Enjoy the Cool Retreat of Penang Hill

Penang, a turtle shaped island is an adorable place in Malaysia. It is often known by the locals as well as foreigners as “The Pearl of the Orient”.  This place attracts by most of the tourists every year. Vibrant culture, rich heritage, multicultural society, high hills, nature parks, pristine beaches, shopping, cuisines and many more things make it a good place to visit. It is a right and worth visiting place.

For enjoying the cool retreat and refreshing air, panoramic views of the island or the Georgetown city, Penang hill is the best location. It is located at an elevation of more than 2000 feet from the sea level. By taking 30-minute cable car ride up Penang Hill from the funicular station in Air Itam or trek up the hill via the Botanic Gardens make the journey more graceful. One can also take the route of jeep track. Penang hill comprising a group of peaks including Strawberry Hill, Halliburton’s Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Government Hill, Tiger Hill and Western Hill. It stands out apparently from the lowlands as a hilly forested area. It is a popular holiday retreat among the locals as well as tourists.

Flowered landscape and a relaxing view of the hill allure anyone. Many unique flora can be seen there like the Cycad, the famous carnivorous Pitcher Plant, ferns, etc. Chirping birds around the forested hill makes the environs more crispy. Many restaurants and resorts are available there. Also, a mosque and a Hindu temple were built on the hill. Diverse trekking trails from the various lowlands are there to reach the Penang Hill. So, the tour of Penang hill becomes an adventurous tour while taking this route.  The famous pit stops at the hill are 52 and 84. At these pit stops, the view of the island is visible to hikers who are able to get some water and tea prepared by the locals stationed on the hill.

After reaching at the top of the hill, there is a 32 counder cannon having rich historical value. It weighs about 2.75 tons. The muzzle velocity of a gun powder charged by it is 1600 ft per second. It was most probably used in 18th and 19th century. Basically, it was used to warn the pirates present in or around the hills.  From historical point of view, it is a good place as many bungalows highlighting a coalescence of architecture from British colonial to Asian and Modern architecture is available there.

So Penang Hill is the place having all the characters of nature in one place. While visiting Penang Hill, one can also visit the famous Genting Highlands in Malaysia. A combine tour of Penang Hill and Genting Highlands captivate anyone to this place for a  long time due to their placid climate and nature.

Top 5 Destination Places in Transylvania

Transylvania, a place having several reasons to visit. Both geographically and historically, it is an interesting place. The history of it lies behind the Vlad III Tepes or commonly called as “Dracula” and the geography lies in its natural scenery. Many medieval forts, castles, fortified churches, fortified citadels, tall mountains and ski resorts are available here. Some of the destinations listed below are worth to visit.

5. Saxon Fortified Churches

Hamruden/Homorod, Saxon Fortified Church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Bonnesdorf/Boian saxon fortified church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Rothbach/Rotbav Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Zeiden/Codlea Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

The countryside of Transylvania is sprinkled with Fortified Saxon Churches. They are fortified as the country was often invaded from both the East and the West and to protect themselves, people built huge walls around their churches. Many invaders like the Mongols ruthlessly invade over the country. After the construction of fortified churches, it was difficult to invade the country so the invaders moved away without hurting them. However, in case the invaders still got inside then, the churches had a safe place behind its thick metallic doors where the villagers of the country could assemble if needed. It is quite interesting to see these fortified churches which have a great past behind them.

4. Poiana Brasov Ski-Resort

Poiana Brasov Ski Resort by Matt Bigwood on flickr.com

Kanzel, Poiana Brasov by Stefan Tanase on flickr.com

view from ski resort Poiana Brasov by Travis Ferland on flickr.com

This ski resort is located 12 km from Brasov. It is an exotic place as surrounded from all sides by four mountains Bucegi, Piatra Craiului, Postavaru, and Piatra Mare. It is the most popular Ski Resort among children. Atlas Mountain can also be seen from there. Hotels of this place look like medieval castle having a torture chamber and decorated in a Gothic style. It is a perfect place for Ski enthusiasts as it provides great opportunities.

3. Transylvanian Alps and Balea Lac

Transylvanian Alps by ktLaurel on flickr.com

Balea Lac by Ioana Bancos on flickr.com

Transylvanian alps by ange & ivan on flickr.com

The Transylvanian Alps or the Transfagarasan Mountains as they are sometimes called are quite imposing. They are tall enough and it is difficult to pass through them. However, the Transfagarasan highway is there to go across the mountains. Balea Lac is one of the stops along the highway, which is a lodge located high up the mountains. This place is exceedingly beautiful and is used for extreme skiing in winter. Sometimes in winter, they built an ice hotel over there to give the picturesque view of the lodge. Mountains with lodge mesmerize anyone to live there for the whole life.

