India's Kochi Backwaters

If there's one greatest contribution India has in the world is it's backwaters. They are the only place in the globe where you can find this unique water landmark. Tagged as "Queen of Arabian Sea", Kochi or Cochin receive millions of visitors every year. Being Kerala's industrial and commercial capital, it's ports where the busiest from the transport of goods to every hour cruises of tourists in and around the metropolis. A cluster of islands surrounding Vembanad Lake, it is a picturesque port in ancient times putting Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and British a good setting for trade and commerce.

Due to this, these foreign traders leave their own heritage in the island. One of which is Bolghatty Palace, a panoramic Dutch Palace that has a nice golf course and green lawns. Chinese also embarked their legacy by introducing their fishing nets which is only found in Fort Kochi. Aside from this, there's also Willingdon Island, a large man-made island which comprises of sand and dredged to the backwaters that will deepen the Kochi Port. There is also the Elephant Training Center in which you will see elephants in action.

You can enjoy the serenity of this place as it has no pubs or nightlife. Instead, wines are served in the hotel lobbies but if you want to have a taste of their local wine, you can have it in little shops located in the city. So spend your vacation the Indian way and go to Kochi backwater. This is another one great chance we shouldn't dare to miss.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/indias-kochi-backwaters-386018.html

Luxury Trains in India

Make traveling special and original, away from the hackneyed railway travel of everyday life. Shake hands with luxury herself as you gift yourself an experience of a lifetime – travel on one of the luxury trains in India. Quintessence of opulence and style, the luxury trains in India are delights to be in, honestly.

The palace on wheels is arguably the best option for luxury trains in India. Having started its services on 26th January 1982, the palace on wheels, India resulted as an initiative of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways. Covering Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur and Agra, it escorts you to the prime tourist attractions of India - Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, Amber Fort, Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, the Lotus temple, the India Gate Jantar Mantar, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Bulund Darwaza are among the many destinations of the palace on wheels.

The coaches of the palace on wheels are almost palace chambers incarnate. Centrally air conditioned, the fourteen plush bogies, each named after a former Rajput state (Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Sirohi, Alwar, Bundi, Dungarpur, Kishangarh, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur), are absolute pleasures to be in. The facilities meeted out here are reminiscent of the regal lifestyle of the Rajputs. You can avail of the following:

• Attached toilets
• Channel music
• Intercom
• Running hot and cold water
• Shower
• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Satellite phones

The furniture and furnishings in each of these splendid coaches of one of the finest luxury trains in India are epitomes of lavishness and luxury. The rich colors, the lush cushions and the royal furniture give a regal feel to the setting.

You can step into the two restaurants cum kitchen cabins of the palace on wheels called the Maharaja and the Maharani serving authentic Rajasthani, Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. A well stocked cellar ensures top quality wine, liquor and spirits from India and the world.

You will be delighted to spot some of the loveliest art pieces and handiwork specimens that are on display at the various State Govt. owned Emporia in the different locations that are touched by the palace on wheels, India.

Some of the other amenities provided by the palace on wheels are as follows:

• Indoor games
• Medical assistance
• Luggage Collection
• ATM
• Mail box
• Toiletries
• Facilities for the disabled.

The Rajput hospitality, the royal services and the aura of the coaches in the Palace on Wheels will surely give you the feel of being treated like the prince himself.

Besides the palace on wheels, some of the other luxury trains in India that offer similar high profile majestic services to the passengers are as follows:

• Deccan Odyssey
• Heritage on Wheels
• Fairy Queen
• India on Wheels
• Great Indian Royal Express

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/luxury-trains-in-india-327768.html

About the Author:
This article is written by Jadiete Collins who is a famous writer at Palace on Wheels. www.palaceonwheel.com gives detailed information regarding one of the best luxury trains in India.

Top 10 Tips For Visiting Egypt

By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here's my top 10 tips if you are considering holidays in Egypt

1. Consider your dress. Egypt is a largely Muslim country and with this in mind, men and women should consider what they wear. You certainly do not have to be over the top, lets face it, it's a hot climate. But you should avoid shorts and short sleeved shirts. Women may also want to consider taking a head scarf too, not for general use, but just in case they visit particularly important temples etc.

