Hotels in Mumbai

Mumbai is located on the west coast of India and is a sight to be seen. Until 1997, the city was known as Bombay, but the government for some esoteric reason changed the name. Mumbai was the name used by locals for years and refers to a local goddess. Bombay is full of interesting things to see if you can get to them. Victoria Train Station is definitely worth taking in for the unique architecture and absolute masses of people. The gardens at Horniman Circle are good for a stroll and one place where you won’t feel completely overwhelmed with masses of humanity.

The street food of Mumbai is something no one should miss. In spite of all the conceptions and misconceptions that you may have regarding their hygiene and manner of preparation, they are something simply out of the world. In fact at the risk of brick bats, it can be said they are much better that the five star food! Such is the zing and the chutzpah in them. The special pav bhaji, which is bread along with fried mix vegetables, bada pao, again bread with sort of potato chops, and bhel muri prepared with puffed rice and various chutneys and ingredients, are something the whole world is fan of.

Among the five star hotels in Mumbai some of the common ones are the Taj hotel, The Sun and Sand, The Oberoi, The Hyatt Regency and many more. If you are on a budget tour then you could opt for innumerable hotels which dot the skyline, like the Bawa continental Hotel, Hotel Diplomat, and Hotel Fition. Hotel Midland and innumerable other similar ones.

Booking a hotel in Mumbai is not at all a difficult proposition or a cause of concern. You can make a reservation at the click of a button at t2india.com. With the click of a mouse you can reserve a room in luxury hotels in Mumbai. If you are on a tour and are on the look out for unadulterated luxury, there are many hotels in Mumbai from which you can pick and choose.

Before you take your dairy to make your travel plans, make up your mind. Why not go for a professional service which can take care of your entire holiday needs? There are many tour operators in India with large networks across the country. They will make you feel-at-home with their dedicated service. Log on to www.t2india.com to avail the service of one such agency.

Author Resource:- Sudipta Banerjee is a well known author who writes on the topics related with Hotel in Mumbai, Hotels In India & Hotels In New Delhi for the site www.t2india.com.

Hotels in New Delhi

Apart from being the political capital of India, Delhi is home to forts, mosques and palaces galore. The Qutab Minor Complex is a good place to see Mughal architecture. Safdarjang’s Tomb is a poor mans Taj Mahal with the same basic structure. The Red Fort and India Gate are good places to take pictures. As the second largest metropolis in India, Delhi has a vast amount to explore. From its rich history and culture to truly thrilling seasonal attractions, anyone who visits Delhi is sure to come away with an experience unlike any other.

For instance, Delhi hosts a number of spectacular celebrations and National events throughout the year. Republic Day (26 January) has a large cultural and military parade, while Independence Day - held on August 15th - invites everyone to celebrate by flying kites - a symbol of freedom. The Qutub is another cultural event which is held every September and sees performances by musicians and dancers from across India. The Spring Festival and International Mango Festival attract countless tourists and nationals each year.

You could find dream hotels in Delhi at an affordable and reasonable price range. At T2india we offer you all those facilities which one can expect from a pleasant stay in Delhi. Interestingly, the Delhi Hotels are safe for children and women. You will find most economical deal with us. T2india promise you to offer comfortable, hospitable and memorable tourist guest house Delhi for home stay and family stay. Hotels and tourist guest house are centrally located for an easy access of all the important places such as airport, railway station and other tourist places like India Gate, Jantar Mantar and Palika Bazar.

The hotels in New Delhi are ready with the modern facilities. They offer excellent hospitality and luxurious environment for the tourists. The popular 5-Star hotels in New Delhi include the Crowne Plaza, Radisson Hotel, Vasant Continental, Park Royal, etc. If you wish to go for a budget hotel, Ashok Country Resort, Hotel Shervani, Hotel Mohan International, etc., would be your ideal choice. Hotel reservation in New Delhi is now made easier with the help of online booking facility offered by T2India. This online reservation service is offered for all popular hotels in New Delhi. If you are looking for an accommodation in any of the hotels in New Delhi www.t2india.com is your ideal destination. It caters various services that are required for a prospective visitor to India.

Author Resource:- Sudipta Banerjee is a well known author who writes on the topics related with Hotels In New Delhi, Hotels In India & Adventure Tours for the site www.t2india.com.

Kuala Lumpur - The Perfect Gateway Into Malaysia

By: Wolfgang Jaegel
Kuala Lumpur, sometimes referred to as the 'Garden City of Lights,' is the largest as well as the capital city of Malaysia. As the capital city, Kuala Lumpur is the youngest in the Southeast Asia, and economic wise, it is perhaps the most successful after Singapore.

KL, as it is fondly known, is situated between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, in the south eastern part of Asia. During the past 150 years, Kuala Lumpur has been evolved into a modern, bustling city, with more than two million people.

Although a vibrant, gleaming city, Kuala Lumpur still retains its colonial charm which now cannot be found in most of the Asian boom cities such as Singapore. Further, Kuala Lumpur brings together the country's past and present as well as many of its constituent cultures. Indeed, the city is regarded as Malaysia's microcosm, since it provides the travelers a glimpse of the whole country. Above all, due to its strategic location and close proximity to Bangkok and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is considered the perfect gateway into Malaysia.

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur range from avant-garde architectural highlights to tourist spots of historical significance. Kuala Lumpur boasts of an architecture that is an eclectic mix of traditional and modernity.

In other words, the city is especially noted for its intriguing blend of architecture, ranging from stunning colonial buildings to towering modern. Some of the fine examples for this are Sultan Abdul Samad building (designed by the British architect), Dayabumi Complex - a 35 storied building that is a mixture of Moorish-Byzantine architecture, the Dataran Meredeka, and Istana Nagara - the official residence of the king. Also, noteworthy is such architectural landmarks as the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, boasting of Morish-inspired architecture.

A visit to Kuala Lumpur would be incomplete without taking a tour to attractions such as Merdeka Square, the site where Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time in 1957; Masjid Jamek, the oldest mosque in the city which is much favored for its intricate North Indian Islamic architecture; Masjid Negara, featuring multifold umbrella that represents the five pillars of Islam as well as the thirteen states of Malaysia.

Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest building in the world which accommodate in it an array of chic shopping malls and an art gallery; Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens), whose attractions are the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm, Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden, Bird Park, and the National Planetarium; Chinatown, where you can find a variety of food stalls and night markets, apart from the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple; and Central Market, one of the best places in the city to shop antique items such as handicrafts, scarves, and porcelain figures.

Kuala Lumpur's attractions also cover monuments like the Parliament House, the National Science Center, and the National Monument. Also, worth visiting are the city's interesting museums such as the Royal Malaysian Armed Force Museum, Museum of Asian Arts, Maybank Numismatic Museum, Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum, and MISC Museum.

Aside these attractions, Kuala Lumpur has to its credit a countless number of zoos, libraries, night clubs, casinos, temples and churches, amusement and fun parks, and recreational parks and botanical gardens. Above all, the city hosts a range of festivals, which among many others, are Prophet Mohammed's Birthday, Chinese New Year, Thaipousam, Flora Festival, and Shopping festival, which lasts for a week.

