Take a tour around Delhi, India

One of the great things about Delhi is that it's relatively close to the mountains and a number of other diverse tourist places. There's something for everyone, including spirituality, nature, history and entertainment. If you're thinking of getting out of the city and exploring the surrounding area, read on to discover the best day trips to take from Delhi.

Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri

Want to see the Taj Mahal but don't have much time to spare? It can be visited on a day trip from Delhi. It's also possible to add in Agra Fort (it's more impressive than the Red Fort in Delhi) and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikhri for an extra dose of heritage. Taking the train is an inexpensive way of getting from Delhi to Agra, and the journey can be completed in less than two hours if you catch an express train in the morning. Here are the best train options, including for the return journey in the evening. However, if you plan on seeing multiple attractions there, it's more convenient to hire a car and driver. Check out these top places to visit in and around Agra for options. Private day tours by car from Delhi are also popular. There's more information in this essential Taj Mahal travel guide.

Vrindavan

The journey to Vrindavan can be done in under three hours from Delhi, along with the Yamuna Expressway. If you hire a car and driver to go to Agra from Delhi, Vrindavan is on the way and can be included as a stop (although you should really spend a day there). This holy destination sits alongside the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh and is where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood and youth. During that time, he slayed demons and embarked on his famous love affair with Radha. Compared to nearby Mathura, where Krishna was born, Vrindavan is relaxed and peaceful. The town has a distinct divinity that will leave you feeling spiritually refreshed. Spend the day meandering through the narrow streets and visiting the thousands of temples, of all different sizes. Later in the afternoon, head to Kesi Ghat for the sunset aarti (worship with fire) ceremony. Hire a boat and go across the river for a magical view of it. If you have time, also visit the complex of abandoned temples 30 minutes away at Kusum Sarovar near Govardhan.

See more: Visit Rajasthan, the Land of Kings in India

Alwar

Interested in more forts and palaces? A three-hour drive south of Delhi will get you to Alwar in Rajasthan. There, you can see the 18th century City Palace complex and government museum (closed Fridays) inside it, devoted to showcasing the extravagant lifestyle of the kings. Tucked away behind the City Palace, it's Lake Sagar and the many chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions) that are most visually impressive though. Above the City, Palace sits the 16th century Bala Quila, one of the few forts in Rajasthan to be built before the rise of the Mughals. Unfortunately, it's poorly maintained and most parts are inaccessible. If you have time, the Forest Department runs popular jeep safaris to the fort and surrounding leopard trails.

Kingdom of Dreams

One of the top theme parks in India, Kingdom of Dreams is an outstanding live entertainment destination in Gurgaon, about an hour south of Delhi. It encompasses both Indian culture and the performing arts. Wander through the elaborate arts, crafts, and culinary boulevard that is Culture Gully. Sample food from different states in India. Then, catch a live Bollywood musical. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, from 1 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Sultanpur National Park

Sultanpur National Park is one of the best sanctuaries in India for bird watching. Although it's not very big in size, it's situated conveniently close to Delhi in the Gurgaon district of Haryana. The drive there only takes about an hour and a half. Hence, if you can't visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) in Rajasthan and want to spend some time in nature, Sultanpur is a decent option for a day trip. The park attracts both local and migratory birds, including some all the way from Siberia. It has a tourist center, circular walking trail and four watchtowers.

See more: Top 5 amazing temples in India

Source TripSavvy

The greatest festivals you should join in Da Lat

Da Lat located in Vietnam's highland with many ethnic minorities. So, Da Lat has many festivals. If you are spending time on your research, you will easily realize that Da Lat is absolutely well worth a visit, and especially it is better to come here on season of festivals. Let’s see how wonderful those festivals are.

Da Lat Flower Festival

It is probable to say that the festival has gradually become a glittering characteristic in the culture of Da Lat as the thought that the event is associated with the romantic highland city is leaking into the Vietnamese’s mind. As for the aim of Da Lat flower festival, to encourage the economic growth of Da Lat and popularize the city’s tourism as well as its beautiful image, the event is where vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants from the locals are displayed and introduced to visitors. The exhibition is also considered to be the best approach to the potential investment in Da Lat flower industry from other places whereby the culture and people of Da Lat will be more well-known.

Da Lat flower festival has been organized every two years since 2005. Regularly at the end of the year. It is also an exclusive tourist product which attracts lots of domestic and foreign tourists. The main stage of this festival is put on the water surface of Xuan Huong lake and Lam Vien square.

Gong Cultural Festival

Be curious about Gong Festival? At first, let yourself grab a little understanding of what Gong is? In fact, Vietnam people don’t simply mention Gong in their culture, instead, they will talk about the space of Gong culture in Vietnam Highlands. The gong culture was designated as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on November 15th, 2005.

