Top Summer Holiday Destinations in South India

Munnar: Known for its beautifully landscaped region which is famous for lakes, hills and forests; Munnar a small hill station in the southern state of Kerala is also renowned place across the world for its tea plantation gardens. It is one of the leading centres for tea manufacturing and exports of the country. The beautiful and picturesque views coupled with moderate and mild climate make it an ideal location for the tourists to spend their summer holidays.

The views of the tea plantations are awesome and worth taking time out to enjoy and capture those moments। Don't forget to pack your camera!

Ooty: One of the most favorite and popular tourist destinations in the Southern part of the country; Ooty is famous for its Blue Mountains which are covered with forests all through the year. It is famous for tea plantations and various movies have been shot in the beautiful and picturesque locations of the city. The climatic conditions of the hill station make it one of the most frequented places by the "holiday hordes" during summer.
Ooty is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Udhagamandalam is the official Tamil name for the town. Ooty stands at an approximate height of 7,500 feet (2, 286 m) above sea level and therefore, makes an excellent summer holiday destination.

Top Summer Holiday Destinations in North India

Summers have always been considered a time when people especially the ones living in the hot plains of North India, prefer to get away to destinations where they can get respite from the searing heat and high temperatures that generally tend to happen during the summer season। In addition to this most of the families tend to visit different places during summers because of schools and college hloidays. There have been various cities in India which have been a hot spot for tourists especially during the summers primarily due to cooler weather conditions.

There are certain cities like Shimla, Manali etc। which have always been on top of the list of tourists who wish to spend summers in India; whether they are Indian's or foreign tourists who travel to India during this time. In addition to these two legendary locations a lot of other destinations have become a favorite for tourists to spend their summer vacations in India.

Shimla: Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh। A hill station in the northern part of India; Shimla was developed and established by the British during their rule as a getaway resort place for the families of the British officers. A lot of buildings and monuments were constructed by the British and have been converted into luxury Shimla Hotels and the city is a perfect example of fusion of the British influence with Indian traditions and culture. In today’s times as well; Shimla is one of the most preferred destinations to spend summer in the country. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

Manali: Manali is a beautiful hill station, 2000 meters above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking scenery of mountains, streams, rivers and small waterfalls. Manali is an important tourist destination in the northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most preferred honey moon destinations for newly wed couples within the country, and many hotels in Manali cater to the niche honeymoon segment.
　
Manali is considered a paradise for tourists who are interested in adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering , etc. Being situated on one of the most important road links of the country which connects Kashmir with the rest of the mainland, it also serves as an important junction for travelers. Tourists who wish to travel to remote hilly locations of the country like the Lahaul and Spiti valleys also have to travel from here. The climate and facilities for travelers make it ideal location travelers to spend summer in India.

Darjeeling—India Owes’ Its Grandeur To Its Natural Beauty

Darjeeling in India owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home। Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun.

A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill। The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight.

Best Fall Trips in Switzerland

Cooler temperatures, striking colors, smaller crowds—autumn is the perfect time to travel, and here are ten of the best fall trips: Where do you want to go this fall? Share your travel plans:

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Switzerland

Cooler temperatures, striking colors, smaller crowds—autumn is the perfect time to travel, and here are ten of the best fall trips: Where do you want to go this fall? Share your travel plans।

The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces blanket the lower mountain slopes along the northern shores of Lake Geneva. Each autumn, the 2,050 acres of ancient vineyards—established by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 11th century and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007—attract hikers who walk and taste their way along the 21-mile Grand Traversée de Lavaux from Ouchy in Lausanne to Chateau de Chillon Castle. Yellow arrows mark the main path, which leads though working vineyards (Chasselas is the region’s predominant wine grape variety) and medieval villages, facilitating frequent refueling stops at local wine cellars, pubs, and restaurants. Saturdays through October 15, the Lavaux Panoramic wine tasting tourist train rolls—on tires, not tracks—through the villages of Chardonne, Chexbres, Rivaz, and St-Saphorin. A crisscross network of public and private railways makes it easy to explore the entire Lavaux region on foot or by bike. Or, if you’re up to the challenge, join the thousands of runners expected for the Lausanne Marathon on October 30, which follows the shore road between Lake Geneva and the terraced hillsides.

