New Zealand is housed in the southwestern region of the vast Pacific Ocean and close to the middle of the water hemisphere on Earth. Declared to be the sixth largest island country, it has two main islands and more than seven hundred smaller islands. Together, the two main islands (North and South) have diverse tourist attractions to admire.

Besides, the country has fourteen national parks with rich indigenous biodiversity. Notably, most species (above 80%) are tagged as endemic due to dispersal. In this blog post, based on the places to visit in New Zealand, let’s find out what the best things to do in the country are.

Discovering New Zealand by Tourist Places

When hearing about New Zealand, you must have heard of Auckland too, one of the popular cities in New Zealand. Still, Wellington is its capital city. Apart from these two, the other famous cities include Napier, Rotorua, Christchurch, Taupō, Queenstown, and Mount Cook. With no further ado, let’s explore the top New Zealand tourist attractions.

Auckland

Indeed, it is a must-visit city in the North Island, New Zealand. Surrounded by rainforests, harbors, and volcanoes, there are a hundred places to visit and a hundred things to do in this beautiful destination. Highlighting a few of them here:

• Exploring the cuisines and signature dishes at restaurants and roadside eateries. Britomart, Devonport, and Mission Bay are the best places for this activity.
• Dive into the arts and culture of New Zealand at Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Aotea Square, National Maritime Museum, Motat, etc.
• Stargazing at the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is one of the things to do in Auckland.
• Do not miss visiting Auckland Botanical Gardens, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, and Butterfly Creek. You can explore the wonderful marine life, insects, plants, etc., here in these places.
• Whale- & dolphin-watching is also a must-do activity. You can do this by taking a cruise from the harbor.

Need help with passport/visa services, travel, or accommodation reservations? Contact us!

Rotorua

The two important to-dos in Rotorua are:

• Knowing Māori culture—the Aboriginals: Learning about this Māori culture enables you to learn a lot about the New Zealand aboriginal people, their traditions, etc. If you are more interested, you can plan for a one-night stay at Tamaki Māori Village.

Important note: These two things to do in Rotorua are entirely unique to New Zealand and you cannot find them in any other countries or tourist places. Hence, they hold significance among tourists.

• Bathing in therapeutic waters: The Rotorua natural waters are considered one of the world’s best therapeutic waters due to hot geothermal conditions. Hence, you have to take a bath in the natural waters of Rotorua or enjoy relaxing at the spas in and around the region.

Aoraki or Mount Cook

Located on the South Island of New Zealand, it is the highest mountain in the country. Though the mountain is surrounded by icy glacial lakes, trekkers and mountain climbers never miss an opportunity to visit here.

Taupō—one of the must see places in New Zealand

Water enthusiasts must visit Taupo, as it has gushy waterfalls and cascades to mesmerize you. Taupo Lake and the sparkling Waikato River are to be cherished at least once in a lifetime.

Wellington

Though the city is squeezed at the southern end of the North Island of the country, it has many places to see, like Te Papa Museum, Oriental Bay, Wētā Cave (must-visit for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fandom), etc. Some of the major things to do in Wellington New Zealand, are:

• Riding the cable car
• Sculpture Walk
• Taking a ferry or kayak ride
• The famous Remutaka Cycle Trail
• Admiring the three-eyed Kiwi
• If lucky, experience the concerts and live theatres
• Touring the renowned vineyards

Which long weekend in 2024 is comfortable for you to tour New Zealand?

Stewart Island

This is the best spot for bird and nature lovers. You can see amazing endemic bird species, including kiwis, albatross, and weka. Have you seen a walking track with more than two hundred kilometers in length? That’s here on this astonishing island. These tracks take you in between and around the beaches and rainforests, which keeps you curious every moment of strolling.

Queenstown

If adventure is going to be your important thing to do in New Zealand, Queenstown is your destination. From the famous bungy jumping to river rafting, from surfing to boating, from quad biking to canyon swings, every activity is an adrenaline rush.

Other Places to See in New Zealand

• Hokitika Gorge for witnessing the real turquoise waters
• Limestone-made Waitomo Caves for a thrilling journey
• Mackenzie Basin for sheep farming
• Fiordland National Park for hearing magical sounds
• Abel Tasman Coastal Track for hiking

Are you planning to travel to New Zealand from India?

