Mumbai: beauty undefined and unlimited..

Location of Mumbai : Southwestern India, Maharashtra

Old Name : Bombay
Famous As : Financial And Commercial Capital Of India
Best Time To Visit Mumbai : October To March

Its young, its lively and the of varied cultural races and cross currents has given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State , formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India . With the confidence of a moneymaker, and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude of the folks there, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.

If you are in India, you havent seen the true India without actually visiting this place. People from all over India come to this place to realise their dreams.. Here a few tourist destinations are listed

Tourist Attractions/ Places to See :
» Gateway of India,Vidhaan Soudha - Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder



» Juhu Beach - Juhu is the largest and most frequently visited beaches of India. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it's a beckoning beach on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai.


» Marine Drive - Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare.

» Essel World - Perfect for a one-day holiday, Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The water-theme park is supposed to be the biggest of its kind in Asia.

» Bollywood : The Film City - "Bollywood", as it is called, produces the second most number of pictures in the world every year, next only to Hollywood, U.S.A. Mumbai claims to be the world's largest production centre for films..And though, the average time for a hollywood moive is only 90 minutes, a typical Bollywood movie can go well over 2 hours.


Excursions from Mumbai :
» Bassein - Bearing a close resemblance to Goa, a quite place where tourists can take time off from the crowd.

» Elephanta Caves - An hour's boat ride from Colaba, the tranquil, forested island of Elephanta is one of the most atmospheric places in Mumbai, also known widely for its historical importance.

» Matheran - Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai and Pune . Ideally suited for the weekend Matheran provides a break from the city.

» Essel World - Perfect for a one-day holiday, Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia.

Nearby Cities :
» Pune - 124 km
» Nasik - 185 km
» Surat - 248 km
» Mahabaleshwar - 290 km
» Aurangabad - 388 km

The beauty of Sikkim

In terms of size, Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Cornered by Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Indian state of West Bengal, this land is situated in the Himalayan ranges; the terrain of the state is composed of only hills and greenery. The third highest peak in the world, Mt.Kanchendzonga, is situated in this Indian state.

The state of Sikkim is known for its monasteries and hot water springs. The flora and fauna of the state is equally captivating. The flora and fauna itself in Sikkim can be created into a exciting India Tour Packages.

Sikkim has got 600 species of birds. As a matter of fact, there are only 1200 species of birds in India. Therefore, out of every two varieties of birds you see in India, one of them is from this beautiful land.

Yaks can also add excitement to your trek. Yak milk is quite famous in Sikkim. Moreover, Yak is considered to be the highest dwelling animal in the world.

The geography of Sikkim is also nothing less. The state is blessed with some 150 lakes, each ranging from 200 meters to almost 8000 meters.

If you are traveling to Sikkim, you can also arrange trekking India Tour Packages, through any renowned tour operator. The hilly terrain of Sikkim makes it the best place for trekking.

70 % of the Sikkim land is covered with forests. Therefore, the state is nothing less compared to a magical world. High altitude lakes are a special feature of Sikkim. Culture and adventure travel side by side in Sikkim. Your India Tour Packages for Sikkim can be made specific if you want to concentrate only on a particular thing.

The enticing village of Yuksam in Sikkim is also a mind captivating place. Another aspect of Sikkim which attracts foreigners and natives all alike every year are the festivals- Phang Lhabso and Losoong. Phang Lhabso is celebrated to honor Mt. Kanchendzonga and the festival is celebrated around August/September. Losoong signifies the end of the harvest season.

For, foreigners visiting Sikkim, it is compulsory to obtain Inner line permit. But once you enter this land, you will be left all wonder-struck.

The Sikkim culture is directly influenced by Tibetan culture, and the food served here is also quite similar to the Tibetan food.

There are many tour operators online, which can help you form proper Sikkim Tour Packages. Come to this land to be in world of glory and rich culture. Everything is so unique and so refreshing in this place.

Welcome to God's Own Country

The charm of Kerala lies in its unique attraction, something which is not seen or experienced anywhere else in the world. And there is not just one or two of these. You go on counting as Kerala springs surprises one after another from its treasure chest. You will get tired of witnessing Kerala's marvels, still Kerala will have more to show you.

Backwaters....

