Month: July 2019

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu
Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

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 Garden of Stars

Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of the Kowloon Peninsula, Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s version of the Walk of Fame with panoramic views and a dramatic skyline. It has recently been renovated.

Avenue of Stars| Img by: Wing1990hk via wikimedia commons| CC BY 3.0

The Walk of Fame

The Avenue of Stars was designed as a public space in 1982, but gained more and more popularity, quickly becoming the most visited location for tourists and locals alike in Hong Kong. It became so famous and collected such a lot of foot traffic that it needed some renovation.

Renovation

The Avenue of Stars was part of the $ 2.6 billion, Victoria dockside renovation project which also involved a flagship shopping mall, a new concept of luxury living with 287 residential units on 14 floors, a 66-floor skyscraper for offices, an ultra-luxury addition to its international hotel chains and outdoor public spaces.

Cheng and Corner

The project was helmed by Adrian Cheng of New World Development and James Corner, the founder of James Corner Field Operations, urban design and landscape architect.
The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront was iconic during the colonial times and then disregarded for the rest of fast developing Hong Kong, so it was Adrian Cheng’s idea to update the location and bring it to the 21st century, according to James Corner.
The canopy has been extended to feature trellises and trees and 800 times more shade in keeping with the heat and humidity in Hong Kong so visitors would want to linger.

Hong Kong’s Green Direction

Hong Kong has taken a green direction as of late with Salisbury Garden and the Avenue of Stars, a welcome change. It was reopened to the public on the 30th of January 2019 after a three-year hiatus. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from Dorsett Hotels & Resorts.

 

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+

First Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong

A place filled with urban beauty while harbouring scenic natural beauty at the same time, the description fits none other than Hong Kong! If you are a first-time traveller to Hong Kong, then read through to find out about experiences you cannot miss out on!

Dennis Tang, View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak, CC BY-SA 2.0

Ferry rides
The famous Star Ferry offers rides on 3 unique ferries. The fun fact is, these ferries have been given 3 wonderful names; Morning Star, Celestial Star and Twinkling Star. What makes these Stare Ferries stand out is it’s their 1920s theme that allows the traveller to experience a ride as if it were back in time.

Tsim Sha Tsui
An awesome location to visit on your travels to Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade is unquestionably one that can’t be missed! Sone of the main attractions in the area are; Clock Tower, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Space Museum. Places to stay include hotels like The Murray Hong Kong with excellent facilities available.

Lamma Island
This small island is just13sqkm of land is covered in rich greenery and is a popular escape with tourists and locals alike. The place is perfect to wind down away from the hubbub of the city. Even the population is just about 5000 people which makes it less crowded.

Shopping in Hong Kong
As one of the Asian countries that vaunt a rich culture, shopping in Hong Kong is more than just an agreement among the buyer and seller. Shopping here is one of the most loved leisure time activities by the locals. Therefore, you may find malls with your favourite brands and great deals. Some of the best hotels in Hong Kong offer special packages for shopaholics too.