Best of the World 2012

What places are calling you? Whatever your mood, I'm recommendation for you—from the romantic hills of Croatia to the perfect beach in Thailand:

Harmonic Convergence: Dusk falls on a primeval landscape on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula। A final relic from the world’s last ice age, this North Atlantic island nation is a world of knife-cut valleys, gargantuan fjords, monumental cliffs, black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and silent white glaciers. Recent volcanic eruptions remind us that Iceland is still a country in the making, with changed landscapes that even Icelanders continue to discover.

Three years of financial recovery have made Iceland more affordable, with consumer prices now largely pegged to the euro. The country’s return to a humbler attitude stems from a thousand-year-old tradition of self-reliance—a tradition that has preserved one of the world’s oldest living languages and harnessed some of the cleanest energy on Earth.

Singapore Underwater World

Singapore Underwater World is one of the most entertaining tourist attractions in Sentosa Island. It is indeed the most known unique Oceanarium that showcases 2500 marine life of 250 different species with enchanting arrays of fearsome sharks, stingrays, turtles, fresh creatures, beautiful coral reefs and many other amazing marine creatures. The 83 meter long travelator tunnel truly feasts your eyes with the rich marine life that Singapore Underwater World showcases offering you to know the marine creatures and their habitat with the visual extravaganza.

Singapore Underwater World has large collection of marine life that lures great number of tourists from across the globe. The tour through the fearsome tunnel with sharks seems racing towards you will surely take your breath away but apart from all it is a fun and exciting learning experience.

This world of adventure was inaugurated in 1991 and since it is updating with several marine development programs and product renewal programs. It is one of the most famous tourist’s attractions in Singapore and the spot is visited by tourists, researches and the students from across the globe to see and learn more about the rich marine life.

Singapore Underwater world is a haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the world beneath the seas. Here tourists not only can see the different marine creatures but at the same time date with them and share memorable time enjoying scuba diving, swimming as well as dining with them. So come and treasure fun-filled experience with tour to Singapore Underwater world tour to relish in the memories for a longtime to go.

Different Programs that are conducted at Singapore Underwater World:

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  Dolphin Lagoon


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  Meet the Dolphin


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  Swim with the Dolphin


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  Fish Reflexology


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  Dive with the Sharks


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  Dinner with the Sharks
  
  Come and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Singapore Underwater World and unravel the whole different world beneath the seas.
  

Tourist Places in Switzerland

A tourist planning for a Switzerland Tour is always inquisitive about the tourist places to be visited during that Switzerland Tour. Fortunately in the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland is the most popular tourist country. The most popular tourist places within Switzerland are Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Interlaken etc. Apart from these, there are other ones too, though less popular yet picturesque. Switzerland Tourism Department is also active in the area of promoting travel and tourism in the country. Here under we are providing you the information valuable for you while your Switzerland vacation.

Basel: This northern city (pop. 170,000) on the Rhine River, is situated at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany. Known as the centre for fabric-dye production in medieval times; Basel is now the base for many of the international pharmaceutical companies. It is also one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Switzerland.

The city's tourist attractions while on Switzerland Tour include the Munster (9th-century red sandstone cathedral), the 11th-century cathedral (which holds the tomb of Erasmus), University of Switzerland (the oldest in the country), Three-Country Corner and Market Square (with its surrounding medieval-era houses). Drei Konige, or the "Three Kings on the Rhine," is Europe's oldest hotel.

There are a number of museums: the Kunstmuseum (one of the country's best fine arts museums), Antikenmuseum (ancient Greek and Roman artifacts), a small Jewish Museum and the Paper Museum (covers the history of printing). The Museum Jean Tinguely offers a sampling of the Swiss sculptor's delightfully whimsical mechanical contraptions. The Fondation Beyeler contains works by Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and other well-known artists.

If the time permits, you can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Rhine in the evening. If the date of your Switzerland Tours is likely to coincide the city's Carnival, make the accommodation arrangement in advance in Zurich or Bern from where you can get special morning trains for Basel.

Bern: The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums on the balconies overlooking the Aare River.

Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping. Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south. The city centre with its beautiful medieval architecture is located on the Aare River between the the striking copper spire of the Nydegg church (Nydeggkirche) and the 13th-century clocktower (Zeitglockenturm). Vegetable and flower markets are held everyday during the summers. A celebrated onion market is also held here on the fourth Monday of November.

Brig: Make sure that you visit the Rhone Glacier which lies nearby when you're in Brig. Ypu can also visit the resorts of Saas Fee and Zermatt which are near to Brig as well as Italy via a major tunnel through the Alps.

Chur: One of the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. Chur is the capital of the canton of Graubunden (or Grisons in French). A Stone Age relics which was found here has been displayed in the splendid archaeological museum in the Old Town.

The main tourist attractions at the city are the Rhine River and spectacular mountains and valleys in the area. The world famous ski resorts of St. Moritz, Arosa and Davos are also nearby. A special treat in Chur is the Romantik Hotel Stern, with its impressive collection of old coaches and sleighs.

Fribourg: Fribourg is the Swiss region where the French and German languages and cultures merge together. Fribourg is a beautiful little town built on a hillside. Red-tiled buildings in the old section lead your way up from the Saane River to the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral. It also has a pretty Town Hall and a Museum of Art and History.

Grindelwald: This town in the Jungfrau region offers winter horse-drawn sleigh rides and good skiing. Be sure to visit one of the nearby glaciers (the higher one, Obergletscher, is the best). The ideal route is via train from Interlaken. The trip turns spectacular - if you go all the way up to Jungfrau Station, the highest railway in Europe.

Heidi Area: Chalets in the mountains, ski lodges and horse-drawn sleigh rides that portray Switzerland can be seen live at the Bernese Oberland, and the Heidi Area near Chur in eastern Switzerland. Alphorn blowers, beautiful hilly pastures, waterfalls, glaciers and detailed wood carvings on houses and bridges is something not to be missed.

Neuchatel: A truly sparkling little city (its yellow sandstone buildings glitter in the sun), Neuchatel, is situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains on the largest lake in the entire Switzerland. The city is acclaimed academically because of its outstanding prep schools and universities. The Art and History Museum and Swiss clocks and watches that are made in the city tempt the tourists to be a part of the city for long.

St. Gallen: At St. Gallen (pop.73,000), visit St. Gallen's town square, the baroque cathedral and the world-renowned Abbey Library with an excellent collection of medieval manuscripts.

Thun: Thun is a well-established market town, which explores the Bernese Oberland Mountains well. Thun is one of the Switzerland's largest military training bases, and relics of the town's early military origins. Thun Castle built in 1190 is a classic monument. A stroll from the medieval Rathausplatz to the lakeshore provides wonderful views.

Valais Area: This area is home to some of the most dramatic Alpine sceneries in the country, including the town of Zermatt। The Matterhorn, Eiger and Mt. Blanc can all be seen (on clear days) on a trip via bus and cable car along the Pillon Pass. Other sights in the canton include a fresco that tells the story of William Tell (it's painted on a house in Ernen/Muhlebach) and Grand St. Bernard. Sion has enough old cathedrals and interesting buildings to justify an overnight.

Winterthur: This city (pop. 85,000) is quite famous for its artwork. Visit the Oskar-Reinhart Foundation Museum, where paintings by Swiss, German and Austrian artists are on display. There is also a nice fine arts museum in town, as well. The Collegium Musicum (founded in 1629) stages wonderful concerts. Nearby is the Kyburg Castle that is worth watching.

Some Hill Place Hotel, Edinburgh

GARETH DEIGHAN takes the high road to Edinburgh and finds it is a city full of charm.

EDINBURGH has always been a popular place for weekend breaks. And this particular weekend break proved why. Electing to drive because of the train fare, the wife and I chose to take the car for the 120-mile journey. Not far, you think. And in terms of mileage, you’d be right. But in terms of time, it is very, very far away.

I should have known to be honest with you. As a youngster, mainly because my mother is a Scot, we would often travel north of the border for weekends and weeks away with family members; and it always took ages to get there. Admittedly we were travelling to Wick.

