Travel Blog

Her us a good travel blog. nice photos lots of information..

http://miiraj.blogspot.com

Get a better rate on your Airline tickets

• Make your reservations as soon as you have decided on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for early bookings at least 21 days in advance. The best rates are often those that include a Saturday night stay and have travel dates during the week.
• Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and easiest way to compare many different Airlines’ rates to find the best deals.
• If you can be flexible about when you travel, do so. It can bring big savings. Even changing a flight’s time during the same day can effect the rate. Often the less popular early morning or late evening flights have lower rates.
• The best rates tend to be found during the off season and at other times when the Airlines are flying at less than capacity.
• Check into splitting your trip into two roundtrip sections. A stopover at a midpoint could save you over flying a direct route. Although, make sure the saving are large enough to warrant the extra hassles of the stopover.
• Check into booking your travel plans as a package. You might be able to save by booking your Airline tickets along with your hotel room or rental car.
• Ask if this is the best rate that they have available when you are booking your reservation.
• Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible.
• When you reach check-in, ask to see if any special upgrade deals are available.

Protect your health when you travel

• f you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.

• Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.

• Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get your vaccinations early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.

• You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.

• Be careful what you eat and drink.

• Carry complete health information with you on your trip.

• Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Switzerland

The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Still, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public traffic.

Major Cities: Baden, Basel, Bellinzona, Bern, Biel, Brig, Chur, Fribourg, Genève, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lausanne, Locarno, Lugano, Luzern, Martigny, Montreux-Vevey, Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Sierre, Sion, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, Zug, Zürich.

Climate: Because of its central position, the weather is influenced by the four main European air currents - from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, the northern subpolar region and the Mediterranen south. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs considerably from region to region.

BANGALORE - THE GARDEN CITY

The founding of present day Bangalore is attributed to the Magadi Chieftain, Kempe Gowda, who laid its foundations in 1537. According to local folklore the present name Palace in Bangalore Image Bangalore, derives from 'Bendakalooru' or the town of boiled beans, a name given by Veera Ballala, a king of the Vijayanagar dynasty, who having lost his way in the forests was given a bowl of boiled beans by a kindly woman here. However that may be, the founding of the city is traced back to 1537 and it has seen the rule of the maharajas of Mysore mainly. One of the factors that has gone in to make Bangalore the fifth largest city in India today is its mild and healthy climate. A large number of people, many from outside the region have thus made the city their permanent home. Thus the city has a fairly large number of people who are retired from active life and others who are here for exclusive pleasure seeking.

Hyderabad-'city of Nawabs'

Holiday at the ever so hospitable city of Hyderabad. Fondly called the 'city of Nawabs' Hyderabad offers a captivating combination of tradition and trend to the tourists and travellers.
The main landmark in Hyderabad is the Charminar. Located in the heart of the city the galleries and arches of Charminar are of great importance to the tourists. The glass bangles are a must buy from Charminar. Close to the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid. The mosque is large enough for nearly ten thousand men at prayer. Amongst the other mosques in the city are Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid. Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Falakuma palace. The palace was home to the last Nizam and stores the most expensive art objects, tapestries and carpets, in addition to the largest single-man collection of diamonds. Between Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad lays the Husain Sagar Lake.
This large artificial lake offers breathtaking views of Naubat Pahad, a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple. The Salar Jung Museum is another worth visiting place in Hyderabad. For the animal lovers Nehru Zoological Park is the perfect place for lion safari and watching other wild animals. Hyderabad is home to Osmania University also. It is the largest university in India and boasts of students from across India and abroad. State Central Library that was established in 1891 also makes an interesting tourist spot in Hyderabad.

Beaches in Kerala

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!

Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected.
Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala
Kumarakom Beach - cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds include Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip.
Alappuzha Beach - a popular hangout and relaxation spot, around 140 years old pier that extends in to the sea, lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland.
Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry.
Varkala Beach - the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mineral water springs with medicinal properties, also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
Fort Kochi Beach - historic fort, leisurely walk through the lanes of the city to learn about eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.
Kappad Beach in Kerala - Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.
Dharmadam Island - beautiful beach island, coconut palms, green bushes, breathtaking sight. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
Ezhimala Beach - a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop, carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills, famous for medicinal herbs.
Mopila Bay - natural fishing harbour with quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact, ruined fort and temple.
Muzhappilangad Beach - one of the longest beaches in Kerala, also the only drive-in beach in India.
Pathiramanal Beach - island beach on the Backwaters, a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.
Payyambalam Beach - beautiful beach sites, surfing in calm and peaceful waters.
Sankhumugham Beach - breathtaking sunset, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.
Tanur Beach - coastal fishing town believed to be visited by Francis Xavier in the year 1546 AD.
Thangassery Beach - a seaside village of historic importance, ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Thirumullavaram Beach - beautiful beach filled with coconut palms, ideal for an early morning walk.

Kerala- God's own country

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environs; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.
Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} crisscross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.
Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the the country's population.

In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state.

Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.
The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.
It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environs; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.
The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings. Loitering under the canopy of the foliage, you will feel blossoming the dreams. Thus, on a sojourn in Kerala, away from the rough and tumble of cities, you're breathing freshly purified air all the time.
Flora: Kerala has over 25% of India's 15,000 plant species. Among them include endangered and rare species, flowering plants, fungies, lichens and mosses. The state's forest wealth include tropical wet evergreen, semi-green and tropical most deciduous. Teak, Mahogany, Rosewood and Sandalwood are common, the forests abound with orchids, anthirium, balsam, and medicinal plants. banyan figs, bamboo as well as 40,000 years old grasslands. Mangroves are seen in coastal areas and low, morass lands. So fertile is the state, thanks to rivers and dams that are replenished by copious rain in Western Ghats.

Goa. time out from life as you know it.

More vacationers visit Goa every year then any other destination on the west coast of India. Why? Wonderful climate. A glorious history richly preserved in churches, forts, traditional homes, villages and its cities. Spectacular pageantry. Colourful festivals. Warm and gracious people. Superb cuisine. Goa is one of India's most laid back, yet sophisticated and exciting , destinations. From miles and miles of sunny beaches, to the splendors of its quaint cities, towns and cobbled alleyways, Goa is more than just beaches and sunshine. It's also the charm and magic of toxic resorts, a verdant green countryside, lush green forests and abundant wildlife topped with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Goan people.

And away from the beaten track , travelers discover a romantic and other-century goa in its medieval small towns, and beautiful villagers, with rich flora and fauna. There is so much to see and yet at the end of it all you feel there's too little time.

A truly exhilarating out of this world experience that only Goa can provide. Whether it's fun adventure , sunshine, spirituality or just plain relaxation, you don't need to look beyond the magical land of Goa.

Holiday in Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, the crowning glory of India. India's northernmost state and crown of India, Kashmir is a Paradise regained. Kashmir is so precious, no outsider is allowed to own land here. Experience the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir with Kashmir Hub. The state has three regions - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Each region is beautiful in its own way. Nature has blessed Kashmir with incredible beauty. Stay in luxury houseboats on the beautiful Dal Lake in Srinagar, go skiing in Gulmarg and Patnitop, view the majestic Himalayan peaks, see Chinar trees turn russet in autumn, and enjoy a holiday in Kashmir with Kashmir Hub. See the vibrant colors of the flowers in the gardens of Kashmir with Kashmir Hub and understand why Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor said, "If there is a Paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here." Experience a trip to a paradise called Kashmir

The Taj Mahal-Sheer poetry in marble

Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. Love redefined. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna in Agra.
FACT FILE
Location of Taj Mahal: Agra, India
Famous As: 7th Wonder of the world
Taj Mahal Was Built By: Mughal Emperor Shahjahan
Built In The Memory Of: Mumtaz Mahal
State: Uttar Pradesh, India
Temp: Summer - Max - 45 degree centigrade, Winter - Min - 4 degree centigrade

Delhi- Monuments

*Chandni Chowk
*Ferozshah Kotla
*Humayun's Tomb
*India Gate
*Jama Masjid
*Jantar Mantar
*Lodhi Tombs
*Lakshmi Narayan Temple
*Qutub Minar
*Red Fort
Get more information