Sunday, November 29, 2009

Kruger National Park

South Africa has dedicated more than three million hectares of its total land mass to the conservation of its natural heritage. You will see a great variety of habitats and wildlife when you visit these amazing sites.

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of South Africa. Most of the park is grass and bush covered plains. The border with Mozambique is marked by the Lebombo mountain range. Many rivers, like the Limpopo, Letaba, Olifants, Timbavati, Sabie and Crocodile River chop up theKruger National Park into territories.

Winter season in the Kruger Park is quite dry and rain is scarce. During this season, visitors will be able to spot the animals when they come to the waterholes in the mornings and evenings. Summer is the rainy season in Kruger Park and the rains fill the rivers and waterholes, and the bushveld looks lush.

Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves. Until about a decade ago, these were all fenced off from the main park. With the removal of the fences, the park was increased in size by about 15 percent. Since there are no longer fences separating the reserves from the Kruger, it effectively creates one huge, continuous reserve area across whichthe animals are free to roam.

The Kruger National Park can be divided into three sections: the south, central and the north. The South, which is also known as the hill country of theKruger National Park has easy access and a large number of camps and game drives. Central consists of open grassy plains, roamed by the large predators and herds. The North is a more remote part of theKruger National Park, and thus offers more rest. It consists of mopane plains.

The best time to go game viewing in the park is in the early morning or late evening. In the summer time it gets really hot and the animals will generally hide in the shade of trees. In the winter time it hardly rains at all and quite a few of the waterholes dry up, upping your chances of spotting the more elusive animals when they come to drink.

Although there was a game drive just after lunch, Ryno refused to sit in an open 4x4 in the midst of the hot weather, so we opted for the drive at dusk. I didn't blame him, because although I couldn't wait to go into the bushveld for some game-viewing, dusk has always been my favourite time of day and the weather was taking some time getting used to.

Even though thunder is scary, the voice of God as some would call it, I find it soothing. Obviously not when the lightning strikes right at your side, but when you hear the rumbling thunder in the distance, muffled rain falling on the roof as in the hut's case it was thatch. It is then that you experience certain calmness.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our first walk. While walking on at a comfortable pace, our guide shared with us his extraordinary knowledge of the bushveld culture, identifying everything from the names of the grasses, to the local folk lore and medicinal uses of some of the plants.

Global warming, carbon emissions mingled with a singular disregard for Mother Nature have turned full circle at Wilderness Safaris. Folks who through their personal experience have a fierce conviction that we can make the difference, can counter the effects of modern living and through a partnership with Mother Nature, create utopia.
Read about gelaskins laptop.Also read about ladies handbags and castle crashers

Travel to Shangri-la to Look for the Purest Place –Part Two

Shangri-la, the purest place, is like a fairy world when you touch it. You can think youself as the leading character of the fairy tale. How imaginary is it. Now let me tell you something about Shangri-la.
First, you will see the holy of the snow mountain.
Snow mountain is the landscape of plateau forever. Many beautiful stories about it are spread in the Tibetan. There are lots of people want to have a worship inthe snow mountain. If you visit there on autumn and with fortunate, you will see the splender of the mountain. Then on the way of the famous scenic area of BaiShuiTai in SanBa, you can see the Haba mountain which is about 4800 metres perfectly and the TianBao mountain which is on the right side of you. When you alone with the 214 route and pass by the town of BenZiLan, you will see the BaiMangmountain, and then the biggest mountain of YunNan— Kawaboge. At this moment, you will feel you are paralleling with the snow mountain and you can touch it easily. Your heart is now flying in the blue sky and the cloud and snow, and you have forgotten everything of the world.
Second, it is the paradise of photography.
Shangri-la’s autumn is full of fascinate scenery. At this time, there will be amount of foreign photographer come here to have a memory. A large tract of Euphorbia flowers begin changing red from yellow under the gentle sun; sometimes it will hear the voice of shepherd and the melodious sounds of the madrigal, these all the perfect material for you to have a photo. You also can take your special photos at the lake of Bita and Shudu and Napa where have all kinds of migrant. It is unforgettable memory to record the harmonious moment of human and nature.
Third, you can join the weddings of local people as a guest. They always hold the wedding on autumn, because at that time people will have gained a harvest and fat cattle and sheet, so that they can have a good meal to the guests. Of cause, their relation and friends will stay at home so there will be more lively than any other time. The people are very zealous and hospitable. There you can find the thing that people have lost or are losing now in the noisy city.
Go and to have a different experience that you will never regret.
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Travel to Shangri-la to Look for the Purest Place–Part One

