Splendor Of Forts That Beautify India

India has many historical monuments, palaces and forts, some dating back to 100 AD. The pages of the Indian history have mostly been written in the Forts of India. Today, many of them are a reminder of the glory and the royal kingdoms of the past that India use to have. You have to see them to realize this fact. Most of these forts which were actually fortresses and castles to keep the enemy away. These forts and the places inside them are most fascinating. The most notable characteristics of these forts are the exquisite carvings on them that have survived over the ages and attracts visitors from all over the world. Most of the forts in India are in Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Agra. Two of these forts – the Red Fort, Delhi and the Agra Fort, in Agra are UNESCO world heritage sites. Here are some of the notable ones.

Mehrangarh Fort:

The Mehrangarh Fort, the largest in India, is situated in one of the most beautiful cities of India – Jodhpur, in Rajasthan. The foundation of this fort was laid by Rao Jodha - the Rajput ruler in 1459.Standing at 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur on a perpendicular cliff is a splendor. This colossal structure which Rudyard Kipling described as ‘the work of giants’, is made of red sand stone. Within its boundaries lie many places with intricate designs and carvings. There are seven gates leading into the fort and are called the victory gates. The museum inside the fort in one of the most well stocked museum in Rajasthan.

Red Fort:-

Built by the great Mughal Emperor Shajahan, Red Fort or the Lal Quila, became the capital of the Mughal Empire, after Enperor Shajahan shifted from the earlier capital of Agra. The walls of the fort is built in red sandstones and that is how it also got its name – the Lal Quila. This very famous citadel showcases the glorious Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO heritage site. Apart from the usual paraphernalia of the Mughal government halls for both public and private audience, it has arched domed palaces, gardens and a mosque. The public audience hall is known as Diwane Aam and the private audience hall as Diwane Khaas. It is believed that the famous diamond Kohinoor was once part of the furniture.

Gwalior Fort:-

The GwaliorFort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century, covering 3 square kilometers and surrounded by sandstone concrete. It was passed on by the Tomar to the Mughuls, then to the Marathas and then to the British. It finally went to the Scindias. A temple, known as the Teli-ka-Mandir is the most famous of the many temples inside the Gwalior Fort. This fascinating Dravidian styled temple has an ornate exterior. Of the many palaces inside the fort, the Man Singh Palace is the most fascinating one. The other palaces inside the fort is the Karan Palace, the Shah Jahan Mahal, the Gujri Mahal, built by Raja Man Singh for love of his wife Mrignayani and the Jahangir Palace.

Jaisalmer Fort:-

Located on a cliff top in the arid deserts of the Thar dessert, the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest in the world. Made of yellow sandstone, the fort becomes visible from a distant and shines when the sunlight hits the walls of the fort. With the setting sun the walls dissolves into a honey gold shade. The golden sand dunes surrounding the fort adds to the grandeur of this massive fort. During the medieval times, Jaisalmer was a trade route that made the Jaisalmer a prosperous town. The merchants and traders of Jaisalmer employed craftsmen who worked on the palaces, buildings and sandstone mansions within the walls of the fort. These palaces and buildings have ornate sculptural filigree work on windows and beautiful balconies. Some major attractions of the Jaisalmer Fort are the Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples, Laxminath temple, the four massive gateways and the Merchant Havelis.

Agra Fort:-

Built by the great Mughul Emperor Akhbar in 1565, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The fort has only four gates but the most impressive one is the Delhi Gate. The Agra Fort has a double wall made of red sandstone. It is situated just 2 km away from the world famous Taj Mahal on the same bank of river Yamuna. You can get a beautiful view of The Taj Mahal from the balconies of Agra Fort. There are many awesome and impressive structures inside the Agra Fort, like the Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Aam, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid and the Machchhi Bhawan. In the last days of Shah Jahan’s life, his son, Aurangzeb imprisoned him in the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan later died in the tower of Muasamman Burj which had a marble balcony with a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.Holiday India : Splendor Of Forts That Beautify India

