Algiers

Finding an exotic place to visit for a vacation is never too hard considering that there are several countries in the world which beautifully deviate from what is normal. But if you want something more than just exotic, say North African tourism for example, Algiers, Algeria is definitely the place to go to. Known as Al Djazair in Arabic, and Alger in France, Algiers is the Algeria’s capital city which lies on the Mediterranean coast. Although emerging from a troubled past, this modern African city hold both old and new attractions to welcome the travellers.

Pergamum - modern-day Bergama

Turkey has an abundance of Greco-Roman ruins, but none can be so romantically placed as ancient Pergamum in modern-day Bergama. Once home to one of the ancient world's most important libraries, Pergamum's remaining temple remnants now preside dramatically on a hilltop. It's an incredibly atmospheric place to explore, with an Acropolis area and a theater cut into the hillside with sweeping panoramic views from its top seating tiers. This is a great place to visit if you want to get a real feel for life in the Roman era.

Cruising the Mediterranean

Turkey's Mediterranean coastline has ruins galore and bags of things to do, but for many people, it's all about soaking up the sun while enjoying the gorgeous coastal views. Cruising on a yacht is the number one activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye for good reason. The steep forest-clad slopes, hidden coves sporting tiny white sand beaches, and hundreds of scattered islands are the perfect place for exploring by sea. Even diehard landlubbers will be impressed. One of the most famous trips is known as the "Blue Cruise" and travels from Fethiye south down the coast until disembarking near Olympus, home to the famous natural phenomenon of the Chimaera.

Mount Nemrut

The top sightseeing drawcard for Eastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut's summit funerary mound is scattered with the broken remnants of once mammoth statues, which guarded it. This weird and lonely place has to be one of Turkey's most peculiar archaeological sites. The giant stone heads of long-forgotten gods stare out from the summit, casting an eerie atmosphere over the barren mountaintop. The time to come is at sunrise, so you can watch the statues as they loom out of the dark.

Sumela Monastery

With its stunning, lonely setting, built into a cliff face, Sumela Monastery (Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is the star attraction for visitors along the Black Sea Coast. Wandering around this abandoned religious complex, with its church interiors crammed with dazzling and vibrant frescoes, is a must for anyone who makes the long journey to Turkey's northeast region. The monastery first opened during the Byzantine era and was only closed in 1923. Today, wandering its empty cells, it's easy to imagine the isolated lives of the monks who once lived here.

Topkapı Palace

Sumptuous beyond belief, the Topkapı Palace takes you into the fantastical, opulent world of the sultans. It was from here that the sultans of the Ottoman Era carved out an empire that would extend up into Europe and down through the Middle East and into Africa. The interiors, with their decadently exuberant tiling and lavish jeweled decor, are an unforgettable peek into the Ottoman's power base. The surrounding public gardens were once the sole domain of the Royal Court but are now open to the public and provide a tranquil, green respite from the city streets.

Lakshadweep - A Beautiful Honeymoon Destination

Lakshadweep, in the Arabian Sea, is a part of the Indian subcontinent and is recognised as the smallest union territory of India. Lakshadweep means "hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam and Sanskrit. True to its name, these islands are very picturesque and provide a true vacation for those who love beaches, water sports and sea food.

The whole of Lakshadweep is nothing but a set of small islands situated near each other. It comprises a total of twelve coral atolls, five banks, three coral reefs, and several islets. The location is near the Kerala coast and falls under the jurisdiction of Kerala state and Kerala High Court. Kavaratti is its capital and it is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Indian subcontinent.

Tourism 

The tourism industry here is one of the most successful and newly developed industries. The experience is very different from other tourist destinations. It is raw and very natural, very scenic and totally magnificent.

The long stretched white beaches bordered with coconut palms are a treat to watch. The emerald green waters and peaceful nature surrounding it will make it difficult for you to leave this place. Lakshadweep has very interesting site-seeing facilities. You can visit Kavaratti, the most beautiful island and visit the Ajara and Jamnath mosques or, you can simply relax on the beach. Kalpeni is another attractive destination that comprises scenic beauty along with the huge storm bank of coral debris. Enjoy the reef walk or water sports like sailing, pedal boat and kayaks. Agatti has many water sports that you will enjoy like scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottomed excursions, fishing trips and more. The other well-known places are Kadmat, Bangaram and Minicoy. Kavaratti is the most developed island and has the famous Ujra mosque along with 52 other mosques. A marine museum can be found here that provides underwater adventure from the glass-bottomed boats. Lakshadweep tourism is great for a family vacation, honeymoon and adventure. There are various resorts and hotels to accommodate tourists. You can also get good food with local as well as international cuisines.  More Detail... 

