heard of - The Times Kuwait

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250 Fils
Issue No 693
Established 1996
Seven
www.timeskuwait.com
01 June - 07 June, 2014
incredible
places
you may have never
heard of
Most of the world’s wonders are
well trodden, but a few
under-the-radar gems remain
scattered across the globe. We
chose our favourite among the
more than 160 amazing places
that people may have never heard
of, debated on the question-andanswer community Quora.com.
Wisconsin’s
ever-changing sea caves
L
ocated on the largest lake in the US, the Apostle
Islands are also known as the Jewels of Lake
Superior. The connected sea caves, formed by
waves crashing against the sandstone cliffs and
eroding the space underneath the cliff faces, are
located on Devil’s Island, Sand Island
and the lakeshore mainland. They offer
a remarkable expedition without the
crowds found in the country’s betterknown national parks. Jason Nelser,
who hails from Minnesota – the land of
10,000 lakes – kayaked in and out of
the caves’ delicate arches and vaulted
cavities during summer, but he also
suggested checking them out in winter,
when the caves take on a completely
different look as the stalactites
crystallise and icicles provide an everchanging interior. Since Lake Superior
freezes near the caves, people can
take hike for two miles over the ice to
walk within the mainland caves, while
kayakers can still make the journey to
the other island caves from the edge of
the ice on calm water days.
A tropical paradise
on Brazil’s northern coast
D
esert sand dunes meet crystal blue
lagoons in Jericoacoara, a small
fishing village located more than 300km
west of Fortaleza. Better known in wind
and kite surfing circles, Parisian Victor
Matei described the isolated hamlet spot
as a place where “time disappeared”,
saying that it was the most beautiful
setting he’d ever visited.
The combination of surreal landscapes,
tropical paradises and Brazilian culture
give the place a “magical feeling”, Matei
said. It is a prime example of just how
special lesser-known locales can be.
Continued on Page 6
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01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Azerbaijan
– A perfect holiday getaway
Azerbaijan is an incredible tangle of
contradictions and contrasts. It’s a fascinating
nexus of ancient historical empires. Yet it’s
also a new nation finding its feet as it emerges
from a war-torn post-Soviet chrysalis on a
petroleum-funded gust of optimism.
S
urrounded by semi-desert on
the oil-rich Caspian Sea, the
nation’s cosmopolitan capital
Baku is a dynamic boomtown,
where flashy limousines and
mushrooming skyscrapers sweep
around a picturesque Unesco-listed
ancient core. Yet barely three hours’
drive away lies an entirely different
world: timeless villages clad in lush
orchards from which shepherd
tracks lead into the soaring high
Caucasus mountains. Where Baku
is multilingual and go-ahead, the
provinces shuffle to the gently paced
click of nard (backgammon) on treeshaded teahouse terraces: women
stay home, herds of cattle wander
aimlessly across highways, and
potbellied bureaucrats scratch their
heads in confusion on finding that
an outsider has wandered into their
territory.
Visiting the country takes
creativity and imagination, as the
tourist industry is at best ‘nascent’.
Although there are plenty of rural
‘rest-zones’ for holidaying city folk,
they cater mainly for locals who
want to unwind with hefty feasts
and family chats, so rarely provide
any activities. Very few people
outside Baku speak English, but
the challenge is a great part of
the appeal. So where to, then?
Southern Azerbaijan is one of the
country’s more pleasant regions,
both along the coast and inland:
Lnkran is a quaint seaside town
famed for its flowers, while Masalli
& around makes a good entry point
for exploring the Talysh mountains.
Northern Azerbaijan is where you’ll
find the Caucasus Mountains and
the incredible village of Xinaliq,
with its jaw-dropping views and
traditional mountain culture. And for
something completely different (in
a country full of completely different
travel experiences!), there’s always
the remote and intriguing enclave of
Nagorno-Karabakh.
It’s hard to escape Azerbaijan’s
past when visiting the city. The
ancient fire worshiping civilization,
the Zoroastrians, erected temples
in the vicinity of burning gas vents
at various sites across the country
as far back as the third century.
These temples are now popular
tourist attractions with one of the
most well preserved situated in
Surakhani on the outskirts of Baku.
Roughly a quarter of the country’s
residents live in the capital, Baku,
a cosmopolitan urban center that
combines ultra-modern skyscrapers
with a historic Walled City. There is a
long stretch of tombs called Martyrs’
Lane, which leads to an Eternal
Fire memorial against a beautiful
view of the Caspian Sea, is a very
present reminder of the massacres
of Black January in 1990. There are
also large portraits everywhere of
Heydar Aliyev, the country’s former
president who still commands a cult
of personality even after death.
Azerbaijan has many captivating
sights to see in this ancient country
- Bronze Age petroglyphs, medieval
minarets and mosques and the
famous carpets.
Maiden’s Tower: This tapering 29m
stone tower is Baku’s foremost
architectural icon. The Azeri name,
Qız Qalası, is usually rendered
‘maiden’s tower’ in English, leading
to plenty of patently fictitious fairy
tales. A popular version has a
wealthy ruler falling in love with
his own daughter. He asks the
girl to marry him. Revolted by
the thought of incest but unable
to disobey her father she stalls,
commanding that he build her a
tower high enough to survey the
full extent of his domain before she
decides. When it’s finally complete
she climbs to the roof and throws
herself off. A better translation of
Qız Qalası would be ‘virgin tower’,
alluding to military impenetrability
rather than any association with
tragic females. It was certainly an
incredibly massive structure for its
era, with walls 5m thick at the base
and an unusual projecting buttress.
Today, the eight-storey interior
contains some old photographs,
a souvenir shop and a costume
photography opportunity.
Khan’s Palace: eki’s foremost ‘sight’
is the two-storey Khan’s Palace,
which was finished in 1762. It’s
set in a walled rose garden behind
two huge plane trees supposedly
planted in 1530. The unique
façade is decorated with silvered
stalactite vaulting and geometric
patterns in dark-blue,
Continued on Page 9
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The 5
must see
sights in
Peru
The archeological and
cultural richness of Peru is
unmatched by any other
country in the world.
