10 Things to See: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse history, from its colonisation in the 6th Century BC; it was the centre of the Buddhist religion in South Asia, and was a vital trade outpost for the Portuguese, Dutch and British Empires.

The capital city, Colombo, has exquisite examples of its colonial past, merged with the two main religions of the country Buddhism and Hindu.

Courtesy of Flickr user TotUt

Here are some of Sri Lanka’s best attractions:

Port of Colombo Fort

The fort was originally built by the Portuguese who arrived on the island in 1505; it was partly demolished in 1656 by the conquering Dutch and used to protect the key trading post. By 1815 it became the central administration for the British who ruled the country until 1948. In 1870 the outer walls of the fort were torn down as there was no longer a perceived military threat and to allow wider urban development. It is now the central business district in Colombo, and is also the residence of the Sri Lankan president.

Galle Face Green

A one-and-a-half kilometre promenade laid out by the British in 1859 for horse racing is now the social centre of Colombo. It is the largest open space in the city and is popular as a picnic spot.

Pettah

This is the leading bazaar district of Colombo. It lies adjacent to the Fort and within its narrow colonial cobbled streets shoppers can find almost anything they can think of from bright printed fabric and jewellery to rare first edition books. It is a must see attraction for the many tourists on Sri Lanka holidays.

Hindu Temples

There are three main temples in Colombo – the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan, and the New Kathiresan. These temples are renowned for their opulent designs and the striking colours of their Gopurams, or doorways.

Tea Plantations

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s biggest exporters of tea, with more than 1.5 million Sri Lankans working in the industry. Most of the tea estates are welcoming to visitors. High Grown Ceylon Tea in its unblended form has a reputation as one of the best in the world. The main plantation areas are in the south of the country – Ruhuna, Uva, Uda Pussellawa, Kandy, Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya.

Kandy

Not only a prominent tea growing region, Kandy is the historical site of Buddhist power in Sri Lanka. It’s most popular attraction is the Dalada Maligawa “Temple of the Tooth”, housing the country’s most sacred religious relic – the tooth of Buddha. Also in the area is the Udawattakelle bird sanctuary, the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, and a short walk away is Mahaweli where you can see elephants being bathed.

Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock)

Sigiriya Rock, from the Travelwyse Flickr

Situated in the Matale district in the middle of the island and surrounded by lush jungle is the ancient city of Sigiriya. A fortress on top of a 200 metre high rock is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, built in the 5th Century to ward off feared invasions. The whole area was devoted to Buddhist worship and the fortress was used as a monastery until the 14th Century.

The Ruins of Anuradhapura

This is the most important ancient city of Sri Lanka and was its first capital city, and remained so for more than 1000 years until the 13th Century. It was discovered in the 19th Century showing evidence of an advanced civilisation with buildings, sculptures, and water reservoirs. It’s recommended that the best way to explore this amazing area by bicycle.

Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

Located in the Sabaragamuwa Province near the South coast, Adam’s Peak has been a place of pilgrimage for 1000 years. At its 2,243 metre summit is a giant “footprint” believed to have been made by Adam as he stood repenting his sins in the Garden of Eden. Buddhists believe it is the mark left by Buddha during his last visit to Sri Lanka, while Hindus maintain it was an imprint from when Lord Shiva’s dance created the world.

Bundala National Park

On the South-Eastern coast Bundala National Park is a mix of sand dunes, scrub jungle and dry grasslands. It is famous for its birdlife, especially Waders, but is also home to elephants, jackals, leopards, deer, wild boar, bears  and crocodiles. The best way to view this haven of wildlife is to hire a jeep and a driver, and if you get a chance you shouldn’t miss several animal species congregate around a watering hole at dusk.

What are your top attractions to see when you visit Sri Lanka?

Run the Dead Sea Marathon

Lace up for the Dead Sea Marathon and run through Jordan and along the shores of one of the most iconic bodies of water in the world. Marathon running has been a popular activity with runners for years, and more and more people of all ages are making time to run marathons all over the globe.