I had suspected, though, that the roads leading to the Scottish capital would have got faster. I was wrong. It’s a lovely route up with lots of see but, be warned, when you are travelling from the North East it takes a long, long time. Especially as we were trying to get up there for a footie kick-off at 12.45 pm. We arrived at the hotel with little fuss. Our directions, courtesy of route finder, worked rather well.

Ten Hill Place has car parking but not much, and we were directed to a local NCP car park which, incidentally, was cheaper than leaving the car at the hotel. The hotel is fairly small, with no restaurant; but there is a bar and the rooms are spacious and well appointed. It is also around five minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, which puts it in perfect position for the tourist.
After the longer than expected car journey we were late and went straight out to watch the match in a bar. The receptionist in the hotel was very helpful and seemed to know exactly where we could find the kind of place we were looking for.

Following the game (a disappointing draw) we took the chance to explore a bit of Edinburgh and hopped on a tour bus. Yes, it was red and people pointed and laughed as we were upstairs in its open-top part in November, but it was interesting. And, being of an ever-so-slightly lazy disposition, the bus helped us see more of the city than we would have done on foot. That evening the hotel staff again proved helpful as another polite and knowledgeable receptionist booked us a taxi and wished us a lovely time for our night ahead. We weren’t disappointed. After finding a lovely restaurant on George Street in the city, we went to the Opal Lounge (an alleged haunt of Prince William) and found many Prince William types: boys with floppy hair in shirts and jumpers, girls in super short skirts who loved to dance.

It made for an interesting night. Back to the hotel and the comfortable room with the large bed made for a welcome sight and a very good night’s sleep.

Niagra Falls New York - Must Visit Location

The Niagara Falls - among the largest, most impressive and best known falls in the world - lie in the extreme north-west of New York State. Here masses of water from Lake Erie plunge over an almost 200 ft drop to flow into Lake Ontario. First described and sketched by a missionary, Louis Hennepin in 1678, they attract over 12 million visitors a year.

The masses of water are used to produce energy. The present hydroelectric power stations have a total output of 3 million kW. Before the falls were harnessed to produce electricity, water poured down at the rate of almost 1,300,000 gallons per second. A Canadian-American agreement of 1951 on the joint use of the water guarantees a daytime flow of just under half that amount during the summer and just under a quarter at night and in the winter.

Formation The origins of the Niagara Falls go back to the Ice Age, when the river, flowing at a higher level than today over a limestone plateau on the Niagara escarpment, dropped down to the level of Lake Ontario near the present-day town of Lewiston. Then, as a result of retrograde erosion, the falls rapidly moved upstream. Over the last 3000 years they have moved back from the Rainbow Bridge to their present position. The pace of erosion depends on the volume of water going over the falls; but at present rates it can be expected that within a few hundred thousand years the Niagara Falls will be close to the American city of Buffalo.

eography The masses of water from Lake Erie thunder over a horseshoe-shape rock wall 700 yds long at the Horseshoe Falls, which are in Canada, and, a short distance north-east, over the straight American Falls, 360 yds long. The frontier between the United States and Canada runs along the middle of the river.

The natural wonders in Africa and the Caribbean under threat

With the treat of global warming and over development destroying natural habitats, there are many stunning areas of the world which may be ruined or disappear totally in the next few decades. Throughout Africa and the Caribbean lie some of the world’s most fascinating cultural, historical and natural treasures; however, many of these sites are sadly struggling to survive.

According to a new book 500 Places to See Before They Disappear, we only have in some cases a couple of decades to visit some of the world’s wonder before they vanish. So where are the greatest gems in Africa and the Caribbean we should visit now? Here are the top five locations to see.

1. Tanzania, East Africa: Tanzania is home to the incredible, 610m deep, Ngorongoro Crater. The 30,000 animals that live there are unable to climb its steep slopes so, amazingly, have evolved to co-exist within the natural ‘enclosure’ of the crater. This is one of the rare locations that the critically endangered black rhinos dwell, of which less than 3,800 remain in the world.

2. Bonaire, Caribbean: Located near Venezuela, Bonaire is the Caribbean’s most Southwesterly island, and it is due to its remote nature, that Bonaire boasts one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Teeming with lustrous marine plant-life and rainbow-coloured fish, Bonaire's coast has been legally protected since 1979, enabling it to maintain this unblemished aquatic habitat. But with over 80 diving sites, around the 111 square miles of land, concerns are that its increasing popularity could lead to irrevocable damage to the fragile reef structure.

