Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

The Maldives or Maldive Islands, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island nation consisting of a group of atolls stretching south of India’s Lakshadweep islands between Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago, and about 435 miles south-west of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea of Indian Ocean. The twenty-six atolls of Maldives encompass a territory featuring 1,192 islets, of which two hundred and fifty islands are inhabited.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in terms of both population and area; it is the smallest predominantly Muslim nation in the world. With an average ground level of 1.5 metres above sea level, it is also the country with the lowest highest point in the world, at 2.3 metres.

The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that they have a valid travel document, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds, defined as either a confirmed reservation in any resort or US$100 + $50/day in cash. This can be extended up to 90 days at Male, but you’ll need to indicate where you’re staying for that long.

The Maldives climate is generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 – 32 degrees Celsius.

The capital Male, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75.000 people which is about one third of the population.

The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures, separated by lagoons. The atolls are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometres. The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. ‘Faru’ or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on these delicate islands.

Places to go:
Aside from making the water bungalow rock on your honeymoon, the primary activity on the Maldives is scuba diving. The atolls are all coral reefs hundreds of kilometers away from any major landmass, meaning that water clarity is excellent and underwater life is abundant. Manta rays, sharks, even a few wrecks, you name it, you can find it in the Maldives.

While diving is very good by world standards even in the immediate vicinity of Male, visibility and the chance of encountering large pelagics increases as you head to the outer atolls. Many divers opt for liveaboards, which can actually work out much cheaper than paying high resort fees. Currents vary considerably, with generally little inside the atolls but some powerful streams to be found on the sides facing the open sea. Water in the Maldives is warm throughout the year and a 3mm shorty or Lycra diveskin is plenty. Decompression chambers can be found on Bandos in Kaafu (15 min from Male) and at Kuramathi on Alifu.

The one downside to diving in the Maldives is that it’s quite expensive by Asian standards. Prices vary considerably from resort to resort, with specialist dive resorts offering better prices, but in general, you’ll be looking at around US$50 for a single boat dive with your own gear and closer to US$75 without. Beware of surcharges: you may be charged extra for boat use, guided dives, larger tanks, etc. On the upside, safety standards are usually very high, with well-maintained gear and strict adherence to protocol (check dives, maximum depth, computer use, etc) being the rule rather than the exception.

Resorts
The vast majority of visitors come to the Maldives on package tours, staying at one of the 70-plus resort islands. Most resorts are in the three atolls closest to the capital – North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll and Ari Atoll. Despite their apparent similarity, however, they differ considerably.

Male Town Maldives Harry Juselius
Judging by the brochures, all the resorts are beautiful and are blessed with white sand, blue sea and swaying palm trees, and they all promise great diving. But they can vary distinctly in their comfort, cuisine, clientele, character and their suitability for various excursions and activities.

Seenu (Addu Atoll)
This is the ‘second city’ of the Maldives, and the resort here is the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent, speak differently from folk in the capital and at one time even tried to secede from the republic.

Tourist development in Addu has been slow to start, but a resort has been established in the old RAF buildings on Gan. Gan is linked by causeways to the adjacent islands, and it’s easy to get around them by bicycle, giving unmatched opportunities to visit the local villages and see village life.

There are no serious problems with diseases in the Maldives. Beware that tap water may not be drinkable at all resorts: enquire locally. The Maldives are malaria-free, but some islands do have mosquitoes and catching dengue fever from them is possible, albeit highly unlikely.

The active streets of Jaipur get plenty of visitors, every year at their footsteps. The Ancient Testimonials in the form of mind-blowing monuments remind one of the past ages. The city comprises the famous structures like Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amber Fort, the best architectural examples of India. Artistic temples and gardens of Jaipur, marks the atmosphere of serenity and aestheticism to the lands of Rajasthan. The lively city observes its ethnicity by celebrating various festivals like Kite festival, Elephant festival and many others, of Indian origin.

All theses features make Jaipur, one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. The glorious city boasts of its cultural heritage from every nook and corner. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Jaipur lies at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi, the capital of India and the city is well-connected with other major cities of India. Every year, People across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

Best Time to Visit JaipurEssentially, Jaipur is a hot place dominated by three main seasons. The summer season persists from Mid-March till June, Monsoons continues from July to September and Winters from October to March. During summers, the temperature rises to 45°C with the minimum of 25.8°C. With such high temperature, it is not preferable to visit the place during summers.

One cannot plan to go for sight-seeing in the scorching sun of summers. Being located in a desert area, the climate of Jaipur is dry and hot. Monsoons too doesn’t relief the dry city as Jaipur receives very low rainfall. Winter season is the best time to visit Jaipur. The temperature touches maximum to 22°C and gets down to the extent of 5°C.

In winters, one can enjoy the regal city of Jaipur to its full. The spectacular views offered by the ancient monuments of the city fascinate the visitors. The city looks awesome in the winter evenings when it gets covered with fog. Jaipur offers rich food with lots of butter and ghee, which is best enjoyable in the winter season. To put succinctly, the best time to visit the incredible Jaipur is between the months of October to March.

Jaipur Culture

Jaipur CultureJaipur is a land of cultural heritage unfolding the legacy of the royal past. When you are planning to visit Jaipur, it is important to know about the culture, customs and traditions that are followed there. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising.

Jaipur is the commercial centre for most of the rural regions of Rajasthan, so you could come across typical Rajasthani men and women wearing turbans and ghagra-choli respectively during your stroll in the city. The cultural prosperity of Jaipur is visible in its local festivals and fairs. In this article, we have covered the people, cuisine, language, religion, folk dance and music of Jaipur.

Cuisine

Jaipur’s cuisine is rich like the royalty of Jaipur. Cuisine of Jaipur offers many delicacies to gratify the appetite of every taste. In Jaipur, lot of ghee and butter is used in cooking the food. Dal-Bati Churma, Dahi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Besan Ka Gatta, Ker Sangri, Pyaaz Ki Kachauri, Chakke Ki Sabji and Jodhpur Ki Rabri are some of the main attractions of Rajasthani cuisine. Rajasthani Food is usually vegetarian, pure and nutritious.

People

People of Jaipur are quite rugged in their appearance. However, these desert people are well-built, cheerful and simple rather untouched by the swiftness of modern times. Here, people prefer to wear bright colored clothes, as if they are compensating for the barren landscape. Women of Jaipur like Red, yellow, green and orange colored attire with a dazzling work of gold/ silver zari or gota. Tribal Ladies wear loads of Silver jewelry even men too can be spotted wearing earrings. The men wear turbans or pagadis of bandhej (tie & dye) in bright colors.

Languages

Language is a crucial medium to communicate. The primary language of Jaipur is Rajasthani. However, Marwari, Hindi and English are also prevalent in the city.

Religion

The main religion which is followed in Jaipur is Hinduism. Other religions include Jainism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity in the decreasing order.

Folk Dance and Music

Dance and Music of Jaipur bring liveliness to the desert lands of Rajasthan. “Ghoomar” is the main folk dance of Jaipur in which the ladies flaunts their huge ghagras or skirts while dancing. Regarding music, the people of Jaipur share the royal interest of Rajputs in Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many others.

What does that say about my globe-trotting pal? She has done her homework. Consistently voted one of the top three cities in the world for quality of living, behind Zurich and Geneva and tied with Vienna, Vancouver boasts a temperate climate, plenty of outdoor adventure, world-class shopping and dining, a remarkably diverse population, and it’s right here in our own backyard, so to speak. With the city gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics, there might never be a better time to check out Vancouver, the “World in a City.”

Situated at the base of the impressive Coast Mountains, Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides, making for glorious views no matter where you look. Winters are relatively mild, especially for a Canadian city, with only eleven snow days per year on average, but be prepared for rain. (We are talking about the Pacific Northwest after all so pack your umbrella.) Summers, on the contrary, are mild and dry with highs averaging in the 70’s. Take advantage of the agreeable weather and enjoy some of the many outdoors activities Vancouver has to offer. Topping the list should be a bike ride around the seawall at Stanley Park, where your six mile trek will take you under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, past the totem poles at Brockton Point, and along two of the city’s beaches. What a way to take in the city, the ocean, the forest, and the mountains all in under two hours.

