South African Agriculture Livestock Farming

Livestock is the largest agricultural sector in South Africa, with a population of some 13.8-million cattle and 28.8-million sheep. Stock breeders concentrate on the development of breeds that are well adapted to diverse climatic and environmental conditions.

Dairy farming:

Dairy is produced throughout South Africa, with most farms in the eastern and northern Free State, North West, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the Eastern and Western Cape, Gauteng and the southern parts of Mpumalanga. The four major dairy breeds in South Africa are the Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey and Ayrshire.

The dairy industry is important to South Africa's job market, with some 4 300 milk producers employing about 60 000 farmworkers and indirectly providing jobs to 40 000 people. Milk production for 2003/04 was estimated at 2-billion litres.

Beef farming:

South Africa produces 85% of its meat requirements, with 15% is imported from Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Australia, New Zealand and the EU. Local demand generally outstrips production, even though there are untapped reserves in the communal farming areas.

Cattle ranches are found mainly in the Eastern Cape, parts of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Northern Cape. Popular beef breeds include the indigenous Afrikaner and Nguni and locally developed Bonsmara and Drakensberger. European and American breeds such as Charolais, Hereford, Angus, Simmentaler, Sussex, Brahman and Santa Gertrudis are maintained as pure breeds or used in cross-breeding.

Sheep and goat farming:

South African sheep farming is concentrated in the Northern and Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga, with Ermelo in Mpumalanga being one of the largest wool-producing districts. Fifty percent of sheep are fine-woolled Merinos. Other breeds include the locally developed Afrino, a woolled mutton breed adapted to arid conditions, the South African Mutton Merino, the Dohne and the Merino Landrace. South Africa's mutton is produced from the Dorper - a highly productive and locally developed mutton breed for arid regions - and the woolled Merino.

Karakul sheep are farmed in the more arid areas, with some 20 173 pelts with a gross value of R3-million produced in 2002/03. The indigenous meat-producing Boer goat accounts for about 30% of all commercial goats. The Angora goat is used for mohair production.

Poultry and pig farming:

South Africa's poultry and pig farms are more intensive than the extensive sheep and cattle production, and are found near the metropolitan areas of Gauteng, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The predominant pig breeds are the South African Landrace, the Large White, the Duroc and the Pietrain.

South Africa's annual poultry meat production is 960 000 tons. Broiler production contributes about 82% to total poultry meat production, with the rest made up of mature chicken slaughter (culls), small-scale and backyard poultry production, ducks, geese, turkeys and other specialised white meat products. Income from poultry and egg production amounted to R11.3-billion in 2002/03.

South Africa accounts for 67% of world sales of ostrich products - leather, meat and feathers. The gross value for ostrich feathers and products during 2002/03 was R276.5-million.

Game farming:

South Africa has more game and a wider variety of game species than most countries. Game farming has grown over the years, and today is a viable industry with great economic potential. The country's main game areas are in Limpopo province, North West, Mpumalanga, the Free State, the Eastern Cape, the Karoo, the Kalahari in the Northern Cape and the thorn scrub of KwaZulu-Natal.

A descriptive game-production model has been developed for optimising intensive animal production on game farms, with the potential to increase the global produce of the game industry by between 8% and 15%.

Aquaculture:

The aquaculture industry in South Africa continues to make meaningful progress in cultivation technology, marketing strategy, marketing practice and scientific innovation. Mussels, trout, tilapia, catfish, oysters and waterblommetjies (Cape pondweed) are the major aquaculture species. Mussel farming occurs mainly at Saldanha Bay.

Khajuraho Dance Festival in India

Khajuraho Festival: a fine blend of Indian culture, history and performers against a timeless backdrop of heritage structures in the heart of India.

There is abiding poetry in every ancient Indian monument with the primeval instincts artistically delineated in stone and captured imaginatively in the silent sculptures that emotively tell a tale of long-lost loves and the mystery of sensuality. Attending the Khajuraho Festival in Central India has a certain fascination for foreign tourists to India and natives alike; with the temples of Khajuraho forming the backdrop for this annual cultural treat, wherein classical dance performers and expert musicians from all parts of India gather together to bring to the audience the wonderment, beauty and joy of poetry in motion, there's memories to be made and delights to be savored long after the ballads are over.

