Located on the Tokyo Bay, Yokohama is a surreal blend of the East and West. Yokohama was at one point an obscure fishing village but today stands proud as the hub of the Tokyo trade centre owing to its strategic location on the mainland of the Honshu Island.
The most attractive sight in all of Yokohama is undoubtedly the Yokohama Marine Tower, the largest of its kind in the world. Second to the lighthouse is the Cosmo Clock the largest Ferris wheel cum clock in the world.
Ramen or noodle lovers can visit the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum to learn the popularity of this Japanese staple.
Chinatown in Yokohama is the hub for most tourist destinations such as the Dolls, Literature and Silk Museums. Yokohama is at best a modern delight where you can see a thorough westernization of most Japanese concepts from the food to the traditions and apparel.
Nepal shares the Himalayan Range of Mountains with India in the most breathtakingly scenic and accessible quarter. The best trekking routes, rustic settings and helpful Sherpas add to the popularity of Nepal.
The Everest Region is a magnet for serious mountain climbers sitting at 2,845 to 8,848 meters above sea level. Beginning the ascent from Solukhumbu to Kala Pathar one comes across a bevy of Buddhist monasteries and local villages.
The Annapurna Range is the second choice for trekkers in Nepal. It affords myriad views of desert plateaus and river valleys that dot the landscape upon ascent.
Manasalu Circuit Trek and the LangTang Region on the eastern side of the Annapurna and the northern regions of Kathamandu respectively are also adventurous climbs with individual attractions. Both these trek routes are rich in the biodiversity of the region and are best scaled in the spring and autumn months of the year.
No visit to India is complete without a tour of the princely state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan palaces, lakes and forts are pictures right out of an Indian fairy tale and the experience even more so.
Jaipur the head of all royalty among the Rajputs in Rajasthan is pretty in pink sandstone and has some of the best luxury hotels that were at one point actual residences of the erstwhile royal families. There is much to see in the many museums, fortresses and palaces in the other royal cities of Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur within the state.
Rajasthan has several noteworthy national parks that host safaris and camping activities. Best of these is the Ranthambore National Park a haven for migratory birds. Here everything is carried out in Maharaja Style starting with healthy elephants in all their glory and brave mahouts to the plush royal tents to make the experience meaningful.
Puerto Galera is a jewel in the Philippine tourist book. It offers peace, harmony and tranquility and is a perfect holiday destination for beach lovers. It is situated in Oriental Mindoro just a few hours from Manila.
The beaches are pristine and well maintained and have exceptional coral and marine life that must be seen from under water to realize their absolute beauty. It is simply a diver’s paradise as much as it offers untamed waves for surfing, opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are exquisite waterfalls the most famous of them being the Tamaraw Falls.
Puerto Galera as its name suggests was once a stronghold of Spanish sea farers during the 10th century and a visit to the Port of Galleons reveals its ancient Spanish side. The place also has museums that display Chinese and Siamese potteries from the Ming Dynasty that reveal the Chinese invasion of the port.
The Beijing Olympics instantaneously put China on the world map as one of the most sought after tourists destinations in the Far East.
The Great Wall of China a wonder of the world is deservedly worth a look see as it offers glimpses into the ancient culture of Chinese warfare. The best way to explore this large country is to do it by regions or themes.
Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xian, Guilin, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu and Guanghzou formerly known as Canton, form some of the popular destinations for local sightseeing and cultural activities.
All the destinations and attractions within China speak of a slow but steady growth towards modernism while holding onto tradition and ancient cultures. There are beaches, snow capped mountains, wildlife, flora and fauna, modern cities and ancient villages all waiting to provide a one of a kind holiday experience you are unlikely to forget in this lifetime.
