Most Popular Singapore Tourist

Jurong Bird Park

Night SafariThe ever so popular Night Safari can be found on the grounds of the Singapore Zoo. It is in fact the first night safari found anywhere in the world and it allows its visitors to view a large number of nocturnal animals in their natural settings. There are over a hundred species of animals which visitors can see during their visit to the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. Opening hours of the Night Safari are daily from 19:30 until midnight. Tickets for the Night Safari range from SGD 10.40 until SGD 15.50.

Singapore is a rather spectacular travel destination and it should definitely be on every tourists list of places to visit. Singapore is not a typical Asian city as there is a strong British influence which can be seen in everything from architecture to politics. It is definitely a city where the East meets the West. Singapore is also a wonderful holiday destination as there are so many excellent tourist attractions from which tourists can choose.

Singapore is one of the leading travel destinations in Asia and millions of tourists visit this nation island every year. It is also a popular business travel destination as a large number of exhibitions and conferences are organized every month in Singapore. This article however focuses on what makes Singapore such as fantastic destination for tourists which is why we have listed some of the most popular Singapore tourist attractions.

Another very popular tourist attraction in Singapore is the Jurong Bird Park. Not only tourists enjoy visiting the Jurong Bird Park as also a lot of local Singaporean residents enjoy visiting this lovely and rather stunning wildlife park. Visitors can find nearly ten thousand birds from six hundred species in this twenty hectare bird park. If you would like to visit the Jurong Bird Park then please note that opening hours are daily from 08:00 until 18:00. Entrance fee for children is SGD 4.10 and the entrance fee for adults is SGD 10.20.

Sentosa IslandNo visit to Singapore can possibly be complete without a visit to the amazing Sentosa Island. It is an island which is located on the main island of Singapore and it has been developed into a major travel destination. There are a number of wonderful hotels and resorts located on Sentosa Island and a large section of Sentosa Island has also been developed into what seems a major theme park. All types of attractions and activities can be found on Sentosa Island including an underwater world as well as several camping grounds. Please note that the entrance fee for adults to Sentosa Island is SGD 6 and for children it is SGD 4. You will need to buy separately tickets for all the various attractions on Sentosa Island.

Holiday In Modern Amsterdam, The City Of Mystery And Romance

The city of Amsterdam has a lot more to offer than sex, drugs, and even culture. Shopping is amazing there, both on the shopping streets and in the numerous markets. Being one of the foremost centers of culture in Europe, there are literally hundreds of venues that offer world class entertainment throughout the city. Museums abound. Plenty of low-cost entertainment can be found, and there are lots of festivals and cultural events that may interest you. Add street performers and live bands in the many bars and clubs to complete the scene.

Flights to Amsterdam are getting more reasonable than ever before. Accommodations vary, from camping, hostels, inexpensive hotels, luxury hotels, to holiday apartments that are available for short let. If you are traveling with a group of friends, or your family, short let apartments are a great idea. You can find lovely, roomy apartments for one hundred euros a day in the Jordaan area to beautifully furnished two-story apartments in the Canal district where there is delightful shopping.

Do you want even more luxury? How about a gorgeous, fully furnished holiday apartment with several flat screen televisions, a couple of balconies, and modern kitchen and baths? Place it near the best museums, the Anne Frank house, some of the best restaurants, Dam Square, and the Central Station all for 235 euros!

Okay, so you need to take care of flights and accommodations first off. It will be easy, if you spend some time online checking out the various holiday deals, flights, and hotels-apartments. Before you choose a hotel or holiday short let apartment, it would be wise to figure out what you can afford and what your main interests are. In other words, if you are going there strictly for the legal sex, drugs, and thrills, you will want to locate in or near that district. While it is crowded and noisy at night, it is calm and quiet in the morning.

Driving is discouraged in the centre of the city. You have the option of bus and tram lines, free ferries that transport both pedestrians and cyclists, fare charging ferries, water taxis, rental boats, and a water bus, as well as canal cruises. Two of the best ways to see much of what Amsterdam has to offer is by bicycle (inexpensive to rent) or by taking a canal trip. These are fast ways to orient yourself to this busy and active city.

London - Best city break holidays

London, the capital of England, is a truly diverse place. As a holiday destination it is somewhere that everyone should go - no matter where you're from or your background. There is something in London for everyone and a trip here is guaranteed to leave you with plenty of memories.There is a good chance you are from London if you are reading this post - and you already know why London is a great place to visit.Of course if you are looking for a beach holiday, or somewhere nice and ralaxing, London definitely isn't the place for you, but as a city break it is second to none. There is so much going on and the pace of life may leave you breathless if you are not used to it but it is definitely an experience.There are many tourist attractions in London - too many to mention in one post - The London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the River Thames... Evening entertainment is second to none - countless top-class theatres put on shows in the West End, and hundreds of clubs and bars pull in the punters as well. If you want to relax, Londons parks are lovely, especially in the summer.

The London Eye at night

Hotels can be expensive , but if you do you do your research you can find some cheap hotels in London. The Ritz might be out of most peoples league but its a good place to go for some afternoon tea, booking is recommended! Transport around the city is fairly good, with regular buses and tube trains linking up all areas of the city, and the famous London cabs if you want a more luxurious way to get round.

