Month: November 2012

History Of Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small nation situated between India and China. The country is known for its cultural richness and its picturesque landscapes, which have earned it the sobriquet ‘the Last Shangri-La’. Much of the country’s past is a mystery and has been obscured by myth and folklore. It is believed that the first humans settled here sometime around 2000 BC although it emerged as a nation only during the seventeenth century. Before that the land was composed of several fiefdoms that were constantly at war with each other.

Ngawanag Namgyal, a Tibetan lama, is credited with unifying the country in 1616. He imposed a legal and civil system in the country and declared himself the ruler. However, the system fell to pieces when he died and the country was torn apart by war for two more centuries until Ugyen Wangchuck came to power in 1885. He was eventually named the Druk Gyalpo, the Dragon King in 1907, a title that would pass down his bloodline.

All Bhutan’s rulers have attempted to modernise the country by establishing more schools, and building better roads and newer hospitals. This trend was continued by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who imposed sweeping reforms to make the Bhutanese government more efficient. It was during his reign that Bhutan was formally inducted as a member nation of the United Nations. He was succeeded by his son, Jigme Singye Wanchuck, whose ideology of Gross National Happiness led to a 2011 UN resolution that emphasises social and economic policies based on the happiness it will bring to citizens. While Bhutan is still considered a developing nation, it is a wonderful place to visit and tourists are sure to have a lot of fun here.

Tourism in Bhutan is a little peculiar. Foreigners are charged a daily fee that covers accommodation, food, and even a local guide. For more information on the tariffs one can head over to the official tourism website. When it comes to staying in Bhutan one should try COMO Hotels and Resorts. The luxury hotel group has anaward winning Hotel in Paro that promises a delightful stay.

Diving In The Maldives

There is no doubt that Maldives contains some of the finest diving spots in the world and scuba diving is a highly popular activity on the island. The warm waters off the island’s coast are home to an amazing variety of aquatic life and provide a rich and rewarding experience. While one is guaranteed to come across numerous colourful creatures while diving, different diving spots host different marine fauna. So when choosing one’s diving spot it is always best to keep in mind the types of fish one wishes to see.

Although small colourful fish are fascinating in their own way most people wish to see the large fish such as the whale shark. The Ari Atoll is a terrific place to not only spot whale sharks but also other shark species such as the hammerhead shark, the grey reef shark and the white tip shark. It is also home to a sizeable manta ray population. It is also possible to see sharks at the Vaavu Atoll but they are not as common a sight as they are in the Ari Atoll. However, Fotteyo Kandu, considered by many to be the country’s best diving spot, is a part of this atoll. It contains quick currents, a variety of fish such as barracuda and tuna, and a series of exciting underwater caves that can be explored.

Some of the first diving scuba diving spots were discovered in the North Male Atoll and they remain popular to this day. Known for their awe inspiring underwater topography, the most popular spots are Kuda Haa and Banana Reef. While there is no particular diving season, the active period runs from November to May. The period between April and June maybe the warmest in the calendar, but they are also best time to observe whale sharks and manta rays.

To enjoy a variety of facilities with a minimum of hassle, tourists can try a Maldives resort such as the Cocoa Island Maldives which contains the infrastructure for a number of water related activities such as scuba diving and surfing. The Maldives luxury hotel is situated on a private island and is ideal for tourists who want to escape the crowds.

The London Aquarium

London is one of the most tourist friendly cities in Europe, because of its multitude of attractions that range from museums, historic buildings, cathedrals and entertainment to a host other family friendly activities. The London Aquarium is one such attraction that is bound to be a hit among every family member regardless of their age. Aquariums have long fascinated humans as it houses species of fish that are not often seen by the general public but also because walking past the glass corridors gives a surreal illusion of floating around in the ocean.

The London Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in the United Kingdom with more than a million visitors annually. It was opened in 1997, close to the South Bank of the Thames and was intended to entertain while educating the visitor. One of the principal aims of this aquarium is to showcase rare species of fish and other marine animals so that the visitor becomes interested in the ecology of the ocean and the impact of environmental change.

This aquarium is unique in that it has always been at the cutting edge of technology; in 2005 it created a controversial exhibit that featured robotic fish. Visitors were amazed at how lifelike their appearance and movements were. The underlying message in this exhibit was the importance of ocean conservation, as it gave the message that robotic fish may be what the world would be left with if conservation strategies were not taken seriously.

The aquarium is home to more than five hundred species of ‘real’ fish from different parts of the world. They are enclosed in fourteen thematically divided exhibits that mimic their natural environment. Perhaps the most popular exhibit here is the Reef Shark Encounter that allows visitors to walk across a simulated pacific sea bed while ten feet long sharks swim overhead.

