Saturday, August 13, 2011

Happy Independence Day


INDIA FLAG


Friday, August 5, 2011

Nainital Vacation, India

Capital of India's Lake district, Nainital was Jim Corbett's home for many years. Tough Nainital had expanded and the surrounding forests that once teemed with bears, tigers and deer, the soul remains the same. Nestled in the serene and peaceful hamlet of beautiful lakes and mountains, watch the sun rise and set over the mountains of Nainital. Move across the ravines and valleys, and see localized weather patterns appear over the higher peaks as winds are driven upward. Blessed with picture perfect and varied natural resources, Nainital is dotted with lakes. Nainital's attractions range from quiet walks in meadows the forests of pine and deciduous, the adventure sports as well as popular entertainment.

A perfect view

Naini Lake

 Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake is the exact spot where Shiva's consort parvati's eye is said to have fallen. The core beauty of Nainital is its beautiful lake. In the day, mirrored in its waters stand seven proud hills, fenced with lovely cottages and villas. The lakes looks more during the night, when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and quite a large number hanging near the lake's edge stab their magic light into its waters.
Snow View 

The thrills for kids and adults alike is the rope way Aerial Express to Snow View. You get the majestic views of Himalayas around . You can also ride up to Snow View and back on the ponies or horse available at the north end of the Mall.

Cementry Tour 

Lost in the time wrap are the grave yards of the British who lived and died in Nainital. The Old Church of Saint John in the Woods has one such Cementry that you could explore. The Church itself with its stained glass windows and ancient wood pews is a place worth visiting.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Calcutta Tourist Attractions

Tourism in Kolkata is on its boom these days. There are lots of places to see in Kolkata. In this section, we will provide you with Calcutta tourist attractions guide.

There is a plethora of sightseeing places in Kolkata. We will brief you on the following popular places to visit in Calcutta

 Fort William

Fort William is a must visit tourist attraction place of Calcutta. Situated at the banks of river Hooghly, it was named after King William III of England. Fort William of Kolkata, India, was established during the tenure of British Raj in 1696. It was the guardroom of this two-storied building, where the black hole tragedy took place. During the Plassey war in 1757, Siraj Ud Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal attacked on the fort and defeated the Britishers. This paved way for the construction of a new fort by British.

The new fort was initiated by Robert Clive, which got completed by 1780. The basic purpose of setting up Calcutta Fort William was to prevent attacks from Muslim invaders. The area that was cleared around the fort became maidan, where several exhibitions and fairs take place. The foundation of the old fort is still intact. Till date, it is a military area and the Arsenal inside it is worth watching, but for that prior permission of the commanding officer is required.

 Victoria Memorial

Calcutta Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, India is a fantastic place that will take you into the world of past history, where you can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of India. Today, Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. It is a 184 ft tall edifice that was constructed on 64 acres of land. The museum houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood.

Eden Gardens

Eden garden of Kolkata, India is one of the major tourist attraction places of the city of joy. Eden gardens is basically a cricket stadium, where people have witnessed the history of Indian cricket. It is the oldest cricket playground in the country and also the finest one. Calcutta Eden Gardens Cricket Club came into existence in the year 1864. The first ever first-class match that took place in the Eden Gardens was in 1917-18 and the first test match to be played here was in January 1934 against Douglas Jardine's MCC. It was in February 1987, when the first ODI match was hosted here. It has undergone a tremendous modernization and infact, today it boasts of its large accommodation that can capaticitate about 1,20,000 persons. Eden gardens of Calcutta definitely falls into the category of must see places. 

Birla Planetarium

Birla planetarium of Kolkata, India is one of the largest museums in Asia. It came into existence in the year 1962 and the credit for establishing this wonderful center of science, communication & environment goes to Birla Education Trust. It is situated at the Eastern metropolitan bypass of Calcutta.

Birla planetarium provides a parlance where astronomical presentations take place. It provides useful piece of information about our solar system, galaxies, life span of stars, space, planets and other heavenly bodies in the most interactive manner via audio video aids. Usually the lectures are given in English, Hindi, and Bengali and occasionally in Oriya, Tamil & Gujarati.

Calcutta Birla planetarium is a single storied circular edifice designed in the typical Indian style. It is a must see place for those interested in astronomy. Its astronomy gallery maintains a huge collection of fine paintings & celestial models of renowned astronomers. It enables you to explore science outdoors. 

