Things To Expect From Goa Tours – The Beaches, The Carnival and Fun

Goa is a place surrounded by sea from one side and land from three sides. It has palms, white sands and sparkling waters. Goa attracts two million visitors annually from all over world. It is between is bounded by the Arabian Sea. For almost 500 years it had been a Portuguese base in India. The colonial rule still speaks of itself by the crumbling architecture, cuisines, palm vinegar and chillies. In breakfast you will be welcomed with water buffaloes and lily-covered lake will accompany you during morning walk. You will food like sea eagle, spice-laden vindalho, fiery glass of cashew-palm feni liquor. Other than the beauty of warm sand bathing your body there are many things to explore. Visit vanilla-scented spice plantation, gentle rivers, centuries-old cathedrals, white-water waterfalls. Goa tours are some of the most popular India tours packages.

Goa has many beaches which are famous for parties, festivals and shopping. One of the is Anjuna beach where every kinds of crowds come. It is a place for monks, defiant ex-hippies, artists, seers, researchers or just someone looking for a place to rejuvenate. This beach gives you full life and enthusiasm. Anjuna beaches hosts all night long beach parties, the Christmas to New Year or the full moon parties throughout the year. Baga Beach is in the rocky, wooded headland located just 10-km west of Mapusa and extends essentially out of Calangute Beach. Located by the Arabian Sea on the west coast of Goa this crowded beach receives most of its tourist influx from the British package tourists. Atop a hill is a beautiful retreat house. Colva beach is a more recent discovery. It is 20-km long delight of white sands, palm fringed, and sun beaches. Colva has number of hotels and buildings. This beach also hosts the annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) at the church in Colva since the 17th century.

Goa is also famous for festivals and carnival which people celebrate with true colours. The annual three days and nights, Goa Carnival is held in mid-February. During it streets are filled with colour. It is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. It is a weeklong event and is one of the famous of the Indian Carnivals. Portuguese introduced the carnival during their rule over Goa for over five hundred years. The Club National in Panajim performs the famous red-and-black dance on the final day and that concludes the carnival.

Goa is rich in culture and history. Hindu, Muslim and Christian festivals and other festivals are celebrated in Goa. Some of these festivals are known as Goan festivals. Some are Goa Christian Festivals which the Portugal rule left in Goa. They left Christian influence here with deep roots. Shigmo Festival is most celebrated events in Goa. It is for almost a fortnight and is celebrated with much merry and enjoyment. Feast of St. Francis Xavier is a Christian festival and all Goans irrespective of their caste and religious faiths come to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is located in Old Goa where people come to participate.

From beaches, all-night parties and mouthwatering food, Goa is truly a tourist's paradise! Sign up for a Goa tourism package or India tours which visit Goa to visit this enchanting place where the west meets the east and becomes one!

India Holidays

India is one of the most popular destinations for tourism and holidays. Every year a large number of tourists and vacationers visit India to celebrate their holidays in India's exotic holiday destinations. Holiday in India provides vacationers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great tourism and unforgettable holiday experience. Have a look at top destinations for mesmerizing vacations in India.

India boasts three pious rivers, the Indus, the Brahmaputra and the Ganga. All of these rivers are evenly grouped with the massive Deccan Plateau, the Indo-Gangetic Plain and couple of major hill chains of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Southern Ghats. Then lined on any side are the Bay of Bengal's Andaman and the Nicobar Islands and Arabian Sea's Lakshadweep Islands. In short, a single trip would not suffice the whole India

The country has a lot of destinations for perfect vacations for all kinds of vacationers whether they are coming for honeymoon vacation, beach vacation, luxury vacation or just a break from tight scheduled life. When it comes to luxury vacation, India stands ahead. Perhaps this country is a perfect destination where vacationers can spend their holidays in comfortable and luxury way.

Goa is perhaps one of the most popular destinations for holidays in India. It attracts vacationers with beautiful beaches, intricate churches & convents and exotic wildlife. It provides vacationers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in water sport activities like scuba diving, water scootering, water skiing, etc.

