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16 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In Asia In 2019 For Every Budget in July to October- Rainy Season

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Asia is not only the biggest continent on the face of the earth but also has the best romantic destinations. From wallet friendly honeymoon destinations to ultra-luxurious honeymoon packages you’ll find almost everything to suit your desire on this continent. If you are looking to spend a good time with your partner, but the budget is the only thing that holds you back, here is an opportunity for you to visit one of the best honeymoon destinations in Asia on a budget.

Budget Honeymoon Destinations In Asia (Less Than 1 Lacs)

Here is the list of budget honeymoon destinations for those who want to spend 1 lacs or less than that. Take a look.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country best known for its wonderful tranquil beaches, gushing rivers, and bustling cities. There is so much to explore in the country as you take a trip to one of the best honeymoon destinations on a budget.

Things to do: As a honeymoon couple, you can really enjoy your best moments together here in Vietnam. Some of the best things to do in Vietnam include eating out Vietnamese noodles in a restaurant, cruising in Mekong Delta, Crawling via cu chi tunnels or undertake a kayaking or biking trip with the locals.

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Package cost (Couple): INR 95,000 and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 30,857
  • Land package: INR 33,000

When to visit: September- December.

Visa: Visa is required; may be obtained on arrival if prior online approval has been obtained through a travel agency

2. Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia is another wonderful honeymoon destination in Asia which helps young couples escape the world and to enjoy their new life in their budget. This is one of the cheapest honeymoon destinations in the world where you can get the most out of every penny spent, the natural beauty and heritage beauty act as magnets for people around the world.

Things to do: If you want to explore a new sort of nature on your Southeast Asia honeymoon, this place is a perfect one for you to spend the best moments of your life together. Cambodia offers you a scenic view of lots of enthralling lakes, Angkor Wat Complex, The Bayon and much more.

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Package cost: INR 90,000 and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 32,620
  • Land package: INR 33,000

When to visit: October to May

Visa: Visa on arrival for 30 days

3. Sri Lanka

Laxapana Falls in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful little island nation popular budget honeymoon destination in Asia. The rocky land consists of rainforest, wildlife and incessant yet wonderful beaches making for a relaxing and rejuvenating honeymoon spot.

Things to do: Sri Lanka’s highest mountain named Adam’s Peak and lots of colorful, serene and endless beaches is one of the major attractions amongst the newly married couples.

Duration: 6 Days/5 nights

Package cost: INR 90,000 and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 22,267
  • Land package(couple): INR 30,000

When to visit: Best time to visit west and south coast in Sri Lanka – December to March and best weather conditions on the east coast is from- April or May to September.

Visa: Electronic Travel Authorization for 30 days.

4. Laos

honeymoon laos

Laos is truly considered as one of the most colorful honeymoon destinations in Asia. It is a must-visit destination in Asia for the lovebirds after their marriage where they can happily enjoy their new day of life with full excitement and splendor.

Things to do: With truly gracious residents, Laos, a wonderful destination is combined with impressive Buddhist temples and shrines, lots of places of interest and mysterious heritage sites as well. It is an idyllic honeymoon getaway for the culture lovers.

Duration: 6 Night and 7 Days

Package cost: INR 90,000 and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 32,500
  • Land package: INR 30,000

When to visit: All year round

Visa: Visa on arrival for 30 days

5. Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand is a fun-loving, unusual, tropical, refined and historic budget honeymoon destination in Asia. With many islands and exotic experiences to choose from, Thailand will certainly not going to burn a hole in your pocket as this one is among the cheap honeymoon destinations in the world.

Things to do: Visiting a grand palace in Thailand can really make a couple feel amazing. For the bugs and insects lover, Thailand is a place for them! Water sports are a must for the newly marrieds to explore and don’t forget to relax on some of the best and pristine Thai beaches for a laidback and comfortable honeymoon time.

Duration: 6 Days/ 5 nights

Package cost: INR 80,000 and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 19,784
  • Land package: INR 35,000

When to visit: July to October- Rainy Season and November to February- Coolest times.

Visa: Visa on arrival is available

6. Philippines

Two scuba divers under the ocean

The Philippines has some of the most scenic honeymoon destinations in Asia, but the one that made it to our list is El Nido. Situated in the north of the sparsely populated Palawan Island, El Nido offers numerous fun activities for newlywed couples. The dining experience here is also pretty special and romantic to share with your lover. Bring your love alive at this beautiful spot!

Things to do: Honeymooners can go snorkeling and scuba diving at Biscuit Bay. Enjoy fun activities like mountain biking, island hopping and sightseeing with your newlywed spouse.

Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights

Package cost: INR 90,000 and above

  • Airfare: INR 50,000
  • Land package: INR 40,000

When to visit: December – February with cooler clime to spice up your journey

Visa: No visa required for a stay not exceeding 21 days.

Mid-Range Honeymoon Destinations In Asia (Between 1 To 2 Lacs)

Rekindle your romance by visiting these destinations which fall under the range of 2 lacs to 1 lac. Take a look!

7. Maldives

Maldives

Maldives is your very own Caribbean honeymoon destination in Asia which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The sea water is crystal clear for you to indulge in some private swimming with your love. This Asian destination is the perfect choice if you are looking to escape from the world with your partner.

Things to do: Hukuru Miskiiy, an ancient mosque Male’ is a perfect place to experience the culture of Maldives. Laze away your romantic days on a hammock with your love and dive into the clear waters for some underwater adventures.

Duration: 3 nights and 4 days.

Package cost (couple): 1.3 lacs and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 30,139
  • Land Package: INR 70,000

When to visit: April to November with rain showers to spice up your experience

Visa: Visa on Arrival is available in Maldives

8. Turkey

Turkey

Turkey is another wonderful and must visit honeymoon destinatio with a leg on each side of Eastern Europe and the Western Asia. With lots of cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Turkey is an amazing cultural retreat to newly weds.

Things to do: In order to spend your honeymoon in Turkey and make it as a memorable one, plan a stay in the romantic cave resorts in Cappadocia. Don’t miss the heavenly couples spas and indulge in a steam bath together at the local thermal pools. A hot air balloon ride is a must to witness the country with your love.

Duration: 7 Days 6 nights

Package cost: 1.9 lacs and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 41,864
  • Land package: 1 lac

When to visit: Turkey has a flexible weather. But August to November are advised.

Visa: Visa required

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong is made up of multiple islands that are separated by only a few miles. Unlike other Asian cities, Hong Kong city is vibrant and lively in terms of cityscape and lifestyle. The city also offers various adventures for the newlyweds.

Things to do: the Victoria peak has an awe chilling view that can blow away you and your partner. The Stars light show is also a must to experience. The ocean park is a fine romantic spot where you get to walk with your partner in the background of gigantic aquariums. Nan Lian garden is yet another exotic spot filled with various flowers brought from different parts of the world.

Duration: 3 nights and 4 days.

Package cost: 1.5 lacs and above.

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 27,167
  • Land package: INR 30,000 per couple.

When to visit: October and December

Visa: Visa on arrival

10. Taiwan

Taiwan

Taiwan is another small island known as an attractive honeymoon destination in Asia, consisting of modern cities, hot springs resorts and a lot of dramatic mountainous landscapes.

Things to do: Known for its eventful night markets like Miaokou market, Taiwan has a lot to offer for street food loving couples and compulsive shoppers (especially your wives). You could plan an adventurous honeymoon while trekking and hiking at Yushan Peaks or spending a day walking under the sun at the Trails of Taroko Gorge with your partner.

Duration: 3 Days

Package cost: 1.5 lacs and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 41,113
  • Land package: INR 30,000

When to visit: Being a humid destination, you are required to check all the weather conditions before planning to travel there.

Visa: Visa Required

11. Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia is known to offer two very unique experiences – the Malaysian Peninsula which is a distinct blend of Indian, Chinese and Malay flavours and the Borneo, which is an island shared with Brunei and Indonesia. It is one of the best budget honeymoon destinations in Asia.

Things to do: World’s tallest twin tower, the Petronas Twin Towers is one of the major attractions in Malaysia. The middle of the towers has the sky bridge which takes 41 seconds to reach and as a couple, you can try to buy out tickets for a top of the world experience.

Duration: 5 days and 6 nights

Package cost: INR 1.10 lacs and above

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 31,150
  • Land package: INR 35,000 to 40,000

When to visit: Malaysia has conducive climate and with tropical climate, a holiday in Malaysia can be undertaken throughout the year. But make sure you avoid the months of rain from November to February.

Visa: Visa on Arrival provided

Luxury Honeymoon Destinations In Asia (More Than 2 Lacs)

For those of you who like luxurious resorts and are looking for destinations in the range of 2 lacs and more, here is the list. Take a look!

12. Japan

japan lakes cover

One of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in Asia, Japan, is a desert island situated in the Pacific Ocean entirely occupied with high-rise cities, regal palaces, hilly national parks and lots of holy places and temples as well. If you are an island lover, Japan is the place for you and your partner.

Things to do: There are a lot of things which a honeymoon couple can do in Japan like enjoy scenic view from Mt. Fuji, let your darling shop her heart out at the shopping Mecca – Harajuku, let your imagination set sail at the Tokyo DisneySea or visit the various shrines. If you want some quiet time, staying in traditional ryokans is a good idea.

Duration: 4 days and 3 nights

Package cost: Upto 3 lakhs

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 42,828
  • Land Package: 1.75 lacs per couple

When to visit: The months of April and May is often considered as the best season to visit Japan due to the full bloom of cherry blossoms in most part of the country. The weather is also mild until the June rains.

Visa: Japanese Visa required.

13. Singapore

Singapore Attraction Colorful Gardens By The Bay

Singapore is truly a wonder of the Asian metropolis. What makes this wonderful city a special honeymoon destinations is the balance the best romantic spots, perfectly blending with natural beauty and modern architecture to make for a wonderful honeymoon place.

Things to do: If you and your partner are nature lovers, Singapore Botanical gardens are a must visit. The Marina Bay offers a breathtaking sight at night and has the infinity pool to dive in with your love. Sungei Buloh wetland reserve is the perfect place to escape from the city chaos and to spend some time in solitude and The Little India will make you feel like you’re home.

Duration: 3 nights and 4 days

Package cost: 2.3 Lacs to 2.7 Lacs

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 25,694
  • Land Package: from 1.3 Lacs onwards per couple.

When to visit: All round the year works but visiting in September will get you a chance to witness many popular events like the Singapore Grand Prix.

Visa: Visa needed, online application with one day processing

14. South Korea

A serene location in South Korea

Known for excellent cultural heritage, South Korea is amongst the less frequented yet amazingly romantic honeymoons destination in Asia. For couples who love shopping, this place offers boundless opportunities. Right from designer outlets, traditional craft shops to bargain malls, you’ll find it all in South Korea.

Things to do: The metropolis of South Korea has some of the busiest markets & amazing nightlife districts. Seoul brims with youthful vibrancy and is a must visit for all the party lovers. Explore the art galleries & ancient architectures like Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung palaces hand in hand with your partner.

Duration: 4 nights and 5 days

Package cost: 2 lakhs

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 42,862
  • Land Package: INR 99,000

When to visit: Early spring to summer i.e March through May or the fall season i.e from September through November is the best time to visit.

Visa: South Korean Visa required.

