A trip to Paradise- Maldives

Hello friends, once again, i shall take you to the magnificent white beaches,swaying palm trees, turquoise lagoons, 'the last paradise on earth', a pristine, tranquil tropical island- Maldives.

Whats This? A tropical island basking in year-round sunshine, surrounded by sparkling white, palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas, sun, sand and massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens, an ideal tropical holiday destination is what Maldives famous for. The capital of Maldives is Malé, the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education.

Located Where? Maldives is Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The Maldives is forty five minutes from Colombo, three hours from Dubai, four hours from Singapore and thirteen hours from London.

How do we Reach There? Regular flights connect the Maldives to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Thrivandrum (southwest India), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and there are numerous charter flights from European centres in the peak season. Malé International Airport named Hulule International Airport is about 15 minutes’ boat ride from the capital. - Hulule Island is 2km (1.2 miles) from Malé (travel time by boat – 15 minutes). Boats from the various island resorts meet each arriving plane to take visitors to their accommodation.

Best time to visit : Climate here is generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable to be worn. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. February is the driest with January to April being relatively dry, May and October records the highest average monthly rainfall. The southwest monsoon from May to September is the wet season. If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season, when many of the all-inclusive package tourists arrive from Europe and America.

Major Attractions : A variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, wide range of water sports, world-class spas are the major attractions of Maldives.

Malé – the capital: The Islamic Centre is not only the most famous architectural landmark in Malé, but also houses one of the biggest and finest mosques in the Southeast Asian region.

The Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque): built in 1656 is another fascinating monument that is an essential stop on any tour of Malé. All the walls in the mosque are built with coral stones intricately carved with Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns; the roof, window frames and doors made of different kinds of wood such as teak, sandalwood and redwood.

Medhu Ziyaaraiy: is the shrine of Abu-al Barakath Yusuf al Barbaree – the Moroccan scholar believed to be responsible for the advent of Islam in the Maldives in 1153 AD; and is also a must-see monument.

Mulee-aage: next to the Medhu Ziyaaraiy was originally built by Sultan Shamsudheen III for his son just before the First World War.

Dive Sites:

"Lion's Head": is a protected marine park situated in a channel. Subject to strong currents, this deep wall reef boasts many exciting overhangs and forms the perfect environment for a large variety of fish, tunas, sharks and turtles, magnificent sponges and some very pretty hard and soft corals covering the reef.

"Kudu": is a protected marine sanctuary shaped like a two-humped camel's back.

"Girifushi Thila": is one of the best known and most beautiful dive sites on this island nation.

"Middle Point": is situated in the middle of the Tamburudhu channel and offers a drift dive for the experienced and adventurous. It rises from 100 meters below the sea to ten. When commencing your dive you will jump into the deep blue of the ocean.

Nassimo Thila:This dive takes place in the spectacular Bodu Kalki channel. "Nassimo Thila" is a large reef with imposing reef pillars standing proudly at a height of 40 meters.

Okobe Thila:The "Okobe" marine reserve is one of the most awe-inspiring dive sites in the Maldives, a small thila consisting of three large rock formations.

Rasfari: is a spectacular outer reef in the North Male Atoll.

Sunlight Thila: is a formation of two small reefs that attract giant manta rays between March and October, when the winds from the south carry a large amount of plankton to this area.

"Banana Reef": is a very well known dive site in the Maldives - one of the first, one of the best and one of the more treacherous due to strong currents.

The "Maldives Victory": is a 110-meter long cargo vessel that sank in February 1981. Diving here takes you 12 meters down a rope to the ship's main deck, where you will be sheltered from the strong currents.

Fish Head: Also called Mushimasmingali Thila, this is one of the world's most famous dive sites. Its steep sides are spectacular, with multi-level ledges, overhangs and caves supporting sea fans, anemones and black corals.

National Museum: Many of the National Museum's exhibits are things once owned by local sultans. Some of the fabrics are beautiful, especially the rich brocades. Weapons include bonthi sticks, which were used in martial arts. Especially interesting are the pre-Islamic stone carvings collected by Thor Heyerdahl and others from sites all over the country.

Snorkelling:
For those who would love to see the underwater but hesitate to take the deep plunge, snorkeling is a wonderful alternative.The lagoons of Maldives are so clear that with just a snorkel mask and fin you can be witness to the activities of the many different species of fish and fauna on the unique Maldivian reefs. You are guaranteed to encounter playful fish and rare corals even on the resorts’ house reefs and perhaps a turtle or some other curious creatures too if you are lucky.

