Month: October 2015

A Shopaholic’s Guide to Designer Shopping in Colombo

According Blair Waldorf in the hit TV series Gossip Girl, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping”. So if you’re in Colombo and want to seek out happiness the kind that Blair Waldorf speaks of, here are a few upscale shopping destinations you should definitely checkout.

Before you set out on adrenaline-pumping shopping adventure, it’s important that at first you get comfortably settled in a Colombo city hotel that’s conveniently located. Thus, The Steuart by Citrus will be the ideal option for you as this boutique hotel in Colombo is within 12-15 minutes distance from some of Colombo popular shopping destinations such as ODEL, Arcade Independence Square, Barefoot and Lakpahana.

Sri Lanka’s first department store, ODEL should be the top of your list of designer shopping destinations in Colombo as here you can find a wide range of designer products that’s not just clothing but jewellery and home ware as well. You will also be able to buy international branded wear such as Michael Kors, Lancôme, Christian Dior and so much more here. The Embark designer brand by ODEL is a great way to shop and give back at the same time as a portion of profits from the sale of merchandise is used to fund their foundation that cares for the wellbeing of street pooches.

Next, head over to the Arcade Independence Square where Tommy Hilfigher, FCUK, Charles and Keith and more await for you to splurge yourself. This Colonial style shopping complex also has a few local high-fashion brands such as Azarya and Stone N String.

For an authentic Sri Lankan designer shopping experience visit Barefoot, Designer Barbara Sansoni’s eclectic boutique that is famous for its brightly-coloured handloom products such as household items (bedspreads, cushions, and serviettes), stationery and clothing. Lakpahana is also a great place to buy Sri Lankan designer wear as they sell traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts and clothing. Housed within Lakpahana’s premises is Zudhora, Colombo’s newest and trendiest designer experience that presents uniquely Sri Lankan clothing created to match the latest international trends.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

Google+

Be adventurous with White Water Rafting in Chiang Mai, Thailand

There are few cities in Thailand which are as culturally and historically significant as the ancient city of Chiang Mai. Formerly the seat of the Lan Na Kingdom in the 12th Century, Chiang Mai is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic temples, such as the Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chet Yot. In addition to its rich culture and heritage, Chiang Mai also hosts numerous festivals and has many recreational attractions, making it a great tourist destination. A hotel that conveniently lets you engage in all the top things to do in Chiang Mai is the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa.

Chiang Mai is not just about nature and historic sites. The city is actually a hit with adventure lovers owing to its dense forests and hilly terrain. But the biggest adventure activity in Chiang Mai is white water rafting. Chiang Mai boasts streams known for the thrilling rapids and torrents making it one of Southeast Asia’s best white water rafting destinations. So if you are an adventure junkie and would like to ride the rapids of one of the most exotic locations in the world, head over to Chiang Mai!

The best river for white water rafting is the Mae Tang River, and during the months of July through March the river is brimming with water. Thus, during this period the river is ideal for engaging in some thrilling and exciting white water rafting. The Mae Tang River boasts a number of rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV, making these rapids the best thing a white water rafting enthusiast can ask for. As you ride and paddle through the river you will also be able to enjoy the timeless and breath taking beauty of the nature and scenery of Chiang Mai. The area is filled with many adventure sports centers that will give you international standard equipment, so don’t be afraid to ride the wild Mae Tang River.

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.

Google+

Whale watching in Sri Lanka

Head out to the deep seas from the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka to witness the glorious giants of the sea! Tourists visiting Sri Lankan paradise engage in various excursions both in land and on waters surrounding the isle. Among these popular past times, whale watching is an experience that should not be missed. The best time to spot the blue whales and if you are lucky the sperm whales in the eastern shores are from months of May to October. During your visit to the region accommodation could be found at a Sri Lanka resort such as Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. The location of the property allows travellers the opportunity to start off their whale watching journey in the early morning.

Step on aboard to an exhilarating journey to spot the biggest spectacles of the ocean and be mesmerized as the blue whales swim in the azure waters. If you are lucky you will be able to spot whale sharks during your sea voyage in the eastern seas of Sri Lanka. The southern shores of the isle also provides visitors to the country the opportunity to go whale watching, the best time to visit would be during the months of November to April. According to Dr. Charles Anderson, a professional marine biologist, the southern coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to spot Blue Whales, as most of these creatures are on migration from their North East monsoon feeding grounds to the South West monsoon grounds in the Arabian Sea. Whale watching in Sri Lanka is possible throughout the year however if you pick the right season and the spot the chances of seeing these marvellous creatures will be high. Your expeditions will also provide you with plenty of photo opportunity and memories to take back home.

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+

Stilt Fishing in Southern Coast, Sri Lanka

As you explore Sri Lanka’s famed South Coast, you will come across something most intriguing; as you near the beach from afar you will notice a long stilt some way out to sea. Perched on it, rather precariously it must be added, is what looks like a human form, deftly holding on as the waves move to and fro. As you get nearer you will realise that it is indeed a person, who seems to be balancing himself on a small bar while with his hands he casts a line into the vast blue waters beyond. He is not alone in his endeavours as several feet apart are others on stilts engaged in the same practice; this fascinating sight is what is known as stilt fishing and provides a most unique insight into the livelihoods of the island’s fisher communities, not forgetting some truly stunning photo opportunities.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to seeing stilt fishermen, Sri Lanka has certain locales where one can view this activity like Ahangama, Kathaluwa and Koggala. If you are looking to combine a coastal getaway that includes visiting areas where one can see stilt fishing then consider staying at one of the Cantaloupe Hotels on the South Coast.

