Tuesday, 16 September 2014

A complete guide to Bag Pack for best places to visit in SEPT-OCT 2014

With the monsoons retreating and bringing about a much needed dip in temperatures, and several long weekends in October, this is the ideal time to plan a fun-filled vacation with family or friends. Here are the 10 best places to visit in September-October 2014. So, take your pick and embark on a memorable trip.


Amritsar

Though not the peak tourist season, September-October is a good time to visit Amritsar. With the monsoons bringing about relief after the scorching summer, you can roam around the city at ease. Spend some time taking in the serenity of the Golden Temple, or shop till you drop at the local markets. You should also plan a visit to Wagah Border to see the very dramatic Beating Retreat ceremony. Don’t forget to feast on some mouthwatering Amritsari food while you’re there!

 
Golden Temple 




Kolkata

If festivity is what you are looking for, then head to Kolkata in the last week of September-early October. With Durga Puja celebrations kicking in from the 29th of September 2014, the city is all set to be lit up and gleaming with joy. Do some pandal hopping, enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine and be left spellbound by the drumbeats and divinity that resonate in the air.

 
Durga Puja 




Munich

Munich, the capital of Germany, is most definitely the best holiday destination abroad in the month of September. Thousands flock in from all over the world to experience the grand Oktoberfest, the world's largest fun fair. It is a 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October. The weather is perfect at this time of the year. Take in the sights and sounds of Munich, participate in the festivities of Oktoberfest and enjoy German culture in Munich in September.

 
Oktoberfest 



Goa

Though you may miss out on some water sports if it rains, September is perfect for a holiday in Goa. The beaches will be a lot less crowded than most other times of the year, everything is lush and green and you are bound to get fabulous deals on hotels. Shop at the local markets, visit Goa’s beautiful churches, enjoy the local cuisine--Goa is surely one of the best places to visit in September-October 2014.




Singapore

Singapore is the perfect holiday destination almost throughout the year. Whether its a visit to Sentosa Island, a dip in the Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands or a night full of dance and music at Clarke Quay, you can never run out of things to do in Singapore. And here’s a fabulous reason to visit Singapore this September--the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. Being held from 19 to 21 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the only night-race on the Formula 1 calendar is definitely worth a watch!

  



Vadodara

With Navratri just around the corner, the state of Gujarat is all set to welcome the 9-day long festival that begins on 25 September this year. Vadodara is the centre of all the festivities. People dressed in traditional Gujarati attire-- chaniya cholis for women and kedia dhoti for men, dance to the beats that blare through the night at garba and dandiya venues across the city. Experience and participate in the festivities of the Navratras with a trip to Vadodara this September-October.

 Dandiya 



Istanbul

If you’re an art fanatic then planning a trip to Istanbul, Turkey in September is definitely a good idea. From 26 to 28 September 2014, 80 of the most well known galleries across the world will present the best of modern and contemporary art in the city. Some of the famous participants include Circle Culture Gallery from Berlin, Galerie Martine Aboucaya from Paris and Assar Art Gallery from Tehran. A lot of renowned Turkish work will also be showcased.

 
Blue Mosque 



Delhi

If you haven't seen Ramlila in Delhi at least once in your life, you have no idea what you're missing out on. Come Navratri, every nook and corner of the city has its adaptation of the Ramayana being role-played by children and adults alike. However, the Ramlila that takes place near the Red Fort at the Ramlila Maidan is one that can not be missed. Starting from 25 September this year, visit the Ramlila grounds for fun-filled evenings, heaps of entertainment, scrumptious local fare and a taste of festivity--Delhi style!

 Ramlila 



 Zimbabwe

If you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation amidst nature this September-October, then Zimbabwe is the place for you. The weather is mostly dry at this time of the year. The days are warm and the nights breezy, making it ideal for sightseeing. The countryside is at its greenest and the wide array of wildlife that the land has to offer can be spotted at the various national parks. You can also indulge in a host of adventure sports such as bungee jumping and white water rafting.



Shillong

Shillong is beautiful at any time of the year. However, during September-October when the monsoons are retreating, the city seems to be at its best. There are many beautiful waterfalls and lakes that are full of water and at their prettiest in September-October. The dense greenery is also a treat for eyes that are used to seeing only concrete structures all around. Feast on north-eastern cuisine and explore this beautiful part of India. A trip to Shillong is sure to be one that is unforgettable.





Now that you are aware of some of the best places to visit in September-October 2014, Start Planning your trip and take advantage of the pleasant weather and festivities that these months has in store for you. Happy travels!