Surfing:

The best time to surf in the Maldives is from April to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June-September. Due to the monsoonal winds from the Indian subcontinent and the swell generated from the south, the conditions during these months are predominantly off-shore all day. There are two major surf areas in the Maldives – the North Malé Atoll (April – October) and the Outer Atolls (February – April).

Water Sports: The most popular among water sports are snorkeling, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. Among other popular water sports activities are parasailing, kayaking, kite-surfing, water-skiing and jet skiing.

Island Hopping: An ‘island-hopping’ excursion would take you to another resort, an uninhabited island and an inhabited island all in a day-tour designed to give you a taste of the country. You would also get the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters of a desert island and experience a barbecue on the beach.

Sea Plane Tours: The sea plane companies operating in the Maldives offers spectacular flights over the atolls – perfect for photo trips, sight seeing, aerial photography that allows one to capture the natural beauty of the Maldives as seen from above; or just plain enjoyment.

Precautions : Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island.

General Info / Tips: Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has an information counter setup for ease of the tourists visiting the Maldives. Especially those who are Free Independent Travelers or FITs. Any information including Maldives, hotels and rates will be provided by the MTPB staff at the counter. A ferry service is available from the airport island to the capital around the clock. Set charge per person for the ferry service is USD 1/- during normal operating hours and a charge of USD 2/- per person at midnight.Since the airport island is geographically separate from the capital the only means of transport to the capital is by sea. Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways operate special air transfer trips to most of the resorts.

Visa Requirements: No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements. Visitors of all nationalities in possession of the following would be granted entry into the Maldives:
A valid international travel document issued by a sovereign state’s government.
A valid return air ticket and necessary visas to a destination where the passenger has permission to.

A minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.

Departure tax: None if airport tax has been paid before; otherwise, US$12.

Currency: The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar at the time of writing is MRf.11.82 for the dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency.

Languages Spoken: Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians. English, German, French, Italian and Japanese are a variety of other languages spoken.

Local Time: GMT + 5 hours. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

A trip to the Blue waters & white beaches of Mauritius

Hello friends, today for the first time i will take you Abroad to a beautiful & magnificent place called 'Mauritius'. If you want the company of lively and warm people, want to enjoy relaxed vibes and the music of everyday life, lovely beaches, luxurious hotels and crystal-clear waters this is the right place to visit. Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean - a tropical paradise akin to Maui or Martinique but more budget-traveller friendly.If you are looking for a very special place to spend your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place for you. Every hotel on the island offers extensive wedding and honeymoon packages.

Located Where? Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

How do we Reach There? Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.

Best time to visit : The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

What to Wear? Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.

Major Attractions :

Grand Bay: was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, people also come here for a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). It is one of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

Pereybère : This remarkable small cove half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island. It is a public beach popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Balaclava Ruins: many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate.

The Triolet Shivala: is the longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

The Labourdonnais Orchards: Here you can discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

Dutch Ruins: At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications.

Ile aux Aigrettes: This island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Mahebourg: is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay. The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind.

Domaine du Chasseur: has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view.

Souillac: A small seaside resort alongThe Waterpark Leisure Village the rugged coast of the Savanne district A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top

Flacq Market: the most important villages in Mauritius, the country’s largest open air market.

The Waterpark Leisure Village (Coastal road, Belle Mare): You can enjoy with family & friends sliding on the giant chutes, a good time to relax & have fun.

Ile aux Cerfsis: is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius.

Martello Towers: The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind.

Chamarel: You can find coloured earths of Chamarel an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

Salt Pans: Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.

Casela: Here, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.

Yemen: You will be able to get close to the herds of deer here in the Yemen Reserve, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna.

L’Aventure du Sucre: You can visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure. You can then purchase some unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum.

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin: Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

Black River Gorges: This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. You can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species.

Beaches:

Mauritius is a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun. Here is a list of the island’s finest public beaches:

Belle Mare: You can find miles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce.
Blue Bay: is one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island. An ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.
Le Morne & Tamarin: Offer kilometres of beaches for bathing and are very popular for surfing.
Flic en Flac: You can discover the magic of white beaches fringed with filaos or Casuarina trees here.
Other beaches worth visiting are Grand Bay and Pereybere mentioned above.

