North India is one of the ideal ways to start the journey in India. North India tours are the introductory tour to India exploring various famous places. Traveling in northern India gives travelers a close insight of great Indian cultural heritage and incredible beauty of the landscapes. There are plenty of fascinating beautiful destinations in northern India which you will love to unravel and experience. North India trip includes excursion to various attractive destinations like: Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Agra and the capital city Delhi.

Taj Mahal tour is a perfect combo with the north India trip. People come all the way from world to view the seventh wonder of the world that is Taj Mahal. Usually the tour starts from Delhi where travelers have to gather at one place. The Taj tour is the famous trip for both foreigners and local tourists. The north India tour would not be complete without the Taj Mahal Agra.

All people who have love for historical buildings and monuments must explore the wonderful Taj Mahal journey to see the seventh wonder of the world- the sign of love. The tour begins from the first sightseeing of the tour that is the Taj Mahal. It is hard to follow the creativity of the building. Various expert guides assist the travelers in the north India tours so that a better understanding of the place is created among the travelers.

The Taj Mahal tour is the most memorable and exciting tour to remember for most of the tourists coming from various countries. Various other destinations that would be covered in the tour are Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Sikandara Fort, Jama Masjid, Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb and Red fort. Tours also include the cultural festivals and events in traditional music and dance with ethnic folks styles. The Taj Mahotsav which is purely a pleasurable cultural festival that takes place in the month of February.

The Taj Mahal Agra tour is famous for its exciting shopping activities which are full of colors, life and entertainment. Other entertainment facilities like games and shopping are also exciting in Agra. The little miniature-show pieces of Taj Mahal look beautiful. The exotic and yet delicious cuisines of the place especially the Mughlai food are the specialty of the place. The Taj Mahal trip is the perfect combination to explore the country to your heart’s content. It is the best start to unravel the rich and colorful culture and traditions of the country.

Particularly, North India trips are the ideal way to explore the mesmerizing land. To suit the basic needs and requirements of the people, customized itineraries with special packages have been designed by the professional operators. These various places covered in the Taj Mahal Agra tour fascinate every individual getting more people every year.

To get more information about North India tours , Taj Mahal tours, Golden Triangle Tours, visit: northernindiatours.com

Many interesting places make India a perfect tourist destination. Many a times, visiting India becomes difficult for tourists due to exhaustive geographical structure. If a plan has been made to travel the incredible country, it would not be a nice idea to travel only to one place during the visit. It is better to travel as much places you want to experience the country to their heart content. For this purpose India travel operators becomes the basic need of the individual to let them explore the country.

Tourists never get the full in depth knowledge of each and every place they want to visit in the country. Here India tour operators come in handy. Tour operators also provide customized India tour packages which mean that the travel agent alters the package according to the needs and requirements.

It is not easy to find the professional India tour agents. Metropolitan cities contain a large number of travel agencies with various India tour operators but all are not good and trustworthy to choose. Most of them convince the travelers to provide them with maximum luxurious facilities on minimum ranges. The question comes about the travel operator credibility.

Always choose the recognized travel company. It is good to talk to other people who have already chosen India tour operator’s services and ask for feedback from them. Before consulting to the India tour operator it is recommendable to plan your budget to look for India tour offered by operators.

Incredible India tour packages are the ideal way to discover the rich and cultural diversity of the country and the landscapes, dances, festivals, dance and fairs. Tour operators not only arrange perfect India tour but also provide necessary services which are needed on the tour.

Arranging transport for traveling, hotel accommodations and other sightseeing bookings done by the travel agents make you sure that you do not have to waste time to look for hotel services and transport and other related areas.

The recognized and professional travel company includes all the places of tourist interest, which one can miss when traveling on its own without taking any guidance from India tour operator. Remember to make a successful research for finding suitable tour operator before finalizing any fraud operator. The right and appropriate travel agent will set your trip for an amazing experience in this vast and incredible country. India tour operator strives to make the trip of the travelers’ most memorable moment of the lifetime.

Nikita Martin is a professional author that is providing details about best India Tour Operators company that is offering India Tour Packages for India Tours, visit: ercotravels.com

Luxury Rajasthan tours is the best luxury tour in India. Rajasthan is a land of forts, palaces, ancient villages and towns which come together to show a glimpse of India. Apart from forts and palaces, the state’s culture, folk dance, food and rituals captivate the tourists’ attention to this place. Rajasthan tour package is a complete holiday package chained in palaces, monuments, deserts, forts, temples, mountains national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The tour covers various exciting places in Rajasthan including Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Traveling in these cities will offer you an opportunity to have a clear and deep insight into luxurious and royal splendor of the state. Jaipur is the capital city of the state which is also known as the Pink City. The forts, palaces and cultural events of the place mesmerize the tourists coming from all over the world. Rajasthan holds many vacationers points of curiosity which will leave you mesmerized with their splendor and splendid heritage.

Luxuries reflect in each and every region of Rajasthan. Among the largest state of India is the amazing home for the various tourists coming from all over the world. Some of the important attractions are colorful traditions and culture, palaces and forts and wildlife places and parks. The best part of the Rajasthan luxury tour is that the old palaces are converted into luxury hotels which usually offer the royal experience of the rajas to the tourists.

Some of the most fabulous hotels of Rajasthan are lake palace in Udaipur which is a five star hotel furnished in creative and elegant carvings. The best part of the hotel is that it is located in the middle of the Pichola Lake which is very beautiful lake in the entire city. You can also enjoy the cruise there.

Pushkar fair is the other attraction for tourist. It takes place every year in the month of February. Golden fort located near Thar Desert is also the most important place in Rajasthan. This is one of the famous forts made up of yellow sandstone and popular around the world. Hotels provide best accommodations facilities to their guest to let them enjoy the journey to their heart content. Rajasthan contains best hotels and marvelous interior in all over the world. The cultural events of the place are very mesmerizing.

Tourism in India is growing fast and that is why there is a growing need of travel agencies. It becomes difficult for the tourists to approach the best tourism agency. An individual should always go for a responsible and reputed tourism company.

To get more information about Luxury India Tours, Rajasthan Tours and India Tours, Visit- theluxuryindiatours.com

It's true.

You can find wild boar, deer and even ostrich - if you know where to look.

I am not making this up.

In fact, I know a couple of places you can find it.

And the other day I discovered a new one close to where I live.

It’s quite small so you might miss it.

But it is full of wonderful things.

They have got wild boar, venison, crocodile, ostrich and even goat.

All in the freezer.

Well, you didn't think it was roaming free did you?

You see a new deli supermarket has opened in Cherng Talay.

They offer homemade pastas and pasta sauces.

Homemade sour cream and cottage cheese.

All types of sausages, salamis and hams.

Russian dumplings, pickled herrings, olive oils and lots of different spices.

Homemade ice cream and sorbet.

And just about anything else you can think of.

Even better, they are open from nine in the morning until midnight.

So next time you are in the mood for a crocodile burger late at night - you know just where to go.

Plus, you can wash it down with a Belgian beer or a bottle of wine.

You can even order online and they will deliver.

This is their website: www.phuketdeli.com

And here is their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PhuketDeli

But don't go liking theirs until you've liked ours:
www.facebook.com/PhuketOceanVillas

You are probably wondering why am I telling you this.

I am not on commission. Nor am I getting paid to write this.

I just thought you would like to know.

Because when you are in Phuket you might miss a few things from back home.

But you can find pretty much anything you want - if you know where to look.

I wish you happy hunting.

Article - http://blog.phuketoceanvillas.com/big-game-hunting-in-phuket/

Rajasthan is famous for its exotic cuisines, forts, palaces, historical monuments and the large complexes of shopping that offers various exclusive items for the foreign tourists. Tourists also get the royal treatment in the luxurious hotels of the state with all basic and best amenities that are needed in the traveling.

Rajasthan packages are the most convenient way to explore this largest state of India. The package is specially constructed to make the holiday of the tourist comfortable and enjoyable. The packages are customized to meets the needs of the travels. Rajasthan tours are safely made and are economical and friendly. Rajasthan packages keep in mind the demands and interests of the travelers while planning the itinerary.

They make every effort to take back some memories. Most of the Rajasthan tour packages are made on the basis of theme or are designed on the specific region of the state which forms the backbone of traveling. Jeeps and camel safaris in the desert tour is the most amazing experience that makes you walk around through local outskirts and remote villages of the region. The palace tour can be the most luxurious tour. You can walk around different palaces in Jodhpur, each having its own histories and distinctiveness. Rajasthan trip can be enjoyed in any season throughout the year.

Wildlife is the best and wonderful sightseeing surrounded by national parks and sanctuaries which have rare species of animals and birds but the main attraction is the tiger. Special tiger safaris and tours are being constructed for the adventurous travelers who love wildlife and are especially interested in the sports activities conducted within the boundary of the tiger reserves. On the tour you get the opportunity to enjoy the state’s common festivals, fairs and cultural events.

