Munnar Resorts - Nature's Perfection

Welcome to the misty green hill resort of Munnar, where you will feel as though you are in God's own garden - Eden. In the state of India called Kerala, nicknamed God's Own Country, Munnar is a perfect place for nature lovers. Munnar lies in a valley between three mountain freshwater streams (rivers), thus the name Munnar. At over 1500 feet above sea level, Munnar offers an excellent place to catch some fresh air and be captivated by the beauty of God's creations. The hills offer excellent opportunity to embark on a bicycle tour of the region or a boat tour through the wild life park. Beautiful tea gardens and plantations line the entire hillside, and the sun's golden rays piercing through the morning mist is a spectacle worthy of praise. If you are lucky, you can see the entire valley from Anaimudi peak - which is viewable once every twelve years. Other than seeing a variety of plant life, Munnar also has Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Ernakulum National Park for those animal lovers. Other recreational activities include but not limited to fishing, sailing, rapids boating, mountain trekking, paragliding off the various hills and much more!

Taj Mahal - Testament to Love

The Taj Mahal in Agra is indisputably the most famous example of Mughal architecture. The white marble encased tomb is a true lasting testament of love, made by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. The immense mausoleum is incomparably beautiful during sunrise and sunset. Situated near the Agra River in Uttra Pradesh, Taj Mahal is the most famous of World's architectures and considered one of the oldest heritage sites. It is also a distinguished example of Arabic and Islamic art styles merged with Indian innovativeness. This is truly a magnificent site everyone must visit.

Santa Monica - First Nunnery in Asia

In Goa, A must see site is Church of Our Lady of the Rosary incredible mixture of Hindu and Christian styles. This church is one of the oldest churches in Goa, and dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The huge Convent of Santa Monica, dating from 1606, was the first Nunnery in Asia. The church is believed to be build by Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque during the early 1500 for his victories in India. The church is unique in that its architectural style is Gothic and Renaissance architecture (unique to Portugal) combined with India's Hindu influences. The church itself stands on a hill named the “Holy Hill” and is a spiritual attraction for many Catholics.

City Palace - The City of the Kings

City Palace of Jaipur is located in Rajasthan and is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani influence. The well-fortified City Palace is a majestic white monument perched high up on a hill, build originally by King Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. Within the palace itself, there are numerous other “sub-buildings” such as Museums, and temples, making it an architectural wonder. The main entrance, a triple arched gate named the Tripolia, built in 1725, is a marvel worth seeing. Intricate decorations in deep red and gold, Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit lies the "Diwan-E-Aam" or the "Hall of Public Audience". Blue and White ceramic tiles line many of the buildings, making it a work of beauty and art.

The Lotus Temple - Delhi's Wonder

In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus shaped building defines the skyline. Bahá'í House of Worship or more famously known as The Lotus Temple, is the mother temple of the Indian Sub-continent. The building has won numerous awards for its architectural prowess and is one of the most visited places on earth. More then 4 million people visit this building each year, making it more visited than even the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The building is open for public worship and the nine lakes around each of the lotus petals of the building add a quiet mood of serenity that many worshippers and visitors have grown fond of. During an award ceremony in Vienna, the lotus temple was described as a “Taj Mahal of the 20th century in promoting the unity and harmony of people of all nations, religions and social strata, to an extent unsurpassed by any other architectural monument worldwide.”

Alappuzha - Kerala's Backwaters

Kerala, located in the southern tip of India, offers a unique experience for its visitors. The land between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea is one of the “greenest” places on Earth… making it an ideal place for many. The intricate network of ponds, rivers and waterways offer people the ability to tour many areas in their own private “house boats” while exploring the native plant, animal and human life. Along with Alappuzha, Kollam, Cochin, Kumarakom and Thiruvananthapuram all offer a unique touch to this extreme boating experience.Kerala's backwaters are nicknamed the “Venice of the East” and provide amble experiences for your eyes to feast on and your mind to thrive on.

Kashmir - Heaven on Earth

The state of Kashmir boats a cultural history of over 4000 years, and since 1948, became part of India when the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir joined. Beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, rivers, alpine meadows dot the entire state and the people of Kashmir are one of the most diverse and most beautiful people. Kashmir also has unique strains of Buddhism that date as far back as Buddha himself and is a unique blend of India and China. Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh host many expeditions in the Himalayan Mountains, perfect for any adventurous tourists. Kashmir also has plenty of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and pilgrimage sites for those that are spiritually keen. The magic of Kashmir is enchanting, truly a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Rail Tour - Palace On Wheels

Your tour of India is not complete unless you take a tour on the “Palace on Wheels.” The train is the ultimate definition of luxury rail tour. An array of elegantly furnished cabins, well stocked bar, sumptuous Indian delicacies served in its two dining cars, replete with traditional royal treatment of its guests are but a few features of this tour. The dining services are the most varied and one of the most excellent to be found on any luxury rail systems which include: Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. The eight day tour starts in Delhi and takes you through some of the most historic and beautiful cities of India while letting you explore the countryside and taking specially guided tours of certain areas. At the end of the tour, you will find yourself back in Delhi, ready for another trip.

