Month: September 2012

Visit to the Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is a lake located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It was constructed in 1873 by damming the Thalagala Stream, which originates from the Piduruthalagala Mountain, as part of a program to supply the town with electricity. The lake takes its name after the then British Governor, Sir William Gregory, who oversaw its construction. It was used by the British for recreational activities and water sports. Although its popularity has waned a little since then, recent renovations aim to return the lake to its former glory. One has to purchase a ticket to enter the lake region and once inside there are several choices of activity. Tickets can be purchased for motor boat rides or one can hire a foot powered boat.

While adults may just want to sit and enjoy the scenery, children may enjoy taking a lap of the ground on top of a pony. Gregory Lake can get pretty crowded in April which is the peak tourist season. The lake is approximately a kilometre outside of town. It is currently a take-off and landing spot for domestic seaplanes. When in town one should also try to visit Victoria Park which was built in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s sixtieth year on the throne. Located within the city limits, the park contains a variety of plants with brightly hued flowers.

Nuwara Eliya (literally ‘City of Light’) is a part of Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Compared to most parts of the island, the city enjoys a cool climate throughout the year due to its high elevation. It is an important area for tea cultivation. The town is the ideal base point to visit surrounding attractions such as the Horton Plains National Park. The town also contains an excellent golf course where one can play a round or two.
The city proper is quite urban and tourists who want to enjoy the area’s famous greenery should try staying at Nuwara Eliya accommodation near the outskirts. Jetwing Warwick Gardens offers one of the best Nuwara Eliya bungalows, with gorgeous vistas of the surrounding mountains. Resembling the Scottish manors of old, the bungalow gives the feeling of seclusion but is actually quite close to town.

Earnslaw steam ship

Popularly referred to as the ‘Lady of the Lake’, Earnslaw steam ship has long been conveying passengers and transporting goods to remote settlement through the Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. A cruise aboard this much admired vintage ship affords the chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas. The ship will take you on a nostalgic journey during when you can explore the ship’s bridge and decks, view historic displays and the engine room and enjoy singing a song with the ship’s pianist. A preferred option in Queenstown hotel  accommodation, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview offers exceptional comforts. This ideally located New Zealand Queenstown hotel ensures nothing but the best. 

Te Puia Thermal Centre

Providing a unique experience that lets you learn more about Maori culture, the Te Puia Thermal Centre is a “must visit” attraction in Rotorua. This centre is where you will find the Geothermal Valley which features boiling mud pools, awe-inspiring geysers, steaming waters and more than 500 pools. One of the main attractions is the famous Pohutu Geyser which reaches heights of up to 30 metres, while other sites of interest include “Pikirangi”, a traditional Maori Village, the Kiwi House and the National Carving School.

Those looking for a hotel in Rotorua that is within easy reach of the Te Puia Thermal Centre can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This centrally located Rotorua hotel offers a perfect base from which to see the sights and sounds of the city.

Desert Safari in Dubai

When visiting Dubai, Desert Safari in Dubai is a must- try outdoor activity. The tour is extremely exceptional as it is something that you cannot try anywhere else in the world. The journey would be a breathtaking one with the sights of golden splendid sunsets and sand dunes.
Desert safaris in Dubai are action packed excursions with camel rides, visits to camel farms, belly dancing performances and mouthwatering barbeque dinners. When planning your luxury travel Dubai must be on top of your list of must- visit destinations. Let Paradise Vacations plan your luxury holidays to all top destinations that you please to go.  

Singing Fish of the Batticaloa Lagoon

The historic city of Batticaloa offers plenty to see and do and provides a one of a kind perspective into the area’s cultural heritage. The city is also famous for a unique attraction that has fascinated visitors from the world over; singing fish! Found in the Batticaloa lagoon and close to the Kallady Lady Manning Bridge, these special fish are said to emanate a sound similar to singing. Believed to be particularly clear on nights near the full moon, the sound of the singing fish provide an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to hear it! Travellers to the region looking for Sri Lanka boutique hotels by the coast can stay at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. This idyllic Sri Lanka resort has its own spa where you can enjoy some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.  

Blanco Renaissance Museum

Born in Manila, the capital of Philippines, on the fifteenth of September 1911, Don Antonio Blanco became the most well-known artist to live in Bali. His parents were Spanish, having migrated to Manila during the Spanish-American War, and Blanco felt a deep spiritual attachment to famous Spanish artists such as Salvador Dali and Miro. His affinity for art showed at an early age. While schooling he excelled at literature, arts and languages, but struggled at subjects such as science and math. As an adult, Blanco travelled to all parts of the world trying to perfect his craft before finally settling in the Indonesian island of Bali.
He was given an area of land in Campuan, Ubud by the King of Bali where he could live with his wife (the famed local dancer, Ni Ronji) and put up his studio. The artist’s mountain refuge was situated by the mighty Campuhan River and was a secluded paradise that the pair rarely left. Thus followed Blanco’s most prolific period where he produced many of his finest works of art. He won many awards and accolades from local and international bodies, including the Cruz de Caballero (the Spanish Knighthood), and became Bali’s most celebrated foreign artist.
During the last few years of his life he worked towards converting his studio into a museum. He passed away in the year 1999, just before the opening of his museum. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is one of Bali’s most important cultural attractions and tourists who want to take a day off from the beach should definitely try to visit it. The museum is not on any bus route and can be accessed by taxi. A small fee is charged for admission into the museum.
Being a premier tourist destination, the hospitality sector in Bali is well developed. One can easily find accommodation here to fit any budget. Tourists who visit the island looking forward to a relaxing vacation should consider staying at Bali spa resorts such as COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This Bali spa resort is situated close to Ubud and offers an array of treatments designed to help guests relax and feel at peace. 

Australian Alps

Whether you have a taste for outdoor adventure, or history and culture, or even if you just want to see nature at its best, the Australian Alps is a must visit place. Stretching across a large distance, this great mountain range crosses several states and has 16 glorious national parks and reserves within its borders. It is well loved throughout the seasons, and regardless of whether it is snowing or a nice warm summer’s day there is always much to see and do on the Australian Alps. These Alps are packed with activities that would interest young and old alike.
The Australian Alps are best loved for the range of outdoor activities that they offer. In the winter they are a much revered spot among those who enjoy winter sports ranging from skiing to snowboarding. There are several sites within the range that are ideal for these winter activities and Charlotte Pass is the highest of these amazing ski slopes. In the summer the Australian Alps are popular for biking, hiking, horse riding or just driving along and its breathtaking scenery will be appreciated by all.
In the streams that flow along these picturesque mountains visitors can engage in canoeing, kayaking and rafting, making the area a haven for adventure lovers. There is rich history encompassed in the Alps such as the caves of ancient tribes and visitors can participate in tours based on aboriginal culture. For those who want to experience the splendour of nature there is a walking track 650km long that has some of the most breathtaking views in the whole continent. 
In addition to all this, there are plenty of places in the area to get a close glimpse of wildlife and see a variety of some of Australia’s best loved creatures. Kangaroos and wallabies inhabit some parts of these mountains along with much more exotic flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Along the Alps are many places for visitors to enjoy a good meal and there is fun for the whole family.
Since it is within easy access to many of these popular spots visitors often spend their stay in Melbourne hotels. For Melbourne accommodation that surpasses any other in terms of class and comfort, The Langham Melbourne is a popular choice among Australia’s visitors.

Cardrona Adventure Park

Situated in the Cardrona Valley, between Queenstown and Wanka, Cardrona Adventure Park is a place for hours of outdoor fun!  Overlooking the Wakatipu Basin there is a number of viewing points. Visitors can choose from a range of quad bike rides which have been designed to cater to all skill levels and ages. The brave ones can opt to ride monster trucks for some adrenaline pumping thrills. An exceptional Queenstown hotel  accommodation option, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview offers the finest of comforts. This New Zealand Queenstown hotel is reputed for its hospitable service and ideal location.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Sri Lanka may be an ideal place to enjoy lazy days by the beach, but this island paradise also offers plenty of adrenaline pumping thrills! White water rafting is one such activity and can be enjoyed in particular in the area known as Kitulgala, which can be found in the hill country region of the country. Situated around 80kms from the commercial capital Colombo, Kitulgala has around five rapids that have been graded 2 and 3. As you go along the rapids you will come across a variety of areas that have been named to give you an idea of the thrills in store; Killer Fall, the Rib Cage and Head Chopper to name but a few! Those visiting the region and looking for Kandy hotels from which to explore the area can stay at Earl’s Regency. This property belongs to Aitken Spence Hotels which provides hotels Sri Lanka in a variety of key location across the island. 

A Fusion of Spectacular Views and Adrenaline Spikes

One of the beautiful and serene islands located off the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Phangan. Considered to be one of the most popular destinations amongst backpackers and travellers, Koh Phangan is most famous for its Full Moon Parties on the Haad Rin Beach. Its scenic beauty, tranquil atmosphere and pristine beaches further make Koh Phangan a relaxing retreat as well.
One of the latest and most thrilling attractions of Thailand and its Islands is Canopy Adventures. This thrilling activity combines the sense of serenity of nature with the adrenaline rush of zipping through the air at great heights, to provide a truly magnificent and exciting experience the likes of which are not easily forgotten!
Thailand and its Islands are blessed with several lush tropical forests with thick canopies, which are of immense scenic beauty. The mountainous landscape of these forests provides an ideal terrain for zip lining over the thick canopy of greenery, to provide a thrilling and serene experience. Canopy adventures include trips through the thick canopy of these forests, while letting you marvel at the beauty and the serenity of the exotic and mysterious tropical forests, either through a serious of cable walkways suspended high up in the sky along the canopy line, or through a speeding zip line that offers you breathtaking bird’s eye views of the lush forests and splendid scenery. 
The cable walkways require absolutely no climbing experience, so anyone can engage in a thrilling walk high up in the air and bask in the mystery and beauty of the forests. For those with a thirst for adventure, the zip lines will provide a great thrilling and unforgettable experience, as you zoom through the air in an adrenaline pumping zip line while absorbing the serenity of the lush tropical scenery. So if you enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, while also looking to have a bit of an adventure, this activity is the best choice for you.
Set amidst the relaxing ambience of Koh Phangan is the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa, one of the most tranquil Koh Phangan resorts. Belonging to the renowned Anantara group of hotels and resorts, this hotel offers accommodation in a range of suites and villas elegantly designed to fuse traditional Thai culture with tranquillity. With several fine dining restaurants, spa treatment and wellness services, and many fun filled leisure activities, this hotel promises to be one of the most relaxing and soothing Koh Phangan hotels.