Casa Colombo, Sri Lanka is an extremely stylish boutique hotel that blends a contemporary designer style with the charms of a magnificent 200 year-old Moorish mansion. The mansion is adorned with acres of original Indian intricate mosaic floors, carved arches, molded ceilings, elaborate columns and arches and ornate balconies, and is one of the few remaining treasures of its era.

The hotel’s 12 unique suites are decked out with super-king size beds and all the latest amenities you could want. The original components blended successfully with the latest in Hi-Fi and Wi-Fi technology. There are Apple computers in many of the suites, flat-screen TVs, and stereos that play the hotel’s own collection of lounge music.

The end result is a contemporary boutique hotel that prides itself on a highly personalized service. The idea here is for guests to make Casa Colombo their home away from home. Price guide: From $150 per night.

This is the south-western coast of Sri Lanka (26th December 2004). In this picture we can see the ocean rapidly retreats 400 metres,  just 5 minutes prior to the arrival of a devastating tsunami.

The spiraling waters continue to fill the coast just moments after the tremendous wave has hit.

This photo shows an alluvial fan, formed on the southern border of the Taklimakan Desert in China. An alluvial fan usually develops when water leaves a canyon, each new stream eventually closing up due to sediment – the result being a triangle of active and inactive channels. The blue ones on the left are currently active.

Retreating Glaciers Bhutan Himalaya. They are very beautiful and has a clear sign of slowly melting due to global warming. Easily visible are the ends of most of these glacial valleys’ surfaces turning to water to form lakes, a trend which has been noticed only in the last few decades.

Hurricane Isabel 2003. This photo was taken on the international space station in 2003 and illustrates the huge size of the hurricane’s eye. Isabel was the deadliest of 2003 and its winds reached 165 mph.

Greenland Eastern Coast. Greenland’s eastern coast is included in this true-color Terra MODIS image from August 21, 2003. The small marks of white in the water looks like ice originating from the deeper fjords and reach all the way to the ice-cap covering most of the island.

Aurora Borealis is natural phenomenon. The image was taken on-board space shuttle Atlantis during the sts-117 mission.

Egmont National Park New Zealand. The picture displays Egmont volcano last erupted in 1755 and is now situated at the centre of Egmont National Park. The volcano can be seen from space in the form of huge dark green disc. This photo was taken during the sts-110 mission, april 2002.

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa, also emerged as Nyasaland. Behind the shores of lake Malawi known for boutique eco-resorts and rich international tourists is another Malawi with green hills, tea plantations, high mountains and game parks free of safari jeep traffic jams. The country covering about 400 miles in total and every traveler will find an extraordinary experience.

Despite of the fact the roads could sometimes be rough, in general the country provides an easy trip. The widly spoken language is English. The other language is Chichewa. The main point in Malawi is Blantyre. Blantyre is like Malawi’s New York. It’s a centre of finance and commerce and is the second largest city. During daytime in Blantyre you will bump into vendors hawk, avocados, bananas and cellphones card ending up to the window of your car; traffic police try to stop wild drivers.

As well as Blantyre boast several ”Out of Africa” restaurants, where you can sit on an open -air terrace and sip a late afternoon Malawi style gin and tonic.

Then from Blantyre, lies the Thyolo region about 25 miles southeast though winding road. Everywhere in Malawi is recommended to hire a car and driver (for about $30 a day). So Thyolo is a home to tea plantations, reminds very much of Sri Lanka. The roads there have winds and meanders up through rich green hills. Several of the plantations like Satemwa Tea Estate welcome overnight visitors offering them traditional planters’ bungalows.

But if you going north from Blantyre in a trip you will come across the biggest attraction of the country: the famous lake and Liwonde National Park. The park is very wild and animals have become almost conditioned to seeing tourists. If you are not on a paid safari tour, the best way to explore the park is to take a boat, provided by Mvuu Camp, the main lodge in the park, along the Shire River.

Just 80 miles north of Liwonde you will come to lake Malawi, which has the widest diversity of fish in the world and shore with its rocky outcroppings reminds of the Indian Ocean beach.

Standing tall and gracefully in its glory and splendor, the beauty of Tajmahal can be discovered and rediscovered time after time for it not only changes color according to the time of the day but also with every change in the season.

The splendid Tajmahal sparkles like a jewel on a starlit night as the semi-precious inlaid stones reflect the glow of moon. However, it is on a full moon night that silver brilliance of the Taj Mahal becomes evident. Dawn and dusk to flirt with the radiance of the Taj Mahal as it responds to the blush of the skies. The sight is indeed mesmerizing to the visitor.

Associated with the rich Mughal era, this magnificent edifice is testimony to the highest stage in the evolution of a Tomb not only in India but across world. It is here that the art capabilities of the Indian builder under the Mughals received the most beautiful and profound expression.

