Author: Lavinia Woolf

Sigiriya Water Gardens

The story of Sigiriya is a captivating one dating back to the fifth century. It begins with a prince who killed his father in a fit of rage and fled to Sigiriya. The prince, who went on to become King Kassapa, chose the top of a giant boulder as the location for his palace. The ‘palace in the sky’ was built in the form of a crouching lion. The fortress expanded into the lands surrounding the rock. Within its bounds, beautiful gardens were created. The king enjoyed a luxurious existence until the day his brother arrived with an army seeking vengeance for the murder of their father. King Kassapa took his own life after his army abandoned him and much of the magnificent palace was destroyed by the attackers.

The Sigiriya story is as much of a landmark in Sri Lankan history as the actual rock itself. The ruins of what was arguably one of the most impressive palaces ever built can still be seen today. The rock fortress is a historic attraction that continues to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. Sigiriya hotel properties have been built in most part, simply to provide accommodation for visitors who come to admire this architectural marvel; Aliya Resort & Spa even offers views of the towering rock in the distance.

The palace on the rock is not the only feature worthy of mention, the gardens that are spread out at the foot of the rock are also fascinating. The lawns have been meticulously laid out with geometric precision. The water garden, located on the lowest level, is surrounded by walls; it boasts ponds and dancing fountains, complete with flowering water plants and birds. The fountains were designed to work on a highly complex hydraulic system. With heavy rainfall, the fountains gurgle to life even today. However, their sophisticated mechanism has not been completely unraveled by engineers of the present day. A more recent discovery, the miniature water garden, has intricately designed waterways that feed shallow reflecting pools.

Wadi Bani Khalid

A Wadi, meaning a valley in Arabic, formed by fast rushing streams, is predominantly seen in Israel, Morocco and a number of other Middle Eastern countries. These Wadis were often used by travellers to traverse countries and reach other cities with the assistance of camels. A Wadi can also contain water or even a small stream when there is heavy rain fall. While Wadis are seen across the Middle East, Wani Bani Khalid is noteworthy for its beauty. Located around two hundred kilometres from Muscat, it is not a day trip that can be completed from a Muscat based hotel in Oman. Therefore, many tourists seek to indulge in a desert night camp to explore the Wadi and return to Muscat a few days later.

Located in the Sharqiyah region, Wadi Bani Khalid, unlike most of its kind, maintains a steady flow of water. Because of this, and also the shape of the valley, water accumulates in large pools and reflects the surroundings making for a rather picturesque view. The Wadi is quite large as well as it covers a large extent of low land areas as well as parts of the surrounding mountains.

Tourists who are gearing up for an adventure in Oman will be thrilled to discover that the Wadi Bani Khalid is also home to some interesting caves, including an underground chamber of the Sultanate known as Kahf Maqal. However, this adventure is not for the faint hearted for it requires a great deal of stamina, especially given the warm climate.

Nevertheless, tourists who wish to merely explore the valley can enjoy the fresh water springs known as Ain al Sarooj and Ain Hamouda and take in the natural beauty of the area. Given its attraction to tourists, a souvenir can be purchased from the shop in Badaa, a close by village, to remember the valley and the excursion.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Quad Biking in the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

In the Binh Thuan Province of Vietnam is the beautiful coastal village of Mui Ne. This quaint fishing village is one of the most serene and picturesque areas of Southeastern Vietnam; and over the past two decades, Mui Ne has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The village is known for its golden sandy beaches, excellent conditions for water sports, chilled out restaurants and bars, and relaxing ambiance. The Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, a luxury beach resort Mui Ne, is a great choice of accommodation.

One of the great geographical features of Mui Ne is its sand dunes, particularly the White Sand Dunes. This endless terrain of pristine silky white sand with its towering dunes and gentle slopes is a dazzling and mesmerizing location. And there is no better way to explore the beautiful White Sand Dunes than on a Quad Bike. The Quad Bike is the technological equivalent of riding a horse through blissful white sandy dunes, and thus is a must do activity by all who visit Vietnam.

