Seabourn Pride and Legend to Spend More Time in Southeast Asia in 2012

The latest news from Seabourn is that it has tinkered with the first quarter 2012 schedules of two of its yachts—Pride and Legend—in order to offer more Southeast Asian itineraries. The yachts will spend more time in Cambodia and Indonesia.

Having just returned from Indonesia myself, I can tell you that this region is perfect for cruising. Seabourn's intimate yachts visit places most mega cruise ships just can't access. Pamela Conover, Seabourn President and CEO concurs, saying, “Southeast Asia has been a perennial favorite of our guests for many years, because our yachts can take them places that are difficult to visit otherwise.”

These itineraries will afford you the opportunity to explore exotic ports of call without having to worry about flying in on a puddle jumper or arriving by local ferry. If you haven't yet visited this part of Southeast Asia, these new Seabourn itineraries are tough to beat.

The 208-guest Seabourn Pride, which had been scheduled to sail 12-day cruises of Vietnam and Thailand between Hong Kong and Bangkok, will instead sail between Hong Kong and Singapore on five 14-day voyages that will each include a call at the up-and-coming beach resort community of Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Departure dates are scheduled between January 4 and March 14, 2012. The revised schedule also includes one 14-day voyage departing February 15, 2012, and sailing round trip from Singapore to Penang, Phuket, Langkawi, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, the Malaysian metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, and more.



Seabourn Legend will start 2012 sailing among the islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, on 10- and 12-day itineraries between Singapore and Bali that include hard-to-reach places such as Komodo, Sumba, Flores, Gili Sudak, and Kura Kura. Five departures are scheduled between January 3 and February 16, 2012.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn directly at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Tuesday Tip: Twitter Handles for Cruise Lines & Travel Experts

This holiday season, it pays to follow as many travel twitter pages as possible. These travel websites and travel providers run contests from time to time. In the past year on Twitter I've won items ranging from lightweight luggage to guidebooks to American Airlines Admirals Club lounge passes.

Even when tweeters aren't giving away swag, you're sure to benefit from useful information, links to cruise and resort reviews, and inside access to bonefide travel tips.

Here's a list of the best travel tweeters on Twitter these days.

Cruise Line Twitter Handles

Abercrombie & Kent - @AKTravel_USA
Aqua Expeditions - @AquaExpeditions
Azamara Club Cruises - @AzamaraVoyages
Carnival Cruise Line - @CarnivalCruise
Celebrity Cruises UK - @CelebrityUK
Crystal Cruises - @crystalcruises
Cunard - @cunardline
Disney Cruise Line - @DisneyCruise
Holland America - @HALcruises
Lindblad Expeditions - @LindbladExp
MSC Cruises - @MSCCruisesUSA
Norwegian Cruise Line - @NCLFreestyle
Oceania Cruises - @CruiseOceania
Paul Gauguin Cruises - @PaulGauguin
Princess Cruises - @PrincessCruises
Royal Caribbean - @OasisandAllure
SeaDream Yacht Club - @seadreamyc
Silversea - @silversea
Uniworld - @UniworldCruises
Viking River Cruises - @vikingriver
Windstar Cruises - @cruisewindstar
Yachts of Seabourn - @SeabournCruise

Travel Magazines, Websites, & Newspaper Coverage

About Cruises - @AboutCruises
Afar - @AfarMedia
Avid Cruiser - @AvidCruiser
Cruise Critic - @CruiseCritic
Cruise Diva - @CruiseDiva
Cruise International - @cruisemag
Cruise Passenger - @CruisePax
Islands Magazine - @islandsmagazine
Porthole Cruise Magazine - @PortholeCruise
USA Today's Cruise Log - @CruiseLog

Luxury Travel Experts

Andrew Harper Hideaway Report - @HarperTravel
The Gallivanter's Guide - @Gallivanters

Hotels & Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - @FourSeasons
Hilton Hotels & Resorts - @HiltonOnline
Hyatt - @HyattConcierge
InterContinental Hotels Group - @IHG_Deals
Mandarin Oriental - @mo_hotels
Marriott Resorts - @MarriottResorts
Priority Club - @priorityclub
Ritz-Carlton - @RitzCarlton
Starwood Hotels - @StarwoodBuzz

Travel Accessories

First Ascent/Eddie Bauer - @FirstAscent
Magellan's Travel - @magellanstravel
ScotteVest Travel Clothing - @scottevest

Who are your favorite travel tweeters? Post a comment and let me know.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

The Best of 2011: A Luxury Cruise for Each Month of Next Year

With 2011 just a month away, many of us are reviewing our upcoming cruise plans for next year. If I could wrangle an unlimited amount of vacation time—or could figure out how to bring our two Bearded Collies with us on these adventures!—the 12 cruises I'd take are listed below.

They range from island strongholds like the Maldives, Hawaii, Galapagos, and French Polynesia to Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Norway, South Africa, and Alaska.

Which are your must-cruise itineraries for 2011?

12 Fantastic Luxury Cruises for 2011

JANUARY 29, 2011
Paul Gauguin Cruises (m/s Paul Gauguin)
11-Night Cook Islands & Society Islands
Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2 Huahine
Day 3 at sea
Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Day 6 at sea
Day 7 Bora Bora
Day 8 Bora Bora
Day 9 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Day 10 Moorea
Day 11 Moorea / Papeete, Tahiti
Day 12 Papeete, Tahiti

Why this cruise? We sailed with Paul Gauguin Cruises last May and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places on earth and Paul Gauguin Cruises has the expertise to show you the hidden gems. We sailed a seven-night itinerary last time around and it wasn't long enough. Next time, I'll go for the eleven-night Cook and Society Islands combo cruise.


FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Four Seasons (Four Seasons Explorer)
7-Night Maldivian Circuit Cruise
This cruise begins on North Male Atoll, Maldives at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and sails to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru on Baa Atoll.

Why this cruise? The Maldives, gorgeous coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, are on my bucket list. The Four Seasons has two exquisite properties in the archipelago as well as a luxury yacht, the Four Seasons Explorer.


MARCH 2, 2011
Silversea (Silver Wind)
10-Night Cape Town, South Africa Round-Trip
Day 1 Cape Town, South Africa
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 East London, South Africa
Day 4 at sea
Day 5 Maputo, Mozambique
Day 6 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 7 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 8 Durban, South Africa
Day 9 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day 10 Mossel Bay, South Africa
Day 11 Cape Town, South Africa

Why this cruise? We love the crew aboard Silversea ships. The butlers, stewards, bartenders, and waitstaff always strike the right balance of attentive yet friendly service. Likewise, the passenger mix makes it easy to find like-minded dinner companions. Finally, this is a fantastic itinerary for anyone who loves South Africa. These are fantastic ports with no shortage of excellent shore excursions on offer.


APRIL 30, 2011
Cunard (Queen Elizabeth)
5-Night Getaway Voyage
Day 1 Southampton, UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 4 Zeebrugge, Belgium
Day 5 Le Havre, France
Day 6 Southampton, UK

Why this cruise? This is Cunard's newest ocean liner and, to be honest, we've never sailed with this line. It may turn out to be too formal for our liking, but I think every cruise fanatic should sail with Cunard at least once. This five-night itinerary hits some fun ports like Amsterdam, Netherlands and Zeebrugge, Belgium.


MAY 9, 2011
Crystal Cruises (Crystal Symphony)
12-Night Northern Lights
Day 1 San Francisco
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 4 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 5 at sea
Day 6 Sitka, Alaska
Day 7 Juneau, Alaska
Day 8 Skagway, Alaska
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Ketchikan, Alaska
Day 11 at sea
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 San Francisco

Why this cruise? Alaska is one of our favorite cruise destinations and it's nice to see these ports without sacrificing luxury. Crystal Cruises offers up some of the best dining at sea and that's another thing that makes this itinerary so appealing.


