Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city with spectacular skylines, wild night outs and appealing financial hub that will make you go awe in a single glance. It is infinitely fascinating and one is never going to get bored in this beautiful city. It can be easily termed as lively and energetic city because it has something for everyone because it is changing at a fast pace with the environment. The food is lip-smacking good in Hong Kong with noodles being on top of the list. The Hong Kong airport is one of the biggest hub airport in the world. It’s a vibrant city of eight million inhabitants.

A city that never sleeps is a perfect phrase for Hong Kong as it hosts large number of activities starting from monthly art shows hosted by various galleries to annual Rugby competition.

Food in Hong Kong is so heavenly that tourists come again and again just to fulfill their taste buds with the super delicious food. You can hog on to a bowl of noodles for the entire day. You can have an ideal Asian food without even worrying your pockets as it is pocket friendly. And if you are a lover of shopping then Hong Kong surely is a place to be. It provides to be the best luxurious shopping city and a total heaven for shopping lovers. Be it small shops or big malls, everything provides such amazing and unique stuff that you wouldn’t resist emptying your pocket.

There are various beautiful attractions in Hong Kong. The best part about these attractions is that not all attractions need entrance fee or huge amount of money. Few of its famous tourist attractions are:

• Victoria harbor: Enjoy the most fascinating view of harbor along skyscrapers. You need not pay for it; yes this amazing view is free of cost. You also get to experience world’s largest sound and light show, “Symphony of lights”. This show starts at 8:00 pm every night, so plan your trip accordingly as the 360-degree spectacle of laser beams striking the skyscrapers on either side of the harbor is worth watching.
• Hong Kong Museum of History: This museum will provide you with an amazing overview of its past. These are astonishing display relating to archaeology, natural history and social history.
• Macau: It’s an easy trip from Hong Kong, and totally worth the hour long boat ride. It’s a fun place to enjoy night life in Hong Kong. Being the asia’s top gambling destination it surely is suppose to give you an amazing time with lively bars to cool restaurants.
• Victoria Peak: An absolute Hong Kong must do. To get a stunning view of skyscrapers, bustling city, and surrounding islands you ought to visit it. You need to travel there by a tram that will take you at the top of this scenic viewpoint. This is a must see attraction in Hong Kong.
• Wong Tai Sin Temple: The city also has a quiet side and is surrounded by many religious temples. Wong Tai Sin Temple being the newest temple in Hong Kong. There are several buildings in this temple that includes a Hall of Three Saints, a Good Wishes Garden also you will find several fortune tellers sitting in one of the halls.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: The first themed park, located in Lantau Island. It consists of several themed park like Adventureland, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Mystic point, Main Street, U.S.A and many more. Whenever planning about a trip to Hong Kong, one can never resist skipping Disneyland from the list of places to travel here. You feel like a kid again in this alluring place with hundreds of rides, Water Park and castles that gives you a feeling of your childhood days.
• Tsim Sha Tsui: The best Entertainment and Shopping hub, located in southern of Kowloon. Tsim Sha Tsui is the finest district to know commerce and culture of Hong Kong. You can find amazing restaurants, boutiques and luxurious retailers in this very place. Also there is a very famous Cultural Centre and a museum of Art that attracts tourists a lot.
• Repulse Bay and the Beaches: To feel luxury at its best one must visit this beach. Beach at Repulse Bay the most famous and lively beaches in the country. So get ready to get a little tan with the stunning sightseeing.
• Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue): This place has a huge 34 meter high Buddha’s Statue at the top of Lantau Island’s. Plan to climb Lantau early in the morning to get the best view of surrounding sea, islands and the magical sun rise over the monastery.

A visit to Hong Kong includes embracing and stunning views of land, sea, and architecture, wonderful beaches and great hikes. Hong Kong is one of the most lively and awe-inspiring cities in the world, certainly, but there’s much more to the country that meets the eye.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bandana Gautam
I am an Mba student, who loves to write in my spare time. Food and Travelling makes me happy like nothing else in life. I am a believer, dreamer and a reader. I am an enthusiast of wanderlust and want to die travelling. Feel free to contact me @ [email protected]. My only motto in life is Live, Laugh and Love…live it up!

