Monthly Archives: February 2017

Celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago!

St. Patrick’s Day, held on 17th March, is one of the most popular religious festivals celebrated in the United States. The occasion marks the death anniversary of the foremost patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.

Chicago

While several American cities host terrific festivities on the day, Chicago celebrates the festival with greater zeal and enthusiasm. Read on to know more about this international festival and how it is celebrated in the “Windy City”!

About the Festival

St. Patrick’s Day is held on 17th of March every year. Also known as ‘Day of the Festival of the Patrick’, the festival is celebrated by millions all over the world, however, understandably, it is more popular among the Irish. Along with the United Kingdom, countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina celebrate the day in a grand manner.

‘Green Celebrations’

‘Green’ is the colour of the festival. As part of the celebrations, one can find a wave of green across different cities. As a customary tradition, people wear shamrocks or green clothes and other accessories signifying a belief in the fact that St. Patrick used shamrock (a three leaved plant) to explain the Holy Trinity. A popular myth about wearing green is the fact that it makes you invisible and hence the leprechauns can’t pinch you!

Festival Traditions in Chicago

Dying the River Green

Dying the Chicago River green is one popular tradition of the festival. Every year, 45 pounds of eco-friendly dye is poured into the river. The river dying tradition dates back to 1962 when the city workers used the dye to trace illegal sewage discharges. Remember, the change in colour lasts only for 5 hours, so you got to hurry up to enjoy this incredible view! Best viewing spots in the city include the east side of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive Bridge and along the Chicago Riverwalk.

Downtown Parade

Packed with Irish elements, St. Patrick’s Day parade is a fabulous event to look forward to. Downtown Chicago’s official St. Patrick’s Day parade begins at noon at the intersecting point of Columbus and Balbo drives and continues north to Columbus. The main viewing stand is placed in front of the Buckingham Fountain, where dancers and bands halt to wave at the crowd. A number of restaurants and bars dot the path of the parade; you can celebrate the day by having scrumptious meals and drinks. The festivities do not end after the parade, there’s lot more interesting things taking place in different parts of the city.

Drinking Green Beer

Not by tradition but by practice, drinking green beer is a popular element of the festival. Bars and lounges across the city offer a wide variety of drinks and dishes in the honour of the occasion. The celebrations and offers start early in the morning and continue till late night.

Popular Attractions

The festivities and celebrations can also be enjoyed at some of the city’s most popular attractions including Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Centre, Daley Plaza, Millennium Park, and Buckingham Fountain.

Some of the Most Popular Towns around Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is one of the most interesting holiday destinations in the world. Located in the southern end of North Island, this popular capital city is known for its arts, heritage and culture.

Wellington

Moreover, some of the city’s neighbouring towns are big tourist draws as well. Each of these towns offers its visitors numerous things to do along with other attractions. For those of you heading to Wellington, here is a list of popular towns around the capital.

Wairarapa

Located in the north of Wellington, Wairarapa is a certainly a popular holiday destination. Featuring a spectacular coastline and wide valleys and nestled in the heart of the classic New Zealand Wine Trail, the town is best loved for wine tasting tours. Moreover, there’s the famous Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, which is home to one of New Zealand’s most rare and endangered species, White Kiwi’s. Don’t forget to enjoy an extensive range of authentic delicacies at the nearby restaurants.

Levin

Nestled between the Tasman Coast and Tararua ranges, Levin is a secondary urban centre in New Zealand. Featuring a long beautiful coastline and the giant mountain range, the town is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors here can indulge in numerous water sports and other adventure activities including mountain climbing.

Kapiti Island

Located 50 kilometres north of Wellington, Kapiti Island, off the coast of the city, is home to a number of native birds and numerous endangered species including takahe, brown teal, stitchbird, tomtit, fantail, morepork and weka. Visitors can also spot a brown kiwi and little spotted kiwi on the island.

Martinborough

Located in the South, Martinborough is a famous wine town in New Zealand. Known for its 20 odd vineyards, the city is popular among wine lovers from across the world. The popular town features numerous vineyards producing world class wines including Pinot Noir. On your next trip to the city, don’t forget to pair up your meal with world class wine for a perfect holiday experience.