JUNE 18, 2011
Azamara Club Cruises (Azamara Journey)
7-Night Spain and Portugal Cruise
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 Ibiza, Spain
Day 3 Ibiza, Spain
Day 4 Granada (Motril), Spain
Day 5 Gibraltar, UK
Day 6 Seville (Cadiz), Spain
Day 7 Lisbon, Portugal
Day 8 Lisbon, Portugal

Why this cruise? Plain and simple: it's the chance to sail the Strait of Gibraltar.


JULY 29, 2011
Oceania Cruises (Marina)
12-Night Treasures of the Continent
Day 1 London (Dover), UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Day 4 Paris (Honfleur), France
Day 5 St. Peter Ports (Guernsey), UK
Day 6 Saint-Malo, France
Day 7 Pont-Aven (Concarneau), France
Day 8 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 9 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 10 Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz), France
Day 11 Santander, Spain
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 London (Dover), UK

Why this cruise? Oceania Marina makes its debut in January 2011 and the ship will still have that new ship feel for this summertime cruise. The itinerary is spectacular with stops in Saint-Mao and Bordeaux, France.


AUGUST 14, 2011
Yachts of Seabourn (Seabourn Sojourn)
9-Night Norwegian Fjords
Day 1 Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Flaam, Norway
Day 4 Aalesund, Norway
Day 5 Olden, Norway
Day 6 Bergen, Norway
Day 7 Stavanger, Norway
Day 8 Oslo, Norway
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Copenhagen, Denmark

Why this cruise? You've got a trifecta with this one: a terrific Norwegian itinerary, the beautiful Seabourn Sojourn mega-yacht, and an end-of-the-summer embarkation date.


SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
SeaDream Yacht Club (SeaDream II)
7-Night Venice, Italy to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 1 Venice, Italy
Day 2 Rab, Croatia
Day 3 Split and Hvar, Croatia
Day 4 Hvar, Croatia
Day 5 Korcula, Croatia
Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro
Day 7 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why this cruise? SeaDream is one of our favorite cruise lines (best gourmet cuisine at sea and super-friendly crew) and we've been wanting to get back to Croatia since we visited Hvar last summer.


OCTOBER 10, 2011
Orion Expeditions (Orion II)
7-Night Gulf of Siam Explorer
Day 1 Singapore
Day 2 Tioman Island, Malaysia
Day 3 Kuala Terrangganu, Malaysia
Day 4 At sea
Day 5 Ko Samui, Thailand
Day 6 Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
Day 7 Ko Kut, Thailand
Day 8 Bangkok

Why this cruise? Orion II is new to the line's fleet and recently underwent a major refurbishment. This expedition line combines attentive service with offbeat ports of call. We love Southeast Asia and I can't imagine more compelling destinations than those in Malaysia and Thailand that are visited during Orion's "Gulf of Siam Explorer" cruise.


NOVEMBER 14, 2011
American Safari Cruises (Safari Explorer)
7-Night Hawaiian Seascapes
Day 1 Lahaina, Maui
Day 2 Molokai
Day 3 Molokai
Day 4 Lanai
Day 5 Molokini
Day 6 Ka Lae, Big Island
Day 7 Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Day 8 Kona, Big Island

Why this cruise? American Safari Cruises is an American company with an all-American crew. This small business has always impressed us and I'd sail anywhere with this outfit.


DECEMBER 2, 2011
Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic Endeavour)
10-Night Galapagos Islands
Day 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador
Day 2 Guayaquil / Galapagos / Baltra
Day 3 Floreana
Day 4 Isabela / Fernandina
Day 5 Santa Cruz
Day 6 Santa Cruz
Day 7 Bartolome / Santiago
Day 8 Espanola
Day 9 Baltra / Guayaquil
Day 10 Guayaquil

Why this cruise? Are you on Lindblad's mailing list? If not, get on it. The cruise catalogs are packed with photos of up-close and personal animal encounters in the Galapagos. I listened in on a recent Lindblad webinar and I hope we can make time for a trip to the Galapagos Islands soon.

Comment on this post and let us know where you're cruising in 2011.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor

Win a Cruise - Sweepstakes to Enter

Here's a roundup of a few current sweepstakes in which you can win a cruise vacation.

Cruise Critic's "15th Anniversary" Sweepstakes
Prize: Celebrity Summit 7-night cruise to Bermuda (prize does not include airfare)
Deadline: 11/30/2010

TLC "Voyage to Alaska" Sweepstakes
Prize: 7-day cruise from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Seward, Alaska for the winner and up to three family members
Deadline: 12/10/2010

Viking River Cruises' "Win a Rhine Getaway River Cruise" Sweepstakes
Prize: Rhine River cruise for two with roundtrip coach airfare
Deadline: 12/17/2010

Royal Caribbean's "Your Ticket to Entertainment: Allure of the Seas" Sweepstakes
Prize: Caribbean cruise for two, roundtrip coach airfare, $1,000 spending money, and two onboard Coca-Cola beverage cards
Deadline: 12/31/2010

Holland America "7- to 10-Day Cruise for Two" Sweepstakes
Prize: 7- to 10-day cruise for two aboard a Holland America ship departing in 2011
Deadline: March 31, 2011

Enter them all and then cross your fingers! Good luck!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Paul Gauguin Black Friday Sale On Until December 10, 2010

Did you snag a cruise travel deal on Black Friday? If not, there's still time to take advantage of the two-week sale from Paul Gauguin Cruises. The company operates the much-beloved m/s Paul Gauguin, which sails French Polynesia year-round.

Sale prices are valid on select 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands itineraries ($3,997 per person) as well as 7-night Tahiti & Society Island cruises ($3,397–$3,647 per person).

The reduced rate is based on the cruise line's previously advertised offer of 50% off standard cruise fares. Additionally, these specials also include free airfare from Los Angeles.

Travel dates are...

March 5, May 14, or June 18, 2011 for the Cook Islands & Society Islands 11-night itinerary
or
April 2, April 9, June 4, or June 11, 2011 for the Tahiti & Society Islands 7-night itinerary.

See our previous Paul Gauguin Cruises coverage, including daily blog posts from a 7-night Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary.

For more information about this sale, talk with your travel agent (I recommend Brown & Keene Travel, who are exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to Paul Gauguin itineraries) or contact PGC directly at 1-(800) 848-6172.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Travel the World, and Not Go Broke

“I’ve always been a saver,” says Olivia, who has chronicled her adventures and her search for a new job at her blog, Powered By Tofu. “I was actually considering buying the condo I was renting, but I didn’t want to get stuck.”

She didn’t want to give up her financial freedom. And why not? Olivia is far more fortunate than her peers. Five million 25-34 year-olds still live at home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Unemployment among those in their early 20s is now 14%, well above the national average of 8.5%, CNN reports.

Olivia, by contrast, had been working since she graduated college. First, in graphic design. Then, in marketing. All the while, she saved relentlessly. Every bonus and much of every raise went in the bank. When her MBA-induced quarter-life crisis hit, Olivia was financially prepared.

And she still is, thanks in part to growing up in what she calls a “lower socio-economic environment.” Her dad made a decent living as a logger and laborer but money was still hard to come by. “I wanted more than we had,” Olivia says. “If I wanted to change my circumstances, I knew I would have to learn and save.”

World best travel spots

World best travel spots

SINGAPORE - Planning your next holiday for 2010?
Here is a list of the world's best travel spots recommended by travel website TripAdvisor

Thanksgiving Day Menu Aboard SeaDream I and II

Being foodies ourselves, we really appreciate cruise lines that pay attention to every detail of a menu—whether it's a hearty breakfast platter, grill lunch, or seven-course holiday meal.

My husband and I both agree that the best gourmet cuisine at sea can be found aboard SeaDream Yacht Club's two mega-yachts: SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

This is an entree we enjoyed aboard SeaDream II on our cruise in January 2010.

The line's executive chef Sudesh Kishore takes holiday menus seriously and recently shared highlights of what guests will be served today on Thanksgiving with SeaDream I in Nevis and SeaDream II in St. Barts.

SeaDream's Thanksgiving Menu

• Starter: homemade terrine de foie gras with pear compote, black truffle dressing, and toasted brioche
  
  
• Soup: creamy lobster bisque infused with cognac or a cream of pumpkin soup
  
  
• Entree: slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, gravy, cranberry-orange relish, asparagus, and mashed potatoes
  
  
• Alternative main dishes: Dover sole meuniere or grilled jumbo tiger prawns "Caribbean style"
  
  
• Desserts: apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pear and chocolate strudel with vanilla rum sauce, and homemade ice cream and sorbet

Yum! Here's to a happy holiday, everyone!

For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, talk with your travel agent or contact the cruise line directly at 1-(800) 707-4911.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Nice Beaches of Costa Rica

The tiny country of Costa Rica has very many attractive beaches, with each having a unique setting for each holiday maker’s needs. The best beaches in Costa Rica have been responsible for the millions of holidaymakers who throng this part of the world each year. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying water activities and sports -- be it windsurfing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling etc. Here is a list of the leading 9 best beaches in Costa Rica.

- Playa Dominical is thought to be the best surfing beach the world over. It is strategically located 44km south of the famous Manuel Antonia National Park and offers the most splendid and beautiful landscape covered with colossal plantations, estuaries, coastal mangroves, and marshes.

- Playa Tamarindo is thought to be a laid-back and somewhat expensive beach but the town offers posh hotels that have mouthwatering bed and breakfast meals, great shopping experience, and pristine beaches, no wonder tourists can’t help but spend in this beautiful destination in the world.

- Playa Hermosa or Hermosa Beach if you like is for those looking for a holiday destination that is less crowded. Costa Rica has two Hermosa beaches – one near Jaco and the other in Guanacaste. Hermosa construes to mean ‘beautiful’ in Spanish, and is sandwiched between two haughty mountains

- Also worth noting is Montezuma, the beach found on the south of Nicoya Peninsula and which is synonymous with surfers and youths. Just like Playa Dominical, this is also a laid-back destination notable for attractive estuaries and natural mangroves.

- The Playa Conchal beaches are synonymous with tiny crushed shells scattered all over the beach, offering a soothing feeling as one walks along the shores. This beach is located in close proximity to the Playa Brasilito, and is loved by holidaymakers who love sports fishing, swimming, and snorkeling

- Less developed beaches such as Playa Mananillo are also becoming synonymous with tourists, especially those who love to surf. The white sandy beach stretches down to the Pacific. It boasts attractive almond trees that provide shade for holidaymakers who love to read as they relish the serenity of the waters.

- The Manuel Antonio beaches together with the amazing horseshoe bays are the leading favorite in the world, thanks to the magnificent waterfalls and breathtaking hilltops sandwiched in the jungle. Surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving are few of the activities that await you in this destination.

- The 8th beach in Costa Rica is Tortuguero, located north of Limon. It is surrounded by charming thick palm trees and freshwater canals. These beaches are however considered unsafe because of the unpredictable currents but their pristine nature is well worth appreciating.

Best Family Destination of Melbourne

Melbourne - the capital of Victoria and Australia's second largest city - is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a host of entertainment, sports, and culinary, cultural and shopping options to be enjoyed. The streets, parks, distinctive cultural precincts and waterfront area of Melbourne make it a magnificent city to explore at leisure.

The city has an amazing range of attractions and activities to keep you entertained all year round.

Enjoy a cruise along the Yarra River, re-live some great sporting memories on a tour of the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) or see some spectacular 360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation Deck.

Explore the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo or dive with the sharks at the Melbourne Aquarium. Join in some interactive footy action at the AFL ( Australian Football League) Hall of Fame & Sensation or enjoy the international art on offer at NGV International and Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

To find out how Melbourne became the city it is today, spend a day or two at one of the many local museums. The Melbourne Museum houses the state collection in an imposing modern building. The Immigration Museum and Maritime Museum- home of the Polly Woodside, highlight key events in the growth of Melbourne, while the Gold Treasury Museum shows how Melbourne became a city built on gold.

Other histories include the stomach-turning tales of the Old Melbourne Gaol, Ned Kelly's armour at the State Library of Victoria and Cooks' Cottage the parental home of Captain James Cook. Kids will love the hands on workshops and new playground at ArtPlay, and the Champions Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame at Federation Square.

Melbourne attractions include:
Federation Square - Fast becoming the cultural icon of Melbourne with its 'Fractal Façade' system on each building in the square. The façade is made up of triangles made of sandstone, zinc and glass pieced together at different orientations and surface angles. See it from the inside at The Atrium and the BMW Edge Theatre indoor amphitheatre. The Square is home to restaurants, cafes, bars and retail outlets as well as venues including the Melbourne Visitor Centre, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Australian Racing Museum and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia - dedicated exclusively to Australian art.

*Queen Victoria Market - a Melbourne institution since the late 1860s, you can shop for gourmet food, clothing, toys, souvenirs and more. Closed Monday and Wednesday.

*Melbourne Cricket Ground - Melbourne's home of cricket and Australian Rules football, and the heart of the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. There are tours and the ground houses the Australian Gallery of Sport, Olympic Museum and the Cricket Hall of Fame.

*Southbank - a bustling entertainment complex situated on the south side of the Yarra River, housing Crown Casino, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cinemas, sculpture, artworks and more. There is an open air Arts & Crafts market on Sundays.

*Melbourne Aquarium - a state-of-the-art aquarium located by the Yarra River, featuring sharks, stingrays and coral.

*St Patrick's Cathedral - with soaring interiors and stained glass windows.

*Melbourne Tram Car Dinner - A unique way to see the city of Melbourne whilst enjoying the fine Australian Cuisine.

*Old Melbourne Gaol and Penal Museum - amongst the museum's chilling exhibits are the gallows from which Ned Kelly was hung. If you're brave, take a night-time tour of the jail.

*Docklands - New Quay - a short walk or tram ride from the CBD, you'll find restaurants, cafes, bars and riverside walkways decorated with public artworks.

Enjoy the Dramatic Scenic Beauty of Nature

We all are very well aware with the fact that nature and its exotic components are really one of the most beautiful things that are present on the Earth today. Today, every one loves to spend most of the time in the lapse of marvelous beauty and splendor of nature.
Today, mostly all the people love to enjoy their seasonal holidays in the lapse of natural attraction. A natural attraction is the one and only place where you can easily avail yourself with the pleasure of peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. You can also enjoy the refreshing air and feel the essence of natural majesty.
There are a large number of exotic and out of the ordinary natural vacation spots that are located in various parts of the world. Well, further in this article, I am going to discuss about the indispensable facts related to the grand Bundoran Beach side of Ireland. Make sure that you go through this article once if you are also searching for a majestic natural vacation destination of the world.

Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) the fort originally had occupied around 200 acres of land. Of which now only 10 acres of land is occupied by fort area. Even though I could not see any fort walls I did see a 16th century palace built by ruler Shivappa Nayak of Keladi Dynasty. This beautiful palace is situated on the banks of river Tunga in the old city. (Click on the images for bigger view)

This was much larger structure, of which currently only the Durbar Hall survives the ravages of the war against Bahmani Kings. The Durbar Hall is built with wooden pillars giving an elevation of almost twenty feet from the ground level.

The carved pillars and artificial roofs is made of teak and rosewood. The roof of the palace is covered with Mangalore tiles. The wooden staircase leads up to the first floor. And there is a projected wooden balcony in the central part.

There are beautiful floral carvings on the pillars and arches between the pillars.

The architecture of the palace is Indo-Saracenic where one can see elements of Rajput, Islamic styles. Today, this palace also servers as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The palace is maintained by ASI and as of today no charge or ticket for visiting this elegant palace.

For more visit My World Tuesday

Flowers of Cubbon Park, Bangalore

The Cubbon Park or "Sri. Chamarajendra Park" in the heart of the Bangalore (State: Karnataka) city and it occupies around 250 acres of area. (Click on the images for bigger view)

It is home for several variety of flowers.

For more visit Today's Flowers

and Mellow Yellow Monday

and Ruby Tuesday

Trip to Tamil Nadu

I had the pleasure of traveling through the state of Tamil Nadu to see various places. I undertook a 8 day trip across the state. (Click on images for bigger view)

We started from Bangalore by a hired car and covered the following cities: Vellore, Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, Madurai, Trichi, Srirangam. I also covered the Pondicherry even though it is not part of the state as I had to pass through it.

Come and travel with me.

For more visit SkyWatch
and Mosic Monday

Radhasoami Memorial, Dayalbagh

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Here, the grand monument Radhasoami memorial is 110 feet high, and is made of pure white marble. The building is under construction for the last 100 years. The architecture is an exquisite mix of temple, gurudwara, vihara and mosque.

The above is the entrance to the memorial.

The stone carvings on colored marble are magnificent. On the inner walls the semi-precious stones in pietra-dura style has been inlaid.

For more visit My World Tuesday

and ABC Wednesday

Festival of Lights

Deepavali is rightly called "Festival of Lights" as can be seen from the images here. It is celebrated for 5 days and on all nights the sky is lighted by bursting crackers.

The crackers light the sky with various designs and patterns.

These are some of the images on the night of Deepavali sky over Bangalore.

At this time in India the sky is brightly lighted.

For more visit SkyWatch

Queen Victoria Statue, Bangalore

Cubbon Park in Bangalore (State: Karnataka) is one of the biggest parks in the city. There are several statues installed in this park.

In the year 1906, the Statue of Queen Victoria of Britain is installed in this park.

This statue is located at one end of the park near Mahatama Gandhi Circle.

For more visit My World Tuesday

and ABC Wednesday

Deepavali, Festival of Lights

Friends wish you all

HAPPY & PROSPEROUS

Deepavali

Deepavali popularly known as the Festival of Lights is an important festival celebrated in India. It is celebrated over 5 days and if one wants to understand the traditions followed in India, then this should not miss the festivity.

It is usually celebrated some time between mid-October and mid-November. Each day in the 5 days celebrated for varied reasons like slaying of demon by the lord, worship of Goddess of wealth. But it mainly signifies victory of good over evil.

As a preparation to the festival the shops sell lot of items like crackers, variety of sweets, colorful people lanterns, lamps of various shapes.

Rangoli are drawn in front of each of the homes. It is decorations made from colored powder and flowers.

People celebrate the festival by offering prayers to Lord, distributing sweets, decorating their homes with Rangoli, bursting crackers.

For more visit Ruby Tuesday

NathmaljI Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

This late 19th century haveli (mansion) is located in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan). The interior as well as exterior of this haveli is carved magnificent. The designers exhibited high level of quality and skill in executing the massive haveli. (Click on images for bigger view)

Even though it is built with a single building plan, the architectural brilliance is such that the two wings were built differently. However, the two wings seem to have faultless harmony.

The carvings on the window are carved out with great precision. The walls are ornamented with stone figurines of horses, flowers, birds, elephants and interesting patterns that resemble extravagant pieces of art.

For more visit SkyWatch
and Shadow Shot Sunday

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

The Parsvanth Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the walled enclosure. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Measuring 20m x 11m, it is the largest among the Jain temples in Khajuraho. It is also one of the magnificently carved Jain temples in India. The walls of the temple have three bands of graceful sculptures depicting Hindu Gods.

The sculptures on the walls of this temple have been carved with great precision. More figures can be found on the outer face of the sanctum, depicting 'apsaras' (heavenly nymphs) in a variety of poses.

In the sanctum there is idol of Parshvanatha, a Jain Tirthankara.

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