Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Heritage in India

TAJMAHAL
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty.

Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps.

In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle of succession: he took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the exalted of the palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal was not destined to be queen for long.

In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any kind.

Epitome Of Love -Taj Mahal
Shahjahan, who was a passionate builder, now decided to erect a memorial to his queen in pristine marble that the world would never forget. The site selected for the tomb was a garden by the Yamuna river, unshadowed by any other structure. The garden had been laid by Raja

Man Singh of Amber and now belonged to his grndson, Raja Jai Singh. By a royal firman, Shahjahan gave Jai Singh four havelis in exchange for the garden. The site was also chosen because it was located on a bend in the river, and so could be seen from Shahjahan’s personal palace in Agra Fort, further upstream.

Construction Of The Mausoleum - Taj Mahal
Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.

Yemen sent agates, the corals came from Arabia, the garnets from Bundelkhand, onyx and amethyst from Persia. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.

The Mighty Himalayan Mountains of India
Hima - Snow, alaya abode. 'Abode of Snow is also known as the king of mountains. The well known range of mounatins now is called the Himalayas. The mounatin range forms the northern barrier of the Indian peninsula, containing the highest eevation of th e world. Himalayas is the youngest system in the world formed in Oligocence period. Himalayas gave birth to great rivers Indus and its four tributaries. India Himalayas

The snow-clad Himalayas have been described by Kalidasa as the 'King of mountains (nagdhiraja), enclosing divnity (devtama) who stands between the two oceans as measuring rod as were, of the earth.' From the Pamirs in Pakistan to the easternmost bend of the Brahmaputra in Assam, the majestic Himalayas rise across a length of 2,500km. From the most ancient times they have attracted pilgrims from all over India, and in their sublime presence people have felt the grandeur and the infinity of the pure spirit.

The Himalayas have not only proceed the country from invasion from North, but hvae also sheltered the vast plains of Northern India from the ice colds winds of the Tibet and have played a great part in determining the climate of North India.

Within their folds stand 92 of the 94 peaks in Asia that measure above 7,300m. The highest peak is Mount Everest (8,863m, in Nepal), followed by Kanchenjunga (8,598m), and Nanda Devi (7,817m). Kullu, Chamba, Kashmir are some of the exquisite valleys cradled by these magnificent mountains. India’s mighty rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab and Brahmaputra originate from the melting snows of the Himalayas.

Kerala Travel

Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country.
The enigmatic strip of land is replete with endless miles of placid backwater that adds to its marine beauty. The slopes of the Western Ghats are a perfect rundown of rare flora and fauna and the fragrance of its coffee blossoms waft in the air round the year.

If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.
The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu – the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages.

A golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals, Alappuzha or Alleppy is labelled as the Venice of the East. Alappuzha, meaning the land between the sea and a network of rivers falling into it, evokes a sense of romance and beauty.
Hemmed in by Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in the east, Ernakulam in the north and Kollam on the south, the district opens out onto the vast expanse of the Lakshadweep Sea on the west. Devoid of mountains and hills, rivers like the Manimala, Pamba and Achenkovil reign supreme in Alappuzha. While the Vembanad Lake covers the area from Alappuzha to Kochi, the Kayamkulum Lake flows through Kollam and Alappuzha.


THAILAND

THAILAND

There are 26 provinces that make up Central and Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok is one of them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lop Buri in the north and covering the rice bowl of the Central Plains around the Chao Phraya River. Further south, the area embraces the east and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand.

This is Thailand’s most fertile farming area, a wide-ranging landscape of paddy fields, orchards and plantations. More than 1,000 years ago Thai settlers moved down from the north, gradually replacing Mon and Khmer influences and establishing communities at Lop CENTRAL & EAST COAST Buri then at Sukhothai, before founding a kingdom that lasted 417 years with Ayutthaya as its capital. When the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital moved to Bangkok.

The Central region has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, battlefields and ruins and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. The east and west sea coasts at the region’s southern end also draw huge numbers of visitors every year. Bangkok residents spend long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while holiday-makers from around the world to discover the delights of the tropical beach life.

