KUSU ISLAND
Bulging out with natural beauty and a good place to relax, this island is more known for being associated with many religious beliefs and rituals. Taoists, even today go to the Toa Pekong Temple for their annual pilgrimage. Kramat Kusu, which is situated on the top of a hill, is known for childless couples. People, who do not have kids and want to bear one, can often be seen visiting Kramat Kusu with a belief to have children.

ST JOHN’S ISLAND
This place is very popular for spending weekends as people can enjoy swimming on the sprawling beaches. With proper changing room and toilet facility, it makes a good choice to organize picnics and camping. And if you wish to stay overnight, then there are some colonial bungalows which can be taken on rent.

PULAU UBIN
Pulau Ubin is a mangrove island and to reach this place, you have to take an exotic bum-boat ride from Changi jetty. This place offers interesting activities and amazing sights and that makes it a perfect choice for a weekend retreat. The best part is that you can rent a bike and explore the place through mountain-biking. While visiting local area, you come across traditional fishing villages along with several Chinese temples and prawn and fish farms.

SISTERS ISLAND
For water sports like scuba diving and swimming, Sisters Island is a good choice. You can find people picnicking on the grass around sun-bathed beaches. To reach this place, you have to rent a water taxi as the island does not have a regular ferry services.

A visit to these isles and you know why Singapore is the most preferred tourist spot, especially in Asia-Pacific region. Being under-developed these are still less-crowded and thus it is the best choice for any traveler who wishes to spend time with oneself or to unwind the tensions and enjoy activities like swimming or camping.

A WITNESS TO MACAU’S ENCOUNTERS WITH OTHERS
Macau might not have come in front of the world’s eyes, but it undoubtedly has more than 400-years old deep history, which needs to be explored. The ages-old ancient buildings and structures have seen what Macau and its people have gone through.

Among many facts of Macau known today, is the Historic Centre of Macau which houses the oldest existing accumulation of Eastern and Western architecture. Since most of the ancient structures are located around this area, the Historic Centre of Macau has been a witness to all the past happenings in Macau.

A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Though these buildings may be many years old, but most of them have been preserved perfectly and still are maintained in their original appearance and function.

The Historic Centre of Macao can be divided in two core zones, with each core zone surrounded by a buffer zone. Located between Mount Hill and Barra Hill, the narrow-stripped Zone 1 consists of famous tourist places that include A-Ma Temple, Moorish Barracks, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Augustine’s Church, Senado Square, St. Dominic’s Church, Mount Fortress and Ruins of St. Paul’s.

Zone 2 covers a park and immediate urban are accompanied by Guia Fortress comprising Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse.

A UNIQUE BLEND OF EAST AND WEST
Area’s 400-years old historical streets surrounded with European, Portuguese and Chinese structures, including religious, residential and public buildings set an example how can the aesthetic, architectural, cultural and technological influences of East and West blend at a place and exist so amicably. You fine several Buddhist and Taoist temples standing side-by-side accompanying Christian and Catholic churches; people celebrating traditional Chinese festivals and Western holidays with equal enthusiasm and zeal. Restaurants located around the area serve diverse cuisines; from the flavours of north and South to tastes from east and west.

Apart from the buildings, the Historic Centre of Macau site has a fortress and a lighthouse also. Believed to be the oldest in China, this lighthouse is witness to the earliest encounters between China and the West, which were based on the vibrancy of international trade.

With so much to say and offer, the Historic Centre of Macau really is a place worth seeing. Being a central place, you just can not miss it for its unique collection of buildings that are windows to see the unique assimilation, diversity and co-existence of Chinese and Western cultures in Macau.

Among many exciting and thrilling waterslides at this park, Jet Stream is good to begin the adventure but before climbing up to the entrance of this slide, first you have to pass a swimming test. This test is a must to check your swimming efficiency and confidence as in just three seconds; you will be dropped 20 meters into a 360-centimeter-deep pool. Exciting it sounds but a thought of it is enough to bring your heart pumping fast!!

For those who are not so good at water sports, there are slides in which you can use a rafting tube. To enjoy milder fun, float on with rubber tubes on the waves of wandering 700-meter-long river, that runs along the edge of the park.

