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When you book a group tour to China usually there is not much choice about what to see and when. Your day is packed from 8am to 7pm when you are taken to a restaurant where the menu is decided by the government. You are usually presented with a visit to the Great Wall of China without specifying which part of the Great Wall. To keep costs down most companies take you to the Badaling section which is close to Beijing and most of the time, very overcrowded. If you are on a group tour your not able to see any current exhibitions in any of the cities visited, because there's just not time. In the evenings, you are booked to see a performance of Beijing Opera but without any explanation what is the significance of any of the colours or costumes or masks or dances, so you'll sit there out of sheer politeness and stay till the bitter end like most tourists do.You'll go to Shanghai but you won't have time to catch a world-class performance in the magnificent Shanghai theatre (the seats are so cheap too!). Nor will you be able to ride the fastest train in China, the Maglev, as there is no time, nor will you be able to go to the charming Taikang Lu district as buses can't park down the narrow streets. However, on your group tour you will be taken on factory visits, so-called friendship shops, again earmarked by the government for tourists, in order to increase guides' commission. Most of the time clients are get annoyed that they weren't told about these visits (sometimes 3 a day) which can take up a considerable proportion of your time - for example, instead of spending some quality time at the Great Wall of China you have to go to the pearl shop and even if none of the group members buy anything, the will still guide get commission. On your group tour there will be at least 20 other people, sometimes 30 or 40, and just one guide - how many questions are you going to be able to answer? Are you going to be able to get close enough to hear them even? Fo

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, renowned for its stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here are some key points about the Manaslu Circuit Trek: 1. **Location:** The trek is located in the Gorkha District of Nepal, in the western part of the country. It circles around Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. 2. **Scenery:** The trek offers a variety of landscapes, including lush green valleys, terraced fields, dense forests, and high-altitude barren lands. You'll also encounter several rivers, waterfalls, and glacial lakes along the way. 3. **Culture:** The region is inhabited by ethnic communities like the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans. You'll have the chance to experience their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality during your trek. 4. **Permits:** As of my last update, the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a special trekking permit, as it is a restricted area. You'll need to arrange this through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 5. **Duration:** The typical duration for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is around 14-18 days, depending on the specific itinerary and side trips you choose to include. 6. **Challenges:** The trek involves crossing high mountain passes, such as the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters or 16,930 feet), which can pose altitude-related challenges. It's essential to acclimatize properly and be physically prepared for the trek. 7. **Best Time to Trek:** The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally stable, and the views are spectacular. 8. **Highlights:** Some of the highlights of the trek include the picturesque villages of Sama Gaon and Samdo, the stunning views of Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks, and the chance to see unique flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard. 9. **Guides and Porters:** It's recommended to hire a local guide and possi

Throughout Vietnam there are a multitude of outdoor adventure activities to get involved in. You can cycle the length of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, the name given to the many supply routes and trails used by the Viet Cong to deliver arms and supplies to the their troops fighting in the south.  There is rock climbing, kayaking and some outstanding trekking to be enjoyed in the central highlands and in the north of the country around well-known locations such as the former colonial hill station of Dalat in the highlands and the outpost of Sapa in the countries far north. Participating in an Vietnam adventure tour will allow you access to all these activities, give you the opportunity visit and stay in hill tribe villages whilst also including some of the must see attractions and cities to be found throughout the country.  Hanoi is the finest city in Asia right now; it's the place to spend a few days. The place is simply bubbling over as the country starts to realize its commercial and tourist potential. Further south there is the former Imperial capital of Hue and the quaint town of Hoi An, both is worth a few days of any traveller's time.

Kollam, is also known as Quilon is located approximately 75 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Kollam was an ancient port city on the Arabian cost. This town have a rich costal history that even made the famous ancient travel writer Ibn Batuta to refers this port as one of the five important port in the 14th century. You should reconsider the fact that Ibn Batuta traveled 24 years vigorously around the globe on the known world. Kollam shares it's boundary on the south by Thiruvanathapuram District, on the north by Pathanamthitta & Alapuzha, on the east by Tamilnadu and on the west by Arabian Sea. The Kollam town is known for its cashew trade & processing and coir manufacturing. Kollam district's around thirty percent is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake, therefore it called as "Gate way to the backwaters of Kerala" and thus a outstanding tourist destination in the region. Kollam town is well copious with beautiful beaches such as, "Thirumullavaram beach" is an ideal place for swimming & bathing. This wonderful beach is located only 5 kilo meters away from Kollam town. "Thankassery beach" located around 5 kilometers north of the Kollam town, it is also known for its European settlement during the colonial days. Some remnants of the European settlement is still exist. This beach is very famous for its 44 meter tall light house. This light house was built in 1902. Nendakara located 7 kilo meters away from the city is famous as a view point for " chaakara" a post monsoon phenomenon occurs in the cost, that attract a plenty fish to the cost.

Ernakulam is the first fully literate district in the country and the most industrially developed district of the State, with its headquarter Ernakulam being recognized as the commercial capital of Kerala with more than 1.5 million population. There are many prestigious large and medium scale industries in the industrial belt covering Ernakulam-Kalamassery-Eloor and Alwaye.Besides this there are large number of small scale and cottage industries. The district is also rich in mineral deposits. Captivating Kochi is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. It is an excellent blend of traditions and modernity and is a perfect reflection of the cosmopolitan society of Kerala. The town also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" has one of the finest natural harbors in the world and is one of the oldest ports in country.It is indeed one of the most spectacular cities of the country, brimming with history, legends and natural beauty. Since time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese had trade relations with Kochi. The city's rich historical legacy is well exhibited at Fort Kochi and Mattancheri, which still retains the ambiance of the colonial past. Here one can see ancient temples, Churches and synagogues staying closely and standing as a symbol of complete harmony of Kerala.

