Bali Bounces Back

Indonesia’s island province of Bali is no stranger to adversity; it has withstood many upheavals throughout its long history and has always emerged stronger than ever. The island has been through intra-island conflicts, occupation by the Dutch, Japanese occupation during World War 2, political upheavals during 1960’s, volcanic eruptions and, most recently, terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005. At first glance it may seem like Bali has always been home to turmoil and while sensational newspaper headlines seem to reaffirm the fact, reality could not be more different.

Through every major incident, Bali and its inhabitants have stood firm. Widely regarded as a peace loving and friendly people, the local Balinese have remained steadfast in their traditions and beliefs come what may. A province with a majority Hindu population in the world’s largest Muslim nation, the Balinese have always retained their unique identity and faith, despite numerous upheavals and challenges. The most recent tragedies in Bali, the bombings at Kuta in 2002 and 2005, have garnered much attention and condemnation around the world. Almost overnight, Bali went from being a quiet tropical paradise to the front-line in the global war on terror.

Predictably, Bali’s tourist industry suffered after the bombings. Indonesian authorities, mindful of the negative publicity in its most important tourist province, have taken a number of positive steps to improve security in Bali to reassure international visitors. Judging from the strong resurgence of tourist traffic to Bali such measures seem to be working. Soon after each of the terrorist attacks news-media editorials and commentators have signalled the death knell for large scale tourism in Bali – but the complete opposite has happened and the tourist industry has bounced back, stronger than ever.

Tourist figures from 2005 to 2009 show a steady increase in the number of annual tourists to Bali from all over the world. 2.3 million visitors alone showed up in 2009 and 2010 looks to be the best year ever for tourism in Bali. The market has spoken – people from around the world enjoy Bali and feel safe enough to visit in record numbers each year. Such is the demand for Bali that the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport can barely keep up with the huge volume of international traffic, and authorities have announced the construction of a new airport in the north of the island.

Rather than a decline in tourism in Bali, the opposite has happened. While most of the tourist trade in the south, places like Lovina in north Bali have been going through a resurgence as the hot new draw on the island.

Big Parties, Sexy Women, The Nega Project

Nega Project is more than a Saratov night club. It’s a blind desire to live life on the dark side of happiness and plunge into the whirlpool of pleasure… what? This is how Nega Project describes this ultra hip and popular dance club in Saratov, Russia. The description is just as mysterious as the experience.

The ladies of Nega Project are the epitome of beauty with their short skirts, curled eyelashes, and tempting glances. They pour into the club on Friday and Saturday nights wearing their sexiest outfits. Everywhere you look you can see a stunning Russian woman dancing, talking, or falling in love. The sultry and seductive atmosphere of Nega Project gives everyone a feeling of the sweetest bliss. Random party goers become the best of friends by the night’s end.

A prestigious Russian beauty contest is held each February at Nega Project. To be crowned “Miss Russian Club’s Life in Saratov”, a Russian lady must love to party and know exactly where and how to get it done. She will be beautiful of course, but she will also be stylish, admirable, brilliant, and memorable. The winner will be the envy of Russian women everywhere, with instant access to every hot spot and VIP party around town.

World-renowned DJ’s, a mysterious atmosphere, and the most beautiful Russian women make Nega Project an inevitable stop on your next Russian vacation. There is no true way to explain the intrigue of Nega Project, you just have to experience it for yourself. And after one night of mystifying bliss, chances are you’ll want to go again and again and again…

Agra: Forts and Palaces of Mughal Architecture

India is the most favoured destination of the world tourists. And the city of Agra is an important holiday target for every person who lands on the land of this country. The city of Agra is full of places with historical connections and cultural importance.

After you have seen the world famous Taj Mahal, the next interesting place would be Agra Fort. It is one of the alluring attractions in the city. If the tourists visiting India wants to know about the mughal culture and the living style of the people during fifteenth and seventeenth century, visit to such historical places is very much informative and entertaining, too. They would get the real picture of the same after knowing about places like Agra fort. This fort is specimen of the style of architecture that was used in building castles and palaces of medieval India.

