Monthly Archives: June 2017

Top things to do in Myanmar

myanmar

From pristine beaches and ancient architecture to delicious cuisines and colourful festivals, a holiday in Myanmar is truly an unforgettable experience. For those of you heading to this tropical paradise, here is a list of few interesting and fascinating things to do in Myanmar.

Beaches and Beyond

Myanmar is home to some of the most exotic and magnificent beaches in Asia. Offering visitors a perfect escape from the busy city life, the stunning white sand beaches here are great for sunbathing and enjoying numerous water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and deep-sea diving. Ngapali Beach, Chaung Tha Beach, Ngwe Saung Beach and Sittwe are among the most popular beaches in the country. You can also spot some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels, and famous restaurants on these beaches.

Adventures and excursions

Owing to its long coastline and scenic mountain ranges, Myanmar promises a great time to the nature lovers, inundating them with experiences full of adventure and excitement. From hot air balloon rides to river rafting and trekking, Myanmar has a lot in store for adventure enthusiasts. For those willing to experience the rich wildlife of the country, exciting excursions and safari tours to the interiors of the jungles are available as well.

Festivals and Celebrations

Myanmar is a country which loves to live it up and has a long list of fascinating events and festivals, which offer a glimpse into the popular traditions and customs of the locals here. Thingyan Festival, Ananda Pagoda Festival, Salone Festival, Kakku Pagoda Festival, Full Moon Day of Waso and Tazaungdaing festival are some of the most popular festivals celebrated in this country.

Sightseeing

From Buddhist temples to ancient pagodas and cultural sites to monasteries, Myanmar is teeming with some of the most beautiful and interesting attractions. Most of these ancient structures are symbolic of the rich legacy and time-honoured traditions of the country. Shwemawdaw Paya, Shwenandaw Monastery, Inle Lake, Ananda Temple, Taung Kalat, Shwedagon Pagoda, Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple and Dhammayangyi Temple are among the must visit spots in the country.

5 Unusual But Interesting Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok is home to some of the kookiest, craziest and out rightly bizarre attractions. Take a look!

Attractions in Bangkok

Human Body Museum

It could get a little weird but the Human Body Museum is one of the most interesting sites in the city. Located in the tiny town of Siam Square, this museum is famous for its permanent exhibitions and numerous informative workshops. The exhibition of 14 dissected human bodies, 16 standing human skeletons and over 130 parts are major attractions here. Not for the faint hearted though.

Erawan Museum

A classic example of traditional architecture, Erawan Museum is less unusual and more unknown. Constructed over a period of 10 years, the museum is famous for its giant three headed elephant art display. There are three storeys within the complex and each one contains a wide range of collectables, antiques and religious objects belonging to Khun Lek Viriyapant (ancient ruler of Bangkok).

Wat Pariwat

A temple dedicated to footballer David Beckham, Wat Pariwat is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bangkok! Constructed in 1998 by an avid football fan, it is known for featuring several statues, paintings, photographs and sculptures of the English footballer. While the temple is popular among tourists, most locals especially football enthusiasts visit here to seek blessings from the Beckham before their matches and trials!

Forensic Museum

Popularly known as the ‘Museum of Death’, Forensic Museum is one of the creepiest yet fascinating attractions in Bangkok. Located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River, the sinister exhibition is for travellers looking for something really unusual. From preserved babies affected by genetic disorders to long tape worms and a massive human testicle affected by elephantiasis, the exhibits here are surely something else.

Sathorn Unique Tower

Sathorn Unique Tower is an unfinished skyscraper in Bangkok. It was planned a high-rise complex but the construction was halted in 1997 due to financial reasons. It never got built and now enjoys the reputation of a haunted incomplete building. The views from the top, however, are incredibly wonderful.

 

A Brief Guide to Some of the Popular Islands in the Caribbean

Comprising of over 7000 individual islets and more than 28 island nations, the Caribbean promises an experience of a lifetime. Nestled amidst the Gulf of Mexico and North American mainland, this tropical paradise is known for its pristine beaches, shallow coves and attractive corrals.

Carribean Island

Aruba Island

Located just below the hurricane belt, Aruba is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Featuring some of the best beaches in the world along with numerous attractive coral reefs, this island is perfect option for the ones looking for a serene beach holiday. Due to the low lying current of the ocean, a wide range of activities including swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling can be enjoyed here. The Arikok National Park is the place to be for the wildlife enthusiasts.

St Lucia

Home to palm-shaped volcanic beaches, unspoiled rainforests, natural waterfalls, and majestic mountains, St Lucia is one of the most sought after holiday destination in the Caribbean. Located on the eastern end, this beautiful coastal city is an ideal option for those looking to enjoy the very best of sun and sand. You can enjoy a wide range of adventure sports and water activities here on the island, such as snorkelling, yachting, sailing, swimming and deep sea diving.

Barbados

With stunning beaches, turquoise blue waters as well as attractive corals, Barbados is one perfect island destination! This beautiful coastal paradise is best to enjoy a memorable beach holiday or indulge in numerous water activities including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing. Whale and dolphin spotting are among the popular activities here. In terms of sightseeing, the Harrison’s Cave is one of the most fabulous attractions on this island.

Anguilla

Best known for its white sand beaches and volcanic mountains, Anguilla is another beautiful island in the Caribbean. The low lying ocean waves and currents create conditions favourable for visitors to enjoy a wide range of water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and deep sea diving. The local food served here on the island is influenced by the African, Spanish, French and English cuisines and remains a must try.

Bermuda

A beautiful island located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is best known for its pink-sand beaches, giant volcanic mountains and attractive coral reefs. The National Museum of Bermuda is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in the area. Tourists investing on holidays to Bermuda must try out some of the local delicacies such as codfish, pawpaw casserole and fish chowder. For the culture vultures amongst you, there are some quaint villages to explore.

5 Of the Most Popular Attractions in Al Ain, UAE

uae

Popularly known as the ‘Garden City’, Al Ain is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the United Arab Emirates. Boasting a long historical legacy, this city is home to ancient buildings, royal forts and several museums. For the beautiful city offers something for everyone visiting it, here is a list of most explored attractions in and around Al Ain.

Al Ain National Museum

Officially established in 1969 under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain National Museum is among the most ancient museums in the city. Offering an insight into the rich tradition and culture, this museum is home to a wide collection of objects and artefacts used by the early settlers. The museum is divided across three different sections, each displaying a diverse and wide range of collectables.

Al Ain Zoo

One of the UAE’s largest zoos, Al Ain Zoo is a must visit attraction in the city. Officially opened in 1969, it is home to a wide range of animals including Arabian antelope, African gazelles, giraffes, eland, Oryx, lions, tigers, pumas, black spotted leopards and jaguars. The zoo is famous for its research facilities and animal breeding programmes especially for endangered animals. Apart from animal spotting, visitors can enjoy interesting activities like giraffe feeding, Jeep safari, camel rides and exhibitions focussed on the protection and preservation of wildlife from extinction.

Al-Jahili Fort

Al-Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. A former headquarter of the Oman Trucial Scouts, this 1891 construction today is known for its design and architecture. An exclusive exhibition devoted to prominent photographers, artists and paintings is a major draw among the visitors. The white photographs taken by the popular traveller ‘Wilfred Thesiger’ are big hits with the visitors. The west wing of the fort is dedicated to temporary exhibitions and cultural performances.

Al Ain Camel Market

Popularly known as ‘camel souk’, Al Ain Camel Market is among the most visited places in the city. A former meeting hub for merchants and travellers, the market offers visitors a chance to see camels up as they are exchanged. For the ones who wish to explore the market and experience the proceedings, special guided tours are available. The market operates daily from 6 am to 7 pm.

Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

Located on the western end of the city, Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum is one of the oldest constructions in Al Ain. This former residence of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was converted into a museum in 1998. Presently, the museum is home to a wide collection of goods and items used by the king and his family. Gifts and donations made to him by other rulers and patrons, war weapons and valuables are exhibited here.