Planning a trip to New Zealand with a personalized itinerary and cost-effective travel is easy now with the leading tour operator in India—Emperor Traveline! They can guide you with the best tourist spots, things to do, foods to eat, etc., in addition to crafting a perfect budgeted itinerary that meets your needs.

Situated on the majestic western ghats, it is located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The hills are at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. It has vast tea and cardamom plantations, extremely stunning views, gushing waterfalls, serene weather, and, above all, fewer footfalls.

The top 5 places to visit in Megamalai

• Chinna Suruli waterfalls
• Murugan and Mangaladevi temples
• Shanmuganathi, Manalar, and Vaigai dam
• Meghamalai and Maharajamettu’s viewpoints
• The tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary

Chinna Suruli waterfalls

It is a small ‘Suruli waterfall’ with two tiers rushing down the slopes of the Meghalamalai hills. It is different from that of the ‘Suruli Falls’ spotted in the Cumbam district. If you’re lucky, you can spot some wild animals on the way to the waterfall. It is recommended to visit the attractions between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to avoid wildlife dangers.

Explore this exquisite, off-beat hill station with the leading Travel agency tour packages!

Murugan and Mangaladevi temples

You can find the Murugan temple atop the hill station. The primary deity is Lord Muruga. There is also another temple called Mangaladevi Temple a few kilometers away, which was built on rocks.

Shanmuganathi, Manalar, and Vaigai dam

The Meghamalai Hills houses around 5–6 dams and the most important of them are these three dams. Shanmuganathi Dam is found in the foothills and was built on the Shanmugha River. This is one of the important tourist places in Megamalai. Whereas Manalar dam is a man-made one, which can let you admire the scenic beauty of tea estates in the Theni and Cumbam places. Comparatively, Vaigai Dam is bigger and was built on the famous Vaigai River. Indeed, it is a wonderful place for families to picnic.

Meghamalai and Maharajamettu’s viewpoints

These viewpoints give a panoramic view of the cloud-enclosed green peaks, valleys, lakes, tea plantations, the town, etc. And it is the best spot for photography—one of the activities to do in Megamalai.

The tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary

These attractions are perfect for family tourists with kids. The Meghamalai Tiger Reserve is the state’s fifth reserve. You cannot miss the tiger safari when visiting here. The Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary is also connected, and hence you can enjoy spotting deer, elephants, big cats, and other wild animals.

You can add a few nearby tourist places to the itinerary and make it a complete holiday vacation. Take help from travel experts!

Megamalai tourism: Frequently asked questions

1. Is one day sufficient to visit all these places?

Definitely, one day won’t suffice to cover all the above-listed places. At least you have to spend two days visiting a couple of dams, temples, the sanctuary, and the waterfalls. A one-day road trip is also possible, in which you can visit one or two attractions along the way.

2. Which airport is nearby?

The closest airport to Meghamalai is Madurai International Airport, which is around one hundred and thirty kilometers away.

3. Which month is best for Megamalai?

December and January are the two best months to visit this picturesque hill station. However, you can enjoy the cool climate throughout the winter months between October and March.

4. What is the other name for this hill station?

The popular name is “High Wavy Mountains.” But local people in Tamil Nadu call it “Pacha Kumachi.” The word ‘Pacha’ means green and ‘kumachi’ means peaks or mountains.

5. What is the best time to visit Megamalai?

Visiting this place in winter can take you to a paradise on earth. The cold weather allures each one of you and ensures you leisurely visit all the attractions and enjoy a relaxing trip. The summer season can be considered but please avoid the monsoon months.

6. Is it safe to visit this mountain?

Meghamalai is totally a safe place. The only thing that you have to be cautious enough about is elephants, as they can be spotted often on the roads or hairpin bends. Having said this, forest officers and supporting staff can help you wherever you are.

7. What is Megamalai famous for?

When it comes to fauna, it is known for elephants and tigers. With respect to flora, the hills are lush green with virgin forests. Besides, it is famous for a handful of dams, age-old temples, and pristine waterfalls.

