Between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean, lies the island-clustered country, Maldives — a destination, which with time has turned out to be one of the world’s finest for leisure and luxury. This spectacular archipelago offers something unique and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The small Maldivian islands are surrounded by beautiful lights reflecting white sands fringed by coconut palms. The almost fluorescent whilst turquoise blue water of the shallow reef lagoons encircles the islands and slowly merges with the dark indigo blue of the Indian Ocean.

There are about 1190 islands, spread across 26 naturally formed coral atolls. Of these islands, about 200 are inhabited by Maldivians and the rest are either private resorts or just left to nature.

The key to enjoying Maldives is staying in a splurge island resort. Located on small coral islands, the resorts are absolute slices of paradise. Each resort has its own island. Three-course buffets, Kobe beef, corn-fed chicken and candlelight dinners are the aristocracies of pure five star luxuries being offered.

MaldivesFor the adventure lovers, there are trips such as Dolphin Discovery, Snorkeling on the Bay and also Deep Sea Diving. Nearly everything that is needed is just a call away. For those looking to stay connected to the world, there are high speed wi-fi networks present, which work even on the beach.

The resorts host quite a few different types of restaurants and bars. Every night there are shows and dances. A blend of numerous cultures defines Maldives since Maldivian genes were passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans and Arabs, preserving rituals from each.

One of the most famous of these traditions is ‘bodu-beruis’, a form of drum music. Bodu-berui music is often played in the night shows creating a very festive environment. A mix of dance and soft rock is also popularly played for the couples.

Maldives is one of the most ideal locations for a honeymoon. Every resort has facilities designed for couples to enjoy. From uniquely designed dining plans to breathtaking spa facilities, there are a lot for pairs to enjoy. Moreover, the islands are completely isolated and private with no distractions of the world present.

International visitors to Maldives land at the Malé International Airport, located on a separate island lying adjacent to Malé City which is the main island.

To get to the city, the easiest way is to use the local ferry, which costs just one dollar a person. The access to resorts is via speed-boats or sea-planes depending on the distance. Most resorts are less than thirty minutes away. The boat and sea-plane rides are quite entertaining with the view of the vast Indian Ocean all around.

A daylong stop-over in Malé City should not be missed. The city has shopping streets selling a variety of items like corals, pebbles and souvenirs. One such souvenir is shell money, an interesting pre-historic form of money.

Shell money is also sold in these shops for collectors from different parts of the world. The city also hosts the national museum of Maldives which hosts numerous items including three moon rocks and a Maldivian flag which went to the moon and back. The Maldivian palate too is diverse, with numerous cuisines available.

Located just a few flight hours away, the Maldivian islands are the place to be during summer. After all, Maldives is on the list of the very selective world’s exclusive places to be. Source- daily star

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With Ramadan and Eid holidays here, it is the perfect time to let out the travel bug in us. While some prefer the thrill of new countries, exotic food and a different culture, there is a lot to see and experience in Bangladesh, reports daily star.

For those out there who would love to travel the country but don’t know where to start, travel and tourism companies come in handy. Here’s a short list of agencies that organise packaged trips around the country and abroad from the very common Cox’s Bazaar to Sri Lankan shores.

Eid signals more than gorging on rich food and dressing in your latest threads. The biggest Muslim festival also means bonuses from employers and discounts from retailers; together they sum up to money spending time. Add the holiday element and you have the makings of an excellent vacation. Thus, to prepare you for it, Lifestyle went around and got the down-low on the best deals around town, keeping a limit of Tk.50,000 in mind. But here and there, we were swayed to go beyond our budget. But what harm can that do? After all, its Eid, isn’t it?

For those with a budget not exceeding Tk.50,000 per person, Prime Tourism has a number of deals that are currently being offered. For Tk.33,900, you can avail a three nights and four days trip to Paro and Thimpu, staying in a 2-star hotel. For a bit more, you can easily get a 3-star hotel. The cost includes return air tickets, breakfast, lunch, dinner, airport-hotel-airport transfer fees and sightseeing costs. Prime Tourism will also help with the visa application, if required. A trip to Kathmandu, Nepal for two nights and three days costs Tk.25,900 to 29,000 depending on the selection of a 2-star hotel or a 3-star hotel. This package also includes dinner, guide service and sight-seeing along with those listed above. For those seeking more tranquility than usual, a trip to the ancient Himalayan capital of Leh is surely in order. A two person trip, inclusive of all that’s mentioned, would set you back Tk.26,900 with the cost per person falling with the addition of more people. Finally, there is the five nights, six days package for Maldives and Sri Lanka, which costs Tk.54,900, inclusive of the services listed above. Prime Tourism is located at Motaleb Mansion, Room # 506, Floor # 4 , 2, R. K. Mission Road, Dhaka-1203 and they can be reached at 01971810631.

Travel2For those with a thirst for adventure on a budget, if you are willing to sacrifice a few minor details BD Tours has just what you need. BD Tours manages to reduce costs greatly and make the most frugal of travellers appreciate the thrill of travelling. A two nights, three days package trip to Kathmandu costs Tk.26,499 and Tk.15,999 for trips of the same duration to Shillong and Darjeeling, although the journey is made by road. A two-night three-day trip to Kuala Lampur would set one back Tk.48,999. For more information, visit BDTour’s website.  Traveler’s Club also has an offer for Nepal, which is a three-days and two-night trip, with food and lodging at the 3-star Osho Inn costing around Tk.26,500. Traveler’s club can be reached at 01841676706. For packages with even more attractions than just food and lodging, try Sky Bird Travel Agent. Their Nepal package, which costs Tk.25,000 includes palm readings, shopping discount cards and casino facilities. A four-night, five-day trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara would cost around Tk.44,000.

When traveling, always remember to do your research before choosing your package of preference. Find out about the accommodations, read reviews, compare carefully and finally make up your mind. Find out all the traveling requirements and keep a checklist. Finally, ensure you have your travel agent’s number at which he can be reached during emergencies. This can be very important at times. In the end, remember to have a great trip and do enough to make great memories within the short span of time Eid provides. Learn more »

A Delhiite would easily feel at home in Singapore. Reason: People of different cultures and nationalities reside together in the city, just like in Delhi. And, like ours, Singapore, too, is a haven for foodies.

Eating out
It’s said that if you want to strike a

What
Singapore Botanic Gardens
National Orchid Garden
Flight Experience Singapore

When
July

Where
The Forest by Wangz
River City Inn
The Fullerton Bay Hotel conversation with a Singaporean, just talk about food. Well, that’s because a rich variety of cuisines such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and French, along with the local food, are served here. While there’s no end to the upmarket restaurants, its real heart lies in the hawker centres. Sample the Maxwell Food Court for Chinese fritters and Chendol (a traditional ice cream made of flavoured crushed ice topped with fruits and boiled sweet corn at times). For more local dishes, head to Lau Pa Sat, another hawker market-cum-food court. Try the Laksa (a soupy noodle dish) — one of the most popular dishes here. But if you are longing for the Indian flavour, go for the masala dosa at Shree Ganga here. Interestingly, Prata, their version of parantha is also a hot favourite here.

Shopping
After food, the second best thing to do here is to shop. To get a taste of local culture, visit Chinatown. From lucky charms, Singapore curios, cosmetics to bags and accessories, this market is a hit among shoppers. But if bulk shopping is on your mind, go to Little India. The Mustafa Centre here has perfumes, chocolates, cosmetics, bags, everything you can imagine... that too at discounted prices. For high street international fashion labels, Orchard Road is the place to be at, while Arab-style clothes, head to the Arab Street. Who knows you may end up buying a silk scarf for just 2 dollars here!

Adventure and fun
While in the city, do visit the Singapore Zoo. Have breakfast with orangutan Ah Meng and family, and say hello to the pandas. To get a closer view of the flora here, visit the Gardens by the Bay at Bay South, where there’s a Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, The Super Tree and the heritage gardens. Move to Sentosa, to experience the under water life at the S.E.A Aquarium. Or go for the bum boat ride on the Singapore river to know the history and get a close view of the tourist attractions.

Culture
Marking the end of the Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade. Started in 1973 as as a neighbourhood parade highlighting only Chinese culture, it has evolved to be Asia’s grandest parade. Its theme this year was Fire in Snow, and the tableau from India saw participants dance to the tunes of the hit number, Choli ke Peechhe. The song Jai Ho was also performed at the event. Learn more »