Nine Best Destinations to Visit in Asia

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Nine Best Destinations to Visit in Asia

                                 “To Travel Is To Live”

When Gayle Foreman proclaimed "Travelling is not something we are good at; it's something we do, like breathing”, he captured the essence of a life well lived. There’s a whole world out there to explore and take in, sights both known and unknown. Read on to find a list of 9 wonderful places you can visit in Asia.

1) BRUNEI

This scenic country offers you travel at its best form. Its capital Bander Seri Begawan shines with its magnificent mosques that is the exact contrast to the stilt house water village and flourishing mangrove forests nearby.

The main attractions are Brunei City center which is small, compact and can be easily explored on foot and has the city’s traditional and modern architectural styles embedded in it. Also to see is the Brunei Museums which showcases the nation's history and culture and don't miss the Ulu Temburong National Park. This small yet wealthy nation has got it all!

2) SRI LANKA

This small country boasts of a rather unique culture and tradition. It comprises of scenic spots such as Kandy which is home to Buddhist relic, Galle- a coastal city home to the Galle Fort, a lighthouse, and a marine-time museum.

There are also national parks to visit such as Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe for safaris and Peradeniya for beautiful gardens. For the shopoholics in us, Pettah is a must visit -with it large variety of markets for clothes, souvenirs and so on. Sri Lanka is famous for the Ceylon tea production. Make sure to visit Royal botanical garden to witness the fascinating tea production process. Trust me after seeing that you will be a tea lover if you weren’t before!

  

3) FUJAIRAH

This small emirate in UAE houses the most scenic beauties of United Arab Emirates. Located near the mountains and flowing rivers it's a must-see place to visit and enjoy. Starting with the imperial Fujairah Fort and Al Badiyah Mosque showcases this emirate’s culture and tradition.

Next up is the Madhab Spring Park which is a perfect spot for kids to play and enjoy. There are shopping malls which provide modern choices for tourists but for a traditional outlet, you have to visit the Fujairah Heritage village for some of its relic collection. Finally, nobody misses the sandy beach and corniche which are the serene spots. If you want a relaxing environment without any loud arrangements, Fujairah is the place to go!

4) COCOS KEELING ISLANDS

A paradise for nature lovers located in the middle of Indian Ocean, some 2750 km northwest of Perth, these islands are usually enroute for boats from Mauritius. If you want a break from your tech, then this is the holiday for you.

It also has activities such as the Lagoon swim, mid-year Cocos Ball, Music and wine festivals and also dishes out concert events. Snorkeling is the favorite activity around this region. It's great for all ages and offers shallow and protected conditions. The islands offer numerous snorkeling spots that cater to all experience levels. Whether this is your first time snorkeling or you have already snorkeled the waters of the world, there are plenty of options around that will delight you; the most famous of snorkeling sites is 'the Rip' located at the southern tip of Direction Island.

6) KERALA, INDIA

Deemed to be ‘God’s own country’, Kerala offers backwaters and food delicacies aplenty. From the backwaters in Alleppey to the hilly Munnar, to the coastal town in Kovalam to the paragliding, hiking experiences in Vagamon, Kerala offers a lot more than you can see and have.

The buzzing cities of Ernakulum and Trivandrum offer shopping spree for tourists and the tasty tapioca and fish curry is hard to resist.

 7) BHUTAN

This happy and serene country offers an extraordinary diversity and tourist attractions such as Thimpu, Paro, and Punakha which has amazing markets and parallely also showcases mountains, waterfalls, and temples.

It also houses Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary which is a protected area. Also, how can we ever forget the mouthwatering Ema datshi which will make your senses go high!

8) MACAU

Nicknamed as the ‘Las Vegas of Asia' this place houses giant casinos, malls and have amazing landscapes such as  Senado Square, Taipa, and Venetian Macau.

Its beautiful architecture and scenic spots will bring the fun element of holidays to the forefront. The cuisines are in variety to cater to the growing need of the tourists. It also has the iconic St Paul church which is also a religious museum.

9) JORDAN

This country houses ancient ruins and rather an antique history of their culture and tradition. The main attraction is the Dead Sea which is the salt lake which has the lowest point on the dry sea and has the famously hypersaline water and mineral-rich mud which is used a lot in cosmetics.

