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Friday, December 4, 2009

Maldives

Enchanting Maldives

Maldives

is a perfect destination for an adventure and romantic holidays. Maldives is a tropical paradise. You can explore the spectacular coral islands, pristine water lagoons, powdery beaches, sunny skies, crystal clear water and lavish resort islands.
Maldives provide a matchless experience to the visitors. The people of

Maldives

extends warm hospitality to visitors because tourism is a crucial business aspect of this nation.. Maldives has over 87 resort islands. Each resort offers a range of water sport facilities, like snorkelling, jet skiing and more. Two very popular activities here are the glass-bottomed boat tours and night fishing.

Maldives

has some of the best dive sites in world. Diving enthusiasts can explore the Banana Reef, Fish Head, Wreck of the Maldives Victory and many more such interesting underwater sites. You will have a fun filled and adventurous holiday. . Embark on a Maldives Vacation and enjoy the beauty of this truly wonderful country

Location:
The country is located in the Indian Ocean, south of

India

. It is an island country consisting of around 1200 coral islands. Only 200 islands out of the 1200 are inhabited. The islands are known for their beaches and exotic marine life

Quick Facts:

Capital: Male'

Official Language: Dhivehi

Second Language: English

Religion: Islam (100% Sunni Muslim)

Time difference: +5hrs GMT

Currency: Rufiyaa (Notes) and Laari (Coins)

Climate: Tropical

Major Industries: Tourism, Fishing and Shipping

Banking hours: Sunday to Thursday 8.00 am to 1.30 pm

Best Season:
The best time to reach

Maldives

is from the months of April to the beginning of November.

Route Map:
View Larger Map

Passport and Visa requirements:

Entry to Maldives is not difficult. Travel with your passport, it should be valid up to your take off date to enter in to the republic of Maldives. As per the visa requirement, 30 days visa will be issued when arrived in Maldives. The Department of Immigration and Emigration approves any request for extending tourist's stay up to 90 days, if a person stays in a resort..

Reaching There:

By Air
There are a number of international flights that carry the passengers to and from

Maldives

. The main international airport is situated at Male, the capital city of Maldives. Apart from the typical international flights, also are available the services of various airlines that operate on a regular basis and fly from Dubai, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur and Thiruvananthapuram to Maldives.

By Sea
For countries like India and Sri Lanka, there is another means of transport to reach

Maldives

. Infact, Maldives is very well connected with waterways. There is an adequate provision of ships to carry the passengers to the beautiful islands of Maldives.

Sight Seeing Places in Maldives:

Malé , Malé is small, quaint, and densely settled capital city of

Maldives

. It's clean and tidy, with mosques, markets, a maze of small streets that charm all its own.
Malé is packed to the edges with buildings, roads and a few well-used open spaces.

Grand Friday Mosque
Grand Friday mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A "z" zam is the biggest mosque of Maldives. This grand architecture of bygone times was constructed by the Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656.

Beautiful beaches of Maldives
Located on the equator towards the south of Sri Lanka,

Maldives

is blessed with beaches rich in coconuts and tropical fruits.

Artificial Beach

Despite so many beautiful beaches in

Maldives

, the capital is not blessed in this respect. Today the people of Male' can enjoy a good swim at artificial beach. This is a popular place for parents who take their kids for some fresh air and space to enjoy.
Today it is not only a popular place for swimmers, but a variety of sports, games shows and other events such as live music shows as well. On a regular day, it is a place for swimmers, children, parents and active sportsman. On special occasions, it is a place for get together, music shows, carnivals, parades and you name it. On Fridays the beach is quite packed, so consider this fact before getting there for a swim.

Mohammed Thakurufaanu Tomb
Located in the compound of the Bihuroazu Kamanaa Miskiiy, it has a lot of significance for the people of this country. Mohammad Thakurufaanu tomb in Maldives was built in the memory of Sultan Ghaazee Mohammed Thakurufaanu, a great national hero, who liberated Maldives from the colonial rule of Portuguese. Portuguese established their rule over the country for about 15 years after overthrowing Sultan Ali VI in 1558. It is because of this brave Sultan that the countrymen enjoy their freedom.

