Monthly Archives: December 2016

Must-Visit National Parks in Kenya

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Come and experience the beauty of nature at its wildest best in the jungles of Kenya. These lush jungles have fascinating landscapes and are home to plenty of exotic birds and animals. Much of Kenya’s famed wilderness is recognised and protected as national parks and reserves.

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In fact, there are so many of them that it gets difficult for travellers to pick the best ones to visit. So, we have listed some the most highly recommended national parks and reserves in Kenya.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of the most popular and often considered to be one of the best national parks is the Maasai Mara National Reserve at Narok County in Kenya. The reserve offers excellent wildlife safari experiences across the country. Experience the thrills of spotting the Big Five; rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. And, if you visit between the months of July and October, you can get lucky enough to see the incredible annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra in search of greener pastures.

Lake Nakuru National Park

A spectacle in its own right, the Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for bird watchers. The park’s famous shallow alkaline soda waters of Lake Nakuru is home to thousands of pearl-white pelicans, pink flamingos, and more than 400 species of birds. Travellers are often awe-struck by the picturesque surroundings of the park – the lake, waterfalls, and majestic cliffs. The park is accessible year-round and is home to exotic animals including white rhino, giraffe, lion, hippo, warthog, and ostrich.

Amboseli National Park

Enjoy picture-perfect views of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru from the stunning Amboseli National Park, which is located in Kajiado County, Kenya. The park is famous for being home to some of the largest elephants in the country. Apart from gigantic elephants, the park is also inhabited by hippo, cheetah, leopard, and over 50 species of mammals and 400 species of birds.

Nairobi National Park

Explore the amazing Nairobi National Park located near Kenya’s busy capital city of Nairobi. The park is considered to be an important black rhino sanctuary and is inhabited by more than 400 species of birds. The well-maintained walking trails and picnic spots keep visitors entertained. Wildlife safaris are also great fun here and you can easily spot rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests.

Mount Kenya National Park

Adventure lovers should head for the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. Explore the park to spot some rare species of animals and birds and to experience the pristine beauty of its lakes, mineral springs, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and forests. The park offers amazing opportunities for hiking and mountain climbing.

Five Romantic Escapes for Valentine’s Day in South America

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Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway? What about dodging the winter chills and escaping to the warm South American destinations to mark this day of love?

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If the idea appeals to you, visit one of the fine destinations in South America to spend the most romantic day of the year with your beloved. So, pack your bags and book flights to any of the places mentioned here.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Spend romantic evenings experiencing the vibrant nightlife and diverse culture of the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Visit an opera or ballet with your beloved in Teatro Colón and relish romantic dinners at the Palermo neighbourhood lined with fine restaurants and boutiques. Couples can enjoy picnics in sprawling parks and go on long walks through the beautiful lanes and streets. For dance enthusiasts, the five-star clubs provide many options.

Beaches in Colombia

Colombia is probably one of the best beach destinations across the world and spending Valentine’s Day here is a fantastic idea. The country has several world-class, sunny beaches – the beaches of Tayrona National Park, Taganga, Providencia, San Andres and Playa Blanca are some of them. Enjoy long walks on the sandy beaches, take in the postcard-perfect views, and try out thrilling water sports – enjoy all this and more with your partner.

Margarita Island, Venezuela

Discover the largely unexplored and untouched Margarita Island in Venezuela this Valentine’s with your beloved. Explore its virginal peninsulas, which are connected with sand and mangroves of the Parque Nacional Laguna de la Restinga National Park. The destination is an excellent lover’s hideout with its sunny isolated beaches, lush vegetation, and breathtaking sunset views.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Few other occasions could get more romantic than standing hand in hand with your beloved at an ancient site high atop the Andes Mountains! That’s Machu Picchu for all you lovebirds! Visit the historical citadel of the Incas in Peru and explore its stunning surroundings together. This mind-blowing place may well make you think that you and your partner are the centre of the universe.

