Author: pushpitha

Rustaq Dunes

Oman is the new big thing in the Middle East. Boasting a rich heritage, kilometres of golden dunes, modern entertainment and unmatched scenery, the nation is being thronged by tourists all the more each year. Among the endless attractions that Oman is famous for the Rustaq Dunes almost always stands out.

Sand dunes are a symbol of Arabia so much so that a visit to the Middle East is not complete without them. The stretches of golden velvet that create soft hills before you make the most picturesque scenery in the Middle East. The rolling dune in an instant transports you to an Arabian tale. It still has that un-spoilt look; in fact nothing can ever spoil the beauty that sand dunes emulate.

The Rustaq Dunes go one step further in enticing its many visitors. In addition to the raw beauty it possesses, the dunes have significant historic value. The Al Hazm Castle stands tall in the dunes and displays striking wooden gates from an era gone by. The castle offers so much to explore with its eerie ancient dungeons and its hallways displaying an array of old military weaponry like daggers and swords. There is something absolutely majestic about the Al Hazm Castle. So neatly preserved it gives you an intriguing peak into Oman’s architecture and royalty from the times gone by. The famous hot water springs of Oman, also happen to be located at the Rustaq Dunes. These hot springs are of naturally warm temperatures and have therapeutic powers. The healing power of the hot water wells attracts a large crowd each year.

Oman is still blossoming in a big way and since each of its attractions is gaining immense popularity, the crowds visiting the nation are steadily increasing. The tourism industry has given rise to hotels and resorts, all of impeccable standards. While visiting the city, one Muscat hotel that you must try out is the Millennium Resort Mussanah. This Oman Muscat hotel is known for its luxury. With state of the art facilities, impeccable services and cuisines that will leave you craving for more, you will simply fall in love with this place.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Fat Biking

The UAE boasts the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world; The Rub Al Khali meaning the ‘Empty Quarter’. The Kilometers of rolling Golden Sands untouched by urbanization happens to be one of the most inviting attractions of the UAE. After all a holiday in the UAE is just not complete without indulging a little in its famous stretches of golden velvet; that is how captivating it is. Despite feeling like expanses of nothing but sheer beauty, there is plenty to do in this endless stretch of dessert. Among the many activities, fat biking has of late earned tremendous popularity.

Fat biking was introduced to the UAE with the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Although relatively new to the Middle East, Fat biking has been in operation since the 1870. It started out being used in Alaska, a city known for its dense snow. Thanks to its large ‘Fat’ tires, it was easily maneuvered through thick snow. In UAE amidst the expanses of sand the same principle is applied. Large 12cm wide tires on a bicycle helps you to soar through the beautiful sand dunes. Despite how challenging the terrains maybe, fat biking helps you tackle them all with ease and adventure. To explore the intriguing peaks of Abu Dhabi, Fat biking happens to be the most perfect vehicle. In addition to all the fun and exquisite scenery you can enjoy while fat biking, there is a dual reward as well. In a session that makes up of around 1 to 2 hours, a good 7 to 10 kilometers can easily be covered; a perfect toning reward for your muscles on holiday.

In addition to Fat biking, there is plenty more that one can indulge in while exploring the desert side of UAE. Camel trekking is fun and gives you ample interaction with the kings of the animal kingdom of the Middle East. Then there is Sand boarding and 4×4 driving, again very adventurous activities to indulge in.

While holidaying in the UAE, stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Being the best name in the Abu Dhabi Hotels it is also the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Kayaking in Maldives

Maldives has long made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in the world for water sports. With its incredible natural beauty and perfect conditions for almost any water sport this comes as no surprise. With the right amount of mix of both pleasure and activities, Maldives has the right balance to make your vacation one to remember. While the underwater activities like snorkelling and diving are popular for the close proximity they offer to the stunning marine life, there are plenty of water surface activities that offer a different level of excitement.

Water-skiing, wind surfing, kite surfing and surfing are more of the exciting activities. Bound to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart pounding, they are offered by almost all the major hotels. Arranging for them from your hotel also means that you don’t have to worry about equipment or an instructor.

