Kaudulla National Park in Sri Lanka- A wildlife spectacle

This is one of the 26 national parks in the country and was opened in 2002. It can be visited all year-round and is, therefore, a good option for the wildlife lovers.

Image by Christophe Meneboeuf, SriLanka Elephants (pixinn.net), CC BY-SA 3.0

The landscape

Located in Polonnaruwa district, the park is a dry evergreen forest spanning more than 6500 hectares of land. It also connects to the other well-known national park named the Minneriya Wildlife Park.

Best time to visit

Despite being a year-round destination, it is best visited between July and December which marks the dry season. One of the most notable sights to witness during this period is the elephant gathering; the time hundreds of elephants congregate around the water reservoirs. The peak number of elephants recorded at one sighting can exceed 150!

Wildlife

To better explore the wildlife, sign up for programs like the Kaudalla National Park Safari which is known to be organized by Cinnamon Nature Trails. You will come across black bears, deer, leopards, peacocks and many monkeys. There are 160 species of birds in the park including the Asian Spoonbill, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Giant Eagle and the many hundreds of pelicans.

Climate

The average temperature varies from 20 C to 34.5 C, with the rains being a result of the north-eastern monsoon.

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

Get one with nature! Discover the native bird species of Sri Lanka

One of the places in Sri Lanka where numerous species of birds are present throughout the year would be Yala National Park. Most of the birds seen here are indigenous birds while migrating birds drop by as well.

Image Credit- Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland CC BY-SA 2.0 () via Wikimedia Commons

The Sri Lankan Junglefowl

This class of bird is much like the red junglefowl. It is also called the Ceylon Junglefowl. The bird wears a feather coating of shades of bright yellow on the upper body, gradually darkening into orange and then a dark blue at the tail. It is also the national bird of Sri Lanka.

The Indian Peafowl

This is undeniably one of the most gorgeous birds in Yala. The male bird holds an astonishing tail in countless hues of blue. These beautiful feathered creatures are quite commonly seen when on bird watching tours.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

Also known as the white-breasted eagle, this takes after the Sanford’s Sea Eagle of Solomon Islands when it comes to looks. Fish is this bird’s main diet. Its call is like the loud honking of a goose.

Bird watching in Sri Lanka

If you wish to embark on a bird watching adventure during your stay in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of tour agents offering great packages. Also, properties belonging to major hotel chains such as those under Minor Hotels chain may offer excursions to Yala park as well.

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

 

Top water sports in Bentota

Holidaying in Bentota inevitably succumbs you to taking part in some of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. Some of the top ones that we would recommend are:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving into the warm Indian ocean and swimming with the fish while taking a peak at all the sea creatures and corals is a fun activity to enjoy with the family. Stay at a resort in Bentota that is near areas that have this activity so that it is easier and faster to travel.

Wind Surfing

Weather its your own gear or something hired, wind surfing is quite a popular water sport on the beaches of Bentota. Hotels like AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa help you sign up for such activities. Just speak to their front office concierge for more info.

Image result for AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa Wind Surfing
Image Credit: AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa

Banana Boat Rides

One of the most fun and thrilling water activities you can do in Bentota is the banana boat ride! As per its name, the banana boat is shaped like a banana and accommodates a group of people while being pulled by a jet-ski. If you are tipped over, you are bound to fly off and end up in the lake so hold on tight!

Jet & Water skiing

From beginners to pros, everyone can take part in this super exciting water sport! Bentota has professional instructors who can assist you if you need help. Whizz around in the jet ski with your friends and make memories that will be cherished forever!

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

Friendly Advice for Parasailing Thrill Seekers

Parasailing has become a popular pastime on many coastal resorts around the world. Although this is definitely one of the safer extreme sports, there are still a few things you should know before you sign up.

Image Credit: Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Get to know the ropes

Most parasailing accidents are caused by the ropes breaking. This could be because of strain, overexposure to the elements, knots and numerous other factors. Even if your instructor has years of experience, always check the ropes yourself. If the ropes look frayed or dirty, insist on changing them.

Keep an eye on the weather

Parasailing during strong winds is a big no! Some countries have strict rules about parasailing, and even large resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, for example, a luxury resort in Maldives, have guidelines. However, others are based solely on the decision of the instructor. The rule to follow is if it’s too windy for an umbrella, then stay on the ground.

A seated position is safer than standing

There are two positions for parasailing: sitting in a gondola or hanging upright in a harness. The first is the safest choice, the latter might sound more fun, but the possibility of an accident is much greater.

Don’t stick too close to shore

The accepted rule for parasailing is the 3-to-1 distance from the beach. Basically, if the instructor gives you 500ft of rope then he should keep a minimum of 1500ft distance from the shore. If he boasts about going closer, pass on the ride.

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+

Adventuring Chiang Mai from the Skies

Incredibly popular among almost everyone who visits, hot ballooning in Chiang Mai offers the greatest view of the entire area. Want to know how it happens?

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Image Credit: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort,

Booking

Offered by almost any Chiang Mai Hotel, you must make sure to make an advanced booking, especially if you are booking it during the December winter season of Chiang Mai. Most flight bookings include a 2-way transfer from the launch site to the hotel.

The process

With most places offering two flights per day, it’s best to stick to the schedule. Each basket can generally hold up to six adults, however, they usually limit it to one pilot and four passengers. First, the balloon is laid out, the crew then proceed to inflate it with cold air utilizing a powerful fan as well as turning the burner flame on afterwards.

The views

You’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise if you fly in the morning, upon a backdrop of terraced paddy fields and mountains. The highlight of the trip.

Wrapping up

It is a common tradition to have a champagne toast at the end of the journey upon landing, before heading back to the hotel. If you’re staying at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, the launch sites are pretty close by.

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

Conquer the rocks in Oman

With Oman being a rather mountainous nation, it comes as no surprise that it’s an ideal location to go rock climbing. Want to know more about the perfect places in Oman to go climbing.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

The Wall

Whether it’s before or after your climb, treat yourself to some comfort at a nice Nizwa hotel, you’ll find plenty around like the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for instance. The Wall is a great place to start as it is Oman’s only indoor rock gym. Here you can inquire about the climbing scene and the local routes and get some gear. You can even hire a local guide to help you out.

5 O’Clock Rock

Located just 5 minutes up Al Amerat Road, you can drive up here. It’s a big slab of limestone and has 10mm expansion bolts equipped to make things easier for you.

Qantab (Bandar Al Jissah)

Invoking the feel of sea-cliffs off southern Thailand or eastern Spain, Qantab will most definitely leave you pumped and asking for more.

Khubrah Canyon (Secret Canyon)

Located around an hour from the busy capital of Muscat, Khubrah Canyon offers a thorough sense of solitude and independence. It features beautiful weather and a boundless rock that is ideal for any skill level.

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