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Malaysia’s capital is Kuala Lumpur. It is the fastest growing city in the region and has become a popular tourist destination. Many use it as a gateway to other parts of Malaysia. In addition to the many opportunities for shopping, dining, and exploring the local culture and art, Kuala Lumpur offers some incredible architecture for the aesthetically inclined.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a distinct influence. Instead it is a blend of Asian, Islamic, colonial and modern styles. Since colonialism in Kuala Lumpur wasn’t that long ago, examples of this period include Tudor, Grecian-Spanish, Neo-Gothic, and Moorish styles. Of course, these styles were adapted to the resources available in Malaysia and the humid, hot climate. Old shophouses have survived, most built prior to World War II. These show the European and Straits Chinese influences and can be found in areas such as Chinatown, Jalan Doraisamy, and Old Market Square.

The mid-to-late twentieth century saw a rapid expansion of the city when buildings began to reflect a more Islamic and local style. Some of these structures were designed after traditional Malay items such as keris and head dress. Other buildings feature Islamic geometric motifs. Still other buildings were designed to imitate places of worship. Some examples of the latter are the national Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Turn of the millennium architecture follows a late and postmodern style. Structures with an all glass shell can be found around the city. The Petronas Twin Towers, which are the iconic image of the city, are a mixture of this glass shell construction combined with Islamic influences. They were constructed to resemble Islamic art motifs.

Some of the buildings of note include the Tudor-style Royal Selangor club, the Neo-Gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the National Art Gallery which reflects Victorian architecture. The Telecom Museum is a good example of Grecian-Spanish influences while Neo Moorish or Mughal architecture is visible in the Jamek Mosque, the KTM railway station, and the sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The city is constantly developing new projects. Construction in development include The Pavilion, the Gardens, and additional lots of KLCC. Visitors can make their architectural exploration of the city personal by choosing lodgings that offer styles based on the various eras and influences. For example, some of the 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur feature colonial influences while others are distinctly modern in style.

The Indian state of Goa was colonized by Portugal rather than Britian. This gives it a different heritage and energy than experienced in most of India. Its famous beaches draw millions of tourists every year, many from other regions of the country, and have contributed to its reputation as the holiday capital of South Asia. Find a good place to stay, such as one of the many five star Goa hotels, plan out your day’s (and night’s) activities, and be sure to take advantage of the incredible food offered in this vacation paradise.

Goan cuisine is famous for its seafood dishes, most consisting of fish curries (xit kodi) created with elaborate recipes and served with rice. As with the rest of India, chili peppers and spices are fundamental to Goan meals. Here coconut, cocoonut oil, and vinegar are also staples.

During holidays and religious events, pork is popular among Catholics in Goan with dishes such as Sorpotel, Vindaloo, and Xacuti finding their way to local tables. Khatkhate is often seen during festivals, whether Hindu or Christian. It is a vegetable stew with fresh coconut, exotic local spices and at least five different vegetables. Other Goan foods include Sannas, which is a version of idli and Koilori which is a Goan dosa.

Many meals are accompanied by feni, a local liquor that has become synonymous with Goa. In North Goa you’ll find cashew feni while in South Goa, it is coconut feni that prevails. Cashews were brought to Goa by the Portuguese and cashew apples are imported from the nearby state of Maharashtra during fruit season to ferment into this famous brew. Coconut feni is made from the sap of the toddy palms rather than the fruit. Whichever version, feni has a strong flavor that has become a popular tourist experience.

Built in the 18th century, Jaipur was the first planned city in India. Located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, it is ideally situated to provide access to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The city is nicknamed “the Pink City” due to the color of many of the buildings. Originally intended to mimic the red sandstone of Mughal cities, the buildings of Jaipur were repainted in 1876 to commemorate a visit by the Prince of Whales.

Jaipur is known for its wonderful food. Here Rajasthan cuisine is influenced by Afghan flavors. Specialities include vegetarian dishes as well as spicy red meat and milde white meat dishes. Boneless lamb kebabs are especially popular, with nearly a dozen different presentations available. The traditional Indian food here is not to be missed.

The city provides a variety of attractions to keep visitors busy. The Jal Mahal is a beautiful water palace in the Rajput style. The Hawa Madal is known as the Palace of Winds and was built in 1799 as part of the larger City Palace. There are a number of forts that have survived, including Jaigarh and Nahargarh. These are part of the city walls that are mostly intact and offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Other interesting attractions include the Amber Palace and the Jantar Mantar, which is an astronomical observatory and collection of architectural astronomical instruments.

Visitors to the Pink City can choose from several five star Jairpur hotels, stay in popular tourist resorts, or find more traditional accomodations. Shoppers will want to check out the Johari Bazaar which features the best selection of precious stones in India, as well as the other markets and bazaars throughout the city.

Delhi attracts tourists from all over the world to explore its stunning architecture, historic and spiritual sites, cultural offerings, and excellent food. Visitors to this 8th most populous city in the world, will rely on their hotel to provide them with an oasis of calm in this bustling city of over fifteen million. Discerning travelers choose to stay at one of many Delhi five star hotels, but there are accomodations to match any style and budget.

