With the conclusion of the Thirty Years War in 1648, the European powers came together to sign the Treaty of Westphalia that established political boundaries in Europe. With the establishment of such boundaries, many countries, especially the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English, sought to extend their land and assert power over other entities as well. With the great era of exploration in the period that followed the Thirty Years War, troops from various European countries landed in modern day Asia, Africa and Australia in search of bountiful land that could be annexed to their own. The centuries that followed saw the colonial powers propagating their social and legal systems to their respective colonies and laying the groundwork for a truly global world …

The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the world’s reputed holiday destinations. Although the Maldives is small in land area, the island nation’s attractive sandy beaches, balmy climate and shimmering sapphire waters make it a pleasure to visit. Travellers intending to visit the islands and seeking a comfortable Maldives resort need look no further than the attractive Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. This well reputed resort offers appealing accommodations as well as an array of amenities making it a delightful place to stay. One of the most important celebrations in the Maldives is the fervently observed Independence Day. On this occasion the entire nation unanimously celebrates the achievement of complete independence from the colonial power, Britain. On this day, which falls on the 26th of July, Maldivians commemorate the birth of …

for tourists visiting the Golden Triangle in Thailand, the tourism industry of the state has intelligently woven an idea of cultural heritage and natural beauty within the triangle. Nestled comfortably towards the northern most part of Thailand lies the city of Chiang Rai, a beloved destination of tourists with a vociferous appetite for the mystical cultures of the East, a mere fifty or so kilometres from the tripoint of the Golden Triangle which connects Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Rai celebrates a multitude of cultural and religious festivals, and is ideal for the culture vulture in you. For those visiting at the beginning of the year, the King Meng Rai Festival gives travellers an insight into the national pride of the locals while the Flower …

The much anticipated Vishu Festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in all sections of Kerala, an Indian state located in the southern region of the country. All over Kerala, people of all ages involve themselves in the festivities of this distinctive and elaborate festival. As the occasion is considered to feature light and sound, Keralites illuminate their homes with decorative lights and enthusiastically light bunches of firecrackers. Many interesting festivities and rituals are associated with this event. The central ritual of the festival is the time-honoured Vishukkani, which is a special arrangement of a number of auspicious items considered to symbolize prosperity. These include vegetables and fruits, rice, arecanut, leaves of betel, yellow konna flowers, a metal mirror, coins and sacred texts, which …

Also known as Duanwu, the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday in the Chinese calendar and in parts of Asia where Chinese immigrants live. In Singapore this annual race comes to life at the Bedok Reservoir. A significant number of crews participate in the Dragon boat race which commemorates the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan. Overall the festival is meant to be a celebration; it is a display of Chinese culture and habits. Those who are not racing at the event generally feast on some of the delicious Chinese cuisine prepared for the day. The main items available are rice dumplings and rice wine and the Bedok Reservoir is filled with stalls that serve steaming dumplings for the spectators. Enjoying Chinese food is simply …

Wesak Festival is one of the most colourful religious and cultural celebrations you could experience in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the month of May is one of the best times to visit the island. Being one of the three cities of the Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya is the perfect place to be during Wesak. If you are looking for Sigiriya accommodationchoices, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a luxury Sigirya hotel you could try out. Sri Lanka being predominantly a Buddhist country, celebrate Wesak at its best in every nook and corner. Regardless of the religion each and every house will display Wesak lanterns in numerous shapes, colours and sizes. Massive pandols depicting the life of Lord Buddha, illuminated with hundreds of tiny multihued bulbs, are very much a part and parcel …