The erstwhile capital of the great Chandela Kings, the Khajuraho of old - filled with various types of fine art forms and skilled artisans that left an indelible mark on this Indian state's claim to historical fame with their innumerable, erotic, romantic and royal depictions on carvings and statues- has made way for a relatively quiet hamlet of only a few thousand people today. Famed for its sculptures, visited for its art-forms and munificence in temple architecture, the physical settings of the Khajuraho Festival of Dances draws the cream of Indian classical dancers for presenting individual and group performances against the sheer magical milieu of the floodlit temples. Words fail most members of the audience who have attended the Khajuraho Festival of Dances but 'spectacular' and 'spell-binding' are common acknowledgements to the near-divine silhouettes that flit across the stage in guise of danseuse and the troupe.

International status given to Khajuraho Festival: a cultural crowd-puller for many years
The Khajuraho Festival has attained international status under the aegis of the Government of India programme for essentially Indian cultural program categories and has evolved into a seven-day extravaganza that is a veritable social and enriching treat for global and Indian attendees. The months of February/March beckon the past and present forms of Khajuraho to come forth against the glow of the sinking sun and be embodied in exquisite earthy harmony through the rich classical dance traditions of India that present these in dance-form at dusk. Among the chief dance forms showcased at the Khajuraho Festival, exponents of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Manipuri report highest community response and appreciation, the most famous of Indian classical dances.

Identify with Indian culture, take a quick cultural dip at the Khajuraho Festival, learn more about Indian heritage and history with the Classical Khajuraho Tour Package offered by travelmartindia.com

Want to check out for yourself if all that talk about Apsaras (celestial maidens), Devs (Divine male forms) and earthlings such as you and me that existed in Indian mythology and legends thousands of centuries ago can actually be synthesized via dance, music and art? Well then, get in touch with local history and the poetry in stone that speaks of a golden era in Indian history, with a trip to Madhya Pradesh; stay at the Taj Chandela, Khajuraho for 3 days and 2 nights for an unbelievable low-cost – and let us know if you feel like ever returning to the world of taxes, indifferent governments, week-end romances and SMS poetry from the other-world romance that Khajuraho Festival transport you to!! We are sure we at travelmartindia.com could arrange a longer stay at another exotic, culturally fascinating and equally memorable Indian destination for you.

Australia - People

Australians are great hosts, friendly and very open when welcoming people from other countries.

As of July 2005, Australia's population was close to 20.4 million people, with 94 per cent of the population of European descent, 4 per cent of Asian descent and 1.5 per cent Aboriginal people.

The most populous states are New South Wales and Victoria, with their respective capitals, Sydney and Melbourne being the largest cities in Australia.

Australia's population is concentrated along the coastal region of Australia from Adelaide to Cairns, with a small concentration around Perth, Western Australia. The centre of Australia is sparsely populated.

Australians call themselves "Aussies".

They are extraordinary friendly, respectful of nature, open to new adventures and cultures, and they just love to enjoy life.

Aussies also love to have a good time at the beach, go bush walking, travel to other cities and towns, practice sport and of course listen to a good story or just have a good chat, or as they call it in Australia 'a yarn'!

Australia is a fascinating place because it mixes the benefits of a modern western world with the calm and tranquillity of nature. You can live in an exciting, dynamic and cosmopolitan city and escape to a green and fresh environment in just a few minutes.

Australia is very multicultural and cosmopolitan. A big percentage of the population has migrated from another countries so, Australians appreciate and enjoy many different cultures and hundreds of different languages are spoken in Australia.

Several surveys have shown that international visitors perceive Australians as unique, respectful, friendly, sporty and open to other cultures. We are not surprised about this because we can tell you that it is true!

Living in Mexico- Emergency Services

I was in a bus with my wife heading back to Guanajuato from Texas. We had visited my childhood friend Mark. My wife had fallen asleep. I took up a conversation with a Mexican heading to Mexico City. When he learned we lived in Guanajuato he said something I found most curious, "You must be taking your chances living in Guanajuato."

Not knowing what he meant I requested an explanation. He informed me that all the emergency services, except the police, were all volunteer. The fire and paramedic rescue workers were all under the auspices of the Red Cross. I was taken aback. I had no idea. We had not lived here, at the time, for more than a few months. He was correct. All of the emergency services, save the police, are Red Cross volunteers.

