Best Vacation Destination in World

1. Bali, Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali is a favourite destination for both adventurers and those in need of a little relaxation. The waters off the coast of Bali's white beaches are an ideal spot for diving, while the dense jungles, teeming with monkeys and hidden stone temples, call out for exploration. Hike the rugged path to the summit of Mount Batur, and your effort will be rewarded with a stunning view. Then coax your sore muscles back into action with a massage at one of Bali's many luxury spas.

2. London, United Kingdom

There's so much to see and do in London, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Major sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace are on most visitors' itineraries, but no matter what your interests, you'll probably find something here. Art lovers should make a beeline for the National Gallery and the Tate Modern. If military history's your thing, don't miss the Cabinet War Rooms. Finally, forget everything you've heard about bland, mushy British food—the restaurant scene here is fabulous.

3. Paris, France

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

4. Rome, Italy

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

5. New York City, New York

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

6. Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is a paradise for tourists seeking sunshine, beaches, and culture. Chania lies on the northern coast of Crete. It’s the second largest city on the island and is served by an airport. Upon arrival, hire a car and drive the 30 kilometres up to the White Mountains. This beautiful setting is perfect for relaxing or doing a spot of walking and is also a good base to explore the region’s attractions.

Chania is an old harbour town with a medieval heart and is worth checking out. The seafront quarter includes a little mosque which is a remnant from the 17th century when the Turks controlled the area. These days the mosque’s been converted into a very nice art gallery. Make sure you also check out the Archeological Museum which is full of Minoan artifacts, including a glass display packed with pottery bulls. These were found in a grave site and it’s believed the pottery bulls were included in the graves where sacrificing a live bull would have been too expensive!

Elafonisi features a beach that stretches for miles. The water is very shallow with white sand that gives it its wonderful green/turquoise colour; making it look like a Caribbean lagoon! There’s even an island that you can safely wade out to. Elafonisi is also very popular with the locals and can get very busy at weekends, so it’s best to go during weekdays if possible.

Crete has changed hands several times over the centuries and the Romans occupied it from the 1st century BC to 4 AD. As well as the ruins of the Roman buildings, there is an abandoned monastery which dates back centuries but was only abandoned in 1964.

Driving up the mountain road above Maheri, you’ll see signs for the ancient church called Agios Nikolaos. Along the way the chances are that you will encounter herds of goats, some with bells around their necks. They will determinedly clank their way past you and add a real wild charm to the holiday experience! Agios Nikolaos is nestled in a valley with huge trees in front of it and it is an enchanting place. The church is Byzantine and is famous for having very old frescoes, as well as a graveyard surrounded by rows of orange trees.

7. Barcelona, Spain

Stroll Las Ramblas and enjoy Barcelona's unique blend of Catalan culture, distinctive architecture, lively nightlife and trendy, stylish hotels. You'll find Europe's best-preserved Gothic Quarter here, as well as amazing architectural works by Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia, considered Gaudi's masterpiece, is still under construction (your entrance fee helps to fund the project). Feel like a picnic? Look no further than the rambunctious La Boqueria market, where you can stock up on local delicacies.

8. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is a fast-growing city with plenty of new hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. But chances are, you’re here not because of the city itself, but for what’s nearby: amazingly well-preserved ancient temples. Even if you have the worst jet lag ever, drag yourself out of bed to be at Angkor archaeological Park when it opens—sunrise over Angkor Wat is worth losing sleep over.

India's Fastest Growing Cities

A lot has been said about India's robust economic growth with economists predicting a bright future for the country. But few know of the booming Indian cities that are adding to the nation's growth. So which are the country's fastest growing cities? Read on to find out

1. SURAT

Growth rate: 11.5%

Surat is Gujarat's second largest city with a population of 4 million. It is the fastest growing Indian city in terms of economic prosperity. The city has registered an annualised GDP growth rate of 11.5 per cent over the past seven fiscal years, according to the data compiled by economic research firm Indicus Analytics.

Known for its thriving diamond and textile industry, Surat is situated on the banks of the Tapti river. More than 90 per cent of world's diamonds are cut and polished here.

These two industries have largely contributed to the city's growth as the economic powerhouse of India. Though often affected by floods and earthquakes, the city has always come out on top.

Improved infrastructure has been key to Surat's rapid rise. A number of elevated roads and flyovers have facilitated the thriving diamond and textile business of the city. The city's Varachcha flyover is claimed to be India's longest.

