How Singapore Quickly Became the World's Most Expensive City

For nearly a decade, Singapore has consistently been named the world's most expensive city by many ranking. Anyone who is relocating to Singapore for business or employment should know that they will dig deep into their pockets while living here. So, what could be the main reason for this?

One of the factors considered by the researchers is the cost of having a car. It is no wonder most of the people in Singapore prefer to use the metro train or other public transport means because they cannot afford to obtain the highly regulated car permits. Since this is not the only reason for the high cost of living in Singapore, let us look at some of the other things causing the city to be expensive.

Cost of Clothes

Singapore has appeared on different top ten lists of the most expensive places to buy clothes. It was number three last year behind Zurich, Switzerland and Paris, France which tied for second place. Surprisingly American cities did not appear on the top ten list.

People come from all over the world to buy clothes in Singapore. But the majority of the purchases are made by business travelers and other tourists. Locals are also on the frontline promoting designer clothes in the island state.

Increasing Real Estate Value

It is widely known that owning a house in Singapore is expensive. The demand for good and luxurious houses is still high. Being a city-state reduces the number of affordable houses. Most people rent studios or any other house that can accommodate their families rather than buying a house. Before acquiring a Singapore visa to come and work here, it is crucial to research housing within your price range.

Although the government has several initiatives to promote affordable housing for all people, the upward pressure on prices as a result of demand is still high. Commercial buildings are even more expensive than in many other Asian cities whether you are renting or buying the buildings.

Leisure Activities

The state offers numerous leisure activities. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy amazing attraction sites. As you explore these sites, you will have to pay some fees, whether to the travel agent or at the entrance. The Singapore Flyer is one of the best places to visit, and you must pay to board the observation wheel. Other great places include Sentosa Beach and a variety of museums.

Whether you are here for a holiday or business, Singapore’s accommodations offer world-class standards at a cost. They provide premium amenities like heated bathrooms and towels, satellite TV, King-size beds and expensive lounges. The furnished apartments and condo units for families on vacation are also on the more expensive side since they provide all the amenities.

Conclusion

There are many other factors that make Singapore expensive. Dining in a fancy restaurant could force you to pay more than in other major cities around the world. However, the Singaporeans seem to have cheaper alternatives for everything. Therefore, these high costs mainly apply to visitors who do not yet know how to cut costs. The good thing is that Singapore offers an excellent standard of living even though you must pay more for it.

My City Break in Amsterdam

When visiting Europe it would be a shame not to spend a couple of days in this remarkable city. With its unique architecture, amazing art collections and a truly vivid nightlife, Amsterdam has plenty to offer all its visitors. When you are there it seems like there is never enough time to visit all the stunning locations and sites this marvelous city has to offer. So I always tend to choose several different items each time I visit just to make sure I get to soak in as much of Amsterdam as I possibly can.

A Walking Tour of the City

This is the perfect way to start your visit. Usually when I get off the plane I prefer to move instead of just sitting around. Luckily there are numerous free walking tours of Amsterdam, and I try to pick a different one each time. With a whole array of great guides, who have different stories to tell, there is never a dull moment. All you have to do is book your tour online or by phone and decide on the date and time. It is usually up to 20 people in a group so you don’t feel overwhelmed, and the beauty is actually hearing about the city from the people who love it and live in it.

A Day at the Rijksmuseum

One of the best experiences I have ever had was visiting this magnificent museum. The sheer size and architecture of this place will leave you in awe. Just a quick note though, the lines at the entrance can be quite long, and considering the ever changing Amsterdam weather, it would be wise to pack your Go Travel pocket poncho so that you don’t get soaked. Once inside brace yourself, the amount of stunning works of art is overwhelming. From the famous Rembrandt’s auto portrait to his Night Watch, a colossal painting covering an entire wall of the museum. It will take you several hours to walk around the entire museum, but it is well worth it. After your tour you can take a break at the nearby Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s most relaxing locations. Or in case you haven't had your fill of art, get to the Van Gogh Museum, it is just a short walk away and you can continue to marvel at the grand artworks of the true masters.

