NHInternationalTravel

La Isla Bonita: Fuerteventura

Ahmed Nasir — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:41:25 +0000

Despite being the second largest of the Canary Islands, it is sometimes overlooked in favour of neighbouring Tenerife and Lanzarote. However, this island is something of a rarity; having retained its cultural charm whilst becoming an increasingly popular destination. The town of Corralejo on the northern coast of Fuerteventura has yet to compromise its heritage as a fishing port with many visitors choosing to explore the local shops, arts and crafts stalls, bars and restaurants. With Corralejo holidays, the nightlife is as varied as during the day. The Avenida del General Franco hosts a variety of bars and clubs, ranging from discos to open-air bars with live Spanish and Latin music. The nearby Corralejo Harbour sports a marina from which you can hire a catamaran and explore the surrounding coastline at your ease. Equally, you can enjoy a day-trip to the nearby nature reserve on Lobos Island or marvel at deep-sea creatures during a glass-bottom boat ride. Back on dry land; do
n’t miss out on a Camel Safari to the Calderon Hondo Volcano at Lajares, just ten minutes north of Corralejo.

For those who would rather unwind on the beach, with Fuerteventura holidays you are spoilt for choice. The area surrounding Corralejo offers a huge variety of unspoiled sandy beaches to enjoy. Secluded beaches such as El Cotillo are great for families and snorkelers who will appreciate the shallow, calm lagoons that are formed by lava reefs. The protected nature reserve Parque National de las Dunas where you can take-in the spectacular undulating sand dunes, shaped and formed by the trade winds from Africa. For water sports enthusiasts and adrenaline-junkies, look no further than Flag Beach which stretches for miles beyond Corralejo. It’s exposed to the warm winds which provide perfect conditions for windsurfing – the most popular sport on the island.

The Worlds Most Expensive Hotel

Ahmed Nasir — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:19:22 +0000

The Atlantis Bridge Suite has the distinction of being the most expensive hotel suite in the world—it’s $25,000 a night. So what do you get for that kind of money? For starters, location, location, location. The Bridge Suite is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Royal Towers buildings, so it overlooks the entire resort and marina.

The ten-room suite is decorated in red, black and gold (lots of gold) and comes with its own butler, bar lounge and entertainment center as well as 12-foot ceilings. The master bedroom has a sitting area, his-and-hers closets, and hand-painted linens. The bathrooms have chaise lounges, marble baths, and dolphin fixtures. For those who are picky about their personal space, there are two separate master bathrooms. The kitchen also has its own entrance so the butler or cook neverbothers you.

The Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone: (888) 528-7155 or (242) 363-3000
Fax: (242) 363-6300

Worlds Oldest Resturant

Ahmed Nasir — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:29:11 +0000

There are plenty of new and modern things in Madrid, Spain, that´s for sure, but did you know that this city also has the oldest restaurant?

Not only in Madrid or even in Spain, but actually in the whole world? No? It seems not many people know that, but it´s true.

And it´s not me who is making that claim. It´s not even the restaurant themselves, which you might have thought was the case.

The fact is actually documented in the Guinness book of World Records. And the restaurant has the award plaque on the wall to prove it.

You´ll find this four story restaurant–which looks more like an inn than a place to eat, actually–near the Plaza Mayor. It´s called Restaurante Botin and it has been serving diners since 1725.

And since they have been in business for 300 years that´s about the best guarantee you´ll get that they are doing something right to keep their customers happy and coming back.

You won´t be disappointed. Check it out on any visit to Madrid, Spain.

San Francisco resident, Ed Walsh, a world traveler says, ¨I had to ask the locals in the Plaza Major where it was because it wasn´t easy to find but when I did find it, I thought it was wonderful. I got to watch the chef doing some of the cooking and I loved the little alcoves dotted all around the restaurant.¨

The Luxury on Road: Hiring a Motor-Home in Johannesburg

Ahmed Nasir — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:10:53 +0000

To discover the hidden facts and obscured pearls of a region; one must stay there for a long time and explore it thoroughly, especially in a city like Johannesburg. This is the largest city in South African and is know for its diversity that is simply marvelous. As Johannesburg is a big city, one can’t just stay in for few days to tour it; it takes a whole lot of time. It is not just Johannesburg; its neighboring cities and areas are too characterized by numerous attractions and breath-taking landscapes.

