The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake

The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake 1.5 kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. The photo on the right is of Rara Lake, another popular lake located in Pokhara.

Potala Palace at Lhasa, China

The Potala palace at Lhasa was built by King Songtsen Gampo during the seventh century. It is located on the Red hill of Lhasa, Tibet. It was struck by lightning and war that led to its destruction. However, the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 rebuilt the palace again. And since then, it became the political center of Tibet. The Potala Palace has 2 palaces in it, the Red and the White Palace. The red one signifies religion and the white one signifies ad ministerial building. This place is known for its complex constructions, huge buildings and the peaceful atmosphere and not to forget, its artwork.

Once you enter the palace from the east. It takes you to the main courtyard where the Dalai Lama used to watch the Tibetan Opera. The White Palace was called the Winter Palace and the white color signified peace, calmness and togetherness. The largest hall in the White Palace is on the fourth floor, the living quarters and the offices are on the fifth floor. The Potala Palace has a beautiful Balcony that faces the Lhasa.

The Red Palace exists in the middle of the Potala Palace and after the fifth Dalai Lama died, it was painted in red color that signifying power and dignity. The walls of the Red Palace have many Buddhists stories written all over. It has three chapels, the North which is dedicated to the Dali lama, Buddha and his medicines. The East chapel is dedicated to the Indian monk who introduced Buddhism in Tibet. The west chapel is said to be the most luxurious chapel as it has 3,000 kg of gold and foil with hundreds and thousands of gems and pearls.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls of Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonder, and it appeals to travelers all across the globe. The Zambezi River flows placid and broad to the edge of a basalt lip measuring 1700 meters before plunging 100 meters into the frothy, thunderous abyss below.

History

The history of Victoria Falls does not go back too far from now, as it was only discovered in November of 1855 by David Livingstone. However, today the falls continues to be as allusive a destination as it was to the explorers, surveyors, missionaries, and hunters of the 1800s. The impulse to travel to the falls is the same, but the pursuit is only a little bit different.

Petra, Jordan

Described by the UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”, Petra is an archeological site on the slope of Mount Hor. It is one of the new wonders of the world and is famous for its rock-cut architecture.This site was kept hidden until 1812 when it was discovered by a Swiss explorer. It was said to have been prepared by God for the Jewish people. Petra once flourished under the Roman empire but a rapid decline began with the Arabian trade being taken elsewhere. Then an earthquake caused a great deal of destruction. Tourists frequent the place to get a glimpse of the ruins of this beautiful city.

Canadian Rockies, Canada

The majestic Canadian Rockies are the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains. They are a visitor’s wonderland and the playground for western Canada. They are older than the American Rockies and are formed from over thrusting. The Canadian Rockies house five national parks, and four of those national parks (along with other provincial parks) combine to form a single UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, limestone caves, and fossils. Mount Robson is the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies and climbing it is considered a challenge. These beautiful mountains are a haven for hikers and walkers alike.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in India is one of the wonders of the world and is one of the most beautiful mausoleums constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Located in Agra, white marble was used in the construction of this symbol of love, and the Taj Mahal is considered to be the pinnacle of Mughal architecture.As the story goes, the emperor was grief-stricken when he lost his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took thousands of craftsmen and artisans, and about twenty years to construct it. The masons, stone cutters, carvers, inlayers, calligraphers, painters, and others were brought from throughout the entire empire as well as from Iran and Central Asia. Semi-precious stones were used for inlay ornamentation. It later became the mausoleum of Shah Jahan too. This is a huge tourist attraction with one to two million tourists visiting it every year.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef. It has the distinction of being placed in the World Heritage as well as the National Heritage lists.With more than 600 islands and coral cays, the reef covers more than 300,000 sq. km. Corals make up the reefs and cays and are responsible for a huge variety of sea life in the reef — green turtles, several varieties of whales and dolphins, the dugong, about 4000 types of mollusks, 1500 different species of fish, as well as beautifully colored bird life encompassing at least 200 species. The Great Reef Marine Park is a huge tourist attraction with millions of tourists visiting the area each year. Sporting activities include reef sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, amongst others.

Lake Saiful Muluk – Pakistan

Lake Saiful Muluk is a lake located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran. A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake. It is the story of prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon.

The Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina-Brazil Border

Heralded as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu Waterfalls are a true wonder of nature. They are located at the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. While the Argentinean side allows visitors to walk right around the water or explore the National Park, the Brazilian side is known for its panoramic views and splendor.First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is believed to have exclaimed upon seeing these falls, “poor Niagara.” The area surrounding the falls provides ample opportunities for rock climbing as well as water sports. Iguazu has the distinction of having a greater annual flow than any other waterfall in the world.

With all of these, and many more beautiful places that exist in our world, we surrounded by choices. The only way to decide on the places to visit is to follow your heart. While some may love the tranquility of water, others may bury themselves deep in architectural miracles, ancient sites, or the serenity of a small town.

Great Wall of China, China

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is a man-made structure that was constructed over two thousand years ago and took about 100 years to complete. The vastness of this project brings to light the immense capabilities of man.
the constructions started in the 5th Century B.C. It is actually not a single wall, but rather many walls put together, and it stretches over 4,000 miles. It was constructed to protect the Chinese Empire from the Xiongnu people in the north. The wall was initially built of stone, grass, earth, and wood, but bricks were used once the production started. It is believed that about 2-3 million Chinese died during the construction project.

The Pyramids, Egypt

The Egyptian pyramids are massive monuments with a square base and four triangular sides rising up to a point. There is still a lot of curiosity (and many theories) as to how the pyramids were actually constructed.it is generally believed that the Egyptians began constructing them after 2700 B.C. and that they were built as tombs for the pharaohs. The most well-known (and the largest) pyramids of Egypt are the Pyramids at Giza which are said to be the largest ever built. It’s said that the Great Pyramid at Giza took 23 years to complete, using a work force of around 30,000 people. About 118 pyramids have been identified, and they are popular and intriguing to tourists and home researchers alike.

Skardu Valley – Pakistan

Skardu Valley is part of the Baltistan. Baltistan is spread over an area of 26,000 square kilometres – just right below the jagged and glaciated ramparts of the Karakoram. Once part of Laddakh, it was known as Tibet-i-Khurd – Little Tibet. Archaeological exploration has proven that it was encompassed by the Silk Trade Route.

The Holy See

In 1929, the Italian Government and the Church of Rome signed three agreements resolving a long standing dispute between Italy and the Vatican regarding territorial rights.  The treaties recognized the independence and sovereignty of the Holy See and created the State of the Vatican City.

The term "Holy See" refers to the composite of the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisers to direct the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. As the "central government" of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See has an authoritative legal standing that allows it to enter into treaties as the juridical equal of a state and to send and receive diplomatic representatives .

Dwarikas

Dwarikas Hotel in Kathmandu Nepal is everything you would want to find in an hotel. It has the architecture of an ancient building, yet this is a boutique style hotel with all the facilities and none of the drawbacks of an international style hotel.
The architects who designed Dwarikas can be very proud of their efforts in creating a unique atmosphere and yet such luxury in absolutely stunning surroundings. Kathmandu is such an evocative city, and Dwarikas Hotel blends in totally.
Dwarikas has 74 sumptuous rooms and suites, and unlike modern chain hotels, they are all unique in their design and character, and when you arrive you will be given a traditional Nepalese greeting with a prayer shawl. A nice touch, very genuine and not at all tacky as it sounds.

The rooms at Dwarikas are in the main enormous, with huge bathrooms, enormous beds, and the whole room is redolent of Nepalese architecture with traditional woodwork everywhere from the windows, the doors, the furniture. All of this is a long way from the norm in modern hotels, in fact the hotel trains local people in ancient woodworking techniques to keep them alive
Dwarikas has also a beautiful swimming pool, lovely landscaped gardens, and there is no doubt it is a place to fall in love with. The staff seem to have been born with a smile on their faces, and they are so willing to help with everything from changing money or organising taxis. Great staff make such a difference and Dwarikas has chosen well, trained them even better, and it is such a joy when staff speak English!!

One of the great things about Dwarikas Hotel in Kathmandu is the cost, because you will get great value for your money here in Nepal. One area where this is especially obvious is in the Krishnarpan Restaurant, where their 6 and 12 course banquets are a great introduction to Nepalese food, and that is something Dwarikas is famous for Outside the hotel it is well worth trying the Third Eye restaurant in Thamel for delicious local and international food.

In terms of the Dwarikas being a hotel in Kathmandu it really isn’t within walking distance, but there are plenty taxis and they aren’t expensive. Dwarikas is also not really a small children’s hotel in that there aren’t children’s meals, or clubs, but for children who can do without that sort of thing, there won’t be a problem.
The best time to visit Kathmandu is between October and May


In conclusion Dwarikas allows you a look into what Nepal was like in past times, and its traditions, but has all the modern conveniences you should expect from what is undoubtedly the best hotel in Kathmandu, a haven of peace and quiet far from the hustle and bustle.

