1000 Islands Bed And Breakfast

Beauty Beneath the Surface in Mesmerizing Coral Reefs in the Maldives

Ideally spread out across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives can best be described as paradise on earth. With a majority of its landmass surrounded by sandy beaches, the natural atolls of the country are also home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. A popular hotspot among avid divers and snorkelers, the island enclave encompasses a whopping 26 natural atolls with nearly 2000 vibrant coral reefs dotting the ocean floor.

Experts believe that the origin of the Maldives’ extensive coral reef heritage is due to a monumental underwater volcanic eruption that rocked the ocean bed. It should also be noted that the coral reefs themselves contain a number of stunning and breathtaking lagoons within their folds. Complete with coral outcrops and sandbars, the Maldives is home to perhaps the globe’s most complex and diverse composite coral reef network. Providing shelter for many colourful varieties of fish and other marine creatures, coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystem for marine life. Almost a thousand fish species are said to inhabit the Maldivian reefs including plankton and sharks while 200 varieties of coral have been identified in the country.

Ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving activities each atoll on the islands comprises of large reefs, as well as several faros reefs with individual reef channels, rims and inner lagoons. The most popular form of diving in the Maldives is setting adrift on liveaboards where the ocean’s current is used to move from one location to another. Guests can get a firsthand look at snappers, Napoleon wrasses,  sweetlips and jacks while parrot fish are also frequently spotted by divers.

When diving in the channels, visitors can enjoy the overhangs, caves and caverns in which soft corals grow and flourish. Expect to see gorgonian fans, vibrant sponges and invertebrates that inhabit the waters. In the regions inside atoll lagoons, divers can see towering rock peaks that reach the surface in some cases. Known as ‘Thilas’, these areas are infested with colourful sessile creatures. Such formations are believed to cause water to surge from the ocean bed to crash against the walls, simultaneously nourishing the soft corals, sponges that dwell on the sides. Sustaining a host of crustaceans and species of resident fish, the formations also create an environment rich in marine life and thus perfect for divers.

 Visitors in search of luxury Maldives hotels should look no further than the John Keells Hotels Group for the best rests in the island enclave. A renowned name in the Maldives travel  industry, the stylish establishments under the group’s management are some of the finest hotels in the country.

Dining in Maldives ? Exclusively for the Gourmet and the Epicurean

Maldives is like an idyllic paradise for the holidaymakers the world over. The country is famous as a tourist destination to spend a romantic, family or sporty holiday in the bliss of the tropics. Maldives is composed of thousands of islets nestling numerous island resorts that you can call your own little paradises.

Look around and you see a great blue ocean embracing the white beaches full of sparkling soft sand. Some islets are so narrow and small it almost feels like you are floating above the ocean and the feeling itself is surreal and inspirational. Tourists in Maldives equally enjoy the delight of local food offered at numerous restaurants snuggled in these island resorts. From haute cuisine to simple traditional delicacies you can take a whole new culinary adventure while you dine at the restaurants in Maldives.

 You can pick your choice of cuisines from continental to traditional Maldivian, western, Indian, Japanese and Chinese. And delight in your favourite flavours of pizza, pasta, cakes and ice creams. They smell simply awesome, look absolutely fresh and their appeal is at the helm so you simply can’t resist ordering more and more. Apart from the three main meals you can also request for special candle light dinners at some of its restaurants, and one by the seaside to make it all the more romantic.

Dining in Maldives is even more enjoyable when you get to taste their local delicacies and cuisines. The traditional Maldivian meal comprise of rice and fish soup called garudhiya. Rihaakuru or fish paste is a popular side dish. Other traditional dishes in Maldives include chapati called roshi and mashuni made with shredded smoked fish mixed with coconut and onion.

 One of the most popular delicacies in Maldives is called hedhikaa, the Maldivian savoury snacks and short eats made from smoked fish and scraped coconuts and simple ingredients. The top picks are fishcakes called kulhi boakibaa, fish pastry called bajiyaa, fish balls called gulha, fish rolls called keemia and fish pancakes called masroshi. Seafood is one of the food specialties in Maldives as it’s the most abundant and the skipjack tuna is definitely one of their favourites.

To pamper the sweet toothed guests, the restaurants in Maldives offer an array of luscious deserts made of flour, essence and sugar. They include the foni boakiba, githeyo boakiba and huni hakuru folhi. Black tea referred locally as kalhu sai, is one of their favourite beverages that goes well with the local snacks.

