January, 2014 | The Adventure Travel Site

Diving Sites in South Male Atoll

The Maldives is home to a series of enchanting islands that are sure to lead you on a journey of great discovery. Diving perhaps is one of the most sought after of activities available at these isles and the South Male Atoll features prominently as an exciting destination to engage in this sport. A Maldives resort such Velassaru Maldives which is also known for its scuba diving Maldives has to offer will be a good place to kick start your holiday at.

From all the dive sites choose the Velassaru caves which afford memorable views of resting stingrays and a host of other species that live in and around this area. If you’re a beginner then an ideal destination would be Vaadhoo Hourereef which is nestled between Finolhu Falhu and Vaadhoo. Witness schools of trevally swim to and fro as you go deeper and deeper. For the more serious diver, perhaps the Dhigu Thila would be of benefit. Known for its strong currents, the thila is adorned with tiny coral formations and is truly a sight for sore eyes. The Balcony found to the north of Ranfaru paves the way for one to encounter a diverse range of tropical marine life such as eagle rays, barracudas and sharks. Other important areas worth heading over to would be Yacht Thila, Cocoa Corner and the Middle Reef.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

A Cruising Adventure

The sailing cruises are a great way to explore the outdoors. When you go out sailing in Phuket you can snorkel and dive around the waters of the islands. If you are in Phuket for a short stay then sailing will be a good option for you. Most of the sailing cruises take you to the nearby islands where you can relax, sun bathe or even have a private picnic. Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi, Raya and Similan islands are great for a beach getaway. If you are sailing with a group of people or even if you are sailing alone you should take the opportunity to explore the islands. There are some interesting species that dwell in the coral reefs nearby and you can spot a large number of clown fish in the water. Also the palm trees on the islands will help you cool off in the hot temperature.
There are different types of cruises that are available in Phuket. There are luxury yachts, catamarans, cabin cruises and monohulls. If you are not too familiar with Phuket then it is better to go for a guided cruise. Sailing in the area is a special activity because the waters that surround the island belong to the Andaman Sea. This means that the weather conditions for this activity are near perfect. The sunny weather and the moderate winds create the atmosphere for a great experience. Relaxing on beautiful beaches and island hopping are the highlights of such an outdoor adventure.
Another great experience is the food that will be served on board. Somehow a meal served out in the open sea tastes more delicious than when you are dining in a restaurant. It’s probably because the diving and snorkelling helps you to work up an appetite. Visitors who are planning to stay in the area could stay at a Phuket resort during their vacation. A Phuket beach resort is by far the best option because they have the best rooms with a spectacular view of the Thai ocean. Check out Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, they will pamper you and make your stay in Thailand a memorable one.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Bangalore Wildlife

Known for its thriving IT industry, the Indian city of Bangalore is also blessed with lush greenery and exotic wildlife which can be witnessed in the state’s wildlife parks and natural sanctuaries. Before embarking on your excursions make sure you find well appointed accommodation which to use as a base for your travels. Those in search of such 5 star Bangalore hotels can stay at Alila Bangalore which is ideally located in the Whitefield area. It is one of the leading Bangalore luxury hotels and offers easy access to the business district as well.

Nature lovers will have much to explore when touring around Bangalore and the National Parks of Karnataka. Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, such sites which include the well known Bannerghatta National Park are ideal spots to see some of the country’s exotic animal and bird life. On your excursions and safaris one has the chance to see tigers which are an iconic wildlife attraction, while other animals including elephants, jackals, sloth bears, barking deer, porcupines, hares and leopards are also known to be among the animal residents in these protected areas.

Seaplane Photo Flight

Ever wondered what paradise would look like from up high? Well if you do, then definitely sign up for a seaplane photo flight in the Maldives. Before embarking on your adventures, look to stay at a luxurious Maldives resort that lets you enjoy the very best the country is known for. Anantara Veli Maldives is one such option and features charming Maldives bungalows set amidst a secluded island getaway.

