Egypt

Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramids, the Great Sphinx and the ancient temples of Luxor dating back thousands of years. Although focus of most tourist visits remains the great monuments along the Nile, possibilities for Egyptian travel also includes snorkeling and diving along the Red Sea coast. Other tourist attractions in Egypt include camel trips into the mountains of Sinai, tours to remote oases or visits to the Coptic monasteries of the Eastern Desert.

Giza Necropolis

flickr/Tommy Wong

The Pyramids of Giza, situated in the immediate vicinity of the southwestern suburbs of Cairo are the undisputable top attractions in Egypt. The pyramids at Giza were built over the span of three generations – by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is an awe-inspiring 139 meters (455 feet) high making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, although nearby Khafre’s Pyramid appears to be larger as it is build at a higher elevation.

Karnak

flickr/Mr. Theklan

Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest ancient religious site ever built, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 2.5 kilometers north of Luxor. One of most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows.

Red Sea Reef

flickr/Nataraj Metz

The Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go diving. The waters of the Red Sea are renowned for their spectacular visibility and features some of the most exotic seascapes. With its wide expanse of coral formation on the reefs, it is home to thousands of different sea creatures. Red Sea beach resorts are located on both sides of the sea, on the east side and part of the Sinai peninsula is the long established Sharm el Sheikh and its neo-hippy counterpart, Dahab. On the west coast of the Red Sea lies relatively old and touristy Hurghada and a cluster of new resort towns.

River Nile Cruise

Photo by D’Arcy Vallance

Cruising the Nile is a popular way of visiting upper Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile. Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important towns. Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. A Felucca is not quite as comfortable as a luxury cruise ship but nothing can beat sailing in a quiet rig that was designed thousands of years ago.

Valley of the Kings

flickr/Jean-Pierre Dalbera

The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a valley where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. All of the tombs seem have been opened and robbed in antiquity except for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

flickr/modenadude

Built between 876 and 879 AD, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo. It was commissioned by Ahmad ibn Ţūlūn, the Abbassid governor of Egypt. The mosque is constructed around a courtyard, with one covered hall on each of the four sides. The minaret, which features a helical outer staircase similar to that of the famous minaret in Samarra, was probably built several centuries later. Parts of the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.

Dahab

flickr/Shearwater

Dahab is located some 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, near the southern tip of Sinai. Once an isolated coastal village, Dahab turned into a hippie hangout in the 1980’s and became something of an “alternative resort”, mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. Activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and camel and jeep trips make it one of the most popular destinations along the Red Sea.

Siwa Oasis

flickr/tronics

Located in the Libyan Desert, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s isolated settlements, with 23,000 people, mostly ethnic Berbers. Located on an old date trade route, Siwa was an oasis vital to the trade route, as the natural springs and shade giving palm trees gave travelers respite from the desert. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Siwa began its decline. In recent decades tourism has become a vital source of income. Much attention has been given to creating hotels that use local materials and play on local styles.

Egyptian Museum

flickr/tutincommon

Home to at least 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian antiquities, the Egyptian Museum is one of Cairo’s top attraction. There are two main floors of the museum, the ground floor and the first floor. On the ground floor there is an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in by the ancient Egyptians. On the first floor there are artifacts from the final two dynasties of Ancient Egypt and also many artifacts taken from the Valley of the Kings. Highlights include the objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen and the Royal Mummy Room containing 27 royal mummies from pharaonic times.

Abu Simbel

flickr/Mrs Logic

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, when the temples were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

Shimla

One of the pleasantly panoramic and pristine pure hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has always been and remained a prime tourist destination in north India and has attracted families from India and abroad. Snow capped hills, religious sites, museums and art galleries are the famous tourist attractions of Shimla.

This charming hill station of Himachal Pradesh named after the famous ‘Goddess Shyamala Devi’, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The panoramic nature and salubrious climate make it the most sought after hill resorts in India. Here is the list of best things to do in Shimla vacations for a memorable trip.

Christ Church Shimla

Second Oldest Church in North India.

Second oldest church in North India, Christ church in Shimla is one of the most visited and prime attraction in Shimla city. The church has witnessed a number of changes through the years. Later, the church was consecrated on 10th January, 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. With Neo-Gothic style, the exquisitely designed windows of the church are its key feature.The church has five glass windows which allure people from different communities to visit here and have a glimpse of their beauty. Every window of the Christ church is known to present different virtues of Christianity including faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.

Moreover, you can see some beautiful wall paintings in Christ church and the paintings that portray scenes from Jesus Christ’s life. A visit to Christ church in Shimla would surely offer you great peace and power.Read More

Viceregal Lodge

Former Residence of British Viceroy of India.

Commonly referred as Rashtrapati Niwas, Viceregal Lodge is one of the most spectacular structures in Shimla. Settled on the picturesque observatory hill of Shimla, the striking Niwas is exquisitely designed in Jacobean style; English styles depicting renaissance revival. The teak-paneled interiors are star attraction of Viceregal Lodge, which are immensely beautiful and unique. Further, as soon as you get to see the building, you would surely get a feel of fantasy world of Harry potter.

Actually Viceregal Lodge is also best places for history buffs and art lovers. There is grand reception hall, staircase, amazing facade, several artifacts and beautiful lush lawns that offer you a great lifetime experience. You can also witness some inscriptions and photographs from the times of British Colonial rule. Today Viceregal Lodge in Shimla turned into Indian Institute of Advanced Study, but you can take a guided tour of the buildings.Read More

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla.

Designed by renowned architect Henry Irwin in Gothic Victorian style, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex constitutes of a City Museum, amphitheatre, multipurpose theater and conference hall. The prime attraction of the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is Victorian theater where well-known artists like Rudyard Kipling, Prithvi Raj Kapoor and Baten Powel have performed.Excellent performances and a mélange of various programs are the highlights of the theater.

Basically, you can say the place is historic cultural center where you get to witness some of the arts and crafts and historical objects. Read More

 Jakhu Temple

Famous Temple Situated on Ridge Road Shimla.

Jakhu Temple is one of the must visit temples in Shimla particularly for Hanuman devotees. The main attraction of Jakhu temple is a tall statue of Hindu God, Hanuman which is around 108 feet. Legends say that, Lord Hanuman rested at this place for sometime while searching for Sanjivani Booti to revive Lord Laxman.  Owing to such beliefs, the temple is considered to be the most pious locations in Shimla and is visited by large number of devotees.

The temple is infused with purity, peace and tranquility. As the place is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, you can find number of monkeys in and around the temple complex which surely won’t harm you, unless you tease them.Read More

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple Dedicated to The Goddess of Stars.

Another sanctified spot in Shimla, Tara Devi Temple settled on a top a lush green hill and around km away from Shimla. Dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi (important goddess of Tibetan Buddhist and considered one of the nine sisters of Devi Durga), the temple of Tara Devi is considered one of the ancient temples in Shimla, more than 250 years old. The temple is not only visited to seek blessings, but also to enjoy scenic views from the hill top.

Locals here claim that wooden statue of Goddess Tara was brought to this temple by Sen Dynasty King from West Bengal and was established as per Vaishnav tradition. During Sharad Navratri, on the day of Ashtami, special pooja is organized in the temple. All the rituals and worship ceremonies are performed with great devotion and dedication. Read More

Naldehra Golf Course

Naldhera Golf Course in Shimla

Naldhera Golf Course was put up under the supervision of Lord Curzon who was so much enchanted with the gorgeous beauty of the place that he named it after its youngest daughter Naldehra. Moreover Naldehra Golf course in Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India and is best-known for its charming beauty. The course is a PAR 68, 18hole with 16 Greens and 18 Tees and has a design reminiscent of Scottish links courses.

