Top 10 Places to Visit in Asia

Asia is the biggest continent in the entire earth. There are several countries in Asia, which are famous for something or the other. Most of the Asian countries are famous for their rich cultural heritage and also some of the world's most famous recreational spots. Each Asian country is unique in its own way. The tradition that extends far and wide Asia is definitely not the same. This is one good reason why Asia remains an enigma to most of us till today. This is probably why people from all over the world find so much pleasure in touring this continent exclusively.

1. 
   Taj Mahal, Agra: This is definitely a place that everyone knows about. In fact, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is a monument that is known to depict love and there is a lot more to love. The beauty of this monument lies in the way that it is constructed. It feels as if this monument indicates the fact that love is very pure. It is definitely a must-watch place.


2. 
   Gunung Mulu National Pake, Sarawak: The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest. These caves are an eye-opener. You can see the amazing caves that open their way out to a whole new world that consists of several species living in them.


3. 
   Bali: Bali is an amazing place when you are considering a spiritual tour. It is a very beautiful place and Batubulan is one village that is famous for the carvings that are made of fine stone. Bali is also very famous for its rich ineffable culture. Bali is famous for its mystical temples, colourful festivals, unique arts and crafts. It is voted as the world's favourite island destination by influential travel magazines.


4. 
   Lombok: This is an island that is right beside Bali. It is definitely the best place for a vacation and also for wind surfing. If you are considering a stay cool vacation, then this is the best choice. Lombok is less crowded than Bali making it popular with tourist and honeymooners who want uncrowded atmosphere, with many "hidden beaches".


5. 
   Phuket: This is an island that is very popular for the islands and beaches. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why Thailand is preferable for enjoying nature and the most beautiful places of nature. Phuket was voted one of the World's Top 5 retirement destinations by the acclaimed Fortune Magazine. The most favourite spot for Phuket is the Phuket Beach.


6. 
   Ha Long Bay: This bay is situated in the Hanoi and has about a whopping 3000 islands that seem to have risen of the Gulf Tonkin. This is a nature's treat and you will love the beauty that is defined in these islands naturally. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its outstanding aesthetic value and geological and geomorphological value.


7. 
   Angkor Wat: This is the biggest temple that is ever constructed in this entire world. The architecture of this temple building is a sight to see. This is definitely a recreational spot. This is a Hindu temple constructed by King Suryavarman II during the 12th century. It is a great historical place and carries some historical significance and also relates to the Hindu Mythology.


8. 
   The Great Wall of China: As we all know, this is also one among the Seven Wonders of the World. This masterpiece was constructed over 2000 years ago. This is supposed to be the sole building project that is so large and has been completed successfully. The wall stretches for 8,851.8 km. If you visit China, this is a must place to visit.


9. 
   he Forbidden City: This was one of China's imperial Kingdoms. This kingdom was fully functional from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Now it is transformed into a Palace Museum. You can look out for some beautiful art work of this monument and it definitely has that aura that the kingdoms were bound to have. It is the perfect historical place to visit.


10. 
    Tokyo DisneyLand: This is one of the best recreational spots and also makes your journey worthwhile since the entertainment you get here is immeasurable. It was the first Disney park to be built outside of US. You must visit Cinderella Castle if you go to Disneyland as it is the icon of Tokyo Disneyland.

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Islands of Thailand

If Kashmir is popular as the 'Paradise on Earth', the islands of Thailand, particularly in the southern end, are not lagging far behind - they are famous as the "Island Paradise". This is not for nothing. All this is attributed to the charming seaside and temperate humid atmosphere as well as distinctive and exceptionally comforting existence of the islands of Thailand drawing tourists from across the globe. These isles offer the vacationers an ideal change from their mundane, but hectic routine urbane lifestyles to a world of peace and tranquility.

At an initial glance all islands of Thailand may appear to be the same to the vacationers seeking freedom from their habitual city life. They appear to be the same - enjoyable humid tropical isles. But, when one descends on any of these 'Paradise Islands', they gradually, but without doubt realize the difference. As one gets familiar with the isles and the surroundings, they appreciate that each of these islands are as different and unique as the individual tourists. A visit to these 'Paradise Islands' is indeed a revelation - both inwards and outwards.

Significantly, while the expenses of vacationing in several of these 'Paradise Islands' is very high, while others are not. In most of these isles you can negotiate the cost of your stay. Each of these islands is different - some are tranquil, while others offer stimulating and exhilarating nightlife events. On the other hand, a few of these isles are ideal destinations for divers, while others offer innumerable opportunities to trekkers. Like all individualistic tourists to this nation, Thailand's islands too are different in character and spirit. Believe it or not, islands in Thailand have it all - from the absolute filthy seaside to the ridiculously gorgeous beaches. They also offer an assortment of lodging facilities - from huts offering nothing more than a blanket to elite and lavish resorts suiting everyone's taste and budget.