From small as well as medium budget hotels to top-notch luxury hotels, Kuala Lumpur has accommodation facilities to suit every pocket. Since many of these hotels have their own websites and online facilities, this enables the visitors to reserve a hotel room within the comforts of their house. Besides, some of the world-class hotels provide packages, which are inclusive of accommodation, dining facilities, transportation within the city, and sightseeing facilities. Additionally, for connoisseur of gourmet tastes, Kuala Lumpur has an endless range of restaurants and bars, all of which serve you a multitude of delicacies from across the world.

Kuala Lumpur is well linked by air, rail, and water. With more than 40 international airlines providing services to the new, sophisticated KLIA International Airport in Sepang, travelers not at all have trouble in getting into Kuala Lumpur. When comes to rail, KTMB is the prime train service. By sea, Port Klang serves as the main port, which is located 41 km from Kuala Lumpur.

With stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, friendly service and eclectic culture, and well-connected transportation, there is no wonder why Kuala Lumpur is considered the perfect gateway into Malaysia.

Saigon Quick Guide

Cho Lon

The name, which translates as "Big Market", refers to HCM City's bustling Chinatown. You'll find streets stocked with traditional Chinese medicine, charming colonial-era shop houses, brightly painted pagodas, and jam-packed markets.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Set aside half a day to make the trip to the Cu Chi tunnels, part of a 250km-long secret tunnel network carved out during the American War. Crawl through one of these tunnels (widened to accommodate heftier visitors) and you'll get a glimpse of what life was like for the thousands who lived, fought and perished underground.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Stagger through clouds of incense smoke to gaze upon weirdly wonderful statues of gods, sacred animals and heroes in this lavishly decorated Chinese Pagoda (73 Mai thi Luu, D.3).

Post Office

Take a seat under a slow-turning ceiling fan and scribble out a postcard in Saigon's charming Post Office, which was built between 1886 and 1891. Across the street lies Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 (2 Cong Xa Paris, D.1).

War Remnants Museum

Ponder photos weaponry and artifacts that bring home the suffering wrought by the American-Vietnam ware and subsequent conflict with the Chinese. Not for the faint-of-heart, disturbing museum is housed in the former US Information Service building (28 Vo Van Tan, D.3).

Eat at

Hideaway

Tucked down an alley in an old villa, this delightful eatery offers fresh and creative international fare. The salads, soups and sandwiches are tasty and healthy. Good for brunch. (41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach , D.3).

Kuala Lumpur is The Capital of Malaysia

by: Douglas Scott
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city . Kuala Lumpur is situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers.

Kuala Lumpur is easily the largest city in the nation, possessing a population of over one and a half million people drawn from all of Malaysias many ethnic group.

Public transport on Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the Klang Valley covers a variety of transport modes such as bus, rail and taxi. Unlike most other major Asian cities, utilisation rates are low as only 16 percent of the population uses public transportation

The cities bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysias unhesitating leap into the future. To some, this spirit seems to have been gained at the loss of ancient cultural traditions, but in many ways it marks the continuation rather than the loss of Malaysias rich past.

At the Petronas Twin Towers, which is one of the worlds tallest buildings before proceeding to Bukit Bintang which is indisputably one of Kuala Lumpur cities foremost shopping districts offering a multitude of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. If you love shopping then head over to Bukit Bintang which is Kuala Lumpurs foremost shopping district offering a multitude of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. Most of the cities major shopping outlets are located in this area.

Garden City ambience, apparent the moment one lands in the city. At night, the streets adorned with trees and decorative shrubs, as well as the buildings are colourfully lit to give the city a unique dazzle.

The Lake Gardens, home to the Hibiscus and Orchid Gardens as well as the Bird, Deer and Butterfly Parks, is just one of many delights.

For a sojourn in antiquity, the National Museum is a must but there are other museums with specific themes as well.

Well known establishment located along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Tuanku Ampang as well as The Mall, Central Market and Chinatown tantalise visitors with their sheer variety of products and the lure of attractive prices. These areas also throb with the excitement of nightlife and evening entertainment.

Kuala Lumpur enjoys a year round equatorial climate which is warm and sunny, along with plentiful rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon from April to September. Dust particles from forest fires on nearby Sumatra Island sometimes create a phenomenon known as the haze. This usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Nha Trang - Down by the sea

Nha Trang isn't just another beach town. Thu Ha discovers rare fish, deadly plants and hot mod.

From the windows of the plane Nha Trang seems to lie suspended between the blue of the sea and the green of the Truong Son Mountains, the town outlined by a thin strip of lace: the beach.

One story behind the towns name holds that "Nha Trang" is a Vietnamese version of a Cham word meaning "land of rushes". This theory is supported by an old folk poem:

Rain from the meadows
Wind in Tu Hoa
Tigers in Khanh Hoa
Ghosts in Binh ThuanCapital of Khanh Hoa
Anh tigers can only survive in low-lying fields of rushes.

Invariably the first thing visitors do upon arriving in Nha Trang is head for the beach. Stretching for five km, the main municipal beach is bordered by Trang Phu Street - longest and prettiest street in town.

Island hopping

While swimming at the main beach is fine, no visit to Nha Trang is complete without a boat trip to the islands that dot this dazzling blue bay. At 6 a.m., the city's port is crowded with hundreds of tourist boats, which charge VND 100,000 for a full day trip to offshore islands.

First stop was Tri Nguyen Island, where I peered into a manmade fishpond that holds hundreds of species of rare fish and stepped into the Water Palace - a somewhat lower-tech version of Singapore's underwater world aquarium complex. While the facilities weren't as modern as those in Singapore, the marine diversity was amazing. Vietnam's sea life is astonishingly rich. I saw a three-meter-long White Sea eel with a brocade-like pattern on its head and a sea dragon eel, its body rippling like silk ribbon.

From the Water Palace the boat carried us to Hon Tam (Silkworm Island), so named because of its long, wiggly shape. There was a good beach for bathing, plus water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, fishing and diving. While parasailing is offered in other places around Nha Trang, I recommend trying it here. The water is perfectly clear and from this distance Nha Trang resembles a white sailing ship. Because dock workers regularly throw fish food off the pier, the water in the harbor is teeming with so many fish that it feels as if you could reach in and grab one.

Vietnam Travel: A glimpse of Quy Nhon

By : Luat Tran Van
Away from the noise and bustle of Highway One, away from the crush of development, Quy Nhon offers the peace and tranquility of bygone times. As I walk down a side street I hear a song emanate from a radio and its lyrics engrave the essence of Quy Nhon in my memory:"...Today the streets are encased in sunlight, I am alone on an empty street. Far away, waves sing softly the song of my longing for you...".

I've been drawn to Quy Nhon for a long time. In my imagination, this is the place of the ruined Do ban citadel from which the rulers of Chiem Thanh city ruled unchallenged for so many years. In my mind I can hear horses neighing and solider shouting as they fight the deadly battles between Cham soldiers and those of the Vietnamese dynasties that imposed their might from the north. Later, once the area came under Vietnamese control, it gave birth to powerful military heroes (Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue and Nguyen Lu all hailed from this region).

There were artists too. Van Cao, a famous poet, painter and composer, came from here and wrote about the Cham towers that "take cover under the blue sky". His poetry inspired me to visit some of the towers, which draw thousands of tourists every year.

