Dizney Words

Located in Southeastern Europe, Greece is one of the most famous destinations for those who are inclined towards nature as well as for those who love places of historical significance. The landscape of Greece is mountainous with an interesting mix of plains as well. Tourism in Greece is a large industry, which is why one can find extremely good amenities. The beautiful landscapes and interesting monuments continue to attract visitors particularly from China. To know more about this beautiful country, read about some famous places in Greece.

Famous Places in Greece:

Athens:
Being the capital as well as the largest city of Greece, Athens attracts hordes of visitors every year. Athens is also known as the center for arts and philosophy. Since the 2004 Olympic games, Athens has turned out to be even more famous as a tourist destination. The city has the most magnificent museums that display the best in Greek art (The National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum.) The Greek temple, Parthenon located on the Acropolis was designed by Phidias and is a must visit for tourists.

Corfu:
For the lovers of the azure waters, Corfu is a perfect destination! This Greek island lies in the Ionian Sea. The beautiful coastline stretches to 217 kilometers. Corfu is known for its very unique history, which lends it a completely different look from other places in Greece. The Corfu town is also distinctive because of the unique architecture. There are many landmarks of historical significance such as the City Hall based on Venetian-Roman style architecture or the palace of Mon Repos.

Santorini:
Known more for its volcanic islands, this is a circular shaped archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Although, Santorini can be considered to be the result of volcanic eruptions, it still remains a major tourist destination in Greece. What one can expect to see out here is the beautiful lagoon located between three cliffs. The town of Santorini is located high up on the cliffs that offers a panoramic view of the coastline. The towns of Kamari and Perissa are notable for their black sandy beaches. Those who love quiet, serene places can visit Akrotiri. Basically, you can look forward to a wonderful time at Santorini.

Rhodes:
The Greek island of Rhodes, famously known for the Colossus of Rhodes, lies in the eastern area of the Aegean Sea. There are many places that are of historical importance such as the Acropolis of Lindos, the Temple of Apollo, Acropolis of Rhodes and the old town of Rhodes etc. The island of Rhodes has a very lively nightlife. You can have a great time visiting the Archaeological Museum or simply amble along the lanes of the Old City. The Rhodes City has some interesting landmarks such as the Grand Master’s Palace and the Medieval City of Rhodes. It is amongst the best international tourist destinations.

Apart from these, some other famous places in Greece are Kefalonia, Mykonos, Crete and Kos that are a must-visit for all people who are planning to visit this country. Truly, Greece holds some of the most spectacular sights that can transport you to a completely different world!

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Canada is located north of the United States and is a land of immigrants. It has a significant French population. Quebec is the province where most French Canadians reside. The population of French Canadians is 6.5 million out of which 5 million live in the Quebec Province and 1.5 million in the provinces of Canada. French Canadians are also known as Acadians. French was declared the official language of Quebec in 1974. Montreal is the centre of French Canadian culture. We take a look at the distinctive culture of French Canadians.

French Canadian Culture - Food

Cheese and wine are preferred foods. Cooking involves extensive preparation and the use of fresh ingredients. The meals starts off by saying bon appetit. The major meals of the day are lunch and dinner while breakfast is simple. Generally one starts off with a starter course, after which a main course constituting salad course and dessert. Desert is usually a fruit or yoghurt. The youth indulge in the eating habits of the Americans. Some typical French Canadian dishes include Butter Tarts, French Canadian Creton, French pea soup and Quebec poutine. Pork and maple sugar are important ingredients of Quebec food. It is influenced by rural french cuisine and also Irish and British cuisine.

French Canadian Culture - Weddings

In marriage, French Canadians generally have a traditional view. The menu during a French Candian wedding includes poutine, meat pie, sugar pie and maple syrup. The sock dance is an integral part of French Canadian weddings. If there is an unmarried older sibling he has to wear the socks and do a funny dance. The guests will throw money at their feet as they dance. The money is later given to the wedding couple. The persons who are getting married are not supposed to wear new shoes at the wedding. The wedding invitations are printed both in French and English with a view to preserve their French-Canadian legacy.

French Canadian Culture - Music

French Canadian culture is expressed by its unique music. Certain French Canadian traditional songs originated from North France which includes Britanny, Normandy, Poitou, Picardy and Ile-de-France. Prominent French Canadian singers are Celine Dion, Anthony Kavanagh and Isabelle Boulay. Celtic music is an important genre of French Canadian music. In the late 19th century the French Canadian folk music was called ‘musique folklorique’ which also means old music. There exist laws in Canada to protect French Music.

