Wednesday 30 July 2014

10 PLACE TOP TO KOREA

South Korea’s capital city Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 20 million people and with one of the most massive subway systems in the world. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with ultra-modern apartment complexes mixed in with 1000 year old temples and palaces. Koreans love to eat and drink, and tucked away in every corner are delicious, cheap restaurants and Hofs (beer and chicken pubs) that stay open to the wee hours of the morning. People here love to sing and to finish a night, they’ll often head to a Norae-bang (singing room). After a few nights out in Korea, you’ll understand why it’s called the “Land of the Morning Calm” because the streets will be eerily silent until mid-morning.

1. Seoul Tower
Seoul tower / Namsan Tower
Seoul Tower is the best place to enjoy night view. You can either take bus, cable car or by walking to get to the bottom of Seoul Tower. Among three of them, I recommend cable car since you can take a lot of cool photos while sitting in the cable car and enjoy the night scene of Seoul city. There are usually a lot of couples who visit Seoul Tower during night time to enjoy a romantic and peaceful night. In order to avoid the crowd of people, you can visit at daytime but night view at the Seoul Tower is the best. At the top of tower, there is a Digital Observatory, a high-powered telescope which provide you a 360° of view of Seoul by just putting 500won one time. Besides, you can take a glance of mesmerizing Seoul city by looking out through the windows.
Love Lockers
Have you heard “Locks of Love”?  Locks of love in Seoul Tower symbolize the everlasting love between lovers’ promise that they will never separate. Besides locks, there is another attraction for couples at Seoul Tower are “Love Message Tile” corner for you to write the message or stick a photo with your lover on the tile and then stick it on the provided corner which located at the first floor of the tower. 
Recommended stay near Seoul Tower

2. Hongdae
The Street of Art, Hongdae, Seoul
The streets of Hongik University are the place where you can experience the energy of Korea youthful nightlife. It’s a perfect place for those who love dancing and arts. At there, you can watch rock concerts, drink in the live music bars, and immerse yourself in jazz and dance clubs until dawn. This area is also full of arty boutiques, galleries, studios, craft shops and accessories shops.

HongDae Clubs, Seoul
Every last Friday of each month is “Club Day”. So, high-spirited clubbers can visit many different clubs in the area with just a single purchased ticket. Hongik streets not only the places for young people to express their passion in rhythm of music and dance, but it also famous for its art work. They call this area as “Streets of Art” and this has made Hongdae area as Seoul’s No.1 art district. Moreover, you must not miss Hongdae shopping, hunting for the latest trend of Korean style if you love Korean fashion.
Recommended stay near Hongdae

3. Gyeongbok Palace
GyeongBok Palace, Seoul, Korea
There are five main palaces mainly located in Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace, Changgyeong Palace, Changdeok Palace, Doksu Palace, and Kyonghi Palace. These palaces are also known as “Five Grand Palaces” built by the Joseon Dynasty. Among Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbok Palace is the largest and the most well-known royal palace which have been undergoing reconstructed to return to its original number of the palaces due to the destruction by the Japanese government in the early 20th century. The name of the Gyeongbok palace is believed have the meaning “Palace of Shining Happiness.” in English.
Hexagonal Pavilion, Gyeongbok palace, Seoul
On northern part in the Gyeongbok palace, you can see Hyangwonjeong, an attractive hexagonal pavilion surrounded by a lotus pond, trees, and flowers. The name of the Hyangwonjeong has the meaning thePavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance” while the bridge across the pond was named as Chwihyanggyo, means "Bridge intoxicated with fragrance." It’s a stunning place where you can enjoy the serene and the beauty of nature at the same time.
Recommended stay near Gyeongbok Palace
4. Gwang-An Bridge places to visit in KoreaKorea loves its stunning, futuristic bridges.
Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights.
Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000 colors.
Suyeong-gu, Busan 
5. Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae Gyeonghwa StationAll this scene needs is a soldier and a beautiful girl waiting for him at the station.
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring.
Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel.
The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops.
Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do
6. Upo MarshUpo MarshSwimming is probably not recommended.At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.
Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low.
Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
7. Jeungdo Salt Farm Jeungdo SaltSalt farming in a slow city.This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.
The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat.
Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do 
8. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain Mt. SeoraksanFrom this distance, it looks like a Stegosaurus, but we can't be sure.Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range.
Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak.
The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters.
Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
9. Uleung Island Seaside RoadUleungdoUleung Island was known as Dagelet to Europeans.Uleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites.
Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.
Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.
Uleung-eup, Uleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
10. Seopjikoji, Jeju IslandSeopjikoji CoastA music video just waiting to be shot.First-time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely, as the Jeju bucket list is long and varied. One of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji, a promontory on the coast famous for its serenity and romance.
Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring, creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and cerulean sky.
The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at Seopjikoji.
The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas, including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.
261 Seopjikoji-ro, Sungsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 

