Safaris

Pakistan Offers a collection of adventurous safaris. Baluchistan a nomadic formidable land offers a wonderful landscape. A camel safari in this region is an unbelievable experience, especially in the gorge of Bolan, which is a rocky desert. A jeep and camel safari in this region is just the right blend to capture the spirit of adventure.One may experience a unique adventure in River Indus & the Cholistan Desert by undertaking a boat and camel safari. Horse and Pony safaris can be wonderful across Deosai Plains, Shandur Pass and Kaghan Valley. Jeep Safaris in the Northern Areas can prove to be an exotic experience especially in the regions of Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Shandur, Sust etc.

For trail enthusiasts, The Khyber Train safari from Peshawar to Landi Kotal is a three-star attraction. The British, built it in the 1920s at an enormous cost of more than two million pounds. It passes through 34 tunnels totaling five kms (three miles) and over 92 bridges and culverts.

Heli Safaris to the roof of the world offers great opportunities for those who have limited time but still like to have a bird's eye view of Pakistan's Northern paradise. These Safaris may take to you to places like Fairy Meadows, Trango towers, Concordia, K2, the Kalash tribes and the Chitral valley.

The world's highest mountain ranges; the Himalayas, the Karakorum and the Hindu Kush along with the mysterious Pamirs congregate along the far Northern frontiers of Pakistan to form an awesome natural bestion along its borders. It is because of this that, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) offers the most unique Air Safari in the world. It is an air safari through a forest of literally hundreds of over 7,000 meter peaks including 5 that fall into the 14 highest mountains of the world. All in all, there is a world of adventure waiting in Pakistan for all adventure lovers.

Mountaineering

For anything to do with mountains, there is no better place than Pakistan. The lofty mountain ranges of Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalayas offer great opportunities for mountaineering and trekking, which are unparalleled in the world. A large number of climbers and trekkers visit these high mountains each year.

There are 120 peaks, some unclimbed and unamed with an average height of 21,490 feet. These include some of the highest in the world like the K-2 (28,250 feet) next only to the Everest, Nanga Parbat (26,660 feet) and Gasherbrum-I (26,470 feet). The area has been a magnet for mountaineers from all over the world since 19th century. Everyday more and more mountaineering expeditions come to Pakistan.

Rock Climbing

Pakistan is well known for high altitude climbing but not many people come for Rock climbing. Pakistan in fact has equal opportunity for Rock climbing as well. The Trango Towers in Baltoro area are well known all over the world. Besides Trango Towers, Kondus valley in Khaplu area come become paradise for rock climbers.

There are numerous untouched rock faces in the Karakoram, Himalaya and Kindukush ranges of Pakistan which are ideal for rock climbers.

Ice Climbing

The high mountains of Northern Areas and Chitral have numerous ice climbing areas within easy access from the road heads. Primarily, a winter sports, it is another mountain sports which is gaining prominence in Pakistan.

Hiking / Trekking

Stretching North from the Arabian Sea, the plains of Pakistan culminate in the lush valleys of Dir , Swat and Kaghan. Beyond lie the great Northern valleys of Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza and Baltistan. Hunza is an ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Most parts of Hunza offer an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi (7,788 metres). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere of ethereal magnetism. Further North, lies the Karakorum and Hindukush ranges shaping the western extension of the Himalayas.

The land in these Northern valleys is best described as a mountainous desert. During winter, heavy snow separate the valleys from winter, heavy snow separate the valleys from the rest of the world of six months. In the summer, temperatures over 100 degrees are common. In Skardu, one is immediately struck by the juxta - position of sand dunes and snow-capped peaks. All these beautiful valleys mentioned above make Pakistan really trekker's paradise.

One of the most popular trek is the Baltoro trek which ends up at Concordia. Concordia is the point where all the Glaciers coming from K-2, Broad-peak, and Gasherbrum-IV meet and flow down towards Paiju peak, like a highway. Nowhere in the world one can witness four 8000 meter peaks in such a small radius. They are K-2, Broad peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II. On this trek, besides these 8000 meter giants one can enjoy the scenarios of Masherbrum, Muztagh towers, Chogolisa, Baltoro Cathedrals and numerous other peaks. Amongst the other popular treks there are Biafo-Hisper trek, Nanga Parbat trek, Rakaposhi trek, Trichmir trek, and countless other trekking routes. There are still certain areas in Pakistan yet to be explored and this virgin land is waiting to be explored.

