|
 The English language name Singapore comes from Malay Singapura, "Lion-city", but it is possible that one element of its name had a more distant original source. Pura comes from Sanskrit puram, "city, fortress", and is related to Greek polis, "citadel, city". Singa- comes from Sanskrit simha, which means lion. Today the city-state is referred to as the Lion City.
When?
Singapore can be visited at anytime of the year. The most comfortable months are between June and August. Another good idea is to coordinate your visit to coincide with the spectacular festivals and events of Singapore.
How to Reach
?
With Singapore Changi airport as its base of operation all over the world Singapore Airline play a sizable share in Indian Air Travel. It has flight operating from as many as eight destinations and more flights from these destinations.
Visa
For Indian nationality visa is required to enter in Singapore.
Currency
SINGAPORE DOLLAR is the currency of Singapore.
Travelers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at various commercial banks and hotels.
Things To Do in
Singapore
The Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is among the most visited tourist destination in Asia. If travelling with kids, this is one of the must-visit spots on the island. The Singapore Zoo is been much acclaimed for its open landscape and spaciousness where in the animals live in enclosures simulating that of their natural habitat.
The zoo is filled with exotic animals like white tigers, polar bears, and Asian elephants etc. In addition, the Singapore Night Safari is one of Singapore’s premier tourist attractions. The Night Safari is the world’s first such attraction. Experience wildlife on a 45-minute tram ride or take one of the three Walking Trails to get a feel of the park in eight geographical zones covering forty hectares of forested park.
The sight of watching over one hundred different species of nocturnal animals (including leopards, lions and tigers) is simply amazing and something you will remember always.
Jurong Bird Park
If you're bored of seeing the numerous shopping malls and restaurants in Singapore, then try visiting the Singapore Jurong Bird Park. The Jurong Bird Park is the largest open-concept bird park in the Asia Pacific, with over 600 species of birds. You can take a ride on the air-conditioned Panorail for a scintillating sight of the Park. You can also enjoy the fantastic Penguin Exhibit with an underwater viewing gallery, along with the world-clas All-Star Bird Show.
Sentosa Island
The island of Sentosa is just south of the main Singapore island. This place is another must-visit place as it contains Singapore's famous Sentosa beach resort. If you want to hang out on the beach and read a good book, there is no better place to do it than Sentosa beach.
There are also great hotels (e.g. the Rasa Sentosa) which provide top notch accommodation. You can also visit relics from the Second World War in Singapore, and go to the Underwater World where all sorts of interesting sea creatures reside.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens
Among the most interesting and most visited place in Singapore is the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The gardens are a lush and scenic park spread over 52 hectares of land right in the heart of the city. The garden is accessible from the Holland road and Cluny Road, just off the western end of Orchard Road. The park is a great spot for people who want to enjoy time at a leisurely pace, go for a jog or set up a picnic spot. The Botanic Gardens are rather distinctive as they contain a whole variety of flora from differing climates.
Haw Par Villa
The 'Haw Par Villa', is an important tourist spot in Singapore. You can see all the different mythological and legends of the Chinese culture here. Moreover, you will be entertained by the dragon dances and other cultural shows. A dragon boat ride brings you through the ups and downs of the Chinese Hell.
The Merlionn
Considered to be the tourism mascot of Singapore, the Merlion is a majestic icon on the island. There is a eight-metre high Merlion statue standing right up there at the mouth of the Singapore River. In case you didn't know, the Merlion is a mythical beast - said to be half lion and half fish. It symbolizes the courage, strength and resilience of the Singapore people.
Sri Mariamman Temple
A must-visit for tourists in Singapore, this Indian temple is usually packed with visitors. Situated at South Bridge Road, the temple is also Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Back in 1827, the site was first set up for the temple, with new additions added in 1843. The most striking feature of the temple is the huge variety of Indian deities being carved all on its walls and rooftop. You will also find doors with bells and interesting frescoes right up there on the ceilings. The Thimithi, also known as a fire walking festival is celebrated here, to the awe of many onlookers.
Orchard Road
Orchad Road has to be one of the most happening places in the whole of Singapore due to its role as the commercial main street of the city. It is a heaven for shoppers. The central shopping area is concentrated on Orchard Road and stretches about 2.5
kilometers long. It is also believed to have one of the largest concentration of shopping malls in the world.
|
