India is a civilization so ancient and rich that it has attracted travellers, traders and conquerors from time immemorial. India which introduced the occident to silk and spices, presented them with the’zero’ and vedic mathematics, has one of the most ancient texts-the Vedas, given the world one of the largest and perhaps the most peace loving religions – Buddhism, practices Hinduism in majority, is home to millions of Muslims and Christians, is the land of turbaned Sikhs and has offered refuge to Jews, Parsis and many others through the centuries. Politically the region of strategic importance as it lies at the fringe of oil rich nations and the new economic dragons of south east asia.
Geographically, India expanses from sea level to beyond 8000metres. The whole area from the Himalayas upto the Vindhyas is loosely termed as North India. With the snow capped mountains in the north, the fertile Gangetic plains nurtured by the mighty river Ganga, the ravines of river Chambal ,the marble banks of river Narmada, the Thar desert to the west with its unique architecture in sandstone, The breathtaking beauty of the north east with is tribes of indigenous people is spellbinding. Northern India is really mosaic of culture and people. Home to the famous Taj Mahal, a monument in marble symbolizing eternal love, North India has many heritage sites, including the Stupas of Buddhist era, temples cut out of sheer rock faces with meditation chambers(Ajanta & Ellora), the Sun temple designed like a chariot(Konark), Hawa mahal of Jaipur – a multistoreyed palace with filigreed façade from where the womenfolk of the royal family could watch stately processions.
Hey there! Thanks for dropping by Theme Preview! Take a look around
and grab the RSS feed to stay updated. See you around!
Posts Tagged ‘Adventure’
New Zealand is a land of fantastic diversities and offers adventures on the water, land and in the air. A huge range of adventures is available – anything walking and hiking, bicycling, ecotourism, zoos and wildlife parks, skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime. We had a fantastic 2008 winter and this winter shapes up to be even bigger than last years. Here are a couple of handful of Travel adventures Tips in the North Island of New Zealand – some activities and adventures are not for the faint hearted visitor – so be aware of the following: Zorbing in RotoruaKiwis are famous for their strange inventions; one of them is called zorbing. You are getting locked inside a giant transparent ball and then being pushed down a hill. This adventure is loads of fun – we recommend not to eat a big plate of pasta beforehand . Maori Culture – facing a Haka in Rotorua Respectively: the fear of mobs, being stared at & then dying. If you’ve ever caught an All-Blacks rugby match then you’ve seen a haka. Watch enormous wild-eyed men going bananas and working themselves into a rage as they intimidate the hell out of you. Even catching a Haka show in Rotorua can make you getting agitated and create goose bumps on your limbs. Still in Rotorua – Maori Culture – coming face to face with a Haka If you have ever caught an All Blacks rugby match then you have seen it Wild-eyed men working themselves into a as they intimidate the hell out of you. Even catching a Haka show in Rotorua can get the fight or flight response going Diving at Poor Knights Islands This is one of the top ten dive sites in adventure land New ZealandThe Poor Knights are home to many colourful fish and water life beautiful array of colourful fish. You can choose diving around sunken shipwrecks, and divers of any level can get in there and go for it. Caving at Waitomo The Waitomo Caves are a great place to work on your fears of confined spaces and darkness. Lots of different caves and activities to choose from are available such as abseiling, blackwater rafting or just admiring weird and wonderfully formations. It’s like being born again. You come out wet, squinting, disoriented and surrounded by strangers. Hiking in New ZealandOne famous hike is the Tongariro Crossing at Tongariro National Park in the heart of the North Island. There are many more great hikes and different terrains in New Zealand. The chances that you will get wet and dirty on any of those adventures are quite high as rain is fairly common even in summer and many trails will be very muddy. New Zealand offers a wide variety of fantastic adventures, cultural attractions nationwide such as museums, art galleries, thermal resorts, food and wine tours, uncountable restaurants and wineries where you can rest and unwind from an exhilarating day of adventures wherever you happen to be.
