Articles: Asia and the Orient

The Red Fort, also called Lal Qalʿah, is a historic fort in the city of Delhi, overlooking the Yamuna River. It served as the main residence for the emperors of the formidable Mughal dynasty for almost 200 years until the British took over in 1857. Like the Taj Mahal, it was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1638 who decided to move the Mughal capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, in present-day Old Delhi. The construction took ten years and the fort is octagonal in shape, covering an area of 254 acres.

Yangon, Myanmar a city of history and curiosity for an escorted small group tour for mature and senior travellers to explore.Include Bagan and the Irrawaddy river in any educational based tour program for couples or solo travellers.

Built in 1857 on the Irrawaddy River or Ayeyarwady River by King Mindon prior to complete British rule, the city of Mandalay still bear traces of royal grandeur in the palaces and monasteries built during his reign.

History of the Trans-Siberian Railway The history of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a network of railways connecting Moscow to the Russian Far East, covers important events of the 20th century, tracing the rise and fall of…

Explore Bagan, a cultural and artistic wonderland, on a small group tour The opportunity to explore Bagan, a cultural and artistic wonderland, on a small group tour does exist. Odyssey Traveller has offered small group…

A Short History of Tokyo Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, the busiest intersection in the Japanese metropolis The history of Tokyo is intimately intertwined with that of Japan’s. In this article, we’ll explore Tokyo’s history from…

From steep wintry peaks, rising more than 1.4 kilometers above sea level, to ancient forests and river ways, the range of scenery around Mount Lushan is genuinely breathtaking. A relatively unknown spot for Western tourists, the Lushan National Park is hugely popular for Chinese tourists. The mountainous region is littered with beautiful flora and fauna, and is teeming with wildlife, including the world's largest migratory white crane flock.

The Great Wall of China is, first and foremost, a remarkable feat of human ingenuity, perseverance and construction. It offers a multi-dimensional insight into ancient Chinese history. From how the wall was constructed, to the ideology and strategic practicalities that necessitated its construction, there is so much to learn from the Great Wall of China.

Everything about the Forbidden City, from its name to its history, is full of intrigue. For many visitors, the Forbidden City embodies the secrecy, mystery and power of China’s past.

The Tiger's Nest monastery, known locally as Paro Taktsang, has earned a reputation as one of the most remarkable tourist spots in central Asia. It has become the most iconic cultural landmark in Bhutan, and a trip to the country is incomplete without a visit.

Over the past decade, the Bhutan Textile Museum in Thimphu has steadily established itself as one of the best adverts for local Bhutanese culture. The museum finds the right balance between past and present, highlighting some of the old Bhutanese textile masterpieces, whilst simultaneously promoting the wares of local artisan weavers. In doing so, the Bhutan Textile Museum has succeeded in shining the spotlight back towards an amazing but dying skill. Bhutanese weavers can now continue the practices of their forefathers, without worrying as much about competition in a consumer world governed by mass-production and strict bottom lines.

Modern day Bhutan has a deep affinity with its Buddhist past. Buddhism is the source of religious and cultural identity for the majority of Bhutanese people. The history of Bhutan goes some way to explaining why, in the upper ranges of the Himalayas, nationalism intertwined so tightly with religion.