The Botanical Gardens, which are a horticulturists” delight, were established in 1848. They now have a large range of fauna and trees and a fossilized tree trunk, which is 20 million years old. There is also a model Toda household that draws big crowds.

The Ooty Lake presents you with yet another chance at the quaint activity of paddle boating; it used to be very pretty but is now increasingly weed locked. The Rose Garden has 1919 varieties of the flower. There are a lot of `pucca’ British buildings: the gothic St. Stephen’s Church built in 1820, the Stone House bungalow, Raj Bhawan built in 1877. The Roman Catholic shrine called Kandal Cross, which bears a relic of the True Cross, makes Ooty `Jerusalem of the East’!

There are many walks around town in the hills, through the ‘sholas’ or forests. There is a wide variety of bird life, unexpected waterfalls and lots of spots for a secluded picnic.

It is possible to walk the 10 km to Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest point of the area. On a clear day you can look out to Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.

The Wenlock Downs are spread over 20,000hectares of undulating countryside used to be the site for the Ooty Hunt.

There is a Gymkhana Club, a sheep farm, a golf course and an old Hindustan Photo Films factory.The government art gallery displays indigenous works of art.

Don”t go home with picking up a trinket or two of the traditional silver and shawls of the indigenous Toda tribe. You can also pick up some great cheese and local chocolates from Ooty. The aromatic and medicinal oils for every possible purpose are justifiably renowned as is the local coffee, tea and honey and visitors go home laden with the stuff.

Ooty comes with a highly recommended bakery that stocks up on a huge variety of scrumptious pastry and bread. There are many restaurants and it is possible to get anything from a wholesome vegetarian ‘thali’ to chopsuey, from north Indian tandoori to your fix of cold draught. Some of the larger hotels have multi-cuisine restaurants. Ubiquitous are the small South Indian establishments that serve local cuisine and other wayside cafés and restaurants which serve an eclectic range of delicious dishes whether Indian, Chinese or Continental. Fresh fruits juices, ice creams and fast foods are available in abundance.

The Botanical Gardens, which are a horticulturists” delight, were established in 1848. They now have a large range of fauna and trees and a fossilized tree trunk, which is 20 million years old. There is also a model Toda household that draws big crowds.

The Ooty Lake presents you with yet another chance at the quaint activity of paddle boating; it used to be very pretty but is now increasingly weed locked. The Rose Garden has 1919 varieties of the flower. There are a lot of `pucca’ British buildings: the gothic St. Stephen’s Church built in 1820, the Stone House bungalow, Raj Bhawan built in 1877. The Roman Catholic shrine called Kandal Cross, which bears a relic of the True Cross, makes Ooty `Jerusalem of the East’!

There are many walks around town in the hills, through the ‘sholas’ or forests. There is a wide variety of bird life, unexpected waterfalls and lots of spots for a secluded picnic.

It is possible to walk the 10 km to Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest point of the area. On a clear day you can look out to Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.

The Wenlock Downs are spread over 20,000hectares of undulating countryside used to be the site for the Ooty Hunt.

There is a Gymkhana Club, a sheep farm, a golf course and an old Hindustan Photo Films factory.The government art gallery displays indigenous works of art.

Don”t go home with picking up a trinket or two of the traditional silver and shawls of the indigenous Toda tribe. You can also pick up some great cheese and local chocolates from Ooty. The aromatic and medicinal oils for every possible purpose are justifiably renowned as is the local coffee, tea and honey and visitors go home laden with the stuff.

Ooty comes with a highly recommended bakery that stocks up on a huge variety of scrumptious pastry and bread. There are many restaurants and it is possible to get anything from a wholesome vegetarian ‘thali’ to chopsuey, from north Indian tandoori to your fix of cold draught. Some of the larger hotels have multi-cuisine restaurants. Ubiquitous are the small South Indian establishments that serve local cuisine and other wayside cafés and restaurants which serve an eclectic range of delicious dishes whether Indian, Chinese or Continental. Fresh fruits juices, ice creams and fast foods are available in abundance.

The hill station of Nainital has many sightseeing places. The mountain resort of Nainital spreads along the sides of the mountains that surround the deep blue waters of the Naini Lake . The lake is fringed by the Sapta Shring or string of seven hills.

Boats and yachts can be hired for tours of the lake from the boat club at Mallital. Near the boat club is the Temple of Naina Devi , the presiding deity of Nainital. A relatively recent construction, there are steps leading down from the temple to the lake. Around the lake there are several colonial bungalows that reflect the town’s British history.

The Church of St. John in the Wilderness built in 1846 and one of the earliest colonial structures is just beyond Mallital. The Secretariat was designed in 1899 by F.W. Stephens, the architect who also designed the grand VT and Churchgate railways stations of Mumbai.

A ropeway from the Mall leads to the vantage point of Snow View , at a height of 2,270 metres. It is also possible to reach the peak by a 2 km hike along steep mountain trails or hire a pony from the Mall. At the top there is a viewing area offering a vista of Himalayan peaks. You can amble along the promenade and sit back to enjoy the view at the cafes on the summit. A further 6 kms up and you reach the Naina Peak at 2,611 metres.

On the fringes of Nainital and around town are some interesting tourist spots which can be covered by short walks. Dorothy’s Seat is dedicated to a British lady who died in a tragic accident. From here you can get a panoramic view of the town below. At Land’s End, 2,881 metres high to the south of the lake is a vantage point for a view of the Khurpa Tal.

The State Observatory about 3 kms from the lake is open to the public in the evening and an ideal place to watch the sun setting over the plains. Hanuman Garhi , a small temple off the Haldwani road also offers a good view of the valley.

Most of the shopping is centralised around the Mall area. Shop for woollens – shawls and sweaters at Bohtia Bazaar. Candles are another item which are sold in Nainital and most tourist carry back a few – these are best bought at the Mall. Nainital is also known for wooden decorative items – so if you have a penchant for these – buy some.

Because this is a town that caters to tourist traffic, all types of cuisine are available here. From Punjabi food at Moti Mahal and Sher e Punjab to fast food at Flattis and at Embassy restaurants. Ofcourse Tibetan momos are available too and most of the food served at restaurants here is pretty good.

There are a couple of places in Nainital you can stop by to enjoy a drink. Nainital Boat Club is a lakeside club which is perfect for grabbing an afternoon drink while overlooking the lake. The club has facilities that include snooker tables, a gym, card- playing rooms and a library. Enjoying these facilities comes at a price; the temporary membership at the club is a little steep. Another good place to get a drink is the Snow View Bar below the cable car station. Though there”s not much of a view to enjoy from here, it is a good place to relax with a drink after some walking around.

The hill station of Nainital has many sightseeing places. The mountain resort of Nainital spreads along the sides of the mountains that surround the deep blue waters of the Naini Lake . The lake is fringed by the Sapta Shring or string of seven hills.

Boats and yachts can be hired for tours of the lake from the boat club at Mallital. Near the boat club is the Temple of Naina Devi , the presiding deity of Nainital. A relatively recent construction, there are steps leading down from the temple to the lake. Around the lake there are several colonial bungalows that reflect the town’s British history.

The Church of St. John in the Wilderness built in 1846 and one of the earliest colonial structures is just beyond Mallital. The Secretariat was designed in 1899 by F.W. Stephens, the architect who also designed the grand VT and Churchgate railways stations of Mumbai.

A ropeway from the Mall leads to the vantage point of Snow View , at a height of 2,270 metres. It is also possible to reach the peak by a 2 km hike along steep mountain trails or hire a pony from the Mall. At the top there is a viewing area offering a vista of Himalayan peaks. You can amble along the promenade and sit back to enjoy the view at the cafes on the summit. A further 6 kms up and you reach the Naina Peak at 2,611 metres.

On the fringes of Nainital and around town are some interesting tourist spots which can be covered by short walks. Dorothy’s Seat is dedicated to a British lady who died in a tragic accident. From here you can get a panoramic view of the town below. At Land’s End, 2,881 metres high to the south of the lake is a vantage point for a view of the Khurpa Tal.

The State Observatory about 3 kms from the lake is open to the public in the evening and an ideal place to watch the sun setting over the plains. Hanuman Garhi , a small temple off the Haldwani road also offers a good view of the valley.

Most of the shopping is centralised around the Mall area. Shop for woollens – shawls and sweaters at Bohtia Bazaar. Candles are another item which are sold in Nainital and most tourist carry back a few – these are best bought at the Mall. Nainital is also known for wooden decorative items – so if you have a penchant for these – buy some.

Because this is a town that caters to tourist traffic, all types of cuisine are available here. From Punjabi food at Moti Mahal and Sher e Punjab to fast food at Flattis and at Embassy restaurants. Ofcourse Tibetan momos are available too and most of the food served at restaurants here is pretty good.

There are a couple of places in Nainital you can stop by to enjoy a drink. Nainital Boat Club is a lakeside club which is perfect for grabbing an afternoon drink while overlooking the lake. The club has facilities that include snooker tables, a gym, card- playing rooms and a library. Enjoying these facilities comes at a price; the temporary membership at the club is a little steep. Another good place to get a drink is the Snow View Bar below the cable car station. Though there”s not much of a view to enjoy from here, it is a good place to relax with a drink after some walking around.

The piece de resistance of a visit to Mount Abu is undoubtedly the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples , 5 km away. These marble temples are one of a kind in the world with very finely detailed intricate carvings. Two of the temples, the Vimal Vasahi (built in 1031, and the oldest) and Tejpal Temple (built in 1231), are especially exquisite and leave you spell bound. The carving here is so intricate and delicate that they appear to be made out of ivory rather than marble!

The Nikki Lake Market is a popular shopping area in Mount Abu. Here you can pick up some great gift items- rajasthani paintings, belts, handbags and great leather items. To pick up typically Rajasthani items visit the Government run emporiums.

Rajsthani food is very famous here. The traditional Daal-Baati-Churma is an an all time favourite of tourists visiting this region. Tourists can sample good Gujarati food as well in Mount Abu.

Apart from the great local cuisine you will find enough restaurants that cater to the needs of those wanting a wider variety. Here you can enjoy South Indian, North Indian, Continental and Chinese food at lots of restaurants. Check out the small eateries at Nikki Market or try Kanak Dining Hall for delicious Gujarati food and Shere Punjab in the main bazaar area for authentic Punjabi food thats reasonably priced.

The piece de resistance of a visit to Mount Abu is undoubtedly the magnificent Dilwara Jain Temples , 5 km away. These marble temples are one of a kind in the world with very finely detailed intricate carvings. Two of the temples, the Vimal Vasahi (built in 1031, and the oldest) and Tejpal Temple (built in 1231), are especially exquisite and leave you spell bound. The carving here is so intricate and delicate that they appear to be made out of ivory rather than marble!

The Nikki Lake Market is a popular shopping area in Mount Abu. Here you can pick up some great gift items- rajasthani paintings, belts, handbags and great leather items. To pick up typically Rajasthani items visit the Government run emporiums.

Rajsthani food is very famous here. The traditional Daal-Baati-Churma is an an all time favourite of tourists visiting this region. Tourists can sample good Gujarati food as well in Mount Abu.

Apart from the great local cuisine you will find enough restaurants that cater to the needs of those wanting a wider variety. Here you can enjoy South Indian, North Indian, Continental and Chinese food at lots of restaurants. Check out the small eateries at Nikki Market or try Kanak Dining Hall for delicious Gujarati food and Shere Punjab in the main bazaar area for authentic Punjabi food thats reasonably priced.

The old Christ Church in the town centre is small, cosy and charming with wonderful stained glass panels. It was consecrated in 1910 and the original wooden pews are now a rich grainy brown. In 1981 the medium of instruction changed from English to the vernacular. Sunday service now is in Tamil and Malayalam. Mount Carmel is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the region. First set up in 1898, the present church dates back to 1938.

The tea gardens are the last bastion of the Raj. Several still preserve customs like ‘chhota hazari’-an early morning cuppa’ hot chocolate before a round of work. Most managers would be happy to let you take a stroll among the bushes.

Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist, established the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in 1983. It has a resident population of Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers, and rare species like the rose-billed roller, and the Sri Lankan frogmouth. Visit early in the mornings, as the day comes alive so do the birdsongs. The colder months from October to March are the best time to be at the park.

The highest peak of the ranges is Anamudi (2695 meters). It can be sighted from many places in Munnar. This is protected forest area and off bounds for everyone except those involved in serious research.

At a height of 1700 meters, Mattupetty Lake (13 km) and dam is surrounded by tall hills and forest. You can hire a boat, and walk down to the nearby dairy and cattle farm.

Top Station (41 km, 2200 meters) has some of the highest tea plantations in India. At the edge of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, you can look over across at the hills ebbing into plains in the other state. Come here for breathtaking views of rolling hills awash with greenery, and crisp air.

Eravikulam Park (16 km) is where you can find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex). Docile and friendly, it is hard to imagine that this is a rare animal when you see the numbers in this area.

The Elephant Lake is great for trout fishing so anglers must take the bait and visit!

Munnar”s greatest buy is, of course, tea. Tea is in fact, probably one of the few things that are really worth buying from Munnar. Also look for some factory outlet that can sell you some fragrant fresh spices right out of the mill. In Munnar you can also buy luscious strawberries and locally produces spices but nearly all other so-called souvenir items, such as coir or metal ware, are from another part of Kerala.

In the Munnar market locals set up food stalls in the mornings and at night. It’s street food and it’s quite delicious. The restaurants at the bazaar serve a variety of food, south Indian cuisine as well as aromatic chicken biryani (flavoured rice).

There are a couple of clubs that still retain a colonial aura. There’s some great pool and snooker to be played, and the bars are quiet and laidback but you can enjoy all this only if a member recommends you.

The old Christ Church in the town centre is small, cosy and charming with wonderful stained glass panels. It was consecrated in 1910 and the original wooden pews are now a rich grainy brown. In 1981 the medium of instruction changed from English to the vernacular. Sunday service now is in Tamil and Malayalam. Mount Carmel is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the region. First set up in 1898, the present church dates back to 1938.

The tea gardens are the last bastion of the Raj. Several still preserve customs like ‘chhota hazari’-an early morning cuppa’ hot chocolate before a round of work. Most managers would be happy to let you take a stroll among the bushes.

Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist, established the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in 1983. It has a resident population of Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers, and rare species like the rose-billed roller, and the Sri Lankan frogmouth. Visit early in the mornings, as the day comes alive so do the birdsongs. The colder months from October to March are the best time to be at the park.

The highest peak of the ranges is Anamudi (2695 meters). It can be sighted from many places in Munnar. This is protected forest area and off bounds for everyone except those involved in serious research.

At a height of 1700 meters, Mattupetty Lake (13 km) and dam is surrounded by tall hills and forest. You can hire a boat, and walk down to the nearby dairy and cattle farm.

Top Station (41 km, 2200 meters) has some of the highest tea plantations in India. At the edge of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, you can look over across at the hills ebbing into plains in the other state. Come here for breathtaking views of rolling hills awash with greenery, and crisp air.

Eravikulam Park (16 km) is where you can find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex). Docile and friendly, it is hard to imagine that this is a rare animal when you see the numbers in this area.

The Elephant Lake is great for trout fishing so anglers must take the bait and visit!

Munnar”s greatest buy is, of course, tea. Tea is in fact, probably one of the few things that are really worth buying from Munnar. Also look for some factory outlet that can sell you some fragrant fresh spices right out of the mill. In Munnar you can also buy luscious strawberries and locally produces spices but nearly all other so-called souvenir items, such as coir or metal ware, are from another part of Kerala.

In the Munnar market locals set up food stalls in the mornings and at night. It’s street food and it’s quite delicious. The restaurants at the bazaar serve a variety of food, south Indian cuisine as well as aromatic chicken biryani (flavoured rice).

There are a couple of clubs that still retain a colonial aura. There’s some great pool and snooker to be played, and the bars are quiet and laidback but you can enjoy all this only if a member recommends you.

There is plenty to see and do in Kodagu. Start off your sightseeing in Madikeri with the quaint and quirky part Islamic, part Kerala, part Gothic Omkareshwar Shiva Temple which was built in 1820. The Prison saw slightly grander days when it was Tipu Sultan’s Fort.

You can enjoy the orange pink sun setting over the hillside from the old Raja’s favourite Seat, after you’ve paid him a visit at his grand gilded tomb! There are more relics from the past at the St. Mark’s Church museum but if you only feel like sticking with the present, and in Madikeri it’s going to be a very pleasant one, then take a hike through the pepper vines and coffee shrubs and head for Abby Falls (8 km).

Elsewhere in the region are Bylakuppe and Siddapura. Bylakuppe (6 km) is a Tibetan settlement for Tibetan refugees and so the area around has Tibetan Buddhist monasteries dotted all along the landscape. Sera Je is the largest with 2000resident monks. Siddapura (32 km) is prime trekking area. Virgin woods and wafting scents from nearby coffee and spice plantations will ensure you have a great time.

Bhagamandala with its sprinkling of temples is where the two rivers Kaveri and Kannike converge. Kakkabe offers several mountain trails for trekking and hiking. Be sure to come back with a bottle of honey for this region is the highest producer of honey in the country.

Other attractions in Kodagu are the Irpu Falls cascading down verdant green slopes. If you are in need of redemption, be sure to visit the temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Lakshmithirtha River – the waters here will wash away your sins. No wonder thousands of pilgrims converge here during the Sivarathri festival.

All kinds of natural goodies are there for your pleasure – honey, coffee and spices.

The cuisine in Kodagu is simply delicious – plenty of coconut, spices and curry leaves. Unlike most South Indian states which have a primarily vegetarian cuisine, Kodagu food is replete with non-vegetarian dishes. Dont miss out on their speciality ” pandhi ” curry – it is to die for as no one quite cooks pork like this! There are quite a few good restaurants in town where you’ll be able to choose from Chinese, north Indian and south Indian food. Some even serve chilled beer.

Kodagu has some of the best coffee in the country. Don’t take our word for – go on try some and get hooked for life !

There is plenty to see and do in Kodagu. Start off your sightseeing in Madikeri with the quaint and quirky part Islamic, part Kerala, part Gothic Omkareshwar Shiva Temple which was built in 1820. The Prison saw slightly grander days when it was Tipu Sultan’s Fort.

You can enjoy the orange pink sun setting over the hillside from the old Raja’s favourite Seat, after you’ve paid him a visit at his grand gilded tomb! There are more relics from the past at the St. Mark’s Church museum but if you only feel like sticking with the present, and in Madikeri it’s going to be a very pleasant one, then take a hike through the pepper vines and coffee shrubs and head for Abby Falls (8 km).

Elsewhere in the region are Bylakuppe and Siddapura. Bylakuppe (6 km) is a Tibetan settlement for Tibetan refugees and so the area around has Tibetan Buddhist monasteries dotted all along the landscape. Sera Je is the largest with 2000resident monks. Siddapura (32 km) is prime trekking area. Virgin woods and wafting scents from nearby coffee and spice plantations will ensure you have a great time.

Bhagamandala with its sprinkling of temples is where the two rivers Kaveri and Kannike converge. Kakkabe offers several mountain trails for trekking and hiking. Be sure to come back with a bottle of honey for this region is the highest producer of honey in the country.

Other attractions in Kodagu are the Irpu Falls cascading down verdant green slopes. If you are in need of redemption, be sure to visit the temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Lakshmithirtha River – the waters here will wash away your sins. No wonder thousands of pilgrims converge here during the Sivarathri festival.

All kinds of natural goodies are there for your pleasure – honey, coffee and spices.

The cuisine in Kodagu is simply delicious – plenty of coconut, spices and curry leaves. Unlike most South Indian states which have a primarily vegetarian cuisine, Kodagu food is replete with non-vegetarian dishes. Dont miss out on their speciality ” pandhi ” curry – it is to die for as no one quite cooks pork like this! There are quite a few good restaurants in town where you’ll be able to choose from Chinese, north Indian and south Indian food. Some even serve chilled beer.

Kodagu has some of the best coffee in the country. Don’t take our word for – go on try some and get hooked for life !

Sightseeing in Tirupati is all about spiritualism. The temple houses a heavily garlanded idol of Sri Venkateswara before whom one is allowed only a few moments before the next enclosure load of visitors is to be ushered in. In that time you’ll see the stupendously opulent vimana covered in gold and finely sculpted columns. The ‘darshan’ is followed by a round of ‘prasad’, food that has been blessed by the deity and must be received with both hands cupped, right palm above the left one.

With over 50,000 devotees visiting the temple everyday, the darshans are very well organised and orderly. The temple offers a wide variety of darshans and sevas that suit most devotees. There are daily sevas, weekly ones and some sevas are performed only periodically. The different daily sevas are ones that are the most widely attended. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the everyday affairs of the temple, has made extensive arrangements in recent years to ease the troubles and streamline the massive inflow of devotees. TTD has built the Vaikuntam Queue Complex, which is a series on interconnected halls through which the devotees proceed towards the main temple. Some of the daily sevas that you can take part in are Suprabhatam, Thomala Service, Archana, Archanananthara Darshanam, Amanthranotsavam, Ekantha Seva and Kalyanotsavam.

The darshans are held at different times of the day and tickets are in the range of Rs 100-200 only. Vijaya Bank issues the tickets a day in advance and if you want, you can also send a demand draft to the bank to book your tickets in advance. Since the space is limited, the bank issues only a limited number of tickets each day. There are also special darshans for the physically challenged and the aged. They are ushered into the main temple through a separate entrance.

For information on darshans contact TTD Info Centres.

Shopping in Tirpupati is limited to buying various figures of the deities and CDs that recite the various shlokas available within the temple complex. You could also take some ”prasadam” or ‘laddu’ for your family and friends back home.

Although it’s considered auspicious to eat at the temple, there are many eateries located all over Tirupati and Tirumala. In the temples food is served on banana leaves and a variety is available with the most popular being the ‘sweet rice’.

Other than that there are many stalls and restaurants offering south Indian cuisine. Some of the fine restaurants in Tirupati include- Manasa Restaurant, Palace Café, Pongali Restaurant, Andhra Spice, Sindhu Fast Food Center and Deepam Food Plaza.

Being one of India’s holy city, there are no bars and pubs in the city as drinking and smoking here is considered inauspicious and is thus a taboo. Instead the locals hang around temples eating laddus and listening to religious songs.

Being an important centre of pilgrimage, most of Mathura’s sights have a religious association, primarily related to the Krishna legend. The city is entered through the Holi Gate . The entire riverfront facing the Yamuna River is lined with temples and bathing ghats.

The Kansa Qila built by Raja Man Singh of Amber had an observatory added by Sawai Jai Singh. The fort is now in ruins and only the foundation is visible. Amongst the many ghats, the Vishram Ghat is the most important.

It is believed that Krishna rested here after killing his evil uncle Kansa. Every day, during the aarti or worship with oil lamps, cows, monkeys and turtles are fed at the ghat. There are 25 such ghats along the river, and it is possible to view the riverfront by boat.

From the ghats, narrow lanes lead into the bazaar or shopping area. The Dwarkadhish temple , built by the treasurer of the Gwalior State in 1815, is the most prominent landmark. A complex called the Shri Krishna Janamsthan , or Janambhoomi complex marks Krishna’s birthplace.

The shrine is open every day from dawn till 12 noon and from 4 pm till dusk. Next to the main shrine is a decorated modern temple called the Gita Mandir . It has scenes from the life of Krishna and the entire Bhagwad Gita (a Hindu holy text) inscribed on its walls.

Behind the Janambhoomi complex is the Katra Masjid . It was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, on the ruins of a Hindu temple. In recent times, the history of the mosque has been a cause for tension among religious groups. Due to threats of demolition by Hindu fundamentalists, there are security personnel stationed in the area, and all visitors are subjected to frisking. The Jama Masjid , built in 1661 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s governor, is another impressive Islamic structure. Mathura was at one time famous for its ponds or kunds. There were 159 of them originally, of which only four are left. The Potara Kund , near the Janambhumi complex, was said to have been used to wash the child Krishna’s clothes.

Mathura’s Archaeological Museum , in Dampier Park, was built in 1874 by the British. It houses a collection of rare Buddhist and Jain sculptures from the Kushana period. One of the most famous exhibits is a standing Buddha in the Abhaya mudra (fearless pose) from the 5th century AD. The Buddha is crowned by a halo and is dressed in flowing robes. Besides sculptures from the Mathura school, the museum also houses pottery, terracotta and bronze figures, and coins.

The main shopping areas are close to the Dwarkadheesh temple at Naya Bazaar and Tilak Dwar. Take home some famous Mathura Peda(sweet made of milk and sugar) and enquire from locals about places where you can find the best quality peda.

Enjoy street food in the old city. For budgeted and hygienic food you can go to Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple close to the temple complex, there a canteen run by the temple trust serves food that”s good and you can rely on it being clean.

The most prominent natural feature of Srinagar is the Dal Lake . Spread 6 kms long and 3 kms wide, the lake is divided into four parts by causeways. The lakeside is lined with luxuriant chinars and poplars. The waters of the Dal Lake are dotted with small willow covered islands that give an ethereal ambience to the lake on misty mornings. A unique feature of the lake is the Mihrbahri people, trading in flowers, fruits and vegetables grown on floating gardens on these islands in the lake. The Mihrbahris sell their wares from shikaras, the elongated gondolas that are the popular with tourists for touring the lake. Dal Lake is also home for many families living in houseboats, including tourist boats complete with living quarters with all modern amenities. Visitors can stay in the well-furnished houseboats that bob on the placid waters of the lake and venture out for more active sports like kayaking, canoeing, angling and water surfing. Next to the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Hills in the backdrop, is the immaculately laid out Nishat Bagh (Garden). Made in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jehan (Emperor Jahangir’s favourite queen), the garden has terraced layers with water channels flowing down the centre. The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the Mughals is the Shalimar Bagh , four kms away. Laid out by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this garden is also divided into four terraces and has a water channel running down its centre. On the topmost terrace is the pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported by stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny niches that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the day and light up the pavilion with lamps at night. In addition to these two prominent pleasure gardens laid out for Empress Nur Jahan, there are several other formal gardens laid out by later rulers around Srinagar. The Chashmashahi or Royal Spring was laid by Jahangir’s son, Emperor Shah Jahan. Prepared in 1632, the Chashmashahi is famous for its natural spring whose water is said to have curative properties. Lined with flowerbeds and chinar trees, the garden has fountains right down the centre. The Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace) is 2 kms up from the garden, and a school of philosophy and astrology established by Dara Shikoh, the elder son of Emperor Akbar. The Harwan garden 18 kms from the centre is quieter, with less decorative elements. But the vast lawns, surrounded by chinar trees and a canal fed from a nearby lake, are a popular picnic spot. The legend of creation of Kashmir recounts how Sage Kashyap drained out a huge lake to kill a fierce demon. Goddess Parvati then crushed the demon with a mountain, now known as Hari Parbat , or Koh-e-Maraan . A 19th century fort stands on top of the hill. Behind Boulevard Road at a height of 1,100 feet on Shankaracharya Hill is the Shankaracharya Temple . This ancient hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to have been built by King Gopadatya in 371 BC. Over time, the temple was renovated and reconstructed by several rulers, including Lalitaditya, Zain-ul-Abidin, Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din and finally Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra ruler added a flight of 100 stone steps leading up to the temple. The temple was electrified in 1925. Amongst the important mosques of Srinagar is the large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has thick wooden pillars, each made from an entire deodar tree. One of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, the foundation of the building was said to have been laid as far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar. To the southeast is the Rozahbal Mosque , for some esoteric and strange reason known as the ‘tomb of Jesus’. Across the River Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid , built in 1623 for the Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the Shahi Masjid . The most important Muslim shrine in Kashmir is the Hazratbal Shrine , on the western bank of Dal Lake. The shrine is specially sanctified by the hair relic of Prophet Mohammad preserved in its precincts. Originally built as a pleasure palace in 1623 by one of Emperor Shahjahan’s officials, it was converted into a prayer hall under directions from the emperor. When the relic of the Prophet was brought to Kashmir in 1699, it was placed at Hazratbal for devotees to pay obeisance to. The present marble building was constructed under the supervision of Sheikh Abdullah in 1979. The relic is displayed on all important Muslim festivals. Beyond Hazratbal shrine is Nazim Bagh , one of the oldest pleasure gardens laid out by Emperor Akbar. The tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani , one of the most revered saints in Kashmir sits 28 kms southwest of Srinagar. The saint spent his lifetime spreading religious teachings in the valley and is said to have meditated for 12 years inside a cave. The wooden shrine of Charar-e-Sharif was built on the tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani by the ruler Zain-ul-Abidin. The original structure, along with the Khanqah shrine, was unfortunately burnt down in 1995, during a long and bloody battle between foreign mercenary militants and the Indian army. Khanqah-e-Moula is dedicated to Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. Built in the early 15th century, the shrine sits next to Jhelum River in the old city area. After being burnt down several times, alterations and repairs were done at the shrine. The death anniversary of the saint is an important day for devotees to visit the shrine. The tomb of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin’s mother, known as Badshuhnun Dumat , is a showpiece of Shah-Miri architecture. Next to the Jhelum River near Zaina Kadal, the tomb is made of brick, unlike the other wooden structures of Kashmir.

Carpets, pâpier mâché, fine pashmina shawls and walnut wood items – all are available in Srinagar. Superb craftsmanship and superior quality is the hallmark of all these handicrafts. Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure house of traditional handicrafts, unlike any found in the rest of the country. Visitors can choose from hand knitted woollen and silk carpets in the Persian tradition famed for their highly intricate decorations and patterns with strong Islamic overtones. Less expensive but very unusual and attractive are the chain-stitch rugs from Srinagar. Another craft that is perfect as souvenirs is pâpier mâché, items such as boxes, bells, vases, samovars, houseboat models beautifully hand painted to evoke memories of Kashmir. The crafts repertoire of Kashmir also contains soft, woollen shawls that are exquisitely embroidered, cashmere and pashmina scarves, stoles and sweaters. Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow and local craftsmen carve detailed intricate patterns inspired by the rich flora of the region, particularly the state emblem – the chinar or maple leaf onto screens, bowls, chests of drawers, bars, sofas, couches and tables. Silver jewellery, embroidered fabrics, over dresses called ‘phirans’, crewelwork furnishings, leather jackets, tweeds and woollen garments – the list is almost endless. Fortunately, all these goodies are available in plenty across the state in shops that primarily cater to outstation visitors. Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk and Polo View are the best shopping areas in Srinagar. Also check out the Government Emporia and the private shops for authentic articles at reasonable prices. Do haggle a bit, and you’re sure to pick up some wonderful bargains.

Enjoy Kashmiri cuisine at almost all the restaurants along Residency Road which is now called Sherwani road. Lal Chowk the crowded market place also has a few eating joints where you can sample their local cuisine. Most of the big hotels have restaurants attached to them and you can get chinese, continental or other north Indian dishes. Some of the most popular restaurants in Srinagar are Ahdoos Restaurant (Kashmiri food), Tafree Restaurant (multi cuisine) and Mughal Darbar (multi cuisine) Restaurant.

So perfect in dimension, so impressive in grandeur, the ‘Emperor of Temples’, Thanjavur’s Brihadeeshwera Temple is possibly the finest temple in Tamil Nadu, if not in India. Raja Raja Chola must have received divine inspiration, for Brihadeeshwera remains unsurpassed in scale and substance, grace, symmetry, elegance and ambience. Little details like the fact that the vimana never ever casts its shadow at midday, just emphasis the brilliance of its design and the class of its craftsmanship.

The temple stands within the Sivaganga Fort, a small citadel surrounded by a moat on the outskirts of Thanjavur. An imposing gopuram on the eastern side interrupts the march of high walls and gives access to the fort. Twin shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons Ganesh and Murugan flank this gopuram and barely 100m away is another, even more magnificent gopuram that leads into the paved inner courtyard where the Brihadeeshwera Temple stands. A long pillared corridor or parakram decorated with colourful murals and shivalingas runs all the way round the courtyard.

Worth more than a second look are the frescos discovered in 1931 by a local scholar, the murals date back to the Chola era and are amongst the earliest examples of Chola art. The walls of the corridor are covered from top to bottom with two layers of paintings –the real find, the Chola frescos lie hidden beneath the upper layer attributed to the Nayaka dynasty. Relying heavily on Shiva legends and stories for content, the outstanding quality of the paintings illustrates the dedication and devotion of the Shiva bhakts who painted them.

Coming back to the temple – what first strikes the eye is the immense size and majesty of the temple surmounted by a lofty tower (vimana) that reaches high into the skies. Unusual in Dravidian temples of its era, Dakshina Meru, Brihadeeshwara’s 14 storeyed vimana (216m) is taller than it gopurams (gateways). Its octagonal shikhara (dome) rests on an enormous granite block weighing 81 tonnes, decorated with beautiful stone Nandis and exquisitely detailed stuccowork; the crowning glory of the vimana is a gilded kalasha (finial) that is nearly 4m high. (This amazing and complex feat of engineering was achieved by way of a ramp).

The main shrine is ensconced behind three doors guarded by monolithic dwarpalikas, whose gigantic size and fine craftsmanship make them intimidating and awe–inspiring. Many such highly polished and minutely detailed dwarpalikas can be seen at Brihadeeshwera Temple, some as big as 18ft by 8ft.

The temple proper consists of the garba-griham (sanctum), the ardhamandapam, the mukhamandapam and the mahamandapam, each a distinct entity with a specific function that coalesce perfectly as a composite whole. Brihadeeshwera’s presiding deity is, of course, Lord Shiva enshrined here as Peruvudaiyar, Rajarajeswaramudaiyar. The Shivalinga (4m by 7m) is the second largest in the world- so enormous that is resides in a double storeyed sanctum sanctorum. The weight bearing outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum form a corridor that is, as is the rest of the temple, richly adorned with exquisite sculptures. The corridor of the ardhamandapam not only serves to uphold the shikhara but also functions as a permanent art gallery. The detailed carvings illustrate events and incidents from the live of Shiva, entire panels showcase 108 poses of Bharatnatyam, others present Shiva in his many manifestations – as Nataraja, Aadavallam, Tripurantaka, Dakshinamurty and Anugrahamurty.

