Goa makes you think of myriad things – its mystical charm, the allure of easy going life and the beckoning beaches. Even the most tired souls look for a relaxing refuge here where they can happily let go of their worldly worries. So, it is only fitting that this refuge should be a canvas filled with colours of joy which automatically elevate the spirit. That’s exactly what this new OYO Home is all about. About 2kms away from the Candolim beach, you’ll find this to be a delightful dwelling away from the noise of the street and surrounded by serene greenery.
Moroccan feels
Step into a world where the Goan spirit meets Moroccan magic. Lights, mirrors and colours come together to spell out the boho-contemporary approach. The decor is minimalistic, with a hint of drama. The bedroom is mostly white, gold and yellow, with the Moroccan bedside lamps as the only source of multiple colours on a monochrome wall. In the middle of it all, one thing that demands attention the most is the pattern of golden Moroccan mirrors on the wall.
These are one of the decor elements made from scratch for the home, says Shreeya, the designer. “These mirrors weren’t actually available in the market, we had them cut in these shapes and framed,” she says. You’ll have no problems imagining you are a Moroccan princess when you live here, we assure you.
Window to your soul
The bedroom has yet another alluring feature – the bay window. The yellow chevron-patterned curtains provide a classic colour contrast against the greenery outside and the white walls inside. Whether you are a book lover or a nature lover, this bay window will prove to be your favourite hangout spot at this home.
The views in the rains is worth witnessing, and the balcony is another spot where you can do so. It is the spot Shreeya likes the most. “The balcony is designed to give the feel of a tiny personal garden where you can walk barefoot or sit on the small cane chairs and admire the view, sipping on your morning coffee,” she shares.
Decor drama
Vacations are all about making memories and capturing them for posterity. Selfies are probably the most popular way to do that. Shreeya kept that in mind while designing this place. The various kinds of lights create different moods, so you won’t need an Instagram filter to enhance your photos.
The living room will be your happy, breezy place to laze about in the morning, but the lights transform the space completely at night. Handmade lamps on the walls, sourced from a local market, cast some dreamy shadows, enhancing the mystique and aura of the room. You’ll be tempted to pick up a book of poems or play a soothing tune on the guitar as you feel a sense of calm engulfing you.
The drama in the design of the living room has been taken up a notch with pendant lamps, solid coloured curtains and a wallpapered ceiling. “We went on a slightly unusual path to use wallpaper on the ceiling to make it look dramatic. Plus the tropical palm leaves pattern brings the Goan feels indoor as well.”
More contrasts
The tastefully done up living room has a more youthful vibe. The blue sofa against the textured white walls with multi-coloured frames for black and white photos – each element is in contrast with the other.
To give these contrasts their space, the furniture has been kept minimalistic, but not without its own sense of quirk. Shreeya tells us, “The furniture has been chosen keeping in mind minimalism and quirky colours. A natural wood colour is what suited my colour palette the most. The colourful cushions add a spark to the two grey chairs.” Very real-looking artificial creepers attached to locally sourced cane baskets make for simple wall decor.
To step out, or not?
If you are able to break the magic spell that this home will cast on you, head to the Candolim beach to watch a gorgeous sunset. One of the most famous beaches in Goa, Candolim also has several shacks serving delicious food. You can lounge by the beach all day, and visit the local market in the evening to pick up some knick-knacks. And when you return to this home after a long day of wandering about, this home will be the soothing balm for your fatigued body and mind. Chances are, the magic of Morocco and the spirit of bohemia will have you wondering, ‘Is this the real life, or is this fantasy?’
Home to the Himalayas, Nepal is blessed with natural and unsullied beauty. Unlike other hill stations, the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal are nothing related to man-made forts and museums. Here, nature shines in full glory! From lakes perched on hilly summits to trekking trails that lead you on to a place that feels like heaven, Nepal is truly breathtaking!
Here are the 13 most beautiful places to Visit in Nepal
Rara Lake
Panch Pokhari
Chitwan National Park
Garden of Dreams
Pokhara
Phewa lake
Nagarkot
Everest Base Camp
Langtang Region
Tilicho Lake
Gosainkunda Lake
Poon Hill
Helambu
Rara Lake
Located in Jumla and Hugu districts, Rara lake is the biggest and the deepest freshwater lake in Nepal. Often referred to as “heaven on earth” for its natural beauty, it has an average depth of 100m (330ft) and is spread across 5.1 km of area. Tourists often trek to this lake and camp overnight by the lakeside. Once you climb up the Manma point, the alluring beauty of the lake takes you over and you can see the lush green dense forest all around.
How to get there: There are a few ways to reach Rara lake from Kathmandu. You may take a fight to Talcha airport or catch one of the buses that run on the route covering a 16-20 hours journey. You can also hire a private jeep that will drop you close to the lake and from there you can take a 25-minute walk to reach the Rara lake. However, the best way to enjoy the beauty is to trek to the lake like most tourists do.
Panch Pokhari
At the base of Jugal Himal in northeast Kathmandu is Panch Pokhari, a group of 5 holy lakes. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, these lakes in the middle of the green-carpeted massifs look surreal. The reason this group of lakes is holy is because of a traditional ritual called Janai Purnima. Every year in the month of August, Brahmins travel to these lakes to perform the ritual of changing the sacred thread they tie around their body called ‘janai’.
How to get there: The trek starts at Chautara in northeast Kathmandu and goes through Sherpa and Tamang village which gives you a peek into Nepal’s culture.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settled at the base of Himalayas, it is home to many wild animals like monkeys, elephants, cobras, wild boar, etc. There are also a few army base camps inside the park. Hire a guide who will help you in spotting animals and will tell you tales about the park. Chitwan National Park is located in Southern Central Terai of Nepal and is spread across 932 square kilometres.
How to get there: Reaching Chitwan is easiest from Sauraha where resorts are available for a stay. To reach Sauraha you can take buses from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Garden Of Dreams
Lush green gardens with abundant peace always make for a beautiful place. Garden of Dreams is also such a place and an absolute favourite of tourists and residents alike. All you have to pay is 200 NPR as entry fee to see this spectacular garden. People come here to see the huge variety of flowers and find calm amidst running fountains. The Swapna Bagaicha or the Garden of Dreams also has a cafe which serves some of the best Nepali dishes in town in a cozy setting. You can easily spend an hour or two at this peaceful place or even re-visit if you’d like.
