Must See Places to visit in West Bengal

West Bengal, the land with rich natural beauty and cultural heritage, is visited by thousands of tourists each year. The beautiful Indian state is located in East India. West Bengal is known worldwide for rich cultural heritage, arts, literature, crafts and wildlife.

Some of the popular places to visit in West Bengal are:

Darjeeling is certainly the one of the best weekend getaways in India. Better known as queen of hill stations, Darjeeling lures tourists, honeymooners and holidaymakers across the globe. Blessed with immense natural beauty, Darjeeling holds pride in its lovely snow-capped mountains, wildlife, temples and Buddhist monasteries. The Darjeeling toy train, a World Heritage Site is an amazing attraction. A journey on the toy train is an opportunity to enjoy the scenic locations. Other attractions in Darjeeling include Kalimpong, tea gardens, botanical garden and waterfalls.

Kolkata: The capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata is popularly called as the city of Joy. The culture, lifestyle and traditions here have their own unique specialty and charm. The main attraction of city includes Howrah Bridge, Victoria memorial, Birla planetarium, Indian museum, and Eden Gardens.

Santi Niketan is another top places to visit in West Bengal. Located in the Birbhum district, the foundation of Santi niketan was laid by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Also, known by the name Visva Bharti, it attracts artists, scholars, philosophers, and tourists from all over the world. The beautiful Santi niketan settles amongst calm and picturesque surroundings.

Sunderbans: Another popular places to visit in West Bengal, Sunderbans is mainly popular as mesmerizing wildlife destinations of India. Wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world come here especially to experience adventure and wilderness. The beautiful destination is located where land meets sea and is all blessed with rich flora and fauna. Sunderbans is also a part of world’s largest delta and hence, a World Heritage Site.

Besides this, every nook and cranny of spectacular West Bengal has something interesting for everyone. Become a part of West Bengal tourism this holiday season and see its plethora of wonderful destinations.

Ten Places to Visit in Australia

Seen the best of Australia yet? May be you have seen a few of the greatest things that Australia offers you. But there is more to just reading about Australia. Visiting is a wonderful idea. Book your tickets and start packing up. Don’t forget your exploring suit and your camera. Here are the top ten places in Australia that you should not miss visiting:

1. Sydney




Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia. Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales. Most visitors choose Sydney as their touring spot because there are a lot of things you can do here. The iconic architecture such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House are the most famous site and both wonderful at night or day. This spectacular city has all the activities you are looking for. Enjoy your time in Sydney, from cultures to activities like partying all night, you can do whatever you like as long as it is not against the law.

2. Cairns




Cairns is a regional city in Far North Queensland. Cairns is famous for its tropical climate and many attractions like sky diving, night zoo, driving through a safari, or touring through the rainforest. Cairns offer attractions and activities for all ages and group. You can enjoy activities here where you can never find in any other place. You can also find great accommodation places and experience exclusive dinning places especially their wine and coffee. Come and see variety attractions and things to do in this place full of action.

3. The Great Barrier Reef




The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest, most spectacular coral reef system. The fishing industry is controlled by the Queensland Government and earns $1 Billion annually. Don’t worry. This is just to keep humanity alive with our needs. Activities such as snorkeling and diving are famous here. Boats and cruise ships are limited to keep the traffic clear. But due to the Powerful cyclone Yasi, it has greatly damage the Great Barrie Reef. Though the reef system is slowly patching, our fish friends are slowly fixing their home like what we also do when Mother Nature hits on us. The fact still remains, the Great Barrier Reef never fails to amaze anyone who dives in. You can never complete your tour in Australia if you have not seen what’s beneath the sea.

4. Brisbane




Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and it is the third most populous city besides Sydney. After your visit along the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane is a nice place to chill. Attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Forest Park, South Bank Parklands, Roma Street Parkland and Portside Warf are a must see. My favorite place and a must see place for me is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. All I can see koalas. Don’t forget to turn off the flash people. The city is best known for its spectacular night place that offers something for everyone. A range of cuisine that suits your taste can also be found in this big city visited by a lot of tourists.