Most of the French Canadians are Roman Catholics and celebrate Easter and Christmas. Smoking has been a long lasting feature of French Canadian culture with brands including Gauloises and Gitanes. The family is an important social institution for French Canadians. They behave differently with people in their social circle and the ones outside. French Canadians greet each other with a handshake. Only family and close friends have the discretion to call by first name. It is regarded unlucky to present 13 flowers. Chrysanthemums and white lilies are used for the occasions of funerals. French holds the position of official language of Canada along with English.

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India, a country in South Asia, the seventh largest and the second most populated and guarded by the Himalayas on the North and enormous bodies of water on the other three sides has a rich cultural heritage. India is known for its fastest growing economy and a large purchasing power. It is a federal republic that is divided into twenty-eight states and seven Union Territories. The states are further divided into districts, which form the basic units of the nation’s administration. Let us look at some of the major cities of this multifaceted country, India.

Major Cities of India

New Delhi: New Delhi, or simply Delhi, the second largest metropolis of India, is its national capital. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The archaeological remains in Delhi stand testimony to the ancientness of this city. It has a rich history of being a capital of many Indian empires of the medieval period. Delhi is the proud home of many important government offices, most importantly, the Parliament of India. In the recent years, Delhi has attracted many immigrants, thus emerging as a cosmopolitan city. Today, it is a prominent political and commercial center of India. The Delhi-Agra highway joins Delhi to the beautiful city of Agra, which is a major tourist attraction. The world-famous Taj Mahal and many other great historical monuments like the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandara are located in Agra. In the epic, Mahabharata, it was mentioned as Paradise.

Mumbai: Capital city of the state of Maharashtra, Mumbai is the financial capital of India. Housing around thirteen million people, it is the second most populous city in the world. Mumbai houses the world-famous Hindi film and television industry, Bollywood. Important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India and the National Stock Exchange of India are located in Mumbai. It houses the headquarters of several multinational companies and has thus become an important commercial and entertainment center of India.

Pune: Pune, the second largest city of Maharashtra, at a relatively shorter distance from Mumbai, is also one of the major cities of India. It houses some of India’s famous historical landmarks. Pune is renowned for its educational facilities and career opportunities in the information technology industry. Proud of a rich past and with a potential of shaping a bright future, Pune finds a place in the list of the major cities of India.

Chennai: Located on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, this capital city of Tamil Nadu is the home of around 7 million people. It was established in the 17th century by the British and formerly known as Madras. Its economy is based on the automobile, hardware manufacturing, healthcare and the IT industry. Chennai hosts an international airport, two major ports and five national highways stretching to other parts of the India. Its contribution to India’s exports of automotive products has conferred upon Chennai, the title, ‘Detroit of India’.

Kolkata: Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and one of the very important cities in India. It has been a center of education, industry and culture. However, it has undergone economic stagnation that continued till the recent times. It was after 2000 that the city witnessed economic growth. It houses the Salt Lake Stadium that is largest in Asia and the second largest in the world. The Indian Institute of Management, one of India’s most prestigious management schools is also located in Kolkata. Victoria Memorial, located in Kolkata, is now a museum and remains a popular tourist attraction.

Bangalore: Officially known as Bengaluru, it is the capital city of Karnataka state and the third most populous city of India. Bangalore houses some of the most recognized educational and research institutes of India. Numerous public sector industries, software, telecommunication and aerospace industries are located in Bangalore. Its remarkable contribution to the Indian IT sector has made it the Silicon Valley of India.

This was a glimpse of some of the major cities of India. India’s major cities, each hosting a different culture and housing a variety of people, make the Indians proud of their wonderful nation.

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Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the world. Many of the European countries are rich in tradition and culture. A traveler vacationing in any of the European cities would have a bewildering array of cultures and scenic beauty. Remember, many of the European countries are famous for their castles and palaces. Greece and Rome have a wide array of fascinating ancient historical ruins and legends that narrates the rituals and traditions of ancient times. Given below are the top-ten must-visit European cities.

