Best Places to Celebrate Christmas

Holiday season has started yet again, first comes Christmas followed by New Year; Christmas is nearing and I am sure many of you would be wondering where to go this year to celebrate Christmas. How about giving some choices to you to choose from? Isn’t that a great idea? Yes…my choices of 7 best places to celebrate Christmas this year.

1. New York city, United States of America

Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

Courtesy:Wikipedia

How about visiting a place where the Christmas tree is put every year for the past 79 years? Yes…Rockefeller Center puts up a large Christmas tree every year and this tradition is followed since 1933. The tree is generally 69 to 100 feet tall and the lighting is broadcasted nationwide on NBC. Rockefeller Center holds the record for erecting the tallest Christmas tree by erecting a 100 feet tall Christmas tree in the year 1999. “The Nutcracker” ballet is one that you must not miss when visiting New York for Christmas. 

2. Paris, France

Night view of Champs-Elysees during Christmas

Courtesy: Wikipedia

How can one forget a city that is dubbed as “City of Lights” when it comes to Christmas? What city am I referring to? Of course, it is Paris, France. During the beginning of the Christmas season, do not miss to visit Champs-Elysees; this is one of the most important places where Christmas lights are lit in the presence of hundreds of people and the French President. Try going for an ice skating below Eiffel Tower to catch up the spirit of Christmas.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

Singing Christmas tree, Zurich, Swtizerland

Courtesy:Singingchristmastree

Is Switzerland famous only for chocolates and snow-clad mountains? Nah…they are famous for Christmas celebrations too. Zurich is the best place for Christmas markets and to witness the “Singing Christmas Tree.” The best place for Christmas market is at the SBB railway station as it is not subject to the closing hour laws. Visit Wiehnachtsmart and enjoy the “Singing Christmas Tree.” It is here where small children sing Christmas carols. You can also be a part of guided Christmas tours. There is a special tour called “Guided tour with the night watchman” where you can understand a lot about Christmas as well have a slice of backed tirggel.

4. London, United Kingdom

Lights glowing in Regent Street, London, United Kingdom for Christmas

Courtesy:Wikipedia

London is a very popular tourist attraction almost all through the year; how can one forget London during Christmas? If you are literally in love with Christmas lights, there is no better place than London to view it. You don’t have to shell out money to see these Christmas lights; just walk through Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street or Trafalgar Square to witness the beautifully decorated Christmas lights. If you feel like playing in the ice during Christmas, you can always visit the ice skating rinks Hyde Park or Somerset House.

5. Melbourne, Australia

Christmas tree decorations in Melbourne, Australia

Courtesy:Timeout

It’s summer in Australia during Christmas and will definitely offer a different Christmas from the way it is celebrated where Christmas is celebrated during winter or in other words White Christmas. Melbourne is the best place to witness giant Christmas decorations, carols at the Myer Music Bowl, Christmas celebrations at Scots’ church, visiting Santa at the Christmas Square, etc.  

Merry Christmas!

Read More

10 Famous Inclined Towers or Leaning Towers around the World

Leaning Towers, also called as “Inclined Towers” are towers that are intentionally built to lean or incline over an angle. When talking about leaning towers, the first tower that comes to our mind is the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa or Torre di Pisa, Italy. The fact is that this leaning tower was not intentionally built to lean. Presenting below are some of the famous inclined towers around the world.

10. Leaning Temple of Huma, Orissa, India

Leaning Temple of Huma, the only leaning temple in the world

Want to see the only leaning temple in the world? If yes, come and visit the Leaning Temple of Huma dedicated to Lord Shiva in India in the state of Orissa, now, called as Odisha.  It is not sure whether this temple was constructed this way on purpose or is a fault with the design. If you visit this temple, you can notice that it is the edifice that is leaning and not the pinnacle of the temple. It is believed that this temple was built by Emperor Anangabhima Deva-III, but later either rebuilt or renovated by King Baliar Singh. Plan a visit to this temple during March if you wish to see the annual fair, which will be held to commemorate Shivrathri, a famous Hindu festival.

9. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Nevyansk, Russia

Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia

Courtesy: Wikimedia

Leaning Tower of Nevyansk is believed to be built in the 18^th century (anywhere between 1725 and 1732); however, information on when this leaning tower was constructed is not known. It is a 189 feet tall tower with a right angle inclination of 7 feet 3 inches from the top of the tower. As the answer to the question of when it was built is a mystery so is the purpose of the tower. There are many debates on the purpose of the tower, which includes a watchtower, bell tower, prison, laboratory, etc. It is a popular belief that the inclination towards to southwest is to symbolize the birth of Demidov. Even though much of the information about the tower is not known, it is the first tower in the world with cast iron cupola.

8. Sharps Island Light, Tilghman Island, Maryland

Sharps Island lighthouse, endangered lighthouse in Maryland

Sharps Island lighthouse is the third lighthouse in Maryland and was built using cast iron. The lighthouse is 35 feet tall and leans at an angle of 15 degrees. This was automated in the year 1938 and was later deactivated in 2010. This is one of the picturesque lighthouses as well as poorly maintained. Sharps Island lighthouse got a place for itself in the National Register of Historic Places in July 1982 and is one of the endangered lighthouses.

7. Leaning Tower of Niles, Touhy Avenue, Illinois

Leaning Tower of Niles, an exact replica of Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Are you trying to visit Paris to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but unable to do so; how about seeing a replica of it? Yes…Leaning Tower of Niles is a replica of Leaning Tower of Pisa and ½ the size of it. The original idea of constructing this tower was to store water for outdoor swimming pools. This was constructed by industrialist Robert Ilg. He built it as a part of Recreation Park for his employees. This tower now holds 4 fountains and a swimming pool of 30 feet.

6. Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Olympic Stadium, Canada's highest seating capacity stadium

It is a doughnut shaped multi-purpose stadium built to host the 1976 Summer Olympics in Canada; it is nicknamed as the “Big O” due to its shape. This has a record of being the stadium with highest seating capacity in Canada. It was used as football and baseball stadium for some time, but now mainly used to conduct special events. This is the tallest inclined tower in the world.

5. Gate of Europe, Madrid, Spain

Gate of Europe, the world's first inclined skyscraper and Spain's second tallest twin tower

Gate of Europe is the first inclined skyscraper in the world and the second tallest twin towers in Spain. Each of these buildings is 115 meter tall and is inclined at an angle of 15 degrees. Both these towers have a rooftop helicopter pad. These were designed by American architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee.

4. Tiger Hill Pagoda, Suzhou City, China

Tiger Hill Pagoda nicknamed the "Leaning Tower of China"

Courtesy: Wikimedia

Tiger Hill Pagoda is a Chinese pagoda situated in the Suzhou city of China. It is popularly known as the “Leaning Tower of China” and was built during the “Five Dynasties” period. The pagoda is 154 feet tall with an inclination of roughly 3 degrees; this inclination is due to the fact that the foundation of the pagoda is half rock and half soil.

3. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Suurhusen, Germany

Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, the world's most tilted tower unintentionally tilted, Germany

Courtesy: Wikimedia

According to the Guinness World Records, Leaning Tower of Suurhusen holds the record of the most tilted tower in the world till 2010; however, it is still the world’s most tilted tower that was unintentionally tilted. The tower inclines at an angle of 5.194 degrees, which is 1.22 degrees more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy. This is a British Gothic church built in the Middle Ages in a marshy land; the church tilted when the water in the marshy land dried in the 19^th century.

2. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi - the world's furthest leaning man-made tower

Courtesy: Wikimedia

Capital Gate claims the record of “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower” from Guinness World Records and leans at an angle of 18 degrees westwards. The building is currently owned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. This is the first building in Middle East to diagrid technology; diagrid technology absorbs and channels the force created by wind as well seismic pressure.

