Monthly Archives: February 2019

Discover the Many Charms of the Seychelles with these Wonderful Experiences

seychelles

The Seychelles is a tropical heaven in the Indian Ocean with more than 100 islands blessed with divine beaches fringed by translucent warm waters, isolated bays, terrific mountain areas and lush green spaces. Along with having a good time at the beaches of the country, travellers can have an exciting time enjoying the different unique activities here. Take a look!

Hike on the Mahe Island

Most of the inner islands of the Seychelles like the Mahe Island are made of granite. Enjoy amazing hikes on the Mahe Island and take in the stunning views of the natural beauty of the region. Mount Copolia, Anse Major Trail, Morne Blanc and Morne Seychellois are some major hiking spots here and will take you across cinnamon and rubber tree forests, mosses and ferns while presenting many thrilling experiences.

Kayak through the mangroves

The ideal way to explore the calm turquoise waters is to kayak through the mangroves across the islands. With so many islands in close proximity to each other, the Seychelles is a perfect sea kayaking destination for adventure seekers. North Island is one major kayaking destination here where families and couples can enjoy a gentle work-out, paddling in the light swell while taking delight in terrific views of the crystal clear waters all around.

Ride a horse

Tourists are seen enjoying a horseback ride on the stunning Seychelles beaches and through the captivating island forests all throughout the year. Turquoise Horse Trails, located on the west coast of Mahe Island, are extremely popular with the travellers, promising them a scenic ride through forest, mangrove marshes, and along the shores Barbarons and Grand Anse beaches.

Witness turtle nesting during daytime

You will be surprised to know that Seychelles is one of the very few places in the world where the Hawksbill turtles can be spotted nesting during the day. October and January are the two months to enjoy this scene in Seychelles. Come along with your whole family and witness these incredible events on North Island!

Enjoy Moutya dance

Moutya is a slow, traditional dance originated on the Seychelles among Creole slaves but is now celebrated all across the island. A number of hotels across the island offer Moutya nights where many traditional dancers perform this bare-feet cultural dance. The music, played usually with three goatskin drums of different sounds and sizes, during the dance performance is a wonderful treat to the senses as well!

Discover the Rich Culture of the Philippines

The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage that appeals to travellers of all ages from all different parts of the world. If you are planning a holiday to the Philippines, make sure you explore the many cultural treasures of this country!

Philippines

Baroque Churches of the Philippines

Baroque Churches of the Philippines are a collection of four Spanish Colonial-era baroque churches drawing the attention of the visitors with their unique architecture. The churches were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1993 and played an important role in the colonial past and identity of the country. Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Manila and Miagao Church in Iloilo are the four Baroque churches visited by a large number of architecture and history lovers.

Historic City of Vigan

Vigan is best known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Situated on the west coast of Luzon Island, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is one of the only five heritage sites in the country. Make a visit to the city and go back to the old Spanish colonial days as you explore the cobblestone streets and the ancient houses.

Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island

Chocolate Hills are a geological formation covered in green grass and are named so for its colour during the dry season. They turn brown during the dry season and seem to resemble the famous Hershey’s Kisses chocolates! Scattered across a 50 square kilometre area, these thousands of cone-shaped hills were declared the National Geological Monument of the country by the National Committee on Geological Sciences in 1988.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras developed 2000 years ago on the island of Luzon. Situated at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges, these terraces were named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for their cultural importance. The terraces with an altitude of up to 1500 metres and steep slopes of maximum 70 degrees are sure to impress the visitors.

Intramuros in Manila

Situated within the city of Manila, Intramuros is a 0.67 square kilometres historic walled area. Founded in 1571, this ancient walled city takes you back in time to the Spanish colonial period. The city is popular for its cultural performances and historical walking tours, and grabs the attention with its cobblestone streets and conserved ruins and architecture. For a unique experience in the city, you can enjoy a ride on kalesa – horse-drawn calash.