2. Bran Castle or Dracula Castle

Bran Castle (Dracula castle) by Hugo Pelinski on flickr.com

Bran Castle by Josh Thielen o flickr.com

Bran Castle by Piero Damiani on flickr.com

Bran castle made out of the Dracula’s Castle is very popular among the citizens of Europe. Hearing the name of Dracula only make anyone exciting but until now there is no proof that Dracula ever stayed there. Many stories related to the past of Dracula is there. It is a fun place for all to visit. The theme of the castle is the Vlad Tepes Dracula. Inscriptions and paintings of Dracula make it a horrible site among kids. Outside the castle, there is a beautiful village museum and a market area from where one can purchase various Dracula themed items like Vampire mask, blood, etc.

1. Sighisoara

Sighisoara Citadel Square by alezhi on flickr.com

Sighisoara by dorombach on flickr.com

Sighisoara Citadel by RayMorris1 on flickr.com

Sighisoara is considered the birthplace of Prince “Vlad Tepes” or “Vlad Tepes Dracula”. He was born here in 1431 in a three storey house. This town is well preserved in the world and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the most beautiful and well-preserved citadel in Europe. It contains authentic medieval architecture and is one of the fortified towns, which is still inhabited. The buildings of this town are just imagination. Gothic ambiance spread all around the town. As we know that it is the birthplace of Dracula, so it is often considered the Vampire Capital of the World. The main sites visited by most of the people are Sighisoara Citadel, Weapon Museum, Covered Staircase, Church on the Hill and Bust of Vlad Tepes.

Checkout this Transylvania tour itinerary at MastHoliday covering the top cities with interesting spots.

Matchless Mauritius: wants to visit again

Mauritius beach, source: flickr.com/photos/9261720@N04/4359521925/

Mauritius has its unique character. It has a special vibe and attractiveness associated with it. Mauritius offers a beautiful blend of culture, shopping, historical legacy and much more. The gorgeous island of Mauritius is a beautiful place and is famous for its eternal attractions. Everything about this place attracts tourists. One can enjoy mouth watering food, vivid nightlife, beaches and much more.

shopping mall, source: flickr.com/photos/infiknight/5829663566/

Mauritius has a lot of options for leisure and recreational activities. It is definitely a perfect place for holidays. The beautiful environment is very pleasing and relaxing. The shopping experience in Mauritius is simply amazing. It is a paradise for shoppers as numerous shopping malls, street shops and boutiques are there to quench their shopping thirst. One can get their hands on the new fashion clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories, etc. Local artwork and crafts are perfect souvenirs for friends and relatives.

Mauritius beach bar, source: flickr.com/photos/27128198@N00/6332074028/

Besides shopping, water sports and beaches, Mauritius has a lot to offer to its tourists. It becomes a whole new place during the night. Once the Sun is down, Mauritius gets alive. The nightlife is very attractive and is an amazing experience. Numerous nightclubs, bars and restaurants are there, which makes the nightlife in Mauritius more colorful and exciting. The food in Mauritius makes it more interesting. One can get all variety of cuisines like Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, etc. in Mauritius. Different café and restaurants provide fantastic food that can please the taste buds of anyone.

In totality, the beautiful island of Mauritius is a perfect holiday destination. It is a great combination of both calmness and excitement. Spending holidays in Mauritius will surely add a memorable chapter in your life.

Relish Your Mind By Scuba Diving In Maldives

source: flickr.com/photos/74987031@N07/6800804109/

source: flickr.com/photos/74987031@N07/6800804109/

source: flickr.com/photos/mal-b/6980738549/

source: flickr.com/photos/mutenostrilsyndrome/409707337/in/photostream/

Planning for a holiday on the Island is like a dream come true and Maldives makes a wonder if you are planning for it. White sand, coconut palm, marine life, coral reefs, all sets it apart from the other islands. Diving facility on most of the resorts is another thing that attracts the tourists across the globe. Lots of operators are available who offers scuba diving. Many youngsters are very keen to dive in the Maldives especially because of the presence of a colorful variety of fishes like whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef rays, hammerhead sharks and moray eels and many other small fishes. The finest live-aboard dive boats and luxury resorts on the globe, makes it an unforgettable dive holiday.

Amazing Gothic Story of Dracula Castle in Romania

Hearing the word Dracula, makes anyone rouse. You have also heard many stories, myths about the Dracula-the devil. Still many people believe in it. Many researchers even now trying to find out the truth about Dracula. Is there any Dracula in Transylvania? Not have answers yet.

Actually, a very well known Bran Castle is commonly known as the Dracula Castle. It is an interesting place to explore in Romania. Romania itself has a lot to offer to their visitors, from mountains, to slow and mellow grassy and forestry hills, to the shores of the Black sea, provides an enticing experience to any seasoned traveler.

There are many stories and myths behind this castle, but no one knows the actual truth. It has a historical past involving the Vlad Tepes, a ruler idol by Romanians for standing up to the Ottoman Empire. Cognize  as one of the most horrific enemies of the Turks, Vlad started organizing the state and implement the law by applying death penalty and spike all those he considered enemies: robbers, cunning priests, treacherous noblemen, beggars, usurper Saxons.

He had clashed against everybody who tried to reinstate him either by his brother Vlas the Monk or by his cousin Dan the young. The historians called him Vlad Tepes while people say he was Dracula as he used the sign with his father’s name, Dracula “The Devil”.

Dracula word is evolved from the Romanian word for devil or dragon. This word alone carries with its witch and enigma. His castle is supposed to be Bran’s castle since its narrow corridors constitute a mysterious intricacy of ghostly cubbyholes and secret chambers easy to hide a “vampire”. The Dracula’s castle was built on the contour of the Bran Pass and nowadays induce quests worldwide who wish to savor in the saga of the Count Dracula.

Top Spain Attractions for Family Holiday

When the idea for a family holiday in Spain comes into the mind, most of the people envision about its golden beaches with blue sea water, bullfight festival and the world famous Spain national football team. But apart from that the country also offers ranges of things to do and to see to its visitors and it always affords to surprise the tourist constantly. If some people attracted towards this beautiful countryside by inspiring its rich cultural heritage, then some are gathered to enjoy its delicious foods, beach activity and to watch the spectacular scenery of countryside. Family holidays are a splendid opportunity to spend some worth time with your kids and spouse; it allows you to create an everlasting memory and builds a strong bond of love among your family members.

Let’s have a look at the best tourist attractions of Spain that you should visit:

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

The beautiful city of Spain, Madraid is popularly known for its spellbinding Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the King of the country. This 18th Century’s monumental building is located near the metro station at Opera, from where it takes 5 minutes walk to reach. Rounds walk outside the palace is truly impressive and while you enter inside the palace with the help of a guided tour, you can pleasingly explore its lavish halls, Royal Armory, residential areas and banqueting rooms of Palacio Real. You can also enjoy finest art exhibitions over here, at a free of coast.

Maria Luisa Park

Explore Maria Luisa Park by enjoying horse and carriage riding; it will surely be a new experience not only for you, but also for your kids as well. It will help you to bring a distinct peace amidst the delightful garden of historic Seville. The park consists of two avenues lined with trees and it is shaped like traapeze; ceramic-tiled benches, pools, fountains and statues are well decorated and well placed which enhances the beauty of this green area.

Sea Life Benalmadena

Walk towards the underwater park of Malaga city, Sea Life Benalmadena. It will show you an amazing stroll along the seabed. The park is the dwelling place of diverse range of aquatic species, which have been collected from Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans. The entire center is very educational and conservation oriented where kids can learn a lot about the incredible creatures of God. On request, you can also celebrate your child’s birthday inside the marine life as well; it will definitely be added more charm during your holiday.

La Sagrada Familia

Though the charming city, Barcelona is known for its famous football team, but the city is also famous for its numerous attractions. One biggest example of it is the great La Sagrada Familia. This beautiful, but unfinished building exhibits a surprising architecture, which plays a significant role in attracting the tourist towards it. La Sagrada Familia is a religious symbol of the city, which was developed by modernist architecture Antoni Gaudi.

La Concha

Feeling adventurous? Then come to La Concha. This is the best beach in Europe where you can experience surfing and swimming activity. Here, you can find plenty of budgeted accommodation options for your family, which delivers picturesque scenery of the La Concha beach. San Sebastian is the home to two other wonderful beaches as well namely Playa de Gros and Playa de Ondarreta where you can spend plenty of time by enjoying sunbathing and indulging in beach activity.

Spain has much more to offer to its visitors that you can easily explore by booking affordable Spain family tour package from Mastholiday; India’s leading and reliable travel company. So, waiting for what, grab the best bookings for Spain and make your vacation a worth memorable.

You can go through the website bookings page and send your query to us, here: www.mastholiday.com/helpdesk.html

Lost Yourself in the Most Happening Alps of Patnitop

Have you ever been in a land of stiff mountains, coated with a blanket of ruthless snows and loaded with amazing adventures? Did you ever think to wake up the little child that is hiding inside you by indulging in adventurous activities?