 Spend your vacation at one of the cosy <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=” http://www.johnkeellshotels.com/MaldivesHotels.htm” target=”_blank”>Maldives hotels</a> and enjoy a delightful dining experience in Maldives. For the ultimate comfort wrapped with some of the finest coastal backdrops try one of the hotels from John Keells Hotels Group for your <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.johnkeellshotels.com/Maldives.htm ” target=”_blank”>Maldives travel</a>. Explore various islands, be mesmerized with their breathtaking seascapes, engage in water sports and taste their tempting dishes from exotic to native. In fact your wonderful experience here will make you want to visit Maldives year after year.

Exploring Hong Kong, Amazing Varieties of Attractions

Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a part of the Guangdong Province, and is one of the China’s two special administrative regions, another being Macau.

In other words, Hong Kong is a thriving metropolis where modern western lifestyle is combined with ancient as well as traditional Chinese culture. Until the 19th century, Hong Kong was just a sleepy fishing village, which later saw tremendous changes when it became a colony and was under the British till it was handed over to China in 1997.

Occupying an area of about 1099 square kilometers and located on the south east coast of China, Hong Kong is now regarded as a gateway to the country, and serves as a center of international transportation, commerce, and communication. Hong Kong is made up of four sections such as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the Outlying Islands, and the New Territories.

When comes to attractions and things to do, Hong Kong provides endless options, which at the same are also unique. For instance, the Victoria Harbor that separates the glass towers of the island and the bustling streets of Kowloon Peninsula is one of the most magnificent waterways of the world. Perhaps the greatest of all the attractions in the city would be Victoria Peak, otherwise known as the Peak. Until the opening of the Peak Tram in 1880, the only way to reach the Peak was via walking or by taking a potholed ride in a sedan chair.

An interesting thing is that the Peak Tram is still in operational and taking a ride in it is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Hong Kong Island as well as the Kowloon Peninsula. Attractions in the Peak also include the Peak Tower, which is a shopping center with a remarkable terrace, from where you can enjoy the magnificent views of whole of the island.

Another not to miss attraction in Hong Kong is Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, an awesome promenade, a stroll along which would be a great way to savor the incredible beauty of the place. Must-visit attractions in the city also include Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha, where to reach you will have to climb about 400 steps; Tian Tan Buddha, which is the largest statute of seated Buddha in the world; Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which has on display an amazing selection of antique Chinese artifacts; and Sam Tung Uk Museum, which is in the center of Tsuen Wan in the New Territories.

A visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without taking a tour to destinations such as Disneyland and Ocean Park, whose facilities are an eclectic mix of entertainment and education; Repulse Bay, which is much famed for its white sandy beaches and sub-tropical backdrop; and Golden Bauhinia Square, which marks the most prominent occasion in the history of China, ie, the return of Hong Kong by the British and the establishment of the city as the Special Administrative Region on 30 June 1997.

The city has something for everyone. For instance, for culinary enthusiasts, the city boasts of a mind blowing array of restaurants serving delicacies like chicken lo mein, dim sum, Tong Cho oysters, tofu, and Peking duck.

Further, Hong Kong is a haven for shopping, with shops and stalls in such destinations as Stanley Village Market, from where a variety of branded items can be shopped at bargain prices. Likewise, if you are flower lover, then head to flower market, where a unique selection of flowers and plants can be seen. Further, a visit to the Bird Market would be an excellent option for bird lovers. Also, while your stay at Hong Kong, take a tour to the fish market in the city, which boasts of aquariums consisting of exotic fish varieties. Above all, exciting as well as lively is the nightlife of the city, which is primarily concentrated around the twin districts of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.

With these amazing varieties of attractions, it is not a wonder why tourists from across the world flock to this wonderful destination. Hence, the city has accommodation choices to cater to every type of travelers. If you are well healed, then you can go for such accommodation options that are attached with high facilities and comforts. Even these hotels provide superb facilities in the form of excellent fitness rooms and award winning spa treatments. There are also some hotels providing services of expert nutritionist which helps to develop healthy as well as sumptuous menus for guests.

