Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Hyderabad Tourism Welcomes You to 400+ Years Old Historical City

Explore the beautiful Nizam’s and pearls city




The city of smiles, of lights, of a thousand faces, endearingly called the Pearl City, Hyderabad offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging from Heritage monuments, Lakes and Parks, Gardens and Resorts, Museums to delectable cuisine and a delightful shopping experience. To the traveler, Hyderabad offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with a richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning 400 colorful years.


WHERE IS HYDERABAD

Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana in Southern India, located on the banks of the Musi River and on the Deccan Highland. 



MUST SEE IN HYDERABAD

BIRLA MANDIR
Birla mandir of Hyderabad is a very huge temple. It took 10 years of construction. It is a hindu temple. The architect of the temple is a blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala style. The temple was constructed by Birla foundation. Temple has the idol of Lord Venkateswara.



GOLCONDA FORT
Golconda is also known as Golkonda or Golla konda. The most important builder of Golkonda wasIbrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali, it is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad. The Golconda Fort consists of four different Forts. The fort of Golconda is known for its magical acoustic system.


CHARMINAR
Charminar is very popular tourist destination of Hyderabad. The Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. It has become a famous landmark in Hyderabad and one among the known monuments of India. The arounded area also known by the same name.



HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE
Hussain Sagar lake is built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali 1562. Maximum depth of lake is 32 feet. It is surrounded by lush green garden. You can enjoy here boating, can see statutes of some eminent person of Andhra Pradesh.

MECCA MASJID
It is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad. It is one of the largest mosques in India. It is named so because bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. It is located near.
 


MUST DO IN HYDERABAD

Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 501512, India
Picnic Spot
Adventure Seekers, Party Animals, Fun Lovers, Experience Seekers
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Ramoji Film City is India's very own version of Disneyland with a Bollywood twist and the Bollywood version of a Hollywood fare. The film city is owned by the Ramoji group, which is headed by Ramoji Rao, a famous Telegu Film director. It is Declared as the 'largest film city in the world' by the Guinness Book of World Records. There is a 5-star and 7-star hotel for tourists who are looking for good accommodation options. Also, these hotels play host to corporate affairs and weddings. There are many interesting dining options including multi-cuisine restaurants.
   
Batasingaram, Hyderabad-Vijaywada Highway, NH-9 Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad 501528, India
Amusement Park
Adventure lovers, Experience Seekers, Photo Fanatics, Party Animals
Mount Opera Multi-Theme Park Resort is a multi-themed amusement park that caters to adventurous needs.

Khilwat, Charminar Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500002, India
Local Bazaar / Shopping Market
Shopaholics, Photo Fanatics.
One of the oldest markets of Hyderabad, Laad bazaar (also known as Choodi Bazaar) is on one of the four roads branching off from the Charminar. The word 'Laad' means laquer, a material from which bangles are made. The laquers are often studden with g ems or other embellishments to produce the final product. The history of the market goes as far back as the days of the Nizams. Yes, it's that ancient!


MUST EAT IN HYDERABAD

Most popular dish of Hyderabad is Hyderabadi Biryani. Ask anybody about their favorite dish of Hyderabad, and they will definitely tell you Hyderabadi Biryani.Prepared in a unique style - a blending of Mughal kitchen with the style of cooking practised by the Nizams - Hyderabadi Biryani has a distinct aroma.Beautifully garnished with pudina, fried onion & boiled eggs. Mostly it is served with dahi-ki-chutney and mirchi-ka-salan.


