Not only is this a great place for watching the match, but also offers ample space to park your camera equipment and take some long distance shots, provided you have a high focal length lens. All you need is a large umbrella to protect yourself from the elements and some food and water to keep you satiated. And you are all set to enjoy your cricket match. ]]>
Aiya Napa, Cyprus: It has a reputation as one of the top clubbing destinations on the Med – and for good reason. In summer the resort is a favourite of the young and glam, who come to trawl the bars and clubs, ramp up the volume with outdoor beach parties and top up their tan in itsy-bitsy swimwear. Aiya Napa takes on a more relaxed vibe during the winter season, making it a good choice for a spot of out-of-season sunshine. Alternatively, if you’re planning a summer break then take a look at the nearby resort town of Protaras, which is a popular family destination. On The Beach has some great deals on beach holidays at Protaras.
Costa del Sol, Spain: The ‘Sunshine Coast’ encompasses a large section of the Spanish coastline, but with so many gorgeous beaches and popular towns in the area it’s impossible to pick out one single resort as topping all the others. Wherever you go in the region, you’ll find white-sand beaches, well-maintained golf courses and a host of nightlife destinations perfect for letting your hair down. Visit during a carnival such as the Fiesta de Los Reyes in January to see the area at its most authentic (and with temperature still in the high teens during the winter months you won’t miss out on the chance to tan either). For the culturally minded, the birthplace of Picasso makes a great day trip and the most popular areas have a scattering of fascinating museums and religious sites.
Kos, Greece: This stunning island close to the coast of Turkey is a true Mediterranean paradise. It’s got it all: archaeological heritage, year-round balmy weather, waters bluer than the sky and a selection of resorts geared towards young people and families alike. For a taste of the local nightlife head to the village of Kardamena, popular with the young crowd; or base yourself in the main port, Kos, to experience the best of the region’s historical and tourist attractions. From wine-tasting to walking in the mountains, there’s plenty to keep you entertained when you’re not chilling out on the beach. 
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And that’s why the Indian Astronomical Observatory, run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore is situated here at an altitude of 15,000 feet from MSL making it the second highest astronomical observatory in the world. This trans-Himalayan region is one of the most hostile environments in the world with oxygen levels as low as 10% of coastal regions and temperatures that border on the extremes of obscene. This place is as remote as it gets with not more than 100 people living in its vicinity. But, it is here in this remote and hostile terrain that our Astronomical scientists work through the night to study the stars and the world around it.
And it is here in the middle of the Changthang Cold Desert that me and my friends went to see the stars. Enroute to Hanle, we saw some of the best landscapes that one can see and the golden colours of the sun on the mighty mountains is a treat to any eye. And when we reached Hanle, we got treated to the coldest weather that we had seen in our entire lives. And the situation just worsened when the sun set. The wind picked up and soon turned into a gust. The diesel in all our vehicles started to freeze and hence the drivers kept the engine running for 30 minutes every hour through the night. And when the temperature went below minus 40 degree Celsius, we felt that hell had frozen over.
But, amidst all this, the saving grace is the brilliant guest house, run by the institute with its large rooms, heaters and oxygen cylinders. And the food was great too, though it was a pain to walk in the brain numbing cold from the guest house to the dining hall about 2 minutes away. And even more harrowing yet interesting experience was when we found out that our western toilets had also frozen. Hence, before using it we had to pour a bucket of hot water to unfreeze it. Quite an experience huh!
The skies were great and there were tons of stars and they sure were a very pretty sight, but the extreme weather forced us into our rooms much before our initial estimate. If I remember right, we lasted five long minutes outside staring at the starry sky and it took us 60 to 90 short minutes to recover some of our body warmth after returning to our rooms. Extremely tough terrain, but hats off to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and their team for braving it out and doing their work in such super tough conditions. We were hardly comfortable during our half day n full night long stay here. But, I definitely wish to return here in the summers and see the starry spectacle a bit more thoroughly. ]]>
Since this area is very remote and hostile, it is very difficult to find a place to stay here. But, if push comes to shove, you end up finding a manageable place even in the remotest of villages. And that is how we found the Yakmik Changla Guest House at Tangtse when our original plan got altered due to permit issues and road blockages.
This guest house is part of a local home. The place came well equipped with a bukhari (kerosene room heater) in the common living room and a LPG room heater in our 4 bedded room. Thus, our chances of weathering the minus 30 degree Celsius weather was very high. In fact, we were really comfortable inside. The rooms were simple, but came with nice beds and thick blankets. And all this for 800 rupees per night, which was very reasonable given that they would be spending quite a bit in the form of fuel (LPG and Kerosene)
The food was excellent even though options were not much. Lunch and dinner are wholesome meals where Rotis, dal and sabzi being available for the vegetarians, while yak meat, the local delicacy was available to the non-vegetarian eaters. Breakfast and evening snacks are limited to Maggi and Bread Omelette. Again, very limited resources, but feels like heaven in that biting cold weather. And the icing on the cake was when we asked for Chang, the local brew (millet beer) and they provided us this too.
But, everything about the guest house was not that rosy. And we figured that out when we used the restrooms. First, the restrooms had no light and second, they were open to the world at the bottom. But, the best part is that our offerings that go down 20 feet below us is fed by the pigs below. To all those who are not aware of this, this is called the Chinese loo. Phew! This Chinese connection was quite an interesting experience for us. ]]>
Finding a roof over our heads is not easy. Especially not during a recession, which has hit Europe – so accustomed to a general ease of movement and accommodation – harder than predicted.
As well as deeply affecting social housing programs and house prices, we also need to consider the costs of holidays and hotel accommodations, as many businessmen and hoteliers look to find ways to provide excellent service whilst running a business.
For many of us – hoteliers or visitors – the key is to think outside the box. Work off-season, shift your calendar, change perspective. Accommodation in the heart of London’s most exclusive areas – such as hotels in Knightsbridge from the likes of Millennium Hotels – can be booked for very reasonable prices, if you’re smart.
Alongside the last-minute sites and ‘hidden deals’ offers which allow you to book a cheap bed at a hotel with a hidden identity, it’s also worth going direct to hoteliers’ websites. Very often they’ll be the first to promote new offers and actually give you the deal upfront, rather than making you jump through a series of overwrought hoops. Some good tips on general life in the city, finding your way around and alternative accommodation – such as a new crop of B&Bs, homestays and pub guestrooms – can also be sourced through major media outlets such as Guardian Travel or the Independent’s excellent travel section.
So, much like train tickets, the key to finding a good hotel deal is to combine the old price-comparison and ‘cheap deals’ sites with the company websites themselves. This will allow you to do some shopping around without getting slavishly caught up in the grind of click-refresh-click-refresh and losing a whole evening/weekend/workday (hey, we didn’t say where you were searching from).
The plain truth is, though, thanks to the internet’s ability to spread news far and wide, it’s definitely better to go online than over the phone for this one.
Photo Copyright: Harvey Nichols by wallyg on flickr
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London is a choice attraction for most tourists. With its combination of history, excellent museums and galleries, ever-changing culture and festivals, as well as big exhibits and parks, a visit there can be a whirlwind of attractions and quick stops.
With kids, this kind of city travelling can be even more testing. Yet London is a good choice for families looking to distract the parents and the youngsters alike.
Making a choice about where you stay is crucial. We recommend placing yourself in close proximity to the major museums and galleries in South Kensington, by selecting a hotel or B&B near Hyde Park.
You can choose from a selection of Knightsbridge and Kensington hotels with Millennium Hotels group, European hoteliers who specialize in 4 star quality hotels for shorter breaks in some of the UK and Europe’s most visited cities. These hoteliers will often offer special deals for kids and discounts for longer stays – with anything over 3 days incurring a reduced rate.
When it comes to entertaining the kids this year, don’t hesitate to delve into the day-long catalogue of interactive features and exhibits at the Natural History Museum (pictured). It’s long been a favourite with families because it combines a really exciting hands-on delivery with ageless facts and fascination. Who isn’t captured by 40-foot whales – and a free entry? For an evening pursuit, this year it seems the biggest new hit on the West End is the RSC’s musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. With high praise from critics and kids alike, it is worth booking ahead.
In fact, we’d advise booking for it as you book your flights and hotel. There’s best availability mid-week so if you’re booking for a family of four, look for Tuesday to Thursday seats. What is more, this might fit quite nicely with a reduced 4-night stay at one of SW1 or SW7’s hotels, perhaps Sunday to Wednesday.
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This is one of the larger tiger reserves that is not well known among the masses and thus the reason for its excellent health. Only people in Maharashtra and the wildlife fraternity of India seem to know this place well. But, apparently, this place is real famous for its tigers. Such is their fame that National Geographic and Discovery Channel visit this place regularly.