Shangri-la is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in China, but there has lots of difference between Shangri-la and other scenic spots. So if you visit to China, Shangri-la is the place where you have to go to experience the magnificent scenery.
And next let me take you to travel there. Shangri-la is located in YunNan of China. In the year 1893, James Hilton described an eternally peaceful and quiet place among mountains in the East—— "Shangri-La" in one of his novels for the first time. In the novel "Lost Horizon", an English diplomat Conway and his brother Gorge scattered the English citizens and helped them leave the dangerous region. On their way home, their plane was hijacked and fell down into the mountain in the Tibetan region. Some lucky survivors were taken to Shangri-la where Conway found lots of fantastic things in such a state founded nearly 200 years ago, in which the local people lived up to more than one hundred years old and lived peacefully and harmoniously with the other people, animals and everything here. The place was called "Shangri-La" by the local folks.
Shangri-la is the beginning of the dream, where show you the beautiful spots and everyone looks forward to. There is no pain, no sadness and full of miraculous. It is said that fairies had ever lived there. It is also the beginning of our dream.
An ancient city where is located in Shangri-la called “dukezong” by Tibetans, and it is base on the Shambhala ideal country in Buddhist Scriptures when people built it. “dukezong” is includes two meanings, one is that a castle is built on the stone, and the other is that moon city. Shambhala is not the place that everyone can come in for common people. So if you want to enter thisbeautiful you should cultivate your spirit. After you enter into this holy land you will find the snow mountain around you as a lotus and the people who lived there are very brilliant. But when you come into the ancient city in Shangri-la, you will lose yourself and you cannot distinguish the directions both the psychology and the geographic.
The Shangri-la is really a place where is worth you to visit. So if you want know more about it, click it and to find the most fantastic thing in Shangri-la.

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Iceland Festive Holidays

Imagine it's Christmas Eve, and people up and down the UK are holding their breath that maybe, just maybe, this year might be the magical ‘White Christmas' they've been waiting for all these years.

But if you can't wait any longer for that ‘unique' Christmas or New Year then look no further than the middle of the North Atlantic and head for Iceland and a memorable Christmas holiday. Whilst the island might be better known as a summer destination, there is plenty to explore in the winter months too, and Iceland really comes alive for the festive celebrations.

Iceland's Christmas celebrations are centred around the remarkable ‘Yuletide Lads.' In the 13 days before Christmas, these mythical little fellows, set on making mischief, are said to come down from the hills and into towns and cities. In recent years, they seem to have mellowed - many children leave shoes in the window to find that one of the ‘lads' has left a present. Be careful though - they're not named ‘Sausage Stealer' and ‘Door Slammer' for nothing…

Reykjavik, the capital, comes alive for Christmas with lights festooned everywhere and a genuinely warm glow about the city. For special Christmas meals, abandon the traditional turkey and tuck into some of Iceland's famous seafood, freshly caught from the Atlantic and cooked to perfection. The city also plays host to a variety of choirs, and something musical appears round every corner. And not surprisingly the already famous nightlife kicks up a gear for the festive period. On the big day why not chill out - and warm up - in the rich mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon? It might not be a whiteChristmas, but it'll certainly be unforgettable.

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Icelanders really know how to party. On New Year's Eve, enjoy a feast of Icelandic cuisine followed by a chance to view the city's fantastic fireworks - and if you are really lucky, you might get the opportunity to see nature's own light show, the northern lights. Once the clock strikes 12 it's time to get to Reykjavik's bars and clubs, never bigger nor better than on this special evening.