Museum to be opened at Katasraj

Museum to be opened at Katasraj

THE Punjab Archaeology Department is setting up a museum at Katasraj near Chakwal to highlight the culture and history of this fine historical treasure. A team consisting of ex- perts and a few Punjab University Archaeology Department students is working on the site these days looking for archeological fragments found in and around Katas.

The research- ers are also working on the archi- tecture in the area and will re- cord their findings in a report. The site is famous for its temples, the most famous among them the one dedicated to Shiva. It has ex- isted since the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here.

Punjab Archeology Department Director Shahbaz Khan says the museum would have a pictorial gallery in which Hindu mythology will be high- lighted through historical refer- ences. Another gallery would he on architecture in which frag- mented pieces found from Katas will be put on display Other exhi- bition areas will also be estab- lished in the museum.

Mr Khan tells Dawn the muse- umwillbeset upeidneratflari Singh? Haveli located inside Katas and has been conserved or at the Bayragi House. The work is being doneon the finalisation of the loca- tion for museum, he added. The temples were abandoned by local Hindus when they migra- ted to India in 1947. It has always been the site of holy pilgrimage for people of various faiths. Even today, worshippers from all faiths perform pilgrimages to the tem- ple every year and bathe in the sacred pool here.

History and Culture

Pakistanis truly take pride in their 5,000 years old history which goes back even further into the hoary past yet untraced.

In the words of Sir Mortimer Wheeler, famed British Archaeologist, Pakistan enjoys a high international position in the history of past achievements by virtue of possessing the greatest vestiges of one of the first three mature civilizations of the world.

To get a taste of the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan one may visit The National Ethnographic Museum, Lok Mela Folk Art and Craft Fair, Shah Faisal Mosque, one of Asia's largest most impressive. While in Peshawar, a few kilometers from the Khyber Pass, one may find a mix of Pakhtun, Afghan, and Chitral people to name a few. The Old City has a special bazaar for every kind of handmade crafts, brass, leather, jewellery, many from tribal areas of the Northwest Frontier Province. Excellent ethnographic museum and collection of Gandhara art. Possible to see Khattak dance performance. One of the major attractions of Chitral, is the famous Kalash valley - the home of the Kafir-Kalash or "Wearers of the Black Robes", a primitive pagan tribe. Their ancestry is enveloped in mystery and is the subject of controversy. A legend says that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kafir-Kalash.

A few miles from Rawalpindi is Takht-e-Bai, which hosts numerous Buddhist shrines dating from the 1st to 7th B.C. While in Lahore one may drive south into Punjab, where there is the famous Rohtas Fort, a magnificent example of military architecture, the construction of which started in the mid - 16th Century. The old City of Lahore has artisan workshops and the Famed Shalimar Gardens. The Sunehri Masjid (Golden Mosque) is called so because of its three golden domes and dazzling gold plated minarets. Here also is the museum dedicated to Mohammed Abdur Rahman Chughtai, master artist and "reinventor" of Mughal and Persian painting traditions. One may also pay a visit to the Lahore Fort, which is a palace of immense proportions. The Royal Quarters have brilliant examples of design and handicraft techniques, no longer practiced.

By heading southwest towards the Mid Indus River one may reach the culturally rich city of Multan. This town has a most distinctive structure - the shrine of Shah Rukn-iAlam. The Hussein Agahi Bazaar also has crafts traditional to this area. Across the River and south of Dera Ghazi Khan, is Choti the home of the chief of the Leghari Baluch tribe. This remarkable residence is a prime example of Mughal architecture and interior design. East of Multan is the area of Cholistan, where you may be able to meet some of nomadic people and get a glimpse of their unique dress, learn about their crafts and perhaps see the "Camel dance".

