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Thrilling Adventure Activities in Maldives

Looking to add some unforgettable thrills to your holiday in the Maldives? If so, here are some activities that won’t disappoint!

Diving with Sharks

Not to be missed is a chance to dive and swim amongst sharks in the Maldives! Villas at resorts in the Rasdhoo Atoll make ideal accommodation options to be based at; from here, you can head out on early morning dives to places like Shark Point where you have a chance to encounter distinctive hammerhead sharks.

Semi-Submarine Ride

Want to explore underwater worlds without getting wet? Resorts such as Kuramathi Maldives offer rides in a special semi-submarine to enjoy a unique adventure in air-conditioned comfort! Spots such as the Giri Reef are ideal for such excursions providing views of coral and marine life, perfect for photographing too.

Big Game Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts or those looking to take up this activity have much to look forward to. When out at sea, you can test your skills, patience and strength going head to head with the likes of barracuda, wahoo and tuna! Ideally, choose a resort that adheres to a ‘catch and release’ policy that protects these marine species.

Snorkelling Safaris

Those who can snorkel can head off on snorkelling safaris to various key reefs in an atoll. Look to see if your chosen resort offers such excursions with a marine biologist to guide you as well. Apart from diverse coral and fish, depending on where you go and with a bit of luck, you may encounter turtles or manta rays too!

A Simple Guide to Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations to visit in South Asia and the unique wildlife you can spot here plays a large part in all that. In many ways, Sri Lanka offers some of the best safari experiences in all of Asia – so, here’s a look at some of the key forest denizens that make exploring Sri Lanka’s wilds so exciting.

Sri Lankan Leopards

The Sri Lankan leopard is the top predator here in the island’s wilderness and it’s quite an elusive sighting too. National parks like Yala and Wilpattu are your best bet if you want to try your hand at spotting one in the wild.

Sri Lankan Elephants

The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest subspecies of Asian elephants found in the world. These massive pachyderms are most concentrated in a select number of national parks. At locations like Minneriya, they gather is huge super-herds that can be quite the sight to see up-close.

Sloth Bears

The sloth bear is definitely one of the stranger forest denizens you’re likely to spot in the wilds of Sri Lanka. This is a species of bear that specialises in eating insects and is characterised by a long snout and thick shaggy fur that’s black in colour.

Blue Whales

If you’re staying by Sri Lanka’s coastline, perhaps at one of the Bentota hotels on offer such as the Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, you might have a chance of spotting blue whales off the coast. These gigantic marine mammals are actually the largest living organisms ever to have existed!

Catch a Glimpse of Leopards in Yala

Though Yala is loved for over 44 species of mammals, its leopard population is what attracts many tourists here. Many wildlife enthusiasts – be it foreign or local – don’t forget to go on a safari at this national park while they’re holidaying at a Yala hotel.

Overview

Yala National Park is the most visited of its kind in Sri Lanka. It’s divided into five blocks but only the first and the last are accessible for visitors. Block One is the most popular as it is home to around 40 leopards.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yala National Park is the dry season of the country. February and March are considered the ideal months to visit should you wish to spot leopards.

Don’t Evade Personal Space

Choose to go on your safari with responsible and eco-minded drivers and guides. Plan to get the services of reputable companies such as Cinnamon Wild Yala that emphasises the well-being of animals over photo opportunities.

Identify Leopards

Lepoads yala national park | Image via Flickr

Just like fingerprints of humans, leopard spots are unique for each leopard. Experienced guides might be able to point out leopards by their names and describe their behavioural patterns.

A Weekend in Habarana to Make You Feel Relaxed

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Habrana is quite the place that is going to definitely pique your interest. There are hotels in the midst of greenery, animals at every corner and lovely fresh air to breathe in. Here are a few things to do on a weekend there.

Minneriya wildlife safari

This place is a short distance away from hotels like Habarana Village by Cinnamon. The main animal you will be looking out for on your safari would be elephants. Try to start your safari around 4:45/5 pm to avoid the heat.

Pidurangala Rock, Sigirya

You will need to pay a small entrance fee to climb this rock, but its totally worth it! Once you reach the top, you will be greeted with a splendid view of Sigirya Rock in the distance and the mass of greenery surrounding the area.

The Golden Temple

There is so much more than the prominent golden Buddha you will see no sooner you reach the foot of the temple. You will have to indulge in a 20-minute hike to the hill on which the temple is situated. Moreover, there are stunning rooms with several images of Buddha to discover.

Spend some time at the pool

Take the chance to explore the Sri Lanka resort you are lodged at as well with a dip in the pool and perhaps a good meal at the buffet. You could also hit the bar for one of your favourite coolers.

Enjoy Whale Watching in Trincomalee

During your stay in Sri Lanka, head to the eastern part of the country where you find the magical destination- Trincomalee. It offers plenty of whale watching opportunities throughout the year.

The best time to schedule your tour

They say the best time to schedule a whale watching tour in Trincomalee is from May to October. During this time, you may spot dolphins too.

Types of whales to spot in Trincomalee

Did you know that out of the 80 species of whales that the world has so far, 26 can be spotted around the Sri Lankan waters? While blue whales are the most popular, there are also other species such as the sperm whale, killer whale, fin whale, humpback whale, and Bryde’s whale.

Getting prepared for the experience

Generally, a whale watching tour goes on for 4 hours. So, make sure you are well-prepared for the experience. Take seasick pills before you go, and make sure you take your sunglasses and hats with you too.

Holidaying in Trincomalee

Since there are many great resorts in Trincomalee the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, you are sure to find world-class accommodation venues for your holiday to be spent here.

Visit the Blackcomb Peak

Have you ever thought of going snowboarding or skiing? Or have you already tried it out and can’t get enough of it? Either way, the best place to snowboard or ski is none other than Whistler in Canada. Here’s what to expect once you are here.

Whistler Blackcomb

This little snow destination is located in between 2 enormous mountains, one being Whistler and the other being Blackcomb. Of this area between the mountains, 8171 acres is safe skiable topography.

Creekside Village

This is the first place you should be visiting if you are staying at a Whistler hotel. Take the Creekside Gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain where you can begin your snowboarding or ski session towards Blackcomb.

Whistler Village

If you are looking for a more wholesome experience, this little village is perfect. When it comes to your skiing needs, you can hop on one of the two gondolas at the edge of Blackcomb and go right up to Whistler for a session.

Upper Village

Not far from Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Whistler is Upper Village where the new gondola to Rendezvous Lodge is available. From here you will be able to access a number of ski spots including the 7th Heave Express lift.

Hiking in Langkawi

Although Langkawi is not so associated with hiking, this destination has some amazing mountain peaks. The best thing about them is that they are free!

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is an archipelago in Malaysia with 99 wonderful islands. Needless to say, this is a tourist paradise. It has almost everything including waterfalls, jungles, beaches, and mangroves. Yes, it’s a destination to explore the best of nature!

Gunung Raya

From the first step to the viewpoint at the summit, there are about 3 KMs. You will need to allocate around 3 hours for this hike if you are a person with average fitness.

Gunung Matcincang

This trek will surely amuse you. Hiking up Gunung Matcincang will give you a feeling as if you are on a treasure hunt. Guess what… once you reach the peak, you are blessed with the panoramic views of all the 99 islands in Langkawi.

Other things to do in Langkawi

Choose Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa which is considered the best resort in Langkawi to holiday in this paradise. In addition to hiking, you may visit the Sky Bridge, Seven Wells Waterfall and explore its various night markets.

Pigeon Island: Dive into the Marine World of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two main marine national parks, and one of them is the Pigeon Island National Park in Trincomalee. Exploring coral reefs and diving as you wish are all possible here!

It’s a Marine National Park

This important marine national park has two islands (the Small Pigeon Island and the Large one). The large one is considered the most important because it’s fringed by the coral reef.

Explore the beaches

The best thing about the beaches here is that they are very shallow. It’s safe to explore the beaches, and if you want, there are shops from which you can get safety jackets for rent.

Diving experiences

The best way to explore the waters is by snorkelling or diving. Don’t worry about the equipment as there are many diving schools to offer you their services.

Getting to Pigeon Island

If you have made plans to stay at one of the Trincomalee hotels the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, getting to Pigeon Island is not at all a difficulty. It’s located just 1km away from Nilaweli Beach.

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Snorkeling in the Maldives

Many water sports that you can try out while holidaying at one of the Maldives luxury resorts are quite safe. However, snorkelling (the one that seems so easy) is the sport that poses some minor threats for you.

Snorkel with an Expert

Shallow depths can often lull you into a false sense of safety. If you haven’t been snorkelling much, it would be best if you can tag along with a snorkelling expert. Calm waters may hide strong currents and these guides will help you avoid them.

Avoid Touching Marine Life

Well, you would certainly be mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the life beneath the waves while snorkelling during a holiday spent at a property such as Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi. But, make sure that you avoid touching these creatures as you never know what kinds of threats they may pose.

Use Well-Fitting Equipment

Make sure your snorkelling mask fits well. If it leaks or is too tight you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your snorkelling adventure.

Avoid Coral/ Rock Cuts

It is often advised that you shouldn’t step on corals as it would damage them and would be damaging to you in return. Make sure that you wear reef shoes and a thick wet suit in case you accidentally happen to step on or brush past them.

Explore the Chu Chi Tunnels

A day at the Cu Chi Tunnels is considered one of the best things you could do during your stay at a hotel Hanoi has to offer such as Pan Pacific Hanoi. Combined with a visit to the nearby War Remnants Museum, it also makes for a great learning experience.

Overview

Chu Chi Tunnel Entrance|Image by Lars Curfs (Grashoofd) via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 NL

The Cu Chi tunnel network spans across an extensive network of underground tunnels, running as far as toward the Cambodian border. It was built over two decades and its construction was commissioned in 1948. The tunnels were originally intended to pass communication between villages and help the locals evade French soldiers.

Tunnels to Visit

At present, only two sets of tunnels can be visited by the public – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections. The former served as Cu Chi District Party Committee’s base while the latter also served as headquarters.

Getting Around

There are several options when it comes to getting to these tunnels from Saigon – motorbike, speedboat, car, or bus are several of them.

Things to Do

As you enter the caves, you will be shown a video detailing the lives of the Viet Cong and locals who lived nearby during the war. After that, you can see the exhibits, take photos, explore traps, and even shoot a gun!