How to Make Great Sightseeing Tour in Oslo, Norway

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When visiting Norway, most of the tourists like to go at first to Visit the capital Oslo, by the way, it is beautiful city and from there they can find a several and different touring ways available to them, in the center of Oslo can find train terminal station and from there can start a tour out Oslo to other near or far cities.

If you changed your mind for going in a tour out the capital by bus, easily can move from the train station to bus terminal by small bridge conducts between each other, really when I saw that I liked the designs idea, why? because you do not lose much time, do not spend much money and can find everything beside, for sure transportations system inner and outer Oslo is planned by great and unique way I like it much, if you decided to make strolling around the city will have two choice one it is free, other will cost a little money, the free way it is strolling by foot and it needs only strong pair of shoes and cheap meal, during your walking in the center of Oslo will wonder when you notice most of those people walk beside you not all of them Norwegian as you imagine also they are a big number of tourists, will know that when come to your ear a different and strange languages, but be sure you will be happy because you feel as you walk between a wide international tourist groups, other way for make strolling around districts of Oslo it will be by bus, subway and tram of course to get them it needs to pay for a ticket, also we must not forget a double duck bus that it is available for tourists only in summer. So you can get this bus to make a tour at the famous places in the center of Oslo. All of these great nets of transportations can find it in 150 square meters no more. Can you imagine this system of transportations? really make a tourist moves from one place to another and find his destinations even without a map wow! also if a tourist lost his way can find help from Norwegian people that they are so cultured and hospitality, do you know? Norwegians dial with all nationalities by good way and from their habits must meet people with smiling face also what it makes dealing with them so simple and easy that they can speak English fluently because the English language is the second language in Norway after Norwegian language, so even if you asked a child about something by English you will get answer and help at once. When I visited Norway I liked a lot of things there and soon I will go again to Norway not only for visiting but also for living in this beautiful country.

Sri Lankan Adventures To Last A Lifetime

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Go Surfing
For all the hardcore water enthusiasts out there, Sri Lanka boasts of some world class waves and plenty of sandy bottom point breaks and hidden reefs that swell considerably during the monsoon season. Ahangama or Midigama are two such towns that offer sweet breaks, good food and amazing surf experiences. For more intermediate surfers, Arugam Bay is the perfect spot and being one of the top 10 surf points in the world, it’s a location that you should definitely check out when planning a stint of surfing in Sri Lanka.

Up And Away On A Hot Air Balloon
Let’s face it – most of us are terrified of heights. We’re also pretty sure that hot air ballooning is on most of our travel bucket lists. It’s all about facing your fears and all that, right folks?

Going on a hot air ballooning ride in Sri Lanka, especially to catch the glorious sunrise is well worth waking up at some ungodly hour. And as for the height thing? The golden rays of the morning sun bursting through the clouds, the unfettered views of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes and countrysides and your vantage point from which you can watch wildlife from afar will soon have you awestruck.

Go Whale Watching
Without a doubt, one of the best highlights of a holiday in Sri Lanka is watching these gentle marine beasts sluicing through the water. Combine that with a catamaran, warm sunshine, azure blue waters and a whole heap of friendly dolphins and you’ve got the recipe for an epic day out.

Get treated to the sight of pods of dolphins pirouetting through the water just a few feet away from your boat and if you score it at the right time of the year, you will be able to spot Blue whales swimming off the coast in Mirissa during October to March and in Trincomalee between April to September. It’s safe to say that spotting Blue Whales is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!

Enjoy Whitewater Rafting
If you’re one of the people who yearn for heartstopping and adrenaline filled adventures in Sri Lanka, then the island’s rapids are for you. After all, What could be more thrilling than succumbing to the power of a mighty river and going along with its flow?

For the most action, head over to the Mahaweli River, known for it’s consistent 3-5 rapids. The Kotmale River also offers rafters 4-5 rapids that lasts about six hours. Kithulgala and Sitawake also offers epic rides on rapids ranging from 2-4. With no exceptions, everyone can enjoy a ride of a lifetime with life jackets and safety gears, but if you’re feeling queasy, there are plenty of jungle hikes and bird watching to do in these areas.

Experience Diving In The Deep Blue Sea
Nothing transports you to another world better than tackling the deep depths of the mighty sea. It’s in these mysterious depths that you can you discover the secret life of the marine world and Sri Lanka offers you the perfect opportunity to take the plunge. Besides the colourful coral gardens and schools of brightly hued tropical fish, Sri Lanka boasts of wrecks galore, thanks to its central location that was along popular ancient trade routes. Diving in Sri Lanka allows you to weave through these shipwrecks and unravel the mysteries that have been sunk to the ocean floor. Nothing will prepare you to sights that you will encounter in this silent, mysterious world.

Enjoy A Tuk Tuk Safari
If you think taking a Tuk Tuk ride is not an adventure, think again. One of Asia’s and Sri Lanka’s favourite modes of transport, Tuk Tuk rides are heaps of fun and thrilling too, especially if you decide to hop on one straight from your hotel and go for a long ride. From breakneck speeds (when the roads clear of any traffic, of course), singing local songs at the top of your voice and possible having your Tuk Tuk breaking down, be prepared to travel like you’ve never done before.

Kingdoms In Sri Lanka

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Anuradhapura Kingdom
Anuradhapura Kingdom is the first established kingdom in Sri Lanka among the Sinhala people. Its rule began with King Pandukabhaya and the Kingdom flourished from 377 BC to 1017 AD. One of the important events during the Anuradhapura Kingdom include the introduction of Buddhism. This was made possible due to the strong union between King Asoka of India and King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka.

Let’s take a look at the notable successors during this era. Some of these rulers are also of South Indian origin.

King Pandukabhaya
The founder and ruler of Upatissa Nuwara from 437-367 BC and first monarch of Anuradhapura. He had two sons Mutasiva and Suratissa. King Mutasiva ruled for over sixty years (367-307 BC) and constructed Mahamevnawa Park. Mutasiva had 09 sons some of the known successors include Devanampiyatissa, Uttiya, Mahasiva and Asela.

King Devanampiyatissa
Son of Mutasiva, Devanampiyatissa ruled from 307-267 BC. An important monarch as Buddhism was first introduced during his reign. Following his rule, King Uttiya was in power for a short period from 267-257 BC. Succeeding his reign was brother and King Mahasiva from 257-247 BC.

It was only after Mahasiva’s reign did the younger son of King Pandukabhaya, Suratissa, rule from 247-237 BC. However, his reign was short lived. Two traders from South India, Sena and Guttika killed King Suratissa and ruled the Kingdom for 22 years. Following their rule, another son of King Mutasiva, Asela came in to power from 215-205 BC only to have been killed in battle by Tamil Chola Dynasty member named “Ellalan”.

Ellalan
Having gained supremacy over the Pandukabhaya dynasty, Ellalan ruled Anuradhapura for over 44 years. During his reign from 205-161 BC he was known to be a wise ruler until he was defeated and exiled by King Dutugamunu in 161 BC.

King Dutugamunu
Perhaps among the favourite rulers of the Kingdom, Dutugamunu was also known as Duttagamani Abhaya. An important ruler in the era, Anuradhapura flourished during his reign 161-137 BC) and the kingdom expanded vastly. Dutugamunu was best known and accompanied by ten giant warriors or Dasa Maha Yodhayo. Some of his known work include Mirisavetiya, Lovamahapaya and the 90m tall Ruvanwelisaya. His contribution to the Kingdom are among the Anuradhapura Sacred City tour itineraries today.

Following his rule, the throne did not go to his son due to being married to a lower cast. Instead, his successor was his brother King Saddha Tissa. Having ruled from 137-119 BC, his successors included his sons, Thulatthana, Lanja Tissa, Khallata Naga and Valagamba.

King Valagamba
Having ruled the peaceful Kingdom for only a mere five months, before he was thrown out by South Indian invaders in 103 BC, King Valagamba was in exile for 14 years hiding in the Dambulla Caves. Following a long exile, Valagamba defeated the invaders and took back the throne in 89 BC. In gratitude, he converted his exile-home into a temple and also constructed the Abhayagiri Dagoba in Anuradhapura.

After the time of Valagamba, many in his family ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 76 BC to 66 AD. King Subharaja was the final known King from house of Vijaya.

During this period however, it’s important to speak of the very first Queen in power from 47-42 BC. Queen Anula, was also the first female head of state in Asia. Having been in power for five years, history states that she poisoned at least four husbands and consorts during her time in order to stay in power.

Anuradhapura Kingdom After Vijaya
With the house of Vijaya ending in 66 AD with the killing of King Subharaja by King Vasamba, a new era began. Vasamba went on to construct 11 reservoirs and 12 canals during his reign from 67-111 AD to support paddy cultivation of the country. Following his reign, his son, grandson, King Gajabahu I and many more went on to rule the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

Here are some other cool facts about the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

King Mahasen (277-304 AD) built the tallest stupa Jethavanaramaya, sixteen large tanks and two irrigation canals, the largest among them the Minneriya Tank.
King Dhatusena (455-473 AD), another great sucessor who was responsible for many developments in the Kingdom. During his time, he built 18 irrigation tanks, a large canal or Yodha Ela (Jayahanga) and the iconic 43 ft “Avukana” statue of Lord Buddha.
The Anuradhapura Era ended with King Mahinda V (98 -1017 AD). The Kingdom was the beginning of Buddhism and saw the start and increase in the number of temples, dagobas and stupas and steered the country’s development towards paddy with tanks and canals.