Traveling around India can be a scary prospect for foreigners, with unpredictable drivers all zooming about at high speeds.
Tag: sport and leisure
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Explore New Delhi On Foot Or Bike – Traffic-Free Havens in India
It's enough to deter anyone from a casual stroll or cycle. But there are a few places around New Delhi worth exploring on foot, or two wheels. Dwarka, near India's international airport, has the capacity to house more than a million people. Yet this large residential center is one of the few places in India that’s not overcrowded. It’s only around 40% occupied, so the roads are delightfully underutilized and of great quality. If you'd prefer a longer journey you can hire a bike from the Delhi Metro Station for 30 rupees, the equivalent of one American dollar. Once you’ve got two wheels, head towards Gurgaon. Even during peak time, the ride is pleasant and peaceful. If you want to learn more about India's history head to Sansar Marg in South-Central Delhi. The track from Sansar Marg to India Gate, via Connaught Place, takes in many historic sites. Look out for the Old Fort and Raj Ghat, a memorial to peaceful leader Mahatma Gandhi. Given the tourist attractions around these parts it can get busy during peak times, but it's very tranquil in the early morning. Delhi University is like a green oasis in the middle of the capital city. It's easy to spend a day exploring the campus' leafy grounds and the off-road cycling trails of the DU Ridge. Cars are prohibited here, so you can look about without fear of a motor vehicle encounter. Once you've worked up an appetite, visit the nearby shopping district of Kamla Nagar for a bite to eat.
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Australia’s Best Jogging Trails – Work Up a Sweat in Oz
When spending time in Australia’s big cities, it can be tempting to enjoy boozy nights out at the pubs and clubs, and spend the next day nursing the hangover.
If you'd prefer to sweat out the alcohol though, there are some wonderful jogging paths just waiting for you to explore. When you're in Sydney, head to the beach. A jogging trail stretches for eight kilometers from the famous Bondi Beach to Coogee. Along the way it takes in the picturesque breaks of Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly. The hills will test novices, but it's worth the work to gaze out to the headlands and Tasman Sea. If you want to stretch your workout, you can always peel off the path and take a dip in the ocean! Albert Park may be more famous as a world-class Formula One venue than a running track, but plenty of Melbourne residents make use of the circuit once the cars are gone. The gardens and trees make the parklands a really pretty spot to burn a few calories. [caption id="attachment_4637" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Girl jogging near Bondi Beach"]
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Brisbane River is the heart of Queensland's capital, home to some of the city's best restaurants, musical performances, and festivals. It's also got a great jogging and cycling circuit, which winds its way from one side of the river to the other, past the botanic gardens and South Bank parklands. The path is marked with distances so you know exactly how far you've traveled. It does get a bit busy in the evenings, as businessmen try to burn a few kilojoules after work, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.
In Canberra runners are spoiled for choice, with several tracks around Lake Burley Griffin. This majestic lake is too large to circle, so instead run until you get tired around the parklands on the south side, or the Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges. These routes are popular with the locals, so if you'd rather enjoy a little quiet time look to Sterling Park. The exercise circuit here is surprisingly peaceful considering it’s lush, leafy surrounds.
Kings Park is an obvious choice while you're visiting Perth. This beautiful park has many tracks which cross over each other, so you can mix up your path each day. For a longer workout follow the famous Swan River. Runners are best served traveling via the northern bank as navigating this track is easier for anyone on the go.
There are so many parks around Adelaide that it's easy to find a place to stretch your legs. The pick of them is the track around the River Torrens, a pretty six-kilometer route from Adelaide to the city's north. The track will take you to the Botanic Gardens, which are another picturesque spot for working up a sweat.
Hobart’s Botanic Gardens are also ideal for a morning jog. Along with the Queen's Domain, this leafy part of Tasmania offers six kilometers of running trail. The picturesque path takes in the Derwent River, the historic cenotaph, and the TCA cricket ground.
So don't let your Australian vacation stall your fitness regime. The country's jogging paths are a great way to see its major cities on foot.
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Play Golf in the South Pacific – The Most Beautiful Courses in Island Region
The South Pacific region in Oceania is famous for its picturesque location and laidback lifestyle, but you might not know that the area is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
In this article we take a look at some of the island location's best. Not far from Fiji's international airport you'll find the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. It’s the sporting hub of the Denarau Island Resort, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy its facilities. The course isn't very challenging, but it is beautiful with its palm trees and sea borders. The wet stuff makes for some interesting water shots, although most players should reach the pin in a stroke over par. It’s probably not for the serious golfers, but casual fans of the sport will get a kick out of the sea-creature shaped bunkers and greens.
In Apia, a 40-minute drive from Samoa's international airport you'll find the Royal Samoa Country Club. It has a very regal name and surrounds to match; the 5445 meter course is considered one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. In its years it's also attracted the right clientele. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili was a regular here before he sadly passed away in 2007. Even he was challenged by the sixth hole which is totally blind.
Related: Golf Courses in Hawaii
So make sure that you pack your clubs when you set off for the South Pacific!
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Unusual Animal Races in New South Wales, Australia
Australians regularly combine their love of sport with their thirst for betting with some wacky animal sporting races.
We've looked at the Camel Cup in Alice Springs and cane toad races in Queensland, but it seems New South Wales has the market cornered with three unusual animal races. In the big smoke of Sydney they've got crab races. The Friend in Hand pub in the city's inner-west holds the crustacean races every Wednesday night to help folks liven up their working week. For $5 you can buy a crab, give it an inspirational name, and see it face off against 30 other competitors. The atmosphere is rowdy and raucous, especially once the crowd enjoys a few cleansing ales.
The city is also famous for its greyhound races. They might not be as strange as the crab races, but these events are so popular that they're worth a mention. Visit the newly revamped Wentworth Park Sporting Complex in the inner-city suburb of Glebe to see the doggies chasing the robotic hare every Monday and Saturday night. You don't need to know anything about the sport to enjoy this evening out.
There's plenty of time between races to catch up with mates and indulge in a quiet beer, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of an unexpected win. Sheep aren't known for their speed, but the locals in the country town of Booligal in the Riverina district still turn out every October to see these animals race at the annual Booligal Cup. The event was originally conceived as a way to perk up the locals in the drought-stricken 1990s. Back then the sheep were only dressed up in colorful costumes, but in time sheep racing became part of the festivities. As sheep aren't the smartest of creatures it can take some effort to encourage them to run in the right direction, but that's all part of the fun of this quirky event. These unusual animal events may never catch on as international pastimes, but they're definitely worth experiencing when you're holidaying in New South Wales. -
Ski Australia’s Snowfields On a Budget
Winter’s only just begun, but already Australia’s snow fields are enjoying steady falls.
Taking advantage of the thick white powder can prove expensive, but there are a few ways to cut the costs of your skiing adventure. The most luxurious ski resorts often come with luxury price tags, but there are a few affordable options to be found on the snow fields. The acclaimed backpackers chain YHA has two snowy locations; one in Thredbo, New South Wales, and the other in Victoria's Mt Buller. The Thredbo YHA is located in the center of the skiing village, a convenient stumbling distance from the restaurants and pubs. Twin rooms start from $68, but if you bring some mates you could pay as little as $27.50 for a four-share dormitory. You’ll find the Mt Buller YHA a stone's throw from the chairlift, so you can literally ski to your front door. It's a little more expensive with rates starting from $79 for a six-bunk room, but still much cheaper than anything else you'll find in the area. Another option is to stay a little further from the ski fields. While you might need to forgo your sleep-in to get an early run at the slopes, you'll save a pretty penny. Consider Jindabyne when skiing at Thredbo or Perisher, Dinner Plain if you want to hit Mount Hotham, and Mount Beauty when skiing Falls Creek.[caption id="attachment_3952" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A snowboarder at Thredbo, Australia"]
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When it comes to accommodation rates, timing is everything. While you'll pay through the nose in August, June and September prices are much more reasonable, even if the snow isn't quite as impressive. You'll also save money by traveling through the week, rather than weekends.
It's tempting to invest in skis, snowboards, and outfits to match, but unless you're considering regular snow holidays hiring the kit may be a better financial decision. Or if you want a ski job in Australia then you might buy gear too. If you do want to own your own, you'll be surprised at the bargains you’ll find on eBay or in second-hand stores. It also pays to ask around, as the closets of your friends may have everything you need.
Lift tickets are a necessary expense, but there are still ways to save cash here too. Look for early-bird specials before the start of the season, discounted rates at the start and end of the season, and half-day tickets if you prefer a sleep in or tend to tire in the afternoon. You can also save money by visiting the smaller slopes. Mt Baw Baw in Victoria and Selwyn in New South Wales offer very cheap rates for their fields, which are mostly made up of beginner runs. That won't suit if you're a regular snow bunny, but novices will be very happy here.
While not always the most economical solution, it can pay to look out for package deals. If you want to stay at the best accommodation, and ski the best slopes in Oz, you'll probably save money with these all-inclusive offers.