5. Melbourne




Melbourne is the second populous city in Australia and is the state capital of Victoria. Melbourne is the center of arts, commerce, sports, education, entertainment and tourism. I forgot to mention, Melbourne is an international cultural center where major arts and festivals are held like drama, musical, art, literature or film festivities. It offers wonderful modern Victorian architecture in the world. Various sports are held in the Docklands Stadium like the famous Australian Rules football and crickets. Melbourne also hosts most of the international sporting events like the Formula 1 this coming March 2011. Have you bought your ticket yet? Different shopping district and cuisines can be found at Federation Square and the New Quay. Come down and enjoy chilling in a simple and modern place.

6. The Great Ocean Road




The Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial dedicated to the casualties of World War I. If you enjoy food hopping or being at the beach all day long, then the Great Ocean Road is the place for you. This 243 kilometers stretch of road is along the coast of two Victorian cities: Torquay and Warrnambol. You will enjoy sighting various landmarks like the natural rock formations like the London Arch and the Twelve Apostles. There are several local restaurants to try along the way. You might as well grab a beer and step outside to feel that breeze. Beautiful landmarks such as the Grotto, Blowhole and the Thunder cave are a must see landmarks. If you are fond of rocks, this is a perfect place for you to see.

7. The Red Centre




When you visit the Red Centre, count the famous Uluru Tjuta National Park in. The Red Centre is the given name of the southern desert region of the Northern Territory. The only way to get to the Red Centre is through car or by bus. A must visit tourist attraction here is the Museum of Central Australia, Alice Springs Dessert Park and Watarrak National Park. The only place you can get food and water is in Alice Springs. There you can find everything you need. There is also a policy of not allowing tourist bringing pornographic and alcoholic beverages into the Aboriginal communities. All you need to do is to keep your eyes open for signs and animals and you’re just going to be fine. And don’t forget to wear your hiking gears and bring your water and sunscreen to keep yourself protected by sunburn and dehydration.

8. Canberra




Canberra is the capital city of Australian Capital Territory. With the minimum of four days, you can visit the famous attractions like the Parliament house, National Gallery of Australia, National Library, th National Archives where old record and books are preserved especially the Australian War Memorial. Come and see for yourself the wonderful architectural design of two of the largest hospitals or walk your walk through the Tuggeranong Hill. Just don’t forget to bring your camera.

9. Adelaide




Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and is also known as “City of Churches”. Most prestigious vineyards in the country are located here. Adelaide is noted for holding sport events and many other festivals. Different sectors that tourists interested are the food, wine, culture and long beaches. If you are looking for an Asian town in the city, come visit the Chinatown in the Market precinct. You can go food hopping to look for frog cakes and the Pie floater Adelaide style. There are several places in the city that you are craving to go and see. The night life is on low key but is very active. You don’t have to look any further for places to escape; Adelaide is the right place for a low profile get away.

10. Tasmania




Tasmania is an Australian island and state famous for breathtaking sceneries, hiking and camping. Hobart is the state capital. It is a very stunning town where you can find the Derwent Rover and features some colonial architecture. You might as well come visit Tasmania to see the Tasmania Devil itself. My favorite places to visits are the Frenchmans Cap Mountain, Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. Tasmania is still growing in the industry of tourism. The local cuisines are fresh and are at a very reasonable price. Enjoy your escape at Tasmania where a lot of fun and excitement awaits you.

Interesting Places to Visit at Johor, Malaysia

Johor sits at the extreme southern end of the Malaysian peninsula. One of several Malaysian states, Johor features rain forests, waterfalls and pristine beaches. At its extreme southern tip lies Johor Bahru, the state’s capital. Markets, museums and mosques dot the city that serves as the southern gateway to Malaysia. The city faces the Straits of Johor where a causeway connects it to bustling Singapore, a small island city-state.