Top Ten European Cities

1. Rome: Rome, the capital city of Italy is a city which has a rich culture and tradition. The city boasts of festivals such as White Night Festival that is worth seeing. Rome was the capital of the ancient Romans. There are many historical places of interest that would be a great experience to the visitors. Roman Coliseum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon and so on are a few historical places worth visiting. There are many museums and art galleries that would interest any art lover. Vatican city is another most sought out destination in Rome. One can enjoy the marvelous and mind-blowing artworks of Michelangelo at St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel.
2. Athens: Athens is one of the ancient cities of Europe. It is the capital of Greece. Acropolis of Athens is one of the places of tourist attraction. Athens is the longest city in Europe and it has been inhabited for over 3000 years. Tower of the Winds, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Arch of Hadrian and Prynx are the main centers of tourist attraction.
3. Paris: Paris is the capital of France and is known as the “fashion” capital of the world. It is one of the most romantic cities of world. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Scaling this wonderful tower would give a breathtaking view of the entire City of Paris. Paris has the largest art museum in the world, Louvre, that houses over 35,000 pieces of art. This museum is situated on the banks of River Seine. This city has a colorful nightlife. Disney Land, Arc de Triomphe, Opera Garnier, Jardin des Tuileries and Champs-Elysees are a few places that are worthy of a visit.
4. Vienna: Vienna is the capital of Austria and also one of the nine Austrian states. This city houses more than hundred theaters and museums that are famous for their music, opera, ballet and artifacts. Vienna is one of the European cities, which is rich in cultural history. This city was founded in 500 BC and was a part of the Roman Empire. Vienna is a blend of traditional and modern European culture. Anchor Clock, Belvedere Palace, Burgtheater, Danube Tower and Danube Island are some of the places that attracts tourists every year.
5. Salzburg: Salzburg is the fourth largest city of Austria. This city is situated on the banks of the river Salzach. Renowned for its beauty, the “Old Town” of Salzburg is listed as the World Heritage by UNESCO because of its world-famous baroque architecture. One of the notable landmarks of Salzburg is the setting of the musical film “The Sound of Music”. Hohensalzburg Fortress, Residence of Mozart, St. Petersfriedhof, Helbrunn, Festival Hall and Rupertinum are some of the interesting and must-visit places.
6. Barcelona: Barcelona is quite a lively city of Spain. This Spanish city has a unique blend of traditional and modern art, traditional and culture. Summer music festivals and flamenco shows are the major attractions in Barcelona. There are many restaurants and cafeterias that cater traditional Catalan cuisine, which is relished by the tourists. There are museums and galleries that house the works of Picasso. Some of the main tourist attraction points are La Rambla, Port Vell, La Barceloneta and Port Olympic and Barri Gotic.
7. Berlin: Berlin is the capital of Germany. Berlin is the treasure trove of culture and ancient tradition, of art and architecture. It has many things to offer to travelers. Nightlife in Berlin is mind-blowing. Berlin has many malls and shops that cater to the needs of the shopaholics. One of the oldest and internationally reputed zoological gardens, Zoologischer Garten, is located in Berlin. The places of interest include Pergamon Museum, Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, and Tiergarten. Berlin city is an intriguing combination of ancient historical monuments and modern steel and glass buildings.
8. Helsinki: Helsinki, the capital of Finland was founded in 1550 by the King Gustav Vasa. Today, Helsinki is considered one of the fastest growing cities in Northern Europe. Recently, Helsinki was named as one of the nine European Cities of Culture. In the recent years, Helsinki has become one of the favorite tourist destinations. This city houses some of the popular international restaurants and caters various kinds of delicacies including Russian dishes. Helsinki Card, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and churches are a few place of interest. If you happen to be in Helsinki during the last week of August, make sure you don’t miss any of the events of the famous Helsinki Festival.
9. Reykjavik: Reykjavik, the capital and the largest city of Iceland. Reykjavik means “steamy bay”. This is one of the upcoming tourist destinations and the main attraction is the geothermal pools. Places of tourist attraction include Mt. Keilir, Glymur, Hengill and so on. Reykjavik is one of the most expensive European cities to visit. There are parks, cafes and museums here which attract the tourists. National Museum has many artifacts of the Icelandic and the Norse culture. Austurstraeti and Hafnarstraeti are the two shopping destinations to buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
10. Edinburgh: Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is also its second-largest city. Nightlife is lively in Edinburgh because it has number of trendy pubs, restaurants and bars. Edinburgh castle is the one of the major tourist attractions. Other places of visit include Royal Botanical Garden, Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Yacht Britannia. If you are a first-time visitor or are short of time, then it is advisable to catch a bus that goes around the city.

Every European city of destination that you have chosen to visit would have a wide array of attractions, shopping centers, native cuisine and entertainment to cater for the tourists.

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The Menkemaborg in Uithuizen dates all the way back to the 14th century. The arrangement is clear-cut and orderly, with symmetrically arranged beds of ornamental shrubs. Also found in these beds are 18th century flower and plant species. In front of the summerhouse is the loveliest part of the garden, the enclosed pleasure garden, with archways and cupolas with grating. Another unique feature of the grounds is the natural sundial garden. On the eastern side of Menkemaborg are the utility gardens. There is also an orchard with old apple trees and a pear arbor.