Marine Life:
The Mauritian sea has the multi-coloured fish, moray eels, magnificent coral beds.You can enjoy with experiences of Skin-diving masks, flippers and scuba diving.
One of the most spectacular ways to explore the ocean beds is to go on board the Blue Safari submarine.

Le Nessee, a semi-submersible, will provide you a one hour trip under the sea in complete safety. A unique experience with optimal viewing for passengers of all ages. And for those who want to experience the feelingof walking on the sea bed, Undersea Walk Ltd will help you enjoy the thrill in complete safety.

Other Attractions:

Central Market: In the Port-Louis central market you will find all the ingredients that help to create the charm of Mauritius- local crafts, vegetables, herbal tea sellers.

China Town: is an area where you can find almost anything at an affordable price. You can find sellers of boiled chow mein and fish balls in the affordable market of Port Louis China Town.

Caudan Waterfront: Offering more than just rows of shops and restaurants Caudan Waterfront also enables you to discover Fast food or gourmet cooking, jewellery and local crafts, everything to suit all tastes.

SSR Botanical Garden: The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and many species of palm trees, a spice garden and the Talipot Palms, said to flower every 60 years after which they die.The deers and tortoises are sure to delight the youngsters here.

Shopping: What can one buy in Mauritius?
Models of old ships, textiles production, pull-overs, knitwear, leading brands of shirts, trousers, suits, dresses, suits for women, shorts or swimwear are sold at unbeatable prices. Basketwork, embroidery, pottery, cut stones and recycled glass are very much in demand. Those who love cooking will be able to take back fruit jellies, chillies, and other types of spices and pickles - delicious bits of raw vegetables soaked in oil, spices and chilly. Do not forget to buy some vanilla tea or rum. Only accredited shops are allowed to sell duty-free goods to tourists.

Precautions : Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.

Do not leave anything inside your car.
(For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers.
Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.

General Info / Tips:

Visa & entry requirements: A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.

Health: No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

Time Zone: Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time.

Currency: The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.

Languages Spoken: Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment.

Driving: People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.

BON VOYAGE

City of Dreams - Mumbai (Bombay)

Let me take you to the 'City of Dreams', Mumbai (Bombay)- the glamour of Bollywood cinema, shopping malls, families eating bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty, red double-decker buses, a city with vibrant streetlife, India's best nightlife, and a wealth of bazaars.

Located Where? Mumbai is located on Salsette Island which lies at the mouth of Ulhas River off the western coast of India in the coastal region known as the Konkan. Most of Mumbai is at sea level and the average elevation ranges from 10 to 15 metres.

How do we Reach There? By Air - Mumbai has a vast infrastructure of rail, road & airways. It has the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Sahar) and the domestic terminal (Santa Cruz) are 30km (19mi) and 26km (16mi) respectively from downtown Mumbai.

By Rail - Two railway systems operate out of Mumbai. Central Railways handles services to the east and south, plus a few trains to the north. Western Railways has services to the north from Churchgate and Central stations. Trains travel frequently between Mumbai and Agra, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Pune and Varanasi.The local railway that runs inside the city is one of the dependable ways of communication.

Best time to visit : The best time to explore Mumbai is between the months of September and April, when the weather is relatively dry and cool. The monsoon season begins from June to September. January is the coolest month, though 12°C (53°F) is about as low as it goes. March and October tend to swelter, with temperatures rising as high as 38°C (100°F). Extreme climate, from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.
Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.

Major Attractions : Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) near Kalaghoda- Mumbai's biggest and best museum displaying a mixed bag of dusty exhibits from all over India. Opened in 1923 to commemorate King George V's first visit to India (back in 1905, while he was still Prince of Wales), the vast collection inside includes impressive Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, miniature paintings, porcelain and some particularly vicious weaponry. You can take advantage of the free, multilanguage audio guides as not everything is labelled.

Chowpatty Beach in Charni Road- A favourite spot for full experience by strolling through the many beachside stalls for some bhelpuri or a head massage. The water is not the cleanest but the beach is litter-free, patrolled by lifeguards and lit up at night. Visiting Chowpatty in the evening is an essential part of any trip to Mumbai.

