A Refreshing Trip to Mukurthi National Park

Ooty or Ooctacamund is a little paradise nestled within the Indian territories. It is blessed with the wonderful creatures of Mother Nature, providing shelter and care to thousands of life creatures. If you ever want to explore the deep rooted treasures of Ooty then book Ooty sightseeing packages for a hassle-free trip. World-wide renowned Mukurthi National Park is housed just off the western coast of this magnificent hill station. This immaculate park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park showcases a wonderful amalgamation of shrub lands and montane grasslands. It is sprinkled with sholas at high altitude areas with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and freezing temperature. This marvelous park is a home of myriad hues of flora and fauna including the endangered species. Some of the species of plants cannot be found in any part of the planet except for this park. It houses over two-hundred species of grasslands. Nature lovers love to explore this park as they get to find at least one different species of exotic plants in even the remotest corner of the park. It has been the home of various species of fauna over the centuries including saleas, wild dogs, tigers, langur, rhododendrons, and impatiens. In fact this park has the highest density of impatiens in the entire planet. Now, this park nests exclusive endangered species of fauna including Asian elephant and tiger. However, the Niligiri tahr, which is a mammal, still dominates Mukurthi. Even adventure freaks can find something good to do in this little park. Trekking, rock climbing, camping, and cave exploration are some of the fun activities that one can try out here.

The recent studies of the park has shown that it needs restoration to protect the endangered species, and for a healthy breeding of the same. Let not this study prevent you from booking Ooty holiday packages to dig out this tranquil park.

The Swing at the End of the World

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There’s a swing on the edge of a cliff in Ecuador. It has no safety measures and is called the ‘Swing at the End of the World’. It’s a tourist attraction and in order to get there, you have to hike up the path to Bellavista from Banos, until you reach a viewpoint and a seismic monitoring station named La Casa del Árbol (The Tree-house).

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Best Romantic Films Set in Paris

Paris, with its evergreen persona, a sugar-coated romantic profile and a powerful touristy status, has always featured in the wish-list of honeymooners and photographers. So, the market for Paris honeymoon packages has remained unaffected despite the entry of new unconventional European destinations like Prague and Netherlands.

Over the decades, plenty of films (mostly romantic) have portrayed this ‘City of Lights’ in its all-colorful glory. It would be fair to say that many of those films have done better business than they would have done had they been set in some other part of the world.

Queen

One of the better films to have come out in recent times is ‘Queen’. A Bollywood blockbuster, it has the quirky Kangana in the lead and is a soul-stirring movie which can be called romantic as well as soothing. Despite some sexed up dialogues, this film is largely about self-discovery and is a winner right from reel one to the final credits since it romanticizes life in a realistic and relatable manner.

An Evening in Paris

Back in the past, an all-time favorite Shammi Kapoor classic titled ‘An Evening in Paris’ is set almost entirely in the French capital. With a string of melodious songs and a psychedelic portrayal of this cheesy city, this movie struck all the right cords and still mesmerizes single girls during its television reruns.

An American in Paris

For those who swear by Hollywood flicks, the most mention-worthy films are ‘Last Tango in Paris’, ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘Everyone Says I love you’.

Then there is ‘French Kiss’ which starred the heartthrob Meg Ryan as the female lead and is another memorable film set in this city. Its Bollywoodized version called ‘Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha’ that starred Kajol and Ajay Devgun was also set partially in Paris and did excellent business at the box office.

Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha

Film-makers from both India and Hollywood are so smitten by this city that someone once joked that film-making is amongst the most popular things to do in Paris.

In fact, if you are a tourist, you can make your own film (so what, if it’s in a handycam or in your Galaxy Grand)!

Ishq in Paris

Preity Zinta seems to have run out of luck (thanks to ageing and the birth of Y-gen actresses viz. Katrina, Deepika and blah blah). We don’t want to rub salt on her wounds, but even Paris couldn’t save her latest release ‘Ishq in Paris’ which disappeared faster than the Malaysian airline.

Dolphin-watching in Goa: Is it worth it?

If you are confronted with the possibility of an expedition which will take you in the midst of the sea amongst the school of dolphins which you can watch and photograph, a la the Nat Geo experts, you are bound to feel that orgasm of super-thrill. One of the top activities in Goa is to head for dolphin-watching since the Arabian Sea has them in good numbers and the ferry-managers are always eager to take you in their midst.