1. Leaning Tower of Wanaka, Wanaka, New Zealand

Leaning Tower of Wanaka in Puzzling World, New Zealand

Courtesy: Flickr

Puzzling World is one of the famous tourist attractions in Wanaka, New Zealand. When started in 1973, it just had a maze; however, this is a place full of optical illusions, puzzles that visitors can solve, hologram hall, tilted house, and much more. The Leaning Tower of Wanaka was made to tilt at an angle of 53 degrees by pulling the building out of ground and balancing on one corner.

You will be amazed to look at these amazing leaning towers or inclined towers in the world!

Read More

10 Must Visit Attractions in Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest as well as the most developed city in China and has a population of close to 23 million. Shanghai is located at the mouth of Yangtze River and is a major financial center of China. This city has lots of visitor attractions as it has lots of historical landmarks. Shanghai is nicknamed as “showpiece” of China.

City God Temple

One of the altars of the City God Temple, Shanghai

Image courtesy

City God Temple also called as “Chenghuang Miao” is not only a huge temple complex, but also a place where you will find lots of shops selling almost every traditional product of China. This temple was constructed to dedicate for Jinshan or the “Gold Mountain.” The temple has three main deities called Huo Gang (a famous Han dynasty emperor), Qin Yubo (who served in Yuan Dynasty) and Chen Huacheng (a Qing Dynasty general). The famous Yuyuan Garden of Shanghai is connected with the City God Temple.

Jade Buddha Temple

The front view of Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple, one can know from the name that it is a Buddhist temple was founded in 1882 and has 2 jade Buddha statues; one statue is a sitting Buddha and the other one is a reclining Buddha (a smaller statue). Reclining Buddha statue represents the death of Buddha. The temple contains the following: 

• Chamber of Heavenly Kings – contains statues of Wei Tuo, Bodhisattva, Maitreya and the Four Heavenly Kings. 
• Grand Hall or Great Hall – contains 3 Golden Buddhas, 18 unique golden arhats, Gods of Twenty Heavens and Guanyin and Shen Cai with their 53 teachers. 
• Jade Buddha Chamber, public restaurants and a Buddhist library.

Jing’an Temple

The front view of Jing'an Temple

Image courtesy

Jing’an Temple is yet again a Buddhist temple built in 247 AD. Jing’an means “Temple of Peace and Tranquility;” one can surely experience this when visiting this famous Buddhist temple. The temple was originally built beside Suzhou Creek; it was later moved to West Nanjing Road (the current site). This temple has three main halls, jade Buddha Hall with a jade Buddha statue, Abbot’s Chambers, a copper bell of Ming Dynasty, etc. This temple is opened for visitors between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily except on Buddhist holidays; an entrance fee is to be paid to visit the temple.

Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple, finest architectural example of Song Dynasty

Image courtesy

Longhua Temple is one of the finest architectural examples of Song dynasty and is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha. It is one of the city’s largest ancient temple complexes, which was constructed in 242 AD; there are various stories around the construction of the building. There are various buildings inside the temple, which includes: 

• Maitreya Hall with Maitreya Buddha statue
• Heavenly King Hall with Four Heavenly Kings statues
• Grand Hall with historical Buddha statue
• Three Stages Hall housing Amitabha Buddha, Buddhistava, and Mahasthamaprapta
• Abbot’s Hall
• Bell Tower
• Drum Tower
• Library consists of works of Buddha, his sutras, the ceremonial instruments, and various artifacts and antiques.

Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower, the fifth tallest building in the world by roof height

Jin Mao Tower is an 88-storey skyscraper in Shanghai city, China and is the worlds’ fifth tallest building by roof height. This tower boasts of having Shanghai Grand Hyatt Hotel (occupies floors from 53 to 87) as its occupant. Jin Mao Tower is a must visit place if you are looking for good restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping malls. The entire 88 floors are divided into 16 segments where each of these segments is 1/8 shorter than the 16-storey base. Chinese consider number 8 as lucky as it symbolizes prosperity; this building too revolves around this number.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower, AAAAA (5A) scenic area by China National Tourism Administration

Oriental Pearl Tower is a TV tower and one among the significant landmarks of Shanghai, China. This once holds the record of being the tallest tower in China. According to China National Tourism Administration, this area is classified as AAAAA (5A) scenic area; this is the highest rating given by the tourism administration. This rating is given based on various criteria including the site’s importance, transportation available, cleanliness, sanitation, etc. The tower contains 11 big and small towers and a total of 15 observation levels. The sightseeing floor is at 263 meters. This tower has a revolving restaurant. It is believed that the tower was designed based on a verse of a poem called Pipa Song from the Tang dynasty; however, the designer has said that he didn’t have this song in mind when he decided the design of the tower.

The Bund

The Bund, at night, a place to see various architectural styles

The Bund is one of the most well-known visitor attractions of Shanghai, China; it is a waterfront area and the height of the buildings is restricted here. This is one of the must see places in Shanghai if you are interested in visiting historical buildings. There is a total of 52 buildings in “The Bund” and these boasts of various architectural styles like Gothic, Renaissance, Art Deco, Romanesque, Baroque, etc. One can find lots of banks and financial institutions along “The Bund.”

Wen Miao

Wen Miao, Shanghai Confucian Temple

Image courtesy

Wen Miao is a Shanghai Confucian Temple, built to pay homage to Confucius. Wen Miao Lu was once a fishing village and it is believed that the temple was first founded by Yuan dynasty; it is also said that the temple went so many renovations. There is a market outside the temple; this is opened every Sunday morning.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Gardens mean "Garden of Happiness" or "Garden of Peace"

Yuyuan Garden is also called as the Yu Garden, meaning “Garden of Happiness” or “Garden of Peace.” It is a Chinese garden with a centerpiece made of exquisite Jade Rock. This is considered to be the largest garden of its era (Ming Dynasty) in Shanghai. It is a 5-acre garden and is divided into six areas; each of these areas is separated by a dragon wall.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town, a must visit place in Shanghai to witness ancient buildings

Zhujiajiao is a small water town with a population of roughly 60,000 people and is believed to be 1,700 years old. One can witness the ancient buildings along the river banks of the city. As the name suggests, it is a water town and therefore, the transportation is through boats. One can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in this water town. This consists of various bridges, Kezhi garden and Yuanjin Buddhist temple. You can also shop till you drop at Zhujiajiao Water Town.

Read More

5 Must See Monuments and Memorials in Paris

Paris, the capital and the largest city in France is home for nearly 3,500 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are some of monuments and memorials in Paris that you must not miss when visiting Paris.

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe with the French Flag (Best example for Neoclassical architecture)

Arc de Triomphe is a 164 feet high monument and one among Paris’s most famous monuments. This monument is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture style. The commissioning of Arc de Triomphe began in 1806; however, the entire construction was completed only in 1836 as the construction was halted for various reasons. The masterminds behind this famous monument are Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Etienne Hericart de Thury. Arc de Triomphe holds a lot of sculptures, reliefs, details about some of the great battles, etc. With the help of a lift, visitors can reach the top of the monument and can get a panoramic view of the Paris city (one has to climb the last 46 steps).

Cleopatra’s Needle

Cleopatra's Needle or Luxor Obelisk

Cleopatra’s Needle is an ancient Egyptian obelisk and is re-erected in three cities, namely, London, Paris and New York. If you think this has any connection with Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, it is not so. They were already more than thousand years old when Queen Cleopatra was alive. Cleopatra’s Needle at Paris once served as the entrance to the Luxor Temple. Cleopatra’s Needle is also sometimes referred as “Luxor Obelisk.” It is 23 meters high and is made of red granite. The total weight of the obelisk is believed to be 250 tonnes.

