City Walks

Istanbul: Fifth largest city in the world and home to more than 15 million people. It truly is the ‘bridge’ between East and West, extending into both the European and the Asian sides of the Bosphorous Strait, earning its unique status as a city embracing two continents. This ancient city in Turkey walks a tightrope of cultures, stirring in a simmering melting hot pot of East and West, and pulling out a jewel.

If you begin your Turkey walking holiday in Istanbul, it is not hard to get a sense of how life may have been hundreds of years ago. On an early morning walk around near-empty streets you can hear the muezzin’s call to prayer. That same haunting wail has resonated around the walls of the city for centuries and will echo in your ears as you continue your walk. Turkey is known for its stunning coastal scenery and, as Istanbul stirs, you can make your way around the city walls to admire the elegant sweep of the harbour – the Golden Horn.

Turning back into the city, you can stop for a coffee before taking a deep breath and entering the maze of lanes and back streets that make up the geography of Istanbul. The heart of ‘old Istanbul’ is Sultanahmet – an area of great historical importance to Turkey. Walking holidays are ideal for getting to the heart of a country’s history, and this area is home to such renowned monuments as the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. As you explore the city further, you will probably traverse a route that takes in the heaving Grand Bazaar and the delightfully pungent Spice Bazaar. You will also pass by such grand sights as the Haghia Sophia, and the Sunken Palace Cistern in the Hippodrome on your city walk. Turkey has a rich and tapestried history, and walking the secret streets of Istanbul can reveal the relics of this ancient society.

Country Walks

A Turkey walking holiday through the vast regions of unspoilt countryside will reveal an entirely different facet. If you take the coastal route of the Lycian Way, you will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This 530km walking route takes in traditional nomad tracks and winds through forests and cliffs. You can discover deserted beaches and tiny fishing villages, or you can divert inland to hike along pathways through fields and farms. Walking holidays in Turkey nearly always include some routes along the Lycian Way. The trail is so long that it is possible to hike in any direction for many miles without seeing a soul.

You can also take some amazing walking holidays in Turkey around the remote region of Cappadocia. The stark, volcanic landscape is dotted with incredible rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. The Cappadocian cave dwellings, carved into the sides of the hills, are a fascinating adaptation to life in this strangely beautiful terrain. There are literally hundreds of ancient walking routes all over the country and you could spend weeks trekking remote villages and mountain trails on a walking holiday in Turkey – and still only scratch the surface!

For those in search of a new area in which to go walking in Turkey, the country’s Kaçkar Mountains in the north east provide wonderful walking. Hikes go through high summer pasture or ‘yaylas’; this alpine area close to the Black Sea coast resembles Switzerland with mosques. Good walking bases in for your walking holiday in the Kaçkar Mountains are Ayder, Ikizdere, Maçka and Uzungöl.

From the vibrant, eclectic buzz of Istanbul, to a solitary stroll amongst ancient relics in a remote country region – a walking holiday in Turkey will take you to the extremes of this captivating country.

Delhi is the most preferred tourist destination of India. It is the capital of India. Delhi is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India. Delhi’s culture has been influenced by its lengthy history and historic association as the capital of India. Tourist attractions in Delhi are a varied and colorful affair for the tourists. The capital city of Delhi offers an insight into the history of India and promises an exciting tour for the tourists. Situated between the Himalayas and Aravalli ranges, the national capital, Delhi connects to other popular tourist destinations in India. Delhi has observed Indian history from a close proximity and has been confidante to many royal lives. Major tourist destination are :

Red Fort : It is built by Mugal emperor Shah Jahan. The Red Fort today is a busy market-place called the Meena Bazaar, selling a host of wares. Popular as Lal Quila, the grand and imposing fort is today a regular haunt of tourists from all parts of the world. The fort is also famous from a historic perspective as it gives us an idea of the system of governance. The poet Amir Khusro once remarked, “If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”. The Rang Mahal or the palace of colors is another of the remarkable attractions of the Red Fort, noted for its beautifully Lotus-shaped fountain. Every year, on the 15th of August, the National Flag of India is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister , celebrating India’s independence.

Jama Masjid : Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque in India. It is situated near Red Fort in Chandni Chowk. It was begun by Shah Jahan and completed six years later. It was constructed in Sandstone and white marble.The Jama Masjid is one of the most famous landmarks of the country, symbolizing for the country’s Muslim population a guide to the religious doctrines. Jama Masjid can be entered from both the directions – North and the South Gates. The mosque owes much of the respect associated with it to the relics of Mohammad, which it houses.

India Gate : India Gate is situated in Rajpath is most prestigious area of city Delhi. It was built in memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the walls of the arch. India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also act as popular picnic spot during winter.India Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens. an eternal flame was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan (immortal soldiers). Today, the India Gate is one of the most important symbols of India, being at the center of the itinerary of most of the tourists who visit the country’s capital city.

Birla Mandir : The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built in 1938 by Raja Baldev Das and is situated on the western portion of Connaught Place, one of the most important areas of the city of New Delhi. It is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. This temple is inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Birla Mandir is also famous for the festival of Janmashtami The festival is celebrated here with much goodwill and cheer.

Jantar Mantar, Delhi : Within Connaught Place is the Jantar Mantar Observatory built by the Rajput King of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was believed to have been built with masonry instruments for observing the movements of the stars and planets.

Lotus Temple: It is one of the most beautiful architectural temples in India, construction of the Bhai’s Temple was completed in 1986. It is shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the magnificent monuments ever made from concrete. One such temple that facilitates the Bhai’s Faith of Worship. Lotus temple is made of pure white marble in the shape of a half-opened lotus, reaching a height of more than 40m, and is surrounded by deftly groomed lawns. This architectural wonder is made of a combination of marble, cement, sand and dolomite.

Note : Delhi is also known for it’s world class fire ambulance services and Delhi Metro Services.