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. |
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GAUTENG DESTINATIONS |
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Friday, January 23, 2009
South Africa
Tourist 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.
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
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| National Archaeological Museum of Athens | |
 | 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 | |
 | 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 | |
 | 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 | |
 | 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 | |
 | 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
Cairo
Cairo 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 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 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
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 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.
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all Europe, where outstanding monuments, castles and churches meet the futuristic new buildings and technologies embraced by this vibrant country.
With traditions and architecture stretching back over the centuries, some say this is one of the most ancient countries in Europe; great! This is the magic of Portugal and along with its climate, it makes this a favourite destination for the discerning tourist.
Lisbon is one of Europe's most unspoilt cities while the delights of Cascais and Sintra are just a short drive away.
The peace and tranquility of the small villages built inside old castles walls or amidst stunningly picturesque countryside cannot be surpassed.
And don't forget Madeira, paradise island of the Atlantic where the abundant flora is just as incredible as the stunning coasts and mountains.
But if you're after a sun-tan, the beautiful and long sandy beaches of the Algarve have it all. Surrounded by amazing cliffs and crystal clear waters, this is the Portuguese region with the best all year round weather.
Thailand
Tourist in Thailand
Thailand 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 Thailand and its cities.
Tourist Attractions
Thailand is a place where the past meets the present and creates an ambience that is both charming in its Oriental appeal and exciting in its permissiveness. No matter where you travel in Thailand, you are bound to run into ancient palaces, shrines and Buddhist temples.
The islands and beach resorts in Thailand are a haven for water sports and adventure sports enthusiasts. The rainforests in Thailand hold the key to the heart of nature lovers with Koh Samet Marine National Park, Ao Phang Nga National Park, and Khao Yai National Park.
Events
Events and festivals in Thailand showcase the cultural heritage, natural resource, and progressive frame of mind. Bangkok International Film Festival, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Pattaya Music Festival, Toh Moh Goddess Shrine Festival, Samui Carnival, King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Sukhothai Loi Krathong Festival, and Chiang Mai Flower Festival are just some of the festivals that blend Thailand's past with its present.
The Bangkok International Film Festival is one of the major annual events organized in Thailand that attracts large crowds of movie buffs and participants from all over the world. The main focus of the Bangkok International Film Festival is to promote Thai movies and South East Asian motion pictures in a big way.
Held in March every year, the Pattaya Music Festival offers you a rich medley of jazz, pop, rock and classical. Live band shows and musical extravaganzas is one of the most important features of this glorious festival that is counted among the most important annual events celebrated in Thailand.
The city of Chiang Mai brightens up with floral displays, sculptures, temple models and other interesting things made purely of colorful flowers during the annual Chiang Mai Flower festival held in February every year.
Among the most enchanting annual events that are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor, the Samui Carnival is definitely an important event. Sponsored by Bangkok Airways, the Samui Carnival is a colorful cultural panorama that glistens with open-air parties, food stalls, folk performances, jam sessions and more. The main objective of the Samui Carnival is to raise funds for the local charities and environment conservation.
TSI Holidays offers tour bookings and travel packages for outbound tours to Thailand. You may also enter your tour related query in the form below.
Sri Lanka Popular Destinations
Sri Lanka - Colombo - Negombo - Dambulla - Kandy Sri Lanka is a tiny island situated in the Indian Ocean at the base of the Indian sub continent. It is best described as a island of paradise. It is the navigational hub of the Orient in the ancient world. It is a resplendent island encompassing within its small area a large number of tourist attractions. . It is the essence of South Asia. One can find a huge influence of the neighboring India and Maldives in this land which is a hundred times smaller than India. With such large number of popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, it sure live up to its reputation of being a "island of tourist paradise''.
This Resplendent island is a tourist paradise with an abundance of tourist attractions like the sun drenched beaches, glorious ancient cities, salubrious hill country, beautiful fauna & flora, engraving temples of Buddha, exquisite handicrafts, world renowned gems, traditional dance & drama, colorful festivals, warm and friendly people and not forgetting the heavenly Sri Lankan cuisine. Sri Lanka is fast becoming the cynosure of South Asia. It is an ideal tourist destination.
Major attractions in Sri Lanka are : 1. City of Colombo : Colombo is a metropolitan city with a population of nearly one million. It is the commercial Capital of Sri Lanka, which keeps pace with modern developments while preserving the Old world charms.
2. Sigiriya : Situated on a magnificent rock it is quiet an impressive place. The Sigiriya rock has the remains of the earliest royal palace. Meticulously planned water gardens at the foot of the rock found here makes it a top tourist draw.
3. The southern region of Sri Lanka is alive with culture and religious activity. Some of the top sites of this place are the Werehena temple and the Kataragama.
4. Unawatuna is the favorite place for relaxation of tourists. It retains the mystic charm that attracts many tourists and beach combers to the laid back sleepy village.
5. Kandy is a top most attraction of Sri Lanka .It is surrounded by the ranges of the mountains. It is one of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka. It is still a focal point of the Sri Lankan culture.
6. Anuradapura : It is the ancient Singhalese capital, It makes for an interesting visit since it has several large dagobas relating to the monastic communities and the Shri Maha Bodhi tree.