20 PLACE OF CANADA

Canada holds some of the hottest destination spots in the world. We Canadians are proud to boast of our natural wonders, amusement parks and summer festivals that bring millions of tourist pouring into our borders. If you are wondering where to travel this summer, look no further. Canada has it all going on!
1. Niagra Falls – Ontario
Niagra Falls Ontario
Three separate, massive waterfalls combined to make this magnificent water display. Watch from the observation deck across from the falls or take a boat ride down near the falls itself.
2. Northern Lights - Manitoba
Northern Lights Manitoba
Collide energetic charged particles with atoms in high altitude atmosphere; you experience an incredible night sky light show. The higher the altitude the more amazing the lights dance in the sky.
3.CN-Tower-Toronto
CN TOWER - Toronto
Tallest freestanding structure in the Americas. Draws in nearly 2 million visitors annually. Sky Pod deck is the second highest observation deck in the world. Tower broadcasts radio, television and holds the world's highest bar and revolving restaurant.
4. West Edmonton Mall – Alberta
West Edmonton Mall Alberta
By far the largest shopping mall in North America. The fifth largest in the world. Nearly 30 million visitors visit the 800 stores, or take a thrill ride at "Galaxy" the world's largest indoor amusement park. Water park, indoor ice rink, this mall has it all!
5. Olympic Stadium – Montreal
Olympic Stadium Montreal
Used for the 1976 Olympics but now home for special events. Watch soccer, football, or baseball in this near 67,000-seat venue. Concerts and trade shows held here as well.
6. Toronto Zoo – Toronto
Toronto Zoo
Canada's largest zoo currently home to over 16,000 animals. Also includes invertebrates and fish representing over 491 species. Check the new black penguin exhibit.
7. Butchart Gardens – British Columbia
Butchart Gardens British Columbia
It is like a storybook "Alice in Wonderland" magical flower garden. Covers about 55 acres and receives about 1 million visitors a year.
8. Calgary Stampede - Alberta
Calgary Stampede Alberta
A 10-day summer festival event that attracts 1 million visitors per year. Features the world's largest rodeo, stage shows, concerts and chuck wagon racing. Festival held in July so mark your calendar.
9. Fairmont Hot Springs – British Columbia
fairmont hot springs - BC
Relax in four thermal natural bathing centers at temperatures of up to 42°C (108°F). More than 750,000 visitors come here every year. Play a round on the 18-hole golf course, ski downhill during the winter or brave whitewater rafting during the summer.
10. Québec City Old Town
Quebec City Old Town
Walk down narrow winding streets or take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along the stone-paved streets. Sidewalk cafés and music in the air. Lovely!
11. Bard on the Beach Festival – Vancouver
Bard on the Beach - Vancouver
The plays staged on the waterfront in open-ended tents against a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. The largest professional Shakespeare Festival brings in rave reviews and attracts near 100,000 people per year.
12. Bird Kingdom - Ontario
Bird Kingdom Ontario
Walk around the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world. Rainforest setting with a 40-foot waterfall and tropical plants holds more than 300 birds. About 80 species of birds endangered or threatened in the wild. Treat for young and old.
13. Greektown - Toronto
Greek Town Toronto
In the downtown district, you will find home to 200,000 people of Greek decent. Stroll down Danforth Avenue, as this is the focal point of the community. Enjoy Greek food, specialty stores and check the calendar for special events.
14. Ice Hotel & Bar - Quebec
Ice Bar Hotel Quebec
Have you ever stayed at a hotel made completely of ice? Drinks served in large, hollowed-out ice cubes. Sit on an ice couch or sleep on an ice bed. Brrr…
15. Bay of Fundy – New Brunswick / Nova Scotia
Bay-of-Fundy-Brunswick-Nova-Scotia
The Bay fills and empties 100 billion tons of water twice a day, creating the highest tides in the world. Tides carved out a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs. Also has worn away sandstone and volcanic rock to reveal fossils. Great place to hang out as long as you avoid the 50-foot tides.
16. Playland - Vancouver
Playland Vancouver
If you love amusement parks with roller coasters then this is the destination for you! Do note it is only a 17-day carnival fair. Stage performances, nightly fireworks and famous roller coasters used in American films. Fair starts two weeks before Labor Day.
17. Rocky Mountains – British Columbia / Alberta
Canadian-Rocky-Mountains
World-class skiing, five national parks, hiking, biking, fishing make the Rocky Mountains a fun family destination for travelers all over the world. Gorgeous in the summer and snow haven in the winter, take your pick.
18. Sleeping Giant – Ontario
Sleeping Giant
One of the seven wonders of Canada. It is a natural rock peninsula in the shape of a giant sleeping person. Steep cliffs are among the highest in Ontario. Great for rock climbers.
19. Casa Loma – Toronto
Casa Loma Toronto
Have you ever been to a castle? Dubbed as "Canada's Castle," this huge mansion nestled on five acres in downtown Toronto. Open to visitors and offers self-guided audio tours in several languages. Set location for several Hollywood movies including Chicago and X-Men.
20. The Columbia Icefield – Canadian Rockies
Columbia-Ice-Field
Icefield covers a total area of 389 sq. km (150 sq. miles). You can travel to the glacial icefield in a snowcoach, which is a type of snow bus. Considered a major destination for ski mountaineering.