2. Pens. Offer a child an Egyptian pound or a pen and they will take the pen every time. Pens for children are like gold-dust. So if you want to give the kids a treat, pack a box of cheap pens and give them out whenever you get the chance. Do note though, that you need to do this not too openly as if you don't you may have a very good natured riot on your hands as kids will appear out of nowhere when you start handing them out.

3. Toilet Paper. Toilet paper is often at a premium at historical sites and so it's a really good idea to take a roll out of your hotel and take it in your back whenever you are out for the day. It should also be noted here that toilets at many historical sites are not of a "western standard" so arranging toilet visits in hotels, restaurant stops etc is not a bad idea.

4. Water. Like with any other hot climates, you should look to take plenty of water with you on your days out and make sure it's sealed of course.

5 Avoid Ice / Salads etc. This related partly to number 4. People generally know not to drink non bottled water (to avoid possible upset stomachs), but often they over look that ice is frozen water and that salads have often been washed in water. Keep these things in mind when ordering food and drinks.

6 Take small notes. If you are going to tip, it's a good idea and it avoids embarrassment to change up some bigger notes for a number of 1 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes

7 Be Strong. This applies to people begging. Egypt is a relatively financially poor country and with that comes the fact that people (children and adults) will beg. This is obviously a very personal issue, but obviously it's possible to personally sort out all of Egypts financial problems. So feel free to help out where you can and when you feel comfortable, but realise, it's just not possible to give to everyone who asks.

8 When in Rome. This again partly relates to tip 1. You are ultimately holidaying in a more reserved country and therefore you need to just think about things like public shows of affection. Obviously we want you to have a good time, just be respectful to a different culture and you'll be just fine.

9 Haggle. As a tourist, when you buy almost anything, anywhere, the price will be marked up. You therefore HAVE to bargain your socks off. We generally suggest offering a maximum of 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price and work up. If you can do it, you are even better to not offer a price at all, but just keep saying no and let them lower the price. The best tip is to just keep saying no until the person selling stops and lets you walk. At that point, you just won't get a better price and then you have the option to go back and say – OK, I'll take it at that price !

10 Baksheesh. If you do not know what this is, by the end of your holidays you will ! Baksheesh is a tip in Egypt for just about anything. From carrying your bags at the airport to offering to have a picture with you or showing around a tomb. So just be aware. If you chose to pay (it's completely optional) pay with the smallest bills / nots possible (1 LE will be just fine).

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Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Egypt Specialists.

Get scuba diving qualified while holidaying in Thailand

By: Andy Burrows

So, you've finally booked that exotic holiday to Thailand and now you're thinking about doing something really different? Why not get your PADI Open Water certification? It takes just a few days and will open up a whole new underwater world to you.

You'll find PADI is the most widely available certification with just a handful of shops offering NAUI and SSI certifications. There are dive shops all over Thailand, in places like Phuket, Khao Lak, Chumpon, Hua Hin, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangnan, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Phi Phi, Krabi and more.

Some dive shops are tied to resorts while many are their own businesses. You can do your PADI Open Water paperwork in your home country before you arrive and do your checkout dives in Thailand, or do the whole course in Thailand. You also have the choice of doing your checkout dives by daytrip or from a liveaboard vessel.

Where you go to take your course depends on what your preferences are. Each location has its own attractions and if you plan to spend more time above the water than below it, you might want to choose your destination for its other offerings. Likewise, not all dive shops or instructors are of the same quality.

You'll want to visit several dive shops where you are staying and meet the instructor that you would have if you did your Open Water course there. If English is not your native language, you may find a dive shop with an instructor speaking Dutch, French, Italian, etc. Dive shops in the more popular diving areas provide instruction and exams in several languages.

Equipment standards vary between shops as well. You'll want to make sure that the equipment is not too old and that it has been well maintained and stored, as well as cleaned properly. For instance, regulators go in your mouth and they should be well cleaned between users. Additionally, most people urinate in their wetsuits and these should be cleaned after each dive. All equipment must be cleaned of salt water or the crystallization can damage it.

Poorly maintained regulator, BCDs and dive computers can malfunction and cause a serious accident that may even lead to your death. Likewise, a poorly trained dive instructor or one who does not take his or her job seriously can get you killed too.

One of the most popular places to take PADI courses in Thailand is Koh Tao, known for its cheap diving and abundance of dive shops, and within easy reach of Samui. You'll have plenty of choices here and would be wise to take your time and visit as many shops as possible. Koh Tao is a good place to learn how to dive and to proceed through Advanced, Rescue Diver, Divemaster/Master Scuba Diver, and Instructor courses.

