Maharajas’ Express: Chugging along in style

A beautiful gleaming carriage straight out of ancient India; just step into it and discover a larger than life world inside. Experience the opulent interiors with antique furniture, a brightly lit ceiling and a turbaned guard welcoming you. You can now forget everything about the rest of the world and taste pure luxury even as you chug along some of the country’s best destinations.

Since its inception of Maharajas’ Express in 2010, the well heeled traveller has got a wonderful new haunt in India.  It is no less than a palatial hotel on wheels. In just two years of its launch, the response to this luxury train has been so encouraging that its makers Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introduced five new pan-India journeys for the seasons 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Every moment spent on this luxury train is a celebration. The journeys make you explore royal palaces, majestic forts, classic havelis, captivating traditional bazaars, exciting elephant rides, camel safaris, jungle safaris, colourful local festivals, and magical desert camps, scintillating cultural evenings, unforgettable campfires, exotic local cuisines, tranquil boat rides, astonishing caves, unique temples, awe-inspiring monuments and much more. Indeed, the flavours of a royal life come alive onboard the Maharajas’ Express. 

The five-star hotel on wheels, Maharajas’ express, is all equipped with contemporary amenities too, and yet embellished with inspirations from India’s rich and exotic past. Its carriages resemble the personal saloons of rulers and viceroys of British India. The 23 coaches include five carriages, two suite carriages, and a grand Presidential carriage. All the carriages have been named after precious stones. All amenities are infused with luxury. These include attached bathrooms and plasma TVs in each cabin and a lounge on board, besides the pleasures of a well-stocked bar – The Rajah Club, thus providing the perfect blend of the past and the present for unsurpassed luxury on the move.  No wonder the train has earned many laurels in the international tourism market in just two years of its inception. It bagged the 1st Runner up award in the Conde Nast readers choice travel award 2011 and is also the winner of CNBC travel award 2010 under category of “Best Luxury train”!

The train welcomes you to the world of traditional Rajasthani hospitality. It makes you forget your worries in this beautiful and comfortable mini castle on the move whose warm hospitality and splendour will linger in your minds forever. So pack your bags and travel on this ultimate luxury train to enjoy the charming and the exquisite Indian warmth, savour the royal cuisines and enjoy the beautiful off-train excursions. No doubt, you would fall in love with your journey onboard Maharajas’ Express!

Airport Guide to Belfast International Airport

Belfast international airport is Ireland’s second busiest airport after Dublin. The airport is considered the gateway to Belfast, a city known to have a troubled past. Easily accessible from Northern Ireland and a ferry trip away from England, there are many ways of travelling to and from Belfast airport using various modes of transport.  With Belfast becoming a popular travel destination for weekend breaks, there are also a lot of  European carriers  which provide huge discount on airline tickets for various destination.

The airport provides facilities for business, disabled and children travelers. Those who wish to drive to the airport find the route easily accessible because of different signs posted on the roads. These are the different ways of reaching Belfast airport.

·         Car: Travelling to airport by car is considered a convenient option. If you have a personal car then there are a lot of cheap parking options available at the airport, else you can always hire a car.

·         Train: You can also travel by train. Nearest services operate from Antrim which is six miles from the Belfast international airport. If you want to travel to Dublin, then you can choose express train from the Belfast station.

·         Coach: You can also reach the Belfast airport from national express which operates throughout UK and is also considered a reliable option. For detailed information on its timings and services, you can also check their website.

·         Taxi: Travelling by taxi is convenient and fast but is considered a tad expensive when compared to other options. There are more than 250 companies that offer taxi services to Belfast and its surrounding areas.

By housing many low cost carriers (Easy jet, Thomas Cook etc), Belfast is trying hard to establish itself as a prominent travel destination especially for short vacations and going by the response, the plan certainly seems to have worked.