The Alberda Family, who occupied the house around the year 1700, commissioned artists to embellish the interior during the renovation. The result was the creation of stately mantelpieces of baroque woodcarving and paintings with mythological scenes. An extraordinary canopy bed made from yellow Chinese silk damask has also remained intact. The rooms are fully furnished with exquisite furniture, silver, porcelain, copper work and portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire complex (house, gardens and canals) gives visitors a good impression of how the noblemen of Groningen lived and played in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Het Loo Palace has been a museum since 1984. It is located in the woods near Apeldoorn, in the heart of Holland. Pergolas, statues and vases surround the baroque garden parterres. The spring and summer planting is done in exactly the same fashion as in the 17th century and is unique in Europe. Just as in the 17th century there are fountains and cascades. A collection of royal carriages, hunting coaches, sleighs and veteran cars is exhibited in the stables. The collection includes Queen Wilhelmina’s cart in which she went on painting excursions and her white funeral hearse.

The interior of the palace reflects the lifestyle of the members of the royal family during three centuries. From King William III and Queen Mary II up to the reign of Queen Wilhelmina. The wings present permanent and changing exhibitions. The historical objects, documents, paintings, chinaware, silver, royal garments and court costumes offer an insight into the historical ties of the House of Orange-Nassau with the Netherlands. One of the world’s largest collections of national and international orders and decorations is housed in the Museum of the Chancery of the Netherlands’ Orders of Knighthood.

Muiden Castle Gardens

The Topiary Garden and the old Cruydhof herb garden are situated in front of the castle. These gardens, and the above-mentioned Warmoeshof Garden, were laid out in accordance with 17th-century designs and plants. The nursery gardens are located behind the combined ornamental and utility gardens. The famous plum tree orchard is situated behind the castle.

Seypesteyn Castle

Baron Van Seypesteyn wanted to create the illusion of a historical garden in his park. To this effect he had a castle garden, a maze and an orchard laid out. Hedges, moats and decorative wrought-iron gates, previously used at old country estates, divide these elements. Both the gardens and the park were designated listed monuments by the Dutch National Trust recently. This is the official recognition that the historical Seypesteyn estate is a monument of national cultural, architectural and garden-historical interest.

Even before construction on the castle had started, Van Seypesteyn designed the layout of the gardens at the beginning of the 20th century. He based the layout on excavated foundations of the walls and bridges and on the course of the moats. Van Seypesteyn had sound knowledge of garden architecture and he created his castle garden after 16th-century prints.

Van Seypesteyn also incorporated elements which used to be common around castles, such as a maze, a park, a canal and an orchard. The neo-Renaissance park was finished around 1927. The gardens and parks were decorated with 16th-century wrought-iron gates and unusual deciduous and fruit trees. He also incorporated old garden ornaments he had collected especially for this purpose. The park still boasts many unusual trees on the relatively small surface. The stunning Japanese katsua tree is considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Holland. The unique weeping Japanese pagoda tree and the pond cypress have especially lovely shaped leaves.

Relive the olden days in a castle garden or treat yourself tasting a royal experience in a palace garden!

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As people’s holidays are becoming ever shorter, and the desire to travel greater, a great way to squeeze in everything you possibly can is by going on a fly-drive holiday. Fly drive is simple, hire a car and drive around a country exploring and staying in towns/cities as you go along.

A very different fly-drive is France. France has some wonderful places to visit. All very different in history and culture. Below is an itinerary of a possible fly-drive to France, with a few things to see in each city. Don’t forget to book your car hire and hotels in advance so you aren’t disappointed and won’t have to pay extra on the days you are there.

Ideally, you want to spend a day or so at each place (maybe even less if it is a small town) and sometimes maybe just an afternoon quick stop if you are on limited time. However you choose to do your fly-drive, planning is the key! All the times for driving below are approximations and remember to check how long each journey will take you. Ideally, a Satellite Navigation system would be best to help get you around.

We’ll start off in Paris, as it the capital and there are many things to see. You can enjoy some wonderful food of all kinds and have a coffee and cake in one of the many café’s around before you start your epic journey. The Eiffel Tower is a must see for anyone visiting Paris to enjoy some spectacular views from the top. Also visit the Arc de Triomphe which is in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the second largest arch in existence which is a wonderful piece of architecture.

From Paris, it is about an hour and a half’s drive to Reims. Visit the Joan of Arc Statue in the Place Royale Square and also the Notre-Dame de Reims where the Kings of France used to be crowned. It is a very famous and beautiful cathedral and well worth a visit. You can either stay the night here if you wish to spend a few hours looking at the sights and taking in the culture, or you can stop off at the next destination which is about two hours drive.

Metz is in the confluence of the rivers Moselle and Seille. Visit the Cathedral St Etienne with its fine Gothic architecture and stained glassed windows. Also visit the St- Pierre- Aux- Nonnains, the oldest church in France which dates back to 380 and 395AD, originally built as a Roman gymnasium then converted into a Christian church in the 7th Century. There are many churches to see in Metz, so take some time to find them! Here would be an ideal place to spend the night to rest.

An hour and forty minutes away is Strasbourg. Here is the famous Strasbourg Cathedral, for which the city is chiefly known, as it has an eighteen meter high astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world, within it’s walls and is a wonderful sight to see. This city also features many parks which have taken a cultural and historical interest, for example the Parc de L’Orangerie has a small neo-classical castle and zoo.

The next drive is slightly longer, two hours and thirty minutes to Besancon. It is close to the border of Switzerland and has one of the most beautiful historical centers of the towns in France. La Boucle, the old town is enclosed in a horseshoe of the river Doubs and is enclosed off by a Citadel Vauban (a fortification). Also worth seeing is the St Jean Cathedral as it’s interior is breathtaking.

An ideal place to spend the night resting is Dijon, an hour and ten minutes away. Here you will be able to visit the Crypt of Dijon Cathedral which dates back a thousand years ago. Also visit the Ducal Palace which is one of the few remains of the Capetian period. Also, it is thought that the Notre Dame on the rue de la Préfecture, has a good-luck charm and people go and touch it with their left hand and make a wish. Dijon, as you may have heard, is also famous for it’s creation of the Dijon mustard.

Two hours away is Lyon. A great place to start the day! Visit the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica which overlooks the wonderful city. Also visit the Saint Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas, which are noted for their narrow passageways (traboules) that pass through buildings and link the streets either side. These are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also worth tasting some of the food in Lyon as it is very well known for it’s great food.

An hour and forty minutes away is Geneva. This sits directly on the border of Switzerland and France. So you can take some time and view the Swiss side if you wish. A site that is a must see is Geneva’s lakefront. It has beautiful views. Also visit Saint Peters Cathedral which has begun in the 12th Century.

Grenoble is a lovely city for your next destination. You can either rest here as your journey after Grenoble will be a long five hour drive, or you can drive into the night to your next destination. Grenoble is about And hour and a half from Geneva. Here you can visit La Bastille, which is a series of fortifications that over look the city. These are also visible form many points of the city. Also worth a visit the museum of Saint Laurent which has archaeological findings from the excavation done on the site.

Now you can either rest at Grenoble or take a long drive at night and rest at Nice. Five hours it will take to get here. Once you are in Nice, there is plenty to see. So you can even spend the entire day here and sleep in the evening or go to your next destination. See the Promenade des Anglais (Walk of the English) which is a wonderfully build Promenade along the sea stocked with many cafe’s and restaurants along the pedestrianized areas. See the Saint Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral is a Russian cathedral and a national monument in France.

Marseille is about two hours away and there are many sights to see here. Visit La Vielle Charité a lovely piece of architecture, and also the Abbey of St Victor, the oldest place of Christian worship in France which dates back as early as the 5th Century.

Montpellier is about two hours away. There are many sights to see here. The main being the Place de la Comédie. It is a square which was originally a theatre which had burnt down in 1785 and 1855. Now here lies a fountain called Three Graces. Now the main railway station is built close by and this is why it is the main point of the city. Also visit the Tour de Babote, one of two surviving towers of the city from medieval times.

Toulouse is about two and half hours away and is an ideal place to stop for a night’s rest. See the Saint-Sernin Basilica which houses the Grand Cavaille-Coll Organ built in 1888 which is considered as one of the most important organs in France. Also visit Saint-Etienne Cathedral which is a national monument in France. This cathedral consists of two separate incomplete churches, but is really lovely to go and see. Toulouse is a good place to take a break from all that driving.

About two hours away is Bordeaux and there are many sights to see here. The location of Bordeaux has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an urban and architectural ensemble. List Visit the Église Sainte-Croix (Church of the Holy Cross), founded in the 7th Century and in a Romanesque style. Also visit the Saint-Andre Cathedral, a national monument. The royal gate is from the 13th Century and the rest of the building mostly from the 14th and 15th Centuries. I’d advise spending a whole day in Bordeaux as there is plenty to see.

Nantes is about three hours away and this is a lovely place to rest after a long day in Bordeaux. See the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul, a Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral which took 457 years to finish, and why not visit the Isle of Nantes, a former shipyard turned into a leisure and cultural site.

Rennes is only an hour and a half away and here you can visit the parliament de Bretagne, the most famous 17th Century building in Rennes and also visit Thabor Park and if you are lucky, you may be able to enjoy a band in the bandstand. The next destination is not too far away and so you can enjoy a coffee and cake in Rennes then move on.

Only three hours away is Le Havre. This is your last destination before you head back to Paris. So you can either rest here or drive back to Paris in the evening. See the Church of Saint Joseph, one of the most recognized symbols of the city, and the Presbyterian Reform Church, the only building in the town which combines the old and new architecture due to a bombing in 1941. Your journey from here back to Paris should take about two hours.

And that’s your fly drive! Auto Europe offer great deals on car hire in France, so organize your maps or sat nav, pit stops, hotel rests and challenge yourself to drive around France in just 7 days!

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Taj Mahal is described as an elegy in marble and is a symbol of eternal love.The Taj Mahal charms each and every visitor with its charismatic architecture and narrates the tale of love through its intricate designs.

Architecture of the Taj Mahal

Two Persian architects designed the Taj. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, on the banks of river Yamuna, in Agra. Over 20,000 workers labored on this marvelous structure. In 1648, the tomb was completed on the 18th death anniversary of Mumtaz Mahal.

The entire complex of Taj Mahal measures 1,902 feet x1,002 feet on each side. The entire structure of the Taj, rests on marble pieces of total length 186 feet by 186 feet. The corners of the building are square and form an unequal octagon. The height of the main dome is 213 feet high and four smaller domes or minarets surround it. The height of a minaret is 162.5 feet. The Taj Mahal rests on a base called Mahajar-e-Mushababbak and it was designed by Turkish designers.The main enclosure of Taj Mahal houses the monuments of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The interior and the exterior designs of the Taj Mahal are a fine example of the combination of the Indo-Persian and Indo-Turkish architecture. Many designers were brought in from other countries, to work on the construction of the Taj Mahal.

The dome of the Taj is one of the most fascinating features of the monument. The foundation of Taj Mahal is of red sandstone and this holds the gigantic white marble porch and the dome. The white marble dome glows in pink in the dawn, reflecting the colors of the rising sun; at dusk, the Taj reflects the color of the setting sun; and a pearly white at nights when the light of the moon reflects on it. On a full moon day, the monument of love glows in the shades of gold and blue. On a foggy day, it would appear as a mirage floating on a cloud. It is believed, mystique colors that reflect on the dome are related to the emotions and various moods of a woman.

The Taj Mahal is one of the architectural marvels that fascinates people from around the world. To understand the architecture and feel its beauty, you need to visit this wonderful monument at least once in your lifetime.

The Taj Mahal, also referred as the Taj, is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Mughal architecture combines the styles and includes the various elements of the Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architecture. In 1983, UNESCO declared the Taj Mahal as a World Heritage site. UNESCO called Taj Mahal as “The jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. Recently, it was announced as the one of the “New seven wonders of the world”. Millions of tourists travel to India to visit the Taj Mahal every year, and it is one of the most visited tourist destinations of India by the Indians as well as the foreigners. The most preferred time to visit the Taj is between the months of October and February. During this period, the weather is pleasant. In the winter months, Taj looks like an ethereal monument floating among the clouds.

The history of the Taj is interesting and tells the story of eternal love and affection. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the grandson of Emperor Akbar, in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal. You could rightly say, Taj Mahal is the symbol of undying love.

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If you’re feeling the pinch in your travel budget these days, you’re not alone. People are looking at all kinds of ways in which to reduce their spending, and unfortunately for many that means giving up luxuries, including vacations and travel.

But it doesn’t have to. Granted, you may have to adjust your expectations for travel and be willing to make a few concessions, but with a few changes, you can still have a satisfying trip without feeling guilty about the expense.

Here are my favorite tips for reducing the cost of vacation travel:

Plan ahead! This is the number one rule for saving money on your vacation. If you plan ahead enough, you can save a ton of money in all of your travel accommodations. It’s those last-minute procrastinators who are often stuck paying more than premium prices for having waited too long to make reservations. These days, you just can’t afford to be one of them.

Travel to your favorite vacation spot during the off-season. Of course, for some spots that means arriving just in time for monsoon season or during the months of giant-bug infestation or whatnot. Avoid those spots. But some locations are just as lovely during their off-peak months, and you will get unbelievable deals on fares, hotels, and rental cars. Plus, your sightseeing adventures won’t be nearly as crowded.

If traveling by car, make sure your vehicle has been properly tuned-up and is in top-notch condition. There’s nothing less fun (and frequently more expensive) than having your car break down in some godforsaken location like Kearney, Nebraska and need some exotic part they don’t carry (this actually happened to me….apologies to Kearney for the “godforsaken” part, but gee whiz, it really was). Use your best gas-saving techniques like hypermiling and making sure your tires have enough air, etc. There’s probably nothing you can do about the extra weight you’re carrying in the trunk – you are on vacation, after all.

If renting a car, try to not be picky about it. Don’t choose their most popular car with all of the fancy bells and whistles you may not use anyway – decide that saving money is more important, and go with the economy deal. Shop around for the best rental deals in advance, so you’re not stuck having to take what they give you, and talk to the dealer before you agree to a contract. Explain exactly what you need, and you may be able to dump some of the charges for services you won’t use.

If flying, try to have some flexibility about departure and arrival times. This might be difficult if you’re traveling with young children, but if you aren’t, making a few concessions on your flight will be worth it to your wallet. Choose a budget, no-frills airline, be willing to make a couple of stop-overs (these flights tend to be cheaper than direct flights), eat before you get on the plane so you’re not forced to buy the $10 “snack pack,” and if you’re really budget-motivated, offer to be bumped off of your flight if it’s full. Often this means you’ll get a free ticket for a later date, and usually you’ll get on the next flight going your way…but check in advance with the airlines just to be sure.

Check the travel sites’ (like Orbitz or Travelocity) special deals or last-minute fares section. They sometimes have spectacular deals that might fit into your travel parameters. You have to be quite flexible about travel time though, because you need to be ready to take off the next day with those last-minute savers. If you’re feeling daring, check out fare bidding sites like Priceline or similar sites….you might lose out, but if you plan enough in advance, you just might get an unheard-of deal. Some websites will help you gauge whether to buy a plane ticket now or wait until fares improve.

At your destination, choose a budget hotel (are you sensing a theme?). For some people, this defeats the entire purpose of a vacation, and having to meticulously plan and choose the cheapest options in every aspect feels more like work than vacation. If you’re such a person, it might be a good idea to “splurge” on one area, like the hotel, and be a penny-pincher everywhere else. But if the accommodations aren’t the important part of the trip for you, all you really need is a bed and a bathroom, right? Again, pre-planning is the key here. If you plan ahead you’ll be more likely to snag a deal. Conversely, you can also get a great deal by snatching up a discount at the very last minute. Try Lastminute.com for deals like this.

Consider scaling down the scope of your vacation, and plan on say, camping instead of staying in a hotel, or driving instead of flying (which will be cheaper if you’re not going too far).

Consider a “staycation,” in which you stay home, but act as if you’re a visitor to your own town. Take the week off of work, take care of chores in advance, turn off the computer, and check the local visitor’s bureau for fun things to do on your stay-at-home trip.

Some of these tactics might seem undoable, like being able to fly off at the last minute, or being stranded at the airport because you got bumped off of a flight. But if your focus really is on saving money, some of these tips will not be difficult to put into practice, and may make the difference between being able to go on your vacation or having to do without.

Tags: Travel by Virgogirl
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is an Arab Emirate in southwest Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the larger Arabian Peninsula. The name “Qatar” may derive from the same Arabic root as “Qatura”, which means “to exude”. The word “Qatura” traces to the Arabic “Qatran” meaning “tar” or “resin”, which relates to the country’s rich resources in petroleum and natural gas.

Doha & other cities

As your aircraft descends into Qatar, you are welcomed by a spectacular view of the capital city, Doha. The sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the sandy desert provide the first glimpse of what experiences await you. The capital of Qatar, Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula. It is an important cultural and commercial centre and enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern airport and seaport.

Umm Said is the heart of Qatar’s industry. Situated 45 km south of Doha on the east coast of the peninsula, it has both a commercial port and an oil-exporting port. There are refineries, as well as other industrial establishments producing fertilizers, natural gas liquids, petrochemicals and steel. Umm Said also has fine beaches.

Halfway between Doha and Umm Said, you will find the town of Al Wakra. Originally a tiny fishing and pearling village, it has evolved into a small town with a population of less than 30 000. The Al Wakra Museum has been established in one of the town’s old forts and exposes the marine life and the natural history of the area.

Situated on the west coast of the peninsula, Dukhan is about 84 km across the country from Doha. It became important when oil was discovered in the surrounding area. Like Umm Said and Al-Wakrah, the town also has fine beaches.

About 57 km north of Doha on the east coast, Al Khor is famous for its harbour filled with small craft and fishing boats. It has excellent beaches, an historic tower, and interesting mosques.

Al Ruwais is located on the northern tip of the peninsula. This town is a fine example of the traditional Bedouin lifestyle as it merges with the modern world.

A relatively new town on the northern tip of the peninsula, Madinat Al-Shamal is about 107 km north of Doha. It serves as an administrative centre for a number of coastal villages.

Situated just 100 km North West of Doha lies the town of Al Zubara, an important archeological site famous for its old fort. This fort-turned-museum was constructed in 1938 during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and was erected on the ruins of a neighboring fort. The fort itself is square-shaped with circular towers in three of its corners and a rectangular tower in the fourth. With high, thick walls, this fort also served as a coast guard station and, until the middle of ’80s, was used by the military.

Forts

Al-Rakiyat Fort
Restored in 1988, Al-Rakiyat Fort was constructed sometime during the 17th and 19th centuries. Made of mud and stone, this fort, as many others in Qatar, is shaped as a rectangle with four corner towers.

Al-Thughb Fort
Located on the northwest part of the country, approximately 110 kilometres from Doha, Al-Thughb Fort is rectangular with four towers with a common design for desert forts erected between 17th and 19th centuries.

Umm Salal Mohammed Fort
Located about 20 kilometres north of Doha and built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this fort is distinguishable by its high thick walls and impressive facade. Inside the fort, you will find several examples of architectural and decorative elements.

Marroub Fort
Built during the Abbasside period on the foundations of an older fort, Marroub Fort is located on the west coast of Qatar and bears the marks of Abbasside architectural style. To the north of the fort, 250 houses were grouped together in an arch formation.

Al-Ghuwair Castle
Al-Ghuwair Castle was built during the early 19th century and is now in ruins. It was constructed with thick walls of stone and mud in a rectangular shape.

Al-Jassasiya
Composed of a number of rocky hills overlooking the northeastern coast of Qatar, the hills of Al-Jassasiya contain numerous stone carvings and engravings which are speculated to date back to pre-historic times. Known for its fine beaches, Al-Jassasiya and its neighbor, Fuwairet, are popular for weekend excursions.

Barzan Tower
Originally built as watchtowers, Barzan Tower is the western tower of two that were erected around the Umm Salal Mohammed area. This Tower was built during the late 19th century and its shape is considered a unique architectural style in the Gulf region. It is a rectangle construction with three levels and an external staircase.

With all the beautiful nature it has to offer, Qatar is indeed an exquisite place to visit!

Tags: Travel by Hyder
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Libya is also known as the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and is a country in North Africa. One side of Libya is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea; it has Egypt on the east, Sudan on the Southeast, Niger and Chad on the South, and Algeria and Tunisia on the west. Tripoli is the capital of Libya. The three traditional and historical regions of this country are Cyrenaicia, Fezzan and Tripolitania.

Quick Facts about Libya

The name Libya is taken from an ancient Egyptian term “Lebu”. This term was used to refer the Berber tribes living west of River Nile. It was the Greeks who adopted the term “Libya” and used it to refer the entire North Africa west of Egypt.

Libya was a former Italian colony, which gained independence in 1951. Hence has the rich culture of the Byzantine Empire.

Libya is an oil-rich country and has the highest per capita income among the African countries.

There is scarcity of water in Libya. The Great Man-Made River Project is the largest water development project ever planned in Libya. The project brings water from aquifers under the Sahara desert to the coastal cities.

Another fact, most of the Libyans live in Tripoli and Banghazi and on the Mediterranean coast.

Libya is under the control of an authoritarian, Muammar Qaddafi, since 1969. In 1992, United Nations imposed sanctions on Libya for fostering terrorism. The international isolation of Libya came to an end in 2003 after it agreed to abandon its weapon’s programs.

Fast Facts About Libya

The population of Libya is 6,036,914 and the total area of this nation is 1,759,540 square kilometers.

The languages spoken are Arabic, Italian and English. The religion followed in Libya is Sunni Muslim.

The currency of Libya is Libyan Dinar.

The rate of life expectancy is 76% while the literacy is 83%.

The GDP per capita of Libya is US $ $78,790,000,000.

The major industries of Libya are petroleum, farming, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement and agriculture.

The crops that are widely cultivated are dates, olives, wheat and barely.

Libya exports crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Libyan history reveals Libya to be the home of the ancient Roman and Greek empires. Libya was occupied by Carthage, Arabia, Morocco, Spain and Egypt. From 1551 to 1991 it was the part of the Ottoman Empire. It became the Italian colony in 1911. During the World War II it was one of the main battlegrounds of North Africa and was under the control of the Anglo-French military government. Libya was also the base of the pirates during the 18th century.

The Sahara Desert lies in Libya and engulfs 90% of the country. Libya is a home to wide variety of dessert wild life. It has most exceptional desert scenery to offer to the tourists. Ghadames and Ghat are most enchanting oasis towns where the riches of Africa are showcased.

Most frequented place in the Sahara Desert is Waw al-Namus, an extinct volcano. Here the black sands of the desert encircle the multi-colored lakes. Jebel Acacus, an open-air gallery of prehistoric rock art, considered to be one of the finest in the world is in the interiors of the desert country Libya.

Tags: Travel by Virgogirl
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