On the eastern side, 400 kilometres of coastline extend from Chon Buri to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in Asia. Pattaya, with an enormous range of resorts, hotels and guesthouses, is its centre. If you are seeking a more relaxing experience, travel further down the coast to Rayong or Ko Samet, and the lovely islands of Ko Chang National Park near the Cambodian border.

On the west coast, the resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin attract international travellers who prefer their more sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.

Far from the sea in the northwest of the region is Kanchanaburi, whose forested mountains, waterfalls and caves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on the border with Myanmar provide some of Thailand’s most enthralling scenery.

The 26 provinces of Central and East Coast are Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Trat.

NEPAL

NEPAL

he Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday.

Just as New York is not representative of the USA, so Kathmandu is not representative of Nepal. If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater. Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.

Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries that has never been ruled by a foreign power. Many of the values associated with a hiking trip at home do not have the same importance during a trek in Nepal. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Environmental concerns must include the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations. Even traditional national park management must be adapted because there are significant population centres within Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Langtang national parks.

Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. While the ascent of a Himalayan peak may be an attraction for some, you need not have such a goal to enjoy a trek. As far as most people are concerned, trekking always refers to walking on trails.

While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek. As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.

During a trek, the Himalaya disappears behind Nepal's continual hills, but dominates the northern skyline at each pass. Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Gauri Shankar and Everest will become familiar names. Finally, after weeks of walking, you will arrive at the foot of the mountains themselves - astonishing heights from which gigantic avalanches tumble earthwards in apparent slow motion, dwarfed by their surroundings. Your conception of the Himalaya alters as you turn from peaks famed only for their height to gaze on far more picturesque summits that you may never have heard of - Kantega, Ama Dablam, Machhapuchhare and Kumbhakarna

GERMANY

GERMANY

Germany Travel is our specialty at EverythingAboutGermany.com. Providing a one-stop-shop for information on this beautiful Country.

Our goal is to provide you with accurate, free information on the Bundesrepublik Deutschland from the point of view of an American living and working in Germany. We will give you valuable tourist information for your trip to Germany on your vacation.

Germany, one of the most visited countries in Europe, has always had a reputation for being a very unique tourist experience. Whether you are interested in it's rich culture or you just want to experience the Oktoberfest, Germany will prove to be an exciting and interesting adventure.

This beautiful Country is centrally located in the heart of Europe making it a travel hotspot for eager tourists wanting to experience all that Europe has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Germany it is always good to obtain some valuable Germany Travel Tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Many people visit Germany every year wanting to learn more about it's rich culture but have a hard time doing exactly what they planned.

Be sure that you know about the Dangers and Cautions in Germany so you do not encounter anything that could make your trip less enjoyable.

Once you have done your homework and you are ready to enjoy this great Country you will need to research some exciting attractions in Germany like taking a Boatride in Frankfurt.

There are many attractions in Germany that are well worth your time and money. One of the more popular attractions is the beautiful Black Forest which produces the world famous Cuckoo clocks. Some visit Germany for the beautiful scenery and unlimited photo opportunities.

If you enjoy this type of thing take a look at some of the Mountains in Germany. If you do not know much about modern day Germany you may think that all Germans love beer, or that they have no sense of humor, if this is you, you may want to visit our Misconceptions of Germany page. There are many other things worth seeing that are not mentioned above.

It seems like there is a fest every time you turn around celebrating one thing or another and with every fest comes allot of beer. It may be useful to research some of the German Holiday celebrations along with the famous Germany Christmas celebrations.

During our travels through Germany we always make sure to take our camera along. There are unlimited photo opportunities while visiting this great country, whether you are visiting just for the Oktoberfest or for a long in depth trip you will always be able to capture memorable photos.

View our Pictures of Germany for a small peek of what this beautiful Country looks like. Just like every other Country you travel to emergencies do happen.

Visit our Emergencies in Germany page to obtain valuable phone numbers for your trip and don't forget to Add us to your Favorites so you can come back during your trip.

Maybe you are interested in information about what Germany stands for or some symbols like the German Flag, whether you are or not, we will inform you on everything you need to know.

