Tourist Destinations map

Tourist Destinations map


World Top 10 - Tourist Destination
Country International Visitors (2001)
France 76,500,000
Spain 49,500,000
USA 45,500,000
Italy 39,000,000
China 33,200,000
UK 23,400,000
Russia 21,200,000
Mexico 19,800,000
Canada 19,700,000
Austria 18,200,00



Spain


Spain is the second most visited country in the world with more than 50 million tourists visiting it annually. A tour of Spain would include a visit to its famous cities Barcelona and Madrid. Apart from sampling some ethnic Spanish food and wine one can see some of the most beautiful architectural designs on the buildings of Spain.

ITALY:
Italy an important tourist destination in Europe is a favorite with honeymooners and all romantic souls. Vacations to Italy are an invitation to spend ones time indulging in the senses be it eating delicious Italian pasta or drinking some of the best Italian wine, seeing Italian art or simply breathing in the scented air of the country. Know more...

USA:
USA is a top destination for tourists. Holidays in USA are an experience in diversity as the country is diverse in its weather conditions, the composition of the population and the topography. This diversity has led to people defining USA in their own terms and one can see the states of USA having a distinct identity of their own. Know more...

MEXICO:
Mexico is a top world destination for people to visit. Be its ancient pyramids lost in the rainforests, or its flaming hot dishes, or simply the colorful people of the country, to travel to Mexico is to be a part of a larger adventure.

CHINA:
China has grown as a top tourist spot as the people of the country and their unique culture attract people from far and wide.

Sydney History

Sydney's

History

Radio carbon dating suggests that the Sydney region has been inhabited by indigenous Australians for at least 30,000 years.[18] The traditional Indigenous inhabitants of Sydney Cove are the Cadigal people, whose land once stretched from south of Port Jackson to Petersham. While estimates of the population numbers prior to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 remains contentious, approximately 4,000–8,000 Aboriginal people lived in the Sydney region prior to contact with British settlers. The British called the Indigenous people the "Eora", because being asked where they came from, these people would answer: "Eora", meaning "here", or "from this place" in their language. There were three language groups in the Sydney region, which were divided into dialects spoken by smaller clans.

In 1770, British sea Captain Lieutenant James Cook landed in Botany Bay on the Kurnell Peninsula. It is here that Cook made first contact with an Aboriginal community known as the Gweagal. Under instruction from the British government, a convict settlement was founded by Arthur Phillip, who arrived at Botany Bay with a fleet of 11 ships on 18 January 1788. This site was soon determined to be unsuitable for habitation, owing to poor soil and a lack of reliable fresh water. Phillip subsequently founded the colony one inlet further up the coast, at Sydney Cove on Port Jackson on 26 January 1788. He named it after the British Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney, in recognition of Sydney's role in issuing the charter authorising Phillip to establish a colony. The original name was intended to be Albion until Phillip decided upon Sydney.

Rapid suburban development began in the last quarter of the 19th century with the advent of steam powered tramways and railways. With industrialisation Sydney expanded rapidly, and by the early 20th century it had a population well of more than a million. The Great Depression hit Sydney badly. One of the highlights of the Depression era, however, was the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.Sydney overtook Melbourne in population in the early years of the 20th century, and has remained the largest city in Australia since this time. During the 1970s and 1980s Sydney's CBD with the Reserve Bank and Australian Stock Exchange clearly surpassed Melbourne as the nation's financial capital.Throughout the 20th century, especially in the decades immediately following World War II, Sydney continued to expand as large numbers of European and later Asian immigrants populated the metropolitan area.


Tourism

In the year ending March 2008, Sydney received 2.7 million international visitors.The most well-known attractions include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Other attractions include Royal Botanical Gardens, Luna Park, some 40 beaches and Sydney Tower.

Sydney also has several popular museums such as, the Australian Museum (natural history and anthropology), the Powerhouse Museum (science, technology and design), the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The attraction of Sydney

ATTRACTION OF SYDNEY

Vivacity events

Sydney Festival


Three weeks of music, dance, family fun, theatre and visual arts make Sydney buzz over summer. Spectacular shows and performances as well as the ever-popular free outdoor concerts. Opening with Festival First Night and including the free outdoor concert by A.R. Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire fame.


Australia Day

Endless fun with events on the harbour and around the city, family fun in Hyde Park, Tall Ships and ferry races, and a new musical extravaganza in the Domain.


LIFESTYLE

Famous for its World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, Sydney is one of the world's favourite cities, and has been voted "world's best city" by readers of US travel magazines Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Sydney is also ranked first in the Asia Pacific for quality of life by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2007.

Australia's oldest and largest city is set on one of the world's most stunning harbours, fringed by easy-to-reach, sandy beaches. Sydney Harbour separates the city into north and south, with harbourside villages, beachside suburbs and inner city areas full of life and their own distinctive character.

The city has a sunny, moderate climate which contributes to Sydneysiders' relaxed lifestyle and love of the great outdoors. There are five major national parks around Sydney with 8,000 square kilometres of open space.

This multicultural city's restaurant and cafe scene is enhanced by outstanding local fresh produce and world-class wines. Sydney has a dynamic arts and cultural scene. It is home to some of Australia's leading arts organisations such as Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony, Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company and has produced many talented writers, film directors and performers.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

A Bit of Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen.

At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930. Other statistics include:

* 2.5 million rivets.
* 300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it.
* Sway of at most 12 cm in high winds.
* Height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature.
* 15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets).
* 40 tons of paint.
* 1652 steps to the top.




It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna - used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.

During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has also witnessed a few strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and parachuted off of in 1984 by two Englishmen. In 1923 a journalist rode a bicycle down from the first level. Some accounts say he rode down the stairs, other accounts suggest the exterior of one of the tower's four legs which slope outward.


Design of the tower
The third floor of the Eiffel Tower, at night, seen from Trocadéro.


Material

The metal structure of the Eiffel Tower weighs 7,300 tonnes while the entire structure including non-metal components is approximately 10,000 tonnes. Depending on the ambient temperature, the top of the tower may shift away from the sun by up to 18 cm (7.1 in) because of thermal expansion of the metal on the side facing the sun. As demonstration of the economy of design, if the 7300 tonnes of the metal structure were melted down it would fill the 125 metre square base to a depth of only 6 cm (2.36 in), assuming a density of the metal to be 7.8 tonnes per cubic metre. The tower has a mass less than the mass of the air contained in a cylinder of the same dimensions,[22] that is 324 metres high and 88.3 metres in radius. The weight of the tower is 10,100 tonnes compared to 10,265 tonnes of air.




Wind considerations

At the time the tower was built many people were shocked by its daring shape. Eiffel was criticised for the design and accused of trying to create something artistic, or inartistic according to the viewer, without regard to engineering. Eiffel and his engineers, however, as renowned bridge builders, understood the importance of wind forces and knew that if they were going to build the tallest structure in the world they had to be certain it would withstand the wind. In an interview reported in the newspaper Le Temps, Eiffel said:

Now to what phenomenon did I give primary concern in designing the Tower? It was wind resistance. Well then! I hold that the curvature of the monument's four outer edges, which is as mathematical calculation dictated it should be [...] will give a great impression of strength and beauty, for it will reveal to the eyes of the observer the boldness of the design as a whole.





Maintenance

Maintenance of the tower includes applying 50 to 60 tonnes of paint every seven years to protect it from rust.

Top Tourist Places

Top Tourist places

Tourism in England

in England

Heritage Cities in England

* Bath: A spa, famous for its Regency architecture and crescents, and also for its Roman baths.
* Brighton: Brighton is a seaside resort which includes two piers, West Pier and Brighton Pier, and also has the Royal Pavilion.
* Bristol: Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge is a famous landmark, and the ship, the SS Great Britain is another of Brunel's famous constructions, which is now in dry dock in Bristol.
* Cambridge: A famous university town.
* Canterbury: Renowned for its cathedral.
* Dover: A major port with access to the continent. Also well known for its white cliffs, and to a lesser extent for its castle, Dover Castle.
* Haworth: where the Brontë Sisters lived, is very popular with Japanese tourists, as Wuthering Heights has a cult following in Japan.
* Liverpool: The 2008 European Capital of Culture, a major port and World Heritage Site, home to two cathedrals and houses more listed buildings, museums and art galleries than any other city in the UK outside of London. The city is also famous for its musical, maritime and sporting heritage.
* Oxford : now a busy commercial city, which also has a famous university.

* Nottingham : The city and Nottingham Castle are famed worldwide for their links with the legend of Robin Hood. Sherwood Forest is nearby.
* Portsmouth: Portsmouth is a naval dockyard, and has some famous ships on display, including the Mary Rose, and HMS Victory, all within its Historic Dockyard. Also home to Gunwharf Quays retail centre, with its iconic Spinnaker Tower.
* Salisbury: Salisbury cathedral is well known, and has the tallest spire in the country. Nearby is the pre-historic site of Stonehenge, which is administered by English Heritage.
* Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's birthplace is probably the most visited place in Stratford
* Wells: best known for Wells Cathedral
* York: Famous for York Minster. Also the location of the National Railway Museum and a wealth of preserved medieval streets and buildings, such as the Merchant Adventurers' Hall and the Shambles.

