Sunday, May 28, 2006

Rajasthan India - An Ultimate Tourism Experiance

by Yogesh Kumar

Rajasthan is the one of the most attractive destinations in India for both domestic and International tourists. About 6 million people visit the State every year of which 9% are foreign tourists. On an average a domestic tourist spends Rs. 400 per day and an Iternational tourist spends Rs. 800 a day (M/s. A. F. Ferguson & Company). Rajasthan being poorly endowed in terms of water availability depend on the non-farm sector to develop its economy and improve the quality of life of its people. Hence the development of tourism has great relevance.

Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day. It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity.

The magic of Rajasthan is unparallel in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris and sand dunes. Rajasthan is the land of Kings. It depicts the story of the great warriors and their chivalry, their romance, glory and tragedy. With invincible forts, magnificent palaces and serene lakes Rajasthan is truly called a land of valiance.

Rajasthan is known for its diversity in terms of natural resources, history and the people. The many forts and palaces, heritage hotels and attraction of travelling on the Palace On Wheels has been a unique selling proportion for tourists coming to the State. Colorful fairs and festivals are also greatly appreciated by visitors. The different ethnic culture of the people has proved to be a major attraction for visitors. The colorful attire of the people is a photographers delight. Today, Rajasthan is the image of India in the eyes of the tourism world. The unique desert environment in Western Rajasthan is a major attraction also. Rajasthan is an exotic destination visited by people interested in seeing something different, visiting unique place and participating in a joyous old culture.

The effort of the Government and Tourism Industry have been to improve the quality of the product and service available to the visiting tourists. This is being attempted by improving the dissemination of information; providing easier access through train, air and road transport; arranging for suitable accommodation; conservation of the Heritage forts, palaces and old monuments; improving the quality of service through Human Resource Development; developing ancillary leisure, entertainment and amusement facilities. With liberalization of the economy the role of the private sector in tourism is expected to grow manifold. The effort is to provide a conductive environment to increase private sector investment in the various joint sector. Some facilities are best developed wholly in the private sector, The effort of the Government of Rajasthan has been to create an investor and market friendly environment. This effort is most manifest in service sector activities like tourism.

As a part of the government effort to make a major thrust in improving the quality of the product and increasing the flow of tourists to the state, a series of measures have been attempted which should logically culminate in evolution of an investment plan for tourism which identifies areas in which investment is expected to come in the Public Sector, Joint Sector and Private Sector.

If you want to explore Rajasthan you can visit the following site: http://www.rajasthan-india.in

About the Author
Yogesh is author and designer of the guide area of http://www.rajasthan-india.in. The writer is focusing on tips about Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

The Best Beaches in Florida

by Christopher Neal Fannin

Visitusa.com is committed to singing the praises of a variety of beaches in Florida that visitors to the Orange State may enjoy. To that end, we've compiled an extensive list of the best Florida beaches we could find. So with out further ado, here are some of the best beaches in Florida.

* Fort De Soto Beach is a historic fort built during the Spanish-American War located on Mullet Key. This 900- acre park has 7 miles of beaches, 2 fishing piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and a 2,000-ft. nature trail.
* Florida's Gulf Coast, Caladesi is one of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, and is only accessible by boat. It is an perfect locations for swimming, fishing, picnics, diving, hiking and nature study.
* Key Biscayne's beaches in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park's visitors can stroll by the Atlantic, charter a deep-sea fishing boat, ride a jet ski, or just relax. It's one of the best places in Greater Miami for golf, sunbathing & water sports
* Perdido Key is a natural paradise is home to plentiful native wildlife. The clear green waters and miles of soft white sand are perfect for sunbathing or water sports and it's considered one of the America's best swimming beaches.
* South Beach is a happening hot-spot with a chic night life. The "American Riviera" is great for couples on spring break (that can afford it anyway) since rowdy crowds of teenagers are rarely seen on its upscale sands.
* Greater Fort Lauderdale has 23 miles of sun-drenched beaches and is perfect for people watching or shopping and dining at any number of great beach shops and restaurants that line the clean and eco-friendly beaches.
* St. Joseph Peninsula State Park's miles of white sand beaches and striking dune formations characterize this Florida Panhandle area. Boating, saltwater fishing, camping, canoeing and hiking are all popular St. Joseph Peninsula activities.
* Clearwater Beach offers nearly every water and beach activity conceivable, and nearby Pier 60 Park has a family recreation complex with playgrounds, fishing and concession stands.
* Anastasia State Park is home to several rare, threatened and endangered species. Located on Anastasia Island, near St. Augustine, this beach provides opportunities for Camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, beach volleyball, boating and more.
* St. George Island State Park sits on 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, and is a perfect setting for a quiet Florida getaway.
* Daytona Beach is called the "World's Most Famous Beach". Visitors can drive automobiles on the sand by day and stroll the boardwalk by night, stopping occasionally to enjoy the arcades. Daytona Beach is also a major surfing hotspot.
* Siesta Key is one of the most popular the beaches on the southwest coast of Florida and is famous for its soft white sand. Amenities include lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers & volleyball & tennis courts.

