Friday, 10 December 2010
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Auckland New Zealand
When we were in New Zealand a few years ago we rode the Shotover Jet. It was exciting to say the least! the boat drivers are maniacs. Anyway, we survived and thoroughly enjoyed our week in this beautiful country.
Auckland is one of the largest cities in New Zealand and a very prominent tourist hub, thanks to the number of things to see and do in and around the city. Whether you want an activity that will pump your adrenalin such as sky jumping, you can get yourself strapped up and jump off from the tallest building in Auckland, the Sky Tower. If that sounds a bit more daring for you, why not go bungee jumping and wean yourself into sky jumping for your next holiday in Auckland? Away from adrenalin intriguing activities, you can also enjoy less intriguing activities such as taking excursions at the charming botanical gardens, taking safaris and even visiting the aquariums where you get to see the dolphin and whales among other aquamarines.
Lovers of history will not be disappointed in Auckland thanks to the numerous museums. Alternatively, you can visit the Howick Historical Village and get to experience rich architecture at its finest from the Maori buildings which are home to numerous historical artifacts from within and without the region. If you like, you can hire a Maori Guided tour who will guide you in the area and tell to you the ancient stories about the historical tribes that reside in the Howick Historical Village. The region has so much to do and see that you will need a lot of time, a month to be precise, to be able to explore all there is to.
Do you love nature and wouldn’t mind to take a 90km flight or cruise outside the Great Barrier Island? Then you might want to explore the pristine paradise that has amazing bird and marine life and very charming native forests. Auckland has endless spots for exploration and an overabundance of sporting activities to engage in.
Auckland Beaches
The east coast and west coast beaches are the closest of beaches around Auckland, offering charming clean sand beaches and ideal waters for swimming and engaging in water sporting activities. If you wish to engage in surfing, head on to the west coast beaches. The best thing about Auckland Beaches is that they are within an hour’s drive from the heart of the city.
Nightlife
Auckland boasts the most vivacious, engaging, and entertaining nightlife. Elegant bars and venues are located at the waterfront, offering a picturesque panoramic view of the beaches. Being a cosmopolitan city, you will be lost for options when it comes to entertainment from comedy shows, to theater performances, trendy bars, and flashy casinos, and clubs that will ensure you shake you leg till morning.
Shopping
The best way to remember a destination is to take something with you, whether it is a gift souvenir for you or for a loved one. Luckily, Auckland has numerous up market elegant designer shops and department stores selling home wares, fashion clothing, jewelry and a lot more. There are flea open markets that stock tourist souvenirs such as arts and crafts and locally handmade carvings. Such a wide variety only means that there is something for everyone no matter the budget.
Eating
Auckland boasts of the best restaurants and cafés within and without the city, selling mouthwatering international and local delicacies to satisfy every taste bud. The most popular type of food in Auckland is sea food thus be prepared to sample it prepared in different recipes.
Thailand famous tourist attractions
Thailand has become one of the best known and most popular places for tourists all over the world. It is offered only for its charming nature and many tourist attractions to tourists. Many attractions can be found throughout the country and each of them unique in itself has the tourists with interesting knowledge about Thai culture.
In Thailand, there are a large number of Buddhist temples, which tourists can visit to learnthe national religion of Thailand. For Bangkok is the capital of the country where it is located many important temples in the city. One of the main temple is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where a Buddhist image is run from a large emerald. All important questions about the royal family and the country will be held in this temple. The Temple of Dawn is also in Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, where you can see an old beautiful architecturalArt in the temple. There are many other temples throughout the country, each of them has an amazing history and background.
For people interested in watching live sports, Bangkok is home to the two largest stadiums in Thai Boxing, Muay Thai, or stadiums. Muay Thai has become a popular sport around the world and the best fighters in the world and appear in Lumpini stadium Rajadamneorn . The stadiums hold weekly games, the most famous andbest fighters in these two stages seemed to be. There are many schools, teaching boxing Muay Thai to interested persons.
