Philippines: The stairway to heaven

A strong, pungent smell hit us in the face as we walked into the cave. We could hear some chirps and shrieks. Beyond where the sun shone, there was nothing but a vast, gaping hole. We removed our sandals and got down on all fours. Everything we touched felt slimy. Our guide told us that it's guano, the excrement of bats living in the cave. The cave was the largest of over 60 underground caves in the remote town of Sagada, which lies deep within the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines. Our guide paused to light up his kerosene lamp. The flickering flame cast eerie shapes on the walls around us. We pressed on, disappearing further into the cave. Surreal rock formations: There was the sound of running water. If not for the dim light cast by the kerosene lamp, we would be in complete darkness. We soon came to a pool of water. There was no way around it. Get in, our guide said. The water was ice-cold and chest-high. We gritted our teeth as we stepped gingerly across the pool, not knowing what was in the water. After we emerged from the pool, our guide shone the kerosene lamp around to reveal gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites. Further on, there were otherworldly rock formations which were given names such as 'frog pool' and 'elephant formation.' The cave branched off in all directions, and without our guide, we probably would never find our way out. In fact, there've been stories of foreigners who got lost in the caves wandering without guides. Their bodies were eventually found a few days later. Feeling safe with our guide, for the next few hours, we were Indiana Jones as we clambered over slick rocks, and squeezed ourselves into narrow passages that looked impassable. There were sections where we had to haul ourselves up using ropes. Hanging coffins: Sagada, however, is not just about adventure. In fact, there's more than a touch of mysticism about the town, given its famous hanging coffins. As their name suggests, these hanging coffins are in a state of suspension, hanging on for perpetuity on limestone cliffs. Our guide told us that the coffins were placed there because his ancestors believed that the higher the body is laid, the closer the souls were to heaven. The location also helps to protect the bodies from earthquakes, floods as well as wild animals. Not surprisingly, the act of placing the coffins on the cliffs requires a tremendous amount of effort. Men would bind themselves in ropes to climb the steep mountainside and haul the body and the coffin. Once the resting place is reached, the coffin is secured in place before prayers are chanted and the men bid the dead a final farewell. This dying tradition is no longer a common practice for the locals of Sagada. The latest addition to the hanging coffins was in 2008, after a long interval. With little new coffins added to the cliffs, and with the existing ones exposed to the elements, it's really anyone's guess how long it'll be before they become history. Burial caves: Burial caves are another interesting location where the locals of Sagada put their dead to rest. In such caves, tens or even hundreds of coffins are lined up along the walls, forming what looks almost like a crypt. We ventured into one of these caves for a closer look and noticed that some of the coffins were open, revealing dark emptiness within. Our guide told us that thieves have made off with some of the bones; even carted away entire coffins for sale. I imagine they are brave thieves since I definitely would not want to be poking around these caves at night. Banaue: The town of Banaue, which lies just a day's drive away from Sagada, is yet another ruggedly enchanting spot within the Cordillera Mountains. The town is most famous for its 'Stairway to Heaven,' which are rice terraces created by the Ifugao tribe, who were once feared head-hunters. Situated some 1,500 metres above sea level, the 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraces are largely believed to be carved into the mountainside by hand with minimal equipment. But while we could already see some of these terraces around Banaue, it's said that the truly spectacular ones lie in the village of Batad — a short one hour drive away. Those claims were not unfounded. Beautiful as the rice terraces around Banaue were, they could not compare to those in Batad which rise up the mountains like an amphitheatre draped in green. Also, due to the hassle involved in getting to Batad - a bumpy ride followed by a one-hour hike into the jungle before we could finally see the rice terraces — there were hardly any tourists there. In fact, we counted less than ten the entire day we were there. With only my friend and the guide for company, I had all the peace and solitude. I could truly appreciate how the rugged mountain scenery cradles the irrigated rice terraces built directly into the side of the mountain in complete natural harmony. And standing at the bottom of the valley, looking at the terraces as they extend upwards into the clear blue sky, it's not hard to imagine why some would refer to these terraces as 'Stairways to Heaven.'

