Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand

Escape the current capital of Thailand to visit the old one: Ayutthaya. The historical city is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok, and it is filled with delicious food, a laid-back city vibe, and the ancient ruins found throughout. Here, a brief history of these intriguing remains found in Ayutthaya.

History

Sukhothai was the first Siamese capital of Thailand and was founded in 1238. Ayutthaya was later founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until about 1378. It remained the flourishing capital for about 400 years (until 1767). Sukhothai took a back seat to the thriving new capital and was, for the most part, forgotten. It was put back on the map by Rama I, when he used ancient Sukhothai artifacts to enrich and decorate his temples in Bangkok during the Chakri dynasty.

Power

Ayutthaya remained the capital for so long for a number of reasons. For one, it was home to an extensive trading port that welcomed international merchants, many of whom were from Europe. The city was a memorable one to these travelers because of the many temples and palaces found here. In addition to trading, the waterways that surrounded the city were useful in terms of protecting it, creating a watery fortress of sorts.

Name

The city was named by the same man who made Ayutthaya the capital: King Ramathibodi. Ayutthaya was named after a magical kingdom from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien.

The city’s demise

The old capital of Thailand came to a brutal end when it was attacked by the Burmese. Much of the city was devastated by fire, and those who were not killed were taken by the Burmese and forced into slavery. The city fell in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, and what is left of these relics and temples are still found in Ayutthaya today, of which there are about 50.

The ruins

All of the ruins found in Ayutthaya today took about 150 years to complete in total. Many of the palaces were made of wood which did not withstand the fires that destroyed the capital – which is why mainly stone temples remain. The temples have their own Siamese style, but many of the temples’ construction drew upon inspiration from other influences, including Sri Lanka. There are also instances of Khmer architecture, as the capital started out as a Khmer military and trading outpost. These ruins were discovered in 1991, and they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the ancient city has been squeezed into busy Thailand travel itineraries and makes a great day trip for those who have a few days in Bangkok.

See more: Top activities in Patong, Thailand

Top 5 luxury hotels in Mumbai, India

This inventory of the most luxury hotels in Mumbai has been established following the amount of bookings these high-end accommodation choices received in the past month. 

Mumbai is definitely a city of contrast, which offers to its visitors a complete change of scene. This huge cosmopolitan metropolis, the largest in India, features an incredible choice of cultural and religious sites, as well as entertainment options, thanks to its long and colourful history.

The Oberoi Mumbai

The Oberoi, Mumbai enjoys an unrivalled position on the exclusive Marine Drive, with unparalleled views of the ocean, and the Queen's Necklace, a golden crescent of lights that adorns the shoreline after dark.

The centrepiece of the hotel is the atrium lobby, abundant with natural light that flows through our tremendous skylight and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Tiled in flawless white Thassos marble and featuring a contemporary, black granite waterbody, all rooms, restaurants and spa facilities revolve around and branch off this focal point. In the midst of it all, a stylish, red piano occupies centre-stage.

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

Anyone who has ever considered visiting Mumbai has likely heard about the Taj Mahal Palace, which is touted as India’s first and premier luxury hotel. This flagship hotel boasts is located in a rather impressive modern palace, and its staff is comparable to a small army whose sole purpose is to ensure all guests enjoy the finest available experience. If you want nothing short of prestige and affluence, the Taj Mahal Palace will cater to your desires.

The Westin Mumbai

Discover a winning combination of luxury and convenience at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, featuring sleek, modern accommodations amid a wealth of premium amenities. Located in Mumbai's thriving business district, our contemporary hotel offers guests a welcoming environment for work and play. Chase adventure on the vibrant streets of Mumbai or relax in the tranquility of your elegant guest room with floor-to-ceiling windows and award-winning Westin Heavenly Bed.

Whether you have arrived for business or pleasure, our hotel offers a suite of services to inspire you to be at your best, from wellness treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ to business center services for enhanced productivity. Reach a higher level of success in our hotel's dynamic event spaces, featuring modern boardrooms, elegant wedding venues and a convenient location near the International Airport. Whatever your reason for visiting, our hotel in Goregaon East wants to make your stay a memorable experience at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

The LaLit Mumbai

Among the many 5 start hotels available in Mumbai, the LaLit might be one of the most reasonably priced and economically competitive. Boasting a unique offering of luxury apartments with full-featured hotel service, the LaLit is a great choice for families or anyone else who wants to stay in a place that feels just like home. The available residences are very tastefully decorated in a modern style, and the wonderful ambience and high standards of this place will impress even the most demanding visitors.