The place as such is remote and can be accessed from two major cities: Nagpur and Adilabad. Tadoba is about 135 kms from Nagpur, which is the nearest airport and about 35 kms from Chandrapur, which is the nearest railway station.
Another speciality about this place is that it is one of the few tiger reserves that is open all year round. The monsoon sightings here are considered phenomenal. Hence, everyone going to this place is awed even before actually setting foot inside this tiger reserve.
Such was the case with me and my friends. I have been to Tadoba before, but the previous visit was more than a decade old. Our plan was to stay here for 4 days and do a total of 5 jungle safaris. The ‘tiger’ and to some extent, the ‘leopard’ are the only buzz words here. No one seems to be bothered about the other animals here.
But, may be because it is very difficult to spot these various other species here in this pristine terrain. In fact, me and my friends were pleasantly surprised when we found very less bird species in this tiger reserve. During each visit, we would find the jungle silent, which is very different from other wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, where bird calls would be the norm everywhere.
We did manage to see some birds, but not as many as what we would have seen else where. And like others, we also diverted our energies to tracking the king of the jungle. Each morning would begin by tracking pug marks and droppings. There would be long waits just to see if a tiger crosses the jeep track somewhere through the bushes.
The excitement built to a frenzy when we heard a couple of groups saying that they saw a group of 6 tigers – an adult male (father), an adult female (mother) and 4 cubs. We had our share of luck too when we saw a sloth bear in the thicket and some gaur both up close and at a distance. And when we didn’t get to see the mammals or birds, we would immerse ourselves in the giant wood spiders and their massive webs that could be seen in large numbers all over the forest.
As we kept our search for the largest carnivore of Tadoba, we found that Tadoba was sparkling clean. Not a piece of plastic or any garbage could be seen anywhere. In fact, we used to notice jeep drivers and guides picking up plastic from the jeep tracks and putting them in their vehicles. I guess in that sense, the Tadoba forest department is doing a great job.
But, there is one area where they can improve and that is by not allowing private vehicles and diesel vehicles to enter the forest premises. First, private drivers don’t really understand the jungle rules unlike the forest drivers and go tantalizingly close to animals and diesel vehicles cause more pollution (air and noise).
As we kept our search going, we would regularly hear stories from other groups on how they saw the tiger. Now, tiger sightings in the wild is a matter of pure chance as we all know. But, these stories have different effects on different people. For those who are regular wildlife visitors, this just eggs them on and make them feel that the law of equilibrium is going tilt in their favour soon. While, the tourist feels dejected and sometimes even feels that he has been cheated.
In our small group of 3, our hopes were high and we ended up scouring different parts of the forest and different terrain, from dense forests to lake sides to bushes and grasslands. But, our tiger sighting kept evading us. Each day after our evening safari, we would come back to our camp and talk to locals and listen to their stories.
This is when we met Shalik Jogwe, one of Tadoba’s well known naturalists and key member of the wildlife conservation society. Shalik has been working in this forest for than a decade and listening to him was such an immersive experience as he shared stories, eco tourism plans, educational plans for the locals and many more.
Finally, it was time for our fifth and last safari and we had still not given up hope. We played the waiting game and did the distance game, but lady luck was still eluding us. And then, when we were about 5 minutes from our exit gate, a Tata Sumo vehicle in front of me braked suddenly and that is when our luck changed.
It was here that I saw the Bhamera Male tiger walk in front of the Tata Sumo vehicle, cross it casually, give us a customary glance and disappear into the bushes. Thankfully, I was awake and hence saw this entire sequence of events, unlike my friends who were dozing and saw only the later half of the sequence. The entire sighting would not have been more than 15 seconds, but the adrenalin rush was tremendous. Such was the adrenalin rush that I forgot that I had my camera around my neck for a good 10 seconds before getting it into fire mode. Same was the case with my other friend.
A natural sighting in the wild is a different experience altogether and is so much better than sitting around a waterhole or chasing them based on information provided by other jeeps. The only negative about this sighting was the Tata Sumo vehicle, which was less than a foot away from banging into the tiger. But, this hardly disturbed the tiger and he walked as majestically as possible. After all, he is the true king of the Indian Jungles.
After seeing the golden yellow coat with black stripes, the mood in the jeep changed completely from being lethargic to having super animated conversations. A beaming smile could be seen everywhere. Such is the aura of the Tadoba Tiger. I am just hoping that this place remains a healthy ecosystem as ever!! ]]>
This journey, which begins at Colombo’s fort railway station is best taken during the day, especially the trains from morning 6 AM through to 9 AM to allow one to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural wonders from the comfort of the train seat. The sheer ‘GREEN’ effect captivates one and all. Furthermore, it is quite an experience to see a train that is plying at 60 kilometres per hour drop its speed to around 10 kilometres per hour and struggle its way through the steep tracks of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
The ride begins at Colombo and goes on till Badulla, one of Sri Lanka’s tea towns, but most tourists, prefer to get down at Nanu Oya, which is the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s tea capital. To know the train timings, one can look up Sri Lanka’s railway site. Currently, online booking is not possible, but one can book tickets from the station 14 days in advance. Typically, 2nd class and 3rd class tickets are available on the day of the journey, but the most sought after seats are the first class observation car ones, which is slightly more comfortable, but provides a 3 side view of the journey. If I remember right, the first class observation car seats cost about 700 LKR, while the 2nd class seats cost about half of that.
The first class compartments are non-air conditioned, something which you will prefer coz it will allow you to feel the change in the temperature as the train starts climbing into the mountains. The seats are fairly comfortable and the 3 side view is very interesting. Though, personally, I would have preferred if the observation car view was that of the front of the train and not the rear. But, then I do understand that the engine has to be at the front.
As the train leaves the Colombo fort station, the crowd thins out and the stifling humidity is more bearable due to the wind. The train crosses small villages and stops at some stations. In about 3 hours from the start, the temperatures begin to dip as the train slowly begins to ascend. The landscape changes to that of tea estates interspersed with tropical rainforests, mountain streams and waterfalls. Umpteen bridges and tunnels add to the eerie factor. A loud scream from all corners of the train greet one n all when the train passes through the pitch dark tunnels, some of them really long.
As the train approaches Nanu Oya, the train has covered about 180 kms in about 8 hours. Mightily slow one might say, but if you were to account for the 6,000 feet rise in elevation and the rugged terrain, then I guess it sounds reasonable. The entire journey is thrilling with beautiful vistas greeting you at each turn. This is one journey that every tourist to Sri Lanka must do. A road journey from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is much faster, say 3 hours less, but lacks the nature’s punch of this heritage train journey.
For those who are wondering where Nuwara Eliya is located…Nuwara Eliya is located about 8-10 kms from the Nanu Oya station. One can either catch the bus from just outside the station or take a cab. A bus journey takes about 30 minutes and will take you right into the centre of Nuwara Eliya.
Tips: Do remember to carry a packed lunch, some high energy snack items and lots of water as the station and train food leave a lot to be desired. Even though it might be warm while you board the train at Colombo, be sure to pack a thin fleece or sweatshirt to help protect you against the nippy weather of the highlands. ]]>
I stayed here for 3 days and had a great time at this tented wildlife camp. The place is ideal if you seek some luxury while not wanting to spend too much for it. A little bit of luxury is required here given the fact that Tadoba faces some of the most extreme weather throughout the year. Summers can be terribly hot at temperatures above 45 degrees, while winters can be bitterly cold. And early morning and late evening wildlife safaris will make you even more vulnerable to this extreme weather.
In such extreme weather, the Serai Tiger, offers 11 great luxury tented accommodation, each with an attached bathroom, an air-conditioner and an air cooler. The tents located slightly above ground level are even fitted with nets to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from entering inside. These tents, which come with 2 beds are large enough to accommodate an extra bed, if required. Backup generators ensure that power supply is available round the clock. These tents, if I remember right, cost about 3,500 rupees per tent and this includes 3 meals for both the occupants in the room.
In addition, there are 2 dormitories that can accommodate 16 people each. This is ideal for large groups, who are on a tighter budget. Food is served in a central dining hall that has a television in it, though I am not much in favour of television while I am on a wildlife trip. But, I am sure a lot of travellers would love to catch up on the latest news n stuff. The food here is homely and the cook can dish out some fancy fare, vegetarian and non-vegetarian both. Breakfast is generally packed to be had during the morning safari. The lunch is between the morning and evening safaris. A cup of hot tea and a plate of biscuits greet you when you are back from your evening safari and then dinner from 8 to 10 pm. In between, one can admire the various photos in the dining halls, read the assorted collection of wildlife books in their library, enjoy the serenity while walking in the garden or climb up the watch towers in an attempt to spot any stray wildlife.
Another thing in favour of the Serai Tiger is its location. It is situated very close to a hillock and its perimeter is frequented quite often by the leopard especially in the late evening hours and the night. And i you are interested in bird life, then the surrounding dam waters offer tremendous opportunity. The service is also quite impressive with each employee ensuring that your trip is great fun.
