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Thursday, April 17, 2008

Busselton - Treasure of the South West

One of Australia's most beautiful treasures, Busselton is rich with history, tourism, culture and natural attractions. This is the ideal destination for your driving holiday, perfect as a base for enjoying the ever changing Western Australian coastline and inland to the magnificent Margaret River.

Located just over two hours south from Perth, Busselton is the ultimate destination to unwind and enjoy the scenery,including over thirty kilometres of white sandy beaches stretching from tranquil Geographe Bay through to unpredictable Cape Naturaliste. With so many ideal locations to base yourself, you might need to keep your itinerary flexible as there are dozens of fantastic spots to explore in Busselton and surrounding areas.

Any time of year is ideal climate wise, as summer brings blue skies and sunny days, and winter treats you with mild temperatures and cool nights. Spring is a beautiful time to visit with wildflowers scattered up and down the entire region. All colours, all varieties are proudly displayed for anyone who stops long enough to enjoy the kangaroo paws, orchids and acacias.

Once you have settled into your home away from home, choose from a myriad of water sports, including snorkelling, diving, fishing, sailing and swimming. You won't have to look far for fine cuisine, and the seafood has a name for itself up and down the coastline. Everywhere you look there are families soaking in the sunshine, cyclists dodging walkers and joggers, and friendly locals enjoying a chat.

Head to the famous lengthy Busselton jetty that leads to an Underwater Observatory, displaying its world famous artificial reef with every type of tropical fish you could imagine. The kids will be awestruck by the stunning colours and unusual fish all visible through the large viewing windows. This is a definite 'must do' to add to your itinerary when you visit the seaside town of Busselton. The Sandy Bay Holiday Park is just one accommodation choice which has close proximity to the popular tourist spots in the area, including the jetty and observatory.

For a spectacular day trip head south to Cape Leeuwin, where you will find one of the tallest lighthouse's on the mainland. With waves hammering the coastline, untamed winds and endless natural scenery, this is the perfect combination for nature lovers. There are fantastic walking tracks which stretch from Cape to Cape as well as whale sightings from September through to December. Augusta is the closest town just north from the Cape, ideal for holiday makers looking for an escape from the fast paced life, and sporting a fantastic local museum.

When its time to escape the suns rays, you may choose to travel inland to discover a very different form of beauty. The Tuart Forest is only seven kilometres east from Busselton, yet is one of the last standing forests of its kind. With trees dated over three hundred years old, it's like walking back in time when you discover the various walking trails and enjoy a picnic amongst these living giants.

Head west and you will find the perfect getaway location in the Margaret River region. Spend a day or two here to enjoy the vineyards scattered amongst the green rolling hills, or explore a handful of the hundred or so caves hidden like gems in this rich hinterland. For some, just driving off the beaten track and enjoying the spectacular scenery is an adventure in itself.

Head back to the city to enjoy the history of the old Courthouse Arts Centre complete with an historic gaol and art gallery. The Busselton Visitor Centre is the starting point for the Heritage Park and Trail which including many famous landmarks. Kids will love the Ballarat Steam Engine and the old churches and historical buildings bring a new perspective to this diverse town.

Busselton offers the chance to unwind and escape the day to day pressures of city living, and also enjoy nature at its best. There is incredible beauty and diversity in this region, with colourful flowers, deep forests, rolling hills and miles of pristine coastline. Start planning now for your next driving holiday in Western Australia.

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Canarian Islands - A Beautiful Spanish Destination Next To The African Coast

The past of Canarian Islands is completely destructive. And I really mean that. Huge volcanoes exploded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, next to the African coastline, spreading lava rivers and rocks that, when solid, formed these beautiful islands that nowadays stand there, and that have already a huge touristic potential, specially after the arrival or real low cost flights in Europe.

So, let's get started. The first thing is to realize that there are many islands to visit and possibly you will want to focus in one of them. To really stick with my area of knowledge, I must admit I have only visited Lanzarote, so I will share my experience there with you.

The most important thing to do is to get a rental car. Lanzarote is not going to be a city tourism destination, so you really need to understand that renting a car will be the best way to move from one side to another with entire freedom. The island is not big, but still public transport adapted to tourism can make your bill raise up. And this in the case that you find the adequate transport to move to some places.

What to see in Lanzarote? First of all, even if I am not really into the sun & beach holiday, possibly because in my dear home Spain I already have it, it is obvious that temperatures and general climate in the Canarian Islands, together with some white sand and black volcanic sand beaches with intense blue waters are a perfect combination to go for some swimming.

After that special recommendation for Nordic tourists, Lanzarote has a wide range of touristic attractions to look for, all turning around the volcanic activity in the island. The most important feature is Malpaís, that translated directly would mean Bad Country. This is quite a big natural park, where the only thing you can see when looking to the horizon is black rocks. And more black rocks. Trekking on this zone can be really challenging, and the reason behind the name is obvious. Nothing really can live there, and this is also announced when in the road you find the entrance sign to the park: a red Demon standing at each side of the asphalt welcomes you inside.

Another interesting place to visit is La cueva de los Verdes, translated directly as The Cave of the Greens. It receives the name for it's great colors, and the artists have also done their job properly when placing hidden colored lights along the way that create fascinating shadows and visual effects. Also, a surprise is included at the end of the route. This is basically an exploration of the underground rivers of lava created after the eruptions.

Coming back to the thermal wonderlands, it exists a tour to a restaurant where they cook using the temperature of the ground at a special active place. Also some geyser exhibitions can be found there.

And finally, I really encourage the visitor to simply open the eyes. Nature in Lanzarote is abrupt, plenty of scars from the past. Admire this wilderness as a form of art, as a treasure, and you will bring home possibly the best of the souvenirs: amazing pictures on a dark volcanic landscape surrounded by the blue of the water.

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The 'Sunshine City' of Geraldton

There are not many cities in the world that have pristine coastline on their one side and majestic mountains rising up on the other side. Geraldton in Western Australia not only has this, but can also boast sunny summer temperatures the whole year round, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for some outdoor fun and adventure. Known as the 'Sunshine City', tourists are flocking to Geraldton for its perfect combination of location and climate. The friendly locals and the 'country town' feel of the city make it a warm and welcoming destination.

When Geraldton is mentioned its almost guaranteed that the Abrolhos Islands will be mentioned in the same breath. This collection of 122 small islands lies about 70 kilometres out to sea from the Geraldton coast, and is normally reached via boat or plane tours. It is a mecca for scuba divers and snorkelers, and anyone with an appreciation for marine life will be fascinated by the underwater riches around these islands. As you would expect of a place with such an abundance of life under the surface, the fishing here is world class. Lots of tour operators cater to the fishing needs of visitors, and on one of these tours you are likely to spot marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and migratory whales. One of the country's best sea bird breeding colonies is here on the Abrolhos Islands, and many visitors take a tour out primarily to see the birdlife. The beauty of the islands is the perfect backdrop to whatever pursuit you wish to undertake here.

Just twenty minutes drive north of Geraldton lies the green broad acres of the Chapman Valley. With seventeen kilometres of coast, this shire stretches inland eastwards and is characterised by rolling farmlands and the rugged Moresby Ranges which lie close to Geraldton. If you are visiting here its advisable to get a hire car, which will allow you to explore the countryside to its fullest potential. The stunning landscapes are criss crossed with fresh flowing rivers that wind in and out of the wineries, farms and meadows. The area attracts settlers looking for an alternative and relaxed lifestyle choice, and of course many visitors wanting to breathe the fresh air of the peaceful countryside. The settlers always stick around, and the visitors always come back the next year, thats the effect of the Chapman Valley. From July through to October many come here to see the wildflowers that bloom in those months. The whole Geraldton region is renowned for these, as the countryside literally explodes into a carpet of colour. Coalseam Conservation Park is especially renowned for its pink, white and yellow everlastings.

If water activities are your idea of fun, then while you are in the Chapman Valley head to Coronation Beach, which is a world renowned wind surfing location. Just twenty five kilometres from the centre of Geraldton, there is a basic camping ground here if you want that really early start on the water, or you could just head back into town. Surfing is also popular in Geraldton, and there are a variety of surf breaks up its coast that cater to all experience levels.

There are many heritage and architectural attractions in Geraldton to give visitors a break from the sea and the surf. Perhaps the most prominent building is the St Francis Xavier cathedral, designed by famed architect Monsignor Hawes. He started work on it in 1915 and it was completed in 1938, and the years of toil were clearly worth it as it is regarded as one of his finest works. There are guided tours running throughout the day that give you the opportunity to marvel at the pillars, arches and stained glass of this special building. Another monument popular amongst visitors is the HMAS Sydney memorial, which honours 645 Australian sailors lost during a World War 2 battle in 1941. The good ship Sydney and her men was lost without a trace after a fight with a German gunship. The monument is beautiful and modern, consisting of a silver dome with 645 seagulls on it. Nearby a statue of an anxious women stares questioningly out to sea.