T
hrough the centuries the many
amazing
civilizations
and
empires, that have inhabited the
regions of Peru, have left behind great
archeological sites in the shape of cities
and monuments. It is these interesting
and amazing sites that together form
the significant architectural legacy
which is the result of todays extended
knowledge of the amazing cultural
history of Peru. However since the
selection of monuments and sites is
quite wide in Peru, we suggest the
following 5 attractions as must see
sights in Peru during your visit to this
magnificent country.
Machu Picchu:
The amazing
mountain citadel of Machu Picchu is
to find on this list. Climb the great old
mountain by a similar route as the
one the Incas once used, in order to
reach the entrance of this amazing
monument of divinity. Upon arrival
the rather large ancient ruin offers
a great deal of exploratory options,
including the adrenaline-filled climb
of Wayna Picchu, which serves as a
beautiful viewpoint. Standing on the
top of this mountain looking down,
will make you feel one with the wild
force of nature, and the city’s sense
of spirituality will transport you back
in time and make you forget your
surroundings. This simply explains
why Machu Picchu is the most
visited ancient city and why one of
the World’s 7 wonders deserves a
place on the must-see list.
Nazca Lines: This destination serves
as a true treasure chamber for hidden
historical and cultural expressions,
one of which being the inexplicable
Nazca lines, which predates Machu
Picchu by about 2000 years. The
mysterious lines make up the
world’s largest and most important
geoglyph field with 70 enormous
distinct geometric shapes and animal
figures, representing condors, birds,
spiders and monkeys, amongst
others. Furthermore, the incredible
shapes and figures also provide a
great mystery and their significance
and origin still remain unknown.
Nevertheless, the most popular
explanation is that they served as a
huge astronomical calendar for the
then-living civilization. Decide which
explanation you side with and jump on
one of the circling planes to explore
the many finely drawn geometrical
shapes and sizes from above.
Colca Canyon: Cutting through the
Peruvian Andean mountains for
more than 100 km is the world’s
second deepest canyon, the Colca
Canyon with 3.400 meters at its
deepest point. Located in the South
of Peru near the beautiful city of
Arequipa, the entire Colca Valley
provides picturesque scenery that is
a must-see for any tourist. Moreover,
it is reportedly twice as deep as the
Grand Canyon in the United States
and unlike the American gorge,
parts of Colca Valley are inhabited by
ancient temples and constructions
providing
an
amazing
view.
However, the biggest contribution to
the amazing sights of Colca Valley
comes from the unique agricultural
terraces which for centuries have
been, and still are, used for crop
cultivation and human alimentation
within the canyon. A visit to this
fascinating valley is guaranteed to
leave you amazed and astounded.
Lake Titicaca: Presiding between
Bolivia and Peru at a swindling
altitude of 3800 meters above sea,
Lake Titicaca is an unforgettable
experience for any tourist. It is the
largest lake in all of Latin America
and it is surrounded by breathtaking
scenery. The lake was once a sacred
place for the ancient Inca culture, as
their mythology believes that Manco
Capac, the first king of the Incas,
was born of the lake. Furthermore,
their mythology believes that the
world was created from Lake
Titicaca, when the god named
Viracocha rose from the waters and
created the sun, moon and stars
along with the first people of the
earth. Nevertheless, way before the
Incas presided in Peru the lake was
home to numerous small societies
that lived on floating islands made
of totora reeds. Nowadays the
ancestors of these said ancient
societies still prevail on these reed
islands in the waters of Titicaca.
Boating through the lake and visiting
these ancient cultures will teach
you about the lake peoples’ cultural
customs, way of life and beliefs.
The Amazon: Last but not least your
tour around Peru should include a trip
to the incredible Amazon Forest. You
can choose between several different
rainforest regions in Peru including
Iquitos where the powerful waters
of the Amazon River run by; the bio
diverse Manu jungle in the district of
Madre Dios near Cusco or the wild
jungle forests of the Lambayeque
region, just to name a few. Together
all these forests and jungles cover an
area of 69 million hectares, making
up 50 percent of all Peruvian lands.
Furthermore the areas serve as a
home to about 10 percent of the
world’s total flora and fauna, including
many endemic species.
01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
4
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01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Botswana
Botswana is a premier safari destination in Africa offering some of
the best wildlife viewing on the planet, especially in and around the
Chobe and Okavango Delta region. The Kalahari desert and San
Bushman culture is another of this country’s great attractions and
should be on everyone’s itinerary.
Chobe National Park: Chobe
National park lies in Botswana’s
Okavango Delta and covers four
distinct Eco-systems. The Savuti
marsh in particular offers some
of the highest concentrations
of wildlife in Africa year round.
Chobe boasts around 120,000
elephants,
and
they
are
wonderful to watch from the
water on a safari cruise, popular
at sundown here. The best time to
visit Chobe is between May and
September, the dry, cooler winter
months. Herds of zebra, eland,
buffalo, giraffe and wildebeest
congregate this time of year.
Chobe is accessible by car which
makes it a little less expensive
than some other Botswana
Parks. There’s a wide variety of
accommodation available to suit
all budgets, you can even rent a
houseboat.
Tsodilo Hills: Tsodilo hills is a
spiritual outdoor art gallery,
showcasing more than 4,000
ancient San Bushmen rock
paintings. There are around 400
sites depicting hunting scenes,
dances and animals. Some rock
art dates back more than 20,000
years and archaeologists have
ascertained that people lived in
this area as far back as 100,000
years ago. The San Bushmen
believe this sacred area is the
site of the first creation of man,
and a resting place for spirits of
the dead. Not surprisingly, this
is a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Visitors can expect to hike
the three main hills, using local
people as guides. There is a
basic campsite and small but
informative museum on site.
Nxai Pan National Park: The
Nxai Pan National Park is just a
beautiful destination for a safari.
