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Gal Oya National Park

Sri Lanka is celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, and the Gal Oya National Park is a hidden gem that promises an off-the-beaten-path adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Situated in the eastern part of the island, this park offers a unique experience, mainly due to its large reservoir, which is central to its ecosystem.

Getting to Gal Oya National Park

Reaching Gal Oya National Park can be an adventure in itself. The park’s entrance is accessible from various locations, but most visitors choose to start their journey from Ampara, which is the nearest major town. You can hire a local guide or join an organized tour to explore the park.if you want to try your hand at camping or wildlife safaris there are plenty of Gal Oya Sri Lanka Hotels that offer a glamping experience such as Wild Glamping Gal Oya.

Boat Safaris on Senanayake Samudraya

What sets Gal Oya National Park apart is the vast Senanayake Samudraya reservoir that runs through it. It’s one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you can embark on a boat safari to spot wildlife. As you glide across the calm waters, keep your eyes peeled for elephants swimming between islands, diverse bird species, and perhaps even the elusive crocodile.

Land Safaris and Wildlife Encounters

Aside from boat safaris, the park also offers traditional land safaris where you can observe elephants, leopards, deer, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. The park’s unique landscape, consisting of grasslands, forests, and water bodies, provides a diverse range of environments for wildlife to thrive.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Gal Oya National Park is a haven for birdwatchers. With over 150 species of birds, including raptors, waterfowl, and endemics, it’s a fantastic destination for ornithologists and anyone with a love for avian life. Keep your binoculars handy as you explore the park to catch glimpses of these feathered wonders.

Cultural Encounters

Apart from its abundant wildlife, Gal Oya National Park is also home to indigenous communities, such as the Vedda people. Engaging with these communities can provide a unique cultural perspective and an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life.

Conservation and Respect

As with any natural habitat, it’s crucial to respect the environment and the animals that call Gal Oya home. Follow the guidance of your guides and be mindful of park regulations to ensure the continued preservation of this pristine wilderness.

Hidden Gems in Whistler to Uncover During Your Visit

British Columbia takes pride in the world-class adventures in its coastal rainforest, Whistler. Discover the hidden gems in this tranquil landscape while you immerse yourself in the most memorable time. Here are some activities to boost your stay at Whistler.

The Train Wreck Hike

Hiker walking through snow on a Train Wreck, Whistler | Image by *Zane* via *unsplash*

If you crave awe-inspiring vistas coupled with an exhilarating surge of adrenaline, look no further than the legendary Train Wreck trail nestled within the scenic wonderland of Whistler. The trail owes its name to a historic freight train mishap that occurred many years ago, and now, the remnants of the wreckage have transformed into a captivating pathway, beckoning hikers and bikers alike. This is one of the most popular places to see in Whistler, and it is only a 10-minute ride from hotels like Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside.

Indulge in Local Breakfast

Whistler’s breakfast is a must-try for those who want to discover local flavours and hearty spreads. The poutine is to die for, and the fluffy pancakes packed with flavours of maple syrup are a true delight. You can find healthy meals like Caesar’s salads and smoothies to boost your day and keep you refreshed.

Paddleboard

Whistler Lake takes the spotlight of the neighbourhood with its serenity and tranquillity. Paddleboarding in the lake and tread the clear blue waters for a relaxing experience, or even try some yoga on a paddleboard for a change, letting the soothing breeze revive your energy. You can rent paddleboards for hours or days depending on your love for this activity.

Don’t Miss These Top Things to Do in Doha in 2023

From exciting experiences to amazing attractions, Doha has plenty to offer those heading to the Qatari capital; here are some of the key things you should not miss doing this year, or any other time you visit for that matter!

Shop & Dine at the Souq Waqif

Over a century old, the Souq Waqif is a traditional market where one can shop and soak up local culture too. Just a five-minute walk from Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, this lively market features numerous stalls and shops selling spices, Bedouin weaving, incense, handicrafts, traditional clothing, art, dried fruits, and more; there’s even a section with flacons! Once done, you can savor delectable food and drink at one of the many restaurants and cafes to be found here.

