Monday, 26 December 2016

15 THINGS TO DO IN INDIA

Best Things to Do in India

It may be a third world country but India is indeed a tourist hub. The country is not about fancy beach resorts or nature reserves. What it offers to their visitors is a chance to witness the most breathtaking architectural sites ever built by man and these sites are hundreds of years old. One of the sites just celebrated it millennium birthday! It is truly amazing! Anyway, we have compiled an India travel guide so that you won’t miss the best spots to see in the country.

1. Taj Mahal

One of the things to do in India is to visit the Taj Mahal. It is not just a popular tourist site in the country. The whole world knows the name TAJ MAHAL but are you aware of what it really means and why it was built? Taj Mahal is in fact a mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the most favorite wife of Mughal leader Shah Jahan. When his wife passed away, he wanted her to have the most exquisite resting place in the world and this was the Taj Mahal. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.
Taj Mahal - one of the best things to do in India

2. Ganges

The Ganges River is a natural attraction and one of the most famous tourist spots in India. The locals also call it Ganga and it spreads along India and Bangladesh. The river is 2,525 kilometers or 1,569 miles long.
It is a blessing to the residents along the banks of the river because most of them are poverty-stricken and depend on the river for their daily needs. They bathe there, do their laundry there and even get their food in the river. Now, isn’t Ganges truly a gift for the people of India?
Ganges

3. Amer Palace

The Amer Palace is also referred to as the Amer Fort or Amber Fort. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is included in the Hill Forts of Rajasthan inscription at Level ii and iii criteria. The fort and the palace were built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and the raw materials used were red sandstone and white marble. It has four courtyards with different gates. You have to spare one day to look around and explore Amer Palace.
Amer

4. Humayun’s Tomb

The top four tourist attraction in India is Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun is a Mughal ruler back in 1530 and to honor his life, he was built a tomb upon his death by Architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath through the wishes of Akbar, another Mughal King and the son of Humayun. The place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the monument was heavily restored since 1993. As of this moment, the tomb is completely reestablished and it is open for public visits.
Humayun

5. Harmandir Sahib

You may marvel at modern structures in first world countries and find it as excellent architectural designs. But there is nothing like Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple of Panjab, India. It is in the UNESCO tentative list of sites and is one of the most visited attractions in the country.
People from all over the world are invited to pray and worship inside the Harmandir Sahib because it is the ultimate reason for its establishment – no matter what religion you are, you can pray to the one and only God of your faith in this non-sectarian and universal place of worship. It was reported that at least 100,000 people visit the place every single day. Go inside the building and pray in Harmandir Sahib – this is one of the best things to do in India.
Golden Temple

6. Qutb Minar

Qutb Minar is a minaret – a minaret is a slender and really tall tower with a small terrace at the top which is usually used by Muslims who call the Azan or prayer. It is the highest minaret in the whole world at 72.5 meters. UNESCO recognized it as a Level iv criterion cultural site and it was built in 1200 by Qutb al-Din Aibak. After 20 years, Iltutmish, his son in law and inheritor added more floors to the tower using red sandstone. But in 1369, the top of the tower was devastated by lightning. This prompted Firoz Shah Tughlaq to repair the damaged minaret.
Qutb Minar

7. Akshardham

Akshardham is located at New Delhi and it is comprised of a complex with a temple therein. Within the complex, there is a performance of the Abhisheka – it is a Sanskrit word which means a ritual for religious reasons. There is also a water show called the Sahaj Anand and some exhibitions too. The exhibitions included an IMAX film about the life of Swaminarayan. There is also a culture-filled boat trip and a Hall of Values display known as the Sahajanand Darshan.
Akshardham

8. The Red Fort

The Red Fort was also mentioned in the UNESCO World Heritage Site website and they called it a “new level of refinement”. The walls of the fort were made of red sandstone and it was really massive. The architect behind it was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and the Red Fort was constructed in 1648. Inside the fort you will find the Chawari Bazar, the Lahori Gate, the Delhi Gate, the Water Gate, the Chhatta Chowk (imperial jewelry were displayed here), Moti Masjid and a lot more buildings. You have to visit the fort because it is one of the great things to do in India.
Red Fort

9. Agra Fort

The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the cultural list which can be found in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Mughal Empire had it “built” in the 11th century because they claimed it to be their achievement. But there were stories regarding the construction of this World Heritage Site. It is believed that the Lodi Dynasty rulers were the ones responsible for the establishment of the fort and that the Mughal rulers seized it and made it as their own.
Agra Fort

10. City Palace, Jaipur

One of the things to do in India is to go to the city palace. The City Palace of Jaipur is part of the UNESCO tentative list. Being part of the tentative list means that the property is not yet a World Heritage site but it is up for nomination once it passes the standards of UNESCO.
The Jaipur City Palace is a tourist spot. It is not just one palace but a collection of palaces and buildings in one big complex. The Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal are located in the City Palace, among other structures. It was constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and the architectural style was adapted through a mix of European Mughal and Indian Shilpa Shastra.
City Palace

11. Chittor Fort

Chittor Fort is the just one of the six forts in India which is a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The forts were inscribed in 2013 as Hill Forts of Rajasthan and it included Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. It’s been there since the 7th century and was managed by the Mewar Empire, at that time. Today, writers and poets visit the forts and find inspiration in the ancient walls for their creative writing.
Chittor Fort

12. Brihadisvara Temple

India is full of structures which are not just scenic; some are so important to culture and history that UNESCO has seen its value. Brihadisvara Temple is one of those buildings and it is now a World Heritage Site. UNESCO included it under the inscription Great Living Chola Temples. There were three temples in the list and all were built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. The Brihadisvara Temple is the biggest place of worship in India and is currently 1,006 years old.
Brihadisvara

13. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

If you want to visit another landmark in India, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a worthy addition to your bucket list. The attraction is a Sikh-type of architectural building – yes, it is a place of worship associated with Sikhism. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and they believe that there is only one creator which believers have to be faithful to. Anyway, it existed since 1664 and has undergone various repairs and renovations just to preserve its value.
Gurudwara

14. India Gate

The India Gate is another monument in the country. They used to call it the All India War Memorial to honor the fallen soldiers who died in the First World War. About 82,000 Indian Army soldiers died during the war and 13,300 names were remembered and engraved on the gate.
The structure was revealed to the public in 1931 but it was slowly constructed ten years prior to the inauguration. It was styled according to the Arc de Triomphe monument in France.
India Gate

15. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, in English means Palace of the Breeze. The palace was constructed through the initiative of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 so that the members of the royal household can take a peek during festival season and see what happens on the streets. The structure is grand and beautiful which is why it is a tourist attraction in the country. You have to visit the place since it is one of the things to do in India.
Hawa Mahal

15 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN QATAR

Great Things to Do in Qatar

It may not appeal to you in an instant but Qatar is one of the countries in Middle East which deserves to be visited at least once in your lifetime. Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the richest cities in the whole world. It also has the most beautiful skyscrapers which look so unique and different – but a good different. There are so many great things to do in Qatar if you’re a tourist and this Qatar travel guide will help you plan your itinerary.

1. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha is the first museum featuring historical and cultural Islamic art in the whole Persian region. The main museum is five storeys tall which safeguard ancient scripts, fabrics, woodworks, jewelry, old money and more. These ancient collections have come from the 7th century until the 19th century. If you want to join the free tours, you can walk in on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm. Dress decently, just a reminder, especially for those who are not familiar with Islamic beliefs.
Islamic Art

2. Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Qatar. The term tourist doesn’t necessarily mean that the visitors are from other nations. Qatari residents from other cities are also taking a break during holidays and they often head to Souq Waqif.
What is in Souq Waqif that everybody loves so much? For one, there are many Shisha lounges in the area. Two, the shops there sell original Qatari garments, herbs and spices and a lot more. Lastly, the spring festival (April 10-17) is so much fun!
Souq

3. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is the only museum in the whole world which showcases works of art with a modern Arab twist. The word mathaf means museum and right now, The Mathaf contains at least 6,300 words of art as collected since the 19th century up to the present. The museum was opened in 2010 through the initiative of Emir Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, a patron and an artist himself. His passion and main goal was to establish Arab art in the modern times through education.
Mathaf