Overall London is definitely one of the best holiday destinations for a city break - you need a good week or so to see all the sights and really enjoy it. It's a city full of history, culture and great entertainment and is open all year round, no matter what the weather.

Top 3 places to visit in Mexico

Mexico City is a very big city, with a population of 111,211,789 according to The World Fact Book. And although there are many great places to see while there, there are too many to write in this blog. So, here are a few that really caught my eye and should be on your list if your planning on visiting.

1. Coyoacan-

Coyoacan is a very artsy, hippy, colonial-era suburb noted for its beautiful town center. It has cobble stone streets, old mansions, and several of the cities most interesting museums. This was also the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Coyoacan has a hippy feel with a very popular market every weekend in the town center(Centro de Coyoacan). At night, during the Christmas season there is an incredible slide show of beautiful Holiday themed art that is projected on the outside wall of the church in the town center.

2. Colonia Condessa

This area of Mexico City is a more upscale area and is very well known for some of the city's hippest cafe's, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. The neighborhood is also well known for its parks and restored Art Deco buildings. From upscale restaurants, off-beat shops, art galleries, fashion shows, and nightclubs, you can pretty much find it all here.

3. Polanco

Similar in some ways to Condessa, Polanco is also a very upscale area of Mexico City. Here in Polanco you have a street named Mazaryk. This street is like the Rodeo Dr. of Beverly Hills, so be prepared to spend some pesos because Mazaryk is home to some of the best designers in the world. Other than shopping, there is also the Hard Rock Cafe, the W Hotel, and the Mexico City Museum located nearby. Most everything is within walking distance, the people are very friendly, and the area is very safe.

Family travel: All off together - and baby came, too

For many parents, the idea of touring the world with their children in tow sounds like Hell. But those who have tried it report that their experience was far closer to Heaven. The notion of being stuck together as a family 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is certainly a daunting prospect.

Burgnard family in Quebec

Getting away from it all: the Burgnard family in Quebec. The couple and their daughters are now on Easter Island

Mark Twain even managed a quip for this: "Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." But he also said: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." Travel - if planned correctly, with time together and apart - has a mysterious way of resolving family problems and of getting everyone rested and in the mood to start having fun again. Think therapy without the shrink.

Parents will have plenty to consider before they pack and go. They need to prepare for exhaustion and for new responsibilities, as well as recalibrating their lives on all levels - including career, self-image and curtailed freedoms and relationships. Compare these challenges with those faced by freewheeling kids on gap years and there's simply no contest.

So why doesn't putting one's feet up at home have the same benefits? Besides the sink and the stove, there's that third party - the television. You might well get some rest, but a clear head to work things out? Or the energy to do something enjoyable? No chance.

The decision to get up and go can be a tough one, although some people need little persuasion. Juliet Heller was one such. Her eureka moment came when she was reading a bedtime story to her son. The tale told of a family that went sailing around the world. As the pages were turned, the fictional parents started talking, smiling at one another and cuddling.

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"Mmm, good idea," Juliet said to herself as she read on. And so off they went, to cruise the canals and waterways of the Netherlands for six weeks. "Apart from consolidating our own relationships, there's a special bond between sailors that makes friendships quick and easy to forge, especially when there are children on board," she says. Needless to say, the family had a wonderful time and this became the first of many similar trips.

The effects of such action are usually immediate. Besides the usual travel-dazzle pleasures, there's nothing quite like a world perspective to make us feel fortunate with our lot. Every trip also contributes to a sense of collective achievement as a family, and few sights are as warming as watching your offspring being patted and hugged by people you meet along the way. Even the odd run-in with poor companions can have a silver lining. As every parent knows, Other People's Children can make you feel curiously satisfied with your own.

Taking time out can also help parents to absorb some of their children's ability to play, making for some memorable moments together. Children, of course, are naturally amenable. As the novelist and travel writer Pico Iyer said: "Every child is a born adventurer, and every traveller a born-again child." Soon, everyone unwinds and begins to enjoy themselves: toes are wiggled in streams; milk shakes, hammocks and dreams are shared.

As part of the relaxation process, couples will inevitably have some frank conversations. Rows might occur, but problems between partners are best not ignored. And what better way to work things out than against a different backdrop?

The Harrises - Yael, in marketing and PR and husband Sam, a photographer - claim to have avoided conflict during their six years travelling in India and Australia with their two daughters, now eight and three. They both found work along the way, but otherwise conserved finances by "wwoofing" (from the acronym WWOOF - Willing Workers On Organic Farms). The scheme allows a few hours of farm work each day in exchange for food and a bed.

It's a period that they already refer to as their "Golden Years". When asked about rows, their response is: "What rows?" They eventually admit to a patch of "some tension" years ago. While listing the familiar benefits of travel, they also point out that, for most children, it's a rare treat to have both parents around all day long. "When you spend so much time together, you get to read and respect each other's needs," says Yael.

Adolescents have their own problems to work through, which is why they tend to be more difficult. The Burgnards, both teachers (a very transportable skill), are currently on Easter Island, mid-way through a gap year with their three daughters aged 16, 19, and 21. They say that being together has been a challenge, although they value the closeness it has given them as a family. Their youngest, Manouck, declares: "I wouldn't be talking to my parents in this way if my friends were around." Maybe that's the point. Without email, Facebook or the pub, everyone gets to spend more time with each other.