Unwind at the Doha Corniche

A picturesque waterfront promenade, the Doha Corniche offers a lovely 7 km-long stretch to enjoy a pleasant stroll by yourself, with the family, or with that special someone! Easy to reach from some of the best hotels in Doha, it is also an ideal place for those looking to get in an early-morning jog; there are green spaces, play areas for kids, and cafes here too. You can additionally visit the National Museum of Qatar and embark on a magical dhow cruise from here as well.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

View from Museum of Islamic Art | Image by *Florian Wehde* via *unsplash*

Another key attraction that can be easily accessed from the Corniche is the Museum of Islamic Art housed within a distinctive building that truly stands out amidst the waterfront. Those venturing inside will get a chance to browse one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic art which is part of a stunning permanent collection; the captivating exhibits include textiles, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, ancient coins, and more from around the Islamic world.

Embark on a Desert Safari

No trip to Doha would be complete without venturing to the vast surrounding deserts where plenty of exhilarating adventures await! One of the must-do activities here is dune bashing; you will be taken on a thrilling ride as a skilled driver expertly maneuvers a 4×4 vehicle up and down imposing dunes. For a more relaxing escape, you can also go on camel rides, and the perfect end to the day would be to have dinner at a traditional-style Bedouin camp.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Bintan Indonesia

Bintan Island is a hidden gem located in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, it’s an ideal destination for solo travellers seeking adventure and relaxation. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your solo visit to Bintan Island.

Exploring Bintan Island

Bintan Island is home to numerous attractions, including the Pasar Oleh Oleh Bintan market where you can buy souvenirs and the Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour where you can explore the island’s mangrove forests by boat. In addition to these, the island also boasts several historical sites like the Banyan Tree Temple and the Trikora Beach War Memorial.

Getting Around Bintan Island

There are several ways to get around Bintan Island, including renting a car, hiring a taxi, or taking a shuttle bus. For those who prefer a more adventurous mode of transportation, renting a motorbike or bicycle is also an option. Additionally, some resorts offer transportation services to and from the ferry terminal, making it easy for travellers to get to their accommodation.

Outdoor Activities

Bintan Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or kayaking through the island’s lush forests and rugged terrain. The island’s beaches are also perfect for water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing. For a more relaxing activity, visitors can try fishing, yoga, or meditation.

Food and Nightlife

Seafoods in Bintan – Photo by Jerry Shen on Unsplash

The Island is known for its delicious seafood, which is a must-try for visitors during their stay at any Bintan Island resort the likes of The Residence Bintan. The island has many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, and squid. After a day of exploring the island, solo travellers can head to one of the island’s bars to unwind and socialize with other travellers for a more relaxing time.

The Ultimate Whistler Blackcomb ski guide

Covering a colossal 8,171 acres of terrain, the popular ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb comes complete with a slew of challenging yet exciting trails that will fuel your passion in no uncertain manner.

When to go?

Skiing in Whistler | Image by Daniel Burka via *flickr*

If you want to get in as many runs as possible without having to bother about crowds, then it is best to schedule a visit in January or February as you will also be able to enjoy the best snow conditions. Come March, spring skiing descends over Whistler, and in this sense, expect families, college kids, like-minded travelers, and scenes of lift lines that seemingly go on for miles. On the flip side, you will have delightful weather and magnificent views to embrace.

Consider beginner terrain

Beginner terrain is strewn throughout Whistler which is quite the draw if you’ve never skied. The Harmony Express Lift will pave the way for trips to be had near Harmony Bowl as you make your way down Burnt Stew Trail. Next up is Sunset Boulevard Trail which is carved into the side of the mountain which guarantees a top-notch skiing outing across quality terrain.

Go intermediate

The intermediate terrain scattering almost half the mountain will have you well placed to challenge yourself and fine-tune your existing skill set. Hop on the Peak Express trail and begin skiing the ridge line where you can see some of the more demanding peak runs.