4. The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is a little city with at least 12,000 residents in Doha, Qatar. The island is man-made and several foreigners live within the area. The goal of the developers is to create thirteen islands with residential buildings good for at least 45,000 people by 2018. Of course, it won’t be a tourist spot without the commercial establishments. As for now, it serves as a tourist attraction and it is one of the most visited places in the country by both locals and travelers.
Pearl

5. Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche is like a boulevard which is shaped like a horseshoe on Doha Bay. You will find the best-looking building structures in all of Qatar right here. It’s like a city by the bay. One of the things to do in Qatar is to jog in Doha Corniche. Some love to do some leisure walks or they just marvel at the beautiful bay while sitting down on the ledge during sunset. It is so peaceful there in Doha Corniche – leave your bag and people will call the police so that it will be returned to you without a scratch!
Corniche

6. Khor Al Udaid

Khor Al Udaid is a two in one tourist attraction – it is a beach with sand dunes ready for bashing. The tallest sand dune in Khor Al Udaid is 40 meters and that’s enormous. How thrilling it would be to strap in a jeep or a truck and trek the roller coaster type of sand dune ride.
After the exciting ride, you and your travel companions can go to the white sand beach and just relax. If you love to take hikes, the area is full of unique flora and fauna.
Khor

7. Aspire Park

Aspire Park is one of the premier parks in Qatar and a famous tourist attraction, as well. One you get there, what you will see is all green. Green grass, green trees, and green plants and no, not green people. It’s just a nature park where families can go for a picnic and relax. Qatar is a desert region and “green” parks are not common in these parts but it is very refreshing indeed to be in one!
Aspire

8. Al Koot Fort

Al Koot Fort or Doha Fort used to be a military fortification in Doha. The structure was founded in 19th century and before it became a fort, the area was a police station. Today, Al Koot Fort also functions as a museum. Be sure to visit the fort from Sundays to Thursday at these times, 9am to 12nn and 4pm to 7pm. There’s no need to bring cash as entrance fee because it is free of charge for everyone, resident, citizen or tourist. There are other attractions near the fort which you may want to visit too.
AlKhoot

9. Aqua Park Qatar

The Aqua Park Qatar is Qatar’s very own water amusement park. It is located in Abu Nakhla and can accommodate at most three thousand guests in a day. Of course, like any modern day aqua themed park, it has a huge wave pool and an activity pool too. It also has an interesting village waiting to be explored plus a massive shopping arcade for your retail needs. Spending a day in this park is one of the things to do in Qatar.
Aqua Park

10. Katara Cultural Village

The Katara Cultural Village is also referred to as the Valley of Cultures and if you are a traveler who loves to explore history, culture, tradition, art and architectural designs of other countries, then, this is the place for you. There are many structures within the village which include the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatar Music Academy and Theatre Society and the Childhood Cultural Centre, among others. They also have international restaurants within the complex which serve Armenian food, Egyptian delicacies, Turkish dishes and Indian menu.
Katara

11. Al Wakrah Heritage Village

Since its soft opening last February 16, 2016, Al Wakrah Heritage Village has become one of the most visited places in Al Wakrah. The area is actually a complex with various shops, cafés, restaurants, and more. But the unique thing about Al Wakrah Heritage Village is that every store and shop in the complex is like something out of a historical museum – the structure is old and traditional Qatari providing modern goods and services. It’s a breath of fresh air, actually.
Wakra

12. Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack

The Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack is not just a tourist spot. Many of the locals in Qatar spend their leisure time in Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack because camel racing is considered a sport. In fact, they term camel racing as the Sport of the Sheik’s and now, even if you’re not a Sheik, you can enjoy being part of the race!
From the city center, you have to travel for sixty minutes just to get to the track. Be ready to splurge some cash here if you are participating. It is after all an elite type of sport.
Al Shahaniya

13. Doha Film City

Do you want to see how an ancient Arabic village looks like? Well, you can always check out Doha Film City in RasAbrouq. It displays a recreation of how an old city village during the Islamic days looks like. The area has no inhabitants at all and it is purely for tourist attraction purposes only. Actually, there were gossips that the Film City will be used for a Hollywood movie, an Arabic film or the 2022 World Cup advertisement. Whatever the real reason is for making this replica city, to visit the attraction is one of the things to do in Qatar.
Film City

14. Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort

Sealine Beach is a family friendly resort located at Mesaieed, Qatar. It is an all-around resort which many amenities and facilities. You can also choose which rooms you can stay at according to you budget. The great thing about Sealine Beach Resort is that it is in front of the beach. Guests can always swim there and bask under the sun or choose to do the many activities available. You can ask for Jet Ski rentals, banana boat and fly board too. If you want sand activities, you can explore the dunes; try to ride a camel or a horse.
Sealine

15. Doha Zoo

The Doha Zoo used to be one of the most famous attractions in Qatar. At this time, it is temporarily closed for public visits but it is expected to open in 2017 and it will be bigger and better. Reports say that the new Doha Zoo will be seven times larger than the old zoo and that it will be made into a Safari Park. It is also expected for the park to shelter at least 3,000 animals and currently, animals in the old zoo are giving birth which will add to the numbers. The reopening of this zoo in 2017 is definitely something which must not be missed.
Zoo

Sunday, 25 December 2016

15 THINGS TO DO IN SAN MARINO

Best Things to Do in San Marino

Even if it is a small country, there are many things to do in San Marino. You don’t need a car. You don’t need to climb too high or go down too low. Every tourist attraction in this 9-commune republic is right there and easy to reach. You don’t need a San Marino travel guide. All you need is a liter of iced water, a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a baby towel to wipe your sweat while you trek the 61 sq. km. hilly republic.

1. Guaita

Another peak of the San Marino republic is the Guaita which has the oldest tower in the country. The tower was constructed in the 11th century and as towers were back in the day, it also served as a fortress and prison. Today, Guaita is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes visitors from around the world.
The Guaita together with the Montale were fortresses that defended the nation against the invasion of the Malatesta Family. You can read historical information about what happened then if you personally visit the towers.
Guaita

2. De La Fratta

De La Fratta is one of the mountains in San Marino, as already mentioned. Unlike the Montale, it is open for tourists and visitors. It is also called Cesta by the residents. You can climb this peak leisurely since it is one of the things to do in San Marino.
The mountain top is overlooking the capital city of the country. It also has a tower which was positioned in the highest top of Monte Titano or Mount Titan. Inside the tower is a museum which was created as a tribute to Saint Marinus. It is a museum of more or less 1,550 weapons from different centuries with artifacts as early as the Middle Ages. Present day weapons are featured there as well.
 De La Fratta

3. Basilica di San Marino

The Basilica di San Marino is the main cathedral of San Marino City. It is in Piazza Domus Plebis where the Church of St. Peter can also be found. The basilica was created in honor of the country’s founder, Saint Marinus.
The church stood there from the 7th century until the now. But there were major repairs done to keep it from getting ruined. It was well –preserved and one of the main attractions in the country. Known objects used by Saint Marinus were displayed inside the cathedral.
Basilica di San Marino

4. Montale

Montale is a mountain in San Marino – one of three mountains in the country. The other two mountains are the De La Fratta and Guaita which will be featured after this. Anyway, Montale has a tower on top but for now, it is not open for public visits. It was built in the 1300’s which served as a prison back then. There is only one entry point to the tower and that is an opening which is 7 meters above ground. It also served as a fortress at one time.
Montale

5. Domagnano

Domagnano is one of the municipalities in San Marino with 3,319 residents as of 2013. It used to be known as Montelupo or the Wolves Mountain. In the town’s Coat of Arms, a wolf is part of the design and also the town’s castello. From a high view, the Adriatic Sea can be seen too but its history is largely caused upon the reveal of the Domagnano treasure which was discovered in the town’s castello in the late 19th century.
Domagnano

6. Serravalle

Serravalle is like a mini-kingdom with a castle and a small community. All in all, there are around 10,600 people living in the area as of 2013. It is the most populated commune in the republic. It also serves as a border between San Marino and Italy.
You may want to visit the parish built by Luigi Fonti in 1824 called the Chiesa di Sant Andrea or the Saint Andrea’s Church. This is one of the things to do in San Marino. Also, the San Marino Stadium is the national stadium of the country which showcases football matches.
Serravalle

