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Avenue south residence brochure4

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when the British East India Company established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing village has grown into a bustling metropolis which is especially known for its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities. This characteristic is exemplified by the long esplanade called the Marina and which is lined by impressive buildings which remind the casual visitor of the long and inseparable association the city has had with the British. Even elsewhere in the city, one cannot fail to notice the dominant British influences in the form of old cathedrals, buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues.

As a city it continues to maintain the best of South Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region was an important centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here and the traces of which are to be found in the numerous old temples. Thus, the unwary visitor will find Madras more than just a gateway of South India. He shall find Avenue south residence brochure  it a convenient base to peep into the varied aspects of traditional south Indian culture and life styles which intermingle with the modern city complete with its plush hotels and restaurants - offering a range of continental and typical south Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping centres which offer traditional handicrafts, textiles and much more peculiar to this part of India.

Besides the modern city itself, there are several interesting towns like Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich collection of ancient temples and an array of traditional handicrafts which are very much their own.

MAHABALIPURAM: Famous for monolithic sculptures on the seashore. These sculptures belong to the period of Pallava Kings who ruled this part of South India many centuries ago. Chariot, Elephant and other huge sculptures out of single stone is worth seeing.

KANCHIPURAM: A famous place for temples and silk sarees. Also one of the place where the Hindu mutt called the Shankaracharya Mutt is situated. Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kanchi Kamakshi temples are very famous. There are many colonies who involve in weaving pure silk sarees worth seeing and purchasing too as it ranges from a simple Rs.2000/- to Rs. 1 Lakh also.

SRIPERAMBUDUR: On the way to Kanchipuram is another place called the Sriperumbudur, came to light from a sleeping village after the assassination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, India's youngest elected Prime Minister on May 21, 1991, who in a short span of his politics, brought in a rapid change Information Technolocy, Communications Systems in India.

DAKSHINCHITRA: Situated on the ECR High way at about 25 Kms. from the centre of Chennai. It is worth spending atleast a day here to see the ancient type of common houses of the South India as it depicts the variety of houses built in those days to suit their needs. For e.g the fishermens' house in Kerala, Weavers house in Tamilnadu (Kanchipuram), Karnataka, and Andhra. One can also find the handicrafts of these states and many families actually live here and show you how they work on a potters' wheel, weave silk sarees, make glass idols and the same items are sold here. Many volunteers work here to promote the work of these artisans.

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Avenue south residence brochure1

In 1652 Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay and laid the foundations of South Africa's oldest city. His first undertaking was to establish a vegetable garden for the purpose of providing passing merchant ships with fresh food. Before long, weary sailors from around the world dropped anchor in the bay to replenish supplies.

The settlement soon earned the titled: 'Tavern of the Seas', and to this day, Cape Town has maintained a reputation for friendly hospitality. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past - and the more functional demands of the 20th century.

The city's Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs. Cobble stoned streets, mosque's and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter entrance a cosmopolitan ambience, and in a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century.

For a closer look at life at the Cape in earlier times, interesting historical collections are on display in several museums. Cape Town's shopping options invite you to endlessly browse - Avenue south residence brochure  and buy. Elegant shopping malls, department stores, antique shops and at galleries abounds. Specialist boutiques in Long Street and the narrow little alleys intersecting it offer an enticing array of unusual articles not readily obtainable elsewhere.

At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store.

The main hub of the city centre is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the beautifully restored old Victorian harbor which offers free entertainment, a wide variety of shops, museums, including the excellent Aquarium, taverns and restaurants.

Boat trips leave from here for harbor tours or the notorious Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and many other nationalist leaders were imprisoned. The relics of early colonial government are centered on Government Avenue, with many fine old buildings and museums, including the Parliament Buildings; Groote Kerk (mother church of the Dutch Reformed faith); the Cultural History Museum; National Museum; National Gallery; Bertram House and Company's Garden, planted in 1652 to provide food for passing sailors.

Nearby sights of interest include Bo-Kaap (the home of the Islamic Cape Malay people, confusingly of mainly Indonesian origin); the Castle of Good Hope in Darling Street, built in 1666; the Old Townhouse on Greenmarket Square, housing a permanent collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings; and the early 18th-century Koopmans de Wet House.

Those interested in learning more about black and 'Cape coloured' culture should visit the District Six Museum, Buitenkant Street, and take one of the many excellent guided tours of the outlying townships of Crossroads, Langa and Khayelitsha.

It is probably not safe for tourists to venture into these areas on their own. Cape Town also has excellent sporting and shopping facilities.

The Baxter Theatre and Artscape Theatre Complex offer a mix of local and international fare. Nightlife is concentrated in the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, and parts of the central business district, notably around Long Street. Further out, the Cape-Dutch homestead of Spier and Ratanga Junction theme park both offer a variety of entertainment from classical to jazz concerts.

Excursions:

South of Cape Town a long peninsula stretches south, lined by fishing villages and holiday resorts, including Llandudno, Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg and Simonstown, a delightful Victorian town with a couple of interesting museums and the only colony of penguins to live on the African mainland.

Inland, the magnificent Cape-Dutch farm, Groot Constantia, was one of the first wine farms in the Cape, while the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, created by Cecil Rhodes in 1895 on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, is one of the finest botanical gardens in the world.

In the summer there are open-air concerts. Nearby Chapman's Peak has spectacular views, but the scenic drive from Hout Bay is currently closed due to landfalls, and you need to walk the last section to the summit. About an hour's drive from Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve covers the southern tip of the Cape peninsula, with a profusion of flowers, birds and animals, culminating in Cape Point.

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Avenue south residence brochure2

There is a special something about travelling by train. And we are not talking of packed local trains or high speed commuter routes, we mean those iconic rail journeys that wend their way gracefully through spectacular scenery, perhaps cutting through impossibly mountainous terrain, small local towns, or alongside lush river valleys.

Time seems to slow down a little as breath-taking panoramas pass gradually by your window and you sit back and relax in luxury, enjoying sumptuous surroundings, exquisite service, and gourmet cuisine. Here is our guide to some of Latin America's most beautiful rail journeys that you should certainly look at booking as part of your own bespoke holiday.

The Hiram Bingham, Peru: Travelling by train in Peru is one of the best ways to journey through the Andes. A wonderful trip is the laidback journey across the altiplano aboard the Andean Explorer between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, stopping at its highest point enroute at La Raya. Head to Machu Picchu from either Cusco or the lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley alongside the Urubamba River and if you are arranging a special celebration with family or friends, we would recommend the delightful Presidential service with Inca Rail, where you can book your own private deluxe carriage and enjoy exquisite food and service.

If you long for the elegance of that bygone era of rail travel, then step aboard one of the sumptuous Pullman carriages of the Belmond (formerly Orient Express) owned Hiram Bingham Avenue south residence brochure  train along the same route. Enjoy fine dining on board as you journey towards the most impressive and astonishingly located of the Inca sites, the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The Chepe, Mexico: The Ferrocaril Chihuahua al Pacifico, known as the 'Chepe' for short, crosses through some of Mexico's most dramatic scenery, taking you to the edge of jaw-dropping gorges and to the rim of the largest Canyon in the Americas. Although its full length runs from Los Mochis, almost on the Pacific Coast, to Chihuahua in the heart of the northern desert, its most scenic route runs from the pretty colonial town of El Fuerte to Creel as it crosses through the Tarahumara Sierra.

What makes it really special is that there are numerous stops along its route which enables you to design your own bespoke itinerary in the Copper Canyon region. Travel by train over dramatic bridges and ravines, then step off to explore this stunning canyon and its deep valleys with wonderful local guides either by 4WD or on foot, visiting local communities of Raramuri as the native Tarahumara Indians like to be known.