How to get there: The garden is at a walking distance from Thamel, the main tourist market of Kathmandu.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the leisure city of Nepal. It’s scenic beauty is captivating and adventure opportunities keep tourists excited. Pokhara is said to be the best venue for paragliding and you can spot many paragliders enjoying a ride in the sky. You can also indulge in trekking, boating, paragliding, hiking or zip flying. Sit peacefully in the tranquil surroundings and enjoy the beautiful lake view draped by hills.
How to get there: Although local buses are available, taking a flight is recommended because the road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara can get a little uncomfortable. Yeti airlines has a number of options you can choose from.
Phewa lake
Phewa Lake is the largest lake in Pokhara spread across 4 km. It is surrounded by many lakeside restaurants and bars which makes it a great spot, especially in the evening. You can take a stroll or ride a bicycle around the lake. To soak in the picturesque views, take a boat ride. In the middle of the lake, there is Barahi temple which can be reached by boat.
How to get there: Phewa lake is in Pokhara. So to reach there from Kathmandu, you’d need to take a local bus or flight which are readily available.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is located 32 km east of Kathmandu. It is famous for a beautiful view of Mount Everest which looks particularly dramatic during sunrise and sunset. Nagarkot is a quaint village with mountain trails, flora and fauna, and some amazing sightseeing spots that you wouldn’t want to miss. Located in the Bhaktapur district, it has many hotels near famous tourist attractions like Changu Narayan, Kailashnath Mahadev Statue, Sankhu Bajrayogini Temple and Buddha Peace Park.
How to get there: The cheapest and most convenient way to reach Nagarkot is by taking a local bus from Kathmandu for Kamalbinayak which is in Bhaktapur. It costs NPR 25.
Everest Base Camp
Trekking to the Everest base camp is not difficult if you go slow and steady. Perseverance is what it takes! The trek starts at Lukla at 3000 meters and goes up to 5,364 meters reaching the base camp. There are two base camps, one is the North base camp at 5,150 meters in Tibet and the other is South base camp at 5,364 meters in Nepal. On the way to the camp, you will come across extraordinary views of villages, vast blue sky and snow-covered peaks that seem to come close with each step. You might also get a chance to experience snowfall at the camp.
How to get there: The trek to the base camp starts from Lukla. You can reach Lukla from Kathmandu by air (Yeti airlines).
Langtang Region
Langtang is 30 kms away from Kathmandu towards the Tibetan border. If you are short on time but want to experience trekking in Nepal, Langtang is where you should go. The trekking trail is rewarding with beautiful views of lakes, mountains and flowers. It has about 70 glaciers and a number of high altitude lakes. The trek route was affected in the Nepal earthquake but is now open for trek and tourism.
How to get there: Take the early morning bus from Macha Pokhari in Kathmandu to Langtang. There are also some express buses available.
Tilicho Lake
The beauty of this lake has remained in tact and pristine because of the fact that only a few people actually go to this lake trekking all the way up. Tilicho lake is one of the highest high-altitude lakes in the world at 4,949 m height. It derives its azure blue water from the melting glaciers. Located at a distance of 55 kms from Pokhara, it also finds a mention in the Holy Hindu book Ramayana which says that this the place where Lord Shiva found solace after losing his wife Sati.
How to get there: To reach Tilicho lake you have to trek from Pokhara. There are many tour guides that conduct the trek in groups of 15. Most favourable time for a visit is March to June.
Gosainkunda Lake
Gosainkunda lake is a holy site for the people of Nepal and India. This lake is said to be created by Lord Shiva himself. Legend has it that when Lord Shiva consumed and stored poison in his throat, he searched for a cool place to ease the burning. While exploring, he found Gosainkunda and dug up a lake here to seek respite. Devotees still believe in the deity’s presence at this place.
How to reach there: Dhunche is the most preferred point to start the trek from. Take an early morning bus from Kathmandu to Dhunche. It’s best if you pre-book the bus tickets as it gets frenetic in the morning and finding a seat might be hard.
POON HILL
Located in Pokhara, Poon Hill is at a height of 3210m in the Myagdi district. Along with the panoramic view of the Himalayas, you also get a glimpse of the local culture as you trek to the Poon Hill. It is located in the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. This place is ideal for a visit in the summers, trekking through the valleys in chilly temperatures for a magnified Himalayan view.
How to get there: The Trek begins from Nayapul. Climb up to reach the Poon hill on the second day.
Helambu
Situated 80 km from Kathmandu, Helambu is home to Hyolmo people. Nestled comfortably in the middle of snow covered mountains, Helambu has lots of greenery and cultural influence. The view is beautiful, overlooking the Langtang range. A week-long trek to Helambu is a crazy adventure with parks, meadows, local culture and wildlife encounters waiting for you along the way.
How to get there: Reach Helambu by local bus or taxi that can be taken from Kathmandu.
These are not the only beautiful places in Nepal! Even after the tragic earthquake it still remains one of the most alluring places on earth retaining its evergreen natural beauty. Other beautiful places in Nepal are Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek), Upper Mustang Trek, Khaptad National Park, Everest Tea Garden in Sindhupalchok and Karnali.
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is a must-visit when in the country. Here the skyline is ultra modern, the skyscrapers rise high and the British heritage peeps through the colonial remnants, this is where imagination comes to life! In a city like this, it’s easy to have a list longer than the days you have in your itinerary. Sometimes you might even feel lost with so many places to cover in such a less time. But don’t let the travel fatigue get to you. Skip a tourist trap in Kuala Lumpur and do these fun things instead. After all the idea is to have a fun-filled vacation, isn’t it?
Here are the 12 Fun things & Activities to do in KL
Enjoy Genting Highlands
Walk at Aquaria KLCC
Become pilot for a day in KL
Sunway Lagoon – The water park for all age groups
Shopping at Bukit Bintang
Hone culinary skills at KL’s cooking classes
Chuff on a helicopter
Climb the crag behind Batu Caves
360-degree view of the city at KL Tower
Wild River Tubing at KL
Meet friends with beautiful wings at Butterfly Park
Diamond tower of the city at Petronas Twin Towers
Enjoy the colourful hill station of Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is among the three cool hill stations that form Peninsular Malaysia’s north-south backbone. It is said to be the Asian-styled Las Vegas. Famous for its nightlife and world-class resorts, it attracts many tourists from all over Asia, especially from Singapore.
REACH: To reach Genting, KL Sentral has a bus service “Go Genting” which drops you at the cable car station. From there take a cable car to reach the highlands.