Another popular activity is the water of the tourist activities. Thailand is one way of doing good for the home of many beautiful beaches, known across the country, where tourists can swim, scuba diving, snorkeling, or sunbathing on beautiful white sand beaches. At the same time, the tourists can enjoy the purchase of local vendors selling things, the precious fruit, localFood and souvenirs on the beach. Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin are some of the major tourist destinations for their beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere that tourists seek.
In addition, Thailand is also a great place for nightlife. Most entertainment venues are not very late. Some of them may be open until dawn to celebrate. There are many famous DJs and musicians and other quality entertainers that in the numerous nightclubs in the popular runTour sites around the country.
Thailand has got so many things to offer tourists and holidaymakers. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who are waiting to visit and discover the beauty of the country and its uniqueness. So do not forget to go to Thailand to "The Land of Smiles" for the next time you are planning a holiday!
Shimla, India: General Information
Shimla used to be the summer capital during British rule in India and English people used to caqll it the queen of hill stations. Presently it is the capital city of the northern state of Himachal pradesh and one of the most visited hill-stations in India. Millions of tourists flock here during summer months to get some respite from the scorching heat.Located in the lap of North-west Himalyas at an altitude of about 22oo mts. vacation in Shimla can be enjoyed by watching the scenic beauty of the place, panormic view and Deodar and Oak clad mountains.
It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.Shimla derived its name from the word 'Shyamla' which means Goddess Kali whose temple existed in the dense forests that covered the Jakhu Hills in the early 19th century. British people named it as Shimla and since then the name has prevailed.
Source
How to reach Shimla-
Shimla is well connected byAir, Railway as well as by road but by far the most convenient, cheaper and gratifying option would be to reach there by train through Kalka Shimla toy train.
Reaching Shimla by Air-
The nearest airport from Shimla is Jubbarhatti airport but it receives only a few flights and all from Delhi. So, reaching here by plane is not a convenient option as you have to first reach Delhi and from there to Jubbarhatti .Apart from this there are not many flights operating between Delhi and Jubbarhatti ,so, may have to wait for some time.
Chandigarh offers far better options. Many flights from all major cities of India arrive and depart from Chandigarh and so it is far better option than Jubbarhatti.From Chandigarh you can reach Shimla by a bus, or by hiring a taxi or through Kalka Shimla toy train.
Reaching Shimla by Train-( Kalka -Shimla toy train)
The nearest broad gauge head is Kalka.From Kalka to Shimla you can travel by toy train.Kaka is about 90 kms away from Shimla and it takes about 5- 6 hrs for a 90 km journey by toy train.In the way the train passes through more than 100 tunnels and passing through the deodar clad mountains and springs feels like you are in heaven .I would recommed travelling by toy train if you are planning to travel to Shimla.Kalka Shimla toy train route has been recently declared as the world heritage site.| Train No. | Train Name | Kalka | Shimla |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1KS Passenger | Kalka Shimla Passenger | 04:00 | 09:20 |
| 241 NG Superfast | Shivalik Deluxe Express | 05:30 | 10:15 |
| 251 Mail | Kalka Shimla Mail | 06:00 | 11:00 |
| 255 Express | Himalayan Queen Express | 12:10 | 17:20 |
Reaching Shimla by road-
Shimla is well connected to nearby places in the state as well as outside state by road.Regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharmshala, Dalhousie, Dehradun, Ambala etc. arrive and depart Shimla.The distance of some important places from Shimla are as follows-
Chandigarh- 117 km,
Kullu- 220 km,
Manali- 260 km, Delhi- 343 km,
Pathankot- 380 km,
Ambala- 151 km,
Chail- 43 km,
Dehradun- 240 km
Where to stay in Shimla-
With more than thousand hotels it is easy to get an accommodation in Shimla which suits your need and pocket.But it will always be advisable to get your hotel booked before hand through any travel agent or by internet. If possible try to find a hotel near Ridge or Mall road as these places lie in the heart of the city and are almost equidistant from most of the places of tourist interest in Shimla.Lakkar Market, which lies down the Mall road can be a very good alternative to these places if in case you are not able to find a hotel near Ridge or Mall road.Eating out in Shimla-
Most of the restaurants and other eating places in Shimla and offer a variety of cuisines like north indian ,south indian and western also .But if you are looking for some local recipes then options are very limited.A few restaurants near Ridge and in the outskirts of the city offer some local cuisines.The food is generally hygienic and tasty and it is nice to enjoy some nice food in the lap of nature with a very good atmosphere.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Udaipur is one of the famous tourist destinations in the state of Rajasthan of India.It is also known by the name of "City of Lakes" or "Venice of the East". It was the historic capital of the Mewar kingdom and presently administrative headquarters of Udaipur district. Nestled between the hills of Aravalli and with many lakes, Palaces, and forts situated here it is one of the most favourite destinations among both domestic as well as international tourists.The city of Udaipur was founded by the Mewar king , Rana Udai Singh.There is a legend associated with the establishment of the city. According to the legend Rana Udai Singh came here after following a Hermit.Hermit told the king to build a fort here and he will be protected here.The legend has been well described in Wikipedia-
Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.
