Sri Lanka, otherwise known as the “Pearl in the Indian Ocean”, may be small but the attractions of this tropical island are vast. With a history dating back as far as the 4th century BC, the country is home to numerous religions and within its varied landscapes can be found a rich array of animal and bird life as well as friendly people and excellent food. When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the country can easily be divided into four distinct regions and the time spent in each depends on your thirst for culture, scenery, wildlife or time relaxing on the beach.
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Articles in the 'History & Culture' Category
Belize is well-known for its superb reefs and sparkling turquoise sea but as I discovered on a recent research trip, there is so much more to the country than the reef alone. It is overflowing with vast expanses of wild untouched rainforest, over 900 fascinating ancient Mayan ruins, raucous wildlife, thriving tropical fruit and cacao plantations, over 500 species of beautiful birds and is a cultural melting pot that makes the very nature of the Belizean people both intriguing and unique.
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A symbol of Brazil’s strong Catholic faith, the arms of ‘O Redentor’, Christ the Redeemer, embrace the city of Rio de Janeiro, its beaches, forested hills, homes, hotels and all those in it. On July 7th 2007, the concrete and soapstone statue was voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ and it is undeniably deserving of its prestige as a local, national and international icon.
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Chris Wilson explores the Sunshine Way and returns to Brisbane, a city that he once found to be struggling with rapid development, but a place now at ease with itself.
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The Roman Empire, at its height, extended from modern Sudan in the south, to the Scottish border in the north and from Morocco in the west to the Caspian Sea and Arabian Gulf in the east. With the exception of Oman, every country in our North Africa & Arabia brochure knew the tramp of legionary boots and rule of toga-clad governors. The Roman narrative from the early days of the republic, through to the collapse of the Empire, can be traced through the basilicas, mosaics, forums and amphitheatres still standing and demanding our attention.
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics was, in many ways, the modern-day pinnacle of Chinese aspirations – not only a time for the Chinese government to sit back and absorb the world’s admiration for the stunning spectacle that they put on, but also for the ordinary Chinese citizen to witness something that they would never have dreamed possible only a short time ago. So fast has this enormous country changed over the last twenty years that in many areas it is unrecognisable from the place that the middle-aged Chinese knew when they were growing up.
There are, however, still parts of the country where traditional ways of life remain relatively untouched. We interviewed three very different Chinese people to see how life has changed and what they think the future holds for their families.
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The beauty of Indonesia is to be found in its sheer diversity. The country is the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of 17,000 islands with a population of over 245 million. The people practise a vast array of religions and, although
officially a Muslim country, any tour of Indonesia will lead to encounters with Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Confucians and even Animists.
The sheer breadth of religions reflects the various waves of immigration to the country from many parts of Asia and beyond. This melting pot of cultures, beliefs and traditions makes the country a fascinating place to visit. To compliment this, the country is blessed with the verdant volcanic landscapes of Java; abundant wildlife including the endangered orang-utans of Sumatra and Kalimantan; and the white sand beaches of Bali and Lombok, to name just a few.
Diversity does bring one drawback and that is how to decide on what to see in a country with seemingly limitless options. Here we simplify the process, outlining the main highlights on the larger islands, explaining how these can be combined and highlight some outstanding offers.
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South Africa is a country boasting an abundance of attractions, from safaris to wine lands, which have combined to make it a very appealing destination for the visiting traveller. However, away from the usual tourist trail is a country still coming to terms with its recent political past and trying to address a myriad of social, education and health problems.
Audley has worked with the Uthando project for just over a year now and here we explore the work of the charity from four different perspectives: the founder, the beneficiary, the visiting client and the staff at Audley.
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‘Gross national happiness’ is a truly unique and very Bhutanese idea drawn from the Buddhist belief that the ultimate purpose of life is inner happiness. Here, Camilla Brent-Smith explores the origins of this rather unique idea and explains how this focus on people permeates throughout Bhutanese society.
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When originally tasked with setting up Audley’s Australia programme, the company ethos of authentic, cultural, off-the beaten-track tours and experiences rang loudly in my ears. I’ll admit I was just a little worried.
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Canada still remains one of the most scarcely populated countries in the world, covering a staggering 9,984,670 square kilometres (second only to Russia) but with just over 33 million people. Although small, the population has been formed from a base of indigenous people and then supplemented with waves of immigrants, mainly from the shores of Europe.
Peter Stanley-Jones, Regional Manager for Canada, takes a look at the history that conspired to create what is now a modern, passionately patriotic country and a hugely fulfilling destination for the traveller.