However, this island is not recommended for fun, recreational dives as the visibility and quality of the reefs is relatively poor. Koh Tao is most popular with young backpackers, although there are a few resorts for those who do not enjoy this scene. Phi Phi offers a similar scene on a smaller scale with better diving.

For quality diving, it's best to go to Phuket or Khao Lak, where you have easy access to the Similan Islands. These nine islands are part of Phang Nga province and located within a marine national park. They are pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in the world and the dive spots are some of the best in the world. Colourful reefs and boulder formations are a plus, with a variety of coral and marine life. Visibility is also good, varying from 30 to 50m.

The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you've completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand, usually with diving courses on Phuket. Note that in mind that the Similans are closed during the low season due to unfavourable boating and diving conditions. Additionally, sites have depths well past the recreational limit of 40m and some may have currents. It's advisable that you take courses past Open Water to become a stronger diver and be permitted to dive to the limit.

There are diving courses on Samui as well, and plenty of dive operators offering all levels of diving courses on Phuket, even a few in Krabi. In fact you'll find scuba courses in Pattaya, Koh Chang and other places, but with less choice of date flexibility.

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Andy Burrows rates Thailand as one of his favourite adventure destinations. His recommends websites are:
www.1stoppkrabi.com">1stop Krabi and Phi Phi
www.1stopsamui.com">1stop Samui

Top 5 Cities to see during a holiday in China

By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in China during your holiday.

1.Shanghai is a magnificent city whose culture changes almost before your very eyes. The City has reshaped itself since the market restrictions have been lifted and offers a new and inspirational atmosphere.

The Bund (Zhongshan Road) has remained virtually unchanged and is instantly recognised as one of the famous landmark waterfronts in Shanghai for many, many years.

There are various temples and gardens within Shanghai, some of them in the past were left unattended which enabled the forces of nature to reclaim them. These temples and gardens have since been restored and have now become tourist attractions from people all over the world.

Like Any major city, Shanghai has a very impressive sky line. One of the buildings which is a must to see is the stunning Oriental Pearl TV Tower. If you have the chance it is worth visiting one of the upper observation platforms to capture a magnificent view over the whole of the city.

In my opinion Shanghai should be totally avoided in the Chinese New Year; as the city comes to a full standstill and public transport becomes a complete nightmare. During the rest of winter there are fewer tourists and better deals in the hotels.

Summer is obviously the peak season and it can become hot and humid. September to November is a good time to visit as there are many festivals and fairs of great interest to witness.

2. Beijing is the capital city of China. The city has fantastic historical places of interest which are embraced in beautiful surroundings. The Forbidden City is the largest and well looked after ancient structure.
There is also the beautiful Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace where the Emperor would escape from the rest of the world. One pleasant surprise was a beautiful boat made completely of marble on which the Emperor indulged himself in the stunning surroundings.
Another major attraction is the Ming tombs and of course the Badling Wall (Great Wall) which is worth climbing to see the beautiful views.

3. This ancient city Xian, is surrounded by the city wall in this area there are 4 main attractions. There is the Great Islamic Mosque, The Bell Tower, The Drum Tower and the Provincial Museum.

Goose Pagoda, a fantastic example of stunning architecture and a definite must see.
The temples in Xian are Buddhist and Taoism temples.
If you are more of a scenic lover then the Huashan mountain is the place for you. It is one of 4 mountains in China.

Of course you cannot go to China without visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The pure magnitude of the 3 separate viewing pits are well worth seeing.

4. Guilin was a personal favourite for me, from the moment I stepped out of the airport, it was evening and everything was gloriously lit up with colourful neon lights.
All of the traditional landscape Chinese paintings that I have seen must have been inspired by this idyllic place. My lasting memories are of the stunningly beautiful caves which all have secrets and which the guide was only too eager to share with me. The only more stunning thing than all of this was to be able to see it from above on a cable car.

5 Hong Kong. Aberdeen, is one of Hong Kong Island's main attractions. It is interesting to see the junks in which people live and fish the clear blue water.

Ocean Park is like an upgrade of many Sealife centres. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do including Atoll Reef, performing animals, a roller coaster, etc.