3. Namibia, Southwest Africa: Situated on the Southwest coast of Africa , Namibia with its burnished-red desert plains is a stunning natural landscape.

4. Negril, Jamaica, Caribbean: Considered one of the world’s most dazzling stretches of sand, Negril beach was originally targeted for the formation of tourist resorts, back in the 1950s
These developments, involving the dredging of sea-grass beds and the relentless destruction of coral reefs, have left the coastline susceptible to wave erosion, with the beach declining at an alarming pace.

5. Madagascar, off the south east coast of Africa: Madagascar is a country in a league of its own. This enchanted isle lies in the Indian Ocean, off the Southeast coast of Africa and is the world’s fourth largest island.The unrivaled biodiversity of Madagascar is extremely precious, but since the arrival of humans on the island, 15 species –including the pygmy hippo– have already been wiped out. Slash and burn agriculture is the fundamental cause for this crime against nature; and with the continuation of deforestation, many of these extraordinary creations are in severe danger of falling victim to the same catastrophic fate.

A South African adventure by rail

Recapture the golden age of rail travel on an epic 1000 mile journey through the heart of South Africa on board one of the world’s most elegant trains - ‘Highlights of South Africa’ is a classic new 16-day itinerary which has been introduced into the 2009 worldwide programme of Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail.

The epitome of luxury, the Pride of Africa sleeper train provides five-star comfort, fine cuisine and first-class service on a journey through the African wilderness.

The tour commences in Cape Town with four nights at the five-star Cape Grace Hotel – regarded as one of the finest in Africa – which is located on its own private quay on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront with views of the ocean and Table Top Mountain.

Highlights here include a city tour, a cable car ascent of Table Mountain, a tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, a visit to the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys – two of South Africa’s finest wine producing areas – plus an excursion to Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope and the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.

The holiday continues with eight nights – in luxurious air-conditioned Pullman Suites - on the restored private Pride of Africa train as it journeys through the African bush to Pretoria and Johannesburg, where guests enjoy city tours and an excursion to the Brenthurst Gardens, the private estate of the Oppenheimer family featured in Monty Don’s Great Gardens of the World series on the BBC.

Included en route are game drives in the Addo Elephant Park, the Mkhaya Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park – three of the best locations to experience South Africa’s abundance of wildlife. There are also visits to many landmark towns and cities including Oudtshoorn – home to the world’s largest population of ostriches - Bloemfontein (the ‘City of Roses’), Ladysmith and Durban, before ending with a night at the five-star Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg.
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Holidays/article-187859.html

Red Fort - Lal Quila - Tourist Places in Capital of India

Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad and laid the foundation of Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, on 16th April 1639. It took nine years to build this mighty citadel and it got completed on 16th April 1648. It is said that about one crore rupees, an astronomical sum in those days, was spent on its construction. Half of this sum was spent to build the exotic palaces within the fort. Built of red sandstone, it is octagonal in shape, with two longer sides on the east and west.

The perimeter of its strong ramparts is about 2.41 km. Red Fort rises to a height of 33.5 m on the town side and 18 m along the river. A wide moat surrounds the fort, which was originally connected with the river and was always filled with water. The two main gateways, known as Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate (named so, as they face Lahore and Delhi respectively), are three storeys high and are flanked by semi-octagonal towers. They are situated on the centre of the western and southern sides respectively.

The main entrance to the Lal Quila is through the Lahori Gate. Beyond the gate, there is a roofed passage, flanked by arcaded apartments leading to the palaces, known as Chhatta Chowk. These apartments are now used as shops. Besides these, there are three more gates on other sides, which are kept closed now. The master builders of the Red Fort were Hamid and Ahmad. Visitors are allowed only in a part of Red Fort, as the army occupies the rest of it.