Baga Beach

In fact, if you happen to take a jog on the beaches of Goa in the morning, you are quite likely to be approached by ferry-wallahs who will offer you a ‘dolphin trip’. The cost can be high and they can be pushy. So, you should not fail to bargain. To be honest, they will always try to tempt you and promise you a good show, though some people are actually left disappointed towards the end.

It’s not that dolphins are not sighted. But they usually make a brisk appearance and for a couple of seconds before dipping back into the oceanic depths again. Most people only get to see the fins but if you are fortunate, you may get a brief view of their snouts. It is very unlikely that you will witness the aerial leap of the grand dolphins the way they show in adventure movies, but then you may have bright stars.

Dolphin photography

Dolphin-photography can be tricky as their transient appearance leaves you with very little time to zoom in your camera, focus and take a great shot. So, you must stay prepared with your camera fully on and senses fully alert.

At the end of the day, it is still an once-in-a-lifetime experience and definitely worth it, though not totally. The experience shall differ from person to person. The best time to check out the dolphins is early during the day at around 6 am- 11 am when you have a bright chance of sighting quite a few of them. Palolem Beach is one of the best places where you can go for dolphin trips. The rates are not fixed but they usually ask for somewhere between Rs 1000-1500. Try haggling and ask for a boat on a share-basis if you are travelling solo or are few in numbers.

With Goa holiday packages, a rendezvous with the dolphins in the wild is a cherish-worthy experience.

Maldivian Music band and Culture

Maldives, for its round-the-year sunshine and a happy bunch of exotic beach resorts, is leading the list of international honeymoon packages these days. No one can deny the quintessence charm of this island which has leapfrogged some of the traditional favorites like Mauritius. While its lovely luxurious resorts do allow you to get the pleasure of sin, it is also a place where you can take a peep into the culture and get immensely enriched. Your luxury Maldives tour will certainly give you your share of opportunity to sink into the local folk music and modern music.

Maldives is an Islamic region but its culture borrows heavily from Sri Lanka and south India. Hence, the blend of Islamic culture and South Indian culture is there to be seen in almost every aspect of life and art. The music itself is a revelation. One of the most popular forms of music is Boduberu. Its origin can be traced back to as early as the 11^th century. Yet, over the years, one must say, it has gone through its fair bit of changes. It is primarily performed by 15 people and involves a lazy start which soon gives way to a heart-racing beat.

Then there is the Thaara. This form of music is believed to have an Arabic origin. Hence, you can see that the traditional music forms of Maldives have that cosmopolitan flavor. Add to that the fact that each of them have got influenced by the local culture and have truly developed over the centuries into something unique and indigenous.

There is another great dance form which will remind you instantly of the rustic India. Known as Bandiyaa jehun, this form of dance involves women who waltz happily wearing metallic rings and to the delicious tune of metallic water pots. While it is medieval at its root, the modernists have done their bit to add some current flavors. So, you will find a dash of harmonica and drums here and there.

Luxury Maldives tour is getting more and more popular. There is so much to see and observe in this part of the world. Clearly, these innovative international honeymoon packages are no longer just about underwater restaurants and tropical beaches. There is a new cultural vista waiting to wrap you in its arms.

Gold ATMs in Dubai: A golden surprise awaiting you this shopping season

Though the true full form of ATM is ‘Automatic Teller Machine’ (as some of you may be knowing, in case you watch KBC), but there is a vulgar notion amongst many that it is the abbreviation for ‘Any Time Money’. Well, on that count, Dubai should change the name for some of its machines to ATG which should spell out as ‘Any Time Gold’.

Yes, if you are getting ideas after reading that, then we are delighted that you are getting ideas. Coz believe it or not, Dubai has Gold ATMs where you can get gold coins and bars trickling out of the slot space. You just need to feed cash of the existing gold price and in return, you can get gold.

That can be a strong incentive for you to buy our Dubai tourism packages. Not that, the city lacks attractions. There are shopping malls of every size imaginable. Dubai Mall, Ibn Batutah Mall, Mall of the Emirates- you name it, you get it.