There is also an element of class and sophistication to Geraldton, which is heightened by the recently built Batavia Marina. The arty boardwalk winds along the waters edge, passing the boat docks, the posh townhouses and the Western Australia Museum. It runs to the door of a swanky new restaurant that is fast gaining a solid reputation for its fine cuisine. There is a very designer-esque feel to the marina, with modern and old artworks positioned all around it. While you are here be sure to check out the Batavia longboat, which is a replica of one that came to shore from a ship that ran aground in the Abrolhos Islands in 1629. Whilst they were on shore a mutiny occurred on the damaged ship that resulted in 125 people being killed, and this longboat on display is a reminder of that tragedy.

With something for everyone, it is no wonder Geraldton is becoming more and more of a feature on the Australian tourism map. Adults and kids, thrill seekers and those keen for a bit of relaxation- everyone can have their perfect vacation in this sunny part of Western Australia. So what are you waiting for? Its time to get some information together and start organising your next holiday, and organise it for Geraldton!

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Nothing So Refreshing Than, A Holiday In Jamaica

The Jamaica is certainly among the most visited Caribbean destinations. A holiday in Jamaica offers various pleasures that range from fish-filled coral reefs and white-sand beaches to cloudy rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.

The intoxicating music and the magnificent streets, Caribbean demography is one of the most diverse populations that include African, Chinese, Indian, British and German heritage. It is also the third largest island of the Caribbean, which consists of six main tourist regions. These regions are namely Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville and South Coast, Ocho Rios, Kingston and Port Antonio.

There are various options to explore tranquility. The Blue Mountain Peak is a paradise for island mountain trekkers and the bird watchers can flock it for exploring more than 200 native species, which consists of around 25 species that are prevalent. A holiday in Jamaica can bring the nature lovers close to more than 3,000 species of flowering plants and around 720 of the rarest ones.

Further, Jamaica has a range of formal gardens that are Hope Botanical Gardens, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Garden. Ocho Rios is another prime destination to cruise on ships. In addition, it boasts of bays and beaches lined up to make the visitors indulge in fun and frolic. The Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay are among the most visited ones.

Other attractions are Dunn’s River Falls, Green Grotto Caves, James Bond Beach, Marine Park and White River Valley. The Montego Bay is a prime spot for water sports including sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, underwater sports and glass-bottom boat excursions. A Holiday in Jamaica is also for the shoppers, as they can flock Gloucester Avenue for duty-free shops, souvenir arcades, exotic restaurants and bars.

The Negril has also become a nomadic delight for being an idyllic escape for the crowd. The small resorts snuggled into the cliffs are quite pleasant to stay in. Jamaica is certainly a holiday goer’s delight and offers so much to refresh the vacationers.

http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/469264?articleid=469264

Tour To Kenya & Tanzania

Tour to Kenya is a part of Eurasian Tours and Safaris, a Tour operator offering safari tour booking and hotel Booking in Kenya. Right-Travel offer tours to the cities, wildlife destinations, adventure destinations, Tanzania Tours, beach destinations in Kenya. You can book wildlife resorts, beach resorts, luxury hotels and hotels in Kenyan cities on tour to Kenya. Travel to national parks and scenic regions of Kenya in East Africa and have an unforgettable holiday with tour to Kenya. Traveling in Kenya at this time is not generally a problem as the roads are good and the bursts of rain are short.

Right-Travel.com. Enthusiastic to bringing you all the information you need when planning or looking forward to your vacation or holiday in Tanzania, Kenya Tanzania trip. Kenya Tours, Kenya Travel, Kenya Holiday, Kenya Vacations, Safari Tours in Kenya, Game Safari tour, Africa tour, family tour, adventure tour, Kenya & Tanzania Tour, Travel to Kenya, Trip to Kenya, Vacation to Kenya

Tour to Kenya offers Tanzania Wildlife Safari, Online Booking for Tours to Kenya Africa,Kenya Safari Tour, Hotels in Kenya, Tour to Kenya Africa,

