7. Amber Fort

Located in the city of Jaipur is the astounding Amber Fort. Construction began in 1592 under the rule of Raja Man Sing and this fort represents one of the few remaining examples of Rajput architecture. The fort, completed during the early part of the 18^th century, once served as the capital for the Mina tribes.

Within the grounds surround Amber Fort you’ll find yourself presented with a number of incredible sites. The fort itself was constructed with astounding gateways and pavilions and is the site of a number of magnificent palaces. Inside the Diwan hall you will find stunning paintings, mirrors, and carved Jali screens as well.

6. City Palace

Also located in the city of Jaipur is the incredible City Palace. The outermost wall of the palace was built by the famed Maharaja Jai Sing II but many of the additions after that are dated as recently as the beginning of the current century. Those interested in architecture will appreciate seeing both Mughal and Rajasthani blends throughout the compound.

The Chandra Mahal, also referred to as the Moon Palace, sits at the center of the City Palace compound and provides visitors with an incredible view of the surrounding gardens as well as the rest of the city. Inside the complex you’ll also find the Mahajara Sawai Man Sing Museum featuring a collection of amazing carpets, weapons, and artwork.

5. Gwalior Fort

The city of Gwalior dates back to the 8^th century AD. It was named after Saint Gwalipa, a hermit who was believed to have cured King Suraj Sen’s leprosy. The fort itself was built within the past 1,000 years, serving as the home of several major rules before being turned over to the Scindias in the 19^th century.

Gwalior Fort is spread out over a length of 3 kilometers and stands as high as 100 meters. Constructed mostly of sandstone, the fort contains three major temples, six distinctly ornate palaces, and several water tanks. Visitors to the walls of the fort will be treated to an amazing view of the city below.

4. Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace, located in the city of Mysore, is one of India’s more recently established palaces built in 1912. The current palace replaces the older, wooden palace that once stood in its place but was destroyed during a treacherous fire back in 1897.

Surrounding the palace you will find twelve individual temples, some of which date back to the original construction of the castle. On Sunday evenings, and during periods of festival, the entire castle is illuminated by lightbulbs. If you enter through the Doll’s Pavilion you’ll be treated to a gallery of astounding Indian artwork, oil paintings, and sculptures – not only in the main gallery but throughout the rest of the palace.

3. Red Fort

The Red Fort, otherwise known as the Lal Quila, is one of the largest surviving monuments in the Old Dehli section of the city of Dehli. Construction of this massive fort originally began in 1638 and was not completed until ten years later in 1648. Built during the reign of the Mughal government, the fort today is relatively unscathed considering it had been attacked by the Persian Emprire in the mid 1700’s and the British during themed 1800’s.

At the main entrance of the fort you’ll find a number of incredible cells where the city’s most respected entrepreneurs used to display their wares. Within the fort you’ll also find the Diwan-I-Am, otherwise known as the Hall of Public Audiences. It is believed that the emperor used to sit in the hall to give commoners an opportunity to come and voice their concerns or complaints/

2. Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal palace, constructed in 1799, sits in the center of Jaipur and is considered one of the most stunning landmarks in the city. The palace stands an incredible 5 stories tall and offers visitors views of the main streets of Jaipur.

The unique design of the palace offers a glimpse at some of the more creative Rajput artwork and architecture of the day. The semi-octagonal shape, pink color, and sandstone construction aren’t exactly what you’d expect to find in a royal palace but its design was perfect for its intended purpose – to allow the ladies of the royal family to look out upon the city below.  This individual palace is part of the overall City Palace complex.

1. Golconda Fort

Known for being one of the most stunning forts in India, the Golconda Fort sits proudly on the outer edges of the city of Hyderabad. Originally built during the early part of the 13^th century, Golconda Fort is now a collection of intricate and intriguing ruins.  The fort stood strong until 1687 when its government was betrayed, causing it to be captured by the Moghuls.

