Jamaica has got all the Caribbean holiday stereotypes and everything is in their proper places. Its coastline boasts of the one of the best white sand beaches, with palm trees along their fringes. It is definitely the picture-perfect setting for your dream Caribbean holiday. Of course, there are the ramshackle bars by the beachfront where you will get a treat of jerk chicken while the familiar Bob Marley music is being played in the background.

Going inland, you will discover the other aspects of the island’s natural treasures – soaring mountains with lush and verdant vegetation, hidden waterfalls and sprawling banana plantations. Jamaica is actually a complete holiday package. On top of the usual treats that we want to experience and enjoy during our holiday break in the Caribbean, this exotic and charming island paradise features a diverse range of world-class hotels, guest houses, villas and inns. The lively and colorful local life and its rich history and culture are among the other reasons why you will surely love to spend more of your time in Jamaica.

History

It comes as no surprise when we wax lyrical when it comes to the things that we love about Jamaica. This famous North Caribbean island resort is perfect for sun worshippers and those who enjoy engaging with the locals. Jamaica has been the favorite destination of holidaymakers for centuries.

This exotic Caribbean island started out as an exclusive watering hole of the moneyed class. In the past, Jamaica can only be accessed by an elite circle of wealthy individuals and the privilege to experience and enjoy the pristine tropical treats of the island is reserved only to a few individuals. Today, the western and northern coastlines are now bristling with a lot of fun activities. The island’s natural attractions gradually absorbed commercial activities, although such developments to cope with the demands of the growing tourism industry have not spoiled the natural allure of the Caribbean island.

The island’s name was derived from the term “xaymaca” of the Arawak Indians, the pre-colonial inhabitants in region. There are only a few traces of the ancient culture that remain and after the discovery of the island in 1494 by Christopher Columbus, Jamaica came under the rule of Spain for the next 150 years and then followed by Great Britain for another 300 years. Jamaica became an independent state in 1962. It is now known for its elegant mix of various cultures and while it is predominantly African due to the influx of imported slaves during the Spanish and British rule, its local traditions and culture remain strong and pervasive in the daily routines of the locals.

Major Attractions and Things to Do

When it comes to your typical holiday in Jamaica, the experience evokes scenes involving rum, reggae music, bobsleighing and Bob Marley. Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica located on the southern coast, is normally the center of all action and fun activities for holidaymakers. The city hosts some of the best and topnotch hotels and other accommodations in this part of the Caribbean. It is also the best destination for fine dining, topnotch entertainment fare and upscale shopping options.

The main tourist attractions are found on the northwest part of the island, which is incidentally the favorite destination of beach lovers. Montego Bay is easily the most popular beach resort in Jamaica and your Jamaican holiday is not complete if it is not included in your itinerary. Jamaica also offers some of the best hiking trails in all of the Caribbean and among the best choices are Port Antonio and Ocho Rios. Adrenaline junkies should also check out the hiking trails at Mandeville, which is perched at about 610 meters above sea level.

Jamaica also offers a diverse choice of historical sites to visit, and these include the fascinating set of Jamaican churches that were built during the 19th century by imported slaves and local residents. In addition to these important religious landmarks, Jamaica also hosts several 17th century ancient houses and fortifications, some of these historical landmarks were restored to museum standards while others remain in their ruinous state.

Among the must-see tourist attractions in Jamaica are the Bob Marley Museum and Bob Marley Mausoleum, Kingston’s Spanish Town, Rose Hall, Marine Park at Montego Bay, Dunn’s River Falls, Green Grotto Caves and Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios and the site of the Blue Lagoon movie, which is located just a few miles from Port Antonio.

Weather

Jamaica is a popular holiday destination because of its tropical climate, and the Jamaican weather is typically hot all year round, although low temperature ranges prevail in the central highlands of Jamaica. Wet season in this paradise Caribbean island is generally characterized by brief and scattered precipitation during the months from May to November. The rainiest period is usually during the months of September and October.
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Trinidad and Tobago achieves a seamless fusion of contrasting beauty. Trinidad is known for its frenzied activities while Tobago is more focused on amazing resorts and stunning beaches. The islands are popular archipelagic tourist destinations and occupy the southern region of the Caribbean Sea, on the northeastern side of Venezuela and just a few nautical miles from Guyana and the island of Barbados.