Rome


Rome is the capital of Italy and of the Lazio region. Rome the “ Eternal City ” is on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome was centre of Roman Empire and today is the home of the Italian government. Rome is also the main headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church, with the Pope residing in Vatican City. Enjoy the energy and vibrance of Rome , enjoy the cafes, restaurants, shops and many Rome attractions. A city of contrast with old and new, Baroque and Roman and changing views all over the city and lots of Rome accommodation to choose from.

The ancient city of Rome is Europe's third most visited destination, behind London and Paris. Nicknamed the “Eternal City,” Rome has a timeless appeal.

Rome, located on the Tiber River in central Italy, has a history dating back almost 3,000 years. It has seen its share of emperors and dictators, from Caesar to Mussolini. Today, Rome remains the center of Christianity; the independent city-state of the Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic church and home of the pope.

Rome is a history-lover's paradise, with a treasure trove of archaeological gems around nearly ever corner. The most iconic symbol of Rome is the Colosseum, built in A.D. 72. The Colosseum was Rome's greatest amphitheatre, where massive crowds of spectators gathered to watch the gladiators. The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome's political, legal, and religious life. Today, the Forum contains the ruins of several temples, basilicas, and markets and is, along with the Colosseum, one of Rome's most popular attractions. The Pantheon is a magnificent temple built to honor the Roman gods. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at the impressive dome, marble floors, and tomb of Raphael.

Rome boasts some of the world's most beautiful churches and basilicas, each one more stunning than the last. The most famous of these churches is St. Peter's, located in the tiny city-state of the Vatican. The enormous St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) attracts thousands of pilgrims on Sundays and religious occasions, when the pope makes blessings from his balcony. The symmetry of the piazza can be admired from atop the dome. Inside, visitors are treated to a visual feast. The dramatic dome, designed by Michelangelo, has made many a jaw drop. A number of magnificent monuments and sculptures, including Michelangelo's famed Pietà , are scattered throughout the sanctuary. The Vatican's other main attractions are the Vatican Museums and the Castel Sant' Angelo. The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world's most impressive works of art, as well as the famous Sistine Chapel. The Castel Sant' Angelo has served many purposes since its construction in A.D. 139; originally, it was part of the city wall, but it it has also served as a medieval citadel and prison and a residence of the popes.

Rome has several awe-inspiring public squares and fountains. No visitor should leave the city without seeking out Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Getting around Rome is easy with its network of public buses, trams, taxis, and metro. Pedestrians should be extra cautious when trying to navigate amongst the heavy traffic.

Italy is a member of the European Union. The official currency is the Euro.

Rome eGuide lists the very best Rome accommodation, provides an Rome restaurant guide, details Rome attractions and Rome tours. Rome official eGuide is the primary source for Rome tourism information for Rome. For complete Rome Information please use the navigation on the left of this page, the Rome site map or the quick links below.

The team at Rome eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Rome holidays and have a wonderful time in Rome.

Russia

A visit to Russia today is an encounter with an undiscovered land.

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk. One of the most notable features of present day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.

For most westerners, Russia is associated with its European cities--Moscow, St. Petersburg and Murmansk. This is the heartland of Imperial Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most tourists. However there is much more to Russia, a country that spans eleven time zones and two continents, ending less than 50 miles from North America. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travellers only in the last few years.

Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its natural heritage too is a new country waiting to be discovered.

DUBAI

It has spectacular beaches but is not Australia; it is one of the world’s most secure destinations but is not Singapore; it has opulent city hotels and superb beachside resorts but is neither Jakarta nor Bali. It has world class shopping but is not Hong Kong.

WELCOME TO THE DESERT’S MOST EXCITING CITY Welcome to Dubai, city of merchants, cultural crossroads, second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. A country where the dust of the desert is clearing to reveal the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.


Wedged between Europe and Asia, buttressed by Africa, Dubai’s encouraging tax regimes, state-of-the-art telecommunications and sympathetic business environment have produced a country that is building energetically on the advantages which location, centuries-old trading savvy and oil wealth have given it.

