Best Holiday Destinations – New York, USA (part 1)

Nowhere says Christmas more than New York. So when debating where to go on holiday this December for a wintery city break, New York was the first destination to come to mind. And eight hours after jetting off from Heathrow, we were touching down at JFK for five days of sights, culture, food, drink and tinsel at surely one of the best holiday destinations in the World.

We stayed at Hotel 17 – a cheap hotel in Manhattan’s East Village with shared bathrooms, small but comfortable rooms, and above all an excellent location just minutes from East Village’s bars, cafes and restaurants and also really close to New York’s subway system. Our first stop was Wendy’s burger joint for a taste of NY’s fast food scene. Pulp Fiction’s Big Kahuna Burger scene sprang to mind. We then proceeded to hit the East Village bar scene – in our first bar a round of Jaegarbombs was greeted with an “Oh my God you’re from England” from the barwoman, and a generous 30% off the tab to ensure we had “the best introduction to NY possible”. This kind of friendliness was encountered throughout the trip, dispelling the myth of mardy, arrogant and impatient New Yorkers (towards British tourists at least). The highlight from the 1st night was Old McSorley’s Ale House, one of the oldest pubs in New York boasting some tasty ales. The constant buy one get one free policy and sawdust on the floors help create a great atmosphere in a historic pub.

New York Cab

Day two saw us travel south on the subways to Wall Street, with a wander round the financial district in the Southern tip of Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty is visible from the riverside if you don’t fancy a ferry over – it’s current renovation works make it visible from the outside only so no climbing to the top of the head for the time being. A trip to the sombre Ground Zero site is a must – you need a free ticket in advance to gain access to the site itself, which is now home to two huge waterfalls where the Twin Towers once stood. Otherwise the visitors centre is just off-site which again is an emotional experience. One World Trade Centre, the new flagship tower in the rebuilding project, is growing quickly (see below) and is beginning to command the Downtown skyline.

One World Trade Centre

Our evening took us north to Broadway, for a stand-up comedy show. We were sold the tickets at Wall Street, with Chris Rock on the lineup and plenty of free drinks included in the measly $15 price tag. Unfortunately, upon arrival we discovered Chris rock was NOT on the lineup and only one free drink per person was provided. We had fallen for a classic tourist sales scam. After complaining to the manager we were given plenty of free drink and had a really good night but it is something to watch out for, street vendors are everywhere touristy in NY and many are out to make a quick sale.

Part 2 coming soon – Times Sq, Central Park & street dancers on the way - subscribe to keep updated!

Happy Christmas everyone!

Best Winter Holiday Destinations - Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

With summer slowly slipping away before our very eyes, it won't be long until the leaves are falling from the trees, the dark nights start drawing in and Slade are back on the radio once again. If you think you might have a few pennies left over from your annual Christmas shopping, then you should think about jetting off for a week or so in search of some winter sun.

One destination that isn't likely to disappoint is the Egyptian Red Sea Resort of Sharm el Sheikh. This holiday destination has soared in popularity over the last decade or so and is now a well-established holiday resort on the south coast of the Sinai Peninsula. In 1980, there was practically no sign of any tourist industry at all – it was just a small port town. However, in the 80’s large sums of money was invested in the area, resorts were constructed and large chains of restaurants and up-market hotels, such as the Marriott, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, were persuaded to start up in the area, helping to begin pull in tourists from abroad.

Today, roughly 100 resorts exist in the area, compared to just 3 in 1982. Of course, it wasn’t just the opening of hotels and restaurants that led to a boom. The area needed a wide portfolio of qualities to become a major player in the tourism industry. The hot, dry climate was one major factor – as well as the miles and miles of natural sandy white beaches. The dramatic terrain, with Mount Sinai part of the backdrop, was another draw that gave the area an attractive, romantic image rather than just being another town in the middle of the desert.

Being on the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh has a wide variety of water sports on offer, including water-skiing, paragliding and jet skiing. However, it is largely via the help of world-class scuba diving and snorkelling that holidays in Sharm el Sheikh have become one of the best holiday destinations in the world for water sports. Countless varieties of fish, including reef sharks and hammerheads, and beautifully diverse coral reefs make the undersea kingdom here extremely varied and enjoyable to swim in.

Hammerhead Sharks, Sharm el Sheikh

 

In terms of the weather in winter, temperatures average around 20°C in December-February time, so temperatures are much cooler than the summer months, however days still have long periods of sunshine making it a pleasant contrast from the grim British winter.

Sharm el Sheikh's many virtues ensure tourism in the area continues to thrive, attracting visitors from around the world. You can find return flights to Sharm el Sheikh for under £200 this winter which is great value. So if you are looking to get away this winter, choose Sharm el Sheikh - one of the best holiday destinations in winter.

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India Tourist Attractions

India is a dream holiday destination that rewards every traveler with an endless number of tourist attractions.

India's travel and tourist industry has today positioned itself in the top ten amongst the 134 most preferred tourist destinations in the world. One of the reasons for this is that the country is packed with unrivaled tourist attractions.

The northern part of India boast of some of the major tourist attractions of India. Probably the best known is the marvelous Taj Mahal in Agra, which is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world, built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1649 in memory of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The north Indian tourist attractions also include the Red Fort in Dehli; the Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace in Jaipur; the City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur; the Lotus Temple;Jama Masjid; Golden Temple; Jaisalmer Fort; many picturesque hill stations and forts, and the Himalayan mountain range.

The Tourist attractions in South India include Kerala Backwaters, Ooty, Rock Fort Temple, Golconda Fort, Char Minar, and many exotic hill stations in Kerala. South India is famous for its temples, among these are Meenakshi Temple, Somnathpur Temple and Tirupati Temple. Chennai (Madras) is a main city in southern India.

Like the northern and southern parts of India, the eastern and western parts of the country are also home to some tourist attractions. Mumbay, Jamnagar, Maharashtra, Ahmedabad, Gujrat, Vadodara are the major cities of the western part of India. Goa is the smallest state of India and it features many famous beaches like Banga Beach and Anjuna Beach. Eastern India is the most rural part of the country. It's largest city is Kolkata (Calcutta) also regarded as the cultural capital of India and home to numerous colonial buildings. The temple cities of Puri and Bhubaneswar are both located in the Orisa state.