The families can have fun with water at the Caribbean Paradise area, which has a 20-centimeter-deep pool. A large bucket of water is dumped every 1.5 minutes in this pool. Water gun play area is another attraction for kids as well as adults.

Bermuda Triangle at Formosa Fun Coast
People are always curious to know more about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. When you come to Formosa Fun Coast, be ready to face one of the scariest experiences in life. The Bermuda Triangle area is a new addition to the park. This area has a 300-meter-long slide, separated into three sections. You pick up the speed slowly in the first section and then gradually you speed up, growing nearly to free-falling feeling and then finally you spiral downwards. In the first section, you slowly pick up speed before nearly free-falling and then spiraling downward.
Other slides include at park Landscape Slide, Rapid Slide, Mat Slide, Shooting Slide and Floating River. Whatever slides you try, you are sure to have excitement you never had before. But before you come to Formosa Fun Coast in Taipei County be sure that you have a strong heart and are prepared for complete relaxation.

Attractions at Mughal Gardens
Since the thriving gardens are located in the beautifully structured Presidential Estates, they attract a large number of visitors every year. Combining the formal Mughal style with the British garden design, the Mughal Gardens are a delight to the visitors.

The huge structure of this gardens can be divided into three parts; the Rectangular Garden, the Long Garden and the Circular Garden. The garden sports Mughal canals, multi-level terraces and flowering shrubs along with European flowerbeds, lawns and privet hedges. Credit for planting the appropriate kinds of shrubs and trees in the gardens goes to W. R. Mustoe.

Impeccably maintained green grass lawns with unique fountains installed at the intersections of the waterways here, Mughal Gardens make a virtual paradise.
Among the varieties of unique flowers, there are around 250 rose varieties at the Mughal Gardens. And the bonsai collection that you see here is the undoubtedly one of the finest in India. The only thing is that these treat-to-view gardens are open to the public only in February and March every year from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Other gardens of Delhi
Another famous garden is the Nehru Park which is situated opposite the Ashok Hotel in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Come winters and the garden is all set to organize several fine flower shows amidst its undulating lawns.

Then the Buddha Jayanti Park along the southern ridge is a beautifully landscaped garden which you might love to spend some time at. The Kamla Nehru Park and Kalindi Kunj are the attractive parks with green lawns and fountains.
After your sojourn in Delhi and visiting all the monuments, buildings and gardens that the city offers, when you compare your prior life with the new one only then you will realize what a treasure you have explored. However, to get the unique experience with the historic city, it is equally important to have booked a good and cheap New Delhi hotel. To choose the best accommodation of your choice, reading some of the hotel reviews will also be a good option.

The foundation of this memorial was laid back in 1921 by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught. The memorial bears all the names of British and Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Later after the Indian Independence, another war memorial ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ was constructed in the same premises. Amar Jawan Jyoti is dedicated to those brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. To honour their sacrifice and remind the nation those soldiers’ priceless effort, there is a flame under the arch which keeps burning day and night.

A popular picnic spot
Besides being a war memorial, this majestic arch is also known to be a popular picnic spot. Visit the place during evenings and you find several families having fun. Winters make it a favourite spot for picnics. Not only adults but children too have fun here as they get to play in the sprawling green lawns. An artificial canal has also been developed near the memorial where you can enjoy boating during daytime.

Evenings too are no less beautiful. It feels so romantic spending time in lawns when the memorial gets lighted. Though you would not find any permanent restaurant at India Gate, there are a few hawkers that sell ice-creams, nuts, etc. So, when you plan a picnic at India Gate, bring your own food and water.

Although the city of Delhi is adorned with a good number of cenotaphs, monuments and mausoleums, visiting a place like India Gate gives a different feeling. Amidst sky-high forts and palaces, this war memorial unfolds a story of its own, so you should visit it at least once when you come to Delhi.

Since past, the Senate Square has always been the main city centre. This was the same place where all the governors used to inspect military troops and the police force in the past while taking up their posts, whereas now many celebrations are still held at this historic old venue.