Start at the very top

In the event you’re an experienced skier, then Whistler Blackcomb’s advanced terrain will surely send in the odd curveball. Be it the famed double black runs of Cirque and Couloir to the narrow, unmarked chute termed ‘The Coffin,’ skilled skiers will truly be spoilt for choice. However, for matchless views and gusting winds, look no further than a climb up Spanky’s Ladder! In terms of accommodation, make a note of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre where you can settle down at a Whistler penthouse after a day out on the slopes.

Reasons for Visiting Thailand for Your Next Holiday

When it comes to holiday destinations, an outstanding choice would be Thailand, a country which would offer an array of exciting and enjoyable experiences for the visitor. Here’s an idea of what to expect.

The street foods

Thailand would be renowned for the delicious inexpensive foods that you could readily find on its streets. You can try tangy, spicy tom yum soup made with fresh kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and galangal; another great choice would be rice with stir-fried spicy crabmeat and chillies, while pad Thai (Thai-style fried noodles), som tum (spicy green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice are popular too.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

An engrossing event in Thailand would be the Phuket Vegetarian Festival which is enthusiastically celebrated on the island of Phuket. During this vibrant festival, you could witness the ceremonial procession and unusual sights including rituals of self-mutilation, while also getting to savour vegetarian foods. A luxury hotel in Phuket to consider from which you could experience this event and other cultural highlights would be SAii Laguna Phuket.

Island hopping

Undoubtedly, island hopping would be a captivating experience that you could enjoy at this destination. Off the coast of Thailand you would find a host of picturesque islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; irrespective of whether you desire seaside seclusion and tranquillity or the opportunity to mingle with fellow holidaymakers, the islands of Thailand would not disappoint.

The shopping opportunities

Shopping in Thailand – Photo by Kee Hong on Unsplash

Thailand also happens to be noted for its amazing shopping opportunities with an array of appealing products to choose from be it locally-made or international brands. You would be able to shop at modern malls or perhaps a local market featuring interesting curios that you could obtain cheaply after some haggling. You could visit the markets where locals would shop if you desire to evade the more tourist-oriented shopping venues.

Adventure at the Yala National Park

The Yala National Park is a designated wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka and is well known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. If your holiday itinerary includes a visit to the Yala National Park, be sure to take a peek at these nearby wonders.

Ruhuna National Park

This is the most visited area in the Yala National Park and is known for its high density of leopards. Ruhuna National Park, also known as Area 1 is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, spotted deer, and peacocks.

Kumana National Park

Counting the number of things to do in Yala? Why not pay a visit to Kumana National Park, once known as Yala East? Located in the southeast part of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is known for its wide range of bird species, including migratory birds from Europe and Asia. It is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and several species of deer.

Palatupana

Located on the coast of Yala National Park and only a 15-minute ride away from Cinnamon Wild Yala, Palatupana is a coastal town with beaches of clear, turquoise waters and white sandy shores. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and is also a great place to spot a variety of sea creatures, including dolphins and whales.

Situlpawwa Magul Maha Vihara

This ancient Buddhist temple is located within Yala National Park and is a popular spot for visitors interested in the park’s cultural history. The temple is surrounded by the lush green jungle and is a peaceful spot to take a break from the rest of the park.

Kudumbigala Monastery

Located approximately 22km from Yala National Park, this ancient Buddhist monastery is built on a beautiful rock. It’s a peaceful spot for meditation and contemplation and would be the ideal visit for those who appreciate a touch of spirituality in their vacation.

Kid-friendly Enthralling Experiences to Try in Queenstown!

Whether you are looking for adventure zip rides, speed jet boat rides, serene cruise rides, downhill bike rides, joy luge rides, thrilling skiing experiences, or fun indoor activities, Queenstown is the one-stop destination to enjoy it all! Above all, all these thrilling experiences are curated for kids and adults alike, so you and your little daredevils can feel the thrill without having to worry about safety.

Zipline adventure

Imagine swishing through a 130 m line at a speed of 60k’s an hour? Kawaru zip ride is an ideal place for you and your daredevil kids to go wild with excitement. There are three zip lines altogether and you and your kids can opt to go single or tandem. However, if you are kids are only 8 or 9 years of age, they must only ride the tandem and must be accompanied by you. So, why wait? Brace yourself to soar up from the Kawarau Bungy centre and swiftly fly past the surrounding greenery! Do not forget to bask in the scenic views as you scream along the ride!

Fun in the water

Jet rides in Queenstown |Image by Kuno Schweizer | Image via unsplash

With Queenstown hosting the world’s first commercial jet boat tour, what better way to explore this beautiful hinterland than hopping on board a jetboat with you and your kids? Be it white water rides, wilderness jet experiences, wine tasting tours, or clay bird shooting tours, you and your kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting an adventure jet ride. What’s more? If you and your kids are not fans of speed boat rides, there is always the famous TSS Earnslaw, to enjoy a serene cruise ride along Lake Wakapitu.

Sky Rides with views

A family expedition to Queenstown is not complete without a visit to the Skyline, Queenstown! Not only is this adventure centre, a magnet for killer views of Coronet Peak and shrouded mountain ranges, but there is also ample thrill rides waiting to be tried! Here you and your kids can enjoy Skyline luge rides that traverse across banked corners and tunnels along an 800m line, downhill mountain bike rides that allow for scenic views plus fresh breeze, and many more! The thrilling sporting centre is also within easy reach of Oaks, Queenstown club suites, better known as the best ski resort in Queenstown. So if you choose to stay in this magnificent resort, you can conveniently round off your experience with a drive to the Coronet Peak ski field.

Thrilling indoor activities

Did the weather put a damper on your plans? There is nothing to mope about! Queenstown is packed with a myriad of thrilling indoor activities to keep you and your kids busy throughout the day! Choose from a range of fun indoor activities like wall climbing, bouldering, paintballing, indoor sky diving, and visits to haunted houses, and your kids will be giggling with joy!

The adventure of a lifetime

No matter your age, the best way to experience the true beauty of Brisbane is by climbing the famous Story Bridge. Here are some things to know before planning this memorable excursion.

Highlights

You’ll get to scale the iconic Story Bridge that is the crown jewel of Brisbane QLD. The city views that stretch as far as the eye can see are a magnificent sight at twilight and will surely mesmerise you as it wakes up with twinkling lights.

What’s included

You will be provided with all the safety equipment and lights and even a brief training once you’re at the location. All you have to do is wake up a bit early and leave your comfy Milton accommodation with time to spare.

What you’ll see

Glasshouse Mountains,Brisbane | Image via *flickr*

Once you reach the top, you’ll get an unmatched 360° view of the city beneath you. You’ll even get a clear view of the Glasshouse Mountains, Moreton Bay Islands, The Milton Brisbane, Mt. Coot-tha, and the World-heritage-listed Lamington National Park.

Your complete guide to Bangkok – Navigating the Chao Phraya

The Chao Phraya area in Bangkok is one of those places where you can commute through the entire city through the river. These canals that run through the city of Bangkok are like the lifeline of the city, with long and interesting histories. Here are some user-friendly tips when you’re here for your holiday.

History

Also known as the River of Kings, it is formed by four major rivers combined. This is the main waterway for central Thailand. Many people live on the spacious and luscious banks of the Chao Phraya and for some this has been the main source of living for centuries. The hotels in riverside Bangkok too flaunt precious views of this graceful flow of water.

Sightseeing

Some of Bangkok’s most famous attractions are on the banks of the Chao Phraya. You can access the Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun quite easily through the river. These are the hottest tourist hubs in all of Thailand so be warned; they’re extremely crowded and packed with all sorts of vendors, and scammers alike.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

These boats are the cheapest way to get around the city. You can easily get your tickets either from the pier or once you board the boat. The boats are easily reached from your hotels such as Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. There are three types of boats, demarcated by the flags they carry.

User: (WT-shared) Flip666 at wts wikivoyage, Bangkok RiverExpressBoat Flip666, CC BY-SA 1.0

Dinner Cruises

These are another way to see the canals but they’re on the pricier side. However, you can enjoy a nice dinner and the view while you flow calmly along the scenic Chao Phraya. If you’re willing to spend around $40 per person for a dinner on the cruise, you can have a splendid evening with your loved ones with good food!