Travel and Leisure Articles

National Capital Region of Delhi (NCR) comprises of Delhi and the neighboring satellite towns of Faridabad & Gurgaon in Haryana, NOIDA and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Many foreigners get confused as to whether Delhi or New Delhi is the capital of India? Are these two different cities or they are one and the same?

To understand this, lets delve into the history of Delhi.

From times immemorial, Delhi has been the called as Delhi. Delhi has been the center of commerce of Northern part of India and made the capital by the then Emperor, Shah Jahan.

The British Empire decided to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi in the year 1911 and named it New Delhi - to differentiate it from the Old part of Delhi.

The “New Delhi” was to show the might of the British Empire and therefore the task of building the capital was delegated to a leading British Architect and designer Edwin Lutyen. Lutyens designed New Delhi to showcase the Empire’s might and as a testament to its imperial pretensions. The decision to shift the capital was not only strategic but also political and to show the world that the Empire had arrived and is in control of the Indian Sub-continent.

The measurable, geographical difference between the 2 - might not even be 100 yards, yet the architectural difference is enormous. No one knows where “Old Delhi” ends and where “New Delhi” begins and yet when the roads widen and are lined by tress in a row - you will know that you have arrived in Lutyens Delhi.

To summarize, “Old Delhi” and “New Delhi” are the same place!

If you are getting ready for an exciting Sydney holiday, you need to make sure that you prepare an itinerary that includes the major attractions. Indeed, when it comes to deciding where you will select for your accommodation, you will want to have a list of attractions developed. You will want your accommodation to be centrally and conveniently located to those attractions that you will want to include on your holiday. One of the attractions that you will want to include is the Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney is home to some of the most unique architecture and design in all Australia and the world. On the list of interesting and breathtaking structures in the city must be included Sydney Harbor Bridge. This, along with Sydney Harbor, need to be included on your list of attractions. The fact is that the Sydney Harbor Bridge is nothing short of a masterpiece when it comes to design and engineering. And there are many activities that you can enjoy at Sydney Harbor during your holiday.

There are plenty of accommodation choices that are ideally suited if you want to include Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Harbor Bridge as attractions to be seen on your holiday. This includes a wide range of different types of accommodation options - including top notch hotels as well as affordable properties.

Historically, the bridge has garnered the nickname of “The Coathanger” because of its interesting and rather unusual design. Indeed, it does resemble a typical coat hanger in many ways. Up until 1967, the Sydney Harbor Bridge was the tallest structure in the city. Presently, the Sydney Harbor Bridge remains the world’s widest long-span bridge in existence. It is also the tallest steel arch bridge as well. Moreover, it remains the fourth longest bridge of its type on the planet as well. Indeed, when on a Sydney holiday, many people truly enjoy the time they spend at Sydney Harbor and at the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge has a long history and a storied presence in the city as well. The bridge was formally dedicated in 1932. Oddly, on the day the bridge was dedicated, and just before the invited officials inaugurated the mammoth structure, a man judged to be perhaps rather off balanced charged forward himself - on a horse and with a sword. He cut the ribbon, allegedly in the name of King George V, the ruling British monarch of the day. (He was arrested, ultimately judged sane, and fined five pounds sterling.)

When it comes to visitors to the Harbor Bridge, the walk itself is splendid. There is also a marvelous observation deck where a visitor to the bridge can take in what can only be described as breathtaking views of both the harbor and the city. Again, if you will be taking a holiday, you must consider a walk and a visit to the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

There are thousands of different Paris restaurants and cafes and these will range from the small a bistro to haute cuisine, but the quality of food will be a delight to all, no matter how big or small your budget is.

Choosing a restaurant in Paris can give you a real headache, as there are so many different types of cuisine to choose from, and you will be really spoiled for choice deciding where to eat.

But there is something to suit everyones palate, so why not try something a little different, like Japanese food in France, or you could opt for numerous other International varieties of cuisine from Mexican, American, Turkish, Italian, Brazilian like the very popular Brasil Tropical that also has a cabaret show, Spanish, Indian, and many more to excite your taste buds!

