Kenya; an Expert guide to the Kenyan Coast and Islands

Straddling the Equator, The Kenyan Coast and its numerous islands have long been regarded as a fantastic Indian Ocean location for both summer and winter sun.

Sadly though, due to a tendency to cram as many visitors as possible into a minivan, the country has also managed to gain a poor reputation for overcrowded parks and beach hawkers. Over the last decade, however, with the advent of responsible tourism and community management, there has been a shift in focus away from numbers and back to quality.

With this new focus has also come a new and improved brand of lodge and camp experience. Flying safaris, incorporating two or more destinations in a trip, have today become the standard, combining great game viewing with the powdery white beaches of the coast.

Eco Places in India

Chanting the ecotourism mantra in India

The diverse geographical features of India are enriched with hundreds of tourist destinations. No matter which region you explore, almost every part of the country is laden with numerous spots giving tourists wide range of Eco tourism places to explore.

Whether you are exploring the Monasteries and Himalayan glaciers of Ladakh in Northern part or roaming through rich Coffee plantation and world famous Kerala Backwater in South or enjoying the arduous trekking in Kanchenjunga in North-East or taking a desert camel safari tour in Thar desert in Western part of the country, the Eco tourism spots are pervaded everywhere. Many of them lying still in the pristine lap of mother lap guarantee its visitors to fetch them a unique view of their natural richness.

The thousands of species of flora and fauna find its natural abode in 89 of national parks and approx 430 of wildlife sanctuaries set in different naturally rich locations of the country. Besides, many of the dense forests, mountains and its hills, and rivers offer an immense range of adventurous Eco activities like Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Trekking, Mountain Biking, Nature Walking, Wildlife Viewing and River Rafting.

Coorg

Location : Western Ghats, Karnataka, Southern India.
Time to Visit : Between September and March, it is best time to visit Coorg.
Weather : Coorg experiences moderate climate with pleasant winters, warm summers and heavy monsoon.
Known For : Scenic Beauty.


The scenic beauty of this hill station is unmatched. Exploring this hill station and its natural possession, world famous waterfalls, Iruppu and Abbey, and Nagarhole National Park is worth making one's Eco vacation extremely enjoyable.

Garhwal

Location : In the state of Uttranchal in the northern part of India.
Time to Visit : Any Time of the year.
Weather : Salubrious and Pleasant.
Known For : The Rich Biological Resource.

"Garhwal is the most beautiful land in the mountains of the Asian subcontinent"
- Dr. T.L. Longstaff, world renowned mountaineer, naturalist and trekker.

Garhwal
Garhwal in the northern state of Uttranchal is an exceptional destination with charming surroundings. The snow-wrapped mountains, luxuriant meadows, high-altitude lakes and impenetrable forests in the hills of Garhwal support exotic wildlife, bird life and plant life. The beautiful creations of nature in the Garhwal region add a bit of splendour to nature's wealth that dwells in its surrounding.

In order to preserve this gift of nature and also to enable the visitors to have a privileged view of the abundant surroundings, the Government has created special areas, National Parks and Sanctuaries, which conserves the ample natural beauty, flora & fauna of Garhwal Uttranchal.

Garhwal Region
Garhwal comprises of the seven districts - Dehradun, Hardwar, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri and Rudraprayag. The region is a unique mix of diverse geographical, demographic and social characteristics, heightened by an intensified sense of religiosity. Garhwal is the supreme haven for the devout, and the home of varied flora & fauna. Garhwal also has immense scope for adventure sports like river rafting, aero-sports and skiing. There is ample scope for wildlife watching also, making it an essential entry on the itinerary of adventure lovers, pleasure seekers and pilgrims, alike.

The sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri are located here and so are the source of the most revered rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The legendary valleys of Garhwal blooming with natural beauty, also offer an unique style of hill temple architecture and fantastic handicrafts.

Himalaya

Location : Stretches from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast India.
Time to Visit : Any time of the year, depending on the place you have picked to visit.
Weather : From freezing cold to desert hot.
Indian States Covered : Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.

Extending over 2500 Km in East to West, and 250 Km to 400 Km from North to South direction, Himalaya with its many of highest peaks and rivers is one of the most favourite destination for Eco tourists.

