Maldives

Maldives is a collection of 1192 islands covering about 90000km2 located to the south west of Sri Lanka in Indian Ocean but only 200 islands are inhabited by people. It is the smallest of countries found in Asia and country situated at the lowest point. Due to this reason, Maldives is on top of the list of million cities that are greatly threatened by rising of sea level by global warming. Maldives capital is Male and is world's number one dry fish supplier. About 80% of total land area is coral reefs. These act as natural barriers for high waves and storms but is less effective if there is a great Tsunami situation. Maldives face two seasons of climatic changes as dry season with northeastern monsoon and the rainy season of strong winds and storms. 

Maldives has a limited vegetation and wild life because of the salty land masses. Vegetation near the ocean is weak with coconut trees and some shrubs but towards the interior more plants can be seen. However marine life and coral reef ecosystems are abundant. Ocean near the islands provides home for many rare species of fish and other animals such as Tuna, reef sharks, moray eels, Manta rays, Stingray, Eagle rays, whale sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles. One of the main attractions of this island collection is the marine life and its ecosystems. Live colourful coral reefs are definite to get more and more tourists into Maldives. There are over 1000 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins, 187 species of corals, 400 species of molluscs, and 83 species of echinoderms. 

Talking about environmental issues, Maldives is one of the first countries that face the affects of many issues. As we talk on, the country's many islands are threatened to be drawn by the rapid rise in seal level. The Maldivian Government even has pleaded world in common response to cut the emission of green house gases. 

Apart from fishing industry, Maldives largely depend on its tourism. Fine sea waters and ocean creatures along with relaxation and holiday resorts attract many from all over the world. There was a down fall in the industry due to the Tsunami in 2004 however now they have recovered. Transportation between islands is by boats. 

Travellers' Guide

Maldives main attraction is marine life and relaxation and it is a favourite on lists of honeymoon destinations. So mainly you have to get a good hotel facility first.

Cocoa Island Resort 
Cocoa Island
+9606641818
Baros Maldives 
PO Box 2015, 20-02
9606642672
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa 
North Male Atoll
Mirihi Island Resort
Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island
Soneva Gili by Six Senses
Lankanfushi Island, 20188
+960664030
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Huvahendu Island, Maldives, 20077
Veligandu Island Resort 
Veligandu Island

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Moeraki Boulders

I have to admit that even the weirdest things on this earth can be fascinating sometimes. So in a weird way, even rocks on earth can be fascinating sometimes because of their weirdness. Moeraki Boulders are such that deserves a visit of anyone interested in them. They are found in Koekohe Beach between Moeraki and Hampden of Otago coast, New Zealand. These boulders are large in size and spherical in shape with diameters varying from 0.5m to 1m like and looks like large bean bags lying on the beach. 

Moeraki Boulders which are grey-colored septarian concretions can occur as either isolated or clusters of boulders. Wave action like bedrock and landslides, exposure make mudstone erode naturally. Although the striking feature of Moeraki Boulders is their spherical shape and large size, they cannot be considered entirely one of a kind because of other boulders found around the world like from North Dakota, Kansas and Ontario. These Ontario spherical concretions are smaller in size and known as "kettles".

  

The boulders have been experimented under various scientists to identify their composition using optical mineralogy, X-ray crystallography, and electron microprobe and there has been found that the boulders consist of mud, fine silt and clay, cemented by calcite. Also the cementation varies from relatively weak in inside to harder outside. Boulders are very often cracked with large cracks which are known as "septaria". These formation of "septaria" remains an unsolved mystery for many although there are possible theories explained. However it is calculated that larger boulders with diameters at least of 2m must have taken 4 to 5.5 million years to grow. Once they are formed septaria cracks form and get filled with brown calcite, yellow calcite, and small amounts of dolomite and quartz.

Naturally, Moeraki Boulders are bonded with many legends. They say as in Māori legends, these are what is left of eel baskets, calabashes, and kumara that got to the shore from wreck of an Arai-te-uru. Because of the significant difference from usual rocks we see, Moeraki Boulders attract many tourists in large numbers every year.

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Pamukkale, Turkey

Nature does give us wonderful miracles and it would be a sin if we avoid Pamukkale from the list of most beautiful places in the world. Pamukkale is a site of hot water springs and travertines founded in Denzili Province, Turkey. They are formed in a pattern of terraces which are actually made of carbonate minerals. Also the site is provides the view of ancient city Hierapolis nearby.

The area has 17 hot water springs with temperature ranging from 35 °C to 100 °C. Water from the springs travel about 320m and deposit Calcium Carbonate on the surface. As these waters are highly saturated with Calcium Carbonate, they release Carbon Dioxide to the air. Finally the water and air acquires a dynamic balance of Calcium Carbonate  and seize to deposit. These depositions of Calcium Carbonate are jelly like but eventually they turn into travertines.

Pamukkale is insanely famous for these terraces and hot water springs because not only they are rare but beautiful in every way. Also many tourists get here to have the one of a life time experience of hot water bath. Mind you, your are not allowed to wear shoes when you step into the waters in order to protect the deposits.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Pamukkale, note that you are not allowed to wear shoes in the waters and take plenty of towels and clothes because you have to enjoy the sensational bath at Pamukkale. Also make sure you visit these hotels and inns too.