Paraparaumu

A small town in the north, Paraparaumu is a major commercial and residential centre of New Zealand. Known for its urban culture and metropolitian character, it is among the most visited towns in the country. Paraparaumu beach is the most popular holiday attraction in the town, where visitors can enjoy swimming and water sports.

Greytown

Located just an hour from Wellington, Greytown is one of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand. Featuring some of the restored Victorian buildings and ancient shops, the town is popular among historians and archaeologists. Established in 1854 by early settlers of Wellington, the town is perfect to take a walk back in time and experience the rich history of the country.

Cape Palliser

Situated on the southern coast, Cape Palliser is a coastal city much loved by the tourists. Popularly referred to as a seaside village, the settlement features some of the most beautiful beaches and ancient structures. Cape Palliser Lighthouse is extremely popular with travellers.

Paekakariki

Located in the north western end, Paekakariki is another popular town in New Zealand. Featuring black sand and a beautiful coastline, the town has numerous bars and restaurants spread across the beach, serving authentic delicacies to the guests.

Must-Visit Beaches for a Memorable Beach Holiday in Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean. The country is blessed with picturesque beaches overlapped by warm turquoise waters, which makes it a popular beach destination with travellers across the world.

Jamaica

Its sandy and sunny beaches are a draw not only for the average Joe but also for celebrities from around the world including Hollywood stars. So, without much ado, here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Jamaica!

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Doctor’s Cave Beach is a must visit. It’s a five-mile long golden sand beach bordered by tranquil warm waters on one side and several plush beach resorts on the other. The beach, which is located on Montego Bay, is equipped with good facilities including tidy and tiled changing rooms; rental equipment like chairs, umbrellas and snorkelling gear; and numerous restaurants dishing out sumptuous delicacies. You will have to pay a small fee to gain access to this beach, which is a perfect place for family outings. Water sports such as snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, sailing, kayaking and water-skiing are very popular here. There is a ban on radios, footballs and vendors on the beach to allow visitors to relax on the sands with some privacy, but you may still find it teeming with locals and tourists in the evenings and weekends. So, be sure to visit this amazing beach early to reserve a good spot.

Treasure Beach

The magnificent Treasure Beach is located along the southern coast of Jamaica. Visit the dark sand beaches of this region, if a peaceful and isolated holiday is what you are looking for. Treasure Beach is in fact a series of four separate fishing villages having dark sand beaches that run as long as around 6 miles. You are likely to come across less number of visitors even during the peak season – giving you the perfect excuse to let go off your worries and enjoy the scenic warm waters with the backdrop of the spectacular Santa Cruz Mountains. Travellers can indulge in different activities including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and snorkelling apart from sun bathing here. The area around Treasure Beach has few lodging options, including beachfront cottages and guesthouses. In the evenings, you can head to the Pelican Bar to enjoy cold beers and savour a hearty meal at the nearby Frenchman’s Reef restaurant.

Boston Bay Beach

Boston Bay Beach, which is located along the eastern coastline of country, is a paradise for surfers and foodies! The postcard-perfect beach is a cove, which is surrounded by tree-covered rocks and deep-blue ocean waters. The beach is lapped by large waves, which make it the favourite among surfers – experienced and novices alike. You can easily rent boards or get lessons on surfing or windsurfing from the numerous beachfront outfitters located nearby. The beach is also safe for swimming. And after you work up your appetite with these and more fun-filled activities, head straight for any one of the several food stalls on the beach selling amazing traditional jerk delicacies. Boston Bay is considered to be the birthplace of jerk cuisine, so gorge on the perfectly cooked pork, chicken, lobster or sausages with rice and peas at Boston Bay Jerk Center and enjoy the best of Boston Bay.

Lime Cay

Lime Cay is a small low-lying island cay, which is located offshore the village of Port Royal in Jamaica. This spectacular cay is uninhabited as it submerges occasionally when the tide is high. You can reach the cay after a 15 minute boat ride from Port Royal soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lime Cay has one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. This white sand beach is secluded and peaceful on weekdays, which makes it a popular clothing – optional sunbathing destination. However, the beach is visited by many tourists and locals who come for recreation, sunbathing, food, beer and good times during weekends. The area offers some of the best snorkelling spots of the country, but travellers must bring their own supplies – mask, fins, food and drinking water – since there are no facilities on the cay.