5 Of the Most Terrific Beaches in USA

The United States of America is teeming full with an array of beaches, so much so that the country puts the visitors in dilemma, inundating them many options and choices.

beach

To put such beach bums at ease, here are some of the country’s finest beaches that truly deserve a visit. While some of these beaches are more popular among tourists, others are comparatively lesser known but promise an equally invigorating experience.

Kauna’oa Bay, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast, Kauna’oa Bay is among the prettiest beaches in Hawaii. Featuring white sand and postcard perfect view of the surrounding islands, the beach is an apt spot for the ones looking for a serene beach holiday. If you are more of an adventure lover, the low rising currents and gentle waves allow you to enjoy a swim or a snorkelling session here.  There are two small coral reefs on either side of the beach. The ‘Mantra Ray Point’ is a famous lookout point here.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Home to whales and dolphins, Clearwater Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Florida. Located in the sunny Gulf of Mexico, this beautiful beach is known for its pristine white sand, blue ocean water, lagoons and corals. Swimming and parasailing are among the popular activities here. Boat tours and dolphin sightings are common as well. The annual Clearwater Jazz Festival, the nightly sunset celebration, and live music and dance shows makes this beach one of the most thriving ones in the state.

Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Coronado is a beautiful beach in California. Running along the coast of San Diego, it is perfect to enjoy a relaxing stroll or indulge in water sports and other recreational activities such as skim boarding, swimming and snorkelling. Numerous hotels and guesthouses can be found on the beach.  A few of these hotels have separate playgrounds, picnic tables and volleyball courts for their guests.

Islanders Beach, South Carolina

Featuring miles and miles of clear white sand, Islanders Beach is another much loved beach in the country. Located on the eastern shore of Hilton Head, it is best known among adventure enthusiasts and photographers. The gentle underwater slope here allows visitors to enjoy swimming and snorkelling. With the presence of Boardwalk Bridge and beach matting, Islander is one of the few beaches in the city accessible on the wheelchair.

Malaquite Beach, Texas

One of the less explored beaches in Texas, Malaquite is a must visit on your next holiday to the USA. Made up of roughly 4-5 miles of beautiful white sand, this stunning beach is perfect to enjoy kayaking and windsurfing. When the ocean current is low, swimming and snorkelling are among the popular activities here. Guided evening tours and annual turtle releases are among the prominent attractions on the beach.

5 of the Finest Holiday Destinations in New Zealand

Blessed with the best of nature, New Zealand is one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world.

New-Zealand

Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, this popular Oceania country is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and culture, and terrific wine! For those of you heading to this island paradise, here is a list of must visit destinations in New Zealand.

Hawke’s Bay

Home to a wide variety of red and white wines, Hawke’s Bay is no less than a paradise for wine lovers. Red Blends, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are among the popular wines available in the city. Guided tours to the nearby farms, wine tasting events and wine festivals are organised both within and outside the town.

Rotorua

Often known as the heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua is a beautiful city and apt place to enjoy the rich history and culture of the country. Visiting the authentic pre-European villages, learning about cave paintings, experiencing the traditional cooking methods, wearing the traditional village costumes and participating in the Maori singing and other cultural shows are the major draws for the tourists here.

Bay of Islands

A popular enclave consisting of more than 140 subtropical islets, Bay of Islands is much loved by the travellers. Featuring some of the most beautiful beaches, attractive corals along with offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, the island is perfect spot for the ones looking for a serene beach holiday in New Zealand. A wide range of adrenalin-pumping adventure activities including snorkelling, deep sea diving and surfing can be enjoyed on the islands.

Queenstown

Located on the shores of South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is easily one of the most popular adventure destinations in New Zealand. The resort town is best known for its unmatched beauty and thrilling adventure opportunities, such as kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. The nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area is a nice spot for the ones who prefer a much quieter holiday adventure.

Kaikoura

A beautiful coastal town in South Island, Kaikoura is a place to enjoy the many wonders of Mother Nature! With different wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, the town is home to rich flora and fauna. In fact, Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins.