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How to Explore Ile Aux Aigrettes Island in Mauritius – A Handy Guide!

Declared a natural reserve in 1965, the island of Ile Aux Aigrettes has managed to protect its flora and fauna. Here’s a great guide for exploring the island!

Abu Shawka, Indigenous Coastal Vegetation of Mauritius, CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

This charming island can only be visited by boat, and there are set times for the visit and tour. The journey takes less than 10 minutes! Many Mauritius resorts the likes of Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas can guide you with the booking of the tour.

The significance

It has already been established that the island is heavily conserved, and it holds a lot of ecological significance due to this reason. In fact, the number of animals and plants has reportedly increased in recent years, which is a positive change.

Guided tour

One of the most unique experiences on Il Aux Aigrettes Island is the guided tour of the forest, which takes 1 and a half hours. The guide takes you through the significant parts of the forest, giving you the opportunity to spot many animals that call it home.

Wildlife Museum

There is a beautiful nature museum on the island which is dedicated to Mauritian ecology. The museum tells you all about the flora and fauna living on the island, and you are sure to gain some new knowledge about the attractions in Mauritius.

Your Guide to Jet Skiing in Dubai – Zipping About!

Jet skiing is always a great idea! Whether you’re a novice or a pro, read on to find out how you can zip about on the waters on your vacation in Dubai. You most definitely won’t regret it!

Staying in Dubai

This emirate is replete with numerous 5 star resorts. Dubai accommodation options are numerous, ranging from Airbnb to resorts such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and hostels as well. So go ahead, the choice is yours!

Select a Watercraft

Did you know that the jet ski itself can also be referred to as a watercraft? Before you put the keys in the ignition make sure you have a sturdy and recently serviced watercraft, with a full tank of gas so that you can have the best time possible out on the waters!

Life Vests

Regardless of whether you’re a swimmer or you’ve ridden jet skis many times, always make sure you have a life vest on. What’s more, make sure it’s a well-fitted one and not too large or small either. So go ahead, strap it on before you rev that engine.

Safety First

Dubai is very keen on its safety protocols and rules when it comes to jet skiing. First things first, make sure you’re above the minimum age to ride. Any individual, whether local or foreign, must be at least 16 years old. Those under the age of 18 must also be accompanied by an adult at all times. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Exploring Outdoor Adventures in Abu Dhabi – Adventure Beckons!

Are you an adventurer with a penchant for outdoor activities? Abu Dhabi is the place for you! Read on to find out how you can get your heart pumping on the sand dunes and beyond, on your next holiday to Abu Dhabi.

Hotel Services

Abu Dhabi is known for its incredible hospitality and hotels such as the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and others will see to it that its guests are well looked after. Speak to your hotel concierge who can help guide you through the many activities in Abu Dhabi to help you plan out your holiday.

Wilderness and Horses

Whether or not you’re an equestrian, riding the expansive dunes of the Empty Quarter, also known as the Rub’ al Khali will be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Gallop in this wilderness which extends over an astonishing 250,000 square miles to enjoy the beauty of a wilderness like never before.

Explore a Fort

The Liwa Forts are an age-old stronghold in Abu Dhabi which are worth a visit. The Fort offers stunning panoramic views of the Liwa Oasis and the undulating sand dunes which lie beyond it. These 7 watch towers served as the guard of this oasis which was and continues to be the lifeline of the area.

Kayaking among Mangroves

The Mangrove National Park which is a protected reserve on the outskirts of the Emirate is a great place for some kayaking. A must-see for the outdoorsy type or the wildlife lover since this habitat is home to a wide variety of species from flamingos to dugongs!

All you need to know about Rumassala

For the curious adventurer visiting the Emerald Isle, tours along its southern coastal belt will bring you to the picturesque setting of Rumassala Hill, easily reachable from Unawatuna.

Historical value

During the course of the battle involving King Ravana and Lord Rama over the custody of Sita, the monkey-god Hanuman was tasked with having to carry the holy Sanjeevi Mountain which contained a large number of herbs. On his way back, it is believed that fragments of the mountain had dropped, one of which is considered to be the present site of Rumassala Hill.

Scientific evidence

According to renowned science visionary, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, it was revealed that the area in question contained a magnetic anomaly; a condition occasioned by a meteorite that had fallen from the sky. Additionally and interestingly, Clarke took up the position that Rumassala featured one of the lowest gravitational fields on earth.

Main elements

Spread out across its entirety is a series of rare medicinal herbs and plants which are unique to Rumassala with a fraction of the aforementioned found solely on Ritigala Mountain. What’s more? A host of endemic species ranging from birds, mammals and reptilians continue to seek refuge within Rumassala Hill which overlooks the dancing waves of the Indian Ocean. To those staying at boutique hotels, Galle is known for great options such as Kahanda Kanda, and the said attraction will come across as a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty & history.

Camping in Sri Lanka for an Adventurous Getaway

If you’re looking to escape the busy city life in Sri Lanka and escape to nature, camping is one fine way to do so. Here are some excellent sites to get your tent out, set up, and enjoy uninterrupted, stunning landscapes.

Udawalawe National Park

Known for its elephant population, Udawalawe National Park stretches over 30,000 hectares. Animals such as wild boar, jackals, common langurs, sambar dear and over 180 species of birds call this park their home. To travel here, get one of the many self-drive cars in Sri Lanka, offered by the likes of Malkey Rent A Car, where you can drive at your own pace. Depending on the area of the park that you want to camp in, the price may vary.

Ella

The central highlands of Sri Lanka emit beauty so splendid that you’ll never want to leave. Famous for its lush green hills and now thriving party scene, Ella will not disappoint hopeful campers! You can also hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit Ravana caves.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Another spectacular location found in central Sri Lanka, Knuckles boasts many forest trails and sites ideal for camping. In fact, this location is ideal for eco-camping, so now only are you enjoying yourself, but you’re also conserving the environment.

Yala National Park

The most renowned National Park in Sri Lanka, Yala is full of picture-perfect sceneries, bordering the Indian Ocean. You will spot many mammals, birds and insects while you’re here, that’s a given! Camping with the sounds of nature and wildlife around you is surreal in Yala. There are also onsite washrooms and barbeque facilities.

Fun things you can do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, is among the most rewarding to travel to. This popular island in the Gulf of Thailand is also bordered by magnificent beaches and covered with forest.

The Top Activities in Koh Samui

Whether you are a fan of Muay Thai and want to catch a fight or you simply want to meditate at a Buddhist temple, there is something for you any day of the week.

Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park by scheduling a tour

This is unquestionably among the top activities in Koh Samui and the entire Gulf of Thailand. There are 42 islands in the Ang Thong National Marine Park, each of which is rocky and distinctive.

View a Monk who has been preserved

Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple well-known for its mummified monk.This is not a sight for the faint of heart; it is a dead body on show in a glass case. But it is pretty fascinating.

Experience the Big Buddha

Visitors to Koh Samui should unquestionably make a visit to the Big Buddha this stunning landmark is located in close vicinity to many a Koh Samui luxury hotel, so be sure to keep an eye out for places such as SAii Koh Samui Choengmon if you need a place to a crash after all the sightseeing.

Why Kandy is Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital

A popular day-trip destination for all, Kandy is not only home to the Temple of the Tooth but some of Sri Lanka’s top cultural highlights. Here’s why this hill station is deemed the cultural heart of the island.

Ceylon_tea — Charles R. Benedict, Ceylon tea, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Temple of the Tooth

The main reason why Kandy is dubbed the cultural epicentre of Sri Lanka is that it is where the Temple of the Tooth is located. The sacred dental remains of Lord Buddha are contained within this iconic shrine, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site decades ago.

Historic Kandy Lake

Although most visitors know that enjoying a boat ride on Kandy Lake is one of the top things to do in Kandy, few are aware of the legacy of this manmade body of water. Having been the execution site for many Sri Lankan nobles during British colonial rule, Kandy Lake is most infamously connected with the beheading of local hero Madduma Bandara and his family.

Tea Country

Whether you are based at the Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy or any other rest, a tour of the tea estates and factories surrounding the city will illustrate how it is a prime tea-producing region in Sri Lanka. World-famous Ceylon Tea is linked with the plantations and colonial-era tea factories that still function today and form a part of the hillside’s tea country.

Kandyan Dance and Drumming Heritage

As a dance tradition that differs significantly from the island’s southern dance school, Kandyan dance and drumming techniques date back centuries and have been preserved by local artists.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Horton Plains

Horton Plains, one of the national parks in Sri Lanka, is an example of Sri Lanka’s unspoiled natural beauty. It is also one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. With thriving wildlife and milder climate conditions, the place offers a respite from the typical harsh weather conditions of the country.

