World Wide Holiday Tours

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admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:12:20 +0000

Colonial Cuba

Natural Cuba

Secret Cuba

Travel Collection Give Something Back

Escape To Cuba

Ceylon: Tranquillity and Nature

Elephants and Spices in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Beach

Sri Lanka Safari

The wonders of Cuba

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:11:58 +0000

Situated in the northern Caribbean,

Cuba enjoys a variety of people and cultures thanks to its location. Many different customs have been bought onto the island including those from the Taino, Spanish colonialism and African slaves. With such diverse cultures present,

Cuba holidays are a fascinating experience for people from all around the world. No doubt the tropical climate and beautiful beaches also contribute to the hoards of tourists going on

Cuba holidays every year. Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena are possibly two of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see. The two are connected and stretch the length of Cayo Largo del Sur on the western end of the island. If you think that you only see fine, white sand and clear blue waters on postcards you are mistaken because that is exactly what you will see here. There is so much to do when you go on Cuba holidays so you definitely won’t be bored and there is always something for everyone. With over 30 dives sites at Varadero alone there is something for everyone from beginners to experts.

One of the world’s biggest coral reefs is at Cayo Coco which is a dive that will never be forgotten. Typical Cuban cuisine is wide and varied so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste when on your

Cuba holidays. A few examples of the local cuisine are black beans and rice, fried sliced banana and boiled Yucca plant. It is also very common for most dished to include an olive oil and garlic marinade to give them extra flavour. For nature lovers a trip to

Sierra

Maestra

National Park is a must as a spectacular range of plants and animals live on

Cuba’s southern coast. No doubt this is down to the fact that the U.S embargo protects the area from development. It is here you will see stunning scenery including mountains, rivers and plenty of animals. Make sure you visit Havana and Santiago de Cuba while on your Cuba holidays as they are the biggest and most important cities on the island. Both of them offer plenty of sites, activities and nice little restaurants if you want to sit back and relax and enjoy the tropical climate. Cuba holidays may not be a typical holiday destination for many but it offers plenty of new experiences for those who are looking for something with a twist. If you are looking to explore new cultures and sites in beautiful surroundings then Cuba is definitely the place for you.

Bayamo, Cuba

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:09:52 +0000

When you go on holiday it’s hard to know exactly where to go and where to stay once you are there. Sometimes holidays can even get a bit repetitive as it’s normally always the same – beaches and hot weather. Whilst Bayamo in Cuba does offer these two things, it also has so much more that will liven up your

Cuba holidays.

Bayamo is located in south - eastern Cuba on the

Bayamo

River and has plenty to be proud of. It is a leading transportation, manufacturing and commercial centre, copper and magnesium are mined there and they are known for their food, tanning and tobacco processing.

The village was founded in 1513 and thanks to its colonial style has beautiful public squares, majestic mansions and a cathedral to rival many which is what attracts so many people on Cuba holidays. Due to the fact that so many events have taken place here throughout history, Bayamo is known as the birthplace of the Cuban nation and has been declared a national monument.

The village has a rich history which tourists can find out about at many of the attractions which are surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors will also be able to hear the sounds of traditional Cuban music at Casa de la Trova. This is where the best Cuban music is performed, making your

Cuba holidays extra magical.

You will be surprised at how many attractions there can be in one village. From Carlos Manuel de Cespedes’ birth place (the Father of the Nation) and Bayamo’s Cathedral to Retablo de los Heroes there is plenty to do for everyone on Cuba holidays no matter what you’re interested in.

If you need a break from all that sight – seeing then have a rest in the Parque Cespedes which is a beautiful park with long marble benches and statues of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. This is something that everyone on Cuba holidays should check out just to experience the atmosphere. There is so much more to do in Bayamo while on

Cuba holidays from more sites to quaint little restaurants. It makes the perfect place to enjoy a short break or as an excursion as part of a tour, just make sure you remember your camera.

Botanical Gardens of Copaynicu, Cuba

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:06:53 +0000

Cuba has many beautiful sights to offer its visitors but one in particular is the Botanical Gardens of Copaynicu. You don’t even need to have any knowledge about plants as many people come here just to look at the beautiful display of plant life while on their Cuba holidays.

The Botanical Garden has been open to the public since 1984 with new ideas being added every once in a while to keep it interesting. In 1989 a Japanese Garden was introduced which even won the support of the Commemorative Association for Japansese World Exposition and the Japanese ambassador in Cuba.

Once in the gardens visitors can see a zone dedicated to south – western Asia, a lake with big gold fish in it and a vantage point. It is often easy for visitors to forget that they are on Cuba holidays as they get carried away in the gardens from around the world. As well as this vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed at the El Bambu restaurant if you get hungry.

People are often surprised to find over 600 different kinds of plants at the Botanical Gardens of Copaynicu. Not many people even know that this many varieties of plants exist which makes this excursion an educational part of Cuba holidays.

Tourists choose to visit the gardens for a number of different reasons whilst on their Cuba holidays. Some people have a keen interest in plants so find it an intriguing experience, some want to get to know more about plants and the different species there are and others just fancy a unique day out while on their Cuba holidays.

The garden has guided services and transportation throughout so different areas can be visited quickly and easily. There is also a library for those wishing to research anything about plants and a souvenir shop for people who want a reminder of their day out.

A lot of people associate botanical gardens with being boring, however people who go to the Botanical Gardens of Copaynicu while on their Cuba holidays often find that this is far from the truth. .

Havana, Cuba

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:04:39 +0000

Havana is the capital city of

Cuba and is not only the largest city in

Cuba, but the whole of the

Caribbean itself. Here you can enjoy hot sunny days and warm tropical evenings while on your

Cuba holidays. To complete the package you will be surrounded by white sand beaches, palm trees and crystal clear waters.

Everything about Havana is unique and intriguing from the cultures and customs to the accommodation. Several years ago the Cuban government passed a law that now allows home owners to rent rooms, houses and apartments to tourists requiring accommodation when on their

Cuba holidays. This may seem like a strange concept but may be alright for a night or two if you want to get to know the way that the locals really live.

The streets of Havana are designed to impress and will get the seal of approval even from those who have been on

Cuba holidays before. Giant wooden doors, barred windows and narrow sidewalks make you feel a million miles from home and put you in the true holiday spirit.

There are plenty of diving schools located not just in Havana but in the whole of

Cuba. Visitors can explore ancient shipwrecks and admire the enchanting marine life while on their

Cuba holidays. Depths vary wherever you go and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never done it before because there are plenty of classes available.

La Catedral is perfect for those who wish to do a bit of sightseeing while on their Cuba holidays. An 18^th century architecture full of columns and embellishments, this beautiful building dominates one of the main squares within the old city walls. This is a definite must see for people who have an interest in architecture and the history of

Havana.

Havana’s nightlife is vibrant and exciting but that’s not to say you’re going to be faced with hoards of drunken teenagers falling out of nightclubs while on

Cuba holidays. The nightlife in

Havana is sophisticated and classy yet people aren’t afraid to let their hair down. There is a wide selection of bars, cabarets, nightclubs, restaurants and comedy clubs so there will always be something to keep you busy in the evenings.

To feel like you’ve just stepped into a holiday brochure visit Havana.

Cuba holidays are a truly unforgettable experience and you are likely to find yourself returning year after year.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:02:23 +0000

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with so much to see and do which is what makes

Sri Lanka holidays so popular. A particularly popular attraction amongst tourists all over the world is the

Yala

National Park. It has been described as one of the best parks in the world for spotting leopards so is great for all animal lovers.

The park is spread out over 100,000 hectares consisting of jungle, lagoons and rock monoliths. It is no surprise that people don’t come here just to see the leopards as the scenery is so stunning it is guaranteed to take your breath away.

What makes a trip to

Yala

National Park even more special is that the leopards here aren’t just ordinary leopards. It is thought that the Sri Lankan leopards are a distinct sub – species from their Indian neighbours and are the largest in the whole of

Asia. It has also been speculated that the park has the highest density of the stunning creatures than anywhere else in the world which is why so many people go there while on their

Sri Lanka holidays.

You can either take a full day safari or a morning and an afternoon drive when you visit the park on your

Sri Lanka holidays. If you are going specifically to see a leopard then you are more likely to see them early in the morning or at dusk. However, the male leopards, especially the young ones are often seen walking the track during the day and don’t seem to be afraid of their audience. This means chances are that you are going to spot a couple wondering around which is something to make

Sri Lanka holidays extra special.

Although the park is famous for its leopards, these aren’t the only animals that you are likely to see while on a safari there. Elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles and pangolins can also be found at

Yala

National Park. As well as this over 120 different species of birds can be found from Crested Hawk Eagles and Black Bitterns to Paradise Flycatchers.

Yala

National Park is a great day out for all and is a unique excursion for any

Sri Lanka holidays. It makes a nice change from the usual sightseeing that tourists do on holiday and is an experience that will never be forgotten.

Ladyhill Hotel, Sri Lanka

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:00:00 +0000

Located in the historic fort town of

Galle, the Ladyhill Hotel is known for its comfort and convenience by all that have stayed there while on

Sri Lanka holidays. The rooms have everything in them that you would expect from a hotel and guests are comforted by the care they are given and the modern amenities available. The hotel is a very well run establishment and welcomes everyone from all over the world while on

Sri Lanka holidays. The best feature of the hotel is the roof top bar which has beautiful views over

Galle which takes going for a drink to a new level. As the hotel is located at the highest point in

Galle, the views of the port and the

Indian Ocean are simply breathtaking. As well as this there is a swimming pool for those who don’t fancy the beach and a nice dining room if you don’t want to go out to eat. Many people regard the hotel’s seafood platter as the best you will find while on

Sri Lanka holidays. The Ladyhill Hotel is located close to shops and tourist attractions so you will never get bored whilst on

Sri Lanka holidays. The ‘Old Fort’ is nearby and it is only a short journey to

Unawatuna

Beach which is absolutely beautiful. The staff at the hotel are also only to happy to help with any enquiries you may have and will assist you with any tourist information you may need for your

Sri Lanka holidays. The facilities at the Ladyhill Hotel are endless with a mini – bar, satellite TV, room service and balconies in every room. As well as this there is a tennis court, spa and you can even get a massage to completely relax yourself. All in all the Ladyhill Hotel in

Sri Lanka is a great hotel regardless of whether you stay there for two weeks or one night. With helpful, friendly staff, great facilities and the town only a short distance away, you couldn’t possible ask for anything more from your accommodation when on

Sri Lanka holidays.

Seashells Hotel, Sri Lanka

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:56:39 +0000

If you are looking for a pleasant and enjoyable stay while on

Sri Lanka holidays the Seashells Hotel is perfect for you. It lies in the charming town of

Negambo which is on the coast and is also close to the city centre. Seashells Hotel is located directly on the

beach of

Negombo. This means that stunning views are guaranteed and beach lovers are going to feel right at home while on

Sri Lanka holidays. It is a renowned business and leisure class hotel so you know that you will be getting quality rooms and service when you stay at the hotel. The hotel conveniently has balconies or terraces attached to every room which is a big bonus as there are beautiful views to be seen. This is what makes the open – air restaurant such a popular option with guests who choose to dine at the hotel. The décor is bright and tropical and the food is local and continental cuisine so you can get a real feel for the lifestyle while on

Sri Lanka holidays. All of the bedrooms are decorated with elegance and class which can be hard to find in some hotels. The sleek wooden furniture and quality bedding create a relaxed atmosphere and one you won’t mind coming back to after a long day of sight seeing on your

Sri Lanka holidays. There are a variety of different bars to choose from so you are bound to find one to suit your mood. The main bar is suitable for any occasion, the pool bar is perfect for when you’re out swimming and sunbathing and the sunset bar is a great place to sit down and relax after a long day of doing touristy things on

Sri Lanka holidays. You will always feel comfortable at Seashells Hotel as there is plenty to do and the staff are always happy to help. There is 24 hour room service, cable television, a mini bar, swimming pool, laundry service and much more available to every guest on their

Sri Lanka holidays.

Holidays in Dubai

admin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:23:49 +0000

The modern Emirate of Dubai on the Eastern Arab Peninsular was created by the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Luxurious, spectacular, magnificent and divine are all words that spring to mind when describing this coastal Arabian enclave. Just seven hours flying time from the UK, Dubai is an awesome winter and summer sun destination that offers exoticism, adventure and fun in equal measure to the visitor. Enjoying an enviable location overlooking the Persian Gulf, Dubai also sits directly within the Arabian Desert. Affording good swimming possibilities, the coastal waters are home to more than 300 species of marine life. East of the city, there are large sand dunes that are ideal for exhilarating desert safaris by 4 x 4 vehicles that allow for sand-skiing, desert feasts and other pursuits plus flat sections dotted with date palms. Striped hyena, caracal, desert fox and birds such as falcon and bustard are common in the surrounding desert. Indeed, Dubai is on the migratory path between Europe, Asia and Africa. In spring and autumn, Dubai is an ornithologist’s delight with more than 300 species of birdlife passing through. The desert ultimately gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains, which run alongside Dubai’s border with Oman at Hatta. Arid and jagged, the mountains rise to some 1,300 metres in some places. Although Dubai has no natural rivers or oases, multiple gorges and waterholes dot the base of the mountains. Something that you definitely won’t find in the UK is camel racing. Though enthusiasm for the sport died out years ago, it has quickly enjoyed a resurrection and is becoming very popular once again. This is a unique opportunity to observe traditionally dressed local spectators backing their favourite dromedary. The best time visit and enjoy camel racing is when the season commences in October of each year. If you’re interested in camel racing is in October when the season starts.A fascinating way to experience new and old Dubai is to take part in a creek tour. Setting sail in a traditional wooden dhow or Abras (water taxi) is a relaxing and peaceful way to see many of the city’s spectacular architectural sights. It is quite a shock to see the stark contrast between the modern and ancient sides, especially within such close proximity to each other. From contemporary high-rise buildings to old-world souks, there is plenty to see on these magnificent creek tours.For something truly unforgettable that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world is a new attraction called ‘The World’ is a collection of man-made islands located in the Arabian Gulf engineered through vast ocean land reclamation to resemble the world. Described as an engineering odyssey, Dubai’s The World combines a paradise of sea, sand and sky. Each of the islands are accessible from the mainland within 15 minutes. The islands consist of residential properties, hotels and resorts, shops, restaurants and other facilities. The World exists harmoniously with the diverse surrounding marine life that inhabits its waters so those concerned about the environment have nothing to worry about.No holiday in Dubai is complete without a trip to the ‘big red’; a sand dune over 300 feet high which produces a red glow due to the iron oxide in the sand. Some have described the dune as eerie and others as delightful so the best method is to take a trip to the dunes and decide for yourself. Once there, enjoy sand-boarding, quad biking or perhaps hire a 4 x 4 to explore and climb the sand dunes. It is strongly advisable that you go out with at least one other 4 x 4 so if yours becomes mired in the sand, you’ll have another vehicle to winch you out! Famous for being the best place to splash some retail cash in the Middle East, Dubai offers plenty of shopping malls stacked high with a dizzying range of goods. From gold to electronics, cosmetic to clothing – there are plenty of fantastic, air-conditioned retail havens to enjoy a little light retail relief. The Mall of the Emirates alone boasts more than 400 shops and 65 eateries. Beyond the shops and the sand dunes, there are beaches aplenty to soak up the sun, verdant professionally designed courses to enjoy a spot of 9 or 18-hole golf, Arabian horse riding and much, more. For a holiday with a twist, fly to Dubai, a jewel in the United Arab Emirates.

South India Blog

admin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:20:53 +0000

Thanks to the coexistence of several different religions, 18 officially recognised languages and hundreds of dialects and century-old traditions, India is a country brimming with cultural diversity. Towering temples, tribal lifestyles and inspiring forces of nature make India an incredible place to visit. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the Deep South, India is stepped in geographical and topographical riches. India is a land of hills, rivers, plateaus, plains, beaches, deltas and deserts. The southern Indian Peninsula is almost entirely composed of the Deccan plateau, which has two hilly coastal ranges, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.Popularly known as the Gateway to South India, Chennai - capital of the state of Tamil Nadu was chosen by the British East India Company for permanent settlement in 1639. A lasting legacy of the British and the Raj is Fort St George and the vast array of colonial architecture. Famed for being centre of the burgeoning Tamil film industry, Chennai is also popular for Tamil cuisine. The city’s restaurants do a roaring trade in tiffin meals served with side dishes so typical of the south including idli and mouth-wateringly good dhosa with sambhar. Temples abound in Chennai. Kapaleeswarar is worth a look, as is Kandaswamy Temple. For a snapshot of Indian life, Marina Beach is a magnet for relaxation and outdoor pursuits such as strolling and cycling.Still in the state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur – also known by its anglicised name Tanjore, is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Brihadeeswara Temple. Built in the 10^th century, Brihadeeswara is a Chola Temple and is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture. The central temple, known as the ‘Big Temple’ stands within a fort. The vimana (main tower) of the temple stands some 215 feet high and as well as being the tallest in the world, has the added distinction of being constructed in such a way that it never casts a shadow at noon on any given day of the year! There is plenty to do at this site with a museum, Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library, which has over 30,000 manuscripts available in several European and Indian languages.Tiruchirappalli in the state of Tamil Nadu is perhaps more commonly and easily known simply as Trichy. Trichy is also home to the Rock Fort. Located in a city of flat land, at 272 feet it really stands out. Making the site even more fascinating is the fact that the rock is one of the oldest in the world at approximately 3.800 million years. At the top of the rock is a temple from where you can see amazing views of Trichy. There are several temples and sculptures dating back to the 6^th and 7^th centuries making the Rock Fort the perfect attraction for those interested in the history and culture of this village. If keen to take a walk on the wild side, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and Project Tiger nature reserve in the state of Kerala. Located high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, visitors can come here to view a variety of mammalian and birdlife such as elephant, wild pig, gaur, sambar, deer, Indian wild dog, cormorant, kingfisher and Malabar hornbill. Whilst more elusive, Periyar does also support a population of Bengal tiger. Kanchipuram is a popular spot amongst tourists, is commonly referred to as the “Golden City of Temples” and is considered to be one of the seven sacred cities of India. Although it boasts more than 100 temples, it is believed that in its time it had an impressive 1000. Famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris, Kanchipuram is known to have the best source of high quality hand-woven silk items. Be aware that the temples are closed between 12:30 and 4pm so you either need to go early in the morning or late afternoon.Diverse, impossibly colourful and astoundingly beautiful, a holiday in India whether it be the north or the beautiful south, will leave you breathless and hungry to see and experience more.