Moving towards the east of the Indian mainland, one can discover this wondrous archipelago which has about 572 islands of which only 38 are permanently inhabited. Not very long ago, nobody would have imagined that this island would emerge as a once in a lifetime holiday spot. The place of historic significance, strategic importance and anthropological treasures with blooming commercial activities has rendered it an island with immense potential for tourism. Andaman is gradually beginning to be noticed from all directions. Nature lovers would love to breathe the fresh air in this land abounding in coconut palm fringes and interspersed with tropical rain forests. The island has plenty to offer with its splendid marine life, corals and mangrove lined creeks. Providing for an adventure tourism, one can also indulge in sports like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc
Concerning its history, the island which had sheltered some aboriginal tribes is said to have got its name from Hanuman, the Monkey God which Malays call Handuman. In fact you’ll get to see the tribes when you visit Andaman, however you would be prohibited from taking shots or capturing videos of them.
Some of Andaman’s Attractions
Cellular Jail
One of the national memorials Andaman is famous for is the Cellular Jail. Built by the British government in 1898 who ruled the country for over 100 years and located in the Viper Island, the Cellular Jail has some important evidences of the freedom fighters of the nation. It took 8 years to complete the construction and is said to be the place where rigorous punishment was dished out to prisoners. Originally, the jail had seven three storeyed wings with a total of 698 cells. A unique feature of this jail is that only one prisoner could stay in a single cell. The jail also has a museum which displays about 200 photographs of freedom fighters. Besides, there are also utensils, vessels, uniforms and paintings depicting the cruel treatment prisoners were subject to during those days. In 1941 however, there was an earthquake damaging the building of the jail. Again during the Japanese invasion between March 1942 and October 1954, the building was further damaged and this led to the demolition of 4 out of the 7 wings of the jail. Today, there exists only 3 wings of the jail having in its possession evidences of the torments inflicted on the freedom fighters of India.
Corbyn’s Cove
Not far from the capital, Port Blair, this is the beast beach in Andaman which offers some beautiful sights. The silvery sand of the beach is covered with coconut and palm trees. You can indulge in water based activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The Snake Island close by provides ample opportunities for scuba diving. You can also find the historic remains of ships of Japanese bunkers that had sunk years ago. On leaving Corbyn’s Cove, you have to sally forth to Chirya Tapu, a bird sanctuary where you can relax as you hear the pleasant sound of birds chirping.
Haddo Forest Museum
Once you get to Haddo, you can sight the rare species of the plant kingdom like Padauk, Marble, Peauma, Gurjan, Satin Wood. The region of Haddo is located in the northern part of Port Blair and exactly in its center you can find the forest museum. The museum gives complete information on the types of vegetation in the island.
Anthropological Museum
To learn more about Andaman’s culture and tradition and catch a glimpse of the early inhabitants of the region, you must visit this museum. It was built in 1975 and houses an interesting collection of items belonging to the early tribes. An interesting collection of books giving thorough information on ancient tribes of the region is stacked in its library.
Mount Hariet
The second highest peak in the island is both a place of bountiful natural settings and historical interests. It is also an excellent picnic spot where visitors can have a splendid view of the city particularly the Havelock Islands and Ross Island. Finally, you can also go on trekking in the marvelous place.
Mini Zoo
Not just kids but also animal lovers would want to be here as it has about 200 species of animals. A variety of herbivorous and carnivorous animals along with reptiles and insects can be seen here. On reaching Port Blair, just hire a ferry or auto rickshaw or scooter to reach the zoo. You will be taken aback by the diversity in wild life.
Ross Island
At Ross Island, you can have a pleasurable time indulging in diving and snorkeling. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing yourself and having a sunbath at the beach; thence you can move to the near by park, Chiriyapatu, to see colorful birds.
Check out the links below before you begin planning your trip to Andaman:
Maldives, the tropical wonder dotted with its unmarred beaches, underwater corals and helluva resorts is nothing less than a perfect holiday spot. It is indeed a must visit for those who take delight in experiencing serenity and enjoying a freshness that’s capable of reinvigorating people. No wonder, tourism is developing on a very large scale in this island. Maldives is a conglomerate of 1191 islands which together form a haven of scenic splendor. Its location is in the Indian Ocean about 500 kms away from the southern tip of Srilanka and India. Tourism and fisheries are major sources of wealth to the country and fishing is the primary occupation of people living here.
