Monthly Archives: September 2016

Top 10 Draws of A Vacation In Langkawi

Langkawi

Langkawi is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and offers endless adventure opportunities to travellers. Some of the best attractions here are beaches, sprawling parks, iconic structures, and popular sites for water sports. If you haven’t already been to the island, here are the top 10 draws of a vacation at the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi.

Jet Ski Island Tour

For some travellers, this is the highlight of their vacation in Langkawi. There are a lot of local companies offering Jet Ski rides to as many as 8 islands from local beaches. Travellers can see many notable natural attractions at once during these rides.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Marvel at the beauty of Tanjung Rhu beach, which is located at the northern tip of the island. This isolated fine sandy beach offers stunning views of the islands in front of it. Its beauty is increased many fold by the surrounding limestone cliffs and rain-forests.

Parasailing

Get a nice dose of adrenaline rush as you indulge in parasailing and also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the natural beauty of the beaches of Langkawi. Enjoy excellent views of the 99 islands that make up Langkawi, the white sandy beaches, and the various shades of blue in its waters.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Enjoy swimming at the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, which literally means Seven Wells Waterfalls. The Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls is a series of seven linked natural pools, which receive water from seven separate waterfalls in Gunung Mat Cincang.

Langkawi Cable Car

Experience the thrilling vertiginous 15-minute ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, which will transport you to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. The ride is famous for offering awe-inspiring views of surrounding rainforests, islets, and waterfalls.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

Visit the enchanting Pulau Payar Marine Park, which is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. Get mesmerised by the stunning Coral Garden, an isolated part of the park that is home to colourful corals.

Langkawi Sky Bridge

Langkawi-Sky-Bridge

A must-visit attraction, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 metre-long curved pedestrian bridge built at heights of around 700 metres above sea level. Enjoy magnificent views of the Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and numerous islets from the SkyBridge.

Langkawi Arts in Paradise 3D Museum

A great attraction for families, especially with kids, the Langkawi Art in Paradise 3D Museum is an interactive 3D museum containing over 200 almost lifelike artworks. Have fun getting photographed at the museum, which is said to be the biggest 3D art museum in Malaysia and second biggest across the world.

Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise

Another popular hangout for families and animal lovers, visit the Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise to discover more than 2,500 exotic birds belonging to around 150 species. Enjoy spotting canaries, ducks, parakeets, owls, eagles, toucans, hornbills, and flamingos among others.

Underwater World Langkawi

Yet another attraction for families and animal lovers, the Underwater World Langkawi is home to over 500 species of sea creatures. Explore the place to spot harbour seals, rockhopper penguins, seahorses, and mandarin ducks.

The Most Popular Annual Festivals in Mexico

Planning to visit Mexico any time soon? If you have not booked your tickets yet, it would be a nice idea to visit during the festive season.

mexico

The already-vibrant destination turns livelier for one and all! What more could you ask for? In this article, we bring to you some of the most popular annual festivals celebrated in the United Mexican States. Let’s go through them now!

Son Jarocho

Son Jorocho is a regional folk musical style of Veracruz – a stretched-out Mexican state bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The fest features a brilliant and unique mixture of indigenous, Spanish, and African elements. The rhythmic songs focus on evergreen topics like love, sailors, nature, and cattle breeding. The verses are deliberately made humorous to entice viewers further. Jarana, requinto jarocho, harp, and pandero are the instruments used in Son Jarocho.

Fiestas de Octubre

Fiestas de Octubre presents excellent dance performances, theatre workshops, painting, and other art forms. Every year, a new theme is chosen and all the activities and images are based on it. The fun doesn’t end here! There are thrilling rides and Mexican food too. This fiesta commemorates the traditional and the true spirit of the state – Jalisco. Fiestas de Octubre is believed to be one of the most important festivals of Mexico and shouldn’t be missed!

