Santorini, an island in the southern Aegean Sea about 200 kms southeast from Greece’s mainland, is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago. It is essentially the remains of an enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed the earliest settlements.

A peep into the past

The Santorini Island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, the Minoan eruption. The eruption took place about 3600 years ago during the Minoan civilization. It left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and also led to the demise of the Minoan civilization.

The first traces came to light in 1860 and in 1870 when French archaeologists H. Gorgeix and H. Mamet started excavations at the mines of Thirassia and later in Akrotiri on Santorini Island itself. Baron Hilier von Gaertrinken continued their efforts in 1896 in the area of Mesa Vouno that showed some evidence of settlement as early as 9th century BC.

In 1967, a team led by Spiros Marinatos, showed that the Late Minoan City of Akrotiri was the center of a major Aegean civilisation of the mid 16th century BC. The island was not known as Thera at this time and only the southern tip of a large town has been uncovered. It revealed complexes of multi-level buildings, streets and squares, all submerged in the solidified ash of the famous eruption of Thera. This Bronze Age civilization thrived between 3000 to 2000 BC and reached its peak in the period 2000 to 1580 BC. Excavations continue till the present day and many of the artifacts have been housed in the various museums on the island.

Revelations through excavations

Excavations done at the Santorini island reveal that some of the houses in Akrotiri are major structures with many as tall as three storeys. Its streets, squares and walls were preserved in the layers of ejecta that were at times as tall as eight metres, which meant that it was a major town. In many houses the staircases are still intact and have huge ceramic storage jars, mills and pottery.

Archaeologists have discovered wall paintings or frescoes that have retained their original colour because they were preserved under many metres of volcanic ash. Fragmentary wall-paintings at Akrotiri do not have the religious or mythological content seen often in Classical Greek décor. The Minoan frescoes instead depict “Saffron-Gatherers”, who give their crocus-stamens to a seated lady. One house has two antelopes, painted with a flowing, decorative, calligraphic line. The famous fresco is that of a fisherman with his double strings of fish strung by their gills and the flotilla of pleasure boats with leaping dolphins, where ladies relax in the shade of light canopies.

The abundant pottery found during the excavations have images of the land and sea, reflections of the culture buried beneath the ashes of the Theran volcano.

The town also had a well developed drainage system. Pipes with running water and water closets are the oldest such utilities discovered. The pipes are in twin systems, which mean that the Therans used both hot and cold water.

The dual pipe system, the advanced architecture and the layout of the Akrotiri are akin to Plato’s description of the legendary lost city of Atlantis that further confirms the Minoans as the culture which inspired the Atlantis legend.

Santorini Today

The present-day crescent shape of the island is due to volcanic activity in pre-historic times, creating a surreal and rather unique landscape. The water-filled ‘caldera’ crater is surrounded by a wall of colourful cliffs, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in Greece. The beaches of Santorini are often distinguished with dark volcanic sands and all the main tourist attractions are near the beaches luring countless tourists every year.

The whitewashed churches, vineyards, Greek tavernas, boutiques and local markets along with the numerous archaeological sites will make your visit to this serene Greek island worth every penny.

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Festivals are fun time, irrespective of which country you come from or which country you are in. We all seem to join in the celebrations in full swing. Take your pick and off you go!

Desert Celebration: Festival in the desert, Essakane, Mali

Amongst the sun, breeze and sand, add a large portion of Malian music and sprinkle it with some western music and what you have is a wonderful festival right in the desert! Situated two hours from Timbuktu in the Sahara, this is one of the world’s most remote festivals. Started in 2001, the festival stems from the traditional Tuareg festivities in which dance, poetry, camel rides and games represented a place for decision making and exchanging information among the communities. Today it is a great festival where some of the best names in Malian music and some western bands offer the perfect blend of the cultural tradition and modern life. This festival takes place in January, thus starting the year on a musical note.

Party Island: Ibiza rocks, Ibiza

Ibiza, known as Europe’s party island hosts the Ibiza Rock which is a regular fixture in the live music world. Bands like Arctic Monkeys, Mark Ronson, Foals and Dizzee Rascal have all played here. Taking place in 2012 from 31st May to 9th September, one would now see a limited range of guitar bands play. The young gig-goers have some great performances to look out for by bands like The Rascals, The Enemy, The Fratellis, The Wombats and the Courteeners. So get ready, we’re going to Ibiza, back to the island!

