influx of tourists is also affecting the lives of the people, who had so far led isolated lives.

Where on Earth will you find yourself in 2011?

2010-12-09T23:04:00.001-08:00

Here's wishing it's somewhere unforgettable -- and the time to plan your journey is now, as the New Year brings the customary yearning for a fresh start and the promise of new people and places.

To set your itinerary in motion, we sought out recommendations from three travel experts: Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet; Pauline Frommer, creator of Pauline Frommer's guidebooks; and Martin Rapp, senior vice president of leisure sales at Altour.

Here are nine of their top destinations for 2011:

1. New York

A huge tourist destination in any year, the city will be especially unforgettable as it marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks next year.

Visitors who have been flocking to ground zero are finally expected to get a chance to pay their respects to the victims at the National September 11 Memorial, which is scheduled to open in time for the anniversary.

"It's going to be a massive moment for New York," Reid said. "It feels like the healing begins."

Visitors also shouldn't miss the High Line, once an abandoned elevated railway track that's been turned into a popular park. It expands in the spring, to the delight of New Yorkers.

"It was like a secret garden in the middle of New York," Frommer said. "It's become a park that other urban centers are studying because it's brought new life, a new vitality into the area below it."

No wonder the Big Apple tops Lonely Planet's list of top 10 cities for 2011.

2. New Zealand

The Rugby World Cup will be held next fall in New Zealand, adding excitement to an already popular destination.

Wellington, which brands itself as the "coolest little capital in the world," will host some of the activities and hopes to attract fans who want to explore other parts of the country.

"It's a great kind of springboard," said Reid, who is planning a visit and is determined to learn the haka, the fierce Maori dance used to unsettle opponents before matches.

Wellington is known as "Wellywood," thanks to a thriving film industry and director Peter Jackson, who is now working on "The Hobbit." Indeed, fans of the "Lord of the Rings" films already know New Zealand for some of the stunning sites used in the trilogy.

Rapp also recommended the country for its "most fantastically luxurious lodges," including The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Huka Lodge and Otahuna Lodge.

3. Peruvian Amazon

When many people think of the Amazon, they think of Brazil, but Peru offers a great base for exploring the region: Iquitos, a metropolis of almost half a million people in the heart of the Peruvian jungle.

Iquitos is a fitting destination for 2011, which has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Forests.

"You can create your own adventures when you're there," Reid said.

It's the biggest city you can't drive to in the world, he added. You have to fly in or take a boat.

To experience the region in a unique way, Rapp recommended taking an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos on Delfin or Aqua Expeditions.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Visitors can get a chance to see La Sagrada Familia, the stunning but still unfinished Catholic basilica, like never before after a visit by Pope Benedict XVI in November spurred progress on the interior of the site, Frommer said.

"For the first time in years, most of the scaffolding there is gone," she said.

"Everybody knows how astounding it is on the outside. The inside is just as glorious."

Foodies have their own reasons to visit Barcelona and the surrounding region. El Bulli, chef Ferran Adria's famous restaurant, closes for good next year.

But even if you can't snag a reservation at the notoriously hard-to-get-into eatery, Barcelona is dotted with restaurants inspired by Adria's cutting-edge cuisine, like Moo, which Frommer called "astounding."

5. Norway

For lovers of the outdoors, Norway offers an especially outstanding experience, Rapp said. Adventurous travelers can go heli-skiing, paragliding and bungee jumping. (Rapp was considering a bungee jump himself during an upcoming summer trip to Norway.)

For a more mellow experience, hire a private boat on the fjords and go to little hotels that you can't get to by road, or stay at the Amot Opera Farm for an unusual combination of accommodations and music.

"All of Scandinavia is really underestimated," Rapp said.

"People [usually] go to the major cities, Copenhagen, Stockholm or Oslo, but the countryside is extraordinary. Truly majestic mountains, and the fjords are just unbelievable -- they seem endless when you're there."

6. Albania

The top pick on Lonely Planet's list of top 10 countries for 2011 may be a surprise for many people, but Albania gives travelers a taste of the Mediterranean without the crowds and the prices, Reid said.

The real rising destination is Gjirokastra, a city whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, he added.

"It's this cobbled town with Ottoman-era mansions," Reid said. "It's a very atmospheric place that has a lot of history."

With picturesque beaches, good food and a number of heritage sites, Albania won't be off the beaten track for much longer, Lonely Planet says in its review.

7. Japan

Many people still have the misconception that Japan is too expensive to visit, but once you get there, it can be more affordable than a vacation in New York, Reid said.

Why go in 2011? The country is ramping up its tourism marketing efforts after some recent disappointing years, so the number of visitors is expected to rise soon.

"We think that the crowds are going to get worse. Maybe it's time to think about it now," Reid said.

For help with booking an affordable stay, he recommended visiting the International Tourism Center of Japan and looking into minshuku, traditional guest houses that offer very simple but clean and inexpensive accommodations. You might pay $40 a night in Tokyo, for example.

8. Guatemala

More than 10 years after the end of its civil war, Guatemala is coming into its own as a tourist destination, Frommer said.

The country is an appealing alternative for people looking to travel south of the border and trying to branch out beyond popular places like Costa Rica, she added. Once there, you'll be amazed by the sites -- and the low prices.

"Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, Aldous Huxley said it was more beautiful than Lake Como. I was there in March, and I would agree," Frommer said.

She called the destination "a bargain wonderland." A round-trip flight from New York cost Frommer $350, "decent hotels" charged as little as $35 a night, and a meal at a sit-down restaurant might set you back just $3, she said.

9. Bulgaria

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union, sparking interest in former Soviet bloc countries.

Reid's favorite choice on that list is Bulgaria, which has the best Black Sea coastline for beach enthusiasts and offers great skiing in the mountains in the winter, he said.

"I love doing road trips in Bulgaria. It begs for it. It's beautiful, and there's not much traffic. It feels very safe," said Reid, who rode around the country last year in a Soviet-era 1972 Moskovich, which he bought for $500.

Reid recommended visiting Veliko Târnovo, an ancient capital, and the picturesque city of Plovdiv, home to Roman ruins.

Planning to holiday in Kerala? It's almost houseful

2010-12-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Tourists hoping to usher in the New Year amid Kerala's laidback charms would do well to have a plan B ready - if they haven't booked already. Most hotels, resorts and even houseboats are sold out for Christmas, and only divine intervention can get you a place in 'god's own country'.

As a result of the holiday rush, tariffs have touched stratospheric levels. Plush resorts in the backwater havens of Alappuzha and Kumarakom are charging upwards of Rs.75,000 a night for the New Year eve.

Likewise, travel agents too are running from pillar to post to get reservations for their clients at premier destinations like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Thekkady and Munnar.

Tomy Pulikattil, who owns a dozen houseboats in Alappuzha, said anyone who manages to book a houseboat now should consider himself extremely lucky.

"We are finding it hard to accommodate people who have not made a booking. The peak season would begin from Dec 20 and continue till the first week of January. We are fully booked and now people are calling us daily to see if there have been any cancellations," Pulikattil told IANS.

Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, has the largest concentration of houseboats, numbering more than 400.

Tariff for the peak season has gone up by 25 percent. A two bedroom houseboat would cost you about Rs.20,000 a day.

Tourism has become one of the biggest money spinners in industry-starved Kerala. The tourism department says both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals for the first half of this year have shown a rise.

Around 335,000 overseas tourists arrived here till June 2010, a rise of 13.9 percent over the corresponding period last year. Domestic tourist arrivals too grew by 5.59 percent to reach 4.1 million.

No wonder hotel and resort owners are in a festive mood.

"All our rooms have been fully booked for the second half of this month and so is the case with resorts in and around Kovalam. Unlike in the previous season, this time we feel that there are more domestic tourists," said K. Sudish Kumar, who owns a premier resort at Kovalam beach.

"Moreover, we hope the rains lashing the state halt briefly so that tourists can enjoy the beaches."

However, tour guide Koshy John sounded a word of caution, saying the lingering effects of economic slowdown were still visible.

"The free flow of foreign tourists that was visible from the end of November last year has not happened this time. But I am told that foreign tourists' January bookings look healthy," he said.

"On its part, the state government also should promote newer destinations because the premier destinations are choked during the holiday season."

Top 10 Picturesque World Heritage Sites

2010-11-29T01:21:00.000-08:00

World Heritage sites can be found on every continent in the world and bring pride to local people living in these places. The universal outstanding values must be preserved and protected to prevent them from immediate dangers. Nowadays, tourists have more opportunities to choose wonderful destinations they expect within a series of these greatest landscapes.

This article will introduce you to ten picturesque world heritage sites through stunning photos such as Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Timbuktu (Mali), the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), the rooftop of Casa Milà (Barcelona), Amalfi Coast (Italy), Pueblo de Taos (Mexico) and Old Quebec (Canada).

Victoria Falls, the World Heritage site, stretches from southern Zambia to Zimbabwe and includes a 7,142-square-mile conservation area. It is originated from the Zambezi River plunging up to 324 feet (99 meters) into basalt gorges.

The World Heritage site of Timbuktu, a center of Islamic learning in Africa, includes 3 mosques and 16 cemeteries and mausoleums. Koranic Sankore University (pictured here) is among Muslim places of study.

New Mexico’s Pueblo de Taos, which consists of stepped dwellings once used for housing, storage and religious ceremonies, reflects the culture heritage of the Pueblo Indians. It was named a World Heritage site in 1992.

The rooftop of Barcelona’s Casa Milà, one of the World Heritage sites, exhibits Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s unique design style.

The natural beauty and historic significance helped Amalfi Coast, Italy become a World Heritage in 1997 by UNESCO. Towns along the coast like Positano feature important architectural and cultural sites within their picturesque communities.

Three historic railways including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (pictured here), Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka Shimla Railway have achieved a World Heritage site to recognize their importance in trade and technological development.

Central Amazon Conservation Complex, the largest protected area of Amazon Basin (6 million hectares), became a World Heritage site in 2000. It is home to the threatened freshwater dolphins.

Machu Picchu, Peru is a remarkable remnant of the Inca Empire. The ancient city built into the surrounding mountainous landscape is best known for archeological sites.

The stretch of coral reef in Australia, known as the Great Barrier Reef, is the most extensive on Earth. It became a World Heritage site in 1981.

Historic District of Old Quebec was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1985 due to the historic architecture, heritage conservation and North America’s oldest preserved ramparts.

World Heritage sites to explore near Bath

2010-11-25T01:29:00.005-08:00

If you want to visit a place in the UK that has been described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, then make sure you choose Bath-based holiday cottages.

The Somerset city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO, meaning it is one of the most culturally significant places in the whole of the UK.

And no wonder, as there are so many amazing things to see and do here, you are sure to end your holiday feeling that Bath very much deserves the accolade bestowed upon it.

The first site you will want to visit is the Roman Baths. The ancient civilisation founded these in 43 AD to use as a spa after discovering the existence of thermal springs in the spot.

Around these, they built an elaborate complex of rooms and spaces featuring hot baths where the Romans would go and relax or socialise. Today, you can see all of this for yourself when you visit and you will find plenty of experts on hand - some dressed in traditional Roman attire - who are happy to answer any questions you have

After the civilisation's decline from power, it is believed that the site fell out of use until it was rediscovered in the 18th century. It was also around this time that Bath began to gain a reputation as a luxury resort.

It was during these years that many of the city's other famous architectural feats came into existence, including the Grand Pump Room and the Royal Crescent - a gorgeous row of Georgian houses circling a green common.

Many of the properties today are private but you can pay a visit to Number One if you long to get a peak inside.

For another great example of the building styles that were popular at the time, head to the Pulteney Bridge - one of the only water crossings in the world to have shops spanning both of its sides.

Another stop on your tour of the city should be Bath Abbey. One of the last gothic churches in England, this imposing structure is built on the site of an old Norman cathedral and you will find it is open for you to explore its inspiring interior.

By the time you return to your self catering cottages, you are sure to agree that Bath is worthy of its World Heritage status.

India Tour And Travel: A Trip Wonderful Land

2010-11-25T01:29:00.003-08:00

India, one of the most popular countries of the world and famous for tourism destinations is the most chosen destination of Asia. The land of India lures exotic tourists from all over the globe. Through its hills, rivers, plateaus, plains, beaches, deltas and deserts, resorts, picturesque nature sites, the architectural wealth and many luxurious hotels India draw the attention of tourists from every nook and corner of the world. India tour and travel gives tourists a wonderful chance to experience the splendor of the country in most delightful manner. The tempting attractions of India are the hub of attraction and compel the visitors to get them lost in their marvelous glory. The rich and varied cultural of India keep India tourism at top from other travel destination across the world. The most eye-catching quality of the country is that the prehistoric imprints and modern backdrop exists alongside. The vivacious history of India creates excitement among tourists by showing its attractive monuments.

In the glorious land of India there are numerous places to visit which are conquered by the magnificence of nature, culture and heritage attractions. But some of the most famous ones which tourists should not miss to visit with India tour and travel are as follows:

Rajasthan, the royal state of India is worldly prominent for its rich culture and heritage attractions which were built in former era by erstwhile rulers during the period of grandeur, grief and happiness. A trip to the cities of the state makes the tourists feel and wonderful experience which they can never forget. In this royal state, tourists find many majestic palaces, vast forts, grand Havellis and a number of other magnificent attractions which represent the majesty, beauty and history of Rajasthan. In Jaipur known as the Pink City which is the capital city of Rajasthan, tourists can visit many famous, attention grabbing and finest monuments which are worth of appreciation. The other admirable cities if Rajasthan are Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Shekhwati region, Chittourgarh, Ranakpur, Pushkar, etc which allure the visitors with their imperial charisma, wonderful temples, fairs and festivals and the world-class hospitality provided by the heritage hotels of Rajasthan.

Some of the other highlights of India tour and travel are Kerala the state situated on the southwestern part of India, Himachal Pradesh the state situated in the north of India, Goa- the beach capital of India, Kashmir- the Paradise on Earth, Uttarakhand and many more.

A billion dollar opportunity

2010-11-25T01:29:00.001-08:00

The year is 2025. You are on a visit to the Maluti temples, a World Heritage site in Jharkhand. The temple complex and the village adjoining it are a magnificent example of sustainable development. There are no touts or beggars in the area. Tourists get a holistic experience of the temples and can savour the living legacy of the region.

What's more, this is not the only place where such a heritage experience is possible. All across the country, in each state, there are thousands of places where a concurrent model is replicated, providing communities with work and sustaining monuments. Because of the unique combination of tangible and living culture, Indian heritage sites are attracting hordes of international and domestic tourists and are top-of-the-line contributors to the country's foreign exchange and GDP.

Sounds like a utopian dream? Not if a recent report by a global heritage organization is to be believed. According to the report, developing countries like India can tap a $100 billion-a-year opportunity by 2025, if they make a sincere attempt to preserve and responsibly develop their heritage sites. The report estimates that heritage, thus tapped, can even help meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of eliminating poverty by the next decade. This may seem a bit far-fetched, but it does raise a pertinent question: can heritage be the driving force of our economy?