I would not have thought it.

Their facilities are top notch. The vehicles look top of the line. The equipment looked just like what you would see in the States. The firemen and paramedics looked tough as nails and I had watched them train as hard as anywhere in America. They do it, not for money, but for the love of saving their fellow Guanajuatenses in the event of a fire or medical emergency. I find that inspiring.

Once, perched high on an oxygen depriving callejon, sitting on stoop outside a small house, was an equally small, frail, and almost dead old woman. She was having some sort of heart event. The paramedics were called.

When they responded they had to leave their ambulance at the bottom of the mountain and run up its side taking two cement steps at a time. They carried equipment, stretcher, and themselves up the side of this mountain like they were supermen. They ministered to this old lady; loaded her on the stretcher and within seconds had her stabilized. They carried her to the waiting ambulance.

I wanted to find the guy in the bus and say,

"We aren't taking our chances at all. We have Supermen and Wonder Women watching over us!"

Living in Mexico - Gringolandia Survival Tips

How to make gringo enemies and lose gringo friends is a subject one really must tackle with all due diligence when contemplating a move to Mexico. Whether you are expatriating to Mexico as a retiree, student, worker, or just to hang out for while, you really need these tips. If you follow these suggestions, you are guaranteed never to have any friends in the American Expat Community. So, here you go. Be warned. Take Heed.

To assure that fellow gringos will hate you and perhaps even plot your death, ask these questions:

1.) Question: If you moved here because you love the Mexican culture and want to learn all you can about Mexicans, doesn't it make sense for you to live in the culture you profess to love and adore?

2.) Question: How can you possibly learn all about the Mexican culture when you live in an "Gringo Expat Community" and not in the culture in which the Mexicans live, i.e. A Mexican neighborhood?

3.) Question: If you claim to be a part of a Mexican city, have all Mexican friends, and know all there is to know about them, why do you need a "Gringo Expat Community"?

4.) Question: Would not the phrase "Gringo Expat Community" be an oxymoron if you claim you've acculturated and are fully accepted into the Mexican Community?

5.) Question: How is it even possible to claim cultural fluency when not only do you not know Spanish, but in some cases you claim you have no intention to ever learn Spanish?

6.) Question: If language is the portal to culture, then where does your claim to cultural fluency stand in light of your monolingualism?

7.) Question: If you have to depend on Mexicans who are bilingual to interface with real Mexico, then how do you know anything at all about Mexico when you are getting it second hand?

8.) Question: If you are not bilingual and can't talk with ALL Mexicans in Spanish, then how can you ever really know the culture?

9.) Question: Apart from having a high degree of spoken fluency in Spanish, how can you claim to be accepted into a Mexican city?

10.) Question: Having to depend upon Mexican bilinguals, are you not limiting yourself to a small and narrow class of Mexicans who happen to be bilingual?

11.) Question: How will you know if your bilingual friends are merely telling you what you want to hear or tainting the truth with their biases?

12.) If you haven't the linguistic ability to sit in some Mexican's kitchen and talk about your life experiences, listen to the Mexican's life experiences, and discuss pretty much anything under the sun, just what do you think that communicates to the Mexican community of which you claim to be a part when you've lived in their community for maybe even decades?

Move to Mexico and start asking these questions of the local "Gringolandians" and you'll be sure to have an exciting and engaging time trying to figure out who is sending you threatening emails, calling you all manner of vile names to your face on the street, and wishing you would move to Iraq where you too could have your head removed from your shoulders.

Guaranteed!

How Do Airports Cater for Disabled Parking

Are you an orange - blue badge holder or have special needs that may require wheelchair access looking for airport car parking? If so, I hope this short article will help to explain what options are available and how you can go about making inquiries or bookings to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle free journey to the airport.

When planning a holiday or trip that involves air travel you need to know that the whole journey is accessible before you set out. Encountering a problem at any stage of the journey such as not being able to find assistance, or a particular vehicle not being accessible could ruin the whole experience, leave you stranded or even stop you from traveling altogether.

Whether you are a disabled traveler or require wheelchair access it is worth taking the time and trouble to plan your travel arrangements before you set out, so that you can enjoy your trip and the journey itself can be a pleasure.

If you are flying from a UK airport you may require airport car parking. Recently I had an email from a customer inquiring about disabled parking facilities. To my surprise we had very little information on our website and when I looked on other websites there was also a lack of information
This led me to spend some considerable time putting together all the information a traveler with special needs may require when considering their car parking arrangements at the airport. I have covered the five main UK airports below which account for over 60% of passenger traffic. I will be updating our information for other airports in due course, meanwhile you can visit our website...for the most up to date information regarding your departure airport.

Please note: at all UK airports, for security reasons, the blue badge (previously orange badge) scheme applies in car parks only. There is no waiting period outside the terminal buildings and no vehicles can be left unattended. Prices and information correct at date of publication (October 2005).

HEATHROW AIRPORT


Short Stay

All car park prices are displayed at car park entrances. Clearly signed blue/orange badge parking is available in all short stay car parks located close to terminal access routes. Help points are located near these spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage will be provided. Lift the green telephone and request assistance.

If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted. You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, press the help button.

Long Stay

On-airport at Parking Express serving terminal 1,2 and 3 or their second car park serving terminal 4. Disabled parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces. Transfers run every 10 minutes between 4.45am and 11.45pm. Outside these hours service operates on request.

Pre-booked price from £8.58 per day. Off-airport at easyParking (serves all terminals). Their office is accessible to disabled passengers and the transfer buses are fully adapted to carry wheelchairs. Transfers operate every 15 minutes 24 hours a day. Pre-booked price from £6.25 per day. For more information visit the Parking4less Heathrow Airport Parking page

GATWICK AIRPORT


Short Stay

Prices are displayed clearly at car park entrances. Clearly signed blue/orange badge parking is available in the multistorey car parks of both terminals, for short stay parking. Accessible routes into the terminals are available and are signposted.

Help points are located near the reserved parking spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage can be provided on request, simply lift the telephone and request assistance, quoting your flight number. Please note that priority for assistance is likely to be given to those who have pre-booked with their airline or travel agent.

All the multistorey car parks have a general height limit of two metres, however there is a high sided vehicle park nearby if required. If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine. You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket payment slot, press the help button.

Long Stay

On-airport at Parking Express for either the South or North terminal. Disabled parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces. Transfers run every 7 to 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Blue/orange badge holders can pre-book for long stay parking and park in the short stay car park. Take a ticket on entry and leave your blue/orange badge on display (a photocopy will suffice should you need to take it with you). On your return visit one of the car park receptions offices and present your pre-booked parking voucher along with your blue/orange badge and they will validate an exit ticket for you. See above for further details of the short stay car park.

Pre-booked prices from £5.59 per day.

Off-airport at BCP serving both terminals. BCP is located just 10 minutes from both terminals with 24 hour transfers. Courtesy transfer to and from the airport terminal in your own vehicle arranged after you have pre-booked by calling 0870 0134600. Pre-booked price from £5.62 per day. For more information visit the Parking4less Gatwick Airport Parking page

STANSTEAD AIRPORT


Short Stay

Car park prices are displayed clearly at the car park entrance. Blue/orange badge parking is available in zone D which is located close to the terminal building. A help point is situated close to the parking bays in zone D should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.

If you wish to park in the blue/orange badge space but need to take your badge abroad, please contact the car park operator via the help button on the entry barrier.

You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. Payment machines are located in baggage reclaim and in the car park close to the disabled bays. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, please press the help button.

Mid-Stay

The mid stay car park (Eparking) is situated just over a mile from the terminal building, all transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 20 minutes to transfer to the terminal building. Blue Badge parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons.

On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.

On your return, the transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you onto the coach which will transfer you back to the mid stay car park. Pre-booked price from £8.75 per day.

Long Stay

On-airport long stay car park (Pink Elephant) is situated approximately four miles from the terminal building. All transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 45 minutes to transfer to the terminal building.

Orange/Blue Badge parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons.

On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.

The transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist onto the coach which will transfer you back to the long stay car park. Pre-booked price from £5.60 per day. For more information visit the Parking4less Stansted Airport Parking page

MANCHESTER AIRPORT


Short Stay

Prices are displayed clearly at all car park entrances.

Special Disabled Parking Bays are available in the short stay car parks, located adjacent to the lifts. Wheelchair assistance is provided by the airlines, arrangements should be requested at the time of booking your flight or holiday. If you wish to park in a disabled bay but take your badge with you on you journey, please contact the call centre on 0161 489 3723 to make arrangements.

Long Stay

On-airport at Premier Park with Orange/Blue Badge parking spaces situated close to the coach pick up shelters. A frequent courtesy bus with wheelchair access runs between the car park and all the terminals. Once you have pre-booked you can convert your booking to the short stay car park at no extra charge by ringing 0161 489 3723. You will be required to provide your flight details, dates of travel, car registration number and disabled badge number.

Pre-booked price from £4.65 per day. Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours per day taking approximately 20 minutes. All buses have disabled access. Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day.For more information visit the Parking4less Manchester Airport Parking page

LUTON AIRPORT


Short Stay

There are dedicated disabled parking bays for Blue Disabled Badge holders at the front of the Short Term Car Park. Free parking is allowed for the first 60 minutes. Any overstay will result in the full payment being required from the time of arrival in the car park.

Customers wishing to claim the free 60 minutes should present their disabled parking badge at the NCP desk within the terminal building for validation. The disabled parking clock must remain on show within the vehicle. Passenger Assistance Telephones are available should further assistance be required. Pre-booked price from £15.75

Mid Stay

The Mid Stay car park is suited to stays of up to 5 days and has designated disabled bays. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Their drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. A Special Assistance Help Point is available enabling disabled customers to call for free assistance. Pre-booked price from £11.05 per day.

Long Stay

On-airport the Long Stay car park also welcomes disabled drivers. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Airport drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. There is also a Special Assistance Help Point enabling disabled passengers to call for free assistance.

Pre-booked price from £7.55 per day. Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours a day. All of the Airparks Services buses have disabled access. Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day. For more information visit the Parking4less Luton Airport Parking page If you want to find out more information about the motoring needs of disabled drivers visit Aiding Mobility.

Bikaner Travel Guide

Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. The city is encircled by high fortifications comprising a 7 km long wall which bounds the old city and has 5 entrances. All these were established in the 18th century. Bikaner, the sprawling desert city of Rajasthan is an interesting site of traditional Rajasthani attractions, well-fed camels and citadels. This camel country is also famous for its exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at Mata Kali temple.

Places to see in Bikaner:

• Junagarh Fort


Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Mughal emperor Akbar, with embellishments in the form of palaces and Luxurious suites added by subsequent Maharajas. This fort has a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. The Surajpol or the 'Sun Gate' is the main entrance. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, towers and windows. A major feature of fort and palaces is the superb quality of stone carving.

• Devi Kund


Ayoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling.

• Lalgarh Palace


The Lalgarh Palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father is an architectural splendor in red sandstone. It is situated 3 kms north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, it has beautiful latticework and filigree work in sandstone. The palace is quite entirely imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. The gardens with wandering peacocks and blooming bougainvillea welcome the visitors to the palace.

• Camel Research Farm


Spend a day with indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia. Timing 15.00hrs to 17.00hrs (Closed on Sundays and government holidays) Photography prohibited. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is managed by the central Government. The camel crops of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through the border security Force (BSF).

• Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple


The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

• Kalibanga


The name Kalibanga itself does not say much but to a student of history it is immediately recognized as one of the important sites of the Indus Valley Civilization that flourished around 3000 to 5000 years BC. Kalibanga is a major site of the IVC-a monument. Due to years of negligence the precious evidence so painstakingly excavated has crumbled into unrecognizable rubble.

Excursion of Bikaner:

Gajner Palace


Gajner Palace a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding.

Katariasar Village


45 kms from the city on Jaipur Road, the village is rich in ethnic rural and cultural life. View sunset with typical desert landscape around, walk on a range of sand dunes and enjoy desert lifestyle. Villagers main profession is cattle rearing and milk production. The founder of Jasnathi sect of fire dancers- Jasnathji hail from this very place. Herds of chinkara, desert fox, rabbit, peacock, parrot and pat ridges are found in plenty around the village.