Flame of Liberty

Flame of Liberty, above the tunnel of Pont de l'Alma where Princess Diana died in an accident

One can notice a torch with flame in the hands of Statue of Liberty, one of the wonders of the world at the New York City; Flame of Liberty is a gold leaf covered replica of the flame in the torch. This monument is 3.5 meters high and is located in the 8^th arrondissement. International Herald Tribune offered this to represent the celebration of 100 years (completed in 1987) of publishing an English language newspaper in Paris in 1989. This also served as a token of friendship when the restoration work in the Statue of Liberty took place. This is one of the major tourist attractions for Diana followers after she died in an accident in a tunnel beneath Pont de l’Alma.

July Column

Colonne de Juillet with the three glorious (Trois Glorieuses) dates of July

July Column (Colonne de Juillet) is yet another famous monument in Paris that commemorates “Trois Glorieuses” or the “Three Glorious” days in the month of July during the Revolution of 1830 when the “July Monarchy” of Louis-Philippe commenced with the fall of Charles X of France. this project actually started to commemorate the “Fall of the Bastille” in the year 1792; however, the project did not get past the foundation laying stage. It is 154 feet high and weighs 74,000 kilograms.

Pantheon, Paris

Pantheon de Paris, a church converted as a mausoleum

When said Paris, can anyone forget Pantheon? Yes, Pantheon (located in the 5^th arrondissement) is one of the must see mausoleum in Paris; this was initially built as a church that was dedicated to St. Genevieve and for her relics. This is yet another best example for Neoclassical architecture styles. The masterminds behind this famous mausoleum are architects Jacques-Germain Soufflot and Jean-Baptiste Rondelet.

Read More

5 Eye-catching Churches in Paris

Paris is a city with rich cultural heritage and is home for some of the beautiful churches in the world. These eye-catching churches have a history of their own and are a part of the history of Paris.

Saint-Eustache

Location: 1^st arrondissement

Saint-Eustache, it has the largest pipe in France

The current church building was constructed between 1532 and 1632, which is one century. Saint-Eustache was a Roman general in the 2^nd century AD who was burned alive with his family members for converting to Christianity; the church got its name on his remembrance. This church is one of the wonderful examples of Gothic structure with Renaissance detail. There is a Keith Haring sculpture in the chapel of the church to remember the epidemic AIDS death happened in the year 1980. Saint-Eustache church has the largest pipe in France with nearly 8,000 pipes.

Notre Dame de Paris

Location: 4^th arrondissement

The back view of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with flying buttress and gargoyles

Notre Dame de Paris is also known by various names like Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame, which means Our Lady of Paris. This is yet another beautiful example of French Gothic architecture; however, majority of the religious imagery was damaged or destroyed during French Revolution. When renovation took place the church was returned to the Gothic architecture. This church holds the cathedra or the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris. This church holds the record of first few buildings in the world that used flying buttress or arched exterior supports; it is a historic monument in France.

Sacré-Coeur

Location: 18^th arrondissement

Sacre-Coeur, situated at the highest point in the city called Montmartre

Image courtesy

Sacré-Coeur Basilica is popularly known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and is one of the finest examples of Romano-Byzantine architecture style. The construction took nearly 3 decades to complete (1875 – 1914). This is a very popular landmark in Paris as it is situated in the highest point of the city called Montmartre. There is a garden and a fountain in this basilica. To get a panoramic view of the city, just go to the top of the dome. The main reason why this basilica looks white even after weathering and pollution is due to the fact that travertine stone is used in its construction; travertine oozes calcite and this helps the basilica to remain white constantly.

Saint-Séverin

Location: 5^th arrondissement

Saint-Severin, the oldest  church on the Left Bank of River Seine

Saint-Séverin is the oldest church on the Left Bank, which is the southern bank of River Seine; it is a Roman Catholic Church. The existing structure was built on Gothic architecture with lateral aisles during the 13^th century. This church too has flying buttress similar to Notre Dame de Paris and gargoyles on the exterior. The bells of the church are believed to be the oldest in Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle

Location: 4^th arrondissement

Sainte-Chapelle, famous for stained-glass collections. (This is the ceiling of the lower part)

Image courtesy

This is believed to be the only surviving building of “The Direct Capetian Dynasty” or “The House of France.” La Sainte-Chapelle is considered as one of the chief achievements of Gothic architecture during Rayonnant period. Majority of the church was damaged during French revolution; however, it was restored in 19^th century and holds the largest or the most extensive in-situ 13^th century stained-glass collections.

Read More

7 Splendid Parks in Paris

Paris is a great city in France with so many interesting, beautiful and worth visiting places like parks, gardens, monuments, canyons, fountains, etc. Paris is known as “City of Lights” and also as “Capital of Fashion.” Paris is divided into 20 districts; these districts are called “arrondissement.” Each and every arrondissement has its own tourist attractions; here is a sneak preview of some of the brilliant looking parks in Paris.

Name of the Park: Parc de Belleville

Location: 20^th arrondissement

Parc de Belleville, the highest park in Paris

Parc de Belleville is the highest park in Paris as it is situated at a height of 108 meters on the Belleville hills; architect Francois Debulois and landscaper Paul Brichet are the masterminds behind the idea of this park. This is the best place to get the panoramic view of the city.

What it offers to visitors? 

• The longest fountain in Paris (100m long)
• Wooden playground for kids
• More than 1000 varieties of trees and shrubs
• Open-air theatre
• Ping-Pong tables
• Maison de l’Air – a museum that teaches visitors about pollution and how important fresh air is
• Display of annual flowers

Opening Hours ^*

Park is open throughout the year; however, the opening and closing time changes according to the weather. Closing time varies from as early as 5:30 p.m. to as late as 9:30 p.m.

Weekdays – Opens at 8 a.m., weekends – opens at 9 a.m.

Closing Hours

November 16 to January: closes at 5:30 p.m.

February, November 1 to 15: closes at 6:00 p.m.

March: closes at 7:00 p.m.

October: closes at 8:00 p.m.

September: closes at 8:30 p.m.

April 15 to May 15: closes at 9:00 p.m.

May 16 to August 31: closes at 9:30 p.m.

Entrance Fee: ^*

Adults – 2 Euros

Persons aged 7 and 25 – 1 Euro

Children under 7 years of age – Free

Name of the park: Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Location: 19^th arrondissement

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, third largest park in Paris

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the third largest park in Paris and is a public garden. This park was a gypsum and limestone quarry, which was later converted to a park. This park is the brainchild of engineer Jean-Charles Alphand, horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps and architect Gabriel Davioud. The park has 5 large gates and 7 smaller gates.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Cliffs, bridges (63 m long suspension bridge called the suicide bridge), man-made streams
• Grotto with a 20m high waterfall
• Playgrounds for children, outdoor terrace, roller rink
• English and Chinese gardens
• Belvedere of Sybil
• Exotic trees
• Restaurants, theatres, and Waffle Stands

Opening Hours

The park is opened all through the year; it opens at 7 a.m. regardless of the season.

Closing Hours

November through March: 9:00 p.m.

April through October: 11:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee ^*

There is no entrance fee; however, to access the island by boat, fee has to be paid.

Name of the park: Parc de la Villette

Location: 19^th arrondissement

Parc de la Villette, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi is one of the largest parks in Paris. Bernard Tschumi actually won a design competition for the park; however, many other architects have played a major role in the construction of concert halls, museums, theatres, etc. It is estimated that nearly 10 million people visit Parc de la Villette in a year.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Europe’s largest science museum
• Cite de la musique
• 6,300 seat capacity concert arena called “Le Zenith” (the largest concert arena in Paris)
• Playgrounds for children
• 35 architecture follies
• Bamboo garden and themed gardens include the garden of equilibria, the garden of islands, the shadows of the gardens, garden of childhood fears, etc.

One has to buy tickets for the shows and workshops held at Parc de la Villette, which can be done either by visiting their website or calling them up over the phone.

Name of the park: Parc Andre Citroen

Location: XVe Arrondissement

Th walkway at the Parc Andre Citroen

Parc Andre Citroen was named after the founder of the company called Citroen automobile manufacturing plant, Andre Citroen as this public park was built on the site where the automobile manufacturing plant was earlier. It is a 14 hectare public park that was designed by architects Patrick Berger, Jean-Paul Viguier and Jean-Francois Jodry.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Six serial gardens where each garden is associated with a planet, a metal, a sense, a day in a week, and a state of water
• Garden in Movement, the wild grasses in the garden move or respond to the difference in the speed of wind velocity
• A moored gas balloon that offers picturesque view of various historical places of Paris like River Seine, Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, Champ de Mars, etc.
• Fountains and greenhouses
• Play area for children in the white and black garden

Opening Hours ^*

May through September: 9:00 a.m. on all days

Closing Hours ^*

May through September 8:30 p.m. on all days

Entrance Fee ^*

The entry to the park is free.

Name of the park: Parc Montsouris

Location: 14^th arrondissement

Parc Montsouris, a public park ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann

Parc Montsouris is a 15 hectares public park ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. This park resembles an English garden, which is quite popular genre during 19^th century.

What it offers to visitors? 

• A water reservoir on the northeast side of the park offers an entrance to the famous Paris catacombs
• Wonderful flora and fauna
• Bronze and marble sculptures
• Children playgrounds and ping-pong tables
• Snack and refreshment centers

Opening Hours

May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Name of the park: Parc de Bercy

Location: 14^th arrondissement

Parc de Bercy, a park that contains a cluster three connected gardens

Parc de Bercy is a 14 hectare area park and one of the important parks in Paris; it is a set or cluster of three connected gardens designed by various well-known architects like Bernard Huet, Jean-Pierre Feugas, Philippe Raguin, etc.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Three gardens called Romantic Garden, Flowerbeds and Meadows
• Playgrounds, pony rides, ping-pong, etc.
• Eateries and water points

Opening Hours

May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Name of the park: Parc Monceau

Location: 8^th arrondissement

Parc Monceau, an English style park in Paris

Parc Monceau is a 8.2 hectares public park and was designed by Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, a famous writer and painter. It is an English style park with informal layout and curved walkways.

What it offers to visitors? 

• Playgrounds for children, swings and small carousel
• Eateries and water points
• Exotic trees and birds

Opening Hours

May through August: 7:00 a.m. on all days including weekends

Closing Hours

May through August: 10:00 p.m. on all days including weekends

Entrance fee

They do no charge anything as an entrance fee.

Make sure you visit these parks, which are an important tourist destination in Paris when planning a visit to Paris.

Read More

10 Best Low-Cost Airlines in the World - 2012

You are planning to visit various tourist destinations in one go and is thinking what to do as flight costs would make a hole in your pocket; don’t worry, a recent survey by “The World Airline Awards” give you the details about the best low-cost airlines in the world. Once you know which airline is the best when it comes to low-cost, you can peacefully travel around the world without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Best Low-Cost Airline of the year 2012

Image courtesy

World Airline Awards has conducted a survey in 160 countries to decide the world’s best low-cost airlines. This award was declared at Farnborough International Airshow held in England. The survey was taken from millions of air travelers (close to 18 million travelers) over a period of one year (June 2011 to July 2012).

Majority of the Asian airlines dominated this list.

AirAsia once again emerges as the world’s best low-cost airline. They have retained this position for the fourth consecutive year.

Jetstar Airways moved one spot down from its last year rankings to finish at 3^rd spot and Virgin America claimed the 2^nd spot.

World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines – 2012

10. Indigo Airlines

9. Azul Airlines

8. Southwest Airlines

7. Jetstar Asia

6. WestJet

5. easyJet

4. AirAsiaX

3. Jetstar Airways

2. Virgin America

1. AirAsia

Enjoy your air travel and visit your favorite travel destination!

Read More

7 Beautiful Canyons around the World

Canyons are also called as gorges; these are formed due to long time erosions of rivers. One can spot canyons in dry or parched areas as physical weathering conditions play a major role in the formation of canyons. The canyon walls are in general formed of resistant granite or sandstone. When talking about canyons one can never forget the “Grand Canyon” in Arizona; however, we are going to take a look at equally beautiful canyons around the world other than Grand Canyon.

7. Matka Canyon, Skopje, Macedonia

Matka Canyon, popular tourist destination in Macedonia

Image source

Matka (means womb) Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia. It is a home for 10 caves and the length of the caves vary between 20 meters to 176 meters. According to New7Wonders of Nature project, Vrelo Cave in Matka is one among the top 77 natural sites. There are lots of monasteries in Matka Canyon. One can spot lots of butterflies and bats at Matka Canyon; it is home for nearly 77 endemic butterfly species. This is one of the best spots for alpine hiking, kayaking, fishing and swimming; the best season is between April and November.

6. Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia

Kings Canyon, Australia

Kings Canyon forms a part of Watarrka National Park in Australia and is a popular tourist destination for adventurous hikers or travelers. This is also a best place to watch rare and beautiful looking birds like Spinifex pigeon, black-breasted buzzard, dusky grasswren, etc. There are two walks in Kings Canyon; one walk takes you to the bottom of the canyon and the other to the top of the canyon. It is at the top walk that one finds “Heartbreak hill” that offers spectacular and scenic views of the entire landscape, a permanent waterhole, and sandstone domes; remember this is too steep and hence called the “Heartbreak Hill” or “Heart attack Hill.”

5. Charyn Canyon, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon, best place to watch unusually shaped rock formations

Image source

Charyn Canyon is located in Charyn River and is a part of Charyn National Park in Kazakshtan. This is the best place to watch unusual and oddly shaped rock formations; this is the reason why one part of it is also called as “Valley of Castles.” It resembles “Grand Canyon” in many ways even though it is much smaller in size; it is nicknamed “the little brother of Grand Canyon.”

4. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Blyde River Canyon, Second largest canyon in Africa

Image source

Blyde (means happy or glad) River Canyon is believed to be the world’s largest green canyon as one can witness lush green scenery everywhere around the canyon and Africa’s second largest canyon. Due to the lush subtropical foliage, it is home for many species of birds, antelopes and fishes. Some of the bird species include the beautiful Narina Trogon, Bald Ibis, Green Twinspot, Wood Owl, Jackal Buzzard, etc. This is a most sought tourist spot or attraction in Mpumalanga.

3. Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru

Colca Canyon during winter

Image source

Colca Canyon is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world and is the third most popular tourist destination in Peru. To watch the near threatened Andean Condor species, one must go to Cruz del Condor, which is nearly 3,960 feet below the canyon’s rim. One can also watch lots of other bird species like Giant Colibri, Andean goose, vicuna, etc. There are lots of other things one can do at Colca Canyon other than bird watching; this includes taking a dip in the hot springs, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, visiting archeological sites, etc.

2. Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Africa

Fish River Canyon during early morning

Fish River Canyon is the world’s second largest and the largest in Africa. This is one of the most sought after tourist attraction in Namibia. This is one of the best mountaineering spots, but the sad part is that hikers have to sleep outdoors during their trekking. The best time for hiking is between May and mid-September as hiking is prohibited in the summer season owing to very high temperatures.

1.Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tibet, China

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the deepest and the largest canyon in the world

Image source

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is considered the deepest and the largest canyon in the world. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is place for unique plants, bird species and is home for King Cobra. Some of the unique species include Ice Mouse, Ice Flea, etc. This boasts of rich biological resources, spectacular scenery and a popular eco-tourism spot. It is a best spot for whitewater kayaking.

Read More