Jammu and Kashmir, “The Paradise on the Earth” has a full of surprises and spellbinding attractions; even people who still have not visited the state, also are very familiar about its unmatched beauty. If you are looking for an extreme adventurous holiday in this heavenly land, then the most alluring hilltop tourist destination, Patnitop of Jammu and Kashmir can satisfy your need. It will be little bit gone wrong if we give the complete credit to its breathtaking adventures; tourists who are fond of in natural beauty and wish to spend a family holiday also found a great interest at this place. Its towering trees, sparkling rivers and fresh air are a few extravagant retreats that will surely compel you to visit this site once again while you look for a hill station holiday.

There is no end of adventure activities in Patnitop, rolling just a 5 km of distance from the city; you can indulge in skiing activity, which is widely practiced in the Madhatop region. Heavy snowfall in this region during winter makes skiing practice more joyful for the adventure junkies. Fly with the tranquil wind in Sanasar region, like a free bird, after getting requisite training from a professional for paragliding activity. To make your Patnitop tour more adventurous, you can go for horse riding, trekking and camping activity which will be a true delight for your vacation.

Here, you can find the extremely beautiful and oldest Naag temple, which is situated on a top of a hill; this is the place where lord Siva and Goddess Parvati had got married. The Naag Panchami festival drives numbers of devotees towards this place every year so don’t forget to pay your homage to the divinity. Consider to visit, one another religious site of the city, Sudh Mahadev. Watch its archaeological attractions which are beautifully placed amidst the natural bounties.

The place comes alive in winter when tourists from the world gather for skiing. Patnitop is a repetitive tour destination, which you can visit anytime throughout the year, whenever you wish. If you are looking for an ideal hill station tour, then Patnitop is the place which you should never miss out whenever plan for a vacation.

For making any tour enquiries or any package bookings, send your requirements through this query form at - http://www.mastholiday.com/helpdesk.html

Summer Holidays India: Where to Go?

Winter is all time favorite for most of the people. Although, it makes people little bit idle for a few months thereafter, but they considered, this is the best time to enjoy frozen weather sitting inside a room. As summer gradually started, soaring heat and dripping sweat make people easily tired and frustrated even for a tiny thing. To get away from such high syphilis, there could not be a better option rather than going for a beautiful summer holiday destination. Summer vacation is an excellent way that allows vacationers to get instant relaxation from stress and humdrum of daily struggling life. Get ready to beat away the heat and soothe yourself with some amazing treats.

Himanchal Pradesh

If you scrutinize well, then will find numbers of summer holiday destinations in India, which will surely be the treasure of your entire life. Following are some amazing and attractive places that are surrounded by verdant green environment and cool breeze which are most popular among the vacationers.

• Shimla

The cool environments of Shimla still have the greatest magnet for Indian travelers. Lush green valley and hills surround the city from all around and therefore, Shimla is fondly referred as “Queen of Hills”.  Ark Fort, Scandal point, Jakhoo temple, Chadwick waterfalls are some of the prominent tourist’s attractions around the city that can make summer vacation more pleasurable. Its adventurous activities like trekking, horse riding and skiing always lures the tourist whenever they come either it is summer or winter.

• Nainital

The curving way of high hills of Uttarakhand is the way to reach the most romantic place, Nainital. Its high mountain ranges always enrich by natural splendors; flowing of tranquil breeze keeps you away from soaring heat all the time. Scenic grandeur, pristine lakes and hill settlement of the city never let you feel bore in any time and will experience a perfect summer retreat. Boating on the most famous Naini Lake and cable car riding are the most fascinating attractions of Nainital that not only let you experience it, but also shows the beautiful scenery during ride.

• Goa

Though, Goa gets a good crowd during winter, but such crowd can never be ignored even in summers also. Goa tour is an ideal retreat for all kinds of travelers whether they are visiting with family, friend or even with the most lovable one. Goa beach tour is very famous among all kinds of visitors and they wish to unwind their fatigue spending their holiday indulging in its adventurous beach activities like parasailing, paragliding, windsurfing, etc. Visiting Goa in summer will be the best bet for budget travelers.

• Ooty

Ooty is a popular hill station of Tamil Nadu; offers a great relief from the heat of the plains, with opulently. Cold wind blows all round the year and it balances its temperature beautifully. Summer vacation in Ooty could be a blessing for the people who like hill station tour. Ooty Lake is an ideal attraction of the terrain, offers boating facility. Rich flora and fauna of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, botanical garden, tea plantation and Dodabetta Peak are some of the highlights of Ooty that will keep entertaining you during sightseeing.

