With the romantic hues of pink all round you, the romantic cities of India never fails to satisfy all your touristic senses. It is no wonder then that India has fast become one of the most popular places on earth in which to tie the knot? Yes, more and more couples are choosing to get married Maharajah-style at one of the opulent palaces in a style reminiscent of the British Raj. For more information on wedding & holiday packages to Jaipur, check out “www.ticketstoindia.co.uk” for great deals on air fares and discounted hotel rates. Do not even try and book a hotel in Jaipur directly yourself… unless you have just won the lottery! Prices are sky high and it is only through a specialist tour operator that you can be assured of excellent quality combined with low prices.
Located just a short drive from the capital city, New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as ‘The Pink City’ due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake…everywhere you look there is pink…the colour of romance.
Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city’s numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the city’s numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh – perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.
And then comes the main city…surprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each side…from the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridien…you will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the city’s former glory and royal demeanour and the service excels itself. Just remember to book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment, as it is busy year round in this city of royal romance. Some of the most highly recommended hotels to stay in whilst visiting Jaipur include the Taj Group’s Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel. The opulence of both hotels will literally take your breath away and many a wedding takes place in the perfectly landscaped grounds of these hotels with their backdrop of lush palms and fountains.
A quick tip: whether staying at the Rambagh Palace or not, do take time to enjoy the delicious al-fresco breakfast buffet where the smart Jodhpur & waistcoat clad staff will treat you like royalty. With eggs made to order and succulent sausages and bacon following plates of the freshest, sweetest fruits, the plump muffins and Danish pastries are hard to refuse especially when accompanied with a choice of teas, coffee and piping hot chocolate. And all served in the finest china and silver.
Drive further down the main boulevards of Jaipur city and you come to a set of intricately carved arches, which divide the Old City from the New City. Once through the arches, your senses are immediately assaulted by the noisy onslaught of rickshaws, buffalo carts, taxis, bicycles, scooters, elephants and cars all jostling for space on the same road. Whistle blowing policemen, horn blowing cars, mooing cows and convincing street peddlars create a melodious harmony of ethnic sounds, which to the first time visitor to Jaipur, can be quite startling!
In addition to booking your flights and accommodation, we can also arrange:
Meet & Greet at Airport
Assistance of a Wedding Planner
Wedding Day schedule
A beauty treatment for the bride (manicure /pedicure /hair styling etc)
A professional wedding photographer to record memories of your special day.
Assistance with all legal paperwork
Appointment at the Registrar’s Office the day before the Wedding
Annie Jones writes about ” ticketstoindia.co.uk/weddings_in_india.htm Weddings In India”. Get more information about ticketstoindia.co.uk Cheap Flights To India at
To find the best family vacations that fit your budget and time constraints, you simply need to start your search online. You’ll find lots of travel tips and great ideas on safety, health, vacation planning and packing, and how to make the most of a trip with the whole family. You may have visions of the ‘Vacation’ movies with Chevy Chase, but it really doesn’t have to be that way! Family oriented resorts offer all kinds of activities and some are even all-inclusive, which means that once you get there transfers to and from the airport are included in addition to accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, meals, tips and gratuities, and on site activities like roller blading or water sports. Whatever type of activity your family enjoys, you are sure to find family vacations that have everything you want.
There are many sites dedicated to traveling with the kids and family members of all ages. According to www.familytravelnetwork.com, the best family vacations offer something to please every family member not matter the age. This site also features fifteen tips for planning last minute family vacations during school holidays and summer break. Plan a great family winter weekend getaway and travel to the slopes for a family ski and/or snowboarding vacation. If you’re looking for adventure, then visit www.familyadventures.com for exciting family vacations designed for families with children or teens. For another type of adventure, possibly a dude ranch or theme park like Disney World in Orlando would be a good choice. Hawaii is also a popular family vacation destination with lots to do for the entire family. Just visit www.alohadestinations.com for more information. And let’s not forget a Disney Cruise Line family vacation, featuring exotic ports of call and activities for kids of all ages, even the adults!