If one moves further south, he will come across the Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan islands that are not only sizable, vivacious, and also attractive. Of the two, Koh Samui is a business center with its impressive malls and the hotels there are dearer too. Pha-Ngan, on the other hand, is famous as a party island and a place to sight the full moons, half moons and black moons. The Phuket that has been hit adversely by the tsunami too is nearby.

All said and done, the best thing about the islands in Thailand is that here you can visit all the beaches; enjoy the parties and nightlife without a hole in your pocket. The best way to enjoy a vacation in the Thailand islands is to select a small isle, away from the more commercialized ones, and enjoy the scenery and serenity without the modern day technologies.

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Some Thai Food Has Six Legs

Many people enjoy Thai food worldwide: spicy soups and salads, flavorful rice dishes are abundant. But in Thailand, fried or roasted insects and scorpions are also popular, readily available, and inexpensive.

Insects have traditionally been a rich source of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals in the Northern Thailand diet. They are also prized as delicacies. In fact, it is unusual to find an insect which is not eaten in one form or another by local people. Among the most popular are:

o cicadas, locusts, mantises, crickets, and grasshoppers which are all deep fried and are rather crunchy;

o bamboo worms, which are also deep fried;

o giant water bugs, which are steamed; they are also ground into a paste with chili and eaten with sticky rice;

o weaver ants (red ants with a painful bite) and their eggs; sticky rice is dipped into a mixture of ants, eggs, and chili;

o dung beetles; which add a wholesome flavor to curries; however, many people will not eat them because they live in and on excrement.

In addition, Thai people will eat

o the pupae of silk moths and other moths and butterflies; you must first remove the pupae from their cocoons, then boil them until soft with a pinch of salt, finally sautée them lightly;

o the larvae of wasps and bees; these are deep-fried;

and arachnids:

o poisonous scorpions, which are grilled;

o giant tarantulas, which are also grilled.

I have not seen other spiders eaten, but I suspect if it moves, it is considered food somewhere.

Also, termites (large white ants) are grilled and their eggs are a delicacy used to make a flavorful soup.

Where I lived in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 4, every night starting around 5:00 PM, there was a street vendor with half a dozen kinds of fried and grilled insects and scorpions; her customers were mainly the bar girls in the area. Every night she was quite busy as the girls consider these insects a tasty snack, and munch on them as frequently as Western people munch on potato chips.

The lady vendor does not speak any English, but will pose with her wares for a photograph if you give her a 20 baht (about 60 cents) tip. And if you're brave, you could always buy a bag of deep fried bamboo worms.

About the Author:
Doug Anderson is a retired Canadian programmer. He first visited Thailand in 1988 and has been back many times since.
More information about Thailand at Thai Culture Publishing
Also see Photography Help! for tips and techniques to help you learn digital photography.

Defy Gravity at the Magnetic Hill

Would you ever imagine the movement of your vehicle up a steep mountain, with its ignition off, at a speed of 20 km per hour? Visit the snow desert of Ladakh to believe it. Located in the outskirts of the 'Little Tibet', the miraculous Magnetic Hill defies all the laws of gravity. The magnetic hill is situated at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level, about 25 km from Leh, on the Leh-Kargil-Batalik national highway and is bordered by the Indus river. The hill is so full of magnetized iron that it has the power to pull any vehicle in its vicinity towards itself. You can see the vehicles not only moving without the engine being turned on, but also defying gravity by climbing uphill.

If this is not enough, the hill has the capability to give a jerk to even helicopters and aircrafts . According to the local people and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnels, the helicopters and aircrafts have to fly at a faster speed while crossing the region to avoid the magnetic impact of the hill. If any aircraft comes within the radius of Magnetic Hill at a slower speed, it starts to jerk.

Apart from this key attraction, the region is visited for colourful hills and mountains. These snow laded hills of the Himalayan region bear different colours (like white, gray, green, red or orange) in different seasons. A few kilometers down the road is Gurdwara Pather Sahib, a Sikh holy shrine, which is maintained by the Indian Army.

Some call the powers of the magnetic hill merely an optical illusion, which has nothing to do with magnetic fields, electricity or unknown forces. They believe that the layout of the surrounding land produces an optical illusion of making a slight downhill slope appear to be an uphill slope. Whatever it is, the legendary powers of the Magnetic Hill draw countless people to the wonderland of Ladakh.