There are wonderful sand dunes,
the famous Baines baobabs,
and of course the salt pans
themselves that when flooded
offer tremendous opportunity to
view bird and wildlife. The short
grasses that have replaced the
salt pans of old, attracts vast
herds of ungulates. The best
time to visit is from December to
April. The location in northeastern
Botswana makes it easy to
combine your visit with Chobe,
and the Okavango Delta, which
reaches into the park. Lodging
here is possible only as part of
Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Tareq Yousuf Al-Shumaimry
[email protected]
Managing Editor
Reaven D’Souza
[email protected]
Khama Rhino Sanctuary: The
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
was set up in 1992 to help
save the rhino as a highly
endangered animal and to
re-introduce wildlife to the
area in order that the local
community could benefit from
tourism. The Rhino sanctuary
also brings school kids from
neighboring
communities
and Botswana’s second city
Francistown, to help educate
them about conservation. The
Sanctuary is centered around
the Serwe Pan - a large
grass-covered
depression
with several natural water
holes, in the Kalahari desert.
Basic campsites and chalets
offer accommodation in the
Sanctuary. Activities include
game drives and walks to view
the many animals (besides
rhino) that live in this area.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is
an excellent option for a selfdrive safari.
a mobile camp, but close by
Makgadikgadi Pan camps are an
excellent option.
Tuli Block: The Tuli block is a wildlife
rich area in eastern Botswana
that borders South Africa and
Zimbabwe at the confluence of
the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
It was once an area of private
farms, but a few decades ago
it made more economic sense
to turn over the land to wildlife.
Now the Tuli block encompasses
several
reserves,
including
Mashatu Game Reserve and
Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
It’s a beautiful area with several
rivers, riverine forests, savannah,
and lots of massive baobab trees.
Wildlife sightings are guaranteed
year round. There are large herds
of elephant, plenty of lion, leopard
and even cheetah. Because it’s
private land, guided walking
safaris and night drives can be
enjoyed. There are fine lodges
and camps to stay at.
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Fax : 24834815
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Never been a better time to visit
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Salt pans,
Kalahari sand dunes, and plenty of wildlife
during the rainy season makes this a
wonderful park to visit during the months
of January - April. But it’s not easy to get
to, especially from the Botswana side, you’ll
need a 4x4. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier
park is huge, covering an area of 38,000
sq km (larger than Holland). It’s a new
park, encompassing two previous separate
parks: The Kalahari Gemsbok National
Park (South Africa) and Gemsbok National
Park (Botswana). You wont see all of the
Big Five here, but large migrating herds
of wildebeest and other antelope attract
the major predators. Rare animals like
the pangolin can make this a truly unique
safari. Lodging is offered in camps on the
South African side.
Mokolodi Game Reserve: Mokolodi is a short
drive from Botswana’s capital Gaborone
and makes for a great day trip. Mokolodi is
a private reserve dedicated to conservation
education so when you visit, don’t be
surprised to see excited school children out
on a field trip. Given that many Africans are
Okavango Delta
denied access to game reserves because
of prohibitive costs, Mokolodi is well worth
patronizing so it can continue its programs.
Rhino tracking is a highlight at Mokolodi
and one of the few places you can see
white rhinos. A successful breeding
program has helped keep the white rhino
from extinction in Botswana. Guided
walks, game drives and night drives are all
possible at Mokolodi. Simple chalets and
camping facilities are available if you want
to overnight here.
Moremi Game Reserve: Moremi is a small
reserve with a very high density and
variety of wildlife. It lies in the eastern
Okavango delta, and borders Chobe
National Park. It’s bird life is unrivaled,
with over 500 species to gaze at through
your binoculars. July through October
is the best time to visit, and 4x4 safaris
combines with water-based mokoro trips
offer the best way to see the abundant
wildlife. Wild dogs are regularly spotted
here, as well as the Big Five with the
recent re-introduction of both black and
white rhino. There are a few camps within
the park, some exclusive to fly-in safaris,
and others are very sought after by those
on a self-drive safari. Several lodges and
camps just outside, the reserve offer
wildlife viewing in the park.
The Okavango River cuts through the
center of the Kalahari Desert, creating
a unique inland water system that
gives life to a huge variety of birds and
mammals. The Okavango is a unique
safari destination because you can view
much of the wildlife from a traditional
canoe, a mokoro. Every year the delta
floods covering over 16,000 km’s. The
best time to view wildlife is during the
peak of the flood, in the dry season from
May to October. The wildlife is more
concentrated on islands at this time, and
it’s therefore easier to see therm. as the
flooding recedes, new grass springs up
and the wildlife scatters to feed. There
are numerous lodges dotted around as
well as luxury safari camps, many of
them offer walking safaris.
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01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
A mysterious valley in Pakistan
K
hawar Mahmood from Sri Lanka urged travellers to visit northern
Pakistan’s Kalash Valley, where the ancestry of the local Kalash
people is shrouded in mystery, especially because their polytheistic
religion and Mediterranean features are so different from the other
ethnic groups living nearby. “A legend says that five soldiers of the
legions of Alexander the Great settled in Chitral [the northernmost
district in Pakistan], and are the progenitors of the Kalash,” he said.
The mountain road to Kalash is not one easily traversed, and
Mahmood posted a video to prove it, but the treacherous drive is
rewarded upon entering the valley with its lush fields . “Someone rightly
said that this is the land where fairies dance,” Mahmood said.
A sky-high
Colombian
sanctuary
Continued from Page 1
I
n the town of Ipiales, Colombia, near the
southern border with Ecuador, a Gothic
cathedral called Las Lajas Sanctuary floats 100m
above a gorge in the Guáitara River.
“It looks like it was dropped into the middle of a
cloud forest in the Andes,” said Bostonian Nataly
Kelly. “It is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful
places I have ever seen.” In the 18th Century, the
Virgin Mary is said to have appeared on the stone
gorge wall and cured a young girl and an older
man of blindness. Today, that holy wall forms the
back of the cathedral, where people still make
the pilgrimage to pray for healing and take in the
incredible vista.