History

The Arawaks and Caribs were the early settlers in the island of Trinidad, and they were the only inhabitants in the island until 1498, the year when Christopher Columbus arrived in the island and named it La Isla de la Trinidad, in honor of the Holy Trinity. Spanish explorers followed the route charted by Columbus and converted the island as the veritable source of Native American slaves. They were herded on ships and forced to work in the new Spanish colonies in South America.

Spain did not really give much attention and value to the island of Trinidad, save for its being a reliable source of slave labor. Trinidad lacks gold ore and other precious minerals. It was only in 1592 that the first Spanish settlement in the island, San Josef, was established, which was located on the eastern side of the present-day Port of Spain. And for the next 2 centuries, the island continued to be the destination for the slave labor which was imported by both Spain and France from West Africa. These slaves from the African continent toiled the cacao and tobacco plantations in the island of Trinidad.

Trinidad was placed under the control of British forces in 1797 and slave labor was finally abolished in 1834. This development prompted the British forces to tap indentured labor from India and replaced the thousands of African slaves that abandoned the cocoa and tobacco plantations in the island. The indentured labor was used by the British for their cane fields and essential services of the colony. The labor system persisted for 100 years from the time that the British forces abolished slave labor.

Tobago’s history took a different path, although it was also discovered by Columbus and fell under the control of Spain. The island only became a colony of Great Britain when Charles I chartered the island in favor of the Earl of Pembroke in 1628. Several nations took notice of this development and started to initiate their own moves to colonize the island.

It was during the 17th century that the island fell under the control of the Dutch, French, and English and, for a brief period of time, by the Courlanders or Latvians of the present time. Tobago was declared neutral territory in 1704, and this signaled the entry of pirates and marauders who used the island as their Caribbean base when raiding the ships that passed by this sea route. A colonial administration for the island was finally established by the British in 1763 and in the next 2 decades, slave labor was tapped to operate the indigo, cotton and sugar plantations in the island.

The plantation economy of Tobago floundered after the abolition of slavery. However, rum and sugar industry still remained until the British firm that had controlling ownership of the business went bankrupt in 1884.

Major Attractions and Things to Do

There is a diverse set of attractions and important destinations in the idyllic islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is the larger tourist resort between the two islands and is home to nearly 90 percent of holiday resort’s overall population. Holidaymakers heading to this part of the Caribbean will find most of the fun activities and top tourist destinations in the island of Trinidad, with Port of Spain as the main hub and jump-off point for most holiday activities and attractions.

The northern part of Trinidad, which includes the capital city Port of Spain, is the popular converging area of tourists and holidaymakers. It is generally the urban center of the island, although it also boasts of some of the best beaches and verdant rainforest areas in all of Trinidad. Towards the southern region of the island lies San Fernando, the island’s second city. It is nestled around the renowned San Fernando Hill and is one of the top attractions in this part of the island. Other popular cities in Trinidad include Point Lisas, Point Fortin, Pointe-a-Pierre and Arima.

While it is considered to be more laidback than Trinidad, the island of Tobago regularly draws a significant number of visitors and holidaymakers from the adjacent island of Trinidad. It covers an area that stretches from Pigeon Point all the way to Bon Accord Lagoon. The fun and excitement happens at Buccoo Reef, which is an amazing expanse of coral formations and acclaimed to be the best pick in the Caribbean when it comes to scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition to this, one gets to enjoy other water-based activities and attractions in the island of Tobago.

Tourists can also spend their day on pleasure cruises that cover the coastline of Tobago as well as other popular island destinations. This is definitely a must if you want to experience the natural allure of the island’s coastline while catching schools of dolphins cavorting in the azure waters of the Caribbean. And if you want a taste of the rich history of this rustic island resort, then the eastern part of Plymouth should be the ideal choice. This is where you will literally get a taste of the historic sugar plantations of the island of Tobago.