15. Indonesia

Indonesia

Bali stands for “heaven”. So technically speaking you really have the chance to visit heaven which also is one of the cheapest honeymoon destinations. This small island in Indonesia has landscapes that you’ll find only in fairy tales. From volcanoes to lush green fields, Bali remain is a dream honeymoon destination in Asia for lovers, offering a fantasy-like experience.

Things to do: Visit the famous Tirta Empul temple to seek blessing and indulge in an elephant safari experience with your partner. Spend an evening and have some romantic fun at Kuta, a beautiful beach town at the end of the Bali Island.

Duration: 4 nights and 5 days

Package cost (Couple): 1.5 Lacs onwards

  • Airfare(Round trip/person): INR 35,294
  • Land package: INR 50,000 per person

When to visit: April and October

Visa: Visa on arrival is provided

16. Myanmar

Honeymoon In Myanmar

A perfect destination to getaway from the world and spend time alone with your better half, Myanmar is an exotic escape for your honeymoon. When looking for an offbeat location to explore amazing foreign cultures and take part in the ever so thrilling activities, Myanmar is the destination for you. This country envelopes memorable experiences with a beautiful blend of rejuvenation and adventure. Also, while this may not be amongst the most budget-friendly honeymoon destinations in Asia, it can relatively turn out to be cheaper if you plan it well.

Things To Go: If you are a hopeless romantic and a sucker for sunsets, Mandalay Hill is a paradise. Myanmar is a hub of mesmerizing and peaceful locations such as Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi Park, Bagan Tower, Inle Lake and many more.

Duration: 9 Nights/ 10 Days

Airfare (Roundtrip/person): INR 36,448

When To Visit: November to February with a pleasant weather to make your honeymoon more romantic

Visa: Visa required, eVisa also available

Whether you want to tour unique honeymoon destinations in Asia on a budget, or want to go for luxury international honeymoon, this list will come in handy. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t think much, simply book your ticket to Asia and get ready to be a part of the ultimate fun. We promise you won’t be disappointed and will have the time of your life here. Go ahead and explore these tourist attractions at your own pace.

Welcome to TravelOmama.com, the perfect destination to make your holidays special and enjoyable without burning a hole in your pocket. We are your very own .

 

35 Best Places To Visit In Mauritius In 2019 To Surf, Dive, And Relax Under The Sun

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a curvy road in the mountains

As a traveler, you might have visited various parts of the world. However, Mauritius, which lies on the southeast of Africa, is a paradise for travelers as it offers surf, sand, and sun under one roof. Holidaying here can be a memorable experience as there are varieties of things to do in Mauritius. Being the number one spot for honeymooners, the beaches, islands, forts, parks, museums, shopping hubs, and monuments will keep the tourists on their toes. To make it easy for you to choose your picks, here’s a ready reckoner of best places to visit in Mauritius for people with different interests.

35 Places To Visit In Mauritius For All Beach Lovers

Have the best of the sun and along with picturesque ocean views at these exotic beaches and free places to visit in Mauritius:

1. Trou Aux Biches

A candle lit pathway leading to an overwater shack, set for a romantic evening at Trou Aux Biches in Mauritius

For those who love snorkeling and swimming, Trou Aux Biches should be the first place to visit in Mauritius. With gentle sands shelving calm, shallow and clear water, this is an ideal place for a beach picnic with family and friends. If you love street food, hog at the numerous stalls and cafes along the coast. A variety of cuisines can be tried here.

Famous for: Trou Aux Biches is best known for swimming and snorkeling.

2. Belle Mare Plage

View of serene water villas at Belle Mare Plage - one of the best beach places in visit in Mauritius

For early risers, Belle Mare Plage beach in Mauritius is a good choice to enjoy the sunrise. Take a dip while the sun comes up; you would be glad to add Belle Mare Plage beach to your list of must-visit tourist attractions among the- Mauritius sightseeing. Experienced swimmers can enjoy swimming in the currents, which are a bit stronger than other beaches in Mauritius.

Famous for: Belle Mare Plage should be the undoubted choice for windsurfing and swimmin

3. Ile Aux Cerfs

A relaxed beach setting arranged at Ile Aux Cerfs in Mauritius

Travelers from across the world come to Ile Aux Cerfs beach in Mauritius to spend time with folks and friends. Mostly jam packed during the weekend, it can be fun if sand and sun make a good combo for you. A cool and relaxing one among the coolest places to visit in Mauritius, it has some wonderful lagoons too.

Famous for: Water Sports lovers must come to Ile Aux Cerfs. Its a good place for snorkeling as well.

4. Pereybere

A young girl admiring the rich sea life while snorkeling at Pereybere beach

The Pereybere beach is quite popular among travelers. Keep it in your list of places to see among all the Mauritius tourist places, if you love deep sea diving and snorkeling. Even though the water is deep in comparison to other beaches on the island, it is pleasingly calm.

Famous for: Corals and marine life at Pereybere is a treat for sea-life lovers.

5. La Cambuse

An enthusiastic swimmer enjoying swimming at La Cambuse

Actually, you cant be confused about which ones to pick among popular tourist places in Mauritius, if adventurous sports pump your adrenaline. Keep La Cambuse beach as a must visit. Termed as one of the undiscovered spots in Mauritius, it is located in the east of the airport. The white sand and crystal clear water will surely invite you for a dip, but beware, as it can be deceiving.

Famous for: La Cambuse is best suited for adventure swimming sports.

6. Le Morne

A free-spirited woman enjoys kiteboarding at Le Morne Beach Mauritius

Le Morne beach is one of the best places to visit in south Mauritius for those who love water sports. Backed by Le Morne Mountain, it is a perfect place for swimming. However, one must stay aware of the different water sports activities going around.

Famous for: Windsurfing and kiteboarding

These places to visit in south Mauritius along with north are perfect for nature lovers. The rich flora and fauna f this place blow your mind away.

7. Ilot Gabriel Beach

Ilot Gabriel Beach mauritius

Located in the exotic location of the Gabriel Island 20 km down the north coast of Mauritius, the Ilot Gabriel Beach is one of those unexplored beaches that not many people are even aware of. If you are traveling around from Grand Bay, then you can simply charter a boat to visit this island. The best part of visiting this beach is the picturesque beauty of the sunrise and the sunset. Not only does it make up for a completely romantic setting, but it also does bring you peace and calm which you most definitely won’t get otherwise.

Famous for: Catamaran cruise

8. Chamarel Coloured Earth

Chamarel Coloured Earth in Mauritius

 

If you have been to Mauritius and have not been to this place, have you ever been to Mauritius? If you wish to witness something out of this world, visiting the Chamarel Coloured Earth is an absolute must for you. This stupefying attraction has gained popularity over time because of the fact that it comprises of sand of seven different colors which is most definitely going to leave you perplexed and shocked at the same time. The colors are not very prominent because of the tropical climate of Mauritius but if you mix the colored earth, you will be able to see a remarkable difference. The predominant colors you notice include that of the red, black, purple and cyan.

Famous for: Sand in seven distinct colors

9. La Cuvette Beach

La Cuvette Beach Mauritius

 

The La Cuvette Beach is situated in Port Louis and does make up for one of the most tourists visit beaches in Mauritius. The best part of this beach is the wide range of stunning views one can enjoy of the Grand Baie. It is an amazing spot to just relax and have a wonderful time alone, with friends or family.

Famous for: Swimming, seafood and beer

10. Black River Gorges National Park

Enchanting mountains at Black River Gorges National Park covered in a blanket of greenery

If wild adventure is your style, visit Black River Gorges National Park which is one of the famous places to visit in south west Mauritius. Spread in an area of approximately 68 km, it is best for the photographers looking for flower and fauna. If you are a researcher, then the park field stations can come in handy to know more about the national park. While trekking, one can find numerous wild pigs, rusa deer, privets, and Chinese guava. Some of the endangered species of birds and animals can even be seen in this national park.

Famous for: Hiking and camping

11. Casela World of Adventures

A young couple playing with the zebras during their wildlife safari at Casela World of Adventures

Excited about safaris? Experience the wildlife safari organized at Cascavelle, which is a must see out of many places to visit in Mauritius, especially for the daredevils. Yes, the open jeep rides and elephant rides here are not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared for a face to face with tigers and leopards roaming freely in the safari trails.

Famous for: Wildlife Safari

12. Parc Francois Leguat

Mother son duo meeting an old tortoise in Parc Francois Leguat in Mauritius

Parc Francois Leguat is one of the sought after wildlife parks in Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. It is even called the turtle park, as there are hundreds and thousands of turtles of different ages. This place should be preferred if you are looking forward to some quality family time.

Famous for: Turtle population; BTW, do you like turtles?

13. Trou Aux Cerfs

The Crater Lake formed at Trou Aux Cerfs volcano in Mauritius

Trou Aux Cerfs, or the Murr’s Volcano, is a 605 m high dormant volcano that is located in Curepipe, Mauritius. Its well-defined crater is about 350 meters in diameter and is 80 meters deep. Experts believe that this dormant volcano could become active anytime within the next thousand years.

Famous for: Jogging and jeep tours around the Crater Lake.

14. Tamarind Waterfalls

The beautiful Tamarind Waterfalls in Mauritius

Tamarind Waterfalls are one of the best things to see in Mauritius. The waterfalls comprise of a series of seven cataracts located on the Tamarin River, and hence are often called the Seven Cascades.

Famous for: A variety of activities like hiking, canyoneering, cliff jumping, bird-watching, and swimming

15. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

A collage of the various things to see at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, or the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is a popular tourist places in Mauritius, near Port Louis. This oldest botanical garden of the southern hemisphere was constructed by Pierre Poivre in 1770.

Famous for: Large pond of giant water lilies

16. Rochester Falls

rochester falls

If you love waterfalls, you are going to love this one. Rochester Falls near Port Louis are worth a visit owing to their picturesque beauty and surrounding flora. Soak in the lush greenery and spend some moments of introspection by the falls. The main attraction is the flank rocks that stand out in the whole scenery. You can also take a dive in the cool-cool waters and enjoy eating fresh tropical fruits.

17. Mauritius National Botanical Garden

Mauritius National Botanical Garden In Mauritius

If plants and greenery and nature is one of your strong point of interests, the Mauritius National Botanical Garden is an absolute must visit while you are in Mauritius. Spread over a vast area, the Mauritius National Botanical Garden is home to over 650 variants of plants in total. The garden also does hold a bit of historical importance as it was opened by a French governor back in the days and was a private garden before.

Famous for: The different variants of plants around, especially the medicinal plants.

18. La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park

La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park in Mauritius

Next, on the list of the amazing tourist’s spots around in Mauritius for the nature lovers include the La Vallee Des Couleurs, Nature Park. The park is known around the world for being home to some of the rare and indigenous species of both flora and fauna. Take a complete trip around the park to witness the beauty of the rarest of formations around the Earth and get ready to get your mind completely blown away. There are also four beautiful waterfalls in the park itself which further accentuate the beauty of the place.

Famous for: Simply exploring and even quad biking

19. La Vanille Crocodile Park

La Vanille Crocodile Park Mauritius

The La Vanille Crocodile Park totally lives up to its name. It is home to some of the most misunderstood creatures around in the world, crocodiles. It also has a wide range of giant tortoises. The crocodiles are the showstopper of this park but you can also explore around a number of other kinds of reptiles and plants too in the area around. If butterflies are your thing, you can witness a wide range of rare butterflies in the park as well.