There are obviously too many sites to list here that specialize in the family vacations, and you may be a little overwhelmed when you first start your search. You can find a family vacations directory and resources for traveling with kids, including listing of family friendly places to visit at alltravelingkidsfamilyvacations.com, travelwithkids.about.com, familyvacations.com, or familytravelguides.com where you can search a huge database to find accommodations like campgrounds, cabins, bed and breakfasts, full service family resorts, and more family vacation topics. Get the family rounded up and have the vacation of a lifetime! Have fun, de-stress, and get away from the day to day grind. No one deserves it more than you and your family!
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This is the second part to this article which describes various areas of New Zealand. The first part of the article was about areas within the North Island.
The South Island also has two major cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and Dunedin is relatively small with a population of around 120,000 and is very much considered a university town. The South Island offers completely different scenery to the North Island. Everything from rugged coastlines, to majestic mountain ranges, fjords, glaciers, and stunning lakes.
Marlbourough:
Just over the Cook Strait (the stretch of water between the bottom of the North and the tip of the South Island) from Wellington lies a gourmet paradise. The area is called Marlbourough and comprises a number of small towns including Picton, a picturesque town which is the transit point for the inter-island ferry from Wellington. The Marlborough Sounds through which the ferry sails are a maze of deep channels, sheltered waterways and secluded bays offering a wealth of activities from fishing to walking the Queen Charlotte Track. Just down the road from Picton lies Blenheim. Blenheim is estimated to have an average of 2,438 hours of sunshine every year and as such holds the title of the sunniest town in New Zealand. Blenheim is also the home to over 50 wineries and the Sauvignon Blanc produced in Marlbourough is considered to be amongst the finest in the world.
Many awards have been won from wines produced in this area. As well as the famous Sauvignon Blanc; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Semillon are also produced so there will be something to suit most palates. In February of each year the largest Food and Wine Festival in New Zealand is held in Marlbourough. It is a great occasion offering the opportunity to try the wines and gourmet foods produced in the area.
Nelson:
Nelson is located at the top northwest corner of the South Island. Nelson offers enormous diversity in both scenery and activites. There are three National Parks which may be accessed easily from Nelson. The Abel Tasman National Park which runs along the coast offers fabulous views and great beaches. On the other hand the Nelson Lakes National Park located south of Nelson is set amongst mountains and 2 gorgeous lakes. The Kahurangi National Park contains the famous Heaphy Walking Track which takes between 4 – 6 days to complete through stunning and diverse terrain. Nelson is also a wine growing area and has several world class brewmasters producing boutique beers.
West Coast:
The West Coast runs 600 km along the coastline and is not wider than 70 km at any one point. The population of the West Coast is only about 31,000 people and they have a reputation for being extremely friendly and hospitable. This area is an adventure and outdoor wonderland offering forest and beach walks, caving, all sorts of boating experiences, glacier walks, scenic flights, mountain biking, horse treks, fishing, exploring old gold mines and ghost towns and gold panning to name a few.
Kaikoura:
Kaikoura is located on the West Coast of the South Island approximately half way between Picton and Christchurch. It is a rugged area flanked by the majestic mountains. Kaikoura is famous for whale watching and crayfish (lobster). The name Kaikoura literally translates to meal of crayfish from the Maori language. The focus in Kaikoura is on the preservation of the abundant marine life which is a stark contrast from the days of the mid 1800’s through to 1964 when whaling was the major income source for the area.
Hanmer Springs:
Hanmer Springs is a small alpine village approximately an hour’s drive from Christchurch perfect for a weekend getaway. Hanmer Springs is a thermal area and is famous for its therapeutic hot pools. Various spa treatments are on offer so a visit here is guaranteed to unwind the weariest traveller. Hanmer Springs has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere but offers something for all tastes, from numerous short walks, golf and dining, to thrill seeking adventures in jet boats or on mountain bikes. In winter you can also ski and it is possible to sit in the therapeutic pools and be surrounded by snow!
