(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives - The Maldives Honeymoon

If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded, and most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best backdrop for all these things. There are endless ways to let the magic of the islands dazzle you on your holiday as a couple. A dinner under the stars with the occasional flicker of candle light to bring you back into the real world, a daring getaway to a nearby uninhabited island all by yourselves for the whole day, or just lazing around in your private bungalow watching the endless turquoise waters while you are treated to an spa treatment in the room.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

You could choose to get to know each other through a swim around a house reef with a mask and fin, or dive among the beautiful, vibrant reefs. It is an experience you will relive for days after you get back home. Indulge in some lighthearted competition on a night fishing trip by seeing who catches more. You will not forget the amazing boat trip you make at sunset before anchoring at a suitable fishing spot. It is as if nature plays with the colours of the setting sun just to ensure that you remember this day, this moment, and this love for the rest of your life.

Your honeymoon need not be a once in a lifetime experience either. You will relive the honeymoon over and over again, every time you come back to these magical islands.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

Places to See in Maldives

There are around 1190 islands in Maldives of which just 200 are inhabited. In fact about 88 islands in Maldives are Luxury Resorts that offer you a dreamlike tropical experience. Chill out on the lovely palm laced beaches or be an active participant in water sport activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, vacation attractions, underwater coral watching, water scooters, travel attraction and other exciting water sports as you holiday in Maldives.

(Maldives) - Baa Atoll

See the grand National Museum in Male and tour the Grand Friday mosque and Islamic Center. Enjoy the splendid recreational options offered at the various atolls as you discover the splendor of the enchanting tourist attractions in Maldives.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

There is a cinema hall or two on the main island Male, though the area is fairly untouched by urban influences. You feel as though in paradise while you enjoy the fascinating tourist attractions of Maldives with Tourism in Maldives.

Baa Atoll, Fuamulaku and Kudahuvadhoo are other interesting tourist attractions in Maldives that definitely qualify in the ‘must see’ category. Several islands in Maldives have exotic spas that offer you an experience of a lifetime.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

Activities to undertake

Scuba Diving in Maldives is one of the most sought after activities by visitors to this group of coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Maldives has been rated one of the best dive sites in the world by Asia Week, newsmagazine. The coral reefs, atolls, and underwater attractions of marine life and coral are truly spectacular. The crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean provides visibility of 30-60 meters, giving divers a clear view of the underwater coral gardens and brightly colored fish swimming around them.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

Feel the magic of unspoilt nature as you holiday on pure virgin Maldives beach as you relax on soft sands with island breeze caressing your soft skin with unadulterated affection. Sun bathe, swim and dive to your hearts content. Tranquil beaches of Cocoa Island, Nika and Banyan Tree are simply exotic. The lovely beaches in Maldives are just right for those on a luxury holiday and honeymoon, though law strictly forbids nudity and topless demonstration, as it hurts the sensibilities of the local people. Spend a quiet beach holiday on Kuda Bandos Island and Maldives beach resort, walk hand-in-hand on some of the deserted beaches that envelop you in a warm embrace.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

Have unlimited beach fun as you holiday on the beaches of Male, the capital of Maldives. Enjoy snorkeling and deep sea diving as you luxuriate on the Laguna Beach Maldives with Tourism in Maldives.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

The Maldives beaches enchant you with their pure virginal white sands that sparkle under the warm rays of the friendly sun. Set out on deep sea fishing expeditions into the ocean and gaze wonder eyed at the panoramic vistas that greet you eyes.

(Maldives) – Islands of the Maldives

See deep sea corals and be enchanted with the vibrant marine life that greets you while you holiday on the beaches of Maldives.

(Visit Maldives & Plenty Rooms)
Phoebettmh Travel

Read more

(Bangladesh and West Bengal - India) – Sundarbans - Home of Royal Bengal Tigers

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80 km (50 mi) into the Bangladeshi and Indian hinterland from the coast. The Sundarbans has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 10,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water/marsh areas. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

Sundarban's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

How to get here

Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. You can start journey from Dhaka to Khulna by road or by river. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

What to see here

The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking.

Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

- Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen.

It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

- Katka

Katka is one of Heritage sites in Sundarban. In Katka there is a wooden watching tower of 40 ft. high from where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Sundarban. A beautiful sea beach is there is Katka; you will enjoy while you are walking to go the beach from the watching tower. Verities birds are visible in Katka.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

- Hiran point

This is another tourist spot in Sunderban. It is called the world heritage state. You can enjoy the beauty of wild nature and dotted dears walking and running in Hiron point.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

There are also two other Heritage side in Sunderban; one is Kochikhali and the other is Mandarbaria where you will find dears and birds. If you are lucky you can see the Great Royal Bengal Tiger, but for sure you can at least see the stepping of Great Royal Bengal Tiger here and there in these spots.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

- Karamjol
Karamjol is a forest station for the Rangers. Here you can see a dear breeding center. To visit Sunderban you need to go there with a guide and it is even better if you go there with a group. You can stay two/three days in Sunderban depending on your desire and requirements. One-day tour is not enough for Sundarban as you will not be able to see the nature in haste. For one-day tour you can go up to Karamjol and at a glance visit the outer portion of Sunderban forest areas.

