Travel

20 Best Places to Visit in Myanmar

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21 Best Places to Visit in Myanmar

Unlike neighboring states, Myanmar (Burma) cannot boast of a large tourist flow. This is a definite plus for those who want to enjoy natural and cultural attractions without crowds of onlookers. Today, we bring you the 20 Best Places to Visit in Myanmar that are popular tourist attractions. So, whenever you decide to take a travel tour package to visit Myanmar, make sure that you visit one of these places to make your trip memorable.

 

Religious buildings of the country will impress lovers of antiquity and architecture:

  • The Bagan Archaeological Park is a whole scattering of temples and pagodas on a vast territory.
  • Damayanti is shrouded in legends. The stones of its 78-meter walls are so close to each other that it is impossible to stick a knife blade between them.
  • Ananda combines several architectural traditions, and its interior galleries are decorated with intricate stone carvings.
  • Sule plays a huge spiritual role in the life of every Buddhist in Myanmar.
  • The spire of the Shwedagon is adorned with real gems – a magnificent sight!

 

Things to Do When Visit Myanmar

Museums of the country keep the most valuable collections that will be of interest to all inquisitive people. Artifacts from temples, paintings, household items, and much more are exhibited at the National Museum. The Gem Museum is a real treasure trove. The prices of some of his exhibits are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

20 Best Places to Visit in Myanmar

 

  1. Bagan

 

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Bagan is an archaeological park with an area of ​​about 40 square meters. km. On its territory, there are more than 2 thousand religious buildings of varying degrees of preservation. Together they form a unique architectural ensemble that reflects the original culture of the Burmese. It will take several days to see the entire temple complex.

In the period from the 9th to the 13th century, the city of Bagan was the capital of an ancient kingdom, from where the unification of the disparate territories of Myanmar began. It was here that the cultural and religious traditions of modern Burma were laid. In those days, more than 10 thousand temples and pagodas were built along the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy.

 

  1. Gawdawpalin Temple

 

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The construction of the majestic 55-meter temple was completed in 1227. Gawdawpalin is the second largest religious building in Bagan. He managed to survive a strong earthquake in 1975. The square sanctuary consists of two floors, which house 7 terraces. Inside there are 4 entrances on each side of the building. The main gate, guarded by lions, is located on the east porch.

  • On the first level, there is a spacious main hall for prayers and a corridor with statues of a seated Buddha.
  • The hall on the second level is much smaller – the main image of the Buddha is kept there.
  • The construction is crowned with a sharp tower. Unlike other temples of ancient Bagan, it is not gilded.

 

  1. Taung Kalat Monastery

 

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This is one of the most important monasteries in Myanmar, located on the sacred mountain of Popa (1518 m) about 50 km from Bagan. The mountain of volcanic origin, like a fabulous giant, rises above the desert plateau, and the picturesque monastery on its top can be seen from a distance of 60 km in good weather.

To climb to Taung Kalat, you will have to overcome 777 steps. There are small pagodas and shrines along the way. The ascent will be tiring but interesting. At the top, there are several viewing platforms and traditional Buddhist temples.

 

  1. Anand Temple

The uniqueness of the temple, built-in 1105, lies in its unusual architecture. The exterior combines Indian traditions of religious buildings and decorative details typical of the buildings of the ancient Mon civilization.

The building has the shape of a cross with four entrances oriented to the cardinal points. Believers are greeted by Buddha statues, but only two of them are original, the rest are copies of masterpieces that died in a fire in the 18th century.

At the top of the building is a pagoda with a shikhara covered with gilding. The main decoration of the temple hall is 1500 niches with skillful stone bas-reliefs. They depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. It is also worth stopping by the panels painted based on ancient legends.

 

  1. Sule Pagoda

 

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The gilded stupa is of great importance for almost every inhabitant of the country. Firstly, the hair of the Buddha is kept here – the legend says that Gautama personally handed it over to Burmese merchants. It was they who decided to build a pagoda for the shrine on the foundation of an ancient religious building that appeared on this site more than 2500 years ago.

The age of Sule is usually counted from this time point, so it is considered the oldest in the country. Locals call the pagoda “Su-Wei”, which can be translated as “meeting place”. For several centuries, Burmese have been gathering here to discuss pressing issues.

It was from here that the popular unrest of 1988 and subsequent anti-government protests began. The height of the building is about 50 m. At the beginning of the 20th century, prayer halls appeared around the pagoda, then souvenir shops and offices of soothsayers working for a small fee.

Here, locals perform a ritual to attract good luck. Next to the stupa, there are 7 statues of Buddha – according to the number of days of the week. It is necessary to pour water over the figure that corresponds to the birthday of the seeker of happiness.

 

  1. Shwedagon Pagoda

 

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Shwedagon is the main religious shrine of Burma, which houses the relics of the four Buddhas: part of the robe of Kassapa, the Konagamana water filter, the staff of Kakusandha, and 8 hairs of Gautama. The height of the structure is 98 m, the walls are covered with gold leaf, and the spire is decorated with precious stones (about 4 thousand pieces): diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, including a 76-carat diamond.