Apart from the sprightful marine flora and fauna, clear warm water and the blue lagoons that lure multitudes, the island boasts of the finest resorts in the world. The Angsana Resort and Spa Maldives, Bandos Island Resort Maldives, Baros Island Resort Maldives, Banyan Tree Maldives, Bathala Island Resort Maldives, Biyadhoo Island Resort Maldives, Bolifushi Island Resort Maldives, Central-Hotel Maldives, Coco Beach Resort Maldives, Ellaidhoo Resort Maldives, Equator Village Maldives, Eriyadu Island Resort Maldives, Filitheyo Island Resort Maldives, Full Moon Maldives, Giraavaru Tourist Resort Maldives, Hakura Club Maldives, Komandoo Island Resort Maldives, Meeru Island Resort Maldives, Palm Beach Resort Maldives, Vilu Reef Beach Resort Maldives are some of the many resorts that throngs of visitors seek for a glorious expedition. And believe it or not, the dazzling surroundings make it a preferred location for people who would want to celebrate wedding ceremonies.
The Popular destinations in Maldives
Male: Having over 65,000 people, the land is busy with activities and is ideal for shopping and even sight seeing as most of the landmarks are found here from the standpoint of culture and religion. The neat and tidy city conveys an aura of grandeur and has some picturesque mosques and winding streets that make it unique in its own way. Called the Sultan’s Island in ancient times, the National Museum is the most famous place that shelters some articles of the Sultan, Thor Heyerdahl’s archaeological discoveries and stone carvings. Adjacent to this museum, there is the Sultan Park and of aesthetic value are the Islamic Center and Grand Friday Mosque, the highlight of which are the golden domes.
Seenu Atoll: The Second city of the Maldives was previously an air force base. Here you can expect to notice some traditional styles of the people.
Baa Atoll: This is a high spot for tourists and is known for handicrafts. The bowls, vases and dishes beautified with a coat of lacquer can make great gift items from Maldives for your loved ones. Consider buying the cotton sarongs called felis, Maldives is known for them.
Fuamulaku: Your tour wouldn’t be complete without visiting Fuamulaku. Endowed with fruit and vegetable farms, you can pick and relish the locally grown pineapples, mangoes and oranges.
Kudahuvadhoo: The highlight of this place is the hawittas which are nothing but a progression of mounds. Nobody’s sure of how they’ve been formed, but the general belief is they are the remains of Budhist temples.
For a fun filled vacation in Maldives, you need to luxuriate in some exciting activities and for the purpose the land has the beach and the sun. Water based activities are available in plenty; sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and fishing are activities that can give you wholesome fun. This is indeed a golden opportunity for tourist to be in proximity to marine life. The coral reefs here make life even more colorful. The water is crystal clear making it suitable for diving, so it’s apt to call it a diver’s paradise. Tourists who love water based sports would have a memorable time in this land. Enough said about Maldives, how about aheavenly getaway to the tropical paradise?
Here are a list of links to help you find your way to the real paradise:
From Hong Kong, let’s move on to another pristine and fresh location mostly referred to as God’s own country. It’s the palm fringed land of Kerala in India. The lush greenery and lazy drift of the water across the paddy fields make the land an ideal place to enjoy your tranquility and free yourself from the mundane of city life. The fabulous expanse of backwaters and lakes makes it a center for tourists. The verdant land owes its beauty to hill stations, coffee and tea plantations, coconut trees that grow in abundance and the immaculate beaches. Some of the best wild life sanctuaries are also found here. The landmark monuments, palaces, forts, memorials, and places of worship speak volumes of it’s rich cultural heritage. So working out a junket to this limpid atmosphere that’s sure to give you an experience of a life time could be a fabulous idea. Kerala has been named by National Geographic as one of the 50 places that are a must visit in a life time.
