Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Aegean Coast
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Sahakari Spice Farm
Sahakari Spice Farm provides an excellent first introduction to India's spice-growing and production. Here you'll get to see where your spices come from and learn about how they’re grown, dried, and processed. If they’re daring enough, guests can also try their hand at swinging from betel-nut palms.
The Basics
This farm is situated on a 130-acre (53-hectare) plot, 60 acres (24 hectares) of which grow spices, herbs, and fruits. Plants here include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, peppers, cloves, curry ginger, and turmeric; cashews, Goa's most famous crop, are also processed at the farm. Although spices are the star attraction at Sahakari, there’s also a rustic restaurant here where meals are served in earthenware pots or from plates made from banana leaves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
- This farm is great for families traveling with children.
- Wheelchair users may face accessibility issues here.
How to Get There
The farm is located in Ponda, an inland town situated about an hour’s drive southeast of Panaji or half an hour from Old Goa. It’s not easy to get here by public transit, and it's a bit far to walk to from the Ponda town center. Travelers who don't have their own means of transportation (such as a motorscooter) are best off taking a taxi or coming as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
Sahakari Spice Farm is open to visitors every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm. As many spices can grow year round, there's no ideal time to visit, though the monsoon rains from June through September can turn an otherwise pleasant farm visit into a muddy experience. Arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the unrelenting midday heat.
Buying Indian Spices
Visitors to India often like to pick up spices as souvenirs to bring back to their food-obsessed friends, but with myriad sold in markets across the country it can be hard to know where to start. Safe bets include classics such as turmeric (haldi) or cardamom (elaichi), though many travelers prefer to purchase premade spice mixes, such as garam masala (literally “hot spices,” used in all sorts of dishes) or spices for making masala chai, India’s most famous tea.
Address: Post Box No. 31, Curti, Ponda, Goa, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Sainte-Mere-Eglise
What was an otherwise little-known village of the Cotentin Peninsula suddenly became infamous after it was visited by American troops on June 6th 1944 as part of Operation Overlord – making Sainte-Mere-Eglise one of the first villages to be liberated of the Nazis after four long years of occupation. Sainte-Mere-Eglise, along with Utah Beach, was one of the two airborne landings on D-Day, because of its strategic position between Cherbourg and Paris. Sainte-Mere-Eglise is also where the Airborne Museum is located (14 rue Eisenhower), entirely dedicated to the D-Day paratroopers. It includes authentic artifacts like a DC3 aircraft, insightful information and an entire section devoted to the movie The Longest Day, which depicts a well-known incident involving paratrooper John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. His parachute caught on the spire of the town church, from which he observed the fighting going on below, hanging limply for two hours and pretending to be dead before the Germans took him prisoner.
Practical Info
Sainte-Mere-Eglise is located in the heart of the Marais du Cotentin Natural Regional Park, just 55 kilometers west of Caen. It can be reached by car via route N13. Entry to the Airborne Museum costs €8 for adults and €5 for children; it is open from 10AM to 6PM between October and March, from 9:30AM to 6:30PM between April and September, and from 9AM to 7PM between May and August. It is closed in December and January.
Address: Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, France
From $ 116
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park, in Nepalese meaning “the forehead of the sky”, is located in the Himalayan region in eastern Nepal and is the highest national park in the world. Since it includes Mount Everest, the park reaches an elevation of 8848 meters on the very summit. Not only does the park bring in heaps of visitors for the Mount Everest Trek to Everest Base Camp, but also to experience numerous other trails, breathtaking beauty and various craggy peaks. Due to the altitude, the vegetation in the park is rather sparse – only a small part is forested and includes trees such as firs, hemlocks, junipers, rhododendron and birches. Some other stretches of land are used for farming potatoes, but most of it is dominated by highlands of rock, snow and ice. But despite the seemingly inhospitable conditions, the biodiversity and fauna is enormous, ranging from black bears, snow leopards and yaks to smaller animals such as the wild goats named thars, red pandas, martens and marmots.
Because of its unique beauty and wild landscapes, Sagarmatha National Park isn’t only an attraction for high-altitude mountaineers and trekkers interested in the several day long march to Everest Base Camp. Even travelers who are not that fond of crazy altitudes can find enough trails and the fascinating nature of the Himalayas in the lower parts of the park. Apart from the scenery and countless hiking trails, Sherpa villages, for example the important religious center Teng Boche as well as Monju and Khumjung and monasteries, such as the Thame Gomba and the Khumjung Gomba can be visited. There is even a natural history and ethnographic museum at the visitor center in Namche Bazaar.
Please note that UNESCO listed Sagarmatha
National Park as “severely affected” by the earthquakes and subsequent
aftershocks in Nepal in late April and early May 2015. Authorities have said
they will do all they can to restore historic and cultural sites in Nepal and
are assessing the extent of damages.
Practical Info
Sagarmatha National Park is located in the extremely remote Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. To get there, you have to catch a domestic flight from Kathmandu to the regional airport in Lukla. From there, it’s a two-day hike to the park, unless you are willing to shell out some money for a helicopter transfer.
Address: Nepal
From $ 1,299
Saint-R emy-de-Provence
The Provencal village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 20 km south of Avignon, is most famous for its impressively preserved Roman ruins, but behind its ancient façade lies a lively town full of character. The magnificent Triumphant Arch of Glanum is the town’s most dramatic attraction - the oldest Roman arch of the narbonensis region - and the ruins of its 14th century defensive walls still encircle the ancient Gallo-Roman center, with the original portes still used as gateways to the center. The Nostradamus fountain, in honor of its namesake who was born in the town, is another popular sight, as is the elegant 16th century Mairie (Town Hall). The town also possesses a more unusual claim to fame – the town’s Monastery de Mausole housed Van Gogh during his period of psychiatric treatment prior to his untimely death and was where he painted his late masterpieces Starry Night and Self-Portrait.
Travelers looking to escape the bustle of Aix-de-Provence, Avignon and Arles, will find Saint-Rémy-de-Provence a tranquil base for exploring the region and despite its diminutive size, the strategically located town has plenty to offer visitors. A cluster of hotels, restaurants and shops line the town center, which is easily traversed on foot, and the Wednesday markets transform the sleepy village into a hive of activity.
Travelers looking to escape the bustle of Aix-de-Provence, Avignon and Arles, will find Saint-Rémy-de-Provence a tranquil base for exploring the region and despite its diminutive size, the strategically located town has plenty to offer visitors. A cluster of hotels, restaurants and shops line the town center, which is easily traversed on foot, and the Wednesday markets transform the sleepy village into a hive of activity.
Address: Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France
From $ 512
Safdarjung's Tomb
The 18th-century Safdarjung’s Tomb, though not as well known as some of New Delhi’s bigger, older Mughal-era tombs, is worth a visit for its beautiful Mughal architecture and pleasant lack of crowds. It’s a peaceful place to escape traffic noise, and its location at the border of Central and South Delhi make it a convenient spot for a visit.
The Basics
As its name suggests, Safdarjung’s Tomb is the final resting place of the Viceroy of Awadh—popularly known as Safdarjung. The Mughal-style structure was built in 1754, making it the newest of India’s closed garden tombs, and much of its architectural inspiration was drawn from the better-known Humayun’s Tomb to the east. Like many Indian tombs of its era, it features a char bagh (four-quarter) garden as well as an intricate interior featuring carved floral designs in marble and red sandstone.
Safdarjung’s Tomb is often visited independently or on a combined tour with the nearby Lodi Gardens. It also features on some full-day tours of Delhi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Safdarjung’s Tomb is a must for fans of history and Mughal architecture.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water on hot days, as there’s not much shade (except inside the tomb itself).
- Wear good shoes here. The gardens surrounding the tomb aren’t well maintained, and the area gets dusty or muddy, depending on the season.
How to Get There
Safdarjung’s Tomb is located where Sri Aurobindo Marg and Lodhi Road meet, making it easy to access by road from Central or South Delhi. The Jorbagh metro station is a 4-minute walk from the tomb’s eastern entrance.
When to Get There
Safdarjung’s Tomb is open from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. It generally doesn’t get too crowded here, though to beat the heat—especially in May and June—opt for an early-morning visit. Best to avoid the tomb during the monsoon season, as the gardens and pathways get muddy.
Exploring Delhi’s Tombs
Delhi is full of fascinating tombs, from the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Humayun’s Tomb to smaller, Archaeological Survey of India–managed mausoleums of lesser-known nobility and rulers scattered throughout local neighborhoods and parks. Many city tours focus on these majestic tombs, allowing visitors to see the evolution of older constructions (such as those found in Lodi Gardens) to relatively young tombs, such as that of Safdarjung.
Address: Lodi Estate, New Delhi, ND DL, India
From $ 14
Sacsayhuaman
The largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman was built by the Incas from massive stones weighing as much as 300 tons. A critical military site in the battle with the Spanish for the Inca empire in 1536, the ruins offer impressive views over the city below.
The Basics
The ruins of Sacsayhuaman are close enough to Cusco to explore in a few hours; together the ruins and city make up a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided half-day tours often include Tambomachay, Qorikancha, Puca Pucara, or Qenqo, while a full day allows time for Cusco’s top attractions as well. To see the ruins from a different perspective, opt for a horseback riding tour. For a deep dive into the Inca empire, embark on a multi-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu that stops at Sacsayhuaman along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sacsayhuaman is a great option for time-pressed travelers and history buffs.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera; the panoramic views of Cusco from an altitude of 12,139 feet (3,700 meters) are stunning.
- Tours visiting the Sacsayhuaman ruins last anywhere from three hours to a full day, depending on the option chosen.
- Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun at high altitude can be intense.
How to Get There
It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the ruins from the Plaza de Armas via a steep trail. Those who’d prefer an easier route should take a taxi or join a guided tour to the Inca site 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Cusco.
When to Get There
While it’s possible to visit the archaeological site throughout the year (temperatures tend to hover in the mid to upper 60s), the best time to go is between June and September when rain is less likely.
Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun
Each year on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (June 21), Cusco celebrates its most famous festival, Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun. The second-largest festival in South America includes a huge procession to Sacsayhuaman, where sacred rites and traditional dances take place in the grand square of the fortress. Entry is free during the festival, and food and drink vendors come out to keep the crowds sated.
Address: Peru
From $ 25
Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno)
Just south of the Amalfi Coast, the seaside town of Salerno is home to the magnificent 11th-century Cathedral of Saint Matthew—one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Italy, with an ornate baroque crypt containing the remains of the Apostle Matthew. It’s an easy day trip from Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi.
The Basics
The Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno or Cattedrale di San Matteo) was built during the Norman period and has a somewhat plain exterior that belies the beauty of its 17th-century crypt inside, with rich marble floors, exquisite frescoes, and elaborate gold mosaics forming a lavish backdrop for the relics of Saint Matthew. The basilica is home to precious artworks—12th-century mosaics, massive bronze doors, and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, leader of the Holy Roman Empire who died in exile in Salerno in 1085—and is known for its 12th-century bell tower.
Salerno is an ideal excursion from Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and Naples; a stop at the Cathedral is a highlight of guided tours through the narrow streets of Salerno's old town. You can also combine a visit to Salerno with day tour of Paestum, about an hour south.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Conservative clothing is required in the cathedral; shorts and tank tops are strictly prohibited.
- Tours of the center of Salerno require some walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the cathedral.
How to Get There
The Salerno Cathedral is located on Piazza Alfano I in the center of Salerno; it’s accessible by bus and train running from a number of locations throughout Campania. To avoid the hassle of public transportation, however, consider joining an organized tour that includes Salerno and Paestum.
When to Get There
Salerno is significantly less touristy than the nearby Amalfi Coast; in summer, you might consider it a welcome break from the crowds.
The Chapel of the Treasures of St. Matthew
The Salerno Cathedral’s beautiful 16th-century Chapel of the Treasures of St. Matthew (Cappella del Tesoro di San Matteo), is open to visitors on the 21st day of each month. If you time your visit right, you can view the Gothic relics, silver statues, and other precious artifacts inside.
Address: Piazza Alfano I, Salerno, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation
Travelers to this vintage 19th-century estate will get a true taste of colonial life washed down with a sip of strong rum. Built in 1819 from wood of dismantled ships, the plantation is an homage to a life in Mauritius that no longer exists. Guests can sample traditional island cuisine at the restaurant tucked inside the colonial home or spend an evening at the Creole-style Saint Aubin Inn. Relax in the pool, horseback ride through the well-manicured grounds or even bike through the plantation.
Tours of the old sugar mill and vanilla house are also available, giving travelers an opportunity to see how two of the nation’s sweetest delights were processed during the 1800s. But perhaps the most popular stop on a visit to Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation is to the Artisanal Distillery, where guests can learn how sugar is transformed into smooth sips of light, amber and dark rum.
Practical Info
The plantation is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a restaurant that’s open for lunch daily.
Address: Savanne Rd, Mauritius
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 110
Salar Jung Museum
The halls of this regal-looking museum are filled with art from not only from India, but from the eastern and western worlds. Travelers who venture to the entry of this imposing white structure will find works dating as far back at the 2nd century and as recent as the 20th century. And while the museum showcases the best of local art and culture, visitors will also find plenty of nods to Greek, Roman, and other European influences.
The stone sculptures, bronze statues, jade carvings, handmade tapestries and colorful Buddhist paintings are just part of what makes the Salar Juang Museum one of Hyderabad’s most popular attractions. An optional audio guided tour unlocks more of the history of the stunning works inside the museum’s halls and travelers say even a couple of hours isn’t enough to take in all of Salar Jung’s collection.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Darui Shifa Road near the southern bank of the Musi River. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
Address: Darui Shifa Road, Hyderabad 500002, India
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays and public holidays
Admission: Adults: Rs. 500
From $ 42
Saleaula Lava Fields
There once was a time when Sale’aula was a thriving Samoan village, but all of that changed in 1905 when Mount Matavanu rumbled to life and covered the village in lava. While a couple of hardy families have built atop the hardened black rock, much of Sale’aula today is what lies in ruins, partially covered, unseen but not yet forgotten. A popular stop on Savai’i day tours, the Saleaula lava fields are most commonly known for the haunting church that rises up out of the lava—a building that somehow, despite the odds, continues to stand here today. Riddled by tree trunks and twisted old branches, the roofless church is close to the spot that’s known as the “Virgin’s Grave,” which locals believe was spared by the lava because of its sacred past.
Practical Info
Try to avoid visiting in the middle of the day since the rocks can be hot and there is minimal shade. Be sure to bring sunscreen and proper footwear, and the Saleaula lava fields are a popular stop when touring the northern coast.
Did You Know? Even though the village was swallowed by lava, villagers had months, and in some cases, years, to gather their belongings and leave the area before the lava took over.
Address: Saleaula Lava Fields, Sale’aula, Samoa
Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: 5 talas (about $2)
From $ 64
Salaga Market
Though slightly smaller in size than the iconic Makola Market, Salaga Market somehow harnesses the same energy and intensity of Accra’s largest center for commerce, but in much tighter quarters. Travelers say they can find anything under the sun—from herbal remedies used by local medicine men to handcrafted instruments, brightly colored jewelry, pots, pans and even building supplies.
Wander the stalls of this bustling marketplace and sample some of the steaming hot dishes prepared by the expert hands of local cooks. Then cool off with tall glasses of “palm wine”—a local concoction of creamy condensed milk toffee and pungent herbs that’s a favorite with the women here.
Practical Info
Salaga Market is located near Korle Dudor in Greater Accra. It is less than a kilometer long but still manages to cram a lot into a rather small space. Travelers should come prepared to barter, as the first price offered by merchants is rarely the best or final price.
Address: Ga Mashie Street, Accra, Ghana
From $ 46
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, in a Coptic Christian church situated in the Coptic Quarter of Cairo. Dedicated to the saints, Sergius and Bacchus, it is most famous due to the belief that it was built on the site where Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus resided during their time in Egypt.
Abu Serga was thought to have been built in the 4th or 5th century and is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt. One of its most interesting features is the crypt where the Holy
Family were said to have rested. The crypt is 10 meters deep and, when Nile levels are high, is often prone to flooding.
The building is a traditional basilican structure with a nave and two side aisles with a western return aisle. Twelve grand columns stand between the nave and the aisles, eleven of which are made from white marble, while one is made from red granite.
Practical Info
The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is located in the Old Cairo area of the city in the Coptic Quarter. Mar Girgis is the nearest metro station and is located immediately outside.
Address: Coptic Cairo Quarter, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: 9am-4:30pm
From $ 20
Salelologa Market
Bursting with colorful clothing and produce, the Salelologa Market is the beating heart of southeastern Savai’i. Just as popular for people-watching as it is for purchasing goods, the market is where you can tap into the pulse of everyday life in Samoa, as well as sample exotic produce or find some locally made crafts. Since Salelologa is the island’s only town with a ferry off of the island, the market exudes a port town feel with the comings and goings of commerce, and is also the central meeting point for many of the island’s tours. It’s also the site of the central bus terminal, where residents from every corner of the island will come to sell their wares at the stalls or catch a ride to the village. When visiting Salelologa Market, search for local clothing items like colorful lava lavas, or watch as locals pick through fish that was caught earlier that morning.
