Asian Tourism |
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INTRODUCTION Tourism in Asia is one of the key contributors to the Asian economy. Asia being the largest continent has diverse attractions. There are numerous countries with their own distinctive culture and economy. Each country is Asia has its own unique distinction. Tourism in Asia is one of the key contributors to the growth of Asian economy. There are numerous attractions in Asia that attract large amount of people from around the world. China is one of the leading countries of Asia and has the highest population in the world. Tourism in China is defined a vehicle for the overall socio economic development of China. One of the wonders of the world is situated in China namely the Great Wall of China. One of the most developing countries in Asia is India. India contributes largely to the economic development of Asia in a big way. India is a land of myriad cultures waiting to be explored. Tourism in India is being promoted in a big way for the overall growth and development of India. The Emerald Isle of Sri Lanka is a beautiful country located to the South of India. The Palk Strait separates her from India and is known for its beautiful beaches and scenery. Sri Lanka is one of the highest producers of Tea and is known for her beautiful tranquil beaches The country of Malaysia is also one of the must visit countries in Asia and is promoting tourism in a big way. There are numerous attractions in Malaysia such as the Genting Highlands, Fraser Hill, Cameron Highlands and much more. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is one of the leading cities in the world. Japan located on the far east of Asia is also developing in a big way. Technologically Japan is progressing more than any other country in the world. One of the most developing countries in Asia is India. India contributes largely to the economic development of Asia in a big way. India is a land of myriad cultures waiting to be explored. Tourism in India is being promoted in a big way for the overall growth and development of India. Asia is one of the exciting tourist destinations of the world, where you can have a great time exploring the different cultures of each country. Asia Tourist Information will provide you with the basic and general information on the continent of Asia that will make your tour of Asia convenient. Asia is the largest continent in the world, and is also the most populous continent. 60% of the world's human population resides in Asia. The continent is known for its diverse population and is a land of varied cultures. Asia covers 8.6% of the Earth's total surface area, or 29.4% of its land area. The major oceans that surround Asia include the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The continent of Asia is known for its diversity and variety and covers a wide range of climatic areas, ranging from the northern temperate to southern temperate zones. Asia culture is also diverse. Asia is home to different classes of people, each having their individual culture, custom, dress, food habits and festivals. Some of the countries of Asia are well connected by rail and road. Countries like Japan, China, and India have very good transportation networks within each country. Countries sharing borders are well connected by rail and road such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan Water in Asia is generally safe for consumption. However it would be advisable for you to opt for bottled or purified water. Police in most countries in Asia are very helpful towards the tourists. Some of the major religions in Asia include Animism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity and Judaism. The continent of Asia is vast. Its regions have a wide variety of climates ranging from the bitter cold of the north to hot dry environment. Most parts of Asia receive rainfall between March and October. Monsoons from the northeast pass through South Asia and Southeast Asia from November to March. In Southwest Asia, monsoons affect only the southern and southwestern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula. Asia Tourist Sites The huge continent of Asia is a land of diverse cultures and interests. Asia the largest populated continent and people from all walks of life settled here. You come across numerous historical buildings, places of worship, shopping centers and malls, a variety of restaurants and many other things of interest. Some of the popular tourist sites in Asia include Great Wall of China, Twin Towers in Malaysia, Taj Mahal in India, Beaches in Sri Lanka, the shopping malls in Singapore, the fun and adventure and entertainment centers in Hong Kong and much more. One of the major tourist sites in Asia is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Tourists from all over the world come to India to witness the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is the epitome of love and is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world. The