The Bahawalpur area is famous for its varied handicrafts. The ethnographic museum has a remarkable collection of textiles, embroideries, jewellery and costumes from Cholistan. Near Kot Diji is the Talpurian Fort, a huge brick construction built on several levels, and Methelo, the abode of Sindhi master of embroidery. Embroidery on leather can be found in Shikarpur and Khairpur regions. You can visit the town of Thatta, located near Karachi. It holds a site of a brick mosque with 93 domes which is another remarkable example of Mughal architecture. This is an area of magnificent handicrafts, among them textiles with block printing and bandhani are of great admiration. The Makli Hill area has hundreds of tombs, with a unique construction and ornate inscribed stonework.

Pakistan is a great reservoir of the heritage of the Indus, & Gandhara Civilizations. With layers of various Gandhara Kingdoms, it is unsurpassed as a treasure house of the Greco-Buddhist sculptures & artifacts. Moghul monuments are strewn all over the country.

South Pakistan Karachi

South Pakistan Karachi Thatta Hyderabad Mirpurkhas Sukkur Quetta Multan

Chaukundi Tombs Frare Hall Karachi Jewindi Bibi Uch

Day 01 Meet on arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon Sightseeing tour of Karachi Visit Jinnah Mausoleum Defense Mosque, Clifton Beach, Dhobi Ghat and Bohri Bazaar Overnight at Hotel Day 02 Breakfast at Hotel. Morning Drive to Hyderabad via Thatta. Visit Chaukundi, Banbhore, Makli & Shahjehan mosque, late Afternoon arrive Hyderabad Overnight at city gate Hotel. Day 03 Morning tour of Hyderabad visit Sindh University's institute of Sindhology museum , Shahi Bazaar Kalhora monuments Afternoon visit Bhit Shah & Hala overnight at hotel. Day 04 Full day Excursion to Mirpur khas & Umerkot overnight at hotel. Day 05 Breakfast at Hotel. Drive to Larkana via Sehwan visit Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar overnight at Greens hotel. Day 06 Full day in Larkana Visit Moen Jodaro Evening drive to Sukkur overnight at hotel. Day 07 Drive via Bolan pass to Quetta overnight at Serena hotel. Day 08 Afternoon flight to Lahore overnight at Hotel. Day 09 city tour of Lahore Visit Lahore Museum in detail, Delhi gate Bazaar, Wazir Khan Mosque, and Anarkali mosque. Overnight at Hotel Day 10 Drive to Multan via Harrappa overnight at Holiday Inn hotel Day 11 Full day tour of Uch Sharief, Punjnad & Bahawalpur Afternoon visit the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-alam & Shah Shams Tabrez overnight at hotel. Day 12 Flight to Karachi Later connect flight to home.

Maldives Map

Maldives consists of approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped in a double chain of twenty-seven atolls. Composed of live coral reefs and sand bars, these atolls are situated atop a submarine ridge 960 kilometers long that rises abruptly from the depths of the Indian Ocean and runs from north to south. Only near the southern end of this natural coral barricade do two open passages permit safe ship navigation from one side of the Indian Ocean to the other through the territorial waters of Maldives. For administrative purposes the Maldives government organized these atolls into nineteen administrative divisions.

Maldives PhotO

Take your sweetheart to these pearls scattered in the heart of the Indian Ocean. With its numerous sun kissed beaches, deep blue seas, azure skies and tropical palms, Maldives is an ideal honeymoon destination. Get pampered as you lie leisurely in one of the beach resorts, dance to live music or attend a beach barbecue. If you need action, surf or dive in the tranquil waters of the sea. The ideal season for the honeymooners is December to March. Tourist activity reaches soaring heights around the Christmas-New Year week. Owing to the rush of tourists it will be wise enough for you to book your tour in advance. Enjoy virtual tour of Maldives in this photo / picture gallery.

Maldives Holidays

Be it a resort holiday or a cruise, in Maldives you are always by the sunny side of life. Boredom and monotony are out-of-this-world. Maldives is a rich pageantry of sun kissed beaches fringed by palm trees, calm crystal clear waters, fascinating marine life garnished with a laid back attitude. And this is the reason why it is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. Of the total 1192 islands, 88 have been converted into resort islands. Besides, there are around 80 cruise vessels, small and large , to take you around the islands from atoll to atoll.

A fun packed holiday

An ideal holiday in Maldives essentially consists of fishing expeditions, island cruises, surfing, diving and other water sports. The resorts run special schools for those who are new to this world of water sports.