And for Fun

If you want to experience a bit of adrenaline rush and at the same time capture some stunning views of the city you should definitely take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at the Dam Square. There is usually a bit of a line but nothing major, and after your ride you can pay a visit to the wax museum right there at the square. You can also take a break and have a delicious meal at one of the local cafes and restaurants. Considering I have some dietary restrictions regarding gluten my favorite was the  Greenwoods Singel, a quaint little place where you can get the tastiest gluten free, vegan and vegetarian meals along with a wide array of quality local cuisine.

End Your Trip on a High Note

There is no shortage of a great night time scenes in Amsterdam, from bustling cafes to music clubs and cabarets. One of my favorite places to unwind and dance to some great live tunes is definitely the Bourbon Street Music Club on Leidsekruisstraat. This vintage jazz club with an old school feel hosts live music session seven nights a week and offers some of the best beers on tap. It is definitely worth your while. It opens its doors around 10 PM so you will have plenty of time to have a drink or two at a nearby cafe and taste some of those famous Dutch waffles. Finally, when it is all said and done and it is time to go home, take a few hours and sit by the side of one of numerous canals and just take in the unique energy of this remarkable city.

The one thing about Amsterdam I can guarantee is that it will keep inviting you back for more, and you will never run out of sights and locations to explore and discover here. Until next time, goede reis!

Your Guide to Food and Fun Down Under

Daniela Hantuchova on the court at the Australian Open — a favorite with local tennis

fans. (Photo by heatherbell2011 / CC BY 2.0)

Australia is a fantastic country to visit on an extended holiday. With an indigenous culture that stretches back over 40,000 years, breathtaking environments and vibrant modernity, Australia is at once both ancient and future forward.

There are so many activities to do and places to see in this beautiful country that you’ll never get bored. You could even plan a separate itinerary for each day of your holiday depending on which city you visit. One of the best ways to enjoy Australia, however, is from the point of view of a local, so here’s our guide to Aussie-style food and fun!

Sports

It’s no secret that Australians have a big passion for sports, especially tennis, rugby, cricket and the Australian Rules Football (AFL). Here are some of the events that you should look out for if you want to feel at home while enjoying some sporting action during your holiday next year:

● Australian Open – Contested in Melbourne Park in 2019, from January 14–27, is the 107th Grand Slam event. The world’s top 100 male and top 100 female players will battle it out on the court for prizes worth an incredible $60.5 million in total. Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer, both 2018 champions, will defend their titles, and the legendary Serena Williams has confirmed that she will be back to try and reclaim the Women’s Singles trophy once more.

● Rolex Grand Prix – As we keep the focus on Melbourne for the next highlight of the

Aussie sporting calendar, the always thrilling Rolex Grand Prix will take over the city

(and the Albert Park Formula One circuit) from March 14–17.

● ICC Future Tours Cricket – The 2018/19 cricket season is well underway Down Under.

However, you might be able to take in a few new exciting test matches under the ICC

Future Tours Program for 2019/20 if you’re planning to visit toward the end of 2019.

From November 2019 to January 2020, the Australian team will play three T20s against

Sri Lanka, two Tests and three T20s against Pakistan as well as three Tests and three

ODIs against New Zealand.

Entertainment

As far as entertainment in Australia goes, you can find anything you can think of here, from funky nightlife scenes to the performing arts to plenty of cultural festivals.

The Sydney Opera House, a cultural hot spot Down Under. (Photo by Unknown / CC BY-SA 3.0)

The iconic Sydney Opera House is the number one destination for culture in the country. And 2019’s calendar is jam-packed with spectacular events and exciting concerts, including performances by the seemingly-immortal Iggy Pop (April 15–17). The Opera House will also host the 2019 Sydney Festival (January 9–27) and the Australian International Music Festival (July 4–9).