Bali

Indonesia / By Bandana Gautam

Bali is an island in Indonesia. Bali has maintained its uniqueness and magic over decades now and is often termed as paradise on earth. The combination of friendly environment, a breathtaking landscape with splendid beaches made Bali a very well known tourist destination. International tourism is at boom in Bali because of the constant change that has happened over years. Bali offers wide range of attractions and provides everything an island offers from hotels and resorts to private villas and spas.

Famous for couples, a honeymoon destination

One can surely expect a very warm welcome from Balinese with their quirky, vibrant and lively culture. Bali bring forth a year round gratifying climate and the love for art and culture can be seen in every nook and corner of the island. The aura of this island is so that it can simply swift you off your feet. Bali has retained its magic since years. It’s a calm and still destination that offers something for everyone. Though Bali gets quiet crowded in the month of August, September and during Christmas.

Bali is one of the most popular island destination in the world

Bali offers beautiful beaches, and water sports like surfing and diving, but it’s the soul and spirit of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes it so much more than just a beachy retreat. The people of this small island are indeed kind and genuinely warm people. There’s also a fun, sly sense of humor behind Balinese peoples smiles. Balinese dance and music are rightly famous and majorly attracts the travellers to the island to enjoy it. Dance is also enjoyed a lot by the tourists, as it is extremely visual and dramatic.

There are many different cities in this beautiful destination that attracts the tourist. These cities are:

• Denpasar: It’s the transport hub of the island but not quiet a touristy destination. It’s a buzzing and vibrant city and also the administrative center of this place.
• Canidasa: It is a hushed coastal town also a gateway to the east coast.
• Kuta: The best nightlife and shopping place in the entire island. It’s the most heavily developed area in Bali. It’s the center for lower end party culture on Bali
• Jimbaran: This place has the best beachy location with seaside alluring resorts. One can surely indulge into some mouth-watering seafood at the restaurants near south of Kuta.
• Seminyak: This place has some really stunning upscale beachside resorts and villas and it is a very peaceful location to spend holidays in a quiet and stillness. One can also expect some quiet expensive bars and restaurants whose interiors give a luxurious look with stylish bars and restaurants.
• Ubud: It’s a trendy hub of arts and culture, located in the foothills of island. There are many incredible museums in this city. One can also see a monkey forest. One can take back home many arts and crafts from here as many shops here sells arts and crafts.
• Legian: This city is located in the middle of Kuta and Seminyak and there is not much to see in this place.
• Padang Bai: The place offers quiet an adventure as you can try snorkeling and diving here. There is also fishing option at the nice and calm traditional fishing village. You can also witness a peaceful beach and don’t forget to eat fish at this place. They serve tasty fishes over here.
• Lovina: Enjoy the charm of the beautiful coral reef in this city. Also the black volcanic beaches is something one should go in this city for. Totally a worth!
• Sanur: This place is famous for family holidays to enjoy pleasant breezy atmosphere at sea side resorts and beaches. Older people will love this place as it provides a peaceful atmosphere.

If you are planning for adventurous trip with water rides then you should straight away head for North Bali as it offers the best options of diving and surfing that will make your trip totally worthwhile.

All the party and clubbing people you are going to have hell lot of fun, as this place even after being popular for its quiet atmosphere, offers ample of options of clubbing. Nearly quiet a century before this place was totally famous for being a popular place for hippies and surfers. And there is no obligatory time for there clubs to open or close. So, you can literally imagine being in one of these clubs and dance like there is no tomorrow. And if you are planning for an expensive trip then Seminyak offers really cool luxurious beachside lounge or a beach side party in Kuta.

Kuta often attracts the young people whereas Seminyak attracts hippies and hardcore clubbers. Many International DJ’s are invited to slay the tourists. If you are keen to go for a live music club then Kuta, Sansur and Denpasar are your places. These places are best for karaoke lovers. Bali offers wide range of nightlife from luxurious to sophisticated and from expensive to cheap. So if you don’t want to burden your wallet then also you have great option in this island.

This island is much more than Beach and Sun. It also offers gorgeous animal parks, water rides park, family parks and fascinating temples. The various nature and culture of this island allows for numerous activities. You can plainly go on trekking, or mountain biking or you can even climb up the volcano for a beautiful sunrise or sunset. The Waterbom Waterpark is a must as it offers fun water slides and make sure you have the best of time. Also it has various restaurants and parks. You will have an amazing day here if you want a day off the beaches.