Read More........→May 30, 2024

Holiday India : The Highest Pass in the World

The small town Leh is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh means “land of high passes”. It’s situated between Kulnun and the Great Himalayas mountain ranges. Leh is the second largest district in India after Kutch in Gujrat and the largest town in Ladakh. The people are of Indo Aryans and Tibetan descendants, though they are now either Tibetan Muslims or Shia Muslims. It’s also called ‘Little Tibet’ because of its strong influence of Tibetan culture. Over 1800 kms of motor able roads through beautiful mountains, make this an ideal destination for bikers and driving enthusiasts. It’s a little smaller than Scotland in terms of area. Other major parts of Ladakh region are Nubra valley, Pangong Lake and Zanskar. The region is gorgeous and is open only for a limited period time during the year, from May to September. It has one of the world’s highest airports and is the world’s highest motor able pass (Khardung-la, 5359m).

The colorful prayer flags over houses and monasteries, fluttering in the air look amazing in the scenic backdrop of Leh. Buddhist chants add to the captivating sunsets in the valley. The ancient Gompas, serene valleys and the quiet monasteries leave a deep impact on tourists. The most appreciated fact is the status of women in the region. Unlike other north Indian states, the women enjoy a highly elevated status in the society of Ladakh.

Famous places to visit:-

Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hemis gompha , Leh Trekking Trails, War Museum,Chamba Temple, Jama Masjid, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib Jo Khang Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Stok Palace, The Victory Tower, Zorawar Fort, Magnetic hill .

The famous Magnetic hill is believed to have magnetic properties. Cars seem to get pulled uphill and aircrafts fly above their normal altitude to avoid the magnetic effect . In reality, it’s just an optical illusion. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is situated 25 kms from Leh town. Guru Nanak is said to have vanquish a demon here. The Indian army manages it and it is used for worship by Sikhs and Buddhists alike. The Leh palace or the Potala palace, was once used to be the residence of the royal family.. Bikes are available on rent from INR 400-1500 per day. Pangong Tso (Pangong lake) is around 180 kms from Leh and is a very beautiful lake. It has been used as a location for several national and international movies. Visitors to the lake sometimes spend a night or two by the side of the lake in tents. It is 134 km long and upto 5 km wide. It has no aquatic life and freezes in winters, despite the water being saline.

Things to do:

Though the town is small enough to be navigated by foot in less than an hour, there are several unique things to do there.

1. Visit the sanctuary established by a South African journalist to save the lives of mules and donkeys that had been abandoned or injured. Several westerners adopt an animal there and donate them for their conservation.

2. Pay a visit to one of the local weaving centers where the ‘pride of Ladakh’- The Pashmina wool, is used to make shawls and other woolen items. See how the animals are sheered and the rigorous process of making Cashmere. This is where Cashmere- the softest wool in the world, begins its journey into the world of International fashion. The tribal people who produce this from their animals, live in freezing cold, sometimes under -45 degree Celsius for a couple of months and have no contacts with the rest of the world.

3. Help out LOTI – Leh Old Town Initiative, an organization in association with UNESCO, working for the restoration of the old Leh town. Several foreigners live and work there voluntarily to help the cause.

4. Visit Changs Pa- the famous market area, where one can shop for souvenirs, rent a bike or trekking equipment.

5. The Tibetan Buddhist deity- Rinpoche is said to have been born time and again and this year, he is said to be born as a child in Nubra valley, brought to Leh by H.H. Dalai Lama. The Spituk Gompa, the place where he lives, studies and preaches, is a center of attraction for tourists and pilgrims alike due to the obvious curiosity.

6. Take a heritage walk across the Leh old town.

7. Treks and expeditions are organized in the tourist season to several nearby mountains and glaciers, both guided and non-guided.

8. Take a Yak ride for less than a hundred rupees, something which is not found anywhere, other than Leh.

Climate: Long harsh winters from Oct to early March. Temperatures usually go below freezing points during these months. Other months are generally warm.

Height: The average elevation of the town is 11000 feet.

Wildlife: Includes black necked crane, snow leopards, Tibetan ass and yaks.