The twin granite towers in Thap Doi, just outside Quy Nhon, are as red as lipstick. They're relatively small and are humbled by the powerful sunlight that beats down on them, but they are unique from other towers in one way: their creators were heavily influenced by Hindu architecture and each tower is carved with Garudas, mythical birds still revered in Indonesia. North of the towers are two bridges where lovers have traditionally opened their hearts to each other with poems like this:

Two towers stand together,
two bridges stand together,
So why can't I get close to you?

Like the Egyptian pyramids, no one knows how the Cham were able to build these towers. Each brick was compacted tightly next to its neighbor before another was added above, yet none were tied with mortar. Without this glue, how did these monuments withstand the test of time and survive hundreds of years of rain and heat? The secret of their resilience increases their appeal.

Out of the city and along Highway One, four more beautiful towers come into view. These are the Banh It towers, named after a type of rice cake whose shape they resemble. The main tower is to the East because the Cham believed that an island in South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the Eastern Sea) was home to their gods. From the top of a nearby hill you can see each tower clearly. They are like four sunbeams falling from the sky, each one mighty in its lonely solitude.

Not far away are the Duong Long towers, a group of three exquisite buildings. They stand close to each other, with the tallest reaching 36 meters (120 feet) into the sky and the others an impressive 29 meters (95 feet). Some say they are the most beautiful of all remaining Cham towers, made so by the plethora of engravings that depicts gods, dancing girls, elephants, dragons and nagas (mythical snakes).

Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh province; know for its martial arts prowess. But from here too have come poets. One of its best known was Han Mac Tu, who died of leprosy in the early 20th century. I visited Quy Hoa hospital where he ended his days in peaceful repose, creating his life's last masterpieces. One night, as he gazed at the shimmering moon, he wrote this tribute to love:

Far away, a girl sits by the Nhan River washing silk dresses.
Water becomes the moon and the moon becomes water.
The silk is dampened by the watery moon.
The girl is wrapped in moonlight,
Only her cheekbones shine red.
I want to hold the moon in my arms,
I dream of the moon and pick at the moonlight.

When Han Mac Tu died, his remains stayed in Quy Nhon and his grave became a place of pilgrimage for many people. I visited it at nightfall, as the fading sunlight fell behind a mountain and splashed its dying golden rays over the sea around Quy Nhon. It was to the sound of waves crashing on these beaches that Tu was lulled into his unbreakable sleep. Behind his grave a painter, Dzu Kha, engraves Tu's poems on wooden palates for visiting tourists.

I had only a glimpse of Quy Nhon but I won't forget its pull; the ancient moss-covered towers, the gentle sounds of Tu's resting place in Gheng Rang, and the quiet rhythm of the sea.

China Insider's Look At Qingdao

By: Wolfgang Jaegel
Mention Qingdao, and many people will recount rather hazy nights spent consuming lukewarm longnecks of China's most famous beer. Indeed, Qingdao - the capital of China's northeastern Shandong Province - is home to the most famous brewery in the country. But there's a lot more to the city of nine million people than beer, bubbles and brewing.

Boasting the largest fishing and trade port in northern China, the beautiful coastal city is one of extremes. Located in Jiaozhou Bay, the former German treaty port boasts an expansive German concession district, replete with unique colonial architecture dating back hundreds of years, beautiful old villas, and wide, tree-lined avenues. Qingdao also has notable Japanese and Korean communities, thanks to their close proximity to the city, and important trade relationships as a result.

Aside from China's southern Hainan Island, Qingdao has arguably the best beaches in the country. Further out of town, the magnificent Laoshan Mountains are a starkly beautiful conglomerate of granite steeps and peaks, overflowing with natural springs, and offering spectacular vistas of the ocean and city below.

But perhaps Qingdao's biggest claim to fame is its designation as an official Olympic city. Come August 8, 2008, it will host the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing summer Olympic Games - one of only five cities home to Olympic events outside of the capital. In preparation, a 45-hectare (111-acre) dockyard in Qingdao's Fushan Bay has been transformed into a world-class sailing facility, garnering rave reviews from sports enthusiasts during Olympic test events. After the Games, the marina will be remodeled into an exclusive resort featuring a five-star international hotel, an Olympic museum, spa, fitness and health clubs, a shopping mall and office space. Qingdao's going for gold indeed.

Attractions
Located to the southeast of the city in Jimo, Qingdao's numerous natural hot springs vary widely in terms of size and temperature. Generally heated to between 30 and 60 Celsius, although sometimes reaching a scorching 93 Celsius, the waters are laden with minerals that will heal even the weariest limbs.

Island Hopping - Also known as Lute Island for the fact that it resembles the ancient musical instrument when viewed from the air, Xiaoqingdao Island is a pleasant little peninsula, connected to the mainland by a thin thread of land. Dotted with black pines, flowers and trees laden with fruit when the season permits, it's extremely popular with young lovers who converge to stroll through the parks and enjoy views of nearby Yellow Island (Huangdao).

Beach Baby - Qingdao has six beaches, and doesn't let you forget the fact. The sensibly named Number 1 Beach is also the most popular. If you visit in the winter you'll see that it's lined with fine yellow sand, overhung with giant pine and cypress trees. If you visit in summer, all you'll see is a 580-meter (1,903-foot) stretch of beach umbrellas. The Number 6 Beach is also very popular, especially with tai chi practitioners and fishermen.

Art And Culture
Qingdao is hugely famous for its intricate shell carvings, and the Qingdao Shell Carving Museum is the place in town to get up to speed with the latest trends in the art. Aside from checking out carvings from China's greatest masters, the museum is a good place to pick up shell souvenirs.

History Of Hops - Tired of checking out hundred-year-old ceramics and bones that have seen better days? The Tsingtao Brewery Museum might just be your pint of ale, then. Built in 1903, the museum is located on the premises of the original Tsingtao Brewery, and it's an interesting place to learn not only about the history of the city, but also about the history of everyone's favorite beverage, beer.

Entertainment
Underwater Love - Opened in 1932, China's first public aquarium, Qingdao Underwater World, sprawls across both sides of the street, just opposite the bustling Number 1 Beach. An underground tunnel connects the various chambers of the sea world, with conveyer belts ferrying you about, permitting almost 360 degree underwater vistas.

Just Cruising - If you're not in a hurry to get to your next destination, cruise there in style aboard one of the many cruise liners docking in Qingdao. From the Qingdao Passenger Transport Center, ships depart for Shanghai, Yellow Island, Xuejia Island, as well as Inchon, Korea and Shimonoseki, Japan.

Wining And Dining
Take To The Streets - Some of the most authentic cuisine to be had in Qingdao can be found in the dozens of quaint restaurants lining Yunxiao Road Gourmet Street, Minjiang Road Gourmet Street and Maidao Seafood Street. The latter is particularly famous for fried spicy clams, seafood wonton, and roasted squid. For barbeque, head to the stalls of Taishan Road - you'll be able to smell the sweet aroma of roasting meat and seafood well before you see it.

Beery Good - A small street annexed from the Qingdao Brewery, Beer Street is pretty much just that - a street dedicated to beer. Located in the Dengzhou Road area, the street features dozens of small bars serving up many local brews, as well as liquid gold from all over the world.

Retail Therapy
Mass Market - Attracting almost as many visitors as the Great Wall of China, Jimo Lu sees an average 200,000 daily shoppers hit its aisles for a bit of friendly bargaining. This is the place in Qingdao to visit if you're after, well, just about anything really - from purses to second hand bicycles, furniture and even obscure Chinese medicine.

