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Sunset Cruise

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Scattered to the southwest of the Indian subcontinent is the archipelago of the Maldives. These atolls hold exotic experiences for travellers waiting for that serene environment away from home. Each islet has its own special features which give a whole new meaning to adventure.

One of the newest cruisers ready to take on the waves has been built with modern engineering techniques along with traditional Maldivian boat building methods. Enjoy your vacation on Maldivian waters as it sails away into a melting horizon. The scenery and comfort is just one part of the total package – the luxury cruiser offers a variety of tantalizing wines and you can indulge in a plunge into the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.


Another special yacht, which mainly attracts travellers who are on a limited budget, is often seen sailing along the coastlines. Recently revamped and featuring an experienced captain this cruise will take you through hours of surfing, snorkelling, fishing and cruising and if you are lucky, you may come across the playful dolphins that whirl through the sunny waves. Enjoy so much variety at a reasonable cost and make your holiday worthwhile.

This trip can accommodate small groups and includes its own bathrooms. You will find the vessel well cooled and ventilated to assure that foreign visitors will not find this new climate very uncomfortable. Assortments of mouth watering dishes are laid out especially prepared by the professional chef on board. Enjoy the delightful cuisine as you drift along the horizon to the perfect sunsets. You can also enjoy your favourite cocktail or have a concoction of your favourite spirits right at the cruise bar or treat yourself to an intimate dinner for two on the deck under a canopy of a million twinkling stars.

Enjoy a relaxing tranquil week with seven awe-inspiring sunsets that glamour the skies across the horizon. Watch as the colours melt into the tropical waters where dolphins play towards the late evenings.

Why waste a day, thinking? Enthral yourself in this magnificent holiday at a fine Maldives resort. If you are thinking of a classy, sophisticated, extra-special stay, you may want to select one of the Maldives luxury hotels, of which Anantara Dhigu, Maldives provides exclusive services for travellers.

Categories Travel

Fountain Square

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Cincinnati is the laid back counterpart of most cities in the United States. Famous for antislavery movements and underground railroads, this city has something to offer visitors who grace its shores. Some of the best things to do whilst in Cincinnati are to catch a game of baseball, or go paddle boating along the Ohio River. Pure relaxation is the key to appreciating Cincinnati. Mount Adams with its winding roads leads you to some of the best views of the city. With a rich and colourful past, there are still relics that remain to remind us of its glorified history. The arts and culture scene of this city can rival even that present in New York, coupled with amazing restaurants and seasoned nightlife, there is a whole lot to explore for the avid tourist. This city just waits to entertain you, from its major league sports to its world class roller coasters and water theme parks.

Whilst in Cincinnati, it would be an ideal option to visit a location that gives you a little bit of everything, from dining, shopping and be entertained. One such tourist attraction in Cincinnati is Fountain Square located in the corner of Fifth and Vine Streets. Dedicated to the people of Cincinnati, this public square offers a host of activities and facilities. For example, you can play a game of chess or checkers at Fountain Square, as most of the tables have the board printed right on the table. Two bicycle tracks can be found through the square, and for the sports fan, buy your Reds tickets at the kiosk based right at the square.

Fountain Square District offers a range of signature restaurants and cafes that cannot be found anywhere else in the city. From Brazilian, Mexican, American steaks, seafood to Italian, dining in Cincinnati has never been better with Fountain Square District.

For your dose of entertainment, Fountain Square hosts a range of celebrations and festivities right through the year. Just to list a few of the events in Cincinnati you can experience at Fountain Square; Egg Hunt for Easter, Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, Krogger’s New Years Eve Blast, MidPoint Music Festival, P&G Flower Carpet, P&G Movie Night, P&G Acoustic Thursday, P&G Fourth of July Bash, PNC Gospel Sunday, Skyline’s Santa Skates, THE Cincinnati Beer Festival, Turkey Bowl and so much more.