Kasbah Agafay Morocco

The Kasbah Agafay is just the most marvellous place to chill out for a long weekend or even a week.
We stayed in a suite right up at the top under the ramparts, and the views were to die for.

I just loved the antique rugs, high ceilings and log fires, as it does get chilly at night, and what with the wonderfully high ceilings they were needed.
The concept of taking an old and crumbling Kasbah and turning it into top class hotel is a great concept, and the tiled courtyards, and sound of tinkling fountains never far away

 were evocative of a time gone by. At night with lanterns everywhere you really felt you had gone back in time.

The service was excellent, totally unobtrusive, but you just needed to literally raise a finger and someone appeared as if by magic.

Liked the pool, and loved the hamman, but one of the best features of theKasbah Agafay was the idea that you can be taken to Marrakech for the day, and visit your 'club' which is the Kssour Agafay, a boutique hotel in a 15th century town house right in the medina.
It was great, we went shopping, left our bags, returning later for lunch, leaving more bags, and then we went back to the peace and tranquillity of the hills, and the wonderful kasbah Agafay.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The massive Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, is by far the tallest man-made structure ever built. It stands an awe-inspiring 828m (2,717ft) above ground and has 160 floors. It became the world’s tallest building when it opened on January 4th, 2010. It took six years to construct and it is home to hotels, residences, restaurants, and offices.

Nanjing Greenland Financial Center, Nanjing, China

Also known as the Greenland Square Zifeng Tower, the Nanjing Greenland Financial Center in Nanjing, China, is 450m (1,480ft) tall. It was completed in 2009 and currently houses office space, retail space, a restaurant, and an observation deck. It has 89 stories.

Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America (USA)

Formerly called the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, USA, stands 442m (1,451ft) tall and has 108 floors. It was completed in 1973 and was the tallest building in the world at that time. It is currently the tallest building in the United States.

Guangzhou West Tower, Guangzhou, China

The Guangzhou West Tower in Guangzhou, China, is a 440.2m (1,444ft) tall skyscraper that is home to a conference center, a hotel, and offices. It was completed in 2009 and has 103 floors. The tower’s twin, the Guangzhou East Tower, will be completed in 2016.

Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, United States of America (USA)

The Trump Tower, named for Donald Trump, is located on the Chicago River in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It stands 423m (1,389ft) and has 92 stories. The tower houses retail space, a parking garage, a hotel, and condominiums. It was completed in 2009.

Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai, China

This 88-story skyscraper stands at a height of 421m (1,380ft). Completed in 1998, the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, China contains offices and the Shanghai Grand Hyatt hotel.

Maldives

Southwest of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea lies a paradise like no other, the island country of the Maldives. The Republic of the Maldives consists of twenty-six atolls in an area spanning 90,000 square kilometers (34,749 square miles). The Maldives are popular for their picture-perfect lush islands ringed by gorgeous white sand beaches. The tiny country is the smallest in Asia both in land mass and population (309,000 people). It also has the lowest high point of any country in the world at 2.3 meters (7 feet 7 inches) and because of this the rising sea level threatens its very existence. All total, the Maldives consists of roughly 1,190 coral islands, only 185 of which are inhabited. The islands were discovered as a tourist destination in the 1970s and today tourism accounts for just under 30% of the country’s GDP. A range of accommodation for any budget can be found on the Maldives, and the country’s capital city of Male is home to an international airport.

Santorini, Greece

Southeast of mainland Greece in the southern Aegean Sea lies the stunning island of Santorini. A volcanic island, Santorini is an arid environment with a hot desert climate and very little rainfall, one of the only two environments of its kind in Europe. Fira, the capital, and Oia are the two main cities to visit on the island. The buildings and home of Santorini are the island’s most striking feature, consisting of whitewashed cube shaped houses, many with beautiful blue domed roofs. The hot climate and lovely black sand beaches make lounging on the beach with a delicious drink a favorite activity for visitors. Santorini is also home to wine vineyards, and a variety of world renowned vegetables, including tomatoes, white eggplants, and cucumbers. The island also has an airport which receives flights from Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Athens Airways. Fantastic accommodation for any budget can be found on this magnificent unique island.