Tren Crucero, Ecuador: In June 2013, a multi-million dollar restoration project on Ecuador's principle rail line was completed, finally linking again the full length of this route. The journey from Quito to Guayaquil was first constructed in the late 19th century and its re-opening brings much needed economic prosperity to isolated rural communities as well as offering one of the most spectacular journeys from the country's breath-taking Andean highlands down to the tropical Pacific Coast at Guayaquil. Journey through the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', enjoying truly wonderful panoramas of Ecuador's highest peaks, stopping off in local villages to visit indigenous markets and admiring the incredible engineering feat of the switchbacks of the Devil's Nose route.

Step aboard your luxury carriage, each of the four coaches furnished in different style to reflect their Ecuadorian heritage, and stay at beautiful carefully selected historic haciendas and comfortable lodges each night. Arrive in Guayaquil and perhaps journey through cacao plantations to beautiful Machalilla Park for whale-watching in season or fly straight out to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most incredible wildlife destinations.

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Avenue south residence brochure3

With the Andes in sight, stretching as far the horizon yonder is a land synonymous with steak, Maradona, Tango and Tierra del Fuego. With its colossal glaciers, wide-open bluest-of-the-blue skies, the vast salt flats and eternal ice, fall in love all over again with a trip to the traveler's paradise we know to be Argentina.

A land of inexplicable contrasts, diverse cultures and the languor of different worlds, Argentina is truly a melting pot filled to the brim with passion, excitement and elegance stirred together into a steamy, rich broth!

Argentina is the eight-largest country in the world and the largest among the Spanish-speaking nations. The name "Argentina" is derived from Ancient Greek for "Dimunitive Silver". It is bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. The country experiences varied climates ranging from the hot and dry to the extremely cold. While the Avenue south residence brochure  capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, its currency is the Peso. The calling code is +54.

Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Chile are two of the major airlines that offer seamless connectivity to a number of destinations. The important airports include Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) and the Aeroparque Jorge Newberry Airport (AEP). There are wide options when it comes to entering Argentina by bus for there are a number of connections from any of the countries that share borders. Tourists may note that many destinations have airports nearby, thus ensuring that travel is hassle-free.

Revelry is a dish best enjoyed in the company of friends! And where better to make new ones than in the buzzing metropolis of Buenos Aires? Known by the locals and tourists as the gateway to Argentina, Buenos Aires is littered with looming skyscrapers, Victorian houses, tango bars and open plazas that exude a contemporary charm that gracefully blends with its everlasting colonial heritage. Expect some terrific options for shopping for it houses some of the finest designer stores and bustling outdoor markets filled with the masses on the hunt for a bargain. The options for a gastronomical adventure are almost endless; any mortal soul would surely be tempted to try out local favorites like the dulce de leche, the empanadas and the juiciest, most succulent bife de chorizo! Dress up the way the porteños do, and party till the crack of dawn!

Head out next to Cordoba, which lies in the heart of the Pampas, for a peek into some glorious history for it is chock-a-block with museums, cathedrals and parks at every nook and corner. Cordoba plays host to Argentina's theater festival namely, the Festival de Teatro del Mercosur, featuring a wide variety of musical acts. There are plenty of entertainment options that cater to all tastes especially in districts such as Nueva Cordoba, Chateau Carreras and the areas close by.

Consider adding Mar del Plata to your itinerary which is well known for its beaches! Founded by Patricio Peralta Ramos, this destination offers some the world's best nature reserves, picturesque landscapes and charming resorts for all! Consider spending the day golfing, sport fishing or gambling for there is plenty to choose from. You will find that the avenues for entertainment are virtually endless.

Add a must-do destination - Mendoza, a town that is known for its emblematic grape - The Malbec and some of the finest wine, this side of the hemisphere. Walk down the wide, leafy avenues, take a moment to gaze at the sparkling fountains and rest awhile at the monumental squares and plaza to take in the flair. The cuisine of Mendoza needs no introduction; there are several restaurants and eateries offering terrific tapas combined with some great service in an atmospheric setting! So folks, grab your passport, pack your bags and get ready for an epic adventure for This.is.Argentina.