Nature Tour in Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary

Blessed with stunning natural beauty, the island of Sri Lanka is famous for its idyllic beaches that offer a perfect escape amidst the sun, sand and surf. However, the island is also home to breathtaking patches of forests that are teeming with a rich biodiversity including endemic species. Those heading to the country’s famed south coast city of Galle should definitely make time to visit one of the country’s most enchanting reserves, the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary.

Home to a lowland wet evergreen forest, this reserve can be found east of Galle, near the Nilwala and Gin rivers. Visitors interested in exploring the area can set off on one of the trails in the reserve; those setting off on the Narangas Ella trail will enjoy an unforgettable journey deep into the forest, while travellers venturing along the Kabbale mountain trail can enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the summit.

As you set off on a nature tour in the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary you will notice that the trees have formed a sort of canopy covering the forest floor. Sunlight barely penetrates through some densely covered areas of this enchanting forest which also features waterfalls and rivers; it provides a truly exciting escape far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among the attractions one should look to see while here are the Anagimale falls and the Giant Navada tree.

The reserve is an ideal place for such activities as bird watching. There are more than 100 species of birds that can be seen here and bird watchers have the chance to see such species as the blue magpie, green billed coucal and the spot-winged thrush. Endemic species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, red-faced malkoha and Sri Lanka spurfowl have also found a home here. Apart from bird life, the Kanneliya reserve is also known for its endemic freshwater fish species along with a variety of butterflies, amphibians and reptiles.

Those in search of Galle resorts from which to set off on excursions to the region and visit such sites as the Kanneliya reserve can stay at Jetwing Kurulubedda. Set amidst lush greenery, it features villas in Galle that offer an idyllic getaway surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Dudhsagar Falls

Goa which has since recently become a very renowned destination among tourists for its beautiful natural locations still has many places that remain hidden within its territory. One such place is the Dudhsagar Falls which is situated in the Mandovi River in Goa. The name Dudhsagar means ‘sea of milk’ and indeed is a magnificent sight which is sure to mesmerize all its visitors. This waterfall is definitely one of the world’s most striking waterfalls with its milky white waters rippling down from high mountains giving glamorous scenery for the landscape of Goa.

This waterfall is not in its best shape during the dry season; however when the monsoon season arrives the sea of milk turns into a very strong gush of water which flows through the state of Goa. It is known as the 5th tallest waterfall out of the falls in India and is also the 227th tallest in the world boasting a height of 310 meters. This breathtaking venue is a must visit during the monsoon which comes to life in a wonderful manner and making it one of the most dazzling natural phenomena in India. The Dudhsagar is a four tiered waterfall which has a width of 100 feet and does a major role to the eco system of Goa. Trekking is one of the most loved excursions among Dudhsagar sightseers. All the essential facilities like shelter, water and even medical facilities are provided.

There are four routes that one could trek and hike around. The most famous route during the monsoon is the castle rock route where you will reach the castle rock station along a pretty 14 km route and then to the waterfall. The second is the Kulem route which is equally beautiful as the first but less popular. Kuveshi route is the most adventurous and is not accessible during monsoon seasons. The travelers of Dudhsagar can have a rest in a Goa resort or a beach resort in Goa which is not much far from the waterfall. You will certainly have a memorable adventure trekking and hiking along the rippling sea of milk. A good choice for your stay would be the Alila Diwa Goa which is widely known to be a luxury accommodation option available in Goa.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Auckland Jet Boat Adventure

If you want to add some adrenaline pumping thrills to your next sightseeing trip to Auckland, then a jet boat adventure is just the thing for you! Those planning to undertake such activities would be well advised to find an Auckland hotel within easy reach of the waterfront and The Langham Auckland makes an ideal choice. ThisAuckland Hotel Suites offers contemporary accommodation with the best in modern comforts. Taking passengers on a rip-roaring ride on the water, an Auckland jet boat adventure is full of high-speed fun as you feel the rush of riding aboard a high-powered boat, some of which reach speeds of up to 85 kph! Boats typically perform some spectacular moves on the water and also give you a chance to see such sites as the Harbour Bridge and the Cloud on Queens Wharf.

Exploring Nature Trails in Dambulla

Located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Dambulla is an area which not only has a rich cultural heritage, but one which is blessed with stunning natural beauty. Those looking for Sri Lanka hotels in the region can stay at Heritance Kandalama, an awe-inspiring example of eco-friendly hotel design. Belonging to Heritance Hotels & Resorts, this unique Sri Lanka hotel is set amidst lush green landscapes and is an ideal starting point to embark on your adventures.