7. Borgo Maggiore

Borgo Maggiore is another community in San Marino by the foot of Mount Titan or Monte Titano. It is a market town and was termed in the earlier days as Mercatale. The community has a heliport, the only one in the country and it has a Piazza Grande which is the town square. The place is also a shopping destination.
You may also like to visit the parishes or churches in the town located in Cà Melone, Cà Rigo, Cailungo, San Giovanni sotto le Penne, Valdragone, Ventoso.
Borgo Maggiore

8. Montegiardino

Montegiardino is a castelli, in Italian, or a community in castled region. It is one of the nine communities in San Marino and is the smallest castle with only 3.31 sq. m. in area. Montegiardino has a population of 915 as of 2014. The small town is home to the only university in the country called University of the Republic of San Marino, which you can also visit.
It has one parish named located in a village called Cerbaiola and the town’s known celebrity is Anita Simoncini, a singer who represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
Montegiardino

9. Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum

And who wouldn’t want to see a Ferrari and an Abarth!? These are iconic cars that are so rare, they are displayed in museums. If they are seen on the road, then, they are owned by multi-millionaires in the world because these cars are super expensive.
The Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum is shared by two of the world’s greatest car brands – Enzo Ferrari and Carlo Abarth. There are twenty five Ferrari and 40 Abarth car models exhibited in the museum. The history and other important details about the cars were also documented.
Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum

10. Palazzo Manzoni Borghese

The Palazzo Manzoni Borghese is the home to Museo Armi Moderne or the Museum of Modern Weapons. It is a private collection of more than 2,000 guns that were accumulated during World War I and World War II. The museum is within walking distance from another tourist attraction in San Marino which is the Basilica.
Most of the guns on display are military issued and were partly a subject of Hoplology – the study of human behavior while in combat. This could be one of the things to do in San Marino if you are up for it.
Palazzo Manzoni Borghese

11. Piazza della Liberta and Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico means the town hall or the government building of San Marino. They call it the Public Palace and it stands on Piazza della Liberta or what the people call “Pianello”. Everything political happens in this historical building.
The materials used to construct the building came from the caves of Mount Titano. It is a stone building which is a common material back in the day. In 1996, the palace was refurbished to adapt to modern facilities and safety standards.
Piazza della Liberta and Palazzo Pubblico

12. Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi

The Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi is a street in San Marino and that is where the State Museum of the Museo di Stato is located. The museum was established through the resourcefulness and action of Count Luigi Cibrario as he endorsed donations for the museum from various sources worldwide.
It used to be located in the Palazzo Valloni back in 1899 but was transferred to Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi and welcomed tourists and guests in 2001. The museum has four levels which featured archaeological relics of San Marino, San Marino art; paintings donated to the republic and donated archaeological finds from different nations.
 Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi

13. Wax Museum

They also call it the Museo delle Cere – the San Marino Wax Museum contains 100 wax characters displayed in 40 scenes. They have a figure of Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein. The recreation of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination is also displayed there. You will see Adolf Hitler there, as well.
This is one of the things to do in San Marino and marvel at the wax figures. But there are instruments of torture in this museum too. In the Middle Ages, instruments of torture was a way to make people accused of crimes and witchcraft talk and confess.
Wax Museum

14. Museum of Curiosities

Are you ready to find some curious objects and wonder – why was this ever invented? Well, the Museum of Curiosities in San Marino will surely wrinkle your forehead and raise your eyebrow. For one, they have in their collection the world’s longest fingernails. They also have a German mouse trap from the 18th century and a silver contraption made to protect long nails of Chinese people back in the day.
The museum has about 100 items that are really weird. It should have been named the Museum of Weird.
Museum of Curiosities

15. Coin and Stamp Museum

San Marino has a very wide collection of coins and stamps. They also call this museum the Museo Filatelico e Numismatico and it has scudi coins from the 18th century. Scudi or scudo in singular form is the mode of trade or exchange in Italy since 1551. The museum has kept it and preserved for viewing purposes.
The stamps of San Marino show a bit of their history. The earliest collection of stamps was from the 1700’s and it was kept safe and untouched for centuries.

Coin and Stamp Museum