Nandi the bull, Shiva’s vahana (vehicle) is an essential feature of any shrine dedicated to Shiva. The huge granite monolithic Nandi at Thanjavur is simply fabulous, dates back to the Nayaka period and is housed in its own mandapam. Its stately dimensions match those of the Brihadeeshwera temple – made from a single block of stone weighing about 25 tonnes,Thanjavur’s Nandi measures 12 ft by 20 ft! To the visitor, it seems Nandi calmly presides over the proceedings from his vantage position in the mandapam facing the main shrine, as if waiting a command from his master. So real is the sculpting and so endearing the icon that visitors feel compelled to caress it. Sit beside Nandi and you can actually feel his serenity envelope you. Legend would have us believe that this Nandi actually grows! So much so that a nail was driven into his back to prevent it from outgrowing the mandapam! The technique, primitive and implausible though it seems, apparently worked well – Nandi still fits his mandapam!

There are many other smaller shrines in the complex – later additions that are happily harmonise perfectly with the original architecture. The Subramanya Temple is the most beautiful of these small temples, its been called a “perfect gem of carved stonework” and “as exquisite a piece of decorative stone work as found anywhere in the south of India”.

A small temple attributed to the Pandya dynasty (13th century) houses an idol of the Goddess Brihanayaki , companion and consort of Lord Brihadeeshwera. Shiva’s son Ganesha has his own shrine in the southwest corner of the temple compound – the shrine is worth more than a cursory visit just to see its seven Ganesha idols. The shrine was built by the Maratha King, Serfoji II (1776-1855) though the 7 enshrined idols -two standing, three seated and two dancing images of the Ganesha -date back to the reign of Raja Raja Chola I (985-1018AD).

Chandeeswera , one of 63 eminent Saivite saints and chief devotees of Shiva has his shrine towards the north end of the temple compound. It is the only shrine that is contemporaneous with the Brihadeeshwera temple. Chandeeswera is supposed to be the Lord’s accountant –all financial transactions were conducted in his name and each and every donation/gift made to the temple recorded for posterity on slabs near his shrine. Devotees visit the Chandeeswera shrine before and after worshipping the deity –they are expected to stop by on their way out, clap their hands to satisfy Chandeeswera they are not walking away with temple property!

Two other shrines are dedicated to Sri Dakshinamurthy and Saint Karuvarur , a local saint whose help was crucial to the installation of the great Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum. The tall copper plated pillar outside the Brihadeeshwera temple is the Dhwaja Stambha, the flagpole remarkable for its elaborately decorated square base.

Away from Brihadeeshwera, Thanjavur has a few more delights in store. The Thanjavur Art Gallery has a prized collection of bronze and stone sculptures from the 9th century onwards that includes some fine examples of Chola period bronze idols.

Saraswathi Mahal Palace , built by the Nayakas (1550AD) was later supplemented with additions under the Maratha kings. It now houses a rare and priceless collection of over 30,000 palm leaf manuscripts and European books put together by Serfoji II in the late 18th/ 19th century.

The Schwarz kaju kishmish Church in the palace gardens was built in the late 1790s by Serfoji II and is amongst the earliest churches in the region.

Thanjavur is well known for it”s handicrafts items made by extremely skilled craftsmen here. Thanjavur is very popular for silk weaving. Tanjore saris are renowned for intricate weaving, unique motifs and large borders. Other great items to pick up from Thanjavur are paintings, bronze and brass idols and jewellery.

There are many restaurants in Thanjavur that offer vegetarian and non vegetarian fare. It”s best to stick to traditional South Indian food, it won”t burn a hole in your pocket and it”s tasty and wholesome.

The Ramanathaswami Temple is about a hundred meters from the shore. It marks the place where Rama is said to have earned Shiva’s forgiveness for killing Ravana. The temple is huge with a 54meter high gopuram and a corridor that is 1220meters long, lined with 1200 huge granite pillars.

The Agni Teertham is when devotees purify themselves in the seawater around. The temple complex has 22 wells, each of which is supposed to have different tasting water. Gandamadham Parvatham is the highest point in the island. The hall has a wheel (chakra) which bears a footprint believed to be Rama’s. 8km from Rameswaram is the southern tip of the island called Dhanushkodi after Rama’s bow. The boulders around are believed to be from the bridge that Rama’s monkey army built to get across to the errant Ravana’s Lanka. Devastated by a cyclone in 1964, all that remains here is an ancient temple and its idols of figures from the epic.

Rameswaram is not only a pilgrimage. The Kurusadai Islands west of the Pamban Bridge are of great interest to marine biologists as is the entire area around here. The gulf has been declared a biosphere reserve. The coral reefs are beautiful and home to lots of sea-creatures. Boat rides to the islands can be arranged from Mandapam.

The seaside is peppered with little stalls selling wares of seashell art; corals, conches and palm leaf drawings are available around the beach.

There are number of restaurants that serve wide range of tasty food, according to different tastes of the visitors. Most of the well known restaurants are located along the West Car Street. These places serve a variety of delicacies from South Indian cuisines. All the tourists who come to Rameswaram demand for the different dishes in the thali, thus, making it quite popular.

There are various sightseeing options in Nagarjunakonda. Visit the well-organised Nagarjuna Konda Museum constructed like a Buddhist vihara with its outstanding collection of historic Buddhist relics. The highlights of the museum are a tooth and an earring that belonged to the Sakyamunni, according to a Brahmi inscription on the most sacred of the stupas, the Mahachaitya. Marvel at the displays of Stone Age picks, hoes, hammers and spears, artifacts belonging to the Satavahana period, beautiful sculptures particularly of women and stone slabs inscribed with tales from the Jataka stories. You will come away richer by far – with some great insights into India’s glorious past.

Some of the places near Nagarjunakonda that you can visit are mentioned below Nagarjunasagar Dam - For a breath of fresh air and some stupendous views visit the aptly named Viewpoint near the Dam.

Ethipothala Waterfalls lies 21 kms east of Nagarjunakonda and is named after a priest (ethi) who meditated in the caves above. Enjoy a picnic here and fell the spray of the cool water as they cascade 22 mts into a blue lagoon that is a crocodile-breeding centre.

Anupu lies 8 kms from here and is a recently excavated Buddhist site. The excavation has been done to perfection and is worth seeing. Among the reconstructed archaeological sites are stupas, monastries and even a university.

While at Nagarjunakonda, make a trip to Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary, a Project Tiger reserve and refuge for diverse reptiles, birds and animals. Srisailam, on the banks of the Krishna in the Nallamalai Hills is a hallowed spot with immense historical and religious significance, including a Shiva temple that is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.

South Indian food is available in the little food joints all over the town.

Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari Temple is built at the edge of the sea, where poor Kanya waited for her groom to arrive. The virgin is worshipped in the form of an exquisitely beautiful black stone idol, bedecked in silks, gold and diamonds. Kanya’s glittering nose ring shines so brightly that it could be seen from afar. Its radiance sent ships off course, crashing on the rocky shoreline below the temple. So many ships met their untimely end that the eastern door to the shrine was closed off; and is opened only five days each year. The temple also houses two smaller shrines dedicated to the goddess’s friends and playmates, Vijayasundari and Balasundari.

East of the temple are two huge rocky outcrops. Sri Padaparai is sacred because it contains an imprint of Kanyakumari’s foot. The Rock Memorial temple complex built by the Ramakrishna Mission in 1970 marks the place where the famous Indian philosopher saint Swami Vivekananda meditated. Ferries take visitors to the temple, which has a remarkably serene atmosphere despite the crowds that come to see it.

Designed like a temple, the Gandhi Memorial commemorates the final resting place of the urn containing the Bapu’s ashes, before its immersion in the sacred confluence of three oceans. On the 2nd October (Gandhi’s Birthday) the first rays of the morning sun fall on the exact spot where the urn was kept for the public to pay homage to the Father of the Indian nation.

The Government Museum has a collection of sundry objects like old coins, whalebones, tribal objects, bronze sculptures, and woodcarvings.

Handcrafted trinkets, seashell art, palm leaf drawings are available all over. Shopkeepers will try to palm off beads as authentic coral, so be wary. All prices are negotiable so bargain hard!

Restaurants in Kanyakumari offer a variety of cuisine. There are plenty of places to eat at on the jetty road near the Kanyakumari Temple.

Amritsar was built around the Golden Temple and the Amrit Sarovar lake, from which it derives its name. The temple complex is surrounded by a fortified wall with eighteen gates. The main north entrance is under a Victorian clock tower. Known as the Darshani Deori, the entrance is up a flight of steps and down again to the temple and holy tank.

The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar. It is surrounded by a white marble corridor, which is encircled by pilgrims visiting the shrine. A narrow causeway links the Harmandir, or Darbar Sahib as the temple is also called. The entrance to the temple is through an ornate archway with intricate inlay work. Verses from the Granth Sahib are inscribed on the doorway.

The temple building is three storeys high. The lower storey is in white marble, while the two upper storeys have gold plating. The building is crowned with a dome shaped like an inverted lotus. With the first light of dawn, the reflection of the temple in the tank gives an ethereal atmosphere to the complex. As the sun shifts, the temple presents myriad views, each magnificent and captivating. The temple building has four entrances instead of the usual single entry. This is symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and indicates that followers of all faiths are allowed inside. The walls within are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in silver and gold. The Adi Granth, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, rests on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. Priests conduct continuous recitation of verses from the holy book in 3-hour shifts. A complete reading of the text stakes 48 hours.

The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Temple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs. The building of the Akal Takht was begun by Guru Arjan Dev and completed in 1609 by Guru Hargobind. The Adi Granth is housed in the ground floor of the Akal Takht and is taken out in procession every morning to be placed at the Harmandir Sahib. Again at night, it is brought back to the Akal Takht.

If you miss the early morning or evening processions, the palanquin that bears the Adi Granth can be seen in the treasury room on the first floor of the Akal Takht. The palanquin is set with precious stones and has silver poles and a gold canopy.

Shrines on the northern edge of the corridor are venerated as the 68 holy shrines of the Hindus. According to the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev, it was enough for the devout to visit these shrines and not visit all the original Hindu shrines which are spread all over the country. Many of these shrines have now been converted into a martyr’s gallery showing the gruesome history of the Sikhs. Around the Parikrama, or pathway, are four rectangular cubicles where Granthis (priests) sit and recite the Granth Sahib. Pilgrims leave offerings at the steps, and can also get the holy book recited in their names for a donation. At the eastern end are two brick watchtowers called the Ramgarhia Minars, which were damaged during Operation Blue Star in 1984. The Guru-ka-langar or community canteen is a Sikh institution, which was started by Guru Amar Das in the 16th century. The practice of eating together encouraged shedding of inhibitions and the principle of equality. The community kitchen feeds up to 10,000 people in a day, free of charges.

The Jubi tree, at the northwestern corner of the complex was planted some 450 year ago by the temple’s first head priest. The old, gnarled tree is believed to have special powers and childless women tie strips of cloth on it to be blessed with sons. Marriage deals are also fixed under the tree, though this practice is disapproved by the temple authorities. Two flagstaffs joined in the middle with the emblem of Guru Hargobind symbolise the dual aspects of Sikhism – religion and politics. Two swords of the emblem are enclosed in a circle with the inscription Ek Omkar (God is one). The Guru Ram Das and Guru Nanak hostels on one side of the complex offer free accommodation up to three nights for visitors.

The old city, with the Golden Temple and surrounding bazaars along narrow alleys, is encircled by a ring road. Even today, the markets have an ambience of ancient times, when traders bought and sold goods right across from central Asia up to the farthest corners of India. Little light reaches down to the congested streets, which are best negotiated on foot. There are rows upon rows of shops on each street selling specifics goods. Guru Bazaar specialises in gold jewellery shops, while the Bazaar Kesarian is for steel and brass utensils. The smells of Katra Kathian announce its wares before you reach the shops selling papads, warian (crispies made from pulses) murabbas (Indian jams), pickles and ampapad (dried mango candies). The Mishri Bazaar is the place to buy dry fruits, while Katra Mohan Singh offers a colourful kaleidoscope of bridal glass bangles.

Away from the bustling markets, is a spot that marks grim memories of India’s struggle for independence. The Jallianwala Bagh, about 400 metres north of the Golden Temple, is a small stretch of plain ground now converted into a park.Here, on 13th April, 1919 British troops led by General Dyer fired upon a group of assembled people, including women and children. The grounds are surrounded by high building walls on all sides, except a narrow access lane. A memorial plaque at the entrance recounts the history of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Inside, a martyrs’ memorial stands on the eastern end, while the well and bullet-ridden walls remain testimonials to the bloody massacre.

Around the old city there are other important Gurudwaras (Sikh temples), like the Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib, associated with the Sikh Gurus. Other shrines include the Hindu Durgiana Temple, a 16th century shrine dedicated to the divine couple Lakshmi and Narayan. To the northeast of the railway station is the Ram Bagh Gardens, with a museum housed in the palace built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The entrance to the garden is topped in red sandstone and inside is an interesting bathing tank constructed by a French General.

The ladies will have a great time where shopping is concerned. From salwar suits to bangles and other trinkets, the bazaars of Amritsar have it all especially in the old city. The little shops opposite the Golden temple are full of interesting little trinkets. One can buy juttis, steel kadas and even dry fruits here. The best woolens – shawls, sweaters and mufflers are available in Amritsar’s Hall bazaar.

If you are looking for gold jewellery and sandalwood carvings head for Guru Bazaar – you are bound to get good bargains here. And of course you cannot leave Amritsar without buying some of the famous Amritsari papads and wadiyans.

Finger licking food is available in Amritsar – from the proverbial Tandoori Chicken to the Chhole Kulchas on Maqbool Road and Amritsari Fish that is available at most of the dhabas sprinkled around the town. The Punjabi has a penchant for good food and it stands to reason that even the smallest of dhabas here will serve you really tasty and good food, whether its aloo parathas or sweet dishes like Phirni.

Try Chawla Chicken on Lawrence Road for their sumptous butter chicken and Kesar da Dhaba for traditional punjabi food as also thier phirni and lassi. For great vegetarian fare try the well known Bhrawa da Dhaba – you will not be disappointed.

The good restaurants are all in the newer city areas to the north of the station. In the restaurants of the upmarket hotels you can also sample some Chinese cuisine in addition to continental dishes. There is not much scope for wild nights out in Amritsar! You could catch a movie if you are in the mood and there is a bowling alley that is also popular.

Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the ‘Dargah Sharif’ the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill.

The saint’s marble domed mausoleum is India’s most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged.

The Urs or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage. Lengthy queues of several kilometres snake their way past the tomb at the shrine while outside the Dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as ‘Tabarukh’ or sanctified food. Within the dargah lies a mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Like all of Shah Jahan’s buildings, the mosque too, is an architectural marvel – a magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow courtyard for the faithful to pray in, richly embellished with ornate calligraphic inscriptions and delicate carvings and detailed trelliswork.

A short walk north of the Dargah brings you to the oldest surviving monument of Ajmer’s Muslim rule, the remarkable Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara. In 1193 A.D, the Afghan Mohammad Ghori conquered Ajmer and converted a Sanskrit school into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days.

Taragarh Fort was built on a hilltop by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city in the 7th century and is about 3 km from the city of Ajmer. A steep climb up rewards the weary visitor with an amazing birds eye view of Ajmer.

A spectacular road journey up and over the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) brings you to the holy town of Pushkar (11 km away), on the banks of the picturesque Pushkar Lake.

Just like any other place in Rajasthan, Ajmer is also a Shopper”s paradise. There are number of items that you can buy for yourself and for your close ones. The most famous shopping items are bandhini saris and dupattas, embroidered Jodhpuri juttis, ittar, ornaments, antiques and gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs.

There are a number of other shopping places in Ajmer, Rajasthan. One of them is the Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela. Here you will find typical Rajasthani items of home decor items, silver souvenirs, bangles, hand embroidered cloth bags, leather belts, woodcrafts, etc. Then, there is the Pushkar Fair, near Ajmer, where you can buy many handicraft items at reasonable prices.

There are plenty of middle of the road restaurants and cafes in Ajmer that serve an eclectic mix of cuisines at modest prices in modest surroundings. No ultra smart, elegant bars and restaurants in this predominantly pilgrim town. The entertainment scene livens up during the Urs with evenings of Sufi music, qawwalis and poetry reading sessions or at the time of the Pushkar Fair with folk dance and music shows. The rest of the year, the entertainment scene is fairly humdrum with little on except movies at the local cinema houses.

At Shirdi, wait for a brief darshan at Samadhi Mandir , the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called dhuni still burns here and its ash or udhi is smeared on devotees. The Chavadi is a small building in Shirdi where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night. Abdul Baba, was a famous disciple of Sai Baba. Baba is said to have frequented this house and several items used by Sai Baba and his disciples have been put on display for the tourists. It is located opposite the Chavadi. Lendi Baug is a garden that was made and cared for by Sri Sai Baba. Subsequently, a lighthouse was constructed at this place where a lamp is kept burning throughout the day and night as a mark of respect to the Baba.

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity. The shops open as early as 7 am and close late, at around 10:30 pm.

There are several local restaurants and those around the temple. Most restaurants offer vegetarian fare while hotels mainly cater to those looking for non vegetarian food. Woodlands Restaurant is located right opposite the Sai baba Mandir in Shirdi and offers fine Indian cuisine.

At Shirdi, wait for a brief darshan at Samadhi Mandir , the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called dhuni still burns here and its ash or udhi is smeared on devotees. The Chavadi is a small building in Shirdi where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night. Abdul Baba, was a famous disciple of Sai Baba. Baba is said to have frequented this house and several items used by Sai Baba and his disciples have been put on display for the tourists. It is located opposite the Chavadi. Lendi Baug is a garden that was made and cared for by Sri Sai Baba. Subsequently, a lighthouse was constructed at this place where a lamp is kept burning throughout the day and night as a mark of respect to the Baba.

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity. The shops open as early as 7 am and close late, at around 10:30 pm.

There are several local restaurants and those around the temple. Most restaurants offer vegetarian fare while hotels mainly cater to those looking for non vegetarian food. Woodlands Restaurant is located right opposite the Sai baba Mandir in Shirdi and offers fine Indian cuisine.

The main focus of activity is along the Ganga and on the bathing ghats. Har-ki-Pauri is the main ghat, with bridges and walkways connecting smaller islands in the river.

Metal chains hang from the bridges for pilgrims to hold onto while bathing in the swift currents of the river. It is believed that King Vikramaditya built the ghat in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, popular legend says that Lord Vishnu left his footprint at Har-ki-Pauri. Besides bathing at this site, you can take in the spectacular view of the Ganga Aarti in the evenings. Priests perform ritual worship of the river with huge multi-layered lamps, to the sound of conch shells and bells. Thousands of earthen lamps are floated in the water, which glitters like gold in the darkness. Though non-Hindus are not allowed onto the main ghat, they can watch the proceedings from the clocktower on a small island.

To the east of Har-ki-Pauri lies the shrine of Maya Devi , one of the 52 shaktipeethas revered by Hindus as the sites where body parts of Sati fell. Dating to the 11th century, the Maya Devi temple is said to be the spot where Sati’s heart and navel fell. Up north is the pool known as Bhimgoda . According to the epic Mahabharata, the Pandava hero Bhim drew water from the rocks by creating a pool with the stroke of his horse’s hoof.

On top of the Neel Parvat across the Ganga stands the Chandi Devi temple . Built in 1929 by the Maharaja of Kashmir, the last kilometre or so to the temple can be traversed on foot or on a cable car from the Gauri Shankar temple. According to popular legend, the Goddess Shakti killed the demon Chanda-Munda and gained the epithet Chandi, after which the temple is named.

Perched on the crest of the Bilwa Parvat , behind the town is the white painted shrine of Manasa Devi . Dedicated to the mother goddess, the main image in the temple is a three-headed, five armed Durga, while another idol has eight arms.

The temple can be accessed either by foot after a one-and-a-half kilometres trek or, by the ropeway that leaves from Upper Road near the station. From the temple, you get excellent views of the river and Haridwar.

The modern Bharat Mata Temple is an eight-storeyed edifice 5 kms north of the centre. The temple dedicated to ‘Mother India’ has images of important historical figures and Hindu deities.

Shanti Kunj is an ashram specialising in yoga lessons and natural cures. Pawan Dham has a temple dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman. The significant feature of this temple is its richly decorated glass interiors. A likeness of the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi at Jammu has been recently established in town.

On the outskirts of town – on the Jwalapur by-pass road is the Gurukul Kangri University , where training sessions in Ayurvedic medicine are conducted. The university also has a museum called Ved Mandir exhibiting artifacts from ancient times.

At Kankhal , 6 kms downstream, is the famous Daksha Mahadev Temple , also known as Shri Daksheshwar temple . According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha the father of Sati performed a grand fire sacrifice (yajna) at this spot.He invited all the celestial gods and goddesses except Shiva, his son in law, to the sacrifice, which enraged his daughter so much that she burnt herself in the sacrificial fire. When Shiva came to know of this, he beheaded the king, but later restored him to life. The temple is dedicated to this legend and has a gilded image of a serpent symbolising Shiva. The temple set on the banks of the Ganga, surrounded by trees, was built in 1810. Kankhal has some other temples and Ashrams besides the Daksha Mahadev temple.

Rajaji National Park , famous for its wild elephants, is a short distance away across the river.

The Bara Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Jwalapur areas of Haridwar are the main shopping centres, selling religious implements, brassware, cane and bamboo products, semi-precious stones, vermilion powder, herbal medicines, spices and pickles. The sacred rudraksha garland, made from strings of the rudraksha seed and used by religious men, is also sold here. Laymen however, can seldom accurately judge the authenticity of the seeds. You can pick up cans of Ganga water, which is used by Hindus in rituals for purification. Alternatively, you can buy jerry cans and collect the water yourself.

For a town that serves strict vegetarian food, the fare turned out is remarkably good. The choice is varied and from south Indian ‘dosas’ and ‘thalis’ to Punjabi “chana bhathura” and “parathas”. Whether you eat at food stalls or at restaurants, the food is bound to be wholesome and tasty!

There is no scope for entertainment in this holy town, except to watch the “Ganga Aarti” in the evenings when the river glitters with the light from hundreds of earthen lamps floating down it.

The main focus of activity is along the Ganga and on the bathing ghats. Har-ki-Pauri is the main ghat, with bridges and walkways connecting smaller islands in the river.

Metal chains hang from the bridges for pilgrims to hold onto while bathing in the swift currents of the river. It is believed that King Vikramaditya built the ghat in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, popular legend says that Lord Vishnu left his footprint at Har-ki-Pauri. Besides bathing at this site, you can take in the spectacular view of the Ganga Aarti in the evenings. Priests perform ritual worship of the river with huge multi-layered lamps, to the sound of conch shells and bells. Thousands of earthen lamps are floated in the water, which glitters like gold in the darkness. Though non-Hindus are not allowed onto the main ghat, they can watch the proceedings from the clocktower on a small island.

To the east of Har-ki-Pauri lies the shrine of Maya Devi , one of the 52 shaktipeethas revered by Hindus as the sites where body parts of Sati fell. Dating to the 11th century, the Maya Devi temple is said to be the spot where Sati’s heart and navel fell. Up north is the pool known as Bhimgoda . According to the epic Mahabharata, the Pandava hero Bhim drew water from the rocks by creating a pool with the stroke of his horse’s hoof.

On top of the Neel Parvat across the Ganga stands the Chandi Devi temple . Built in 1929 by the Maharaja of Kashmir, the last kilometre or so to the temple can be traversed on foot or on a cable car from the Gauri Shankar temple. According to popular legend, the Goddess Shakti killed the demon Chanda-Munda and gained the epithet Chandi, after which the temple is named.

Perched on the crest of the Bilwa Parvat , behind the town is the white painted shrine of Manasa Devi . Dedicated to the mother goddess, the main image in the temple is a three-headed, five armed Durga, while another idol has eight arms.

The temple can be accessed either by foot after a one-and-a-half kilometres trek or, by the ropeway that leaves from Upper Road near the station. From the temple, you get excellent views of the river and Haridwar.

The modern Bharat Mata Temple is an eight-storeyed edifice 5 kms north of the centre. The temple dedicated to ‘Mother India’ has images of important historical figures and Hindu deities.

Shanti Kunj is an ashram specialising in yoga lessons and natural cures. Pawan Dham has a temple dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman. The significant feature of this temple is its richly decorated glass interiors. A likeness of the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi at Jammu has been recently established in town.

On the outskirts of town – on the Jwalapur by-pass road is the Gurukul Kangri University , where training sessions in Ayurvedic medicine are conducted. The university also has a museum called Ved Mandir exhibiting artifacts from ancient times.

At Kankhal , 6 kms downstream, is the famous Daksha Mahadev Temple , also known as Shri Daksheshwar temple . According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha the father of Sati performed a grand fire sacrifice (yajna) at this spot.He invited all the celestial gods and goddesses except Shiva, his son in law, to the sacrifice, which enraged his daughter so much that she burnt herself in the sacrificial fire. When Shiva came to know of this, he beheaded the king, but later restored him to life. The temple is dedicated to this legend and has a gilded image of a serpent symbolising Shiva. The temple set on the banks of the Ganga, surrounded by trees, was built in 1810. Kankhal has some other temples and Ashrams besides the Daksha Mahadev temple.

Rajaji National Park , famous for its wild elephants, is a short distance away across the river.

The Bara Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Jwalapur areas of Haridwar are the main shopping centres, selling religious implements, brassware, cane and bamboo products, semi-precious stones, vermilion powder, herbal medicines, spices and pickles. The sacred rudraksha garland, made from strings of the rudraksha seed and used by religious men, is also sold here. Laymen however, can seldom accurately judge the authenticity of the seeds. You can pick up cans of Ganga water, which is used by Hindus in rituals for purification. Alternatively, you can buy jerry cans and collect the water yourself.

For a town that serves strict vegetarian food, the fare turned out is remarkably good. The choice is varied and from south Indian ‘dosas’ and ‘thalis’ to Punjabi “chana bhathura” and “parathas”. Whether you eat at food stalls or at restaurants, the food is bound to be wholesome and tasty!

There is no scope for entertainment in this holy town, except to watch the “Ganga Aarti” in the evenings when the river glitters with the light from hundreds of earthen lamps floating down it.

Situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri is a splendid beach resort with golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Sit under an umbrella, sip coconut water, swim in the shallow sea or surf ride the huge waves or check out the fishing village of the Nolia community.

The Jagannath Temple dedicated to Krishna is one of the four dhams or holy places venerated by Hindus and mandatory pilgrimage for the devout. This temple complex was built during the 12th century A.D. by Anantavarman Chodaganga as a place to offer prayers to the God Vishnu. The main features of the temples are its sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and its tapering 65m high spire.

The Jagmohan, the inner sanctum has images of the black hued Jagannath (an incarnation of Vishnu, the god Krishna), his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. It is said that the prasad or the sanctified food served at the temple is the tastiest morsel cooked in Puri. The temple is strictly off limits for non-Hindus.

The area surrounding the temple complex is fairly interesting with the Raghunandan Library, directly opposite the main gate of the Jagannath Temple. This library houses a dusty and neglected collection of rare palm leaf manuscripts and religious texts. Towards the south lies one of the most auspicious cremation grounds for Hindus, the Swargadwar or the gateway to heaven.

Other temples in the town are the Gundicha, the Lokanath, the Sunaragauranga, the Daria Mahabir and the Tota Gopinath temples. Puri is also dotted with holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna.

Grand Avenue, Puri”s broad main street is lined with shops and stalls that sell rudraksha (holy seeds) and sandalwood beads, Ayurvedic cures and the images of Lord Jagannath. Another local speciality is the amazing “religious maps” of Puri where the pilgrimage sites are traditionally represented with a conch shell made up of seven concentric layers. Otherwise soap -stone, seashell, pattachitras and palm leaf paintings, horn work, woodcarvings and solapith work can be purchased from the government run emporia and shops in Puri. Down the road towards the railway station is Sudarshan workshop, one of the few traditional stone carvers” yards left in Puri. The sculptors and their apprentices seem more interested in pursuing their art than selling it to tourists, but if you are keen on buying a souvenir then go to the factory shop next door and purchase large religious icons carved out of khondalite, the multi-coloured stone used in the Sun temple at Konarak.

A range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at the restaurants of the upmarket hotels. Chinese, Indian and European Continental figure on all the menus, though visitors might not always recognise the taste of the food served! Seafood is fresh from the waters of the Indian Ocean. Inexpensive eating options are limited to the handful of cafes that dish up local food in platefuls. Vendors on and around the beach serve Indianised versions of fast food like burgers and noodles and of course, all the Indian favourites.

Situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri is a splendid beach resort with golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Sit under an umbrella, sip coconut water, swim in the shallow sea or surf ride the huge waves or check out the fishing village of the Nolia community.

The Jagannath Temple dedicated to Krishna is one of the four dhams or holy places venerated by Hindus and mandatory pilgrimage for the devout. This temple complex was built during the 12th century A.D. by Anantavarman Chodaganga as a place to offer prayers to the God Vishnu. The main features of the temples are its sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and its tapering 65m high spire.

The Jagmohan, the inner sanctum has images of the black hued Jagannath (an incarnation of Vishnu, the god Krishna), his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. It is said that the prasad or the sanctified food served at the temple is the tastiest morsel cooked in Puri. The temple is strictly off limits for non-Hindus.

The area surrounding the temple complex is fairly interesting with the Raghunandan Library, directly opposite the main gate of the Jagannath Temple. This library houses a dusty and neglected collection of rare palm leaf manuscripts and religious texts. Towards the south lies one of the most auspicious cremation grounds for Hindus, the Swargadwar or the gateway to heaven.

Other temples in the town are the Gundicha, the Lokanath, the Sunaragauranga, the Daria Mahabir and the Tota Gopinath temples. Puri is also dotted with holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna.

Grand Avenue, Puri”s broad main street is lined with shops and stalls that sell rudraksha (holy seeds) and sandalwood beads, Ayurvedic cures and the images of Lord Jagannath. Another local speciality is the amazing “religious maps” of Puri where the pilgrimage sites are traditionally represented with a conch shell made up of seven concentric layers. Otherwise soap -stone, seashell, pattachitras and palm leaf paintings, horn work, woodcarvings and solapith work can be purchased from the government run emporia and shops in Puri. Down the road towards the railway station is Sudarshan workshop, one of the few traditional stone carvers” yards left in Puri. The sculptors and their apprentices seem more interested in pursuing their art than selling it to tourists, but if you are keen on buying a souvenir then go to the factory shop next door and purchase large religious icons carved out of khondalite, the multi-coloured stone used in the Sun temple at Konarak.

A range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at the restaurants of the upmarket hotels. Chinese, Indian and European Continental figure on all the menus, though visitors might not always recognise the taste of the food served! Seafood is fresh from the waters of the Indian Ocean. Inexpensive eating options are limited to the handful of cafes that dish up local food in platefuls. Vendors on and around the beach serve Indianised versions of fast food like burgers and noodles and of course, all the Indian favourites.

Situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri is a splendid beach resort with golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Sit under an umbrella, sip coconut water, swim in the shallow sea or surf ride the huge waves or check out the fishing village of the Nolia community.

The Jagannath Temple dedicated to Krishna is one of the four dhams or holy places venerated by Hindus and mandatory pilgrimage for the devout. This temple complex was built during the 12th century A.D. by Anantavarman Chodaganga as a place to offer prayers to the God Vishnu. The main features of the temples are its sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and its tapering 65m high spire.

The Jagmohan, the inner sanctum has images of the black hued Jagannath (an incarnation of Vishnu, the god Krishna), his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. It is said that the prasad or the sanctified food served at the temple is the tastiest morsel cooked in Puri. The temple is strictly off limits for non-Hindus.

The area surrounding the temple complex is fairly interesting with the Raghunandan Library, directly opposite the main gate of the Jagannath Temple. This library houses a dusty and neglected collection of rare palm leaf manuscripts and religious texts. Towards the south lies one of the most auspicious cremation grounds for Hindus, the Swargadwar or the gateway to heaven.

Other temples in the town are the Gundicha, the Lokanath, the Sunaragauranga, the Daria Mahabir and the Tota Gopinath temples. Puri is also dotted with holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna.

Grand Avenue, Puri”s broad main street is lined with shops and stalls that sell rudraksha (holy seeds) and sandalwood beads, Ayurvedic cures and the images of Lord Jagannath. Another local speciality is the amazing “religious maps” of Puri where the pilgrimage sites are traditionally represented with a conch shell made up of seven concentric layers. Otherwise soap -stone, seashell, pattachitras and palm leaf paintings, horn work, woodcarvings and solapith work can be purchased from the government run emporia and shops in Puri. Down the road towards the railway station is Sudarshan workshop, one of the few traditional stone carvers” yards left in Puri. The sculptors and their apprentices seem more interested in pursuing their art than selling it to tourists, but if you are keen on buying a souvenir then go to the factory shop next door and purchase large religious icons carved out of khondalite, the multi-coloured stone used in the Sun temple at Konarak.

A range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at the restaurants of the upmarket hotels. Chinese, Indian and European Continental figure on all the menus, though visitors might not always recognise the taste of the food served! Seafood is fresh from the waters of the Indian Ocean. Inexpensive eating options are limited to the handful of cafes that dish up local food in platefuls. Vendors on and around the beach serve Indianised versions of fast food like burgers and noodles and of course, all the Indian favourites.

Austria can be justifiably described as a country where stunning Alpine landscape is peppered with magnificent man-made structures. Vienna as the one-time capital of the imperial Hapsburgs and the present capital contains more architectural gems than you could do justice to in one short trip. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and surrounding grounds, the Belvedere Palace, the Ringstrasse and the various excellent museums are some of the standard attractions. There are also numerous operas & orchestras including the cherubic Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Staatsoper.

Innsbruck has the some of the best hiking and skiing in the country, and if you fancy a little sunbathing, head for the banks of the Bodensee. Graz is a lovely town with narrow cobbled streets and an interesting past as second city to Vienna. Some of the all-time favourite natural sights in Austria are the flora and fauna at the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Krimml Waterfalls and the Eisriesenwelt ice caves near Werfen.