One such unique attraction, or rather an exhilarating experience comes in the form of a trip to the Kerala Backwaters. For those who have come across the term backwaters for the first time, here's a bit of explanation as to what it actually is. Backwaters are formed when the sea water collects at the beach by the to and fro motion of waves. In Kerala, they constitute the canals, lakes, lagoons and estuaries. The entire network include five large lakes connected by 1500 km of canals. Most of them are natural, however, there are man made canals as well. These are supplied by 38 rivers that flow through the entire state.

A touch of legendary folklore is also interesting here according to which the land of Kerala sprung up as a result of the throwing of axe in the sea by the sage warrior, Parshurama. The distance covered by the axe dried up to give way to land which today is known as Kerala. So the link between Kerala's land and water is invariably strong and the water still takes care of and nourishes it unfailingly.

Significance of Backwaters - Past, Present and Future

In earlier times, when the technology was not much advanced and when roadways were not properly developed, Kerala's backwaters served as its main highway. Passengers and goods were transported from one place to another in equal measures by means of these backwaters. However, as of today, these backwaters are mainly used by the tourism industry to introduce tourists to the hidden troves of the state. The Backwaters is inextricably linked to its past history and culture, is an important part of the present and promises to remain so in future as well.

Backwater Tourism

A number of times, while you are on a trip discovering a new place, a sense of dissatisfaction dawns upon and makes you feel as if the happiness felt at knowing the place was not worth the effort put in to reach there. Not so with Kerala Backwaters. Kerala's Backwater experience will give you much more than just simple happiness. It will give you a feeling of elation - a feeling that has eluded you for a long time now. It is pristine, probably even child like where you feel like clapping with delight.

Plenty of clean water, refreshing greenery, amazing scenery around and a silence broken only by chirping of birds and waters moving below the boat - this is what you will definitely get on your Backwater trip to Kerala. Remote places that are otherwise disconnected from main areas seem to sail past like a dream. Fishing villages, tribal hamlets, people carrying on with their day to day work - scenes like this will be abundant.

The Backwaters of Kerala are also a venue for the annual boat races that take place in the different parts of the state. If you happen to visit during this season (which is around July to September), you can also witness the enthusiasm of the Backwaters as huge boats rush past each other to win the competition amidst loud cheers from the spectators.

The perfect way to explore the beauty and serenity of Kerala Backwater is to hire a boat or a canoe. For a little longer trip, houseboats, which are converted kettuvallom earlier used to carry cargo and passengers, can be hired .

Kerala Backwater Destinations:

Alappuzha

Start off from Alappuzha, a major Backwater Destination and the Venice of East. An intricate network of canals in Alappuzha, especially the ones that are a part of the Vembanad Lake are just the place if you wish to see some really awe inspiring beauty. Scenes enroute are a varied lot - paddy fields, coconut lagoons, secluded islands, men on country boats busy fishing and shepherding their ducks to new pastures and school children being taken across the canal. Kuttunad, the rice bowl of Kerala, is at the centre of attraction here. This is perhaps the only place where farming is done on land below sea level. You can also step out of the boat and visit the village craftsmen while they are working to make coir. Taste the traditional Keralese food in one of these places, particularly the sea food. Boats are available from the jetty itself which is close to the KSRTC Bus Stand.

Kumarakom

Yet another Backwater destination on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the beauty of Kumarakom has inspired the likes of former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee to state, 'Natures silent beauty provides a perfect setting here for contemplation'. Kumarakom Backwater, supposedly discovered just a decade ago, provides some splendid views of coconut groves, mangroves and paddy fields. The highpoint of your journey will be reaching the Pathiramanal Island which is around an hour's ride from the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Kollam

Fondly referred to as Swapnadesham by many of her faithful admirer, Kollam was once centre of cashew trade in Kerala. Today, the same industry has lost much of its zeal, nonetheless, the beauty and serenity of this little jewel of Kerala has not faded out even a wee bit. The Backwaters in the Ashtamudi Lake and its canals is still as mesmerizing as it was years back. Hire a boat and set out to explore the islands and villages that lie on way the route you have chosen to traverse.

Kozhikode

Located in the northern part of Kerala, Kozhikode has virtually unexplored backwater regions. As such, you can expect plenty of new discovery at each step. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite places for boating. Also popular are the Kadulundi Bird Sanctuary and Korapuza, the venue for Korapuzha Jalotsavam.