Monday, 15 September 2014

World’s Most Thrilling Cable Rides!!

Wind that brushes your hair at 25 mph or more, your fists clenched and your jaw tight with sheer tension, hair on your neck bristling of raw energy, you swinging by mere ropes in mid-air - a thrill like never before! If that reads like some crazy, adrenalin pumping stunt that they air on National Geographic, I would better ask you to calm down, for this is as safe as such an adventure can ever be.

Yes, this and much more to be experienced in world’s most famous cable rides. A lifetime’s adventure, yet as close to safety as you can ever be on an adventure, these rides are worth all the hype, all the moolah spent and all the travelling done. All for just one ride. Choose one, or all. Hop on.

1) Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car, Rio de Janeiro – A 1300 ft spin to the top awaits you here!



2) Genting Skyways, Malaysia - Try If A 3.4 km Glide In The Clouds Doesn't Sound Spooky To        You!



3) Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape Town - Its Revolving Floor Will Get You A 360 Degree View. And, Some Goosebumps.



4) Mount Sanqingshan Cable Car, China – This One Takes You Atop One Of The 5 Most Beautiful Mountains In China!



5) Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, China – Also Hailed As “World’s Longest Passenger High Mountains Cableway”



6) Grindelwald-Mannlichen Cableway, Switzerland – This One Is… Hold Your Breath… The Longest Gondola Cableway In Europe!



7) Gulmarg Gondola, India – World’s Second Highest Operating Cable Car, Right Here In India!



8) Aiguille di Midi Cable Car, France – A 2700 Mts Ascent In Just 20 Minutes. Awesome!



9) Mount Titlis Cable Car, Switzerland – A 360 Degrees Mountain View in Just 5 Minutes!



10) Shinhotaka Ropeway, Japan – Double Decker Cabins In An Aerial Lift! Well, Only Japan Can Do This!




If this list of world’s most thrilling cable rides has made you crave for the high winds and a very different of sightseeing, plan a trip fast. Who knows you might miss a ride!





Friday, 1 August 2014

10 Most JAW Dropping Beautiful Travel Adventures to Take Around the World


When you're planning your next trip, consider one of these 10 most beautiful travel spots. You might want to add them to your bucket list!
Maldives
Famous for being the ultimate luxury-honeymoon getaway, the Maldives is made up of 1,192 islands (200 of which are inhabited) located in the Indian Ocean. It is the smallest Asian country and also the flattest country in the world. Known for its crystal-clear water and colorful and varied marine life, the Maldives is definitely a beautiful escape.


African Safari
If you had to pick just one travel adventure, you'll be hard-pressed to find a something more exciting than the wildebeest migration. Stay in a tent, lodge, or hotel in Kenya or another African country along the migration route and watch the large herd cross the plain or battle hungry crocodiles during a river crossing.



Northern Lights
The northern lights or aurora borealis is a beautiful phenomenon named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora. There are a number of countries where you can view these iridescent lights, and they include Alaska, Denmark, Greenland [3], Finland, and north of Canada.


Iguazu Falls, South America
The Iguazu Falls, which runs from Brazil to Argentina, is known to be the most beautiful waterfall in the world. In fact, it is said that the United States' first lady Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Poor Niagara!" when she first saw the Iguazu Falls.



Grand Canyon, USA
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a geological landscape that's renowned for its natural beauty. It's most well known for its reddish formations.



Mont Saint-Michel, France
Harry Potter fans and medieval buffs will surely appreciate the castlelike Norman Benedictine Abbey of St. Michel, which was an important pilgrimage site for Christians from the eighth century to the 18th century. It is considered to be one of the most amazing examples of medieval architecture.


Mount Stromboli, Italy
There's nothing more terrifyingly beautiful than an active volcano, and you're almost guaranteed to see some eruption at Mount Stromboli, a volcano in Sicily. It has been in continuous eruption for the last 2,000 years, and you can get a view of the lava fireworks by hiking around the island to a good observation point or by checking it out from a comfortable cruise ship.


Antarctica Cruise
A cruise to Antarctica will be unlike any other cruise you've taken before. Marvel at icebergs bigger than your ship and observe penguins in their natural habitat.


Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone, located in Wyoming, is the first national park in the US and also one of the most famous. It's known for its large variety of wildlife as well as its geysers and hot springs.