Once you go to this place, you will be enchanted by its structural beauty. Paved in the traditional Portuguese pavement, Senate Square is the “Historic Centre of Macau”.Its swirling waves’ floor made up of eye-catching tiles adds uniqueness to its beauty. Moreover, it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enclosed by the buildings of the Leal Senado, the General Post Office and St. Dominic’s Church, Senate Square is now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Most of the buildings at Senate Square are neoclassical in style and some like Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau Building and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia are examples of classified buildings of architectural interest.

SPEND AN EVENING AT SENATE SQUARE
You might be visiting Macau for a business deal or to try your luck at a casino but do not forget to spend an evening at Largo do Senado. From central fountain to the General Post Office, view any building at Senate Square in Macau, you find the same glimpse of the stunning colonial architecture. Visiting the place at night adds more character to the place. And how can you miss the famous Sao Domingos Church which also has a small but neat café along a shady area where tourists can enjoy some precious moments along a cup of coffee.

Named after the Duke of Connaught, Connaught Place or CP (as locals call it) was earlier developed as a showpiece of Lutyens’ Delhi featuring a Central Business District. Today CP is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centers of Delhi. Several Indian firms have even made their headquarters in CP itself.

CP is designed as a big circle in the middle with radial roads spreading out in all directions. The outer ring is known as Connaught Circus and twelve different roads lead out from this place. The most famous amongst them is Janpath, the most-sought after shopping spot for the latest trendy dresses.

The central park of Connaught Place has long been a venue for cultural events but after the construction of Delhi Metro Station, the park was rebuilt. The metro station known as Rajiv Chowk, is one of the largest and busiest station in metro network where you can interchange for the Yellow and Blue lines.

The place still attracts a huge crowd
Though lately Connaught Place might have lost its old glory but it still holds the old charm. Since many good hotels of New Delhi are located in the close vicinity of Connaught Place itself, the place is very much popular among foreigners. Moreover, the area is easily accessible from any part of New Delhi. So it is the first choice for tourists to stay.

To regain its lost glory, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has stated working on it under a project called ‘Return to heritage Project’. The building structures are going to have retrofitting for earthquake resistance. With facilities like adequate parking, better roads, drainage and water supply along with walkways, this proud landmark of Delhi is surely going to stay for years to come.

CULTURAL CENTERS IN NEW DELHI
The moment you enter the city, you can feel that cultural warmth in the air of Delhi. Cultural activities are so much a live part of Delhi’s life that almost each area has a cultural centre of its own. Even many residential colonies too their own community centers where they hold various cultural programs from time to time.

Delhi is a place where you add wings to your dreams and the city provides ample opportunities to showcase your art or talent. AIFACS Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, FICCI Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, Kathak Kendra, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Gandhi Memorial Hall, Lalit Kala Akademi, Max Muller Bhavan, Siri Fort and Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra are few of the famous cultural points in Delhi that organize some kinds of cultural events throughout the year.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN DELHI
The cosmopolitan city of Delhi holds many events and festivals to showcase cultural diversity of India. The city celebrates many religious festivals like Diwali, Guru Nanak’s Birthday, Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Maha Shivaratri, Eid ul-Fitr and Buddha Jayanti. The Qutub Festival is a cultural event that shows the performances of musicians and dancers from all over India. With glorious Qutub Minar in the backdrop, the festival is a sheer joy at night.

Then the city also organizes Kite Flying Festival, International Mango Festival and the Spring Festival. A glimpse of the composite culture of Delhi can best be seen at festival called ‘Phool Walon Ki Sair’ held in the month of September each year. Events like Republic Day Parade also showcases the grand exhibition of the rich Indian culture combined with military parade to exhibit the Indian military might.

As more number of people from different parts of India and abroad are migrating to New Delhi, the city has automatically grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. Enriching itself with cultures of different cities and nations, the city rapidly keeps developing and today New Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India. To know the city better and experience warm hospitality at New Delhi hotel, you have to plan an extensive tour to New Delhi.

This palace-like monument temple has 234 intricately carved ornate pillars, 9 ornate domes and 20 quadrangle shikhars. There are around 20,000 idols and statues of India’s great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities along with the spectacular Gajendra peeth (a plinth of stone elephants) in the temple.