Melrose House Hotel 
Pamuk Mahallesi, Vali Vekfi Erturk Cad, No. 8, Pamukkale 20280, Turkey
Venus Hotel  
Pamuk Mh. Hasan Tahsin Cd. No: 16, Pamukkale, Turkey
Ayapam Boutique Hotel 
Kale Mah. Bahce Sok. No: 2 / 1, Pamukkale 20280, Turkey
Hal-Tur Hotel 
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Bulvari no:71, Pamukkale 20280 , Turkey
Sinter Terasse Hotel
Pamuk mh. Hasan Tahsin cd. no:22 | pamukkale denizli, Pamukkale, Turkey

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Banff, Alberta

A small Canadian town located within the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is the owner of this beautiful scenery. Surrounded by mountains of Rookies namingly a few like Mount Rundle, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain, Banff is a famous tourist hot spot because of obviously number one the enchantingly wonderful scenery, number two mountains eligible for hiking and mountaineering and number three hot springs. In other words to say it is an ideal destination for relaxation. Banff is situated east of Lake Louise at an elevation of 1463m above Bow Falls. There are three main ski resorts as Sunshine Village, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

Despite hiking and hot springs, Banff is a place where you can experience a pleasant breeze of air in a nice climate with a mild temperature. The place also provides its visitors areas for biking, scrambling and skiing. As mentioned earlier, the main attraction mountains include several well known peaks such as Mount Rundle with a height of 2,949 m, Cascade Mountain of height 2,998 m and Mount Norquay  of height 2,134 m. 

The Banff Gondola is another attraction which is used to ascend Sulphur Mountain where you can also experience the Banff Skywalk and Banff Upper Hot Springs.Other attractions include Tunnel Mountain, Lake Minnewanka and its Lake Cruise and motor boat rentals, Rocky Mountain Music Festival and Bike Fest.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Banff, check in with these great hotels and inns.

Arrow Motel
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
403-762-4496
Baker Creek Chalets
Baker Creek Chalets Lake Louise, AB Canada T0L 1E0
403-522-3761
Banff Aspen Lodge
401 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada T1L 1A9
403 762 4401 / 1 800 661 0227
Banff Caribou Lodge
521 Banff Ave., Banff, AB T1L 1H8
(403) 762-5887 / 1-800-563-8764
Banff Inn
501 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada
403-762-8844 / 1-800-667-1464
Banff International Hotel
333 Banff Avenue, Banff Alberta T1L 1B1
403-762-5666 / 1-800-665-5666
Banff Park Lodge      
222 Lynx Street, Banff, Alberta T1L 1K5
(403) 762-4433 / 800-661-9266
Banff Ptarmigan Inn    
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
(403) 762-2207 / 1-800-563-8764

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Disneyland California

If there is one place we all wish to go before we die it would be Disneyland. No matter how old or young you are Disneyland welcomes you all. It was on 18th July1955 that Walt Disney started this theme park. He sought an expert Harrison Price from Stanford Research Institute to build the park and bought a land of 160 acres from Anaheim, California in 1954 and under a budget of $17 million it was finished and opened for public after one year. Within the years, the park was an immediate success attracting many visitors from all over the world. In 1990s the Disneyland theme park was converted into Disneyland Resort with addition of many new attractions.

For its 50th anniversary which was named as the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" many sites in Disneyland went under construction including Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. The original park consisted of 5 theme areas that included Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Since then there have been many new additions to the park. New Orleans Square was added in 1966 while Bear Country which was latter renamed as Critter Country was created in 1972. In 1993, Mickey's Toontown was added. Currently there are eight theme areas in Disneyland now. 

Main Street U.S.A. is depicts a typical 20th century town and the first area visitors get to see. Then there's the magic kingdom with Sleeping Beauty's castle at the centre of it. The castle also acts as an entrance to Fantasyland. Disney Art Gallery and the Opera House  is also seen in Main Street U.S.A. Critter Country which was also known to be Bear Country was a former Indian Village but today it is seen as the area of Splash Mountain with a log flume journey. Adventureland is full of fun items like opening day's Jungle Cruise, the "Temple of the Forbidden Eye" in Indiana Jones Adventure, Tarzan's Tree house and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Fantasyland is a place where you get your childhood dreams come true like Peter Pan's Flight, walk-through story telling of Sleeping Beauty and "Believe, There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks.

"Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future." These are the words of Walt Disney for Tomorrowland which includes Space Mountain, Innoventions, Captain EO Tribute, Autopia, the Disneyland Monorail Tomorrowland Station, the Astro Orbitor and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. 

Travellers' Guide

Disneyland Park  

1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92803-3232

714 781 4565

It is always advised that you book your tickets before you visit the place either from online website or at the reception of your hotel. Here are some best deals where you can stay and enjoy.

Disneyland Hotel 

1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Ayres Hotel Anaheim 

2550 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

800-595-5692

Park Vue Inn 

1570 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

+1 (800)334-7021

Candy Cane Inn  

1747 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground - Anaheim / Disneyland Park

1380 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802

(866) 757-3050

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort - Convention Center 

2085 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

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Skardu

Not much heard but another beautiful place on earth like a small heaven hidden in Pakistani region Baltistan is the Skardu. It is located within the Skardu Valley with Indus River and Shigar River flowing peacefully nearby and covered by a beautiful mountain rage known as Karakoram range. Skardu is exceptional for trekking and exploring. The cool weather, beauty of the valley and the mountain tops are among the top to attract tourists. Also the Karakoram range includes four of the fourteen eight thousander peaks of the world. 