The Empty Quarter
of Abu Dhabi
The white
marble temple
of Rajasthan
M
T
he emptiness of this region – the largest sand desert in
the world stretching across Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman
and the United Arab Emirates – was part of what attracted
Quora user Elizabeth G Fagan to visit the UAE’s part of
the desert. “I saw a video of it on YouTube and could not
believe it was a real place. Something about it just sang
to me, stirred my soul. I had to go there,” she said. “It was
more mind-blowing than I even imagined.”
In spite of its name, the Empty Quarter has a few camel
farms, which breed the animals for travel and racing.
Qasr al Sarab, the only resort for hundreds of kilometres,
regularly hosts the Sheikh of the UAE in a luxury villa and
also has one of the most spectacular pools in the world,
thanks to its infinity freeform design that looks more like
a desert oasis lake than a pool, a honour which Fagan
agreed with wholeheartedly.
ikhael Belanger, a self-described “hardcore backpacker”,
offered up the Ranakpur Temple in northwestern India,
one of the largest Jain temples in the world. “The exterior is
gorgeous,” he said. “But the interior is jaw-dropping insane.”
Built entirely out of white marble, the temple contains more than
1,000 pillars, all intricately carved with geometric patterns and
motifs. The holy site can be found approximately 90km south of
the city of Udaipur, and the real showstopper lies in its heart: “It
contains four statues that will give you goosebumps,” Belanger
said. Of particular note are the statues of an elephant and one
of 108 snakes, all carved from a single piece of marble. Though
you can find pictures online, photography at the temple is
forbidden, making the journey even more worth the detour from
the established tourist track.
A mythical
mountain in Tibet
T
hough Mt Kailas is well known
among Eastern cultures, the 6,660m
peak remains mostly a mystery to
Western travellers who often overlook
the mountain in favour of summiting the
more well-known giants Everest and K2.
The peak is thought to be a seat of the
gods, and its location near the source of
Asia’s major rivers – including the Indus,
the Brahmaputra and tributaries of the
Ganges – makes it a sacred destination
for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon
followers.
“One of the greatest adventures
I’ve ever had was circumambulating
this mountain with a whole parade
of pilgrims,” said Tyler Baker of San
Francisco. “We’d eat and drink together
at some of the tea houses along the
route.”
Many people do the 52km kora, or the
sacred path around the mountain, in a
day. For Baker, who was un-acclimated
to the high altitude, it took three days.
“The amazing views warranted me to
walk slower anyway, so I could soak up
the surroundings,”
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01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Take a walk on the wild side
From snow-capped mountains to the Bushveld, and from sub-tropical beaches to the Kalahari, South Africa is a
mind-bogglingly diverse country. Showcasing the best of its stunning landscapes, its parks and reserves are great
places to experience African wilderness and see the continent’s famous wildlife.
Kruger National Park: Best for wildlife
watching: This 20,000-square km
stretch of bush bordering Mozambique
and Zimbabwe has the Big Five (lion,
elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) and
impressive statistics in abundance. In the
park, 145 mammal species, including the
world’s largest rhino population, hunt and
graze in grasslands and riverine forests.
Conveniently, you can see Kruger scenes
like the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile
battle within about five hours’ drive of
Johannesburg. Tarred roads criss-cross
the park and intrepid visitors can go on
a guided walk, accompanied by guntoting rangers. The best time to visit is
winter — June to September, when sparse
vegetation aids visibility, animals gather at
waterholes.
The park is one of the world’s best places
to spot big cats; you might find yourself
sharing the road with a growling lion.
Cederberg Wilderness Area: Best for hiking:
Located about 200km northeast of Cape
Town, the Cederberg range encompasses
dramatic sandstone formations, San rock
art and mountain fynbos, including the
rare snowball protea. Hiking trails lasting
from one hour to several days lead into
the 700-sq-km wilderness, climbing rocky
Royal Natal National Park: Best for
mountains: The Drakensberg is one of
Africa’s greatest mountain ranges, its
mystical moniker (which means Dragon
Mountains in Afrikaans) befitting its spiny
ridges, green slopes and knobbly rock
formations. The Royal Natal National Park
covers a relative slither of the 2500-squarekm
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
World
Heritage Site, but packs in some of the
range’s best-known peaks. Towering above
its gushing mountain streams and babooninhabited forests is the Amphitheatre, a 5
km-long wall of cliffs rising over 3000 m.
The best time to visit the park, which is
about 280 km northwest of Durban, is April
to July, when the weather is mild for hiking.
Table Mountain National Park: Best for
activities: Cape Town’s favourite park runs
down the mountainous Cape Peninsula
from Table Mountain, the 1000m-high
plateau with sweeping views of South
Africa’s oldest city, to the Cape of Good
Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans meet. Numerous activities make
the most of this stunning environment,
including tandem paragliding from the
jagged tooth-like peak of Lion’s Head; one
of the world’s highest commercial abseils,
a 112m rappel from Table Mountain; and of
course hiking up the famous mountain.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Best for
desert: Red dunes roll away to the horizon
in this 36,000-sq-km chunk of raw Kalahari,
which sprawls across the South AfricaBotswana border and comprises one of
the world’s largest conservation areas. It
is amazing to see animals from ostriches
to lions, cheetahs and leopards surviving
in this arid and unforgiving environment.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Best for
coastline: One of the world’s great ecotourist
destinations, iSimangaliso’s name means
‘miracle’ or ‘wonder’ in Zulu - an apt description
slopes to formations such as the Maltese
Cross and Wolfberg Arch.