The resort also helps arrange wildlife safari tours, though might charge a bit more than the jeeps available at the gate. But, they also make up for the extra cost by providing great drivers and forest guides. They also offer pickup services from Nagpur airport and back through their tie-up with local travel operators. Bonfires are arranged upon request and on a full house, tribal dances are arranged, though I did not get a chance to see the tribal dance.
I would definitely recommend Serai Tiger if you wish to indulge in some luxury while on a wildlife trip to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It may be a bit pricey, but it is totally worth it especially in the summers, when a little bit of luxury is needed and its location offers much more than other properties.
To book, you can lookup their website www.seraitiger.com, reach them out on their email id: [email protected] or call them on their phone numbers: +91 – 9552224149, 9373663219, 9868920498, 9810062078, 9665053505, 9910069567.
Nearest airport: Nagpur at 135 kms from the camp, roughly a 3 hours drive.
Nearest railway station: Chandrapur at 30 kms from the camp, roughly 50 minutes away. ]]>
Unless you have many months to spare, the best way to see London is to go for variety, selecting just a few areas. Here are some ideas:
Notting Hill
Fridays and Saturdays show Notting Hill off at its best, if you can stand the crowds. Portobello Market is a heaving treasure chest full of antiques, street food, vintage clothing and flea market fare. Colourful cottages line the streets and chic boutiques sit happily alongside the market stalls. When your legs are tired you can sit in one of the hundreds of cafes, bars and pubs and watch the passers-by.
Soho & Chinatown
Soho is an excellent place to observe London in all its diversity. Self conscious media types in skinny jeans rub shoulders with market vendors in streets packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, pop-up shops and fringed by the city’s red light district. Old Compton Street is a vibrant slice of London’s gay community, and the theatre land of Covent Garden is a stone’s throw away.
Step over Shaftsbury Avenue and you are hit by the exotic, pungent flavours of Chinatown. Streets hung with red lanterns are packed with windows full of glistening crispy ducks, ancient Chinese medicines and unusual foods to take home. Feast yourself on dim sum and take in the aromas and colour.
Brick Lane
Brick Lane and the surrounding Spital fields, Shoreditch and Whitechapel shows off London in all its artistic, cosmopolitan and eclectic glory. Steeped with history and yet constantly developing, the area is perhaps best known for its Bengal community and its top quality, cheap curry houses. Once haunted by Jack the Ripper, winding alley ways lead to open spaces and covered markets. The street food is excellent and urban art covers the crumbling walls.
Riverboat
If you fancy sitting back and taking in the view, the riverboat is a novel and relaxing way to get your bearings. Get on at Embankment and ride all the way to Greenwich to enjoy a winding river ride which takes in many of London’s famous landmarks as well as a fascinating combination of historic and cutting edge architecture: the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, to name a few.
Tip: When it comes to accommodation, the best way to absorb the atmosphere of these areas is to avoid the big hotels and ‘stay local’. There are various beautiful boutique hotels, and for a truly authentic local experience, onefinestay.com provides quirky vacation apartments (complete with local tips) with all the comforts of a hotel. ]]>
Laab Luead
This is a pork salad that is very popular in Isaan. Most travelers tend to have some difficulty getting it down, however. The difficulty has less to do with the sour and spicy flavors than with the pork itself. Traditionally, the pork is served raw and topped with fresh pig's blood.
Goong Dten
This dish translates to “Dancing Shrimps.” As you may have guessed, the shrimp are served with their heads and legs still attached. What you may not have guessed, is that they are still alive when you eat them. You can feel them dancing all the way to your stomach.
Cab Moo
Cab Moo is more accurately a garnish or side dish. This piece of deep-fried pork skin is served with many Thai dishes and is definitely worth trying. There are two basic varieties. One is mostly fat while the other is fat-free. The fat variety is much more popular in the country because it has a lot more flavor.
Yum Kai Deng
Yum Kai Deng is usually served over steamed rice. It is the salted red yolk from a duck egg. It is considered a delicacy and is very high in both calories and cholesterol. In some restaurants, there is an additional layer of spicy and sour salad on top of the egg.
Fried Bugs
These snack foods all have different names depending on where your Thailand accommodation choices have placed you. But they all have one thing in common, the main ingredients are crickets, grasshoppers, water bugs and a few other crawly things tossed in the fryer and served as a finger food.
Ant Egg Soup
The soup is spicy and loaded with vegetables but what really makes it special are the ant eggs. The ants are very protective of the eggs and separating them is quite difficult. As a result, when it is time to add the eggs, the ants go into the soup too.
Tripe Soup
Using liver, intestines and heart to make a soup may not be unique to Thailand, but the sweet, sour and spicy flavors of the Thai variety give the soup a distinctive and enticing aroma.
Pat Pet Noo Na
This is a barbeque dish that may be served over rice in a rural restaurant or skewed on a stick from a street vendor. The meat used is field rat.
Squid Jerkey
These dried, salted pieces of squid can be found on most streets in Thailand. They are sometimes served as an accompaniment to salads, much like bread sticks.
Steamed Stingray
There are very few places where you can enjoy a plate of Stingray. With lemongrass, ginger, lime and chillies, the Thai dish is definitely one of the tastiest. ]]>
There are two airports on this island, Reina Sofia Airport at the south and Los Rodeos Airport at the north. Both these airports handle domestic flights only, therefore tourists who want to come to this place must come from other airports in Spain like Barcelona El Prat Airport or Madrid-Barajas Airport. As the island is quite big compared to the other Canary Islands, it is highly recommended that you hire a car at car hire Tenerife located at the airport, because this car hire company provides the best service compared to all the other companies available on this island.
Tenerifa was once a really poor region in Spain where the main activity was banana planting in small plantations. It was only after the airports were built in 1960s, that Tenerife became one of the top destinations in Spain in terms of tourists’ numbers. A lot of hotels and resorts were built and the government then built more and more facilities to cater for the crowd of tourists that come here. The south and north side of the island is quite different, and the southern part is more crowded with tourists especially those who come to this island in groups. The weather in the south is also more stable than the north. However, this does not mean that the north does not have the same attraction as the south.
The north offers a more vibrant local culture to its visitors and the weather here is not as hot as the south. Between the two different parts of the island lies the Teide Mountains that is also declared as Teide National Park. This mountain was once a volcano but sadly, tourists are not able to visit the crater of the mountains anymore as there are concerns about safety and security of the tourists.
If you are searching for a great place for a holiday, you can consider Tenerife as the best place you can find in Spain. ]]>
A lot of tourists head to Barcelona to spend their beach holiday, but miss out on its famous tourist attractions and rich culture. The idea of this post is to throw some light on some of the rich culture of this Spanish city that is situated in the north-east part of the Iberian peninsula. First, there are the classic Joan Miro and Picasso Museums. Then the architecture of Barcelona’s most famous artist Gaudi who helped to develop a unique form of Art Nouveau. And, who can miss out on the long La Rambla Promenade.
Here is a list of places that one should visit to get closer to the city’s true culture.
Ciutat Vella (The Old Town)
The Ciutat Vella is the historical centre of Barcelona. In former times, Barcelona was only a small Roman village called Barcino, surrounded by a massive defensive wall. During the 14th and 15th century it grew rapidly and today the small winding streets, gothic buildings and medieval places still remember of Barcelona’s golden era. The best way to discover the Ciutat Vella in Barcelona is by foot – drift along the small streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Museu Picasso
The Museu Picasso is Barcelona's most visited museum. It's housed in three strikingly beautiful stone mansions on the Carrer de Montcada, which was, in medieval times, an approach to the port. The museum shows numerous works that trace the artist's early years, and is especially strong on his Blue Period with canvases like The Defenceless, ceramics and his early works from the 1890s. The haunting Portrait of Senyora Canals (1905), from his Pink Period is also on display.
El Raval
Raval is the original medieval name for the district left of Las Ramblas of Barcelona. Shabby apartment houses and dodgy bars can be found right next to modern museums and trendy shops in the small winding streets in this district of Barcelona– Raval is a traditional workers area that is constantly changing. Once known as poor and dangerous area, it is now growing in popularity for its central location and its shops. El Raval is the home of many immigrants and the multicultural atmosphere contributes to the charm of this district of Barcelona. Some streets in El Ravel make up the red-light district of Barcelona.
