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The Best Place in Sri Lanka to See Wild Elephants

Sri Lanka is home to a large population of wild elephants, and one of the best places to see them is this National Park. The park is located in the north-central part of the country and is known for its elephant gathering, where hundreds of elephants can be seen during the dry season.

History

Minneriya National Park was established in 1997 and covers an area of 8,889 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to the ancient Minneriya Tank, a man-made reservoir built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen.

Wildlife

The park is best known for its elephant gathering, which occurs during the dry season (August to September) when elephants come to the Minneriya Tank to drink and bathe. Visitors can also spot leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species, including the rare Sri Lanka junglefowl.

Must-See Attractions

Image via Wikimedia Commons – shankar s. , Minneriya National Park (7568181700), CC BY 2.0

The Minneriya Tank is the main attraction of the park and is a must-see for visitors. This is where “The Gathering” takes place each year. Visitors can also take a safari tour of the park to spot other wildlife and explore the park’s diverse ecosystem. For a unique experience of viewing what the park has to offer, see it from the top, with the help of domestic airlines such as Cinnamon Air.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodations options in and around this National Park, including luxury lodges, eco-friendly resorts, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Visitors can also choose to stay in nearby towns such as Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a lot to offer families. From theme parks and museums to zoos and aquariums, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions to keep children entertained. Here are some of the best places to visit in Hong Kong with kids

Theme Parks

Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-visit for families with children. The park features classic Disney rides and shows, as well as a variety of dining options. Ocean Park is another popular theme park in Hong Kong, with a mix of rides, animal encounters, and shows.

Museums

The Hong Kong Science Museum is a great place for families to learn and discover together. The museum features interactive exhibits on science and technology, as well as a planetarium. The Hong Kong Museum of History is another kid-friendly option, with exhibits on the history and culture of Hong Kong.

Zoos and Aquariums

Image via Wikimedia Commons – KTo288, Hong Kong Maritime Museum 2014-2, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a great place to see a variety of animals, including pandas, monkeys, and reptiles. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about the history of seafaring in Hong Kong.

Where to Stay

There are many family-friendly hotels in Hong Kong, with options to suit all budgets. Some hotels have special packages for families, including discounted rates for children and extra beds in the room. You can also consider staying at a 4 star hotel in Hong Kong the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong.

Other Highlights

The site where The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are located is a popular attraction for families, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an opportunity to learn about Buddhism. The Hong Kong Museum of Art also has a lot of interactive art exhibitions that are great for kids

Discover the Beauty of Bandung: A Guide to Your Perfect Day Trip

As the country’s 3rd largest city, Bandung is not only West Java’s mountain stronghold, but a holiday hotspot for the masses. Here’s what day-trippers can do during a tour of this scenic hideaway.

Tangkuban Perahu | Image by Affan Fadhlan on Unsplash

Marvel at the Cimahi Rainbow Waterfall

While the best time to gaze upon the Cimahi waterfall is during sunset when the light turns the cascade into a vertical rainbow, this towering natural wonder is stunning at any hour. Although the waterfall is known to double in size during the monsoon season, it is worth visiting the venue during the warmer months so that the hike up to the location is a more pleasant experience.

Hike Up the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano

No day tour of Badung would be complete without exploring the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano, which erupted for the last time in 2013. Those who are based at the FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung must find a local tour operator for this volcanic tour even if the hike up to the crater’s lips is not that long.

Take a Dip in the Hot Springs

One of the best things to do in Badung is to enjoy a dip in the many hot springs in town. These hot springs are a result of the area’s volcanic heritage. Apart from the healing benefits of this warm dip, one can also unwind in style at either the Cibolang hot spring or the Sari Ater.

Uncover the Tea Estates

Don’t forget to stop by the many tea estates occupying Bandung where one can not only explore the tea plantations but also sign up for a factory tour. The tea estates close to Kawah Putih are especially captivating and ideal for long walks.

Trekking in Sri Lanka

Wondering where to spend your next island gateway? Sri Lanka will be an ideal choice with its exciting mix of mesmeric beaches, wildlife, and cultural sights.

Hill_Country | img by Sandali.L.Kumarasinghe via wikipedia commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sri Lankan wildlife

Your safari tours in Sri Lanka will be incomplete if you fail to spot a Sri Lankan leopard. It is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Leopard watching is an exciting activity adored by many tourists who visit Sri Lanka for a holiday. The Yala National Park consists of the highest density of leopards, and it is the best place to enjoy a glimpse of these wonderful spotted wild creatures.

Explore the picturesque hill country

Sri Lanka’s hill country is the most stunning, mist-wrapped land featuring spellbinding views lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountains. Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit city showcasing some of the finest golf courses in Asia, breathtaking surroundings and exciting activities like course trekking, horse riding and camping. There are many accommodation options offered by travel entities like Amaya Resorts & Spas to make the best out of your stay.