Mapungubwe National Park: Best for
history: Mapungubwe lies alongside the
Zimbabwe and Botswana borders in
the steamy Limpopo River Valley, where
elephants, giraffes, leopards and baboons
roam between the Baobab trees. The park
is a World Heritage Site with considerable
historical significance, making it well
worth the 550km journey north from
Johannesburg. Mapungubwe was the
heart of southern Africa’s first indigenous
kingdom; more than 9000 people lived here
around 1300 AD, and archaeologists have
discovered a hill-top graveyard, containing
treasures including a golden rhino figurine.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve: Best
for rock formations: The world’s thirdlargest canyon is a breathtaking sight,
towering above the Blyde River as it winds
down from the mountainous Drakensberg
Escarpment to the lowveld. Adding further
drama to the steep green slopes, many
are topped by dolomite and sandstone
formations. Most famously, there’s the
Three Rondavels, enormous rock domes
with pointy peaks resembling rondavel
(hut) roofs; Bourke’s Luck Potholes,
cylindrical holes carved by whirlpools;
and the skyscraper-like Pinnacle. All can
be seen, along with caves, waterfalls and
panoramic viewpoints, on a drive down the
canyon’s western edge.
of this 3320-sq-km World Heritage Site’s eight
ecosystems, which include lakes, swamp
forests, coral reefs, Africa’s largest estuary,
and 220km of Indian Ocean beaches.
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01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Incredible, hospitable and beauteous are the words that
best describe India. This culturally rich land showcases a
plethora of colourful facets. India is a harmonious blend of
varied cultures, customs, religions and traditions. It sets the
perfect example of “Unity in Diversity”.
Enveloped by the mighty Himalayan ranges in the
north and edged by limitless stretch of golden beaches,
India is a flamboyant kaleidoscope of landscapes, misty
mountain retreats and much more. This enrapturing
country boasts of a diverse topography that blesses it
with a myriad of attractions including natural and manmade. India is an abode of stunning natural wonders,
exotic wildlife and glorious heritage and amazing
festivities.
While in India, you have a plenty of options for tourism
that will make your holiday in India truly memorable.
Kerala – A home to spectacular beaches & backwaters;
Rajasthan – the Royal Land of heritage monuments;
Goa - the happening land of Sun, Sand, Surf & Sea;
Agra - the abode of Taj Mahal; Kashmir - the Heaven on
the Earth; Himachal Pradesh - A charming & captivating
state are some prominent travel destinations in the
county. These destinations are worth visiting and attract
tourists & holiday makers from across the world.
Tourists embarking on India tours have an excellent
opportunity to enjoy unique cultural, regional, natural
and geographical diversities. Owing to its diversity,
India has become one of the most sought after tourist
destinations in the world. India serves as an abode of
tourist delights. Be it wildlife tour, cultural tour, religious
tour or backwaters or beaches tour, India tourism offers
it all. Tourists can choose from a variety of India travel
packages, that suits them best.
In fact, India, being an exceptionally prosperous
country houses something for every visitor in its store. It
never fails to allure its visitors. It offers you a plethora of
tourism attractions and interesting tourist places. Being
a prime tourist destination, India also offers outstanding
tourist facilities in forms of different resorts, hotels and
guest houses.
Set out a journey to the mystic land, called India and
have a wonderful tourism experience that will linger in
your memory forever.
South India Tourism
India Tourism
W
North East
India Tourism
T
he land where the first rays of sun kisses the
nature at its best. That’s none other than North
East India, which is a wonderland where every
attraction leaves you with an expression ‘wow’.
North East India Tourism captures the hearts of
tourists by offering them attractions such as blue
mountains, gorgeous green valleys, mesmerizing
rivers and pristine natural beauty. North East
India Tour takes you to fascinating states of
Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pardesh, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Rich
in diversity and cultural heritage, North East
India is well known for its hill stations, wildlife,
pilgrimages, adventure sports and cruises. A
wide variety of hotels ranging from highly prized
to less expensive are available here.
hat can be more daydream worthy than the
images of enchanting beaches with shimmering
sand, swaying palms, dramatic sea waves and smiling
sun. And the way to transform this dream into reality is
to plan a South India Tour. South India Tourism offers
incredible attractions, which attract tourists from across
the globe. South India encompasses several enchanting
destinations such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka,
Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh. And each destination
has its own share of wonderful attractions to adorn your
holidays with golden memories. From honeymoon tour to
Ayurveda tour, beach tour, backwater tour, adventure tour,
pilgrimage tour, wildlife tour and cruise tour, South India
has a variety of options in its sleeves. For accommodation
South India offers a variety of options such as luxurious
cottages, ayurvedic resorts, hotels, houseboats and
much more to make your stay comfortable and delightful.
North
India Tourism
West Central
G
reat Destinations, Great Attractions. That’s West
Central India. It is a fascinating and enchanting
land teeming with many wondrous attractions. Culturally
rich, West Central India encompasses destinations
like Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
West Central India tour provides an opportunity to let
yourself loose in the attractions like wildlife, adventure
sports, cruises, pilgrimage and hill stations. Spend your
holidays at these destinations and you will surely go
back home with a record of golden memories, which
you will cherish for long. West Central India enjoys
some of the most overwhelming attractions of India. For
accommodation some of the finest hotels are located in
this region of India. From beach resorts to jungle resorts,
a variety of accommodation option falling into different
categories are available in West Central India.
N
orth India is a destination pulsating with
extraordinary attractions. Endowed with
sheer natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage,
North India beckons you for a travel experience
of a lifetime. North India Tour will take you to its
historic, majestic and celestial destinations such
as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir,
Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and
Uttaranchal, which overflow with attractions.
North India Tourism presents you fascinating
attractions like world famous Heritage sites, hill
stations, adventure sports, scenic beauty, cruises,
wildlife and pilgrimage sites. North India is a big
hit with honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts and
nature lovers. Accommodation takes a whole new
meaning in North India as here the options are
mind- blowing. Offering a variety of choices in terms
of accommodation, North India is the place where
you can stay in royal palaces and experience the
lifestyles of the raja-maharajas of the bygone era.
9
Travel
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
The beautiful
Greek islands
Greece’s 1,400 islands - 230
of them inhabited - are one
of the Mediterranean’s most
beautiful assets. From the
Ionian, up by Albania in the
northwest, to the Dodecanese,
near Turkey in the southeast,
they offer vacations you can’t
get many other places.
Each of the island groups has its unique
allure, plus some of the most picturesque
seascapes on Earth. But for sheer variety
in a small radius, proximity to Athens’ ferry
port at Piraeus and the best inter-island boat
connections, none compete with the Cyclades.
