Month: September 2012

Discovering the Thermal Wonders Of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Located in Rotorua, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is known for its unique geothermal features and offers an outdoor adventure like no other. Popular amongst nature lovers, this picturesque area is home to a nature reserve and a wildlife sanctuary and is where one can also see lakes formed amidst steaming volcanic craters. There are tours that take visitors to some of the valley’s most well known attractions and there is even a cruise along Lake Rotomahana. Travellers in search of a hotel in Rotorua from which to explore the region can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This well placed Rotorua hotel also offers a range of luxurious comforts that make your stay more enjoyable.

Bangkok Skytrain

The Mass Transit System of Bangkok which is also popular as the BTS skytrain is a fast transit system that runs above the city. Along its way, the BTS system stops by over 32 stations where it runs both eastwards and northwards along the Sukhumvit line. The places of halt are Mo Chit and Bearing for Sukhumvit line and Silom, Sathon, Wongwian Yai, National Stadium and the Central Business District of Bangkok. At the time the BTS was built it was known as the Lavalin Skytrain because the Vancouver Skytrain was taken into consideration while constructing the BTS. Due to some influences from the higher authorities the Lavalin Skytrain was cancelled in the year 1992 giving the city’s traffic congestion as a reason.
After a few years they recognized the importance of Lavalin Skytrain and made arrangements for it to get back into function. Skytrain was a name given by the press after its re-establishment. The original depot of the BTS skytrain was beneath the Lumphini Park but it became a menace to the residents and had to be moved to Phahonyothin Road removing the Northeastern bus terminal to Mo Chit. This amazing Skytrain in the city was opened on the 5th of December 1999 with the participation of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In the beginning it was only 200000 passengers who took the train for a day and miraculously on the 9th of December 2005 a record of 500000 ticket sale was indicated. All the train stations belonging to the BTS system is built on elevated ground on three levels.
The street level facilitates access to the station through escalators and stairs. The next elevated level contains ticket booths, small shops and the gates to the trains. The third level of the system holds the rails and platforms. If you wish to travel around Bangkok on your next visit, the easiest mode of travel is to take the BTS skytrain. Not only the Sky train you can also try out some fascinating Bangkok Luxury hotels where you enjoy a range of modern comforts. The Peninsula Bangkok is an amazing Bangkok Hotel that visitors love to try out on their Bangkok visits.

Diving in Hikkaduwa: Discover the Mysteries of the Deep

The deep blue sea has been a constant and intriguing mystery since mankind began to frequent the Earth. Not only its waves and currents and its impact on the weather and atmosphere but also the almost alien sea life that frequent miles beneath the waters have piqued the inquiring mind of mankind for a long time. It is this inherent curiosity that draws eager travellers and tourists to the calm and beautiful waters of Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is a popular destination both among locals and foreigners who seek to experience the marvels of the sea life amidst the peaceful and scenic beaches. The location is also ideal for surfing and is a well known surfing destination as well. The beach is also home to exquisite sea life thanks to its beautiful corals which protect the bay area from waves and was the first reef to be declared a marine national park. Scuba diving in Hikkaduwa is a marvellous experience for one could enjoy the beauties of the underwater with damsels, butterfly fish, barracuda, boxfish, and more swimming in and out of the magnificent coral reefs. There are a number of diving facilities dotted along the Hikkaduwa beach which are accessible for a small fee.

If one’s objective of visiting the island is to experience its wildlife, a number of national parks including Yala and Wilpattu are ideal to satisfy one’s quest. Whereas, one may opt to enjoy the marvellous sea life surrounding the island, unparalleled to any other experience, in which event the shores of Galle is where you should go.

In this small island, scenic beaches are not its only attraction. Sri Lanka hotels have the unique advantage of being able to offer diverse experiences to any traveller thanks to the island’s relatively small area and its ability to transform surroundings from being warm and temperate to cool and mild within only a few hours. Galle resorts are especially designed to give you the best access to the beautiful shoreline and are guaranteed to give you an experience you will never forget. However, if you wish to opt for accommodation inland yet with quick access to the beach, Jetwing Kurulubedda is an ideal choice for it is nestled in a serene location but within a few minutes of the island’s shoreline.

Explore the Hiyare Rainforest

A visit to the beautiful tropical island of Sri Lanka is full of possibilities, and the country is alive with things to see and do. From the paradise beaches that surround the island to its fresh hill country full of lush greenery, holiday makers are never short of ways and places to spend their time. Yet one of the country’s most glorious natural blessings is its serene rainforests, so richly populated with varieties of flora and fauna; entering these green havens is similar to entering a new world. These exquisite forests are well preserved and uninhabited by man, thus seeing them is an honest reflection of what nature is, at its best.

For an exciting tropical experience visitors can explore the Hiyare Rainforest. The forest is a short drive from the city of Galle, a popular destination for tourist from all parts of the world. It is on the boundaries of the Hiyare reservoir, which regularly keeps the forest rich and vibrant. The population of wildlife that calls the forest home is always active though they do nothing to disturb the peaceful ambiance that fills the area.

Anyone will enjoy the calls of the birds resounding in the treetops, and realize that they are definitely in one of the world’s most exotic locations. For naturalists and avid nature lovers the visit will be surreal as the forest is home to hundreds of species, from birds, insects and fish to reptiles and mammals. The variety of trees and plants in the forest too is extensive, some of which are endemic to the glorious island, Sri Lanka.

Visitors can explore the Hiyare Rainforest by trekking through it or hiking, while enjoying the stunning surroundings. For those who enjoy travelling across the water, boat rides are available too and are a popular way to enjoy this serene forest. Animal lovers can stopover at the animal rescue centre where injured animals are given care and attention before being rehabilitated into the wild. Visitors will be astounded by the diversity of nature when visiting the picturesque Hiyare Rainforest.

Where better to spend such an engaging holiday than at one of the best Sri Lanka hotels available? Jetwing Lighthouse is a great choice and one of the premier Galle hotels, enjoyed immensely by those visiting this part of the island.