Month: January 2014

White Water Rafting in Rotorua

Located on the southern shores of the Rotorua Lake is the city of Rotorua. The name originates from the Maori word roto meaning lake and rua meaning two. So the name translates to second lake as it was the second lake discovered by the Maori chief Ilhenga. The region as a whole has 17 lakes which together are known as the Lakes of Rotura. All of these water bodies make this city ideal for white water rafting.
The waterfalls are graded up to 5 and the different gradings stand for the different experiences you will get on each of the falls. Kaituna is graded 5 which means your adrenaline pumping raft ride on this 7 metre waterfall is going to be nothing short of awesome. Wairoa is also graded a 5 so that your wild adventure can continue without missing any momentum. Rangitaiki is graded 3 or 4 so you ride might be slower but that gives you the right pace to observe the wonderful scenery. There is also Rangitaiki that is a grade 2 which is ideally suited for family fun times.
If you want something that gets your screaming out loud because of that mixed emotion of fear and excitement then try the Kaituna River ride offered by Kaitiaki Adventures. You will soar across 3 waterfalls covering a total of 14 rapids. This also includes Tutea Falls that is 7 metres high and is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
There are plenty of other activities to do in Rotorua and the fact that it is just a 45 minutes drive away from Auckland makes it all the more appealing. The hot mud pools might be a first time experience for many. With plenty of swimming, fishing, water-skiing, trekking and other adventure to embark on the town might sound like gruelling fun. However Rotorua is also known as a spa town because of the number of pampering spas the city offers.
To experience all of these just make a booking at any of the Rotorua hotels today. The renowned Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ also has a hotel in this town. It features amongst the most visited and appealing New Zealand hotels.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Leopard Watching in Wilpattu

Nature lovers and all leisure travellers visiting the charming island of Sri Lanka has a plethora of places to visit among which, Wilpattu National Park is a highlight. When in search of Sri Lanka beach resorts a desirable choice is Palagama Beach Kalpitiya, one of the most unique Kalpitiya hotels. Relatively larger than Yala National Park and having a fascinating history, Wilpattu park is renowned for being ideal for spotting leopards. The journey in the park itself is an exciting experience, bringing your inner daring explorer. The majority of leopard spotting in the park has been recorded near its water basins or villas. Thus take part in a leopard safari to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

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. Google+

Wolong National Natural Reserve

The Giant Panda species has always been under the threat of extinction but the Wolong National Nature Reserve found in Wenchuan County in China continues to play an influential role in safeguarding such a breed. Check out a serviced apartment in Chengdu near to the reserve so that you would not be spending too much of time travelling. A serviced apartment Chengdu provided at Somerset Riverview Chengdu should be considered before making plans of venturing out to the serenity that surrounds this sanctuary.

Covering an area of 200,000 hectares, the reserve was inaugurated in 1963 and houses in excess of 4000 species out of which 150 are Giant Pandas. Known for its unique blend of flora and fauna, Wolong provides visitors with access to a host of other endangered species which include the white-lipped deer, red panda and the golden monkey. Both temperate and tropical climate zones exist here which is why the place is perfect for viewing the clouded leopard and the Eurasian lynx in their natural habitats. The Panda Research Centre found within its premises is where extensive studies are carried out on the animals while breeding programmes to date have resulted in over 50 panda cubs being brought into the world.

 

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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Experiencing Thrilling Kite Surfing in Abu Dhabi

If you are looking to experience the thrill of some adventure sports when in Abu Dhabi then kite surfing is an excellent way to get your adrenaline fix! Before embarking on kite surfing excursions look to find a hotel in Abu Dhabi that provides an ideal base for your travels. Providing some of the finest accommodation Abu Dhabi has to offer, Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi is one such option and lets you enjoy other water sports as well such as sailing and kayaking.

When it comes to kite surfing in Abu Dhabi, one has several locations that provide the perfect setting for this exciting outdoor activity. Al Dabayyah and Yas Island are two areas known to attract kite surfers looking to catch strong breezes that will propel them along the water. If you are new to this sport, but want to learn more about kite surfing, one will find several centres and schools that provide the needed training that will have you riding the waves in no time.

