Archive for March, 2010
Places Of Interest On Your Holidays In Bolivia
Who would have guessed that one of the poorest countries in South America has the rich and exciting destination of the vastly differing Amazonian and Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilization? This is the destination for people who are looking for untamed traditions and beliefs because 50 of the population maintains their traditional values and belief.
One of the popular attractions of Bolivia is the Lake Titicaca located in La Paz. The lake is regarded as the highest lake with a depth of 12 580ft and which covers 3861 square miles. This lake is attributed to its majestic roots. Around the lake there are two major islands the Islas del Sol and Isla de la Luna which are in high regard as they are the mythical sites of the creation of the Inca people.
According to legend the Sun God sent his son and daughter to earth to improve the way of life of the Andean people and so they descended unto Islas Del Sol and founded the Inca Empire. There are stunning views across the lake to the snowcapped peaks of the Andean range. The islands themselves are incredibly picturesque.
Tourists can see fishermen sail by on handmade reed boats. Present on the lake shore are the llamas and alpacas herded along the mountain paths to villages scattered on the hillsides. Along the way there are a few Inca ruins among them the Sun Temple and the Chincana complex on Isla Del Sol and the Inca stairways.
Another big attraction of Bolivia is the Rurrenabaque the starting point for a trip to the Amazonian pampas and jungle. This is suitable for lovers of nature and wildlife. It is considered the loveliest of the Bolivian lowland villages. Tourists can have a ride on the dugout canoe as they cross the river in Rurrenabaque. The rainforest and pampas are abundant in wildlife. There are anacondas capybaras monkeys turtles macaws caymans piranhas and the beautiful pink dolphins. There are also a plenty of birds life to be seen and heard.
For tourists looking for a photographer’s delight Salar de Uyuni must be the place to stay. It is the world’s largest salt desert set in elevation of 11 970 ft and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. It is considered as one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia. It is a superb landscape combining salt pans winderoded rock formations and wandering llamas in a completely unspoilt region. At the center lies the Isla de Pescadores it is a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness. In Sala de Uyumi there are plenty of other marvellous sites such as the Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde. These lakes are homes to flamingos and are surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Also surrounding them are bubbling mud pools.
There is also Bolivia’s famous museum the Casa Real De Moneda. It was originally the Royal Mint House where the colonial Spanish transformed the silver from the mines into coins. It is one of Bolivia’s best museums that explain the history of silver production and its influence. Aside from silver coins they also display restored presses and wooden minting machines coins and coin stamps and religious art.
The other must see attraction is the Mercado de Brujas or the Withches Market. It is one of the most bizarre markets in the world. Merchandise sold here are fairly odd things such as herbs and remedies used in any traditions to potions charms and dried llama foetuses. Available also are the Andean art and handicrafts.
About the writer: Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas ski chalets and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of holiday accommodation have a look at Holiday Accommodation
Periyar Wildlife ReserveKeralaIndia-Indian Elephants Habitat
Periyar National Park land of diverse wildlife is located in the cardamom hills in Iduki district in SouthEast Kerala in proximity to KalakadMundanthurai tiger reserve in Tamilnadu. Periyar meaning Big river is one of the oldest protected areas of Southern Ghats of India. It was declared as national part in 1982 and came under the ambit of project tiger in 1978. Its a prime tiger land. The total area under the park is 777 Sq kms consisting of valleys plains amp; wetlands. Its other name is Thekkady .The major attraction of the park is 26 Sq Km long lake formed due to the constriction of Mulla periyar Irrigation dam inundating forest land. This lake now is the primary water hole of the park amp; a boat ride in this lake is highly rewarding.
We arrived at Kumily after long journey but the tiredness of journey petered out by mere feeling to be in periyar tiger reserve.The starting point of park is about 6 kms from Kumily which can be approached by vehicle.We stayed in KTDC run periyar house near the entry point. A very significant thing came to my notice that since 2004 park is controlled by periyar foundation where park administration amp; local people work together for wildlife conservation.Such experiments are nonexistent in India but in Africa such experiments are working successfully.Such experiments if extended to other parks local peoplewildlife conflicts would cease with the passage of time.
We decided to visit periyar river on boat. 26 sq km vast periyar river consists of small islets amp; creeks suitable as wildlife habitats.The boating in river is unique as it provides an opportunity to see vast variety of wildlife.The river is visited by herds of elephants Cheetalgaur amp; predators like wild dogs tigers amp; leopards. The remains of trees provide a distinct look to the periyar river. Our journey was rewarded by varieties of birds a herd of elephants sambhar.
Next day we decided to go on nature walk allowed in periyar Tiger reserve.Though scary in tiger land but nature walk is very adventurous.We spotted numerous birds amp; butterflies. Periyar is home to more than 320 bird species amp; 160 species of butterflies. Trigger happy people photographers like me are rewarded beyond our imagination.
Periyar park is unique for various reasons/facilities namely:walk in the wild boating in periyar river bamboo rafting tribal heritage tow bullock cart discoveries which are not available in other national parks.
Its unique location available wildlife and unique facilities made it worth visiting part. Best time to visit the park is SeptemberMarch.
How to reach:
By Air:Nearest Airport is Kochi about 290 Kms from Thekkady.
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kottayam about 119 Kms from Thekkady.
By Road: Reach kottayam by rail then kanjirappallyVandiperiyarKumilyThekkady.
About the writer: www adventurersparadise.com
Northampton Great Base To Explore The Heart Of England
Northampton is a town in England that is central in the country and the county town of Northamptonshire. It is around seventy miles from London and as such is perfect for the use of car hire facilities to tour the Midlands and beyond. In terms of history the town has been a settlement since at least the Iron Age many believing it to be the capital of the Mercia kingdom in the eighth century. Since that period Northampton built up in the Norman and medieval ages to be a considerable settlement. In the civil war it found itself supporting the parliamentarian cause and as such the city walls were torn down as punishment at the end of the Commonwealth. During the Napoleonic era it developed as a centre for the shoemaking and leather industries a situation that continued throughout the Victorian period. In the twentieth century however the industries declined limiting its size and stature. Throughout this century applications for city status were turned down the last being at the turn of the millennium.
Today Northampton lies close to a number of major roads making is the perfect base to utilise a hire car and tour the surrounding countryside as well as other major destinations within the UK. Because of this central position the town is a major centre for corporations within the country; Panasonic Coca Cola Schweppes and Travis Perkins all have offices and the Carlsberg brewer is also a major employer in the area. With such a focus on big business it is surprising that the town has not been given city status; that said there is plenty more to this market town than the corporate world with a host of attractions within the settlement and surrounding area it can be considered a tourist destination in its own right.
Northamptonshire is a fascinating and historically rich county which can be toured at leisure with the use of a hire car. With many stately homes and castles in the vicinity the history buff will clearly be entertained and most probably educated during a visit to Northampton. One site of interest is Naseby easily reachable with a hire car it is a brilliant insight into one of the most pivotal battles in the history of Britain. The battle fought in June 1645 saw King Charles I and his standing army defeated by parliamentarian forces under the leadership of Sir Thomas Fairfax. The location of this most tumultuous of historical events is a must see for anyone interested in British history; today a nearby museum presents artefacts related to the battle.
As well as battlefield however the nearby Althorp house should be visited. The ancestral home of the Spencer family it is a brilliant architectural example. The home of the sadly deceased Diana Spencer the family has converted the stable block into an exhibition detailing the life and exploits of the Princess of Wales the estate is open to during the summer months and is a short drive around five miles from the town an easy enough journey with the use of car hire services.
As well as history Northampton has a strong heritage in the sporting world. Most popular in the town is the premiership rugby union team the Saints; they play at Franklin’s Gardens and offer the visitor the chance to see true English girt and determination on the playing field. The town’s football team inspiringly called Northampton Town FC also play within the town. The team is currently in League One and is affectionately named the Cobblers by locals; and indication of the pride felt by residents of the town’s shoemaking heritage. Finally there is Northamptonshire County Cricket Club who regularly play limited overs and four day games at the county ground. With the three major sports of the country being played in the town visitors are sure to have their sporting needs met.
Northampton is a fascinating town full of history heritage ad entertainment. Any trip to the region will be enhanced with the use of a hire car as it opens up the wondrous countryside. So before dismissing Northampton as purely a town in the Midlands consider it the perfect base to explore the heart of England.
About the writer: Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks at car hire Northampton services and how they can help tourists make the most of their trip.