Month: January 2017

Skydiving in Melbourne

Renowned as the cultural capital of Australia, the city of Melbourne is a dynamic mix of art museums, stately architecture, bohemian lifestyle and close-knit communities. Sports are an integral part of Melbourne culture, with cricket, rugby, tennis and horse racing being big events for the community; and skydiving is slowly becoming one of the much loved outdoor activities. All of this and more is one of the reasons visitors to Melbourne are heading out to the suburbs, like South Yarra, where you’ll find the closest skydiving centre in the city, Skydive Melbourne. Accommodation wise, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments in South Yarra, such as the Oaks South Yarra, which is located in close proximity to several well-known venues, including the centre. If you’re an Adrenaline junkie, this is the place to be. The sky diving centre lets you experience the thrill of jumping out of a plane at 14,000 ft, high above the beautiful shoreline of St Kilda beach. The centre provides a range of services, and tandem skydiving is their specialty. For all you first timers, tandem skydiving means you’ll be connected at all times to an instructor by a harness, so no experience is needed and you won’t need to worry about all the fiddly bits of the parachute. Once you sign up and pick an instructor, you’ll be put through some basic training, before boarding a plane and Port Phillip Bay for your first tandem skydive. Jumpers exit the plane at around 14,000 feet and then free-fall for an exhilarating 60 seconds, before the instructor pulls the parachute open. You can then take in the beauty of the city skyline and surrounding bay as you float for about 5 to 7 minutes. In addition to regular tandem jumps, the centre has several packages to choose from, for solo divers to group jumps which include skydiving video and GoPro photos.

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+

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Mirissa- Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Sri Lanka is a popular pick for tourists visiting South Asia as it is an island that is abundantly blessed by Mother Nature. The island is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and the oceans around are a great place to spot whales and dolphins. If you are visiting Sri Lanka then a quick travel to Mirissa will not disappoint you. Domestic flights such as those operated by Cinnamon Air could take you to the south of the country in no time.
The whale and dolphin watching adventure in Mirissa are one of the most thrilling water activities in Sri Lanka. The warm waters around Sri Lanka are ideal to spot blue whales, Bryde´s whales, sperm whales, fin whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and sometimes killer whales. Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphin can be seen too. The whale watching season starts in November and ends in April when the waters are warm and calm. Whale watching boats can ideally carry up to 40 passengers at a time with an observation deck.
Whale watching tours usually start around 7.00 am as boats leave the harbour around that time and last about 3.5- 4 hours. Tickets often include passenger insurance as well and provide light refreshments during the tour. It is advisable to make a pre-booking during the season as it can get pretty crowded around this time. The off season months are not great for whale and dolphin watching tours as the seas are rough; however, there have been instances of dolphin and whale watching if the conditions are not extreme. Hence it is better to check with your tour provider.
Mirissa is a great place for tourist as there are a countless number of hotels, restaurants, and bars. The beach is also regarded as one of the best in the south.

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+

Corals in Hikkaduwa

If anyone asks what are the best Sri Lanka beach destinations, a long list will follow as the answer as this tiny island nation is blessed with many beaches of unimaginable beauty. Out of these, there is one that is sought-after by many travellers who wish to experience nature, golden sands, and frolicking waves all at the same time. Hikkaduwa, on the western coast, is this delightful beach.

Lovingly called Hikka, this beach resort town is famous for its colorful corals. So if you’re planning a visit here, make sure that you book with a hotel that organizes trips to the reef such as those offered by Cantaloupe Hotels. As part of the excursion, you will be taken on a glass-bottomed boat to the Hikkaduwa National Marine Park. Those fear of the waves can enjoy the beauty of the coral from the boat itself while the more adventurous souls can try out scuba diving on the reef.

The wide range of coral to be seen at Hikkaduwa includes species such as the Faviidae and Poritidae corals which are located in the inshore areas of the reef in massive colonies, while cabbage, elkhorn, staghorn, brain, star and table corals are all present in the reef.

During your escapades of scuba diving, you will be able to meet a wide variety of extraordinary marine creatures such as multi-colored schools of fish, dugongs, blacktip reef shark and sea turtles including the Olive Ridley turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the Green Turtle.

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+

Spectacular Sea animals to be seen in Southern Coast Sri Lanka

The tropical island of Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for anyone and everyone. Tourists who head to the sunny country are endlessly amazed by the myriad of options and activities available in the country. Sri Lanka is blessed with wild animals; both on land and sea. When you head to Sri Lanka, wild life safaris are a definite must do during your holiday. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean that surround this beautiful country are home to dozen of aquatic creatures that are a delight to watch in their natural habitat. After arriving in Sri Lanka, head straight to the south of Sri Lanka to begin your sea safari! Most resorts and Galle hotel in Talpe will be able to organize a safari for you, such as Cantaloupe Aqua. Sri Lanka is home to a variety of turtles – all of which are on the endangered list. In the aims of conservation of these beautiful species, a number of turtle hatcheries and conservation centres have been established along the south coast. Those eager to start their marine safari, towns like Mirissa are most popular for whale and dolphin safaris, with many boats leaving the harbour at the break of dawn in the hope of seeing majestic creatures of the sea frolic around. Once you start on your sea safari, be sure to keep a keen eye for whales and dolphins! Whale watching is a popular tourist actitvity to the south of Sri Lanka and the most commonly seen whales are the Blue whales, Bryde’s whales, Sperm whales, Killer whales, Melon headed whales and Cuvier’s Beaked whales. Dolphins such as Spotted dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Fraser’s dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Common Dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. Watch as these adorable creatures splash and frolic along the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Other common marine species that can be spotted around Sri Lanka are Rays, Eels, Clown Fish and many others.

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. Google+

Dutch Reformed Church Galle -Standing legacy of a colonial past

If you go through the itinerary of things to do in Galle provided by tour agents, popular hotels like Cantaloupe Aqua, or even if you are to talk to a local, each and every one of them would mention the Dutch Reformed Church as a must-visit. The Dutch Reformed Church is found within the Dutch Fort. It is hard to miss, as it has a prominent position right near the entrance of the Fort. Built in 1755, this is considered one of the oldest Protestant Churches in the country to still function. The current building is the third of its kind to make a mark inside the Fort. The original building was built close to the famous clock tower, whole a more detailed building was then constructed opposite the current location of the Church. Of the two initial buildings, only the belfry of the second building can be seen today. It is said that the current church is built upon the foundations of a Portuguese Capuchin Convent, and stands at the highest point within the Galle Fort. Reflecting the nature with which Sri Lanka changed hands over the period of a century, the Church also has elements from each era. The British rule saw to a stained window being installed at the west façade in 1830, while the communion rail was added to the south side of the church. Restoration of the Church was undertaken with funding from Netherlands. Today, the restoration has been done to a perfection, with visitors feeling transformed to time gone by as they enter the Church. Walking in the Church gardens you would see a line of headstones standing at the periphery, while two Burial Chambers lie next to them, barred with iron gates. While there is no entrance fee to the Church, and you are at liberty to take as many pictures as you want, visitors often make donations for the Church’s maintenance.

A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+
 

Morne Seychellois National Park

Lush, green landscapes home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, natural unspoiled beaches, and clear, turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see; the Republic of Seychelles has some of the most beautiful natural sights the region has to offer. So it’s not surprising that these tropical islands are a dream destination for couples, on the lookout for a comfortable and luxury hotel in Seychelles, which offers tranquil accommodation near the crystal-blue shoreline of Mahe, such as the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino.

Doubtless, the beaches are a main attraction for many, but not far from the coast, are forests and mountainous landscapes, just waiting to be explored. The Morne Seychellois National Park is the perfect example; situated on the highest point of the archipelagos, on the island of Mahe. The Morne Seychellois National Park is the largest of its kind in Seychelles, and covers over 20 percent of Mahe Island.

Dense tropical jungles, winding mangroves and the country’s highest peak, Morne Seychellois, are located within the park, and can be accessed along several hiking trails for either half-day or full-day excursions. While there are plenty of marked trails, the best way to experience the park is on a guided tour, where an expert will take you around the park and show you all the best spots. However, if you prefer to do it alone, there are also some easy routes you can try on your own. Several of the trails start from the nearby town of Danzil, and go up into the park, providing dramatic views of the island’s coast.
You can also take the park trails to Baie Ternay and Port Launay, the national marine parks. A haven for snorkellers and divers, the marine parks are home to eye-popping vistas and an array of marine life. If you head further north, you’ll find the Anse Major beach, a great place to chill and watch a sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

Google+

Hike up Mount Agung in Bali

The Indonesian island of Bali has become immensely popular amongst holidaymakers in the recent past. Its alluring beaches, lush forests and iconic landmarks have attracted many from across the world. Those who seek adventure and excitement combined with immense natural beauty will find hiking and trekking in Bali a wonderful experience.

There are several hiking trails that are considered to be some of the best trails in Bali. These include Mount Batur, an active volcano, from which panoramic views of the ocean as well as Lake Batur can be experienced. For those residing in a Candidasa hotel, the most convenient is undoubtedly Mount Agung, which can be accessed from nearby resorts such as Alila Manggis within an hour. However, for those who seek an adrenaline packed hike, Mount Rinjani is possibly the best option for this trek requires a three-day hike.

Mount Agung, located in East Bali, is an active volcano in Indonesia. Therefore, prior to planning a trek, it makes sense to make enquiries as to its stability. With the distinction of being one of the highest volcanoes in the country, it is last known to have erupted over 50 years ago. This volcanic mountain is also of immense spiritual significance and therefore, trekking or hiking is prohibited when certain ceremonies take place.

Given the challenging and unpredictable terrain, it is best to hire the services of a guide when planning a trek. Such a service is usually offered at a flat rate inclusive of any fees and permit costs. Along the trek also be prepared to see the Mother Temple of Bali, the Besakih Temple. There are a number of climbing routes to choose from: one can opt for a 7-hour ascent from Besakih, from Pura Pasar Agung Temple or from Duku Bujangga Sakti. Each trail has its own benefits, but it also depends on what one wishes to experience. For instance, the route from Besakih will take you to the summit of Mount Agung, and if you choose to climb through the night, you can reach the summit in time for sunrise.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

Google+