Devi Kund Sagar


The Royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs which were built in memory of the deceased members of the ruling family of Bikaner. The Chhatries (Cenotaphs) of the early rulers were made of red sandstone, ornamentation on which resembles very much with carving work on some of the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri.

How to Reach Bikaner:

By Air


Jodhpur is the nearest Airport. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is well connected by Regular flights from all the metros cities of India--. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.




By Rail


A good rail network with cities connects Bikaner like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad. The "Palace on Wheels" luxury train also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.




By Road


Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities in India. National and State Highways link Bikaner with the other major cities and metros in India. Delhi is 456km, Jaipur 334km and Jaisalmer 333km from Bikaner.

The Best Limousine Rental Car Models For Weddings

Weddings are one of the more memorable experiences that any person can experience. It is one of those events that require a lot of preparation and planning in order to get the whole experience to be very special. Although the wedding has a lot of aspects that people mostly focus on when they are preparing for it, one of the more subtle but important aspect in a wedding is the car that the newlywed couple would be riding in after the wedding.

Limousines are one of the best, and common, choices for transportation for weddings, or other special events. Limousines have the ability to make an event, especially weddings, more fun, exciting and memorable. One of the reasons may be that limousine transportation is not something that people are able to enjoy everyday, which is why a lot of people find limousines very extravagant and lavish, which helps make the whole wedding event more special.

There are a lot of limousine rental car models that people who are planning weddings can choose from. There are stretched limousines that can hold a number of passengers, while there are others which can only hold a few. Other limousine rental car models are new models of cars, while others maintain their classic limousine cars, which are sometimes much better to use than the new ones, all depending on the preference of the people in the wedding. Their choice will boil down to the limousine's functionality, as well as its look.

One of the best types of limousine rental car models that are used in weddings in terms of functionality are classic cars. These classic cars allows the couple to stand out from all the other weddings, since most wedding usually use the standard limousine. Also, classic cars do not have the amenities that most new model limousines have nowadays.

These added amenities are not important for most couples since they may not necessarily use them during the wedding day anyway. One downside to this type of limousine car model, however, is that it can only hold up to four passengers, which is usually only good for the newlywed couple. If you want to include the entire bridal party in the limousine, then you should opt to use the standard limousines, which can hold a number of people.

In terms of look, white limousines are always the more popular choice. People tend to associate the white colored limousines to weddings, which is appropriate for the event. They see white limousines as a luxury that they may not be able to experience again for a period of time, which is why they want to use white limousines since it makes the whole event even more special. These white limousines also create a coordinated look with the whole wedding theme, as well as the bride, making it more appropriate for the event. It is also easier to decorate with flowers to match the wedding colors, making it a beautiful contrast to the other colors in the wedding.

Although white bridal limousine cars are so cliché to some couples, there are those that seem to like to follow traditional style of weddings. Ultimately, it is always the choice of the couple. Since there are a lot of other types of limousine car models out there, each couple will be able to find the type of limousine that will best suit their needs for their wedding.

Vanessa A. Doctor

BrowadLimo Miami Limousine Services

Discovering Canberra

Australia's capital city is one of beauty, culture and order, which is obvious as you drive through the ordered rows upon rows of suburban streets with sweeping leafy vistas and beautiful surrounding parklands. It is ideal for a driving holiday with plenty of accommodation, nearby attractions to visit and day trips to enjoy.

Canberra is located almost 300 kilometres or three hours drive south from Sydney, it is easily accessible from all directions as long as you stick to the highway. With great historical museums and galleries to explore at your leisure, you can be sure that you will learn more about the Australian heritage here than probably anywhere else in the world.

If you are looking for a welcoming place to stay, the Canberra Retreat Bed and Breakfast is close to eight kilometres from the city centre and is a great base to see the rest of the city. Cotter Campground is for those looking for some bush camping, but with the trimmings. There is plenty of space here and the facilities are excellent.

One of the best times to visit is September to October, when Canberra's hosts what is now Australia's largest floral festival - called Floriade. Held in Commonwealth Park, there are millions of tulips, annuals and every type of flower proudly on display for tourists from all over the world to enjoy. There are also interactive events and entertainment for the whole family.

There is every type of food outlet, restaurant, café and club available here and you will find some of the best restaurants in West Row, found in the Melbourne Building. Two of the main shopping centres are also Kingston and Manuka which offer every type of cuisine imaginable, so make sure you visit.

One of the obvious tourist attractions is Parliament house, which is one of the most well known buildings in Australia, being the centre of government and the countries economic power. The flagpole is over eighty metres high and perfect for that inevitable Kodak moment.

A popular activity for seeing the city from a different angle is to hire a bicycle for the day. Lake Burley Griffin is one of the most enjoyable spots for a picnic and rest while you choose between the thousands of cycling tracks around the city. It really is one of the loveliest cities to visit, with the streets planned so perfectly around the central city, and smooth bike tracks taking you through parks, across bridges and to beautiful look outs.

Known for its great athletes and sporting facilities, Canberra also boasts the Australian Institute of Sport which offers interactive tours at the Sportex exhibition. The Canberra Museum and Gallery is a must, with plenty of exhibitions running throughout the year, and a great collection of history ranging from centuries ago to the recent bushfires, and a diversity of local photography and art. It would be worth at least a few hours to take in its treasures on display.

One of the most enjoyable attractions, especially for the family, is to the National Zoo and Aquarium, which are really two attractions in one. It is centrally located and boasts the largest number of big cats in Australia. There seems to be every type of animal from all over the world here, with monkeys, African animals, Australian natives, birds, reptiles and plenty of unique animals which will keep you enthralled. The Aquarium also gives you a closer look at the Great Barrier Reef, sharks and creatures from the depths of the ocean.

Take a day trip to tour some of the hundred or so wineries located on the outskirts of the city. The countryside surrounding Canberra is beautiful, and is worth taking some time out to explore the national parks and rolling hills stretched with vineyards and rural vistas. Take some time out to enjoy a lunch in one of the wineries and sample the local produce.

It is easy to catch the spirit of Canberra. You can base yourselves here and drive in any direction for an enjoyable day trip, or spend weeks visiting the national treasures just waiting to be discovered. This city has been planned so carefully that it is a pleasure to drive its streets, perfect at any time of the year, and beckoning you to keep visiting.

From Pandemonium to Peacefulness - Welcome to Tokyo!

In Japan's capital, it would appear that there is a perfect blend of opposites. In one direction you would find the peaceful, carefully maintained landscapes of Hamarikyu Garden and in the other, the chaotic and frenzied atmosphere of the Tsukiji Fish Market. Both are a must-see as they are regarded to be two of the most popular tourist attraction spots in the city.

It is for these opposites that Tokyo is the ideal destination for any traveller; with the added bonus of the majority of attractions being either centralized in the city or conveniently located by public transportation routes, tourists can sample the delights which Tokyo has to offer and beyond without incurring too much stress or hassle.

The Roppongi Hills for example, hosts a sprawling complex of hotels, restaurants, museums and movie theatres while shoppers are well also well catered for with a wide array of shops in which to hunt down a bargain. The centre-piece of the complex is the 54-storey Mori Tower, built by building tycoon Minoru Mori at a cost of over $4 billion.

Cuisine-wise, there is a dish to suit every palate. For those wishing to experience a taste of the Japanese culture, sushi and miso soup is regarded to be a staple for the natives and for those who are less adventurous, numerous Western foods, such as pizzas, steaks and chips have also made themselves at home in menus across the city.

Of course, if you are feeling the strain of being in a new city, why not try the delights of luxury spa treatments? Once considered to be an exclusive territory for women, recent years has seen spas become increasingly populated by men and women alike. Take advantage of trained professionals whose main objective is to massage away tension from the body and mind by using a variety of techniques: the use of warmed stones to revive and revitalize muscles; wrapping one's body in a mixture of grape seed and French clay to eliminate impurities while returning a multitude of vitamins and antioxidant properties to the skin; or the use of sea salts and algae to remove dead skin cells and replenish the skin with trace elements and minerals are just some of the treatments available in spa treatments.

Nevertheless whatever the treatment chosen, rest assured that the luxury spa hotel selected to deal with your aches and pains will provide the perfect solution to your problems and can attend to your needs, so that afterwards your mind and body will be rejuvenated to continue on with the exploration of a new city and all of its pleasures.