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge, located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. It got its name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to Calcutta. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name 'Rabindra Setu', was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts. Though, earlier it had a tram route, but presently, it is serving mainly as a Road Bridge. Howrah bridge has got two sister bridges also, namely, Vidyasagar Setu and the Vivekananda Setu that are situated at different points over the hoogly river. This bridge acts as an important symbol of Kolkata. 

Marble Palace

Location: C.R. Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street, Chorabagan

Year of construction: 1835

Marble palace of Kolkata, India is a must visit tourist attraction spot. Built in the year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen etc. Calcutta marble palace is the one of its kinds and consists of exquisite pieces of art. It also has a zoo, where you can find different kinds of birds and animals. Infact, it has a rare collection of birds.
 Writers Building
The construction of Writers building began as early as in 1690. It got its name owing to the fact that it served as the dwelling place for the junior writers of the East India Company. The original Writers Building of Kolkata, India did not have any architectural beauty. It was on the same site that another Writers' Building was created later on. This Gothic structure came into existence during the tenure of Lt. Governor Ashley Eden (1877). The present Calcutta Writers' Building is located at the northern end of Dalhousie Square. Today, it serves as the Secretariat of West Bengal Government. This gigantic building is also known as 'Mahakaran', where all the important documents and other records of the West Bengal Govt are preserved.

Nicco Park

Calcutta Nicco Park, situated at Salt Lake, is an amazing amusement park. It can be said about the Nicco Park of Kolkata, India that, it is like the Disneyland of West Bengal with lots of wonderful games and rides. Its most recent addition is the Cave ride that is very interesting and adventurous. It is a spacious park covering about 40-acre land. It is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and it was opened in the year 1991.

Nicco Park is more popularly known as Jheel Meel. It is the ultimate fun and entertainment destination for kids as well as adults. It draws huge crowds on the weekends, as it serves as the perfect place for relaxing mind, body and soul. It takes you into the world of fantasy and imagination. It provides wide choices of fun rides to choose from. To name a few, we have the Toy Train, Cable Car, Tilt-a-Whirl, Water Chute, Water Coaster, Flying Saucer, Pirate Ship and Moonraker.

For nature lovers, it is truly a feast for eyes. Its main highlights include the beautiful rose garden and the food park, where you can enjoy the mouthwatering yummy dishes. Popular cuisines include North Indian, Bengali, South Indian and Chinese fast food. Today, Nicco Park enjoys the status of being the first amusement park of the world that has obtained ISO 9002 certification from a famous European Certifying Authority.

 Saheed Minar

Saheed Minar, situated near Esplanade on the Kolkata Maidan, was initially known as Octerloney Monument. It was named after its founder, Sir David Ochterlony. This magnificent monument was established in the year 1848 so as to mark the founder's victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816). The construction of Calcutta Saheed Minar follows an architectural variety. Its foundation is based on the Egyptian style, whereas the main Shahid Minar in Calcutta and its dome follow Syrian and Turkish designs respectively.

It was in 1969 that the Octerloney Monument got the name 'Sahid Minar'. It was renamed in the honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Presently, the political parties convene meetings over here. Various rallies and seminars also take place behind the Sahid Minar Of Kolkata, India. The tradition of holding political meetings began in 1931, when Rabindranath Tagore presided over a convocation meeting held over there. If you stand at the top of the minar, you'll get an excellent view of the hub city of Kolkata.

National Library
 National Library in Kolkata, India is the largest library of our country that is supported by the Dept of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India. It is constructed on 30 acres Belvedere Estate in Kolkata. It was basically set up to collect, distribute and preserve material that is produced within the country. There are no special criteria for membership of Calcutta national library. Infact, any person who is above the age of 18 can become its member. However, to avail the facilities of reading room and lending, separate membership is required.

National library has a huge collection of books and periodicals received from different parts of the country. Here, you can find books in almost all the Indian languages. There are separate language divisions that process the information for their readers in their respective native languages. Some of the language divisions that maintain their own collection consist of Hindi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Sindhi, Telugu and Urdu. Also, these language divisions help in solving the reference queries of their readers. There is a separate division for children that cater to their information and recreation needs 


Tourist Attractions in Mysore

Mysore is a traveler’s delight and is known for some of the finest palaces that were built here by the former rulers. This fascinating town of Karnataka is rich in culture and traditions and is thronged by travelers from the neighboring states and distant corners of India. Mysore is located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills atop which the famous Chamundeshwari Temple is located. The huge and impressive statue of Mahishasura is the most famous landmark of this magnificent town. The tourist attractions of Mysore have their individualistic charm and have interesting incidents and stories associated with them.

