Spend an Adventurous Vacation in Sri Lanka

Regarded as an adventure traveller’s dream destination, Sri Lanka is an island full of possibilities for thrill-seekers. Here are some of the top adventures and excursions to enjoy on the island.

Safari Tours in National Parks

Wildlife fanatics and safari enthusiasts alike will find more than a handful of extensive national parks in Sri Lanka to get up-close and personal with creatures large and small. From the Yala National Park with its leopard and deer population to the elephant spotting hotspots known as the Udawalawe National Park and the Minneriya National Park, travellers can enjoy both daytime and night-time safari excursions into the wild.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Those in search of frothy rapids and a rugged landscape in which to go white water rafting will find no finer alternative to Kitulgala’s gushing rivers. Countless local tour operators offer white water rafting packages for tourists and local day-trippers looking to get their feet wet in the heart of Sri Lanka’s rafting capital.

Kayaking in Dambulla

Tourists based at properties belonging to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts or any other popular hotel chain should also take the opportunity to enjoy a kayaking excursion on Dambulla Lake. Allowing visitors to discover the flora and fauna of the area at their own pace, kayaking is a relaxing activity that lets one feel at one with nature.

Hiking in Ella or the Knuckles Mountain Range

Hiking in Ella
Hiking in Ella | Image via wiki media commons

Ranked among the best places to stay in Sri Lanka, Ella is also ideal for hiking and trekking activities. The naturally mountainous reaches of this hill station not only provides challenging hiking opportunities for nature lovers but also less arduous trails for beginners. The Knuckles Mountain Range is another fantastic playground for those who wish to enjoy a trekking excursion surrounded by waterfalls and other natural wonders.

Best Adventure Activities in the Maldives That Challenge the Daredevil in You

Adventurers heading to the Maldives may be surprised to find the sheer variety of thrilling activities on offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the country’s top activities for active visitors.

Catamaran Sailing

Although there are a great many sailing adventures accessible to visitors based at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or any similar Maldives beach hotels, none are quite as exciting as catamaran sailing. Offering one the chance to sail across the azure blue waters of the archipelago on board a vessel that is not as easy to navigate as a modern-day yacht can prove to be the experience of a lifetime for those who dare.  

Parasailing

Those who wish to take to the skies and catch a glimpse of paradise from a unique vantage point should sign up for a parasailing tour of the coast. Available through a plethora of local tour operators and resorts, the thrill of being suspended above the waves is a feeling that is difficult to describe and replicate outside a beach paradise such as the Maldives.

Scuba Diving

Diving
Diving | Image via wiki media commons

Often listed among the best scuba diving hubs on the planet, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without travelling through the underwater caves, channels and shipwrecks that litter the seafloor of the archipelago. From HP Reef to Banana Reef and Manta Point, the large number of excellent dive sites makes this water sports activity a true adventure. The best time to visit the Maldives for a diving holiday is from December to March.

Kitesurfing

The idyllic lagoons of the Maldives are perfect for kitesurfing excursions for both seasoned surfers and novices.

Hiking the Highest Mountains in Langkawi – How to Explore Langkawi’s Soaring Mountains

Made up of 104 stunning islands laden with sandy beaches, Langkawi is also a hiker’s paradise thanks to its towering mountains laden with trails. Here’s how to hike the tallest peaks in Langkawi.

Hiking in Langkawi 101

Img via Pixabay

Hikers and trekkers heading to Langkawi should be aware that there are two big mountains with excellent hiking trails at their disposal. Named Gunung Raya and Gunung Machinchang or Mat Cincang, both mountains are best explored with a local guide. This is due to the fact that tourists based at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa or any venue that ranks itself as the best resort in Langkawi should not miss out on learning about the local flora and fauna during the hiking experience.

What to Pay Attention To

Regardless of the nature of the hiking activities that one signs up for during a getaway in Langkawi, it is important to notice the wild monkeys that always seem to be popping up out of nowhere on the trail as well as the magnificent Great Hornbills that will sit atop treetops. Funny looking insects and bugs are also known to inhabit Langakwi’s hiking trails; they prove to be harmless but fascinating distractions.

What to Pack and Use on a Hiking Tour

The extreme humidity of Langkawi’s mountains should not be overestimated. This is why staying hydrated and bringing your own water is crucial. Apply plenty of mosquito repellent on your body to keep the pesky creatures away.

Gunung Raya

Those who wish to climb to the top of this 840-metre-high mountain must devote at least four hours to the endeavour as the total distance is no less than 8 kilometres.

Gunung Machinchang

Made up of a series of summits, the “sky trail” is the best way to hike up to this mountain where one also finds the Seven Wells Falls.

5 Informative Facts That You Must Know About the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, particularly among honeymooners. The island nation boasts a rich history, delicious cuisine, and a range of exciting activities.

The Maldives Is Located Close to the Equator

The Maldives is located quite close to the equator. And this means that sun rays will shine almost directly on you while you’re relaxing at your Maldives resort. So, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin!

The Maldives Was Initially a Buddhist Nation

The Maldives was only converted to Islam in 1153 A.D. and today it stands as a proud Muslim nation. So, make sure that you leave any other religious texts, pork products, and alcoholic beverages at home when you’re about to head towards Kurumba Maldives or any other resort in the country for a splendid tropical vacation.

The Maldives Boasts Over 1000 Islands

maldives islands
maldives islands | Image via Pixabay

The Maldives is formed out of 1,192 coral islands that are grouped in 26 atolls. These are peppered over the Indian Ocean over an area of roughly 90,000 square kilometres.

The Maldives’ Sand Is Smooth as Can Be

Usually, the beaches are made of sands that are made from quartz. However, the Maldives’ beaches contain sands that are extremely fine as they are coralline in origin. Coralline beaches are quite rare and represent less than five percent of the world’s beaches.

Victoria Nature Treks

Seek the bounty of treasures within these vistas of different shades of green by following the nature trails to delight your nature lover instincts.

Trail
Trail | Img via Unsplash

Crown jewel of Mahaweli

Offering an amazing view, the Victoria Dam and reservoir are indeed precious to the island providing the largest hydropower generation to the nation, the environs of this beautiful water body is a nature lovers delight and a favourite site to visit from your hotel in Kandy Sri Lanka.

Inviting fauna and flora

The trekking spaces are home to a variety of wildlife inviting you to catch a glimpse of them. Three distinct species of deer, a plethora of mongooses, over a hundred different species of avifauna, the porcupines and the master anglers, the fishing cats to name a few.

Araliya Trail

Soak in the beauty of the environs of the Victoria Golf Course, not too far from Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy. Try this short trek of roughly two hours. Trek on the outer ring of the golf course into a smaller forest area, emerge to a clearing featuring a viewpoint named “Araliya Deck”. Gaze at the panoramic view.

Mahaweli Trail

A longer trail up to three hours along a river branch of the reservoir. Listen to the gurgling of water, the rustle of the leaves, birds chirping and to crown this tranquil atmosphere, a view of wildlife to feast your eyes.

 

Exotic Wildlife In Maldives That Is Sure To Thrill Nature Lovers

Whales and dolphins, crocodiles and snakes, varieties of turtles, the bounty of fish of vibrant hues and the attractive feathered species make the Maldives rich in marine wildlife.

Colourful avifauna

Despite the small land area and isolation restricting the bird population of Maldives, between 160 to 180 species of sea or shorebirds do exist. Herons, seagulls, cranes and the national bird of the Maldives, water hens are seen in different varieties and colours.

Dolphins and whales

Varieties of dolphins and whales provide hours of great excursions for nature lovers as they patiently observe their antics. A bit further into the Indian Ocean, you can also see sperm whales, blue whales, etc.

Marine fish and the reef

Fish & Reef
Fish & Reef | Image via Pxhere

Try diving or snorkelling to witness the underwater fantasy by a best Maldives resort. Thousands of fish teeming the coral reefs making a burst of colour giving one a surreal feeling, thus making you want to extend your stay at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon or any such property in the Maldives.

The unique turtles

Many varieties of turtles are seen thriving in the rich seawater off the archipelago. Measures are taken to see to the wellbeing of this endangered species. Securing from irresponsible human action, eggs protected in secure areas are notable 02 such actions. Watch the emotional scene of newly hatched baby turtles making their way slowly to water.

Top Attractions in Yala for an Unforgettable Vacation

The high density of leopards and popular activities such as safari tours, tented safari camping, fishing, and cultural excursions are some of the key reasons why Yala never fails to impress a vacationist.