Great Wall of China is another popular tourist site in Asia. The Great Wall of China was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage in 1987. The Great Wall meanders across the deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus extending about 6,700 km from east to west of China. The wall stands at a height of 7.8 m and is 5.8 m wide at the top. South East Asian country of Singapore is another of many innumerable sites in Asia. The city is known for its innumerable skyscrapers and shopping attractions. People from all over the world come here to shop till they drop. Orchard Street in Singapore is one such major location. The beaches of Sri Lanka also attract numerous tourists. Sri Lanka lies to the South of India and is separated by the Palk Strait. Enjoy the crystalline waters of Sri Lanka and its clean beaches. The country is known for its Tea plantations and Sri Lankan tea is famous all over the world. Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of the most visited tourist sites by people traveling to Malaysia and was inspired by the five pillars of Islam and was designed by an Argentinean- American Architect Cesar Pelli. The twin towers are 88 story and stand at a height of 452 metres above street level. The sky bridge is located on levels 41 and 42 and is 58.4 metres in length and is at a height of 170 metres above street level. There are 29 double deck high speed passenger lifts in each tower. There are 10 escalators in each tower. Asia is one of the exciting tourist destinations of the world, where you can have a great time exploring the different cultures of each country. Asia Tourist Information will provide you with the basic and general information on the continent of Asia that will make your tour of Asia convenient. South Asia is popularly known as the Indian Subcontinent. The term Indian subcontinent describes those regions that lie on the Indian Plate, bordered on the north by the Eurasian Plate. South Asia in other words is not only referred to the countries in and around India but also other countries which are in close proximity to it. For instance, Afghanistan is also grouped in this region due to its ties with neighboring Pakistan. Thus, South Asia can broadly be classified which inc The people of this region are known to have their unique distinct characteristics. The term Far East is often used to describe East Asia, South Asia and South East Asia combined. Far East in the true sense of the term is however referred to the countries lying to Russia's East such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Japan, North and South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. South East Asian states are also included Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and some South Asian countries as well. There are a number of countries in the Far East that follow Buddhism. Other religions also practiced and followed in the region include Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Thailand is a Buddhist country whereas Islam is the prominent religion of the people in Malaysia. Buddhism is mainly followed in Japan. Asia is the largest continent of the world, covering almost 9 percent of the total surface area of the Earth. The continent of Asia is inhabited by the largest number of people in the world. On a percentage basis, every six out of ten people live in the Asian countries. Asia is defined as a part of the Africa-Eurasia landmass. Middle East is often referred to as the regions lying in South West Asia from Egypt to Iran. Egypt with its Sinai Peninsula in Asia is often considered to be a part of the Middle East. However, most of the country geographically speaking lies in North Africa. Some of the countries that can be classified as Middle East countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories of West Bank and Gaza strip, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Most countries in the Middle East have a predominantly Muslim population and Islam is the main religion followed in the region. The main languages spoken here include Arabic and Urdu. English is spoken but rare in these parts. Countries in the Middle East are known for its petroleum products. The countries of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq are known to export large quantities of petroleum products in the world. Gold is also produced here in large quantities and is comparatively lesser priced than elsewhere. o opt for bottled or purified water. Police in most countries in Asia are very helpful towards the tourists. East Asia Countries and regions China - the quickly awakening giant of East Asia, with huge cultural treasures among the rising skyline. Hong Kong - China's former British colony - a shopper's paradise, famous for its harbor view. Macau - a former Portuguese colony with liberal gambling laws Japan - the home of ninjas, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Nintendo, electronics multinationals and Zen