THINGS TO DO AT GENTING HIGHLANDS:
Choose between standard gondola (RM8 per person) and glass floor gondola (RM50 per person) at Awana SkyWay to go to the peak of Genting Highlands and on the way view a 130 million-year-old rainforest.
Try out your luck at Genting Casino with over 400 different types of electronic casino tables. And if you are tired of the city life then go for a horse ride through the cool hillside at Awana Horse Ranch.
Another fun place is the Happy Bee Farm which gives you the safe experience of apiculture along with its natural products like bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis and natural honey
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center, home to 500 elephants that pick up peanuts from your hand and give you a quick ride if you hop on.
The Arena of Stars has hosted many international acts and is a place to go for an exhilarating experience. It’s construction is not finished yet and is set to be done by the end of 2018, 20th Century Fox World is going to be one of the best theme parks in Malaysia.
Walk beneath the aquatic animals at Aquaria KLCC
Located beneath the KL convention centre within KL city centre, Aquaria KLCC is an oceanarium. With over 5,000 different aquatic animals, it is the longest tunnel at 90 meters. As you enter, there is a ticket counter at the beginning of the tunnel. The entrance fee for adults (non-Malaysian) is RM69 and for children (non-Malaysian) is RM59.
The oceanarium is divided into two levels. From evolution zone, the stream and shipwreck in level 1 to the deep forest, living ocean, aqua-theatre and station labs in level 2, experience the ocean world like never before.
REACH: Aquaria KLCC can be accessed through the main gate located at the Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm.
THINGS TO SEE IN AQUARIA KLCC:
Level 1: The evolution zone (Piranha tank, Gene pool, Electric zone), The stream (Riverbank jungle, Otter den) and Shipwreck (Coral discovery).
Level 2: Deep forest (Flooded forest), The coast (Coastal nursery, Mangroves), Living ocean (Sharks’ den, Reef fish, Sea turtles, Deep sea), Aqua Theatre, Weird and Wonderful (Jellyfish, Glass bottom boat), Atlantis souvenir store and Station Aquarius (Labs)
Become pilot for a day in KL
Who would have thought that becoming a pilot is so easy? All you need is courage, willingness and Ringgits! Unleash the aviator within you aboard Cessna with a DCA approved flying instructor. There are many companies which provide this tour but the routine is the same. One day before, a training session is held where the pilots are given proper information about all the safety measures and instructions. On the final day, after debriefing and pre-flight checking, you take off and fly across KL with a complete view of the city beneath you.
The flying has a 30-minute and a 60-minute duration and costs RM750 per person and RM1200 per person, respectively. If you want to go as a rider it costs RM150 per person to sit in the back seat. RM30 is the insurance fee per person.
REACH: The most famous place for a one-day pilot tour is Subang Skypark, Terminal 3, Selangor Malaysia Airport Berhad. There are many other places where this tour can be taken: Sapura Aero, Oxbold or The Entertainer. There are also many online websites which offer a discount with pre-booking.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Passengers have to be certified as physically fit by a doctor before taking up this activity. Pregnant woman, senior citizens, overweight or people with heart issues are not allowed due to safety precautions.
Jeans, T-shirts, trousers with sports shoes are HIGHLY recommended. Any sleeveless, short wears or open flip flops or sandals are STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED.
Carry your original identity card for check-in. You can carry food and a camera.
In case of bad weather, the flight might get postponed or rescheduled. You will be informed beforehand.
The bookings must be made at least one week before the flying date to for confirmation.
Sunway Lagoon – The water park for all age groups
Spread across 88 acres of land with over 80 attractions, this place gives you the most adventurous experience. The best thing about this park? Pay the admission fee and get all the rides for free! There are a few exceptions. Some extreme rides are chargeable. It has many sub-parks like the waterpark, amusement park, etc. and each has multiple rides. From easy to highly adventurous, you will find one for every age group. So, no matter how old, Sunway Lagoon is your ticket for fun.
PRICE:
Child – RM140
Adult – RM170
Senior citizen – RM140
THINGS TO SEE IN SUNWAY LAGOON:
Waterpark (Vuvuzela, waves of fun, waterplexx 5D, little Zimbabwe, African python, surf beach).
Nickelodeon themed land – Literally, every child’s dreamland!
iii. Amusement park (pirates revenge, carousel, fun world, colorado splash, grand canyon river rapids).
REACH: Take a train to Subang Jaya station and then take a feeder bus from there to the Sunway pyramid stop.
No 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, | Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 46150, Malaysia
Go on a shopping spree at Bukit Bintang
Filled with countless retail shops and food vendors, Bukit Bintang is the epicentre of entertainment, fashion and food in KL. Your trip to Malaysia will be incomplete without Bukit Bintang, a place so famous among tourists that they prefer staying at hotels nearby this attraction.
REACH: Since it is in the central area of KL, it’s quite easy to travel to Bukit Bintang by public transport like buses, monorails, etc. Buses or taxis are available for travelling in and around Bukit Bintang.
THINGS TO DO:
Thinking what’s fun about Bukit Bintang? Ask what’s not? Shop, eat your heart out, learn cooking.
Shopping:
The key places for shopping in Bukit Bintang are:
Berjaya Times Square – a 48-storey twin tower with 1,000 retail shops and 65 food outlets.
Central Market – popular for handicrafts and Malaysian batik prints.
Pavilion KL – home to all major brands.
Sungei Wang – This shopping centre has colour coded shops for ease of shopping. The rates are cheap and a wide range of products are available.
Fahrenheit88 – Shop for the latest fashion trends at reasonable rates.
Eating:
The key places for eating in Bukit Bintang are:
Changkat Bukit Bintang – a famous after-hours place
Jalan Alor – is the cultural heart of KL. Go here for the local street food
Shanghai at JW Marriott – experience the elegance of fine dining.
Prego at The Westin – an Italian restaurant that serves the best authentic food.
Dining in the dark – first restaurant that lets you dine in dark for a whole new experience
Hutong at Lot 10 – has been featured in a lot of TV shows. Has a food hall with multiple food stalls to eat from.
Others: Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Hindu temple), Chan See Shu Yuen Temple (Buddhist temple), No Black Tie Jazz Bar (nightlife, jazz bar), multiple spa and massages centre, special culinary studios to learn cooking, etc.