Cairo’s Top Attractions for First Time Visitors

Nestling along the banks of River Nile, Egypt’s sprawling capital is not only a historian and an archaeologist’s dream but also a culture lover’s haven. Site to several world-famous attractions that remain unmatched in grandeur, taking a trip to Cairo is like travelling back to the cradle of civilisation. Since there’s a lot you can explore here, don’t forget visiting these top attractions, especially if it’s your first time in the city:

The Pyramids of Giza

The-Pyramids-of-Giza

Believed to have brought the whole of Egypt together for their construction at one point of time in history, the Pyramids of Giza are archaeological wonders needing no introduction. Archaeologists and historians are still grappling to understand the exact process of their construction, lending them an air of mystery. The three pyramids- the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu, the sphinx pyramid of Pharaoh Khafre and the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure must be explored on separate days for an elaborate tour of their individual palaces, temples, solar boat pits and other features.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian-Museum

The Egyptian Museum is quite literally the treasure trove of some of the world’s most fascinating arts and artefacts. From over 1, 20,000 precious artefacts housed at the museum, one can gain insights into the Egyptian history spanning over several centuries. Do check out mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery amongst a range of other valued art pieces but do not, under any circumstance, miss boy-King Tutankhamen’s treasures, including the gold death-masks discovered in his tomb.

Mohamed Ali Mosque

Mohamed-Ali-Mosque

Decorating the stunning citadel of Salah el-Din, the Mohamed Ali Mosque stands out because of its favourable location, its 52 metres high dome and 84 metres tall minarets as well as the prominent use of Alabaster stone. The mosque took a period of around 18 years, from 1830-1848, to be completed; the ornate interiors and exteriors vouch for the fact.

Nilometer

Nilometer refers to the Turkish-style pencil dome located inside the Monastirli Palace compound. The tomb was used to check the water levels of the river during different period of a harvest cycle, thereby predicting disasters and floods as well as fertile harvests in advance, cause of a big celebration. When you visit this architectural marvel from AD 861, don’t miss out descending the steps below the measuring column, leading right below the level of River Nile.

Citadel

The mighty Cairo Citadel is your best bet for panoramic views of the city. From a few terraces of the Citadel, it is even possible to see the Pyramids of Giza. If you would like a slice of history to go with beautiful sightings, a tour of the citadel will reveal that these buildings served as fortifications to protect the rulers of Egypt for over 700 years. You can get details on each of the rulers and other historical facts from your knowledgeable guide.

Cairo Opera House

Search for the finest performing art events in Cairo will lead you to the Cairo Opera House, part of Cairo’s National Cultural Centre. The building, including two opera halls and an open-air theatre, is shared by both the Cairo Ballet Company and the Cairo Opera Company. Visit here for witnessing some of the best music and dance performances in the city. It’s also possible to attend art exhibitions here. Do check the schedule before you go.

The New Camel Market

Travel about 35 kilometres northwest of Cairo to arrive at the New Camel Market, the largest camel market in the whole of Egypt. The scene here is pretty vibrant albeit crowded as hundreds of camel owners bring their animals here for trade of an everyday basis. It is advisable to visit the market on Friday for most action. Try to reach there between 7am-11am.

Top Natural Wonders to Discover in Namibia

Namibia is a terrific travel destination in Southwest Africa that promises a true wild African holiday experience. Bordering South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and the Atlantic Ocean, it is a true haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts seeking a peaceful yet thrilling vacation.

Namib Desert

Stretching for over 2,000 kilometres along the Atlantic coast of the country, Namib Desert is the heart of Namibia, often referred to as the world’s oldest desert. The red sand dunes reach great

Namib Desertheights and are a treat to discover. Covering the entire western section of the country and spreading beyond its borders, the desert calls for many thrilling experiences. You can spot an array of plants and animals that can be found nowhere else in the world!

Sossusvlei

Lying in the southern part of Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a large salt flat and dry lake bed surrounded by tall red sand dunes. What makes this place more inviting is its colour changing nature during sunrise and sunset, presenting picturesque vistas all throughout the day and evening! Tsauchab River, flowing through the desert, is another major draw of this place. Head to this retreat to revel in the charm of the landscape and its ever-changing colour!