Initially the course was built as a 9 hole, but later extended to 18 holes. Naldehra is the only one and best place to enjoy golfing in Shimla. Read More

Let’s Plan Summer Trip to Shimla With Travel Packages

Chadwick Waterfall

Famous Waterfall to Visit in Shimla

One of the famous attraction for families in Shimla, Chadwick waterfall. The water gushes down from a height up to 1587m, relaxing all your senses. The clear water appears to be like crystals falling down. Surrounded by abundant greenery, consisting mainly of pine and deodar, Chadwick fall in Shimla is like a wonderland for nature lovers.

Himachal State Museum 

Shimla State Museum Depict the Life And Culture of the Hilly People.

The Himachal State Museum mainly depicts the life and culture of the hilly people. Formerly the museum was a private residence of Lord William Bereford, but after Independence it served as the residence of Indian Government officials. The grand building was transformed into a museum on January 26, 1947 with an objective behind, to collect and preserve the historic objects, artifacts and archaeological items of the state Himachal Pradesh. The museum houses wonderful collection of ancient historical sculptures, coins, paintings and photographs. It also houses a library which has a great collection of around 10, 000 books, journals and magazines. Further, there is a gallery too, which has metal, wooden and stone sculptures.

In-addition, there is a paintings section, where you can see some amazing works of- Pahari and Rajasthani painting, religious, Mughal and contemporary paintings. The major attraction of the museum is the doll gallery which exhibits massive collection of Himachali tribal and bride dolls.Read More

Shopping on Mall Road

Mall Road in Shimla is Famous for Shopping Activities.

Apart from being gifted with lovely scenic beauty, Shimla is also regarded as a shopper’s paradise for those who love shop. With number of breathtaking attractions, the mall road at Shimla is best-known for its vibrant markets. Mall road is one of the liveliest places in Shimla also known as heart of Shimla bustling with social life. There are number departmental stores, showrooms and shops to keep you engaged for hours. Starting from the Oberoi Clark hotel to Scandal point, you can get number of shops, clubs and restaurants on this road. Some of the best buys of the place are woolen garments (shawls and Himachali caps), accessories, wooden articles, pottery and handicrafts.

There is a Himachal Emporium on the Mall road which offers handicraft products including locally designed woolens, pottery items, and shimmering jewelries, manufactured in Himachal Pradesh. Further, the Tibetan and Lakkad bazaar which adjoins the mall is also a major hub for shopaholics.  Some of the unique buys here include wood work pieces and excellent quality garments

Dubai

Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' vacation hot spot. This city of high-rises and shopping malls has transformed itself from a desert outpost to a destination du-jour, where people flock for sales bargains, sunshine and family fun. Dubai is famous for sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes.

But this city has many cultural highlights as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons. Take a wander around the Bastakia district and you'll discover the Dubai of old, then cruise alongDubai Creek in a traditional dhow and you'll soon realise there's more to this city than its flashy veneer.

1 Burj Khalifa

Dubai's landmark building is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 m is the tallest building in the world. For most visitors a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering. The slick observation deck experience includes a multi-media presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. Night-time visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.

Back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa, are the building's beautifully designedgardens with winding walkways. There are plenty of water features including the Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain, modelled on Las Vegas' famous Fountains of Bellagio.

2 Dubai Museum

Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles known as "handels", and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronts, mud and plaster. In its history, the fort has served as residence for the ruling family, seat of government, garrison and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995) it is now the city's premier museum. The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom.

The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments. Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati lifestyle (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life) as well as artifacts from the 3,000-4,000 year old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Location: Al-Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai

3 Bastakia (Old Dubai)

The Bastakia Quarter was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles, and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek. Bastakia occupies the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved. Wind-towers provided the homes here with an early form of air conditioning, with the wind trapped in the towers funnelled down into the houses. Persian merchants likely transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses) from their home country to the Gulf.

Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history. Inside the district you'll find the Majlis Gallery with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower) and the XVA Gallery with a contemporary art collection (located in one of the historic buildings).

4 Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a fine example of Arabian architecture. The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father, so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies. The original home was demolished but the current house was rebuilt next to the original site, staying true to the original model by incorporating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs. Thirty rooms are built around a central courtyard with wind-tower details on top.