"It would seem so," says Jeff Morgan of the Global Heritage Fund, that has published the report. Morgan points out that an estimated one-third of all international travel is cultural heritage-related. "Tourism is now increasingly viewed as a core economic growth strategy for many countries, and should be embraced as a core component of international development. Countries' investment in the protection of their heritage sites is highly correlated with economic growth and improved standards of living."

However, it may not be as simple as that, more so for a country like India where conservation remains a huge challenge, especially as monuments abound in every nook and corner. Add to that a lack of conservation ethos and bureaucratic apathy and the problem gets compounded. "Ours is a country where 'culture' and 'heritage' are words that are often over-used, but when it comes to implementation, little gets done," laments O P Jain, founder of the Delhi-based Sanskriti Foundation.

Jain points out that problems often arise because of lack of consistency. "Even if a heritage site has been successful, it is not used as a model for similar sites elsewhere. Instead, decisions are taken arbitrarily, without involving experts. In the process, a lot of money is wasted. For instance, there are many structures in Delhi for which grand plans were made, but still, people are openly defecating there."

Even in popular heritage sites which see a lot of tourist traffic, the delicate balance between footfalls and conservation has been difficult to achieve. "It's a Catch-22 situation," admits an official with the Archaeological Survey of India. "Places like the Taj Mahal or the historic civic centre of Shimla, which receive a huge tourist inflow, have to be constantly safeguarded against degradation. Increased tourist flow has put pressure on many fragile sites."

Then, there is the question of political will. Jain says that culture is often considered a soft subject and that shows in the bundling of the portfolio with other ministries like youth or sports affairs. "The government's schemes are often well-intentioned, but there is rarely any follow-through. For instance, under the public-private partnership, the adopt-a-monument project was a good idea for corporates to do their bit for conservation, but it fell through, because of red tape."

Considering a scenario like this, is correlating heritage and tourism with rapid economic growth really a practical proposition in India? There are many who believe that hinging the nation's future economy on tourism is, in itself, a fragile notion for development. Heritage consultant Amita Baig points out that tourism is essentially a service industry that cannot possibly be sustained unless the basics in education and health are achieved. "Protection of heritage can only be achieved with the local community. A good example is the Taj Mahal, India's most iconic site, which is situated in Agra, one of the most dismal destinations in the world. Because of the closure of industry to ensure the Taj Mahal is protected, the city economy is in decline, and its people have paid a very high price," she says.

Inclusive development, therefore, is the key. Morgan agrees that "empowering local communities, focusing expert aid and funding on the most endangered sites can help build a strong infrastructure and ensure long-term stewardship of heritage sites, thereby boosting the economy."

Education has an important role to play in sensitizing people. Baig says that the valorization of our heritage must be a part of core curriculum. "Things can be much easier, once there is an educated populace who respect their heritage as a legacy of their forefathers."Another idea is to learn from success stories. Jain points at the success of heritage palaces in Rajasthan, most of whom have reinvented themselves as hotels."These places are a microcosm of what heritage tourism in India stands for - a complete value-added experience."

In essence, cultural heritage should remain infused with life and energy or else it ceases to be relevant. Baig concurs that this is especially true in India where we still have a colonial mindset in how we manage our sites. "The western notion of heritage preservation is based on the fact that once it is catalogued and archived, its future is secure. But we also need to take into account the wisdom that made it possible. We require to think beyond the magnificence of stone to make creative use of our sites. If we can moderate this sensibly, then there will be serious economic base for the future of our heritage."

NZ: Northland revels in international tourism awards

2010-11-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

NORTHLAND

New Zealand’s Northland region is enjoying the international tourism spotlight having won a series of significant awards for the best coastline, dive spot and luxury lodges in the world.

The Tutukaka Coast north-east of Whangarei has been named one of the top three coastlines in the world, by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine.

And 23 miles off the same coast, the world-famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve has been declared one of the world's top 10 places to see nature at its finest.

Further north in the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest, on Tapeka Point near Russell, has been rated the world's top luxury coastal hotel and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, has been awarded ‘best resort in the Australia and Pacific region’ by Condé Nast travellers.

Poor Knights Marine Reserve
The accolade for the Poor Knights came after a visit by Emmy-award-winning director and producer of wildlife documentaries Nick Stringer, who compiled his top 10 list for England's Guardian newspaper.

He rated the Poor Knights as the ninth best place in the world to see nature, and said the journey to the historic islands was well worth making.

Stringer, who spent several days in the Bay of Islands region, said it was a memorable visit that included seeing killer whales, dolphins and the Tolkien-esque landscape, but was mostly focused on diving at the Poor Knights.

"Its volcanic origins have created precipitous cliffs, spectacular drop offs, caves, arches and tunnels, while the converging water currents have resulted in a unique biodiversity," Stringer said.

"Subtropical and temperate marine life coexist with more than 125 species of fish, soft corals, vibrant anemones, ecklonia kelp forests and mating sting rays, to name a few."

He said it was not hard to see why French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau rated it as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Tutukaka Coast
Tutukaka - a natural harbour on the subtropical north-eastern coast of the North Island - is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands.

National Geographic Traveler put the Tutukaka Coast in the top three coastal regions in the world - placing it second equal with the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.

The magazine described the region as "offering a mix of land and water-based ecotourism opportunities with long stretches of sandy beaches alternating with intimate bays, steep cliffs, and deeply cut natural harbours".

Tutukaka Marina is the base port for dive companies and other tourist operators who offer game fishing, recreational diving, line fishing and sightseeing trips.

The National Geographic panelists commented on the coast's "high aesthetic appeal - virtually all natural". They also noted that limited tourism development protected Tutukaka’s natural appeal.

"This is mainly a divers’ and bush walkers’ destination, and should stay that way."

The region has a rich Māori history and early Māori pa / fortified villages should also be well protected, according to National Geographic.

Eagles Nest luxury retreat
The Northland retreat Eagles Nest - billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" - has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

Set within a 30ha estate near Russell in the Bay of Islands, the luxury hideaway scooped the title at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards in Thailand.

The awards are considered the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide.

Owners Daniel and Sandra Biskind said the recognition reinforced the New Zealand luxury sector as being among the best in the world.

"We feel profoundly honoured by this global award - especially considering that Eagles Nest is a relatively young and uniquely different property."

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart stayed at Eagles Nest early this year, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher reportedly spent time there last year. The property was also the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show ‘The Bachelor’.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Condé Nast Traveler readers have chosen The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, in Northland’s Matauri Bay, as the No. 1 lodge / resort in Australia and the Pacific in their 2010 survey.

Nearly 26,000 readers voted, ranking hotels on activities and facilities, food and dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

Kauri Cliffs ranked No. 3 on the ‘Top 100 Hotels Overall’ list, scoring 98.4.

Owned and developed by New York’s Robertson family, Kauri Cliffs is the sister property to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay in the North Island, and recently opened Matakauri Lodge, at Queenstown in the South Island.

All are members of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection, and have won a number of international awards.

Background: Poor Knights Islands

A unique combination of geographical and natural elements - warm currents sweeping south from the Coral Sea, a micro climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland - has helped to create the unique biodiversity found on and around the Poor Knights Islands.

The marine reserve stretches nearly a kilometre out from the islands, and the land rising from the water is designated a nature reserve.

The 11-million-year-old islands are awaiting World Heritage status and claim to have the world’s largest sea cave. Volcanic origins provide a myriad of spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels - remnants of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ eruptions.

Separation from the mainland, has allowed species to evolve differently - resulting in larger specimens, and a variety of unique flora and fauna not seen elsewhere in New Zealand. More than 1,000 tuatara specimens - a reptile referred to as the world’s only surviving dinosaur - live in the Poor Knights.

Surprisingly, given the apparently inhospitable nature of the craggy islands which have no fresh water source and are not easy to land on, the islands also have a fascinating human history.

Up until the early 19th century, Māori inhabited the Poor Knights - up to 400 people at a time lived in fortified pa sites and worked in the terraced gardens. Stone walls are still intact and visible on the islands today.

Both main islands were inhabited, but each by a different hapu / family tribal group. Since an invasion around 1820 the Poor Knights have been strictly tapu / sacred, and have been uninhabited ever since.

Visit the Acclaimed Tourist Attractions of India with Golden Triangle Tour

2010-11-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

India is a country of unlimited wonders and undeniable beauty. It has been rightly said that every tourist in the world must visit India at least once. The country is a rich mishmash of cultures, religions, ethnicities, colors, languages, cuisines and art forms. From the cold winds and sparkling natural beauty of Kashmir to the temperate climate and azure waters of Kanyakumari, India is diverse and varied in every single way.

North India is a popular tourist destination for people from all around the globe. North India offers a chance to explore the rich cultural history and the evolution of the Indian subcontinent by offering a glimpse into the past- you can study Mughal art and architecture whilst you stroll through the tombs and monuments or you can experience the Colonial influence in the columns and British-inspired buildings of the capital. Three cities that act as the crux of North India are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The best way to explore these cities is with the Golden Triangle Tour. The tour takes you through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur- the three glittering gems of North India.

In Delhi you can see the rich fusion between the Mughal influence, the Colonial influence and the modernity of the current times. Relive the era of the Mughal dynasty as you take in the majestic monuments like Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar and Red Fort. Appreciate the mark of the colonial rulers when you explore Connaught Place and Central Delhi with their telltale British architectural styles. While the malls of South Delhi give you a glimpse of Delhi’s modern, high society life-style with all the luxury goods, international brands and fine dining experiences you could ever imagine, the local markets, Cottage Emporium and Dilli Haat will give you a taste of the indigenous bazaar culture of India.

The next stop of the Golden Triangle Tour is Agra. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal- the epitome of eternal love. Built in white marble, the Taj Mahal is one of the Wonders of the World. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was an ode to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is hailed the world over as an icon of undying passion and devotion. You can also visit Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort- two stunning World Heritage Sites.

The last, but not the least, in the Golden Triangle Tour is the Pink City- Jaipur. The city derives this moniker from its pink-washed monuments. The splendor of the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort will captivate you. To flavor the real heritage of India walk the streets of Jaipur which are adorned with festive lights, bazaars, people in ethnic multi-colored costumes, camels and elephants. Jaipur is known for its vibrant streets, warm sunny climate and cheerful people. Explore the vibrant hues and buzzing atmosphere of Rajasthan when you visit Jaipur.

Take the Golden Triangle Tour to visit the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and discover the multifaceted wonders of India.

Monuments - Sands and Tiger Tours in Rajasthan

2010-11-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan is a wonderful tourist place to explore in India. It is the largest state of India and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world with its numerous attractions. Drenched into royal grandeur and rich history, this imperial and regal state is globally noted for its rich culture, tradition, history, heritage, monuments and lots of many other attractions. Magnificent monuments, rippling sand dunes and exotic wildlife sanctuaries & national parks are featured attractions of Rajasthan tourism.

Monuments – Monuments are key attractions for tourism in royal and imperial Rajasthan showing rich cultural heritage of the state. Monuments here are architecturally beautiful and provide tourists a delight that is unforgettable. Almost all cities and towns in the state are dotted with some monuments.

Rajasthan monuments feature forts, palaces, temples, museums, etc. Mehrangarh Fort, Golden Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, Junagarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Ajmer Dargah, Pushkar Lord Brahma Temple, Dilwara Jain Temple, Ranakpur Jain Temple, etc are some of famous monuments in this state you will love to visit and explore. Monuments have been key attractions of almost all Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Wildlife Sanctuaries – Rajasthan is also noted for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. There are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state which attract travelers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Ranthambhore Tiger National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Mount Abu Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, etc popular destinations for wildlife tourism in the state.
Ranthambhore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are most visited destinations noted for good population of tigers. Ranthambhore can be visited from Sawai Madhopur and one can visit Sariska by making a tour to Alwar.

Sand Dunes – A big part of Rajasthan is dominated by the Great Indian Desert – Thar Desert. Many tourists come to state to explore desert tourism and traditional villages located around the desert. Golden rippling sands are very popular among tourists. Travelers can enjoy best of golden sand tour of Thar Desert by exciting camel safari rides. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, etc are important cities and tourist places from where you can start for desert tour.

There are many other attractions in the state, you can visit and explore on your Rajasthan trip. So plan a trip to Rajasthan and have unforgettable experience by exploring its major tourist places and attractions.

Singapore Tour Packages, Tour to Singapore, Places to see in Singapore

2010-10-13T05:07:00.001-07:00

Singapore Tour is indeed a splendid experience in itself. With all its world-known alluring sites of Singapore enthralls the travelers coming from different parts of the globe. Singapore is basically a spectacular island nation, situated at the southern part of the Malay peninsula. There is a series of attractive places, each of which worth visit. Some of the Singapore Attractions are as follows:

Theme Attractions
Singapore Discovery Centre
Sijori WonderGolf
Snow City
Singapore Science Centre
Haw Par Villa
VocanoLand

Brief History of Singapore

"It is a place that cherishes its past as it looks to the future."

The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town").

This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.

During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura", or "Lion City". According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States and the Middle East. By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.

In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between East and West.

Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.

Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.

The statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles

Singapore Today

Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.

However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the Republic has increased its manufacturing base.

Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.

One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, Singapore is also a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network which links the Republic to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

Tourist Attractions.

Sentosa - Singapore's resort island getaway is a must-see for all visitors. Just minutes away from the bustle of the city, this island of tranquillity welcomes you with beautiful sandy beaches, rustic nature trails, Asia's most exciting oceanarium & Dolphin Lagoon, historical sites, museums and great entertainment!

The Singapore River was the lifeline of Singapore where our first immigrants eked out a meagre living and saw Singapore transform from an obscure little fishing village to a great seaport. And into a modern metropolis famous for its skyscrapers, the Merlion and "gastro-mania". Highlights on the banks of the Singapore River include Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, landmarks and memorials such as Merlion Park and Parliament House, museums such as the Asian Civilisations Museum as well as temples and mosques such as the Tan Si Chong Su Temple and Omar Kampong Melaka Mosque

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks - a combination of primary jungle and elegantly laid out flowerbeds and shrubs. Spread over 52 hectares, the gardens hold about 4,000 species of plant life, many rare specimens amongst them.

Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. The 164-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - just 12 kilometres from the city centre - contains more species of flora than the entire North American continent.

There are dozens of other gardens and reserves in Singapore, among them the Chinese Garden and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve and a major stopping-off point for migrating birds during the months from September to March.

Shopping ! Shopping and Shopping

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover favourite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping "cities" selling everything under the sun.

Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with fine boutiques specialising in designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches.

And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city. The magic is affordable in Singapore.

