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Kerala Holiday Activities

May 09, 2023 By: matthewsimpso Category: Travel Tips

If you prefer to spend time in nature over the hustle and bustle of the city, then you might enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala. With a 10% off deal for local accommodations as well, it’s hard to say no to a holiday in beautiful Kerala. The Kerala region is located on the southwestern coast of India and is home to many unique sights and experiences. 

The Kerala Backwaters

One of the coolest places in Kerala to visit is the famous backwaters. They are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that offer a unique and tranquil experience, best experienced by one of the traditional houseboats that are native to the area. There are many tours available, from short day trips to experiences that last multiple nights. The boats are all propelled by hand, no motors, so that you can enjoy the trip with the sounds of nature as your backdrop. Most tours typically serve vegetarian meals of the local cuisine as well. 

Visit Kerala’s Beaches

Being on the coast, the Kerala region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of India. A few of the more popular ones are Kovalam, Varkala, and Cherai. 

Kovalam is famous for its gorgeous blue waters and white sand, it’s a very popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and boat rides. It also boasts some stunning sunsets which are great for photographs! 

Although not typically safe for swimming due to the high surf, Varkala is best known for the red cliffs surrounding the beach. There is also a sacred spring that people make pilgrimages to in order to wash themselves of past sins. 

Cherai is located just off the coast on Vypin Island, however it can be reached by bus or car. When there you can enjoy the beach, eat at one of the local seafood restaurants, or relax with an Ayurvedic massage. 

Watch Wildlife at a Sanctuary

If you’d like to see some of the amazing wildlife that is native to the Kerala region such as elephants, tigers, and leopards then you should make a trip to one of the area’s wildlife sanctuaries. 

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to both an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve (including a few rare white tigers), as well as many endangered species of flora and fauna. The animals can be elusive, but if you go during the dry season there is a lake that they tend to visit to drink from that you can observe from a safe distance. To see the elephants, it is recommended to take the afternoon boat trip.

Silent Valley National Park is the last remaining natural rainforest in the Kerala region, and although it is home to many birds and animals (especially primates) the eco-tours are limited to flora and fauna so as not to disturb them. 

Experience true relaxation at an Ayurvedic spa

The Kerala region is renowned for its Ayurvedic medicine, and there are many wonderful spas you can visit for massage, yoga or meditation classes, as well as detoxifying treatments. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that good health is achieved by maintaining a balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and that disease is caused by imbalances in these three elements. Some of the best reviewed spas that you may want to visit are Kairali in Palakkad, Somatheeram in Kovalam, and Kalari Kovilakom in Kollengode. 

Take in a Kathakali Dance Show

Kathakali is the traditional form of dance in the Kerala region. If you haven’t heard of it before, Kathakali is a story-telling form of dance that uses colourful makeup as well as very elaborate costumes. It’s traditionally performed by an all-male cast of actors and dancers. As it’s birthplace is Kerala, you can easily find shows and performance centers all over. Ask your hotel  for some local recommendations. 

Luxury Holidays in India

April 26, 2023 By: matthewsimpso Category: Travel Packages, Travel Tips

While India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ‘luxury holiday’, you’d be missing out on the many unique and exotic experiences that the country has to offer. Many times larger than the UK, India is a land of diverse culture, rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty with a range of luxury experiences from world-class hotels to exclusive shopping destinations. We’ve even got a discount on car hire for you, if you choose to get out and explore on your own beyond the guided tours.

Best Cities to Visit for a Luxury Holiday in India

1. Delhi

It should come as no surprise that the top destination for luxury travel is the nation’s capital of Delhi. Quite simply, Delhi has the most to offer in terms of luxury accommodations and high-end shopping. One of the most famous hotels in Delhi is The Leela Palace, which offers stunning views of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. The hotel is famous for its grand architecture, world-class amenities, and luxurious spa.

The best shopping in India can be found in Delhi, with the DLF Emporio and The Chanakya offering luxury stores from around the world. The DLF Emporio is about a 15 minute car ride from The Leela Palace, and the Chanakya is only a 10 minute walk away if it’s not too hot of a day.

