From Bangkok To Brunei: 10 Stunning Asian Capital Cities You Should Visit At Least Once
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Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is a kaleidoscope of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and legacies. From buzzing metropolises to serene spiritual hubs, Asia's capital cities offer travelers a chance to explore rich traditions, modern wonders, and unforgettable experiences. If you're planning your next international trip, here are 10 Asian capital cities truly worth the flight. Bangkok, Thailand
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A heady mix of tradition and modernity, Bangkok charms visitors with its golden temples, floating markets, and vibrant street food culture. Whether you're exploring the Grand Palace, cruising down the Chao Phraya River, or shopping at Chatuchak Market, Thailand's capital guarantees sensory overload—in the best way.
Highlights: Wat Arun, Khao San Road, Thai massage, tuk-tuk rides Tokyo, Japan
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One of the world's most futuristic cities, Tokyo is where ancient Shinto shrines stand beside skyscrapers. From the orderly chaos of Shibuya Crossing to peaceful moments in Ueno Park, Tokyo offers a dynamic experience for every kind of traveler.
Highlights: Sushi bars, Mt. Fuji views, anime culture, cherry blossom season New Delhi, India
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India's heart beats in New Delhi, a city layered with history, politics, art, and colour. Whether you're admiring Mughal architecture, sampling street food in Chandni Chowk, or strolling through Lutyens' leafy avenues, New Delhi is both chaotic and captivating.
Highlights: Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, bustling bazaars Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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A modern skyline punctuated by the iconic Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural hub where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures harmoniously collide. With delicious food, world-class malls, and cultural sites, it's perfect for urban explorers.
Highlights: Batu Caves, street food at Jalan Alor, KL Tower Seoul, South Korea
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Where K-pop meets Buddhist temples, Seoul is a high-energy city with deep roots. The blend of cutting-edge fashion, digital innovations, and ancient palaces make it a must-visit for culture and tech lovers alike.
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong shopping, Korean BBQ Hanoi, Vietnam
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With a centuries-old history and colonial architecture, Hanoi is the quieter, more reflective counterpart to Ho Chi Minh City. Its old quarters, scenic lakes, and cultural richness make it a city for slow, immersive travel.
Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, water puppet theatre, Vietnamese coffee culture Jakarta, Indonesia
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Jakarta is a city in motion—pulsating with traffic, energy, and diversity. As the economic and political center of Indonesia, it offers a look at the country's multicultural roots and emerging future.
Highlights: Kota Tua (Old Town), National Monument, street fashion scene Manila, Philippines
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Set along the bay with colonial architecture and contemporary nightlife, Manila is a chaotic but compelling city. It reflects the resilient spirit of Filipinos, blending Spanish heritage with Southeast Asian charm.
Highlights: Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, local jeepney rides Kathmandu, Nepal
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Cradled by the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a spiritual epicenter for trekkers and seekers alike. With its temples, stupas, and centuries-old alleyways, the city offers soul-stirring moments amid rustic beauty.
Highlights: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, trekking launch pads Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
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Often overlooked, Brunei's capital is a treasure for travelers seeking tranquility and grandeur. Lavish mosques, serene water villages, and untouched rainforests make it a unique gem in Southeast Asia.
Highlights: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Kampong Ayer, Royal Regalia Museum
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Each of these capital cities paints a different portrait of Asia—vast, vibrant, and diverse. Whether you're craving history, spirituality, street food, or ultramodern experiences, these destinations promise a journey that's more than worth the miles. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare to fall in love with Asia's capitals—one flight at a time.
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India.com
16 hours ago
- India.com
10 Fascinating Facts About Udaipur That Will Make You Fall In Love With the City of Lakes
Some cities don't just exist. They shimmer. Udaipur is one of them. When you step into Udaipur, the so-called City of Lakes, you're not just arriving at a destination—you're entering a dream. Palaces float on water. Narrow lanes echo with the tinkling of temple bells. And every sunset seems choreographed, as if the Aravalli hills themselves are conspiring with the sky. Most travelers know Udaipur for Lake Pichola boat rides or for the City Palace's grandeur. But what if we told you—Udaipur isn't just about the obvious?It's about stories hidden in stones, reflections caught in rippling waters, and traditions that have survived centuries. Let's wander into Udaipur beyond postcards, into facts that will make you see this royal city differently. 1. Udaipur Was Born Out of Escape—and Destiny In 1559, Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur after escaping Chittorgarh, which had fallen to the Mughals. Legend says a hermit blessed him on the banks of Lake Pichola, predicting that a great city would rise isn't just a planned capital—it's a prophecy fulfilled. Every palace wall and courtyard still carries that sense of resilience and renewal. 2. The City of Lakes Has More Than Just One Yes, Lake Pichola is the most famous, but Udaipur has an entire necklace of lakes—Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Badi Lake, and more. During monsoons, they link together like veins, giving Udaipur the look of a floating here isn't a tourist activity—it's a way of entering the city's bloodstream. 3. Jag Mandir: The Island That Inspired the Taj Mahal Drifting on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir isn't just a pretty palace. History whispers that Shah Jahan, before building the Taj Mahal, took refuge here during his rebellion. The marble domes, lotus ponds, and elephant statues became part of his inspiration for the world's most famous monument of love. Lake Jaisamand, also known as Dhebar Lake, is a marvel. Built in the 17th century, it spans 87 sq. km—so vast that it almost feels 4. Udaipur Is Home to Asia's Second-Largest Artificial Lake like a sea in the desert. The lake has seven islands, with tribal communities living on them, and even a sanctuary teeming with wildlife along its banks. 5. The Royal Family Still Resides Here Unlike many palaces turned into silent museums, Udaipur's City Palace remains a living heritage. Descendants of the Mewar dynasty—the oldest ruling family in the world with an unbroken line—still live in a portion of the palace. When you walk through its courtyards, you're not just visiting history—you're brushing past continuity. 6. Udaipur Was Once the Shooting Spot for James Bond Hollywood found its way to Udaipur in 1983, when the James Bond film Octopussy featured the shimmering Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. To this day, locals love pointing out spots where Roger Moore once walked, adding another layer of glamour to Udaipur's royal charm. 7. The Architecture Is a Blend of Rajput and Mughal Grandeur Carved balconies, mosaic courtyards, mirrored halls—Udaipur's architecture is a dialogue between strength and softness. The Rajputs built for defense, but they also built for beauty. The Mughal touch added symmetry. Together, they created a city that feels like poetry sculpted in stone. 8. Udaipur Has a Festival Just for Its Womenfolk Every year, during Gangaur Festival, women dress in their most vibrant attire, carrying idols of Goddess Parvati through the streets. Songs, processions, and rituals fill the city with color. It's not just a festival—it's a celebration of devotion, love, and womanhood deeply rooted in Mewar culture. 9. It's Not Just a City of Palaces—it's a Green Oasis Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is greener than most Rajasthani cities. Monsoon turns its landscape lush, with waterfalls near Sajjangarh Palace and mist rolling over the hills. That contrast—desert state, emerald city—is what makes Udaipur so surprising. 10. It's India's 'Most Romantic City'—For a Reason From candlelit boat rides on Lake Pichola to the ethereal glow of the Lake Palace at night, Udaipur has earned its title. Poets, painters, and travelers have all called it the most romantic city in India. And perhaps, it's because romance here isn't just about love stories—it's about falling in love with life itself. Why These Facts Matter Beyond Trivia You could scroll through Instagram reels and see snippets of Lake Pichola sunsets. But knowing these stories changes the way you you step into Jag Mandir, you don't just admire the domes—you remember Shah Jahan's you glide across Fateh Sagar, you don't just see water—you see a lifeline carved by deepens when you know where you stand. Udaipur rewards that depth. Practical Tips for Experiencing Udaipur Like a Local Wake Early – Sunrises by the ghats of Lake Pichola are quieter, softer, and far less crowded. Eat Beyond Palaces – Try dal baati churma at a local dhaba, or sip masala chai overlooking Gangaur Ghat. Walk the Lanes – Skip taxis sometimes. The narrow alleys hide miniature painting workshops, silver jewelry stores, and rooftop cafés. Catch a Cultural Show – Bagore Ki Haveli hosts folk dances and puppet shows that bring Rajasthani culture alive. Go Beyond the Postcard – Visit Badi Lake, Sajjangarh Palace, or even hike in the nearby Aravallis. The less obvious, the more rewarding. Udaipur's Hidden Economy: Why Travel Here Makes a Difference Visiting Udaipur isn't just indulgence—it's you buy handicrafts from local artisans, when you stay in heritage havelis instead of chain hotels, when you eat at small family-run restaurants—you're fueling traditions that have kept this city alive for centuries. Every boat ride sustains livelihoods. Every ticket to a palace funds restoration. Every step keeps heritage breathing. Final Thought Don't just visit Udaipur. Wander into Udaipur isn't about sightseeing—it's about storytelling. The lakes don't just reflect palaces, they reflect centuries of resilience. The palaces don't just hold history, they hold living dynasties. And the sunsets don't just color the sky, they color memory itself.
India.com
17 hours ago
- India.com
7 Secret Lakes In Asia Perfect For Romantic Boat Rides & Dreamy Picnics
Lakes don't just hold water. They hold reflections, memories, and sometimes, whole mountains rise and seas roar, a lake rests—calm, vast, and inviting. Most travelers race to beaches or bustling hill stations. But what if we told you: lakes aren't just stopovers? They're destinations of their own. Places where time slows, families gather under shady trees, and the gentle rhythm of oars across the water feels like a lullaby. Let's step away from crowded landmarks and into these open mirrors of the earth—where sky meets shore, and picnics meet poetry. What makes lakes so different from other escapes? It's not just the scenery. It's the balance. Mountains challenge you. Oceans overwhelm you. But lakes? They welcome sit quietly, asking nothing more than your presence. You can paddle across them, share sandwiches on their grassy banks, or simply lie down and let the sky spill into your eyes. And unlike fast-paced cities or adrenaline-heavy destinations, lakes offer something rarer: stillness you can share with others. This is why they've been gathering spots for centuries—fishermen, lovers, poets, and now, travelers like us. Tired of the usual tourist rush? These 7 Asian lakes are waiting with boats and picnic spots 1. Dal Lake, Srinagar : Kashmir's Floating Paradise Imagine a picnic on a wooden shikara, the water carrying you like silk beneath painted Lake is more than just a lake—it's a moving story. Floating markets brim with fresh flowers. Houseboats offer you cups of saffron kahwa. And in the middle of it all, you find yourself drifting, unhurried. Why it's perfect: Shikara rides are iconic and soothing. Ghats and gardens nearby make picnic planning effortless. As the sun sets, the lake mirrors Himalayan pinks and golds. Here, boating isn't just activity—it's poetry in motion. 2. Inle Lake, Myanmar : Where Water Becomes a Way of Life Inle isn't just a lake—it's a living village. Fishermen balance on one leg as they cast nets. Wooden stilt houses rise above water gardens. And the lake stretches endlessly, a world shaped entirely by ripples. For picnickers, grassy banks and quiet corners await. For boaters, every row feels like traveling through a painting. Why it's perfect: See unique 'leg-rowing' fishermen in action. Visit floating gardens for fresh produce picnics. Glide past monasteries rising above water. At Inle, boating isn't a leisure activity—it's the rhythm of everyday life. 3. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan : A Mirror of Myth and Mountains Nestled in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is named for its shape: one side curved like the sun, the other like a crescent moon. But beyond the legend lies a place that feels like an artist's dream. Cycle paths hug the shore. Picnic spots are shaded by forests. Boats cut softly across jade-green waters. And somewhere in the middle, you forget whether you're in a park or a poem. Why it's perfect: Easy cycling + picnic-friendly spots around the lake. Cultural temples add a spiritual calm to the setting. Scenic boat tours let you see both sun and moon sides. It's not just a lake. It's a balance between myth and memory. 