Snow Adventure: Snowbombing, Mayrhofen, Austria

Come join in the snow adventure and groove to some cool rock music. The Snowbombing takes place from March 4th to April 4th at a ski resort with 625km of slopes. Witness an exhilarating performance on the mountain stages and the forest arena and move to the beats of Fatboy Slim, Reverend and the Makers, Ladyhawke, DJs Grandmaster Flash and Mylo and some snowboarder-friendly-drum’n’bass, courtesy of Fabio and Groove-rider and upcoming hipsters Chase & Status. Exhibit your skills at the pro snowboard competition. That’s not all, there are the mind blowing igloo parties and fancy dress bash too. Those looking for serious TLC can unwind at the four-star spa hotels.

Rainforest party – Rainforest world music festival, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

Set in Malaysia’s hidden paradise called Borneo, this 12 year old festival brings together performers and thousands of visitors from all over. This festival takes place from July 10th – 12th.  Spread over these three evenings you would witness a power packed musical performance by musicians from Borneo as well as musicians from Amazon Basin, Equatorial Africa, Asia, Morroco, Hungary, France and Korea. It also showcases genre-crossing festival of folk, gypsy, bluegrass, jazz and Celtic fusion. Enjoy afternoons packed with workshops and musical lectures. Be at your creative best by heading straight to the arts and crafts area.

Ice Fun – Iceland airwaves, Iceland, Reykjavik, October

Introduced in the October of 2008, Iceland’s annual Airwaves is a festival that a lot of people look forward to. This festival showcases new and upcoming acts alongside some of the biggest stars that play at dozens of venues across the city. This is the perfect place to enjoy performances by indie, rock and pop bands, all this in the natural setting of Reykjavik with its geysers, waterfalls, natural spas, lava fields and hip hangouts.

So pick a festival and groove to some mind-blowing music at some of the best spots of the world.

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A train journey can be more than just lulling on your seat or ignoring a chatty traveller! These 5 scariest train rides are nothing but sheer daring and adventurous. You just can’t take your hands off the armrest instead you’ll grip it even harder.

Georgetown Loop Railroad – frightening and fun

Unleash the historic paths in the north western part of Colorado, which was mostly dominated by silver mines until late 19th century. A narrow gauge steam train was the only mode of transport in this region that had to cross four bridges over the Clear Creek and some dizzying horseshoe curves. This train still makes it to the scariest train rides. The creepy experience reaches its peek when you are crossing the Devil’s Gate High Bridge. This one has about a 100 foot eerie drop and to top it the train runs extremely slowly across the bridge. Don’t forget to carry a jacket or a sweater because in the Lebanon Silver Mine the temperature drops to 44 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rameswaram Route – concoction of sacred and dreadful

India has an off-beat way to reach an island barring the helicopters or ships. It’s a 1.4 mile-long train ride on Pamban Bridge that runs right through the middle of a cyclone territory. This mesmeric train journey starts from India’s south eastern coastal city – Chennai and travels all the way to Rameswaram Island, one of the most sacred places in India. This daring trip is worth taking for the beautiful view of Rameswaram Temple, built in 12th century. It is said that each of the 22 wells in this temple has unique tasting water.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway – short but too scary

For all thrill seekers across the world, Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway in England is one of the most fascinating routes. The small yet scary cabs – eco-fuelled by water since 1888 – take you on a literal roller coaster ride. The cabs may be little crowded as each of it carries about 40 people and weighs around 10 tons but the trill is worth experiencing. The railway pulls you up the 500 feet cliff that lies between the two coastal towns – Lynton and Lynmouth. You can go spot the Exmoor pony, native to the moors in this part of England by extending your trip to North Devon with a visit to nearby Exmoor National Park.

Tren a las Nubes – travel to the clouds

Tren a las Nubes in Argentina is known as ‘Train to the clouds’ and it stands true to its name. The train crosses 21 dark tunnels, 13 viaducts and innumerable zigzag and spiral tracks; no doubt that the journey is so petrifying. It took almost 20 years to construct the route through impenetrable Andean terrain and what we get as the end result is an exciting and pulse-raising railway connecting Salta to Polvorilla. The mesmerising train ride is available only on Saturdays and it starts early in the morning and ends by midnight. Enjoy your home made lunch in the train or you can easily walk to the restaurant on board for delicious dulce de leche crêpes and beef empanadas.

Kuranda Scenic Railway – more dizzying than scenic

Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia is vertiginous in its real sense. The pioneering history of this route dates back in the 1800s and the magnificent engineering of the tracks are simply astounding. The train passes through mystifying trestles, gives a pleasant view of gushing waterfalls and finally crosses the deep Barron Gorge National Park. The train runs three times every day except during Christmas. You can head towards the Butterfly Sanctuary, for adding a touch of tranquillity to this magnanimous journey. You’ll see some neon-blue Ulysses butterflies which will calm your nerves down.