Discount vacation packages for those whose next vacation destination is Kenya. Kenya safari vacation packages at discount prices. If you are looking for a great vacation package. Kenya safari holidays including Kenya camping safaris, Kenya lodge safaris to Maasai Mara, afaris from Mombasa and Tanzania Travel Tips

Do you want to enjoy your vacation in Kenya? Come on safari with us in East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania. We specialize in custom Wildlife Safaris and Tours in Kenya and Tanzania. We specialize in custom wildlife Tours and Safaris, car hire, hotel bookings and much more. Kenya Safaris are among the most exciting adventures the world over. The vast wildlife, the many sunny beaches, beautiful island of Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and Zanzibar. We offer different packages at the coast, in luxury hotels, Game Safari tour, Africa tour, family tour, adventure tour. Kenya Safaris have proved to be a very popular byword in the tourism sector. Following are some of the highlights of travel to Kenya.

Guided Safari Kenya

9 Day Classic Kenya Tour Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara

10 Day Kenya Jumbo Tour Nairobi, Aberdare, Samburu, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara

11 Day Kenya Finest Tour Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu, Masai Mara Guided Safari Kenya & Tanzania

14 Day Kenya & Tanzania Panorama Tour

Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara Guided Safari Tanzania

9 Day Best of Tanzania Tour Nairobi, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara

10 Day Tanzania Classic Tour Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire

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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Liberia: Key to the Beach

It's no secret that Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but you may be surprised at just how easy it is to get to them. Many people know of Costa Rica's central international airport in San Jose, which is a five hour commute from the coast.
However, a smaller second international center, Liberia's Daniel Odbur International Airport (LIR) is hot with those in the know, and it's gaining popularity fast. Just seven miles southwest of Liberia's city center, LIR is only 20 minutes to an hour from most of the beaches on the North Pacific Coast. Liberia is the capital of Guanacaste province and provides easy access to Playa del Coco, Tamarindo, Playa Negra, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa and beautiful nearby parks.

Since the inaugural international flight in 1995, this bustling arrival zone has grown to serve almost 30 airlines, including Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines with flights arriving from cities like Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver.

In fact, Continental offers 16 weekly flights from the US to Liberia. LIR saw 237,199 passengers in the first six months of 2007 - an increase of more than 15 percent from the same time period the year before and a figure that continues to grow. With the first direct flight from England arriving in May 2007, the Costa Rican government is currently in discussion with at least four European carriers in hopes of securing regularly scheduled flights.


By 2017 LIR is expected to see over a million passengers a year, and plans are underway for a new terminal capable of processing 15,000 people an hour (the current terminal sees about 700 people an hour during peak times). With two new temporary open air terminals, the Daniel Odbur International Airport now offers a bank, medical services, a gift shop, an Internet kiosk, a fire department, and snack bars. The facility can handle up to four planes at once and offers domestic connections to several Costa Rican destinations.


A number of shuttles service the airport making it an easy, hassle free alternative to get to your destination quickly. If you'd prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a vehicle from any number of the nearby agencies that provide pick up and drop off services.


Because of its intimate, safe environment and desirable location, Liberia's quickly gaining a positive reputation with Costa Rica's more seasoned travelers and travel agents alike. For some the deciding factor is finding flights to this airport at better rates than those to San Jose.


So the secrets out! It's a great time to consider investing in Guanacaste province - besides the year round appeal of the amazing climate and beautiful beaches, this area is only growing in popularity as it becomes more accessible. Whether you're looking to invest in a vacation rental or live out your retirement dreams, Costa Rica is within reach.

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The Beauty of Algarve Beaches

Algarve, the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, is really famous as the tourism destination. Actually, there are many kind of attraction in Algarve, but most people come to Algarve for its beaches. Do you believe that there are more than thirty beautiful beaches in Algarve? Let's take a look some of them.

Praia Da Arifana This beach is ideal for family vacation. Your children can happily swim in this beach, off course with fully safety. It’s really safe to swim in Praia Da Arifana beach because it has calm and warm weather. This beach also offers other kind activities for family like snorkeling, diving, banana boats, and many more.

Praia do Tonel Situated in close to Sagres at the most western point of the Algarve, this beach is really perfect for wind-surfing lovers. Wind surfing at Praia do Tonel is really safety because all of the activities are controlled by professional beach guardians.

