Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Journey to Goa

Journey to Goa on India's west coast and enjoy a holiday you will cherish forever. Goa, a state in India, known for its fabulous beaches, is a a holiday destination popular with tourists from across the world. When in Goa you can have a relaxed holiday, spending hours lazing on the beach and sipping a drink beneath the waving palm trees, and contemplate staying in Goa forever, for its is a holiday destination you will not want to leave.
The golden sands of Goa are a favorite destination for holiday seekers on a journey of adventure and relaxation. You can enjoy a range of water sports in Goa, from surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, jetskiing and waterscooter rides. You can build sand castles on the shore, go for long walks on the beach and collect seashells in Goa. Lie back and let the sea breeze caress you on a beach holiday journey to Goa.
How to reach Goa
Tourists will find it easy to journey to Goa by air, rail and road.
Air: Goa is linked to the large cities of India by air routes. Dabolim Airport is Goa's main airport and is situated 29 km, from Panaji, the capital of Goa. There are gregualr flights to Goa from Mumabai and Delhi on domestic Indian flights. Many tour operators also operae chartered flights from international airports to Goa. Air India, India's international Airline also flies to Goa from international airports.
Rail: Super-fast and express trains connect Goa to destinations across India. Goa's main railway stations are at Margao and Vasco da Gama.
Road: Highways and roads conenct Goa to all the leading cities of India. Panaji has the Kadamba bus stand from where busues journey across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, India
Ship: The boat service from Mumbai plies daily. Local ferries are also used by the residents of Goa for transportation.
The sights to see on your tour to Goa are:

Panaji: A journey to the capital of Goa, India, will take you to a heritage location in Western India. There are with many renowned buildings and Churches constructed in traditional Gothic style in Panaji town, which is situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. Some of the well known churches and buildings are Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the Secretariat building and the statue of Abbe Faria, which you can see on your sightseeing journey in Goa.

Old Goa: The holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, is the resting place of the body of St. Francis Xavier. Roman Catholics from all over the world make the journey to this famous pilgrimage destination in India. Other famous churches in Goa are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Chapel of St. Catherine and Chapel of St. Anthony.














Calangute Beach, Goa: This beautiful beach in Goa stretches across the coast of North Goa. A favorite of people of all ages Calangute Beach is known for its 7 km expanse of sand and its food and trinket stalls.
Dona Paula Beach, Goa: At a distance of 7 km from Panaji, Dona Paula Beach is also called Lovers Paradise. The beach is a favorite venue of water sports lovers, since it offers many activities including windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, water-scooter rides, parasailing, motorboat rides, yachting and kayaking.













Anjuna Beach, Goa: An 18 km journey from Panaji takes you to Anjuna beach, famous for its beach raves and trance parties. The flea market held near Anjuna Beach on Wednesdays, where souvenirs and trinkets are sold is also very popular with tourists.












Colva and Benaulim Beaches, Goa: Located 20 km from Panaji, these beautiful beaches in South Goa, are less crowded than the busy beaches near Panaji. Colva beach extends for 20 km and is Goa's longest beach. Beach stalls and the nearby Church's festival are popular with tourists visiting Colva and Benaulim Beaches.











Vagator and Chapora Beaches, Goa: If you make a journey of about 24 km from Panaji to North Goa, you will find Vagator and Chapora Beaches, known for their isolated beauty. The 500-year-old Portuguese fort in the vicinity is a fun place to explore the historic past of Goa on your Journey to Goa.

Fort Aguada, Goa: This heritage Fort, contains a lighthouse and a Jail, which makes a picturesque backdrop for the Fort Aguada Beach.

Dudhsagar Waterfall, Goa: named Dudhsagar for their milky appearance (the name means Sea of Milk in Hindi) these falls can be seen, 60 km from Panaji. This scenic location is amust-visit particularly after the monsoon, for the falls are at their best.
Palolem Beach: Palolem Beach, also called Paradise beach, is known for its calm ambience, and lack of crowds. You can see Dolphins in the sea or go on a fishing cruise on Palolem Beach.

Agonda Beach, Goa: Not far from Palolem Beach, Agonda beach is an undisturbed vacation spot. The palm-fringed beach and the Fort Cabo de Rama, worth visting on your journey to Goa.
Temples of Goa: Goa has many Hindu temples which are historically significant. Temples often visited by pilgrimsa are the Shri Ganesha Temple, the Shanta Durga Temple, the Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple Shri Anantha Temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple, Devaki-Krishna Temple and Shri Mangesha Temple.