Some attractions in Kerala
Thiruvanathapuram: Also called Trivandrum, this is a gateway to Kerala and also its political capital. Stretching along the Arabian sea, the places meant to be visited are Kovalam Beach, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, The Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery. An exclusive charm of Thiruvanathapuram is the Padmanabha Swamy Temple in the heart of the city which has a splendid seven story architecture combining both Kerala and the Dravidian styles of art.
If you are keen on antiques, then visiting the Napier Museum can make you ravished with delight. It has for the asking some historic artifacts, plastic casts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. And in the evening be sure to be at the Shanghumugham Beach to get a good view of the sun set and the stars appearing magically at night.
Being at Thiruvanathapuram, you must experience the healing provided by a herbal massage for your body: that’s the magic of Ayurveda. And finally, don’t miss the traditional art of Kerala, Kalari which helped the origin of today’s Kung Fu.
Munnar: When you trundle to Munnar, you will be taken aback by the eucalyptus plantations that support the adjoining tea estates. The Eravikulam National Park is bound to give you an enchanting experience with its vast arena of tropical evergreen forest. From there, you can move along to Director’s Leap viewpoint for a complete view of the landscape. 8 kms from Munnar you have the Mattupetty Dam or Sethuparvathipuram Dam which is well known for its Indo-Swiss dairy stock project undertaking rearing of over 100 varieties of cattle. Before you leave Munnar, meander through Kollukkumallay, the highest tea garden in the country.
In Munnar, the places for sight seeing include Church of South India, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum and Tea Processing, Athukad and other Falls, Madupatty Dam, Sethuparvathipuram Dam, Lockhart Gap, Pothanmedu, Nyamakad Gap, Trout-fishing.
Thekkady: When you think of Thekkady, elephants flash across your mind. Nature’s wonders are found in this breath taking land which intoxicates you with its aroma of cardamom. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the main attraction here where you can dig the pug marks of the Great Indian tigers, catch a glimpse of cormorants, freshwater tortoises and elephants playing by the lake side. Besides, Tribal Heritage Museum and Mangaladevi Temple are also places of interest in the hill station.
Kochi: The Queen of the Arabian sea with some of the finest natural harbors in the world catches your breath. In this cosmopolitan city, you should visit the 500 year old synagogue adorned with mid 18th century Cantonese tiles. Inscriptions in Hebrew, scrolls of the Old Testament, scripts in copper plates are among the artifacts found here. Also, do not miss strolling through the Princess Street where you can see the colossal mansions built in colonial style. As you move along, there is the bakery down the street from where the fresh scent of loaves prepared pervades the entire street. When you cast a glance at the beautiful sunset, take notice of the fishermen who tug at their fishing nets. These nets have been brought to this land by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, king of Mongolia. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, Santa Cruz Basilica, Princess Street, St. Francis Church, Vasco da Gama Square, Dutch Cemetery, Cochin Carnival are places that you’ll have to visit during your sojourn in Kochi.
Alleppey: This Green carpet of Kerala draws to its backwaters large amount of tourists and migratory birds. Watch for the captivating snake boat races which is the center of attraction here and to add to the gaiety, try out toddy. Cruising is a must in Alappuzhabackwaters that is looked upon as the Venice of the East and while you stand on the deck of the house boat, taste the refreshing herbal tea. Besides exploring Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala would be a great idea; this is the only place in the world where farming is done1.5 or 2 m below sea level. Lastly, you can treat your palates with Kappa And Meen Curry, the kerala specialities. When you get there, make sure you see Backwaters, Alleppey Houseboats, Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha.
You can also spend time at other cities in Kerala like Thrissur, Kasargod, Kollam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kottayam and Kannur and take home some cherishable moments. To offset the drudgery of every day life, the awakening city has plenty to offer. Don’t miss the fascinating wildlife at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Idukki National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Reserve, Silent Valley National Park and the sensational beaches of Alappuzha, Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad and Beypore. Finally as you leave the city experience the touch of the Ayurvedic therapy.
Don’t know where to start ? These links may provide you help in selecting a suitable package:
Located in Southern China in East Asia, this territory has a populace of 7 million people and has emerged as the world’s leading financial capitals. Since its handover from Britain to China, the busy city bestowed with expansive skyline and natural setting has become a major business and cultural hub. Essentially, the population is composed of the Chinese though a small segment of other ethnic backgrounds are also found. The cosmopolitan centre is a unique blend of the east and the west, this is manifested in their traditions, cuisines, music and movies.
