The Floating Markets of Damnoen Saduak

Bangkok, the gorgeous and lively cosmopolitan capital of Thailand, with its ultra modern attitude is among the top tourist hot spots in Asia. But amidst the dominance of modernization, there survive some historical sites that excite, thrill and delight visitors with their unique charm. Exploring shopping malls and markets by car or on feet is a normal phenomenon. Bangkok gives you the scope to do something beyond. A trip to the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak is a star attraction of all Bangkok packages these days and it’s certainly an experience to cherish.

Damnoen Saduak is a district in Thailand named after the Damnoek Saduak canal, which dates back o the reign of Rama IV. It was dug by the military men to provide people of Samutsokarn and Samutsonkhram provinces in Rajburi, Thailand tourism with a means of transportation. The canal was originally dug to connect Taachin River in Samutsukarn with Maklong River in Samutsonkhram but it became a route for the local people to carry their agricultural produces and fruits to different parts of the province for selling. Many Thailand tourism packages offer trips to the three main floating markets where local people buy and sell agricultural produces floating on long, narrow boats. The three main floating markets on Damnoen Saduak that you can explore are Khem, Hia Kui and hun Khun Pithak. You can take a walk through either bank of the canal and watch the floating business or may hire a boat to become a part of the process.

Damnoen Saduak is around 109 kilometres from Bangkok and you can reach the spot either by car or air-conditioned bus. Before finalizing your trip, check out whether your Bangkok package includes this floating market trip. If not, then choose from other Thailand tour packages that offer the scope to witness marketing activity floating on the canal water.

Best Resorts for Honeymooners in the Maldives

If you are planning an unforgettable honeymoon, then choose Maldives tourism as your idyllic destination! With the giggling sea and the exquisite food, this island is made of some mysterious stuff. And the resorts in this part of the world are so embedded with romance, that you wouldn’t like to end your honeymooning holiday anytime soon.

Here are the top 4 honeymoon resorts offered by Maldives tour packages:

  1. Baros Maldives: Baros Maldives, with its 75 villas and rooms of all kinds, offers complete luxury and a perfectly romantic ambience. Its décor is enamoring to the eye and the walls are colored to exude love in all corners. And the view from the windows is an unworldly feel.
  2. Anantara Dhighu Maldives: Maldives packages also give you a chance to stay in the famed Antara Dhighu Maldives, a resort which is a combination of modern luxury and quaint settings. The ambience is soothing and the spa can give your body the kind of pleasure you had always been craving for.
  3. Conrad Maldives: Owned by the Hilton Group, Conrad Maldives resort is known for its luxury, services, romance and what not! But its big USP is its famed underwater restaurant! You mustn’t miss out the chance to dine at this place. The hotel is high in demand and must be booked in advance under the Maldives packages.
  4. W Retreat & Spa: To avail the best spa services and even head for thrilling activities like scuba diving, this hotel should be on top of your list. The hotel promises to go extreme in order to enrich your experience. And it has, so far definitely lived up to its promise.

Popular Treks around Manali

Manali is a much favored destination when it comes to outdoor activities like trekking. The hill station nestled in the lap of the Himalayas is extremely panoramic and certainly is a trekker’s paradise. The treks pose different challenges to people with varying skills. And the fact that the locale has multiple personalities of treks has really bolstered the popularity of Manali tourism.

Here are some recommended and much popular trekking routes which can be opted under Manali packages:

Manali-Sarotu Thach: This trek is situated at an approximate height of 1850 m. The entire stretch of trekking takes about 4-5 hours. So, if you are looking for a very short trekking experience, then this trek will suit you perfectly.

Sarotu Thach-Base camp Pyang Neru: This route will last for around 11 hours. At Raudi Khodi, you can take a breather and dig into some snacks. Some people can even plan a trek only till Raudi Khodi.

Chikka- Balu ka Gera: This route is pretty challenging because of its high altitude. Kullu Manali tourism sees a number of adventure-minded travelers opting for this route to satiate their adrenalines. The trek begins at a lower altitude of 3100 m and finishes off at a height of 3600 m. It takes close to 6 hours for the entire journey.

Alternately, tourists can also head for a week-long trek starting from Manali-Jagatsukh and rounding off at Drive Manali. Kulu Manali tourism officials take complete care of the tourists and ensure that all necessary supplies of medicine & meals are available.

Goa Carnival

The streets of Goa become vibrant and colorful as the state awakes to a week long festivity season filled with fun and frolic in February. Introduced by the Portuguese rulers, the Goa Carnival has manifested itself into a true Indian festival with local culture being at display during the festivity period.

Goa holiday packages during February ensure special coverage of the carnival and tourists can expect to be a part of the parades that showcases local dances and promotes local singers, giving them an opportunity to show their talent to the visitors.

Indian ethos are amply at display at the Goa Carnival and Goa tourism creatively showcases the Goan culture by promoting the regional diversity through various events.

Goa Carnival is an opportunity for an avid traveller and a die-hard foodie to explore the unknown vistas of the region. One can expect to feast on traditional Goan cuisine and Goa packages take special care to include a traditional feast in the package during the Goa Carnival season.

The weeklong festivity carnival has been held since early 18th century and gives one an opportunity to explore the Goan culture from close quarters.

The famed Red and Black dance held on the last day of the carnival marks the closure of the weeklong festivity season.

Top 5 Hotels in Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Visitors flock to the region to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. The mouth-watering cuisine and adventure opportunities serve as major draws of Lucerne. Most of the packages offered by the Geneva tourism department include Lucerne. The top hotels included in Lucerne tourism packages are mostly 5 star hotels with grand interiors and exotic locales to woo prospective tourists. The majority of hotels offer a sweeping view of the environment and boast of attractive amenities.

The Power Couple

The Lucerne tourism department denotes the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Palace Luzern to occupy the top two positions in the list of best hotels in the region.

The Radisson Blu Hotel is a 5 star hotel situated on the banks of Lake Lucerne. The rooms provide breathtaking views of the lake and restaurants offer world-class dining and personalized services. All of the 165 suites and rooms have been decorated keeping in mind contemporary design aesthetics. You can avail free broadband connection along with wireless Internet facilities within the hotel. The top floor of this hotel houses a modern and fully equipped health club.

On the other hand, the Palace Luzern bags the second spot according to the Geneva tourism sector. The luxurious surroundings are complemented with a century of hotel traditions. Erected in the year 1906, the Palace Luzern has garnered the title of the leading luxury hotel in the central part of Switzerland.

The Final Three

The Park Hotel Reggis boasts of more than 53 exclusive rooms along with three restaurants. The hotel draws on the benefits of silence and solitude. The hotel features a world-class spa, a Japanese garden and six exotic cottages made of natural stone and wood.

The Park Hotel Vitznau on the shores of Lake Lucerne is a unique combination of residence, medical centre, and suite hotel and research facility.

Rounding up the top five hotels in Lucerne is the Art Deco Hotel Montana which draws upon experience garnered from the unrivalled hospitality tradition spanning over 100 years. Due to its slightly elevated location, this hotel is capable of providing you with magnificent panoramic view of the lake and the city.

5 Top Ayurvedic Centers in Kerala

There are several excellent Ayurvedic wellness spots in various Indian states but the best ones are located in the state of Kerala as a part of Kerala packages, owing to the moist humid weather and sufficient supply of medicinal herbs and plants. Kerala tourism not only gives you the opportunity to relax and replenish your worn-out your body but you can also experience one of your most comfortable vacations.

The Top 3 Kerala Ayurvedic Resorts

Leading the pack is the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, set amidst 50 acres of lush green land in the Pakkad district. A beautiful stream runs past every cottage of the resort. The Kairali Resort provides you with the best kind of Ayurvedic treatment and helps you get in touch with your natural roots. There is a strict no-alcohol and vegetarian policy in place. Guests should take part in early morning yoga and meditation sessions. Next on the list is Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort which has the honour of being the first Ayurvedic resort in the world. It is also one of the best hotels in the Kovalam district. The resort focuses mainly on body and mind restoration. Cultural performances in the evening add to the appeal of this resort. The Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort, near the Karamana River, nab the third spot on the list. The rooms of the resort offer breathtaking views of the beach and the backwaters.

Completing the Top 5 List

Kalari Kovilakom may be one of the most expensive Ayurveda resorts in the state of Kerala but the services offered by the establishment make it well worth your money. No alcohol, meat or leather footwear is permitted inside the premises. There is no availability of any entertainment facilities. Each therapy package is customized, focusing on deep healing, and caters to the personal needs of an individual. Budget tourists can try the Sarovaram Ayurvedic Resort which is run by three generations of Ayurvedic doctors. Expect to enjoy houseboat rides, evening dance performances and guided tours to the adjacent villages.

Best International Places to go in March

Maaliskuu (as March is known in Finland) is considered to be the season when snow melts and a bright sun shows up. The time is cheerful and almost every place around the globe is welcoming. That’s reason enough for avid travelers to pack their bags in March and pick up tour packages to destinations across the world.

Southern Europe

A range of cheap international tour packages are available in March and one can head to some exotic locations across the world. For those planning a visit to Europe, March is the perfect season to visit Southern Europe. You can plan a stay at Barcelona in Spain because the annual Barcelona Beer festival is held during the month of March. Not only does one get to taste the choicest beer but it’s also a chance to explore distinct cultures.

Nepal

If wanting to explore Asia, Nepal can be an exciting pick as international tour packages from India are available at discounted prices. March is the perfect season for planning a trek while in Nepal as you explore some of the highest peaks across the globe. Alternatively, you can also head to Sri Lanka and explore the cultural diversity of this island nation. Check out international tour packages and head out to any chosen location.

Maldives

Maldives is another great place to be in during summers as the temperatures are between 25-30 degree and one can explore the various white sand beaches. Those with an adventure streak can go diving to locations across South and North Male.

Nightlife in Bangkok

With 12.2 million visitors making it a point to visit Bangkok in 2012, the capital city of Thailand has managed to remain in the limelight. A perfect reason enough for existence of vibrant nightlife, Bangkok is the on priority list of those seeking fun-filled atmosphere.

Bangkok holiday packages pay special attention to this component, as the city is abuzz with music shows in jazz clubs to steamy local cuisine awaiting those who wish to explore the same. For Jazz lovers, a visit to Head to Check Inn 99 is highly recommended. Jazz sessions are underway on Sunday evenings and you can relish the choicest Thai menu even as the soothing music makes the evening lively.

A range of Bangkok packages from Delhi are also available and you can customize the same by giving your preferences on the nightlife destinations you wish to explore in Bangkok. You can also check out Levels Club, DJ Station, and The Bamboo Bar amongst others to have a feel of the nightlife of Bangkok.

Bangkok packages also include a trip of the various Ladyboy shows through which performers showcase their talent amongst the audience. The specialty of these shows is that transgendered people perform at these shows. Si-Lom sub district caters to international tourists and has a range of nightclubs. In case you wish to mingle with the local crowd, try heading towards Lamsalee sub district that has number of nightclubs offering a feel of local culture and some authentic Thai cuisine too.

Top 5 Hotels to Stay in Mauritius

Mauritius is a blue-green island replete with exotic natural beauty and larger-than-life locales. It is one of the hottest honeymoon destinations in the world and involves top-notch sightseeing, amazing food and stay in some grandiose resorts. Under Mauritius packages, you can easily book a hotel of your choice and budget.

Mauritius

Nevertheless, here is a list of the top 5 hotels of Mauritius:

  1. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Okay, so this one is for those who wish to experience the extreme delights of luxury! Right from the pampering hospitality to immaculately designed baths to unbelievably good pools to awe-evoking villas, this resort can make you a spoilt child! It will be a tad expensive but you can always avail discounts via cheap Mauritius tour packages.
  2. One&Only Le Saint Geran: Another pricey hotel which lures the elite class in huge numbers, this hotel is a paradise for newly wedded couples. Its ambience decked with plush décor and glorious strolling pathways effortlessly conjures up that romantic feel. The food is an icing on the cake! And you may bump onto a movie star quite easily!
  3. Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa: This is another great place to check into! Its USP lies in the fact that it lets you unwind with lots of outdoor activities like fishing, cycling and horse riding. It is panoramically located beside the beaches and gives honeymooners plenty of private corners.
  4. Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa: As the name suggests, this place is your perfect getaway to not just comfy bedrooms but also for a game of golf or a relaxation in spa. This hotel finds mention in some of the best Mauritius tour packages.
  5. Oberoi Mauritius: This is a landscaped hotel designed to woo its visitors. The pool, spa and lounge never fail to hypnotize. And if food is your weakness, then you will always find this corner a yummy place to be in! Most Mauritius tour packages from India offer exciting deals & discounts for a stay at this venue.

A Complete Travel Guide to Sukhothai and its Attractions

Sukhothai is an important ingredient of the wondrous country called Thailand. It is not as vibrant as Pattaya or as daring as Bangkok, but is a shy, indolent and historic little town where life moves at its own leisurely place. Thailand tour packages usually keep 1 day for a Sukhothai trip so that tourists can soak in the historical beauty of this ethereal town.

How to reach Sukhothai: It is best to travel to Sukhothai from the capital city of Bangkok. You can travel by plane, by train and even by buses which are operated by Thailand tourism department.

Where to stay: There are all kinds of hotels available in this town which is a popular tourist site. Most of them are of midrange budget and quite affordable. In case, you are itching for luxurious resorts, then you would find them towards the outskirts of the town. Alternatively, you can also buy the best Thailand tour packages which will include a stay in one of the better hotels of the city.

What to see in Sukhothai: Sukhothai is the home of many ancient and medieval-age temples and historical sites. Some popular attractions are Wat Sra Sri, Wat Sra Sawai and Wat Mahathat. These temples just take the icing when it comes to historical richness and architectural splendor. Wat Sri Chum is another must-visit site noted for its Giant Buddha statue. The biggest attraction is the Sukhothai Historical Park which has been christened with the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overall, the town is a treasure trove of ruins, temples and historical sites. However, there is little else other than these.

Thailand tour packages from India, including Delhi and Mumbai, are now available easily on internet. It is recommended that you do couple your Bangkok or Pattaya trip with a Sukhothai tour!