There are many things to watch in Mysore. Some of the major ones are:


Maharaja's Palace:
This palace occupies a prestigious place among the tourist attractions of Mysore,. The magnificent structure was designed by an English Architect, Henry Irwin and is an architectural marvel featuring marvelously sculpted pillars, elaborately carved doors and golden howdah.

The Jaganmohan Palace:
  Jaganmohan Palace was the other retreat for the royal family of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar and it is a magnificent building with three storeys. It features stained glass shutters and ventilators and also has a lovely garden setting that has now been transformed to an art gallery. Some of things this museum has on display are paintings, sculptures and musical instruments. 

Chamundi Hills:

Mysore is located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. On top of the hills there is Chamundeshwari temple that serves as a famous landmark. Nearby to the temple, there is a statue of Mahishasura, who was a demon killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. You will also find the monolith Nandi, the bull, which is located near the temple. 

St. Philomena's Church:
This church is a lure for the religious traveler and is a must watch among the tourist attractions of Mysore. This church is a Gothic structure whose structure is based on the Cathedral at Cologne. You will also come across the statue of St. Philomena on the altar who was a third century saint from Greece. This magnificent church is visited by a large number of tourists every year. 

Mysore Zoo:

This is a magnificent zoo which was established in the year 1892, and houses a diverse collection of animals, including magnificent species kept in natural surroundings. There are various places of tourist interest in Mysore that will help you make your tour to Mysore an exclusive one. A look at its tourist attractions is the best way to learn about the history and tradition of the town. 




Travel Attractions in Bhubaneswar

Places to see

Bhubaneswar, "The abode of the Lord of the World" and the gateway to Orrisa, has slowly started to unbosom its mysteries for the past few years. Tour around the splendid Lingaraj Temple, ancient Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves and enjoy a superb boating experience at the Chilka lake and Taptapani excursions. Once called the Kalinga or Utkala, this city now boasts of cool avenues, upscale hotels, shopping malls and excellent dining out options.
Lingaraj Temple

Dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and Shiv Linga, the Lingaraj temple is one of Orrisa's famous temples, notable for the symmetrical sculptures carved on its 45m high spire. The deity of Lingaraj, is an uncarved block of granite 8 feet in diameter raised 8 inches above the ground and is bathed daily with milk, water and bhang (marijuana). Plan your trip during March-April to enjoy the joyous four-day chariot festival, when Lingaraj is drawn on his chariot to Rameswara temple. 

Bindusagar

Bindusagar or "Ocean Drop" is a tank placed north of the Lingaraj temple and is said to contain water from every river, lake and holy stream of India brought by Lord Shiva. Taking a bath here and drinking the water of this pool is said to cure any disease of the stomach. A famous pilgrimage site for Indians, the tank is surrounded by numerous temples and shrines. The best time to come here is around sunrise.


Udaigiri Khandagiri Caves

 These ancient caves which are over 2000 years old, are located at 8 km from Bhubaneswar. There are 44 caves carved out of sandstone nestling on two opposite hills. The Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) is a double storied structure, brilliantly festooned with carved sculptures. Besides, there is Hanthi Gumpha ( Elephant Cave) which is a favourite hot-spot among tourists.
The caves are open from 8 am to 6 pm and attracts vacationists from all over the world.


Chilka Lake

Situated south of Puri, this 1,100 sq. km shallow lake is Asia's largest salt water lagoon and is separated from the sea only by a narrow sand bar. The lake is peppered with many small rocky islands and is a vast reserve for aquatic flora and fauna. Hire a kayak and look for Irrawaddy dolphins along with Siberian cranes or you can hike through the jungles to discover white sand converging into blue water.


Taptapani

Visit the corner where city dwellers fear to go. Taptapani, home of the primitive Kutia Kondh tribe, the Dingaria Kondh tribe, Bonda and the Mali tribes. The residents are expert hunters, fiercely independent and worship numerous gods and goddess. Stay in lodges and get to know their lifestyle and unique tradition and cultural heritage. Taptapani also offers a hot water sulpher spring and is quite famous among tourists who visit here to revitalize themselves with the naturally medicated water.