Swakopmund

A haven for beach lovers, Swakopmund is a city in Namibia with several sandy beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Besides beaches, the city invites visitors with a wonderful range of German colonial buildings. While it is an exciting tourist destination for nature and

Swakopmundarchitecture lovers, activities like sand boarding, horse riding and quad biking make it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts as well. Visitors can also opt for dolphin cruises for a memorable experience.

Etosha National Park

Lying on the Etosha salt pan in north-western part of the country, Etosha National Park is an ideal wildlife retreat with a diverse landscape. There are guaranteed game sightings in the reserve and visitors get a chance to spot elephant, leopard, lion, black and white rhino, cheetah,

Etosha National Parkbrown and spotted hyena, caracal, zebra and antelope. Besides, you can have an ideal camping experience at the rest camps in the park that are well provided with accommodation, viewing decks and restaurants.

Fish River Canyon

Located in the far south of the country, Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa visited by a large number of tourists all throughout the year. With the length of 160km, width of 27km

Fish River Canyonand depth of around 550 metres, the canyon is wonderful treat for the sore eyes. You can discover around 1.5 billion years of geological history while hiking up to the canyon that requires almost five days to get to the top.

 

 

 

Discover the Many Natural Wonders of Botswana

Botswana is one of the best places on the planet to spot wildlife! This land-locked African country flaunts diverse landscapes and exciting wildlife experiences, promising visitors a holiday of a lifetime. Read on to know more about the country’s most popular natural wonders.

Wildlife

Chobe National Park

One of the largest and most biologically diverse parks in Botswana, Chobe National Park is a place where you can have an ideal day out with your family and friends. There are four different and distinct ecological regions in the park. Home to 50,000 elephants, one of the highest concentrations in Africa, Chobe National Park is best explored on a full one-day safari.

Okavango Delta

A large inland river delta, Okavango Delta draws attention with its islands, sparkling lagoons and meandering channels. This unique wetland is situated in the heart of the Kalahari Desert and owes its existence to the Okavango River. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and appeals to nature lovers from across the globe. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot lions, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs here.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Dedicated to the protection of the endangered rhinos, Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a wildlife haven in eastern Botswana. The conservancy extends across 4,300 hectares and is home to 30 white rhinos and 2 black rhinos. Besides, you can spot zebra, eland, springbok, giraffe, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, cheetah, brown hyena, leopard and the wild dog at the sanctuary.

Moremi Game Reserve

Situated in the northern part of Botswana, Moremi Game Reserve is the only protected part of the Okavango Delta. This wildlife and nature conservation area has been voted best game reserve in Africa in 2008 and is visited by a large number of tourists every year. It is a bird watchers’ paradise with approximately 500 species of birds spotted here; and you can also spot predators like lion, leopard, hyaena, cheetah, jackal and wild dog.

Makgadikgadi Pan

One of the world’s largest salt flats, Makgadikgadi Pan lies in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana. The salt pan is situated in the south-west of the Okavango Delta and is surrounded by the Kalahari Desert. It transforms into stunning grass-plains during the rainy season. Kubu Island is one of the key attractions here, while Jacks Camp and San Camp are two permanent tented lodging options here.

What All You Can Do in Cambodia on a Family Holiday!

family-holiday

Surrounded by Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north and Thailand to the northwest, Cambodia remains a terrific travel destination that promises a magical blend of adventure and serenity. From remarkable landscapes, world-famous temples and imperial colonial towns to tropical beaches, rural villages and striking wildlife sanctuaries, there’s a lot in store for families wishing to explore and experience something truly remarkable.

Visit Tonle Sap and its surrounding floating temples

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap is a serene spot where you can explore different natural attractions. Home to Vietnamese and Cham communities residing in the many floating villages in the surrounding, the lake is a lively place reflecting the local culture of Cambodia and is one of the world’s richest fishing grounds. Mechrey Floating Village, Krakor Floating Village, Kompong Khleang Floating Village and Phnom Kong Rei are some of the finest floating villages to explore here.