The finest way of eating in Paris is at a Haute Cuisine restaurant, but you need a good bank balance, as this type of meal has elaborate preparations and presentations of the delicacies in small portions and can be found at some of the best hotels and plush restaurants.

However, most Paris restaurants have a ‘Menu du Jour’ and this normally means the most reasonably priced meals or set meals, with the food prepared from what is available locally and always changing through the seasons, it is the freshest produce available.

The French loves their sauces and there are many different sorts, and some are regarded as specialties at certain restaurants where they will accompany most food, so if you get a chance, consider trying some of these.

Having breakfast out is more than likely to be at a Patisserie or cafe in Paris where you can get croissants, bread, numerous varieties of cheese and cold meats, plus pastries that are usually accompanied by a cup of strong black coffee, but if you prefer white coffee, then ask for café au lait, so that you get milk with it.

Whilst experiencing this fabulous city, you will come across numerous cafes and bistros in Paris that have indoor and outdoor dining, but if you decide to eat on the terrace, there is often an additional charge added to your bill.

Most of the shops in France close for at least two hours of a lunch time, which is when most of the French have their main meal, but there are now lots of restaurants providing a Brunch type service, so it is great time to re-fuel before continuing your sightseeing.

If you need to have a snack in the afternoon prior to an evening meal, where most restaurants only start serving from 7.30pm onwards, you would need to go to a Brasserie as they are usually open all day and serve the same food, whatever the time.

Having a glass of wine with your meal is like a French tradition and is almost expected in most places, but bear in mind that a table wine in France is not normally a cheap and hopefully cheerful option, like it is in the UK, and you can often purchase more reasonably priced wines from the menu, yet there are also always vintage wines available, so if you know what you like then go for it, ad we are sure that you will experience quality, whatever your wine choice.

But thinking about this, normally wine is paired with your meal, so when dining at a plush restaurant it is customary to order a different wine to accompany each different dish served, so as to truly enjoy the cuisine and not take away from any of the exquisite tastes.

There are so many different options for a Paris restaurant and a couple of these even have museums such as the Musee du Vin. Here you learn about wine making, its history and different wines, plus do some wine tasting, then you can even enjoy a fabulous meal with the wine and come away feeling a little more knowledgeable.

But if you are still not sure about where to go for your next evening eating out in Paris, then it may be an idea to pick up Le Carnet Gourmand, which is a free guide to restaurants in Paris that are registered with the Tourism office and has a list of around 200 with the type of cuisine, average costs, and other information such as access for the disabled. To obtain a copy you would need to go to the Office de Tourisme, but this restaurant guide can also be found in numerous Paris hotels and at the restaurants that are listed.

Yet there is one last point we would like to make and that is the fact that Parisians tend to dress up for an evening meal and many restaurants require a jacket or even dinner attire, so we would recommend that you check what the dress code is when booking, or you may be refused entry!

Known for its exciting and fun filled nightlife, the Bahamas is a coral-based archipelago with over 700 islands and 2,000 cays that have been tourist hotspots. Life in the Bahamas starts after sunset with its islands all glowing in the dark with their ceremoniously decorated venues.

The Cable Beach is one such spot on New Providence Island that has an edge over other popular destinations like Nassau as a result of the high importance given to safety. Highlights of this beach are the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino. The resort has an 800-seater theater with live energetic entertainment for visitors and a gaming room that can give players a Las Vegas experience in all its authenticity.

The Crystal Palace Casino is the largest on the Cable Beach with almost 51 blackjack tables, seven craps tables, 750 slot machines and a baccarat table. For those who are not entertained by such games, the Cable Beach also has innovatively designed bars and restaurants. A perfect romantic get away, this beach can leave one with a tranquil soulful experience.

While gamblers surely have no shortage at the Bahamas with its innumerable casinos in almost every nook and corner, it does not imply a dull stay for non-gamblers. If nightlife is defined by glitter and shine then the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino signifies it with its ultra glam, high on the shine décor. A truly unforgettable experience, this resort’s extravagance is combined with its assorted crowd of gamers at the casino and visitors at other social spots. Inclusive of intimate bars, discos and the rib-tickling comedy club, it is a much preferred option of party goers.

The Bahamian fondness for all things beautiful, all things lively and all things pleasurable includes activities like dances and live music that are the essence of its nightlife. As such, local entertainers can add to the whole experience with their music and steel drum bands and create a completely new ambience that contrasts yet merges with the beauty of its islands. Hotels in “Out Islands” usually have such local artists performing and entertaining mesmerized crowds.

Grand Bahama Island’s most popular nightlife is in the heart of Port Lucaya Marketplace, treating visitors to wonderful experiences offered through its local talent in their many customary and risky demonstrations like the fire-eating task. From Musicians playing instruments you probably never heard of, to the Junkanoo street parade, casinos, live entertainment; local fish fries, expensive restaurants and noisy parties to silent getaways, the nightlife in the Bahamas can be a different experience every night!

Branson Missouri has deep bluegrass roots, and due to that fact, there are many bluegrass shows and annual events that can be enjoyed here. If you are looking for a vacation destination that is rich with culture and bluegrass experiences, then Branson, MO is the perfect choice. The following information will give you an idea of just some of the fun filled bluegrass events that can be seen.

The Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in Silver Dollar City

Combine great food, thrill rides, and the best bluegrass music for an exciting day or even an entire month of fun. This month long celebration of a wonderful genre of music is held each year in the award winning Silver Dollar City theme park.

Hundreds of the top bluegrass musicians meet each year at this jaw dropping festival to celebrate good, home cooked BBQ and the sweet twang of bluegrass music. Add to all this, the already appealing attractions that Silver Dollar City offers, and you have a vacation waiting to happen.

Popular Branson, MO Bluegrass Shows

There are a number of regular Branson shows that hold performances on a regular basis and consist of some of the best bluegrass musicians in the state. These entertaining shows include:

o Brett Family Singers Morning Show

This family show has been voted Branson’s best morning show, and is the perfect way to start any day. The Brett family presents angelic harmonies for a sweet sounding bluegrass base, and they will entertain you with their unique sing and dance show.

o Dutton Family Show

Another bluegrass family show, the Dutton Family is most known for their top 10 appearance on the hit NBC show “America’s Got Talent.” After touring the world from Europe to China, they have come to Branson to deliver two hour musical performances. This show, complete with the younger Dutton children, is a must see for bluegrass lovers of any age.

o New’s Country Show

A mixture of bluegrass, old country, and gospel, this unique country show takes your senses on a musical journey that you will never forget. With their wide range of musical presentations and professional guitar playing, Leroy New and his country show will be sure to please.

o Crossties Hometown Bluegrass and Gospel Show

To experience true bluegrass music, be sure to check out the Crossties Hometown Bluegrass show. This three part harmony show features award winning musicians who perform all of your old favorites and their original selections as well. This is a truly old fashioned style show that is perfect for your entire family.

o Redhead Express Show

This newer Branson show consists of the beautiful harmony of four daughters, rounded out by the music styling’s of the family’s three talented boys. Mom and Dad work to provide backup and musical guidance as the group entertains listeners with their traditional blends of bluegrass, gospel, and country music.

Other Branson Events

Allison Krauss regularly entertains Branson concert audiences with her angelic tones and rocking bluegrass combos. She is just one of the popular big name bluegrass musicians that frequent the live music capital. Other annual events such as festivals and concerts provide ideal entertainment for any Branson vacation.

If you are looking for a destination in which to experience the best of bluegrass music, then few places could meet your needs better than Branson Missouri. With plenty of ongoing bluegrass themed shows and annual festival events, bluegrass lovers will find plenty of entertainment options to keep them satisfied here.

There are probably thousands of places around the world that are worth seeing, but the following 5 places are the best must see places around the world.