Praia Da Rocha When you come to Praia Da Rocha beach, you can see acres of wide open sand as far as eyes can see. It’s really cool! This beach is really good for sun bathing. Get the beautiful tan skin in Praia Da Rocha!

Praia de Barril What makes this beach attractive is because Praia de Barril is like the beautiful girl. You need extra effort to reach the beach location. You have to walk across a narrow pontoon bridge, or take a ride on the miniature train, or you can walk alongside the track (it's paved) before you come to Praia de Barril. It’s quite tiring, but as soon as you reach the beach you will admit that your tiring journey to Praia de Barril is worth it!

Praia da Ilha de Faro This is the most crowded beach at Algarve. The location near the airport makes Praia da Ilha de Faro easy to reach. This beach is for the party lovers! Well, if you need private and calm atmosphere, Praia da Ilha de Faro is really not recommended for you!

Paraiso Beach Set in a small bay to the west of the town of Carvoeiro lays Paraiso Beach. This is the perfect place for summer holiday with your friends. This beach offers many exciting activities like scuba diving, wind surfing, and many more. Besides sport activities, the nightlife in Paraiso Beach is also the great attraction for tourism.

Praia do Castelo Located only approx. 8 km to the west of the tourist resort of Albufeira, the Praia do Castelo is really the favorite place for holidaymakers. This beach is really crowded in peak holiday season. Many people come to the Praia do Castelo’s for the clean and white sand. It’s really paradise on earth!

Olhos de Agua This is the calmest beach in the Algarve. Located at below red rocky cliffs, pine trees and alongside a former fishing village, east of Albufeira, the Olhos de Agua is really the perfect place for you who want to have meditation at calm village atmosphere.

Talking about Algarve beaches is a never ending story. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of all beaches in Algarve. Just take yourself to Algarve beaches and feel the wonderful experience!

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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Naxos - Best travel tip for Greek Island Beach vacations

This travel tip article is about the Greek island of Naxos. It provides an informative overview of this beautiful island and explains how best to get there, including two important ferry travel tips.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades – the group of islands in the center of the Aegean.
The island is eighteen miles in length and 12 miles wide and is oval in shape. It is also the most fertile, and this makes it one of the most beautiful. But it is the miles of unbroken golden sandy beaches that attracts the majority of the thousands of summer tourists that flock to Naxos every year.

For the holidaymakers who can drag themselves away from the glorious beaches, Naxos provides a wealth of ancient Greek remains as well as plenty of Byzantine and Venetian history. The island’s capital, also called Naxos, has a Venetian fortress as well as an ancient Greek temple to Apollo. This temple is usually the first thing that a tourist sees when visiting Naxos by ferry because it stands proudly on the tip of the island, marking the way into the busy ferry port.
The temple dates back to 522 BC but its ruinous appearance is not because much of it has been lost to the passage of time, but rather because the ancients never finished building it. Naxos town is very picturesque port with a maze of whitewashed streets and alleyways, designed with the frequent invasions from Aegean pirates in mind. Its typically Cycladic architecture blends with the Venetian and every turning invites the visitor to explore.

With such romantic charm and mystique, it is little wonder that Naxos has long been popular with writers and artists. Lord Byron visited in his youth and never forgot the experience, referring to it in his writings as the ‘Dream Island’ and often saying that he would love to return some day. Naxos has 41 villages and most are worth exploring. They are found in the green fertile, valleys that are sandwiched between the rugged, arid mountains. Many of these are over 2000 feet high and the highest, Mount Zeus is 3,200 feet.

Naxos enjoys the economic rewards of being a tourist island but it does not depend on them for its prosperity. A great deal of farming takes place in its rich valleys and the cultivation of lemons is especially successful. In addition to lemons, Naxos produces cherries, pomegranates and other fresh fruit. It also produces olives, nuts and potatoes whilst its grapes make some of the best of Greek wines.