Incoming search terms for the article:
new zealand travel, , “The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ” – G. K. ChestertonGoing away from the tourist trailExtending your traveling experience does not necessarily mean traveling to every small town there is. Instead being curious, outgoing and asking people you meet all sorts of questions can give a lot in return. By approaching people yourself you usually get in contact with “ordinary people”, as opposed to the touts that usually approach you with various offerings with the only interest of getting as much of your cash as possible. Close to the beaten trackYou do not always have to stray far to experience extraordinary things. Just walking in a randomly selected direction can lead to surprising encounters of all kinds. Perhaps you are guided by a group of children who wants to learn better English, or perhaps a proud tobacco farmer will teach you the basics of growing crop. Do not be afraid to ask people to explain what they are doing or if you can join them. You would be surprised how open and friendly people are to those requests. Many people will be thrilled to get to show their work or hobby to someone else. Pride and vanity can be strong drivers. You have spent a fortune to get there, so do not be shy!Being close to the beaten track can also mean that you choose something else than the standard tourist excursion. As an example, if you intend to climb Kilimanjaro, there are several different routes to choose from. Instead of joining the caravan following the “Coca-cola route”(so named because everybody uses it), there is a number of other less traveled routes. For instance the Rongai route that comes from the Kenyan side offers great scenery and almost no other tourists. Off the beaten track can also mean traveling in backpacking style to a charter destination. Besides screaming kids and old ladies with blue hair, beware that there may be restrictions though. In Nassau, Bahamas for instance you are not allowed into the country unless you have a hotel reservation. This can be arranged at the airport, but leaves little room for spontaneity. Or to check what the rooms look like. If you are forced to make reservations directly, try to book for one night only. Personal Experience – The Kaohsiung CourtesyKaohsiung, Taiwan in 1996 me and few friends had heard about a factory where they built supertankers. We took a taxi there but were met by a walled area and lots of guards. But instead of being discouraged we talked to one of the guards who called down the manager. When he heard that we were interested in ship building he proudly offered to show the factory and took us on a guided tour of the area in his own car!Personal Experience – The Magadi MiracleIn Kenya 2004 I went deep into Masai land where not many tourists ventured. I hitchhiked with a freight train to a small town called Magadi. I asked some students on the train if they could recommend a good hotel and they stared at me saying: “There are no hotels in Magadi. “But the creeping anxiousness soon left me as one of the guys offered me to stay in his family hut. I spent three days living with the masais and was guided all around the surrounding area. They even sacrificed a goat for my sake (against my will). I still have contact with three of the guys and talk to them on the phone now and then.
For many years the Mayan World has been a popular destination for adventure seekers. Early day explorers like John Lloyd Stephens discovered the region to be full of exciting surprises when he first stumbled upon great ancient pyramids in the early 19th century. Only forty years ago a visit to the now well known ruins of Tikal, Guatemala meant a venturing on a two-day jungle hike over rarely trotted paths, after a dubious flight into Guatemala’s jungle capital, Flores. Nowadays the region offers a escapades at any adventure level, from single-day excursions to the Chichen Itza Maya Ruins to one-week jungle hikes to El Mirador, the tallest Mayan ruin. But the Mayan World offers the adventurer much more then just archeology. In an area of roughly 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) the Mayan World encompasses mountains, lakes, white water and calm water rivers, rainforest, Caribbean beaches, cenotes, caves and waterfalls. This wide range of geological attractions and ancient- as well as modern- Mayan culture provides the traveler with an ideal destination to quench his thirst for adventure. mexico tours The state of Quintana Roo in Mexico owns the world’s largest system of underwater caves. Called cenotes, these underwater cave systems were once dry and full of marvelous limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Today these aqua caves are a paradise to snorkelers and scuba divers as they are accessible from both land and ocean. In the Peten region of Guatemala, one can find many unique lakes. Each with a different composition, these lakes vary in color and transparency. Spread throughout the vast rainforest of this region, these lakes provide a refreshing swim breaks as well as beautiful views. The rivers of this region are excellent for bird watching and canoe trips. In Cayo District of Belize, single-day excursions are numerous. The region is rich with lush jungle, mysterious caves and pristine rivers. And let’s not forget the alternative culture in this natural world. Let your guide take you on a river into the jungle for a visit to a well-known medicine man or ride through water caves on an inner tube. Southern Guatemala’s mountain range offers white water rafting, kayaking and amazing waterfalls. A visit to this region is not easily planned, but the effort is rewarded with natural wonders still undiscovered by most tourists. The state of Chiapas in Mexico has waterfalls amongst Mayan ruins and lush jungle. A visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Bonampac provides the opportunity for a bicycle ride through the rainforest. These are just a few highlights in the amazing World of the Maya; a “must-see”, “must-feel” destination for any true adventurer.