Image courtesy of Tracy Hunter on Flickr

Named after a mythical Greek soldier who ran back to Athens to announce the Greek army had beaten the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, these 42 km runs test the strength and endurance of athletes in some of the most iconic settings in the world. The Dead Sea Marathon is no exception, and local and international runners lace up to run to the lowest point on earth both independently and in the name of charity. Athletes can choose between the Ultra (50 km) Marathon (42 km) Half (21 km) Fun Run (10 km) and Junior Marathon (4.2 km), and there are also pasta dinners and a celebration area where runners can connect with each other and meet with family and friends who have come to support them and enjoy the best of Jordan holidays.

Check out our top tips to help get you ready and on your way to the finish line for the Dead Sea Marathon…

Make time for training

Training is the most important aspect of running a marathon and is part of the reason marathon runners are so respected – in addition to being a feat of endurance, it’s also a feat in commitment. Runners put themselves through gruelling training schedules to help get their best possible race time, and whether you’re running for fun or running for sport, the importance of training can’t be underestimated.

 Get the right gear

Don’t underestimate how important it is to be comfortable on your run – most marathon runners take between three and five hours to finish a race, and going for long distances when you have sore feet or are too cold or hot can be unpleasant, if not unbearable.

The climate in Jordan is hot year round, and even though the race takes place in the morning to help ensure runners miss the height of the afternoon heat, what to wear should be a major pre-run consideration. Take the shoes you’ve been training in that are well broken in, and dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature throughout the course. As with most marathons, water stations will be dotted around the course to help keep you hydrated, but it’s also a good idea to carry water with you and pack some energy boosting snacks to keep you going along the way.

Courtesy of Stilljfoto on Flickr

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is one of the most important pieces of the marathon puzzle. You’ll need to plan ahead with your training schedule and again when you’re choosing your gear. It doesn’t stop there though – consider your time in Jordan and how you’ll prep for the race in the days leading up to – and following – the run.

Packing, stretching, and eating carbohydrates are all things you should be taking into consideration and can help you feel calm and ready to run when the race begins. Likewise, it’s important to plan to eat, rehydrate and keep moving in the hours after your race to help you recover and ensure your body doesn’t get too stiff after all the exertion.

Whether you’re running your first race or beating your best time, the Dead Sea Marathon’s smooth course and stunning surroundings are the ideal venue when you want to run like the wind.

Celebrating the World Thai Arts Festival

Once again the beautiful and ancient city of Ayutthaya in Thailand is preparing itself for an influx of martial arts enthusiasts to the 2012 World Thai Martial Arts festival and Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony.

Visitors from across the globe will be flocking to the festival which this year runs between 17-23 March. The festival is a great place to immerse yourself in everything Thai and around 300 boxers descend upon the city to take part in competitions and tournaments hoping to earn a name for themselves.

The week-long festival features a packed programme of events and is a must for lovers of the ancient art of Muay Thai. Muay Thai boxers from around the world attend the ceremony to pay respect to their teachers and also to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk here Nai Khanom Tom.

From dazzling ceremonies and rituals, to live demonstrations of Thai martial arts, culture, arts and crafts – visitors to the Thai Martial Arts festival will be absorbed not only in the elegant art of Muay Thai, but also other fascinating aspects of Thai culture.

Image courtesy of idirectori

 An ancient art

 Muay Thai has come to be regarded as Thai’s national sport and many claim its history can be traced back over a thousand years. Some say its origins can be found in an unarmed combat method used by Siamese soldiers after losing their weapons in battle. Muay Thai soon developed into a sport for entertainment and became considered as an art form – becoming an integral part of Thai culture in festivals and celebrations.

Muay Thai has strong roots in folklore, and the mythical figure of Nai Khanomtom is linked to ancient stories of how the martial art came to be. Today the martial arts festival in Thailand commences on 17^th March – Thailand’s national Boxer’s Day – as a tribute to Nai Khanomtom.

 Highlights of the Annual Thai Martial Arts festival

 Some must-sees during your visit to the Thai martial arts festival are -

-       The tournament for the Nai Khanomtom belt

-       The ancient weapons exhibition

-       The Wai Kru Muay ceremony – where Muay Thai fighters pay respect to their masters and pass initiation rites

-       W.M.F. World Championship Professional Title bouts

-       Muay Thai training camps – where you can have a go yourself.