Source:Hindustanis.org

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur Tour

Delhi
A journey around Delhi, the capital of India is a must for any visitor, for the city has a lot to offer. From historic monuments and museums to parks and gardens, a variety of cuisine on offer, ranging from traditionally Indian to international, and shopping options from traditional bazaars to mega malls, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a sense of history.
Some of the places to visit in Delhi are:











Red Fort: It is from the ramparts of this majestic building that the Indian Prime Minister addresses the nation every August 15th or Indian Independence Day. Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan (1628-58), this magnificent fort, made of red sandstone, was the seat of governance of the Emperor. Within the fort is the Diwan-e-Khas or Hall of Special Audience and Diwan-e-Am or Hall of the People, where the Emperor held court and dispensed justice. The fort contains a museum of arms and weaponry. There is a sound and light show in the evening that depicts the history of the fort and the medieval rulers of Delhi.
Qutab Minar: Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak began the construction of this 72.5 m high victory pillar in 1199 A.D. and it was completed by his son-in-law Sultan Iltutmish. This sandstone and marble structure was built over the remains of Kila Rai Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan - the last Hindu King of Delhi.



















India Gate: This 42 metre high arch is set at one end of Rajpath, a broad avenue that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Presidents mansion, through the green central vista of Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi, it is a war memorial that commemorates the soldiers who died in World War I. The names of the martyrs are inscribed on the walls of the arch. Beneath it is an eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti, which glows in memory of the Unknown Soldier. The lawns around India Gate are a popular picnic spot.
Humayun's Tomb: This elegant monument was the first tomb to be set within a formal garden, in the Indian subcontinent. Commissioned by Hamida Begum, Humayun's wife, after his death in 1556, this mausoleum's symmetrical proportions and setting on a large platform influenced the design of other monuments, including the Taj mahal.
Jantar Mantar: This astronomical observatory is located near Connaught Place in the centre of Delhi. Built by the king of Jaipur, Raja Sawai Jai Singh, these large geometric structures are scientific instruments that were used to observe and measure the movements of celestial objects. The interesting shapes of these brick and plaster structures, placed within a garden, are truly worth seeing.











Bahai Temple: A newer architectural wonder in this historic city, this house of worship of the Bahai faith, is built in the shape of a lotus and commonly called the Lotus Temple. Set amidst green lawns, this white marble structure is open to all and is a perfect space for meditation, since total silence is maintained within the temple at all times.
Some of the places to visit in and around Agra on your journey to this city in north India are:
The Taj Mahal: A poet once described this enchanting monument as "A teardrop of love, frozen in marble on the cheek of Eternity." Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Exalted one of the Palace), after her death in 1631, this exquisite tomb is recognized the world over for its aesthetic perfection and is considered a symbol of eternal love. Situated near the banks of the River Yamuna, in Agra, this white marble mausoleum is set like a jewel amidst the serene ambience of a formal garden. Its green lawns and waterways lead to a raised platform on which the tomb rests. The refined elegance of the artistic pietra dura work of inlaid designs on the marble walls, the large onion-shaped dome and its surrounding symmetrical minarets represents the pinnacle of Islamic architecture in India. Couples from across the world journey to this monuemnt to eternal love in north India .












Agra Fort: This imposing fort built by Akbar, and added to by Shah Jahan is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of Hindu and Muslim cultures, resulting in the Indo-Saracenic school of architecture, which was the hallmark of the Mughal period. The fort contains halls of public and private audience and formal parks and gardens.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: Built by Noor Jahan for a relative, Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as the elaborate carvings and pietra dura inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built earlier, because this tomb follows the central Asian pattern of a domed structure, set in a formal garden, with waterways and paths laid out in a geometrical pattern. This is the design followed later in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, this royal city was abandoned because the lack of water in the area was not sufficient for the population of the city. The magnificent palaces and buildings of this abandoned city stand today as a testimony to the power of nature over the most grandiose dreams of a mighty Emperor. The city is located at a distance of 40 km from Agra.














Sikandra: Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is an excellent example of assimilation of different styles of architecture and it represents a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. The tomb carries the characteristic flavor of the airy tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Set in a quiet locale, the tomb has gardens on all sides where grazing deer can be seen. Watch out for monkeys that live in the trees nearby.
Jaipur













The capital of Rajasthan is known as the Pink city because of the pink colour with which all the buildings of the city were painted, to look like red sandstone buildings from Mughal times, during the journey of the then Prince of Wales in 1876, to India when it was a British colony. Jaipur is known for its grand forts and monuments as well as its markets where fine handicraft items, jewellery and textiles produced by skilled traditional craftsmen are on offer.
Some of the places to visit on your journey to Jaipur, India are:
The City Palace at Jaipur, also known as the Sawai Jai singh Chandra Palace or Moon Palace, continues to be the home of the royal family of Jaipur, however part of it has been converted into a museum that is open to the public. At the City Palace you can see two giant silver vases, used to carry water from the holy Ganges, from India to London, when the Raja Sawaii Man Singh II went on a journey from India to England.
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, is one of five built across India by Raja Sawaii Man Singh II and consists of fascinating geometric structures which are astronomical instruments which are used to observe the constellations and measure the movement of the planets through the sky.
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a landmark monument that characterizes Jaipur, is a tall structure with an elaborate façade, with decorated windows. In earlier times, the women of the royal family could observe what was happening in the streets below, from these screened windows, without being seen themselves.
Amer Fort, a grand monument; Jaigarh Fort, where the largest cannon on wheels can be seen, and Naharagarh Fort, which offers stunning views of the city, are must visits on your tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is also known for traditional Rajasthani music and dance forms. The Gangaur and Teej festivals are colourfully celebrated in this city.