A train ride to Kandy or Haputale

The train ride between Kandy and Ella is popular as one of the world’s top ten scenic train rides! This route will take you through vast and never-ending tea plantations in the country. The journey will take around four hours. Another option to consider will be to stop for a day or two in the small town of Haputale without going all the way to Kandy.

Go on a safari ride

Despite its appealing biological endemism, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lanka is home to one of the three types of Asian elephants. Due to its largest concentration of elephants, leisure travellers from all around the world spare time to go on an elephant-watching safari to Yala.

Incredible wildlife of Zambia – Animals you can see

The vast Luangwa Valley, the majestic Victoria Falls, and the untamed Zambezi River are all found in the landlocked nation of Zambia, along with more than a dozen National Parks and other important wildlife conservation programs. It should come as no surprise that adventurous travellers who seek unspoiled African nature flock to Zambia. A safari in Zambia is the best opportunity to get up close to the continent’s wildlife. Here are only seven amazing species you can see in their natural settings.

African Elephants

African elephants, the largest species of elephant, can be found in Zambia’s river-rich national parks such as South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. Elephants live in close matriarchal families, much like humans, making them one of the cutest large mammals. The family members are so close to one another that you seldom ever see them more than a few steps apart.

Charles J. Sharp creator QS:P170,Q54800218, African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) female with six-week-old baby, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lions

In Zambia’s grasslands, the king of the jungle spends his time hunting or relaxing. You have a decent chance of seeing one of these gorgeous cats in the southern parts of South Luangwa and Kafue National Park, which both contain sizable pride within a constrained territory. In Kafue, where they are known to be especially playful, you might even catch a pride of lions climbing trees if you’re lucky. You can arrange for a safari with your Livingstone hotel in Victoria Falls.

White Rhinos

Due to poaching, white rhinos, the largest species of rhinoceros, were once uncommon in southern Africa. The Zambia Wildlife Authority did, however, transport four white rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in 2010. Currently, a herd of over ten animals is closely guarded and lives close to Victoria Falls to stop poaching.

Giraffes

Giraffes, the world’s tallest mammals, graze on trees in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Thornycroft’s giraffe subspecies is only found in Zambia and has distinctive markings. About 20 giraffes make up a herd. You might even be lucky to spot a few at your resort such as Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

A Visit to Yala National Park

Being one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka, a visit to Yala National Park is a must if you are ever on vacation on this charming island. Here are some of the highlights.

Yala National Park

Spanning a total area of 900 sq km, Yala National Park is easily one of the most enormous national parks in Sri Lanka. This exotic sanctuary was once a popular hunting ground for the British but now claims to have the highest leopard density in Asia whilst sheltering a host of other fauna the likes of sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and exotic bird species.

What to see and do

The Yala National Park tops as a hotspot for spotting leopards. Hop on board a 4 x 4 safari ride with binoculars in your hand during dawn or dusk to catch these inimitable animals in action. Whilst catching a glimpse of leopards has become a coveted attraction among travellers, there is a host of other wildlife to be seen amidst these exotic savannahs. During a ride along this wildlife sanctuary, you can easily spot some sloth bears, ample endemic birds emerging out of mangroves and elephants roaming across the land.

Hotspots for Accommodation

From small boutique hotels and eco-friendly villas to opulent hotels and retreats by the jungle, you are spoilt for accommodation choices when holidaying in Yala. Amongst the top-notch accommodation spots in the area, a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala is indeed a wise pick for the hotel is kin to camping in the wild except with luxurious amenities brought to your arms.

Best time to go on safari

The dry season from February to June is the idyllic time to go on a safari in this exotic wildlife paradise. With water levels decreasing, there is ample opportunity to witness wild animals emerging out of their habitats in search of water. The park also boasts a serene year-round temperature of 29°C and only experiences heavy showers during the months from September to December.

Exploring the Bako National Park in Sarawak

Those who love nature, hiking or wildlife encounters have plenty to look forward to on a visit to the Bako National Park in Sarawak and here’s more on what you need to know.

Getting There

This national park can be found in the Muara Tebas peninsula’s northern part and is around 37 km from the city of Kuching. Those based here in the prime district of Jalan Simpang Tiga at properties like Citadines Uplands Kuching can easily plan an excursion to this site; look to leave a bit early (around 8:00am or before) by bus or taxi to the Bako jetty from where you need to take a shuttle boat (around a 20-minute journey) or book a private charter to the park.

What to Expect

Once you have found accommodation among the places to stay, Kuching excursions to this site will offer plenty to discover. While this is one of the smallest national parks in Southeast Asia, it is blessed with rich biodiversity and has seven varied ecosystems along with diverse wildlife. It’s home to everything from mangroves and grasslands to mixed dipterocarp forest, idyllic beaches and more with different trails on offer too.

