New Destination Alert – Ras Al Khaimah: The New Jewel in The Emirates' Crown

Spend a relaxed day at pristine beaches

If you want to get away from the hustle bustle of Dubai’s fast paced life and yet want to enjoy the authentic Arabian experience, this is the place to be! Another jewel of the Emirates’ crown is shinning and will soon be the next most sought destination for the all kind of travellers. With options ranging from mountains to desert, from beaches, mangroves to water sports and many ancient cultural sites, Ras Al Khaimah is the quieter sister of Dubai.

Learn to Sail

 

How to reach?

Fantastic high speed drive of 45 mins from Dubai International airport, Ras Al Khaimah can be reached by hiring a cab or by daily shuttles from most of the hotels. One can stay in Ras Al Khaimah and can explore the cities of Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi as a stopover destination, one day tour or extended emirate holidays. The lure of staying at Ras Al Khaimah is that it is tranquil, calm and not too far from the most happening places.

Airlines such as Emirates and Fly Dubai operate to Ras Al Khaimah along with Air Asia and very soon Qatar Airways will be joining the line.

The beautiful mosque

 When to go?

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah receives round the year sunshine with little rainfall and perfect winter temperature. While the west has a long stretch of sandy coastline, the east has a majestic mountain range called the Ru’us Al Jibal which has Jebel Al Jais – the highest peak in the entire UAE where sometime it snows during the winter!

The best weather to visit is October-April when the climate is cool; rest all five months record high temperatures especially during the daytime.

Snow at Jebel Al Jais

Where to stay?

Ras Al Khaimah is home to many high end hotels and resorts for a luxurious break. There are options of boutique hotels as well offering authentic hospitality and local culture.

You can opt for budget hotels like Double Tree or experience high end luxury with Banyan Tree and Hilton. There are many beach front resorts for a relaxed break.

Luxury @ Banyan Tree

What to do?

• Book a private yacht and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing or book a champagne package for a beautiful & romantic sunset view.

• Book a desert safari for dune bashing, belly dancing, Tanoura and Arabic barbeque.

• Visit Tower Links Golf Clubs set in mangrove reserves with mountains as the backdrop.

• Join Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Academy between the months of October and April to learn sailing since the weather conditions are ideal.

• Enjoy one its kind experience falcon and raptor display & fight show featuring region’s most diverse collection of falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and kestrels.

• Beat the heat at Iceland Waterpark with extensive range of games, slides and food court. Be a part of the world’s tallest man made waterfall which has facilities for guests to be in the midst of it.

• Live a life of a "Bedous" (nomadic tribes) with one of a kind desert camp at Bedouin Oasis Desert Camp.

• For party loves – beach, music & dance is the best combination! So head for the famous beach parties.

• Camel Race is an interesting way to spend the morning which in turn is a fun filled unforgettable experience.

Falcons fight competition

Trekking the mighty mountains

Catamaran Ride - Fishing in the azure water

Visa Procedure: Standard Tourist Visa required for Emirates. “Ok to Board” is a must for flying to the UAE. Documents such as return air ticket, accommodation detail, scanned copy of passport’s first & last page and 2 passport size photographs are required.

Exotic massage@the beach

Source: http://www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com/

 

Unusual, Unheard & Unknown Attractions in India

The curiosity of knowing the unknown and unseen attracts everyone. India is a land of mystery with diverse culture and tradition. We have plenty of options when it comes to popular tourist attractions but most of us aren’t aware of many unheard places in India that can be a traveller’s delight.

Thalon Cave – Manipur

The cave in the Tamenglong district of Manipur provides the first concrete evidence of Hoabinhian culture in India. The cave is located 900m above sea level and is around 80kms from Imphal. The darkness gives a feeling of irk and people feel frightened when they enter the cave.

Image Source: eenaduindia

Hide and Seek Beach – Orissa

Orissa has a long coastline of around 480kms with plethora of beaches, few of them being outstandingly pristine. Chandipur beach is one such beach where high and low tide plays an interesting game. The sea water recedes up to 5km in low tide and hits the surf of the shore during high tide. You can see the sea literally vanishing before your eyes and then see it coming back rhythmically, as if playing hide and seek.

