beach-conch-shells

Have you considered a romantic vacation for your anniversary this year? It can be a sheer surprise for your spouse. Imagine spending an evening in a garden lit with gleaming lights in some far off lands, sitting face to face with your dear wife and enjoying as both of you sip the sparkling wine. The planet is a vast entity and is endowed with lovely places to spend a perfect anniversary or Valentine’s Day. The breath taking beauties of these exotic places drive us wild.

Here are top five romantic destinations of the world.

Rome: Indulge into the marvelous food specialties of Rome, Pizzas and chilled creamy gelatos. Sipping the hot cappuccino at a café corner you can view one of Bernini’s greatest master pieces, the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

English Waters: for all those lovers finding themselves in the madness of being together, this can be your perfect break to enjoy love filled days. Melt away in the warmth of the breath taking architecture of the Fashionable Bath. The glimmering golden crescents, the amazing squares and the heart warming pools are perfect to venture out.

Paris: Place de Vosges is the perfect for couples who are redefining their love interests for each other once again. the gardens are romantic with beautiful fountains dancing to the tunes of eternal love. Quietly sitting under the height of the tall trees enjoy each moment of gracious untold romance. This place is marked with one of the most magnificent architectures of the world.

New York: Central Park’s Big Apple is a wonder for lovers. This huge architecture is built on top of the Met and decked with wisteria and yew trees. This is an amazing green wonder far from the concrete jungle of the city.

Morocco’s Moyen Age: explore this part of Morocco as you stroll down the streets hand in hand recollecting visuals of ancient times. The mystique old age feeling would grab the two souls in faster moments. And you would wish being a part of it no doubt.



Hospitality, comfort and budget – Don’t you feel deserving more than mere these basic necessities? Greetings like a guest or a friend in a place like Paris always gives you an extra dose of satisfaction. But it all depends on your hotel booking strategies and your research capabilities.

All of us know – you get what you pay for. Price makes a big difference when you are so particular about standards and amenities. But certain aspects other than price can induce your decision too.  Few tips on hotel research strategy and booking system can boost your confidence level and get you the optimum hotel deals. Try these. It’s in your reach.

Avoid old-school reservation system:

You may possibly get lured by independently owned properties having terrific values, but they don’t allow guests or travellers to book rooms instantaneously online. For them every alternative other than emails, or direct phone calls are impersonal. Online hotel booking networks or travel agencies can get you all that in real time.

Stay near subways stops:

Choosing the proximity of a subway (Metro) is equally important as your room quality is. Paris is a place you can explore on foot. So pick a hotel that is in less than 10 minutes walking distance to a metro stop. Don’t miss out city best restaurants and major monuments while staying in Paris hotels near subways.

Avoid hotels in clumsy area:

Paris is about numbered districts/ arrondissements with lowest number indicating nearer to the centre of town. Further you are from the heart of the city, cheaper the hotel rates are for you. Place de la Bastille at 11th, 12th districts, Montparnasse at 14th, Val de Seine the new media hub at 15th, Montmartre at 18th –these all can surprise you with pool of grandeur. You can save some euros too.

Look for star rating:

The official ratings of hotels in Paris by French Government may not be aligned with Guide books and hotel-booking site ratings, as the later one use additional and useful criteria.  Of course you can rely on their rating authenticity.

State your room requirements:

Is it a single room with one bed for single person or double room or Twin rooms – What suits your need best?   Don’t get confused between double and twin rooms as these small particulars usually get lost during translation. Be specific while you ask the features of your room.

Decide on breakfast charges:

Generally tax charges and service charges and breakfasts are not included in room prices. If you are not going to order for breakfasts enquire with the hotel manager before you check in or check out.

Try alternatives for longer stays:

For a week vacation a luxury or budget hotel is an ideal choice. If you have the plan to stay couple of weeks or so, try out short-term rental apartments. The costs would be same but you can find a spacious one.

However, for all these considerations use your common sense and act smart. Make your hotel stay itself a wonderful journey.



Dubai

Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates is situated in the south of the Persian Gulf and on the Arabian Peninsula. This place has a hot arid climate. Dubai has emerged as one of the renowned worldwide, universal city and a trading hub. This country’s economy is generally dependent on the oil industry, but presently its representation of business is very much comparable and related to the western countries produces its main returns from real estates, travel and tourism and through several economic services.

Tourism is a significant and vital ingredient of the Dubai’s government’s stratagem to sustain the flow of foreign currency to emirates. Dubai’s entice for tourists is dependent mainly on shopping, but also on its possessions and ownership of former ancient and modern attractions and desirability.

In Dubai one can check out the architectures. This particular place has a prosperous affluent set of buildings and structures which comprises of various architectural styles. There are also many modern explanations and analysis of Islamic architecture which is established here due to an architectural growth in the Arab countries. Don’t miss to watch the Burj Khalifa which is presently the tallest buildings in the world.

After seeing all the architectural buildings do check out the parks and the gardens. Always remember that Dubai is filled with small parks and gardens which also include several amusement parks, heritage villages and also diverse kinds of large parks. Do watch Creekside Park which is located in Bur Dubai, Safa Park which is located in Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Mumzar Beach Park which is located in Deira and also the other parks.

The culture of UAE generally circulates through the religion of Islam and mainly the conventional Arab and Bedouin culture whereas; the culture of Dubai is extremely multi-ethnic and sophisticated with assorted and vivacious culture. There is always a shadow of Islam in their style, food, culture, architecture, outfits, music etc.

If you are visiting Dubai then don’t give a miss to all the shopping malls there such as Deira City Centre, BurJuman, Dubai Mall etc which is a favourite destination for all shopping lovers. Arab food is very renowned and prominent out here. Fast foodstuff, Chinese foods and South Asian foods are also very much prominent out here. The Islamic dress code is not a must for the people who live in Dubai. Their two main popular sports are cricket and football.

So, you can now pack your bags and set out for an exciting holiday in Dubai.



sandakphu

Those who have already been to Sandakphu know well how difficult it seems to leave this place. You will really find it hard to move on especially if you are a nature lover or a mountaineer. Sandakphu has got a few rock surfaces that give the rock climbers a splendid opportunity to sharpen their skills. Even if you are a lay man, Sandakphu will not disappoint you. Seating idle on the green grass and watching the snow caped peaks around is no less satisfactory than climbing the rocks. If you are lucky enough you can also get a rare view of Kanchenjunga flooding in moonlight.

Sandakphu with its natural wonders is simply captivating. But there is nothing to get upset as the way back to Manebhanjan also holds pleasant surprises for the trekkers. While coming down your first destination will be Gurdum. If you can spare one more day you can go to Phalut from Sandakphu. Those who don’t have much time should start towards Gurdum.

Day 4 (12km approx)

The stretch from Sandakphu to Gurdum is the most spectacular trek route. You will enjoy descending through the virgin forests of pines, chestnut, hemlock and so on. The forest makes a lovely sight worth remembering. In Gurdum there is no “trekker’s hut” as such but you can always find shelter in the houses of the local people. Staying with them, sharing their experience will be a unique experience.

Day 5 (6km approx)

Your next destination will be Srikhola, a scenic spot in the lap of Himalayas. The place is named in the name of the river Srikhola. The view of the river from the hanging bridge is simple awesome. Stay there for a day and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Day 6 (4km approx)

The trek ends as soon as you reach Rimbik from Srikhola. It is an easy trek as both these places are located at the same altitude. Rimbik is a small town where you can get excellent Momo. In fact you can have this mouth savoring dish ay different places throughout the journey.

You can either stay at Rimbik for a day or hire a car to come back to Manebhanjan. Many people prefer to come to Darjeeling directly. You can stay there and do a little bit of shopping at this popular tourist spot of West Bengal or come to NJP or Bagdogra directly. Sandakphu trek will be nice experience not only because of the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas but also because of the hospitality and the cooperation of the local people.



sandakphu

A haven for mountaineers and adventure lovers, Sandakphu lies in the north east part of India. The highest point of the Indian state of West Bengal, Sandakphu attracts tourists from all over the world. The breathtaking view of the Himalayas are sure to leave you spell bound. Once an unexplored paradise, Sandakphu has gained popularity among tourists quite recently. It is an easy trek and beginners willing to give it a try will come back with sweet memories to cherish as long as they live.

If you wish to come to India and discover the hidden treasures of this hill station the quick facts given below will help you.

Quick Facts:

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra, West Bengal

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November

Days Required: 6 days (up & down)

You can hire a car from NJP or Bagdogra and reach Manebhanjan, a small picturesque town which is the starting point of Sandakphu Trek. You can hire your guide and porter from Manebhanjan. Those who wish to cook themselves during the 6 days trek can also collect all the groceries and other necessary things from this place. Don’t forget to take general as well as particular medicines that you may need during the journey.

DAY 1 (11km approx)

Starting from Manebhanjan your first halt will be at Tumling. On your way you will come across Meghma, a place veiled in cloud. You can stay at a trekker’s hut in Tumling. These huts are actually an informal shelter because the local people are hospitable enough to leave a portion of their houses for the trekker’s use. Staying in such simple yet wonderfully decorated trekker’s hut will be an amazing experience.

DAY 2 (14km approx)

The next day you should head out for Kalipokhri. Don’t forget to visit the sacred lake while you stay there. The view of the majestic Himalayas is sure to take your heart away. Just take a walk down the road to rejuvenate your soul.

DAY 3 (7km approx)

Hold your breath as the next day you will reach Sandakphu, the Dreamland. It will not be an exaggeration to describe Sandakphu as “paradise on earth”. The splendid view of Mt. Kanchenjunga is the main attraction of this hill station but the natural beauty around is also going to refresh your mind. You will also get a glimpse of peaks like Kabru, Pandim, Makalu and Kumbhakarna. Seeing the highest peak of the world Mt. Everest will be a remarkable experience. Watching sunrise or sunset from the watch tower will be an unforgettable treat to your eyes. Standing there, facing the majestic peak will help you to realize the prowess of Almighty.

Coming back to Manebhanjan will take another three days. Wait for our next post to find the details.



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