Top historical attractions and landmarks in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago include Fort George, Fort Picton and Fort Chacon. There are also impressive historical structures with religious significance and these include the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the biggest Mosque in the island, which is located in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago is also the dream destination for those who want to commune with nature and among the top eco-tourism destinations in the islands are the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Little Tobago island’s Seabird sanctuary, Buccoo Reef, Argyle Waterfall and Grafton Caledonia Wildlife.

Weather

Because of the southerly location of Trinidad and Tobago, the temperature range has less variance for most parts of the year and the average temperature is around 80 degrees and average humidity is about 75 percent. The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have 2 distinct climatic conditions – the wet season, which happens in June to December and dry season, which happens in December to May.

The high season for the islands of Trinidad and Tobago happens in January to March and reaches its peak in February. If you are planning to spend your holiday vacation in Trinidad and Tobago during this period, it is best that you make your bookings and travel arrangements well ahead of time. SB

The Maldives boasts of some 26 natural atolls and more than 1,000 islands which are known for their white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. The Maldives, as a premier tourist destination, is a late bloomer. It only began during the 70s, although it is now the most dominant and important industry of the country. The tourism business of Maldives primarily targets the high end segment of the market, and this is the main reason why it is usually one of the leading choices when it comes to upscale and exclusive holiday options for the rich and the famous.

History

The Maldives was originally inhabited by Hindus and Buddhists from India in 500 BC. It was eventually converted into a Muslim territory during the 11th century and subsequent attempts by Portugal to introduce Christian faith were resisted by the natives. The islands became a protectorate territory of the British during the 20th century until it gained its full independence in 1965.

The islands’ modernization thrust was primarily spearheaded by Maumoon Gayoom, the president of Maldives from 1978 up to 2008. Gayoom, whose hold to the presidency remained virtually unchallenged during his incumbency, made some significant concessions and paved the way for a more democratic space which led to the conduct of a free and clean electoral process in 2008. Mohamed Nasheed, a long time opposition leader and political dissident, won the presidency following a run-off during the 2008 presidential election.

Major Attractions and Things to Do

The Maldives is the perfect mecca for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Maldives beckons with its majestic, monumental and natural splendor. There are more than 1,000 islands and of which 200 of these island are inhabited. Vacationers can chill out and engage in a wide range of outdoor activities along the palm-laced beachfronts or participate in various water sport activities like scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and underwater coral watching.

Addu Atoll – This is one of the most popular attractions of Maldives and is located on the southernmost end of this tropical island group. Addu Atoll is the most important destination of diving enthusiasts, especially those who want to go underwater coral watching. Holidaymakers can also go on a thrilling bike ride along the modern road link between Hithadhoo, which the second city of Maldives, and the Equator Village resort of Gan.

Hulhumalé - Hulhumalé is a man-made island which can be accessed by holidaymakers by taking a ferry ride from Malé. This paradise island resort is expected to become the future tourism hub of the Maldives, as it is generally about 2 meters above sea level, and by Maldives standards, this man-made island can already be considered mountainous.

Malé – This is the Maldives’ bustling capital city and the center of tourist activities in this idyllic tropical island group. This is where you will experience Maldives charm and meet the locals on equal footing. During your visit to Malé, it is important that you include in your day itinerary the elegant Hukuru or Friday Mosque, which is a 17th century coral stone structure, and the Grand Friday Mosque which is just a short walk from the coral stone mosque. The Grand Friday Mosque is known for its iconic golden dome and it is open to tourists outside of the prayer time of the Muslims. Another important attraction in Malé is the National Museum. This famous Maldives landmark encapsulates the rich history and culture of the island group and houses some of the most important artifacts of Maldives, including the palanquins and thrones of the Sultan. The National Museum is located in the Sultan’s Park, which is the “green space” of Malé.

Your Maldives holiday experience is not complete if you don’t spend some time at the capital city’s fish market. The busy fish market mirrors the teeming economic activity that pervades within Malé. Holidaymakers come in droves to this place along the waterfront to sample the fresh catch of the day, which is usually gutted right before their eyes.

