Cambodia beckons tourists
G. RAVIKIRAN
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The Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo-2006 will showcase the rich heritage of the country.
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TIMELESS TREASURES: Sculptures and monuments in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat, Ankor Thom and Bayon Temple. The names are enough to conjure up myriad images of a timeless and mystic Cambodia, famous for its heritage monuments, historic places and stone sculptures.
Cambodia's never-failing charm springs from the location of internationally renowned heritage sites within 15-km radius of Angkor Wat. If the stone sculptures of Angkor Wat cast a spell on tourists, the bewitching Faces of King Bayon stand testimony to the majesty and awe of a bygone era. The frontal view of Ta-Prohm Temple with a giant banyan spreading its roots all around captured the imagination of Hollywood as well.
Drawing attention to Cambodia's fantastic heritage world, which was created in the 12th century, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government and Republic of Korea have come out with the Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo-2006 providing a rich fare on its enduring culture and tradition. It seeks to explore the mythical wonders of Angkor.
The expo will be held from November 21, 2006 to January 9, 2007, the running theme being Angkor Wat Historic Sites. The expo will have programmes by groups of Cambodian artistes. It is a unique occasion to revisit the Khmer civilisation and the Silla culture.
Mohan Gunti, a heritage consultant involved in many tourism projects of MEKONG countries, says: "UNESCO has recognised the Angkorian monuments as world heritage. It has a lot of potential to attract foreign tourists." Involved in tourism promotion for MEKONG countries of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Unan and Myanmar, he has chosen to operate from Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat and important Cambodian sites are located. Mohan expects over five lakh visitors from around the world to attend the Angkor-Gyeongju Expo.
Besides showcasing the confluence of Angkor Wat historic sites, the expo projects radiant culture of Silla in South Korean province Gyeongju. The co-hosts make a unique effort to spur a renewed and worldwide interest in the two places.
The Expo emblem has its motif from guardian snake-god Naga who protects Angkor Wat. A yin-yang design of the Korean flag signifies harmony between cultures. Symbols of the Silla dynasty and representation of Apsala dancer make the emblem complete.
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