Hyderabad is incomplete without talking about its food - a rich blend of royal Mughlai flavours, Nizams special, and spice-up culinary traditions of South India.
Must eat dishes in Hyderabad are:
  • Hyderabadi Biryani
  • Pathar-ka-Ghosht
  • Nahari
  • Haleem
  • Double-ka-Meetha
  • Khubani-ka-Meetha
  • Seviyon-ka-Meetha
  • Kheer
Itinerary Suggestions for 3days and 4nights

Departure from Seattle-London-Hyderabad by UnitedAirline
Stay at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

Day 1:
·         Golconds Fort
·         Lunch at Kangan
·         Qutb Shahi Tombs
·         Dinner at Paradise Restaurant

Day 2:
·         Ramoji Film City
·         Lunch at Sitara Restaurant
·         Sanghi Temple
·         Thali Lunch

Day 3:
·         Hussain Sagar Lake
·         Mecca Masjid
·         Charminar
·         Thali Lunch at Aish Restaurant
·         Lumbini Park and NTR Gardens

Restaurants:

·         Haldi Restaurant
·         Aish Restarant
·        Kangan Restaurant

Accommodation
 Hotels:

·         Hyderabad Novotel Airport
·         The Westin
·        The Park Hyderabad
·         Trident Hyderabad

Transport for Sightseeing

·         APSRTC Bus
·        MMTS Local Train
·         Cabs
·         Steamer Boat
·         Luxury Cars

Transportation To/From Hyderabad
       Flight Round trip with:

·         United airlines
·         Delta
Flights from Hyderabad to London to Seattle.  


Insider's guide tour of Kyoto

“Insider’s guide” of KYOTO, JAPAN


Kyoto is one of the most famous tourist sites in Japan. If you go to Kyoto, you definitely will be able to experience real Japanese culture.There are seventeen world’s cultural heritages in Kyoto. Also, Kyoto is well known for a lot of beautiful historical buildings and views, and having various delicious foods.
I’m going to guide you to this wonderful destination. Enjoy your trip to Kyoto!

Transportation
²  Seattle - Kyoto
1.      SEA - NRT or HND by Airplane $1,000~ United Airline, ANA
2.      NRT or HND - Kyoto by Air plane ($100~), Bullet train ($200~), Overnight bus ($50~),
or train ($160~) *Round trip
²  Around Kyoto
Train
Municipal bus
Taxi



Velotaxi

GONTARO
Restaurant
*  GONTARO
*  DARUMA(Osaka)





Accommodation
*Hotel
$65~$216/day
$41~$235/day
 *Japanese Inn
$140~$370/day
$108~$390/day


HIIRAGIYA RYOKAN


















Activities
  • Kiyomizu temple
  • Bamboo grove road



  
  • Kinkakuji / Ginkakuji


  •  Hanamiko-ji

  • Tenryuji
  • Yojiya
  • Togetsukyo
Daytime



          














Night time





















Side trips to Nara or Osaka

Nara is recognized as the cradle of Japan and is known for famous historical buildings. Nara also has some world heritages. 

  • Todai-ji
  • Nara park
  • Heijoukyu
Nara Park
Heijokyu




Osaka is well known for busy place and famous Japanese food, like Takoyaki or Okonomiyaki.
It takes about one hour and a half by train from Kyoto and Osaka.
  • Dotonbori
  • Universal Studio Japan




“Suggested Itinerary” of Kyoto

*Transportation
SEA to NRT(Tokyo) by United or ANA airline
NRT to Kyoto by Airline/ Bullet train/ Overnight bus/ train

*  Day1 “Walk and enjoy nature”
-Eat breakfast in hotel
-Go to Bamboo grove road and Tenryuji  by train or bus
-Eat lunch and shopping in  YOJIYA CAFE 
-Go to Togetsukyo
-Eat dinner in hotel
-Go in a hot spring

Day2 “Experience Japanese culture”
-Eat breakfast in hotel
-Go to Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji by bus
-Eat something in food concessions around Kinkakuji/Ginkakuji
-Walk Hanamiko-ji
-Go to Kiyomizu temple
-Eat dinner in GONTARO

*Day3 “Side trio to Osaka”
-Eat breakfast in hotel
-Go to Dotonbori in Osaka by train
-Eat lunch(Takoyaki or Okonomiyaki) in Ootako
-Shopping around Dotonbori
-Eat dinner in DARUMA
-Go back to Kyoto by train

*Day 4 “relax day”
-Eat breakfast in hotel
-Go to Kyoto station and buy souvenir
-Eat lunch in YOJIYA CAFE
-Go to Kuramaonsen (Spa)
-Eat dinner in hotel

Monday, October 20, 2014

JOGJA WELCOMES YOU

Get Explore, Learning, And Fun In The Land of Java


Yogyakarta or Jogja is a traveler paradise in Java, Indonesia, with a lot of fascination which have not been revealed.

Yogyakarta is well known as cultural and educational center in Indonesia. Despite all the extraordinary changes that have taken place during the past few decades, still it is Yogya’s traditional attractions that tourist come to see - the ancient temples, the palaces, the Batik workshop and other handmade processing of handicraft and furniture, the Gamelan orchestra, the court dances, the Wayang Puppet performances.

Yogyakarta at present is a place where tradition and modern dynamics are going on together continuously. Some of its residents live in a strong agrarian culture. In the other side, there are also students who live with pop life-style. Traditional markets and handicraft centers are numerous in the city where some of them located by the malls which are no less hectic.



Where is Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is located at the Center of Java Island; it is in the middle between Bali and Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It takes an hour by flight from Bali and 50 minutes by flight from Jakarta. At the north end of Yogyakarta, you will see Mount Merapi stands proudly almost as high as 10,000 feet. This mountain is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The trace of its malignant of the 2006 eruption can be witnessed in the Village of Kaliadem, 30 km from the city of Yogyakarta. A unique combination of ancient temples, history, traditions, culture and natural forces make Yogyakarta a very worthwhile place to visit.
What to see?
  • Borobudur Temple is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. This temple is located at Borobudur District, South of Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur was built by Sanmaratungga in the 8th century, and belongs to Buddha Mahayana. Borobudur was revealed by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles in 1814.
Merapi Volcano

This active volcano, Mount Merapi is situated north of Yogyakarta with a height of 2,920 meters above sea level. There are hill resorts on the mountain slope for relaxations with invigorating weather and one of them is well know as “Kaliurang”. Mountain climbing, camping and observing the incredible active volcano can be arranged through local in-house Tour Operators.

What to do?
Making Batik
Batik is both an art and a craft, which is becoming more popular and well known in the West as a wonderfully creative medium. The art of decorating cloth in this way, using wax and dye, has been practiced for centuries. In Java, Indonesia, batik is part of an ancient tradition, and some of the finest batik cloth in the world is still made there. The word batik originates from the Javanese tik and means to dot. The list of traditional crafts still practiced in the suburbs. Most villages are specialized, some producing earthenware pottery, others turning out delicate filigree Silver work, and yet others leathers bag, weavings, baskets, cane furniture, wood mask, etc. 

  • Village by Bike
Away from the busy traffic and the pollution of the city you discover authentic traditional Javanese life. Cycling through the sugarcane- and rice fields, you enjoy the local rural scenery. In the villages you pass through, daily life goes on. 

What to eat?
What to eat in Jogja? where do I go for culinary trip in Jogja? Where's the yummiest gudeg in town?" - The answers will vary, subject to what everyone had their first impression on.
Jogja has many variant of food which has full of spices. For example Pecel, Lotek, Gado-Gado, Chicken Satay and Gudeg (Young Jackfruit cooked with coconut milk). In here is pretty easy to find in some corner of this town.


 Pecel


Satay
Itinerary Suggestions:
Departure from Seattle-Japan-Jakarta by UnitedAirline
Stay the night in Golden Hotel Moutique MelawaiHotel and the day after goes to Yogyakarta by Train in the morning.

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:
  •  Village by bike
  • Options:
    • Silver course
    •   Batik course 
  •  Reijstaffel Dinner at d’Omah Hotel Yogyakarta
Day 4: 
  • Cooking Class
  • City Walk
Day 5:
  • Back To Jakarta by Airplane or TBA


Restaurants:

Accommodation: 

·         Golden Boutique Hotel Melawai

 ·         Hotel Deluxe Room at d’Omah Hotel Yogyakarta

·         Hotel Dusun JogJa Village Inn


Transportation To/From Jogja:

·         Flight Round trip with:

·         Flight from Yogyakarta to Jakarta  by Garuda

·         Train Jakarta to Yogyakarta



 