Resort Revelries

The resorts are equipped with restaurants, bars, gymnasiums and centralised swimming pools to take care of your comfort. You can take a stroll down to the restaurant or the bar and savour the delicacies. The evenings are loaded with discos and beach barbecues- you are free to take part in all these revelries.

Beach Boogies

The soft sandy beaches are there if are in need of a tan. Just lie leisurely on the sand and you will get the much needed tan. You can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the sea. In the evenings as you watch the sun go down the horizon you will be filled with ecstacy. In a beach barbecue under the night sky you can smack your lips with your catch

Male, The Capital of Maldives

When it comes to size Male’ would perhaps count as one of the smallest capitals in the world. It is home to one third of the country’s total population. It is a city of skyscrapers and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. In Male you would not find any beach, instead it is encircled by seawalls. The city is quite green and pleasant. The streets in the residential areas are shaded with trees, at places forming an arch overhead.

Attractions of the City

The Islamic Centre

The Islamic Centre is the most impressive architectural edifice of Male’. Its majestic golden dome is visible from all sides of the capital as it dominates the skyline. It bears great symbolic significance of the importance of Islamic religion, which had ruled every facet of life in the country for centuries. The Centre consists of a mosque which can house as many as 5000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices. Work on this structure was completed in 1984.

Huskuru Miskiiy

This 17th century mosque, built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar, served as the main mosque of Male’ for almost four centuries, until the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took the reins in 1984. It is an edifice of impeccable coral curving and traditional workmanship. The inner sanctums have lamp hangings of wood and panels intricately curved with Arabic writings. The mosque is surrounded by a cemetery with a legion of intricately curved coral headstones.

Mulee- Aage

Situated right in front of the Huskuru Miskiiy, Mulee-aage is a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. The palace garden was used for growing vegetables to meet the shortage of food during World War II. It became the President’s Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until the new Presidential Palace was built in 1954. At present Mulee-aage houses the President’s Office.

National Museum

Housed in the only remaining building of the former Sultan’s Palace, which is now the Sultan’s Park, the National museum is a repository of articles ranging from thrones and palanquins to the first printing press used in the country. Other articles that adorn the museum include the rifle used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial robes, headgear and umbrellas used by Sultans, statues and other figures dating from 11th century, excavated from former temples. It gives an insight into the cultural heritage of the island. The museum remains open everyday except on Fridays and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40.

MALDIVES

Where Is Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is a group of coral islands to the north of the equator in the Indian Ocean. It is to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka. Out of the 1200 islands only 200 are inhabited and none of them rise 6’ above sea level. It lies between latitudes 4 degree- 17 North and longitudes 73 degree- 50 East.

The culture of maldives is replete with the ways of the sea farers who settled on the islands.Traditional music and dance performances are not everyday affairs, however there is a strong, impregnable and highly adaptive contemporary Dhivehi culture which has survived even in the face of such all pervading foreign influences ranging from Bollywood movies and Oriental martial arts to western music and Moslem fanaticism.

Music and Dance
The bodu beru is the best known form of traditional music and dance. It derives its name from a big drum by the same name. In the tourist resorts it is put on with great elan for a local culture night. It is featured by a gradual increase in the tempo of the dancers ending up in a rhythmic frenzy. Four to six drummers accompany the performance in an ensemble, and the beats as well as the sound have strong African influences.

Cultural events in the resorts often feature impeccable performances by local rock bands. These are basically cover bands playing the popular numbers with great virtuosity, but sometimes they do come up with original compositions. While performing for a local audience these bands embark upon an intricate blend of rock and bodu beru , with lots of percussion and extended drum solos. Music shops in Male’ are stuffed up with records and cassettes of these local bands.

Cuisines
Fish and rice make up the staple food of Maldivians; meat is taken only on special occasions. In fact, the Maldivians have a fetish for fish- fried fish, fish curry and fish soup are the National dishes. Your after-dinner mint is substituted by areca-nut (an oval nut chewed with betel leaf, cloves and lime). Alcohol is available only in the resorts. You can have a sip of “raa”, the local brew, which is a sweet toddy tapped from the crown of the palm trunk.

