India constructing larger replica of Angkor Wat
The symbol of Cambodia, soon to be shared by Bihar, India.Imitation might be the the sincerest form of flattery, but in the global tourism racket replication is the sincerest form of poaching on someone else's turf.
There's the "Eiffel Tower" in Las Vegas, and, of course, the entire Austrian village currently being cloned by a Chinese company.
None of these "if you can't beat 'em, copy 'em" projects, however, are as audacious as the one now underway in India, where a larger version of Cambodia's UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat is being built on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Bihar.
A foundation-laying ceremony for the temple took place on March 5 at the 16-hectare site near Hajipur, about 25 kilometers north of Bihar's capital Patna.
The Mahavir Mandir Trust will undertake the US$20 million project that will take an estimated 10 years to complete. The trust has built a number of hospitals and temples in Bihar, mainly funded by donations.
"The launch of the project has been timed to coincide with the ongoing centenary year celebrations of the foundation of Bihar," the trust's secretary, Acharya Kishore Kunal, told The Hindustan Times.
Angkor Wat is Cambodia's national icon and was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II.
It was first a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Later it became a Buddhist site.
Bihar's version of Angkor Wat will be called Virat Angkor Wat Ram temple. It hopes to claim the title of world's largest Hindu temple complex with the tallest point reaching 67.6 meters, slightly taller than the original.
"The selected site for construction of the temple has mythological significance," said Kunal of the site in the Vaishali district. "It is believed that the deities Ram, Lakshman and Vishvamitra had visited and were welcomed by King Sumati of the Vaishali kingdom."
Angkor Wat is Cambodia's biggest tourist draw and appears on the Cambodian flag. The number of foreign visitors at Cambodia's Angkor Wat Archaeological Park reached 206,000 in January 2012, nearly 30 percent more than the same month last year.
After traveling around the world on a fistful of dollars, Zoe returns to Hong Kong, where she grew up, to discover and write about all the inspiring stuff that happens here on a daily basis.
The airport is your runway. Black suitcases aren't only boring, they're much more likely to be grabbed by someone else at the luggage carousel.
Figure out which type of traveler you are and pack one of these instead.
Thrifty traveler -- Patagonia MLC
This affordable and efficient suitcase can be worn or carried in three different ways -- as a backpack, a shoulder bag and a briefcase -- and is ideal for the thrifty traveler planning to walk a lot and use crowded public transportation.
US$ 159 at www.patagonia.com
Outdoor adventurer -- Globe-Trotter Safari Trolley Case
These vintage trunk-style suitcases look rather like what Indiana Jones (or his girlfriend) might take on an expedition.
Handmade in England of vulcanized fiberboard, these suitcases are actually as strong as leather.
Random fact: they can even withstand the weight of an elephant's foot.
21-inch trolley case approximately $ 1,285 at www.globetrotter1897.com
Business traveler -- Tumi Super Léger International Carry-On from the Voyageur Collection
We'll never understand why business travelers are so crazy about Tumi. (Remember their scratchy and stiff ballistic nylon suitcases?)
But even we can appreciate their success in finally learning to combine versatility and design with the new soft suitcase.
The Super Léger International Carry-On from the Voyageur collection weighs only 2.3 kilos, leaving plenty of room for suits and shoes.
US$ 395 at www.tumi.com
Modern art lover -- Bric's Campari Munari Carry-On Trolley
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Campari, Bric's Milano created a collection of bags and suitcases based on Italian artist Bruno Munari's artwork "Manifesto Campari," which is housed in MoMA in New York City.
While some people may not know (or care) what any of that means, travelers toting this limited edition will get knowing looks from fellow art-lovers at the airport.
US$ 525 at www.brics.com
Beach bum -- Halsea Boat Canyon
Being decked out in flamboyant Hawaiian-wear while sipping a tropical drink at the beach is what Halsea's casual beach style is all about.
Packing the Boat Canyon suitcase -- in bright ocean blue mixed with a cute pattern of crabs climbing on tangled ropes -- will transport you to a tropical mood.
The rolling suitcase comes with a shell-pink lining and a spacious three-compartment interior.
US$ 385.00 at www.halsea.com
Hardcore hiker -- Granite Gear Blaze A.C. 60
Hours of hiking, climbing or camping carrying a heavy pack can take a toll on your back.
Granite Gear's Blaze A.C. 60 pack weighs only 1.3 kilos with an ergonomically designed air current suspension, releasing heat from the back and providing cool comfort.
This Backpacker's Magazine Editor's Choice 2011 award-winning lightweight pack comes in a men's model and a women's model sculpted to fit women's hips.
US$ 229.95 at www.granitegearstore.com
Tech geek -- Trip Sound suitcase
TravelTeq's Dutch-designed Trip Sound suitcase is every gadget geek's dream come true.
Like something out of "Inspector Gadget," this traveling boom box not only carries your belongings but transforms into a chair with a built-in MP3 player dock and stereo speakers making endless waits at the airport slightly more entertaining.
€495.00 at www.travelteq.com
Luxury traveler -- Louis Vuitton Pégase 55
If you've got a bigger travel budget than you know what to do with, the Louis Vuitton Pégase 55 in red Epi leather is stylish but discreet, unlike the monogram canvas model most Louis Vuitton buyers opt for.
It comes with a nylon cover.
Approximately $ 4,740 at select Louis Vuitton stores.
K-Pop fanatic -- MCM Express Line Trolley
K-Pop fans from all over the world have been packing their bags to visit -- or even move to -- Korea for a glimpse of their favorite stars.
MCM has been the brand of choice for many a Korean idol (and fans of Korean idols) ever since G-Dragon spearheaded the brand's cool factor when he was snapped carrying the MCM backpack at the airport.
The Express Line Trolley bag, with its trademark Cognac Visetos print is a chic choice for travelers looking for a new breed of logo-covered suitcases.
Available in vertical and horizontal styles.
Approximately US$ 840.
MCM Flagship Store, 78-12 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea; +82 2 540 1404; Monday–Friday: 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday: noon–7 p.m.; closed Sunday; www.mcmworldwide.com
Also on CNNGo: Kayla Ann Villanueva: I moved to Korea for K-Pop
New parent -- Ride-On Carry-On
Cruising through an airport with a hyperactive toddler is no easy task with an additional stroller and bags in hand.
The inventor of the Ride-On Carry-On understood parents' travel dilemmas when creating a children's chair that becomes a travel stroller when attached to a rolling carry-on. It requires no assembly and folds easily for cabin storage.
US$ 39.95 at www.rideoncarryon.com
Also on CNNGo: 10 romantic getaways for every type of traveler
Valerie Pergay is freelance writer whose published works can be found in Seoul based magazines and newspapers like the Korea Herald, Korea Joong Ang Daily, Newsweek, Seoul magazine and Discovery magazine about lifestyle topics ranging from fashion and the arts to food and travel.
China Travel Slideshow 2008
Prepare Yourself for China: The Visitor's Survival Guide to China
China is a whole other planet (and you're the alien). Hit the ground running with this essential know-how and friendly advice based on a decade of personal experience and the hard-earned wisdom of dozens of veteran expats. Expert advice straight from the horse's mouth to make sure you avoid making the same mistakes as the countless thousands who have gone before you. Indispensable knowledge from the school of hard knocks, punctuated with real life anecdotes, this essential survival guide gives you the confidence to take China in your stride and prepare for the extraordinary everyday situations that other advice books overlook. Including a concise business section that describes Chinese business culture, business meeting survival tactics, business entities, manufacturing issues, and an overview of the hoops you need to jump to begin exporting to the world's most exciting economy.
Comments