For something a bit more unusual, the Dark Mofo art gallery in Berriedale, Tasmania, will run their annual mid-winter festival from June 14–23 in 2019. Never afraid to court controversy,

Dark Mofo’s 2017 event featured the Viking black metal band, Ulver, performance art involving 500 liters of blood and a bull carcass, and even a winter solstice skinny-dip. Although 2019’s events are yet confirmed, you can expect something explosive!

Interestingly, the country has recently jumped on board the global iGaming craze, and there are now several dedicated Australian online platforms and casino rooms in operation. The online casino gaming industry is massive, with revenues reaching the tens of billions, so it’s little wonder that Australian businesses want in on the action.

Food

As you might expect from a country with such a diverse heritage as Australia, the food scene here is eclectic, to say the least. The ubiquitous BBQ reigns supreme during the summer months (naturally). However, you’ll also find a broad range of dishes across Australia, including chicken parmigiana, pumpkin soup, barramundi, meat pie, lamingtons, pavlova and of course, vegemite on toast.

Here are a couple of the exciting food and wine festivals that take place annually throughout Australia if you love food:

● Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – Set to take place in Victoria’s capital city from

March 8–24 in 2019, the festival will feature over 200 separate events, including a dog-

walking winery tour and specially priced menus at top city restaurants.

● Orange F.O.O.D. Week – As the longest running regional food festival in Australia, the

F.O.O.D. (Food of Orange District) week takes place in Orange, New South Wales, from

April 5–14. With the favorite, the Forage event, which involves wine tasting every 500

meters on a vineyard tour, this festival is a must for fans of the grape.

A Note About the Seasons

Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the country’s seasons run in reverse to what you may be used to if you are traveling from Europe or North America. The spring-summer months run from September to the end of February while the autumn-winter months start in March and end in August.

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more

Top 3 - Off the Beaten Path Bucket List and Activities To Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Frog (Image by Apetitu)

Costa Rica is one of the world’s ultimate travel destinations. It has world-class scenery and nature, excellent weather, a rich culture, and some of the friendliest people imaginable.

Millions of tourists a year visit to experience these things for themselves, meaning some of the most popular areas can get very crowded in high season.

To help you get away from the crowds, here are 3 of the top ways to experience Costa Rica off the beaten track.

Volunteer

Volunteer in Costa Rica

As with many Central American countries, Costa Rica has its share of socioeconomic and environmental issues. Many of these issues are addressed mostly by the action of generous volunteers, who are willing to give up there time and energy towards helping a good cause.

The good news is, becoming a volunteer in Costa Rica is an incredibly rewarding experience for anybody willing to put in a bit of effort and try something different.

It may sound like hard work, but being a volunteer can genuinely enrich your travels massively, and people often feel it’s the best and most memorable part of their travels.

In Costa Rica, budding volunteers are lucky enough to have a huge range of options to choose from. You might want to work in animal conservation, for example assisting endangered sea turtles to breed, or you may want to focus more on social issues, by volunteering to teach English to children.

Regardless of what you choose, you are sure to have an amazing experience in an amazing setting. How could you not in such a beautiful country filled with such friendly people.

You will be able to live and work with local people, getting to know their culture, language, and customs. You will also have ample opportunity to explore the country, whether you choose to spend it on one of Costa Rica’s thousands of stunning beaches, or seeing the sights.

Surfs Up

Surf Costa Rica (Photo by José Pablo Orozco Marín)

Costa Rica is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. With a name that literally translates as ‘Rich Coast’, and endless miles of pristine beaches, it probably comes as no surprise that surfers from far and wide flock to the country for epic and consistent swells.

But surfing is by no means the only sport available here that will get your adrenaline pumping, and giving them a try can be a good way to get away from the crowded beaches and towns and into nature.

The powerful rapids found all over the country’s rivers are a huge draw for fans of white water rafting. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an old pro, there are varying grades to suit all abilities.