Matt Heason, now 35, trekked across Sudan and Nepal as a child with his parents. These days, he looks forward to travelling to his parents' kitchen, where the family gathers several times a year. After dinner, the travel stories are re-lived one by one, with the memories illustrated by the expedition photographs plastered all over the kitchen wall. As Matt's father, Alan (now a grandfather), says: "It's curious how even bad patches make for good memories. They can keep the kids happy for years." The lows, the highs, they're all good. What else in life can make a similar claim?

Top 10 Places to spend Christmas

1. Las Vegas 

Christmas is all about indulgence and treating yourself and your family, and what better place for this than the city of over the top luxury and entertainment that is Las Vegas. There are a number of impressive hotels that go all out for the Christmas and New Year period with some visually stunning decorations, and this time of year you can also get some great bargains as there is heavy competition among hotels to secure Christmas bookings. The Mirage is one of the biggest luxury hotels, and the massive aquarium in the lobby will take your breath away. It is also a casino and has its own shows such as the very popular Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, which you will need to book in advance as it can sell out at peak times.

2. Honolulu, Oahu 

Tropical beach resorts are always popular at Christmas time and the heart of Hawaii, the island of Oahu, is one of the best mid winter sun destinations, full of warm and welcoming traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery. The famous white tropical beaches of Waikiki are the perfect place to treat your family to a relaxing, memorable Christmas, and Honolulu city spares no expense on the holiday decorations and electric Christmas light parades.

3. Disneyland, Orlando, Florida 

Perhaps one of the most special places you can take your children for the Christmas break is Disneyland. It really is a magical place, and Christmas is extra special with some fantastic decorations all across the park and its hotels, with an amazing 50,000 lights decorating Sleeping Beautys Castle and a 60 foot Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. The rides themselves are also redecorated at Christmas, and kids will love the seasonal changes to the Haunted House, with a whole theme based on Tim Burtons popular The Nightmare Before Christmas film featuring Jack Skelington. There is also an amazing Christmas Fantasy Parade which is unmissable as well as West Pole which is set up in Frontierland and features a get away for Santa so that he can unwind before his big day.

4. New York 

Christmas in New York is spectacular, with some impressive decorations and fantastic shows and entertainments. A visit to the huge kids toy stores FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us in Times Square are truly magical, as well as the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the amazing Christmas window displays at Macys and Saks Fifth Avenue. New York is very cold at this time of year and there is a good chance of snow falling, which can make getting around a bit awkward but adds to the magical atmosphere.

5. Meran, Southern Tirol Italy  

 This is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world and also provides a number of other fantastic activities including hiking tours, mountain biking and the very popular lighted night skiing and sledding. The beautiful old Meran town centre was built in the 13th century and was formerly the capital of the Tirol area and offers some excellent and atmospheric shopping and dining experiences over the Christmas break.

6. Bay of Islands, New Zealand 

New Zealand is an amazing country with such a lot to offer, and it is summer here in December so expect barbecues on the beach rather than open fires and eggnog. The Bay of Islands has some of the worlds most outstanding natural scenery with over 150 different tiny islands and secluded beaches, and you can stay in beautiful little secluded villas which look out over the miles of blue ocean. Seaside restaurants in the area provide fantastic Christmas feasts if you dont feel in the mood to cook for yourself, and you can take memorable Christmas morning cruises out from Russell Harbour to watch wildlife such as dolphins and whales.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland 

Christmas is always celebrated in style in Edinburgh, with fantastic firework displays and some great Christmas shopping and dining experiences. The luxurious Caledonian Hilton provides an atmospheric and intimate stay with roaring fireplaces and tasteful decorations, and a trip to the 600 year old St. Giles Cathedral on Christmas Eve to hear the sermon and carol singing is truly special and will get you in the perfect mood for Christmas day.

8. Malm, Sweden  

This beautiful city was built back in the 16th century and has some amazing buildings that look simply magical covered in decorations and a light blanket of snow. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve by most families in Sweden, so make sure that if you want to eat Christmas dinner out you book up in advance on 24th, as most restaurants actually close on Christmas Day. Traditional Swedish Christmas feasts are based on mainly fish dishes, but you will find the odd turkey roast here and there.

9. Mexico City  

There is a real party vibe in the capital of Mexico all year long, but things get especially hot at Christmas time, making this one of the best Christmas party towns in the world. Check into the Hotel Habita, which has a wonderful swinging rooftop lounge and lap pool, and is full of experienced party people looking to unwind and have a great time. You can eat a traditional Mexican Christmas meal in the fantastic courtyard at San ngel Inn, which is a former Carmelite monastery built in 1692, and there is also some excellent gift shopping places in the nearby main square where artists and craftsman display their wares in various shops and stalls.

10. Boston USA 

Boston has a real old world feel, with its grand old architecture and cobblestoned streets , and it is a real treat to spend Christmas here browsing through the shops and stalls and relaxing in one of the many coffee houses and cafes. The XV Beacon Hotel is a great place to stay combining vintage detail such as four poster beds with modern amenities (Internet connections and CD players) and it is close to the one of the oldest parks in the USA, Boston Common which looks simply stunning when it snows in mid winter.

New business model needed, vendor says

A San Diego gift shop operator has drawn the ire of cultural watchdogs after ousting island artisans from one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.

Some fans of the Polynesian Cultural Center, which draws about 700,000 visitors each year, complain that many authentic crafts have disappeared from the center's gift shop on Oahu since San Diego-based Event Network took over retail operations last year.

I tried to go Christmas shopping and couldn't find the local crafters that I normally find at PCC, said Kathy Connors, a resident of Windward Oahu. I'd say at least 90 percent of it is made in China or overseas. I'm originally from Hong Kong, and I just can't send Made-In-China Hawaiian gifts to friends in Hong Kong.

Event Network, which operates gift shops in museums, aquariums and other attractions nationwide, acknowledged that the previous handful of local artisans and vendors who ran several center shops were let go when the company took over.

The center, located about one hour from Waikiki, is a top tourist destination. It consists of seven native villages that are designed to give visitors a glimpse of native Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures.

But the perceived influx of look-alike crafts not produced on the islands has miffed cultural purists. The issue landed Event Network on the front page of The Honolulu Advertiser last week.

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Larry Gilbert, president of Event Network, maintains that the center's gift shops and crafts remain very authentic to the cultures the center showcases. He said the shops source many of the same items from the displaced vendors as well as new ones.

There are people who create crafts all over the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands, and there are many different people we buy from, said Gilbert, whose company operates gift shops in 48 locations, including the San Diego Air &Space Museum in Balboa Park. There isn't just one source of product. Our job is to bring together the best and most authentic and most interesting assortment possible. It is no different from any retail environment sources change.

The center does offer products made in Hawaii and the Pacific, including tapa cloth made in Hawaii and Fiji, according to Event Network. Other items are produced elsewhere to keep them affordable for instance, the center's Hawaiian-style quilts are made in the Philippines.

Susan Kunz, director of PCC's retail stores for Event Network, said the company required a different business model when it took over operations for the center, according to the Advertiser article that ran Thursday.

There were a lot of unhappy feelings. For some of these people that was their whole livelihood. So that's a tough thing, Kunz said. But it just becomes a different business model. You just have to adjust. It's a different way of doing business.

Kunz told the newspaper that the challenge is maintaining a product balance that serves everyone from Saudi princes to everyday tourists. Because PCC is a major cultural attraction it needs a steady supply of quality products, she said.

I need to find people who can supply me and who can keep me in product and who can deal with a company, Kunz told the Advertiser. We don't do cash on delivery, for example. And we're not a craft fair. We're not one-time buyers. So we deal with purchase orders. And we pay with a check after 30 days  that kind of thing.

And some of that becomes very difficult for our local crafters because they're not used to it, Kunz said.

Cultural watchdogs who are championing some of the local artisans said the mainland business model doesn't always work for one-of-a-kind items. Kona Hahn, a native Hawaiian whose family practiced the art of lauhala weaving, said a compromise should be found.

Switzerland most fabulous touring places

The country Switzerland is one of the most fabulous touring places on the earth. The alpine beauty of the high beautiful peaks and the breathtaking sceneries of the place will never fail to allure you. The panoramic view of the Mount Pilatus in Lucerene is simply gorgeous. There on you can enjoy an amazing journey to a height of about 7000 feet on a cable car. Switzerland is a land of mountains. Most of the mountains peaks remains covered with snow. One of the famous mountain peaks is Jungfraujoch whicjh is popularly known as the "Rooftop of Europe". This panoramic sight is situated in the Swiss Alps at a height of about 11,333 feet. since time immemorial. Hold your nerves to explore these beautiful and magnificent glacier mountain peaks. Also never get baffled if you find a village on these mountain tops. Alps in Zermatt are one of the famous peaks of Switzerland and it is a popular destination for the mountaineers. The tourists also enjoy skiing adventure in the Matterhorn which is located in Zermatt.

Switzerland is a beautiful destination all through the year, summer is most suitable if you are looking forward to spend some time outdoor and indulge in open-air activities. Summer in Switzerland begins from June and ends in the month of September. Being the peak tourist season, during this time around you will find a heavy crowd of tourist and visitors.  But if you visit Switzerland during the months of April to May and from late September to October, you will find relatively much rates and less crowded places of interest, restaurants, hotels and location. If you are looking forward to indulge in winter sports then do check into any of the resorts located in the region of Alps.

The Best Tourist Attractions of Kuala Lumpur

One of my favorite travel destinations in Asia is Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian capital city is not only one of the cleanest cities in Asia but it also offers plenty of great tourist attractions for travelers. I have been to KL a number of times and each time I continue to find outstanding new places and fun and thrilling activities.

If you would like to visit Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for the first time then you should definitely visit some of the wonderful attractions listed in this article.

Petronas Twin Towers

The most famous landmark of Kuala Lumpur is without a doubt the Petronas Twin Towers which at one time was the tallest structure in the world. The KL Twin Towers are 452 meters in height and was constructed in 1998. A few places which you can visit here include the luxurious Suria KLCC mall and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

If you are planning to visit the Malaysian capital city with your kids then you should definitely plan a visit to the world famous Sunway lagoon theme park. It is generally considered to be one of the premier theme parks in all of Asia. The Sunway Lagoon is located on eighty acres and it is home to a large selection of pools, slides, rides and other fun and entertaining activities. There is even an amazing zoo at this excellent attraction.

