One of the oldest hutongs in the Chinese capital, Nan Luo Gu Xiang has both an old world charm and a rich heritage set amidst a lively atmosphere. Those wanting to truly experience life amidst the city’s traditional hutongs should look to stay at luxury hotels in Beijing such as Regent Beijing. Centrally located in the midst of these charming alleyways, it is one of the best placed 5 star hotels Beijing has to offer in the historic quarter. Make sure to make your way to Nan Luo Gu Xiang in the downtown area of the city where you can explore this area that has become a popular night time haunt. As you walk along the alleys you will come across quaint cafés, shops and galleries. A perfect place for some people watching as well, Nan Luo Gu Xiang also has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while watching the world go slowly by.
Month: May 2013
Water Sports in Phuket
Set amidst azure tropical waters, the enchanting island of Phuket may be known for its laidback charm, but it also offers plenty of thrills and spills for those taking part in the myriad of water sports on offer! If you are looking to truly enjoy the very best the island has to offer then look to stay at a luxury resort Phuket such as Regent Phuket Cape Panwa. This 5 star hotel Phuket is ideally located in Cape Panwa and makes an ideal base from which to enjoy the exciting water sport of diving where you can view a variety of marine life including snappers, moray eels and leopard sharks. Those looking for more relaxed exploration of the seas can try snorkelling and discover the spectacular coral and marine life beneath the waves. Adrenaline junkies should look to head to the west coast where such activities as surfing and windsurfing are popular, while jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing and sea kayaking are the other water sports you can enjoy in Phuket amidst the glorious coastal sunshine!
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.
Heritage
Mihintale is famous as the place where in 247 BCE King Devanam Piyatissa met the Buddhist monk Mahinda, the son Emperor Asoka of India on a full moon day on the month of Poson changing the religious orientation of the country forever. Mihintale is a 300 meter peak in a range of four mountain peaks on the Anuradhapura – Trincomalee road.
While Mihintale is close to the hearts of Buddhists because of its religious implications, it is also a very important archaeological site containing some of the country’s most ancient historical remains. According to Fa Hsien a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Mihintale in the 5th century, it was the site of a monastic complex of 2000 priests. The remains of monastic buildings and stupas scattered about the hill seem to bear this out. The pieces of archaeological interest start with the 1840 steps cut into the rock face leading to the top of the hill. It is said that the steps were specially designed to suit the sedate gait of the monks. The ‘Aradhana Gala’ a rocky prominence on the hill is said to be the site on which Mahinda and his disciples stood during the encounter with King Devanampiyatissa. A cave on the side of the hill is supposedly the place where Mahinda rested and meditated. The most impressive antiquity at the site is the bubble shaped 45 meter high Mihintale Maha Seya built around the 10th century. Artistically, Kantaka Chethiya may be the most important monument here. Dating back to 119 BCE it has examples of some of the country’s earliest sculptures and paintings. The highest point at Mihintale is Eth Vehera considered part of an inner temple. The best views of the whole Mihintale complex are from here. Another set of important remains are those of the hospital complex at the bottom of the hill, thought to be one of the most ancient in Sri Lanka. The main structure is built round a central courtyard and the remains adjacent to it have been identified as a medicine store, clinic, steam bath, the refractory and an herb grinding stone. Kaludiya Pokuna is the largest of the storage reservoirs around Mihintale. Around it are remains of a bath house, meditation spaces, walled caves and two dagobas. The landscaping here is distinguished by the fact that the boulders around are incorporated into the buildings. The rock caves in Rajagiri Kanda, a hill with large boulders opposite the Kaludiya Pokuna dates to the 3rd century BCE. At the top of the boulder strewn hill is a large cave with several compartments with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another interesting part of the ancient remains is that of a vihara adjoining the alms hall with an inscription setting out rules and regulations of the monastery and payments to various categories of staff. The remains of an assembly hall in the vicinity appears to have been constructed as an open sided pavilion and those of a refectory has two stone canoes thought to have been receptacles for rice and porridge.
Shanti Travels Sri Lanka, an experienced travel organization, offers some of the best Sri Lanka tour packages that has been put together to reflect the cultural and ecological diversity of the country. Holiday packages Sri Lanka offered by the agency includes some of the country’s best known hotels close to iconic heritage sites, wildlife parks and pristine beaches.
