Saturday, January 18, 2020

Taj Mahal, Agra - India

Taj Mahal Marble Monument, Agra, India.
The monument of love, known throughout the world for its stunning marble architecture, is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN).  It attracts thousands of people every day. Locals from across India make up a major part of the crowd, along with travelers from around the world. The Taj Mahal is a must-visit site and has stood for more than 370 years.

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. The monument also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Things to Do in Jaipur - Rajasthan, India

Lady leaning on the pillar at Mirror Palace, Amber Fort, Jaipur, India.
The color pink and the city of love - these are what make Jaipur unique and outstanding among Indian cities, let alone in Rajasthan as its capital. Located in northern India, Jaipur sits on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. It is about 260 kilometers (160 miles) southwest of Delhi (VARANASI, INDIA THINGS TO DO).

Its strategic position on historic trade routes connected northern India with western regions, helping fuel its growth as a commercial and cultural hub under the Rajput rulers. 

Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, earned its name for its pink-hued buildings and royal heritage. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. This gesture of hospitality still defines the city’s old quarters today (GALLE, SRI LANKA THINGS TO DO). 

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Varanasi, India: Top Things to Do

Ghat across Ganges River, in Varanasi, India.
Whether it is for pilgrimage, learning about culture, or simply curiosity about history and lifestyle, North India has much to offer. The region is vast, with countless things to do in North India and must-see experiences for anyone visiting (TOP THINGS TO DO IN KERALA, INDIA). 

Varanasi can be a starting point. Historically and religiously known as Kashi (sometimes spelled Kasi), the name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “the luminous one” or “city of light.” It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense spiritual significance, especially in Hinduism, as a center for pilgrimage and rituals along the Ganges River.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Top Things to Do in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

Mattancherry area, lined with shops on both sides, with tourists and locals walking around, Kerala, India.
Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, Kochi (Cochin) has been a major hub of commerce and cultural exchange for over a millennium. Its natural harbor and strategic location on the Arabian Sea made Kochi one of the most sought-after ports in the Indian Ocean, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and later European powers (TOP THINGS TO DO IN TRIVANDRUM, KERALA). 

Kochi became the first European colonial stronghold in India when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, each leaving enduring architectural and cultural influences (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Best Things To Do

Poovar Backwater, in nature surrounding and a boat drifting, Kerala, India.
Previously known as Trivandrum, a name still referred as, Thiruvananthapuram is located at the southern tip of India, along the southwestern coast facing the Arabian Sea, near the border with Tamil Nadu. It is Kerala’s political, cultural, and educational center, home to institutions like the University of Kerala and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The city is also known for arts and culture, with museums and galleries showcasing its heritage (KERALA HOUSEBOAT CRUISE). 

Thiruvananthapuram has a history that goes back over a thousand years. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the Travancore Kingdom under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, who shaped the region’s culture and administration.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Kerala Houseboat, India

Traditional Kerala houseboat in the Kerala backwaters.
Think Kerala, and you immediately picture a Kerala houseboat. One of the best things to do in Kerala, a trip isn’t complete without experiencing a houseboat ride. It is one of India’s top nature experiences, generally affordable, and a pride of Kerala. Thousands have already cruised the backwaters, yet returning again for this natural attraction (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA) in India is common.

Things to Know About Kerala, India

Kerala is popularly known as “God’s Own Country” because of its nature, fertile land, culture, and history. It is famous for traditions in music, dance, and food, as well as Ayurveda wellness and spirituality, which make Kerala special.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru, outside area with lights, decorations, snow blanket.
Just within 40 minutes from Sapporo is Otaru, a small port city along the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido. A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without the best things to do in Otaru. Back then, Otaru was a busy hub for trade and fishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO JAPAN). 

As Hokkaido developed its industries, Otaru also grew. Its historic canal, stone warehouses, and preserved architecture still show its past as a thriving commercial gateway.

Today, Otaru has both its old side and modern side connected together. Winter is one of the best times to visit, as snow turns the city into a natural wonder. In summer, visitors can expect comfortable weather and seaside breezes.

What to do in Otaru is mostly about walking - for food, shopping, and sightseeing.

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