The exotic places in its compact area make it an attractive tourist destination. Predominantly, mainland China contributes a good portion of the revenue for the tourism sector of the territory, but recent years have witnessed a surge in the number of UK visitors which had surpassed 600,000 in 2007. There are 80 non-stop flights from London.
If you’re planning a holiday and looking to relax in an incredible landscape or in a place brimming with greenery where the fresh air flushes you as you stroll with barefoot, you must indulge yourself in a pleasure trip to a place called Hong Kong. Here, you will be amused with the numerous parks and gardens and an ample scope for recreational activities.
Hong Kong Attractions
Hong Kong Park: Opened in May 1991 and located next to Cotton Tree Drive, this is a mix of modern design and vivid landscape. A salient feature of this park is the way of flowing water which links the different features of the park by waterfalls, streams, ponds and cliffs from artificial rocks. Check this link for opening hours of the park:
Tiger Balm Garden: Popularly called the Aw Boon Haw Garden,this is a must see for all tourists. What you find here are 25 clusters of original statues and figurines portraying the Chineese legendary. Here, you have to visit the Ten courts of Hell which has the ten steps of judgement before reincarnation. The statues are realistic, you can get the real taste of Chineese heritage. But before you leave the place, make sure you buy a bottle at the stall at the entrance, a great pain reliever.
Kowloon Walled City Park: Another place that’s worth a visit is the Kowloon Walled City Park. Located on Tung Tsing Road in Kowloon City District, the park has numerous gardens, small bridges, the ancient relics, stone inscriptions and wells to offer for views. This was built in 1995 and you can note the Jiangnan garden style of Qing dynasty.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden: Head straight to this beautiful spot as a little bit of flora and fauna can stimulate your senses and add to your delight. This surrealistic surrounding has in its centre, the Ng Tung Chai waterfall which gives a soothing effect and imprints the fondest memories in your mind.
Hoi Ha Wan: Also known as the Jones Cove, this is still another good place for sight-seeing. It is the first aquatic park that was opened in July 1996 and is also the only park in Hong Kong with direct road access. Located to the north of the Sai Kung West Country Park, one can expect to see a great variety of marine life in a small bay. Corals can be found here and it is also a hot spot for diving. The water is immaculately clean and so fishing, particularly bottom trawling and uses of dynamites or poisons like cyanides, collecting sea products and corals are a strict no-no. Besides the plentiful coral communities, Jones Cove also boasts a mangrove community stretching across 5,300 square metres.
Tips for travel
If you’re interested in going on a jaunt to Hong kong, observe these travel tips which would make your trip a pleasurable one.
Find the best deals for activities through the tourist boards. The Offerings normally encompass feng shui tours, tai chi and tea appreciation classes, and even free rides on the fully restored fishing junk the Duk Ling. Carry your passport along to identify yourself as one from out of station.
Use the Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway which is efficient and reliable. You can rely on 6 train lines that connects you to the different parts of the island as well as Kowloon Peninsula.
Nature provides an excellent landmark in Hong Kong. If you feel totally lost once you land in Hong Kong, not to worry; there is the Victoria Harbour in the North and the Kowloon in the South.
China disallows any item more than 120 years to be shipped from its homeland. This rule however does not hold good for Hong Kong where it is perfectly legal to take home antiques from the island.
Avoid the expensive shark fin-soup not only for the environmental and moral issues but also for the reason that it doesn’t contain any great flavor. So it is total waste of money.
Hong Kong has always been known for its craftsmanship. You must make a visit to the tailors. On an average, it takes 6 days to complete a fine suit. There are also 24 hour tailors, you need to be leery about choosing them although you need not dispense with them as Hong Kong has its name for making suits in a day.
Hong Kong has emerged a premier destination for tourists. It offers lush entertainment throughout the year. So to make the most out of your trip, check these sites below and select a comprehensive package that suits your budget.
Hi! I'm Dylan, the posts that you read here will tell of my avidity in traveling. Yep, I love to explore some getaways and renowned tourists destinations. Not that I have traveled extensively but keen to know more about hot spots and let others know too.