Marine Drive (Chowpatty)- is one Mumbai's most popular promenades and sunset-watching spots. It's twinkling night-time lights earned it the nickname 'the Queen's Necklace'.Chowpatty Beach remains a favourite evening spot for courting couples, families, political rallies and anyone out to enjoy what passes for fresh air. Eating an evening time bhelpuri at the throng of stalls found here is an essential part of the Mumbai experience.

Colaba (Churchgate)- a bustling district packed with street stalls, markets, bars and budget to midrange lodgings. While you're here, it's worth popping into the 1847 Church of St John the Evangelist, known as the Afghan Church. Nearby Colaba Market (Lala Nigam St) has plenty of activity and colour and is lined with jewellery shops and fruit and veg stalls.

Gateway of India (Colaba, Churchgate)- was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V. The gateway is a favourite gathering spot for locals and a top spot for people-watching. Boats depart from the gateway's wharfs for Elephanta Island and Mandwa. You can also take a joy-ride on the boat for a local trip round the gateway. You can see the famous Taj Mahal hotel opposite the gateway of India. Here you can ride in a Victoria - one of the horse-drawn gilded carriages known as Ghoda-Gaadi in the local language. Some distance away is the Fashion Street where you can bargain for some fashionable & trendy day to day clothes, jewellery, shoes.

Elephanta Island (by boat from Gateway of India) - Every day except Monday, tourist boats head out from the Gateway of India to this magnificent island, home to the most famous cave temples in Maharashtra. Carved into the solid rock of the island are a series of ornate Shaivite temples, covered in ornate carvings of Hindu deities.
The centrepiece of the complex is a monumental statue of Mahesh Murti, depicting Shiva as the creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe.Boats to Elephanta leave the Gateway of India regularly between 09:00 and 14:30 and the fare is around Rs90.00 on an economy boat or Rs110.00 on a deluxe boat. The last return service from Elephanta leaves around 17:30 . On the way, check out the giant freighters in Mumbai Harbour. The Elephanta Festival is a classical dance and music event on Elephanta Island. One can give a visit as an excursion trip just few kilometers away from the beach. This festival is usually held in the month February.

Museum Ship Vikrant (Mumbai Harbour)- Built in 1945 and bought by the Indian Navy in 1957, the massive aircraft carrier INS Vikrant now serves as a fascinating museum. Admission includes the ferry ride out to the ship, then a walk through the various quarters, the hold (displaying diving bells, submarines and various aircraft) and finally the enormous deck with take-off and landing strip. Tickets are available from the booking offices near the Gateway.

Jehangir Art Gallery (MG Rd, Kala Ghoda)- The Jehangir Art Gallery is one of Mumbai's principal commercial galleries, hosting interesting weekly shows by Indian artists; most works are for sale. Rows of hopeful local artists often display their work on the pavement outside this gallery.

Haji Ali Mosque (Mahalaxmi)- Floating like a sacred mirage off the coast, the Haji Ali Mosque is one of Mumbai's most striking shrines. Built in the 19th century, it contains the tomb of the Muslim saint Haji - legend has it that Haji Ali died while on a pilgrimage to Mecca and his casket miraculously floated back to this spot.

Mahalaxmi Racecourse (Mahalaxmi)- Mumbai's horse-racing season runs from November to the end of April. Races are held on Sunday and Thursday afternoons (Saturday and Sunday towards the end of the season) at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Big races, such as the Indian Derby in February, are major social occasions.

Kamala Nehru Park- At the top of Mumbai's Malabar Hill where the elite have built their plush modern palaces is Kamala Nehru Park, the hangout of the bourgeois middle class. It has little to offer by way of entertainment, apart from a "Old Woman's Shoe" relegated to a distant corner, but the view of the city is spectacular and unmissable. Its a vantage point that casts a proud eye on the entire city.

Hanging Gardens- Perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park, these terraced gardens, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The park was laid out in the early 1880s over Bombay's main reservoir, some say to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence.

Mumbai Zoo (Byculla)- The Mumbai Zoo is remarkably well-maintained. The animals are a little few and far between, with the few local species in large cages including crocs, elephants, rhinos and a few bored lions. There's a small playground, and it's generally a popular place for families and couples to meander.

Nehru Centre & Nehru Planetarium (Dr Annie Besant Rd, Worli)- The most striking thing about the Nehru Centre & Nehru Planetarium cultural complex, which includes a decent planetarium and the serpentine-but-interesting history exhibition Discovery of India is the bold modern architecture of the buildings. The tower looks like a giant cylindrical pineapple, the planetarium a UFO. There's also a theatre here.