Festival Internacional Cervantino

Guanajuato‘s Festival Internacional Cervantino features performers from more than 90 different countries in plays, concerts, theatre and dance productions, art exhibitions, and films. As the fiesta is named after a Spanish writer called ‘Miguel de Cervantes’, it highlights artistic creations in Spanish language. It’s a global festival, which encourages discovery and exchange.

Festival de Mexico

With an outstanding reputation, the Festival de Mexico is Latin America’s leading international art festival. It has hosted pioneering international and Mexican events in diverse areas such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, opera, and multimedia. Famous personalities like Diego el Cigala, Peter Brook, Rubén Blades and Fred Frith have graced the occasion with their presence.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead is over a century old festival that’s commemorated to remember and honour the ones who have passed away. At homes, people create altars for them and may allow guests to check it out. Graves and graveyards are also cleaned. They stay up all night in the cemetery chatting and sharing stories of their ancestors. Skilled musicians play favourite songs of the dead.

Tips for Exploring Australia – The Land Down Under

australia

Australia, also called Oz, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and many others offer exciting activities and lovely attractions for all! According to Tourism Australia Corporate Website, there were 716,000 visitor arrivals during July 2016, which is an increase of 141 per cent over the same period of the previous year. Considering the fact that Australia is such a popular holiday destination, we thought it would be worthwhile to list some travel tips and tricks for visiting the destination.

australiaa

Climate

The northern part of the continent has a more tropically influenced climate. It’s hot and humid in the summers, and quite warm and dry in the winters. The southern areas are cooler with warm summers and cool winters. The central part has dry, desert regions with daytime temperatures being high, and low amounts of rain. During summers, bushfires are surprisingly common.

Money and Tipping

The national currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, while coins come in 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and $1 & $2 denominations. Generally speaking, hotels and restaurants do not add service charge to one’s bill. Thus, although not mandatory, tipping is suggested. At top-notch eating venues, one can tip waiters 10% of the bill.

Food

Foodies will have a delightful time in Oz. The must-eat dishes of this country are Chicken parmigiana, Barbequed snags, Lamingtons, Pavlova, and Australian barramundi. All these dishes are extremely delicious and command a huge fan-following. There are a number of restaurants that have grabbed the attention of locals and tourists alike. These include Quay, Attica, Marque, and Vue de Monde. People should keep in mind that food isn’t cheap here.

Accommodation

Australia features countless accommodation facilities for travellers. Some of the best business hotels here are Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Park Hyatt, Sheraton on the Park, The Westin Sydney, and Rydges World Square. The list doesn’t end for leisure travellers! For them, The Blackman, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, and Tower Lodge can be good options. Those who don’t have deep pockets can consider Astor Private Hotel, The Vineyard Motel, and Comfort Inn Eastern Sands.

Transportation

Getting around in this country is easy! For covering large distances, flying is the perfect choice. Various domestic airlines are available for booking purposes. Bus travel is usually comfortable and reasonably priced. The vast network of well-connected roads allows people to go on road trips. If one intends to enjoy the scenic beauty, then train journey is a good option. Ferry Ride is just not to be missed!

The Best Cities to Celebrate Diwali in India

dipawali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on 30th October this year and it’s time for you to make plans and have an enjoyable time with family and friends. The festival is celebrated across a number of destinations.

diwali

Visiting these places during Diwali allows you to experience the enthusiasm of the locals and have a fun-filled time. Here, check out a handful of such places.

Jaipur

Also called ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is world famous for its amazing commemoration of the festival. The entire city sparkles with lights and colours. Ancient palaces, forts, and other historical monuments illuminate with utmost beauty. It’s common to see locals inviting tourists to their household celebrations. Quite interestingly, there’s a nail-biting competition for the best adorned and most radiantly lit-up market every year!

