Latest news with #UNESCO-designated
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
7 Best Hill Stations Near Mysuru For Your Summer Getaway
The Karnataka cultural center known as Mysuru maintains its reputation through its royal palatial history and numerous festive celebrations. The hot summer season compels travelers from Mysuru City to search for cooler hill stations as their retreat destination. These peaceful places provide visitors with the advantage of fresh temperatures and stunning natural vistas along with abundant plant growth together with exciting outdoor activities. Summer travelers seeking relief from Mysuru will find the greatest hill stations nearby that deliver exceptional experiences. 1. Ooty (Udhagamandalam) South India holds Ooty near Mysuru at 130 kilometers distance where visitors recognize it as 'Queen of Hill Stations' because of its extensive popularity. Ooty sits among the Nilgiri Hills at a height of 2,240 meters where favorable weather prevails throughout all seasons. The destination offers panoramic views of tea plantation fields alongside Ooty Lake attraction and visitors can also encounter the UNESCO-designated Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The Government Botanical Garden with Doddabetta Peak stands as essential natural attractions for visitors. 2. Coonoor Coonoor stands as a second Nilgiri Hills locale situated 145 kilometers from Mysuru and near Ooty. Tourists who want to experience quietude in a setting covered by verdant hills should visit Cooner. Tourists should visit the Sim's Park botanical garden along with Dolphin's Nose which provides breathtaking viewpoint access. Visitors to Coonoor can browse through its tea factories to learn about tea production under guided supervision. 3. Nandi Hills Located 160 kilometers outside Mysuru Nandi Hills stands as a historic hill station that belongs to Karnataka. Tipu Sultan chose Nandi Hills situated at 1,478 meters high as his Mysore rulership summer residence. The present-day visitors come to witness the mesmerizing sunrises of Nandi Hills along with visiting Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and hiking on the trails. Wild vacation seekers can take advantage of paragliding and rock climbing opportunities against the refreshing breeze. 4. Kotagiri Kotagiri delivers an unrestrained peaceful atmosphere as an alternative to Ooty and Coonoor. This town represents the oldest hill station within the Nilgiris region where it sits at 150 kilometers from Mysuru. Kotagiri creates an ideal haven from urban chaos because it sits among extensive woods and beautiful grassy fields. Cuilade Ghat Road serves as the main attraction among Catherine Falls, Elk Falls and the Rangaswamy Peak. Both families and solo visitors know they will find peaceful enjoyment in Kotagiri because of its relaxed atmosphere. 5. Wayanad The coastal district of Wayanad in Kerala exists about 180 kilometers from Mysuru as a mountainous region with numerous waterfalls and multiple wildlife sanctuaries and misty peaks. The elevation range of 700 to 2,100 meters creates a cool climate as well as beautiful natural surroundings in Wayanad. One can find three notable features of Wayanad such as the prehistoric Edakkal Caves alongside Soochipara Falls and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists easily find adventure opportunities through trekking, camping and bamboo rafting activities in Wayanad. 6. Chikmagalur Positioned 190 kilometers north of Mysuru lies Chikmagalur which invites aficionados of coffee to savour its Western Ghats location. The hill station maintains popularity because of its endless coffee plantation estates and stunning waterfalls along with its vivid green hills. Visitors can experience breathtaking vistas and exciting trekking activities on Mullayanagiri since it stands as the tallest peak in Karnataka. Tourists can explore three main attractions at Hebbe Falls and Baba Budangiri and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in this location. Its pleasant environment combined with scented coffee fields creates an attractive summer holiday destination. 7. Madikeri (Coorg) Visitors commonly call Madikeri by its alternative name Coorg and find it in India close to 160 kilometers southeast of Mysuru. The plantations of coffee and spices in Coorg create an enchanting mix of landscapes that draws travelers to this area due to its rich cultural background. Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, and Talakaveri—the source of the River Kaveri—are popular tourist spots. People who love adventure will find pleasure in visiting Nagarhole National Park and taking part in Barapole river rafting activities. Coorg's outstanding charm gains more appeal through its pleasant weather and its inviting homestays. Why Choose These Hill Stations? These Mysuru proximity hill stations present distinct attractions that welcome visitors based on their specific tastes. All three destinations offer multiple attractions including active activities and cultural activities alongside peaceful relaxation. The locations near Mysuru can be reached easily by both road and train transportation leading to their use as short-term vacation sites and long-term vacation destinations. People seeking relaxation find refuge from blistering summer temperatures because these destinations reach elevated heights. Tips for Planning Your Trip Travelers should choose the summer period between March and June to experience the ideal weather conditions at these hill destinations. These destinations provide excellent road-based access to all visitors. Using cars or renting cabs provides the advantage of independent travel to explore multiple sights in the surrounding area. Local visitors can select from affordable guesthouses and luxury resorts when seeking accommodation during their stay. Prior reservation is recommended especially when visiting during highly popular seasons. Essential Packing Items Consist of Woolens with Low Bulk and Comfortable Walking Shoes and Sunscreen and Rain Gear When Visiting in the Monsoon Months. Filter coffee and Kodava cuisine are among the local dishes that visitors should try when visiting Coorg and Chikmagalur. People visiting the area should follow nature-friendly practices which involve refraining from trash disposal and maintaining respect for all local cultural rules. Safety must come first since you should check for weather conditions prior to outdoor activities and maintain basic medications as first-aid supplies. Conclusion The surrounding hill stations near Mysuru offer a complete remedy against Mysuru's peak summer temperatures. Various forms of attractions ranging from historical sites to wildlife preserves combined with outdoor activities exist for all types of travelers at these locations. Grab your travel items and follow roads to enjoy the natural beauty with refreshing temperatures in these outstanding retreats.
National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
5 alternative experiences to have in Penang
With its sizzling street food stalls, glorious beaches and dense jungle, Penang should be on every Malaysian holiday itinerary. Located in the north west of the country, the state is split between the mainland and Penang Island. It's perhaps most famous for its food — during your time here, you can feast on flaky roti canai and dhal in the early morning sunshine, or opt for Chinese noodles and sweet tea at a bustling open-air cafe. Yet there's so much more to a trip to Penang than eating your way around the colourful capital of George Town. Head beyond the city and you'll find hilly hikes and adrenaline-pumping theme parks surrounded by forests, plus plenty of laid-back beaches to slow the pace. Here are just five ways to experience the lesser-known sides of Penang. 1. Marvel at glowing flora and fauna Located on the western coast of Penang Island, Entopia is a wildlife haven that'll fascinate travellers of any age. Step inside the enclosed gardens and you'll see hundreds of species of butterflies floating through the air, surrounded by fish-filled ponds, lofty trees and tumbling waterfalls. In the 'mystery cave', there's a chance to see insects and reptiles up close, with scannable QR codes providing information about every spider, snake and lizard. And while there is a great deal to see during the day, Entopia by Night allows visitors to explore the world's first biofluorescent garden, where plants and animals, including geckos and scorpions, appear to glow in the dark. Getting to this sanctuary also allows you to see plenty of the island; to reach Entopia, hop in an inexpensive Grab taxi or take the bus that travels from George Town along the coast. Located on the west coast of Penang, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is home to around 15,000 butterflies, dragonflies and fireflies. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 2. Delve into Penang's colourful past Forget staid museums — in Penang, visitors can interact with the region's past at immersive spaces like the Penang History Gallery. This 10,000sq ft space showcases the state's history through meticulously reconstructed colonial streets and war bunkers. It's located within the state's UNESCO-designated capital, George Town, where Penang's history is visible in its many impressive temples and beautifully preserved heritage buildings. You can also learn about the region's past through the imaginative street art that decorates walls around the city. Bukit Tambun — a former sugarcane plantation that is now a vibrant village — also takes this creative approach to preserving history, with its eye-catching murals splashed on buildings and paintings on shophouse fronts. Some of these paintings tell stories about this mainland town's history and culture, while others feature whatever the shop owner happens to fancy (think Bruce Lee or SpongeBob SquarePants). This mural of a dancing girl can be found in the rural town of Balik Pulau. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism George Town is home to many colourful murals, including this lifelike painting of a tomcat. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 3. Soar through the jungle on zip coaster At 1,135 metres, this adventurous ride at Escape Penang is said to be the world's longest zip coaster — and it's certainly one of the most scenic. Kitted out in a harness, you'll swoop, swerve and perhaps shriek as you make your way through the jungle canopy, taking in the treetops and hilly countryside as you go. In fact, the zip coaster is just one of 35 attractions at Escape Penang, a park located a 40-minute drive from George Town, surrounded by lush forest. With obstacle courses, splash parks and water slides offering entertainment for everyone from young kids to adults, this is one of the best places to cool off when the mercury rises. 4. Relax on Cat Beach Penang Within minutes on Penang, you'll see that this is an island of beautiful beaches of golden sands and turquoise waters. But one stretch of sand stands out: Cat Beach, which is home to hundreds of stray cats living the good life on the palm-lined shores. Located in the fishing village of Teluk Bahang, Cat Beach is also a sanctuary where you can spend time with rescued cats, either as a longer-stay volunteer or on an hour-long visit. Further along the beach, you may fancy a dip in the water or find an idyllic spot to watch the sunset. With its peak sitting 2,733 ft above sea level, travellers can find panoramic views of Penang Island and the mainland from the top of Penang Hill. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 5. Hike the thrilling 'Trek 800' For those craving a walk in nature, Penang Island is crammed with peaceful hiking trails suitable for day-long excursion or short, challenging climbs. The just over four-mile Trek 800 trail, located in Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam park, offers you the chance to really stretch your legs and enjoy some staggering views. On this high-energy trek, you'll pass monkeys, towering trees and huge tree roots, all before arriving at a lookout point with cloud-dusted views of Mengkuang Dam. Direct flights are available from the UK to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. From here, several airlines offer direct flights to Penang. The cheapest way to get around George Town is on the free CAT bus, with stops dotted across the city. When venturing further, Grab taxis (an equivalent to Uber) are cheap, reliable and easily accessible via the app. Alternatively, you can hire a car or use the island's bus network. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for Penang Global Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
5 alternative experiences to have in Penang
With its sizzling street food stalls, glorious beaches and dense jungle, Penang should be on every Malaysian holiday itinerary. Located in the north west of the country, the state is split between the mainland and Penang Island. It's perhaps most famous for its food — during your time here, you can feast on flaky roti canai and dhal in the early morning sunshine, or opt for Chinese noodles and sweet tea at a bustling open-air cafe. Yet there's so much more to a trip to Penang than eating your way around the colourful capital of George Town. Head beyond the city and you'll find hilly hikes and adrenaline-pumping theme parks surrounded by forests, plus plenty of laid-back beaches to slow the pace. Here are just five ways to experience the lesser-known sides of Penang. Located on the western coast of Penang Island, Entopia is a wildlife haven that'll fascinate travellers of any age. Step inside the enclosed gardens and you'll see hundreds of species of butterflies floating through the air, surrounded by fish-filled ponds, lofty trees and tumbling waterfalls. In the 'mystery cave', there's a chance to see insects and reptiles up close, with scannable QR codes providing information about every spider, snake and lizard. And while there is a great deal to see during the day, Entopia by Night allows visitors to explore the world's first biofluorescent garden, where plants and animals, including geckos and scorpions, appear to glow in the dark. Getting to this sanctuary also allows you to see plenty of the island; to reach Entopia, hop in an inexpensive Grab taxi or take the bus that travels from George Town along the coast. Forget staid museums — in Penang, visitors can interact with the region's past at immersive spaces like the Penang History Gallery. This 10,000sq ft space showcases the state's history through