�Juhu Beach (Santacruz)- Like Chowpatty, uptown Juhu Beach is also a bourgeois paradise, filled to the gills with screaming children, courting couples and rowdy adolescents. If you want a more fancy excursion, however, retreat behind Juhu's many five star hotels, for a steaming cup of coffee and a splendid view of the coast. The most popular of these beachfront hotels are the Sun and Sand and Holiday Inn. The government run Juhu Centaur also has a 24 hour coffee shop with a view of the sea. You can also visit the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple (Iskon temple) which is closeby & famous for the Radha-Krishna sculpture.

Esselworld (Borivili)- This is Mumbai's only international-style theme park and amusement centre situated close to Gorai Beach. Special ferries get you across to the park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides. These include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus a water world section where kids can literally run amok. Summer is usually crowded, but the place also offers low budget monsoon packages and special deals on weekends. Check these out before you go. The famous Waterkingdom (waterpark) is also just besides the Esselworld. You can chose to go between the two.

Precautions : Make sure you book your hotels with reputed travel agents, keeping one's ears and eyes wide open while roaming in an unknown place always pays. It is advisable to keep the belongings well locked and should not left behind carelessly.

People are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. It is highly advised to avoid the beaches for swimming and having sunbath. Visitors should be dressed decently. Avoid littering the beaches or polluting the sea.

General Info / Tips: Local roadside fast food in Mumbai includes vada pav, panipuri, paav bhaji, bhelpuri and golaas a must-have.

Festivals and celebrations are observed by residents of all communities and religions. Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Navratri, Good Friday, Dussera, Moharram, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja and Maha Shivratri are some of the most popular festivals in the city. The local language spoken is Marathi.

Mumbai is well connected to most parts of India by the Indian Railways. Trains originate from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai Central, Bandra terminus and Andheri. Mumbai's suburban rail systems carry a total of 6.3 million passengers every day.Most of Mumbai's inhabitants rely on public transport to travel to and from their workplace. Transport systems in Mumbai include the Mumbai Suburban Railway, BEST buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and ferries.

Bollywood is the nickname for the Indian film industry located in Bombay (now known as Mumbai, though Mollywood hasn't quite caught on.) Indians are in love with movies. Mumbai (Bollywood) leads India in film production, its specialty lies with Hindi movies. Bollywood films are being shown in American and British theaters on a more and more frequent basis. These theaters have become community foci for the South Asian communities around the world. Bollywood's film production center is a government-owned studio facility known as "Film City" in the northern suburbs of Mumbai. Bollywood traces its start to 1911 when the first silent Indian feature film was released by D.P. Phalke. The industry boomed and today there are over 250 theaters in Mumbai alone.

Backwaters of Kerala - Gods own Country

Hi friends, let me take you to a world of serenity and wonderment --the backwaters in Kerala. The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the backwaters in Kerala. Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters in Kerala. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the Kerala backwaters.
What’s This? The backwaters of Kerala are a series of interconnected waterways, lakes, inlets and riverine estuaries that form an intermeshed network along the coast of Kerala, India. The local people here, travel on these waters & carry out their traditional occupations. Backwater cruises in Kerala are carried out on large converted traditional boats. These boats called "Kettuvalloms are Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have a sleeping area, with toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck.