The Local Market

The Local Market, just a block away from the Male’ Fish Market on the northern waterfront, is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower and the atmosphere peaceful, compared to the hectic activity in the rest of this neighborhood. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce mainly from the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of home made sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Another building just next door sells smoked and dried fish.

Jumhooree Maidan
Located along the northern waterfront in Male, Jumhoorie Maidan in

Maldives

was set up in the year 1989. More commonly known as the republic square of Maldives, the Jumhoorie Maidan with its green grass and lush vegetation serves as one of the most popular places for social gatherings. It is the teen's favorite evening hangout place.

Seenu (Addu Atoll)
This is the 'second city' of the

Maldives

, and the resort here is the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent, speak differently from folk in the capital.

The Islamic centre : Male's most famous architectural landmark is the three -storey Islamic Centre, opened in November 1984. The centre's Grand Friday Mosque , Majid-al-sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu -al-A''z''am, is the biggest in the

Maldives

, accommodating more than 5,000 worshippers. The shinning golden dome of the mosque is a standout as are also the interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy . The centre also houses a library and a conference hall.

MUNNAARU: close to the Friday Mosque is this gleaming white minaret also built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1675 . The chief muezzin of male' called the faithful to prayer from this minaret before the Islamic centre was built

Mulee Aage Palace
Located in front of the Friday mosque, Maldives Mulee Aage palace was built in the year 1906. The credit for its construction goes to the Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. It was before World War I that the Sultan built this palace for his son.

The Presidential Palace:

The Presidential Palace has been built on the site of the previous presidential palace "Theemuge", this is one of the most beautiful building in the country, and could easily be counted among the most wonderful examples of modern eclectic architecture in South Asia.

SULTAN PARK AND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM : The Sultan's Palace was demolished except for a three -storey building and the palace grounds were turned into a public park, known as the Sultan Park.

The surviving palace building within the park is today the National Museum. Opened on November 19, 1952, the glorious bygone era including stone objects from the pre-Islamic period; royal antiquities like thrones, palanquins, royal sunshades, costumes and shoes, coins and ornaments, arms and armour. Coral stone sculpture, lacquered wooden containers, miniature hand-written Quran, hookahs,sunshades,traditional log drums from the Royal Palace used in the popular music of Bodu Beru, and the very interiors of the museum-retained from the days of Sultanate -are the added attractions. Two of the most significant items on display are the coral stone head of Lord Buddha, a 11th century piece from Alifu Thoddu and a 13th century engraved wooden panel from

Timings:9am-3pm.closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Huruku Miskiiy.

The Hukuru Miskiiy or the old Friday Mosque, was built in 1656 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar 1. The interior and exterior walls of this historic mosque, built with coral shores, are intricately curved with Arabic writings and ornamental patters. The roof, window frames, and doors are made of different types of wood including teak, red sandalwood, and redwood. There is an abundance of beautiful coral carvings and expert lacquer work inside the mosque, the latter being most conspicuous in the laage, or domes, built as part of the ceiling. The compound of the mosque also encloses a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultan's, heroes and nobles

Medhu Ziyaarath

Opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy is the Medhu Ziyaarath, the shrine of Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, a North African, believed to be responsible for converting the

Maldives

to Islam way back in AD 1153.

Harbour:

When one approaches Malé from the north, the first thing that strikes the eye would be the number of cargo vessels lying at anchor in the outer harbor (the Maldives imports just about all its basic life requirements!) and the number of speed boats and traditional dhoani in the inner harbor.