The hills in the Salzburg area are truly alive with the sound of music, it being the home of both Mozart and the von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame! There are numerous opportunities in the city to explore the composer’s life and work in detail, including an excellent Mozart museum and the Summer International Festival held in July-August. For some regular, feel-good mush, take the Sound of Music tour that takes you to many of the places the film was shot in, and some of the places that the original von Trapp family inhabited. Salzburg is also home to some of the best Baroque architecture, especially in the old town.

The Hohensalzburg museum, St Peter’s Abbey and the Baroque Hellbrunn Palace with its quirky trick fountains are definitely worth seeing. The area around Salzburg called Salzkammergut has some spectacular scenery due to the presence of several lakes created by glacial movement. The hills in the area are a rich source of salt. The village of Hallstatt , balanced precariously on top of a cliff, is considered one of the most picturesque in the area.

A few hours by bus from Salzburg, just over the border to Germany is the famed Eagle’s Nest – Hitler’s top-secret mountain retreat made immortal by the film ”Where Eagles Dare”. Tours for Eagle’s Nest and the underground salt mines leave daily from Salzburg.

Shops are generally open during the week, though on Saturday the timings would vary from shop to shop. They are closed all through Sundays. A VAT (Value Added Tax) is included on all sales. If you are not a citizen of a EU country, you can claim a VAT refund, but the amount to be refunded must be a minimum of EUR 360.

Check out the food and flea markets in Vienna for some outstanding ‘finds’-both domestic and international. Innsbruck is known for sparkling crystals.

The range of dining options in Austria includes frankfurter stands, quick-lunch stops, cafes, wine taverns, self-service restaurants, small establishments featuring local specialties and expensive restaurants. An inexpensive alternative to a restaurant meal is to combine any of the mouth-watering array of snacks available in Austria with coffee. Prices will of course be higher in a snazzy place and in the bigger cities. A jacket and tie are advisable for the pricey restaurants, but you can dress casually elsewhere.

Entertainment should never be a problem in Austria, especially if one visits during the cultural season – April to September. There is a frenzy of music festivals, open-air concerts and film/theatre festivals in the summer. For more regular nightlife options, try the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ – the bar and pub-filled area around Ruprechtsplatz, Seitenstettengasse, Rabensteig and Salzgries in the central zone near the Danube Canal in Vienna. The town of Graz is also known for its active nightlife.

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

There are many sights to keep you enthralled in Kathmandu.

Royal ruins: Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is lovely, littered as it is with the varied legacies of the classy Mallas, the martial Prithvi Narayan and the somewhat loud Ranas. The Hanuman Dhoka palace is no longer the residence of the Shah kings but is still used for ceremonial gatherings and events like the coronation. The Hanuman Dhoka gate has a fantastic carved representation of Lord Ram’s Man Friday: the revered monkey god here is awash in vermilion ‘sindur’ paste. Only a part of the grounds is open to visitors. The half man-half lion Narsimha figure of one of the incarnations of Vishnu is from 1673 AD when the king Pratap Malla danced dressed like the god and then sought to appease Him by having a statue made in His honour. Must’ve worked considering the Malla king enjoyed a long and glorious time at the throne!

Temple trail: Small streets and winding alleys never cease to surprise you because invariably waiting at the other end (and along the way) is a temple. The capital of the world’s only Hindu kingdom does itself proud housing an astounding number of shrines dedicated either to Vishnu The Preserver, Shiva The Destroyer or Goddess Durga from whom flows All Energy. The most important temple in Kathmandu and really all of Nepal is Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva in his form as protector of animals. The Kasthamandap Temple is now dedicated to the patron saint of the ruling Shahs. A lovely wooden pergola reputedly built from a single tree covers the shrine of this temple from which the city is said to have picked up its name. Perhaps the oldest structure in the area, the Kasthamandap Mandir dates back to the 14th century. The 16th century Taleju Temple looms over Durbar Square with the three tiers of its golden dome literally outshining everything around. The Manju Dewal temple is a good vantage point at the Durbar Square. From the pagoda roof you can watch the activity down below before plunging back into it. In Budhanilkantha, a short way out of the city, a statue of Vishnu on a bed of snakes seems to float on the pond. The Kala Bhairab and Sweta Bhairab and Akash Bhairab are all shrines to Shiva.

Stunning stupa: Swayambhunath is the most famous of the Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu. In a country where Hindus and Buddhists have traditionally commingled, pictures of the ‘face of Swayambhu’ adorn brochures as often as Boudhanath, Pashupatinath or Everest. Sitting on a hilltop Swayambhu is a little challenging for the infirm amongst us but do go for the view, for offering up a prayer by turning an inscribed wheel and for the calm that comes from just being around the peace loving Buddhists.

Of museums, matrons, markets and much more:

Whatever is the point of museums in this city where ancient temples, sacred detailed carvings, art, craft and more spill out onto the streets and rub shoulders with you? The Natural History Museum has stuffed animals that someone framed when there were more alive ones around (and now there aren’t so you have to come here to see them!) The National Museum will give you a good idea about Nepal’s rich, sometimes tumultuous and always exciting history. The Kumari Palace is where Nepal’s resident goddess lives. Every once in a while, there is a hunt for the girl who is The Goddess Kali incarnate. This is where The Chosen One lives thereafter. In Bangemudha, (literally Twisted Wood) resides the god that looks after dental well-being. Going by the number of clinics that line the road leading up to it, looks like He has amply strong backup!

Mementos from Nepal could be many. Wacky t-shirts spread the message of general bonhomie: ‘yak yak yak yak-Nepal’ is a popular one. Buddhist Thanka paintings with detailed and delicate depictions of cosmic order and holy lives should ideally be consecrated. Buddhists use these scroll paintings of silk for sacred duties, but as just fine works of art too they are beautiful. Newari ‘paubha’ paintings are similar but not as elaborate. Kukri knives were the export that accompanied that other famous export of Nepal, giving the Gorkha warrior his cutting edge. Ornate bells that ring true and clear and other metalwork products are great. Woodcarvings, embroidered satin, strings of coloured beads, woven shawls…marvellous kitsch.

In tourist hot spots like Kathmandu and Pokhara you’ll be taken aback at the range of cuisine that’s on offer. Nutty buns, creamy pastries, gooey chocolate cake, cheesy pizzas; Chinese, Italian, Tibetan, Indian, and ‘Continental’, all find their way on to restaurant menus. With a curiously Nepalese twist of course!

There’s plenty of fun to be had in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The nightlife is not hopping though discos, pubs and jazz at cafes in Thamel liven up the scene somewhat. In Kathmandu, casinos are open through 24 hours. Cinemas at the Kathmandu complex screen movies in English. Restaurants show surprisingly current videos of Hollywood fare. Some hotels and the sports complex let you pay-and-play. Catch a game of tennis, put in some laps at the pool, and there are many snooker parlours where you may pot a shot.

The Nepalese gather nightly for community singing sessions, raksi (the local brew) in hand, song on lips and music in the heart. Strains of folk song spill out on the street and you’ll hear them when you’re walking around late evenings.

Egypt is considered the land of ‘sights’ in the popular imagination, and not without good reason—from the pyramids at Giza, the awe-inspiring Sphinx and the monuments liberally littering ancient Thebes, to the underwater explosion of colour in the coral reefs off the Red sea coast.

Egypt’s destinations can be divided into six super-sites—theJMb north coast and the delta area, the upper Nile area, the lower Nile area, the desert and oases, the Sinai and Red Sea area, and Cairo and the surrounding areas.

The north coast has the novelty of pleasant climate even in the summer (it being the Egyptian Mediterranean), and has two main tourist centres—Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh. Alexandria was founded in 332 BC by Alexander (surprise!), and has a long and glorious history as a centre for trade and learning. Today, it is a waterfront town with some pleasant 18th and 19th century colonial buildings.

Marsa Matrouh is being enthusiastically developed by the Egyptian government as a major tourist center, but despite some good beaches (Shatt al-Gharam, Agiba and Ubaiyyad), it has little to offer.

The upper Nile area (which is actually in the south of the country) boasts three very interesting towns, albeit for different reasons.

The city of Luxor is a regular tourist hotspot for the reason most travelers visit Egypt—the sheer grandeur of its well-preserved monuments dating from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms of ancient Egypt. The best part is that you don’t need to be an Egyptologist or even a history buff to appreciate the beauty of Luxor’s monuments. The temples of Karnak on the east bank of the Nile in the Luxor area are nothing short of spectacular. The west bank holds the Necropolis of the ancient city of Thebes.

The Valley of Kings here is highly recommended, since the tombs there give one a sense of the elaborate way in which ancient Egyptians conceptualized the afterlife. The tombs of Ramses VI, Queen Tawsert/Sethnakt and Tuthmosis III are the most impressive, and are better value for your money than the much-hyped Tutankhamen’s tomb. The tomb of Queen Nefertari allegedly contains the finest wall paintings in all of Egypt.

Aswan, a strikingly attractive and historic town on the Nile, contains a newly excavated town on Elephantine Island, the Unfinished Obelisk, the well-preserved Monastery of St Simeon and the Tombs of the Nobles dating from the Old and Middle kingdom. One activity that is an absolute must when you visit Aswan is taking a felucca ride. The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, about four hours from Aswan, is also worth visiting—it was relocated out of the way of the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the 1960s thanks to UNESCO.

The monuments of the now-submerged island of Philae, now relocated in another island located just south of Aswan are the remaining attractions in the upper Nile area. The main structure is the Temple to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of sexuality and motherhood.

The lower Nile area contains the towns of Beni Hassan (with some extremely interesting tombs dating from the Middle Kingdom located in the limestone cliffs on the outskirts), the town of Hermopolis where the ancient god of wisdom, Thuth, is believed to have laid the cosmic egg which gave birth to the sun god and ultimately, to all of life! The friendly, lively university town of Minya is a good base to travel to the nearby tourist sites or just relax for a day or two.

The Western Desert has become more frequently visited in recent years, since there are some very pleasant oases like Siwa, Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra and the most well-known of them, Bahariyya. Siwa is a relatively well kept tourist secret, and has a charming, unhurried atmosphere, friendly locals, some craft/souvenir shops, and numerous springs where you can bathe. To the north of Kharga is the Temple of Hibis, built by the Persian emperor Darius I. Farafra has little of interest in the town itself, but from here, one can take a day trip to the spectacular White Desert.

The Sinai and Red Sea area contain the three tourist centres of Hurghada - a former fishing village on the Red Sea, and now teeming with facilities for diving and snorkeling; the relatively less developed coastal resort of Sharm el-Shaikh, with gorgeous marine life in the surrounding water, and Mount Sinai, where it is believed that Moses received his Ten Commandments, and a very scenic area. Just a word of caution about the diving—familiarize yourself with the dangers well in advance, and never step on the coral.

Cairo was once the Byzantine city of Babylon—the same as in the song “by the rivers of Babylon…” In 969 AD, the Fatimid rulers captured the reigns of power, to be succeeded by the Mameluks, a slave dynasty. They left behind a warren of districts like Al-Muski, Darb al-Ahmar and Gamaliya. The old-world charm here is palpable, and well worth soaking in. The most impressive structures are the Citadel, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan and one of the largest mosques in the world, the Ibn Tulun. The twin minarets of the Mosque of Mu’ayyad offer great views of the city. The section called Old Cairo is where Babylon once stood—its main attractions are the Coptic Hanging Church and the monastery/church of St Sergius, supposedly built on the place where the biblical Holy Family rested while escaping from King Herod. Memphis borders Cairo and is renowned for the Temple of Ptah, which has within its precincts the Alabaster Sphinx and the gargantuan statue of Rameses II.

Today, Cairo is a lively and tourist-friendly city, with an active cultural scene and a bustling nightlife. The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit, with endless rows of sarcophagi, mummies and other tomb treasures. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days except Friday, when it is closed for a few hours. Students get a 50% discount on entry fee, which is US$6 and an additional US$18 if you want to see the Royal Mummy Room. The Khan al-Khalili is a vast maze of shops in Cairo that offer fantastic opportunities for souvenir hunting. Bargain like crazy!

No monuments is Egypt are visited as much as the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx —this is truly the stuff that the glossiest Egyptian tourist brochures are made of! The three pyramids are devoted to the father-son-grandson trio of Cheops, Cephren and Mycerinus. The first two are the most impressive. Entry to the pyramid grounds costs US$6.

Egyptologists and archeologists differ over the exact significance of the Sphinx (known in Arabic as ‘Abu al-Hol’ or the ‘father of terror’) in Egyptian culture, but there is no doubting the sheer grandeur of the figure. The nightly sound and light performances at the Sphinx give you a vivid picture of how life in its heyday must have been. The Solar Boat Museum near the pyramids is also worth visiting.

The former Pharaonic capital of Memphis lies in ruins 24 km south of Cairo, and its main attraction is a statue of Ramses II. The site of Saqqara, a few kilometers from Memphis, contains numerous pyramids, temples and tombs, including the Step Pyramid of Zoser.

Egypt can be a shopper’s delight – exquisite carpets, typical Egyptian historical reproductions and artifacts (the best ones are found in Luxor and Aswan), papyrus wall hangings, dates and dry fruits, spices and prayer beads, colourful fabric and clothes, fabulous jewellery. Its an endless list.

The cities have their own quaint bazaars, the most famous of which is the Khan-el- Khalili in Cairo. Walk down the crowded lanes and do the expected thing – bargain your way through quaint shops selling a host of quaint dreams. This trip is not just a shopping experience – savour the flavours of a different world. At the modern shopping malls you can shop in airconditioned comfort and pick up wall hangings and the famous Egyptian rugs and carpets among other things.

Shopping hours – remember the summer siesta.

Summers : 9 am to 12.30 pm and then 4 pm to 8 pm Saturdays through Thursdays. Winters : 9 am to 7 pm daily

Finding food at any time should not be any problem at all in Cairo. The average Egyptian enjoys his/her snacks and meals and you should be able to do the same, provided you are at least a little experimental. Middle Eastern food like Ta’amiya, chawarma and fuul is readily available, and Cairo also offers a good representation of world cuisine.

For entertainment, you should definitely attend a Sufi dance (known as the raqs ash-sharqi) performed every Wednesday and Friday) at the Madrassa of Al-Ghouri in Islamic Cairo. Sufism is a Muslim mystical order that believes in and direct communication with god through means such as ecstatic singing and dancin. There are also quite a few good cinemas.

Egypt is considered the land of ‘sights’ in the popular imagination, and not without good reason—from the pyramids at Giza, the awe-inspiring Sphinx and the monuments liberally littering ancient Thebes, to the underwater explosion of colour in the coral reefs off the Red sea coast.

Egypt’s destinations can be divided into six super-sites—theJMb north coast and the delta area, the upper Nile area, the lower Nile area, the desert and oases, the Sinai and Red Sea area, and Cairo and the surrounding areas.

The north coast has the novelty of pleasant climate even in the summer (it being the Egyptian Mediterranean), and has two main tourist centres—Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh. Alexandria was founded in 332 BC by Alexander (surprise!), and has a long and glorious history as a centre for trade and learning. Today, it is a waterfront town with some pleasant 18th and 19th century colonial buildings.

Marsa Matrouh is being enthusiastically developed by the Egyptian government as a major tourist center, but despite some good beaches (Shatt al-Gharam, Agiba and Ubaiyyad), it has little to offer.

The upper Nile area (which is actually in the south of the country) boasts three very interesting towns, albeit for different reasons.

The city of Luxor is a regular tourist hotspot for the reason most travelers visit Egypt—the sheer grandeur of its well-preserved monuments dating from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms of ancient Egypt. The best part is that you don’t need to be an Egyptologist or even a history buff to appreciate the beauty of Luxor’s monuments. The temples of Karnak on the east bank of the Nile in the Luxor area are nothing short of spectacular. The west bank holds the Necropolis of the ancient city of Thebes.

The Valley of Kings here is highly recommended, since the tombs there give one a sense of the elaborate way in which ancient Egyptians conceptualized the afterlife. The tombs of Ramses VI, Queen Tawsert/Sethnakt and Tuthmosis III are the most impressive, and are better value for your money than the much-hyped Tutankhamen’s tomb. The tomb of Queen Nefertari allegedly contains the finest wall paintings in all of Egypt.

Aswan, a strikingly attractive and historic town on the Nile, contains a newly excavated town on Elephantine Island, the Unfinished Obelisk, the well-preserved Monastery of St Simeon and the Tombs of the Nobles dating from the Old and Middle kingdom. One activity that is an absolute must when you visit Aswan is taking a felucca ride. The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, about four hours from Aswan, is also worth visiting—it was relocated out of the way of the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the 1960s thanks to UNESCO.

The monuments of the now-submerged island of Philae, now relocated in another island located just south of Aswan are the remaining attractions in the upper Nile area. The main structure is the Temple to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of sexuality and motherhood.

The lower Nile area contains the towns of Beni Hassan (with some extremely interesting tombs dating from the Middle Kingdom located in the limestone cliffs on the outskirts), the town of Hermopolis where the ancient god of wisdom, Thuth, is believed to have laid the cosmic egg which gave birth to the sun god and ultimately, to all of life! The friendly, lively university town of Minya is a good base to travel to the nearby tourist sites or just relax for a day or two.

The Western Desert has become more frequently visited in recent years, since there are some very pleasant oases like Siwa, Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra and the most well-known of them, Bahariyya. Siwa is a relatively well kept tourist secret, and has a charming, unhurried atmosphere, friendly locals, some craft/souvenir shops, and numerous springs where you can bathe. To the north of Kharga is the Temple of Hibis, built by the Persian emperor Darius I. Farafra has little of interest in the town itself, but from here, one can take a day trip to the spectacular White Desert.

The Sinai and Red Sea area contain the three tourist centres of Hurghada - a former fishing village on the Red Sea, and now teeming with facilities for diving and snorkeling; the relatively less developed coastal resort of Sharm el-Shaikh, with gorgeous marine life in the surrounding water, and Mount Sinai, where it is believed that Moses received his Ten Commandments, and a very scenic area. Just a word of caution about the diving—familiarize yourself with the dangers well in advance, and never step on the coral.

Cairo was once the Byzantine city of Babylon—the same as in the song “by the rivers of Babylon…” In 969 AD, the Fatimid rulers captured the reigns of power, to be succeeded by the Mameluks, a slave dynasty. They left behind a warren of districts like Al-Muski, Darb al-Ahmar and Gamaliya. The old-world charm here is palpable, and well worth soaking in. The most impressive structures are the Citadel, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan and one of the largest mosques in the world, the Ibn Tulun. The twin minarets of the Mosque of Mu’ayyad offer great views of the city. The section called Old Cairo is where Babylon once stood—its main attractions are the Coptic Hanging Church and the monastery/church of St Sergius, supposedly built on the place where the biblical Holy Family rested while escaping from King Herod. Memphis borders Cairo and is renowned for the Temple of Ptah, which has within its precincts the Alabaster Sphinx and the gargantuan statue of Rameses II.

Today, Cairo is a lively and tourist-friendly city, with an active cultural scene and a bustling nightlife. The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit, with endless rows of sarcophagi, mummies and other tomb treasures. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days except Friday, when it is closed for a few hours. Students get a 50% discount on entry fee, which is US$6 and an additional US$18 if you want to see the Royal Mummy Room. The Khan al-Khalili is a vast maze of shops in Cairo that offer fantastic opportunities for souvenir hunting. Bargain like crazy!

No monuments is Egypt are visited as much as the Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx —this is truly the stuff that the glossiest Egyptian tourist brochures are made of! The three pyramids are devoted to the father-son-grandson trio of Cheops, Cephren and Mycerinus. The first two are the most impressive. Entry to the pyramid grounds costs US$6.

Egyptologists and archeologists differ over the exact significance of the Sphinx (known in Arabic as ‘Abu al-Hol’ or the ‘father of terror’) in Egyptian culture, but there is no doubting the sheer grandeur of the figure. The nightly sound and light performances at the Sphinx give you a vivid picture of how life in its heyday must have been. The Solar Boat Museum near the pyramids is also worth visiting.

The former Pharaonic capital of Memphis lies in ruins 24 km south of Cairo, and its main attraction is a statue of Ramses II. The site of Saqqara, a few kilometers from Memphis, contains numerous pyramids, temples and tombs, including the Step Pyramid of Zoser.

Egypt can be a shopper’s delight – exquisite carpets, typical Egyptian historical reproductions and artifacts (the best ones are found in Luxor and Aswan), papyrus wall hangings, dates and dry fruits, spices and prayer beads, colourful fabric and clothes, fabulous jewellery. Its an endless list.

The cities have their own quaint bazaars, the most famous of which is the Khan-el- Khalili in Cairo. Walk down the crowded lanes and do the expected thing – bargain your way through quaint shops selling a host of quaint dreams. This trip is not just a shopping experience – savour the flavours of a different world. At the modern shopping malls you can shop in airconditioned comfort and pick up wall hangings and the famous Egyptian rugs and carpets among other things.

Shopping hours – remember the summer siesta.

Summers : 9 am to 12.30 pm and then 4 pm to 8 pm Saturdays through Thursdays. Winters : 9 am to 7 pm daily

Finding food at any time should not be any problem at all in Cairo. The average Egyptian enjoys his/her snacks and meals and you should be able to do the same, provided you are at least a little experimental. Middle Eastern food like Ta’amiya, chawarma and fuul is readily available, and Cairo also offers a good representation of world cuisine.

For entertainment, you should definitely attend a Sufi dance (known as the raqs ash-sharqi) performed every Wednesday and Friday) at the Madrassa of Al-Ghouri in Islamic Cairo. Sufism is a Muslim mystical order that believes in and direct communication with god through means such as ecstatic singing and dancin. There are also quite a few good cinemas.

Tashkent is at its architectural best in the old part of the city that survived both the earthquake and the subsequent Soviet rebuilding.

In Eski Shakhar, there is the atmospheric Chorsu bazaar where one must go to see or buy the wares of Uzbekistan, plump raisins, rotund watermelons and juicy apricots (in season), carpets, ceramics, choy (for tea is the beverage of choice beating by a whisker, vodka), flavoured spices and herbs, the pulse of the city. Take your camera.

Near the domed Chorsu bazaar, called so for it is at a crossroad, is one of the old Islamic monuments that survived the seismic upheaval. The Kukeldash Madarsa was built in the 16th century overlooking the square where many a public execution was effected. The square no longer stands and well, nor does the tradition, the monument itself is being turned into a museum. The Barak Khan Madarsa on Khasty Imam Sq. is now the residence of the Mufti of the entire Central Asian region. The Tellya Sheikh mosque stands opposite the madarsa and is the main centre for Friday prayers in Tashkent. The Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum , the tomb of the great Uzbek physic, philosopher and poet who lived in the 10th century AD, Abu Bakr Muhammad Kafal Shashi Sheikh dates back to the 15th century.

Before 1917 Tashkent was divided into distinctly different old and new quarters – the new one peopled by the more westernised and mostly Christian Russians, the old one by native Uzbeks, mostly Islamic and fairly orthodox. The two quarters were divided by the Ankhor canal. The main street that ran through the old quarter is the main street in Tashkent today; the Navoi Prospekt, named so as a tribute to the Turkish poet Ali Shir Nava’i passes some of Tashkent’s chief attractions. The political focus of the city is on Mustakillik Square off which runs the Alleya Paradov (i.e. Boulevard of Parades) where most government buildings are situated, and the Revolution Garden. Mustakillik or Independence Square has been the Catholic Square owing to the preponderance of the nearby cathedral, and in Soviet times, the city’s Red Square. The cultural focus is on Theatre Square off which stand the monument to Ali Sher and the Navoi Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Opera and Ballet . One of the many outdoor attractions is the monument of courage that is dedicated to the Soviet people who came in droves from many of the socialist republics to help rebuild Tashkent after the massive 1966 earthquake.

Tashkent has museums in plenty, theatre, the opera and ballet flourish, it’s emporia stock ware from various regions of Uzbekistan. Don’t miss the Museum of Applied Arts where crafts from all over Uzbekistan are displayed in quiet rooms with muted lighting. The Museum of Fine Arts , one of the oldest in Uzbekistan, and has one of the richest collections of art in all of Central Asia. The Uzbek Puppet Theatre , the opera and ballet at the Navoi Theatre add drama and colour to the city’s life. The Amir Temur Museum celebrates the life of Uzbekistan’s most famous hero, Timur the Lame, captain courageous, ruthless ruler and great patron of the arts.

Tashkent has a sizeable number of supermarkets, which stock food, cold drinks, toiletries, batteries, appliances etc but the prices in these are higher than corresponding prices in the open market. Tashkent’s open markets are a sight to behold with plump fruits, spices, pyramids of vegetables, shoes, carved wooden goods, painted ceramics, the famous carpets of Uzbekistan, clothes and traditional dopys or Uzbek hats. Shashlyk kebabs, huge meat patties called samsas, tea and vodka are available at choykhanas all over Tashkent and everywhere in the country. These tea stalls are the heart of street socialising, where men (usually men) sit around till dusk exchanging news and views over noodle stew, endless cups of tea and cigarettes.

The Alayski Bazaar on Amir temur Streets and the open Chorsu bazaar in the old part of town are the choice of tourists and locals alike for their everyday gaiety, good-natured bargaining over food and frills, for their colours and local exotica.

Most markets are open everyday, usually from 9 am to 7 pm. Food stalls open earlier at 8 am and close earlier too, usually by 6 pm. The Hippodrome, where articles such as clothes, leatherwear, shoes and electronic gizmos are on sale, is closed on Monday.

Of all the places in Uzbekistan dining out is at its most sophisticated in Tashkent and there too it is still a rough & ready scene. It is where Russian expats and newly rich Uzbek businessmen chow down and drink up, where waitresses linger over shoulders for that slightly bigger tip; all in all the worst of Uzbek city culture pops out with the shampanski cork at restaurants across the city. Dining out has not caught the fancy of many with local cuisine being the most widely available. There is a token presence of cuisine other than Uzbek in Tashkent in the few Chinese, Korean and Russian restaurants. The Tashkent TV tower, for example, has two revolving restaurants, one for Uzbek cuisine and the other for continental or European cuisine. Otherwise restaurants serve the traditional plov and shashlik, and a variety of soups and breads. Plov, the staple dish of rice cooked with chunks of mutton, carrots and turnips, is common to all five Central Asian republics. Shashlik kebabs are skewered and roasted in coal fire, and served with generous portions of sliced raw onions. Shorpa is a meat and vegetable broth, wanton like manti are thick noodles with meat filling, and samsa, widely available at roadside stalls, is a small fried meat pie. Meat in Uzbekistan is lamb, beef or chicken. Chicken curry is usually eaten with soft bread called non. Noodles served with many soups are thick and flat and called laghman. The most widely available alcoholic drink is vodka. That and tea are the beverages of choice here, and shots of either are on hand at every nook and corner and along the highways at chaikhanas or choyhonas, literally, tea houses. There’s also shampanski, a light sparkling wine, beer, local and Russian, and kefir, which is thick cooling drink made of yoghurt that can be either sweet or salty. Check out the cafes on Sayelgokh Street locally referred to as Tashkent Broadway, which essentially are glorified choykhanas. In most of Uzbekistan, life on the streets comes to a standstill by 8:30 at night. Tashkent has few discos and bars but the Navoi Theatre on most evenings has a programme of opera or ballet. Many restaurants have night shows where dancers and singers entertain the diners with locally popular songs. Some restaurants also feature ‘cultural’ nights when the music and dance is not a shady representation of MTV pop, but an authentic traditional Uzbek performance.

Big and beautiful, multi-faceted America is sightseeing paradise. A nation blessed with many natural wonders and always on the move, it has plenty to offer to visitors. In the ever-evolving mega-cities, you can spend days looking up the historic homes, the excellent museums and enjoy yourself at the various amusement and entertainment arcades. In the national forests and parks, you can loose yourself in the beauty of your natural surroundings.

Wild-life watching can fill your days in the National Park -the thrill of sighting the animals in their habitat is exciting, to say the least! Driving around the countryside affords the opportunity to enjoy the wide-open spaces, the rolling fields and the charming small towns spread along the expressways.

Enjoy the magnificent mountain sceneries from the various ski-resorts and mountain towns. In beach-front towns, succumb to the beauty of pristine beaches, calm and turbulent seas, dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops. Lose yourself in the gambling cities and theme parks that set out deliberately and very successfully to make you see magic, even for a day or night, as the case may be!!!

Shop till you drop. Consumer paradise. Marketing Mecca. Shopping mall and department store-filled USA has redefined shopping with its glitzy, glamorous high-rise towers and vast lots filled with shops and even more shops! Visiting a shopping mall is an experience in itself -you can spend the whole day checking out the varied merchandise on display, eat at the tantalising restaurants, catch the latest movie and even go bowling — shopping is icing on the cake here!!

You can pick up all kinds of products in USA -from the latest in computers and electronics to clothing and souvenirs.

Shops open from 10 or 11 AM to 6 or 7 PM. Shopping malls, the temples of commerce in the country remain open through out the week and till late at night, every day of the week except Sundays. There are some stores like Wal-Mart and others lining the major highways that stay open all day and night

Eating out is a national pastime and with tourism such an important industry, it comes as no surprise to see the plethora of eating-places in the city. From fancy, up-market restaurants run by celebrity chefs serving fusion cuisine to roadside shacks dishing up local specialties, from stereotypical fast-food joints to inimitable ethnic eateries, America has them all. The variety and number may vary from place to place, with a preponderance of restaurants in bigger cities but the ubiquitous diners along the highways and in small towns mean that you were never far from food!!

Entertainment is the life force of American society — the American need to be entertained and amused is paramount. Gigantic, fun-filled theme parks are products of this country and several music genres such as jazz, ragtime, blues and many more were born here. Film making metamorphosed into the mega-billion industry it is today in America and Hollywood films are seen by worldwide audiences. As a visitor in America, you will be spoiled for choice between the vibrant classic and contemporary performing arts, movies, spectator sports and television programs.

If you just want to quaff down a couple of beers or tank up on hard liquor, worry not! Nightlife centers in most major cities believe in laying out a spread for you – nightclubs and bars are an eclectic lot, many done up around a theme and boasting of a fine collection of beers and spirits. Music is the mainstay at most bars, with regular live performances by local and touring bands. So, if you are in the mood to get to the nearest watering -hole, just follow your ears!

There are many sights to keep you enthralled in Kathmandu.

Royal ruins: Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is lovely, littered as it is with the varied legacies of the classy Mallas, the martial Prithvi Narayan and the somewhat loud Ranas. The Hanuman Dhoka palace is no longer the residence of the Shah kings but is still used for ceremonial gatherings and events like the coronation. The Hanuman Dhoka gate has a fantastic carved representation of Lord Ram’s Man Friday: the revered monkey god here is awash in vermilion ‘sindur’ paste. Only a part of the grounds is open to visitors. The half man-half lion Narsimha figure of one of the incarnations of Vishnu is from 1673 AD when the king Pratap Malla danced dressed like the god and then sought to appease Him by having a statue made in His honour. Must’ve worked considering the Malla king enjoyed a long and glorious time at the throne!

Temple trail: Small streets and winding alleys never cease to surprise you because invariably waiting at the other end (and along the way) is a temple. The capital of the world’s only Hindu kingdom does itself proud housing an astounding number of shrines dedicated either to Vishnu The Preserver, Shiva The Destroyer or Goddess Durga from whom flows All Energy. The most important temple in Kathmandu and really all of Nepal is Pashupatinath,dedicated to Shiva in his form as protector of animals. The Kasthamandap Temple is now dedicated to the patron saint of the ruling Shahs. A lovely wooden pergola reputedly built from a single tree covers the shrine of this temple from which the city is said to have picked up its name. Perhaps the oldest structure in the area, the Kasthamandap Mandir dates back to the 14th century. The 16th century Taleju Temple looms over Durbar Square with the three tiers of its golden dome literally outshining everything around. The Manju Dewal temple is a good vantage point at the Durbar Square. From the pagoda roof you can watch the activity down below before plunging back into it. In Budhanilkantha, a short way out of the city, a statue of Vishnu on a bed of snakes seems to float on the pond. The Kala Bhairab and Sweta Bhairab and Akash Bhairab are all shrines to Shiva.

Stunning stupa: Swayambhunath is the most famous of the Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu. In a country where Hindus and Buddhists have traditionally commingled, pictures of the ‘face of Swayambhu’ adorn brochures as often as Boudhanath, Pashupatinath or Everest. Sitting on a hilltop Swayambhu is a little challenging for the infirm amongst us but do go for the view, for offering up a prayer by turning an inscribed wheel and for the calm that comes from just being around the peace loving Buddhists.

Of museums, matrons, markets and much more: 

Whatever is the point of museums in this city where ancient temples, sacred detailed carvings, art, craft and more spill out onto the streets and rub shoulders with you? The Natural History Museum has stuffed animals that someone framed when there were more alive ones around (and now there aren’t so you have to come here to see them!) The National Museum will give you a good idea about Nepal’s rich, sometimes tumultuous and always exciting history. The Kumari Palace is where Nepal’s resident goddess lives. Every once in a while, there is a hunt for the girl who is The Goddess Kali incarnate. This is where The Chosen One lives thereafter. In Bangemudha, (literally Twisted Wood) resides the god that looks after dental well-being. Going by the number of clinics that line the road leading up to it, looks like He has amply strong backup!

Mementos from Nepal could be many. Wacky t-shirts spread the message of general bonhomie: ‘yak yak yak yak-Nepal’ is a popular one. Buddhist Thanka paintings with detailed and delicate depictions of cosmic order and holy lives should ideally be consecrated. Buddhists use these scroll paintings of silk for sacred duties, but as just fine works of art too they are beautiful. Newari ‘paubha’ paintings are similar but not as elaborate. Kukri knives were the export that accompanied that other famous export of Nepal, giving the Gorkha warrior his cutting edge. Ornate bells that ring true and clear and other metalwork products are great. Woodcarvings, embroidered satin, strings of coloured beads, woven shawls…marvellous kitsch.

In tourist hot spots like Kathmandu and Pokhara you’ll be taken aback at the range of cuisine that’s on offer. Nutty buns, creamy pastries, gooey chocolate cake, cheesy pizzas; Chinese, Italian, Tibetan, Indian, and ‘Continental’, all find their way on to restaurant menus. With a curiously Nepalese twist of course!