Cultural Attractions

Situated on the Johor Bahru waterfront, the Royal Abu Bakar Museum houses many possessions of former Sultan Abu Bakar, the ruler credited with developing Johor’s infrastructure and economy in the 19th century. Also known as the Royal Palace, the former sultan’s home features period furniture, art work and his personal possessions. Visitors may also stroll through the surrounding gardens. Also named after the sultan, the huge Abu Bakar Mosque sits on extensive grounds. The building features a combination of Victorian and Moorish architecture. A famous clock tower lies at the center of the Dataran Bandaraya, the city’s town square and entertainment center. Outdoor festivals, sporting contests and cultural events attract both locals and tourists.

National Parks

Old-growth rain forest and wild animals attract adventure seekers to Endau Rompin National Park, Johor’s most well-known preserve. Elephants, tigers and the rare Sumatran rhinoceros wander through the untouched wilderness. Trekkers on organized trips often spend several days viewing the wildlife, including exotic birds and frolicking gibbons via 16 miles of trails. One special attraction is a 300-year-old tree with a circumference so large it takes five people with outstretched arms to surround it. The park also features rushing streams and waterfalls. Besides Endau Rompin, four other national parks sit in Johor. The Tanjong Piai Johor National Park showcases the largest mangrove swamp in the world.

Beaches and Islands

Facing the China Sea near Johor Bahru on the peninsula’s east coast, visitors to Desaru not only enjoy a clean, sandy 15-mile long beach, but enjoy snorkeling, boating and fishing. Although no luxury properties exist, the area features basic accommodation, as well as golfing, tennis and horseback riding. History buffs can see World War II relics and hikers can trek through nearby jungles. Several islands also sit just off the coast. The three-square mile island of Besar lies nearest to the mainland and offers palms and tranquility. Snorkelers and underwater photographers frequent Rawa Island for it clear waters. An offshore marine park offers divers the opportunity to explore underwater sea life at Sibu Island.

Useful Facts

For good deals on clothes, paintings, handbags and food, the night market or “pasar malam,” entice Johor Bahru visitors to strike a bargain. They usually open at 7 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. Senai Airport serves Johor Bahru. Air service to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, provides international connections. Year-round high temperatures average in the upper 80s to low 90s F, with overnight lows in the 70s. Rain falls in every month, but it more likely in October and November. Although more expensive, visitors to Johor often include Singapore in their itinerary for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Public transportation across the causeway makes a day trip doable.

World's Coolest Places, Must Go

1. Cancun's Underwater Museum, Mexico
The world’s largest underwater museum opened three miles offshore in November 2010 with hundreds of sunken life-size human figures. Artist Jason deCaires Taylor used pH-neutral concrete to create these sculptures, which double as a home for peacock flounder, white telestra coral, and other aquatic life that have becoming increasingly threatened by the 750,000-plus annual divers who visit the National Marine Park’s coral reefs.



2. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Dubai typically hogs the limelight with its ambitious projects, but now Abu Dhabi is defying gravity with this glassy 35-story landmark—the world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower. The glinting 18-degree tilt (four times more than that of Pisa’s leaning tower) catches your eye among the city’s jumble of skyscrapers and cranes. You can’t miss it on the drive to the Grand Mosque, but to get a peek inside, book a stay at the Hyatt Hotel slated to open in mid-to-late 2011.



3. Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

Theme parks invested heavily in new attractions during the recession’s staycation trend, and 2011 sees fruits of those efforts. No new ride has more daredevil spirit than the Cheetah Hunt: a multilaunch coaster that jettisons riders from 0 to 60 mph, corkscrews up 100 feet into a skyscraping figure eight, narrowly grazing over the cable lines for the Skyride, and clips a waterfall before plummet-torqueing into a trench in the park’s Serengeti area. Can we do it again, please?




4. Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain
If you want to know what Alice felt like in Wonderland, head to Seville, where a trippy new pavilion has sprung up in the Plaza de la Encarnacíon. Undulating blonde timber structures with a honeycomb roof make up the world’s largest wooden building, known by locals as “Setas de la Encarnación,” or the Mushrooms of Incarnation. It’s home to an archaeological museum, a farmers’ market, and an elevated plaza with bars and restaurants.




5. 11 11 Lincoln Road Parking Garage, Miami

Car culture gets the starchitect treatment at this garage. The modernist open-air structure designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron opened in 2010 and has become a hot spot for events, while hip shops and restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack draw daytime crowds. Developer Robert Wennett refers to the trapezoidal house of cards as a “parking sculpture,” complete with an adjacent water garden and a Dan Graham–designed glass pavilion. The mixed-use venue was a winner of the 2011 T+L Design Awards.




6. Orbit Tower, London
Imagine the Eiffel Tower on acid or a roller coaster that’s survived a hurricane. These are the kinds of images that London’s twisted, blood-red, 377-foot-high sculpture brings to mind. Artists Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond collaborated on the controversial skyline addition, which is being designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The tubular steel tower will feature a platform nested at the midway point and become London’s latest must-see attraction when completed in December 2011.





7. Broklyn Bridge Park, New York City

There’s a new reward for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: this necklace of six leafy plots that stretches along the waterfront between the neighborhoods of DUMBO and Cobble Hill. The initial two segments opened in spring 2010 and were heralded as Mayor Bloomberg’s most important legacy by the New York Times architecture critic. An expansion of Pier 6 debuts this summer along with a restored 1920s carousel in a pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. Time your visit to catch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, then linger to witness Manhattan light up at night.




8. Nanjing Sifang Art Museum, Nanjing, China
Not many people are familiar with Nanjing, whose population of 7.7 million somehow ranks as “small” by Chinese city terms. But that’s beginning to change as the local art scene outpaces that of Beijing and Shanghai and welcomes a high-profile museum of contemporary architecture. Several years in the making, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum rises from the quiet, shaggy hills of the Jiangsu like a postmodern Star Wars vehicle. U.S. architect Steven Holl collaborated with international architects on the abstract, stilt-supported design and factored in eco-friendly features like a green roof and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Places in Philippines

Philippines is a collection of about 7,100 islands and it is known as one of the most popular archipelagos that exist in this world. Being situated in Southeast Asia, this country is unique and different in its own terms and values and there are a lot of things that are captivated by tourists and people from all around the globe by this place which is why Philippines is the center of attention for thousands of people around the globe throughout the year. People most of the time visit this place over and over again because the places it offers are so amazing and worthwhile spending time at. Here are a few of the must see places in Philippines you should plan out during your vacations.

Intramuros is a city actually that you should visit while you are staying in Philippines because it is walled and signifies great history and architecture. During the Spaniards occupation of the country this city acted as a walled settlement. You would get to see a lot of beautiful churches and museums in this one and there are plenty of historic national ruins you could go observe as well. The city has preserved its national values and notions well and you could get amazed watching them readily without even getting to pay a lot of money.

Rizal Park which is also known as Luneta is a place where you could go for an evening walk if you feel like staying calm and relaxed from the adventurous sports and hiking. This park is built on a dedication to a national hero whose name was Jose Rizal. He was known for his great work in poetry and writing; this park signifies his place of execution and it is denoted for his work of bravery and courage.
Baywalk is just a few miles away off of Rizal Park where there are plenty of bars and restaurants lined up for you to visit and take amusement from. Later towards the evening, you would find many bands lined up on the same street playing some wonderful music; it is a perfect spot for an entertaining and casual night out.

Mount Pinatubo is a volcano site that is known for devastating the Filipinos during the starting 90’s. There are many hiking trails that are designed on its slope you could plan on visiting or if you want, there is a Pinatubo’s Carter Lake you could swim at.

Top 10 Places In Gold Coast

Known as the Surfers Paradise,Gold Coast of Australia has more to offer than water sports,wonderful beaches and shopping complexes. Here is a list of some places which are must-see in Gold Coast. Tourists can stay at any of the Gold Coast hotels and explore the city and its amazing sites.

1. Q1 Tower or Queensland Number One is the tallest residential building in the world. This 322.5 metres building attracts many visitors and s definitely one of the must-see place in Gold Coast.

2. O’Reilly’s Rain Forest Retreat is just 90 minutes drive from Gold Coast in the heart of Lamington National Park. This beautiful place is named after Bernard O’Reilly best known for his rescue plane crash operation of 1937.

3. Surfers Paradise Beach:Gold Coast is one of the best places to experience the beach life and the city. The day is action packed with adventure and water-sports and plenty of sun baths in the clean and soft beach,while the evening is the time to hit the bars and night clubs.

4. The Crystal Castle is one of the most peaceful places in Australia and is a place for spiritual gratification. The place was developed and designed over twenty years ago by Naren King.

5. Infinity:This place takes visitors through twenty futuristic multi-sensual illusionary environments in just forty minutes. Infinity is a wonderful option for a family day out with something to offer every one above the age of eight.

6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is home to some of the world’s most unusual things. The Museum has all sorts of collections that can amuse a child and an adult equally.

7. Natural Bridge:Springbrook National Park holds few of the most unusually beautiful creation of the nature. The bridge itself is created by water falling through the roof of the basalt cave for thousands of years. After sunset,the cave comes alive because of the glow worms,fire flies and amazing glow fungi.

8. Wet’n'Wild Water World:One of the largest amusement park,Wet’n'Wild is also one of the most visited place in Australia. Started as a humble Cade’s water park in 1984,today it has more than hundred amazing rides to choose from.

9. Sea World is one of the oldest theme parks of Australia which was started in 1958. Of many attractions,the famous dolphin’s show tops the list. Water skiers with their acrobatic skills are also must see in the park. Sharks and polar bears are the newly added attractions to this park.

10. Warner Bros. Movie World:The list of places to visit cannot be completed without mentioning one and only theme park for movies in Australia. The theme park is not only a must-visit for adherent movie lovers but it also has something for everyone from roller coasters to different type water sports. One can see costumed characters like Bat Man,Marilyn Monroe or Scooby Doo patrolling the park,and tourists get a chance to get photographed with their favourite costumed stars.

With so much to see and do,tourists come here throughout the year for a holiday and the hotels in Gold Coast remain busy throughout.

Must See: Most Beautiful Places in the World

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is in China of course and is roughly 6400km long. Some of you may have heard that the wall is the only visible man made object from space but it is a myth and has been proven by NASA. The Great Wall of China is one of the most beautiful places of the world because of the land around it and the spectacular views that you get at certain points of the wall. On a clear day you can miles and miles of shrubs and trees. If you see it in person the view is breathtaking.

The Victoria Waterfalls

The Victoria Waterfalls are located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can easily see wildlife from the waterfall and when the water is high mist rises up from the bottom and if you are in the right place at the right time you can see a rainbow in the mist. The drop of the waterfall is around 108 metres.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is found of the coast of Queensland in North-East Australia and is a World Heritage Site. In recent years the reef has been affected by rising water temperatures thus causing some of the fish to find another place to live and this is causing the sea birds the die due to lack of food. On a clear sunny day you can see coral and fish for as far as you can see underwater.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is shaped like a horse shoe and some people say if you visit it you will get good luck. It is located between the U.S. and Canada. Looking at the picture you can see that there are three waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are on the right side of the picture. Fifteen people have gone over the falls in some sort of capsule or device. Some of them survived other drowned and some escaped with serve injuries. Anyway Niagara Falls is an excellent place to visit in the spring and summer because of the clear skies and the mist that rises up because of the water falling down.
Venice

The Venice Canals are found in Italy. Venice is often referred to as the City of Water because of its canal system. Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world because the buildings are built literary on the water and if you are at the edge of the city when the sun rises up you can see the beautiful ocean glistering in the morning sunlight. To get around Venice you have to travel by a Gondola or a motorised waterbus. There are very few cars in Venice as it is built on the water.