Hot Air Balloon Excursion in Emerald Isle Sri Lanka
Often regarded as one of the most breathtaking tours available in Sri Lanka hot air balloon rides are fast becoming popular among discerning travellers exploring the island nation. Offering visitors a bird’s eye view of one of Asia’s premier holiday destinations hot air balloon excursions allow travellers to uncover the natural beauty and culture of the island in a short period of time. Although hot air balloon operators are a novelty to the tourist Mecca their advent in to the tourism foray has been nothing short of revolutionary in terms of the wealth of tours and experiences on offer for the first time.
The Cultural Triangle hot air balloon experience is one of the most coveted tour packages offered by operators as the excursion explores the lower altitude heartland of the island’s proud historic sites. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya and the ancient Dambulla Temple the region is a landscape steeped in history, myth and legend. Visitors can expect to see the rock fortress and its surrounding areas surrounded by water buffaloes and meandering lakes. Monkeys jumping from tree tops and elephants making their way to a water hole are other common sights on this tour.
Ballooning Trips around the Uda Walawe National Park is another highlight that should not be missed by visitors as the verdant landscapes of this elephant infested wilderness is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists alike will enjoy the panoramic views of the national park located on the eastern edge of the country while beach lovers must set off on a balloon tour of Galle and the southern coastal belt.
Although a typical balloon ride lasts a mere hour a tour incorporates a 3 to 4 hour process from picking up guests from their hotels and transportation to the launch site as well as other elements such as flight briefs, balloon inflation time, taking off , the tour, landing and transportation back to the hotel. Most tours also include a hearty breakfast with champagne as most rides take off in the wee hours of the morning, meaning two hours after sunrise. Afternoon balloon rides are also organized after sunset while curious visitors can also join in the processes of deflating and inflating the balloon to gauge firsthand experience in hot air ballooning with the aid of experts. Private and exclusive hot air ballooning experiences are also on offer for couples, wedding anniversaries and other occasions.
Hot air balloon season falls between November and May when the wind conditions are conducive to the activity while March and April boasts the finest weather conditions for ballooning. The Tourism Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka also organized the first ever Sri Lanka Balloon Festival in March, 2011. The annual event takes guests from Europe and Asia on week-long balloon rides around the island’s premier attractions.
Travellers in search of Sri Lanka tour packages this holiday season can choose Shanti Travel Sri Lanka for all their reservations. Organizing an array of exciting excursions to suit every budget this well-known name in the tourism industry provides the best holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer.
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.
Kerala Kayaking
There are many companies in Kerala’s backwaters that offer the intriguing experience of Kerala kayaking in the Allepey region. One company is Kerala Kayaking, which offers a range of kayaking tours to best explore the region’s watery landscape. The company also offers cycling as a sight-seeing option, which can be combined with kayaking for a well-rounded tour of the backwaters.
The boating equipment the company uses is in the best condition and is completely user friendly. Safety is ensured as a mechanical Shikkara boat is always in close proximity to the kayakers. The tours begin early morning and beginners can utilize the beginners advance kayak with a guide. During the tours, which usually last around half a day, one can enjoy a delicious breakfast along the way while witnessing some of the most profoundly beautiful aspects of Indian village life. The art of duck rearing on the river banks, local farmers utilising traditional methods of paddy cultivation, mud collection for farms, temples and fisherman busy at their jobs are just some of the amazing sights promised by a boat ride along India’s exquisite countryside.
In addition, visitors get up close and personal with the locals and can hear fascinating stories about the indigenous culture. Many local delicacies are served as snacks, which give kayakers an authentic taste of one of India’s riches cultures. Tender king coconut juice, tea and toddy are some of the delicacies offered. Some highlights of the kayaking tour experience include: toddy shop visits, village walks, fishing, swimming, lunch at the local villages, church visits and bird watching. A multitude of kayaking packages is available to choose from, which include 4-hour, 7-hour and 10-hour daily packages or a 1, 2 or 3-night kayaking expedition.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a cap, sunglasses, change of clothes, towels and mosquito repellent in order to fully enjoy the vast and various array of sights a kayaking tour offers. Previous kayaking experience is not required, although knowing how to swim is definitely recommended.
When searching for a Kerala Resort that offers the highest calibre of comfort and services, consider staying at the Poovar Island Resort. This Beach Hotel Kerala provides guests with the choice of a land or floating cottage for an amazing experience both in and off Kerala’s backwaters.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
Alas Kedaton at Kukuh Village, Tabanan
Set amidst lush woodlands and home to an ancient temple, Alas Kedaton at Kukuh Village in Bali offers an enchanting getaway and lets you experience the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Those in search of luxury villas in Bali which to use as a base to visit such sites can consider Alila Villas Soori. Featuring some of the finest luxury villas Bali has to offer, this well placed property lets you enjoy the very best the island has t offer. Situated around 4 km from Tabanan town, Alas Kedaton is home to an enchanting forest where you will find troupes of macaque monkeys and even bats. When you visit the site make sure to head to the old temple that has been covered by moss, lending to its charm. There is also an art market near the temple which lets you enjoy some art shopping too when visiting this sacred site.
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.
A day at Dhangethi Island
One of the most elegant and contemporary Maldives Island Resorts that you would find is the Maafushivaru Maldives. This Maldives resort is breathtakingly beautiful and offers an impeccable accommodation service compared to other resorts in Maldives. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty of these islands spare some time to explore and witness the normal lifestyle of the friendly Maldivian people.
One of the best places for this is the Dhangethi Islands. All the government offices, business centers, schools and normal houses are located within this island. This is the third largest populated island of Alif Dhaal Atoll. You would see that the major source of income of the locals in the island is fishing, apart from this handicraft, boat building and carpentry some of the occupations of the citizens. Spend a day with these amazing people and get to know their ways of living in this beautiful country!
Marine wildlife in abundance in Maldives
The Maldives islands as a land base is quite minimal and previously uninhabited islands too have now been developed in order to sustain the growth of visitors to the island nation. As a result land based wildlife is fairly limited. Those that are present are largely water related.
However when it comes to marine wildlife there is certainly no other place quite as satisfying nor as photographic as what lies beneath the waters off the beaches of Maldives.
On land whilst there are a few goats and cats, dogs and pigs are not allowed on the island for religious reasons. There are also two species of lizards and geckos as well as two species of snakes. There are quite a number of species of birds however most are migratory who fly in from Europe during winter. Some types of heron, terns, hens and crows are island based.
A significant display that is a sight to see is when a large group of birds simultaneously sweep down onto the water in pursuit of fish. In fact many fishermen base their catches on this display.
Under the waters however sharks, dolphins, rays, tuna, coral fish of every shape, size and colour can be found in and around the island waters at different times of the year, according to weather and current conditions.
A visit to the Maldives should most definitely include a couple of days journeying to various islands, snorkelling and scuba diving in the waters as this will provide you with the most colourful and breathtaking impression Maldives has to offer. The best part is that all this is possible not too far from the comfort of your Maldives Resort and assistance and service in this aspect can be obtained easily from almost every resort.
A Maldives Luxury Hotel is easy to find and accommodation options are numerous. Most offer a full gamut of services including safaris around the islands, and all water sport related activities. Cocoa Island Maldives is an inspirational resort that is well matched to meet your every comfort and luxury requirement. So indulge yourself this year in Maldives.
Yas Island Bike Tours
Home to stunning natural beauty, Yas Island in the UAE offers a truly exiting excursion that can be best experienced while using some good old fashioned pedal power! The island can be found within easy reach of Abu Dhabi and those in search of a well placed hotel in Abu Dhabi can consider Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. This hotel Abu Dhabi is ideally located in the financial district making it well suited for those looking to mix business with pleasure.
Plan a visit to Yas Island and make sure to hire a bike or even sign up for bike tours which give you a relaxing opportunity to explore this enchanting isle. The island has well laidout cycle paths that feature maps and directions so you can easily navigate around the many sights of interest here. Apart from the breathtaking vistas that will unfold around you, one can also head to such sites as the Yas Links golf course, Yas Marina and the world famous Yas Marina Circuit which plays host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For a truly unique perspective of Yas Island, cycle at night when the landscape is transformed into quite a glittering site.
Explore Sapodilla Hill
Known for their stunning natural beauty, idyllic beaches and azure waters, the Turks and Caicos Islands provide a truly intimate coastal getaway. There are many sites of interest to be seen here and one such place that warrants a visit is Sapodilla Hill from where you not only enjoy panoramic vistas but discover a part of maritime history as well. This site can be found on the island of Providenciales and those in search of Turks and Caicos hotels here can consider Regent Palms Turks & Caicos. One of the leading Turks and Caicos resorts, it is ideally situated right near the famed Grace Bay Beach and is a perfect starting point to your island excursions. If you love an outdoor adventure then make your way west of South Dock and up Sapodilla Hill. Looking out across the picturesque Sapodilla Bay, the hill also features several rocks where you can see some fascinating carvings. These are in fact names of sailors who having been shipwrecked here made these carvings. Some even believe there are codes hidden here which can lead the way to a secret treasure! Of course even if your hunt for hidden fortune proves unsuccessful there is always another kind of treasure you can find here; the site of a magical sunset!