The space of Gong culture in Vietnam Highlands stretches in highland provinces, such as Daknong, Gialai, Kontum, Lamdong, and Daklak. Artists performing that culture are ethnic minorities, including Ma, Ede, Bana, Lach, etc. What makes up the gong culture’s performance consist of Gong music melody, Chime, artists, long-houses, fields, graveyard, forests next to villages, etc. As for Gong Cultural Festival, it will take place in the above highland provinces in turn. Tourists coming to Da Lat, Lam Dong in the occasion when the city plays a role as the host can learn more about unique and quintessential features in the gong culture. It is really fantastic.

Tea Cultural Festival

Previously, Tea Cultural Festival – one of the festivals in Da Lat city used to be a periodic event held once each two years with the purpose of honoring the tea industry; the first flower festival took place in December, 2006. It is supposed that the festival is not merely a cultural event, but it is also a lever to push up the economic and tourism development of Da Lat. Specifically, it is where Vietnamese tea enterprises grab chances to popularize their brands. Besides, visitors experiencing the festival in Da Lat city can know more about the art of making tea and sample amazingly fragrant kinds of tea.

Nonetheless, because of some reasons making the tea producing industry go down, in the next time, Tea Cultural Festival will be organized as a part of Da Lat Flower Festival instead of taking place separately as usual. Therefore, it will be great to join Tea Cultural Festival when you are also enjoying Da Lat flower festival.

Buffalo Stabbing Festival

Every year, at the end of the crop (year-end), ethic minorities organize the greatest festival of the year to offer sacrifice Ndu God and other gods and genies to express their gratitude to the gods who have provided the villagers and tribes with a prosperous year with many lucks and a good crop. This festival is name Sarơpu (buffalo eating Festival) and commonly called Buffalo Stabbing Festival.
The first thing to do is putting a tree called ‘Neu’ which indicates their desires for wellness and happiness indispensable in this festival.

Read more: Chill out in the newest spots in Dalat

Source tnktravel

Explore the interesting lego village in Busan, Korea

The Gamcheon Culture Village in the southern port city of Busan has a number of nicknames such as Santorini of the East, Busan’s Macchu Picchu, the Favelas of Korea, and the Lego Village. It is easy to see why. Sprawling the central-west hills of Saha-gu district, this collection of steep streets and narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and unique community vibe is not your typical Korean village.

A brief history of Gamcheon Village

Before the 1950’s, Gamcheon was a small village of around 20 houses. By 1951, the small hilltop town had expanded to accommodate over half a million residents, many of whom were refugees fleeing from the Korean war. Then the place was burgeoning with shanties made from corrugated tin and planks of wood.

Why is Gamcheon so colourful?

One day, Gamcheon’s creative residents launched a public art project and the whole village was drenched in a kaleidoscope of colours. At first, the reception to the village’s bold new look was mixed. Some loved it straight from the get go. Other residents felt self-conscious about what little they had to show off, but soon saw the positives of meeting the curious tourists who wanted to see the village for themselves.

Gamcheon now stands as a hopeful testament to the beauty that comes from diversity. Had the original villagers not welcomed hundreds of thousands of war-torn refugees, the village would look very different to the labyrinthine maze of colours it is today.

What to see and do there

Look at another side of Busan’s local life when visiting Gamcheon. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes and get lost as you explore its alleys, corners, and streets.

If you are weary of getting lost, just “follow the fish”, a fish-shaped route marker for visitors to follow, leading them to major attractions within Gamcheon. As a village revived by art, street arts are found everywhere. Gamcheon is one Instagram-worthy place in Busan. From iconic murals and sculptures like the Little Prince and the Desert Fox, you can be unique from other social media images taken from Gamcheon.

There are buildings that you can check out like the former hot spring, turned library. It has some quirky statues and sculptures. Don’t skip the Little Museum that will give you a clear glimpse of how the village was transformed. You can also see everyday things that residents use.

With its topography, it can be a good workout as you walk uphill but try going to the observation deck. Here, you will get a panoramic view of the whole village with sea views. Waiting for you are the Little Prince and Desert Fox for the iconic shot from Gamcheon Culture Village.

Together with the various street art, dainty cafes and shops make Gamcheon Culture Village hip and interesting. Drop by to buy souvenirs or for some drinks and bites. Check out street food for some fuel-up after your walk around the village.

Read more: Visit Busan, the biggest coastal city in Korea

How to get there

To access the village via public transportation, take the subway to Toseong Station. From exit six, walk straight and turn right. You will see a small bus station board in front of the Pusan National University Hospital building (Block C, Cancer Centre, aka the PNU Cancer Centre). Hop on the market village bus route to Gamcheon Culture Village. An English announcement will let you know when you have arrived.

Source Culture Trip