Ultimate Tourism Travel Blog

It may be 350 years since Antwerp's political and economic heyday, but it was some heyday. Between 1500 and 1650, the Flemish city was one of the most powerful and influential trading centres in the world, dominating the lucrative pepper, silver and textiles markets (the diamonds came later). Much of the vast wealth generated – some historians call it the richest city in Europe – was poured into the arts. The squares were beautified, the churches and cathedral embellished, and a thriving artistic community grew up on the back of lavish commissions for portraits and religious art. Among the painters born, trained or drawn here were Gossaert, the subject of a major retrospective about to open at the National Gallery in London, Frans Hals, Teniers, Jordaens, Brueghel, Rubens and Van Dyke. Antwerp remains one of the most culturally fascinating and under-appreciated cities in Europe, and ideally suited to a short break. The cuisine is outstanding, its designer shops enjoy internation

We’re all aware that cruising is one way to have a sensational vacation. But there is cruising… and then there is luxury cruising. If you didn’t think six-star quality existed you’d be wrong, because the luxury that can be found on some of the highest end cruise ships have it ready and waiting for anyone with the money. So whether you are looking for such a trip, or just a nice daydream – here are 3 top routes to consider… dream on! South America and the Panama Canal The Panama Canal is perhaps one of the world’s finest and most wonderful engineering feats and has to be seen to be believed; what better place to see it from than the luxury and comfort of a top cruise ship? South America cruises are often linked with trips to the Panama Canal, but South America in itself offers the opportunity to see a huge array of diverse and unusual landscapes. A 14 day cruise touring dense rain-forests and beautiful beaches can be yours for just $5,500 or so, making this a relatively affordable opt

International Kite Festival is held at Ahmedabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a festival that heralds a change of season marking the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere - a celebration to mark the end of winter. The skies are blue and clear, a cool breeze blows and a feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the kite-flying day. Kite-flying day in Gujarat is an extraordinary day, unlike at other places. Ahmedabad, Gujarat's premier city, leads the way in the celebration of Uttarayani, and is the venue of the International Kite Festival. Kite-flying festival is being held in important cities of Gujarat each year. The festival draws expert kite-makers and flyers not only from cities of India but also from around the world. Designer's Kites of infinite variety are displayed at the venue. THE BELIE

The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex. Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be see

Second only to cricket – or is it the other way around? – is the Indian obsession with Bollywood (Mumbai Film Industry). The glitz, them glam, the masala movie, the melodrama and the aspirational lifestyles portrayed on screen took the masses by storm several decades ago and the craze is only getting stronger. Fuelled by the obsession to ‘reach for the stars’, it seems it’s almost every Indian’s ambition to take a Bollywood tour, even if it means only a peep at the actors’ homes from the outside. Not surprisingly, the famous Mumbai Darshan (sightseeing) tour run by the State Tourism Department and private tour operators in Mumbai have a mini Bollywood tour on their itinerary. This usually includes a drive-by the homes of the big stars, including the Bachchans in Juhu, and Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in Bandra. Well, much of the action takes place on the sets of studios, where a large percentage of films are shot. There are structured Bollywood tours in Mumbai as Bollywood