Some travel companies offer special tours to Iceland at this time of year, and with a host of excursions suitable for festive families or New Year night clubbers alike, these are well worth checking out.
Explore some festive breaks to Iceland with Discover the World, the leading specialist tour operator to Iceland.

Must see Majorca Attractions

Many people have heard of the great family holiday destination that is Majorca, but may not know about some of the great attractions the island has to offer. In this article we are going to look at some amazing places you can visit next time you are inMajorca.

The Beaches
It seems an obvious choice, but the beaches of Majorca really are one of the main attractions on the island. With over 300 days of sun a year, make sure you visit some of the main beaches in Magaluf, Palma Nova, Alcudia and PuertoPollenca.

Caves of Drach
There are many spectacular caves dotted around Majorca and one of the most stunning is the Caves of Drach at Portocristo. Adults and children alike will love seeing the four chambers and the thousands of stalactites that are impressively lit. A highlight of the cave tour, will no doubt be the gondolier boat ride on the underground lake.

City of Palma de Majorca
One of the only true cities in the Balearics, the city of Palma is very different from what you would expect. It has a much slower pace than most Spanish cities but has plenty to offer. The historic quarter has grand mansions dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque churches that make for a stunning backdrop to any stroll around the city. While walking around the city in the day is very enjoyable, during the night, the floodlit cathedral and palace are simply stunning to see.

Train from Palma to Soller
The train that leaves Palma and runs to Soller makes for a great day out. The train has been running this route since 1912 and takes an hour to reach its destination. Along the ride you will travel through stunning countryside, almost making you wish the ride wouldn't finish so quickly. Once you reach your destination in Soller, you can travel to the Port of Soller via a slow moving electric tram.

Bellver Castle
This unique circular castle dates back to the 14th Century and is a real treat to visit. The name Bellver means "beautiful view" and the view of the Bay of Palma is the main reason somany people come and visit.

The island of Majorca has many more attractions to offer its visitors, so why not read up on what is available so you will be fully prepared for what no doubt will be a wonderful holiday.
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Search Travel Online who offer the chance to book a bargain holiday with cheap holidays to Majorca

China on a Budget

If you wish to spend a holiday in the most populated country in the world, the good news is that you can enjoy your holiday at a price you can afford. If you are on a budget, which most of us are, then you will be able to work around that budget. If you wish to experience luxury hotels, then you will be well catered for as well, as there are first class international hotels available for the discerning. My wife and I travelled to China in June 2007 and we experienced a unique holiday for a price which did not break the bank.

Our trip involved the two largest cities in China, namely Shanghai and Beijing. We flew into Shanghai on the eighteenth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, not that anyone in China would remind you of the fact. We were lucky that our son was attending university in Shanghai and was able to meet us at the airport and ease us into our stay with small but vital pieces of information such as how to get money from an ATM at the airport and how to negotiate the streets of Shanghai without losing your life!

Our son had booked a hotel for us, so that was not an issue for us, and our hotel was comfortable and clean and cheap at about $40 Australian per night. Certainly you would be able to get cheaper accommodation than that even, butwe were happy with the quality and the position. Once we were shown how to navigate the subways of Shanghai we were able to find our way to all of the main attractions of the city, such as the Bund and the new part of Shanghai, namely Pudong, on the other side of the river. This part of the city is truly dazzling, and it accommodates three of the tallest structures in the world. The views from the top of this city are amazing, despite the constant smog which is a chronic problem in Shanghai and Beijing.

We were told that there are 12,000 buildings in Shanghai which are 18 stories or more tall! I believe it! The skyline is something to behold, and wherever you are in the city tall buildings are to be seen. This is something of a mixed blessing, as the newer parts of the city are truly spectacular, whereas much of the residential high-rise is no more attractive than in any other city in the world.

From Shanghai, we travelled by overnight train to Beijing. We were accommodated in a four berth sleeper which we shared with a Chinese woman who spoke little English and promptly nodded off to sleep not long after we left Shanghai. Upon arriving in Shanghai we needed to find our hotel which we had booked ahead, and we ran the gauntlet of marauding Beijing taxi drivers who made a series of outrageous quotes to get us to our destination. Eventually we chose to go with the least outrageous offer, which was still about 45 Yuan overpriced! At this stagewe were just relieved to be on our way to our hotel so we could settle in and get our bearings.

Our hotel turned out to be a little gem in terms of location and the friendliness of the staff. It was located in the middle of a Hutong (a traditional narrow Chinese street), and we just had to go out of the hotel entrance to find ourselves immersed in the traditional bustling lifestyle of Beijing street markets, shops, pedestrians, bicycles, and various types of motorized vehicles, all vying for the limited space available.

With a little guidance from the helpful hotel staff, we managed to more or less master the local bus service, and for the princely sum of 2 Yuan (about 30 cents)we were able to travel to most destinations within Beijing. Our hotel was located just around the corner from one of Beijing's many parks (namely Jingshan Park), and it was a joy to wander around and watch the locals play games and sing and dance and play musical instruments. In most western countries wandering around a park at night would be an invitation to a mugging: not here. In fact, at no stage in Beijing did we ever feel threatened, even though one evening we found ourselves walking around some pretty quiet streets late at night.

Also close to our hotel was the northern entrance to the Forbidden City. We spent a number of hours in this impressive complex of ancient buildings which housed Chinese Emperors and their entourages.

Of course, a trip to Beijing would be incomplete without visiting the Great Wall. We went to the Badaling section of wall which was awash with tourists, but was none the less impressive for that fact. Next time though, I think we may go to one of the slightly more remote and less popular sections.

We left China with a sense of having just scratched the surface of a complex and incredible country. We will return, to paraphrase MacArthur, and we look forward to seeing a little more of what this vast land has to offer.
Adrian is an online writer and researcher, as well as a keen traveller, and he invites you to visit his website Europe Vacation Deals for information about Switzerland Vacation Packages.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Kruger National Park

South Africa has dedicated more than three million hectares of its total land mass to the conservation of its natural heritage. You will see a great variety of habitats and wildlife when you visit these amazing sites.

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of South Africa. Most of the park is grass and bush covered plains. The border with Mozambique is marked by the Lebombo mountain range. Many rivers, like the Limpopo, Letaba, Olifants, Timbavati, Sabie and Crocodile River chop up the Kruger National Park into territories.

Winter season in the Kruger Park is quite dry and rain is scarce. During this season, visitors will be able to spot the animals when they come to the waterholes in the mornings and evenings. Summer is the rainy season in Kruger Park and the rains fill the rivers and waterholes, and the bushveld looks lush.

Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves. Until about a decade ago, these were all fenced off from the main park. With the removal of the fences, the park was increased in size by about 15 percent. Since there are no longer fences separating the reserves from the Kruger, it effectively creates one huge, continuous reserve area across which the animals are free to roam.

The Kruger National Park can be divided into three sections: the south, central and the north. The South, which is also known as the hill country of the Kruger National Park has easy access and a large number of camps and game drives. Central consists of open grassy plains, roamed by the large predators and herds. The North is a more remote part of the Kruger National Park, and thus offers more rest. It consists of mopane plains.

The best time to go game viewing in the park is in the early morning or late evening. In the summer time it gets really hot and the animals will generally hide in the shade of trees. In the winter time it hardly rains at all and quite a few of the waterholes dry up, upping your chances of spotting the more elusive animals when they come to drink.

Although there was a game drive just after lunch, Ryno refused to sit in an open 4x4 in the midst of the hot weather, so we opted for the drive at dusk. I didn't blame him, because although I couldn't wait to go into the bushveld for some game-viewing, dusk has always been my favourite time of day and the weather was taking some time getting used to.

Even though thunder is scary, the voice of God as some would call it, I find it soothing. Obviously not when the lightning strikes right at your side, but when you hear the rumbling thunder in the distance, muffled rain falling on the roof as in the hut's case it was thatch. It is then that you experience certain calmness.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our first walk. While walking on at a comfortable pace, our guide shared with us his extraordinary knowledge of the bushveld culture, identifying everything from the names of the grasses, to the local folk lore and medicinal uses of some of the plants.

Global warming, carbon emissions mingled with a singular disregard for Mother Nature have turned full circle at Wilderness Safaris. Folks who through their personal experience have a fierce conviction that we can make the difference, can counter the effects of modern living and through a partnership with Mother Nature, create utopia.
Read about gelaskins laptop.Also read about ladies handbags and castle crashers

How To Enjoy Your First Visit To Moscow, Russia

Embarking on your first trip to Moscow, Russia is in many respects like visiting any other world capital. Before leaving your home country, you have to make sure you have a visa. The easiest visa to obtain is a tourist visa. It will be approximately EUR100.

If you are a usual first time visitor and do not speak Russian, go through the "green channel" upon arrival in Moscow. If you need money, you can obtain it from an ATM on most any corner. It is safest to bring a combination of currency, credit and ATM cards. It is vital that you maintain your passport and hotel registration on your person always.

While Moscow has some pickpockets and other petty criminals, the usual crime rate is on par with that in any other major city or national capital. Wearing a money pocket that goes around your neck and beneath your clothing is a good choice for keeping your money and documents secure. Central Moscow is quite safe, but you should use the common sense precautions that you would take in any other major metropolis.

For exchanging currencies, exchange kiosks have more favorable exchange rates than the air terminal and hotel. Don't exchange all your cash at once. You could easily discover a more favorable exchange a little way down. You will have the easiest time exchanging U.S. dollars or Euros rather than lesser used currencies. It is a good idea to restrict the use of your credit cards to major retailers. You're safer using cash at local stores.

While there are innumerable things to see and do in Moscow, here are some.

The Moscow metro is highly recommended for traveling around Moscow on account of its reliability, cleanliness, and security. It is also an attraction in itself. One entry is only 5 rubles, and you get} a deeper discount with books of passes. The metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.. Many of the metro stations are structural works of art and are definitely worth visiting.

The new Tretyakov Gallery is located betwixt the Park Cultury and Octoberskya train stations, and facing Gorky Park. The exhibits rotate often, and the number of artworks is enormous. On the last weekend of each month, in the brick building on the other side of the grounds is a stone fair that occupies two complete floors of the building.

Between the Tretyakov Gallery and the river is a gated sculpture garden that costs 100 rubles but is a terrific value. It is full of sculptures that were unwanted in public places. They were collected here in the 1990s.

The Old Tretyakov Gallery at 10-12 Lavrushinskiy Pereulok contains works by the Russian masters from the 11th through the 20th centuries.

St. Basil's Cathedral was erected in the 1550s by Ivan the Terrible. Alongside Red Square, the cathedral has nine chapels, every one with its own unique dome.

And of course, you shouldn't miss Red Square. Surrounded by the Kremlin walls, Lenin's tomb, and the huge GUM department store along three faces, you can readily spend all day here.

You'll never run out of things to visit and do in Moscow, and by the time you're used to the layout of Moscow there is every reason you'll want to come back to Moscow again and again.
In Russia? florists Moscow at http://www.sendflowers.ru/eng/

Get away from it all at our riverside bed and breakfast Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway

Exceptionally comfortable en suite bed and breakfast Lockerbie that will stimulate your senses whilst relaxing your mind! Experience the spectacular sights and sounds of the River Annan cascading through the grounds of the peaceful Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast in Lockerbie whilst still only being 3 miles away from the M74 M6.

This Bed and breakfast near Lockerbie and Lochmaben describes exactly what are the services you get if you choose Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast, Lockerbie. Do not sacrifice anything when it comes to quality. You probably heard about how frustrating it is to return home sick due to the absence of comfortable accommodation and basic amenities try to prevent those issues.

You will love the fact that whilst only being 3 miles away from the busy M74 you can be assured of a tranquil and amazing retreat that never fails to impress all guests.

The dramatic views and sheer variety of Scotland natural features are breathtaking. Though small, the country offers spectacular range of landscapes, from the gentle rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway to the breathtaking peaks of the Cairngorms.

Scotland has many places of tourist interest but few of them enjoy the popularity of the Lockerbie region. This part of Scotland is well known for its natural beauty. The views of the Annan river and nearby hills provide relaxation and variety for tourists tired of their urban lives. It is a place that is known for its quiet surroundings and ambiance.

The Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast Lockerbie is a former mill that has been completely refurbished within the last two years.

The main advantage of using the bed and breakfast Lockerbie delightful destination is that they will give you a background and first hand information required on the accommodations available since they are resident in the area. On the website you will also find a gallery full of house interiors and some nice environmental shots for you to make your first impression in case you had never been in Riverside Mill so far.

Many people would gladly refer to b and b Lockerbie as a Scottish concept but before we begin it would be useful to clarify what is a Bed and Breakfast? When trying to explain Bed and Breakfast concept all types of images can be imagined; for instance, a warm bed for a night or a little luxury home. Actually the bed and breakfast idea definition is something similar to this: a small lodging establishment that usually offers accommodation for a night and only breakfast.

At the Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast you may choose from double en suite room with view over the River Annan or the annex twin en suite room with private entrance both at great value.

The B and B is modern yet cozy, very stylish and has good size en-suite rooms which are well designed and which look out directly over the river Annan. Our double en suite room is part of the main building and has its own private entrance.

The innovation stands in the picturesque views you are able to enjoy while you stay at the Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast. One Scottish region which has remarkable Bed and Breakfast services is the Lockerbie accommodation, varied styles and prices to suit every traveler.

Our Lockerbie bed and breakfast is one of the most idyllic bed and breakfasts in Scotland and one of the few places you can view the native Red Squirrels. Bed and breakfast establishments have been improved over the last few decades. As well as individual businesses carrying out updates and refurbishments, bed and breakfast Lockerbie have also adopted an online presence to be closer to their satisfied and also prospective customers. People who want to enjoy the natural beauty of a wonderful place but do not afford to spend a fortune for this would choose Lockerbie accommodation alternative.

Closest town to our bed and breakfast is Lockerbie a small market town in the rural south west of Scotland that lies approximately 75 miles from Glasgow, and 20 miles, 32 km from the English border. The Annandale region, in which Lockerbie resides, boasts stunning natural beauty, a rich heritage of arts and crafts including the yearly Lockerbie Jazz Festival, beautiful golf courses and lots more.
Try the best bed and breakfast Lockerbie. B and b Lochmaben is closer to you. Lockerbie accommodation offers you an unique holiday

Saturday, November 7, 2009

A Peaceful Holiday in Kalkan, Turkey

The hillside village of Kalkan, Turkey is a peaceful resort with an easy going atmosphere. This is a quiet Turkish retreat in a traditional town, suitable for couples wanting time alone. If you are looking for a get away from the hustle and bustle of city life or even of other typical holiday destinations, then Kalkan holidays will be perfect for you.

If your idea of a perfect holiday is a beautiful view of the sun over the mountains and the sparkling blue sea beneath, then you will be at home in Kalkan.Turkey is a country that offers everything for the holidaymaker: a stunning landscape, long beaches, the excitement of water sports and nightlife, a rich and varied history, and a summery climate. All of these elements can be experienced within a short distance of the resort, but Kalkanholidays are on the relaxed side of things, making it a good place from which to pick and choose. Two of the best beaches in Turkey , Kaputas and Patara, are just twenty minutes from Kalkan, and there s a pebbly beach at the resort too. While this cannot rival the neighbouring beaches for long days of sunbathing on the sand, it is a remarkably picturesque spot, ideal for quiet contemplation.

Kalkan holidays are about absorbing some of the local flavour and the Mediterranean joie de vivre. You can explore the quaint town s cobbled lanes and snug, winding market streets leading down to the water. At the pale, sundrenched rocky shoreline you ll find turquoise shallows leading to the deep blue open sea. The harbour is the heart and soul of the town, with yachts and pleasure craft passing through as they tour the bay. You can embark on a gulet cruise of the local islands from the harbour.

To get the best of the landscape, you will want to take a walk into the hills during your Kalkan holidays; the further you venture up into the hills, the more you will be rewarded with amazing views overlooking the bay. The resort is located on a hillside with the popular destination of Olu Deniz an hour and a half up the coast to the North West, and the Greek island of Rhodes about a hundred kilometres across the sea. Kalkan isTurkey's southernmost town of the Turquoise Coast except for the neighbouring town of Ka& #351;, from where you can pick up a cruise excursion to see the underwater ruins at Kekova.