How To Reach Leh Ladakh :-

By Road:

Currently only two highways lead to Leh.

a) Srinagar- Leh highway (434 km)

b) Manali-Leh highway (473 km)

By Air:Flights operate to Leh airport in season time. The prices can be quite high as compared to other Indian cities due to limited number of flights.Holiday India : The Highest Pass in the World

Read More........→November 11, 2023

Kerala's first caravan park will open on February 25 in Vagamon

The Caravan Tourism project starts with the idea of ​​how people can arrange a safe journey when they cannot go out or travel. Every traveler wants safe travel, accommodation, and food during this time. The Caravan Tourism Project is great hope and opportunity for people who have been unable to travel for a long time and had to stay at home. Houseboats came to Kerala in the 1980s. It was a new product in the tourism sector. Houseboats are still the main attraction of Kerala tourism. Due to various reasons, it was not possible to bring a new product later as part of Kerala Tourism. The caravan is the latest product launched by Kerala Tourism after Houseboats. Caravan Tourism is Announced to be launched in Kerala on September 15, 2021. Since then, many people from all over the world have expressed interest in becoming part of Caravan Tourism. So far, the tourism department has received 154 applications for 303 caravans from the private sector. 67 people have already come forward for the first 100 caravan parks. Five months after the announcement of the project, the first caravan park in Kerala is being inaugurated. The first caravan park will be starting at Vagamon, a major tourist destination in Kerala. Tourism Minister P A Muhammad Riyaz will open the Caravan Park to the public on February 25.Travelers have the option to do Tourist Bus booking in Trivandrum, Ernaukulam and from all other major cities in Kerala Source: Tourism News Live

Read More........→February 14, 2023

Bali closed to foreign tourists for rest of 2020

The Indonesian island of Bali will remain closed to foreign tourists for the rest of 2020, due to coronavirus concerns. 

Earlier, authorities of the popular holiday destination said that they planned to welcome foreign tourists from September 11. But the plan has been postponed as the coronavirus continues to spread in Indonesia. 

In a recent statement, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said, "The situation in Indonesia is not conducive to allow international tourists to visit the country, including Bali." 

The island's governor did not specify when Bali would reopen to foreign travellers but said, "The Indonesian government couldn't reopen its doors to foreign travellers until the end of 2020 as we remain a red zone." 

After some success in containment early on, the coronavirus infection rate in Bali jumped in June as migrant workers returned home and testing increased. The island had reported 4,576 coronavirus infections and 52 deaths as of Monday. 

Meanwhile, the latest move has renewed worries about the impact on residents in an economy heavily dependent on tourism. Millions of foreigners fly to Bali each year in search of deserted beaches, terraced rice fields and sprawling Hindu temples. But their numbers have dropped sharply since Indonesia closed its borders to non-residents, like other countries battling with coronavirus pandemic.

Since the end of July, the island has turned to domestic visitors to help its ravaged tourism industry, the heart of the local economy, reopening beaches, temples and other landmarks to local travellers. But hotels and restaurants have been struggling to survive, with many resort workers returning home to villages and small towns to earn an income. - BBC, Straight Times  Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com

Read More........→August 25, 2020

How to Book a Cruise-at up to 75% off

When it comes to cruises, there is something for everyone: from classic destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska, to global destinations like the Mediterranean, Hawaii, or more “exotic” locales such as Africa, Antarctica, or the Galapagos Islands. With the convenience of a modern cruise, the world literally awaits you…However, in these difficult economic times, there is something that can make even the most spectacular cruise even better: up to 75% off its price! There is one service that is committed to helping you save—big—on cruises around the globe. Founded 25+ years ago, Vacations To Go has saved millions of dollars on discount cruises for thousands of travelers just like you. That’s because a quarter of a century ago, Vacations To Go innovated a way for the cruise lines to sell unsold cabins close to
departure at huge last-minute discounts without affecting the overall market. Rather than offering “sale” prices to the public and upsetting full-fare customers buying in advance, cruise lines allowed Vacations To Go to market unsold cabins to their confidential, exclusive client list at huge savings. Vacations To Go has now provided hundreds of thousands of their members with great cruise vacations at huge savings—often as much as 75% off! The company partners with the world’s largest cruise lines and receives high praise for its outstanding customer service. Getting on this confidential list is easy. All you have to do is register on their website—at no charge— to become a member. At that point Vacations To Go will

IMMEDIATELY begin offering you all of these great discounts! After you’ve registered, you’ll have instant access to great features like the “90-Day Ticker," a comprehensive listing of last-minute deals by all the world’s best lines. Here, customers typically save anywhere from 50% to a whopping 75% off the everyday rate. Additionally, Vacations To Go’s "Find A Bargain" displays an incredible array of discounts, including 2-for-1 early bird discounts and even lower rates for people age 55+, active and retired military, airline employees, teachers, firefighters, police and past cruise passengers. Vacations To Go offers the widest selection of cruises at the best price. So, whether you are a cruise novice or veteran—sign up for the free mailing list and start your next adventure today. Source: SmarterLifestyles

Read More........→September 28, 2013

CNNGo lists world's best Chinatowns

CNN's travel site, CNNGo, recently published an article titled "World's Best Chinatowns."

There is a Chinatown in almost every major city in the world, and such is the huge footprint of overseas Chinese. CNN's travel site, CNNGo, recently published an article titled "World's Best Chinatowns." The following are some of the best Chinatowns in the world, according to CNNGo. Havana, Cuba – Havana's Chinatown is called "Barrio Chino" in Spanish by locals. It was started by coolies brought in from Guangdong in the 1840s to work on the sugar plantations, and was once Latin America's largest Chinatown. There are about 150 native Cuban Chinese left in Havana. Kolkata, India – Many Chinese people, predominately from South China, fled early 19th-century war and famine in their homeland, and found their way to Kolkata. There are still some Taoist temples in the city, and Chinese food is the most popular cuisine there. Bangkok, Thailand – At night, Bangkok's Chinatown resembles Hong Kong in 1960s. The main attraction is the food. One of the easiest ways to enjoy it is to sign up for a tour with Bangkok Food Tours' Chinatown Foodie Walk. Manila, Philippines – Binondo in Manila is the world's oldest Chinatown, established in the 1590s by the Spanish colonists as a settlement for Catholic Chinese. One can find some of the best Chinese food there. Johannesburg, South Africa – Transvaal was found in the 1880s to lay the largest deposits of gold in the world, which attracted many Chinese gold diggers. Johannesburg is actually home to two Chinatowns. Most residents of the Chinatown in the suburbs are recent Mandarin-speaking immigrants. A growing number of Chinese people have moved to South Africa either for work or study in recent years. One can find authentic Shanghainese and Sichuan food in the city. Melbourne, Australia – The first batch of Chinese migrants went there mainly due to gold rush. Beginning in 1851, ships laden with gold diggers began to set sail from Hong Kong for Melbourne. Today, the historic three-story brick buildings in Melbourne's Chinatown remain home to various Chinese restaurants, groceries, and herbal medicine shops. It holds the world's largest dragon boat race every year. Vancouver, Canada – Chinese people account for nearly 50 percent of the residents of Richmond, modern-day Chinatown in Vancouver. In recent years, a reverse brain drain has seen Canadian-born Chinese moving back to Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland in search of better job opportunities. San Francisco, United States – After more than 150 years in San Francisco, Chinese have become an integral part of the rich fabric of the city. In the late 1880s, San Francisco's Chinatown was the city's sleaziest area, and was best known for authentic Cantonese food. London, England – London is home to Europe's largest Chinatown, which attracts 300,000 people for the Lunar New Year celebrations every year. The Chinese community in the city is mainly made up of migrants from Hong Kong. Attracted by cheap rents and short leases on offer, many of them have opened restaurants, teahouses, Chinese medicine clinics, and supermarkets in the city. Source: China.org.cn

Read More........→November 27, 2012

Indonesia to boost Bali tourism with 60 new hotels

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JAKARTA: Indonesia is looking to increase the number of tourists to the resort state of Bali. As a precursor to a planned advertising campaign, the government and partners are to build 60 new hotels on the island. Indonesia’s tourist island Bali will have 10,466 hotel rooms in 2014 with the 60 new hotel projects under construction, property research agency Knight Frank has predicted, citing government information. Supply of hotel rooms in Bali has continued to grow with 3,922 additional rooms in the second