There are many other holiday destinations in India such Kashmir, Gulmarg, Kodaikanal, Kochi, etc where you can make your holidays in memorable ways. There is exciting range of India tour packages available to choose from which cover predominant holiday destinations of India.

India attracts a large number cultural buffs and heritage lovers. There are a number cultural and heritage sites in India attracting travellers and vacationers from all over the world. Taj Mahal in Agra, Ajanta & Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, Red Fort & Qutub Minar in Delhi, Humayun's Tomb & India Gate in Delhi.

Belgium: The home of chocolates

Unlike the title, Belgium is much more than just the chocolate-box of the world, but that is not something coming as too much of a surprise to tourists, particularly to those who have been there. The country is more than 175 years into its independent existence, and is hardly showing signs of ageing! True, there have been valiant attempts to alter its downtrodden image, but the change has taken shape in a most natural manner. There are quite heavy impressions of medieval architecture uncannily preserved here. Coming to the cities, Brussels and Antwerp lead the pack, followed by Bruges, which is pleasant despite, and also because of, the fact that there are scores of tourists perpetually present here at every single day of the year. Ghent, on the other hand, is a slightly scaled down version of the more dynamic cities of the country, so to speak. Once a city that rivalled Paris in its splendour, Ghent is today happier playing second fiddle to cities like Brussels.

Belgium is an undisputed leader when it comes to moral freedom. Gays and lesbians have been given equal rights compared to heterosexuals, while Euthanasia, a concept that is condemned and criticised in most parts of the world, was legalised in 2002. The topics of discussion over a couple of Duvels, the country's signature pale ale produced in the town of Breendonk, are aplenty, which is also one of the reasons why the country is having one of the most social environments in the world.

Brussels certainly has a split personality in every sense of the word. The competition rages on in many forms - Flemish v/s French, unique v/s boring and happening v/s historic. Eurocrats and red tape set aside, the point of conflict, so to speak, are not just limited to the predictable ones. However, it is this healthy disparity in the times of globalisation that sets the mood for a tourist's unforgettable sojourn in Brussels. The city is also known for its café culture, Art Nouveau architecture and fine dining options. Surreal art also comes to life here, in the northern suburb of Jette, to be specific. The variation in architecture ranges from the age-old Grand Place to the new-age Art Nouveau façades. In the midst of all this, the quality of life is superb - great shopping, numerous choices for eating, 'out of the world' chocolates, and an enviable pub culture.

Known as the unsung city of the Flanders, Ghent is situated between Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. A canal city that is as visually spectacular as it gets, it has more often than not been ignored by tourists, and that is why those who choose to tread the road not taken are rewarded handsomely. Sitting on the junction of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, the crowning glory of Ghent is the Het Gravensteen castle. Having an illustrious history, thanks to King Charles V, the city today is the capital of the Oost-Vlaanderen province, and also Flander's biggest university town.

To constantly stay in contact with family and friends while in Belgium, there is no better service provider than Matrix, as up to 80% savings are assured, with fantastic savings on every call and network coverage among the best in the world.

The Museums of Arroyo Day – A Day of Free Fun

Pasadena is famous for hosting the Rose Bowl every New Years Day, one of the oldest college football tournaments in the United States. Coinciding with the Rose Bowl is the Tournament of Roses Parade. The Parade is a celebration of the natural beauty of the city and the floats are all decorated with flowers. But Pasadena is about more than just football and parades, as it is one of the primary cultural centres of the San Gabriel Valley.

It is home to the Pasadena Symphony that plays at the Pasadena Civic Centre regularly. The Pasadena ART Weekend is a yearly event and for 3 days the city's art institutes open their doors to the public for free. There are many fun programmes organised to coincide with the event. Another annual event is the Museums of Arroyo Day, an event that spans the stretch between Los Angeles and Pasadena. It will be held on the 15th of May.

