商品簡介
Temples, Safaris and Celebrations is a joyful and heart-warming journey through three vibrant countries-Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand-told through the eyes of three curious and enthusiastic grandchildren travelling with their parents and grandparents over the Easter holidays. This beautifully illustrated book captures not just the breathtaking sights and sounds of Southeast Asia, but also the laughter, questions, surprises, and meaningful moments that make travelling as a family so unforgettable.
This is not just a travel story-it is a story of connection across generations. Told in a child-friendly, conversational tone, the book invites readers young and old to experience each place as if they were there-squinting into the bright sun on a safari, marvelling at the massive stone paws of Lion Rock in Sri Lanka, tasting spicy hoppers with sambal, or wandering through markets filled with colour, noise, and joy.
From ancient temples to jungle treks, bustling city streets to tranquil farmhouses, every chapter is full of real stories and reflections, enriched with local history, cultural practices, and authentic family experiences. Whether it's spotting elephants in the wild, celebrating New Year with cousins, or navigating the chaos of a hotel check-in with ten suitcases, the book finds warmth and wonder in every adventure.
The journey begins in Sri Lanka, where the family climbs the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress, explores the ruins of ancient capitals like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, walks barefoot into sacred cave temples, and learns about Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions. They meet relatives, discover local farming life, and witness the lasting legacy of kings and monks. Along the way, Sri Lanka's stunning natural beauty-its forests, mountains, wildlife and coastline-comes alive.
The next part of the journey takes readers to Malaysia, where skyscrapers rise above temples and banana leaf meals bring family together. In Kuala Lumpur, the family celebrates Tamil New Year with relatives, reconnects with old friends, and dives into the sights, sounds, and stories of a truly multicultural nation. The children reflect on how identity, migration, and family traditions shape who we are, even across continents.
Finally, the family arrives in Thailand. Here they are enchanted by golden temples, serene rivers, floating markets, and the peaceful rhythm of everyday life. They learn about Buddhist customs, the tradition of changing the Emerald Buddha's robes for each season, and the enduring philosophy of balance that guides Thai culture. A stunning sculpture at Bangkok airport-the Churning of the Ocean of Milk-offers a moment of reflection that beautifully ties the journey together.
Throughout the book, the voices of the children-Rahul, Lila and Alisha-are woven into the narrative, capturing the wonder of discovery and the delight of simple pleasures: spotting a tuk-tuk, watching firecrackers, or tasting a fruit for the first time. Their grandfather, Appu, a retired academic and seasoned traveller, offers gentle wisdom, guiding their curiosity while rediscovering the world through their eyes.
This book is for families who love to travel, for grandparents who treasure time with their grandchildren, and for children who dream of exploring the world. It celebrates not just where you go, but who you go with. It reminds us that holidays can be more than just a break-they can be a bridge between cultures, generations, and hearts.
Temples, Safaris and Celebrations is a celebration of curiosity, family, and the joy of shared experiences. It invites readers to slow down, look around, and see the world not as tourists, but as travellers-with open eyes and open hearts.