Central Shopping Belt

Singapore's Central Shopping Belt extending from Tanglin Road all the way down Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged Fifth Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto and Ginza for good reason

This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants for your attention.

City & Fringe Shopping

Great shopping in Singapore isn't confined to just Orchard Road and its surroundings. Quality goods at prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket can be found in lots of places around the city centre. The Riverside area by River Valley Road is home to both some of the newest as well as the oldest shops in Singapore. Look in the heart of the financial district around Raffles Place and Shenton Way where the office crowd throngs the shops for a surprising variety of goodies

Suburban Shopping

If you're prepared to venture further afield, you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll discover some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans live, eat and shop - out in the heartlands of Singapore.

These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and determined bargain hunter. Business hours vary from shop to shop but as a general guide, most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.

Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centres is a fascinating experience, providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with Singaporeans at their most comfortable. You also reap another benefit - the opportunity to tuck in "local style" at the numerous food centres and informal coffee shops.

Golden Triangle Tour - Popular Tour of North India

2010-09-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

The three cities that are a part of the Golden Triangle Tourist route of India are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Delhi being the capital of India, Agra - the place of the eternal love monument and Jaipur - the venue of royal palaces and forts have a lot to offer to the tourists.

India is home to a number of interesting tourist places and tourist circuits. The country is known for its tremendous cultural and geographical wealth. From east to west and from north to south, entire landscape of this beautiful & diverse country is dotted with numerous tourist attractions. Among these, golden triangle is one of the central attractions of India tourism appealing tourists and travelers from all over the world. It is one of the most preferred tourist circuits and very popular among tourists who are coming to India for first times.

The golden triangle of India covers three major and historical cities of India as its destinations. They are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These three cities are among top tourist destinations of India with 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in cultural category namely Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi; Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri in Agra; and Jantar Mantar in Agra.

Also these cities are dotted with several other attractions and architectural wonders. The key attraction of golden triangle tours is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is wonder of wonders and India's star tourist attraction.

This tour is begins at Delhi and after covering Agra & Jaipur finally ends at Delhi. Tourists have a wonderful opportunity to explore some of world famous historical and cultural monuments during sightseeing tour in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Popular attractions in Delhi are Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, India Gate, Old Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Qutub Minar, Safdarjang's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Birla Temple, ISKON Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc. The Akshardham Temple is a recently built temple complex known for its extraordinary architectural masterpiece. Also it is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world.

The second destination of Golden Triangle India tour is Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Agra is an internationally famous tourist destination because it is home of Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal, the symbol of love, is globally famous for its matchless beauty. It is built in white marble as a mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, the most darling wife of Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan built this love monument in the memory of his beloved wife. Other attractions in Agra are Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb (the Baby Taj or the Little Taj Mahal) and Fatehpur Sikri.

Jaipur is the third and last destination of golden triangle tour India. Lovingly known as the Pink City of India, it is the capital city of Rajasthan. Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, etc are key attractions in Jaipur city. Indeed, golden triangle is just a right tour option for first times in India.

China Trip, Tours To China, Travel In China

2010-09-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Five places you have to see in Beijing

Beijing is the heart of China, always the first choice for travelers who are willing and honored to know a developed city of China. It has the political, economic and cultural center of China over 800 years of the Yuan Dynasty. The many royal buildings with long history of giving Beijing with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best ", but also the" World's Best ". On the other hand, as the host city presents the Olympic Games in 2008, this oriental ancient city of their best Fashion fascination for the world.

1st Forbidden City

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and best preserved imperial palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in bloom with a single space after the number, the ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters deep and ten meter high wall. For five centuries, work of this palace, as the administrative center of the country.

Great Wall in Beijing

The Great Wall of China is one of the "Eight Wonders of the World" and is entered in the World Heritage List. This immense wall was built to keep out intruders and to protect the residents. It covers five provinces of Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west, looked like a giant dragon across deserts, steppes and mountains. In downtown Beijing, it is possible to climb Badaling Great Wall.

Tiananmen Square

The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only Beijing, but also a symbol of the whole China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events that surrounded that is through a variety of important structures such as the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Heroes.

Beijing Hutong

People say that the real culture of Beijing "is the culture of the hutong" and "the culture of the court." How true that is. Often it is to win in Beijing winding hutongs, the tourists from home and abroad, rather than the high-rise buildings and large mansions.

Hutong is a typical alley or narrow street in Beijing, which originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). "Hutong" is a Mongolian word meaning "well". During this time, water is a good settlement for the people lived. There are tens of thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City. In the past, Beijing was, together with countless courtyards. Hutongs were formed when people leave a passageway between two courtyards, to typing more comfortable.

Bird's Nest (China National Stadium)

The National Stadium, nicknamed "Bird's Nest", is in the Olympic Green Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing away. It was as if the stadium designed by the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The events of the Olympic track and field, soccer, gavelock, weight, and discus throw, were kept there. completed since October 2008, after the Olympics, the National Stadium has been opened as a tourist attraction. Now is the center of an international or national sports competition and recreation.

World Heritage

2010-09-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage.

What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to:

* encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage;
* encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List;
* encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites;
* help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance and professional training;
* provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger;
* support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage conservation;
* encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage;
* encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage.

World Heritage sites Listed by UNESCO

2010-09-08T04:55:00.002-07:00

World Heritage List

The World Heritage List includes 911 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.

These include 704 cultural [Cultural site] , 180 natural [Natural site] and 27 mixed [Mixed site] properties in 151 States Parties. As of June 2010, 187 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention.

Afghanistan
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley

Albania
Butrint
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra

Algeria
Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
Djémila
M'Zab Valley
Tassili n'Ajjer
Timgad
Tipasa
Kasbah of Algiers

Andorra
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Argentina
Los Glaciares
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
Iguazu National Park
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
Península Valdés
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
Quebrada de Humahuaca

Armenia
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Australia
Great Barrier Reef
Kakadu National Park
Willandra Lakes Region
Lord Howe Island Group
Tasmanian Wilderness
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Wet Tropics of Queensland
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Fraser Island
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
Heard and McDonald Islands
Macquarie Island
Greater Blue Mountains Area
Purnululu National Park
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Sydney Opera House
Australian Convict Sites

Austria
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
Semmering Railway
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
Wachau Cultural Landscape
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
Historic Centre of Vienna

Azerbaijan
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Bahrain
Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun

Bangladesh
Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
The Sundarbans

Belarus
Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest
Mir Castle Complex
Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh
Struve Geodetic Arc

Belgium
Flemish Béguinages
La Grand-Place, Brussels
The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainault)
Belfries of Belgium and France
Historic Centre of Brugge
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
Stoclet House

Belize
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Benin
Royal Palaces of Abomey

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
City of Potosí
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
Historic City of Sucre
Fuerte de Samaipata
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
Mehmed Paša Sokolovic Bridge in Višegrad

Botswana
Tsodilo

Brazil
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
Iguaçu National Park
Brasilia
Serra da Capivara National Park
Historic Centre of São Luís
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
Pantanal Conservation Area
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão

Bulgaria
Boyana Church
Madara Rider
Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Ancient City of Nessebar
Pirin National Park
Rila Monastery
Srebarna Nature Reserve
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Burkina Faso
Ruins of Loropéni

Cambodia
Angkor
Temple of Preah Vihear

Cameroon
Dja Faunal Reserve

Canada
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Nahanni National Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Kluane / Wrangell-St Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
SGang Gwaay
Wood Buffalo National Park
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Historic District of Old Québec
Gros Morne National Park
Old Town Lunenburg
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Miguasha National Park
Rideau Canal
Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Cape Verde
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande

Central African Republic
Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park

Chile
Rapa Nui National Park
Churches of Chiloé
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Sewell Mining Town

China
Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Mogao Caves
Mount Taishan
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
The Great Wall
Mount Huangshan
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
Lushan National Park
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Ancient City of Ping Yao
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Old Town of Lijiang
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
Dazu Rock Carvings
Mount Wuyi
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Longmen Grottoes
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Yungang Grottoes
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
Historic Centre of Macao
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
Yin Xu
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
South China Karst
Fujian Tulou
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
Mount Wutai
China Danxia
Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”

Colombia
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
Los Katíos National Park
Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
San Agustín Archaeological Park
Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

Costa Rica
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Cocos Island National Park
Area de Conservación Guanacaste

Côte d'Ivoire
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
Taï National Park
Comoé National Park

Croatia
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
Old City of Dubrovnik
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Porec
Historic City of Trogir
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
Stari Grad Plain

Cuba
Old Havana and its Fortifications
Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios
San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba
Desembarco del Granma National Park
Viñales Valley
Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
Historic Centre of Camagüey

Cyprus
Paphos
Painted Churches in the Troodos Region
Choirokoitia

Czech Republic
Historic Centre of Ceský Krumlov
Historic Centre of Prague
Historic Centre of Telc
Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora
Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
Gardens and Castle at Kromeríž
Holašovice Historical Village Reservation
Litomyšl Castle
Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
Tugendhat Villa in Brno
Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Trebíc

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Virunga National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Garamba National Park
Salonga National Park
Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Denmark
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Roskilde Cathedral
Kronborg Castle
Ilulissat Icefjord

Dominica
Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Dominican Republic
Colonial City of Santo Domingo

Ecuador
City of Quito
Galápagos Islands
Sangay National Park
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca

Egypt
Abu Mena
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Historic Cairo
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Saint Catherine Area
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

El Salvador
Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Estonia
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
Struve Geodetic Arc

Ethiopia
Simien National Park
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
Aksum
Lower Valley of the Awash
Lower Valley of the Omo
Tiya
Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

Finland
Fortress of Suomenlinna
Old Rauma
Petäjävesi Old Church
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
Struve Geodetic Arc

France
Chartres Cathedral
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
Palace and Park of Versailles
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
Vézelay, Church and Hill
Amiens Cathedral
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve
Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
Strasbourg – Grande île
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Remi and Palace of Tau, Reims
Paris, Banks of the Seine
Bourges Cathedral
Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
Canal du Midi
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
Historic Site of Lyons
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Belfries of Belgium and France
Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
Fortifications of Vauban
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
Episcopal City of Albi
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island

Gabon
Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda

Gambia
James Island and Related Sites
Stone Circles of Senegambia

Georgia
Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery
Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
Upper Svaneti

Germany
Aachen Cathedral
Speyer Cathedral
Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
Pilgrimage Church of Wies
Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl
St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim
Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
Maulbronn Monastery Complex
Town of Bamberg
Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg
Völklingen Ironworks
Messel Pit Fossil Site
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar and Dessau
Cologne Cathedral
Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
Classical Weimar
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
Wartburg Castle
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
Monastic Island of Reichenau
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Dresden Elbe Valley Delisted 2009
Muskauer Park / Park Muzakowski
Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen
Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
The Wadden Sea

Ghana
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
Asante Traditional Buildings

Greece
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Acropolis, Athens
Archaeological Site of Delphi
Medieval City of Rhodes
Meteora
Mount Athos
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Archaeological Site of Mystras
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Delos
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint John "the Theologian" and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos
Old Town of Corfu

Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Tikal National Park
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua

Guinea
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Haiti
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers

Holy See
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Vatican City

Honduras
Maya Site of Copan
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

Hungary
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
Old Village of Hollóko and its Surroundings
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape

Iceland
Þingvellir National Park
Surtsey

India
Agra Fort
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Taj Mahal
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Sun Temple, Konârak
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Kaziranga National Park
Keoladeo National Park
Churches and Convents of Goa
Fatehpur Sikri
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Elephanta Caves
Great Living Chola Temples
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Sundarbans National Park
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Mountain Railways of India
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
Red Fort Complex
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Indonesia
Borobudur Temple Compounds
Komodo National Park
Prambanan Temple Compounds
Ujung Kulon National Park
Sangiran Early Man Site
Lorentz National Park
Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Meidan Emam, Esfahan
Persepolis
Tchogha Zanbil
Takht-e Soleyman
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
Pasargadae
Soltaniyeh
Bisotun
Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

Iraq
Hatra
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
Samarra Archaeological City

Ireland
Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
Skellig Michael

Israel
Masada
Old City of Acre
White City of Tel-Aviv -- the Modern Movement
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee

Italy
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Historic Centre of Florence
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
Venice and its Lagoon
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
Crespi d'Adda
Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta
Historic Centre of Naples
Historic Centre of Siena
Castel del Monte
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
Historic Centre of the City of Pienza
The Trulli of Alberobello
18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
Costiera Amalfitana
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Villa Romana del Casale
Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
Historic Centre of Urbino
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
City of Verona
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
Villa d'Este, Tivoli
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
Monte San Giorgio
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
Val d'Orcia
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
Mantua and Sabbioneta
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes
The Dolomites

Japan
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Himeji-jo
Shirakami-Sanchi
Yakushima
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Shiretoko
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

Jerusalem (Site proposed by Jordan)
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls

Jordan
Petra
Quseir Amra
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)

Kazakhstan
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

Kenya
Lake Turkana National Parks
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
Lamu Old Town
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

Kiribati
Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
Complex of Koguryo Tombs

Korea, Republic of
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
Jongmyo Shrine
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
Hwaseong Fortress
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
Gyeongju Historic Areas
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

Kyrgyzstan
Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

Lao People's Democratic Republic
Town of Luang Prabang
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape

Latvia
Historic Centre of Riga
Struve Geodetic Arc

Lebanon
Anjar
Baalbek
Byblos
Tyre
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
Archaeological Site of Sabratha
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
Old Town of Ghadamès

Lithuania
Vilnius Historic Centre
Curonian Spit
Kernave Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernave)
Struve Geodetic Arc

Luxembourg
City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications

Madagascar
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Rainforests of the Atsinanana

Malawi
Lake Malawi National Park
Chongoni Rock-Art Area

Malaysia
Gunung Mulu National Park
Kinabalu Park
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Mali
Old Towns of Djenné
Timbuktu
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
Tomb of Askia

Malta
City of Valletta
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Megalithic Temples of Malta

Marshall Islands
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site

Mauritania
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

Mauritius
Aapravasi Ghat
Le Morne Cultural Landscape

Mexico
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
Historic Centre of Puebla
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
Sian Ka'an
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
Historic Centre of Morelia
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
Historic Centre of Zacatecas
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl
Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
Luis Barragán House and Studio
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

Moldova, Republic of
Struve Geodetic Arc

Mongolia
Uvs Nuur Basin
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

Montenegro
Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Durmitor National Park

Morocco
Medina of Fez
Medina of Marrakesh
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Historic City of Meknes
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)

Mozambique
Island of Mozambique

Namibia
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes

Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
Sagarmatha National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Netherlands
Schokland and Surroundings
Defence Line of Amsterdam
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Netherlands Antilles
Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station)
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
The Wadden Sea
Seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht

New Zealand
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand
Tongariro National Park
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

Nicaragua
Ruins of León Viejo

Niger
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
W National Park of Niger