Insider's Tip: Since ferries tend to run on time, don’t get stuck haggling over prices at the market and end up missing the boat.
Practical Info
Most stalls at Salelologa Market are open from 7am through later afternoon. The market is 1.2 miles from the wharf, which takes 20 minutes to reach on foot or 3 miles in a car.
Address: Salelologa New Market, Salelologa, Samoa
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-5pm
From $ 64
Sagres
Twenty-one miles west of Lagos, the whitewashed village of Sagres is popular with families looking for a laidback holiday spot near the Algarve’s famous beaches. Backpackers, surfers, and divers also come to Sagres to holiday. Most of the action takes place around the town square, where there are plenty of lively restaurants and cafes. And on August 15 of every year, a big party is held to celebrate the local saint’s day with fireworks.
Sagres is on a headland overlooking the southwesternmost harbor in Europe, and from the village you can see the boat builders and lobster fishermen dragging their haul in each day. This area is also marked by two geomorphological structures: Cape St. Vincent and Sagres Point. Cape St. Vincent (São Vicente Cape) was once known as the “End of the World,” because, being at the extreme west of continental Europe, no one knew what lay beyond the horizon. Historically connected to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, in the 15th century Henry the Navigator established a school of navigation here where some of the world’s most important explorers, including Magellan and Diaz, apprenticed. One of the best views of Cape St. Vincent and Sagres point is from Torre de Aspa—a viewpoint on the western side of Vila do Bispo.
Practical Info
A taxi to Sagres from Lagos will cost around 19 EUR and take half an hour one-way, or you can take the AlgarveBus which runs every 3 hours and which costs 4 EUR each way.
Address: Sagres, Portugal
From $ 23
Sacro Monte of Varese
One of nine hills that form the UNESCO World Heritage Site of sacred pilgrim routes in Piedmont and Lombardy, the Sacro Monte (Sacred Hill) de Varese is in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park north of the city of Varese.
Dating from 1604, the Sacro Monte owes its origins to a Capuchin monk and wends its way 1.25 miles (2 km) uphill past a group of 14 chapels interspersed with three archways and three fountains. Marking a medieval pilgrim route dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, they are scenically located among a rustic backdrop of hills, forests and distant mountains and each showcases an event in the life of Jesus. The chapels were the work of major Lombardian architects and every one has a portico of a different design. Likewise each is adorned with statuary and frescoes; the most recent addition is the Flight from Egypt in the Nativity Chapel, which was painted by Renato Guttuso in 1983.
After a walk of about 1.5 hours, the pilgrim route lead up to the hilltop village of Santa Maria del Monte, which has a 15th-century Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary. With views extending to the Alps, the village also has two small museums and a permanent nativity scene as well as several restaurants and hotels.
Practical Info
Via Assunzione, 21, Frazione Santa Maria del Monte, Varese. No charge for walking the Sacro Monte. Sanctuary open daily 8am 12pm, 2pm–6pm. Best accessed along the A8 Milan toll road, exit Varese. A funicular operates between the parking lot at the Prima Cappella and the top of Sacro Monte on Saturdays and Sundays all year round, and daily during August.
Address: Via Assunzione, 21, Frazione Santa Maria del Monte, Varese, Lombardy 21100, Italy
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am–12pm, 2pm–6pm
From $ 9
Saint Lucia Neighborhood
At one point in history, Naples was divided into more than two dozen neighborhoods. Present day city geography breaks Naples into 10 municipalities, but the neighborhood names like Saint Lucia are often still used when referring to various parts of the city.
Saint Lucia refers to the area surrounding the Castel dell'Ovo or Egg Castle. The neighborhood has been the subject and inspiration for some traditional Neapolitan songs, the best-known simple titled Santa Lucia. Numerous lyric renditions are known and recognized around the world.
Practical Info
Situated by the Bay of Naples, the Saint Lucia Neighborhood enjoys nice seaside views. The waterfront location includes a long promenade popular with walkers and joggers. There are also many hotels and restaurants that take advantage of the views.
Address: Naples, Italy
From $ 27
Sadarghat
This bustling river port in the heart of Dhaka is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Some 500 passengers arrive every hour of the day and embark on into the eclectic city streets that meet the dock. Travelers can venture into the port, where photographers say it’s possible to spend the day snapping photos of the hundreds or large and small ships that make their way through the surrounding waters. Adventurous travelers can hire a paddle boat and take a trip across the black waters of the Buriganga River. Visitors agree its diverse markets, incredible views and access to the lives of locals make it a destination among travelers seeking to experience real Dhaka.