Dubai is not just a city of excitement. It’s also a city of surprises. Try the ice skating rink in the Galleria shopping mall at the Hyatt Regency, where young men wearing traditional dish dash dress pirouette around the ice while their friends consume French pastries and coffee at Frosty’s cafe.

Friday, January 23, 2009

South Africa

DESTINATIONS & ATTRACTIONS



Gauteng, South Africa: Although it is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, Gauteng (the Sotho word for "Place of Gold"), is the commercial and industrial powerhouse of the country and indeed of southern Africa. Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world. Gauteng's main attraction is big business, but there is so much more ... museums, galleries, historical battlefields. Gauteng is also an entertainment playground offering world-class restaurants, shebeens, shopping malls and music venues.



Gauteng Tourism

GAUTENG DESTINATIONS


Johannesburg: Johannesburg, also nicknamed Egoli (place of gold), is the capital of the province. Here, mine dumps stand firmly as symbols of its rich past, while modern architecture rubs shoulders with examples of 19th century engineering prowess. Gleaming skyscrapers contrast ... About Johannesburg »


Sandton: Sandton is a prosperous business, commercial and residential district, known as 'the richest square mile' in Africa, making is the financial hub of South Africa. Most major financial institutions have set up headquarters in Sandton and it is also the home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ... About Sandton »


Pretoria Metro: Some 50 km north of Johannesburg lies Pretoria, which resides within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality - a cluster of metropolitan municipalities and councils that amalgamated in December 2002. As administrative capital of the Republic, Pretoria is dominated by ... About Pretoria »


East Rand: The East Rand extends from Germiston in the west to Springs in the east and includes the towns of Alberton, Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Edenvale, and Bedfordview. As part of the restructuring of municipalities in South Africa the local governments of the East Rand have merged ... About the East Rand »


West Rand: Extending from Randfontein in the west to Roodepoort in the east and including the towns of Krugersdorp and Magaliesberg, the West Rand may belong to a separate municipality, but it still remains within the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area and it is not uncommon for people to ... About the West Rand »


Tourist in New Zealand

Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

New Zealand has some of the most beautiful and lively cities and tourist attractions in the world. These sites not only play host to descending tourists and curious travelers, they also shield the raw beauty of unexplored regions and unique fests from the rest of the world. With TSI Holidays outbound tourist packages, you can explore the famous with the lesser known attractions and events on your tour to New Zealand and its cities.

Maori New Zealand

Tourist Attractions

New Zealand owes its beauty, the paradoxes in its ecological heritage, to the seismic activity in the region. Over centuries of seismic activity has given New Zealand extremes of relief features.

From active volcanoes, snow-peaked mountain valleys, deep gorges, fast-flowing rivers, rapids and cascades, geysers, glaciers and beaches, to farms, gardens, leisure parks, casinos, and wine boutiques; New Zealand offers destinations that match up to individual tastes and interests.

Though zoos are popular with families traveling with kids, the 24 National Parks (each with its unique geographical features and distinct wildlife) in New Zealand make for independent vacation plans as well as short excursions from the cities.

Events

The indigenous Maori culture has effortlessly merged with the European customs practiced by the earlier settlers. These events range from annual festivals, concerts and shows on various subjects including art, Pacific culture, music and dance (jazz), food and wine, Christmas, and Maori culture. Be a part of the events in New Zealand that showcase this idyllic blend of cultures and nature, on your tour to New Zealand, arranged by TSI Holidays.

Tourist Spots in Philippines

Tourist Spots in Philippines

Featured Destinations

Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park , the PhP1-billion marine park constructed by Singaporean and Malaysian investors at the back of Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park, opened on 29th February 2008. "The park is set to be the city's major tourist destination. It is expected to draw millions of visitors on its first year, offering a unique tourist experience beyond the usual shopping activities," said park developer, China Oceanis Philippines, Inc., a joint venture between Singaporean and Malaysian investors.

Davao City, world's largest city
Travel and airline executives met in Davao City in February 2008 to develop and promote the sub-regional group of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as one tourist destination. "We have to brand it as one destination," said Wee Hong Seng, president of the Sarawak Tourism Federation. BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional group of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed in 1994 to help develop the economic well-being of the member countries through various tourism and trade exchanges and programs.