Nepal Tourism
Nepal Tourism
Places to See in NepalAnnapurna
It is in western part of Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Nepal's largest conservation covering over 7600sq. km protects this area. Annapurna is the world's most popular region for unique scenes and a meditative glimpse of SHANGRI-LA.Bandipur
Located on a 1,000m ridge in Tanhu district some 140km from Kathmandu, Bandipur's hallmark is its beautiful scenery. Bandipur is a part of western Nepal.
At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which huses goddess Durga, Bandipur's guadian deity . The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley.
Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the finest national Parks in Asia, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provides the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be seen in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings in the shop-lined streets and temples. Plesant climate (even during summer) is big attraction at dhulikhel.
Everest
The Khumbu region of Nepal is one of the best-known treks in the world. This is the land of the Sherpa people and the world's great 8,000 meter peaks. Many trekkers walk in from the roadhead at Jiri, through the lovely rolling hills of the Solu region. Others fly in to the village of Lukla to start their trek.
Gorkha
Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. The great King Prithvi Narayan Shah unifying the Nepal in the eighteenth century and Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. Since the capital of Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.
Kathmandu
The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 m above sea level and covers an area of 218.sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newars's artistic achievements.
Tourist in Australia
Australia 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 Australia and its cities.
Australia offers irony and contrast beyond the disposition of its relaxed inhabitants. The spectacular Great Barrier Reef along the Queensland shore is one is kind in the world. Uluru (famous for its towering red rock projection (348 m), Barosssa Valley (well known for its delicate wines), Flinders Ranges (bushwalks, salt lakes, national parks and gorges), Freycinet Peninsula, Kakadu National Park, Snowy Mountains, and The Kimberley (epitome of raw outback Australia with rivers, oasis, crocodiles etc) are the tourist attractions that TSI Holidays assures you visit on your tour to Australia.
Events Be a part of the events in Australia that reflect its cosmopolite origins, laid-back spirit, and love for the outdoors with TSI Holidays outbound packages to Australia.
Religious Fests:
With Christians forming the dominant religious group in Australia (75%), Christmas is celebrated with elaborate fanfare. Unlike the rest of the world, excluding the researchers camping in Antarctica, Christmas in Australia is celebrated in the summer months when almost the entire country migrates to its gorgeous beaches and sports outlets.
City Festivals:
The Festival of Sydney lights up the city with fireworks and a host of other events (open-air concerts, street theatre etc) through the month of January.
Held in March on alternate years, The Adelaide Arts Festival draws art enthusiast from the entire world. Another festival that rocks the city Adelaide during the month of March is the famous outdoor festival of world music and dance - Womadelaide.
The world famous Melbourne International Festival (October), Comedy Festival (April), and Writer's Festivals (September) showcase the artistic character of Melbourne city.
Aboriginal Fests:
Stompen Ground Festival in Broome (October), and Barunga Wugularr Sports and Cultural Festival goes a long way in showcasing the art and culture depth of Australia's original inhabitants - the Aboriginal tribes.
Sports Events:
The outdoor spirit of Australia comes through its various sports events that include the world famous tournaments to the most outlandish display of sporting attitude. From the more mainstream events such as the Australian Open (tennis), Sydney to Hobart (yacht race), formula one, rugby, cricket, and volleyball tournaments, to the more bizarre Darwin's Beer Can Regatta (boat races with beer can boats), Henley-on-Todd (boat race without a river, and the Gay and Lesbian march, Australia has more than one ace up its sleeve.
Great Tourist Destinations
Mecca
The holy city of Mecca is believed to be where the prophet Mohammed was born. Many tourists visit Saudi Arabia precisely to visit Mecca as part of a Muslim pilgrimage that all Muslims are encouraged to take, no matter where they are in the world. As many as three million Muslims visit Mecca during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah every year. Non-Muslims are banned from visiting Mecca and the other holy sites along its perimeter. Checkpoints line the roads to stop non-Muslims from taking this forbidden journey.
Al-Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Mohammed St
The national museum thoroughly portrays Saudi Arabia’s rich history in eight galleries. It houses the tombs of royalty as well as dazzling examples of rock art as well as impressive scale models of Jeddah, the old Dir’aiyah and the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. Aside from the relics themselves, the high-tech operation of the museum is also impressive. Visitors need only push a button and they are rewarded with virtual visits to ancient sites of yore or treated to historical narratives on small-screen cinemas with audio commentary in English and Arabic.
Riyadh
Since 1973, Riyadh has been the capital of Saudi Arabia and one of the region’s most impressive cities, filled with huge structures made of glass, steel and concrete as well as large hotels, massive hospitals and one of the biggest airports in the world. The city also hosts a camel market where you can rent a camel for a trip out of town.
Habalah
From the ground, Habalah looks like a deserted village with a few fascinating features, but the view from cable cars above is simply spectacular and among featuring some of the best-preserved houses in the region with carved interior doors.
Madain Saleh cemetery
The Madain Saleh cemetery is a sight like no other, rising up from the sands of a beautiful landscape of impressive rock formations. It hosts 131 tombs, including 45 that bear Arabic transcriptions above their doors, indicating the dead person’s place and prominence in society. All the tombs are well-preserved.