Image Link flickrhalf of the year, Senior Associate Director of Knight Frank, Fakky Hidayat, said on Wednesday. Over the next two years, the hotel rooms on the resort island would total 10,466 units, Fakky was quoted as

saying. In the first half of the year, five-star hotels contributed the largest number or 37.7 percent to the total number of hotel rooms in Bali, he said. The second largest number was contributed by four-star hotel accounting for 31.3 percent followed by three-star hotels accounting for 31 percent, he said. The largest

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number of the new hotels would be built in Kuta until 2014, he said. He said that four-star hotels grew faster in number in Bali with the growing number of domestic and foreign tourists. The number of four-star

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hotels rose 50.2 percent with 3,358 rooms in the first half of the year. The number of rooms of five star hotel totaled only 924 units in Nusa Dua, he said. Four-star hotels are dominant in Seminyak, Sanur and Legian with rooms 691 units, 1,025 units and 617 units respectively. For tour operators in Jakarta and

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elsewhere, they told Bikyamasr.com that the increase in hotels and space will hopefully translate into a reduction in prices and availability for customers. “We have seen prices really rise in recent years and this has hurt the industry, so hopefully these new rooms and hotels will push the price down a bit,” said one tour operator in the capital. Source: Bikya Masr

Read More........→October 13, 2012

Peru’s Cusco leads in new wonders of the world campaign

Cusco is currently the top ranked city in South America in the New7Wonders Cities global voting campaign, which aims to highlight the seven wonders of cities around the world. The ancient capital of the Incas is ranked first, followed by Mendoza, Salta and Buenos Aires in Argentina and Asuncion in Paraguay. Lima, the other Peruvian city on the list, comes in 16th. The global vote for New7Wonders Cities began in January with over 1,200 nominees from more than 220 countries. From March 7 to November 23, the choices are narrowed down to around 300 cities, with one per country, plus the top 77 voted. The finalist phase will begin on December 7, 2012, during which 28 official finalist candidates will be selected by a panel of experts. Voting will continue across the three phases until 2013, when the Official New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on December 7, 2013. The New7Wonders Cities is the third campaign in the New7Wonders movement. Previous campaigns elected the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Natur,  Source: Bikya Masr

Read More........→September 16, 2012

A thrill experience during rainy season in India

This time to go India with a thrill experience of Rains, Indian Rainy season is one of the best season because every where you can look greenness and very beautiful weather also. Indian Monsoon is generally thought of as a land where water descends in torrents during monsoons. Hence, it is understandable that the thoughts of rain and floods can dampen your holiday plans in India. However, in reality you do not have to avoid traveling to India during the monsoon season. So just Stay with cool and pleasant weather and enjoy some spicy Indian food during the rainy season. Best Monsoon Places in India: If you think to go India so first thing come in your mind that is Goa, and Goa also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', has a character quite distinct from from the rest of the country. This tiny state, on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan, offers a lot more than just sun, sand and sea. The Goan beaches are only a part of the attraction - the scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite around the world. Some beach resorts in Goa are open around the year, so it is possible to visit Goa during the rainy season. Especially in the later months of the southwest monsoon, some of Goa’s beaches invite small crowds of travellers who do not mind some rain and who appreciate the significant discounts you can get for accommodation when it rains. Indian More Places where you can go During the Rainy Season: If you are Decided to go North India so  just ready for hilarious adventure during the rainy season, In North India large parts of the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh get very little rain during the monsoon season. Lahaul and Spiti are beautiful destinations for trekking, for motorbike trips and for exploring Buddhist monasteries and remote valleys. Lahaul is also the gateway to Ladakh in the Himalayas, one of the best places to visit in India during the monsoon season.So other than if you are thinking to come India during the rainy season so in your mind remember that Monsoon in Kerala is a deterrent to tourists while this is one of the best times to experience Kerala. The Monsoons in Kerala are no longer the same and don’t rain the way it used to in past, they do not take the pattern of nonstop rains. It rains for a few seconds, few minutes or few hours with sunny interludes. And In this time Ayurveda gets you the best results during Edavapathy as it provides the most conducive climate at its home turf of Kerala. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Special Ayurveda rejuvenation therapies are available during the monsoons which has lasting effects. So just forget all worries and just enjoy Indian Monsoon season that is specially made for your presence so come here and see the beautiful weather and other things. Source: The Holiday India Travel, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→August 25, 2012