Night Shopping - if you still have some energy left, head to the Tai Dong night market. Opening around 5 p.m. every day, Tai Dong is a cheap and fun place to pick up Chinese souvenirs. It's also a great place to try out local snacks, including smelly tofu, meat skewers and local pork hamburgers.

Hot Events
Clamming Up - Paying homage to its fishing village roots, Qingdao throws out the nets every May for the annual Clam Festival. The festival, which also marks the onset of warmer weather, is basically just an excuse to consume fresh seafood and local beer in the sun, but who's complaining? If you tire of all the consumption, there are organized activities, including tours of local fishermen's homes, fishing competitions, and military simulations.

Qingdaofest - Established in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival is one of the most highly anticipated annual events in China. Kicking off on the second weekend of August and lasting 16 days, the festival pays tribute to liquid gold with beer drinking competitions, parties, entertainment, trade exhibitions, and dozens of food and beer stalls representing countries from all around the world. Last year, over 930 tons of beer were consumed across town.

The Shopping Excursion of a Lifetime to Hong Kong

By: Wolfgang Jaegel
Hong Kong is probably the best shopping destinations in the world that offer various types of goods and services at reasonable costs. Hong Kong is also one of the world's leading destinations that thrive in shopping mall tourism as well as retail therapy. In fact, Hong Kong is a shoppers' paradise. For tourists visiting Hong Kong, shopping is not only a process of buying several exciting stuffs but also an important recreational as well as fun filled activity.

Since Hong Kong is a free international port, it keeps abreast with the world's latest fashion trends and provides opportunities for the tourists to buy custom-free products that have been brought from across the world. No matter you want to shop fashion accessories, apparels, or electronic items, Hong Kong has superb options for all. Discussed further in this article are some of the most popular shopping areas in Hong Kong that are spread across its three major sections such as the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and New Territories.

One of the most prominent shopping areas in the Hong Kong Island is the Central District, which is also the economic and financial hub of Hong Kong. With a fusion of designer outlets, high-end shopping malls, and old markets, shopping in the Central District is truly an enjoyable experience. For antique collectors, Central District's such areas as the Cat Street and the Hollywood Road are a great choice, both of which are lined with a number of antique shops.

Likewise, if you want to shop fabrics, souvenirs, handbags, and other fashion accessories at bargain prices, then Des Voeux Road and Queens Road in Central District are some of the popular choices. Further, the Central District is home to the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, the Midlevel Escalator and Walkway System.

Another popular shopping area in the island is Causeway Bay, otherwise known as East Point. This significant shopping district is a great place to shop locally made as well as fashionable items from Japan, with an array of Japanese malls, prominent being the 13-storey Sogo Japanese department store, World Trade Center, Fashion Walk, and Lee Gardens.

Apart from these, Causeway Bay also contains such shopping options as Jardine's Crescent, a popular open market, from where fashionable clothes and items can be bought at great prices. Many of the large scale department stores offer great shopping as well as dining experiences.

Prominent shopping areas in the island also include Admirality, which comes with a great number of shopping malls, departmental stores, upscale hotels, and recreational areas. Few among the shopping options available here are Pacific Place and Queensway Plaza. The Admirality stations link Hong Kong Island's MTR Line with the Kowloon Tsuen Wan Line.

Among the significant shopping destinations in Kowloon are Mong Kok, which is a great place for shopping electronic items at bargain rates; Tsim Sha Tsui, an area designed especially for those who want to shop high-end fashion accessories; and Kowloon Tong, whose focal point is the mall Festival Walk, with more than 200 shops. When comes to New Territories, perhaps its most prominent shopping area is Tsing Yi, with a number of glitzy shopping malls.

With these scores of options, visitors touring Hong Kong can shop from morning to late night. But, certain important things have to be considered while shopping in Hong Kong. First of all, don't get swayed away by illegal products. Since Hong Kong consists of a large number of stores selling same products at various prices, a smart shopper must shop around to compare prices and to buy a product at the possible least price. Likewise, it is advisable for the buyers to shop from stores or malls with membership of the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

Additionally, it would be better to shop an electronic item that carries some kind of guarantee or warranty. One can also approach night markets in order to shop several items at exceptionally cheap rates; however, these may not be attached with any kind of guarantee. Above all, do practice bargaining to buy a product in Hong Kong.

In case if you are convinced that you are deceived on purchasing a particular item in Hong Kong, then you could complaint it regarding by contacting the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) or via calling the Consumer Council Hotline at 2929 2222.

Pattaya - A Premier Vacation Spot in South-East Asia

By: Wolfgang Jaegel
Pattaya is one of the most enchanting beach resorts in the world, located along a spectacular bay on the Gulf of Thailand's east coast, about 150 kilometers south-east of Bangkok, in Thailand. A fishing village turned South-East Asia's most favorite vacation spot - Pattaya is much popular among the westerners including Americans and Europeans and is regarded as a great alternative over taking a tour to swarming Spanish destination or a pricey Caribbean destination.

In fact, Pattaya has everything to spend an enjoyable vacation, from awe-inspiring natural beauty, warm climate throughout the year and beautiful beaches to ancient shrines, world-famous hospitality, and sumptuous cuisines. No matter you are beach bums, honeymooners, couples celebrating anniversaries, or family vacationers, Pattaya has superb choices to cater to every type of tourist.

Perhaps the prime attraction that draws visitors to Pattaya is undoubtedly its incredible long stretches of curvy beaches. Pattaya boasts of two picturesque beaches, the main beach being the Pattaya Beach, located along the Pattaya Beach Road. The Pattaya Beach's surroundings are action packed and contain a plenty of top-notch hotels, restaurants, and bars. Further, the Pattaya Beach is a paradise for enjoying a range of fun-filled as well as adventure activities, especially scuba diving.

Located just ten minutes drive from the Pattaya Beach is another popular beach in the destination, namely, Jomtien Beach, which is regarded as a mecca for enjoying activities such as wind surfing. As in the case of the main beach, this beach area is also packed with an array of upscale hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Other popular beaches in the vicinity are Naklua Beach, which is much favored for its tranquil atmosphere; Ko Lan, a lone island with a number of beautiful white sandy beaches; Bang Saen Beach, located about eight kilometers from the provincial capital of Chonburi; and Ko Si Chang bestowed with awesome beaches and magnificent limestone caves as well as ancient temples.

Aside beaches and water sport activities, Pattaya has a plenty of interesting things to see and do. Points of interest, among many others, in Pattaya are the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, featuring sights such as more than a million years aged fossil plants, 200-year-old bonsai, crocodile pools, and rare animals like albino bears; Khao Pattaya, a small hill offering breathtaking vistas of Pattaya City as well as Pattaya Bay; Suan Chaloemphrakiat, a fitness park with fitness facilities and jogging trails; the Bottle Art Museum, which has on display a large number of art works graced in glass bottles.

Elephant Village, where elephant shows are conducted; Sanctuary of Truth, noted for its intricate architectural designs; Monkey Training Center, where apart from monkey shows, snake shows and cock fighting are also conducted; Horseshoe Point Club, a great spot for all levels of people to enjoy horse riding; Suan Nong Nooch, a recreational park with beautiful tropical gardens; Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park, a park with a variety of Chinese style objects and buildings; Pattaya Amusement Park, whose tower houses a revolving restaurant; and Mini Siam.