Baia do Sancho, Brazil

Visit the stunning Baia do Sancho in Brazil to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2017. Blessed with emerald waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush greenery, and exotic wildlife; it is one of the best beaches across the country. What could be better than enjoying all this with that special someone? This delightfully secluded romantic paradise is simply waiting to be explored by the two of you.

Fabulous Experiences to Look Forward to in Johannesburg, South Africa

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Set in the heart of South Africa, Johannesburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has a sea of attractions and activities for you! If you find yourself in the city, here’s a list of things to see and do!

The Big Red Bus

First things first, if you’re feeling ‘touristy’, you can hop aboard the attractive red bus and travel around the city. There is audio commentary, so you can have a clear idea of what’s what; this trip is as educating as it is entertaining, and would cost the bare minimum.

Bounce!

This crazy interconnected trampoline web is where you can (along with your friends and family) get ‘jumpy’! Situated in the Waterfall Lifestyle Centre, it’s a cool place, where you can have a whale of a time!

Chill Out at The Living Room

Put your feet up and relax with the coolest cocktails at the sassy little joint ‘The Living Room’. This place is famous for its great casual ambiance as well as good food and drinks. You can definitely have a good time here with your friends and family.

Transport to the Wonder Times!

You have to visit the James Hall Museum of Transport to know about the superb culture and history of the country. The colourful cars and the upbeat atmosphere of this place are going to lift your spirits up and set you in the right frame of mind for the rest of your holiday.

Shop to Your Heart’s Content

The Oriental Plaza is one of best places for shopping in Johannesburg. You will find everything from clothes and bags to rugs, linen, and jewellery! And who knows; something entirely unexpected may also catch your attention and you could jolly well end up with a fabulous souvenir!

Connect with Nature

The Zoo Lake is a place to experience nature! Feed the ducks and geese here or simply soak in the sun, while pedalling away in the serene waters of the lake. Have a picnic, go bowling, take a long walk; you will never run out of options in Johannesburg.

‘Go go’ to the Gallery MOMO!

One of the most stylish and contemporarily designed art galleries, the MOMO gallery is a place you should definitely visit, while you’re on your Johannesburg trip! You will see intricate pieces of art, each with a story to tell; and would undoubtedly get mesmerized by the creativity and hard work of the artists.

Top Offbeat Adventurous Destinations to Visit in 2017

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If you are a gypsy at heart, you probably love offbeat adventurous places as much as regular well known destinations! Perhaps, you also live for moments when you can hear your heartbeats in your ears, and goose bumps tell you how excited and truly alive you are.

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There are a number of less explored places in the world you can visit for the adventure of a lifetime.

Have a look at some of these amazing options!

Madrid, Spain

Spain usually makes one think of raging bulls, cinnamon, paprika, and all things adventurous. One of the most interesting places to visit in the year 2017; you can indulge in a number of activities here. Just some of these are hiking in the ‘Sierra de Guadarrama’ National Park, biking trip to Sierra Nevada, horse/ donkey rides, and simply just admiring the beauty of the locality. You can enjoy a host of activities such as paragliding, hot air balloon rides, and snowshoe hiking.

Bermuda

The island of mysteries is also the island of unlimited adventure. There are so many different types of offbeat adventurous activities to choose from. Dive into the sea to admire aquatic life and also unravel the secrets of shipwrecks. There are other adventurous activities that you can enjoy such as stand up paddle boarding tours, kayaking, swimming with the dolphins, and riding hydro bikes. Also, explore the island.

Amazon, Brazil

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Visiting the Amazon rainforests; full of deadly predators, will undoubtedly be one of the trips that you will cherish for a lifetime. In this boat trip, you will go deep into the jungles and spot a wide variety of spectacular animals and plants from close quarters. There is a need for special precaution and tour guides when you go to the Amazon, but it’s totally worth it.

Nepal

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Nepal is not only the land of unlimited beauty; it is also full of a number of adventure sports that you can choose from. Rafting, kayaking, paragliding, and river crossing are just some of the options that Nepal has on offer for adventurous souls. Besides, you can trek to Everest Base camp as well as several other interesting and difficult treks that will acquaint you with the toughest of conditions and teach you a thing or two about survival in such conditions.