Lanta Yai – a Paradise for Your Indulgence

If you are looking for a secluded desert island, with lush green vegetation, pristine beaches and a aqua marine ocean then you don’t have to look to far off the Thai coast. Ko Lanta Yai which is located near the Andaman Islands on the Andaman Sea fit the description of thousands of romantic movie settings and would even make Daniel Defoe re-script “Robinson Crusoe.” Despite being close to the Phi Phi Islands off the west of Thailand the islands are for administrative purposes classified under Krabi Province. It is just a classification though, for once you arrive here all ties with the outside world are severed and all that remains is you and the deep blue ocean.

Despite its miniscule proportions (its only 30 km long and 6 km across), the Lanta Yai Island offers a diverse range of recreational activities to indulge in. It is popular for scuba diving as the rock and coral formations around the island serve as a home for many species of marine life. Experiencing a ride on a traditional Thai Long tail boat is also something no tourists should miss; nothing can beat rowing out to the vast expansive ocean and being so close to nature.

Lanta Yai is mostly frequented by tourists who want to get away from the crowded party oriented beaches of Phuket and are instead searching for a more relaxed, laid back holiday. Due to its popularity among a niche market the island’s are extremely peaceful and non-commercialized; no red light districts or night clubs here!

As described earlier Lanta Yai is not the place to head to if you are looking rollicking nightlife or crowded night clubs. None the less a couple of more laid back night time pursuits can be enjoyed here, the island boasts of a wide variety of restaurants. They can range from banana pancake joints to fully fledged gourmet restaurants; many of them offer breathtaking locations right on the beach itself. A couple of laid back bars and pubs can also be found around the Lanta Yai Harbour and also in most hotels.

Enjoy the comforts of this exquisite paradise while staying at a krabi luxury villa such as Langham Place Koh Lanta which is highly regarded for its unmatched quality and service excellence.

Indore ? Mini Metro

Once a stronghold for the illustrious Holkars, Indore has continued to shine and is now a wannabe metro often called Mini Mumbai. Taking advantage of its position and location, Indore always enjoyed good trade and commerce route and has now become the most successful commercial center in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Good financial conditions enabled the erstwhile rulers to patronize art and contribute nicely to the heritage of the city. Being a religious site too, Indore is home to some of the finest temples in the region. Plan a trip to the place to enjoy a trip full of surprises.

Indore’s long association with rulers has given it some fine monuments which still continue to charm all. Rajwada or the Old Palace in Indore is one such site here. Built by the Holkars, it is almost 200 years old and is an architectural masterpiece. Some awe-inspiring temples, grandiose halls and charming gardens are a part of the Palace. Rajwada was destroyed by fire thrice. Yet it has always restored itself and still retains its former glory. Another structural masterpiece from the Holkars is the Laal Baag Palace. Built in three phases it was the royal residence of the rulers and is now a museum. The wooden ballroom here is absolutely stunning and showcases fine artwork in its marble columns, chandeliers and stained glass windows. A pleasant rose garden is also a part of the palace complex. It used to be the venue of royal weddings.

A noted attraction and a highly revered religious site in Indore is the Kanch Mandir. Built by Seth Hukamchand, it is a Jain Temple decorated by glasses. Exquisitely crafted Chinese lantern-type glass lamps and cut-glass chandeliers further enhance the interior. The temple houses an impressive onyx idol of Lord Mahavira. The Ganesh Temple at Khajarana is another highly revered spot in Indore attracting thousands of devotees everywhere. The Bada Ganapati here is the largest Ganpati idol in Asia. It was erected with all natural materials and is adorned by precious metals and stones.

A couple of other important sites are located a little away from Indore city limits. Omkareshwar is one such site. Situated on an Om shaped island, the temple is home to one of 12 Jyotirlingas present in the country. The Annapuran Temple here is another piece of art which was inspired by the Meenakshi Temple. Though not a religious pilgrimage, Mandu is another important attraction, a little away from Indore. It is known for the immortal love-story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.

Apart from the religious and architectural wealth that Indore possesses, it has a lot more to offer to the visitors. Food is a passion for Indore and any visitor to the city would be able to notice it. From the best of classy restaurants to street-side food stalls, all offer so much of variety, that any foodie will immediately love it. Shopping too is a great experience here for the sheer range that Indore has to offer. While the Khajuria Bazaar offers a world of items at cheap bargains, shopping arenas and malls like Treasure Island and Indore Central Mall offer the best of brands and big names in shopping.

Visit this commercial power house in Madhya Pradesh for an all new experience.