Nigeria
Sukur Cultural Landscape
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Norway
Bryggen
Urnes Stave Church
Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
Rock Art of Alta
Vegaøyan -- The Vega Archipelago
Struve Geodetic Arc
West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

Oman
Bahla Fort
Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
Arabian Oryx Sanctuary Delisted 2007
Land of Frankincense
Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Pakistan
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol
Taxila
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta
Rohtas Fort

Panama
Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
Darien National Park
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Papua New Guinea
Kuk Early Agricultural Site

Paraguay
Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue

Peru
City of Cuzco
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
Huascarán National Park
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
Manú National Park
Historic Centre of Lima
Río Abiseo National Park
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana
Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
Sacred City of Caral-Supe

Philippines
Baroque Churches of the Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
Historic Town of Vigan
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Poland
Cracow's Historic Centre
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Auschwitz Birkenau
German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest
Historic Centre of Warsaw
Old City of Zamosc
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
Medieval Town of Torun
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica
Wooden Churches of Southern Little Poland
Muskauer Park / Park Muzakowski
Centennial Hall in Wroclaw

Portugal
Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
Convent of Christ in Tomar
Monastery of Batalha
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
Historic Centre of Évora
Monastery of Alcobaça
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
Historic Centre of Oporto
Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Laurisilva of Madeira
Alto Douro Wine Region
Historic Centre of Guimarães
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture

Romania
Danube Delta
Churches of Moldavia
Monastery of Horezu
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
Historic Centre of Sighisoara
Wooden Churches of Maramures

Russian Federation
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
Kizhi Pogost
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings
White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye
Virgin Komi Forests
Lake Baikal
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
Golden Mountains of Altai
Western Caucasus
Curonian Spit
Ensemble of the Ferrapontov Monastery
Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
Central Sikhote-Alin
Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent
Uvs Nuur Basin
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
Struve Geodetic Arc
Putorana Plateau

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Saint Lucia
Pitons Management Area

San Marino
San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

Saudi Arabia
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)
At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah

Senegal
Island of Gorée
Niokolo-Koba National Park
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Island of Saint-Louis
Stone Circles of Senegambia

Serbia
Stari Ras and Sopocani
Studenica Monastery
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius

Seychelles
Aldabra Atoll
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Slovakia
Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity
Levoca, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
Vlkolínec
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area

Slovenia
Škocjan Caves

Solomon Islands
East Rennell

South Africa
Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Robben Island
uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
Vredefort Dome
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

Spain
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
Burgos Cathedral
Historic Centre of Cordoba
Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
Works of Antoni Gaudí
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias
Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Garajonay National Park
Historic City of Toledo
Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
Old Town of Cáceres
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
Old City of Salamanca
Poblet Monastery
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Route of Santiago de Compostela
Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
Doñana National Park
Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Las Médulas
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
Palmeral of Elche
Roman Walls of Lugo
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza
Vizcaya Bridge
Teide National Park
Tower of Hercules

Sri Lanka
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Sacred City of Kandy
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Sudan
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

Suriname
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo

Sweden
Royal Domain of Drottningholm
Birka and Hovgården
Engelsberg Ironworks
Rock Carvings in Tanum
Skogskyrkogården
Hanseatic Town of Visby
Church Village of Gammelstad, Luleå
Laponian Area
Naval Port of Karlskrona
Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
Varberg Radio Station
Struve Geodetic Arc

Switzerland
Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair
Convent of St Gall
Old City of Berne
Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
Monte San Giorgio
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes
Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona
La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning

Syrian Arab Republic
Ancient City of Damascus
Ancient City of Bosra
Site of Palmyra
Ancient City of Aleppo
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din

Tajikistan
Proto-urban site of Sarazm

Tanzania, United Republic of
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Serengeti National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Kilimanjaro National Park
Stone Town of Zanzibar
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites

Thailand
Historic City of Ayutthaya
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region

Togo
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba

Tunisia
Amphitheatre of El Jem
Archaeological Site of Carthage
Medina of Tunis
Ichkeul National Park
Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis
Kairouan
Medina of Sousse
Dougga / Thugga

Turkey
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
Nemrut Dag
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Xanthos-Letoon
City of Safranbolu
Archaeological Site of Troy

Turkmenistan
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
Kunya-Urgench
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

Ukraine
Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
Struve Geodetic Arc
Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
Durham Castle and Cathedral
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
Ironbridge Gorge
St Kilda
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
Blenheim Palace
City of Bath
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
Henderson Island
Tower of London
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Maritime Greenwich
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda
Derwent Valley Mills
Dorset and East Devon Coast
New Lanark
Saltaire
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

United States of America
Mesa Verde National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Everglades National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Independence Hall
Kluane / Wrangell-St Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
Redwood National and State Parks
Mammoth Cave National Park
Olympic National Park
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Statue of Liberty
Yosemite National Park
Chaco Culture
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
Pueblo de Taos
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Papahanaumokuakea

Uruguay
Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento

Uzbekistan
Itchan Kala
Historic Centre of Bukhara
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures

Vanuatu
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Coro and its Port
Canaima National Park
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Viet Nam
Complex of Hué Monuments
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi

Yemen
Old Walled City of Shibam
Old City of Sana'a
Historic Town of Zabid
Socotra Archipelago

Zambia
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Khami Ruins National Monument
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
Matobo Hills

Sri Lanka Tour - Top Exciting Places To Visit

2010-09-08T04:35:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka the tropical paradise of South Asia is globally acclaimed for its enchanting beauty and attractions. Bedecked with historical places, sun-kissed beaches, museums, terrific temples, art-galleries and many such exciting attractions, the Sri Lanka Tours is surely going to engulf you with ecstasy. Among all these wonderful and fascinating attractions the historical places and the monuments are the ones that hold the attraction of tourists the most. Here visit to any destinations and you will find them amazingly beautiful at the same time fascinating that never fails to mesmerize visitors.

Srilanka have lots of amazing attractions that often spoilt the choices of tourists. So below mentioned destinations are some among the many that you must not miss to visit on your Srilanka tours.

Top Tourist Destinations in Sri Lanka

City of Colombo
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and is one of the most visited destinations by the tourists. The city is dotted with several magnetizing attractions among which the most visit are the Independence Hall, Fort Clock Tower, Dutch Period Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, etc. Beside these you can also delight in shopping as well as enjoy the rich culture of Sri Lanka taking part in the festivals and ceremonies in Colombo.

Kandy
Kandy the picturesque tourist destination situated just 115 km away from the capital city is highly acclaimed for its enticing attractions. It is also one of the most scenic city in the country where one can see some of the most beautiful attractions and experiocne the rich culture of Srilanka. Here enjoy visit to Secred Tooth Relic, degaladoruwa temples, Henawela village, Kalapura, Peradeniya, Royal Botanical Gardens, etc. More of all Kendy is also the recognized by UNESCO.

Jaffna
Situated at the northern tip of the country, Jaffna is both city and a seaport. Jaffna is well known for its hindu temples, Dutch Forts, Keerimalai Baths, Chundikulam Sanctuary and on top the scenic beaches. Among the many scenic beaches in Jaffna the best known is the Casuarina Beach.

Galle
Located south of Colombo the capital city of Srilanka, Galle showcases the perfect example of a fortified city built by the Europeans. Due to its unmatched beauty and historical magnificence it is also declared as UNESCO World Heritage City. The major attractions one can see in Galle are Dutch Museum, Koggala, Dutch Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, Midigama, etc. All these attractions add beauty to this city that attracts thousands of hundred of tourists all the year round.

Beside these there are many other attractions in Srilanka that are worth to visit and explore. Well if you want to see all these exciting part of the country and its enchanting tourism attractions, plan for a tour to Srilanka. More of all the tour to this tropical paradise is made more enjoyable by the tailor made Srilanka tour packages offered by the leading tour operators. Choose one of your choices and enjoy your holidays along the pristine beaches, dating with the historical forts and monuments and exploring the rich flora and fauna of the Country. Surely you will cherish your visit to Srilanka for lifetime and sure take if for granted.

Some of the World Heritage Sites in Sweden

2010-08-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

The modernized European country Sweden is a land of rich natural resources and cherished prehistoric treasure. Today’s Sweden is celebrated for the co-existence of old heritage and new fortunes. Swedish people have magnificently preserved their cultural heritages and historical buildings. A trip to Sweden by cheap flights to Sweden can not be complete without tour to the World Heritage Sites in the country. Sweden is home to about 12 World Heritage Sites.

Royal Domain of Drottningholm is placed on an island close to Lake Malar in the premises of Stockholm. The imperial residence includes a castle, theater, Chinese pergola and gardens. The enthusiast tourists taking the flights to Sweden frequently visit the place.

Gulf of Bothnia is a northern annex of the Baltic Sea positioned on the west shore of the country. The High coast is shaped because of the run away of glacier and elevating of land from the sea. The last run away occurred here for more than 9,600 years ago.

The Rock Carvings in Tanum portray various sketches including humans, animals, weapons and various features of human life. However, some of them are unreadable. Various researchers and archaeologists take the cheap flights to Sweden to make futher research on these artistic carvings. The rock carvings are found to date back to the Bronze Age.

Moreover, the tourists get in through the flights to Sweden in the exploratory voyage of World Heritage Sites must also visit Church Village of Gammelstad, Lulea. Gammelstad, is the best-conserved example of a ‘church village’. Church villages are such an amazing type of villages formerly found throughout the region.

The archaeological location of Birka displays the architectural remains from the 9th and 10th centuries. Several bold and risky adventurers book the cheap flights to Sweden from varied countries in the world to the countryside of Oland Island to guarantee an unmatched thrill. In fact the island and the Baltic Sea are featured by a huge limestone plateau. The area surrounds the proof of human settlement and 5000 years ago.

Naval Port of Karlskrona is a striking model of 17th-century European planned city. Engelsberg Ironworks is one of the superlative conserved sites where higher quality of iron was produced in the 17th and 18th centuries. The travelers of flights to Sweden on World Heritage Sites Tours also stop over Skogskyrko garden, the Stockholm cemetery; Hanseatic Town of Visby, past residence of the Vikings and the Varberg Radio Station at Grimeton in southern Sweden.

The Lotus Mahal, Hampi, Karnataka, India.

2010-08-12T02:38:00.000-07:00

Lotus Mahal is an open mansion of two floors. Locally it is also known as Chitragni Mahal. The most known structure in it is the Zenana area with twenty four square pillars stand on the ground floor. Open windows make a row in the upper story. The centre of the roof is decorated with a budding lotus.

The Mahal is believed to be the leisure resort of the royalty. The temperature inside the Mahal is regulated by using special building materials and structural arrangements. The Mahal has nine pyramidal sikharas pavilions. On the northern side are the flights of steps leading to the upper floor. Beautiful works adorned the walls, as the remains indicate.

Hampi was once the seat of the Hindu Kingdom Vijayanagara. It is situated on the southern bank of Tungabhadra River at Hospet village in Belleri district, Karnataka state, India.

Appealing World Holiday Destinations

2010-08-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

The world has a lot of places that we could visit in order to gauge the change in lifestyle, culture, architecture. There are beautiful monuments across the globe that stand as a witness to the changing times. If you are looking for any such World Tour Packages, then you can chose from some of the most visited historical spots in the world. You can choose the best one depending upon the amount of time that you have in hand and the places that you would like to cover in your trip worldwide. You can also speak to your travel guide or visit websites to choose some of the best international holiday destinations.

Italy is one of the most sought after International Holiday destinations for its beautiful monuments and pieces of architecture as well as the lovely food and culture that one can experience while touring this lovely country. The World Tour Packages include many historical churches such as Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica that have some of the most famous paintings in the world done by artists such as Bernini, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael. One of the very famous international holiday destinations in Italy is the city of Venice. It is famous with tourists worldwide. It is a beautiful city with lots of palaces and canals.

If you would like to include Europe in your World Tour Packages then it would be worthwhile to take a look at the magnificent Stonehenge, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. It is one of the most prehistoric sites of the world. Historians believe that the Stonehenge was built in 2500 BC. The UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Stonehenge is owned by the Royal family and is managed by the English Heritage. The United Kingdom is a very well known and one of the famous International holiday Destinations due to its richness in culture and heritage. Visitors can also visit the London’s Eye, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Harrods and many other places while touring London.

While in Asia, you can also take a look at the world famous Taj Mahal located in Agra, India. Due to its popularity this beautiful structure has earned its place as one of the most visited International holiday destinations. The Taj Mahal has one of the finest architectural works in India. The UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1983. The main Taj Mahal is built of white marble and is a marvelous piece of art. The World tour packages also include the Great Wall of China in its itinerary in Asia. The Great Wall is approximately 6,400 km (4,000 miles) long. It is believed that close to 2-3 million people died in the process of building this Great Wall.

Great Places That You Have To Visit In Congo

2010-08-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Congo is one of the countries in Central Africa and is also called the Democratic Republic of Congo. This country is made popular by its many national parks that have made the list of the UNESCO World Heritage List. When in Congo, do remember to visit these 10 great places, most of them national parks.

1.) Virunga National Park
This got listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a protected piece of land. What you will see here are a diversity of Congo’s native floras and faunas. Among the most popular animals to see here are its mountain gorillas as well as its hippopotamuses.

2.) Kahuzi-Biega National Park
This is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, you will see some extinct volcanoes that are always a sight to behold, and these extinct volcanoes are the Kahuzi and the Biega volcanoes. Furthermore, they also have gorillas that are well protected from poachers as well as a plethora of other animals and plants.

3.) Garamba National Park
When you visit the Garamba National Park (also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), you will be awed by the vast savannahs it has as well as its majestic grasslands and woodlands. These are filled with all kinds of animals like the giraffes, hippopotamuses, and elephants. You will also see here the unique white rhinoceros as well as the black rhinoceros.

4.) Salonga National Park
This is a tropical rainforest national park and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as well. In this immense rainforest, you will see the antics of the dwarf chimpanzee and be amazed of the Congo peacock. This is also made more famous because of the African slender-snouted crocodile or what is also called a false crocodile.

5.) Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this reserve is popular for the variety of birds and primates that it has. It also gives anybody who visits this place a true sense of what the beauty of nature is about as they gaze at the waterfalls. Be amazed at the wonderful scenery Ituri and Epulu Rivers offer.

6.) Nyiragongo Volcano
Another beautiful tourist destination, this volcano is a must-see in Congo. Here, you will marvel at the sight of the lava lake. But remember, this magnificent sight posts danger to the people living near it.

7.) Kinshasa
This is the capital city of Congo. Here, you can stay at budget hotels
like Al Dar and La Bloque. If you want a nightlife, go to Matonge at night because this is where you can find most of the bars as well as restaurant and popular night clubs.

8.) Falls of Zongo
This is also a great place to go to if you are a nature lover. Here, you will surely love the splendid view of the Zongo Falls and admire the beauty of the nature that surrounds it. You can also stay the night here as you can camp here in a tent or you can rent a bungalow for a night’s stay.