These are some of those novel and unexplored places where you can plan an adventurous and interesting trip with your loved ones!

Experience the Grandeur of Galle, Sri Lanka

Blessed with stunning natural beauty and rustic grandeur, Galle is a popular tourist destination in the island country of Sri Lanka.

Galle

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a pristine beach nearby and boasts of lush surroundings and historical monuments reflecting grand colonial architecture. Read on to know more about the attractions of Galle in Sri Lanka.

Old Gate

The Old Gate is one of the best places to explore the city’s colonial history. The site has a stunning entrance with a beautifully engraved British coat of arms at its top on the outer side. As you explore the Old Gate, notice the engravings on the inside of the gate, which is flanked by a couple of lions and a cock. This section of the old wall was also used as a warehouse to store the spices that were to be exported.

The Dutch Fort

One of the main attractions of the region is the Dutch Fort of Galle, which is best explored on foot. Enjoy an early morning stroll or walk across the ramparts of the fort to marvel at its colonial grandeur. The Dutch Fort is considered to be one of the biggest remaining fortresses in Asia to have been built by Europeans.

Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch Reformed Church is a part of the Galle Fort and visitors can go through the entire church in around half an hour’s time. Experience the soothing vibe of the serene environs of the church and admire the antiquity of its organ loft, which used to contain a cumbrous Dutch organ. Also, check out the wall hatchments, tombstone engravings, and the orthodox pulpit.

Koggala

Visit the charming coastal town of Koggala in Galle, which is also the hometown of a renowned local writer named Martin Wickramasinghe. His old residence has been converted into a museum called the Museum of Folk, Art & Culture. It displays a fantastic collection of early 20th century local folk artefacts, including folk dance costumes, sports items, household goods, and furniture. The Koggala Lake and its lagoon is a bird watcher’s paradise as the several small islands here attract lots of birds.

Unawatuna Bay

To enjoy water sports and scenic ocean views, head out to the fantastic Unawatuna Bay. Protected by a reef, the bay is popular with tourists and locals alike for its safe swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Visitors can also buy the local handicraft Galle lace, an excellent souvenir.

Great Things to do on Christmas in Dubai

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Visit Dubai during Christmas and you will know why it is said to be one of the best places to celebrate the festival. Maybe, that’s why tourists from across the world visit Dubai at this time of the year. Another reason is obviously that Dubai is a warm place and the weather around December is just perfect there.

So what do you do when you’re in Dubai for Christmas? Here are some tips!

Visit Local Christmas Shops

It is enthralling to see that the entire world has different interpretations of Christmas and this reflects in the different styles of decorations. You have to visit beautifully adorned local Christmas markets to see how the colours and ornaments create the perfect melange of festivity. Shopping at these local stores will give you a new perspective and help you understand how different the same the festival is, compared to most of the other European countries.

Go Frolicking in the Malls of Dubai

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Dubai has some of the most exotic and aesthetically pleasing malls in the world. You cannot go to Dubai and not check out the malls. Even if you don’t plan to shop, you need to go see the art, architecture, and the variety of brands displaying their collections; be it clothes, shoes, bags, perfumes, electronics, jewellery, or anything else that you can imagine! This will sure be a way to burn the extra calories that you are going to intake through the scrumptious food you are going to eat in Dubai.

Go Crazy on the Food

Dubai has so many mouth-watering cuisines to offer that you are going to be fattened up for sure! Try local delicacies or indulge in fine dining experiences spanning cuisines from across the world at some of the most sought after Michelin star restaurants that Dubai is home to. Try anything from the Middle Eastern delicacies or go global. Enjoy Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, and American food at some of the best restaurants in the world.

Go Watch a Play

Another pleasant surprise is that Dubai hosts many Christmas plays. You can watch them with your friends and family and get your Christmas cheer on! Peter Pan, The Nut Cracker, and Alice in Wonderland are some of the best ones and you should definitely go check them out. You may have to make prior bookings though, as the tickets get sold out easily.

