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Explore Yala National Park

When it comes to viewing wildlife, few places in the world can match the thrills on offer at Yala National Park. The stronghold of the famous Sri Lankan leopard is the perfect stage for a daily myriad of action and drama that could rival any soap-opera!

How to Get There

You’ll have to make a choice on whether to travel through Kandy or Galle. Sri Lanka’s extensive, well-kept road systems will ensure that you’ll have a nice and relaxing drive regardless of your choice. You could also take the train from Peradeniya – which is just beyond Kandy.

Places to Stay

While there is an abundance of Yala hotels to choose from, picking the right accommodation can go a long way in making a good experience truly great. Properties such as Cinnamon Wild Yala are not only located close to the park but organise safaris too which adds to the convenience of enjoying thrilling escapades in the untamed bush.

The Adventures that Await

Experience a full day’s safari at Yala – marvel in the gentle majesty of great elephant herds, revel in the playful antics of a troop of langurs and if you’re lucky, hold your breath as a leopard patiently stalks its prey. You can also check out the ancient rock monastery of Sithulpawwa, a must-see if you’re visiting the park.

When to Visit

June to September remains the ideal time to visit as the temperature hovers around a comfortable 26.4°C. This not only makes embarking on a safari quite a pleasant endeavour, but it also greatly increases the chances of leopard sightings – after all, it’s comfortable for them too!

Top reasons to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is indeed a great destination for any type of traveller, from any part of the world. Although it’s just a small island, the heritage, scenic beauty and the hospitality of its people are just unmatchable with any other country in the world.

It’s a paradise for surfers

If adventure is the main purpose of your tour in Sri Lanka, why miss a great surfing session on the Sri Lankan seas that have the best waves and reef breaks that are ideal for this!?

Sri Lankan local cuisine is mind-blowing

Arrange your tour with popular travel partners like Walkers Tours and explore the local lives of the Sri Lankans within a day or two. Try some of their local food items that are simple and of course the most delicious!

It’s so rich in wildlife biodiversity

Sri Lanka is one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. Considering the number of national parks, elephant and bird sanctuaries that it has, it’s no wonder that this country is the best for any nature lover.

Its culture is just so magical

The proud heritage that this country holds is beyond our average imagination. Enjoy the festivals and rituals that Sri Lankans celebrate quite so regularly, and you will feel this uniqueness.

Adventurous things to do in Pattaya

If you are after some extreme thrills, then Pattaya in Thailand is the destination for you; from soaring in the sky to being hurled at breathtaking speeds, there’s never a dull moment here!

Skydiving

Enjoy the exhilaration of freefall from 13,000 feet on an unforgettable tandem skydiving experience at Thai Sky Adventures Co., Ltd. within easy reach of Travelodge Pattaya. As you feel the freedom of flight, not to mention speeds of up to 220 kph, you can channel your inner Superman or Supergirl!

Bungy Jumping

Equally exciting is bungy jumping at Xbungy – Pattaya Bungy Jump, one of the best places to visit in Pattaya for extreme sports enthusiasts. Reaching a height of 197 feet, it is the country’s highest bungy jump and provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Note: screaming optional during the jump!

Human Slingshot

Another attraction at Pattaya Bungy Jump is the Human Slingshot; you will be strapped to a full-body harness that will be stretched along silicon bungy cords till it reaches the point of launch… think of the Angry Birds concept! Once let go, you will be hurtled at rates of up to 150 kph as you are propelled back and forth at dizzying speeds.

Flyboarding

Moving from land to water, flyboarding gives you a chance to hover up to 15 metres in the air on a special board that is bound to make you feel like Iron Man (R.I.P Tony Stark). Once you get the hang of it, you can do some “tricks” and dive into the ocean and “fly” back up again; suffice to say you’ll love it (3,000)!

Complete itinerary in Busan for 3 days

Busan is a nice mix of modernity, nature, temples and great food. For anyone hoping to visit Busan, here’s a guideline to make your holiday easier.

Getting around Busan

Firstly, Busan is pretty easy to get around. You can use T-money or Cashbee contactless payment cards that you can top up for transport. However, you don’t have to possess both, one of either card is good enough for Busan. You can purchase these cards from any convenience store, and you can ask the staff at your base Avani Central Busan Hotel or any of the other hotels in Busan, South Korea where the nearest store is.