Historic Butuan
A national cultural treasure, estimated to be more than 1,600 years old, is housed in an old dilapidated structure near the east bank of the Libertad river in this historic city and trade center of Agusan del Norte province. The Balanghai shrine, a one-storey building being maintained by the National Museum, houses two of the three ancient boats discovered and excavated from 1976 to 1986. A curator and restorer at the Balanghai Shrine said radiocarbon tests administered by Japanese experts on one of these boats suggested that the wooden boat could have existed as early as 320 AD. Another boat was carbon dated to be more than 1000 years old.

Makati Attractions
Makati is the financial center of the Philippines, being the location of choice for the regional headquarters of multinational companies and the country's largest conglomerates. It is also home to the Philippine Stock Exchange. At Ayala Center, the heart of Makati, there are several shopping malls and international restaurants. It is also surrounded by a number of hotels such as Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott), Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri La, Dusit Hotel Nikko, and Renaissance Hotel. Also within walking distance are the Peninsula Manila and the Mandarin Oriental.

CamSur Water Sports Complex
PILI, Camarines Sur - A provincial government-run water sports complex in this capital town has reinvigorated tourism and business activities in Bicol, prompting investors to open new hotels to accommodate the influx of foreign guests. "In the first six months of 2007 alone, more than 57,000 foreign tourists visited Bicol, easily surpassing the 49,000 international visitors in the whole of 2006," said Maria Ong Ravanilla, the regional tourism officer for Bicol. Ravanilla, speaking at the sidelines of the 8th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines held at the world-class Cam Sur water sports complex, said that because of increased arrivals in Bicol, a 65-room first-class facility called Avenu Plaza Hotel opened in Naga City recently.

Alona Beach
PANGLAO Island, Bohol (06 May 2007) - Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first phase of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. "This is a clear, big investment that is testimonial of the health of tourism in Bohol," Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is building 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital
Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos into the local economy. “Donsol was elevated to a third-class municipality in 2006 from a fourth-class status in 2003 and fifth-class in 1998, because of the butanding,” Mayor Salve Ocaya said, while giving tribute to the whale sharks, considered as the world’s largest fish that have found a home in the plankton-rich municipal waters of Donsol.


Boracay Paradise
Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of villages, namely: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south.

Captivating Guimaras
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras - An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include this paradise in their itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by news about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. "We are just here to see good beaches," said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of foreign guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill. Guimaras has 238.3-kilometer coastline, with long stretches of white, powdery sand considered among the finest in the world.

Wonderful Palawan
The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country's last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. With more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces
Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a span of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to look down into the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera mountain ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs. More importantly, it provides a peek into the ancient Philippine civilization before the foreigners came.

Best Tourist Places in Mexico

Best Tourist Places in Mexico

Mexico is popular for its amazing resorts and luxurious beaches. The allure of Mexico has an appeal that crosses countries and borders. From white sand beaches to the mountains, Mexico is host to a wide range of natural wonders and breathtaking sights. Mayan ruins, mountains, volcanoes, and a wide collection of tropical fish and sea life can be found in Mexico. Mexico is home to some of the world’s top tourist attractions. Of these destinations, the top five Mexican tourist sites include Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cozumel.

Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourists attractions in Mexico. It is also considered Mexico’s largest beach resort. It is home to some of the world’s finest hotels, as well as many beautiful beaches. Acapulco offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving. Boats trips are regular features of a trip to Acapulco. Acapulco is also a great place for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways. Many all-inclusive packages offer fun filled activities for couples and families, but at a descent price.