Also, the places curated in this blog post are multifaceted to engage an Indian family. There are temples, beaches, theme parks or zoos, sightseeing, adventure activities, water sports, etc. Undoubtedly, the best places to visit and the things to do in these foreign destinations are enticing and cover all generations, i.e., grandparents, parents, and children. So, let’s get started!

List of budget-friendly countries from India:

Singapore

A stunning must-visit island to travel with your family! There are direct flights to this country from most metro cities. Do not miss the dolphin lagoons here.

Thailand

A wonderful choice for nightlife-loving families. There are floating markets, trekkable mountains, elephant tourism, etc.

Malaysia

A truly Asian country with lots of admirable sky-scraping buildings and diverse communities. This is the straightforward answer to your question, “Which is the cheapest foreign destination from India?”.

Srilanka

This country is known for its lush green landscapes, clear beaches, ancient temples, and heritage sites. It is considered another economical destination for budget-conscious families.

Kenya

One of the unique and far-away foreign countries from India, unlike the above choices. Enjoy zebras, rhinos, lions, etc. on the wildlife side. It is perfect for families with kids who love animal safaris. You can also enjoy the cheapest flight tickets when booking a round trip.

For more details on these affordable trips, click here!

Luxury travel destinations with families:

United States

It has diverse places to visit, eat, and cherish. But you have to pick the right state. Each state is unique in its geography and has historical significance to uncover.

Switzerland

Most tourists presume this is a honeymoon destination. But more than that, it is a full-package family destination with chocolates, cheese factories, and zoos to impress your children.

Mauritius

This country never fails to instill in you its beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, national parks, children’s leisure parks, and, most importantly, innumerable activities.

Japan

Do you want to teach your children about terrific history and rich culture? Take them to Japan—an amazing international travel destination with a wide range of adventurous activities.

Dubai

Of course, no one will deny standing in front of the Burj Khalifa. Take your family to this stunning location with museums, zoos, viewpoints, a dolphinarium, etc.

Explore the standard international family package for each of these destinations

Note: All the above-listed countries are the most visited international tourist spots by Indian travelers. So, don’t worry that you’re the only Indian traveling to the place. In fact, you can choose your favorite after referring to a lot of travel vlogs, blogs, etc. available on social media. However, if you want to personalize your itinerary, contact Emperor Traveline, the leading Tour Operator in Coimbatore, India.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Which country is best to visit with family from India?

Thailand, Kenya, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Egypt, the United States, UAE, Japan, etc. are some of the best choices to visit with your family.

2. How do I effortlessly plan an international family trip?

Researching where to go, eat, stroll, etc. in international tourist places is truly a daunting task. Thus, it is always better to trust tour operators to plan the best itinerary for your family. They can perfectly cater to your personalized needs.

3. What is the minimum duration recommended for foreign trips?

A foreign trip should last at least 3 or 4 days. A trip of less than 3 days will be a waste of time, as you might spend the most time on to-and-from travel and commutations between the tourist spots.

4. What are the top international honeymoon destinations to travel to from India?

Sri Lanka, Bali, Fiji, Paris, Thailand, etc. are major honeymoon destinations outside India. Nevertheless, the tourist options presented in this article are also worth your honeymoon time. So, choose your destination wisely.

5. What is the average cost to visit foreign countries from India?

The lowest starting price for a foreign trip should be INR 20,000 and there is no upper limit as a few families opt for luxury trips. At large, the statistics say the average price per passenger to travel to foreign countries from India is between INR 35,000 and INR 50,000.

Important points to note

The weekends are listed month-wise in this article for easy reference.
The long weekends listed below are truly long, with a mix of national holidays, festivals, etc.
All these are promising mini-vacations. So, plan your trip well ahead and cherish the whole year with fun and frolic.
This list does not include the stranded public holidays occurring in the middle of the week.
This is a complete list of long weekends of 2024 that exclude the 2024 New Year’s weekend.

