Amritsar (India)

Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the best tourist attractions in Amritsar.

But it is not only Sikhs who come here. People from all faiths come to the Golden Temple, a tribute to the syncretist traditions of a faith whose holy book is a compilation of the writings of men of different faiths. Outside the sacred precincts of the Golden Temple, you can enjoy this chaotic city while you gorge on Punjabi specialities like makki ki roti, sarson da saag and gur da halwa. It won't take you long to discover that food is an obsession for the locals, and it is rumoured that more desi ghee is consumed here than anywhere else in the world.
VISITING TIME
Best time to visit Amritsar is in Winters that is between October to March.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Golden Temple
Golden Temple Har Mandir Saheb, popularly known, as the Golden temple is the holiest shrine for the Sikhs, so called because the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate. The architecture of the Golden Temple, is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles.
Mata Mandir temple
A grand old pious lady developed this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh , on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra(Jammu),the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu families.

Gobind Garh Fort In the south-west of the city, has been taken over by the Indian army and is now off limits. It was built in 1805-09 by Ranjit Singh, who was also responsible for constructing the city walls.

Jallianwala Bagh: In 1919, the British Police fired randomly on a peaceful assembly of people gathered in demand of freedom, which killed hundreds of men, women and children on the spot. The bullet marks on the boundary walls bring alive the agonizing tale of cruelty of colonial rule.
Ram Tirath temple
On the outskirts of Amritsar is this significant historic birthplace of Lav and Kush. It is the spot where sage Valmiki's ashram stood and this is a sacred place for the Hindus where we get a glimpse of statues illustrating scenes from the Ramayana.

Majaar Baba Sheikh Braham The only place in India where Pakistani citizens are allowed to make an annual visit (unofficial) without a visa. Baba Sheikh Brahamji's Majar(tomb) is situated in the Mian Wala village (Tehsil Khemkaran district Amritsar). A big fair is organised towards the end of the monsoons when people from both sides of the border pay their respects at the Majar. It is believed that any wish made at this place is always fulfilled.
Tarn Taran
It is an important Sikh tank located about 25 kms. south of Amritsar, said to have healing properties and a corrective effect on minor skin ailments. Though the Parikrama around the still waters of the tank takes much longer, it is built along the same lines as the Golden Temple.

Pul Kanjari: Pul Kanjari a small village on the Amritsar-Lahore road, was once an important trading centre during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He used to stop over for a few days when travelling between Lahore and Amritsar, where a dancer named Moran performed for him regularly. It is said that one day when crossing the canal one of her shoes fell into the water which vexed her a great deal. On her insistence the Maharaja then built a pul (bridge) over the canal. The village was captured during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. In 1971 the Sikh Regiment recaptured it the next day after some fierce fighting. There is a memorial built in memory of the jawans who lost their lives in the 1971 war.
Wagah Border
The final frontier, Wagah about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. Its an interesting experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony is carried out with great pomp.
Shopping
Amritsar is an important production centre for woollen products, so you can pick up some really inexpensive sweaters, shawls and woollen blankets here. It is also an important tea-trading centre. Green tea is exported to Afghanistan while dry fruits are imported from there.
Gurubazaar
Still famous for its intricately-designed gold ornaments, it was frequented by British ladies in the past. The city was also a favourite spot for chess pieces, which were carved from ivory and exported to Britain. Chess pieces are now made from sandalwood and rosewood.Katra Jaimal Singh, near the telephone exchange in the old city, is a great place to shop.
Golden Temple Bazaar
The bazaar in front of the main entrance to the Golden Temple carries a huge selection of merchandise - from Sikh daggers to swords and karas (steel bangles). Make sure the karas you buy are made of stainless steel, a fake kara will erode in a few months.Every lane south and west of the Golden Temple specialises in a particular product or craft.
Fairs & Festivals
Baisakhi Baisakhi marks the Hindu New Year. And for Sikhs, the day when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last Guru, organised the Sikhs into the order of the Khalsa (the pure ones). It is a day of great jubilation when the vigorous Bhangra dance is performed in celebration.
Guru Nanak Jayanti The birth anniversaries of the 10 gurus are considered holy days and Guru Nanak Jayanti (October/November) and Guru Gobind Singh's (December/January) birthdays are celebrated as important festivals.
HOW TO REACH
AIR : Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Shrinagar.
RAIL : Amritsar is connected by rail with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other places in India.

Cape Town

Cape Town in South Africa is one of the world's most beautiful cities.
There are many facets of Cape Town and a holiday could centre on any number of activities from sight-seeing to relaxing, shopping to wine-tasting, hiking to golfing ... the list goes on. It is safe to say that whatever your interest, you are sure to find something just right for you in Cape Town. Although Cape Town is not a particularly big city, areas of interest and tourist attractions are spread out and in most cases public transport is not an option. To make the most of your time in Cape Town you can either hire a car and explore at your own leisure or join various day-tours for some outings and make your own way for others.

Attractions:
• Adderley Street Flower Sellers: Freshly cut flowers – including fynbos species such as king and pincushion proteas, depending on the season – are available from the friendly flower sellers in Adderley Street, where this trade has operated for the past 100 years.

• African Experience: Eat, drink, dance and drum African style in Cape Town.
• African Wildlife: Although Cape Town and the Western Cape are probably not the best places to experience a safari (Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are better known for that), it is possible to have an encounter with South Africa’s big game not far from the Mother City.
• Air Force Museum: Members of the public can visit the South African Air Force Museum branch at Ysterplaat, and enjoy flying displays at the exciting bi-annual aerospace show.
• Alphen Antiques and Collectables Fair and Kirstenbosch Craft Market
• Amy Biehl Memorial: Amy Biehl was a young American Fulbright Scholarship exchange student who studied at the University of the Western Cape in 1993.
• More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.
• Athlone and Galaxy Disco: Enjoy authentic Cape Malay dining, listen to some swinging jazz, party till you drop and then eat again in Athlone.
• Cape Town is well supplied with good bakeries and delicatessens.
• Battle of Blaauwberg: Relive a piece of South African history, push yourself to the extreme and dine on gourmet food at the scene of the Battle of Blauuwberg (now known as “Bloubergstrand” or simply “Blouberg”).
• Bellville: Bellville is set among the Tygerberg hills about 25km (15mi) from central Cape Town and has spectacular views of the winelands and Stellenbosch mountains.

• Bikini Beach, Gordon’s Bay: Situated at the base of the Hottentots Holland mountains on the False Bay coast, the pretty village of Gordon’s Bay is a relaxing holiday spot.
• Birding, or avitourism, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in ecotourism internationally. The avitourism division of BirdLife South Africa (BLSA) has established several birding routes throughout the country.
• Camps Bay: Under the looming Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head as a backdrop and views out across the turquoise-coloured sea, Camps Bay sports some of the trendiest places to see and be seen at.
• Canal Walk Shopping Centre: Canal Walk Shopping Centre merges the world’s most desirable brands with shopping convenience, and inspired entertainment with everyday leisure—all in a commanding majestic setting.
• Cape Hunt and Polo Club: Drag Hunting is an exciting cross-country equestrian sport, where drag hound packs use foxhounds that are trained to follow an artificially laid scent trail. And many more.

When to visit Cape Town can be determined by her distinct seasons. Cape Town is great all year round with each season offering the best conditions for different attractions.
If you want a real Cape Town beach holiday and don't mind competing with the masses, December to early January is when to go. It is school holidays and the festive season so South African families descend on Cape Town where they are joined by visitors from around the world.

The best time to visit Cape Town is probably late January to March. The wind dies down and so does the hysteria - less mayhem, more space, with Cape Town still offering blue skies and sunshine.

The weather cools down somewhat in autumn and winter, May to August. Dress a bit warmer and take advantage of the balmy winter days, although be prepared for some rain. This is the best time to hike the mountains, visit the Cape Winelands, tour the markets and take in some Cape Town jazz.

Springtime in the Cape is a wonderland all of its own. Flowers dot the landscape and whales frolic in the oceans. Within 90 minutes drive from the city you can be whale watching or flower spotting - one of the best times to visit the Cape.

Las Vegas

Traveling to Las Vegas is such a great experience for everyone. A tour to Las Vegas can be fun, romantic, or adventurous as the tourist wants it to be. However, if someone wishes to have a peaceful tour then Las Vegas may not be the right choice.

It is the city of liveliness and adventures with a big crowd of locals as well as the visitors. But the city offers you with so many options that you will never feel restlessness due to such big crowd around you.

If you are game’s fan, you have so many options as the city is well known for its high class casinos. But the casinos are more active during the weekends as compared to the week days. The best time for casino lovers to visit Las Vegas is during the first weekend of the month of March. The vivacious night life will surely attract you toward itself.

For a sports fan who is interested in football or basketball, Las Vegas offers a number of events for them. There is a slight increase in rates during this period but still the prices are not much higher as they are in the peak tourist season. The cheapest season to visit Las Vegas is during the small off season after the Christmas and New Year eve when the holidays are over and during the month of July and August when the temperature increases.

The lodge and hotel rates at these times decrease to its least to offer you with best deals of staying at Las Vegas. But it is also a true fact that the poor climate conditions coincide with the best time for traveling in Las Vegas.

In summers the temperature of Las Vegas up to scorching triple digits, so staying in the urban lounges or big glassy buildings is not at all a good idea. Majority of the tourists visit Las Vegas during the earlier months, when the temperature is low. Just because the city is surrounded by the rocks and dust does not imply that it can not get cold in the city.

Fairly, the weather is not a big deal and will hardly shift your journey when you are planning your tour to Las Vegas. But if you want to hang out at pools then spring is the best season to visit Las Vegas. Las Vegas held various cultural shows and art exhibitions throughout the year. So, you need not to be concerned much about this prospect while visiting Las Vegas. However, the seasonal events are held during the particular season.