With dozens of volcanoes dominating the landscapes of Costa Rica (don’t worry - most of them are no longer active…), as well as many mountains, all sports relating to being really high up are available here. For example, there is world-renowned rock climbing, mountain biking, and hang-gliding on offer, along with many other vertigo-inducing activities.

In short, if you’re adventurous in your choice of sports, then Costa Rica is perfect for you.

Hike

Hike Costa Rica (photo by travelmag.com)

Another great example of an activity you can pursue in Costa Rica is trekking. Fortunately, it’s a bit tamer than the extreme sports on offer, but it can still offer some breathtaking experiences.

The volcanoes and mountains again provide the perfect platform for any trekkers looking for mindblowing panoramic views.

Further to this, over 25% of Costa Rica’s landmass is designated as protected national parks. This is exceptionally high by international standards and illustrates just how magnificent the natural world is here.

Rainforest makes up most of this space, and the range of exotic flora and fauna inhabiting it is simply unrivaled anywhere on earth. Walking through these areas can be an ethereal experience and is highly recommended to anybody.

-

Costa Rica has lots to offer. This small Central American nation punches well above its weight in terms of sights and activities for travelers.

There is far more on offer here than it would be possible to fit into any vacation.

If you like the sound of Costa Rica, you should definitely consider visiting one of its geographical and cultural cousins - Cuba - to experience one of the most exciting periods of economic and cultural development of any country in the world.

Shopping

When searching for wedding dresses in Boise, it’s best to keep an eye out for unique designs. Shopping locally is great for the community.

Secret Attractions to Explore in New York City

It’s no secret that New York City is one of the most visited urban centers in the world, with its most popular attractions always crowded with tourists, regardless of the season. But it’s a large city, and it has more to offer than the usual landmarks — that is, if you know where to look. For a more exciting adventure, go off the beaten track and discover some of NYC’s hidden gems.

THE ELEVATED ACRE

Image Credit: Luke J Spencer, Atlas Obscura

Between two corporate buildings in the Financial District is a secluded public plaza called the Elevated Acre. It’s an area with plenty of gardens and plants situated three stories above ground, with sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. It is the perfect place to retreat to if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets below. Stay until evening to enjoy the acre’s beer garden, where craft beers are served on tap.

MUSEUM AT ELDRIDGE STREET

You would not expect to see a Jewish attraction in the heart of NYC’s Chinatown, but that’s exactly what the Museum at Eldridge Street is. In fact, the building happens to be the oldest Eastern European Orthodox Jewish synagogue in the entire United States. Thanks to the efforts of a volunteer movement spurred on by NY University professor Gerard Wolfe, it was restored and is now the museum it is today. Here, you’ll find evidence of the city’s Jewish immigrant past, as well as artifacts that chronicle the building’s rich history.

SNUG HARBOR CULTURAL CENTER

Instead of the tourist-packed New York Botanical Garden, why not opt for Snug Harbor instead? A highlight among its nine gardens is the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, which has a koi-pond, bamboo forest, and rock formations inspired by the works of monks. There is also the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, an intricate maze of boxwoods. In addition to these gardens, Snug Harbor is also home to a number of buildings in various historic architectural styles. Some of these structures now function as art galleries and museums.

TANNEN’S MAGIC SHOP

Image Source: Atlas Obscura

Deep in Midtown Manhattan lies Tannen’s Magic Store, the oldest operating store of its kind. Tannen's sells all kinds of magic items — from invisible paint and multiplying billiard balls, to various versions of the rabbit-producing hat. Every famous magician from the last century has graced this store, which manages to keep a low profile despite its uniqueness. It’s funny because you might think Midtown Manhattan has no more surprises to offer, as it is home to famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Grand Central Terminal, and Times Square. Because of these attractions, the area has become one of the most in-demand and congested places in the world. The real estate in this area is so expensive, the average property costs approximately $2 million, according to an article by Yoreevo. And even if you apply for a mortgage, the taxes are also incredibly high. But despite this congestion, even some of the residents aren’t aware of the district’s gems. Tannen’s may be popular among magician circles, but it remains a hidden attraction for only the most adventurous of travelers.

GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY

Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the largest burial grounds in the United States. It is no ordinary cemetery either, with Business Insider noting that it looks more like a beautiful city park than a final resting place. This is because of the various beautiful monuments, four glacial ponds, and lavish tombs fit for ancient kings. Even the cemetery gates are a marvel to look at, since they’re an impressive remnant of the Gothic Revival style. If you don’t mind strolling through thousands of tombstones, then go ahead and give Green-Wood a go. New York City isn’t the only city with secrets. There are hidden gems all over the United States, some of which can be found within popular attractions. To know more about one such example, do listen to Go the Podcast’s episode on Mt. Rushmore.

The Hidden Gems of The Bahamas

There are plenty of undiscovered gems on the islands

The islands of the Bahamas are known the world over for their stunning beaches, perfect weather and unparalleled beauty, making them one of the hottest holiday destinations on the planet. From the bustling capital of Nassau to the crystal-clear diving waters, it’s easy to see why so many people put the Bahamas at the top of their bucket list. But just because this archipelago is a hotspot for cruise ships and weddings, it doesn’t mean that there is nowhere left to explore. There are still plenty of beautiful sights to see and experiences to have, you just need to know where to look.

Much like nearby Jamaica, the Bahamas are home to lush greenery and sparkling blue seas, providing the perfect backdrop for visitors to take off on their own adventures. So, where do you start when it comes to finding your own little piece of paradise on these stunning islands? 

Lake Rosa

One of the most stunning places to explore is undoubtedly Lake Rosa, a huge wetland covering a quarter of the 184,000-acre Inagua National Park. This park became the second nature reserve of the Bahamas National Trust in 1965 when it was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) for the flamingo population of the island. The protected birds set up their nests near the lake, which is the largest salt water lake in the Bahamas. The lake is also home to a huge variety of exotic native species, such as the Bahama Parrot, the Bahama woodstar hummingbird, brown pelicans, American kestrels, tri-colored herons, and snowy egrets. The guided tours are a great way to spend an afternoon, particularly for those interested in photography and wildlife encounters. 

Glass Window Bridge

If you’re looking for a moment of jaw-dropping wonder, then head to the Glass Window Bridge on the island of Eleuthera. A strip of rock just 30 feet wide separates the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil turquoise-green waters of the Bight of Eleuthera, creating a natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. Storms have repeatedly battered this part of the island, but extensive work has been carried out by the locals to continually strengthen and repair it. It goes without saying that visiting this natural wonder will require you to be very careful! 

Diving is on the top of most visitors' lists, but you can still find places that are untouched.

Rock House Hotel

It goes without saying that there are plenty of amazing places to stay on the Bahamas. After all, it is a holiday destination! But if you’re looking for somewhere uniquely placed to give you the best holiday experience, then look no further than the vibrant Rock House Hotel. Originally built in the 1940s, this historic property has been through many transformations over the years, from a private home to a bed and breakfast, but now serves as one of the most upmarket and original places to stay on Harbour Island. Not only does it have ten uniquely decorated rooms, but it also has a pool and a pink sand beach running along the property.

Flying Cloud Catamaran

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or you just want to try something new, taking a trip on this 57ft catamaran will be an experience you will never forget! Sail over to the world-famous Rose Island beach to see its stunning coral reefs before enjoying a traditional Bahamian feast of delicious BBQ rib, Bahamian peas ‘n' rice, and exotic fruits. 

Charlie’s Place

Ok, there is a myriad of amazing restaurants and stalls to choose from when it comes to eating on the Bahamas. So many places to choose from that it can be overwhelming! Which is why it’s worth knowing that you haven’t truly experienced authentic Bahamian cuisine until you have been to the Fish Fry on Arawak Cay. With a mouthwatering collection of restaurants serving up traditional Bahamian food every day, the only problem will be deciding what to have. From conch salad to fried fish, there is something for everyone’s taste buds here. 

However you choose to spend your time in these beautiful islands, one thing is for sure – you will never forget it!

10 Must-See Castles Around the World

Some of us dream of the day where our own Cinderella fairytale would come true. The one where we get to leave our ordinary lives, go live in a beautiful castle and forget about all of our responsibilities, right? Luckily, you don’t need a fairy godmother to make all your dreams come true any longer. Now, it’s as easy as one plane ticket or one train ride away!

Here are 10 must-see castles around the world.

1. Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales

The 2,000-year-old castle has been renovated a number of times. As a very versatile space, the castle has been used as a Roman fort and a coal exporting port, until finally being restored into a beautiful castle. Architect William Burges remodeled the castle in 1866, transforming the enormous structure by creating gothic towers, murals, stained glass, marble, wood carvings and assigning each room it’s own theme. Some of these themes include a Mediterranean garden and Italian and Arabian styled rooms. The castle was presented to the city of Cardiff as a gift and has since been one of the city’s
largest tourist attractions.

Along with obtaining a rich history lesson, as a visitor at the Cardiff Castle, you'll be able to see breath-taking views of the city of Cardiff from the high towers scouring over the area.

2. Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in the capital of Scotland this stunning castle is sure to be the best part of your trip. It sits atop a volcanic rock (referred to as the Castle Rock), so it can be a bit of a climb to reach, but the stone walls and towers and the encapsulating view will make the climb well worth it.

The castle is the biggest attraction in the city with over a million visitors in 2013. Audio and staff-led tours are available of the historic castle in addition to fully costumed reenactments of the Fourth Earl of Bothwell and Mary, Queen of Scots. Set a date as soon as possible to see the beloved Edinburgh Castle.

3. Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

The Pena Palace in Portugal surpasses all language barriers a traveler may face with just one look at it. The view from the top makes stumbling around with little language knowledge a little better.

The palace lies on top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains, towering over the town of Sintra. This national monument can be seen from the capital city Lisbon and other surrounding cities. The style of the castle was heavily influenced by romanticism during the 1800s. As for photo-worthy spots go, The Queen’s Terrace serves as an excellent photoshoot setting as well as the clock tower. As one of the seven wonders of Portugal, there is no excuse not to go see this architectural masterpiece.

4. Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Japan

Commonly referred to as the “Crow Castle,” this all black sleek castle is a must-see for any tourist. Original wood and brick cover the interior and exterior of the castle. This castle was built on top of a plain which gives easy access to everyone. Besides the appeal of the castle’s elegant and historic infrastructure, it is in close proximity of the capital of Japan, Tokyo. Classified as one of the national treasures of Japan, there is no doubt this castle should be at the top of every traveler's bucket list.

5. Dover Castle in Dover, England

Created during the Bronze Age, this medieval castle holds the history of the country within its walls. It is the largest castle in England and is called the “Key to England” because of its historical significance. The castle has been classified as a national monument and is recognized worldwide for its preservation of history. If the worldwide significance isn’t enough to convince you to visit, maybe the secret war tunnels, Roman lighthouse, or ocean views will be enough.

6. Chillon Castle in Veytaux, Switzerland

This quaint castle resides on an island alongside Lake Geneva and is one of the most highly visited castles in Switzerland. Visitors can tour the whimsical castle or look around and absorb the tranquility of the surrounding nature. If the cozy setting hasn’t sold you, maybe a little nostalgia will. This castle was used as the castle in the 1989 film The Little Mermaid. That’s right, the beloved setting of one of your favorite Disney movies is just a plane ticket away. This historic monument is a perfect tourist attraction for anyone who wants to relax, take some photos and maybe catch a tail flipping through the water.