The St. Regis Mumbai

Located in the heart of India’s Maximum City, The St. Regis Mumbai, the country’s tallest hotel tower, is a timeless address in the city’s premier entertainment and commercial district of Lower Parel. The hotel has a befitting legacy beginning 1904, with the birth of the flagship The St. Regis New York, conjoined with the rise of the Phoenix Mill complex in the same year, where the hotel now stands. Now, 111 years later, both addresses come together to create history.

See more: Top 10 must-visit attractions in Mumbai, India

Source Internet

Top 6 amusement parks to experience in Goa

The amusement parks in Goa are full of amusing rides, fun games and adventure activities. Replete with swimming pools, cafeterias and deer parks, these wonderful amusement parks are the best way to relax and rewind in gorgeous decor and charming ambience. 

Some of these also offer overnight stays and extended trips for you to take a break and spend a leisure vacay. While some other amusement parks also host private parties, poolside parties, corporate events, gathering etc. Check out the top amusement parks in Goa given below!

Nagesh Eco Ventures

This amusement park in Goa is one of the best amusement parks as it offers many adventurous activities for both kids and adults. The place is open to all and people of different age groups visit this amusement park for having a fun and relaxed time.

The place has a lot of adventurous activities to offer along with the availability of amazing cuisines. The spacious surroundings of the place ensure that its visitors are getting enough space and there is no chaos amongst the people.

Froggyland

Froggyland is another one of the top amusement parks in Goa. Situated in Nuvem, the water park offers an array of thrilling rides and activities like lazy rivers, group racing-slides, Lily Pads, mushrooms, giant tube rides, etc.

Interestingly, the waterpark does not just include water rides and slides but also a number of adventurous activities that fill your bucket with loads of memorable moments. An ideal destination for all sorts of groups, family, and friends, this amazing theme park is the perfect vacation hotspot for people looking for something different from the typical Goan parties, beaches, and architecture.

6 Shades of Nature

True to its name, the water park is sure to calm your mind and rejuvenate your senses. The water park is built on a gigantic farm and gives you a feeling of being in the lap of nature. Just dive into the water park and relax to the sounds of nature all at one time. The water park allows you to grow trees on the farm next to the water park, giving you a raw experience.

6 Shades of Nature also has cottages for visitors who want to stay overnight. You can spend a quiet evening sitting beside the waterfall and liven up your senses. The water park has amenities like separate pools for adults and kids, huts, treehouses, kulagar, and natural pond that offer a calm place to enjoy and unwind.

Splashdown Water Park

One of the coolest water parks of Goa, the splashdown waterpark has 5 pools, a variety of rides and flumes that makes it popular among tourists especially families and children. The first to be built in North Goa, the Splashdown Waterpark offers total merry-making for everyone in the hot summer days. Housing a gorgeous resort, the waterpark gives you a fantastically luxurious and comfortable vacation.

One of the offbeat, yet, famous attractions in Goa, Splashdown is located just 10 minutes away from Panjim and 10 minutes away from Mapusa. Moreover, it is also close to Calangute, which is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. The rides and facilities at the park will ensure that you and your kids have a great time gallivanting the day off!

Anjuna Holiday Homes

This place is one of the greatest attractions of Goa. Not only kids but also adults like visiting the place because of the fact that the place offers them the best of rides, food, adventurous sports and other activities.

The place is the perfect destination that one can visit on weekend to have an amazing time with their loved ones. Right from the presence of a number of rides and adventurous sports to the delicious food and snacks that this place serves, everything just falls into the right place here.

Sharvraj Eco Farm

The scenic beauty and Water Park make it a perfect blend of the best amusement park in Goa. Enjoy the thrills and adventure in the lap of nature. The adventure park is a real video game with numerous fun activities like sky cycling, zip-lining, tyre climbing, net climbing, rope net crossing, Burma Bridge, and many more.

The main attractions to the water park are family slide, spiral ride, multi lane slide, and a water play station. Sharvraj Water Park comprises one of the biggest and longest water slides in Goa. The most mesmerizing attraction is the curvy waterfall that is made from different stones and metals like slate and copper, giving it a feel of real waterfall with a soothing sound that revives you from within.

See more: Lost in the most beautiful beaches of Goa, India

Source Internet