There’s plenty of fun to be had in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The nightlife is not hopping though discos, pubs and jazz at cafes in Thamel liven up the scene somewhat. In Kathmandu, casinos are open through 24 hours. Cinemas at the Kathmandu complex screen movies in English. Restaurants show surprisingly current videos of Hollywood fare. Some hotels and the sports complex let you pay-and-play. Catch a game of tennis, put in some laps at the pool, and there are many snooker parlours where you may pot a shot.

The Nepalese gather nightly for community singing sessions, raksi (the local brew) in hand, song on lips and music in the heart. Strains of folk song spill out on the street and you’ll hear them when you’re walking around late evenings.

All you are required to do is relax and enjoy yourself in Boracay. However, there are some amazing sights on the Islands of Boracay and they will leave you spellbound!

The highest elevation on Boracay Island is Mount Luh and is situated 100 meters above the sea level. Mount Luh offers spectacular vistas and a visit up to the mountain is all worth! So save your energy to get up there.

The Bat Caves are home to the cave bats and giant fruit bats. You will see the fruit bats flying at twilight in search for food. A visit to the Bat Caves is an exciting and an adventurous one and any Naturalist or Photographer can’t afford to miss out on them! You can act daring by going and exploring the Caves all by yourself or hire a local guide to lead you through the paths of the caves.

The Dead Forest lie right next to the fishponds in the south of the Boracay Islands. The forest consists of dead trees. Do not act daring and visit the forest during the night time as it is said to have a scary witch hour especially on a full moon night!

Visit the Kar-Tir Shell Museum in Iligan as it houses a vast collection of sea shells, arts and craft works and various other hand woven products.

Buy beach wear, beach towels, cool slippers, cotton tees with beach quotes and lots of sun lotion on the Boracay Islands. The central market, called Talipapa, offers a variety of beach wear fashion shops, specialty shops, small to medium sized supermarkets, fruit marts and meat and fish shops. There are a number of open-air markets where you can get antique furniture, lamps and native woodcarvings at very cheap rates.

Delight yourself with excellent lip smacking Filipino, Austrian, German and Swiss cuisine in Boracay Islands!

The Starfire in Angol is known for its inexpensive food items. Melinda”s Garden Restaurant serves Filipino and European dishes. Jolly sailor is the ultimate fruit salad and fruit juice joint in the Boracay. The Sundown Restaurant offers dinner buffet for all seafood lovers. The Swiss Inn and Bamboo Restaurant offer exclusive Swiss food. The Thai dlent food in the Sulu Thu Thai Restaurant is excellent. For Filipino and Greek food, Honey Bee Restraunt, Nene Ball Food”s House and Zorbas are descent enough. Chez De Paris has the perfect ambience for French food. Try out the Victoria Bar & Restaurant and Zur kleinen Kneipe for fine German cuisine along with seafood from the grill. For amazing French cuisine visit the La Reserve and for Spanish food El Toro Restaurant is the best one on the Islands.

If you have some energy left after the beach activities then keep it intact for the night at the Inso Disc. There’s music, dance, food and lots of energy and excitement. The opening hours- 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 am.

In a bid to protect the local culture as far as possible the government has separated tourist activity from daily life in the Maldives to a large extent. So any ideas you may have of really exploring the country are sadly out. However, most visitors understand and appreciate this as being the only sustainable way of managing tourism with maintaining a fragile ecosystem and keeping a cultural identity intact.

Male 

The capital city of Male is a fairly bustling place. There are new buildings coming up everywhere and construction activity keeps the city abuzz. It still manages to retain a small-town charm; with its neat streets and quaint marts, pretty in parts and people everywhere. Most travelers hop into Male only to hop out. It’s the only international airport so it is unavoidable. Take advantage of the compulsory stopover to get all your paperwork in order, to stroll at the markets and get your fix of local culture.

Attractions include the National Museum , the towering Islamic Center and Grand Friday Mosque . There are numerous small mosques like the Hukuru Miski scattered across the island: small coral buildings roofed with iron.

The Hukuru Miski is the oldest mosque in Male, and the most ornamental. A 13th century panel tells the story of the conversion to Islam in delicately carved stone.

Shop at the Singapore Bazaar. It has assorted stalls and stores selling local handicraft and pretty trinkets, hosting local men as they relax over tea. Male is a cheap place to stay in and food is fairly inexpensive too. There’s entertainment by way of the cinema which screens song-and-dance Bombay fare, and fists-and-fury Hollywood hits. Teahouses and some restaurants remain open late into the night.

Addu atoll: Seenu 

The atoll, for a long time, was a base for British military operations. The locals picked up English, the ‘western’ ways and are now a formidable battalion in the travel scene! Causeways connect the more important islands and make Addu the easiest to get around and therefore the best for a taste of local culture. The island of Gan has a resort that runs out of an old military base.

Resorts 

Golden sun on shimmering aqua, palm-fringed white, blue curacao and a dash of gin, oysters and moist toast-this, here, is sonata for the senses. Resorts vary from the lavishly luxurious to the basic. The accommodation is almost always whitewashed neat independent cottages, the food almost always sumptuous, the nights full of wining-dining-music and the days full of surf and scuba! There are more than 70 resorts in the Maldives. Most islands are exclusively with one resort but some aren’t. All islands have arrangements for snorkeling, diving and other sports. Some resorts have a discos and bars. Very rarely does it get better than this!

Male is bursting with shops and stalls that sell everything from fresh fruit to sophisticated toiletries and lovely light cotton sarongs in myriad colours. The Baa Atoll has many handicraft shops. These have local ware like lacquer inlaid earrings and ornamental knick-knacks, and cotton sarongs.

Maldives imports most of its consumer goods including furniture for the hotels so things are nowhere near cheap. But the local stuff like the succulent fruits are great and sarongs will make friends at home happy.

Shops are open from 0830 hrs to 2300 hrs Saurday-Thursday and 1300-2300 hrs on Friday. They close for 15 minutes 5 times a day in response to the muezzin’s call.

The Maldives restaurants and eating joints are numerous in number and are known for their delectable gourmet delights and delicacies. Both local and international food like Chinese, Thai, Indian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan and Continental dishes are served in the restaurants. Most of the eating joints can be found in the capital city, Male, as the other islands do no have many restaurants except of those found in the hotels and resorts.

Sea food is particularly common and famous in Maldives and is not imported unlike most of the food on the Island. The cuisine consists of rice preparations, popadums, and different varieties of pickles, sausage, bacon, basil-topped tomatoes, herb focaccia, omelets, tuna fish preparations, chicken curry and other dishes. Banana hot cakes, berries with cream, exotic fruits, rice pudding, vanilla bean rice, vanilla milk shakes, smoothies and others are the popular desserts which are served in Maldives. The food in these restaurants is reasonably priced and not expensive.

Nightlife in Maldives is pretty good. The best of the pubs and clubs can be found in Male, where nightlife is undoubtedly the most rocking. Many hotels have discos with DJs and Jazz performances cultural shows, crab races and lots of other entertainment. However most of the clubs shut down after 10 pm.

You can also head to a beach where most of the foreigners meet. With tourism becoming a major part of the country, nightlife is slowly gaining popularity.

You would be well advised to go on a safari if you have the time in Kenya—it is an unforgettable experience. The main national parks in Kenya worth visiting, whether or not you undertake a full-fledged safari, are: the Malindi Marine (with its amazing variety of coral and marine life) and the Mt. Kenya National Parks, among many others.

The most popular among the national parks is the Masai Mara with a gorgeous landscape consisting of the Serengeti Plains, its unparalleled variety of wildlife and of course, the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration.

The city of Mombasa has buildings dating back to its colonial past and worth taking a look at is the Portuguese-built Fort Jesus. A relatively unspoilt beach area with well-preserved and brilliant coral life is the town of Watamu, 24km south of Malindi.

Nairobi is a bustling, lively city with a population of around a million, and a cosmopolitan feel. It is well equipped with tourist infrastructure, and is convenient for business travelers or those looking to get bureaucratic problems sorted out.

The Nairobi National Park is the most convenient to visit from Nairobi, the Marasbit, the Aberdare, the Amboseli (the Park with the spectacular Mt. Kilimanjaro as a backdrop), the Lake Baringo and the Lake Nakuru are a few more.

There are a huge range of sights, cities and towns worth visiting in Kenya. These range from the Diani Beach, an overdeveloped but characteristically tropical beach; the town of K isumu on Lake Victoria, the bird-rich Lake Naivasha area, the charming, unhurried coastal town of Lamu, the Swahili settlement of Malindi, the frontier town of Isiolo, with its colourful mix of tribal cultures, the attractive mountain town of Maralal and Thompson’s Falls.

You can also get acquainted with the Kikuyu tribesmen by visiting the town of Kiambu, a small town about 16 km north of Nairobi. Kiambu has pleasant climate, located in an area full of streams and ridges. If you are in Nairobi for a while, you must visit the Chania and Thika Falls. A ramble in one of the trails around the hotel is utterly enjoyable, with birdsong, butterflies and dragonflies to accompany you.

The local bazars in Mombasa and Nairobi are filled with stalls selling craftware like kiondo baskets, kisii soapstones and soapstone carvings including chess sets, carved wood including Makonde carving originating from Tanzania, and kangas—women’s wraparound skirts with beautiful patterns, and often Kenyan proverbs printed on them. Men’s loincloths are called kikois, and are available especially cheap along the coast. Jewellery with semi-precious stones like turquoise and garnets is also a good bet. Be prepared to bargain-it is expected of you!

There is a great variety of restaurants and cheap eateries in Kenya, and especially in Nairobi, and a good range of cuisine from all over the world, thanks to Kenya’s diverse ethnic population. In Nairobi, there is a profusion of cheap cafes at the end of Tom Mboya street, and Latema / River Rds area. The range from Swahili cuisine to submarine sandwiches are available. For a truly local eating experience, the NSSF market is popular with office workers-you will be treated to traditional Kenyan dishes like mandazi, kenyege and matoke.

There are some good cinema halls in Nairobi showing African, American and Indian films at an attractive price. There are several nightclubs with live music and discos to dance the night away.

Begin your tour of Amman at the Citadel , which is located at the heart of the city. The Citadel has an Archaeological Museum in which you have many interesting relics on display.

Below the Citadel”s southern rim is a stream known as Seil Amman. It is on its south bank that most of the Roman City of Philadelphia was situated. This included the main Forum, Theatre and the Odeon. The Amphitheatre is the largest in Jordan, with room for 6,000 spectators.

The Theatre area has many stalls selling shish kebabs and other snacks as well as souvenirs. In the east wing of the stage is the Folklore Museum of Amman. In the western wing is the Museum of Popular Traditions . Steps lead to a gallery of exquisite Byzantine mosaic scenes that have been brought from the city of Madaba.

Amman is home to some of the grandest mosques in the Middle East. The newest of these is the enormous King Abdullah Mosque , built between 1982 and 1989. Located to the northwest of the Citadel, it is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome, beneath which 3,000 devotees can offer prayers.

The most unusual mosque in Amman is the Abu Darwish Mosque , situated atop the Jabal Ashrafieh. It is covered with extraordinary black-and-white chequered patterns. Western Amman is considered the most fashionable, with modern shops and office buildings. The impressive Hussein Sports City is the main site housing sports, cultural events and national festivities. Overlooking the Hussein Sports City is the Palace of Culture , which was built to resemble a Bedouin tent. The Sports City complex houses the Martyrs” Memorial and in it the military museum of Amman.

For art lovers, the Jordan National Art Gallery and the Dar Al Funoun , both situated in Jabal Al-Weibdeh, are important stops. Other sights to see around Amman are The Cave of the Seven Sleepers , which are myriad tombs with ornately sculpted covers. On the northern outskirts of Amman the remains of a prehistoric Neolithic settlement have been unearthed. The site located near Ain Ghazal , dates back to 7200 BC.

The souk (local market) is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. Jordanian and Syrian crafts are attractive and make good gifts to take back home. The little bottles of coloured sand in intricate patterns from Petra are famous. Other things that will catch your eye are Hebron glassware, woodwork such as chess sets and backgammon boards, embroidered tablecloths, cushions, quilts and kaftans, Bedouin rugs and tapestries, and mother of pearl boxes. You can also buy intricate filigreed gold and silver jewellery. Though timings are flexible, shops are open from 8.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm in summer (3:30pm to 5:30 pm in winter) daily except Friday. Small shops open for long hours from 9am to 8 or 9pm but close for a few hours mid afternoon. Most shops are closed on Friday, the weekly day off. The souks and street stalls are open daily and Friday is often their busiest day.

There are many fine restaurants in Amman offering a wide selection of authentic Arabic food at reasonable prices. Larger hotels offer a more international cuisine. For budget travelers, takeaway outlets, small cafes and street stalls offer wholesome meals. The Ministry of Tourism publishes a full list of hotels and restaurants throughout the Kingdom. Don’t head too late for your evening meal as many places close their kitchen by 9 pm.

The nightlife is quite tame and there are nightclubs, theatres and cinemas. To enjoy authentic belly dancing and Arabian music, one usually heads to one of the larger hotels.

Housed in an ancient temple, the Pura Jagatnatha Temple in Denpasar is the main museum of Bali. Architecturally, the building looks more like a palace than a traditional Balinese temple; but it was a temple at one time, dedicated to the deity, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, the Supreme God. Worth seeing is the museum’s collection of Balinese art- ranging from traditional and pre-historic to contemporary- you’ll see some good instances of Balinese culture here.

Kuta is strictly for the sun-sea and sand brigade; it’s a beach resort, on the road to the Bukit Peninsula, and is well known amongst surfers- the waves are perfect for it (swimming isn’t actually advised, as the currents can be quite strong).

The resort has lots of hotels (some of the locals also let out rooms for home-stays, which can be a good idea if you’re planning to spend a day or two in Kuta), and there are restaurants, nightclubs and shops galore. One particularly noteworthy thing about Kuta is the range of cultural performances you can see here- probably the best in Bali; there’s something or the other happening virtually every night.

Part of southern Bali, and not too far from Denpasar is Nusa Dua , generally regarded as Bali’s premier beach resort. It has the cream of tourist accommodation- if you can afford it, you can actually live in the lap of luxury. Even if you can’t, it’s close enough to Denpasar for you to just drive down and drink in the beauty of the place- clean white sands, deep blue seas and coconut trees. It’s a nice place to spend your day, though it’s a trifle crowded at times.

Northwest of Denpasar is the temple of Tanah Lot , supposed to have been built by the last priest who came to Bali from Java (in the 16th century).

The temple stands on a rock surrounded by the sea, and part of the ceremonial worship includes ritual offerings to the spirits of the sea. The rocky island on which the temple stands is overrun by poisonous snakes, which the locals believe to be the guardians of the temple, shielding it from evil spirits and intruders.

Both Batubulan and Celuk lie to the northeast of Denpasar, and are worth visiting from the point of view of culture. A good excursion can be planned around Batubulan, where you can spend part of the day looking at the beautifully carved stone ornaments (many of them in the form of deities and demons), which are a specialty of the village. Many of the local artisans have workshops where you can watch them at work- and buy ornaments too. After Batubulan, you can carry on towards Celuk, which is known for its distinctive gold and silver jewellery.

For anybody who’s fond of beautiful things- especially traditional arts and crafts, Bali can seem like heaven on earth. The island has an astounding range of handicrafts, all of them delicate, lovely and typically Balinese.

Among the best-known and easily available handicrafts are batiks, embroidered and woven cottons and silks, paintings, leather ware, pottery, shell ornaments, masks, woodcarvings, basketry, bamboo furniture, carved bone and silverwork.

All around the island, and particularly in the capital, Denpasar, you’ll find umpteen shops selling these handicrafts. Nearly all of them are fairly expensive though, so be prepared to bargain if you want to get a good deal.

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations- if not the most popular, and the island’s infrastructure has been built up to cater to the hordes which swoop down on it every year. An important aspect of the tourism framework is that of places to eat- and Bali sure has plenty of them, both within hotels and resorts, and in the form of stand-alone restaurants. Besides Indonesian food, the other popular cuisines include Chinese, Japanese and Continental. If you like seafood, you can really go on a binge in Bali- it has some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

Go to a small restaurant as the food will be better and tastier also the food sold by the various venders all over the Bali is unique and authentic like the kaki lima and bakso. Padang has some good eateries as well including traditional and international dishes.

Denpasar, the capital of Bali, is the main city when it comes to entertainment- there are theatres, amusement centres and venues where cultural performances are held. However, even outside of Denpasar, you’ll be able to find something or the other to keep you amused. Most hotels and resorts have their own nightclubs, discotheques and bars. Try the Bintang beer and the Bali Hai, the local beers of this place.

Some even have specific cultural venues, where there are regular performances of traditional Balinese dances, music and other performing arts. One of the best places for a glimpse of Balinese art- fine art as well as performing arts- is the Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in central Denpasar, which houses the Dance Academy and a Dance & Drama School. It’s a great place to see Balinese culture at its best.

Vietnam’s urban settlements are very varied- as far as geography, architecture, and the pace of life are concerned. The best-known city, of course, is Ho Chi Minh City previously Saigon- the most famous or infamous of cities in the Orient. Ho Chi Minh City is the core of the country- throbbing, vibrant and exciting. It’s a city of vivid contrasts, with jazz bars and karaoke lounges along with old cathedrals, beautiful pagodas and music halls.

Hué is generally acknowledged to be Vietnam’s most beautiful city and its architecture pure poetry. Hué was Vietnam’s capital for nearly a century and a half from 1802 to 1945 and has been a centre of religious, cultural and educational activity for much longer than that.The city had, at one time, a number of impressive historical monuments, of which unfortunately a few survive. Among the monuments you can see are Emperor Gia Long’s Citadel (constructed in 1804, and encompassing the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Enclosure, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the Purple Forbidden City - the last now barely visible). On the whole, Hué has some lovely examples of Vietnamese architecture (much of it Sino-Vietnamese). Not far from Hué are the Royal Tombs , and if you’re looking for relaxation, you can head for nearby Thuan An Beach , or the Perfume River , where sampans are available for trips up the river.

The country’s capital, Hanoi is reserved, elegant, with a very quaint French charm to it; it’s not as jazzy as Ho Chi Minh City, but definitely worth a visit. Other major cities in Vietnam include Dalat , up in the mountains, with some stunning views, interesting buildings and the chance to go boating or horse-riding. No matter which of the cities you go to- whether Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Dalat or Hué- there’s sure to be something to see and something to remember.

The city of Dalat lies amongst the mountains, and is a lovely green city renowned for its beauty. Although it’s now deteriorating a bit because modernization is replacing parks and gardens with steel and concrete, it’s still a pretty city. Among Dalat’s attractions are the old French Quarter still charmingly colonial, even after so many decades, and the Summer Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai, now a veritable museum with a good collection of ethnic art and other interesting items. Further out of Dalat are some places worth a visit – lots of them great for walks, treks, boat rides and more. You can also visit, somewhat further away, traditional tribal villages of the hill tribes: these include the Lat Village and the strangely named Chicken Village , with its large statue of a chicken.

Halong Bay is easily one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sights. Spectacular in its sweep, the bay and its clear green waters encircle some 3000 islands, all very small but covered with beaches and amazing grottoes and caves.

”Halong’ means ”where the dragon descended into the sea’- the legend behind the name is that the flailing tail of an ancient dragon created the bay and the islands in it. Although not many people believe in dragons anymore, a mythical creature, called the Tarasque, is supposed to still haunt the bay. If you want to spend some time at Halong Bay, probably the best thing to do is to base yourself at Halong City (which is partly on the mainland and partly offshore), and hire a boat to go around the bay. Remember to take your camera along- it’s one of the loveliest places in Vietnam.

Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage and the list of traditional arts and crafts produced by the country is truly impressive: textiles, tapestries, jewellery, metalwork, lacquer ware and ceramics. Many of them are available throughout the country and especially in larger metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but some are (so to say) `regional specialties’- like the tapestries of Haiphong and Hanoi; the ceramics of Quang Ninh; the jewellery and metal ware of Thai Binh, Hanoi and Hai Hung; and the wood carvings of Phu Xuyen.

You’ll obviously get a wider range and lower prices at the places where these crafts are primarily concentrated, but if you don’t have the time- or the energy- to step out of Hanoi (or wherever you are- provided it’s a large city), you should still be able to find something nice enough to buy.

Bargaining is quite the norm in Vietnam (as it is in much of South East Asia), but don’t get carried away – as also in much of South East Asia, a display of temper is considered very rude.

Vietnam is a good place to eat in – not just because the food is so good, but also because you can eat so well in so little. A meal at one of the many roadside food stalls – cooked right before your eyes, absolutely fresh and completely authentic- need not cost more than US$ 1 or 2, though you may end up paying much more if you decide to dine at a regular restaurant, with proper tables and chairs.

In most of Vietnam- the smaller towns and villages, for instance- you’ll find good, wholesome food, but all basically Vietnamese. In larger cities and popular tourist destinations, however, you’ve more choice. Places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as a case in point, have a large number of restaurants, big and small, which serve a host of international cuisines, ranging all the way from Chinese and Thai to French and American.

Traditional forms of entertainment- in the way of performing arts like dance, theatre and musical concerts- can be seen at some venues in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Have a look at travel or tourism related publications like Vietnam Travel, or the daily newspapers, for listings of programmes featuring cultural performances.

If you’re lucky, you might get to see the celebrations at some traditional Vietnamese festivals- many of them showcase traditional performing arts. The Master Pagoda Festival (Ha Tay) has puppet shows as a highlight, while occasions like The Phu Giay Festival, the Hung Temple Festival and the Lim Festival are excellent occasions to listen to folk songs.

For Western style `night life’, perhaps the only two cities you can actually rely upon are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These two cities have a fairly large number of bars and nightclubs that offer pretty lively evenings out.

Vietnam’s urban settlements are very varied- as far as geography, architecture, and the pace of life are concerned. The best-known city, of course, is Ho Chi Minh City previously Saigon- the most famous or infamous of cities in the Orient. Ho Chi Minh City is the core of the country- throbbing, vibrant and exciting. It’s a city of vivid contrasts, with jazz bars and karaoke lounges along with old cathedrals, beautiful pagodas and music halls.

Hué is generally acknowledged to be Vietnam’s most beautiful city and its architecture pure poetry. Hué was Vietnam’s capital for nearly a century and a half from 1802 to 1945 and has been a centre of religious, cultural and educational activity for much longer than that.The city had, at one time, a number of impressive historical monuments, of which unfortunately a few survive. Among the monuments you can see are Emperor Gia Long’s Citadel (constructed in 1804, and encompassing the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Enclosure, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the Purple Forbidden City - the last now barely visible). On the whole, Hué has some lovely examples of Vietnamese architecture (much of it Sino-Vietnamese). Not far from Hué are the Royal Tombs , and if you’re looking for relaxation, you can head for nearby Thuan An Beach , or the Perfume River , where sampans are available for trips up the river.

The country’s capital, Hanoi is reserved, elegant, with a very quaint French charm to it; it’s not as jazzy as Ho Chi Minh City, but definitely worth a visit. Other major cities in Vietnam include Dalat , up in the mountains, with some stunning views, interesting buildings and the chance to go boating or horse-riding. No matter which of the cities you go to- whether Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Dalat or Hué- there’s sure to be something to see and something to remember.

The city of Dalat lies amongst the mountains, and is a lovely green city renowned for its beauty. Although it’s now deteriorating a bit because modernization is replacing parks and gardens with steel and concrete, it’s still a pretty city. Among Dalat’s attractions are the old French Quarter still charmingly colonial, even after so many decades, and the Summer Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai, now a veritable museum with a good collection of ethnic art and other interesting items. Further out of Dalat are some places worth a visit – lots of them great for walks, treks, boat rides and more. You can also visit, somewhat further away, traditional tribal villages of the hill tribes: these include the Lat Village and the strangely named Chicken Village , with its large statue of a chicken.

Halong Bay is easily one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sights. Spectacular in its sweep, the bay and its clear green waters encircle some 3000 islands, all very small but covered with beaches and amazing grottoes and caves.

”Halong’ means ”where the dragon descended into the sea’- the legend behind the name is that the flailing tail of an ancient dragon created the bay and the islands in it. Although not many people believe in dragons anymore, a mythical creature, called the Tarasque, is supposed to still haunt the bay. If you want to spend some time at Halong Bay, probably the best thing to do is to base yourself at Halong City (which is partly on the mainland and partly offshore), and hire a boat to go around the bay. Remember to take your camera along- it’s one of the loveliest places in Vietnam.

Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage and the list of traditional arts and crafts produced by the country is truly impressive: textiles, tapestries, jewellery, metalwork, lacquer ware and ceramics. Many of them are available throughout the country and especially in larger metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but some are (so to say) `regional specialties’- like the tapestries of Haiphong and Hanoi; the ceramics of Quang Ninh; the jewellery and metal ware of Thai Binh, Hanoi and Hai Hung; and the wood carvings of Phu Xuyen.

You’ll obviously get a wider range and lower prices at the places where these crafts are primarily concentrated, but if you don’t have the time- or the energy- to step out of Hanoi (or wherever you are- provided it’s a large city), you should still be able to find something nice enough to buy.

Bargaining is quite the norm in Vietnam (as it is in much of South East Asia), but don’t get carried away – as also in much of South East Asia, a display of temper is considered very rude.

Vietnam is a good place to eat in – not just because the food is so good, but also because you can eat so well in so little. A meal at one of the many roadside food stalls – cooked right before your eyes, absolutely fresh and completely authentic- need not cost more than US$ 1 or 2, though you may end up paying much more if you decide to dine at a regular restaurant, with proper tables and chairs.

In most of Vietnam- the smaller towns and villages, for instance- you’ll find good, wholesome food, but all basically Vietnamese. In larger cities and popular tourist destinations, however, you’ve more choice. Places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as a case in point, have a large number of restaurants, big and small, which serve a host of international cuisines, ranging all the way from Chinese and Thai to French and American.

Traditional forms of entertainment- in the way of performing arts like dance, theatre and musical concerts- can be seen at some venues in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Have a look at travel or tourism related publications like Vietnam Travel, or the daily newspapers, for listings of programmes featuring cultural performances.

If you’re lucky, you might get to see the celebrations at some traditional Vietnamese festivals- many of them showcase traditional performing arts. The Master Pagoda Festival (Ha Tay) has puppet shows as a highlight, while occasions like The Phu Giay Festival, the Hung Temple Festival and the Lim Festival are excellent occasions to listen to folk songs.

For Western style `night life’, perhaps the only two cities you can actually rely upon are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These two cities have a fairly large number of bars and nightclubs that offer pretty lively evenings out.

Its not just bull fights and pretty senoritas, but a whole range of historical monuments, museums, castles, markets, quaint little villages on hills, and the odd abandoned house – and much more than even this travel guide could probably tell you.

Andalusia in the south is the Spain of airline brochures and picture postcards…..rolling hills punctuated with quaint little villages and endless coastlines. This region retains the Moorish mysticism of Spain’s historic heritage in its many Islamic mosques and palaces.

The Andalusian coast is not just known for its tapas and gourmet cuisine of sumptuous shellfish and sherries, but boasts such exotic tourist spots as Marbella on the Costa del Sol where the jetset and the ordinary tourist zero in on the beaches to get “an even suntan”.

In Seville , be enthralled by the flamenco dancers and the clicking of their castanets as they execute a twirl to the beat of the music. In Madrid , art lovers will find nirvana in the world class Prado, Reiny Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemezzia museums– all situated along the world famous “ Museum Mile. ” The fashionable boutiques, chic cafes and charming, narrow lanes should make for the perfect promenade in the right weather. The city’s architectural wonders, such as the Plaza de la Villa , will make for some rolls of film well spent.

Apart from the splendors of Madrid, Spanish Castile’s many charming towns have other attractive offerings too . Explore the plains of La Mancha and sample a hearty meal of suckling pig with the warm hearted country people. Toledo , Spain’s former capital, was once home to El Greco the famous Greek painter who lived and painted here. View his works at the numerous museums in the city.

In Barcelona , you will find the city that gives Madrid a run for its tourist revenue. Business center and capital of Catalonia, and cultural Mecca in general, it is home to such thoroughfares as the Gothic Quarter , which compactly holds the products of 2000 years of Spanish history.

The palace fortress of the Alhambra stands tall and majestic in the hills of Granada. This awesome structure with it’s detailed sculpting and high archways is a tribute to Moorish builders.

Barcelona is home to some of the best museums and finest collections in the world including the new Guggenheim Museum , a titanium-glass-limestone building with distinctive contours that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in Europe.

You cannot leave Spain without witnessing a bullfight in Cordoba . The thrill of seeing man and beast confronting each other in the ring is like no other. A flick of his cape and the matador has the bull charging at him. With a quick dexterous sidestep the matador fools the bull and thus the bull misses his target. This enrages the bull and so it goes on.

Go ahead and buy out the boutiques in Madrid if you will, but remember that extra value added tax or IVA is levied on almost everything – ranging from 7-14% -depending on if it’s a shop, hotel or department store. Stores are mostly open from roughly 9 am until 8 pm, with an hour-long lunch break during the day.

Pretty porcelain goods, fans and other handicrafts will make affordable and attractive gifts. Large Department stores in cities like Madrid include El Corte Inges, Mango, Zara, Bershka and (surprise!) the English chain, Marks and Spencer.

Also in Madrid, the streets of the Preciados and Montera shopping districts are lined with vendors wanting you to buy their stuff and quite willing to bargain. Old fashioned and rustic shops can be found around Plaza Major and Calle Mayor.

Restaurants, tapas, bars and cafes line the streets of cities and many villages. Tapa bars can be frequented for a glass of good sherry or beer, followed by a platter of appetizers. For something lighter and perhaps a little more continental, you can frequent the cafes – which serve steaming and flavorful coffee as well as light snacks such as sandwiches or cakes. Mealtimes in Spain are quite late. 2 pm for lunch (even 3 pm on weekends), and 8:30 pm for dinner. A cup of coffee would cost roughly less then a Euro, a sandwich about Euro 2.5 and a three course meal in a bistro would be Euro 6 total.

Typical Spanish dishes include the Paella – what may be called the national dish – a sumptuous blend of seafood,, saffron rice and vegetables. Also mouth watering are the Gazpacho, fabadas, perdiz(partridge ), and cochinello (suckling pig)dishes. Andalusian specialties include fried fish and shellfish called frituras, as well as olives and cured ham.The best wines can be tasted in the Riodja and Penede region. The sherries of Jerez are also popular.

For some action-packed entertainment, find your way to the Las Ventas bull ring in Madrid, or similar venues in other cities. If you cannot handle the pacy beat and the sometimes painful heat – treat yourself to one of Spain’s many operas houses, theatres, film festivals, museums or bars which are by no means limited to the capital…. Remember, the Spaniard loves a good fiesta – even for no reason at all,- so finding the fun spots should be easy as apple pie.

Its not just bull fights and pretty senoritas, but a whole range of historical monuments, museums, castles, markets, quaint little villages on hills, and the odd abandoned house – and much more than even this travel guide could probably tell you.

Andalusia in the south is the Spain of airline brochures and picture postcards…..rolling hills punctuated with quaint little villages and endless coastlines. This region retains the Moorish mysticism of Spain’s historic heritage in its many Islamic mosques and palaces.

The Andalusian coast is not just known for its tapas and gourmet cuisine of sumptuous shellfish and sherries, but boasts such exotic tourist spots as Marbella on the Costa del Sol where the jetset and the ordinary tourist zero in on the beaches to get “an even suntan”.

In Seville , be enthralled by the flamenco dancers and the clicking of their castanets as they execute a twirl to the beat of the music. In Madrid , art lovers will find nirvana in the world class Prado, Reiny Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemezzia museums– all situated along the world famous “ Museum Mile. ” The fashionable boutiques, chic cafes and charming, narrow lanes should make for the perfect promenade in the right weather. The city’s architectural wonders, such as the Plaza de la Villa , will make for some rolls of film well spent.

Apart from the splendors of Madrid, Spanish Castile’s many charming towns have other attractive offerings too . Explore the plains of La Mancha and sample a hearty meal of suckling pig with the warm hearted country people. Toledo , Spain’s former capital, was once home to El Greco the famous Greek painter who lived and painted here. View his works at the numerous museums in the city.

In Barcelona , you will find the city that gives Madrid a run for its tourist revenue. Business center and capital of Catalonia, and cultural Mecca in general, it is home to such thoroughfares as the Gothic Quarter , which compactly holds the products of 2000 years of Spanish history.

The palace fortress of the Alhambra stands tall and majestic in the hills of Granada. This awesome structure with it’s detailed sculpting and high archways is a tribute to Moorish builders.

Barcelona is home to some of the best museums and finest collections in the world including the new Guggenheim Museum , a titanium-glass-limestone building with distinctive contours that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in Europe.

You cannot leave Spain without witnessing a bullfight in Cordoba . The thrill of seeing man and beast confronting each other in the ring is like no other. A flick of his cape and the matador has the bull charging at him. With a quick dexterous sidestep the matador fools the bull and thus the bull misses his target. This enrages the bull and so it goes on.

Go ahead and buy out the boutiques in Madrid if you will, but remember that extra value added tax or IVA is levied on almost everything – ranging from 7-14% -depending on if it’s a shop, hotel or department store. Stores are mostly open from roughly 9 am until 8 pm, with an hour-long lunch break during the day.

Pretty porcelain goods, fans and other handicrafts will make affordable and attractive gifts. Large Department stores in cities like Madrid include El Corte Inges, Mango, Zara, Bershka and (surprise!) the English chain, Marks and Spencer.

Also in Madrid, the streets of the Preciados and Montera shopping districts are lined with vendors wanting you to buy their stuff and quite willing to bargain. Old fashioned and rustic shops can be found around Plaza Major and Calle Mayor.

Restaurants, tapas, bars and cafes line the streets of cities and many villages. Tapa bars can be frequented for a glass of good sherry or beer, followed by a platter of appetizers. For something lighter and perhaps a little more continental, you can frequent the cafes – which serve steaming and flavorful coffee as well as light snacks such as sandwiches or cakes. Mealtimes in Spain are quite late. 2 pm for lunch (even 3 pm on weekends), and 8:30 pm for dinner. A cup of coffee would cost roughly less then a Euro, a sandwich about Euro 2.5 and a three course meal in a bistro would be Euro 6 total.