Naxos is deservedly popular with discerning tourists but unlike nearby Mykonos, it is not in danger of being turned into a mass tourism resort. What has saved it from doing so is its lack of an international airport. There is however an excellent airport providing domestic flights and some tourists, mainly Greek holidaymakers, arrive in Naxos this way, flying from Athens. The majority of tourists arrive by ferry however, and there is no better way to start a Greek island holiday than this. You can sail all the way from Athens but it will take at least six hours. Or you can fly to Mykonos and get on a ferry that takes only two hours. Both options have their pros and cons.
We flew to Mykonos one year only to find all the ferries were booked. Another travel tip, whichever route you choose, is to be careful that you get off at the right island. The first time we visited Naxos, we misheard a landing announcement and got off the ferry only to see a sign that read ‘Welcome to Paros’. Luckily, we had enough time to re-board and complete the remaining minutes of the journey to neighboring Naxos.

http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/461381?articleid=461381

Beaches Holidays - An Attractive Vacation Option

Spending holidays at one of the most luxurious and exotic beaches of the world is one of the topmost thing among wish list of any people. Beach holidays are always people favorite because of its own glamour and a kind of royal leisure facilities provided by different beach resorts. We are going to provide a review of some of the best beaches and beach resorts of world, covering from exotic Caribbean beaches to soothing beaches is Kerala (India).

You will get enough information on the best beaches of world in our series of articles including beaches of Greece, Turkey, Mediterranean, France, Italy, Portugal, and UK (all Europe) and Beaches of Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, Hawaii, and Mexico (all Asia-pacific) and Beaches of Caribbean, Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

Beach Holidays are so expensive, and people should plan to go for a beach vacation after perfect planning and getting information about the best timings and season of being there. Otherwise they’ll not be able to get the maximum pleasure of a beach holiday. No beach tour guide books provide sufficient information about the places to go for a beach holiday and the timing properly, as par need of people willing to go for a beach vacation. We’ll try to present our best experiences and the knowledge earned by that vast experience in front of users.

We’ll suggest you when to go, where to go and how to go at a particular beach spot and what you should do there to get maximum out of your vacation. First of all we’ll cover the most exotic beaches in the world, and review the best resorts for you, in terms of comfort, customer interaction and service quality. We will also tell you the specialized beaches for different occasions like Beach Wedding and Honeymoon, along with the specialized resorts for these purposes.

We want you experience the real beauty of nature widely spread on these beaches. We really want you to get the pleasure of sunbath under the sun with several bare top ladies relaxing around you. You can have the best time of your life if you come to these places along with your partner or your newlywed wife on a honeymoon trip. We bet you’ll never forget the special moments spent here.



http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/463835?articleid=463835

Incredible South India

Introduction The word “South India” generally referred to all those regions and areas that lie in the peninsular Deccan Plateau and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea from its Western side, Indian Ocean from its Southern side and the Bay of Bengal from its Eastern side.
The term South India also makes differentiation between the original inhabitants of India and the series of countless invasions made by the outsiders starting from Aryans, Persian, Greek, Scythians, White Huns, Seljuks, Tartars and Mongols who later on intermixed with original inhabitants – Dravidians - and assimilated the very culture of India along with their own.
Generally speaking, all those visitors who came from outside either through Khyber Pass or sea route and gradually settled down in the regions of North India and the Dravidians remained in the South India. That why Dravidian culture still reflects in the form of their languages - Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu – and in their entire life style.
History

South India has a unique and diverse culture, traditions and history which had been ruled by Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Cholas, Kakatiya, Pandyas, Cheras, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara over different parts prior to the British occupation of India. The history of south India Travel dates back to 8000 BC where many ancient objects have been found.
This region has also connection with Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Syrians, Jews, and the Chinese in its crossroads. The medieval period saw the rise and fall of Muslim power in South India. Finally, British established their dominance and continued until independence. After independence, most of South India was included in Madras State, which included the former Madras Presidency and the princely states of Banganapalle, Pudukkottai and Sandur.

Geography South India is a peninsula bounded on the west by the Arabian Sea, on the east by the Bay of Bengal and on the north by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The line created by the Narmada River and Mahanadi River is the traditional boundary between northern and southern India. The Western Ghats, along the western coast, mark another boundary of the plateau. Between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea lies the narrow trip known as Konkan Region which encompasses the area of Narmada as well as Goa.
To the south of Western Ghats lies Malnad region along the Karnataka coast, and terminate at the Nilgiri mountains. The major rivers of south India are Narmada, the Tapti and the Mahi, Krishna, Kaveri etc. The four states of South India generally follow linguistic boundaries with a number of overlapping traditional geographic regions. South India is full of tourist destinations for beach lovers, some famous beaches include Alappuzha Beach, Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Beaches of Tamilnadu, Marina Beach, Mahabalipuram Beach, Kanyakumari Beach, Malpe Beach, Maravanthe Beach, Murudeshwar Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Kovalam Beach, Kanyakumari Beach etc. South India offers many hill stations like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Nilgiri Hills and Ooty etc.