It’s time to win over your fear and experience these terrifying train journeys that are sure to be pleasurable and memorable for a lifetime.

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Vietnam is an unforgettable experience for amateur as well as astute golfers as they get to choose not only from myriad golf tours but also relish the history and culture of golf. To add to this, it’s action-packed, secure and moreover, reasonably priced.

Vietnam Golf & Country Club: The premium destination for golfing

The closest to the city, Vietnam Golf & Country Club is known to be visited by the crème de la crème. The company of your golfing buddy and the pleasant climate will make any golfer come back for more. The Club is the first 36-hole golf club in Vietnam and is located about 20 kms. from Ho Chi Minh city. The lavish course, set among 300 hectares of land, ensures one leave the course with many fond memories and a new golfing experience.

Long Thanh Golf Course: The course with a panoramic view

Blessed with fresh air, tropical landscape and mesmerizing view, the Long Thanh, located about 40 minutes from Ho Chi Minh is another 36-hole golf course. But don’t just end your golfing here. Explore the 27-hole picturesque Bo Chang Dong Nai course and the exciting 27- Hole Song Be in the country of Vietnam. Enjoy the spectacular view from the tee-boxes, watch your ball rolling beside meandering waterways and make your put on the island greens. The latest entrant to its international golf courses is the Twin Doves Golf Club that shows off its dynamic blueprint and its lush greens.

Phan Thiet Golf Break: The iconic golfing destination

This is the place that you can visit all year round and it also makes a perfect short Vietnam golf break. The melange of the vibrant atmosphere and pleasurable golfing is what is the most desired here. Home to excellent seaside golf resorts and an amazing array of beach activities, the Phan Thiet is also an ideal choice for first time golfers. For those looking for some excellent golf, a glimpse of the real Vietnam and a fun night out, Phan Thiet mixes old world charm with a modern and vibrant night life.

Chi Linh Sar Golf and Country Club: For a lasting impression

If a sprawling 324 hectares place on an adamant valley hugged by a scattering lake is where you want to play golf, Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club it is. Designed to suit all globe trotters, you can experience golfing here like never before. The 160ha course lies within a beautiful valley, surrounded by rolling forest hills and nestles beside a large lake complete with rolling creeks and natural water flowing from the surrounding area.

Dalat Palace Golf Course: Treasure trove of colonial French charm and glory

A drive past the panoramic landscape from the Ho Chi Minh City ushers you to the old, yet untouched Dalat Palace Golf Course. It is situated at a height of 1500 meters above sea level and is a masterpiece in design. Exquisitely crafted into the piling hills of Dalat and overlooking the royal Xuan Huong lake, the course interlaces into a majestic verdure.

Vietnam lets you choose your golf course the way you want it. But wherever you go it will only offer you its best. So from the contemporary Saigon to the ancient Hanoi, from Dalat to Danang, or from any golf course of Vietnam, you will only get a priceless memory. So pack your bags and call your caddy as Vietnam is where we are heading to!

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From Bow Wow and Cat’s Whiskers in Johannesburg, South Africa, to ‘It’s a dog’s world day care’ in Lebanon, Ohio, here’s providing you with a list of 6 best dog hostels that are going to leave your ‘best friend’ spoilt for choice.

Satisfy your doggie’s demands at ‘Cats, Dogs & Peace of Mind’, London, England

If you live in London and haven’t heard of Cats, Dogs & Peace of Mind (CDPOM), you surely owe your dog an explanation! If you are busy or travelling out of London, then CDPOM is the place to leave your ‘furry friends’ to spoil themselves. CDPOM is not just a day care for your pets but also provides overnight boarding services and professional grooming for your pets. With their state of the art pet Salon and Grooming Parlour, your pet will return home cuter than they were. The staff also provides home visit if you would rather have your dog stay at home while you are gone. Now that’s called getting spoilt!

Let your doggie be a fitness freak at ‘Pet Lovers Hut’, New Delhi, India

Residents of New Delhi in India who own the bow wows and must be out of town travelling, need not worry about their pets as Pet Lovers Hut is a second home for them. This world class facility not only boasts qualified and dedicated staff, they also go an extra mile in ensuring that your dog is healthy and happy at all times. Dogs here are groomed twice a day and ensured that each dog gets enough attention while at the facility. Swimming is a vital exercise at Pet Lovers Hut, helping you turn your doggie to a ‘macho one’! Diet is given as per your instructions so you won’t have to worry about your dog getting starved. What’s best is that they also send pet sitters who take your pooch out for his daily walks at a time that suits you and your dog’s schedule.