Image Source: thrillophilia

Mohammadpur Umri – Allahabad, UP

A small non-descriptive town in Allahabad is known as the “Twin Capital” of India because it is the highest producer of twins, perhaps in the world. There is no mythological or scientific reason behind it, the main cause is still unknown. This unusual population is not just limited to humans but to animals too.

Image Source: himsamachar

Floating Islands of Loktak – Manipur

Another astonishing place in Manipur is the floating islands of Lohtak located in Moirang, about 39km from Imphal. The Lohtak Lake has assorted mass of soil, vegetation and other organic matter collectively called as Phumdis floating on the lake. The beauty of the lake doubles because of the floating phudmis of different geometrical shapes.

Image Source: indiamarks

Malana – Kullu, HP

An ancient village in north of Kullu Valley lies Malana (also known as Village of Taboos) still completely isolated from the rest of the world. This remote village is mainly known for its Charas and has also attracted hashish lovers from all across the world. The Malana natives prefer their own world and are still untouched by technology and globalization; rather it is the oldest standing democracy of the world with people abiding their own rules. The Malana people consider themselves as descendants of Alexender and have their own religious beliefs. P.S: They consider non natives as untouchables!

Image Source: piczload

Roopkund Skeleton Lake – Chamoli, Uttrakhand

Around 16,000 feet above sea level, at the bottom of a valley, lays a frozen lake full of skeletons. Creepy!! Definitely! The trek to Roopkund is considered as one of the most breathtaking treks in India but inside this paradise the ghostly skeletons surely makes this place a must visit. There are many theories behind how more than 500 skeletons are there but no concrete proof to support the theories.

Image Source: indiamarks

Mass Bird Suicide – Jatinga, Asaam

The village of Jatinga in Assam witness a bizarre phenomenon every monsoon. When its dark & foggy and the clouds come down on the hills during the months of September-October, hundreds of migratory birds fly full speed towards trees and buildings crashing themselves to death. Since 1960 when the “Mass Suicide of birds” was first observed, until this day the mystery remains unsolved.

Image Source: inyminy

Dhanushkodi – Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

The ghost city at the tip of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the only land border between India and Sri Lanka. Also known as the Lost Land, the place is junction of two seas – Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The remains of Rama’s bridge from Ramayana are found here and indeed Sri Lanka is just 31kms! The entire village was devastated in a massive cyclone that swept away everything including the railway tracks, engines, carriages etc.

Image Source: erwinvoogt

Barren Island – Andaman, Nicobar Islands

The island has the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia that has erupted 10 times in couple of decades last being in 2008. The journey from Port Blair to Barren Island is awe-inspiring with captivating natural beauty. No one is allowed to stay at the Island but if you get lucky you never know when next you will be able to have this once in a lifetime experience of nature’s fury (read as beauty). The water surrounding the Island is supposed to be among world’s top scuba diving destinations.

Image Source: volcano.si.edu

When in Dubai!

Dubai is the most famous city of the seven Emirates, known for world-class architecture, luxurious shopping and extravagant lifestyle. The yearly Dubai shopping festival happens in Jan-Feb every year and it’s one of the best times to be here, though any time from November until March is considered an ideal period. More the number of days you spend in Dubai, the merrier it is so let’s have a look at what should not be missed “When in Dubai”.

 

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s landmark building, that is 828m tall is the highest man-made building in the world. The observation desk on the 124^th floor called “At the Top” is an exceptional experience that gives you a view of Dubai city’s skyline. Burj Khalifa is all about grandeur and is a must on every visitor’s check list.

Burj Al Arab

This 7 star hotel is an epitome for luxury and architecture which cannot be matched with any other building in the world. It has one of the best spas called Assawan and if you want to feel the opulence without burning a big hole in your pocket then the two restaurants Al Muntaha and Al Mahara can be the best options for a meal. The Skyview bar on the 27^th Floor has a panoramic view of the city and a cup of coffee there with your special one is a delight.

Dow Cruise @ Dubai Creek

Separating Bur Dubai to the south and Deira to the north is the saltwater creek called Dubai Creek. The Dhow Wharfage is located on the banks of the Dubai Creek and the dhows are still used by small traders from across the Gulf. Many dhows have been restored as a tourist cruise boats and a romantic evening can be planned in one of the cruises which also gives a magnificent view of Dubai skyscrapers and the creek.

