South Asia
south asia india landmark
Physiographically, South Asia includes the Hindustan Peninsula, with the Deccan Plateau located on most of it, the Indo-Gangetic Lowland and the Himalayas, as well as the island of Sri Lanka and a number of smaller islands. The physical-geographical separation of South Asia is based primarily on the fact that Hindustan is part of the ancient continent of Gondwana, while the rest of Asia is part of ancient Laurasia. At the same time, Soviet and Russian geographical science allow the inclusion of the Malacca and Indochina peninsulas with nearby islands in South Asia.
In political and geographical terms, South Asia includes the following states: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives. South Asia covers an area of 4.5 million km² (10% of all Asia and 3% of the world's total land area), but its population accounts for 40% of the population of Asia and 22% of the world's population.
In South Asia, a tourist can encounter a very wide range of natural features: from tropical rainforests, savannas, tropical deserts (including Thar) to the classically expressed altitudinal zone in the north of the zone - in the Himalayas, where when climbing the mountains you can encounter all altitudinal zones - from wet evergreen thickets (jungles) in the foothills to the nival zone with its glaciers and snowfields in the upper belt of the highest mountains on Earth. It is no coincidence that mountain tourism and mountaineering have been increasingly developing in the Himalayas in recent decades. Many climbers strive to conquer the highest peaks of the world, so the role of Nepal as a tourist country has sharply increased. Trips to this mountainous country (with its capital Kathmandu) are successfully combined with a visit to hot India and other South Asian countries, with natural exoticism of various forms. Pakistan and Bangladesh, located in South Asia, are countries of Muslim culture, representing, as it were, an Islamic bridge between some Balkan countries, Western Asia and the Muslim regions of Southeast Asia. Numerous monuments from different eras, among which Islamic monuments are especially noticeable, are combined here with completely new architectural phenomena, for example, the new capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, built “out of the blue” after World War II. So Pakistan is a good study in the theme of “old and new.”
The tourist pearl of South Asia is India with its diverse tropical nature, reviving after the summer monsoon rains, an unusually variegated ethno-religious composition of the population (in addition to two official languages - English and Hindi brought from the British Isles, dozens of languages are widely spoken here, spoken by millions and tens of millions people; there are many faiths, among which Hinduism plays a special role). But, in addition to the diverse nature, India has many cities with a large number of historical and cultural monuments from different eras: Delhi (including its new areas - the New Delhi quarters), Bombay with its surroundings, Calcutta, Madras with its surroundings, Benares, sacred to Hindus, on the river Ganges, the city of Agra with the world famous miracle of architecture of the 17th century. - Taj Mahal mausoleum. There are many mountain resorts in the Himalayas.
The historical and cultural appearance of Sri Lanka was reflected both by the religious characteristics of its population (professing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity) and the population of the past colonialists (Portuguese, Dutch, English): civil and temple buildings are quite diverse and varied in style. Most of them are located in the capital Colombo, as well as the important religious center of Kandy. It should be noted that, like South-West Asia, the South Asian zone today cannot be considered completely calm for tourists.
Within the tourist and recreational subregion of South Asia, 4 tourist macro-regions can be identified: Pakistan, Hindustan, Himalayan region, island. Ceylon.
India
Republic of India
Territory: country with an area of 3288 thousand square meters. km, is located between the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean, in which it belongs to the Andaman, Nicobar and Laccadive Islands. The territory is divided into 7 natural zones, including the northern mountain ranges, the Indo-Gangetic Valley, the Deccan Plateau, the Thar Desert, the eastern and western coasts and island territories.
Population - 1.2 billion people, second place in the world after China.
The population is represented by three ethnic groups: the peoples of the Caucasian group (72% of the population) inhabit the northern part of the country, the peoples of the Dravidian group (25%) live in southern India, and the Mongoloid people (3%) live in the northeast. The caste system, abolished by the constitution, still remains in place.
Capital - Delhi
GNP volume - 4.2 trillion dollars according to PPP (2005-2006), per capita - 3800 dollars. The monetary unit is the Indian rupee, the exchange rate of which (March 2008) was 40.3 rupees per 1 US dollar. Growth rate GDP in the first 35 years of independent development did not exceed 3.5%, i.e. less than 1% per capita. In 1999-2000 these figures were 6.2% and 4% respectively. In 2006-2007 they rose to 9.2%, or 7.7% per capita. Gross accumulation rate for 1950-2006 increased from 10 to 32.4%. About 80% of savings are formed in the individual sector, 16% in the corporate sector and 4.5% in the public sector.
Tourism. It is the 3rd largest network that earns Indian currency and, currently, the tourism industry contributes 6% to the Gross Domestic Product. Travel and tourism in India is worth US$32 billion and foreign exchange earnings from tourism in 2005 were US$4.8 billion. Tourism is a very priority industry in India and all efforts are aimed at its rapid development. In the hotel and tourism sector, it is possible to obtain automatic approval for foreign investment up to 100%.
Attractions
There are 26 World Heritage Sites in India. Mausoleum of the Taj Mahal (Agra city).
The magnificent white marble mausoleum was built in Agra between 1631 and 1648. by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally recognized masterpieces of the world heritage.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya
Cultural criteria:
Year of inscription on the World Heritage List: 2002
The Mahabodhi Temple complex is one of the four sacred sites associated with the life of the Buddha and, in particular, his attainment of enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, and the existing temple dates back to the 5th-6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely of brick still surviving in India from the late Gupta period.
