At the end of January 2013 the annual Kala Pola celebrated the 20th anniversary of an event that has exposed the Sri Lanka public to art in its many forms. This open air art fair presented by the George Keyt Foundation held on Nelum Pokuna Mw, is the most prominent platform for artists and sculptors from around the country to present their work to a large and receptive audience. The first Kala Pola was held in 1993 with George Keyt, the prominent Sri Lanka artist in attendance after whom the event is named. This drew a modest 30 artists. The 2013 two day event drew 345 artists and sculptors with works in a range of mediums and 30,000 visitors. The Kala Pola gives aspiring artist …

Bali is one of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world to visit and with its rich culture, picturesque settings and comfortable tropical climate it is a holiday destination like nothing else that visitors will find. All year round it is a fantastic place to be, but for those who are deciding when to head over to the country, New Year’s Eve is an exciting option. Where better to greet the New Year than on an adventure to one of the most amazing destinations in the world. The island truly comes alive for the celebration, adding more spice to the event. Those in Seminyak Bali for the December 31st celebrations will find plenty of ways to spend their night in the area as …

The Maldives provides you with quite a good blend of the modern and the traditional Islamic customs and most of the festivals are marked by important religious days. Ramadan being the most important celebrations of any Islamic nation, it is celebrated widely in Maldives as well. Marking the end of thirty days of fasting, this reputed day falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated annually, heavily marked by a lot feasting, spreading the goodwill and joy of the season. Visiting the Maldives during this time of the year could prove to be a bit of a challenge as the business hours are cut down by half but nevertheless you definitely would get a chance to experience Muslim traditions and customs …

The National Day of any nation is a day of pride and joy. It is a day when a nation’s strength is celebrated by the unity of its people, and serves as an important reminder of a shared national identity. For nations that have known the yoke of colonial rule, it is a day where first independence is remembered. The United Arab Emirates, just like most other nations, has a national day. Back in the day, it was the British Protectorate Treaties that ruled this nation. On the 2nd of December 1971, the UAE for the first time was formally nationalized from these treaties and from this point on, the nation began functioning under its own jurisdiction, and eventually unified the different Emirates in to …

Spring is the time that Guangzhou is at its best. The flower festival in the province, the largest show of fresh flowers in Asia, usually takes place three days prior to the annual Spring Festival holidays in February. The extension of the 2013 flower festival to 18 days well after the Spring Festival is an indication of its popularity. As the holiday spirit is in the air this is the time that everyone takes to the streets to have fun and enjoy a fabulous collection of flowers and plants in all sorts of arrangements. Red lanterns festoon city streets, flower fairs proliferate all over the province and a carnival like atmosphere prevails everywhere. People throng the flower shows to enjoy the electric atmosphere, innovative flower …

Known for its pristine sun drenched beaches and exciting water sports, the island of Sri Lanka offers the perfect coastal getaway. This enchanting tropical paradise providing many exciting experiences that take you on a unique journey of discovery, as you learn more about the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage as well. A great destination to visit the whole year through, Sri Lanka is also an ideal place to herald in the New Year. Spending the 31st of December on the coast is well worth experiencing and one of the best locales to do so is in Negombo. Located along the West Coast, Negombo is conveniently situated near the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake making it a great base for those entering and leaving the …