Go through the Ladakh travel Guide and plan a wonderful holiday with your desired adventure travel company in India. The magnetic hill, set amidst the snow desert in Ladakh, offers you the best of attraction of your Ladakh tourism.

Facts and Beautiful Places to Visit in Lucknow

history of Lucknow, tourist spots, Asafi Imambara, St. Joseph's Cathedral in Lucknow, Parks in Lucknow, Kukrail Reserve Forest, natural attractions

Body: Lucknow is a city in India. It is the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh and the most populated state in the country. This city has an estimated 2.5 million inhabitants as of the 2006 census report. The city of Lucknow is also the administrative headquarters of both the Lucknow division and the Lucknow district. This city is also among the "Minority Concentrated District in India" according to the Indian government due to the 2001 census report on socio-economic factors, basic amenities, and population.

The City of Lucknow is located in the historical region of Awadh. It has always been one of the few multi-cultural cities in India. The people in India have courtly manners, poetry, music, fine cuisine and beautiful gardens supported by the Persian loving people of Shia Nawabs in Nagpur. These attributes earned them respect throughout the South Asian History and Culture as well as with students and Indians.

This city is also known as The City of the Nawabs. Aside from this, it is also often regarded as The Golden City of the East. Some other names of the city include The Constantinople of India and The Shiraz-I-Hind.

Present day Lucknow showcases a vibrant city that witnessed its own economic boom. It is now one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the country. Furthermore, it is in the heart of the Urdu and the Hindi literature. It is even the 2nd biggest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh state.

Places to see in Lucknow

First, there is the famous Asafi Imambara This place is more known as the Bara Imambara. This site along with two others, Shah Najaf and Chota Imambara, are deemed as different monuments of architectural importance to the city. The Asafi Imambara complex caters to the widely-known Bhul Bhulaiyan or the Labyrinth. Other interesting places are the Chattar Manzil, Lucknow Zoo, Picture Gallery and State Museum along with the Dilkusha, Planetarium, Shaheed Smarak, Ram Krishna Math and Baradari.

The architectural infrastructure in Lucknow built by the British during their colonization includes the Clock Tower, Vidhan Sabha or the Legislative Assembly State and the Railway Station of Charbagh. They are also the ones responsible for distinctive pillars, arches and domes in the region.

St. Josephs Cathedral - This church is living proof that the city became the home of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Lucknow.

Old schools such as the La Martiniere Lucknow, Colvin Taluqdars College and Loreto Convent Lucknow are all scattered throughout the city. The Amiruddaula Islamia Inter-College is about 100 years old. It is still existent and perhaps it is the oldest school in Lucknow at this time.

Lucknow has many beautiful parks. It attracts a large number of people, especially during the holidays, evenings and weekends. Bigger parks include the Swarn Javanti Park, Indiranagas Aurobindo Park and the Gomti Nagars Ambedkar Lohia and Memorial Park. Other parks near the city include the Dilkusha Park, Globe Park and the Haathi Park along with the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Mukherjee Phuhaas, Neebu Park and Buddha Park. The National Botanical Garden in Sikandarbagh along the Gomti Riverbanks is also a must-see destination for all tourists and vacationers.

The Kukrail Reserve Forest is visited mostly by nature and adventure lovers. This is the location of the citys very special forest that houses great picnic sites. It can also be used as the Center of Gharial rehabilitation. Other picnic spots in Lucknow include Utretia and Moosa Bagh.

Other natural attractions are in easy range from the city, like the Dudwa National Park, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary and the Nawabganji Bird Sanctuary.

For more information on Lucknow and Lucknow Online Hotels, please visit our website.

Understanding Travel Insurance For Sports and Hazardous Activities

Would your travel insurance policy cover you if you fell off an elephant while on holiday in Phuket? Well, maybe - but there could be a reduction in the available benefits. However, if you were on a holiday which included trekking by camel or elephant you would not be covered because the activity would be classified as 'non-incidental.' Confused yet? The subject of travel insurance for 'hazardous activities' can be very complicated!

Many travel insurance policies automatically cover for 'incidental' activities. The term 'incidental basis' means that your participation in an activity is on a casual, fortuitous, occasional, or minor basis. In contrast, sports tours or activity holidays; for example, a week's white water rafting on the Colorado River is considered non-incidental.

The term 'hazardous activity' for insurance purposes generally means any activity where it is recognized that there is an increased risk of injury or it can be reasonably expected to exacerbate an existing medical condition.

You should be covered to participate in an activity such as canoeing, hot air ballooning, camel riding, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, horse riding or snorkeling on a limited basis but not in excess, i.e. a planned adventure holiday where you would be participating in the activity on a daily basis.

