Indian Ocean Adventure 2018
Let’s begin with the first step - imagine modern architecture, incredibly clean,
and one of the safest cities in the world! Where could this be? It is a small
country in Asia. But, hey, we are going on a cruise. How about visiting 8
cities or 7 countries? I would love to get on an Indian Adventure!
Arrive a day ahead and be rested. Enjoy the surroundings
while waiting for the big cruise of excitement. It is always a great thing to
be early for a relaxing wait. After all, you are having a vacation so why not
make the most of it? Explore, experience and enjoy every moment of it! Here’s a
snippet of each places to visit for Indian Adventure 2018. Although it applies more on a tour packages, nevertheless, it is a journey we all can take in many different ways.
Singapore
A country like Singapore can be toured in a day! I have been
there and stayed three days. Three days is right but a day is works too! A day’s
tour to enjoy the modern architecture, the cleanliness and safe too! People do
speak English and Chinese, an advantage to those from English speaking
countries when here for a visit.
Famous Sentosa island is a great start where you’ll visit
Merlion Tower and Tiger Sky Tower for a panoramic view of the island! Experience
central Singapore during the vibrant evening hours. Visit a traditional Chinese
medical hall, walk through the bustling Night Market and go shopping!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This is the destination I was going to at one point but
never did make it, except my luggage! And my luggage had a valuable experience
staying in the hotels for my tour package. The only thing that’s missing are
pictures. “Grin” I wasn’t there…
After modern architecture, experience Kuala Lumpur, a jungle
until the 19th century but today an affluent metropolis. It’s home
of the iconic 88-story Petronas Towers. Love caves? Explore Batu Caves, a limestone
hill with several caves to experience.
Adding to the adventure is stopping at George Town. A
colorful and multicultural city, the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang known
for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. Part of George
Town is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls for those who love
shopping. If time allows, hiking can be a clever way to enjoy the overlooking
scene. After a tiring hike, come to enjoy Malaysian stir fry food at stalls you
can see abundant by road sides. Penang is also known for being "food
paradise" in the region, offering a diverse and exotic mix of Malay, Indian,
Chinese and western cuisine. I smell “hawker food" just now.
Phuket Thailand
Taste the beauty of Phuket’s beaches with the many high-end
seaside resorts, spas and restaurants! Time to lower our feet and enjoy the
clear waters. Phuket City, the capital, has old shophouses and busy markets to
stroll as well.
Being Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a beautiful rainforest
and mountainous with Forest, rubber, and palm oil plantations cover 60 percent
of the island.
After all, Thai words, "phu" (mountain) of "ket"
(jewel) isn’t it?
Myanmar
Golden pagodas, colonial-era buildings, shop houses and
jazz-age mansions waits in Yangon in Myanmar. Yangon is the country's largest
city. It is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the
towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda and also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda and
the Golden Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics and dominating the Yangon
skyline you’ll never miss it!
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is one of the Southeast Asian
nations of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China,
Laos and Thailand.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Then it’s on to the spice island of Sri Lanka, where
cinnamon and clove gardens make the air amazing, and temples honor the ground
where Buddha walked. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where these
charming animals are not orphans at all, but wander in family groups. There are
different activities to participate like Milk Feeding, Bathing and Fruit
Feeding. Such an amazing experience to bath and feed an elephant! It is located
at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province
of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, with Its diverse landscapes range from rainforest
and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches is famed for its ancient
Buddhist ruins; with its fortress and murals. Fascinating Sri Lanka!
Kochi, India
Kochi has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its
harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting
those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled expatriate cottages
and various houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of
Kochi, have been in use for centuries.
From Kochi, you can take an optional plane ride for an
overnight at the Taj Mahal, a must on anyone’s bucket list, captivating with a
hint of religion. Wander this crazy, state-of-the-art city past colorful
temples, along Mumbai’s Chowpatty Beach, into restaurants with sizzling crab,
and above adjoining shopping centers.
Or get a glimpse into Kochi’s rich history and heritage,
showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make
the city unique. Visit some of the most popular attractions in Kochi including
the Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry, St. Francis Church, Dutch
Cemetery, Jewish Synagogue, and Dutch Palace.
Explore the quaint streets of this city on foot. Visit Fort
Kochi’s seaside promenade to get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi. Stop by the
St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches, built by the
Portuguese Franciscan Friars.
Must try vada pao; a gigantic bun with potato cutlet
filling. Vada pao is an essential rite of passage in Mumbai. The topping is
extremely spicy, enjoy it cautiously. Visit white sand Chowpatty Beach and get
ready to be amuse; watching monkeys dancing on the beach. One can also find
snake-charmers who entertain the crowds with their antics and fortune-tellers too!
Many tourists come to experience camel and horse rides here and for those who love yoga, this beach is a perfect place to perform Yoga 'Asanas', jogging
and for the whole family.
Dubai
Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the
Middle East. Foodies will delight in eating authentic global cuisine from
traditional “maqluba” a casserole with rice, lamb or chicken, and eggplant
which is commonly served in Bedouin homes to famed chef Jamie Oliver’s Italian
restaurant in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Then head to a dance temple or a
cocktail cavern for an evening of intrigue.
Dubai is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture
and a lively nightlife scene. Tall tower Burj Khalifa, dominates the
skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and
lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis,
The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.
And now back to reality, I will reminisce all these beautiful
memories again.
Hensley Travel
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Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Walt Disney World
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Viking Cruises