For your next trip to Cincinnati, keep an eye out for travel deals and packages that are competitive and offer you a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. Offering a convenient location, excellent facilities and enviable rooms and suites is Millennium Hotel Cincinnati.This popular Cincinnati Ohio hotel is in close proximity to Duke Energy Convention Centre, Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, the Cincinnati Zoo, Botanical Gardens and a host of other places to see.

Categories Travel

Portage Glacier

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The Portage Glacier is situated on the Kenai Peninsula, in Alaska and within the Chugach National Forest. In terms of its location it is just south of the Portage Lake and 6km west ward of Whittier.

Visitors could choose between driving down to the Portage Valley to see the Glacier or continue onto Whittier to see the amazing marine life at Prince William Sound.

The Chugach Eskimos are famed to have hunted in this area for thousands of years. Russian fur traders also used Portage Valley as a means of traveling between Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet.

The Portage Lake was formed behind the Portage Glacier since it began receding. A hanging glacier called the Burns Glacier can be viewed from a distance and is set in the middle. So where is the Portage Glacier? It is behind the extension of the glacier to the right of the Burns Glacier.

It’s difficult to see the glacier but it’s much easier to see where it used to be. Sadly during the past couple of years the glacier has begun withdrawing from the lake. All that remains today is a small piece in the centre of the lake, while the major portion of the glacier face goes down more than 100 feet into the lake.
But the Portage Glacier is still considered as a valley glacier and one of the most beautiful; even to date the amount of people it attracts has still not dropped in numbers. There are many “hanging glaciers,” or glaciers that are seen partly down a mountainside.

In order to see the glacier, one would have to drive a bit further along the lake to a sightseeing boat dock and buy a ticket for a cruise through the lake that takes visitors close to the glacier face. Be prepared to embark on a ride that can bump you through patches of icebergs.

A stay at an Anchorage Hotel would be the ideal end to a day at the Portage Glacier. There are many Alaskan hotels to choose from and a popular hotel is the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage, due to its position along the shores of the beautiful Lake Spenard. Here visitors can enjoy views of the lake from the hotel during there stay.

Categories Travel

Underwater weddings

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on


The exceptional country of Maldives has long been a popular wedding destination. The pristine beaches with golden shores and tranquil water, colourful coral reefs and the beautiful marine life create the perfect place for a romantic Maldives wedding. The number of people arriving in Maldives to take their vows and celebrate the occasion in an elaborate and grand way is rapidly increasing. The stunning surroundings and the atmosphere make a wedding in Maldives extra special.

The marriage ceremonies in these islands follow the Muslim system, conducted by the ‘gazis’ and the Atoll chiefs. These ceremonies are usually held at private halls or mosques. Feasts are organized inviting a large number of guests. However, the country is famed as a wedding destination for tourists who prefer golden beaches or a resort.

The fantasy of a romantic Maldivian wedding can be realized in an array of momentous experiences at a villa in the islands. Amidst the myriad of natural wonders, each passing moment will bring bountiful pleasure, as you say your vows with ever growing passion. Enter the new delightful chapter of your life with your partner with a ceremony that is inspired by the poetic enchantment of the exotic setting of a beach, or on a cruise into blissful tranquillity.

The utmost serenity of an occasion of love held barefoot on pristine white sand is truly exceptional as a host of unexpected guests adorn your bridal party – such as dolphins rhythmically jumping atop the distant waters. Amidst the intriguing whispers of the ocean breeze you may share your vows making memories to treasure. Toast your love with glasses of champagne while enjoying a candlelight dinner by the enchanting beach.

Some prefer a wedding aboard their very own private yacht which promises many pleasures in the spectrum of intimacy and joy as you cruise along the kaleidoscopic beauty of the Indian Ocean. But the greatest ever romantic adventure would be an underwater wedding; you dive in together to where the colorful corals and exotic marine life create an extraordinary setting for your ceremony. A seafood BBQ will be set up on an isolated island as your newlywed dinner. The experienced dive master photographer will capture each and every amazing moment, both below and above the surface. Plant some corals together one day while reminiscing your surreal underwater wedding; you can imagine them growing strong just like your love.