Practical Info
Sadarghat is located in the southern part of Dhaka on the Buriganga River. Entry to the port costs about tk 5.
Address: Dhaka, Bangladesh
From $ 85
Salisbury
Salisbury is a “city within the country” in the county of Wiltshire. It is most famous for its cathedral — which has the highest spire in all of England — and its proximity to Stonehenge. The Salisbury Cathedral houses an original display of the Magna Carta.
Visitors can also see Old Sarum, the ancient site of the original city, and the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. The city itself is laid out in a medieval grid pattern, surrounded by lush English countryside and numerous parks and gardens.
Practical Info
You can reach Salisbury from London via train from London Waterloo station. The journey takes about 90 minutes. There are also bus and car routes into the city via the M3. Stonehenge is a mere 8 miles (13 km) from town. The Cathedral is open daily from 7:15 am to 6:15 pm, with a suggested donation of £3.80 for admission.
Address: Salisbury, England
From $ 66
Sai Kung
When the frenetic pace, flashing LED lights and crowded streets of Hong Kong become a bit overwhelming, consider spending a day at the beach in Sai Kung. Located on the Sai Kung Peninsula, Sai Kung District is the second largest by area in Hong Kong, though the area is largely rural. Sai Kung town, a former fishing village, has become a hotbed of seafood restaurants, many located on the waterfront along a stretch of road known as Seafood Street.
Besides the food, Sai Kung is also known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. By day, visitors come to soak up the sun on the beaches lining Clear Water Bay. At night, the waters just off the coast light up with the lanterns of small chartered boats fishing for squid, an activity tourists can participate in as well. If you can pull yourself away from the waters, Sai Kung offers some of the best hiking trails in the greater Hong Kong area.
Besides the food, Sai Kung is also known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. By day, visitors come to soak up the sun on the beaches lining Clear Water Bay. At night, the waters just off the coast light up with the lanterns of small chartered boats fishing for squid, an activity tourists can participate in as well. If you can pull yourself away from the waters, Sai Kung offers some of the best hiking trails in the greater Hong Kong area.
Address: China
From $ 33
Sai Baba Temple
Situated on a busy road at the border of Central and South Delhi, this temple is dedicated not to a deity but to Shirdi Sai Baba, a 19th-century saint who was renowned for teaching compassion, charity, and pluralism. He's one of the most revered saints in Hinduism today, and his temple is one of the busiest in this part of town.
The Basics
Sai Baba of Shirdi was a saint whose teachings incorporated philosophical underpinnings from devotional Hinduism and Sufism. He's respected by Hindus and Muslims alike, but whether he was of Hindu or Muslim origin is uncertain. What is known is that he taught compassion, charity, and the importance of eliminating communitarianism and divisions between caste and religions. As such, adherents of all faiths and cultural backgrounds are welcome in his temples.
The Sai Baba Temple is part of Mughal heritage tours or sightseeing tours of Central Delhi’s spiritual sites. A Golden Triangle trip takes you to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, while a short trip from Jaipur is great for those with limited time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Out of respect for local customs, your knees and shoulders should be covered.
- Expect crowds, especially if you’re visiting on a Thursday evening, when the temple is at its busiest.
How to Get There
The Sai Baba Temple is in the Lodhi Road Institutional Area, south of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Lodhi Road in New Delhi. It's conveniently close to a number of attractions, including Lodhi Gardens and Humayun's Tomb, each about five minutes away by car. The closest metro stop is at Jangpura, but it's still about a 20-minute walk away, so you may be better off coming by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
Thursday is dedicated to Sai Baba, so this is when you’re likely to see the most crowds here. In general, this temple is at its most crowded around sunset, when devotees come en masse to make offerings and pray. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, come earlier in the day.
Sab Ka Malik Ek
Sai Baba is most famous in India for saying, “Sab Ka Malik Ek,” which roughly translates to “everyone’s lord is one.” In his eyes, and in the eyes of his devotees, while different religions may have different practices and philosophies, they’re all worshiping the same divine God. It’s not uncommon to see this phrase on windshield stickers in India, indicating that the car’s owners are devotees of Sai Baba.
Address: India
From $ 27