Posts Tagged ‘South’

South Indian Tours: An Exotic Ensemble of Enchanting Experiences

The peninsular region of South India beckons tourists with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural and architectural heritage that is much older than North India. Surrounded by seas and oceans from three sides, it has some of the best beaches in the world. A complete amalgamation of panoramic landscapes; divine temples; magnificent art forms; entrancing backwaters; and best health tourism opportunities for those who want to experience meditation, yoga and ayurveda, South India tour packages offer a whole plethora of vacation and tourism options to try and explore.

Overwhelming grandeur of its temples and pristine natural beauty of its beaches fringed by palm trees swinging in the cool sea breeze present a mesmerizing sight. Warm and friendly, the people of South India are highly educated in general. The extreme contrasts of South India are its key attractions. Ornate temples and intricately carved monuments stand in contrast with rich humid mangroves and warm sandy beaches that retain the natural bliss of the region. Offering the most exotic expressions of South Asia, South India is full of surprises. Presenting an interesting past that dates back to thousands of years, the intriguing diversity of four major states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu – of South India is astonishing.

Closer to northern India, Andhra Pradesh bore the worst of the political invasions and external influences, out of the four states of South India. Today, it embodies secularism and Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims live in perfect harmony here. While Hyderabad is famous for its Mughal-era monuments, Tirupati Balaji is one of the wealthiest temples that exist, where religious frenzy can be seen at its zenith. The architectural and cultural legacies of various dynasties such as Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, and Chalukyas can be seen here.

Besides the beautiful beaches, Karnataka is a treat for all the five senses. Carnatic Music, Incense Sticks or Agarbatti, and Coffee and Sandalwood Plantations of Karnataka are some of the most cherished achievements of the state. The most glorious of all states in terms of richness of literature, culture, traditions, history, architecture and artistic formsm however, is Tamilnadu. The ethereal charm of Tamil Nadu makes it a tourist paradise. Rightly known as God’s Own Country, Kerala has some excellent beaches to die for such as the Kovalam beach at Thiruvananthapuram. The backwaters of Alappuzzha and ancient churches of Kottayam are almost as famous as the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Golden Valley of Ponmudi.

Besides these distinctive states, several South India tour packages include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, Pondicherry and Goa in their itineraries. You may also opt for Golf tours in Ooty, Chennai and Bangalore. Romantic and laid-back Goa is known for its world-class music and white sandy beaches presenting the best tropical vacation tourism option. Inaccessible and mysterious, the islands of Andaman and Nicobar seduce tourists with their natural panoramas, dense forest covers and virgin beauty. The tiny archipelago of Lakshadweep has 10 inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands, 12 atolls, three reefs, 5 submerged reefs and attached islets that make for an ideal destination for those who love to explore new regions of the world. The splendid sea resorts of Pondicherry have a noticeable European outset with Portuguese, Dutch and French influence prominent throughout the Coromandel Coast. South India is an ideal holiday destination and the best tour packages will offer you an eclectic mix of magnificent beaches, hill resorts, natural backwaters and unrivaled specimens of temple architecture.

Places to Go in the South Pacific

The South Pacific is renowned for a lot more than just being the name of a popular Broadway musical. It’s also the location of breathtaking tropical islands, Polynesian culture, world war two historical sites, coral reefs, volcanoes, and more. There are thousands of tropical islands in the area that make fabulous holiday spots.  Some of the more well known islands are Fiji, French Polynesia, The Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Micronesia.

There are a lot of tropical islands to choose from, there is something for everybody in the South Pacific.  Some islands are so small they are only beach and a nearby coral reef.  Other islands are so gigantic they have volcanoes, a lot of animals, and even canyons. For any lover of tropical beaches, there are many options if you head to this part of the world. Here is a quick round up of the highlights: 

For those seeking adventure, Fiji remains the best island to choose from. This country has some 322 islands and less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens on the western islands. Fiji has excellent diving and Kadavu is one of Fiji’s best dive sites. The more energetic can go trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi. Taveuni also offers good hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Parki.

If you want a romantic holiday,, French Polynesia is one of the best romantic island destinations in the world.  Tahiti is famous for its expensive resorts whose bungalows sit over the ocean, providing an excellent way to take a morning swim- simply dive out of your bed! There are fancy spas, hikes, sailing expeditions, and tours specially designed for couples. Be warned though- French Polynesia is not cheap and trips to Tahiti could be expensive

Islands like Vanuatu and Micronesia are good off the beaten track islands. Vanautu lies just south of the Solomon Islands. The real attraction of Vanuatu is its phenomenal sightseeing. Underwater visibility at its peak hits fifty meters, revealing limitless schools of colorful fish darting around spectacular coral reefs, as well as a formidable array of submerged WWII wreckages. Above sea level, the scenery only gets more amazing.