India Attractions

 

Taj Mahal

Varanasi

Udaipur
Gwalior
Rajasthan

Goa

Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Karnataka

Kashmir Valley

Solan Hill Station

Located on the way of Kalka and Shimla, Solan has emerged to be a lovely place for excursion from any part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The stunning landscape of Solan bordered by Chandigarh, Shimla, and Kalka is famous among tourists as the "Mushroom City of India". Acres of mushroom plantations at an elevation of 1,342 meters are a delight to the eyes. Its proximity with Shimla is another reason why many plan their tour to Solan.

Solan is an ideal tourism destination during all seasons. The district of Solan in Himachal is also home to a number of rivers such as the Yamuna, Ghagar, and Satluj. Prime attraction in Solan apart from the mushroom plantations includes the Shoolini Devi Temple. Several pilgrims from Chamba and Shimla travel to Solan to offer prayers at this temple. Tour to Solan would also include visiting other nearby places like Chail, Churdhar Peak, Dagshai, and Kandaghat. Apart from sightseeing, the abundance of hills in the region facilitates trekking to Shimla and rock climbing.

How to reach Solan

The capital city of Shimla is a 50 km drive to Solan. By air, Shimla and Chandigarh are the nearest airports. Shimla airport is 19 km from Solan and Chandigarh 44km. By train, Kalka Railway Station is a 44 km drive. Government buses ply from Chandigarh, Shimla, and Delhi. There are also other private Volvos available for day journey

Kasauli : 25 kms from Solan, Kasauli is a beautiful tourist spot. In summer one sees endless greenery of deodar and pine trees and in winter, snow covered earth. The Mall Road and Monkey Point are well known here. One can find a number of good hotels to stay here.

Sanavar : 21 kms from Solan, this attractive tourist spot is famous for its 150-year old public school and a church.

Parks and Mini Zoo : Close to the town of Solan are the Children's park, Jawahar park and Mohan Park. In the Children's park is a mini zoo, where one can find deer, wild cats and some rare birds.

Yashwant Nagar : This picnic spot is 20 kms from Solan. The river Giri flows along its sides.

Karol Caves : 5 km from the town, this cave is located at an altitude of 7000 ft . Karol Mountain is clearly visible from Solan. This is known as Himalaya's most ancient and longest cave. It reaches Pinjor Gardens.

Dagshahi : This is famous for its jail. A number of freedom fighters, German and Irish revolutionaries have spent time here. 15km from Solan are two English schools.

Badog : It is most famous for its pine trees and the longest tunnel on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. It is 5 kms from Solan.

Fort of the Gurkha : Situated on the 7000 ft high Dhar Mountain, this 300-year old fort was built by the attacking Gurkhas of Nepal. The view from here of Shimla, Kasauli, Chail, and Karol is breathtaking.

Nauni : Parmar University which teaches floriculture, is situated here. It is 12 km from Solan. Flower and plants are inexpensive. This University is one of its kind in Asia.

Young Drum Monastery : This Monastery teaches "Ban", the oldest religion of Tibet. People from all over the world visit this spot which is 15km from Solan on the Bagthan Road. Time and again, dances, are organized here.

Blessed by the Weather God
Solan is a bracing hill station throughout the year but hotter as compared to Shimla. At the time of summer in Solan, cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature rises to 35 Celsius and light woolen to heavy woolens are required in winters as the temperature dips to -2 Celsius.

Kangra Hill station

General Information - Kangra

Altitude615m
Best TimeMid-May To Mid-October.
LocationHimachal Pradesh.

Fast facts - One of the well known hill stations in India, Kangra is located in the eastern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Did you know - Kangra in Himachal Pradesh is spread over an area of 55,673 square Kms. It is surrounded by hills on all sides.

Must do - Visit the popular tourist spots like Mannuni Lake, Gopalpur Zoo, Nurpur Fort, Chamunda Devi temple.

One of the well known hill stations in India, Kangra is located in the eastern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty and idyllic surroundings. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Kangra to spend some time in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings.

Kangra in Himachal Pradesh is spread over an area of 55,673 square Kms. It is surrounded by hills on all sides. The River Beas flows through the town. The town is located at an altitude of 2404 feet and has a sprawling vegetation of Sal, pine, eucalyptus and rhododendron trees. The town was also known as Nagarkot in the ancient times.

The ideal time for traveling to Kangra is between the months of March and October when the weather is pleasant. Being a hill station, the town experiences mild climate all over the year. The summer months are pleasant and mild while the winter months are cold.

Prime Attractions of Kangra

Behna Mahadev
This is one of the largest gable-roofed Hindu temples in the Satluj valley. The mandapa and corridor around the sanctuary are open to all sides. Angled struts support the overhanging stone-tiled roof, which is steeply gabled in two tiers.

Brajeshwari Temple
It is said to have been founded by the divinity of that name at a famous 'Ashwamedh' or horse sacrifice, which was held on the spot. The famous Mehmood of Ghazni is said to have invaded the district and destroyed the temple, building a mosque on its ruins.

Brijraj Behari Temple
On the spread of 'Vaishnavism' in Himalayas Vogel says, " Though 'Saivism' prevails everywhere and all the principal temples and 'tirthas' are dedicated to 'Mahadeva' or 'Devi', under various names, there seems to be a great deal of Vishnu or Krishna worship in Rajas.

International Himalayan Festival
As winter arrives, anglers shift to the Pong Dam. With the blessings of Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Internation Himalayan Festival is he;ld in Kangra district.


Kangra Art Gallery
This treasure trove of Kangra valley arts, crafts and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.

Karaeri Lake
Surrounded by thick woods and the visually stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, Kareiri Lake is a beacon for trekkers in the area.