Mount Lavania

Location: 12 kms from Colombo

Weather: Warm and Sunny

Just 12 km. south of Colombo along the road to Galle lies Mount Lavinia, the famous beach resort of Sri Lanka. It is an immediate city suburb and the beach lying alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. The name Lavinia was derived from a secret love affair between a British Governor and a local damsel who used to meet at the holiday house of the Governor which stood on the spot where the Mt. Lavinia Hotel is now located.

Sigiriya

Location: North Central District

Dating back to over 7,000 years, Sigiriya portrays the ancient architectural tradition of Sri Lanka. It is the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning. There is now a proposal to name Sigiriya as the Eighth Wonder of the world.

Attractions

The Rock: The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit. Through the open mouth of the Lion had led the covered staircase built of bricks and timber and a tiled roof. But what remains now are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround the ancient limestone steps.

KANDY

Historical records suggest that the original city Senkadagalapura was established by the King Wickramabahu III during the period of his reign from 1357-1374 AD. The history of Kandy and it's townscape has been in a state of flux from the beginning of British rule, particularly after the 1818 rebellion. But with its rich heritage of living monuments, Kandy continues to be the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Today, Kandy city is well known for its scenic beauty, favorable climate, cultural values and historical significance.

Reaching Kandy
Air: The nearest international airport is at Colombo, 116 kms away.

Sea: Colombo is also the International sea port.

Road and Rail: There are excellent rail and road services which connect Kandy to other parts of the country.

COLOMBO

The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a city which holds the fascination of the visitors with its harmonious blend of East and the West as well as the old an the new. The city is noisy and frenetic, but an easy place to find one’s way around.

Reaching Colombo

Regular international flights connect Colombo to all the important cities of the world. The airport is at Katunayake, 30 min away from Colombo. Also, it is a prime international sea port of the country.

From Colombo to Other Spots

Since domestic air connectivity is not available in Sri Lanka, the favourite option for the tourists for commuting from Colombo to other places is the railway. Buses are available too, but more often than not they remain stuffy.

Sri Lanka Tea

The Beginning
It was in 1824, at the botanical gardens at Peradeniya in Kandy, that Tea was introdused in Sri Lanka for the first time ever. Earlier it was brought from China, but later, in 1839, more were introduced from Assam. James Taylor, a Scottish planter, planted tea seedlings on eight hectares of forest land which had been actually cleared for coffee plantation. Two years later the whole coffee crop was destroyed by blight and the all planters had to resort to tea as a result of James Taylor’s encouragement.

Commercialisation
The first sale of Looll kandara tea was held at Kandy in 1872. Export was started in 1873 with 23 pounds (approximately 10 kg) being shipped to London.

People of Sri Lanka

Major Ethnic Groups: Sinhalese, Tamils

Professed Religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity

Distribution

The absolute majority is constituted by the Sinhalese who are concentrated in the southern, western, central, and north-central parts of the nation. In the rural areas of the Wet Zone lowlands more than 95 % of the population belong to this community. The Sinhalese profess Buddhism. The Sri Lankan Tamils are concentrated in the Jaffna Peninsula and in the nearby districts of the northern lowlands as well as the eastern littorals. The main Muslim concentrations occur in the eastern lowlands. They form a small but valuable portion of the urban and suburban population in other areas like Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, and Gampaha. The agglomeration of the Indian Tamils, a majority of whom are plantation workers transported by the British, is in the higher areas of the Central Highlands. Besides, the population also consists of Moors, Burghers Malays and Veddas

Sri Lanka Music

Buddhism, Indian classical music and the Portuguese colonizers were the three biggest influences on Sri Lanka’s music scenario. While Buddhism arrived in 300 BC, after the visit of Gautama Buddha, the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century. The African slaves who came along with the Portuguese added further harmony to the music of the island. As the Portuguese brought cantiga ballads, ukuleles and guitars, the slaves brought their dance music called baila. As seen today, the music of Sri Lanka can be categorised into the following-

Traditional folk music of Sri Lanka

Traditional folk music existed from the very beginning of its race and it under the Buddhist environment. The ordinary people.wre the one to use this form of music.