Barri Gotic
The Barri Gotic contains a concentration of medieval Gothic buildings only a few blocks northeast of La Rambla, and is the nucleus of old Barcelona. It's a maze of interconnecting dark streets linking with squares, and there are plenty of cafes and bars, as well as the cheapest accommodation in town. Most of the buildings date from the 14th and 15th century, when Barcelona was at the height of its commercial prosperity and before it had been absorbed into Castile.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is probably the most famous boulevard in Barcelona. The street is two kilometres long and right at the heart of the city. It divides the Ciutat Vella starting from the buzzing Plaça Catalunya right to the harbour of Barcelona. The wide pedestrian area in the middle of Las Ramblas is the ideal place to meet people, watch the busy traders or street performers. The numerous birds and flower stalls underline the colourful atmosphere of Las Ramblas.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is truly awe-inspiring - even if you don't have much time, don't miss it. The life's work of Barcelona's favourite son, Antoni Gaudí, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone.
Montjuic
The hill Montjüic (Jewish mountain) is one of the most significant landmarks of Barcelona. The huge park lies 213 metres above the harbour and is today one of the major tourist attractions in Barcelona. Montjüic hosted the World Exhibition in 1929 and the Olympic Games in 1992, remains of these big events in Barcelona can still be visited. The impressive view of Barcelona and the sporting and cultural devices on Montjüic are worth more than one visit.
La Pedrera
Another Gaudí masterpiece, La Pedrera was built between 1905 and 1910 as a combined apartment and office block. Formerly called the Casa Milà, it's better known now as La Pedrera (the quarry) because of its uneven grey stone facade that ripples around a street corner - it creates a wave effect that's further emphasized by elaborate wrought-iron balconies. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where giant multicoloured chimney pots jut up like medieval knights. On summer weekend nights, the roof is eerily lit and open for spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudí's work. ]]>
To overcome these problems, I put my limited technical knowledge and ‘Googling’ to full use and tried various 3rd party tools, mobile templates and native mobile apps. But, none of them solved my purpose as they were either too slow or directed my online properties through their site or ended up showing unwanted Ads.
After a lot of online research and permutations and combinations, I finally ended up using the default mobile template provided by blogger for my travel blog and built a custom template for my photography portfolio. The mobile template for the travel blog is lean and hence loads quickly. It works on all mobile platforms as certified by Google. And it provides a simple user interface for the user to see my photographs, read my content and comment through the commenting system. The navigation is also pretty simple, though doesn’t have the flexibility of the web, but what the hell, how much can I browse on the mobile.
The mobile app for the photography portfolio offers a whole lot more functionality. My slideshows are there are so are my picture thumbnails. My site navigation has been retained and offers great flexibility in navigation. And all these have been perfectly morphed for the mobile. But, it does have its limitations. This mobile view is currently limited to the iPhone and the Android devices. And the videos do not play exactly the way I want it to. Right now, I have to click the back button to get the video to load. Still some more work is needed here, but I am very happy with the progress so far.
Would love to hear your thoughts on what you think of the new mobile views!! Here is the URL again for your reference.
Travel Blog: http://www.beontheroad.com (All mobile platforms)
Photography Portfolio: http://photos.beontheroad.com (iPhone and Android)
Do remember to enter this in your mobile browser!! ]]>
Australia’s largest cities lie along the coast, offering amazing views and the opportunity to view local wildlife. Melbourne developed on the southern coast and offers guests on Australian holidays the chance to see the city by taking the free City Tram. Passengers may board and exit anywhere in Melbourne and take limitless rides throughout the day. The NGV International is the oldest museum and art gallery in the country. Exhibits and artefacts include pieces from ancient Egypt and Roman times to contemporary art. The Yarra River meanders through the city and features a free outdoor art exhibit, in addition to amazing sights. The Queen Victoria Market, located on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria streets, welcomes visitors five days a week. Journey through the many areas that house approximately 1,000 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and homemade foods to clothing and pets.
Situated along the south eastern coast, Sydney offers the chance to enjoy a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee Walk. Indulge in a refreshing swim at Coogee Beach, relax in the sun, or visit one of the many cafes located along the boardwalk. Tour the world famous Opera House inside and out, or journey to Darling Harbour, where street performers often provide live entertainment. Located in the heart of the Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens encompasses over 30 hectares with displays of native and international plant life. The Rocks Discovery Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Sydney Observatory all welcome guests and do not charge entrance fees. The Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art are also free of charge to visitors.
Further up the eastern Australia coast lie Brisbane, Gold Coast and Rockhampton. Brisbane Museum and the City Hall Art Gallery not only do not charge admittance, but both facilities also provide free tours on certain days of the week. The city’s 52 hectare botanic gardens offers visitors on Australian holidays the opportunity of strolling through numerous gardens containing subtropical plants. All of the National Parks in Gold Coast are free and provide the chance of seeing picturesque landscape while trekking through rainforests on the many trails. Springbrook National Park is noted for having a variety of waterfalls. Cool off from the heat by taking a dip in a cool mountain stream. Many Rockhampton visitors enjoy climbing Mt. Archer, which rises to 604m at its tallest north peak. Anglers might drop a line in the Fitzroy River, for the chance to catch native barramundi. Enjoy the antics of animals from all over the world at the Rockhampton Zoo. ]]>
Australia’s largest cities lie along the coast, offering amazing views and the opportunity to view local wildlife. Melbourne developed on the southern coast and offers guests on Australian holidays the chance to see the city by taking the free City Tram. Passengers may board and exit anywhere in Melbourne and take limitless rides throughout the day. The NGV International is the oldest museum and art gallery in the country. Exhibits and artefacts include pieces from ancient Egypt and Roman times to contemporary art. The Yarra River meanders through the city and features a free outdoor art exhibit, in addition to amazing sights. The Queen Victoria Market, located on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria streets, welcomes visitors five days a week. Journey through the many areas that house approximately 1,000 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and homemade foods to clothing and pets.
Situated along the south eastern coast, Sydney offers the chance to enjoy a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee Walk. Indulge in a refreshing swim at Coogee Beach, relax in the sun, or visit one of the many cafes located along the boardwalk. Tour the world famous Opera House inside and out, or journey to Darling Harbour, where street performers often provide live entertainment. Located in the heart of the Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens encompasses over 30 hectares with displays of native and international plant life. The Rocks Discovery Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Sydney Observatory all welcome guests and do not charge entrance fees. The Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art are also free of charge to visitors.
Further up the eastern Australia coast lie Brisbane, Gold Coast and Rockhampton. Brisbane Museum and the City Hall Art Gallery not only do not charge admittance, but both facilities also provide free tours on certain days of the week. The city’s 52 hectare botanic gardens offers visitors on Australian holidays the opportunity of strolling through numerous gardens containing subtropical plants. All of the National Parks in Gold Coast are free and provide the chance of seeing picturesque landscape while trekking through rainforests on the many trails. Springbrook National Park is noted for having a variety of waterfalls. Cool off from the heat by taking a dip in a cool mountain stream. Many Rockhampton visitors enjoy climbing Mt. Archer, which rises to 604m at its tallest north peak. Anglers might drop a line in the Fitzroy River, for the chance to catch native barramundi. Enjoy the antics of animals from all over the world at the Rockhampton Zoo. ]]>
It was such a moment one fine evening at the Hemis Monastery. I had finished exploring the monastery and nearabouts and was heading back to my car when I saw this excellent reflection of the mighty Himalayas on the monastery window. The brightly coloured windows of Ladakh, in itself are quite a sight and to top it I got to see the colours of the setting sun on the Western Himalayas as a reflection in it. And the bare trees just added to the moment. In essence, a special Ladakh moment!! ]]>
It was such a moment one fine evening at the Hemis Monastery. I had finished exploring the monastery and nearabouts and was heading back to my car when I saw this excellent reflection of the mighty Himalayas on the monastery window. The brightly coloured windows of Ladakh, in itself are quite a sight and to top it I got to see the colours of the setting sun on the Western Himalayas as a reflection in it. And the bare trees just added to the moment. In essence, a special Ladakh moment!! ]]>
The Hemis monastery, situated about 45 kms from Leh is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. It is situated on the right side on the road that leads from Leh to Manali and is about 10 kms from Karo. The monastery and the rest of the Hemis town is unbelievably colder than the rest of the region owing to its higher altitude and the fact that it doesn’t get much sun in the winters.
While I was there this winter, the cold factor was so harsh that pressing the camera shutter even with a couple of gloves itself was a challenge. As the sun hardly hits this town, most of the town never warms up and the cold bites right through you.
But, keeping the weather aside, the monastery and the place is quite exquisite. This is where the annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held every June. The views of the Western Himalayas from the top of monastery is spectacular. The murals inside the monastery are very ornate too. Even though this monastery began in the 11th century and then re-established in 1672, this monastery still exists in pristine condition.
In the summer and during the festival days, this place is completely happening, but if you can bear the chill factor, then even the winters can be enterprising with its calmness, its frozen streams, its spectacular views and serene atmosphere.