A unique way to see the Maldives, seaplane photo flights provide a one of a kind aerial view of the atolls and islands set amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. A perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking beauty the Maldives is famous for, these flights will take you on an unforgettable tour passing sun drenched beaches, fishing villages and even coral reefs that are sometimes visible from above. Make sure to bring your camera for there will be lots of photo opportunities that make for great holiday mementos.

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. Google+

Camping in Yala National Park

If you love wildlife safaris, camping adventures and catching glimpses of exotic animals in their natural habitat then make sure you head to the Yala National Park the next time you are in Sri Lanka. Apart from camping you can also look to stay at one of the Yala National Park hotels such as Jetwing Yala which makes an ideal base from which to explore this stunning natural sanctuary. It is amongst the leading hotels Yala Sri Lanka has to offer and features a range of contemporary comforts too.

Camping in Yala National Park is a great way to fully experience the site’s breathtaking landscapes and observe wildlife that call this natural haven home. One of the best places to spot leopards, Yala provides some truly unforgettable adventures that let you see a variety of species including the iconic Sri Lankan elephant as well as wild buffalos, sloth bears, spotted deer and crocodiles. The park is also popular amongst bird watchers since there is much avifauna here such as the endemic Sri Lanka junglefowl and the Sri Lanka grey hornbill. Camping gives you an ideal opportunity to not only spot many of these animals, but also soak up the atmosphere of the park amidst untamed natural beauty.

Natural Beauty

Ao Thalane or Thalane Bay is a scenic karst canyon along the coast accessed via an estuary with a dense mangrove forest spread out over a large area. Located about 20 miles from Krabi it is a popular destination for day trips. The karst formations in the canyon are said to be more than 300 million years old and is the oldest in the area. The limestone has been weathered and eroded by water into interesting shapes while mineral deposits have tinted it with colours ranging from pink to rose, mauve and cream. Trees, bushes and lianas grow on the sides of the canyon and at the edge of the water. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this very special place is by kayak, a mode of transport that will not damage the environment and will not disturb the wildlife.

Langurs and long tailed crab eating macaques frequent the cliffs as do a variety of birds among which are the blue rock thrush, kingfishers, white bellied sea eagles, egrets and swallows. Feeding fruit to the macaques have made them almost tame and dependent on visitors for goodies. Many jump into the kayaks looking for food. The noise of Cicadas and other insects break the stillness of the day. Giant monitor lizards and river otters are spotted disappearing into the water. A sandbar that is exposed at low tide at the mouth of the canyon, attracts visitors as millions of crabs can be seen scuttling about. Low tide also attracts local fishermen who come here to look for clams and other seafood.

Day trippers set off from Krabi before the sun gets too hot giving ample time to get to Ao Thane which takes about two hours by kayak. After exploring 6 km of channels among the mangroves, dodging low hanging branches and enjoying the dappled sunlight on the water in addition to stunning views of steep foliage draped limestone cliffs, caves and isolated strips of sand it is time for lunch at the local fishing village. Cooling off with a dip in the artesian pool Phu Thara before heading home is the practice of many visitors. Sunset kayaking trips and kayaking in the moonlight at Ao Thalane are the other options to enjoy this fantastic place.

Anantara Si Kao Thailand offers a secluded coastal escape with a laid back atmosphere free of crowds and facilities and services to ensure a memorable holiday. Spacious contemporary accommodation, a spa with Asian inspired treatments, water sports, a PADI dive centre, beach club and a slew of onsite activities are on offer at this popular Trang resort. Stay at one of prominent Krabi resorts and enjoy a unique holiday destination.

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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Submarine Safaris in Bali

You don’t have to be a deep-sea diver in order to experience the magnificent underwater world that can be found around the enchanting island of Bali. One of the island’s newest attractions, submarine safaris in Bali provide a truly thrilling journey of discovery that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Before heading off on your voyage to the deep, look to find suitable accommodation at a Bali resort that makes an ideal base for your travels. Anantara Seminyak Bali is one such resort in Bali and provides an idyllic and luxurious getaway along the Seminyak coast.

