One of the most often asked questions from travelers about Costa Rica besides “How much does it rain in the rainy season?” is: “Do we really need a rental car?”. The answer depends very much on you, but by describing a bit more the conditions I can make the decision easier for you!
Driving in Costa Rica is not as difficult as it seems in some frightening reports. Nevertheless it is true that the Costa Ricans that are known for a laid-back and calm attitude seem to get into a hurry as soon as they sit behind the wheel of a vehicle. They are not alone on the planet with this particularity, the only difference is that in many other places the people seem to be always in a hurry.
The roads in Costa Rica are famous for their potholes and some destinations can only be reached on a gravel road. If you plan only to visit San Jose and Jaco you may be fine with a sedan, but it is highly recommendable to . In the rainy season you will even have to cross some rivers. Even some of the main attractions for tourists in Costa Rica are only accessible with an all-terrain vehicle. The road to Monteverde is not paved and there are no plans for doing so. The local community wants to protect this unique place and does not want that to make their place accessible for huge tourist buses.
The big advantage of is, that you are independent and can make a stop whenever you want. Fruits and crafts are sold along the roads, this is always a good opportunity to have some small talk with the locals.
You better get up early in Costa Rica, because the sun goes down around 6 pm. Driving at night in Costa Rica can be dangerous and is not recommendable. Most of the roads don’t have lights and road marking mostly exists on the main roads.
The alternative to renting a car is to travel with the extensive bus system. This is a good way to see the country and meet the Ticos. There are buses going almost everywhere in Costa Rica, connections between outlying areas are limited. The capital San Jose is the major transportation hub of Costa Rica, sometimes it is necessary to return and switch the bus here. Before you buy a ticket for the bus ask precisely if this bus really goes to the destination where you plan to go. There are several towns in Costa Rica which share the same name! You can assure going to the right Playa Hermosa by mentioning the Province where you plan to travel. There is a Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste and a Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas. There are several other examples like Naranjo and San Isidro.
Traveling by bus is certainly cheaper than renting a car, but is most often slower. There are several hundred bus companies operating in Costa Rica and unfortunately they don’t always work together. This can result in an unplanned overnight stay at a place where you missed your connecting bus.
So the decision is still up to you, but it should be easier for you take it now
.Beautiful city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia (a Spain’s province), is situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered at either end by 2 river deltas. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after its capital city Madrid. Barcelona has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million including suburbs. The varied, eventful history of the city dates back 4,000 years to the first settlements by ancient farmers. Later it became a Roman colony, the Visigoth’s capital city, and then it came under Moorish rule. It went through sieges, destructions and occupations, finally to become an autonomous democracy 1975. The city has always played an important role in political and cultural life of Spain and it is well reflected in the variety and quality of historical buildings, museums, many other tourist attractions. Today Barcelona is one of the most diverse European cities with unique culture and rich traditions. You can find here a formidable balance of the traditional things and the avant-garde. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Barcelona affords visitors a warm and sincere welcome, being acknowledged worldwide as one of the best tourist-friendly cities in Europe. Barcelona’s organization of the 1992 Olympics provided regeneration of this dynamic city, gave a fresh start to its infrastructure development. WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE: POINTS OF INTEREST – La Ramble is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buckers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jeweler. Pavement cafes and stands selling craftwork, street performers surrounded by curious onlookers, a noisy bird market, Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo mansion, the Gran Teeter del Liceu, the famous 19th-century opera house- these are all colorful parts of La Rambla’s mosaic. La Rambla ends at the lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour. Barri Gotic – also known as Gothic Quarter, it is the old part of the city. Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 and Joan Miro was born and lived here during his youth. Gothic Quarter is situated on the right hand side of the La Rambla, it contains a concentration of medieval tall Gothic buildings (14-15th century) on narrow cobbled streets and now is home to much of the city’s nightlife. La Sagrada Familia – La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous and magnificent among Barcelona’s landmarks. The life’s work of Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. Above each facade there are four towers, 12 in total, which are dedicated to the Apostles. The tower in the center, the tallest of all at 170 m., is dedicated to Jesus Christ. Around these there are the towers of the four Evangelists, and the tower over the apse is dedicated to the Virgin. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudi died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually dogged the building program. Nevertheless, the southwestern (Passion) facade, is almost done, and the nave, begun in 1978, is progressing. La Pedrera – Casa Mila (Mila House) is an apartment building, the last example of Gaudi’s civil architecture.It is one of his finest and most ambitious creations, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, and ornamental aspects. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where they can see spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work. Montjuic – the largest open space in the city, its main attractions are the Olympic installations, the Spanish Village and the hilltop fortress. Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Montjuic is covered in ornamental gardens with water features and is the most popular destination in Barcelona on Sundays. Tibidabo – is the highest hill in the wooded range that forms the backdrop to Barcelona. It has amazing views of the whole of Barcelona, a stunning cathedral, and a family fun park Parc d’Atraccions with old-style rides offering breathtaking views. A glass lift at the park goes 115m (383 ft) up to a visitors’ observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower. Modernisme – spectacular modernista architectural creations dotted around the city by famous Antoni Gaudi and his contemporaries. Camp Nou – home of F.C. Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading soccer teams, with capacity of almost 100,000 spectators. The Seu Cathedral – Built in medieval times on the site of a Roman temple, La Seu is one of the great Gothic buildings in Spain. Parc de la Ciutadella – Barcelona’s favorite park and a Sunday afternoon rendezvous for families, friends and ducks The Sardana – traditional Catalan dance, performed outside the cathedral and at national festivals, with everyone encouraged to join in.
MUSEUMS – The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -the only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is one of the finest of its kind and gives visitors an insight into the rich world of the earliest cultures on the American continent. This tiny museum contains one hundred pieces, including wood and stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, often found in international exhibitions and prestige publications. The exhibits represented the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica and Inca civilisations. Palau de la Musica Catalana – one of the world’s most extraordinary music halls, it is a Barcelona landmark. From its polychrome ceramic ticket windows on the Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side to its overhead busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, the Palau is the flagship of Barcelona’s Moderniste architecture. Museu Picasso – is Barcelona’s most visited museum. 3,500 exhibits make up the permanent collection. Picasso spent several years (1901-06) in Barcelona, and this collection, is particularly strong on his early work. Displays include childhood sketches, pictures from the beautiful Rose and Blue periods, and the famous 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez’s Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting). Gaudi Casa-Museu – Gaudi lived in this pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house from 1906 to 1926, which now houses a museum of Gaudi-designed furniture, decorations, drawings, and portraits and busts of the architect. Fundacio Miro – it was a gift from the famous artist Joan Miro to his native city. The museum opened in 1975, and now it is one of Barcelona’s most exciting showcases of contemporary art.
BEACHES – One of Barcelona’s greatest draws is undeniably its beautiful beaches. Beside world-famous Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are within 1-hr drive time from Barcelona, there are also several nice beaches over 4 km long within the city boundaries, we will list just several of them here: Nova Icaria- Closest to the Olympic marina, always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three perfect beach bars and two very popular restaurants on the promenade (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Bogatell- This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading and cycling. Three large informal restaurants on the promenade. Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk)- Barcelona’s only naturist beach close to a peaceful park – good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Barceloneta- wide and long, a traditional and popular stretch with locals, crowded, noisy and very jolly.
WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: The best times to visit Barcelona are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm, around 21-25°C. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures averaging +30 (+ 86 Fahrenheit). Especially avoid the “dead” month of August, when many shops, bars and restaurants close for the month as many local inhabitants head out of the city. Winters are cool with average daytime temperatures around +12 C (+59 Fahrenheit), occasionally rainy.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND: By a direct flight to Barcelona, or through Madrid or via another large European city from almost any major airports in the world. The highest fares are from May to September, the lowest in March-April, October-November and December to February (excluding Christmas and New Year when prices are hiked up). Note also that flying on weekends may increase your ticket cost. If traveling to Barcelona from within Europe you can also chose train, bus or car, though these take much longer than a plane and often work out no cheaper. Many Mediterranean cruises include Barcelona as a port of call.
ACCOMODATIONS: We can offer you a range of choices. You can choose vacation rentals in Barcelona starting from $ 125 USD for a double room in a 4-star apartment hotel. Or you can opt for hotels from $ 65 USD for a double room in a 3-star hotel. Accomodation prices do not change much throughout the year due to the steady all-season flow of visitors to this extremely popular tourist city and surrounding resorts.
DINING: Besides restaurants you can eat at bars where you would have a succession of tapas (small snacks- three or four chunks of fish, meat or vegetables, or salad, which traditionally used to be served up free with a drink) or raciones (larger ones). The bar option can be a lot more interesting, allowing you to do the rounds and sample local specialities. Generally, the average cost for a meal consisting of two dishes and dessert would come to about 25 Euros. Travellers on an extremely limited budget can do well for themselves by using the excellent markets, bakeries and delis and filling up on sandwiches and snacks. Decent restaurants and cafes are easily found all over the city, though you’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing, in the old town, particularly around La Rambla and in the Barri Gotic. Look for the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in Barceloneta, a seaside neighbourhood. Gothic Quarter neighbourhood is home to some of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in the city. Gracia is a very popular area among young people during the weekend, it leads the way in terms of exotic restaurants (Lebanese, Egyptian, Thai etc.).
TRANSPORT: Barcelona has excellent transport system comprising the metro (subway), buses, trains and a network of funiculars and cable cars. You can find a link to transport maps at the end of our guide. On all the city’s public transport you can buy a single ticket every time you ride, but even over only a couple of days it’s cheaper to buy a targeta – a discount ticket strip. The T-10 targeta is valid for ten separate journeys on the metro, buses and trains. These tickets can be used by more than one person at a time. The metro is the quickest way of getting around Barcelona. For black-and-yellow taxis there is a minimum charge of $ 2 euro. You’ll obviously have a great deal more freedom if you rent a car . Major roads throughout the city are generally good, and traffic is generally well behaved, though Spain does have one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in Europe. It also has some of the lowest fuel prices on the continent.
SHOPPING: Barcelona, one of the most stylish cities in Europe offers great shopping, from designer clothes and accessories to household items. You will find the city to be quite cheap for a lot of items, especially if you coincide with the annual sales ( rebaixes in Spanish) lasting from mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August. The best shopping areas in Barcelona are the old streets off the upper part of the Ramblas. Souvenirs include ceramics, which are widely sold in the streets around the cathedral; leather goods; city’s delicatessens, particularly cooked Catalan meats and sausages; a porron (the long-spouted glass drinking jar); CDs and tapes of Catalan rock and pop, sardana music, Spanish rock or flamenco. If you’re looking for original gift ideas, some of the best hunting can be found in the shops of any of the city’s museums, where you’ll find reasonably priced and unique examples of Catalan disseny (graphic), and other original items ranging from postcards to replica works of art. We wish you a nice and safe trip!
Kumarakom is synonymous with natural beauty at its best. All of this holds true while talking about Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a small and picturesque village formed by a group of islands on the Vembanad Lake. The natural beauty of the place gets augmented with the backwater lagoon, the coconut trees edging the lakes and the marshes, paddy fields, natural habitat of various species of birds, ayurvedic resorts and many other such interesting things.
A trip to Kumarakom in Kerala in India must consist of a ride on the boat over the lagoon and the Vembanad lake, body healing at one of the ayurvedic resorts, a visit to the bird sanctuary and quite a few other activities that would facilitate the tourists to explore and come into contact with the natural beauty of the place in its true form. While on Kumarakom Tour, tourists can indulge in a number of water sports like fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and windsailing.
Natural Beauty of Kumarakom can also be enjoyed at the same time on staying at the ayurvedic resorts, which are spread over huge expanse of land and present excellent accommodation to the guests. The guests are provided revitalizing and energizing massages and treatments with quite a few types of herbal oils and herbal products.