Papua New Guinea: Adventure Traveler Mecca With Butler And Health Club
Filed Under : Adventure Travel by madagaox
Aug.22,2010One of the few still untamed, if not unspoiled destinations, Papua New Guinea is a raw land. Nearly 85% of the main island is carpeted with tropical rain forest. With its international reputation for Scuba Diving thanks to spectacular coral reefs, Papua New Guinea is still a Mecca for the serious adventure traveler who will find swamp and jagged limestone; mud and moss forest; suffocating heat and Highland chill; plumed, pearl-shelled villagers and prosaic hill people; tiny tree kangaroos and enormous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies. And fascination, unspoiled beauty, the exotic experience of a lifetime. But also personal butlers at hotels. Fine dining. And now even a stunningly designed Health and Racquet Club. The new club is at the Airways Boutique Hotel in Port Moresby and covers 600 square meters fitted out in stylish décor, and includes state of the art “Wellness in Motion” Techno Gym cardio and strength equipment, a 20-metre infinity lap pool, air-conditioned squash courts, floodlit tennis court, aerobics and exercise room, massage rooms, separate male and female steam rooms and saunas, and a Zen garden with views over the valley, the sea, and the mountains, for winding down after a workout or massage treatment. A full range of professionally organized classes and lessons offers Club members and hotel guests a variety of invigorating fitness and exercise programs and routines. There is also an outdoor exercise trail through the hotel’s lush botanical gardens. The Airways Hotel, located at the Port Moresby airport, is anything but your typical airport hotel. Exquisite dining, the unique combination of the exotic and the modern in a luxurious tropical setting, and an excellent, friendly service provide for a matchless airport hotel experience. The hotel is nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens, with stunning views of the crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges. The stylish rooms have a hint of designer decor with a simple elegance. For the ultimate luxury in service, book one of the Orchid Suites and Rooms that come with a 24-hour personal butler to cater to your every need. Art and artifacts of Papua New Guinea are on display throughout the hotel. Four restaurants, four bars, boutique, chauffeured limousine service, swimming pools, tennis courts, yoga and aerobics, Chef’s Master cooking classes, diving, and spa complete a hotel offering that one does not expect at an airport hotel in an exotic destination. The Airways Hotel is an Emerald Collection member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International, a highly acclaimed alliance of genuine boutique hotels from around the world, and has been nominated for the World Travel Awards. If your travels take you to the exotic islands of Papua New Guinea, be it for a longer stay or just for a day, the Airways is the place to be.