The Museums of Arroyo Day involves two Pasadena museums and three from Los Angeles. On this day, the museums do not charge an admission fee. Each museum has something different to offer and the public have fun trying to catch the displays at all five museums before the closing of the day.

For art lovers there is Gamble House, which displays some of the finest in American craft and architecture. The beautiful Lummis Home and Gardens will also be enjoyed by those with an eye for art and architecture. History lovers will not want to miss the Heritage Square Museum, which is a living history museum chronicling the settlement of Southern California, or the Pasadena Museum of History, with its many preserved artifacts, showing Pasadena as it once was. If you want some action with your history, stop at the Los Angeles Police Historical Museum. The museum takes you through the rich history of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Since the museums also run a free shuttle service, ferrying passengers from one museum to the other travel becomes very easy. You can make it even easier by finding a hotel that is close to the major attractions of the city. A Huntington Hotel offers you the advantage of a great location. Pasadena California Hotels like The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena, not only gives you the benefit of a good location but also has luxurious facilities that will make sure you are taken care of after a long day of taking in the amazing sights Pasadena has to offer.

Giza Pyramids and Cairo City Sightseeing Overnight Tour By Road From Hurghada

Day 1: You will be transferred from your hotel by an air conditioned coach for two days trip to Cairo and the famous Giza Plateau to visit the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos, which were named by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Next we will move onto the Egyptian Museum, which features artifacts from the Pharaonic period including the treasures of the Child-King Tutankhamen- and then we will be transferred to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Day 2: The second day enjoy an excursion to the Citadel of Saladin and Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. The latter, in the Ottoman style, is built in such a way that it can be seen from all over Cairo. Next we move on to the Babylon's Fortress to visit the St. Sergio's church with the Crypt where the Holy Family took refuge, the Suspended church, which is rich in antiquities from early Christian era and the St. Barbara's Church, where the relics of Saint John are preserved. From there we will be transferred to visit Khan el Khalili, the famous Cairo Bazaars and Open Market dating back to the fourteenth century. Back to Hurghada.

Inclusions
• Pick up and drop off service
• Accommodation in Cairo 05 star hotel with breakfast
• All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Private Egyptologist guide throughout tours
• Entrance fees to all the sights in Cairo and Giza
• 02 Lunch during tours in Cairo
• Mineral water and soft drink on board the vehicle
• Shopping tours through out Khan El Khalili bazaars
• All services charges and taxes

Exclusions
* Personal expenses
* Any optional tours (if selected)

Additional Activities
You can choose attending the fabulous sound and light show at the Pyramids by night or board a luxurious Nile cruise ship for dinner, belly dance and oriental show for 2 hours.

What To Bring
• Passport valid for 6 months
• Comfortable shoes
• Cotton clothes in summer
• Warm clothes in winter
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Photo/Video Camera

AllExpeditions Travel, Africa Safari, To Namibia Africa

About Namibia, Africa

Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area approximately four times the size of the United Kingdom but with a population of a mere 2 million - one of the lowest densities in the world. It is also an 'ageless land'; visible through our heritage of rock art created by stone-age artists and geological attractions such as the petrified forest where fossilised tree trunks have lain for over 280 million years.

Added to the space and silence, these all contribute to a feeling of antiquity, solitude and wilderness.

The region offers some of the best diversity in Africa including
the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the
Victoria Falls in Zambia. Nambia, Botswana and Zambia offer some of
Africa's 'last frontiers' - pristine, adventurous and pioneering of new age travel.

The climate is typical of a semi-desert country. Days are warm to hot and nights are generally cool. Temperatures are modified by the high plateau in the interior and by the cold Benguela Current that runs along the Atlantic coastline. Except for the first few months of the year, the country is generally dry with very little rain.

"A pristine land of untouched natural beauty; of vastness, of
awe-inspiring contrasts and mystical splendour such that it touches
the soul! You take it with you forever." (NTB)
This above is an apt description for this truly wonderful country.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination, offering the discerning traveller one of the most diverse African experiences possible.

