CorcovadoThe distinctive statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms
spread to welcome the world, is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and
one of the seven New Wonders of the Modern World. It rests on top
of Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain, 2,330ft (710m) above the
beaches below, and is accessed via a miniature train that runs from
the Cosme Vehlo District through the Atlantic rainforest to the
foot of the statue. The train ride offers stunning vistas of Rio,
and the view from the summit is breathtaking. Spread out beneath
the statue is the Tijuca Forest, resplendent with attractions to
enchant visitors in the cool of the rainforest among natural pools
and waterfalls. There is for example the Mayrink chapel, which
features murals painted by Candido Portinari, one of Brazil's best
known modern artists, and the Museu do Acude, housing colonial
furniture and a collection of china from the East India
Company.Sugar LoafThe summit of Rio's unique 1,299ft high (396m)
belvedere, named Sugar Loaf because of its resemblance to the
loaves of sugar used by the Portuguese colonists, can be reached by
a two-stage cable car ride. The first stage takes visitors up 722ft
(220m) to the Morro da Urca, where there is a restaurant,
amphitheatre, heliport and spectacular view of the Yacht Club and
Botafogo Bay. The second stage takes one the rest of the way to the
summit for a panoramic view of the city, and the whole of
Copacabana beach. The Sugar Loaf cable car is a major icon of Rio's
tourism.Botanical GardensRio's Botanical Gardens were created in 1808 by the
Prince Regent of Portugal as a temporary site for acclimatising
imported plants. Today it is home to some 2,600 species of plant
life, particularly bromeliads and orchids. Colour is added to the
botanical treasures by a wealth of wildlife, such as Toucans,
Tanagers, Marmoset monkeys and brilliantly coloured
butterflies.IpanemaImmortalised in a popular song, 'The girl from
Ipanema', this part of Rio offers not only its legendary beach, but
numerous excellent hotels, bustling nightlife, sophisticated
shopping opportunities and quality restaurants, all within walking
distance of each other. Ipanema (the name, incongruously, means
'bad water') is famous for setting fashion trends, particularly in
the line of skimpy swimwear, and fashion fundis should look out for
the famous bikini boutiques like Salinas, Blue Man and Bum-Bum.
Also do not miss exploring the Rua Garcia D'Avila to shop for
designer fashion, jewellery and furniture. Visit the Amsterdam
Sauer Museum of Gems here for a workshop tour. There are numerous
other streets in Ipanema to explore as well, including the
attractive commercial street Visconde de Piraja that is lined with
speciality shops, bars, restaurants and some of Rio's best
boutiques. Visit the hippie fair at General Osorio Square on
Sundays for wooden sculptures, handcrafts, exotic musical
instruments and artworks.CopacabanaThis famous Rio beach neighbourhood was just a small
fishing village until a new highway changed the face of it sometime
in the 1900s. The Copacabana Palace Hotel first opened its doors in
1923, and since then the area mushroomed with Neoclassical and Art
Nouveau skyscrapers, penthouses and apartments. Visitors still
flock, as they have always done, to the glamorous Palace Hotel, the
place to be seen. Sometimes the visit is only to have tea or a meal
at the famed Cipriani restaurant. The beach itself has white sand
and calm water and is festooned with kiosks. It is a popular spot
for beach sports like soccer and volleyball, and a good place to
sunbathe. Copacabana beach is particularly popular on New Year's.
According to tradition, visitors dress in white and congregate here
to celebrate in their droves, counting more than two million people
during this time.Buzios PeninsulaOnce the preserve of pirates and slave traders, the
peninsula of Buzios, 105 miles (169km) north east of Rio, is today
the haunt of the rich and famous who flock to the city (once a
fishing village) to enjoy the 20 or so beaches in the vicinity. The
peninsula was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot
in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street of
Buzios, the Rua des Pedras. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach
resort with a very active nightlife and fine restaurants. The west
coast beaches offer calm, clear waters while the east coast ones,
facing the open sea, are a little wilder and draw the surfers and
water sports enthusiasts. Among the most popular beaches are Azeda
Beach, Joao Fernandinho Beach with several bars and known for its
seafood, Ferradura Beach, and Geriba beach, popular for
surfing.Iguaçu FallsThe Rio Iguaçu arises in the coastal mountains of
Paraná and Santa Catarina and snakes west for 370 miles (600km)
before it widens majestically and sweeps around a magnificent
jungle stage, plunging and crashing in tiered falls at the border
with Argentina and Paraguay. The Foz do Iguaçu (Iguaçu Falls) are
over two miles (3km) wide and 262ft (80m) high and their beauty is
unsurpassed. Their name, fittingly, comes from the Guarani Indian
word meaning 'great waters'. The deep flowing waters of the river
tumble down 275 falls (almost twice the height of Niagara Falls)
the most famous of which is Devils Throat on the Argentinian
border, dropping 230ft (70m). As well as taking in the stunning
views, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other watersports in the
river. The best time of year to visit is August to November, when
there is least risk of floodwaters hindering the approach to the
catwalks. The falls are surrounded by the Iguaçu National Park, a
huge sub-tropical rainforest covering 135,000 acres that is home to
thousands of different species of flora and birds including parrots
and hummingbirds.Estádio do MaracanãBuilt over 50 years ago for use in the Soccer World
Cup, this stadium is the largest on the continent, seating a crowd
of over 95,000. The stadium is currently used to host the local
soccer league games, and is the home of the Brazillian soccer team.
The Maracana is also often used by international acts visiting
Brazil as a performance venue - Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney
being among the big names who have played here. Inside the ground
is a Hall of Fame honouring soccer greats such as Pele, Roberto
Dinamite, Romário, Valdo and Bebeto all of whom have been honoured
by having their footprints cast in the sidewalk. A guided tour will
take you through the hall, where you can enjoy a display of
historical photographs and a great panoramic view of the
city.Tijuca ForestThe world's largest urban forest, Tijuca spans 7,900
acres (3,200ha) and sits on Rio's doorstep. Inside the forest,
walkabouts will lead you past caves, waterfalls and an abundance of
exotic and rare flora and fauna. Stop and enjoy a pre-packed lunch
at the 'Mesa do Imperador', a massive granite picnic table. The
famous Corovado Mountain and statue of Christ the Redeemer form
part of the forest.Rio ScenariumThe most festive spot in what is arguably the most
festive city in the world. Rio Scenarium is a three floor dance
club dedicated to sultry, sweaty summer salsa nights. The decor is
interesting, set in an abandoned antiques warehouse, the club is
adorned by movie props and other oddities. Live acts and dance
events take place regularly at the club.
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Main Locations:
Flight Shops in India
Great India Place Mall, Noida
Shop No-164, First Floor,
Sector 38A Noida
Call
+91 120 422 7951-58
or
email
Kurla, Mumbai
Phoenix Market City Mall, G-32, LBS Road, Near Kamani,
Kurla (West), Mumbai -400 070 Mumbai
Call
+91 22 6180 0505
or
email
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