Bungee Jumping in Nepal

This section was written for Nepal section of SaarcTourism.org

Experience the hair-rising thrill of Bungee Jumping in Nepal. The site of bungee jump in Nepal is considered among the best in the world. Located close to Nepal-Tibet border, it is 160m over the wild Bhote Koshi river. The first bungee jumping site in Nepal is a three-hour bus ride from Capital Kathmandu. It is managed by some of the most seasoned bungee jump masters. It is designed by one of New Zealand's leading bungee consultants.

Highlights
* The Bungy Bridge where bungee jumping is enjoyed happens to be the only privately owned bridge in Nepal.
* The bridge has been specially designed for bungy jumping sport with 4X safety factor. It has load capacity of 41,500 kg or 4,5 tons acoording to Swiss measurements.
* The Bhote Kosi gorge is located within 4 hours outside Kathmandu valley.
* The thrill of jumping from the altitude of 160 metres is unsurpassable.

Location
Less than 3 hours outside Kathmandu if you travel by Ultimate Bungy Shuttle. The journey is to the Arniko (Kathmandu/Lhasa) Highway to within 12km of the Tibet Border and the famous Friendship Bridge.

The Gorge
Bungee Nepal Jump takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Kosi River.

The Bridge
The bridge is Swiss designed, specially for bungee jumping keeping in consideration 4X safety factor. The bridge has loading factor of 250kg per running meter. This means that the bridge will hold 250 x 166 = 41,500kg or 4.5 tonnes. Over 6000 meters of steel wire has been used to build the longest suspension bridge in Nepal which links two sides of a great valley. Before its construction, locals had to walk five hours to cross this river gorge.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

This web page was written for Sri Lanka section of SaarcTourism.org

Wildlife of Sri Lanka is plentiful and varied. Natural isolation from other countries pronounces that the island has high endemicity among its fauna. Sri Lanka is most famous for its elephants. One can hire a jeep for elephant and leopard safaris in its national parks. You can enjoy turtles for hours. If you are interested in birdwatching the country would be absolutely delight. Time passed in the forests of Sri Lanka can be uplifting for any person who is least interested in wildlife. Nature has stayed still in the jungles of Sri Lanka for hundreds of years.

Authorities in Sri Lanka have designated 12 per cent of the country for wildlife conservation. This testifies that Sri Lanka is fully commited to its natural heritage.

Terrain
Various types of terrains are punctuated by rocky outcrops. Some are open parkland while few of thick forests. As a result variety of creatures are also found here. Areas near to seashore are added bonus of ocean frontage. Lagoons, water holes, lakes and streams take care of the water needs of the animals.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Safari parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located mostly in the southern and central parts of the country. These are fine places to witness the beasts in their natural habitat. You can see herds of elephants feeding or washing in pools or lagoons. You can quietly watch turtles laying their eggs. Sightings of leopards are also frequent here.Smaller creatures can be tough to find in the forests of Sri Lanka. Peacocks can be seen dancing when it rains.

There are four prominent national parks in Sri Lanka. These are Ruhunu Park, Wilpattu Park, Inginiyagala Park and Uda Walawe Park. Apart from these there are several minor parks too.

Ruhunu National Park
Ruhunu National Park at Yala is best known for its elephants who wander in big and small herds in the undisturbed forest. Various species of deer like spotted deer, sambhar and barking deer are found in the park. You could see leopards resting in the sun or drinking at a water hole. Wild Boar and Wild Buffalo add more thrill to the park. Several types of monkeys are also found here such as the pinkish Rhesus and Langur. See crocodiles resting silently near the waterholes. Sight of the pythons crossing the track would thrill you.

Ruhunu has enough attractions to fascinate those who are interested in avians. Peacock is the most well known bird here. Other more known birds which can be seen here are several types of herons, poonbill, painted stork, colorful parrots, parakeets, bee-eater, kingfisher, woodpecker and hornbill.