Top Beer Festivals of the USA

They say the national drink of U.S.A is bourbon, but there is no denying the fact that Americans are ardent about beer as well! There are a number of famous beer festivals held all over the country to prove the same, and you have no idea how completely crazy these festivals are!

1.    World Beer Festival

beer-fest

This is the largest beer festival where people from different breweries and different parts of the country display local, national as well as international beers and the best out of them is selected by beer connoisseurs.

Wine-Sunset

The audiences come over for the love of beer. It is an amazing time filled with good drinks and good food, music and fun activities and competitions.

2.    Great Alaska Beer and Barley wine festival

This extremely famous beer festival is held in Alaska and people from across the country participate in the same. There are 40+ breweries participating in the festival and over 150 beers usually enter the league. People brave the Alaskan winters and pay a minimal entry fee to taste these beers, and make a day out of it.

3.    Great American Beer Festival

This one has to be one of the most popular beer festivals in the world. It is held in the end of the month of September by the Brewers association in Denver, Colorado. There are over 1600 American beers and 2300 beers in all, from across the world; that enter this competition and are judged by over 100 judges. As many as 450 local breweries usually take part in this festival and it lasts for three days. People make the most of it by sampling beers and enjoying three absolutely crazy days of fun, alcohol and frolicking with family and friends.

4.    The World Beer Festival

This is a huge beer festival that is held quarterly in different parts of the country such as Durham, Columbia, Cleveland and Ohio. Brews from different parts of the world are tested here and people have the most interesting time tasting these beers, learning about different blends such as lagers, Ales, Bocks and porters etc.

5.    Fresh Hop Ale Festival

This is a beer festival held in Yakima, Washington. This is different because it uses hops picked merely 24 hours before the festival and hence acquiring the name ‘Fresh Hop Ale’. There are several participating breweries that create magic in the hopes of winning this prestigious event. The audience’s choice is also kept in mind here, so basically your beer has to be a people pleaser as well besides tasting impeccable!

A Quick Tour of Chennai’s Fantastic Architectural Wonders

India has modern cities, historical towns, spectacular landscapes, and what not! Chennai, also called as the ‘Gateway to South India’, is a cultural, economic and educational centre of this enigmatic country. The destination is well known for its touristy nature and has magnificent monuments that shed light upon historical and interesting stories of the past. We have mentioned some of these time-honoured structures below.

chennai

Fort St. George

Opened to the public in 1948, the Fort St- George is considered to be the first establishment of the British in India. Built as a trading post, it later served as the origin of the modern Indian Army. Fort St. George is split into two sections: St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum. Post independence, the Archaeological Survey of India has declared Fort St. George as a protected structure.

Ripon Building

Ripon Building, built in 1913, is the seat of Chennai Corporation (Madras Corporation). It is painted in white as a symbol of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This royal building is rectangular in shape with a 43 metre tower and a 2.5 metre clock. This clock has a mechanical key system, which is checked daily. Beyond that, four bells form an essential part of the monument. Entry is restricted though.

Anna Memorial

Also called the ‘Anna Samadhi’, the Anna Memorial was made to pay tribute to the great Dravidian leader Arinzar Annadurai and ex- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. N. Annadurai who was cremated here in 1969. Children can entertain themselves at the fabulous parks and aquariums here.

Thousand Lights Mosque

The Thousand Lights Mosque is a revered place of worship for Shias. It has derived its name from the 1000 lights, which illuminated the assembly hall. Regarded as one of the largest in the nation, this monument has been erected in medieval architectural style. It displays multiple domes and spearing minarets, which are roughly 64 metres tall. It witnesses a huge crowd during the yearly Muharram festival.

Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet, philosopher, and saint, Thiruvalluvar, who wrote the Thirukkural over 2,000 years ago. Some of them are inscribed in the front hall corridors. The main auditorium situated within the temple can accommodate 4000 people. Visitors are allowed to click photographs.

Most Romantic Beaches for a Cancun Honeymoon

The charming Mexican city of Cancun, which is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is famous for its fabulous beaches, luxurious resorts and happening nightlife. These are all the ingredients which concoct the settings for a perfect honeymoon, which is why the city is a popular destination among couples from across the world.

honeymoon-destination

This coastal city’s sun-kissed beaches, soft sands and azure waters make these romantic escapes for couples’ all the more terrific! Here are some of the most romantic beaches of Cancun, which the newly-weds and other couples can visit during their trip to this stunning destination in Mexico.

North Beach (Playa Norte)

The amazing North Beach, or as it is locally called Playa Norte, is a big hit with honeymooners! Head to this romantic getaway, which is located on the northern end of the Isla Mujeres Island in Cancun. The beach has a beautiful coastline with soft white sands and warm azure waters. To make your visit more fun, spend some time at one of the several beach bars here. The beach offers breathtaking views of sun setting over the ocean, which you can enjoy with your beloved with a glass of margarita in your hand!

Dolphin Beach (Playa Delfines)

Dolphin Beach is a perfect place for couples who wish to spend some time alone, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded places. The beach, which is also known as El Mirador or the Lookout, is located along the hotel zone of Cancun. However, the destination offers the much-coveted isolation since it is a long stretch of beach with no hotels, restaurants or any other structure built along the coastline. At the Dolphin Beach, enjoy walking hand-in-hand with your beloved sinking your toes in the soft sands or enjoy a cooling dip together with your beloved. Since the seawaters here are bit rough, do take care while going out for a swim. Jet-skiing is another popular activity at the beach.

Pearl Beach (Playa Las Perlas)

Located along the hotel zone of Cancun is the beautiful Pearl Beach, which is locally known as the Playa Las Perlas. The beach is located exactly midway between the urban city of Cancun and the Puente Nichupte, a bridge on the north side of the city. Generally, the sea along the Pearl beach is calm with almost no waves, making it an ideal and safe place for couples to swim in together for hours. After an enjoyable cool dip, stroll along the beach, with the calm yet endless azure sea on one side and large, beautiful houses on the other side.

Whale Beach (Playa Ballenas)

Share the excitement of spotting majestic whales in the wild seas with your partner on your visit to the Whale Beach. The beach, which is located between Cancun Palace Hotel and Le Meridien Hotel, offers great views of big sea creatures. But, the real fun is on the boat excursions into the seas, which often reveal playful whales breaching the water surface. Playa Ballenas, the popular name of the beach, is also a good place to spot the hundreds of vibrant bird species that flock the beach. After spending some time spotting exotic marine life, you can enjoy popular water sports including jet-skiing and parasailing at this destination.

Point Nizuc Beach (Playa Punta Nizuc)

Visit the Point Nizuc Beach and enjoy a slice of paradise all alone, with no one but your beloved! The Playa Punta Nizuc is located at the southern tip of the Hotel Zone in Cancun. This beach is a perfect spot for honeymooners since this lesser-known beach is less crowded and offers more privacy to couples. The beach is lined with jungles, instead of hotels, on one side offering it more scenic beauty as compared to the other beaches in the city.

Turtle Beach (Playa Tortugas)

The turtle beach is a good place to do some shopping with your partner during your honeymoon. The beach has one dock, which contains ferries, and one indoor craft and flea market, which is a good place to buy local handicrafts and knick-knacks to take back as souvenirs of your honeymoon. The beach, locally known as Playa Tortugas, is dotted with restaurants serving cold beer and is a popular local haunt especially on weekends. However, only experienced swimmers should take a dip here, since the waters of the beach are deep.

Here are Some of the Most Highly Recommended Resorts in the Maldives

The Maldives is a popular honeymoon and beach destination with millions of tourists heading to the country every year to enjoy their time at the numerous luxury resorts and hotels of the island. maldives Indeed, the destination is home to some of the most exclusive resorts islands in the world. Here are five of the most recommended hotels and resorts of the Maldives!

