Author Archives: pushpitha

The Internet Show Asia 2013

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There are business vacations and pleasure vacations. But what if you could combine both? It’s not that trip you need to make to attend a boring summit for two days and decided to drag your family along for the sake of entertainment, but a trip that will definitely enhance your knowledge as well as let you explore one of Asia’s most vibrant city.

The Internet Show Asia 2013 is one such opportunity. Held from the 24 to 25th April at Marina Bay Sands, this two day show offers you a chance to be a part of Asia’s largest mobile and internet event as well as enjoy Singapore. Featuring speakers from international brands in the likes of BBC Worldwide, Google, Reliance capital, VEVO, Twitter, McDonald’s, Lenovo and many others, it promises to be a one of a kind experience.

Apart from knowledge speakers discussing case studies and panel discussions, the show also has dedicated country and technology pavilions as well as one-on-one advice clinics which give you the chance to get guidance from technology and business gurus. In addition to the 40 free seminar workshops, the conference tracks also cover topics such as social media, applications, enterprise mobility, content management, digital and mobile advertising, E&M commerce, online video and mobile VAS. The sow costs a total of $1,645 with a discount if you book online.

If you are extending your stay to take a break in the city you can definitely find a Singapore city hotel that fits your budget and requirement. 4 star hotel Singapore offer a fairly good balance between budget and luxury. M Hotel Singapore belonging to the Millennium Hotels and Resorts is centrally located and is more of a corporate hotel that also caters to those travelling for pleasure.

Situated close to Marina Bay, you can indulge in some shopping at the Suntec City Mall, Marina Square and Raffles City Shopping Centre. If you are with your family and looking for some quality family time then head over to Santosa Island. With sky rides, pristine beaches , Tiger Sky Tower and also The Underwater World Oceanarium, a fun filled day is a definite.

Hong Kong Summer Spectacular: A Summery Extravaganza!

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An administrative district of the People’s Republic of China, the global business hub of Hong Kong celebrates the onset of summer in a sizzling fashion. An annually held event, the 2012 production saw the celebrations take on even greater spirits with shopping promotions, live music and all in all, a truly fun weekend.

Last year, visitors to the Summer Spectacular were treated to a shopping extravaganza like no other with beautiful clothing items being sold at amazingly low prices. To add to the frenzy, a Visa sponsored draw was made with the winner receiving a stunning HK$200,000 and spending credit were given to ten additional shoppers. As if this wasn’t a good enough reason to embark on a great shopping expedition, Visa also rewarded their customers who shopped during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular with gift vouchers, numerous other promotions and rewards.

Another attraction that took place at this summery extravaganza was the Visa Go Hong Kong Super Shopper. Fondly called ‘The Olympics of Shopping’, by the organisers, this event involved teams competing against one another in attempting to create the best travel and shopping plans in Asia. The result was a tie with both team Mainland China and team Thailand managing to come first place and claim their hefty prize of HK$20, 000 spending credit.

For those who feel that summer is all about live music and good food, the 2012 Summer Pop – Live made a spectacular start to the festival while the Land Kwai Fond Beer & Music Fest was complete with delicious food, live music, performances and a variety of beers from all corners of the globe. Complete with a number of eating and drinking games as well, this Fest was surely one for the ages.

For those who wish to experience this fiesta firsthand, this year, the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular will be held from the 21st June to 31st August and booking your Hong Kong hotel early is recommended. For those searching for a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong, it is imperative that bookings are made early for, during this time, accommodation becomes difficult to come by. For those who wish to experience summer the way it should be experienced, ensure that you stay at Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong.

At the Feet of a Master – Vesak Festival

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Vesak is a holy day for millions of Buddhist around the world as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ or passing away. The exact day of the festival varies according to the lunar calendars of various cultures but in Theravada Buddhist countries following the Buddhist Calendar it generally falls on a full moon day on the 6th lunar month which is usually in May. The name Vesak itself is a derivative of the name for the lunar month occurring from April to May. Although festivals to mark Vesak had been taking place for several centuries, the decision to celebrate Vesak worldwide as Buddha’s birthday was taken at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950. The United Nations started observing Vesak at their head quarters and offices around the world from 1999.

Vesak is celebrated by Buddhists according to the traditions laid down in their cultures. In Sri Lanka many Buddhists rise early in the morning to gather at temples in time for the first prayers, to offer flowers, light candles and joss sticks to honour the Buddha, hoist Buddhist flags. Many wear simple white clothing and spend the whole day in the temple meditating and listening to sermons. Refraining from consuming alcohol and meat of any sort is advocated and liquor shops and abattoirs remain closed for several days.
This is also the day that Buddhists will make an effort to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of the less fortunate by distributing gifts of food and clothing among the destitute and to inmates of charitable homes. Food and refreshment is also distributed to those engaged in religious observances at temples.

Vesak in Sri Lanka while an important religious occasion is also a cultural festival of sorts as it highlights the Sri Lankan way of observing the festival. Homes, public places even whole streets are decorated with coloured electric lights, paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes, oil lamps, flags and bunting. In the bigger towns there is always a big ‘torana’ with pictures depicting Buddha’s various reincarnations lit up with elaborately designed electric circuitry. A carnival like atmosphere prevails. Adding to the buzz are free food stalls all over cities and main highways with offerings ranging from soft drinks to ice cream and complete meals. Groups of people from religious societies, businesses and government organizations sing devotional songs on stages put up for the purpose. During Vesak there is a massive movement of people all over the country as they go on pilgrimages particularly to the holy cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy and move from villages to cities to worship at famous temples and to generally be a part of the celebrations.

Shanti Travels Sri Lanka offers tailor made Sri Lanka tour packages to suit any budget as well as to expose visitors to the best possible travel experience. Several well thought out holiday packages Sri Lanka is offered so that travelers will discover the country’s best natural aspects as well as its diverse culture and people.

Celestial Birthday Celebrations – Rama Navami Festival

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Among the many festivals that takes place in India to celebrate diverse occasions is Ram Navami commemorated in the Hindu month of Chaitra that falls between April and March, to celebrate the birth of Rama. It is a hugely important festival for the Hindus as Rama is considered an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In some parts of India it is celebrated as Vasanta Navratri over nine days.

In households observing the festival the day begins with a prayer to the sun and at mid day, the supposed time of Rama’s birth, special prayers and poojas are performed in Ram temples big and small all over India. Some people start the festival with a fast and some others fast for the whole nine day duration to appease the god and to bring good luck upon them. Strict dietary guidelines are observed during the fast. At the end of the prayers, rituals and Bhajan singing, the officiating priest performs a peace chant and sprinkles consecrated water on the devotees and distributes sweets and fruits. Many people stay up the previous night in anticipation of the birth singing devotional songs and rock Rama images in cradles at the supposed time of his birth. The most popular part of Ram Navami is a procession in which people attired as Rama, his brother Laxmana, his wife Sita and Rama’s disciple Hanuman are taken in a gaily decorated chariot through town. The chariot is accompanied by people dressed as Rama’s followers and soldiers all singing and shouting the praises of Rama making the whole thing a lively affair. On this holy day Ram temples throughout India look festive in decorations and the images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are decked out in finery and devotees read selected chapters from the Ramayan.

Ayodhya where the birth is supposed to have happened and where Rama is said to have ruled is the centre of celebrations. A huge fair attended by thousands of devotees takes place to commemorate the event. In Pondicherry too the festival is celebrated with much devotion, observance of rituals and festivities.

Close to the city centre Hotel Atithi is a convenient place to stay with easy access to city attractions, shopping and dining areas. Its selection of well appointed guests rooms and suites are some of the most comfortable Pondicherry accommodation in addition to which a host of modern leisure and business facilities and amenities makes this Pondicherry hotel a good choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Holi Festival the festival of colours

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Eaton Smart, New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel is one of the Hotels in New Delhi Airport offering comfort and relaxation to all transit passengers. This New Delhi Airport Hotel is set up in a way that passengers feel refreshed after an exhilarating journey, and makes it easier for them to continue their journey.

If you’re dropping by in India during the months of February and March, a must see festival is the Holi festival. This is one of the biggest celebrated festivals in the country. Main purpose of this festival is to celebrate spring. The spirit of celebrating the festival remains the same within all ages throughout the country. The entire environment changes with festivity during this season. Loads of different food is cooked for the family members as well as relatives. Colours are applied on each other while dancing and singing. This truly is an original Indian festival.

Siam Niramit Cultural Show – Amazing Thailand

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A Thai Arts and Cultural performance known the world over as one of the largest stage productions, the Siam Niramit Cultural show is a spectacular show now listed in the Guinness World records. The show features over 150 performers and around 500 costumes are used for the entire performance. Special effects have been added as a result of advanced technology as of recent years, keeping up with the moving world.

The show has three separate acts. The first act is on Thailand that then was and is named ‘Journey Back in to History’. The second act takes you beyond your imagination and is based on Hell, Himapaan and Heaven. The third act takes you on a journey through joyous festivals celebrated in this colourful country. Siam Niramit cultural show is a great way to discover the roots of the Kingdom of Thailand and its people.

There are tours to the concert that offer round trips to the event, departing Bangkok at particular times of the day. The fee offered is inclusive of the entrance ticket and dinner. A gala show that showcases the beautiful culture of this intriguing country, the Siam Niramit show is one not to be missed while in Bangkok and Phuket. Most visitors prefer to couple this tour with visits to the ancient replica villages that showcase traditional crafts and authentic Thai living.

While you make yourself at home with 700 years of Thailands’ history and its alluring arts and crafts, stay at a Bangkok luxury hotel that understands the true art of hospitality. Metropolitan Bangkok is a luxury Bangkok hotel that is fast making waves in the hospitality arena in the city, offering impeccable service standards and a heavenly overall stay. Equipped with state of the art facilities in its stylishly decorated urban premise, this hotel is a class apart.

Bangkok never seizes to amaze, with the wealth of experiences it has in store for its guests. From fantastic shopping precincts and gorgeous palaces to relaxing Thai massages, this city is an oasis for holiday makers and travelers. Whether you are traveling to Bangkok on business or leisure, the city amazes anyone.

Paris Marathon – The Gala of April

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Paris is an exquisite tourist destination. It is dotted with some of the most beautiful attractions. The Eiffel tower hovers over them all as a symbol of majesty and that is not all; there are so many other places that echo a strong sense of Art, history and Passion. In addition to the many wonders of this remarkable city, Paris hosts a number of festivals year round. It is a place that has no season and never goes dry; throughout the year its paradise. If you are looking for a city to spend your April holidays choose Paris and feel the cities magic in its wonders and events.

The first thing about a Paris holiday is finding out what Paris has in store for the month of April. If you are into the Blues Music try out the Banlieues Bleues. This Blues festival brings out some fantastic Blues Artists from all over the world to entertain you with a remarkable collection. It is usually held in the suburb of St. Denis somewhere round the first week of April. For the real vibrant event of April don’t miss the all time favorite Paris Marathon. The Paris Marathon is a crowd puller and attracts not just the tourists but hundreds of locals from around the nation. Visit the city at this time of the year to enjoy this marathon. The race opens up with a gala food festival that features the ever so delicious Spaghetti Bolognaise. The race then continues around the monuments flanking the Champs Elysees and heads on to the town of Auteuil. The annual run kicks off at 9 am from the Champs Elysées and comes to a close at about 11am on the avenue Foch. It is really one event that must not be missed if you are visiting Paris during April.

The best part about Paris; be it in April, or any other month, is the many Palace Hotels Paris it has. Paris is the city for romance, art and class and when it comes toLuxury hotel Paris, standards are outstanding. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is a very a popular name in Paris tourism.

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall – The Mini Rattanakosin

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An interactive self-learning centre, The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall has been built encompassing state of the art technology. The Hall exhibits information on the history, culture and art of the Rattanakosin area from its early inception in 1782. Equipped with 9 exhibition halls and 4D Multimedia technology, each of the rooms in the centre is dedicated to represent a part of the grandeur of the capital of Thailand the Rattanakosin.

Via the 4D multimedia facilities the centre successfully portrays the origins of the area. The Grand Palace and the famous Emerald Buddha statues are displayed on 4D down to the very last detail perfectly. A 360 degree multimedia demonstration depicts ancient forms of entertainment that existed in the area. Guests love the feeling of actually participating in the animation while it tours the island of Rattanakosin. You can also climb to the fourth floor of the building where you are greeted with a beautiful view of the Ratchadamnoen road along with sights of the metal castle known as the Loha Prasat and the Golden Mount.

The centre is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 11. 00 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. It closes on Mondays. Admission fee for adults is 100 Baht, children walk in free. It’s a great idea to visit the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall before you start on your journey around the island as you will be able to make a note of what you want to see and not see through the virtual tour.

Stay at one of the finest Bangkok serviced apartments while you fall head over heels in awe of this colourful city. Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok is a conveniently located Sukhumvit Accommodation well known for its luxurious style and world class amenities which put you within easy reach of many of the attractions in the area. Along with 24 hour security and other facilities such as Jacuzzis and saunas, these apartments are a treat to one’s senses. Surrounded by lush greenery and a sophisticated neighbourhood these serviced apartments are the ideal place to relax while you explore this amazing city.

Chinatown Food Festival – A veritable feast for the senses

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This festival is not one just one for the taste buds, but a feast for all five senses. To truly soak up the amazing atmosphere that emanates from the location during this time of the year, one has to seek out a suitable Bangkok hotel to lodge in during the event. However this would not be an issue since Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is one of the most popular hotels Bangkok among those of who seek the true colours of culture during their travels.

The streets are practically glittering with life during these days while various aromas waft through the air making the mouths water. Music fills the ears while an immense assortment of delicacies adorn the streets, beckoning the passersby invitingly to have a taste of this delicious Chinese gastronomy so generously unveiled right in front of their eyes.

Songkran festival – Splash the sins away

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Although New Year was traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year in 1888, April now marks the beginning of the year in Thailand since 1940s. Initially adopted from an Indian Festival this festival has been celebrated for centuries. The most colourful celebrations are held in Chiang Mai, where celebrations go on for about 6 days. It’s a great time for Tourists to bask in the sun along with the locals celebrating the festivities and associating local culture.

Most Buddhists visit monasteries and give food to the monks, cleanse Buddha images and with fragrant water, praying for good luck and prosperity during the dawning new year. Colourfully decorated sand sculptures are also a common site in monasteries. Much to the disappointment of traditional Thailanders, the emphasis has shifted to a more pleasurable aspect from the spiritual aspect of the festival.

Good Cheer follows throughout the streets as people throw water on one another and indulge in various religious activities. The water is meant as a way of washing all the sins away. Pageants and festivities crowd the streets making it a great time to travel to this amazingly colourful country. The festival is celebrated in different parts of Thailand in much the same way. Phuket is an exotic location in Thailand, popular among many travellers to the east, for its blend of culture, natural beauty and as an adventurous getaway. Retreats in Thailand celebrate the Songkran festival by decorating the atmosphere beautifully and celebrating with food and good cheer.

A famous Boutique Hotel in Phuket is the Tanyapura, Among other Retreats in Thailand this heavenly hotel has a charm of its own. This cosy hotel in Phuket offers mouth watering delicacies and amazing service standard within its elegantly and practically decorated premise. Providing a great base to enjoy the wonders of this tropical area from, this hotel offers star class service standards at a reasonable price. What more would you want from a holiday but to be a part of the fun, the frolic with its people and to enjoy the beauty of such exotic surroundings. All this and more can be experienced when you to travel to amazing Thailand.