Travel Lakshadweep
Hundred Thousand Islands
Jewel In The Atlantic – Ilha Grande
Oct 19th
Glistening in the sea, about 180km from the coast is Ilha Grande, which literally translates to ‘Big Island’. It is part of Brazil’s state, Rio de Janeiro. The island has a coastal perimeter of 130km and the island covers 193sq.km. The beaches of Ilha Grande are very famous – there are more than hundred of them!!! The seven small bays and peninsulas add to the coastal tourism charm. Some of the beast beaches of Ilha Grande are Lopes Mendes, Praia de Caxadaço, Ensenada de Abraão, Playa de Aventureiro, Laguna Verde Ilha Grande, Ensenada de Araçatiba, Dois Ríos and Praia Dos Meros.
You can find a variety of landscapes on the island and around: beaches, forests, caverns, rivers and plains. Tourists have plenty of things to do here – from adventure tours and boating to swimming and fishing. For snorkeling, head to Do Macacos Island, Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon. Dive to ship and helicopter wrecks off the island waters.
In the Bay of Ilha Grande, there are about 350-odd small islands – sailing and cruises are great ways to explore them. You can also go sea kayaking. Fishing is another item you can indulge in – there are over 13 fishing spots for tourists. Enjoy a ride on an ‘escuna’, a traditional Brazilian boat. The three beaches of Lópes Mendes, Santo António and Aventureiro are apt for surfing.
The highest part of the island is Pico da pedra D’agua, at 1,301m. You can go for trekking and nature walks here. Biologically diverse areas on the island are great for camping. Read the rest of this entry »
Tasmania – Australia’s Jewel In The Sea
Jun 5th
Most parts of Australia remain as it were hundreds of years ago. And for the same reason there are verdant meadows, extensive forests, beaches, grasslands, mountains and a variety of animals to see. The island of Tasmania is located to the south of Australia and parts of it were earlier used by the British to keep their prisoners. You can still see abandoned penitentiaries across the island, especially near the coast. The Port Arthur Penitentiary is one such famous prison.
The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. Standing on the Derwent River Estaury in the south east of the state, it is a port city and also Australia’s second-oldest city. Hobart was founded in 1803. It is a well-known port for sealers and whalers. Lauceston, on the River Tamar, is called Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’.
Endangered, the Tasmanian Devil is found in the island state. World heritage sites, archaeological ruins and natural wonders make Tasmania a tourist’s rapture. Lakes, forests, national parks and ecologically important areas keep the wilderness alive here.
Miss Bikini International World 2011 in China
May 17th
Thai bikini beauties are damn excited! For the first time in its 36-year history, the Miss Bikini International World pageant will have a Thai contestant in it. The final round will be held in in July, Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, with a participation of 80 countries.
In order to choose the contestant from Thailand, the different rounds of the first Miss Thailand Beach International 2011 beauty pageant will be conducted in Bangkok, and the finals will be held in Phuket, on June 5.
Phuket is a major beach destination of the world. Such an event will surely boost the tourism appeal of the place.
Artificial Reef In Kovalam, India
May 20th
Kovalam in Kerala has got India’s first artificial reef. Read it right here http://travel.homestayscochin.com/2010/05/20/kovalam-to-have-indias-first-artificial-reef/
Kochi – A Hot Cruise Destination!
Dec 2nd
The year 2009 has ushered in a lot of good news for cruisers and the sea-lovers. You can expect international cruises, local riverine ones and also cruising and yachting events.
Can you imagine the varied cruise destinations you’ll be visiting on such a cruise? Well… they range from anywhere between Dubai, Muscat and other Middle Eastern ports to South East Asian ones such as Singapore, Penang, Phuket and Komodo. Visit the exotic destinations in Hawaii, Australia and South America.
Cochin, on the Western Indian coast, might be a newcomer on the international cruising scene, but it is surely a grand one that is fast catching up with other established ports of call. With its serene beaches, good port facilities, beach resorts and conducive tourist environment, Cochin is India’s best cruise destination!
Capturing Little Daman In India
Nov 22nd
Nani Daman, or Little Daman, is tucked away in the northernmost part of the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. It belongs to the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. It was a Portuguese colony, and so, one of the reasons tourists visit this place is for its history and culture. The other being the abundantly and cheaply available liquor. Something else that captures you is the presence of three rivers and two beaches in this tiny place. Nani Daman’s own jewel is the Devka Beach, 5km from town. As the beach is rocky, people prefer to wet their feet at the two amusement parks here.
Besides the beach, visit the Nani Daman Market and the Portuguese-built St Jerome Fort which has a view over the Damanganga Creek. The fort was built in 1627 to keep away Mughal conquerors. The fort covers 12,250 sq.m and has three bastions and two gateways. The giant gateway facing the river has a large statue of St Jerome and two big human figures, on either side of the gateway. The Church of Our Lady of the Sea within the fort is a beautiful Gothic-style construction.
There is a fabulous five-hour city tour organized by one of the leading hotels, which will take around the sights and sounds of the city. Visit churches, forts, rivers, gardens and historical monuments.
Tranquil in Trancoso, Brazil
Oct 10th
Located in Bahia district of Eastern Brazil, Trancoso was founded by Jesuit priests in the early 1500s. During New Year’s you’ll find scores of tourists lining the beach. The beaches here are separated as north and south by the Trancoso River.
About a hundred metres off the beaches, are tranquil coral reefs. You can go surfing and diving here. If you are the adventurous kind, try horse-back riding and bike riding.
The beaches come alive at night, with music and merry-making all around. Shops, restaurants and hotels line the beaches. Finding a place to stay won’t be difficult.
The church at the square is dedicated to St John. The calm and serene locale will enthrall you. Trancoso can be accessed from nearby town by a taxi. Flights to Port Seguro in Bahia will connect you to this city.