LINK FRANCE

France has 1,500 miles of beaches lining 3 major bodies of water: the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. Altogether more than 35 million people enjoy France's beaches in any given year! Contrasting landscapes, traditions galore, a variety of dialects. 40,000 monuments including 10,000 châteaux, abbeys and manor houses, 6,000 museums and 1,000 festivals: in France it is diversity that holds sway and the great wealth of its heritage provides remarkable evidence of this. From museums filled with major works of art to historic monuments emblematic of France's history, from historic routes to interactive centres using the latest multimedia technology - a host of adventures to tell you about France. 36 resorts in our Seaside Holidays club have special offers.With over 8000 km of pistes, France has the largest ski areas in the world. There is something for everyone, from family-oriented village resorts to the purpose-built resorts where you can ski from your doorstep. There is alpine skiing, nordic skiing, all the new snow-riding techniques, as well as a large range of "natural" activities (snow-shoes, dog-sledding, tours following marked routes...) Villages de Vacances are based on a state of mind that combines authenticity, friendly atmosphere and freedom. the pleasure of fulfilling holidays in a welcoming atmosphere. Discover the regions which produce your favourite wines: Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Beaujolais, Jura, Savoie, the Rhône Valley, Provence, Corsica, Languedoc, Roussillon, the South West, Armagnac, Bergerac, Bordeaux, Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, the Loire Valley There are a number of languages of France, although the French language is by far the most widely spoken and the only official language of the country. However, several historical regional languages are still spoken to varying degrees. Some of them are sometimes called patois, but this term (roughly meaning dialect) is sometimes considered derogatory. The real importance of local languages remains subject to debate. Several other languages are spoken by a substantial percentage of the population due to immigration. The best time to visit France's capital Paris is from late spring to early autumn. The city is less busy during the month of August when the residents head out of town.
Paris : Paris is more than 2,000 years old. Gauls settled there between 250 and 200 BC and founded a fishing village on an island in the river that is the presentday Ile de la Cité, the center around which Paris developed. Paris is located in northern central France. The area north of the river Seine, the Rive Droite (Right Bank), includes the tree-lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées, running west to the Arc de Triomphe. East of the avenue is the massive Musée du Louvre, the Centre Georges Pompidou. On the Île de la Cité is the world-famous Notre Dame. The area south of the river is home to the city's most prominent landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower:
This towering edifice was built for the World Fair of 1889, held to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, it stands 320m high and held the record as the world's tallest structure until 1930.
Notre Dame:
The city's cathedral ranks as one of the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture. Notre Dame was begun in 1163 and completed around 1345.
Musée du Louvre:
This enormous building, constructed around 1200 as a fortress and rebuilt in the mid-16th century for use as a royal palace, began its career as a public museum in 1793. In the 1980s, the Louvre was revamped, with the addition of a 21m glass pyramid entrance.
Centre Georges Pompidou:
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in the '70s, the Centre Georges Pompidou is displaying and promoting modern and contemporary art.
Versailles: Beginning in 1664, the construction of the castle lasted viltually until 1715. It remained the residence of the royal family until the Revolution of 1789.
Disneyland Paris: Disney Paris is Europe's most magical adventure for children and adults alike. There are no less than five imaginary lands to enjoy.

For more information: www.francetourism.com/, http://in.franceguide.com,www.franceguide.com/ www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187070-France-Vacations.html www.franceway.com/welcome.htm

courtesy: http://in.franceguide.com, http://en.wikipedia.org

LINK GOA: ROME OF THE EAST

A paradise on earth 'Goa' with the world's loveliest Golden sandy long stretch of beaches and warm Arabian Sea.

Variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.

With the Sahyadri Ghats hovering protectively to its East, the Arabian Sea lapping on at its long western coastline and its rivers criss-crossing midlands at country side, Goa is indeed a land of many flavours and fragrances.

Area - 3702 sq. kms. Population - 14 lacs

Main Beaches of Goa - Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim are the major beaches on the Northern stretch of Goa while Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem are towards the Southern stretch.

The Eastern side of Goa is densely forested where most of the Wild Life Sanctuaries are located.

Languages
Goa is a multi-lingual state, thanks to its chequered history of thousands of years, which has seen people of various regions, ethnic races and religions from India and abroad settling in Goa and influencing the local language. Konkani is the mother tongue of the Goans, while Marathi too is widely spoken.

The Portuguese Influence

In major towns, English is widely used in writing and conversation. Goa being a major tourist place offers a tourist-friendly medium of interaction through English. On the other hand, Portuguese, the language of the colonial rulers and the official language till 1961 before liberation, not withstanding the official patronage and a compulsory medium of study, failed to make a dent in the mind of the majority of Goans. It remained only the language of the elite but alienated the masses. Thus just after the departure of the Portuguese, the Portuguese language lost all its favour and usage. However, very few - particularly the older or pre-liberation generation - still speak Portuguese.

Religion

The multi-religious fabric of Goan society shines brightly, imbibed with the spirit of "Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava" (Equal Respect for All Religions). The major religions are Hinduism and Christianity, together accounting for more than 95% of the population, while Islam, Buddhism and other Religions account for the rest. Unlike the common perception, Goa is not a Christian majority state, but on the contrary a Hindu majority state.

Coexistence Of Religious Harmony

The "Rome of the East" abounds with some of the world famous churches and temples are also the place where a "divine" co-existence prevails between people of various faiths. The Goan ethos has marvellously outlived the pangs of the infamous inquisition, when during the Portuguese reign conversions to Christianity were carried out. Irrespective of whether they are Catholic, Hindu or Muslim, many Goans prostrate in symbiotic reverence before the deities of faiths other than the one they profess. Religion dwells in the hearts of Goans, on shore or even when they are a thousand miles away from their hometown in wide-open oceans.

Climate

Usually the climatic conditions of Goa are temperate, except during the monsoon, which lasts from June to September. Thanks to the coastal Konkan region and the backdrop of Western Ghats, the weather of Goa is pleasant and sunny. There are no extremes in temperature and no clear demarcations from one season to the other, except for the monsoons. The average temperature varies between 23°C - 32°C. The average rainfall is approximately 250cms, the average daily hours of sunshine is nine to ten hours in summer and three to five hours during the monsoon.

courtesy: http://www.goa-travel-tourism.com,

http://community.iexplore.com/search/photos.asp, http://www.goa-travel-tourism.com, http://www.apgindia.org/goa2006_geography.html

For more informaton: http://www.goahub.com/, www.goatourism.org, http://www.goa2u.com/

LINK RAJASTHAN: ROYAL INDIA

The State of Rajasthan has an area of 343,000 sq km. The panoramic outlook of the state is simply mesmerizing, with lofty hills of Aravali's - one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world and the golden sand dunes of the Great Indian Desert - the only desert of the sub-continent. No other region in the country is a conglomeration of so many paradoxes. It is a land of superlatives, everything over here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating!

Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colors against the vast backdrop of sand and desert. It has an unusual diversity in its entire forms- people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiography. The land is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.There is a haunting air of romance, about the state, which is palpable in its every nook and corner.

This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over. The state has not only survived in all its ethnicity but owes its charisma and color to its enduring traditional way of life. So rich is the history of the land that every roadside village has its own tales of valour and sacrifice, the winds sing them and the sands shift to spread them. Rajasthan is Spicy, but then, what is life after all without little bit of spice, Rajasthan provides abundant scope to explore it.

The state is well connected with other parts of the country and can be easily approached from Delhi and Bombay. Fast trains, direct bus and air connections make travel easy and comfortable. A visit to this wonderland will leave a lasting spell on your mind. In fact, one visit is not enough to capture the real essence of this magical land.

Religion

Hindusim is the main religion of Rajasthan. Other significant religious groups in the state are the Jains and the Muslims. There are many local folk heros and local deities such as Pabuji, Ramdeoji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Tejaji & Harbhuji.

Art and architecture

Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tye and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blur potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is shoppers paradise.

Forts and Palaces

Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgrah Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are true architectural heritage.

Folk music and dance
Every region has its own very dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kaibeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.

Weather
Rajasthan weather is dry desert weather. In summer touches to 48oC and in winter it drops to 0oC. The best time to visit Rajasthan is in winter.

Language

Hindi is the official language of the state. But the principal language is "Rajasthani", and the four major dialects are Marwari in the west, Jaipuri in the east, Malwi in the southeast and Mewati in the northeast. But Hindi language is replacing Rajasthani. Moreover, you will find English speaking people in all the major cities, and in remote villages also you will find someone who can speak and understand English. But other languages are completely unknown. You may ask Tour Operators to help you on this and they do have guides who knows almost all the languages.

courtesy: http://rajasthantourism.gov.in/, http://www.rajasthantravelguide.com/, http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/, http://www.indianholiday.com

For more information: http://rajasthantourism.gov.in/, http://www.rajasthantravelguide.com/, http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/, http://www.indianholiday.com/

LINK ALLEPPEY: Venice of the East

Alappuzha (or) Alleppey, the waterlocked district with its palm fringed canals and shores of the Arabian Sea, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and long sandy beach,is one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country - Kerala. The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline.

Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying sizes have an important role in the community life of the people of the district. The month of August holds the prime attraction to the civilians and the tourists as it is the time of the spectacular event -the Nehru Trophy Boat Race that is held on the second saturday of August every year.

A cruise on an elegant houseboat offers a rare chance to view the attractive dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. This district is also notable for its numerous pilgrimage centres that draw vast crowds on the festival days and also boasts of having some of the best ayurvedic rejuvenation centres in Kerala. This Venice of the East is also famous for its coir and carpet industries in addition to featuring many other attractions of tourist importance.

Backwaters

Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala. One night cruise on the backwaters of the Alappuzha is one of the most popular cruises offered.

A round trip, in which you board the boat at Alappuzha and disembark at Alappuzha after having spent the night in the tranquility of the Backwaters.

The cruise takes you through the clear waters of the prominent Punnamada Lake – the venue of the legendary Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. You can visit the 400 year old Champakkulam church, one of the 7 churches established by St. Thomas. The Chavara Bhavan, located 6 km from Alappuzha, is another interesting place that one can't afford to miss. The ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Chavara Bhavan houses the legendary 250 year old beacon of light – preserved intact in its original and primitive form. After spending the night at the romantic Vattakayal Lake, you sail back to Alappuzha.

Boat race

During the months of August and September, the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into a song together, as over a hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crew begin to practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team.

For more information visit: http://www.alappuzha.com/, http://www.keralagreenery.org/alappuzha.html, http://www.atdcalleppey.com/, http://hotels.kerala-tourism.org/alleppey-hotels.html

courtesy: http://www.alappuzha.com/

LINK AGRA: India’s most famous architectural wonder - TAJ

The Taj Mahal stands on the bank of River Yamuna, which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra, the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637.

It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess.

The Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the queen.

So exquisite is the workmanship that the Taj has been described as "having been designed by giants and finished by jewellers". The only asymmetrical object in the Taj is the casket of the emperor which was built beside the queen’s as an afterthought. The emperor was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Great Red Fort for eight years but was buried in the Taj. During his imprisonment, he had a view of the Taj.

The dome is made of white marble, but the tomb is set against the plain across the river and it is this background that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj.

The colours change at different hours of the day and during different seasons. Like a jewel, the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble on the main mausoleum catch the glow of the moon.

The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.

photos courtesy: http://www.angelfire.com/in/myindia

Check this out- A true story of Tajmahal! http://www.hindunet.org/hindu_history/modern/taj_oak.html

For information on Agra: http://www.tajhub.com/

http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/agra/agra.htm, http:// www.agraonline.com/