The Himalayas
The Himalayas or the 'Abode of Snow' stretches from Jammu & Kashmir in north India to Arunachal Pradesh in the extreme northeast India. The Himalayan Mountain Range bisects India from the rest of Asia by its invincible mountain ranges. Though, major range of Himalaya does not cover the entire northeast India, its smaller ranges extends into the remote parts of northeastern states of India, thus it also separates northeast India from the southeast Asian countries.

The Himalayan Topography
The billowy Himalayas beckons with lush green thickets in the foothills of Shivalik Ranges, snow covered Dhauladhar range over shadowed by the Pir Panjal Ranges and the Great Himalayan Ranges. The land is sprinkled by beautiful lakes and luxuriant valleys located between an altitude of 350 m and about 6,810 m, interlinked by rivers and sprawling valleys.

The forests, flora & fauna, and natural scenic beauty with salubrious climate is a haven for the visitors. The alpine land, spread over Lahaul and Spiti to Pangi valley, is an ardent destination for Aplinists and a feast of hedonists.

In Himalayas, medicinal herbs have been growing throughout the region since times immemorial. Adventure sport is another area of tourism activities, which yields greater scope for trekking, camping, mountaineering and skiing, etc.

Goa

Location : On the western coast of Indian Peninsula, Goa is geographically located between the latitudes of 15deg.48' N to 14deg. 53' N and longitudes between 74deg. 20' E to 73deg.20'E.
Time to Visit : The best time to visit Goa is during peak monsoon season between Mid July to September or peak winters in the months between November to Mid February.
Weather : Goa experiences moderate climate with negligible variations throughout the year. May is hottest month of the year while January-February are the coldest. Monsoon shower this bewitching place from Mid July to September.
Known For : Sandy Beaches and scenic beauty.

Goa
Spell bounding travellers with its magnificent beauty and crowning beaches, Goa is an ultimate tourist destination in India. There is a famous saying that says life itself is a beach in Goa. These magnificent wast stretches of sea and sand are life line of this union territory of India. An amalgamated form of monuments, century old churches, wildlife and beaches are the true essence of Goan life.

With roars and cheers all around, life is a great celebration for people here. The dew on the palm trees, blue sea, and breeze on the sea shore; Goa seems a perfect destination for nature lovers. The kissed sandy beaches of Goa are the perfect remedy for all ailments. Spend some time here, rejuvenating and healing your inner self.

Manali

Location : Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of India.
Time to Visit : Any time of the year.
Weather : Pleasant & healthy.
Known For : The Rich Biological Resource.

Manali
Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Manali has spectacular vistas of snow laded peaks and wooded slopes. The river Beas gushes along its rocky treks amid grassy surroundings, layered with wild flowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream's edge. The lined orchards and fairy-tale forests of deodar offers marvellous walks.

The Manali market is peopled with mosaic of interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts, and the appetizing aroma of steaming noodles hangs about the little restaurants located around. Manali also has a Mountaineering Institute, which is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekking enthusiasts.

Rishikesh

Location : In the state of Uttranchal in the northern part of India.
Time to Visit : Any Time of the year. Rishikesh hosts an International Yoga Festival, which is held every year in the first week of February.
Weather : Temperate.
Known For : The Pilgrimage Centers and Yoga & Meditation Centre.

Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttranchal India. Rishikesh blossoms in natural splendour. The charm of the Ganga gushing through the Himalayan foothills is a spectacular sight. Several temples stands on the banks of the river Ganga at Rishikesh. This place is considered as the entry point to the three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham .

Located at a height of about 1360 ft from sea level, Rishikesh has been an abode of several yogis and sages since time immemorial, who lived and practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the place where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Rishikesh is also world famous for ashrams teaching Yoga & Meditation. Rishikesh is not only attracts pilgrims but also the foreign nationals, who want to know about Hinduism, who want to spend some time close to the Lord, people who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayas.

Yoga & Meditation in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, and most major Indian ashram, including Vivekenanda, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar school of yoga, have an office there. If you want to experience the classical Indian Yoga & Meditation, then this is the place for you. The slow and spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh makes its an idealistic place to begin discovering what India has to offer. Rishikesh is slow and less intense as compared to other parts of India, probably because people have religion in their minds.