Let your pet rule the world at ‘It’s a Dog’s World Day Care’, Lebanon, Ohio

If you happen to come to Lebanon in Ohio and must leave your dog behind while you travel, It’s a Dog’s World Day Care is the place for your pet to relax and feel at home while you are away. This Day Care provides a friendly environment for your pet and was built keeping a dog’s comfort in mind. One more reason you won’t have to be worried about your ‘best friend’s’ welfare is that the staff at It’s a Dog’s World Day Care are trained to not only look into the safety of the dogs but also to keep them entertained all day long. Your dog will receive individual attention and not be treated as a group. The boarding facility is bright and cheerful with heating and air conditioning, agility equipment for dogs to play. Full body massages are provided to the pets, leaving them feeling rejuvenated. Now that’s something your pet will remember for years to come.

It’s a Tom & Jerry world at ‘Bow Wow and Cat’s Whiskers’, Johannesburg, South Africa

The hassle and bustle of Johannesburg in South Africa should not make you appear less caring to your ‘best friend’ while vacationing or busy at work. Bow Wow and Cat’s Whiskers is a home for cats and dogs whose owners are away for a while. This is one of the few dog hostels in the world where dogs receive a five star country lodge treatment away from the din of city life. Bow Wow and Cat’s Whiskers is set on a sprawling beautiful garden set up and concentrates more on outdoor activities including walks and bird watching especially for the dogs. But if you have a frail and old dog, you need not worry as the hostel has a special indoor division for such pets where specialized care is given including heated kennels during winter. What more could your friend ask for?

Treat your pooch to five star luxury at ‘PetsVentura Pet Hotel’, San Isidro, Bogota

As the name suggests, there is surely a lot for your pet to venture in PetsVentura Pet Hotel located at San Isidro in Bogota, just 20 minutes drive away from Buenos Aires City. This facility has been serving the pets for over 25 years and that rich experience has resulted in one of the best dog day cares and boarding services in South America. If your pet need to be re-located, PentVentura provides First Class, Premium transportation service dedicated for pets and pets’ owners living/travelling in Argentina. The hostel also provides VIP assistance in Buenos Aires airports. Their multi-lingual personal can assist you and your pet during arrival and departure. Now that’s what we call travelling ‘Business Class’.

Let your furry friend be a ‘qualified citizen’ at the Canine Campus, Colorado, The United States

Canine Campus in Colorado Springs is not just a place for an overnight stay for your dog. It is a dog campus as well! If you are going away for a long period of time, you can enrol your dog to one of the courses offered there and voila, when you return, your dog will have a diploma to its credit! Apart from that, Canine Campus offers one of the world’s best day care and overnight boarding services. It’s time to treat your four-legged co-ed to a social experience of a lifetime.

Travel the world with your dog and say thank you to your friend for life, who is always there for you with a wagging tail, a smiling face and wet nose to welcome you home or say “hello”.

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Venice offers numerous possibilities for spending money during this festive season. Attracting tourists from all over the world, the choices here are limitless with activities like gambling dens, theatres, cafés, wine shops and restaurants, as well as booths where one could see exotic animals, ropewalkers and jugglers.

Basking in glory on the streets

The streets of Venice Carnival are full of people in masks and no differentiation could be made between nobility and the common people. A costume worn as a cloak with a long-nosed mask is a common sight during this time. Also popular is the male and female androgyny look. The streets are filled with artists and singers entertaining passersby with their songs and music from guitars and other musical instruments.

A brief history of the Carnival

The Venice Carnival is said to have originated from an important victory of the “Repubblica della Serenissima”, in the war against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162. To celebrate this victory, dances and re-unions started to take place in San Marco Square. Venice at that time was a rather powerful small republic, center of much traveling inside Italy and on the road to China.

At the beginning this celebration that started on the day after Christmas went on for several centuries until the coming of the 17th century, with people rejoicing in music, culture and rich garments. The music of Vivaldi, the masks, the beautiful and mysterious women, craziness and treason, all joined together to make it the most happening event of the year.

