May, 2019 | The Adventure Travel Site

A visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

If you have an interest in elephants or simply are an animal lover, make sure that you visit Sri Lanka’s splendid Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here are some facts about this wonderful place.

Image result for Pinnawala — Bernard Gagnon, Pinnawala 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

About
The Orphanage has the distinction of featuring the world’s most numerous herds of tame elephants. You will find more than 80 elephants here including males, females, and calves. The Orphanage was created to provide protection and care for the many baby elephants who are lost, orphaned or abandoned by their mothers. These orphans, usually still dependent on milk, would otherwise not survive in the wild.

Getting there
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage located close to Kegalle plays a significant role in rehabilitating and ensuring a safe future for elephants that have been badly affected by the human-elephant conflict. If you plan to travel from your hotel accommodation the likes of Birds Park Polgahawela you are sure to be at the orphanage within two hours, making it one of the best things to do in Kurunegala.

What to see
Around eighty elephants roam freely in the premises. They are guided by their mahouts who seem to know the art of communicating with them. The elephants are fed and bathed at specific times. You could be part of these daily rituals. As the elephants comfortably splash around and play with each other, you can watch, a safe distance away and hope those sprinkles of water reach you.

Get personal with jumbos
The jumbo bath times are 10am-12 noon and 2-4 pm. Make sure to perfectly time your visit, so as to be a part of this memorable experience. Endearing and huggable, baby elephants are the centre of attention at the orphanage. Bottles and bottles of milk are gulped down by these precious beings.

Getting up close with elephants

Everyone that witnesses an elephant is truly fascinated by these majestic beings and their intelligent behaviour. As one of the few remaining megaherbivores on the planet, elephants hold great national value as a major tourist attraction. There are numerous places to see elephants in the country, listed below are a few.

Image result for Udawalawe — Mstyslav Chernov, Bathing elephants. Udawalawe National Park. Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawalawe
Declared a national park in 1972 and spanning 30,800 hectares, Udawalawe is home to roughly 500 elephants and other animals. A former teak plantation, they graze in scattered herds in the grasslands amongst the remaining teak trees. There’s an elephant orphanage nearby, where you’ll find injured or abandoned elephants being cared for, after which they’re released into the park.

Minneriya
Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 to protect the Minneriya tank and wildlife of the surrounding area, you’ll find between 150 to 200 elephants roaming the park from July to August. In the dry season, an event is known as the ‘elephant gathering’ occurs and is a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe the social behaviour of the elephants in the wild. Just a 30-minute drive from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a rather well-known Sri Lanka Resort, Minneriya is ideal for those looking to get a glimpse of these beasts in their natural habitat.

Pinnawala
Located in the central hills, this elephant orphanage was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Abandoned and disabled wild elephants get care and protection at this special place that spreads across 24 acres. You can observe elephants bathing, as they play and splash around.

Jeddah’s Best Art Galleries

Taking a stroll around the streets of Jeddah is enough to discover plenty of art galleries featuring Middle Eastern creativity. Here are some of the best art galleries that you should not miss.

Tahlia Street Galleries | Image Credit : Ahmed Abdulbasit (Pakistan), Jeddah galleria, CC BY 4.0

Arabian Wings Gallery

Known as one of Saudi Arabia’s largest galleries the Arabian Wings Gallery boasts over 1500sqm of space to create the illusion of endless space. Making full use of its huge girth this gallery is a treat to explore up-and-coming artists as well as established names such as Damien Hirst, Banksy, and Heba Amed.

Athr Gallery

The Athr Gallery is one of Saudi Arabia’s classiest and most celebrated galleries in Jeddah for contemporary art. It displays montages, ink drawings, photographs, sculpture, scripture, and abstracts. The works of renowned Saudi Arabian artists are displayed at this venue located at Tahlia Street, which is 11 minutes away from Ascott Sari Jeddah, one of the best Jeddah apartments in the city.

Darat Safeya Binzagr Gallery

This gallery was established to accommodate the work of Saudi Arabian artist Safeya Binzagr and while it continues to showcase a wide selection of the artist’s work, there are other displays too covering and exhibiting the work of international and local artists.

Al-Alamia Gallery

The exhibits at this gallery are wholly enchanting; there you are treated to stunning landscapes, floral painting, authentic Islamic artwork and lots more. There is also a fine selection of celebrated Arabic artists work up for sale, which gives you a chance to take home some unique masterpieces.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Explore the Rainforests in Sri Lanka

A vital part of the country’s ecosystem, the rainforests of Sri Lanka are rich storehouses of endemic flora and fauna, each one offering something new to discover.

Udawatta Kele | Image Credit : Nyanatusita, Udawattakele Forest scene 4, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Sinharaja Rainforest

When it comes to primary tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the last viable area and thus of immense importance. Nature lovers can stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer at the reserve’s border such as The Rainforest Ecolodge and explore this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve; it is home to over 147 bird species as well as a vast amount of endemic trees, butterflies, mammals and reptiles.

The Makandawa Forest Reserve

Located near the island’s white water rafting hotspot of Kitulgala, this pristine reserve features a secondary lowland rainforest. The forest ecosystem is blessed with waterfalls, rock pools and a wide number of rare fish, bird, butterfly and dragonfly species.

The Kanneliya Forest Reserve

Another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Sri Lanka, Kanneliya has lowland rainforests which have plenty of endemic flora and fauna. Amongst the highlights here are the varied snake, fish, lizard and bird species along with natural attractions like the Narangas and Anagimale waterfalls.

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Located in the hill capital, Kandy, this sanctuary is made up of small forest areas where one will find a wide range of plant species as well as endemic bird species. Easy to explore, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is also known for its endemic mammals as well as amphibians and reptiles.

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+

My Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka

Looking for a splendid beach vacation in Sri Lanka? The Eastern coast of Sri Lanka retains much of its pristine beauty with its unspoiled beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Do read on to know more facts!

Mirissa

If you want to make the best out of your holiday, you should spare some time to visit Mirissa for Whale and Dolphin watching. You will have the opportunity to view the most famous and the largest marine mammals, “Blue Whales”. Also, you will see several other whale species, exotic marine life, and dolphins.

Arugam Bay

If you want to receive the best out of Sri Lanka beach holidays, it’s worth visiting the stunning Arugam Bay to have a great experience while feasting your eyes on glorious sunset views. Undoubtedly, this place is a heaven for those of you who seek a laid-back ambience along with a welcoming and diverse community.

Yala National Park

As one of Sri Lanka’s premier safari hotspots, the Yala National Park is a thriving safari hub worthy of exploration. It will give you the opportunity to witness a broad variety of wildlife in Sri Lanka. If you are luckier, you’ll be able to witness magnificent a leopard. Those visiting this part of the country will have a plethora of accommodation like Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts which offers some of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, also known as the Lion’s Rock, is a popular hotspot among many tourists who visit Sri Lanka. Visit this heavenly place on earth and get to know the rich history of the country. You’ll certainly be mesmerized seeing this giant rock palace against the backdrop of lush green surroundings and clear blue skies!

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

Best Things to Do on Koh Phangan

Be it lazing around on a pristine beach, enjoying local delicacies or even having some fun in the wild, Koh Phangan is what you are looking for! Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss out on when on holiday on this atoll that is a part of Thailand.

Beach hopping

White sand, clear blue waters and a whole bunch of fun water sports is just what the beaches of Koh Phangan have to offer. Don’t forget to book up a room with Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or any other stunning Koh Phangan resort for some self-pampering. Also, you simply have to experience a moon party at Haad Rin Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Waterfall hunting

Experience the way the locals have fun by paying a visit to the waterfalls that are favourites among all tourists visiting Koh Phangan. Head over to Paradise Falls and have some splashy fun with the local kids. Remember not to make the mistake of visiting in the dry season!

Night market

Where better to find a night market than in Thailand? The Thong Sala Night market is an absolute must visit! If you are up for a culinary journey, then hit the night market to find all sorts of cuisines to entice your taste buds.

File:Thongsala - Food market - panoramio.jpg — lanjan, Thongsala – Food market – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

Slip N Fly

It’s all about the thrills and spills at Slip N Fly! Slide down water slides and into the plunge pool or enjoy a game of water volleyball. This is an ideal spot to hang out with friends and family.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Interesting Facts about Kuching, Malaysia

Kuching is located in Borneo and the locals here often say that they are living in a third world city where cats roam the streets. Quaint isn’t it? In fact, Kuching sounds much like Kuching which means cat in the Malay language. Here are some more fun facts about the city.

Beach | Image Credit : Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Beach and Jungle (23847471645), CC BY-SA 2.0

The city

This is one of the cities in Malaysia where turning left when the exit is clear, this practice is gradually spreading to other parts of the country as well. The accommodation mostly consists of Bungalows and half-detached houses. If you are a visitor seeking a place to stay in Kuching, the city offers hotels like Citadines Uplands Kuching as well.

The people

The girls in Kuching city are known to be naturally beautiful. They are usually dressed in simple attire like shorts and a t-shirt paired with Japanese style slippers. Families in the city adhere to the policy – a car per person. Yes, once the youngsters have obtained their license they are given a car.

The roads

The roundabout in Kuching is one of the biggest in the country. It is nearly the size of one and a half football fields! Locations within the area are referred to by the word mile, for example, 3rd mile, 4th mile, 5th mile. Etc.

Things to do

Planning on visiting Kuching? Well, there are plenty of touristy things to do here. One can visit the beach and maybe try out kayaking here. Caving, trekking and mountain climbing are some of the best adventure activities here.

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

Explore Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

As one of the world’s greatest Biodiversity hotspots, Sri Lanka, is an excellent place to witness wildlife. The island has numerous, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, here are some top spots.

Yala National Park

Being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park has been a favourite hotspot among many tourists who visit the country. If you want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nature Odyssey and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is undoubtedly one of the, if not the most, beautiful wildlife park in the country. Situated about 30km from Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is the nation’s oldest national park and its largest one. The National Park’s most prominent feature is its unique complex of more than 50 natural lakes, called ‘Villus’ which largely contribute to both its natural beauty and its lush fertility.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular adventure tours in Sri Lanka, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

The Best Water Sports to Try in the Maldives

If you love having fun in the water or are looking for adrenaline-pumping thrills then definitely head to the Maldives and enjoy some of the best water sports on the planet! Here are a few worth trying.

Snorkelling

A water sport that the whole family can enjoy and one that requires no prior experience, snorkelling is a perennial favourite here. Rich in marine biodiversity and surrounded by crystal clear waters, the Maldives offers an unparalleled view into a magical underwater world where colourful corals and fascinating fish species coexist.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is another not to be missed water sport. Each diving hotspot offers something new to discover; from the largest gathering of manta rays in the world at Hanifaru Bay near The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort to shipwrecks the likes of the Maldives Victory, the ocean has many treasures in store.

Jet Skiing

Those who want a more speed-induced adrenaline rush should look to try jet skiing! Many resorts in Maldives do offer this water sport and be it riding with an experienced instructor or manoeuvring a jet ski by yourself, it should certainly satisfy your need for speed.

Kayaking

Another great water-based activity, kayaking is an ideal way to soak up the coastal charm and do some exploring too. Since the waters are clear you can also get a view of the vibrant marine life below. As an added bonus, this paddle-powered water sport provides a great cardio workout too!

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+