Accommodation and Lodging:

Top-Rated Hotels

Baros Maldives

Banyan Tree Maldives

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Ihuru

Alila Villas Hadahaa

Kuramathi Village

Kanuhura

Island Hideaway Spa, Resort & Marina

Huvafen Fushi

Kuramathi Cottage and Spa

Maldives

: Food and Drink

The local cuisine revolves around fish and rice. A typical meal will have a helping of rice served with a local fish preparation. Trevallies, barracuda and tuna are the preferred fish here, and are prepared in spicy curries. Most meals begin with a bowl of Garudhya, or tuna soup.
The food is usually washed down with a cup of black tea. Being an Islamic country, alcohol and pork is prohibited and only available at tourist resorts

Famous Restaurants:

Sala Thai Restaurant

Thai Wok

Ocean Breeze

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

huluhlhe airport hotel

Symphony Maldives

The Sea House - Maldives

Mugalai

Things to Do in Maldives

Cruising in Maldives
Fishing in Maldives

Parasailing in Maldives

Snorkeling in Maldives

Surfing in Maldives

Maldives Nightlife

Maldives Sports

Shopping in Maldives

Male, the capital of Maldives is the main shopping hub that provides a real delight to the shoppers. The best picks of this wonderful country include jewelry, cosmetics, apparels, electronic gadgets and gizmos, local handicraft items, perfumes and canned fish.

Maldives

Travel Safety Tips

You should avoid visiting areas, where you are likely to be victimized.

Avoid traveling alone.

Never reveal your travel plans to a stranger.

Keep away from strangers trying to be extra friendly with you.

Beware of pickpockets.

Never show that you are new to the area and don't know anything about the place, because someone can take advantage of your innocence.

It is always wise to learn a couple of phrases in the local language of the country, so that you can call upon someone for help in case of a problem.

It is a good practice to keep all your valuables at a safe place and not in the open. Do not leave any valuables behind in your hotel room, when you are going out.

Always hire taxis that bear the official markings on them.

Never accept any kind of favors from strangers.

It is always advisable to inform the concerned authorities, if you feel there is some kind of threat.

While paying your bills, never flash large amounts of money.

For exchange of currency, deal only with authorized agents. Never attempt to exchange money at black market.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are popularly known as Emerald Islands It offers you an eco-friendly tourist paradise. Its virgin chain of islands, tropical evergreen forests, sun kissed silver sandy beaches are adobe of natures. Tourists Come here to live in the worlds best beaches

For a laidback vacation, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the perfect place to be. Virgin beaches, lush greenery and varied species of flora and fauna are some of the things that one can look forward to during the vacations here

Best time to visit Andaman is from October to May.

October to May is ideal for sight seeing and also to engage in water sports activities.

LOCATION:                           Bay of Bengal
CAPITAL:                  Port Blair
HIGHEST PEAK:      Saddle Peak - 732 metros
CLOTHING :              Cottons throughout the year
IDD CODE:               ++91-3192 (STD 03192)

Route Map:
View Larger Map

Routes to step in:

BY Sea: Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days

By Air:

Andaman’s airport is at Port Blair. It is connected to Chennai and Calcutta. There are number of flights from Port Blair to other Airports. During the tourist seasons discounted airfares are provided by the airlines.

LOCAL TRANSPORT - The Directorate of Shipping Services maintains regular inter-island foreshore and harbour ferry services to cater to the needs of inter-island commuters. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and taxis available for local transport on the islands

Tourist Attractions:

JOLLY BUOY

It offers a breath taking underwater view of coral and marine life. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach. Covered under Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Parks.

Corbyn's Cove

is a serene and unspoiled soft sandy beach in Andaman near to Port Blair. This beach is set in picturesque backgrounds of lush green coconut palms and pleasant scenary.

Chatham Saw Mill

owned by Forest department, is credited as one of the biggest and oldest saw mills all through Asia and is located at the north tip of Andaman

Havelock Island

This island offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. Radhanagar Beach (Beach No.7), Asia’s 7th most beautiful sea beach, is one of the attractive destinations for the tourists in the islands. Snorkeling and scuba diving facilities are provided in many beaches like Elephant beach etc. One can enjoy quite holidays in the lap of mother nature here.

