Boracay Island in the Philippines is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White Beach stretches over seven kilometres long and two kilometres wide and boasts sand as white and soft as powder. (more…)

Koh Lipe is a small gem located off the southern coast of Thailand. Often referred to as the Maldives of Thailand, Lipe Island is a beautiful and remote island which boasts pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters.

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Everyone should visit India at least once. Your life as a citizen of the world would not be complete without the experiences and impressions generated by such a visit.

Indian subcontinent, dominated by the huge land mass of India, is bordered to the north by the high mountains of Himalayas and on other three sides by the Indian Ocean. Geography of India varies widely, ranging from plateaus, to hills, to plains, in same way as vegetation, which can range from thick rain forests to deserts.

Diversity of India does not stop there; its main attraction is its diversity of cultures. Many religions and traditions have co existed in this land for millennia and have enriched it like no other place on earth. Each distinct region and sub region is stocked with its own cultural harvest in abundance. You can only gain by discovering them.

In south India, Hindu temples towering over the villages and ornamented with large number of small sculptures give focus to cultures rich in many elaborate and highly stylized dance traditions and variety of other crafts. In contrast in the northern Ladakh culture is shaped by desert and Buddhism. Broad swath of north India combines Hindu traditions with those of Islam, with monumental architecture to prove their presence. Jainism and Sikhism religion add to the mix along with many others like Christianity and Zoroastrianism.

Not all cultural symbols are religious in origin. Taj Mahal is merely the most beautiful testimony to generally secular nature of India’s art. Gujarat is famous for its workmen skilled in jewelry and embroidery. The great variety of states in the north east of India like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are proud of their vibrant tribal traditions in the same way as central Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.

For those who look for entertainment and relaxation after the heavy dose of culture, India can offer mountaineering, skiing, river rafting, trekking, jungle safaris, and many other sports. Be sure to check out a cricket match and try to figure out the rules of the game while enjoying the atmosphere of the national passion. There are also many tropical beaches to work on your tan, and to enjoy wind surfing and snorkeling.

You can get all the modern facilities at major Indian cities so you will never feel lost or disconnected with the world as you explore this multicolored and exhilarating land.

Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. Its blend of tradition and modernity is perhaps unrivaled anywhere else in the world. Famous modern skyline of Hong Kong gives shelter to old temples beneath. Cosmopolitan lifestyles and age old practices intermingle there. In other words, you are in for a memorable experience.

Places

In essence an island, Hong Kong is defined geographically and historically by its harbor. As such any visit there must take in the harbor. Views presented while taking the ferry ride will leave you breathless.

A contrasting view of Hong Kong is offered by The Peak. This mountain top reachable by several modes of transportation features The Peak Tower entertainment and shopping complex.

There are several theme parks on offer. Most popular being The Hong Kong Disneyland, and The Ocean Park, featuring dolphin and sea lion shows, an aquarium, and variety of rides.

You should definitely visit one or several of the temples in Hong Kong.

Festivals

However Hong Kong is more than places to visit, it is about experiences. That is why you should target a festival when visiting.

Biggest is the Chinese New Year which usually falls somewhere in February. In Hong Kong festivities go on for about a fortnight. Highlights you should not miss include The Night Parade and The Lantern Festival. Get to know the locals and take part to fully enjoy.

If you cannot be there in February, try June for Dragon Boat Festival. It is held to venerate a legendary hero; Qu Yuan. You will be enthralled by the sight of large “dragon boats” racing each other, powered by over a score or more of oarsmen pulling to the rhythm given out by large drums.

Of course you should not forget cuisine. There is no place like Hong Kong to enjoy full benefit of the accumulated millennia long traditions of Chinese cooking. Some of the dishes can be truly bizarre, but be adventurous. You won’t regret it.

Whether singly or as a family, enjoy Hong Kong to the full!