Johannesburg is also known as Jo’burg or Jozi by the native; the city has a strong historical background and is highly appreciated for its attractions. Johannesburg is visited by tourists of all interests; whether it is an art lover, nature fonder or a person who is taking urban adventures – it is a perfect destination for every real tourist. Interestingly; a vacation in this big city of South Africa is not as expensive; if you’re living in United Kingdom, you have chances to book cheap flights to Johannesburg without doing too much.

Hiring a Motor-Home:

Most tourists tour the city on taxis or buses but according to travel experts, hiring a motor-home in Johannesburg is the most convenient way of traveling. It is indeed the best option for those who are aiming to drive themselves in Johannesburg – imagine touring on a bus-type vehicle that provide every facility a hotel offers; from kitchenettes, toilets to beddings – these vehicles are luxurious and fun. Travelers get to visit anywhere they want to without any hassle and it is good when one is having an opportunity to hire a motor-home without spending too much – it happens only in Johannesburg. Tourists also save their money by booking Johannesburg flights in advance; if you’re planning to save money too, it is advised that you book your flight in advance or just grab an indirect flight.

The best thing about motor-home is that it enables you to save a good amount of money; all these accommodations in the city and the public transportation expenses really become expensive. Thus, you’re advised to choose motor-home and travel the city with ease and comfort. With this vehicle, you will have more fun during your tours; driving through the stunning city suburbs and cruising around the breath-taking landscapes on these will be a tremendous experience.

If you’re aiming to book a motor-home; it is strongly advised that you hire it from a reputable hire agency. Discuss about it with a qualified agent so that you’re aware of safer places to visit via motor-home all by yourself. Following are the highly recommended camping routes and parks by travel experts:

Ngonyama Lion Lodge
Malonjeni Guest Farm
Koppisol Klub Holiday Resort
Bushwillow Tented Camp
Airport En Route

You can do an online research regarding tours in Johannesburg via motor-home; traveling this way would be a great thing to do in the city, especially if it involves a family. Kindly make sure that you book flights to Johannesburg via those airlines which are offering cheaper indirect flights.

Choose Holidays In Lanzarote

Ahmed Nasir — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:33:56 +0000

Lanzarote has been welcoming tourists for more than forty years and it continues to be a popular destination. Chiefly because its weather remains some of the best to be found in Europe.

And as Lanzarote flights are only four hours long from both the UK and most European cities, the island is much more accessible than the Caribbean or the islands in the Indian Ocean. Many people dislike the idea of spending nearly a whole day on a plane.

Due to reasonably strict controls, the island has also been saved from some of the worst aspects of tourist development. The coastline has not been built up, as in some resorts on the Spanish mainland and the other island of the Canarian archipelago.

The newest resort of Playa Blanca has followed in the low key format which dominates, with hotels that are only three floors high. Whilst the vast majority of accommodation comes in the form of Playa Blanca holiday villas, with most modern, airy and spacious in design.

Leading the way is the oldest resort of Puerto del Carmen. As the original holiday town on the island, it has a different mix of accommodation, reflecting the demands of tourists over the years. There is a good range of apartments in the town as well as quality holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen, mostly in the Los Mojones area.

But visitors to Lanzarote are not simply restricted to the resorts as there are numerous other styles of accommodation available. Everything from boutique hotels to Mongolian yurts can be found on this cosmopolitan island.

Part of the reason for this eclectic mixture has to be due to the work of locally born artist, César Manrique. Whose influence on the island’s tourist development has been so profound that it persists to this day, almost twenty years since his death.

His contribution to the island’s culture can be seen in any of the seven attractions he designed. But it also encompasses the invisible, as thanks to his interventions, Lanzarote has no road side bill boards or advertising.

And the building controls which restrict construction to the height of a palm tree are also still in place. It is this type of initiative that has kept the island as pristine as it is, especially when compared with other holiday destinations.

With such a distinctive pedigree it is easy to understand why visitors are still charmed by the island.

Kochi (Cochin) The Queen of Arabian Sea

Ahmed Nasir — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:47:44 +0000

Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 kilometres (137 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It has an estimated population of 600,000, with an extended metropolitan population of about 1.5 million, making it the largest urban agglomeration and the second largest city in Kerala after the capital. Phorograph: A view of the Kochi harbour mouth from Willingdon Island Since 1102 CE, Kochi was the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state which traces its lineage to the Kulasekhara empire. Heralded as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onwards. Ancient travellers and tradesmen referred to Kochi in their writings, variously alluding to it as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, and Cochi. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa became the capital. The city was later occupied by the Dutch, the Mysore and the British. Kochi was the first princely state to willingly join the Indian Union, when India gained independence in 1947. Kochi experienced decades of economic stagnation from independence until 2003, when it entered a period of economic growth, leading to a spurt in the city’s development. A growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade, Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. Like other large cities in the developing world, Kochi continues to struggle with urbanisation problems such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation. Successive waves of migration over the course of several millennia have made Kochi a cultural melting pot. Despite the risk of overdevelopment, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and a blend of tradition and modernity. The Kerala High Court in Ernakulam Name: Theories regarding the etymology of the name “Kochi” are disputed. One suggests that the city’s modern name is derived from the Malayalam word koch azhi, meaning ’small lagoon’. Another version mentions the name as derivative of the Sanskrit word Go shree which means ‘prosperous with cows’. Certain ancient texts refer to the city Balapuri (Sanskrit for ’small town’), which became Cochin in course of time.[4] According to some accounts, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Khubilai Khan gave Cochin the name of their homeland. Yet another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word Kaci meaning ‘harbour’. Certain scholars claim that Cochin is derived from the term Cocha, which is a transfiguration of the Biblical term Cohen.[3] Accounts by Italian explorers Nicolo Conti (15th century), and Fra Paoline in the 17th century say that it was called Kochchi, named after the river connecting the backwaters to the sea. After the arrival of the Portuguese, and later the British, the name Cochin stuck as the official appellation. The city reverted to a closer anglicisation of its original Malayalam name, Kochi, in 1996. However, it is still widely referred to as Cochin. History: Kochi was the centre of Indian spice trade for many centuries, and was known to the Yavanas (Greeks) as well as Romans, Jews, Arabs, and Chinese since ancient times. Kochi rose to significance as a trading centre after the port at Kodungallur (Cranganore) was destroyed by massive flooding of the river Periyar in 1341. The earliest documented references to Kochi occur in books written by Chinese voyager Ma Huan during his visit to Kochi in the 15th century as part of Admiral Zheng He’s treasure fleet. There are also references to Kochi in accounts written by Italian traveller Niccolò Da Conti, who visited Kochi in 1440. The Kingdom of Kochi came into existence in 1102, after the fall of the Kulasekhara empire. The King of Kochi had authority over the region encompassing the present city of Kochi and adjoining areas. The reign was hereditary, and the family that ruled over Kochi was known as the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadappu Swaroopam in the local vernacular). The mainland Kochi remained the capital of the princely state since the 18th century. However, during much of this time, the kingdom was under foreign rule, and the King often only had titular privileges. Fort Kochi in Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Fort Kochi was ruled by Portugal. This Portuguese period was difficult for the Jews installed in the region, since the Inquisition was active in Portuguese India. Kochi hosted the grave of Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, who was buried at St. Francis Church until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. The Portuguese rule was followed by that of the Dutch, who had allied with the Zamorins in order to conquer Kochi. By 1773, the Mysore King Hyder Ali extended his conquest in the Malabar region to Kochi forcing it to become a tributary of Mysore. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the Paliath Achans came to an end during this period. The Vismaya building at InfoPark, Kochi Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the United Provinces signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of Bangka. However, there are evidences of English habitation in the region even prior to the signing of the treaty. In 1866, Fort Kochi became a municipality, and its first Municipal Council election was conducted in 1883. The Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled under the British, in 1896 initiated local administration by forming town councils in Mattancherry and Ernakulam. In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was constituted due to public pressure on the state. Towards the early 20th century, trade at the port had increased substantially, and the need to develop the port was greatly felt. Harbour engineer Robert Bristow was brought to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of Lord Willingdon, then the Governor of Madras. In a span of 21 years, he transformed Kochi as one of the safest harbours in the peninsula, where ships berthed alongside the newly reclaimed inner harbour equipped with a long array of steam cranes. In 1947, India gained independence