Local drama music (Kolam/Nadagam/Noorthy)

Kolam is based on low country tunes and it is not a well developed form of music. Limited to very few notes about 3~4 and It is used by the ordinary people for pleasure and entertainment and is limited to very few notes, about 3~4.

Art of Sri Lanka

The visual arts, architecture, literature, music and dance of Sri Lanka all bear the definitive seal of centuries-old Buddhist culture which had hold sway over the social fabric of the country. Until the coming of the British, poetry, music and dance were almost entirely ceremonial and devotional performances. It’s only by the mid-19th century that Sri Lanka opened its windows to the outside cultural influences. This was hastened by the advent of the printing press.

Literature

Sri Lanka did not have a fertile ground for the growth of vernacular literature particularly because of the conservative Buddhist tradition coupled with the fierce political repression which followed the leftist revolts of 1971 and 1987-88 and the ethnic troubles of the 1980s and 1990s. But still she has her share of home spun literary talent. The best known of its authors, perhaps, is Michael Ondaatje, who wrote the much acclaimed novel The English Patient, also a popular screen picture.

Music and Dance

Kandyan Dance:

Music and dance in Sri Lanka are still closely intertwined with religious rituals. Kandyan or 'high country' dance which is accompanied by the complex rhythms of several drummers has evolved from village dances performed to appease to local deities. The percussion instrument used is a wooden drum with leather heads of monkey skin at one end and cowhide at the other. Two different types of skins make room for contrasting tones. Dancers, usually women, go through a routine of sinuous poses and flowing arm movements.

Devil- mask Dance:

'Low country' or 'devil-mask' dancing is generally performed with the motive of exorcism. These are also accompanied by drummers, who use a special 'demon drum' to enhance the steps and movements of dancers wearing the grotesque masks representing the 18 demons of disease.

Art and Architecture

Buddhist Influence:

Sri Lanka's architectural heritage is very much influenced and shaped by Buddhist traditions. Prominent among the architectural edifices are the dagobas which are sighted everywhere in the country. Built in the shape of a dome, the dagobas often enshrine relics of the Buddha, such as a hair or a tooth, and is usually massively constructed of brick covered with a coat of plaster and painted white. Ancient temple sites are featured by statues of Buddha which are often carved from the living rock of basalt crags and cliffs. Frescoes like those located at Sigiriya may display beautiful women, temple dancers or deities.

Culture of Sri Lanka

Buddhism has been the biggest influence in moulding the variegated cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. In addition, much of the culture of south India have also made inroads into the social fabric of the island. The Europeans, particularly the Dutch and the British who colonised the island , added their own cultural hues, thus, creating a motley blend which is embellished by the architecture, sculpture, paintings, dances, theatre, cuisines et. al.

Art, Architecture and Crafts
The classical architecture, sculpture and painting of the island bear the Buddhist trademark. Buddhist Stupas are scattered all over the countryside, and there are several exquisite Buddhist sculptures, especially at Aukana and Buduruvagala. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa showcases the archaeological legacy of Sri Lanka.Today, Kandy is the cultural hub of the country. Dutch forts, churches, British residences, clubs and courthouses are reminiscient of the colonial era. The city of Galle is home to the finest colonial monuments of the country. Woodcarving, weaving, pottery and metalwork bear the touch of rare artistic finesse. Sri Lanka is renowned for its gems. While the best of Sri Lankan masks come from Ambalangoda, Ratnapura is the honey pot of Sri Lanka's gem trade

Malaysia Beaches

It would be an impossible task to describe every one of Malaysia's thousands of beautiful beaches. Ranging from the powdery stretches of sand that characterize the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia to the black sand beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam and the smooth pebble beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil, Malaysia's shores offer more idyllic locales than one could explore in many lifetimes.

In addition to the plenitude of beaches along the the peninsula and the coast of Eastern Malaysia, the country also possesses over a hundred tropical islands. Many of these are so beautiful as to have entered into legend centuries ago, like the islands of Langkawi remain desert isles, marked , or Pulau Tioman. Others only by the imprint of the South China Sea on their sands.

The New Gateway to South-East Asia

Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Garden City of Lights, is the Capital City of Malaysia. From its centralized position which spans 243.6 sq. kilometers, this ultra-modern nerve center of Malaysia expands outwards to embrace the world.