Fort in the city of Agra (1983)
Cave Temples at Ajanta (1983)
Cave Temples at Ellora (1983)
Taj Mahal Mausoleum (Agra city) (1983)
Monuments of Mahabalipuram (1984)
Sun Temple at Konarak (1984)
Kaziranga National Park (1985)
Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Manas Wildlife Refuge (1985)
Churches and Monasteries in Goa (1986)
Ancient City of Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Monuments of Hampi (1986)
Monuments of Khajuraho (1986)
Cave temples on Elephanta Island (1987)
Great Temples of the Chola Empire (1987, 2004)
Monuments of Pattadakal (1987)
Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Nanda Devi National Parks and Valley of Flowers (1988, 2005)
Buddhist monuments in Sanchi (1989)
Humayun's Mausoleum in Delhi (1993)
Qutub Minar Tower and its surrounding archaeological sites, Delhi (1993)
Indian Mountain Railways (1999, 2005)
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
Bhimbetka Cliff Dwellings (2003)
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, former Victoria Terminus (Mumbai City) (2004)
Goa is a state in southwest India, the smallest among the states in area and one of the last in population. Former Portuguese colony in India. Population 1.4 million people (25th place). The capital is Panaji. The largest city is Vasco da Gama.
The complete opposite of the southern part of the state - North Goa - is a relatively inexpensive, noisy, democratic and most developed region in terms of tourism. The beaches of the north are popular among tourists with different income levels, but mostly young people come here to relax, who are content with rather modest accommodation and are very fond of a fun and eventful nightlife. Beach parties with a special type of techno music, called “Goan trance”, are very popular here: Indian melodies are superimposed on super-low frequencies. North Goa is an international destination for trance music festivals, where you can immerse yourself in an atmosphere of hypnotic ecstasy right in the open air on beautiful beaches. The most peaceful place is Arambol with its endless wild beaches, where there are few tourists and almost wild nature. North Goa is famous for its abundance of restaurants with excellent seafood cuisine. And the best part is that all this is at very low prices from the point of view of the average European. A very popular place here is Mapusa, located near the coast and known as the most important shopping center of North Goa. On Saturdays and Sundays there are markets and fairs, and on Catholic holidays there are festivals and carnivals. The legendary place of Goa is Anjuna, where a flea market is held on Wednesdays and sometimes parties are held. Closer to sunset, all kinds of people come to the Shore Bar to meditate to Goa trance as the sun sets. An excellent place for those who came to Goa for the club life - Vagator - all trance fans live here.
Central Goa. There is no such official district as Central Goa, but this part of the state can be distinguished as a separate tourist area. In Central Goa is the capital of the entire state of Panaji, located on the southern bank of the wide Mandavi River. This is the largest and most populated (95 thousand people) city in Goa. Panaji is not only the capital, but also the commercial, educational and cultural center of the state. The Goan College of Pharmacy, Goan College of Arts and Government Polytechnic College, Dhempe College of Science and Arts (near Miramar) are located here. Panaji Sights: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Municipal Park, Idalsao Palace, Abbot Faria Statue, Menesis Institute, Braganza and Central Library, Liberty Square, Altinho Hill, Fontanhas Quarter, San Tome Quarter, Mahalakshmi Temple, Maruti (Hanuman) Temple. Old Goa, also known as the Rome of the East, was for many years the most important city of the Portuguese Empire in the East. Old Goa is included in the list of monument cities by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and declared a “patrimony of humanity”. South Goa It is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches - the longest and widest in all of Goa. The most picturesque beach here is Palolem Beach, which locals call “Paradise Beach”. Palm groves and fragrant flowers grow along the entire coast, and the water here is clearer than in North Goa. South Goa is the most unpopulated part of the state. This part of Goa is considered more respectable - some of the most expensive hotels in the state are built here.
The only thing better than the mountains is a beach holiday. Or better yet: there is a time for the mountains, but there must also be a time for the beach. In recent years, European winter resorts have been losing popularity, giving the palm to the hot beaches of Asia. But Asia is big and the weather in different parts of it is different. Where to go to truly relax, and not sit in an exotic hut, escaping the monsoons and downpours? We have reviewed places where the weather is good in winter, where you can go on your own or by purchasing a tour. Where you can sunbathe and swim together, in a group, with children. We present to you 12 Asian resorts for every taste, color, interest and budget.
You can, of course, just lie on the beach, but it’s better to combine business with pleasure. Ancient temples, cities in the jungle, fantastic shows, new tastes and aromas. And all this, as a rule, is located some 1-1.5 km from that same luxurious beach with white sand. Read on for a quick overview of 12 of Asia's best resorts that offer time for the sea, fun and relaxation for the whole family.
Bali
They wrote, talked, shouted, and made films about Bali. This is probably the most desirable island in the world. Not that big, but almost perfect. Weddings take place here, romantic vacations for lovers, the most fabulous dinners on the beach, and parents with children also come here. Bali has everything that lovers of the sea, sun and leisurely lazy holiday might like. This is a fabulously beautiful place, a tropical paradise and a corner of earthly pleasures. Also, there are good-natured dolphins and good waves for surfers. If you have not been to Bali yet, then it is worth considering this option.
You can find and book a flight to Bali (Denpaser) Here.
Housing cost: from €25 per night.
Goa
First of all: Goa is not an island, as many people believe. This is the western coast, a former colony founded by the Portuguese. Even if the sand here is not so white, the sea is the most ordinary warm sea. But you will combine your vacation with a visit to snow-white Catholic churches, and you will see the old fort in Chapora. The relics of St. Francis are kept here. There is a very colorful old town. Goa is the spirit of freedom with the scent of the ocean breeze. And most importantly, a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Shops, services and a lot of housing offers. From expensive hotels to simple guesthouses.
You can find and book a flight to GOA (Dabolim) Here.
Housing cost: from € 15 per night.
Sri Lanka
Yes, yes, this is Ceylon. The birthplace of delicious tea. But that’s not the only thing that will surprise you with the island. This is very beautiful nature, ancient architecture and a very pleasant environment. Here you can take a boat ride, dive on a coral reef, or go windsurfing. Here you will be offered to experience for yourself what real Ayurvedic medicine is. The warm, gentle and very clean sea will appeal to everyone: there are calm family beaches and for surfers. Don't forget about the abundance of tropical fruits. You won’t gain extra pounds from such lazy rest.
