Asia’s Top 10 Sacred Sites
Temples, Devotees, Rituals Enrich Travel to Asia with Asia Transpacific Journeys
Boulder, CO, April 21, 2011 -From the holy city of
Varanasi in India, to the world's largest Buddhist monument in
predominantly Muslim Indonesia, to the Emerald Buddha in Thailand,
Asia Transpacific Journeys has assembled a divine list of the top
10 temples, shrines and places of worship in Asia. Devotees flock
by the millions to these sites each year. Join them on a magical
mystery tour of the sacred, and turn a vacation in Asia into a
transcendent experience.
TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (Bhutan) - Bhutan's most iconic temple and
sacred spot, this monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 3,000
feet above the valley floor. Join locals in hanging Buddhist prayer
flags, first checking with monks to make sure the date is
auspicious.
VARANASI (India) - It is said that a ritual cleansing in the
holy waters of the Ganges at Varanasi absolves the believer of all
sins, enabling a higher birth in the next life. Millions of Hindus
make their way here annually.
SHWEDAGON PAGODA (Myanmar/Burma) - Sheathed in gold plates and
topped by a 76-carat diamond, the great golden dome that rises 322
feet above its base in Yangon is Burma's most sacred site, visited
by Buddhist worshippers and monk daily.
DAMBULLA (Sri Lanka) - The most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave
temples, Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of
five caves with over 6,000 square feet of painted walls and
ceilings, creating the largest continuous series of paintings in
the world.
BOROBUDUR (Indonesia) - An absolute must if
visiting Indonesia, the reclaimed ninth century ruins are the
largest Buddhist monument on earth, and one of the original seven
ancient wonders of the world.
PASHIPATINATH (Nepal) - The
largest temple devoted to the Hindu god Shiva in the world draws
devotees from all over the Indian subcontinent. Visitors are likely
to witness a fascinating cremation ceremony on the holy Bagmati
River.
PAK OU (Laos) - A natural cave with more than
3,000 Buddha statues left behind by worshiping kings, merchants and
farmers over the centuries, this mystical pilgrimage site is
accessible by boat only.
DHARAMSALA (India) - The capital of the Tibetan government in
exile, Dharamsala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and frequented
by pilgrims and visitors from around the world who wish to study
Tibetan Buddhism.
WAT PHRA KAEW (Thailand) - Located in Bangkok's Grand Palace and
also known as the "Temple of the Emerald Buddha," this spectacular
pilgrimage site is the place where all Thai monarchs have worshiped
since it was retaken from the Burmese in the late 18th
century.
SARNATH (India) - Sarnath, where Buddha is said to have preached
his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, draws pilgrims from
around the world.
About Asia Transpacific Journeys
Asia Transpacific Journeys specializes exclusively in custom
journeys and small group trips to the Asia/Pacific region. Founded
in 1987, no other company offers such expertise in the region. Its
long-standing connections in Asia, outstanding personalized
service, and deeply insightful cultural interpretations have made
Asia Transpacific Journeys the travel company of choice for
organizations such as the American Museum of Natural History the
World Wildlife Fund, the Harvard, Yale and Princeton alumni
associations, as well as discerning individuals, their families and
friends.
For more information, please visit www.asiatranspacific.com
or call (800) 642-2742.
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