Entertainment is the buzz word

There are a plethora of entertainment and interesting performances during this time, apart from the real parties in Venetian taste. Pay-for-the-party and souvenir shops are the easiest track for tourists. Throughout the Carnival period there is plenty of entertainment to be had around St. Mark’s Square and the adjacent Piazzetta. A variety of events take place in the Piazza, which is open to everyone. A schedule is displayed on notices around the square (or pick up a calendar at the tourist office). Apart from the organised events, there is a lot of fun to be had costume-spotting. Costumed characters parade and preen throughout the day, happily posing for armies of photographers. Refreshment stalls in the Piazza selling snacks and drinks like mulled wine, local Bellini cocktails and the local speciality fritelle, add to the festive atmosphere.

The grand opening celebration of the Carnival takes place with an event called il volo dell’angelo (the flight of the angel). This adaptation of an old tradition involves an ‘angel’ (in 2007 this was a female swimming champion; in 2008 the rapper Coolio; in 2009 fashion dynasty member Margherita Missoni, in 2010 an even more minor socialite) swinging on harnesses from the belltower into the Piazzetta San Marco. One of the big events is the afternoon parade of costumes on a catwalk in St. Mark’s Square. If your costume is fabulous and you’re feeling confident, you can join in. The festival ends with a big celebration and fireworks above St. Mark’s.

Fun with costumes and masks

If you’ve always had a secret hankering to wear a fancy dress, the Carnival is a perfect opportunity to indulge without attracting stares. Masks, cloaks and wigs are easily purchased at countless tourist shops and souvenir stalls. If you’re looking for something more elaborate or authentic, visit one of Venice’s papier-mâché workshops where good-quality masks are handmade. Costumes can be hired at shops throughout the city, however, they might be in short supply if you don’t book them promptly.

For a one-stop Carnival shop, visit the Mercato delle maschere e dei costumi Veneziani, in Campo Santo Stefano. This little market is made up of stalls from some of Venice’s artisan mask and costume workshops and runs for the duration of the Carnival.

The Venice Carnival is an adventure worth being experienced; even better if you can do it with a native friend!

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From Asia’s largest slums to the famous Dhobi Ghat and Chor Bazaar, the list of unusual places in ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ is endless. Open up to a new world which allows you to make a brief yet meaningful connection with the locals.

Dharavi: Mumbai’s shadow city

Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, lies on a prime property, right in the middle of India’s financial capital, Mumbai. Spread over an area of 175 hectares, Dharavi is a city within a city, offering ‘cheap’ accommodation to more than a million of people who shift to Mumbai to earn a living. Dharavi boasts a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery, plastics and mouth-watering farsaan. Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets. The un-ending stretch of narrow dirty lanes, open sewers and cramped huts shows the poverty and populousness of India in a positive light.

Dhobi Ghaat: Mumbai’s open air laundry

Row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stones is a sight to behold at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi station. An occupation which has been coming down the generations, Dhobi Ghaat (the land of the laundryman) hosts families of upto two hundred laundry men, working in unison. Known as the largest outdoor laundry of the world, Dhobi Ghaat attracts thousands of foreign tourists from across the world every year.

Mohammad Ali Road: The bazaar that never sleeps

As the sun sets in Mumbai, Mohammad Ali Road awakens to the delicious smell of tenderized chicken and kebabs floating into the air, wafting into the nostrils. The road is the centre of activity during the holy month of Ramzaan. The un-ending kilometers of ‘open kitchen buffet’ serving juicy kebabs, biryani, parathas, mouth-watering sweets, to name a few, is surely a feast for the ‘stomach’. Gustation here is concentrated in two zones: Bohri Mohalla and Minara Masjid. While the former is the quieter of the two, it’s not a rare sight to see BMW’s parked alongside this street.

Chor Bazaar: The market of the thieves

Located near the infamous Bhindi Bazaar, Chor Bazaar is the one stop destination for bargain hungry shopaholics. Known as the paradise for antique hunters, the Bazaar hosts a wide range of products from Ming vases and Muranos to Victorian furniture or crystal chandeliers and grandfather clocks at throw away prices. The main avenue here is the Motton Street, flanked by rows of little antique shops that look like musty attics and sell just about anything. However, when walking down these dingy lanes, be extra careful about your belongings. It’s Chor Bazaar after all!

Bhendi Bazaar: The notorious hub of Mumbai

We have all watched the film ‘Bhindi Bazaar’, but probably still don’t know the real story of this street. Located in South Mumbai, it is primarily a Muslim populated area and home to the popular Bhendibazaar gharana of Hindustani classical music. Talking of Bhendi Bazaar, one can’t help thinking of the dreaded underworld don Dawood Ibrahim who once upon a time stayed there and ruled this city. While at Bhendi Bazaar, a visit to Sagar hotel, the once famous hangout of gangsters hatching plots to kill their rivals over cutting chai is a must.

