Author Archives: pushpitha

Witness the World’s Finest Set Sail at the Annual Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta

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Regarded as one of the most coveted sailing competitions in the world, the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta is a world class event conducted in the scenic surroundings some of Britain’s most iconic waterways. Organized annually the open contest is a joint venture by Royal Greenwich, Cornwall, Falmouth and London and one of the few competitions in the world that takes places exclusively on English waters. The three day event in Falmouth welcomes more than 40 sail training vessels that hail from various countries around the globe while the town will also come alive with activities and shore side events associated with this yearly contest.

Due to take place from the 28th to the 31st of August, 2014 the parade route of this year’s Tall Ships Regatta takes the breathtaking sailing vessels across some of the most stunning landscapes of the British Isles. Starting their journey on 31st August the ships will sail the calm waters between the St.Mawes and Pendennis castles which were Tudor residences of none other than Henry the VIII. The Parade of Sail will then continue on to the starting line located at iconic Falmouth Bat where they will set off eastward towards the finish line located near the famed Isle of Wight. The participating sailing vessels will then head on to the British capital London where they will sail across the iconic River Thames to the final port in Royal Greenwich. Local celebrations continue on for 5 days after the arrival at Royal Greenwich in a community festival like no other.

The Tall Ships will occupy Falmouth from 28to 31st August while the race for the finish line takes place from the 31st of August to September 2nd. The cruise then follows from the 3rd-5th September with the Royal Greenwich portion of the regatta taking place from 5th to 9th September.

Festivities held in conjunction with the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta include live musical performances and art showcases. Street theatre events and dance performances are also organized at the town festival which also markets maritime and nautical themed souvenirs and keepsakes.

Travellers in search of the best UK hotel specials available this season should loot to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK for the most advantageous deals in town. Providing guests with a range of 4 star UK hotels across the country this renowned name in global hospitality pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxurious vacations.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Asanha Bucha – In Remembrance of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha

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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 Festival creates splashes of colour and natural splendour across the city. For those visiting towards the middle of the year, the Asanha Bucha event is one that allows for a tremendously valuable experience in terms of witnessing how the locals venerate their faith. The Asanha Bucha is celebrated with vigour in remembrance of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha.

Given the proximity of the city to the famed Golden Triangle, many opt to reside in Chiang Rai hotels and explore its surroundings during their visit to Thailand. Ideal for this purpose is Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. This is one resort with an exemplary view of the beautiful jungles of Thailand that also overlooks Myanmar and Laos. Enjoy the precious feeling of being at one with nature and the serenity the surroundings invoke while basking in luxury.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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The oh so vibrant Vishu Festival!

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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 are arranged within the shrine room in each home. According to tradition each family member should view the Vishukkani before anything else in the morning, so each family member walks to the shrine room with eyes shut, whilst small children are sometimes blindfolded.

On the day of Vishu, many of the Hindu faith visit local temples, particularly in the morning hours. Another interesting aspect of the festivities is the special Sadya, or Vishu feast. According to tradition this feast should include similar quantities of sweet, sour, salty and bitter foods. A number of delicious foods and sweetmeats are prepared on the occasion. These include Vishu kanji, a preparation of rice, spices and coconut milk, and Vishu katta, a delectable treat made of fresh rice powder and freshly squeezed coconut milk, served with jaggery, a sweet made of palm treacle.

The festival would not be complete without the Vishukodi, which is the term used for the tradition of the older members of the family handing out small gifts of money to the young children. More affluent people also give presents of money to servants and the less fortunate. Visitors to Kerala will be able to observe these fascinating rituals and observances which are fervently performed by the people of the state.

If you intend to visit the area and are selecting a Kerala resort an outstanding choice would be the Poovar Island Resort. This attractive 3 star hotel in Kerala offers appealing accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Vesak in Sri Lanka – The most Magical Time of the Year

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There is something magical about the month of May in Sri Lanka; the colourful lanterns adorning the streets, the throngs of people, the life, the ambience; all of this is part of the season of Vesak. The festival of Vesak is observed on the full moon that falls on the month of May and in Sri Lanka, celebrations go on for a week. It is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Despite being a festival of contemplation and rejuvenation, there is an aura of life and fun. Hundreds of locals from right round the island visit Colombo and Kandy to bask in this spectacular ambience. If you are a planning a holiday to Sri Lanka, choose the month of May, so that you too can be part of the celebration of Vesak.