Surat with its low unemployment rates, high job rates and one of the highest per capita small business credit is the top destination for jobs and business. It is said that if you want to make money, Surat is the place to be in.

2. BANGALORE

Growth rate: 10.3%

What was knows as the Pensioners' Paradise 10 years back, has grown 10-fold today and a study reveals that the rupee millionaire club in Karnataka's capital is the most crowded in India. Bangalore also boasts of having the largest number of households with an annual income of Rs 10 lakhs (Rs 1 million) or more.

With an estimated population of 6.5 million, Bangalore is one of India's most populous cities.

How has this city which was more famous for its gardens and laidback lifestyle changed so much in character? The two reasons that come to every Bangalorean's mind are: the advent of the IT industry, and subsequently the boom in real estate prices.

Unlike other cities in India, Bangalore's main activity is information technology and information technology-enabled services. Being the leading contributor to India's IT industry, the city is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India. Software majors Infosys and Wipro being headquartered in the city, Bangalore contributed 33 per cent of India's Rs 144,214 crore ($ 32 billion) IT exports in 2006-07.

Businesses involving large corporates that are either multinational companies or Indian firms dealing with or catering to MNCs employ a very large workforce in Bangalore.

And although the city's infrastructure has been unable to keep pace with the rapid growth of the city, Bangalore still remains one of India's boom towns.

3. AHMEDABAD

Growth rate: 10.1%

The Ahmedabad region, including Gandhinagar, of Gujarat is the largest inland industrial centre in western India and has been an important base of commerce, trade and industry. With a population of 56 lakh (5.6 million) Ahmedabad has seen great prosperity because of its proximity to Surat and its access to the hinterland of Gujarat.

Though dusty roads and bungalows used to dot the city once, Ahmedabad is now witnessing a major construction boom and an increase in population. In recent years, the city has seen a significant rise in information technology and scientific industries.

Apart from these, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries contribute to the state's economic growth, with two of the biggest pharmaceutical companies of India -- Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals being based here.

Ahmedabad also forms the corporate headquarter of the Nirma group of industries and Adani group. Of late, many foreign companies have set up their units here. Among them, Bosch Rexroth of Germany, Stork and Rollepaal of Netherlands deserve special mention.

4. MUMBAI

Growth rate: 8.5%

The commercial capital of India is one of the world's top ten trade centres. The city contributes 25 per cent of industrial output and 70 per cent of capital transactions to India's economy.

The city accounts for about 1 per cent of the total population in India but has a per capita income which is almost three times that of India. Mumbai accounts for 14 per cent of India's income tax collections and 37 per cent of the corporate tax collections in the country.

The city is the berth of significant financial institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

One of the largest special economic zones in India is being set up in Navi Mumbai, to be spread over an area of around 50 square kilometers.

Numerous corporates and multinational companies have their headquarters in the city that attracts migrants from all over India. The city offers countless employment opportunities and is known for its interesting and high standard of living.

The city, with a population of 19 million, is also known as the Indian seat of entertainment as it is the home to the Hindi film industry, the largest in the world.

Most of the city's inhabitants rely on public transport to commute. Transport systems in Mumbai include the Mumbai suburban railway, also known as the lifeline of Mumbai, BEST buses, taxis and auto rickshaws.

5. NEW DELHI

Growth rate: 8.4%

Though it can't rival Mumbai in terms of contribution to the growth of the Indian economy, the capital of India, is no pushover.

Delhi's, (including its nine districts and adjoining Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon) total GDP stood at Rs 1,60,739 crore (Rs 1,607.39 billion). It contributes 4.94 per cent to all-India GDP.

Connaught Place, one of northern India's largest financial centres, is located in the heart of Delhi.

Being an important commercial centre in South Asia, Delhi has a per capita income of Rs 53,976, which is more than double the national average.

Delhi's key service industries, backed by as strong and well laid out infrastructure, include IT, telecommunications, hotels, banking, media and tourism. In recent times, Delhi's manufacturing industry has grown considerably and consumer goods industries have established manufacturing units and headquarters in and around the capital.

Construction, power, telecommunications, health and community services, and real estate form the backbone of Delhi's economy. The capital's retail industry is one of the fastest growing industries in India.

Public transport in Delhi consists of buses, auto rickshaws, taxis, suburban railways and metro rail.