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The image of a Geisha shuffling down a lantern lit, cobbled street dressed in a fine silk kimono and teetering on wooden geta sandals is one of the most iconic, yet perhaps most misunderstood, symbols of Japan.
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Guatemala is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, ranging from the Garifuna in the east to the Spaniards around the colonial city of Antigua and the Mayans in the Western highlands.
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The sheer diversity of people in India is what makes it such a fascinating place. It would be impossible to feature all of the many faces that constitute India, but here we give a snapshot of some of the more colourful, remote or just simply striking people from this vast country.
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Andrew Hunt, Audley’s North Africa & Arabia Programme Manager, describes why he thinks the Nile is the most famous river in the world.
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Rajasthan is India’s most visited state and for good reasons: not only is it home to some of the most iconic monuments but the state is full of colour and life. Whether you want to explore the bustling streets of its famous cities or escape the crowds for a more relaxed pace of life in the countryside, Rajasthan has it all.
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Three of Asia’s most exciting cities, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo lie within striking distance of one another, conveniently connected by quick and efficient flights. A visit to all three on one trip may seem like city overload but each has its own distinctive personality and attractions. Only a short drive or train ride from each brings you into stunning countryside, mountain or coastal scenery and a breath of fresh air. Laura Morris explores the three metropolises.
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Shah Abbas was one of the formative rulers of Iran, consolidating the position of the country as one of the great powers of the day. Iranians regard his rule as a golden era in the arts and in architecture. With a new exhibition at the British Museum detailing the legacy of the Shah, Henrietta Chapman explores some of the sites associated with one of the greatest rulers of his time, as well as the other travel possibilities available in this endlessly fascinating country.
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Dan Snow, TV presenter and respected historian, travelled to New Zealand with Audley. His trip was created to combine breathtaking scenery, exhilarating experiences, and of course an insight into the surprisingly rich history of this relatively young country. Dan’s account of his trip brings to life many of the reasons to visit this amazing country, whilst demonstrating that you don’t have to be an ancient country to have a culturally rich past.
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As Cuba celebrates 50 years since the Revolution, Martha Perez, one of Audley’s guides in Cuba, discusses becoming a guide, Cuban life and her views on the future of her country.
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On 7th January 1979 the Vietnamese Army rolled into Phnom Penh, freeing the country from the barbaric rule of the Khmer Rouge. They found a country that had been dragged back to the Stone Age. The subsequent road to recovery has been long and hard but Cambodia is finally emerging into a fascinating tourist destination. As the country marks this sombre anniversary we look at the major role tourism has played in its rehabilitation.
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Vietnam has witnessed a huge transition over the last 20 years, once a destination for the more intrepid traveller, it’s now becoming one of the most popular destinations in the region. Craig Burkinshaw, Managing Director, shares some of his early travelling experiences and demonstrates how these changes have benefited the visiting traveller.
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Fall is a magical time to visit Canada, and Ontario is no exception. Fiona Pearce’s recent visit started with the iconic Niagara Falls and she then moved on to explore lesser-known parks, wildlife and culture.
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Deep in China’s southwest and more than a thousand miles from Beijing, Yunnan has its own unique personality. In a landscape that ranges from sub-tropical jungle to glacial mountain panoramas, this beautiful region is coloured by minority tribes who introduce cultural traces from Burma, Thailand and Tibet. Chris Moore introduces the highlights of his favourite part of China.
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Warmed by the waters of the Malabar Coast and sheltered from the bustling interior by the mountainous range of the Western Ghats, Kerala is a fertile rural paradise that bills itself as ‘God’s own country’. It’s a land ruled by nature, with an easy-going ambience and sense of ease: ideal for a complete restorative getaway but with plenty to do and see. Here our Kerala specialists share some of the reasons why a visit to this state should be top of everyone’s wish list.
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Take picture-perfect images of outback Australia: the deep ochre of a sweeping escarpment cast ablaze at sunset, the verdant green of a surprise oasis or simply an endless stretch of cloudless sky. Add an award-winning producer, two of the world’s most highly regarded film-stars, an epic story and you have this year’s Hollywood blockbuster, Australia, the film. Paul Done, Australia Regional Manager, shows how the movie has sparked a new route into Australia’s remote northern heartlands.
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If you think a Japanese train is late the chances are, it’s your watch that is wrong… Japan Specialist Ben Colbridge explains how visiting some of Japan’s many highlights is easier than you might imagine.
