It is always
dangerous to compare the world's continents. Their charms rest in the eye of the traveler,
and no two travelers or continents are alike. When faced with the great continent of Asia,
however, it is tempting to step back and look at the numbers. Asia represents almost
one-third of earth's land mass. Its holds the world's highest point, Mt. Everest, and the
lowest point outside of uninhabitable Antarctica, the Dead Sea. It is home to both the
largest and deepest lakes on Earth, the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. Out of the twelve
longest rivers on Earth, seven wind through Asia. All the world's major religions
originated in Asia, and two out of every three people on Earth live there.
The countries of Asia are so
diverse that on the surface they have little in common. If anything, their commonality
lies in diversity itself. Many of the societies in Asia are composed of a multiplicity of
ethnic groups and religions, tribes and languages. Interknowledge invites our readers to
sample this incredible abundance of landscapes and peoples. Those contemplating an
adventure in Asia can take heart in the fact that the continent's overwhelming immensity
is also the source of what is perhaps its greatest natural resource--choices.
|
|
Click and Explore...
........................................................................................
Burma (Myanmar)
Though haunted by a dictatorship, Burma's isolation has left its myriad historical sites
in pristine condition, including the fantastic, gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
and the temple complex of Bagan.
India
It has been said of India that no traveler can leave it without strong impressions. Its
great heritage as a seat of empires and religions has left it with some of Asia's most
astounding architectural achievements, including thousands of ancient temples and the
famed Taj Mahal. A large country, India boasts extensive national parks and plenty of
opportunities for safari. Trekking in India takes place along various stretches of the
Himalayas, including the mystical highlands of Ladakh.
Indonesia
The most famous of Indonesia's islands is the exotic Bali, know for its captivating art
and temples, but there are also untold natural and cultural wonders on the much larger
islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and in Irian Jaya. Extensive national
parks can be found on all of the islands, which are ripe with volcanoes, mountain ranges,
jungles, and flora and fauna found nowhere else.
Malaysia
Hanging like an emerald pendant at the tip of Malay peninsula is the remarkable nation of Malaysia, which also possesses extensive territory on the
northern half of the island Borneo. Malaysia is a paradise for jungle-trekkers and lovers
of tropical wildlife: over half of it's land mass is covered by the world's oldest
rainforest. It is also a country that consciously embraces diversity, a trait reinforced
by its position as an ancient crossroads in the Indo-Pacific seafaring route.
Nepal
Here the Himalayas reach full strength, rising to their highest with Mt. Everest. Though
it is inevitably associated with mountaineering, Nepal also offers superb game viewing and
whitewater rafting in some of its lower regions. Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha, and
the cultural impact of his life and teachings can be witnessed in the multitude of
exquisite temples that dot the valleys and mountain slopes.
Pakistan
Home to the world's second highest peak, K2, Pakistan is among the world's premier
mountain trekking destinations, with ample stretches of the mighty Himalayas. The fertile
Indus River Valley and its environs, invaded and conquered countless times from both east
and west, contains the monumental ruins of some of Asia's greatest empires.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is home to some of the most astonishing cultures on Earth, many of which
have been isolated from the world until this century. The country's many rivers are great
avenues for viewing its wildlife and touring its jungle-clad villages, and its offshore
islands and reefs are ideal for marine sports.
Russia
Dominating the northern half of the continent, Russia and its vast natural and cultural
wonders are now open to the world like never before. The west part of the country, with
its arterial rivers and traditional ties to Europe, provides a tremendous cultural and
historical venue. East of the Urals, along the path of the seemingly interminable
trans-Siberian railway, is the Russian heartland. Rich in lakes and wildlife, it bursts
with almost every kind of landscape imaginable, and much of it is relatively
unexplored.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the only Asian countries to avoid falling under total control of
imperialist Europe, a phenomenon that places it in a unique cultural position. Sukhothai,
an ancient and impressive capital of a legendary empire, exhibits some of the most
extensive and intact ruins in all of Asia. Thailand is also a naturalist's haven with rich
parks, highland forests, and hordes of aquamarine beaches.
Vietnam
This scenic, tropical nation has been rediscovered by travelers in recent years; more
people than ever are marveling at Vietnamese treasures such as the imperial city of Hue
and the abundant, species-rich rainforests. The entire eastern border of Vietnam is
defined by the South China Sea, and its limitless beaches are among the finest in Asia.
Colonial influences from France and China reach their height in the national cuisine,
which is world famous.
......................................................................................................................
AFRICA
ASIA CARIBBEAN EUROPE
LATIN AMERICA
HOME
......................................................................................................................
Privacy
Policy
This page, and all contents
of this Web site are Copyright (c) 1997-2005 by InterKnowledge Corp.
All rights reserved.
|
|