Venice: Until you have had the pleasure of a gondola ride on the Venice canal, you haven’t seen anything. Yes they’re pricey and touristy, but it’s the most romantic way to see the sights in Venice. Here’s a helpful hint for the most enjoyable ride - pick the gondola with a musician on it. Only a few gondolas will have a singer or guitar player on board, and you’ll have the pleasure of some very fine music while you take in all the glorious sights of Venice. While you’re in Venice, take a boat ride to the small island of Burano - it’s a colorful little village with the most awesome seafood you’ll ever taste in your life.

Prague: Prague has got to be the most beautiful city in the world. The Charles Bridge is the main place to be, to see the best of Prague. The Charles Bridge is Prague’s most beloved icon. Thirty six Baroque saints line the bridge’s graceful crossing. If you can pull yourself away from the bridge for a little while, there are hundreds of quaint little shops lining the cobblestoned streets and alleys, with shops for buying anything from Marinette puppets to pastry to jewel studded bottles.

New York: New York is at the top of the must see places around the world. Where else in the world can you take in a Broadway Show, walk through Central Park, visit Times Square, take a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge and take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty all in one week? For the shopping and food alone, this city is worth checking out. Be sure to take in a comedy show while you’re there, and take the famous climb to the top of the Empire State Building.

California’s Highway 1: A trip to California could not be complete without taking a drive on the famous Highway 1 that follows the California coast all the way up to the top state line. There are breathtaking views at every turn, from a field of cattle, to a forest, to fields of grapevines, to quaint little towns, it’s at the top of the must see places around the world. Make sure you visit wine country, and take a ride through Muir Woods, where you’ll see the biggest redwoods in the U.S.

Sedona: Sedona Arizona has got to be the most beautiful place in the whole U.S. combined. There are mountains, red rock formations, a fantastic shopping district, and restaurants that serve unique offerings such as cactus and buffalo. Don’t make any immediate plans on moving there though, the land is quite pricey, as much as one million dollars an acre. So basically you can look, but don’t touch.

Well there you have it. I hope you enjoyed your tour of the 5 best must see places around the world!

A few tips to make the most of your trip to Disney World!

Disney World is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Disney World attracts millions of visitors every year and for good reason. The attractions and magical atmosphere make it a dream destination for both children and adults alike.

There are many Disney vacation packages that will help you to fully experience Disney world as well as save money.

If you are planning a Disney vacation here are few tips to make the most of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a budget for your trip. This way you will know exactly how much you have to spend and can plan for every aspect of your trip. You will need to decide how much you can spend on things such as travel, lodging, food, souvenirs, admission, and miscellaneous expenses. Because it can be hard to put together an entire trip yourself Disney has many packages that include most or all of your needs in one convenient plan for one great price.

One great way to get a good deal on your vacation package is to go in the off season. Spring and summer are the busiest times of the year for Disney World, so visiting in the fall or winter will mean a better price. Orlando vacations are still very enjoyable in the fall and winter months because of the mild weather.

It is important to always read the fine print when choosing a Disney World vacation package. Not all packages are all inclusive, which means they might not cover all your expenses such a food or travel. There is also an endless amount of attractions in the Disney parks as well as around Orlando so it is important to include only the attractions you are interested in your travel package so you do not get overwhelmed or waste money on attractions you do not get a chance to visit.

Most travel agents and travel companies have a varied offering of Disney packages for you to choose from. You can sometimes save money by calling Disney directly and asking about what vacation packages are currently available. Searching online will also reveal many different Disney vacation packages. Disney World is always a great place to go on vacation because it is such a magical and exciting place for people of all ages. It has some of the most recognizable attractions in the world and is one vacation that will make memories to be cherished forever.

It can be very difficult to find the perfect vacation spot, especially in the UK. If you happen to be traveling with your family and children you need to make sure that there is something that they can do and that the town itself is going to be family-friendly. That is one of the main reasons why Bournemouth is chosen over many other UK towns whether you are vacationing by yourself or with your family! This amazing town is a tourist spot for leisure, entertainment, recreation and culture!