The Pushkar fair, camel festival, desert festival and elephant festival are the most amazing fairs which summons travelers across the world in the month of February and make your trip more memorable and special. The amazing cuisines of the state are spicy yet scrumptious offering variety of foods to the travels. Even foreigners can enjoy the exotic non vegetarian foods. As you start your journey you will ultimately the ethnic places and culture which you have never dreamt. Really tourists will get the royal treatment in the hotels with all facilities and leisure. Rajasthan tour packages are the complete extravaganza in terms of traveling.

Erco Travels a leading India tour operators company provides the best services for Rajasthan Tours and we also offer Rajasthan Tour Packages in India, Visit- ercotravels.com

North India tour is the most visited tour in Indian tourism. There are various tourist attractions in the country. The major attractions are Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Pokhra and Nepal that can be visited by the worldwide travelers. Most of the popular tourist track in India is golden triangle tour which covers the main destinations of the country such as Delhi- the capital city, Jaipur- the pink city and Agra- the symbol of love.
These cities are rich in traditional and cultural attractions that reflect the royal history of India. Himachal Pradesh being frequently visited by the travelers is the most famous destination in terms of natural beauty and hill stations. Pack your bags and plan a trip. A country endowed with diversity will surely give you a pleasant surprise.

Taj Mahal tour is the perfect mixture with the north India tours which add flavors to the trip. The ultimate place is famous for its seventh wonder the Taj Mahal have a glimpse of the white marvel built in the perfect architectural style. The Taj Mahal is the symbol of love. The tourist will be able to experience the untouched beauty of the Taj Mahal along with the history behind it. Taj Mahal Agra also offers ample time for shopping.

On your Taj Mahal tour, there are various multiple fashion bazaars in Agra and each shop is entirely different from the other offering diverse choices to the tourists. The exclusiveness and the uniqueness on the place give tourists a clear idea about the culture and traditions of the people of that place.

To make your Taj Mahal Agra trip more memorable and fantastic, consult the travel operator who provides great hospitality services. Customized or tailor made packages are provided by the operators to suit your needs and interests. All the services are provided by the travel company from transport booking to hotel booking. Even the minutest things are managed by the travel agent to give best services to the guests. Special private luxury tour is also provided by the travel agent for the individuals who love to travel alone. The tour includes everything which the person desires.

You can also enjoy the royal north India tours on royal wheels. Tour on luxurious trains that travels through all the places is the most amazing experience. The luxurious train has amazing facilities like well settled rooms, luxurious rest rooms, conference rooms, restaurants offering best cuisines in all the flavors, personalized suit, rooms and cyber café. The train also offers fitness centers and a separate play area for kids. The train departs from respective places and takes you around the country with all comforts and luxuries. You will definitely discover a new region altogether during your journey.

To get more information about North India tours , Taj Mahal tours, Golden Triangle Tours, visit: northernindiatours.com

You will discover why it's not as popular as the West. Why it is ideal if you enjoy boating. And what you need to look out for when you buy.

The truth about the North East Coast

The North East of Phuket is largely un-developed and there is a good reason for this:

There are no real beaches.

You will come across one or two but these are man-made beaches (i.e. sand was brought in) and they need constant maintenance as the sand washes away.

The reason for this is that the East Coast is tidal, whereas the West is not. At low tide on the East Coast the water goes out a long way and reveals large areas of mud.

This is ok if you enjoy beachcombing. But if you prefer to lie on the beach, swim in the sea and feel the sand between your toes, the East Coast is probably not for you.

So, if a developer or agent recommends you see some East Coast properties at a certain time of day, be wary. They have probably checked the tide tables and you will be seeing the coastline at its best - high tide.

You should insist on viewing properties at low tide also. Then you can make your own mind up about the view - when it looks at its worst.

No beaches - but you’ll like the view

What the North East Coast lacks in beaches it more than makes up for with its views.

In fact, I think they are some of the best in Phuket.

Many properties have views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts and the islands of Koh Raet, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.

Perfect if you love boating

Phang Nga Bay just off the East Coast is one of my favourite places. It is a national park, full of incredible wildlife, caves and deserted beaches. If you own a boat you have all this on your doorstep.

Phuket's marinas are all on the East Coast as the seas on the West Coast are too rough in the wet season. The oldest and furthest north is Yacht Haven, which opened in the late 1980’s.

Since then another three have been built; Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina and Ao Por Grand Marina.

Royal Phuket Marina and Boat Lagoon are the most developed with shops, bars and restaurants. Boat Lagoon also has full service facilities and a dry-dock.

Retail and residential areas are planned for Ao Por Grand Marina - but these could be a few years away.

North East infrastructure and amenities

Unless you live at Boat Lagoon or Royal Phuket Marina it’s unlikely you’ll find the North East very convenient.

