roland - The Adventure Travel Site

Desert Safari Driving Tips -Guidelines on How to Make Rough Ride Go Smooth

What is a trip to the Middle East without a trip to the desert? Also, what better place for tourists to enjoy the desert than Doha, the capital of Qatar? There are a countless number of tourists coming to Qatar and most expect pretty much straight forward things from this Middle Eastern holiday spot- luxury , deserts , sand dunes and camel rides gaining top priority. Most choose tourists who come to this part of the world come with the expectation of splurging some cash. Some choose to spend their entire holiday in a luxury hotel in Doha and pay a visit to the deserts or some prefer to be closer to these mystical sand heavens. Either way most hotels like the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; make it a point to organise desert safaris and tours in their activities for the guest. The desert tours are categorised into various packages to suit individual requirements. Packages are often uniform across various operators.
There are options to be driven around the desert or you could self-drive in the presence of a guide. Most desert safaris are categorised as morning –half day tours where one can see the sun coming up to light up the golden sands , full day tours that allow you to explore the desert throughout the whole day and enjoy sundown refreshments and entertainment , thirdly an overnight desert safari which allows visitors to spend the night in the desert. Regardless of the safari, it is important to keep in mind that driving around the desert takes special skills compared to the day to day driving that one may engage in. Hence it is worth it to check with the tour operator to see what prior off road experience is needed. It is best to be within the recommended trails at all times and obey the guidance of the experts.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.Google+

Bird Watching in Bundala National Park

The Bundala National Park is located in the Southeast of Sri Lanka. Of course the more frequented, Yala National Park is located in close proximity to it. But it is important to know the distinctness of the National Park in Bundala. It lives up to its status as a popular birding ground and attracts the quiet wanderer and the keen bird watcher. The National Park is said to be the home and temporary home of 197 species of bird. And you will not be disappointed because on merely one visit you are certain to spot over 50 species of bird. Cinnamon Wild Yala is amongst the Yala hotels, in the region that provide easy access to such national parks. If you are keen to spot more and more birds, you simply need to be an early riser.

Birds watching | Image Courtesy: Riolta Lanka Holidays

Arrive at the park at 5.30 am, this is when these flighty beings relax in the watery areas of the park. Hop onto a rickety jeep at the entrance and make sure you request the assistance of a ‘bird tracker’. The fact that your tracker is immersed in his surroundings, gives him the ability to spot the birds of the area with far greater skill than you would imagine.

Greater Flamingos in Bundala | Image Courtesy : Srilankan Spirit

You will be surprised to find that the birds are quite accustomed to the noise of your rickety jeep. In fact, they crave some attention. Colourful Painted Stork, Asian Openbills, Spot-billed Pelicans , Black-headed Ibises and flocks of Greater Flamingos are a few birds that you will be able to spot in the park. You will be thrilled at the variety of birds and the great skill of your tracker in spotting these beautiful beings.

It is impossible to keep count of the birds you will spot and there are countless amounts at the Bundala National Park.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Try out an action packed Canopy Ride in Koh Samui

Canopy Adventures Secret Falls - Koh Samui — Canopy Adventures Secret Falls – Koh Samui | Image Credit

You may come to Koh Samui to experience the beach or relax with the attentive service of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort or a similar luxury hotel. But a canopy ride through the lush forests of Koh Samui is worth taking a break from the sun and sands for!

Within easy reach of many Phangan resorts, canopy adventures at the Secret Falls of Koh Samui allows you to experience the forests in a completely new manner. If you are one for adventure and thrill, this is perfect for you. If you are not so much into adventure sports, this is picturesque enough that you can justify the presence of adventure. You will literally fly through the treetops of the forest, enjoying the greenery below, the blue skies above and the wind singing in your ears – all the while secure in the knowledge of a safety harness. You will also catch glimpses of the gorgeous coast line of Koh Samui, the famous sands and the beckoning waters. This is your opportunity to fly like the bird and truly see the holistic beauty of Koh Samui.

Half way through your canopy ride, you will arrive at a swimming hole – the famous Secret Falls – where you can relax, play in the waters and refresh for the next leg of your journey. Taking the curious visitors to the skies for a fun-filled ride since 2009, the canopy rides require no previous experience or special skill. An experienced guide will instruct you on what to do, and you can simply heed his/her words and enjoy the unspoilt wonders of the forest below. Maximum comfort is ensured on your ride, by having it proceed in four phases. Starting off with a gentle ride, each phase becomes gradually steeper and exhilarating, so that you are prepared to enjoy the ride as much as you would enjoy the lush picturesque world that you fly above.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Adventure in Langkawi Island -An adventure lover’s paradise!

Langkawi Islands | Image Courtesy : Lankawi

Langkawi Island is one of the most popular islands in Malaysia bordered by golden sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, lush rainforests and unspoiled waterfalls. Langkawi is known to cater to laid back travellers and to the adventurous type. Berjaya Langkawi Resort is situated amidst the dense rainforest with a few steps away from the breath-taking beach, and rooms at Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Malaysia features views of the rainforest and the sea. Adventures range from jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and horseback riding.

Setting off on a high speed Jet Ski is probably one of the most exciting things that Langkawi has to offer. Jet Ski tours allow its rider to explore around the island, its marine life and caves while also discovering some secluded beaches. Some tours also include snorkelling in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 meter long walkway that stands 660 meters above sea level. Ideal for panoramic views of the island, travellers are treated to beautiful mountainous landscapes that dominate much of the island.
Adventurers who wish to see the Island from a bird’s view point would love the idea of parasailing. Launched from a boat, the flight will usually last about 10 minutes, giving you ample time to view the magnificent beauty of the Island below. Ensure the parasailing company has the required certificates and licenses in order to ensure your parasailing experience is safe and fun!
An adventure park called Skytrex Adventure features a variety of activities that allows you to climb, swing, crawl or glide through the jungle.
A sunset cruise makes the perfect ending for your adventure filled day in Langkawi Island. Indulge yourself in a cruise along the Andaman Sea while you sip on a cool beverage or have dinner aboard a boat, while the horizon stretches ahead of you giving you the perfect sunset view.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Adventurous Wildlife in Sri Lanka -A world in a drop of land

Sri Lanka, a tiny island that is gigantic in terms of its wildlife diversity, is located in the Indian Ocean. The topography of Sri Lanka is such that it is home to a wide range of habitats, ranging from tropical rain forests to plains and tundra. This diversity has made contributed towards making the island one of the declared biodiversity hotspots, and a favourite among wildlife watching countries in the region.

Wildlife Srilanka | srilanka miracle tours | www.srilankamiracletours.com — Wildlife Srilanka | srilanka miracle tours |
www.srilankamiracletours.com

The scope for adventurous wildlife that is present in the country has been identified by the tourist board and other official bodies, so much that there is a multitude of reservations, safaris, national parks and protected zones that provide the opportunity for experiencing wildlife. Even the most casual and uninterested visitor to the island will be in awe of the giant elephants that roam in herds, the enormous whales that frequent the coast of the island, leopards that are common but rarely seen, dolphins that follow as one streams through the crystal blue waters, thousands of birds – both indigenous and migrant, just like the visitor – and schools of fish that have made the colourful coral reefs of Sri Lankan coast their home. In addition to the country’s authorities, there is another important party that organizes wildlife adventures in Sri Lanka. Hotels, such as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, among others, are aware of the novelty that the wildlife offers to the visitor, and have many activities lined up. Some hotels offer camping to safaris to in-house wildlife gardens that allow the visitor to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience.

If Sri Lanka happens to be on your list of places to visit, don’t forget that among the beaches and mountains of the island, there exists a tremendous wildlife, preserved in its isolation, diverse in its grandeur and welcoming in the style of its human co-habitants awaiting to render you speechless with their beauty.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Island Hopping Adventures in the Maldives; Island Explorations

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives | Image Credit : Island Travel

The Maldives is known and for its lovely beaches and generates a huge income from the booming tourism industry that the islands support each year. The beautiful and clear waters, fragile yet elegant coral reefs, the culture, cuisine and people all contribute in their own ways to make this island a true paradise. Island Hopping in Maldives is probably one of the best ways to experience most of what the location has to offer in comfort, ease and within a short span of time. Some of the best Maldives resorts offer island hopping as part of a recreational package to their guests so that they could experience this unique opportunity. It is important to bear in mind that even though these islands are tiny, they each offer a completely contrasting experience with a plethora of diverse activities that you could take part in at each island you visit. Most resorts such as the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and many others offer cruises and tours that offer guests the chance to visit the islands in a cost-effective yet comfortable and safe manner.
Ancient shipwrecks, brightly coloured coral reefs, thousands upon thousands of juvenile reef fish, sharks, turtles and a whole kingdom of plant and animal life that thrives in the perfect waters off the coast provide the best possible ambiance for island hopping. You could also tread upon the shores of remote and uninhabited islands that are quite and filled with adventures of their own. Make sure to take lots of pictures and even buy a few miniatures as souvenirs on your stop at each island so that you could add them to your collection of travel souvenirs once you get back home. Taste the local specialty in each region and observe the simple lifestyles of these people who are majorly anglers. Experience Maldives like never before with a once-in-a-lifetime island hopping adventure.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Thrilling tour to Dudhsagar falls, off road

India is not only is a culturally diverse country but also a country that has endless things to offer to its explorers. Every state and city of India have something interesting and unique to speak of. One of the popular tourist states in India is Goa. Booking a beach resort in Goamay be your first step towards a holiday for making countless memories. Known famously for its hippie culture, Goa is considered to be one of the hubs for tourism in India. One of the attractions in Goa apart from the beaches is Dudhsagar falls.
The drive to the fall through the lush green jungles is an experience in itself. A wheel jeep ride is a perfect way to experience the jungle and head to the falls. Many hotels have in-house organised excursions or tours to make life easy for the foreigners. If you want to find out such packages offered by local hotels, the Alila Diwa Goa Official Site can be very informative.

dudhsagar falls | TripAdvisor www.tripadvisor.in — dudhsagar falls | TripAdvisor
www.tripadvisor.in

