Catalina Forbes | The Adventure Travel Site

Safari in Minneriya National Park -A journey to the centre of wildlife

Minneriya National Park is the prominent national park in Sri Lanka for elephant viewing. Centred around the giant Minneriya tank, elephants from the park, as well as from the adjoining Kaudulla National Park, make their way to the tank towards late afternoon to cool off. Thus, the best time to visit the Park would be during the dry season, when most of the life revolves around the tank, which becomes the sole source of water.

If you are familiar with the country, you could go to the entrance of the Park on your own and hire a jeep for the safari. However, it is easier to make this reservation through your hotel. Jetwing Vil Uyana, for example, offers safaris that are dedicated for their guests, which means you will have complete privacy – as much as you can have in an open jeep – as you observe Sri Lankan wildlife. The jeeps are designed to accommodate 6 to 8 people at once. There is a tarp covering the open back, which is often rolled away if the Sun is not too severe. There are benches or high seats at the back of the jeep for you to sit on. However, most visitors prefer to stand, holding on to the iron bars that run the length of the jeep, to get a better view of the surrounding. The ride is going to be quite bumpy, and you must heed the word of your driver who often acts as a guide. There are leopards in Minneriya National Park, although sightings are rare. It is only by paying close attention to your guide, that you will be able to reap the maximum benefit of the safari. They are often well-versed in English. However, if you are worried, you could inquire for an interpreter from a Sigiriya hotel. At the end of the day, there is not much that words can convey when you are sitting so close to an elephant munching on coconut fronds, that you could reach out and pat his back if you want to.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Cycling Holidays in Europe

A European holiday is on everyone’s dream vacation list, but instead of the customary modes of transportation, more and more travellers are now opting for self-guided cycling tours. Europe is the birthplace of the bicycle and the cycling culture is strong in Europe, making it one of the most sought-after destinations cycling. There are several cycling tour operators who will organise routes and provide a sturdy bicycle, bicycle tyre, and other essentials needed for the trip. A tool kit, spare parts, and tough sturdy tyres, like DSI Tyres for example, are a must when travelling by bicycle.

There are plenty of options when it comes to routes to travel in Europe, from relaxed rides around the coast to the more adventurous mountain bike treks, steep country side and even races. As well as planning your cycling route, you also need to carefully plan and select your cycle touring kit. It make sound obvious, but remember, as you’ll have to cycle with your belongings, it’s worth taking the time to make a list and selecting lightweight essentials only, and doing away with any unnecessary items.

If you’re not too confident, request for a guide to go with you. A cycle tour guide will have extensive knowledge of the route, show you the best spots to see along the way and can also offer encouragement after a hard day of pedaling. Some trips provide full support in the way of vehicles en route to offer aid when you need help, mechanics to help repair the bike if it breaks, or even just to offer respite if you’re feeling too tired.

Europeans not only love cycling themselves, but appreciate when tourists try their cycling aswell, as it is also a great way to slow down and explore their country in a unique way. Expect warm greetings and smiles from locals during your cycling tour!

Nelson Osborne is an independent freelance writer who has been sharing his expertise on a variety of subjects via numerous articles and web content over the years. Google+