Christchurch:
Christchurch has quite often been referred to as the most English city outside of England. The River Avon runs through the middle of the city and provides a stunning and relaxing backdrop to a bustling city centre. Christchurch is famous for its beautiful gardens for which it has won international awards. There really is something for everyone in this city. Shopping is great, restaurants are many and varied, there are numerous activities to undertake and accommodation options are plentiful.
Akaroa:
Akaroa is a stunning village unlike anywhere else within New Zealand. The economy of Akaroa is very much geared up for tourism. Akaroa is about 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch out on Banks Peninsula. The most stunning views are on offer as you near the village which make it well worth the journey. Akaroa is an historic French/British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcanic crater. There is a real French flavour to the village with all street names being French eg rue Lavaud and rue Jolie, the main streets. Akaroa is an absolutely charming and beautiful area with wonderful restaurants, plenty of accommodation options and many activities which predominantly focus around the harbour. There are both seal and penguin colonies close to the village which you may visit by boat or 4 wheel drive.
Dunedin:
Dunedin has a strong Scottish heritage which is evident in the early architecture. It has some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. It had New Zealand’s first university and is very much a university town to this day. Dunedin is home to the steepest street in the world – Baldwin St. There is a shop at the bottom of the street where you can get a certificate after climbing to the top. Larnach Castle is a must see whilst in Dunedin. It was originally the home of an early politician. Building commenced in 1871 and was completed 12 years later. These days it is has been restored and offers upmarket accommodation. Organised harbour cruises on the Otago Harbour offer the opportunity to view albatross, fur seals, penguins, nesting birds and dolphins.
Southern Lakes:
Queenstown is perhaps the best known town in the area of the Southern Lakes. It is a small town situated on the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. It is a spectacular town in a spectacular area of the country. Queenstown offers an incredible range of activities for the tourist and is referred to quite deservedly as the adventure capital of the world. The bungy jump originated in Queenstown and there are numerous other adventure activities. Shopping is excellent and there are numerous restaurants and styles of accommodation to suit all tastes. This area has four very distinct seasons and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in winter and early spring (June to September).
Wanaka is located approximately one hours drive from Queenstown on the shores of yet another lake, Lake Wanaka. Although many of the same types of activities are on offer, the pace is far more sedate and less hectic than Queenstown. If you prefer a quieter and more secluded atmosphere still offering the stunning vistas, Wanaka may be the place for you.
Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand covering almost 3 million acres. Milford Sound is one of the not to be missed locations in Fiordland. There are many day trips which can be taken from Queenstown. It is an unspoilt area offering lush vegetation, majestic mountain peaks and dramatic waterfalls.
Hopefully you have a taste of what is on offer in New Zealand. It really is the most beautiful country and truly does have something for everyone.
Sue Taylor is the author of several articles about New Zealand. She and her husband Grant have travelled extensively and for more information about their travels and for further tips about New Zealand, please refer to newzealandtravelsite.com newzealandtravelsite.com and newzealandtravelsite.com newzealandtravelsite.com
Perthshire lies in central Scotland, around a one hour trip north of Glasgow or Edinburgh. Perth has a mainline rail station. If you don’t have time or inclination to travel too far north when you visit Scotland then Perthshire is a perfect destination allowing you to see dramatic mountainous scenery at the start of the Scottish Highlands.
Unique Points
The scenery and natural beauty of Perthshire is stunning. There is so much countryside to see, full of trees, rivers and mountains with walks for all abilities. There are many typical small Scottish towns such as Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Crieff. Perth is a very attractive city which lies on the banks of the River Tay.
