Travel Places

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing that can be seen from outer space and even from the sky. Most people do not realise this picturesque reef has been formed by literally billions of living organisms known as coral polyps. They combine together to form spectacular coral formations, and cover literally hundreds of tiny islands, off the eastern coast of Queens land in Australia.

The popularity of this amazing place lies in the abundance and variety of marine life, the charming islands, and above all the remarkable coral formations. The spectacular colours, and the immense variety of marine life here, make diving into the sea an unforgettable experience. There are over 1500m species of fish and over 400 varieties of coral which can be viewed here.

Most visitors take day trips on boats from the many towns located on the coast of Queensland. It is also possible to hire a yacht for your personal visit. Cairns is the most popular port of departure. The daily tour normally consists of a visit to one or two coral reefs, followed by lunch and a cruise back to the port of departure.

There are also many diving trips which are organised by many tour operators. The best way to really relish the beauty of this location is by diving into the water and observing underwater scenery at its finest.

You can also make it into an overnight trip by staying at the numerous resorts sprinkled along the many islands in this region. This will give you more time to see some of the less traversed areas and quieter reefs.

Snorkelling and diving are the main activities indulged in by the tourists. If you have never done this before, try the tours which are specifically for the first time divers. Or you can join air trips, which take you over some of the most spectacular areas.

A world heritage site, Yosemite National park is located in East Central California, spanning the counties of Toulumne, Mariposa and Madera. A magnificent landscape that has been carved out by glaciers, it is visited by over 3.5 million visitors every year.

The joy of visiting this national park lies mainly in its awesome natural splendours. Everything seems to be large and majestic. Ranging from the breathtaking Glacier Point, where the views seem to encompass the entire state, to the swirling waters of the Merced River, every corner of this National Park spells grandeur.

How to get there:

Yosemite Park is 3 hours away from San Francisco by road. Most visitors tend to concentrate on the seven square miles of Yosemite Valley, where most of the popular sites are located.

Popular Sites:

El Capitain: A granite cliff that seems to tower over the valley, is one of the world’s most popular rock climbing sites. It offers year long accessibility, combined with different rock formations for a varied experience.

Mariposa and Merced and Toulumne Groves: The giant Sequoia trees of these groves can enthral you with just their size. But do look carefully and enjoy the beauty of these graves and the dignity they seem to exemplify.

Waterfalls: The granite cliffs and rock formations are great places for the waterfalls to be formed. In the months of April, May and June they can be observed in their abundance. You cannot miss the Yosemite falls – the highest in the United States.

Merced and Toulumne Rivers: These rivers have carved out deep canyons in the valley, and offer ample opportunities for rafting etc.

Activities around this region:

Backpack across the Toulumne Meadows, or at least walk across the 14 mile trail to Cloud’s Nest. If you feel that is too long for you, try the shorter trails to places like Elizabeth lake and Soda Springs.

Walk upto the Grizzly Giant, a 2,700 year old tree, which is as tall as a 20 storey tower. The hush of the forest and the splendour of these trees are enough to make this into a memorable walk.

Climb the El Capitain, there are about 80 routes to the top ranging from the doable to the impossible.

Take tour bus, along the scenic route of Tioga Road till the Glacier Point.

Adjoining regions:

Mariposa County : One of the few places left in this world where there are no permanent traffic lights, this country encloses much of the Yosemite National Park. It has no towns in its area, just three communities which live in census designated areas. 95% of the Yosemite Park has been designated as wilderness, hence enjoy the solitude and natures finest views.

Where to stay:

Camping – you can camp at the many campsites in this valley. Do check their opening and closing dates.

Lodging – there are many lodges such as Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp which provide lodging in the Park.

This park needs to be visited again and again in order to really be able to enjoy all that it offers. Every corner, every tree, every waterfall invites you to sit near it and enjoy the magnificence of God’s creations.

Bali is small, you could traverse the entire during one leisurely day. There are also travel advisories issued against travelling there from various countries.

But, it is a beautiful destination. It has been hit by terrorist activities, but then so has most of the civilised world. Bali charms you and it’s people love to have visitors around them. Leave your heavy backpacks at home, carry a small bag and travel around in a bus, if you are adventurous. If you are looking for luxury, there are some awesome hotels and resorts all around you. There are also budget hotels and timeshare places, Bali loves everyone and makes a place for everyone.

Best time to visit :

The cooler months from April till October. The rest of the time it is more humid and there are chances of rainstorms.

How to get there:

By air, you can fly to Bali Ngurah Rai airport, just south of Kuta . Most international airlines have flights to Bali. By sea you can reach Java, just west of Bali by ferries. Or you can take an overnight bus from Jakarta and then take the ferry from Java

What to watch out for:

Beggars and peddlers and touts; they can make your life difficult by hounding you.

Minor thefts, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing are quite common.

Bad traffic: do not expect that if you are walking on the footpath you are safe, watch the traffic all around you and take your own safety precautions.

Go out and enjoy yourself, it is a great place to sit on the beach and relax.