You can rest at ease on a houseboat at night and observe the beautiful countryside while sitting on the deck during the day. Food is cooked on board. On Backwater cruises in Kerala with Kerala Backwater, you can have a relaxing time seeing the birds and aquatic life along the banks of the Kerala backwaters.
Located Where? The Kerala backwaters lie parallel to the Arabian sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. Kerala has over 900 Km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of Kerala backwater cruises.
Cruising along the backwaters of Kerala is an ideal way to discover the real Kerala.t
Some of the scenic Kerala backwater destinations that you can see on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater are:
Cochin: This historic port city called "the Queen of the Arabian Sea," is the starting point for many Kerala backwater cruises & is known for its natural harbour.
Alappuzha: This Kerala Backwater destination is also known as the "Venice of the East," because of its surrounding waterways and canals. Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race held here every year, around the festival of Onam.
Kasargod: Kasargod a town in North Kerala is known for the Valiyaparamba stretch of backwaters, an incredibly beautiful and green corridor along the coast of Kerala.
Kollam: Situated just over 70 Km from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is an ancient seaport on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. The cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha, which lasts eight hours, is a magical ride along the scenic backwaters of Kerala.
Kottayam: Kottayam in Kerala is known for its fascinating backwaters on the seacoast and beautiful hills further inland.
Kozhikode : Kozhikode in North Kerala, is an important port, previously known as Calicut. Calico - a variety of checked cotton cloth derives its name from Calicut.
Kumarakom: Situated in the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a paradise on Earth. The bird sanctuary, the scenic beauty make Kumarakom one of the most sought after Kerala Backwater destinations.
Kuttanad: Known as the "Ricebowl of Kerala" Kuttanad brings to mind images of verdant paddy fields.
Thiruvallam: is a beautiful backwater destination at the conjunction of two rivers - the Killi and the Karamana and near the scenic Veli Lagoon.
Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala, previously known as Trivandrum, is a starting point for the tour of Kerala Backwater Destinations. Thiruvananthapuram is also known for its museums, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and proximity to the beautiful Kovalam Beach.

One of the major attractions of Kerala is its Beaches. Some of the popular beaches in Kerala are- Kappad, Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Alappuzha, Beypore, Dharmadam, Ezhimala, Thangassery, Kochi,Meenkunnu,Mappila, Muzhappilangad, Pathiramanal, Payyambalam, Shanghumugham,Tanur, Vizhinjam.rala is an ideal way to discover the real Kerala
How do we Reach Kerala? Kerala is a major tourist destination in India and is well connected with other parts of the country. There are three airports in the state –
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport- Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,Chennai International flights (direct): From/To: Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Doha, Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait, Riyadh, Fujairah and Singapore.
Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in India and the world.

Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery- Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Mumbai,Chennai,Goa,Agathi,BangaloreInternational flights (direct): From/To: Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat

Karipur Airport, Kozhikode- Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Mumbai, Chennai, Goa,Agathi,Bangalore
International flights (direct): From/To: Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat
RAIL:
There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of India and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in the state to places outside Kerala like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
Road: An extensive network of metalled roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India.

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Kerala, then the best time to visit Kerala would be in the months of October to March.
General Info/ Tips:
Travel-Wear Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Ayurvedic-Treatment If you wish to undergo Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important to ensure that you go to an authorised centre.
Wildlife-Sanctuaries To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary.

KERALA AYURVEDA
Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs. Today Kerala is the only state in India , which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.
Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health care system has been recognized the world over as the most perfected body-mind health care system. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that is rejuvenative and therapeutic, is widely practiced in India. Kerala is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is more effective in monsoon season as the atmosphere remains dust free and cool, opening the body pores to maximum, making it more receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

A Luxury Trip to Rajasthan on Wheels

Today I will take you across a LUXURY TRAIN in India called PALACE ON WHEELS. Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour, a journey that is much more than a luxury train ride. It covers the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor in Sawai Madhopur, the symbol of chivalry Chittaurgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.

What’s This?
Palace on Wheels is a week-long luxury cruise on train through fascinating Rajasthan. You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace on Wheels. On board, when you see the luxurious cabins, a well stocked bar, two dining cars, personalised service you feel like travelling in heaven. Each coach is decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. You will feel at home with facilities like hot & cold water shower, attached toilets, music, intercom, personal attendants to give you a helping hand, a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
The 14 coaches on Palace on Wheels are ALWAR, BHARATPUR. BHARATPUR, BUNDI, DHOLPUR, DUNGARGARH, JAISALMER, JAIPUR, JHALAWAR, JODHPUR, KISHANGARH, KOTA, SIROHI, UDAIPUR.


Located Where?
The Palace on Wheels train departs from New Delhi railway station.

How do we Reach There?
The destinations covered by the Palace on Wheels are Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and finally Agra before returning back to Delhi.

Best time to visit :
The luxurious Palace on Wheels starts its royal journey on every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station during the cooler months of September to April. Due to hot weather and the time required for renovation and maintenance of its coaches, the train doesn't operate from May to August.


Major Attractions :
Jaipur:

The first stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. You can see the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. You can Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles. You can also see Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.

Jaisalmer:
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.D. You can see the Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli --fine examples of the stone carver’s skill.
You can shop at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work & embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios. You can also enjoy an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea and the cultural programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer before the train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Jodhpur:
Jodhpur, is a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur you can shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Sawai Madhopur:
Sawai Madhopur, is a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Here is the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq.kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds, tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes.
Chittaurgarh:
Chittaurgarh is a city with Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more.