Stanley is more a place for the woman with it's bustling shops and markets, a perfect place for the shopaholic.
By far the best beach in Hong Kong is at Repulse Bay but be warned it can get pretty hectic at weekends.

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Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in China Specialists

Hotels In Amsterdam

By: Steve Elworthy

Amsterdam - the capital city of the Netherlands is situated in the south of the province North Holland. Amsterdam (name literally meaning Amstel dam) was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village.

Hostels in the city of Amsterdam ( http://www.amsterdam-hotels-deals.net ) are readily available for the visitors and locals. One can easily find different advertisements placed around the streets for their convenience. To further enlighten you with the hotel classification system, it will be interesting to learn that all Dutch hotels use the same system of stars: the Dutch Hotel Classification. The stars are shown on a dark red shield, clearly visible outside by the hotel's entrance. One star is the minimum, five stars the maximum. And thus, stars in a travel guide or map will therefore make it easier to expect the type of serviced rendered and facilities provided.

Insist on a room on the 10th floor or higher for the most striking views of the active harbor, dotted with ferries, cruise ships, small boats and cranes. When your eyes finally focus on the contemporary interior, you'll notice a comfortable bed, a navy blue couch under the window and an electric kettle for coffee or tea. The décor picks up on the facade's striped motif: gray wall-to-wall carpeting, lined beige curtains and thinly striped ivory-and-brown nightstands.

Though is small but resourceful, built in spotless white-tile surfaces and bright halogen lighting. The shower stand offers good pressure and instant hot water with towels though small, but downy and bleach white.

Wi-Fi free of cost is available, and two computers are available in the lobby. Also well-resourced gym and spa are present on the mezzanine level. Silk Road – an Asian-leitmotif restaurant, with its trendy décor and a miscellaneous menu of Indian, Indonesian and Thai meals, plus other international cuisine provides a good service. Though not cheap but it offers a generous buffet of pastries, fruits, cereals, cheeses, meats and an omelet bar.

Amsterdam persists on an avant-garde and laid-back lifestyle, sustaining affordable options comparative to other European capitals, from posh restaurants to free cultural events.

The common complaint about Amsterdam's budget hotels is that they're either too secluded, or too close to the noisy Central Station. One exception is the family-owned 36-room Hotel Aalborg. Recently refurbished hotelpresent in midst of the Pijp, It's also two blocks from the excellent Albert Cuyp market, where 300-plus stalls offer bargains on everything from furniture to Dutch delicacies. Double rooms start at 69 euros, about 94 dollar at 1.36 dollar to the euro, including breakfast.

Mövenpick's latest hotel, a 408-room high-rise sited on Amsterdam's busy harbor, is a wonderful place to stay, indeed. Designed by the Dutch firm Claus en Kaan, the hotel has a 20-story exterior striped in alternating bands of glass, white concrete and green granite. Though not quite in the Amsterdam city center, it is located on the water's edge, between the new Muziekgebouw concert hall and the Passenger Terminal buildings. Interestingly, It's also a smoke-free hotel which is a new concept in the city.

Amsterdam American Hotel - one of the most captivating monuments in Amsterdam is this whimsical, castle-like mix of Venetian Gothic and Art Nouveau, which has been both a prominent landmark and a popular meeting place for Amsterdammers since 1900. It has been constructed by architect Willem Kromhout (1864-1940), with the depiction of a new simplification of the earlier, heavily ornamented neo-Gothic style of Amsterdam architecture. With an exterior of turrets, arches, and balconies, in accordance with the regulations of the National Monument Care Office, the interior of the hotel is contemporary and stylish; though garish it seems, too, at times. Rooms are splendidly furnished, and while some have a view of the Singelgracht, others enjoy kaleidoscopic Leidseplein. The location of the hotel is one of the best in town. The famous Café Américain is one of the most stylish diner in Europe. There is also the Bar & Lounge Américain, which has a closed-in terrace looking out on Leidseplein.

For more information about Hotels in Amsterdam visit: http://www.amsterdam-hotels-deals.net/amsterdam/Hotels-In-Amsterdam/index.aspx

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Steve Elworthy hosts www.amsterdam-hotels-deals.net and expresses his passion for hotels through writing and discussion. He works for www.ixs.net

Spas in Saigon

By: Linh Le Dieu

If you're on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo or Osaka, the plane is probably full. Observe your fellow passengers and you'll note that, along with the usual crowd of businessmen in suits, there are scores of Japanese women toting overstuffed carry-on bags. Thanks to Japanese press reports about Ho Chi Minh City's great shopping bargains, the city has become a hot destination for young Japanese women eager to shop, sightsee and relax.