2. Mumbai

Mumbai is India’s financial capital, so it has the accommodations and amenities necessary to cater to high net-worth visitors. The top choice for luxury accommodations in Mumbai is The Taj Mahal Palace, not to be confused with its namesake tourist destination which is located to the north in Agra. The hotel is quite impressive itself, with gorgeous architecture and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. The amenities are world-class as well, and if you enjoy Japanese cuisine the famous Wasabi by Morimoto restaurant is conveniently located inside the hotel.

Another popular luxury hotel in Mumbai is The Oberoi Mumbai. Part of a chain of high-end hotels in India, it’s located right on the waterfront in Mumbai and most guests give it a 5-star review with the breakfast being a highlight. If you’d like to shop luxury brands, The Palladium is closest at about a 20 minute car ride away. A little bit further north but still worth the trip is The Phoenix Mills shopping centre.

3. Jaipur

Also known as “The Pink City”, Jaipur is home to Indian royalty and offers more cultural and heritage experiences for travellers with its many palaces, some of which you can actually stay in! Probably the most well-known is Rambagh Palace, which was built in 1925 and has been well maintained in the century since it’s construction. In addition to lush accommodations, Rambagh Palace has a range of fine dining restaurants including The Suvarna Mahal, which offers authentic Rajasthani cuisine. It is a must-try if you visit Jaipur.

While it may not have the brand names you’re used to, if you’d like to go shopping while in Jaipur we suggest checking out the Johari Bazaar which is less than 15 minutes away from Rambagh Palace by car. Here you’ll find authentic Rajasthani jewellery as well as precious stones and gems. The building that houses the marketplace is quite interesting as well.

The Golden Triangle Tour

If a guided tour is more your speed, then The Golden Triangle Tour is an excellent option and one of the most popular luxury tour packages in India. It starts in the capital of Delhi, and includes Agra (where you will visit the Taj Mahal) before concluding in the royal city of Jaipur. It’s a great way to see some of the most uniquely Indian landmarks as well as enjoy the best in luxury travel that the country has to offer.

Top Cameras to Take on Your Vacation

April 06, 2018 By: matthewsimpso Category: Travel Tips

When looking for the best camera to purchase for your vacation, you should first consider your budget. If you are able to spend only a certain dollar amount, then you need to get the best buy for your money.

Best Camera Comparison Websites

One thing that can help you narrow down your choices and decide which camera is right for you is to use a comparison website. We like www.bestgear.org for product comparisons. They have a good breakdown of each item, as well as a link to purchase from Amazon. The first thing you should compare is the megapixels of the cameras you are considering. This will directly affect the resolution of your photos. You want your travel images to be as clear and as sharp as possible. As you consider the many features available, you should keep in mind that the best vacation camera is one that provides you with the best level of comfort and functionality while you are travelling.

best gear product comparison and reviews

Some of the best vacation cameras include:

Panasonic Lumix ZS3 Travel Camera

Although fairly small, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 packs a powerful punch with its 10.1-megapixel sensor. It has the ability to take both wide angle and close-up shots. You never know what the situation will call for when visiting new places. With a zoom range of 12x, the ZS3 has the ability to take wide-angle shots of landscapes or street scenes one minute and zoom in to get a photo of a street performer from long range the next minute. This camera is very easy to use. When set on Intelligent Auto, this unit has 27 scene modes so that there is practically no need for manual adjustments in order to get the perfect settings for your shot.