7. Spiš Castle in Žehra, Slovakia

If you find yourself traveling in Europe, hop on a plane and head to Slovakia to see one of the largest castles in all of Europe. Built during the 12th century, this castle has changed its style enough times it could make its own clothing line. The structures original style was Romanesque then it went through its goth phase during the 1400s until it was destroyed in a fire in 1780. But honestly, who didn’t destroy their goth phase? The castle was partially rebuilt in the 20th century and now is open to the public for tours and viewings.

8. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg in Orschwiller, France

A fairytale castle without a fairytale story, this castle was taken back by the French from the Germans after World War I through the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. Originally a French castle….and then a German castle….and then a French castle once again, the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is considered one the most popular tourist attractions in France. Although the last reconstruction of the castle does not precisely mimic the original medieval construction, this castle is one you do not want to miss.

9. Powis Castle in Powys, Wales

This eloquent castle houses an array of gardens and terraces that attracts thousands of visitors a year. The gardens are the most notable of all the aspects of this castle. The mansion was originally used as a hideaway for the treasure that Robert and Edward Clive retrieved from India through their work with the British East India Company but was later transformed into a castle. This cultivated castle is perfect for any history lover to come visit.

10. Tourbillon Castle in Sion, Switzerland

Ruined by a fire in 1788, this Swiss castle is perched atop a hill, towering over the city of Sion. Parts of the demolished castle have been restored and is open for public visitation. Now setting foot on the grounds of this castle is no easy battle. Visitors must climb up the winding stairs that hug the edges of the hill. If you are up for a worthwhile challenge, this castle is the one for you.

To find out more about castles, check out Tripedia's Guide to Castles.

Finding India’s Hidden Temples in Chennai and Pune.

Travelers to the beautiful country often go to it’s most visited sites, like the Taj Mahal or the Golden Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Sikhism. But what about some of the lesser known sites?

Some places are full of India’s lesser known but still rich history. Consider these two cities for your next travel excursion and even fly between the two.

Chennai, located in along India’s east coast, has an incredibly rich history and culture. It’s home to over a dozen architectural wonders like Pancha Rathas.

Pancha Rathas

Pancha Rathas is a 7th century monument complex, currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex consists of five monuments resembling a ratha. Ratha being the word for chariot. Each monument is carved out of a single granite boulder of granite which slopes in north-south direction with a slight incline. Construction of the site was never completed, but it is believed it was intended to function as a temple.

The Shore Temple

The Shore Temple was built out of granite in the 8th century. This temple complex consists of three temples and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. At the time of its construction, this area where it stands used to function as a busy port, acting as a landmark for shipping vessels to find their way. The intricately carved stone depicts hundreds of images including deities and animals.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to the worship of Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. There are several different shrines within the temple where worshipers can come to pray. Services are held six times throughout the day. Inscriptions dating back to the 12th century can be found inside. The temple has a 120-foot tall tower and is adorned with hundreds of colorful figures.

Pune, India is located on the nation’s west side. It’s home to some of India’s more modern wonders, like Shaniwar Wada.

Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a massive fort in the city of Pune. Constructed in 1732, it was once a central hub of Indian politics. At its peak occupancy, it housed over a thousand people. The gates of the structure were built at a height to accommodate an elephant with a seating canopy. To defend against enemy elephants ramming the gates, the doors are fitted with twelve-inch long spikes, arranged at the height of the animal’s forehead.

Sinhagad

The Fortress of Sinhagad, which translates to Lion’s Fort, is rumored to be roughly 2,000 years old. Perched on an isolated cliff, it has been the site of many battles in India’s long history. It’s currently a must-see destination for tourists traveling through Pune.

Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace was built in 1892. Sitting on 19 acres, this palace is one of the largest landmarks in India. It once served as a prison, where for two years Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were held. In 1969 the palace was donated to the people of India and today it’s home to the ashes of Gandhi and the memorial society dedicated to his honor.

Have you been to any of these places? If you are planning to visit these wonderful places check for Pune Chennai flights to ease your journey. Let us know in the comments below.

Check out the podcast episodes below: