Author Archives: pushpitha

Katarama – A spiritual oasis on Sri Lanka’s southern coast

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Sri Lanka is a very mystical island that is home to a variety of faiths and spiritual practices. To explore and discover all these fascinating locales, a variety of travel companies offer some competitive Sri Lanka tour packages in which one can witness the best cultural offerings on the island. Some of the best holiday packages Sri Lanka offers come courtesy of Shanti Travel Sri Lanka and visitors are sure to enjoy a holistic travel experience when travelling with these folks. One of the most spiritual locations on the island is housed in the town of Kataragama, home to an immensely powerful holy trio from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim faiths.

It is home to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, an important shrine dedicated to the powerful Kataragamadeviyo, also known as Skanda-Murugan, or Lord Katirkamam to the Tamil Hindu communities of Sri Lanka and South India. A shrine located nearby, called Sella Kataragama is dedicated to Lord Ganesha of the Hindu pantheon, considered to be the brother of Lord Katirkamam. Alongside the shrine is a river ridden with semi-precious gemstones, and the locals swear by its curative properties because of the high mineral content. The town also houses the Kiri Vehera Buddhist Stupa, which is a massive, magnificent Buddhist temple erected on the site where Lord Buddha was believed to have conversed with King Mahasena, who presided over the Kataragama area during the time. Kataragama is also home to an Islamic Mosque, dedicated to Al-Khidr, or the “Green Man” in Islamic lore who is believed to be an early prophet. The prophet has associations with the waters of immortality, since upon drinking it, he was believed to have attained eternal youth. He is believed to guide those faithful adherents who embark upon the mystical path. When one sets foot in Kataragama, one immediately feels the atmospheric shift in the air that hearkens to these spiritual places of worship within the town.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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New Zealand Mountain Film Festival – Film appreciation out in nature!

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Southern New Zealand houses some spectacular natural beauty, which has made it one of the best adventure capitals and nature-lovers’ paradises in the world. Nestled in the beautiful Queenstown area, nature-enthusiasts will find a superb range of Queenstown hotel accommodation to choose from. Offering stylish modern apartments with modern amenities is the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview – a quality New Zealand Queenstown hotel to stay at when visiting the area. Independent movie lovers will love the visual offerings of the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival, when the exquisite rugged terrain of the southern alpine region is translated onto the big screen. Participants and movie-lovers will enjoy the international and local adventure film prizes, which will snag them prizes of over USD 3000 in cash! Enjoy live music, check out some great winning film previews, and be awed at the glittering awards night. Get international film perspectives from solid names in the field such as Cory Richards from the US, Blair Smith from NZ, and Cas and Jonesy, two charismatic Australian explorers who chronicled their famous walk from Antarctica to the South Pole and back, a gruelling 89-day trek. Be inspired by some fantastic workshops and purchase some fabulous outdoor gear at the trade show. Check out the riveting art exhibition and enjoy a huge array of exciting giveaways. Or, simply show up and soak in the camaraderie and schmooze with a wide offering of local and international film talent, all within the magnificent southern alpine mountains of New Zealand!

Malaysia Heritage Walk – Live through Malaysia’s history one step at a time

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Kuala Lumpur is a lively city saturated in history and multiculturalism, and tourists get a sense of this vibrancy in the heart of the city, in the famed “Bukit Bintang” or “Golden Triangle” area. Travellers looking for the most rewarding experience of Malaysia’s culture would enjoy a stay at a premium hotel in Bukit Bintang. A fine Kuala Lumpur hotel located near fine dining and intriguing entertainment is the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur with stylishly-appointed rooms and exclusive amenities, making it a wonderful hub from which to sample Malaysia’s local treasures. Step through the portal of time into Malaysia’s past with a walk throughout the hidden niches of the city and discover a Kuala Lumpur out of the mainstream. At the Central Market, start on a trek called Malaysia Heritage Walk started by a group of local volunteers wanting to showcase their beloved city’s finest historical offerings. See the gorgeous art deco buildings that make up much of the downtown area. Experience the hustle and bustle of the street made famous by the Chettiyar Indian community, after they set up various money-lending establishments along the road known as Lebuh Ampang. Witness a blend of the old and new along Jalun Tun H.S. Lee, which boasts some old shops in their original form, almost comically set alongside more modern shops. Marvel at Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Taoist temple built by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, to honour his master who was killed in a civil war. Sample a tantalizing array of authentic local cuisine from Chinese, Malay and Indian cooking to add that extra spice to your step. The Malaysia Heritage Walk is a fantastic journey through time and across cultures to experience a world that is truly and only Malaysian.

Nusa Dua Festival

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No matter what time of year you visit Bali, there’s always something interesting, intriguing or downright celebratory going on in this lively Indonesian locale. Visitors to the upscale area of Bali known as Seminyak will want the high-end Bali hotel to suit their particular styles, and the Anantara Seminyak Bali is the perfect choice, offering up a select offering of spa luxury and island hospitality. Situated close to chic shopping, trendy nightlife and fine dining, this elite offering of the Bali hotels is an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers. The Nusa Dua festival provides visitors with the perfect introduction into Thai island and party culture. Started in 1997 by the Bali tourism board to celebrate Indonesia’s heritage, the weeklong event unfolds at the Nusa Dua resort in a bright explosion of cultural celebration. Featuring various performances of singers and dancers bedecked in the vibrant costumes that showcase different aspects of Indonesia’s exotic culture, this is one festival not to be missed by culture vultures prowling the area for entertainment. The festival opens with a grand parade of over 1000 Balinese dressed in traditional costumes, carrying huge offerings of fruit and flowers on their heads, while being heralded by gamelan music artfully played on flutes, gongs, various bamboo instruments and drums. The rest of the week will feature various traditional Indonesians arts and culture, such as handicraft exhibitions and entertaining performances through dramas, music and dance. It is a taste of Indonesia’s finest heritage not to be missed by all visitors to the islands.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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Queen’s Birthday – Honouring Queen Sirikit

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Thailand is one of few countries in the world that still has a monarchy, and aptly celebrates it with pomp and circumstance. All cities in Thailand roll out a grand array of celebrations to honour their most beloved royal consort to the king, Queen Sirikit. The festivities draw huge crowds each year, and visitors might want to enjoy the occasion from a fine Phuket resort. The Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand offers guests luxury villas for a choice Phuket beach resort experience that will allow them to soak in the celebrations with style. Thailand has a traditional monarchy with active members of the royal family, who are all engaged in various charitable and social projects. Queen Sirikit is a most beloved member to the Thai populace, and is well known for her extensive charitable work, her writing talent and her tireless efforts to promote tolerance and understanding of the country’s Muslim minority. The Queen’s birthday is observed on August 12, which is also when the nation celebrates of Mother’s Day, and Phuket in particular unfurls a grandiose set of activities to honour her highness. Last year, the city planted a tree to honour the Queen and to promote environmental awareness. In further promotion of sustainability, a million juvenile shrimp and other young marine animals were released into the canal. The themes of the celebrations usually focus on similar “life” endeavours, which include alms offerings, art competitions, award ceremonies, and traditional Thai ceremonies that pay homage to the Queen. The celebrations last all day, and are topped off by glorious candle light ceremonies and fantastic fireworks displays that light up the Thai skies in multi-hued fire bands. A fitting tribute to a truly inspiring public figure.

2013 Spring Wave Music Festival – A Musical Evening in Singapore

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Singapore is a much preferred destination among tourist around the world. The affordability and the wide amount of attractions are a major reason for the increasing number of tourist to the country. The shopping venues and the range of restaurants that provide international delicacies will add more value to your vacation. Visitors would come across an eclectic array of events while spending their vacation in Singapore.

If you are a music lover planning to be in the country during the month of May you would be welcomed with a great surprise. Taiwan’s premier outdoor music festival Spring Wave will be held on the 5th of May in Singapore at the Gardens By The Bay and will be known as the 2013 Spring Wave Music Festival. This is the first time that this music event is being hosted outside of Taiwan. There will be popular artists featured at the event; Cheer Chen, Joanna Wang, pop star Jam Hsiao, home-grown talent Olivia Ong and rocker Wu Bai are some of the examples.

The event is expected to be a huge scale success and organizers are anticipating a crowd of around 10,000 Chinese pop fans for the concert. This was held in Taiwan for seven years and has been a huge draw every year. Each artist has a chance to perform one hour with their own band braught in from Taiwan. This is considered to be as one of the most unique characteristics of the event. Visitors get the option to experience seven mind blowing mini concerts from one ticket. After the concert there would be a late-night party that would include delicious food and drink apart from unlimited music to dance throughout the night. Have a fun filled evening at Singapore at the Spring Wave Music Festival 2013.

After having an exciting evening at the musical festival come back and relax in one of the Singapore apartment hotels of your choice. La Residenza Serviced Suites is one of the most comfortable serviced apartments Singapore that you would come across. The modern facilities in the apartments will keep you pampered throughout your stay and the friendly staff would make your holiday more comfortable.

Discover Magnificence at the Yachts Asia Bali 2013

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The Yachts Asia Bali is to be known as the Yachts Indonesia from its 2013 edition onwards. The decision to move the annual event from the sunny island of Bali to mainland Indonesia is to better cater to the increasing amounts of participants, exhibitors and visitors who have steadily increased.

In 2013 over 6000 foreign visitors are expected to witness the over 200 million US dollar worth of merchandise and products that are to be displayed. This year over 300 sqm of space is expected to be taken up to exhibit the many state of the art yachts, boats and other related exhibits.

With Bali and Indonesia being much loved and favoured destinations for not only locals but also for foreign nationals from Europe, China, Australia and many parts of Asia to visit and even settle down, there has been a steady increase in the amount of yachts visiting and permanently anchored to the piers around the islands.

The Yachts Asia Bali is an opportunity to bring together all those interested in this aspect of marine products, those interested in purchasing and selling their yachts and boats and those interested in upgrading to the latest models displayed by manufacturers.

All in all whether you are a millionaire looking to spend on a yacht or boat or whether you are simply fascinated by these magnificent sea creatures, or whether you are a part of the industry or whether you are simply a visitor to the country at the time, the Yachts Indonesia 2013 is certainly a must visit for both young and old.

The event is organized and conceptualized by the very same persons who have brought together similar events in other parts of the world. The event is a gala one with lots of music and good cheer to go around.

A stay at a Bali Luxury Hotel will certainly be a highlight in your journey to Indonesia. A Boutique Hotel Bali is well known for its luxury, comfort and ambiance that will keep you coming back for more. The L Hotel Seminyak is such an accommodation option that would be an ideal choice.

Chem Temple Festival – A Colourful Celebration in Hanoi

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One of the best ways to experience a country’s culture is by witnessing local festivals and when in Hanoi the Chem Temple Festival is one such colourful event worth seeing. The festival takes place at the Chem Temple which can be found in Thuy Phuong village, around 12 kms from the city centre. If you are looking for centrally located Hanoi accommodation from which to set off on your excursions to such sites, then Somerset Grand Hanoi is worth considering. These Hanoi serviced apartments are near the Central Business District and makes a great base for both business and leisure. If visiting during May, make your way to the Chem Temple which has a celebration dedicated to the legendary figure Ly Ong Trong from the 14th to the 16th day of the fourth month according to the lunar calendar. There are many traditions and customs carried out during the event including a lively water procession in order to get water that will be used to bathe statues. Accompanied by boats, the sound of gongs, drumbeats and chanting, the procession is truly a sight to behold. With other rituals including a procession involving such animals as horses and elephants, traditional folk games and a splendid ceremony that takes place at the communal house, the Chem Temple Festival is an event well worth being a part of.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival – Furious festival fun in the water

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Singapore is a rich, vibrant landmark on Southeast Asia’s landscape. Visitors looking to participate in the exciting blend of local and international culture would enjoy a stay at any of the Apartments in Singapore. Guests looking for premier lodging in the heart of the city would enjoy one of the fine . One elegant option is the Somerset Orchard Singapore, and its convenient location and modern amenities make it ideal for business and pleasure visits.

Head down to Bedeck reservoir to participate in the exciting celebration of the annual Dragon Boat (Danu) Festival in Singapore. Featuring lively boat races where participants can cheer for their favourite teams of 22 – all competing for rowing glory – and also give the intense sport a try themselves. The Dragon Boat Festival finds its roots in ancient China, where poet and government minister Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mei Lo River to protest state corruption. The furious motion of the oars in the water today symbolize the fishermen in the area who desperately tried to beat away the man-eating fish away from Qu Yuan, but were unsuccessful. Yet today’s festivities are much more cheerful and onlookers are treated to traditional rituals carried throughout the ages, including bathing the dragon’s head mast of each boat. The festival is a spirited treat to all action sport fans and the atmosphere punctuated by chants, camaraderie and drumbeats will provide an unforgettable experience for everyone to savour.

Pre-historic Sightseeing Sri Lanka – For Budding Archaeologists!

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While the island nation of Sri Lanka is one that has a rich cultural heritage, it is also home to several pre-historic sites that provide an insight into humans who lived here at the time. Those planning to travel around the island visiting some of these sites and its many other attractions can make use of air taxi tours Sri Lanka provides to visitors. Cinnamon Air is one such air taxi Sri Lanka offers and lets you easily access several key destinations around the country.

Archaeologists believe that humans inhabited the island as early as 700,000 BC and several sites have been found with evidence of pre-historic humans who lived here. Pahiyangala is home to the largest natural rock cave in Asia and is where it is where fossil remains of prehistoric man have been found. It is also believed that the Chinese monk Fa-Hsien also used this cave as his abode. Close to Kuruvita is where you will find the Batadomba Cave where the ancient remains of the Balangoda Man have been found. Further pre-historic remains have been found at the Alawala cave in Gampaha, the Alu-lena in Kegalle and the site at Bellan-Bandi Palassa which offer intrepid adventurers with plenty of exciting exploration.