Varanasi

Varanasi is believed to be one of the holiest cities in India. On this day, all ghats light up with diyas and candles! The special Ganga Aarti, watched by thousands of onlookers, wins the heart of tourists and locals alike. The Sanskrit hymns tranquillize one’s inner soul and it’s believed that the holy river waters here cleanse one’s sins. At night, people can admire the jaw-dropping firecrackers and fireworks from their hotel room’s window.

Kolkata

In Kolkata, the Goddess Kali is worshipped by following pious rituals. Hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice, and lentils are offered to the deity. Several bazaars and exhibitions are set up to entice individuals further. They sell ethnic handicrafts and home decor items. The city is gorgeously lit with lamps, bulbs, and candles, while the aromatic fragrance of flowers and incense sticks add more significance to the place.

Amritsar

Amritsar, home to the iconic Golden Temple, transforms into a paradise during Diwali. The Sikhs commemorate Diwali because this was the time when the sixth Sikh guru ‘Guru Hargobind Sahib’ returned from Mughal captivity. To be precise, the year was 1619. Like always, the Golden Temple looks stunning. Thousands of lamps are lined along the edge of the nearby lake that makes this monument shine brighter.

Goa

Diwali begins on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi in Goa. Multi-coloured effigies of Narkasura are burnt, symbolising the destruction of the demon by Lord Krishna. Contests are held to judge whose effigy is the tallest and the scariest. People decorate their front doors and windows with candles. Typical of the Goan spirit, there is a lot of dancing, gift-giving, and parties.

Kid-Centric Attractions and Activities in Dubai

dubai

Planning to explore Dubai with your children? Well, we have a list of attractions and activities that’ll easily grab the attention of your kids and ensure an enjoyable time for them in the ‘City of Gold’. Some of these are exclusively meant for youngsters, while others encourage parents as well!

‘KidZania’

Open 7 days a week, the KidZania is an ‘interactive edutainment centre’, where the little ones can experience more than 80 role-playing professions in the replica of a real city. This ‘city’ is built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, and identifiable destinations. The role playing professions enhance the physical, social, and intellectual skills of the participants. There’s a safe and independent area for toddlers too.

Sega Republic

Sega Republic is an indoor theme park for kids and others. It features 15 breathtaking attractions and more than 170 games, ranging from cutting-edge motion simulators and virtual experiences to one of the area’s biggest assortment of skill and redemption games. Some of the ‘attractions’ are Giant Slider, Xyclone, Racer, Wild Jungle and Rope Rush. Sega Republic is open daily from 10 AM to 1 AM.

Go Ice Skating to the ‘Dubai Ice Rink’

skating

If your child or even you love to ice-skate, then head to the ‘Dubai Ice Rink’ right away! This Olympic-size venue has over 2,000 pairs of skates imported from a popular manufacturer in Italy to fit children and adults of all ages and sizes.

Ski-Dubai

‘Ice Marshals’ keeps an eye on everyone during public skating hours to ensure safety. To entice people further, there are awesome DJ nights for ultimate entertainment.

Al Nasr Leisureland

Youngsters will have a delightful time at Al Nasr Leisureland as it features amazing rides such as Go Kart, Bumber Car, Himalaya Ride, Helicopter & Mini Bumber. There are superb facilities for tennis, squash, swimming, and bowling as well. The Olympic-sized ice rink with gallery is an apt spot for social entertainment events, stage shows, and award ceremonies. The food at the on-site restaurants is truly admirable!

Swim with the Dolphins at ‘Dubai Dolphinarium’

Dubai Dolphinarium is a jaw-dropping attraction not only for kids but adults too! Over here, one can swim and interact with dolphins.

aquarium

The bottlenose dolphins and seals show off their master skills in various action-packed shows. Dubai Dolphinarium also hosts programmes where more than 20 different birds and parrots flaunt their spectacular abilities. There are numerous souvenirs and toys at the gift shop.