Traveller's Guide: Turkish shores

Clear, blue water laps soft white sand in a safe, shallow bay. A benign afternoon sun gently toasts the forest-clad mountains above the shore, while the local wildlife wakes noisily from a collective siesta. A few miles along the coast, the atmospheric ruins of an ancient city or medieval castle are ripe for exploration. At the nearby port, the fishermen are returning with a fresh catch that will soon be grilled and served up at a convivial local restaurant. This appealing picture recurs along the beautiful, serrated coast of Turkey – especially on the quadrant of shore most visited by Brits. This is the south-west coastline of Anatolia (Asian Turkey) from Alanya, about halfway along the southern coast, around to the Dardanelles guarding the maritime access to the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul and the Black Sea. Even busy (and sometimes brash) resorts such Fethiye, Bodrum and Kusadasi provide easy access to secluded coves, serene islands and a rich history. September and October are the best of times to visit. The crowds are dwindling along with the strong summer sun (the average high at the key airport of Dalaman drops from 33C in July and August to 31C in September, 26C in October and a still-pleasant 21C (70F in old money) in November, leaving the shores ripe for exploration – or sheer indulgence. Prices fall, too, at the start of September. Thomas Cook (0871 895 0038; thomascook.com) has a week in a two-star hotel in Icmeler (near Marmaris) for £324 from Manchester on 3 September, including flights to Dalaman and transfers, but no meals. Spend a little more, and you can have your meals and drinks included. The “all-inclusive” model is extremely popular in resorts along the Turkish coast. Thomson (0871 231 4691; thomson.co.uk) offers a fortnight at the Lara Beach hotel near Antalya, departing 4 December, for £405. This works out at less than £29 per person per night, including daytime flights from Gatwick and transfers, for a venue that the company says has “enough swimming pools to rival a waterpark and a restaurant for every day of the week”. For a more exclusive all-inclusive, the Hillside Beach Club (hillsidebeachclub.com), outside Fethiye, has yoga, meditation and an art workshop. In October, the typical rate for a room for two is €332, which works out at about £400 per person for the minimum three-night stay. Turkey’s 4,500-mile coast (longer than Spain’s and Portugal’s combined) has so much to offer. You can hike the Lycian Way – 300 miles of coastal and inland paths between Antalya and Fethiye – or go mountain biking along the Turquoise Coast between Dalaman and Kas. Exodus (0845 287 7411; exodus.co.uk) has an eight-day bike trip, departing Gatwick on 10 September and 22 October, of around 25 miles a day for £949 including flights, transfers, guiding and breakfast. Metropolitan sophistication on the waterfront is at hand in Izmir, Antalya and (especially) Istanbul. Coastal towns and cities reveal layers of Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman influence, while tragic tales of heroism and despair are revealed in the cemeteries of Gallipoli. And that is just the Aegean/Mediterranean shore. Another 1,000 miles of Black Sea coast, between the Bulgarian border and the Georgian frontier, provide escapes from the crowds and a much more Turkish experience. The south-eastern corner of the country’s coast is a riskier prospect: the proximity of Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, and the activities of the Kurdish separatists, the PKK, combine to make this a hard-core destination. Elsewhere in Turkey, as the shadows lengthen and the scent from the pine forest and bougainvillea intensifies, such problems seem a world away. Splashing out Club Mark Warner (0844 273 5576; markwarner.co.uk) has a week at the secluded Sea Garden Beach Resort in Bodrum for £695pp including BA charter flights from Heathrow, transfers, full-board, local drinks and a range of activities. Departure is on 1 September. Neilson Beach Clubs (0844 879 8155; neilson.co.uk) has active breaks to Adakoy, Teos, Ortakent and Foca with sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, tennis, mountain biking, daytime kids’ clubs and evening childcare. With flights from Gatwick to Izmir on 28 October, transfers and “Club Board” (breakfast, lunch and four evening meals), a family of four pays £785pp. Or cruise on a gulet – the two-masted schooners built in Bodrum. Exclusive Escapes (020-8605 3500; exclusiveescapes.co.uk) has crewed gulets that sleep 10 to 16, departing Gocek for the Lycian coast on 1 or 15 Sept; cabins are £1,200pp for a week, with full board and flights on Titan from the Private Jet Terminal at Stansted (though you return to the main terminal). Ephesus without the effort Even close to modern resorts there’s a remarkable range of Greco-Roman ruins and evidence of even older civilisations. Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia and an important Greek city, is a sprawling site. The most crucial aspect of any visit is timing: the site is less than 10 miles from the port of Kusadasi and thousands of cruise passengers are bussed in daily. Get there at opening time, 8am, and they will still be having breakfast. The alternative is to turn up at around 5pm to enjoy the last two hours at the site. (Last admission is 5pm from November to March, but this also coincides with an absence of cruise ships.) Entry is €12. Wild Turkey South-west Anatolia has remarkable sea life. At Iztuzu beach, outside Dalyan, loggerhead turtles lay eggs and hatchlings venture into the sea from May to October. Travel Republic (020-8974 7200; travelrepublic.co.uk) has a week’s B&B at the two-star Donmez Hotel with easyJet flights from Stansted for £514 (excluding luggage or transfers), departs 1 Sept. On the Nature Trek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk), which departs next April, you can expect to see flamingos, pelicans and terns on the Gediz Delta. The three-centre holiday includes flights from Heathrow via Munich to Izmir on Lufthansa, transport, guides, and half-board, all for £1,395. The Black Sea Trabzon is a fascinating destination with echoes of the Byzantine era. (The Great Komnenoi ruled here back then.) Markets and villas have a strong eastern flavour. Take an overnight ferry to Sochi in Russia or focus on the Black Sea’s western shores. Less than three hours by bus from Istanbul is Kiyikoy, where the Endorfina boutique hotel (00 90 288 388 63 64 hotelendorfina.com) has doubles with half-board for YTL160-240 (£60-£90). Continental collusion For city lovers, Istanbul offers the best in Turkish shores, where the mighty Bosphorus connects to the Black Sea. The Golden Horn has plenty of cafés from where you can watch ferries shuttle across this global crossroad. By 2015, when the Marmaray rail tunnel is due, vessel numbers may dwindle – so make the most of it by going to the Eminonu ferry quay near the railway station where Orient Express passengers used to transfer. Expedia (020-3027 8682; expedia.co.uk) has two nights at the W Istanbul, near the Besiktas ferry pier, for £752 for next weekend, with Turkish Airlines flights from Heathrow (returning to Gatwick) and including breakfast. Travel essentials Getting there and getting around The gateway to coastal Turkey is Istanbul. Turkish Airlines (020-7471 6666; turkishairlines.com) flies from Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester to Istanbul Ataturk, and from Stansted to the secondary airport, Sabiha Gokcen. BA (0844 493 0787; ba.com) flies from Heathrow to Ataturk, while easyJet (0843 104 5000; easyjet.com) flies from Luton and Gatwick to Sabiha Gokcen. Pegasus (0845 084 8980; flypgs.com) flies from Stansted to Sabiha Gokcen. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect to many coastal destinations, including Izmir, Antalya and Trabzon. To avoid the need to change planes, you can take advantage of a range of non-stop flights from the UK to Turkish coastal airports. The main targets, going anticlockwise from Istanbul, are Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. They are served by BA, easyJet, Jet2 (0871 226 1737; jet2.com) and Monarch (08719 40 50 40; monarch.co.uk). Reckon on a fare of £300 return for September and October. Given the ready availability of package holidays, it may be better value to book a hotel-inclusive trip via Thomson or Thomas Cook. On arrival in Turkey, Britons must pay £10 (in cash) for a "visa" – a stamp in your passport. Turkey has several high-quality bus companies, which offer frequent and reliable services between towns and cities. Just turn up at the local otogar (bus station) and buy a ticket. The 15-hour overnight luxury bus operated by Kamil Koc from Istanbul to Alanya costs YTL75 (£27). Local bus services are mostly operated by the dolmus (which translates as "stuffed"): minibuses that connect resorts with outlying beaches.