Tourism reaches its peak during April to October in every year as out of this time, one is welcome to experience very cold winters and hard freezing climates. The snow covered mountain tops include K2, the Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and the Trango Towers, Baltoro, Biafo and Trango. Also the second highest plains in the world is seen here; Deosai Plains. It is 4100m above sea level and spreads over 3000km2. The plains are home to numerous wild animals including snow leopards, ibex, Tibetan brown bears and wild horses.

Skardu Fort is located on the eastern side of the  Castle of Queen Mindoq hill which is about 15m above the town. Shigar fort is another relic situated on the path to the legendary mountain K2 which is absolutely worth a visit one. Kachura Lakes, Satpara Lake are the lakes at vicinity and add the colour to this beautiful town. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit this beautiful valley for a vacation you definitely have to stay and enjoy the weather. So why not try one of these cool hotels???

Shigar Fort Residence
| Shigar, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Skardu, Pakistan
Shangrila Resort Hotel
Skardu, Pakistan Skardu, Pakistan
Hotel Snowland Palace
Hameed Gargh, Skardu 14100, Pakistan

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Fairbanks Alaska

What do you know about Fairbanks??? It is situated in the largest state of USA with a population of 31535. Fairbanks is also known as the Golden Heart City and it spreads across an area of 84.6km2. The city was founded in August 1901 by Captain E.T. Barnette and was named after Charles W. Fairbanks who was the 26th Vice President of USA. Fairbanks is located in the Tanana Valley with branches of Chena River and Tanana River. 

A beautiful scenery of White mountains and the Yukon River is seen to the northern side of the city. Alaska and Fairbanks is suitable for cold weather lovers as most of the year it has cold climates including long cold winters and short summers with lot of annual precipitation. during winter times, snow fall can be very high. Basically this is because of the low lying location of the city in the valley that enables cold wind to accumulate there.    

The city includes many places of interest too. Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a beautiful bird sanctuary with large land masses of forests, wetlands and fields. A fine tourist attraction is the El Dorado Gold Mine of Fairbanks. Other places worth a visit include Fairbanks Curling Club, Georgeson Botanical Garden, Gold Dredge No. 8, Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station, Pioneer Park, Riverboat Discovery and Birch Hill Recreation Area.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Fairbanks  don't forget to visit these lovely hotels and restaurants too.

Hotel deals

Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks 

433 Harold Bentley Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701

ah Rose Marie Bed and Breakfast  

302 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK

Pike's Waterfront Lodge 

1850 Hoselton Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709

Sophie Station Hotel  

1717 University Avenue South, Fairbanks, AK 99709

BEST WESTERN PLUS Chena River Lodge 

1255 TVSA Way, Fairbanks, AK 99706

Best Restaurants

Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine  

388 Old Chena Pump Rd Ste K, Fairbanks, AK 99709-2936

907 456 2200

Thai House Restaurant  

526 5TH Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4718

(907) 452-6123

Lavelle's Bistro  

575 1ST Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4724

(907) 450-0555

Bahn Thai  

541 3rd Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701

907 452-8424

Pump House  

769 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, AK

River's Edge Restaurant  

4200 Boat St, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4696

(907) 474-3601

Geraldo's Restaurant  

701 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701-1720

(907) 452-2299

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Sentosa Island

Sentosa can be regarded as Asia’s playground. A viciously beautiful island of Singapore, famous for family adventure and theme parks, Sentosa Island was earlier known as Pulau Blakang Mati which means island of death behind and then 1972 island was renamed as Sentosa meaning peace and tranquility. Though it was a killing field during early 50s or so, during 1970s the government thought of turning it to a tourist hot spot by addition of some new gadgets like Singapore Cable Car system, Fort Siloso, Surrender Chamber wax museum, Musical Fountain, the Underwater World, Causeway Bridge and the Sentosa Monorail system which now discontinued and run as Sentosa Express. Other latest additions include Foot Bridge, Sentosa Boardwalk, covered walkways and travellators, Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.

The island is actually Singapore’s fourth largest island with an area of 5km2. Most of the land area is covered with rainforest including species like monkeys, lizards, monitors, peacocks etc. Sentosa has a vast beach of pristine white sand. One of the fun activities of Sentosa is the Cable car system from Mount Faber. Don’t forget that Sentosa offers many other kinds of fun activities too.

Carlsberg Sky Tower or Tiger Sky Tower which is an observation tower of height 110m, and allows visitors have a view of the island, Mainland and the other islands nearby. The daily show of the Sentosa Island is known as the Songs of the Sea which comprises of pyrotechnics displays, water jets, laser show, flame bursts and live cast. Sentosa 4D Magix is another wonderful experience you can gain. It is the Singapore’s first 4D theatre where you can experience a 4D show with life like feel concept. Island also has a Butterfly Park and an Insect Kingdom with more than 15000 live butterflies. 

On the western part of Sentosa is the Underwater World Ocenarium with more than 2500 living marine and fresh water animals.  The island also has a Dolphin Lagoon which is home for pink or Indo-Pacific Dolphins. Sentosa Cineblast, Fort Siloso, MegaZip Adventure Park, Azzura Beach Club and Sentosa Luge & Skyride are some of the few that you ought to try for sure at Sentosa. Basically walking around the island itself is a relaxing and a fun thing to do. 

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Windsor Castle

Another beautiful castle we can find in England is the Windsor Castle in Berkshire which is unique in many ways. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 or so. It is insanely famous for its classy architecture appreciated and appraised by many and it is also the world's largest inhabited castle. Although the castle was damaged by the Fire in 1992, it was restored quite magnificently. The castle site is more than 13 acres  with a palace complex, fortification and a small town inside it. Windsor's architecture is of Georgian and Victorian with a splash of Gothic style remixed. At the deep center of the castle is the middle ward which is a bailey formed around the motte of 15m height made of chalk. 

Key areas of the castle include the Round Tower, the Upper Ward, the Quadrangle, the State Apartments, Private Apartments, South Wing, Lower Ward, St George's Chapel, Horseshoe Cloister, King Henry VIII Gate, the Long Walk, Norman Gate, North Terrace, Edward III Tower and the Curfew Tower. Then there's the Upper ward with many major building covered by the Upper Bailey wall smoothly forming a quadrangle. The state apartments, Private royal apartments, North terrace, East terrace make up the Upper Ward. State apartments building is a modern one with medieval foundations. Its western end's creation was by architect Hugh May and the eastern side creation was by Jeffry Wyattville. 

The Lower Ward that is seen west to the Round Tower can be reached through the Norman Gate. Lower ward consists of St. George's Chapel, Lady chapel or Albert Memorial chapel and many buildings from Order of the Garter. Inside the chapel the vault in front of the altar contains remains of Henry VIII, Jane Seymour and Charles I, with Edward IV buried nearby. Associated with the castle site is the Home Park, Windsor Great Park, broad-leaved woodlands and River Thames.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Windsor Castle in Berkshire, the castle is open throughout the year. Please check in with these times before you go. Castle is open 

09:45-17:15 (last admission 16:00) from March to October , 

09:45-16:15 (last admission 15:00) from November to February.  

Telephone IDD- +44 1753 831118. 

Within UK- 01753 831118.

Here are the top rated hotels in the area.

Macdonald Windsor Hotel 
23 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LH, England
+4408448799101
Mercure Castle Windsor
18 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LJ, England
Oakley Court Hotel 
Windsor Rd | Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR, England
Clarence Hotel
9 Clarence Road, Windsor SL4 5AE, England
+44 (0)1753864436
Harte & Garter Hotel 
High Street, Windsor SL4 1PH, England

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Buckingham Palace

Often heard about, often talked about Buckingham Palace of UK is the home of British Monarchy since 1837. It was first the Duke of Buckingham's townhouse and stood as a private property for almost one and a half century and then was owned by George III. The palace became the official residence for Queen Victoria after that and ever since it is the official royal residence currently for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Located at the Westminster side, Buckingham Palace owns the largest private garden of England too.

In 1703 William Winde provided the design for the Buckingham House which is regarded as the architectural core of the modern day Buckingham Palace. The house however was remodelled in 1762. King George IV renovated the house into a palace with the help of architect John Nash. In 1830 architect Edward Blore was hired to finish the unfinished work of Nash. In 1861 when Queen was widowed she left the palace. Since then the palace was abandoned with neglect.

Palace is built over a ground of 77000m2 with piano nobile containing State Dining Room, Blue Drawing Room, Music Room, White Drawing Room, Royal Closet, Throne Room, Green Drawing Room, Cross Gallery, Ball Room, East Gallery, Yellow Drawing Room, Centre/Balcony Room, Chinese Luncheon Room, Principal Corridor, Private Apartments, Service Areas, The Grand staircase, Ambassador's Entrance and Grand Entrance.

The largest room of the palace is the Ball Room which is also used for occasions like state banquets, investitures and conferring of knighthoods etc. By 1999 the palace contained palace contained 19 state rooms, 52 principal bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms according to a book published by the Royal Collection Department. Also in honour of Queen Victoria there is a memorial erected in front of the main gates created by the sculptor Thomas Brock. The palace was bombed seven times during World War II at one of which the palace chapel was destroyed in 1940.

Travellers' Guide
Today the Place is a top most tourist attraction in London. If you are planning to visit London make sure you visit Buckingham Palace. Here are first choice hotels in London.

Hotel 41 
41 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS, England
44(0)2073000041
The Milestone Hotel 
1 Kensington Court | Kensington, London W8 5DL, England
+44(0)2079171000
Plaza on the River - Club and Residence
18 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ, England
Covent Garden Hotel 
10 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9HB, England
+44 20 7806 1000
The Levin
28 Basil Street | Knightsbridge, London SW3 1AS, England
+44(0)2075896286
Sofitel St James London 
Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN, England

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Badshahi mosque at Lahore

The Badshahi mosque at Lahore in Punjab District, Pakistan is the world's fifth largest mosque and the mosque with the largest mosque courtyard. They say it is visible even at 15km away from it. Its construction began in 1671 under the guidance of Mogul emperor Aurangzeb and lasted for 2 years. The mosque is made of red sandstone tiles and white marble. The mosque also holds a record of being the world's largest mosque for 313 years until 1986. With a capacity of 5000 devotees inside and 95000 others in the courtyard, the Badshahi mosque has become one of the key important religious places in Pakistan. 