We present the top nine islands in and
around the Cyclades, each with its marquee
attraction.
Best scenery: Santorini: The story behind
this island is the stuff of legends -- in 1600
BC after a volcano erupted and its center
collapsed into the sea, it left behind parts of
its caldera that today form the island Santorini.
The views from pretty much anywhere on this
crescent-shaped outcrop are superb.
Sheer rock faces are striated in multitudinous
shades, villages and towns cling to the tops
of cliffs, the caldera is filled with clear deep
turquoise water home to the visiting cruise
liners. The whitewashed buildings in the main
town Fira resemble a fresh blanket of snow
atop a mountain.
On the northern tip, at Oia, where the sunsets
are outstanding, houses, hotels and churches
tumble down the rock walls. Every evening bus
loads of tourists descend to watch the sun sink
into the Aegean.
Mykonos: Mykonos is Greece’s answer to
Ibiza, but without the attitude and posturing.
In true Greek style, nothing here starts until
late, though you can party in the daytime
with 20-something Italians at Super Paradise
beach. A popular start is to have drinks at
sunset at the Sea Breeze Cocktail Bar in Little
Venice, snagging a table up the steps for the
best views.
Across the island at Kalo Livadi you can
find an unfussy beach where the new Nice n
Easy bio-restaurant has fantastic organic fare
at reasonable prices (the pasta with sharp
kopanisti cheese is excellent). A favorite is
the bar/club Caprice, where all are united in
their mission to just have fun, the barmen are
as much into the music and dancing as the
customers.
Naxos: The largest island in the Cyclades
has a string of swoon-worthy beaches on its
west coast, a Venetian castle in its main town,
some interesting ruins and great local produce
and dairy. But what sets it apart from the other
islands are its traditional villages.
When you leave Chora, where the ferries
berth, the pull of village life is evident - note the
sign at the outskirts of town that simply reads
“Villages.”
There are 46 of them on Naxos, some
miniscule, but all a window into traditional life.
Each has a bakery or cafe, a village square
where old men with sun-creased faces sit
around on tables drinking coffee and trading
stories and an immaculately preserved church
or two. The hamlets are tucked among the hills
and the switchback road that crisscrosses the
island.
Kinidaros is famous for its bakery (the best
on the island, the oven fired by wood) and
musicians; Chalki has the excellent artisanal
jam shop Era; locals come to the cobblestoned streets of Apeiranthos to eat the
crepes at Samardako; Keramoti sits in a valley,
seemingly cut off from civilization, but it’s also
the base for hikes to Routsouna waterfall.
Since most tourists don’t venture inland,
the villages haven’t succumbed to moneygrabbing gimmicks.
Paros: The constant wind on Paros is
evident as the ferry approaches the island
- you can see giant turbine fans steadily
cartwheeling on the north coast. During the
summer, the Meltemi winds blaze down through
the Aegean, supplying welcome breezes for
beachgoers, but also creating conditions ripe
for windsurfing and kite boarding.
For newbies, mornings are the best time
to learn, when the wind is steady but tame.
By early afternoon, when the gusts pick up
and continue till dusk, pro boarders and
windsurfers skim and bounce along the water.
Visitors should time their visit around the
island’s most important festivity, on August
15, celebrating the Virgin Mary’s ascension
to heaven and culminating in a giant fireworks
display mounted on boats in the bay of the port
town Parikia.
Milos: Every islander has their favorite
beach, but none of the Cyclades promises the
number and diversity of beaches as volcanic
Milos. Some have white sand, some black,
some are rocky, others offer the satisfying
sensation of crushed shells underfoot, with
water ranging from emerald to aquamarine to
cobalt blue. With a heavily indented coastline
(on a map Milos resembles a mutated crab)
and pretty little coves at every turn, Milos has
about 80 fine beaches, many only accessible
by boat. While each has its charm, some
should not be missed. Sarakiniko, a beach of
brilliant white pumice, looks truly otherworldly
(many liken it to the moon).
The three beaches of Paliochori are cupped
by towering rock formations, its pebbles are
multicolored and the sea water has warm
pockets where it’s fed by hot underwater mineral
springs. The small Tzigrado beach is flanked by
headlands, and can only be accessed by boat
or by a ladder down the cliffs. A cave borders
the even tinier Papafragas beach, while the
rock walls that enclose it give the water the
appearance of a river starting in the sand.
Azerbaijan
Continued from Page 2
turquoise and ochre, magnificently setting off the intricate woodframed, stained-glass windows known as ebeke.
Mömin Xatun Mausoleum: The impressive Mömin Xatun
mausoleum is Naxçivan’s icon and one of Azerbaijan’s bestknown landmarks. It’s a glorious, gently leaning 26m brick
tower decorated with
geometric patterns and
Kufic script (a stylised,
angular form of Arabic)
picked out in turquoise
glaze.
Xınalıq This fabled
mountain village speaks
directly to the soul. Its
timeless stone houses
are often wrapped in spooky clouds, giving it a haunted
medieval feel. When the clouds lift, there is a stunning
360-degree views of the Caucasus. Xınalıq’s hardy shepherd
folk have their own distinct language (Ketsh) and still live
much of their lives on horseback. Nowhere in Azerbaijan
offers a more fascinating glimpse of mountain life nor a better
opportunity for inspirational hiking. Xınalıq’s most popular
tourist activity is hiking to ategah, a small ever-burning natural
fire-vent. The walk takes about two hours (towards Laza then
up a side valley).
Karavansaray:
This
historic
caravanserai
whose twin-level arcade
of sturdy arches encloses
a
sizeable
central
courtyard. The imposing
wooden gateway door
leads to a restaurant in
the garden behind, a
relaxing place for a slice
of signature eki halvasi (local paxlava ).
Qobustan: Behind depressing Qobustan town, barren rocky hill-
crags rise from the
semi-desert. Around
12, 000 years ago
the Caspian Sea
level was some 80m
higher. The Caspian
foreshores were lush
with vegetation and
Stone Age huntergatherers settled in
caves that were then
just a short walk from the waters. The remnants of these caves
remain etched with around 6000 fascinating petroglyphs
(simple stone engravings). The Qobustan’s eerie landscape
and the hilltop views of oil-workings in the turquoise- blue
Caspian are still fascinating.