Plan to sign up for submarine safaris in Bali which let you delve into the deep and view a wide array of coral and marine life. Departing from Amuk Bay, this modern submarine which spans a length of around 56 feet is powered by battery ensuring that such a tour is eco-friendly as well. The air-conditioned craft can reach depths of around 150 feet and you and your family can enjoy unparallel views of colourful fish species and coral that make up the island’s rich marine biodiversity.

Night Diving in Maldives

Just because the sun goes down, doesn’t mean you have to put off plans to go diving till the next day. Night diving in Maldives provides a unique and fun way to explore the country’s marine life rich waters and get a whole new perspective of what lies beneath the waves. If you are a diving enthusiast or are looking to get training on this exciting activity, then look to stay at Maldives resorts which have their own dive centres. Amongst the leading Maldives spa resorts, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is one such option and features PADI diving courses too.

Embarking on night diving in Maldives lets you discover a whole new world providing a fun filled adventure. Though visibility is not as great as during the day, one can see sights that you may otherwise not get a chance to observe. In this sometimes eerie underwater landscape divers will come across certain types of coral that come “alive” at night. Of course this is also the perfect time to catch glimpses of nocturnal marine life that inhabit these waters; shrimps, nurse sharks and leopard sharks are some of the species that can be spotted when on your night time diving escapades.

Surfing in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a popular surfing destination because of the different kind of waves it offers. The varying swells and tides make it an ideal spot for expert surfers. It is located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and is the largest limestone peninsula as well. Riding the waves with the spectacular Uluwatu Temple in the backdrop makes it a beautiful experience, not to mention the vibrant and multi-hued sunsets that take place here as well.

Surfing is at its very best in Uluwatu during the dry season. Since it is on the right side of the peninsula the wind direction is from the southeast to the west creating ideal big waves. The best waves appear during mid and high tide. The peak area in front of the caves is most frequented by surfers because the waves are consistent, short and powerful veils of water rising from 1 foot to almost 8 feet.

Move 100 metres further in and surfers will come across the racing tracks. It is best to ride these waves during the low tide season when they are around 6 feet in height. During ideal conditions the peak will connect to the racetrack and one can keep riding waves that are almost 10 feet high.

The inside corner is nice and fun and the mid and low tide gives one waves that are around 6 feet tall. The grand finale in the inside corner is the tube; pass through this and you end up at the outside corner. This is what Uluwatu is all about. A low tide offers big swells that are on an average 8 feet tall and goes on for around 300 metres. The temple area has 2 surfing hotspots; namely the ‘outside temple’ and ‘the bombies’. Since the water here is very shallow it is advised that only experts surf here.

Once you have done all the surfing you want to and your system is done for the day you should head over to the caves; aim right to the cave as the current will move you left when you are paddling. After that you can head to any of the Uluwatu hotels to get in some much deserved rest and relaxation. Most Bali resorts also offer amazing rejuvenation massages which are well worth experiencing. Consider staying at Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa where you can enjoy such personal and luxurious pampering.

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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Exploring The Fascinating Halaveli Wreck

One of the most popular destinations in the world for diving, the Maldives not only is home to a diverse array of marine and coral life, but some submerged wrecks as well which provide a truly fascinating underwater excursion. One such site worth exploring is the Halaveli Wreck that can be found in the North Ari Atoll. Before embarking to the site, make sure to find accommodation at one of the Maldives island resorts which not only feature a PADI Dive Centre, but take guests on diving excursions as well. Naladhu Maldives is one such Maldives hotel and offers an idyllic getaway on an island paradise.

Divers can look to head to the Halaveli Wreck dive site where one can explore this relatively small freighter which was intentionally sunk in the 90s. The wreck which lies at a depth of around 20 to 30 metres, provides an exciting dive experience and on your underwater adventures you will come across an array of coral and marine life too; batfish, morays, mackerels, lionfish and groupers inhabit these waters, while those visiting in the afternoons have a good chance of seeing majestic stingrays.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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