Saturday, September 4, 2010

Asia - Makemytrip

asia photos, makemytrip, tour guide, tours and travels, makemytrip guide


The largest continent of the world with a massive and varied topography, Asia is a mini-world in itself. Spread over an area of 44,579,000 sq. kms, Asia occupies about 30 per cent of the earth’s land area. In fact, it is really tough to consider the vast continent of Asia as a single travel destination. Consisting of 47 big and small countries, and numerous islands and archipelagos, Asia is home to about 60 per cent of the world's human population.

All the countries of Asia are bestowed with a fine blend of natural and man-made wonders. Along with tourist attractions, the rich and varied culture and traditions of the varied countries altogether make Asia a must visit place. Moreover, each nook and corner of Asia is a tourist destination in itself and encompasses plenty of attractions. For getting the true picture of Asia, it is necessary to explore almost every country and its area. Hence, choose from the plethora of tourist destinations of Asia and begin your journey from any destination, and enjoy one of most memorable vacations of lifetime.

Eating
The whole Asian continent is an eating heaven and abounds with a wide array of gastronomic delights and traditional delicacies. From sweet to sour, spicy hot to mild, the Asian cuisines are renowned for their exotic tastes and aroma. Whether you visit a major city or a small village, each region of Asia has its own unique cuisines. Once you arrive in any part of Asia, the invigorating dishes tempt you to have them as soon as possible. Chinese, Japanese, Mughalai, South Indian, North Indian, Afghani and more, the cuisines of Asia are enough to make your vacation a pleasurable experience.

Rice and wheat are the staple grains, and most of the dishes contain these principle ingredients in varied amount. Usually people take rice or wheat with vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes. Tickle your taste buds with famous dishes like biryaani (pulao) or enjoy wheat-made breads like naan, tandoori roti or chapatti with delicious curries in India or sample the spicy Thai cuisine besides digging into hot noodles and momos...the food on offer is Asia is varied and mouthwateringly delicious

Activities

A trip to the Asian countries offers a wonderful combination of sightseeing and leisure options. You get a lot to see, do and experience in any country of Asia. From centuries old historic buildings to ultra-modern buildings, religious structures to impressive museums and art galleries, national parks and sanctuaries to well laid-out parks and gardens, lofty mountain peaks to serene white sandy beaches, shimmering rivers to gushing waterfalls, Asia is full of thousands of attractions that draw leisure travellers, adventure seekers, family vacationers, historians and almost all sorts of travellers.

Get a fine glimpse of the rich historic past of Asia by visiting historic monuments, magnificent forts and palaces, massive temples and mosques, and ruined old buildings. Also see the centuries old architectural styles in exquisite interiors and exteriors of the old structures. Besides the old world attractions, the Asian countries have a number of modern attractions that are renowned for their marvellous architecture and brilliant design. For a fine collection of rich artefacts, old paintings, sculptures, weapons, machine tools and other interesting objects, visit the world-class museums and art galleries of the Asian countries.

Spot rich and varied flora, fauna and avian species in wildlife parks or sanctuaries. Relax or indulge in a variety of activities along picturesque beaches or on large islands. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water sports or discover new places through a pleasant cruise along rivers or backwaters. Explore awe-inspiring wildlife sanctuaries on elephant back or go for camel or horse safari into beautiful countrysides. Also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views in the hills and experience nature at its best.

Fast Facts

Main Languages: While every Asian country has its own national language, English is widely spoken and understood by the literate people. In addition to these, each region of the Asian countries has its specific regional language that is hard to understand by people of other regions. While exploring Asia, it’s better to have a basic idea of the regional languages.
When to Go: Asia is a vast continent and the climatic conditions vary from one country to another country. Though most of the destinations can be visited round the year, but it is better to know about the weather of country and best season of travel. 
Local Transport: Bestowed with a huge geographical area, Asia presents a fine conglomeration of various modes of local transportation ranging from flights, trains and buses to cycle-rickshaws. Taxis, cars and auto-rickshaws are other modes of local transport in Asia. Usually the modes of local transport differ with each country and even within the varied regions of the country.
Time Zone: Every country in Asia follows an individual time zone according to its geographical location and political area. Like India’s time zone is 5.30 ahead of GMT, while time zone of the neighbouring country of Afghanistan is 4.30 ahead of GMT. The time zones of the Asian countries vary from UTC +2 to UTC +12.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Paris Overview




The City of Lights or Paris, as is popularly known is much more than that. Home to historical and cultural wonders like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral and the hub of fashion haute coutre, Paris is the ultimate cosmopolitan capital, and is a city like no other. The heart of Europe, it throbs its way into people's inner sanctums, romancing them, making them love it. Paris (Pah-Ree to the locals) makes you indulge; fulfilling your desires and stimulating your senses. There is something for everyone, throughout the year. Paris is a city that never sleeps, and is a stunning contrast of decadence and vitality, of old-world charm and avant-garde restlessness. From vibrant gay and lesbian outbursts to avant garde theatre, Paris has it all - a dream destination which has to be visited at least once in a lifetime!

Main Languages:
French is the official language. A marginal amount of English is also spoken.

When to Go:
Paris has a different charm for all seasons. It really depends on your taste and budget when you want to visit Paris. Springtime in Paris is colorful and poetic with vibrant landscape and highly pepped local culture evident in the café culture that inhabits the city. Summer in Paris is festival time, with many open air events peppered across the city and there is a general carefree nonchalant atmosphere that reigns. Winter months are beautiful with festivities and happiness in the air, a sort of surreal magic prevails and is most romantic at this time of the year.

Local Transport: Commuter express trains (RER) are the most popular mode of transport in Paris. Buses and cabs are other options. You can even take a ride down River Siene to get to one place from another. However, this can burn a hole in your pocket.

Phone code:
+31
Currency: Euro. 1 Euro (€) is 69. 72 Indian Rupees (INR).
Voltage: 220 V
Time Zone: Paris follows European Standard Time, which is GMT + 1 hour, and GMT + 2 hours during daylight savings.