Weather

The Maldives boasts of a tropical and warm weather all year round. During the wet season, you will still experience temperature averages between the high 20s and low 30s. The monsoon season of Maldives is during the months from May to November, and there is an increased precipitation especially along the southern region of the island group.

The dry season in Maldives is characterized by the sharp dip in humidity and precipitation. It starts in the month of January and continues until the month April. It is during the months of February and March where we can experience the best weather, and it is also the time of the year when holidaymakers from Europe come in droves to escape the cold climate back home.SB

Antigua and Barbuda are favorite destinations of yachting enthusiasts and sailors. And its popularity can be accredited to its safe harbors and coves and ideal trade winds. Antigua is the largest among the Leeward Islands, and it is definitely the best pick for sun lovers and those who want to discover and experience what a real beach holiday in the Caribbean is all about.

History

Antigua and Barbuda and together with the island of Redonda became independent from British rule in 1981. Antigua, being the largest among all the Leeward Islands, was for centuries the main base of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. One of the famous ships that dropped anchor in this idyllic island paradise was the St. Peter, a 74 foot topsail schooner, which was built in St. Petersburg based on a design developed during the 1780s. This was the same schooner which was refurbished and renamed The Black Pearl and used in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

This English harbor was also the home of Nelson’s Dockyard, which was the former headquarters of the Royal Navy during the time of Admiral Horatio Nelson. An interesting footnote about the island is the interesting names of some of the popular restaurants, and these include funny names like Grace Before Meals and Mad Mongoose.

At one point in its storied history, the island was leased to the family of Christopher Codrington for an annual fee of one fat sheep. One can still see remnants of the influence and ownership of the island by the Codrington family. Evidences abound in various places within the island and these include the tiny settlement named after Codrington, with its famed streets lined by rustic clapboard houses. There are other small islands aside from Antigua and Barbuda that are under the jurisdiction of St. John’s. The island of Redonda is undoubtedly the most important of them all, being one with nearly a perfect circle configuration among all the islands in the region. This exotic island was claimed in 1865 by Irishman Matthes Shiel and even went to crown himself King of Redonda.

Major Attractions and Things to Do

A holiday in Antigua and Barbuda will always be dominated by the fun and excitement along the Caribbean’s beach resorts. The most popular are those within the Dickenson Bay area. This part of the island is usually teeming with tourists and yachters, especially during the peak season.

It is a favorite short stop of cruise ships that ply this route along the Caribbean. Other popular destinations for beach lovers are the Half Moon Bay and the Long Bay, which are located on the eastern side of the island. The eastern side of the island also features some of the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. On the other hand, if you want to escape from the maddening crowd and the hustle and bustle of the more popular beach resorts in the island, then your best bet will have to be the secluded beach along Nonsuch Bay.

Antigua and Barbuda is also the popular destination of bare boaters and cruisers. In addition to being an important tourist destination, the islands are also the ideal place for resupply, and sailors who are looking for a short furlough spend their time in the island before covering other popular destinations in this part of the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda are definitely the dream destinations for yachting enthusiasts. Holidaymakers can also join catamaran cocktail cruises and day sails around the islands. Of course, you should sample the action and excitement of the sailing competitions and regattas, which are normally held twice a week, when you spend your holiday in Antigua and Barbuda. The Sailing Week, which takes place during the month of April, is easily one of the most important events in the island. Seasoned sailors from all four corners of the globe converge in this island to participate in what could be the most exciting and action packed ten-day event that features several parties and races.

Weather

The temperature ranges in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda are within the mid 70s during the winter months and stays within the mid 80s during the summer months. Annual precipitation is around 45 inches, and this makes the islands the sunniest among the islands in the eastern region of the Caribbean. The northeasterly winds are generally constant, and this is the main reason why the islands are a favorite destination of sailors and yachting enthusiasts.

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History

The Whitsundays was the direct result of a major volcanic activity some 30 to 50 thousand years ago. The island complex was formed after the rise in the sea level, which formed the islands from the coastal peaks of the prehistoric volcanic formations. The islands of Whitsundays were initially inhabited by a group of aborigines known as Ngaro, which were among the earliest groups of settlers in Australia. They are sometimes referred to as the “Island People” and over the years, this group of aborigines expanded their habitat to cover the northern regions as well as the southern section, where the island chain is located.