Inside are the exhibits of the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents with many wonderful old photographs of Dubai from the period between 1948 and 1953. The marine wing of the museum has photos of fishing, pearling and boat building. Throughout the building there are many letters, maps, coins and stamps on display showing the development of the Emirate. Nearby is the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, restored with displays of traditional interiors.

5 Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area. TheDhow Wharfage is located along Dubai Creek's bank, north of Al-Maktoum Bridge. Still used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of the dhows anchored here are well over 100 years old. You can visit here, watching cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows. Dhow workers often invite visitors onto the vessels for a tour, where you can gain insight into the life of these traditional sailors. Many of the dhows here travel onwards to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn. This tiny remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is still a bustling and fascinating place to wander around.

To travel across the creek you can either take a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks.

6 Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque that is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture. This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding organises guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith. Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.

7 Deira Souks

Deira is located on the northern bank of Dubai Creek and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels and office buildings for a backdrop. For travelers Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. Deira Gold Souq is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world and the reason that Dubai has received the name "City of Gold". Jewellery of all kinds is available in a variety of designs from traditional to modern and plenty of options to customise your own design.

The Deira Spice Souq sells every imaginable spice with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and thyme as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water and incense. The market was established in the 1830s and features restored wooden archways and wind-towers. For a much less touristy experience, head to the fish market where you'll find loads of local action.

8 Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai's modern downtown business district. This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome and steel highrises along its length. Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection. The Courtyard Gallery (6A Street) has an excellent permanent collection focused on contemporary art from Arab artists. Dubai World Trade Tower(Sheikh Zayed Road) has an observation deck on its top floor that offers visitors panoramic views.

The Gold and Diamond Park and Museum (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewellery lovers with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof. The complex's museum presents the history of Arabic jewellery production and also offers short tours of the manufacturing plant.

9 Bastakia Mosque

The Bastakia Mosque may not be the largest or most glitzy mosque in the United Arab Emiratesbut it has to be one of the most photogenic. This lovely little mosque has exquisite lattice-work detailing made more beautiful by the blindingly white facade. Nearby you can see the last remnants of Dubai's city walls, built in the mid-19th century from gypsum and coral.

10 Heritage and Diving Village

Dubai's architectural, cultural and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building - two of old Dubai's historic economic mainstays. There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse and a small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls. Local music and dance are performed from October to April and visitors can get advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

11 Dubai Aquarium

One of the city's top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. As well as free viewing from the mall, if you enter the Underwater Zoo you can walk through the aquarium tunnels.

There are a myriad of activities where you can get a closer look at the sea life. Glass bottom boat tours (on top of the tank) are particularly popular. Cage snorkeling and shark diving activities are also on offer.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight

Admission: Adults 70AED, Children 55AED

Location: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road

12 Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium. There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone and cinema complex if you're looking for more entertainment options. The shopping and eating is endless and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.

Location: Doha Road, just off Sheikh Zayed Road

13 Burj al-Arab

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 m high, located on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the Burj Al-Arab is lit up by a choreographed coloured lighting show at night. Decadent in every way possible, it is one of the most expensive hotels in the world with the most luxurious suites costing over $15,000 for one night.

For those without unlimited credit, the way to experience the over-the-top opulence is to go for dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat. Or, book afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar (a minimum spend is required) on the 27th floor with its amazing panoramic views of the city.

14 Jumeirah Beach

This strip of sandy white bliss is the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors. There are hotels strung out all along the length, with this being one of the most popular places to stay for tourists. The beach has excellent facilities with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants and water-sport operators offering jet skiing.

Location: Jumeirah Beach Road

15 Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city's most famous malls with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside. The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius. There's also a cinema complex and a family entertainment centre with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small. The shopping opportunities are boundless as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine.

Jog Falls:

Jog Falls: The Jog water falls created by the Sharavathi river in sharavathi valley in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Its breathtaking spectacle when sharavathi river falling from a height of 829 ft. It is the most impressive and one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.

