Perfect Souvenirs of Romania

Romania, a country of natural beauty, rich diversity and cultural heritage is very popular among globe trotters. Scenic landscapes, mountains, archaic rural areas, historical cities, vibrant culture, serene atmosphere, etc. make it beautiful to such an extent that number of visitors are increasing day by day. Several small cities mix together to make a unique country known as Romania. Each city of the country has its own significance. To remember the trip to Romania, shopping can be done from various markets or grocery stores of the different cities. It can be challenging but surely full of fun and amazement. Some of the finest souvenirs that one can shop and take home are discussed below that surely help you while shopping. 

Floreasca Sky Tower, Bucharest in  Romania

 

Bistrita, A Town of Romania (Image by Ramona R on Flickr)

Romanian Folk Costumes & Handicrafts

Romanian folk costumes are popular all around. All the handicraft shops sell different kind of folk costumes. Textile and handicraft items are very common in this place as most of the people have animals like sheep, goat, etc. from which they easily make out the raw material for their product. So, it is the main occupation of the place.  Silk beads and trumpery are used mainly for decorative purposes.

Romanian Handicraft (Image by Gratziella Vlaicu on Flickr)

Romanian Wine

Romanian wine is an excellent souvenir. There are a wide variety of fine and reliable labels that can be chosen.  Almost two per cent of Romania’s agricultural land is given over to vineyards that make Romania one of the world’s top 10 wine producers. Best known wines making regions are Dobrogea (reds), Murfatlar, Dealul Mare, Tarnava, Cotnari, Recas, etc. Different kinds of wines are produced there.

Religious Icons

In Romania, the Christian religion is very popular as most of the people belongs to this community. Many churches are there that have beautiful architecture, elegantly decorated and boast superb interior. Some deeply religious people of Romania placed a couple of icons on their walls. Bucharest is the place where you can find the religious icons easily and of varying quality. Colorfully framed icons are the best ones. Many shops also sell bibles, religious books, etc.

Putna Church and Monastery, Romania (UNESCO World Heritage) Image by Frans Sellies on Flickr

Entrance to the church at Putna monastery (Image by Frans Sellies on Flickr)

Interior of Putna Monastery (image by Wayne W G on Flickr)

 

Interior of Putna Monastery (Image by Liviu lonescu on Flickr)

Traditional Clothing

Each region has its own culture and clothing, similarly Romania has its own way of clothing. Most of the people purchase that as a most rememberable souvenir. Shirts, blouses, trousers and skirts with accessories like waistcoats, aprons, scarves, hats and fabric belts are usually worn there. Again, Bucharest is the best place to find traditional clothing and most probably at the Peasant Museum. In Peasant Museum, prices are high but quality is good and genuine. 

Romania Souvenirs (Image by camelia TWU on Flickr)

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Steaua Bucharest Shirts

The name of this shirt is named after the best European football team Steaua Bucharest as it is the most successful team. These shirts can be found in any Nike store in Bucharest, Romania. Nike stores are available in different places like Bucharest Mall, AFI Palace, Unirea Shopping Center, etc.

Local Designers Material

One can also purchase a pair of handmade shoes from Romania’s designer either of the famous one or the local one. Both provide the perfectly finished item. It may not be the cheapest souvenirs but surely be unique one. They are customized basically, so you can make it according to your choice of design and color. For clothes, many local designers are available that make the dress according to your wish as they have a wide range of designs. So, you just have to choose the design and they will make it within some hours. 

All the above said souvenirs are just the suggestions as there are number of souvenirs that can be bought from Romania’s popular cities Bucharest, Sighriasoara, etc.  So, you can also add other souvenirs in the list of the above.

Beautiful Ooty – The Queen of Hill Stations in India

Ooty is a beautiful and very famous hill station of south India and is known for its unmatched natural beauty. The green valleys of Ooty are so eye-catching that the British, during their rule in India, gave it the name the queen of the hill stations. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Nilgiri literally means blue hill and that is why Nilgiri hills are also called the Blue Mountains. Before the British took the region under their control, Ooty and its surrounding area was occupied by Toda people.

View of Ooty

The British developed this area into a beautiful hill station to escape from the Indian summer heat. It served as the summer capital for many big and small south Indian kingdoms during the British Raj. Ooty is well-connected via roads. On the way to Ooty, one can enjoy the picturesque beauty of hills, forests, lakes and tea gardens. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway also connects Ooty with nearby stations.