from the British colonial rule. Cochin was the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly. In 1949, Travancore-Cochin state came into being with the merger of Cochin and Travancore. The King of Travancore was the Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from 1949 to 1956. Travancore-Cochin, was in turn merged with the Malabar district of the Madras State. Finally, the Government of India’s States Reorganisation Act (1956) inaugurated a new state — Kerala — incorporating Travancore-Cochin (excluding the four southern Taluks which were merged with Tamil Nadu), Malabar District, and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara. On 9 July 1960, the Mattancherry council passed a resolution—which was forwarded to the government—requesting the formation of a municipal corporation by combining the existing municipalities of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam. The government appointed a commission to study the feasibility of the suggested merger. Based on its report, the Kerala Legislative Assembly approved the corporation’s formation. On 1 November 1967, exactly eleven years since the establishment of the state of Kerala, the corporation of Cochin came into existence. The merger leading to the establishment of the corporation, was between the municipalities of Ernakulam, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, along with that of the Willingdon Island, four panchayats (Palluruthy, Vennala, Vyttila and Edappally), and the small islands of Gundu and Ramanthuruth. The establishment of several IT and port-based infrastructure lead to large scale construction activity in and around the city. An antique shop showcasing Jewish remnants of Kochi The establishment of several IT and port-based infrastructure lead to large scale construction activity in and around the city. Kochi witnessed economic stagnation in the years following India’s independence. The city’s economic recovery gathered momentum after economic reforms in India introduced by the central government in the mid-1990s. Since 2000, the service sector has revitalised the city’s stagnant economy. The establishment of several industrial parks based on Information technology (IT) and other port based infrastructure triggered a construction and realty boom in the city. Over the years, Kochi has witnessed rapid commercialisation, and has today grown into the commercial capital of Kerala. Geography and climate: Kochi is located on the southwest coast of India at [show location on an interactive map] 9°58′N, 76°13′E, spanning an area of 94.88 square kilometres (36.63 sq mi). The city is situated at the northern end of a peninsula, about 19 kilometres (12 mi) long and less than one mile (1.6 km) wide. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, and to the east are estuaries drained by perennial rivers originating in the Western Ghats. Much of Kochi lies at sea level, with a coastline of 48 km. The current metropolitan limits of Kochi include the mainland Ernakulam, old Kochi, the suburbs of Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the northeast; Tripunithura to the south east; and a group of islands closely scattered in the Vembanad Lake. Most of these islands are very small, varying in extent from six square kilometre to less than a square kilometre (1,500 to less than 250 acres). Soil consists of sediments such as alluvium, teri’s, brown sands etc. Hydromorphic saline soils are also found in the areas surrounding the backwaters. Predominant rock types found here are Archaean-basic dykes, Charnockites and Gneisses. An ecologically sensitive area, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in the central part of the city. It has a wide range of mangrove species and is nesting ground for a vast variety of migratory birds. Certain species of dolphins are also present in the backwaters. Kochi’s proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 20 to 35 °C (68–95 °F) with the record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and record low 17 °C (63 °F). From June through September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives light rain from the northwest monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 274cms (108 in)[20], with an annual average of 132 rainy days. Civic administration: The city is administered by the Kochi Corporation, headed by a mayor. For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 70 wards, from which the members of the corporation council are elected for a period of five years. The Corporation has its headquarters in Ernakulam, and zonal offices at Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Palluruthy, Edappally, Vaduthala and Vyttila. The general administration of the city is handled by the Personnel Department and the Council Section. Other departments include that of town planning, health, engineering, revenue and accounts. The corporation is also responsible for waste disposal, sewage management and the supply of potable water, sourced from the Periyar River. Electricity is provided by the Kerala State Electricity Board. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is the government agency overseeing the development of Kochi. The Kochi City Police is headed by a Police Commissioner, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. It comprises the traffic police, Narcotics Cell, Armed Reserve Camps, District Crime Records Bureau, Senior citizen’s Cell, and a Women’s Cell. It operates 19 police stations functioning under the Home Ministry of State Government. An anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation also operates out of the city. Kochi is the seat of the High Court of Kerala, the highest judicial body in the state. The High Court also has jurisdiction over the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Kochi contributes five seats to the State Assembly, and a seat to the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Indian Parliament. The old Jewish synagogue in Kochi Economy: Kochi is the economic capital of Kerala by volume of trade; though, unlike other South Indian cities, Kochi has been slow to industrialise. In recent years the city has rejuvenated from its economic stagnation and has witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing second-tier metro cities in India. The economy of the city can be classified as a business economy with emphasis on the service sector. Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology (IT), tourism, health services, banking, shipbuilding, and the fishing industry. The economy is mostly dependent on trade and retail activities. As in most of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRI)s is a major source of income. The city also houses Kerala’s only bourse—the Cochin Stock Exchange. Kochi is a major destination for IT and ITES companies, ranked by NASSCOM as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services. Availability of cheap bandwidth through undersea cables and lower operational costs compared to other major cities in India, has been to its advantage. Various technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted InfoPark, Cochin Special Economic Zone and KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park operate in the outskirts of the city. Several new industrial campuses for research, trade and development in biotechnology, electronic hardware and information technology are in various stages of construction in the suburbs of the city. Prominent among them are the Sobha Hi-tech city at Maradu and the SmartCity at Kakkanad, which on completion, would rank among the largest such ventures in the country. The Cochin International Airport is also in the process of setting up an aerotropolis at Nedumbasserry. Eloor, situated 17 kilometres (10.5 mi) north of the city, is the largest industrial belt in Kerala, with more than 250 industries manufacturing a range of products including chemical and petrochemical products, pesticides, rare earth elements, rubber processing chemicals, fertilisers, zinc and chromium compounds, and leather products. Kochi is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, the primary training centre of the Indian Navy. The Cochin Shipyard in Kochi is the largest shipbuilding facility in India. The Cochin fishing harbour, located at Thoppumpady is a major fishing port in the state and supplies fish to local and export markets. To further tap the potential of the all-season deep-water harbour at Kochi, an international cruise terminal and several marinas are being constructed. Exports and allied activities are also important contributors to the city’s economy. The Cochin Port currently handles export and import of container cargo at its terminal at Willington Island. A new international container transshipment terminal—the first in the country—is being commissioned at Vallarpadam.[38] Kochi’s historical reliance on trade continues into modern times, as the city is a major exporter of spices and is home to the International Pepper Exchange, where black pepper is globally traded. The Spices Board of India is also headquartered in Kochi. Kochi also has an oil refinery — the Kochi Refineries Limited (KRL) at Ambalamugal. Central Government establishments like the Coconut Development Board, the Coir Board and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city. Transport: Public transport in the city is largely dependent on private buses. Taxis and autorickshaws (called autos) are available for hire throughout the day. Narrow roads and the mix of vastly differing types of vehicles have made traffic congestion a major problem in the city. A metro rapid transit service, intended to considerably ease congestion, is planned for the city. Because it is one of the safest harbours in the Indian Ocean, Kochi ranks among India’s major seaports. The port, administered by a statutory autonomous body known as the Cochin Port Trust, offers facilities for bunkering, handling cargo and passenger ships and storage accommodation. It also operates passenger ships to Colombo and Lakshadweep. Boat services operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, the State Water Transport Department, and of private ownership are available from various boat jetties in the city. The junkar ferry for the transshipment of vehicles and passengers between the islands are operated between Ernakulam and Vypin, and between Vypin and Fort Kochi. However, with the construction of the Goshree bridges (which links Kochi’s islands), ferry transport has become less essential. The Cochin International Airport, which is about 25 kilometres (15 mi) north of the city, handles both domestic and international flights. It is the largest airport of Kerala, and one of the busiest in India. It is the first international airport in India to be built without Central Government funds. An airport run by the Navy also operates in the city. A third airport, for use by the Indian Coast Guard, is under construction in the suburbs. There is no intra-city rail transport system in Kochi. The inter-city rail transport system in the city is administered by the Southern Railway division of the Indian Railways. There are two main railway stations—the Ernakulam Junction and the Ernakulam Town (locally known as the ‘South’ and ‘North’ railway stations respectively). The railway line connecting these two stations cuts the city longitudinally in two, with two narrow bridges connecting the two halves. Demographics: As of 2001, Kochi had a population of 596,473, with a density of 6850.7 persons per square kilometre. Scheduled castes and tribes comprise 14.3% of the city’s population. The female-to-male ratio is 1,024:1,000, significantly higher than the all-India average of 933:1,000. Kochi’s literacy rate is 94.3%.