Masrur Temple
At an altitude of 8,00m and 15-kms to the south of Kangra, is the town of Masrur. Here are 15 Shikhra Temples, cut out of solid rock and built in the 10th century. Built in the Indo-Aryan monolith style, these temples have got a great resemblance with the Ajanta-Ellora temples.


Sujanpur Fort
Close to the district border of Kangra, is the fort of Sujanpur. Popularly known along with its twin title 'Tira', this was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in 1758.

The Judges Court
The Judge's Court is set in some eight acres of land and has a fairly eclectic character about it. The floor plan follows the layout of a colonial bungalow and the embellishments are part local and part Saracenic.

Gaddis
The Gaddis are shepherds who move their flocks of sheep from lower pastures in winter to higher ones after snow melt. To them the Dhauladhars are not just a mountain range but like their mother.

Kangra
Kangra is accepted as one of Himachal's most picturesque areas, thousands of streams flow through its enchanting valleys.

Kangra Fort
The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the 'Ban Ganga' and 'Manjhi' rivers. Among its ruins, besides the temple of goddess Ambika Devi, there are two Jain temples too.

Kangra Tea
As the sun rises over palampur, the dew drops that have settled over the night on the dark leaves of the tea bushes act as scores of little prisms that disperse the first light - and announce to the world that they nurture yet another fine crop of Kangra tea.

Pong Lake Sanctuary
Pong Dam reservoir is 65-km from Panthankot and 115-km from Dharamsala on the Beas River. The Pong Dam Lake is significant for a wildlife sanctuary with wild life species like Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Buar, Clawless Otter, and Leapord. The reservoir is developed on a large scale for promoting water sports for tourists.

Shiva Temple
The Shiva temple at Katgarh is lesser known as compared to other temples in Kangra. It is located at the periphery of Kangra district. It has many legends woven in to Folklore. The temple enshrined a human-size 'linga', which is vertically spilt in to two parts.

Siddhanatha Temple
The Siddhanatha temple at Baijanath is similar in its arrangement both in its interior and exterior to that of Mahadeva temple commonly known as Siddanatha temple.

Excursions from Kangra

Jwalamukhi Temple (30Km.)
Jwalamukhi is 34-km from Kangra. Recognised as one of the 51 Shaktipiths of India, the picturesque temple, built against a wooded spur, in the Indo-Sikh style, has a dome that was gilded by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Nadaun (43Km.)
This town became famous when the Kangra rulers shifted their Capital here after they lost Kangra Fort to the army of Jahangir. However, it lost its glory when Raja Sansar Chand re-captured Kangra Fort and became the strong ruler of Kangra valley again. It is situated on the Shimla-Dharamshala road on the bank of Beas River, 20-kms from Hamirpur town and 43-km from Kangra. It is peaceful town with a good Rest House, an Old Palace and Shiva temple. The Palace building at Amtar still houses some of the paintings of that time. Jawalajee (also spelt as Jawalaji) temple is also not very far and can be visited from here.

How To Get There - Kangra

By Air
Kangra airport is 7-km away and has got straight flights from Delhi.
By Rail
Nearest broad-gauge railhead at Pathankot is 86-km away and one is situated at Mukarian is 30-km. Kangra Valley express is a narrow gauge train, starting from Pathankot and continues to Bajinath.
By Road
Kangra is well connected by road with Dharamsala, which is 18-km away.

Dalhousie Hill Station

Altitude : 2,040 metres.

Headquarter : Chamba (altitude 1006 metres )

Location : In district Chamba.

Located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range is another important hill resort in the district Chamba . A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. It is thicky wooded with stately pines and oaks and has lovely picnic spot all around. Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba. Originally conceived as a sanitorium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, it is today one of the most quiet hill stations. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km., Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 metres. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old Churches like St. John's Church ( made in 1903 A.D. ), and St. Patrick's Church ( 1909 A.D. )

Prime Attractions of Dalhousie

Bakrota Hills : ( 2,085 metres ) 4.8 km ) The fascinating and bewitching Bakrota Hills offer to the tourists the brisk walk round the hills besides a grand view of snow-clad peaks. It is one of the finest and soul refreshing places in Dalhousie. The matchless beauty of Bakrote Hills haunt you in a different way and leaves you speechless. Thick 'Deodar' forests seem like a beautiful green carpet covering the surrounding hills. Soul refreshing pure mountain air refreshes you at every turn and you just begin to mix your inner heart with the beauty of nature. Dalhousie experiences heavy snowfall during winter and then majestic Bakrota Hills start the white magic of snow and enjoy.

One of the best thing about walking through Bakrota Hills is the unpredictable come and go of the sunshine through 'Deodar' trees. Every turn comes up with a new scene showing the hide and seek of the sunshine. A journey to Dalhousie is incomplete if you do not take a walk through this magical paradise. It is surely one of the must visiting places in the world.

St. Andrew's Church : St. Andrew's Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. The Church is approximately one and half kms. from Dalhousie's bus stand. The Church building is in good condition, recently a brick boundary wall has been erected around it to save the building from mischief mongers.


St. Patrick's Church : This Church is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. from main bus stand. St. Patrick's Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.

St. Francis' Church : This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk. This Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. This Church is managed and maintained by the Cathoilic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glass work and intricate stone work can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunday.


St. John's Church : This Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approximately 2 kms. from the main bus stand of Dalhousie. This Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday.

Bakrota Hills : ( 2,085 metres ) 4.8 km ) The fascinating and bewitching Bakrota Hills offer to the tourists the brisk walk round the hills besides a grand view of snow-clad peaks.


Dainkund or Dayankund: ( 2,745 metres ) 10 km. ) This is a towering and beautiful peak which offers panoramic views, specially on a clear day, of the three main rivers - Beas, Ravi and Chenab.

Kalatop : ( 2,440 metres ) 8.5 km. ) The spot commands a beautiful and grand panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and eye travels wide over hill and dale, field and forest, smooth and ruggedness, till in the direction of Jammu and Kashmir, it meets a horizon of snow peaks.

Khajjiar : ( 2000 metres ) 27 km. ) A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. The local people hold the lake for in legend, it is associated with Khajjinag, the deity that is enshrined in the temple here. The temple here has a golden dome.

