Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Historical Sites In Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a historic city located in the island of Sri Lanka. Situated some two hundred kilometres from the capital of Colombo, it is a highly popular tourist destination within the country. It served as the capital of the tropical island for over one thousand years and while its glory days maybe over the city still has a lot to offer. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Anuradhapura is full of historic buildings waiting to be explored.

The Sri Maha Bodhi is probably the most well-known tree in the land. The tree was grown from a branch from the actual Bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. The offshoot was brought to the island by Sanghamitta, the daughter of the Indian king, Asoka, and it was planted here by king Devanampiya, the then king of the island. Venerated by Buddhists, it remains an important Sri Lankan landmark.

The Aukana Buddha is a thirteen metre tall granite statue of Buddha dating to the 5th century. It is located outside of Anuradhapura and is a magnificent example of early Sri Lankan architecture. The Thuparama Temple is thought to contain a clavicle of Buddha. Many believe that the Thuparama Temple is the oldest dagoba in the country. The Isurumuniya Temple is another popular spot renowned for its intricate stone carvings, the most well-known of which is the Isurumuniya Lovers.

One can hardly visit Anuradhapura without stopping by Ruwanveli Seya. Built in the 2nd century, the temple is a stunning piece of architecture. There are many statues found here including one that is thought to be of King Dutugamunu, the emperor who ordered the construction of the Ruwanveli Seya. Other popular spots include Mihintale, Ritigala, and the Jethawana Monastery.

While the island becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination the local government is improving infrastructure such as roads and public transport to keep pace. However, Sri Lanka travel can still be difficult and uncomfortable. To avoid delays and ensure comfort tourists should consider joining Sri Lanka tours provided by a reputed outfit like Jetwing Travels. They take care of the nitty-gritty of travel so one can focus on what is important.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Dubai 2012 World Parachuting Championships

The Dubai 2012 World Parachuting Championships held in Dubai is one of the biggest events when it comes to sky diving. This is a place where the people from around the world who love sky sports get together and show off their abilities. This event is an opening avenue to the top athletes. This was originally the idea of the former president of the IPC of the Federation of Aeronaitique Internationale. There are over 700 skydiver’s participating from 26 different countries.
It is a great opportunity for the athletes to meet their fellow competitors from around the globe. In 2003 the first ever Mondial was held in France. The second Mondial of the world which is an amazing event will be held on the 28th of November 2012 in Dubai. The second successive Mondial will feature six variant world championships along with a test event as a new component of discipline. This indeed is an event which should not be missed. You could witness the carefree athletes jumping off in the air and coming down from high up in the sky. The many features of the event include the Freefall style and the accuracy landings. Freefall style is where the individual competitor is tested on their freefall skills. Accuracy landing is referred to as an individual being capable of landing in the accurate place with the accurate disciplines followed. The other event which plays a vital role throughout the competition is the formation skydiving. This is a team event where the group is tested for its freefalling skills and their flying skills. There are a few elements falling under this category which are 8 way, 4 way, vertical Formation skydiving and 4 way female. The other event is Canopy Formations where they fall down in different patterns of formations with their parachutes linked together.

Para Ski, Artistic events, Canopy Piloting, Speed Skydiving are the other vibrant events that are organized. Do not forget to witness this magnificent event while you are in Dubai. If accommodation is a problem while you are on vacation, a Dubai hotel would surely keep you comfortable for the rest of your holiday. Copthorne Hotel Dubai is one of the best Deira hotel Dubai that you should tryout.

Christmas in Vietnam

December is a month of festivity and celebration as more than half the world prepares for one of the best love holidays, Christmas. It is a time when celebration is in the air, a time for joy and a time where giving trumps receiving; this glorious holiday is not exclusive to the west. In fact the magic of Christmas is felt everywhere in the world, even in nations where Christianity is not the main religion. This is the case in Vietnam, where influences of Christianity were brought to the country by the French, and Christmas is celebrated in grand proportions.

Christmas is among the four main religious festivals that the Vietnamese people celebrate, and these fun loving people know how to celebrate it in style. On the eve of the holiday the Christian locals attend midnight mass at marvellous catholic churches that do not hold back on the decorating including setting up a grand nativity scene. The locals too sometimes set up lovingly made nativity scenes outside their homes, and the charming sights are admirable.

The city centre is closed for vehicles on the night of the 24th, and crowds visit here on foot where they enjoy the scene of the lighted streets and the atmosphere of joy and happiness felt all around. It is a spectacular gathering, and is the ideal place to be when Christmas arrives. People shout out ‘Chuc Mung Giang Sinh’, which is means ‘Merry Christmas’ in Vietnamese, as they wish happiness for everyone around!

The supper after mass which is popular in France is equally well loved in Vietnam. On this special occasion people serve up chicken soups or feasts of turkey and Christmas puddings in their homes as families gather to share their joy. As in France, the log shaped chocolate cake known as the buche de Noel is a part of the festivities and is commonly gifted among kith and kin. There is the traditional giving of gifts under the well decorated Christmas tree that the people set up in their homes, and children leave their shoes out in anticipation of treats from the ever loving Santa Claus. Vietnam is indeed a fantastic place to be to when celebrating the holiday.