Shopping

A very popular activity among many tourists and travelers is shopping. Prices for many products are considerably less expensive in Kuala Lumpur then what you would be expected to pay back in your home country. Shoppers can choose from a wide range of malls, markets and specialized stores. Please note that you should pay in local currency and that most larger and upscale stores accept international credit cards.

Batu CavesThe Batu Caves are located just north of the Malaysian capital and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. These giant caves are located in the limestone hills and have been home to various religious structures and ceremonies of the local Hindu population.

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Spain Tourist Attractions & Must See Places in Spain

A country on the Iberian Peninsula, situated between Europe and Africa and bounding Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain is among the best travel destinations not only for its geographical condition and its results but also for a range of factors such as its own traditions, cuisine, variety of places to see. Spain boasts a rich history and owns historical places. Wide sandy beaches, clear waters are charming. The country offers much more which can be experienced while visiting and enjoying each region.

Among the popular cities and travel destinations of Spain, there are Madrid, Barcelona, Bilboa, Valencia, Seville,Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, .Zaragoza, San Sebastin, Pamplona, Alicante, Cadiz, Andalucia, Malaga, Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Salamanca etc. Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast have worldwide fame as travel destinations and must-see places of Spain.

Madrid is the capital of Spain. It's a city known for bullfighting, fiestas and flamenco dancing, and royal palaces. The top attractions of Madrid are the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Cibeles, Parque del Buen Retiro, Plaza de Espaa, The Prado Museum, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, The Archaeological Museum etc. The city offers dance halls, movie houses, music halls, cafes and more. Barcelona is known as a cultural centre owning monuments, historical sites, numerous art galleries and natural resources.The most visited museum is dedicated to one of Spain's most famous names, Pablo Picasso.

The Alhambra, the palace of the last Muslim ruler of Spain, located in Granada is one of Spain's major tourist attractions for exhibiting the Islamic architecture together with Christian and Jewish.The Mezquita in Cordoba is a famous tourist attraction. Tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville is also visited by travellers. A new science centre and futuristic aquarium named L'Oceanografic aquarium are attractive places of Valencia to see.The historic cities of Cadiz and Malaga are visited by travellers. Moreover, Malaga is a wellknown city due to its being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and movie idol Antonio Banderas. Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Nueva are the tourist destinations of Bilboa.

Balearic Isles, the three main islands of which are Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, is an exotic destination. The island of Ibiza is popular with its club scene, weather and beautiful beaches. When clubbing is talked about, it means Ibiza. It has an international fame. Mallorca is the least crowded island among them. Fresh seafood lunches are delicious. Majorca is as popular as Ibiza as a tourist destination.

The Canary Islands, the seven islands in the Atlantic Ocean, of Spain are very popular. These are: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife. Gran Canaria Canary Islands is like paradise thanks to its numerous beaches, crystal clear waters and water sports. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and very popular as a tourist destination. Here is the Mount El Teide. Not only water sports but also hiking, climbing and cycling ara available activities.

Qutub Minar - Tousist Places in India

Qutab Minar is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. The minaret is 234 feet high and the highest individual tower in the world. Other towers in the world are the Great Pagoda in Pekin, China and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy but these towers are not as high as the Qutab Minar in Delhi.Qutab Minar is another great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It has a number of floors or storeys which has beautiful carvings like the one on the tomb of Iltutmish. There are inscriptions all round the tower and these inscriptions reveal that Iltutmish finised the tower. The structure of the wall is made as such that it widens from top to bottom, just to make the minar stronger.The architectural wonder is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden, which is a much favoured leisure pad for Delhites, and you can see people lazing out their afternoons here and there.

Red Fort - Lal Quila - Tourist Places in India

Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad and laid the foundation of Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, on 16th April 1639. It took nine years to build this mighty citadel and it got completed on 16th April 1648. It is said that about one crore rupees, an astronomical sum in those days, was spent on its construction. Half of this sum was spent to build the exotic palaces within the fort. Built of red sandstone, it is octagonal in shape, with two longer sides on the east and west.

The perimeter of its strong ramparts is about 2.41 km. Red Fort rises to a height of 33.5 m on the town side and 18 m along the river. A wide moat surrounds the fort, which was originally connected with the river and was always filled with water. The two main gateways, known as Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate (named so, as they face Lahore and Delhi respectively), are three storeys high and are flanked by semi-octagonal towers. They are situated on the centre of the western and southern sides respectively.

The main entrance to the Lal Quila is through the Lahori Gate. Beyond the gate, there is a roofed passage, flanked by arcaded apartments leading to the palaces, known as Chhatta Chowk. These apartments are now used as shops. Besides these, there are three more gates on other sides, which are kept closed now. The master builders of the Red Fort were Hamid and Ahmad. Visitors are allowed only in a part of Red Fort, as the army occupies the rest of it.

Tour Places in India

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. 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 Gods 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

Sports Tourism Destination: Philippines

Do you want to see the Philippines? Or do you want to experience the Philippines?

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has been promoting the countrys adventure and ecotourism destinations and activities as it aims to position the country as an exciting outdoor travel destination.