Kochi

The Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi has one of the best natural harbours in the world. All the islands that constitute a part of Kochi are interconnected by a network of backwaters canals and lakes. Cruising through them and viewing the Chinese fishing net, particularly during sunset, will elate you beyond expression.

Where to Stay In Beijing!

Here is a list of the 10 Hotels where u can stay comfortably in Bejing:

1. Regal Court Hotel, Beijing(Plaza Royale Hotel, Beijing)
Location : International Commercial Area ;No.23 West Dawang Road, Chaoyang District , 100022

Breakfast included is a buffet with luke warm dishes. Reception staff speaks very limited english. Called housekeeping for.

2. Beijing Xinyuan Hotel
Location : West Train Station ;No. 6, Shifangyuan, Haidian District , 100036

Beijing Xinyuan Hotel is a very deluxe accommodation near to Beijing West Train Station. The hotel has a good location.

3. Wangfujing Grand Hotel, Beijing
Location : Tian'an Men Square/Wangfujing Avenue ;No.57 Wangfujing Avenue , 100006

Thank you for your assistance in reserving hotel accomodations during our recent trip to China. Both hotels worked out well.


4. Beijing News Plaza Hotel
Location : Jian Guo Men Area ;N0. 26 Jianguomen Nei Da Jie,DongCheng District , 100005

This is a good hotel I had ever styed. The room was superior. But the service is not good enough I will book this hotel.

5. International Hotel, Beijing
Location : Jian Guo Men Area ;No.9, Jianguomennei Dajie, East Distric , 100005

If you cannot speak Chinese avoid this hotel at all costs. Numerous reason why we were intensely disappointed but most.

6. Xiyuan Hotel, Beijing
Location : Zhongguancun Area ;No. 1 Sanlihe Road , 100044

We really enjoyed our trip to Beijing and found our stay at the Xiyuan Hotel exactly what we were looking for. I appreciate.

7. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Beijing
Location : Tian'an Men Square/Wangfujing Avenue ;48 Wangfujing Ave., Dongcheng District , 100006

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to TCG hotel booking, efficient, fast and accurate. We can always find.


8. Prime Hotel, Beijing
Location : Tian'an Men Square/Wangfujing Avenue ;No 2 Wangfujing Avenue , 100006

Dear Josephine Gao/ Jolin Yang, Thank you very much. All was very good and we have enjoyed it all very much. We are.


9. Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing
Location : Zhongguancun Area ;No.6 Southern Road Capital Gym, Haidian District , 100044

We like a great deal of the grand Hotel Noble, completed with his leisure areas and his restaurants, otimos apartments,.

10. The Peninsula Beijing Hotel
Location : Tian'an Men Square/Wangfujing Avenue ;No.8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing , 100006

After many stays in Beijing hotels, this is one of the best. Not cheap but good value in times when it is possible to pay a.

Why Beijing?? Read On!

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved Imperial Palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in flourishing period (many were desolated and now there are over 8,000 completed rooms saved) with just a single room short of the number that ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters (about 6.6 yards) deep and ten-meter (about 11 yards) high wall. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country as well as being the residence of emperors and empresses of Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Thus, the place itself is not to be missed by any Beijing visitor. A self-guided audio tour tapes are available in several languages at the entrance.

In history, Beijing is the capital city of many past dynasties, such as Yuan, Ming and Qing. Therefore, besides the spectacular imperial palace complex, it also possesses great royal mausoleums, including the Ming Tombs. Around the city, there are Eastern Qing Tombs and Western Qing Tombs.

The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only Beijing's symbol but also the whole of China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events. The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices namely, the Chinese Revolution History Museum, the Mao Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate) Tower, and the Qianmen (Front Gate). The daily flag ceremonies at the square, performed during sunrise and sunset, are most exceptional and well-worth time to view and experience.