Vesak is a Buddhist Festival and marks the day of Lord Buddha’s Birth and the Day of his enlightenment; both of which supposedly fell on the same day. The life of Buddha, who was enlightened into a life of simplicity after enjoying the luxury of being Prince Gautama, plays a significant role in Buddhism. The Festival of Vesak propagates Lord Buddha’s journey into enlightenment through a number of beautiful Pandols, locally known as Thoranas. These Pandols are colourfully lit and depict the story of Buddha through a series of pictures. Colourful Pandols gigantic in size adorns the corners of nearly every street in Colombo. The most common significance of the festival of Vesak is the enchanting lanterns. During the week of the Festival, nearly every building in Colombo is adorned on the outside by beautiful lanterns, giving the streets a magical charm. The talented Lantern creators display their creativity in competitions that draws in throngs of visitors.
Free food is offered in stalls called Dhansals as vesak is a time for charity and good deeds. It is also prohibited to sell meat and alcohol during the week.

While you are in Sri Lanka car Rental services are an absolute must. A popular name in the industry is Malkey Rent A Car. From your AirPort Taxi in Colombo Sri Lanka to touring anywhere in the island Malkey offers it all.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Vesak Day in Singapore

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One of the most significant dates in the Buddhist calendar is Vesak. It is the day that commemorates the 3 main events in Lord Buddha’s life; birth, enlightenment and death. Singapore is an Asian country that has a large number of Buddhists and therefore Vesak is a public holiday here. It falls on the 15th of the 4th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Various temples throughout Singapore have activities starting from dawn during Vesak. Devotees visit the temple with offerings of flowers, joy-sticks and candles. These simple offerings have meaning too as they symbolize that life also wilts away like the flowers or burns down like the candle and joy-stick.
This day has more good deeds being performed as it is believed that the merit of the good deeds you perform on Vesak day will increase many fold. While mass activities like blood donation are organized, families also engage in more personal ones such as releasing caged birds and animals etc. Rituals include chanting ‘mantras’, being a vegetarian and bathing a Buddha statue.
From a celebration manner Buddha statues are illuminated as well as candlelight processions. As the Buddhists in Singapore are comprised of those who arrived here from China, Sri Lanka and Burma, the practices during Vesak vary greatly. Witnessing the diverse ways in which all of them commemorate the most important day in their spiritual leader’s life is a truly humbling experience.
For instance in the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, devotees climb the steps in both knees, praying at every third step. The prayers are for personal blessings, repentance as well as world peace. In the Burmese and Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples a pot of rice milk is cooked in remembrance of Buddha’s last meal.
Since most places are closed on this day having an accommodation that has activities to keep you occupied is advisable for those of you who don’t want to participate in the happenings of the city. W Singapore Sentosa Cove is one such place. It is among the most popular luxury resort in Singapore. The hotel belongs to the acclaimed Sentosa Resort Singapore chain.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Easter Holidays – A time for celebration

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Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter holiday is an important festival that is celebrated by Christians all over the world. Luxury hotels all around the world celebrate this holiday with much zest and vigour and Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas also offer a range of luxury hotel resorts for those who are interested in spending this holiday in style. Typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for most churches, Easter can fall anywhere between the 22nd march and the 25th of April. Many nations follow the practice of colouring hard boiled eggs for Easter, as the egg which stands to symbolize new life has become the traditional symbol of the Easter festival itself. The Easter bunny is the popular anthropomorphic character often associated with gift giving and is often considered as analogous to Santa Claus.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Songkran Festival 2014 in Phuket – Celebrate the thrills of the spills!

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Get ready for some wet ‘n wild fun when you visit Thailand in the middle of April, and prepare to get soaked during the famous Songkran Festival, which features three full days of water-based shenanigans, so pack waterproof clothing and prepare to get soaked! Get out and join the fun (bring your own water pistol!) or retreat to a stylish Phuket resort to relax and unwind in style. In particular, consider checking into a Phuket Beach Resort such as the tranquil Anantara Phuket, Thailand. But if the fun demon within propels you to venture into Phuket during April 13-15, best come prepared, as no one is exempted from the splashing of their lives. You will see huge trucks that park alongside the main roads, armed with barrelfuls of ice water, primed to be launched at unsuspecting victims, mainly cops. Little kids transform into evil little water pixies armed with water pistols that will drench you at a moment’s notice, please and thank you! Don’t even think about driving a motorcycle as you’ll be unseated in a hurry by a deluge, and traffic crawls to a snail’s pace. These restrictions notwithstanding, it’s all done in the spirit of fun, joy, and ultimately blessing, as the water is believed to purify the victims of the year’s sins. So plunge in and splash with wild abandon!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Project Qatar 2014 – Gearing Up For the Future

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Highlighting construction technology and bringing together manufacturers and buyers, Project Qatar 2014 is well worth visiting for those looking to learn the latest in industry trends and projects. If you are in search of a Doha hotel which to use as base for your travels then consider Millennium Hotel Doha. This hotel in Doha offers the very best in contemporary comforts helping to make your stay all the more memorable.