Exploring Europe with Pegasus Airlines

Historic, vibrant, romantic and mystical, when it comes to a vacation of a lifetime, not much places can beat Europe. Explore some of the most romantic cities in the world including Paris, London, Vienna, Venice and Rome. Visit millennium old historic monuments such as the Acropolis, the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Stonehenge. Relax and sunbath in the gorgeous beaches of Skiathos. Indulge in pure holiday shopping in Paris, London and Madrid. A vacation in Europe will leave you breathless. 

When it comes to exploring this amazing continent, Pegasus Airlines serves as an excellent choice. One of Europe’s most favorite low cost airlines, Pegasus Airlines has always been popular among budget travelers. With Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Istanbul as its main hub, Pegasus Airlines flies to some of the hottest destinations in Europe. The best part about exploring Europe with Pegasus Airlines is you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune.

Here is a list of places you can visit and activities you can pursue when planning your Europe vacation with Pegasus Airlines. 

Travel Back in Time in Athens

Fall in love with the mystical history of Athens. Athens’s is one of the most historic cities in the planet and exploring this city will take you on a trip back in time. Visit the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre built around 161 AD. Enjoy browsing world-class museums such as the National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum and the Numismatic Museum. Athens is a haven for history buffs.

Pure Holiday Shopping in Milan

Indulge in a pure holiday shopping this vacation in Milan. A city swarmed with world-class shopping areas, filled with some of the biggest names in fashion, it’s not a wonder why Milan has always been a favorite among shopaholics. Shoppers head straight to Quadrilatero d’Oro, Milan’s main shopping area and home to brands like Ralf Lauren, Prada, Kalvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Valentino and Armani, just to name a few. Visit during January and July, when the stores gives out huge discounts.

 

A Romantic Getaway in Paris

Rated as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris attracts couples from across the globe to celebrate their love and add more spark to their relationship. For couples, Paris had myriad of activities to offer, right from leisurely stroll along the banks of Seine and catching an action packed horse race at the Hippodrome de Longcham to a guided bicycle tour of the city. For nightlife, you and your beloved with have some of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Do make sure to enjoy a night out at the Altitude 95 restaurant, nested in Eiffel Tower. Paris also happens to be the home to the luxurious Hotel Le A, Hôtel Ritz and the Four Seasons Hotel George V, which are known for offering the best of modern day luxury and comfort perfectly blended with traditional hospitality.

About the Author: Gaurav works for OneTravel.com, an online travel company famous for the cheap flights deals it offers.

Top Outdoor wedding venues in Kenya

Imagine an open setting, with lovely roses, daffodils, and purple forget-me-not flowers growing nearby, well mowed grass, cool gentle breeze whizzing by, and lovely trees in the near distance. Accompany that with the sound of sweet music and wedding bells. Your dream wedding’s setting. The best place to exchange your wedding vows. Well, there are so many lovely gardens in Kenya where this can happen.

The Zen Gardens, located in spring’s valley in Nairobi, are luxuriant gardens with cascading water features, making them a perfect venue for a romantic wedding. The tropical atmosphere, several ponds, plants creeping around the walkways that welcome guest adds to the touch of class. In addition, there are three restaurants, each offering something unique to clients.

The Safari park hotel is situated along Thika road, a short distance from Nairobi’s CBD. There is open 50 acre area of green parkland, with sparkling water gardens, and artificial waterfalls, offering a magnificent and scenic setting. The hotel also has ballrooms, restaurants, honeymoon suites, and offer a variety of wines and menus. There is also an in-house band with dancers. The hotel can cater for the services, leaving you to enjoy your big day.

The Windsor golf club and country club is located in the green and leafy suburbs, just a few minutes drive from Nairobi’s CBD. The whole setting is enclosed by green coffee bushes and an indigenous forest in the distance. There is also the magnificent view of Mount Kenya from afar. This will be accompanied by the lovely singing of birds I the distance. There is a hotel, restaurants and a pool. The vast open grounds are all green and well mowed, as they host golf tournaments.

