The Majesty of Mahabaleshwar: A Photo Diary

Mahabaleshwar is a small hilltop town in Maharashtra. It is a beautiful spot which is hidden away and perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of life in India's major cities.

It is often referred to as the queen of the hill stations, and with good reason. Offering panoramic views across Maharashtra's plains and peaks, it has an ambiance all of its own and mind blowing landscapes to match.

Despite it being hidden in the hills there are plenty of hotels in Mahabaleshwar to choose from at various budget levels, so you can relax in comfort when returning from a day hiking and soaking up the breathtaking surroundings.

Mahabaleshwar truly is a place best experienced to which words cannot do justice. From here we will let the pictures do the talking to give you a taste of what to expect when you poke your head above the clouds into the queen of the hill stations:

Explore the Delights of Africa

Diverse cultures, traditional artifacts  eye-catching sceneries and exquisite wildlife are just some of the delightful aspects of Africa. A holiday exploring Africa is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and be enticed by the beauty and diversity.

Northern African Delights - Morocco and Egypt

Due to various historical legacies, the northern part of Africa is laced with Arabic, French and Spanish influences. This is evidenced in the architecture, food and culture. In Morocco, you can experience beautiful beaches, tasty foods and curries as well as beautifully built mosques. Not to mention, the capital city, with its ancient walls around the city has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can find fantastic accommodation for your visit to Morocco with Maroc Lodge:

www.maroc-lodge.com

While still in the north, a traveller in the area can not miss the opportunity to see the phenomenal Pyramids in Egypt, one of the 7 wonders of the world. The history and architect surrounding these pyramids is incredible and millions flock to see they yearly.

If Egypt takes your fancy then head over to specialists Corinthian Travel:

www.corinthiantravel.co.uk

East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania

Kenya lies on the east side of Africa and is one of the world’s great travel destinations. There is a diversity of attractions from tropical beaches and equatorial forests to snow capped mountains. The breath taking beauty is a great place for hiking, going on a safari or just enjoying the culture and food.

Right net door is Tanzania, home to Mt Kilimanjaro and whether you are there on a hiking expedition or just enjoying the surrounding nature and wildlife, the scenery is incredible.

West Africa

West Africa is the most heavily populated area on the continent. Travelling to this area is not easy and travelling once there can also be challenging. This is what makes this trip so rewarding. Some of the most incredible beaches in the world can be found here. They are also largely underdeveloped meaning you get the opportunity to experience them the way nature intended. Many of these can be fond in Cape Verde islands.

Southern Africa

If it’s wildlife you are looking for then a safari in southern Africa is a great place to start. Here you set out to find the big 5 African animals in their natural habitat in Botswana and South Africa. You can choose self drives or find an experienced tour guide to help you.

South Africa is also home to many diverse ethnic groups, making an experience there very rewarding. At the tip of Africa in the city of Cape Town you will find incredible views and unique fauna. Additionally, you can also drive along the Namibian cost where the incredible beaches as well as desert dunes are a sight to see.

Africa is steeped in history dating back to prehistoric man. It is also affected by the history of colonial times and the road many countries are coming back from. The continent has incredible natural resources and wildlife. A holiday in Africa is an experience everyone should have. You will gain knowledge, insights and find yourself in extraordinary places. 

3 Great Activities for a Spanish Holiday

If you are looking for a place to get some much needed rest and relaxation in beautiful surroundings, then a Spanish holiday is right up your alley. With incredible views, delicious food and fabulous weather, you are bound to have a great laid back time all year round. There are many great activities to discover and participate in on your Spanish holiday, many of which are suitable for the whole family.

Golfing

As Europe’s leading golf destination, it’s no wonder than more and more people include golfing in their holiday itinerary, or in some cases the purpose of the holiday. There are hundreds of golf courses that offer great fairways, with incredible views and water features. Not only does this look great, it offers interesting and challenges for the golfer.

The laid back environment provides visitors with a calm and cultural experience. After a day at the course, you enjoy the scenery and tasty Mediterranean foods at a variety of great establishments. In addition, the courses themselves vary in difficulty and length, meaning even the novice amateur can enjoy this experience.

Find fantastic places to go on a golf holiday in Spain with Golf Escapes:

www.golf-escapes.com

Family Fun at the beach

The Spanish coast line is over 5000 miles long with amazing beaches to enjoy along the way. This makes it an ideal destination when you are travelling with your family. There are plenty of activities to enjoy with the kids on the beach, from sun bathing to building sand castles and playing Frisbee. Choosing quieter beaches will also give you the chance to enjoy the day without too much stress.

Family friendly beaches allow you to expand the range of activities you can participate in on the beach. For example, you could include some fun water activities like enjoying water skiing, swimming or scuba diving. To end your family fun day at the beach, there are many boat charters offering the opportunity to view incredible sunset on the ocean.

Check out some fabulous options for family holidays in Spain at Baby Friendly Boltholes:

www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

Trekking in the mountains

If you are more into outdoor activities then the diverse landscape that Spain offers is a great idea. The climate is well suited for hikes of varying degrees of difficulty all year round. You can choose to walk a short or long distance, as well as choose between steep and flatter walks. So, your fitness level doesn’t need to be fabulous because there is so much choice for you and your family.

This is also a great way to tour parts of this beautiful country in a different way. You can also combine trekking in the mountains with discovering cultural and historical elements of the country. A walking tour could include seeing castles, medieval bridges or ancient architecture along the way. Alternatively, you could choose a more nature based route that sees you travelling along winding rivers, valleys and the incredible Mediterranean coast, beaches and lagoons.

For tips and advice on trekking holidays get in touch with Oyster Worldwide:

www.oysterworldwide.com

Spanish holidays are fantastic for the whole family or a romantic getaway for you and your partner. You will most certainly leave feeling calm and rejuvenated with a wealth of incredible memories.