Attractions at the Akshardham
Inside its grand building, the huge temple complex has two huge exhibition halls also where you can get a chance to enjoy the visual journey of India’s cultural heritage and moral values. To entertain you more, there is also an IMAX cinema and a research centre for “social harmony”. Meditating in the quiet gardens amidst fountains and beautiful bronze sculptures gives immense pleasure and relaxation to the tired body and mind.

An eye-opening experience at Akshardham Temple is the ‘musical fountain show’ that can be enjoyed at night only. It is really a visual treat to watch that 10-mintues show which depicts how the Hindu trinity of Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh play their role in this universe.

Then there are various shopping options too inside the complex but you only get things related to Hindu mythology like books, souvenirs, calendars, etc. You can also shop for unique herbal medicines at the Ayurvedic bazaar in the complex. To satisfy your hunger and thirst, there is a restaurant inside this temple complex. Modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the restaurant can accommodate around 5000 people in one sitting only.

Since this temple depicts the Hindu mythology and Indian culture, it promises to attract a large number of tourists’ every year under religious tourism. Remember, you are not allowed to carry camera, mobiles, eatable and leather-made items inside. This care is mainly taken due to security purpose, but in case you must carry them then you will have to deposit them before you can enter the main temple.

Anyway all these restrictions are worth once you visit the temple complex which took around five years to complete. So next when you plan your trip to New Delhi, you must include this must-to-see monument of Delhi and I am sure you will enjoy the trip.

Besides buildings of various shapes and sizes, Pragati Maidan also has an auditorium that frequently holds rock shows and plays. Shakuntalam, a movie theatre is another big attraction of Pragati Maidan which pulls a large number of crowds, especially college kids due to its comparatively cheap tickets.

Located at gate no.4, Appu Ghar is a mini Disney land. Since it offers some of the world’s most sophisticated equipments meant for children, Appu Ghar is famous for a modern play ground for young comers.

The complex is unique as it has developed permanent buildings for pavilion of all the states of the country. So if you wish to visit India at one place then come to Pragati Maidan. Do not miss to visit Village Complex that brings out a beautiful presentation of diversified India.

Another attraction is the Crafts Museum, housed at the one end of Pragati Maidan. One of the largest handicrafts museums of India, it showcases collections of 20,000 specimens that include weaving products, metal and wooden products, earthen moulds, images and artifice.

Besides its scientifically designed exhibition hall set in a lush green setting, the complex also offers excellent infrastructure facilities like air-conditioned auditoria and conference room, a press lounge, a business information center, restaurants, banks, post offices etc. All these together make it the automatic choice of exhibition organizers from India and abroad as well.

Fairs held at Pragati Maidan
Though the venue was developed to organize the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF is held in the month of November every year), various high-quality fairs are held at Pragati Maidan throughout the year. With their varied products and merchandisers, most of the Indian states have found their permanent stalls in Pragati Maidan.

Apart from the IITF, other famous fairs held at this ground are World Book Fair, the New Delhi Auto Expo Indian engineering trade fair, plastIndia, Information Technology exhibition and IYT Asia. Since many business and industrial organizations from all over the world participate in these fairs, these events result in exchanging of industrial collaboration and joint ventures.

IITF focuses on a wide range of products that have both a domestic appeal and export connotation. Ranging from consumer goods and home appliances to garments, shoes, and children’s ware; from rural handicraft and gift items to power generation, technology and equipment related to all industries including medicals, you all get at IITF. No wonder November is the month when all roads in Delhi just lead to one place, i.e. Pragati Maidan.

Accessibility to Pragati Maidan
Since Delhi Metro has hit New Delhi’s traffic scene, it is the best mode of transport to reach Pragati Maidan. One can also reach there by using public transport like buses and privately owned vehicles. The area inside Pragati Maidan is quite large, so there is also an internal shuttle service for those who have problem in walking.

An ideal setting for holding of innumerable fairs, Pragati Maidan is visited by captains of trade and industry from different parts of India, decision makers and top government officials. Though not a historical place or monument, but Pragati Maidan still holds enough charm for people visiting New Delhi. So, include it in your list when you come to the city.