Visitors to Micronesia can enjoy spectacular diving at the many underwater wrecks in Chuuk. The ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are also worth the trip, providing a fascinating view back to the 13th century Saudeleur dynasty who ruled there. Or just want to calm down, find a nice coral atoll and take in the beautiful weather It’s the kind of place where you pack your watch away and forget about time for a while. Don’t forget the sunscreen though.

If you want Polynesian culture, unspoiled by mass tourism, The Cook Islands are where you should go. The Cook Islands Polynesian culture is famous for a number of things. Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Each island is famous for something unique. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman’s gods and staff-gods, Atiu for its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Mauke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes.

For those looking for spectacular island destinations, you can’t beat the South Pacific islands. These islands offer some of the best beaches, best diving, best ocean on the planet. There is also great food and culture here too. Polynesian culture is rich, diverse and has a long history. After a long day in the sun, there is nothing like a little outdoor BBQ and dance to make the perfect tropical island day even better.  By far, I believe that the best tropical islands are in this part of the world.

Cruise South America With Costa Cruises

An adventurous cruise through South America will take in a huge array of wildlife, you could see many natural wonders and some spectacular scenery, and even lost cities along the way. Rich with beauty and atmosphere, a South American cruise truly is a unique experience.

For travellers who are in search of breath taking mountain views, vast tropical rainforests and natural, rugged beauty a South American cruise really is it. The west coast of Chile with deep fjords and icy glaciers is something to behold. In contrast you could experience the tropical atmosphere of a mangrove river in Costa Rica or explore a tranquil fishing village in Mexico. This huge continent covers many thousands of miles and has equatorial tropics and sub Antarctic regions. There are fourteen countries and territories that make up the continent and that means some wonderfully diverse cultures as well as many interesting animals to be seen, from Whales to Penguins and Sea Lions as well as many tropical birds.

This is adventure cruising, and as well as the main cruise itself, you will probably want to take excursions away from your ship in order to truly experience this region. Boat up the Amazon to see the jungle surround you and a wonderful array of wildlife and birds that just can’t be seen anywhere else. Take an excursion to see OIinda, a wonderful Portuguese hilltop town which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Or sightsee in the exotic and cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro. You might even take in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on your route and experience a little slice of Britain out in the South Atlantic.

Travel round the Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the southernmost continent, and visit Patagonia, a vast landscape of deserts and mountains that stretch between Chile and Argentina which in it’s gentlest parts looks something like the wildest areas of Scotland, here you can go penguin spotting and visit the national glacier parks, and possibly even see a killer whale. There are so many places to visit in this area that no cruise can take them all in, but whichever route you choose you are bound to experience some wonderful sights, and if visiting Antarctica appeals to you, it is possible to take a day cruise out there from some main cruises, but these can be expensive at around £1,500 per person for this day event. It is however a once in a lifetime experience.

In between visits to exotic places, there is of course the wonder of the South Atlantic ocean to see. From your ship at night you will be able to view the stars over the water in this vast unspoilt area, and there are many aquatic creatures to look out for along the way in the daytime such as the South American sea lion which can be found on the Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Chilean coasts. So, with fine dining aboard ship and adventurous trips inland to be taken, as well as incredible wildlife and astounding landscapes and seascapes to be seen, most people enjoy cruising this area which is like no other anywhere on the globe.

Great Barrier Reef Vacation At South Long Island Nature Lodge In The Whitsundays

For the top Great Barrier Reef vacation you will find the South Long Island Nature Lodge in the Whitsundays comes top of the list . It is an adult only very secluded island retreat accessible only by helicopter, catering for a maximum of ten guests.

This is the place for a luxury Australia vacation with fine dining, premium Australian wines, incredibly personalised service in a totally unspoilt part of Australia.

The Whitsundays consist of 74 islands of which 8 are inhabited lying midway along the Queensland coast, bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the Coral Sea

South Long Island Nature Lodge has an all inclusive tariff except for wine and beers includes private helicopter tours, and private catamaran yacht cruises to explore the coral gardens, deserted beaches and the unique wild life in this part of the Whitsundays.

South Long Island Nature Lodge has just ten superb waterfront bungalows overlooking the private beach of Paradise Bay and is a perfect escape for a top Great Barrier Reef vacation, as this is the most secluded and unspoilt location in the Whitsundays. The bungalows are right on the waterfront, surrounded by tropical rainforest with spectacular views of Paradise Bay.
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Possibly the most spectacular time you will have at the Lodge is when you are taken by helicopter out to The outer Great Barrier Reef, and there really is nothing to beat a view of the reef from the air, stretched out below you. It will also take you to Whitehaven beach possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Fine dining is a necessity for a vacation to be truly successful and this luxury Australian Vacation to South Long Island Nature Lodge will give you fine dining every night, with fresh local produce, and some of the best seafood you will get anywhere. The chef will basically cook whatever your dietary requirements and food fads are, it is that personal a service.

Food is eaten dinner part style , under a thousand star sky overlooking the beach. This enables you to meet and get to know people you’d never normally chat to, and have some scintillating conversations.

The South Long Island Nature Lodge really is paradise for the stressed executive and partner, with never more than ten guests, no televisions, no young children, no mobile phones, and no day visitors to disturb you. It’s like your own private island, with your own chef, and boat skipper at your beck and call, and a hostess to ensure your every whim is met. All of which makes for a perfect Australia Luxury Vacation.

For more information on Australia Holiday Hideaways go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

Fiji Islands – An Idyllic South Pacific Escape

Occupying a land area of about 18,350 square kilometers, Fiji is an archipelago nation, situated in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, west of Tonga, east of Vanuatu, and south of Tuvalu. Fiji is about 2000 miles north-east of Australia, and has the Hawaiian Islands to the north and New Zealand to the south. Officially known as the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the archipelago of Fiji consists of 322 islands and more than 500 islets. Of which only about 100 islands are inhabited.

Formerly known as the Cannibal Isles, Fiji Islands were first inhabited by the Polynesians. In 1874, Fiji became a colony of the British. Nearly after a century of British rule, Fiji gained independence in 1970. But, Fiji has now become a major hub of the trade and tourism in the South Pacific and one of the significant stopovers for flights between New Zealand and the USA.

With its sheer beauty, thousands of magnificent beaches, beautiful volcanic islands, coral reefs, pristine lagoons, palm fringed shorelines, lush green forest areas, and volcanic peaks rising up to 3000 ft, Fiji has now become the most enchanting tourist destination in the South Pacific.

No matter you have come here for celebrating your anniversary, honeymoon, or just to enjoy sport activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, Fiji has superb options for all. The Fiji Islands has been categorized into three groups such as the central islands comprising Viti Levu and Vanua Levu; the Lau Islands; and the Ra Islands, containing the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.

The largest as well as the prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Viti Levu, which is home to Suva – the capital city. Viti Levu boasts of all that is required to make your vacation at Fiji truly enjoyable as well as unforgettable, including well maintained cities, tropical mountains, lush green areas, scintillating waterfalls, upscale hotels and resorts, and stupendous beaches coupled with diving facilities.

For nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking solitude, one of the great destinations in the country is Taveuni, often referred to as the Garden Island, because of its abundance of beautiful as well as colorful flowers. Almost all plants and animals that are indigenous to the country can be seen here. Attractions, among many others of this island, are Lake Tagimaucia with a volcanic crater and Bouma Falls, which is one of the most scenic in the world. Additionally, Taveuni is home to some of the best diving sites in the country, such as, the Rainbow Reef and the Vuna Reef.

Another popular island among the Fiji Islands is Vanua Levu, which is located about 65 kilometers north of the Viti Levu. This is also the second largest island in the country. Labasa and Savusavu are the main towns in the island. Taking a tour to Vanua Levu is a great way to experience to the indigenous life of the country.

Also, prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Kadavu, located south of Viti Levu. About 75 percent of the island is occupied by rainforest, and also included in the landscape of the region is several soaring mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and incredible beaches. A rich variety of bird species can also be seen here. In addition, Kadavu also boasts of Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the premier scuba diving resorts in the country.

Apart from these, things to see in Fiji are endless, ranging from museums and cultural centers to beautiful shrines and monuments. Perhaps most prominent among the attractions in the country is the Fiji Museum in Suva, with an amazing selection of artifacts that throw light on the interesting past of the region. A gallery housing prehistory-related items can also be found within the museum. Aside this, the museum provides opportunities for the visitors to take a ride in Vitian drua, a traditional type double hulled canoe.

No visit to Fiji would be complete without taking a tour to Sri Siva-Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, which is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Dedicated to the Lord Muruga, the temple is much famed for its exquisite architectural styles. Attractions in Fiji also include Orchid Island Fijian Cultural Centre in Suva and Suva Municipal Market, the South Pacific’s largest as well as liveliest market.

Above all, Fiji is a paradise for water sport lovers, and in fact, provides superb options to enjoy an array of water sport activities such as scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling, swimming, coral viewing, wind surfing, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Even some high-end resorts and hotels in the area render facilities for activities such as boat trips and para-gliding, apart from excellent accommodation and dining facilities.