Amazon Rainforest, South America
The Amazon rainforest is the last green frontier on earth. It is estimated that 20 percent of the earth's oxygen is produced in the area. It encompasses 1.7 billion acres and runs across nine South American countries. It also holds the largest collection of living plant and animal species. Ride along the Amazon River on a ship, take a twilight hike to observe nocturnal animals, and just enjoy the wild, untamed forest life. It will a travel adventure you'll never forget.



So What are your dream travel destination spots??

OH Yes i am a Travel-O-Holic-- Why not?? It feels good... Check out some of the reasons for it's inspiration

Thursday, 17 July 2014

5 places to see before they disappear

Ever heard of doom tourism? This trend involves traveling to threatened destinations. These five natural wonders are endangered because of pollution, climate change, and development. Visit them before they are gone.

Maldives

Credit: Reuters

This popular tourist destination is an archipelago of 1190 coral islands that are known for their stunning beaches and scuba diving. However, it is also the lowest-lying country on earth - the islands are only a few feet above sea level. This makes them the most vulnerable to the rise in sea levels caused by climate change.

Majuli Island

Credit: Reuters

The largest river island in India is located on the Brahmaputra in Assam. The pretty green wetland attracts migratory birds every winter. It's also famous for its 36 satras, or Vaishanva monasteries that have their own unique traditions and festivals. However, Majuli has been shrinking every year due to soil erosion caused by the strong currents of the Brahmaputra.

The Dead Sea

Credit: Reuters

The only place on earth where you can float without knowing how to swim, the Dead Sea is actually a lake. Its water is ten times more saline than seawater, and is believed to contain healing minerals. In the last 40 years, it has shrunk by a third and sunk 80 feet, due to diversion of water from River Jordan, its only source of fresh water.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Credit: Reuters

The highest mountain in Africa is a dormant volcano that's famous for its distinctive ice-capped summit. A popular trekking spot, its peak offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. Over the last century, its glaciers have shrunk by more than 80 percent and are likely to disappear completely in the next few decades.

The Arctic

Credit: Reuters

The North Pole is known for its bleak yet stunning landscape of gigantic icebergs, polar bears, and the northern lights. However, rising temperatures and the melting of ice sheets pose a threat to the emperor penguins. It also affects the delicate ecosystem, and subsequently, the polar bear population in the region.

Thursday, 10 July 2014

En-thrill to the journey of worlds most beautiful places to visit


List of countries that offer visa free entry and visa on arrival to Indian Passport holders.

When planning a trip abroad, the first thing to keep in mind is the visa requirements for the country you wish to travel to. Each country generally has various conditions to their visas, such as duration of stay, the territory covered by the visa, dates of validity, whether the visa is valid for more than one visit, etc. The rules are subject to change and it is always a good idea to check with the concerned consulate before finalizing your travel plans.

For Indian passport holders, different visa rules apply in different countries. For some countries, such as the United Kingdom and USA Indian passport holders need to apply for a visa well in advance of your actual date of travel. There are, however, some countries that provide you a visa on arrival and some where you do not require a visa at all and hence are allowed visa-free entry if you are an Indian passport holder.

Countries that allow visa-free entry to Indian passport holders :-

1. Bhutan
2. British Virgin Islands
3. Cook Islands
4. Dominica
5. Ecuador
6. El Salvador
7. Fiji
8. Grenada
9. Haiti
10. Jamaica
11. Kish Island
12. Macau
13. Mauritius
14. Micronesia
15. Montserrat
16. Nepal
17. Niue
18. Palestine
19. Pitcairn Islands
20. Saint Kitts and Nevis
21. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
22. South Ossetia
23. Transnistria
24. Trinidad and Tobago
25. Turks and Caicos Islands
26. Vanuatu

Countries that provide visa on arrival to Indian passport holders :-

1. Bahrain (Only if the purpose of visit is to see the Bahrain Grand Prix)
2. Bolivia
3. Burundi
4. Cambodia
5. Cape Verde
6. Djibouti
7. Ethiopia
8. Guinea-Bissau
9. Guyana
10. Hong Kong
11. Indonesia
12. Jordan
13. Laos
14. Madagascar
15. Malaysia (strict conditions)
16. Maldives
17. Mozambique
18. Nauru
19. Palau
20. Saint Lucia
21. Samoa (entry permit on arrival)
22. Seychelles (visitor’s permit on arrival)
23. Somalia
24. Somaliland
25. Sri Lanka (electronic travel authorization)
26. Tajikistan
27. Tanzania
28. Thailand
29. Timor-Leste
30. Togo
31. Tuvalu
32. Uganda
33. Vietnam