So, the next time you plan a holiday to Dubai around Christmas, you know that there are plenty of things you can do and you won’t have a single dull moment.

Hampi Festival, the Festival of Colour, Culture and Lights

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Karnataka in India is a land of colour, and the Hampi festival is one of the most exciting times of the year for the people of the city.

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The place is attracts tourists from across the globe when the festival kicks in. This is basically a group of festivals and the dates of these festivals are announced every year. It is also known as the Vijaya Utsav and has been celebrated since the times of the Vijayanagar Empire.

The Origin

The event has also been named the Nada Utsav by the Karnataka Government. Hampi is a place known for its rich cultural value and is hence a world heritage site. This makes it highly popular with tourists from all parts of the world. One can learn more about the dances, the food and handicrafts, art and the history of the country.

The grand scale, on which the festival is held, attracts artisans from different genres to come together and display their talent. There are folk songs and dances and traditionally crafted works of art are also displayed here. It is like a huge cultural extravaganza where people can get entertained while learning about the place.

The Cultural Extravaganza

The Golden era is reminisced in a magnificent way. Human beings as well as elephants and horses are decorated with ornaments and they stand like soldiers under the traditional blue, white, red, yellow clothes, known as the Gopuras. The path leading up to the famous Virupaksha Temple is decorated in the traditional Vijayanagar theme. Gold pieces and diamonds are used to recreate the old world charm of an era when these precious gems were actually bartered instead of money.

The Music and Dance

The entertainment quotient is pretty high with classical vocalists and dancers. The artists who are critically acclaimed by people across the world, entertain the audience with spectacular performances.

The Light and Sound Show

There is a famous light and sound show event in this festival, wherein spectacular lighting arrangements are done to lighten up an area of around 15 km on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Besides folk artists, famous singers from different genres also grace the occasion and there are special performances.

The Jumbo Sawari (Ride)

This is another event. It is similar to the famous Dasara elephant march held in Hospet town.  Besides this, there are many colourful events and attractions such as rides, food stalls, games, and photography/painting competitions, flower shows and so on.

A Peep into the Art, Food, and Architectural Brilliance of Goa, India

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There’s no denying the fact that Goa is a place full of infectious energy and people from across the world visit the destination to unwind and relax in the sun, sand, and the surf. Besides, there are certain elements of this glorious place that people tend to overlook; for instance, its rich history and culture.

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The beautiful Portuguese heritage, the scenic perfection it so easily flaunts, and the architecturally brilliant buildings; there is so much more to Goa than what an average traveller sees.

The Art

Art has phenomenal presence in Goa. You can see the use of bold colours and paintings throughout the destination. The famous art galleries that you absolutely have to visit include The Art Chamber, Kala Academy, Kerkar art, Monsoon Heritage studio, Gallery Gitanjali, Gallery Attic, The Big Foot Cross Museum, Ruchika’s Art Gallery, and so on. Next time, you plan to visit Goa on a holiday, keep some time aside to view these works of art, because they truly are a blend of the old and the new. They will take you to a trip down the times when Goa was still a Portuguese colony and its gradual evolution in terms of culture, colour, and art, besides other things.

The Food

While you may have a blast surfing or simply sunbathing on the beaches with your drinks, don’t forget to try authentic local cuisine. You are sure to become a fan. The Goan cuisine is typically influenced by the Portuguese and the south of India.  Being a coastal destination, the food is majorly dominated by sea food. Fish and rice remains the staple food and there are also many other mouth-watering dishes to spoil you for choice. A lot of vegetables are cooked in coconut milk too because of the Maharashtra influence on the food. All in all, you need to try some of the famous delicacies such as prawn curry, Sorpotel (pork stew), Varan, and Tondak, and so on. You will surely return from Goa with fabulous food memories and perhaps also learn to prepare some of these dishes.

Architectural Finesse

The Portuguese left their mark on the architecture of Goa, something that makes the place stand out from the rest of the country. You will notice that many of the houses and other structures have sloping roofs to counter the heavy rains. The vibrant colours and bold patterns reflect the Portuguese influence. Baroque style buildings and very old Victorian influences ensured the creation of such strong and dependable architectural wonders, whilst ensuring the beauty of the same.