These Dambulla trails go through the wilderness and forests and let you not only witness the beauty of nature, but also indulge in some fun activities such as bird watching. Also worth exploring while in Dambulla are the Rose Quartz Mountain range and the ancient Iron Wood Forest.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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Thrilling and Fun Activities to do in Koh Phangan!

The island of Koh Phangan offers plenty of fun in the sun and surf that can be enjoyed by the entire family. These activities are best experienced while staying at Koh Phangan hotels by the beach such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa. One of the leading Koh Phangan resorts it is ideally located along the picturesque Ton Nai Pan Noi Beach and offers a wealth of recreational pursuits; discover the stunning world that lies beneath the waves on snorkelling and diving excursions, explore lush forests while on an elephant trekking tour and hike through mountain jungles. Other activities that you can enjoy when in Koh Phangan include a visit to its oldest temple, Wat Phu Khao Noi, diving at the Ang Thong Marine Park, heading to the Mountain Cave Monastery or Wat Koh Tham Temple and making a trip to the Phaeng Waterfall.

White Water Rafting in Bali

Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia is the island of Bali. Known for its development in both traditional and modern forms of dance and arts, it is one Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations. The island’s rich culture, history, ecology, scenic beauty, and overall serene ambience are some of Bali’s most notable features, making it one of the most visited islands in the region. Those looking to soak up the island’s stunning natural beauty can stay at Alila Villas Uluwatu, a hotel offering Bali luxury villas, ideally located high upon limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean. This stylish yet elegant hotel provides a range of wellness based amenities, along with a wide variety of hospitality and leisure services making it an excellent hotel to experience Bali resort villas.

Owing to its geography and thriving tourist industry, the island offers tourists a wide range of leisure and adventure activities. One such activity which is both adventurous and adrenaline-pumping is white water rafting. Being home to several rivers with raging rapids and swells, it is sure to offer you a truly heart-pounding rafting experience, the likes of which you will not forget!

White water rafting, considered by many to be one of the more extreme water sports, invites you to ride the raging torrents and rapids of a river flowing in full force. Apart from being tossed about and being splashed by the waves as you challenge the currents of the river, the activity offers a great deal of fun and excitement. Bali has several rivers flowing through green forests and other beautiful natural scenery which is an added bonus of taking part in this activity. Battling through the rages of a flowing river is no easy task, and is sure to be challenging, yet it is the satisfaction of rising up to this challenge that has kept many people coming back for more.

Two of Bali’s most popular rivers for rafting are the Ayung River and the Telagawaja River, which flow through beautiful scenery and pack a lot of adventure. These rivers are also known for their heart-stopping river drops and raging rapids which are sure to give you an unforgettable adrenaline rush! Rafting Centres such as SOBEK Adventure Rafting, Ayung River Rafting, and Bali Adventure Tours will offer you the equipment you need, along with trained professionals who will ensure your safety and guarantee you have a superb rafting experience.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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Taman Safari- A must experienced adventure

Located in West and East Java and in Marina Beach, safari parks in Bali are a must- explored attraction. When you are going on an exciting adventurous holiday in Indonesia, it is always desirable to reserve your comfortable and convenient serviced residence in Jakarta, as there should be a luxurious place to get back to after an exhaustive safari. Ascott Jakarta is one of the top Jakarta serviced apartments you can try out when you are on a safari vacation. Taman safari has about 2,500 animal species including elephant, giraffe, bear, hippo, zebra, tiger and cheetah. Taman safari is a perfect excursion for a wildlife enthusiast as it not only lets you spot wild creatures but also gives you the opportunity to witness rare birds and experience a bio-diversified sanctuary.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Kottawa Rainforest Reserve

Sprawled across 37 acres in the heart of the emerald isle’s southern coast, lies one of its most secluded nature reserves. Located along the road to Udugama this tranquil quarter of Galle in Sri Lanka is known as the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve and serves as one of the island’s most verdant lowland rainforests. Travellers to the region in search of luxurious Galle hotels can choose Jetwing Lighthouse for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests the best in modern amenities in the ‘Down South’ area of the island, this stylish rest is one of the finest Sri Lanka hotels on the coastal belt.

