Prominent Wildlife National Parks To Visit in India

If you are interested in discovering and enjoying the flora and fauna of the country, visiting some of the prominent wildlife parks is the answer. Indian wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are exquisite and equipped with all the amenities an avid explorer needs. The avifauna, flora, aquafauna and other wild forms can be captured in their natural habitat in some of these prominent wildlife general parks of the country.

The first national park was established in 1936 and is now called the Jim Corbett National Park. It is one of the most famous and oft visited national parks in the country. In 1970 India had only five national parks, however as of 2007, over ninety six general parks have been established. The need for and the growth of wildlife are slowly increasing and over 166 national parks are said to be underway.

Some of the most pristine parks in India include the Great Himalayan, Jim Corbett Park, Dachigam, Ranthambore, Kaziranga National, Bandhavgarh National park and more!

Here is a list of some of the best wildlife parks that should not be missed:

Sundarbans park: This splendid mangrove jungle is one of its kind in the world. The Subdarbans is located in West Bengal and extends into Bangladesh. The National Park is a series of over 54 islands and is accessible through boat rides. Sundarbans offer one of the countries best wild life experience. They are home for the famous Bengal Tiger. There are innumberable wildlife wonders in this estuarine delta. The Sundarbans is blessed with the Ganges and Brahamaputra and is a land of swaps and mangrove forests. It is also home for a variety of bird life and flora. Some of the famous flora that you can spot are the Kankara and Khalsi. In terms of fauna, besides the famous Bengal Tigers (over 400 of them), Chital Deers and Rhesus Monkeys that can also be spotted. Within the Sundarbands is also the Sajnakhali Santuary which is famous for its avian population. There are tourist lodges in and around the area.

Jim Corbett park: One of the country's first wildlife national park, the Jim Corbett national park remains one of the best in the country. The park is located in the foothills of Himalayas and is home for a wide variety of flora and fauna including lions, tigers and elephants. The park is said to have over 110 tree species, 580 bird species, 50 mammal species, and 25 reptile species. In terms of fauna, the park is home for deers, wild boards, leopards and more. There are several lodges in and around the park.

Kaziranga Park: is one of the most pristine country wide park in the country. Located along the Brahmaputra in Assam, Laziranga is one of the most lush and green sanctuaries for fauna and flora. Kaziranga is home for the great one horned Indian Rhino. It is also home for a large number of elephants, swamp deer, hog deer, tigers, jungle cats, otters, wild boar and more. Lodging in and around the park is available.

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If You Plan to Visit Spain, Never Miss Benidorm

This small municipal administered town of Alicante Province has many things to offer to the tourists. The town is blessed with the spectacular beaches like the lavante beach, Ponnente beach and the Malps beach of the Costa Blanca. On the other side of the beach is the famous and majestic mountain called the Puig Campana and in between is the Benidorm town. It is certainly the ideal place for a tourist and particularly for those who love the nature.

The beach:

Just visit the beach and you will be convinced how beautifully it is maintained. The beach has all the facilities like the water sports, place to shower, rows of restaurants and hotels, place especially reserved for children and the aged, fishing area etc. Separate paths for walking, cycling are also provided. There are many tall buildings along the beach and you can have a glimpse of the place from the top of these buildings. It is certainly a thrilling experience to watch the beach from great heights.

The park:

'The Theme park of Benidorm is something exclusive'; this is what many of the tourists say. This theme park is never missed by any other tourists. The park is located very near to the beach and at the same time it is not far away from the town as well.

Place for amusement sports:

Those who are interested in trekking, walking etc could visit the Mundomar and Aqualandia and that would be most ideal place for trekking etc. Some of the tourists would also venture trekking in the Puig Campana Mountain. However, the mountain range has restricted entries keeping in view of the safety of the tourists. Therefore it is advisable to restrict trekking to Mundomar and Aqualandia.

Where to stay?

There are many hotels in this city. In fact, hotel industry is one of the major industries of this town. The hotels apart from providing accommodation also provide food to the customers. On the other hand, there are also numerous apartments and villas which also offer enough accommodation at most reasonable rates. Apart from accommodation, these hotels as well as restaurants provide most delicious recipes to the visitors. The hotels here are specialized in preparing continental food. They also serve the local wine. The hotels are so organized that they arrange for the pick up from the airport or railway station and also drop them at no extra cost. All these will certainly add to the comfort of the tourist.

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Visit Bath a UNESCO Heritage Site

The Romans founded the ancient settlement of Bath in 75 AD. This beautiful city was once home to the Roman XX Valeria Legion. The Romans discovered that, in and around the settlement of Bath, hot water bubbled constantly from deep springs.

Because of the Romans' love of bathing, they built and developed the famous Roman baths. Previously to that the Celts used the waters and they built and dedicated a shrine to their Goddess Sulis.

After the invasion of Britain was completed the Romans established their magnificent baths, but continued to respect the Celtic Goddess Sulis, by naming their baths Aquae Sulis (Waters of Sulis). Due to the popularity of the baths, the Romans continued to expanded them, building ever larger baths, and grander temples.

Most of these fine temples and baths have now been completely excavated by expert archaeologists. When the Romans abandoned Britain, the baths fell into disuse. It was during the reign of King George, that bathing again became fashionable and the baths were restored to their former glory. The baths themselves are a unique feature of the city of Bath, and are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the whole of the U.K.

The Roman baths were rediscovered in the 18th Century and now tourists and residents alike can bathe in the new Thermea Spa that was opened in September 2004. There are several interesting museums dedicated to the Romans and their baths. One museum includes a rebuilt Temple of Sulis.

The Roman Baths were surprisingly well preserved once they were uncovered from the silt that was covering them. Bath also has a castle which has now been converted into an hotel with a maharajah theme. In 1987 UNESCO awarded the ancient city of Bath well deserved Heritage status. The City of Bath has retained much of its character over the years, and it is easy to imagine what the city must have looked like during those prosperous times of the Roman occupation.

The City of Bath is situated close to London and served by fast motorways, air, bus and train services. Accommodation ranges from 5 star luxury hotels to budget backpacker guest houses. There is also a wide range of excellent restaurants and bars to cater for all tastes. For the active and adventurous there are nature walks, and golf courses.

Bath is a "green city" and abundant wildlife of all kinds can be viewed in the many parks that dot the city. Bath boasts a magnificent Cathedral which was built on the site of the earlier Bath Abbey. There are also many old churches in and around the City of Bath that are well worth a visit.

Farther afield there are attractions such as Stonehenge, an ancient site that was a sacred place of worship by the Druids of England. Human sacrifices were thought to be made on the stone alter at the summer and winter solstices, this was to guarantee abundant harvests for the following year. Near Bath is the Cheddar Gorge, where you can explore fascinating cave systems. The Cheddar Gorge is the deepest gorge in all the UK. Both these sites are well within a day's excursion from Bath.

For visiting tourist a trip to the UNESCO Heritage City of Bath is a must. Bath is easily reached from London and it is possible to visit and return in just one day. However Bath is such a fascinating city that a "day trip" cannot, and never will, do this ancient city true justice.

Find your next Bath hotel and take a look at these hotels in Bath.

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Top Tourist Attractions in Taupo to Visit From Your Accommodation

Taupo, its lake, and the surrounding area is prized in New Zealand and attracts locals, as well as tourists, to its diverse and unique location. Situated in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, the Taupo district is home to approximately 32,500 residents. Its temperate weather, central location and wide variety of attractions make it a great place to visit in both summer and winter. Accommodation in Lake Taupo is plentiful and varied and most of it is within view of the lake, a great way to start your day.

Here are some of the great tourist attractions you can visit from your accommodation in Lake Taupo.

First and foremost is, of course, Lake Taupo. The lake is the second largest fresh water lake in Oceania and is used for many activities, not the least of which is fishing. You can catch both Brown and Rainbow Trout or try your hand at fly fishing; set up next to the lake or take a charter boat out and spend a day on the water.

Huka Falls would probably be the second most famous attraction in Taupo. Dramatic waterfalls are created by the drain off from the lake, with some drops as big as 11 metres causing an incredible and mesmerising flow of water. It's rather breathtaking and should definitely be on your list of places to visit. If you are feeling adventurous you can also take a jet boat ride and get up close and personal with the falls.

After all that adventure you might want to warm up and what better way than to soak in natural hot water springs. The AC Baths offer something for the whole family. There are swimming pools and fun for the children or private baths if you need some time just for you!

If you want a closer look at the wonder of the geothermal activity in the area then Orakei Korako offers you the chance to do so. There are 23 natural geysers on display and you can take a walk through the hidden valley and discover the Ruatapu Cave (sacred hole). Only accessible by boat, visitors simply jump aboard the on-duty vessel to get a close up view of the incredible Orakei Korako Geyser.

Huka Honey Hive offers visitors to Taupo a unique honey tasting experience. You can try honey, mead, liqueurs and fruit wines at your leisure, and at no cost, whilst learning all about the wonder of bees. Once you discover the incredible power of honey you'll want to take home a pot or two of this magical product.

Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park provides a friendly, comfortable environment for all travellers. Cleanliness is a very important aspect of Holiday Park accommodation and Great Lake Holiday Park has introduced natural cleaning products and a simple recycling programme which travellers really seem to appreciate. Book your accommodation in Taupo with us: http://www.greatlake.co.nz/.

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5 Reasons to Visit Ilha Grande, Rio De Janeiro

The island Ilha Grande is located in the state of Rio de Janeiro to the south of the city of Rio and it is a popular destination among Brazilians as well as foreigners. If you have a couple of days to spare on your trip to Rio it is definitely worth a visit. This article will introduce you to 5 highlights of the island.

1. Lopes Mendes

Ilha Grande's main attraction is its nature, specially the beaches which offer good opportunities for relaxing, surfing and snorkeling. Lopes Mendes is the most famous beach and has on several occasions been voted Brazil's best beach. The water is crystal clear and since it is on the side of the island facing the open ocean it is also good for surfing. To get to Lopes Mendes from Ilha Grande's main village, Abraão, take a boat to Saco das Palmas followed by a short walk.

2. Dois Rios

Another great beach that is a bit harder to reach is Dois Rios. To get there you either need to pay for a boat to take you or do a 3 hour hike from Abraão along a dirt road (and another 3 hours to get back). This may sound tough but the reward is incredible. The beach is beautiful and the limited accessibility means that it doesn't get crowded. There is a small village next to the beach where you can buy drinks, but considering the long walk it is a good idea to bring water and snacks.

3. Pico do Papagaio

For the adventurous of you how about getting a bird's eye view of the whole island? Pico do Papagaio, Parrots Peak, is Ilha Grande's toughest hike. It starts basically at sea level and takes you to 982 meters where there are great views of the island. On clear days you can even see Pedra da Gávea in Rio. The trail is between 5 and 6 km long (the exact figure varies) which means that when you add an almost 1 km height difference the hike becomes steep. It is not a good idea to do this hike after a lot of rain since the trail becomes very muddy and the numerous tree roots scattered along the way become slippery.

The trail starts along the dirt road Estrada da Colônia and the first 2 km are the same as the trail to the Dois Rios. After these 2 km there is a sign marking a small path leading straight into the woods on the right hand side, this is the trail to Pico do Papagaio. Some people do this hike on their own, but it is recommended to go with a guide.

4. Howler Monkeys

Ilha Grande is home to a large amount of Howler Monkeys. Along the hiking routes, specially the inland ones to Dois Rios, Feiticeira waterfall or Pico do Papagaio you will have good chances of seeing and hearing them. Experiencing them in wild in the middle of their howling sessions is an impressive sight. I can imagine that if people don't know that it is howler monkeys the sound can be quite intimidating.

5. Sea Turtles

In the bays of Ilha Grande there are plenty of sea turtles. If you paddle around with a kayak you will be able to see heads pop out of the water now and then for breathing. And on sunny days you will be able to see the whole body shape. They are generally not afraid of humans so there are great opportunities to get really close while snorkeling or scuba diving. So make sure to have an underwater camera available.

Chris N. runs the informational site Best of Rio where more information about ilha grande and other Rio de Janeiro excursions can be found.

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Visit Barcelona If You Wish To Experience The Richness Of Spanish Culture

Barcelona, the famous Catalonian capital is among the privileged cities of Spain. It is situated on the north-east region of Iberian Peninsula, on the warm Mediterranean coasts. This town is big, both in terms of local population as well as size. This wonderful place is popular for its affluent customs, glorious Roman history, diverse culture, explicit geographical location and micro climate.

History:

The city was founded by Roman rulers in 2nd century BC. Since then, it has been a constant source of conflict among different Roman rulers for different reasons. The city effectively preserves the remains of Gothic art in form of renowned artifacts and monuments that were constructed during early Roman period. Also, narrow avenues and grid-like infrastructure of the old city make it unique and creative.

As time gradually passed, Barcelona experienced immense political and economic growth because of rapid industrialization and urbanization that began in mid nineteenth century. Art, Architecture and Culture are prominent assets of Barcelona today. The city itself is a combination of diverse cultures and multi-faceted arts that were derived from other Spanish cities.

Top Tourist Attractions:

The Collserola National Park situated in this town is a home to unique Mediterranean biodiversity. You can witness different varieties of oak, pine trees and plenty of other floral species. Rockrose, heather and broom are among the most stunning flowering plants found on the sunlit, brimming slopes of neighboring hills.

Other tourist venues located near this park are Natural Reserve of Fort Grofa and Saint Medir Monastery.There are some excellent beaches in Estepona which are a center of attraction for tourists

Montserrat, situated on the outskirts of Barcelona owns a strange spiritual importance. It is regarded as the spiritual center of Catalonia where the guardian souls of the city exist.

Barcelona also includes stadiums and sports grounds that organize football tournaments, bull fighting and other adventurous activities.

Monastery of Saint Benedictine (built during sixteenth century) and La Moreneta (designed during twelfth century) are well-known historical centers. You can access them via cars, cable cars, buses or trains.

Apart from this, plenty of beaches surrounding the outer coastal region of the town are inhabited by tourists all throughout the year because they're center for water sports, beach activities, casual strolls, windsurfing, evening siesta and family picnics.

In short, the city of Barcelona offers plenty of treasures for people belonging to different age groups. You should visit it at least once in your life.

Spain offers so many possibilities just browse villas spain and villa costa brava in all its popular regions and if you are looking for exotic holiday just visit spain rentals. Spain will eventually be the holiday you dreamt of coming true.

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Peru Vacations: Ruins to Visit Other Than Machu Picchu

If you have completed your Machu Picchu tours and are looking for something else to get you excited, or if you are just arriving in Peru and wish to avoid the crowds at the infamous Inca citadel, do not worry, there are plenty of other archeological sites to discover throughout the country. Best of all, due to Peru's rich history of having had many civilizations occupying its land, there are ruins to be found no matter what region you are in. Here are 4 of our favorites:

Northern Peru - Kuelap, Chachapoyas

Although in the Amazonas state, Chachapoyas and Kuelap are not in the rainforest. Rather, this ancient fortress sits high on a ridge over the Utcubamba Valley, earning it the nickname of being Peru's Other Machu Picchu. It was built by the Chachapoyas culture more than 1,300 years ago but was not discovered by modern society until 1843. Impressively, over 400 structures constitute the site of Kuelap, and the cylindrical and otherwise curved shapes make the site look like a marvelous dream sure to make your Peru holidays memorable ones.

Central Peru - Pachacamac, Lima

Lima is the capital city with more than 8 million calling it home, but it was once the base for people such as the Lima and the Huari. It was precisely these societies, and later the Incas, who constructed Pachacamac, a large site just 25 miles south of the metropolis. There are now 17 pyramids identified by researchers, which are believed to have originally been used for religious purposes, in particular to honor Pacha Kamaq, the Earth-Maker. Pachacamac has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only for its historical significance today but also because of its importance to the ancient people who would travel for days just to worship here.

Southern Peru - Pisac, Sacred Valley

Just beyond Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the site of Pisac. Although the village is now more known for its bustling traditional market on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, the archeological site is largely popular as the best way to whet a traveler's appetite for the big finale of Machu Picchu. The Intihuatana, or Temple of the Sun, is a structure not to miss, and the surrounding Inca crop terraces digging into the mountainsides make the site a true gem. If Pisac does not satisfy, also visit Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, or Moray also in the Cusco and Sacred Valley areas.

This article about Peru ruins and archeological sites was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Machu Picchu tours as part of your fully customizable Peru holidays.

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Skiing Holidays - Resorts That the Royals Visit

If you are considering luxurious skiing holidays for your next trip, why not investigate some of the places the royal family visit? For example, Kate Middleton has visited the Three Valleys, and if it's good enough for her, it should be good enough for us! If you'd prefer Switzerland to the French Alps, Davos and Kloster are good choices.

A favourite skiing destination among the royals is Davos and Klosters in Switzerland. An excellent destination for winter holidays, Davos is famous for both its natural ice skating field and its cross country skiing. Davos is situated in the Swiss Alps, and is the highest city in Europe. Transport to this skiing area is readily available from all nearby areas, so wherever you are staying, you should be able to sample the fine skiing on offer. With a total of 200 miles of slopes, the main ski areas are Parsenn, Gotschna, Jakobshorn, Pischahorn, Rinerhorn, Madrisahorn and Schatzalp.

If you like spa hotels, Berghotel Schatzalp Ag is good place to stay in Davos. There are also beauty services and other spa amenities at this three star hotel. Nearby attractions include the Vaillant Arena and Kirchner Museum.There is an indoor pool and sauna at the Snow & Mountain Resort Schatzalp, so you can warm up after a day skiing. Another place to stay in the mountains is Sunstar Parkhotel Davos. This four star hotel provides a swimming pool, hair salon, 212 rooms with cable television, complimentary bottle water and a mini bar.

Aix Orient Hotel in Aix Les Bains is a great place to stay if you want to visit the Three Valleys, as the ski resort is a bus ride away. If the holiday weather holds up, the hotel has a golf course you can test out, as well as a health club for you to recuperate after a hard day hitting the slopes. All 31 rooms come with DVD players so you can watch your favourite films on the LCD televisions, as well as movie channels included in the satellite package. There is also a ballroom at the art deco style hotel, perfect for an après ski party. Wireless internet connections are available, so you won't miss out on anything going on back home. Another hotel in the area is the Residhotel Azurea, boasting 77 rooms with balconies, kitchenettes (including fridges and microwaves) and sofa beds if you need them. Other things to do besides skiing in the area include visiting the Elephants Fountain and Abbaye d'Hautecombe.

Chris Brown is a travel journalist based in London who writes articles on top hotels, cruises and destinations. For more information on winter holidays and summer holidays, please take a look at the My Travel website.

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Five Most Interesting Places To Visit In Brisbane

Whether you are visiting Brisbane on business or use it as a stopping point to other parts of Queensland for a beach holiday, you should at least spend a few days in this city.

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland is sandwiched between Sunshine Coasts and Gold Coasts. Many visitors enter Queensland through Brisbane International or Brisbane Domestic Airport.

Well, many people think there is nothing much to see and do here and come to a conclusion that Brisbane is boring.

Surprisingly, there are enough things to do and interesting places to go other than shopping, wining and dining.

The first place to start is to head to the Tourist Information Center located in Queen Street Mall in Brisbane CBD for some maps and brochures.

If you plan to stay here for a day or two, here are five most interesting places which you must visit.

South Bank Parkland

There is much more to do in South Bank than just parkland. First, the Queensland cultural center which is a cluster of Performing Arts, Museum, Art Gallery and convention center are located here.

This is the ideal place to live, play, learn, exercise, relax and celebrate.

But not everyone is into arts and culture. Well, there is nothing more interesting than to cool off in the Street Beach overlooking the Brisbane river or take a relaxing stroll by the river bank.

And on weekends street markets and busking performances come alive with music, exciting arts and crafts, home wares, home-made spices and sauces, souvenir, clothes and exotic foods.

Stay in one of the apartment or hotel to enjoy the glittering lights of Brisbane city and river.

There are plenty of affordable cafes and restaurants here or if you prefer a family picnic on the lush greenish lawn.

As for gourmet eater there are contemporary or international cuisines to tempt your taste buds. Just head to Little Stanley Street which is one block away. Menu here include Indian, Japanese, Turkish, Mediterranean, Modern Australian and Italian.

Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed.

After a day of touring, why not complete your day with the latest movie at the South Bank Cinema on Grey Street. Movie tickets here are very affordable.

Access to South Bank is an easy ten minutes walk across the Victoria Bridge from the top of Queen Street Mall in the city.

Another popular route is via the Goodwill Bridge from the Botanical Gardens.

You can recognize this place by the iconic wheel of Brisbane, which is another giant ferris wheel.

Brisbane River Cruise

Nothing beat a cruise along the winding Brisbane River. There are two different ways to take this trip, one is to book a river cruise which can be expensive and another is to ride on the Brisbane CityCat.

The Brisbane CityCat is part of the ferry services, one of the public transports network operated by Translink. It is an excellent way to take in the spectacular view of the city by night.

Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha is another great place to capture the fantastic panorama view of the city. There is a scenic lookout, Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas Planetarium to spent your day.

Wild Life Sanctuary

Now not all cities' attractions are concentrated near the city. A great way to experience native wild life at close range is to take a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Here you can feed the Kangaroos, cuddle the cute Koala, learn about Australian native flora and wildlife. You are expected to spend a full day here.

Story Bridge Climb

A climb to the top of the Story Bridge is a must for those who love adventures.

At the height of 80m this will definitely keep your pulse rate racing as you go higher. Standing at the top you can feel the fresh air; see the city skyline and Moreton Bay to the east.

And if you want more, you can choose to abseil down safely with one of its pylons into the Captain Burke Park.

And if you decide to spend more time here, you can explore places just out of Brisbane such as Redcliff Peninsular, Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island or locally known as Straddie.

Are you ready to visit Brisbane and stay in one of the hotel here?

If you are planning to have a holiday in Brisbane, you should check out Brisbane Holiday Guide.

To search and compare accommodation rates, please use my complementary search tool at --> http://compareaustraliahotels.com/.

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