You do not have to be an expert athlete. You just have to be physically fit and to have that adventurous spirit to test the waters of adventure sports. Beginners may be given training or orientation before they undertake the activities. These adventure destinations challenge the body and offer an exhilarating escape from the day-to-day life.

1. Surfing in Siargao

Whats a chocolate bar got to do with surfing? Cloud 9 was coined by John Callahan when he found the wave by chance, naming it after the locally made chocolate bar. From the time his article on Siargao came out in Surfer Magazine in its March 1993 issue, the formerly obscure Siargao Island located in the province of Surigao del Norte became popular to surfers and tourists alike.

Callahan describes Cloud 9 as a thick, pitching peak takeoff over a reef shelf followed by a hollow section and a clean exit into the channel or a pinching section, depending on swell direction. The wave works on typhoon season groundswell from two feet up to eight feet Hawaiian at peak high tide. On a clean easterly swell and offshore southwest wind, Cloud 9 can be mechanically perfect, with a guaranteed barrel on every wave.

Hmmm. Cloud nine does sound surfi-licious!

2. Wakeboarding in Camarines Sur

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. The Camarines Sur Watersports Complex or CWC is one of the only two cable parks in the country. It is called as such because a series of tower-connected mechanical cables pulls the rider around the water. Its 6-point cable ski system is designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing.

Since the completion of the cable park, beginner and professional wakeboarders and skiiers from all over the world have visited the CWC to compete or simply to have fun. The province owes its inclusion in the Top 5 destinations in the country to CWC. Camarines Sur ranks 4th next to Davao, Boracay and Cebu in attracting the biggest volume of visitors for the 1st quarter of 2009. The sport has indeed taken the province by waves.

3. Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan

In whitewater rafting, participants guide and paddle a raft through whitewater, or the rivers rapids. The sports popularity began to grow when it became part of the Olympic Games in the 1970s. In the Philippine setting, from the mid '80s to mid '90s, locals in Cagayan de Oro used inflated tire tubes, rafts made of bamboo and banana trunks. Nowadays, this sport has evolved into a major tourism draw in Cagayan de Oro.

Part of the thrill, excitement and challenges of rapids are sailing on different degrees of rough waters, paddling through areas with higher water volume and steeper descents and navigating a number of boulders and rocks. While you ride down the river, youll be looking at the scenery for the duration of your trip!

4. Canyoning in Cebu

Canyoning is a combination of several sports, such as walking, trekking, climbing, abseiling, rafting and swimming. For starters, the jump or descent is made from 8 meters while for the more experienced, the jump could be several waterfalls higher than 30 meters.

Cebu and its limestone mountains provide a scenic and suitable place for canyoning. Get active, feel the adrenaline rush and delight in its surrounding landscape. As the places for canyoning are situated in the densely forested mountain valleys, you will see and enjoy nature in its pure and raw form.

A piece of advice once the abseiling has begun, there is no way back. You must complete the descent! As all mountaineers know, going up is optional, coming down is mandatory.

5. Volcano Climbing in Albay

Mayon Volcano is a highly active volcano. Climbing season for Mt. Mayon is restricted to the summer months of March to May because landslides are common during the rainy season. It is also advisable to contact the local Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology office before scheduling a climb for safety.

The Knifes Edge or the level close to the summit is for intermediate to expert climbers. Camp 1 site is good for beginners planning on a day trek. Camp 1 is the base camp used by mountaineers before their final ascent. To reach the campsite at 780 meters above sea level, youll trek through different vegetation zones, from rich agricultural land to light Agoho Pine forest and thick giant fern forest.

Rajasthan, India: A Travel Destination Famous for Its Royal Culture and Traditions

As we all know, India is one of the vast countries located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country with 28 states and seven union territories. Each state is famous for its unique culture and traditions. India is one of the countries with multi-religion people living together and participating in each others festivals and events. My suggestion for travel lovers is to travel India and explore its beauty, culture and traditions.

India has very different scenery depending on where you are, temples and wildlife in the south, to mountains in the north. Flat Shunshi to the western part of India, to the very old walled city of Jaisalmer (JY-sal-mer) on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Rajasthan is one of the tourist destinations of India which is famous for its unique and royal culture and traditions. Here you will get a chance to view forts, havelis, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, mahals, parks and gardens. Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Gajner, Bikaner, Mandawa, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Alwar and Mount Abu are some of the famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan that attract tourists from different countries.

Combinations of desert and greenery make wildlife safaris in Rajasthan a major attraction point among tourists. Sariska Tiger Reserve and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are some of the favored wildlife and national parks of Rajasthan where visitors get at the chance to view different types of wild animals and birds.

Among safaris, camel and jeep safaris are the favored ones among visitors. Touring Rajasthan is incomplete without a camel safari. Udaipur is one of the romantic places, which is also known as the City of Lakes. There is also opportunities for adventure sports camping, boating, angling, ballooning, gliding, trekking, polo while on a Rajasthan tour. Most of the Rajasthan tour packages involve a camel safari, wildlife tour and adventure sports in Rajasthan. To explore Indias tradition and culture, Rajasthan is one that tells the whole story of Northern eastern India. Rajasthan is a place with unique culture and traditions with colorful fairs and festivals.

Rajasthan is also famous for folk culture, with amazing music and dance, like Ghoomar dance from Udaipur, and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer. Tourists from different countries generally at night camps are always interested to get experience awesome folk music and dance that is a vital part of Rajasthani culture.

Apart from music Rajasthan is also famous for handicraft products, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery products, wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery are some of the well known home products of Rajasthan. Here you will see Rajasthan people with colorful dresses, which are unique from other types of dresses in the world. Ladies generally wear an ankle length skirt and a short top, also known as a lehenga or a chaniya choli, of different colors.

Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park is located near Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. The place got its name after the two vicinity hills, namely the Ran Hills and Thanbore Hills. It is one of the famous wildlife reserves in India. The area of the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary spreads widely over a varying topography from gentle low land to steep slopes. The prime attractions of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve are tigers, boars, leopard and many other rare species of flora and fauna

While undergoing Ranthambore tiger tour in Rajasthan, you can view many endangered species of animals on the earth. Wildlife in Ranthambore is a major site of attraction to the tourist throughout the entire globe, since time immortal. So, never fail to explore each and every corner of the reserve by availing the Ranthambore Wildlife tour. The best time to visit the Ranthambore National Park is in between the months of October to March and April to June.Wildlife in Ranthambore provides an unparallel opportunity to witness the wilder side of the perfect wildlife safaris in Rajasthan, India.

The Ranthambore Wildlife forest reveals the magic of the unforgettable image of the wildlife safari in Rajasthan. The tiger, black bucks, jackals, nilgai, leopards, striped hyenas, chital, desert cats, chinkara etc. Wildlife in Ranthambore offers the travelers the exciting thrill to witness wild animals and birds. By availing the Ranthambore Wildlife tour, the tourists can witness different species of birds. In fact, the Ranthambore National Park is a bird watchers paradise. About 272 species of birds can be seen over here. Also, you can see wonderful migratory birds in the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve. The Ranthambore National Park is bounded by the Chambal and the Banas rivers in the south and north respectively. There are six major lakes inside the park. They are namely as the Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar, Raj Bagh, Malik Talao, and the Padam Talao.

Kanha Wildlife Tour Ranthambore has its own fascinating history. In the ancient times, this place had been a hunting spot of the brave kings. The Ranthambore Wildlife was the hunting platform of the brave Maharajas of Jaipur. The region came under the control of Emperor Akbar in 1569 A.D. He snatched the power of the Rajputs and simultaneously all the forts of the place came under his control. Later, it came under the control of the Kachwala region. Untill 1949; it remained under their control. In 1955, Ranthambore became a game sanctuary and became a protected area in India. From then onwards, you can find a rush of tourists always come to witness this place. Also, there is immense increase of the number of tourists visiting the wildlife in Ranthambore, year after year. So, this fascinating place is capable enough to attract the foreign tourist from the entire globe. The tourists can find thrill and excitement while discovering wildlife in Ranthambore.

Top 10 must see places in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and with good reason, it has a never ending list of amazing sites, but which one to choose? This article will tell you the must see places in Mexico and why, so you have all the info you need to plan your journey.

Chiapas

If you had several weeks to travel and you just went to Chiapas, you would not be able to see it all, Chiapas is full of interesting and beautiful attractions so don't worry if you miss some of them. San Cristbal de las Casas is probably one of the best known spots, full of very friendly idigenous peoples and constant souvenier markets, there is also a very beautiful city centre with some elegant restaraunts and shops lining the streets. Then you have Palenque and other archaelogical sites, once great cities inhabited by the advanced Maya civilization. If none of those interest you, perhaps you would enjoy the natural pleasures of the Canyon of Sumidero, where you follow a river along the bottom of a canyon or the impressive Waterfalls at Agua Azul and Misol Ha, then there's the fantastic lake complex at Los Lagos de Montebello. You can visit San Juan Chamu.

The Copper Canyon

Very much the hidden treasure of Mexico, the Copper Canyon is located in the northern Chihuahua state. Rather than one canyon, it is an enormous complex of caves, cliffs and valleys that together are larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. In the valleys below, there still live the Tarahumara indigenous peoples who continue to practice their traditional customs. At the top, you can get some absolutely breathtaking views. You can walk along the side enjoying the view, though it stretches very far. In numerous places, there are look out posts, some have glass-bottom bridges so you can see all the way to the bottom, for the really brave. The best place to get a view is El Divisadero, about an hours drive from Creel, which is the biggest town in the area. It's also possible to take a walk down to the bottom in some areas.

Yucat�n

Like Chiapas, one could spend weeks, perhaps months here and not see everything that it has to offer. Natural beauty abounds with a number of cenotes (underground lake or water hole) very close to the capital, Mrida, there is also several national parks, perhaps the most impressive is Celestn, reknowned for it's abundance of flamingos. Yucatn, being on the Caribbean, has a large supply of hamacs and with all the fantastic beaches, you'd be forgiven for getting one and hanging it up between two trees. Progreso is perhaps the nicest beach and certainly the most accessible from Mrida, just 30 minutes away. Speaking of Mrida, the town itself is a jewel to explore with its beautiful colonial centre, along with the various other colonial towns in the area. Then there's the ancient Maya ruins, including the modern wonder of the world, Chichn Itz. This site is known best for it's enormous pyramid, known as 'El Castillo' and the giant ballcourt found just to the left of the entrance. But apart from Chichn, there is also, Uxmal, probably the best-preserved ancient city in the state, Dzibilchaltn, known for it's 'doll house' (no dolls present, sorry) which every equinox, allows the sun to shine through the building, illuminating the central path of the city. Then there's Mayapan, where the word 'Maya' comes from, amongst many other beautiful ruins.