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Japan is by no means backwards in coming forwards. Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and even parts of Kyoto are all testament
to a thriving sense of modernity, innovation and a passion for all things neon. Cavernous shopping malls are filled with gaggles of giggling teenage girls, karaoke bars reverberate with the latest J-Pop sounds and sales of the latest Nintendo games console are through the roof. And yet, scratch the surface a little and you will find that more traditional pastimes are still held very dear to the Japanese heart and what’s more, are readily accessible to visitors to the country. Claire Barnes reveals the very best.
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Amongst South Africa’s countless attractions, one area is often overlooked. Charlotte Mellor and Sarah McGuinness head
north from Cape Town to find sweeping beaches, pretty fishing villages and San rock art. Best of all, there’s not another visitor in sight.
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Morocco and Tunisia may be well-known for their bustling and exciting atmospheres, but with so much to see and do, relaxation sometimes gets overlooked. Communal bathing and associated treatments have always occupied a key role in North African society, providing a time and place to gather and discuss all manner of issues. Deals are thrashed out here, friendships strengthened and problems solved. Alongside the mosques, they are amongst the most important buildings in any city. Generally, public ones are a bit earthy for most peoples’ tastes so our specialists have selected some good alternatives.
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Hidden in a remote corner of Laos, one of the least developed countries in Asia, lies a memorial to one of the twentieth century’s forgotten wars. Set in a stunning location far from the tourist coaches and group tours, the caves at Vieng Xai are only now coming to the attention of the outside world. Mark Hotham explains.
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Mexico and Guatemala are well known for their ancient civilisations; their much visited and impressive archaeological sites of Teotihuacán and Tikal are firmly on the travellers’ map. However, on Sara Wells’ recent journey through the two countries, she discovered an off the beaten track world of coffee plantations, indigenous highland towns with colourful ancient culture, spectacular scenery and vibrant and chaotic markets.
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Parts of Thailand may have succumbed to mass tourism but, as James Pook discovered, there are still plenty of paths to take that are less trodden.
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New Zealand is often seen as a ‘once in a lifetime’ destination, and perceived as easy to discover without much assistance. Felicity Goldsmith talks to some Audley clients about their personal experiences of the country and finds they gained a lot from our specialist knowledge – and why they are determined to go back.
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The word ‘Arctic’ conjures up images of polar bears prowling the ice floes, Inuit hunting in sealskin kayaks, of whales and
whale hunting, the Aurora Borealis, and of intrepid explorers of history attempting to reach the North Pole or find a route
from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans through the Northwest Passage. In terms of what a visit to the Arctic means to an Audley
traveller it is small-ship expedition cruising within the Arctic Circle (at 66°32’ and beyond), within the Arctic Ocean.
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China’s famously fast-moving society is transforming the travel experience in cities, with a new sophistication bringing boutique hotels and fine restaurants. Beyond the urban centres, however, many parts of China have escaped the rush to modernise, with rural village communities atmospherically unchanged over the millennia. Tom Stapleton and Ben Colbridge compare and contrast.
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The hidden kingdom of Bhutan preserves Asia’s cultural past in secretive isolation, but most tours concentrate on the west. Emma Shaw explores the scarcely-visited east of the country, a wild and rugged land where few travellers tread.
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The forts of North India and Rajasthan have always played a crucial role in this region’s history. Fort cities such as Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are well known and are impressive icons of a bygone age, but here five members of our India team provide a different insight into the forts of North India, concentrating on smaller ones with a more personal history, where you can stay and experience them restored to their former glory.
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Southeast Asia is home to many minority groups and tribes, but visiting them can make westerners feel uncomfortable. The difference between the material wealth of the traveller and the poverty of the villagers is on stark display, and it can be difficult to come to terms with the disparity of living standards. The last thing you want is to feel like a voyeur, so we have found some ways for you to get involved with the local people, allowing you to feel more like a guest. Here some of our Southeast Asia specialists talk about their own experiences and how you can ensure that your visit gives something back to the areas that you spend time in.
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Several recent harsh winters have threatened Mongolia’s nomadic way of life. Jo Hoban explains that the first step to preserving the culture is to spend some time in a family ger.
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Buying ready-made souvenirs is very “last year”. In New Zealand an initiative gives travellers the chance to learn regional craft skills. Helen Richards reports on a project that lets visitors make their own memories.
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Sometimes the Land of the Rising Sun seems to focus too hard on the future. Claire Barnes finds a dedicated American trying to seed life back into a remote corner of rural Japan and save a taste of the past for future generations.