A visit to Pattaya would be incomplete without taking a tour to interesting shrines in the region such as Wat Yansangwararam, a modern temple complex with buildings built in several architectural types reflecting Indian, Chinese, and Japanese styles; and Wat Khao Cheejan, where one can see a huge image of Buddha carved out in gold on a mountain.

When comes to activities, Pattaya provides opportunities for the visitors to indulge in an array of activities, with such facilities as state of the art bowling centers, international standard golf courses, and facilities for activities like bungee jumping. Superb facilities are also available for weary travelers in the form spa centers and fitness establishments.

With a plenty of things to see and do, it is not a wonder why people from across the world frequent here year-round and majority of the westerners choose this place to retire. Hence, Pattaya has a plethora of accommodation choices for every type of tourist. For short term tourists, hotels and resorts would be best choice. But for long stays and people vacationing with large family, one of the best accommodation options in villas. A variety of villas are available, from budget type to most sophisticated ones replete with top-end facilities and amenities.

Take a Vacation to Thailand

By: Wolfgang Jaegel
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, strategically located in the heart of South-East Asia. Bordering Myanmar to the north and west, Combodia to the east, Laos to the north-east, and Malaysia to the south, this stupendous destination is well-known for its breathtaking islands, incredible beaches, ancient as well as historic Buddhist wats, interesting museums and art galleries, rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and above all, the presence of amicable Thai people. Thailand also holds the distinction of being the only nation in South-East Asia that has never been colonized.

Occupying an area of more than 500,000 square kilometers, Thailand has been geographically classified into four different regions such as the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula south. Likewise, by region wise, the country is divided into six distinct areas such as the Central Thailand, North Thailand, North East Thailand, South Thailand, South East Thailand, and West Thailand.

Each of these areas comes with a host of mind boggling attractions. Located on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River as well as the Meklong River Valley, Central Thailand is sometimes acknowledged as 'the Rice Bowl of the Country,' since it is the most fertile region in the country. As a tourist spot, this area contains a host of attractions that are of historical significance.

Central region of the country is dominated by Bangkok, with its mind blowing palaces, beautiful wats, hundreds of museums, and expansive shopping areas. Highlights of this region also cover Ayutthaya, which once served as the capital of the country, and now featuring attractions such as the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Center with traditional Thai handicraft items, Bang Pa In Summer Palace, and Ayutthaya Town; Saraburi, whose focal point is the Phra Buddha Bat Woramahavihan Temple with a rock that is believed to have the Buddha's footprint; Lopburi, which was an important settlement during the reign of the Khmer empire in the tenth century.

Suphanburi, boasting of one of the oldest national parks in the park, namely, the Khao Yai National Park; Nakorn Pathom, with attractions such as Phra Pathom Chedi - the largest of its kind in the world, and Floating Market; Kanchanaburi, which is home to Death Railway, Raft Trips and Houseboats, and Three Pagodas Pass; Petchaburi, with landmarks like Phra Nakorn Khiri, Khao Luang Caves, and Cha Am; Prachuap Khiri Khan, whose prime attractions are Hua Hin - a beachside resort, and Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park - one of the most enchanting parks in the nation.

North Thailand is regarded as the country's cultural heart. Among the points of interest in this area are Chiang Rai, with attractions such as Chiang Saen, a fourteenth century town, and Mai Sai, which is on the Burmese border; Kamphaeng Phet, whose centerpiece is the Old City that dates back to the time of the kingdom of Sukhothai during the 13th century; Lamphun, with a highly revered shrine, namely, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai; Sukhothai, which is homes to attractions such as Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai with an incredible elephant temple.

When comes to the Southern Thailand, this area is bestowed with some magnificent as well as excellent beach resorts of international standards. Perhaps the greatest of all beach resorts in the region is Phuket, with an international airport and more than half dozen beaches.

Popular destinations in Southern Thailand also include Samui Island, whose highlights, among many others, are Grandfather and Grandmother Stones and Angthong National Marine Park; Krabi, which is much favored for its breathtaking landscape consisting of dazzling white sandy beaches, magnificent coves and bays, and fantastic limestone cliffs; and Phi Phi Islands. Other places of interest in Southern Thailand are hot springs that are found nearby Ranong town, and Victoria Point, where you can spot a number of casino centers.

Above all, Thailand provides tourists visiting the country with a continuum of facilities in order to indulge in an array of activities such as hiking, trekking, sightseeing, swimming, rafting, deep sea fishing, and much more. In order to cater to the growing number of tourists in the country, Thailand comes with a number of accommodation options from upscale hotels to apartments and villas that are mostly replete with facilities that a world-class resort renders.

Asia Family Holiday Guide

By : Joanna M Lawson

If you are planning to holiday in Asia with your young family, here are some tips and recommendations to make your Asian holiday that much more enjoyable.

Be it relaxing in heavenly Bali villas, or hiking in Kuta Kinabalu, or enjoying Disney World in Tokyo, Asia offers a huge variety of holiday destinations for those with younger children.

However, as rewarding as it is, traveling with the younger ones in Asia is not always an easy sail.

Here are some insights gained traveling across Asia with children in tow, over the past 10 years.

Getting There and Back

It is more than likely that you will be taking a commercial flight to Asia.

Here is the first word of caution. As far as traveling with the young ones is concerned, not all airlines are created equal. No, I don’t mean the level of service you can expect, as this seems to be of quite a high level whichever Asian based major airline you choose. In our experience, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Emirates all offer great service when you are traveling with kids.

However, the big difference comes in how much different carriers choose to charge for the younger ones. Some carriers, for example, charge 10 percent of an adult fare, for infants, traveling on your lap, without a seat. At first, this may sound like a fair deal. However, if you consider the fact that this 10 percent is calculated as a percentage of a -Full Published Adult Fare- price, you may find that you are paying as much for your infant’s air fare, as you are for your own discounted fare! The good news is, not all airlines use this pricing policy, and if you shop around, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars even before you leave home!

Also, do keep in mind, that many airlines will offer special -Child Meals-. Some, such as Singapore Airlines, do also offer different menus for different age groups.

Similarly, for toddlers and older kids, it is worth checking what is on offer in terms of flight entertainment. Some airlines will have dedicated children’s cartoon channels, with a large selection of entertainment options, whilst others may not. If you are traveling long-haul, this alone could make a huge difference to how well your Asian holiday kicks off.

Transportation on the Ground

The quality and safety of ground transportation varies immensely from one Asian Country to the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, do not expect taxis to provide child safety seats, and in many parts of Asia, even rental cars may not have the child safety seat option.

The good news is, across most of Asia, metered taxis are plentiful, and relatively well maintained, with working seat belts. When you are in Singapore, you can expect (or even demand); fully functioning seat belts both at the front and back passenger seats. In other parts of the region, you may find that seat belts have been removed, on purpose, because ‘they get in the way’.

So, if you are adamant that you would like child safety seats whilst holidaying in Asia, you may consider bringing your own, or picking one up, when you land at your destination.

Probably with the exception of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, facilities on local train services are of a variable quality, and unless you are going for gold, and staying on the Palace on Wheels in India, or a special First Class trip between Beijing and Shanghai, you may want to plan well, and take all your essentials on board with you.