I would definitely recommend a visit to this place if you happen to visit Ladakh. A day trip would be ideal to explore this place and if you have more time, you can continue from here and continue towards the Hemis High Altitude National Park and spot some wildlife, especially the snow leopard. And if you are interested in trekking, you can go on the exciting Markha valley trek that begins from the Hemis High Altitude National Park and ends in the Zanskar region. ]]>
The Hemis monastery, situated about 45 kms from Leh is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. It is situated on the right side on the road that leads from Leh to Manali and is about 10 kms from Karo. The monastery and the rest of the Hemis town is unbelievably colder than the rest of the region owing to its higher altitude and the fact that it doesn’t get much sun in the winters.
While I was there this winter, the cold factor was so harsh that pressing the camera shutter even with a couple of gloves itself was a challenge. As the sun hardly hits this town, most of the town never warms up and the cold bites right through you.
But, keeping the weather aside, the monastery and the place is quite exquisite. This is where the annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held every June. The views of the Western Himalayas from the top of monastery is spectacular. The murals inside the monastery are very ornate too. Even though this monastery began in the 11th century and then re-established in 1672, this monastery still exists in pristine condition.
In the summer and during the festival days, this place is completely happening, but if you can bear the chill factor, then even the winters can be enterprising with its calmness, its frozen streams, its spectacular views and serene atmosphere.
I would definitely recommend a visit to this place if you happen to visit Ladakh. A day trip would be ideal to explore this place and if you have more time, you can continue from here and continue towards the Hemis High Altitude National Park and spot some wildlife, especially the snow leopard. And if you are interested in trekking, you can go on the exciting Markha valley trek that begins from the Hemis High Altitude National Park and ends in the Zanskar region.
He was quite far away and the light was pretty low. But, then I somehow managed to take this shot hand held. There is a slight shake in the frame, but I feel it gives a special effect. I like the way the jeep track meanders in the centre of the frame and the beginning of mist forming in the background. And amidst all this there is this wild water buffalo staring at me. It is such moments that fuel my passion for India’s wildlife. ]]>
He was quite far away and the light was pretty low. But, then I somehow managed to take this shot hand held. There is a slight shake in the frame, but I feel it gives a special effect. I like the way the jeep track meanders in the centre of the frame and the beginning of mist forming in the background. And amidst all this there is this wild water buffalo staring at me. It is such moments that fuel my passion for India’s wildlife. ]]>
Hence, this time when I was in the thin air of Ladakh, I consciously took a lot of photographs in monochrome and ended up liking them. I hope you do too. There is something about landscapes in monochrome that I never seem to understand. There seems to be some mystery around them that you end up watching them intently for long hours, especially if they are large size prints. Or at least it has that effect on me.
And what better place to join together landscapes and monochromes than Ladakh, where every sight is a Himalayan vista, the lighting nearly always fantastic and blues that no place can beat.
So whether your object is a mountain, a valley, a river, a lake or open skies, monochrome landscapes look stunning. It is difficult to pin point a favourite in monochrome landscapes, but I would think of wide open monochrome valleys.
Such valleys give a sense that it never ends. Something like monochrome shots of people or building structures or automobiles, wherein people call them classic or never to die.
Such expressions are difficult to get in landscapes, but monochromes seem to elicit such a response even in landscape photography.
Now, I am not sure if I like these monotones, because they are monochromes or because they are landscapes of Ladakh. Either ways, I am happy that I ended up living the moment and capturing it in treasurable monotones. I hope you too enjoy the treasure. ]]>
Hence, this time when I was in the thin air of Ladakh, I consciously took a lot of photographs in monochrome and ended up liking them. I hope you do too. There is something about landscapes in monochrome that I never seem to understand. There seems to be some mystery around them that you end up watching them intently for long hours, especially if they are large size prints. Or at least it has that effect on me.
And what better place to join together landscapes and monochromes than Ladakh, where every sight is a Himalayan vista, the lighting nearly always fantastic and blues that no place can beat.
So whether your object is a mountain, a valley, a river, a lake or open skies, monochrome landscapes look stunning. It is difficult to pin point a favourite in monochrome landscapes, but I would think of wide open monochrome valleys.
Such valleys give a sense that it never ends. Something like monochrome shots of people or building structures or automobiles, wherein people call them classic or never to die.
Such expressions are difficult to get in landscapes, but monochromes seem to elicit such a response even in landscape photography.
Now, I am not sure if I like these monotones, because they are monochromes or because they are landscapes of Ladakh. Either ways, I am happy that I ended up living the moment and capturing it in treasurable monotones. I hope you too enjoy the treasure. ]]>
The best way to meet these motorcycle insurance cover requirements is to visit our bike insurance comparison website. This is the case because we can help you find the right insurance cover to help you meet local and national requirements before you get caught in a bind whilst on the road.
It’s a good idea to use our bike insurance cover comparison website to find adequate bike insurance cover because it can help you explore some of Britain’s finest roads that are keen for bikers who want to explore all that the U.K. offers.
For example, we can help you explore the A6 road path that goes from Manchester to Bakewell. This route is suitable for beginners because it features few twists and tight turns that can be difficult for beginners to master.
Moreover, we can help you explore the A217 roadway path that leads from London’s New Kings Road to Wandsworth Bridge. This path is a lot of fun to explore because it takes your through many of London’s fun shopping districts and pretty residential neighbourhoods.
If you enjoy sightseeing, be sure to explore the interesting path that lays between Whitby to Malton via the A169 roadway. This path is ideal for sightseers because it features several shops, pubs and small villages that offer bikers a great selection of things to do all year round.
We can help more adventurous bikers explore the A64 and B1249 roadways that are located between Driffield and Staxton. These roads feature fewer stops and interesting changes in topography that will challenge your driving skills in a fun way.
Finally, we can also help you explore the A19 motorway that leads from Thirsk to York. This motorway is famous for its lush scenery, its biker-friendly terrain, and its quick path through Easingwold that is famous for its tour of the town’s market square.
As you can see, it’s important to use a bike insurance comparison website to help you find the best deals on motorbike insurance cover. This is the case because it can help you find the insurance cover you need to enjoy some of Britain’s finest motorcycle-friendly roads effortlessly.
As a result, be sure to use our handy bike insurance comparison portal today to save money on the insurance cover you need to explore Britain’s motorcycle-friendly roads effortlessly.
This guest post has been provided by comparethemarket.com. ]]>
The best way to meet these motorcycle insurance cover requirements is to visit our bike insurance comparison website. This is the case because we can help you find the right insurance cover to help you meet local and national requirements before you get caught in a bind whilst on the road.
It’s a good idea to use our bike insurance cover comparison website to find adequate bike insurance cover because it can help you explore some of Britain’s finest roads that are keen for bikers who want to explore all that the U.K. offers.
For example, we can help you explore the A6 road path that goes from Manchester to Bakewell. This route is suitable for beginners because it features few twists and tight turns that can be difficult for beginners to master.
Moreover, we can help you explore the A217 roadway path that leads from London’s New Kings Road to Wandsworth Bridge. This path is a lot of fun to explore because it takes your through many of London’s fun shopping districts and pretty residential neighbourhoods.
If you enjoy sightseeing, be sure to explore the interesting path that lays between Whitby to Malton via the A169 roadway. This path is ideal for sightseers because it features several shops, pubs and small villages that offer bikers a great selection of things to do all year round.
We can help more adventurous bikers explore the A64 and B1249 roadways that are located between Driffield and Staxton. These roads feature fewer stops and interesting changes in topography that will challenge your driving skills in a fun way.
Finally, we can also help you explore the A19 motorway that leads from Thirsk to York. This motorway is famous for its lush scenery, its biker-friendly terrain, and its quick path through Easingwold that is famous for its tour of the town’s market square.
As you can see, it’s important to use a bike insurance comparison website to help you find the best deals on motorbike insurance cover. This is the case because it can help you find the insurance cover you need to enjoy some of Britain’s finest motorcycle-friendly roads effortlessly.
As a result, be sure to use our handy bike insurance comparison portal today to save money on the insurance cover you need to explore Britain’s motorcycle-friendly roads effortlessly.
This guest post has been provided by comparethemarket.com. ]]>
But, do not take this homestay for granted as even in the winter months, it runs near full occupancy. Such is their hospitality and service. And if it is the summer months, one needs to book at least 3 months in advance. The Oriental Guest House is a family run homestay that was started in 1987. It is located right below the Shanti Stupa and offers great access to Leh Market and Shanti Stupa. This guest house caters to the needs of different kinds of travellers through their 3 different building groups. Building ‘A’ with a common bathroom at Rs 200 per night is for backpackers and for those who are on a shoestring. Building ‘B’ with an attached bathroom at Rs 500-600 per night is for the budget traveller. Building ‘C’, with its large rooms, centralized heating and satellite television and at Rs 1800 per night/room is for the ones who wish to indulge in some luxury.