9.) Bombo-Lumene Game Park
This is a wonderful place to spend some quality time with our loved ones. You can spend a quiet and peaceful time in the many small gazebos located here. Or you can take a short nature walk along its trails and rest on a quaint bamboo bench if your legs get tired from all the walking.

10.) Bukavu
This is a city in Congo that you can also visit. Here, you will be given a scenic view of Kivu Lake. From here, you can visit the gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

25 Wonderful Places To Visit In Your Lifetime!

2010-08-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamt of visiting any of your favorite places? Most often, you will hear these words from your friends, family members or any others. Every one of us desire to visit our favorite places in our lifetime. It is the dream of every human being. Here are the 25 wonderful places, which you can plot to visit in your lifetime.

Grand Canyon:Grand Canyon is the steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in Arizona State of United States. The powerful sources that cause an impact on the Grand Canyon is erosion, first is by water and second is by wind.Nearly 5 million people visit the 1 mile deep Grand Canyon every year. Plotting a vacation to the Grand Canyon national park provides a fantastic relief for you and your family.The best time to visit Grand Canyon is during the summer, fall and mild spring, but most locals agree that winter is the fantastic time to visit. There are various camp grounds both on the top and floor of the Grand Canyon. Camping at the floor of the Grand Canyon needs a permit from the country office.

Fantastic Barrier Reef:This is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. It is one of the top travel destinations in Australia. You can see it from the outer space and it is the world’s largest single structure, which is made of living organisms.The reef supports 10,000 species which consists of 1500 types of fishes and 200 kinds of birds. This beauty inspires many of the travelers to visit the place.

Florida:This state built its entire identity with tourism. This is the south eastern state in the US. It is a most well loved winter destination. Florida is also called as the Sunshine State. Central Florida is conquered by Orlando and it is well known coterie of theme parks, sea world, universal studios, Disney world, and many more attractions to tourists.

The South Island:The South Island of New Zealand is characterized by grand open landscapes. The island is well known for spectacular fiords, large beach forests, golden sand beaches and broad plains. Everybody can delight in the travel to south island.The south island has ten national parks. These parks incorporate world heritage sites, lakes, glaciers, fiords, native forest, coastline, and world class hiking tracks. The fabulous scenery across the south land attracts many people to plot vacation.

Cape Town:Cape Town is situated at the tip of the African Continent. The only way to know and delight in Cape Town is by experiencing the unique range of multicultural lifestyles and scenic national surroundings for yourself.During the summer season, Cape Town is filled with holiday makers enjoying the hot weather, sunny beaches and gorgeous scenery. So, if you want to spend your time during holiday season, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible. Before reaching the place, have a rough thought about the places around Cape Town, which you want to visit.

Golden Temple:This temple has a glorious setting and it exists in the middle of the large blue sacred pool. Don’t miss the peaceful and fascinating ritual that goes inside the two-tale golden temple. When you take a tour to India, you should visit the golden temple.

Las Vegas:Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. This is commonly referred to as entertainment capital of the world. The city has fantastic casino hotels and makes a fantasy like atmosphere. Las Vegas is a fantastic travel destination for honeymooners and travel addicts.A trip to Vegas is usually a trip to “the strip”, about 20 long blocks of neon lights, public drinking and casinos.

Sydney:Sydney is the economic powerhouse of Australia. The place is full of sun-drenched natural attractions, tasty and daring restaurants, dizzy skyscrapers, friendly folk and wonderful shopping, so most of the travel addicts want to visit the place. You can take a trip to Sydney at any time of the year.

New York:New York is the USA’s largest metro area. The city is a fantastic center for fashion, culture, finance, research, media, food, art, and trade. The city consists of 5 boroughs and each is differentiated by its own culture.
New York is cinematic. Every year this is a backdrop for about 200 movies.

Taj Mahal:According to most of the travelers, Taj Mahal, most gorgeous building, in India is one of the fantastic wonders of the world. This is a hybrid of many artistic styles. Once you visit Taj Mahal, you can delight in various places near it.The river side behind Taj Mahal provides a wonderful environment. You can delight in greatly along with your family.

Canadian Rockies:Canadian Rockies is one of the most spectacular places of the earth. This place has potential outdoor opportunities and world class resorts. Visit the two national parks of Canadian Rockies and find why most of the travelers choose Canadian Rockies as their home away home.This place offers you the best of the best. It offers you the hikes that you don’t want to miss, scenic drives and many more natural highlights. You can go for the vacation even along with your children.Winter is a fantastic time to delight in the place. During this time, you can try sports like skiing, snowshoeing and then relaxing around a roaring fire on every evening.

Uluru:Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia is one of the world’s fantastic natural wonders. Plotting to visit this place is a fantastic way to explore and experience the cultural and physical significance of this Australian icon.The rock is at its visual best at sunrise and sunset. Most of the travelers like to climb the rock by using an ancient aboriginal trail.

Chichen Itza:Chichen Itza is a Mayan word. Chichen Itza is one of the largest archeological cities of Mexico and one of the Seven wonders. It is the most visited tourist destination. Travelers like to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip. If you want to delight in all the activities near by Chichen Itza, it takes 2-3 days stay.Before entering into the Chichen Itza, you will come across an informative museum, clean rest rooms, a dining room, few vender stands and gift shops. You can visit the site at any time of the year.

Machu Picchu:It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is mystical place and a fantastic spot to divinity. It is the Peru’s most well loved place, so most of you like to see the place. People of Machu Picchu feel that they are the creators of god. This place offers you weird forces of nature that permit the individual to attain a contrary cosmic state.The place is located at 2300 meters above the sea level. So, you can delight in the vicinity of the place. One day is enough to visit the spots around Machu Picchu.While plotting to visit Machu Picchu, you need to know a small about the geography of this area, because the location is remote and inaccessible.

Niagara Falls:Niagara Falls can be accessed from both the American and Canadian side, but the best view facing the falls is completely from the Canadian side. When you take a trip to Niagara Falls, don’t forget to take a ride on the well-known maid-of-the-mist boats. You won’t get the entire experience of Niagara Falls until you ride one of these boats.It is the foundation for many fascinating places to see and things to do. If you like gorgeous landscapes, romantic getaways, family adventures and vibrant nightlife then Niagara Falls is the best place to visit.

Petra:Petra, one of the seven wonders, is fabled rose red city and is a well known earliest Nabataean city in the south Jordan. If you have chose to travel to Jordan, then Petra is at the top of your priority list. The solid red stand stone buildings in Petra are unlike anything that you have ever seen before.One full day is enough to see everything around Petra. This town offers you a wide variety of hotels to fit your budget.

The Pyramids:Pyramids and wonderful temples are the fantastic things to delight in in Egypt. Travel to Egypt offers you the nature and desert treks, fishing, golfing, scuba diving and birding groups. You can choose the places like Sinai coasts or red sea to relax.Winter is the best season to go for a vacation to Egypt. March-May and September-November is the best time to delight in the warm days of Egypt.

Venice:Venice is one of the Italy’s greatest tourist places. You will be surprised by hearing how the city is built up. The city is built on 317 small islands and has 150 canals which are connected through 409 bridges. During the spring time, Venice is completely filled with tourists. At that time it is very hard to find the accommodations.

Maldives:Maldives is a fantastic place for tranquil tropical islands, palm trees, white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons. Maldives is a group of 1190 coral islands. This place is a fantastic destination for scuba divers.Visiting Maldives between December and April can makes you to spend some extra hours of sunshine. Also this is the main season for tourism.

Fantastic Wall of China: The Fantastic Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the travel icon of China and is one of the most well loved travel vacation destinations in the world. It took hundreds of years for its construction. When you have chose to travel to China, don’t forget to see the wall.

Victoria Falls:Victoria Falls was also one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the most gorgeous waterfalls in Africa. This is a cheap travel destination and is full of fun. Those who want to try for adventures will find plenty of activities like elephant safaris, bridge swinging, water rafting and so on.There are two sides of the falls, one is Zambia and the other is Zimbabwe side. Both sides are awesome and are a year round destination.

Hong Kong:Hong Kong, an oriental pearl, is simply incredible. It will be very hard for you to find a more exciting city other than Hong Kong. The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting confused and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi Asian and western elements.The best period to take a vacation to Hong Kong is in the months of October, November and most of December.

Yosemite National Park:Yosemite is located on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of the nation’s most well-known national parks in US. Yosemite Valley is the most well-known destination in Yosemite. Every year more than 4 million people come to visit Yosemite Valley. It is packed with restaurants, shops and campsites.This has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You will find a fantastic variety of wildlife along with mule deer, black bears and various bird species. When you plot your vacation to Yosemite, you can delight in various activities like hiking, skiing, camping, snowshoeing, horse riding and bicycling.

Hawaii:Going for Hawaii vacation will make you feel very pleased by the beauty and hospitality. They want to do the things that they would not do at home. The gorgeous Hawaii islands offer you to see world well-known beaches closely; offer you peace and calmness somewhere off the beaten path.During winter season, Hawaii is fully packed with tourists. When you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to delight in the activities like: Seeing Molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano, hiking through Waipio Valley, visiting the largest Hawaiian religious temple Puukohola Heiau and playing in the snow atop Mauna Kea.

Paris:It is the most gorgeous place and also the capital of France. Springtime is the best time to visit Paris. Paris is the city of life, like and light. You will find romance and magic when you visit Eiffel tower to Mona Lisa and from the bustling Champs Elysees to the winding streets of Montmartre.

Great Places That You Have To Visit In India

2010-08-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

India’s tourism industry is booming with new opportunities due to government support. Every year millions of national and international travelers tour India to see its culture heritage, natural beauty and wildlife reserve. However, since India is a very vast country, planning what to see on a tour to India can be a really daunting task especially if you have to choose destinations between the South, North, East or West of India. Whether on a spiritual quest, a cultural visit or a relaxing holiday, it is advisable that you plan your India tour in such a way that you are easily able to cover a few important destinations of a particular region.

India can be divided into four regions i.e. North, South, East and West and each one of these four regions nurture cultures that are unique only to them. Moreover, these regions are also different from each other with respect to people, architecture, food, and languages spoken. Though, it will not be impossible for you to cover popular tourist destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and the Golden Triangle in a single trip, try to avoid it as it may lead to exhaustion. Select a single region and travel across it. Ask your tour organizer to pack in as many top destinations as possible across a particular region in your India tour package.

Here are some of the best places to visit in India according to the four regions of the country.

The North
The northern states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh together form the Golden Triangle with its three cities Jaipur, Delhi and Agra. These are the most famous destinations of North India Tour.

The state of J&K has places like Leh & Ladakh which are famous for their high mountain peaks which can be compared with no other place in the World. Due to its unusual terrain and barren landscape it is sometimes referred to as “Moonland”.

Uttaranchal or Uttrakhand is a newly formed state of North India. It is blessed with natural beauty and picturesque landscapes and boasts of some untouched and un-spoilt natural places. It is a perfect place for wildlife lover as it homes various wildlife reserves and natural parks. Some of the best tourist attractions here are: Nainital, Ranikhet, Binsar, Mussoorie and the Valley of Flowers.

The Heart of India is Madhya Pradesh, and the hearth of Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho. These ancient temples are an example of rich cultural heritage of India. Additionally, visit destinations like Orchha, Pachmarhi and Satpura, in the city of Gwalior to witness some of the finest monuments and natural beauty of the country.

The West
Maharashtra is home to India’s commercial capital, Mumbai (Bombay). Here you will find several amazing tourist destinations. You must also visit Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala and Khandala (quite near to Mumbai) during a West India Tour for their pristine beauty.

The state of Goa in Maharashtra is known for its carnivals and lush tropical beaches. Don’t miss it.

The East
Eastern India is well known for the Sun Temple, tea estates, Buddhist monasteries and tribal cultures. It consists of the beautiful “seven sisters” i.e. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur. All these seven states of India are extremely beautiful places to be holidaying in India. Don’t forget to visit Shilong and Cherrapunji, in Meghalaya, during your East India Tour.

The South
Kerala is also known as the “Gods Own Country” and is one of the prime tourist destinations of South India Tours. It is a perfect destination for holidays, honeymoon, art, culture, tradition, health care, yoga, Ayurveda and meditation. Kerala is famous for its natural beauty, amazing beaches, delicious sea food and backwaters. Visit beautiful places like Munnar, Periyar and Kovalam while you are in Kerala.

Tamil Nadu has the famous hill station named Ooty. It is one of the famous hill stations of southern India and is popularly referred to as “Queen of Hills”. Also take a trip to Kodaikanal and Coimbatore to see scenic natural beauty.

The state of Karnataka in South India has wonderful tourist destinations Coorg and BR Hills. Coorg is a place that is believed to haunt you forever with its timeless beauty. It is also described as the Scotland of India.

Best Places in India to Beat the Summer Heat

2010-08-02T01:41:00.000-07:00

India is a globally famous tourist destination. It appeals tourists from all over the world for fascinating India tours with lots of attractions like historical monuments, forts & palaces, heritage monuments, nature sites, exotic wildlife, hill stations, breathtaking beaches, pilgrimage sites, religious spots, historic cities and many more.

When coming on India tours during summer, it is especially considerable to choose a right destination to escape the scorching summer heat. There are many destinations which can be visited during summer. If you are coming in India during summer seasons, it is advisable that you should choose any of Indian hill stations to celebrate your vacation and enjoying tourism. Each part of this country has some of picturesque hill stations very popular among tourists and vacationers from all over the world due to their cool & cheerful climate.

In this article, we are putting short information about the top 5 places to visit in India to beat the heat of summer.

01. Manali: Situated in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is nestled in the lower Himalayas. It is a picturesque hill station and ancient town surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of majestic Himalayas. The city offers panoramic vista of Himalayan peaks covered with milky white snows. The city has an affluent orchard industry (especially apple orchards) creating soothing climate for vacationers and tourists. It is also a very popular destination of honeymooning couples or new wed couples with scenic, cool, cheerful and truly romantic ambiance. It is also favorite destination of adventure enthusiasts like campers, trekkers, etc.

Availability of a wide range of adventure & sport activities in and around the city attracts a big crowd of tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley offer some panoramic vista of snowline of Himalayas and provide opportunity to enjoy adventure & winter sport activities like river rafting, mountaineering, trekking, parasailing, skiing, heli-skiing, ice-skating, etc. Indeed, Manali is one of the best places to visit in India especially during the summer. The charm of magnetic Manali also can be enjoyed in winter season.

02. Ooty: Sometimes also known as the “Queen of the Hill Stations of South India”, Ooty is one of the best places to visit to India especially during the summer. It is an excellent destination to escape the summer heat. Scenic landscapes, lovely lakes, gorgeous gardens, lush tea plantations, rich flora & fauna, etc make this hill town a favorite destination of India in summer. It is also a favored destination for honeymooning vacation.