The clear blue skies, milky white sand terrain for as far as the eye can see, and sand dunes varying in all sizes, makes the perfect setting for Quad Biking. Renting out a Quad Bike is quite hassle-free as Quad Biking through the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne is quite a popular activity. Thus, numerous service providers offer Quad Bikes are reasonable rates to any person who wishes to explore the paradise that is the White Sand Dunes. Hop on a Quad Bike and make your own adventure at the dunes, as you ride through the endless sands with nothing but the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You can power your Quad Bike up the dunes and skillfully descend the slopes, or stop a top a dune and admire the breath-taking scenery it offers. Thus, it is without a doubt that Quad Biking through the dunes is sure to be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Hat Chao Mai National Park

The Hat Chao Mai National Park(230.86skqm) is located on Thailand’s western coast of Trang. A gorgeous park encompassing land and sea, Hat Chao promises an unforgettable experience of flora, fauna, traditional villages and amazing scenery. Choosing to stay at a Trang resort means loads of beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and hidden coves to enjoy. Taking this experience to higher levels is the Anantara Si kao Thailand Resort & Spa.

Shady pine trees, siestas on hammocks rocked by ocean breezes and excursions to Anantara’s private beach club Koh Kradan, are some of the thrills to be experienced here. Indulge and unwind at the serene spa, snorkel dive or chill out at the pool. Sunbathe on the bleached white sand beaches and enjoys views of the nearby Hat Chao Mai National Park. Ideal for families couples or single stays the hotel offers enough activities to keep everyone happy. Enjoy the comforts within any one of the 139 rooms, suites, pool suites and family rooms where plenty of light and space coupled with modern amenities add a touch of magic for total relaxation.

Just next door is the Hat Chao National Park a spectacle of nature to be enjoyed for its pristine coastline, rainforests, Limestone Mountains and abundance of flora and fauna. One of the few unspoilt destinations around the world this park is home to the old fishing communities of Thailand, experience their rustic lifestyles, charming abodes and of course the stunning coasts of Trang.

This park is home to the treasured Dugong, a rare marine mammal of Thailand while 2 species of endangered birds have made their homes in this serene abode. Explore the mangrove forests, hike through the limestone caves and rejuvenate mind body and soul within the tranquil ambiance.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Underwater Adventures in Maldives

As a country comprising mostly of ocean and just one percent land scattered over a thousand islets it is not surprising that adventure in the Maldives is to be had underwater. This is made exciting by the presence of coral reefs, rocky pinnacles rising from shallow lagoons and channels that offer varying landscapes and swim throughs teeming with marine life. As a prominent Maldives resort, Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa Maldives offer access to underwater adventures that make some of the most memorable vacation experiences here.

The Maldives underwater landscape is made up of many highly rated dive sites where an abundance of coral, varied marine life at different depths and an interesting variety of geological features makes scuba diving an adventure. Channels that connect groups of islets with the ocean offer some of the greatest underwater adventures as they have the deepest dive spots and the most surprises. Varying in size and depth, the range of caves, caverns and overhangs festooned with marine creatures attract larger fish because of the nutrients that pass through these waterways in a steady stream. The channels are also where large marine creatures come to make use of the services of cleaning wrasses and shrimp giving the opportunity for underwater adventure seekers to get the thrill of their lives because of close quarter views of several large pelagic species. Other underwater features that are great adventures sites are the rocky pinnacles rising up from the bottom of lagoons. Because of their size some ‘thilas’ or pinnacles cannot be explored in a single day. They host large populations of crustaceans and schools of fish enough to engage the attentions of scuba divers as long as the air in their tanks last.

While underwater adventures are usually experienced among the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off a range of well equipped water crafts is one of the best ways to experience life beneath the water in the Maldives as adventurers can visit several popular dive sites. While underwater adventures during the day is undoubtedly exciting looking at micro and mega fauna beneath the waves illuminated only by the beam of a hand held torch is probably even more exciting. Different underwater adventures are possible during the southwest and the northeast diving seasons when large concentrations of pelagic species are to be found in different places.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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