This capital city offers visitors opportunities to experience both “Old” and “New” Delhi. Old Delhi is rooted in the Islamic past of the country while New Delhi reflects both the British Colonial period of India and the modern city of the 21st century. The city is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient ruins, medieval monuments and other historical landmarks. There are also modern shopping malls, bars, clubs, and skyscrapers.

Travelers to Delhi will want to take time to soak in the atmosphere of this multicultural city. Dozens of languages are spoken in the city, including Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English. Some of the common religions practiced here include Hinduism, Islam, Skihism and Christianity. Delhi is home to Mosques, Cathedrals, and Temples of many faiths. This melting pot is also demonstrated in the food available in the city. Delhi is home to some of the best Indian food in the nation, featuring local Mughlai and Punjabi dishes as well as flavors from other regions. Eateries range from the famous Delhi street vendors to fine dining restaurants offering international cuisines.

Spend the day traipsing through museums and galleries or attending one of the many festivals and events held in the city. Then spend the night enjoying the vibrant performing arts scene or dancing in one of the many modern clubs. Whatever your preference, Delhi will have something to make your visit memorable.

Scotland is a country of contrasts. From the famed Highlands to the Central Lowlands, from the mainland to the nearly 800 islands, from pristine countryside to industrial cities, this ancient land has something for everyone. Even its capital city, Edinburgh, is a blending of historical sites and modern, urban life. Travellers can find lodging varying from high-class hotels to Scotland bed and breakfasts that suit their personal style and preference.

The country encompasses the northern third of the Island of Great Britian. A mixture of mountains, lowlands, moors, and coastal lands, much of the country is undeveloped providing plenty of opportunites for any outdoor enthusiast or those who just love a good view. The cities offer more contemporary attractions, including museums, galleries, and modern architecture as well as world-class dining, shopping, and active nightlife.

Scotland has a rich heritage that is evident throughout the country. Burial sites and preserved villages such as Skara Brae provide evidence of Scotland’s earliest settlers. Castles, monuments, and historic battlefields serve as reminders of the long and storied history of this legendary country. The Scottish Englightment of the 18th century brought the country to the forefront of intellectual thought as well as making it an industrial and commercial center.

Today, Scotland is enjoying an economic and cultural resurgance. Tourists flock to the annual Edinburgh Festival every summer and check out the internationally-known Glasglow music scene. Whether traipsing through historic sites or hiking the Highlands, visitors will never be bored in Scotland.

Hong Kong is a mixture of modern city life with traditional eastern style. Towering skyscrapers mark the city as one of the leading financial capitals in the world. This cultural hub of the far east is renowned not only for business, but for the blending of eastern and western cultures, cuisines, and peoples.

Officially designated the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong was a territory of the United Kingdom from 1842 until 1997. At that time it was returned to the People’s Republic of China, but retains most of its autonomy under the famous “one country, two systems” policy. This has allowed it to maintain its predominantly capitalist economy.

Visitors to Hong Kong would be wise to explore some of the 5 Star Hotels Hong Kong as well as its many shopping malls, markets, and world-class restaurants. Hong Kong has no sales tax and prices are often lower than in Japan, Europe, or North America.

Although Hong Kong is recognized as one of the world’s most densely populated areas, less than a quarter of its land is developed. Nearly half of the remaining area is protected for parks and nature preserves. There are bays, rivers, beaches and hilly to mountainous terrain. Sailing, hiking, and swimming are only a few of the recreational and sports activities available.

Whether visiting Hong Kong for business, culture, or leisure, travellers to this vibrant, urban center will find all the modern conveniences of a large metropolis and all the charm and beauty of traditional Asia.

Chennai is India’s fourth largest metropolitan are.  It has come a long way since being founded by the British in the 17th century as a naval base and economic center.  The city formerly known as Madras is now a modern city mixing the cultures of India with those of the world.  Five Star Hotels Chennai feature modern conveniences with easy access to the rich, culturally diverse life of the city.

While the local population prefers to speak Tamil, the city is a conglomeration of many cultures.  Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam are favored by many and English is widely accepted as the language for trade and commerce. The Theosophical Society established their world headquarters in Chennai in 1886. The society includes shrines of all major faiths on the banks of the Adyar River. Celebrations of most major religious festivals, including Deepavali, Christmas, and Eid, can be found in the city.  And Chennai’s restaurants offer a variety of Indian and world cuisines providing both traditional and contemporary flavors and delicacies.

Chennai’s diversity is reflected in the breadth of its cultural life. The Madras Music Season is a five week celebration of Carnatic music that also includes drama, dance, and some non-Carnatic art forms.  The Chennai Sangamam is an annual arts festival that features Tamil Nadu artists. Kalakshetra is a cultural center for the classical dance form known as Bharatanatyam. Chennai has earned the nickname “Kollywood” as home of the second largest film industry in India where more than 150 movies are filmed each year.  There are thriving artist communities, national galleries, and a vibrant theater scene that includes English as well as Tamil productions.

A truly blended city, Chennai encompasses a national park, aquarium, beaches and other natural environments as well as an urban landscape including shopping malls, an active club scene, and modern sports arenas.