In 1799, Lahore was captured by Ranjit Sigh who used the Badshahi mosque's courtyard to park his military horses. Mosque was damaged to a great extent at that time. During his son's era, Sher Sigh's he used the four minarets of the mosque to hold light guns. Until the British rule till 1947 the mosque was under a dark shadow and was damaged a lot along with loosing some of its grandeur as an architectural masterpiece. However restoration programs took place since 1939 and by 1947 it was back in shape.

An exquisite feature, the large courtyard of the mosque covers an area of 25,899.9 m2. It also divided into two parts as lower and upper. The complex has 3 visible domes, one large and two small ones. The main prayer chamber is divided into 7 compartments which altogether covers an area of 2,120.5 m2. The four minarets are 53.75 m high and 20m in circumference.

Travellers' Guide

Badshahi mosque is a famous tourist attraction today. If you are planning to visit Lahore make sure you visit Badshahi mosque and take the chance to admire its beauty and architecture. The mosque was nominated for a UNESCO world heritage site too. Here are some of the hotels in the area, don't forget to visit them and enjoy a bite or two.

Avari Hotel Lahore
87 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam | (The Mall), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
The Residency Hotel
39-A, Gulberg-V | Off. Zafar Ali Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Pearl Continental Lahore
Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Mirage Hotel
21 Lake Rd, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

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Hungarian Parliament

Politics and beauty are two terms that do not always go together. However, the same cannot be applied to some of the politically hyper active building such as parliaments. One such is the Budapest Parliament building which is the largest building of Hungary as well as the oldest in Europe. Its construction by Imre Steindl began in 1885 in Lajos Kossuth Square near Danube and was completed in 1904. A quite astonishing feature of the building is that there are two identical parliament halls, one for the actual political purposes and the other for the guide tours. The building is 268m long, 123m wide and a height of 96m which has captured its identity as one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest. 

The building has 10 courtyards, 27 gates, 691 rooms, 13 elevators, 29 staircases and 242 sculptures. The building can be accessed from the Lajos Kossuth Square station. River Danube provides the view for the main facade. Facade displays many military and non military rulers from Hungary and Transylvania. Famous attractions inside the building includes the  statues of Árpád, Stephen I and John Hunyadi, pictures of coats of arms of kings and dukes,  frescoes on the ceiling,  hexadecagonal central hall, the Upper House, The Holy Crown of Hungary which is displayed in the Central Hall, stained glass and glass mosaic paintings, Assembly hall of the House of Magnates and Assembly hall of the House of Representatives. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit the Parliament complex in Budapest, don't forget to check in with these hotels.

Hotel Palazzo Zichy 
Lorinc pap ter 2, Budapest 1088, Hungary
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace 
Szechenyi Istvan ter 5-6., Budapest 1051, Hungary
36(1)268-6000
Mamaison Residence Izabella Budapest 
Izabella u 61, Budapest 1064, Hungary
Corinthia Hotel Budapest 
Erzsebet krt 43 - 49, Budapest H-1073, Hungary
003614794000
Bohem Art Hotel
35, Molnar Street, Budapest H-1056, Hungary
+36 1 327 9020

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Las Vegas

"Viva... Las Vegas!!!!" I'm sure you have heard of this. If you wanna elope and get married or gamble all night long, Las Vegas is the place and perhaps that's why it is also known as the Gambling Capital of the world or the Marriage Capital of the world. Vegas belongs to state Nevada, USA. Vegas is also world popular as a favourite holiday destination with lots of shopping places, hotels, chapels, casinos etc. With the neon/ helium lighting systems, all time crowded streets, Vegas is definitely a beautiful place in the world that everyone should take a chance to visit.

The city is located on a desert area yet the city has considerable amount of green and wild life. There is a bit scarcity of water though. Snow fall is not often but not at all unseen. Vegas' climate is subtropical desert climate. Vegas summers are usually hot and winters are considerably mild. 

Vegas economy is basically fueled by tourism, casinos, hotels, restaurants, gaming and conventions. Casinos and hotels in the area include La Bayou, Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, California Hotel and Casino, Fremont Hotel and Casino,  Main Street Casino, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, Golden Nugget, Plaza Hotel & Casino,  Amtrak,  El Cortez, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Gold Spike Hotel and Casino and the Las Vegas Club.

Other attractions of Las Vegas include the Neon Museum,  Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Lied Discovery Children's Museum and the Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park. Vegas also has a Zoo which is known as the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park and it is home for about 150 species of animals. Vegas also has numerous parks , golf courses, sport areas which include Las Vegas Springs Preserve, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, Angel Park Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Course, Durango Hills Golf Club, Las Vegas Municipal Golf Course, 5 dog parks, 9 community centers, 8 senior centers and 20 sports facilities including 9 skate parks and 6 swimming pools.

Travellers' Guide

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas 

3960 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

1 (702) 632-5000

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas 

3752 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

+1 (702) 590 8888

Platinum Hotel and Spa 

211 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

702.365.5000

Staybridge Suites Las Vegas 

5735 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118

877-859-5095

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa 

11011 West Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135

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The Burj al arab hotel

Well, it's not everyday that you can spend a good fine and a luxurious holiday in a grand hotel with all the quality services only a thought away. And not every hotel in the world can do that. And above all not every hotel in the world has the seven star rating (only some say so) but the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. The hotel is definitely a five star rated Hotel anyways. With a unique architectural scale rising up for a height of 321m with 70 floors, the hotel is the most luxurious and the fourth tallest hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island away from the mainland, Jumeirah beach connected by a bridge. 