Cancun is one of the world’s most famous resort towns. According to the town’s history, a computer selected its location when the Mexican government was looking for the perfect location to build its newest resort. Since then, Cancun has grown into a large community and one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. When looking for a vacation spot, many individuals automatically consider vacationing in Cancun. Cancun is most known for its nightlife; however, that is not all that Cancun is about. With nearby Mayan ruins, you can incorporate education into your vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is another popular Mexico tourist attraction. It is considered a tropical paradise. As with Cancun, there are a large number of local historical sites. The Sierra Madre Mountains are home to a number of guided tours. While on these tours, you can easily spot exotic wildlife. Fishing and scuba diving are perfect daytime activities to engage in. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, nightclubs, and discos. Another popular and great feature of Puerto Vallarta is the fine shopping experience. You will likely enjoy shopping at many high scale boutiques.

Mazatlan is famous as being one of the world’s greatest fishing ports. The waters are known as being the perfect debt and temperature for fishing. Some of the other popular activities available in and around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing. It is also known for the malecón. The malecón is a long winding stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers roughly five miles of beach. Another great feature of Mazatlan is a celebration that is similar to Mardi Gras. It is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days. This event often involves fireworks, parades, dancing, and music.

Cozumel or the Coral Island is Mexico’s most populated island. It is a popular attraction for who love to go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the beautiful coral reefs that can be found underwater. Cozumel is the ideal vacation destination for those who wish to see the ocean at its finest.
If you are interested in scheduling a vacation to Mexico, you will want to examine the top tourist sites mentioned above. With an unlimited number of activities and unique events, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Mexico.

Tourists Places in Greece

Tourists Places in Greece

Greece Hotels




Acropolis
Greece Famous Places Acropolis in Athens is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Greece. Acropolis is marvelous and splendid religious complex, which consists of many temples. They got built by the world's first democracy during the 5th century BC. Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon became the paragon of classical Greek architecture, and has suffered serious damage over the years. A small museum features an outstanding collection of ancient Greek sculptures.
National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Greece Ancient Places

National Archaeological Museum of Athens i s one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece, which houses the collections of Prehistoric items, Sculpture, Pottery and Minor Art, Bronzes, and Egyptian Art. The construction of the museum is dated back to 1866 and completed in 1889 with the gradual addition of the west wing in 1874, of the north in 1881, of the south in 1885 and finally, of the east wing.

Athens Olympic Stadium
Tourists Places in Greece

Athens Olympic Stadium is located in the outskirt of Maroussi, which is a popular tourist attraction in Greece. It was given a major facelift for the 2004 Athens Olympics Opening ceremony. The popularity of the stadium owes to the newly erected roof supported by two giant arcs with a span of over 300 meters. Football and Athletics are the two major sports played at this venue. Olympic Stadium has a seating capacity of about 72,000.

Schinias Beach
Places to Visit in Greece

Schinias Beach lies in the east coast of the Attica Peninsula, which is reachable within less than an hour from central Athens. The Beach is one of the most beautiful bathing spots of Greece located near Marathon. The major draw of Schinias is the picture-perfect coastal pine forest that reaches the water's edge as well as the fine sand of the beach.

The Palace of Knossos
Tourists Places in Greece

The Palace of Knossos is another popular place worth to visit in Greece. This palace, the largest known in Crete, with an area of 22,000 sq. metres was excavated by A. Evans between 1899 and 1932, and spectacularly restored, sometimes excessively. Four wings are arranged around a central courtyard, containing the royal quarters, workshops, shrines, storerooms, repositories, the throne room, and banquet halls. Dated to 2000-1350 B.C. It occupies the summit of a small hill, and to the east it dominates a ravine on to which the royal apartments look out, with their large megaron on the Minoan plan-open on two sides, reached by a large staircase.

White Tower
Greece Famous Places

The White Tower is one of the popular sites to visit in Thessalonike, Greece. This White Tower is a defensive structure dated to the 15th century. Later, it was used as a guard's quarters by the Janissaries and as a prison for those who were convicted to death. It was built on the place where an older, Byzantine Tower once stood. The museum in the White Tower contains various collections of sculptures, frescoes, fragments of mosaic floors and wall mosaics, icons, coins, inscriptions, pottery, glass and metal items.