Typical Spanish dishes include the Paella – what may be called the national dish – a sumptuous blend of seafood,, saffron rice and vegetables. Also mouth watering are the Gazpacho, fabadas, perdiz(partridge ), and cochinello (suckling pig)dishes. Andalusian specialties include fried fish and shellfish called frituras, as well as olives and cured ham.The best wines can be tasted in the Riodja and Penede region. The sherries of Jerez are also popular.

For some action-packed entertainment, find your way to the Las Ventas bull ring in Madrid, or similar venues in other cities. If you cannot handle the pacy beat and the sometimes painful heat – treat yourself to one of Spain’s many operas houses, theatres, film festivals, museums or bars which are by no means limited to the capital…. Remember, the Spaniard loves a good fiesta – even for no reason at all,- so finding the fun spots should be easy as apple pie.

Its not just bull fights and pretty senoritas, but a whole range of historical monuments, museums, castles, markets, quaint little villages on hills, and the odd abandoned house – and much more than even this travel guide could probably tell you.

Andalusia in the south is the Spain of airline brochures and picture postcards…..rolling hills punctuated with quaint little villages and endless coastlines. This region retains the Moorish mysticism of Spain’s historic heritage in its many Islamic mosques and palaces.

The Andalusian coast is not just known for its tapas and gourmet cuisine of sumptuous shellfish and sherries, but boasts such exotic tourist spots as Marbella on the Costa del Sol where the jetset and the ordinary tourist zero in on the beaches to get “an even suntan”.

In Seville , be enthralled by the flamenco dancers and the clicking of their castanets as they execute a twirl to the beat of the music. In Madrid , art lovers will find nirvana in the world class Prado, Reiny Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemezzia museums– all situated along the world famous “ Museum Mile. ” The fashionable boutiques, chic cafes and charming, narrow lanes should make for the perfect promenade in the right weather. The city’s architectural wonders, such as the Plaza de la Villa , will make for some rolls of film well spent.

Apart from the splendors of Madrid, Spanish Castile’s many charming towns have other attractive offerings too . Explore the plains of La Mancha and sample a hearty meal of suckling pig with the warm hearted country people. Toledo , Spain’s former capital, was once home to El Greco the famous Greek painter who lived and painted here. View his works at the numerous museums in the city.

In Barcelona , you will find the city that gives Madrid a run for its tourist revenue. Business center and capital of Catalonia, and cultural Mecca in general, it is home to such thoroughfares as the Gothic Quarter , which compactly holds the products of 2000 years of Spanish history.

The palace fortress of the Alhambra stands tall and majestic in the hills of Granada. This awesome structure with it’s detailed sculpting and high archways is a tribute to Moorish builders.

Barcelona is home to some of the best museums and finest collections in the world including the new Guggenheim Museum , a titanium-glass-limestone building with distinctive contours that houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in Europe.

You cannot leave Spain without witnessing a bullfight in Cordoba . The thrill of seeing man and beast confronting each other in the ring is like no other. A flick of his cape and the matador has the bull charging at him. With a quick dexterous sidestep the matador fools the bull and thus the bull misses his target. This enrages the bull and so it goes on.

Go ahead and buy out the boutiques in Madrid if you will, but remember that extra value added tax or IVA is levied on almost everything – ranging from 7-14% -depending on if it’s a shop, hotel or department store. Stores are mostly open from roughly 9 am until 8 pm, with an hour-long lunch break during the day.

Pretty porcelain goods, fans and other handicrafts will make affordable and attractive gifts. Large Department stores in cities like Madrid include El Corte Inges, Mango, Zara, Bershka and (surprise!) the English chain, Marks and Spencer.

Also in Madrid, the streets of the Preciados and Montera shopping districts are lined with vendors wanting you to buy their stuff and quite willing to bargain. Old fashioned and rustic shops can be found around Plaza Major and Calle Mayor.

Restaurants, tapas, bars and cafes line the streets of cities and many villages. Tapa bars can be frequented for a glass of good sherry or beer, followed by a platter of appetizers. For something lighter and perhaps a little more continental, you can frequent the cafes – which serve steaming and flavorful coffee as well as light snacks such as sandwiches or cakes. Mealtimes in Spain are quite late. 2 pm for lunch (even 3 pm on weekends), and 8:30 pm for dinner. A cup of coffee would cost roughly less then a Euro, a sandwich about Euro 2.5 and a three course meal in a bistro would be Euro 6 total.

Typical Spanish dishes include the Paella – what may be called the national dish – a sumptuous blend of seafood,, saffron rice and vegetables. Also mouth watering are the Gazpacho, fabadas, perdiz(partridge ), and cochinello (suckling pig)dishes. Andalusian specialties include fried fish and shellfish called frituras, as well as olives and cured ham.The best wines can be tasted in the Riodja and Penede region. The sherries of Jerez are also popular.

For some action-packed entertainment, find your way to the Las Ventas bull ring in Madrid, or similar venues in other cities. If you cannot handle the pacy beat and the sometimes painful heat – treat yourself to one of Spain’s many operas houses, theatres, film festivals, museums or bars which are by no means limited to the capital…. Remember, the Spaniard loves a good fiesta – even for no reason at all,- so finding the fun spots should be easy as apple pie.

Turkeyis the right choice for people with a taste for ancient civilizations. Among the hundreds of sites, the most interesting sites are Ephesus , Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Nemrut Dagi and Pergamum .
As sites where there are few remains, Bogazkale and Troy are impressive because of their antiquity. You can join the diggings of foreign or Turkish Universities in summer if you like but there is no centralized registry.

Istanbul is bustling and cosmopolitan, the former capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, which has many churches, museums, mosques and opulent palaces. The bustling bazaars and jostling street life are a part of the joie de vivre of Istanbul and there is definitely a sightseer overload in this magnificent city. The visitor could well divide the city into Old Istanbul, the Asian part of Istanbul and the European part. The Old City has many parks and gardens. The residential palace of the Ottoman Sultans, Topkapi, overlooks the Sea of Marma and the Bosphorous, the Blue Mosque is the only one in the world with 6 minarets, St Sophia that was once a cathedral, then a mosque and now a museum are spectacular sights. Don’t miss the underground Byzantine Cistern that is supported by 336 Corinthian columns.

The Asian part of Istanbul is called Uskudar (Skutari) where Florence Nightingale nursed the victims of the Crimean War. Take a walk or drive along the two massive suspension bridges over the Bosphorous for a fabulous and panoramic view of Istanbul.

Tan out at the gorgeous beaches of Bosphorous , a short drive away from Istanbul.

Explore the forts at Rumeli Hisar , the National Park of Mount Uludag and the ruins of Troy. Take a joyous boat ride on the Bosphorous or to the Princes Islands .

The European part of Istanbul is Thrace and its provincial capital is Edirne with a rich historical past. Forests and beaches make up the landscape and the coastal resorts at Yalova, Erdek and Gemlik are well-visited leisure spots. Visit the three Turkish mosques, the Eski Cami, Uc Serefile Cami and the famous Selimiye. Bursa is famous for its elegant Ottoman buildings such as the Green Mausoleum and the Great Mosque.

Ankara is Turkey’s seat of government, sprawling and modern. Popular tourist destinations are Hisar, the Byzantine citadel, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ataturk’s Masoleum and the Presidential Mansion preserved just as Ataturk left it.

Ephesus is the grandest and best preserved among the hundreds of classical ruins and ancient cities. Known as Ionia in ancient times, it was a flourishing cultural centre. The Temple of Diana is a must visit – Virgin Mary spent her last years here. Take a walking tour; it will take you a day – start early to avoid the noon heat.

Bodrum is South Aegean’s most picturesque resort with its palm-lined streets circling the bays and white cheese cube houses. This is famous for its boating swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. The nightlife is loud and wild here and if you want peace and quiet, this isn’t the place to go.

Antalya is several kilometres off pebble beaches but it is well connected by bus and dolmus to several great beach towns and ancient cities – Side (75km) east of Antalya where Mark Antony and Cleopatra had a secret rendezvous, Alanya (115km), and Patara (a few hundred km) where there are Roman ruins among dunes and an excellent beach which is however closed at sunset to allow turtles to mate!

Museums are generally open from 8 am or 8.30 am to 5pm or 6 pm, closed on Monday and usually at lunch time (12. 30 to 1.30 pm). Archaeological sites are generally open daily from just after sunrise till just before sunset. Mosques that are tourist attractions are usually open most of the time, while others open only for Namaz or Muslim prayer, five times a day. Women must cover their heads before entering a mosque, while both men and women must cover their legs, shorts being considered offensive. Shoes must always be removed before entering a mosque.

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 amto 6 or 7 pm, although some take a lunch break from 1pmto 2 pm.Food shops generally open early 6 or 7 amand close late 7 or 8 pm. One food shop in each neighbourhood remains open on Sunday.
Jewelry, handicrafts, leather apparel, carpets, brass and copperware, and carved meerschaum are all good buys. Bargaining is a must for souvenirs, and also if you are buying several things from one shop, or shopping off-season. You can bargain for hotel rooms too if you are visiting off-season, between November and April, or if you plan to spend more than a few days.

In Istanbul, the restaurants along Sultanahmet’s “Divan Yolu” serve excellent food but stay out of the tourist zone if you want to keep it inexpensive. The Grand Bazar has small restaurants where you can eat leisurely on a small progression of dishes. Istiklal Caddesi has mouth-watering grill joints – walk up the side streets to the south for the best of them.
Good bottled water is sold everywhere. Beer, Turkish wine and the aniseed raki are popular. Turkish coffee, and Turkish tea are well known but you need to acquire a taste for the coffee that can be a very bitter experience if you have it in a gulp!

Bodrum has booming and blaring discos and is a fun-place to be in if you enjoy loud, throbbing music and evenings that stretch forever!

Istanbul,Ankara andIzmir have opera, symphony, ballet, and theatre. Smaller towns have folk dancer troupes. Cinema and nightclubs are to be found in every Turkish town. Both western and Turkish movies can be seen.

Turkeyis the right choice for people with a taste for ancient civilizations. Among the hundreds of sites, the most interesting sites are Ephesus , Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Nemrut Dagi andPergamum .
As sites where there are few remains, Bogazkale and Troy are impressive because of their antiquity. You can join the diggings of foreign or Turkish Universities in summer if you like but there is no centralized registry.

Istanbul is bustling and cosmopolitan, the former capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, which has many churches, museums, mosques and opulent palaces. The bustling bazaars and jostling street life are a part of the joie de vivre of Istanbul and there is definitely a sightseer overload in this magnificent city. The visitor could well divide the city into Old Istanbul, the Asian part of Istanbul and the European part. The Old City has many parks and gardens. The residential palace of the Ottoman Sultans, Topkapi, overlooks the Sea of Marma and the Bosphorous, the Blue Mosque is the only one in the world with 6 minarets, St Sophia that was once a cathedral, then a mosque and now a museum are spectacular sights. Don’t miss the underground Byzantine Cistern that is supported by 336 Corinthian columns.

The Asian part of Istanbul is called Uskudar (Skutari) where Florence Nightingale nursed the victims of the Crimean War. Take a walk or drive along the two massive suspension bridges over the Bosphorous for a fabulous and panoramic view of Istanbul.

Tan out at the gorgeous beaches of Bosphorous , a short drive away from Istanbul.

Explore the forts at Rumeli Hisar , the National Park of Mount Uludag and the ruins of Troy. Take a joyous boat ride on the Bosphorous or to the Princes Islands .

The European part of Istanbul is Thrace and its provincial capital is Edirne with a rich historical past. Forests and beaches make up the landscape and the coastal resorts at Yalova, Erdek and Gemlik are well-visited leisure spots. Visit the three Turkish mosques, the Eski Cami, Uc Serefile Cami and the famous Selimiye. Bursa is famous for its elegant Ottoman buildings such as the Green Mausoleum and the Great Mosque.

Ankara is Turkey’s seat of government, sprawling and modern. Popular tourist destinations are Hisar, the Byzantine citadel, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ataturk’s Masoleum and the Presidential Mansion preserved just as Ataturk left it.

Ephesus is the grandest and best preserved among the hundreds of classical ruins and ancient cities. Known as Ionia in ancient times, it was a flourishing cultural centre. The Temple of Diana is a must visit – Virgin Mary spent her last years here. Take a walking tour; it will take you a day – start early to avoid the noon heat.

Bodrum is South Aegean’s most picturesque resort with its palm-lined streets circling the bays and white cheese cube houses. This is famous for its boating swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. The nightlife is loud and wild here and if you want peace and quiet, this isn’t the place to go.

Antalya is several kilometres off pebble beaches but it is well connected by bus and dolmus to several great beach towns and ancient cities – Side (75km) east of Antalya where Mark Antony and Cleopatra had a secret rendezvous, Alanya (115km), and Patara (a few hundred km) where there are Roman ruins among dunes and an excellent beach which is however closed at sunset to allow turtles to mate!

Museums are generally open from 8 am or 8.30 am to 5pm or 6 pm, closed on Monday and usually at lunch time (12. 30 to 1.30 pm). Archaeological sites are generally open daily from just after sunrise till just before sunset. Mosques that are tourist attractions are usually open most of the time, while others open only for Namaz or Muslim prayer, five times a day. Women must cover their heads before entering a mosque, while both men and women must cover their legs, shorts being considered offensive. Shoes must always be removed before entering a mosque.

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 amto 6 or 7 pm, although some take a lunch break from 1pmto 2 pm.Food shops generally open early 6 or 7 amand close late 7 or 8 pm. One food shop in each neighbourhood remains open on Sunday.
Jewelry, handicrafts, leather apparel, carpets, brass and copperware, and carved meerschaum are all good buys. Bargaining is a must for souvenirs, and also if you are buying several things from one shop, or shopping off-season. You can bargain for hotel rooms too if you are visiting off-season, between November and April, or if you plan to spend more than a few days.

In Istanbul, the restaurants along Sultanahmet’s “Divan Yolu” serve excellent food but stay out of the tourist zone if you want to keep it inexpensive. The Grand Bazar has small restaurants where you can eat leisurely on a small progression of dishes. Istiklal Caddesi has mouth-watering grill joints – walk up the side streets to the south for the best of them.
Good bottled water is sold everywhere. Beer, Turkish wine and the aniseed raki are popular. Turkish coffee, and Turkish tea are well known but you need to acquire a taste for the coffee that can be a very bitter experience if you have it in a gulp!

Bodrum has booming and blaring discos and is a fun-place to be in if you enjoy loud, throbbing music and evenings that stretch forever!

Istanbul,Ankara andIzmir have opera, symphony, ballet, and theatre. Smaller towns have folk dancer troupes. Cinema and nightclubs are to be found in every Turkish town. Both western and Turkish movies can be seen.

You haven’t seen Switzerlandif you haven’t managed some historic snapshots of the omnipresent Swiss cow with its trademark bell. In other words, if “sightseeing” is your thing, you’ve got to camp out in places like Luzern or Lugano and enjoy the green meadows and the natural beauty to get a taste of the rustic splendor of the country.

Luzern, Geneva and Lugano have the most breathtaking bodies of water in the continent and certainly merit a day or two of strolling along the banks of the lakes. The most visited area in Switzerland is Interlaken which is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and is a hit with the adventure seeking backpacker, as the nearby mountains have some of the best hiking trails in the world.

Any holiday would be incomplete sans a visit to the famous museums, churches, mansions and universities of Geneva and Zurich . Architectural wonders compete for space and attention in these cosmopolitan centres, and you will find more than enough for those rolls of film that you can’t wait to use up. The Chateau de Chillon near Montreux is a 13th century fortress not to be missed and if you happen to be here in early July and just happen to love jazz then be sure you make it to the famous Montreux Jazz Festival.

The ski resort of Zermatt is home to the towering Matterhorn and tourists flock here to get a glimpse of this magnificent peak.

The quintessential excursion to the cheese makers’ or to the local clock shop, to find out the manufacturing secrets of the Swiss, would also be something worth keeping in mind.

The world famous Lindt chocolates will beckon you throughout your trip, the gruyere, emmentaler or vacherin will tickle your palette and the sleek Rolexes will make you swoon. Prices, no doubt, will reflect the world class quality and durability of these products. So make a lifetime investment in a gold watch if you like. Those who don’t feel like the Sultan of B himself needn’t despair: inexpensive and delightful souvenirs and goodies in street shops will give you something to show for the trip.
Other items of purchase in Switzerland include pottery, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liquors (Williamine, the best thing that can be done with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless-steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods and shoes.

The shopping hours inSwitzerland are from8:30 am –noon and1:30 – 6:00 pm on Mondays – Fridays and8:00 am – 8:00 pm on Saturdays.

Dining options range from luxury establishments to modest cafes, stubli (tavern cafes), and restaurants specializing in local cuisine. If you’re staying in a resort, you can normally use the half pension plan, which includes a simple, hot meal in the room rate.

Mealtimes: the main Swiss meal of the day is lunch, followed by light evening snacks.

The average meal price per person, including tips and tax – but minus beverages – would be roughly 30SF to 50SF in one of the metros like Geneva or Zurich. The same in a smaller place like Luzerne or Lugano would cost about 20SF -35SF at the local restaurant.

In bigger cities likeZurich andGeneva night life centers around cafes along the lakeside where street performers put up their acts on summer nights.. Jazz is popular and jazz festivals are held periodically. If it is something more serious you are looking for catch a play or a music concert. Weekly listings of concerts and performances are available at the local Tourist Information booths around the cities.

You haven’t seen Switzerlandif you haven’t managed some historic snapshots of the omnipresent Swiss cow with its trademark bell. In other words, if “sightseeing” is your thing, you’ve got to camp out in places like Luzern or Lugano and enjoy the green meadows and the natural beauty to get a taste of the rustic splendor of the country.

Luzern, Geneva and Lugano have the most breathtaking bodies of water in the continent and certainly merit a day or two of strolling along the banks of the lakes. The most visited area in Switzerland is Interlaken which is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and is a hit with the adventure seeking backpacker, as the nearby mountains have some of the best hiking trails in the world.

Any holiday would be incomplete sans a visit to the famous museums, churches, mansions and universities of Geneva and Zurich . Architectural wonders compete for space and attention in these cosmopolitan centres, and you will find more than enough for those rolls of film that you can’t wait to use up. The Chateau de Chillon near Montreux is a 13th century fortress not to be missed and if you happen to be here in early July and just happen to love jazz then be sure you make it to the famous Montreux Jazz Festival.

The ski resort of Zermatt is home to the towering Matterhorn and tourists flock here to get a glimpse of this magnificent peak.

The quintessential excursion to the cheese makers’ or to the local clock shop, to find out the manufacturing secrets of the Swiss, would also be something worth keeping in mind.

The world famous Lindt chocolates will beckon you throughout your trip, the gruyere, emmentaler or vacherin will tickle your palette and the sleek Rolexes will make you swoon. Prices, no doubt, will reflect the world class quality and durability of these products. So make a lifetime investment in a gold watch if you like. Those who don’t feel like the Sultan of B himself needn’t despair: inexpensive and delightful souvenirs and goodies in street shops will give you something to show for the trip.
Other items of purchase in Switzerland include pottery, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liquors (Williamine, the best thing that can be done with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless-steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods and shoes.

The shopping hours inSwitzerland are from8:30 am –noon and1:30 – 6:00 pm on Mondays – Fridays and8:00 am – 8:00 pm on Saturdays.

Dining options range from luxury establishments to modest cafes, stubli (tavern cafes), and restaurants specializing in local cuisine. If you’re staying in a resort, you can normally use the half pension plan, which includes a simple, hot meal in the room rate.

Mealtimes: the main Swiss meal of the day is lunch, followed by light evening snacks.

The average meal price per person, including tips and tax – but minus beverages – would be roughly 30SF to 50SF in one of the metros like Geneva or Zurich. The same in a smaller place like Luzerne or Lugano would cost about 20SF -35SF at the local restaurant.

In bigger cities likeZurich andGeneva night life centers around cafes along the lakeside where street performers put up their acts on summer nights.. Jazz is popular and jazz festivals are held periodically. If it is something more serious you are looking for catch a play or a music concert. Weekly listings of concerts and performances are available at the local Tourist Information booths around the cities.

Though a small country, Sri Lankahas quite enough to keep a visitor occupied for a few weeks. There’s a lot to see, including old forts, museums, temples, viharas, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and more.
Located 21/2 hours away from Colombo on the road to Kandy is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage , a great favourite with visitors to Sri Lanka. Orphaned baby tuskers are looked after by foster parents in this government run sanctuary. The babies are a big draw and best hours to visit the Orphanage are bath and feed times – 0915 to 1200 and 1315 to 1600.

Besides the capital Colombo and the hill city of Kandy , there are few other cities of importance in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital, and therefore has an economic, political and cultural significance all its own.

Kandy, which defied foreign conquerors for many centuries, is the second largest city of Sri Lanka and a culturally vibrant place. Easily one of the best known, and most sacred of Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is a World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 16th century and houses a relic of great significance – a tooth believed to be that of the Buddha. During the lunar month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Dalada Perahera festival is celebrated with a procession, and is a spectacle worth seeing, complete with drummers, dancers and richly decorated elephants.

Some towns in Sri Lanka are famous purely for ”tourist value’ – places like Bentota andHikkaduwa are known mainly for their sunny golden beaches and their coral reefs. Sri Lanka’s best known beach resort, Hikkaduwa has an attractive coral reef, golden beaches and plenty of opportunity to swim, scuba dive, surf or go snorkelling. There are also tours in glass-bottomed boats, especially in the area of the ”coral sanctuary’.

The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka (2224 mts high), Adam’s Peak is also known as ”Samanalakande’ (”The Mountain where butterflies go to die’) and ”Sri Pada’ (”Sacred Footprint’). Adam’s Peak is sacred to most Sri Lankans, of whatever faith – Christians believe that it is the place where Adam first set foot on Earth; Buddhists hold that the ”footprint’ at the top of the peak is that of the Buddha, while Hindus believe that it is Lord Shiva’s mark. Thousands of pilgrims have been trekking up the peak for more than a 1000 years. Adam’s Peak lies 65 km from Colombo, the nearest settlement being Dalhousie.

Outside of Colombo and Kandy, there are plenty of tourist attractions. Towns of historical importance include Negombo which was under Dutch control for a long time, and still has many reminders of Dutch rule – in the form of old buildings and canals, Galle, Anuradhapuraand Polonnaruwa – the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka.

205 km from Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura , established around the 4th century BC and inhabited for over 1000 years. Its exquisitely carved stone remains lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura. Extensive temples, tanks and ponds form part of the city complex, of which the holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree, which is believed to have grown from the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

Sigiriya , one of Sri Lanka’s many forts, is different in that it is not of European origin. It was built in the 5th century AD, and stands at the top of a 200 m high rock embankment. It is unique in some ways: there are some amazingly good rock paintings of women (the only non-religious old paintings discovered so far on the island), there are water gardens, and there is even a graffiti wall over 10 centuries old!

Galle is for those who are interested in the colonial side of the island. 115 km south of Colombo, it is a port that had a major Dutch presence for a long time. Galle has a huge 36-hectare fort (in perfect condition even today) built by the Dutch, and inside it are Dutch houses, museums and churches, all in excellent repair.

Situated 309km from Colombo is Ruhuna (Yala) National Park , Sri Lanka”s most visited game sanctuary. Spread over 1200 sq km Yala enjoys the added bonus of a scenic waterfront and picturesque lagoons. Known best for its elephants it also has leopards, boars, peacocks, sambar and a variety of migrant birds. Rent a 4WD and park near a waterhole at dawn or dusk to see the wildlife. Other national parks in the country are Uda Walawe National Park (170km from Colombo), Wasagamuwa National Park (200km from Colombo), Horton Plains National Park (200km from Colombo), Bundala National Park (260km from Colombo) and Gal Oya National Park(360km from Colombo).

Two fairly well known cities – Batticaloa and Jaffna – have been off the tourist map for more than a decade now, due to the warfare raging between Tamil insurgents and the government troops.

Even while travelling within Sri Lanka, from one town to the next, you’ll come across interesting surprises- spice gardens, tea estates sprawling over the hills, gem pits, cashewnut groves, strawberry fields, temples and much more. Just keep your eyes open!

Sri Lankahas plenty of tempting wares to offer for shoppers, and what is best is that there is something to suit virtually every budget. If you have plenty to spend, there’s nothing quite as enticing as Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, beryls, zircon, quartz and more. Although Ratnapura, – very appropriately named “the town of gems” is the most important gem centre, gemstones are also easily available though usually at a higher price, at other places.
If gems don’t quite fit your pocket or your preferences, there are handicrafts aplenty. Among the most popular are painted wooden ceremonial masks ranging in size from key rings to full, life size ones; batik – an originally Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax to create patterns, leatherwork (especially bags), lacquer-work, jewellery, coir-ware and earthenware.

For the tummy-conscious tourist, there is a fairly wide spectrum of eating joints. Roadside stalls selling Sri Lankan food and even western or Indian food (though usually not of the best quality) are aplenty, and there are restaurants, both free-standing and in the hotels which offer Lankan, Chinese and Western food. The latter, although their repertoire may often extend only to salads, sandwiches and omelettes, are usually a good alternative for those who dare not risk the fire of the local curries, or have tired of endless meals cooked in coconut oil. Don’t be afraid to try the Sri Lankan food, though a request to keep the spice low is usually honoured.
To quench your thirst, you may, of course, try water – but do this only if you’re sure it’s hygienic; waterborne diseases are rife in Sri Lanka, as in much of the Third World. Coconut water makes a much more palatable and far cleaner alternative, and for those who would stick to familiar beverages, aerated drinks and mineral water are freely available. Fruit juices – especially some unusual ones like fresh passion fruit or fresh pineapple, are worth a try; however, keep in mind the possibility that these may sometimes be diluted with water. For a hot drink, you must have tea – after all, Sri Lankan teas are among the best in the world!

Beer, local as well as foreign, is fairly common. A lot of foreign liquor is imported into Sri Lanka, so it’s also easy to get hold of wines and spirits from the world over, but these are available mainly in larger towns only. Local spirits – toddy and arrack, both derived from coconut trees, are more common.

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be casinos or nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes. A popular booklet entitled ”This month in Sri Lanka’ lists most of these for the benefit of tourists. Some towns are particularly rich as far as cultural performances are concerned – Kandy, for instance, has dancers, drummers and fire-walkers performing almost every night in peak season at different venues like the Cultural Centre, the Young Men’s Buddhist Association, and the Red Cross Building.

Besides traditional performances, films (English, Sinhala and Indian) and theatre (Sinhala) are fairly popular entertainment options.

Though a small country, Sri Lankahas quite enough to keep a visitor occupied for a few weeks. There’s a lot to see, including old forts, museums, temples, viharas, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and more.
Located 21/2 hours away from Colombo on the road to Kandy is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage , a great favourite with visitors to Sri Lanka. Orphaned baby tuskers are looked after by foster parents in this government run sanctuary. The babies are a big draw and best hours to visit the Orphanage are bath and feed times – 0915 to 1200 and 1315 to 1600.

Besides the capital Colombo and the hill city of Kandy , there are few other cities of importance in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital, and therefore has an economic, political and cultural significance all its own.

Kandy, which defied foreign conquerors for many centuries, is the second largest city of Sri Lanka and a culturally vibrant place. Easily one of the best known, and most sacred of Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is a World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 16th century and houses a relic of great significance – a tooth believed to be that of the Buddha. During the lunar month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Dalada Perahera festival is celebrated with a procession, and is a spectacle worth seeing, complete with drummers, dancers and richly decorated elephants.

Some towns in Sri Lanka are famous purely for ”tourist value’ – places like Bentota andHikkaduwa are known mainly for their sunny golden beaches and their coral reefs. Sri Lanka’s best known beach resort, Hikkaduwa has an attractive coral reef, golden beaches and plenty of opportunity to swim, scuba dive, surf or go snorkelling. There are also tours in glass-bottomed boats, especially in the area of the ”coral sanctuary’.

The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka (2224 mts high), Adam’s Peak is also known as ”Samanalakande’ (”The Mountain where butterflies go to die’) and ”Sri Pada’ (”Sacred Footprint’). Adam’s Peak is sacred to most Sri Lankans, of whatever faith – Christians believe that it is the place where Adam first set foot on Earth; Buddhists hold that the ”footprint’ at the top of the peak is that of the Buddha, while Hindus believe that it is Lord Shiva’s mark. Thousands of pilgrims have been trekking up the peak for more than a 1000 years. Adam’s Peak lies 65 km from Colombo, the nearest settlement being Dalhousie.

Outside of Colombo and Kandy, there are plenty of tourist attractions. Towns of historical importance include Negombo which was under Dutch control for a long time, and still has many reminders of Dutch rule – in the form of old buildings and canals, Galle, Anuradhapuraand Polonnaruwa – the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka.

205 km from Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura , established around the 4th century BC and inhabited for over 1000 years. Its exquisitely carved stone remains lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura. Extensive temples, tanks and ponds form part of the city complex, of which the holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree, which is believed to have grown from the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

Sigiriya , one of Sri Lanka’s many forts, is different in that it is not of European origin. It was built in the 5th century AD, and stands at the top of a 200 m high rock embankment. It is unique in some ways: there are some amazingly good rock paintings of women (the only non-religious old paintings discovered so far on the island), there are water gardens, and there is even a graffiti wall over 10 centuries old!

Galle is for those who are interested in the colonial side of the island. 115 km south of Colombo, it is a port that had a major Dutch presence for a long time. Galle has a huge 36-hectare fort (in perfect condition even today) built by the Dutch, and inside it are Dutch houses, museums and churches, all in excellent repair.

Situated 309km from Colombo is Ruhuna (Yala) National Park , Sri Lanka”s most visited game sanctuary. Spread over 1200 sq km Yala enjoys the added bonus of a scenic waterfront and picturesque lagoons. Known best for its elephants it also has leopards, boars, peacocks, sambar and a variety of migrant birds. Rent a 4WD and park near a waterhole at dawn or dusk to see the wildlife. Other national parks in the country are Uda Walawe National Park (170km from Colombo), Wasagamuwa National Park (200km from Colombo), Horton Plains National Park (200km from Colombo), Bundala National Park (260km from Colombo) and Gal Oya National Park(360km from Colombo).

Two fairly well known cities – Batticaloa and Jaffna – have been off the tourist map for more than a decade now, due to the warfare raging between Tamil insurgents and the government troops.

Even while travelling within Sri Lanka, from one town to the next, you’ll come across interesting surprises- spice gardens, tea estates sprawling over the hills, gem pits, cashewnut groves, strawberry fields, temples and much more. Just keep your eyes open!

Sri Lankahas plenty of tempting wares to offer for shoppers, and what is best is that there is something to suit virtually every budget. If you have plenty to spend, there’s nothing quite as enticing as Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, beryls, zircon, quartz and more. Although Ratnapura, – very appropriately named “the town of gems” is the most important gem centre, gemstones are also easily available though usually at a higher price, at other places.
If gems don’t quite fit your pocket or your preferences, there are handicrafts aplenty. Among the most popular are painted wooden ceremonial masks ranging in size from key rings to full, life size ones; batik – an originally Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax to create patterns, leatherwork (especially bags), lacquer-work, jewellery, coir-ware and earthenware.

For the tummy-conscious tourist, there is a fairly wide spectrum of eating joints. Roadside stalls selling Sri Lankan food and even western or Indian food (though usually not of the best quality) are aplenty, and there are restaurants, both free-standing and in the hotels which offer Lankan, Chinese and Western food. The latter, although their repertoire may often extend only to salads, sandwiches and omelettes, are usually a good alternative for those who dare not risk the fire of the local curries, or have tired of endless meals cooked in coconut oil. Don’t be afraid to try the Sri Lankan food, though a request to keep the spice low is usually honoured.
To quench your thirst, you may, of course, try water – but do this only if you’re sure it’s hygienic; waterborne diseases are rife in Sri Lanka, as in much of the Third World. Coconut water makes a much more palatable and far cleaner alternative, and for those who would stick to familiar beverages, aerated drinks and mineral water are freely available. Fruit juices – especially some unusual ones like fresh passion fruit or fresh pineapple, are worth a try; however, keep in mind the possibility that these may sometimes be diluted with water. For a hot drink, you must have tea – after all, Sri Lankan teas are among the best in the world!

Beer, local as well as foreign, is fairly common. A lot of foreign liquor is imported into Sri Lanka, so it’s also easy to get hold of wines and spirits from the world over, but these are available mainly in larger towns only. Local spirits – toddy and arrack, both derived from coconut trees, are more common.

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be casinos or nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes. A popular booklet entitled ”This month in Sri Lanka’ lists most of these for the benefit of tourists. Some towns are particularly rich as far as cultural performances are concerned – Kandy, for instance, has dancers, drummers and fire-walkers performing almost every night in peak season at different venues like the Cultural Centre, the Young Men’s Buddhist Association, and the Red Cross Building.

Besides traditional performances, films (English, Sinhala and Indian) and theatre (Sinhala) are fairly popular entertainment options.

Though a small country, Sri Lankahas quite enough to keep a visitor occupied for a few weeks. There’s a lot to see, including old forts, museums, temples, viharas, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and more.
Located 21/2 hours away from Colombo on the road to Kandy is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage , a great favourite with visitors to Sri Lanka. Orphaned baby tuskers are looked after by foster parents in this government run sanctuary. The babies are a big draw and best hours to visit the Orphanage are bath and feed times – 0915 to 1200 and 1315 to 1600.

Besides the capital Colombo and the hill city of Kandy , there are few other cities of importance in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital, and therefore has an economic, political and cultural significance all its own.

Kandy, which defied foreign conquerors for many centuries, is the second largest city of Sri Lanka and a culturally vibrant place. Easily one of the best known, and most sacred of Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is a World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 16th century and houses a relic of great significance – a tooth believed to be that of the Buddha. During the lunar month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Dalada Perahera festival is celebrated with a procession, and is a spectacle worth seeing, complete with drummers, dancers and richly decorated elephants.