The history of Taj Mahal, a monument which has been described as ‘poetry in marble’ was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He erected this mausoleum in the memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in A.D. 1630. According to the history of Taj Mahal it is believed that her dying wish to her husband was “to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before.” Indeed, centuries later, no tomb has been able to even remotely equal the glory of the marvelous Taj. A study of the history of Taj Mahal reveals that it was started in A.D. 1631 and completed at the end of 1648 A.D. It is believed that the Taj is a result of twenty thousand workmen toiling day and night for twenty two whole years. A small town was built for the laborers called ‘Mumtazabad’ – named after the deceased empress. The town is now known as Taj Ganj. Amanat Khan Shirazi was the calligrapher of Taj Mahal, his name occurs at the end of an inscription on one of the gates of the Taj. Poet Ghyasuddin had designed the verses on the tombstone, while Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey was the dome maker. Muhammad Hanif was the superintendent of Masons. The designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The material for the construction of the Taj was brought in from all over India and central Asia. It is believed that it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site! The history of Taj Mahal provides us with fascinating details about Mughal history and architecture. Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna. In all 28 kind of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for inlay work in the Taj Mahal. The chief building material, the white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in Rajasthan. Thus the history of Taj Mahal shows us the organizing capacity of the Mughal Empire and the vision of Emperor Shah Jahan, who was able to bring together many skilled artisans to create this beautiful monument to eternal love.

Taj Mahal Tourism - travel agent for Taj Mahal – offers Special tours with Taj Mahal. These tours offer you an opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful tourism destination in India, the Taj Mahal – Symbol of Love – along with other travel destinations like beaches, wildlife, ayurveda, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc. We have designed these itineraries keeping in mind the utmost care of our guests. These tours are flexible and ensure that you enjoy them throughout.

Agra famous for the magnificent Mausoleum Taj Mahal, dedicated to the eternal love between Emperor Shahjahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal, is counted as the most romantic city in India. The other tourist attractions places in Agra city are the huge Agra Fort and the red sandstone city made by Emperor Akbar that lies aloof from the mainstream of Agra city.

If you are fond of travelling, your journey starts with a new beginning, as Agra encompasses many other travel destinations in its fold. Not to be missed are Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan, Khajuraho, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Gwalior and Sikandra. Delhi, the capital city of India is known for its historical monuments marking the Mughal era and the freedom struggle in India. Jaipur, the capital and ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan, with its palaces and forts, is the standing testament of the glorious reign of Rajputs in India.

Mathura and Vrindavan play a flashback of the childhood tales of Lord Krishna. Khajuraho is abode to the temples made by Chandelas, which portray eroticism in their sculpture. Haridwar and Rishikesh are two of the ‘Chardham’ considered auspicious and the gateways to salvation in Hindu faith. You can also enjoy the scenic landscapes and greenery of Dehradun. Roam around the tourist places and markets in Lucknow admiring the Nawabi hospitality and cuisine and appreciating the manually done ‘Chikankari’ on the suits. Walk through the ramparts of Gwalior fort or collect the fascinating China Clay artefacts as memorable souvenirs of Gwalior. Last but not the least is the Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra, one of the most beautiful Mughal buildings in India.

We at Tajmahal Tourism offer you all the facilities for arranging your Agra Tour. Keep us informed about your preferences so that we are able to provide you the best of our services. We also provide the advance hotel booking, flight booking, tour booking and car rental to make tour Agra tour quite comfortable and unforgettable.

The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles. The majority of its buildings were built in the 1000s to 1200s, during the time Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire.

It was not until King Pyinbya moved the capital to Bagan in 874 A.D that it became a major city. However, in Burmese tradition, the capital shifted with each reign, and thus Bagan was once again abandoned until the reign of Anawrahta. In 1057, King Anawrahta conquered the Mon capital of Thaton, and brought back the Tripitaka Pali scriptures, Buddhist monks and craftsmen and all of these were made good use of in order to transform Bagan into a religious and cultural centre. After his own conversion to Theravada Buddhism, Anawrahta sent a Sangha mission to Sri Lanka, and by the help of the Sangha, he successfully converted his country. Bagan then became the sole centre of religious studies, and the university in Bagan attracted students from as far as the Khmer kingdoms. In 1287, the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute to Kublai Khan. The city was sacked, and many religious relics were stolen.

Bagan Buddhist Temples and Pagodas include:

* Ananda Temple. This temple was completed in 1091 A.D. by King Kyanzittha. It is modeled after the legendary Nandamula cave in the Himalaya mountains. Soaring to 51 meters, it received its golden gilding in 1990 in commemeration of the 900th anniversary of its construction. Contained within the temple are four great statues of the Buddhas of the four ages. Kakusandha faces north, Konagamana faces east, Kassapa faces south, and Guatama, the most recent Buddha, faces west.

* Gawdawpalin, built in the 12th century by King Narapatisithu, the 60 meter temple was badly damaged in a 1975 earthquake but has been completely reconstructed.

* Dhammayangyi, the largest temple in Bagan, it was built by King Narathu who reigned from 1167 to 1170.