Yala Adventures

The 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is located in the country’s southern province and covers over an expansive 979km of land. The park is renowned for its large assortment of wild animals such as sloth bears, monkeys, birds, reptiles, the Sri Lankan elephant and one of the largest concentration of leopards in the world. Eco-tourists and adventure seekers eager to visit this beautiful park can easily find good accommodation among the Yala hotels, such as Wild Trails Yala, which offers Eco-friendly spacious tents with modern amenities.
A safari in Yala is the ideal way to enjoy the wildlife. Set off early morning with a guide to stand the best chance of seeing the animals as they roam freely around the park before the sun rises. Elephants, wild buffaloes and boars can be found near watering holes whiles the morning cries of the regal peacock signals the start of another day. The wild animals here are used to the sounds of safari jeeps and don’t shy away from people. Bring lots of water with you and ask your hotel to arrange a packed breakfast for you trip.
The main attraction for most visitors to the park is the Sri Lankan leopard. The native leopard is one of the most celebrated animals in the country, second to elephants, with the highest concentration found at Yala National Park. Because it is the largest predator in the park, it’s extremely comfortable out in the open, usually found perched up the trees or relaxing in the thick foliage.
Yala is made up of various eco-systems, from open grasslands and dense forests, to marine and fresh water wetlands and coastal habitat. Exploring each area is an adventure on its own with over 215 bird species and 44 species of mammals that include sloth bears, the red slender loris and golden palm civet in addition to sea turtles and crocodiles are just a few that can be seen around the park. Be sure to spend a full day roaming through the wildness to really experience the best of Yala.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Catch the Waves at Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast, a city in Queensland, Australia, considered to be one of the most metropolitan cities in the region, is a top tourist destination. With its unique culture, stunning skyline, thriving nightlife and amazing sights and scenes, Gold Coast offers its visitors many opportunities to have unforgettable experiences. The city is also home to attractions such as the Dreamworld Theme Park, David Fleay Wildlife Park, the Q1 Tower, Main Beach, and Nerang River. With many hotels in Gold Coast, such as the Oaks Calypso Plaza, it’s not so hard to find business or family accommodation in Gold Coast as the city has developed its tourism industry to meet rising demands.
Although Gold Coast has numerous attractions, the most famous attraction in the city is the iconic Surfer’s Paradise. When a suburb is called “Surfer’s Beach” it is obvious that it is among the best places in Australia for surfing, which is why surfing enthusiasts and beach lovers from all corners of the globe visit this stunning coastal destination. With so much activity going on at Surfer’s Paradise, it is a destination that simply should not miss out on!
For decades, Surfer’s Beach has been the most popular attractions in Gold Coast. This stretch of beach at Surfer’s Paradise is excellent for catching the waves and spending countless hours surfing. The beach itself stretches undisturbed for a considerable distance and there is ample room for you to have fun and frolic at this amazing beach. In the summer time, the beach is a hot spot for surfers and anyone with any amount of surfing experience can go on and have a great time at the Surfer’s Paradise beach. While surfing is one of the more popular activities in Surfer’s Paradise, this suburb actually has its own lifestyle and culture. The countless restaurants, night clubs, bars, skateboarding parks and the exciting events make Surfer’s Coast one of the most fascinating places to visit.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Surf Trip to Arugam Bay

Surf's Up In Arugam Bay — Surf’s Up In Arugam Bay | Image Source : Penthouse Travel

Sri Lanka’s east coast delivers up a perfect blend of sand, sun and waves, with no place better for surfing than the fishing village of Arugam Bay. World famous as a top surfing destination, Arugam Bay attracts surfers from around the world with its various surf breaks and isolated beaches. Located 320km from Colombo, a surf trip to Arugam Bay, or A-Bay as the locals call it, takes more than a little bit of planning; the fastest and easiest way to get there is by booking an Air Taxi. Sri Lanka has quite a few air taxi operators and the most popular tour operators like Cinnamon Air, have several ongoing offers for travel to the East Coast.

Once you have arrive and settled down in one of the many guesthouses and hotels along the coast, there are several surf points to choose from Main point, considered to be the best surf spot by many, to Whiskey Point located further north which is ideal for beginners as well. Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm are two other well-known spots near isolated beaches south of the Bay and if you head further south you’ll see Okanda, a surf spot surrounded by the dense jungle of the Kumana National Park.