03. Gulmarg: Situated in the picturesque Kashmir valley, Gulmarg is a valley retreat and popular hill station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is basically a large meadow. Gulmarg also literally means “the Meadow of Flowers”. Rolling meadow filled with numerous colorful flowers like Daisies, Bluebells and Buttercups is the attractions of Gulmarg visit. It is also a very popular destination of adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners as well. The beautiful hill & valley town of Gulmarg offers picturesque and spectacular sight of snow-covered mountain peaks of majestic Himalayas. I think it a best place to visit in India offering opportunity to sightseeing, nature tourism, adventure tourism and right ambiance for honeymooning vacation.

04. Munnar: Munnar is a picturesque hill station situated in the south Indian state of Kerala, God’s Own Country. It is especially famous for plantations of tea, coffee, spice and rubber. The fragrance of tea and spice plantations enthralls tourists from all over the world. It is a very ideal place to visit in south India especially the summer season.

05. Nainital: It is one of the most charming & captivating hill stations with many lovely lakes. It is often described as the “Lake Paradise”. In ancient times, the city was called the city of 60 lakes. With many lovely lakes, scenic surroundings, picturesque landscapes and cool & cheerful climate it is one of the most important places to see in India especially during the summer. The Nani Lake is the most famous lake in the town. Yachting, boating and paddling can be enjoyed on lovely lakes of Nainital.

If you are coming to visit India in other seasons, Taj Mahal tours and cultural tours of south India can be fascinating options. I will reveal more in my next article on other destinations of India which can be visited on all seasons.

What about Honeymoon Tour to Kerala to Spend Your Romantic Vacations

2010-07-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

Preparation of wedding is one of the most important parts of wedding if you are getting married. One another important part of wedding is choosing the right destination for your romantic honeymoon vacation. You need to consider where you will go to spend a romantic destination with your loved one. The choice of right destination should be planned in advance to make it memorable event of life that you are your beloved can be proud of all of your life. You should remember that honeymoon opportunity comes in your life once. So it should be unforgettable. Certainly you can go on second and third honeymoon but the charm of first honeymoon is incomparable. So the choice of destination for your first honeymoon should be carefully to make it an unforgettable one.

Confused about your honeymooning destination? What about Kerala in India? Certainly honeymoon in Kerala (also known as God’s Own Country) will be a unique lifetime experience. There are numerous options available in this beautiful Indian state to make your romantic vacation an unforgettable one. Honeymoon celebration in Kerala let tourists a wonderful opportunity to indulge in many fun and romantic activities to make this even a memorable one. There are a number of exotic places which are popular among couples coming from different parts of the world. Beaches, backwaters, lakes, houseboats, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries & parks, historical monuments, spice plantations, lush greenery, etc are to set a truly amiable and romantic ambiance for just unforgettable honeymoon. You will cherish attraction of Kerala on high level on your honeymoon tour to Kerala, India.

There are many beautiful beaches in this charming and captivating Indian state of Kerala. You will love to spend your holidays on breathtakingly beautiful and palm-fringed beaches of this state. Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Mararikulam, Beypore, Poovar, etc are some of famous beaches in this state where you will love spend your romantic vacations. On your Kerala honeymoon tour you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore these beautiful beaches.

Besides beaches, there are backwaters in this state which can add special charm to your vacations. And your spouse will certainly feel proud of your choice for choosing Kerala as destinations. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kozhikode, etc are famous backwater destinations in this state where you will love to go to spend your vacations. And you will enjoy best of backwater honeymoon vacations in Kerala by spending your memorable moments on luxury houseboat. A houseboat cruise over backwaters will set a truly romantic ambiance for your vacations after marriage.

There are many picturesque hill stations in this state which you will also love to explore on your honeymoon in Kerala. Munnar, Peremede, Ponmudi, Wayanad, Echo Point, etc are some of famous hill stations in Kerala known for exceptional national beauty. There are many other attractions and opportunity to indulge in fun activities in this state. So, choose Kerala as your honeymoon destination and make this event an unforgettable one.

Portland, Oregon- "The City of Roses"

2010-04-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the state of Oregon. As of July 2009, it has an estimated population of 582,130 making it the 29th most populous in the United States. It has been referred to as the most environmentally friendly or "green" city in the United States and the second most in the world. Portland is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in the Portland metropolitan area (MSA), the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland was incorporated in 1851 and is the county seat of Multnomah County. The city extends slightly into Washington County to the west and Clackamas County to the south. It is governed by a commission-based government headed by a mayor and four other commissioners.

The city and region are noted for strong land-use planning and investment in light rail, supported by Metro, a distinctive regional-government. Portland is known for its large number of microbreweries and microdistilleries, as well as its coffee fanaticism. It is also the home of the Trail Blazers NBA team.

Portland lies in the Marine west coast climate region, marked by warm, dry summers and rainy but temperate winters. This climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century, Portland has been known as "The City of Roses" with many rose gardens—most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Trip to India to See Heritage Attractions

2010-04-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

India is country of unity in diversity. It is a very fascinating platform of rich culture and tradition. It mesmerizes the world its unique diverse cultural and geographical features. The country is soaked in to long and rich history and providers tourists a wonderful opportunity to explore its cultural and geographical richness. Heritage of India never fail to impress visitors. There are a number of heritage attractions in this beautiful country appealing tourists and vacationers from all over the world. A well-organized India trip promises you for a marvelous holiday and tourism opportunity with sightseeing of many heritage attractions. Have a look at some of heritage attractions located in this country.

Taj Mahal – Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site appealing tourists and through out the entire world. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is built in pure white marble and its beauty is unmatched. This is the symbol of love built by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the commemoration of his most darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri – Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned and historical city located in the outskirts of AgraCity. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, It attracts a big number of tourists. It draws the attentions of almost tourists who trip to Agra in India to visit the magnificent love monument, the Taj Mahal. Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway in the world), Panch Mahal, Birbal Mahal, Salim Chisti Mosque and ruins are attractions of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar.

Red Fort – Red For in Delhi is one of the most opulent mughal monuments in India. It was constructed by mughal emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the Taj Mahal. The fort complex houses many beautiful structures and monuments like palaces, mosque, museums, etc. FortMuseum, Pearl Mosque, Bazaar, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, etc are attractions inside the fort complex. The Sound & Light show in the evening is the highlight of the fort complex.

Qutab Minar – Qutub Minar is the longest brick towers in the world. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions tourists love to visit on their India Trips and travel. It is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Interestingly, the Qutub Minar sometimes enjoys more visitors than of the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.

Khajuraho – The Khajuraho Group of Temples is an UNESO World Heritage Sites. The group encompasses many architecturally beautiful temples. Temples here are known for erotic art & architecture. The outer walls of the temples in Khajuraho are beautified with intricate carvings and sculptures. Many of sculptures depict sensual and erotic poses of lovemaking couples. You will definitely love to visit Khajuraho on your India Trip.

Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, Ajanta & ElloraCaves in Maharashtra, Elephanta Island & Caves in Maharashtra, Mahabalipuram Group of Temples in Tamil Nadu, etc are some other heritage attractions you will love to visit on your Trip to India. So, what about you? Trip India and enjoy and see its heritage attractions. You will have a unique lifetime experience.

Top Five Rajasthan Tourism Destinations

2010-04-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states of India. It deserves the attentions of tourists from all over the world. Colorful cultural heritage, ancient monuments, invincible forts, palatial palaces, exotic wildlife with rich flora & fauna, vast desert landscapes, vibrant & historical cities, traditional villages, mouthwatering cuisine, colorful fairs & festivals, religious places, heritage & palace hotels, etc are few names of Rajasthan tourism attractions which make the state one of the most visited tourism and holiday destinations around the world.

Literally, Rajasthan means – the Land of Kings – and of course it is. When you will travel to this wonderful Indian state you will see several magnificent forts & palaces of erstwhile rulers of the state. Still today the state seems like the lands of kings and drenched into royal grandeur and rich culture & traditions. Rajasthan rightly presents the perfect image of India in terms of hospitality, tradition, custom, culture and more.

Entire landscape of Rajasthan is worth exploring and worth enjoying. In a single article it is a tough task to describe about all the destinations and places of tourist interest of Rajasthan. So, in this article I am giving information about top five Rajasthan tourism destinations which you will surely love to explore on your Rajasthan tours and travel.

1.Jaipur – the Pink City of India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Also described as the Pink City of India, the city has lots of attractions to offer tourists from all over the world. Some of predominant attractions of Jaipur city are City Palace, Museum, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Government Central Museum, Albert Hall, etc. There are also heritage hotels in Jaipur offering world class accommodation as well as wonderful tourism & holiday opportunity. Jaipur is also base to visit several other destinations of Rajasthan. Ajmer, Pushkar, Samode, Sariska National Park and Ranthambhore National Park are easily accessible from Jaipur. Jaipur is also best destination to observe cultural charm of the state. During Rajasthan fair & festival the city becomes more beautiful and worth enjoying, worth exploring.

2.Bikaner – the Camel City of India

Bikaner, popularly described as the city of camels, is one of the must visit destinations of Rajasthan, India. Junagarh Fort, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandaser Jain Temple, Camel Breeding Farm & Research Centre, Laxmi Nath Temple, Ratan Behari Temple, Lallgarh Palace & Sadul Museum, Shiv Bari Temple, Gajner Palace, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Devi Kund Sagar, Katariasar Village, etc are predominant attractions of Bikaner tours & travel.

3.Udaipur – the Lake City of India

Udaipur is perhaps the most beautiful city of Rajasthan and must visit destination of Rajasthan travel and tourism. The city enjoys several fabulous nicknames due to various reasons. Some popular nicknames in praise of this city are White City, Romantic City, City of Lakes, City of Palaces, City of Dawn, etc. The city is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world. The city treasures lots of attractions to offer its visitors. Lake Palace – one of the most beautiful palaces in India, City Palace, Pichola Lake, etc are the worth visiting attractions of city. Now converted into heritage palace hotel, the Lake Palace is truly the worth staying. This palace hotel holds important place in every luxury Rajasthan tours package. Udaipur is also base to visit several other destinations and attractions like Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Ancient Jain Temples at Ranakpur, and nature blessed Mount Abu – the only hill station of the state.

4.Jodhpur – the Blue City of India

Jodhpur – the Blue City of India treasures lots of attractions to offer tourists from all around the world. Massive Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Royal Cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, etc are predominant attractions of Jodhpur Rajasthan tours. Rohetgarh Fort, Osian, Mandore, Khimsar Fort, Luni Fort, Bishnoi Villages, etc are worth visiting destinations around Jodhpur.

5.Jaisalmer – the Golden City of India

Popularly described as the Golden City of India Jaisalmer is also a worth visiting attractions of Rajasthan tourism. Travellers from all around the world visit this golden city of India. The city treasures lots of attractions to offer its visitors. Jaisalmer Golden Fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Gadsisar Sagar Lake, Tazia Tower, etc are very popular attractions of Jaisalmer visit. The city is also a base to enjoy camel safari on the desert and a visit to Sand Dunes. Khuri Villages, Pokran, Barmer, Desert National Park, Lodurva, Akal Wood Fossil Park, etc important excursions from Jaisalmer City.

Fort Geldria

2010-02-27T00:45:00.000-08:00

Fort Geldria or Fort Geldaria, located in Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, was the seat of theDutch Republic's first settlement in India. It was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1613 and became the local governmental centre in 1616. It was named for Geldria, the native province of Wemmer van Berchem, the General Director of the company. Regularly protected by a garrison of 80 to 90 men, Fort Geldria was the only fortification in the Indian empire; all other positions of the Dutch Company were trading posts.

The fort was built on the shores of Pulicat Lake, which provides access to the Bay of Bengal and the Coromandel Coast, an important area for many kinds of trade and an important scene of rivalry between the colonial powers of the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the British. A Portuguese fort was there before, and Fort Geldria was built on its foundations, with the permission of the local ruler, Queen Oboyama, who was supposed to contribute financially and become part-owner. This process, however, proved too slow for the Dutch, and they decided to finance and build it themselves. Local tradition holds that a Dutch ship, stranded in 1606, found aid among a group of expatriate Muslims, and thus began a trade partnership.

Within one month of completion, the fort came under attack from a local chieftain, Etheraja. After he was repulsed, the Portuguese attacked the fort from both land and sea but were fought off. The Dutch formed an alliance with the local traders and the Portuguese were kept at bay. The fort, which was supplied by the Gouden Leeuw in 1618 with 130 Dutch soldiers and 32 guns, became a focal point in the local turmoil and provided refuge to people from the Portuguese colonies. In 1619, the chief at Fort Geldria was accorded the title of Governor and Extraordinary Councillor of the Indies. In the second half of the seventeenth century, the fort's importance as a trading post (it dealt mainly in cotton fabrics) began to decline, due partly to competition with the British but mostly as a result of the sourthward expansion of the Mughal Empire. By 1689, the government moved to Negapatnam and subsequently to Ceylon.

When the director's seat moved, the fort was left with 18 guns and 40 men. The fort was restored in 1714, and was occupied by the British from from 1781 to 1785. Fort Geldria's success as a trading post seems unaffected by the changes of power. In 1786, for instance, caravans loaded with merchandise come in every month from places like Golkonda and Suratte and ships sail in from the Red Sea, Goa, and Malabar; there is a lively trade in cotton fabric and a flourishing industry in the dyeing of textiles. A 1792 description of Dutch trading posts in the East reports trade in sugar, arrack, Japanese copper, and spices. In 1795, the Dutch surrendered the fort to the British and blew it up in 1804 or 1805, before finally giving ownership to the British on 1 June 1825.

The British held the fort from 1825 until Indian independence. Fort Geldria is currently maintained by the Archaelogical Survey of India. Plans to restore the fort involve a cooperation between Dutch architects and scholars and the Tamil Nadu government, with financial help from the Dutch and Indian governments. The plans propose a restoration of the wetland eco-system of the area and of the remaining Dutch structures, including the well-preserved cemetery with 76 tombstones carved in the Netherlands.

China Tours – the Wall and the World Beyond

2010-02-24T01:08:00.000-08:00

China is one of the most exciting world travel destinations in the orient. A country that has contributed volumes to mankind in the fields of art, literature, and politics naturally appeals to the heart and soul. China has given birth to the likes of Hieun Tsang, Fa Hien, Confucius, Mao Tse Dong. Some great inventions such as paper, silk, and compass are also associated with the nation. So it is not much of a surprise that China tours have gradually become very popular in recent times.

China tours escort you to a city that is beautiful inside out. Whenever you embark on a China tour it would be an added advantage to know about China hotels as accommodation in any world travel destination is an important aspect to be dealt with. Many of these stand at par with the best world hotels. Irrespective of different star categories, they provide good hotel services along with warm hospitality.