Limited development means there is a shortage of amenities and you will have to drive to pick up anything you need, sometimes fairly long distances.

You won't find any large supermarkets and the smaller mini-marts are limited and basic.

Restaurants are confined mainly to local roadside shacks and a small number of independent hotels.

What kind of property can you find here?

There isn't a huge choice of property on the East Coast. Most is located around Ao Por, on Cape Yamu, or at Royal Phuket Marina and Boat Lagoon.

As land is less expensive, villas in the North East usually have larger plots than those on the West, particularly at the upper end of the market.

Most have good views of Phang Nga Bay and some have their own waterfront.

If you’d prefer an apartment, there are a number of small developments in Ao Por which are also worth considering.

You can also find property on some of the islands off the North East Coast.

Koh Yao Noi, for example, has some independent resorts and a few branded hotel developments.

Is the North East a good investment?

If you are buying for investment it is still far too early. Interest from property investors in the North East Coast of Phuket is limited.

Five years ago everyone was talking about the East Coast catching up with the West due to cheaper land prices and less tourists. But in truth, it has never happened.

Your capital appreciation will also be lower than on the West Coast and when you sell you'll have far fewer interested buyers.

Yes, you will find property prices are less. But you’ll have difficulty renting your property unless it is linked to a good five-star hotel.

Even then, you need to do your homework. Ask to see details of occupancy rates. Look at the room rate per night compared to West Coast rivals. And calculate your nett return carefully.

You won't find maintenance and common area charges any lower than at West Coast resorts - so you need to factor this into your decision too.

Should you buy on the North East Coast of Phuket?

In reality, you should only consider buying on the North East Coast if it suits your lifestyle.

It is unlikely you will see large gains in the value of your property and rentals will be harder to come by.

In my opinion, it will be at least five and probably more like ten years before the North East Coast starts to gain the same popularity as the West - if ever.

So if you buy here it should be because you enjoy peace and quiet, the lack of tourists and limited development.

If that is more important to you than the convenience of having things on your doorstep, the North East could be ideal for you.

To find out more, you can get a free copy of ‘The Definitive Guide to buying property in Phuket’ here.

It is widely beleived that the festival originated in India as a Hindu festival, similar to Deepavali, a thanksgiving ceremony to the deity of the Ganges for giving life throughout the year. According to the writings of King Rama IV of Thailand in 1863, the festival was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama.

The word 'Loy' means to float and 'kratongs' are small rafts, made from the stems of banana plants being about six to ten inches in diameter. They are decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, joss sticks and a candle. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of themselves. Many Thais also believe that floating a krathong will bring them good luck. Todays festival honors the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha in addition to the teachings of the Buddha.

On festival day, thousands of people gather beside the canals and rivers all over Thailand, they light the candle on their Kratongs, put some coins inside and silently make a wish - placing their kratongs in the water they release them to the current. They watch intently as the float drifts silently downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. The night is considered to be highly romantic for couples or lovers. Couples who make a wish together on Loy Kratong are said to stay together forever.

Legend has it that the first kratong was made and launched by Queen Noppamas, a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century). Today Loy Kratong often features Noppamas Queen beauty pageants and contests for the most attractive Kratong. The Loy Krathong festival is also associated with the start of the tradition of vegetable carving.

Another feature of the festival in Phuket is the launching into the air of khom fai – delicate paper balloons about a metre in height and half a metre in diameter, lifted by a small flame burning in the base. Hundreds of these taking off and mingling with the stars are a thoroughly uplifting sight. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.

The main celebration of this festival in Phuket takes place at Saphan Hin, just southeast of Phuket Town, but many other places join in, including most of the island’s hotels and beach resorts.

As you know, it's important to understand a little about the different areas. Find out which places suit your investment plan and lifestyle, and the sort of prices you should be paying.

So here is the second part of my guide to what each area of Phuket can offer you.

Today: South West Phuket (Patong & South of Patong)

Patong Beach

If you are looking for a reasonably priced, entry level apartment then Patong is one of the best places to buy.

As you probably know, its central location on the west coast means it's convenient for the airport (around 35 minutes). And its lively nightlife, bars and restaurants make it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island.

Patong is most popular with singles and couples on short breaks. Many prefer to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel, so rental returns tend to be good as occupancy rates are high.

You'll find a good range of smaller studios (around 30m²) and one bedroom apartments (about 60m²) for prices from 2,500,000 Baht (US$83,000) to around 6,000,000 Baht (US$199,000) - depending on location, size and quality.

You won't find many larger two bedroom apartments unless you buy off plan.

Sea view apartments are in short supply in Patong as most development is at sea level. But you can find a few on the northern edge of the town and further up the coast in Kalim.

Tri-Trang

Tri-Trang was off most people's radar until recently.

This small sandy beach is just 3km south of Patong.

The good thing about Tri-Trang is it's just a five minute drive from central Patong but has a peaceful, natural environment.

You should be able make some good capital gains if you buy the right property in this area.

Karon

Karon is an established seaside town with hotels such as The Hilton and Movenpick.

It wouldn't be at the top of my list for investment property, but it is ideal for a holiday home.

Most of the available apartments are set back from the beach by about 500 metres in high-rise blocks.

If you want an ocean view you need to be on the higher floors (obviously) and your view won't be great; a panoramic view of the town with a slither of ocean at the top.

Kata

Just south of Karon, Kata is a bustling seaside town which gets a little congested in the high season due to its narrow streets.

Many people find it quite charming, all the same.

Its two beaches, Kata Noi and the main Kata Beach, are regarded as amongst the best in Phuket. Of the two, Kata Noi is usually quieter.

Property development on the hillsides surrounding Kata started in the 1990's and land is now scarce.

So today it's hard to find new property launches in the area and villas are in short supply.

Kata is more expensive than Patong and Karon. But rental yields are good with high occupancy rates all year round.

Naiharn

Naiharn is the most south-westerly town in Phuket.

It's located in the centre of a national park so land near the beach is protected.

Many regard Naiharn as Phuket's prettiest beach; it has a wide bay with tropical rainforest on either side.

The area is quiet and popular with expats.

If you are looking for a retirement home or you intend to stay in Phuket for longer periods, Naiharn is worth considering.

You'll find plenty of foreign owned businesses; restaurants, bars, bakeries and shops. In fact, some people think Naiharn is a little too Westernised for them.

Property in Naiharn is mainly limited to villas and prices are reasonable.

You won't find any ocean view properties in Naiharn due to the national park, but you will find plenty of choice.

The downside to Naiharn has to be the distance from the airport; it will take you a minimum of one and a half hours to get there.

In summary, if you're looking for a reasonably priced investment property you should consider Patong and my top tip, Tri-Trang.

If you prefer something a little more upmarket, with good rental yields, look at Kata but be prepared to pay higher prices.

If you are considering longer stays or a permanent move, Naiharn is the place to be on the South West Coast. But, remember, it’s a long way from the airport and some consider it too Westernised.

If you want to know more, you can get a free copy of ‘The Definitive Guide to buying property in Phuket’ here

A land of diverse religions, cultures, languages, traditions and beautiful places, India catches the attention of millions of tourists every year. India is one such destination which offers exceptional and memorable experiences. The country with its various landscapes and seasons, it has limitless attractions to offer. Rich in its natural beauty, archeological scriptures, classical art and knowledge of heritage, it is the most desirable tourist spot of the world.

From diverse and amazing biodiversity and wildlife, and cultural extravaganza, India has some of the best packages to offer which can cater to the various interests of the tourists. India is a vast nation and to plan a trip, one needs the guidance of India tour operator who are trained and experienced about every location of the country.

India tour operators know how to make your travel complete by covering small to large places and always strive to make the journey memorable and enjoyable. They offer different packages according to the needs of the tourists. The packages are customized to suit the requirements of travelers. They allow the flexibility of adding or deleting services in the itinerary.

India tour operator guarantees best and affordable packages to witness the beauty of India without compromising on budget constraints. Apart from tailor made packages, the tour operators make arrangements for your accommodations and bookings. Starting from air tickets, railway tickets, hotel bookings to arranging private transport, tour operators handle all your hassles.

With the proper planning of tour operators, the foreign tourists will not feel stranded as a stranger visiting the foreign land. The moment you will step on the land, you will be linked to the rich beauty of the nation.

India tour travel agency offers many special packages like golden triangle tour which covers main cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. There are other exotic tours like south India tour, north India tour, Cultural central India tour and Rajasthan tour. If you are an animal lover then you can avail special wildlife seeing tour. Apart from this, there are other notable packages designed with keen interests to ensure a contented trip for the travelers visiting India.

With so many diversities to see, the traveler must put his priorities by short listing the cities to visit in India. On the basis of traveler’s interest, the tour operators can plan the customized package, keeping in view the interest and budget of the customer. In case you are looking out for some specific places to visit, you can always mention it. The tour operators will always guide the do and don’ts to be kept in mind while traveling. They can also assist on the things to be carried if you are moving to an extreme weather region as India has diversified climate range.

Nikita Martin is a professional author that is providing details about best India Tour Operators company that is offering India Tour Packages for Rajasthan Tours, visit: ercotravels.com