Andaman Water Sports Complex

It is a renowned sports complex in

India

and is a unique sports complex offering many adventurous water sports activities

Jarwa reserve

Government of India reserved some of the regions of Andaman Islands for the tribes Jarwa in Andaman. This Jarwa reserve is part of the dense forests in two islands of Andaman. Jarwa, the first inhabitants of the Islands, is one of the four aborigines of Andaman Islands

Cellular Jail

This is presently a revered shrine dedicated to great Indian freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the Independence of the Mother Nation, is situated at Aberdeen near Port Blair

Neil Island:
This beautiful Island with lush green forest and sandy beaches is the vegetable bowl of Andaman. It provides an ideal holiday for eco-friendly tourists. Beautiful beaches at Lakshmanpur, Bharatpur, Sitapur and the natural bridge formations on the sea-shore are the attractions.

Long Island

A breathtaking Island breasting beautiful sandy beaches, coconut plantations and evergreen forests, Long Island in Andaman is a very popular attraction for the nature loving tourists. The island can be approached by the fisherman’s vessel hired from Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Barren Island :
This is the only active volcano in India. This island is about 3 Kms. in crater of the volcano, about half km away from the shore. This island can be visited by special boats which are scheduled by the DSS weekly.

Port Blair

Port Blair is capital and largest city of the Andaman and Nicobar island group, with a population of around 100,000. Spend a day or two here walking around and enjoying fresh seafood and seeing a couple of the nearby sites.

Chidiyatapu Chidiyatapu is the southern most tip of South Andaman. As its name this is favorite destination for bird watchers. Its lush green mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands make it an ideal picnic site. A very beautiful beach named Munda Pahad near by is very famous amongst the local people. There is a forest guest house situated on the top of a hillock providing a fabulous view of isolated islands, breath taking sunset also called the Sunset

Ross Island: Ross Island, which is accessible from Phoenix Bay Jetty through a boat ride, is situated at the entry region of Port Blair harbor. Ross Island encloses an attractive swimming pool, a cute museum Smritika established by Indian Navy.
Mt Harriet Mt Harriet is an ideal place for bird eye's view of the outer islands and the sea. It was the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj. 365 m high,

Samudrika Marine Museum, Samudrika Marine Museum, run by the Indian Navy, is located at Delanipur in Andaman. This museum is meant to create awareness on various aspects of oceanic environment. The Samudrika Marine Museum has five sections dealing with history of Andaman Islands, Geographical information, people of Andaman, Archeology and finally the Marine life.

Kalpong Kalpong, the only river of Andaman flows from here. Ross and Smith, the twin Islands joined by a bewitching sand bar, is travelled from Diglipur by engine dingy

Viper Island Viper Island, named after the ship wreck event of a British trading ship named “Viper' located near Port Blair. Viper Island is a serene beautiful tourist destination and can be approached by harbor cruise originating from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair.

Nicobar Island: The Nicobars abound in coconut palm, casuarina and pandanus trees. The fauna of Great and Little Nicobar islands consist of Giant Robber Crab, long-tailed Monkeys, Nicobarese Pigeons and Megapode, a rare bird found in Great Nicobar. The Indira Point the southernmost tip of India is Great Nicobar Island. Car Nicobar, is covered with cluster of coconut palms and enchanting beaches

Accommodation and Lodging:

Top-Rated Hotels

Dew Dale Resorts

Hotel Sinclairs Bay View, Port Blair

Barefoot at Havelock

Island Vinnie's Tropical Beach Cabana

Hotel Megapode Nest

Aashiaanaa Residency Inn

Sea Princess Beach Resort

Silversand Beach Resort

Dolphin Resort

Fortune Resort Bay Island

To Eat:

South Indian food in Andaman & Nicobars are:

· Restaurant & Bar, N.K. International

· Megapode Nest

· Vishranti

· Dawat Restaurant & Bar

You can get North Indian food at

· Hotel Sentinel

· Corbyn's Delight Restaurant and Bar

· Hotel Abhishek

· Ananda Restaurant

Chettinadu cuisine can be found at

· Annapurna Cafetaria

· Gem Continental

· Light House Restaurant

For Continental food you can go to

· Hotel Sentinel, Restaurant & Bar

· Mandalay Restaurant and Nico Bar

· Corbyn's Delight Restaurant & Bar

Other Interests:

Snorkeling

Scuba Diving

Fishing Game

Adventure Sports

Baratang Trip

Essentials to be carried

Other than Passport, Visa, Identity Card, etc. some things are further essential to be brought in your luggage like: FIRST-AID KIT, NEWSPAPER, TORCH, SCISSOR, NAIL CLIPPER, UMBRELLA/SUNSCREEN etc.