One of the coolest things about Bournemouth is that is a very well-established gay scene with all sorts of bars, restaurants as well as nightclubs and all sorts of hotels. If you are gay, this is definitely one of the best places for you to go on vacation, not only will you feel extremely welcome, but you will also be able to meet some amazing people in this beautiful UK town!

If you happen to be traveling with your family, there is an entire host of places that you can go to have fun that is family-oriented. For example, the Pavilion Theatre is a great place to go to see all sorts of plays and it is right next to the Royal Bath Hotel, which is one of the best hotels in Bournemouth. The Russell-Cotes Museum is a fantastic place to gain all sorts of insight and knowledge of this fantastic town as it holds all sorts of nineteen century paintings and family collections that were acquired when travelling in Japan and Russia.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Bournemouth, the Royal Bath Hotel is definitely the place to stay, not only have famous visitors such as Oscar Wilde and H.G. Wells stayed there, but all sorts of prime ministers have made Bournemouth their home.

Until the 1989 fall of the Berlin wall, Eastern Europe was one of the last places in the world where Westerners would have considered spending their honeymoons. It was a place of foreboding gray and Communist red architecture, where the once vibrant cultures of the independent Eastern European nations had been subdued into ideology.

The Eastern Europe of today, however, is a honeymooners’ delight, with welcoming locals, affordable accommodations, mesmerizing history, and unforgettable scenery. From the bustle of the market squares in the major cities to the quiet, almost surreal surroundings of Lake Bled, your Eastern European honeymoon will have something you will not find anywhere else.

Honeymooning in Eastern Europe will let you experience cultures as varied as the geography of their nations. You can spend one day basking on golden beaches or biking through the vineyards of Crete, and another strolling along Vienna’s Kohlmarket, where you can relax with cake and coffee at Demel, perhaps the premier chocolatier in all of Europe.

If the romance of ancient ruins captivates you, head for the village of Pula on the southwestern Croatian coast. As long ago as 177 BC, Pula was an outpost of the Roman Empire at its amphitheater dates back to the first century. The amphitheater, which measures 4352 x 3452 is one of the best preserved of all those built by the Romans. You will be able to visit its lower levels, where both gladiators and wild animals were housed until they were ready to do battle.

You will find other historical treasures in every major city of Eastern Europe, from Warsaw and Kraków in Poland to Budapest in Hungary. A marvelous way to spend your Eastern European honeymoon would be to focus on the sites along the Danube Bend, which flows past the Hungarian towns of Szentendre, Visegrad, and Esztergom. If you are honeymooning between April and the end of October, you can book passage on a boat excursion in Budapest, and enjoy the marvelous scenery and hilltop castles as you glide along the Danube to the town of your choice.

Your honeymoon in Eastern Europe will give you and your new spouse both a romantic getaway, and an adventure in one of the world’s most newly revitalized areas!

Kora National Park is located in Coast province Tana River district about 280 kilometers from Nairobi. It was first gazetted as a reserve in 1973 and latter as a National Park in 1990.The park covers over 1787 Kilometers squared. The coastal region is mostly a tourist zone with large of it covered by National parks and reserves. It’s hot and humid all year with low rainfall.

Cold sea breeze sweeps through the land lowering the temperatures during the day. The temperatures usually range from 22-30 degrees all year.

It has seasonal rivers and has sloppy surfaces with rocky inselbergs .Its triangular in shape and an covered with dense woodland and scrubs.Tana river whose source is Aberdare ranges passes on its northern boundary before it drains into the Indian Ocean.

The Kora National Park is on the north-east of Nairobi and is both accessible by road using the Thika- Mwingi highway getting through to the park by passing Kyuso a village on the North -East of Mwingi town or using an airstrip situated about Ten Kilometers East of the Park.

The Park has a good road network, making the Kora National Park a suitable destination for rock climbing, fishing in Tana River, bird watching.

Other major attractions in the park include a walk in the wild, visiting Adamson’s Falls in Tana River, the Grand Falls and Kora rapids, visiting the George Adamson’s grave and many more.

Accommodation is never a problem at the coast province. Since its the hub of tourism activities, many accommodation facilities have been developed for budget, middle-class and high-end visitors.