However, even the Oriental Guest House cannot afford to run all 3 buildings during the off season and hence only operate the Building ‘C’ during the winter months. Running water is not available in the winter months, but the guest house staff ensure that the rooms do not run out of water at any time. No room service is available throughout the year. Instead, food is served in a well designed dining hall. Breakfast and lunch is A la carte, while a buffet dinner is served. Food is mainly vegetarian, but upon request, they do dish out some good chicken, mutton and egg items. Food prices are very reasonable costing between Rs 120 and Rs 200 for a full meal.
The homestay comes with a well stocked library, an internet cafe, an international and local calling booth. They also offer laundry services. The Oriental Guest House also provides tour and travel services, which helps one arrange their permits, treks, rafting expeditions, sightseeing, car services, etc. This service is fairly useful and helps one avoid all the other not so great travel agents. The travels is part of the homestay and hence cannot afford to fool around.
I stayed here for more than a week during my recent winter backpacking trip to Ladakh and thoroughly loved this place. In fact, I liked this place so much that I have decided that whenever I go to Leh, I will always stay with them. The omnipresent smiles of the homestay family and their readiness to help you always is something that appealed to me a lot. If you wish to book your Leh stay here, you can call Dawa or Phunsuk at +91 – 1982 – 253153 or reach out through their website. Julley! ]]>
But, do not take this homestay for granted as even in the winter months, it runs near full occupancy. Such is their hospitality and service. And if it is the summer months, one needs to book at least 3 months in advance. The Oriental Guest House is a family run homestay that was started in 1987. It is located right below the Shanti Stupa and offers great access to Leh Market and Shanti Stupa. This guest house caters to the needs of different kinds of travellers through their 3 different building groups. Building ‘A’ with a common bathroom at Rs 200 per night is for backpackers and for those who are on a shoestring. Building ‘B’ with an attached bathroom at Rs 500-600 per night is for the budget traveller. Building ‘C’, with its large rooms, centralized heating and satellite television and at Rs 1800 per night/room is for the ones who wish to indulge in some luxury.
However, even the Oriental Guest House cannot afford to run all 3 buildings during the off season and hence only operate the Building ‘C’ during the winter months. Running water is not available in the winter months, but the guest house staff ensure that the rooms do not run out of water at any time. No room service is available throughout the year. Instead, food is served in a well designed dining hall. Breakfast and lunch is A la carte, while a buffet dinner is served. Food is mainly vegetarian, but upon request, they do dish out some good chicken, mutton and egg items. Food prices are very reasonable costing between Rs 120 and Rs 200 for a full meal.
The homestay comes with a well stocked library, an internet cafe, an international and local calling booth. They also offer laundry services. The Oriental Guest House also provides tour and travel services, which helps one arrange their permits, treks, rafting expeditions, sightseeing, car services, etc. This service is fairly useful and helps one avoid all the other not so great travel agents. The travels is part of the homestay and hence cannot afford to fool around.
I stayed here for more than a week during my recent winter backpacking trip to Ladakh and thoroughly loved this place. In fact, I liked this place so much that I have decided that whenever I go to Leh, I will always stay with them. The omnipresent smiles of the homestay family and their readiness to help you always is something that appealed to me a lot. If you wish to book your Leh stay here, you can call Dawa or Phunsuk at +91 – 1982 – 253153 or reach out through their website. Julley! ]]>
Delhi to Jammu was fairly uneventful, but things took a ‘U’ turn when the plane left Jammu and made its way to Leh. The aircraft was flying at 21,000 feet, but the land was not more than 4,000 feet below as we were flying right above the mighty Himalayas.
It was a maze of white as we flew over the tall peaks and glaciers of the Western Himalayas. It felt like the aircraft had stopped and we were floating above this heavenly sight. These aerial views set the tone for the Himalayan visit and sends your heart racing. These views stay right on till you reach the Leh airport. One should definitely experience these views even if you do not get the opportunity to land in the Western Himalayas. ]]>
Delhi to Jammu was fairly uneventful, but things took a ‘U’ turn when the plane left Jammu and made its way to Leh. The aircraft was flying at 21,000 feet, but the land was not more than 4,000 feet below as we were flying right above the mighty Himalayas.
It was a maze of white as we flew over the tall peaks and glaciers of the Western Himalayas. It felt like the aircraft had stopped and we were floating above this heavenly sight. These aerial views set the tone for the Himalayan visit and sends your heart racing. These views stay right on till you reach the Leh airport. One should definitely experience these views even if you do not get the opportunity to land in the Western Himalayas. ]]>
But, amidst the good and the bad, you can appreciate the aura of Indian Wildlife by seeing these elephants exist in total harmony in the Kaziranga National Park. And on top of this, if you see a special moment, you are totally transfixed. Such a special moment it was when I saw these 3 generations of Elephants during my jeep safari inside the central wildlife range of Kaziranga National Park. ]]>
But, amidst the good and the bad, you can appreciate the aura of Indian Wildlife by seeing these elephants exist in total harmony in the Kaziranga National Park. And on top of this, if you see a special moment, you are totally transfixed. Such a special moment it was when I saw these 3 generations of Elephants during my jeep safari inside the central wildlife range of Kaziranga National Park. ]]>
The Rhinos roam the swamps of Kaziranga in healthy numbers. Such is their strength that sometimes you think that they are like cows, available in such huge numbers and always grazing. But, having said that, do beware of the charging Rhino as it may topple your one plus tonne jeep unlike the docile cow. ]]>
The Rhinos roam the swamps of Kaziranga in healthy numbers. Such is their strength that sometimes you think that they are like cows, available in such huge numbers and always grazing. But, having said that, do beware of the charging Rhino as it may topple your one plus tonne jeep unlike the docile cow. ]]>
The sighting was not long in terms of time, but was quite eventful as I saw this small bird in two different forms. One, in the normal self and size and the second when it drew in air to get all fluffed up and bloated. It was quite an experience to see these forms of the same bird in less than 2 minutes. Both looked equally pretty though.
I saw this bird in some dense forest undergrowth at the Yala National Park in South Eastern Sri Lanka. This passerine bird, breeds in the Himalayas and migrates to South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the winters. ]]>
The sighting was not long in terms of time, but was quite eventful as I saw this small bird in two different forms. One, in the normal self and size and the second when it drew in air to get all fluffed up and bloated. It was quite an experience to see these forms of the same bird in less than 2 minutes. Both looked equally pretty though.
I saw this bird in some dense forest undergrowth at the Yala National Park in South Eastern Sri Lanka. This passerine bird, breeds in the Himalayas and migrates to South Peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the winters. ]]>
An elderly Buddhist with his prayer wheel During these interactions, I saw them in different moods and engaging in different activities. Even though I mostly took landscape shots during these two cold weeks in Ladakh, I managed to take some street and portrait shots. The one above and the ones below are a selected few of the different faces of Ladakh.
Ladakhi women – old and young outside Lamayuru Monastery 
A Zanskar Family
Road workers enjoy a game of cards
A happy Zanskar Kid ]]>
To check the authenticity of Pashmina material, either take a knowledgeable local with it while shopping or wear it and see how fast you get warm in it. If you feel very warm in less than 3 minutes, then it has more probability of being original Pashmina material. If you still have doubts, do check out Zanskar Arts on Leh’s main market. This shop sells original stuff, but can be a bit pricey. However, you can strike a good deal if you bargain hard. Me and my friends went to this place after our local friend recommended it to us. In fact, we got lucky and our local friend joined us when we went shopping here. Since our local friend joined us, we ended up getting a slightly better cost deal. While we were checking out the wares, the shop owner showed us both original Pashmina shawls and lookalike Pashmina shawls and how both of them pass the ‘ring test’ and weigh about the same. The original Pashmina shawl can cost anywhere between 2,500 rupees to 80,000 rupees depending on the handiwork in it.
In addition to having original Pashmina material like shawls, stoles and sweaters, Zanskar Arts also has a great collection of silk knotted and woven Kashmiri carpets. These carpets come in various sizes like 3 feet by 5 feet, 6 feet by 4 feet, 10 feet by 12 feet and others. The silk knotted carpets are more expensive than the woven ones. And if the knots are more per square inch, then the price increases. To give you an idea of the price, a higher knot silk carpet of size 3 feet by 5 feet can cost you upwards of 45,000 rupees. This shop has carpets ranging from 5,000 rupees to 5 lakh rupees. And the best part is they deliver these carpets free of cost to any location in India.
Apart from Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri carpets, Zanskar Arts also deals in jewellery, gem stones and Buddhist artefacts. Their jewellery collection is quite exhaustive with rings, chains, pendants in diamond, gold, silver, precious and semi precious stones. In terms of Buddhist artefacts, they have Prayer wheels, hand beaten and machine made prayer bowls, large size statues of Buddha, Buddhist trumpets and others.