Relatively unknown to the visiting multitudes to the island, the isolated Kottawa Rainforest Reserve is well worth the visit for nature lovers in search of breathtaking natural beauty off the beaten track.

Displaying all the features of a lowland rainforest, the area’s vegetation mainly consists of wet evergreen trees that tower above the canopies of other plants that struggle to feed off the sun’s ray due to the dense foliage above. The lack of sunlight penetrating the lower reaches of the rainforest has lead to a great propagation of Dipterocarpus variety plants and other fern species which occupy the forest bed in addition to orchids that depend on large tree trunks for nourishment.

An impressive 170 species of trees are believed to inhabit the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve of which a hundred have been identified as those endemic to Sri Lanka alone. More than 80 non-endemic tree species are also found in the rainforest and have been labelled with their botanical name for easy identification. As a part of the Kottawa Kombala Conservation Forest which occupies an impressive 1,800 hectares, the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts touring Galle; the Kottawa Arboretum showcases well over 70 species of winged beauties from all across the world.

The endemic bird species which have been identified to number around a dozen include the spot-winged thrush, yellow-fronted barbet, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler and the Sri Lankan spurfowl. Stunning butterflies are another attraction at the venue as Tree Nymph, Birdwing and Blue Oakleaf butterflies are abundantly found here. Giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys and toque monkeys are also frequently spotted in addition to non-venomous Sri Lankan snake varieties and lizards.

Explore The Sigiriya Gardens- The ravishing beauty of one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden

continues to attract tourists with its rugged imposing exterior, the contrasting softness of surrounding greenery, the head turning beauty of its maidens and the galleries and murals that combine to give a sensational aesthetic experience.

The gardens of Sigiriya indeed are a fine tribute to the architects of the olden days. While the construction of the fortress itself on so high a rocky climb is indeed a matter of applause, the gardens constitute a more detailed insight into how far exactly the techniques of that era were developed. As one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden in the world, it is a scholar’s adventure trip and a photographer’s paradise. Even for the average tourist, the fine boundaries and neat contours of the ponds and pools and water drainage systems gives a sense of harmony without an oppressive feeling of being in a technical workshop. The serpentine waterways and reclining pools blend so well into the spacious of the garden as the unchartered winds ruffle through the plantation to roam in the green wilderness beyond and the birds that chirp among the clusters of bushes relieve the impeccable neatness with an unruly charm of their of their own.

The gardens indeed are three in type although they are clearly interlinked. While the water garden takes the centre of attention as the most intricately designed one, the other two, boulder garden as well as Terrace garden do not fall far behind. The largest garden is surrounded by water connected with causeways and is an island with a walled enclosure. In the fountain garden, marbled serpentine streams drain into the two large deep pools. The fountains in Sigiriya are indeed another cause for wonder as they operate even this day, and are fed by underground water channels and arise through the perforations in the limestone circular plates. The miniature water gardens adds to the picturesque beauty of the garden while the cooling palaces or water pavilions reminds a visitor of warm days spent here in reverie.

Sigiriya accommodation can be exotic as Sigiriya itself. Jetwing Vil Uyana takes you back in time to the olden days when Sigiriya was a kingdom and life in a village was simple and charming. The exotic clusters of villas appear like an ancient village with their coconut fringed roofs interconnected by foot paths and lanterns setting up their illuminations at night like scattered fire flies in the darkness. The villas are surrounded by lakes brimming with water lilies or marshy lands amongst where the lotuses bring out their fine petals or forrests that shrouds you in dark and unfathomable mysteriousness.

The wooden villas with their polished timber walls and floors with coconut shells on their tops appear rugged and primitive externally while their interior resemble a king’s abode. This famous Sigiriya hotel is more than a hotel. It offers a chance to live another life, in another day, with the primitive charms of an uncomplicated lifestyle closely mingling with nature while still enjoying the comforts of a modern hotel that you simply cannot do without.

Biking in Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis full of modernity and old world charm, it also has areas of great natural beauty that are perfect for biking adventures. It is best to base yourself in a central location before heading out on your excursions and those in search of a well placed hotel Hong Kong can stay at Eaton Smart, Hong Kong. Situated in the Kowloon peninsula, it is one of the leading hotels in Hong Kong and is well suited for both business and leisure. The New Territories is an ideal place to go biking and you will find guided cycling tours that take you on a thrilling journey of discovery going past breathtaking natural landscapes. These cycling tours also offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in such activities as bird watching and provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.