In ancient times, Sri Lanka was known by a variety of names: ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane and Arabs referred to it as Serendib (the origin of the word "serendipity"). Ceilão was the name given to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese when they arrived in 1505, which was transliterated into English as Ceylon. In 1972, the off ....

Specks of emerald green enveloped by dazzling turquoise waters like scattered beads in the ocean; white powdery beaches, tall palms lean on towards the sea, crystalline white sands giving way to crystal clear waters, shades of turquoise blend flawlessly with deeper hues of blue; pristine coral reefs and s ....

Bordering Saudi Arabia to the West; the United Arab Emirates to the Northeast, and Yemen in the South, Oman was also the first Gulf state to establish official relations with Israel (in 1994) while still maintaining cordial relations with the rest of its Arab neighbors. Safe and sensible, wit ....