The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the leafy Karen suburb, in the outskirts of Nairobi a distance of 10km. the farm around rests at the foot of the Ngong hills. The grounds were the setting of the shooting of the movie ‘Out of Africa’. The place is serene, has a touch of nature at its best, has cool air and is good for an outdoor wedding event.

Imagine exchanging wedding vows in the African Jungle. Yes, the Nairobi safari walk presents the ideal place to hold a wedding in the breath taking scenery of a game park. It is located a few kilometers from Nairobi’s CBD, next to the Nairobi National Park, the only park in the city that is next to a major city.

The Kenyan coast also has lots of lovely beaches where lovers can have the day of their life next to the blue ocean waters, under the lovely coconut palms on the white sand and in the sound of the waves. The Diani beach resort is one of the best places to experience this dream start to your marriage. 

Read more on Honeymoon places in Kenya

Find the perfect hotel in Goa

When it comes to choosing the perfect luxury holiday in Goa, it is difficult but you can find more luxrurious, comfortable and enjoyable hotel on on-line. One of the most famous beach destinations in the world today, Goa has made it to the list of the foremost tourist destinations in India, especially when it comes to entertainment. The kingdom of Goa is one of the coolest and terrifying place in India. There are innumerable hotels in Goa that offer an amazing atmosphere, delectable treats and comfort. Mostly hotels and resorts are offering casinos for his customers. tourist can easily find an online casinos offers and promotions that are currently available and how to effectively benefit from it. If you want know more information about the bonuses then you can also see the game here.
Many people prefer staying in a stylish Gon resorts like Blue Coast or the Majorda Beach Resort. Here, you feel rejuvenated when the environment is very quiet. The hotels offer you wonerful hospitality and the goa cuisine from the restaurant will maker you ask for more. These hotels are not bad at all, and they provide convenient spaces.You can find all the modern facilities such as telephone, fax and TV room and happy fruits .These hotels also have business facilities as well.

Museums in Kenya

For tourists in Kenya who wish to learn more about Kenya’s history and culture, there are very many museums around the country to visit.  The museums are open to the public, and have galleries that display artifact, exhibits, photos, ornaments, animals, birds and many other items that tell much about Kenya as a country and her people. A small fee is charged for visitors.

Lamu museum is located in Lamu town, one of the world heritage sites. It got the title for being the oldest Swahili town that has remained the same. It is set on a pristine and scenic environment. The Lamu town is isolated and has so narrow streets that cars are not allowed. The main form of transport is walking, donkey riding and boat riding. The museum is housed ion the Lamu Fort, whose construction began in 1813. The fort has seen many years of war and acted as a sanctuary during the battles. By 1900, the fort had become a central figure which the town identified.

Also at the Kenyan coast is the Malindi museum. The museum is housed by a 19^th century building that is situated along the sea front. It has two stories, and its roof is covered with tiles. The walls are made of plaster, over coral in lime mortar and bas beautifully carved Bujani doors. Currently, the museum displays temporary exhibitions. It is also an information centre, rich with resources that visitors will need about Malindi.

The Gede ruins are the remains of an ancient town in the coast, which was of Swahili culture. It dates back in the 12th century, but was rebuilt sometimes in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. It shows remains of a mosque, palace, and houses. There is also a well outside the mosque. The ruins are now a monument in Kenya and the area around is an archaeological site. There is the Gede indigenous forest nearby and it is a sacred place where the local communities conduct traditional ritual and prayer ceremonies.

The hyrax hill museum is located in Nakuru and it depicts the nomadic and seasonal lifestyle of the people who existed there thousands of years ago. It is located in a former farmhouse, and contains artifacts from the Hyrax hill site and other sites in the rift Valley. The hill gets its name from hyraxes, which are found in large populations around the area. The museum is rich in archaeological information and exhibits, some of them dating back to the Neolithic period.

 

While at it, Tourists can also be treated to other activities such as golf safari in kenya, Mount Kenya climbing, Nairobi and Mombasa excursions, sight seeing and many other activities.