India travelers still prefer Thailand

Bikya Masr, BANGKOK: Thailand remained the top travel spot for India tourists last year with some 900,000 Indians arriving in the Southeast Asian country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a statement. According to their figures, a record 917,832 Indians were received in 2011, a 16 percent jump over the 791,185 handled in 2010. In the first quarter of this year, 210,722 Indians traveled to the country, a 1.64 percent hike over the same period last year. Sethaphan Buddhani, director of the authority in Mumbai, said, “we have achieved this consistent growth due to our result-oriented marketing strategies that are matched with performance indicators. We are also grateful to the Indian travel trade, which has been actively supporting our initiatives through joint promotions that showcase Thailand as a value-for-money destination.” According to Buddhani, TAT’s ongoing efforts to tap the Indian market include educating travel consultants, tour operators, wedding planners and media about new attractions and products, through various ground-based marketing activities incorporating workshops, seminars and educational tours. These activities are augmented by exhibitions, joint promotions, and mass communication through a range of outdoor, print, electronic and online media. Buddhani added that “we realized the need to tap niche segments as the Indian market has matured over a period of time. As a result, we now tap niche segments such as golf, luxury holidays, weddings, medical, and Bollywood tourism. Source: Bikya Masr, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→June 09, 2012

Slowly but surely, Kashmir opens up to tourism

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Bikya Masr: NEW DELHI: The cold turf of the Indian conflict-ridden state of Kashmir finally appears to be thawing. The picturesque Nagin valley, a stone’s throw away from the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan in the conflict-ridden Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has been thrown open to tourists, after

Read More........→May 16, 2012

Taiwan monastery hopes to attract tourists to see Buddha’s tooth

Kaohsiung, Taiwan (dpa) – Extravagant usually is not an adjective used to describe Buddhist monks who have given up their worldly possessions for a life of piety.  But a Buddhist monastery in southern Taiwan has spent billions of Taiwan dollars on building an extravagant memorial complex to house its prized relic – a supposed tooth from Lord Buddha.  The temple received the Buddha’s tooth relic in 1998 from a monk who smuggled it out of Tibet during China’s Cultural Revolution.  Dubbed the Buddha Memorial  Center, the site is being developed by Fo Guang Shan, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan. It took five years to build and has just officially opened.  Rising above the surrounding rural landscape 25 kilometers north-east of Kaohsiung, the complex covers about 35 hectares of land. The layout resembles a Chinese imperial palace, with several layers of stately edifices stretching a kilometer into a narrow valley.  It starts with a large welcome hall, followed by a grassy area bordered by eight pagodas, a bell tower and drum tower. The trees planted on the grass were imported from India. Towards the rear is an exhibition center that resembles a Mayan pyramid with four stupas on the corners. The monastery plans to place the tooth at the top of the pyramid, while a museum and international conference center will be housed inside the structure. An 108-metre-tall Buddha, said to be the world’s tallest sitting Buddha, anchors the end of the complex.  Although refusing to disclose how much money was spent, the administrator of the monastery, a monk named Hui Chuan, would only say it cost several billion dollars.  A tour guide said independent analysts have pegged the expenditure at 10 billion Taiwan dollars (330 million US dollars) based on the man-hours and materials they have seen going into the site. Miao Tan, a nun who lives at the monastery, explained that the monastery’s founder, 85-year-old Venerable Master Hsing Yun, wanted to leave a lasting mark for Buddhism during his lifetime.  “Some people have said that the money could have been used to help the sick or to promote charity, but those things are only temporary,” she said. “Venerable master said he wanted to build something for the world that can last 1,000 years.”  No doubt, tourism will be a primary draw to help the monastery recover some of the cost. The monastery is building private “meditation caves” on the hillside overlooking the complex that people can reserve for a donation.  In addition, to provide a periodic attention boost, Hsing Yun had the builders create 48 hidden rooms under the complex, where artifacts from today’s world will be sealed inside, with a scheduled opening of one room every century. A countdown clock will display how much time remains until the next opening in approximately 97 years. Founded in 1967, Fo Guang Shan has grown into a multimillion-dollar operation that runs a Buddhist college, temples across the island, and a cable television station, making Hsing Yun one of the most influential religious leaders in Taiwan. Source: Bikya Masr, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→April 29, 2012