Monday, October 13, 2014

Guide to South Lake Tahoe (CA/NV)

Lauren's "Insider's Guide" to South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

Tahoe is an incredible destination! It's the mecca of outdoor adventures, activities, and sights. There's an endless amount of things to do in these small little mountain towns. In the winter, Tahoe is the ultimate location for tourists. In the summer, its the same. A very touristy, exciting place, yet very calm, private, and relaxing at the same time. There's something for everyone in Tahoe, whether you want to relax, explore, scare yourself, or disappear and backpack for an unknown amount of time. No matter what you're looking for, Tahoe has it! I've come up with some suggestions for those of you who are interested in taking a visit! The best restaurants in town, the best places to visit, the most exciting activities...It's all here in my Guide to South Lake Tahoe! Enjoy...and visit this beautiful place!

Sunrise in Emerald Bay, West Shore

Transportation

Airlines to Reno, NV: Ranges from ~$200 - ~$400
Alaska
United
Delta
US Airways

Alternate Transportation to Reno, NV: Ranges from ~$100 - ~$200
Greyhound
Amtrak

Transportation from Reno to South Lake Tahoe:
South Tahoe Express - $29.75 One Way, $53.00 Round Trip
Rental Car


Getting Around Town:
Rental Car
BlueGO - Local Bus System
Yellow Cab
Walk
Bike

Rental Cars

Reno:
Thrifty Car Rental
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Budget Rent-A-Car

South Lake Tahoe:
Avis Car Rental
Hertz
Budget Lake Tahoe Resort Car Rentals
Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Lodging in SLT

Base Camp Hotel
Montbleu Casino
Marriott Grand Residence Club Tahoe
The Landing Resort & Spa

SLT Restaurants

Base Camp Pizza Co.  - Must try Thai Chicken Curry Pizza and the Gouda Mac N Cheese


Sushi Pier - All you can eat sushi is a MUST!
Sno-Flake Drive In - Must try the Fried Zucchini and Tahoe Burger!
Riva Grill - Give the Big Ass Pork Chop a go!

Yellow Submarine Sandwiches - A Local Gem. Taste the classic Yellow Sub.
Driftwood Cafe - Best breakfast in town, try anything and you'll be happy!

Must Do in SLT

Tahoe Queen Cruise


Climb at 90 Foot Wall

Bike the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path

Have a Night Out at the Casinos

Blue Streak Zipline

Live at Lakeview - Every Thursday evening in the summer!

Kayak/Paddle in Lake Tahoe

Hike Mt. Tallac for Sunrise



Must Do One Day Side Trips

Echo Lakes - Bouldering & Climbing at Flagpole Peak. SUP, Kayaking, & Boating on the lake. Hiking the PCT


Vikingsholm - Historic Scandinavian Castle in Emerald Bay and the private Teahouse on Fannette Island

Vikingsholm Castle

Teahouse on Fannette Island

Tahoe Rim Trail - 165 mile trail that goes around the Tahoe Basin. Many different day hikes to choose from!


Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Be a Tourist
1. Breakfast at Driftwood Cafe
2. Explore and Shop Heavenly Village
3. Ride the Gondola to the Observation Deck
4. Blue Streak Zipline
5. Dinner at Base Camp Pizza Co. 

Day 2: On the Water
1. Paddle/Kayak Lake Tahoe
2. Tahoe Queen Cruise - See Vikingsholm and the Teahouse on Fannette Island! 
3. Live at Lakeview - There always a bunch of slacklines set up there! 
4. All You Can Eat Sushi at Sushi Pier

Day 3: Test Your Limits
1. Hike Mt. Tallac for Sunrise or Tahoe Rim Trail
2. Breakfast at Red Hut Cafe
3. Bike the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path
4. Sunset Climb at 90 Foot Wall
5. Dinner at Riva Grill

Day 4: Keep It Mellow
1. SUP Yoga
2. BBQ and Beach Chillin
3. Night Out at the Casinos

Seattle: the Unique and Unusual Hotels/Lodging Mayflower Park Hotel https://www.mayflowerpark.com/ (206)-623-8700 405 O...