While Arugam bay is more commonly known now for its surf culture and laid back hippie vibes, there is a wide range of activates to try besides surfing. There are several lagoons and beaches around Arugam bay if you just want to relax as well as cultural attractions such as historic temples and ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast the Kumana National Park is perfect for bird-watching and elephants. A trip to Arugam Bay with its natural break points and sunny beaches is the ideal vacation for anyone looking for Sri Lanka’s best surfing spot.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+|Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fun things to do in Glenelg

Situated along South Australia’s azure Holdfast Bay and only a twenty-five-minute tram ride away from the city center, is Glenelg. The well-known tram has been carting passengers to and fro, from Glenelg to Adelaide’s North Terrace, since the 1920’s. With the delightful atmosphere of a little seaside village, hotels at Glenelg are a treat for a family looking for a getaway.

Head to the beach to paddle, swim or get a solid dose of vitamin D. Take the kids along to The Beachhouse, a short walk from Oaks Plaza Pier, which is an old-fashioned amusement park that features dodgem cars and bumper boats, as well as, arcade games like pinball and air hockey. Take a bicycle or simply hike The Federation Trail. Work your way around Holdfast Bay with its rows of beachside cottages. A few colonial buildings and a World War II air raid shelter can be seen on the trail, which are a throwback to a past era. End up at Kingston Park Coastal Reserve and you will come across the historic Kingston House.

Adults can browse for souvenirs at the charming little boutiques or track down some cheap eats on Jetty Road or head to Holdfast Marina for an elegant meal accompanied by a spectacular sunset. Alternatively, you can set sail to take in the sunset from a fifty-eight by thirty-two-foot high-performance sailing catamaran. Glenelg Golf Club is a private golf club that is ideal for a round of golf but just as good for a winning weekend breakfast. If you happen to be visiting for the Christmas holidays, catch the annual Christmas pageant. Earlier on in the year Glenelg plays host to a jazz festival and the City to Bay Fun Run.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

A weekend adventure in Brisbane

Embark on an adventure in Brisbane, the riverside city and capital of the sunny state of Queensland. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and also one of the friendliest towards visitors. Brisbane CBD hotels are booked up all year round as a result of the fantastic attractions and fabulous weather. A pair of walking shoes is all you need to get started, as Brisbane is a destination that should be discovered on foot. The heart of the city is where you will find the biggest concentration of restaurants and eateries, shops and boutiques, bars and pubs, as well as hotel and apartment accommodation like Oaks 212 Margaret. The Brisbane River, with is avoidable presence, takes pride of place in the heart of the city and the hearts of the people.

Visit the seventeen hectares of parkland, a dedicated recreational space that offers hiking trails, playgrounds, gardens and The Wheel of Brisbane, a Ferris wheel that towers over South Bank at a height of sixty meters. Explore the shopping and dining opportunities at Little Stanley Street or visit the iconic Eagle Street Pier, the core of Brisbane’s food scene.

Walking food tours are a fabulous way to spend an afternoon, whether you enjoy chocolate, craft beer or just food in general. Food festivals are also becoming a popular Brisbane tradition for celebrating cuisines and cultures.

If you run into the ‘Brisbane Greeters’, a group of chatty and helpful Brisbanites, they will be happy to share directions, advice and quick tips for the best spots to visit, places to eat and thing to see and do. If you like marine wildlife, head to Moreton Bay, the ideal lookout for spotting dolphins, whales and turtles. Or if you are otherwise inclined, get yourself a dose of culture along Grey Street, home to Queensland Performing Arts Center, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library of Queensland or the Queensland Museum and Science center.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud; Tales of Reincarnation