The town is intricate and colourful, with sloped streets and for the best view of Kalkan try dining in one of the many rooftop restaurants in the town, which serve fresh seafood dishes. If you intend to bring home souvenirs from your Kalkanholidays, there's plenty of window shopping to be done. The shops sell silver jewellery and locally made Turkish rugs, which decorate and line the alleyways of the town. Both are examples of the traditional local craftsmanship. There are planning restrictions in place to limit further development of the resort and preserve the authentic local character of the town.

You can enjoy the best of the Turquoise Coast region on holidays in Kalkan: Turkey's hot, dependable climate and some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coastlines.
Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky a specialist travel company that provide the very best holidays in Kalkan Turkey (http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk/Home/Holidays-in-Turkey/Holidays-in-Kalkan.aspx) at extremely competitive prices. They provide tailor-made holidays to Turkey, N

Thursday, November 5, 2009

La Vanille: A Wildlife Paradise

Mauritius may be long associated with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a perfect climate. However, the rainforest region in southern Mauritius is in complete contrast to this flawed schema. Here the rainfall is frequent and the vegetation is thick and dense, providing visitors on their holidays in Mauritius with a landscape that's slightly prehistoric in appearance, and that's before you've met the wildlife.

An untamed beauty is often how the Fame Fatal rainforest is described by those that have visited it on their Mauritius holidays. The description is spot on, and surely it,s not just coincidence that the name bears more than a passing resemble to a different type of predatory female. The Fame Fatal will certainly succeed in pulling you in and holding you enraptured on your holidays in Mauritius.

However, unlike the femme fatales, it is not the rainforest itself that is dangerous, but rather the exotic wildlife that make it their home. Fame Fatal is home to more than one thousand wild Nile crocodiles, the majority of which are located in the nature park at La Vanille. The park is within easy access of many of the larger hotels in southern Mauritius, including the Movenpick, Bel Ombre and Tamassa resorts. However, many of the larger Mauritius hotels in the north also run excursions toLa Vanille and the crocodile park.

The park runs through the famous Riviere des Anguilles, an environment which is just perfect for the Nile Crocodiles. All the crocodiles that you see originated from Madagascar and have now madethe park their home, with help from the giant bamboo and banana trees that provide the shade that they require. The park also has a number of smaller baby crocodiles and, under the guidance of a trained ranger; you can pose for photographs holding one in your arms.

Not everyone is enamoured with crocodiles, so instead you may want to visit the giant tortoises that make the park La Vanille, on the island their home. Mauritius holidays just aren't complete without catching a glimpse of some of the oldest tortoises in the world. However, the real star of the park is Domino, who is 90 years old and weighs 270kg.

La Vanille also contains some more unusual species that you may be lucky enough to spot on your Mauritius holidays. There are monkeys, fruit bats, wild pigs and even skunks, though you may not want to get too close to the latter!

The final building at La Vanille, the insectarium, is the lifetime work of Jacques Siedlecki. The insect fanatic has documented over 23,000 different species of insects from beautiful blue hued butterflies to hissing cockroaches and centipedes. On your holidays in Mauritius you will have the opportunity to question Mr Siedlecki on his strange obsession as it is he who takes you around the Insectarium and talks about all things insect related.

We imagine that you will have taken the opportunity to sample many traditional delicacies on your holidays in Mauritius, from the spicy Creole dishes served up by street sellers to the delicious Indian French cuisine dishes served up at many of the luxury Mauritius hotels. However, chances are you won't have tried traditional Mauritian food with a twist. The twist being crocodile meat! Crocodile meat tastes surprisingly like chicken and sampling it inLa Vanille's treetop restaurant, situated high in the rainforest canopy, is sure to provide a meal to remember on your Mauritius holiday.
Claire Bryant is a Mauritius holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering holidays to your choice of luxury Mauritius hotels (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/mauritius) as well as holidays to other destinations in the Indian Ocean; the Far East, Cuba and the Caribbean, Egypt,