Source:Hindustanis.org

Singapore.......











Discover the treasures of Singapore, from bustling streets with distinctive ethnic flavours, to thrilling theme parks with rides to set your heart racing and enjoyable bumboat cruises along the Singapore River.
You will have a memorable stay in the vibrant, sunny tropical island where Asian tradition and culture exist harmoniously along side seek modernity. So, have fun in Singapore.
Travellers' Tips…… It's always good to be prepared.

Climate: Tropical, hot and humid. Temperatures average 23°C - 30°C with heavy rainfall from November to January.

Clothing: Smart casual and light. Jacket and dress may be required at more formal restaurants and nightspots. Do call up beforehand to verify.
Custom: Duty-free for 1 liter of liquor, wine and beer for visitors aged 18 years and above who arrive from a country other than Malaysia. There are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Prohibited items include explosives, firearms, pornographic material and controlled drugs. Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty.

Language: Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, with English as the lingua franca.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public areas, e.g. lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants and shopping malls, government offices and on public transport. It is permission able at pubs, discos and lounges.

Tipping: Tipping is prohibited at the airport and discourages at hotels and restaurants where there is a 10% service tax.

IDD calls: International Direct Dialing is available at the General Post Office, Comcenter stores and Singapore Telecom service charge.






Places to Visit:
Sentosa
Visit the famous Sentosa, Resort Island with theme parks and attractions to provide an amazing multi-sensory experience for all the family!

Little India
A fascinating haven all things Indian, from aromatic spicies to delicate woven sarees.

China Town
Old shophouses, temples and traditional trades.
Arab Street
An affable Muslim cultural niche with the impressive Sultan Mosque and stores offering caneware, textiles and batik.
Clark Quay
Singapore's first riverside festival village with shops, pubs, alfresco restaurants, Disney-style adventure rides and pushcarts selling gifts.
Boat Quay
A popular haunt beside the historic Singapore River with a wide range of pubs and restaurants located within restored buildings from early 19th century.











Things To Do
There is so much to do in Singapore.

Staying in Singapore
Singapore has a wide range of hotels. The most famous ones are at the Orchard Road like: Ana, Boulevard, CrownPrince, Four Seasons, Garden, Hilton, Hyatt, Le Meridien, Mandarin, Orchard, Phoenix, Shereton Towers, Singapore Marriott and so on…
Event Highlights:
Christmas Light-Up (Orchard Road)
Nov 17 to 5 Jan 2001
Orchard Road glitters with surprises, revelry and joyful festive performances this Christmas. Stroll along the stretch of road and be mesmerised by the thousands of surrounding fairy lights and complimentary decorations. Facades of shopping malls and hotels are also "dressed to the nines" to compete for the "Best Decorated Building by the river.

Snoopy's Birthday Celebration Show
(Singapore Expo) 8 Dec - 17 Dec
The largest Peanuts Exhibition-cum-carnival in the world with a range of memorabilia never before seen Asia. All in all, thisd one event that's anything but, well, peanuts!

Taipan Circus (The Park at Bugis Junction)
16 Dec - 11 Feb
Be thrilled by Taipan, the Modern Art Circus. From Switzerland, this show is an exciting mix of classic and modern human circus acts.

Count down to 2001 (Suntec/Sentosa)
31 December
Have a refreshing countdown experience at Suntec City's "Fountain of Wealth" on New Year's Eve; or head south to Sentosa for a sensational countdown party! Whichever way you choose to spend you New Year's Eve, New Asia - Singapore offers you endless list of party options.



Source:Hindustanis.org

TOUR OF THE NAWABS CITY-LUCKNOW












Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi our representative will meet you at arrival lounge at the airport and transfer you to hotel.
Delhi : As a complete contrast to Old Delhi, New Delhi stands in formal splendor, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers everchanging perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you'll see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the awe-inspiring residence of the British.
Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast depart for full day sightseeing with guide visit Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Birla Mandir, India Gate, President house and Lotus temple, Qutab Minar. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi - Jaipur









After breakfast depart for Jaipur, The Pink City. Arrive Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening Proceed for half-day city tour with guide visiting Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Here you will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its incredible facade of balconies and pierced screens, the Jantar Mantar (the Observatory)Overnight stay at hotel.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, the 'land of Kings'. The state is India at its exotic and colorful best. Popularly known as the 'Pink city' because of the pink sandstone used in the buildings of the old walled city.

