Travel Lakshadweep
Hundred Thousand Islands
The Bamboo Trains of Battambang – Cambodia
Dec 26th
Battambang, in Cambodia, is most famous for its ancient bamboo trains. You can board the bamboo train Odambang village. Do not expect a “normal” train ride here – the bamboo train is a large bamboo platform mounted on train axles powered by a small gokart engine. The open train has no roof, doors or seat belts. Holding onto the railing and praying for your life could be the only solace during this roller coaster of a ride! The average bamboo train is three feet wide and eight feet long. If the driver wants to brake the train, he has to turn the engine off and coast to a stop!
Only a single train can travel on the tracks, with people often having to heave the cart off the track for an approaching train to pass by! But for a very long time, rural Cambodia had to make do with the bamboo trains alone for transport. Anything from farm animals and rice to small motorcycles and household items can be transported via the bamboo trains.
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.
A Dog’s Day Out – Concert For The Canine Friends
Jun 18th
Last week, the Sydney Opera House was hounded by hounds. Literally. The event was the world’s first concert performed for dogs. Well, they were accompanied by their owners, too.
US musician Laurie Anderson and rock legend husband Lou Reed came up with this brilliant idea. They executed it with Anderson’s 20-minute piece ‘Music for Dogs’. There were many varieties of dogs attending the concert.
The first-of-its-kind concert attracted quite a number of musicians and fans. Sure it’ll spur a few such concerts in future.
India To Get Its First Bridge-on-Sea Runway
May 19th
A first for the country. A runway that extends into the sea? Yes, it’s gonna happen in Agatti, which houses Lakshadweep’s sole airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to extend the runway at Agatti island by building a 1,000-foot-long bridge on the sea and connect it to the existing 4,500-feet-long runway.
They are also planning a new terminal building for the airport. Once the Lakshadweep government agrees, it might take up to two years to complete the building.
Free Travel For Indians!
Mar 16th
Planning to visit Ireland dear Indians? And are you above 66? Here’s some interesting news for ya folks. Take the Irish rail, and you can go free on it! Yes, free.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced that this scheme commences from 17 March on St Patrick’s Day. It will be on until 31 December 2010. This offer is only for those travelling within the Republic of Ireland. It could later be extended to Northern Ireland, too.
Head To Vancouver This Season
Feb 13th
Vancouver in British Columbia is the place to be. It’s winter and it’s time for the winter games. The Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010, which kicked off on 12 February, is garnering tourists, sports lovers and travelers alike. Do not miss it for the world. This multi-sport event, which has 15 ice sports, is in its 21st version. This is the third time that Canada is hosting the Olympics. Vancouver has the recognition of being the warmest as well as the most populous city to host the winter games. The mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are inspired by traditional First Nations creatures. They are: Miga, a mythical sea bear that is part orca and part kermode bear. Then there is Quatchi, a sasquatch, who wears boots and earmuffs! These two are mascots for the winter games. The following two for the paralympic games: Sumi is an animal guardian spirit, who wears the hat of the orca whale, and flies with the wings of the mighty Thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear. And there’s a sidekick, too – Mukmuk, a Vancouver Island marmot.
And video-gamers have their share, too. ‘Vancouver 2010’ is a video-game based on the Vancouver Olympic Games. The Royal Canadian Mint is also bringing out commemorative coins that will celebrate the 2010 games. Various media are streaming live action of the many competitions and other functions. You can also watch them on many blogs and social networking sites. There’s an Olympic Store where you can buy Olympic accessories. Caps, tees, shoes, cards and more!
Log onto www.vancouver2010.com for more!!
Vancouver’s coast is full of activity: you can visit beaches, go surfing, and skiing on frozen lakes and cave exploring. Cycling, sailing, yachting and Scuba diving are common, too.
World’s Smallest Orchid!
Dec 15th
You can nearly miss this tiny thing – it’s just over 2mm across! Scientists discovered this almost transparent orchid in Ecuador, which has about 4,000 species of orchids, in the first week of December. It belongs to the Platystele genus. Ecologist Lou Jost, who works with the EcoMinga plant-conservation foundation, also discovered 28 new orchids in the last few months or so.
Priyanka 28th Miss Indian American
Dec 6th
California-based, Indian-origin Priyanka Singha won the 28th edition of the Miss Indian American pageant. Singha, who beat contestants from 25 US states, was crowned by Hollywood sensation Neha Dhupia.
Singha will represent the US in the Miss India World Pageant, scheduled for 27 March 2010 at Durban, South Africa.
Hit The World’s Happiest Spots
Nov 5th
In Lonely Planet‘s latest publication, 1000 Ultimate Experiences, you can find the world’s 10 happiest places! Pack your bags for a “happy” vacation – head to one of these sites.
We’re always looking for happy places to visit. You’ll be spoilt for choice here. The list goes like this:
1. Denmark
2. Wuyi Shan, China
3. Andorra
4. Malawi
5. Hidakagawa, Wakayama, Japan
6. Colombia
7. Bhutan
8. Happy, Texas
9. Montreal, Canada
10. Vanuatu