The Best Stopover Cities for India
If you’re heading to India this winter, there are plenty of amazing places to see on the way. And PKT is making it easier than ever for you.
India’s on the other side of the Pacific, or Atlantic, depending on which way you’re going. You could get there in one straight shoot with just a break in the duty free shops. BUT you’ll miss a ton of amazing places in your dust.
There are several reasons to take a stopover. Adding one more stopover cities enhances your overall trip with scenery, shopping, and culture. You’ll also give your body a break from a grueling 18 hours + flight. On top of that, the odd way Air Passenger Duty is computed, you might even be able to save money.
Here are some solid choices for stopovers on the way to India.
Hong Kong
Known as the “pearl of the orient”, Hong Kong’s stunning
skyline is where a mix of skyscrapers and historical structures meet as
one. Here, traditional practices are
weaved into each local’s daily life.
There is much to see here, including Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. It spans more than 2000 feet to connect the
western district with Central, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator is the world’s
longest escalator and walkway system.
The tourist filled Tsim Sha Tsui claims Harbour City as Hong Kong’s
largest shopping mall and Heritage 1881 shopping mall. Any shopaholic will find their needs
satisfied here. It also houses Victoria
Harbour which gives you an amazing view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. And if
you’re a fan of Street Food, look no further for excitement. From Curry veggie balls
to crisp and fluffy waffles, and everything in between, Hong Kong’s vibrant
food scene has something for everyone.
Dubai
Emirates can bring you here non-stop from Los
Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, or New York, and it’s a wonderful
host to tourists. While it is an Islamic
country and certain customs must be followed, the beauty of Dubai knows no
bounds. You can experience the old –
Dubai has a rich history that started with modest roots that sprang into the
current metropolitan star of the world.
Both Al Fahidi Fort and Bastakiya are a couple of the go-to places for a
trip to the olden times. If you want an
example of the new, take in the Burj Khalifa and you’ll see a view of the city
like no other. Another example of first
class architecture is the Burj Al Arab, which stands on man-made ground in the
sea. And if you’re looking to shop and
avoid paying taxes, Dubai will offer you a shopping experience that’s one of the
best in the world. Global brands to boutique
brands, the city’s shopping scene is nothing else if not glamorous.
Singapore
The city-state is the stopover leader of the
world. Singapore Airlines offers great
connectivity, for starters. There is a
ton to see and do, and there are several hotel options for budgets of all
kinds. The Marina Bay Sands hotel is a
marvel to visit and stay at. And if you
love food as much as we do, welcome to foodie heaven. For sightseeing there’s Sentosa Island,
Raffles Place, the Fountain of Wealth, Sky Park, Jurong Bird Park, and Gardens
by the Bay, just to name a few.
Seoul
The capital of South Korea isn’t one of the first
Asian stopovers you would think of. It often gets overshadowed by Tokyo,
Beijing, and Taipei. But there is a lot
to see there. There are an abundance of
historical sites and attractions in the city. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a
definite must-see when you’re here. You
can also experience culture first-hand when exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, a
traditional neighborhood comprised of Korean houses, or hanok. Seoul also has a reputation for being one of the
most technologically advanced cities in the world, with amazing
architecture. Lotte World Tower is the
tallest building in the world, for example.
Tokyo
Regarded as one of the most sophisticated and
futuristic cities on the planet, Japan’s capital city was visited by a record
19.7 million tourists in 2015 alone. A
brilliant balance of culture, cuisine, history, and general amazingness Tokyo
will bedazzle your senses. Start with a
visit to the Imperial Palace and perhaps if you are there on December 23 or
January 2, you’ll see the owner himself – the Emperor. The super stylish fashion will leave your
jaws on the floor, while your eyes gaze up at the massive skyscrapers. And if you’re foodie, Tokyo is home to more
than 160,000 known eateries – that’s more than 10 times the number in
Paris. In fact, Tokyo has more Michelin
stars than anywhere else in the world.