Last year, I took a trip to Brazil, the exotic Latin American country whose Amazonian rain forest, gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, tropical jungles and bustling towns and mega cities have a strange allurement for the tourist. The temperate climate of Brazil, makes it just perfect for undertaking a tour of this place. However, the Southeastern parts have a more pleasanter climate than the rest of the region.

A tour of Brazil is incomplete without a visit to Savannah, the Amazon Basin and the glorious Iquassu Falls. The panoramic beauty of these places will remain etched on the memory forever.  A saunter along the sunny beaches and a cruise along the Amazon River proved to be a wonderful refreshment from the din and hustle-bustle of daily life. The Pantanal, located in the west, is inhabited by various species of wildlife.

There are other interesting places in Brazil. My visit to the bustling, colorful cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo proved to be full of surprises and unexpected pleasure. This was followed by a trip to the  colonial towns of Olinda and Ouro Preto, the quiet city of Salvador in the northeast and the Fernando de Noronha Island. Both Olinda and Ouro Preto preserve the colonial history of Brazil, which was under Portuguese domination.

Santa Carina and Praia do Pinho in southern Brazil are worth a visit. Salvador is less crowded than the other metropolitan hubs of Brazil. Praia do Pinho is the most preferred place for nude bathing. Brazil is practically littered with myriads of small beaches. Some of these are the Garopaba,  Estaleiro, Taquaras and Mariscal. These areas provide exciting opportunities for indulging in a host of water sports.

Of course, the much awaited event is the carnival of Rio de Janeiro. The samba dance troupes which infest the streets, truly make it a bash every night. Soccer and music are the other attractions of Brazil. The rhythmic musical beats of the samba, forro, bossa nova and tropicalismo are simply enticing.

Brazil is truly an embodiment of ‘joie de vivre’. The city is very aptly called the melting pot of diverse  cultures. Besides the locals, you will encounter people of African origin as well as the descendants of European immigrants.