James Cook discovered the Island complex of Cumberland in 1770, and after the region was properly surveyed, the islands were divided into 4 smaller island clusters – Sir James Smith Group, Anchor Islands, Lindeman Group and Whitsunday Group. Among the 4 island groups that comprise Cumberland Islands, it was the Whitsunday Group that caught the interest of pioneers that settled on the mainland coast, and it was during the latter part of the 1800s that several grazing leases in Whitsundays were granted.

During the 1920s, the ‘dreamers’ started to put up several huts made of galvanized irons for guests who regularly make short stops in the islands of Whitsunday. It was also during this time when cruise ships sailing along this region of the South Pacific dropped anchor and allowed their passengers to spend time along the shorelines for scones, tea and tropical fruits.

Usually referred to as the Whitsunday Islands, this enchanting island chain off the coast of Airlie Beach is still officially known as Cumberland Islands. Currently, there are several holiday resorts on Lindeman Island, Hook Island, South Molle Island, Hayman Island, Long Island, Brampton Island, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island.

Major Attractions and Things to Do

The Whitsundays boasts of dazzling natural allure, which includes idyllic islands and reef formations, to lush rainforests and pristine coastlines. No matter where you plan to spend your holiday vacation, you will surely enjoy the all best things and attractions that a 5-star holiday resort can offer. The island chain offers a diverse holiday experience and adventure, whether you are looking for a rustic hideaway or an adrenalin-pumping swing along the various islands of Whitsunday.

The Great Barrier Reef – It is considered to be the world’s largest natural structure. It is so huge that it can be seen from outer space. This World Heritage listed attraction is just several kilometers from Whitsundays.

Whitehaven Beach – It is the largest island of Whitsundays and lies on the southeastern side of the mainland coast. It boasts one of the longest beaches in the island chain. Whitehaven features several ideal diving and snorkeling spots and holidaymakers can spend their day excursions covering attractions in several National Parks in the island.

Hamilton Island – This island destination presents the cosmopolitan side of Whitsundays. It boasts upscale hotels and an international airport terminal. It is easily the most developed among all the islands of Whitsundays. Hamilton Island offers a diverse range of holiday activities for adventure seekers and those who want to experience an adrenaline rush. The paradise island also has several squash courts, a supermarket, take-away outlets and shopping areas. There are also nine restaurants on the island that specialize in a wide array of delectable local treats and international cuisine.

Daydream Island – This island resort is perfect for those who are spending their holiday with their family. It is one of the islands in the southernmost region of Whitsundays. It is the perfect destination for holidaymakers who want to enjoy a wide range of water sports. It features several sports facilities including several tennis courts and a swimming pool.

Long Island – This Island, which belongs to the Whitsunday island cluster, is renowned for its pristine beaches and more than 2,000 acres of National Park. This is the ideal place if you want to catch the most picturesque views of Whitsundays.

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Visitors can also stroll along the remote beaches, discover surrounding mountains, take kids and families to Disneyland and explore the stunning country park in this great cosmopolitan city.

History
Before the Opium Wars in the 19th century, the Chinese empire ruled Hong Kong after which it fell under British rule. The British imposed their commercial will by force on the city in the 1830s and 1850s. Hong Kong was under the British reign, except during the four years when World War II was going on. The city was given back to the Chinese in 1997. The people of Hong Kong are made up of Buddhists, Taoists and Confucians, whilst the Muslims and Christians are minorities. The common way of greeting is through handshaking. It is now acceptable here to adorn informal wear.