Local trains: The lifeline of Mumbai

On 16th April, 1853, the first ever passenger train in India rolled out from Boree Bunder, (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) to Thane. Today, the Mumbai local trains are a mass transit system serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It is part of the public transport system of Mumbai, provided for by the state-run Indian Railways’ zonal- Western, Harbour and Central Railways. Commonly known as the lifeline of Mumbai, these trains carry more than 7.24 million commuters on a daily basis in the shortest duration of time. They also have the highest passenger densities of any urban railway system in the world. Your visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a journey on one of these local trains.

Sightseeing using local transport: Be a Mumbaikar for a day

This is perfect for those who like to step out of their comfort zones and experience the local way of living. How ‘bout seeing all of South Mumbai’s best attractions using the city’s famous black and yellow taxis, double decker red buses or simply on foot? Experience the never ending traffic jams, the scorching heat and last but not the least, the love and warmth of the Mumbai locals, an experience you’re going to remember for years to come. End your end by sipping cutting chai on one of the road side stalls with vada pao!

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The best time to visit Paris is in the spring, when the trees are in full blossom. Another good time is on France’s national day, 14 July, when the storming of the Bastille is commemorated. But, as they say, anytime is good.

What to see: Ample of breathtaking sights, so set aside sufficient time

Eiffel Tower: The most prominent symbol of Paris and the global icon of France, this 1063 feet tall iron tower is named after its engineer designer, Gustave Eiffel. Built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World Fair, the tower has three levels that can be accessed by lifts or staircases.

Arc de Triomphe: This famous monument honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It includes the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Champs-Elysees: The Champs-Élysees is the most prestigious and broadest avenue in Paris. Lined with cinemas, cafes and luxury shops, the Champs-Elysees is known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world”.

Moulin Rouge: A cabaret built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, the Moulin Rouge is best known as the birthplace of the famous can-can dance.

The River Seine: A major river of North Western France, it is a commercial waterway from where you can view the sights of Paris from glass-covered decks of boats that leisurely go up and down the River Seine.

The Louvre: This historic monument is one of the world’s largest and most visited art museums. Amongst its numerous pieces of art is the famous painting of Mona Lisa.

Chateau de Versailles Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the largest palaces in the world and a grand example of French architecture. The Versailles’ history galleries are the largest history museum in the world.

Notre Dame Cathedral: This is the finest example of French Gothic architecture. It is famous for the flying buttress and gargoyles.

The Jardin du Luxembourg: This 55 acres garden is laid out in Italian style with ponds, fountains and attractions such as the puppet theater, pony rides and a merry-go-round.

The Musee d´Orsay: A museum housed in a grand railway station, it is home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings.

How to get around: Flit about in trains, metros, buses, boats and even cycles.

Fly to Paris from anywhere in the world. Paris has two airports: Charles de Gaulle, 27 kilometers to the north and Orly, approx 16 kilometers to the south. You can cut costs by flying to London and then heading to Paris by the Eurostar, a passenger train that takes just two and a half hours.

If you are traveling to Paris from within continental Europe, trains are most convenient. Paris has six major train stations serving both domestic and international destinations. Within Paris the Metro is the easiest way to get around.

Another fantastic way to see the sights is to opt for the L’OpenTour where double-decker buses with open top decks enable tourists to see the sights clearly. The Batobus, or water bus, is an exciting and unusual way of seeing some of the main areas around Paris. Or see Paris like a Parisian, on a tour by bicycle!

Where to stay: No dearth of accommodation

Paris has a huge range of accommodation of all types and budgets. From 4 star hotels to 1 star ones and apartments where you can stay with your family and pet, Paris has a plethora of great places to stay. There are so many different hotels to choose from that it can be quite daunting to get the right place for your needs. It’s always better to do some research to make sure you get the best value for money.

Wine and dine on great cuisine

Choosing the type of restaurant and cuisine can be a minefield, especially when there are so many exceptional places to choose from. When it comes to cuisine, you have choices from all over the world such as the Blue Elephant which serves Thai dishes, the American Pizza place called Chicago Pizza Pie Factory, Brasilian food at the Brasil Tropical Restaurant, Le Curieux Spaghetti Bar for true Italian delights and the Ozu restaurant serving authentic Japanese food.