Tips for a Comfortable Road Trip

Many travellers feel that few things can be better than a road trip. After all, on a road trip, you can control your overall itinerary and pack anything that fits in the car trunk.

road

On a road trip, you can also drive away from a not-so-attractive place without much thought. These are just a few of the many benefits of a road trip.

roadd

If you plan to go on a road trip, the tips below could come in handy for you.

Decide on the Route

Pick out the final destination at the beginning of the planning stage. Next, choose the places of interest that lie between the starting point and the final destination. Choosing the shortest route may not be the best option always, as safety and security concerns need to be taken into account. If possible, one must get in touch with travellers who have journeyed across the same route.

Stay with the Friends and Acquaintances

Stay with acquaintances and friends, even long-lost friends! This is the best way to cut down the expenses on accommodation. By staying with the locals, one also gets an exclusive opportunity to acquire insider knowledge on topics related to regional food, customs, and traditions. One can also learn more about the lesser-known-attractions situated in the vicinity, which otherwise may be slightly difficult.

Use the world-renowned ‘Maps’

With the advent of technology, one is naturally inclined to use web mapping services. Maps, a Google product, lets you rely on real-time GPS navigation, traffic, transit, and lots more! With its assistance, one may even save time, thanks to the automatic re-routing feature based on live traffic. Along with street views, one may also see indoor imageries of restaurants, shops, and museums. Offline maps are available too.

Carry Enough Cash for Tolls and Roadside Restaurants

Toll roads can be anywhere! This being the case, travellers need to carry cash as these roads may be costlier than expected. That’s why people are advised to keep some cash and coins in the centre console of the vehicle. The restaurants may be small-sized and not quite technologically developed. An Indian Dhaba (highway eatery) is a good example! Such eateries only accept cash.

Keep Aside Extra Food and Water

Carry extra food and water during road trips. This is deemed necessary as one may face an unforeseen situation. In such a scenario, the extra food and water can be consumed. An energy bar, rich in proteins and carbs, should definitely be there with you during short as well as long trips.

Top Wine and Food Festivals in New Zealand

Food…and Wine! Now, who would say no to lip-smacking dishes and fine wines? Somehow, food and wine also seem to feature big in most people’s travel itineraries. After all, travel indeed expands one’s cultural horizons.

new-zealand

Now, without further ado, we just want to say that Food and Wine are an inseparable part of one’s trip to New Zealand. So, here we have summed up top amazing wine and food festivals that you may just experience during your trip to this picturesque nation.

1.      The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

New Zealand’s acclaimed original and longest running wine and food festival, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is a renowned event. Attend to enjoy a unique selection of world-class wines along with scrumptious local cuisines. It is held at Brancott Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough.

2.      Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival

Enjoy a world of fun and delicious food at Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival at Marlborough. It offers a delicious assortment of seafood and mussels along with fun activities and entertainment throughout the festival. Travellers will love the tasty treats by renowned restaurants and chefs participating in the festival.

3.      Visa Wellington on a Plate

One of the largest festivals with a big umbrella of delicious meal deals, Visa Wellington on a Plate (WOAP) will steal the heart of any food lover. Visa WOAP offers a wide range of lip-smacking choices to satiate your hunger. One can find unique recipes for burgers, cocktails, baking, and more.

4.      Whitianga Scallop Festival

The annual food festival held in September, Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival brings every foodie and connoisseur under one roof. The iconic seafood festival is celebrated at Whitianga Harbour, showcasing a variety of succulent scallop delicacies along with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef, competitions, and more.

5.      Seafest Kaikoura

Enjoy a delectable assortment of seafood during a weekend of festivities with Seafest Kaikoura in the heart of coastal Kaikoura. Travellers will find reputable wine producers, local seafood delicacies, and lots of beers brands.

For Upcoming Wine and Food Festivals in New Zealand, click here.