Panchphulla : Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjphulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Sardar Ajit Singh was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. At Panjphulla, there is a 'Samarak' in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.

Subhash Baoli : ( 1.6 km. ) A lovely spot for picnic, commanding a good view of snow covered hills. This has been named after the indomitable man of Indian politics, before the independence days, Shri Subhash Chandra Bose. It is said that he used to drink water from this place during his stay in Dalhousie.

Jandri Ghat : ( 2 km. ) place of the rulers of erstwhile Chamba State, is located and surrounded by tall pine trees, is a place worth visiting.

The Round : ( 4.8 km. ) the Bakrota Hills offer a brisk walk on 'The Round' besides a grand view of the surrounding countryside.

Ajit Singh Memorial : Sardar Ajit Singh, a great freedom fighter, breathed his last on the day India gained independence, 15th August, 1947. His 'Samadhi' is located at Dalhousie's Panjphulla, a picturesque spot with a natural tank and water flowing under small bridges from which the place takes its name. Sardar Ajit Singh was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. At Panjphulla, there is a 'Samarak' in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula.

Tourism in Dalhousie :

Dalhousie with its breath taking mountain chains and thick forests of deodar trees attracts a lot of tourists from near and far. Tourism in Dalhousie is soul refreshing because Dalhousie is the quietest hill station in India. Dalhousie falls in district Chamba and offers tourists the moments of unforgettable fun. Tourism in Dalhousie is in its full swing in the winter. Dalhousie experiences a very heavy snowfall. In winter a lot of people visit Dalhousie for everlasting fun. Tourism in Dalhousie is also in its full swing in summer when the beauty of majestic Bakrota Hills and other areas of Dalhousie cast a magical spell on the visitors. Tourism in Dalhousie offers a very calm and quiet holiday time and gives you a chance to enjoy the beaty of nature in a relaxed manner. Tourism in Dalhousie is also for those who love to go for camping in the wilderness of Himalayas.

How To Get There - Dalhousie

By Air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
By Road
Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.

Dharamshala Hill Station

Dharamshala is one of the popular hill station located in the Kangra district, Himachal known for its wonderful surroundings which have amidst pine trees, tea gardens with the snow covered mountains. It's home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Dharamshala is one of the popular hill station located in the Kangra district, Himachal known for its wonderful surroundings which have amidst pine trees, tea gardens with the snow covered mountains. It's home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Dharamshala Attractions

Dall Lake

11 km. The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees.

Kunal Pathri

This is around 3 km. A level walk from Kotwali Bazar leads up to the rock temple of the local goddess.

Dehra Gopipur

56 km Dehra Gopipur is situated on the banks of the Beas which provides good fishing.

Dharamkot

11 km. Situated on a hill, this picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra district and Dhauladhar.

Bhagsunath

11 km. It has an old temple, a spring, slate quarries and a small yet beautiful waterfall. A popular picnic spot.

Nurpur

95 km. from Dharamshala and 24 km. from Pathankot, Nurpur has an old fort and temple to Baij Raj. Nurpuri shawls are a good buy.

Machhrial & Tatwani

25 km. There are hot springs at Tatwani. On the way there is a waterfall at Machhrial, twice as big as that at Bhagsunath.

Kareri

1,983 metres, Kareri is 22 km from Kotwali Bazar. 13 km from the Kareri Rest House is Kareri lake, surrounded by green meadows, oak and pine trees.

Lord Elgin`s Memorial

8 km. The Church of St. John in the wilderness has a monument to Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, who died at Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.

Sujanpur Tira

80 km. A historic town famous for Kangra paintings of the time of Raja Sansar Chand. There is an old palace open to visitors. The Holi festival at Sujanpur is celebrated decoratively.

Triund

2,827 metres and 17 km. Triund lies at the foot of the perpetually snowclad Dhauladhar. The snow line starts at IIaq, 5 km from Triund. It affords a breath-taking view of the snow above and the valley below.
Sports Activities

Getting There

By Air

Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is 13 km. away at Goggla

By Road

Direct and regular bus services operate from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur. Taxis are also available.


By Rail

Up to Pathankot by broad gauge line (85 km) by road and then up to Kangra by narrow gauge line. The nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir (22 km

Parwanoo Hill Station

Once a sleepy little hamlet, the beautiful hill station of Parwanoo is today a major center of activities of tourism in Himachal Pradesh. A bustling town with several industrial activities growing up today, Parwanoo is today one of the most important influences in Himachal Pradesh. Snow clad for the major part of the year, a tour to Parwanoo is an escape into nature where almost every aspect of the natural surroundings of the region has a story to narrate. Adding an even special touch to the surroundings of this beautiful are the various orchards and fruit farms of Parwanoo which are the leading influences in the process of industrialization of Parwanoo.

While on a trip to Parwanoo make sure you visit some of the most important tourist destinations of Parwanoo, which includes:

How To Reach

Renuka (132-km)
Dagshai (28-km)
Subathu (16-km)
Pinjore (10-km)
Kasauli (37-km)

By Air :- The nearest airport to Parwanoo is at Chandigarh, located around 22 kms away from Parwanoo.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Parwanoo is at Kalka, located around 4 kms away from Parwanoo. The station is well-connected to Parwanoo as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Parwanoo by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Mashobra Hill Station

One of the two presidential retreats of India, the tiny hill town of Mashobra is one of the most high profile though, lesser known hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by dense coniferous forests, the sleepy hamlet of Mashobra is a definite must visit while planning a tour itinerary to Himachal Pradesh. Snow covered slopes of the Western Himalayas act as a natural boundary to a land which remains charmingly covered by mist almost all around the year. Winding roads take you past streams of the clearest water imaginable in to a land which offers you all the ingredients to make your holiday in Mashobra the dream vacation you had always wished for!

A tour to Mashobra is one of the best ways of experiencing the beauty and culture of Himachal Pradesh. There are several temples in the town, many of which are considered to be some of the most revered temples of Himachal Pradesh.