Sightseeing
The beaches in Hong Kong are close to spectacular. The Tin Hau temple overlooks the Repulse Bay beach, whilst the white sandy beach is found on Lantau Island and the fabulous Shek Pik Reservoir Dam is in Cheung Sha. Hong Kong is known for its horse race meetings and betting which takes place at the Happy Valley, the main racecourses in the city from September to June. Visitors can view the Central Plaza, which is an impressive 78 stories high. Visitors can also take a peek into the colonial past of Hong Kong, where 25 British governors resided in the Government House until the city was handed back to China. Hong Kong showcases a fabulous version of Disneyland on Lantau Island where families can enjoy a day out meeting characters such as Mickey Mouse, visiting the Sleeping Beauty Castle or walking through the Jungle River Cruise.

Things to Do
Shopping is a favorite pastime in Hong Kong with its traditional street markets and modern air conditioned shops. The side stalls and smaller shops are mostly popular for bargain stores. Stanley sports an excellent market set in a beautiful small village. The city is filled with karaoke clubs, nightclubs, cinemas and theatres. The Hong Kong City Hall showcases exhibitions and cultural concerts. Food in Hong Kong has its own variations that include Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hakka, Sichuan and Shanghai.

Weather
Summers in Hong Kong are very hot, whilst June to August sees the rainy season. Spring and autumn have cooler evenings, warmer days and occasional rain. Visitors can plan their trips to Hong Kong around March and April and again from October and November. The humidity is low, temperature warmer and skies are clear during these months. The winters in the city can be both mild and cold.
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History
In the 13th century, Belarus was part of Lithuania of the Grand Duchy. The Grand Duchy and Poland were united in the 15th century. However, by the 18th century the Russian Empire took Belarus under its wing following Poland’s dismemberment. The Soviet Union was born in 1918 at the end of World War I. In the 1940s German forces occupied most of Russia, and nearly two million people lost their lives in this period. At the end of the war, Belarus once again became part of the Soviet Union, but the United Nations granted the state greater voting power. The Soviet Union was disintegrated in 1991. Christians mainly make up the population of Belarus. The country has Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox with small communities represented by the Muslims, Jews and Protestants. The people of Belarus are friendly and welcoming with the main tradition being hospitality.

Sightseeing
There are a great number of significant architectural sites in Belarus. Aside from architecture, the state is a natural beauty. Belavezha Wood is one such site where visitors can see rare animals like bears, bison and wolves mingling in their natural habitat. With scenic hiking trails, marshland, primeval forests, diverse fauna and deep rivers, this unique region is a protected biosphere. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a state national park which is home to five hundred year old trees, 900 types of plants and 60 types of rich animals. Brest, a fortress was used in the 1940s to repel the German army. There is a museum inside the fortress that depicts a rich history going back to the 13th century. Visitors should not miss an opportunity to see the famous puppet theatre and the Belaya Vezha.

Things to Do
Shopping in Belarus is mainly done on Scarina Avenue which has antique shops carrying trinket boxes, wooden caskets, decorative plates, straw items and other ornamental items. Russian souvenirs such as original samovars and matreshka dolls can also be found. The cultural scene in Belarus is a thriving one with the theatre, opera, ballet, puppet theatre and circus. There are some great restaurants offering live music in Minsk, discos, bars, night clubs and music venues.

Weather
The weather in Belarus is a temperate continental climate. The winters are medium to heavy with 75-125 days of snow. The rainy season is from April to October. The best time to visit Belarus would in the middle of the year.
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Bangalore also known as Bengaluru has slowly transformed into a city packed with hotels, shopping complexes, bars and restaurants, making it one of the major tourist attractions in India. What has propelled the growth of Bangalore is its information technology sector. In the past decade Bangalore has become the focal point of IT, which has brought in a number of leading local companies and multinational companies to the city. This in turn has turned the city into a busy place for job hunters. The young workforce in Bangalore has got down to a lot of hard work to ensure the city keeps thriving and as a result, the city’s entertainment and vibrancy has grown.

However, away from the cosmopolitan city, Bangalore is still a charming and old fashioned place with its old buildings, ornate temples and street markets. There is something special for everyone that visits this vibrant and multinational city!

History

Whilst Bangalore has transformed into a modern city, its original roots were simpler. Dating far back into the 12th century, a south Indian King went on a hunting trip and became lost in the forest. There, he encountered a kind lady who gave him shelter and baked beans for the night. The King wanted to show his gratitude and he constructed a town called Benda Kalooru which meant baked beans in the local language. Begaluru became what it is known today as Bangalore. In the 16th century the town was further designed by Kempe Gowda, a local chieftain.