Ecotourism

England also has some unique natural environments, and has a significant Ecotourism industry:

* Eden Project in Cornwall.
* The Lake District, a national park with hills and lakes, including Windermere, the largest lake in England.
* The Peak District, a national park in Derbyshire.
* Dartmoor and Exmoor, national parks in Devon.
* The New Forest, a rural forest park in Hampshire.
* The Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site in Dorset and Devon
* The National Forest, covering parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
* Center Parcs, a number of rural holiday parks.
* Plus various National Nature Reserves, Heritage Coasts and other protected areas.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BANGLADESH

TOURIST IN BANGLADESH

DHAKA the capital the capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture, known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin; it has attracted travelers from far and nearer throughout in all the ages. It has a history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla, kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city.


CHITTAGONG - GATEWAY TO THE BAY OF BENGAL

With a picturesque hinterland of large hill forests and lakes. Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy of Bangladesh and a busy international sea port. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. It combines the hump of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar and Calcutta by Air.

1. Places of Interest: Sharine of Byazid Bostami : This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large tank with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.

2. World War II Cemetery: In this well preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from Commonwealth countries and Japan. Source: www.travelbd.com

3.Foy's Lake: Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal sport for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.

4. Ethnological Museum: A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.



HILL TRACTS DISTRICTS Hill Tracts Districts - world of panoramic beauty The hill Tracts Districts with its perenial forest, thrilling drives through hills and dales, emerald blue water of Kaptai lake, colourful tribal life and culture, attractive handicrafts and artisans beackons you to a world of panoramic beauty mother nature has so lavishly unfolded. Greater Hill Tracts is dividend into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban each one equally unique in its attractions.

RANGAMATI - THE HEART OF THE LAKE DISTRICT
From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidt green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma etc.) its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage accommodation, catering, speed boat and other facilities at Rangamati.

KAPTAI
A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. It is the famous man made Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having beautiful Buddist statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque surrounding.

KUAKATA
A rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sun setting. It is located at a distance of 70 km, from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Access to the area is difficult.

MAINAMATI - SEAT OF LOST DYNASTIES
About eight km. to the west of Comilla town which is situated 114 km south east of Dhaka lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of these hills lie scattered a treasure of information about the early Buddhist cMlization (7th-12th Centure A.D.). At Salban in the middle of the ridge, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihara (monastery) and imposing central sharine. It has revealed valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here from the 7th to 12th century. The whole range of hillocks run for about 18 km. and is studded with more than 50 sites.

MAHASTHANGARH - THE OLDEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Located at a distance of 18 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about 8 km radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodia Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still held to be of great sancitity by the Hindus. Every year (mid - April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa.

RAJSHAI - A NATURAL SILK PRODUCING CENTRE
Rajshahi has seen the most glorious periods of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, mangoes and lichis. Attractive silk products are cheaper. A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city of rich archaeological finds, would be most rewarding. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air, Rajshahi is located on the bank of the Padma river.

NATORE PLACE OF DIGHPATIYA RAJBARI
About 40km. from Rajshahi by road is Natore, an old seat of Maharajas with a beautiful palace, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (President's Official residence of the northern region). It was residence of the Dighapatiya Raj.

PAHARPUR - THE LARGEST BUDDHIST SEAT OF LEARNING
Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular cout, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15th. in height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms.

MYMENSINGH - THE HEART OF BENGAL'S FOLKLORE
From the foot of the Garo Hills in the north down to the plains of Dhaka in the south lies greater Mymensingh. Along the northern frontier of the district there are many aboriginal tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis who are ethnically quiet distinct from the people around them. Mymensingh has earned a notable position in Bengali literature as the birth place or rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from Dhaka to mymensing there is a national park and game sanctuary at Madhupur about 160 km. from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve forests in the area with rest houses and picnic spots. World famous painter Zainul Abedin's Art Gallery at Mymensingh carries the boyhood memories of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

VISA

Restricted entry: The government of Bangladesh refuses admission and transit to nationals of Israel. - PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 3 months after departure required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of Bahamas, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Vatican City and Zambia for stays of up to 90 days; (b) transit passengers continuing their journey the same for first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport;(c) tourist and business travellers arriving at Zia, Dhaka and Patenga international airports, provided holding return air tickets, who may be granted 'landing permission' by the by the Chief Immigration Officer for stays of up to 15 days.

Visas for Bangladesh
Restricted entry: The government of Bangladesh refuses admission and transit to nationals of Israel.
Passports: Passport valid for 3 months after departure required by all.
Visas: Required by all except the following:
(a) Nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City and Zambia for stays of up to 90 days.
(b) Transit passengers continuing their journey the same for first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
(c) Tourist and business travellers arriving at Zia international airport, Dhaka and Patenga international airport, provided holding return air tickets, who may be granted 'landing permission' by the Chief Immigration Officer for stays of up to 15 days.
Note: Visas are not required by Bangladesh nationals nor by former Bangladesh nationals holding British passports provided they have the statement' no visa required for travel to Bangladesh' stamped in their passport by the Bangladesh High Commission. Please also note any foreign visitor overstaying the allotted period may be charged a fine for each day of overstay.
Types of visa: Entry, Visit, Tourist and. Entry visas may be issued for short conference or journalistic trips (although not for business trips).
Validity: Single- and Double entry: 6 months from date of issue. Multiple-entry: 6-12 months from date of issue. Stays are for a maximum of 90 days each.
Application to: Consular Section at Embassy or High Commission.
Application requirements:
(a) Valid passport.
(b) 2 completed application forms.
(c) 2 passport-size photos.
(d) Fee. Source: www.travelbd.com
(e) Letter from employer or other relevant letters for business and conference trips.
Working days required: 24 hours for a single-entry visa; 48 hours for other types of visa. 7-10 days for postal applications.

Some useful Tips for travelers in Bangladesh

Make sure you have the proper health/immunization requirements.
Carry as much currency in travelers checks as possible.
Keep a copy of all documents and credit card information in a safe place.
Find out some information about your destination. It is to your advantage to know some basic phrases in the local language, basic facts, places of interest, how to get around etc.
Check all your travel documents to make sure that they are in order. Passports should be valid for a few months after your return date.
Bring your address and telephone book. Make sure you have jotted down important telephone numbers in case of emergency.
Check the weather conditions of your destination.

Essential Safety Information for Travellers in Bangladesh

Before you travel, make sure you passport is valid and will not be expire while you are away. Most of the country will not except your passport if it has expired.
Always take good care of your passport. Don't give or handover your passport to anyone. You need that to go and come in every country of the world. Without a passport you will not be able to get in the plane.
Keep your passport with you at all times. If you are visiting friends or family, make sure that your passport is in a safe place. If you are in a hotel or shopping around the town, always check on it.
Do you have a duplicate copy of your passport? If not, make at least 3 photo copies of your passport. Leave one behind at your permanent address, 2nd copy with you when you traveling but not with the original passport (or keep it with your traveling companion). Incase you lose your passport; you would need the photocopy for your identification. While making photocopy, make sure to copy all the relevant pages of your passport (mainly the page with your photo and profile)
If you have a scanner - scan you passport and send it to your own e-mail address. It could be very helpful incase if you lose your passport and photocopy can't be located.
If incase, you lost your passport, notify the local police authority and contact your embassy immediately. Do not delay on reporting the lost of your passport. Your travel arrangement might
When it comes to traveling abroad, first piece of document you need is a passport. It is the most important document. Following are some of the very you should keep in mind: be delayed due to lost of your passport.

Where else do you need a passport?
If you pulled over or stopped by the law enforcement officers in a foreign country, passport is you first identity along with your international drivers license.
If you like to use your credit card for your shopping need, passport can be used as your identification.

LOOK FOR TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) FOLLOWING SERVICES

Guided Tour Packages & Sightseeing Languages Guide Budget Hotel/Guest House/Resort Booking Issue & confirmation of Air/Railway/Bus/Steamer Ticket ?River Cruise & Lake Cruise ?Honeymoon Trips Travel Management (Tours/Visit/Excursion/Wild Life Safari) Camping Program/Hiking/Trekking Management of Picnics/Get-Together Catering Service Cultural Program Seminars Exhibition ?Rent a Car/Boat/Helicopter. Contact Address:
TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) Manager (Tours), TRAVELBD Head Office, 33 North Kafrul, Dhaka-1206, Bangladesh.
Phone: +880 2 9890075, Mobile: +88 018279513, email: info@travelbd.com , web site URL: www.travelbd.com