4. Lake Kawaguchi, Japan : Fuji's Silent Reflection Some lakes frame sunsets. Lake Kawaguchi frames Mount Fuji. On still days, the snow-capped giant leans down to kiss its reflection. On lively afternoons, rowboats and swan-shaped pedal boats scatter laughter across the water. Picnics here feel blessed by Japan's most sacred peak. Why it's perfect: Spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Cherry blossoms in spring make picnic blankets bloom. Rental boats offer serene paddling experiences. At Kawaguchi, you don't just eat sandwiches—you eat them under the watchful eye of Fuji. 5. Phewa Lake, Nepal : Pokhara's Shimmering Jewel In Pokhara, mountains don't just stand tall—they kneel down into Phewa Lake. Annapurna's snow peaks ripple in its waters while colorful wooden boats wait by the shore like crayons ready for a child's drawing. Picnics spill into grassy banks. Boat rides take you to Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the middle. And as evening arrives, the lake glows golden, as if blessed by the Himalayas themselves. Why it's perfect: Island temple makes boating spiritual as well as scenic. Lush banks are picnic-ready. Backdrop of the Annapurna range adds magic. Here, nature, culture, and calm all row in the same boat. 6. West Lake, Hangzhou : China's Classic Garden in Water If poetry could take shape, it would be West Lake. Ancient pagodas rise above misty waters. Willow trees bend toward couples sharing tea. And across the lake, stone bridges curve like brushstrokes from a calligraphy master. West Lake isn't just for sightseeing—it's for savoring. A slow boat ride feels timeless. A picnic beneath lotus flowers feels eternal. Why it's perfect: UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Shaded picnic spots everywhere. Romantic boat rides surrounded by bridges and gardens. At West Lake, every ripple is a line of poetry. 7. Lake Toba, Indonesia : The Giant Among Lakes Lake Toba is no ordinary lake. It's the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed from an ancient eruption. Yet today, it feels anything but destructive—it feels eternal. Samosir Island, right at its center, is picnic heaven. Shores stretch endlessly. Boats take you across turquoise expanses. And in the middle of Asia's biggest lake, you find the smallest joy: peace. Why it's perfect: Unique volcanic history. Expansive space for boating and long picnics. Rich Batak culture to explore along the shore. Here, time feels as wide as the water itself. Why lakes, and not beaches or mountains? Because lakes don't demand. They offer. Unlike the crashing waves of beaches or the steep climbs of mountains, lakes let you choose your rhythm. You can row. You can rest. You can spread out a picnic without rushing. Lakes are for families with children, couples on quiet dates, or solo travelers with notebooks. They're democratic landscapes—belonging to everyone, waiting for anyone. Practical Tips: How to Lake-Day Like a Local Pack simple food. Fresh fruits, sandwiches, and thermos tea beat heavy meals. Carry a mat. Grass feels good, but shade feels better. Choose morning or late afternoon. Avoid the midday glare. Respect the water. Don't litter. Lakes remember. Try a local boat. From shikaras to dragon boats, every region has its charm. The hidden economy of lakes: Why your picnic matters It's not just leisure. When you boat or picnic at a lake: You support local boatmen, vendors, and homestays. You give quieter destinations value, reducing crowd pressure elsewhere. You remind yourself—and the world—that calm is worth protecting. Final Thought Don't just travel through Asia—connect with it. Slow down. Sit by its lakes, share its moments, and let the stillness reflect not just the sky but your own story. Some experiences are not for capturing but for carrying within.
