Category: Short Escapes

Israel recorded 1.14 million overseas visitors in the first quarter of this year, up 14 per cent from the corresponding period of 2018. With new travel friendly services initiated in the country, Israel is certainly set to welcome record millions by the end of 2019. Israel Pass – Make your trip smooth and easy and secure entry into six best national parks and nature reserves including Masada, Ein Gedi, Caesarea, Qumran and enjoy unlimited use of public transportation throughout Israel with the all new Israel Pass. Launched by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Ministry of Transport and Road ... Read more

Every Sunday, during the 90’s, the houses across the country used to played this song in Doordarshan- ‘Jungle jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai’- the kids who grew up in the 90’s can never forget the long-haired wild boy, Mowgli and his scary encounters with Sherkhan. ‘The Jungle Book,’ aired on Doordarshan every Sunday, is a crucial part of the childhood memories of the 90’s generation, and the massive jungle where Mowgli was raised by animals, is also etched in our memories. Housed in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park, is an impeccable place ... Read more

Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World, is the world’s top summer destination according to AAA. And with new theme park expansions, hotels and unique dining adventures, 2019 is set to be one of Orlando’s biggest summers yet. “Orlando is always innovating, with immersive new experiences and unbeatable hospitality that keeps visitors returning year after year,” said Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel. “It’s this memorable combination that keeps Orlando the most-visited destination in the country, with a record 75 million visitors in 2018.” The new immersive adventures • At Universal Orlando Resort, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster ... Read more

According to a recent study conducted in 11 countries across Asia Pacific, the top two reasons why people travel are ‘to relax’ and ‘to spend time with their loved ones’. Studies have also shown that more than 50 per cent of lasting memories are created when on a vacation. Understanding these nuances, Club Med has introduced the Amazing Family program that offers families an opportunity to relax, spend quality time together and indulge in exciting activities that will bring home more than just memories. On occasion of International day of Families, we list down some offerings by Club Med Resorts ... Read more

Let’s go to Sharjah’s picturesque mountain ranges over-looking crystal blue waters speckled with volcanic looking close-to-shore-islands. A short way off the east coast of Sharjah, lies a small rocky island that boasts of sandy beaches perfect for colourful aquatic life for snorkeling. Shark Island is an idyllic spot for swimming and sunbathing. Schools of fish, anemones and sea turtles make it a treat for snorkellers, while divers flock here for the beautiful rock formations teeming with moray eels, rays and Arabian angelfish. You can take a small boat to the island, where there are shacks on the beach to rent snorkels, ... Read more

Rain Room is a place where you can see the rain, feel the rain but you won’t get wet. Located in the Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room is a permanent art installation where motion sensors on the ceiling prevent the water droplets from falling on you, clearing a sort of path, roughly six foot in radius. The Rain Room is an unusual and evocative experience for visitors who will enjoy the sound and nearby feel of being in the rain without getting wet. When visitors enter the room, they are directed to navigate intuitively and carefully through the dark underground ... Read more

Nazaré beach, with its mild climate and natural beauty, has one of the most ancient traditions connected to fishing in Portugal. The long sandy half-moon shaped beach, which is also the town’s sea front, is known for its grandeur and for the brightly-coloured awnings that decorate the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the blue of the water. A typical fishing town, Nazaré is nowadays a busy summer resort, where side by side with the crowds of tourists, one still sees all over the streets of the town the fish-sellers, and the carapaus (horse mackerel) laid out to dry. The Sítio ... Read more

One of the emirates’ must-see during the festival is UAE’s top visitor destinations, Ski Dubai that has won plenty of awards since its opening in 2005. As one of the region’s best family-friendly attractions and lifestyle brands, Ski Dubai has been named the world’s best indoor ski resort for 2016 and 2017. At Ski Dubai’s Snow Park you can enjoy all the magic and fun of building your own snowman or just having fun in the snow! The 4,500-metre square Snow Park gives you the chance to go sledding and tobogganing or climb towers. You can also explore a beautiful ... Read more

Thiruvananthapuram has a host of architecturally, historically, religiously and aesthetically beautiful places in and around. It may not be possible for you to cover all of it in a day. But, the Napier Museum, zoo and the nearby Kanakakkunnu palace are ideal for a one-day tour. This edition of Trivandrum Diaries is taking you to the very famous and one of the major happening places in Trivandrum, the Napier Museum… History The museum, named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872, was established in 1855 and was demolished and rebuilt in 1874. The architectural masterpiece was designed by ... Read more

“The City of Destiny” – Visakhapatnam, locally known as Vizag located in Andhra Pradesh, India, with sea on one side and hills on the other, welcomes tens of thousands of tourists every year. Crowded and unspoiled beaches, hills, caves, nearby scenic areas, street food, restaurants, shopping…phewww….. it got everything ! Places to see Day 1 Plan for Araku Valley which is almost 6 hours round trip and to cover all areas, it will take almost till evening. You can also have your breakfast on the way from any nearby local shop. Road to Araku is something to enjoy with greeneries, coffee ... Read more

Portugal is a country of strong wine tradition, and the excellent quality of its wines is recognized across the world, with numerous awards and distinctions won in international competitions. And to appreciate and know them, nothing like visiting the regions where they are produced, and wine is an excellent excuse to also discover the landscapes, heritage, culture and the people who live here. The country offers excellent opportunities for wine tourism, often associated with rural tourism and boutique hotels in prime locations. Besides the wines, you can also enjoy other farm-produced products, such as fruits and jams, cheeses, olive oils, ... Read more

It’s the best time to visit the Kerala capital, Thiruvananthapuram, as the Padmanabhaswamy temple here is celebrating the annual 10-day Painkuni festival. As part of the Painkuni festival, the main entrance of the temple at East Fort, is adorned with the fibre glass figures of Pancha Pandavas (the five Pandavas mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. According to religious beliefs, and traditions, the figures are put up at the eastern gate of the temple in order to appease Indra, also known as the God of Rain. The eighth day of the festival (April 17, 2019) has significance in the sense that ‘Valiya ... Read more

Tourism News Live is exploring the cultural and heritage monuments in the Kerala capital, Thiruvananthapuram. To start with, TNL sub-editor, Neeraja Sadanandan visits the much famous Padmanabhaswamy temple and the adjacent Kuthiramalika (Mansion of horses). Padmanabhaswamy temple Considered as a most important pilgrimage site in Kerala, the iconic Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram has been the prime attraction for the domestic tourists and devotees in and outside the state over the years. The temple hit headlines when the Supreme Court ordered a stocktaking of its inventory of wealth in 2010, and tourist inflow to the temple has steadily been rising ever since the treasures ... Read more

The beauty of Jordan lies in its mountains and beaches, castles and ancient churches, the urbanity of its people, and the richness of its culture which makes it the ideal place for a family vacation! Jordan is well- known for the warmth and friendliness of its people. Anywhere and everywhere you go, you will always find someone to assist you. Jordanians have always been eager to open their door and welcome visitors to experience their remarkable country. Jordan caters to the vacationer who likes to combine a visit to an ancient site with a relaxing swim – so both the ... Read more

Ski Dubai is home to its very own colony of King and Gentoo Penguins! Meet the waddling friends by experiencing a Ski Dubai penguin encounter during your visit. Get up close and personal with these incredible creatures to discover more about how the species survive in some of the coldest conditions on Earth. The daily March of the Penguins is held in the Snow Park. This gives guests a chance to see these beautiful creatures up close, as they take a starring role alongside their team of handlers. With a variety of packages available, visitors can meet the penguins and ... Read more