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra. The station is well-connected to Mashobra as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Mashobra by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Kufri Hill Station

Winding roads lead past a lake filled with the clearest blue water possible if this description makes you yearn for a vacation, get ready and pack your bags for Kufri, one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh. A skier's paradise, the beautiful hill station of Kufri is definitely one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh.

Once, a part of the Kingdom of Nepal, the beautiful district of Kufri was brought into prominence by the British, who "discovered" this sleepy hamlet in 1819. Its importance in the tourism of Himachal Pradesh was further accentuated thanks to its prominence to Shimla, which was already established as a major tourist attraction of Himachal Pradesh, in addition to being the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Kufri is at Shimla, located around 19 kms away from Kufri.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Kufri is at Shimla, located around 19 kms away from Kufri. The station is well-connected to Kufri as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Kufri by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Khajjiar Hill Station

Located around 24 kms away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a saucer shaped plateau, which is surrounded by lush, green forests of conifers like Pine and Fir. Breathtakingly beautiful and spell binding with its simplicity, a trip to Khajjiar is a definite must include if you are planning a tour itinerary to Himachal Pradesh.

A hiker's paradise, Khajjiar is also known as "Mini Switxerland", a title, the truth of which is evident the moment you step into this charming land. The very air of Khajjiar is magical, filling you with a sense of purity and freshness as it sweeps through your hair. One of the many claims to fame of Khajjiar is the fact that the district was officially baptized by the Swiss Ambassador on July 7, 1992 an event, which is marked by the transportation of a stone from the region, which was added to a stone sculpture, which can be seen in Berne, the capital of Switzerland.

If you are planning a holiday in Khajjiar make sure you pay a visit to the Khajjinag Temple which is home to life sized images of the five Pandavas, epic heroes of the Mahabharata.

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Khajjiar is at Jammu, located around 200 kms away from Khajjiar.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Khajjiar is at Pathankot or ChakkiBank, located at a distance of 80 Kms. Both these stations are well-connected to Khajjiar as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Khajjiar by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Kasauli Hill Station

One of the most picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh as well as one of the best preserved relics of the British Raj, a tour to Kasauli is a definite must include if you are planning a tour itinerary to Himachal Pradesh. Once a cantonment of the British army in India, this pristinely beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh reminds one of a world steeped in medievalism. Cobbled roads lead to quaint cottages which add a touch of elegance to this naturally beautiful land. A perfect destination for newly weds, planning their honeymoon in Kasauli, the land is also a perfect destinations for large families planning a holiday in Kasauli.

Picturesque at almost each and every turn of the road, Kasauli is a surrounded by a thousand blossoms almost throughout the year, filling the air all around with a fragrance that makes the tourists to the land refreshed the moment they step into this mediaeval paradise.

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Kasauli is at Shimla, located around 77 kms away from Kasauli.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Kasauli is at Shimla, located around 77 kms away from Kasauli. The station is well-connected to Kasauli as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Kasauli by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Chamba Hill Station

Hidden by the tall confers which greet you the moment you step into this delightful hill station of Himachal Pradesh, a trip to Chamba is truly one of the most pleasant ways to savor best of the tourism in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled between the snowy slopes of the Great Himalaya, the Dhauladhar and the Pangi-Pir Panjal ranges, the pristine beauty of Chamba is made even more special by the rich history and heritage of the land, which seems to provide the tourists to Chamba with the perfect getaway from the daily humdrum of our lives in today's world.

Perhaps the pivotal point in the tourism in Chamba is the famous Manimahesh range, revered throughout this picturesque hamlet as the abode of "Mahesh" or Lord Shiva, one of the principle forces of the Hindu Trinity.

Once the capital of the Chamba kings, the village is also home to the temple of Lakhna Devi, arguably the oldest surviving wooden temple in the world and a definite must visit while on a holiday in Chamba.

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Chamba is at Gaggal, located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Chamba is at Pathankot or ChakkiBank. Both these stations are well-connected to Chamba as well as the other railway stations of India. Easy means of transportation are available from both these railway junctions to Chamba.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Chamba by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Chail Hill Station

Rich in a heritage, which stems from a history dating back to times immemorial, Chail is one of the lesser known tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh. Set up by Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, after his expulsion from Shimla, the tiny picturesque hamlet of Chail is an oasis of peace and serenity, which is a welcome change from the hustle bustle of Shimla, located around 45 kms away from Chail.

An air of regality envelopes almost every nook and corner of this beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh. This is coupled with a sense of medievalism that promises to make your holiday in Chail, one of your most pleasant vacations ever!

How To Reach

By Air :- The nearest airport to Chail is at Chandigarh, located around 120 kms away from the hill town of Chail. The nearest international airport to Chail is at New Delhi, the capital city of India, located around 382 kms away from Chail.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Chail is at Pathankot or ChakkiBank. Both these stations are well-connected to Chail as well as the other railway stations of India. Easy means of transportation are available from both these railway junctions to Chail. The easiest way of traveling to Chail from these cities is through Kandaghat which offers the services of a toy train, which connects these two cities.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Chail by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

 Nestled within the high edged Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is an interesting hill station for summer and winter vacation. From some great hiking experience at Kufri to the beauty of snowfall in Manali, the adventure of hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is noteworthy. The amazing view of the snow capped mountain ranges and the sunset beyond the peaks is a sight that you have wished to see throughout your life. Adventure sports in the various hill stations of Himachal have set it apart from other mountainous regions of the country. Adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh draws a significant number of couples on honeymoon and other trekking groups.

Popular hill stations of Himachal Pradesh

While the towns and cities of Himachal have lots to offer with accommodation, food, and adventure, the hill stations are popular too. The hiking trails, frozen lakes, and Yak ride appeal to adventure tourists coming the state.

Kufri- Hiking, skiing, and trekking would be reasons enough for you to visit the place during winter vacation. The peak season in Kufri is between November to March. This is the time when you have the snow and the sun as well. A journey of around 19 km from Shimla would take you to Kufri, a small hill station. Pony and Yak ride, stay a resort, and go on a trip to the nature parks.

 Dalhousie- With the Dhauladhar range on the backdrop, Dalhousie is an interesting hill station as you have not much to do other than enjoying the beauty of the place. Situated on the eastern part of River Ravi, rafting is an important activity during the summer time. There are colonial buildings and low-roof homes of the British era. The prime attraction of the place is the Jandhri Ghat, a palace surrounded by tall pine trees.

Kullu Valley- The altitude unfolding in the lap of the Himalayas, Kullu is the ultimate attraction of entire Himachal Pradesh. Offering the tourists a lovely ambience at the banks of River Beas, the stunning beauty of the valley will leave you enthralled. Adventure sports like paragliding are an important activity here and the town of Kullu has green meadows and tall trees. During snow months, tourists come in for the fun at the valley slopes and you have excellent resorts for accommodation. Few prominent attractions of Kullu are Great Himalayan National Park, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Brighu Lake, and the celebration of Dusshera festival.

Dharamshala- This is the hill station of the Dhauladhar range around 17 km from Kangra valley. The oak and conifer trees give it the look of a tropical forest in the evening. Offering a pleasant climate to the visitors, it is also the headquarters of Kangra Valley. Dharamshala is the place where presently The Dalai Lama resides. You can tour the Kangra Art Museum, War Memorial, and the Kunal Pathri Temple from this mighty hill station in Himachal Pradesh.

Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Chail
Chamba
Kasauli
Khajjiar
Kufri
Mashobra
Parwanoo
Dharamshala
Dalhousie
Kangra
Solan

Wilson Hill Station

Wilson Hills  is a hill station in the Valsad district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is near Dharampur Tahsil and is also the nearest hill station to Surat. Located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 870 m (2,700 feet) above sea level it is about 120 km from Surat and 60 km from Valsad.

Wilson Hills stands in a densely forested region close to the Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the few hill stations in the world from which it is possible to glimpse the sea.

Due to its elevation, Wilson Hills enjoys a cooler and less humid climate than the surrounding area, which makes it popular during the summer months.

Wilson Hills was named in memory of Lord Wilson, the Governor of Mumbai from 1923 to 1928, by Vijay Devji, the last King of Dharampur. Lord Wilson and King Vijay Devji had planned to develop the area into a hill station, but the project failed to take place. A monument to their memory remains on the peak.

In 2003, Ashish Birendra Sharma, a businessman of Vapi, formed a company named Hotel Wilson Highland Pvt Ltd with the intention of finally developing a hill resort.

Location

Wilson Hills is located about 130 km from Surat, 80 km from Navsari, and 60 km from Valsad. It is connected by a tar road to the town of Dharampur, which is 29 km (18 miles) away at the base of the hills.

Travel Information

The nearest airport is in Surat, located around 140 km from Wilson Hills. The nearest railhead is Valsad on the Surat-Mumbai main line.

Saputara Hill Station

Saputara, literally the ‘abode of serpents’, is Saputara best known hill resort ,at the height of 875 metres, saputara offers a pleasant climate and panoramic view of lush green Dang forest. The hill station is small enough to be entirely covered by foot. perched on a plateau in the Dangs forest area in the Sahyadri range of mountains, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. The town has an image of a serpent on the banks of the river Sarpganga which is worshipped by adivasis or tribals.


Vansda National Park:
Vansda National Park: Originally, a private forest of maharaja of Vansada, the park now covers on area of 24 sq kms. Despite its small size the park harbours tiger, leopard, pangolin, rusty-spotted cat, python, giant squirrel, fourhorned antelope etc. Prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, of Gandhinagar or DFO, Ahwa is required before visiting the park.

SaputaraPurna Sanctuary:
Purna Sanctuary: Covering an area of 160 sq kms, Purna Sanctuary is a part of a dense moist deciduous forest in the Western Ghat of Gujarat. Situated at Mahal, 60 kms, north of Dangs, the sanctuary is crossed by Purna and Gira rivers. There are bamboo lined pathways for trekkers. Prior permission is necessary for visiting.

Boating:
The Saputara Lake surrounded by greenery makes it pleasurable to sail in the lake in a row or paddle boat.

Sunrise Point:
It is a point which offers the best view of Saputara and adjoining Malegoan could be reached after a walk of 1.5 km in the direction of Waghai. The naming restricts the tourist traffic to this best place as tourists believe that the point should only be visited at sun rise, however, one may visit it at any time of the day to catch a panoramic view. The Tata Consultancy Services has suggested renaming this point as Valley View Point to enhance tourist traffic.

The Ropeway:
A ten minutes ride across the valley to the sunset point organised by Hotel Vaity.

Shopping

You may pick up some trinkets like pen stands and key chains in bamboo et al from the Gandharvapur Artist Village as souvenirs and gift items from Saputara.
Excursion

Mahal Bardipura ForestFrom Saputara you may move ahead to the wildlife sanctuary in the Mahal Bardipura forest. At a distance of 60 km from Saputara the Mahal Bardipura forest is bestowed with rivers and bamboo glades thus offering excellent walking and trekking options.

Then there are the Gira waterfalls that make excellent excursion option from Saputara. Just 52 km away from Saputara the Gira Waterfalls should not be missed especially during the months of June to November.
Weather

The hill resort of Saputara promises to refresh the tourists throughout the year with its cool weather. Saputara does not experience any extreme temperature variations and is an ideal getaway for the sun-scorched souls of the plains. The monsoon rains add to the magic of Saputara. Thus you may plan your trip to the Saputara hills any time of the year the best time is from middle of March to middle of November

Location

Saputara is situated in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Range at an altitude of 873 m above sea level.
Travel Info

Saputara is 420 kms from Ahmedabad, 589 kms from Bhavnoagar, 603 kms from Rajkot , 172 kms from Surat, 80 kms from Nasik, 185 kms from Mumbai.

Air:
Mumbai is the nearest airport, 185 km away.

Rail:
Nasik is also most convenient railhead.

Road:
There is bus facility from Nasik and Surat.