Every inhabitant of the country is obliged at least once in his life to pray in the pagoda and give alms for the renewal of gilding. The main stupa is surrounded by pompous temples, statues of animals and mythical creatures, Buddha sculptures in various poses, as well as burial pagodas of monks who have reached the highest enlightenment.

The pagoda stands on a high hill, so beautiful views of Yangon open up from its courtyard. The roof of the building is decorated with bells that keep ringing in the wind. The main bells are placed in the temple and each has a name. The heaviest is called Maha Tissada (42 tons), followed by Singumin (23 tons).

 

  1. Hpo Win Daung Caves

The underground temple complex consists of 947 caves connected by corridors ranging in length from 3 to 8 m. Each cave is a man-made temple carved into the rock. The walls of the shrines are decorated with bright paintings based on the past lives of the Buddha. The dimensions of the chambers vary from 2 to 5 m.

The entrances are guarded by sculptures of lions and fabulous creatures. True, most of them are destroyed – in contrast to the numerous statues of Buddha, which have survived in good condition to our time. The underground temple was built in the 14th-18th centuries, but the oldest drawings and statues dating back to the 4th century.

 

  1. Archaeological Museum of Bagan

The museum was founded in 1902 on the initiative of To Seong-ho, curator of the Department of Archeology of the National Museum. The collections moved several times until finally settled in a beautiful modern building in 1995.

The museum has 10 themed rooms. Each contains priceless artifacts: items from the royal palace of Bagan, fragments of temple wall paintings, Buddha sculptures, and stones with inscriptions in the language of bygone civilizations. There is also a model of the Bagan temple complex, photographs, and documents.

 

  1. Gem Museum

The museum is located on the third floor of the jewelry market. Amazing exhibits are collected in a small room. Most of them are rough stones found in Myanmar, including the world’s largest sapphire and ruby.

It is worth stopping by the map of Burma, lined with valuable minerals and gems. When a button is pressed, a mine is highlighted, where a certain type of mineral is mined. The exhibition also presents jewelry made of precious and semi-precious stones.

 

  1. National Museum of Yangon

 

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The museum dedicated to the culture, art, life, and history of Myanmar was founded in 1952. Now it occupies a large 5-story building. Extensive collections are exhibited in 14 spacious rooms, which should take several hours to explore.

Here you can find ancient tools, ritual attributes, and national clothes. Of greatest interest are objects of fine art from different eras – from prehistoric times to the present: examples of rock art, frescoes from temples, paintings, engravings, and more.

A whole hall is dedicated to all kinds of musical instruments and puppets that participated in theatrical performances in ancient times. The hall with the treasures of the Burmese rulers impresses with luxury – ceremonial clothes, replicas of thrones, and jewelry are exhibited in it.

 

  1. Myau-U Ancient City

The former capital of the state of Arakan was founded in 1431. The heyday of Myau-U came in the 16th century – then about 120 thousand people lived in the city, and trade was carried out with Portugal, the Netherlands, India, and Persia. The inhabitants of the Arakan kingdom had their language, script, and their own minted coins.

Gradually, the city fell into decay, and it was swallowed up by the jungle, but the bizarre architecture was perfectly preserved. Religious buildings attract many tourists. Temples of Victory, Dukhantein, and Koutaun are especially popular.

 

  1. Royal Mandalay Palace

The huge palace complex, built in the 19th century, was not only the residence of the Burmese rulers but also a “forbidden city” where only the elite could enter. When the British occupied Myanmar, they placed soldiers in the former royal chambers, who did not stand on ceremony with the interior decoration. And in 1945, the palace was bombed by Japanese planes.

Only fragments of the fortress wall and a few pagodas have survived from the original construction. What is now presented to the eyes of tourists is a remake. But you should visit here to feel the spirit of a bygone era. Several halls of the palace have been converted into museums. The most interesting exhibits: are the king’s giant bed, engravings, and photographs.

Be sure to climb one of the fortress walls. There is a 300-meter observation deck from where you can see the surroundings. They say that 600 human bodies are immured in these walls. Such a sacrifice was ordered to be made by the king during construction to protect the palace from enemy encroachments.

 

  1. Ubin Wooden Bridge

 

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It is the longest and oldest wooden bridge in the world, connecting the city of Amarapura with the adjacent village. The structure, approximately 1.2 km long, stands on 1,068 teak logs left over from the construction of the royal palace in Ava. The bridge consists of two segments located at an angle to each other. In 9 places there are passages for large ships.

The bridge was built in 1850. This is a solid period for a natural material that is constantly exposed to moisture. Many teak fragments have been replaced with concrete. Throughout the promenade, there are benches and gazebos for relaxation, and there is a brisk trade in souvenirs.

 

  1. Inya Lake

 

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Also known as Lake Victoria, Inya is the largest body of water in Yangon. The reservoir was created by the British in 1883 to collect excess rainwater during the wet season and also to provide the city with drinking water.

Except for a public park on the southwest shore, the entire area around the lake is privately owned by expensive real estate. Free access to water is possible from the Inya and Pyi embankments, located next to the University of Yangon.

 

  1. Hlawga National Park

The park, founded in 1982, is located in the suburbs of Mingaladon. The territory with an area of ​​over 623 hectares is divided into 3 zones:

  • relaxation
  • Adventure
  • education

In the first one, there are cozy bungalows combined into a hotel, a spa, a restaurant, and a boat rental. The second zone is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts: they offer car safaris and hiking, and there are artificial rocks for amateur climbers. The third is a butterfly garden, a mini-zoo with reptiles, and a greenhouse.

 

  1. Lake Kandawgyi

 

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Kandawgyi or Royal Lake is an artificial reservoir created to provide citizens with drinking water. To implement the project in the 1870s, the British drained the swamps and built a dam. Thus, Lake Kandavgi was formed, which was then connected with Inya by pipes. As planned, water from the combined reservoirs was supposed to flow through a system of canals deep into the city, but this did not happen.

Today, the surroundings of Kandavga are a favorite place for tourists and local residents to walk. The length of the coastline is approximately 8 km. Nearby is a landscape park and a zoo. On the east side of the lake is the Karawijk Hall restaurant.

 

  1. Fountain Garden

The attraction is located near the city of Naypyidaw. The entrance to the park with an area of ​​67 hectares is marked by three huge arches – immediately after them, the territory of entertainment for children and adults begins.

These are sports and playgrounds, cafes, restaurants and, of course, fountains. There are more than 20 of them here, they are equipped in artificial ponds, and catamarans are rented on the shores of the largest reservoirs.

For young visitors, two ponds were converted into a small water park with slides of various sizes. Other attractions include viewing old boats in the open-air museum and admiring the beauties from observation towers. In the evening, the backlight turns on in the garden, and the jets of fountains shimmer in different colors.

 

  1. Zoo

The oldest zoo in Myanmar is located in Yangon and covers an area of ​​about 28 hectares. More than 200 species of animals live here – in total over a thousand representatives of the fauna. These are elephants, tigers, lions, crocodiles, primates, birds and many others.

There are especially many visitors in the aquarium, where colorful fish caught off the coast of Southeast Asia live. The zoo also houses an amusement park and a natural history museum. When the capital was moved from Yangon to Naypyidaw, a significant number of animals went there, for which a new zoo was built.

 

  1. Tinjan Festival

One of the main public holidays precedes the Buddhist New Year, which is celebrated in April. Within 3 days the country turns into a water battlefield. Municipal offices, shops and schools are closed. People of all ages, regardless of status and wealth, pour water on each other from all kinds of containers. Wet action is accompanied by processions and dances.

 

  1. Bojuque Market

The bazaar, opened during the British presence, occupies a picturesque building with arches, galleries and passages. The market was originally called Scott Market, after Commissioner Gavin Scott. After Burma gained independence, the mall was renamed Bogyuk Aung San to perpetuate the memory of a prominent military and political figure.

Antiques, jewelry, souvenirs, art, clothes, shoes and haberdashery are sold in the market building and on the adjacent streets. There are also pharmacies, healers’ offices and shops with medicinal herbs.

 

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15 Best (Most Popular) Interrail Routes in Europe

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Best Interrail Routes in Europe

If you want to live a unique experience alone or accompanied by Europe, there is nothing better than an Interrail. A pass that will allow you to live an unforgettable adventure through European lands. Let’s see the best routes that can be done.

An economic way that allows you to get to know and travel to different European cities is the interrail, a train ticket with which you can move around different places in Europe in the period you decide. It is important that before starting the interrail route you have some clarifying questions, such as whether it is necessary to reserve a seat on some of the trains, that the ticket does not work in your country of origin, so you will not be able to start the trip with the ticket from there and that the ticket allows us to make multiple trips in one day, for this reason, it is interesting to use it to move around the different cities and get to know them better.

If you are an adventure lover and looking to visit places on rail tracks, The 15 Best Interrail Routes to do in Europe is your best choice to make your trip more memorable.

 

What Does the Interrail Consist of?

The interrail consists of a train ticket that gives the owner the possibility of traveling around Europe, in the contracted period, generally one week or one month. This pass is specific for European residents, in case foreigners want to make the route they are given the possibility of taking the Eurail ticket.

This mode of transport was created in 1972 by the International Union of Railways to make it easier for young people (under 21 years of age) to travel and move around Europe at cheaper prices. Prices vary according to the route taken and age, so the older the ticket will cost (currently there is no longer an age limit).

 

What Should Be Taken into Account Before Interrail Trip?

It is important to plan the route well before starting the trip since we must calculate the time to be able to complete the entire route on the established days and be able to enjoy the cities we visit. It is better to be able to spend an adequate amount of time in each destination, than wanting to make a very long route and not having the opportunity to get to know the different countries.

There are three premises that we must take into account before embarking on the trip: on some trains, we have to book in advance to be able to travel, we will have to pay a price in advance; the pass is not valid for your own country, which means that you will have to start the route in another place than the place of residence; and the ticket is designed to be able to choose different days, it allows us to make different trips on the same day.

It is recommended to carry out Interrail routes of at least 15 days so that the trip is economical. In this case, the pass that is usually taken is for 4 to 5 days, since, as we have already said, we must count that we will be able to make more trips during a day and that there will be days that we do not move from the country because we are visiting them. So let’s see which routes in Europe you can’t miss.

 

15 Best Interrail Routes in Europe for Adventurous Trips

 

  1. Munich-Bern-Milan-Nice-Marseille Route

We will start the route in Munich, Germany, where you can visit Marienplatz, which is the historic center of the city, finding in this area some of the most important buildings in the city. Very close to the historic center is Viktualienmarkt, it is the most famous market and one of the essential places to visit.

We will continue the route to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, you cannot miss its cathedral, the tallest building in the country and from where you can contemplate magnificent views, the clock tower and if you like science or are simply interested in history, you must visit the Einstein Museum. The next destination is Milan, the city of fashion, where you can see its immense cathedral and its exclusive Vittorio Emanuel II gallery.

Before our final destination, we will pass through Nice, where you can see the coast and stroll through the Cours Saleya or flower market. Finally, we will finish the route in the French city of Marseille, where you will be able to visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, located at the highest point of the city.

 

  1. Rome-Venice-Pratas-Athens Route

If you are passionate about history you cannot miss the Italy-Greece interrail route. Multiple combinations of cities will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners of these countries. The way to move in the country can be done by interrail and to go from one country to another there is the option of taking a ferry.

So the trip can start from Rome to see the most famous monuments such as the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain, pass through Florence and arrive in Venice, the city of canals, to catch the ferry that will take you to Greece, specifically to Patras. From Pratas you will head towards the capital Athens, where you can see some of the most historic buildings such as the Parthenon, you cannot miss how beautiful it is at night when it is illuminated.

 

  1. Balkan-Herzegovina-Kotor-Belgrade Route

There are different routes to do in the Balkans. We recommend Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dubrovnik, which is again a Croatian city located on the Adriatic coast, Kotor in Montenegro, also a coastal city, you must go up to the Castle of San Juan where you can see wonderful views of the city and the bay. Finally, the route will end in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.

 

  1. Nordic-Oslo-Stockholm-Finland Route

If you are not afraid of the cold and one of your wishes is to be able to see the northern lights, the best option is to do the route of the Nordic or Scandinavian countries, passing through the main cities of these countries, the capitals. So you can start the trip in Copenhagen capital of Denmark and start the route to Oslo capital of Norway. Other beautiful cities to visit are Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, and Lapland, located in the north of Finland, a magical city at Christmas since it is where the residence of Santa Claus is located.

 

  1. Great Britain-Manchester-Belfast Route

One of the most beautiful routes, especially if you like meadows and nature, is the one carried out by Great Britain. You will thus be able to visit the most important cities on the island such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Even if you don’t want to miss Ireland you can catch a ferry from Liverpool to Belfast from where you can catch a train to the capital, Dublin.

 

  1. Sweden-Germany-Prague-Austria-Italy Route

It covers Europe from north to south. Begin your journey by visiting Stockholm in Sweden from where you will depart for the capital of Germany, Berlin. Take them from Germany to Vienna, a city in Austria, first passing through Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, where you can see the most famous medieval clock in the world. Finally, we will go to Milan in Italy, our last destination.

 

  1. Romania-Bulgaria-Nevski-Greece Route

If you want to take a route that passes through Bulgaria and ends in Greece, we recommend taking the interrail route that goes from the capital of Romania, Bucharest, through Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, where you can visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the cathedrals largest of the Orthodox Church worldwide. Finally, you will arrive in Greece, specifically Thessaloniki, the second most important city in Greece, after Athens, its capital and final destination of your route.

 

  1. Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands Route

Another interesting route is the one that joins Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The trip will depart from the city of Luxembourg, a little touristic place that hides charming places such as the old town with medieval fortifications considered a world heritage site.

 

From Luxembourg, we will head to Belgium where you can visit Brussels, its capital, with the Grand Place, a very charming place, and get closer to the small towns that are nearby Bruges and Ghent. Finally, our final destination will be Amsterdam where you will be able to get to know this charming capital, known for its canals and a large number of bicycles.

 

  1. Paris-Austria-Amsterdam-Prague Route

This route departs from Paris, the capital of France, where you can visit the famous Eiffel Tower and walk through Montmartre, to the capital of Austria, Vienna, where you will see the popular Hofburg Palace. Other cities that this route passes through are Amsterdam, Berlin, you cannot miss the German capital, Prague and Budapest, where you can cross the Danube by the chain bridge, the most emblematic place in the city.

 

  1. Denmark-Germany-Switzerland-Italy Route

Another route to cross Europe from north to south starts from Copenhagen, passing through Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, some of the most beautiful cities in Germany. You can also visit Bern and Lucerne, the most charming cities in Switzerland, and finally arrive in Italy, to visit the city of fashion, Milan, Florence, located in Tuscany, and the capital, Rome.

