The islands of Maldives are most renowned for their stunning beaches. However the country celebrates various festivals that reflect local cultural heritage. Find a centrally positioned Maldives Island resort to base yourself at in order to make the most of your visit. Kuramathi Island offers a selection of charming Maldives villas for travellers to choose from. There are various historical and religious festivals celebrated in the islands with some incorporating traditional performances. Independence Day celebrations as well as the National Day are among the main celebrations while prominent religious events include Ramadan and EIid-Ul-Adha. Be sure to experience the vibrancy of some of the local festivals during a holiday spent in this enchanting beach destination. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. …

The kings of the Chakri Dynasty have ruled Thailand since the year 1782 and to this day locals commune to pay tribute to these leaders who contributed in moulding the country’s vision for a better tomorrow. Chakri Day which falls on the 6th of April is an annual event and one that must not be missed. Choose a Bangkok hotel to stay during your time in Thailand. Anantara Bangkok Sathorn which is one of the more popular luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer will be a good place to come home to after viewing the proceedings of this historic day. The day witnesses the people of Thailand hold a series of ceremonies to honour the contribution of the kings who once presided. A ceremony is led by King Bhumibol …

The Qingming festival also called ‘Tomb Sweeping Day’ is an important event which usually falls on the 5th of April every year. Regarded as a traditional Chinese festival which involves families paying tribute to their loved ones long departed, Qingming also brings families out into the open to enjoy the lush vegetation of springtime. Select a Sanya resort such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa which will offer you suitable accommodation during your stay in the city. This Sanya hotel is sure to be an ideal place to come home to after you experience the charm of this Chinese festival. Watch as family members are brought to closer as they pray, burn joss paper and celebrate the lives of their dearly beloved. Dating back to the times of the …

For all Sinhalese and Hindus, April is all about festivity. From the end of March even the environment seems to feel this heart-warming change. The trees look much greener with flowers blossoming covering up every inch making it look like Mother Nature’s decorations done specially for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. To add to this beautiful site, the sound of the cuckoo bird can be heard as the background music throughout this special time. While nature gets ready to celebrate this festival in its own way, the people in Sri Lanka too start adding their contribution to enhance the excitement. Everything is done according to an auspicious time, so when the time gets closer the astrologers in the country get together to give the …

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta comes alive each year as a wide range of cultural festivals and events are celebrated in the city, each offering something new to experience. Those in search of a centrally located Jakarta hotel from which to explore the city and visit venues where these events will be held can consider staying at Alila Jakarta. This Jakarta city hotel not only makes an ideal base for leisure travellers, but corporate clientele too. The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is one not to be missed festival in the capital and those visiting during late January or February can look forward to everything from lion dances to dragon boat races. The Chinatown area (Glodok) in particular is well worth visiting. Those arriving in March can …

The optics industry in the Middle East knows no greater stage than Vision X Dubai 2014 which is fast becoming the benchmark in eye care and eye fashion wear. A Dubai airport hotel such as Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai would offer good accommodation should you be on the lookout for even a 5 star hotel Dubai boasts of having. Scheduled to be held from the 25th – 27th of November 2014, the Dubai World Trade Centre will yet again come alive with visitors from all corners of the globe arriving to witness such an important exhibition. A total number of 85 exhibitors from 15 countries will be there to offer you valuable information on the latest technology advancements in the eye care sector. A host of seminars, workshops and …