Some towns in Sri Lanka are famous purely for ”tourist value’ – places like Bentota andHikkaduwa are known mainly for their sunny golden beaches and their coral reefs. Sri Lanka’s best known beach resort, Hikkaduwa has an attractive coral reef, golden beaches and plenty of opportunity to swim, scuba dive, surf or go snorkelling. There are also tours in glass-bottomed boats, especially in the area of the ”coral sanctuary’.

The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka (2224 mts high), Adam’s Peak is also known as ”Samanalakande’ (”The Mountain where butterflies go to die’) and ”Sri Pada’ (”Sacred Footprint’). Adam’s Peak is sacred to most Sri Lankans, of whatever faith – Christians believe that it is the place where Adam first set foot on Earth; Buddhists hold that the ”footprint’ at the top of the peak is that of the Buddha, while Hindus believe that it is Lord Shiva’s mark. Thousands of pilgrims have been trekking up the peak for more than a 1000 years. Adam’s Peak lies 65 km from Colombo, the nearest settlement being Dalhousie.

Outside of Colombo and Kandy, there are plenty of tourist attractions. Towns of historical importance include Negombo which was under Dutch control for a long time, and still has many reminders of Dutch rule – in the form of old buildings and canals, Galle, Anuradhapuraand Polonnaruwa – the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka.

205 km from Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura , established around the 4th century BC and inhabited for over 1000 years. Its exquisitely carved stone remains lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura. Extensive temples, tanks and ponds form part of the city complex, of which the holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree, which is believed to have grown from the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

Sigiriya , one of Sri Lanka’s many forts, is different in that it is not of European origin. It was built in the 5th century AD, and stands at the top of a 200 m high rock embankment. It is unique in some ways: there are some amazingly good rock paintings of women (the only non-religious old paintings discovered so far on the island), there are water gardens, and there is even a graffiti wall over 10 centuries old!

Galle is for those who are interested in the colonial side of the island. 115 km south of Colombo, it is a port that had a major Dutch presence for a long time. Galle has a huge 36-hectare fort (in perfect condition even today) built by the Dutch, and inside it are Dutch houses, museums and churches, all in excellent repair.

Situated 309km from Colombo is Ruhuna (Yala) National Park , Sri Lanka”s most visited game sanctuary. Spread over 1200 sq km Yala enjoys the added bonus of a scenic waterfront and picturesque lagoons. Known best for its elephants it also has leopards, boars, peacocks, sambar and a variety of migrant birds. Rent a 4WD and park near a waterhole at dawn or dusk to see the wildlife. Other national parks in the country are Uda Walawe National Park (170km from Colombo), Wasagamuwa National Park (200km from Colombo), Horton Plains National Park (200km from Colombo), Bundala National Park (260km from Colombo) and Gal Oya National Park(360km from Colombo).

Two fairly well known cities – Batticaloa and Jaffna – have been off the tourist map for more than a decade now, due to the warfare raging between Tamil insurgents and the government troops.

Even while travelling within Sri Lanka, from one town to the next, you’ll come across interesting surprises- spice gardens, tea estates sprawling over the hills, gem pits, cashewnut groves, strawberry fields, temples and much more. Just keep your eyes open!

Sri Lankahas plenty of tempting wares to offer for shoppers, and what is best is that there is something to suit virtually every budget. If you have plenty to spend, there’s nothing quite as enticing as Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, beryls, zircon, quartz and more. Although Ratnapura, – very appropriately named “the town of gems” is the most important gem centre, gemstones are also easily available though usually at a higher price, at other places.
If gems don’t quite fit your pocket or your preferences, there are handicrafts aplenty. Among the most popular are painted wooden ceremonial masks ranging in size from key rings to full, life size ones; batik – an originally Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax to create patterns, leatherwork (especially bags), lacquer-work, jewellery, coir-ware and earthenware.

For the tummy-conscious tourist, there is a fairly wide spectrum of eating joints. Roadside stalls selling Sri Lankan food and even western or Indian food (though usually not of the best quality) are aplenty, and there are restaurants, both free-standing and in the hotels which offer Lankan, Chinese and Western food. The latter, although their repertoire may often extend only to salads, sandwiches and omelettes, are usually a good alternative for those who dare not risk the fire of the local curries, or have tired of endless meals cooked in coconut oil. Don’t be afraid to try the Sri Lankan food, though a request to keep the spice low is usually honoured.
To quench your thirst, you may, of course, try water – but do this only if you’re sure it’s hygienic; waterborne diseases are rife in Sri Lanka, as in much of the Third World. Coconut water makes a much more palatable and far cleaner alternative, and for those who would stick to familiar beverages, aerated drinks and mineral water are freely available. Fruit juices – especially some unusual ones like fresh passion fruit or fresh pineapple, are worth a try; however, keep in mind the possibility that these may sometimes be diluted with water. For a hot drink, you must have tea – after all, Sri Lankan teas are among the best in the world!

Beer, local as well as foreign, is fairly common. A lot of foreign liquor is imported into Sri Lanka, so it’s also easy to get hold of wines and spirits from the world over, but these are available mainly in larger towns only. Local spirits – toddy and arrack, both derived from coconut trees, are more common.

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be casinos or nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes. A popular booklet entitled ”This month in Sri Lanka’ lists most of these for the benefit of tourists. Some towns are particularly rich as far as cultural performances are concerned – Kandy, for instance, has dancers, drummers and fire-walkers performing almost every night in peak season at different venues like the Cultural Centre, the Young Men’s Buddhist Association, and the Red Cross Building.

Besides traditional performances, films (English, Sinhala and Indian) and theatre (Sinhala) are fairly popular entertainment options.

Though a small country, Sri Lankahas quite enough to keep a visitor occupied for a few weeks. There’s a lot to see, including old forts, museums, temples, viharas, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and more.
Located 21/2 hours away from Colombo on the road to Kandy is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage , a great favourite with visitors to Sri Lanka. Orphaned baby tuskers are looked after by foster parents in this government run sanctuary. The babies are a big draw and best hours to visit the Orphanage are bath and feed times – 0915 to 1200 and 1315 to 1600.

Besides the capital Colombo and the hill city of Kandy , there are few other cities of importance in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital, and therefore has an economic, political and cultural significance all its own.

Kandy, which defied foreign conquerors for many centuries, is the second largest city of Sri Lanka and a culturally vibrant place. Easily one of the best known, and most sacred of Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is a World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 16th century and houses a relic of great significance – a tooth believed to be that of the Buddha. During the lunar month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Dalada Perahera festival is celebrated with a procession, and is a spectacle worth seeing, complete with drummers, dancers and richly decorated elephants.

Some towns in Sri Lanka are famous purely for ”tourist value’ – places like Bentota andHikkaduwa are known mainly for their sunny golden beaches and their coral reefs. Sri Lanka’s best known beach resort, Hikkaduwa has an attractive coral reef, golden beaches and plenty of opportunity to swim, scuba dive, surf or go snorkelling. There are also tours in glass-bottomed boats, especially in the area of the ”coral sanctuary’.

The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka (2224 mts high), Adam’s Peak is also known as ”Samanalakande’ (”The Mountain where butterflies go to die’) and ”Sri Pada’ (”Sacred Footprint’). Adam’s Peak is sacred to most Sri Lankans, of whatever faith – Christians believe that it is the place where Adam first set foot on Earth; Buddhists hold that the ”footprint’ at the top of the peak is that of the Buddha, while Hindus believe that it is Lord Shiva’s mark. Thousands of pilgrims have been trekking up the peak for more than a 1000 years. Adam’s Peak lies 65 km from Colombo, the nearest settlement being Dalhousie.

Outside of Colombo and Kandy, there are plenty of tourist attractions. Towns of historical importance include Negombo which was under Dutch control for a long time, and still has many reminders of Dutch rule – in the form of old buildings and canals, Galle, Anuradhapuraand Polonnaruwa – the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka.

205 km from Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura , established around the 4th century BC and inhabited for over 1000 years. Its exquisitely carved stone remains lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura. Extensive temples, tanks and ponds form part of the city complex, of which the holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree, which is believed to have grown from the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

Sigiriya , one of Sri Lanka’s many forts, is different in that it is not of European origin. It was built in the 5th century AD, and stands at the top of a 200 m high rock embankment. It is unique in some ways: there are some amazingly good rock paintings of women (the only non-religious old paintings discovered so far on the island), there are water gardens, and there is even a graffiti wall over 10 centuries old!

Galle is for those who are interested in the colonial side of the island. 115 km south of Colombo, it is a port that had a major Dutch presence for a long time. Galle has a huge 36-hectare fort (in perfect condition even today) built by the Dutch, and inside it are Dutch houses, museums and churches, all in excellent repair.

Situated 309km from Colombo is Ruhuna (Yala) National Park , Sri Lanka”s most visited game sanctuary. Spread over 1200 sq km Yala enjoys the added bonus of a scenic waterfront and picturesque lagoons. Known best for its elephants it also has leopards, boars, peacocks, sambar and a variety of migrant birds. Rent a 4WD and park near a waterhole at dawn or dusk to see the wildlife. Other national parks in the country are Uda Walawe National Park (170km from Colombo), Wasagamuwa National Park (200km from Colombo), Horton Plains National Park (200km from Colombo), Bundala National Park (260km from Colombo) and Gal Oya National Park(360km from Colombo).

Two fairly well known cities – Batticaloa and Jaffna – have been off the tourist map for more than a decade now, due to the warfare raging between Tamil insurgents and the government troops.

Even while travelling within Sri Lanka, from one town to the next, you’ll come across interesting surprises- spice gardens, tea estates sprawling over the hills, gem pits, cashewnut groves, strawberry fields, temples and much more. Just keep your eyes open!

Sri Lankahas plenty of tempting wares to offer for shoppers, and what is best is that there is something to suit virtually every budget. If you have plenty to spend, there’s nothing quite as enticing as Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, beryls, zircon, quartz and more. Although Ratnapura, – very appropriately named “the town of gems” is the most important gem centre, gemstones are also easily available though usually at a higher price, at other places.
If gems don’t quite fit your pocket or your preferences, there are handicrafts aplenty. Among the most popular are painted wooden ceremonial masks ranging in size from key rings to full, life size ones; batik – an originally Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax to create patterns, leatherwork (especially bags), lacquer-work, jewellery, coir-ware and earthenware.

For the tummy-conscious tourist, there is a fairly wide spectrum of eating joints. Roadside stalls selling Sri Lankan food and even western or Indian food (though usually not of the best quality) are aplenty, and there are restaurants, both free-standing and in the hotels which offer Lankan, Chinese and Western food. The latter, although their repertoire may often extend only to salads, sandwiches and omelettes, are usually a good alternative for those who dare not risk the fire of the local curries, or have tired of endless meals cooked in coconut oil. Don’t be afraid to try the Sri Lankan food, though a request to keep the spice low is usually honoured.
To quench your thirst, you may, of course, try water – but do this only if you’re sure it’s hygienic; waterborne diseases are rife in Sri Lanka, as in much of the Third World. Coconut water makes a much more palatable and far cleaner alternative, and for those who would stick to familiar beverages, aerated drinks and mineral water are freely available. Fruit juices – especially some unusual ones like fresh passion fruit or fresh pineapple, are worth a try; however, keep in mind the possibility that these may sometimes be diluted with water. For a hot drink, you must have tea – after all, Sri Lankan teas are among the best in the world!

Beer, local as well as foreign, is fairly common. A lot of foreign liquor is imported into Sri Lanka, so it’s also easy to get hold of wines and spirits from the world over, but these are available mainly in larger towns only. Local spirits – toddy and arrack, both derived from coconut trees, are more common.

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be casinos or nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes. A popular booklet entitled ”This month in Sri Lanka’ lists most of these for the benefit of tourists. Some towns are particularly rich as far as cultural performances are concerned – Kandy, for instance, has dancers, drummers and fire-walkers performing almost every night in peak season at different venues like the Cultural Centre, the Young Men’s Buddhist Association, and the Red Cross Building.

Besides traditional performances, films (English, Sinhala and Indian) and theatre (Sinhala) are fairly popular entertainment options.

Though a small country, Sri Lankahas quite enough to keep a visitor occupied for a few weeks. There’s a lot to see, including old forts, museums, temples, viharas, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and more.
Located 21/2 hours away from Colombo on the road to Kandy is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage , a great favourite with visitors to Sri Lanka. Orphaned baby tuskers are looked after by foster parents in this government run sanctuary. The babies are a big draw and best hours to visit the Orphanage are bath and feed times – 0915 to 1200 and 1315 to 1600.

Besides the capital Colombo and the hill city of Kandy , there are few other cities of importance in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital, and therefore has an economic, political and cultural significance all its own.

Kandy, which defied foreign conquerors for many centuries, is the second largest city of Sri Lanka and a culturally vibrant place. Easily one of the best known, and most sacred of Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is a World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 16th century and houses a relic of great significance – a tooth believed to be that of the Buddha. During the lunar month of Esala (July/August), the Esala Dalada Perahera festival is celebrated with a procession, and is a spectacle worth seeing, complete with drummers, dancers and richly decorated elephants.

Some towns in Sri Lanka are famous purely for ”tourist value’ – places like Bentota and Hikkaduwa are known mainly for their sunny golden beaches and their coral reefs. Sri Lanka’s best known beach resort, Hikkaduwa has an attractive coral reef, golden beaches and plenty of opportunity to swim, scuba dive, surf or go snorkelling. There are also tours in glass-bottomed boats, especially in the area of the ”coral sanctuary’.

The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka (2224 mts high), Adam’s Peak is also known as ”Samanalakande’ (”The Mountain where butterflies go to die’) and ”Sri Pada’ (”Sacred Footprint’). Adam’s Peak is sacred to most Sri Lankans, of whatever faith – Christians believe that it is the place where Adam first set foot on Earth; Buddhists hold that the ”footprint’ at the top of the peak is that of the Buddha, while Hindus believe that it is Lord Shiva’s mark. Thousands of pilgrims have been trekking up the peak for more than a 1000 years. Adam’s Peak lies 65 km from Colombo, the nearest settlement being Dalhousie.

Outside of Colombo and Kandy, there are plenty of tourist attractions. Towns of historical importance include Negombo which was under Dutch control for a long time, and still has many reminders of Dutch rule – in the form of old buildings and canals, Galle, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa – the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka.

205 km from Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura , established around the 4th century BC and inhabited for over 1000 years. Its exquisitely carved stone remains lie to the west and north of the modern town of Anuradhapura. Extensive temples, tanks and ponds form part of the city complex, of which the holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree, which is believed to have grown from the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

Sigiriya , one of Sri Lanka’s many forts, is different in that it is not of European origin. It was built in the 5th century AD, and stands at the top of a 200 m high rock embankment. It is unique in some ways: there are some amazingly good rock paintings of women (the only non-religious old paintings discovered so far on the island), there are water gardens, and there is even a graffiti wall over 10 centuries old!

Galle is for those who are interested in the colonial side of the island. 115 km south of Colombo, it is a port that had a major Dutch presence for a long time. Galle has a huge 36-hectare fort (in perfect condition even today) built by the Dutch, and inside it are Dutch houses, museums and churches, all in excellent repair.

Situated 309km from Colombo is Ruhuna (Yala) National Park , Sri Lanka”s most visited game sanctuary. Spread over 1200 sq km Yala enjoys the added bonus of a scenic waterfront and picturesque lagoons. Known best for its elephants it also has leopards, boars, peacocks, sambar and a variety of migrant birds. Rent a 4WD and park near a waterhole at dawn or dusk to see the wildlife. Other national parks in the country are Uda Walawe National Park (170km from Colombo), Wasagamuwa National Park (200km from Colombo), Horton Plains National Park (200km from Colombo), Bundala National Park (260km from Colombo) and Gal Oya National Park (360km from Colombo).

Two fairly well known cities – Batticaloa and Jaffna – have been off the tourist map for more than a decade now, due to the warfare raging between Tamil insurgents and the government troops.

Even while travelling within Sri Lanka, from one town to the next, you’ll come across interesting surprises- spice gardens, tea estates sprawling over the hills, gem pits, cashewnut groves, strawberry fields, temples and much more. Just keep your eyes open!

Sri Lankahas plenty of tempting wares to offer for shoppers, and what is best is that there is something to suit virtually every budget. If you have plenty to spend, there’s nothing quite as enticing as Sri Lanka’s precious gemstones – sapphires, rubies, beryls, zircon, quartz and more. Although Ratnapura, – very appropriately named “the town of gems” is the most important gem centre, gemstones are also easily available though usually at a higher price, at other places.
If gems don’t quite fit your pocket or your preferences, there are handicrafts aplenty. Among the most popular are painted wooden ceremonial masks ranging in size from key rings to full, life size ones; batik – an originally Indonesian method of dyeing cloth using wax to create patterns, leatherwork (especially bags), lacquer-work, jewellery, coir-ware and earthenware.

For the tummy-conscious tourist, there is a fairly wide spectrum of eating joints. Roadside stalls selling Sri Lankan food and even western or Indian food (though usually not of the best quality) are aplenty, and there are restaurants, both free-standing and in the hotels which offer Lankan, Chinese and Western food. The latter, although their repertoire may often extend only to salads, sandwiches and omelettes, are usually a good alternative for those who dare not risk the fire of the local curries, or have tired of endless meals cooked in coconut oil. Don’t be afraid to try the Sri Lankan food, though a request to keep the spice low is usually honoured.
To quench your thirst, you may, of course, try water – but do this only if you’re sure it’s hygienic; waterborne diseases are rife in Sri Lanka, as in much of the Third World. Coconut water makes a much more palatable and far cleaner alternative, and for those who would stick to familiar beverages, aerated drinks and mineral water are freely available. Fruit juices – especially some unusual ones like fresh passion fruit or fresh pineapple, are worth a try; however, keep in mind the possibility that these may sometimes be diluted with water. For a hot drink, you must have tea – after all, Sri Lankan teas are among the best in the world!

Beer, local as well as foreign, is fairly common. A lot of foreign liquor is imported into Sri Lanka, so it’s also easy to get hold of wines and spirits from the world over, but these are available mainly in larger towns only. Local spirits – toddy and arrack, both derived from coconut trees, are more common.

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be casinos or nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes. A popular booklet entitled ”This month in Sri Lanka’ lists most of these for the benefit of tourists. Some towns are particularly rich as far as cultural performances are concerned – Kandy, for instance, has dancers, drummers and fire-walkers performing almost every night in peak season at different venues like the Cultural Centre, the Young Men’s Buddhist Association, and the Red Cross Building.

Besides traditional performances, films (English, Sinhala and Indian) and theatre (Sinhala) are fairly popular entertainment options.

Ever read those glossy tourist brochures which promise you everything under the sun? Sun-kissed beaches, gloriously blue seas, all the culture you can fit into a single vacation. Well, even if it doesn”t apply to any other place on earth, it certainly applies to Greece. This is one country where history, culture and natural beauty are in really large doses. Quiet mountain villages, golden beaches, prettily whitewashed cottages, ancient temples and palaces- all of it is here. Packed into a fairly compact area of just below 132,000 sq km- a virtual goldmine of culture, art and exciting archaeological remains. The Greek Islands , scattered as archipelagos across the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, are amongst the country”s greatest attractions. The more prominent island groups include the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, the Ionian Islands, the North Eastern Aegean Islands, and the Sporades Islands . Idyllic little places which (in some cases) time forgot. Tiny havens where secluded beaches are lapped by cool azure seas, where the only settlement around is a village with a single bright blue-domed church, surrounded by stark white cube-like houses. Where the greenery of the hedges is offset only by the golden sun above and the flamboyant pink bougainvillea clinging to a wall. Of the Greek islands, the Cyclades is by far the most touristy. Mykonos” bars are the rowdiest in the isles, its houses the whitest; Naxos is known for its beautiful old churches, while the isle of Santorini is famous for the vast volcanic lake which is its main attraction. Ithaca , home of the Homeric hero Odysseus (Ulysses), is a quiet isle with a wild beauty all its own. It”s a place of barren cliffs, rocky slopes and lovely old monasteries which date back to medieval times. Of the Dodecanese Islands, the isle of Rhodes is best known. Home to the largest medieval settlement in all of Europe (much of it dating back to the days of the Crusaders), Rhodes also has ancient temples, Ottoman baths and an impressive old fort- something from every era. Corfu , the most popular of the Ionian Isles, has deep gray-green cypresses, olive groves, wildflowers and a reputation for unparalleled beauty. It is, like the rest of the Ionian Islands, a quiet and comparatively unspoilt place. Skiathos , the chief island of the Sporades, is a hard-to-resist combination of beaches and pine woods with the odd monastery or church tucked away in the wild. The North Eastern Aegean Islands of Thasos, Ikaria, Limnos and their neighbors are not as touristy as the Ionians, the Cyclades and the Sporades , but their wooded hills and oak forests are great for a trek. Crete , the most popular island in the country, is the perfect place for a taste of the gorgeous Aegean coastline. But that”s not all; Crete”s history is amazingly eventful, and there are ancient ruins all across the isle. The best known are the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Malia and the many monasteries of the isle. But Greece is not all islands. The mainland has its fair share of attractions, many of which find a prominent place in Greek history and mythology. The cloud-covered peaks of Mt. Olympus , the fabled home of the Greek gods, rise 100 km southwest of Thessalonica , a city with enough historicity of its own. The second largest city in Greece, Thessalonica is choc-a-bloc with Byzantine monuments, including a number of churches. History comes alive in other cities too; in Delphi for instance, where the ancient Oracle once wielded considerable power in the governance of the state. Spreading across the cypress-shrouded slopes of Mt Parnassos , Delphi is home to ancient temples which attract millions (no exaggeration!) of tourists every year. The southern peninsula of the Peloponnese similarly overflows with history and serene landscapes. Archaeological sites such as Olympia, Corinth and Mycenae punctuate the peninsula as do the ruins of the ancient and haunting Byzantine city of Mystras. Way off to the north of the Peloponnese lies the port town of Patras , dominated by the splendor of the Agiou Andrea , the largest cathedral in Greece. If you happen to be there during carnival time take part in the festivities and have a wild time amidst the fun and the frolic. The capital of Greece, Athens has sights aplenty to last an entire vacation. You can relive the glorious past of Athens, the former “Paris of the Mediterranean”, in the neoclassical remains and the colorful street life of the city. Surrender to the power of the towering white Acropolis , which is visible from almost everywhere in the city and explore the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus on the southern slope of the hill. The world famous and ancient Parthenon stands in all of its arresting splendor and beauty not very far away. Get a taste of ancient Athens in the village of Plaka to the north east of the city, and in the ancient Roman marketplace of Agora .

Considering the fact that Greece was home to one of the world”s richest and most ancient civilizations, it”s hardly surprising that antiques are a good buy here. Athens” stores sell some seriously exquisite- and expensive- stuff, and are generally reputed. Among the antiques you may be able to pick up are statuettes, carving, engravings, ceramics, glass, and a hundred other treasures. Don”t be a sucker for fakes, though (and there are plenty of them floating around) and keep in mind that you need the government”s approval to export antiques from the Byzantine and Hellenic ages. Apart from these precious relics, you can surprise your friends back home with some traditional Greek jewelry, onyx ashtrays, Skyrian pottery, and mystic amulets to ward off the evil eye and monastery lamps from Meteroa. Shoes, rugs, wine, and dry fruit are great buys which can come at a fairly affordable rate too. Bargaining can help you get a good deal sometimes in flea markets and in the local market. Prices in most shops are clearly marked and non-negotiable. Shops are open Monday to Saturdays 9-3 and 5.30-9 in the summer months. These timings may vary at different locations.

The Greeks love to eat out- and socialize at the same time. The dyed-in-the wool atmosphere of Greece is anyway best experienced in the tavernas and the Voltas – the popular coffee shops which offer great atmosphere and a close look at Greek society. Your other options are the ouzeries or the mezedopolions, where you can get appetizers, but virtually no main meals. Here, savour the national favorites: souvlaki (a very Greek version of the hamburger); luscious kebabs and grilled gyros served with pita. In fish tavernas, you can have the best of the day”s catch cooked in the finest of Mediterranean styles. The staple Greek ingredients include fresh vegetables, seasoned with light olive oils, garlic, oregano and lemon juice. Cheeses, salads, grilled meats, and pastry are the other `must have” components of a Greek meal- and even tiny eateries in seemingly God-forsaken little mountain villages can churn out exquisite local grub. Throughout Greece people often enjoy eating from small dishes such as meze with tzatziki, grilled octopus and small fish, feta cheese, dolmades (rice, currant and pine kernels wrapped in vine leaves). Apart from Greek cuisine, there are plenty of pizza and burger places around and if for reasons mysterious you should like a change from the local flavors, you”ll have no trouble finding these places. As far as entertainment and nightlife go, Greece has it all. The Greek islands are justifiably famous for their colorful discos, nightclubs, bars and tavernas, but there”s plenty to do even on the mainland. Athens, for instance, has a vibrant nightlife and concert halls such as the Megaron Athens Concert Hall. Bars in urban Greece stay open till the wee hours of the morning, and there are plenty of dance clubs, rembetika clubs, live jazz places, and bouzouikas where you can hear Greece”s latest singing sensations perform. Performances of folk dances and music, opera, ballet and classical music are also an important part of the entertainment scene, especially in Athens and other large cities.

Paris has fired the imagination of millions of travellers over the centuries, with its promise of romance, shopping, fashion, theatre and museums, not to mention leisurely strolls by the Seine and stimulating café discussions.

Around Paris, to the west is the town of Chartres that is known for the beautiful French cathedral of Notre-Dame and Versailles for the massive palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Southeast is Fontainbleau . Most of these sights, including Disneyland , are under 80 km from Paris. Barbizon andVaux-le-Vicomte are two more ‘must see’ sights from Paris. Northwest of Paris is Rouen where Monet painted the enchanting cathedral several times over, so entranced was he by it. From Rouen, head to the gardens atGiverny – laid out by Monet himself and immortalised by his paintings. The best times to visit are May and June, but the gardens are incredibly pretty at any time of the year.

Champagne will offer as much of the bubbly liquid that you may possibly want. North of it is Flanders where beer flows as freely as the Loire river. The town of Saint Malo has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with the Fort de la Cité and the Cathédrale Saint Vincent being its main attractions, the former for its history of defending the town’s riches against the rich pirate trade that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the latter for its exquisite collection of stained glass. From Saint Malo, a convenient day trip is a Gothic attraction – the majestic abbey of Mont-St-Michel that seems to rise suddenly from the sea and contains a mysterious labyrinth. The beaches of Cote d’Emeraude are also easily accessible from Saint Malo. Strasbourg is where the European Parliament stands and home to an exquisite Gothic cathedral.

The Loire Valley and the Normandy beaches are some of France’s finest natural attractions. Nantes , which is in the Pays de la Loire , but has a cultural affinity to Brittany , is renowned for its year-round festivals and nightlife. Bordeaux , put on the world map for its violet wine, has an emerald-like quality, covered as it is, with its vineyards. Burgundy andLyon should be your next stops – the one for its famous wines and the other for its gastronomic delights.

Provence almost takes your breath away when you reach there – limestone hills and fields with rows of lavender lend it a dreamlike, surreal quality. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent many an afternoon in quiet solitude, capturing the scenery with his paintbrushes.

Avignon , the scene of artistic activity and the seat of the Popes for many centuries, retains much of its former glory in its immaculately maintained medieval streets, monuments and museums. There is a world-famous drama festival here from mid-July to mid-August that is not to be missed. There are several well-preserved Roman ruins in the south of France – Arles has the largest remaining amphitheatre, though the one in Nimes is better maintained.

Marseille has larger-than-life Byzantine churches and houses painted in saffron and blue, but is otherwise unremarkable. To the south is Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that attracts scores of mostly filthy rich visitors to its stunning beaches and the translucent, uniquely coloured water in the ocean here – some well-known tourist towns are Nice , which is literally, quite nice (!) and the expensive resort of St. Tropez , apart from the glitterati magnet – Cannes .

For a fantastic skiing experience and some fabulous mountain climbing, head to the French Alps . Europe’s tallest peak Mont Blanc is a huge crowd-puller, and the surrounding area is breathtaking with its snow-covered peaks, wide glaciers and meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer.

Shopping in France means temptation at every corner and a significantly lighter pocket at the end of your trip. Being at the centre of High Fashion, Parisian designer shops, specialty shops and boutiques store the latest haute couture, fresh off the ramps. Jewellery shops are another favourite but the danger of spending all your holiday allowance on that one trendy platinum bracelet is all too real – be warned, it is known to have happened before! For those with a footwear fetish, shoe stores will not disappoint. There are also some extremely skilled shoemakers in Paris. The other main buys in France are crystal, lace and textiles.

For gifts, you could try and get prints of famous paintings at some of the secondhand booksellers or bouquinstes. These are available along the banks of the Seine in Paris. Most popular tourist destinations in France are full of pavement artists selling charcoal or watercolour impressions of famous landmarks in their city – some of these are extremely talented, struggling art students – do buy from them for the sake of art! Another popular option is state-of-the-art home decorations.

Department Stores exist in all the major cities of France and many are open till late. People usually do not bargain in shops where the prices are clearly marked. But you can look for bargains at marches aux puces (flea markets) and food markets.

France boasts a simply unlimited spread of different cuisines of the world, especially in the bigger cities. Paris offers every kind of culinary experience, from Ethiopian to Malaysian or even Argentinian cuisine. Take advantage of this diversity to sample anything your taste buds desire, but we think when in France you must sample French food, n’cest pas? Eating in France is serious work, so lingering over your coffee or sitting at a café to watch the world go by at breakfast is a must-do. A popular choice for a light lunch is a salad or a baguette with cheese, ham or pate. Or do as the French do – go along from one specialty shop to another making up a picnic as you go along. A serious night of haute cuisine would include an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entrée (appetizer), a plat (main course) and a digestif (after-dinner drink).

It may be useful to pick up the appropriate French terms for various types of eating joints – Brasseries are great for snacks (steak and french fries are a popular combination). Boulangeries, patisseries and confiseries are the hot spots for bread, pastries and candy respectively. You could try out a variety of cooked meats at some charcuteries.

There is also no dearth of entertainment in France. Festivals, military parades, fireworks and competitions are only some of the gamut of entertainment available in France. Musicians rule the roost on French streets in late June with festivals like the fete de la musique. There is also the option of going to one of the historic operas, with the condition that one either speaks French or does not mind sitting through a show uncomprehendingly! For more conventional entertainment options, there is a mind-boggling variety of casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in big cities like Paris. Indeed, the French take their nightlife quite seriously – the young crowd will not be seen dead in a discotheque before 1 am! After World War II, Paris was the center of jazz in Europe; it continues to attract major names today. A quintessentially Parisian phenomenon is the Cabaret – a glitzy, bohemian, utterly risqué form of entertainment. Some of the grander Cabaret shows in Paris feature hundreds of female dancers with elaborate costumes (or without them!).

Paris has fired the imagination of millions of travellers over the centuries, with its promise of romance, shopping, fashion, theatre and museums, not to mention leisurely strolls by the Seine and stimulating café discussions.

Around Paris, to the west is the town of Chartres that is known for the beautiful French cathedral of Notre-Dame and Versailles for the massive palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Southeast is Fontainbleau . Most of these sights, including Disneyland , are under 80 km from Paris. Barbizon andVaux-le-Vicomte are two more ‘must see’ sights from Paris. Northwest of Paris is Rouen where Monet painted the enchanting cathedral several times over, so entranced was he by it. From Rouen, head to the gardens atGiverny – laid out by Monet himself and immortalised by his paintings. The best times to visit are May and June, but the gardens are incredibly pretty at any time of the year.

Champagne will offer as much of the bubbly liquid that you may possibly want. North of it is Flanders where beer flows as freely as the Loire river. The town of Saint Malo has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with the Fort de la Cité and the Cathédrale Saint Vincent being its main attractions, the former for its history of defending the town’s riches against the rich pirate trade that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the latter for its exquisite collection of stained glass. From Saint Malo, a convenient day trip is a Gothic attraction – the majestic abbey of Mont-St-Michel that seems to rise suddenly from the sea and contains a mysterious labyrinth. The beaches of Cote d’Emeraude are also easily accessible from Saint Malo. Strasbourg is where the European Parliament stands and home to an exquisite Gothic cathedral.

The Loire Valley and the Normandy beaches are some of France’s finest natural attractions. Nantes , which is in the Pays de la Loire , but has a cultural affinity to Brittany , is renowned for its year-round festivals and nightlife. Bordeaux , put on the world map for its violet wine, has an emerald-like quality, covered as it is, with its vineyards. Burgundy andLyon should be your next stops – the one for its famous wines and the other for its gastronomic delights.

Provence almost takes your breath away when you reach there – limestone hills and fields with rows of lavender lend it a dreamlike, surreal quality. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent many an afternoon in quiet solitude, capturing the scenery with his paintbrushes.

Avignon , the scene of artistic activity and the seat of the Popes for many centuries, retains much of its former glory in its immaculately maintained medieval streets, monuments and museums. There is a world-famous drama festival here from mid-July to mid-August that is not to be missed. There are several well-preserved Roman ruins in the south of France – Arles has the largest remaining amphitheatre, though the one in Nimes is better maintained.

Marseille has larger-than-life Byzantine churches and houses painted in saffron and blue, but is otherwise unremarkable. To the south is Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that attracts scores of mostly filthy rich visitors to its stunning beaches and the translucent, uniquely coloured water in the ocean here – some well-known tourist towns are Nice , which is literally, quite nice (!) and the expensive resort of St. Tropez , apart from the glitterati magnet – Cannes .

For a fantastic skiing experience and some fabulous mountain climbing, head to the French Alps . Europe’s tallest peak Mont Blanc is a huge crowd-puller, and the surrounding area is breathtaking with its snow-covered peaks, wide glaciers and meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer.

Shopping in France means temptation at every corner and a significantly lighter pocket at the end of your trip. Being at the centre of High Fashion, Parisian designer shops, specialty shops and boutiques store the latest haute couture, fresh off the ramps. Jewellery shops are another favourite but the danger of spending all your holiday allowance on that one trendy platinum bracelet is all too real – be warned, it is known to have happened before! For those with a footwear fetish, shoe stores will not disappoint. There are also some extremely skilled shoemakers in Paris. The other main buys in France are crystal, lace and textiles.