Olympus Stylus 810 Digital Camera

This particular digital camera performs with optimum quality and really lives up to the Olympus tradition of providing their customers with quality and performance in one small package. The Olympus 810 Stylus digital camera has a Digital Image Stabilization feature that will instantly clear disappointing blurry images at a touch of a button. This means that even if you accidentally shook your Olympus Stylus 810, you can still get that sharp, clear image. This camera has seals and gaskets placed in strategic positions to enable it to perform in all weather. So, even if it’s raining, you can still be confident in taking pictures of your friends without worrying about the camera getting wet.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS will provide you with all of the features that enable you to take important photos. The digital compact is designed to fit nicely in a pocket or purse and is capable of taking crystal clear images due to its photo resolution of 12.1 megapixels. It also has a 12x optical zoom lens that enables you to take pictures from great distances. Another feature of the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is its unique processing speed. Canon has designed the DIGIC 4 processor which enables high quality excellent, clear pictures to be taken, even when it is set at a high ISO speed. The inclusion of image stabilization also has the ability to reduce blurriness in photos from unsteady hands.

Canon Rebel T1i

This vacation camera has a 3 inch LCD viewing screen that allows you to quickly browse your photos to see if they turned out the way that you wanted them to. It is also large enough so that you do not need to zoom into each and every photo, which saves a lot of time for more important things. The Canon Rebel T1i has ultra sharp pictures because of its 15.1 megapixels. This allows you to have crystal clear images that will look good on a computer screen or as a blown up poster. The high definition video feature is also ideal for your vacation. You will be able to capture live video of striking, funny or memorable moments of your travels.

We’re Back!

February 14, 2015 By: matthewsimpso Category: Uncategorized

After a brief absence, Tourismpoints.com is back up and running. For reasons that are completely our fault, our domain expired and thanks to some hard work from Go daddy we got it up and running once again.

Please be patient as we did lose some site content in the transition over to a new host/domain registrar. In the meantime, we want to thank our loyal visitors by presenting you with the Hot Salsa Dog. Have a great day!

Holidays in Kerala

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holidays in Kerala

Holiday in Kerala is completely unique experience that you will cheer for lifetime. Curving alongside the azure Arabian Sea, Kerala is a one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in India.
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Noted for lush greenery and exceptional natural beauty, Kerala attracts vacationers from all over the world. It has lots to create a charming and amiable holiday ambiance such as beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, spice plantations, tea gardens, thick forests, houseboats, Ayurveda, etc.

Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala which is noted for nearby holiday spots like Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, and Ponmudi Hill Station. One can also make excursion to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) from Trivandrum.
Kochi, the economical capital of Kerala, is one of the most important cities in Kerala. It is noted for historical monuments, religious shrines & temples, churches, forts & palaces, beaches, backwaters, islands, etc. Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Houseboat Cruise, Hill Palace Museum, Willington Island, Colonial Buildings, etc are key attractions in Kochi (Cochin) you will love to explore on your holidays in Kerala.

Houseboat stay over the scenic & tranquil backwaters of Kerala is one of the most fascinating holiday ideas. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kozhikode, etc are predominant backwater destinations in the state noted for backwater tourism and houseboat cruises.

Munnar (a picturesque hill station noted for refreshing air & lush tea plantations), Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, etc are other attractions you will love to explore on your holidays in Kerala, God’s Own Country.

How to Reach Kerala :-

Kochi and Trivandrum have international airports connecting major cities of India from Kerala and some other major cities from abroad. Ernakulam Railway Station is also connected by major cities of India.

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Holidays in Kashmir

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holidays in Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places on the earth. It is India’s pride and often referred to as the “Paradise on the Earth”. It is also described as the “Switzerland of Asia”. Indeed, Kashmir is a beautiful place in India where you will love to celebrate your holiday in the lap of Mother Nature.

The beauty of Kashmir is striking as if nature had gifted all her beauty to the land of Kashmir. Beautiful lakes, gorgeous gardens, lush valley, snow-capped mountain peaks, landscaped picnic spots, religious shrines, historical places & monuments, etc are featured attraction of Kashmir tourism.

Kashmir is a Jewel in the Crown of India.

Srinagar “Golden Meadow”, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are popular tourist places in Kashmir Valley. These small hill towns in Kashmir are very popular among tourists, vacationers and adventure enthusiasts as well.
kashmir holiday
Shikar Ride on Dal Lake or Nagin Lake in Kashmir is a unique lifetime experience. Houseboat (moored at the Dal Lake) is a deluxe luxury accommodation facility for visitors and guests.