The finest way of dining in Paris is with haute cuisine, which literally means ‘high cooking’. They are characterized by elaborate preparations and stylish presentation of food, accompanied by wine. Some of the haute cuisine restaurants include the Jules Verne, Le Grande Cascade and La Tour d’Argent, which is probably the most famous of them all.

Shopping: Make a fashion statement

Window-shopping is one of Paris’s greatest spectator sports. Home to some of the biggest fashion houses, it´s love affair with style is never ending. The famous haute couture brands are located in Rue St. Honore. For bargain shopping, visit Les Halles or Rue Rivoli. Printemps is the best department stores. Didier Ludot is the place to go for vintage haute couture while Eres specializes in swimwear.

Entertainment: An extravaganza of song and dance

Paris is a city full of life both during the day and night with such a wide choice of venues – from adult only shows like the Moulin Rouge can-can, to entertainment like circuses, magic shows, nightclubs, water parks and much more that the whole family can enjoy. Music lovers can go to the Opera Bastille, or enjoy rock at Stade de France, or go dancing at the many nightclubs such as Stringfellows or Club Med.

Paris is a city that evokes awe and attracts millions of tourists. From historic landmarks, grand architectural monuments and the glitz and glamour, this vibrant city has something for everyone to enjoy. Undoubtedly everyone should visit Paris at least once in their lifetime.

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With Valentine’s Day round the corner, it’s a great idea to plan a destination wedding and make your D-day a memorable one. Choose from the Caribbean and Hawaii to the castles in Europe, or even the scenic Fiji.

Fiji Island – love in south pacific

Fiji, known as the tropical paradise, offers a huge variety of venues that include luxurious hotels, secluded boutique resorts and a variety of beachfront or rainforest locations. The heavenly sunset and the stunning scenery are the perfect backdrop for your ‘happily ever after’ event. Imagine walking hand in hand with your lover on fine white sand along a deserted shore with the smell of fresh tropical flowers filling the air. It’s surely a dream come true.

Mauritius – Melting pot of culture

Weddings here are a divine experience. Sublime beaches, world class resorts and delectable cuisine is what Mauritius boasts about. Thickly wooded mountain peaks towering above a stunning coastline, Mauritius has as air of sophistication and a unique blend of French, Chinese, Indian and Creole culture. In Mauritius one can get married practically anywhere including a local church, on a yacht, a resort or even opt for a civil wedding ceremony in a Buddhist temple. Non-residents can get married just one day after their arrival. All you need is an identity proof and that you are single and old enough to get married. A Mauritius reception is typically high-spirited celebration with scrumptious food, drinks and dancing that go on for hours. Your guests are sure to remember your wedding for years to come.

Caribbean Islands – Ethnic Blend

There are a lot of resorts here that offer wedding packages. You can either go with the packages offered by the resort or else employ a local wedding planner who can make required arrangements on a private beach, beach side restaurant or a tropical garden. Caribbean Islands have a number of destinations where one could happily tie the knot. However, there might be slight difficult in some islands because of the language barrier.

Le Petit Chombard – French Connection

One can opt for a regal wedding by having a castle wedding in Europe. The Le Petit Chombard is a lovely castle set in the Loire Valley in France. Located in Loire Atlantique, this properly is owned and operated by a family who has a hospitality background; therefore, special care is taken to make your wedding a memorable one. This place has a nice aura to it. The minute you walk onto the ground you can feel the magic around you.

Villa Collalto, Tuscany Italy

Italy is a beautiful country. A castle wedding in Tuscany, Italy is like a dream come true. Villa Collalto located in Sienna, Tuscany, is an ideal location for anyone who is a nature lover. Surrounded by gardens, this villa stands on top of a hill where one can enjoy the breathtaking view over Sienna. The main building here dates back to 1400 and was re-structured during 1996-1998 transforming the villa to a perfect wedding destination.

Hawaii, Paradise on earth

Hawaii is a sensational place to make your dream wedding a reality. Being in Hawaii is like being in an entirely different world that includes volcanoes, canyons and waterfalls along with centuries old island traditions. One will come across a lot of options for their Hawaiian wedding; therefore you need to choose the island of your choice namely Moloka’i, O’ahu, The Big Island, Maui or Lana’i and also the resort where you want to stay. Many resorts offer weddings or a wedding consultant to help arrange your wedding day. Weddings in Hawaii are not complicated at all as long as you are legal to marry and have the correct documents. It is advisable to use a professional wedding company to arrange a wedding in Hawaii but if you have a tight budget you can arrange your wedding yourself.