[42] The female literacy rate lags that of males by 1.1%, amongst the lowest such gaps in India. Kochi’s major religions are Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam; Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Buddhism have smaller followings. Though 47% practise Hinduism, Christianity’s large following (35%) makes Kochi a city with one of the largest Christian populations in India. The majority of residents are Malayalis; however, there are significant ethnic minority communities including Tamils, Gujaratis, Jews, Sikkimese, Anglo-Indians, Konkanis, and Tulus. Malayalam is the main language of communication and medium of instruction, although English is more commonly used in business circles. Hindi and Tamil are widely understood—albeit rarely spoken. Like in other large cities of India, Kochi has a growing slum population. Hundreds of people, mostly comprising migrant labourers who come to the city seeking job prospects, reside in such shabby areas. Like in other large cities of India, Kochi has a growing slum population. Hundreds of people, mostly comprising migrant labourers who come to the city seeking job prospects, reside in such shabby areas. Like other fast-growing cities in the developing world, Kochi suffers from major urbanisation problems, poor sanitation, and unemployment. The city registered an increase of 9.7% in its unemployment rate from 14.8% in 1998 to 24.5% in 2003. Shortage of potable water is a major concern in the city. The situation is aggravated by the threat posed by pollution in industrial areas. The city also has a growing slum-dwelling population. Kochi has a high suicide rate with 32 suicides per lakh, which is three times higher than the national average of 11.2 per lakh. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Kochi has one of highest rates of crime in India—498.6, against the national average of 287.3. However, a survey conducted by The Week, found Kochi to be the safest city in India for women. The Jain temple at Mattancherry Culture: As a result of successive waves of migration over the course of several centuries, the population of the city is a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country. Kochi has a diverse, multicultural, and secular community consisting of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists among other denominations, all living in peaceful co-existence. The city once had a large Jewish community, known as the Malabar Yehuden—and now increasingly as Cochin Jews—that figured prominently in Kochi’s business and economic strata. The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches, has its seat at Ernakulam. Appropriate to its multi-ethnic composition, Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu along with North Indian Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali with great fervour. Christian and Islamic festivals like Christmas, Easter, Eid ul-Fitr and Milad-e-sherif are also celebrated. A merry making fest called the Cochin Carnival is celebrated at Fort Kochi during the last ten days of December. Residents of Kochi are known as Kochiites; they are an important part of the South Indian weltanschauung. However, the city’s culture is rapidly evolving, with Kochiites generally becoming more cosmopolitan in their outlook. The people are also increasingly fashion-conscious, often deviating from the traditional Kerala wear to western clothing. Kochiites generally partake of Keralite cuisine, which is generally characterised by an abundance of coconut and spices. Other South Indian cuisines, as well as Chinese and North Indian cuisines are popular. Fast food culture is also very prominent. Kochi was home to some of the most influential figures in Malayalam literature, including Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, Kesari Balakrishna Pillai, G. Sankara Kurup, and Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon. Prominent social reformers such as Sahodaran Ayyappan and Pandit Karuppan also are from Kochi. Kochiites are known for their enthusiasm in sports, especially cricket and football. The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is one of the largest multi-use stadiums in India. The Regional Sports Centre is an important centre of sporting activity in the city. Education: Schools and colleges in the city are either run by the government or by private trusts and individuals. The schools are each affiliated with either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), or the Kerala State Education Board. English is the medium of instruction in most private schools; though government run schools offer both English and Malayalam. After completing their secondary education, which involves ten years of schooling, students typically enrol at Higher Secondary School in one of the three streams—Arts, Commerce or Science. Upon completing the required coursework, the student can enroll in general or professional degree programmes. The Cochin University is situated in the city. Most of the colleges offering tertiary education are affiliated either with the Mahatma Gandhi University or the Cochin University. Other national educational institutes include the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training, the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, the National Institute of Oceanography and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. Media: Major Malayalam newspapers published in Kochi include Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deshabhimani, Deepika, Kerala Kaumudi and Veekshanam. Popular English newspapers include The Hindu, The New Indian Express and The Pioneer. A number of evening papers are also published from the city. Newspapers in other regional languages like Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu are also sold in large numbers. Being the seat of the Cochin Stock Exchange, a number of financial publications are also published in the city. These include The Economic Times, Business Line, The Business Standard and The Financial Express. Prominent magazines and religious publications like the Sathyadeepam, The Week and Vanitha are also published from the city. Television stations in Kochi include Asianet Cable Vision, India Vision, Kairali TV, Jeevan TV, Amrita TV, JaiHind TV and Manorama News. Satellite television services are available through Doordarshan Direct Plus, Dish TV and Tata Sky. All India Radio has two FM stations in the city, operating at 102.3 MHz and 107.5 MHz. Private satellite radios such as WorldSpace, are also available. There are over twenty cinema halls that screen movies in Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi. A film festival, known as the Cochin International Film Festival (CIFF), is held in the city every year. Kochi has the highest density of telephones in India. Telephony services are provided by various players like Airtel, Idea cellular, Vodafone, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom and the state owned BSNL. [Material and pictures have been used from Kochi, which is in GFDL and therefore this entire article and the pictures on this page are also in GFDL copyrigh]

Mysore Palace India

Ahmed Nasir — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:41:46 +0000

A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with ninety seven thousand bulbs shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city.A priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed Wadiyar Maharajas of Mysore.An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore.

The Mysore Palace is open all days of the week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The palace is illuminated on Sundays, national holidays and state festivals from 7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. The palace is illuminated between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. only during the Dasare festival.If you would like to treat yourself to a private guided tour of the entire palace complex, Mysore Palace Board certified tour guides can be found at the entrance to the palace. The guides will steer you to the highlights of the Mysore Palace at a nominal fee.

Whale Watching Tours

Ahmed Nasir — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:03:29 +0000

Hawaii’s marine scene gets a little more crowded each winter, as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate 3,500 miles from Alaska to the warm South Pacific waters. There’s still time to plan a Hawaii vacation and pay these magnificent creatures a visit — hop a flight to Honolulu, and they’re everywhere to be seen, right offshore. Here are some of the most popular whale-watching tours and vantage points: One popular cruise goes out on Star of Honolulu. This large, state-of-the-art motor yacht can accommodate a few hundred people and is very family friendly. In fact, this season each adult fare gets a FREE child companion fare (lunch option extra). This cruise is 2 ½ hours, departs at noon, and is offered through mid-May in 2010. Atlantis Adventures is one of Hawaii’s best-known marine tour companies. In addition to its famous submarine rides, it operates Navatek lunch cruises out to see the whales in season (through April 11 in 2010). This is a quick, smooth tour appropriate for both families and nervous sailors on a Hawaii vacation — it also runs 2 ½ hours and includes a buffet lunch. Whale sighting is guaranteed or you get to take another trip out for free. For a small-craft whale-watching experience on your Hawaii vacation, locals recommend Wild Side Specialty Tours. Founded by marine biologists, this company brings people not just near the whales, but right alongside them. There’s an educational element to the excursions, which are typically led and narrated by marine biologists. Observation easily intensifies into actual conservation research if that’s something that interests you. Excursions head out to Oahu’s west coast, particularly off Kaena Point. The Premier Whale Watch Deluxe Cruise and Wild Whale Watch Cruise are two more options that are guided by Certified Naturalists and guarantee whale sightings. Whale-watching from land Hawaii vacation

Kaena Point (Photo: Oahu Visitors Bureau) Kaena Point has such a large number of humpbacks; you can often see them without even needing to get in a boat. Hawaii experts recommend hiking the 3 ½-mile Kaena Point Trail in Kaena Point State Park to the remote coastline, where humpbacks can often be seen from shore. Another good coastal trail that provides plenty of whale sightings in season is Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2-mile trail in Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline park, on the southeastern tip of the island. Bring binoculars … and sunblock!