January 2024: 2 weekends
Makar Sankranti or Pongal
Dates: 13th – 15th January
Days: Saturday – Monday

Republic Day
Dates: 26th – 28th January
Days: Friday – Sunday

February 2024: No weekend

March 2024: 3 weekends
Maha Shivratri
Dates: 8th – 10th March
Days: Friday – Sunday

Holi
Dates: 23rd – 25th March
Days: Saturday – Monday

Good Friday/Easter
Dates: 29th – 31st March
Days: Friday – Sunday

April 2024: 1 weekend
Eid-ul-Fitr
Dates: 6th – 9th April
Days: Saturday – Tuesday
(You may have to take a day off on Monday as Eid-ul-Fitr falls on Tuesday.)

May 2024: 1 weekend
Buddha Purnima
Dates: 23rd – 26th May
Days: Thursday – Sunday
It is a 4-day-long weekend in India. But you may have to take a day off on Friday as Budhha Purnima falls on Thursday.

June 2024: 1 weekend
Eid al-Adha or Bakri-Id
Dates: 15th – 17th June
Days: Saturday – Monday

July 2024: No weekend

August 2024: 2 weekends
Independence Day & Raksha Bandhan
Dates: 15th – 19th August
Days: Thursday – Monday
It is the next long weekend in India, with four days, provided your organization considers Raksha Bandhan an optional holiday.

Janmashthami
Dates: 24th – 26th August
Days: Saturday – Monday

September 2024: 2 weekends
Onam & Ganesh Chaturthi
Dates: 5th – 8th September
Days: Thursday – Sunday

Eid Milad Un Nabi or Id-E-Milad
Dates: 14th – 16th September
Days: Saturday – Monday

October 2024: 1 weekend
Dussehra
Dates: 11th – 13th October
Days: Friday – Sunday

November 2024: 2 weekends
Diwali
Dates: 1st – 3rd November
Days: Friday – Sunday
(You may have to take a day off on Friday as Diwali falls on Thursday.)

Guru Nanak Jayanti
Dates: 15th – 17th November
Days: Friday – Sunday

December 2024: No weekend

FAQs

1. How to plan a long weekend in 2024?

The long weekends are meant to be enjoyed with your family, friends, and colleagues. So, don’t miss even a single long weekend. Alternatively, if you’re thinking of relaxing on the sofa at home or binge-watching Netflix, that could be the worst decision. Just plan your weekend, go out, breathe fresh air, have some fun, vent out your stress, and return with full rejuvenation and energy to resume your work. This is how a long weekend needs to be planned.

2. How many long weekends are there in 2024 India?

Out of the 52 weekends in 2024, you have 15 long weekends for which you can plan your vacation. Of these 15, almost all are 3-day weekends and only a couple of them are 4-day long weekends. Accordingly, you can plan your short trips and gateway tours. Explore Travel agency packages from Emperor Traveline, one of the leading tour operators in India—they’ll let you know potential tourist destinations this year, travel tips, new trending tourist places, visa help, etc.

3. How many govt holidays in 2024?

The central government of India has released 2024’s list of seventeen gazetted (official) holidays and thirty-one restricted (regional or optional) holidays. Together, the public holidays (national holidays) are forty-eight. For a detailed list, check out this Indian Express article!

The island lies between the two tranquil seas—the Arabian Sea ​​and the Laccadive Sea. This serene archipelago of islands is divided into three sub-groups, namely the Laccadive Islands, the Amindivi Islands, and the atoll of Minicoy. Together, they comprise twelve atolls, ten untapped or uninhabited islands, three coral reefs, and five submerged banks. Breaking news on ​​Lakshadweep: A diplomatic row between India and the Maldives! 

An unopposed answer to “How to reach Lakshadweep?”

​​According to “the Administration of the UT of Lakshadweep,” Kochi or Cochin in Kerala, India, is declared to be the gateway for all tourist purposes. Tourists can reach Lakshadweep from Kochi either via air or waterways. The island is almost four hundred kilometres away from the Indian coastal area (western side).

Important note: Irrespective of any reason, by law, any non-native person is restricted from entering the Lakshadweep Islands. An entry permit is required from the authorities of the Lakshadweep Administration. Click here to download the permit rules!

Flights to Lakshadweep

Agatti is one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep, with coral reefs. The reason why Agatti Island is so special is that it is the only island in Lakshadweep that has an airport. So, if you choose to travel via airlines, you have no choice but to book flights from Cochin to Agatti Island. The travel time takes around one hour and two to thirty minutes.   

Flights are operating from Bangalore to this special island, but include Kochi as a mandatory stop. And there are no direct flights. So the travel time is more than three hours from Bangalore. Check the Agatti flight schedule released by the Airport Authority of India. 

From Agatti, tourists can reach other islands either via ferry boats or helicopters. The best way to visit Kavaratti, Bangaram, Thinnakara, and Kadmat is via boat. Helicopter availability may vary based on the monsoon. Also, the only major helicopter transfer is from Agatti to Kavaratti.

Travel to Lakshadweep by ship or cruise

Traveling from Cochin to Lakshadweep by waterway could be the best voyage you can ever have. You can enjoy the emerald waters as well as explore the routes to various islands, including Minicoy, Kavaratti (the capital of Lakshadweep), Kadmat, etc. There are seven passenger ships from Cochin:

• MV Lakshadweep Sea Ship
• MV Kavaratti
• MV Amindivi
• MV Lagoon
• MV Corals
• MV Minicoy
• MV Arabian Sea Ship

The Kochi to Lakshadweep ship duration is about fourteen to twenty hours. To avail of tickets for the ship, Click here! Additionally, from Beypore Port, Kozhikode, Kerala, the following ships help you travel to the islands:

• MV Tipu Sultan
• MV Bharat Seema
• M.V.Dweep Setu

Particularly, the MV Tipu Sultan Ship can carry 650 passengers.  

While all these ships are comfortable for tourists in South India, Mumbai Port helps travellers from North India. The Empress, a Cordelia Cruise ship to Lakshadweep, incurs a passage time of at least four nights. It also depends on the island you choose for your journey. Notably, Cordelia Cruise is one of India’s premium or luxury cruise lines.

Regardless of the ship you choose, you can revel in the different accommodation classes—A/C First Class, Second Class, and Bunk Class. Also, there are clinical cabins with doctors, cafeterias, entertainment events, snack bars, etc. For the best experiences at Lakshadweep, plan your travel with the Best Travel Agency Tour Packages >>> 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Which is the nearest airport to Lakshadweep?

Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an airstrip to safely land the flights and hence it is the only nearest airport to reach this beautiful archipelago. Book cheaper flights with Emperor, the leading flight ticket booking agency in India. 

2. What is the procedure to visit Lakshadweep?

The first thing to do when visiting the island is to seek a permit from the respective authorities. Worry not; travel agencies can help you with permits and flight or cruise ticket bookings. So, you don’t need to break your head on these. Authorized quick links for the entry permit are here!

3. Is Lakshadweep expensive?

The expense depends on how many days you’re resorting to these islands. For example, if you’re visiting the island just for two days, the cost would be less than INR 25,000. But if you want to explore at least two or three islands and stay for 3–4 days, it might cost INR 50,000–65,000. 

4. Is a passport required for Lakshadweep?

For Indian tourists, a passport is mandatory as it is a Union Territory of India. For foreign tourists, a visa is mandatory. 

The top 7 Karnataka tourist places that you cannot miss

• Hampi
• Coorg
• Chikmagalur
• Gokarna
• Mangalore
• Bengaluru
• Udupi

Hampi

A small village that has much historical importance in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Important places to visit include the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Staples, Sri Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Sanapur Lake, and Anjanadri Hill. Other places to visit are Hampi—Zanana Enclosure, Mathanga Hill, and Stone Chariot. The best months to visit Hampi are from October to April.

Coorg

Coorg is one of the large hill stations in Karnataka, situated on the western ghats. The elevation is about 1400 meters above sea level. It is known for its charming meadows, tea and coffee plantations, sparkling waterfalls, spice plantations, and tropical forests. The place is also known as Madikeri.

Madikeri tourist places are many. To name a few—Mallalli Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Honnamana Kere Lake, Abbey Falls, and Madikeri Fort.

Chikmagalur

When compared to other tourist places in Karnataka, this is one of the untapped destinations. Though known for its trekking opportunities, this place has beautiful sightseeing, viewpoints, parks, and dangling waterfalls. The Coffee Museum, Hebbe Falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhari Falls, Z Point, and Kemmangundi are some of the best ​places to visit in Chikmagalur​, Karnataka. It is a perennial tourist destination that you must try visiting!

Gokarna

Mahabaleshwar Temple and Koti Teertha are the two world-renowned sites in Gokarna. People who love beaches cannot miss this tourist destination in the state. Things to do in Gokarna include beach yoga, a night stroll, a treehouse stay, and a coastal drive along the virgin beaches. Water activities in Gokarna include parasailing, snorkeling, boating, catamaran rides, and river rafting. Avoid visiting this place during hot summers.

Mangalore

It is a coastal town touching the unfathomable Arabian Sea. From historical sites to seafood, everything is distinguished in this place. You can find one of India’s best industrial ports here in Mangalore. Also, this is the only city in the state that has all four modes of transportation.

Major attractions in Mangalore are Kadri Park, Kadri Manjunath Temple, Milagres Church, St. Aloysius Chapel, Pilikula Park, and Sultan Battery Watch Tower. The emerald beaches include Panambur, Ullal, Sasihithlu, and Tannirbhavi.

Udupi

This city is known for its Krishan temple and vegetarian food. Apart from agriculture and fishing, tourism plays a critical role in this city’s economy. Some of the notable tourist places to visit in Udupi (or Udipi) are Sri Krishna Temple, Coin Museum, Malpe Beach, Sri Mookambika Temple, St. Mary’s Islands, Mattu, and Kapu beaches.

Get a personalized itinerary when you plan a trip to visit places in Karnataka from the leading tour agency, Emperor Traveline! Last but not least, let’s come to the capital city!

Bengaluru

Located in the heart of the Mysore region of the Deccan plateau, it is a metropolitan city with a huge population (more than thirteen million people). The important attractions near Bengaluru Karnataka, are Cubbon Park, the HAL Heritage Centre, the Aerospace Museum, Lalbagh Garden, Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore Palace, and the ISKCON temple. The city is also referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ as it contributes a huge share to business development.

Conclusion

These seven places to visit in Karnataka are not the only top ones. The state has a lot more top tourist places, like Shimoga, Netrani Island, Mysore, Srirangapatna, Belur, Dandeli, Badami, Kabini, Murudeshwar, Karwar, and Bijapur. Moreover, things to do in Karnataka are not limited to only visiting temples, beaches, and museums but also include trekking, jeep safaris, tasting the different cuisines, etc.

2. The beach is gaining popularity amongst the often overcrowded beaches of Bali’s south including Legian, Kuta and Seminyak, due to the calm and soothing waves, quiet black-shores, excitements in the offing, and glitzy nightlife scene. You can expect these and more in this scenic north Bali coast.

3. Lovina Beach stretches two kilometres east to west, concentrated in the small area of Kalibukbuk village.

4. A major attraction here is the sunset, with rather quiet nightlife in the twilight of the dawn.

5. There is a large space bordering the beach lined up with cafes and swish seafood restaurants and bars at its sides.

6. The official landmark of the Lovina is a single towering dolphin statue in the jumping posture near the sand.

7. You can stroll along the airy boardwalk to the east, and also explore small warung traditional stalls proving snacks and refreshments and further some art shops.

8. Sunrises at the beach are as ‘quietly exciting’ as its sunset, and more as dolphin watching tours here allow you to capture a fleeting glance of the different water species a test of your of photography skills as these flippers often breach and slap the water, when you’re onboard brightly-coloured traditional motorised jukung outriggers.

9. You can frequently sight the dark-skinned spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) found all throughout the year, save the Chinese Lunar New Year period (mostly between February and April) when there are strong and irregular winds and rains.

10. Main attractions around Lovina include the the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist temple and Banjar Hot Springs. The hot springs are a popular weekend escape getaways amongst locals and tourists with the wading pools and dragon water spouts.

11. The largest Buddhist temple on the island, the Brahma Vihara Arama, is located here, with scaled-down, yet striking Borobudur Temple atop the hill.

12. ‘Lovina’ is no Balinese, as there isn’t any ‘v’ sound in the local alphabet. Actually, the name is derived from the first resort that came up in the area in 1953, with just three guestrooms, started by Anak Agung Panji Tisna, the Balinese author and Buleleng noble. The resort is still being operated with a new name.

13. The name Lovina was a combination of two words ‘love’ and ‘Indonesia’, which steady grew in currency, and soon the whole coastline came to be known by the name, winning hearts from all over.

For Bali Tour Package Contact Emperor Traveline.

1. It is the largest marine protected area in the region with a total area of 521,018 hectares, roughly five times bigger than the popular Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (97,030 hectares).

2. Situated between Negros Island and Cebu Island, the Tañon Strait connects the Visayan Sea and the Bohol Sea in the North and South respectively. Though it’s quite narrow (27kms wide), its water are pretty deep reaching 500mts.

3. Tañon Strait covers smaller, but popular protected areas such as the driving sites in Malapascua, Moalboal, Pescador Island, Mantalip Reef and Bantayan Island and several more.

4. Because Tañon Strait falls under the direct jurisdiction of the national government, three provinces, two regions, 42 coastal towns and cities and 298 villages, it has often been the victim of weak and inconsistent conservation policies of the seascape owing to conflicting and flawed government decision-making.

5. In 1998, the then President Fidel Ramos issued an executive order declaring it to be a protected area.

6. There are 14 species of whales and dolphins in the strait, accounting to nearly half of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the entire country. It is the home to dwarf sperm whales, spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins and pygmy killer whales.

7. Some of the other rare sea species include the giant diamond-backed squid, rare chambered nautilus and highly-endangered dugong.

8. There are about 26 species of mangroves, 20 species of crustaceans, 70 species of fish and coral reef with a total area of 18,830 hectares.

9. Industrial pollution, illegal Commercial fishing, erratic policy-making of stakeholders and deleterious fishing methods are issues affecting the economic stability of the region.

10. These threats have negatively impacted the fish rearing in the strait, which in turn, have had hit the livelihood of 43,000 fishermen that are dependent on the protected area. A stark reduction of fish catch from 5kg a day in the 1970s to only 2kg today stands as a testimony to the appalling consequences of illegal fishing methods.

Architecture:
The fort is constructed in a square shape. The majestic fort encloses huge walls and bastions surrounding all sides. It also has a bridge leading to the entrance of the fort, which was once a make–shift drawbridge.

Attractions of Palakkad Fort:
The majestic structure of Palakkad Fort is one of the long-standing symbols that speaks volumes about the fierce battles that took place between Tipu’s forces and the East India Company. You can find a large ground found in the centre of the Palakkad fort that was once a stable for the cattle, sheep and other livestock during Tipu’s reign. Today you can find youngsters playing cricket, football and other sporting activities on the ground, in addition to its being used for public meeting and other social events.

You can find a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman within the fort complex. An open-air auditorium is known as ‘Rappadi’, sub–jail and a matryr’s complex are other attractions within the fort complex. There is a kid’s park too on one side of the Palakkad fort; therefore, it is a perfect spot for a family outing and for those who’d love to explore the history of the place and the architecture of this 18th-century fort.

The Palakkad Fort is located near the Palakkad railway station. You can take an auto or taxi to reach the fort, once you reach Palakkad. There are several other tourist attractions in the town including Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalpathy Temple, Jain temple, Kanjirapuzha and Dhoni Falls, worth a visit.

The Queen of Hill Stations will get its second botanical garden soon on a sprawling 80acres land, as per an announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Government. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is buoyant that Ooty’s second botanical garden will see more tourist influx during the summer season.

The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr E. Palaniswami, brought smiles to many when he made the announcement in accordance with Rule 110 in the Assembly House that a second botanical garden will be set up at Ooty. He followed it up with the allocation of the project cost of 10 crores for establishing the 200th year Evergreen Grassland at Ooty.

Large crowd hits the picturesque hill station of Ooty during the annual Flower show organised with great fanfare; the second botanical garden would add to the overall attraction.  Another famous park in Ooty is the Rose Park, which receives over 10 lakh tourists a year, resulting in traffic congestion during the peak season and lack of adequate parking space for the vehicles. The Chief Minister also announced that a permanent parking space that can put up as many as 500 vehicles will be opened at an outlay of Rs 3 crores here.