Perth
I really like Perth, it’s quite a laid back yet grand small city. In central Perth there are 2 parks, a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, with promenade along the River Tay. I always think of Perth as the “Fair City”. However it is not officially a city, it was not approved by the Scottish Executive in the its list of Scottish cities but that has not changed my perception. Perth is a city full of flowers. In Summer there are hanging baskets everywhere. Branklyn Gardens is an interesting small garden run by the National Trust for Scotland. Its star exhibits are blue poppies. Cherrybank Gardens boasts the largest heather collection in Europe.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery looks very impressive from outside with its copper dome and columns. The museum is one of the oldest local museums in Scotland, built in 1824 on the site of a Domenican friary. There is currently an exhibition of 19th century Scottish landscapes many of which portray Perthshire. The Black Watch Museum is on Dalhousie Castle and charts the history of the regirment. The Fergusson Gallery has a large collection by the Scottish Colourist Duncan Fergusson housed in a former water works building, dating from 1832. Perth Festival of the Arts runs annually during from mid May. Horsecross was set up to run Perth Theatre and the new Concert Hall. Various musical events are held around Perthshire.
The Caithness Glass Visitor Centre is located in a industrial estate, where the A9 heads north from Perth. You can watch the glass blowers making the paperwieghts. There is also a kids play area, a restaurant, shop and exhibition. Scone Palace, just outside Perth,was the location of the coronations of Scottish Royalty, when they would sit on the Stone of Scone during the ceremony.
When I am in Perth l like to do a circular walk starting by crossing the river on the railway bridge, at the end of the prom, then along the river bank and through Rodnay Gardens (pictured alongside) with the flower beds and scupltures. You can either take the first bridge back to across the river or continue along the riverbank to the next bridge. I was very sad a few years ago when the council cut down all the lovely mature trees along the river bank to improve flood defences, however I do like the new prom.
Dunkeld
Dunkeld lies 20 miles north of Perth. The Telford Bridge over the Tay was built in 1809 in response to a survey of the roads in Scotland. It is still quite a landmark. Dunkeld Cathedral was first built as a monastry in 730. Much of the town was destroyed during the 1689 Battle of Dunkeld. The “little houses” in Cathedral Road (pictured alongside) are 18th century merchants’ houses which were renovated in the 1940s and are now let to local tenants.
The Beatrix Potter Garden is situated in the nieghbouring town of Birnam. to the west of the River Tay. Beatrix Potter spent 12 childhood summers holidaying in the area. During one holiday she wrote a picture letter to friend which developed in “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”. The garden celebrates her books with bronze sculptures of several characters. Birnam is also associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth with the reference to moging Birnam Wood to Dunsinane, However the tale of the real Scottish King Macbeth has little in common with the protagonist of Shakespeare’s play.
When I visit Dunkeld I usually park at the Hermitage, with its beautiful woodland and river walks. The Hermitage is just off the A9, just north of the Dunkeld exit. When I was doing research for this guide I was surprised to read about the 2 follies erected during the creation of the Hermitage by the Duke of Atholl in the 18th century. I felt pretty foolish as I always though the one of the follies was for real, Ossian’s Cave the supposed home of the 3rd century poet. The other folly, Ossian’s Hall, a grand room overlooks the Black Linn Falls in the River Braan. The Hall must have been magnificent when it was lined with mirrors to reflect the waterfall and had shutters of coloured glass. The Hall has been recently renovated by the National Trust for Scotland. Until recently the Hermitage was credited with containing the tallest tree in the UK. However recent measurements have meant that a tree near Inverness has knocked the Hermitage’s contender into 2nd place. I like to walk from the car park at the Hermitage along to Ossian’s Hall, cross the bridge there, turn left and walk along the path, then down to Rumbling Bridge and into Dunkeld. The Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, home to a pair of breeding ospreys is a few miles north east of Dunkeld.
Pitlochry
Pitlochry is probably best known for the hydro electric dam and salmon fish ladder. The dam was constructed at the confluence of the River Tummel and Loch Faskally. A salmon ladder was also built to enable the estimated 5000 Atlantic salmon to return upstream to spawn. The ladder consists of 34 ascending chambers along 310 metres. I would recommend a fairly easy circular walk around Loch Faskally, which should take around one hour. Start at the salmon ladder go up the steps behind the salmon ladder and turn right walking alongside the Loch. Then go through a gate and turn right down hill on a minor road, You will come to a footbridge on your right, crossing the loch, after crossing bridge turn right, you will see cafe and boat hire on your left, walk up slope and you reach main road back into Pitlochry. The Dunfallandy Stone is an 8th century Pictish cross slab is located one mile west of Pitlochry. If you would like to visit a whisky distillery there is The Edradour Scotland’s smallest distillery and The Blair Atholl one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre started life in a tent in the early 1950s. due to rationing of bulding materials after the 2nd World War. The founder, John Stewart visited Pitlochry during WW2 and promised to return after victory. The present theatre building was constructed in 1981, If you stay in Pitlochry for a few days you can see a different play every evening. A Garden celebrating around 80 Scottish plant collectors and botanists as been developed around the theatre. Pitlochry Golf Course has been in existence for around 100 years and was christened the “Switzerland of Scotland” in a golf magazine in the 1950s.