Swarn Mandir - The Golden Temple

Dazzling in the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar is the Swarn Mandir, or the Golden Temple, a holy site for the followers of Sikh Religion. Located in Amritsar, the temple is a work of beauty… encompassed in gold and precious stones, the temple is an architectural wonder. The temple is near the Wagah Border crossing area between India and Pakistan so once you have visited the temple, you can visit the Wagah border to see the pompous border closing ceremony that Indian and Pakistani soldiers carry out every day.

Mussoorie - Queen of the Hills

Mussoorie was one of the favorite outpost of the British due to the lush valley and the perfect location of its landscape. Uttarakhand is the state of India, proud to be the host to Mussoorie. The area is heavily influenced by the Tibetan exiles; especially since it was the first area used by the Tibetan government in exile and later was turned into a Tibetan Buddhist school. However, the natural beauty of Mussoorie is rivaled by none other. Its sylvan valleys, majestic mountains, pure, invigorating air, sulphur springs and panoramic views draw visitors to its embrace from far and wide. Along with its verdant beauty, Mussoorie also offers an exciting range of activities to its visitors. From horseback riding through pristine mountain trails to hiking, boating and even a wide variety of video game parlors and an amusement park for children, Mussoorie has something to see and do for people of all ages and interests.

The ski resorts of Colorado, has some of the country's most spectacular and certainly most popular, had a record of 12.53 million visitors during the 2005-06 winter season. Colorado is at the peak of the nation's ski industry, and it is once again maintained as a top ski industry. Colorado ski resorts consist of Arapahoe Basin, Aspen a Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Durango (Purgatory), Echo Mountain Park, Eldora, Howelsen, Keystone, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Silverton Mountain, Ski Cooper, Snowmass, SolVista, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Vail Winter Park/Mary Jane and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Those looking for authentic Western ambience where skiers wear cowboy hats on the slopes and cowboy boots in the saloons go to Steamboat Springs. Visitors, who want great ski schools, especially for beginners and the disabled, go to Winter Park and Crested Butte. But you can 't go wrong with any Colorado ski resort. Which one is for you?

Blue Cave

Pandalin Cave is one of the largest caves in Myanmar with a cylinder of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof and a cylinder of calcium carbonate projecting upward from the floor . Inside the cave, there are more mural paintings and stone weapons of ancient prehistoric people.

Padalin Cave

The lake-cave Alepotrypa is located 200m to the East of the sea cave Vlyhada. The cave of Alepotrypa is also known as the natural museum of the pre-historic man. The area of the cave is 6500 square meters. This cave is valuable because there are objects, tools, bone, skulls of pre-historic man that were discovered.

Lake Cave of Alepotrypa

The Cango Cave is one of the greatest Natural wonders of the world and located in Oudtshoorn South Africa. The climate here is hot at about 18 degrees Celsius and wearing light clothes are definitely recommended. Inside the cave, there are guides and plenty of lights that makes it possible for you to roam around the place with confidence. You can take pictures because it is allowed. It was developed for all visitors visiting the place.

Cango Cave

The Chislehurst Cave became a major tourist attraction early this century and located in the woodlands of Chislehurst. The passageways of the cave is totally dark.. However, there are guides with lamps that can tour you around and discuss everything about the cave. You can also see the Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and much more! You can also find restaurants, gift shops, licensed café and large free car park.

Chislehurst Cave

Some caves are hard to explore and some are easy because those were developed already. These caves are very important in our history because during the ancient years, caves serve as shelters of some pre-historic people. It gives information on what had happened during the early years.

Special features:

• Private Jacuzzi
• Internet Wifi connection
• Mini bar
• Plasma Tv
• Soundproof

The Penthouse suite at Hotel Martinez is located in Cannes, France. For $37,200 per night, guests can have a luxurious stay at Hotel Martinez. The penthouse suite has very beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Famous celebrities who have stayed in this suite were Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor.

PRESIDENT WILSON HOTEL: Royal Penthouse Suite for $35,000/night

Special features:

• Private Elevator
• Bulletproof doors and windows
• Mini bar
• Internet Wifi service

The Royal Penthouse suite at President Wilson Hotel is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It has spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the alps. Not every one can stay in this royal floor because it is only reserved for Head of states and celebrities. For $35,000 a night, they will enjoy a contemporary style hotel suite and full security. The famous politician who stayed here is former U.S President Woodrow Wilson.

GRAND RESORT LAGONISSI: Royal Villa for $34,088/night

Special features:

• Private Coastline
• Indoor Pool
• Outdoor heated pool
• Billiard table
• Private Gym
• Equipped Kitchen

The Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi is located in Athens, Greece. The picture says it all. It has spectacular views of the mountains and sea. The resort villa is definitely exclusive for the rich and famous with a whopping rate of $34,088 per night.