The lovers seeking Maldives resorts to have their wedding, have to wonder no more. Anantara, Kihavah offers a number of exotic pool villas ideal for the precious celebration of love. The romantic getaway you desire may never be completed without a stay in a villa in Maldives.

Categories Travel

Ballooning in Christchurch

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you engage in an exhilarating hot air balloon ride in Christchurch. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch and the city’s surrounding areas from a vantage point that few have ventured on, and capture breathtaking photography from the balloon’s comfortable interior! All this and more can be experienced upon boarding a hot air balloon when holidaying in the scenic environs of Christchurch. Ideal for families and couples, this thrilling ride is a popular recreational activity among both locals and tourists looking to relax and create memories with loved ones and friends.

Christchurch is one of the few places in the world where visitors can balloon from the centre of the city, journeying towards the snowy peaks of the Alps over the striking greenery of the scenic Canterbury Plains. As you gently float towards the nearby mountains, be sure to capture some outstanding photos of Christchurch’s diverse topography. Several hot air balloon operators can be found in the city centre where visitors will be able to book a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon rides include a refreshing glass of champagne upon arriving at the desired destination, and a flight certificate that is awarded to all who participated in this fantastic journey through Christchurch.

Staying at a Christchurch New Zealand hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central provides the ideal place from which the vibrant and beautiful city of Christchurch can be explored. With picturesque views of the Avon River, Victoria Square and the Southern Alps, this leading business class hotel in Christchurch is a preferred accommodation base among both business and leisure travellers seeking comfort and class in the heart of the city. Guests staying at this stylish hotel will easily be able to access all that Christchurch has to offer!

Categories Travel

Thai Silk

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Around 5 millenniums ago, Chinese Empress Si Ling-Chi discovered silk by a fluke. Si Ling-Chi developed the sericulture, the science of silk production, and also introduced silk garments to the world. Thousands of years later it was spread across the world, including Thailand. Thai silk industry dates back to some 3000 years, according to the archaeological discoveries. Whereas the oldest evidence for Thai silk is reported from Baan Chiang, a heritage site in Udon Thani Province.

Towards the northeast of Thailand is the Khorat Plateau, popular for being the country’s hub of silk industry. From raising the silkworms called Bombyx mori, to weaving graceful silk fabrics, Khorat Plateau oversees the silk production and also supplies rose silk since many years. At present, Thai silk is acclaimed as the finest fabric in the world.


Bombyx mori silkworm is hatched from the silk moth’s eggs and they feed on mulberry leaves. After feasting on the leaves the silkworm spin a fluffy cocoon using their spittle. The colours of the cocoon vary from pastel green to light gold, while the total length of its fibrils spans from 500 to 1500 yards. It is soaked in boiling water to separate the fibrils.

It takes several fibrils to produce one fine silk thread strong enough for weaving. Some use machines while a majority use hand-reeling to produce these raw silk thread. Its natural yellowish colour is removed by immersing the skeins in hydrogen peroxide. Before the weaving process, the raw silk is again soaked in hot water and dyed in vibrant colours. Weaving is done using traditional handloom methods, after washing and drying the silk yarn.

Unlike other types of silk, Thai silk have special attributes that defines its prominence. The special lustre of Thai silk comes from its triangular shaped fibres, reflecting an iridescent similar to a prism. The sheen and lustre of the silk also changes alluringly according to the angle and the reflection of light. To authenticate the quality of Thai silk, the fabrics are also given a special peacock emblem. The peacock emblem has a range of colours such as gold, silver, blue and green symbolizing its production method, quality and authenticity.

Products made from Thai silk are handbags, handkerchiefs, neckties, readymade clothes, scarves and even photo frames. Travellers to Bangkok can find these rich silk products at any popular shopping mall, silk fabric shop, department store, shopping plaza as well as in the nearby Chiang Mai City. Visitors can find comfortable lodging at a cosy Bangkok apartment such as those available at Bangkok President Park, a Bangkok service apartment complex. Visitors can take pleasure in a delightful shopping extravaganza while gaining an insight into the art of Thai silk production.