Holiday in Kashmir promises for unique cheery experience!

Prominent Attractions in Kashmir: Houseboat, Shikara Ride, Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Holy Shrines, Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers), Hazratbal Shrine (Srinagar), Shankaracharya Temple, etc.

Dachigram National Park in Kashmir is also a worth visit attraction.

Due to fantastic nature beauty, serene & healthy climate and truly romantic ambiance, Kashmir is a very popular destination of honeymooners or newly wed couples.

The period between March to October is the best time to visit Kashmir, the Paradise on the Earth.

How to Reach Kashmir :-
Kashmir is well-connected by air, rail and roadways. There are regular flight from Delhi to Kashmir airports like Srinagar Airport, Jammu Airport and Leh Airport. Jammu Railway station is well-connected by rail with all major cities of northern India. Jammu & Kashmir is well-connected by roads from Delhi and other major cities of India.

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Holiday in Jodhpur

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holiday in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city of Indian state of Rajasthan. Also known as the Blue City, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in Rajasthan and India. Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, it is noted for its magnificent monuments such as forts, palaces and temples. It attracts a large number of tourists and vacationers from all over the world with lots of eye-catching attractions and excellent accommodation facilities. The most appealing & interesting part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, celebrations, festivity, and generous smiling people who treasure and preserve this majestic city of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur enjoys sunny weather all round the year. Hence it is also called the Sun City. It is also known as the Blue City on account of extensive uses of blue colors in houses near the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in the city. Tourists love to see the breathtaking views of sunset over the blue houses from the ramparts and balconies of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.

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Jodhpur is also noted for celebration and fairs & festivals. Fairs & festivals in this city are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Popular fairs & festivals are Marwar Festival, Gangaur Festival, Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival, Nagpanchmi Fair, Mahaveer Jayanti, etc.

Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada Memorial are highlights of holidays in Jodhpur. Other prominent attractions in and around Jodhpur are Balsamand Lake & Palace, Mandore Gardens, Osiyan Jain Temples, Rai Ki Bagh Palace, Sardar Samand Lake & Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, etc.
So come and plan your holidays with Tourism Points. Holidays in Jodhpur will be a unique lifetime experience.

How to Reach Jodhpur :-
Jodhpur is well-connected with regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur. It is also well-linked by roads and railways with major cities of India.

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Holiday in Jaipur

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holiday in Jaipur

Also known as the Pink City of India, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is largest city of Rajasthan and the first well-planned city of India. It is counted among India’s most charming and beautiful cities. It is globally noted for its magnificent forts, elegant palaces, splendid havelis, gorgeous gardens, terrific temples, etc.

Holidays in Jaipur provide tourists a wonderful opportunity to royal sage of Rajasthan. The city has several monuments which are architecturally beautiful. These monuments are very popular among tourists and vacationers coming from different parts of the world. Popular monuments are Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), City Palace Complex, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Rambagh Palace, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, etc. You will certainly love to visit and explore these magnificent architectures. Do not miss to enjoy elephant ride to the ascent the magnificent Amber Fort.

There are also some religious monuments in Jaipur you will love to visit on your Jaipur holidays. Important religious monuments are Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Govind Devji Temple, Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple, Moti Dungri Temple, Galtaji Temple, Jain Temple, Panchayati Hall, etc.
holiday in jaipur

There are also some beautiful gardens and parks which can enhance the charm of your Jaipur holiday. Popular gardens and parks in the city are Ram Niwas Garden, Sisodia Rani Palace & Bagh, Vidyadhar Garden, Central Park, Smriti Van (Smriti Park), Kanak Vrindavan Valley, etc.

Tourists can make Jaipur holiday more enjoyable by taking excursion trip to nearby places such as Agra (famous for Taj Mahal), Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Ajmer Dargah Sharif, Pushkar (famous for temples and ghats), etc.