Famous for: Crocodiles, Jungle Adventure Playground for the kids

20. Casela Nature Park Segway Tour

Casela Nature Park Segway Mauritius

Yet another one of the must-visit nature lover’s spot is the Casela Park. The best experience you could have around in this park is the walk that you get to share with the king of the jungle, Lions. Walking around with a Lion can be riveting and quite scary but the experience on its own is something you just can’t afford missing out on. Majority of the visitors and experts around suggest visiting during the winter months, especially during the month of September for an overall amazing experience in itself. You are suggested to avoid wearing too bright colored clothes and to wear full pants instead of shorts because that can often risk their safety. The Casela Nature Park Segway Tour is yet another amazing spot around in Mauritius that you simply can’t miss out on. This specific park has everything that your nature lover side can ever ask for. From a plethora of exotic plants and flowers to the other varying species of animals around, you can witness it all here. Not just that. It also has 1500 different varieties of birds that you can witness around in the park itself.

Famous for: Lions, Zebras, birds and giant turtles

21. Chamarel Waterfalls

Chamarel Falls Mauritius

 

The Chamarel Waterfalls is believed to be one of the largest waterfalls around in Mauritius. The best part about this waterfall is the perimeter and the surroundings which further add to the beauty of the place. It is surrounded by the rich vegetation of the Black River Gorges which accentuate the impending flow of the waterfalls. It is located in close vicinity of the Black River National Park so you can witness it too.

22. Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park in Mauritius

 

If water sports and snorkeling is your thing, you are going to absolutely love the Blue Bay Marine Park. Exploring the marine life from around the underwaters is absolutely mind-boggling and everything you need to experience while in Mauritius. The park is also home to a wide range of mangroves, seagrasses, and even algae.

Famous for: Snorkelling

23. Eureka House

The lush greenery and the beautiful backdrop at the Eureka House Museum

Built in 1830, Eureka House (Maison Eureka) is a major tourist attraction in Mauritius, located at Moka, Central Mauritius. This erstwhile colonial residence of English and French aristocrats has been converted into a museum dedicated to the colonial period of Mauritius. With its 109 doors and windows, it is famous as the largest house on the island. The museum has areas dedicated to music, art, maps, and Chinese & Indian housewares. Many small waterfalls, lush greenery, endemic plants, Lake Moka, and lavish gardens surround the museum.

24. Photo Museum

Interior of the photo museum

List of places to visit in Mauritius remains incomplete without a bit of history. Unlike shopping hubs, Photo Museum is for people with more serious hobbies in life. If you, too think that travel is incomplete without good photography, update your list of tourist places in Mauritius. Photography museum houses some of the biggest, finest and oldest cameras. Established in the year 1960, it has the best collection of iconic photographs taken during the early 1800s.

25. Sugar Museum

Sugar Museum in Mauritius

And just when you thought places to visit in Mauritius got boring, the Sugar museum amuses you. It dates back to the time when sugar was given equal importance as gold. It is a treat for historians as it displays the 250 years old heritage of the sugar adventure that the whole country saw. Once you are free from the 1.5 hour tour, rum and sugar tasting sessions will be waiting for you to end the journey on a high note (hick-hick).

26. Blue Penny Museum

Blue Penny Museum In Mauritus

Yet another treat for the history lovers. If you want an alluring view of art and history of Mauritius and want to go into the depths of the country, this place is a must stop. The Blue Penny Museum is a place just out of your wish-list. From a plethora of magnificent explorations around on the island, this specific museum does showcase it all. The museum provides you with insight and a quick rundown of everything Mauritius is and how it evolved gradually over the course of years. Start with an overview of the three colonial period – Dutch, French and British, and move on to the history of the postal service of the Mauritius. From its very first stamp to the rarest and world-renowned stamps, the museum houses many interesting things.

Famous for: The rarest red one penny and blue twopenny

27. Light House of Albion

Light House of Albion in Mauritius

While Mauritius is known around for its grandeur of beaches and other popular shopping destinations, everything would most definitely be incomplete without the Albion Lighthouse. It is located around in the west coast of Mauritius and makes up for one of the most popular sightseeing destinations around in the country. The marvelous and quite unique architecture of the place is what sets it apart from the rest of the sightseeing options around. While back in the days it served as navigation for the sailors, it stands today as an important landmark representing the rich history of Mauritius.

Famous for: Amazing overview of the surroundings. A great spot to capture the natural beauty of the place around…

28. Mahebourg

Mahebourg in Mauritius

 

If history and knowing the rich culture of the place is something that intrigues you, Mahebourg is the city you absolutely can’t miss visiting out on. The combination of the historical museums along with the hustle and bustle of the streets around is what attracts the majority of the tourists to visit this city while in Mauritius. It is also famous for its wide stretch of beaches from north till south. While there, make sure to not miss out on the wide range of delectable street food that the place has to offer.
Famous for: Historical museums, street food.

29. Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin Mauritius

Located around in Port Louis, the Grand Bassin is one of the most sacred places for the Hindus. It is often also regarded as Ganga Talao and is famous for one of the most significant Lord Shiva temples which are located 1800 ft above the sea level. Apart from the temple of Lord Shiva, you can also worship Gods like Hanuman and Lakshmi who have their individual temples there as well. The serene and the tranquil environment of the place is what makes the tourists come back again and again to this place.

Famous for: Maha Shivratri celebrations.

30. Mauritius Photography Museum

Mauritius Photography Museum in Mauritius

Port Louis is a place that signifies some of the most popular tourist destinations around in the entirety of Mauritius and the Mauritius Photography Museum is one of them. If you live and breathe photography, you are going to absolutely love this specific museum. The place does host one of the best photography pieces around and that too by some of the most popular photographers including Tristan Breville.

Famous for: Daguerreotypes, historical pictures of the island

31. Rodrigues

Rodrigues in Mauritius

If you are on the lookout for a place in Mauritius to just chill and relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rodrigues is the answer to that. Often known as the Mauritius of 25 years ago, this place is nothing short of amazing. The delectable food around in the local restaurants is definitely going to tickle your palate. Not just that, if possible, mingle with the locals and get the best experience altogether.

Famous for: Watersports with zip line and fishing

Places To Visit In Mauritius For Shopping

Next, we come to best places to visit in Mauritius for shopping. It offers a mix of indigenous creations and global brand products. Handicrafts are easily available at the beaches while duty-free shops are located at slightly upmarket places. Art fanatics can head to the dedicated Craft market; a good place to pick souvenirs for your friends. Besides, other tourist attractions in Mauritius include:

32. Grand Baie Bazaar

Grand Baie Bazaar for street shopping in Mauritius

Quite a popular one from the list of tourist places in Mauritius, Grand Baie is for street shopping. Impulse buyers head here since it is one of the best places to visit in north Mauritius. Buy souvenirs at this market from your trip. It is most famous for trinkets and skateboards.

33. Port Louis Market

Crafty bags displayed at Port Louis Market

From home decor to personal use, this one is for cute souvenir shopping in Mauritius. It is particularly famous for herbs and bamboo products. Being one of the largest market in the capital, you can find almost everything here. From fresh food items to handicrafts, buy whatever you want. Discover great places to dine and coffee shops in this market.

34. Moka

Bagatelle Shopping Mall in Moka Mauritius

This is the place for lifestyle shopping from your favorite brands such as Armani Jeans, Body and Soul, Celio, Colors & Senses, Esprit, and Hugo Boss, among others.

35. Flic En Flac

Cascavelle Shopping Village at Flic En Flac in Mauritius

Come here for a blend of street shop kind of stalls, local souvenirs, sea products, trendy apparels and accessories, and more. It is one of the best markets in mauritius to buy local produce on the island. The open air market is busy over the weekdays so it is suggested you visit this market on a weekend. Buy cheap t-shirts, bags, hats, and some local tea from this flea market.

Mauritius has numerous amazing options of places that you can add to your bucket list. And now that you know about these places, what are you waiting for? Make your dream trip to this island nation come true by planning a trip to Mauritius and makes memories that you can cherish forever.

23 Spellbinding Places To Visit In July In India To Relish The 2019 Monsoon!

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23 Astonishing Places To Visit In July In India

July is an amazing month to travel. The monsoons in the cities can be really vexing, so plan a vacation to one of these amazing places in India in July.

1. Ladakh – A Thrilling Holiday Destination

A distant view of the Stakna monastery in Ladakh

Located at the northern head of India, Ladakh is arguably one of the best places to visit in India during July-August. Its high rising mountain peaks, stunning lakes, salubrious weather, and breathtaking scenery add to the charm of this North Indian destination.

Places to visit: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, and Hemis National Park, and more.

Things to do: Watch the Llamas perform colorful Chhams, spot a snow leopard at the Hemis National Park, ride a double-humped Bactrian camel or ride a bike up to the Khardung-La Pass.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, Leh
  • By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh)

Ideal for: Road trip, trekking, Adventure
Weather: 5-28 degrees Celsius

Tip: Do not miss out on unraveling the mystery of Magnetic Hill all by yourself.

2. Valley Of Flowers – UNESCO World Heritage Site

The lush valley and the flowers blooming in it

 

Located at a height of about 3,858 m above sea level, the Valley of Flowers is one of the Indian destinations on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The alluring valley remains frozen in the winters, but with the onset of summers, the snow melts away and the valley blooms into a youthful beauty. And the early monsoon showers of July make this destination one of the best places to go in July in India.

Places to visit: Sri Hemkunt Sahib, 5.7 km from the Ghangaria camping ground, is said to be the meditation ground of Guru Gobind Singh in his previous life.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (306 km from the Valley of Flowers)
  • By Rail: Haridwar Junction Railway Station (313 km from the Valley of Flowers)

Ideal for: Trekking
Weather: not more than 19 degrees Celsius

Tip: To reach the end destination, travelers will have to take a trek to the Valley of Flowers from Govindghat basecamp.

Suggested Read: 15 Honeymoon Places In India In May In 2019 That Bloom With Love & Fervent Charm

3. Spiti Valley – Mecca For Mountain Lovers

A collage of the views en route and at the Spiti Valley

Surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers, the Spiti Little Tibet Valley offers peaceful stay options at the spiritual monasteries and the lovely villages. The breath-taking views and rich Buddhist cultural heritage of this desert mountain valley provide the tranquility that the travelers seek while booking a trip to Spiti Valley.

Places to visit: Ki monastery, Tabo monastery, and Bara-Shigri glacier are the major places to visit in the Spiti Valley.

Things to do: Jeep safaris and trekking options make it one of the best places to visit in India during July for the adventure seekers.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Kullu Airport (85 km from the Spiti Valley)
  • By Rail: Shimla Railway Station (428 km from Spiti Valley)

Ideal for: Road trip, Adventure
Weather: 15-25 degrees Celsius

Tip: Do not miss out on exploring the Pin Valley National Park which happens to be a huge attraction.

 

4. Dharamshala – An Abode Of Dalai Lama

Mesmerizing Bhagsu Falls flowing in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is internationally known as the home of Dalai Lama. Traditionally known for its temples and monasteries, Dharamshala became popular among the sports enthusiasts with the introduction of ODIs and IPL T20s at the HPCA stadium. It is soon to be the first smart-city of Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful stretches of the dense Deodar forests of the hill station definitely put it among the best places to visit in India in July.