Plus, the shopping festival Dubai is about to kick off this January. (2^nd January- 2^nd February, 2014) and will be a month-long affair of blitzkrieg shopping, eating and merrymaking.

One of the best places to locate such a Gold ATM is the Dubai Mall itself, which also happens to be the one of the topmost attractions of the city. The mall is extremely huge and it is unlikely that you will be able to explore it in just one day. Anyway, look for Galeries Lafayette where this ATM is situated.

Such an ATM has been another master stroke by Dubai tourism which has already got a lot of aces to flaunt. This Gold ATM has not only piqued the interest of foreign tourists and the demand for Dubai tourism packages, but it has also helped shoppers to quickly purchase gold.

Dubai, of course, is like a gold mine and this strategy has worked well in luring potential customers to get home a 24 karat gold coin. Alternately, there are Gold Souks (gold markets) where you can do the purchasing the traditional way.

If you ask us when to visit Dubai, we would say anytime, excepting the sultry days between March and June. The December-February period should be considered ideal for the upcoming season.

Know about Thailand package with airfare and journey through South-East Asia

South-East Asia, in recent years, has emerged as the most appealing destination for Indians. This corner not only offers a slew of amazing countries but also puts lesser strain on your pockets. A journey through the countries of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia can be a fulfilling and happy experience. Thailand, for instance, is a country whose culture hasn’t got ravaged by modernity. The alluring bazaars, the omnipresent hospitality and that tendency to show respect to religion is still very much a part of the 21^st century Thailand.

Plus, Thailand offers you cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Krabi. Each of them has a story to tell; each story being different and almost as fascinating as the other. If Bangkok is the woman’s favorite shopping den, Pattaya is the beach bum’s getaway. At the beaches of Pattaya, you can roll over sand, go deep into the water with scuba diving or toss yourself up in the sky with parasailing. Chiang Mai brings you a bucket of history and religion while Krabi is an adventurer’s ultimate treasure. Phuket is a mix of everything and is another great place to spend a few days.

How to reach Thailand: The distance between India and Thailand is a shade under 3,000 km. It takes around 3 hours 45 minutes to reach the capital Bangkok from our capital New Delhi. A Thailand package with airfare included is now easy to grab at portal sites.

Once you are through Thailand, you can move on to Vietnam, another fabled land of history, culture and nature. This country which has seen the ugly years of war is now a top draw amongst the history-obsessed tourists. Attractions like Hanoi City, Halong Bay, Hoa Lu, Perfume River, Danang Beach, Mekong Delta and Dalat hill station offer a mixture of everything.

Cambodia is not far away and you can round up your trip with a brief visit to this historic country as well. Full of temples and shrines, Cambodia’s focal points of attractions include gems like Angkor Wat, Bayon, Angkor Thom, Preah Vihear Temple, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom. Kep National Park, Botum Sakor National Park, Independence Monument, Neak Pean and Cambodian Cultural Village and the rest make sure that there is no shortage of tourist points.

Ideal Time to Visit Goa For Honeymoon

It is said that marriages are made in heaven. Well, our own planet, that is, Earth also plays host to a little heaven of its own! It is our favorite holiday destination – the freaky Goa. Goa is a place that meets the needs of every person, whether it is a party freak, adventure junkie, nature lover, kids, archaeologist, and most significantly the honeymooners. Honeymooners look for a place that offers privacy, romantic ambience, seclusion, and a pleasant weather. Goa is the ultimate place where two nervous people open up to each other, and strengthen their bond of marriage.

The best time to visit Goa for honeymoon is the time when you can feel romance in the air, like the entire world is trying to sew the couple in one single needle of love and affection. Given that romance always flourishes in this city, the couples can choose any time of the year as an ideal time for honeymoon. Newlyweds who love a bit of adventure can try dolphin cruises, backwater cruises in Mandovi and Zuari Rivers, and fun-packed water sports on the seductive beaches.

 

The white sandy beaches have always been a couple’s favorite. Relaxing and sunbathing under the bright rays of the sun, swimming with your partner in the cool crystal waters, and walking along the beach holding hands are a couple of romantic things newlyweds like to do at the beach side. They can walk along the street to view the ancient churches and temples of the city, and indulge in scrumptious Goan delicacies. There are a plethora of stalls wherefrom the shopaholics can quench their shopping hunger. At night they can spend quality time amidst loud parties, grooving together to the tunes of rocking music. They can even stay at honeymoon resorts that are romantically designed to provide absolute seclusion to the newlyweds.