For gifts, you could try and get prints of famous paintings at some of the secondhand booksellers or bouquinstes. These are available along the banks of the Seine in Paris. Most popular tourist destinations in France are full of pavement artists selling charcoal or watercolour impressions of famous landmarks in their city – some of these are extremely talented, struggling art students – do buy from them for the sake of art! Another popular option is state-of-the-art home decorations.

Department Stores exist in all the major cities of France and many are open till late. People usually do not bargain in shops where the prices are clearly marked. But you can look for bargains at marches aux puces (flea markets) and food markets.

France boasts a simply unlimited spread of different cuisines of the world, especially in the bigger cities. Paris offers every kind of culinary experience, from Ethiopian to Malaysian or even Argentinian cuisine. Take advantage of this diversity to sample anything your taste buds desire, but we think when in France you must sample French food, n’cest pas? Eating in France is serious work, so lingering over your coffee or sitting at a café to watch the world go by at breakfast is a must-do. A popular choice for a light lunch is a salad or a baguette with cheese, ham or pate. Or do as the French do – go along from one specialty shop to another making up a picnic as you go along. A serious night of haute cuisine would include an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entrée (appetizer), a plat (main course) and a digestif (after-dinner drink).

It may be useful to pick up the appropriate French terms for various types of eating joints – Brasseries are great for snacks (steak and french fries are a popular combination). Boulangeries, patisseries and confiseries are the hot spots for bread, pastries and candy respectively. You could try out a variety of cooked meats at some charcuteries.

There is also no dearth of entertainment in France. Festivals, military parades, fireworks and competitions are only some of the gamut of entertainment available in France. Musicians rule the roost on French streets in late June with festivals like the fete de la musique. There is also the option of going to one of the historic operas, with the condition that one either speaks French or does not mind sitting through a show uncomprehendingly! For more conventional entertainment options, there is a mind-boggling variety of casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in big cities like Paris. Indeed, the French take their nightlife quite seriously – the young crowd will not be seen dead in a discotheque before 1 am! After World War II, Paris was the center of jazz in Europe; it continues to attract major names today. A quintessentially Parisian phenomenon is the Cabaret – a glitzy, bohemian, utterly risqué form of entertainment. Some of the grander Cabaret shows in Paris feature hundreds of female dancers with elaborate costumes (or without them!).

Paris has fired the imagination of millions of travellers over the centuries, with its promise of romance, shopping, fashion, theatre and museums, not to mention leisurely strolls by the Seine and stimulating café discussions.

Around Paris, to the west is the town of Chartres that is known for the beautiful French cathedral of Notre-Dame and Versailles for the massive palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Southeast is Fontainbleau . Most of these sights, including Disneyland , are under 80 km from Paris. Barbizon andVaux-le-Vicomte are two more ‘must see’ sights from Paris. Northwest of Paris is Rouen where Monet painted the enchanting cathedral several times over, so entranced was he by it. From Rouen, head to the gardens atGiverny – laid out by Monet himself and immortalised by his paintings. The best times to visit are May and June, but the gardens are incredibly pretty at any time of the year.

Champagne will offer as much of the bubbly liquid that you may possibly want. North of it is Flanders where beer flows as freely as the Loire river. The town of Saint Malo has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with the Fort de la Cité and the Cathédrale Saint Vincent being its main attractions, the former for its history of defending the town’s riches against the rich pirate trade that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the latter for its exquisite collection of stained glass. From Saint Malo, a convenient day trip is a Gothic attraction – the majestic abbey of Mont-St-Michel that seems to rise suddenly from the sea and contains a mysterious labyrinth. The beaches of Cote d’Emeraude are also easily accessible from Saint Malo. Strasbourg is where the European Parliament stands and home to an exquisite Gothic cathedral.

The Loire Valley and the Normandy beaches are some of France’s finest natural attractions. Nantes , which is in the Pays de la Loire , but has a cultural affinity to Brittany , is renowned for its year-round festivals and nightlife. Bordeaux , put on the world map for its violet wine, has an emerald-like quality, covered as it is, with its vineyards. Burgundy andLyon should be your next stops – the one for its famous wines and the other for its gastronomic delights.

Provence almost takes your breath away when you reach there – limestone hills and fields with rows of lavender lend it a dreamlike, surreal quality. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent many an afternoon in quiet solitude, capturing the scenery with his paintbrushes.

Avignon , the scene of artistic activity and the seat of the Popes for many centuries, retains much of its former glory in its immaculately maintained medieval streets, monuments and museums. There is a world-famous drama festival here from mid-July to mid-August that is not to be missed. There are several well-preserved Roman ruins in the south of France – Arles has the largest remaining amphitheatre, though the one in Nimes is better maintained.

Marseille has larger-than-life Byzantine churches and houses painted in saffron and blue, but is otherwise unremarkable. To the south is Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that attracts scores of mostly filthy rich visitors to its stunning beaches and the translucent, uniquely coloured water in the ocean here – some well-known tourist towns are Nice , which is literally, quite nice (!) and the expensive resort of St. Tropez , apart from the glitterati magnet – Cannes .

For a fantastic skiing experience and some fabulous mountain climbing, head to the French Alps . Europe’s tallest peak Mont Blanc is a huge crowd-puller, and the surrounding area is breathtaking with its snow-covered peaks, wide glaciers and meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer.

Shopping in France means temptation at every corner and a significantly lighter pocket at the end of your trip. Being at the centre of High Fashion, Parisian designer shops, specialty shops and boutiques store the latest haute couture, fresh off the ramps. Jewellery shops are another favourite but the danger of spending all your holiday allowance on that one trendy platinum bracelet is all too real – be warned, it is known to have happened before! For those with a footwear fetish, shoe stores will not disappoint. There are also some extremely skilled shoemakers in Paris. The other main buys in France are crystal, lace and textiles.

For gifts, you could try and get prints of famous paintings at some of the secondhand booksellers or bouquinstes. These are available along the banks of the Seine in Paris. Most popular tourist destinations in France are full of pavement artists selling charcoal or watercolour impressions of famous landmarks in their city – some of these are extremely talented, struggling art students – do buy from them for the sake of art! Another popular option is state-of-the-art home decorations.

Department Stores exist in all the major cities of France and many are open till late. People usually do not bargain in shops where the prices are clearly marked. But you can look for bargains at marches aux puces (flea markets) and food markets.

France boasts a simply unlimited spread of different cuisines of the world, especially in the bigger cities. Paris offers every kind of culinary experience, from Ethiopian to Malaysian or even Argentinian cuisine. Take advantage of this diversity to sample anything your taste buds desire, but we think when in France you must sample French food, n’cest pas? Eating in France is serious work, so lingering over your coffee or sitting at a café to watch the world go by at breakfast is a must-do. A popular choice for a light lunch is a salad or a baguette with cheese, ham or pate. Or do as the French do – go along from one specialty shop to another making up a picnic as you go along. A serious night of haute cuisine would include an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entrée (appetizer), a plat (main course) and a digestif (after-dinner drink).

It may be useful to pick up the appropriate French terms for various types of eating joints – Brasseries are great for snacks (steak and french fries are a popular combination). Boulangeries, patisseries and confiseries are the hot spots for bread, pastries and candy respectively. You could try out a variety of cooked meats at some charcuteries.

There is also no dearth of entertainment in France. Festivals, military parades, fireworks and competitions are only some of the gamut of entertainment available in France. Musicians rule the roost on French streets in late June with festivals like the fete de la musique. There is also the option of going to one of the historic operas, with the condition that one either speaks French or does not mind sitting through a show uncomprehendingly! For more conventional entertainment options, there is a mind-boggling variety of casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in big cities like Paris. Indeed, the French take their nightlife quite seriously – the young crowd will not be seen dead in a discotheque before 1 am! After World War II, Paris was the center of jazz in Europe; it continues to attract major names today. A quintessentially Parisian phenomenon is the Cabaret – a glitzy, bohemian, utterly risqué form of entertainment. Some of the grander Cabaret shows in Paris feature hundreds of female dancers with elaborate costumes (or without them!).

Paris has fired the imagination of millions of travellers over the centuries, with its promise of romance, shopping, fashion, theatre and museums, not to mention leisurely strolls by the Seine and stimulating café discussions.

Around Paris, to the west is the town of Chartres that is known for the beautiful French cathedral of Notre-Dame and Versailles for the massive palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Southeast is Fontainbleau . Most of these sights, including Disneyland , are under 80 km from Paris. Barbizon andVaux-le-Vicomte are two more ‘must see’ sights from Paris. Northwest of Paris is Rouen where Monet painted the enchanting cathedral several times over, so entranced was he by it. From Rouen, head to the gardens atGiverny – laid out by Monet himself and immortalised by his paintings. The best times to visit are May and June, but the gardens are incredibly pretty at any time of the year.

Champagne will offer as much of the bubbly liquid that you may possibly want. North of it is Flanders where beer flows as freely as the Loire river. The town of Saint Malo has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with the Fort de la Cité and the Cathédrale Saint Vincent being its main attractions, the former for its history of defending the town’s riches against the rich pirate trade that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the latter for its exquisite collection of stained glass. From Saint Malo, a convenient day trip is a Gothic attraction – the majestic abbey of Mont-St-Michel that seems to rise suddenly from the sea and contains a mysterious labyrinth. The beaches of Cote d’Emeraude are also easily accessible from Saint Malo. Strasbourg is where the European Parliament stands and home to an exquisite Gothic cathedral.

The Loire Valley and the Normandy beaches are some of France’s finest natural attractions. Nantes , which is in the Pays de la Loire , but has a cultural affinity to Brittany , is renowned for its year-round festivals and nightlife. Bordeaux , put on the world map for its violet wine, has an emerald-like quality, covered as it is, with its vineyards. Burgundy andLyon should be your next stops – the one for its famous wines and the other for its gastronomic delights.

Provence almost takes your breath away when you reach there – limestone hills and fields with rows of lavender lend it a dreamlike, surreal quality. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent many an afternoon in quiet solitude, capturing the scenery with his paintbrushes.

Avignon , the scene of artistic activity and the seat of the Popes for many centuries, retains much of its former glory in its immaculately maintained medieval streets, monuments and museums. There is a world-famous drama festival here from mid-July to mid-August that is not to be missed. There are several well-preserved Roman ruins in the south of France – Arles has the largest remaining amphitheatre, though the one in Nimes is better maintained.

Marseille has larger-than-life Byzantine churches and houses painted in saffron and blue, but is otherwise unremarkable. To the south is Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that attracts scores of mostly filthy rich visitors to its stunning beaches and the translucent, uniquely coloured water in the ocean here – some well-known tourist towns are Nice , which is literally, quite nice (!) and the expensive resort of St. Tropez , apart from the glitterati magnet – Cannes .

For a fantastic skiing experience and some fabulous mountain climbing, head to the French Alps . Europe’s tallest peak Mont Blanc is a huge crowd-puller, and the surrounding area is breathtaking with its snow-covered peaks, wide glaciers and meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer.

Shopping in France means temptation at every corner and a significantly lighter pocket at the end of your trip. Being at the centre of High Fashion, Parisian designer shops, specialty shops and boutiques store the latest haute couture, fresh off the ramps. Jewellery shops are another favourite but the danger of spending all your holiday allowance on that one trendy platinum bracelet is all too real – be warned, it is known to have happened before! For those with a footwear fetish, shoe stores will not disappoint. There are also some extremely skilled shoemakers in Paris. The other main buys in France are crystal, lace and textiles.

For gifts, you could try and get prints of famous paintings at some of the secondhand booksellers or bouquinstes. These are available along the banks of the Seine in Paris. Most popular tourist destinations in France are full of pavement artists selling charcoal or watercolour impressions of famous landmarks in their city – some of these are extremely talented, struggling art students – do buy from them for the sake of art! Another popular option is state-of-the-art home decorations.

Department Stores exist in all the major cities of France and many are open till late. People usually do not bargain in shops where the prices are clearly marked. But you can look for bargains at marches aux puces (flea markets) and food markets.

France boasts a simply unlimited spread of different cuisines of the world, especially in the bigger cities. Paris offers every kind of culinary experience, from Ethiopian to Malaysian or even Argentinian cuisine. Take advantage of this diversity to sample anything your taste buds desire, but we think when in France you must sample French food, n’cest pas? Eating in France is serious work, so lingering over your coffee or sitting at a café to watch the world go by at breakfast is a must-do. A popular choice for a light lunch is a salad or a baguette with cheese, ham or pate. Or do as the French do – go along from one specialty shop to another making up a picnic as you go along. A serious night of haute cuisine would include an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entrée (appetizer), a plat (main course) and a digestif (after-dinner drink).

It may be useful to pick up the appropriate French terms for various types of eating joints – Brasseries are great for snacks (steak and french fries are a popular combination). Boulangeries, patisseries and confiseries are the hot spots for bread, pastries and candy respectively. You could try out a variety of cooked meats at some charcuteries.

There is also no dearth of entertainment in France. Festivals, military parades, fireworks and competitions are only some of the gamut of entertainment available in France. Musicians rule the roost on French streets in late June with festivals like the fete de la musique. There is also the option of going to one of the historic operas, with the condition that one either speaks French or does not mind sitting through a show uncomprehendingly! For more conventional entertainment options, there is a mind-boggling variety of casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in big cities like Paris. Indeed, the French take their nightlife quite seriously – the young crowd will not be seen dead in a discotheque before 1 am! After World War II, Paris was the center of jazz in Europe; it continues to attract major names today. A quintessentially Parisian phenomenon is the Cabaret – a glitzy, bohemian, utterly risqué form of entertainment. Some of the grander Cabaret shows in Paris feature hundreds of female dancers with elaborate costumes (or without them!).

Paris has fired the imagination of millions of travellers over the centuries, with its promise of romance, shopping, fashion, theatre and museums, not to mention leisurely strolls by the Seine and stimulating café discussions.

Around Paris, to the west is the town of Chartres that is known for the beautiful French cathedral of Notre-Dame and Versailles for the massive palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Southeast is Fontainbleau . Most of these sights, including Disneyland , are under 80 km from Paris. Barbizon andVaux-le-Vicomte are two more ‘must see’ sights from Paris. Northwest of Paris is Rouen where Monet painted the enchanting cathedral several times over, so entranced was he by it. From Rouen, head to the gardens atGiverny – laid out by Monet himself and immortalised by his paintings. The best times to visit are May and June, but the gardens are incredibly pretty at any time of the year.

Champagne will offer as much of the bubbly liquid that you may possibly want. North of it is Flanders where beer flows as freely as the Loire river. The town of Saint Malo has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with the Fort de la Cité and the Cathédrale Saint Vincent being its main attractions, the former for its history of defending the town’s riches against the rich pirate trade that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the latter for its exquisite collection of stained glass. From Saint Malo, a convenient day trip is a Gothic attraction – the majestic abbey of Mont-St-Michel that seems to rise suddenly from the sea and contains a mysterious labyrinth. The beaches of Cote d’Emeraude are also easily accessible from Saint Malo. Strasbourg is where the European Parliament stands and home to an exquisite Gothic cathedral.

The Loire Valley and the Normandy beaches are some of France’s finest natural attractions. Nantes , which is in the Pays de la Loire , but has a cultural affinity to Brittany , is renowned for its year-round festivals and nightlife. Bordeaux , put on the world map for its violet wine, has an emerald-like quality, covered as it is, with its vineyards. Burgundy andLyon should be your next stops – the one for its famous wines and the other for its gastronomic delights.

Provence almost takes your breath away when you reach there – limestone hills and fields with rows of lavender lend it a dreamlike, surreal quality. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent many an afternoon in quiet solitude, capturing the scenery with his paintbrushes.

Avignon , the scene of artistic activity and the seat of the Popes for many centuries, retains much of its former glory in its immaculately maintained medieval streets, monuments and museums. There is a world-famous drama festival here from mid-July to mid-August that is not to be missed. There are several well-preserved Roman ruins in the south of France – Arles has the largest remaining amphitheatre, though the one in Nimes is better maintained.

Marseille has larger-than-life Byzantine churches and houses painted in saffron and blue, but is otherwise unremarkable. To the south is Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that attracts scores of mostly filthy rich visitors to its stunning beaches and the translucent, uniquely coloured water in the ocean here – some well-known tourist towns are Nice , which is literally, quite nice (!) and the expensive resort of St. Tropez , apart from the glitterati magnet – Cannes .

For a fantastic skiing experience and some fabulous mountain climbing, head to the French Alps . Europe’s tallest peak Mont Blanc is a huge crowd-puller, and the surrounding area is breathtaking with its snow-covered peaks, wide glaciers and meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer.

Shopping in France means temptation at every corner and a significantly lighter pocket at the end of your trip. Being at the centre of High Fashion, Parisian designer shops, specialty shops and boutiques store the latest haute couture, fresh off the ramps. Jewellery shops are another favourite but the danger of spending all your holiday allowance on that one trendy platinum bracelet is all too real – be warned, it is known to have happened before! For those with a footwear fetish, shoe stores will not disappoint. There are also some extremely skilled shoemakers in Paris. The other main buys in France are crystal, lace and textiles.

For gifts, you could try and get prints of famous paintings at some of the secondhand booksellers or bouquinstes. These are available along the banks of the Seine in Paris. Most popular tourist destinations in France are full of pavement artists selling charcoal or watercolour impressions of famous landmarks in their city – some of these are extremely talented, struggling art students – do buy from them for the sake of art! Another popular option is state-of-the-art home decorations.

Department Stores exist in all the major cities of France and many are open till late. People usually do not bargain in shops where the prices are clearly marked. But you can look for bargains at marches aux puces (flea markets) and food markets.

France boasts a simply unlimited spread of different cuisines of the world, especially in the bigger cities. Paris offers every kind of culinary experience, from Ethiopian to Malaysian or even Argentinian cuisine. Take advantage of this diversity to sample anything your taste buds desire, but we think when in France you must sample French food, n’cest pas? Eating in France is serious work, so lingering over your coffee or sitting at a café to watch the world go by at breakfast is a must-do. A popular choice for a light lunch is a salad or a baguette with cheese, ham or pate. Or do as the French do – go along from one specialty shop to another making up a picnic as you go along. A serious night of haute cuisine would include an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entrée (appetizer), a plat (main course) and a digestif (after-dinner drink).

It may be useful to pick up the appropriate French terms for various types of eating joints – Brasseries are great for snacks (steak and french fries are a popular combination). Boulangeries, patisseries and confiseries are the hot spots for bread, pastries and candy respectively. You could try out a variety of cooked meats at some charcuteries.

There is also no dearth of entertainment in France. Festivals, military parades, fireworks and competitions are only some of the gamut of entertainment available in France. Musicians rule the roost on French streets in late June with festivals like the fete de la musique. There is also the option of going to one of the historic operas, with the condition that one either speaks French or does not mind sitting through a show uncomprehendingly! For more conventional entertainment options, there is a mind-boggling variety of casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in big cities like Paris. Indeed, the French take their nightlife quite seriously – the young crowd will not be seen dead in a discotheque before 1 am! After World War II, Paris was the center of jazz in Europe; it continues to attract major names today. A quintessentially Parisian phenomenon is the Cabaret – a glitzy, bohemian, utterly risqué form of entertainment. Some of the grander Cabaret shows in Paris feature hundreds of female dancers with elaborate costumes (or without them!).

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

If history is your kind of thing, visit the archaeological sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artefacts from the seventh to fifteenth centuries. The Jumeirah Mosque on Al Jumeirah Road is an example of modern Islamic architecture at its best. The mosque is beautifully lit up after sundown. Tours are conducted on Sundays and Thursdays at 10 am.

Stop by at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, now a museum. Rising 39 floors above the city is the Dubai Trade Centre – get a panoramic view of the city from the viewing gallery or join a guided tour at 9:30am and 4:30pm.

The old Bastakiya district was famous in the past for a mass of windtowers that lined the creek on either side. The “wind towers” were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling the house before the advent of electricity! Bait al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai and now houses the fishing and maritime museum. Visit the Bedouin village just outside Dubai to get a feel of what the nomadic way of life was.

Although the architecture of Al Boom Tourist Village is Islamic and stately, it is a village with very modern leisure amenities such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a 2000 seat banquet hall, an amusement park and a marina with five boats. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 1am, it is guaranteed to take your blues away. Go on – have a candlelit dinner while on an evening boat cruise.

Dubai offers the traveller various options – the Safa Park with its artificial lake, the Jumeirah Park with its 18-hole golf course, restaurants and an amphitheatre, the Ras Mamzar Park with its chalets for accommodation, the Mushrif Park and the razzle dazzle of the Gold Souk. 

The Creek is a natural inlet of water and a stroll down this waterfront evokes the city’s centuries old trading history. Hire a traditional boat called “aabra”, which will take you up the creek to the place where thousands of birds congregate.

Called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2011 is scheduled from January 20th to February 20th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.

Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!

There are over 450 restaurants in Dubai and menus are from all around the world. Hotels serve Continental and Arab food and there are also several Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean restaurants dotting the city. Middle Eastern restaurants, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese, serve lip-smacking fare. You will conveniently find many international fast food outlets in the city. Restaurants located outside hotel premises are not allowed to serve alcohol. Frozen fruits from all over the world and also Dubai’s fresh fruit and vegetables are available in supermarkets.

The nightlife in the bars, hotels, pubs, discos and nightclubs is much talked about and is guaranteed to satiate your twinkling toes. For an exotic experience, go to a Middle Eastern nightclub that features Arab singers and dancers. Popular singers from both the West and the East, and stage plays from London regularly perform in Dubai. Check the local newspaper for details.

Cambodia doesn’t have very much in the way of urban settlements- most of the population lives in rural, agricultural areas. All the provinces have their capitals, eight of the provincial capitals are large enough to have their own airports and some cities, like Battambang and Sihanoukville, are also growing by leaps and bounds. Most tourists for the time being confine themselves to Phnom Penh or to Siem Reap, which is the main base for visiting Angkor Wat.

The main city, in terms of administration, government, and socio-economic life is Phnom Penh , the capital of the country. Phnom is the hub of Cambodia: the most developed city, and the most tourist-friendly one too.

The Royal Palace is a museum that houses a number of priceless objects and artefacts from Cambodian past. Many statues from Angkor are preserved here. Located just next to the palace, Wat Preah Keo is the most famous pagoda in Phnom Penh. It was built in 1962 to replace a wooden temple from 1900. The name comes from 5281 tiles of silver, each weighing a little above 1 kg that covers the floor. The reigning deity is an image of Buddha, made of 90 kg of gold and studded with diamonds. The pagoda is open to visitor’s everyday except Mondays.

North of the Royal Palace is the National Museum that was restored a few years back. It houses the best of Phnom Penh‘s art and crafts; and on display are more than 5.000 works of art, ranging from the 6th to the 13th century. Its collection includes sculptures, Royal barges and palanquins.

Angor Wat is easily the Cambodian sight to see – one of the most magnificent temple complexes in this part of the world. Hidden away from the rest of the world for centuries altogether, the temples of Angkor were over run by creepers and tree roots after being abandoned in the 15th century. The temples, numbering about a hundred in all, comprised, at one time, a huge complex of great religious and administrative significance. They were built between the 7th and the 11th centuries when Khmer civilisation was at its height.

From the Angkor complex, the Khmer kings ruled over a vast empire that stretched from South Vietnam to Yunan in China and encompassed west Vietnam right up to the Bay of Bengal. The Khmer kings were considered to be incarnations of Hindu gods and were immortalised in the Angkor sculptures as such. The Angkor complex was occupied for only about two centuries before it was abandoned sometime in the 1400s. The temples came to light as a result of the explorations of French naturalist Henri Mouhot. Today the temples have been cleared of the surrounding forest and can be seen in their full glory- a spectacular sight indeed. Siem Reap is the town closest to Angkor Wat. It has an airport and a few hotels and guesthouses to cater to travellers and serves as base for the trip to the Angkor Wat temples.

Cambodia isn’t the best place for shopping if what you’re looking for are designer clothing and electronics- but if you like traditional handicrafts, then you can pick up some pretty exciting stuff in the capital, Phnom Penh. Look out, particularly, for some of Cambodia’s native arts and crafts- silverware (a tradition which dates back to the 11th century), brassware, textiles (silks and cottons, and the popular checked scarves known as `kramas’), readymade garments (sarongs and the like), woodcarvings, and masks crafted out of papier maché.

The country also makes exquisite jewellery out of gold, silver and precious stones mined in the gem fields of Pailin; within Phnom Penh, the Central Market, le Bijouterie d’Etat, the Tuol Tom Market and the Old Market are good places to buy jewellery. The School of Fine Arts or L’école des Beaux-arts is worth a visit, particularly, if you’re interested in buying local art.

Bargaining is a common and much accepted practice in Cambodia, so haggle all you want to. Only make sure you don’t lose your temper- rudeness of any kind is frowned upon.

All over the country, you’ll find small food stalls selling local foods such as fish, salads, rice and sweets. Most offer fairly palatable food at down-to-earth prices, but don’t expect anything fancy. If you want something slightly more up-market, you’ll find it in Phnom Penh or in Siem Reap.

Phnom Penh has a number of restaurants, both stand-alone and in-house, where you can get Cambodian food and international cuisine, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, American, and fast food like burgers and pizzas. Most of Phnom Penh’s eating establishments – especially its food stalls- are concentrated in the O Ressei Market, the Tuol Tom Market and the Central Market. 

Cambodia is not hot and happening when it comes to entertainment. Yes, the country does have a rich cultural heritage- the highly stylised dance forms and the traditional music are very beautiful indeed; but the problem is that there are relatively few venues where you can see organised performances of these. Most cultural performances take place in Phnom Penh; you should look out for listings in the local newspapers for any performances to be held. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cambodia at the time of one of the major festivals, you might even get to see some `live’ performances at parades or processions.

For the `nightlife-crazy’ Phnom Penh doesn’t have much to offer; a few restaurants and bars offer live shows or dancing, but other than these and the odd discotheque or karaoke lounge, there’s really not much in the way of nightlife. Outside Phnom Penh, there’s little scope for entertainment, other than what you might be able to see at festivals. Pub Street and Sivatha Boulevard near the Old Market in Siem Reap also has many restaurants which can be checked out for their delicacies or to simply while away the time.

Cambodia doesn’t have very much in the way of urban settlements- most of the population lives in rural, agricultural areas. All the provinces have their capitals, eight of the provincial capitals are large enough to have their own airports and some cities, like Battambang and Sihanoukville, are also growing by leaps and bounds. Most tourists for the time being confine themselves to Phnom Penh or to Siem Reap, which is the main base for visiting Angkor Wat.

The main city, in terms of administration, government, and socio-economic life is Phnom Penh , the capital of the country. Phnom is the hub of Cambodia: the most developed city, and the most tourist-friendly one too.

The Royal Palace is a museum that houses a number of priceless objects and artefacts from Cambodian past. Many statues from Angkor are preserved here. Located just next to the palace, Wat Preah Keo is the most famous pagoda in Phnom Penh. It was built in 1962 to replace a wooden temple from 1900. The name comes from 5281 tiles of silver, each weighing a little above 1 kg that covers the floor. The reigning deity is an image of Buddha, made of 90 kg of gold and studded with diamonds. The pagoda is open to visitor’s everyday except Mondays.

North of the Royal Palace is the National Museum that was restored a few years back. It houses the best of Phnom Penh‘s art and crafts; and on display are more than 5.000 works of art, ranging from the 6th to the 13th century. Its collection includes sculptures, Royal barges and palanquins.

Angor Wat is easily the Cambodian sight to see – one of the most magnificent temple complexes in this part of the world. Hidden away from the rest of the world for centuries altogether, the temples of Angkor were over run by creepers and tree roots after being abandoned in the 15th century. The temples, numbering about a hundred in all, comprised, at one time, a huge complex of great religious and administrative significance. They were built between the 7th and the 11th centuries when Khmer civilisation was at its height.

From the Angkor complex, the Khmer kings ruled over a vast empire that stretched from South Vietnam to Yunan in China and encompassed west Vietnam right up to the Bay of Bengal. The Khmer kings were considered to be incarnations of Hindu gods and were immortalised in the Angkor sculptures as such. The Angkor complex was occupied for only about two centuries before it was abandoned sometime in the 1400s. The temples came to light as a result of the explorations of French naturalist Henri Mouhot. Today the temples have been cleared of the surrounding forest and can be seen in their full glory- a spectacular sight indeed. Siem Reap is the town closest to Angkor Wat. It has an airport and a few hotels and guesthouses to cater to travellers and serves as base for the trip to the Angkor Wat temples.

Cambodia isn’t the best place for shopping if what you’re looking for are designer clothing and electronics- but if you like traditional handicrafts, then you can pick up some pretty exciting stuff in the capital, Phnom Penh. Look out, particularly, for some of Cambodia’s native arts and crafts- silverware (a tradition which dates back to the 11th century), brassware, textiles (silks and cottons, and the popular checked scarves known as `kramas’), readymade garments (sarongs and the like), woodcarvings, and masks crafted out of papier maché.

The country also makes exquisite jewellery out of gold, silver and precious stones mined in the gem fields of Pailin; within Phnom Penh, the Central Market, le Bijouterie d’Etat, the Tuol Tom Market and the Old Market are good places to buy jewellery. The School of Fine Arts or L’école des Beaux-arts is worth a visit, particularly, if you’re interested in buying local art.

Bargaining is a common and much accepted practice in Cambodia, so haggle all you want to. Only make sure you don’t lose your temper- rudeness of any kind is frowned upon.

All over the country, you’ll find small food stalls selling local foods such as fish, salads, rice and sweets. Most offer fairly palatable food at down-to-earth prices, but don’t expect anything fancy. If you want something slightly more up-market, you’ll find it in Phnom Penh or in Siem Reap.

Phnom Penh has a number of restaurants, both stand-alone and in-house, where you can get Cambodian food and international cuisine, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, American, and fast food like burgers and pizzas. Most of Phnom Penh’s eating establishments – especially its food stalls- are concentrated in the O Ressei Market, the Tuol Tom Market and the Central Market. 

Cambodia is not hot and happening when it comes to entertainment. Yes, the country does have a rich cultural heritage- the highly stylised dance forms and the traditional music are very beautiful indeed; but the problem is that there are relatively few venues where you can see organised performances of these. Most cultural performances take place in Phnom Penh; you should look out for listings in the local newspapers for any performances to be held. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cambodia at the time of one of the major festivals, you might even get to see some `live’ performances at parades or processions.

For the `nightlife-crazy’ Phnom Penh doesn’t have much to offer; a few restaurants and bars offer live shows or dancing, but other than these and the odd discotheque or karaoke lounge, there’s really not much in the way of nightlife. Outside Phnom Penh, there’s little scope for entertainment, other than what you might be able to see at festivals. Pub Street and Sivatha Boulevard near the Old Market in Siem Reap also has many restaurants which can be checked out for their delicacies or to simply while away the time.

The heart of imperial China lay, for 5 centuries, through 24 reigns of Chinese emperors in the Imperial Palace unofficially called `The Forbidden City’ , in Beijing. The complex has around 800 buildings and was actually a city in itself, with its palaces, parks, courts and temples. You can still see much of its splendour- its traditional architecture and splendid decoration- and realize how this mini-city could have endured, unconquered, for nearly 25 generations.

The Great Wall of China is China’s most well known attraction, and the only man-made structure visible from the moon, the Great Wall of China stretches 6000 km across the country. Built to keep out invaders, it was begun in the 5th century BC and was still being built till the 1500s. It’s seven metres high and seven metres thick, and although a monument in itself today, never really succeeded in keeping out invading armies, like that of Genghis Khan.

The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an is an ode to the majesty of the Chinese emperors. The tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang (generally known as the first ruler of a unified Chinese empire, and the man who began the construction of the Great Wall of China) is situated near Xi’an. What is amazing is that the tomb is literally `guarded’ by around 8000 life size terracotta figures of warriors. Some have chariots and horses, and originally, all wore leather uniforms and carried actual weapons. It’s quite unbelievable, and you have to see it for yourself to believe this!

The city of Suzhou , one of China’s oldest, is guarded by a moat and built on a network of canals (fed by the Grand Canal, regarded as China’s greatest engineering feat after the Great Wall).

Watered by the canal are the beautiful gardens of Suzhou, the three most famous being Shizi Lin, Zhouzheng Yuan and Wangshi Yuan . They’re a medley of flowers, greenery, pavilions, terraces and waterways – all designed to create an atmosphere of tranquility. Located in the northeastern part of Hunan province (in south-eastern China), The Wulingyuan Scenic Reserveis one of China’s most beautiful areas. It has an interesting topography of pillars of limestone, with virtually every horizontal surface covered by greenery- dove trees, gingkos and dawn redwoods. Stretching over 370 sq km, the reserve is a World Heritage site and is dissected by many rivulets and brooks. It has an impressive list of wildlife too, including birds, monkeys and reptiles.

These are among China’s best-known sites. There are others, too: theShaolin Temple at Song Shan (in Henan), much revered by kung fu enthusiasts; the cave temples at Datong and Luoyang ; the holy mountain ofEmei Shan ; the fort of Jiayuguan (the last fortress of the Great Wall and still an impressive structure). There are a whole lot of places to see, culture and history to absorb and imbibe.

A lot of what you find in Chinese markets today is very functional and unappealing, but if you look carefully and spend some time searching, you can find some excellent examples of traditional handicrafts. The best known of course, is Chinese silk - plain, embroidered, in the form of clothing or just as lengths of shimmering, exotic material. You’ll also find samples of Chinese painting- a very distinctive style, with flowing, spare brush strokes and wonderful depictions of nature. Other than paintings, you can come across other items related to calligraphy – ink tablets, brushes and the like, often works of art in themselves.

Get floored by the carpets (made in Tibet, Xinjiang and Tianjin) and jade and laquer items (some really lovely figurines, vases and such)- both usually quite expensive. In the more rustic, but cheaper bracket, are handicrafts like paper cuts, kites and rattan or bamboo items. Chinese ceramic is also well known, in fact, the use of the word ‘china’ is synonymous with fine porcelain or ceramics. Imitation Ming pottery, which looks very much like the original, can often be found in marketplaces.

