The land of infinite wonders, Kerala has just begun to unfold its colors to the tourists who have started to pour in hordes from all over the world to capture the true essence of this magical land better described as – God’s Own Country. With its verdant backwaters, virgin golden beaches and lush green mountains, Kerala is increasingly becoming a tourist hub attracting thousands of international and domestic tourists every year from all parts of the world playing a key role in the framing and development of the regional economy. A Kerala tour has become almost a compulsory feature of all itineraries to India.

However, it is only recently that Kerala tour has become so popular among tourists all over the world. Surprisingly enough, the sinfully tempting and exotic locales in Kerala were kept hidden from the tourist spectrum for a long time. This late limelight has, however in a way proved beneficial for Kerala- the dense forests and vast backwaters have fewer plastic bags and mineral bottles that bear traces of enthusiastic tourists all over the Indian subcontinent.

Kerala is in more ways than one, India incarnate. Be it the moist supple fertility of its soil and climate, its ancient orthodox temples or the smiling hospitality of its dark skinned people, Kerala makes for most of the Westerner’s view of India. Somehow, time has not been able to etch too deep a scar on the face of Kerala and the ancient traditionality of the place and the innate awareness of that heritage among the locals is what takes one aback at his/her first Kerala tour.

You will pass plenty of sprawling spice plantation homes and rich beach and backwater resorts on any drive on the outskirts of a city and it is fascinating to see how almost all the significant structures you pass conform to the Keralian architectural traditions- conical roofs with intricately carved wood paneling and railings, brass bells hanging at doorways and pillared conical porticos rule the show. The houseboats that take tourists along on a cruise of the backwaters are all traditional wooden houseboats that were actually used by the ancient dwellers of this ancient land to traverse the stretches of emerald backwaters that connected one island to another forming an intricate network of lakes and canals teeming with a rich store of aquatic life. The Vembanad Lake notably, is the largest lake on the Kerala Backwaters.

The ancient heritage of Kerala however, has more to offer than wooden houseboats and Chinese fishing nets- it is the wealth of the ayurveda and the masked dance of Kathakali. A Kerala tour without a therapeutic massage or a Kathakali performance is an alien concept in modern day tourism. With the mushrooming of innumerable ayurvedic spas and the promotion of Kathakali by travel agents and hotels, Kerala tours have become serious competitors of Southeast Asian destinations. The Kovalam Beach and the Varkala Beach along with the backwater lakes and the Eastern Ghats are burgeoning fast and steady into a tourism market that seems increasingly to shun the city for rustic luxury with a seasoning of the exotic.

Where Asian mult-culturism rules: Singapore as a tour destination!

A cosmopolitan Island country with a stimulating mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, Singapore as a tour destination has immense scope for fun, adventure, shopping, culinary treats and romantic heart-beat moments galore. For the global tourist on the look out for great bargains, international shopping experiences, world-class products, exciting nightlife, relaxation and spa-centered rejuvenation or simply a great holiday destination, Singapore is where the fun is!

What sets Singapore apart: the essence of Singapore as a tour destination.

Varied cultural offerings and veneration for all religions, evident in the importance the state gives to freedom of spiritual belief with its plentiful churches, temples and Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls makes up the essence of truly multicultural and cosmopolitan Singapore city. A rich and diverse style of architecture as depicted in Singapore’s numerous museums, houses, shopping complexes and extraordinary office buildings portray the city’s willingness to imbibe the best of both worlds: the West and the East effectively and artistically.

Things to do while visiting Singapore as a tour destination:

A modern, metropolitan city that has a vibrant mix of old and new, contemporary and traditional establishments that co-exist in comfortable levels for welcoming global tourists is evident in the island city’s essential hospitality flavor even today: local restaurants, zoos, native food markets and eclectic social diversities are as much the crowd-pullers to Singapore as a tour destination as other aspects of fine living, such as Chijmes, a popular dining, shopping and entertainment site, Dalhousie Obelisk, at Empress Place, Istana- the official residence of the President of Singapore and Lau Pa Sat. Merlion, the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves is Singapore’s national emblem; Parliament House and the Elephant Statue, Raffles Hotel, one of the world’s last great 19th century hotels, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, Supreme Court and City Hall are other popular postcard images that make up the rest of Singapore’s landmarks!

If you’re determined to explore Asia but unsure which country to visit, you might want to set your sites on Far East Asia and travel to Japan. Here is some general but useful information that is good to know when you travel Japan. It will help you get a better understanding of Japan before your trip and allow you to experience Japan more comfortably.

About the Country

Japan consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. Together the islands take the shape of a sea horse and occupy an area of 377,435 square kms. Tokyo, the capital city, is very modern and bustling with activity, so when you travel to Japan, be ready for a few crowds. The landscape of Japan, away from the big cities, is mountainous with spectacular scenery; some of the mountains are volcanic. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and is known for its symmetrical slopes.

About the Climate

When you travel to Japan, it’s important to know the country’s seasons and when they occur during the year. The islands of Japan lie in the temperate and at the northeastern end of the monsoon area. The climate is generally mild, although it varies considerably from place to place when you travel Japan. Summer, which is warm and mild, begins around the middle of July following a rainy season that usually lasts for a month. Except in northern Japan the winter is mild with many sunny days. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year with balmy days and bright sunshine.

About the People

Before you depart to travel Japan, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the people and their culture. Japan is one of the most densely populated nations in the world, with some 330 persons per square kilometer (almost 860 persons per sq. mi.). The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major groups of East Asia. However, some evidence also exists of a mixture with Malayan and Caucasoid strains. About 750,000 Koreans and much smaller groups of Chinese and Caucasians reside in Japan.

Religious Beliefs

When you travel Japan, you will be exposed to a new world of religious and personal beliefs. Buddhism is important in Japan’s religious life and has strongly influenced fine arts, social institutions, and philosophy. Most Japanese consider themselves members of one of the major Buddhist sects.

Shintoism is an indigenous religion founded on myths, legends, and ritual practices of the early Japanese. Neither Buddhism nor Shintoism is an exclusive religion. Most Japanese observe both Buddhist and Shinto rituals: the former for funerals and the latter for births, marriages, and other occasions. Confucianism, primarily an ethical system, profoundly influences Japanese thought as well.

About 1.3 million people in Japan are Christians, of whom 60% are Protestant and 40% Roman Catholic.

Japan is an exotic and beautiful travel destination that is worth traveling to. Now you can travel to Japan for less with the lowest discount airfare on cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.