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7 Must-See Attractions of Mysore India

Mysore, India

Tourists.

They’re hard to miss with their khaki traveler pants, cameras dangling around the neck and noses buried in pages of maps and guide books.

But there’s an even worse dead give-away…

A bus tour.

And in most cases, guided bus tours are overpriced and a waste of time.

However, there is one exception…

Mysore India.

The bus tours in Mysore are exceptionally efficient, affordable and there is a high chance that you’ll be the only international tourist on the bus – giving you a chance to mingle with other Indian travelers.

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Ruins of the Urartu Kingdom; Yerevan, Armenia

Ruins of the Urartu Kingdom; Yerevan, Armenia

Only a fool discounts the events of the past and their effects on future actions. History not only serves to shape what we become, both as an individual and as a society, but also can be used to predict what might yet occur.

And if there’s one nation that has had to learn from the past but still move beyond it, it’s Armenia.

And where it would be easy to sweep history under the rug and move on, the nation has decided to showcase both its architecture and its stories.Continue

Temple Hunting; Taipei, Taiwan

Temples Taipei, Taiwan

Has the constant flow of traffic got your head spinning?  Have the sheer amount of vendors, buskers, and tourists overwhelmed your senses?  When you feel the need to pace yourself rest assured that in Taipei, you’re never far from refuge.

The rich history of Taiwan’s largest city brings with it some gifts for the weary traveler.  Countless temples can be found in public squares throughout the city.  A simple bit of research will help you determine which temples you might like to visit. Continue

Tibet Travel: How to Explore Bhaktapur, Nepal…

Bhaktapur, Nepal 2

You might be keen to get hike the Himalayas when you visit Nepal.

You’ve seen Kathmandu and you’ve witnessed city life in the mountainous nation.

You’ve seen  modern existence in a metropolis.  But don’t be too rash.

Travel a mere 7.5 miles (12km) east of Kathmandu and you’ll come across the historic city of Bhaktapur.

Whether staying for the night or just making a day trip, Bhaktapur offers visitors a wide selection of sites in a relatively small area.

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Bridge Crossing; Amarapura, Myanmar

Amarapura, Myanmar

The use of a bridge can extend well beyond a simple crossing. Bridges can serve as architectural attractions, community connectors, and lookouts for scenic regions.

When a bridge meets all three of these standards, make sure you slow down and enjoy it.

And as you can’t drive across the U Bein Bridge, you have no choice but to take your time.

Amarapura

Located to the south of Mandalay, Amarapura is squeezed between Taungthaman Lake and the Irrawaddy River. With a name meaning ‘City of Immortality’, the town lives up to its lofty title. Enter its borders to find residents living simple lives, steeped in religion and tradition.

As the town is open for visitors, plan to travel over from Mandalay for the day. A typical experience will involve trips to historic sites, exploration of religious monuments, and a trip across a particularly long bridge.

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From Quarter to Quarter; Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem, Israel

The birthplace of Christianity and Judaism.  One of the three sacred sites of Islam.  An important historical point for the western world.  All three of those preceding places can be found in the Israeli city of Jerusalem.

The present day religious center acts as a pilgrimage for spiritual people with all sorts of beliefs.  With a day spent walking around Jerusalem, visitors can get a great idea of just how special this place is.  Grab your map, put on your walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera.Continue

Breathless at Potala Palace; Lhasa, China

Lhasa, China

In the midst of Tibet‘s Lhasa Valley stands a monumental structure, towering above the plains in the foreground of the towering Himalayas.  With centuries of history to back up its intricate architecture, it’s no wonder the Potala Palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History Potala Palace

While the most recognizable structures were built in 1645, the grounds have been considered sacred since the 7th century when Tibetan Emperor Songstan Gampo first erected a modest palace to be used as a meditation retreat.  The palace stood proudly until the 10th century when it was destroyed by natural forces.

The 17th century brought with it the 5th Dalai Lama, who had the palace built as it stands today.  Using the grounds as his winter palace, the buildings have stood strong through a series of uprisings and revolutions that destroyed many Tibetan monuments and artifacts.

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A-Ma Temple; Macau, China

Macau, China

The meaning of a place’s name is rarely represented by a single sight.  For that sight to be a man-made structure is rarer still.