 

 

  1. Black Forest-Munich-Milan-Lyon-Paris Route

We will start the trip in Germany specifically in the Black Forest area, a wooded region located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. From the Black Forest, we will depart for Munich, another of the most beautiful cities in Germany. We will then change countries to go to Milan, Italy, before heading to Lyon and finally to Paris, France.

 

  1. Podgorica-Belgrade-Sofia-Istanbul Route

Another destination that the interrail allows us is Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. We will depart from Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro; We will pass through Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you can see the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Sava. Then we will go to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to finally reach our last destination, Istanbul, where you can visit the church of Hagia Sophia and watch the sunset from the area known as “The Carpets”, an experience that you cannot miss.

 

  1. Belgrade-Sarajevo-Zagreb-Bologna-Lyon Route

This route gives you the possibility to visit some of the less famous or well-known cities in Europe but which also show great charm. The trip departs from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and we will go to Sarajevo, whose attraction lies mainly in the historic center of the city.

Then we will arrive in Zagreb, Croatia, a city where coffee is a great protagonist. Before reaching our final destination, we will make a stop in Bologna, an Italian city, where the oldest university in the world is located.

 

  1. Oslo-Stockholm-Sweden-Helsinki-Finland-Tallinn Route

Another route to travel through northern Europe starts from Oslo, the capital of Norway, passing through Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, and the final destination, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, considered one of the best-preserved and most beautiful medieval cities. of Europe. This route will allow us to see spectacular landscapes, such as visiting the Norwegian fjords.

 

  1. London-Paris-Strasbourg-Bern-Florence Route

This route also allows us to cross Europe from north to south, departing from London and taking a ferry that leaves you on the continent. We start the trip in London, the capital of England, where you can see the most emblematic sites such as the Big Ben clock or the London Eye.

From London, it will depart for Paris, from where we can head to Strasbourg, a city known for its historic center also called “Little France” and considered a World Heritage Site. Before reaching our last destination we will pass through the beautiful city of Bern in Switzerland. Finally, we will arrive in the region of Tuscany in Italy, specifically in the city of Florence.

 

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Kashmir for a Paradise Honeymoon

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Places to Visit in Kashmir for Honeymoon

5 Best Places to Visit in Kashmir for a Paradise Honeymoon

As said by the British Indian novelist Salman Rushdie, he has never seen anywhere in the world as beautiful as Kashmir. Most people refer to it as “heaven upon the earth,” with beauty floating around in every corner. In the spring and winter, Kashmir’s serene and picturesque valleys appear to be a dream come true.

The gushing water becomes the background music and the soothing rays of the sun act as the lighting. Dance to these cherishable moments in the beauty of Kashmir with your better half. It would be a fair deal if we say that celebrating the beauty of Kashmir with your significant other will be one of the best experiences of your life and a good start to your married life.

Honeymoon is one of the phases in married life that every couple wishes to celebrate, so we have picked some of the best destinations for you to visit in Kashmir and enjoy the journey of love in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world. Then what is the wait all about? Hurry and book Kashmir honeymoon tour package to visit the following gems for this honeymoon:

  • Gulmarg
  • Sonmarg
  • Udhampur
  • Pahalgam
  • Patnitop

 

GULMARG

Gulmarg, being home to the world’s highest gondola, is one of the most well-recognized attractions in Kashmir holiday packages. It is located in the Pir Panjal of the western Himalayas, and the snow-capped mountains are set against the mountain station, which is popularly known as a skier’s paradise.

Gulmarg offers various sets of activities, which include skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. The options of fishing, hiking, cycling, golfing, and even horseback riding are also available for having a blissful experience with your significant other in the mesmerizing scenery of Gulmarg. Gulmarg is the nearest airport from Srinagar, which is about 56 km away. You can reach your destination by taking a bus or a train.

 

SONMARG

Located in the Gaderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, Sonmarg is home to a variety of peaks like Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Sirbal Peak. Surrounded by beautiful Himalayan peaks, Sonmarg is a worthwhile honeymoon destination and is largely famous for its gateway on the ancient silk road that connects Kashmir with China.

Also famous for its meadows and gorged valleys, Sonmarg is sometimes referred to as the Meadow of Gold. Trout fishing is one of the most popular activities to do in Sonmarg’s pristine lakes, which include the marvelous Krishnasar, Gangabal, Vishansar, and Gadsar. You can also catch a glimpse of numerous waterfalls on your Sonmarg trip.

 

UDHAMPUR

Udampur sets the perfect example of scenic beauty with lush greenery and eucalyptus trees on the fringe of the location. Moungri Cave Shrine, Sudh Mahadev Temple, and Ramnagar Fort are some of the romantic attractions of Udhampur.

Along with being a destination for the serene beauty of nature and lush greenery, Udhampur is also recognized for its historical importance from the times of the Mahabharata.