Also, Jordan offers deserts and oases around the region with which we can go on safaris and rides. Camping is also an option which can be utilized when you are here.

Traveling is all about enjoying the pleasures of life which can't be provided by staying in one place. These places offer you complete enjoyment at its best. Traveling tends to magnify human emotions to such an extent that it overwhelms you and makes you widen your perspective of life. So happy traveling to these wonderful places!

BY

KAVYA SANTHOSH
Born and raised in Qatar abd UAE , Kavya is an Engineer who loves dancing and travelling.

                                                                                           

Have A Safe Trip Abroad

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         How to have a safe trip abroad

Going Abroad is a long cherished dream for most of us and believe me, the actual event is no less. But to have a trip which will always give you a smile, you need to follow some safety rules. After taking into accounts of many travellers,

WiseYatra brings you the safety tips, which are given here:

1.Have the right bags

Most of the places in the world have pick pockets and petty thieves. For female travellers its always advisable to have a cross-shoulder bag, which can’t be snatched. Male travellers should keep a money belt to protect credit cards, cash and passports. These bags are tucked safely into the waistband ,making it very hard for anyone to go for it.

2.Keep your valuables in a day bag

When in a city, keep the valuables you don’t need, in the hotel locker. But things like DSLR, mobiles(which can be expensive), have to be carried. For such items, carry a day bag. Try to avoid displaying it all the time. The day bag must have compartments for everything. This will not only keep them safe from thieves ,but also from things accidentally dropping and falling.

3.Always be alert and aware

Keep an eye on your luggage at all times. Things get stolen in hostels and hotels too. Carry your own locks and use them whenever you need to. When you are out for sightseeing, be aware of your surroundings. Stay away from sudden crowding or commotion. These are often distractions caused by pickpockets.

4.Be wary of over-friendly people

Although people in most of the places are friendly but they tend to be aloof till approached. If somebody is extra nosy or friendly, be alert. It might not end on a happy note. Don’t trust people too easily. Never accept offers from people on road for stay or transit, always make these arrangements beforehand and from reliable sources. Similarly, don’t exchange money without proper authorization.

5.Careful use of ATMs

 Avoid using ATM machines in tourist areas and off-hours. Try and use an ATM inside a bank. ATM scams are not as rare as we like to imagine.

6.Blend in

Instead of screaming to be a tourist, you should try to blend in as a local. Wear what the locals wear. Even your luggage should be neutral colours, like black, grey, navy. Don’t talk too loudly and attract attention. Other than annoying locals, it also ends in profiling you. Try to learn a few magic words like thank you ,excuse me ,sorry etc in the local language.

7.Take help of a knowledgeable guide

Although ,with the advent of internet, it’s possible to plan your trip yourself ,a little help from somebody who has the expertise and experience ,does not hurt. While planning your trip ,take help of a reliable travel expert .They can not only guide you to have a safe trip but also make the process easier.

8.Be ready to spend for safety

Although budgeting is good but always keep a margin for spending extra when the other options is feeling unsafe. If you are uncomfortable in an area ,instead of walking spend money on taxi. If your hostel or apartment feels unsafe ,be ready to spend more and move to a hotel.

The idea behind writing this blog is not to make you paranoid or deter you from going for a trip but just to make you aware and prevent anything untoward from happening.

So, go ahead and enjoy your trip!

--Mamta Kumar

   An Educationist and an avid traveller

Venice--What not to miss

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                  Venice- What not to miss

Venice is a fascinating city to discover-a cluster of 118 islands, joined by canals and bridges, it never ceases to amaze visitors. But Italy has so much to offer that tourists don’t give this beautiful city its due time and often come back disappointed .We bring you here, a guide to relish this place to the fullest, wanting to be back again and again.

1.Stay overnight-

Hordes of  tourists reach Venice by the morning train and leave by the evening. The whole day this place is jam packed with people ,leaving you feeling like sardines packed in a tin. To avoid this, stay overnight and get to know the real Venice. Stay in a hotel or an apartment overlooking the canals and enjoy its beauty to the fullest.

2.Get up really early-

Get up at the crack of the dawn and see Venice as a local would. Watch the locals going about their business ,driving their modest to fancy boats. Before I saw this ,I could never wrap my mind around the fact that for going out ,you don’t take out your car but zoom around in your boat.