Kayaking is another of the most popular activities and promises to be an unforgettable memory. Maldives has both tandem and single kayaks; both come with glass bottoms for those who want to occasionally gaze in to the water while paddling. This is most preferred especially in shallow waters as you can watch the breath-taking schools of colourful fish as well as corals all glide by under you.

Kayaking is also offered by island resorts in Maldives. For those looking for private retreats, the luxury resorts in Maldives have private lagoons or beaches. Maalifushi Maldives is located in the archipelago’s southwest regions and has one of the most beautiful beaches. With a number of uninhabited private islands, excellent breaks and the occasional sighting of sharks, it is the ideal retreat for honeymooners, families and adventure seekers.

The resort has a fine selection of overwater villas as well as on land accommodation. All of them have private pools and are cocoons of luxury and comfort. What makes the resort distinct is that it is in an otherwise undeveloped stretch of islands and also has its own culture. 18th century African slaves who settled here developed a dance to celebrate their new-found freedom and to date this ritualistic dance is performed during Eid festival.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Maldives Watersports

If you love having fun in the sun along with plenty of exciting thrills and spills on the water, then the Maldives with its array of water sports is definitely the place for you. The best way to experience this is to stay at a Maldives island resort which offers these water based activities. Known for its elegant accommodation and contemporary comforts, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is one such Maldives luxury resort which features water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Water sport enthusiasts are in fact spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing from the many activities on offer. If you are looking for some action packed fun, then look to try some waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, windsurfing and jet-skiing. Surfers can also head to the various surfing points around the country’s atolls and enjoy riding the waves amidst breathtaking coastal backdrops. For a truly unique perspective of the islands, try some parasailing which will have you soaring in the sky like a bird! Of course snorkelling and diving are amongst the two most popular water sports in the Maldives providing excellent opportunities to view the fantastic marine world that lies beneath the waves.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

HP Reef, North Male Atoll

Also known as the Rainbow Reef because of the vividness of its bio diversity, the HP Reef is indeed a paradise beyond the surface. There are plenty of Maldives luxury resorts located surrounding this site and if you are interested in a bit of diving, choose Baros Maldives, a popular diving resort Maldives has to offer for those avid divers. Coral blocks, caves and crevices dot this magnificent reef and this very formation itself acts as a magnet to the abundance of marine life that can be observed here. The overhangs and swim troughs are covered with a beautifully soft coral while many schools of fish are seen swimming about the reef. Some of the most commonly seen fish are schools of Trevallies, Snappers, Fusiliers, Sweetlips, and White Tip Sharks while Eagle Rays, turtles and Grey Reef sharks too are seen in abundance here.

Elephant Safari in Hua Hin

Ever wondered what it would be like to sit atop an elephant and embark on a thrilling safari into the wild? Well when you next visit Hua Hin you can do just that! Look to stay at Hua Hin hotels such as Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort which organises such excursions that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. It is one of the best beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has to offer and provides an idyllic setting in which to experience the very best the region is known for.

An iconic animal in Thailand, the elephant provides the perfect way in which to head off the beaten track and explore areas rich in flora and fauna. An elephant safari in Hua Hin give you a chance to discover the rich biodiversity of the country, taking you past lush forests and local villages where one can experience some traditional culture. It also lets you get up close with these majestic creatures who are gentle giants in every sense of the word. Some tours also include visits to elephant camps where one can observe elephants engaging in a whole host of activities ranging from dancing to painting!

Mountain Climbing at Knuckles

If you love outdoor adventure and trekking amidst enchanting hills, then mountain climbing at the Knuckles Mountain Range is definitely worth trying out when on your Sri Lanka holidays. This well known site can be found in the island’s central region and those in search of Sri Lanka tours to this region can sign up with Walkers Tours which provide specialised excursions.