However, A-Ma Temple can take credit for the designation of China’s special administrative region of Macau.  The temple, more than a sum of it’s story, has become one of the region’s most popular attractions.

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Ancient Ruins; Hampi, India

Hampi, India

With piles of bright orange boulders, lush green palms and plant life, dramatic skylines, and the Tungabhadra River, it’s no surprise that this Indian oasis was selected as the perfect place for an empire.

Today, the ancient Hindu ruins of Hampi are a huge draw among tourists, historians, and religious people like.

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Sea of Temples; Bagan, Myanmar

Sea of Temples; Bagan, Myanmar

The historic region of Bagan is well-known for its massive collection of temples.

Don’t plan on seeing them all.  You won’t have time.

You’re spending three days in the area?

You still won’t have time…Continue

Explore Oasis Ruins; Palmyra, Syria

Palmyra, Syria

Look for a significant oasis in the middle of the desert and you are bound to find some remnants of human life.  In such a dry climate, it’s only logical that people decide to stop and rest.  Some oases serve as a rest stop while others serve as the grounds for a settlement.  The Syrian region of Palmyra is an example of the latter.

With a history dating back to the Neolithic Period, Palmyra shows ample evidence of being a once great city.  Standing proudly on the sight is a collection of ruins, preserved in such a fashion to reveal the truly grand scope of this oasis empire.

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Fushimi Shrine at Mount Inari; Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Shrine at Mount Inari; Kyoto, Japan

The highlight of hiking up a mountain is usually the view from the top.  There are a few interesting sights on the way up and the base typically holds some sort of parking lot or entrance gate. 

Mount Inari, located in Kyoto, stands out as an exception.  While the view is certainly something to admire, the shrines below the summit are what attract travelers from around the world.Continue

From Past to Present; Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos

Set amongst a dramatic Lao landscape, Luang Prabang is an essential trip for visitors exploring the landlocked Asian nation.  The region serves to showcase the integration of Laos’ past and present, blending ancient traditions with modern culture.

Luang Prabang Travel

Bordering the Mekong River, Luang Prabang served as the capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom until the 16th century when the seat of power was moved to Vientiane, Laos’ current capital.

The largely Buddhist city is well represented as such with a slew of temples and monasteries.  In addition to its religious history, Luang Prabang’s monarchical roots have blessed the city with a modern palace and an impressive collection of treasures.Continue

Wat Sisaket; Vientiane, Laos

Wat Sisaket; Vientiane, Laos

In the city of Vientiane, historic sites are hard to come by.  The modern metropolis has been unable to avoid destruction and development.  Where museums serve to educate visitors, they don’t always paint an accurate picture of the past.

Luckily for Laos’ capital city, there is Wat SisaketContinue

Ruins of the Khmer Empire; Vat Phou, Laos

Khmer Empire; Vat Phou, Laos

Towards Laos’ southern tip, away from the congestion of populated cities, lies the ruins of Vat Phou.  A site of both historic and religious importance, the region offers visitors a glimpse into a nation’s past.

As the natural landscape gradually reclaims Vat Phou, the site is a synthesis of field and stone, of forest and structure.Continue

Food, Shopping & History; Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai – located along the Ping River amidst Thailand’s highest mountains – holds several distinct appeals for travelers.

Some come here to escape the humidity, others come for culture, while still others flock to Chiang Mai to study yoga and/or practice meditation. Whatever your reason, you’ll quickly discover its not a “second Bangkok”,  but rather a vibrant, bustling city with its own distinct flavors.

Below are the highlights of Chiang Mai.Continue

Immaculate Roman Ruins; Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek, Lebanon

Recent headlines have dissuaded many people from considering Lebanon as a potential travel destination.

This is unfortunate as the country has many special sites to explore its rich history.

If the political situation should calm down, one of the attractions that will draw many visitors is the ruins at Baalbek.Continue

Trek Mount Chomolhari; Thimphu, Bhutan

Trek Mount Chomolhari; Thimphu, Bhutan

Your lungs will be begging for oxygen as you continue to travel upwards…

Your legs will be aching and your knees will be shaking…

Despite this, you’ll continue the trek…

You’ve worked for days to reach the base of Mount Chomolhari.

When the time is right you’ll take a break and look out across the landscape.  You’ll pose for a picture at the edge of a narrow path.  You’ll understand why Bhutan deals in ‘Gross National Happiness’. Continue