Sightseeing

There are a number of attractions in Bangalore, namely the Bangalore Palace. The Palace was built during the British Raj in 1880, replicating Windsor Castle. The Palace is situated in the north of the city. It is made of granite towers, Gothic battlements and windows and turrets along with splendid paintings and carvings. The Wodeyars of Mysore purchased the Bangalore Palace, and visitors will find some of the family residing there. The Bull Temple is another attraction that is a must see when visiting Bangalore. The temple dates back to the 16th century and holds Nandi the sacred bull made of giant granite. The temple is often used for wedding processions, music processions and prayer gatherings. Visitors can take a tour of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. Lalbagh refers to red garden which is filled with red roses and is situated in the south of the city. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, his son, laid out the garden in the 18th century. Some of the trees that were planted at the beginning can still be seen. The botanical gardens hold rare tropical plants as well as a glasshouse which is a replica of the Crystal Palace in London.

Things to Do

Shopping in Bangalore is a fun activity, where visitors can shop around for beautiful silk saris, homemade crafts and arts. Bangalore has an abundance of shops filled with handicraft ornaments. The Commercial Street and MG Road hold such specialties like Silk carvings done on rosewood and sandalwood, soapstone sculptures, Lambani tribal jewelry and ample brassware. The local markets sell fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers. Visitors can stroll to the Russell Market in search of fresh products. Bangalore has air conditioned shopping centers selling American and European branded items.

Weather

The climate in Bangalore is very pleasant. April is the warmest month and has a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month in Bangalore and the temperature drops to 20 degrees Celsius. The tourist season is considered to be between June and September.

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The Maldives is another word for luxury, tropical bliss and romance! Maldives is made up of a string of beautiful, low-lying islands located on the Indian Ocean. It is certainly a paradise for those who are sun seekers and diving enthusiasts. The country is made up of over one thousand islands that offer turquoise lagoons and perfect white sandy beaches. Tourism which began in 1970 in The Maldives has now become their most important industry. Tourism is geared towards the luxury market in the Maldives, which means that you can find some of the best hotels in the world here.

Whilst the Maldives is certainly a paradise island it is not without its share of problems. Maldives is low-lying, where 80 percent of its territory is less than 1 meter above sea level. The very existence of this spectacular country is threatened by the effects of global warming. Mohamed Nasheed, the young reformer since his election in 2008 has put in a lot of hard work to gear his country towards being environmentally friendly.

History of Maldives

The early settlers to the country were made up of Hindus and Buddhists from India in 500BC, however, Maldives by 1153 eventually converted into Islam and resisted the Portuguese attempts to convert the country into Christianity around the 16th century. The Maldives fell under the British during the 20th century and gained independence in 1965. The history of modernization is mostly shaped from 1978 to 2008 when Maumoon Gayoom was President. He ruled the Maldives unchallenged until he made concessions to allow a democratic election to take place in 2008. Mohamed Nasheed, the opposition leader and political dissident narrowly won the run-off election. Although Nasheed was imprisoned multiple times by Gayoom’s government, he in turn signaled that he would not prosecute any former government officials and has focused instead on various reforms including health care, education, environmental protection and social security.

Social Conventions

The majority of locals do not mix with tourists, except for the people involved in tourism. The government enforces informal dressing as local Muslims would be offended at scanty clothing or nudity in public places. Scanty beachwear and bikinis are only accepted on resort islands and not on any inhabited islands.