What you need to know

You need to carry plenty of water with you as there aren’t any shops here. You cannot really bring plastic bags with you, and make sure you don’t litter. Also, if you are planning to visit in the afternoon, wear sunscreen.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels near Hotel Plains; all you have to do is take your time and find one that suits your budget. It’s best to choose a hotel like Araliya Green Hills, as Horton Plains is part of the experiences on offer.

Baker’s Falls

You have to hike through uneven terrain to get here, but it’ll be worth it. Baker’s Falls is one of the principal attractions here. Named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, the waterfall has a height of 20 metres.

World’s End

For scenic panoramic vistas, visit the World’s End. The journey is fairly easy, with frequent wildlife encounters. World’s End is a steep cliff that’s considered one of the best lookouts in the country. The views you get here stretch across two provinces.

Camping

To camp in Horton Plains, all you need is basic camping gear; however, as you are alone, you should consult a tour guide to ensure that you don’t do anything you are not supposed to. You can also get in touch with a tour operator.

The Underrated Safari Experiences in Sri Lanka

Famed for its tropical beaches and alluring sunsets, Sri Lanka may not appear to be the bearer of forests and jungles of untamed wildlife. However, the country’s reputation as a tropical vacation hub overshadows its ability to provide some of the best-known safaris.

1024px-Minneriya_National_Park,_elephants_gathering — Walter Gehr, Minneriya National Park, elephants gathering, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Road to a Minneriya Safari

A 17-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Minneriya National Park from hotels like Aliya Resort and Spa. The park is known to be one of the best places on the island to witness the largest elephant gatherings that occur during the months of June to September. Most accommodations in the area offer safari packages to tourists which are inclusive of well-trained drivers to educate them along the way, and it is also about a 20-30 minutes distance from most other Sigiriya hotels in the area.

A Jungle Exploit

While visitors can witness herds of elephants freely roaming out and about, they are not the only wildlife that can be spotted at the Minneriya National Park. The sanctuary is home to a wide array of species ranging from eagles, monkeys and peacocks that can be seen in numbers. The park shelters 24 species of mammals, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies and 26 species of fish.

Travelling with Young Ones

A safari at the Minneriya National Park is not one that is catered only for adults but is considered a safe experience for children as well. While older children are likely to appreciate wildlife and the knowledge of their lifestyles, younger ones are more drawn to the thrill of the jeep ride and climbing up the rocks in the park

The Overall Experience

Many travellers have shared positive testimonies of their fabulous experiences at the Minneriya National Park, commenting on the expertise of the drivers and guides that accompany them throughout the journey. This family-friendly safari is certain to be one of education as well as a real-life adventure for adults and children alike.

Kingdom of Kandy

Located amidst the green swathes of Sri Lanka’s upcountry, Kandy was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Its proud history dictates that it was the only region in Sri Lanka that remained independent for the longest time period possible, under the foreign powers. All over the city are historical, cultural, religious, and natural attractions.

1024px-Kandy_War_Cemetery — AntanO, Kandy War Cemetery, CC BY-SA 4.0

Temple of the Tooth Relic

This has to be the single most important religious site to Sri Lankan Buddhists. The temple houses Buddha’s tooth relic inside a pagoda-shaped casing, made of gold and adorned with jewellery. Sri Lankans believe that this tooth relic has the power to bring about rains to nourish the Sri Lankan soil. The temple is part of a palace complex.

Kandy Lake

Looking for a respite from the mid-day sun? Take a stroll around Kandy Lake. Located right in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake is part of the temple complex. The lake offers several hiking trails.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The gardens are called the Royal Botanical Gardens as it was once reserved for royals, but now it’s open to everyone! This is one of the must-visit attractions in Kandy. Located one hour and eighteen minutes from Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the garden nurtures a wide variety of plant species. The main attraction, however, is the palm-fringed walkway that often seems to grace Instagram.

Commonwealth War Cemetery

There are several commonwealth war cemeteries, but the one found in Kandy is one of the most important historical sites. The cemetery is the resting place of soldiers who fought during the Second World War. Despite having a gloomy historical element, the cemetery features a calm and beautiful atmosphere. You can get here from almost any hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka in around an hour.

Conclusion

The list of Kandy attractions is endless. The city offers plenty of things to do and see, to keep you sufficiently occupied for more than a week. To make the most of your time here, take your time and plan your itinerary, and don’t forget to book your accommodation well in advance!