Wilpattu National Park
Leopard and sloth bear are main attraction in Wilpattu National park in place of elephants. You can find number of delightful tiny lakes here called villus. Thick forest means that tracking of animals here becomes more exciting. The park is located 176 km north of Colombo.

Gal Oya National Park
Established in 1954, Gal Oya National Park is located in the south-east part of Sri Lanka. Vegetaion in the park comprises both evergreen forest and grasslands. Approximate 30 species of animals are found here including leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, water buffalo, various species of deer, common langur and endemic toque macaque. About 150 species of birds are also found in this park.

Uda Walawe National Park
Uda Walawe National Park is mainly comprised of grasslands and thorn scrubs punctuated by trees. Located 170 km off Colombo the park is known for providing home to elephants, various species of deer, monkeys, jackal, water buffalo and wild boar. Lot of avifauna can also be witnessed in the park.

Madhu Oya National Park
Located 300 km off Colombo, Madhu Oya National Park is the home of creatures like Sambhur, Purple Monkey, reptiles and birds. Ancient ruins can also be found within the boundaries of the park. Best way to tour the park is on a four-wheeled vehicle. You can reach the national park from Colombo via trains and buses. However it would be best if you hire a tourist cab.

Horton Plains National Park
Designated as a National Park in 1988, Horton Plains National Park is comprised of cloud forests embedded in wet grasslands. Most vegetation and animals in the park are endemic. The park is one of the best elephant habitats in the country. Avian diversity in the park is very high. More than 70% of Sri Lanka's endemic birds reside here. Horton Plains can be easily reached from Nuwaraeliya or Talawakale.

Bundala National Park
Known for its plentiful aquatic bird life, Bundala National park is a fine addtion to the list of the country's national parks. Large variety of aquatic birds feed on the harvest of numerous lagoons in the park. This wetland sanctuary offers shelter to migratory shore-birds including the Greater Flamingo. About 150 bird species are foun here. Small population of elephants also resides here.Creatures like leopards, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, sloth bear, giant squirrrell, jackal, civet cat, Indian pangolin. Reptiles like crocodiles and monitor lizards can also be found.

Bird Sanctuaries
Prominent bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka are Kumana, Wirawila, Bundala and Kalametiya. All these are located within 200 to 300 kms from Colomo. Their location on Sri Lanka's extreme south eastern coast and abundance of lagoons and swamps pronounces that these have become the preferred residence of waterbirds. Large flocks of both resident and migrant aquatic birds can be found here. Udawattakele and Peak Wilderness are highland sanctuaries, quieter but equally picturesque.

National Zoological Gardens
National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala is famous all across the world for its fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish. Aquarium here is the only one of its kind in Asia and offers over 500 varieties of aquatic life. The Zoological Gardens also hosts Aviary, Reptilium, Butterfly Park within its compound.

Botanic Gardens
Sri Lanka has developed three beautiful Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, Hakgala and Henarathgoda.

Elephant Orphanage
An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the department of National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela, 90 km. from Colombo. It was established in 1975 and several animals brought here at the inception are now mature enough for breeding, which is the ultimate aim of the institution. Entrance fees : Rs.75 per adult and Rs.40 per child.

Accommodation in Parks
Department of Wild Life Conservation maintains special bungalows in the national parks of Sri Lanka. Caretakers in these bungalows make food for the visitors. You are advised to travel inside the parks only by four-wheelers. You are allowed to enter parks only after you get special permits.

Tips When Visiting National Parks
* You are not allowed to come down from your vehicle within the boundaries of the park, except at specially marked locations.
* You should get reservations in the park bungalows in advance.
* You can camp at special camping sites, and for that too you are required to take prior permission.
* It is mandatory to be accompanied by a tracker provided by the park authorities.
* Listening loud music is prohibited.
* Don't leave any litter in the park.

Salzburg Travel

This web page was written for Austria section of International-Travel-Tours.com

Salzburg is one of the best tourist spots in Europe. Wintry mountains, golden baroque architecture, jubilant festivals, winding rivers and enigmatic charm, this is how people define Salzburg. Crowned as the fourth largest city of Austria, the 'old town' of Salzburg was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Come, fall in love with the snow, the holiday music and of course the Christmas markets of enthralling world of Salzburg. A trip to Salzburg is loved by millions of visitors from all over the world. Salzburg is holiday destination of Austria, equaly popular in summers as well as in winters.

Salzburg is also recognized on the world stage as the birth place of Mozart, an episode of music in Europe. Salzburg travel is the fun fiesta for wander lusters from all over the world. Not only tourists, but students are also attracted to city of Salzburg having three major universities. Salzburg is often called as “Rome of North” because of its beautifully built churches. Enthralling natural beauty of Salzburg is able to make visitors sleepless. Travelling Salzburg is an ultimate experience in itself as it is one of the baroque jewels of Austria.

Tourist Places in Salzburg
Salzburg hosts an array of tourist attractions. Prominent among these are as follows:

» Hohensalzburg
One of the largest castles of Europe, Hohensalzburg was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard von Helffenstein. Presents an awesome view of the city as it is 400 feet over the river. Till 19th century used as barracks, storage house and cell, castle was refurbished in late 20th century. Today it is crowned as the best preserved castles in Europe and an important historical monument.

» Schloss Hellbrunn
Mechanical theater and Schloss Mirabell are worth enjoying here in pleasant afternoons. This beautiful castle with splendid gardens is located next to the Salzach river and the Mozarteum University of Music and Arts."Garden of Dwarves" and Garden of Roses are centers of attraction in the castle. Raffael Donner with marble stairs, is one of the mesmeric wedding halls in the Schloss Hellbrunn.

» Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart’s House)
Mozart’s fan’s can pay an adorable visit to the famous composer’s birth place and childhood house, now a famous museum. Attributed to Mozart and his family, museum conserves their memorabilia and letters. Mozart's childhood violin, his concert violin, his clavichord, the pianoforte, portraits are some worth seeing assets of the museum.

» Festival Hall
Built in 1956-1960, large festival hall is used for operas and festive concerts. With capacity to accommodate 2,177 audiences it has an excellent stage view. The Small Festival Hall has 1,324 seats and standing room for 60. It was temporarily built in 1924 and underwent numerous architectural changes - last adapted by Hans Hoffman and Erich Engels. Famous fresco painted by Anton Faistauer is the cardinal attraction of the entrance hall.

Museums and Cathedrals
» Museum of Natural History (Haus Der Natur)
Natural history collection, aquarium, reptile collection, outer-space show are the special attractions of Salzburg's famous museum. Museum has a wide range of exhibitions.

» Catherdral Museum
Baroque rooms with magnificent decor, including medieval sculptures, embellished paintings and goldsmith's art from the cathedral treasure are on display in the Cathedral museum. Precious jewel-studded monstrance and the ancient Eucharistic dove are special features of the museum. Art and Rarities Collection is one of the Museum's special display. Besides these permanent attractions the museum also has regular exhibitions to display the natural history objects like fossils, gems and carved ivory.

» Castle of Mirable and Mirabellgarte
Castle of Mirabell with its wide gardens full of flowers is a worth seeing attraction in Salzburg. Noticed for the "Garden of Dwarves" and the "Garden of Roses". Located right to the Salzach river and the Mozarteum University of Music and Art, this splendid castle with marvelous gardens was built by, an archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his courtesan. Marble Hall , inside the castle is one of the world's beautiful wedding halls. The Hall also serves as an elegant venue for conferences, awards ceremonies and exquisite concerts (Salzburg Palace Concerts).

» The St. Peter Cemetery
St Peters Abbey is one of the most charming cemeteries of the world. Completely overhauled in 17th - 18th century with an elegant embellished architecture. Church is known for its art treasures,altar paintings by Kremlin Schmidt. Church is often considered as one of Salzburg's most impressive Rococo buildings. Catacombs here are famous worldwide.

» Collegiate Church
Great baroque architect, Fischer von Erlach, designed this largest and most beautiful church in all of Austria. Altar paintings by J.M. Rottmay, unique convex facade rising to a sweeping diadem of towers, are worth seeing here.