London Beckons with Christmas Plays and Dances

Come Christmas and scores of special events and shows further liven up the festive mood in London. These shows are full of razzmatazz of the theatre and take you on a trip to a land of fairytales, enchant you with their stories, and bring a smile to your face.

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The festive season is marked by a lot of shows in London. Theatre groups from all over the world come to perform here and help people create fond Christmas memories.

Check out some of the most famous Christmas shows in London!

All the Angels

This is a beautiful depiction of a musical journey with lights, colour, and sentiment. Once you see this play with your family, you are sure to get entwined in the culture milieu of the tales set in the year 1972. The stunning songs, the display of emotions, and the camaraderie among the actors is brilliant. The play will leave you enthralled.

The Little Match Girl

This is another classic Christmas play written by Hans Christian Anderson and is played in London during Christmas time. It is a tale that casts a glance on the poor and the homeless who are struggling to make it through the cold winter nights when we are cosy in our snug beds and heated homes. It is a sad tale and makes you think how you can do your bit for the betterment of society. The musical leaves you questioning your choices as a person.

Baddies

This one is more for the younger audience. It’s a modern take on the age old classic fairy tale villains hated by kids – The Big Bad Wolf, The Ugly Sisters, Captain Hook, and so on. The freshness that this new take has brought to the classic fairytales that we all grew up watching and reading is the fun element of this play. It’s a hit amongst kids and grownups alike! If you’re in London looking for a fun show to watch with your family, this could be a great option.
Besides, many ballets, ballads, and pantomimes are hosted across London. These shows are entertaining and tend to bring families closer together.

Interesting Activities for an Enjoyable Holiday in Kenya

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Experience the best of nature and adventure at one place – the East African country of Kenya. Have a thrilling time on wildlife safaris across its lush jungles or trek tall mountain ranges.

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Discover the secrets of the Great Rift Valley, climb the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, go trout-fishing in pristine waters and explore caves, natural geysers, and hot springs at Hell’s Gate National Park. Take a look to know more about some of the popular activities of Kenya.

Exotic Wildlife Safaris

Enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris at the jungles and nature reserves of this country. Get amazed watching throngs of wildebeest and zebra migrate over land, during the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, see playful wild elephants at Amboseli, and dabble in some bird watching at Lake Nakuru. Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo East offer some of the best wildlife safaris across the country.

Water adventures

You can enjoy snorkelling and scuba-diving in its coastal waters to explore the abundant underwater life there, including vibrant fish and extensive coral reefs. More adventurous souls will enjoy white water rafting and kayaking in the waters of Tana River, while bird watchers will have an unforgettable time spotting birds, hiking, and camping at the Ndere Island National Park. One may also simply sit back and relax on the beaches. The best places to experience Kenya’s blissful beaches are the Mombasa, Diani, and Malindi or Kilifi.

How About a Snake Safari?

Talking of wildlife adventures, how about going on the unusual snake safari? It may not sound great to all, but Kenya is actually a great place to spot snakes and there are tourists who opt for these safaris. So, get an overload of adrenaline rush as you chase and spot some of these slimy creatures, as Kenya is home to over 100 species of snakes. There are local operators who organise these snake safaris to spot pythons, boomslangs, puff adders, cobras, and mambas across the country.

Explore the Cultural Side

Visit the multicultural Mombasa city for a glimpse into the country’s rich historical side and its vibrant modern culture. Mombasa city’s culture has been influenced by the British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian immigrants and this reflects in its architecture and cuisine. Explore the16th-century Fort Jesus and the quaint streets of Old Town, which reflect ancient Swahili-type houses and souvenir shops. Or else, discover the urban side with its cinemas, Mombasa Go-Kart, and plenty of restaurants.

Hike Mount Kenya

The challenging Mount Kenya trek is something that becomes a major part of many itineraries. Mount Kenya is considered to be the second-highest peak across Africa. The trek will take you across some stunning sceneries of the surroundings and some fantastic glimpses of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.