Wild Life in India:

Wildlife in Goa

Wildlife in Gujarat

Wildlife in Orissa

Friday, November 6, 2009

Goa - Tourism

Goa - Tourism

Goa, a tiny emerald land, with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile Get swept away by the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, sunbathe and stroll along it's wide and serene beaches, Goa is the place to spend a much needed holiday.

Location:

Goa, a tiny emerald land of 3,702 Sq.Kms. on the west coast of

India

. Located in the Sahayadri Range in the Western Ghats with the Arabian Sea on its west,

Season:

The best time for visiting Goa is during the months of October to March. This is the ideal time, as the monsoons cross over to the Indian mainland after pouring on the land of Goa.

Route Map:
View Larger Map

Getting There:

On Tracks:

Goa is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, Tirupati via Londa junction on the Mirage-Bangalore sector of south central railway, and to Mumbai, and Mangalore on the Konkan Railway Corporation section. Convenient stations are Margao/Vasco and Karmali.

Fly away:
The only airport in Goa is the Dabolim Airport, which is though a military airport but civilian flights also operate from here.The airport also handles apart from regular flights , chartered flights as well from countries like UK and Germany.
Indian Airlines has direct daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Goa. Air India also operates from Goa.The airport is owned by the Indian Navy. Major airline operators such as Indian Airlines
On Wheels: There are interstate bus services to Mumbai (16 hrs), Bangalore, Mangalore, Londa, Pune, Hospet, Hampi and Hubli.
On Ship: Ship services between Bombay and Goa organised by Damania.

Prime Attractions of Goa:

Vasco-da-Gama: It is 30 kms. from Panaji. A modem, well laid out city close to Mormugs Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service in the South Central Railway.

Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small a charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue's lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchantit panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill Top).
Mapusa: It is 13 Kms. from Panaji. The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the national highway, is the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of Northern Goa. Weekly fair on Friday, is held at the modem streamlined market, attended by large crowds.

Wildlife in Goa
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.
Alorna Fort
The Alorna fort is situated in the village of Alorna which is about 30 km from Mapusa and 10 km east off NH 17 from Malpem in Pernem
Ancestral Goa Museum / Big Foot
The Ancestral Goa museum/ exhibition is situated in the small village of Loutolim which is about 10 km from Margao and 25 km from Panaji. The musuem is also known as big foot.

Arvalam Waterfalls
The Arvalem or Harvalem waterfalls, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 metres, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. It is situated at about 2 km from the small town of Sanquelim
Boca De Vaca Spring
Situated next to the Mahalaxmi temple, the Boca de Vaca spring is one of the two springs that exist in Panaji Goa.

Carambolim Lake in Goa
The Carambolim Lake is situated approx 2 kms southeast of Old Goa in the Tiswadi taluka. It is excellent place of birding in Goa that supports a large population of herbivorous birds
Chorao Island
The Tiswadi island of Chorao is situated 5 kms from Panaji. The earliest settlers of the island were 10 families of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins

Divar Island
The beautiful Divar Island that is rarely visited is situated across the Mandovi River from Old Goa. A ferry connects the southern end of the island with Old Goa
Dudhsagar Waterfall
The Dudh Sagar waterfall is situated in the Indian state of Goa in Sanguem taluka. It is located 60 kms from the capital city of Panaji and is well connected with Panjim and Margao

Kuskem Waterfall
The Kuskem waterfall is located in the Canacona taluka in South Goa. It can be visited whilst on the way to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Beaches of Goa: