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.

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

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.

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