Discover thrill at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park

Just an hour away from Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts. The largest zoo in Cambodia, it is home to more than 1200 rescued animals including endangered Asian elephants, tigers, Siamese crocodile, Pileated gibbon and Malayan sun bears. Have a great time interacting with the animals and feeding them! Besides, you can relax on the hammocks and have a delicious Cambodian-style lunch to make your family outing more memorable.

Go Ox cart riding in Siem Reap

Visit Kompheim Village, a 25-minute drive away from Siem Reap, and hop aboard an ox cart with your kids and ride through the village, palm trees, rice paddy fields and smiling locals. You can make the most of this ride by also indulging in various activities such as rice planting, harvesting crops and weaving thatch roofs. Living the life of locals for a day at Kompheim Village will leave you admiring the authentic Cambodia and its culture.

Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River

One of the largest rivers in Asia, Mekong River flows through different countries such as China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. A cruise on the river presents a tapestry of colour and culture, and is a luxurious experience for travellers visiting Cambodia. You would love crossing country borders on the cruise and witnessing the river banks coming to life.

Explore Cambodia’s history at Bokor Hill Station

Built as a French retreat away from Phnom Penh, Bokor Hill Station is a beautiful spot to relax with your family while experiencing the history of Cambodia. Lying at a height of 3438 feet, it is an ideal place to escape the heat and take delight in the true beauty of nature. Here you can experience a colourful Cambodian culture and discover different beautiful beaches, glittering bays, stunning landscapes and colonial structures. Sampov Pram Pagoda, Bokor Church, Phnom Bokor and Preah Monivong National Park are some of the major attractions to explore here.

Reasons You Should Visit Belize in Central America!

Flanked by the Caribbean Sea on one side and dense jungles on the other, Belize is among the world’s most loved tourist destinations! If you haven’t been to this pint-sized country yet, here’s our list of wonderful reasons that’ll encourage you to fly down to Belize.

Maya Ruins

One of the world’s most enigmatic civilisations, Maya Ruins are Belize’s topmost tourist attraction drawing history lovers from all over the world. Belize is known as the epicentre of the ancient Maya World with dozens of ruins scattered all around the country. This ancient civilisation flourished here for almost 3000 years; and the towering temples are a tribute to their god-like ancestors. Xunantunich, Caracol, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech and Lamanai are some of these spectacular sites you can explore.

Beaches

Beaches

Belize beaches are loved world over for their incredible beauty and pristine locations. With a stunning coastline hugging the Caribbean Sea and over 200 offshore islands, the country has many beaches appealing with their crystal-clear turquoise coloured waters, golden and white sands and thrilling water sports opportunities. Silk Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, Half Moon Caye and Tobacco Caye are some of the most popular beaches to discover in Belize.

Wildlife

wildlife

Belize is one of Central America’s famous spots for eco-tourism. The bush and tropical rainforest cover half the country. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot the most amazing wildlife on earth here, from jaguars to crocodiles to tapir. Be it a stroll through the Belize Zoo or the wildlife camping in the Chiquibul Jungle, you are certain to have an amazing wildlife experience here. Besides, Payne’s Creek National Park, Sarstoon Temash National Park and Cockscomb Basin National Park are some other major wildlife parks you can explore in the country.

The Great Blue Hole

Blue_Hole

A couple miles off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole, about half a mile in diameter. The largest sea hole in the world, it is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers. Day trips to the Great Blue Hole are offered from the coastal communities. Scuba divers love to dive in the crystal clear waters of this natural wonder and to discover myriad species of marine life including tropical fish and mesmerising coral formations.

Adventure

Miles of coastline make Belize a true haven for adventure seekers. Tropical rainforest, mountain ranges, rivers and caves – all are a treat for the sore eyes and present wonderful adventure opportunities including birding, hiking, spelunking, racing river rapids and more. Those who are travelling with families can take canoe trips down the Macal, Sittee and Belize Rivers for a relaxing holiday experience whereas those seeking thrill can take delight in water sports on the beaches and hiking tours to remote jungles where they can catch a glimpse of a passing tapir or jaguar.