Why we love to go to Bangkok

he call of the Oriental has lured Indians for ages to come and in the 21st century, Bangkok has emerged as a favourite for tourists looking to unwind and indulge in the exotic treasures of the Far East. Bangkok has something in store for every one. The City of Angels, said to be a favourite of Lord Indra and hand crafted by Lord Vishwakarma, offers a vibrant mix of both scenery and a fabulous metropolitan nightlife experience. Siam Square, the main shopping district can quench the thirst of the most ardent shopaholics as it caters to those hoping to get a taste of world famous brands as well as those looking for a more localised experience. Apart from its concrete masterpieces like the spectacular Robot Building, Bangkok offers picturesque parks and such as the famed Lumphini Park. Those travelling to Bangkok often club their agenda with a tour of the sensational allied area Pattaya. The Pattaya Bay Area with its sparkling coast is one of the largest beach resorts in Asia. Watersports, swimming, snorkelling are some of the attractions which lure tourists while others who are interested in sightseeing may find their fill in the temples, sanctuaries and the Pattaya Park Tower. At night it's a sensation with its beach parties, dance festivals and even a Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.

Hillstations .............wow

ndia is famous for its hill stations, most of them being developed by the Britishers during their rule. These all formed the summer capitals during their rule. All the hill stations are well linked from the major cities and towns by road, rail and air. Also these have good boarding/lodging facilities with amenities like swimming pools, pool tables, casinos etc. The picturesque Hill stations are popular as resorts among both Indians and visitors, providing a relaxing and salubrious retreat from the heat and dust of the plains. The snow clad peaks and the cool hill stations on the foothills of these hills provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. India has seven principal mountain ranges and the most important amongst them are the Himalayas followed by the Shivaliks, which have the most popular hill resorts. Shimla, Dalhousie, Nainital, Mussorie, Panchmarhi, Mount Abu, and Kodaikanal are some of the favorite hill resorts of international tourists.

North India Tourism Zone

Welcome to the Northern Part of India. This part covers the Capital of India, New Delhi (Delhi). Every experience, every sound, every smell shouts that you've arrived somewhere magical, Somewhere Special. It is here that the deep love of one man for one woman created the Taj Mahal; where the King of Kings ruled; where the sacred Ganges flows past holy cities; where the Himalayas stand silent and magnificent; where 5000 years of culture awaits to be absorbed. Places to See in Northern India Agra Ajmer Alwar Amritsar Bharatpur Bikaner Bundi Chail Chamba Chandigarh Chittaurgadh Dalhausie Delhi Dharamshala Gulmarg Jaipur Jaisalmer Jammu Jodhpur Kasauli Kanha Kargil Kulllu Kota Kufri Leh Ladakh Lahaul Pehalgam Manali Maunt Abu Shrinagar Patnitop Spiti Shimla States In Northern India Rajasthan Delhi Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Uttaranchal Punjab Haryana

Festival Time of India

f you wish to experience the festive spirit of India, then you are in for a treat from early October to mid-March. You will not only get a chance to see the colorful spirit of the celebrations but an opportunity to taste some of the choicest festive delicacies of India. Some major festivals start with Navratri in October or early November closely followed by Diwali in a few days span. You can experience the Pushkar festival of Rajasthan in November too. Celebrating Christmas and New year in idyllic regions like Goa can be fun too. Other popular times to head to India include Sankranti or Lohri festival in mid-January and the colorful festival of Holi in March. Travelers are advised to make bookings of their intended stay in India well before arrival of the peak season, as hotels and accommodations tend to fill up fast. If you wish to participate in Indian festivals, then check with an expert travel agent who may guide you with the exact festival dates for the year. If you follow the ideal seasons, then I am sure that India will prove to be an unforgettable experience.

When is the Best Time to Visit India

India is often quoted as a land of beauty with a variety in her landscape right from lush green central plains to arid deserts in north-west and from snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the virgin peninsular beaches in south India. The land is the undisputed combination of colors, vibrancy, spices, warmth and exotic beauty. Perhaps it may sound incorrect to describe India in a few short paragraphs. To understand what India truly is, you need to go beyond and experience her beauty rather than glance through a couple of reviews. So if you are wondering when to visit India, then this article will let you know the best time to do so. When to Embark on the Incredible Indian Journey? India is like a jigsaw puzzle of a variety of terrains which also gives it a regional diversity in the climatic conditions. A traveler who has absolutely no idea about India, may need to first start with deciding which regions of India interest him better. The ideal next step is to find out the climates of these regions so as to decide the best time of the year to visit India. Presently, I will enlighten you about the regional diversity in Indian climates. Travelers need to remember that Indian subcontinent enjoys three basic seasons: Summer (March to May) Monsoons (June to September) Winter (October to February)

Top 10 Vacation Spots in the World

A vacation is something that everybody needs. Whether it is kids from their excessive studying or a married couple in need of a romantic getaway, office staff looking for some unofficial bonding or a family just looking to spend some quality time together. Everyone wants, needs and appreciates a good vacation once in a while. And if you're planning a vacation soon, this article will help you greatly with that. It will offer you the top 10 vacation spots from around the world. Enjoy! In the U.S. For all those looking to explore the United States, here is a list of the best vacation spots in America that you can explore this time! Disney World: Plan a Disney vacation to with your kids and enjoy their glee! Las Vegas: Need I say more?? New York: Get a bite of the Big Apple. Yellowstone National Park: Explore the beauty of the wilderness and have a blast! Los Angeles: Go get starry eyed! Hawaii: Enjoy the splendor of the sunny beaches in Hawaii. Chicago: Wind down in the windy city. Washington D.C: Capitalize in the capital! Hershey: Go chocolaty! Miami: Watch out for the waves, here they come!

Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC

Love cannot be expressed in words. It needs a mixture of words, affection, care, devotion and yes a bit of showoff. If you want to see this practically, then take your sweetheart to a crowded place for dinner and the other day take her for a candle light dinner at a beautiful place with a romantic environment, soft background music and really nice food. You will yourself feel the difference. She will be flattered and will fall in love with you again with the latter option. Love just needs some special memories which can bind a relationship forever. So, for these special occasions you need to know about some of the most romantic restaurants in your city. For the people who are in New York City, I have a list of some of the romantic restaurants. Just have a look and be ready to impress your beloved.

Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in NYC

New York City is a beautiful place. It has numerous big hotels and restaurants which are known for their food, ambiance and service. Following are some of the most famous and of course romantic ones. Aureole This restaurant is located at the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park. It is known for its award-winning cuisine with a blend of amazingly romantic music. Every month you can get master piece events conducted specially for the guests. You can book the table beforehand and can arrange a special dinner with the cuisine specially from the chief chef. One if By Land, Two if By Sea You can consider this as one of the best restaurants in New York City. This restaurant has served many couples and has seen many love stories since the year 1972. It is a beautiful carriage house in the West Village, which will make your date the best one. Enjoy the delicious cuisine with the tinkling of the piano near a fireplace. Enjoy every moment of your lovely date. La Grenouille If you want to have a classic old-fashioned romantic date, then this place is the most appropriate one. You can enjoy the ambiance and delicious French food which will drive you crazy. You can enjoy the taste of frog legs, and chocolate souffle. Though little expensive, the amazing fresh flowers and the beautiful ambiance will make your date the most impressive one. Daniel If you have a special occasion just around the corner and you are looking for the most romantic and impressive restaurant in the city then Daniel will be the best choice. It is a four star restaurant with amazing award-winning French contemporary cuisine. You will be amazed by the attentive service, elegant ambiance and romantic atmosphere. Bit expensive but will make the precious moment in your life count, for sure. The River Cafe This restaurant will make your day. It is situated just next to the Brooklyn bridge and among the most beautiful and romantic restaurants in the city. You can get the view of this amazing creation, along with the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. You can enjoy the taste of soft-shell crab stuffed with lobster meat and strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. Book your seat one month in advance so that you can get the best view to set your romance on a high. Devi If you want to have a subcontinental feel in an Indian restaurant, then come to Devi. You will get a totally Indian feel which will titillate your taste buds with its spicy curries and mouth melting deserts. Its rich ambiance and impeccable service will make your date a delightful one. So indulge yourself in one of the most famous cuisine and enjoy your date. Its bill will easily set in your pocket, so don't worry about the expenses. Sushi Yasuda This restaurant is one of the most romantic Japanese food restaurant. It has the flavor of the most celebrated Japanese cuisine. The wooden interiors will give you a feel of its origin. The ambiance and food will make your date. Though this may not give the feel of any other NYC restaurant, it will add a new and different experience in your romantic date dairy. Top of The Tower This restaurant is the best place to propose your love. It is situated at the top of the Beekman Tower Hotel. You can enjoy every single view from the 26th story and can express your deep emotions with a bottle of wine. It has a very sophisticated and romantic ambiance and its beautiful sight will drive you crazy. Enjoy the mouth-watering food and express you love at this beautiful restaurant. 5 Ninth The ambiance looks back to the 1848. It has a dining garden and its charming appearance will make your date amazing. It is two floored and has enough space for the guests. You can treat your taste buds with cuisines from around the world and can even order the trendy fusion-style dishes. The place is romantic and have a contemporary, intimate setting. Le Cirque From over 36 years, this restaurant is famous for the finest cuisine in the city. From the ambiance to the widespread dining room and from the beef short ribs to an awesome dessert, anything and everything will please you and your date. They have some of the best chefs with some divine dishes that will leave you with a heavenly taste. If she loves classy and elegant places, then this is the best option to visit. Apart from these, there are many more romantic restaurants in New York City which can make your date the most memorable one. For this you can visit New York City Tourism website. So, select one of the above given restaurants and let your sweetheart know how much you love her.