Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a thriving metropolis that offers a fascinating visitor experience. Encompassing the coast, the city has a rich history, while also showcasing more modern development in its thriving cityscape. From shopping malls to local markets, casinos to nightclubs and lush pockets of greenery to a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Colombo has it all and is definitely worth exploring. The city also has a bourgeoning art scene and those interested in this form of creative expression should look to visit Kala Pola 2013 when next here. This annual street art fair dates back to 1993, when 35 artists displayed their creations. Inspired by such similar events as Oxford University’s, Turl Street Art Festival, this colourful fair has …

With December comes the most festive time of the year for many all across the globe as preparations are made for Christmas. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, and also one of the grandest celebrations. It is a time for giving and joy, but it is not only the magical spirit of Christmas that is beautiful. During the season many of the world’s largest cities are beautifully lit up, with charming decorations adorning every corner. It is a time of year where homes are beautiful too, and the centre of these is the Christmas tree. It has become a symbol of the season, and goes hand in hand with Christmas, and one of the best loved holiday activities is decorating the tree. …

A laidback, sleepy, sheep-farming valley turns into a passionate wine making arena during the annual Gibbston Harvest Festival in Queenstown, New Zealand held in March on the third Saturday of the month. It does not fail to attract everyone from professional connoisseurs to simple wine appreciating enthusiasts to indulge a taste of the exquisite produce made by small boutique wineries, local vineyards and many a fine food establishment that are spread about the area. The festival is celebrated to mark the harvest of wine from Gibbston and to salute and toast the spirit of the community that has turned itself into a high profile winemaking body! This festival not only celebrates the Central Otago wines and the grape harvest produced by vineyards and wineries in …

The dawn of a new year is usually celebrated once in a year, but that is not the case in Cambodia. In this land filled with rich history and a mix of cultures it is celebrated three times! The capital city Phnom Penh is in the middle of all the activity during the celebrations of the International, Chinese and Khmer New Years’ days in Cambodia. The most important of all three for the Cambodians, is the traditional Khmer New Year, which falls around the 14th of April according to the Buddhist calendar. This falls in with the end of the harvest season and the community gives thanks to the gods for the plentiful crops with rich feasts and celebrations. Many city dwellers retreat to their …

Sri Lanka travel is made easy by Jetwing Travels which offers a variety of Sri Lanka tours. This tropical island is not only blessed with natural beauty but also boasts a rich culture and history which are reflected in various local festivals. Most of the festivals are either national or religious and are celebrated in grand scale. Each April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is held which incorporates a range of age old traditions. Perhaps the biggest religious festival in the country, Vesak is celebrated all across the nation with much fervour. Deepavali, Ramazan and Christmas are also among the festivals observed in the country.       Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has …

Negombo, one of the main coastal cities of the Western Province of Sri Lanka, is a city with its own unique identity. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Negombo has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent tourist destinations in the modern day. Negombo is best known for its unique lifestyle, beautiful coastal features, colourful society, and laidback atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. The demography of Negombo is such that the majority of its population are fisher folk, who are known for their unique attitude to life and merry demeanour. Roman Catholicism is the main religion of the area, and the community is known for its close relationship with Catholicism. Therefore, the Christmas season in this part of …

Announced during the F1 Festival in Abu Dhabi in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 on Yas Island was also Formula One’s inaugural day and night race as well, with the circuit well lit with floodlights and the consequent races held in the Emirates have also been day-night races. As motoring enthusiasts gather from all over the world to witness these races it is best to arrange accommodation at an Abu Dhabi resort for the duration of your stay early on. Make a vacation out of your visit to the emirate and book one of the many Abu Dhabi beach hotels to make it an exhilarating yet relaxing holiday. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara will give you the opportunity to witness the Grand Prix and …

Thanksgiving is a holiday for all communities residing in America and Canada. This state holiday is celebrated on the 4th Thursday every November and is known for its many festivities. In Canada thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of every October. This customary day is dedicated for friends and families to get together in harmony and celebrate a special feast. This meal habitually comprises of cranberry sauce, turkey, potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, gravy and also vegetables. It is a day of giving thanks for what you have received during the year and for the family and friends in your life. Beverly Hills is such a city in the United States that celebrates this holiday in a very joyous and grand style. There are many …

Vietnam boasts a rich history and cultural heritage which can be experienced through the many festivals that take place throughout the year. If you are on the lookout for a Vietnam hotel that offers a luxurious base from which to set off on your explorations, then Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is an ideal choice. This resort in Mui Ne is set amidst a picturesque beach setting and is a great place to unwind after a visit to local festivals. Among the cultural events you can witness when on your journeys include the Lim Festival in Ha Bac which features the singing of quan ho folk songs between boys and girls, the festival of Dong Da hill which commemorates the liberation of Thang Long by King Quang Trung …