Enjoy the season by staying at luxury hotel resorts when visiting the country, and at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas visitors will enjoy an unforgettable Christmas. It is a standout amongst luxury hotels for its lavish comforts, elegant setting and fine service.

Local Mystery

Phra Nang peninsula is where everyone goes to enjoy the white sandy beaches, extraordinary limestone cliffs, lookouts, caves, secluded coves and lagoons inside cliffs all within walking distance from the resorts or a short boat ride away. Cut off by limestone headlands and forests from Krabi the only way to get there is by sea, which gives it a very special feel. Phra Nang or Princess Cave is at the end of Railay Beach, the most famous strip of sand on the peninsula and a rock climbing hotspot. The cave is an important place for local fishermen who seek blessings from the ‘princess’ prior to setting out on their journeys and for success in their endeavours.

While the cave is well known for its stalactites and stalagmites, the most extraordinary thing about it is that it is dedicated to phallus worship, hinting at some ancient Hindu influence. Many local legends heighten the mystery around this cave as it appears to be a totally different practice compared to the other religious beliefs in the area. Local people who depend on the sea for their livelihood believe in the power of the ‘princess’ to guarantee success in their undertakings and to protect them from harm. A large collection of wooden phallic symbols together with offerings and other objects connected to fertility are also found here causing a bit of confusion as to the true nature of the religious worship being practiced here. However according some inhabitants the practice is dying as they now have access to more modern methods to ensure success in their professions, safety at sea and even fertility. Take the time to enjoy the strip of beach just outside the cave that was voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world and experience the mystery of local customs and beliefs that give this area its very special atmosphere.

Experience an idyllic location and enjoy the many wonderful aspects of a tropical beach destination at Anantara Si Kao Thailand. Relax in well appointed, contemporary accommodation with their cool colour palette and enjoy the many unique amenities and facilities offered by this Trang resort. Dine on fresh herb infused dishes and seafood and an extraordinary selection of Thai favourites and Italian cuisine at the hotels well laid out dining destinations. Try specially formulated spa treatments for a truly rejuvenating experience and enjoy the many advantages of one of special Krabi resorts.

Sakenan Temple In Bali

Located on the famed Turtle Island (also called Serangan Island) just off the coast of Bali, the Sakenan Temple is one of the most widely visited Hindu temples in Indonesia. The temple was built sometime during the tenth century by Mpu Kuturan, a priest belonging to the Majapahit Empire. Although it is a traditional Balinese Hindu Temple, various other religious elements were incorporated into the temple during the fifteenth century by a priest named Dang Hyang Niratha. The temple is actually made up of two compounds.

The smaller of the two compounds is also the oldest and was built using red coral and limestone. It only contains one shrine dedicated to the God of welfare and good fortune, Cri Sedana. The larger compound contains many shrines for relatives of Cri Sedana. The Sakenan Temple is a terrific place to visit to learn more about Balinese Hindu traditions.

The best time to visit is during Kuningan Day which marks the day the temple was founded by Mpu Kuturan. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Vishnu, and lasts three days between the end of Kuningan and the beginning of Langkir. During these days most devotees spend their time in prayer asking for prosperity in the coming year. The Sakenan Temple is a short ten minute drive from Sanur and takes roughly twenty minutes from Kuta.

Bali bills itself as the ‘Island of the Gods’ and it is easy to see why. From blue oceans and sandy beaches to green rice hills and dense jungles, Bali is a patchwork of gorgeous, dramatic and eye catching landscapes. It is easily one of the most beloved holiday destinations in the world and receives a steady stream of tourists throughout the year. When it comes to getting around Bali one has plenty of options including buses and taxis. Intrepid explorers should consider renting a bicycle or bike.

Accommodation is also quite easy to come by with a variety of lodging catering to different budgets. The Uma Bali is a premier luxury hotel Bali. The Ubud hotel is surrounded by verdure and radiates an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that is sure to resonate with guests trying to get into island mode.

Turtle Breeding Farm

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is the popular breeding grounds for marine turtles and there are more than 15 turtle breeding farms and sanctuaries along the southern coastline. These breeding farms with tanks teeming with baby turtles are not only fascinating to watch but also educational as it gives you an idea about conservation of these species.

If you are interested in visiting some of these turtle breeding farms along the southern coastline, there are several interesting places to remember. Induruwa, Kosgoda, Bentota, Unawatuna, Ambalanthota and Hambantota are among the popular turtle hatcheries on the island. Different beaches are visited by different turtle species. For instance, Walawe Modara and Godawaya are mostly visited by Leatherbacks and Bentota is well-liked by the Hawksbill while Green turtles nest mostly at Kosgoda and Rekawa beaches. Olive Ridleys are considered as the only species that can be found in any beach.

Managed by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Kosgoda turtle hatchery is a popular conservation site among the travellers for its massive tanks swarming with turtle hatchlings. The fishermen in the locality assist the hatchery by gathering the eggs which are laid along the beach. October to April is considered as the laying season for marine turtles.