Food Matters

Whilst most westerners find Asian food (especially South Asian, or South East Asian food), quite spicy, this is not necessarily an issue when traveling with the younger ones. Most hotels and restaurants will prepare food for the little ones separately, without the spices. Also, if in doubt, plain noodles, or plain rice with some vegetables on the side is always readily available as a good stop gap ration. Depending on how off the beaten track you decide to travel, you are more than likely to find, old favourites such as fish-fingers, chicken nuggets, and hamburgers in most parts of Asia.

One word of caution on the food front is the liberal use of MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) in Asian cooking. This food additive is also used in the west (mostly packaged crisps/chips), and in principle is no more harmful than many of the E numbers we may consume daily. However, in many Asian countries MSG is used very liberally, especially in soups and food with sauces. In China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to name a few countries, you can expect that your soups and sauces will contain MSG by default. Many parents who live and travel in Asia complain that excessive MSG causes dehydration, lethargy, and mood swings with some younger children (and many adults are also found to be sensitive to excessive MSG). If concerned, request for your food to be prepared without any MSG, or choose MSG-free restaurants, increasingly available across the region.

Bare Necessities

In general, availability and the condition of public toilets in Asia leave much to be desired. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Singapore and Japan for example, typically provide some of the cleanest public conveniences to be found anywhere in the world. Also, in each country, there are certain locations, such as hotels and airports where hygiene standards are going to be at international levels. However, it is good practice to always carry your own tissues, and wet wipes with you when traveling in Asia. Also, to address this problem, in many Asian cities, you can also find special antiseptic wet-wipes, which are very handy when dealing with some of the lesser public conveniences.

It is also worth noting that, restaurants/coffee-shops do not always provide their own toilets for guest use, and more than likely share facilities with other establishments. This is true for even larger malls, and good quality restaurants in hygiene conscious Singapore. So, the old trick of, grabbing an unwanted cup of coffee or a drink at a restaurant, just to be able to use the facilities is not always a solution in Asia.

Similarly, availability of baby changing rooms varies immensely across the region. In Singapore, and Hong Kong for example, changing facilities are readily available in most shopping malls, one almost on each floor. However, when you are off the beaten track, even some good quality hotels may not provide child changing facilities.

Breast Feeding in Public

As a general rule of thumb, if you decided to breast feed in public, regardless of how discrete you are being, expect to be stared at. The good news is, across most of the region, this is no more sinister than surprise and interest on the part of the locals. If in doubt, you may want to retreat to a quiet corner, back of a restaurant, or baby changing facilities.

My Child is a Model!

If your children are under four or five years old, and/or blonde or with naturally curly hair, expect to be approached in parts of Asia by total strangers wanting to take photos of your child!

Again, there is nothing sinister about this request. They just want to capture the -cute factor- and share this amazing image with their friends and families.

You will typically be approached by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese ladies, who will want to pose with your child, and take each other’s photos. However, there seems to be no age or gender limit to this interest, over the years, our little ones have been photographed by business people in suits, restaurant chefs, and the odd octogenarian in small villages.

Asia’s Love for Children

One thing is for sure. Wherever you go to in Asia with your young family, you will find the locals ever helpful and highly interactive with your little ones. Asian’s love children, they love their own children, and also the children of foreign tourists.

My advice is, make the most of this, and allow your children to interact with the local population, be it your villa team at your rental Bali villa, or a chef in a Chinese restaurant, or the old lady selling flower garlands outside a temple in Thailand!

Most important of all, don’t feel like you have to wait till the kids are older before you can visit Asia. Have a go; both you and the children will love this colourful part of the world.

Enjoy your Asian holiday.

Many happy returns…

Bali Villa Rental Guide to Your Bali Holiday Environment

By : Joanna M Lawson

It is the first day of your Bali holiday and your first night at a Bali rental villa.

Welcome to the paradise called the Bali Island.

However, unless you have been living in the tropics for a while, welcome to what I call the 'mini-environmental culture shock'. Well, at least if you have chosen a good villa in a non-urban setting, you are in for some new, exciting and really interesting sights, sounds and experiences.

This free travel guide is intended to help you most of your Bali holiday, and the new sights, sounds and smells that await you.

Rice Terraces

Balinese rice terraces are an art form in themselves, which has taken centuries to perfect.

Quite likely, around your rental villa, you will be surrounded by rice terraces which are still being tended by the local community, using the traditional techniques.

The wonderful climate of Bali allows for up to three sets of harvests to take place every year.

Depending on what time of the year you are in Bali, you are going to experience one of the following:

Preparation of the Terraces
This is when the fields look like layers of serene lakes, shimmering in the sun.

Planting of the Saplings
An exciting time, when local farmers will be working busily, planting young saplings, with an amazing speed and technique. If you have a video camera with you, this is the time to get close and personal with the locals community. Most will respond to your request to photo/film their activities with a pride and a smile.

Growing & Protecting
During this period, you will note the farmers continuously in the fields from sun-rise to sun-set. They will either be mending and managing the terraces, or trying to protect their crop from the birds. Protection of the fields from the birds tends to attract the whole community, especially the young and the elderly. You will see interesting home-invented contraptions being put up to scare the birds away, and hear old ladies trying to personally scare the birds away making some very interesting (and obviously time tested) sounds

Harvesting
Given the nature of the rice plant, this is typically a very rapid process. One which is followed by the very labour intensive and slow process of separating the rice from the chaff, manually, by hand, using again centuries old methods.

Cleaning Up
Once the rice harvest has completed, you will note the local community collecting the stalks, and burning them in preparation for the next plantation.
During this final period you may see smoke towering from the fields. Please note that there is no need to be alarmed, as these are controlled fires which take place in the middle of the rice terraces, surrounded by water.

If you have never had the chance to do so, we would highly recommend that you take a stroll through the rice terraces. You will find the local farmers very friendly and welcoming, and if you wanted to take some photos, some will even go out of their way to pose for you!

However, please note that it takes a lot of effort and sweat to keep the rice terraces in working condition. Please keep to the 'foot-paths' between the terraces, and avoid walking into the actual water-ways themselves. Also, we would recommend wearing soft shoes (sandals/flip-flops) to minimise damage (to the rice fields). Or like locals do, you may want to go barefoot!

The Local Community

The local community in Bali is organised around a very strong network of Banjars (local councils/cantons).

However, unlike the western concept of councils, each local community is locally managed and run, and is almost a state onto itself, with its own local values, rules and guidelines. So much so, that it can actually be up to the local Banjar to decide if a new building can be built or not, or what purpose should the new developments have.

Typically your Bali villa will have close relationship with the local Banjar, and the local community. Many of your villa staff will probably be from the local village.

The Local Religion in Bali

Like most of the rest of Bali, at Mia Villa we live in a Hindu community.

Balinese Hinduism is a fascinating subject in itself, enshrined in local culture and tradition. We would urge all our guests to track down a temple ceremony and experience this festive religion first hand themselves. (Typically, your Villa Manager will be more than happy to advise you on where the next/nearest public ceremony is likely to be.)

In like with the local traditions, many villas have their own full size temples or at least a mini-temple attached to a wall (quite likely near the kitchen area).

It is perfectly alright to take pictures of the temple, and the villa staff praying, making offerings at the temple. However, as a show of respect to the local traditions a level of respect does indeed go a long way. Using the temple as a towel rack (you would be surprised what some people will do!), allowing children to climb the temple or play with the offerings, and being in the nude around the temple are best avoided.