Ooty

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the people of Ooty. It remains a major tourist hotspot for almost the entire year. The breathtaking beauty of Ooty and its surrounding areas also makes it is one of the prime destinations in India for honeymoon. The cool and pleasant environment draws in a lot of honeymooners to Ooty for spending honeymoon vacation. There are many other tourist attraction nearby Ooty like Doddabetta Peak, Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Emerald Lake.

Emerald Lake near Ooty

Our Entry for ABC Wednesday - Q is for Queen of Hill Stations in India, Ooty

Top 7 Thrilling Destinations for White Water Rafting

Sculling over whirls of turbulent water and watching the side lanes that go by can easily scramble adrenaline. Besides the high energy fizz, white water rafting also makes an exciting way to explore the immense beauty of backcountry. Men and women of different nationalities raft with a common mission, i.e. to cross the rapids bravely. What better way is there to see the Grand Canyon and the flow of the Colorado River? How do you get closer to the Victoria Falls? So, rafting is the thing through which you can see the beautiful creatures of the nature. Here is a list of some best destinations for white water rafting. So, get ready with the swim jacket and join us on this wet & fierce ride.

Zambezi River

Rafting in Zambezi River

Zambezi River is located in Zimbabwe. White water rafting is something adventurous and should be experienced by adventure lovers. Warm sunny weather, scenic beauty of Africa captivates anybody there while jouncing around at the base of Victoria Falls. You can also round off your rafting experience with camping on white sandy beaches and wildlife for which it is famous.

Colorado River, Grand Canyon

Rafting in Colorado River

Rafting in this Grand Canyon trip is supposed to be the best one according to many visitors. This area has many things to offer to its visitors like 226 miles of rafting which is really a surprising thing for anyone, hiking paths up the canyon and the famous Indian ancient ruins, view of the Grand Canyon, pristine beaches, campfire, amazing beauty of the Colorado River, etc. Exploring the great national parks of America like the Grand Canyon National Park becomes easy through river rafting. One by one surprises of this place exhilarate the visitors that rush their adrenaline at a great instant.

Costa Rica

Rafting in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another gem of the white water rafting spots in the world. It has something for everyone. From families to adventure junkies, all find this place adventurous enough to dwell in it. Its natural exotic beauty and stunning wildlife captivate anyone to this place for a long time. All these qualities make this place an ideal holiday spot.

Futaleufu River

Rafting in Futaleufu River

This river is located in Chile and is not known only for white water rafting but also for its unique permanent river camps alongside the river. They are built with river side Hot tubs, Hot showers, Tree-houses, beds, etc. and provide many facilities. If you feel tired of rafting, then you can take rest in these camps or can try horseback riding, hiking along the river. These are also adventurous and preferred by most of the visitors.

Idaho River

Rafting in Idaho River

Idaho is known for its thrilling adventure of white water rafting. It is an adventurous holiday place popular for its wilderness. Scenic views of Idaho river, Salmon river, crystal clear water and soothing hot springs, all make it a natural and placid place. Enjoying rafting there is a lifetime experience due to many high bends in the river. Most liked by the adventure lover youngsters.

Yangtze River

Rafting in Yangtze River

Yangtze river, a most famous river of the world is located in China. Rafting is a tough task on this river. Till now, less than 150 people have ever rafted on this river. The huge bends that run through canyons are very thrilling. This canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, only a third as wide and the water flow is twice as forcefully as in the Grand Canyon.

Ganges River

Rafting in Ganges River

Ganges River is a very holy river of India and is supposed to be one of the best places for white water rafting in Asia. It connects many wild water rivers. Devprayag is the place where you can test your rafting skills as two big rivers namely Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet there and form the Ganges. This trip is worth as besides rafting you will get the opportunity to explore the India.

10 Picturesque Destinations in Sri Lanka

Traveling to any new place of the country is really exciting and traveling to a dazzling country adds a spoonful of happiness in the vacation. Sri Lanka is one of the magnificent destinations that entice people a lot. Its monuments, hill stations, beaches, national parks and many more places are the reasons due to which many people captivate to this place for a long time. Many of the picturesque holiday destinations are there in Sri Lanka that draw most of the people from across the globe.

10. Devon falls

Devon Falls

Devon Falls

Devon Falls is a famous waterfall in Nuwara Eliya district of Talawakele. The name of the fall named after a leading English coffee planter called Devon. His plantations were situated nearby the falls and so the name is. It is 97 meters high and ranked 19th highest on the island. It is stationed at 1,140m above the sea level.

9. Hanthana Mountain Range

Hanthana Mountain Range

This mountain range lies in the south-west of the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka and consists of seven peaks. Uura kanda is the highest among the seven peaks. In 2010, it was declared as an environmental protection area under the national protection act. The total height of this mountain range is 3800 ft. It is the favorite destination among the trekkers or hikers. There, the nature is outstanding. Floral and faunal species are in a large number.

8. Beira Lake

Beira Lake

This Lake is situated in the center of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Many important businesses have surrounded it. Approximately 165 hectares of land had been occupied by this lake about 100 years ago, but now it has been reduced to 65 hectares due to multiple reasons. In ancient times, this lake was used to transport goods within the city. It splits into two lakes namely the Lesser Beira and the Greater Beira. Both the lakes have numerous species of colorful fishes.

7. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Large-billed Leaf-Warbler in Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a forest reserve located on a hill-ridge in the Kandy, Sri Lanka. It extends about 257 acres in area. The whole sanctuary is famous for its avifauna. Around 80 avifaunal species have been listed to be there in the sanctuary. Many plant species, mammals, reptiles inhabit in this sanctuary. Plant species include both the flowering plants and the non-flowering plants. This sanctuary also encompasses three Buddhist monasteries. Monks enchant there in a large number.

6. Hakgala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Seetha Amman Temple

This garden is one of the best three gardens of Sri Lanka and also the second largest garden in the country. It is located on the Nuwara Eliya road. It has a cool climate and natural location enthralls everyone. It was established in 1861 to take the experimental cultivation of Cinchona tree but, after some time, due to excess of tea in that region, Cinchona was replaced by Tea and it becomes an experimental Tea Cultivation garden. In the folklore, it was said that the Sri Lankan King Ravana after abducting the Sita, kept her in this garden. Even this place is mentioned in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika. Also a temple named after Seetha (Seetha Amman Temple) is located one kilometer away from the garden. Thus it is an important destination to cover in the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka. Over 10,000 species of flora are planted there and mostly famous for the species of Orchids and Roses as they are planted in a large number.

5. Wilpattu National Park

Elephant in Wilpattu National Park

White-rumped Shama

Wilpattu National Park is the other attraction on this island. The exclusive aspect of this park is the existence of Natural Lakes, sand rimmed water basins that naturally fill with rainwater. About 60 lakes and tanks spread in all over the park. This park is the largest and oldest in the whole Sri Lanka. Many species of flora and fauna exists there. Different species of Mammals, Reptiles, Aves, etc. can be seen there.

4. Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green, a long stretch of lawn facing the sea located in the heart of the Colombo, one of the top five cities of Sri Lanka. It was laid out in 1859 by the Governor of British Ceylon and basically used for the horse racing and as a golf course. Currently, it is a 5 hectare stretch and is the largest open space in the Colombo. It is a popular destination among children, lovers, teenagers, merchants, peddlers, kite flyers, etc. It is really a rendezvous spot.

3. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

It is one of the oldest and the only 18 holes Golf Club in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya, a famous hill station founded by Samuel Baker. It is famously known as the Little England. This Nuwara Eliya Golf Club spans across the 100 acres of land. It was built by a Scottish soldier of the Golan Highlanders for the British servicemen. Playing the game on this course’s grass is really a fascinating experience.

2. Sri Pada

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak

Sri Pada means sacred footprint, well known as Adam’s Peak. Sacred footprint refers to the footprint shaped mark at the peak, which is believed by Buddhists to be that of the Buddha, Christ & Islamic traditions believe that it is of the Adam and the Hindu believed that it is of Shiva. It is a tall mountain of 2,243 m height and is centrally located in Sri Lanka. The footsteps are covered by a beautiful roof and are guarded by the priests as it is the important pilgrimage site. Climbing up the mountain at night is a different experience. So, one can feel that experience over there. The surroundings of this region are heavily forested. The area along the mountain range is a wildlife reserve as it houses many species of leopards, elephants and many endemic species also.

1. Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is one of the famous historical monument and one of the heritage sites of Sri Lanka. It is located on the top of the rock and shaped like a lion so named it as the Lion Rock. It is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so it is one of the most visited sites in Sri Lanka. The environment around the rock shows that the nearby area was inhabited by Buddhist monks and ascetics of ancient times. The site is both a fortress and a palace. The grandeur of the palace still provides a stunning look and describes itself the creativity of its builders. It is considered as a site showing the best urban planning in the first millennium.

Our Entry for ABC Wednesday - P is for Picturesque Destinations in Sri Lanka

Burj Khalifa - The Height of Architectural Marvel

Many skyscrapers are there in the world, but Burj Khalifa in Dubai is in the list of tallest man-made skyscrapers that even crosses the troposphere of the atmosphere. It is the Burj Khalifa (829.8 m) that breaks the record of the tallest skyscraper namely Warsaw Radio Mast tower. It is a world-class destination and a splendid centerpiece of Dubai. It can be seen from a distance of even 20 miles away. Hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. make it a world class entertainment destination.

Burj Khalifa - Dubai

Burj Khalifa is a combination of science and architecture that garnered an awe-inspiring number of facts and figures. Its construction began on 21st September 2004 and completed on the 1st of October 2009. The 4th of January 2010 was the official opening day of the building. Its architectural design was crafted by Skidmore in Chicago and engineering was performed by Owings and Merrill of Chicago. The name of the tower was replaced from the Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa only to honor the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he supported it in every manner.

Burj Khalifa at Night

This tower was designed in a mix-use manner as it includes 30,000 homes, nine hotels, three hectares of parkland, 19 residential towers, the Dubai mall and the 12-hectare artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. This building is the earth’s tallest freestanding structure located in the Middle East. It was built to get the more international recognition and so investments will also be increased.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Burj Khalifa broke many records when it was completed. It became the tallest existing structure, tallest structure ever built, tallest freestanding structure, tallest skyscraper and the tallest skyscraper to top of antenna. It also became the building with the most floors, i.e. 163, building with world’s highest occupied floor, world’s highest elevator installation, world’s longest travel distance elevators, highest vertical concrete pumping, world’s tallest structure that includes residential space, world’s second highest outdoor observation deck, world’s highest installation of an aluminium and glass facade, world’s highest nightclub, and many more.

Burj Khalifa

As we know that the tower is too high so, to support this unprecedented height of the building, the engineers create a new structural system called the buttressed core. This buttressed core consists of a hexagonal core augmented by three buttresses that form the Y shape. This structural system permits the building to support itself laterally and keeps it from twisting.

Indoor Observation Deck

The 43rd and 76th floor houses swimming pools and 122nd, 123rd and 124th floor contain restaurants, hotels, indoor and outdoor observation deck. So, with the large number of apartments, rooms, hotel, etc. this tower can easily accommodate more than 35,000 people at a time. Thus, it is one of the major Dubai attractions. Total 57 elevators and eight escalators are installed to transfer a large number of people at a time.

View from Burj Khalifa

Outside the building, there is a large Burj Lake which has the most famous Dubai Fountain in it. This fountain (272 Mt high) is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, shoots water into the air and dances to the Arabic music on special occasions. The Burj Khalifa Park is another thing that located outside the Burj Khalifa. It spreads in the 11 hectare area designed by the architects SWA group.

Burj Khalifa Fountain

In 2011, Alain Robert was the first person who scaled the outside of Burj Khalifa and climb to the top in six hours. This building lifts the UAE’s head proudly to skywards as it surpasses all the expectations. Also in 2011, the Hollywood movie 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' used Burj Khalifa for a sequence where Tom Cruise scales the outside of the Burj Khalifa tower.

Tom Cruise climbing  Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa honors Dubai and its people very well. Any Dubai special offer for hotel booking or holidays is not a complete one if it does not include a visit to Burj Khalifa. Now, it becomes a favorite center of the world’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment. Also, it is a home for the world’s elite people.

Glide with the Dolphins at Isla Mujeres

Holiday at some special destination is a surprise for anyone but it becomes unforgettable when something different experienced by us. Isla Mujeres or the island of women is located in the Mexico and is the right place to make your holiday unforgettable. It is 7 km long and 650 meters wide and famous for its dolphin diving activities. So, visited by a large number of people.  

