Saturday, May 17, 2014

TRAVEL SPECIAL.................. VISA ON ARRIVAL WORLD SPECIAL



VISA ON ARRIVAL WORLD SPECIAL 

EASY HOLIDAYS 

The world is waiting for you this summer! Travel to some of the best Visa-On-Arrival destinations 

    The chaos of getting documents in order to get a visa can steal the fun from your holiday. What if we say, Madagascar and Bolivia welcomes Indian tourists with open arms (just walk in with a passport valid for six months, return ticket and hotel reservations).
    Last minute holidays are becoming a reality, but let that not be a burden, plan smart but effective. Few things to keep in mind, be realistic, it is no point in trying to cover the length and breadth of the entire country, download apps and maps, so even if you’re lost, you can trace the place you want to be in. From our readers’ experiences, we have learnt that when travelling with family, do carry a lot of protein and energy bars, also a mosquito repellent, medicines for fever, cold and cough.  

TREK IN THE JUNGLES OF MADAGASCAR
REGION: Menabe, Melaky & Nosy Boraha
The animated film Madagascar made us laugh and also ‘move’ quite a bit. This summer, take your family to the country that is rich in flora and fauna. The Avenue of the Baobabs situated in the Menabe region in western Madagascar. The avenue is a photographers delight as the Baobab trees line up the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in the Melaky region in western Madagascar. Bermaraha is divided into two areas, Integrated Nature Reserve and National Park. Spread across 1,52,000 hectares, the area is known for its sharp limestone pinnacles that reach approx. 150 feet in height. Visitors can spot 11 lemur species, ring-tailed mongoose, bird species including the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle and crested ibis, Madagascar wood-rail, giant coua or Coquerel´s coua are found in the park. The next destination could be to the east coast The Ile Sainte Marie also known as Nosy Boraha. This is your perfect weekend getaway if you're a beach bum, so think diving, fishing and sailing. Would you like your kids to see the humpback whales migration? Then plan your trip between June and September, it sure is a fascinating sight.
www.madagascar-tourism.com
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Every Indian citizen can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport in the capital city, Antananarivo. For further information visit www.madagascar-consulate.org 

WALK ON SALT FLATS IN BOLIVIA
REGION: La Paz, Potosi
Often referred as ‘Tibet’ of America, Bolivia is surrounded by Brazil to the northeast, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southwest, Argentina and Paraguay to the south. Rich in cultural diversity, the country is home to more than 50 different ethnic groups.
    La Paz’s dynamic mix of ethnic and cultural heritage, this makes it a great place to vacation. The city has also earned the title of the highest national capital in the world as it is situated at 13,313 ft above sea level. Some of the best tourist attractions of La Paz is Tiwanaku, an important Pre-Columbian archeological site. It was the capital of an empire that extended into present-day Peru and Chile, flourishing from AD 300 to AD 1000. The ruins of the ancient city state are near the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca. Take as many pictures as you can. This site is beautiful, the architecture and style is impressive. You could also visit the Copacabana, a Bolivian town on the shore of Lake Titicaca. The imposing hill of Cerro Calvario overlooks the town from the north end of the beach, and it’s a moderately strenuous 30-minute climb. The best time to go is around sunset. The Copacabana Cathedral was completed in 1619 and is one of the oldest churches in the country. For souvenirs visit the Witches Market spread across the three streets, Sagarnaga, Linares, Illampu. Plaza Murillo is located in the centre of the city, it holds the Presidential Palace, which has been burned a number of times. It is said that in 1946, President Gualberto Villarroel was dragged from the palace by vigilantes and hanged from a lamp post in the square. Interestingly enough, Don Pedro Domingo Murillo, for whom the plaza was named, met a similar fate here in 1810.
    The city of Potosi was founded in 1546 after the discovery of the rich silver deposits in the Cerro Rico. Some of its wealth was used to build magnificent baroque churches and monasteries. The wealthy history of the city is still reflected in the narrow streets, colonial mansions, which makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage List. Head to the world’s largest salt flat Salar de Uyuni. Hop on a car to tour the salt flats spread across 10,582 kms. The salt is over 10 meters thick in the centre. Depending on your preferences – whether you want to see the lake in the dry or wet seasonthere are tours available from May to November. Carry sunglasses the flats can be blinding, warm clothes, water bottles and protein bars and snacks.
    www.boliviatravelsite.com
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Visa is on Arrival for Indian citizens. Few requirements passport must have a minimum validity of six months with at least two blank visa pages. For more information log on to www.indembassy.org.pe
Rashmi Henriques ETTR 140508

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