Ten Amazing Places to Visit in Europe in December

Charming Europe witnesses winters in various shades, from snowfall in the north to brilliant sunshine in the Mediterranean.

greece

Travellers are spoiled for choice, when it comes to selecting a winter vacation here. Whether you love winters or are looking for a warm climate to spend your vacations in Europe, the continent has a numerous countries suiting every traveller’s checklist. So, here goes.

1.    Crete, Greece

Nestled alongside the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is Greece’s most populated and biggest island. Travellers looking for a warm travel destination in winters will be happy to know that the temperature stays above 15 degrees Celsius. Indulge in hiking, mountain biking, and other adventures in the south coast of this landscape island.

2.    Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, also known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ is a vivacious ancient city with monasteries, grand palaces, and baroque churches. An interesting winter destination in Europe, it has pristine beaches, where you can soak up the sun. The Dubrovnik, with a dramatic setting, is also a filming location for the world-renowned series, “Game of Thrones”.

3.    Canary Islands, Spain

The charming Canary Islands is an ideal choice in Europe for holidaymakers. Winters are a highly preferred time to spend vacations in the lap of nature. Cherish the dramatic settings of the place, whilst riding a camel or discover new flavours of local food. It is best suited for solo and family travellers.

4.    The Azores, Portugal

One will surely miss a heartbeat marvelling at the majestic beauty of The Azores. The lush green landscape is known for 1766 volcanoes, out of which nine are still active. The heavenly archipelago of volcanoes boasts craters, lakes, dry calderas, thermal water springs, and fumaroles.

5.    Hallstatt, Austria

The scintillating village of Hallstatt in Austria offers a gamut of historical and breathtaking natural attractions. Enjoy trips to the oldest salt mine of the world and go on romantic boat rides to Kale Hallstat.

6.    Tuscany, Italy

Located in Central Italy, Tuscany has an artistic vibe with beautiful cities along with a spectrum of appealing sites and attractions. Visit the Gulf of Baratti, relics of Etruscan civilisation, and Roselle from the Roman Age.

7.    The Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands is a stunning archipelago in Norway. Travellers can indulge in whale safaris, fishing, check out natural attractions, and discover far-off traditional villages.

8.    Cesis, Latvia

The popular typical medieval town, Cesis boasts a defining character of its own. With amazing relics including the emblem, defensive stone wall, and various architectural masterpieces, the city still reflects influences of a gone-by era.

9.    Andalucia, Spain

Spend your vacations near golden sandy beaches and mystifying mountain ranges. The town holds a rich history complemented by a plethora of backdrops for photography. Truly, the experience here is simply priceless.

10.    Malta

A gem in the crown of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a magnificent natural aura. One of the emerging winter destinations in Europe, it offers a variety of attractions, museums, galleries, fun activities, and Neo-Classical architecture. Travellers with a taste for caffeine will surely fall in love with the coffee culture here. The country also has a Popeye Village, a renowned attraction among children.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kerala, India

The surreal beauty of God’s Own Country, Kerala, makes it a popular holiday destination in India.

kerala

Kerala is blessed with a salubrious climate, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and canals, picturesque hill stations, and exotic wildlife.

keralaa

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit this paradise!

Emerald Hill Stations

Travellers should most definitely visit the hill stations of Kerala for a rewarding experience of breathing in the fresh, cool air and to enjoy stunning views of misty emerald green hills. Some of the most famous hill stations of Kerala are Munnar, Wayanad, Idukki, Ponmudi, and Wagamon.

White Sand Beaches

Kerala is home to some beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by blue waters, palm trees, lagoons, natural harbours, and sheltered bays. Kovalam, Varkala, Alappuzha, Marari, Kannur, Bekal, and Fort Kochi are among the gorgeous beaches. Relax, sunbathe, swim, or go parasailing, diving, and boating.

Explore Historical Kochi

Travellers visiting Kerala must explore the historical city of Kochi or Cochin, which was an important stop for international traders including spice traders. Marvel at the famous old buildings that still stand here. These include India’s oldest Christian church St. Francis, vibrant lanes of Jew Town, and the Dutch Palace.

Exciting Wild Life Sanctuaries

Kerala is blessed with a thick covering of lush greenery, stretches of which have been converted into national parks and sanctuaries with exotic wildlife. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and go on thrilling safaris to spot tigers and leopards in Periyar or elephants in Wayanad. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Silent Valley are excellent places for wildlife spotting.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala is famous for its serene and magnificent backwaters. Cruise the back waters in traditional house boats and find your inner peace as you float on amazingly beautiful waterways. The most popular backwaters destinations in Kerala are Alleppey and Kumarakom.

Spice Plantations

Visiting the spice plantations in Kerala is a must-do activity here. Discover the different properties and learn about the healing uses of plants and spices at these plantations. Some of the most common spices cultivated in Kerala are pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Authentic Ayurveda

Kerala is the traditional hub of Ayurveda. There are many resorts, spas, ashrams, and clinics that offer traditional ayurvedic treatments for many complex problems. However, most travellers are content with just a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, which is quite rejuvenating.

Traditional Houseboats

Another must-do activity in Kerala, spend a day or two exploring the beautiful backwaters in traditional houseboats for a fulfilling holiday. It is a popular attraction with honeymooning couples visiting the state.

Local Cuisine

Trying out the delicious local cuisine is also an inseparable part of visiting Kerala. The local cuisine uses a lot of spices and coconuts and there is plenty of tasty seafood to choose from, apart from the traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf.

Vibrant Culture

Travellers are also drawn towards the warm, vibrant, and exotic culture of Kerala and its people. Visit some culture centres to see its fascinating dance forms, martial arts, and music. Get enthralled by Kathakali, Mohinattam, Koodiyattam, and Pathakam dance forms.

Loads of Fun awaits you at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2016

The world-renowned event for hot air balloon enthusiasts is just around the corner. The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico will host the world’s largest ballooning event from 1st October, 2016 to 9th October, 2016. Witness the sunrise and sunset sky in New Mexico complimented by colourful and vibrant hot air balloons.

balloon

What is this Fiesta?

The city will welcome October with merriment at The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2016. The event attracts enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe. It seems like a scene just out of a motion picture with a spectrum of vibrant hot air balloons flying high. It is a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture beautiful landscapes and more. Undoubtedly, the fiesta is counted amongst the most photographed events in the world.

What’s in the Kitty for Travellers?

It welcomes people of all ages to engage in fun and excitement. Interestingly, visitors here get to be a part of the action on ground with the teams while hundreds of hot air balloons are prepared to sail through the air. Cherish celebrations, events, performances, and competitions throughout the fiesta.

Don’t miss out on the Balloon Glow shows such as Twilight Twinkle Glow, Balloon Glow, and Night Magic Glow. Enjoy the breathtaking sites of giant hot air balloons at night when all balloons are inflated with burners at the same time, making it a stunning sight.

Where will the action take place?

The nine-day event will be held at Balloon Fiesta Park in the north of Alameda Boulevard. It is a big field where hundreds of hot air balloons are launched and thousands of enthusiastic visitors are welcomed.

Event Schedule

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2016 will start at dawn on 1st October with Dawn Patrol Show and Laser Light Show. It will be followed by Krispy Kreme Morning Glow around 6:30 a.m. Categorised under Morning Session and Evening Session, visitors are offered a vivacious continuum of shows and stalls. The third day will be celebrated as Propane Day, fourth will be Pepsi day, and the sixth day will be dedicated to kids.

Weekend rush is always in excess than expected here, so travellers are advised to arrive at the earliest, around 4-4:30 am. The gates open for visitors at 4: 30 in the morning and 3:30 in the evening.

Where to get Tickets?

You may buy tickets online from the official website of the balloon fiesta, www.balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/ticketing-information. One can also purchase General Admission tickets at the entry gate on any day of the event.