Tousist Places in Delhi, India

Qutub Minar: Qutab Minar is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. The minaret is 234 feet high and the highest individual tower in the world. Other towers in the world are the Great Pagoda in Pekin, China and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy but these towers are not as high as the Qutab Minar in Delhi.Qutab Minar is another great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It has a number of floors or storeys which has beautiful carvings like the one on the tomb of Iltutmish. There are inscriptions all round the tower and these inscriptions reveal that Iltutmish finised the tower. The structure of the wall is made as such that it widens from top to bottom, just to make the minar stronger.The architectural wonder is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden, which is a much favoured leisure pad for Delhites, and you can see people lazing out their afternoons here and there.

Nainital - The hill station of Lakes

A rejuvenating place dotted with beautiful lakes. You would love this place for its pure scenic beauty.

Nainital is a small town located in the Hills of Kumaon flanked by hills in three sides.

Once this place used to boast of 60 lakes. But the few that remain today have a magical charm around them that hold the admirers hostage to their divine beauty.

The town of Nainital grows around the lake of Naini named after the revered goddess.

Nainital was discovered in 1841 by a Britisher called Lord Barron. The weather, the surrounding and the mesmerizing beauty of this area attracted the British administrator who turned this place into the summer capital of the United Province. Being a major tourist place Nainital is always bustling with visitors and it is always better if accommodation and other facilities are prearranged.

If you are in Nainital and have some horse riding experience then hire a horse and feel free to roam the town and explore the beauty of the adjoining area. It will give you a view that can seldom be matched by any other mode of transport. If you are a trekking enthusiast then you are in for a treat. choose from among the various trekking routes, pack a small bag and get going. I would advice not to go in a crowd. Split into smaller groups and then feel the peace and beauty of Nainital trickle into your veins. Honeymoon tour packages for Nainital are very popular among young couples in India and the Indian Subcontinent.

Ooty - The Sapphire in Blue Mountains Range

Ooty is known for its unique picturesque landscapes, plesant climate, tea estates and the abhoriginal Todas tribe.

Ooty is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Its the most popular hill station in south and the top choice destination for honeymooners and trekkers. A very suitable place to enjoy with your family and friends. If you are interested in Trekking then Ooty provides some very trekking tracks that are so serene and beautiful that you would like to trap every moment of your trek in your lens. The nilgiri bison, black monkeys, flying squirrels are really interesting creatures and you can see them if you are lucky. If you are in Ooty do not miss a ride on the Ooty toy train. It is a world heritage.

Places to visit in and around Ooty:
Botanical Garden: Great location and nice collection of exotic flowers and plants from around the world.

Ooty Lake: Good place to hang out on the lawn or take a boat ride in the lake. Entertainment for children with some joy rides 3d theaters etc.

Rose Garden: Laid on a terraced slope it blooms 2500 plus varieties of roses.

Dodabetta Peak: The highest peak in south India and is a cool view point.

Tea Museum: This place will catch your eye where ever you are in the Ooty town. It tells you about tea museum about history of Tea and a real time display of tea production. A free tea too.

Other places to visit around ooty: Pykara lake and falls, 9th Mile, Avalanche grass lands, Coonor, Catherine Falls, Dolphin Nose View point etc.

Munnar - Little London of India

Situated at the confluence of three mountain chains, Munnar is known for its climate and tea estates. The green hill station also boats of the highest mountain in south India - Anaimudi. Because of the likeness with the climate of London the erst while British officers made it their summer resort and affectionately labeled it "little London".

Hills all around Munnar are laid with tea estates since 1870 when A.H Sharp planted the first tea sapling. Munnar is also know for the exotic flower "NeelaKurinji" that blooms once in 12 years and bathes the whole landscape in blues color. Nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts will be in for a treat here. The wildlife sanctuary of Eravikulam is an ideal trekking zone. Just after the monsoon season in first half of August the world famous Kerala Snake Race is held in Alleyppy near Munnar.

Other places to visit in and around Munnar: Idukki, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Observatory Hills, kundala, Pallivasal, Nyayamakkad, Echo Point, madupetty, Devikulam, Pothamedu

Tourist Attraction at Auli in Uttrakhand

Auli is a comparatively recent addition to the tourist map of India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand among snow capped mountains, this small town is fast becoming one of the major tourist attractions of Uttarakhand. The main attraction of Auli is skiing. It is considered by many to be the best skiing slope found in Asia. Skiing in India is catching up as a popular winter sport. The vast snow-capped landscape and the perfect slopes flanked by oak and coniferous forests make Auli an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts. November to March is usually the skiing season in Auli.

Auli is a comparatively recent addition to the tourist map of India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand among snow capped mountains, this small town is fast becoming one of the major tourist attractions of Uttarakhand. The main attraction of Auli is skiing. It is considered by many to be the best skiing slope found in Asia. Skiing in India is catching up as a popular winter sport. The vast snow-capped landscape and the perfect slopes flanked by oak and coniferous forests make Auli an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts. November to March is usually the skiing season in Auli.

The landscape of Auli is a visual treat with the Nanda Devi peak standing tall amongst the mountains facing the snowy slopes. The Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains present a spectacular panoramic view from Auli. The area offers splendid trekking routes to adventure lovers. A ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is one of the longest in India, extending to 4.15 kilometers. Auli is also the venue for the National Winter games in the months of February and March. Among the other interesting aspects of Auli is the grazing land spread over 6 kilomteres, known as Byugal in the local language. A large number of colorful flowers blossom during the monsoonl.

The population of Auli in Uttarakhand is composed of Tibetans belonging to the Bhotiya ethnic group. Hinduism is the chief religion practiced here.

There are many scenic and interesting spots around Auli. Joshimath, also called Jyotirmath is the site of one of the four religious centers established by the Hindu religious saint Adi Shankara. Badrinath, and Hemkunda sahib are among the famous religious centers located close to Auli. The valley of flowers is known for the colorful flowers that blossom there.

Pithoragarh is another important tourist destination near Auli. Pilgrims to Kailash Manasarovar trek through this scenic town. The town of Bageshwar has many historic temples including the Baijnath temple, believed to have been built by the Pandavas. Almora is another important district near Auli. It is famous for many old temples.

Auli is attracting an increasing number of adventure lovers and vacationers each year. Thanks to the promotional efforts of the state Government, this little hill station is already a major contributor to tourism in Uttarakhand.

Madagascar - The Land of The White Pygmies

One of the fourth largest islands in the world, Madagascar is surrounded by beautiful beaches and palm trees filled with natural reserves, grassy plateaus and dense forests. The Republic of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean separated from the African mainland by the 248 mile wide Mozambique Channel. The eco tourist friendly place is fun to enjoy amidst beautiful flowering plants natural history and a great place to explore and have an adventure of a lifetime.

Antananarivo: The place retains most of its French flavor with French being the main language spoken here. Even the road and shop signs are in French.

This is the best place to not only enjoy the natural habitat but also the natural history of the place. It is a nicely preserved habitat of dry deciduous forest with a lot of mouse lemurs, Coquerel’s sifaka, chameleons and the Madagascan fish eagle and of course the lovely beaches.

Ankarana Reserve: Situated 65 km south of Diego Suarez, it has a plateau made of limestone in the shape of a fortress decorated with fields of pinnacles. You can find subterranean rivers, caves and passages underneath the plateau.

Mahajanga: Mahajanga, situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River is a wonderful place to be in surrounded by shaded arcades, flowering bougainvillea shrubs and pre-colonial architecture. The place also has many churches and mosques.

Ambohimanga: Ambohimanga is the birthplace of Malagasy state and is a significant Merina stronghold. The citadel’s main gate is a huge stone disc.

Markets of Madagascar: The markets here are full of life with the various colors and scents. In fact, the daily Zoma Market is stated to be the second largest in the world. Other busy and interesting markets are the Bazary Be and the Toamasina Market which is the country’s main port.

Things to do
Visit the country’s national monument in Antananarivo which is the Queen’s Palace and the Royal Palace or Rova said to be occupied by the Merina Dynasty in the 19th century.

Don’t miss out on Ampefy which is a volcanic region with beautiful waterfalls and a natural reserve, Perinet that has innumerable species of orchid and the indri or the tailless lemur.

For those interested in water sports, try water skiing or sailing at Lake Mantasoa, Andraikiba Lake and Ramona. You can also do some river rafting in the Highlands and on the East Coast.

