Festival fever goes global
Ditch the tent and forget the fields of rain sodden England. For a truly authentic festival experience, why not head off on a cultural adventure to some of the world’s most fascinating festivals. Worldwide tour operator Travelsphere (travelsphere.co.uk) offer a great selection of ideas to some of the world’s most spectacular events without having to sacrifice any of your creature comforts. Kandy Perahera Festival, Sri Lanka. 7-17 August 2008
Since about 300 AD and as the August moon waxes in the Buddhist month of Esala, the town of Kandy has prepared itself for a 10-day pageant and fabulous procession which all takes place at night! The festival is a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and is held to invoke the blessings of the gods for rain, fertility, successful crops and good health.
The procession includes fire-juggling acrobats, sumptuously decorated elephants (which feature heavily as they are symbols of abundance and fertility), dancers, oboe-tooting musicians, whip crackers, torch bearers and thousands of barefoot pilgrims and swordsmen.
Travelsphere offer a 17-day tour of India & Sri Lanka from £1644 per person which includes two nights in Kandy for the festival. The price also includes return flights from London Heathrow to Delhi returning from Columbo, internal flight Delhi/Colombo, transfers, 15-nights accommodation – six nights in India and nine in Sri Lanka, city tours, several excursions and the services of a tour manager. Departs 03 August 2008.
The Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa. September – October 2008
The Hermanus Whale Festival, the only Enviro-Arts festival in South Africa, is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern Right Whales to the waters of Walker Bay. Known as the best land based whale watching destination in the world, Hermanus attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe keen to experience this thrilling sight.
Travelsphere feature two days at the Hermanus Whale Festival, with an included trip by boat as part of a 12-day tour of Cape Town and the Garden Route from £1544pp. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town, transfers, 10-nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, several excursions and the services of an English speaking local guide. Departs 19 October 2008.
Pushkar Camel Fair, India. 10-13 November 2008
The peaceful lakeside town of Pushkar is set in a beautiful valley in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. The Pushkar Camel Fair, an annual religious and cattle fair is one of the most popular and colourful fairs of the Thair desert, attracting thousands of locals and visitors from around the world.
The event is primarily used for the mass trading of some 25,000 camels that are then adorned with handmade saddles, embroidered back-covers, beads and shells ready for the camel racing and beauty competitions. Expect an array of colourful stalls selling a cornucopia of items, plus the chance to take a camel trek into the surrounding desert.
The Travelsphere 9-day ‘India’s Golden Triangle’ itinerary includes a full day in Pushkar for the festival. The price, from £1504pp also includes return flights from London Heathrow to Delhi, seven nights’ accommodation on a half-board basis, visits to Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Old and New Delhi, plus the services of a tour manager and English speaking local guide. Departs 04 November 2008.
For further information and bookings, visit Travelsphere.co.uk.