As you can do anything you can imagine then what are you waiting for? Just start packing and leave for Bali. Now!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Spain

Europe / By Bandana Gautam

Spain, located in the Southwest Europe, is the fifth largest country in the world. From small towns to lively islands, Spain offers everything that a human could wish to enjoy on their holiday. A very diverse, highly developed, full of life and loyal country to live a wonderful life. It offers such beautiful landscapes that awaken the soul. This country has a calm lifestyle, it is rich in art and culture and the nightlife, food and festivals make it an astonishing European country.

Well for Indians, Spain is no such a new country as we already have explored most of the part of Spain. Yes, we all have. Remember the Bollywood movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Yes the same movie where Hritik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar does spectacular adventures all around the country.

Daily life in Spain moves at a slow pace and runs till late. Spain is attractive, compulsive and energetic country, which can make anybody, fall in love with it. Providing people with lively, active and free spirited cities like Barcelona and Madrid with beautiful landscapes and culture.

The green capital Madrid has many medieval and historic building, which tells the tales of back in time. It also houses museums, sculptures and monuments. And the city has various beautiful parks and lush green gardens. Being a capital city of Spain, Madrid acts as the political, technological, economic and cultural center of Spain. Barcelona just like Madrid is famous for its late night parties and amazing historic streets. You’ll find a lot of history here in Spain, and it is named as the third country in world with most heritage sites. This is a country with music in its soul, a profound love for fine food and beautiful landscapes, and a artistic talent to celebrate all the wonderful things in life.

The best festival to witness in Spain is La Tomatina, held every year in month of August. In this festival, thousands of people gather in this small town and throw tons of tomatoes at each other. It is the most messy and fun festival held in Spain. Another major attraction for tourists is the bullring. Bullfight is held every year in month of March and October. It attracts lots of tourist as it host the largest bullring in whole Spain, Las Ventas that was established in 1929. Held in July in Pamplona, The bullfight attracts various foreign tourists, who love to watch and enjoy those wild bulls running after peoples. Both these festivities we have seen in the Bollywood movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

For people who love loud music and enjoy wild parties should surely travel to Ibiza. Ibiza is an island in Spain. It offers the best beach parties and the European DJ’s keep no stone unturned to make beaches a holy place for club lovers.

The mountains Pyrenees gives the most breathtaking view from above. Its covered with small villages, mountain walking tracks and skiing can be enjoyed with great zeal. The other mountain ranges in Spain are Sierra Nevada, which is a perfect hike point.

Guggenheim Museum in Biblao, is the world famous museum which has captivating exhibits of modern art. Though if you are not interested in museums one can go there just to admire the beauty of the building, which was created by Frank Gehry,

The Great Cathedral and Mosque with its giant arches, rich marble floors, affluent gilded prayer niches, and the awe-inspiring shrine of Byzantine mosaics take you back in time when Córdoba was under Muslim influence.

San Sebastián located in the center of the Basque area of Spain, this place has a remarkable beach and nightlife. Moreover, architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and unique cities in all of Spain.

The Spanish cuisines are combination of different dishes according to climate, culture and geography. The most delightful dish is sea food, the food that comes from the surrounding water bodies. Sports are heavenly enjoyed and played in Spain. There are two most affluent football clubs clubs in the world, “Real Madrid C.F” and “FC Barcelona”.

Transportation in Spain is marked by substantial network of Railways, Roads, buses, Metros, Air routes and ports. Though Spain has an amazing and fast railway system, but its quite expensive, so I would prefer you to travel via buses, which are equally pleasant but cheaper.

There’s something about Spain that attracts to everybody be it the inheritance of a melting pot of cultures or the site of numerous castles, palaces and dazzling islands which have often been used as a setting for many international film productions. Anytime is good to visit Spain as you will love it and will surely return home discovering new worlds, you can party till dawn in such a place as the sun always shines till late.

Spain offers the best possible surroundings in the entire world and it has taken itself a long history with itself, which has made it such a vibrant and colorful country in the world. Popularly known as the party hub, this country is a must visit once in a lifetime to party like there is no tomorrow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Madrid

Spain / By Bandana Gautam

The 3rd country with most Heritage sites in world after Italy and China is Spain with over 44 recognized heritage sites. Madrid is the lively European capital, which is full of life and culture. Madrid offers world-class museums all at walking distance, a palace, lush green gardens and not to forget the delicious and finger licking good food.

Being a capital city of Spain, Madrid acts as the political, technological, economic and cultural center of Spain.