Hone your culinary skills at KL’s cooking classes
Learning how to cook fishes can always come in handy. Tourists often fall head over heels in love with the Malaysian food and fail to find the same taste and aroma back at home. So, if you take the cooking classes, you will easily learn the art of Malaysian food and impress those guests you have over dinner.
HOW DOES IT WORK: It’s quite easy. You have to pick a day for your visit. The recipes are different every day so if you choose this class for two days, you will learn two Malaysian dishes. The classes begin with a driver picking you up from your hotel and dropping you off at a local market where you will meet your teacher. The teacher will explain every ingredient to you while you shop for the dish of the day followed by a cooking tutorial. And that’s where the fun begins! Now toss those authentic ingredients as you master the Malaysian cuisine.
TIMING AND PRICE: Usually the classes are for 4 to 6 hours. Each includes a market tour, cooking one Malaysian dish (you can discuss with your classmates a day before and vote for your choice of dish) and pick and drop facility from and to your hotel.
The cost for one class per person ranges between RM290 to RM320 inclusive of the pick-up and drop-off fee.
Chuff around the city on a helicopter
Another way to enjoy the aerial view of KL is a helicopter tour. After 10-15 minutes of debriefing, the chopper will be up in the air viewing the panorama of KL. The pilot will take you across many important spots like Petronas Twin Tower, Birk park, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and others. The pilot will also explain all the major spots to you as you take this opportunity to click outstanding aerial shots.
For safety reasons, sometimes, the tour is cancelled or delayed due to bad weather but it happens rarely.
PRICE LIST for a maximum of 3 people:
Duration
Price
6 minutes
RM630
15 minutes
RM1550
30 minutes
RM3050
45 minutes
RM4410
LOCATION: Titiwangsa Helipad, Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Climb the crag behind Batu Caves
Batu Caves is not only home to many temples in Malaysia but it also has many cliffs nearby that are great rock climbing spots for beginners. You don’t have to worry about the safety as all the required measures are observed by the expert guides here. There are 8 crags with 170 routes in total with various difficulty levels. So depending on the climber’s experience (first timer or frequent climber), the most suitable one is chosen by the guide.
The tour is taken on a half-day basis which is for 4 hours and full-day basis which lasts for 8 hours. First timers are advised to take the former as it might get too tiring otherwise. Book the tour beforehand to avoid housefulls.
After the climb is over you can ask your tour guide to drop you off at one of the nearby temples for a good end to the day.
PRICE: You can climb together as a group of 3 (max in one tour) which will cost RM150 per person. If you wish to climb alone then it costs RM250. Additional RM100 is charged for a full day tour i.e. 8 hours.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Carry at least 1-2 litres of water with you because it’s a complete workout.
It is necessary to wear a safety helmet.
You can bring your own gear but if you don’t have one, they are available on rent.
Bring a mosquito or insect repellent with you.
Follow all the safety measures and instructions carefully.
Get a 360-degree view of the city at KL Tower
Kuala Lumpur Tower is the 7th tallest building in the world standing at 1381 ft. It has 6 storeys and 4 operating elevators.
One of the reasons why KL Tower became so famous is “Atmosphere 360”, a restaurant that revolves slowly as you enjoy a 360-degree view of the city with a scrumptious meal on the table. There are also a few cafés that are perfect for snacking. The entrance ticket to the tower can be bought as a combo of observation deck and skybox. Individual tickets are available as well.
REACH: Monorail, taxis or buses can be used to travel to the KL Tower because it is well-connected.
Location: 2, Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
THINGS TO DO AT KL TOWER:
Upside Down House: Everything from furniture to the lights is upside down at the House of Illusions. This place at the entrance of the KL Tower makes for a cool photoshoot location.
Mini Zoo: Although small, it still has enough to keep you interested. You can see animals like python, squirrel monkeys and furry rabbits here. A definite visit for kids!
Observation Deck: This deck allows the complete view of the city at 276 meters. The fee to the observation deck is RM53 for adults and RM31 for children.
SkyBox: The box is made of clear glass and extends out of the tower giving the visitors a thrilling experience. The fee of the skybox is paid with the fee of observation deck which combined will be RM110 and RM56 for adults and children respectively.
Cultural shows: You can always watch the cultural performances that are regularly held in the tower.
Other places to eat: Moghul Mahal Restaurant and Santino’s Pizza.
Feel the wild with Wild River Tubing at KL
Sit in an inflatable tube and whisk away with the flow of the water. River tubing locations are only a few hours away from KL and they are the best getaways for fun. There are tours that begin with a delicious Malaysian breakfast and then off you go for river tubing. River tubing is basically river rafting but instead of rafts, you use tubes. This multiplies the fun by 10 times! The tour guides will constantly be with you the whole time and guide you through rough areas like rocks and falls.
Starting from the calm waters on the upper side of the Selangor River, you make your way through the beautiful scenery. As you go ahead, the adrenaline levels rise. The tour ends with another delicious Malaysian meal.
PRICE: The price for one person is RM350 which includes breakfast, lunch, tour guide, pick-up and gears for river tubing.
LOCATION: B-5-8 Plaza Mont Kiara | Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia
Meet friends with beautiful wings at Butterfly Park
Located adjacent to the Bird park, this butterfly park shelters around 5,000 butterflies each with a unique pair of wings. When you enter the garden area and look around, all you see is butterflies fluttering around. The garden also has benches in some corners for visitors to sit and enjoy. The park has many exotic plants and flowers which are fed on by the butterflies. There is a waterfall in the garden that keeps the place cool. Turtles, koi fish, and other fishes swim around in the lakes. A great place to capture the colours of nature, you can use the bridges as props for a perfect shot.
REACH: Located near Lake gardens and the bird park, this place can be reached by taxi or public transport.
ENTRY FEE: RM25 for adults, RM14 for kids and extra RM5 to bring your camera in.
Visit the diamond tower of the city at Petronas Twin Towers
Argentine-American designer César Pelli designed this diamond-like structure of Petronas Twin Towers and called it “diamonds glittering in the sun”.
This 88-storey tower is the tallest twin tower in the world standing at 452 meters. A sky bridge links the two identical towers at 41st and 42nd floor and has an observation deck. Tower 2 also has an observation deck on the 86th floor. There are 29 double-decker passenger lifts. The shopping area has almost every brand there is to shop for. Even if you don’t get to visit the inside, the towers are a great visual delight from the outside too.
LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia.
REACH: Any direct train can be taken from the station to KLCC.
TICKETS AND TIMINGS: Tickets to Petronas Twin Towers are sold on a first come first serve basis and there is a rush in the early hours. It’s better to book the tickets online here.
The tickets sell for RM85 per person and group tours are led by an expert guide. You can also book a separate tour for yourself by paying extra charges.
So, how many have you put on your list? When on a trip, it is not necessary to go by the conventions. It’s good to go offbeat and have a little fun, especially when you are in a place like Kuala Lumpur where the possibilities are endless and the options are so many!
Singapore is a prosperous city-state with a well-developed economy and a modern high-tech skyline. A myriad of experiences awaits those who visit this island-state, ranging from diverse cultures, thrilling rides, amazing cuisines, and phenomenal tourist attractions which cannot be simply missed.
Here are five things you should do on your first trip to Singapore.
Visit Marina Bay Sands
Ride on the Singapore Flyer
Walking Tours at Gardens by The Bay
Wild encounters at Singapore Zoo
Shopping and Dining at Chinatown
Visit Marina Bay Sands
Revel in the picturesque views of the bouquet of lights that come alive at night at Marina Bay Sands. Dive into the depths of the Infinity Pool and indulge yourself. Catch magnificent views of the glamorous city and appreciate luxury. Witness iconic attractions such as the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, Future World Gallery Exhibitions, and Wind Walkers Guided Tours. The ‘Spectra Light and Water Show’ runs for free complete with the symphony of the fountains and colourful LED projections.
Enjoy: World-class leisure, entertainment, pool and bars.
Ride on the Singapore Flyer
A giant Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in Asia that lets you soak in panoramic views of iconic landmarks, 360-degree style! What’s more? They also serve cocktails and champagne on the flyer. Being 165 metres tall, you will be able to see not only the cityscape of Singapore but even the surrounding islands of Indonesia and parts of Malaysia.
Enjoy: Premium experience with an in-flight host and fine dining experience.
Walking Tours at Gardens by the Bay
Ever wondered what walking into a dreamy landscape from a movie felt like? Gardens by The Bay gives that experience the minute you set your eyes on the gigantic Cloud Forest Waterfall. Surrounded by different species of plants and blooming flowers, the setting offers plenty of opportunities for photography, sightseeing, and a relaxing evening.
Enjoy: Flower Dome, OCBC Skyway and Supertree Grove.
Wild Encounters at Singapore Zoo
Home to more than 300 species of mammals, reptiles and birds, the Singapore Zoo is the world’s best rainforest zoo. Featured in the best Singapore travel packages, it takes you in the middle of nature where you can witness the most distinctive global wildlife habitats and enjoy night forest walks. Sprawled over 26-hectares of land, it has a total of 11 different wildlife zones.
Watch animals move freely in their natural habitats and don’t forget to check out the Orangutan Exhibit which is the most popular attraction in the zoo. The Kidzranger Tour is recommended for children between the age of five and twelve.
Enjoy: Rainforest Fights Back Show and Rainforest Kidzworld
Shopping and DiningatChinatown
Fantastic food, magnificent temples and mesmerizing shopping experiences – Chinatown is an ethnic enclave in contrast to the rest of Singapore. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple exhibits Buddhist art and history, narrating tales that trace back to over a hundred years. For the ultimate shopping spree, walk down the streets of Pagoda and Sago Lane when you’re in the mood for buying lucky cats and silk robes. For art and craft lovers, the Chinatown Point has a medley of souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, paintings and cosmetics that you just can’t miss.
End your Singapore packages from India with a visit to the Chinatown Complex and sample authentic Chinese dishes like Steam Fish Head in Hot Sauce and Salmon Mentaiko Pasta.
Enjoy: Gourmet meals, budget food and shopping.
Go on aSingapore Tour Package, experience the modern marvels and venture beyond your wildest imagination!
Thailand offers a treasure trove of experiences for adventurers and travellers. Whether you’re going on a casual trip, just for sightseeing or simply want to master Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand is your dreamland for food, adventure and travel.
Here are five things do you in Thailand, especially if it’s your first time there. You’ll totally fall in love with the beauty of the place.
Top 5 Things to Do In Thailand
Touring the Grand Palace
Climbing the Sathorn Unique Tower
Shopping and Food at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Visiting Lanna Folklife Museum
Meditation Retreats at Wat U Mong
Touring the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace features sprawling palace grounds and regal experiences, which is on the bucket list of all Thailand travel packages. From the minute you arrive outside the palace, you are greeted with the sight of the magnificent throne halls and temples with the unique blend of Thai and Italian Renaissance architecture. Take a peaceful stroll down the palace grounds and explore temples filled with the aroma of burning incense sticks and candles. Visit the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to bask in Thailand’s artistic culture and also check out the traditional textiles.
Highlight: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Climbing the Sathorn Unique Tower
Referred to as the ‘Ghost Tower’ by locals, this abandoned skyscraper has stood the test of time for the last 20 years. At 820 feet, the tower enchants viewers from the busy streets with its beautiful facade of pillars and structures. Left unfinished, it houses an open-air restaurant on the 64th floor and also houses two five-star hotels in the building. Climbing up to the higher floors of the Ghost Tower is a feat in itself and an adventure sport we dare the bold and the brave to try.
Highlight: Sightseeing and Photography.
Shopping and Food at Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is Thailand’s largest market and offers an exceptional experience on your Thailand holiday. Shopping aficionados will find rare antiques and genuine Thai products at pocket-friendly prices here.
The authentic Pad Thai is out of this world. The market offers a string of culinary experiences ranging from Je Liep Seafood to the traditional Thai Milk Tea. This is the perfect spot for taking pictures, going shopping and making memories with your loved ones.
Highlight: Cuisine and Shopping.
Visiting the Lanna Folklife Museum
If you are a history buff, make sure your Bangkok Thailand Package includes a trip to the Lanna Folklife Museum simply because it’s a hot favourite among travellers. The museum recounts the tales of Lanna Village life through a blend of lifelike dioramas, replicas of various elements of Lanna-style monasteries, fon lep, and lai-krahm pottery stencilling.
Highlight: Exhibitions, Ceramic Displays and Sightseeing.
Meditation Retreats at Wat U Mong
For Buddhist preachers and those interested in spirituality, the Wat U Mong welcomes travellers with wormhole archways and ancient Buddhist murals. The place reverberates with the sound of the monks chanting prayers.
Meditation retreats are familiar sights when touring this place. The setting features a forest backdrop and a natural lake. Included in the best Thailand packages, this spot is perfect for relaxing evening strolls and learning more about Buddhism.
Highlight: Meditation and Dhamma Talks.
Other Places to Explore
If you’re willing to explore beyond Phuket, you can try other places like Phanom Rung, Pai, Chiang Rai, and Thailand Islands. Thailand is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and offers numerous experiences for travellers to indulge in.
So, what are you waiting for? Book Thailand packages withOYO Holidays and embark on the wildest adventure of your life!
Located in northern India, in the lap of the Himalayan mountain ranges, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. The term Himachal Pradesh literally means a “snow laden province”. The state is spread across scenic valleys and is home to mountain towns where you can witness the simple hill life.If you are on a Himachal tour, here are five things you need to do to get an essence of the state:
Sightseeing at Kullu Manali
Visit Museums and Monasteries
Shopping and Polo
Horseback Rides and More
Toy Train Ride
Go Sightseeing at Kullu Manali
Your Himachal holidays would certainly remain incomplete without a visit to Kullu and Manali, one of the most popular holiday spots in the area. If you love mountains and want to enjoy a breath of fresh air amidst the snow-capped ranges, this is the perfect place for you and must have places to visit in Himachal. Test your fitness levels with the various sports facilities and activities at Solang Valley and go trekking and river rafting in Kullu.
To Do: Adventure Sports, visiting old temples and bird watching.
Visit Museums and Monasteries
Almost all the Himachal tour packages would include Dharamshala, which is famous not only because of its serene climate but also for the harmonious co-existence of the Indian and Tibetan communities. The 4000-meter high snow-clad mountains afford excellent views of the entire city. From beautiful lakes to museums, monasteries and temples, the best Himachal tour packages will guide you to many interesting places in this area.
To Do: Visit monasteries, museums, temples and lakes.
Shopping and Polo
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, the town of Shimla will give you the right mix of British sophistication and Indian glory. If you are planning a visit to Himachal, especially with your family, a Shimla tour packagewould certainly be the best for you! Its pleasant climate and stunning scenery makes it an ideal holiday destination throughout the year. The Mall Road is every shopper’s paradise and trying your hand at Polo in Annandale would be an experience of a lifetime. If you can beat the cold, visit this place during the winter to experience the “below zero temperature”!
To Do: Shopping and trekking.
Horseback Rides and More
A lot ofHimachal holiday packagesare sure to include Dalhousie. This is another hill station which you would love to visit if you want to spend some quality time out of your regular hustle and bustle. Enjoy horseback rides and explore the vast meadows. Exhilarating boat cruise at Chamera Lake is another experience highly recommended for first-time visitors.
To Do: Scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Toy Train Ride
Kalka Shimla Toy Train started in 1903 is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soaking up the old world charm on the train, you will pass through lush green mountains enjoying the scenic, misty views.When in Himachal, this is a must do! You will see a lot of deodar and oak trees along the way, and the scenery of mountain towns like Kasauli. Visitors like to onboard the rail from Dharampur to Barog because the most scenic splendor lies on this route.
To Do: Shopping and Ride.
So, if you are planning a holiday to Himachal anytime soon, choosing the bestHimachal trip packages is quite easy for you now. Just make sure all these places on your list are covered!
Hidden between a gorge, close to the hill where the great Guru Padmasambhava or Rinpoche meditated, the Hemis monastery has stayed unscathed through several wars and conquests. While other monasteries were plundered and looted, this monastery because of its hidden location and the generosity showed by reigning Buddhist rulers, went on to become so rich that it is believed that this monastery now owns half of the land of Ladakh. Today, the Hemis Monastery is the biggest, richest and the most powerful monastery of Ladakh. Its grandeur is highly praised in the rich history, heritage and mythology of Tantric Buddhism. This monastery attracts a multitude of tourists from various parts of the globe. The mysticism associated with the monastery goes on to claim that Jesus during his 12 years of disappearance spent time meditating with the monks of this monastery.
Location of the Monastery
Set in the picturesque landscape of the Stok range away from the city life, the experience of coming to this monastery is a mix of beauty and bliss. Hemis has a peaceful aura to it. It is surrounded by mustard fields that add colour to the otherwise barren mountains. Hemis is located close to the Hemis high altitude national park which is home to the endangered snow leopard.
Ever since its re-establishment, the Hemis Monastery celebrates its annual festival, the Hemis Tse Chu festival. It is during this festival when the ancient Tantric traditions blossom in all their glory. The vibrant colours burst out among the flock of nuns, lamas and tourists in the monastery. The elaborate costumes, colourful masks, and dramatic dances captivate and enthral the audience. The entire aura of the monastery during this time is so unique that it attracts travellers from all around the world to get blessed by the Lamas surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The crowd gathers in the central courtyard of the monastery where the Cham dancers perform. A 12 m long Thangka hangs from the fourth floor to be visible to all.
The Hemis Monastery – A Brief History and Introduction
Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Tibetan Drukpa lineage.
Located in the Hemis region of Ladakh, 45 km from Leh.
One of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
The name translates to “the lonely place of the compassionate person.”
Established before the 11th century but perished.
Re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal.
The annual Hemis festival is celebrated to honour the Lord Padmasambhava.
Its sacred silk painting known as the Thangka is unfurled only after 12 years. The last unfurling happened in 2016.
Next unfurling to occur in 2028.
It houses the largest Thangka which is 12 m long.
It also houses several statues and stupas with semi-precious and precious gems embedded in them.
The Hemis Festival – Celebrating Ladakh’s Biggest Festival
Marks birthday celebration of Lord Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche.
Guru Padmasambhava got Vajrayana Buddhism to India and Tibet with an aim to defeat the evil forces with the fundamental principle of Dharma.
It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Lunar Calendar of Tibetan months.
Celebration marks the victory of good over evil.
The Lamas perform the Cham dance, wearing beautifully crafted masks and colourful costumes.
Colourful masks and dresses make the celebration an unimaginable riot of colours.
Rituals believed to bring spiritual strength and good health.
Travellers from all across the world visit Ladakh during this festival.
This festival is a congregation of adventurers, photographers and writers.
Visitors collect souvenirs from stalls set up by locals.
The carnival outside the monastery sees visitors from several remote villages of Ladakh.
From children to elderly and the people who have never been to this city before, everyone participates with unbound enthusiasm.
It is the best time to see the local Ladakhi culture.
Foreign tourists often indulge themselves in clicking pictures of the rehearsing monks.
The Storytellers of Dharma – The Masked Dance Performances
The Lamas perform the Cham dance which is a part of the Buddhist tantric culture.
Performances take place in the gompa after the tantric-Vajrayana teachings and rituals.
The dancers wear masks which portray a variety of expressions.
The most exciting part of this celebration is the combat show performed by masked actors.
It showcases fights between the good and the evil.
A seat adorned with silk cloth and gems is made.
A cup of uncooked rice and tormas made of dough, butter and incense sticks is placed next to it.
The seat itself is surrounded by lamas, who then play the traditional instruments including large-sized trumpets.
The Drukpas followed the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and believed in enlightenment and benefiting others.
Thus, the Hemis festival conveys the message- “One must overcome all human emotions and desires in order to attain nirvana, and the soul must endure these characteristics.”
Must Do At The Monastery – For a Memorable Trip
You can enjoy the food of the pretty little Tibetan café right outside the main entrance which serves lip-smacking food. Do not miss different styles of fried rice, noodles and locally made Thukpa and momos.
You can buy postcards, books, prayer flags and other such souvenirs from the Hemis museum shop. They sell postcards at a low price, and you can buy loads of things for your friends back home.
Do not restrict yourself to only the central courtyard. Go around and explore, but make sure you do not get lost.
Start a conversation with the locals (guards, monks, etc.). They help you understand the history of the monastery, and if you put up a good impression, they might even show you around.
How To Reach Hemis Monastery
Mode of Transport
By Road:
The Hemis monastery is located 40 km away from the Leh city. It is easily accessible through local buses, taxis or private transport. Make sure you speak to a few taxi operators and check with the current rates before you finalize one.
Carry a route map with you if you are travelling via your own vehicle as the roads can get confusing.
You can also travel there through local means of transport. Check timings of the local buses and do not miss your bus.
By Air:
Flights are available for Srinagar from Delhi on a daily basis. You can drive up from Srinagar to Leh by the Zoji-La pass which serves as the gateway to Ladakh, with a stopover at Kargil or the Lamayuru monastery. Flights also operate from Delhi to Leh which can take up to 45 mins or one hour.
Routes
You can also drive up to Leh through the Manali-Leh highway that goes through the famous Rohtang pass, or you can trek through various routes like Spiti-Kaza-Tso Moriri trek, Padum-Zanskar-Leh trek, Baralacha la to Hemis, Chandratal-Spiti-Baralacha la trek, Garhwal-Changthang, Udaipur(Himachal)-Padum-Shingola pass trek.
Things To Remember For The Hemis Festival
Plan your trip to Ladakh around the Hemis festival when the Tibetan and the Buddhist culture is at its best! You wouldn’t want to turn up a day later and realise that all the fun activities are over.
Drop in a little earlier to see all the dancers and Lamas prepare for the dance. This way, you will get to know what happens behind the scenes.
Photographers should grab the right place and set up their cameras. Getting closer to the stage should be your priority.
Interact with the local monks. Get to know more about the festival, the celebrations and legends associated with it.
The monastery remains closed from 12 pm to 2 pm. So make sure you don’t land at the wrong time.
The Hemis monastery also has its own school for spiritual and meditative learning. Enthusiasts from all over the world travel to the monastery to learn the fundamental basics of Buddhism and meditation. While they learn all this, they also live their lives as monks. It is a one of a kind experience altogether.
The Hemis festival is undoubtedly one of the most happening festivities that take place in Ladakh. There would be no better time to travel to the Mountain Kingdom than during this time and witness the awesomeness of the Hemis festival.
The Hemis festival gives you an opportunity to explore the local culture and the everyday lives of the Ladakhis. The festival is so important that the government announces a two days holiday. During this time, you can see the monastery in full blossom. You’ll see so much of action in an otherwise quiet and peaceful atmosphere; you will see happy people all around as they are ready to begin a new phase of the year. Moreover, every twelve years when the Thangka is displayed, the number of tourists visiting the city increases. The locals are more than happy to have you aboard during this cultural celebration. Plan your holiday to witness Ladakh’s most exotic festivals and make memories of a lifetime.
South India is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, misty hill stations, and bustling metropolitan cities. Consisting of five states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, South India is a haven for tourists. Each of the five states has exceptional destinations to allure tourists from all across the world.
On your tour, don’t be surprised to find the sheer magnitude of tourists roaming the streets of South Indian locales, be it Fort Kochi or Kodaikanal.
The Best Places to Visit in South India
It can get hard to choose the best among these tourist stops, a few of the more popular places in the region are,
Coorg
Kodaikanal
Gokarna
Alappuzha
Hampi
Coorg
Known as the “Scotland of the South”, Coorg does complete justice to its name. Full of exquisite landscapes, lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, Coorg is a must-visit for nature lovers.
When it comes to adventure junkies, Coorg does not fail the expectations. Activities like trekking and waterfall rappelling are popular in the region. While you can enjoy trekking through the scenic trails of the town, the latter is sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
Coorg in Karnataka is easily reachable by road from the capital city, Bangalore.
Go for: Nature walks, trekking and coffee plantation tour.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, known as the “Princess of the Hills” is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, Kodaikanal Lake. Apart from the scenic beauty of the lake, the town has many unique experiences to offer – Exciting treks, long drives along the countryside, amazing waterfalls and breathtaking cliffside locations are some. With so much beauty all around, Kodaikanal is a popular honeymoon destination. It is no wonder why many of the bestSouth India tour packagesare centred around this beautiful hill station. The closest cities to Kodaikanal are Dindigul and Madurai. Another famous place to visit is coimbatore
Go for: Kodaikanal Lake and Echo Point.
Gokarna
Once an ‘unexplored’ destination, Gokarna is quickly gaining popularity owing to its serene cliffside beaches. A small town situated on the Karwar coast, Gokarna has a vibrant hippie culture similar to Goa (however, it is far less crowded). One of the most famous beaches of Gokarna, the Half Moon Beach requires extensive trekking. Although, once you step on the golden sands of the beach, the picturesque sight around, heals all your fatigue. As not many people do trekking, the beach remains secluded giving the feel of a private beach. Located in north Karnataka, Gokarna is easily accessible by road as well as train.
Go for: Leisure holiday close to untouched beaches.
Alappuzha
“The Venice of the East”, Alappuzha is known for its waterways. Located in the central region of Kerala, the backwaters of Alappuzha provide an exceptional experience. The houseboat cruises are a thriving industry in the town. The revamped houseboats offer all comforts of a modern day hotel room. Alappuzha is the perfect place to visit if you want a relaxing stay.
Go for: Backwaters and Ayurveda therapy.
Hampi
If you are a history buff, Hampi is the right destination for you. With its grandiose historical beauty, Hampi takes you back in time. Spread across the town, the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara hold your attention at first sight. So, if you are on tour to South India, make sure to stop at this historic town and take a peek into India’s glorious past.
Go for: Ruins of ancient temples and monuments.
So, if you want to enjoy a peaceful travel experience, South India is the best destination for you. Explore South India tour packages, and experience the time of your life.
A few years ago, the Andaman Islands used to be one of the most underrated tourist destinations of India. The islands lie far out into the Bay of Bengal and were usually not considered among the best places to visit even by the avid travellers. However, over the last one decade, the beautiful white sand beaches lined with palm trees and the abundant marine life of the islands has garnered a fair amount of attention from all across the world.
With its pleasant climate and great water sports, the Andaman Islands are definitely worth a visit, especially, if you are looking for a relaxed holiday. Want to experience the serenity of this natural landscape, but don’t have the time to plan an extensive vacation? Leave this hard work on us! Our Andaman Tour Packages equipped with top-notch amenities will help you set out on the most comfortable journey to this island, and make this holiday the most cherished one for a long time!
Best Places to Visit in Andaman
If you are planning a trip to Andaman, here’s the tentative list of places a usual Andaman tour package offers.
Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island
Baratang Island
Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair
Cinque Island
Chidiya Tapu, Port Blair
Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island
Located around 37 kilometres from Port Blair, the white sands of Bharatpur Beach is a must-visit if you are in the archipelago. Lush with greenery, the beach gives you a serene and calm experience, which most of the tourist destinations miss. Also, this is the only place in Neil Island where water sports are conducted. So, if you are an adrenaline junkie, this is the right place for you.
Go for: Water sports and coral reefs.
Baratang Island
The island is home to the limestone caves, which are extremely rare in the country. The other places to visit in the island include the Parrot Island, the beach at Baludera and the Mud Volcano, which is a dormant volcano among the many active ones in the area. You can also study some of the cultural practices of the Jarawa’s, a resident tribe of the island. A part of your Andaman holiday packages, Baratang Island is around hundred kilometres away from the capital city, Port Blair. The Andaman Trunk Road to Mayabunder passes through this island.
Go for: Limestone Caves.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair
It is one of the most popular tourist spots of the port blair, the beach is named after Henry Fisher Corbyn who served as a cleric of the area. The backdrop of the lush coconut trees and the sparkling blue sea sets your mood right for an extensive tour of the islands. You can find a variety of food shacks in the area.
Go for: Sunbathing and swimming.
Cinque Island
Located at the north side of the Duncan Island, the Cinque Island is around 26 kilometres away from Port Blair. The island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which also known as the Wandoor Marine National Park. The island is famous for its coral reefs that extend a few hundred meters deep into the sea from the land. So, if you have a curiosity for coral reefs, Cinque will definitely amaze you.
Go for: Marine life such as starfish, sea anemones, seaweeds and coral reefs.
Chidiya Tapu, Port Blair
Bird Island or Chidiya Tapu is another famous tourist destination of Andaman and is located around 25 kilometres from the city of Port Blair. If you love bird watching, there’s no way you cannot fall in love with the place. Rare species like scarlet minivet, hanging parrot, drongos and red-breasted parakeets are among the 46 species frequently seen at the island.
Go for: Birdwatching and beautiful views of the sunset.
The Andaman Islands promise a memorable vacation, especially, if you have a love for serene beaches and adventurous water sports. So, make sure you pick the best Andaman tour package to not miss out on anything in this beautiful land.
If you are planning a vacation in Indonesia, Bali is certainly one of the best places to visit during any time of the year. Located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is an Indonesian Island famous for its iconic rice paddies, coral reefs, beaches and forested volcanic mountains. The island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and is also known for its yoga and meditation and yoga retreats. Following are some places which should ideally be included in each and every Bali tour package:
Kuta Beach
Kintamani and Mount Batur
Ubud
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Bali Safari and Marine Park
Kuta Beach
If you are looking at any Bali honeymoon package or any Bali trip packages, you will surely find the Kuta Beach included which is one of Bali’s premier holiday destinations. Located in the village of Kelurahan at the southern point of Bali, this is one of the most scenic beaches on this island.
Catch: The eye-catching beach and happening nightlife
Kintamani and Mount Batur
Located in Karangasem Regency, Kintamani is home to the Caldera Lake and Mount Batur, two all-time favourite stopovers of tourists. The Caldera lake is surrounded by captivating mountain ranges. Though Mount Batur is not the highest point in Bali, it is located on the island’s most dramatic landscapes. If you’re on a vacation to Bali, you cannot miss climbing on the top of these mountains and watch the sunrise at least once. It would be an experience of a lifetime.
Catch: Mountain climbing and scenic beauty
Ubud
Considered to be Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud is located among the rice fields which climb up the foothills of the central mountains of Bali. In the Ubud Monkey Forest, you could spot the grey long-tailed macaque quite often. You would find a number of temples in this area which happens to be a place of scientific research as well. The Ubud Art Market is every shopper’s paradise. From lightweight shirts to handwoven bags, silk scarves, baskets and kites, you can grab a bunch of handicraft items at quite a reasonable price.
Catch: Shopping and sightseeing
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
It is one of the most popular Hindu temples located in the Bukit Peninsula. Although only Hindu priests are allowed inside the innermost sections of the temple, you can certainly tour the grounds and see the surroundings with a guide, as a visitor. The entrance to the temple complex is adorned by statues of Lord Ganesha and you can spot monkeys roaming here and there begging tourists for treats. If you visit this place during sunset, you can watch dance performances by the local people.
Catch: Spiritual atmosphere and scenic beauty
Bali Safari and Marine Park
All Bali holiday packages will take you to the Bali Safari and Marine Park which is the largest animal-themed park in Bali. Home to over 60 different species of animals, this place is best to visit with your family, especially your kids. The animals are allowed to roam freely within their enclosed territories which are designed mimicking their actual habitats. You will also get to see aquariums containing a host of unique species of fishes.
So, if you are planning to visit Bali on a vacation and are choosing the perfect Bali Indonesia tour package, make sure it contains these places as they are too special for you to miss!
