Travel Destination: Sweden

The country of Sweden is endowed with abundant natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions. Here one will find the green fields of the south and the tundra climate of Lapland, highlands and wooded cliffs, picturesque islands and the calm coast in the Gulf of Bothnia, the great lake system, and a variety of wild animals. All of this attracts a large number of tourists to the country. And its rich history and beautiful cities give a chance to observe a unique culture. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located on 14 islands on Lake Malaren. It is known as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. In the 13th century, the city served as the residence of the Swedish royal family and the capital of the then vast country of Sweden. The old part of the city is entirely located on the island Stadsholmen. No vehicles are admitted here. The most famous attractions include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was the coronation place of Swedish monarchs, the Antique Museum, the Palace Church, the Armoury, and the Treasury.

Several unique palaces are located in the neighboring island of Riddarholmen. Of special interest are also the Riddarholmen Church and a magnificent museum. The most remarkable tourist attractions of the islands include the Palace of Rosendal, the amusement park and the open-air museum called Skansen. The museum of wooden architecture has collected together more than 150 buildings of various age from all over Sweden.

Kungsholmen district is known primarily for its Town Hall, where the ceremony of awarding the Nobel prizes traditionally takes place. The Tower Hall is Stockholm's emblem, and it has an excellent viewing platform from which the central part of the city can be seen.

There are more than 75 museums and a hundred of art galleries in the city. They include Gripsholm Castle, the National Museum, the Swedish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of National History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Royal Treasury, and many others. Drottningholm Palace is located in the suburbs of the Swedish capital. Visitors will see here the magnificent park, the Chinese pavilion, Drottningholm Court Theater, where opera and ballet performances take place every summer.

Bjork Island is a very interesting place due to the excavations of the first city in the country - Birka, which was often mentioned in medieval chronicles. Today Birka is the homeplace of a number of sites, which are under protection of UNESCO. The latter include the ancient fortress and the city walls, the graves of the Viking Age and the Viking Museum. The second largest city in Sweden is Gothenburg, famous for its wonderful beaches, pristine forests and lakes, as well as the nearby picturesque archipelago of islands. Gothenburg is the location of one of the oldest universities in Europe, widely known for its old buildings, the remnants of the fortress and it's Art Gallery.

Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are interesting remains of the Kalmarnaus fortress, Kalmar Castle, and the Baroque church of the 16th century.

Gotland is the most famous island in the country. In the time of the Vikings, it was a well-defended settlement and an important trading center. Visby was one of the most important European trading centers in the Middle Ages.

Check out the list of Sweden's tour operators and its ratings before you start planning your visit: they may recommend something unique to be included in the tour. Travel agents in Sweden cater to the locals who are very passionate travelers who are usually spotted in the world's most exciting destinations.

View the original article here

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary - A Perfect Wildlife Destination

Gir National Park is a popular name in the list of forest reserves in India. It is located in Gujarat and is 64 km from Junagarh. It was established with a motive to protect the Asiatic lions. Since its establishment in 1965, the park houses 2,375 species of fauna. You can see here around 400 rare species of plants. Apart from Asiatic lions, you can also see many other rare animals such as pangolin, ruddy mongoose, ratel, civets and paradise flycatcher.

History

The purpose of establishing the sanctuary was to safeguard the lion population. In the year 1913, a sharp decline in the number of lions was observed. Gradually, the condition improved and today it houses many lions.

Attractions of Gir National Park

Wildlife

Besides Asiatic lions, there are around 210 leopards live within the forest area. You can also see animals like sambar, chowsingha, chinkara, woodpeckers, flamingos, nilgai and crested serpent eagles.

Flora

The forest has much to offer to those, who are the admirers of nature. It is a joint deciduous forest with acacia, teak and banyan trees. Tourists can also see distinguished belt of vegetation. It is found along the rivers and small streams of the area. Nature lovers can also see a variety of broad-leaved species like jambu, kalam, amli, vad and charal.

Jeep Safaris

Jeep safaris are the most favorite of many travelers, who are thrilled with the thought of a ride in the wilds. The permit is issued for this at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office. Viewing the roaming animals by jeep safari is a great fun.

Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary

The forest area also has this famous attraction, where you can see many birds like peacocks, bush quail, parrot, flamingo and pied woodpecker. You can also visit a temple of Lord Krishna there.

Lion Shows

The forest department takes initiatives to conduct the interesting lion shows, which are very popular among visitors. It is arranged on every Sunday. It offers tourists an opportunity to see the animals from a close range.

Time to Visit

Tourists can visit the park from November to June.

How to Reach there

By Air

Keshod is the nearest airport, 90-km via Veraval. Tourists can get regular flights from Mumbai to Keshod.

By Rail

The nearest railheads to Gir are Junagarh and Talala.

By Road

You can catch state transport buses, available from Junagarh and Veraval to the place.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven for the connoisseur of wildlife. It is the only place in India where you can see the Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Apart from this, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary are the famous India Wildlife Sanctuaries.

View the original article here

Torquay Is a Great Holiday Destination

A holiday in the UK is a great way to get to see some parts of the country that you have not yet explored. What better way to go and see some great attractions than a self catering holiday break? This will allow you will be able to decide when you eat, what you see and what you do. Why stay with a structured holiday plan when you spend the rest of the year following schedules and calendars? After all a holiday should be a break away from everyday life.

One great holiday destination is Torquay, which is located on the English Rivera in Devon. This is a popular destination for many people in the UK and is a location that will bring people back time and time again. Torquay has a great deal to do for anyone who visits. Whether you are a family or a couple looking for a romantic getaway Torquay is the destination for you. Families will discover a whole host of things to see and do while you are visiting, which will keep the children entertained.

One great attraction is Living Coasts down at Torquay Harbour. This is a great chance to see penguins and sea lions in a replica of their natural environment. All of the creatures here are well looked after and well fed and the attraction offers you the chance to see the animals being fed. You will also learn a thing or two from the living coasts talks that will discuss the creatures and their lifestyle as well as their eating habits.

If you want something a little more historic then why not visit Kents Cavern? This is your chance to explore some of the oldest caves in the UK. You will learn how the caves have evolved over the years and how rare and important these caves really are. There is a wonderful little gift shop as well if you do decide to buy yourself a caveman toy.

Perhaps neither of these things are for you, but don't worry. Why not try Babbacombe Model Village? This is a wonderful little village that has all been made in miniature. This is a great opportunity to explore some small villages, towns and wonderful landscapes. There is even the chance to play where's Wally, which will help keep the children entertained.

That should provide you with three great things to explore in Torquay while you are down on your holidays. Feel free to check each individual website for more information.

View the original article here

Belize, More Than Just a Exotic Beach Holiday Destination

Belize a hidden pearl in Central America is a lush exotic paradise with waving palm trees, beautiful white sand beaches, a Caribbean vibe and a coast littered with many tropical islands. This is the destination that the few people who are aware of Belize, have pictured in their mind. In Belize there is definitely much more to explore. Belize is home to unspoiled Jungles filled with wildlife, enormous Mayan pyramids and one the most famous diving spots in the world The Great Blue Hole, a favourite diving spot of the famed Jacques Cousteau!

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize became a fully independent nation in 1981 and is Central America's only English speaking country. Being able to communicate in English to practically everyone in the country is very convenient. Although it should be said that anyone who prefers to speak Spanish, will have no problems to get around. Especially in the Northern part of Belize you might have an easier time to get around knowing the Spanish language.

Being on of the smallest countries in this world, Belize is not as well known as some Central American destinations as for example Costa Rica. Belize is about halve the size of the Netherlands and slightly larger than the State of New Jersey. Surprisingly it is also one of the least populated countries of this world. With only three hundred thousand Inhabitants it is no wonder that Belize has stayed fairly unknown and unspoiled.

Belize is a multicultural rich nation with friendly people and a strong Caribbean vibe. It is a great destination for a nice relaxing holiday where you can relax on the beach, have a drink, enjoy the sunshine and take it easy! However Belize is not just a destination for the rich, enjoying luxurious exotic beach holidays. Even more it is a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventure junkies who are on a tight budget. Rafting, Kayaking, Zip lining through the jungle canopy, expeditions deep in to the wild, diving with sharks and exciting island survivals for those who are looking for something really different.

Belize's real beauty and excitement can be found further in land where most of the country is still covered by virgin jungle as far as they eye can see. Here remainders can be found of the ancient Mayan Empire. Rnormous pyramids surrounded by rainforest who over time have overtaken these lost cities. It is also here where you can venture in the jungle not seeing another soul for days where Jaguars, Tapirs, Peccary, Howler Monkeys, Morelet's Crocodiles and Macaws still thrive in good numbers.

Some call it the green hell but for the real adventurers and wildlife lovers it is a true paradise where you can wake up in your hammock under the jungle canopy opening your eyes and ears to an awaking world of roaring howler monkeys, over flying squawking Macaws and beautiful serenades of hundreds of tropical birds

Unfortunately not all is perfect in paradise and the beauty of Belize is threatened by loggers and poachers which have a serious impact on the environment and wildlife. Luckily there are many opportunities to join expeditions and volunteer abroad projects. These trips often go deep in to the jungle with the main goal to give the environment a sustainable financial value through responsible eco tourism and volunteerism. For locals the income through travels and volunteers is often the only alternative to the short term gain of logging and poaching.

For those who prefer the blue and underwater wildlife Belize will definitely not disappoint. By many acclaimed to be one of the best diving spots in the world, Belize houses one of world's largest intact coral reef systems. Second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it is a divers paradise. With famous diving spots as the Great Blue hole, diving in Belize is an adventure not to be missed and a great destination to get padi scuba diving certifications.

For those who would like to do more than just observing the local marine wildlife there are many opportunities to help with the marine conservation of turtles, manatees and coral reefs systems.

One very different adventure trip Belize has to offer is the unique opportunity to join a ten day island survival experience. Participants first get extensively trained for days in the art of island survival. Following the training under supervision of professionals a helicopter evacuation is simulated at sea. After the simulated crash the participants swim to a nearby deserted island with the goal to survive with whatever means the island and surrounding sea provides.

Whether it is a luxurious beach holiday, a adventure trip or a volunteer experience Belize is country that should not be missed. It is a destination that has something to offer for everyone. For a country the size of Belize a responsible approach to travel is of outmost importance and key point to keep in mind for both the tourist and tour operator so that the unique blend of Belize can be preserved.

Patrick van de Velde (Founder of FRONTEERING TRAVEL SERVICES INC.) has had a passion for wildlife, travel and adventure since the day he could walk. Having travelled all over the world, he decided in 2006 to move to the suburbs Vancouver Canada.

A adventurer by heart he started up a volunteer experience program in some of the remote areas of Canada. His mission; to give opportunity to those who would like to volunteer with wildlife or like to help out indigenous communities. As part of his vision FRONTEERING aims to arrange volunteer abroad and adventure travel experiences in places less visited and unspoiled.

Having expanded to Guyana, The USA, Belize, Brazil and soon to Peru Fronteering's projects help with good causes in some of the last frontiers. Places where the need is greater, where there is more to lose and much more to gain if these last frontiers are sustained. To view our Fronteering volunteer opportunities and adenture trips visit: http://www.fronteering.com/

Join one of our Fronteering Volunteer Abroad projects and visit these last frontiers while they are yet unspoiled and hopefully through our combined efforts we can keep it that way!

View the original article here