Saturday 26 July 2014

DELHI THE BEST

Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. 
In 1192 the legions of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, and the Delhi Sultanate was established (1206). The invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 put an end to the sultanate; the Lodis, last of the Delhi sultans, gave way to Babur, who, after the battle of Panipat in 1526, founded the Mughal Empire. The early Mughal emperors favoured Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi. From Hindu Kings to Muslim Sultans, the reins of the city kept shifting from one ruler to another. The soils of the city smell of blood, sacrifices and love for the nation. The old 'Havelis' and edifices from the past stand silent but their silence also speaks volumes for their owners and people who lived here centuries back. In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of over throwing the occupants of its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honour of leading free India. 8th century to 16th century
The bastion of Lal Kot fort, Mehrauli, Delhi, built by Tomara, a.k.a. TanwarGurjar ruler, Anangpal in c. AD 736.
(Village Anangpur, a Gurjar village is not far away from Rai Pithora)
The Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret at 72.5 metres, built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak of TurkicSlave dynasty in 1192.
The Tomar dynasty founded Lal Kot in 736. The Prithviraj Raso names the Tomar Anangpal as the founder of Lal Kot, whose name is inscribed on Iron Pillar of Delhi at Qutb complex, ascribed to Chandra or Chandragupta II.[15]The Chauhan kings of Ajmer conquered Lal Kot in 1180 and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.
Museum and remnants of the walls at Qila Rai Pithora, the first city of Delhi, founded during 10th century by Prithviraj Chauhan
The Chauhan king Prithviraj III was defeated in 1192 by the Muslim invader Muhammad Ghori.Anangpal Tomar, who, according to historian Augustus Hoernle, was a Gurjar[16] ruler of Delhi, often described as the founder of Delhi, built the citadel some 10 kilometres from Suraj Kund around 731.
From 1206, Delhi became the capital of the Delhi Sultanate under the Slave Dynasty. The first Sultanof Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aybak, was a former slave who rose through the ranks to become a general, a governor and then Sultan of Delhi. Qutb-ud-din started the construction of the Qutub Minar, a recognisable symbol of Delhi, to commemorate his victory but died before its completion. In the Qutb complex he also constructed the Quwwat-al-Islam (might of Islam), which is the earliest extant mosque in India. He was said to have destroyed twenty-seven Jain temples initially housed in the Qutb complex and pillaged exquisitely carved pillars and building material from their debris for this mosque, many of which can still be seen.[17] After the end of its the Slave dynasty, a succession of Turkic Central Asian and Afghan dynasties, the Khilji dynasty, the Tughluq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty and the Lodi dynasty held power in the late medieval period and built a sequence of forts and townships in Delhi.[18]In 1398, Timur Lang invaded India on the pretext that the Muslim sultans of Delhi were too tolerant of their Hindu subjects. After defeating the armies of Nasiruddin Mahmud of Tughlaq dynasty, on 15 December 1398, Timur entered Delhi on 18 December 1398, and the city was sacked, destroyed, and left in ruins, and over 100,000 war prisoners were killed as well.[19][20] In 1526, following the First Battle of Panipat, Zahiruddin Babur, the former ruler of Fergana, defeated the last Afghan Lodi sultan and founded the Mughal dynasty which ruled from Delhi, Agra and Lahore.

 
Places to See in Delhi


INDIA GATE


India GateCategory : History & Culture
India Gate is a stone monument dedicated to the memory of the Indian soldiers who fought and died in the First World War It ranks as one of the primary places of interest in Delhi. The Indian soldiers were part of the British army and represented the military might of the British Empire at the height of its powers. India Gate was designed by Edward Lutyens and took 10 years to complete. The structure of India Gate is a triumphal arch, which is 42 meters high.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rashtrapati BhawanCategory : History & Culture
The Rashtrapati Bhawan is a renowned monument in Delhi. It is said to be the palace of the then Viceroy of India. At present, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is house of the President of India. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The construction began in 1911 and it took 19 years to finish its construction. There is a wonderful Mughal garden towards the west of Rashtrapati Bhawan. It opens up to public every spring. Tours to Rashtrapati Bhawan and Mughal Gardens are available with a nominal registration fee of Rs.25. Visitors in a group of 30 and more shall be offered discounted rates and children below 12 years will not be charged any fee. More...