The pilgrims gather in Rishikesh to bathe in the sanctified waters of the Ganges, as Hindus believe this can remove layers of sin. This peaceful ashram centre here is certainly one of the most atmospheric places in India. Right from the dawn to the dusk, the entire ambience of Rishikesh is filled with a divine aura. The air of Rishikesh allows the chimes of the temple bells and religious chants float through out the city, creating a celestial synergy, where God and Man seems to unify, without any caste or creed discrimination. The day starts at 4 am in Rishikesh, from then onwards various religious activities are performed till the night arrives.

Rishikesh is completely vegetarian, you won't even find an egg there.

Experience Palau

Palau is part of the Micronesia Island chain and is beautifully located just seven degrees north of the equator in the western Pacific Ocean. It lies 1000km (600 miles) east of the Philippines. The Palau islands include more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. With three exceptions, all of the islands are located within a single barrier reef and represent two geological formations. The largest are volcanic and rugged with interior jungle and large areas of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands are of limestone formation, while Kayangel, at the northenmost tip, is a classical coral atoll. This gives Palau some of the most favorable tropical weather on earth. Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders.
Micronesia has always been hailed as one of the premier dive destinations of the world. From large manta rays to tiny cleaner shrimp, the underwater world truly blossoms and comes alive in Palau. With 5 dive guides and two 30ft tenders Big Blue will show you the time of your life where each day brings new dive sites to explore. Dive days on Big Blue consist of four to five dives, each starting with a short dive briefing and equipment check before heading out into the sea for some underwater exploration.

Maldive!!!

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Sainte Anne Resort Seychelles ****** (6) Beachcomber Hotel, Mahé

Location: This luxury Resort situated on a 200-hectare private island, offering typical Seychelles scenery and several beaches of breathtaking beauty. This unspoilt island is a dream for all nature lovers. The crystal clear waters around this island is home to a wide variety of colourful fish and is a tempting invitation to swimming, diving and snorkelling. The airport is only 5km away from Sainte Anne’s private wharf. A pleasant 15 minute boat transfer in sheltered waters is offered at regular hours.Description: 2 Restaurants, the Main restaurant overlooking the beach and the swimming pool and an Italian Speciality-restaurant. One Bar. Further a Boutique, laundry, Business Centre, a Departure Lounge with showers and Dressing rooms, a conference room and a private helipad can be found there.

There are 87 Villas at the Resort. 79 Villas „Providence“ (approx. 49sqm), 3 Villas „Bel Air“ (approx. 85sqm – 1 bedroom), 4 Villas „Belle Vue“ (approx. 138sqm – 2 bedrooms) and one „Royal“ Villa (approx. 305sqm – 3 bedrooms) All Villas are ground floor sea facing and are equipped with air-conditioning, Bathroom, mini bar, Safe, Hairdryer, IDD-Telephone, satellite-TV and Tea-/Coffee making facilities.Sports activities: The Hotel owns 2 floodlit Tennis courts (Rackets available for free) and Mountain bikes (at extra costs). Further there are following water sports activities offered by the hotel: Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayak, Pedalos, Glass bottom boat-Tours and Snorkelling. At extra costs: Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing. As Sainte Anne Resort is in the marine park, there are no motorised sports offered.

Maldives Hilton / Rangali Island ***** (5) Hotels Maldives

Hilton Rangali Island Resort covers two islands linked by a 500 metres bridge. It has also been recently transformed, with exciting new additions ready to transform you into raving fans of the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa. The island is located at South Ari Atoll. Transfer by Seaplane (approx. 30 minutes to Male). 25 Beach Villas, 75 Deluxe Beach Villas, 40 Water Villas, 8 Deluxe Water Villas, 2 Sunset Water Villas. All the rooms come with the most modern amenities and comfort that Hilton provides worldwide. All rooms with air conditioning, ceiling fan, sofa sitting, writing desk, tea/coffee makers, hot and cold water, shower, room safe, IDD telephone, laundry service and room safe. The Deluxe Water Villa features a Jacuzzi on the balcony, a Bose Surround Theatre system with 34" Flatscreen TV, DVD library, a King Size bed as well as a large bath with unlimited sea views. The Sunset Water Villas (over 250 sq meters) are far above any over water accommodation available in the Maldives and quite possibly the world. With stunning features such as glass floored living room, 2.5-meter round rotating bed, second bedroom, Plasma TV, in-room internet, 24 hour personal Island Host, Bose Digital Surround Cinema System, plunge pool, large L-shaped balcony.

