Bombay
Located on the Arabian Sea, Bombay, or Mumbai as it is often called, is one of the main ports of call in India and home to over 10 million people. Geographically, Bombay once consisted of seven separate islands, but through dredging, dikes, and land reclamation, the seven islands have coalesced to form the city of Bombay.
The name Bombay comes from the Portuguese Bom Bahia, meaning Fair Bay. The Portuguese, who controlled much of India in the 16th and 17th centuries, ruled over Bombay until 1661, when it was given to the British. Bombay grew exponentially in size and importance during the latter half of the 17th century, playing a pivotal role in international trade.
Bombay may startle you with its regions of tremendous contrast. The city is home to some of the wealthiest families in India, but it also well known for its sprawling slums and areas of abject poverty. When you stroll through the streets of Bombay, make sure you have a trusty map and a general idea of where you are heading, for a city of this magnitude can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler.
Yet, despite its major metropolitan feel, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the charm that Bombay has to offer you. You will revel in the world-class dining and nightlife opportunities, enjoy an afternoon strolling through the bazaars while shopping for those priceless bargains, and marvel at the glorious museums and art galleries that make Bombay a tourists paradise.
Cochin
Cochin, also known as Kochi, lies on the Lakshadweep Sea, and is one of the largest and most storied ports in India. Cochin is comprised of the Ernakulam area on the Malabar Coast as well as a series of natural and man-made islands found in the Mattancherry Peninsula. The city is highlighted by its tremendous geographic and cultural diversity; Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews all call Cochin home, and the tourist visiting this port city will delight in the sights and attractions that this multi-faceted destination provides.
Cochin has been continuously inhabited since the days of antiquity, yet it remained a sleepy fishing village for centuries, until discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Vasco de Gama landed in Cochin in 1502, and established a trading outpost in the city, bringing a wealth of spices, silks, and coffees to the region. A stroll through downtown Cochin will still reveal many Portuguese influences on the landscape, including remnants of European architecture and local infrastructure. Today, Cochin remains a major economic center of shipbuilding, fishing, and coconut oil production.
The tourist visiting Cochin will delight in visiting the Cochin Museum, featuring breathtaking collections of Indian artwork. A stroll through the Dutch Palace is a wonderful way to get acquainted with Cochin's European roots. When the sun sets over this scenic coastal city, enjoy a fine meal in one of Cochin's delicious international restaurants, and end the evening at the Cochin Cultural Center, watching a performance of the Kathakali Dancers, famous throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Phuket
Phuket has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. What used to be a small tin-mining community has been transformed into a hedonist's heaven, with hotels and resorts fiercely competing for beach space and tourism dollars.
Just one generation ago, Phuket was largely undiscovered by the outside world. Adventurous tourists would head down from Bangkok and discover pristine beaches and picture-perfect panoramic views. Word spread quickly, and entrepreneurs started gobbling up real estate and building huge hotels. There are 20,000 hotel rooms in Phuket now, with more being built seemingly every day. The demand is there. During the peak season, which runs from November through April, every hotel is packed. You should avoid visiting during monsoon season. On average, eleven inches of rain fall per month between May and October.
The island seems larger than it is, mainly because the terrain varies between the smooth coasts and rugged, hilly inland. Although it covers less than four hundred square miles, petite Phuket packs a powerful punch! There is plenty to enjoy and discover on Phuket, Thailand's playground.
Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
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