Spend your Family Vacations in Kenya

Ahmed Nasir — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:16:34 +0000

Growing up in the Chicago area as a Kenyan immigrant, we took a family vacation to Kenya almost every year. As a mother of three daughters, ranging from 4 to 15 years old, I continue that tradition — albeit not at the same frequency.

For anyone making this trek with their family, here are my best tips on where to stay and what to do:

Finding fantastic, centrally located hotels can be a challenge when traveling to any country. Upon arrival in Nairobi, we prefer to base ourselves out of the InterContinental Nairobi Hotel. It is centrally located, has the best concierge services, and is well known by any family from more remote areas of Kenya who want to spend time with us.

The hotel offers personalized transfers from the airport, maintains a fantastic repeat client profile, and makes it easy to ensure that we have some of the comforts of home that make a family vacation easy. We have been loyal to this property as long as we have been traveling between the U.S. and Nairobi.

We also spend time at family homes all over Kenya, which are delightful destinations whether or not you have relatives there. Much of our family vacation is spent in Nairobi’s beautiful Lavington community; at a large tea, coffee, and exotic plant farm in Kitale; in the lush green hills of Taita, also known for its waterfalls; and along the stunning Mombasa coastline.

Mombasa, in particular, is an excellent place to base yourself during a family vacation. We love the Serena Beach Hotel. It is beautiful inside and out. A true hotspot, this hotel offers excellent amenities, childrens activities, and some of the best service in the area. Besides beauty, Mombasa also offers convenience: There are many local shops, with some of the items that you might want to grab for diaper bags, backpacks, etc., before venturing further into the countryside.

Nairobi’s Wilson Airport will have local car and air travel for hire to many of the country’s game preserves. You can keep this private to your family, or share the services through one of the local tour company excursions obtainable from your hotel concierge.

For those interested in including a Safari tour on your family vacation, there are many that offer a variety of parks and wild game, for your wildlife photo journey. These allow you to spend any number of days visiting some of the most exotic places throughout Kenya. These are family friendly, have filtered water resources on site at most of the game parks, and allow even more adventurous activities, like sunrise balloon tours, rafting and photo-hunting.

You can experience a taste of the wild game for dinner and enjoy great wine at Nairobi’s Carnivore Restaurant, located on the local game preserve in Nairobi.

Schedule time on your family vacation for camping and fishing on a side trip to Mufangano Island, in the heart of Lake Victoria. This is great fun, as you can secure a boat, fishermen and guides who make this fun and exciting for children.

After a family vacation like this one, your children are sure to leave speaking a bit of Swahili and talking about some great adventures for years to come.

By Carolyne Matseshe-Crawford

Cheap Car Deals

Ahmed Nasir — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:22:04 +0000

It is not easy to find a perfect place to get a cheap car hire. There are unlimited websites available to satisfy your needs. You must familiar with the sites, because a lot of fake sites there to cheat you. Find a right place to hire cars is too easy with us. We are comparing tons and tons of suppliers, car brokers to make a right deal for you. We will bargain with them and reduce the amount as much as possible. If you search outside you can know that there is no site offers as we do. If you are looking for a luxury car at Edinburgh then you have a plenty of options outside. You can select luxury cars for your journey. We have cars from Volkswegan, Ford, BMW, Jaguar, Toyota, and all the leading cars. At edinburgh, you catch our cars anywhere from the town. We have a plenty of cars all over the city. And if you haven’t visited Southampton then register our site. Our car hire suppliers will provide a nice journey for you. You can make use of our services while traveling. Get the additional benefits from the suppliers. Come and visit online for more details.