You can find and book a flight to Sri Lanka (Colombo) Here.
Housing cost: from € 15 per night.
Phuket
The most popular beach town in Thailand. There really is something for every taste and color, as they say. Looking for an active nightlife right on the beach? Then head to Patong. If your priority is calm, measured days with your family, then the quiet beach of Nai Harnom will be such an ideal option. For a stormy romantic adventure, Karon is suitable with a picturesque cape, cafes, and places for a couple in love to retire. By the way, we do not recommend swimming far into the sea, it can be dangerous. There is not only active life here, but also predatory fauna.
You can find and book a flight to Phuket Here.
Housing cost: from € 22 per night.
Langkawi
Beaches squeezing tropical hills of all shades of green into a golden ring. This is what it is, the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Here you must always be on your guard, otherwise small monkeys will easily steal your towel, camera or cap. You will need a camera, especially during the flowering period of the red jasmine. Here you can enjoy fresh papaya, yellow watermelons and rambutans and exotic durian to your heart's content. The best freshly squeezed juices, fruit and even alcoholic cocktails are available to you in bars. The food is delicious, Asian-spicy. Lots of fish, noodles and, of course, where without spicy curry?
You can find and book a flight to Kuala Lumpur Here. From KL to Langkawi you can travel by local airlines, ferry, bus or train.
Housing cost: from € 17 per night.
Maldives
Here you won’t need shoes, and you can immediately forget about your bad mood. The Maldives is not one island, but 1200. An entire archipelago of small islands covered with amazing white sand. It's not so much sand as shells crushed by the ocean. Some islands are larger and have larger hotels or bungalow complexes. And there are very small ones, with only 1-2 houses on stilts. They don’t really like TVs here, and there’s not enough internet. Yes, all this is not so necessary on vacation, when you can swim, walk, look at incredibly beautiful birds and butterflies, and scuba dive. Spend one or two days doing aromatherapy at a spa. They really know how to give a massage, which brings even the most avid worker back to life.
You can find and book a flight to the Maldives (Male, Hulule Atoll) Here.
Housing cost: from €34 per night.
Samui
It was opened relatively recently. Just in the 1970s. Tourists on a boat accidentally swam into these waters. And they couldn’t hold back their cries of admiration. The island looked as if no one had ever been here. A paradise island with coconut trees and a couple of huts. Very soon, rampant construction began. Everyone wanted to invest in this new paradise for Europeans. Of course, there is pure white sand, an amazing blue sea, green jungle right up to the shore. Only 50 years have passed and now Samui has become a luxury resort in Thailand. It has not lost its charm; hotel owners take great care of this.
You can find and book a flight to Koh Samui via Bangkok Here.
Housing cost: from €21 per night.
Vung Tau
An excellent solution for those who value a “50/50” vacation. The resort is located quite far from the noisy big cities of Vietnam. But not so far away that you can't visit Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. It's warm, beautiful, tasty and very interesting here. You have the opportunity to take a break from beach life and plunge into city life. Vietnam is a very beautiful country, worth visiting.
Here. From Ho Chi Minh City you can get to Vung Tau by speedboat or bus.
Housing cost: from €9 per night.
Hainan
China also has beautiful tropical islands. Previously, by the way, unwanted nobles were exiled here so that they could live away from the capital and secular pleasures. Now tourists are tearing off tickets to this best resort in China. All 12 months of the year are in season, there is a warm sea and a lot of interesting things to do. Let's not forget that this is the best health resort in the entire Celestial Empire. Here you can improve your health, strengthen your immune system and prepare for life “after the holidays.”
You can find and book a flight to Hainan (Sanya airport) Here.
Housing cost: from € 12 per night.
Kerala
Now let's move to the Arabian Sea in South India. There is another famous resort here. Kerala or the Kerala coast, Varkala resort in particular, looks as if someone has persistently perfected it in Photoshop. White sand, tall palm trees with coconuts, leisurely days in blue light during the day, pink sunsets, clear air. It is convenient to enter the sea, the descent is gentle. They say this is where Ayurveda was born. So, welcome to spa treatments, massages, all kinds of relaxing treatments. For almost 5,000 years, masters of oriental medicine polished their skills here. Here they treat not only the body, but also the spirit. Don't miss the offer to relieve stress right on the seashore.
You can find and book a flight to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala Here.
Housing cost: from € 13 per night.
Sihanoukville
On the shores of the Gulf of Thailand is the only and unique resort in Cambodia. Yes, there is only one, but what a one! 500 km closer to the equator than Thai resorts. But, unlike Pattaya, it is calm and quite secluded. Although, the laurels of the famous neighbor do not allow Sihanoukville to sleep peacefully. Perhaps in another 10 years, we won’t recognize Sihanoukville. It will turn into the “Pattaya of the future”. If you need to visit Cuba before McDonald's arrives, then Sihanoukville is worth a trip before it becomes a second Pattaya.
Find and book flights to Phnom Penh, the closest airport to Sihanoukville, Can Here.
Housing cost: from €18 per night.
Phan Thiet
Just 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. But the roads here are such that expect a minimum of 4 hours. An increasingly popular resort in Vietnam among Russians in recent years. So, if you wanted to be away from your native speech, you won’t be able to do that here. There are a lot of cheerful young people, there are married couples, adventure seekers on their own, and lovely English elderly couples. In short, there is a very diverse crowd here. This is because Phan Thiet can offer an excellent holiday to all categories of tourists. Pleasant climate, warm sea all year round. What more could you ask for?
You can find and book a flight to Ho Chi Minh City Here. From Ho Chi Minh City you can get to Phan Thiet by taxi, bus and train.
Housing cost: from €9 per night.
All these resorts are suitable for winter holidays. But we must remember that the islands are in the sea, and where there is sea, there is a monsoon period. On one side of the island it is warm and dry, on the other it is windy and unpleasant. Check the details - they are the key to a relaxing holiday.