From the wildlife of the huge national parks, to the vastness and emptiness that stretches to the horizon of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, where you forget your cares and lose yourself in a landscape where time looses its meaning, to the desolate Skeleton Coast and to a cultural diversity unlike any other, Namibia celebrates an abundance of space and big blue skies in one of the most natural and spiritual places on this planet.
Namibia is not merely a safari destination, but an experience where you can be yourself, be alone or just be.

All this is in interesting juxtaposition with the expansive landscapes that surround the cities. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of diverse environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white
saltpans of Etosha National Park, oryx plunge headlong up impossibly
steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their multitudes colonize lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, known for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples.

Beijing - The Forbidden City

If there is one place in China you have to see, it is the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is an imperial palace that was the home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Mere words alone simply cannot describe how impressive the Forbidden City is and how it was and still is an integral part of Chinese culture and history. A visit to the Forbidden City should be ranked high on every travellers bucket list.

One mere blog post cannot do justice to the awesomeness of the Forbidden City so I will humbly cover the basics, throw in a few pics of my last visit and give you the basics to help you with your visit which you must make.

Background and History

Name - People were only allowed to enter and leave with the emperor's permission so it was called "forbidden". "City" comes from the translation of the a part older Chinese name cheng which means walled city. Now common Chinese name for the the Forbidden City is gu gong which directly translates into old palace.

History - After moving house a few times, the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhi Di decided to head back to Beijing and needed a suitable residence so work on the the Forbidden City began in 1406 and finished in 1420. The Forbidden City was the home for the royal family until 1912 when Puyi abdicated the throne to Sun Yat Sen and the newly formed Republic of China.

Facts - The world's largest palace complex (eat your heart out Buckingham Palace) covering 74 hectares, over 8500 rooms (number vary depending on who you talk to). The encircling wall is over 8 meters wide at the base and over 6 meters wide at the top and has a circumference of over 3,400 meters.

Description - Is divided into two parts, the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was used for ceremonial purposes (impress guests) and the inner court housed the emperor and his extended family and served as the emperors offices.

Trivia - All except for two roofs in the Forbidden City are made with glazed yellow tiles because yellow is the color of the emperor. The north south central axis running from the "Gate of Dine Might" at the north to the "Meridian Gate" at the south is the actual central axis of Beijing. Starbucks opened a store there in 2000 and did not close until 2007 when sanity finally prevailed. Chairman would never have let that happen.

Going there - You want at least half a day to see the Forbidden City properly. I took over 6 hours and had to be dragged out by companions with less refined taste. Start of early in the morning at Beijing Train Station which is major tourist destination in its own right. Then walk north along Beijing Station street until you hit Jiang Guo Men street and then head west and keep going till you see the entrance to he Forbidden City. You can't miss it. You'll have Tian An Men square to your left and an enormous portrait of Chair Man Mao to your right. The walk it self is a delight and a great way to see the center of Beijing.

Where to stay - Any where in central Beijing within walking distance of Tian An Men is ok. My favourite is the Beijing City Central International Youth Hotel which is across the road from the Beijing train station. Prices are reasonable, staff friendly and location ideal.

Opening hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm during the low season from November to March and 8:30am to 5:00 during the high season from April to October. Tickets are not sold during the last hour and entry is not allowed during the last 50 minutes. According to my most reliable source (disclaimer here) entry fee during peak season is 60 RMB and 40 RMB for low season.

My Take - You MUST go to the center of the Hall of Supreme Harmonyand stand there. Why? Because that spot is the center of the Forbidden City which makes it the center of Beijing which is the center of China which is from a Chinese persons point of view, the center of the universe. So stand there, take a photo (like mine below) and savour the experience of being at the center of the universe. The Australian equivalent (from a Melbournians point of view) is standing on the steps of Flinder Street train station.

Then spend hours wandering through the buildings, lane ways and court yards where the rulers of China lived, ruled, played, plotted and died. Countless Chinese TV series are based on the Forbidden City and life there during the Qing and Ming dynasties.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.