Discovering Kuala Lumpur (as locals affectionately call it) is like traveling though a time tunnel. Here, vivid traces of history continue to influence and inspire a country set on becoming a fully industrialized nation by the year 2020. You will see ultra-modern skyscrapers standing magnificently next to rows and rows of quaint old shop houses. Haute cuisine beside hawker stalls. To the avid shopper, Kuala Lumpur is paradise. From world-renowned designer labels and brands to exquisite made-in-Malaysia items, the highly competitive environment that exists among traders is a blessing in disguise to shoppers. While department stores practice a fixed price policy, bargain hunters can test their skills at smaller retail establishments or at any one of Kuala Lumpur's famous night markets. KL will enthrall you. It will capture your heart and mind in a way no other city will.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad building was constructed at the end of the last century and the site was chosen because of its central position. A.C. Norman, a British architect who worked for the Public Works Department in Kuala Lumpur, in designing the existing building took into consideration some of the features of buildings in several Islamic countries. The predominantly Moorish appearance of the building suitably reflects the cultural background of Malaysia.

The financial Heart of Penang

George Town

The financial Heart of Penang

George Town, the capital of the island of Penang was named by the British after King George III. It was established by Capt Francis Light in 1786. Penang is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. The government centre and its financial heart, George Town is an interesting and bustling city with modern high rise buildings, cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes.

One must visit the older part of the town that has narrow lanes and alleyways, which makes it a pleasure to walk.

Penang

The Pearl of the Orient

Penang is located on the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It comprises the Penang island and a strip on the mainland named Province Wellesley Seberang Perai) which are linked by the Penang Bridge, the third longest in the world. Penang island measures a modest 285sq.km and is inhabited by slightly over a million people who hail from a diverse mix of cultures and religions.

Kinabalu

Land Below the Wind

The Kinabalu region is on the west coast of Sabah, 'The Land Below the Wind'. Here sits South-East Asia's highest peak, the mystical Mount Kinabalu, rising a 4,101 meters above sea level. Kinabalu holds the promise of many exhilarating moments for its visitors. Tour Kota Kinabalu, the bustling capital city of Sabah, or retreat to Kinabalu Park, a paradise for naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, mountaineers or just about anyone who wants to be close to nature. The park is home to an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna including the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. Scale the ‘home of a dragon’, Mount Kinabalu or indulge in some thrilling white-water rafting action down fast-flowing turbulent rivers. Whatever you choose, excitement awaits you right here in Kinabalu.

Malacca

Historic City

Located on the west coast of Penisular Malaysia, about 147 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, Malacca is a state hailed by history. Malacca spans 1,658sq.km, and is divided into three main districts, Central Malacca, Alor Gajah and Jasin. Malacca boasts a legacy of history and charm only a rare few places on Earth are bestowed with. Aptly, it was officially declared a Historic City in 1989 by its Ruler, the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca The Governor of Malacca). Visiting Malacca is a must for any tourist. Here, remnants of the past sit unperturbed by a city that races towards the future. A juxtaposition that is Malacca’s alone, one that is bound to mesmerize you.

Other than our popular destinations, Malaysia comprises Penisular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Boneo which made up of 13 states. Each state has unique characteristics and each promises visitors totally different experiences. One can look forward to interesting flora and fauna, sunny.

Shopping in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a shoppers paradise. There is a wide range of shopping establishments and modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets. Among the items high on the shopping list of tourists are pewter, batik, duty free items, electrical products, sportswear and handicrafts. For a very different experience visit the night markets or 'pasar malam' which begin their trading activities in the late afternoon. These open-air markets feature hawker stalls that sell a variety of local produce, foodstuff, clothing and cakes. Bargaining is a common practice. One can see a number of street artists and traditional medicine vendors.

Sungei Wang Plaza, which is integrated with the adjacent Bukit Bintang Plaza, is a magnet for all shoppers. Its retail outlets offer an incredible assortment of goods catering to all tastes and budgets.

Most shops are open 0900-1700 daily, with the malls open later 1000-2200. Some shops close on Sundays, but all of the malls are open.

It would be difficult to overstate the attraction of Malaysia for anyone who appreciates the natural world. Its primal forests, ranging from shoreline mangrove to mountaintop oak, are of the sort that most of the world now knows only in myth. Although Malaysia's size is similar to that of Norway, natural trees and forests cover almost three quarters of the land, an area equivalent to almost the entire United Kingdom. One can walk for hundreds of miles in Malaysia under a continuous canopy of green, marveling at an abundance of plant and animal species equaled by no other location in the entire world.

Food in Malaysia

Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavours and culinary styles offering the uninitiated an endless gastronomic adventure. It comprises three main groups - Malay, Chinese and Indian with each having its own distinct style of cooking. There are also cuisine that have evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities.

For the visitor who is interested in dining out, Kuala Lumpur boasts an extraordinary number of hawker stalls, coffee shops and restaurants, most of them offering a high standard of cuisine and often at very cheap prices.

Nasi Dagang
The dish is made by cooking rice and glutinous rice together, to which coconut cream is added once it is cooked. Nasi Dagang is eaten with its own specially made side dishes of tuna fish curry and a light vegetable pickle.

¤ Keropok Lekor / Keping
A popular and the most visible fried snack in Terengganu, the keropok is made of fish meat, ground to a paste, and mixed with sago. Coming in two main different forms, the long chewy ones are called 'lekor', while the thin, crispy ones are called 'keping'. Keropok is best eaten hot with its special chili dip.

Welcome to Malaysia

Welcome to Malaysia

Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest—and even Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Add to this a delightful fusion.

Geographically, somewhat oddly, Malaysia comprises two distinct bodies of land, politically joined in 1963 after independence from Britain. The Malayan peninsula is the historic home of the Malay people, today’s heart and the population center of the dynamic modern nation. East Malaysia claims the northern edge of the huge, wild island of Borneo. Ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito.

Yet it preserves many traditional cultural aspects—dress, religion, food and architecture—and retains great natural beauty in beaches, forests, rivers and mountains. Visiting Malaysia provides a step into a special and distinctive world that can be done with ease and comfort via high modern standards of transportation and accommodation.

Holidaymakers love to head for the beach first and forget their workday cares. Malaysia offers a huge range of seaside relaxation running from luxurious total-comfort resorts to deserted away-from-it-all beaches. On the northwest coast of the peninsula sits the holiday island of Langkawi, set on the Andaman Sea. In its myriad coves and inlets, beside palm-fringed golden sand beaches, Langkawi offers international-standard resort hotels and simple chalet accommodation. For a bit of action, there are water sports of all kinds, a fine golf course and duty-free shopping. Especially easy to access, Langkawi has its own international airport.

Asia Pacific-Africa

Asia Pacific-Africa travel and tourism industry cooperation strengthened

(Forimmediaterelease.net) NEW YORK, NY - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Africa Travel

Association (ATA) have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen cooperation between the African and Asia Pacific travel and tourism industries.

The original partnership between the two associations was formed at ATA’s 31st Congress in Ghana in May 2006. Since then, several exchanges and cooperative activities have been held under the auspices of the ATA-PATA MOU. These activities have included reciprocal visits and staff training, shared marketing

opportunities at selected trade shows and reciprocal participation and speaking opportunities at ATA and PATA events.

The renewed two-year MOU (August 2008 to August 2010) was signed by PATA president and CEO Peter de Jong and ATA executive director Edward Bergman on August 19, 2008. The MOU includes commitments to explore joint research projects and shared efforts to develop a sustainable tourism approach to climate

change.

“ATA has gained much momentum in recent years, and we are delighted to support their excellent work,” said Mr. de Jong. “As Asia Pacific becomes a global leader, both as a destination and as a source market, we clearly have Africa in our sights as an important tourism partner, with ATA as its strategic voice.”

“Both associations have renewed their commitment to engage in an ongoing dialogue to explore ways to support each other's missions and goals,” said Mr. Bergman. “By sharing and combining resources, we can be on the cutting edge of Africa-Asia Pacific tourism promotion and marketplace investment.”

About the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with PATA's private and public sector members, it enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region. PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 international airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel

industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to some 30 PATA chapters worldwide. For more information,