Jungle Tourism | The Adventure Travel Site

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

With diverse birds and animals, Sri Lanka is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. There are several fully-fledged national parks and bird parks scattered around the island as well as sightings for marine life off the coast all year round. 12% of the country is dedicated to wildlife protection; from wet rainforests to arid plains.

The Birds
Thanks to a rich tropical climate Sri Lanka there are over 400 species of birds including 200 migratory species and 33 that are endemic to the country. There are plenty of bird watching hotspots dotted across the country as well as national bird parks. It truly is an ornithologist’s dream come true.

The Mammals
One of the most iconic experiences in Sri Lanka is seeing an elephant in the wild. It is a phenomenal experience and one that you should consider. Minneriya is possibly the best place, especially since the elephants gather at the edge of a man-made lake to socialise and swim.
Yala and Wilpattu National Park are great to spot many of the 102 mammals, 90 of which are indigenous to the island distributed across the diverse climate and geography of the island.

The Marine Life
With packages like Tangerine Tours, you can also book a safari into the sea to go whale watching or swimming with a dolphin or simply staking out on a beach to watch a sea turtle wander in to lay her eggs.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Make sure you add Minneriya National Park, Horton Plains, Yala National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest and Wilpattu National Park to your itinerary.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island with a priceless variety, so as its wildlife- ranging from authentic birds, mammals like elephants and even colourful marine life. The safari parks and sanctuaries there have been designed in such a way that they give the best experiences to their visitors, and this is why you should allocate some time to admire the wildlife in Sri Lanka- once you visit it.

The Birdlife

During your tour in Sri Lanka, travel to Kumana, Yala, Horton Plains or even the Sinharaja Rainforest with Walkers Tours and enjoy the best of birdlife in the country. Discover the behaviours of the migrant species as well as the endemic ones.

The Mammals

As the country is blessed with a diverse climate, vegetation and altitude, there are different species of mammals extensively distributed in Sri Lanka. If you visit any national park here, you will be blessed to see mammals moving in herds in the wild so make sure you capture these rare moments as memories.

The Marine Life

During your tour in Sri Lanka visiting the beaches will obviously be one of your top priorities. Make sure you allocate some time to admire the whales, dolphins, whale sharks and marine turtles- which can be explored via excursions arranged as per your requirements.

The top attractions

While all the above-mentioned experiences are worth enjoying, there are also some super special sceneries that you won’t need to miss. The leopard at Yala National Park, herds of Elephants roaming at Uda Walawe National Park and the monkey population at Polonnaruwa are just some of them.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Wildlife Hotspots in Sri Lanka

If you love witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat then Sri Lanka is the destination for you. Here are some key places where wildlife abounds.

Yala and Wilpattu
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as spotting an elusive Sri Lankan leopard on a safari at the Yala or Wilpattu national parks. These majestic predators are not the only wild inhabitants you may see; be on the lookout for Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and a wide range of bird species too.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A Biosphere Reserve, this forest sanctuary is a premier spot for bird watching. If you stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer, you can easily see many of these birds. The Rainforest Ecolodge, Sinharaja is one such option from where you can head off on birdwatching excursions to spot endemic species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon and Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Minneriya and Udawalawe
At Minneriya National Park you can witness The Gathering (June to September) featuring hundreds of elephants, while the Udawalawe National Park is home to a sizeable elephant population too. On safaris at these parks, one also see a diverse array of other species including toque macaques, mugger crocodiles, deer and if you’re lucky, a leopard or two.

Mirissa and Trincomalee
Located on the south and east coasts respectively, Mirissa and Trincomalee are two of the best spots for whale watching in Sri Lanka. Apart from seeing species like blue whales and humpback whales, you can glimpse playful dolphins too!

Kuang Si Falls

The Kuang Si falls is a must-visit if you are nature lover who is holidaying at or are passing through Luang Prabang.

Image credit-Benh LIEU SONG, Kuang Si Waterfalls Luang Prabang Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

About Kuang Si falls

The waterfalls from a height of about 200 feet and a trail beginning at the shallow bottom pools take you right to the top of the Kuang Si Falls. The colour of the water is a beautiful aqua blue and makes for a great photo backdrop too.

Why you must visit Kuang Si falls

This gorgeous work of nature is a favourite side quest for the travellers in Luang Prabang and if you want to have a bit of nature time in your trip, add this to your list.

Getting there

Being about 30 kilometres away from the south of Luang Prabang hotels, this waterfall will take about two hours to get to if you leave from Avani+ Luang Prabang, for instance.

Entrance

You will be charged a fee of 20,000 kips to gain access to the falls, but it is definitely worth the cash since the trails and paths are so clean and amazingly maintained by the people of Luang Prabang. Most of the pools here can be swum in except one or two, which are holy.

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

Most Thrilling Wildlife in Sri Lanka

From tropical rainforests to the coastal wilderness, Sri Lanka is teeming with wildlife, some species found nowhere else. Here is a destination for the avid bird watchers and pachyderm lovers alike.

Butterfly Sinharaja Rainforest| Img by: Kelum Chathuranga via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, holiday packages that include a visit to Yala National Park should be given most consideration, especially if you wish to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Situated along the south-eastern coast of the island it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Considered by many as the last home of the Sri Lankan lion, a diverse array of wildlife and plant species can be found here. Nestled in clouds it is only accessible by foot, a knowledgeable guide can be the decisive factor on this awe-inspiring trek. Tour operators such as Tangerine Tours offer comprehensive tour packages to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Udawalawa National Park

One of the three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant roams across the ranges of the island. But nowhere will you see such a concentration of these gentle giants as in Udawalawe National Park. It is truly a paradise for the Pachyderm lover.

Horton Plains National Park

One of the most unique eco-systems in the country, this plateau is teeming with herds of Sambar Deer and Wild Boar. Horton Plains is also home to the endemic Bear Monkey, Toque Monkey, and the Long-tailed Squirrel. No visit to the island is complete without a trip to this Shambala hidden in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

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

Green Jungle Park

If you are a person who likes to involve some nature activities in your vacation then visiting the Green Jungle park is a must.

About the park

What was once rubbish and garbage dump is now a beautifully preserved forest. With an amazing waterfall that acts as a backdrop to this park, the view here is nothing short of splendid. The conservation society in this area has shown how people can change nature for the better when they set their minds to it.

Location

The green jungle park is located about 30 kilometres away from the city and you have to travel south to access the area. If you are staying at the hotel in Luang Prabang the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang you can get yourself a cab and also get the directions from the help desk.

Activities inside the park

Within the park, you will find that there is a zipline activity space that stretches out to about 900 metres along with rope courses and monkey bridges. Partaking in these would be fun for everyone in the group.

Food and drink

Within the green jungle park, you will also find that there is a cafe where you can have a few snacks and a cold drink after you enjoy the activities, look around the flower gardens, take a dip in the natural swimming pools and explore the produce market.

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

The Ancient City of Sigiriya

One of the most popular historic sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya was named a UNESCO Heritage Site and is a brief capital of a tragic king who ruled during the 5^th century.

Image result for sigiriya — Sevenryder, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

A Brief History

The fortress and city surrounding the rock was built around the 5^th century by Kashyapa who became king after murdering his father as he had no legitimate claim for the throne being the son of a concubine even though he was the eldest.

He left the capital Anuradhapura behind for fear that his half-brother would seek revenge. He made sure the fortress was impenetrable with fortified walls, moats and a network of waterways that would flood the city and make it impassable.

When his half-brother did come, Kashyapa met him outside of the fortress in battle and died by falling on his sword. How it got to that is shrouded in mystery.

Sigiriya was lost to history after that and was only discovered in the early 1800s. Kashyapa’s rule though it lasted no more than 11 years made the city the spectacle it is today, even in ruins.

Tips to Remember

Sigiriya can be accessed from two small cities nearby; Dambulla and Habarana; each with a drive less than 30 minutes. The site belongs to the Cultural Triangle and is a celebrated area by both tourists and locals in Sri Lanka. Resort hotels have come up in the area to cater to the many tourists. One of the closer resorts is Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

Things to do in Saudi Arabia

Heir to its rich history, Saudi Arabia extends through most of the northern and central Arabian Peninsula. Religion, tribalism and untold wealth are the three elements that have fuelled the country’s history. Here are a few places you can visit when in Saudi Arabia.

Masmak Fortress

This large structure was built around 1865 and looks like it’s right out of a movie. If you’re interested in going through highlights showcasing Saudi Arabia from the years 1912 to 1937, the diverse galleries found in this site exhibit maps and photographs.

Al Shafee Mosque

One of the finest mosques in Jeddah, the historic Al Shafee mosque is named after one of the four great imams of Sunni Islam. The mosque is made according to the Ottoman style, as seen by the impressive minaret. The building also dates back to the 16 century but has been beautifully restored and maintained.

Ithra

20 minutes from Ascott Corniche Al Khobar is where you’ll find this world-class cultural centre. The one of a kind building resembles a space station and is home to a number of things such as; a cinema, exhibition galleries, a library, a museum and a theatre. When you’re at one of the many Al Khobar apartments, take time off to visit this iconic building.

National Museum

One of the finest museums found in the Middle East, this state-of-the-art museum is situated in Riyadh. Inside of this building, you’ll find eight informative galleries different aspects of Saudi Arabia, such as culture, art and history.

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

Hiking in the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Encounters with Sri Lankan Leopards

Did you know that Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards in a national park in the world? That makes it the ideal location to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard while on a safari.

Yala National Park

The 950 square kilometre Yala National Park can be found on the south-eastern coast and is the preferred location for a leopard safari in Sri Lanka. You can visit this reserve on an eco-friendly adventure tour offered by the likes of Nature Odyssey. If you’re lucky, you will also spot jackals, elephants, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, water buffalos, land and water monitors and over 200 species of birds.

Sri Lankan Leopards

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a dapper russet yellow big cat with dark spots and is the largest subspecies of leopard in the world. At roughly 78 kgs, the males are 30% larger than females and are found throughout the country in various habitats. While leopards are considered nocturnal, it is common to spot them in the early mornings or late evenings.

An Endangered Beauty

However, the leopard count in Sri Lanka has fallen to 250 animals due to poaching and fragmentation of habitat. The Sri Lankan Leopard has been listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered.

Big Cat Conservation

The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) is working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation to study the leopard and aid in its conservation. It is hoped that with a concerted effort the leopard population will once again thrive in Sri Lanka

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