If you decide to buy a ticket from a travel agency and they made you a “favorable” offer at a very low price, check for yourself whether there are monsoons in this particular place during this period. The weather on the islands is very different: on one coast there is paradise, on the opposite coast there is boredom.
Relax and enjoy, but choose the place carefully!
Southwest Asia includes states of the Near and Middle East with ancient history and predominantly Muslim culture. The exception is Israel, a country of immigration and widespread Judaism with its shrines. Historically, on the territory of Israel there is currently the city of Jerusalem, in which the shrines of three religions are located: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, which, on the one hand, attracts a very large number of tourists, partly pilgrims, and on the other, creates the ground for constant acute conflicts, which also affects the scale of tourism.
In the countries of this zone, the attention of tourists is attracted by the warm sea (especially widely - the Mediterranean, washing the shores of Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel), and the subtropical climate favorable for recreation. Lovers of educational tourism are attracted by ancient cities or their ruins, numerous cities with their historical and cultural population. Among them are Istanbul (Turkey), Amman (Jordan), the ancient cities of Lebanon - Baalbek, Saida, as well as the country’s emerging tourist center - its capital Beirut, Nicosia (Cyprus), the Iranian cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Hamadan. There are many interesting historical, cultural and archaeological sites outside these centers.
Certain countries of the Arab East, as well as Turkey, attract many “shuttles” - participants in shopping tours. Afghanistan has interesting tourism opportunities, but the events of recent decades make it impossible to use them. South-West Asia includes tourist macro-regions: Turkey and Cyprus, Palestine, Arab states (Middle East), Middle East.
Türkiye and Cyprus connected by both their history and modern relations. The fact is that the northern part of Cyprus is occupied by Turkish troops: the Turkish Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed there, but not recognized by any state other than Turkey. This northern part of Cyprus is home to Turkish-speaking Muslim Cypriots, while the rest of the island is predominantly Greek-speaking Orthodox. Naturally, the division of Cyprus creates unnecessary tension, but this does not prevent a large number of resort tourists from enjoying the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea and the beneficial Mediterranean climate. In addition to relaxing on coastal beaches, tourists have the opportunity to visit low mountainous areas and take baths near mineral springs. In the capital of the state, Nicosia, tourists visit the Selima Mosque, St. Sophia Cathedral, a six-meter Venetian column, the ruins of a fortress wall, a museum rich in Bronze Age objects and masterpieces of historical art; in Famagusta and its environs there are ancient ruins; in Paphos - the ruins of the temples of Aphrodite and Apollo; near Limassol - the tower of the Colossus. Cyprus has also been visited by shuttle tourists from the CIS countries.
They are also private visitors to neighboring Turkey. At the same time, the latter also attracts recreational tourists: coastal areas (along the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, Black Seas) are known for their numerous swimming seasons (warm sea, subtropical climate), which contributed to the emergence of famous Mediterranean resorts (Antalya, Alanya, etc. ). There are resorts in the interior of Turkey based on the use of mineral springs. For example, the springs near the city of Bursa were used by the Byzantines.
But, of course, Turkey also attracts tourists with its historical and cultural values. Many of them are concentrated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul (in the past - Constantinople, in ancient Russian documents - Constantinople). The transformation of the Orthodox Byzantine capital into a Muslim city also led to a change in the appearance of the city: Orthodox churches turned into mosques. There are many of them, therefore there are many minarets. The most famous temple is the Hagia Sophia, an outstanding work of Byzantine architecture. After the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in the 15th century. A large number of new mosques were built, including some outstanding for their architectural merits. There are also museums in Istanbul, including an archaeological museum (with the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great), and monuments of civil architecture. In the 20th century Istanbul is largely Europeanized.
Other centers of educational tourism in Turkey: the capital Ankara (where ancient buildings and the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey Ataturk (Kemal Pasha) are located); Izmir (which is famous for antiquities and annual fairs); Bursa, Adana, Erzurum (with their ancient monuments and numerous mosques).
Most of Turkey is made up of plateaus and low mountains, which in the east of the country turn into highland areas, where the altitudinal zone is well defined (up to the nival zone), and the Ararat massif, sacred to the Armenians (but located after World War I in Turkey), is located, where According to biblical legend, Noah's Ark completed its journey in the large and very picturesque Lake Van. So in the east of Turkey there are many elements of natural attraction. However, so far this undoubtedly potential resort area has been little developed.
Palestine. This macro-region includes the state of Israel, populated predominantly by Jews (natives and immigrants), and Arab territories, which have been fighting for many decades to create an Arab Palestinian state.
The territory of Palestine has seen many historical events in its lifetime that have left their mark on its ancient monuments. Suffice it to say that in the Jordan Valley “the very first city in the world was discovered - Jericho (“city of dates”), which is seven thousand years old. Archaeological excavations are being carried out on a large hill, which attracts the attention of many tourists.” South of the largest city in Palestine, Jerusalem, is the city of Bethlehem, over which, according to legend, a star lit up at the moment when Jesus Christ was born in a modest manger. A grandiose temple was built here.
But, of course, the largest number of tourists is attracted by Jerusalem itself, associated with the relics of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. This is truly a city of three historical faiths and therefore attracts countless of their representatives, as well as simply curious tourists. Among the historical and cultural monuments, it is enough to name the Jewish Western Wall, Christian shrines - the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, the rock where he prayed (and many more places associated with evangelical subjects). According to Islam, the Muslim prophet Muhammad later ascended to heaven from the rock where Christ prayed (the magnificent Omar Mosque was built here). It is no coincidence that during the division of Palestine after World War II, the UN decided on the special status of Jerusalem, which is historically divided into the Old and New City.
Among other cities in the region, the actual capital of Israel is Tel Aviv (although the state leadership considers Jerusalem to be the capital, which is not recognized by most states in the world) with its Haaretz Museum of Mediterranean Art and art gallery. Among the streets of Tel Aviv there are Korolenko, Zola and others. Jaffa has practically merged with Tel Aviv, unlike the very young Tel Aviv, which dates back several centuries of its existence. In this city you can walk along Pushkin Street, Pestalozzi, Michelangelo, M. Gorky, Ozheshko, Dante.