The tambourine stone at the Qobustan Petroglyph Reserve
was played like a primitive musical instrument accompanying
a ritual chain-dance (yallı) that features in some petroglyphs
and was performed to ensure a successful hunt. The reserve’s
simple museum section, slated for eventual reconstruction,
10
Travel
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Walk on the
Great Wall of China
T
here are few experiences in the world as
exceptional as walking on the Great Wall
of China. The Wall, used to fortify the Chinese
border and built more than 2,000 years ago
during the Ming Dynasty, spans some 5,000
miles (almost 9,000 kilometers). It’s possible
to not only see the Wall but to hike on several
sections on a day trip from Beijing.
Taste the
diverse flavors of Asia
Asia
at a glance
As the world’s largest and most populous continent, with more than
50 countries spread across six distinct regions, Asia offers a wealth
of experiences. The cultural, geographical and ethnic diversity that
exists within Asia ensures travelers with varied interests and levels
of experience will find something to cross off their bucket list.
T
he tours and activities highlighted are
chosen based on traveler reviews, data
from the millions of people who check out
Viator.com during the year, and information on
which tours in the region travelers book most
often. We think you’ll enjoy reading about the
array of activities available in each of these
places – it’s the little mental vacation we could
all use right now – and we also think this list is a
great place to start if you’re planning a trip to the
Asian continent in 2014. Join us for this tour of
the Top Things to Do in Asia!
Do some Seoul
Searching
in South Korea
S
eoul is one of the liveliest, most colorful,
and exciting cities in the region. Discover
cultural landmarks and traditional architecture
in the Seoul history and culture small-group
tour. Experience the vibrant culture first hand
on a Korean heritage tour: palaces and
villages of Seoul including Gyeongbokgung
Palace, Light your taste buds on fire with
kimchi and squelch it with a sip of Soju on
the small-group Korean night food tour. From
the educational to the entertaining, Seoul is
an incredible destination for anyone.
Get up close
to the wildlife of Asia
A
sia boasts some of the most diverse,
flavorful cuisines in the world. From peanut
sauce in Thailand to spicy curry in India and
sushi in Japan, some of our favorite foods hail
from the eastern nook of the globe. One of the
best ways to experience a new city or country is
through its food – from trying local delicacies to
splurging on a fine-dining meal, or even taking
a cooking class.
H
ong Kong has it all: lush forests, pristine
beaches, sky-high mountain peaks,
picturesque fishing villages, a rich history,
and a vibrant culture. The skyline captures
the attention of people around the world, with
towering skyscrapers, and an urban island.
Situated on China’s south coast, the island
has jumped to the top of must-visit lists for its
international flair, exceptional food, and modern
architecture. Hong Kong is a perfect destination
for travelers who want to dig in and learn more.
S
now-capped Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest
mountain, has been worshipped by the
devout and immortalized in works of art for
centuries. It’s no wonder, as the near-perfectly
symmetrical volcanic cone stands out from the
surrounding landscape and can even be seen
from Tokyo on a clear day.
Remember World
War II History in Asia
L
earn about Japan’s occupation of Singapore
and the many prisoner-of-war camps that
existed at the time on the Changi WWII war
trail and museum tour. Hiroshima, Japan was
destroyed when the United States bombed it
during the War; today it’s a lively, fun-loving city,
but it hasn’t forgotten. Visit Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park and Miyajima Island to see how
far the city has come since that fateful day in
1941. The Philippines’ Corregidor Island became
a battleground between US and Japanese
troops during the war. A historical sightseeing
tour from Manila will take you through the ruins
of barracks and down secret passageways to
fully tell the story.
T
sia is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
In Malaysia, visitors can see
orangutans in their natural habitat on the
Semenggok Orangutan Rehabilitation
tour from Kuching, explore the jungles
of Borneo on the Sandakan Sepilok
Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center fullday trip from Kota Kinabalu, and get up
close to majestic tusks and trunks on a
private tour of the Elephant Orphanage
Sanctuary on a day tour from Kuala
Lumpur. In Thailand, the Chiang Dao
elephant jungle trek and Ping River
rafting tour from Chiang Mai is perfect
for the adventurous, while the Chiang
Mai elephants at work tour is more lowkey and educational. In Bali, Indonesia,
you can also take on the rapids on the
Elephant Safari Park and white-water
rafting adventure. Finally, you will never
see zoos the same way after taking a
private tour of the Singapore zoo with
an optional jungle breakfast amongst
orangutans.
Get to know Hong Kong
See Majestic Mount Fuji
See the giant
pandas of Chengdu
A
forest covers as you pass by local villages and
spot wildlife and snack on local delicacies and
seasonal fruit.
he Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda
Breeding, or Chengdu Panda Base, is
one of the best places in the world – if not the
best – to observe giant pandas in their natural
habitat. The Base is as a non-profit research
and breeding center that aims to educate the
public on these special animals and encourage
educational tourism. For wildlife lovers,
especially panda enthusiasts, a trip to China
would be incomplete without seeing the giant
pandas of Chengdu.
Cruise down
the mighty Mekong
T
he mighty Mekong River is Asia’s 7thlongest. It serves as a major water trade
way in Southeast Asia. It runs through parts of
China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and
Vietnam. Farming is done in the waterway and
in the vegetation around it. The Mekong boasts
rich biodiversity. Unique marine life like giant
soft-shell turtles can be found in Cambodia.
Stingrays, giant river carp, and giant catfish
are just a few of the diverse fish species only
found in the region. Tourists can discover the
Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
On this adventurous tour, you’ll drift beneath
Explore the ancient
temples of Angkor
T
he name Angkor Wat means “Temple
City,” and the complex of Hindu
and Buddhist temples just outside of
Cambodia’s Siem Reap is the largest
religious monument in the world. Delve into
the history of Angkor with a private tour
of Angkor Wat and the Royal Temples of
Bayon and Angkor Thom. Alternatively, see
the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex and
enjoy a traditional lunch at the Royal Baths
on an Angkor Temples small-group tour.
Cruise on a junk boat
in Ha Long Bay
Limestone cliffs rise up out of the emerald
water of Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam.
The Bay plays host to over 1,600 islands and
islets, almost all of which are uninhabited and
unspoiled. The biological diversity is second
only to the beauty of the Bay. The diverse,
beautiful Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage
site and attracts visitors from around the
world.
Explore
the Thai Islands
T
hailand has been blessed with some of
the most beautiful islands and beaches on
the planet, all easily accessible from Phuket.
Whether you’re looking for luxury, serenity
or wild abandon under a full moon, the Thai
Islands have it. Use Phuket as a launching pad
to explore dozens of little islands and unique
geological formations, all while catching
glimpses of diverse flora and fauna, as well
as marine life.
11
Travel
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
01 - 07 June, 2014 timeskuwait.com
Packing your
travel bag
There is a fine art to packing and here are some
tips from some very well-travelled people.
Places to
visit in
Budapest
Hungary
This charming capital of
Hungary sure gives a large
appetite for travelers in
search of a new adventure.
It is one of the most
delightful and hospitable
cities of Central Europe.
Clothes flat or rolled: It’s a divided topic, if you roll your clothes,
you risk wrinkles, but you potentially lose space if you lay them
flat. What some visitors have found is that it doesn’t matter
which way you pack your clothes, as long as there’s a little
space left in your case and it’s not packed too tightly. With this
in mind, try and squeeze socks and underwear inside shoes or
around bulkier items.
Toiletry bags: Sometimes you don’t actually take a toiletry bag,
instead just bring a plastic sealable bag to save space and
help reduce the number of bottles you take with yourself.
Remember that most hotels provide soap and shampoo, plus a
range of items that are available from reception, so don’t waste
too much precious packing space on that massive bottle of
conditioner.
Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane: To save space and
weight in your bags, most well-traveled people recommend
wearing the heaviest items, especially shoes, to the airport.
This will save you valuable weight and space in your checkedin luggage. Remember “less is more” when it comes to holiday
wear so mix and match wherever possible. This is a particularly
good hint for travelers who often move between the Southern
and Northern hemispheres and experience completely
opposite weather conditions. If you’re leaving our sunny climes
for a holiday during autumn, winter or spring then be sure to
take enough warm clothes - wear your heavy coat and boots on
the airplane and save yourself some luggage space.
Order to pack in: Always pack the largest or bulkiest items first,
filling in any empty space around them, before layering clothes
on top, pressing them down as you go to remove the air.
Don’t bring too much: This point can’t be stressed enough, you
don’t need to bring vast amounts with you. You can always
wash your clothes during your trip or buy more. Not filling your
suitcase to the brim also leaves you with room for all-important
souvenirs and gifts to bring back on your return, and you could
have some styling new clothes to parade that afford you some
bragging rights.
These suggestions are to minimize what you have to carry
on your trip, but of course, it could also allow you to fit more into
your bag. Most importantly, just stay under the weight limit and
bring whatever you need and whatever you find comfortable.
Little do people know that it consists
of two very different cities: Buda
on the West of the Danube River
and Pest on the East. Put them
together and you’ve got a place
where you can find a lot more than
10 interesting places to visit in
Budapest.
The Fisherman’s Bastion: Built
in neo-Gothic and Romanesque
style, the Fisherman’s Bastion is
a gorgeous terrace on the Buda
side of the Danube. The over the
top view offers panoramic views
of the Danube, the Pest side and
landscapes of the country.
The House of Terror: Warning: This
is not your typical local museum.
The House of Terror houses exhibits
related to fascist and communist
regimes in 20th century Hungary.
It is also a memorial to victims who
were detained, tortured and killed
in the same building.
The Parliament Building
Buda Hill Labyrinth: In the area of
Castle Hill lies an underground
Labyrinth; where tours are held and
takes visitors through a historical
journey. This top attraction is an
intricate maze that was once used
during WWII and the Cold War for
military purposes.
Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi
cave
system: Discovered in the 20th
century,
underground
caves
became a new world for the city
of Budapest. In present day, it
holds guided tours, some more
adventurous than others.
Visegrád: Translated to “The Upper
Castle,” near the city of Budapest
is a large fortification system.
Dating back to the 13th century,
it connects the Upper Castle with
the Danube. Together, it was once
fought over by Old Kings and is
now a royal palace for tourists to
enjoy.
Gellért
Baths: Traditionally,
Budapest is known as the city of
public baths. This famous spa city
is a longtime tradition of relaxation.
Most baths are built around hot
springs or thermal pools. The
Gellért Baths are the most popular
and finest baths to relax in.
Eötvös Loránd University: Besides
being a prestigious University, the
building itself is a sight to see. The
Eötvös Loránd University which
dates to the 1600s is one Hungary’s
most recognized schools. Not only
can students enjoy the building, but
visitors can enjoy the lush Gardens
and popular open air terrace
where musical performances are
often held.
S
ituated overlooking the
Danube, the Parliament
Building is the symbol of
Budapest. Besides being in
awe of the outside neo-gothic
infrastructure, take a guided
tour to see the beauty it also
holds inside. Historically,
it is one of Europe’s oldest
legislative buildings and center
of the National Assembly of
Hungary.
The City Park (Városliget): The
City Park of Budapest is a lot more
than greenery and wide open
spaces. Though it is 302 acres
in size, it is also home to many
other attractions. You can find
museums, restaurants, castles, a
zoo and famous landmarks. It is
also home to the largest artificial
ice surface in Europe.
Heroes’ Square: While you’re in
the City Park, make sure to visit
one of the most famous squares
in Budapest. Heroes’ Square also
features the millennial monument
which celebrated the 1000th
anniversary of the Hungarian
arrival. The square recognizes
War and Peace, Work and Welfare
and Glory and Knowledge.