As you can see, the shape of the building is a sail of a boat, a deign concept by the architect Tom Wright and the construction was by Rick Gregory. The artificial island's construction began in 1994 and the building was open to public since 1999. The island has to be a secure and a solid one to bear up the weight of the building. The constructors drilled 230m concrete piles into the sand and took more or less three years to complete the land area.

The hotel has 205 rooms whose price range is between $1000- $27000 and 8 suites namingly One Bedroom Deluxe Suite, Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite, Panoramic Suite, Club Suite, Diplomatic Suite, Presidential Suite, Royal Suite, Royal Deluxe Suite. Al Iwan, Al Mahara, Al Muntaha, Bab Al Yam, Culinary Flight, Juna Lounge, Junsui, Majlis Al Bahar, Sahn Eddar, Skyview Bar are the restaurants you can see inside the hotel. Al Mahara is accessed via a glass domed submarine voyage which has a seawater aquarium. 

Travellers' Guide

Jumeirah Beach Rd | P.O Box 74147, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
97143017777

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City of Prague

Well, obviously when we talk about beautiful places of the world, how can we forget Prague! But some would say it is just the Capital city of Czech Republic and what so cool about that??? So to those who know and don't know, here we go. Czech Republic was a centre of attraction since ancient times. It is clearly shown by being the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire. Spreading over 496km2, the city is home for many attractions like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall, Petřín hill, its museums, galleries, theatres etc. 

If we explore through the history of Czech and Prague, it was said that Libuše and her husband, Přemysl, found the city Prague. They were the first to built a fort in the area which now is the Prague Castle. A cathedral was founded there in 1344 and by those times and earlier Prague was a place of slave market. Prague became an imperial capital under the guidance of Charles IV. Among his creations are the Charles Bridge, the New Town, Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral and Charles University. In 1576, Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II selected Prague as his home. His reign was fair and well and famous people like astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johann Kepler, the painter Arcimboldo, the alchemists Edward Kelley and John Dee, poetess Elizabeth Jane Weston lived there during his time. 

Prague was selected as the capital city for Czechoslovakia at the end of World War 1. During the times of World War 11, Prague witnessed many assassinations and destruction by Adolf Hitler. In 1993, Czechoslovakia was split and Prague became the capital of Czech Republic. 

Prague can be identified as a city full of artistic inspirations. Fine examples like its national museum,  Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague State Opera, Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, National Gallery show that very well. And it is guessed that due to presence of such beauty with a touch of art is the reason for many film makers, singers to choose Prague as their location. The famous city attractions are, St. Vitus Cathedral which store the Czech Crown Jewels, Old Town Square, The Astronomical Clock, The vaulted Gothic Old New Synagogue, Wenceslas Square, Malá Strana, The Lennon Wall, Písek Gate, The New Jewish Cemetery in Olšany, The Metronome, The Dancing House, The Mucha Museum, The Prague Zoo, The Nusle bridge with tube for underground.

Travellers' Guide

If you planning to visit Prague, don't forget to visit these hotels too.

Arcadia Residence
Hostivitova 3, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
+420724027525
Unitas Hotel 
Bartolomejska 308/9 | Old Town of Prague, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
+420 224230533
Aparthotel City 5
Vltavska 11/667 | Praha 5 - Smíchov, Prague 15000 , Czech Republic
+420602495529
Aria Hotel
Trziste 9, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
00420225334111
Golden Well (U Zlate Studne)
U Zlate Studne 166 / 4 | Praha 1-Hradcany, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
00420257011213
Alchymist Residence Nosticova
Nosticova 1, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
+420 257312513
Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa 
Trziste 19 | Lesser Quarter, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
+420 257286011
Santini Residence
Nerudova 211/14 | Prague 1, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
+420 257195111
Hotel General
Svornosti 1143 / 10 | Smichov, Prague 150 00, Czech Republic
00420 257 318 320

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Hermitage winter palace

Tell me how many of you can afford a Winter Palace??? Not many I guess. But the Russian Monarchs earlier in the 19th century had the privilege though. Yes, that's the Hermitage winter palace which is actually the fourth of its kind located in St. Petersburg. Palace of such grandeur and size cannot be the creation of one so as to say many architects took involvement but Bartolomeo Rastrelli was highly regarded considering his style used in the palace. An exquisite feature we see here is the elongated rectangular shape of he palace almost 250m long with a height of 30m.  It was constructed in 1732, was home for royalty until 1917. The Duchess of Courland was the first owner who ordered Rastrelli to rebuild the neighbouring Apraksin Palace into today's masterpiece. It contains 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows, 1,500 rooms and 117 staircases. 

The Duchess of Courland was not the only one who guided architects to enlarge and add parts to the palace. Catherine II during 1762–1796, headed architects Starov, Giacomo Quarenghi, Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe and architect Yury Velten to enlarge the palace. She was the reason to call the palatial complex Hermitage. Catherine II made sure she had the best art pieces at her eye so she sent ambassadors in search of such. She however accomplished in gaining six collections which included the works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Raphael, Tiepolo, van Dyck and Reni. Catherine II was also responsible for the creation of Hermitage Theatre, French taste in the Russian Court.After Catherine II, Tsar Nicholas I was responsible for the complete restoring of the palace which was damaged by the fire in 1837. 