Summer holiday packages are most popular among discerning tourists, adventure junkies and natural lovers that show the way to keep away from stressful summer.

Contact our travel expert for booking and find some tour packages here: http://www.mastholiday.com/

Good Morning Beaches! Say Once Again…

A world of blue sky, but not clustered with cloud; is it a miracle? Am I in this world or somewhere else? Hey, wake up! You are in the beach planet, Goa; some also known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Many rejects to believe that how such a ravishing province could present in this world, but trust me it is true.

Most parts of this India’s smallest state are surrounded by exotic beaches that isolate Goa from the other parts of the country. Goa beaches are crowded with hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants that always become active to give better presentation to its visitors. Choosing the best beach resort in Goa, you can multiply your Goa tour experience as its personalized service is really admirable.

Baga and Calangute beaches attract lots of package tourists to get the enthralling experience in beach’s sports activities. There are also surviving multiple numbers of beaches like Arambol, Majorda, Dona Paula and Anjuna beach in this state where water sports like para-sailing, paragliding, jet-skiing and surfing are widely practiced. It depends only upon you in which beach’s resort you would like to stay to experience such unique water activities.

If you feel like indulging yourself in tasting Goa seafood and wine, then you can fulfill your wish by visiting Baga and Calangute beach. They also offer enchanting up market restaurants, fish recipes that are available in such restaurants are worth tasting. Try them all but one by one to get a better taste. If you have habits of drinking, then make it more pleasurable, outing in the night towards these beaches holding a bottle of chilled bear.

Anjuna beach is a wonderful beach destination, which is popularly known for its stunning natural beauty. Wild rave parties with trance music and flea market are two characteristic features of Anjuna. You can also join the beat of the music and can buy handy items from this location after indulging surfing activity in its blue water.

Goa beach tour package is an ideal option to catch the Goa's beach excitement effortlessly. Dreaming about Goa tour is how much simple to experience it into reality is more simpler than that, just contact a reliable travel company.

Top 5 Most Visiting Tourist Attractions of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, the gem of Central Asia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Though the destinations of Uzbekistan do not acquire the top position in the traveler’s tour destination thereafter, it is impossible to remain untouched from its unique attractions. If you are pushing your step back listening about the country, then you’re utterly and wonderfully going wrong. Uzbekistan Holidays Package promises to show you the best sites of the country where thousands of international tourists always can be spotted, indulging their time in Uzbekistan’s most famous attractions. Let’s see how Uzbekistan tourism can be a great deal for you:

• Tashkent -

Tashkent City View, Uzbekistan

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the most beautiful city of the country. The city is lined with well-developed streets and avenues, which are decorated with gardens, fountains and green parks. There are several tourist attractions in this wonderful city such as its historical monuments namely Architectural Complex Zengi-Ata, Ensemble Khazret Imam; arts and crafts shops like Alayski Bazaar and drama theaters like Theater Ilkhom, Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theater.

• Samarkand -

Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, the historic town is situated in the valley of the river Zarafshan. The city has a surprising collection of antique monuments. The legendary city has so many remarkable histories which only can be best known by visiting its historical monuments. The prime monuments of the city are Registan Square- a traditional center of the region; Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the majestic structure of Amir Temur's times and the Relic of Three Religions where Muslims, Jews and Christians all can pray together to their deity.

Apart from that, the city is the prime business hub of the region where one can find several industries and mills.

• Bukhara -

Fortress Ark, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

First time visitors can find numbers of architectural monuments in Bukhara dating back to the Middle Ages. Fortress Ark one of the oldest monuments of Bukhara is located in the heart of the city, which once was the dwelling place of rulers and their servants of that time. The great historical Silk Road is passing through Bukhara. Some worth watching attractions of the city are Bukhara museum, theatres and galleries.

• Khiva -

Khiva Streets

The desert city, Khiva is known for its majestic historical monuments. To watch its attractions, just walk along its main streets, where you will find varieties of spellbinding mosques, minarets, mausoleums and madrassas of ancient times which has given the city an enchanting look. Some famous attractions of the city where you can make your Khiva tour remarkable are Kunya-Ark Citadel, Walls and Gates of Khiva, Kutlug Murad Inak Madrassah and Islam-Hojja Minaret.

• Nukus -

Karakalpak Statue, Nukus

Nukus is a beautiful city of Uzbekistan. The main interest of the city is its three affiliated museums which one never should miss out during Uzbekistan Tour. Those are the Karakalpak State Museum, Appled Art Museum and Igor Savitsky where tourist can see more than 50,000 of paintings and work of arts which once were banned during Soviet period.