Udhampur also offers other romantic activities such as riding on a hot air balloon, shopping like never before, hiking, paragliding, and even bird watching to make the journey even more blissful.

 

PAHALGAM

Pahalgam is one of the unmissable destinations on the Kashmir holiday package. This destination has a lot to offer. Feel lost in the lush greenery of Aru and Betaab Valleys just to find yourself in each other’s arms, take a horse ride in the awe-inspiring meadow of Baisaran, go trekking to the marvelous Kohli Glacier, and enjoy the craziest white water rafting in the Lidder river. Pahalgam can be reached via road from the nearest railway station and airport in Jammu. Even the drive to the destination will prove to be full of visual surprises and scenic beauty.

 

PATNITOP

Blessed with an overwhelming view of the Shivalik range, beautiful meadows, and panoramic views, Panitop seems to be one of the most thrilling as well as romantic locations to visit in Kashmir.

This stunning hill station is surrounded by cedar and tall, dense pine trees and with the scenic beauty of snow-capped mountains. This stunning hill station sets the perfect opportunity for adventures such as skiing, paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing, and camping.

The mountain springs are well renowned for the medicinal properties they inherit. A walk along the trails might help you replenish your health. The nearest railway station from Panitop is the Udhampur railway station. You can reach your destination via road from Udhampur.

 

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MICE Events in the USA

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MICE Events in the USA

MICE Events in the USA

MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. If you’re still none the wiser, then you’ve come to the right place. The meaning of the MICE industry can seem opaque at times. In short: MICE business travel can encompass a wide range of events, including MICE meetings, incentives in MICE, MICE conventions (sometimes conferences), or MICE exhibitions (sometimes events). Despite variations in nomenclature, the meaning of MICE industry events is fairly consistent: large-scale gatherings that fulfill a corporate function.

This article will discuss meetings, incentives, conferences, and events to help flesh out this otherwise sterile definition, giving you some corporate MICE ideas for your business and your staff.

Once you’ve selected from the types of events in MICE, below, it’s worth thinking about your mode of arrival. If you’re heading on a business trip and want to guarantee that the time you invest is best utilized, removing the stress of commercial travel is a surefire way to achieve that aim.

Corporate events air charter is the perfect mode of arrival, ensuring that group MICE travel is facilitated with minimal fuss and freeing up your travelers to focus their efforts solely on getting the most out of the MICE event that they attend.

 

MICE - Meetings

Meetings

The M in MICE represents meetings. These company get-togethers are a crucial aspect of any business, and their inclusion in the MICE sphere is a testament to their importance. The meetings that we’re talking about in MICE events – where corporate travel is often used and where destinations tend to be somewhat grandiose – are more than your simple lunchtime chat around the water cooler. Think AGMs, shareholders’ meetings, and the like.

The IATA’s 2021 AGM, for example, spanned 3 days and involved over 600 delegates converging in Boston, MA. Huge meetings like this can require high-capacity hotels to stage the whole affair, and the US is home to some of the best in the world if this is your aim.

Meetings can also be combined with some of the other elements of MICE, and when trying to combine MICE meetings and incentives it can make sense to be a little pickier about the destination.

Selecting from some of the best destinations in the US to host a meeting can guarantee that the proceedings will be both productive and enjoyable for all attendees – a double benefit for any business.

In the future, some might think that the shift to online meetings brought about by the pandemic could spell the end of this element of MICE. There’s an argument to be made to the contrary, however: if we’re seeing each other less frequently in our day-to-day roles, then doesn’t that mean that those annual or bi-annual meetups ought to be much more significant?

As well as conducting the business for which the meeting was convened, these events can now also serve as a way to check-in and touch base in person, offering a layer of cohesion and team intimacy that, frankly, just isn’t there over Zoom.

 

MICE - Incentives

Incentives

A MICE incentive is a great way to reward a team for their hard work, encourage cohesion and bonding, or simply foster some goodwill within any organization. The scale of these events can range from the low-key – think Christmas party – to as far as the imagination can roam, including multi-day international vacations and more.

If a department has exceeded its targets, maybe a day of go-karting is in order. If a small group of employees has gone above and beyond to get an order through, why not treat them to a fancy dinner? If you’ve smashed those goals, you could even look towards a more substantial all-inclusive getaway – are you hiring, by any chance?

MICE travel incentives aren’t just about rewarding one-off performance, though, as companies with a robust MICE incentive policy can reap the benefits year-round. Airbnb, for example, offers their staff an annual $2000 vacation credit, which benefits both employees and employers alike. Consider: Airbnb attracts some of the most highly-qualified industry experts, lured in by this MICE incentive alongside other perks, guaranteeing that the company has some of the most impressive staff around.

Employees, meanwhile, benefit from the extra financial assistance provided by the vacation credit, but are also relaxed, de-stressed, and suffer far less burnout as a result of the ease with which they can access a getaway.

 

MICE - Conferences

Conferences

Representing the C in MICE, “conferences” is used interchangeably with “conventions” to represent large-scale, often industry-wide events that bring together the brightest and best representatives of a field.

A MICE conference is a great way for industry newcomers to make an impact and create a platform from which to spread their brand, but it’s equally a tried-and-tested staging post for established firms to remind their peers that they’re there to stay.

These events can be enormous and can trail long into the multi-day (or even multi-week) timescales. If your company operates in a market that is the subject of a week-long MICE convention, ask yourself: Can you afford not to be represented?

A cursory glance at a list of upcoming conferences will confirm the scope and scale of what’s on offer, and will no doubt be followed by booking inquiries to arrange MICE business travel.

Along with representing your brand and broadcasting what you’ve already achieved, the unique benefit of these kinds of MICE corporate events lies in innovation. Conferences are often used to present new research, and any business looking to utilize these novelties needs to have its ear on the ground when it comes to fresh ideas. The best place to do this is at source: by heading to a conference and making use of what’s on the show to ensure that your firm stays cutting-edge.

 

MICE - Exhibitions

Exhibitions

Exhibitions, events, or sometimes even a “MICE Expo” – this E is contested in the MICE arena. The range of definitions of this acronym speaks to its inclusivity, as ultimately most business-related travel affairs are, in some way or another, a MICE meeting, incentive, conference, or exhibition.

Exhibitions are a little more specific in their focus, admittedly, and usually concern large trade shows where the aim is to show off. If a business wants to get the word out about its brand, its people, or the quality of its product, there’s no better place than at a trade show, trade fair, or exhibition.

The competitive advantage for firms is obvious here: they can spread their brand and access new customers. As an extra benefit, though, these events are also the perfect place to set eyes on the competition, as seeing what else is going on in the market and how your offering sits within it is key to any successful business.

It’s no surprise, then, that exhibitions form a key pillar of the MICE industry, permitting access to a broader customer base for newcomers and allowing market stalwarts to re-exert their influence alike. Whatever the nature of your company, you really should consider attending at least one MICE exhibition – if only for the free samples on offer!

 

Departures and Arrivals

MICE and events tourism is an ever-growing market, especially in the post-pandemic rush to get back out there. If attending a MICE meeting, incentive, convention, or exhibition sounds like the perfect plan for your company in 2022 and beyond, why not make the most of the experience by utilizing a MICE air charter?

The MICE events examples above are all great ways for companies to foster team cohesion and build goodwill among staff, but if you want to make your team feel like they’re a truly valued part of your business then there is only one mode of travel.

It’s not all about luxury and the benefits of having a team that values their employer. Think pragmatically: if you’re sending a delegation to a mice meeting, incentive, convention, or exhibition, ostensibly to spread the message of your business, then surely their performance will affect your future success.

If that’s the case, then you want them to arrive ready to put forward the best face of your company: fresh, invigorated, and enthusiastic – three words that have never been used to describe a passenger on a commercial flight!

 

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10 Best Destinations for Easter in Europe

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Best Destinations for Easter in Europe

Best Places to Visit in Europe at Easter

Easter is always a good time, whether or not you have religious concerns, to get out of the routine and discover new places. Let’s see which are the best destinations in Europe to visit during these little vacations.

Europe offers us a wide variety of beautiful cities to visit depending on your tastes or activities that you are interested in doing. You will be able to learn different languages, the typical dishes of each place and wonderful people.

There is nothing left for Easter, a date that many people take advantage of to travel and discover new destinations. Cities that perhaps you had not considered before but surely if the visits do not leave you indifferent, since they all have their charm.

In this article, we recommend some European destinations for Easter that we have believed pertinent to highlight, especially pointing out the places, buildings, constructions that you must visit, and activities that you cannot miss.

 

What places in Europe can you visit at Easter?

There is nothing left for Easter, if you want a change of scene, take advantage of the holidays and get to know other European countries, you cannot miss this article. Here are 10 perfect destinations in Europe to visit during the Easter weekend. Each one offers different possibilities to adapt to the different preferences of the readers.

 

10 Best Destinations (Cities) for Easter in Europe

 

  1. Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, is a good option to visit at Easter since it is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Who does not want to climb the Eiffel Tower and walk through Montmartre until they reach the Sacré Coeur Basilica?

Paris also called the city of light or love, offers many places to visit and activities to do: you can see the Arc de Triomphe, visit the Louvre Museum where you can see the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, and La Gioconda, go by boat on the seine, where you can even have dinner and contemplate the city illuminated at night or if you like amusement parks you can choose to visit the Disneyland Paris park.

 

  1. Florence, Italy

Florence, a city in Italy, may not be as well known as its capital, but it leaves no one indifferent. Located in the region of Tuscany, the Basilica of Santa Maria de Fiore stands out in Florence, for its colors and its dome, the Ponte Vecchio, where you can see the best and oldest jewelers in the city and all the sculptures that you will find throughout the city, including the famous statue of David made by the famous Italian sculptor, painter, and architect Michelangelo. Another place you cannot miss in Florence is the Piazzale Michelangelo, dedicated to the artist, from where you will be able to contemplate an impressive view of the city.