Relax on the innumerable beaches like for instance the one in Antseranana which is a cosmopolitan seaport overlooking lakes, waterfalls and grottoes.

Top 5 Switzerland Tourist Attractions

Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation. There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, too, although there are five you should definitely stop to see.

1. The Chillon Castle - Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. Consisting of 100 buildings, it dates back to the 11th century and is the former residence of the Savoy nobility. It also has three courtyards and four great halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond.

2. Zermatt - Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions because it is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most famous peak of the Swiss Alps. Even if you're not into skiing, you can still enjoy the view while dining at a gourmet restaurant or shopping around the town.

3. Geneva Jet D'eau - This fountain in the heart of one of Switzerland's major cities is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high. Built in 1891, it is also considered one of the symbols of the city of Geneva.While in Geneva, you might want to see other tourist spots, too, particularly the museums. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is one of the most popular museums in Switzerland, and is definitely worth a visit, along with the Cathedral de St. Pierre and other historical buildings.

4. Swiss National Park - Although you cannot pitch a tent and spend the night at Swiss National Park, you can certainly appreciate the different views of the Alps as you go hiking, which is why it is one of the Switzerland tourist attractions worth seeing. It is also Switzerland's only national park, covering almost half the area of the entire country. It is a sanctuary for various wildlife such as elks, marmots and eagles, as well.

5. Swiss Transport Museum - Located in Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is home to an exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobile and other modes of transport and communication. It also houses an extensive collection of the works of Hans Erni, a Swiss painter and sculptor. You're sure to enjoy the Planetarium and the IMAX theatre, too.

Indeed, Switzerland has many sights waiting to be discovered. Aside from visiting Switzerland tourist attractions, don't forget to immerse yourself in the country's rich culture, too by participating in festivals or simply mingling with the Swiss. You're sure to have a wonderful time and many golden memories to take home with you.

Enticing Summer Vacation--Places To Visit In India

India is a globally famous tourism destination. It attracts tourists through out the entire globe with its great tourism potential, picturesque tourist places and excellent tourist facilities. It is the country of diversity and many seasons. The beauty of this country can be enjoyed on every season in different ways and styles. Even during the scorching summer season, India attracts tourists with some of cool summer tourist places. Have a look at some of cool and enticing tourist destinations which are very popular in summer season.

Almost all regions of India have some of fascinating places which are worth visit on summer and ideal for summer vacations.

The western region of this country has picturesque destinations like Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Alibaug, Lonavala, Khandala, Ganapatipule, etc. Goa is a beautiful tourist state noted for its beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife, lush hills and many magnificent churches & convents. Traveler from all over the world head for Goa beaches in summer to spend their vacation. Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Lonavala and Khandala are picturesque hill towns in western India noted for cool and cheerful ambiance. These destinations are ideal for summer holidays in India.

The southern region has beautiful holiday spots and destinations like Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Ponmudi, Nagarhole, Mysore and Bangalore. These fascinating destinations are known summer holiday destinations in country known for cool and cheerful climate. Bangalore and Mysore are among top cities of India with lots of tourist attractions. Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal and Ponmudi are picturesque hill stations known for cool and healthy climate. Nagarhole is wonderful destination of wildlife tourism in southern India. These destinations are among top tourist places in India you will love to visit on your summer holidays in this country.

The northern region has picturesque hill stations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kashmir, Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, Dalhousie, Ranikhet, Almora, etc. These hill stations are known for abundant nature beauty and cool & healthy climate. Jaipur, Corbett National Park, Rishikesh, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are some other north Indian tourist places to visit in India. These fascinating destinations are very popular in summer.

The eastern region of India has beautiful tourist destination like Puri, Digha, Raichak, Shantiniketan, Kolkata, etc. Visiting these important places in eastern India would be a truly charming experience.

The northeastern region has fascination summer tourism destinations like Gangtok, Shillong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Pelling, Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, etc. Excellent time to visit these destinations is summer. Darjeeling is also a favored honeymoon destination in northeastern region of India. Kaziranga National Park is noted for one-horned rhinos.

If you want to visit India during summer, I hope this article will help to plan your summer holidays in India. I will reveal information about some other destinations which are especially known for monsoon tourism or monsoon holidays in India.