The main fort stood 120 meters tall and is protected by solid stone walls. One of the most incredible features is not the construction but the amazing acoustics that resulted. If you were to clap your hands while standing in the grand portico the sound would echo all the way to the top of the hill where those in Durbar Hall could hear it.

Make sure you include trips to at least a few of these forts and palaces to your itinerary when you visit India. We guarantee you’ll be amazed at all there is to see and learn.

Badshahi Masjid Lahore

Badshahi Masjid Lahore loosely translates to “one more angel” and is the second largest mosque in the country of Pakistan. Located in the city of Lahore, the mosque was built in 1674 and can hold up to an astounding 55,000 people at a time.

This particular mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Aurenzeb, who is fondly remembered as the last of the Mughal rulers. Build adjacent to the Lajore Fort, the mosque incurred a great deal of damage later on during the Sikh Rule and was once even used as a horse stable. At one point Muslims weren’t even allowed to worship within the mosque’s walls, forced to gather in a small place on the lawn.

After the British took control of India they used the mosque as a place to practice shooting and store their cannons. They even went as far as demolishing one of the walls to prevent the Muslims from using it as a place to gather to discuss their anti-British sentiments. Later the British returned the mosque to the Muslims, who then spent hundreds of years carrying out extensive repairs. The mosque undergoes constant construction and change to this day.

Seaview Beach

On the shores of Karachi, Pakistan you’ll find a beach that is considered one of the most safe and peaceful in the country. Even during times of political unrest, citizens from all over Pakistan flock to Seaview Beach and the surrounding areas to relax and enjoy time spent with their families and friends.

Visitors may bask in the warm sun or swim in the Arabian Sea. Those who prefer to be a bit more active may enjoy horse or camel rides along the beach, visiting the local amusement parks, or simply relaxing in one of the area’s finest restaurants.

At one point the people of Karachi had very little entertainment aside from the beach. In recent years new cinema houses (or movie theatres) were built and international films are frequently released there. The cinema houses built in this area are for families only. In Pakistan this means that men are not allowed to attend, either alone or with other men, unless they are with a family, a female, or a child.

Camel Caravan

For hundreds of years the camel was the primary mode of transportation throughout Pakistan. The camel has the unique ability to survive the desert for long periods of time without even a drop of water. Camel caravans were once used to transport goods from place to place, though they are now more frequently seen pulling camel carts instead. Modern fuel-efficient vans have even replaced camels in some areas.

Seeing a camel caravan in person, however, is an incredible experience. These amazing beasts stand tall and proud, with a level of strength unrealized by most. You’d think that the widespread use of the camel in work would have led it to become an endangered species, but instead the camel population in Pakistan continues to flourish.

Outlandishly Overcrowded Buses

This image isn’t presented to poke fun or to criticize. The sad truth is that we often wake up each morning, shower and eat breakfast, and then hop in our cars to go about our day. The affluent men throughout Pakistan are privileged enough to do the same, but those who must labor a little harder for the livings have a harder road to hoe. They’re often up at 5am, sometimes earlier, to try to catch space on these buses.

This bus in particular drives through the city of Karachi. The next time you feel the urge to complain because your bus or train is standing room only, remember that things could be worse. Some rich man might’ve painted a bus with bright colors in the hopes that it would draw attention, only to realize that there aren’t nearly enough resources to transport everyone who needs to get to work. Yes – it could be worse. You could be sitting on the roof.

Faisal Masjid Islamabad

The Faisal Masjid Islamabad is an incredible example of classic architecture in Pakistan. This mosque is amongst the largest not only in Pakistan, but in the world, with a seating capacity of up to 300,000 worshippers.

In 1966 King Faisal visited Islamabad and suggested a mosque be built. Dozens of proposals were submitted by architects all over the globe and it took four days of deliberations before the design by Vedat Dalokay, a Turkish architect, was chosen. The government of Saudia Arabia funded the building project at a cost equivalent to $120 million dollars!

