Archive for March 4th, 2010

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” –St. Augustine

The above quote from St Augustine hints at the plight of those tourists who have not yet explored the tourist paradise of Goa. Located on the western coast of India, Goa, is enclosed by the state of Maharashtra in the north and Karnatka in the south and east. A superb destination for sightseeing, travelling to its myriad destinations is an experience in itself. Being a land of colourful celebrations, friendly, cultured people and mouth-watering cuisine, this tourist heaven makes for a stimulating and invigorating retreat.  Browse through travel portals and get hold of an air ticket to Goathat will give you a  chance to explore this  magical land in all its  glory. Wander through its cobbled streets and you will realize that the state still retains its old-portuguese charm in its buildings, old-style mansions and cathedrals. Its cobbled alleys, pathways and century-old buildings will remind you of a colonial era gone by.

From North to South, Goa is dotted with quaint villages along side palm fringed beaches. Watching the lifestyle of people living in these hamlets will provide unique insights into Goa’s culture and heritage. Though Goa’s extensive coastline is a major draw amongst tourists its unexplored rural areas with timber plantations and diverse wildlife are no less exciting. Add to it the multitude of   recreational options and the warmth and hospitality of Goa’s people and you have a wholesome holiday experience. Being the ideal destination for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing and kite surfing, Goa offers unlimited fun and excitement to adventure sports enthusiasts. If you are one of them, Goa is the place to be next winters. Include the Arvalem Waterfalls, Kesarval Springs and Dudhsagar waterfalls in your itinerary the next time you visit Goa. These breathtaking cascading waterfalls are in their  full glory during the monsoons.

Reserve anair ticket to Goafor your next holidayand schedule a stay in a beach side hotel. Calangute, Baga, Arambol, Anjuna, Candolim, Colva, Palolem are some of the most admired beaches of Goa that are famous the world over for their scenic beauty, and charm. Spend some quiet time at the beach and watch the sun descend over the horizon –the experience is sure to stay in your memory for long. The state tourism department’s tagline rightly sums up the experience of those who tour Goa.

“You can take a person out of Goa but you cannot take Goa out of a person.”

Experienced travel writer and editor, Sam Walker has been working with in the field of travel and tourism for 8 years He is consultant and expert advises on air ticket to Goa and writing various tips and advices on holidays and travel industry.
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HAMSTERLEY Forest in the Weardale region of Co Durham began life as a commercial forest in the years following the First World war. It is now important to the county for the environmental and recreational activities that are held there. People come in search of rare creatures or to go cycling, walking, horse riding or to take part in some other activity. Let me tell you about these.

Britain was suffering from a shortage of timber after the war. The Forestry commission was created and vast swathes of upland countryside were bought to establish conifer plantations. The labour problem was solved when the Ministry of Labour began to draft batches of unemployed men for three months at a time to do the heavy work of creating the new forests.

Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre is a timber building that is a relic of those times. It was originally on of the accommodation barracks for these men. Now the benefits of Hamsterley Forest include picnic sites and recreational clearings. There are networks of walks and horse riding routes as well as a four mile forestry drive and extensive cycling facilities. The Forestry Commission created a cycling skills loop and downhill course in 2005 that cost £220,000.

Forestry rangers run fun and educational events throughout most of the year. They often work with the Sunderland Astronomy Club to stage Starwatch. Visitors learn to find their way around the night sky and have the opportunity to take a closer look at the planets. Youngster enjoy the Survival Skills in the Forest sessions. Den building is a favourite activity as is the Children’s Adventure Challenge.

A large number of environmental events are held. Nightjars have made a comeback into Co Durham following its almost extinction in the early years of the 20th century. Bug hunting forms a major part of National Insect Week. Rangers often lead Deerwatch safari tour and bird box building is a popular event. The rangers instruct traditional country crafts such as wheel building, broom making and Christmas decoration creation.

Physical activities range from walks through easy cycle rides to MTB wheelies. There is basic forest navigation for horse riders, horse orienteering and summer solstice walks. Among the seasonal events are the Easter Trail and the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Hauntings and Christmas Festival Fun. Hamsterley Forest stages mechanical events such as the vintage tractor runs and the forest drive thrust. Behind the Scenes gives visitors the opportunity to see the monster machines that are used by the Forestry Commission. Visitors are able to buy natural Christmas throughout December at the Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre.

Hamsterley Forest has a greater diversity of trees, plants insects, birds and animals than the other northern forests due to the better quality of its soil. While the nightjar has returned to this area, our native red squirrel has been displaced by the grey squirrel. Hamsterley camp has been used as a centre for young offenders from the Wellesley Nautical School at Blyth and as a POW camp for German and Italian prisoners. The main entrance to Hamsterley Forest is via Hamsterley off the A68 Road or Wolsingham off the A689 Road.

Raj Aryan is a content writer. Presently working with a Tour Package company. Find India vacation packages and online at Cheap flights tickets to India, providing the best selection and availability of cheap tickets.
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