Sightseeing

Visitors can take a sunset boat cruise aboard a wooden boat called the Dhoni. This is the standard transportation mode in the Maldives. You can end your day in utter bliss aboard the Dhoni. The Dhoni will take you around the uninhabited islands, where you can mingle with local musicians whilst listening to their traditional drum playing and being served snacks and drinks. The underwater life in the Maldives is exceptionally plentiful and varied. Maldives is a top place in the world to go snorkeling. The resorts offer fully equipped and professional dive schools with a range of underwater activities. For visitors that enjoy fishing, a fishing trip aboard a modern speedboat is ideal. Learn to catch snappers, squirrelfish, barracuda and groupers at night and end the day with a sizzling barbecue with your own catch! Male is the capital city, tiny and crowded but a fantastic place to travel to and experience the real life away from all the islands and resorts. Visitors can visit the Male National Museum and view a collection of artifacts such as the palanquins and Sultan’s thrones. The museum is definitely worth a visit.

Things to Do

Shopping is fun and simple in the Maldives! Lacquered wooden boxes are known to be a unique Maldivian handicraft. These boxes are produced in Baa Atoll which are intricately crafted and made into ornamental objects and containers. The country also produced beautifully woven reed mats. Visitors can find the souvenir shops on Chaandanee Magu’s northern end also called the Singapore Bazzaar and many of the imports are from Singapore. There is a variety of local markets that offer fruits, vegetables, yams, sweetmeat, breadfruit chips, nuts and homemade pickles and sweets.

Weather

The weather in the Maldives has a tropical climate all year round. The two monsoons in the country are from May to October in the southwest, and again from November to April in the northeast. The southwest is known to bring in more rain and wind in the months of June and July. The temperature remains at 25 degrees Celsius.

M.A.H.

History
Nairobi did not exist before 1890. The city was used as a dust bus depot by the British, but when people realized the benefits of the moderate climate and abundant water supply it grew rapidly. The Maasai inhabitants were the original people in the area, but they soon became displaced and ranches and homesteads spread out across the land. The big game hunters soon began to make trips to Nairobi as the city established itself more as a vacationing spot. Nairobi with its grand colonial hotels and extraordinary wildlife made even the local people stand up and take notice of the value of preserving wildlife for their future generations. Nairobi soon became the capital of East Africa especially with the Nairobi National Park only 4 miles away from the main city. The district is filled with bustling business, honking taxis, tall towers, plush shopping malls, posh suburbs and diverse communities.

Modern Nairobi is known for its crime, but the city centre is mostly safe during the day. Taxis are generally not known to travel after dark. Visitors usually avoid the city center and stay in the upmarket suburbs, Karen or Westlands.

Things to Do
Shopping in the city is something akin to an art form with its upmarket stores and supermarkets. While the prices are fixed in malls and stores, the sellers everywhere else will make you haggle hard. The prime shopping strip in Nairobi is down Moi Avenue with its handicraft stores and mainstream stores. Visitors can find handicrafts and tribal textiles in popular tourists markets including drums, Maasai beadwork, soapstone carvings, wooden toys, carved gourds, masks, ceremonial weapons and tribal shawls. The markets on Muindi Mbingu Road are packed with vegetable and fruit stalls, souvenir vendors and village crafts. The suburbs have the best shopping centers and cater to expats and wealthy locals. The city offers a variety of upscale stores, restaurants and cafes.

Sightseeing
Visitors can tour the giraffe centre run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, which is located about 11 miles from the main city. The aim of the Wildlife centre is to increase the rare Rothschild giraffes in the wild. This is a fascinating spot for children and a terrific chance for all travelers to get close to such magnificent creatures. Visitors can take a tour of the Jamia mosque, a striking, large mosque with a grand central dome. The exterior is made up of ornate green and white, while the interior is simpler. The Karen Blixen museum is the home of the author of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen. This beautiful colonial bungalow shows a taste of life between 1914 and 1931. Visitors can experience the life of colonial residents living in the era of the British with its lovely gardens and handsome lifestyle! Visitors can also take a stroll through the Nairobi National Museum recently refurbished with its collection of wildlife species and stuffed birds. The culture and history of the Swahili coast, the tribal portraits and snake parks are worth a peek when inside the national museum.

Weather
The climate in Kenya is warm all year through with cool nights and mornings and plenty of sunshine. Traveling across the city, however, will make you experience various weather patterns. The hottest season in Kenya is from February to March with temperatures rising to 93 degrees F. The cooler seasons are from July to August with temperatures dropping to 50 degrees F.
M.A.H.