Outside of the larger cities in China, you’ll probably find it a little difficult to buy anything really fancy. However, even in the smaller towns, you might be able to find some good cloth- China is known for its silk and other knickknacks. In most of the bigger cities, you can usually find some very nice souvenirs to take back, including jade, antiques (remember, however, that you need a special permit to export anything more than a century old), items connected with Chinese art (paintings, obviously, as well as brushes, ink tablets and the like), and similar things.

Beijing and Shanghai are generally considered to be the best place for shopping with their huge department stores that stock everything from the latest designer wear to electronic items. The prices are fixed at these places. However if you are in a local market, do haggle and bargain especially if you are trying to buy some jade or antique item.

Shopping hours : Mon-Sun 1000-2130, although times vary across the country

Eating out in China isn’t much of a problem, particularly if you’re willing to eat the local food. Outside of the larger cities, you’re unlikely to find any establishments serving Western food; in these cities, though, you can find some familiar names too. Depending upon how much you’re willing to spend, you can go to virtually any type of restaurant- from a roadside stall (where you order by pointing to what you want) to a plush restaurant in a deluxe hotel (where there will be printed menus and efficient staff). And, of course, there’s a whole range of establishments in between, with various degrees of tourist-friendliness; most mid-range restaurants can be quite good value for money.

While eating out, remember one thing: meals are usually early, and restaurants open for brief periods (breakfast from 6 to 9, lunch from 11 to 2, dinner from 5 to 9), so have your meals early, otherwise you run the risk of being faced by downed shutters.

Beijing and some of the other big cities in China have a fair amount of entertainment to offer- there are bars, tea-houses, karaoke lounges, nightclubs and discotheques, besides cinema (only recommended if you like martial arts movies, as that’s what’s invariably shown), theatre and cultural performances. Most cinema and theatre is totally native – Don’t miss taking in a Chinese opera performance – the elaborate costumes and intriguing plots are fascinating and even if you do not understand a word of what is being said on stage the sheer opulence of it all will floor you.

In village and smaller towns, there’s usually a paucity of entertainment (given the average Chinese villager’s curiosity, a passing tourist is the best form of entertainment!). However, you can sometimes see displays of native performing arts, such as puppetry, song-and-dance routines, jugglery and martial arts.

Before a sightseeing trip in the Andaman Islands, find out the visiting times of the various attractions. Options available for sightseeing places span islands, beaches, parks, jails, museums and even the odd sawmill, all within a radius of about 20km of Port Blair.

The MG Marine National Park at Wandoor, a short drive (29km) from Port Blair is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating coral reefs and multihued fish and marine life. The Gandhi Park is a child’s delight complete with an amusement park, deer park, water sports facilities and a restaurant. The Marina Park is similar but built right on the seashore. Viper Island, where the gallows still stand is guaranteed to give you the spooks! Yes, people were actually strung there!

Gandhi Park is a good base for a visit to the islands of Jolly Buoy and Redskin for exciting water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. For the less adventurous who don’t want to get wet, glass-bottomed boats provide the perfect means to see the coral reefs with its teeming, colourful marine life. The Sound and Light Show at the Cellular Jail is worth catching. It effectively evokes memories of the tragic end of the exiled political prisoners banished here during India’s struggle for independence.

If museums inspire your muse, there are plenty to indulge you – ethnological displays at Anthropological Museum, exhibitions of marine life at Samudrika and decorative woodcraft at Forest Museum.

Of course, the best part of your visit will be the many islands with their gorgeous beaches. Neil Island, Havelock Island, North Passage Island, Cinque Island, Long Island, Baratang Island, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Little Andaman Island and Chiriya Tapoo are all accessible by regular boat services from Port Blair.

You have the option of driving to Baratang (not accessible by boat), Ranghat, Mayabunder and Diglipur. A tiny and picturesque beach, Corbyn”s Cove is a short 20-minute drive from Port Blair. It can also be a long but an easy and beautiful cliff top walk from Port Blair. It is great for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. The tourist complex also has facilities for scuba diving among other sports.

Other places of interest include a guided tour around the Chatham Sawmill, located 5 km northwest of Aberdeen Bazaar, the largest wood processor in the world. Some islands like The Middle Islands, North Andaman, Little Andaman and Nicobar Islands are out of bounds for the tourist unless you have secured a special permit.

Local curio shops and emporiums are stocked handicrafts that make wonderful souvenirs. Shopping in Andaman includes buying intrigue coconut shell lamp shades, ashtrays, Nicobari mats, apart from wood crafted items like chairs, tables, bowls, trays and walking sticks in wood and shell.

The major festival celebrated in Andaman is the Island Tourism Festival which is celebrated every year for 15 days between December and February in Port Blair. The exhibition highlights the development of tourism and the other aspects of these islands. Cultural groups and the artistes of the national and international fame from the mainland are invited to perform during the festival. Water sports competitions and the Nicobari “Hodi” race are organised. The festival projects the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination. One of the major attractions at this festival is the Andaman Dog Show.

Sydney Harbour

Most of Sydney lies alongside its main harbour which has been witness to the changes over the past 200 years. The best way to view the harbour is to take a sailing boat around it, and get a feel of the place. Hop into a ferry from Circular Quay or better still hire a helicopter for a 15 minutes ride. Sydney Harbour Bridge completed in 1932, connects the northern and southern halves of Sydney and a walk, jog or a bike ride along the bridge gives one a good view of the city.

Sydney Tower, a long thin tower with an observation deck and revolving restaurants set 305m above the ground offers spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.

Daredevil Alert! Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a climbing tour.

Sydney Harbour National Park lies around the harbour tracks and protects the bush land, walking tracks, scenic lookouts and the wealth of aboriginal carvings and historic sites that dot the area. It also includes islands like Fort Denison and Goat Island (earlier a quarantine station and now has the set of the TV show, Water Rats, which you can even tour).

Sydney Cove on the Northern Shore holds a host of the attractions. The Rocks, where the first European settlements were located is a rocky spur of land on the western side of Sydney Cove. It was a virtual hell-hole full of convicts, whalers, prostitutes and street gangs. As the settlement grew and began to prosper, it became an area full of warehouses.

This historic site was completely demolished when the Harbour Bridge was constructed, was restored in the 70s and is now an area full of narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings, converted warehouses and tea- rooms. It is a great place to stroll around and soak in the atmosphere. Rock’s Square has entertainment and the weekend Rock’s Market can get you a bargain. Miller”s Point, Campbell Cove and Colonial House Museum offer more to do. The prestigious Sydney Theatre and other dance companies are located nearby on Pier Four.

Circular Quay is one of the focal points of Sydney. Originally a European settlement and a shipping centre, it is now a commuting hub and recreational area. It has a ferry station, Overseas Passenger Terminal, harbour walkways, fisher folk etc.

Fix a rendezvous at the Circular Quay, site of the world famous Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon, it”s shell like structure was actually inspired by palm fronds. Built for a grand sum of $102 million, it was completed in 1973 after lots of politicking and acrimonious delays, so much so that in 1995, an opera was staged on the making of the Opera House! Appropriately, it was called The Eighth Wonder! It is a fabulous experience to attend an opera here, but tickets are expensive and need to be booked well in advance. The cheaper tickets or restricted view tickets will leave you with a crick in the neck. Tours of the opera house and backstage tours are also available.

A bunch of narrow lanes go from the Circular Quay to the City Centre. On the way you can pass Macquarie Place, hop into the Museum of Sydney or see the obelisk erected in 1818, till you reach the City Centre. The centre of the city Martin Place is a pedestrian mall extending a few streets and lined with some of Sydney”s buildings and monuments like the Victorian Post Office and financial institutions. There are lots of places to sit, eat and bask in the sun. There”s even an amphitheatre for entertainment. Other sights include the Town Hall, St. Andrew”s Cathedral, and the Queen Victoria Building, a massive shopping complex that takes up an entire block. Some of the city’s trendy shopping arcades are in this area. The outrageously expensive Marble Bar and the State Theatre are close by. Some of the more interesting areas in the southwest are Chinatown and Spanish Town, two thriving, lively hubs of their respective communities.

Darling Harbour -no connection to anyone”s loved one, but loved by all -is a huge waterfront leisure park catering to fun and leisure for families and tourists.

The places to see here are the spectacular museums – the Sydney Aquarium and three ‘oceanariums’ moored in the harbour have fascinating exhibits of marine life, sharks and coral gardens. Really special are the transparent underwater tunnels, open daily from 9:30 am to 9 .pm. The National Maritime Museum showcases the story of the Australian people’s links with the sea. From aboriginal yachts to Vietnamese refugee boats, it explores every aspect of Australian maritime life. It is open daily till 5 pm.

Possibly Sydney’s most attractive museum is the Powerhouse Museum, which exhibits decorative arts, social history, science and technology with an emphasis on hands on interaction and education through enjoyment. Anything and everything about Aussie life is exhibited in this most unusual museum. It opens daily till 5 pm.

Other highlights of Darling Harbour include IMAX, the world”s biggest movie screen. Massive images in 3D will make the movie buff go bonkers( tickets are without any concessions.) Sydney Fish Markets and Australia”s Northern Territory and The Outback Centre, a retail outlet for aboriginal artefacts and tourist agency for the Northern Territory are the other interesting places to check out and shop in.

Macquarie St. has some of the earliest public buildings in Sydney. The Mint building, Parliament House and State Library are some of the better -known buildings. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum of Natural History are two excellent museums worth a visit.

Sydney, like it’s other Australian counterparts has a plethora of Parks to stroll, jog and picnic in, the most popular being the Royal Botanic Gardens. Established in 1816, it includes the site of the colony”s first paltry vegetable patch that is preserved as a First Farm exhibit.

Other parks include the Domain, Hyde Park (the colony”s first cricket pitch), the Chinese Garden and Centennial Park with horse riding tracks and sports pitches, Lane Cove National Park and Pyrmont Point Park.

Kings Cross is the brash hangout for those looking for a mix of good night life, cheap hotels, drugs, classy nightclubs, designer cafes and up-market hotels. It attracts all kinds of people looking for all manner of things, be it tourists, night revellers, low lives or sailors. During the Vietnam War, it was the vice centre of Australia. It’s a haven for prostitutes, strip joints and drugs. It can get a bit rowdy at times but is the right place for good adventure. Lots of hostels ensure that loads of travellers pass through this area every season. One can meet fellow travellers and even hook up for a trip. No trip to Sydney is complete without going to Kings Cross. Woolloomooloo, one of Sydney”s oldest areas is nearby and is the place to go for midnight chicken and mushroom meals.

Inner East harbours Oxford Street, one of the best night-life areas in Sydney. The presence of a vibrant and vocal gay community is probably the reason for it’s flamboyant aura. Sydney is where the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival takes place every year, attracting visitors from all across the world. Its full of shops, cafes, nightclubs and bars and is the most happening place in Sydney. Darlinghurst is another area for pub hoppers and those wanting to hang out at the outdoor cafes. Sydney’s Jewish Museum hosts exhibits of Australian Jewish history and the Holocaust. Surrey Hills has good pubs for those who want to pub- crawl; Paddington with its Saturday Village Bazaar and over 20 art galleries is a good place to head out to. For those wanting to skinny dip, there is always the nude beach near South Head at Lady Bay, in the eastern suburbs.

Bondi Beach is the beach bums and surf-rats paradise. A suburb of Sydney, its local culture is a blend of Jewish, Italian and Aussie and itinerant expats from UK and New Zealand. Apart from surfing, beach volleyball (it was the location for the Olympic beach volleyball final) and sun bathing, Bondi Beach hosts the Sunday Bondi Beach Market at the local school, and a host of cafes, shops and hotels.

There are aboriginal rock engravings on the golf course in North Bondi. Tamarama (a great place to surf), Bronte, Coogee and Clovelly Bay are other lovely beaches to the south. Clovelly Bay has a wheelchair access place for the chair bound to reach water’s edge.

Beach Alert! Watch out for riptide warnings on all beaches.

Inner West borders the University of Sydney and its areas of Glebe, Newtown and Leichhardt sport a mix of students, gays and young professionals. Italian eateries in Leichhardt enjoy a good reputation while Glebe is known for its Buddhist temple and aromatherapy. Newton is the favourite beat of students and renovators, and has a thriving social and sexual subculture.

Manly is the biggest attraction on the North Shore with its holiday resort like atmosphere, ocean beaches and ferry wharf. Ocean World with its sharks and stingrays is wildly exciting. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, divers dive in to feed the sharks and there”s a great display of dare devilry. The Quarantine Station nearby is reminiscent of the time (1832 till 1984) suspected disease carriers were housed there. Night -time ghost tours take place thrice a week. Further up north lie Palm Beach, Curl, Pittwater (a sailing spot), with some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Ghost Alert! Take the night tour and hustle up some ghosts.

Shopping centres are Queen Victoria Building, Piccadilly, Centrepoint, Skygarden and Strand. Thursdays are the days for a spot of late night shopping when all stores remain open till 9 pm. Flea markets in Paddington Village, Glebe, Bondi Beach Public School are a few of the many great places for bargains hunters. Flea markets at the Rocks are very touristy, though the Tarpeian Market near the Sydney Opera House has a far more beautiful location in its favour.

Dining out in a multicultural city like Sydney is the gourmand”s and the gourmet”s dream come true as food styles span the gamut from nouvelle to classic. Chinatown will give you the best of the east. Darling Harbour and Oxford St. are some of the trendier places with slick bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Glebe Point Road was Sydney”s main eating out street and is still warm and cosy. Paddington sports Japanese, Mediterranean and French -Italian restaurants. Each area has its own specialties and every place has its share of cheap and expensive restaurants. Sydney Morning Herald”s Good Food Guide is of enormous help in deciding what to eat and where.

You can find a café, restaurant or a snack bar on almost every street corner. Darling Harbour, Kings Street and Parramatta are famous food streets.

Entertainment in Sydney is a delight as well and the options will gladden the hearts of all night birds. Whether it’s brash Kings Cross or flamboyant Oxford Street with its concentration of gay and lesbian bars or pubs at The Rocks, Sydney is swinging at night, every night. The Sydney Morning Herald’s pullout ‘Metro’ is published on Friday and lists all the events in town for the coming week. There”s loads of theatre, cinema, comedy and cabaret to keep you busy. There is also lots of free entertainment happening in town, so look up the paper and go party without paying.

Sydney Harbour

Most of Sydney lies alongside its main harbour which has been witness to the changes over the past 200 years. The best way to view the harbour is to take a sailing boat around it, and get a feel of the place. Hop into a ferry from Circular Quay or better still hire a helicopter for a 15 minutes ride. Sydney Harbour Bridge completed in 1932, connects the northern and southern halves of Sydney and a walk, jog or a bike ride along the bridge gives one a good view of the city.

Sydney Tower, a long thin tower with an observation deck and revolving restaurants set 305m above the ground offers spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.

Daredevil Alert! Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a climbing tour.

Sydney Harbour National Park lies around the harbour tracks and protects the bush land, walking tracks, scenic lookouts and the wealth of aboriginal carvings and historic sites that dot the area. It also includes islands like Fort Denison and Goat Island (earlier a quarantine station and now has the set of the TV show, Water Rats, which you can even tour).

Sydney Cove on the Northern Shore holds a host of the attractions. The Rocks, where the first European settlements were located is a rocky spur of land on the western side of Sydney Cove. It was a virtual hell-hole full of convicts, whalers, prostitutes and street gangs. As the settlement grew and began to prosper, it became an area full of warehouses.

This historic site was completely demolished when the Harbour Bridge was constructed, was restored in the 70s and is now an area full of narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings, converted warehouses and tea- rooms. It is a great place to stroll around and soak in the atmosphere. Rock’s Square has entertainment and the weekend Rock’s Market can get you a bargain. Miller”s Point, Campbell Cove and Colonial House Museum offer more to do. The prestigious Sydney Theatre and other dance companies are located nearby on Pier Four.

Circular Quay is one of the focal points of Sydney. Originally a European settlement and a shipping centre, it is now a commuting hub and recreational area. It has a ferry station, Overseas Passenger Terminal, harbour walkways, fisher folk etc.

Fix a rendezvous at the Circular Quay, site of the world famous Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon, it”s shell like structure was actually inspired by palm fronds. Built for a grand sum of $102 million, it was completed in 1973 after lots of politicking and acrimonious delays, so much so that in 1995, an opera was staged on the making of the Opera House! Appropriately, it was called The Eighth Wonder! It is a fabulous experience to attend an opera here, but tickets are expensive and need to be booked well in advance. The cheaper tickets or restricted view tickets will leave you with a crick in the neck. Tours of the opera house and backstage tours are also available.

A bunch of narrow lanes go from the Circular Quay to the City Centre. On the way you can pass Macquarie Place, hop into the Museum of Sydney or see the obelisk erected in 1818, till you reach the City Centre. The centre of the city Martin Place is a pedestrian mall extending a few streets and lined with some of Sydney”s buildings and monuments like the Victorian Post Office and financial institutions. There are lots of places to sit, eat and bask in the sun. There”s even an amphitheatre for entertainment. Other sights include the Town Hall, St. Andrew”s Cathedral, and the Queen Victoria Building, a massive shopping complex that takes up an entire block. Some of the city’s trendy shopping arcades are in this area. The outrageously expensive Marble Bar and the State Theatre are close by. Some of the more interesting areas in the southwest are Chinatown and Spanish Town, two thriving, lively hubs of their respective communities.

Darling Harbour -no connection to anyone”s loved one, but loved by all -is a huge waterfront leisure park catering to fun and leisure for families and tourists.

The places to see here are the spectacular museums – the Sydney Aquarium and three ‘oceanariums’ moored in the harbour have fascinating exhibits of marine life, sharks and coral gardens. Really special are the transparent underwater tunnels, open daily from 9:30 am to 9 .pm. The National Maritime Museum showcases the story of the Australian people’s links with the sea. From aboriginal yachts to Vietnamese refugee boats, it explores every aspect of Australian maritime life. It is open daily till 5 pm.

Possibly Sydney’s most attractive museum is the Powerhouse Museum, which exhibits decorative arts, social history, science and technology with an emphasis on hands on interaction and education through enjoyment. Anything and everything about Aussie life is exhibited in this most unusual museum. It opens daily till 5 pm.

Other highlights of Darling Harbour include IMAX, the world”s biggest movie screen. Massive images in 3D will make the movie buff go bonkers( tickets are without any concessions.) Sydney Fish Markets and Australia”s Northern Territory and The Outback Centre, a retail outlet for aboriginal artefacts and tourist agency for the Northern Territory are the other interesting places to check out and shop in.

Macquarie St. has some of the earliest public buildings in Sydney. The Mint building, Parliament House and State Library are some of the better -known buildings. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum of Natural History are two excellent museums worth a visit.

Sydney, like it’s other Australian counterparts has a plethora of Parks to stroll, jog and picnic in, the most popular being the Royal Botanic Gardens. Established in 1816, it includes the site of the colony”s first paltry vegetable patch that is preserved as a First Farm exhibit.

Other parks include the Domain, Hyde Park (the colony”s first cricket pitch), the Chinese Garden and Centennial Park with horse riding tracks and sports pitches, Lane Cove National Park and Pyrmont Point Park.

Kings Cross is the brash hangout for those looking for a mix of good night life, cheap hotels, drugs, classy nightclubs, designer cafes and up-market hotels. It attracts all kinds of people looking for all manner of things, be it tourists, night revellers, low lives or sailors. During the Vietnam War, it was the vice centre of Australia. It’s a haven for prostitutes, strip joints and drugs. It can get a bit rowdy at times but is the right place for good adventure. Lots of hostels ensure that loads of travellers pass through this area every season. One can meet fellow travellers and even hook up for a trip. No trip to Sydney is complete without going to Kings Cross. Woolloomooloo, one of Sydney”s oldest areas is nearby and is the place to go for midnight chicken and mushroom meals.

Inner East harbours Oxford Street, one of the best night-life areas in Sydney. The presence of a vibrant and vocal gay community is probably the reason for it’s flamboyant aura. Sydney is where the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival takes place every year, attracting visitors from all across the world. Its full of shops, cafes, nightclubs and bars and is the most happening place in Sydney. Darlinghurst is another area for pub hoppers and those wanting to hang out at the outdoor cafes. Sydney’s Jewish Museum hosts exhibits of Australian Jewish history and the Holocaust. Surrey Hills has good pubs for those who want to pub- crawl; Paddington with its Saturday Village Bazaar and over 20 art galleries is a good place to head out to. For those wanting to skinny dip, there is always the nude beach near South Head at Lady Bay, in the eastern suburbs.

Bondi Beach is the beach bums and surf-rats paradise. A suburb of Sydney, its local culture is a blend of Jewish, Italian and Aussie and itinerant expats from UK and New Zealand. Apart from surfing, beach volleyball (it was the location for the Olympic beach volleyball final) and sun bathing, Bondi Beach hosts the Sunday Bondi Beach Market at the local school, and a host of cafes, shops and hotels.

There are aboriginal rock engravings on the golf course in North Bondi. Tamarama (a great place to surf), Bronte, Coogee and Clovelly Bay are other lovely beaches to the south. Clovelly Bay has a wheelchair access place for the chair bound to reach water’s edge.

Beach Alert! Watch out for riptide warnings on all beaches.

Inner West borders the University of Sydney and its areas of Glebe, Newtown and Leichhardt sport a mix of students, gays and young professionals. Italian eateries in Leichhardt enjoy a good reputation while Glebe is known for its Buddhist temple and aromatherapy. Newton is the favourite beat of students and renovators, and has a thriving social and sexual subculture.

Manly is the biggest attraction on the North Shore with its holiday resort like atmosphere, ocean beaches and ferry wharf. Ocean World with its sharks and stingrays is wildly exciting. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, divers dive in to feed the sharks and there”s a great display of dare devilry. The Quarantine Station nearby is reminiscent of the time (1832 till 1984) suspected disease carriers were housed there. Night -time ghost tours take place thrice a week. Further up north lie Palm Beach, Curl, Pittwater (a sailing spot), with some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Ghost Alert! Take the night tour and hustle up some ghosts.

Shopping centres are Queen Victoria Building, Piccadilly, Centrepoint, Skygarden and Strand. Thursdays are the days for a spot of late night shopping when all stores remain open till 9 pm. Flea markets in Paddington Village, Glebe, Bondi Beach Public School are a few of the many great places for bargains hunters. Flea markets at the Rocks are very touristy, though the Tarpeian Market near the Sydney Opera House has a far more beautiful location in its favour.

Dining out in a multicultural city like Sydney is the gourmand”s and the gourmet”s dream come true as food styles span the gamut from nouvelle to classic. Chinatown will give you the best of the east. Darling Harbour and Oxford St. are some of the trendier places with slick bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Glebe Point Road was Sydney”s main eating out street and is still warm and cosy. Paddington sports Japanese, Mediterranean and French -Italian restaurants. Each area has its own specialties and every place has its share of cheap and expensive restaurants. Sydney Morning Herald”s Good Food Guide is of enormous help in deciding what to eat and where.

You can find a café, restaurant or a snack bar on almost every street corner. Darling Harbour, Kings Street and Parramatta are famous food streets.

Entertainment in Sydney is a delight as well and the options will gladden the hearts of all night birds. Whether it’s brash Kings Cross or flamboyant Oxford Street with its concentration of gay and lesbian bars or pubs at The Rocks, Sydney is swinging at night, every night. The Sydney Morning Herald’s pullout ‘Metro’ is published on Friday and lists all the events in town for the coming week. There”s loads of theatre, cinema, comedy and cabaret to keep you busy. There is also lots of free entertainment happening in town, so look up the paper and go party without paying.

Sydney Harbour

Most of Sydney lies alongside its main harbour which has been witness to the changes over the past 200 years. The best way to view the harbour is to take a sailing boat around it, and get a feel of the place. Hop into a ferry from Circular Quay or better still hire a helicopter for a 15 minutes ride. Sydney Harbour Bridge completed in 1932, connects the northern and southern halves of Sydney and a walk, jog or a bike ride along the bridge gives one a good view of the city.

Sydney Tower, a long thin tower with an observation deck and revolving restaurants set 305m above the ground offers spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.

Daredevil Alert! Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a climbing tour.

Sydney Harbour National Park lies around the harbour tracks and protects the bush land, walking tracks, scenic lookouts and the wealth of aboriginal carvings and historic sites that dot the area. It also includes islands like Fort Denison and Goat Island (earlier a quarantine station and now has the set of the TV show, Water Rats, which you can even tour).

Sydney Cove on the Northern Shore holds a host of the attractions. The Rocks, where the first European settlements were located is a rocky spur of land on the western side of Sydney Cove. It was a virtual hell-hole full of convicts, whalers, prostitutes and street gangs. As the settlement grew and began to prosper, it became an area full of warehouses.

This historic site was completely demolished when the Harbour Bridge was constructed, was restored in the 70s and is now an area full of narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings, converted warehouses and tea- rooms. It is a great place to stroll around and soak in the atmosphere. Rock’s Square has entertainment and the weekend Rock’s Market can get you a bargain. Miller”s Point, Campbell Cove and Colonial House Museum offer more to do. The prestigious Sydney Theatre and other dance companies are located nearby on Pier Four.

Circular Quay is one of the focal points of Sydney. Originally a European settlement and a shipping centre, it is now a commuting hub and recreational area. It has a ferry station, Overseas Passenger Terminal, harbour walkways, fisher folk etc.

Fix a rendezvous at the Circular Quay, site of the world famous Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon, it”s shell like structure was actually inspired by palm fronds. Built for a grand sum of $102 million, it was completed in 1973 after lots of politicking and acrimonious delays, so much so that in 1995, an opera was staged on the making of the Opera House! Appropriately, it was called The Eighth Wonder! It is a fabulous experience to attend an opera here, but tickets are expensive and need to be booked well in advance. The cheaper tickets or restricted view tickets will leave you with a crick in the neck. Tours of the opera house and backstage tours are also available.

A bunch of narrow lanes go from the Circular Quay to the City Centre. On the way you can pass Macquarie Place, hop into the Museum of Sydney or see the obelisk erected in 1818, till you reach the City Centre. The centre of the city Martin Place is a pedestrian mall extending a few streets and lined with some of Sydney”s buildings and monuments like the Victorian Post Office and financial institutions. There are lots of places to sit, eat and bask in the sun. There”s even an amphitheatre for entertainment. Other sights include the Town Hall, St. Andrew”s Cathedral, and the Queen Victoria Building, a massive shopping complex that takes up an entire block. Some of the city’s trendy shopping arcades are in this area. The outrageously expensive Marble Bar and the State Theatre are close by. Some of the more interesting areas in the southwest are Chinatown and Spanish Town, two thriving, lively hubs of their respective communities.

Darling Harbour -no connection to anyone”s loved one, but loved by all -is a huge waterfront leisure park catering to fun and leisure for families and tourists.

The places to see here are the spectacular museums – the Sydney Aquarium and three ‘oceanariums’ moored in the harbour have fascinating exhibits of marine life, sharks and coral gardens. Really special are the transparent underwater tunnels, open daily from 9:30 am to 9 .pm. The National Maritime Museum showcases the story of the Australian people’s links with the sea. From aboriginal yachts to Vietnamese refugee boats, it explores every aspect of Australian maritime life. It is open daily till 5 pm.

Possibly Sydney’s most attractive museum is the Powerhouse Museum, which exhibits decorative arts, social history, science and technology with an emphasis on hands on interaction and education through enjoyment. Anything and everything about Aussie life is exhibited in this most unusual museum. It opens daily till 5 pm.

Other highlights of Darling Harbour include IMAX, the world”s biggest movie screen. Massive images in 3D will make the movie buff go bonkers( tickets are without any concessions.) Sydney Fish Markets and Australia”s Northern Territory and The Outback Centre, a retail outlet for aboriginal artefacts and tourist agency for the Northern Territory are the other interesting places to check out and shop in.

Macquarie St. has some of the earliest public buildings in Sydney. The Mint building, Parliament House and State Library are some of the better -known buildings. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum of Natural History are two excellent museums worth a visit.

Sydney, like it’s other Australian counterparts has a plethora of Parks to stroll, jog and picnic in, the most popular being the Royal Botanic Gardens. Established in 1816, it includes the site of the colony”s first paltry vegetable patch that is preserved as a First Farm exhibit.

Other parks include the Domain, Hyde Park (the colony”s first cricket pitch), the Chinese Garden and Centennial Park with horse riding tracks and sports pitches, Lane Cove National Park and Pyrmont Point Park.

Kings Cross is the brash hangout for those looking for a mix of good night life, cheap hotels, drugs, classy nightclubs, designer cafes and up-market hotels. It attracts all kinds of people looking for all manner of things, be it tourists, night revellers, low lives or sailors. During the Vietnam War, it was the vice centre of Australia. It’s a haven for prostitutes, strip joints and drugs. It can get a bit rowdy at times but is the right place for good adventure. Lots of hostels ensure that loads of travellers pass through this area every season. One can meet fellow travellers and even hook up for a trip. No trip to Sydney is complete without going to Kings Cross. Woolloomooloo, one of Sydney”s oldest areas is nearby and is the place to go for midnight chicken and mushroom meals.

Inner East harbours Oxford Street, one of the best night-life areas in Sydney. The presence of a vibrant and vocal gay community is probably the reason for it’s flamboyant aura. Sydney is where the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival takes place every year, attracting visitors from all across the world. Its full of shops, cafes, nightclubs and bars and is the most happening place in Sydney. Darlinghurst is another area for pub hoppers and those wanting to hang out at the outdoor cafes. Sydney’s Jewish Museum hosts exhibits of Australian Jewish history and the Holocaust. Surrey Hills has good pubs for those who want to pub- crawl; Paddington with its Saturday Village Bazaar and over 20 art galleries is a good place to head out to. For those wanting to skinny dip, there is always the nude beach near South Head at Lady Bay, in the eastern suburbs.

Bondi Beach is the beach bums and surf-rats paradise. A suburb of Sydney, its local culture is a blend of Jewish, Italian and Aussie and itinerant expats from UK and New Zealand. Apart from surfing, beach volleyball (it was the location for the Olympic beach volleyball final) and sun bathing, Bondi Beach hosts the Sunday Bondi Beach Market at the local school, and a host of cafes, shops and hotels.

There are aboriginal rock engravings on the golf course in North Bondi. Tamarama (a great place to surf), Bronte, Coogee and Clovelly Bay are other lovely beaches to the south. Clovelly Bay has a wheelchair access place for the chair bound to reach water’s edge.

Beach Alert! Watch out for riptide warnings on all beaches.

Inner West borders the University of Sydney and its areas of Glebe, Newtown and Leichhardt sport a mix of students, gays and young professionals. Italian eateries in Leichhardt enjoy a good reputation while Glebe is known for its Buddhist temple and aromatherapy. Newton is the favourite beat of students and renovators, and has a thriving social and sexual subculture.

Manly is the biggest attraction on the North Shore with its holiday resort like atmosphere, ocean beaches and ferry wharf. Ocean World with its sharks and stingrays is wildly exciting. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, divers dive in to feed the sharks and there”s a great display of dare devilry. The Quarantine Station nearby is reminiscent of the time (1832 till 1984) suspected disease carriers were housed there. Night -time ghost tours take place thrice a week. Further up north lie Palm Beach, Curl, Pittwater (a sailing spot), with some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Ghost Alert! Take the night tour and hustle up some ghosts.

Shopping centres are Queen Victoria Building, Piccadilly, Centrepoint, Skygarden and Strand. Thursdays are the days for a spot of late night shopping when all stores remain open till 9 pm. Flea markets in Paddington Village, Glebe, Bondi Beach Public School are a few of the many great places for bargains hunters. Flea markets at the Rocks are very touristy, though the Tarpeian Market near the Sydney Opera House has a far more beautiful location in its favour.

Dining out in a multicultural city like Sydney is the gourmand”s and the gourmet”s dream come true as food styles span the gamut from nouvelle to classic. Chinatown will give you the best of the east. Darling Harbour and Oxford St. are some of the trendier places with slick bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Glebe Point Road was Sydney”s main eating out street and is still warm and cosy. Paddington sports Japanese, Mediterranean and French -Italian restaurants. Each area has its own specialties and every place has its share of cheap and expensive restaurants. Sydney Morning Herald”s Good Food Guide is of enormous help in deciding what to eat and where.

You can find a café, restaurant or a snack bar on almost every street corner. Darling Harbour, Kings Street and Parramatta are famous food streets.

Entertainment in Sydney is a delight as well and the options will gladden the hearts of all night birds. Whether it’s brash Kings Cross or flamboyant Oxford Street with its concentration of gay and lesbian bars or pubs at The Rocks, Sydney is swinging at night, every night. The Sydney Morning Herald’s pullout ‘Metro’ is published on Friday and lists all the events in town for the coming week. There”s loads of theatre, cinema, comedy and cabaret to keep you busy. There is also lots of free entertainment happening in town, so look up the paper and go party without paying.

Thailand is a rather heady mix of the old and the new- on the one hand, there are traditions which are centuries old; on the other, there are modern fashions, flashy gizmos- virtually every convenience of the new world. This fine blend of ancient heritage and the upwardly mobile trends of present times is carried through in Thailand’s cities and towns too.

Bangkok is a city pulsating with life. There is no other way to describe it. For the culturally inclined the cities various shrines and temples provide succor and for those looking for excitement and fun, the raunchy bars and night market at Patpong offer another view of this dynamic city. Find calm on the Chao Pyra River amidst the chaotic confusion of cars on the streets of the city. You will find the calm far outweighs the confusion. Whichever facet of Bangkok interests you, rest assured you will not regret your decision to visit!

The rich cultural heritage of Thailand is still alive in the old cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya . Palace and temple ruins are scattered all over in these ancient cities, and they have been declared World Heritage Sites; Chiang Mai in the north was, in the late 13th century, the capital of the Lan Na kingdom. Climb up the Doi Suthep peak and pay obeisance at the Wat Phra Borommathat temple. This temple, one of the holiest in all of Thailand is perched at a height of 1676 metres and watches over the city of Chiang Mai. Just an hour drive away from Bangkok lies the oldest city in Thailand- Nakhon Si Thammarat . Here view the Phra Pathom Chedi, reputed to be the highest Buddhist structure in the world.