Orrisa State Museum

This four storey building holds within itself numerous artifacts of state history. Displaying a massive collection of traditional dresses, ancient and medieval tools and weapons. Stuffed animals, musical instruments and hand looms and handicrafts of Orrisa, this museum is a must see for every tourist who is inquisitive enough to know more about this South Eastern state of the country.
Ekamra Haat

Located near the exhibition ground, this Haat ( Market place) is a hub for tourists who are interested to get some stuff with Oriya touch along with their unforgettable memoirs. Ekamra Haat is aesthetically designed to create a relaxed ambiance to browse through ethnic handlooms and handicrafts from all over the country. The walls are embellished with attractive terracotta sculptures and vibrant folk paintings. Stalls display marvellous array of artifacts created by the tribes whereas food stalls offer excellent traditional delicacies like Chhenna poda, Chakuli pitha and Mutton curry. The Haat also has an amphitheatre where folk and tribal dances are held.


Dhauli
About 8 km south of Bhubaneswar and to the right of the Puri road, is the Dhauli edicts. Carved by King Ashoka on a rock five meters by three meters, these 2000 years old inscriptions still bear the instructions of the great king, to his administrators. Horrified by the aftermath of the Kalinga war, the great legendary king, Ashoka, became a follower of Buddha and spent rest of his life spreading the Lord's messages across the globe. The site is also marked by a new peace pagoda and rock edicts at Jau Gada.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Switzerland

Jungfrau Glacier

The Jungfraujoch is a saddle between the mountains Monch and Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps. It is known as the Top of Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you look down upon the ice wilderness of swirling glaciers and across at 13,000 ft (4,000 m) high mountain turrets. On top of the Jungfrau is a global atmospheric monitoring station.

Visiting the Jungfraujoch's eternal ice and snow is a once in a lifetime experience as the annual two million visitors can attest. Riding the narrow cog railway to 11,300 ft (3,454 m) is a must. On the journey you pass by the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall, through tunnels, past polar dog kennels, finally arriving at the heart of the glaciers. The longest glacier in Europe, the Great Aletsch Glacier - 14 miles (23km) - begins at Jungfraujoch, and you can see as far as France and Germany.

Mt Titlis
Permanent ice and snow at the top of the world and a revolving gondola lift to take you to the top of the mountain, chairlifts over deep crevasses and exploring a glacier cave... If any of these sound amazing - and they do - Mount Titlis is the place for you. There are also restaurants and breathtaking views for those of us who prefer to be amazed in comfort while sitting on top of the world at 10,600 ft (3,238m).

Titlis is Central Switzerland's highest mountain and the views are amazing. However, be prepared: it is a bit like a high altitude theme park. The ice cave has music and flashing neon lights and you can pose for a photo with a giant Toblerone. Still, the surrounding peaks like shark fins, the glacier and the sweeping views to pastures, cliffs and waterfalls should make you forget any crass commercialism.

Mt Pilatus
Mount Pilatus rises high above the city of Lucerne giving wonderful views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. At 6,992 ft (2,132 m) high, it has 2 cable cars, the world's steepest cog-railway, hotels, restaurants and lots of outdoor activities. People come here to toboggan, sledge, mountain bike and for the excellent hiking. There is a Rope Park for treetop adventures.

Rumor has it that the mountain is named after Pontius Pilate who they say was thrown into a nearby lake and haunts the mountain. More likely is that the name comes from the Latin word for cloud-covered, pileatus. It was made famous by the composer Richard Wagner in the 19th century and Britain's Queen Victoria rode up here on horseback.

Mount Rigi
Mount Rigi is a mountain in central Switzerland, bordering Lucerne, and part of the Swiss Alps. It's also known as the "Queen of the Mountains.” Rigi offers stunning panoramic views and is famous for its beautiful sunrises. Nowadays, the mountain is easily accessible by public transportation. It offers many winter and summer excursions such as skiing, sledding, or hiking.

It has been popular with adventurous, romantic travellers for quite some time (before the advent of public transportation), including Mark Twain more than a century ago. The Rigi has been immortalized through paintings by JMW Turner, including "The Blue Rigi, Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise".

Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is big: 25 mi (40 km) long and 1.9 mi (3 km) wide. At its deepest it reaches 469 ft (143 m). The water is very clean, coming off those Swiss mountains, and is used for supplying water to the cities around it. The largest of these is Zurich at around 360,000 residents.