Categories Travel

Khmer Wedding

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

One of the most joyous and celebrated occasions in Khmer traditions is a marriage in a Khmer family. Wedding celebrations may last for approximately 3 days and can even stretch on for a week, and is usually filled with much merriment, festivity and colour. A lot of preparation goes into the numerous events that are held during the wedding period and is bound to keep the whole family busy and celebrating on a continuous basis.

The Khmer tradition of the wedding evolves around the legendary story of Cambodia’s origins. It is said that the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, married the Naga princess, Neang Neak, who he met on his many travels as he was exiled from his homeland. As a marriage gift, the princess’s father was said to have swallowed a part of the ocean bringing forth the land of Cambodia.

As the wedding celebrations begin, family, friends and other community members continue to stream in to join in this joyous occasion. Some typical features of the wedding would include a band of musicians playing throughout the day, and the bride changing her wedding garments time and again. Dressed like royalty, the couple is truly a magnificent sight to see.

The wedding ceremony is made up of many events put together. Some of the highlights from these include the Groom’s Processional where the groom is invited to the bride’s home bearing many fruits and sweets. The Cleansing Ceremony will captivate you as according to Khmer tradition the couple needs to undergo a process of elaborate cleansing that involves dancing around the couple, cutting their hair, shaving the groom and perfuming them. The knot tying ceremony is also a unique one where family and friends come forward to tie ribbons on the couple’s wrists as a sign of good wishes and to be photographed with them.

Apart from all the festivities of the actual wedding celebrations, there are plenty of other pre and post wedding functions as well. Witnessing and being part of a Khmer wedding is a true experience of the extensive culture and rituals involved in Khmer traditions and are a series of events that you will never forget.

Tourists visiting the city can stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal which is a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. This elegant hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the traditions, culture and sites of the city and also proves to be an ideal wedding hotel in Phnom Penh.

Categories Travel

Weddings in Anchorage

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Perhaps one of the greatest natural settings in the world, Anchorage is embraced by the bountiful hands of nature. Showcasing a myriad of natural splendors, it is home to six mountain ranges with picturesque sceneries of lush greenery and vibrant flora. Surrounded by diverse wilderness, it is a modern city where adventure and excitement captures the interests of travellers.
Described by many, the days of summer usually seem endless, where the home gardens are adorned with dazzling displays of flowers. Having a series of exuberant seasonal festivities, the city is a pulsating land where live music fills the air. Alive all year around, there are many recreational options which ignite excitement and thrill in the travellers. A wonderland during winter, the downtown city is lit with thousands of dazzling lights. As the streets glitter under the night sky, there are many activities organized in the city that reverberate anticipation and exhilaration among the locals.

Arguably one of the best places to spend your holiday, the captivating beauty of the city has grasped the interest of many couples wanting to tie the knot as it is presently a budding destination for weddings. Warmed by the pleasant nature of maritime climate, the city has the perfect setting for a memorable wedding. For a truly unusual and one of a kind wedding ceremony, Anchorage is the perfect place as it provides an event setting that transports its guests to the notion of embracing nature in all its glory. Providing a unique, yet adventurous special occasion, weddings in the beautiful city will be a picturesque way to start your life with your partner. Exchanging vows amidst the natural surroundings of the city will be an experience that is bound to be treasured for a lifetime.

Providing the best setting for an outdoor wedding that connects deeply to nature, couples will have an unforgettable experience amidst the rustic and untamed beauty of Alaska. Couples can helicopter to the mountain top of Mountain Alyska or exchange rings in the backdrop of the breathtaking expanse of the dazzling waters. They also have the option to hike up to a romantic viewpoint overlooking the icy blue glaciers or even tie the knot whilst aboard on a small cruise ship passing along the striking beauty of the city’s wildlife. Other places to tie the knot include Alaska Botanical Garden, Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, Suomi-Finland Club and Bayshore Clubhouse.