Dining & Wining: Atoll Restaurant for all the meals with buffet, Sunset Grill & Bar offers a la carte meals and dinners in-Villa, Koko Grill on the beach, Rangali Bar, Ari Lounge serving breakfast and bar service for Water Villas only. Vilu Restaurant, Bar and Wine Cellar. The restaurant is exclusively for Water Villa guests and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique to the resort and indeed the Maldives are two underground wine cellars with a world-class selection of over 300 wines.Diving: International Diving School. Course with NAUI, PADI, CMAS certifications. The instructors speak English, German, French, Italian and JapaneseWater Sports: Windsurfing, Snorkeling, Surf Bike, Banana Riding, Fun Tubes, Water Skiing, Wake boardingLand Sports: Tennis, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Gymnasium, Darts, BilliardsExcursions: Fishing Villages, island hopping, night fishing, deep-sea fishing, picnic on desert islands, sunrise and sunset cruise, cruise on “Goma”.Others: Spa managed by Chiva Som, the first over-water Spa with full glass floor.Swimming Pool, Photo Lab, Jewelry, Italian Fashion Boutique, Souvenir Shop, Fitness Centre, Baby Sitter service, in-house doctor. Night entertainments include disco, live bands, “Bodu Beru” and soft animation

Vava'u Tonga Beaches

Tonga - even the word is mysterious. And yet, this island-nation is about as friendly and relaxed as they get. Most visitors come here with a resort reservation in hand hoping to experience sun and sea and get unplugged from civilization.Since the island of Tonga take a little work to get to, most are not overrun by tourists. In fact on Vava'u, we found that even the central city of Neiafu was small and not at all interested in expansion or sprawl. But if you are like we - wanting to explore tiny islands in the middle of the Pacific - Tonga is for you.One of Tonga's four main island groups, Vava'u is off the beaten track. We found the beaches sparsely populated and even the towns had few residents. You can certainly be yourself here.

Levera Beach - Grenada

The best of Grenada's 45 beaches are on the southwestern part of the island - with the exception of Levera Beach. It's part of the Levera National Park, and is at the northeastern tip of the island.But be prepared. We visited some of the calmest beaches in the Caribbean on Grenada, yet this isn't one of them. Because Levera Beach fronts the Atlantic ocean, we found there was some pretty rough surf at times.Because of this, the shoreline tends to drop more swiftly. But then, it's more dramatic here and makes for some of nature's best shows. In fact, we found one beach that was a dark red color, probably from the pigments in the cliff right above it.

Poipu Beach Park

If you think surfboards and outriggers at Waikiki when you think of Hawaiian beaches, you’re in for a surprise as we list the three best on the magnificent island chain. Interestingly, that beach of the ages may be picturesque, but it didn’t make the cut. Which did?First – a travel note that will keep you happy during your time spent in the land of leis and grass skirts. Hawaiian beaches are busiest during the US winter months, specifically between December to February. This is High Season (read – high hotel prices, airfares, crowds).And while we’re mentioning seasons, note that June through October are the hottest months with temperatures getting near 90 F, and the humidity in the 70% range.December through March are the wettest months. Expect a shower, especially if you are visiting our beach pick on the “Garden Island” of Kauai.

When you travel to Hawaii, because it is an island chain, you do yourself an injustice if you visit only Oahu (Honolulu). Because of the commercialism (which you’re trying to leave a little behind), you will be charmed by Oahu its many locations and activities, but you won’t know Hawaii unless you book a hotel on two other islands – we recommend Maui and Kauai.

Kauai is the least developed of the four major Hawaiian Islands. You’ve seen the dramatic landscape in King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. And who could forget Fantasy Island? The opening waterfall scene was shot at Wailua Falls.When you visit Kauai, think Grand Canyon – it’s that big and breathtaking.Now on to the beach.Poipu is really a series of three white crescents, which hug some of the most awesome turquoise water on Kauai’s south coast. To give you an idea of how big it is, it starts at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and goes to the Poipu Beach Park.