It has been described as a city for lovers, but we would like to describe it as a city for all those who love anything that is beautiful.

A city of waterways and canals and gondolas and singing gondoliers, it defies description. Every building seems to be a monument to someone’s grand dreams. Meandering lanes and fabulous squares, castles housing fabulous treasures and museums housing amazing art collections, all these form part of this remarkable city.

The Piazza San Marco has more pigeons than people and occasionally it gets flooded, but just sitting there and enjoying the grandeur of the world’s largest square is enough to make it worthwhile.

The Canale Grande should be traversed late in the evening, when all the palaces along the way have been illuminated, and you can avoid all the daytrippers who throng the boats.

The Basilica De San Marco, a monument to Byzantine architecture is place of worship and a glory to behold. Once again go to see it in the evening when it has been illuminated, it is an unforgettable sight.

To see the real Venice walk through it s cobbled streets and along the canals, bridges and squares. Stand on the Rialto Bridge and watch the world go by.

Remember, Venice is beautiful but expensive. So look for cheaper ferry’s rather than gondolas, eat in smaller cafes rather than in the restaurants in the plazas and take a waterbus ticket and travel all over the city.

Switzerland is the one country in the world where beauty abounds in every corner and in every valley or hilltop. It reminds you of all the paintings and postcards you have seen, lovely green hills, flowers and snow-clad peaks and pristine cleanliness. Every road you traverse, every resort you go to leads to exclamations of joy, and a look of amazement and wonder of the face of the traveler.

The best time to visit Switzerland would be between June and September. The months of April/May and October are also good times, and since the crowds are less, the costs are lower. But the weather is slightly colder then, so go prepared for that.

Since tourism is one of Switzerland’s biggest money spinners, you will find resorts and hotels and budget inns in every town. It is a highly efficient country, and all the trains and buses run with clockwork precision. The inter-connectivity by road and train is tremendous, so you can travel around with ease.

Do remember a few things when you visit Switzerland. All restaurants close by 9 pm, so if you are planning to wander around at night, please have your dinner in time. Food is more expensive here than in most European nations, so keep this in mind when you plan your holiday. Euros are not very welcome, since the Swiss are fiercely independent and would prefer that you use their currency.

These are but minor hiccups when you plan a holiday to this beautiful country. Nature is at her finest here, and you will leave with a lingering desire to come back again.

Most tourists who visit Spain, spend just a day or so in Madrid before moving towards the beaches or other resorts in the country. But Madrid deserves much more than this, it is a beautiful city, vibrating with culture and joy and history abound in every corner.

There is so much to see and do here. If you like watching people and mingling with the crowds, go to Plaza Mayor. Full of bars and restaurants, no one ever seems to sleep here. There are over 3100 culinary places in Madrid, so you are never short of choices. Madrid has the largest number of bars, per capita than any city in Europe, and Spain has some very fine wines. So go out and have a great evening!!

If you want to see beautiful palaces and buildings, go to the Palacio Real – a palace housing centuries of history within its ramparts. The treasures of this palace can keep you riveted for hours.

By far the best place to visit in Madrid is Museo Del Prado. You can easily get lost in this place while looking at one of the finest art collections in the world. It houses Flemish, Dutch, Spanish and German art collections.

If you are fond of good food, go and have a “tapas” at one of the eating places, or have some great fish at Plaza Mayor. If you like live music, join the crowd at Sala Heineken or  La Riveira, or just follow the sounds of a group playing music at any of the Plazas.

Well, what are you waiting for? Madrid beckons.

A citadel, a palace, a fortress, La Alhamabra is all this and much more. It is considered by many to be at par with the best monuments in the world and it is the most visited tourist destination in Spain.

The fortress has existed since the 9th century, but there are references to it only in the 13th century. The Nasrite sultans are believed to be the ones who built some of the more beautiful parts of this palace. In 1492, it became a Christian court, after Isabella and Ferdinand conquered Granada. Each successive ruler left his footprints in some part of this palace, as he added or enhanced the beauty of the fort.

In the 18th and 19th century this monument was neglected and left to be ruined and vandalized. However in 1870, it was declared a national monument, and restored to its days of glory.

If you are planning to visit Granada, we would recommend that you book your entry tickets in advance. Only a limited number of people are permitted inside the complex, and visiting hours are split into 3 time periods – morning, afternoon and evening. In order to avoid disappointment, make all your arrangements prior to leaving for the fort.

Once you have entered the complex, do make it a point to visit the Chamber of Comares and the Chamber of Lions. This palace is one of the last vestiges of Moorish rule in Spain, and it is a beautiful example of their unique architecture and their ability to build monuments that last through centuries.

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and its most popular tourist destination. Situated on the Mediterranean coastline, it has some stupendous beaches and some funky architecture. It is full of markets and museums and theatres and open air concerts. Here are our suggestions on the dos and don’ts in Barcelona.

La Rambla:

Walk down this avenue and watch the shops and great eating places. But also watch out for your handbags and wallets, since Barcelona is known as the “pickpockets capital of Spain”. Avoid being accosted by touts or guys offering cheap bargains.

