June, 2016 | The Adventure Travel Site

Adam’s Peak

The much venerated Adam’s Peak is regarded as Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, attracting a steady stream of devotees – in addition to many sightseers – who gladly make the demanding trek to the summit of the mountain. The focus of the reverence is the enigmatic feature that is found at the mountain’s peak, which Buddhists regard as the footprint of Buddha. Other religions provide their own interpretations of the sacred footprint. As you plan your visit to Adam’s Peak, an attractive choice of accommodation would be Nuwara Eliya holiday bungalows such as the appealing The Cottage by Jetwing. This attractive accommodation makes an ideal base from which to head out on your adventures.

Many Sri Lankans of all ages undertake the challenging climb to the summit of Adam’s Peak. For most the objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise which is a remarkable natural phenomenon that is shrouded in mystery. Most pilgrims also visit the shrine that may be found at the summit of the mountain.

You will find that the climb to the peak may be commenced from either Dalhousie or Ratnapura, with the former being the shorter and more popular option. You will have no problem locating the path to the top as you will find a host of souvenir stalls and teashops lining the route. As you commence the hike you will see a line of alluring lights stretching all the way to the top of the mountain.

The ascent to the top of the mountain takes some time, but you will find many tea shops and snack stalls on the way if you desire to replenish your energies. The objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise, when the sun projects the mountain’s shadow onto the billowing clouds and countryside below. Climbing Adam’s Peak is always a remarkable and rewarding experience that is sure to capture the imagination of the adventurous visitor.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Explore the Mysterious Peaks in Beautiful Mauritius

Pristine beaches, lush green peaks and emerald green lagoons make up the tropical paradise that the island of Mauritius has become world famous for. A medley of contrasting colours, cultures and fragrances, the diverse landscapes of Mauritius make for an unforgettable holiday, whether it’s a family adventure or soul searching getaway.

Apart from the white sandy beaches and Mauritius Resort and luxury hotels that provide a selection of exciting water sports and other activities, like the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort for example, another attraction here is the mesmerising peaks rising up in the distance and capturing the imagination of all who visit this wonderful island. The island is home to mountain ranges, isolated peaks and plateaus, all remnants of a big volcano which erupted millions of years ago. The jagged, mountains covered in dense jungle, invoke a sense of wonder at first glance. Despite appearances, the mountain ranges are not very high and for the adventurous travellers, it’s possible to go rock climbing and canyoning on certain peaks.

Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius //mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius — Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius
//mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius

The Mauritius Mountains are named according to their shapes e.g. Lion Mountain in the Grand Port Range was named by locals who likened it to the creatures shape while Montagne Blanche has been named after the greyish white colour of the rocks found on the mountain. Some mountains also important culturally and historically; the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rocky mountain that extends out into the Indian Ocean and was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early years of the 19th centuries. Sheltered by the isolated and almost inaccessible precipices, the slaves formed settlements in mountain caves and on the summit.
The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area around it is protected by law. Travellers can still visit and explore the historical Le Morne Mountain and many others like it with their own fascinating stories to tell. With everything from exotic beaches to thrilling mountain range expeditions, the island Mauritius is the perfect tropical paradise.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Jungle Trekking in Tioman Island

Tioman Island Malaysia has so much to offer in terms of beautiful environs, gorgeous beaches, glistening oceans and underwater adventures. Jungle trekking into the verdant folds of the island is by far one of the most popular. The best way to enjoy this activity is to base yourself close to the many Tioman attractions. A resort sitting on the golden sandy beaches of Tioman is the Berjaya Tioman Resort.
This fabulous tropical escape boasts beach frontage, access to an ocean thriving with all manner of marine life and misty blue hills in the background – What more could a soul long for. Well for instance the Berjaya Tioman Resort is complete with traditional Malaysian styles chalets and luxury suites which are hidden away in the lush folds of the resorts garden. Perfect for families, couples or individuals each room is tastefully furnished and promise the ultimate in comfort. Enjoy a range of leisure facilities aimed at the whole family. There’s tennis, cycling, snorkelling, diving, boat charters, an 18 hole golf course and a whole gamut of options. Look forward to the utterly relaxing confines of the Tioman resorts – spa; while jungle trekking is another leisure service offered by the hotel.
Jungle trekking in Tioman is a whole new adventure for the whole family. There are various trail options to choose from; for instance if you are travelling as a family there are short tracks that take you past lots of wildlife that promise to impress all members of the family.

Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman swiss-cottage-tioman.com — Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman
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Nature lovers can take the trek across Genting and Paya Villages where you can absorb the traditions and culture of the simple island villagers, trek through the verdant rainforests, admire the unusual flora and fauna and explore the beautiful highlands, from where you are afforded with stunning views of the water below.
Adventure lovers can take on the jungle trak between the villages of Tekek and Juara the 7km rather isolated track is one for all nature lovers. This trek generally lasts around 4 hours and is well rewarded with sights of exotic birds, lizards, cheeky monkeys and unusual insects.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Water Excursions in Praslin

The island nation of Seychelles, located close to the African continent is famous all around the world and is considered safe for travelers apart from being exquisitely beautiful. One stay at a hotel Praslin Seychelles is all it takes to understand the warmth, hospitality and suitability of the country as a tourist destination. The island of Praslin is located to the northwest of the largest island of Seychelles and one of the relatively more populous of the islands. Nevertheless, some of the grand residences such as the Berjaya Praslin Resort are located on this island due to its unstinted beaches and green hilly terrain.
A few days in sunny Praslin entails an endless journey through water, in water, and around water. Therefore always pack plenty of beachwear, sunscreen lotion, sun hats, bath towels and shades when you head this way. You could commence with a quiet cruise in a medium sized boat; first along a river, then in the choppy sea and finally dock at a different island or a different part of Praslin itself. The scuba diving experience should not be missed while you are here as you would be able to find wreckages of ships many feet underwater in the area close to Praslin. The experts of the area will be able to guide you to precise locations and they would be able to let you rent their gear as well. Learn to paddle and pop up on your surfboard as the rippling waves are safe and challenging both. There are plenty of places that would offer surfing lessons if that is the next item on your ‘must – dos’.

Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises www.seychelles-cruises.com — Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises
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The river excursions are as attractive and popular as the ocean wave excursions with both calm flows of water and rapids with unexpected undercurrents. The rafting experience in Praslin would depend on your appetite for adventure or relaxation. You should choose a long winded float along a slow flowing river if you want to relax and don on all the safety gear if you hop into a raft where the waters are rough.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Langkawi Cable Car

The duty-free archipelago of Langkawi located in the Andaman Sea and owned by Malaysia is populated sparingly with many of the tiny islands uninhabited. However, the main island of Langkawi where most of the action takes place is replete with the most resplendent opportunities for tourists where they get to take a number of rides in the sky and in the water, a 3D Art Museum and much more. The excitement doesn’t stop there as visitors can indulge in the comforts offered by a hotel in Langkawi while everything else goes on. This string of islands experiences good rainfall during the months of September and October and the vegetation is luscious. In spite of the millions of tourists that call over each year the island remains beautifully green throughout, a remark made quite often by those who reap the most benefits of staying at Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
The Langkawi cable car is unlike the usual rides in the sky as one can choose between taking a sky cab which is a tiny capsule that transports people along a steep incline for 440m. Each cabin which is known as a gondola can accommodate 06 passengers, but if you wish to you could request a private gondola. There is only one stop en route to the summit and it is best that you do not alight at this intersection since the top most cable car station allows you to enjoy the unhampered splendour of Mount Machinchang. Food and drink are not permitted during these rides which usually commence at 09.30 am each day and go on until 07.00 pm. The administration takes maintenance related matters very seriously, hence always check the availability of the cable car operation prior to scheduling your trip.

For those who find this enclosed cable car too mainstream, there is always the option to choose the glass Sky Glide. The glass panels on all sides permit the travelers to enjoy the scenic views of the mountain range as the unit moves up and down on a track.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Boat Riding In Madu River

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
-The Water Rat, The Wind in the Willows

Want to “mess about in boats” like the water rat? Then Sri Lanka is the perfect country for you to holiday in. This little teardrop of a nation has a multitude of freshwater veins running from its lush mountains to its sunny beaches. From all these rivers there is one that is just ideal for pleasuring, exploring and simply ‘messing about’ and that is the bubbling, beautiful Madu River.
Located in the South West of Sri Lanka, the Madu or ‘Maduganga’ River falls into the sea at Balapitiya. Calling home to this majestic shallow water body are 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals. Unfortunately, this precious river might be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The Madu River offers plenty of excursions such as fishing, white water rafting, swimming (in areas that are marked safe- the river is home to crocodiles too :P) , and exploring the mangroves rich in bio-diversity. If you’re the adventurous type you can also go on riverside adventures and camping. But, if you’re not that keen on spending the nights on a river bank, don’t worry there are plenty of accommodation options around. Take the River House Balapitiya for example. This boutique hotel in Sri Lanka is situated just by the river banks and guess what, they also offer kayaking and boat rides, so that’s killing two birds with one stone!
So make sure to tick off ‘exploring Madu River’ from your list of things to do in Sri Lanka. Your respect for this majestic river will increase once you learn that the Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sector decided to have its first higher ordination ceremony on a fleet of boats anchored upon the Madu River in 1803.

8223 — Boat Riding In Madu River, Image Credit:{srilankanexpeditions}

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Explore to your heart’s content

The playground of Townsville, Image Courtesy: sureplay

Although home to over 2500 people, it is the furry residents of the Magnetic Islands, along with its breath-taking beauty that allures the traveller. The Magnetic Islands are located offshore Townsville, in Queensland and comprises of a total area of 52km2. There is much to do here, and much to see, that it is a favourite destination of everyone, no matter their type of accommodation. Townsville – of which the Magnetic Islands is the playground – offers many places to stay, for example Oaks M on Palmer, all located within easy reach of the islands.

Northern Australia’s largest colony of koala bears reside in the Magnetic Islands, among the eucalypt forests and the rugged landscape. In fact, two thirds of the island is a National Park that is home to 166 different species. You can simply stroll under the canopies, enjoying the nature and carried life it offers as there are 25km of walking tracks snaking through the park.

If you are on the lookout for something more than a mere walk into nature’s wonders, if you are seeking a bit of a thrill, there are plenty of activities available on the island. You can get on a boat and ride around the island on boat trips; go on a guided tour to find out the history, culture and importance of the island; engage in water sports – jet skiing, scuba diving; fish for salt for species in the gorgeous waters that surround the island; play golf; or hire a topless car and wander to your heart’s content.

The Magnetic Islands is an amazing destination that somehow manages to enthral every type of visitor. From watching cuddly koalas to walking under glorious greens to plunging into the wondrous waters of the island, there is much to explore here, to your heart’s content.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the city of Coral Gables, founded in the nineteen twenties, it is a city 45 minutes south of Miami.

The Venetian Pool is a public pool but looks nothing of a sort because of the Venetian-style lagoon carved out of a coral rock. This former rock quarry was turned into the Venetian Pool in 1924, then called the “Venetian Casino,” and has remained the most beautiful and unique public pool in the country. Palm trees surround the Venetian Pool and the roaring waterfall drowns all sounds of traffic out – there’s not a building in sight. Even if you are staying in a luxury hotel in Miami Beach such as the Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach take some time to take a dip in the Venetian Pool.

The pool is filled with fresh water from an underground aquifer, which is surrounded by the original coral rock. The surrounding of the pool is unlike any other with caves, waterfalls and little nooks carved into the coral and sandy area where you can enjoy being dry. What stands out the most about the pool is that the water used is free of any chemicals and it is refilled from the fresh water from artesian wells.

The Venetian pool is very popular amongst kids and young locals who reserve it for birthday parties and special holidays. For young children and beginners you find the shallow kiddy area connected to the main pool by the island. You also get dark caves and waterfalls, which are located on the far side of the pool.The Venetian pool is a lovely place to catch up on reading or lounge on in the sun and a good alternative to the beach.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Cruising and Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Generally, a holiday in the Middle East entails camel rides, traversing through deserts over sand dunes, some shopping for electronics and recreation at theme parks. However, that may have been in the past; now with the advent of 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi, a plethora of opportunities are available for those who reside at Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara or any other luxurious accommodation. The capital city of the highly acclaimed United Arab Emirates is cosmopolitan, commercialized and advanced, yet it is also steeped in its own culture, thus offering a wide mix of options to tourists.

For instance, if you are more of a night creature, you can engage in the boat riding adventure under the star spangled sky in a traditional dhow where you will be served a lavish meal while you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline from the lulling waves or the expanse of water of the Gulf Sea. The quest in search of pearls is a great learning experience in addition to being a relaxing voyage over the waves for over one and a half hours. There is a competent guide who unravels the stories of the past with respect to pearl discovery and everyone is shown how a pearl is extracted from a natural oyster. There are special tours for fishing which usually commence in the wee hours of the day and such a tour typically requires four hours. There are mariners who will provide their expertise, equipment, boat and even the fishing bait should you make a hurried decision to go fishing.

One can choose between dhows, speed boats, and yachts depending on the type of journey and the occasion. The organizers of the sea riding facilities have a diverse range of services on offer including deep sea fishing, BBQs, swimming, snorkeling and even hosting birthday parties or wedding receptions on board. They also arrange team building activities followed by a camping trip for corporate entities.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+

Importance of Conserving Wildlife -A glimpse of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island located in the Indian Ocean, is considered a biological hotspot due to its multitude of ecosystems that co-exist harmoniously in a limited space. Although the country is just over 65,000 km2 in area, it is among the 35 bio-diversity hotspots in the world due to its high point endemism. Having the highest biodiversity in Asia, National Red List 2012 states that Sri Lanka is home to 2,936 species of fauna, 3,492 species of flora and 3,021 marine species. The country is also home to the largest animals in the world, on land and sea, elephants and whales. The wildlife aspect of the country is so rich that over 14% of the total land in Sri Lanka is protected under Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka. This remarkable ranking in nature’s treasures makes Sri Lanka a favourite tourist destination, which only raises the stakes in the importance of conserving the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

There are many threats to wildlife in the country, high rate of development prominent among them. Many of the developmental activities tend to take over or destroy the habitats of flora and fauna, which is a major problem. Another major threat is the high rate of tourism, where wildlife is being domesticated for the sake of financial gain among the locals. It is in this light that many animals are slaughtered to make mementos, and other animals are domesticated as a photo opportunity. If one happens to go on a Sri Lanka wildlife tour, one is likely to encounter animals such as elephants who, though in the wild, are accustomed to being fed by the tourists and have made it a photo op. activities such as these threaten the survival of wildlife, which needs to be preserved. However, there are many responsible touring companies operating in the country too. Mahoora Tented Safari Camps is one such endeavour, which is world’s only Carbon neutral safari camp.

Wildlife, no matter where they are, needs to be conserved. In the context of Sri Lanka, this is more important as a significant component of country’s social, economic and biological well-being is dependent on the wildlife of the country.

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

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