A traditional and arduous means of earning a livelihood, stilt fishing does not require any sophisticated equipment. All that is needed is a stilt (called a ‘ritipanna’), a small bar on top for sitting, a fishing rod (called the ‘pitta’) and of course hours of patience and endurance. Sunrise and sunset (nearing dusk) are amongst the times of day that these fishermen climb atop their lonely perch above the waters and cast their line hoping to catch mackerel or spotted herring that can be sold. Sometimes fishermen may even let you climb up and see what it is like to be seated balancing on the small pole above the waters; keep in mind though most fishermen will expect some money for such activities.

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+

Full Day Diving Safari in South Male Atoll

Maldives is one of the most picturesque islands of the Indian Ocean. Being a popular tourist hub, this island nation welcomes thousands of tourists annually. Maldives is well equipped with an array of accommodation options. Among them the luxury resort Maldives gain significant prominence. One such resort that has been a noteworthy choice among visitors has been Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. The over water villas are perfectly appointed above the turquoise waters and offer maximum comfort and luxury.

Maldives has most of its tourist activities centered on the waters surrounding it. One of the activities popular among the tourist visiting the South Male Atoll is to engage in diving. Considered to be one of the best dive sites in Maldives, the South Atoll is perfect place to spend the day diving. South Male is considered to be one of the best diving sites mainly because of the astonishing array of marine life. The currents that flow through the channel support a large number of marine lives. The atoll is blessed with colorful caves and overhangs. Coco Thila is considered to be a typical south male dive site. Another site to explore would be Guraidhoo Kandu which supports abundance of life.

There are very few live-boards cruising that take place in this part of the country. Very few dive boats venture out here making it one of the less explored yet less disturbed regions.

Some of the interesting sites include Vaadhoo Caves, located on the northern tip there are various caves and there is a chance to spot bigger visitors such as the White tip sharks, Tuna as well as Turtles. Another site would be Kandooma Point, which is a great site to dive when the current goes inwards where the big groupers such as Tuna and Sharks enjoy the fast flowing waters.

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+

Earn a Certificate for Diving

The Maldives islands in the south-west of India are a true diver’s paradise. The island archipelago boasts some of the most beautiful marine scenery since they are composed of coral-based reefs. The tropical splendor of Maldives is legendary around the world for her serene beaches, lush forests, and Maldives Water Sports. These aspects combined make the islands of the Maldives a grand setting where one can gain experience in the realm of diving and even earn a professional certificate.

Due to the nature of the Maldives, there are many institutes where one can enroll in courses to develop oneself in the art of diving. Many of the elite resorts located on the various islands, such as the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offer a wide variety of diving courses ranging from basic ones to PADI certified advanced courses for rescuers.

The wild-life of Maldives is incredibly diverse, and contains a rich variety of marine in abundance. The seas surrounding the islands boast over two thousand species of coral and an equal number of fish species as well, ranging from small schools of colourful reef fish to even whale sharks. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and the Maldives is the only place in the world where they can be seen all year round. There is also a wide variety of eel’s present in Maldivian seas, ranging from the cosmopolitan Moray-Eel to larger forms such as the Sting-ray and Manta-Ray respectively.

The Maldives is one of the most prominent places in the world when it comes to the presence of coral reefs, and given that coral reefs are the equivalent of under-water rain-forests, the scope of underwater life present in these amazing formations is extraordinary. If you are a diving enthusiast looking to obtain professional certification, then the magical under-water realms within the seas of the Maldives will be your perfect lecture hall.

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+

Water Sports In Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

Sri Lanka is one of the mind blowing islands of the Indian Ocean. All year round thousands of tourists make their way to this island paradise. Famous for its beaches, Sri Lanka is no stranger to those who prefer a good deal of fun in the waters. Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka has always been a popular choice of accommodation among most tourists who visit the country. Among them one that has gained a significant amount of fame in the recent past has been Citrus Waskaduwa. Located on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka the hotel has a set of well appointed rooms some of which offer a panoramic view of the ocean beside it as well as a spacious garden and pool for the guests.

Water sports have rose to fame in the recent past and are enjoyed by both tourists as well as locals alike. Not too far from Waskaduwa is one of the hot spots for water sports. Bentota is one of the first places along the coast to open up water sport centres. Most of the centres here utilize the river that run across the town known as the Benthara Ganga (River) as well as the sea. Activities available in the region are carried on with the guidance of trained professionals. Some of the activities include, jet skiing, wake boarding, banana boat rides, ring rides among many others. Along the river by the Bentota Bridge one can find many of these sports centres.

Going further down South in Hikkaduwa there are various other water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling as well as glass bottom boat rides as Hikkaduwa is a town blessed with one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the island.

A trip to the southern coast of the island would not be complete without a few of these adrenaline pumping activities.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

Google+