Flora and Fauna

South India with its dense forests, exotic fauna and amazing appeal has always been a favorite wildlife destination for tourists around the world with lush evergreen vegetation, tropical dry forests, scrub lands and moist forests made it a biodiversity hotspot. The region also offers the best Indian wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Kunthakulam Bird Sanctury, Viralimalai Sanctuary, Karnataka Wildlife, Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park etc.
Other tourist attractions include the backwaters like the Pulicut Lake in Andhra Pradesh, Pitchavarum in Tamil Nadu and the famed backwaters of Kerala formed by the Vembanad Lake, the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kayamkulam Lake.

Culture and Heritage

South Indian culture refers to the confluence of the four southern most states of India, namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The weltanschauung of South Indians is essentially the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the body, and motherhood, which is exemplified through their dance, clothing, and sculptures. South Indian women traditionally wear the Saree while the men wear a type of sarong, which could be either a white pancha (veshti in Tamil) or a colourful lungi with typical batik patterns.
The music of South India is commonly known as Carnatic music, which includes rhythmic and structured music by composers like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Tyagaraja, Annamacharya, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri, Subbaraya Shastri, Mysore Vasudevachar and Swathi Thirunal. The contemporary singer Dr. K. J. Yesudas is a cultural ambassador of Carnatic music. South India is home to several distinct dance forms like Koodiyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Yakshagana, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Oppana, Kerala Natanam and Mohiniaattam etc. Cuisine of South India

Cooking pattern in the four states of the south zone, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, largely remain the same with rice as the staple diet, while fish is an integral component of coastal South Indian meals. However, Hyderbadi Biryani, Sambar, Dosa, Idli, Bhagara Baingan, Romaali Roti, Kesari Bhath, Pineapple Pachhady, Fish Molee, Ven Pongal, Chettinad Chicken, Masala Vada, Pal Payasam, Medu Vada, Avial (Semi-dry, Mix Vegetable), Uttapam are popular throughout the region.
Diversity of South India
There is great diversity in Indian traditions, manners, habits, tastes and customs, languages but unity remains the distinctive feature throughout this subcontinent including south India. The south Indian culture is unique and so widely famous because people from different castes and customs reside here amiably. The unity of oneness makes them stand out in. The heritage of the states of south India deals mainly with high architectural designed temples that are considered as the pride of India.


Incredible South India by MINHAJ ALAM
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Top Caribbean Honeymoon Destinations

Few destinations compare to the Caribbean when it comes to being a honeymooner’s paradise - breathtaking topography, the most exquisite white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, sunny and warm weather all year round and a plethora of luxurious resorts and luxury hotels make the Caribbean a honeymooner’s dream. With dozens of islands all vying with each other to attract love birds in search of paradise, you have a selection of destinations to make your choice from.

One of the more popular islands is Anguilla. A choice of 33 world class beaches, historical landmarks, art galleries and some fine shopping make Anguilla the perfect honeymoon destination. Plus, the activities are impressive – horseback riding, snorkeling and sailing are on offer, or you could just lie back and soak up some welcome sun.

Aruba is a perfect amalgamation of laid back Caribbean charm, and the hot sensuality of Latin America. Positioned as it is off the coast of Puerto Rico, Aruba boasts of some of the hottest Latin salsa entertainment, and the most thumping nightlife in all of the Caribbean. Definitely the choice for honeymooners who want to dance till they drop.

The Bahamas consist of 700 islands, and have long been on the world’s holiday radar. With names like Rum Cay and Conception Island, these islands offer a choice of adventurous activities as well as a degree of seclusion that all honeymooners prefer.

The island of Barbados has recently relaxed its wedding requirements, making it easier for couples to marry here. The choice in wedding venues includes a boat, in a gorgeous plantation home and in the shade of a coconut palm - take your pick. Always popular with the Brits, this island is now drawing a large number of Americans too. The island has been voted the number one honeymoon destination in the Caribbean by major travel magazines.

Long a bastion of world class snorkeling and scuba diving, Belize has also grown to become of the more attractive honeymoon destinations in the region. There’s enough to do here to last several honeymoons – hike along a jungle trail, or explore underwater caves. There’s plenty of white water rafting to make the most jaded adventure seeker delirious.

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