Places to visit: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, and tea plantations of Kangra valley are the best places to visit in Dharamshala.

Things to do: Meditation & stay in Namgyal Monastery, boat ride in Dal Lake, and walks through the tea plantations are the things to enjoy on a trip to Dharamshala.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Gaggal Airport (13 km from Dharamshala)
  • By Rail: Pathankot Railway Station (85 km from Dharamshala)

Ideal for: Trekking, Spiritual retreat
Weather: 22-35 degrees Celsius

Tip: Experience night camping atop Triund on your next trip to Dharamshala.

 

5. Amarnath – The Home Of Lord Shiva

The holy cave temple of Lord Shiva at Amarnath that is one of the best places to visit in India in July

 

Home to one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, the Amarnath Cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave, too, is covered in snow for most of the year. However, the snow melts in summers and the cave is open for pilgrims during July and August. Its religious importance makes it one of the holy places to visit in July month in India with family. Besides, it is a challenging trek for those who love adventure in the hills.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Srinagar Airport (105 km from Baltal, from where it is a 15 km trek to Amarnath)
  • By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (178 km from Baltal, from where it is a 15 km trek to Amarnath)

Ideal for: Pilgrimage
Weather: 9-20 degrees Celsius

Tip: Make sure you take the route from Pahalgam for easy and hassle-free access.

6. Udaipur – The Golden City Of Lakes

lake in udaipur

Rajasthan being the state that receives one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, make for an ideal holiday destination in July. And Udaipur is no doubt the state’s most charming place to visit in July. With minimal rains, the weather stays climate, making it easy for tourists to travel and explore the major attractions in the city.

Places to visit: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and Lake Fateh Sagar are some of the top places to see in Udaipur.

Things to do: Taking a sightseeing tour, boating at Lake Pichola, and capturing beautiful pictures against the sunset are some of the things to do to make your trip more memorable.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (20 km from Udaipur)
  • By Rail: Udaipur City Railway Station ( 4 km from Udaipur)

Ideal for: Luxury stay by the lake
Weather: 28-38 degrees Celsius

Tip: Boating or going on the ever-famous shikara ride on Lake Pichola is a must for all travelers.

Located at a height of about 3,858 m above sea level, the Valley of Flowers is one of the Indian destinations on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The alluring valley remains frozen in the winters, but with the onset of summers, the snow melts away and the valley blooms into a youthful beauty. And the early monsoon showers of July make this destination one of the best places to go in July in India.

Places to visit: Sri Hemkunt Sahib, 5.7 km from the Ghangaria camping ground, is said to be the meditation ground of Guru Gobind Singh in his previous life.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (306 km from the Valley of Flowers)
  • By Rail: Haridwar Junction Railway Station (313 km from the Valley of Flowers)

Ideal for: Trekking
Weather: not more than 19 degrees Celsius

Tip: To reach the end destination, travelers will have to take a trek to the Valley of Flowers from Govindghat basecamp.

Suggested Read: 15 Honeymoon Places In India In May In 2019 That Bloom With Love & Fervent Charm

3. Spiti Valley – Mecca For Mountain Lovers

A collage of the views en route and at the Spiti Valley

Surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers, the Spiti Little Tibet Valley offers peaceful stay options at the spiritual monasteries and the lovely villages. The breath-taking views and rich Buddhist cultural heritage of this desert mountain valley provide the tranquility that the travelers seek while booking a trip to Spiti Valley.

Places to visit: Ki monastery, Tabo monastery, and Bara-Shigri glacier are the major places to visit in the Spiti Valley.

Things to do: Jeep safaris and trekking options make it one of the best places to visit in India during July for the adventure seekers.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Kullu Airport (85 km from the Spiti Valley)
  • By Rail: Shimla Railway Station (428 km from Spiti Valley)

Ideal for: Road trip, Adventure
Weather: 15-25 degrees Celsius

Tip: Do not miss out on exploring the Pin Valley National Park which happens to be a huge attraction.

Suggested Read: 12 Best Places To Visit In July In The World In 2019 To Pamper The Travel-Enthusiast In You!

4. Dharamshala – An Abode Of Dalai Lama

Mesmerizing Bhagsu Falls flowing in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is internationally known as the home of Dalai Lama. Traditionally known for its temples and monasteries, Dharamshala became popular among the sports enthusiasts with the introduction of ODIs and IPL T20s at the HPCA stadium. It is soon to be the first smart-city of Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful stretches of the dense Deodar forests of the hill station definitely put it among the best places to visit in India in July.

Places to visit: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, and tea plantations of Kangra valley are the best places to visit in Dharamshala.

Things to do: Meditation & stay in Namgyal Monastery, boat ride in Dal Lake, and walks through the tea plantations are the things to enjoy on a trip to Dharamshala.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Gaggal Airport (13 km from Dharamshala)
  • By Rail: Pathankot Railway Station (85 km from Dharamshala)

Ideal for: Trekking, Spiritual retreat
Weather: 22-35 degrees Celsius

Tip: Experience night camping atop Triund on your next trip to Dharamshala.

Suggested Read: 10 Terribly Overrated Destinations In Himachal & Where To Travel Instead

5. Amarnath – The Home Of Lord Shiva

The holy cave temple of Lord Shiva at Amarnath that is one of the best places to visit in India in July

 

Home to one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, the Amarnath Cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave, too, is covered in snow for most of the year. However, the snow melts in summers and the cave is open for pilgrims during July and August. Its religious importance makes it one of the holy places to visit in July month in India with family. Besides, it is a challenging trek for those who love adventure in the hills.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Srinagar Airport (105 km from Baltal, from where it is a 15 km trek to Amarnath)
  • By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (178 km from Baltal, from where it is a 15 km trek to Amarnath)

Ideal for: Pilgrimage
Weather: 9-20 degrees Celsius

Tip: Make sure you take the route from Pahalgam for easy and hassle-free access.

6. Udaipur – The Golden City Of Lakes

lake in udaipur

Rajasthan being the state that receives one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, make for an ideal holiday destination in July. And Udaipur is no doubt the state’s most charming place to visit in July. With minimal rains, the weather stays climate, making it easy for tourists to travel and explore the major attractions in the city.

Places to visit: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and Lake Fateh Sagar are some of the top places to see in Udaipur.

Things to do: Taking a sightseeing tour, boating at Lake Pichola, and capturing beautiful pictures against the sunset are some of the things to do to make your trip more memorable.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (20 km from Udaipur)
  • By Rail: Udaipur City Railway Station ( 4 km from Udaipur)

Ideal for: Luxury stay by the lake
Weather: 28-38 degrees Celsius

Tip: Boating or going on the ever-famous shikara ride on Lake Pichola is a must for all travelers.

Best 11 Places To Visit In Lucknow

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Explore Bangkok in Under Rs. 25,000

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Looking for a destination abroad that’s breathtaking but also easy on the pocket? Bangkok is the place for you! Be it its picture-perfect beaches, friendly locals, great food and year-long sunshine, Bangkok has always been, and will remain, a haven for budget travellers. To top it all, there are a plethora of activities on offer, such as water sports, island-hopping tours, and those relaxing massages.

bangkok
Friendly locals, great food and affordable accommodation make Bangkok a haven for budget travellers

How to Get to Bangkok:

Bangkok has two international airports: the Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Don Muang Airport. Both are regularly served by low-cost carriers from India.

Travel Documents Required:

  • Passport with 6 months validity
  • Return flight ticket
  • Hotel reservation slip
  • Filled VOA application form
  • Proof of funds
  • Boarding card of flight on which you arrive
  • Passport size photograph

Where to Stay:

Grand Alpine Hotel: Located right in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district of Pratunam, Grand Alpine Hotel offers both Superior and Deluxe rooms at affordable rates.

Tariff: Rs. 1,574 per night | Amenities: Café | Free Wi-Fi | Restaurant | Shared Lounge

Marvel Hotel: Located in Bangkok’s most vibrant area of Sukhumvit, Marvel Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel with Superior and Deluxe room options.

Tariff: Rs. 2,500* per night | Amenities:  Swimming Pool | Free Wi-Fi | Bar | Restaurant

Hostels in Khao San: Ideally suited for backpackers, there is a wide range of hostels in Khao San with accommodation available at dirt-cheap prices.

Tariff: Rs. 1,000* per night

spa
After a long day of sightseeing, a relaxing massage is all you need!

What to Do:

  • Treat Yourself to a Massage: Relaxing your senses the Thai way isn’t as expensive as it sounds. Spa and massage options are readily available in Bangkok starting at Rs. 400*.
  • Experience Muay Thai: Thais love their traditional boxing and don’t mind spending more than 1000 baht* to catch a bout at Lumpini Stadium. If you too want to experience the roaring spectacles on a budget, head over to the MBK Shopping Centre on a Wednesday evening to watch a bout for free.
  • Participate in an Aerobics Class: With hundreds of attractions on offer, exploring Bangkok, especially during rush hours, can take its toll on your body. To soothe those aching muscles, head over to the Saranrom Park in the evening and participate in a public aerobics class, without paying any fee.

 Where to Eat:

Café Bangrak: Great live music and regular art exhibitions make this small place capture a large crowd each day. Known mostly for its fresh Thai delicacies, Café Bangrak is also popular for great smoothies.

Cost: Meal for 2 costs Rs.1,000* approximately

Opening Hours: 11 am to 11 pm daily

Address: Sala Daeng Silom Road, Silom, Bangkok

sea-food
Feast your taste buds on fresh sea food!

Mrs. Balbir’s: With spicy Indian curries, including great vegetarian delicacies, such as Navratan Korma and Stuffed Tomato Curry, in its menu, Mrs. Balbir’s is a great place if you are looking for good Indian food during your Bangkok trip.

Cost: Meal for 2 costs Rs. 1,200* approximately

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11:30 am to 11:30 pm, Closed on Mondays

Address: 155/1-2 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Total Cost of the Trip:

Expenses Cost for 2 nights (per person)*
Hotels Rs. 3,148*
Return Transport Rs. 16900*
Food Rs. 2,000*
Miscellaneous Rs. 1500*
Total Rs. 23,548*

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change. 

bangkok
With cheap goods aplenty, Bangkok is a budget shopper’s paradise

Tempted to Spend Some More?

Shopping: Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, mostly renowned for its cheap goods. Head over to Platinum Fashion Mall – a wholesale centre where prices are comparatively less than in some other parts of the city. For even better deals, plan your travel to accommodate a weekend in Bangkok and head over to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya: Spend an additional Rs. 800* to visit the historic city of Ayutthaya by train. After a scenic two-hour train journey, you reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has several historically important temples and museums worth exploring.

Dinner Cruise: Take the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise to enjoy live Thai art and musical performance, Thai classical dance shows, and a great international buffet dinner. All this for around Rs. 2,500*.

 

Sneaky Tips:

Go off-season: Although Bangkok is a year-round destination, if you travel during the summer months from May to August, you can definitely save around 15-20% on your accommodation expenses.

Opt for street food: Check out street food options, instead of finding restaurants, to save a few Bahts.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your budget trip to the ‘Venice of the East’ right away!

*Prices may vary..travelomama

19 Best Places to Travel in june 2019

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Exciting hotel debuts, game-changing cruise ships, and new nonstop flights have helped put these 19 destinations on our travel list for 2019. Start planning now.

Trying to decide where to go in 2019? Every year, we compile our list of the best places to travel in the coming year, with a focus on islands and beach destinations. These tropical locales are buzzworthy for 2019, with new hotel openings, nonstop flights, exciting cruise calls and noteworthy celebrations. From the Adamans to the Whitsundays, here are our best places to travel in 2019.

Antigua & Barbuda

Best places to travel in 2019: Antigua & Barbuda

Valley Church Beach on Antigua

Thanks to Delta’s new nonstop flight from New York’s JFK to V.C. Bird International Airport, the 108-square-mile island of Antigua and its tiny sister island, Barbuda, are primed for weekend getaways. (Hurricane Irma severely damaged Barbuda in 2017; the island is still recovering, but one of its most lauded properties, Barbuda Belle, reopened in fall 2018.) Plan a trip for late April, when Antigua Sailing Week brings a new kiteboarding competition to the islands. Those looking for something unique should head to Antigua’s Valley Church Bay, where the Wild Lotus Camp introduced the Caribbean’s first beachfront glamping sites last summer. The canvas tents come with double beds and private showers, plus fire pits and loungers for roughing it in style.

Big Island, Hawaii

Best places to travel in 2019: Big Island, Hawaii

Polulu Beach on the Hawaii’s Big Island

When the Kilauea Volcano erupted May 2018, it shut down Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for more than four months. But all is now back to normal around the 4,000-foot peak, and most of the park is open and safe for visitors. Resume plans to hike, bike, or drive around the park, or book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America and let the line handle your excursions. To promote the ship’s return to the Big Island, Norwegian is offering free or reduced round-trip airfare to Honolulu from several U.S. and Canada cities with cruise bookings. The seven-day sailing includes stops on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.

Cancun, Mexico

Best places to travel in 2019: Cancun, Mexico

An aerial view of Cancun’s beachfront Hotel Zone

The beauty of Cancun (beyond that azure water, of course) is the destination’s broad appeal: Dreamy beaches for the laze-the-day-away crowd, nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes for adventure-seekers, and a solid tequila scene that has cemented Cancun’s status in the spring break hall of fame. New accommodations set for 2019 celebrate this variety: On the Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotel will cater to families come summer, while the sleek Ushuaïa Cancun — sister property to Ibiza’s Ushuaïa — promises adults-only digs and DJ-powered dance parties. New nonstop flights on Southwest Airlines launching in March from Milwaukee, Raleigh, San Antonio and Pittsburgh make getting to paradise even easier.

Canouan Island

Best places to travel in 2019: Canouan Island

The Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is the first Mandarin Oriental in the CaribbeanCourtesy Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

It’s not exactly a breeze to get to this buzzworthy Caribbean island, part of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines island chain, but those who embark on the trip — usually via a charter flight from St. Lucia, Grenada, or Barbados — say it’s worth it. A huge part of the allure: September 2017’s opening of the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. The former Pink Sands Club property is the first Mandarin Oriental in the Caribbean, and the intimate, 1,200-acre compound wows with personal butler service, a jaw-dropping infinity pool, and a signature “Beach of the Day” program.

Crete, Greece

Best places to travel in 2019: Crete, Greece

Kalyves village on the Crete, the largest Greek Island

Skip the crowds in Santorini and Mykonos and head south to Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Crete offers a quiet countryside, charming fishing villages, medieval ruins (this is the birthplace of Zeus, legend states), plus affordable hotels, villas, and Airbnb rentals. And in summer 2019, the Mirabello Beach & Village hotel in Agios Nikolaos will reopen as a Wyndham Grand property. Wherever you end up on the 3,200-square-mile island, some standout Cretan cuisine is likely nearby: The island’s strong farming and fishing communities mean locally sourced dishes are abundant. Don’t leave without trying dakos, Crete’s version of meze.

Cuba

Best places to travel in 2019: Cuba

Colorful vintage cars in Havana, Cuba

Cuba has experienced a visitor boom since it reopened to tourism for U.S. travelers in 2015. Restrictions are still in place — you can still only visit on a People-to-People cultural exchange visa — but that didn’t stop 619,000 U.S. travelers from visiting the country in 2017. One of the easiest and most popular ways to visit is on a cruise — Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea will all add new Cuba-centric itineraries in 2019. And come 2020, Richard Branson’s hip new Virgin Voyages cruise line will make Cuba one of its inaugural ports of call.

Best places to travel in 2019: Galapagos Islands
Sea lions in the Galapagos Islands

Darwin’s playground is home to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness — plus tortoises, iguanas, 22 endemic species of land birds, and more. Several outfitters lead nature-centric expeditions to the archipelago — some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador — including Celebrity Cruises, which will debut a new 100-passenger ship purpose-built for the Galápagos this year. The Celebrity Flora takes it maiden voyage in May, and expeditions will include snorkeling off of Santiago Island and riding in a Zodiac through the islands’ mangrove ecosystems.

Ischia, Italy

Best places to travel in 2019: Ischia, Italy

Maronti Beach in Ischia, Italy

Italian author Elena Ferrante’s four-book series, the Neapolitan Novels, tells the story of Lenù and Lila, who grew up in Naples and spent summers on Ischia, a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples known for its thermal spas and laid-back lifestyle. The books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, and HBO adapted them into a miniseries, My Brilliant Friend, which premiered in November 2018 — further sparking readers’ desires to see the story’s real-life setting. At the Hotel Regina Isabella, a new three-night package includes a tour to the locations described in the books, plus a creative-writing workshop with a local literature professor.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Best places to travel in 2019: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

A view of Ocean Course, the no. 1 golf course in South Carolina

Golfers should book it to this quaint island off Charleston’s coast: It’s home to the No. 1 golf course in South Carolina, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which is gearing up to host the PGA Championship in 2021. As a result, the resort is in the midst of a $200-million redevelopment that will add a new 150-room hotel and a state-of-the-art conference space by the end of 2020. And just around the corner, the Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences opened in October 2018 with 21 beachfront vacation homes perfect for a family vacation.

Madeira

Best places to travel in 2019: Madeira

Machico bay on Portugal’s Madeira Island in known for its beaches

Happy birthday, Madeira! The four-island archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal located off of Africa’s northwest coast, celebrates its 600th anniversary in 2019. Milestone events will take place across the main, mountainous island of Madeira throughout the year (be sure to toast the island with a glass of its eponymous wine); and hotels debuting in the New Year include the Savoy Palace in the capital city of Funchal, and the Pestana Churchill Bay, which opens in the sleepy fishing village of Câmara de Lobos this spring. (Yes, the Churchill is a nod to Winston the Prime Minister, who frequented the island in the 1900s.)

Naoshima, Japan

Best places to travel in 2019: Naoshima, Japan

Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Pumpkin sculpture in Naoshima, Japan

It might be one of the world’s most unconventional contemporary art destinations, but this island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea is a bastion of thought-provoking artistic expression and architecture — from Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Pumpkin sculpture that sits on the pier in front of the famous Benesse House museum and hotel, to the Tadao Ando-designed Chichu Art Museum. In 2019, the Setouchi Triennale will take place across 12 islands in the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima. Visitors can expect rotating art exhibits, installations, and interactive experiments from predominately Japanese artists.

Puerto Rico

Best places to travel in 2019: Puerto Rico

Isla Verde besort in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, but more than a year later, this soulful island has bounced back. Several hotels and restaurants have reopened, many with new amenities and menu updates. The best way to support the island’s continued recovery? Book a trip. The New Year promises even more additions, including the reopening of San Juan’s Caribe Hilton in January, plus a brand new Four Seasons Cayo Largo Resort currently slated to open in late 2019. Hamilton fans will be happy to hear that Lin-Manuel Miranda is making good on his promise to bring the mega-popular musical to the island: He’ll reprise his role as Alexander Hamilton in January at the University of Puerto Rico.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best places to travel in 2019: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is known for its beachfront all-inclusive resorts

It’s all about the all-inclusive in Punta Cana, a resort getaway on the Dominican Republic’s easternmost tip. Head here if your idea of a dream escape is checking in once and knowing everything is handled. In December, Spanish hotel chain Melía opened The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, complete with swim-up suites and a Natura Bisse spa. The new, adults-only, Hedonesque-style Temptation Punta Cana is slated to open later in 2019.

Sri Lanka

Best places to travel in 2019: Sri Lanka

Jungle Beach, in Sri Lanka’s coastal town, Unawatuna

This island nation off India’s southern coast feels like Bali may have 20 years ago: an emerging, diverse destination that packs just as much cultural appeal as it does tropical allure. The country only recently opened its doors to tourism in 2009 at the end of a 26-year civil war, and a decade later, its tourism infrastructure is solid — and very much on the rise. Tourism has grown by 15 percent in 2018, and the government expects to welcome 4 million annual visitors by 2020. Most travelers fly into the capital city of Colombo and head south to the beach (Unawatuna) or inland to Udawalawe National Park for a safari, but one of the best ways to see the country is on a multi-day tour that offers a little bit of everything. Abercrombie & Kent’s 14-day adventure includes temple and tea plantation visits, game drives, and more.

St. Barth

Best places to travel in 2019: St. Barth

The harbor in Gustavia, the capital of St. Barth

St. Barth was yet another Caribbean island that took a beating from Hurricane Irma in the fall of 2017; and while much of the past year was spent on recovery, 2019 will be all about getting back to glamorous on this notoriously glitzy isle. Many of the island’s most exclusive properties will reopen in December 2018 — including Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, Le Sereno, and Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. Later in 2019, Le Guanahani and Eden Rock-St. Barths will return with updated guest rooms and new dining outlets. Plan your trip for May, when the weather is still great, but shoulder season pricing makes the elite island more accessible.

Tahiti

Best places to travel in 2019: Tahiti

An aerial view of Tahiti’s Mount Aorai and surrounding coral reef

Dreamy, bucket-list spot Tahiti — the largest island in French Polynesia — may feel like a world away, but it’s actually only an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui’s new 787 Dreamliner fleet makes the jaunt even more comfortable. (Couples can even preorder a bottle of Champagne to get the celebration started.) In October, United Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to fly nonstop to Papeete — and the nine-hour flight from San Francisco recently expanded to year-round service. In 2019, the island will commemorate the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival: expect plenty of festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Todos Santos, Mexico

Best places to travel in 2019: Todos Santos, Mexico

Playa Cerritos in Todos Santos, Mexico

Los Cabos had a huge new hotel boom in 2018, and farther south, Puerto Vallarta is making waves, but in-the-know travelers are booking it to Todos Santos — Mexico’s bohemian, laid-back surf enclave. The costal getaway is about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas (thanks to a new highway that opened last April), and the place to stay is Hotel San Cristóbal, the latest project from hotelier Liz Lambert, known for Marfa’s hip El Cosmico hotel. Check into one of the 32 funky-chic rooms before heading into town for vintage shopping at Mixtica and fish tacos at Jazamango. Prime season for snorkeling with whale sharks in nearby La Paz falls between November and June, but surf lessons at Mario Surf School are available year-round.

Whitsunday Islands

Best places to travel in 2019: Whitsunday Islands

Whithaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands

Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands are home to some of Australia’s most gorgeous beaches, and the 74-island archipelago (70 of those islands remain undeveloped) is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. After it reopens in July following extensive renovations, the ultra-luxe Hayman Island by InterContinental will take visitors to the reef by boat, helicopter, or seaplane. Coral-bleaching events (caused by climate change) have damaged and even killed off some areas of the Great Barrier Reef in recent years; while reports out of Australia state that the reef is showing signs of recovery, coral reefs are still especially vulnerable to climate change, says the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Go see them now before it’s too late.

Andaman Islands

Best places to travel in 2019: Andaman Islands

An elephant walks along a beach on Havelock Island

For years, regulations issued by the Indian government kept travelers away from the Andaman Islands — a remote, 325-island Bay of Bengal archipelago — for years, but recent changes have made 29 of them accessible. Head to Havelock Island via a 2.5-hour catamaran journey from Port Blair, and check into the new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, the islands’ first luxury property. Part of India’s opulent Taj hotels chain, the resort comprises 50 stilted villas overlooking the rainforest-fringed Radhanagar Beach. Spend days here practicing yoga, kayaking through mangroves, and island hopping in one of the resort’s private boats.

Why Bali should feature on your travel Bucket List?

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A traveller’s delight, Bali is sure to captivate your senses at every instance. With something new to explore and experience at every turn, you could traverse through the whole of Bali and just seem to have scratched the surface. But there is a lot to do is this island-paradise even within a few days.

Warm, welcoming and hospitable, Bali is a popular island holiday destination within the Indonesian archipelago. Home to an ancient culture, exotic temples and palaces, Bali is set against stunning backdrops of natural and scenic beauty. Here’s a quick overview of the variety of enthralling and exciting experiences that Bali has to offer.

Enjoy Amazing Beaches And Luxury Resorts

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The Mulia at Nusa Dua, Bali offers five-star luxury comfort overlooking the exotic Geger beachfront. The landmark Geger temple looms large from a scenic high-cliff.  Just a fifteen minute drive away, the Nusa Dua tourism complex nestles the Museum Pasifika, high-quality restaurants and Busa Dua theatres for entertainment.

Spend Time In The Uplands

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A treasure trove of cultural landmarks, Ubud situated near Bali’s upland, showcases ancient temples, magnificent palaces, panoramic views of the green hillsides and rice terraces. The town of Gianyar Regency and its outskirts is the one-stop holiday destination to delve into Balinese culture, arts and crafts.

Explore The Divinity Of Balinese Temples

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There are temples for prayer, and there are temples fit to feature on picture postcards. Dotting the highlands and the coast, ancient Bali temples showcase the centuries-old architecture amidst exotic backdrops. Each temple is unique, and the Besakih ‘Mother Temple’ against the peaks of Mount Agung is indeed a treat to watch visit.

Take A Peek Underwater To See Amazing Sea Life!

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Snorkelling can definitely be a great addition to your beach holiday experience. Just hit the calm seaside, don a diving mask and grab a snorkel to dive into the tranquil waters. Enjoy the underwater gardens and teeming tropical marine life. Discover another slice of the world at Nusa Dua, Menjangan Island, Pemuteran and Padangbai for a surreal experience. You can contact local snorkelling agencies or your hotel concierge who can organise guided tours to go on a planned expedition.

Complete Your Holiday by Relishing Some Balinese Delights

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With a wide variety of dining options, you must try the Babi Guling (roast suckling pig with spices). Usually eaten for breakfast or lunch, you are sure to remember its distinct taste. Other street style specialities include Chicken Betutu and Sate Lilit peppers with lemongrass flavoured minced meat.

Bali as a holiday destination is a vibrant blend of culture and rollicking fun and is sure to give you enough memories to last a lifetime…

Five reasons to explore Antananarivo Before venturing out into the wilds of Madagascar, where unique wildlife roams, check out Lemurs’ Park.

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Antananarivo, the tongue-twisting capital of Madagascar, is often overlooked by travellers, which is an opportunity missed. Yes, it’s a busy, ramshackle sort of place where traffic is a problem and security is taken seriously, but look beyond this, and you’ll find a colourful city full of charm, history and incredible views at every turn.

There are palaces, museums and streets lined with faded colonial architecture to explore, bustling markets and boutiques to peruse, and a contemporary dining scene to enjoy.

Looking across a gully to the Rova at a hilltop, with colourful buildings jumbled together on the slopes below © G & M Therin Weise / robertharding / Getty Images The colours of Antananarivo on full display ©Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

Delve into the history of Antananarivo

As the home of the Merina, Madagascar’s largest and most powerful ethnic group, Tana (as it’s affectionately known) has featured heavily in the country’s evolution since its founding in the early 17th century. Its journey to become the capital of the first unified Kingdom of Madagascar in 1810 was an arduous one, with numerous tribal wars and the continual redrawing of boundaries. By the time the French arrived on the scene in 1897, Tananarive (as it was then known) had long been a major city. After independence in 1960, the city started to swell further, and the growing pains associated with its increasing population culminated in political unrest in 2009. It still faces huge challenges – corruption and the lingering political uncertainty – that continue to hold it back, much to the frustration of its people. Today, the city remains the seat of power, where international organisations, businesses and money mingle, making it unlike anywhere else in Madagascar. It stands out for its relative (if isolated) areas of wealth and cosmopolitan facilities, and is very much the heart of the action on the island.

This image looks up a step of wide (and long) stone steps towards an ornate stone gate topped by a copper/bronze eagle statue. The Rova stands in the background © Yann Guichaoua-Photos / Lonely Planet The main gate of the Rova of Antananarivo (aka the Queen’s Palace) © Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

Historic sights

You couldn’t miss the 19th-century Rova of Antananarivo (palace complex) if you tried. Constructed at the city’s highest point, it towers above Antananarivo and stands in stark contrast to the more modest neighbourhoods that cling to the hillside below. Buildings at the Rova have come and gone since the early 1600s. Sadly, many of the original wooden structures that had survived from the 19th century were destroyed by a devastating fire in 1995. Thankfully, the imposing stone building, erected by Scottish missionary James Cameron in 1867, remains intact. Your (compulsory) guide will set the city in context and give a good introduction to Antananarivo’s history.

The large brick towers of the Rova abut a wall of beautiful stone arches, through which the blue sky can be seen due to the interior of the building being gone © GUIZIOU Franck / Getty Images
The magnificent but bare bones of the Rova of Antananarivo, pictured here before the rebuilding works after the fire of 1995 © Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

 The story continues at the nearby Andafiavaratra Palace, where the small museum showcases select artefacts and paintings depicting Merina rule, many of which were rescued from the fire. You can then dig a little deeper at the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie. This free museum details archaeological sites around Madagascar and showcases ancient finds.

Imported Christianity has played a significant role in shaping society, not only in Antananarivo but also in Madagascar as a whole. As such, churches are found all over the city – it’s said there are more than 5000 of varying persuasions, shapes and sizes. Stop by Andohalo Cathedral to see one of the leading Gothic-style places of worship.

Standing at the gates of the former French consulate, you’d be forgiven for forgetting where you were. This unmistakably French chateau was renamed Ambohitsorohitra Palace and is now used as official offices. You can’t enter, but it’s worth an eyeball on a walk through town.

A drive through the outskirts of northern Antananarivo will take you to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the country’s only cultural Unesco site and a place of great significance. It includes the ruins of a fortified royal city as well as a burial site, and it remains an important place of pilgrimage for the people of Madagascar.

Sushi on a stone platter © Denis Gateau / Getty Images
The menus available in Antananarivo offer a wide selection of international food, including Japanese sushi © Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

Sample the island’s finest cosmopolitan cuisine

Madagascar isn’t exactly known for its haute cuisine, yet Antananarivo stands in splendid isolation for its delectable selection of restaurants and vibrant dining scene – it’s a welcome surprise to many visitors. There’s a delicious blend of Madagascan hospitality and European flair, where French staples mingle with Indonesian and African flavours. The unexpected joys of baked camembert, creamy tartiflette and nasi goreng (Indonesian stir-fried rice with vegetables and meat) make eating out a pleasure, while dishes using local spices, such as vanilla chicken and zebu steak with Madagascan peppercorn, give you a taste of something more local. Antananarivo is, without doubt, a treat for foodies.

Start the day with breakfast and strong coffee at Café de la Gare, a vintage European affair, located by the tracks in Gare Soarano, the old railway station. Lunchtime calls for a stop at the bamboo-enveloped terrace of Le Buffet du Jardin for a crispy pizza and an ice cold THB (locally brewed ‘Three Horse Beer’).

Dinner offers the chance to sample even more of the capital’s gastronomy – go for authentic Spanish tapas on the terrace at the Grand Hotel Urban, the generous portions and lively atmosphere at Le Saka (book in advance!), or the zebu and raclette at La Ribaudiere. Not ready for bed? Pop by no comment bar for some live music and cocktails.

This image looks across the roof of a taxi, complete with its faded yellow roof-top light which says 'TAXI Antananarivo. In the background crowds linger around the outside of a large market © Martin Harvey / Getty Images
Market squares of Antananarivo can be elbow-out affairs, but there are more sedate shopping experiences in the many artisan shops ©Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

Shop the markets and artisan boutiques of Antananarivo

When it comes to shopping in Antananarivo, practicality and style trumps tourist tat. In place of imported magnets and plastic-fantastic ornaments is a sophisticated selection of locally produced handicrafts, textiles, oils and spices – if you know where to look. For an elbows-out experience head to Analakely Market to rake through piles of essentials from secondhand clothes to knock-off trainers. Meanwhile, Village Artisanal d’Andohalo on the edge of Jardin d’Andohalo sells a variety of crafts from woven table mats to jewellery.

Back in Antananarivo’s once-upon-a-time railway station, stylish French-owned boutique Ivahona is a real shopping highlight. It’s stocked with plenty of gifts and chic souvenirs including homewares, scented soaps (Madagascan vanilla, of course) clothing and accessories. Épicerie Fine La Ferme de Morarano is the place to purchase your Madagascan consumables. Whether you’re after organic ylang ylang oil, spices or beauty products, you’ll find it here.

Keep an eye out for ‘Gallery Open’ signs, as many independent studios and galleries, such as Roses & Baobab, can be found around Antananarivo selling local art and sculptures.

This view looks down a gentle gorge from the top of Antananarivo to Lac Anosy in the distance. On the right ride is the historic tower of the Rova ©Patrick Lanto Randriamanampisoa / 500px / Lonely Planet
Antananarivo spreads out below – the views from the top of town are worth the hike up to the Rova © Qazi alfaz /Travelomama


Take in exceptional views

Antananarivo sprawls over two main hillsides, which can make walking around the historic part of the city a bit of a challenge on the legs, but fear not, the repetitive thigh burn is worth it. From the Rova, the city’s sights are spread out in front of you, including pretty Lac Anosy, a WWI memorial, and the much-loved Mahamasina Stadium, where all sorts of public events are held. You also get a sense of how Antananarivo’s notorious traffic snakes its way through neighbourhoods, which give way to suburban rice paddies dotted with smoking kilns endlessly firing bricks.

A self-guided walking tour is the best way to get to grips with the main sights and promises rewarding glimpses in every direction. Head for the oh-so-French area of Haute-Ville, which demands exploration on foot thanks to its crumbling colonial architecture and multiple viewpoints.

A ring tailed lemur sits atop a tree stump in Antananarivo, with greenery in the background. It has a white chest, light grey black and a striped tail of black and white. It's face is white, but there are black circles around its yellow eyes and its mouth © Gennaro Leonardi / EyeEm / Getty Images
A ring-tailed lemur, one of Madagascar’s most famous animal icons © Qazi alfaz /Travelomama

Experience natural attractions

For next-level viewing pleasure, time your visit to Antananarivo with the colourful jacaranda season (typically late October into November). Jacaranda trees line many of the French-conceived boulevards across Tana, and seeing these beauties in bloom is a delight, adding bursts of purple to the city’s slopes, parks and streets.

Welcome to Madagascar.. Madagascar: an island unlike any other

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Qazi Alfaz/Travelomama

Wild World

Madagascar is unique: 5% of all known animal and plant species can be found here, and here alone. The island’s signature animal is the lemur of course, but there are many more weird and wonderful creatures: the eerie-looking fossa (a cat-like predator), colourful and camouflaged chameleons, oddly shaped insects, vivid frogs, graceful rays and turtles, several species of sharks, and humpback whales during the winter months. Trees and plants are just as impressive, be they the distinctively shaped baobabs, the fanning ravinala (travellers’ palm), the hundreds of orchids or the spiny forests of the desert south.

Epic Landscapes

The remarkable fauna and flora is matched by epic landscapes of an incredible diversity: you can go from rainforest to desert in just 300km. Few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature. There are sandstone canyons, limestone karsts, mountains, fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind – rain, dry, spiny – and a laterite-rich soil that gave the country its nickname of ‘Red Island’. With 5000km of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic in places, dangerous in others.

Island Adventures

Making the best of Madagascar can be challenging (and expensive): it is the world’s fourth-largest island and its roads are dismal. For those who relish an adventure, however, this is a one-of-a-kind destination: the off-road driving is phenomenal, there are national parks that only see a few hundred visitors a year, regions that live in autarky during the rainy season and resorts so remote you’ll need a private plane or boat to get there. There are also more activities than you’ll have time for: hiking, diving, mountain biking, kitesurfing, rock-climbing, you name it. Oh, and there are plenty of natural pools, beaches and hammocks on which to recover, too.

Cultural Insights

Madagascar has been populated by successive waves of migrants from various corners of the Indian Ocean. This cultural melting pot has evolved into an intricate set of beliefs and rituals that revere ancestors’ spirits. For travellers, attending a famadihana (traditional exhumation and reburial when relatives can communicate with their forebears) can be the highlight of a trip. There is much history to discover, too, from Antananarivo’s sacred hills to the pirate history of Île Sainte Marie.

Lying in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, the island of Madagascar has evolved in splendid isolation for more than 80 million years; the result is a unique and startling world full of upside-down trees, stone forests and, of course, lemurs.

Join us on a journey through a wildlife-rich destination that never fails to surprise.

The iconic Avenue of the Baobabs is a reminder of how Madagascar used to be before rampant deforestation © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
The iconic Avenue of the Baobabs is a reminder of how Madagascar used to be before rampant deforestation © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

Kirindy and the baobabs

Start your trip in the west with wildlife encounters and a walk among iconic trees

Jean Baptiste strolls cheerfully through the forest, arms swaying, flip-flops flapping. For the past hour, he has led the way through a tangle of paths that each looks identical to the last, pausing to point out brown creatures hidden in the brown undergrowth: a twig-like pencil snake here, a fist-sized land snail there.

It takes some time to locate the lemur he spotted with barely a glance, but after much gesticulating (‘To the left of the fork, down from the second branch, no, not that branch, down further’), there it is: a sportive lemur, its teddy-bear head and goggly brown eyes poking out of a tree hollow. The sighting opens the floodgates to an embarrassment of encounters in the forest of Kirindy.

A tree-dwelling Verreaux's sifaka near Kirindy © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A tree-dwelling Verreaux’s sifaka near Kirindy © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

A few steps on, a black-and-white Verreaux’s sifaka appears far above, swinging between the treetops with the elegance of a trapeze artist, the tiny head of her baby peeking out from the fur of her belly. In a clearing nearby, Jean-Baptiste’s guttural ‘whoop-whoop’ is catnip to a family of red-bellied lemurs, and they soon make their way down from the canopy to inspect their human visitors.

The residents of Kirindy have made their home in the remains of the last dry deciduous forest on Madagascar’s west coast. It supports eight species of lemur – and the one creature in the country whose belly starts to rumble when it spots one. The forest is one of the best places to see the lemurs’ only predator: the endangered fossa.

An endangered fossa, a unique Madagascan species that preys on lemurs @ Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
An endangered fossa, a unique Madagascan species that preys on lemurs @Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

Three of the animals have spent the day in the camp at Kirindy’s ecological research centre. One by one, they slink out from beneath a cabin, stretching and yawning in the sunshine, before hunching down in the dirt. They look like some terrible genetic mix-up between a dog and a weasel, with grey-brown fur, yellow eyes and a tail as long as their bodies. Mamy Ramparany, who manages the centre, would rather they didn’t feel so at home here. ‘One of the major issues for them,’ he says, squatting to check for other fossa beneath the cabin, ‘is the destruction of their habitat through farming and logging. Maybe they come here because they don’t have enough food.’

Mamy watches as the creatures rise and stalk into the forest. ‘That is the challenge of conservation in Madagascar, to work out how people profit from the forest without destroying it,’ he says. ‘But it is an exciting challenge. As long as there are animals left, there is hope.’

The broad-trunked, spindly-topped trees that rise incongruously through the scrubby thicket of Kirindy give some clue to the nature of that challenge. These are baobabs – ‘mothers of the forest’ in Malagasy – and the region was once full of them. Lost to deforestation and agriculture over the centuries, they now commonly stand alone, trunks thick as houses, towering over scorched earth cleared by slash-and-burn.

Mist shrouding the Avenue of the Baobabs at dawn © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
Mist shrouding the Avenue of the Baobabs at dawn © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

Some 25 miles south of Kirindy, the Avenue des Baobabs is a proud reminder of what has been lost. At dawn, a thick mist has settled over the road, and the 20 or so baobabs lining it – some 600 years old – are reduced to murky silhouettes. Farmers emerge through the fog, carrying scythes and axes, and leading zebu cattle, who stop to scratch their flanks on the gnarly bark of the trees. Fires are lit outside mud houses along the road, blackened pots placed over them, ready for a day’s cooking. As the sun rises, the mist seeps away. More traffic appears on the avenue: jeeps on their way to the main town of Morondava, motorbikes with mattresses balanced on the handlebars. By the roadside, revealed for the first time in the morning light, are 10 small enclosures. Inside are frail baobab saplings barely a centimetre thick and half a metre tall – dwarfed by the old trees around them, but a sign of a brighter future nonetheless.

The road to Tsingy

Travel is all part of the adventure in Madagascar, and never more so than on the colourful journey along the bumpy 8a road from Kirindy to the north

‘Apart from its unique biodiversity, Madagascar is also known for its bad roads.’ So says local tour guide Dennis Rakotoson, climbing into the jeep. He is not smiling.

With less than 20 per cent of its road network asphalted, getting from A to B in Madagascar is rarely straightforward. Google Maps will tell you that it’s a three-hour journey from Kirindy up the 8a road to Bekopaka, some 100 miles north. Google Maps is wrong – very, very wrong – but neither does it tell you that a day travelling the route is at least as exciting as a day in the forest with a family of lemurs.

Madagascar 8a road provides a test for even the most battle-hardened vehicles © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
Madagascar’s 8a road provides a test for even the most battle-hardened vehicles ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

For the most part, the 8a is more rutted mud track than road. It soon leaves behind the paddy fields surrounding the Avenue des Baobabs, their neat, green lines ploughed by zebu, trailed by squabbling ducks. The landscape becomes drier, the bushes lining the verge covered in sand thrown up by passing vehicles, as though someone has dumped a bucket of orange powder over them. Large patches of blackened earth still smoulder from recent forest clearings.

In the early morning, kids idle along the 8a on their way to school, kicking footballs in the dust. Women in bright skirts march between villages, bundles of maize or firewood balanced on their heads, and their faces covered in a paste made from tamarind bark, to keep off the sun. Families do their laundry in shallow streams, their clothes drying on the banks, or bump along on wooden carts, behind the camel-like humps and long horns of slow-plodding zebu.

A family on the zebu cart, one of the most reliable means of Madagascan transport © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A family on the zebu cart, one of the most reliable means of Madagascan transport ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

 ‘The Malagasy are very attached to their zebu,’ says Dennis, leaning on the dashboard as the jeep negotiates one of many potholes the size of paddling pools. ‘They are used for transportation and in the fields, of course, but also in rituals, burial ceremonies and medicine. If you rub the oil from their humps into your skin, you will get very strong.’

At the midway point of the journey, the road stops, cut off by the great brown slug of the Tsiribihina River. Jeeps are manoeuvred gingerly down planks onto Heath Robinson-style ferries, seemingly made from random bits of metal roped together. Everyone on board, they chug past people in hand-carved wooden canoes on the hour-long journey to Belo sur Tsiribihina on the opposite bank. By the early afternoon, the town’s market is in full swing, and traders sit beside piles of sweet potatoes, sugarcane, dried red chillies, fried shrimps and fatty zebu humps, waving large flies away from their goods with their hands.

‘The road gets a little worse from here,’ says Dennis, as the 8a heads out of town. It is partially collapsed in places, weaving and dipping a new course around fallen trees and waterlogged craters.

Women pounding rice in a village along the 8a road © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
Women pounding rice in a village along the 8a road ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

As the intense heat of the day starts to fade, activity is stepped up in the roadside villages. Men cut earth into bricks, or scythe reeds for building, while their wives rhythmically pound rice with poles in giant mortars, turkeys waiting expectantly beside them. Children race out to every passing vehicle and peer inside, practising their foreign-language skills with polite requests for pens or bonbons.

By the time the jeep pulls in to the last stop at Bekopaka, via a final river crossing and many stops to let a brightly coloured giant coua bird, herd of goats or nervous chameleon cross the road, the sun has started to set through the mangrove trees. The journey along the 8a has taken over 11 hours, but, perhaps, it wouldn’t be so bad to turn around and do it all again.

Tsingy de Bemaraha

Strap yourself in for a couple of days’ climbing and clambering in Madagascar’s most unusual national park

In Bekopaka, three small boys are attempting to knock mangoes out of a tree with a stick. Around them, jeeps park up beside zebu carts, their passengers leaping out to stretch their legs before heading off to a small office in the village. They are here to book tickets to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, the reason most people travel up the 8a road from Morondava.

The park is split into two sections, Petit and Grand, and the smaller bit lies just beyond the office. Guide Charles Andriasy leads the way in, squeezing through a narrow passage, before issuing a warning: ‘This area is very sacred. There are many tombs in here; you must be respectful to the dead.’ Indeed, the three mango-bothering boys would be discouraged from entering, from the local belief that children might be more likely to encounter a ghost in here.

Some 150 million years ago, the entire region was under the sea; when the water receded, it left behind an otherworldly landscape of limestone spikes and caves, the fossils of long-lost marine animals still visible on their surface. The passing centuries have added new decoration to the rocks: the vines of strangler figs wrap around them and reach into crevices; dark pools of water hide eels and crabs; and the giant cobwebs of golden silk orb-weaver spiders stretch between pinnacles.

A rope bridge spanning a canyon in Unesco-listed Grand Tsingy, the world's biggest 'stone forest' © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A rope bridge spanning a canyon in Unesco-listed Grand Tsingy, the world’s biggest ‘stone forest’ ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

A rope bridge spanning a canyon in Unesco-listed Grand Tsingy, the world’s biggest ‘stone forest’ © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

A series of ropes, ladders and bridges take the visitor through, following a path that twists up, round and over the rocks – from deep hollows that have never seen the sun, to viewing platforms balanced precariously on limestone peaks. Madagascan hoopoes and fish eagles swoop over this spiny grey forest, and Von der Decken’s sifakas, black faces peeking out of white furry coats, bound in, rather more at home among the sharp rocks than their human cousins.

For all the scrambling required to get around Petit Tsingy, it is merely practice for the main event, some 10 miles away in the second part of the park. At Grand Tsingy, Charles adjusts his climbing harness and checks his carabiners before starting off down the trail. It starts, misleadingly, with an easy climb up through the forest, with the calls of far-off sifakas echoing through the trees, and black parrots sailing overhead.

The path comes to an abrupt halt at a cliff, whose summit cannot be seen from the ground. A series of nails is hammered into the rock face all the way up, thick wire strung between them. Charles clips his carabiners to the first wire and pulls himself on to a narrow ledge. It’s a long, slow 60 metres up, attaching and reattaching the carabiners, finding firm footing on slim stone steps hewn into the limestone, and edging across ladders that span fissures in the rock. ‘If you go slowly, slowly, you need not be afraid,’ calls Charles from ahead. ‘Slowly, slowly, and you can see the way in front of you.’ The scale of Grand Tsingy is revealed at the top, with views out over the pinnacles stretching far into the forest. It takes several hours to navigate through the rest of the park, slithering around the rocks, inching over comically creaking rope bridges, descending into vast caves and crawling through tunnels.

Emerging back into the forest with the sun at its highest and fiercest, all is quiet. In the fork of a tree, a lemur fidgets in its sleep, perhaps disturbed by a dream. A female sifaka, arms resting on her knees, long tail hanging through the branches, stares down. She watches for a while, then her orange eyes slowly close. ‘The forest has the right idea,’ says Charles, wiping his brow from the day’s exertion. ‘Siesta time.’

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Get up close and personal with a host of lemurs in the mist-clad rainforests of eastern Madagascar

It’s cold up on the central plateau of Madagascar. Patches of cloud float across hills swathed in eucalyptus, American sweetgum, azalea and magnolia. Hanging from their branches are bloated water droplets, ready to fall with a satisfying poink onto the damp floor. Tree frogs croak and chirp and peep their presence through the drizzle, keeping leaf-tailed geckos and long-limbed spiders company beneath the canopy.

Luc Rajeriosa pushes his way through the undergrowth, stepping through the vines of assorted plants and brushing aside the canoe-sized branches of giant tree ferns. He pauses, pushes his straw hat to the back of his head, and stares into the treetops.

‘They are very far away,’ he whispers, frowning. ‘But still we must be very quiet.’ He plunges into a thicket of bamboo. With every step, his feet sink into the sticky mush of rotting foliage. At the top of a steep hill, he stops again. Within minutes, a high-pitched wail rises up, falls and rises again. More wails join it, as though an orchestra of musicians with broken trumpets has set up within the forest.

The territorial call of the indri, Madagascar's largest primate, can carry for more than a mile through the rainforest © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
The territorial call of the indri, Madagascar’s largest primate, can carry for more than a mile through the rainforest ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

‘Now you hear the song of the indri,’ says Luc, and looks once more into the treetops. Three silhouetted balls are coiled in the upper branches. Limbs appear from furry bodies, and the indri take shape: black feet and hands, white legs and arms, round ears framing a black face, and a long black tail. The three creatures – a male, female and their baby – start grooming in the fine rain, picking at each others’ coats with bony fingers. The male launches itself into a neighbouring tree, and his family soon join him. They swing off through the branches, and disappear.

‘The local people here will not harm the indri,’ says Luc, moving off in slow pursuit. ‘It is taboo. We call them babakoto – father of man. The belief is that one day, long ago, the indri saved a small boy lost in the forest. For that, we will always care for them.’

The indri is the largest primate in Madagascar (the giant lemur, the size of a silverback gorilla, has been extinct for some 600 years). Up to 70 family groups live in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, and the rainforest regularly sings with their territorial calls, the sound travelling for more than a mile. It is somewhat trickier to see them, but Andasibe has other distractions should a sighting prove elusive.

A diademed sifaka with her baby in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A diademed sifaka with her baby in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

A diademed sifaka with her baby in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

There are fuzzy-faced, ginger-limbed diademed sifakas, which can only be found in this part of the country; the alien forms of giraffe weevils, heads carried on spindly necks four times the length of their red bodies; fluffy bamboo lemurs stripping leaves off their namesake plants; and Malagasy tree boas wrapped around the trunks of palisander trees, blue tongues flicking beneath black eyes.

Luc is not a man to be swayed from his almost reverential search for the babakoto though, despite several hours scrambling through the forest. ‘I am like the indri,’ he says, emerging briefly into sunlight at the banks of a small lake. ‘I need to be in the forest every day.’ He turns back into the undergrowth, and is soon lost from sight.

Pangalanes Canal

Time to wind down with a lazy meander along leafy canals and beach-lined lakes, looking out for the elusive aye-aye

The half-moon casts a silver light through the forest. Fireflies blink amongst the trees, their branches casting black shadows that warp and wave in the wind. There is no sound but for the faint shushing of the Indian Ocean hitting the shore nearly a mile away. There is a sudden rustle, and a dark shape appears on a nearby tree. The torch beam swings up and reveals a tree rat. It looks back in surprise, then scuttles off.

The curious-looking, nocturnal aye-aye was once thought to be extinct in the wild © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
The curious-looking, nocturnal aye-aye was once thought to be extinct in the wild © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

The curious-looking, nocturnal aye-aye was once thought to be extinct in the wild © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Tree rats are not why people come here. There is a long wait in the darkness for the main attraction. When it comes, it comes silently, a monster creeping out from the shadows in a nightmare. One second it is not there, the next second it is: a strange mess of red, crossed eyes; patchy fur; enormous, scruffy black ears; crooked teeth; and rasping breath. Its long fingers scrabble into a coconut, scraping out flesh and noisily poking it into its mouth.

The unfortunate-looking aye-aye was once so rare it was thought to be extinct. The species is still on the endangered list, and is protected here, on a small island reserve in eastern Madagascar. ‘People used to kill the aye-aye,’ says skipper Faro Razafimanantena, pushing off from the island in his long boat. ‘They believed if you saw one in the wild, it was a sign of danger. People thought they would not live long afterwards.’

A wooden pirogue floats down a channel of the Pangalanes Canal system © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A wooden pirogue floats down a channel of the Pangalanes Canal system ©Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

A wooden pirogue floats down a channel of the Pangalanes Canal system © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

The wild appearance of the aye-aye does not in any way match the decidedly un-creepy surroundings of its home in the Pangalanes system, a series of natural and man-made waterways that stretches for 400 miles along the coast. Built in the 19th century, the canals still hum with activity. At dawn, wide-bottomed cargo boats travel up to the main town of Toamasina laden with charcoal, wood and the leaves of the fan-shaped ravenala tree. Fishermen paddle out to their traps in wooden pirogues, pulling up nets to check for tilapia fish. A flash of orange and blue reveals competition for one catch in the form of a Madagascar kingfisher.

‘To get anywhere, to do anything, you go by boat,’ says Faro, his hand on the outdoor motor as his craft skims along the smooth waters of a narrow channel, the vegetation on its banks perfectly mirrored below. ‘All business here is done on water.’ He shouts hello to women sitting in the shallows, scrubbing tin pans while their kids splash about nearby. Smoke drifts through the trees from the villages behind them, where freshwater shrimps are roasted over the fire.

A brilliantly coloured Madagascar kingfisher is one of countless animals that thrive in this system of man-made waterways © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
A brilliantly coloured Madagascar kingfisher is one of countless animals that thrive in this system of man-made waterways © Qazi Alfaz / Travelomama

‘I like exploring,’ continues Faro, as he steers the boat down another passage, its banks bursting with prehistoric-looking screwpine trees. ‘Nothing is better than the freedom of being outdoors.’ The canals give way to wide rivers, the water turning choppy, and eventually to broad lakes, their banks lined with sandy beaches. Lemurs sometimes come to the edge to drink, but there’s no sign of them today; only a heron that launches off from the stump of a eucalyptus and up over the trees. The skies are preparing for a showstopper of a sunset, throwing pinks, mauves and golds onto the waters of the lake.

If, as local superstition supposes, a glimpse of an aye-aye means death is soon to come, it feels very far off tonight.

MEDAN The booming city of Medan, capital of North Sumatra, is an economic hub and commercial centre for the region.

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MEDAN

The booming city of Medan, capital of North Sumatra, is an economic hub and commercial centre for the region. This is the largest city in Sumatra Island, whose long been attracting residents from all over Indonesia to come and stay here. Due to these ethnic diversities, Medan are known for scrumptious delectable culinary spots, rich with many flavours . Bolu Meranti is a kind of rolled sponged cake with various butter cream choices that has become one of the famous snacks in town along with Bika Ambon Zulayka. Medan is also one busy metropolis, so you’ll need to be patient with some traffic jams. Noisy minibuses and becak compete with taxis and motorbikes for space and action through the crowds and heat.

Feel the Authenticity

Visit the Maimoon Palace to witness a glimpse of the royal heritage. Retreat to the soothing ambiance of the highlands to visit Lake Toba and the Samosir Island. Berastagi, famous for abundant fruits and flowers, is also the place to visit near Medan. Taste the Durian fruit or cake and the sweet passionfruit known as Markisa, that also comes in syrup bottles to mix as beverages. Visit the local market and splurge on many kinds of fresh picked local products. Find your way to amazing waterfalls and hot water springs to unwind.

medan
Medan

 

 

Get Here

The city of Medan will welcome you who travel by air at the Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). Located in the Deli Serdang Regency, about 2 hours drive from Medan. The new Airport  was  opened in 2013 to replace the 85 years old Polonia Airport, that was getting too close to the city.
You can also get to Medan by sea  from Penang (Malaysia). Passenger  ships also operate  between Medan and Jakarta.

 

Get Around

In Medan you can choose public bus, taxi or becak to get around. The local minibuses or Sudako are basic and cheap. Only use these if you have a bit of Bahasa Indonesian up your sleeve so you wont miss your destination stop.
The noisy becak is a tiny two stroke engine vehicle which is a cheap, though often nerve wrecking way to get around. Agreed on a price with the driver before you get in.
Taxi’s are a cheap and convenient way to get around. Make sure you use a metered cab or if not, make agreement on your destination and price before getting in.