Isla Mujeres

Most people going to Mexico have plans to see Cancn. Cancn is very, very touristy and the area surrounding the beaches is like an area of any US city picked up and moved to the south of Mexico. It is of course beautiful, but if you want a really isolated, beautiful place to go where the beaches are even better than in Cancn, go to Isla Mujeres, just a 30 minute boat ride away. When you get there, you can rent a golf cart and explore the island alone. All over the island are some of the most beautiful, isolated beaches in the Caribbean. There is also a (very) small Mayan ruin and a small zoological garden, amongst other modest attractions.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca (pronounced Wahaca), a state bordering Chiapas, like its neighbour, has alot in it for its size. The capital, also named Oaxaca, is a beautiful, colourful colonial city. Merely walking through the streets is a pleasure, marvelling at the buildings and decorations. Apart from that, it is one of the most cultural cities in Mexico with film showings, plays, poetry readings and more on all week. Outside the city, one could take a trip to Tule, wherein resides what is reputedly the widest tree in the world or to Puerto Escondido, the surfer's paradise. Also in Oaxaca are Monte Albn, Mitla and many more ancient cities belonging to the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, some of the most advanced in all of Mesoamerica. Like Chiapas, there is also plenty of natural beauty which waterfalls and streams practically anywhere you go.

El Tajn

One of the most impressive ancient ruins in Mexico, this is singled out because it is one of the most intact ancient cities in the country. Located in northern Veracruz state, walking through this site will really give you a sense of what it was like to live there all those years ago. The main market square, the impressive 'Pyramid of Niches', the ballcourt, a number of former nobles' residences are all amazingly intact. One can walk through the streets of the city and admire the buildings, getting a sense of how a local might have lived there some thousand years ago or so.

Beaches of Baja California Sur

Los Cabos is the best known and for good reason, it is a very beautiful spot. When you're there make sure to take a water taxi out to Los Arcos, where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean meet, the guide will explain to you the images that sea-farers have found in the rocks there. Apart from Los Cabos, however, the beach in La Paz and those in the surrounding area are also well worth a look and are often better. In La Paz, the Malecn (board walk) stretches the length of the city centre, letting you see numerous sculptures, wee restaraunts and straw umbrellas by the sea. The Topolote is much more isolated, if that's what you like, you're unlikely to have to fight for towel space and it's another spectacular beach just minutes away from La Paz.

Tlacotalpan

Not the most famous of sites in Mexico, indeed, you may not find this one some guide books, but Tlacotalpan is probably the most beautiful town in Mexico. There is little justice a written description can give, but the houses are a multi-coloued beauty, like from some fantasy novel, most have their own arches in front. At each interval, there is a lovely park or square, re-enforcing the beauty and a number of churches dot the town. Though it probably won't take more than a day to see, it would be recommended to stay much longer and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and talk to the friendly locals, while enjoying the striking colours, unavailable anywhere else in the country.

Zacatecas

Located in the centre north of Mexico, going to Zacatecas is like going back to the 16th Century when the Spanish first built the town (if you ignore all the cars and modern conveniences obviously. The town is very well preserved, retaining its colonial look with narrow streets, small buildings and colourful exteriors. The cathedral alone might be worth the visit, a wonder of mexican baroque, the facade will most likely stop you in your tracks as you pass. But that's only one of a large number of spectacular buildings located in the centre. Then within and on the outskirts of the centre are a number of parks which you can saunter through or just spend a while relaxing. Once ready to move again, you can climb the hill only to delve into the famous silver mine located there, once the heart of the Zacatecan economy, when you're finished, you can get the cable car across the city and see the town from above.

Mexico City

No trip to Mexico would be complete without a stop in the capital of the country and one of the largest cities in the world. When you're there, the most important thing to see will be the Zcalo (main square) where you'll find the cathedral, the Palacio Nacional (goverment buildings) and the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec city Tenochtitln. Once you've enjoyed the sites, you can have a wander through the beautiful colonial streets that lie around the area, including churches, former colleges and the first printing press in the Americas. Afterwards you can take a stroll down to the Fine Arts museum and through the Alameda Central, where the Jurez monument is. Also in the city and considered 'must-sees' are the Chapultepec Park, which houses the National Museum of Anthropology (which takes a day to see in itself), located at the end of Avenida de la Reforma. There's also Coyoacn where Len Trotsky was murdered, there's some 5 or so museums dedicated to Diego Rivera or his contemporaries. Soccer fans will want to take a trip to the Estadio Azteca, the third biggest stadium in the world, there's also Xochimilco, the last remaining canal from the grand city of Tenochtitln, and that's just the 'must-see'! If you have time after that, you should go to Teotihuacn, home of the impressive Sun and Moon Pyramids.