Must-See Places in Paris

Paris, France is the world's most popular city destination for tourists all over the globe. Dubbed the City of Love, Paris offers its visitors more than just passion and romance. Steeped in more than 2,000 years of culture and history, this city promises tourists a memorable vacation with its impressive architecture, enlightening museums, historical monuments, and beautiful gardens.

La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution (1789). Initially considered an eyesore, today it is the landmark of Paris. At 984 feet (300 m) high, the tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city from all directions. The view at sunset is especially breathtaking, and well worth the long line to the top.

Notre Dame de Paris (Notre Dame Cathedral) is the first cathedral to be built, marking Paris as the capital of France. Its construction began in 1163, but took almost two centuries to complete. The cathedral is designed based on Gothic architecture, with several large rose windows, colorful stained glasses, pointed arches and spires, and innovative sculptures, such as gargoyles. The cathedral saw many historical moments, including the crowning of Henry VI of England in 1430.

La Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum), a fortress in the Middle Ages, is now home to Leonardo Da Vinci's world-renowned painting, the Mona Lisa, and an impressive collection of art and antiquities from the world over. Six million people visit the Louvre Museum in Paris every year to admire its exhibits and collections. It would take months to complete a tour of everything in the museum. Therefore, it is recommended to choose what to see first and leave the rest for another visit.

Le Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is a beautiful park in the heart of Paris. This 61.8-acre (25-hectare) park was initially built for Catherine de Médicis in 1559. The park is an amazing place to unwind from a long day of sightseeing in Paris. There are two fascinating museums to visit within the park itself – Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and La Musée de L'Orangérie. One may also enjoy a cup of coffee by the many fountains and sculptures in the park.

Must Visit Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the largest state of India, is worldwide famous for its rich culture, tradition and heritage. The state offers ample tourism opportunities and attracts travelers and vacationers from all over the world. There are a number of tourist places in this state which can be visited and explored. This article will introduce you some of must visit tourist places of Rajasthan. Have a look at them.

Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It is lovingly known as the Pink City of India. City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar (the world heritage site), Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are highlights of Jaipur tourism. Jaipur is one of the best and top destinations in Rajasthan.

Udaipur: Udaipur is a beautiful city also known as the City of Lakes of Rajasthan. It is considered as one of the most romantic cities in India. Major attractions in this city are its palaces, lakes, temples and gardens. City Palace, Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace are elegant palaces in the city. The Lake Pichola is the most popular lake among various lovely lakes in the city. Jagdish Temple and Eklingji Temple are worth visit temples in the city. Other attractions are Saheliyon-Ki-Bari and Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal.

Jodhpur: Jodhpur, lovingly known as the Blue City of India, is the second largest city of Rajasthan after state capital Jaipur. Mehrangarh Fort, Balsamand Lake & Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Sardar Market, Jaswant Thada Memorial and Mandore Garden are major attractions and make Jodhpur one of Rajasthan Tour Packages, India.

Bikaner: Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, Bikaner is a beautiful city and tourist destination. It is also called as the Camel Country or Camel City. Camel Breeding Farm & Research Centre, Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace are key attractions of Bikaner tourism.

Jaisalmer: Also known as the Golden City of India and located in the middle of the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is an important city and tourist place. In fact, in my point of view it is the best and Rajasthan Tourism where you can enjoy amazing and incredible tourism. Golden Fort, Jain Temples, Havelis, Desert National Park, Camel Safari, Desert Camping, Sand Dunes, etc are key attractions of Jaisalmer tourism.

Mandawa, Mount Abu, Ajmer, Pushkar, Bharatpur and Alwar are some other interesting tourist Rajasthan Tour Operators and explore its attractions.

The World’s Worst Places to Be a Woman

A recent survey by TrustLaw, a project of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, polled 213 women’s rights experts on what they consider to be the world’s worst place to be a woman.