The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is another most visited tourist site in Kumarakom. This marshy stretch of land is the natural home of a number species of birds. Migratory birds make this sanctuary their abode during the winter season. The ornithologist’s dream destination, this sanctuary can be ideally travelled around during the winter season that is during November to April. Vembanad Lake is another attention-grabbing tourist destination for people visiting the place from corners of the world and adds to the natural attraction of Kumarakom. Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater lake and a boat ride on the lake is an experience in itself as the tourists can be a spectator to the beauty of the surroundings with stretches of green extending inland from the shore. The waterfalls around Kumarakom make outstanding picnic spot for both out bound tourists and locals.
The tradition and culture of the people, the calm and the tranquil atmosphere of the place makes Kumarakom an out of the ordinary tourist destination.
Author is an associate editor for . Get all possible information about and . We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages India and Flights Booking in India.
The Agra city in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the chief traveler destination. Agra is one of the most important cities which are known for its historic monuments and rich culture. The city stands on the bank of Yamuna River. Historically Agra has been very important as it was under the influence of Mughals for long time. There are many historical monuments in Agra which grab the attention of the travelers and most important being the Taj Mahal. There are several forts in Agra city which were constructed during the Mughal era. Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Fatepur Sikri are the well known edifices of the Agra city.
The tourists come to Agra from all the nooks and corners of the world, they can see the superb pieces of architecture and design which leave them awestruck. The accommodation facility in Agra is quiet good the tourist coming to Agra, don’t need to bother about it. Agra has many good hotels which one can choose according to the requirement and affordability.
The hotels are well furnished and equipped with all modern facilities that the travel seekers look for. The rooms are designed to provide a comfortable stay for the guests; the soothing décor gives the feeling of happiness to the visitors. The hotel promises friendly atmosphere to the guests. The hotel staff is well trained and tries to cater to the needs of all the visitors. There are numerous facilities and services offered to the guests which can make their stay pleasurable and give them a lifetime memory. Some of the services offered to the guests are as follows: 24 hours room service, television with satellite connection, attach washroom with continuous supply of hot and cold water, telephone facility, travel desk facility etc for the comfort of the visitors.
There are many more amenities which are given to the guests when they will stay in the hotel, the visitors can enjoy the leisure time. There are many frivolous facilities, corporate facilities; dining services and other amenities which are given are doctor on call, travel desk and help desk, laundry service, due to the numerous services offered the tourists the tourists can have the most convenient stay without any inconvenience. The hotels at Agra are situated close to the business centers and some of the tourist destinations situated in the city. Due to the location of the hotels the commuting within the city becomes very easy.
Author is an associate editor for . Get all possible information about and . We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages and Flights Booking in India.
Banglore the capital city of Karnataka is known as the IT hub of India. The city attracts tourists in large number and has many adjoining places which can be visited by the travellers who come from far flung places. Places of visit There are many places of tourist interest which are situated in and around Banglore. The visitors can go for excursion to some of the places situated near Bangalore. Some of the well known sight-seeing places in and around Bangalore include :-
Ramanagaram Ramanagaram is at a distance of 49 kms from Banglore and is the most ideal destination for adventure seekers and rock climbers. The place is known for its picturesque beauty and unique landscape. This is the chief market of silk cocoon.
Bannerghatta National Park (22 Km) This National Park is attracts the lovers of nature as there are many things to explore over here. The park is known for its picturesque beauty and lovely surrounding, there are variety of flora and fauna. There are large numbers of animals which one can see some of them are lion’s safari, crocodiles, serpents and pets corner. The government of the state also decides to start a butterfly park in the vicinity of Bannerghatta. Tipu’s Palace This palace was constructed in the year 1791, this is a striking two-storey structure which is made up of wood. The palace has number of beautifully carved pillars, balconies and arches. This is considered to be one of the most favourite summer retreats of Tipu Sultan.