meticulously reconstructed colonial streets and war bunkers. It's located within the state's UNESCO-designated capital, George Town, where Penang's history is visible in its many impressive temples and beautifully preserved heritage buildings. You can also learn about the region's past through the imaginative street art that decorates walls around the city. Bukit Tambun — a former sugarcane plantation that is now a vibrant village — also takes this creative approach to preserving history, with its eye-catching murals splashed on buildings and paintings on shophouse fronts. Some of these paintings tell stories about this mainland town's history and culture, while others feature whatever the shop owner happens to fancy (think Bruce Lee or SpongeBob SquarePants). At 1,135 metres, this adventurous ride at Escape Penang is said to be the world's longest zip coaster — and it's certainly one of the most scenic. Kitted out in a harness, you'll swoop, swerve and perhaps shriek as you make your way through the jungle canopy, taking in the treetops and hilly countryside as you go. In fact, the zip coaster is just one of 35 attractions at Escape Penang, a park located a 40-minute drive from George Town, surrounded by lush forest. With obstacle courses, splash parks and water slides offering entertainment for everyone from young kids to adults, this is one of the best places to cool off when the mercury rises. Within minutes on Penang, you'll see that this is an island of beautiful beaches of golden sands and turquoise waters. But one stretch of sand stands out: Cat Beach, which is home to hundreds of stray cats living the good life on the palm-lined shores. Located in the fishing village of Teluk Bahang, Cat Beach is also a sanctuary where you can spend time with rescued cats, either as a longer-stay volunteer or on an hour-long visit. Further along the beach, you may fancy a dip in the water or find an idyllic spot to watch the sunset. For those craving a walk in nature, Penang Island is crammed with peaceful hiking trails suitable for day-long excursion or short, challenging climbs. The just over four-mile Trek 800 trail, located in Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam park, offers you the chance to really stretch your legs and enjoy some staggering views. On this high-energy trek, you'll pass monkeys, towering trees and huge tree roots, all before arriving at a lookout point with cloud-dusted views of Mengkuang Dam. This paid content article was created for Penang Global Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Euronews
20-05-2025
- Euronews
Europe's best city breaks for budget travellers this summer
If you are looking for a city break on a budget this summer, consider some of Eastern Europe's culture-rich capitals. A new report by the UK's Post Office has ranked the top 10 cities in Europe where you could save money on a holiday. The City Costs Barometer found that prices have fallen in half the cities surveyed. Seven out of 10 destinations are in Eastern Europe, including the top spot. The analysis calculated the costs of 12 common tourist items in 38 cities in Europe. These included consumables like a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi, a glass of wine, and a three-course evening meal for two with house wine. Transport costs were also incorporated, such as a return airport bus or train transfer, and a 48-hour travel card. It included the price of a sightseeing city bus tour, a top tourist heritage attraction, a top museum, and a top art gallery. Finally, it added the cost of two nights' accommodation in a three-star hotel for two people. The Latvian capital, Riga, has regained its position as Europe's best value city for a short break for the first time in over a decade. The UNESCO-designated old town is a flourish of carved medieval buildings and pastel townhouses, but you don't have to battle crowds to visit the famous sites. At €300 for 12 tourist items, the city has risen from sixth place last year to top the chart for the first time since 2012. This is because prices in Riga are down 15 per cent year-on-year compared with those in runner-up city, Vilnius, where the total cost of an average break rose 7.5 per cent to €302. The rising cost of accommodation in the Lithuanian capital is the key factor. Prices in the two Baltic states are around 60 per cent lower than in Oslo (€755) and Copenhagen (€747), the most expensive cities surveyed. Poland boasts three cities in this year's city breaks top 10. Warsaw (€329) has moved up from 10th to third place with a price fall of 13.2 per cent, mainly as a result of a €46 fall in accommodation costs (€155 for two nights compared with €201 a year ago). Kraków (€356) again makes the top 10 but has dropped from fourth to eighth place because of a 7.7 per cent price increase. One place higher in seventh position Gdansk, surveyed for the first time this year, costs a total of €352 for the barometer items. From the enormous brick St Mark's Church, whose spires seem to pierce the clouds, to the slender gabled houses lining Long Market, many of the Polish city's attractions don't cost a penny to admire. Also new for 2025, Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, has shot into the top 10 in fourth place. Its overall cost of €335 is 29 per cent lower than Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia. Podgorica has an ultra-trendy cafè scene, a historic village-in-the-city neighbourhood and vestiges of its ancient Ottoman past to discover. Rising from 11th last year to 10th position in the new survey, Zagreb (€369) is the fourth new entrant to the best value top 10, gaining its place because of a 4.4 per cent fall in barometer prices. Portugal's two major cities both feature in the ranking. Although prices are up 10.8 per cent in Lisbon (5th, €347), the Portuguese capital remains the highest placed Western European city. Porto (9th, €362) has moved back into the leading 10 cities from 13th place last year after registering an overall price fall of 15.5 per cent, thanks to better hotel availability. Lille, a delight of handsome buildings and heavyweight museums in northern France, comes in 6th place at €348 to complete the top 10 line-up. Post Office researchers found that costs for tourist items have fallen in half of the surveyed cities compared to a year ago. The biggest drop has been in Helsinki, the lowest-priced Scandinavian city in this year's barometer. At €556, prices have plummeted by over 20 per cent to take the Finnish capital to 21st place from 34th last year. Conversely, barometer prices have risen significantly in Berlin, where a 20 per cent increase in tourist costs has seen the city fall from 21st to 34th place with a barometer total of €698. All prices have been converted from Sterling to Euro at the current conversion rate of £1 = €1.19. Bukhara, a historic Silk Road city in Uzbekistan, has thrived for centuries thanks to ingenious water systems. From ancient canals and reservoirs to underground karez tunnels, water was central to life here. Sites like Lyabi Hauz and Chashma Ayub still reflect this deep Bukhara faces new climate challenges, but local initiatives are modernising school infrastructure to ensure clean water access. Teachers and students say the change is transformative. As historian Anvar Tullayev explains, Bukhara's survival has always depended on water — and its legacy of resilience continues to guide efforts to secure a sustainable future.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Leave them where they belong': Bruges implores tourists to stop stealing cobblestones
Tourists have been caught smuggling all kinds of stolen souvenirs home from holidays, from artefacts picked up in Pompeii to sand from Italy's famous pink beach on the island of Sardinia. The Belgian city of Bruges is the latest victim of keepsake crime, but the item visitors have taken a fancy to is unexpected. The city council has reported the theft of dozens of cobblestones from the city centre, and suspects tourists are the culprits. Bruges' cobblestones are increasingly being pilfered from well-known spots in the UNESCO-designated historic centre, public property councillor Franky Demon reported this week. 'At iconic locations such as Minnewater, Vismarkt, Markt and Gruuthusemuseum, it is estimated that 50 to 70 pieces of cobblestone disappear every month. And that number could be even higher,' Demon told press. 'The phenomenon increases significantly, especially during busy tourist periods such as spring and summer,' he added. For this reason, authorities suspect visitors are pocketing the stone as souvenirs. As well as damaging a valuable part of the city's heritage, the stolen stones have created safety issues. The gaps from removed stones present trip hazards for pedestrians - and are costly to repair. 'It's unfortunate that our employees constantly have to go out to fix potholes and loose stones. This causes a lot of additional work and costs: about 200 euros per square metre of reconstruction,' explained Demon. Related 'We expect respect': Bali cracks down on 'naughty' tourists with strict new rules Climbing, collecting rocks, going off-trail: Tourists accused of trashing Tenerife's Teide Park The councillor urged visitors to respect the historical environment of Bruges. 'We simply ask for respect. Anyone walking through Bruges crosses centuries of history. Leave that cobblestone where it belongs,' he said. Bruges' cobblestones are apparently not the only sought-after street souvenir. Along the famous Paris-Roubaix cycling route, tourists are known to pilfer parts of the pavement. While Rome's iconic 'sampietrini' - cobblestones made of solidified lava - have also disappeared into suitcases over the years.