For rock climbing, hiking, and mountaineering enthusiasts who don’t want to stray far from the city, check out nearby Lighthouse Park, a 500 year-old evergreen forest with granite bluffs that overlook the rugged shore and its historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse. Winter travelers can indulge in the snow-capped Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain for hours of snowboarding, skiing, or snow-tubing, even at night down illuminated slopes.

Nature and wildlife lovers will not be disappointed by Vancouver’s eco-tourism opportunities. Kayak through Discovery Islands among the dolphins and harbor seals and watch the bald eagles fly overhead, or if you prefer to stay a little dryer, hop onboard a sea safari. Many boast an 85% chance of orca whale sightings—if you don’t see any; your next trip is free!

If shopping and dining are more your idea of fun and recreation, you won’t be disappointed by what Vancouver has to offer. Of course you will have to check out Gastown, the oldest part of the city, where cobblestone streets will take you by historic buildings with quaint storefronts. Here you can pick up those souvenirs for friends and family back home, and don’t miss Hill’s Native Art on Water Street. You will be dazzled when you walk in the door by an impressive selection of tribal totems, vibrant masks, and jewelry displays, all crafted by local native artists.

But for some serious shopping, take Granville Street south out of Gastown and you will find yourself back in the 21st century among clothing stores, furniture shops, art galleries and restaurants. If you need to stop and refuel during your spree, turn a half a block down Broadway and try the generously portioned offerings at Bin 942, a super-hip tapas bar in a super-skinny building, or if you can wait until 5:30, the popular Vij’s on 11th Street has some of the best Indian food in Vancouver. Other popular shopping venues are Yaletown, Robson Street, Main Street, and of course Burnaby, where British Columbia’s largest shopping center, the Metropolis, offers 470 stores, theaters, and world-class restaurants.

If you prefer an urban dining experience, you can go all-out at Bishop’s on West 4th Avenue, Lumiere on West Broadway, or Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar. All three offer the best in fine dining and chic, airy atmospheres. Watching your budget? You must check out Sophie’s Cosmic Café for the ultimate in cutesy kitsch and comfort food. Scoot into a red vinyl booth and take in the retro memorabilia décor while you wait for your platter full of wild salmon, rice, and vegetables to arrive. It looks like a yard sale exploded onto the walls of this place (but in a good way). You may even find your long-lost lunchbox or hobby horse.

When darkness falls on Vancouver, the fun really begins! For dancing the night away, The Roxy and Caprice on Granville Street really pack ‘em in, or venture over to Fabric (formerly Sonar) in Gastown, which hosts some of the most well known DJ’s in the world. Richard’s on Richards (Street) is still a favorite for the serious party-goer, as the line of limos out front will attest. Inside you’ll find two floors, four bars, and countless beautiful people.

For a more laid back experience, ultra-hip lounges are plentiful, including the Century Restaurant and Bar (also on Richards Street), Elixir in the Opus Hotel, George Lounge in Yaletown, or the Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel. You can also take in a show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre or the Vancouver Centre for the Performing Arts. For a taste of Canadian humor, try Yuk Yuk’s or Lafflines, two local favorite comedy clubs where famous comedians headline and local up-and-comings can be discovered. Remember, Canada has produced such comedy greats as Jim Carrey, Phil Hartman, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara and The Daily Show’s Samantha Bee. It’s funny up there—so check it out!

Vancouver’s population is very culturally diverse, with nearly half the population speaking English as a second language. The largest cultural segment is the Chinese community, and this means that Vancouver has a Chinatown to die for, second in size only to San Francisco’s in all of North America. Here you can shop the many stores, stroll through the fresh market, relax in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, or consult a Chinese herbalist for the best in alternative medicine. Other culture-specific neighborhoods include Little Italy, Greektown, Japantown, and the Punjabi Market. Bilingual street signs can be seen throughout these neighborhoods, lending credibility to the town’s nickname, “World in a City.”

With the present crushing exchange rate on the Euro, a trip to Canada’s jewel of the Pacific Northwest may be a satisfying compromise, especially for your wallet. A nature lover’s paradise with world-class shopping and dining, a cultural melting-pot with breath-taking views, a city with its feet in the ocean and its head in the clouds, Vancouver should definitely be on your list of places to see…maybe even right at the top.