A visit to the London Aquarium is one that should be undertaken by any tourist staying in a Central London hotel. Access to the aquarium is quite easy for guests at a London luxury hotel such as Metropolitan London as the city is well connected via the underground railway and other public transportation links.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Engrossing Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

Visitors to the Emirate seeking a hotel in Abu Dhabi will find an excellent choice in the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. This fine hotel Abu Dhabi offers provides comfortable accommodations and attentive hospitality.

Artistically inclined travellers to the desert Emirate will be delighted with a visit to the renowned Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. It is Abu Dhabi’s cultural and artistic focal point showcasing regular presentations of classical music, live theatre, local poetry, ballet, music and dance, photography and art exhibitions and screenings of international cinema. The Foundation building is an attraction in itself with displays of Islamic art, musical instruments, noteworthy photographs and a valuable model of old Abu Dhabi.

London Zoo

For almost two centuries a wide variety of species have called London home, and this may be surprising to hear when considering the geographical situation of the city. It is in fact at the London Zoo, run by the Zoological Society of London, where more than 750 species of animals are accommodated, and can be visited by travellers to the area. Visitors come from far and wide because the zoo is certainly one of the best in the world, and is a place that the entire family will love. The animals are looked after with great love and care, and the vision of the ZLS that runs the zoo, is to create a world where these animals are valued.

Penguins are creatures that everyone loves and there are plenty of these adored birds here. Their enclosure known as the Penguin Beach is the largest penguin pool in the entire country. At the zoo visiting the Gorilla Kingdom too is very entertaining, as is visiting the Komodo Dragons and the big cats. On the premises is also London’s only rainforest, inhabited by several species native to these tropical forests. While they are interesting to see by day they are especially enchanting by night when visitors can check out these intriguing creatures. These are just a few among the many interesting animals that live comfortably in the park, and where better to spend a day in London than in the company of these creatures!

The zoo has options for visitors who stop over on those rainy London days, and there are a variety of indoor sites to visit here. The fantastic aquarium, Butterfly Paradise and the Reptile House are some of the places where families can spend time regardless of what the weather is like. There are exciting daily events that visitors can catch as well as seasonal events and celebrations that anyone will enjoy. Bring the kids to the children’s zoo section, where the sight of wildlife will help youngsters develop an interest in these amazing creatures. It is a must check out attraction, well worth the visit for those who head to the capital.

Visitors will want to spend a trip to the city in a London luxury hotel perfect for idyllic relaxation, and The Metropolitan London ticks all the boxes in terms of luxurious comfort and brilliant service. The range of accommodations at this Central London hotel feature elegant and modern design ideal for unwinding.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House national monument- Amazing Architecture

Dubai has got endless attractions to explore. It is equally important to find a conveniently located 5 star Dubai hotel for your accommodation when you are holidaying in this city. Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai is one such Dubai airport hotel that will promise you a luxury stay. When you are in Dubai do not forget to explore and discover the history of this civilization. One of the best places to start your journey is Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House which is considered as a national monument. This was the residence of Dubai’s former leader. The place boasts of amazing architecture featured by vaulted high beam ceilings, sculptured window overhangs and arched doorways.

Water Sports in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the perfect place for an exquisite and lavishing holiday where you could glide along the turquoise blue waters and making the best out of the breathtaking ambiance. The clear waters of the Caribbean have smartly attracted thousands of tourists who love a beautiful tan under the exotic Caribbean sun. While you are on vacation to this miraculously breathtaking destination there are plenty of things to keep you busy. The water sports are one of the main things that would certainly entertain you and keep you very busy throughout your Caribbean holiday.

The beaches are equipped with most modern water sport equipment and staff to guide you and train you at all times. Snorkeling in the crystal clear ocean is a great way you can spend your days. You will get to swim along with the colorful and vibrant fish gliding beside the multihued corals and other forms of life that will give you a unique and unforgettable experience. The islands have special places with vivid form of underwater life that is sure to give the adventures much knowledge. Board sports like, windsurfing, kite boarding are some of the very popular excursions that tourists love to do. The travelers have fallen in love with surfing along the warm and calm waters that suits perfectly for water sports. Kite boarding has become the latest addition to the fun activities in the beach.

Waterskiing and jet skiing are also very thrilling sports that are sure to give you some of the best times of your life. In this truly beautiful island flocked with absolutely beautiful people there’s everything that will keep you excited and smiling. Among the many water activities, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving are the top on the list of tourists and indeed is worth a try if you are visiting the spectacular islands of Caribbean. To make your vacation even more fantastic you should try a luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos remains the best Turks and Caicos luxury resorts in the Caribbean and would surely keep you comfortable and spoilt treating you at its best while you are to stay.

 

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Sanur’s Bali Marine Walk

Littered with breathtaking beaches and crystal blue ocean vistas the island paradise of Bali is the stuff of dreams for holidaymakers around the world. Frequented by beach lovers and avid divers alike what lies above the surface in this palm tree infested beach Mecca is believed to rival what lies beneath. Although the experience of diving underwater has been reserved for seasoned divers and scuba divers in most tourist hubs, visitors to Bali need only venture down to the western region of Lembongan Island to take a walk on the wild side to explore Bali’s marine heritage.

Tipped to be one of the must-have experiences for marine life enthusiasts and novices alike no tour of Bali would be compete without taking a walk on its sea bed courtesy of the Bali Marine Walk in Sanur. Visitors need virtually no specialized skills to take part in the adventure and need not even be experienced swimmers to explore the sea floor of Sanur in its unbridled magical splendor.

The tour begins at Sindhu Beach in Sanur where a speed boat transports groups of travellers to Lembongan Island in a cruise that takes a mere 30 minutes. Once guests arrive at the island they can don the specially designed underwater helmets that supply a steady flow of oxygen to marine walkers from a scuba tank on board the boat. Cushioned for extra comfort and enabled with defogging technology the helmets offer visitors unhindered views of the sea bed and its multitude of fish species.

Stepping down the ladder at the boat’s side diving experts guide the guests on their 6m decent in to the underwater world of Bali’s ocean floor where underwater gardens and coral reefs are within arm’s length. Visitors are then handed fish food cans to feed the fishes and attract the multi-colored marine life beneath to one’s personal space. Flocking to the marine walkers the fish will happily frolic and feed on the grub while the tour guides snap keepsake photographs as souvenirs. The marine walkers remain submerged for a total of 15 minutes before heading up the ladder to the boat and then on to the island where they engage in bicycle tours of the villages in the area, experience seaweed farms and enjoy traditional Indonesian cuisine from the island restaurants.

Travellers on the lookout for luxury Bali spa resorts should look no further than the idyllic COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. As a premier Bali spa resort this one stop hub for rest and rejuvenation leaves little to the imagination when it comes to indulgent island vacations.

Heritage Village of Hatta- Splendid architecture comes alive

Heritage Village of Hatta is a historical sight worth a visit when you are in Dubai. If you are looking for a convenient Dubai airport hotel, look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai as it offers all its visitors many modern comforts along with a comfortable stay as a 5 star hotel Dubai has to offer. When you are residing there, this historical site which is situated in the Hajjar Mountains will be a perfect attraction to visit. This ancient place boasts of fascinating architecture and a picturesque and spectacular setting which would leave the travellers mesmerized. The site houses a mosque made out of wood, stones and mud and you can get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring craftsmanship used in building this significant place.

Enjoying the scenery

Being a string of islands sailing and fishing has been an important part of the lives of the Maldivian people for a very long time. Sailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and fishing is still an important economic activity in the Maldives.

Maldivians still use the traditional dhonis for fishing, quite a few of which are motorized now. The boat carries a crew of about eight. At the start of day the fishermen will first catch their live bait of small scad, silverside and sardine. The bait is put in the bait hold and kept alive until a school of tuna is sighted. The bait is then thrown overboard getting the shoal to move closer after which the fishermen will throw in their lines. Once the bait runs out or the fish stop biting, they will move on to the next shoal.

Night fishing expeditions are popular with visitors. Boats takes off before nightfall and anchor on a reef. Lines tethered with hooks and sinkers are dropped overboard and everyone waits for the fish to bite. If anything is caught it can be barbequed over an open flame and if not, everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of a starry night.

Big game fishing takes place in the mornings. It involves trolling outside the atoll along the reef. Yellow fin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sail fish and Dorado are some of the fish caught this way. Specially equipped boat charters are available for fishing enthusiasts who are after a fishing adventure. Secluded rarely fished areas can be reached by chartered boats where the whole family can enjoy the experience.

Cruising on traditional boats or luxuriously outfitted modern boats is the best way to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Island hopping to see traditional Maldivian fishing villages, sailing past desert islands, snorkeling on reefs teeming with fish and sunsets picnics on a deserted beach are all popular and sometimes romantic ways to experience the Maldives.

Cocoa Island Maldives, with just 33 over water bungalows offers privacy and complete relaxation. Slip into the water from your own extraordinary dhoni suite or villa at this extraordinary Maldives resort and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the clear water or the teeming reef or take it easy on the powder white beach. Thereafter enjoy a delicious South Indian, Asian or Mediterranean inspired meal made with fresh ingredients and herbs and experience the specially formulated spa treatments. Stay at this award winning, much appreciated Maldives luxury hotel to have a beautiful holiday experience.