The lake is used for boating and swimming, reaching up to 20 degrees Celcius (68 F) in summer. Along its edges are dotted swimming pools - these are floating pontoon decks with change rooms, sunbathing areas and usually saunas, massage and a cafe. They are open May-October. Parks line the lakeside and fill with people picnicking, roller-blading and sunbathing in summer. Even the police patrol on rollerblades!

Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is THE shopping street in Zurich. Running from Bahnhofplatz outside the main train station all the way to the lake, it's full of luxury shops selling designer fashion, furs, porcelain, and, of course, chocolates, clocks and watches. Halfway along is Zurich's first, biggest and best department store Jelmoli. The basement food-hall is a must. Or if you want the best in Swiss chocolate, take a break at Cafe Sprungli, the epicenter of sweet Switzerland since 1836.

Bahnhofstrasse follows the line of the moat of medieval Zurich and is mainly pedestrianized, although watch out for the trams running along it. It runs parallel to the river Limmat and it's easy to punctuate your shopping with visits to churches and other important sites of Zurich dotted in the narrow streets between. Culture and consumerism: Zurich has them both.

Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster)
The 13th-century Church of our Lady, or Fraumunster, has an elegant blue spire which soars above the Zurich skyline. Situated right next to the lake, it is one of Zurich's key sights. Founded in 853 as a Benedictine convent, around the 11th century it was responsible for minting coins and collecting tolls making the then Abbess a powerful women indeed.

Inside the church are the famous stained-glass windows of 1967 by the famous artist Marc Chagall. The three main windows are: the blue Jacob window, with a ladder to heaven, the green Christ window, featuring Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, and the yellow Zion window depicting King David and Bathsheba being trumpeted into New Jerusalem. To the sides there are windows depicting the Prophets and Moses. Near the main exit is a window by another famous artist, Giacometti.


Hong Kong Attractions

Lantau Island


Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island, but only a fraction of the population live here, leaving its beaches, hills and national parks to visitors to enjoy.

The highlight is the Po Lin monastery and temple, reached by the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on the western side of the island. The temple’s amazing seated bronze Giant Buddha is the world’s largest.

Hong Kong Disneyland offers more familiar entertainment, and the island’s fishing villages, walking trails, beaches and seafood restaurants are also popular.

Macau


To discover another aspect to multifaceted China, take a day trip to Macau.

The former Portuguese colony mixes crumbling fortresses with glitzy casinos, baroque churches with cobbled backstreets, and spicy Macanese seafood with classic dim sum.

Macau’s exotic history and culture are evident at every turn, with eight squares and 22 historic buildings on the World Heritage List.

Take a walk down the main street to the baroque Church of St. Dominic, tour the Jesuit Monte Fort, with its exceptional Macau Museum, and don’t miss the evocative ruins of the Church of St. Paul, its free-standing baroque facade a Macau symbol.

A drive around the peninsula reveals yet more churches, beautiful colonial buildings, temples and gardens.

Aberdeen Harbour
Aberdeen Harbour is a busy harbor with floating restaurants, brilliantly illuminated at night. Jumbo is the most famous of these floating restaurants, along with its neighbor Tai Pak.

Recently refurbished, and outlined in colored lights, the double-storied Jumbo serves up a huge array of gourmet delights, highlighting fresh seafood and traditional Cantonese dim sum.

While you’re here, take a sampan tour of the harbor and its famous ‘floating village’ of junks, used for fishing, restaurants, sightseeing and also the home of Aberdeen’s boat-dwellers.

Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan)

Overlooking the Central district on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) is one of the best vantage points for stupendous views of the harbor and high-rises. Rising 1,810 feet (552 meters), Victoria Peak is topped with the touristy Peak Tower complex of shops, restaurants and 360-degree Sky Terrace viewing platform.

Go for a stroll through the Victoria Peak Garden, follow one of the many nature walks on the mountain, and stay on for nightfall to see Hong Kong's spectacular nightly light show.

Peak Tram

For over 100 years, the Peak Tram has been inclining its way up the Peak mountain on Hong Kong Island. Taking a ride on the steeply angled tram is an essential Hong Kong experience.

The service began as a coal-fired tramway in 1888, and was electrically powered by 1926. Today, more than four million people take a ride on the Peak Tram every year.