Rameswaram

Located on Pamban Island, which is placed at the tip of the Indian peninsula,Rameswaram is separated from mainland India. The town is a historical city which was ruled by the various southern Indian dynasties and has been mentioned in the mythological Hindu epic, Ramayana. Rameswaram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is also a part of the holy Hindu pilgrimage of the Char Dhams. Rameswaram is also a major pilgrim spot for the Shaivaites and the Vaishnavites. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Rameshawaram.

1. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

Image credit – Himanis Das, CC BY-SA 3.0

Noted among the 275 most important Shiva temples for the Shaivaite sect of Hindus, the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage of the Hindus. The temple was said to have been established by Lord Ram himself and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The site of the temple was expanded by the Pandya kings in the 12th century who are responsible for the current structure of the temple.

2. Agnitheertham

The sandy shores of Rameswaram are one of the most holy places for the Hindu pilgrims. The Agnitheertham, are a collection of 22 such spots at the shores which the pilgrims bath in. according to Hindu mythology Lord Ram took a bath at the shores to absolve him from the sin of the killings in the war against Ravana.

3. Gandamadana Parvatham

Image credit – Ravichandar84, CC BY 2.5 IN

The hillock lies at a short distance of 3 kilometers from Rameswaram and is the highest point on the island.Gandamadana Parvatham is considered to house a foot print of Lord Rama on a Chakra. The hill lies at an amazing location and one can get the panoramic views of the entire island from this point.

4. The Five-faced Hanuman Temple

The temple is famous for its unique incarnation of the mighty monkey god Lord Hanuman. The image of the deity has five faces namely Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. The idol is carved from a large senthooram stone from which vermilion is derived. The ancient idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshamana that were brought during a cyclone from Dhanushkodi are also placed here.

5. Dhanushkodi

Image credit – Earth-Bound Misfit, CC BY 2.0

A famous picnic spot on the island, Dhanushkodi is also an important pilgrim spot on the Rameswaram Island. The name Dhanushkodi literally means the end of the bow and is spot where Lord Ram built the famous bridge with floating stones. The place is famous for the various migratory birds that flock here and its pristine views of the ocean.

Being one of the most important pilgrim spots for the Hindus, Rameswaram is a city that exemplifies the richness of Indian culture and the Hindu religion. The abovementioned places are the most frequented and popular places that one should not miss on their trip to Rameswaram.

Shimla, Favorite Destination Spot in India

Shimla is the beautiful place which is located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh which is nestled in western Himalayas. Shimla,formerly known as ‘Simla’. It is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was declared as the ‘Summer capital’ in 1864, during British Raj.

Shimla is the Hill station which attracts tourist from all over the world. Himachal Pradesh evergreen scenery blow you away, the sunrise peaking through the mountain range and create lively shadows of the pines and rock fissures; It has pleasant weather through out the year. Due to which it is often refer as ‘Queen of Hill Station‘.

Shimla is near about 115 km from the Chandigarh which is the nearest major city  and 365 km from the Delhi. Shimla is covered with the high mountain, unspoilt forests,chilling springs, lakes beautiful weather. Its cool climate is the precise reason why it is such popular among the tourists. That ultimately increases need of hotels in Shimla, It is situated approximately 2200m above sea level , The region of Shimla is covered by dense forests. Due to which A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are too spectacular for words.

 Points Of Attraction

• The Mall
• Christ Church
• Jakhu Hills
• Shimla State Museum
• Summer Hills
• ChailTatapani

Many people visit Shimla by train because The view is stunning, with the line passing through an amazing 103 tunnels. The nearest broad gauge head is at Kalka which is a 4- 5 hour journey from Delhi. Recently, this railway track has been granted the status of UNESCO worlds heritage site. As many people prefer this way to visit Shimla The Hotels near Shimla Railway station are in great demand. So what are you waiting for? Shimla can be the  best option for you, to get rid off this hot summer.