The results are in, and topping the list are Afghanistan, DR Congo, Pakistan, Somalia and India, based on a variety of factors including rape and violence, lack of health services, poverty and human trafficking.

According to the poll, Afghanistan ranks as the worst place in the world to be a woman.

Women in today’s Afghanistan daily face a host of threats, from insurgent violence; attacks on schoolgirls and working women for daring to venture out into the public sphere; high levels of rape and domestic violence, as well as widespread physical and sexual abuse by state forces; forced and child marriage; and honor killings. 87% of Afghan women are illiterate, while 70-80% face forced marriage, many before the age of 16.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which ranked second on the list of the worst places to be a woman, an ongoing war has featured a brutal and strategic campaign of sexual violence targeted at women, from toddlers to the elderly.

Armed militias and members of state forces are notorious for brutal gang rapes as well as sexual and human trafficking.  Women who survive or escape bear a social stigma in their families and communities, or worse suffer from fistula, a painful and embarrassing tearing of the wall between the vaginal and rectal canals.

In addition to conflict-related violence, which is largely associated with the easternmost provinces, a recent analysis of a 2007 household survey finds more than 1,100 women are raped every day in the Congo, nationwide. This tally accounts for both domestic violence and conflict-associated rapes; spousal rape is not criminalized in the DRC.

Pakistan, India and Somalia ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively, due to high rates of domestic violence, female infanticide (which is estimated to have resulted in up to 50 million girls are thought to be “missing” over the past century), female genital cutting, acid attacks and economic discrimination.

The inclusion of economic discrimination as a form of violence is of particular note; although women comprise 70 percent of the world’s poor (which is widely acknowledged to be a violation of human rights and dignity), it is not always remembered as a form of violence. However, many manifestations violence against women can be traced to roots in poverty, such as the tradition of forced marriage by families seeking to alleviate debt (widely practiced in Afghanistan and Pakistan), the sale of girl children into sex slavery (common in India), and maternal mortality rates associated with lack of access to healthcare.

Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a popular tourist attraction and a food haven for new generation gourmands who flock here after sunset to explore the vibrant street-side cuisine. At day time, it’s no less busy, as hordes of shoppers descend upon this 1-km strip and adjacent Charoenkrung Road to get a day’s worth of staple, trade gold, or pay a visit to one of the Chinese temples.


Packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants, Chinese medicine stores and probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city, Chinatown is an experience not to miss. The energy that oozes from its endless rows of wooden shop-houses is plain contagious – it will keep you wanting to come back for more. Plan your visit during major festivals, like Chinese New Year and the annual vegetarian festival in October, and you will see Bangkok Chinatown at its best.


Size
0.9 Sq km with an estimated 1600 residents and a total of 1,200 conservation buildings.

HistoryChinatown was originally designated for the Chinese by Stamford Raffles. This historical district of Chinatown is the cultural hub of the Chinese community in Singapore and is rich in Chinese heritage. It has four sub districts - Kreta Ayer,Telok Ayer , Tanjong Pajar and Bukit Pasoh. It was given conservation status on 7 July 1989. You can get more information on the history of Singapore's Old Chinatown here.

Kreta Ayer
The name comes from ox-drawn carts that wre used to deliver water to the area. When you are in this area, look out for Sri Mariamman Temple at 242 South Bridge Road, Jamae Mosque on 218 South Bridge Road and 37 Pagoda Street. Look out for the rich architecture buildings while you are here. 

Telok Ayer This place used to be the main Chinese commercial district in the late 1800’s. You may want to consider visiting Eu Yan Sang at 267 South Bridge Road. They are a famous Chinese medical hall which exports and retail a wide range of traditional Chinese herbs and medicines. Look out for one Singapore’s oldest temple (built between 1839 – 1842), Thian Hock Keng Temple on 158 Telok Ayer Street. You can also find Singapore’s first Chinese Methodist Church at 235 Telok Ayer Street. The building features a distinct Chinese pavilion on the roof with upturned eaves and its columns and beams reflect the art deco style. 