A trip to Pakistan will be an experience you never forget, but it won’t be complete unless you’re able to get a taste of what life is really like throughout the country. Do your best to make it a point to see at least a few of these incredible sights. You’ll gain a great respect for life in Pakistan and you’ll never forget the memories you create while you’re there.

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While conditions in Lebanon, from radical quarters of the capital Beirut to border areas near Israel, are far from ideal, there has been a sharp reversal of the tourism decline in recent years. From 450,000 foreign visitors in 1995 to more than double that in 2005, there are definite signs of optimism in Lebanon. And why not? With a rich culture, pristine Mediterranean coast, ski resorts, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vast network of historic towns, the country has a lot to offer.

Beqaa Valley is one of the premier jewels in Lebanon’s crown. The fertile valley is without a doubt, the country’s most important agricultural region. As a result, the lush landscape represents one glorious tourism destination. Here are ten great reasons to head to Beqaa.

Lake Qaraoun

Lebanon’s only man-made lake was the result of a hydroelectric dam built in 1959. With future plans to use the lake to irrigate nearby farmland, Qaraoun now serves as a preeminent recreation spot, with myriad watersports and superb seafood restaurants up and down the shore.

Zahle

Notable for clean, fragrant air and a rich culinary heritage, Zahle is the “Bride of the Beqaa Valley”. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, the town ranks third in Lebanon in population terms. For mezze, the powerful spirit arak and wine, Zahle is ground zero in Lebanon.

Roman ruins of Baalbek

Just east of the Litani River, the town of Baalbek plays a vital role in national tourism. Home to beautiful temple ruins that hint back to a time when the town, then Heliopolis, was a major sanctuary in the Roman Empire. The colossal network of impressive ruins received UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 1984.

Umayaad ruins of Anjar

The town of Anjar, whose small population is for the most part Armenian, boasts several critical archaeological sites that date back to antiquity. Built in the 8th century by the Umayyad Caliphate, the second community of Muslim leadership after the death of Muhammad, the ruins that stand today in Anjar are remarkable.

Kherbet Rouha

A mere 10 km north of Mount Hermon, the conservative Sunni Muslim town of Kherbet Rouha is notable for fabulous mosque architecture that features a minaret spire that soars above 100 m.

Bechouat

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bechouat is why the vast majority of tourists come to this small Beqaa Valley town. Since the discovery of a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary in a deep cave in 1741, Bechouat has become a major pilgrimage site in the Christian world. A church now sits on top of the cave.

Phoenician ruins in Kamid al lawz

German excavations that began here in 1963 and took place over a period of twenty years unearthed a peerless network of ruins from the Chalcolithic or Copper Age. The vital discovery was a signal that as early as 4,000 B.C., there were traces of human civilization in the Beqaa Valley town of Kamid al lawz.

Kab Elias

About 20 km south of Zahle, the town of Kab Elias features spectacular Roman and Druze ruins, agricultural festivals and a network of pristine natural springs, especially popular with Beirut residents. Most inhabitants of Kab Elias are farmers in one form or another and as a result, the town offers superb cuisine.

The Aammiq Wetland

A vital UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Aammiq is a peerless refuge for endemic bird life and marsh flora. The important ecosystem also supports vast animal life, from jungle cats to otters, porcupines to wild boars.

Vineyards and Wine Tours

Long before France and Italy, there was wine production in Lebanon. The Phoenicians were pioneers in this regard and spread the concept of viticulture throughout the immense Mediterranean region. The clement climate of the Beqaa Valley makes it ideal for grape growth and wine production and as such, visitors to the area clamor for tours at a handful of notable vineyards.