Even more ancient is another city of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea - Haifa. Therefore, in these cities there are also historical and cultural objects of previous centuries. There are seaside resorts on the Mediterranean coast, especially in the area of Netanya and in the Eilat area in the Arabian Gulf of the Red Sea. There are also resorts on the coast of the Dead Sea, located below ocean level, the very high salinity of its waters allows swimmers to float freely. An appropriate infrastructure has been created for tourists in Israel.
Arab countries of South-West Asia include almost the entire zone, with the exception of the two regions described above, and the states of the Middle East. In practice, we are talking about the Middle East or most of Western Asia (from Lebanon in the northwest to Yemen in the southeast). These are all Muslim Arab states.
With the exception of its outskirts - Mediterranean Lebanon and partly Syria in the north-west and “happy Arabia” (southern part of Yemen) on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula - all countries in the region are arid desert and semi-desert territories. Therefore, civilization developed there only in areas where it was possible to create irrigation systems using rivers (as in Mesopotamia) or groundwater - in oases. From the middle of the twentieth century. In many countries in the region, oil began to be produced in large quantities, and this led to the formation of oases on an “industrial basis” by supplying water from deep horizons or desalinating sea water. During these processes, modern civilization is formed with all its pros and cons. In particular, the centers of this new civilization attract a large number of “shuttle” tourists from the CIS countries to the countries of the region. In some states of the region, modern seaside resorts have appeared on the shores of the seas. There are also mountain resorts in Lebanese cities. All this serves the development of recreational tourism. However, we must not forget that in almost all countries of the macroregion there are many historical and cultural attractions - monuments of distant millennia and centuries.
Thus, on the territory of Lebanon there is one of the earliest human settlements - Baalbek, “where the ruins of religious buildings dedicated to Jupiter, statues, sculptures of Venus, Bacchus, rows of columns and sculptures, and stairs have been preserved.” One of the ancient settlements in Lebanon is the city of Saida. The capital of the country itself, Beirut, along with the ancient quarters, is also distinguished by completely modern buildings, corresponding to the role of Beirut as a center of finance and culture.
In Syria, the ancient cities of Palmyra and Aleppo with their monuments and Hellenistic art are of great interest to tourists. The capital of the country, Damascus, attracts with objects of Muslim culture, including one of the most famous shrines of Islam - the Umayyad Mosque.
Muslim architecture is typical for most areas of the capital of Iraq, Baghdad. The Nazimiya Mosque, or Golden Mosque, is very famous, decorated with four minarets with gilded domes (which is rare in this kind of structure). The city has many modern buildings and monuments, stylized in the spirit of Muslim traditions. To the side of the capital, located on the banks of the famous Tigris River, there are the ruins of ancient cities, including the famous Babylon. There are also summer high-altitude resorts in Iraq (in the north and north-east of the country). Despite the undoubted tourist attractiveness of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the flow of tourists to these countries is limited due to political instability.
Other Arab countries of the Middle East are much less interesting for educational tourism: Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. The latter, as a rule, attract a large number of shuttle tourists. In these countries, whose economies are based on oil production (Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates), modern cities attract attention.
Saudi Arabia occupies a special place among the countries of the Middle East. It is on its territory that the main places of pilgrimage for Muslims are located - the holy cities of Mecca (with the black stone of the Kaaba) and Medina, cities associated with the activities of the Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam. Hundreds of thousands, and in some years millions of Muslims from all over the world come here as pilgrims. The pilgrimage (Hajj) brings huge income to the country, and pilgrims “incorporate” themselves into eternal life in paradise. On the Red Sea coast of the country is the city of Jeddah, through which thousands of pilgrims travel. There are also several historical monuments here, among which, according to legend, is the grave of the first woman, Eve.
Middle Eastern countries– these are Iran and Afghanistan. From a tourism point of view, Iran is especially interesting - a country of very diverse nature and ancient history. Nature lovers will find in Iran seas and rivers, plains (low-lying and elevated) and high mountains Elbrus with the main peak Damavand (in the north of the country), various forests, dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, healing mineral springs and healing mud. In Iran there are numerous monuments of Muslim culture (civil and religious buildings) in the capital Tehran, the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Qazvin and others. Currently, due to the difficult international situation of Iran (largely due to its isolation), the flow of tourists into the country is very limited, which is facilitated by both external forces and the activity of Islamic fundamentalists.
Tourism to Afghanistan, a multiethnic mountainous country where military operations have been going on for many years, is practically impossible these days. Therefore, and also due to the very low level of development of tourism infrastructure, the harsh but impressive nature of Afghanistan and its historical and cultural sites located in the capital Kabul, the cities of Herat, Kandahar and others remain unclaimed. One of the most famous tourism sites throughout Asia, Biamin, is also practically inaccessible. In this depression, located at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters, in the central part of the country there is a rock pitted with hundreds of caves. There are two 50-meter high Buddha statues carved into the rocks, and the Shahar-i-Gulgula fortress is located on the hill. The possibilities of the winter resort of Jalalabad, hunting opportunities, and observation of local ritual holidays are also unclaimed.
How different she is, Europe's neighbor! Singapore and Thailand, China and the Philippines, the coasts of Thailand and the splendor of the architectural monuments of Cambodia - all this moved with unusually interesting traditions, peculiar weather conditions and local flavor, varying from region to region. This is South Asia and not visiting here means not fully understanding how the world works.
Today, many tourism centers in Asia are available to our tourists - every year they attract many people interested in eastern countries and cultures or who simply want to relax. The various accommodation conditions offered favor both the first and second options.
Cities of China
Having seen Shanghai and Beijing, you begin to understand how all the achievements of modern civilization can be intertwined with historical heritage. Skyscrapers, the ancient city of Zhujiajiao and the Shanghai TV Tower, the Imperial Palace of Beijing and Tiananmen Square - everything here seems to be created for tourists. Those who want to get to know China more deeply can go to Guilin, enjoying the beauty of the rivers and rocks. This is a family resort where it’s good to just relax, while at the same time learning the most interesting local traditions.
The famous Silk Road began in Xi'an, and therefore it is also worth going there. The city is more than three thousand years old, for more than a thousand of which it was the capital. This is where you can look at the “Eighth Wonder of the World” - the terracotta warriors.
Hainan
The famous Chinese tropical island offers a wide variety of entertainment combined with magnificent beaches and warm seas. Strict eco-control has been established here, which is why the air and water are much cleaner than in other resorts in the region, sandy beaches stretch for kilometers, and a network of picturesque tourist routes has been laid across the mountainous terrain. Ideal highways lead to the coast, and local hotels are literally surrounded by greenery.
Thailand
Traveling to Thailand has become especially popular among our fellow countrymen. Here, like nowhere else, you can enjoy a beach holiday - the appropriate infrastructure has been created for this. Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Krabi province, Chang are ready to provide everything so that you enjoy relaxation to the fullest.
But Thailand is not only beaches, but also park complexes, a huge number of temples and generally exotic things. For those who want to get acquainted with the history of the country, it is better to go to its capital - Bangkok. Here is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and many other monuments of interest to tourists.
The fusion of Chinese and Indian traditions makes Thailand unique and mysterious. Moreover, all this splendor is available to tourists!
Southwest Asia includes the states of the Near and Middle East with an ancient history and predominantly Muslim culture. The exception is Israel, a country of immigration and widespread Judaism with its shrines. Historically, the city of Jerusalem is currently located in Israel, where the shrines of three religions are located: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This, on the one hand, attracts a large number of tourists, partly pilgrims, and on the other, creates the ground for constant conflicts, which also affects the scale of tourism.
In the countries of this zone, the attention of tourists is attracted by the warm sea (especially the Mediterranean, washing the shores of Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel), and the subtropical climate. Lovers of educational tourism are attracted by ancient cities or their ruins, numerous cities with their historical and cultural heritage - Istanbul (Turkey), Amman (Jordan), the ancient cities of Lebanon Baalbek, Saida, as well as the organizing tourist center of Beirut, Nicosia (Cyprus), Iranian cities Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, Hamadan, etc.
Certain countries of the Arab East, as well as Turkey, attract many “shuttles” - participants in shopping tours. Afghanistan has interesting tourism opportunities, but the events of recent decades make it impossible to use them. South-West Asia includes the following tourist macro-regions: Cyprus and Turkey, Palestine, Arab states (Middle East), Middle East.
Cyprus is a state located on the island of the same name in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean.
Cyprus first gained independence in 1960, but in 1974 Turkish troops landed on the island. After this, the northern territory of the country went to Turkey. There are no diplomatic relations between the Greek and Turkish parts. The Turkish part is closed to entry from the Greek side.
The territory of the Greek part of the island (Republic of Cyprus) is 5.9 thousand square meters. km, Turkish part (Northern Cyprus) - 3.35 thousand sq. km. The coast of the island in the northern part is rugged and rocky, the south of the island is flat, with long sandy beaches. In the center and southwest of the island is the vast old volcanic massif of Troodos (the highest point is Mount Olympos, 1951 m). Between the mountains lies the vast and fertile valley of Mesaoria.
Cyprus in ancient times was the center of Mediterranean trade, which led to the mixing of cultural monuments of all European civilizations on its land. The capital of the country is Nicosia with the Center for Applied Arts located there, the Archbishop's Square with the Archbishop's Palace, the Gate of Ammochostos and the Statue of Liberty, the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian fortress walls (XVI century) with the Famagusta Gate and the ring of the Municipal Park outside, the Church of Chrysaliniotissa, built in 1450, the Omeriye Mosque , the churches of Trypiotis and Faneromeni, the cathedral of St. John, built in 1662.
Limassol It is best known for its beaches, the Medieval Museum, old castles, and wine production. Monuments Larnaca are Larnaca Fortress (1625); Jami Kebir Mosque; church ev. Lazarus; Laiki Getonya (one of the ancient quarters); Church of Angeloktistos; the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque (1816), one of the main Muslim shrines (since Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad, is buried here); aqueduct (used for its intended purpose until 1939); Catholic Cathedral Sofia (XIII century); Archaeological Museum; royal chapel ev. Katerina.
Within the resort Pathos interesting are the Port Fortress, the Paphos Mosaics, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Register, Panayia Limeniotissa, the Odeon Theater, the catacombs of Ev. Solomonia, Royal Tombs, Church of Chrysopolites and Column of St. Paul, "House of Theseus", "Villa
Dionysus", Aphrodite beach, Smolensk Bay, the ancient Roman city of Curium with its Greco-Roman theater, Kolossi Castle. Monuments of ancient culture in Salamis are the tomb of St. Catherine, Costello Castle in Famagusta, Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas.
Sea resorts Cyprus are Limassol, Protaras, Lara Beach with a sea turtle breeding station, Latchi, Cape Greco, Polis, and numerous beach resort complexes on the southwest coast. The Troodos mountain range, where the summer residence of the President of Cyprus is located, provides opportunities for mountain tourism.
Turkey is a state in southeastern Europe and Western Asia, with a total area of 780.6 thousand square meters. km and a population of 80 million people. Capital - Ankara. In the north-west it borders with Bulgaria and Greece, in the north-east - with Georgia and Armenia, in the east - with Iran, in the south - with Iraq and Syria. In the north it is washed by the Black and Marmara Seas, in the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the Aegean Sea. The European part of Turkey (Eastern Thrace, or Rumelia) is a hilly plateau about 1000 m above sea level. The Asian part (Asia Minor, or Anatolia) is limited by the mountain ranges of the Pontic Mountains in the north and the Taurus system in the south, between which the Anatolian Plateau is located (average altitude up to 1000 m), with river valleys and cones of extinct volcanoes in the east.