* Shwesandaw, built in 1057 by King Anawahta, the stupa enshrines hairs of the Buddha. It is sometimes called the Ganesh Temple after the elephant headed Hindu god whose images once stood at corners of each of the five terraces.

* Mahabodhi, this temple is an exact, though smaller, replica of the famous Bodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, India (where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree). It was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1210-1234) and is completely covered with niches containing seated Buddha figures.

* Shwezigon, this pagoda was built as the most important reliquary shrine in Bagan. Begun by King Anawrahta and completed by King Kyanzittha in 1089, it contains several bones and hairs of the Buddha. Pilgrims from throughout Burma journey to Shwezigon each year for a great festival during the Burmese month of Nadaw, which falls in the November-December period. This festival is hugely popular because elements of pre-Buddhist Nat worship (Nats are pagan anamistic spirits) were combined with Buddhist themes in the pagoda’s construction. Shwezigon is thus a center of pilgrimage for both the archaic shamanic culture of Burma and the newer religion of Buddhism.

For a small island, Sri Lanka has garnered a lot of names – Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient – an accumulation which reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors.For centuries it seduced travellers, who returned home with enchanting images of a languorous tropical isle of such deep spirituality and serenity that it entered the Western imagination as a Tahiti of the East.

Our paradise island is the ideal destination for a wondrous vacation… and we, Walkers Tours, will take you to see the very best of our beautiful land.

Documented history of Sri Lanka begins with the arrival from India of the Aryans who introduced the use of iron and advanced agriculture methods and irrigation.

They also introduced the art of government and a number of Sinhalese kingdoms took root across the island during the 4th century BC with Anuradhapura, in the northern plains, the strongest kingdom.

According to traditional history king Pandukabhaya is accepted as the founder of Anuradhapura. Of the Aryan settlements, Anuradhapura grew into a powerful kingdom under the rule of king Pandukabhaya.

The present day visitor can visit the 2000 year old ancient city of Anuradhapura from the modern day Keells Hotels The Village and The Lodge resorts in Habarana.

The hill country of Sri Lanka will surround you with velvety green freshness all around. The hill country in the heart of the island, rises from 3000 ft. to over 8000. The approach to it, whether by road, or rail, is a journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams.

As you travel, you will sea the vegetation change from tropical profusion to gentle spreading rubber plantations, to cool green hills, the home of Ceylon tea. Tea-pluckers work on the slopes, butterfly-like in their colorful attire, bent and wizened with year of toil.

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean receives its name for its sheer beauty… This beauty doesn’t stop at its shore lines, extending underneath the clear blue seas where lies the fascinating world of a sub-aquatic wonderland which can only be fully appreciated by snorkeling and Scuba Diving.

The vibrant and beautifully shaped coral is home to a varied number of fish species that include the Emperor Angel, the Moorish Idol, Powder Blue Surgeon, Sergeant-Major, Lion, Unicorn, Parrot Fish, Clown, Porcupine, Rays, Eels and others.

For the more adventurous and enterprising divers, dozens of ship wrecks litter our coastline, almost always close to rocks and reefs and in clear accessible waters. These wrecks add a sense of adventure to all divers who have glided through these beautiful waters coming to know a different Sri Lanka, apart from its historical wealth, scenic beauty and the diverse cultures that she offers so abundantly.

While experiencing the wondrous beauty underwater, we will show you highlights of historical, cultural and scenic Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is much admired for its abundance of sub-aquatic life. Its unspoiled seas and fishing zones hold an abundance of game fish for the keen angler. Species of Marlin, Sail Fish, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevallie, Benito, Queen Fish (the world record is held in Sri Lanka by our boat charter captain), Barracuda, Grouper, Cobia and Tuna make this beautiful island second to none when it comes to sea angling.

The best season for sport fishing in Sri Lanka in Western and South Eastern Coast is from August to May when the seas are calm. The popular bait are artificial lures but live bait is also used frequently. The bottom water bait such as Ropala, Big Mack, Sisco Kid are popular and many other deep runners can be used successfully, with the Sail Fish and Grouper. The other top water bait are Squid Skirts.

The coastline of Sri Lanka offers some of the most spectacular scenery that you can experience. The sun-warmed beaches, fringed with tall swaying palms overlooking warm and calm waters are ideal for sea bathing.

Sunbathing, snorkelling, fishing, surfing, water skiing and scuba diving are some of the many activities that you can enjoy.

Colombo is the commercial capital and financial center of Sri Lanka also known as Ceylon. Colombo offers many interesting places to visit. Colombo is also a relatively easy city for the tourist to find his way around. To the north of Colombo is the Fort district, the business centre of Sri Lanka. The Fort, has department stores, book shops, airline offices and is the site of the Central Bank and the financial district..

Immediately south of the Fort in Colombo is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green graced by cricket games, kite flyers and trysting lovers. Cinnamon Gardens, further south, is Colombo’s most fashionable neighborhood, with elegant mansions, tree-lined streets and the city’s largest park.

Google Earth Placemark – Maldives