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One notable ripple effect of our collective lust for oil is the rise of the United Arab Emirates. The federation of seven states between Saudi Arabia and Oman on the Persian Gulf has become a potent force since the development of petroleum and natural gas reserves about a half century ago. The economic success story was almost overnight, at least by historical standards. Rudimentary towns with mud huts and camels on dirt roads gave way to super skyscrapers and Bentleys in a matter of decades. Whether or not you take the hyper development of the UAE as a sinister allegory of our insatiable appetite for oil, the urban transformation of the country has been remarkable and in some areas, dwarfs the recent accomplishments of China.

Not to suggest that Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the twin UAE powers in light speed construction booms, are a modern Sodom and Gomorrah. However, there is an element of ominous fascination in their phenomenal (and literal) rise, not to mention a sense of epic Biblical scale. Dubai is on a mission to horde the giant cranes of the world, with myriad construction projects without precedent. The travel press has a love affair with the emirate city. Ventures like underwater hotels, gargantuan theme parks and record skyscrapers tend to draw attention.

But Dubai is not the only UAE city with a contingency plan to combat oil caches in decline. Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, has a big bet on tourism as a key driver of the future economy as well. Here are some of the best attractions the city has to offer, as well as major projects on the horizon.

Qasr al-Hosn

Extensive archaeological research is under way to discover the myriad secrets behind the old stone structure known as Qasr al-Hosn. The fort, palace and former sheikh residence complex is a virtual leap back to a time when oil wealth was alien to the people of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

Culture is where Abu Dhabi may well try to create distance from Dubai in terms of tourist allure. The Cultural Foundation is one such display of a lofty vision to jostle with Cairo for supremacy in the Arab World and Diaspora. Next to Qasr al-Hosn in downtown Abu Dhabi, the Foundation hosts a variety of exhibits, lectures, concerts, workshops and events that relate and connect to the cultural heritage of the city and UAE as a whole.

Saadiyat Island

One of the most ambitious urban development projects in the world, Saadiyat Island is many attractions in one. The hope is to complete the artificial extension of Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat by 2018, at a total investment of $27 billion USD.

Residential pockets on the island should support upward of 170,000 people, with new causeways to ferry them to Abu Dhabi proper. In terms of entertainment and leisure however, citizens of Saadiyat may never have cause to leave their new home. From museums to recreation, boutique hotels to beachfront, on paper at least, Saadiyat appears idyllic.

The marina will have room for 1,000 boats, hotels and luxury apartments. Of course, ample space will be available for commercial and entertainment enterprises. Another area will house a grand city park with equestrian centre and waterside property. Vast swaths of land will provide beaches, championship golf courses, wetlands and other natural attractions, all with the requisite regalia that seem banal now in the UAE, such as five-star hotels and state-of-the-art leisure and entertainment options. The jewel of Saadiyat however, will be the cultural district. If outside investment and tourism is going to flourish and save the project from potential bankruptcy, it should happen here.

For one, the district will house a brand new Guggenheim Museum, with design by Frank Gehry. In his trademark style, Gehry will produce what many expect to be the Guggenheim of record, at least in terms of architecture and size. With his indelible stamp left on the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, Abu Dhabi expects the impossible from Gehry this time around.

In addition to the Modern Art Museum, the Saadiyat cultural district will have a new Louvre to boast about. The UAE incarnation of the Paris staple will be complete by 2012, at a cost of $1.3 billion USD. Other attractions include a performance arts centre, a maritime museum and a defact national museum of the UAE. Tourists to the cultural district will be quite comfortable in the luxury hotels on tap for development.

This is all of course, the tip of the iceberg for Abu Dhabi. Similar new city developments will stretch the metropolitan area of the UAE capital to support the population growth and tourism industry. One such project, Masdar City, will rely on renewable energy and will open a new branch of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A strict ban on automobiles, as well as other “green” initiatives, will be in place with the hope that Masdar City will become a world model to emulate. On the other side of the coin is Ferrari World, a theme park whose sole purpose is to draw more attention to the Italian brand. Abu Dhabi will further support Formula One with a new Grand Prix circuit on Yas Island.

Check out great UAE hotel rates before you visit Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

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