Jagalchi Market

You can opt to begin your day at the Jagalchi market, a fish market that is quite easy to get to. You can choose the seafood you want on the ground floor and have them cooked at any of the restaurants upstairs, a rather unique concept.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

A neighborhood of lovely pastel shade houses built on a mountain, it has gained the title of being the Santorini of the East. Step away from the main tourist area for a more authentic and realer version of this village!

Centum City

For some shopping in Busan, make a stop at Centum City – home to the world’s largest shopping complex; Shinsegae Centum City.

Amazing Attractions in Langkawi

Surrounded by the beauty of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is a destination where adventure abounds with plenty to see and experience for the whole family.

Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge

Here are two great experiences in one; head to Oriental Village, a short drive from Berjaya Langkawi Resort, and take a breathtaking cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Mat Cincang. At the top, you will find the 124-metre-long Langkawi Sky Bridge which offers even more inspiring panoramas, 700 metres above sea level!

Umgawa Legendary Adventures

A thrilling way to immerse yourself in nature, Umgawa Legendary Adventures provides exciting ziplining experiences that are a perfect addition to your holiday at a Langkawi resort. Be it zip lining past waterfalls, or rainforests amidst the scenic backdrop of Langkawi Geopark, this attraction has much to offer and features several sky-bridges and abseiling as well.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Referred to as the Seven Wells Waterfalls, this pictures site is a stunning attraction that is known for its seven connected natural pools. Of course, if you want more adventure, you can plan a hike up to the summit of the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and spot wildlife on your journey too.

Langkawi Wildlife Park

Offering a fun day out for the whole family, the Langkawi Wildlife Park is home to more than 2,500 birds including hornbills, flamingos, eagles and owls and features a huge walk-in aviary. You will also find a variety of animals here like rabbits, deer, raccoons and monkeys along with interactive wildlife experiences.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hills of Kandy

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a dense forest-covered mountain range that is among the most popular and one of the toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. There are smaller, easier hiking trails like the one situated in the vicinity of Hunas Falls, which is also as picturesque and breath-taking. Here are some of the most popular trails and adventures.

Dothalugala Nature Trail

This trail winds along the Dothalugala mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the south side of the mountain range. The whole trail extends 5.8 kilometres and once the circuit has been completed, you will have made it a full circle around the mountain.

Mini World’s End

Named Mini World’s End because it too is a sheer drop of 1,192 metres like the World’s End at Horton Plains, this trail snakes across two other trails. Since it begins in the Knuckles Conservation Centre, you will need a permit to enter the reserve. If you are staying in a hotel in Kandy, you can ask for more information.

Nitro Caves

An eleven-kilometre path which begins at Corbett’s Gap and extends for 5 hours leads to the Nitro Caves which is a massive cave full of bats.

Duwili Ella Trail

Duwili Ella| Img by: Gayan Rajapakshe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The most spectacular hike, Duwili Ella trail ends in a 40-metre waterfall deep within the forest. There is also a cave behind the waterfall which is what makes this hike most spectacular.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Traveling the Maldives on a Budget: It’s Possible!

You may have always pictured the Maldives as an expensive tourist destination, but as per the current state, it is really not. Although Maldivian islands are the homes for many of the super-luxury resorts and private apartments, there are also inexpensive options for you to follow during your tour.

Go for good accommodation options

If you are searching for the very best resorts in the Maldives, you will have to forget the affordability factor. But, since Maldivian islands have been attracting budget travelers in bulk for the past couple of years, now there are good places to stay for reasonable prices, which you can try out.

Use local transportation modes

You may have to forget seaplanes if you are budget concerned. Always use local ferries that are available or even the boat services that are offered by local fishermen in islands. You have the option of speedboats, but they are expensive.

Find inexpensive excursions

Many resort properties belonging to chains the likes of Adaaran Maldives provide their visitors the excursion experiences. There is a saving you can make when you book an excursion through the hotel, rather than direct booking with a third-party service provider.