Great Wall, one of the world's seven wondersThe Great Wall is one of the 'Eight Wonders of the World' and is enlisted in the World Heritage Directory. This immense wall was built to keep out invaders as well as to retain the inhabitants. It spans five provinces (6,700 kilometers, or 2,587 miles) from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west. Like a gigantic dragon, it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands and mountains and said to be the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. The Great Wall in Beijing is better worth seeing. Just outside Beijing, it is possible to climb Badaling Great Wall and enjoy a splendid panoramic view that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Beijing has lots of beautiful temples that at one time served as the focus of religious life. The Temple of Heaven is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals that pay homage to the glory of heaven. This temple was built specifically for worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are two amazing acoustical spots in the temple. Originally built in the 1500's, there is a spot on top of the tri-leveled round altar where your words reverberate around you. The other one is at the Echo Wall that partially encloses a circular courtyard 65 meters (213 feet) in diameter. Words whispered at one end travel along the wall and can be heard clearly by someone listening at the other end. The entire complex is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural designs and arts.

There are many other fascinating temples in Beijing worth visiting including the Temple of Confucius in honor of and sacrifice to Confucius, the Great Bell Temple, Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque built in 996, and Yonghe Lamasery, the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in today’s China. Visiting these temples can help you get a clearer concept of ancient Chinese's religious life.

Other famous Beijing attractions include the Bell and Drum Towers built in the 1400's; Fragrant Hills Park; the Ancient Observatory that dates back to the days of Kublai Khan; the Silk Market; Liulichang Street of Chinese Culture, a place for people interested in Chinese calligraphy, painting or other artwork; the Botanical Gardens; Beijing Happy Valley and many other wondrous places; Readers of the classic book 'Dream of the Red Chamber' will want to visit the Grand View Garden, which was purported to be the model mansion in the novel.

Summer Palace, a grand imperial gardenFor a peaceful and interesting stroll, visit Beijing's many beautiful parks, such as Beihai Park, which was allegedly built by the Great Khan, centuries earlier than the Forbidden City. This park was enjoyed by various rulers of China for hundreds of years and features great pavilions, architecturally interesting walkways, the 27-meter-long (about 88 feet) Nine Dragon Screen (built to scare off evil spirits), a jar that was the last remnant of the Khan's court, the Five Dragon Pavilion dating back from the mid 1600's, and a large lake with an island in the middle. The Summer Palace is another one that is definitely a 'must see', a famous classic imperial garden with breathtaking beauty. It holds a special place in the history of Chinese gardens. To the east of the Summer Palace exits the Old Summer Palace, known as the Ruins of Yuanmingyuan. To be distinct from other traditional Chinese gardens, its construction and horticulture is a harmonious blend of typical Chinese scenery and western architecture.

If time is not so pressing, you can go on to visit Shichahai or Peking Man Site. Sichahai comprises three lakes - Qianhai, Xihai and Houhai. This region preserves the traditional Beijing folk culture, residences and scenic spots very well. In its east, the Yinding Bridge crosses the limpid lake. Standing on the bridge, you can have a good view of the Western Hill. Near Houhai, you may go on a visit to Hutong. There are many hutongs there. After your hutong tour, you can walk to Prince Gong's Mansion. It's a good place for a rest. Besides the attractions mentioned above, you can have more choices: Beijing Zoo, Jingshan Park and Lugou Bridge.

Source: Wikipedia

While you are at Beijing for the Olympics...

Here is a list of few cities where you could enjoy the culture and tradition of China along with the Olympic events

Beijing:






A trip to China would not be complete without a tour of Beijing's attractions. Beijing has long been the Capital of China and offers a number of world-class palaces, monuments, and mausoleums for the tourist's inspection. Be sure the see the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs and

The Great Wall of China:


Built as a defensive wall, construction started between two and four hundred years B.C. When finished, the Great Wall guarded approximately four thousand miles of border. Although many sections of the wall have fallen into decay, there are numerous locations where you can see the Great Wall at its best: the most commonly visited Great Wall site is north of Beijing in Badaling.


Xi'An:



Xi"An was the capital city of China during numerous dynasties. Among its many attractions, Xi'An is, perhaps, best known for the Museum/Tomb of Emperor Qin and the world famous Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses.


Other places to see include Xi'An's Bell Tower, which was the start of the famous "Silk Road". If you have time, see the ornate Tang Murals in the Shaanxi Museum of History.

Shanghai:




Shanghai is a historically significant city that has been earmarked as the "new " Hong Kong. In addition to numerous monuments and museums, Shanghai is a vibrant economic center, with great shopping , good food, and a mix of things to do that are relatively unique in China.

The gardens in Suzhou, China to the west of Shanghai is the Suzhou, a city known for the Lingering Gardens, one of the most famous gardens in China