gardens. Mongolia - a nomadic land of vast spaces. North Korea - Orwell's worst nightmares come true. South Korea - the dynamic but undiscovered destination of East Asia. Taiwan (Republic of China) - an island of sharp contrasts: lush mountains, skyscrapers and gentle tai-chi. China Destinations Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: Great Wall of China Tibet Silk Road Hainan island, tropical paradise China (including Tibet) is home to many sacred mountains. The Five Great Mountains associated with Taoism: Mount Tai, Shandong Province (1,545 meters) Mount Hua, Shaanxi Province (1,997 meters) Mount Heng (Hunan), Hunan Province (1,290 meters) Mount Heng (Shanxi), Shanxi Province (2,017 meters) Mount Song, Henan Province (1,494 meters) The Four Sacred Mountains associated with Buddhism: Mount Emei, Sichuan Province (3,099 meters) Mount Jiuhua, Anhui Province (1,342 meters) Mount Putuo, Zhejiang Province (297 meters, an island) Mount Wutai, Shanxi Province (3,058 meters) The three main sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism: • Mount Kailash, known as Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan, Tibet (5,656 meters), also visited by Hindu pilgrims • Kawa Karpo • Amnye Machen There are also several other well-known mountains. In China, many mountains have temples, even if they are not especially sacred sites: • Mount Qingcheng, Sichuan Province • Mount Longhu, Jiangxi Province • Mount Lao, Shandong Province • Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, a major tourist/scenic site • Mount Everest, on the Tibet/Nepal border, world's highest mountain • Mount Huang (Yellow Mountain), in Anhui province, with scenery and temples Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China stretches from Liaoning Province through Hebei Province, Tianjin Municipality, Beijing Municipality, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, and Ningxia Autonomous Region to Gansu Province within the country of China. The Great Wall, as we know it, is actually a series of several walls built at different times by different emperors. The Great Wall of China can be visited at many places along its length of several thousand kilometers. Its condition ranges from excellent to ruined and access from straightforward to quite difficult. • First Great Wall - built by the Qin dynasty 221-207 BC • Second Great Wall - built by the Han dynasty 205-127 BC • Third Great Wall - built by the Jin dynasty 1200 AD • Fourth Great Wall - built by the Ming dynasty 1367-1644 Beijing The most popular sites can be visited in one day starting from Beijing. • Badaling and Juyongguan are nearest Beijing, most crowded and touristy • Mutianyu is also close to Beijing but slightly less crowded than Badaling. It has a ski lift to get onto the wall and a wheeled toboggan ride down on a metal track. Fun though a bit misplaced • Huanghuacheng one of the most well built sections of the Great Wall that caused the beheading of Lord Cai, the builder, for mismanagement and waste • Gubeikou,Jinshanling and Simatai are a bit farther from Beijing than other sections, but the extra time it takes to get there is rewarded with a very significant reduction in crowding and tourist traps. Services are also limited, however; make sure you bring your own supply of water and extra film. The most authentic part of the wall is at Simatai; the wall here is of original construction unlike Badaling. These three locations are 80 miles northeast of Beijing Hebei and Tianjin • Shanhaiguan, at the Old Dragon's Head, the wall juts out into the sea. To get there from Beijing takes about 3 hours by train. • Panjiakou Reservoir - sunken part of the Great Wall • Huangyaguan - worth a visit for its water run-off controls, well-preserved towers, challenging hiking and striking scenery Liaoning • han - can be explored from Dandong • Xingcheng - a Ming dynasty walled town • Jiumenkou - located 18 km east of "The First Pass Under Heaven' at Shanhaiguan Tibet Destinations • Mount Kailash - a sacred mountain revered by both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindhus. • Qomolangma National Nature Reserve • Yarlong River National Park Mount Kailash Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain in the far west of Tibet. This Mountain is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. In ancient texts, it is referred to as the center of the world. The reason can be understood from the geographical significance of it's place: within 30 miles radius, are the sources of mighty rivers Indus (north called "Sindhu" in India), Sutlej (in west), Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsang-po in east), and Karnali (largest tributary to the Ganges in south). Qomolangma Qomolangma National Nature Reserve is in Tibet, China and covers the Chinese side of Mount Everest. Mt Qomolangma is the world's highest peak at 8,850m. Xigatse Xigatse also spelled Shigatse is the second largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is located 3800 meters abouve sea level. Tashilhunpo Monastery The traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. It was constructed in 1447 and is where the Panchen Lamas resided and conducted their religious and secular duties. Covering a floorspace of 300,000 square meters, the monastery is enshrined with the world's largest gilded bronze Buddhist statue, the 22.4 meter high statue of Maitreya Buddha. Silk Road The Silk Road crosses Asia from China to Europe. It is not really a single road, rather a collection of related trade routes. One poem calls it "The Golden Road to Samarkand" Hainan Hainan is an island province at the southernmost part of China, just across the Gulf of Tonkin from Vietnam Hong Kong • Che Kung Temple in the Sha Tin, New Territories • Man Mo Temple and Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar in the New Territories • Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha's Located 5 minute walk from Shatin KCR station. This is one of the best temples to visit in Hong Kong. There are over 12,000 buddha and you can usually see monkeys. There is also a pagoda that you can climb. If you are hungry before you climb the large number of stairs there is also a very delicious hot pot restaurant on the way. Although, at the top of the hill there are also amazing vegetarian spring rolls. Hong Kong/Lantau. • Stilt houses in Tai O (aka Hong Kong Venice) -- to have a taste of traditional fishing village. • Po Lin Monastery and the Tien Tan Buddha Statue on Ngong Ping, Museums There are a variety of museums in Hong Kong with different themes, but to be honest, the people on the streets seem to offer more insights than the exhibits in most of these government-run museums. One exception is the Hong Kong Museum of History. Nature Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers, and it's worthwhile to go to the countryside (over 70% of Hong Kong), including the country parks and marine parks. • Lantau Island is twice as big as Hong Kong and is well worth checking out if you want to get away from the bright lights and pollution of the city for a spell. Here you will find open countryside, traditional fishing villages, secluded beaches, monasteries and more. You can hike, camp, fish and mountain bike, amongst other activities. • Sai Kung, a peninsula, is also a worthwhile place to visit, for its hilly geographic features and different kind of landforms. If you like challenging routes, try going to the Sharp Peak (Nam She Tsim in Cantonese). Sharp peak is famous for its steep slope with a height more than 400m. The view from the top is fantastic. For a more relax route, try to walk along Section 2 of Maclehose Trail. • Hong Kong Wetland Park is a relaxing park set amidst an ecological mitigation area. One can stroll along a network of boardwalks built over the marshy area and watch birds from a tower. The park also features a large visitors center/museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits ideal for children, as well as some live animal habitats. To visit, take KCR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station, then the #705 light rail to Wetland Park. The park is stroller and wheelchair friendly. • North East New Territories is also famous for its natural environment. Yan Chau Tong Marine Park is located in the North East New Territories. A few traditional abandoned villages are connected with hiking trails in the territory. North East New Territories is one of the famous hiking hot spot for the locals. • Short hiking trails (2 hours) can be found on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Theme parks • Hong Kong Disneyland opened on September 12, 2005. It is on Lantau Island. Though smaller in size than other Disney parks elsewhere, it does offer some great attractions ("Festival of the Lion King" stage show, "Golden Mickey's" stage show, "Mickey's PhilhaMagic 3D" show) and very short queues most of the year (except the week of Chinese New Year). • Ocean Park is on the southern side of Hong Kong island. With roller coasters and large aquarium altogether, it's still packed on weekends with families and tourists after opening to public for 30 years. Japan Destinations • Mount Fuji — 3776 meters high which is the highest mountain in Japan and is it the iconic snow-topped volcano • 88 Temple Pilgrimage — an arduous 1,647-kilometer trail around the island of Shikoku • Narrow Road to the Deep North — a route around northern Japan immortalized by Japan's most famous haiku poet Mount Fuji Mount Fuji (3776 meters) is Japan's highest mountain and the focal point of the sprawling Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Visible from Tokyo on a clear day, the mountain is located to the west of Tokyo on the main island Honshu. 