Ski Dubai

Desert, creek, world class hotels and amazing night life, if that’s not all then experience throwing snowballs at each other or skiing in the snow! Yes, Dubai is home to UAE’s first indoor ski resort – Ski Dubai. With activities like chairlifts, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and Penguins enclosure, enjoy the snow in the heart of the desert – all at minus 4 degrees Celsius.  

Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall

The best of the brands in the world with endless shopping opportunity, oodles of options for in-house entertainment, experiences that should not be missed and boundless eating options with conceivable world cuisine are the highlights of the 2 most famous malls in Dubai. Dubai Mall provides entry to Burj Khalifa, Fountain and Aquarium and Mall of the Emirates has the Ski Dubai. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January & February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July & August are also held in Dubai Mall.

Dubai Fountains

Modelled on Las Vegas’ famous Fountains of Bellagio, the Dubai fountains are the world’s tallest performing fountains with a capacity to spray 22,000 gallons of water in air at any point in time. It is 902ft in length and shoots water up to the height of 500ft; it is illuminated by 6600 lights and 25 colours projector. The performance is accompanied by lights and music. This extravagant show should not be missed.

Palm Jumeirah

Pure luxury is what defines this man-made archipelago that is one of the three planned Palm Islands. A 6 lane bridge leads to Palm Jumeirah which clearly is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The Atlantis Hotel stands tall at this man-made marvel that has many exciting theme parks. Retail therapy can be done at its best with many up-market malls. The island has many luxury beach resorts and hotels.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Jumeirah Beach

The most famous beach in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is a strip of white sandy bliss and is also home to numerous high end hotels. Sun, Sand and lots of fun is possible as there are many water sports that can be indulged in like para-sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling etc and for those who are looking for relaxation, this place is best for sun lounger with great sea views and skyline of Dubai.

Image Source: flickr

Desert Safari

Another must when you are visiting the UAE, this safari SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! An experience that you will always remember, Desert Safari include options of exciting dune ride, belly dancing, BBQ, Shisha, Camel ride, Sun set photography, Quad bike, Sand Skiing, Sand boarding, Henna designs, Traditional costumes etc. Option of overnight safari is also available.

Dubai Museum

If you want to witness how Dubai was before it turned into an architectural delight then head to Dubai Museum. Housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort which was built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek, Dubai Museum will take you to more traditional Dubai with artefacts showcasing the pre historic era. There is also a movie that exhibit the journey of Dubai from a barren desert to an example of modern architecture & infrastructure.

Atlantis Hotel

Opulence, Lavishness, Extravagant and Style are few words that are synonym to Hotel Atlantis. It’s not just about food and stay, the hotel is a lot more than that. Various activities in the hotel make the place a destination in itself. You can enjoy the following activities in the hotel:

·         Encounters with Dolphins at Dolphin Bay

·         Slides

·         River rides

·         Shark Safari

·         Cownose Ray feeding

·         Snorkelling

·         Diving

·         Exquisite Marine Life

·         Lost Chamber

·         Fish Feeding

Deira Gold Souq

Gold Souq is renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world and hence Dubai received the name “City of Gold”. All possible designs and a variety of jewellery is available here from traditional to modern, from daily wear to wedding and also the option of customizing your own design. Since the gold rate in UAE is much better than in India, you can find many Indians buyers shopping their hearts out.

Image Source: Flickr

The World

The World compromises of 300 small artificial islands which are in a rough shape of world map and attract many tourists because of being abode to private homes of celebrities, out of the world resorts & hotels and much more. This man-made wonder cannot be seen anywhere in the world and the architecture is worth the appreciation. 

Image Source: Wikimedia

Tour of Abu Dhabi

The 150 kms (approx 93miles) drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a fantastic idea of covering another astounding city while you are in Dubai. The city of Abu Dhabi has bountiful leisure options few of them being a "Must Do" , like-

·         Ferrari World

·         Sheikh Zayed Mosque

·         Emirates Palace

·         Yas Waterworld

Image Source: royalpark