Beaches 

Minicoy Island

Agatti Islands

Kavaratti Islands

Bangaram Island

Kalpeni Island

Kadmat

Amindivi Islands

Transport 

Lakshadweep is an island that is a bit away from the main land. It is considered as a very eco-sensitive place, which is why you see very little transport in this island. As the islands are very small, the people here prefer to walk. Bicycles are also a favourite mode of transport. If you want to move to other islands, you can use boats, helicopters and ferries. The only airport that you find here is at Agatti. There are flights which you can take to reach the mainland. Ships can also take you to Lakshadweep from Kochi and Goa. MOI.AB.24.01.17

Goa - Sun And Sand!

For years Goa has been a highlight of the west coast in India. Everything from its cheap alcohol to its pristine beaches, clean at that, and its cosmopolitan crown have attracted many youngsters and old timers alike. Goa comes very close to a true tropical holiday experience, something that many other coastal cities and towns in India have found difficult to simulate.

One of the first things one notices about Goa is how heavily influenced it is by the Portuguese way of life, primarily because it was under Portuguese rule well into the sixties. Furthermore, the people of Goa are very proud of their heritage and have done a fantastic job preserving their heritage buildings and their other landmarks both natural and manmade. The city attracts travelers from the world over, different countries and they all swear by the experience, comparing it to the likes of Bangkok, Ibiza and other prominent beach destinations.

So what does an ideal day at Goa look like?

To start with, one can choose to enjoy a traditional Mediterranean or Continental breakfast at one of the many joints on the sidewalks at Candolim in North Goa or Panjim, the city center. What’s better? Goa is one of the few places in India where a beer with breakfast is considered completely normal. The streets of Candolim are best explored on foot or by hiring a two wheeler which would ideally cost a tourist not more than INR 250 a day. So on the way to your breakfast place, you might want to check out some of the awesome street shopping, at unbelievable prices. Everything from t-shirts to sun glasses to refrigerator magnets. Candolim, and Anjuna in particular is also host to a Saturday flea market.

Come afternoon and the holiday crowd chooses to hit the beach. The Candolim area offers 3 major beaches, Candolim Beach, Calangute and Baga the first being the best maintained. Water sports are offered at practically all the beaches and touts and agents by the hundreds get you to manage a good deal. One can choose from JetSkis, Banana Rides and Parasailing. One cannot miss a beer with some authentic Goan seafood at one of the many beach shacks. Brittos is one of the biggest and most famous shacks at Baga and food is to die for.

A hop away from the 3 major beaches is Anjuna Beach and the world famous joint Curlies. Anjuna is a quiet little corner and offers a wonderful afternoon experience for a reader or for catching up with some e-mails on a beach. The USP here is silence and serenity. For the hukah lovers, all beach shacks in Goa, especially Curlies offer a mean hukah at throwaway prices.

A slower South Goa...

As for the south of the city, it is widely believed to be a lot slower. The south has some very famous churches and very quiet beaches. One of the most famous beaches of Goa, Colva, is in the south. The more disciplined family traveler might just find South Goa a lot more appealing since most of the posh hotels are nestled here.

Tourist places in Goa

Come evening, and Goa turns into a partier’s paradise. Cops are used to Goa being up and about as late as 3 am and night club owners and pubs keep the music going till the wee hours of the morning. Word of advice though, heading out too far at night in Goa without transportation can be a hassle since it’s not easy to manage a cab.

Café Titos and Mambos are two of the most famous night clubs in North Goa, very close to Calagute beach. Walk down the street from these places and you can check out any one of the roadside pubs and bars serving very affordable food and alcohol and playing music to suit all genre preferences. Apart from the traditional night clubs, some of the beach shacks also host good parties, but heading out too far onto the beach at night is not something that’s easy, given tides and cops.Panjim, the city center isn’t as happening in the holiday sense, but does offer a slower pace than most other Indian holiday destinations. The food is awesome, and the shopping better.

Commuting in Goa

Goa as a destination is well connected, very accessible and offers an amazing holiday experience regardless of age. Apart from the nightlife, beaches and parties it offers a slower pace than most other Indian cities and can be a welcome change for domestic travelers. Holiday makers coming in from overseas will certainly enjoy the freedom the place offers, its winding, confusing streets which leave a lot of room to explore, all of this thrown in with tropical weather and a little bit of an Indian touch.

Feeling a little more adventurous? You might want to rent yourself a private shack on the beach and experience the living culture, firsthand! We could go on and on about the never ending sights and sounds of Goa, but this feature ends here. Happy holidaying!