Month: January 2013

Nature Tour in Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary

Blessed with stunning natural beauty, the island of Sri Lanka is famous for its idyllic beaches that offer a perfect escape amidst the sun, sand and surf. However, the island is also home to breathtaking patches of forests that are teeming with a rich biodiversity including endemic species. Those heading to the country’s famed south coast city of Galle should definitely make time to visit one of the country’s most enchanting reserves, the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary.

Home to a lowland wet evergreen forest, this reserve can be found east of Galle, near the Nilwala and Gin rivers. Visitors interested in exploring the area can set off on one of the trails in the reserve; those setting off on the Narangas Ella trail will enjoy an unforgettable journey deep into the forest, while travellers venturing along the Kabbale mountain trail can enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the summit.

As you set off on a nature tour in the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary you will notice that the trees have formed a sort of canopy covering the forest floor. Sunlight barely penetrates through some densely covered areas of this enchanting forest which also features waterfalls and rivers; it provides a truly exciting escape far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among the attractions one should look to see while here are the Anagimale falls and the Giant Navada tree.

The reserve is an ideal place for such activities as bird watching. There are more than 100 species of birds that can be seen here and bird watchers have the chance to see such species as the blue magpie, green billed coucal and the spot-winged thrush. Endemic species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, red-faced malkoha and Sri Lanka spurfowl have also found a home here. Apart from bird life, the Kanneliya reserve is also known for its endemic freshwater fish species along with a variety of butterflies, amphibians and reptiles.

Those in search of Galle resorts from which to set off on excursions to the region and visit such sites as the Kanneliya reserve can stay at Jetwing Kurulubedda. Set amidst lush greenery, it features villas in Galle that offer an idyllic getaway surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Rivers in Thailand- Explore in a cruise!

Thailand is a country with an array of attractions and numerous things to do. When you are exploring this country, there are many ways of doing that. Cruising across some of the main rivers which flow across the country is one of the most exciting ways of experiencing the beauty of this country. Among many other Bangkok cruises, we can recommend you one of the most unforgettable moments in Bangkok with Anantara Cruises Thailand. This Bangkok cruise tour will take you to all the places that you would ever wish to visit when in Thailand. Chao Phraya, being the major river of Bangkok, has many tours across the river which give the tourists an extraordinary experience.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Thai Royal Guards Parade: A Stunning Display of Military Prowess

Established in 1859 by the then Crown Prince Chulalongkorn, the Thai Royal Guards have evolved throughout history and has served a multitude of purposes. Initially entrusted with simple duties such as scaring crows, the Royal Guards soon became a strong division of the Thai Armed Forces and is, at present, entrusted with the protection of the Thai Royal Family.

In keeping with the special position the Royal Guards occupied within the Armed Forces, in 1953, they received colours from the then reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, one of the highest accolades that the King, as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, may bestow. Since then, this event has been ingrained into the colourful history of Thailand as the Royal Guards of the Armed Forces participate in a massive parade displaying military prowess in celebration of the birthday of the King of Thailand and humbly pledge their loyalty to the reigning King.

What began as a minor activity in the mid 20th century has now blossomed into a massive display of the capabilities of the Thai Royal Army and is attended by the Army, the Navy, the Thai Marine Corps as well as the Thai Air Force. The event is broadcasted live throughout the nation and is attended by thousands of citizens who flock to the Royal Plaza in Bangkok to witness this great display of might. Though the colours ceremony aspect which was initially the focal point of the 1953 parade is no longer a part of the national celebration, other elements such as a 21 Gun Salute and ceremonial march pasts are still retained in this fifty year long tradition.

If one is in the country during December, making a visit to witness this parade is a worthwhile endeavour. It is usually conducted in front of the Dusit Palace at the Royal Plaza in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Whether the excursion to modern day Siam is for business of pleasure, opting to stay at a serviced apartment Bangkok is a sensible option in terms of accommodation. One such award winning option would be the Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok which affords all the modern comforts you deserve. Overall, its location further affords an exclusivity that is enjoyed by only the very best of Bangkok serviced apartments.

Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom

The bug museum or the Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Museum is a wonderful place to take your kids during the vacation. The museum is a place filled with many species of insects that is sure to thrill you and your kids. It is absolutely a lovely experience where one can take an insight to the habitat of insects and how they survive. There are over 200 varieties of insects that live in various high tech environments that are specially made for the different creatures. Among the many developed environments the museum houses a desert, a country side, a valley, a swamp, a forest, a rainforest and so on.

Anyone who enters this magnificent world of bugs will find it quite bizarre and the kids will surely love it. The museum is separated into many segments like insect gallery, butterfly valley, ecological feeding area, water experiencing area, small inset theatre, solution cavity of amphibian and reptile, tropical rainforest experiencing area and the list goes on. The most exciting activity of the agenda would be the show time where the insect parade, food grabbing show and the honey gathering activity will fascinate you. The most unique experience you will get from this special museum is that you get to interact with the insects, touch them and feed them. You could in addition have some fun fishing as well.

Apart from the bugs, the reptiles will amaze the kids more. As you enter you will come across a tank with a very busy seal who finds the tank quite not enough. This kid friendly museum is a fantastic place to amuse your little children by showing the scary alligators, relax on the big sitting area next to the toy shop having a health snack or go fishing for goldfish. It will be a place that your little ones will want to come every day. If you are visiting Shanghai, a great Shanghai luxury hotel for your stay would be The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai which consists of luxury and comfortable hotel rooms in Shanghai. It is also in the near vicinity of this intriguing museum as well as many other top attractions in the city including entertainment, shopping and dining venues.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Dudhsagar Falls

Goa which has since recently become a very renowned destination among tourists for its beautiful natural locations still has many places that remain hidden within its territory. One such place is the Dudhsagar Falls which is situated in the Mandovi River in Goa. The name Dudhsagar means ‘sea of milk’ and indeed is a magnificent sight which is sure to mesmerize all its visitors. This waterfall is definitely one of the world’s most striking waterfalls with its milky white waters rippling down from high mountains giving glamorous scenery for the landscape of Goa.

This waterfall is not in its best shape during the dry season; however when the monsoon season arrives the sea of milk turns into a very strong gush of water which flows through the state of Goa. It is known as the 5th tallest waterfall out of the falls in India and is also the 227th tallest in the world boasting a height of 310 meters. This breathtaking venue is a must visit during the monsoon which comes to life in a wonderful manner and making it one of the most dazzling natural phenomena in India. The Dudhsagar is a four tiered waterfall which has a width of 100 feet and does a major role to the eco system of Goa. Trekking is one of the most loved excursions among Dudhsagar sightseers. All the essential facilities like shelter, water and even medical facilities are provided.

There are four routes that one could trek and hike around. The most famous route during the monsoon is the castle rock route where you will reach the castle rock station along a pretty 14 km route and then to the waterfall. The second is the Kulem route which is equally beautiful as the first but less popular. Kuveshi route is the most adventurous and is not accessible during monsoon seasons. The travelers of Dudhsagar can have a rest in a Goa resort or a beach resort in Goa which is not much far from the waterfall. You will certainly have a memorable adventure trekking and hiking along the rippling sea of milk. A good choice for your stay would be the Alila Diwa Goa which is widely known to be a luxury accommodation option available in Goa.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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River Cruises to Ayutthaya: Where Culture and Tranquility Intertwine

The city of Ayutthaya, the capital of the province of Ayutthaya in Thailand is a city encapsulated with historic importance and is fondly known as the Venice of the East as well. The city is located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River and tourists often opt to make an excursion to the city to visit its temples such as the Wat Chai Mongkol, the Wat Phra Sanphet and the Wat Mongkhon Bophit.

There are a number of ways of exploring a city of such historic importance, but a river cruise is truly one of the best ways to see it up close. Travelers have the option of selecting a luxury cruise or the economical choice of a converted rice barge to do so. One of the most popular cruises is the River Sun cruise which allows you to arrive back in Bangkok from Wat Chong Lom Pier. The cruise lasts for around three hours and allows patrons to witness the pristine beauty of the river and observe the routine life styles of the locals living along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Another cruise, the Grand Pearl, takes its patrons through the provinces of Pathumthani and Nonthaburi. In addition, it allows you to take in the sights of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Dawn as well. the 4 days RV River Kwai Cruise takes river cruises to another level altogether with a number of stops along the bank to enjoy activities such as elephant rides, hiking and even shopping as well as lectures on the historical and cultural importance of the sites that are passed while on board, are made. Of course, each of these cruises is complete sumptuous buffet lunches featuring a variety of cuisines that is sure to set your taste buds tingling in epicurean delight.

For Bangkok cruises to the city of Ayutthaya which encapsulates the luxury that you deserve, opt for Anantara cruises Thailand which is a three day excursion passing the Royal Barges Boat House, Temple of Dawn and many other historic landmarks. Opt for this Bangkok cruise tour and allow its exquisitely luxurious converted rice barges complete with delectable meals and personalized service, cater to your every need.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Auckland Jet Boat Adventure

If you want to add some adrenaline pumping thrills to your next sightseeing trip to Auckland, then a jet boat adventure is just the thing for you! Those planning to undertake such activities would be well advised to find an Auckland hotel within easy reach of the waterfront and The Langham Auckland makes an ideal choice. ThisAuckland Hotel Suites offers contemporary accommodation with the best in modern comforts. Taking passengers on a rip-roaring ride on the water, an Auckland jet boat adventure is full of high-speed fun as you feel the rush of riding aboard a high-powered boat, some of which reach speeds of up to 85 kph! Boats typically perform some spectacular moves on the water and also give you a chance to see such sites as the Harbour Bridge and the Cloud on Queens Wharf.