Home to lush forests and often shrouded in mist, the Knuckles Mountain Range has many paths and trails making it ideal for mountain climbing. Perfect for camping trips too, this mountainous area offers plenty of exciting hikes past ancient trees and scenic landscapes with mysterious caves, tranquil waterfalls and picturesque tea plantations. You are also likely to encounter a fascinating array of endemic flora and fauna which make this area such a biodiversity hotspot. Best of all it offers an idyllic getaway amidst the fresh mountain air where one can take time to soak up the breathtaking vistas that abound.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Devon Falls Nuwara Eliya

Ideally located 6km from the heart of Thalawakele lies a spectacular cascade that has captured the hearts and minds of locals and tourists since time immemorial. Propelling down an impressive 97m, the Devon Falls as it is popularly known is the 19th tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Towering above the surrounding landscapes at an altitude of 1140m, this breathtaking waterfall is one of the chief tourist attractions in the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Deriving its name from a well-known British coffee planter of the same name, the plantation which was cultivated by the pioneer Englishman is located within a stone’s throw of Devon Falls.

Fed by the Kothmale Oya which is a main tributary of the Malaweli River, Devon Falls is a tiered waterfall with three visible drops. Easily accessible to those travelling the Nuwara Eliya – Hatton main road, visitors can catch a glimpse of the famed waterfall from places along the way. Reaching the Devon Falls involves a short 1km trek which allows visitors an up-close view of the natural wonder. Locals in the area profess that the best view of the falls is visible from Midigama where the frontal view is unhindered by natural or manmade elements.

Surrounded by lush greenery and dense foliage that is typical of the Nuwara Eliya District, this natural wonder gushes earthbound in milky sheets of white and frothy water all year long although it is particularly ferocious during the rainy season. A Hindu kovil is also located near the falls and is a sacred venue revered by the Tamil plantation workers of the area. Just opposite the Devon Falls lies a colonial bungalow constructed by a former English governor in the early 1920’s. Innumerable hospitality establishments and residential areas have also propped up near the famed waterfall due to the influx of visitors all year round.

Travellers on the lookout for advantageous Sri Lanka tour packages this season should look to Country Feeling Holidays for the widest range of vacation options. Offering visitors a plethora of engaging Sri Lanka holidays this reputed name in the hospitality industry pulls out all the stops when it comes to unforgettable excursions in the emerald isle.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Cycling Tours in Bangkok

There’s simply no better way to unravel the secrets of Bangkok than by going on a cycling tour of the city and its pleasant surroundings. However before setting off it is always best to choose a Bangkok hotel to stay in. Anantara Bangkok Sathorn which is seen as one of the luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer would prove to be a good choice when contemplating as to where one should be based at.

From country villages, scenic mountains to the hustle and bustle of the city; all can be explored quite easily when decides to strap up and hop on board a cycle. The sights of traditional villages and locals working in rice fields are but a few of the thought provoking experiences that you are bound to come across when moving through the beautiful countryside of Bangkok. The temple of Phurt Udom Pol is well worth the visit. Cycling along the Chao Phraya River is yet another absorbing experience that must be had while a tour of Bangkok’s Chinatown will offer you valuable insights into the lives of Chinese who call the city their home. From ancient museums to imposing religious shrines, the sights are truly countless.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Skydiving in Queenstown

Flying has always fascinated humankind. While aeroplanes offer fantastic aerial views for a truly spectacular experience which includes an adrenaline rush quite unlike any other, nothing beats jumping off a plane on a skydiving excursion in Queenstown. Make sure to find a Queenstown hotel that is within easy reach of the many adventure sports and activities this New Zealand city has to offer. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is one such option and is a luxury hotel Queenstown that features an array of modern comforts too.

Skydiving in Queenstown is well worth trying out for those looking for some action packed adventure that also provides awe-inspiring views of this picturesque part of the country. Tours include short pre-flight training and guidance and include tandem jumps. Reaching heights of up to 15,000 feet, skydiving offers a unique opportunity to see Queenstown from a whole new perspective. Drop zones vary from sites such as the Remarkables Mountain Range to Glenorchy which was used as a location for filming the Lord of The Rings, each offering something different to see and experience, while plummeting at speeds of around 200kph!

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+