Victoria Falls Devils Pool and Livingstone Island

Located adjacent to hotels in Livingstone Zambia offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Livingstone Island is a perfect place for a day out; however, only a maximum of 24 people are allowed on the island at a time.

Victoria Falls

A waterfall that is formed by the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is hailed as one of the largest waterfalls in the world due to its humongous width. It provides a flourishing habitat to its many species of animals and plants.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Livingstone Island

If you’re planning on a tour to this scenic island, you should know that they are seasonal and the island can only be reached when the Zambezi River’s water level is low enough to provide safe access to the island. The best time to visit this island would be from late June to early March.

Story behind Name

David Livingstone first revealed the whereabouts of this island in November 1855; hence the name of the island. It is said that he lowered a length of cotton cloth with a bullet attached to it in order to measure the depth of the pool.

Devils Pool

As the name suggests, the water level has to be pretty low for someone to even consider swimming at the Devils Pool.

Exciting Things to do in the Maldives

Have you ever daydreamed about what you’d do when you’re surrounded by exquisite stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters?! When you make reservations at one of the many Maldives resorts, you will experience the excitement and exhilaration that adventure seekers do.

Parasailing

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience in the Maldives, then Parasailing is a must-experience activity. You’ll feel exhilarated when you feel the ocean breeze on your face while drinking in the views of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea.

Fun Tubing

One of the most exciting things to do in these paradisiacal islands, fun tubing is an excellent activity if you love feeling that insane adrenaline rush through your veins. During your stay at the Maldives at properties such as Baros Maldives, you can try out this fun activity with your loved ones.

Scuba Diving

A different experience from the ones above the water surface, scuba diving provides an ethereal experience for those who brave the deep waters. Swimming alongside manta rays and whale sharks will enhance the sense of adventure.

Water Skiing

One of the most enjoyable water sports is water skiing although you must avoid the months from June through September as the rainy season brings harsh weather conditions. However, one should definitely experience this exciting sport where they get pulled around the ocean behind a boat.

A Travel Guide to Khon Kaen

Located in north-eastern Thailand, Khon Kaen is a key city in Isan and is a captivating destination for work, rest and play. Check out these insights which will help those planning a trip here.

Accommodation

Before getting into sightseeing find a suitable hotel Khon Kaen has to offer. Ideally, choose a property within easy reach of city centre attractions as well as the main airport and train station. Added features to look for would be onsite conference and function venues, free Wi-Fi, a spa, gym and dining options too.

Image Credit: Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre

Local Attractions

Those looking to learn more on the region’s heritage can visit the National Museum located within easy reach of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Family fun awaits at the Dino Water Park, while Wat Thung Setthi, Ban Khok Sanga King Cobra Village and the day and night markets are worth visits too.

Escape to Nature

Offering both relaxation and recreation, Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a picturesque lake area home to idyllic parks and temples, while being popular for riding bikes and fishing. For more nature-based excursions in Khon Kaen, one can explore the Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham and Phu Wiang national parks, the latter known for its dinosaur graveyard!

When to Visit

Generally, November to April is the best time to visit Khon Kaen; it’s also an ideal place to witness the water-filled New Year festival of Songkran (in April). From May to October the monsoon brings with it rains, though do keep in mind the rates and crowds at these times will be less too!

Phang Nga Bay Island Cruise

The spectacular Phang Nga Bay has an exquisite element that makes its appeal increase as a tourist destination; the magnificent limestone karsts that are jutting out over the turquoise waters would surely make your jaw drop due to its unbelievable splendour.

Cruising the Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a perfect destination to go on a boating trip. It offers many safe places to anchor while you admire its scenic views.

James Bond Island

A landmark in the region, James Bond Island gained its popularity due to its starring role in The Man with the Golden Gun, a famous James Bond movie. When you cruise around the island, you will be mesmerised by the sheer number of majestic limestone karsts that are peppered around the region.

James_Bond_Island
© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/Ko Tapu (James Bond) Island in Phang Nga Bay, ThailandCC BY 4.0

Koh Panyee Island

Another famous spot of the Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee Island is a great place to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the bay, as you’d only have brief encounters with tourists. You can arrange a cruise around this picturesque bay during your stay at a pool villa in Phuket offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Located just a 30-minute drive away from Phuket, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers the most bewitching views of the limestones of the Phang Nga Bay. This location has got extraordinary photographic potential that would absolutely delight your senses.

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.

 

 

A Day at Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya

It is said that the name ‘Sithulpawwa’ has been derived from the word ‘Chiththala Pabbatha,’ meaning ‘the hill of the quiet mind,’ which accurately describes its ambience. Located close to many a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala, this temple complex is believed to have been built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C.

Getting There

If you’re travelling from Tissamaharama, you can visit the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya via Kirinda – Sithulpawwa Road in less than an hour. Upon arrival, you may be approached by several wild boars who frequent the area, who are completely harmless if you aren’t trying to interact with them. The premises also carries notices asking visitors to refrain from feeding these animals.

Main Stupa

Overlooking a large pond is a mountainous area, over which you need to ascend to approach the main stupa area. If you go to the left just before entering the main stupa, you will be greeted by the breathtaking bird’s eye vistas of the entire region. The main stupa has been built by flattening the top of this rocky mountain.

Be Respectful

You may need to wear light-coloured clothing that should cover from your shoulders up to your ankles when entering this sacred place in Sri Lanka.

Nearby Attractions

Apart from this main stupa, you can also hike towards the Small Sithulpawwa at this place. You will pass the scenic South Tissa Lake on your way to this place, which contains attractions such as stone umbrella, twin ponds, Buddha statues, and another stupa upon its windy summit.

 

A Romantic Honeymoon & Wildlife Adventure

For couples who are wildlife enthusiasts and are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, Sri Lanka makes the ideal choice where plenty of exotic animals and adventures await.

Luxurious Abodes

Those on their honeymoon can look to be based at luxury hotels Sri Lanka has to offer bordering national parks like Yala; some properties are ideally placed amidst both the jungle and beach which adds to the romance and allure. Apart from luxurious living spaces, they will generally offer guided safaris and bush walks too.

Discovering Yala

Yala
Yala| Img by: Adbar via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 

Yala National Park is one of the best places for wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka and honeymooners can find accommodation at nearby properties belonging to hospitality brands such as Uga Escapes. On a game drive here, couples have a chance to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, peacocks and more.

Other National Parks

Of course, there are other national parks in Sri Lanka to explore as well like Bundala (near Yala) which has a huge range of birdlife including large flocks of flamingos. Wilpattu National Park is a key place to spot leopards and sloth bears, while safaris to Minneriya and Udawalawe offer sightings of hundreds of wild elephants.

Giants of the Ocean

As part of your honeymoon, you can also plan visits to Trincomalee (east coast) and Mirissa (south coast) where you can witness the sight of the largest animal on the planet; the blue whale! On your adventures, you may see humpback, sperm or Bryde’s whales too as well as playful dolphins.

 

 

A Doha Holiday with Kids

An ideal place for a family vacay, Doha has much to offer young travellers who will not have to suffer from boredom! Here are some of the many things that you and the kids can enjoy.

Resort Activities

The family-friendly resorts here not only offer spacious beachside villas or suites in Doha but captivating activities as well. Some resorts feature clubs for both kids and teens with plenty of games and things to do; depending on the property, there can be bowling, a cinema and a surf pool on offer too.

Image Credit: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Water Sports

At such properties the likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, you will also find exciting water sports to try. Banana boating is a perennial favourite for children, while stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are ideal for some family exploration. Older kids can look forward to wakeboarding as well.

Places to Visit

The kids will have a blast at some of the best family attractions in Doha; these include Aqua Park Qatar, the Doha Festival City mall with its Angry Birds World and the Gondolania amusement park at the Villaggio Mall. You can also enjoy time at the Doha Corniche and have a picnic at Aspire Park.

Beach Escapes

Nothing beats a day out on the sand and beside the ocean which the kids are bound to love when at the beaches in Doha. The Katara Beach which also features water sports and a play area is amongst the most popular, while Al Wakrah Beach and the Simaisma Family Beach are worth heading to as well.

 

Explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

While the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is famed for beaches and surfing, the Hinterland area offers exciting discoveries away from the coast and amidst stunning mountain backdrops.

 

Image by Cindy Andrie Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The Glass House Mountains
Made up of volcanic plugs that date back millions of years ago, the Glass House Mountains are part of a national park with much to explore. Ideal for excursions from an Alexandra Headlands hotel, this area has an amazing lookout point at the Beerburrum State Forest and offers abseiling, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Beerwah
A town full of old-world charm, Beerwah can be found in the Glass House Mountains area, around a 30-minute drive from properties like Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort. Experienced climbers can look to make the ascent up Mount Beerwah, while families will love the Australia Zoo; home of famed Steve Irwin, the zoo offers unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Maleny
Another town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny is set amidst the inspiring beauty of the Blackall Range. You can explore rainforest trails at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve or enjoy some birdwatching too. The town also has arts and craft galleries as well as restaurants and cafes for some foodie discoveries.

Kenilworth
The town of Kenilworth has an atmosphere that harks back to the 1920s and is well worth visiting including its historical museum and a couple of art galleries. Located in the upper Mary Valley Country, it also offers activities like fishing, horse riding, and hiking at the picturesqueKenilworth State Forest.

Special Experiences in Glenelg

One of the most popular attractions in Adelaide, the coastal suburb of Glenelg is an ideal place for unwinding at the beach. But there is much more to do here for a truly memorable getaway.

Enjoy Dolphin Encounters
One of the best experiences to look forward to is to get up close to dolphins in Glenelg Holiday accommodation can be found by the shore which offers easy access to such dolphin watching tours in Hold fast Bay; some of them even give you the chance to swim with these playful marine mammals!

Explore Charming Jetty Road

Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

For some exploration, you can head to Jetty Road, only around five minutes by foot from Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites. This lively precinct has many shops and boutiques offering retail therapy as well as art galleries, cafes and restaurants. As day turns to dusk, you can enjoy entertainment and live music here as well.

Spend Time at The Beachouse
In Glenelg, family attractions don’t get any better than The Beachouse, an entertainment complex packed with fun activities,heated waterslides, rides, games and more. Highlights include the Speed Slide, Formula 1 dodgem cars,mini-golf, a huge play castle, bumper boats and a good old fashioned carousel which has over 100 years of history!

Visit the Bay Discovery Centre
For an enriching visit, head to the Bay Discovery Centre which is a social history museum where you can learn about the area’s and South Australia’s rich heritage. Home to diverse photographs, paintings, objects and textiles, the centre offers insights into the indigenous Kaurna People of Adelaide.