You will note that, every single day your villa staff will visit the villa temple, making offerings and prayers. These prayers are made to protect the villa, its guests, and its staff from harm and negative forces, and to keep the evil spirits away from your Bali villa.

Balinese Hinduism is a very open minded and accommodating religion. If you wanted to find out more about it please do not hesitate to ask your villa staff, who will often share the subject with you very willingly.

Sights of Nature

Most Bali villas enjoy extensive tropical gardens, and you will be surrounded by a wonderful range of tropical trees and flowers.

Whilst, some like the Heleconia and the Lotus Flowers are easy to spot and appreciate, there are many other smaller varieties of plants that you will come across which provide subtler insights into a tropical garden.

If you want to take certain varieties back home, and try growing them, please do not hesitate to speak to your Villa Gardener or your Villa Manager who will be happy to introduce you to some of the better nurseries on the island. (Of course, please first check that your destination country does allow for import of tropical plants.)

Sounds of Nature

The Gecko

Permanent and non-paying residents of most Bali villas is the Gecko (lizard-like creatures).

Totally harmless to humans and pets, the gecko are welcome guests as they feed on ants and small insects, providing a natural and environmentally friendly pest control.

Gecko also provide the signature sound-bite of the tropics. You will hear the very distinctive call of the Gecko on a regular basis. (It is said that if you count a Gecko call up to seven times in one go it will bring you good luck.)

Possibly the only down-side of Geckos is that they tend to eat a lot, and as a result pooh a lot too! So if you come across small droppings on the floor, you know who the guilty party is.

Some gecko can grow to quite large sizes (30 cm / 1 ft)+, and become quite a bit louder. They are still totally harmless to humans. However, if you find that you are bothered by the louder gecko, you will need to raise this with your Villa Manager.

The Kodok

Another permanent resident of Bali is the Kodok, or frogs as we know them in the English speaking world.

The Kodok are such a big part of the life in Bali (as a result of the rice terraces), that you will see their statues throughout the island, often depicted as mischievous and fun loving characters.

Needless to say, the Kodok are totally harmless, and more often than not, heard rather than seen. (Unless it has been raining, when they will be brave enough to come out for a shower.)

Local Ceremonies

Some evenings you may hear gentle rhythmic drums, and chanting at a distance. (Especially during full moon or dark moon.) These are the sounds of the ceremonies being held at the local villages around you.

Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than, turning off the TV/music, grabbing your favourite drink, and enjoying these ceremonies from a distance. I believe this is one of the most pleasurable benefits of staying at Bali villas.

Traffic, Motorbike, Night-Club Noises

If you have chosen the location of your Bali rental villa correctly, you should hear very little (if any) of noise.

However, if you are having withdrawal symptoms; Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak do indeed provide that bright-lights / big city experience to rival most holiday resorts in the world.

Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new rental villa in Bali, and enjoy your holiday in this island paradise.

Many happy returns...
Author Resource:- Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villa Rental. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.

Travel to India

Different cultures, customs, backgrounds, languages, sights, sounds, smells, cuisine, clothing, products, attitudes, await the world traveler. There are so many things to experience, it's difficult to decide which aspect of your trip was the most sensational or enlightening. Traveling the world will enrich your life in too many ways to describe in just one article, so here we will focus on a part of the world called India.

First of all, for the geographically challenged of you out there, India is located in South Asia. It has 7000 kilometers of coastline on the Indian Ocean, the third largest body of water in the world. Three islands are near India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives. India also shares borders with China, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar. It should also be mentioned that there is also a disputed border with Afghanistan, but that's another topic for another article.

Much like the United States, India has 28 states, that each have their own elected governments. There are some differences though, India has the National Territory of Dehli and 6 Union Territories. China currently has a larger population than India, however by 2030, India is expected to surpass Chain and become the most populated country in the world.

There are many beautiful rivers in India. The Ganges River, (Ganga or Holy Ganga, in India) is the largest and most well known of them, and is located in Northern India. The Ganga Basin has a huge population. The land is extremely fertile and it is said that one out of every 12 people in the world live there. You can also see Irrawaddy Dolphin in the river, as well as another species called the ganga River Dolphin. Another interesting note is that there is a rare freshwater shark found in the river that has not much is known about. Other major rivers in India include the Krishna, the Brahmaputra, the Kaveri, the Yamuna, and the Godavari.

The mountain range that you will find covering the northern states is called the Himalayas. Central and the rest of the northern and eastern parts of India consist of very fertile flatlands called the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Southern India is a peninsula and made up mostly from the Deccan Plateau with two hilly regions called the Western and Eastern Ghats. Last, but not least, near India's border with Pakistan lies the Thar Desert.

There are also three archipelagos in India. In West Bengal you find the Sunderbans, Lakshadweep on the southwest coast, and a chain of volcanic islands in the southeast called the Nicobar and Andaman Islands.

India has been a country for many centuries and it's rich culture and heritage has been preserved for the most part. While traveling in India, you will be exposed to some of the most wonderful cultural monuments in the world. India's culture is partly created from invaders and immigrants who have arrived here over the years. The Taj Mahal and other examples of Islamic Architecture are left over from the Mughal Dynasty that ruled between 1526 and 1857.

India is made up of a large variety of people. There are a large number of different languages, cultures and religions. Education in India has been improving dramatically in recent years and is a source of great pride for the families of young people who attend the universities there. Traditions that have survived for centuries are held sacred by families here and should be respected when traveling there.

There are many religious ceremonies and festivals held in public in India that you shouldn't miss during your trip. Harvest festivals for many of the different religions of India are attended by everyone, even those of differing faiths. During the Buddhist New Year (the first full moon in May), the Tibetan Buddhist Community in Sikkum performs the mystic Gumpa Dance and is a must see if you plan to travel to India during that time. In the Autumn months, two of the most prominent harvest festivals are the Ganesh Chaturthi and the Maharastra are fantastic experiences to add to your itinerary if you would like to experience religious ceremonies, which are a major part of Indian culture.

Another large part of Indian culture is their music. There are many types of music to be found during your travels to India. Some of the most interesting music is the folk music you will find as you travel through different parts of India. There are also interpretive dances that are performed by the people there. They tell epic stories based on Indian legends and are very spiritual and devotional. There is a lot of popular music as well, including Filmi Music and two well known forms of classical music you might hear are Hindustani and Carnatic Music.

Despite popular opinion, there are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights to be had in India. Bhel puri, a puffed rice dish, usually with spices added and served on deep fried puris, a wheat bread, is a popular snack often sold on the roadside. The staple foods of India are ones made from rice or wheat, but a wide variety of cuisine is available to you as you travel through different regions. Different types of spices and sweets are available and used in the dishes they prepare in each area. Sweets and spicy food is very popular in all of India.

While shopping for antiques, clothing, fabrics, and other items, in alleyways and open markets alike, one piece of advice, try to take a local citizen or guide with you to make sure you are buying authentic pieces. You will find the hand-carved wood artifacts and sandalwood carvings amazing. The woodcarvers are very talented. India is of course also famous for its hand-rolled incense. You will want to bring some back with you. The fragrances are unique and the incense is of great quality if you find the right shops.