Jahangiri Mahal (Agra Fort)

Mughal princes and Emperors kept their women mostly away from the public exposure. The residences for women were devised to provide them such privacy. The Jahangiri Mahal is an integral part of Agra fort. It is one of the buildings where women of royal household resided.

This monument is made of red stones which were available in nearby areas. As the mines of such sand stones were located in central India and Rajasthan, it was easy to use these stones for such big erections.  You will find a big gate that would lead to a splendid courtyard and big residential rooms for the queens. On the walls of the courtyard and the rooms there are stone carvings, witnessing the Persian style of art and architecture.

Watch tower (Agra Fort)

This portion of the fort is designed to be used by the security personals. So it is called the watch tower. The internal security of women and children were of paramount interest for the royal families. No one except the authorised person would enter into this area without going through the scrutiny of he guards posted on such watch towers.

Marble Walls and Carvings (Agra Fort)

It was the mughal style to build palaces using plenty of marble stones. The mines situated in the state of Rajasthan are full of such precious while marble.  Inner walls of the room would be full of carvings done on marble stones. Unlike Taj Mahal, here you would find the carvings on simple stones. But the architectural beauty is the same as used in the period where Indian buildings were built by combining Indian style and Persian style of architecture.

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AGRA FORT

PALACES OF RAJASTHAN

Active Travel Asia promotes Cambodia biking tours in Angkor Wat

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, travelers transfer to hotel in Siem Riep for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore Siem Reap, the gateway to the impressive Angkor Wat which is located 7km south of Siem Reap. With its many bars, caf?’s and restaurants, Siem Reap is a bustling town that relies on the tourism industry and has all the amenities travelers need when travelers travel.

Cycling Angkor Temples, Cambodia

Second day, travelers start exploring Angkor Wat by bike. Angkor Wat is one of the biggest religious monuments in the world and represents the Khmer heritage. Its stunning base relief, massive towers and huge entrance way will simply awe travelers in every sense.

Travelers continue heading to the former capital Angkor Thom (Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants) and Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is famous for its massive overgrown trees. It was used as set for the movie Tomb Raider. In the afternoon, travelers cycle to Banteay Kdey and explore this massive complex before travelers head back to Siem Reap for refreshing and dinner.

Last day, travelers are free to explore the town of Siem Reap and shopping in local market before leaving Siem Reap.

CHEAPER OPTION
Book the Cheaper Option and save from 4% to 5% (depending on the group size)
From 9 persons: on request

This Cheaper Option is offered to those who seek for good travel experience at an affordable budget. Travelers are offered the finest 2-star hotels instead of 3-star hotels in all destinations. These 2-star hotels are chosen for good location, clean, comfortable room and nice staff.

More information at: http://www.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=67

Ajanta Caves – India’s Buddhist Art and Architecture

The Ajanta Caves are situated in the state of Maharastra in India. The site is near to Bombay. We can reach at the caves from the city of Jalagoan, too. This city is just 25 miles away from the caves. Another city is Aurangabad. We can go to that city and reach Ajanta by traveling by road.

The caves of AJANTA are the world’s greatest monument. This ancient place is recognized as historical monument by UNESCO, too.  In Ajanta, there are several caves. But only 30 caves are in good condition. The caves No. 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are known as Chaitya-grihas. The rest are called monasteries.

Though built up during the period running from second century BC to second century AD, these caves were discovered in the year 1819. Apart from the beautiful carvings done on the walls of the caves, the paintings done here are the most attractive thing for the tourists. The travellers coming from all over the world love to see these ancient paintings done in Buddhist Style. Though most of the paintings here can be related to the period of 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD, some of them were done in about the fifth century AD.

It is believed that these cave paintings are done by the Buddhist monks and other artists. Most of the paintings show the influence of religion. The characters painted are mainly Buddha and Bodhisattvas, a Buddhist monk. The artworks depict stories known as Jatakas.

All the materials used in these paintings came from the local area. The artists have done their work on a ground of mud-plaster. The technique used seems to be tempera.

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TRAVEL AND EXPLORE INDIA

INDIAN PAINTINGS RICH HERITAGE