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You may have only considered Mozambique for its beaches, but Ibo Island is a little secret that deserves discovery. Cate Mackenzie explains.
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Stephen Fisher finds a part of India far removed from usual expectations of the country.
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Malachy O’Neill gets off the beaten track in the heart of Latin America.
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Huw Owen takes a journey into the past in Guizhou, a rural and ethnically diverse region of southern China far removed from the country’s frenetic modern cities.
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Mark Patterson takes to the streets of Jordan to discover sights and sounds that escape most visitors.
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Jo Hoban has always been fascinated by the Romanovs, Russia’s imperial family. Here, she shares her memories of a journey through the land they once ruled.
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Mention Indonesia and people instantly think of Bali, but this vast archipelago has far more to offer than just the beautiful beaches and cultural heart of this tiny island. Here, our Indonesia specialists discuss some of the other, lesser known islands and why they are special to them.
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Marc Dolman reveals how an adventure in the Outback can be both relaxing and exhilarating.
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Joanne Soddy explores Belize, the diminutive Central American country with a huge capacity for surprise.
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Ben Colbridge, North and Central Asia Specialist describes his years in the Far East.
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Our second fundraising trip in support of the Audley Charity Portfolio is a five-day trek through Jordan’s wilderness to Petra.
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Catherine Garrett explores how it is possible to experience Cambodia’s wonderful temples and escape the crowds.
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Chris Moore chooses his top ten experiences in China
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After a lucky find Andrew Hunt examines how visitors to Egypt would have been guided around the country 100 years ago.
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In 1968, attracted by the teachings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, The Beatles left England behind and retreated to the solitude of an ashram at Rishikesh.
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Simon Fransham shares his passion for Thailand, and recounts some of his experiences while living and working in this beautiful country.
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The restoration of old Havana reveals some fascinating sights to Pat Chase.
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Enticed by the anniversary, our specialists uncover their connections to a bygone era.
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The most inspiring markets from across the world, as chosen by our specialists.
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Our Australia specialists reveal their favourite parts of the “real Australia”.
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Huw Owen previews the British Museum’s First Emperor exhibition.
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Mark Hotham discovers a road truly less travelled in northern Vietnam.
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Pietman Refief, local winelands expert in South Africa, reflects upon the traditions of the region and how best to experience them.
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We discuss life in Kyoto with two of our resident guides.
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Natalie Lewis explains where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Bangkok.
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Some fascinating museums covering a plethora of subjects from the harrowing to the amusing.
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Our specialists look back at the figures who have helped shape some of our favourite countries.
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One of our finest guides, Rob Gerrard, discusses the Battlefields of South Africa.
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Rogier Westerhuis discusses his aerial impression of the damage caused by the Boxing Day tsunami to the beaches of tropical Sri Lanka, and how the country is recovering.
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Beatrice Bowen visits Nepal for a sophisticated stay in the Himalayan Kingdom.
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Sarah Wells explains her special connection with India.
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Our Central Asia and Russia speacialists reveal the many cultures and landscapes waiting to be discovered in the former USSR.
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From the deck of a boat view Southeast Asia’s traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained unchanged for centuries.
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Traditional dances from around the world.
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Chris Wilson immerses himself in the spiritual culture of New Zealand.
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Our Japan specialists consider the many different festivals you can incorporate into a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Ten places to visit in these two ancient lands.
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Including a homestay in your trip lets you experience life with the locals. Our specialists talk about their favourites.
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The gold mining history of the state of Victoria in Australia.
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Keira Dodd reflects on the colonial influences evident in Indochina.
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Discover famous film locations around the world.
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Ruth Milligan on spending time with the locals while travelling in Africa.
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A guide to some of the quality items you can buy in India and Sri Lanka.
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Our North and Central Asia specialists’ guide to exploring cities on foot.
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China’s immense population contains pockets of minority groups with very distinct cultures.
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Audley’s specialists choose some of their favourite towns and cities.
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Our specialist highlight two regions that were hit by the Tsunami and how their economies rely of tourism.
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Audley’s Southeast Asia specialists profile the magnificent religious sites of the region.
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An introduction to the fascinating destination of Jordan.
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Our specialists have chosen ten destinations that we think deserve attention.
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Our specialist pick their favourite hotels with a stoy to tell.
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Taking the high road to this must see city.
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Our specialists explore China just off the beaten track.
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How to get more out of a trip to Egypt.
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A journey through Argentina, South America’s wild west.
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The fabulous scenery and timeless charm of the Tibetan Plateau.
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How to experience the best this fascinating country has to offer.
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