Take good food-at affordable rates

The best thing is that there are many Maldivian resorts that provide free breakfast options. For other meals, you may try restaurants on your island, but make sure you check their rates before you order your food.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

The Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for those who love wildlife and this island nation is home to sanctuaries where one can see truly exotic species living wild and free.

Leopard Safaris

Yala is undoubtedly the premier spot for leopard safaris in Sri Lanka. Such safaris are organised by local adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey and give one a chance to see this majestic and endemic predator along with a host of other animals; these include elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

Whale Safaris

When it comes to safaris in Sri Lanka, wildlife tours don’t have to be only on land! The waters off the coast of areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Mirissa are where one can spot sperm whales, blue whales and killer whales, not forgetting countless dolphins too.

Elephant Safaris

Many of the national parks in Sri Lanka are great for elephant safaris, though the most popular is arguably the Minneriya National Park and for good reason; from late June to September the park is where one can witness “The Gathering” when hundreds of elephants can be seen in and around the reservoir.

Birdwatching Safaris

While spotting birds may not be your idea of “thrilling”, it certainly can be; just ask those who have enjoyed birdwatching at the Kumana National Park! This bird sanctuary hosts thousands of migrating birds, especially from April to July. Spoonbills, herons, pelicans, egrets and little cormorants are just some of the species that can be spotted here.\

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Exploring the Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka

Looking to take a ride on Sri Lanka’s wild side? Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve anything dangerous, but rather a thrilling safari at the Wilpattu National Park home to some exotic wildlife!

Image credit-Thimindu Goonatillake from Sri Lanka, Gallus lafayetii -Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka-8, CC BY-SA 2.0

Making the Journey

Located about 30 km from Puttalam, Wilpattu National Park can be found on the island’s northwest coast. While you can plan a visit here by yourself, another option would be to enlist the services of tour specialists the likes of Silvertree Travel which offer visits to Wilpattu as part of their packages.

The Distinctive “Willus”

One of the key features of the park is its natural lakes or “willus” made up of rainwater. These lakes are a part of Wilpattu’s delicate ecosystem and attract a range of animal and birdlife too.

An Exciting Safari

Going on a safari in Wilpattu National Park will be a definite highlight of adventure tour packages in Sri Lanka since it lets you see such diverse wildlife. Among the highlights are the Sri Lankan leopard, Sri Lankan sloth bear and Sri Lankan elephant; but that’s not all, you may also see mugger crocodiles, Indian pythons, Sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, water buffaloes and Bengal monitors too.

Birds of a Feather

Birdlife abounds here with species such as the great egret, stork-billed kingfisher, Indian peafowl, Sri Lankan junglefowl and painted stork being spotted at the park. Due to its lakes, Wilpattu also attracts wetland birds including the whistling teal, white ibis and cattle egret. Bird lovers have much to look forward to!

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Encounters with Elephants in Sri Lanka

The country’s largest land mammal, ‘Elephas maximus maximus’ or the Sri Lankan elephant is an endemic and iconic animal that is worth seeing in its natural habitat. Here are some insights into this majestic creature.

Ideal for Safaris

Featuring one of the world’s highest Asian elephant densities, the island offers plenty of opportunities to see these gentle giants up close. Most herds can be found in the dry zone national parks which are ideal for those looking to embark on an elephant safari in Sri Lanka.

The Gathering

No mention of elephants in Sri Lanka is complete without highlighting The Gathering; taking place at the Minneriya National Park, this wildlife spectacle sees 200 to 300 elephants gather in and around the Minneriya Reservoir! This generally takes place between August to mid-October and can be experienced on safaris organised by Cinnamon Nature Trails and other specialised tour operators.

Other National Parks

Of course, Minneriya is not the only national park for an elephant safari. The Udawalawe, Wasgamuwa, Yala and Kaudulla national parks, as well as the Hurulu Eco Park, also let you see these creatures in the wild.

Some Interesting Facts

• Elephants are strictly herbivorous
• They spend 16 to 18 hours per day eating
• A matriarch leads the herd
• The Sri Lankan elephant is between 7 to 10 feet in height
• From the male elephants in Sri Lanka, only around 5% have tusks
• Elephants have very good memories and can recognise humans or other elephants years or decades later; hence the phrase, “an elephant never forgets!”

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+