Jalan Jaksa in central Jakarta is a historic street that housed students of the Jakarta Law Academy during Dutch times. In the late 1960s the street developed in quite another direction when it became famous among international backpackers and the first budget hotel in the country was established there. With the addition of several more hostels and cheap hotels it became the central point from which backpackers took off to other destinations in the country. In the mid 1990s a street festival was started to popularize the area further and to celebrate the culture of the Betawi people who are indigenous residents of Jakarta. The 400 meter road now has 27 budget hotels and hostels and hundreds of rooms rented by local residents, restaurants, money …

Ever since its commencement in 2001, the enthralling King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand has acquired a reputation as a unique and highly entertaining sporting event. Visitors from across the globe visit the country to observe this amazing display of common endeavour from human and elephant. The proceeds of the tournament are donated to charity, primarily for the overall benefit of elephants in Thailand. As one might expect in an event organized for this objective, the welfare of the elephants who take part is considered to be of paramount importance. Stringent guidelines have been implemented to ensure that the pachyderms are humanely treated at all times. This can be achieved effectively as Thailand uses a sophisticated system of micro-chipping all legitimate domesticated pachyderms, so …

Paris is an exquisite tourist destination. It is dotted with some of the most beautiful attractions. The Eiffel tower hovers over them all as a symbol of majesty and that is not all; there are so many other places that echo a strong sense of Art, history and Passion. In addition to the many wonders of this remarkable city, Paris hosts a number of festivals year round. It is a place that has no season and never goes dry; throughout the year its paradise. If you are looking for a city to spend your April holidays choose Paris and feel the cities magic in its wonders and events. The first thing about a Paris holiday is finding out what Paris has in store for the …

This festival is not one just one for the taste buds, but a feast for all five senses. To truly soak up the amazing atmosphere that emanates from the location during this time of the year, one has to seek out a suitable Bangkok hotel to lodge in during the event. However this would not be an issue since Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is one of the most popular hotels Bangkok among those of who seek the true colours of culture during their travels. The streets are practically glittering with life during these days while various aromas waft through the air making the mouths water. Music fills the ears while an immense assortment of delicacies adorn the streets, beckoning the passersby invitingly to have a taste of this delicious Chinese …

History reveals that Al Gharbia has not been only a beautiful coast, but also a protective frontier that safeguarded the nation in the early parts of the 19th century. Al Gharbia, in Abu Dhabi has always been famous throughout the world for the golden sandy beaches that spread for miles. Over the years the village men have capitalized on the natural blessings and commenced promoting numerous sports and fun activities along the coastal line. Hence, today the area stands as a bustling hub for both local and foreign tourists. One of the favourite events at the Water Sports Festivals is Kite surfing, which is a spectacular sport that requires relatively high skills to harness the wind power. Al Gharbia winds are ideal for the activity …

A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually. The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals …