Dambulla is a large city, situated at the central province in Sri Lanka, at the junction of highways A6 and A9, 150km away from Colombo. The city is known mostly due to the impressive and imposing complex of Cave Temples, which is also referred to as Royal Rock Temple. The complex is a major tourist destination, as many people visit the area and stay at one of the hotels in the city, or choose to come for a day trip from other nearby cities, such as Kandy.

Dambulla was inhabited at the 4th or 5th century BC approximately, and some of the statues and paintings found in the complex date back to the 1st century BC. The caves of the city are known as the refuge of the king Valagamba, when he was exiled by from the Kingdom. The caves were inhabited by monks who offered the refuge to the King protecting him from his numerous enemies. Later, when the king returned to the throne, he showed his gratitude building a rock temple in the area.

Today, the cave complex in Dambulla is one of the best preserved cave temples in the world and part of the UNESCO World heritage sites. There are approximately 80 caves in the area, although five of them are the most important ones, containing the artifacts, paintings and statues dedicated to Buddha. The numbers are impressive, as there are more than 150 statues of Buddha, a few statues of the Kings and the Gods, while the murals cover a total area of 2,100 square meters. One of the most known paintings in the area is the temptation of Buddha, by the demon Mara.

The caves in Dambulla were restored by UNESCO in the previous century, and all tourists who travel to the region today are able to admire the impressive complex in its full glory.

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• ROCK TEMPLE DAMBULLA IMMAGINI

It also boasts Floor-to-ceiling windows which make the space appear bigger and creating an atmosphere of both openness and intimacy. The crowd inclusive of the staff is made up of young individuals. When you arrive, you should expect to wait for a while but it won’t take long before the tables turn. The place normally gets filled up past 7pm, as most people come in for drinks snacks. Even so, you can still sample a great meal because the menu has some larger plates for full meals.

La Cuchara restaurant’s menu features tasty prawns served in scorching hot garlic oil (Y880), potato croquettes ballooned with Jamon Serrano (Y680), syrupy organic vegetables with a light bagna caulda dipping sauce (Y780). Other unusual but surprisingly nice delicacies include bite-sized skewers of bonito and salty dried fish roe (Y380) and Lamb chops from the iron griddle (Y1600).

Being ranked among top restaurants in Tokyo, LA Cuchara boasts of the best wine variety served by the glass (six whites, six reds, and two cavas), or by the bottle. The wine list is dominated by Iberian selections although you’ll also spot the best from Italy, France and the New World. If you wish to have more than a glass or two, it would be better to order by the bottle. A word of caution though, the service tends to be glaringly slow although friendly. Go with a budget of circa Y5000/ person

The modern architecture of Inbal Hotel blends easily into the ancient surroundings of Jerusalem. The tall cylindrical shapes add to the beauty of Inbal Hotel. Gazing on it from the courtyards, you are reminded of the fabled hanging gardens. The huge pool and toddlers pool, only accentuates the blending of modern with ancient.

The spacious rooms have all the amenities you need to ensure your stay is comfortable and relaxing. You may have a room that has a glorious view over the old city of Jerusalem or a view of the huge courtyard. In any case, you will find something to remind you of the history of this ancient city. The hotel is easily within walking distance of the Jerusalem’s main cultural, historical and holy sites.

Inbal Hotel has rooms to accommodate large conventions and their professional staff stands ready to serve your every need. The modern furnishings in the suites will take you by surprise with their extraordinary showers, and flat panel TV’s. Massage room with a variety of specialized treatments Full-service beauty salon Mini bars and a safe in the room as well as family rooms and handicap accessible rooms are among the amenities Inbal Hotel has to offer.

If you wish to experience a true buffet breakfast, visit the Carmel Restaurant. Or you can enjoy the finely prepared meals in the spacious dining area overlooking the city. Sofia Cafe has light snacks, sandwiches, salads, coffee and cake, serving lunch and dinner would be the Sofia Restaurant Dairy where gourmet Italian cuisine, will tempt your palate. Room service will let you enjoy a quiet night in.

The hotel presents you with many amenities, a large Banquet hall, Concierge services, House doctor or dentist, babysitting services laundry and dry cleaning services, 24-hour security service on the premises of the hotel are only a small sample.

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The David Citadel Hotel is located in western Jerusalem. The David Citadel and Tower are in clear view from the terraces of this magnificent hotel. The modern hotel overlooks the wall of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Where you can visualize the old city and connect with the spirituality of this Holy place.

The guestrooms embellished with rich-toned wood, have a wide range of amenities for the discerning guest. The David Citadel Hotel features 384 lavish rooms, including 41 suites wallowing in luxury, finely woven fabrics in colors reflecting the special lights of Jerusalem, furnished with impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail. Unique locations with splendid balconies ensure that every corner provides breathtaking views of this eternal city.

Electronic locks, with cable TV for your late night entertainment, access the rooms. If you desire, there are high speed and WiFi connections available. If you would care for a midnight snack, there is 24 hour room service and a mini bar in the rooms.
The maid service will be there to turn down the sheets and make sure you enjoy the comforts of home.

You can enjoy the morning paper with coffee in your room. Meanwhile they are preparing the breakfast buffet for you to enjoy in the Season’s Restaurant. With cheeses, cereal, breads, cakes, and a variety of hot dishes that are sure to please.

When you decide to see the city, the concierge will be happy to help you with suggestions and can make arrangements for a taxi or car rental. They can also provide you with Cell Phones or pagers if needed.

The ancient city has a lot to offer when it come to shopping or sightseeing. You can roam the streets of the old city and feel the history. You will witness some of the old traditions still practiced today. The Lobby Lounge on the terrace will be the perfect place to wind up your hectic day. Romantic candlelight dinners, make new friends, or just take time to relax. Enjoy a drink under the stars before you call it a night.

Kosher dietary laws are strictly observed at the David Citadel Hotel.

Jerusalem, the capital and biggest city in Israel is one of the most popular destinations for tourism and vacation. Without a doubt, the city is among the most beautiful in the world. Interestingly, Jerusalem is also among the most extraordinary tourism sites because it is able to harmonize a unique mixture of colorful culture, ancient history and spiritual sanctity. It is the only city in the world that is considered holy by the three greatest monotheistic faiths, namely, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

The fact that three major religions have designated much significance to the solitary Jerusalem brings about makes the city truly the most fascinating and amazing place you could ever visit. It is in this land where you could find Christians praying quietly in the Holy Sepulcher Church while Muslims prostrate in front of Al-Aqsa Mosque not from afar, and Jews dance by the Western Wall. Regardless of anyone’s credence, it could be hard to resist being swept up by the emotional tide pulsating through the city’s ancient streets.

Founded about 3,000 years ago by the Bible’s King David, Jerusalem is more than a fascinating city as it is beaming with diversities and contrasts. It is a unique city where the holy and the secular, the old and the new and the pure nature and pretty architecture mix with balance to produce a wonderful and enchanting harmony of sights, sounds and smells.

The city defies warfare and time. Its architecture is remaining in a very remarkable shape. You could actually spend days, weeks or months being lost in the labyrinth of bustling bazaars and alleys, and mind you, you certainly will not give much damn. Jerusalem, to some tourists, is also providing an influence for breeding religious fanaticism, political activism and a better appreciation of the human history. If you want to make the most out of any vacation or tour in Jerusalem, it will be better if you will plan to stay for a long while to see how the city could instill a change in you. A quick tour of the popular sights and destinations definitely will not do any justice.

Geography

The Israeli city sits comfortably at the southern portion of a plateau within the Judean Mountains. The entire city is surrounded by dry riverbeds and valleys. During the biblical times, the area was surrounded by thick forests full of olive, pine and almond trees. However, because of centuries of negligence and destructive warfare, those forests were ruined and flattened. Stone terraces were then built by farmers to prevent soil erosion, which later influenced the city landscape.

To the west of Jerusalem could be found the Mediterranean Sea and another Israeli city, Tel Aviv. On the opposite site could be found the Dead Sea, which is noted as the lowest water-body in the world. Surrounding towns and cities include Beir Jala and Bethlehem in the south, Mevaseret Zion in the west and Abu Dis in the east.

A Mediterranean climate prevails over Jerusalem. It has dry and hot summers and surprisingly wet and cool winter. Occasionally, snow could fall lightly during winter season. January is often the coldest month, when average temperature could drop to as low as 8°C. On the contrary, July to August are the peak summer months, when the heat scorches. Vehicular traffic and congestion mainly accounts for much of the air pollution.

History

The Canaanites lived in the site of the city as way back as 2,500 BC. King David made Jerusalem a city capital of his great kingdom. His son and successor King Solomon made the first ever Temple that housed the Ark of the Covenant. In 586, the Babylonians conquered and destroyed the city along with the Temple and then exiled Jews to Babylonia. Persia’s Cyrus the Great freed the Jews 50 years later, enabling the people to rebuild their sacred Temple.

In the 4th century, when Catholicism was legalized and spread by the Roman Empire, the city was instantly turned into a Christian pilgrimage center. Many Christian shrines, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, were constructed. In 638, when the Turks controlled Jerusalem, the Temple was replaced by a Dome of Rock mosque. Crusaders took back and held Jerusalem in 1099.

Great Britain occupied the city in 1917, making it the capital city of Palestine in 1923 until 1948. The conflicts between Arabs and Jews started in the period. The United Nations in 1948 called for an internalization of Jerusalem, which was rejected by Muslims. In 1949, the city was divided into a Jordanian and Israeli sectors.

Tourism

Tourism is obviously an important industry in the city. Religious pilgrims and attractions to religious landmarks remain the driving force that activates the inflow of tourists from all over the world. The Old City is particularly popular among vacationers. It is here where there are shops that sell interesting foodstuffs, novelty souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Most of the important religious and cultural landmarks are concentrated in the Old City.

Palestinian East Jerusalem is where tourists could find museums, consulates and of course, the Garden Tomb, which is believed to be the actual crucifixion site of Christ. The west of the city contains the capital building of Israel, as well as numerous religious and secular neighborhoods.

Most of Jerusalem is composed of archaeological sites. Every structure reflects history and cultural or religious importance. The varied and distinct architectural styles blend numerous cultures and historic eras. There could be no dull moment in this Israeli place.

Jerusalem is more than a venue where you could travel back in time. More importantly, it is also a vibrant and thriving modern city. Jerusalem is exciting and energetic with its lively commercial malls. Cultural activities remain interesting at theaters and museums.

For thrill seekers, the city is also teaming with entertainment. Daily, tourists and locals could interact in the numerous restaurants, pubs and night clubs. There is a unique ambiance even in hangouts made from renovated old quarters. Tourists from all walks of life, religion and status certainly could relate to what Jerusalem has to offer.

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Touted as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok overlooks the beautiful Chao Phraya River. Blended a long history with contemporary décor and modern technology, it is popular place to stay while in the city. In operation for over 130 years, the central location and beautiful surroundings make it a popular place to stay.

The many different rooms and suites at the hotel have been the temporary home to many famous people. Sigourney Weaver, Liam Neeson and Dennis Hopper have all enjoyed the beautiful accommodations here. Rooms are available in several different sizes as are multiple suites. All rooms are beautifully designed with gorgeous teak wood and traditional and sumptuous Thai Silk. Fresh flowers and fruit are served daily. Each room comes with a personal butler. Many of the rooms have been renovated recently. A beautiful combination of modern Thai décor and elements from the hotels long history are blended together.

The Mandarin Oriental includes a full service spa. It is located directly across the river from the hotel and is housed in a golden, carved, teak house. The award winning spa includes fourteen suites that offer Ayurvedic treatments and remedies as well as traditional spa treatments.

There are nine different restaurants and lounges available to choose from. Fine French cuisine, excellent seafood, traditional Thai cuisine, wood oven pizza and more are available at the various restaurants. The lounges offer a full selection of liquor and wine in comfortable and relaxing settings.

Business meetings are easy to plan, with a professional staff to assist you. There are multiple meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology as well as several ball rooms. The Mandarin Oriental is a beautiful place to hold a wedding. The décor and professional staff make weddings or other formal events seamless and fun.

Centrally located in one of Thailand’s most modern cities, Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel combines contemporary Asian style, fine dining, spa services and fine dinning to create a one of a kind vacation experience. Over 380 rooms are available in the King Power Duty Free Complex as are six fine dinning establishments, professional meeting rooms, and a gorgeous ball room. The hotel prides itself on its use of cutting edge technology in its guest and meeting rooms.

The guest rooms feature contemporary Asian décor and marble bathrooms. Each room is fully equipped with the latest in IT technology including a large flat screen television and workstation. Several different room types are available, each more sumptuous than the last. The Superior Room is Pullman Bangkok King Power’s most basic room. The amenities in this room include a welcome drink, coffee and tea stations and a complimentary hour of internet access per day. The suites include a lounge and storage area, espresso machine, yoga mat, and access to the Executive Lounge.

For the dinning pleasure of guests, there are six restaurants available. Cuisine Unplugged provides dinning all day and has an interactive buffest and live cooking areas. Chaan Thai Cuisine serves authentic native dishes. The Glen is an upscale piano bar that specializes in single malt whisky; Déjà vu features fine French cuisine. The Wine Pub is a chic wine bar that offers tapas.

The Spa at Pullman Bangkok King Power is the perfect place to unwind and relax. With a focus on eastern mind and body treatments, massages, baths and aroma therapy are available. A state of the art fitness center is available as is a stunning pool. Beauty treatments are offered, including manicures, pedicures and facials.

The hotel is the perfect combination of old world service, contemporary design and cutting edge technology. It is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok.

The five star Chatrium Suites elegantly soars over the Chao Phraya River and offers beautiful vistas of the city from its exceptionally large windows. Centrally located in Bangkok, the hotel enjoys easy access to the boat transport and sky train. With a focus on service and hospitality and gorgeous interior design, it is one of the most popular places to stay in the city.

Thirty floors are dedicated to guest accommodations. Each room has a balcony and gorgeous floor to ceiling windows to provide beautiful views of the river and city below. Even standard rooms are equipped with kitchenettes that are fully equipped and internet integrated workstations. Larger rooms and suites are available with even more amenities. Suites include sitting areas and are available with one or two bedrooms.

Chatrium Suites prides itself on providing their guests with excellent services. 24-hour room service, baby sitting, laundry and valet service is available. The concierge can assist guest with transportation and limousine services as well as tour booking. The hotel has a currency exchange and beauty salon on site. Wireless internet is available in all public areas and daily international and local newspapers are available.

There are several excellent restaurants and lounges located on site. They offer everything from local cuisine to international gourmet dishes. The lounges are designed to provide a beautiful place to sit and relax.

Both meeting rooms and banquet halls are available at the Chatrium Suites. The dedicated staff can assist you with planning your next business meeting or even a grand wedding. The meeting rooms are all equipped with the latest in technology and the banquet rooms are suitable for any type of gathering.

The hotel covers all the bases, from beautiful accommodations and guests services to fine dinning and business services. Its central location makes it one of the best places to stay in Bangkok.

If you are looking to become immersed in the culture of Thailand and the city of Bangkok then the Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel is the perfect place for you to begin planning your trip. The beauty of this hotel and the commitment to excellence are just the beginning of what it has to offer you. Once you step foot into the hotel you will never want to leave because of the great service, amazing décor, and beautiful surroundings. This is the closest thing to real Thai culture that you will ever experience because everything about the Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel is inspired by a desire to remain true to Thailand’s unique traditions.

All of the rooms are about three and a half by four meters and they all have a private bathroom. Also included are items such as an air conditioner, CD player, and a phone. The best part about all of these rooms is the traditional bed and décor that you will be living with. The walls are covered in hand made paintings that will inspire you to learn about the culture in the city that you are staying in.

The Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel makes you comfortable in a very different way than all of those luxury hotels. This hotel is run by friendly service and traditional inspiration. The most comforting part of this hotel is the beautiful courtyard where you can just relax forever. At the hotel, all efforts are made to remain green in the approach to life, which means vegetarian meals. Every morning breakfast is made in order to get you on the right track for the rest of the day. Good food inspires happiness, and that is one way that you are pampered at the Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel. You will never have another experience like the one you can have at this hotel, so start planning your visit now!

If you are trying to find a place that combines modern excellence with the cultural traditions of Thailand, then the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok is really the place for you. This hotel really combines modern décor and events with the traditions of Thai culture. You will be able to meet many interesting people during your stay. You will also be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand transformed in the vision of the hotel designers.

The architectural impressiveness of the hotel is one of the first things that you will notice. The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit of Bangkok is a building that stands thirty three stories high. The first impression you have of this grandiose building will not change once you walk into the doors and experience all of the wonder inside. Not only does the décor combine modern chic style with traditional Thai elements, but it also combines an atmosphere of leisure with the perfect business atmosphere that you are looking for. If you are planning a business trip and want it to be stress free, then the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is the place for you. You will be able to enjoy yourself while still having the perfect atmosphere to get your work done.

At the hotel there are many different options for rooms, including deluxe rooms, grand deluxe rooms, grand suites, theme suites, presidential suites, governors’ suites, and the royal suite. With all of these options you can choose to pick the one that is perfect for you goals during your stay. All rooms, regardless of class, have the proper amenities for you to feel comfortable. These include high speed internet, televisions, bathroom supplies, twenty four hour room service, and many other things. At the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit of Bangkok you will feel right at home as soon as you set foot into your room.