Wed 5 Nov, 2008

Paradise on Indian Ocean

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Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island nation inSouth Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It ishome to around twenty million people. Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber, Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s tropical forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.

The areas that can be visited pack enough into your itinerary to keep you happy for weeks. Beautiful beaches abound, especially around the southern coast. Steamy tropical rain forests are home to elephants, leopards, dugong and a massive population of migratory birds. The cities offer a glimpse into the influence of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial times.

There are plenty of opportunities for the adventurous traveller in Sri Lanka. Climbing Adamspeak (Sripada) offers a 6.5km hike and is largely done at night. There are also lots of wild parks in the country. Yala and Wilpattu are the largest ones and if you’re lucky you can spot elephants, leopards, bears, deer and wild buffaloes. Sinharaja is one of the oldest rain forests in the world. Horton Plains National Park is a large 3160 hectare park in the highlands of the country. This is the highest plateau in Sri Lanka and was declared as a National Park in 1988.Sri Lanka contains some beautiful beaches including Hikkaduwa, Benthota and Unawatuna on the Southern cost. These beaches are safe for swimming, surfing, diving and other water relatedsports. An impressive coral reef can also be found at Hikkaduwa.

This article by anjana tharanga who is a web developper from colombo srilanka.

Fri 10 Oct, 2008

Top 5 Things To Do When Visiting Istanbul

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Istanbul is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with hundreds of amazing things to see, do and experience. Here we’ve selected five of the best to help you make the most of your trip to Istanbul.

1. Sample the local cuisine

Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do after your long trip to Istanbul is fill yourself up on the fantastic local cuisine, and where better to start than with a Turkish Kebab House. Kebabs are typical South Eastern Turkish food and although you may be familiar with the western version, there is nothing like a true Turkish kebab. A traditional kebab may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a sandwich, look for a doner kebab – very thinly sliced roast lamb on flatbread, with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Alternatively, fresh fish and seafood can be found in abundance in Istanbul. You can wash your meal down with a selection of Turkish delicacies – Raki is a particularly strong distilled liquor made with anise and grapes (know to the locals as “Lion’s Milk”!), and Turkish Coffee is a real treat for any coffee lover. Just remember to sip it slowly and to not drink the muddy substance at the bottom of the cup (it’s those finely ground coffee beans) unless you really need a serious caffeine hit!

2. Go Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

At the world famous Grand Bazaar there are some 4,000 merchants selling their various wares on this series of covered streets. Anything you may want to buy in Istanbul can be found here, from gold and silver to carpets, slippers, boots, books, purses, foods and much more. And remember to haggle! Contrary to what you might be used to, merchants at the Grand Bazaar are generally offended if you simply pay the asking price. You’ll be expected to and try and talk them down, until eventually an agreement is reached. If you tire and walk away, don’t be surprised to hear the merchant calling after you with a fairer price.

3. Enjoy the Turkish Baths

Whether you’d prefer to soak, steam or to have a massage, a stop at a Turkish bath can be a wonderfully relaxing break. Just be sure to check the hours of the local bath according to sex. The sexes bathe separately according to specific hours for men and others for women.

4. See Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Here, in addition to the amazing architecture and gardens, you will see swords and daggers, royal clothes, carpets, textiles, ceramics, jewels, armor, and many other wonderful treasures. Take a day to enjoy the splendor of the artistic and architectural delights that can be found in Topkapi Palace.

5. Visit the Hippodrome

The Hippodrome, on the square next to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built 480 meters long by 117 meters wide and could contain 100,000 people. This massive amphitheater occupied a very important place in Byzantine life. In Roman times, the chariot races held here were major social events. In Ottoman times, the hippodrome hosted polo games as well as circumcision ceremonies of the crown princes.

This article was written by Matt Davies

About the Author:

Matt Davies writes travel articles for HotelHippo.com, who offer cheap hotels in Istanbul.