Month: February 2017

Ocean Drive -The celebrity Art Deco thoroughfare

The Ocean Drive is located about ten minutes from COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach. It is an iconic drive that is an ideal place to appreciate the history and architecture of Miami, as well as the glorious beaches represented by South Beach. A Miami hotel located on this stretch of the beach would, therefore, have the architectural attractions on one side, while the golden beaches would beckon from the other.

The architecture of the Drive dates back to early 1900s, where pastel was a big hit. You have the Beacon by Henry O. Nelson built in 1926, Waldorf Towers by Alber Anis built in 1937, the Colony Hotel and the Cardozo by Henry Hohauser (former built in 1936 and the latter in 1939), the Breakwater by Anton Skislewicz built in 1939, and the Cavalier by Roy F. France built in 1936. All these buildings are examples of Art Deco style, which is what the Ocean Drive is famous for. This is also known as the heart of Art Deco district and has made cameos in many films and TV shows including Dexter. There is also a popular culture of cabaret dance and singing in the district, with several bars being dedicated to the LGBTQIA community.

The best way to explore the Ocean Drive is to take a drive through the street, or a slow cruise through the blue waters. This is best done during the day as well as the night, as the sights during each time period is completely different from each other. Cycling down the Ocean Drive early in the morning or in the afternoon will have you mesmerised by the calling of the sea from one side while the other side will have a gorgeous tapestry of sunlight playing artist with the Drive’s architecture. In the night, it has more of an 80s movie feel to it, with neon lights lighting the way and the ocean’s invisible presence felt only through its chant.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The highlands of Bali are world famous as the heart and soul of the island’s deep cultural and artistic roots. The cool, mountainous region of Ubud in particular, has attracted many a traveller to its lush green valleys, cultural villages, markets and dense forests. Accommodation wise, like most of the accommodation in Bali, Ubud has its share of scenic retreats, like the COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, for example.

While there are plenty of captivating things to see and do in the region, one of Ubud’s biggest attractions for visitors, is the celebrated Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest, the six hectares of fertile forestland, shrouded by giant nutmeg trees, is home to Bali’s mischievous looking, long-tailed grey macaque.

Around 600 macaques are said to live in the sanctuary, with 5 main groups located in different areas. While they generally live in peace, conflicts are known to arise between the monkey groups due to territory crossings. Once notorious for stealing from visitors, over the years, their behaviour toward humans has improved, thanks to a management program run by the surrounding community. However, while they look cute and seem friendly, all visitors are advised to remain on guard and treat them as wild animals. Aside from the macaques, the forest is also home to 22 varieties of birds, 5 species of mammals, various reptiles and several other creatures.

Besides watching the monkeys lazing around trails or swinging through the canopies; located further in the thick forest, ancient temples, surrounded by stone statues covered in moss, can be found in several places. The most famous of which is the 17th century Bukit Sari Temple. A full day is needed to really explore the forest trails and take in the beauty of the tall trees, mystical stone temples and of course, watch the monkey families.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travelers.

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Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zooligical Park or AAZP for short also goes by the name Vandalur Zoo. Located as the latter name suggests, in Vandalur, Chennai, which forms part of the state of Tamil Nadu in India, this zoological garden is considered to be the largest zoo in the country, in terms of sheer size; Arignar Anna Zoological Park covers over one thousand and three hundred acres of land. When it was still situated at its former location, this zoo was renowned as the first public zoo in all of India.

Vandalur Zoo holds an affiliation with the CZA or Central Zoo Authority of India and is the second most important wildlife sanctuary in the state, the foremost being Mudumalai National Park. It contains over two thousand and five hundred plant and animal species within its borders. The zoos denizens fall under a vast range of categories in the animal kingdom. There are several species of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, fishes and birds in the park, and quite a few of them are endangered too. Arignar Anna Zoological Park also houses around one hundred and thirty eight species of plants. Examples of some of the plant life you can find here are eucalyptus plants and cashew trees.

For those thinking about visiting the park, if you reside in one of the Chennai airport hotels such as that by the Turyaa Hotels & Resorts chain, you can make a day trip here as it will be under an hour’s drive away.
Once you get to the park, you are likely to see a whole host of animals ranging from hippopotami, camels and llamas, to bears, tigers and vultures. The park also hosts over fifty butterfly varieties. If you’re travelling with children, this is sure to be a favourite exhibit as they will be able to spot dozens of different kinds of butterflies, all displaying a wonderful mix of colorations and wing shapes.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

 

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Almost every city in the world has a river flowing through it and the history of the city and the river are often intertwined. So does one of South East Asia’s favourite cities, Bangkok. The Chao Phraya river is considered to be the lifeblood of the city. It has been a busy river even in the early years and it still continues to be one. The scenes around the river have been changing over the year with the condos, the sky scrapers, the hotels and the hotel apartments in Bangkok all lining up the banks. With hotel-style apartments being the latest addition to the Bangkok accommodation options, properties such as Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok is located a stone’s throw away from Chao Phraya.

The river was chosen by early settlers due to the fertility soil as well as the abundance of fish. Today the river has evolved into a tourist central with activities. There are countless river cruises with dining options and there is entertainment on the river as well as on the banks of the river. The river is still used for transportation, with locals using it for their daily commute and for commodities to be transported. Some of the tours not only allow you to explore the river and it’s banks but also let you to explore some of the iconic monuments and landmarks of Bangkok such as the reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace.

The river is known as the river of the kings as after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taskin made this his new capital and later king Rama I followed through finding the Eastern banks of Chao Phraya more favourable. Today it still is the lifeblood of Bangkok with around 50 000 people’s daily commute depending on it. The river and its canals have earned the city the name “The Venice of the East”.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Hiking in Rumassala

Sri Lanka is renowned for its remarkable natural attractions and the island is sure to be a delight for those who appreciate the wonders of nature. The southern part of the island is appealingly picturesque and the renowned Rumassala Mountain would be a captivating locality in which to undertake an enjoyable hike. If you are visiting this part of the country and would be interested in Unawatuna hotels consider the attractively located Cantaloupe Levels.

The town of Unawatuna and its environs is always an agreeable place to visit. Here you will find inviting shimmering beaches with lively waves that will capture the interest of the leisure seeker. One of the most renowned natural attractions in this area is the mysterious Rumassala Mountain, which is considered to be a splendid locality for an invigorating hike.

A hike up Rumassala Mountain is sure to be a challenge, but it will undoubtedly be a rewarding experience. This area is renowned for its magical scenery and you will have the opportunity to admire the stunningly picturesque surroundings first hand on an enjoyable hike up this mountain.

Rumassala Mountain which was formerly also referred to as ‘Buono Vista’ is an intriguing place which is also linked with a number of local legends. It will also be a delightful setting for the nature lover with its outstanding flora and fauna. You may have the opportunity to spot playful monkeys in this area, with birds of prey also regularly spotted from the slopes of the mountain.

On the peak of the mountain, you will encounter the tranquil Peace Pagoda which is a well-known local Buddhist feature. You will also notice a statue of Hanuman, the monkey deity who is associated with the local folklore. However, perhaps the greatest reward of all would be the spectacular views over the surrounding areas that you can experience from the peak of this famous mountain.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+