Isla Mujeres

Spending vacations on an island is a spine tingling thing for anyone and it becomes overwhelming when swimming can be done with dolphins. Have you ever dreamt of doing such things in your real life? Never, answer by many of you. But, my answer is that it is possible in the warm water of the astonishing Caribbean Sea. Are you sure? Asked by a person and I said yes and tell him how is it possible on this precious island of the earth.

Isla Mujeres is the place where you get a chance to make your dream come true and have a memorable holiday trip with sparkling dolphins who are the most incredible creatures of the sea. Imagine the moment when you are handshaking, kissing, swimming, playing with the dolphins. Taking the photographs of such beautiful moments always keeps you on par even at home.

After encountering with the dolphins, you will surely fall in love with them. While swimming you will be hosted by two dolphins who entertains you in all locations either on land or in water. They greet you with a kiss or a handshake and will continue to laugh with you. In a few moments, you will be able to learn tricks and fun ways to interact or play with the dolphins. During the free time, they reveal their personalities to the fullest to entertain you at a great extent and this will create some memories that will last long in a life time.   

After entertaining much, they will take you to a high speed belly ride that will be the most adventurous moment of the trip. The high speed swims through the soaring Caribbean Sea make you surprised with their fun capacity. There, you will also have an opportunity to snorkeling in the sea. You will be able to see huge bull sharks in their natural environment. They are friendly enough, so, do not harm you. 

whale shark

Conditions: -

•    Children must be more than 8 years of age to participate in all these adventurous activities.

•    Children of 8-11 years old must be supervised in the water during the adventurous activities by the “dolphin and snorkeling” agents.

•    Children shorter than 3’11” height are not allowed to participate in these kinds of activities.

•    Pregnant women cannot participate.

•    Maximum of 10 people can participate at one time to ensure a personalized experience.

Tip: - Wear life vests during the water activities for safety reasons even if you know swimming very well.

Thus, the whole trip of Isla Mujeras is a remarkable one and nobody forgets the adventure of this place in their lifetime.

Visit here to make a booking for this adventure tour.

Revel in the Honeymoon by Visiting the Offbeat Place Nuwara Eliya

Planning for a honeymoon place is not easy as one thinks, many places are there that are attractive enough to visit. But, a unique place must be there for this special occasion. Location should be like, that has natural atmosphere, vibrant air, cozy weather that keeps you close together, green landscape, natural waterfalls, peace and serenity in the atmosphere and many more things. All these things make you more romantic and comforted with your partner.

View of Nuwara Eliya

 If you are planning vacation for a hill station in foreign countries, then Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka is the best location that has everything one needs during the honeymoon. This hill station is surrounded by hill and tea plantations. The main quality of this place is that the weather is spring-like throughout the year. So, one can plan for this place anytime or in any season. This place was founded by the Samuel Baker and named it a Little England as it is dotted with English country style houses and half-timbered bungalows.

Golf Course

Tea Garden

When the bus roll and whirl up the mountain path to this town and the first cool breeze hits your face, you will surely astonish to feel it. You and your partner feel like that finally you left the hot and humid area far behind. The main attractions of the town you can find are the golf course, trout streams, Victoria park, lake boating, etc. Also, visit the picturesque waterfalls namely Dunhinda Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Baker’s Falls, St. Claire’s Falls, Ravana Ella, Bambarakanda Ella, The Lovers Leap, etc.

Water Fall

Victoria Park

In the Horton Plains National Park, many species can be found like Leopard, Sambar, Purple-faced Langur, yellow eared Bulbul and many more. You can also enjoy the Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari to intimate with your partner and dwell in romance. The tea plantation smells spreads to the long miles. Greenery makes the atmosphere more romantic. Playing golf at the famous golf resort is the other good option to enjoy with your partner to the fullest.

Wildlife

Doing photography at this picturesque location reminds you always the honeymoon time that spends together when you will see the photos again. It gives you back the memory of those days and you will surely miss the place.

These are some other articles for Sri Lanka:
- Spending the Best Days in Sri Lanka
- Top 5 Most Popular Hill Stations in India
- Enjoy the Delightful Holidays at Bentota’s Beach Resort