Source
How to reach Udaipur-
Udaipur is well connected from rest of the country and rest of the cities in Rajasthan by air railways as well as road. Reaching here from the main cities of India is not a problem at all.Reaching Udaipur by Air-
Udaipur has a small airport named Maharana Pratap Singh Airport and only receives flights from domestic circuit. The airport is situated about 20 kms from Udaipur and from here you can hire a taxi to reach the main city of Udaipur. Flights from some major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur reach here on regular basis.Indian Airlines operate a daily flight from Jaipur and Mumbai. Jet airways and air Deccan has also regular flights from Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Mumbai.
Reaching Udaipur by Railway-
A few years back Udaipur was located on narrow gauge line but now the narrow gauge line have been transformed into broad gauge and travelling by railways has become the easiest and cheapest source to reach this historical city. Many daily trains arrive and depart from here connecting Udaipur to some large cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Jodhpur.For more information and train schedule log onto government railways website.
Reaching Udaipur by Road-
Udaipur is well connected with every major city in Rajasthan and the neighbouring state.Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe, A/C as well as general buses are available from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior , Ahmedabad and many other cities on regular basis. In Delhi you can find buses for Udaipur at Bikaner House as well as ISBT (inter state bus terminus).
Where to stay in Udaipur-
Udaipur has whole range of hotels with budget, mid range and costly splurges all available and scattered all along the city.Finding a hotel hat suits your need is not a problem here at Udaipur. Most of the hotels are located near Pichola lake and it would be advisable to hire a room here as most of the places of tourist interests are located at comfortable distance from here. It would also be advisable to book your room beforehand to avoid hassles after you reach here.
Eating out in Udaipur-
Udaipur has plenty of nice places where you can enjoy some real delicious dishes.Most of the good ones are located near lake and in the heart of the city. You can get all kinds of relishing recipes here like, Italian, Chinese, Indian as well as western. If you are looking for change in taste then try out some Rajasthani delicacies. Dal- Baati- Choorma is one of the famous cuisines of Rajasthan and youy can try this food which is extremely delicious. Other dishes worth eating are Ghevar, Gatte - ki - Sabzi and mirchi bada.
Hukam, The Family Restaurant. Multi Cuisine Restaurant, situated at Sahelion Ki Badi Road serves mouth watering Dishes.aircondition & Ambience Par Excellance.
Weather and best time to visit-
Being very near to Thar desert Udaipur is extremely hot during the months of April to August. It would be good to avoid visiting this place during these months as it will spoil your mood and it is almost next to impossible to move around during these months.
The best time to visit this place would be during winter months from the month of November to February. Take some woolen clothes if you are visiting this place during the month of December and January..
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's iconic attractions, and there is little that can be said about the Great Wall that has not been stated over and over again throughout the wall's more than 2,000 -year history. Construction of the Great Wall started in 221 BC to defend the Middle Kingdom from Mongol soldiers. But many of the sections were already in place, built by a series of independent kingdoms stretched across the land, from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert—Emperor Qin Shihuang merely oversaw the joining of these walls.
The first chapter in the history of the Great Wall of China ended in 207 BC, when the last of the over 6 billion cubic feet of compacted earth was set into place. The Great Wall was only moderately effective in carrying out its purpose, even after it was faced with bricks and stones. Its real value came in the way it eased transportation throughout the land, acting as a kind of elevated thruway, equipment, goods and passengers could more easily traverse the arduous mountainous wilderness that enveloped the Great Wall.
As strange as it seems now, before a Great Wall of China tour was a prerequisite on any trip to the country, many of the sections fell into disrepair as time passed and the import of the towering structure lessened as marauding nomads dispersed into the annals of time. The history of the Great Wall of China, and its return to significance was actually the work of the tourist industry - now there are plenty of popular sites where the day tripper can behold one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Badaling, Mutianyu, and Simatai are the most popular spots to being a Great Wall of China tour. The closest to Beijing, where most travelers are approaching from is Badaling, about 40 miles northwest of the capital. Here is certainly the most popular spot for tour guides and those giving the Great Wall a cursory glance. Here you will find a glut of souvenir shops, cheesy restaurants and any number of other tourist traps, but for those who want to keep their transportation simple and convenient, this is the best place to learn the history of the Great Wall of China - the Great Wall Museum is also here.
Mutianyu is not much better. Over 50 miles from Beijing, you will find a similar tourist-driven atmosphere at Mutianyu, though the wall is far more complex than in Badaling, as you will find a number of fascinating guard towers and some of the best views along any section of the wall.
Experienced travelers know that near the small town of Gubeikou, the remains at Simatai are one of the best places to get an unfettered and more authentic look at the Great Wall of China. Watchtowers line the walls, haphazardly winging their way across the landscape. The only problem with Simatai is that it is a much more rigorous hike to view the Wall - the terrain ranges from sharp inclines to steep dropoffs almost without warning, so it is certainly not for the beginning hiker. But those that make the trip to Simatai are sure to be rewarded with the best views in all of China..
Of course, there are plenty of different places to start your own Great Wall of China tour. Other significant places are Juyong Pass and Jinshanling and Huanghua, the last one long considered to be the best preserved section of the wall in the vicinity of Beijing.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel
A hotel inspiring as many happy memories as the legendary Yellow Crane...
The legends of China have something in common with the legends of mankind as a whole in that they express the fundamental ideas that a civilisation carries regarding life and connections with the world and nature. One of the most popular legends tells how Xin Shi, who kept a tavern on Snake Hill in Wuhan, gave an old pauper a drink every day for an entire year. On the last day, to thank him for his generosity, the old man drew a Yellow Crane on the wall of the inn.The miracle is that the crane quickly came to life and proved to be as good a dancer as it was a singer, thus attracting many customers and making Xin Shi rich. One day, however, the crane and its creator left Wuhan. The famous Yellow Crane Tower was built at the summit of Snake Hill in the hope that it would make them come back. Rebuilt numerous times since the 3rd century, its architecture respects the traditional Chinese conventions to create a building which is reminiscent of the lightness of a tent: its columns are the poles, the tips rolling back from its roof are the hooks on which the canvas is hung... In Wuhan, city of the Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel, the story of the Yellow Crane, and its tower, express above all the humility with which man seeks harmony at the heart of nature, between the earth and the heavens.
Even though Wuhan is as sprawling as it is populated, nature thrives on the emblematic Snake Hill, close to the Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel, the East Lake, and the Yangtze Kiang River which crosses Wuhan down the valley from the Three Gorges. It allows the city, particularly in the hot summer, to breathe more easily and allows its population to express its love for the pure and balanced landscapes that have long inspired their greatest poets. The Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel is in harmony with this, offering an unrivalled welcome worthy of its international 5-star status.
The hotel's design and furnishings using dark materials, add to the feeling of well-being, creating an atmosphere which has the warmth of wood in winter and the coolness of the shade in summer. Its pool, covered by a superb glass roof, is one of the most pleasant areas in the hotel, enhanced by the spa and well-being areas, elegantly furnished in traditional materials. The hotel restaurants are also emblematic of its authenticity and refinement. The buffets in the Garden Cafe are exceptionally lavish. The more formal Dynasty Jade Garden offers a remarkable menu of Cantonese specialities, and dishes from the province of Hubei, of which Wuhan is the capital. Here one can savour the finest delicacies of this cuisine, which everyone thinks they know through one of the countless Chinese restaurants across the world, but which is stunning in its home country where the freshness of the ingredients and the traditional savoir faire of the chefs make an extremely delicious difference.
The rooms of the Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel certainly measure up to those of any modern international 5-star hotel. They are huge, illuminated by large windows offering spectacular views of this distinctive city, and are comprehensively and faultlessly equipped: silent and efficient air conditioning, proper facilities for working (most notably a large and well-stocked desk), a bathroom with a beautiful separate shower, and luxurious bedding. The Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel offers the additional comfort and refinement of having floors exclusively reserved for business men and women. It demonstrates here, as everywhere, a rare ability to anticipate the needs of each of its guests. The hotel team, with an uncommon attentiveness and thoughtfulness, is instrumental in creating the memories guests of the Best Western Premier Mayflower Hotel are left with, similar to the tavern of Xin Shi and its Yellow Crane.
Best Western Premier Yiwu Ocean Hotel
At the heart of the biggest market in the world
Yiwu is without doubt the largest wholesale market in the world. It is in the exhibitions and fairs of this town in the province of Zhejiang that buyers from all over the world place their orders for small commodities, and it is in its factories where these products are manufactured in such vast quantities that more than 1000 containers leave here every day. Yiwu attracts 200,000 daily buyers from 180 different nations, to its 40,000 stalls. It is a city of entrepreneurs which values individual success like very likely so no other place in China.
The Best Western Premier Yiwu Ocean Hotel maintains this expression of pride, displaying in its lobby bas-reliefs immortalising the human endeavour and entrepreneurial success of local figures, such as Ying Ren CHEN, who made a fortune in the 20th century under the brand name Yi Shun CHEN, selling sauces and curing products, and ZHANG Xiao Bao who also found success with his soya-based products.
A possible explanation for this singular frame of mind is that the city's soul owes much to the immensely strong character, displayed throughout its history, of its mythical heroes, involved in ancient battles worthy of the Trojan War. The most emblematic of these is undoubtedly Goujian, whose legend tells how he fostered his resentment towards his royal rival Fuchai by sleeping on bundles of rough wood and swallowing the bile of the animals he hunted. His bronze sword was discovered in 1965 by archaeologists. It had been so perfectly forged and so well protected in its lacquered scabbard for the 24 centuries that it had spent buried underground that it did not show the slightest trace of rust and could still cut like a razor.
The Best Western Premier Yiwu Ocean Hotel is a worthy representative of these sagas and successes, with its plush elegant comfort and its strong personality. Its modern architecture in the shape of an ellipse gives it a light and dynamic appearance, but also evokes the typical shape of the sycee, the traditional Chinese ingot which disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century but remains a symbol of prosperity and luck. The interior architecture of the hotel also puts the emphasis on transparency and lightness, with vast spaces and a pleasant use of light materials and glass. The hotel is located at the heart of the gigantic business district of Futian on a spacious esplanade of modern architecture, punctuated by ornamental lakes and fountains. It offers all the levels of comfort and service expected by a demanding international business clientele. Above all it displays an uncommon ability to adapt, notably offering floors reserved for female guests or devoted to executives, and a choice of Western or Asian restaurants...
The rooms, as light as they are spacious, elegantly combine elements of traditional Asian design (the wood, the fabrics, the lighting, the plants and fresh flowers) with comfortable amenities meeting the most up-to-date international standards. The armchairs are ample and welcoming, the desk is large and well-lit, the picture windows wide, and the linen impeccable.The Best Western Premier Yiwu Ocean Hotel offers first rate facilities throughout, accompanying its guests in their business, or in their touristic exploration of this rich area.