Hesaragatta Hesaragatta is a fascinating picnic spot where one can have lots of fun and frolic. The visitors who are fond of adventure can also enjoy offering water sports over here. The chief attraction of this place is wind-surfing and boating. There is also horticulture farm and dairy where one would enjoy having picnic.
Muthyalamaduvu This is also referred as The Pearl Valley, and is at a distance of 40 Kms from Banglore. Here the visitors can see the stunning water-falls. This is the most perfect picnic spot where one can have lots of fun.
Janapada Loka Janapada Loka is spread over the vast land of 15 acres is a subordinate of Karnataka Janapada Parishath. This body works for the promotion and protection of the Karnataka art and culture. The complex consists of an art gallery, a studio, an open-air theatre and a museum. Janapada Loka is situated close to Ramanagaram and is at a distance of 53 Kms from Bangalore.
Author is an associate editor for . Get all possible information about and . We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages and Flights Booking in India.
North India is an integral part of India Tourism. The northern part of the country has many fascinating and historic tourist places to see and explore. It has places like hill stations, historic cities, modern cities, historical places and wildlife destinations.
Here is helpful information about top three most visited tourist places in North India.
Agra: Agra is an ancient & historical city on the banks of River Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the city of architecturally wonders where tourists have opportunity to see world famous monuments like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah, Sikandra Akbar’s Tomb, Buland Darwaza (Fatehpur Sikri), Panch Mahal (Fatehpur Sikri), etc.
Only with Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most visited tourist places not only in northern region but also in entire country. If you ask someone, what to see in Agra, the answer will be the Taj Mahal. I am sure about this answer. Taj Mahal is the not only the attraction of Agra or India but also of the world tourism. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s star attraction. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is composed in pure white marble and looks matchless at sunrise or sunset or midnight moonlight. Also it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This beautiful marble was built as love monument or mausoleum monument by the mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the commemoration of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death. It is the ultimate symbol of eternal love and very popular among honeymooners and couples who are in love.
Agra Fort is a magnificent mughal citadel in the city built by mughal emperor Akbar. Built in red sandstone the fort complex is known for its architectural excellence. It is one another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city. Some of remarkable buildings & attractions in the fort complex are Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Diwan-E-Aam (Halls of Public), Diwan-E-Khas (Halls of Private Audience), Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal (the Palace of Mirrors), Jahangir Palace, Musamman Burj, etc. You will surly love to explore this architecturally beautiful fort complex on your Agra city tours and travels.
Fatehpur Sikri (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb, Dayal Bagh, Rambagh, Chini Ka Rauza, Agra Jama Masjid, Colorful Local Bazaars, etc are other important attractions of Agra visit. So, undoubtedly Agra is a very important Indian tourist place.
New Delhi: It is the capital city of India. Like Agra, it is also known for historical monuments and many other picturesque places of tourist interest. It is also the base destination for visiting other important tourist places of north India. The city is home to three UNSECO World Heritage Sites like Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Other historic and historical attractions in the city are India Gate (All India War Memorial), Lotus Temple (one of the Seven Wonders of India), Akshardham Temple (the largest Hindu Temple Complex in the world), Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Safdarjang’s Tomb, Old Fort, President House, etc. With many attractions of tourist interest, New Delhi is undoubtedly a popular tourist place in India.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and globally famous as the Pink City of India. It is widely acclaimed for its magnificent forts & palaces, lovely lakes, gorgeous gardens, terrific temples, heritage hotels, and many other attractions of tourist interest. Some of must visit attractions in the Pink City are Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Alsisar Haveli, Rambagh Palace, Samode Palace & Haveli, Albert Hall Museum, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Kanak Vrindavan Valley, Vidyadhar Garden, Moti Dungri, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Galtaji, Gaitore, Statue Circle, etc. With these attractions, Jaipur is one of the most popular .
Besides these three cities there are many more cities and places of tourist interest in north India you will love to explore on your north . Some of the other destinations are Varanasi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Bharatpur, Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, Gulmarg, etc.
Neelam is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. She has authored many books on tour guide for and . Now she is rendering her services to
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