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Taj exotica resort maldivesTaj Exotica Resort & Spa is a beachfront luxury resort, located on a stunning island in South Malé Atoll. This 5-star resort is just a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. Enjoy beautiful views of the Indian Ocean from its various pristine beaches and its serene lagoon, which are easily accessible to guests. Or relax in its luxurious villas and suites, which have beautiful interiors and spacious balconies; some of them even have freshwater plunge pools! Savour delicious seafood, authentic international cuisines and fantastic collection of wines and cocktails at its award-winning restaurants.view more…

Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani MaldivesDusit Thani Maldives is a 5-star luxury resort located on the Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Explore the Baa Atoll, which is the first ever UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the country, from the lap of luxury at this conveniently located resort. The hotel places travellers close to the island’s key attractions including the Kihaadhuffaru Island Beach, Kihaadhuffaru Island Pier and the Dharavandhoo Mosque. Enjoy your stay in luxurious beach and over-water villas and residences, all with spacious rooms and contemporary Thai-inspired interiors. Enjoy the best of international and Thai cuisines at its three on-site restaurants. Check here for more…

Adaaran Club Rannalhi

Adaaran Club RannalhiAdaaran Club Rannalhi is a renowned luxury hotel at the Rannalhi Island on South Malé Atoll. The hotel promises warm hospitality and offers excellent arrangements for outdoor excursions for guests. You can enjoy stunning views of picture-perfect beaches and serene mangroves due to its seaside location. The hotel is popular with divers since it offers access to wonderful scuba diving sites. Apart from diving, you can also enjoy other forms of water sports here including fishing and sailing. Other local attractions including the National Museum, the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre are nearby. read more…

One&Only Reethi Rah

Only and One Reethi RahStay at One&Only Reethi Rah, located in the North Male Atoll. Guests will be able to travel easily to major attractions of the region including Madivaru Beyru Dive Site, Republic Square and Maldives Islamic Centre – all of them lie within 50 kilometres of this conveniently located hotel. Choose any one of the private villas or residences of the resort, which are considered to be one of the largest resort villas in the world. All villas and residences offer stunning ocean and beach views and direct access to the lagoon. Enjoy sumptuous seafood and a variety of international cuisines at the resort. check here for deals…

Komandoo Maldives Island Resort

Komandoo Maldives Island ResortKomandoo Maldives Island Resort is located on the Komandoo Island at the Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. You will be surrounded by scenic beaches and beautiful lagoons of the Indian Ocean during your stay here. Plus, enjoy spectacular recreational activities and excellent dining options. Couples can enjoy romantic candlelight dinner on the beach or a relaxing massage session at Duniye Spa at the Komandoo Maldives Island Resort. view more…

Clarke Quay and Riverside, Singapore: Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

A historical and vibrant quay in Singapore, the Clarke Quay is a tourist spot known for fabulous waterside restaurants, bars, and clubs.

singapore

These amazing venues ensure fun-packed nightlife. Beyond them, there are several other attractions that entice the crowd phenomenally. We have mentioned some hotspots of Clarke Quay and Riverside.

Singapore River

Singapore River plays an important role for Singaporeans as it’s been a lifeline for them for over 150 years. This 3.2 km long river was the centre of economic activity and a waterway for thousands of immigrants. Due its calm nature, the Singapore River served as a harbour for the budding British Settlement. Today, it is more famous for tourism. The spectacular sculptures along the river are not to be missed!

Asian Civilisations Museum

Aimed at conserving the cultural heritage of Asia – particularly the ancestral values of Singaporeans, the Asian Civilisations Museum is the perfect point to learn about the country’s rich history. Displays include Octogonal cup, Jina, Mavered glass jar, Mother-of-pearl casket etc. Lectures are held from time to time.

Hong San See Temple

Hong San See Temple is an impressive Chinese temple built between 1908 and 1913 in the honour of Guang Ze Zun Wang – the God of Fortune. The axial planning, courtyards, walled enclosures, and beam-frame structure here are all conventional features of the Chinese style temples. Furthermore, the granite columns exhibit meticulously-carved dragons, peonies, magpies, and phoenixes.

Lockdown Real Life Escape Game

Lockdown Real Life Escape Game is a first-person adventure game in which players in a locked room must exploit their surroundings to escape. Every person will have only 60 minutes for this! No preparation is required. Each room has a different theme and the playing experience is surprisingly diverse. The participants’ minimum age should be 13 years.

Art-2 Gallery

Set up in 1991, the Art-2 Gallery is an art gallery and art consultancy specialising in modern-day sculpture, paintings, and ceramic works. It encourages an elevated standard of art from the Southeast-Asian region by way of its bold exhibitions and commissions. Skilled artists from Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are associated with Art – 2 Gallery. Travellers with an artistic bent of mind should visit this place for sure!