At the top, you’ll find the ultra-modern Peak Tower with its restaurants and Sky Terrace viewing platform, the surrounding nature walks on the Peak and the Victoria Peak Garden.

Kowloon
Kowloon, on the mainland facing Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour, has a less formal, more domestic feel. Most Hong Kongers live in the crammed streets of Kowloon, and the focus for visitors is Nathan Road's hotels and shops on the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Most people flock to what is known as 'the Golden Mile,' the neon-lit lower end of Nathan Road, lined with shops and businesses. If you need time out from the bustle, head to the trees of Kowloon Park.

Further north from Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll find the popular night markets of Temple Street and Tung Choi Street. Take the lift to the 28th floor of the legendary Peninsula Hotel for cocktails and views at Felix Bar, and browse the upmarket stores of deluxe shopping malls like Harbour City and Festival Walk.

Hong Kong Island
The focus for shopping, eating and sightseeing on Hong Kong Island is Central and Causeway Bay.

Away from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island retains a surprising amount of greenery on the Peak and its mountainous interior, and its coastline is indented by a beguiling sequence of coves and harbors.

Explore the streets and shopping plazas fanning out from Connaught Road in Central, Harcourt Road and Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay. Shop for antiques in Hollywood Road, browse the Graham Street and Western markets and shop till you drop in upmarket malls like Pacific Place and Times Square.

At night the towering skyscrapers light up along the waterfront and at the famous Happy Valley Racecourse. Catch a wobbly double-decker tram from Des Voeux Road to Wan Chai, or ride the world’s longest elevator past shops and houses.

Symphony of Lights
Every night at 8pm, Hong Kong puts on a spectacular light show, highlighting the skyscrapers lining both sides of Victoria Harbour. The world’s largest light show, A Symphony of Lights, is free.

More than 40 skyscrapers shoot laser beams, colored lights and searchlights from their rooftops, in a choreographed sequence synchronized to music and a narration.

The best place to view the extravaganza is from a boat cruise or ferry ride on Victoria Harbour.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tourist Attractions in Thailand


Thailand has some of the most beautiful and lively cities and tourist attractions in the world. These sites not only play host to descending tourists and curious travelers, they also shield the raw beauty of unexplored regions and unique fests from the rest of the world. With TSI Holidays outbound tourist packages, you can explore the famous with the lesser known attractions and events on your tour to Thailand and its cities.
 Tourist Attractions 
Thailand is a place where the past meets the present and creates an ambience that is both charming in its Oriental appeal and exciting in its permissiveness. No matter where you travel in Thailand, you are bound to run into ancient palaces, shrines and Buddhist temples.

The islands and beach resorts in Thailand are a haven for water sports and adventure sports enthusiasts. The rainforests in Thailand hold the key to the heart of nature lovers with Koh Samet Marine National Park, Ao Phang Nga National Park, and Khao Yai National Park.


  Islands
beach resorts in Thailand  
water sports  
  adventure sport
rainforests  
Koh Samet Marine  
National Park  
Phang Nga National Park  
Khao Yai National Park  
 

Events
Events and festivals in Thailand showcase the cultural heritage, natural resource, and progressive frame of mind. Bangkok International Film Festival, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Pattaya Music Festival, Toh Moh Goddess Shrine Festival, Samui Carnival, King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Sukhothai Loi Krathong Festival, and Chiang Mai Flower Festival are just some of the festivals that blend Thailand's past with its present.

The Bangkok International Film Festival is one of the major annual events organized in Thailand that attracts large crowds of movie buffs and participants from all over the world. The main focus of the Bangkok International Film Festival is to promote Thai movies and South East Asian motion pictures in a big way.

Held in March every year, the Pattaya Music Festival offers you a rich medley of jazz, pop, rock and classical. Live band shows and musical extravaganzas is one of the most important features of this glorious festival that is counted among the most important annual events celebrated in Thailand.

The city of Chiang Mai brightens up with floral displays, sculptures, temple models and other interesting things made purely of colorful flowers during the annual Chiang Mai Flower festival held in February every year.

Among the most enchanting annual events that are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor, the Samui Carnival is definitely an important event. Sponsored by Bangkok Airways, the Samui Carnival is a colorful cultural panorama that glistens with open-air parties, food stalls, folk performances, jam sessions and more. The main objective of the Samui Carnival is to raise funds for the local charities and environment conservation.