Accommodation

Accommodation is easily available at Saputara. There are few hotels in Saputara besides the cottages and the log huts that offer a comfortable stay at Saputara. For food along with the hotels there are several restaurants and wayside stalls to cater to needs of the tourists to Saputara. Even the Gujarat Tourism Corporation runs a well-equipped station at Saputara.

Itanagar Hill Station

Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 metres above mean sea level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings is the major tribe in Itanagar area.

However, Itanagar can be called as "Mini India", as people from all over the country, lives here in harmony. As a capital town, Itanagar is well connected with the rest of the country by road and air communications. Because of its convenient location near the road and rail arteries alongside the Brahmaputra River, Itanagar was chosen Arunachal's capital in the first place. Itanagar has been identified with Mayapur, the capital of the 11th century AD JItri Dynasty.

Prime Attractions of Itanagar

Buddhist Temple
Consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist temple, a beautiful yellow roofed shrine reflects the extensive Tibetan influence and provides good views of Itanagar and the surrounding countryside.

Ita Fort
Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh is derived from his historical fort called Ita Fort situated at the heart of the capital complex in Papum Pare district. It is a historical fort of an irregular shape, built mainly with bricks.

Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum provides a kaleidoscope of Arunachal Pradesh and one can see woodcarvings, musical instruments, textiles, handicrafts and archeological finds, while a workshop in the Handicrafts Centre specializes in traditional cane manufacture. It has a library section also. Timing: Tuesday To Saturday - 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Excursions from Itanagar

Ganga Lake/ Gyakar Sinyi(6Km.)
The capital houses the Rajbhawan, the official residence of the Governor has also many worth visiting places in and around Itanagar. These include legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi). It is a beautiful picnic spot, 6-kms away from Itanagar, a green forest lake surrounded by primeval vegetation, orchids masses on tall trees, tree ferns provides a small taste of the magnificent forests of the state.

Significance - Itanagar

Capital City Of Arunachal Pradesh.

How To Get There - Itanagar

By Air
The nearest airport to Itanagar, at Lilabari in Assam, 67-km away, and served by connecting buses, is served by fights to and from Guwahati (2 hr 20min) and to, but not from Dibrugarh (45 min). There is also a trice weekly Pawan Hans helicopter service between Itanagar and Guwahati.
By Rail
Fast passenger trains from Guwahati run as far as Harmuti, 33-km away in Assam.
By Road
Overnight buses connect Itanagar with Guwahati (11 hr), and Arunachal State Transport run an extensive service throughout the state. Buses leave for Tinsukia in the evening, arriving early the following morning, and from there connections can be made to Namdapha and Parashuramkunda.

Places To Stay - Itanagar

The best bet for accommodation in the state is Itanagar, varying from luxurious ones to reasonable budget hotels.

General Information - Itanagar

Location
400-km Northwest of Guwahati, Arunachal Pradesh.
Main Attraction
Buddhist Temple, Ita Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Gyakar Sinyi.
Best Time
Round The Year.

Haflong Hill Station

Region : Assam state, from northern side of Silchar about eighty four kilometers.

Major Attractive Feature : Jatinga

Relevance : Northern cacher hill's district council

Perfect Visiting Time : Month of August and November

Haflong is an amazing hill station spot of Assam state. This hill station has been situated on the altitude location of the six hundred eighty meters over the sea level. Haflong hill station is plays the role of headquarter of the district northern cacher hills this is one of the Assam state's twenty three. It is about eighty five kilometers far from the northern Sichaar and from the city of Guwahati, the distance is about three hundred forty five kilometers. This land actually looks like a creation of the Nature god; it is still having its real look in this modernize world. The whole area of the Haflong has been slept under the dark greenery; you will get to see different types of fruits and flowers on this green land, which quickly captures your attention. The look of the entire Haflong is magnificent and it decorates itself through orchids, painted blue hills and colored green Rivers. You will definitely get amazed when you will see the huge numbers of variety of flowers; you will hardly get to see at any other place. The entire hill station is very much popular because of more than two lakh different types of flowers. Haflong gives to opportunity to try the para gliding, gliding and trekking, that’s why not only the tourist and nature lover visit Haflong but adventurous people also give preference to visit this place of Assam. People of different religions like Hmars, Karbis, Mizos, Dimasas, Khelmas and Nagas give a diversified beauty and look to this hill station.

The weather condition of Haflong hill station is very relaxing and calm in the entire year. The maximum temperature of this place different from the 24'celcius - 30'celcius and the minimum temperature comes in between the 10'celcius and 14'celcius. The rainy season at this place begins during the May and it continues till September, the rainfall has not divided in the entire place. The general weather of Haflong is pleasant and cool. The temperature goes down till the December end and in January start again this beautiful hill station gets its real beauty back.

Nearby Attractive Spots :

Jatinga :

This near by location is popular because of he migratory birds. This is situated about twenty kilometers on the Halfong's southern side. The distance is not so far that's why you can visit this place to see the different types of migratory birds. The entire Jainga has been wrapped by the blue color Vandas orchids. This place is famous as a puzzling place, because large numbers of migratory birds died at this place in every place, it happens only during the months of August - November. From Jatinga's Hempeopet peak, you will be able to see the eye pleasant sunrise.

Haflong Lake :

The lake of the Haflong is a real thrill. This has been situated at Haflong hill station's heart. This lake is one of the biggest water bodies created by the nature in the Assam. Here you can do many more fun activities such as boating. Close to this, there is a one more popular spot for tourists like you; it is very near about nine kilometers from the Haflong Lake.

Maibong :

This hill station location of the Assam was a Dimasa Kachari Kindom's capital in the early times, while the 16th century's mid and 19th century's mid. Maibong hill station is little but far from the Haflong hill station, the distance is about forty five kilometers. It had been destroyed, but still today it is present at this place. This hill station possess Ramchandi temple which has been dedicated to Kachari kings, in the twelfth century. Mahur River passes from this hill station, it attracts the large numbers tourists.

Visit :

You can reach at Haflong hill station through rail or road transport modes. Get down at railway station of Lower Haflong, from the town it is about three kilometers far.

There are private buses, which run on the main road. From the market area of Haflong it is about hundred meters far on the above side.

Stay :

Within the Haflong you will get facilities of accommodation very easily. As per your budget you can choose the accommodation facility.

Close Cities :

Silchar - Eighty four kilometers

Lamding - One hundred forty one kilometers

Maibong - Forty seven kilometers

Diphu - One hundred seventy eight kilometers

Nowgang - One hundred ten kilometers

Umrongso - One hundred twelve kilometers.

Best Clubbing Holiday Destinations in Europe – Ibiza

Ibiza is truly one of those rare destinations where you experience a very special feeling as your plane touches down on the runway. It’s a country that keeps hundreds of thousands of visitors coming back year after year, a place where (almost) anything goes and different nationalities come together and celebrate the summer season.

Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain – it can be reached in 2-3  hours from the UK or by boat if you happen to be driving through Spain. It came to prominence in the late 80s when Danny Rampling and Paul Oakenfold brought what they saw whilst on holiday in Ibiza back to the UK, helping kick off the acid house scene and spreading the word of what they experienced in Ibiza. From then on, Ibiza grew and grew and it is now a mecca for clubbers across the globe, it’s a place like minded people can come and unite around the central theme of dance music. It’s a true summer holiday destination.

The famous Space Ibiza terrace

There are several different areas to Ibiza – San Antonio in the West is largely populated with young people out to enjoy themselves on holiday – the demographic is largely English here, with plenty of late night bars, clubs and beaches. The famous Cafe Del Mar as well as Mambo and Ibiza Rocks hotel are also found here. Ibiza town and nearby Playa d’en Bossa in the south east are slightly more upmarket destinations attracting more Germans, Italians and Spanish. Space Ibiza and Pacha, two of the most famous and well-regarded clubs in the world, are located in this region.  In between the two are another two famous clubs – Privilege and Amnesia. The clubs in Ibiza are sights to behold, mostly holding around 5,000 people with many different areas. Needless to say come summer they attract the biggest DJs such as David Guetta, Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Carl Cox and Pete Tong. As far as clubbing holidays go – Ibiza is certainly the number one destination in the world.

The Sunset Strip, West End

It’s not just the clubbing either that makes Ibiza so attractive – there are dozens of beautiful secluded beaches easily accessible with a car, as most people stay in the main towns you can find some gems to relax at. In addition, the seemingly endless sunshine, the temperate Mediterranean sea and a host of chilled beach bars offering delicious cocktails and Spanish food, Ibiza is truly one of the best holiday destinations around.

Best Holiday Destinations – Stag Weekends in Riga

As far as city breaks or stag weekends go, Riga, Latvia’s capital city, is right up there as a great holiday destination. Visitor numbers to this city have soared over the last decade as the secret gets out about this cracking place. Cities like Prague, Krakow and Bratislava (and maybe Newcastle!) often get banded about as top destinations for a weekend of debauchery for the groom to be. But Riga is a great alternative, with a varied mix of cheap bars, culture, attractive women and adrenalin-filled activities.

Riga is a student city at its heart which lends well to the objectives of many a stag do. A young demographic helps ensure a plentiful range of bars and pubs on offer in the city, drinks are fairly cheap although not to the same extent as Prague or Bratislava. But it is probably a classier, nicer place to go in our opinion, with more to do aside from just drinking.

Indeed, if you are after a pleasant city break, Riga is a great holiday destination in its own right. Just outside the city you can find a Bobsleigh track you can actually get involved in, the old town boasts some magnificent buildings including St Peters Church, there are countless museums, shops, restaurants, golf courses, an aquapark, karting...the list goes on and on.

The locals are also friendly and accommodating to the tourists in Riga – something some other Eastern European countries have (perhaps understandably in some cases!) been lacking on our travels.  All in all Riga stag weekends offer excellent diversity, and its also an excellent destination for a weekend city break. There’s plenty to see, plenty to do, and all relatively cheap and close to the UK. You can fly there in less than 3 hours from London. So if you’re looking for a lads weekend, a spot of culture or an adventure holiday – Riga is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

South East Asia - One of the best holiday destinations around

South East Asia over the years has blossomed as one of the most popular tourist destinations for holidaymakers of all types. Each year young backpackers, families and young couples come flocking to South East Asia in their thousands, many of which keep returning year after year.  But what is it that makes South East Asia so alluring and why do countries like Thailand make the best holiday destinations?

Typically the answer you will find is quite simple, it has it all. For couples you can find romantic getaways tucked away on some of Thailand’s most stunning islands, for backpackers money can go a long way enabling them to tour every corner of this amazing region taking them to some of the most interesting countries in the world, and for families you will find many activities from elephant trekking to scuba diving to keep everyone entertained.  On top of this you have some of the best tasting and most unusual cuisine served in restaurants and on most street corners for everyone to feast their eyes on.  On some menus you will find obscure dishes including deep fried insects, snakes blood and even dog in restaurants and street stalls throughout Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Phi Phi, Thailand

However these are probably some of the more typical reasons why South East Asia makes one of the best holiday destinations. Besides these reasons, one of the main reasons that keep travellers returning year after year to South East Asia is the people.  

a Vietnamese feast

It might look like unorganised chaos for many first time travellers but behind the hustle and bustle of large metropolitan cities such as Bangkok lies deep rooted tradition that is etched into everyone’s heart of people living there.  If you spend enough time getting to know the people and chatting with them you will learn more about their culture which will leave you with long lasting memories.

You’ll find most people will greet you with big smile and a warm welcome.  Their hospitable and inquisitive nature will make you feel very special leaving you relaxed and feeling at home even though you are thousands of miles away.  

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Overall it isn’t just because of good weather, the amazing beaches, great tasting food and affordability that keeps people returning to this region of the world, the real reason people keep returning time and time again is because of the people.  Without the people South East Asia wouldn’t have the same charm and if you plan on travelling to this region make sure you take time to get to know them and you will leave appreciating an entire new way of life.

To gain further insight into travels in South East Asia visit Chris Walker's excellent travel blog today.