Apart from having a shop in Leh’s main market, Zanskar Arts is also present in North Goa. If you are unable to find the place, you can call 91 97642 67948 and ask for directions. While shopping here, keep in mind that this is a Kashmiri shop who keeps hefty gross margins and hence remember to bargain hard. If you seek cheaper options or smart copies, then there are a lot of options you will find in the Leh Market especially in and around Moti market. ]]>
The three main areas of Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco are the main hubs for nightlife, with each offering a slightly different spin. Miraflores is the home of many live music bars, discos, and clubs, with Parque Kennedy and the Larcomar shopping mall primary destinations. San Isidro is more upscale and subdued, while Barranco is the standard destination for tourists and locals to head to when looking to enjoy a big night out on the town.
As far as tips for enjoying night activities in Lima and other cities in Peru, you should keep a few basics in mind. Many clubs and discos don’t start filling up until well after midnight, so plan accordingly and don’t head out too early. Most clubs charge a cover fee and many have a dress code, so don’t expect to get into the best clubs if you’re wearing shorts and flip flops. The club scene can be a fickle one with the “in” places to be falling out of favour in just a few weeks or months, so be sure to ask around as to the best clubs to go to and don’t just rely on travel guides that might be badly outdated.
If you’re not into the club scene there are still plenty of night activities to enjoy, a little subtle than living in Las Vegas and experiencing their casinos and clubs though, or enjoying a night at the theatre or at dance shows highlighting some of Peru’s top dance troupes. Numerous museums also host regular activities and opera houses can also be found throughout Peru, offering the chance to spend an enjoyable evening in many different ways in the country. ]]>
It was my van driver who recommended this place when I landed at the Colombo airport in the wee hours of the morning. Even though it was quite late in the night/early in the morning, the reception was very cooperative in helping me check the various rooms and spoke English well. This meant two of my initial hurdles were overcome. The price for the rooms here is between 1000 and 4000 LKR depending on Single, Double or Triple occupancy and AC vs. Non AC. Again, this fitted into my budget. I opted for a single Non-AC room as I was promised that there were no mosquitoes. And true to their word, there were no mosquitoes. May be, it was the lean season for the mosquitoes. But, generally, Colombo is known for its mosquitoes and that’s why most tourists opt for AC rooms or lather themselves in mosquito repellent cream. By this time, the tiredness had got to me and I crashed with not even an inkling of an idea of the specialities of this property.
It is when I woke up that I realized that Hotel Ranmuthu is a sea facing property. In fact, my balcony on the 5th floor offered me great views of the Indian Ocean and the beach railway line. And when I walked outside of the hotel property, I found out that I was very close to the main business district of Colombo. All the large malls like the Crescat Boulevard, cinema complexes, five star hotels, the marine drive, the city’s best restaurants, the Fort railway station, Pettah and most of Colombo’s prime sites are a short walk away. And since it is on the Galle road, one can easily find buses and Tuk-Tuks (3 wheeler taxis) to move around. I stayed at this hotel for 3 days and 3 nights and thanks to its prime location, walked across most of Colombo’s prime areas and relaxed watching the open ocean while I was at the room.
The only weak link about this place is the lack of an in-house restaurant. But, with so many restaurants a stone’s throw away, I never found it to be a problem. In summary, I would definitely recommend this place to a budget traveller. The rooms and attached bath and toilet are clean and I didn’t face a single problem. Only word of advice is don’t get offended by the old paint of the hotel exterior. The interiors are pretty decent. If you are interested to book your stay here, the contact numbers are 0094 11 2433986 and 0094 11 2433989. And the address is 112, Galle Road, Colombo – 3. ]]>
Here are four favourite European cities for a winter break; some with the Euro and some without. Either way, before travelling it’s important to keep up to date with exchange rates when changing money at a bureau de change. With your money sorted all you need to consider is the sights you’ll see.
Berlin
Berlin is great for exploring. You can get out and see the historical past of the city by visiting sites such as the Berlin wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. If you’re looking for some winter partying, Berlin has it all. Renowned as one of the biggest and best party cities in the world, there are numerous buzzing clubs dotted all around the city. It’s certainly something not to be missed.
Rome
You may think Rome is more of a summer destination. But it shouldn’t just be the weather that’s the real draw for this historic city. In the summer months, visitors flock to the Vatican museums to see such sites as the Belvedere Courtyard, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, but the number of visitors and the length of queues can have a negative impact. Visiting these sites in winter, they’ll be almost deserted and you can enjoy them in peace. The same can be said for the Colosseum and other famous sites of historical interest. Winter really can be the perfect time to visit Rome.
Edinburgh
A city break doesn’t necessarily mean heading out to continental Europe. Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations in the world, so you’d be foolish to ignore it just because it’s close to home. In winter, visitors can see the sites of Edinburgh castle and the Royal Mile as well as partaking in the famous celebrations for Hogmanay.
Poprad
The city of Poprad in Slovakia may not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of a European city break, but it’s the perfect place for those looking for a little relaxation and a break from it all. Visitors can sit outside in a thermal spa while gazing at the impressive snow capped High Tatras Mountain peaks. After you can move inside to one of the Aqua bars and sample warming liqueurs while you soak in the water. ]]>
I saw these motions unravel in front of me during my safari in Yala National Park. Yala National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the south east coast of Sri Lanka.
It was an interesting passage of five minutes while I was watching the mother and the young watch us with rapt attention. Initially, the young one was scared and held onto its mother tightly, but once she realized that its mother is not worried, it went back to its normal suckling activity. At this point, you can see that both mother and the baby are visibly relaxed.
And luckily for me, all these events took place in decent light, at not so far distance and for a good time duration to help me understand the parental behaviour of the Grey Langurs. These variables also helped in getting some good photographs.
Such priceless moments: the inquisitive eyes of the young, it suckling on its mother are generally hard to get and one has to have lady luck on their side to capture such moments. I guess those were my lucky moments. These lucky moments are what primes me up as a wildlife photographer!! ]]>
Baga Beach is in the state located near the Calangute Village in the north of Goa. It’s warm, brown sands and bobbing fishing boats present an idyllic scene, while local tourism companies offer water sports such as skiing and diving. The wide, tidal estuary that empties into the Arabian Sea – known as Baga Creek – is a hotspot for tourists in the high summer seasons.
The largest beach in the state is Calangute Beach, also in the north of Goa, near the town of Candolim. This area attracts many visitors to enjoy local delights not restricted to the hotels, restaurants and adventure tours (such as dolphin viewing), but which involve the village’s ancient history. Candolim was one of the first villages to convert to Christianity during the Portuguese inquisition of Goa.
Moving in the other direction, Cavelossim is on the southernmost tip of the state and hosts the large Salcette Beach. The town also once hosted the temple of Shri Shantadurga who is the form of the Goddess Durga - a goddess who is commonly worshipped in Goa owing to her patronage towards fisher folk. The temples were traditionally built over anthills, although many were destroyed by missionaries, and the Shanta Durga was shifted from Cavelossim to Kavalem in the early 18th Century.
Not just renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife, Goa is packed with history and ancient architecture. Book cheap holidays for 2012, and explore the many facets of one of India’s most attractive states. ]]>
The Ajith Safari Jeep Tours have decent jeeps and drivers, but they don’t have knowledgeable guides and most of his employees will break all jungle rules to make a quick buck. But, this is not the primary reason for my unhappiness. The owner of this travel agency is not a man of his words. He will promise you something and deliver you something else. That is precisely what happened with us and which left us totally stunned. Also, he charges quite a premium for his services. Be sure to bargain real hard if you go on a wildlife tour with him. In some cases, he has kept more than 100% profit margins, while the other agents keep 20-25%.
If you do end up going on a wildlife tour with this agency, do get all your plan completely chalked out and to the last detail lest you end up in a soup with basic facilities and a bad tour. To help fellow travellers get more details on this unethical travel agent, I have provided all the contact details below:
Name: Ajith Priyantha
Travel Agency Name: Ajith Safari Jeep Tours
Website: www.yalasafari.lk
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: +94 47 2237557
Address: No. 418/A, Debarawewa, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Personally, I would not recommend this tour operator to anyone. Such was my experience! ]]>
In terms of cost, this place is between 1500 LKR and 3500 LKR. A hard bargain should get you a good deal. Rates might be slightly higher during peak tourist season (Dec to Feb and Apr-May). In terms of facilities, the place has a library, helpful management and a restaurant that cooks pre-ordered meals. The rooms are very clean, offer quilts and running hot and cold water. Some rooms also have television in them.
Glenfall’s main asset is its proximity to the main market of Nuwara Eliya without the crowd and the noise. I stayed at this place during my recent backpacking trip and was very satisfied with my stay. Hence, would recommend it as a great budget accommodation option.