EGYPT

\Tourist place in EGPYT

Cairo


Cairo, Egypt TourismCairo lies in the heart of Egypt and the place can be traced back a 1000 years. Cairo was founded on the site of Babylon near the ruins of ancient Memphis. Cairo demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. In Cairo one can see the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together earthen houses and towering modern office buildings. Modern Cairo encompasses many former cities and there monuments: the pyramids of the Pharaohs; early Christian monasteries and churches; Salah Al-Dins Citadel; mosques of the Mamluk and Ottoman Sultans.

The old Medieval quarter are the most densely populated area of Egypt. Districts like Darb al-Ahmar are full of tiny alleyways, mud-brick houses, food hawkers, and goats, camels and donkeys. The area is full of mosques and temples, and the air is filled with the pungent smells of turmeric and cumin, animals and squalor. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, dating from the 9th century and the city's oldest intact and fully functioning Islamic monument; the 15th-century Mosque of Qaitbey, considered the jewel of Mamluk architecture; Al-Azhar Mosque, the keystone of Islam in Egypt; and the Citadel, an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.

Giza
Giza, Egypt Travel Vacations
Giza is situated on the west bank of the Nile. Giza known for its pyramids, that is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and despite the crowds that visit every year, they are still a truly overwhelming sight. These majestic and ancient pyramids have survived the rise and fall of great dynasties and conquerors, and share the flat desert surrounds with the Sphinx and a number of smaller pyramids and temples.





Luxor

Luxor, Egypt Travel GuideLuxor is one of Egypt's favourite tourist destinations. The city of Luxor is built on the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Many people have been visiting the majestic monuments of Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut and Ramses III for thousands of years.

Luxor Temple was built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1390-1352 BC), on the site of an older temple built by Hatshepsut and added to by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Nectanebo, Alexander the Great and various Romans. Excavation work has been under way since 1885. The main place of worship in ancient Theban times were the Temples of Karnak that were spectacular series of monuments. These temples are divided into the Amun Temple Enclosure, which is the largest; the Mut Temple Enclosure on the south side; and the Montu Temple Enclosure.

When you arrive on the West bank, though the Valley of the Kings, the first thing most people see is the lonely statues of the Colossi of Memnon and the spectacular tombs of Nefertari and Tutankhamun, are the big attraction. Luxor is accessible from Cairo by buses or trains which run every day.

Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt Travel Package
The great Macedonian, better known as, "Alexander the Great", came to Egypt in 331 BC after conquering Greece. He found a small fishing village on the Mediterranean coast to establish his new capital, Alexandria. The city is oriented around Midan Ramla and Midan Saad Zaghoul, the large square that runs down to the waterfront. Its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. The Graeco-Roman Museum contains relics that date back to the 3rd century BC. There's a magnificent black granite sculpture of Apis, the sacred bull worshipped by Egyptians, as well as an assortment of mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and ancient tapestries.

Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria is a massive 25m (82ft) pink granite monument measuring 9m (30ft) around its girth. The pillar was constructed in honor of Emperor Diocletian, in AD 297, and was the only monument left standing following the violent arrival of the Crusaders around 1000 years later. Originally from the temple of the Serapis, it was once a magnificent structure rivaling the Soma and the Caesareum. Nearby are subterranean galleries where sacred Apis bulls were buried, and three sphinxes. After his defeat by Julius Caesar in the civil war, Pompey fled to Egypt where he was murdered in 48 BC.

Port Said
Port Said T, Egypt Holiday Vacations
Port said was founded in 1859 as a harbor on the Mediterranean coast at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. The city is considered to be a very young city by Egyptian standards. It was founded by ruler Said Pasha when excavations began for the Suez Canal. Port Said was bombed in 1956 during the Suez Crisis, and again in the 1967 and 1973 wars with Israel; the damage can still be seen here and there, although the city was extensively rebuilt.

The economical base of Port Said is fishing and industries like chemicals, processed food, and cigarettes. Port Said is also an important harbour both for exports of Egyptian products like cotton and rice, but also a fuelling station for ships that pass through the Suez Canal. Port Said also thrives on being a duty-free port, as well as a summer resort for Egyptians. Port Said, is an unusual destination for Egypt with turn-of-the-century colonial architecture and several good museums and gardens.