For indoor weddings, couples can rent a ballroom at Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or at Alaska Native Heritage Center. Providing a unique option, both places offer stunning backdrops and spacious accommodations for you to get married.

For those interested in visiting the city, there are many Anchorage hotels to consider. One such hotel is Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage which offers the perfect environment for Anchorage weddings. Providing spacious room capacities, couples will have the convenience of hiring a wedding specialist to ensure their wedding will be an extraordinary event.

Categories Travel

Perdana Lake Gardens

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Think of Kuala Lumpur and the image that springs to mind is of soaring neon-lit skyscrapers interspersed with dignified mosques and temples among teeming throngs of humanity. Malaysia’s capital is a city flush with its commercial prosperity and driving ambitiously ever higher toward greater architectural and economic grandeur. Easy as it is to get caught up in the flashy currents of city life, one must pay due regards to the sprawling city parks which provide a brief respite from its breathless pace.
The Perdana Lake Gardens is the oldest and most popular of these city parks. The 90-hectare grounds which sprawl in a valley around two artificial lakes provide a tranquil oasis where city dwellers come to jog, exercise, boat or indulge in some tai chi. Lying on the fringes of the city, this used to be the area where the elite British colonists built their pleasure homes. Two of these colonial mansions have now been converted into the Carosa Seri Negara, Malaysia’s most exclusive hotel.

Although the main attraction is the Tasik Perdana, or the Premier Lake, where families rent boats for leisurely weekend afternoon paddles, the Panggung Anniversary is also a major draw, being an open theatre for cultural and musical shows. However, these are the least of the park’s attractions. The Orchid Garden housed within the park boasts 800 species of orchids while a small terraced space is devoted to hibiscus (Malaysia’s national flower). The Deer Park is a favourite haunt of the mousedeer, the world’s smallest hoofed species, and spotted deer imported from Holland. Children and insect enthusiasts will delight in the Butterfly Park, home to over 120 species of butterfly whose rainforest environs have been carefully recreated to mirror the insects’ natural habitat. The Bird Park is the largest in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest walk-in aviary housing more than 3000 migrant and indigenous birds.

Travelers seeking holiday accommodation Kuala Lumpur or even businessmen looking for Kuala Lumpur corporate housing should find the park quite accessible from the commercial city centres. Located in the KL central business district, adjacent to the Petronas Towers, the Ascott Kuala Lumpur’s serviced apartments cater to the extended stays of both business and leisure guests who wish for prime access to train stations and cab services that lead to all the city’s major attractions.

Categories Travel

Ballooning in Christchurch

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you engage in an exhilarating hot air balloon ride in Christchurch. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch and the city’s surrounding areas from a vantage point that few have ventured on, and capture breathtaking photography from the balloon’s comfortable interior! All this and more can be experienced upon boarding a hot air balloon when holidaying in the scenic environs of Christchurch. Ideal for families and couples, this thrilling ride is a popular recreational activity among both locals and tourists looking to relax and create memories with loved ones and friends.
Christchurch is one of the few places in the world where visitors can balloon from the centre of the city, journeying towards the snowy peaks of the Alps over the striking greenery of the scenic Canterbury Plains. As you gently float towards the nearby mountains, be sure to capture some outstanding photos of Christchurch’s diverse topography. Several hot air balloon operators can be found in the city centre where visitors will be able to book a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon rides include a refreshing glass of champagne upon arriving at the desired destination, and a flight certificate that is awarded to all who participated in this fantastic journey through Christchurch.

Staying at a Christchurch New Zealand hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central provides the ideal place from which the vibrant and beautiful city of Christchurch can be explored. With picturesque views of the Avon River, Victoria Square and the Southern Alps, this leading business class hotel in Christchurch is a preferred accommodation base among both business and leisure travellers seeking comfort and class in the heart of the city. Guests staying at this stylish hotel will easily be able to access all that Christchurch has to offer!

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