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy
At 11, he went viral for dancing in futuristic sunglasses while balancing on a skinny boat going 20 miles an hour during a race. His job was to hype up his rowers, and he did it so suavely that Travis Kelce and other celebrities around the world paid tribute. As the annual boat competition returns this week, villagers in this rural Indonesian region are celebrating his fame and the financial windfall that followed. They're also asking: Why him? Dikha's team is no title contender. It didn't even win that viral race. And many of the 200 other boys who dance on racing boats have more talent. 'Dikha got lucky,' said Aprilastuti, who, like many Indonesians, uses only one name. She points instead to the highly regarded dancer for the reigning champs: Arkha, her 10-year-old son. 'Arkha's dancing has more variety,' she said. 'Dikha has only a few moves.' Said Arkha: 'I am better than Dikha.' This remote corner of the world is trying to grasp the fleeting randomness of internet fame. Government officials are touting the region as a tourist destination, with Indonesia's vice president attending this week's races. Dikha does his part, gamely repeating his 20-second dance for promotional videos as the province's new tourism ambassador. At the heart of this moment is a competition. For three months, some 200 boats compete in a series of races culminating in the main event. This time, the boys shimmying on their narrow bows have extra drive. 'The other dancers are motivated to be like Dikha,' Aprilastuti said. Villagers pull the racing boat inland in Kuantan Singingi earlier this hull of the boat is made from a single tree and is typically 100 feet long, and teams range from 40 to 75 male rowers. The boat races are unique to Kuantan Singingi, a region of 370,000 largely Muslim people with Malay roots. Getting here involves flying to the city of Pekanbaru and driving four bumpy hours south, across the equator. The route, lined with palm trees and mosques, features hazards including chickens, goats and the occasional monkey. Called Pacu Jalur, the competition dates to the 17th century. It was held in August to commemorate Queen Wilhelmina's birthday during Dutch colonial rule, and now coincides with Indonesia's Independence Day. The two-minute race covers a kilometer, or six-tenths of a mile. The hull of the jalur, or boat, is made from a single tree and is typically 100 feet long. Teams range from 40 to 75 male rowers. Each has one anak joki, or dancer. Beyond cheerleading, the dancer traditionally performs only when his team is ahead, signaling to faraway spectators which team is leading. He is always a boy, since a child weighs less and can more easily balance on a bow less than a foot wide. They wear traditional Malay outfits; Dikha personalizes his with oversize shades. The original video of Dikha dancing last year, uploaded by a local, went little noticed for months. Then this summer came edited versions set to the American rap song 'Young Black & Rich.' Dikha became an international sensation. He looked so effortlessly cool. Internet users dubbed his dancing 'aura farming.' The football star Kelce posted a video comparing his touchdown dances to aura farming. U.S. soccer player Diego Luna copied Dikha to celebrate a goal. Golfer Bryson DeChambeau, F1 driver Alex Albon and DJ Steve Aoki did their versions. Others spoofed it at the office, on their cars and inside Costco. Locals don't know who posted the viral videos, said Dzikri Maulana Muhammad, a Pacu Jalur uniform designer. The other mystery: Why him? 'There are many children better than Dikha,' Dzikri said. Arkha says he's a better dancer than his more famous rival. Asked about this assessment, Dikha nodded. 'Yes, there are,' he said. His mother, 36-year-old Rani Ridawati, had one explanation for his stardom: 'It was Allah's gift.' She did suggest a reason why his moves resonated: They are smooth and easy to copy. He mimics fanning air, shooting guns and flying. 'It's unique, the simplicity,' she said. Fame brought Dikha his first plane trip, to Jakarta to dance on national TV, and a small fortune. For highlighting Pacu Jalur, government agencies gave him about $3,700—more than the combined annual income of his mother, a nonpermanent office worker at a disaster agency, and his construction-worker father. They are saving the money for his education. On a recent morning in Pintu Gobang, a village of 1,500 people and three Pacu Jalur teams, Dikha woke up in the bed he shares with his two brothers. The middle child, he rode with dad on a moped to school. Classes were canceled. All 159 students were cleaning ahead of a visit by Indonesia's tourism ministry, prompted by his video. Dikha grabbed a broom. Dikha, shown departing for school, launched to fame after the release of an edited version of his dance set to the American rap song 'Young Black & Rich.'The competition, which dates to the 17th century, features about 200 boats facing off in a series of races culminating in this week's main event. After school, Dikha returned home, sat on the living-room rug and opened a package: sunglasses from a European company. He chatted with his family about filming a police promotional video the next day. His dream is to become a policeman. Then came practice, but not with his team. A smaller village with inexperienced rowers asked Dikha's squad for manpower and know-how. They wanted ringers. After a half-hour trip, Dikha and dozens of teammates boarded a longboat in the brown Indragiri River, where rival teams were also practicing. As his teammates paddled, the boy broke into his trademark dance, prompting cheers from the roughly 100 villagers onshore. One spectator was 12-year-old Muhammad Afif. He had been training to debut as the boat's dancer in a race four days away. Now he was watching Dikha audition for his role. 'I want to be famous like Dikha,' he said. He might have to wait another year. The team chose Dikha. Dikha, shown training this month, mimics fanning air, shooting guns and flying. Write to Stu Woo at How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy How an 11-Year-Old Boy on a Boat Became a Source of National Pride—and Envy