"I still fondly remember my first visit to Sankampaeng Road. I was so happy and so in spired with everything I saw that I made another 4 trip after that. I like everything about the handicraft factories on Sankampaeng Road : the fact that these skills have been passed down for generatations, the fact that these skills have been passed down for generations, the beauty of silver articles, the natural dyeing of thai silk, the delicate style of celadon ware, the skilful work done on teak wood… and above all, the kindness of the villagers that work in thesw factories. And even if I know that these factories are mostly famous among tourist, I love the fact that one single street gives you the opportunity to discover a total of eight different handicraft techniques.." The arts and crafts of any country are a livings examples of the region's rich past and heritage. With skills that are passes down for generations, the art of Thai crafts is a reflection of Thai people's creativity and ingenuity. Chiang Mai is probably the most well-know city in Thailand where old traditions and cultures still remain to be seen today, and its people have often been note for their gift of the country, they had time to invest in the creative and the beautiful, time to spend on the painstaking detail and the seemingly insignificant.

In this review of Upper Mustang, we will look at 10 reasons to trek to the Upper Mustang region. The itinerary takes you to several villages along the remote Upper Mustang region ending in Lo Manthang, the old capital of the forbidden kingdom of Lo. The kingdom was a stop along the ancient trade route between Tibet and India. Lying on the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, the landscape is one of the cliffs, red canyons, and arid desert hosting villages with unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture and architecture and rich history of caves, cave paintings, and scripture along the way. Alongside the route are the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges, meaning one is never far from majestic views of the mountains. While the difficulty is moderate, you will not be going over 4000 meters in altitude throughout the entire trek. There's no doubt that Upper Mustang is one of the best treks in Nepal.

Situated on the banks of the Chaliyar River, Nilambur is beautiful town in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Famous for having the world's first teak plantation raised in the Conolly Plot about 150 years ago, the Teak Museum here is worth visiting if you travel to Nilambur. Established by the Kerala Forest Research Institute in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department, it is a thematic museum housing historical, cultural and aesthetic aspects of teak, all under one roof. A collection of bamboo trees on the way to the museum imparts a special beauty to the place. The carved teak door at the entrance of the museum has a painting of the Kannimara teak. It is the oldest living teak tree not only in India but also in the world, located in Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary in the district of Palghat, Kerala. It is 47.5 m tall with a girth of 642 cm.

Estuary Island, Poovar, Trivandrum, Kerala, India Welcome to Thomas Hotels and Resorts . A group that is providing infinite experiences to different sections of travellers by owning different types of hotels, resorts and villas under different brand names. Estuary Island Resort is a unit of Thomas Hotels & Resorts. Estuary Island, Poovar, Trivandrum, Kerala, India is world class resort located at Poovar, near Trivandrum in the state of Kerala, India. Estuary Island Resort, a beachside heaven where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet to form an exotic land of scenic beauty offers 71 rooms, with a range of accommodation facilities perfect for all kind of visitors. The serene tropical decor of rooms feature all modern amenities. With the best panoramic view of the natural wonder, Estuary, set amidst four-and-a-half tropical acres of swaying coconut groove provides exceptional value and quality in its service and hospitality. Estuary is a resort like no other. The buildings have been designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Throughout the resort, coconut trees and gentle sea breeze thread their way among beautiful landscape; spacious walkways, swimming pool and a floating restaurant distinguish Estuary as a class of its own.

Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum, is the head quarters of Kerala state & the Thiruvanathapuram District. The name 'Thiruvananthapuram' means the seat of the sacred snake-god Ananthan, on whom Vishnu, the God of protection, is believed to be reclining. Once Mahatma Gandhi referred this city as "Ever Green City of India", besides its legislative importance, the district was the formerly ruled by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore and it is identified among travelers for its enthralling beaches, picnic spots and sites of historic significance. Kovalam This world famous beach is a personal pride of Thiruvananthapuram district; it was in the map of beach lovers the early 1930 itself. It is located 13 kms away from Thiruvanathapuram city & it is considered as one of the best bathing bay in the world. Kovalam consists of three neighboring crescent beaches. Light house beach is located on the southernmost is more popular than other two beaches. Kovalam is also considered as the second best beach destination in India after Goa in terms of tourist traffic.

God's own country, Kerala also pride itself for its repertoire of rich cultural heritage. Kerala holds a place of honour among the people of India who have enriched Indian Cultural Heritage and helped the cause of national integration. Kerala's culture is in fact, an integral part of Indian culture. Kerala is a great place to tour to during your holidays. The culture of Kerala is also a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions. Kerala's population comprises of a large number of the people from the Dravidians race, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. The gradual evolution of composite and cosmopolitans culture led to the emergence of a spirit of tolerance and catholicity of outlook, which still persist among the people of Kerala. Thus during your tour to Kerala you get to be a part of the tradition and culture of the native people. The cultural heritage of Kerala is also revealed in its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala. There is a lot to explore while you are on a tour to Kerala, India.