Even though Goa is fun at all time of the year, missing the romantic monsoons would be inappropriate for honeymooners. So, it is the monsoon season (June to September) that is ideally for book Goa honeymoon packages.

What makes Ooty the favorite summer holiday destination?

Ooty is the Sachin Tendulkar of hill stations. Everyone loves it, irrespective of the age, caste or gender. This South Indian holiday destination is one fabulous place which bridges the geographical divide between the south and the north, making people from as far as Delhi and Rajasthan to fly away into the nature-filled arms of the Nilgiris.

Ooty has, for many, become synonymous with memories, with childhood, with solitude, with nostalgia. You can move around with your family in Ooty (there are countless places to visit in Ooty for family), you can take a hike with friends, you can go for trekking or camping with a bunch of backpackers, and you could simply climb over to the Dodabetta (the highest peak in the region) and stare eye-to-eye at the sinking sun. But when you need some private time out, then Ooty will lend you that solitude which is so hard to find in our metro cities. Ooty shall withdraw itself and leave you amidst your most intimate soliloquies so that you can reflect about life and about olden times.

As for the sightseeing attractions, Ooty serves you a dollop of romance with lakes like the Emerald and Ooty Lake. Its tranquil gardens like the Botanic Gardens hold a number of attractions to marvel at. Avalanche Lake is another tourist spot and the good old Stone House can give your cameras some vintage fodder. St. Stephen’s Church has a warm endearing quality about it. It is an old church and its unassuming yet daunting build can hold your hands and take you back to the old era.

Romantic honeymoon packages are churned out by holiday planners keeping in mind the various needs of the tourists. Without having to overspend and without having to hassle yourself, you can go for this trip. It will be a simple promenade to a poetic land; a walk to remember this summer. Indeed!

 

Wherever You May Rome: Family Friendly Vacation Spots for Catholics

The beauty of God can be found all across the world; it is only a matter of looking. But where are some truly wonderful places or programs that can provide you with experiences that you won’t find anywhere else? Here are just a few family focused vacation opportunities and spots for any of God’s children.

That Vatican Vacation

Vacationing Catholic families can’t miss the Vatican! An entire city located within Rome and Italy, a visit to the Vatican nearly guarantees time touring Rome as well. Not only can you sit in an audience with the Pope on certain days, but you’ll also find an assortment of museums, gardens and churches (among the most grand and massive in the world) to see. In fact, you can even take Catholic mass inside the Roman Pantheon if you wish.

In addition to the Vatican, the surrounding area offers many things to do. You’ll find a number of Vatican tours to lead you along, and restaurants with cuisine you’ve never experienced. Florence, Venice, and Milan all cherish a rich Catholic history too—why not extend your stay and see Cathedral Square and The Last Supper?

Catholic Volunteer Network

If you find yourself more interested in seeing the Italian countryside by volunteering, the Catholic Volunteer Network provides a massive database (which provides information regarding meal and lodging provisions) of various organizations trying to collect members for volunteer work in all parts of the world. By donating your time, you can travel within the United States or internationally on behalf of a number of organizations and, depending on the program, travel as a family or group.

Spanish Missions of California

If you’re interested in a pilgrimage that moves through 21 missions along the coast of California, this might be the trek for you! These missions were originally built so early settlers could spread Catholic faith to Native Americans living in the west and now offer beautiful monuments to history, museums, festivals, masses, and musical performances. This vacation is great because it can be tailored to fit your needs and timeframe—you could choose to spend a month driving from mission to mission, or take a bus to just a few.

By visiting these missions, you’ll gain a more complete knowledge of earlier times in Catholic tradition while seeing remnants of early western civilization and Native American culture along California’s beautiful coast.

Sarah Murphy has worked in Dublin for the last two years as a blogger, web content manager and marketing coordinator. A journalist by training and traveler by nature, she frequently travels to Italy for the business and pleasure of a Vatican Tour, where she mostly spends her time pretending to be a Cardinal.

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