Turkey attracts recreational tourists: the coastal areas (along the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, Black Seas) are known for their favorable conditions (warm sea, subtropical climate), which contributed to the emergence of the famous resorts of Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, Belek, Side, Izmir, Marmaris and etc. (Fig. 9.1). There are resorts in the interior of Turkey known for their mineral springs. For example, the springs near the city of Bursa were used by the Byzantines. Fans of winter recreation are attracted by the modern ski resorts of Palandoken, Uludag, etc.
But, of course, Türkiye is also famous for its historical and cultural values. Many of them are concentrated on the shore
Conventional signs Excursion centers ^ Ski resorts A Sea resorts
Borders of tourism
recreational areas
Tourist and recreational
- 1 Marmara Sea Region
- 2 Aegean Sea region
- 3 Mediterranean region
- 4 Central Anatolia
- 5 Black Sea region
- 6 Eastern Anatolia
- 7 Southeastern Anatolia
Rice. 9.1. Tourist and recreational centers of Turkey
Chapter 9. International tourism in Asia
Bosphorus Strait Istanbul(in the past - the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople, in ancient Russian documents - Constantinople). The transformation of an Orthodox Byzantine city into a Muslim city changed its appearance: Orthodox churches turned into mosques. There are many of them, therefore there are many minarets. The most famous temple is the Hagia Sophia, an outstanding work of Byzantine architecture. There are also museums in Istanbul, including archaeological (with the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great), antiquity, conquerors, Muslim art, etc., the Church of St. Irene, choral monastery church, Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mosques - Ahmed (Blue Mosque), Mikrimakhi, Selim the Conqueror, Bayazid, Suleiman, Eyup, underground palaces and reservoirs, the remains of a Byzantine fortress. In the 20th century Istanbul is largely Europeanized.
Other centers of educational tourism in Turkey: capital Ankara(where ancient buildings and the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey Ataturk (Kemal Pasha) are located; the birthplace of Homer Izmir, which is famous for its antiquities and annual fairs; Bursa, Adana, Erzurum with their ancient monuments and numerous mosques. Aspendos is a city created by colonists after the Trojan War , in which there are many beautiful buildings, including the theater-palace of the architect Zeno (II century) and the Roman arched aqueduct; Myra is the ancient capital of Lycia, the “land of light rays,” famous for its necropolis, carved into the rocks, as well as the church of St. Nicholas, a place of pilgrimage for Christians. The country has many natural reserves - Olympos-Beydaglari, Munzur-Vadisi, Koprulu Canyon, etc.
Most of Turkey is made up of plateaus and low mountains, which in the east of the country become highlands. There is the Ararat massif, sacred to the Armenians (but located in Turkey after the First World War), where, according to biblical legend, Noah completed his journey, and the large and picturesque Lake Van. So in the east of Turkey there are many elements of natural attractiveness™. However, so far this undoubtedly potential resort area has been little developed.
Palestine. This macro-region includes the state of Israel, populated predominantly by Jews (natives and immigrants), and Arab territories, which have been fighting for many decades to create an Arab Palestinian state.
The territory of Palestine has seen many historical events in its lifetime. Suffice it to say that the very first city in the world was discovered in the Jordan Valley - Jericho (“city of dates”), which is seven thousand years old.
Jerusalem, the city of three historical faiths (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) attracts the largest number of tourists. Among the historical and cultural monuments, it is enough to name the Jewish Western Wall, Christian shrines - the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, the rock where he prayed (and many more places associated with evangelical subjects). According to Islam, the Muslim prophet Muhammad later ascended to heaven from the rock where Christ prayed (the Omar Mosque was built here). It is no coincidence that during the division of Palestine after World War II, the UN decided on the special status of Jerusalem, which is historically divided into the Old and New City.
Located south of Jerusalem Bethlehem, over which, according to legend, a star lit up when Jesus Christ was born. A grandiose temple was built here.
Tel Aviv- the capital of Israel (although the country's leadership considers Jerusalem to be the capital, which is not recognized by most countries in the world) with its Haaretz Museum of Mediterranean Art and art gallery. Among the streets of Tel Aviv there are Korolenko, Zola, etc. streets. It has practically merged with Tel Aviv Jaffa, unlike young Tel Aviv, has several centuries of existence. In this city you can walk along the streets of Pushkin, Pestalozzi, Michelangelo, Gorky, Ozheshko, Dante.
In the city area Haifa And Nathanya There are seaside resorts on the Mediterranean coast, as well as in the Eilat area in the Arabian Gulf of the Red Sea. There are also resorts on the coast of the Dead Sea, located below ocean level, the very high salinity of its waters allows swimmers to float freely. An appropriate infrastructure has been created for tourists in Israel.
The Arab countries of Southwest Asia include virtually the entire area, with the exception of Palestine, Israel and the Middle Eastern states. Essentially we are talking about the Middle East or most of Western Asia (from Lebanon in the northwest to Yemen in the southeast). These are all Muslim Arab states.
With the exception of some outlying areas - Mediterranean Lebanon and partly Syria in the northwest and “happy Arabia” (southern part of Yemen) on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula - all countries in the region are arid desert and semi-desert territories. Therefore, civilization developed only where it was possible to create irrigation systems using rivers (as in Mesopotamia) or groundwater - in oases. From the middle of the 20th century. In many countries in the region, oil is extracted, which leads to the formation of oases on an “industrial basis” due to the supply of water from deep horizons or the desalination of sea water. During these processes, modern civilization is formed with all its pros and cons. In particular, the centers of this new civilization attract a large number of “shuttle” tourists from the CIS countries to the countries of the region. In some states of the region, modern seaside resorts are appearing on the shores of the seas. There are also mountain resorts in Lebanese cities. All this serves the development of recreational tourism.