It’s a fascinating experience. Have a leisurely breakfast in an open air restaurant and watch streams of excited tourists arriving and changing a quaint island to a bustling hub of humanity.

3.Roam the narrow lanes-

Venice has numerous museums and churches. But unless you are enticed by those ,don’t spend too much time running from one to another. Roam the narrow lanes, head for quieter neighbourhoods , explore the labyrinth of alleyways and simply get lost in the ethereal beauty of the same.

While you are at it, take a stroll on the Rialto Bridge and enjoy the scenic beauty.

4.Watch the sunset from St. Mark’s Square-St. Mark’s Square is located in the heart of Venice and a beautiful monument to visit .But it’s overcrowded in the day, robbing it of most of its charm. Go there in the evening and watch the golden glow of the sun in the sky from there.

5.Sit on the steps near grand canal-

After sunset, take a leisurely walk and come to sit on the steps of grand canal .By this time ,tourists would have started leaving and you can watch the place changing hues and turning into this peaceful and magical island ,that Venice is.

6.Take the last water bus-

If you have a fancy for the gondola ride, by all means ,go for it. But, if you want to have a sui generis, take round ticket of the water bus and go to the farthest point and come back.

You will have a great view of the city lights ,reflecting in water and the peace and solitude of that hour is unmatched.

7.Try a Tiramisu-

 Much has been said about having a gelato in Venice but we suggest you to take a serving of the wonderful Italian delicacy, Tiramisu here. The literal meaning of Tiramisu is “ pick me up”.

This sinfully delightful coffee flavoured sweet dish is made of sponge biscuits dipped in coffee ,layered with a whipped mixture of sugar and cheese.

8.Go window shopping-

Roaming the streets ,you will come across many colourful shops selling masks ,scarves and other trinkets. Buying souvenir here will leave a big hole in your pocket but nothing stops you from just looking and having a great time doing so. 

You will also come across lovely designer stores. Don’t forget to take a peek. You will be surprised to know that Venice has no cars, but there is a showroom of  Ferrari here. Locate it and go click happy.

Bon voyage!

--Mamta Kumar

   An Educationist and an avid traveller

What to do in Paris

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                                 What to do in Paris

If you are from India and reading this, chances are that you are planning to go to Paris for the first time. Paris is rightly called ,the most romantic city of the world. But you might come back disappointed from here ,if you don’t really know what to do in the city or what to see .Fret not, we are here to guide you to  a wonderful trip to this lovely  place.

1.Climb Eiffel Tower- Paris would not have been what it is today, had it not been for lofty Eiffel Tower. Forget what the sceptics are saying about this monument, climb on top of it and enjoy a beautiful landscape of the whole city. To have the best of it, you have to be smart with the timings.

Go up when there is still daylight ,you can see the city from top.  Then come down and sit in the nearby park and enjoy the bewitching sight of tower lights.

2.Louvre and the other museums-Paris has a number of museums,130 ,to be precise ,Louvre being the most glorious one of them. Not only because of the world famous lady residing there ,but for many such magnificent artefacts.

For the rest ,take your pick as per your taste. You can consider visiting Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Armée, Grand Palace and Small Palace .

3.Notre Dame and many more- After museums ,Paris comes on top of having a number of churches too. By all means visit the most iconic, Notre Dame ,which is beautiful but don’t forget to explore others like the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur at Montmartre.

This towering white -domed church will win your heart. Just sit outside and gaze at the beautiful landscape of the city it offers.

4.Other must -see monuments-This historic city has some of the most alluring monuments of the world. Do visit the imposing structures of Arc de triomphe, Luxembourg Palace and garden, City hall and Opera house but also save time for the eerie Catacombs, the ethereal Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

These are some of the spots which most tourists miss, but are a must for a complete experience of Paris.

5.Take a walking tour- Your first day in the city should begin with a free walking tour starting from Fountain in the old city. They have the most interesting tales to share with the tourists, including trivia like ,why should you wave at the passing boats and why are the horses of different statues have different postures.

This four hour tour familiarizes you with the city so intimately that afterwards you can easily roam around exploring it in depth  at your pace .

6.Walk the glorious avenue of Champs-Elysees- From Louvre to Arc de triumph, this road is in a straight line through the  Tuilerie Gardens and the Place Concord. Old timers shed tears for the commercialization of this place but for the tourists it’s the most happening road to walk on.

It has numerous stores like Sephora, Gap ,Virgin, Louis Vuitton and also several cafes. Have a look at all but the decision to buy should be your own as the stuff is also available in India. But just walking on the wide pathways ,lined with tall trees is a pleasure .

7.Take a cruise on river Seine-Paris offers many magical things to do and see, a boat trip along the Seine comes quite on top of it. You will pass under the numerous bridges, have an uninhabited view of the tree-lined boulevards and spot all the enchanting monuments on way. You can see Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais, Petite Palais, Musee de Orsay ,Lock Bridge and the cherry on top, Eiffel Tower.

Take the evening cruise which allows you to have a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower after it has been lit up .

8.Spend time in the Tuilerie Garden- In a rush to see everything ,we often miss to experience in this city. Don’t make that mistake. After visiting the Louvre or Arc de Triomphe or strolling Champs Elysees, just grab a chair in the Tuilerie Garden and enjoy the beauty. I can assure you, if after some years somebody asks you about your favourite memory of the city, these moments will be very high on your list.

9.Sit outside a bistro and have a crepe-Relish Paris as the locals do. Take an outside table in any of the bistros and order a crepe. This wafer thin pancake ,famous in Paris ,is a must have before you plan to leave the city. Also have a Cafe au Lait with it.

Soak in the atmosphere around you while waiting for the delicacy .

These are some of our favourites when in the city of love. Go ahead and create some of your own and love the city for those.

Bon voyage!

--Mamta Kumar

   An Educationist and an avid traveller

Reasons to Visit Switzerland in Winters

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Reasons to Visit Switzerland in Winters

Beautifully nestled between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura Mountains, Switzerland encompasses a great diversity of landscapes and climates. It is like a home to snow-clad mountains and speaks the language of picturesque villages and beautiful lakes.

The winters in Switzerland are no less than magic. Christmas lights and cheers in the cities and the snow-clad mountains are just few of the wonderful things that welcome the tourists visiting Switzerland in winters. It is more heaven than country.

To make the most out of a winter holiday, Switzerland is a must visit! Here are some of the reasons why

• Skiing
  Winter is the time when Switzerland becomes the abode of skiing offering numerous amazing activities and courses in the sport. The experience is one of a lifetime and cannot, or rather should not be missed.
  There are also a dozen of ski resorts that make the country an attractive option for a holiday. These resorts are relatively snow-covered with plenty of glacier skiing.

• The Matterhorn
  The Matterhorn is one of the mountains of the Alps and is recognized as the symbol of Switzerland and visiting it in person is extremely breathtaking.
  

  

  Climbing this beauty is taken up as a challenge by mountaineers. It welcomes tourists and nature-lovers as well to admire its tranquility.
  The Matterhorn Glacier paradise is the highest summer ski region in Europe and is open 365 days a year.

• The waterfalls
  In addition to being a land of fascinating lakes, villages and mountains, Switzerland also offers spectacular waterfalls, Rhine waterfalls being the biggest in Europe!
  

  

  
  The Trümmelbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley are a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain made accessible to visitors.
  These are just some of the 72 spectacular waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley!

• The Swiss National Museum
  The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is one the city’s top tourist attractions and is one of the most important art museums of cultural history in Europe.  
  Captivating the eyes of amateur historians, culture lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike, its impressive architecture with dozens of towers, courts and its astonishing park on a peninsula between the rivers Sihl and Limmat has become one of the main sights of the Old City District of Zurich.
  The museum contains a very rich section with gothic art, chivalry and a comprehensive collection of liturgical wooden sculptures, panel paintings and carved altars which is not worth missing!  

• Canton of Ticino
  Ticino is an Italian speaking part in the southernmost canton of Switzerland also referred to as the ‘land of culture’ with plenty of things to do from both Swiss and Italian food, to music and art performances around every corner.
  

  

  
  It’s also a great region for cycling—from the stunning mountainous scenery and sparkling lakes to the red-roofed village houses clustered along the shores.
  

  

These are a whole lot of reasons to persuade anyone to visit Switzerland in winters because it’s no less than heaven.😇😇

--Nikita Kabra
An aspiring writer who aims at having a life changing impact on her readers through her writing and travel experience.