Gaudi Buildings:

Take a bus tour and visit the Gaudi buildings. The paradoxical buildings defy all norms of conventional architecture. They are funky, colourful and very individualistic. While you are roaming around also go to see the still unfinished Sagrada Familia.

Montjuic Fountain:

Built in 1929, this musical fountain has special shows in the late evening from 9 pm onwards. Walk up the avenue and sit back and relax. The music and the lighting effects will leave you spellbound. The majestic Montjuic castle provides a panoramic view of the city.

Barcelona Boardfront:

Walk along the beaches on Sunday night specially, to enjoy some live music and drinks. Enjoy Sangria and some tapas, or just visit one of the many restaurants serving Catalan food. This area of town is great to visit if you are on a stag or hen party. Barcelona stag weekends are truly memorable holdays !

Watch out for:

No change trick, do not fall for it, demand your change from them. Firecrackers near you , they will startle you and in the meantime your pocket will get picked. Touts and prostitutes, avoid them, they will rob you very happily and easily.

More than a thousand islands to explore, glorious beaches, some incredible underwater vistas and coral reefs, can you ask for anything more than this? Maldives offers you all this and much more. Surf and sand, relaxation and pleasure, underwater beauty and pristine beaches all combine together to make this a great place to visit.
Getting there:

There are no prior visa requirements for Maldives. A 30 day visa is provided on arrival to almost everyone, based on immigration rules. Tourism is their main bread spinner, so all facilities are provided to make your visit a very happy one.
There are hotels and resorts of all shades and hues here. They range from the very luxurious ones such as Four Seasons Resort to budget places located on the beach. All of them provide easy access to the beach, since most activity centres around the seaside.

What to do there:

If you are interested in just sitting back and doing nothing, there is no better place than this. Time seems to stop here, nothing seems to be hurried or rushed. It is easy to forget the traffic jams and the pollution that we have left behind.

But we would definitely recommend that you try the water sports available here. The water here is in various shades of turquoise and it is crystal clear. There are few places that offer you such great views of underwater sea life. Have a look at the coral reefs, enjoy the diving and snorkelling facilities, and take part in the water sports. Go sightseeing in a boat and look at some spectacular scenery around you.

Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, tropical climate, flora, and fauna all together define Mauritius. Biologically diverse Mauritius is the by product of a volcanic eruption. It is a hot spot with Honeymooners and beach lovers. A traveler’s delight loaded with historical sites, cultural diversity and geographic variations, this island has welcoming warm people and the great hospitality makes you instantly fall in love with the place. Situated in the southwest of Indian Ocean it has a coastline of 177 kilometers almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. Extinct craters, volcanic lakes, impressive tall mountains, crystal blue water, and ample sunlight conjure an exotic image of picturesque Mauritius. Famous English author Mark Twain wrote in his travelogue Following the equator that “You gather the idea that Mauritius was first made and then heaven and the heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

Best time to visit:-

Being Tropical Island, Mauritius is all too sunny and bright with southeast trade winds blowing from the Indian Ocean. December to April being a summer month can make you feel soggy; January and February are cyclonic months and are to be avoided unless you decide to stay inside during your visit. The perfect time to enjoy this beautiful island is between May to November when the temperature ranges from 25 degree to 30 degree Celsius.

Main attractions:-

1. If you think beaches are all about sunbathing and swimming, here is a surprise! There are lots more you can do: water skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, parasailing, and fishing are major water sports you can enjoy. Grand bay, Blue Bay,Pereybere, Belle Marc,Flic En Flac, Le Morne and Tamarin are the famous beaches.
2. Triolet Shivala is the biggest Hindu temple of the island, built in1819. Hinduism is the major religion of this island. Pere Laval Shrine and Lake Bassins are the other noted pilgrimage sites.
3. Black river Gorges national park, La Vanille Crocodile park, Lle Aur Airgrettes and Domain Du chasseur are major wildlife destinations. Abode for more than 300 species of flowers, Mauritius is also home for some unique species of birds like Pink Pigeons. Hiking in lush green dense jungles is another activity which attracts wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Sites like ruins of European settlement, Balaclava and the Dutch ruins at Vieux Grand port give you the glimpse of medieval history.

Around the city:-

Taxi, bus, tram, scooter, and bicycle are major means of transport within the city. One can choose on the basis of comfortability and affordability. And if you are more of a discoverer, scooter and bicycle are the ideal choices. One should be careful while hiring a taxi as the drivers rarely go by meter and if you don’t negotiate and settle at an agreed price before starting, you will end up paying more.

Port Louis will cast an impression on you as you arrive there. It’s not only the capital of the country but also the biggest city. It bustles with major financial activities. Vivacity of the place can be felt at all the casinos, bars, shops, and restaurants. But the show stealer is Grand Baie, this party town is a cosmopolitan city with all the shopping destinations, luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, cafes, casinos, and happening night life.

Mauritius is an ideal destination for all kind of vacationers and leaves you with a varied number of choices. A perfect holiday spot for exhilarating experiences.