Las Vegas, fun-filled wedding

Las Vegas has always been considered the fun city. It is a place to let down your hair and have a great time. Most of the casinos here have at least one wedding chapel. These chapels tend to be very elegant and much grander than the small independent ones. Therefore, there is something to suit all tastes. There are a number of themes to choose from like Elvis or Star Trek theme. One can also have the wedding ceremony in a helicopter that flies over the Las Vegas strip. There is also an option of exchanging your wedding vows at Grand Canyon or above it in an air balloon. It’s all about letting your imagination run wild.

It’s time to make your wedding the talk of the town.

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This extreme form of getting an adrenaline rush might be thrilling for some but scary for others. So try it only if you have the will and the guts to stomach this once in a lifetime experience.

China’s Tianmen Chan- An unexpected experience!

Popularly known as Heaven’s Gate Mountain, this cable car ride is located about 8 km south of the city of Zhangjiajie in the northern province of Hunan. To get the spectacular view of the mountains, you can either walk up 999 steps to the top of the mountain without platforms for stopping or take one of the most thrilling cable car rides. It is rated as the longest cable car ride in the world, covering a distance of 7455 m and scaling a height of 1279 m.

While on the ride, you will not be sure whether to be more scared of the view down or the cable car’s proximity to the mountain. But fret not, atleast there are many others with you on the ride to hold onto.

Masada cableway, Israel- The lowest aerial tramway

Aptly termed as a “ride to or from nowhere” the Masada cableway in Israel is the world’s lowest cable car ride as its bottom station is 257 m below sea level and its summit station is 33 metres above sea level. Located on the ancient fortress of Masada, the ride takes you across the desert region. Brndle Karl, a Swiss compay, built this cableway in 1971 with a 900 meter long route. Later in 1998, Von Roll replaced it with an aerial tramway.

Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi, France – The world’s highest cable car!

The Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi in the Mont Blanc Massif is a cable car ride up the mountain by the same name in the Mont Blanc Massif of the French Alps. Built in 1995, this ride still holds the title of the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car, taking you down more than 2,800 m from 1,035 m to 3,842 m. So be ready to skip a couple of heartbeats.

It has two sections- from Chamonix to Plan de l’Aiguille at 2,317 m and then directly without any support pillar, to the upper station at 3,777 m. This ride can get even the staunchest cable car lover feel the adrenaline flow. However, once atop the Aiguille summit, the panoramic view of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps, will make every moment of the ride well worth the effort.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil- A deadly ride!

This 20 minute ride from e Cao way to the top of Pao de Acucar is only 1400 meters in length but can surely give you the thrill of a lifetime. It is termed as one of the most extreme rides because of the route at the height of 396 meters above the mountains.

Built in 1912, one ride can accommodate about 65 people at once. The ride is divided into two parts; the first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view from the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteró Bridge and Corcovado hill. A second car will take you to the top where you will be spellbound by the view of Copacabana beach and the Santa Cruz fortress.

Genting Skyway Malaysia- Get an adventure punch

Termed as South East Asia’s longest cable car system, the Genting Skyway bags the award for being the world’s fastest, so if you decide to climb onto this ride, be sure to relish each moment as it may be over before you know it.

Started in 1997, this gondola lift connects Gohtong Jaya and Resorts World Genting. Its lower station is about 51kilometres from Kuala Lumpur while its upper station is located at the Genting Highlands Hotel. It can carry more than 2,000 people per hour with 8 passengers per gondola. Speeding away at 6 metres per second, this 3.38 kilometres journey up the mountain peak takes only about 15 minutes.

The journey will leave you mesmerized as you cruise through the passing clouds, above the lush rainforest. If thick mist envelopes the gondola, you can re-discover peace and serenity amidst the crisp cool mountain air.

Klein Matterhorn cable car, Switzerland- Europe’s highest car ride

The Klein Matterhorn cable car in Zermatt, Switzerland, is Europe’s highest cable car. Its terminal is located at 3,320 m only 563 m from the peak, giving the visitors a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps, French Alps up to the river plain in Italy.

From Zermatt the cable car will take you to Furi, where you change to the cable car leading to “Trockener Steg”. After acclimating to air pressure, you start your journey to Klein Matterhorn, the “the roof of Europe”. The final cable car soars a thousand feet above vast glaciers and takes one into the middle of the eternal ice world. You are standing at the highest point of whole Europe, overlooking a world-class vista of tumbling glaciers and soaring alpine peak.

So take your pick and get onto the ride of a lifetime!

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