About the Author
Looking for more information on Florida Beaches see our online beach guide

Sunday, May 14, 2006

New Zealand -The Last Paradise

by Manoj Gursahani

Home the largest and the oldest living Kauri trees in the North and the glaciers and majestic fjords in the South, with an ever-changing canvas of snow-capped mountains, deserted beaches, fast-flowing rivers and even boiling mud- cocooned in nature, New Zealand enchants and captivates.

For exquisite scenery, gentle rolling pastures, stunning islands and beaches and a glimpse of the Maori culture, the North Island awaits you. Contrasting to the soothing ambience of the North, the South Island is home to dramatic alpine scenery, glacial lakes, grinding glaciers and roaring rivers.

Isolated from other landmasses, New Zealand is abundant in native wildlife, with exotic and often rare species of plants and birds unique only to this land down under; with the famous icon for New Zealand - the Kiwi. You can water-ski alongside the dolphins, frolic with newborn lambs on a farm, or go fishing in the innumerable streams that weave through the landscape.

A small country, with endless possibilities to explore, a visit to New Zealand will leave you no time for twiddling your thumbs. Whether you're looking for extreme adventure, purity of nature or simple relaxation, this is one place that offers you all -from leisurely nature trails and scenic drives to stunning coastline and fascinating wildlife.

Navigate your way through this country's varying countryside. Described by National Geographic as a world in miniature, New Zealand is a land of rare natural beauty hard to match anywhere in the world.

Copyright (C) Manoj Gursahani

About the Author
Manoj Gursahani is the Director of India's first ecommerce travel portal- TravelMartIndia. Visit the blog for more travel tips and destinations. Find more information on travelling to New Zealand

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Arma di Taggia - Italian Riviera

by Glo-Con

Visitors to Sanremo and the Riviera dei Fiori should not forget the short trip along the coast to Taggia.

Strictly speaking the comune is divided into two; Arma di Taggia, the modern seaside resort, and medieval Taggia 3km inland along the Argentina Valley.

For such a small place Taggia has had an incredible history and even today it gives the visitor a sensation of how commerce and life must have been in Liguria 600 years ago.

Originally a Roman settlement, it sowed the seeds of its fame when the Benedictine monks started cultivating olive trees in the 12th century. From that moment its prosperity grew and grew and even today olive oil still plays an important part in the local economy.

The impressive monastery of San Domenico was built in 1459 and still stands. Despite attempts by Barbary pirates to loot the complex in 1564, it still contains priceless works by local hero Ludivico Brea and Giovanni Canavesio.

Not to be missed is the church of Santa Maria del Canneto set in the olive groves on the edge of the old town and the Santuario del Crocifisso in via Soleri, the principal Renaissance 'covered' street.

Our favorite is the medieval footbridge over the river which used to allow traders with mules to enter the town from the hills.

Liguria is a perfect place for your holidays: there, you will see the most beautiful sunsets, swim in the Mediterranean sea, discover enchanting views. Just think of the names of the places you can visit: Golfo Paradiso, Golfo dei Poeti, Portovenere, Riviera dei fiori, Riviera delle palme... If you appreciate the quiet, if you like spending your holidays with your family, if you love nature and enjoy a mild climate, you must come to Liguria.

There, you will also find art, culture, small villages and towns full of history. Last but not least, you will be able to taste its lovely and simple cuisine, where basil and fish are the main ingredients. Have you ever tried trofiette with pesto, buridda, or focaccia?

About the Author
Glo-Con is a travel and real estate portal with a free listing service and thousands of photo ads . Please follow this link to visit their website : http://www.glo-con.com

Monday, May 01, 2006

Eleuthera's 5 Best Beaches

by Bret Sigilllo

With all the beaches to choose from on the two, long 100-mile shorelines of Eleuthera, which ones stand out and why? You have a choice of among 50 or so, and unless you are planning on spending three to six months on the island exploring all of the pock-marked rough roads that take you to each of the hidden beaches then you'll want to know which ones to make sure you get to. Here is a list of the beaches that are the "must-sees" during your week in paradise.

#5 Twin Bay (Rainbow Bay Subdivision) - these two charming beaches win the contest hands down for the most romantic. Set below a cliff, Twin Bay offers two cozy cave beaches with space so intimate that they're really only suitable for one couple lest you invade on another's privacy. You need to get up early to claim this beach first. Both beaches are side by side on the Atlantic side and are reached by climbing down a set of rock stairs carved out of a fallen boulder. They each offer shade in the sandy cave, some sun by the water's edge, and a lot of wave action due to the nearby breaker. It is possible to have a strong current. In high tides they will flood so be prepared in case the water levels rise. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and grab a bottle of wine to enjoy the full day at these amazing little beaches.

