Month: February 2014

Night Snorkelling in Maldives

Snorkelling in the warm waters of the Maldives is great fun that can be enjoyed in groups or just by yourself. However by nightfall, the experience reaches a different level. Unearth the treasures of the waters below by residing at a Maldives snorkelling resort. Any such Maldives resort you come across will have the facility of night snorkelling excursions that will take you to the heart of the marine life that inhabit its waters. Velassaru Maldives is one such example that is sure to cater your every mood and requirement.

Snorkelling amongst rows of corals at night has to be one the best things that anyone can do while in the Maldives. Make use of every piece of equipment that will be on offer so that you can enjoy great value as you explore the reefs. From the smaller species of fish to the larger ones that come out to feed at night by the reef, one is sure to be in for a treat and an unforgettable journey that you will always want to come back to. If you are lucky you would also encounter a few manta rays and even the odd whale or two resting peacefully. Visibility at this time is crucial so it is best that you have a flashlight with you to find your way past the reefs while keeping a watchful eye out for the marine life that the isles are renowned for possessing.

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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Boat Rides in Golden Triangle

Junctions where three streets meet are common enough. Junctions where three cities meet are somewhat rare. However junctions where three countries meet is indeed a find! The Golden Triangle of Thailand greets Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on each of her shores.

This wonderfully created place of charm holds yet another reason for significance for the locals. This is where the Mekong (Mae Khong) river meets the Ruak River and hence is called the Sop Ruak by the locals. These two magnificent rivers, Mekong and Ruak, form the boundary between the three countries of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

The area of the Golden Triangle was once famous for the growing of opium. The Hall of Opium, located in the Golden Triangle, still provide edutainment by exhibiting details of the history of opium, having a small opium plantation, while also providing details of the effects of smoking opium.

A boat ride in Golden Triangle can take you to a small island called Don Sao, which belongs to Loas. Since visa is not required to Laos to enter this island, you would not want to miss an opportunity to claim a visit to yet another country on your trip.

The boat rides will take you on a mesmerising journey from Sop Ruak on the Mekong River to Chiang Saen which will take approximately half an hour and a longer trip to Chiang Khong which takes close to one and a half hours. On this journey one will not only see marvels of nature, but also marvels carved out by the hand of man, in a giant golden Buddha on a ship, elephant statues and shrines dedicated to the royal family.

Being a famed tourist location in Thailand, accommodation in Chiang Rai hotels are generally up to a good standard with its plethora of hotels that suit any budget. However it is best to insist on a hotel such as Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand, which is a multi award winning one and is a great hotel Chiang Rai possesses and indulge in the finest of things that this wonderful country has to offer. Luxury, comfort and delightful fascination await those who visit Chiang Rai indeed.

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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Knuckles Mountains

Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka between Matale and Kandy districts, the folds and peaks of this extensive range of mountains stand, resembling the knuckles of a clenched fist which has in turn earned it its name. There is much to explore within these mountains and there are also plenty of hotels Sri Lanka has to offer in the environs which enables you to experience these mountains at ease. Earl’s Regency is one of the most preferred Kandy hotels which allow you all the comforts and peace of mind for such adventure. Harbouring a variety of flora and fauna mostly endemic to Sri Lanka and to the Knuckles Mountain Range, these scenic mountains are considered to be a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. Referred to as The Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist enclosed mountain range by Sinhalese residents of the olden days, the Knuckles Mountain Range is characteristic of thick layers of cloud that often robes the striking landscapes.

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

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Diving in the Banana Reef

Blessed with an array of dive sites, each offering something new to discover, the Maldives is easily one of the best destinations for a diving tour. One site definitely worth exploring is Banana Reef that can be found in the North Male Atoll. Before embarking on your excursions look to stay at Maldives hotels that offer diving excursions as well. Adaaran Meedhupparu is such a resort in Maldives that provides the very best in luxurious comforts as well.

Make sure to plan a trip to Banana Reef which can be explored by novice divers too. Featuring a depth range that goes from 5 metres to 30 metres, this dive site which is also known as Gaathugiri is home to abundant coral life as well as a diverse number of fish species. On your excursions here you are likely to come across such species as bannerfish, morays, grouper fish, pufferfish, fusiliers and squirrelfish. Making for a truly memorable day out, diving at Banana Reef offers a unique perspective of the stunning underwater world that lies beneath the waves.

 

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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Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ever wondered what the paradise island of Sri Lanka looks like from way up top? Well thanks to hot air balloon tours you need not wonder anymore! An ideal place to visit for those who love to travel Sri Lanka is full of enchanting landscapes, rich natural beauty and historical sites that make such hot air balloon rides that much more special. If you are looking to discover the very best of this island make use of the Sri Lanka tours offered by Elegant Travels which take you to some spectacular sites.

For a unique perspective of Sri Lanka, sign up for a hot air balloon tour that takes you to heights ranging from 500 to 2000 feet, set amidst some awe-inspiring views. While some excursions take place in the Cultural Triangle where one can see such sites as the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, others take place along the South Coast where one may see the stunning Galle Fort and the country’s famed beaches. A flight at sunrise is a perfect opportunity to catch the first rays of the sun gently spreading across the landscape bathing everything in an ethereal glow. It is an ideal activity for the entire family or even for those looking to enjoy a romantic experience with that special someone.

Wildlife of Bali Calling to Her Admirers in the Many Voices of the Wild

Hidden in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lies the beautiful island of Bali, wrapped in her charm of the sea, with a voice of the wild untamed. Although Bali is the smallest province of Indonesia, it is the largest tourist destination of the country, and has been so for many decades in the past.

This little island is indeed a treasure trove for those who love the four legged or winged creatures that call the forest their home. Some creatures that roam the deep green jungles are endemic, some are endangered, while the rest are beautiful too to behold in their comforting abundance. Almost 14% of Bali is sacred to these creatures to roam free, undisturbed by their common greatest enemy, the man. These initiatives have ensured that the wildlife of Bali, is a thriving one.

The many little balls with colorful feathers that chirp on leafy branches and pick up fallen twigs to build their crude nests, are all relatives of the family of around 280 species of birds in Bali. Out of these, the Bali Starling with her black tipped tail is one especial, as the bird is critically endangered and endemic. Sacred Kingfisher, Stork billed Kingfisher, Sea Eagle, Lesser Adjutant, Dollarbird, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-naped Oriole, Java Sparrow, Crested serpent-eagle, Yellow- vented Bulbul and the Great Egret are some of the many wonderful feathered creatures that roam the Balinese skies.

Mammals including the wild Banteng, Javan Rusa deer, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Leopard Cat, Sunda Pangolin and Black Giant Squirrel inhabit the forests of Bali. However its greatest treasure, the majestic creature called Bali Tiger that was endemic to the island, was driven to extinction by poaching and habitat reduction in the year 1930. It is however unforgotten by the Balinese, while the skins and bones of the last of the kind sprawl lifelessly in museums around the world.

Squirrels and Monkeys spread their witty cheer amid the trees in their numbers while snakes such as King Cobra, Reticulated Python and Water Monitor along with spiders govern with fear. Bats remain well represented and are worshipped too, at Goa Lawah (Temple of the Bats) by the locals.

The waters of Bali also provide a home for many marine species like Hawksbill Turtle, Giant Manta Ray, Bumphead Parrot Fish, Hammerhead Shark, sea snakes and Dolphins.

The beauty of Bali can be explored while indulging in the opulence of the many hotels of the island. Out of these Uma belonging to the luxury hotel group of COMO Hotels and Resorts is highly recommendable, being an award winning hotel as well.

Out of this World

Maldives, while being a favourite holiday destination for its relaxed and peaceful vibe and beautiful coastal scenery also plays host to thousands of visitors who come there to experience the fabulous underwater scenery. Excellent under water visibility, an incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes add much to the diving experience.

Maldives is well geared to provide the best underwater adventures that anyone could have. Every resort island has a PADI certified diving school with UDI and PADI certified instructors and excellent quality, well maintained equipment for hire so that visitors may enjoy the underwater adventures in store beneath the waves. The natural coastal lagoons around resorts are perfect for diver training. The dive schools also teach courses in rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography that adds to the range of adventures to be had beneath the waves. While it is possible to dive in the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off coastal crafts is one of the preferred ways to experience popular dive sites and to have that much vaunted underwater adventure at any time of day. Maldives is said to have more than 1001 dive sites and living aboard is the best way to get access to them. Night diving that is said to have a ‘completely different feel’ is another way of having a really great underwater adventure. Although visibility is reduced to only the beam of the torch, this is the best way to see some of the micro and mega fauna that are nocturnal, coming to life. Even the colours of the corals are said to be different. Some night diving tours offer special lamps and masks capable of detecting bio luminescence. Bumping into a shark in the dark while scary will definitely enhance the experience. Seasonal diving provides excellent opportunities for adventurers to view concentrations of specific marine species. These include large shoals of manta rays that gather to feed on plankton at Hanifaru Bay and sightings of Whale Sharks, mantas, hammerheads, eagle rays and schools of pelagic fish at Ari Atoll. Drift diving past some of the most spectacular underwater scenery of cliffs, channels, precipitous walls and caves is perhaps the greatest thrill of all.

Those who do not dive can also have their own underwater adventure. A whale submarine sets off from Male and non divers can enjoy great views of coral reefs and schools of colourful fish as it dives down to a depth of 100 meters.

Cocoa Island Maldives offers privacy, seclusion, gorgeous vistas and access to a range of water sports. But best of all, it offers beautifully designed and decorated spacious private overwater accommodation that many people rave about. As one of Maldives luxury resorts guests have access to a range of modern and exceptional services and facilities that make their stay here memorable. Experience an elegant yet laid back Maldives resort that offers a truly holistic holiday experience.