It has a very efficient and sociable road transport to connect with other parts of Spain and whole of Europe. The only airport to reach Madrid is Madrid-Barajas Airport, which is fourth greatest airport in Europe. From buses to trains, the travelling in Madrid is made effortless and accessible. The clean and pristine roads and metros make Madrid a beautiful city for tourists to travel. The contemporary and huge metro systems are truly a treasure as it connects airport with the rest of the city. Apart from metros, travelling in Madrid made easy by high-speed trains, taxis, sightseeing buses and city buses. High-speed trains would be the best option if you plan to travel to Barcelona from Madrid, or any other nearby city.

The rich heritage and culture of Madrid is a total win among tourists. Madrid has many medieval and historic building, which tells the tales of back in time.

It also houses museums, sculptures and monuments. Few famous tourist attractions one must try are:
• Royal Palace: Its Architecture is inspired by Versailles. Looking over to luxuriant gardens, its completely made up of granite and white colmenar stone which gives it a Spanish touch. Its attractive interiors, sculptures and statues make it a famous tourist space
• Plaza Mayor which gives us a classic 17th century aura
• Puerta del Sol it is the most lknown centre square of the city and embraces many shops and cafes. It’s a lively place and peoples come here to enjoy lives.
• Buen Retiro Park Best option to escape from the hustle bustle of busy city lives. The most amazing part of this park is its greenery and the crystal Place which has a charming fountain.

Quick tip: A pastry shop near Retiro Park, Pastelería Vait that offers great variety of cookies, cakes and chocolates. Tourists can indulge into sweet tooth gifts for their friends and family.
• Prado Museum Consists of exceptional collection of 12th century and 19th century Spanish paintings, which are a total treat to eyes. It’s the home of masterpiece work by Prado, Las Meninas
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Fine Arts Museum
• Centro de Arte de Reina Sofía: Contemporary Art Museum
• San Antonio de la Florida A holy site, along the Manzanares River bank. Every year this church hosts an annual festival, in honor of saint Anthony of Padua
• Fuente de Cibeles A famous fountain statue, of a Roman goddess riding a Lion Chariot
• Temple of Debod situated in La Montaña Park it’s the most astounding monument of Madrid
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Museo Sorolla an art gallery of beautiful paintings and drawings by very famous Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla

The best part about Madrid is that you can explore more than half the city by walking, as most of the tourist places are close enough to each other. So, no tension of spending extra bucks for travelling.

Madrid modernized itself from 19th century and build contemporary neighborhoods and monuments that resulted in the birth of new neighborhood such as of Salamanca, Chamberi and Arguelles.

Though the climate might not be as pleasing but if you are nature and food lover then you should surely plan to visit Madrid. As Madrid is a very green city, and has been named as second highest city with most number of trees. Within few minutes of walk, one can access to green area or a garden. It’s an environment and tourist friendly country. And in the matter of food, Madrid is quickly growing with great speed, the regional Spanish cuisines are being given a makeover into something more appealing so that tourist can enjoy them without any hesitation. The classic dishes of Madrid that every tourist must try are cocido, (served with vegetable stew) and calamari sandwiches. From old restaurants, to modernize cafes being available on every nook and corner of Madrid, it surely is becoming a food paradise for tourists.

The culture of Brunch is quite famous in Madrid. The city people have lunch mainly at 2 pm and even restaurants typically open at 1.30 or so in the afternoon and closes around 4 pm. The dinner at restaurants starts at 8pm and closes at 11.30 in the night. Don’t feel sad, if you don’t want to have a brunch, there are ample of café’s options available, you can grab a bite from there, as they remain open throughout the day. Apart from Spanish food, the sea Food is quite famous in the city. If you are in the mood of some mouth-watering seafood, you ought to try out in Madrid. You definitely will have an unforgettable experience with food and nature in Madrid.

Not only Food and nature, Madrid is also active in sports. The sports that are played are Football, basketball, cycling tennis etc. The main attraction is the Bullfight that held every year in month of March and October. It attracts lots of tourist as it host the largest bullring in whole Spain, Las Ventas that was established in 1929.

Indians for sure are going to have a great experience to take back home while travelling in Madrid. Also, they are going to explore the best of nature, food, art and culture.

So, what are you waiting for, get your walking shoes on and come explore the city, Madrid which surely has been drawn into your bucket list for ample of reasons now.