 

  1. Berlin, Germany

Another important European capital is Berlin. This German city has beautiful and historical places that you must visit at least once in your life. One of the most emblematic sites is the Brandenburg Bridge, one of the few monuments that resisted the war, at the top of the door we can see the Goddess Victoria.

Also as historical places, you can visit the famous Berlin wall that separated the city in east and west for 28 years, the Jewish quarter where you can still see some characteristic features of this area before the Second World War and the monuments and tributes that have been made in the name of all the Jews or the monument to the Holocaust, the meaning and construction of this monument makes walking through its corridors, between the concrete blocks, make your skin crawl and make you shudder to think about everything that happened.

 

  1. Porto, Portugal

Porto, a Portuguese city, is a good destination to visit at Easter. The small houses with tiled roofs and the beautiful bridge of Don Luis I are some of the charms of the city. It also offers you the possibility of carrying out different activities such as visiting the different bridges that cross the Douro River, such as the Maria Pia bridge built by Gustave Effiel, the same one who designed the famous tower of France.

A noteworthy feature of Porto is their use of Nicholas of different designs and colors, especially blue and white. Another place to mention is the Lello and Irmao bookstore whose stairs and design are reminiscent of the famous Hogwarts school from the Harry Potter novels since its author JK Rowling lived in this city for a while and took inspiration from it.

 

  1. Brussels, Belgium

In the capital of Belgium, you must visit the Grand Place, considered a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, it will surely leave you speechless, you cannot miss the light show they do from 5 pm. Another place to visit is the Manneken Pis statue, which represents a boy peeing, not so much because it is a pretty statue but because it is a representative symbol of the city.

Brussels is not very big, so if you can organize yourself and you want to know a little more about Belgium, you can visit Bruges and Ghent, two of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. If you are a beer lover, this destination is perfect for you, you will find a varied offer of this drink, with different tastes to choose from.

 

  1. Athens, Greece

If you want a city with history, a good choice is Athens, the capital of Greece. You can visit the Acropolis, which has been restored on different occasions, currently allowing us to get an idea of ​​what it was like. One of the most recognized buildings in this area is the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena Pártenos, protector of the city.

Other essential places that you must visit are Filopappou Hill and Lycabettus Hill, they are two high points of the city that allow you to contemplate the panoramic view of Athens. If you want to visit and learn what the Agora was like, a meeting place for citizens, you cannot miss the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora in Athens, located next to each other.

 

  1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Something very characteristic of Amsterdam, apart from a large number of bicycles, are the canals, so a good option is to walk along the canals, thus getting to know the different bridges that cross them. Another emblematic place in the city is the floating flower market, where you will find a wide variety of flowers, especially the tulip.

Also, the house museum of Anne Frank, who wrote a well-known diary that narrates her experience living hidden from the Nazis, may be of interest to you, visiting the place where she lived without being able to leave for almost two years moves anyone.

 

  1. Roma, Italy

Rome, one of the most historic cities in Europe, offers you a long list of monuments, buildings, and constructions to visit such as the Colosseum, which is the largest Roman amphitheater; the Roman Forum, which was the center of the city, where the life of the citizens took place; the Trevi Fountain, where you can launch a cutie and ask for a wish or the Pantheon of Agrippa, considered the best-preserved Roman construction.

You can also walk through the Trastevere neighborhood, a bohemian neighborhood where you will find craft shops and different pubs to have a drink. Another characteristic feature of Rome is its basilicas, you will feel like an ant next to such large constructions. Aside from the pizza and pasta, you must try the ice cream, as everyone who visits Italy claims that it is the best ice cream they have ever eaten.

 

  1. London, United Kingdom

London is also one of the most popular destinations in Europe. In it, you can visit buildings and constructions as characteristic as Big Ben, where you can see the famous clock tower, Tower Bridge, which is the most famous bridge in London, or the London Eye, the famous Ferris wheel of this city. Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square or Buckingham Palace, where you can see the changing of the guard, are also very beautiful and emblematic.

Activities or places that you cannot miss are getting on one of the famous red buses, visiting the beautiful neighborhood of Notting Hill, where you will find colorful houses and the Portobello Market, or exploring the neighborhood of Camden Town, where you will find all kinds of shops with very special facades.

Another point in favor of London is that many of its museums allow you to enter for free, such as the British Museum, the history museum, or the National Gallery, where you can see the works of famous artists such as Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo.

 

  1. Granada, Spain

Another beautiful and historic European city is Granada where you can see the impressive construction of the Alhambra, considered a World Heritage Site, visit the Albaicín neighborhood with its narrow streets and the spectacular views of San Nicolás, from where you can enjoy panoramic view of The Alhambra. Nor can you miss visiting the Sacromonte neighborhood, where you will find some of the caves/houses or you can go to a flamenco show.

Likewise, you will be able to surround yourself with the tradition of Holy Week by observing the different processions that take place on different days in the streets of the city. Finally, we recommend you to eat tapas, for each drink you will receive a free tapa, in this way you can eat economically.

 

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