The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought 3 miles north of Pitlochry and there is now a visitor centre there. You can admire the mangnificent Queens View, is best know as the stopping place or Queen Victoria on her journey north to her Highland retreat Balmoral. However it was evidently first named after Queen Isobel, the wife of Robert the Bruce Blair Castle is in Blair Atholl, 5 miles north of Pitlochry. It is quite unusual in that it is whitewashed. Just north of Blair Atholl is the House of Bruar, known as the home of country clothing, There is also an Art Gallery exhibiting over 450 pieces.
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy is a charming small town on the banks of the River Tay. The landmark Wade Bridge opened in 1733. Aberfeldy can be reached via the Small Glen. turning north up to A822 a few miles east of Crieff, in the village of Gilmerton. and then onto the A826, just north of Amulree. It is a most beutiful drive with a scenic descent into Aberfeldy.
The Aberfeldy Distillery was first opened in 1898. If you are luck you may spot a red squirrel as there is a colony close by. The Birks of Aberfeldy is a circular walk up to the Falls of Moness. There is a large car park at the start of the walk, off the A826 as you approach Aberfeldy from the south. The walk can be muddy and bit slippery and there is a an elevation of 170 metres, You can see a plaque at the spot where Robert Burns rested to compose the Birks of Aberfeldy.
The Watermill houses the largest bookshop in the Highlands, an art gallery and a cafe in a Grade Alisted former oatmeal watermill. They offer story times and book reading session for kids and there is a Childrens’ Book Festival running from 12 – 13 May 2007. There are various events on offer such as music evening and talks by authors. I was very impressed by the Watermill. It has been a very sympathetic renovation, leaving in many parts of the mill machinerry. There is as impressive selection of books. The cakes in the cafe look scrumptious, I had to refrain as I had to get on with taking photos in the daylight.
The Crannog Centre has an authentic recreation of ancient loch dwellings dating back over 5000 years. They offer events such as weaving with wood or willow, musical evenings, underwater archaeology. The centre is in Kemore, 6 miles west of Aberfeldy, on the banks of Loch Tay. The National Kayak School offers one day introductory courses in sea kayaking and white water kayaking with the only white water run in the UK guaranteed all year on their doorstep.
Crieff
Crieff is a pleasant small town taking it name from the Gaelic for among trees, There are two walks in Crieff which I really like, . The Knock the wooded hill behind Crieff has several possible walk variations. Lady Mary’s Walk is a gentler stroll along banks of the River Earn. Crieff Visitor Centre combines a exhibtion about 18th century castle drovers, the Thistle pottery visitor centre, a garden centre and a restaurant. Crieff Highland Ganes started in 1870 and have taken place annually in August except during the First and Second World Wars.
Drummond Castle Gardens are said to be one of the finest formal gardens in Europe is a couple of miles south of Crieff, close the the village of Muthill. I lived in Muthill for 3 years in the mid 1980s. I learned to drive in Crieff so have many memories of stalling the car on the uphill starts in Crieff.
You can read the full guide with photos and accommodation options at europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/perthshire.html europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/perthshire.html
Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer. Her website Europe a la Carte, features less well known destinations in Europe. Karen believes that if you venture even slighly off the beaten tourist track that you will see more of the real Europe. The website now has a blog where you can read and comment about travel Europe.
europealacarte.co.uk/blog/ europealacarte.co.uk/blog/