Pluses: Seclusion, shade, interesting terrain due to the caves, good waves.

Minuses: They may already be occupied, strong current, not a lot of sun, a steep climb down rocky stairs.

#4 Ten Bay (Ten Bay Subdivision) - with only one private home on the beach and with ½ mile of gorgeous pink sand, Ten Bay has become a favorite for everyone, young and old alike. It offers a spectacular unobstructed view onto the horizon for picturesque sunsets. The landscape is dotted with tall palm and casuarina trees for shade especially around the middle of the beach. The water is usually very serene and quite shallow with no current. This is a good beach for sunning, wading, snorkeling, and bonefishing. This is an excellent beach for toddlers because of the soft cool sand and shallow waters. It tends to be more popular so you are likely to see a few visitors on the beach from time to time. It is also a good strolling beach, and there is usually an abundance of conch shells at its northern end.

Pluses: Sunsets, extremely clean, shallow calm water, good snorkeling around the sides of the bay, lots of sun, shelling.

Minuses: Other people on the beach, no waves, shallow water.

#3 Double Bay (Double Bay Subdivision) - this beach has it all and is one of the great wide Atlantic beaches of Eleuthera. Private houses are spread far and wide up its 2 mile coastline and they are largely hidden by dunes, and lush vegetation. The beach is quite wide by Eleutheran standards with plenty of sand between the dunes and the sea. A pretty landscape is dotted by several small cays, and the southern shore juts out convincingly separating Double Bay from Savannah Sound. The sand is firm and offers a great walk due to its length. There are small pockets of reef to snorkel on and at the southern end of the beach are two shipwrecks, one partially visible, and the second larger one much further out from shore offering a more daring snorkel and spear fishing. The water is delightful, and this is an excellent swimming spot due to how quickly it gets deep. This beach has awesome ambient sound as the small waves crashing to shore offer a delightful tone to complement the magnificent view.

Pluses: Swimming, lots of beach, shipwrecks for snorkeling, interesting landscape, good walking or running, easy roads and easy access.

Minuses: Very little shade, few access spots, many private houses, ship debris.

#2 Jack's Bay (near Cotton Bay) - a very pristine spot with very few houses. Because of its remoteness you are likely to have this beach to yourself. It is a sandy half moon bay on the Atlantic, which is protected by a strong breaker at the mouth of the bay. This has the benefit of providing great crashing waves that you can see and hear offshore while providing a protected swimming area close to shore. There is lots of sun and little shade on this beach. Snorkeling can be done along the northern shoreline, although the tides can make this quite shallow. The water in the bay tends to be shallow and calm due to how well protected it is. There are lots of baby conchs in the grassy areas off of the shoreline.

Pluses: Calm protected waters, wave sound at bay entrance, pretty half moon shape.

Minuses: Little shade, no waves, few shells, some debris, bumpy access road.

#1 Lighthouse Beach (Lighthouse Sound) - few beaches match the raw beauty of what is found at the Lighthouse. With large beaches on both the Caribbean and Atlantic separated by a natural limestone outcropping that can be climbed to where the old Lighthouse still stands, these beaches offer everything a vacationer could hope for including breathtaking panoramic views, interesting limestone caves, miles and miles of pristine beaches, and fabulous swimming on both sides and in both oceans. It is possible to swim from the Atlantic to the Caribbean using the channel that runs between the rocks and feel the power or two seas colliding. The best reefs are far offshore for snorkeling and currents can run strong where the oceans meet so be careful. Bring a kayak to reach the best offshore snorkeling spots.

Pluses: Elevated views, two beaches, two oceans, miles of sand and water, good snorkeling offshore, lots of shady spots, lots of sunny spots.

Minuses: Difficult to reach and rough road, no civilization nearby, likely to have other tourists because of its unique characteristics.

Honorable Mention Papaw Bay, Winding Bay, Deep Creek, Club Med, Savannah Sound, Airport Beach, Rainbow Bay, Windermere Island (private).

About the Author
Article by Bret Sigillo, President, Saand.com, Inc., 47 Intervale Road, Boonton, NJ 07005 Ph: 877-467-2263, Fax: 973-335-2229 Email: bsigillo@saand.com

Bret Sigillo is the President and Founder of Saand.com, Inc. (http://www.saand.com) a unique marketplace for short-term villa & vacation rentals in the Caribbean, Latin America and Hawaii. With over 600 homes in inventory Saand.com has defined the online reservation experience for the vacation traveler while extending customer reach for homeowners.