Ian Wright visits Sikkim in new episodes of Invite Mr. Wright

Gangtok: Isikkim: The show will be telecast every Monday at 8 pm starting March 26, Globetrotter extraordinaire Ian Wright is back to discover the world’s best travel destinations through truly authentic local experiences in brand new episodes of “Invite Mr. Wright” – thanks to his friends from across the world, who offer not just their hospitality but an inside track to their home turf! This time Ian visits the beautiful and renowned Rumtek monastery in the remote Indian state of Sikkim. Guided  by  three  resident  monks,  Ian discovers all there is to being a monk at the famous monastery. Follow Ian as he is invited to some of the best tourist destinations in the world by the unique characters who call those places home. From Darwin to Okinawa to Singapore to Sikkim and more, Ian gets a different perspective on life and culture in these vibrant places. “Invite Mr Wright 2″ premieres every Thursday at 10 p.m., starting March 29 on TLC and encores every Sunday at 9 p.m. The first season took a humourous and off-beat look at the world of travel where Ian experienced a country through the eyes of his hosts, their family and friends. The brand new season sees our intrepid host back for more, this time in Australia, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam where he hangs out with an eclectic mix of people to learn what life is really like for the locals who live there. Whether staying with a monk in the Himalayas, a Japanese professional football club in Okinawa, or a tribesman in rural Vietnam, Ian participates in the lives, jobs and hobbies of his hosts and discovers that there is always more than meets the eye to everyone. Ian scores an invitation to Okinawa, Japan, from the Ryuku FC. Footy enthusiast Ian gets a kick out of knowing what makes Japan’s southern-most island tick, in exchange for being the professional football team’s acting team mascot. Next, Ian heads to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and gets close to nature – and in a bit of danger! – as he goes in search of the elusive orangutan, and has tender moment watching an endangered female green turtle lay eggs on the remote island of Bangkaru. Down Under, the Diwell family invites Ian to Darwin and gives him a chance to take part in the Top End Mud races, one of the most unusual forms of motor racing ever invented! But before Ian can take his 4-wheel drive on a mud track to ride with the big boys, he is given an introduction to the quirky and crazy side of the Northern Territory. Shu Tan, a young woman from the Black H’Mong ethnic minority, invites Ian to Sapa in Vietnam. Ian learns how hill tribes of Vietnam are picking up new skills to cope with the demands of succeeding in modern Vietnam. He also gets invited to a traditional hill tribe wedding where he realises, in a tired, drunken state after three days and nights of home-brewed rice wine, that the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ fits the happy tribes people perfectly! Ian travels to the remote Indian state of Sikkim, as the guest of the monks of its incredibly beautiful and renowned Rumtek monastery. Set high in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the border with Tibet, Ian is guided in his stay by three of the Rumtek monks: Fu, Shirup and Lee. Together, they show him every aspect of life in this famous monastery. From art classes, to music lessons, from cooking lunch for the 300 monks to debating classes and meditation lessons, Ian learns how much there is to being a monk. And in the island nation of Singapore, Ian dons a chef’s hat for a crash course in cooking. As his host and mentor, celebrity chef Justin Quek of Marina Bay Sands’ Sky on 57 takes Ian through the challenge of creating a signature dish of his own to impress his friends. Source: Isikkim

Read More........→April 14, 2012

International visitors to Vietnam rise 20 percent

Bikya Masr, Hanoi (dpa) – The number of foreigners visiting Vietnam increased nearly 20 percent from the same period last year as the global tourism industry saw a recovery, authorities said Tuesday.  Vietnam held a ceremony to welcome its 6 millionth international visitor, Frenchman Curvalle Barnard Francois, on Monday, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said. Last year the country attracted more than  5  million

Read More........→April 13, 2012