Tuesday 7 August 2012

Top Ten Places to Visit in Asia

A person, who knows even the basics of world geography, must be aware of the grandeur and dominance that Asia has over the other continents. The reason behind Asia's superiority is not only the fact that it is the largest among all the continents in the world but is also home to diverse cultures, customs, traditions, ethnicities and ways of living. This is why for a globe trotter, visiting this incredible continent and getting a feel of all its cultures is a must. However, since it is not possible to visit the entire continent because of its overpowering size, tourists should consider the top ten places to visit in Asia.
The problem is that with so many sites to choose from, it is always tough to shortlist the top ten places to visit in Asia for the tourists themselves. Here is a list of places that you should consider when making the Asian itinerary:
1. Nepal, where the majestic Mount Everest resides - Home to the largest mountainous peak in the world, seeing the Mount Everest is a dream for most of us. Even if you are not a mountain climber, you can go to Kathmandu and see this majestic peak rising above the horizon from a distance.
2. India, where the Taj Mahal stands with its grandeur and glory - Although India is a mini continent in itself, a trip to Asia would remain incomplete without getting to see the wondrous Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Not only is it an architectural masterpiece but is also a window to the rich history of India under the rule of the Mughal emperors and also among the top ten places to visit in Asia.
3. China, where the Great Wall beckons you - Being the second largest country in the world and one that has been attaining rapid progress over the years, China has become a popular tourist destination. With the Great Wall of China welcoming the tourists towards the country's history, places such as Tiananmen Square as well as the Forbidden City are totally worth visiting.
4. Malaysia, where nature and modernism combine - Not only is Malaysia blessed with the most beautiful of beaches, hills and other sites for nature lovers, it is also a true face of the modern-day Asia.
5. Pakistan, where history and nature show their true face - Although not considered to be one of the safest countries to travel to, Pakistan's rich history dates back to centuries, with the remains to be found in a number of cities. While Lahore, Taxilla, Moen Jo Daro and Harappa present a window to its history, the Northern areas are a treat for the nature lovers. K-2, the second largest peak in the world, is also present in Pakistan.
6. Turkey, where centuries' old history comes to life - Situated on the border of Asia and Europe, Turkey gives an insight into the Islamic history with its beautiful architecture and museums filled with numerous artifacts.
7. Thailand, where spirituality combines with natural beauty - Thailand is the best place to learn about the Buddhist mythology and beliefs with some of the most beautiful and amazing temples present in the country. The country is also rich in natural beauty with its majestic beaches as well as elephant farms and is rightly counted among the top ten places to visit in Asia.
8. Dubai, where the desert breathes life - Home to countless architectural wonders of modern times, Dubai has gone on to become one of the most popular tourist destinations. Blessed with a sunny, warm beach and tropical weather, tourists love visiting this country that falls under the UAE.
9. Singapore, where the developed world becomes apparent - Presenting the face of a progressive and modern Asia, Singapore is a country where you can find all the elements of high standard living combined.
10. Hong Kong, where Disneyland meets Asia - Hong Kong is the home to Asia's very own Disneyland and an amazing tourist attraction for people coming from all over the world.
Tyler has been writing articles online for many years now. If you are interested in traveling to Asia then you should check out his latest website with Amazing Facts About China [http://efactsaboutchina.com/]. His website also provides lots of interesting information on tourist attractions like The Great Wall of China [http://efactsaboutchina.com/greatwall.html].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Andersons

Hunza Valley - Where Time Stops - And Fairies Tread

Hunza, that mostly remains covered under the sacred gown of snow in winter, when undrapes, the sensuous hilly contour and the luxurious vegetation become a magnet to all and sundry. The indigenous population becomes live in the vibrant spring season after a long freezing winter
Hunza, the lands of fairytales, where the snowcapped hills are like the dancing floor for the Aphrodite. Where the rivers roar in excitement and brush the stones to make them pebbles. Where the soft breeze murmurs to divulge the centuries old secrets. Where the old pine trees still embrace the clouds with warmth and passion to swing the droplets on flexible twigs. A terrain of serenity, and beholder of eternal beauty that may, for a second or two, make the onlooker oblivious of the worldly life.
Hunza, in the northernmost part of Northern Areas of Pakistan, was once a princely state, which, in 1974 lost its royal status to join hands with the Government of Pakistan.
In the South, the Gilgit agency borders it while towards the East the former princely state of Nagar fringes its margins. The valley of Hunza also enjoys the neighborhood of China to the North and Afghanistan to the Northwest. The celebrated town of Baltit, which, know, is known, as Karimabad is its capital.
Hunza was an independent princely state for 900 years ruled by "Mirs" until 1974. It remained as a subordinate of Kashmir during the regime of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, while the Mirs of Hunza used to send an annual tribute, as a token of their loyalty, to the Raja's court since 1947.
Geographically, gigantic mountains that have stretched over an area of 110 kilometers surround the valley. The terrain is full of variety with diversity in the heights of the peaks of 1500 meters to 8000 meters, the world-famous Rakaposhi (7788 m) peak is one of them which, against the calm blue sky, shimmers to the maximum and creates an illusion to captivate the eye up to a level where time seems to be stopping for ever.
The heights of Rakaposhi (7788 m) and the Ultar (77388 m) are the backdrops of this paradise valley where the glacial water of Ultar is known for some therapeutic distinctiveness, which, in favorable circumstances have caused the aboriginal populace, long life and a very low ratio of heart diseases. Researchers are pondering over the natural composition of this glacial water to disclose the secret that causes a longer life.
The valley is blessed naturally with luxuriantly green orchards (mostly of Apricot), streams full of dancing waters, roaring rivers, and meadows stretching in the quietude like that of heavens at a height which, is a unique feature of Pakistani Northern Areas. The juniper, pine and Dev Dar are the trees that, in their trunk rings, have recorded the cycles of rainy and snowy seasons of numerous centuries.
The blue of sky, the emerald of flora and the turquoise of water add to the palette nature has used to paint this landscape full of mountains, trees and flowers with a divine composition of colors and the brightness of the rising sun, worshiped by the whiteness of the snow which, on some peaks, have never melted for billions of years.
The Northern Areas of Pakistan are divided into five districts on administrative grounds where the chief secretary who is controlled by the federal government from Islamabad governs.
This soil has seen the invasions from the horse ridden Aryans to the powerful Greeks, the Persians and Afghans to the Muslims, and that is why the loam of this area has engrossed the aroma of different civilizations and the culture of various bordering nations.
The first century AD marks this area as the trade center like the Kashgar while from the 4th to 11th century AD, it was a hub of Buddhist culture under the Sogdiana dynasty, later on; Kushans, Hindus, Shahis and then Muslims influenced this part of the world.
Hunza being a remote area has got a mythical position in world tourism. This area was opened to the entire world in 1970 after the completion of historic Korakoram Highway (KKH), engineered on the remains of ancient silk rout from Pakistan into China.
The people of Hunza are believed to be the descendants of soldiers from Alexander's army even as the indigenous language Burushaski is still enigmatic, as no traces or links have been found regarding this language, to any other known tongue of the globe.
Mostly, the local people are in the cultivation of apricots, a brand of this valley. You may find the roofs of almost every home in orange due to the drying of these apricots, which is a common practice here. While if you feel obsessed to capture these shades of orange color, be careful! As more often than not, it is women who are indulged in the business of drying apricots and do not like to be exposed in front of any sort of lens.
Baltit fort in Karimabad is a place of ultimate joy, where standing on its terrace, you may find it stunning to look up at the mountains all around, but right at the foot of the fort, the beautiful little houses of the town of Karimabad would capture your ogle, a natural and picturesque view.
Spring is the season of joy, delight and expression of elation. Birds sing, plants ornate themselves with new leaves and flowers, and ultimately, all this attracts every living being. The face of earth, especially in fertile areas, changes dramatically as somebody would have painted an infinite canvas in exuberant colors. The hills being overwhelmed by natural forests on greater scale put on, a show of unmatchable flora with diverse shapes and limitless tinge.
Hunza, that mostly remains covered under the sacred gown of snow in winter, when undrapes, the sensuous hilly contour and the luxurious vegetation become a magnet to all and sundry. The indigenous population becomes live in the vibrant spring season after a long freezing winter when the temperatures in negative scale, make the life null and void.
As the valley of Hunza has seen many diverse cultures and civilizations through a passage of centuries from the Persian kings to Alexander the great, Kushans to Hindus and Buddhists to Muslims. The richness of Hunza culture is quite obvious, its folk music, dance, rituals and food have got the touch of diverse influences. Although now, the majority of population is Ismailites-Muslims but the rich culture of Hunza unveiled assorted and exclusive taste through traditional dresses, jewelry, cuisine, rituals and crafts.
Spring starts in Hunza in April with pleasant weather and roads gets open after snowy winters. But even then the best time is May and June as Hunza Festival is also celebrated at that juncture of time.
The start of spring in this astonishing valley put on display the variety of colorful and scintillating panorama where one could feel the magic and pleasure of natural beauty.
"All those things are beautiful, the perception of which please", said Shakespeare.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nadeem_Alam

Role of Gems in Artificial Jewelry

Gemstones have been used for many years as jewelry. The jewels add sparkle and flair to the person wearing the gemstone. These gemstones have also been used in the robes of kings and queens. Precious stones also had been studded in the crown of the kings.
Even today these precious stones are considered the status symbol. People love to buy stones for their rarity, popularity and specially for their attractive colors.
There are many types of gemstones, for example, rubies sapphires, cat eyes, coral jet, amber, topaz, opal, turquoise diamond, jade etc.These stones are unique in their shine, color hardness and attraction jewelry precious common dress a special one.
Today the priorities of people have been changed while choosing jewelry. They have turned their way towards gems when gold prices have been hiked
China, India and Northern areas of Pakistan are famous for gemstones. Tourists from all over the world come to these areas and they purchase it and increase the foreign exchange of the country.
Most of the people think that stones have great impact on one's life. So they should be put on matching with the stars (zodiac signs) otherwise they could have malign effects.
Now a days it has been noticed that these gems not only make jewelry precious but also they are used in dresses, shoes hand bags and many more. Their sparkle and shine makes the object more valuable.
A research has proved that all good designs are first introduced in artificial jewelry and later on they are recommended for gold jewelry.
I have performed research on many types of jewelry and concluded that a jeweler or group of jewelers is playing vital role to introduce new designs in artificial jewelry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Haq_Nawaz

Ten Wonderful Things to See and Do in Pakistan

Who says nobody can have fun in Pakistan? With so many beautiful places and virtually unlimited possibilities for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, and other sports, a trip to Pakistan can be your ultimate Pakistani escape. Here's where you can go when your plane stops on this side of the globe.
1.) Moenjodaro
Located 350 kilometers off Karachi, Moenjodaro was considered one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient times. The ruins of this ancient city in the Indus Valley never fail to give travelers knowledge of the ancient life and the marvel of early systems of town planning. Walk along the remains of this olden city and witness the way of life, the culture and the traditions early Pakistani lived by.
2.) Ansoo Lake
See the famous teardrop-shaped lake of Pakistan. Located some 14,000 feet above sea level, Ansoo Lake is can be found in Kaghan Valley in the Himalayan Range. Be ready for some serious hiking though because there are no forms of transportation available except for some mules and horses which may not be able to carry you all the way up.
3.) Karachi
Who said that the urban life will spoil Karachi's beauty? Karachi hosts a number of museums, shops, islands, clubs, beachfronts, colonial buildings, amusement parks, and more. So strap on that sturdy shoes and head out and find your own adventure in the busy streets of Karachi.
4.) Abbottabad
Abbottabad is a popular summer resort that can be found at the end of Murree-Abbottabad hill tract. Find your place to rest in its pine-covered hills, lush parks and gardens, and superb golf courses. Travel here and discover the gateway leading you to your next adventure rally point.
5.) Deosai National Park
Located in the Karakoram Range near the Indian border and southeast of Skardu, Deosai National Park is located in one of the highest plateaus in the world - the Deosai plains. Doesai National Park serves as home for the Himalayan brown bear, ibexes, red foxes, wolves, urials, snow leopards, and some native and migratory birds. Travel to the Deosai Plains and experience nature as it unfurls 13,500 feet above sea level.
6.) Taxila
Founded some time in the 6th or 7th century BC, Taxila is an ancient city and a center for Buddhist learning. A 30-kilometer drive northwest from Islamabad will take you back in the times of legendary warrior leaders like Alexander the Great, Asoka and Kanishka. Follow the trail around this ancient city and discover religion, culture, tradition and history as it bare itself for you.
7.) Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is located in the Northern Areas of Pakistan with an elevation of some 2 438 meters. This makes Hunza Valley a place for viewing some of the most astounding and majestic mountains the world has. Take a trek to this valley and see the sceneries that keep on revealing themselves with your own eyes.
8.) Harappa
Relive the Indus valley history and the lives of its people by going in this historical place in Punjab. Walk along the partly-buried city and discover for yourself the beauty of this lost city. Visit its site and marvel at the extensive planning and learn more about the civilization almost forgotten by the world.
9.) Trekking and Mountaineering
Travel to the Northern Areas of Pakistan and find yourself in the midst of numerous climbing, mountaineering and trekking options. This region in Pakistan is where three mountain ranges - the Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush - meet, and that means three times the fun. Hold your jaw, fasten your harness and test your ropes because your trip to this side of Pakistan will give you your ultimate high altitude fun.
10.) Basant Festival
Go to the city of Lahore in the beginning of spring and let the million flying kites welcome you in this colorful festival. Kite flying is the major activity for this festival and as many as 100,000 from all-over Pakistan and other neighboring countries go to Lahore and have their stake in the sky. Don some colorful clothes, party in gardens and rooftops and watch equestrian events, this event should never be missed.
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv]. Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/pakistan] to view or share Pakistan travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/pakistan].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams

La Paz, Mexico - A Tourist Guide

La Paz is one of the most favored destinations among extreme travelers. It is a vibrant city that bustles with activities. People flock from all over the world to be a part of this wonderful destination. La Paz has a lot of attractions for the entire family. It is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. The island of Cerraiyo is known for its fishing grounds and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The beaches also offer other fun time activities such as surfing, scuba diving and kayaking. It is a place that enthralls a traveler with the many fun fares and attractions.
More than 10 beaches can be found at La Paz. The place is known for its crystal clear waters. Besides relaxing and taking a sun bath, the travelers can enjoy the various spas for a rejuvenating body massage. Most of them find it to be quite entertaining to indulge in the lavish spread of cuisines in the eateries. There are shops that sell souvenirs and other hand crafts to travelers. Most of them come at affordable prices. There are clubs and food fares for children that keep the entire family occupied. The night life at La Paz is vibrant and colorful with music and dance.
Besides the beaches and nightlife, there is the cathedral of Nuestra Senora that attracts a lot of travelers. It is one of the busiest and the most important church in La Paz. It was built in the early 1800s and has stood the tests of time. The cathedral has a splendid décor and also houses a wonderful library. The cathedral also known as the lady of peace is home to a lot of Jesuits. There are other churches around the city that holds the interest of various travelers.
One of the best attractions of La Paz is its Herpetarium, which is home to many reptiles. Most of these reptiles are unique to the Baja Peninsula. The La Paz Herpetarium was a Brain Child of the wild life enthusiast Alan Black. The Herpetarium has been especially structured to make it look like a small forest reserve; it is open aired and houses a huge species of reptile like, snakes, chameleons, iguanas, vipers, crocodiles and tortoises etc. The main objective of the La Paz Herpetarium is to preserve these reptiles and protect them from extinction.
La Paz is also a proud home to beautiful and elegant bronze sculptures that attract art lovers from all over the world. The Malecon is famous for its sculptures by Octavio Gonzalez. These sculptures range from a height of a mere 4 feet to a gigantic 11 feet. The "Christ of the Sea" is one of the most well-known creations of Octavio Gonzales. His other creations that are equally famous are a whale, a mermaid and dolphin together etc. Smaller versions of these famous sculptures are available at local shops for tourists who want to take home a memento of their trip to La Paz.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Delbert