During China tours, the best of China hotels are to be found in prime cities like Beijing, the capital of China, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The downtown area or the Wangfujing shopping district or the Xidan commercial street in Beijing, the Pudong commercial and industrial district in Shanghai, Yuxiang Square, Central Bell Tower and Drum Tower in Xian and the heart of Causeway Bay in Hong Kong are the main locations for China hotels that are some of the finest world hotels.

The rooms of most of the China hotels reflect the true Chinese spirit with the Chinese style of architecture and décor. Bright colors, typical ethnic structural patterns of China, a profusion of rich silk fabrics – all go on to set up the living quarters of the hotels that you are bound to check in at during your China tours.

According to many world travel guide, sailing through the Hwang Ho, treading down the Great Wall of China, losing yourself in the yummy noodles, exploring the Army of Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and gazing at the gloss and glitter of Shanghai are some of the best things to do on a trip to China. The country is also home to many stunning monuments and World Heritage Sites that are worth a watch. The top most world travel guides recommend many of these. Macau and Hong Kong are also very big draws and boast of a fabulous nightlife.

China tours are especially in vogue ever since the Beijing Olympics 2008 were announced. Known as Games of the XXIX Olympiad on record, the 2008 Beijing Olympics is slated to set the ball rolling on the 8th of August, 2008 and continue till the 24th of August, 2008. A China tour during this time will see you through the 28 sports and 302 events. Both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics will be held at the Beijing National Stadium in Beijing.

If you are a person with a taste for the old and the new alike, China tours will surely make a satisfied tourist out of you.

Top 5 Bird Watching Places in India

2010-02-24T01:06:00.000-08:00

As many as 1,200 species of birds make their home in India. This vast number is surely enough to make India one of the best bird watching destinations in the world.

The best bird watching destinations are:

Bird Watching in Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Located 175 km away from Delhi on Agra- Jaipur road, this park is declared as World Heritage Site. Stretched on 28.7 sq km, this park is home to 330 species of birds out of which several are migratory. Prominent bird species here are migratory birds like Siberian Crane, Geese, Ducks, Raptors, Warblers and Waders. Other frequently seen birds are pelicans, storks, herons, egrets and kingfishers. Best time to visit this park in the month of November to March.

Bird Watching in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across vast 800 sq km, this park boasts of 200 species of birds. Situated in the hills of Aravalli, birds species mainly found here are Wryneck Woodpecker Babbler, White Breasted Kingfisher, Little Brown Dove, Small Minivet, Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black/Red Headed Bunting, Golden Oriole, Little Brown Dove, Small Minivet, Great Gray Shrike, Pale Harrier and Tailor Bird and many more.

Bird Watching in Corbett National Park

There is a mind boggling 600 species of birds in this sanctuary. Bird watchers from all over the world come here to see these varieties. The park located in the western Himalayas in Uttaranchal is spread in an area of 600 sq km. The most prominent bird species are bareheaded goose, snipe, gull, duck, grepe, graylag, wagtail and sandpiper, raptors, darters, egrets, black-necked stork and cormorants are commonly seen here.

Bird Watching in Sunderbans National Park

Just 72 km away from kolkata, this park is spread across 2,585 sq km. Labeled as a World Heritage Site, this place is known for its mangrove forest. Bird sanctuary at Sajnekhali offers home to quite a lot of variety of birds like White ibis, Heron, Egret, Cotton Teal, Brahmini kite, Tern, Curlew.

Bird Watching in Kaziranga National Park

Spread across 430 sq km and situated on the bank of River Brahmaputra in Assam this park is made up of thick forest and lakes, the perfect conditions for the birds to thrive. Most prominent bird species are Pallas's fish eagle, black necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, grey pelican, Bengal floricans, grey peacock-pheasant, green imperial pigeon.

Bird Watching in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread in a total area of 777 sq km, 350 sq km area was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, better known as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in Kerala, this sanctuary houses 330 species of birds out of which like Darters, the Malabar Hornbill, Kingfishers, Cormorants and racket-tailed Drongoes are well known.

Mughal Gardens open to public from Saturday

2010-02-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

The Mughal Gardens will be opened for public from February 13 to March 11.

The splendour of colourful pansies and fragrant roses notwithstanding, the cacti corner and the bonsai segment at the sprawling Mughal Gardens in the Rashtrapati Bhavan here occupy the place of pride this year.

The Gardens, which will be thrown open to the public beginning Saturday, will have cacti in different sizes and colours, apart from exquisitely crafted bonsai plants. In the main Garden, visitors can see roses, lilies, tulips and pansies in full bloom.

“This year, the special attraction will be the cacti corner and the bonsai segment which will add to the beauty of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visitors, while walking in the gardens, will be able to experience how green surroundings and water bodies can add to an eco-friendly environment by attracting fauna,” said a Rashtrapati Bhavan official.

The Gardens, contiguous to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building, cover an area of 15 acres. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and inspired by the Mughal Gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, the garden around the Taj Mahal and Persian and Indian miniature paintings, it has three parts — the first is the rectangular garden adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building, divided into four quarters, each with terraced gardens on either side.

“The rectangular garden has several winter seasonal bulbous and flowering beds, with a prominence of a variety of roses in full bloom. They include Adora, Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Modern Art, Oklahoma, John F. Kennedy, Virgo, Mr. Lincoln and Folklore. In addition, dahlias, tulips, Asiatic lilies, daffodils, hyacinth and other seasonal flowers suitably incorporated add beauty to central garden,” the official said.

A view of Ring Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Following the central park, the long garden also has roses like Christian Dior, Queen Elizabeth, Iceberg, Pasadena, Montezuma, Summer Snow, First Prize and Century Two on display.

The circular garden at the western edge is lined with various flowers including violas and dahlias, phlox, poppy and larkspur. “Winter flowers like calendula, antirrhinum, alyssum, dimorphotheca, larkspur, gerbera, brachycome, verbena, viola, and pansy grow well here.”

The biodiversity park, with deer, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, turtles, parakeets, rabbits and migratory birds, is an added attraction. “This park is also full of peacocks. Important medicinal and aromatic plants, depicting their uses, can be seen in the educational-cum-conservation herbal garden. The bio-diesel producing plant jatropha, stevia [which provides safe sugar for diabetics], isabgol [plantago], damask rose, ashwagandha, brahmi, mints, tulsi, geranium and 33 other types of herbs can be seen in the herbal garden.”

The gardens will be open for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Mondays until March 11.

Visit India - Unforgettable Tours & Experiences, Unbeatable Deals

2010-02-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Information of india tours and travel, Holiday Packages of india,India tour operators, India Trip, Tours of India with best price, India Tour Operators, Budget Travel to India, Tourism Trinidad and Tobago,Travel Packages of India with Rajasthan.

India is one of the most intoxicating tourism destinations in the world with various fascinating attraction that delivers every need of the visitors. There are several fascinating destinations that captivates visitor and leave them spell bound. Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Srinagar, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Uttaranchal are some of the most visited tourist destination in India. Travel to any direction south, north, west and east it delivers a great feast to you’re your tour and also the tourist eyes. From the breathtaking snowy peaks to the steaming desert, from the emerald forest to the world renowned sanctuaries, visitors from every nook and corner of the world break through to enjoy the beauty of India. Infect it is only one destination in the world that offers with various captivating destinations.

Tourists from all over visit this truly blessed destination to catch the charming beauty of the India. It is the place where the magical power of the nature works to change the life of the visitors. Pristine beaches of Goa, sweltering golden sands of Rajasthan, fabled backwater destination of Kerala and the charming natural beauty of the hills leaves offers visitor to spend magical moment being in this magical land.

Visitors of every choice and preferences are welcomed in this land to grasp the exhilarating beauty of this magical land. Agra, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai has there own fascinating charm. Serenity of Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Varanasi, Uttarakhand, Ajmer, Gaya, Ladakh, Yamunotri, Kailashnath, Rishikesh are some of the famous shrine in India. Visitors from all over on there India travel visit these places to offer prayers at the shrine and get blessed for better life.

Rajasthan welcome visitors with vibrant colourful festivals than Goa shares the charm of its beaches. Kerala also follow the path of unique hospitality and offer backwater destination that is unseen to this world. Agra is world renowned for the symbol of undying love Taj Mahal. They beauty of Taj is the crown of India and is the heritage of India. It is must to be visited on your India tours and worth your visit to India. Every time you visit to this magical land you will find it interesting and extra ordinary than any other tourist destination in the world.

India is a place with various different religions coming up together in one beautiful garden. It is what makes this place so special and unique than rest of the world. So spend you holidays in India and you will come to know the secret and answer of your puzzling question.

Best Places to Visit in Europe

2009-12-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

Europe is undoubtedly rich in history, arts and culture. You can see it from the beautiful historical places and architectures. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a very popular holiday destination as well. If you are planning to tour in Europe, here are some remarkable and most popular places to visit:

London

London is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. With a lot of wonderful sights to visit, you will have a great time in your vacation.
Two remarkable tourist attractions in London are the Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Also, enjoy walking in the streets of the City of London to have a good view of some of its historic buildings.

Rome

Being known as the "capital of the world," Rome is an enticing place to visit. There are a lot of historical places in Rome that you can go to and have some fun. Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in Rome is the Vatican City.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is another place ideal for romantic couples. You will be awed with its world-renowned canals and architectures. Of course, don't forget to visit the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam has a laid-back atmosphere that you will surely enjoy. If you want to go partying at night, you will have a real time at Amsterdam.

Venice

Venice will give you something different. You can take a tour around the place through the gondolas and see its famous bridges and churches. Venice is also a place for romance. Take a look at the Grand Canal to complete your holiday vacation.

Paris

Almost everything in Paris is worth a visit. This place has a rich history. Take a peek at the famous Mona Lisa and works of famous artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt and many others at the Louvre. This place alone would give you a taste of history.
Another famous attraction in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This was built for the 1889 world Exposition by Gustave Eiffel. There are also restaurants in here and some are even ideal for a romantic dinner.
The white dome of Sacre Coeur is located at Montmartre knolle, also known as the butte, which is at the highest point of Paris. This basilica is known for its interiors in garish gold mosaic and its dramatic terrace.

Croatia

One of the best places to visit in Croatia is the Plitvice National Park. This natural sight is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.
There are 16 interlinked lakes with a large forest complex around it. This is also a World Heritage Sight. See the distinctive colors of the lakes that constantly change based on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water as well as the angle of the sunlight.
The city of Dubrovnik is also an beautiful attraction in Croatia. It will be a great experience for you to climb the magnificent city walls while having a view at the Mediterranean.
These are just a few of Europe's attractions and there are many more places that you should visit. Each country has a lot of things to offer, from historical places to magnificent architectures, you will surely have a great experience.

Seven Famous Places To Visit In India

2009-12-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

India is a globally famous tourism destination. There are several famous travel destinations in the country which deserve the attentions of tourists and travellers from all over the world. Known for its rich culture and traditions with numerous catchy attractions the country of India never fails to grab the heart of tourists and travellers. Here is brief description about top seven famous places to visit in India which you will surly love to explore on your India tours.

Rajasthan: It is the largest state of India. It is one of globally famous travel destinations of India. The royal state of Rajasthan is known for its rich culture and tradition. It can be perfect destination for those tourists who want to explore rich cultural heritage of India. Magnificent forts, elegant palaces, terrific temples, frescoed havelis, wildlife parks & sanctuaries, hills, lakes, desert, sand dunes, cuisine, fairs & festivals, etc are prime attractions of a visit to this historic state of India. Rajasthan has a great place among famous Indian tourist places. You should not miss to explore it during travel to India.

Kerala: It is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is fondly known as the God's Own Country. It is known for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful backwaters, verdant hill stations, and superb natural beauty. Nature has blessed Kerala perhaps with all her treasures. Kerala can be perfect destinations for honeymooners or those couples who are in love. Ayurvedic & spa resorts, monsoon tourism, and medical tourism also deserve the attention of tourist to visit Kerala, India.

Kashmir: It is perhaps the most beautiful place to visit in India. Beautiful gardens, lovely lakes, valley of flowers, verdant valleys & hills, etc team up together and create truly delightful and romantic ambiance. Thats why honeymooners from all over the world prefer to celebrate their honeymoon vacation in Kashmir. Kashmir is popularly described as the Paradise on the Earth. Kashmir is also known for some of famous pilgrimage sites like Amarnath Caves and Vaishno Devi. Ladakh in Kashmir is very famous for Budhist Monasteries and adventure & sport activities.

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh is one of the most charming and captivating states of India appealing tourists from all over the world. It is situated in the foothills of majestic Himalayas. It is basically famous for hill tourism and adventure and sport activities. Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, etc are some of famous hill stations of in the state. These beautiful hill towns of the state are very popular among honeymooners and tourists who are looking for adventure & sport activities on their visit to India. The state is also known for apple orchards.

Goa: Goa is a small but beautiful state of India. It is globally famous for beach tourism. It has some of finest beaches in the world. Churches, forts, palaces, temples, etc are prime attractions of Goa visit. Goa carnival lures tourists from all over the world. The ambiance at Goa beaches is truly delightful and romantic, so Goa is also famous among honeymoon couples. If you too want to explore exquisite beaches of India you should not miss to visit Goa during your trip to India.

Agra: Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a world famous tourist destination in India. It is home to world famous Taj Mahal Indias star attraction. Agra has great place among famous places to visit in India. It has several catchy attractions to offer its visitors. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Old Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, President House, Parliament House, Connought Place, etc are prime attractions of Delhi visit. Delhi is also known as gateway destination to visit some of famous north Indian tourist places.

I hope this article will help you to planning your India tours and explore its famous places and travel destinations.

India Tour - A Journey To Uncultivated India

2009-12-02T02:31:00.000-08:00

India a sanctuary of tourism delights, a civilization to tour through. Number of tourists visiting India is rising at an alarming rate. Tourists come to India for its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance, diversity of terrain and in search of that special something, an extra punch that only India promises and delivers. It is not wrong to say that tour to India can be organized for various purposes either for exploring natural beauty or for paying a holy visit to various pilgrimage centers, etc.

If you really want to discover the captivating splendor of India tourism, then places like Taj Mahal, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan, Kerala are the best choices. Similarly, sacred destinations like Golden Temple, Konark temple, Khajuraho etc are the most sought after destinations for those tourists who want to make a holy visit in India.

India tourism is not classified to pilgrimage centre or heritage sites, even the animal lovers can have a whale of the time while roving around the famous Kaziranga, Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, etc., national parks which are real treasure of diverse flora and fauna of India. Experience & Uncover the enchanting splendor of India tourism by various tour Packages as like : heritage tours, adventure tour, wildlife tour, pilgrimage tour packages and many other tour packages.

These packages are tailor-made and can be further customized as per the needs and requirements of the tourists. Although, India is one such a destination which is visited by numerous tourists throughout the year round, yet tourists prefer visiting India during festive season of Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Christmas, etc. to get a glimpse of high-spirited celebrations made by Indian people during these colorful festivals. It is not wrong to say that by availing these tour packages, one can surely get a brief insight of the eternal Indian tourism of which it boasts for.

