To top the tourism ratings of Phuket, coming up end of March is the Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex). It is Asia’s largest in-water boat show and will be held at the Royal Phuket Marina on the island’s east coast. Phuket has four super marinas and 750 boats. The authorities plan to increase of berth capacity by more than 20 percent in the next five years. The Andaman Marine Triangle, when completed, will have about 400 berths.

The port will be soon developed, infrastructural facilities added and maintained. Beypore estuarine port is 10km from Kozhikode. The Beypore Lighthouse was built in 1977 and faces the Chaliyar river.

More than 15 species of Moniligaster have been reported from India. Right now, the specimen of the new species has been deposited at the Zoological Survey of India, Kozhikode. It has special characteristics such as a black line running along the middle region and three pairs of genital apertures. The species is most probably endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

The main venue for the cultural and other programmes is the capital – Port Blair. Others are Diglipur, Long Island in North and Middle Andaman, Neil Island, Havelock Island, Wimberleygunj, Bathubasti in South Andaman, Wandoor, Amphitheatre at Anarkali Basti and Netaji Stadium in Port Blair Municipal Area and Car Nicobar in Nicobar District. There will be a showcasing of the islands’ lifestyle, languages, tribes, cuisine and other island traits.

All tourism agencies will be up and offering all their services – those who love adventure tourism will have a whale of a time. Water sports, Scuba diving, parasailing, surfing and others will be popular. There will be magic shows and puppet shows for children. Other attractions are the Canoe Race, Nicobari Hodi race or Dog shows. Restaurants, hotels and resorts will be serving the best dishes on the islands.

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.

The cruise vessel originally belonged to the Cunard cruise line. In 2007, Dubai’s Istithmar World bought it. There were plans for making it a floating hotel, but that hasn’t taken off yet. This will be a great boost for the cruise vessel which hasn’t seen any activity for the last two years. It has been serving passengers for 40 years since its launch by Queen Elizabeth II, in 1967.

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. Bikes are available on rent for those who like to go mountain biking. And, most of all, if you wanna relax after a hectic vacation, then book yourself into a yoga and body massage centre. A number of beach resorts, inns and hotels are ready to accept guests. Old canning factories have been converted into beautiful inns.

Navigator André Gonçalves is credited with the modern discovery of Ilha Grande, in 1502. Having been home to more than 150 native tribes – most of them good hunters – the island and the bay is called Ipaum Guaca in the native Tupi language. The island gained much importance during the second half of the 16th century when there was a lot of movement between the Spanish part of Latin America and Europe and North America. The trading in gold and silver helped to spur it on further. Slaves were traded in by the 18th century, to work in the mines. The Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch have left their impressions on the island’s demography and lifestyle.

Standing on the eastern tip of the island is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, called Farol Do Castelhanos. it was built in a French style in the 19th century. You can also stay there with prior permission from the authority concerned.

In the Ocean Views category, leaders and foreign correspondents can meet for debates and discussions.  The Big Band and Ballroom Dance theme is self-explanatory. So is the Wine and Food Festival one – guests can meet mixologists, culinary professionals and chefs. Golf and Creative Learning are two other themes for the twice-a-year categories.

Once a year there will be a sailing each on themes such as Film and Theatre, President’s Cruise, Jazz and NFL Legends. Cruise  travellers can enjoy complimentary wines and an open bar service.

Indian-operated AMET Shipping Private Limited, will flag off its ship, mv AMET will be the chosen ship meant to set sail on the very first journey in the first week of October 2011. In the packages involved, there will be one high sea sailing, a two-night trip to Lakshadweep and a four-night one to Maldives each week.

It will suit people of all ages and backgrounds. For those looking for an extravagant vacation, there are shopping areas, casinos, over 20 food joints and spas. At the same time, you can see teenagers, youngsters and women huddling around their own corners of the ship. Fitness centre, jogging track, golf course, skating rinks, game courts and children’s centre makes the ship’s entertainment section strong.

Accommodation on the Allure Of The Seas is a lavish affair. The rooms and suites are airy and spacious, and the royal family suite can accommodate up to eight persons. Some of the suites have their own private balcony and offer a grand view of the sea.

Allure of the Seas entered service in December 2010. At the Amber Theatre, you can watch 3-D movies. There are also music and dance shows. The Central Park which is as big as a football field has 12,000 plants and shops and beautiful restaurants that are lined up on both sides. Boardwalk is the seaside entertainment esplanade on board the ship. The Central Park is also famous for hosting artist Romero Britto’s first art gallery at sea. Other interesting features are the two crystal canopy sculptured glass domes. The cruise ship also hosts the world’s first ever Starbucks at sea on the bustling Royal Promenade.