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud covers about 27 greenery filled acres of land which provides a serene home to over 600 long-tailed macaques. These monkeys are classified into 4 groups in accordance with the areas of the park that they occupy. The sanctuary is an eminent cultural and spiritual landmark that hosts about 10,000 visitors each month. The sanctuary is owned and operated under the leadership of the Padangtegal. The forest itself is sacred to the villagers and there are a few sacred sites located within the reserve that draws from the Balinese Hindu beliefs revolving around death and reincarnation. The Temple of Death, Temple of Cremation and Holy Springs Bathing Temple are among the few sacred sites inside. The area is also home to many Ubud Villas such as Alila Ubud Bali and many other lodging service providers that cater to the large crowds that visit the sanctuary on a monthly basis.
If you are wondering how monkeys fit into the life and death beliefs of Indonesia, the Ramayana epic gives you all the answers. The epic goes on to say that Sita the wife of Rama is abducted by the evil king Ravana. Rama is said to have enlisted the help of Sugriva and Hanuman who both resemble monkeys, to bring her back safely. Hanuman and Sugriva battle many antagonistic monkeys ruled by Ravana before they finally bring Sita safely home. The villagers, who believe in the religious lore, both love and hate the monkeys which they feed daily and revere. At the same time, their mischief which escalates to stealing household items of the villagers also turns the villagers’ reverence into malice when the monkeys attack and bite them, becoming a menace to the village.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

Google+

Explore the Mysterious Peaks in Beautiful Mauritius

Pristine beaches, lush green peaks and emerald green lagoons make up the tropical paradise that the island of Mauritius has become world famous for. A medley of contrasting colours, cultures and fragrances, the diverse landscapes of Mauritius make for an unforgettable holiday, whether it’s a family adventure or soul searching getaway.

Apart from the white sandy beaches and Mauritius Resort and luxury hotels that provide a selection of exciting water sports and other activities, like the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort for example, another attraction here is the mesmerising peaks rising up in the distance and capturing the imagination of all who visit this wonderful island. The island is home to mountain ranges, isolated peaks and plateaus, all remnants of a big volcano which erupted millions of years ago. The jagged, mountains covered in dense jungle, invoke a sense of wonder at first glance. Despite appearances, the mountain ranges are not very high and for the adventurous travellers, it’s possible to go rock climbing and canyoning on certain peaks.

Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius //mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius — Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius
//mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius

The Mauritius Mountains are named according to their shapes e.g. Lion Mountain in the Grand Port Range was named by locals who likened it to the creatures shape while Montagne Blanche has been named after the greyish white colour of the rocks found on the mountain. Some mountains also important culturally and historically; the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rocky mountain that extends out into the Indian Ocean and was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early years of the 19th centuries. Sheltered by the isolated and almost inaccessible precipices, the slaves formed settlements in mountain caves and on the summit.
The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area around it is protected by law. Travellers can still visit and explore the historical Le Morne Mountain and many others like it with their own fascinating stories to tell. With everything from exotic beaches to thrilling mountain range expeditions, the island Mauritius is the perfect tropical paradise.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Cruising and Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Generally, a holiday in the Middle East entails camel rides, traversing through deserts over sand dunes, some shopping for electronics and recreation at theme parks. However, that may have been in the past; now with the advent of 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi, a plethora of opportunities are available for those who reside at Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara or any other luxurious accommodation. The capital city of the highly acclaimed United Arab Emirates is cosmopolitan, commercialized and advanced, yet it is also steeped in its own culture, thus offering a wide mix of options to tourists.

For instance, if you are more of a night creature, you can engage in the boat riding adventure under the star spangled sky in a traditional dhow where you will be served a lavish meal while you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline from the lulling waves or the expanse of water of the Gulf Sea. The quest in search of pearls is a great learning experience in addition to being a relaxing voyage over the waves for over one and a half hours. There is a competent guide who unravels the stories of the past with respect to pearl discovery and everyone is shown how a pearl is extracted from a natural oyster. There are special tours for fishing which usually commence in the wee hours of the day and such a tour typically requires four hours. There are mariners who will provide their expertise, equipment, boat and even the fishing bait should you make a hurried decision to go fishing.

One can choose between dhows, speed boats, and yachts depending on the type of journey and the occasion. The organizers of the sea riding facilities have a diverse range of services on offer including deep sea fishing, BBQs, swimming, snorkeling and even hosting birthday parties or wedding receptions on board. They also arrange team building activities followed by a camping trip for corporate entities.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+