South India Tourism Guide

2009-11-27T03:12:00.000-08:00

India is one of the tourist hub where visitor can find huge list of sightseeing and tourists attraction that are well known in the world. Among the famous tourists places of India, South India tour is one the famous tours of India where tourists can find famous temples, backwaters, houseboat, wildlife, ayurveda centers and spa resorts. Tour to South India where visitors can also go for famous hill station at Kerala and visit to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts. South India holidays takes tourists to Kovalam that is famous for beach of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches and international beach Resort with full of Coconut trees.

Some famous tourists spots of South India:

Kerala Backwaters: Backwater tour is one the famous India tours that attracts the tourists most. It is one of the exhilarating ways of spending your holidays in Kerala. Here tourists find amazing sight view, gorgeous greens, the canopies of coconuts, the shimmering waters, composed beaches and the tantalizing backwaters welcome you to the God's Own Country - Kerala.

Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu: In South India you will also find various hills stations that have amazing climate through out the year. The four major hills stations in Tamil Nadu are Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Velliangiri Hills. Ooty which is known as queen of hill stations in South India. It is nestled at the height of 2240m in the Nilgiri Hills. With its captivating natural beauty and host of other attractions like Botanical gardens, Artificial lake, Kalhatty waterfalls and wild life sancuturaies like Madhumalai and Dodabette. Ooty always remains a favorite tourist destination during India tours. Kodaikanal is located in the Palani hills at the height of 2100m, its secluded location (120kms From Madurai) adds more to its charm. As people like to visit this place to get a break from their mundane life.

Kerala House Boats : Kerala house boat along with backwater makes your India holidays a special one. Kerala Houseboat Cruise Since ancient times Kerala has used its lake and canals as a water network for transporting men and material. Being aboard a houseboat is a tranquil, stressless adventure where you will see the beautiful Kerala keep passing by.

Hill Station in Kerala: Kerala which is famous for backwaters tour, spa resorts and ayurveda centers tourists also find hill stations with cool and awesome climate. During India tour much of Kerala exotic appeal is focused in the highland area of the western ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of stretches of loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

Ooty : Earlier Ooty was known as Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam, which lies 7,349 ft above sea level in the Nilgiris, is known as the Queen of southern hill resorts of India. Situated in the Nilgiris, this famous hill station is at the junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, three southern states of India. Where make most of their tour packages India.

New Zealand beyond any travel books

2009-11-21T03:34:00.000-08:00

If I was a child visiting New Zealand and would draw a picture of my trip I will paint green rolling hills dotted here and there with white and brown spots, a crystal turquoise river, a rainbow in the blue ski crossed by a falcon and iced peaks on the background, that’s pretty much the amazing Kiwi’s land.

We soon found out that New Zealand is in fact all about great landscapes. This time we didn’t equip ourselves with the usual Lonely Planet. It wasn’t that complicated to drive around the empty spaces especially in the south island. Even when we got “lost” the panorama was so great that we would it considered only a detour to another pretty place and, even in the worst scenario, we couldn’t get much far away from the classic itineraries as there are barely few alternative roads or any road at all!

So, our travel guru? Armed with the holiday parks campground directory 09, the conservation campsites booklet and some route planner’s maps for both the South and North Islands (all for free) we went off discovering first the South Island on a 4500km roadtrip through immense flat landscape, curvy coastline, steep and twisty mountain roads.

Untouched nature reigned supreme along our journey: the green Canterbury plains, through the Mackenzie country with its imposing Mount Cook, going back to the gold mining age in Central Otago, passing by tranquil lakes like the much photographed Lake Tekapo, rushing rivers, tiny peaceful seaside villages and rugged coastline along the Catlins Coast, followed by dramatic landscapes of water and ice from the Fiordland to the blue-white glaciers up to pristine golden beaches, crystal clear sea and luxuriance subtropical rainforests in the Nelson region all this without leaving the Island, can you believe it? Not to mention our many thrilling wildlife encounters from the Kea in the fiords, lively and curious weka that stole our bbq chicken at the Abel Tasman National Park , sleepy seals lying on the rocks along the Otago cost, funny blue penguins’colony in Omaru, pukeko birds, falcons and many more birds speciees to huge stingray and sea stars living carpets.

We did occasionally crossed along some civilizations: the bustling city of Christchurch, the university town of Dunedin, also known as the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city, the vibrant city of Nelson within the premier wine producing region of Marlborough, the pretty lake city of Queenstown but what’s all the fuss about it? It’s definitely more about great bars and crazy activities but our style was more laidback...will like to say something more about the myth of an immense romantic drive so we didn’t hang around there for long.

And who said that Autumn (April-May) is a bad time to visit NZ?

Beautiful clear days, calm sea, dust of snow on the peaks but still sunny day, the magical colours of the autumn and, the best of all, it was all to ourselves, none around, and the big cold yet to strike. Well, the weather still managed to ruin some of our plans: the great Kepler tracks (maybe cause we were not prepare for it, not at all), kayaking through the Abel Tasman National Park due to a 4 days storm and the walk to the Fox Glacier tongue due to an avalanche few days before..phew better that way and still can not complain it has been a fantastic time!

That’s was pretty much our south island trip, an endless detouring through picturesque uncrowned roads.

Tour Places in India, Rajasthan

2009-10-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Situated in the north western part of India, Rajasthan is the most preferred tourist destination of tourists who makes trip to India. Rajasthan the land of rajas and maharajas is the major tourists’ destination of India. The state is endowed with superb royal beauty, eye catching monuments, beautiful landscapes, exotic wildlife sanctuaries, rich culture, colourful festivals, cheerful people, etc. It has stored something for every tourists making tem enjoy their vacation in this beautiful state in a delightful and memorable way. Every year hundred and thousands of tourists, businessman, holidayers, etc break from their daily routine and break for Rajasthan holidays to explore its unmatched royal beauty and splendid attractions.

This beautiful state of India has several tourist destinations that are worth visiting and exploring while making a trip to Rajasthan. Well known places to visit in Rajasthan are Jaipur (Capital City of Rajasthan), Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Chittourgarh, Shekhwati region, Chittourgarh, Pushkar, Mandawa, Udaipur, etc. These places are visited throughout the year by the tourists not only from India, but gather the attention of International tourists in a large number. Touring in these cities is made easier and enjoyable by the Rajasthan car rentals service providers. They offer fleets of luxurious cars with VIP chauffeurs who will make your trip more delightful by guiding you through all these places. Exploring the beauty of these cities will truly give you everlasting experience that you will love to cherish throughout your lifetime.

Rajasthan is also famous for its exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries that appeals tourists from tour and travels in Rajasthan. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park, Desert National Park, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, etc are some of the well known parks and sanctuaries of Rajasthan. These wildlife parks are abode of varied wildlife animals and birds and even the home of the varied endangered species of the world. Every year quite in a large number tourist and wildlife lovers from all over the world come to explore the exotic flora and fauna of this beautiful state of India, Rajasthan.

Beside Rajasthan there are several other tours place in India which also appeals tourists from all over the world for tours and travels in India. Goa the beach capital of India is globally famous for its pristine beaches fringed by coconut trees, Kerala is famously known as God’s Own Country is famous for its exotic natural beauty, backwaters, hill stations, beaches, Ayurvedic Spa, mouthwatering cuisines, etc, Himachal Pradesh the Land of Apples is globally famous for its hill stations, etc. Agra is world famous for housing the Seven Wonder of the World- Taj Mahal, Jammu and Kashmir is said to be the Heaven on Earth, Uttarakhand the “Abode of Gods” is well known for its scenic beauty and adventure tourism, etc. There are several other tourist destinations in India that exotically beautiful and are worth exploring by booking the package tours to India.

India is the country of all seasons and tourists from all from all over the world keep visiting to explore its unmatched beauty that is found no where else in the world. Visit this beautiful country once and you will love to share the experience with much pride with your dear ones.

India tour packages

2009-10-28T01:25:00.000-07:00

India is the highly praised tourist destination as it houses verities of tourist destinations ranging from elevated Himalayan valley, enchanting see beaches, mesmerizing Thar Desert.

INDIA IS the highly praised tourist destination as it houses varieties of tourist destinations ranging from elevated Himalayan valley, enchanting see beaches, mesmerizing Thar Desert, many significant heritage and historical destinations to rich flora and fauna in many wildlife sanctuaries in north and south Indian subcontinent. Today, a large number of tourists from each part of the world are planning to explore the vibrant and colorful destinations of India by making their India tours.

Due to the increased value of tourism in India, India tour operators have acknowledged the significance of requisite tools to cater better quality of services such as warm hospitality and customized tour packages. They offer verities of India tour packages in various locations of country as per the desire of leisure seekers. The geographical uniqueness of various parts of country and vibrant culture of different localities are the major factor that makes this country a prime location in tourism map of world.

India tour packages offer a great chance to explore many discovered and undiscovered destinations in various parts of the Indian land. Apart from sightseeing, tourist can enjoy many other adventures activities through the river rafting, trekking, biking, mountaineering and many more sports. Almost each Indian state has its uniqueness in tourism point of view. Elevated Himalayan ranges of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh entice all adventure seekers where they get suitable trekking fun. It would be really a great chance for you if you will ramble in the scenic ambience of peaceful Himalayan region. Destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttaranchal, Sikkim Himalayas and Darjeeling in the north east have very exciting trekking roots.

When we talk about the India tour then of-course the first thing which appears in our mind is –the wonderful world famous monument of Agra i.e. the Taj Mahal. If a tourist has not seen the Taj Mahal of Agra, India, that means he/she has read only a few page of world tourism book but not the entire book. Similarly, if you will visit to Khajuraho, then you can get opportunity to see the unique medieval erotic sculpture on the wall of temples. It keeps both the spiritual and emotional value of Indian art and design. Some other spiritual sites in northern India are- Varanasi (one of the oldest city in world and also known as city of ghats), Bodh Gaya (ideal pilgrimage site for Buddhists), Haridwar and Rishikesh. India tour packages are highly praised due to colorful and attractive charm of royal state of Rajasthan. It houses many heritage sites, fort and palace, beauty of Thar Desert and of course the cultural heritage that keeps worth for every tourist. Staying in heritage hotel of Rajasthan is really a memorable experience for any tourist. South India tour gives opportunity to explore the Kerala Backwaters, and Kerala Ayurvedic therapy, which are unique in its own.

Apart from these significant destinations, miles of coastline with outstanding beaches, tropical forests and wildlife, hundreds of spiritual and historical sites along with some World Heritage Sites and many more other cultural things make India a perfect tourist destination.

Significance of Diwali

2009-10-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

Deepavali or Diwali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting fire crackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.

It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.

Who shall set off the first chain of crackers that go boom, bang and vroom? and who is the owner of the 10-minute 'banger' that steals the thunder from your little chain of needle-sized crackers? Does the boy next door have more crackers than me?

Competition is stiff, and even the little girl in silk frocks and their finery are watching out for the best sparklers and flowerpots, the rockets and Vishnuchakras, which light-up the night sky like a thousand stars. Grown-ups are the soul of generosity. Festive bonhomie abounds.

History of Diwali

2009-10-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.

But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)

The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.

Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.

The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".

The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.

For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.

Diwali Celebrations in India

2009-10-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

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Mt. Everst

2009-09-25T01:38:00.000-07:00

Mt. Everest at an altitude of 8,848m (29028ft) has been recognized as Top of the universe because it is the earth’s highest point. Annually thousands of tourists assemble to spend blissful moment in the mountain.

This outstanding peak is the prime attraction among all. First scaled by Sir Edmond Hillary and Late Tenzing Norge Sherpa in 1953, since then it has been dream for every adventure seeker to reach on its summit. This is really a challenging job but those who have the courage determine to get it done.

Starting from base camp situated on Khumbu glacier at 5486m (18000ft), climbers set their way crossing crevasses, Sercs and chunks of ice using fixed ropes and aluminum ladder led by climbing guide. The team should be fully equipped with modern equipments, satellite phone, medicine kit etc.

Facts About Mt. Everest

* Tallest mountain in the world.
* Number of people to attempt to climb Mt. Everest: approximately 4,000.
* Number of people to successfully climb Mt. Everest: 660.
* Number of people who have died trying to climb Mt. Everest: 142.
* Height: 29,028 feet, or 5 and a half miles above sea level. This is equivalent to the size of almost 20 Empire State Buildings.
* Location: part of the Himalaya mountain range; straddles border of Nepal and Tibet.
* Named for: Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India.
* Age: approximately 60 million years old.
* Other names: called "Chomolungma" by Tibetans and Sherpas, which means "Mother Goddess of the Earth."
* Countries visible from the summit: Tibet, India, and Nepal.
* First to climb to summit: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.
* Notable dates:
1921 — Dalai Lama allows British reconnaissance party to visit Tibet and the northern side of Mt. Everest.
1924 — British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappear near the summit, along the Northeast Ridge. It is possible that they may have actually been the first to reach the summit, but they never returned.
1949 — Nepal opens its borders, making access to the mountain's southern peak possible.
1953 — Hillary and Norgay reach summit.
1963 — First Americans reach the summit.
1989 — First two women, both American, reach the summit.
1990 — Sir Edmund Hillary's son, Peter, reaches summit.
1996 — Eleven people die during spring expeditions.

London

2009-09-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom. It has been an influential city for two millennia, and its history goes back to its founding by the Romans, then named Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its medieval boundaries. However, since at least the nineteenth century, the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis that has developed around it. Today, the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.

London is a preeminent global city and one of the world's largest financial centres.Central London is home to the headquarters of more than half of the UK's top 100 listed companies and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest. London's influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church.

London has a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2007, it had an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area (the second largest in the EU) has a population of 8,278,251. while the metropolitan area (the largest in the EU) has an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million. The public transport network, administered by Transport for London, is the most extensive in the world, London Heathrow Airport is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers and the airspace is the busiest of any urban centre in the world.

The etymology of London remains a mystery. The earliest etymological explanation can be attributed to Geoffrey of Monmouth in Historia Regum Britanniae. The name is described as originating from King Lud, who had allegedly taken over the city and named it Kaerlud. This would have had a derivational form Kaerludein, which, by aphaeresis, eventually developed as London. Many other theories have been advanced over the centuries, most of them deriving the name from the Welsh or British languages. It is also believed the name "London" comes from the celtic word "Lyndon", which means "shadowy waters", referring to the Thames River.

Although there is evidence of scattered Brythonic settlements in the area, the first major settlement was founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Londinium, following the Roman conquest of Britain. This Londinium lasted for just seventeen years. Around 61, the Iceni tribe led by Queen Boudica stormed this first London, burning it to the ground. The next, heavily planned incarnation of the city prospered and superseded Colchester as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia in 100. At its height in the 2nd century, Roman London had a population of around 60,000.