BURJ AL ARAB: Royal Suite for $ 28,000/night

Special features:

• Private Cinema
• Private Elevator
• Marble and Gold Staircase
• Rolls Royce BMW or helicopter as transport

Burj Al Arab is located in United Arab Emirates. There are no rooms in this hotel, just suites. It is the world's tallest hotel and is already an international landmark. For as little as $2,274.05, one can already stay for a night in one of their suites. The most expensive suite is the Royal Suite with a rate of $28,000 per night / 4 adults and 2 kids only. Former U.S President Bill Clinton has stayed here.

THE ATLANTIS: The Atlantis Bridge Suite for $25,000/night

Special features:

• Kitchen
• Lots of gold decors
• Bar lounge
• Entertainment center

The Atlantis Bridge Suite at The Atlantis is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Royal Towers buildings at Paradise Island, Bahamas. It overlooks the entire marina and resort. It is definitely a one of a kind hotel suite experience. Some famous guests in the suite included Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Michael Jordan.

One can visit these places in a single day as most of them are easily accessible by car. However, the exceptions are for the mountain retreat at Gunung Tebu and the offshore island, Pulau Perhentian.

A great journey trip can start with a visit to a recreational spot in Terengganu, La Hot spring which is situated in Hulu Besut. The water from the spring is extremely hot to even boil eggs. As the spring water contains sulfur and some essential minerals, it is also believed to cure body aches and skin diseases. Many people come here for this purpose.

Lata Tembakal Waterfall will be the next stop. It takes only about a half hour's drive from La Hot spring. Lata Tembakal is also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Malaysia. It is one of the best managed and cleanest recreational spots in Terengganu.

Another beautiful waterfall is Lata Belatan which is located at the foot of Gunung Tebu. It is usually the take-off point for those who wish to climb Gunung Tebu.

Gunung Tebu will take about four hours for you to reach its peak. It is about 1000 meters above sea level. It is said to be a historical site as it was once a well-known trading areas where ships from as far as China came to trade here. On top of Gunung Tebu, one can view as far as Semerak in Kelantan and even the offshore islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.

Your trip to Besut is not complete, if you do not visit to either Pulau Perhentian or Pulau Redang. Most tourists prefer to go to Pulau Perhentian. According to them, Pulau Perhentian takes only 30 minutes by boat from Kuala Besut. Therefore, it is probably one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular island resort spots in Terengganu. Pulau Perhentian has lovely sandy white beaches and certainly, the most famous activities are snorkeling and scuba-diving.

There is a famous market in Kuala Terengganu which is “Pasar Payang”. At the market one can buy souvenirs. One can learn on the process and procedure of producing batik by visiting a batik factory,“Nur Arfa Batik” in Kuala Ibai. The colorful batiks are very captivating. People designed batik here are extremely talented.

Batu Buruk Beach is another attraction of Kuala Terengganu. At the beach, one can try some local delicacies such as "ais krim goreng". One may also go to Rantau Abang for turtle watching. If you were unfortunate though, you did not get to see any turtles laying eggs. The turtles will only come up in the wee hours of the morning.

London is the eternal metropolis, a cultural hive, and a crazy global village. Through all the myriad of hustle and bustle on the streets, you could at one time, briefly escape by reaching out and leaping onto a moving bus. The famous Route master bus didn't have doors, just the welcoming smile of a bus conductor ushering you in an empty seat. The conductor would pull a cord twice attached to a loud bell, which would indicate we were moving closer home in a comfortable swinging fashion. Turning and twisting along the all too familiar London roads - Route master style.

This famous Iconic bus built in 1958 to 1968 has always given me fond memories around our culturally diverse city. The buses unmistakable design and color could always be noticed speeding up through the avenues and the free for all Piccadilly Circus roundabout. Now that symbol of unique British travel has been partially phased out. They are now being replaced by what the majority of adolescents describe as, the bendy bus. A so called modern bus, which has the appearance of two train carriages with tires, and held together in the middle with a rubber concertina curtain.

Snaking along, one of its many London routes from East London to Central West London, Oxford Circus. At times, moving slowly in a bending and warping motion held in traffic like the tail of a contented cat. This ungraceful bus has become a true cultural reflect of the world; the Benetton adverts dream. Imagine the indigenous peoples of Somalia, East African, Indian, and Bangladesh boarding from East London. Touching their Oyster payment swipe cards onto the yellow sensor pad and searching for space to sit. Further along the journey we have the Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese squeezing into space. Heading towards East Central London is the Lithuanian, Polish, French, Portuguese, and Brazilians. As we enter West London and Central West, we have the tourists from all corners of the globe. An ensemble of the world packed tightly together as daily travel companions.

A few things have changed for the Route master legacy - only if you were to compare our new bendy bus. There is no longer a top deck of the bus. The bus conductor is now a bright yellow sensor pad. The bus driver just drives when he is ready, with no, 'we're ready to go bell!' As a young boy, I was amazed at the different people I could see from all over the world visible from outside the rectangle bus window, with my mom. Today, everyone is together with me, all that much closer, as one, tourist looking at tourist. I wonder if there was a bus conductor how many languages could they say, “tickets please!” This would be impressive.