Within the hour, we journeyed to Nami Island. This scenic oasis in the heart of South Korea's Bukhan River is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural charm. Shaped like a half-moon after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, Nami Island captivates visitors with its tree-lined pathways, lush landscapes, and serene lakeside views.
Our journey commenced at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent symbol of Korean history and culture located in northern Seoul. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this grand palace, whose name translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," showcases Korea's rich architectural heritage and royal lifestyle. The sprawling grounds are adorned with meticulously restored halls, pavilions, and gardens. Highlights include the imposing Geunjeongjeon Hall, used for royal ceremonies, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, displaying artifacts that narrate the country's royal history (NEW DELHI REVELATION & RAJASTHAN MAGIC).
This monument holds two prestigious recognitions. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. It also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.
Taj Mahal History
Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and loss. It took over 20 years to complete and involved thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen from across the empire and beyond. The structure is known for its white marble finish, detailed stone inlays, and precise symmetry.
The charbagh-style gardens, the long water channels, and the central dome form a layout that reflects balance and order. From every angle, the monument presents a different visual - shaped by light, shadow, and sky (TOURIST SPOTS IN KERALA, INDIA).
How
It Begins at the Taj Mahal
A visit begins with purchasing a ticket.
If you’re with a tour group, it’s handled for you. Otherwise, tickets are
available at the counters or online. Queues are long, especially during peak
hours.
Security checks are strict. Bags, personal
items, and even water bottles are screened. Large bags and food items aren’t
allowed. It’s best to keep your belongings minimal.
Once you’re cleared, you can choose to walk or ride a battery-operated cart toward the main entrance. Either way, there’s more walking ahead (HOKKAIDO JAPAN WINTER SIGHTSEEING).
Tour
Guide Reality
As soon as you step through the entrance
and face the Taj Mahal, your guide’s voice may get drowned out, not literally,
but by the rush of people aiming for photos and better views. It’s a moment
where visitors want to get their shot before the crowds swell.
Once the photo rush settles, the guide usually resumes with historical background and facts. Whether you listen or not depends on how much you want to know beyond what you see.
Some visitors focus on the architecture,
others on the story behind it. Most just move from one spot to another,
snapping photos, reading the expressions of fellow travelers, and walking the
paths around the monument and gardens.
Inside the mausoleum, photography is restricted. The mood changes. It’s quieter, more orderly. People pause, move along, and step back outside.
How Much Time to Spend
There’s no fixed time limit, but generally, visitors spend around 2 to 4 hours. That’s enough to cover the walk-through, photo stops, the inner chamber, and a stroll in the gardens.
The crowd is steady. Whether it’s morning or evening, weekday or weekend, the flow of people doesn’t stop. Expect to see families, school groups, solo travelers, couples, locals and internationals alike.
Be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and don’t rush. For many, this is a one-time visit. And one visit is enough to remember the experience.
But Jaipur isn’t without its chaos - expect traffic jams, narrow roads, and heavy crowds, especially during tourist season. Yet, beneath the bustle lies a beautiful city filled with history, culture, and unforgettable sights (KERALA INDIA SIGHTSEEING).
In North India, one of the most meaningful and enriching places to visit is Varanasi. Often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi draws millions of visitors from all walks of life. For Hindus, the city holds deep religious significance for paying homage to the gods. For other travellers, it’s about experiencing Varanasi.
Kumbalangi Chinese Fishing Village
Kumbalangi, known as India’s first model tourism village, is famous for its “cheena vala” - Chinese fishing nets. Introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, these nets still stand as a symbol of traditional fishing methods in Kerala. The area is calm, surrounded by backwaters, and gives a feel of how the local fishing community lives. We saw coir making and crab farming demonstrations. Most of the time, we were just standing around observing. Street vendors were around too, selling snacks and small items on the roadside (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).
Dutch Palace/Mattancherry Palace
We started in Mattancherry. The area is a mix of old buildings, shops, and narrow streets. It’s a place for browsing - clothes, souvenirs, local snacks, and spices are available in small stores. One main attraction here is the Dutch Palace, also called Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch before being handed over to the local ruler.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is famous for its ancient Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Built in the 18th century by Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the temple houses the deity in the unique "Anantha Shayanam" posture - reclining on the serpent Anantha.
No trip or any trip to Kerala, India, is complete without experiencing their houseboat cruise. It’s a must. Those who’ve done it will vouch it's one of the best things Kerala offers for your things to do in Kerala list or sightseeing in Kerala (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
As for the three of us, this backwater tour in Kerala was already part of our Kerala travel itinerary, all necessary payment included. We opted for an overnight stay in a houseboat, which also included all meals. Ours was a two-room private houseboat, just for the three of us.
Back to Hokkaido, Japan (HOKKAIDO TRAVEL GUIDE) and sadly, winter and snowfall were severe, dropping to -0 degrees Celsius. Many things to do in Hokkaido during winter were halted due to heavy snowflakes blanketing everything, which also risked our flight back home being canceled (OTARU WHAT TO DO & SEE).
Best Tourist
Sightseeing Spots in Hokkaido
Okurayama
Viewing Point
It was definitely disappointing that our visit to Okurayama Viewing Point, the
famous 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue in Sapporo, was canceled.
Okurayama Viewing Point is well known as a top Hokkaido sightseeing spot, where
visitors can take a chairlift to the top for panoramic city views and the ski
jump. There’s also a small museum showcasing winter sports history and ski
jumping. It’s an interesting stop for both the view and winter sports
enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it didn’t materialize for us.
A day in Otaru, a charming port city on Hokkaido’s
west coast, is all it takes to see why it draws visitors year-round, especially
during winter (WHAT TO DO IN SAPPORO). Otaru’s roots date back to the late 19th century, when it
thrived as a major trading and fishing hub. Today, it remains famous for its preserved
architecture, scenic spots, and local delicacies.
We spent a full day in Otaru, quickly catching the highlights and popular attractions while also admiring from our coach (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
An
appreciated winter holiday and the travel journey so far in Hokkaido, Japan. We
still had two more destinations to cover. From Noboribetsu (THINGS TO DO IN NOBORIBETSU) we arrived in
Sapporo. Winter had mellowed, making it more conducive to explore what Sapporo
has to offer - especially for those wondering about things to do in Sapporo
during winter.
This stop in Sapporo was part of our multi-day Hokkaido itinerary. It showed us that Hokkaido winter travel doesn’t feel complete without experiencing Sapporo (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).
Located in southwestern Hokkaido (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO) and roughly a two-hour drive from Hilton Niseko Village, Noboribetsu is part of Iburi Subprefecture and sits within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Known for its volcanic activity and natural hot springs, this small town is a popular wellness destination. Snowy winters add a magical touch to its rugged terrain shaped by past eruptions.
Noboribetsu
Date Jidaimura Village
This 25-year-old theme park recreates the Edo Period (1603–1867) - a significant era in Japanese history. Though often linked with Emperor Meiji, the Edo era actually preceded his reign and was defined by samurai rule under the Tokugawa Shogunate, before Japan began modernizing (NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA).
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