Day 04 Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. AM Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant ride. Amber, built by Man Singh, embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of the King. It’s commanding view, sheer walls and rock face, and the curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to concern with security and defence. PM half day city tour of Jaipur visiting Albert Hall. Albert hall Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob was opened in 1887 as a public museum. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 Jaipur-Karauli
After breakfast departs for Karauli. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 Karauli - Agra (Via Fathepur Sikri)
After breakfast departs for Agra Enroute visit Fatehpursikri - a city built by Emperor Akbar in honour of a saint named Sheikh Salim Chishti, is an architectural masterpiece. Continue drive to Agra. On arrival check in at hotel.
Agra : Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Day 07 Agra - Lucknow

After breakfast depart for city tour of Agra with guide visit Taj Mahal and Agra fort. Taj Mahal-The Eternal symbol of India and Agra, built in white marble. Taj Mahal was built by Mugal Emperor Shahjahan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workmen worked for 22 years to complete it. Overnight train to Lucknow.
Day 08 Arrive Lucknow
Arrive Lucknow check in at hotel. Afternoon proceed for half-day city tour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Lucknow - the capital of Uttar Pradesh - one of the biggest states in India, is situated on the banks of the river Gomati, tributary of the Ganges. It is an enchanting city with its mixture of down at heel elegance, fascinating charm and unique culture - a legacy that it inherits from more gracious times when the Kingdom of Avadh (Oudh) saw the last great flowering of a civilization that began with the Mughals.









Day 09 Lucknow-Delhi
After breakfast depart for Delhi by train, On arrival in Delhi meet and assist at station and check in Hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Delhi Depart
Breakfast at hotel.Full day free for own activities.Evening transfer to airport to connect the flight for onward destination.



Source:Hindustanis.org

LOOK PINK CITY TOUR












Day 01 Delhi
Delhi, our representative will meet you at arrival lounge at the airport and transfer you to hotel.
Delhi: As a complete contrast to Old Delhi, New Delhi stands in formal splendor, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you'll see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the awe-inspiring residence of the British.
Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast depart for full day sightseeing with guide visit Old and New Delhi visiting Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Birla Mandir, India Gate, President House and Lotus temple, Qutab Minar. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi-Jaipur











After breakfast departs for Jaipur – The Pink City. Arrive Jaipur check in hotel followed by half-day city tour visiting the Amber fort and city palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal. Overnight at hotel.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, the 'land of Kings'. The state is India at its exotic and colorful best. Popularly known as the 'Pink city' because of the pink sandstone used in the buildings of the old walled city.
Day 04 Jaipur-Delhi
Morning free for self activities. Afternoon depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi drop at International .



Source:Hindustanis.org

Taj Mahal Tour












Day 01 Delhi
Arrive at Delhi. On arrival meeting and assistance by our representative at the airport followed by transfer to hotel. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing with guide visit Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Birla Mandir, India Gate, President House and Lotus temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi-Agra









After breakfast, depart for Agra. The Eternal symbol of India and Agra, built in white marble. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workmen worked for 22 years to complete it. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 Agra-Delhi
After breakfast checkout of hotel. Depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and drop at International airport to connect the flight for onward destination.


Source:Hindustanis.org

Romancing Kashmir 5 Day Tour

A relaxing vacation in exquisite Kashmir, stay aboard a luxury houseboat. Enjoy a holiday of a lifetime, adventure and romantic experience.













Day 1 DELHI/SRINAGAR:

Fly to Srinagar upon arrival you will be escorted to deluxe houseboats. Afternoon at leisure.
















Day 2 SRINAGAR (Gardens and Lakes):
Cruise through Dal and Nagin Lakes float through a network of canals to the enchanted floating gardens of Nishat and Shalimar; built in the 16th C. by Moghul emperors. Lunch will be served onboard the Shikara (Gondola).













Day 3 GULMARG:
Today travel by car to Gulmarg, worlds class resort at 9,500ft.and flanked by Nanga-Parbat, a 28,OOOft.peak. There is horseback riding to Khilanmarg and a chairlift for an aerial view. Gulmarg features a lovely golf course-the highest in the world and was a former playground of the Raj.













Day 4 SRINAGAR:
Day at leisure to soak in the sun and swim or surf in the lake. This evening enjoy a Wazwan feast (Local multi course meal usually served on weddings or very special occasions).











Day 5 SRINAGAR/DELHI:
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.




Source:Hindustanis.org