There is also a lot of silk and pure cotton clothing, but a few knockoffs as well, hence the warning to have someone from the local area guide you to the best shops and markets. Leather goods can be had in India for a fraction of the cost here, so if you like leather, go shopping!

A quick look at some of the sights you may want to visit while traveling to India before I finish this article. India is a beautiful country and its doubtful you can take in all the wonderful sights on just one trip.

The Pandavas Caves Temple in Goa is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and dates back to the 1st century.

The Rajabai Tower in Bombay is a clock tower of gothic designs that is 260 feet high. One of the curiosities of this gothic tower is that it is adorned with oriental figures. It chimes on every quarter hour and sounds like Big Ben in London. The university library, located under the tower, contains recently restored stain glass windows that are magnificent to look at and considered to be the most beautiful in all of Asia.

New Delhi is a beautiful city whose buildings have serene courtyards and are definitely one of the nicest attractions along with some of the finest museums in the country. New Dehli also sport many shops and boutiques that feature some of the best crafts India has to offer. New Dehli is definitly a place to go during your travels to India.

The Karnataka Folk Museum in Bangalore has displays of rare masks, artifacts, and costumes that are part of India's rich history, as well as a collection of the folk music and videos of folk dances mentioned earlier in this article.

The Taj Mahal in Agra is of course one of the must see sights in India. It took 20,000 laborers to build the Taj Mahal in the 1600s and has become a known landmark throughout the world. From the jail, to the dome, to the garden, the beauty of this building of both Hindu and Islamic design cannot be justified with words alone.

Travel to Thailand

By : Robin Darch

Traveling around the world is still only a dream to many, but for those that have done it, their lives have been enriched by the experience. Different cultures, languages, and locations to us to appreciate the world in a new way. The world seems smaller once you travel around and the diversity of cultures makes you appreciate people in a new way.

If you haven't already done a lot of traveling, I suggest you save the money until you can. Life is way too short not to take the time to travel the world and appreciate its beauty. Meeting people from different countries gives you a whole new outlook on life and a new understanding about people in general.

In this article, I will tell you a few things about a wonderful place to visit . . . Thailand. They call Thailand "The Land of Smiles." The people there are great, always having a smile for everyone. They don't lose their temper or express bad behavior in public, because to do so causes "Loss of Face."

As I said before, one of the greatest things about traveling the world is meeting people with different cultures, different beliefs, and different attitudes towards life. In Thailand, the people do not believe in rudeness and brash behavior. They believe this is an embarrassment and it is not tolerated. Being from the US, I find that refreshing. Maybe we can learn from them.

Another great thing about traveling the world is the shopping. You will find shopping in different countries a great pleasure because you will find products that are not produced anywhere else. Each country has it's own unique products to offer you and in many countries the prices for these items is very low. Thailand is no different in this regard. The shops in Bangkok will keep you busy for days, so go prepared to shop.

There are a lot of alleys in Bangkok filled with shops, small cafes, and great Thai restaurants. They have a wholesale garment district called Wu Fen Pu, with more than a thousand clothing stores and shops that sell accessories, such as shoes, belts, purses, bags, and much more. Many of the items are hand made or locally produced and you won't believe how low the cost is for these items.

Another market to visit while you travel in Bangkok is Chatuchak. It's huge! You'll think you're in the Disneyland of shopping centers. It will take you a couple of days to browse all the shops at Chatuchak, but well worth it for all the bargains and unique products you will find there.

Another location for some great night shopping in Bangkok is the Shilin Night Market. They have a food section and another for shopping. There are more than one thousand stalls here and some of the best bargains you will find in Thailand.

You may not be allowed to shop on Fridays. That is when buyers from other stores go there to stock up on items for resale and business is focused on them. Just like here, if you plan to buy summer clothing, go in the fall and vice versa. Most shops in Bangkok are open to 11pm, so shopping in the late afternoon or evening is much better.

One of the most exciting parts of world travel is exploring and taking in the sights that are unique to each country. As you travel the world, the photographs you take at memorable sights will help you relive the memory of the great times you had in each country over and over again, so take plenty of film and your camera wherever you go.

Now let's talk about some of the sights you will want to see while traveling in Thailand. Ever see the movie, "Bridge Over The River Kwai, starring William Holden and Alec Guinness? I'm probably revealing my age by being familiar with this movie, but it was based on a true story and the actual bridge does exist.

A few hours by shuttle from Bangkok takes you to Kanchanaburi. That is where the actual Bridge over the river Kwai is located. Whether you have seen the movie or not, the sight of this bridge is impressive. It is one of the "must see" sights during your visit to Thailand. The river is beautiful and the fact that the bridge was built by prisoners of war makes the trip to the bridge worthwhile. The prisoners who built the bridge delayed it's construction long enough to save many lives. I suggest you watch the movie before your trip to Thailand, so you can fully appreciate the sight of the Bridge Over The River Kwai.

There are many "Wats" in Thailand. A wat is a Cambodian, Lao or Thai Hindu or Buddhist temple. They are considered a source for Buddhist spiritualism. Most of them are very beautiful and amazing feats of architecture built by hand out of love for Buddha. The architecture is even more amzing when you consider some of them were built many years ago by people who had very little to work with.

One such Wat is located in Ayutthaya City, the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city was founded in 1350. The city was destroyed by Burmese troops in 1767 and the area where it was originally located is now called Ayutthaya Historical Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. The city itself was rebuilt a few kilometers away.

Another is located in Sukhothai Historical Park. According to Wikipedia.com, this park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, a 14th century kingdom. This historical sight should be part of any itinerary for traveling in Thailand. The area has walls all the way around it and has gates on each side. The remains of the royal palace and 26 temples are inside these walls. The largest temple is called Wat Mahathat. Thousands visit the area every year to see the ruins of this once great city.

Many areas mentioned in this article can be easily toured by bicycle, an often overlooked form of transportation when traveling the world. Whenever you travel to another country, sitting in a car going from sight to sight sometimes cheats you out of truly appreciating the beauty of the country you are traveling in. Check out the country and the sights by bicycle where possible and I guarantee you won't regret it.

There are many other Wats to visit in Thailand. I suggest you choose as many as your stay will allow. If you visit some of them in the evening, you can even experience the chanting of the Buddhist Monks. A couple of other Wats of interest are Wat Chedi Luang, in Chiang Mai City, which was once the home of the emerald Buddha and Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew is now called the The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Legends hold that the statue originated in India, but it first surfaced in Chiang Rai, Thailand in 1434.

One thing you have to remember if you plan to visit the Wats in Thailand is that you must wear long pants. Shorts or dresses are not permitted while entering these temples.

If you like beaches, then you must visit Phuket, 70 minutes flying time from Bangkok. The waters of the Andaman Sea are green and beautiful and the beaches are very clean. It is Thailand's most popular beach and resort destination. They have popular resort hotels, Thai and seafood restaurants, water sports, Wats, forests, coral reefs, and mountains. The tropical setting makes for a great part of any visit to Thailand.

Speaking of mountains, a visit to Mae Hong Son Mountain Wat is a special cite you may want to add to your itinerary. Mae Hong Son is located on the summit of a mountain. You can walk or take a tuktuk (like a rickshaw) up to the Wat, itself. There is also an observatory that overlooks all of Mae Hong Son and the mountains of Myanmar behind it.

We hope we have added some useful information and ideas for your trip to Thailand.