The first flow of the palace is the Piano Nobile which has the tallest windows. The palace also has parts named Great Church, St George's Hall,  Military Gallery,  Battle Galleries, Palace Square façade,  private Imperial apartments, Jasper Room, Malachite Drawing Room, Gold Drawing Room, Imperial staircase, servants' quarters etc.

On 5th February 1852 the first Art Museum  of Russia was opened here as  Imperial Hermitage Museum. The last royal to reside here was Alexander II whose assassination took place at the palace too. On 22nd January 1905 the Bloody Sunday massacre took place in front of the palace which drove the winter palace into darkness after then. Since 1917, the palace was heir-less but was controlled under the Seat of the Provisional Government. With its failing also the the Bolsheviks who revolted against them took over the palace. At the present the Hermitage Winter Palace is seen as a part of the museums open to public. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit the palace, you can locate it at 34 Dvortsovaya Naberezhnaya, St. Petersburg 190000 , Russia. T.P. (812)110-90-79. It is open daily except Monday from10:30 am to 5:30 pm and on Sundays till 5 pm. Ticket-office closes 1 hour before closing time.

And make sure you visit these hotels in St. Petersburg.

Admiralteyskaya Hotel 

Ulitsa Aleksandra Nevskogo, 8 | Kolomna, St. Petersburg 190121, Russia

Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg-Ligovsky

61 Ligovsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg 191040, Russia

Nevsky Contour Hotel 

Nevsky Prospekt 88 - 72, St. Petersburg 191025, Russia

Helvetia Hotel 

Marata 11, St. Petersburg 191025, Russia 

Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg Airport 

Startovaya 6, St. Petersburg 196 210, Russia 

Hotel Ibis St. Petersburg Centre 

Ligovskiy Pr 54, St. Petersburg 191040, Russia 

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Petronas Towers

Once it was the world’s tallest building and today it’s a skyscraper twin building visited by many from all over the world. However it still holds the record for being the world’s tallest twin towers. One is better than two it seems. It took six years to complete the towers since the beginning of construction in 1992 costing around 1.6 US$ Billion. Petronas towers are located at Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur and basically they can be identified as the center piece of Kuala Lumpur. 

Willis Tower was the highest before Petronas but even Petronas could only hold the title of world’s tallest tower for six years until Taipei 101. Record breaking height of the Petronas is 451.9m with the spires included. The top most floor or the 88th floor is 375m above the ground. Twins are a design by architect César Pelli and a creation by the structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti. 

Kuala Lumpur dedicated its race track as the site for the towers. The towers has one of the world’s deepest foundations numerically around 120m because of that. The most thrilling experience you can get by going up the towers is the sky bridge. Imagine being on it. Scary right??? This is also the world’s highest 2 storey bridge that stands between the 41st and 42nd floors of the two buildings. It is 58m long and stands 170m above the ground.

Travellers’ Guide

If you are planning to visit Petronas towers, they are open on all days except Monday. The visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except prayer hours- 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are limited and issued on “First come, First served” basis so you better be at the counter as earlier as possible as they start issuing tickets from 8 a.m. from Concourse Level of Petronas Towers. There is a 360 degree revolving dining area in the towers known as KL (Menara) Tower Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur.

Hotels near Petronas Towers 

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

Impiana KLCC Hotel

+65 6226 3310

Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

D'Oriental Inn, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

Ascott Kuala Lumpur

+65 6226 3310

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Giant Sequoias

It not an easy task to be in the list of world's biggest things. But it is very natural for Giant Sequoias aka Sequoiadendron giganteum. They are the world's largest trees found in Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. They are pretty amazing because they can actually grow to a height of about 80m. Their diameters would be around 6-8m. Just like their largeness, their ages are about 2000-3500 years. The first European who must have seen these is  J. K. Leonard who was an explorer. In 1852, Augustus T. Dowd discovered these again and that discovery was given much more publicity that any. 

If we look through the scientific classification of this giant, it goes as Kingdom-Plantae, Division-Pinophyta, Class-Pinopsida, Order-Pinales, Family-Cupressaceae, Subfamily-Sequoioideae, Genus-Sequoiadendron, Species-S. giganteum. Giant Sequoias spread over an area of 144km2 some of which are protected by the Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Apart from being so large, Giant Sequoias has many other specific features too. Young Sequoias are less brittle while mature Sequoias are highly resistant to decay. Sequoias are also very popular among many European countries as an ornamental tree. Here are some of the interesting facts about Sequoias. 

Tallest of all is an unnamed tree found in Redwood Mountain Grove with a height of 95 m. Oldest tree is known as Muir Snag with an age of over 3500 years. Tree with the greatest girth are Waterfall Tree of Alder Creek Grove with 47 m. Greatest base diameter also belongs to Waterfall Tree of Alder Creek Grove which is 17 m. Tunnel Tree is from Atwell Mill Grove which has a huge flared base that has burned all the way through. Greatest mean diameter at breast height belongs to General Grant in General Grant Grove. Largest limb is from Arm Tree in Atwell Mill, East Fork Grove with 3.9 m in diameter. Thickest bark ever recorded is 0.91m. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit these giants, you can visit Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Kings Canyon National Parks. Not only the Sequoias but you can also visit Tunnel Log, Moro Rock, Sherman Tree, Crystal Cave Trail, Hospital Rock, Congress Trail and many more inside these parks. 