(Bangladesh and West Bengal  - India) – Sundarbans

In your Sunderban tour you will be able to see a lots of verities birds (a heaven for the bird watchers), can watch the fishing in the river by the fishermen, if you wish you can ask your tour operator to give a stopover in the fishermen villages to watch their lifestyle, see lots of animals like monkeys, various types Dears, foxes, 

Crocodiles, Snakes and if you are lucky person you will be able to see the greatest mystery of Sunderban –The Royal Bengal Tiger. Sunderban is one of main sources to collect pure honey. You should not forget to buy some pure honey. Another inexpressible and unforgettable beauty you can enjoy if you can match your timing of tour in full moon. In the full moon the nights in Sunderban could be one of the most memorable nights for your whole life.

(Wiki Travel & Discovery Bangladesh)

Phoebettmh Travel

Read more

(Ecuador) – Galápagos wildlife spotting: why you should go underwater

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 main islands and numerous smaller ones, all the result of volcanic activity. It was the Galapagos Islands that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on HMS Beagle in 1835, and started to form his theory on evolution. His book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection" brought the world's attention to the Galapagos Islands, and since then they have been a focus for the interest of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are all very different and they each have specific landing sites and visitor sites. The nature trails are carefully marked out to avoid disrupting the wildlife, and we follow these accompanied by our expert on-board naturalist guide.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Exact Galapagos Islands holidays and itineraries depend on the yacht you choose for your cruise, but as well as the land trails, you will also have an opportunity to go swimming and snorkelling, perhaps even being joined by sea lions. Diving is available on some yachts. Much of the longer distances are covered at night, ensuring that your time visiting the Galapagos Islands is put to the best use.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

The Pacific archipelago, 1000km adrift of the Ecuadorian mainland, has been called many things: evolution in action, a living museum, a ‘little world within itself’. And they’re all true.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands - Map

Visitors come to coo at the wildlife – the giant tortoises that lumber across the highlands, the comical blue-footed boobies, the yellow-scaled land iguanas munching the cacti.

But, arguably, the underwater world around these volcanic islands offers even richer pickings for wildlife watchers.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Frolic with sea lions

Sea lions flourish all over the archipelago: on shore they flop and lollop in ungainly fashion; see them underwater and they’re lithe, agile – and never-endingly playful.

There’s no need to dive – snorkel near a sea lion-favoured rock or beach and let the fun begin. It’s not uncommon for sizeable families to zip around you, coming close to investigate before darting off at the last moment. They might even take a nibble on your flippers.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

The channel between North and South Plaza Islands is home to a large, and curious, population, while on the tiny isle of Mosquera, between North Seymour and Baltra, you can snorkel amid a sea lion creche, inexpert youngsters tumbling all around.

Snorkel with dinosaurs

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

The marine iguana, endemic to the Galápagos, is the planet’s only sea-going lizard. It’s thought to be nine million years old, and looks like an extra from Jurassic Park – which makes swimming with one all the more bizarre.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Though they’re not massive – growing up to 1m long – it’s slightly unnerving sharing the water with a scaly black dragon as it munches on the sub-aqua algae. Pristine Fernandina, the westernmost of the archipelago’s central islands, is a good spot to swim with the lizards in the shallows before watching them emerge to bask on the rocks, where they projectile-snort the saltwater out of their nostrils.

Dive with hammerheads

Remember: hammerhead sharks have big heads but small mouths, a fact that might just help you cope when floating in a swirl of 300 to 400 of the fish – not uncommon in the Galápagos waters.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Gordon Rocks, just north of the Plazas Islands, are the remains of an extinct volcano. Where the caldera wall drops off into the abyss, huge schools of hammerheads, as well as eagle rays, whitetip sharks and turtles, gather in the whirling current.

The ultimate hammerhead sites require a bit more effort to reach. The far-flung northern islands of Wolf and Darwin are a long sail, but it’s here that the sharks congregate en masse, where you’ll likely see vast schools of barracuda and jacks, and where the immense whale shark often glides by.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Play with penguins

The Galápagos penguin is the most northerly species of the flightless bird. The population is small – only around 1500 – but, with luck, you can still see them speeding about the shallows.

(Ecuador) - Galapagos Islands - Darwin Arch Darwin

One of the best places to try is around Bartolomé Island. Million-strong schools of silvery salema fish attract hungry predators: watch penguins and sea lions burst through the minnows, as well as scouring the rocks for black coral and large moray eels. On Isabela Island, the waters off Punta Vicente Roca are also home to penguins, as well as the deep-diving flightless cormorant – another Galápagos endemic.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

Everything else!

Where to start? The waters are full to bursting. Manta rays, in massive flying squads, can be seen off Mosquera and Seymour, and up around Wolf and Darwin. Turtles, magical to watch underwater, are widespread – try offshore islets around Floreana. For the weird red-lipped batfish head to Tagus Cove on Isabela.

(Ecuador) – Galápagos Islands

(Tribes & Lonely Planet)

Phoebettmh Travel

Read more

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet above sea level.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

- Elevation: 19,340 feet (5,895 meters)

- Location: Tanzania, east Africa

- First Ascent: Hans Meyer (Germany), Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo (Tanzania), and Ludwig Purtscheller (Austria) on October 5, 1889.

(Tanzania) - Mount Kilimanjaro Routes

Fast Facts About Kilimanjaro

-  The meaning and origin of the name Kilimanjaro is unknown. It is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning “mountain,” and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as “whiteness,” giving the name White Mountain. The name Kibo in KiChagga means “spotted” and refers to rocks seen on snowfields. The name Uhuru translates as “freedom,” a name given to commemorate Tanzanian independence from Great Britain in 1961.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

 

- Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits, is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit.

- Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

-  Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. The mountain was built by successive lava flows. Two of its three peaks—Mawenzi and Shira—are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again. The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was only 200 years ago.

- Kilimanjaro has 2.2 square kilometers of glacial ice and is losing it quickly due to global warming. The glaciers have shrunk 82% since 1912 and declined 33% since 1989. It may be ice free within 20 years, dramatically affecting local drinking water, crop irrigation, and hydroelectric power.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

- Kilimanjaro lies within the 756-square-kilometer Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the few places on earth that encompasses every ecological life zone including tropical jungle, savannah, and desert to montane forests, subalpine plants, and the alpine zone above timberline.

- Kilimanjaro was first climbed on October 5, 1889 by German geologist Hans Meyer, Marangu scout Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo, and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller. After reaching the summit, Meyer later wrote that they gave “three ringing cheers, and in virtue of my right as its first discoverer christened this hitherto unknown—the loftiest spot in Africa and the German Empire—Kaiser Wilhelm’s Peak.”

(Tanzania) - Kilimanjaro National Park

- Kilimanjaro has five common routes to its highest summit: Marangu Route; Machame Route; Rongai Route; Lemosho Route; and Mweka Route. Machame and Lemosho routes are popular and scenic. Marangu is easiest and busy although the last ascent to the crater rim is difficult.

- Climbing Kilimanjaro is easy and requires no technical climbing or mountaineering experience. The biggest challenge and danger is the high altitude. Climbers die from improper acclimatization and altitude sickness rather than falls.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Uhuru Peak

- Kilimanjaro is not a peak you can climb on your own. It is mandatory to climb with a licensed guide and have porters carry your equipment. This sustains the local economy and allows local people to reap the rewards of tourism.

- The fastest verified ascent time was by Italian Bruno Brunod in 2001. He climbed Uhuru Peak from Marangu Gate in 5 hours, 38 minutes, and 40 seconds. The fastest round-trip time was by local guide Simon Mtuy who ran up and down on December 26, 2004 in 8 hours and 27 minutes.

(Tanzania) – Kilimanjaro - Highest Mountain in Africa

-  Mount Meru, a 14,980-foot volcanic cone, lies 45 miles west of Kilimanjaro. It is an active volcano; has a snowcap; lies in Arusha National Park; and is often climbed as a training peak for Kilimanjaro.

(Climbing)

Phoebettmh Travel

Read more

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

Hampi (Kannada: ಹಂಪೆHampe) is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

Hampi has various notable Hindu temples, some of which are still active places of worship. Among the most notable are:

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

- Virupaksha Temple known as the Pampapathi temple, it is a Shiva temple situated in the Hampi Bazaar. It predates the founding of the Vijayanagarempire. The temple has a 160-foot (49 m) high tower at its entrance. Apart from Shiva, the temple complex also contains shrines of the Hindu goddesses Bhuvaneshwari and Pampa.

(India) - Hampi - Virupaksha Temple

(India) - Hampi - Virupaksha Temple

 

-Hazara Rama Temple Complex : This ruined temple complex is well-known for elaborate frescoes from Hindu Mythologies and a sprawling courtyard well-laid with gardens. It is well known for more than many thousand carvings & inscriptions on & in the temple depicting the mighty story of Ramayana. It has about 1000 carvings & inscriptions depicting the story of Ramayana.

(India) - Hampi - Hazara Rama Temple Complex

- Krishna Temple Complex : This temple complex has been recently excavated through the last decade, and restoration work is still in progress.

(India) - Hampi - Krishna Temple Complex

-Vittala Temple Complex : This is perhaps the most famous and well-known among the ruins of Hampi. The iconic stone chariot in the vicinity of this temple complex is a symbol of Karnataka Tourism. Off late, floodlights have been installed in the temple complex that provide illumination at dusk, thereby adding to the grandeur of the architecture.

(India) - Hampi - Vittala Temple Complex

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins

(India) – Hampi Village – The City of Ruins - Hampi Tank Queen Bath

(Wiki)

Phoebettmh Travel

Read more