When you are on your holidays in Jaipur: the Pink City, you will surly love to enjoy some shopping in the colorful bazaars of the city. Shopping attractions are exquisite handicrafts, beautiful jewelry, camel leather items, Jaipuri quilts, Jaipuri Bandhej Sarees and Jaipuri carpets.
So come and plan your holidays in Jaipur (the Pink City of India) with Tourism Points. Send Query

How to Reach Jaipur :-

Jaipur is well-connected by flights with almost all major cities of India. It is also well-linked by railways with almost all important cities of India. The city is interconnected with good system of road networks. It is well-linked by roads with major cities of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

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Holiday in Hyderabad

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holiday in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital city of Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is a historic and historical city of India. It is gifted with a variety of cultures. It is also fondly known as the “City of Pearls” or the “City of Nizams”. The city still preserves beautiful old edifices built in the medieval, mughal, colonial and Indo-Saracenic styles. It is big hub for information technology industry in India.

Being a major city of India, Hyderabad has emerged as a popular destination for tourism and holiday in India. There are a number of historical and modern attractions in this city you will love to explore on your holidays in India. Charminar is a famous heritage monument and noted for four graceful minarets. Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent forts of India.

Qutub Shahi Tombs are home to various tombs dedicated to rulers of Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Ramoji Rao Film City is the largest film studio in the world.
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Other popular attractions for holidays in Hyderabad are Birla Mandir, Mecca Masjid, Ananda Buddha Vihara, Chowmahalla Palace, Taramati Baradari Palace, Chilkur Balaji Temple, Salar Jung Museum, Birla Science Museum, Birla Planetarium, Hussain Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Nehru Zoological Park, NTR Gardens, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Necklace Road, Laad Bazaar, HITEC City, etc.

So come and spend your holidays in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. You will have a unique lifetime cheery experience. Tourism Points invites you for your holidays in Hyderabad.

How to Reach Hyderabad :-

Hyderabad is well-connected by domestic and international flights. It is well-connected by rail with major cities of India. It is well-linked with all the major cities Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, and Maharashtra.

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Holidays in Gwalior

February 14, 2014 By: matthewsimpso Category: About

Holidays in Gwalior

Gwalior is a beautiful town in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is noted for its royal lineage. It has excellent blend of the modernity and tradition. It is one of the most developed cities in the country with several reputed educations institutions and industries like cotton, chemicals and ceramics.

Gwalior is also a prominent tourist destination in India with lots of tourist attractions in and around. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its historical attractions. The most prominent tourist attraction in the city is the Gwalior Fort. This magnificent fort was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar in 15th century.

One can see spectacular view of Gwalior city from the fort. There is a magnificent Man Mandir Palace inside the fort complex. It is a major attraction of the fort. This magnificent palace was built by Man Singh Tomar and noted for its intricate carvings and exquisite paintings. This palace is also known as the Chitra Mandir or Palace of Paintings. It depicts the perfect reflection of Raja Man Singh Tomar’s artistic sense. Other important attractions you will love to visit on your holidays in Gwalior are Gujari Mahal Museum, Telika Mandir, Saas-Bahu Temple, Chhatris, Surya Mandir (Sun Temple), Kala Vithika, Scindia Museum, etc.
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On your holidays in Gwalior you can take excursion to nearby places like Datia (74 km), Pawaya, Dhoomeshwar Mahadeo Temple, Sonagiri (a famous Jain pilgrimage site), Tigra Dam, etc. Datia is noted for Bundela paintings. Pawaya attracts tourists interested in archeology. Dhoomeshwar Mahadeo Temple is situated at just 3 km away from Gwalior. It is perfect example of Bundela architecture. Tigra Dam is an ideal picnic spot. In fact, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh is an ideal holiday destination.

How to Reach Gwalior :-

Gwalior Airport is 8 km away from the main city. It is well-connect by flights form major cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal, Varanasi, Mumbai, Indore, etc. Gwalior city is also well-linked by railways. The city is connected by good system of road networks. It is well-connected by roadways with major cities like Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Chanderi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Indore, Khajuraho, Ujjain, Shivpuri, etc.

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