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Red FortCategory : History & Culture
This red sandstone fort extends 2 km wide and differs in height from 18 meter on the river side to 33 meter on the city side. The fort was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1638 and was completed in 1648. Inside there are buildings, including the Hall of Public Audiences, the Drum House, the white marble all of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Palace of Color and the Royal Baths.Decorated with Persian, European and Indian art forms the fort is one of the brilliant pieces of architecture.

Jama Masjid

Jama MasjidCategory : Religious
Jama Masjid located in Old Delhi is one of the principal mosques of Delhi. One of the last architectural extravagances of Emperor Shahjahan this is one of the largest mosques in India and its courtyard can hold around 25000 people. Construction of this mosque began in 1644 and was completed in 1658 by 5000 artisans. The Jama Masjid has three great gateways and four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and is constructed of alternating strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurudwara Sis Ganj SahibCategory : Religious
"Unless a holy man lays down his head for the sake of the poor Brahmins, there is no hope for their escape from imperial tyranny". These were the words of a gentle holy man who fiercely fought against the atrocities of the Mughals over Hindus. He became the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The brave Guru, who was a symbol of valor and conviction, was beheaded by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb while protecting the religious faith of the non-Muslims in India. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is an insignia of the martyrdom of this brave guru. .

Sunday 20 July 2014

KUNDASANG INTERESING PLACE

 Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, the Kinabalu Park is home to Borneo’s tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. Standing at 12, 455 feet above sea level, it is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountains in the world, and holds a variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 different climate zones. The mountain is one of the world's most important biological sites as there are over 5,000 plant species which is even more than Europe and North America combined
Forest in Kinabalu Park Kinabalu Park surroundingLow's peak - 4,095 m (13,435 ft)
 Visitors can visit the park and gaze in awe at the majestic peaks that tell a story of a romantic legend of a young widower awaiting her long-lost husband. While there, visitors can choose to stroll around the park or even climb the mountain! Only 3.9km from the Strawberry Garden Hotel the Kinabalu Park is a must visit when in Sabah.


KUNDASANG WAR MEMORIAL
 A must-visit in Kundasang is the Kundasang War Memorial. Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died inSandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

 The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also opt to view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.
PORING HOT SPRING A visit to Kinabalu Park will never be perfect without swinging by Poring Hot Springs . Situated 40 kilometers (25 miles) slightly northeast from the Parks HQ, Poring is located in the lowlands—a contrast to the Parks HQ. De-stress and soak away the sores and aches of your muscles in the spring’s hot sulphuric minerals, deemed to have healing properties and very popular among the locals. Other than the natural hot spring main attraction at Poring Hot Springs, there are also other interesting areas in the park to be visited such as the butterfly farm, the Poring Orchid Conservation Centre, the tropical garden, the Poring canopy walkway, and the Rafflesia flower site.

Butterfly Farm Poring Hot Spring’s butterfly farm is in fact the first butterfly farm in Borneo. It features a garden, nursery and hatchery for education, research and preservation purposes.

Poring Orchid Conservation Centre
 This centre houses the largest collection of Sabah orchids as well as rare endemic orchids. Some 1, 200 species of orchids are available at this centre.

Tropical gardens Get a glimpse of mousedeers and deers frolicking in the garden with the company of vividly coloured birds in the aviary.

Poring canopy walkway
 This canopy walkway is a must visit for anyone who ever sets foot in Poring Hot Springs. Take a stroll amidst the lush canopy of the Menggaris tree—king of the forest—the walkway is 157.8 meters long and 41 meters high.SABAH TEA GARDEN
 With its sprawling tea plantation surrounded by pristine rainforests in the cool mountain air, theSabah Tea Garden beckons you to indulge in its beautiful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. A mere 2-hour drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah Tea Gardenboasts a beautiful backdrop, Mount Kinabalu. Sabah Tea is the only organic tea farm in Borneo and one of the few in the world. A trip to the tea garden is both educational and fun, one where visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as obstacle-crossing in the Sapaon Recreational Area, trekking along the trails to the peak of Kamunsu Hill or embarking on a night walk to check out the unique insect life. A new attraction is the Quailey’s Hill where a plaque is erected in memory of an Australian soldier who died on site during one of the Sandakan - Ranau Death Marches, 1942-45. Freshly-made tea pancakes and Sabah Tea Pandan teh tarik are popular menu items available only at the Tea House. Ask the friendly staff for directions and they will be more than glad to help you out. Be it for business or pleasure, the Sabah Tea Garden awaits you with unforgettable experiences and adventures. A friendly reminder: No trip to the Sabah Tea Garden would be complete without a taste of Sabah's finest tea!