Wildlife to Spot

On your visit to Bako National Park, you may spot some of its many animal residents including the hilarious-looking proboscis monkey with its pot belly and large nose! You may also see other primates like silver-leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques as well as bearded pigs, squirrels and wild boars. Birdwatching enthusiasts have a chance to also catch sight of the ruddy kingfisher, Asian fairy-bluebird, sunda scops owl and many other bird species.

Varied Trails

Amongst the best things to do in Sarawak for those who love trekking is to explore the many trails at this park. In fact, it has 18 trails that are colour-coded and provide both short hikes and those that can be for almost the whole day. Highlights include the Telok Pandan Kecil trail which takes one to a small beach, while the Telok Delima and Telok Paku trails are great for spotting wildlife. For a longer trek, consider the Lintang Loop that takes you to the varied habitats of Bako National Park.

Camping in Sri Lanka for an Adventurous Getaway

If you’re looking to escape the busy city life in Sri Lanka and escape to nature, camping is one fine way to do so. Here are some excellent sites to get your tent out, set up, and enjoy uninterrupted, stunning landscapes.

Udawalawe National Park

Known for its elephant population, Udawalawe National Park stretches over 30,000 hectares. Animals such as wild boar, jackals, common langurs, sambar dear and over 180 species of birds call this park their home. To travel here, get one of the many self-drive cars in Sri Lanka, offered by the likes of Malkey Rent A Car, where you can drive at your own pace. Depending on the area of the park that you want to camp in, the price may vary.

Ella

The central highlands of Sri Lanka emit beauty so splendid that you’ll never want to leave. Famous for its lush green hills and now thriving party scene, Ella will not disappoint hopeful campers! You can also hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit Ravana caves.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Another spectacular location found in central Sri Lanka, Knuckles boasts many forest trails and sites ideal for camping. In fact, this location is ideal for eco-camping, so now only are you enjoying yourself, but you’re also conserving the environment.

Yala National Park

The most renowned National Park in Sri Lanka, Yala is full of picture-perfect sceneries, bordering the Indian Ocean. You will spot many mammals, birds and insects while you’re here, that’s a given! Camping with the sounds of nature and wildlife around you is surreal in Yala. There are also onsite washrooms and barbeque facilities.

Top Experiences and Adventures in Indonesia You Should Definitely Try

Those with a passion for adventurous activities and thrilling excursions will find Indonesia meets their holiday needs. Let’s explore some of the most exciting experiences available in the country.

Mangrove Forest Tour

Ranked among the most rewarding things to do in Indonesia, exploring the mangrove forests occupying breathtaking Bintan is a must for those who wish to walk on the wild side with mangrove snakes staring back from branches above. There’s no better way to uncover the beauty of nature than embarking on this mangrove tour. Visitors based at The Residence Bintan and similar rests will find that it is one of the top things to do in Bintan.

Snorkelling in Kanawa

Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling destinations in Indonesia, Kanawa offers tourists a glimpse of the coral gardens and the marine life occupying the Indonesian sea bed. Often compared to the exquisite underwater landscapes of Koh Phi Phi, Kanawa is a less crowded locale to engage in your favourite activity.

Ayung River Rafting

Those who head down to Ubud for a beach holiday can also sign up for a river rafting excursion of a lifetime. Taking rafters through the dense jungles of this tropical paradise, the rapids of Ayung River offer experienced and newbie rafters a fantastic challenge.

ATV Ride

ATV rides are not only accessible on the beaches of Indonesia and its pastoral villages but also in the country’s lush jungles. Travellers hankering for an off-road adventure will find that there’s nothing more engaging than driving down the rocky surfaces of Indonesia’s untamed wildernesses.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Horton Plains

Horton Plains, one of the national parks in Sri Lanka, is an example of Sri Lanka’s unspoiled natural beauty. It is also one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. With thriving wildlife and milder climate conditions, the place offers a respite from the typical harsh weather conditions of the country.

What you need to know

You need to carry plenty of water with you as there aren’t any shops here. You cannot really bring plastic bags with you, and make sure you don’t litter. Also, if you are planning to visit in the afternoon, wear sunscreen.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels near Hotel Plains; all you have to do is take your time and find one that suits your budget. It’s best to choose a hotel like Araliya Green Hills, as Horton Plains is part of the experiences on offer.

Baker’s Falls

You have to hike through uneven terrain to get here, but it’ll be worth it. Baker’s Falls is one of the principal attractions here. Named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, the waterfall has a height of 20 metres.

World’s End

For scenic panoramic vistas, visit the World’s End. The journey is fairly easy, with frequent wildlife encounters. World’s End is a steep cliff that’s considered one of the best lookouts in the country. The views you get here stretch across two provinces.

Camping

To camp in Horton Plains, all you need is basic camping gear; however, as you are alone, you should consult a tour guide to ensure that you don’t do anything you are not supposed to. You can also get in touch with a tour operator.