The drive takes you to the Dhudsagar rivulets which are a spectacular view. The holding ponds of the falls are a great place to unwind and, feed the monkeys or take a stroll in the jungle nearby. The waterfalls name means “Ocean of milk”; it is the highest waterfall in Goa.
It is believed that a princess used to bathe in the falls and enjoy sugared milk that her maids brought to her , however, one day a prince was passing by and made his way to the ponds after hearing the chitter chatter from the ponds. The princess who was taken aback poured the jug of milk into the pond to cover her naked body that was visible through the clear waters. A miracle happened and the water turned frothy and white to her surprise. It is believed that from that day on the waterfall is supposed to have become milky and frothy.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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National Institute for Zorig Chusum Bhutan

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum also referred to, as the painting school is an initiative of the Bhutanese government to preserve local art and culture. The school provides four to six-year courses for students in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts including calligraphy, painting, sculpture, wood carving, casting, pottery, embroidery, tailoring, weaving, masonry, silver and gold smithy. Established in 1971, the school is seen as a foundation to protect and preserve the invaluable heritage of arts and crafts in Bhutan.

If you are visiting the country and worried about finding good accommodation, don’t worry there are plenty of luxury hotels in Bhutan such as the COMO Uma by COMO Hotels & Resorts; that are well-equipped. During your stay in Bhutan, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where you can witness the effortless talents of the youngsters studying in the school.

The art taught in Bhutan today was introduced to the country by the treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa during the fifteenth century. The traditional crafts taught in the school represent the knowledge and ability that has been passed down to many generations over hundreds of years. During the 4-6 year training, the students board at the institute’s hostel where they receive all necessary facilities which is financed by the government.

The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under the National Technical Training Authority, which was created in 1999 to look after the quality of vocational training. For over thirty years the institute has instructed students in the thirteen areas of study. The school has been fortunate to receive generous grants from the Netherlands, which has helped to improve the curriculum and facilities. Apart from the thirteen main subjects, the school also offers metal work, weaving, gold-grinding, and the making of religious drums in the curriculum and these courses last up to two years.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Trekking On Dunes

Mountains, Sun and Sand. The best way to completely enjoy and be a part of the picturesque and unique topography of Arabia and its breath-taking mountain landscape is to go on a trekking trip in Oman. Throwing in a liberal dash of sand dunes, a sprinkling of wadi walks, a pinch of mountain trekking and a smattering of beach walks, Oman concocts the perfect adventure blend for the visitor, making trekking on dunes one of the key attractions in Oman.
Oman sits in the comfortable seclusion with some of the world’s oldest rocks that date back over 800 million years. With an enchanting enigma of natural beauty, there is much to do in terms of dune trekking in Oman. If you want to truly experience the desert in all its glory, look for hotels such as the Desert Night Camp as they offer an authentic experience. Not only will you be able to walk along sandy dunes with its spontaneous sand art courtesy of Middle Eastern wind, but you will be able to stroll through ancient mountains and happen across wild wadi walks with their miles and miles of unspoiled, untouched sands.
One unique feature of sandy dune trekking is its changing topography that keeps you engaged throughout. One minute you may be hiking down sandy wadis and next minute stumbling on stunning sand dunes. Providing rest to your weary eyes during this adventure are beautiful canyons, wild wadis and obligatory oasis that you will not be able to forget. Limestone canyons, mountains that resemble rugged and used table-tops, ranges of rocks that speak of a history untold, desert with its uniform but varied nature, and the unexpected wildness that you will stumble upon, all contribute to making trekking on dunes in Oman the perfect activity for trekking enthusiast.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, an unforgettable experience at Townsville

Everyone cannot accomplish that feat of snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. Probably with the exception of one: you! If you are such a prodigy, you should not miss this unforgettable experience at Townsville for its snorkeling experience is unique.

Remember however, it comes at a price. A little exorbitant, you may feel. But that price is fully worth when you think of the adventurous spirit. That experience would never be the same anywhere else. If you stay at one of the Townsville holiday apartments, you can save up some money for the snorkeling session.

An average traveler has ample reasons to be scared of snorkeling. In reality there is not so much to be scared of. Especially when Great Barrier Reef is an excellent spot for easy snorkeling. What you require is your swimming capacity as well as physical strength. Physical strength is of course a must as you have to depend on energy all the time while snorkeling. If you stay somewhere like Oaks Gateway on Palmer, you can ask them about the place to buy the right gear required for snorkeling.

At the Great Barrier Reef, you can of course opt in for a guided tour. The tours would introduce you to islands. You will also spot buoys placed with short difference in each other’s gap. You can choose that area to snorkel too. You can rent out float coats to give you extra props and more confidence.

Suppose you have not snorkeled before, but if you have good physical fitness as well as swimming capacity, then by all means you are eligible to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Waters are comfortably warm and you will hardly know the duration that you had been swimming. Even if you are not so skilled, you can obtain services of expert instructors to help you snorkel properly.

All that is really worth as it will add another extraordinary memory into your life journey.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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