However, Kosgoda is an outstanding breeding ground, where eggs can be found throughout the year regardless of the common seasons. After being taken care of and fed for 2- 4 days in the farm, these baby turtles are released to the sea, to enjoy their families in their natural habitat. Visitors to Kosgoda turtle breeding farm get the opportunity to touch and pet these adorable baby turtles and sometimes even a rare chance of releasing them to the sea.

Apart from the turtle breeding farms, there are many cultural and historical attractions along this southern coastal belt. Graced by palm grooves and pristine beaches, the city of Bentota is a popular beach getaway among both local and foreign travellers. If you are looking for a Bentota hotel with a relaxing environment and a comfortable stay, look no further than Avani Bentota Resort which is among the best resorts in Bentota.

A Fun Family Visit to the Ostrich Farm in Oman

If you are staying at a Muscat hotel while on your family holiday to the Middle East make sure to take time to visit the Ostrich Farm located in Barka. An ideal place to base yourself at while on a family holiday would be an Oman Muscat hotel such as Millennium Resort Mussanah which can be found along the picturesque Batinah coast. The farm which is situated about 90 minutes away from Muscat by car, is home to these fascinating birds with their characteristically long necks. Known for their speed, ostriches are the world’s largest bird species and viewing them in their enclosures is bound to provide much entertainment especially for young ones.

Goa Gajah

Travellers staying at Uluwatu hotels such as Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa are in close proximity to a plethora of places of interest, thus Bali resorts such as this make for ideal bases from which to explore local attractions for a remarkable leisure travel experience. A prominent Hindu archaeological site, Goa Gajah is situated merely 10 minutes outside of Ubud. Known as the Elephant Cave by locals, Goa Gajah can be found close to the Elephant River. Attractions in Goa Gajah include ancient bathing pools, relics, a mysterious cave located amidst green rice paddies, luring in hordes of tourists. In 1995 this attraction was declared a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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History Of Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small nation situated between India and China. The country is known for its cultural richness and its picturesque landscapes, which have earned it the sobriquet ‘the Last Shangri-La’. Much of the country’s past is a mystery and has been obscured by myth and folklore. It is believed that the first humans settled here sometime around 2000 BC although it emerged as a nation only during the seventeenth century. Before that the land was composed of several fiefdoms that were constantly at war with each other.

Ngawanag Namgyal, a Tibetan lama, is credited with unifying the country in 1616. He imposed a legal and civil system in the country and declared himself the ruler. However, the system fell to pieces when he died and the country was torn apart by war for two more centuries until Ugyen Wangchuck came to power in 1885. He was eventually named the Druk Gyalpo, the Dragon King in 1907, a title that would pass down his bloodline.

All Bhutan’s rulers have attempted to modernise the country by establishing more schools, and building better roads and newer hospitals. This trend was continued by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who imposed sweeping reforms to make the Bhutanese government more efficient. It was during his reign that Bhutan was formally inducted as a member nation of the United Nations. He was succeeded by his son, Jigme Singye Wanchuck, whose ideology of Gross National Happiness led to a 2011 UN resolution that emphasises social and economic policies based on the happiness it will bring to citizens. While Bhutan is still considered a developing nation, it is a wonderful place to visit and tourists are sure to have a lot of fun here.

Tourism in Bhutan is a little peculiar. Foreigners are charged a daily fee that covers accommodation, food, and even a local guide. For more information on the tariffs one can head over to the official tourism website. When it comes to staying in Bhutan one should try COMO Hotels and Resorts. The luxury hotel group has anaward winning Hotel in Paro that promises a delightful stay.

The London Aquarium

London is one of the most tourist friendly cities in Europe, because of its multitude of attractions that range from museums, historic buildings, cathedrals and entertainment to a host other family friendly activities. The London Aquarium is one such attraction that is bound to be a hit among every family member regardless of their age. Aquariums have long fascinated humans as it houses species of fish that are not often seen by the general public but also because walking past the glass corridors gives a surreal illusion of floating around in the ocean.

The London Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in the United Kingdom with more than a million visitors annually. It was opened in 1997, close to the South Bank of the Thames and was intended to entertain while educating the visitor. One of the principal aims of this aquarium is to showcase rare species of fish and other marine animals so that the visitor becomes interested in the ecology of the ocean and the impact of environmental change.

This aquarium is unique in that it has always been at the cutting edge of technology; in 2005 it created a controversial exhibit that featured robotic fish. Visitors were amazed at how lifelike their appearance and movements were. The underlying message in this exhibit was the importance of ocean conservation, as it gave the message that robotic fish may be what the world would be left with if conservation strategies were not taken seriously.

The aquarium is home to more than five hundred species of ‘real’ fish from different parts of the world. They are enclosed in fourteen thematically divided exhibits that mimic their natural environment. Perhaps the most popular exhibit here is the Reef Shark Encounter that allows visitors to walk across a simulated pacific sea bed while ten feet long sharks swim overhead.

A visit to the London Aquarium is one that should be undertaken by any tourist staying in a Central London hotel. Access to the aquarium is quite easy for guests at a London luxury hotel such as Metropolitan London as the city is well connected via the underground railway and other public transportation links.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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