For incidental activities which are considered more dangerous, such as abseiling or playing amateur rugby, claims resulting from these activities could mean a reduction in the amount of personal accident benefit and an increase in the 'excess' for medical expenses.

Another group might include activities considered dangerous which you would participate in on a regular basis, i.e. 'non-incidental.' Claims relating to these activities are also likely to be subject to a reduction in the amount of personal accident cover and an increase in the excess for medical expenses. These activities might include cycling (touring), pony trekking, safaris, and sailing holidays.

Sports, which include racing of any type (except on foot), would usually have to be approved in advance. The same would apply to activities such as: mountaineering (while using ropes), potholing, hang-gliding, caving, micro-lighting, motor racing, and parachuting (other than a solo or tandem jump) in excess of one jump and bungee jumping (in excess of one jump). Motorcycling may be covered provided an additional premium is paid, but is often subject to restrictions such as riding your own motorcycle up to a certain engine size, and not including any type of racing. Your travel insurance policy will not cover for professional sporting activities and you cannot work (paid or unpaid) as a guide or instructor to others.

Most travel insurance policies will contain a clause in their General Exclusions section regarding 'willful exposure to danger or peril' (unless in an attempt to save human life). The onus is on you to exercise reasonable care to prevent illness, injury, or loss or damage to your property. In other words - you should always act as if you are not insured and not tempt fate!

When it comes to winter sports, you do not normally have automatic coverage with your travel insurance policy and will need to pay an additional premium. Most winter sports policies do not cover for anything other than normal skiing and boarding activities. Dangerous activities such as ski jumping, heli-skiing, ski acrobatics, freestyle skiing, ski racing or training, ice hockey, and bobsledding would be excluded unless pre-approved. Exclusions would also apply to offpiste skiing in areas designated as unsafe by the resort management.

Travel insurance policies can vary a lot so if you should be offered free insurance or ludicrously cheap insurance it would be wise to check and see what it actually covers! You may find, for instance, that there will be no liability cover under certain circumstances or for certain activities. You may be covered for some potentially hazardous activities - but only if you remain within certain limited guidelines for that activity.

It is up to the underwriter whether they decide to provide cover for any unusual type of risk. You would need to contact the travel insurance company in advance to discuss any potentially hazardous activities. In some cases, you may be able to obtain cover, but only after payment of an additional premium or an amendment to the policy. If in doubt - always ask first. It will be difficult, it not impossible, to find a company which will add cover for a hazardous activity to your policy once you are on holiday. If you should find yourself in this position, it would be wise to avoid the activity - or attempt to purchase insurance where you are.

Are you less confused now? Imagine you are on holiday in Egypt. You decide to go on a camel ride. You fall off and break your leg. Would your travel insurance cover you? Depending on your particular policy, the insurance should cover you - because your participation in the activity was on an incidental basis!

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer travel insurance at great prices online.

What Are the Most Commonly Used Golf Putting Grips?

When it comes to selecting a golf putting grip, you will find that there are more variations and preferences to choose from than in any other area of golf. The key to successful putting starts with a good solid golf putting grip, and one that feels comfortable and enables you to produce a consistent and reliable stroke.

Below I have covered what I feel are the most commonly used golf putting grips. So if you are looking for a change or are new to the game, I would recommend trying them out and find one that feels comfortable and right.

The Reverse Overlap:

This is probably the most common of golf putting grips - place both hands on the putter next to each other (left hand above) with the thumbs on top of the grip pointing downwards. Then wrap the index finger of the left hand so it is covering the fingers of the right hand, this ensures that they are connected and can work as one unit.

The Cross-handed:

This is basically the reverse of the traditional Reverse Overlap - so you would place both hands on the putter, but this time with the right hand above the left, again, both thumbs on top of the grip pointing down the shaft and the wrap the index finger of the right hand so it is covering the fingers of the left hand, the advantage of this putting grip is that the left hand is less likely to collapse in the forward stroke.

The Two Fingers Down:

This golf putting grip is a variation of the Reverse Overlap - so following the same set up but this time the index finger of the right hand will be placed on and pointing down the side of putter grip.

The Split Handed:

This is where the hands are placed apart from each other on the putting grip, you can alternate which hand goes on top. With this grip the fingers of the top hand should be touching the forearm of the lower hand to ensure they are working as one unit. Again, the advantage of this putting grip is that the left hand is less likely to collapse in the forward stroke.

Why not continue to improve your golfing abilities by visiting my Start Golf Today! site, for more FREE Golf Instruction, Tips and Advice! Please also take a moment visit my Golf Putting Solutions Blog, to take your golf putting to the next level!