 

Getting to Ayutthaya

It couldn’t be easier to reach Ayutthaya – there are buses running directly from Bangkok which only take around 20 minutes, and there are flights into Bangkok international airport from all over the world, which means it’s easy to reach for anyone on a Thailand holiday. For cheap accommodation Bangkok has plenty of options, or Ayutthaya itself has plenty of guesthouses but just make sure you book well in advance.

 

Sri Lanka and Independence: 64 years on

This year marks the 64th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence.

The Western world first came to Sri Lanka in 1505 with the arrival of Portuguese soldier and explorer Lorenzo de Almeia, and after that the country found itself cycling through several hands when the Dutch took control of the Indian coastal regions during the Dutch-Portuguese War of 1656. However, with the onset of the Napoleonic Wars, the island was eventually ceded to Great Britain, who has thoroughly occupied a large portion of Asia by that time with the influence of the British East India Company. They would remain in power for the span of the 19th and early 20th century.

In 1833, the Colebrooke-Cameron reforms introduced utilitarian and liberal political culture to a country that had previously relied on rule of law. With Executive and Legislative councils being established and experiments in coffee plantations being a success, the country managed to build up even more of the structure needed to create a potential for independent rule. A 1869 coffee plant blight may have wiped out many of the coffee plantations, but a quick move to tea kept Sri Lanka’s economy running. This was when Sri Lanka came into its own as one of the main homes of the world’s tea production (plus, giving the name to Ceylon tea leaves).

However, Sri Lanka would remain under British control for the rest of the Victorian era and well into the 20th century. By the 1940s though, British involvement in World War II led to it being unable to maintain its old empire. The office Prime Minister of Ceylon was created 14 October 1947 with D. S. Senanyake ascending to power as the first prime minister. On 4 February 1948, the Soulbury constitution gave Sri Lanka Dominion status, finally resulting in the gradual devolution of British rule.

Sri Lanka officially celebrates its independence day on 4 February in honor of the Soulbury constitution due to it representing the country’s internal political independence from British rule. It is a national holiday and celebrated by dances, parades, performances and, of course, political commemorations and flag raisings. The main celebration takes place in Colombo, with the President’s speech as the centrepiece although cities and towns all over the island hold their own festivities to mark the occasion.

These days, Sri Lanka tours are popular with tourists all over the world, while its tea production is highly regarded. Check out independence day celebrations around the globe here or take a look at our slideshow of images of Sri Lanka here.

Bangkok International Jazz Festival

Image via v a i r o j on Flickr

Each year in March, over 30 000 jazz fans congregate in Bangkok for one of Thailand’s most prestigious jazz events: the Bangkok International Jazz Festival , which attracts an enthusiastic mixed audience of locals, tourists, students and music professionals. In a city with a vibrant jazz scene that boasts numerous live performances throughout the year, this festival is an eagerly anticipated event, bringing the cream of local and international jazz talent to the heart of this buzzing city.

A fixture on Thailand’s music scene since 2003, the Bangkok International Jazz Festival has in recent years moved from its original location – in the peaceful, traditional surrounds of the Dusit Palace in Sanam Sua Pa – to the cutting-edge modernity of the Central World Plaza, southeast Asia’s second largest shopping complex. Against this edgy backdrop in the bustling Ratchaprasong shopping area of the Pathun Wan district, the week-long festival draws big names in jazz from around the world.

Frequent performers include acts such as Christian McBride and his band Inside Straight; Danish singer Annekei; and renowned trumpeter Randy Brecker, who performs with the stellar line-up of the Soulbop band. Also catch performances from the likes of Chielie Minucci and Special EFX, Melody Gardot, Jazz Kamikaze, Mariko Edno, Inger Marie, and Jirapan and Blue Sapphire. It’s an eclectic line-up which offers something for fans of every type of jazz.

The jazz festival is one of many attractions in a city that is a fascinating blend of the modern and traditional. From the royal splendour of the Grand Palace to the crowded  charm of the many street markets, from the serenity of the Buddhist temples to the sleek sophistication of the metropolis’s many trendy hotels and bars, there is something to capture every interest in Thailand’s capital city. Book your flights to Bangkok now and start planning a wonderful foray into an exotic country with a cool edge, and – if you time your trip well – soak up the flavour of some of the world’s best jazz.

To get your toes tapping now, check out past performances from some of the festival’s favourite acts in this video playlist of Bangkok International Jazz Festival performers.