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The Most Fascinating Railway Adventures in Australia: Alice Springs and the Red Centre

Alice Springs

Alice Springs sits at the southern border of Australia’s Northern Territory. Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an intense desert landscape, Alice Springs is THE Outback town of Australia, and a great setting for Outback adventure. Quad and mountain biking, trekking along the Larapinta trail, 4WD desert treks, bush camping, excursions to gorges, ghost towns and working camel farms – all are adventure options on offer in the Red Centre. Alice Springs is also the starting point for a trip to Uluru, popularly known as Ayers Rock.

We had planned our first train holiday stopover here, intending to discover the region and to visit the Kata Tjuta National Park, home to not-to-be-missed Aboriginal Uluru, or Ayers Rock.

We arrived early morning, in time to take the day to explore Alice Springs. Alice Springs Desert Park was our first stop, and afforded a fascinating microcosm of Australia’s Outback and Aboriginal heritage. A combination of botanic garden, zoo, Aboriginal cultural center and Conservation Park – all rolled into one – this park includes desert habitats, bird, kangaroo and emu enclosures, a snake and lizard house and so much more. It offers a veritable model for visitors heading to the Outback.

The Reptile center, with its displays of snakes and lizards, was especially fun for the kids, as they could hand feed and hold some of the friendlier creatures. The Aboriginal Art Center illustrates the region’s Aboriginal heritage, and in general, the town provides a sense of what the pioneering days of the Outback were like.

Uluru

We took off for Kata Tjuta National Park the next morning. Located nearly 500 km. from Alice Springs, we arrived in time for the main highlight – watching the splendor of the sunset on Uluru, Ayers Rock.

In a vast red desert, Ayers Rock towers some 350 m. high with a circumference of nearly 8 km around. This monolithic sandstone rock formation stands naked of vegetation, with rain grooves caves and pools along its sides. We had considered a climb to the top – however, that was before we knew how strenuous and hazardous such a climb could be! Upon arriving, we also learned that Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site whose climbs are reserved only for spiritual leaders.

The most intriguing feature of the rock is its ever-changing colors at sunset and sunrise when viewed from various angles. At sunset, the deep orange, then crimson, glowing above the already darkened expanse of the Outback is spectacular. Sunrise brought with it the magic of a mass that nearly glowed and glittered in the morning light.

In anticipation of continuing our Ghan train adventure, we headed back to Alice Springs.

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Hotels in India

India, which is known for unity in diversity, welcomes guest with great spirit and gusto. There are huge number of hotels in India who accommodate the influx of tourists through out the year. India hosts all types of accommodation like luxury or star hotels, heritage, luxury resorts, budget etc. There are global chain of hotels in India like Accor, Hilton, InterContinental, Global Hyatt etc. for the elite class of people. Stay in Indian Hotels give guest a new experience of warmth and hospitality. Our mother land is known for its treatment of guest as God and this can be felt in anywhere in India. As far as lodging is concerned every nook and corner of India provide ample facilities. In recent years many good hotels have been popped up here to cater the need of the tourists. The accommodation in India fit the budget of every pocket. There are different directory of hotels which provide detail information about the various types of hotels and these directories has major role in the tourism industry.

Types of Hotels in India

Hotels in India can be sectioned under various classes on the basis of service, amenities, types and location. Some major categories in India are as follows:

Heritage Hotels:

Most of the heritage hotels are in the state Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. They are the symbol of old glory and grandeur of India. They are mostly the havelis, palaces and mansions of ancient kings.

Stay in such hotels gives the opportunity to feel the royal treatment, pleasure and tradition. The famous heritage hotels are Rambagh Palace – Jaipur, Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur, Lake Palace – udaipur, Usha Kiran Palace – Guwalior, Villa Potipatti Bangalore, Tiracol Fort Heritage – Goa.

Luxury or star hotels:

These category of hotels are equipped with world class service, infrastructure and facilities. These offer the tourists a wonderful dinning and staying experience in a supreme atmosphere. Mostly cater the upper class society the five and seven star hotels of India have gained global praise. Some example of these are: Taj Group ITC Welcome group,holiday Inn group, Oberoi Group, Le Meridien, Leela Group, Radisson etc.

Resorts

Best place to spend time in leisure and solitude resorts are mostly in hill stations or near the sea or near the back water. India has large number of which are luxury personify.

Budget Hotels

Every tourist destination in India dotted with budget hotel or economy hotel. Suiting the pocket of every class this type of hotels are ornate with good service, comfortable lodge and modern amenities.

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Some Easy Steps to Plan a Holiday Road Trip With Kids

Taking a holiday road trip with kids is the right thing you need to consider because this kind of trip will be more enjoyable for you. If you are interested in taking this kind of trip, it is an important for you to plan your trip so you will be able to do the right preparation that will make your trip greater. For more information, just follow the procedures below rightly so you can take benefits from them.

The first thing you need to perform is to set a budget. It is an important thing for you to set the budget that you could afford so you can be sure that it will be useful for you. In setting the budget, you need to include some costs such as hotels, accommodations, and other needs that could be emergencies for you.

The next step you must consider is to know what can make your holiday great. It means that you must be able to determine the right condition that will support your holiday good. Just be sure that you choose the right place that can make your entire family feel enjoyable so you could take benefits from them.

Also, it is a good idea to choose the right accommodation needed so you can make your holiday more valuable for you. In this case, you should choose the cheap ones so you will be able to save more money that will be beneficial for you. If you do not want to stay at hotels or holiday houses, you can choose a caravan cabin or tent that will be challenging for you.

And then, you need to know how long you will stay. This kind of decision will make you able to make the right preparation so you can make your holiday trip fun than before. Also, it will need your decision to bring your needs so you will not make the best preparation for your needs.