Scheduled to take place from 12th to 15th May, Project Qatar 2014 is also referred to as the International Construction Technology & Building Materials Exhibition. The event sees the presence of both international and local exhibitors showcasing facilities and services in both outdoor and indoor function space. Here one will get a chance to learn more about the latest in technology and modern equipment that are available, while this event also provides an ideal forum in which to forge new business partnerships as well.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Kite Festival in Qatar – of many shapes and colours

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Doha is a cosmopolitan city popular around the world not only for the business benefits that one could achieve but also for its vibrant tourism. The variety of activities that one would find in this city is capable of keeping the visitor entertained for a long period of time. The massive shopping malls that reach high up to the sky are the best that any shopaholic could get. You can go on a desert safari with your loved ones and enjoy a truly Arabian touch to your vacation. Also amusement parks, museums, waterfronts and much more can be found in this amazing Arabian city.

Apart from all this Qatari oriented fun filled and education activities there are many more things that a visitor could enjoy while in Doha. It is very rarely that we find a cultural event belonging to one country taking place in another that is attended by locals and tourists alike. While in Doha, if you are lucky you will have the opportunity to witness the Ferozkoh Kite Festival. The festival serves as a great platform from which to experience Afghan culture while in Qatar.

The event itself is a colourful affair. Kites specially flown down from Afghanistan cover the Qatari skies. Different shapes of kites in vibrant colours would look like flocks of giant bird. Amidst the Afghan music the sound of laughter could be heard everywhere making it apparent that everyone is enjoying every second of the event. There would be dance troops specially flown down to add more vibe to the event.

For children, this is one of the best that they would experience during a vacation. Apart from flying kites, there are more activities such as painting and storytelling to entertain them. To add to it, there are hand puppet workshops where children could go and have some extra fun. Food, is one thing that you must try out while absorb din all this fun. The Ferozkoh Kite Festival has lines of stalls which sell an assortment of food prepared according to Afghanistan recipes which are delicious and quite simply heavenly.

After a day of extended fun, why not return to one of the hotels in Doha to relax and unwind? Copthorne Hotel Doha is one of the best hotels Doha that will provide you with all the modern facilities complete with an Arabian touch.

Egg Hunt – Easter in Bali

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As Good Friday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in Indonesia, Bali simply heaves with visitors both local and foreign who come here to enjoy the extraordinary packages offered by hotels and restaurants around the island. Flights from Australia to Jakarta are full to capacity as many try to get to Bali to enjoy the festivities as much as the sun, sea and sand.

Since Bali has had Christian enclaves going back several hundred years there are many Catholic, Protestant and churches of other denominations in many parts of the island. Locals and visitors alike who are desirous of beginning the day with a religious ceremony can attend services both in English and Indonesian at St Francis Xavier Church in Kuta, St Josephs in Denpasar, Lady of All Nations Church in Nusa Dua, the Catholic cathedral in Renon and at the many protestant churches and those of other denominations around the island.

With a large number of visitors on the island, many of whom have come specifically on Easter packages, all the hotels and many restaurants have special Easter programmes. All flights are fully booked weeks in advance for the Easter weekend by people from the mainland and Australia. Easter activities at hotels generally target families with young children.

Traditional entertainment include egg painting, basket decorating, egg hunts, face painting, lucky draws, family egg toss, glitter tattoos, street performers, magic shows, Easter colouring competitions and tug of war. This is followed by Easter Sunday brunch for the whole family with complementary use of hotel facilities for those who are not guests.

Easter egg hunts are even offered by water sports companies who purportedly hide the eggs among the reefs! Some hotels organise a different sort of Easter celebration by taking guests on a trek through a rural area to enjoy egg painting and creating wood sculptures in a local artisan’s studio that can make a beautiful and memorable souvenir, followed by a whole day Easter programme. Christian community organisations also organise free activities such as the special Easter programme in Seminyak Square featuring games for the whole family, street performers and magic shows.

Enjoy sun, sea, sand and glorious sunsets from Anantara Seminyak Bali, the quintessential Bali resort that offers a range of modern, up-market facilities and services. Among which are commodious and luxurious all suite accommodation with gorgeous views, dining venues with well planned and executed menus, yoga classes and specialised spa treatments, a range of onsite leisure options and excursion that promote contacts with local rural cultures. Stay in this popular resort in Bali to enjoy its many unique attributes and have a memorable holiday experience.