Relax in Ho Chi Minh City? While the city may seem anything but peaceful, some local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in the chaos. They reasoned that after a hard day of shopping and touring, visitors were in desperate need of rejuvenation. What was missing was a spa.

Women only

With its high ceilings, polished wood trim and glittering chandelier, the front room of the Saigon Spa resembles the lobby of a swank boutique hotel. Upon entering, guests are met by young women in Chinese-style cotton blouses and skirts, who usher them into an airy waiting room where they are served cups of scented herbal tea that is said to stimulate blood circulation. From there, customers can proceed to the herbal saunas, a Jacuzzi strewn with rose petals, or various screened massage rooms. The place smells divine.

"We use more than 10 kinds of fresh herbs in the Jacuzzi that we buy from the market," says Miyuki Wada, Saigon Spa's manager. "The Japanese boss went to s traditional sauna in Cambodia and was inspired to operate in this way."

Customers can choose to be massaged with ginger oil or lemongrass, have themselves slathered in Deal Sea mud, or coated in fresh papaya pulp. Many customers - 80 percent of whom are Japanese - opt for the works the Blissful Day package takes six hours, costs US$110, and involves a shower and herbal steam bath, a body scrub, a Dead Sea mud wrap, an aromatherapy massage, a dip in the b=herbal spa, a collagen facial treatment, a manicure and pedicure, foot reflexology, a paraffin hand treatment and a snack.

Catering only to women, this Japanese-Vietnamese joint venture opened in February 2002.

Secret Garden

Spa Tropic opened a month later, in March 2002. Run by Thuy Do, a Vietnamese-American woman, this spa is both smaller and more low-key than the Saigon Spa. Set in an old French villa down a small lane off busy Hai Ba Trung Street, it feels like a well-kept secret. "It's a nice surprise for people who do find it," says Ms. Thuy. International expats and Japanese tourists comprise most of the clientele.

With its white alls and simple furnishings, Spa Tropic has a spare, Zen-like vibe, complete with a tint Japanese-style garden. "I chose a villa to give it character and make it distinctly Vietnamese", says Ms. Thuy. "I wanted a fresh, contemporary and clean look."

Customers don loose clothes and lie on futons on the floor for their massages, choosing between deep-tissue Swedish massage and a more vigorous style of Thai - inspired Shiatsu. An hour-long massage costs US$22.

All of the aromatherapy and massage oils are imported, although Ms. Thuy plans to incorporate some traditional Vietnamese medicinal plants into her treatments. One new body scrub employs powdered rau ma - a herb typically steeped to make a cooling drink - mixed with soy milk to cool, soothe and exfoliate the skin. This scrub is followed by a light massage with lemongrass and kafir-lime oils.

Beauty Cures

The newest beauty spot in town is Qi Saigon, a large spa near the airport that uses products from the Label Qi, an offshoot of the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido. "It's the same company but more luxurious," explains manager Mai Thu Phuong. Ms. Phuong estimates that 70 percent of Qi's customers are Japanese.

With 100 staff and separate floors for men and women, Qi Saigon is the city's biggest spa. The ground floor features a hair salon while the top floor houses a bar. In contrast to the old-fashioned Asian vibe of its competitors, Qi is sleekly modern. Pale pink decor, curved walls, glass blocks, mirrors and polished chrome equipment give customers the sense that they're patients in an upscale medical clinic.

The emphasis here is on skin treatments. Along with massages, Qi offers facial treatments said to reduce the effects of aging, whiten the skin, and reduce acne. Hour-long facials cost US$33 to US$63.

While Japanese visitors and expats now account for most of these spa's customers, it's only a matter of time before this trend catches on among stressed-out Vietnamese urbanites. "High-income Vietnamese are exploring different options, but many still focus on beauty instead of health and relaxation", reports Ms. Thuy of Saigon Tropic. As the pressures of urban life continue to take their toll, it's not just tired tourists who'll be willing to splurge on spa treatments. After all, a few blissful hours of being pampered can feel like a mini vacation.

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For more information about travel in Vietnam, visit Vietnam Travel - A complete guide for your travel in Vietnam