Shopping
While Salzburg doesn't have Vienna's wide range of merchandise, there's still plenty of shopping here. Good buys in Salzburg include souvenirs of Land Salzburg (dirndls, lederhosen, and petit point) and all types of sports gear. Getreidegasse is a main shopping thoroughfare, but you'll also find some intriguing little shops on Residenzplatz.

Most stores are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, but note that many stores, especially smaller shops, take 1- or 2-hour break for lunch. On weekends, stores are generally open only Saturday mornings.

Music of Sri Lanka

This web page was written for Sri Lanka section of SaarcTourism.org

Music of Sri Lanka is the amalgamation of indigenous traditions and influences of India and Europe. Music is a natural mode of expressing one's creativity. Ancient Sri Lankans too used music to express their creative thoughts. With the course of time North and South Indian traditions of music influenced Sri Lankan music. European powers like the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English ruled the country for about 200 years. They also left their impact.

Baila Music
Baila is a popular dance music form in Sri Lanka. This style of music in Sri Lanka was inspired by the Portuguese. Baila Music originated centuries ago. After the advent of Europeans it accepted many European instruments and rhythms. In the 1960s Baila music entered the mainstream of Sri Lankan music. Radio broadcaster Vermon Corea has always created Baila music.

Traditional Open-Air Drama
Conventional open-air drama referred to in Sinhala as kolam, sokari or nadagam has been popular in Lankana hamlets and towns for centuries. Villagers, after a day's work in their fields and the women, after working hard in their homes, enjoy these dramas and refresh themselves. The artists performing are also local. It was the most easily available form of entertainment available in the villages.

Recorded Albums
First recorded album in Sri Lanka was Nurthi, which came out in 1903 via Radio Ceylon. The radio station which was established in 1925, had the monopoly of Sri Lankan airwaves for a long time. Vernon Corea, one of the prominent broadcasters of Sri Lanka made hay of the opportunity. He introduced Sri Lankan music on the Radio Ceylon.

Influence of Indian Film Music
Indian film melodies were always loved by the people of Sri Lanka. Especially during the decade of 1960s Indian film music made considerable inroads in Sri Lanka. Tamil/Sinhala songs were composed on the tunes of the Indian movies. These songs became the music of Sri Lankan households. Indian film stars also became popular in Sri Lanka. Similarly Sri Lankan actors like Sunil Shantha had more fans among Indian audiences than in their home country. Radio Ceylon was also very popular in the souther states of India, particularly Tamil Nadu.

Artistic Revolution
This was the time when a kind of artistic revolution took place in Sri Lankan sphere of music. Lyricists like Mahagama Sekara Shantha and Molligoda felt the need of reaching the people they had long ignored. These lyricists are known for their deeply poetic, and honestly expressed ideology. Through their literature, they promoted the feelings of nationalism in the country. Ananda Samarakoon, a respected lyricist of this period, composed the national anthem of Sri Lanka.

Unique Sri Lankan Music
This revolution helped the Sri Lankan film musicians to develop their own style of music. Prominent among the Lankan musicians were Nimal Mendis, Mohamed Ghouse, W.D. Amaradeva and Premasiri Kernadasa. Pop groups like Los cabelleros led by Neville Fernando, The La Bambas, The Humming Birds and Los Muchachos came on the Sri Lankan stage on music in the mid-1960s. All these pop groups were impressed by Caribbean folk singar Harry Belafonte and played calypso-style baila.

Return of Indian Music
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, pop music calypso ruled the households of Sri Lanka. However by 1980, Indian film music made a comeback. It removed pop from the stage and reaffirmed itself on the Sri Lankan music stage.

Music Instruments
Many music instruments were developed by the indigenous tribal groups of Sri Lanka. Several of these instruments are still used. Most used among these is Kandyan Drum, a double-headed barrel-shaed drum. Thammatama is twin drum played with two sticks.Yak Bera is also a type of drum which is played by hand on on side and by a stick on the other. Hand Rabana is a drum similar to tambourine.