Hotel available: 

Wuksachi Lodge & Village

64740 Wuksachi Way, California, 93262, United States

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Golden Gate Bridge

The link that bounds San Francisco and Marin County is the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the most famous places of all you can find in San Francisco and for many architects and civil engineers, Golden Gate has become a moral support and a dream.  Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow and Charles Ellis are the designers of this beautiful one of a kind made of steel which was open for public since 27th May, 1937. The bridge supports six lanes including lanes for bicycles and pedestrians. Golden Gate spans over 2.7km with a width of 27.4m and rises to a height of 227.4m. 

Before the Golden Gate Bridge, the transportation between San Francisco and Marin County was done by ferry services. But with the increase in demand to travel between the cities, many thought of the idea of a bridge which was simply an impossible one in every way because of the long distance and the constant tides and currents of the bay. It was in 1916 that stabilized the idea of a bridge but still with lot of negative ideas. Some wanted to built the bridge as proposed by the former engineering student James Wilkins but  with less cost. Joseph Strauss in return agreed but local authorities agreed to built a suspension bridge. After facing many hits and blows from different companies, enemies, it finally began its construction in 1933. 

While the  bridge design was handled by Strauss, the suspension design and technique were handled by Manhattan Bridge designer Leon Moisseiff. Architect Irving Morrow deigned the bridge towers, the lighting scheme with the streetlights, railing, and walkways. Head of engineers was  Charles Alton Ellis. 

An interesting fact about the Bridge is its colour. The colour of the bridge, Orange Vermilion as chosen by Irving Morrow is famously known as the international orange. Orange stands in contrast to the nature so that the far way ships can see it even on a foggy day. Another is the fact that the bridge is made of steel but yet to avoid the natural process of corrosion, the bridge is now coated with acrylic top coats and maintained by 38 painters. How cool is that????

Unfortunately Golden Gate Bridge has become an ideal place for many to commit suicide too. Although there have been numerous implications placed to detect and avoid suicides. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Golden Gate Bridge, don't forget to check in with these fabulous restaurants and hotels.

The Cliff House
Fresh Seafood and Stunning Views
1090 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco CA 94121
T.P. 1.877.485.2032
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Offering Superb Panoramic Seafood Dining
Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco CA 94133
T.P. 1.888.698.6782
John's Grill
A San Francisco Tradition for Steak, Seafood & Pasta
63 Ellis St., San Francisco CA 94102
T.P. 1.866.981.6211
Opaque – dining in the dark
A Journey for the Senses
689 McAllister St., San Francisco CA 94102
T.P. 1.888.310.8321

DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport
Burlingame, CA
Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
Burlingame, CA
Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco Airport North
South San Francisco, CA
Best Western Plus El Rancho Inn & Suites
Millbrae, CA

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Tasmania Island

Have you ever wondered what is the small island hanging down at the right corner of Australia? Well that small island is the Tasmania which is also the 26th among the largest of islands in the world and a state of Australia. 68,401 square kilometers in area, Tasmania is 364km long North/South wise and 306km broad East/ West wise. Hobart is the capital city. Abel Tasman a Dutchman is the discoverer of this beautiful lone island. That was in November 1642.  Geologists believe that once this island was a part of Australia even though now it is separated by the Bass Strait from mainland. Another geologically interesting fact is that Tasmania is the place that has the world's largest areas of dolerite. Amazing, huh???

Most famous destinations one can find in Tasmania are Hobart, Cradle Mountains, Launceston, Strahan, Port Arthur, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island etc. The highest peak of Tasmania is the Mount Ossa which is 1,617 metres found in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. There are many famous rivers flowing through out the island. Some of them are Derwent River, Tamar River, Mersey River, Franklin and Gordon Rivers, South Esk River; longest river in Tasmania. 

One of the few advantages of being an isolated island is that you get lots of genetically unique flora and fauna. With less population and more land for natural vegetation, Tasmania has extremely diverse vegetation with alpine heathlands, dry Midlands, tall evergreen eucalypt forest, temperate rainforests and moorlands. Tasmania is also home for the Thylacine aka the Tasmanian Tiger and the Tasmanian devil. Tasmanians faces four distinct seasons with cool temperature. 

Apart from the natural liabilities, there are many cultural experiences one can have when visiting Tasmania. Such events include the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Tasmania food and wine festival, road rally Targa Tasmania, Agfest; a three-day agricultural show, Royal Hobart Show and Royal Launceston Show, Falls Festival at Marion Bay and Southern Roots Festival. 

Travellers Guide

Tasmania is a famous travel destination for honeymoon couples, sightseers and adventure sports. If you are planning to visit Tasmania, main Tasmanian hot spots include Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Launceston, Strahan. Accommodation in Tasmania is equipped with 110 Hobart hotels, 4 Cradle Mountain hotels, 58 Launceston hotels, 25 Strahan hotels and Stanley hotels, Freycinet hotels and Port Arthur hotels. Some of the famous ones are,

Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages 

3876 Cradle Mountain Road

Country Club Villas 

Casino Rise Prospect Vale

City Park Grand Hotel 

22 Tamar Street

Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart 

1 Davey Street

Aldermere Estate Luxury Accommodation 

27 Harvey Street

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