Udaipur :
Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. The two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble Palaces-the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. A visit to City Palace & Crystal gallery is exhilarating.

Bharatpur :
Bharatpur, is the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Here,you can visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place of thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.

Agra:
In Agra there is Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery

Precautions : Always book into approved hotels or RTDC run hotels.

General Info / Tips:
There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and a special attendant for manual assistance.
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective saloons without your worrying about it.
An exotic array of dishes to choose from the Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines is available on the Palace on Wheels.
Mineral water is made available to you all through the journey.
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
A complimentary bottle of wine/beer can be availed courtesy Palace on Wheels to all the royal guests.
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards, daily newspapers & magazines.
A mailbox is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.
A health club comprising of the latest equipment to keep you fit is available.

Tariff
(per Person, per night)
September 2008 - April 2009

Travel from Oct 2008 to March 2009

Single occupancy
US$560 ( INR 23,240/-)
Double occupancy
US$419 ( INR 17,390/-)
Triple occupancy
US$340 ( INR 14,110/-)

Travel in September 2008 & April 2009
Single occupancy
US$415 ( INR 17,225/-)
Double occupancy
US$322 ( INR 13,365/-)
Triple occupancy
US$260 ( INR 10,790/-)
(Half price for children between 5 and 12 Years of age).
Note: Service Tax will be charged extra as applicable.

There will be a 10% surcharge levied on the tariff for the trips falling during Christmas (25th December) and New Year (1st January)

Tariff is inclusive of cost of travel and accommodation, catering (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner), conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches, entrance fee for monuments and palaces and cultural entertainment. Tariff does not include liquor, laundry, video cameras, and other items of personal nature.

Bon Voyage

Travel tips on Jim Corbett National Park

Hi friends,

This is a site giving you an idea of places in India & abroad.. I will keep you posted with information on all the places across the world… & that too free.

Today I will take you across a place in India called Jim Corbett National Park extending over an area of more than 500 sq km in the Himalayan foothills.
What’s This? Jim Corbett National Park as the name suggests has a beautiful landscape with diverse wildlife living here. Tourism is allowed only in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Park is named after Jim Corbett, who lived in the region, knew the language of the jungle, and who metamorphosised from hunter to ardent conservationist.

Located Where? It’s located near a place called Ramnagar.
How do we Reach There? Rail-Ramnagar (51 km), Air- Pantnagar (110 km)
Air : Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport
Rail : Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park। For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad
Road : Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic.

Best time to visit : Nov.- May (closed mid June to mid Nov.) The best visiting season of Corbett is from November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links.
Climate : Its altitude is 385-1100 m above main sea level & its Temperature range is 4°C in winter to 42°C during summer.
Major Attractions : You can see mountains, forests, rivers, wildlife here.
Rivers: The River Kosi runs close to the Park and is also a significant water resource for nearby areas. Wildlife is dependent on rivers, for they provide drinking waters and also form home to several key aquatic species. Ramganga river is crucial for Corbett infact, without it there would be no Corbett. Other rivers forming major attraction in this park are Sonanandi, Mandal and Palain.

Wildlife: includes tigers, leopards, deers, wild boars, elephants, monkeys, birds, reptiles, crocodiles & fish. Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won’t come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.
Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, or other travel agencies . One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow.
Clothes to be taken: For winter travel, heavy woollens should be taken especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months. Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons.
Precautions :
- Always follow the rules as wildlife here is free to look-out for its prey
- Animals can smell humans so be extra careful not to wear strong perfumes
- Don’t make noise, or play loud music. It can annoy the animals.
- Wear more comfortable shoes to walk around freely or run with them. Don’t wear bright colours.
- Carry medication & insect & mosquito repellents.
- Bring binoculars

General Info / Tips

Entry Inside The Corbett National Park : Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.

Tourist Information Centres : All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration centre at Ramnagar. The closest of the various gates into the Corbett national park, 1-m from central Ramnagar, is on the road to Bijrani camp, 11-km away, a base for day trips. Dhangarhi Gate, 18-kms along the highway north to Ranikhet, provides access to the northern and north western portion of the Jim Corbett Park along the Ramnagar River valley, and to the main camp of Dhikala.