In almost all countries of the macroregion there are many historical and cultural attractions - monuments of distant millennia and centuries. Yes, on the territory Lebanon one of the earliest human settlements is located - Baalbek, where ruins of religious buildings dedicated to Jupiter, statues, sculptures of Venus, Bacchus, rows of columns and sculptures, and stairs are preserved. One of the ancient settlements in Lebanon is the city of Saida. The capital of the country itself - Beirut - along with the ancient quarters, is also distinguished by completely modern buildings, corresponding to the role of Beirut as a center of finance and culture.
IN Syria The ancient cities of Palmyra and Aleppo with their monuments of Hellenistic art are of great interest to tourists. The capital of the country, Damascus, attracts with objects of Muslim culture, including one of the most famous shrines of Islam - the Umayyad Mosque.
Muslim architecture is typical for most areas of the capital Iraq- Baghdad. The Nazimiya Mosque, or Golden Mosque, is very famous, decorated with four minarets with gilded domes (which is rare in this kind of structure). The city has many modern buildings and monuments, stylized in the spirit of Muslim traditions. To the side of the capital, located on the banks of the Tigris River, are the ruins of ancient cities, including Babylon. There are also summer high-altitude resorts in Iraq (in the north and north-east of the country). Despite the undoubted tourist attractiveness of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the flow of tourists to these countries is limited due to political instability.
Others are much less interesting for educational tourism Arab countries of the Middle East: Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain. In these countries, whose economies are based on oil production (Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates), modern cities attract attention.
Saudi Arabia occupies a special place among the countries of the Middle East. It is on its territory that the main places of pilgrimage for Muslims are located - the holy cities of Mecca (with the black stone of the Kaaba) and Medina, cities associated with the activities of the Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam. Hundreds of thousands, and in some years millions of Muslims from all over the world come here as pilgrims. The pilgrimage (Hajj) brings huge income to the country, and pilgrims “incorporate” themselves into eternal life in paradise. The city of Jeddah is located on the country's Red Sea coast, through which thousands of pilgrims travel. There are also several historical monuments here, among which, according to legend, is the grave of the first woman, Eve.
Saudi Arabia covers an area of 1.6 - 2.4 million square meters. km (according to various sources). The country's population is over 18 million people, the capital Riyadh.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)- a country with an area of 83.6 thousand square meters. km and a population of more than 2 million people - this is a bright sun 360 days a year and a warm, clear sea, desert landscapes with oases and areas of red sand, wadis (dried river mouths) and dunes, the peaks of the Al Hajars massif, numerous key lakes of volcanic origin and color palette of stones.
The coral reefs of Kor Fakan are famous for the flora and fauna of the underwater world, and the coast of the Persian Gulf is famous for its golden sands and exceptional water clarity. Hotels on the seashore offer tourists swimming pools and well-maintained hotel beaches, equipped with everything necessary.
The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi. In the city of Dubai there are ancient Arab buildings of the Bastakiya district, the Dubai Historical Museum (Al Fahidi Fort), the Jumeirah Mosque, the Sheikh Saeed Palace, the historical village museum, the Dubai Zoo - the best in the Middle East, Wonderland - one of the largest water parks in Asia. Once a year, Dubai hosts the world's largest shopping festival, attracting more than 2 million visitors. Dubai's Arabian Tower Hotel (Burj Al Arab) is the tallest hotel in the world (height 321 m). Hatta is a mountain resort belonging to the emirate Dubai, located in the center of the Hajar mountain range and is a picturesque place surrounded by palm trees, clear lakes and small farms.
In the city of Ajman there is a museum, which is located in a fort built in the late 18th century until the late 1970s. which was the residence of the emir. Its exhibition includes a collection of archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, weapons, reconstructed traditional Arab rooms and a market.
Emirate Ras Al Khaimah represented by ancient cities (Yulfar - a thriving pearl trading center in the past, Digdaga - the largest old city of Ras al-Khaimah), Hatt hot springs, the emirate museum (a huge military fort) with traditional household items, jewelry, archaeological finds, the oldest of which dates back to the 1st millennium BC.
In the emirate Umm al-Quwain(“source of strength”) are located: Falaj Al Muala - a huge date garden surrounded by high dunes; the Dreamland water park with an 18 m high artificial volcano with imitation fire, lighting effects, and numerous water attractions; The city of Fujairah, with its sandy beaches and mountainous headlands, is one of the best places for scuba diving.
Mereja, which is the “museum treasure of the UAE”, is the oldest district of the emirate Sharjah, where are located: one of the largest mosques in the Middle East, King Faisal Mosque, which can accommodate up to 3,000 worshipers; numerous museums and exhibitions, beaches of the Khalid Lagoon. New but already popular entertainment in the UAE is sand skiing and car rallying in the desert.
The countries of the Middle East are Iran and Afghanistan.
Iran- a country of diverse nature and ancient history. Nature lovers will find in Iran seas and rivers, plains (low-lying and elevated) and high mountains Elbrus with the main peak Damavand (in the north of the country), various forests, dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, healing mineral springs and healing mud. There are many monuments of Muslim culture (civil and religious buildings) in Iran - in the capital Tehran, the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Qazvin, etc. Currently, due to the difficult international situation of Iran (largely due to its isolation), the flow of tourists into the country very limited.
Afghanistan - a multinational mountainous country where military operations have been going on for many years. Therefore, and also due to the very low level of development of the tourist infrastructure, the harsh but impressive nature of Afghanistan, and its historical and cultural sites located in the capital Kabul, the cities of Herat, Kandahar, etc., remain unclaimed. One of the most famous tourism sites throughout Asia - Biamin. In this depression, located in the central part of the country at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters, there are rocks dug by hundreds of caves, and in the rocks are two 50-meter high Buddha statues carved. The Shahar-i-Gulgula fortress is located on the hill. The possibilities of the winter resort of Jalalabad, hunting and observing local ritual holidays are also not in demand.
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