Kathmandu Travel

This section was written for Nepal section of SaarcTourism.org

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the largest city in the country. Nepal capital city is in shape of Khukuri knife and its glorious history dates back to two thousand years. Located in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley, the city is the cultural hub of the country and probably the most sought after tourist destination. The home town of Newaras is the meeting point of various ethnic groups.

Kathmandu city is the conjecture to the major routes within and outside the country. Most of the trekking expeditions and tours start from Kathmandu. The city itself is home to the historical monuments, cultural groups, architectural wonders and exotic tourist destinations. The famous durbar squares of Kathmandu are world famous and the Kathmandu valley is a Cultural World Heritage site listed by UNESCO in 1979.

Entertainment
The casinos of Kathmandu are famous worldwide. These action-packed, lively casinos of Kathmandu make the night life rocking. These casinos run 24X7 and offer ultimate fun games and entertainment. There are four licensed casinos in Kathmandu, all located in the premises of the city's top hotels, which offer your favorite games: poker, baccarat, roulette, pontoon, blackjack, as well as other card games and slot machines.

Tourist Attractions
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square)
The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Also known as the monkey temple, the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is situated on the top of a hill, west to Kathmandu. The temple is considered to be one of the most popular, holiest and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. Large tribes of monkeys can be seen inside and around the temple. The golden spire of Swayambhunath stupa crowns a wooded hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas.

Boudhanath Stupa
The biggest stupa in Nepal is situated 7 km east to Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. The Bouddhanath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.

Balaju Water Garden
The beautiful Balaju Water Garden is a famous tourist destination. It is situated below the Nagarjun Hill, about 5 km narthwest of akthmandu. The garden has an exotic bank with 22 stone waterspouts, carved in the shape of sea-dragons. The water garden also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkantha. The swimming pool inside the park attract a lot of tourists.

Budhanilkantha
This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water. The Budhanilkantha temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is believed to be carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as the temple of living beings. The Pashupatinath Temple is the pride of Kathmandu.

Changu Narayan Temple
The oldest temple in Kathmandu valley, Changu Narayan was built in 4th century. The temple is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple possess a Vishnu image with ten heads and ten arms that is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century. The temple stands as a representative of culture, religion, history and faith.

Kumari Ghar (Temple of Kumari)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has beautifully carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.

Narayanhity Durbar
It was the Royal Palace of the Late King, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev of Nepal. The Shah kings moved to this palace from their old palace in the late 18th century. The new edifice was inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the wedding of His Majesty king Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev. The palace takes its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the Palace. The Palace compound is immense, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers.

Singha Durbar
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. It was the private residence of Rana Prime Minister. Now it's the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

Machchhendrananth Temple
The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as "Janmadyo" or "Machchhendra" deity.

Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of the most important Hindu Goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot

Art and Culture
Kathmandu is the cultural focal point of Nepal. Being the meeting point of major ethic groups and foreign nationalities, the city has a diverse and rich culture. The unique intermingling of traditional ethnic groups is a characteristic feature of Kathmandu. The popular art museums in Kathmandu are:

National Museum
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological, historical and other heritage displays are worth seeing.

Natural History Museum
Situated 3-kms west of Kathmandu City behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock, this museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected from within the country.

Festivals
Although each day at Kathmandu Nepal is festive, joyous and ecstatic, there are certain days that are celebrated in high spirits throughout the capital. One doesn't have to be religious to enjoy these festivals as the people of Nepal, particularly Kathmandu are tolerant and open to other religions and stream of faith.

Kathmandu's cycle of festivals is rooted in history, mythology and religion. Most festivals honor and propitiate the Valley's multitude of gods, control malicious spirits and celebrate mythological victories over evil. Some mark seasonal changes, celebrating the coming rains or the completed harvest. Others honor kinship ties. Many are socially approved opportunities to "let off steam" and have fun. Above all, a festival is a social occasion, and an affirmation of the Valley's ancient and strong bonds of religion and culture.