For those who wish to book accommodation at this place, please reach out to D G L Dasanayake, the owner of this place. The contact numbers are +94 522223182 and +94 522223364. The email id is [email protected]. And the complete address is No. 03, Glenfall road, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. ]]>
My presentation, which is primarily a photo slideshow was well received both at the event and in the social network circles. Hence, thought it would be appropriate for me to post it on my blog. Hope you go through a whirlwind tour of India while scrolling through it. A copy of the presentation (PDF format) can be downloaded here. For those who do not wish to download, scroll through the rest of the post for the full presentation.
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Not only are these birds seen in huge numbers here, but I guess they are possibly the most well fed here. Or at least that is my perception when I see their bright plumage and well fed tummies. And this is very good news for the Yala ecosystem, which is providing a healthy habitat for these green bee eaters.
When you look at these pictures and by looking at their size, you might say that these are not little green bee eaters, but some other bee eater that is bigger in size. But, then common sense prevails once you look at their tail, their beak and other colour patterns.
I saw innumerable little green eaters during my safaris at Yala and I was lucky enough to take good photographs of them. If I remember right, one of them was not more than 10 feet away, a very bold distance for a small bird such as the little green bee eater. ]]>
One thing most deserts have in common is their uncompromising and often hostile environment, which can prove a serious barrier to human habitation. Hot temperatures can soar unexpectedly and water is usually in very short supply.
Unprepared adventurers can quickly dehydrate or suffer from heatstroke and that's in addition to the risks posed by desert creatures and events such as sandstorms. A common misconception is that all deserts are hot, but some are in fact very cold and this brings risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
To compile a list of the top ten deserts in the world is a matter of opinion, but by pinpointing some of the largest and most documented examples, we begin to form an insight into these amazing places and their unique character.
Despite the difficulties, human life has continued across most deserts for hundreds of years, particularly the culture of nomadic tribes and groups of indigenous people who are well-equipped at supporting themselves through a combination of life skills and a survival instinct.
Sahara Desert
One of the most well-known deserts is, of course, the Sahara, a huge subtropical space occupying 3,629,360 sq miles across parts of Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and other locations. Known for its dramatic sand dunes, craggy valleys and extremely hot climate, the Sahara sees little vegetation thrive in its harsh conditions, yet lizards, snakes, foxes, birds and other animals carve out an existence here.
Arabian Desert
With around 2,300,000 sq miles of barren land, The Arabian desert is not far behind and is also a haunting wilderness, but one which differs from the Sahara due to its areas of red dunes and dangerous quick sand, making its terrain especially difficult to negotiate. Spreading from from Yemen to the Persian Gulf and Oman to Jordan and Iraq, this desert sees many adapted species, including sand cats, gazelles and lizards surviving here, where the blistering summer temperatures reach 54 °C.
Gobi Desert
Another prime example of a huge desert region is Gobi in Asia, which covers parts of China and Mongolia. This area sees colder temperatures, but also more variation, with examples ranging from -40°C in winter to +50°C in summer. A site of much fossil discovery, dinosaur eggs have been found here, hinting at its long history of sustaining life. With many plateaus, basins, mountain ranges and a changing landscape, the Gobi desert is a varied and unpredictable place that adapts to the climate at the time.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is a large, sandy area in Southern Africa covering 350,000 sq miles, including much of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The name Kalahari is a derivation of the Tswana term "Kgala", which means "the great thirst", together with "Kgalagadi", "Khalagari" or "Kalagare", which relate to "a waterless place". Despite its name, the Kalahari is actually rich in plants and animals. A small amount of yearly rainfall creates watering holes, supporting animals such as leopards and cheetahs. Trees and grasses manage to thrive, including some local fruit varieties, making it less barren than many other deserts.
Patagonian Desert
The Patagonian Desert is another example of a harsh climate that still supports a reasonable amount of animal and plant life. As the 7th largest desert in the world, occupying 260,000 sq miles, this barren Argentinian landscape is home to owls, pumas, weasels and iguanas and also to typical desert plants such as tuft grasses and shrubs. Although sparsely populated today, there was much settlement in the past and this has been evidenced through cave paintings and records dating to the 18th century.
Great Victoria Desert
With a degree of colour and diversity when compared to some other deserts, Great Victoria in Southern Australia is awash with shades of brown and red and also features grasslands, pebbled areas and salt lakes. Existing across 163,900 sq miles, the desert sees temperatures of between 32 to 40 °C in summer, while in winter, this falls to 18 to 23 °C. British explorer Ernest Giles was the first European to cross this vast space in 1875 and in recognition; he named it after Queen Victoria.
Great Basin Desert
Great Basin Desert is a cold area across Nevada and parts of California and Utah, in the United States. Incorporating the Great Basin National Park, this region is 39,505 sq miles in size and owes its very existence to the rain shadow effect of the Sierra Nevada desert to the west. It has a typical desert landscape and is a good example of a colder area.
Chihuahuan Desert
Bordering parts of the United States and Mexico, the Chihuahuan Desert is based in an area of 139,769 sq miles, making it the second largest desert in North America, after the Great Basin Desert. The tricky terrain consists mostly of basins interspersed with a number of small mountain ranges. The World Wide Fund for Nature has said that the Chihuahuan Desert may be the most biologically diverse desert in the world, whether it is measured by diversity in species or by endemism. However, many native species having been taken over by the aggressive Creosote Bush which thrives here.
Great Sandy Desert
Another immense desert is the Great Sandy Desert, located in Western Australia, incorporating the southern Kimberley and Pilbara areas. Second only to the Great Victoria Desert, the Great Sandy Desert encompasses an area of 110,036 sq miles. The main populations consist of Indigenous Australian people and Centre's for mining, although the area is still sparsely populated. Temperatures are among the hottest in Australia, with summer highs of 38 °C.
Karakum Desert
The Karakum Desert takes its name from the words Gara Gum and Kara-Kum which mean 'black sand' and is a desert in Central Asia. Occupying around 70% of the area of Turkmenistan, the area is very dry and arid, with rainfall occurring around once every ten years. Where this desert differs to others is through the addition of the world's second largest irrigation canal, the Kara Kum Canal, which has transported large quantities of water since its beginnings in 1954. The desert is also famous for some human remains found here that archaeologists have dated back to the Stone Age.
Although there's no denying the flat and often featureless landscapes, deserts can also be very beautiful, melancholy places subject to outstanding lighting, eerie silences and unusual life forms. There's no doubt that despite their prominence, much of the terrain remains largely unexplored by the masses for a number of reasons. This relative undiscovered helps to retain the deserts' unique and arresting sense of beauty, mystery and intrigue.
Note: All the pictures in this post have been borrowed from commons.wikipedia.org. ]]>
The joy of such moments exponentially increase when that bird in question is a ‘raptor’ as getting good time with these birds is very difficult. Such a moment was this when I saw this Changeable Hawk Eagle on my way to the Yala Beach inside the Yala National Park in South Eastern Sri Lanka.
Me and my friends had finished our morning safari and were headed to the remote beach of Yala for a packed lunch session when we spotted this raptor sitting on the tree branch just near the jeep track. The eyes of the Changeable Hawk Eagle stand out. At times they look threatening, but I guess it is their eyes that lend character to these birds. ]]>
We do have an itinerary in mind, which involves 2 days of acclimatization at Leh, a 5 day trek in the Zanskar range and 5 days of exploring the scenic locations around Leh, namely, Pangong Tso Lake, Hemis High Altitude National Park, the Changthang belt (Tso Moriri Lake, Tso Kar Lake), Nubra Valley, Khardungla, Lamayuru and the city of Leh.
I am sure that we will not be able to visit all of these places, but we will pick n choose depending on weather and road conditions. Weather plays an instrumental role in Ladakh especially during winters as temperatures drop to as low as minus 40 degree Celsius in some places. Wind Chill is also quite severe here especially in the night and early mornings and this can lower the ‘Real Feel’ temperatures even further down. Ice sheets cover most of the terrain and most of the lakes, rivers and other water bodies freeze.
To tackle this tough weather, we have with us the following gear: ‘800 down’ sleeping bags, ‘800 down’ jackets, thermal wear, backpacking boots, moisture wicking alpine socks, woollen socks, fleece balaclavas, alpine skull caps, woollen mittens, gaiters and others. And we plan to take crampons, ice axes and ropes as need be on hire from Leh. But, I am sure that we will face the ladakhi icy chill in spite of all this. And that is part of the adventure we are going for.
On most of my previous travel trips, my followers and readers have complained that I don’t post updates while I am travelling. Hence, this time around, I will consciously attempt to post pictures and updates on my facebook profile page while I am exploring. Hopefully, I will have get some cell phone connectivity and my phone battery lasts a while in those low temperatures.
I am hoping this will be a great trip. My adrenalin levels have already risen, my heart is pumping wildly and my pulse is racing. I am really excited. Let’s see how it goes… ]]>