Incoming search terms for the article:
indonesia outdoor advanture club, papua new guinea, , From Kruger Safaris To Bungee Jumping: South Africa Offers World-Class Adventure Travel
Filed Under : Adventure Travel by madagaox
Aug.16,2010 South Africa’s 1,500 miles (2413 kilometers) of coastline and natural treasures such as Kruger National Park make it a top destination for adventure travelers worldwide. Whether experiencing Kruger safaris or bungee jumping, Kruger National park has something for everyone Nature Adventure
Nature lovers seek out Kruger safaris for the chance to see some of the planet’s most revered creatures. Any itinerary in Kruger is sure to include contact with “The Big Five”: • African Elephant• Cape Buffalo• Rhinoceros• Leopard • And (of course) the mighty Lion. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat, tending to their young, or chasing down prey is an experience to treasure for a lifetime. There are numerous options for Kruger safaris from rugged camping and self-driven treks to luxury lodge stays with all the amenities and everything in between. A nature adventure in South Africa could also include: • Whale watching: See the Southern Right Whale, Humpback, and Orca. • Birding: Host to about one-tenth of the planet’s bird species, South Africa is one of the world’s top birding destinations. • Botany: From giant Baobab trees to the stunning Protea flower, plant lovers will find themselves in heaven in South Africa. Extreme Adventure
People seeking adrenaline thrills, will get dizzy from the number of opportunities for extreme adventure in South Africa. 1. Defy human physiology and scuba dive at, Aliwal Shoals, a prime habitat for several shark species, including the Tiger Shark. 2. Bungee jump Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at a staggering 709 foot (216 meters)!3. Go shark cage diving and brush against the planet’s most evolved marine predators. What could be more awesome and exhilarating than coming face to face with a Great White Shark? Sport Adventure
Sporty types will find South Africa to be a big kid’s playground with plenty of activities on land and at sea. • Surfing. World famous surf spots and loads of lesser known gems make South Africa a top destination for surfers of all skill levels. Jeffery’s Bay hosts the legendary Billabong Pro surf event every year in July. • Hiking. Hikers will never get bored here. The famous Garden Route offers stunning views and lush, verdant forests. The Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape stuns visitors with deserted beaches and tropical forests. Options too many to list abound in this hiker’s paradise. • Sailing. Hop the coast from Durban to Capetown with snorkeling, lagoon exploration and sailing competitions all the way. The rich marine culture of South Africa will delight sailors of all kinds. With so many adventures to offer, it’s no wonder that South Africa ranks as a number one travel destination worldwide. Choose your own adventure today!
Tanzania Safari Essentials: Things to Carry With You in Your Adventure Travel
Filed Under : Adventure Travel by madagaox
Aug.10,2010This is an important thing to create a checklist of all the belongings which you need to carry with you before going for any trip and if this is an adventure tour to Africa, Kenya and Tanzania then it is necessary to follow. Explore on Internet about the important things those are required to take with you on safari travel. You can get complete information about the place, weather, government rules and regulations, and its culture. It will help you to create a checklist for your travel. After gathering the information about the place, spend some time to pen down all the essentials. However, following are the basic things to keep in mind before planning for the Safari Trip: Travel Essentials: Complete all the formalities related to Visa and Passport in advance, this will save your time when final packing would be done. Always take a duplicate copy of your passport along with you. This will help you in case of any mishap. Advance booking of Air Ticket is must. Save your time and be smart! Book your ticket in advance. Get your International Health Card prepared with immunizations. Insure yourself with Travel insurance and medical insurance. Get US cash, Travelers cheque and credit card along with you. Sleeping bag for adventure camping Take a pen and a diary to pour your expressions about the travel. Clothing Essentials: Colored Cloths Short Sleeve T-shirts and same count of shorts. 2-3 pairs of undergarments. Pairs of Formal Cloths. Lightweight sport shoes. Medications: Medicines for Fever, body aches, headache, stomach infection, eye drops etc. Climate Protection Essentials: Suns Cream Sun Glasses Umbrella Hats Essentials Accessories: Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Toilet Soap etc. Ziploc bags to protect binoculars, video cameras, digital cameras from dust particles. Insect Repellant Cream Money belt to carry your money in a safe way. Pocket knife Battery backup for video camera, camera etc. These are the basics but essential things to include in your checklist. You can add more items in your checklist based on your own interest. The main thing is to prepare for your adventure travel in advance and to save your time for last time planning.
Tags :