Yala National Park

Without a question, Yala National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts! This is because it allows safari tours, enabling people to discover wildlife species roaming freely in their own habitat. Witnessing creatures such as elusive leopards, elephants and even sloth bears can be a delightful experience to make one’s holiday at a Yala hotel worthwhile.

Bird watching

bird watching
bird watching | Image via Unsplash

Due to Yala’s diverse ecosystems of dry monsoon forests, semi-deciduous forests, grasslands, and even freshwater wetlands, there are more than thousands of birds that belong to 215 species – both endemic and migratory – that can be spotted in this national park throughout the year.

Sithulpawwa

Dating back to the 2nd century, Sithulpawwa is located on top of a hill that requires a small climb. However, what people love about this rock are the architecture, paintings, and inscriptions that reveal a lot about the country’s past.

Kebiliththa

Found in the midst of Yala National Park, Kebiliththa is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places. Located an hour’s drive away from Cinnamon Wild Yala, it is a Buddhist temple that is surrounded by marshes and ancient trees.

Important Facts to Know About Maldives Tourism When Planning Your Next Visit

Planning your next holiday to the stunning islands of the Maldives? Read on for some facts regarding the country’s tourism!

Male
Male | Image via Unsplash

Regulations

As the Maldives is an Islamic nation, there’s a prevailing ban on bringing pork products and liquor into the country. Apart from those, firearms, drugs, and pornography are also off-limits. However, you can buy alcoholic drinks at your Maldives resort.

On Arrival…

Almost all tourists arrive by air from Velana International Airport; this is situated on Hulhule Island. After being cleared from the airport, you can head to your island resort; for instance, if you’ve booked your holiday at a resort like the Kurumba Maldives, you will be most likely arriving there by speedboat.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is considered the best time to visit the North Male Atoll, with minimum rainfall. However, this is when rains prevail in the South Male Atoll.

Travel Requirements

All tourists arriving in the Maldives require a valid passport although no visa is needed in advance. On arrival, all tourists with a valid passport will be granted a tourist visa of 30 days.

Explore the Beautiful Kokkilai Lagoon & Bird Sanctuary

The Kokkilai lagoon is an estuarian lagoon and this brackish water makes it a perfect nesting spot for birds and wildlife. To help convince you to take this excursion here is some information about the lagoon and the excursion before you board the boat.

The Lagoon

The lagoon is situated in the North-Eastern part of Sri Lanka and has a very interesting makeup of mangroves, mudflats seagrass beds providing the perfect habitat for those birds who call it home.

Getting There

A very short drive from the hub of the Northeast – Trincomalee, one can base themselves at a hotel such as Trinco Blu by Cinnamon which is one of the popular resorts in Trincomalee.

Birds Galore

bird sanctuary
bird sanctuary | Image via Unsplash

The lagoon was dubbed a designated wildlife sanctuary in the 1905s. It is unique in that it is one of the largest nature reserves for both native and migratory birds not only in the North East but in Sri Lanka. You can be sure to be bowled over by the sheer volume of birds on your visit!

The Boat Ride

You can rent a little boat, called a dingy and venture into the lagoon. If you’re lucky you may even chance upon a crocodile or witness some elephants on the lagoon banks. Make sure you pack an umbrella though since the little boats don’t offer a cover of their own.

Breath-taking Hikes in Ella

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is known for its wide range of mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. This very fact makes it a great hiking destination.

Image credit- Unsplash,Kirsty barnby,CC0

Little Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the mountain range that’s called ‘Sri Pada’. This is not about it. Little Adam’s Peak is in Ella, and of course, is much smaller than Sri Pada. For the entire hike, you’ll only need around one hour. The hike is easy but rewards you with some of the best views.

Ella Rock

Ella hiking adventures will be incomplete if you miss out on this one. Unlike the Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock is considered a difficult hike. On websites such as Travel to Ella, this hiking trail has been recognized as one of the most wonderful, thanks to the flora and fauna around.

Dambatenne to Lipton’s Seat

Dambatenne is a popular tea factory in Sri Lanka. From here, take the hiking trail to the Lipton’s Seat which is located 6,463 ft above sea level.

Idalgashinna to Haputale

The best way to do this hike is to take the train from Ella to Idalgashinna and then, taking the hiking trail back to Haputale. The views across will be memorable, for sure!