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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Indulge in Wild Excursions on a Koh Samui Canopy Adventure

Ranked among Koh Samui’s most eco friendly attractions and activities canopy adventures are fast becoming a popular item in tourist itineraries in the vacation capital. Perched atop a ocean of tree tops one can enjoy spectacular views of lush rainforests in the area as well as stunning vistas complete with sightings of the pristine Rayong coastline and nearby Koh Samet island’s powdery beaches. Tipped to be one of easiest and most accessible adventure sports in the island canopy adventure participants require no prior experience or skills to take part in this gravity defying excursion.

Contained within the picturesque mountainscapes of Koh Samui canopy adventure operators can be found along forests close to Mae Nam where the landscapes are pristine and untouched by human development efforts. Picking up the participants from their respective hotels canopy adventure tour operators take visitors to the foot of the mountainous region where they must trek up a trail to reach the site. The walk acquaints participants with the terrain with chirping birds and other sounds of nature providing the score. The canopy adventure gear is available on-site and these include state-of-the-art mountaineering equipment by Telzl, safety belts, carabineer climbing clasps, harnesses and double wheeled tandem pulls specially made for canopy cable rides.

Offering visitors a truly unique method of sightseeing a typical tour could last up to 3 hours and also includes an expert guide that informs visitors on various technical aspects of the adventure as well as knowhow on the forests of Koh Samui. Divided in to four quarters the first section of the canopy ride is a small slope where riders can glide from one platform to another with relative ease. The second section of the tour is slightly steeper while the third prepares riders for the steep and thrilling rides in the last section where participants lose inhibitions and travel from tree top to tree top with ease. Located on lower placed platforms riders must descend on a series of ladders to reach the fourth quarter of the tour where they can increase speed and let lose on a sweeping series of platforms. Beginning in the morning hours canopy adventures are available at various times of the day while group tours are also offered by many of the tour operators in the island.

Travellers in search of a luxury Samui resort in Thailand’s holiday capital should look no further than the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. Offering guests the best in contemporary accommodation this Samui hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to unforgettable vacations in paradise.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Taking Aim at The Koh Samui Shooting Range

While most people looking for a thrilling experience in Koh Samui may engage in water sports, there is yet another equally enthralling activity one can try when here; shooting! Before heading off to have some fun at the Koh Samui Shooting Range ensure you find a Samui resort or hotel that provides a luxurious base from which to set off on your travels. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui is such a Samui hotel which is not only located by the sea, but features the very best in contemporary comforts as well.

Those in search of a unique holiday activity can plan a trip to the Koh Samui Shooting Range near Chaweng Beach where one can enjoy some time at the island’s main venue for shooting. Beginners will be given the necessary training on how to handle weapons and guided assistance on shooting. Once you have got the basics down, you can go ahead, take aim and fire away at the paper cut-outs. Weapons range from rifles to revolvers and real bullets are used which adds to the excitement. This is a fully licensed shooting range and safety procedures are also followed, helping to ensure a safe yet gripping day at the range.

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+

Deep Sea Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Imagine a holiday where you can fish in the warm blue oceans of the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East and enjoy the best of hospitality and great times. All this and more is what awaits you in Abu Dhabi.

If it is catching big fish in the deeps seas or waiting patiently till you know for sure that your catch is hooked to your bait, that excites you and get your adrenaline rushing, one of the must do activities during a holiday to the Middle East to go on one of the much popular deep sea fishing trips. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places amongst serious fishing enthusiasts.

For those who are keen on game fishing or even those who are keen to learn this exciting sport, Abu Dhabi is definitely a great place to try out this activity. There are numerous service providers who will not only take you to the best of fishing sites around the island, but also make sure that you catch some of the best underwater specimens of your life! What is more, there are many options ranging from state-of-the-art yachts to small boats to choose from for your fishing trip and varying trips ranging from half a day fishing trips to full-day adventures.

Even if you are new to this sport, there is nothing to worry as there are many lessons that you can take and with the expert guidance of the staff, you are sure to have a great time engaging in deep-sea-fishing in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to note that the government does not allow fishing without a license and you can avoid the hassle of getting a licence for a short period by using one of the service providers who already have the necessary licences.

Many hotels and resorts have facilities for these activities or have contacts of service providers. If you are staying at an Abu Dhabi Resort, or one of the Abu Dhabi Beach hotels such as the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, make sure you make use of this great opportunity to catch the game you always wanted.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Mountain Biking in Bandarawela

Tucked away amidst misty mountains and emerald covered slopes, the town of Bandarawela is perfect for a biking excursion in Sri Lanka. If you are looking for well placed hotels Sri Lanka is known for in this picturesque region then consider Bandarawela Hotel. Set against stunning natural backdrops, this charming hotel Sri Lanka has to offer also hires out bikes giving you the chance to set off on thrilling pedal-powered trips.

Being a mountainous area, Bandarawela offers some challenging climbs and fun descents for those engaged in mountain biking. It is customary to see tea plantations when on your tours and these provide an enchanting setting in which to cycle to your heart’s content. Due to the high elevation, the weather is much cooler here making mountain biking that much more enjoyable. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, some energy bars, a GPS (or a suitable GPS app on your phone) and even a couple of spare tubes in case you get a flat. Best of all such excursions let you truly immerse yourself in the rich natural beauty of Bandarawela and helps one get a sense of just what it means to head to a sanctuary in the hills.

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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Abu Dhabi Camel Ride, a delightful experience

The desert Emirate of Abu Dhabi has in recent years acquired a strong reputation as a significant visitor attraction. Part of the appeal of visiting this desert state is experiencing the natural environment of the region, which the Arabs have inhabited for thousands of years. Many visitors choose to undertake a desert safari which will undoubtedly provide a memorable experience.

However, for a truly authentic insight into the Arab lifestyle, you should take the opportunity to go on a desert camel ride. Camels are commonplace in the United Arab Emirates and are an excellent way to explore the desert environment.

Camel rides are often offered in the early morning as well as during the sunset hours. Typically, you will be taken by four-wheel-drive vehicle to the camels in their station amongst the sandy expanses of the desert. The camels are gentle and well-behaved and are expertly handled by the camel handler. However, it is important to hold yourself on securely when the animals rise to their feet and descend to the ground. Visitors will swiftly become used to the distinctive gait of the camel and the resulting wobbly movement.

Camels are unusual creatures who are perfectly adapted to the forbidding environment of the desert. It is said that they can survive for one month without water, and when given the opportunity to drink, ingest up to 120 litres at a time. However, the belief that camels store water within their hump is a misconception; the hump in fact stores fat which will be consumed if the animal does not eat for a period of time.

Often, your tour provider will arrange to provide refreshments at a location in the desert. At this time, you may disembark from your beast of burden, clamber up a sand dune and take some photographs of this magical setting. Taking a camel ride can only be experienced in a location like Abu Dhabi, and it will be a truly memorable experience you will look back on as a treasured memory.

If you would like to stay at a spa resort Abu Dhabi, an outstanding choice would be the Anantara Al Yamm. The villas in Abu Dhabi offered by this quality rest provide sumptuous accommodations and courteous service.

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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Hua Hin Snorkelling at Talu Island

Offering an unforgettable underwater experience snorkelling at Talu Island is definitely worth trying for those planning a holiday in Hua Hin. The region is in fact known for offering an idyllic coastal escape and staying at Hua Hin hotels by the sea is an ideal way to experience the very best this coastal town has to offer. Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is one of the best beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand is known for and lets you enjoy a holiday full of fun in the sun, sand and surf.

Snorkelling is a great way to discover the stunning underwater world that lies beneath the waters that surround this coastal area. For more snorkelling fun plan an excursion to Talu Island; the journey includes travelling to the fishing town of Bangsaphan Noi and then on towards Talu Island which is known for its colourful corals and range of marine life. As you snorkel you will come across coral varieties such as mushroom coral, staghorn coral and branching pore coral along with many fish species that call these waters home.