88 Temple Pilgrimage The 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a 1,200-kilometer circuit around the island of Shikoku, Japan. The 88 Temple Pilgrimage is Japan's most famous pilgrimage route. The circuit loops around the entire island of Shikoku through 88 temples plus an optional 20 "unnumbered" temples. Many of the temples are said to have been founded or restored by the monk and scholar Kūkai , better known by his posthumous title Kōbō Daishi, who among his many achievements is said to have created the kana syllabary (highly implausible), brought the tantric teachings of Esoteric Buddhism from China, developed it into the uniquely Japanese Shingon sect and founded Shingon's headquarters on Mount Koya near Osaka. Narrow Road to the Deep North The Narrow Road to the Deep North is the title of famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho's most famous work, a poem-filled travelogue through Japan's remote northeastern region of Tohoku. Mongolia Destinations • Altai Tavan Bogd National Park • Uvs Nuur Lake, Uvs province The largest lake in Mongolia and a world heritage site. • Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is in Bayan-Ulgii Province, Mongolia. Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is in Tuv province North Korea Destinations • Kumgangsan — the scenic Diamond Mountains, accessible on tours from the South • Myohyangsan — the Mysterious Fragrant Mountain is one of the North's best hiking spots • Paekdusan — the tallest mountain in Korea and the Kim dynasty's mythical birthplace • Panmunjom — the last outpost of the Cold War in the DMZ between South and North Kumgangsan Kumgangsan literally the Diamond Mountains, is in North Korea. Kumgangsan is the second-tallest mountain in North Korea, its highest peak Pirobong is 1638 meters. The area is famed for its scenic beauty, and 1998 became the first and only part of North Korea that can be visited on organized tours from the South. The millionth visitor arrived in July 2005. Myohyangsan Myohyangsan is a mountain in North Korea,A pristine area of hills, mountain trails and waterfalls. Paekdusan Paekdusan is a mountain on the Chinese-North Korean border. An extinct volcano with a vast crater lake at its centre, it is the country's highest mountain at 2744m (9000ft), and also of huge mythical importance to Koreans. The huge crater lake called Chonji ("Lake of Heaven") lies at the summit, surrounded by bare rocky crags. It is one of the deepest alpine lakes in the world, and also one of the coldest. Paekdusan is sacred to all Koreans, because according to Korean mythology it is where the 'Son of the Lord of Heaven' descended to earth and the first Korean kingdom began. Panmunjeom Panmunjeom, also P'anmunjŏm, is on the demarcation line between North and South Korea. South Korea Destinations • Guinsa — spectacular mountain headquarters of the Buddhist Cheondae sect • Seoraksan National Park • Panmunjeom — the only tourist site in the world where the Cold War is still reality Guinsa Guinsa is the headquarters of the Cheontae [1] sect of Buddhism, the Korean version of China's Tiantai teachings. Once the largest and most powerful of Korea's 18 sects, Cheontae gradually lost popularity over the years and disappeared entirely for some time, but was re-established in 1945 by Sangwol Wongak and now commands a respectable two million followers. The temple is strikingly located, squeezed into a narrow valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. Unlikely many of Korea's temples, Guinsa is fairly new, being founded by Sangwol Wongak in 1945 as the head temple of his reborn sect. But this is partly what makes it so dazzling: unlike the musty National Treasures with fading colors and peeling edges locked away in glass cabinets at other temples, everything at Guinsa is shiny and new. The original was burned down during the Korean War, but the reconstruction of the first building was completed in 1966 and they've been expanding ever since. Seoraksan National Park Seorak-san National Park, also spelled Soraksan, is a national park in Gangwon, South Korea. Panmunjeom Panmunjeom, also P'anmunjŏm, is on the demarcation line between North and South Korea. A unique living relic of the Cold War era, Panmunjeom is a small village that happened to lie at the final battle front of the Korean War. The truce that ended hostilities was signed here in 1953, but as peace was never agreed to, the two sides are still officially at war over fifty years later and a million men stand guard in the singularly inappropriately named Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). While there are no troops in the zone itself, both sides of the 4-kilometer strip of land separating the Koreas are the most heavily armed in the world: Pillboxes, barbed wire and tank stoppers line the entire border and stretch back halfway to Seoul in the South and Pyongyang in the North. Taiwan Destinations • Alishan - misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises • Kenting National Park - located at the extreme southern tip of the island in Pingtung County, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. • Shei-pa National Park - a park spanning mountains and rivers located in Hsinchu County - great hiking trails • Sun Moon Lake - nestled at 2,500 feet in lofty mountains in Nantou County, this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. • Taipingshan Forestry Recreation Area - a historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in Yilan County. • Taroko Gorge,n impressive gorge located in Hualien County • Yangmingshan National Park - spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei Sun Moon Lake Nestled at 760 meters, this lake is famous for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. Alisha Kenting National Park Although Kenting National Park is located in Kenting, these two places should not be confused as the same destination. Kenting is the wider area that includes small townships as well as the national park. Shei-pa National Park Shei-pa National Park is in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. Taipingshan Forestry Recreation Area Taipingshan Forestry Recreation Area is in Ilan County. Taroko Gorge The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly of marble and granite. The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area. When Taroko National Park was eventually established on November 28, l986, it was of special significance for the environmental protection movement in Taiwan: it showed that both the public and the government agencies had realized despite the nation's four decades of extraordinary economic success, serious damage was being done to its natural resources. According to the National Park Act of the Republic of China (passed in l972), parks are established to protect the natural scenery, historic relics and wildlife; to conserve natural resources; and to facilitate scientific research and Promote Yangmingshan National Park The tallest peak, Qixingshan (Seven Star Mountain), has an elevation of 1120 meters, and its peak is the highest point in Taipei City. Trails leading throughout the entire park consist of basalt pavers, are steep in places, and can be fairly treacherous during periods of rain. Expect to be passed by septuagenarian locals who make the trip every week! Below approximately 1000 meters, the park is characterized by tropical rainforest, whereas above 1000 meters, scrub-like trees and tall clumping grasses are the main form of vegetation. Middle East The Middle East is a world region in south-western Asia that is skirted by South-Eastern Europe and North Africa. The term was created by US military strategists in the 1920-1930s, and definitions of the Middle East vary; it is not simply a geographical term, but also a political one. As one of the wellsprings of human civilisation in the ancient and medieval worlds, the birthplace of several world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai) and an area of much modern economic and political importance, the Middle East remains a popular destination for travellers. Arabic is the primary language of the region, and the main language in all Middle Eastern countries except Iran (where Farsi predominates), Turkey (Turkish) and Israel (Hebrew). Even in those countries, Arabic is the first language for some people and fairly common as a second language. Ethnically, the region is extremely mixed. Arabs, Persians and Turks are the largest groups, but there are several substantial minorities Kurds, Armenians and others with their own languages, customs and sometimes their own countries. Every invading army from Alexander and the Romans through Genghis Khan to the 19th century colonial powers has left descendants behind. There are also substantial numbers of workers from other countries coming to the region for higher pay mainly Afghan, Pakistani for jobs like construction labourer, with Egyptians, Philipinos, more Pakistanis, and some westerners in the more skilled jobs. A great majority of people throughout the region are Muslim with Iran mainly Shia, other areas mainly Sunni, and both with minorities of the other and the legal systems in most of these countries are influenced by Islamic Law; a few are entirely based on it. Destinations • Palestinian Territories (Gaza, West Bank) • Dead Sea • Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca Dead Sea The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty, and has been estimated to be the saltiest major body of water in the world. Its name is derived from the fact that the water is far too salinated for marine inhabitation. The Dead Sea is naturally endorheic (no outlet streams) with the Jordan River being its only major source. The northern part of the Dead Sea receives scarcely 100 mm (4 inches) of rain a year; the southern section receives barely 50 mm (2 inches). Due to the man-made reduction of the Jordan River (the river waters are 70-90 % used for human purposes) and the high evaporation rate of the Dead Sea, the sea is shrinking. All the shallow waters of the southern end of the sea have been drained and are now salt flats. Although the Dead Sea would never entirely disappear (because evaporation slows down as surface area decreases and saltiness increases), measures are currently being proposed to siphon water from the Red Sea through a series of tunnels or canals in order to replentish the rapidly shrinking waters and provide water and electrical solutions to the surrounding countries. Hajj The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam; every adult Muslim is supposed to do it at some time in his or her life if health and finances permit. In poorer areas it is not uncommon for whole families or even whole villages to chip in to send one person. The Hajj is the traditional Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Most pilgrims also visit other holy sites, notably Medina where the prophet lived and taught from when he was driven out of Mecca until his triumphant return. The Hajj can only be completed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. A pilgrimage to Mecca at any other time is known as Umrah and while not compulsory is highly recommended. Palestinian Territories The Palestinian Territories, in a wider sense and together with Israel, are considered the Holy Land for three of the world's major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Many sites of religious and archeological significance from the so-called Biblical periods are to be found within the current boundaries of the Palestinian National Authority, most notably Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus and Jericho. The ownership of parts of Jerusalem, of course, although claimed by the Palestinian National Authority, remain disputed, with Israel claiming the city as its undivided national capital. The current Palestinian Territories are a sub-division of pre-1948, British Mandatory Palestine. United Nations-projected Arab-held areas of the former Mandate were greatly reduced after the 1948-1949 Israel War of Independence, when the embryonic state of Israel was first attacked by its Arab neighbours, then successfully defeated their armies, leading to a re-drawing of the internationally-recognised borders. Of course, these hostilities were accompanied by much bloodshed and displacement on both sides, much of the focus being on Palestinian refugees who fled in large numbers to neighbouring Arab countries, or to Gaza and the West Bank. Egypt Destinations • Abu Simbel • Lake Nasser • Tell Basta (Bubastis) Abu Simbel Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, growing behind the Aswan Dam, in a massive archaeological rescue plan sponsored by UNESCO in the 1960s. The complex of temples dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramesses II "the Great" remain an evocative and unforgettable destination The temples at Abu Simbel were formerly located further down the hillside, facing the Nile in the same relative positions, but due to the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the original locations are underwater. Each temple was carefully sawed into numbered stone cubes, moved uphill, and reassembled before the water rose. The Great Temple of Ramesses II was reassembled fronting a fake mountain, built like a domed basketball court, where the stone cubes occupy a section under the dome; from outside, the fake mountain looks like solid rock. Archaeologists have concluded that the immense sizes of the statues in the Great Temple were intended to scare potential enemies approaching Egypt's southern region, as they travelled down the Nile from out of Africa. Lake Nasser Lake Nasser is a huge artificial lake in south of Upper Egypt. It was created with a high dam, but it grows bigger everyday. It is full of crocodiles. There is a fury which crosses the Lake to north of Sudan (wadi halfa). Tell Basta Tell Basta (Bubastis) is the site of the old temple of Bast, and also a site of Christian pilgrimage, the Holy Family supposedly stopping here during their exile into Egypt. Tell Basta is in the south-east of the Delta township of Zagazig, approximately 80km North East of Cairo. It is not yet a tourist highlight, and the temple is basically in a complete state of ruin, although there are intact cat tombs protected and preserved that can be viewed. Tell Basta is right next to a small military base. Egyptian officials are not fond of people walking near military bases with cameras at the best of times. The implications of this is that if you get there under your own steam, you may face problems with guards in explaining a) why you are not on an official tour and b) why they were not notified in writing of your impending visit. If your driver is helpful he will help you talk your way into the site. After buying your ticket you will be followed by Tourist Police to ensure your safety. It is suggested you tip at the end of your visit, particularly as you are likely to get an armed police escort out of the township of Zagazig back onto the main highway. Saudi Arabia South Asia Destinations Tourism centers in the
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