Tanjong Pagar 
This place used to be a fishing village but was later turned into nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards in the 1800s.Though rickshaws is a thing of the past now, 1 Neil Road used to be Jinricksha station (built in 1903) that used to house rickshaws then. When rickshaws was replaced by trishaws in 1946, the building was used as a maternity and childcare center. Today this place is a karaoke lounge. 
Bukit PasohThis place today is a spot for residential, association and commercial activities.140 Neil Road was the address of the first People Action’s Party (PAP) Branch here in Singapore. The PAP is Singapore’s ruling party and has governed Singapore to what it is today since 1959. 

If you are planning to visit Chinatown, you can 
a. download a free Chinatown Map here. 
b. go to streetdirectory.com online chinatown map. 

After your walks in Chinatown, stop by Chinatown Food Street for an alfresco meal. Try the various chinese cuisines and pastries here. If you are interested to learn more about the history of old chinatown, visit Chinatown Heritage Center at 48 Pagoda Street. More editorial write up on Chinatown Heritage entre 

Place of Interest : There are many National Monuments here in Chinatown. Some of which includes;

• Jamae Mosque (1835)
• Sri Mariamman Temple (1843)
• Al-Abrar Mosque (1855)
• Nagore Durgha (1830)
• Thian Hock Keng Temple(1842)

IndustrialSituated in the CBD area, many advertising agencies and design firms seem to prefer conducting business here.

The Merlion

Opened in 1996, this is the tallest replica of the Merlion in Singapore, standing tall at a height of 37-metres high. The Merlion statue sits alongside the Merlion Walk, a 120-metre-long colourful mosaic walkway with jumping water jets and a beautiful set of Carillon bells at the end of the walkway.

Once inside the statue, you will be fascinated with the interior, which is themed as a sunken ship, as the tower is laden with treasures and jewels complemented by sounds of waves crashing , howling winds and the cries of the seagulls.

Take an elevator up to the Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on Level 9, and you will be enthralled with the 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding islands of Sentosa. Then climb up the stairs to the crown of the statue on Level 12, for a bird's eye view of Sentosa.

By night, this mystical Merlion can be seen glowing, from both mainlandSingapore and the sea, acting as a beacon to attract visitors to the island.

Address:

The Merlion

Opening Hours: 
10am - 8pm daily
(Last admission at 7.30pm)

Price:

Adult: S$8.00
Child (3 - 12 years old): S$5.00

How to get there?

Take either the Red Line Bus, the Green Line Bus or the Blue Line Bus services

Click for an overview of all Insights of Sentosa Island in Singapore

Mount Faber

Mount Faber is a hill about 105 metres (344 ft.) in height in Singapore, located near the Bukit Merah planning area in the Central Region. It overlooks the Telok Blangah area, and the western parts of the Central Area. The summit is accessible by road, but there are many footpaths leading up the hill.

It is a frequent tourist destination, as it provides a panoramic view of the increasingly dense central business district within the Central Area. Its slope includes a tower that is part of the Singapore cable car system that connects to HarbourFront and Sentosa. It is accessible from the HarbourFront MRT Station.

History



Mount Faber was known as Telok Blangah Hill but was later renamed after Captain Charles Edward Faber of the Madras Engineers, the superintending engineer in the Straits and Governor Butterworth's brother-in-law, who arrived in Singapore in September 1844. Faber cut through the thick undergrowth, allowing the road to the top of the hill to be built. The original winding road was referred to in the press at that time as a "stupidly narrow road".

The article also questioned the change of the name from what it deemed its originally more appropriate Malay name. A signal station was erected on the hill in 1845. This signal station was transferred from Pulau Blakang Mati (now Sentosa) because of the "injurious miasma" on the island.
After the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the Straits government decided to convert Mount Faber into a fort for fear of revolt among the local Indian sepoys. Defence work was carried out and granite emplacements for guns were completed halfway up the hill, but Mount Faber never became a fort. An observatory was built there in 1905.