Bahia Chileno - Cabo San Lucas

You won't need any inspiration to make this beach a must visit when in Cabo San Lucas. Understand that if you come all the way out to Mexico's Riviera without visiting the Bahia Chileno, well - you might as well say you didn't have time to make it to the beach.Because this IS the beach - the one we think is the best in class for Cabo San Lucas. If rated by stars it would receive a grand "5 Stars" for "all-around" best. And here's why:Bahia Chileno (Chilean) is perfectly situated midway in the "Tourist Corridor". Hands down the finest Los Cabos beach for swimming, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling above the best reef in these parts. The locals know it,We found the beach wide, and the surf fairly flat. Each morning you'll find joggers from the nearby resorts. Swimming is safe - as opposed to many of the beaches we've reported on in the Cabos area. One side on Bahia Chileno is sandy all the way out to the reef. The other crescent is sandy but full of rock formations along the bottom, making it ideal for snorkel and diving.Underwater expect the best in colorful reef fish, sea turtles, squid, moray eels, sea urchins, those great gorgonians (sea fans), colorful sea sponges, and starfish. Look, but don't touch. Do take an underwater camera. This beauty you don't want to forget. too. Just ask and you'll be told what area of the beach is best for the sport you want to enjoy.There was a dive shop on the beach, but the host hotel was sold in 2005 and a new dive shop has not opened. Make arrangements in Cabo San Lucas.This beach is so easy to find. Bahia Chileno is close to the highway, around kilometer 14.5. There's a parking area with a bus stop. Walk from the parking lot toward the ocean - you can't miss this gem.

Manchebo Beach.Aruba

The Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa provides a vacation experience as uncommon as the island itself. Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, this tropical paradise is nestled on the largest of Aruba's beaches, an unspoiled expanse of soft white sand in which one can almost get lost, and to which one will long to return.

CHEDI,Phuket

Surrounded by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea and lush wooded hills, The Chedi Phuket offers its guests a choice of 108 thatched cottages sheltered under the canopy of coconut groves.Located on landscaped slopes that gently descend to meet white tranquil beaches, all 89 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom cottages are equipped with private verandahs, secluded sun-decks, hand-crafted teak floors and spacious bedrooms chamgers leading to private dressing areas.Renowned for its warm island hospitality and rustic serenity, The Chedi Phuket also provides spa services, dining venues, meeting facilities and recreational activities. The Chedi Phuket, you gateway to a tropical island paradise.

Casino Yacht & Golf Club Hotel

Hotel DescriptionThis unique resort in South America is exceptional. It has 493 acres/ surrounded by scenic nature/ located on the shores of the Paraguay River/ 15 minutes from downtown/ Asuncion. The hotel has Travel Agency/ Nursery/ Medical attention and 24 hour car service. A luxurious modern architecture deluxe class resort hotel with scenic nature surroundings/ excellent facilities and high standards of service.

Welcome to Matei Pointe

If heaven was on earth then this just might be it!!! FIJI, one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in the world, is made up of nearly 300 islands. The third largest, TAVEUNI is the jewel of Fiji and rightfully lives up to its notoriety as theGarden Island. Situated on the tip of Taveuni on its breathtaking shoreline is MATEI POINTE. Kelly and Scott Schulman, residents of Chico, California, fell so deeply in love with the people and beauty of the island upon their first trip that they purchased Matei Pointe. As the Schulman's experience their dream come true, now they want to share their dream with you.
Kelly and Scott's piece of paradise has a 220-degree ocean view, with private beaches on the east side for inspiring sunrises topped off with dramatic sunsets over the west beach.
Situated on the gorgeous SomoSomo Straits, snorkeling awaits you right outside your front door. Escape on a kayak to a neighboring island, scuba in one of the top 5 dive sites in the world, or jusDuring your stay, you will be well cared for by Pita and his wife Lo. They are on the grounds daily to take care of Matei Pointe, but first and foremost, to tend to your needs. Pita and Lo epitomize the friendly, simple and loving Fijian style and unsurpassed hospitality. They will be thrilled to share their paradise and traditions with you. Their Fijian, "No worries," attitude will ensure that your needs for anything from grocery shopping, massage therapy, fishing excursions, local knowledge exchanges, laundry service or even just a song performed by Pita (he is an accomplished musician) is handled. Pita and Lo are to Matei Pointe as the sun is to our fruits and flowers. Please don't try to take them home with you. They are essential to Matei Pointe, as you will soon discover. t gather in the year-round, friendly sunshine on Matei Pointe's private beach and jetty.