Land - The Adventure Travel Site

Minneriya National Park

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1938 and then upgraded to a Wildlife Park in 1997, Minneriya National Park houses the historic Minneriya reservoir that dates from the 3rd century CE. During the area’s dry season, the park is a very special place as elephant herds from Matale, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts come to enjoy grazing and quenching their thirst here. Together with two other reservoirs close to the park, Minneriya forms one of Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.

While the park’s diverse range of large and small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and butterflies is undoubtedly interesting to all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the most iconic attraction is the large number of elephants that congregate here, which is known as the ‘ elephant gathering’ and this is globally celebrated as one of the largest gatherings of mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, in the wild. The magnet that sets off this seasonal movement of elephants is the succulent grasses on the dry parts of the reservoir bed and the easy access to water. The ‘gathering’ takes place from mid-July and lasts until end-October, but peaks in August and September. The best time to view the elephants is in the evening when they emerge from the surrounding jungle in little groups that slowly forms a large herd that is sometimes said to number 300. Not only can visitors have a rare sighting of elephants in family groups, but they are also seen at their natural best, gamboling and cavorting in the water.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the park’s other attractions, endemic species such as the purple-faced langur and toque macaque, the Sri Lankan leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the gray slender loris and many other endangered and endemic species that are the park’s other inhabitants are of interest as well. For fervent birders, the host of large water birds as well as migrants and many residents that are found in and around the Minneriya reservoir makes a visit here truly worthwhile. Flocks of cormorants, pelicans, grey herons and other water birds are busy foraging for food around the water while jungle fowl, parrots, babblers, bulbuls and other endemic varieties favour the forest and scrub areas around the reservoir. Crocodiles, pythons and water monitors are among the reptiles that prey on the animals coming to the reservoir for water. Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, viewing the wildlife in the park is truly an exceptional experience.

To discover these and more natural treasures on the island, take advantage of some well-tailored holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer its visitors for a stimulating and pleasurable travel experience. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka is a renowned travel company, which offers some competitive Sri Lanka tour packages that enable visitors to explore the country’s culture, heritage and the beauty of its landscapes.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is almost exactly like snowboarding except that it is done in the desert instead of snow-topped mountains. Although not as popular as snowboarding, sand boarding is quickly catching on as a fun recreational activity. It is a highly thrilling sport and riders can reach speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, all on a simple board made out of fibre glass and wood. Unlike snowboarding, one can go sand boarding at any time of the year and good locations are easier to find. After all, it can be carried out at any place with large dunes, be it a desert or a beach.

Those interested in trying out the sport should try the Middle East region. It is, aptly enough, one of the best places in the world to try out this adventure sport. Although popular in countries throughout the Middle East, sand boarding has found a special place in Oman. The most popular spots in the country are the Bousher Dunes in Muscat and the Wahiba Sands in Sifah. One need not be an expert to ride here as there are dunes of different sizes and inclines found here.

Other popular activities in Oman include quad biking, dune bashing, mountain climbing and desert trekking. Dune bashing is an activity where people drive around sand dunes in four wheel drive trucks – it is a little scarier than it sounds as some dunes can be quite steep. Tourists visiting Oman should also think of taking a safari on camel back and spending a night at a Bedouin camp. Staying at a Bedouin camp is the best way to experience the desert at night and enjoy the famous Arabian hospitality.

There are many places in Oman that provide facilities for adventure desert activities. However, one can minimise the hassles of finding a good one by staying at proper Oman hotels that already come with such facilities. The Desert Nights Camp is one such hotel in Oman that provides facilities for a variety of desert-related activities such as trekking and quad biking. The accommodation on offer is stellar and guests get to sleep in large Arabian-styled tents that come with air conditioning. It is truly an excellent place to stay.

Maldives Parasailing Adventures

Made up of more than a thousand tiny coral islets the island paradise of Maldives is a beach holiday lover’s dream come true in Asia. With its crystal clear oceans littered with stunning tropical islands and its ocean floors covered in breathtaking coral reefs, one could hardly conceive of a more suitable location for engaging excursions the likes of island hopping tours and diving expeditions. But there is another more recently introduced sporting activity that is gaining traction among frequent visitors to the island and that is the water sport known as parasailing.

Offering visitors a truly unique perspective of the paradise isles and its boundless natural beauty a parasailing excursion is an activity that is open to tourists of all fitness levels. Most resorts on the archipelago provide parasailing facilities, gear and even offer lessons for those who are new to the sport. All one needs is a healthy sense of adventure and no fear of heights as the soaring experience takes visitors to awe inspiring heights fuelled by the strong gusts of wind that are prevalent in the Maldives for most of the year.

The fundamentals of parasailing include tugging along a parachute fastened participant wearing skis that glide along the water before soaring several hundreds of feet above the water to witness truly spectacular views of the surroundings. The super fast speed boats begin at a regular pace before accelerating their speed to reach the correct conditions for parasailing activities. The participants in turn glide along the water surface at first and then soar to the sky with the aid of the wind aerating their parachutes and the speed of the boat. Couples can go parasailing together and enjoy a romantic experience akin to flying above the ocean floor while single individuals can either parasail solo or partner up with a fellow tourist for company.

Those taking part in parasailing can expect to see coral islands and resorts for miles around on this brief aerial tour which affords panoramic views of the Maldives from a truly unique vantage point, suspended above the ocean waters.

Travellers in search of quality accommodation in Maldives will find no finer alternative to the living space at Anantara Dhigu Maldives. Offering guests a variety of stylish guestrooms with contemporary amenities this Maldives resort is perfectly suited for both holidaymakers and those on business.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Seaplane Photo Flights

While parasailing may provide a thrilling view of Maldives from up high, those looking for a truly spectacular bird’s eye view of the islands should look to take seaplane photo flights. Travellers in search of luxury hotels Maldives has to offer that will help to organise such excursions can stay at Kurumba Maldives. One of the leading Maldives resorts it features luxurious accommodation and lets you enjoy unforgettable views by seaplane of the North Male Atoll.

Since seaplanes can take off and land on water, you have a great opportunity to view these islands from rather unique vantage points. On your journey of discovery you will get a chance to enjoy a whole new perspective of the dazzling blues that abound as far as the eyes can see. On this tour you can observe the rich tapestry of nature that is the Maldives; coral formations beneath the waves, scenic lagoons, idyllic stretches of beach drenched in the sun and if you are luck, even glimpse dolphins playfully frolicking in the waters.

Enjoying Thrilling Water Sports in Galle

Sri Lanka’s South Coast has gained fame the world over not only for its golden sand beaches, but also for the exciting water sports it offers that provide plenty of fun in the sun. Galle is one of the most visited destination here and one where you can experience a variety of such activities. Those in search of Galle resorts from which to visit these coastal areas can stay at Jetwing Kurulubedda. Featuring elegant villas in Galle it provides a tranquil escape from which to head off on your excursions.

One of the best beaches that one can visit when exploring Galle is undoubtedly Hikkaduwa which is a popular haunt amongst water sport enthusiasts. Snorkelling is an activity that lets you discover the breathtaking underwater world that lies under the waves here, while diving also affords plenty of opportunity for a deep sea adventure. Do not miss a visit to Unawatuna beach which is a popular spot for such water sports as surfing which provides a thrilling way to ride the waves.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Rumassala Mountain Hike

If you love the great outdoors and are looking for adventure when heading to the Southern area of Sri Lanka, then make sure to plan a hike up Rumassala Mountain. This picturesque natural site can be found within easy reach of the Galle harbour and those in search of well placed Galle hotels to stay at can consider Jetwing Lighthouse. One of the leading hotels in Galle, it offers a luxurious home away from home in this famous Southern city.

Plan a visit to Rumassala Mountain where one can engage in a hike, set amidst stunning vistas. The mountain which also goes by the name ‘Buona Vista’ is associated with several legends and provides a fascinating day out in nature. The area in and around Rumassala is home to a rich biodiversity and as you explore and hike up the mountain you will across a variety of endemic species be it flora or fauna. It is not uncommon to see monkeys in the trees and birdwatchers may even catch a glimpse of a white-bellied sea eagle. At the summit one will find a Buddhist dagoba known as the Peace Pagoda along with a statute of the monkey god, Hanuman who is tied in with one of the legends of Rumassala. Best of all is the breathtaking view of Galle Bay that awaits those making their way to the top.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Blanco Renaissance Museum

The Ubud region in Bali is home to a decadent array of unique cultural treasures undiscovered anywhere else in the world. For a true immersion into authentic Ubud culture, a visitor should invest in Ubud accommodation that blends the best of traditional and international trappings for a superb example of Balinese hospitality. The Alila Ubud is an elegantly-appointed property that serves its guests with the contemporary amenities set within traditional interiors for a one-of-a-kind Ubud hotel experience. No visit to Ubud is complete without a tour of the iconic Blanco Renaissance museum, a cultural coalescence that takes place at the confluence of two sacred rivers. The museum captures the life of one of Bali’s most famous expats, Don Antonio Blanco, whose unique paintings that drew from a European heritage to effectively evoke Balinese subjects, made him a household name in Bali, and in fact, in the entire country. A Spaniard brought up in Manilla, who was educated in the United Sates, and later married and settled down in Indonesia, Don Blanco was Manila’s original poster child for diversity. His paintings drew from his fascination with the female form and his exquisite paintings are an intriguing mix of fantasy and erotica designed to enchant the mind and titillate the senses. The museum mansion was built to capture Don Blanco’s love for Bali and it is a true work of esoteric art in and of itself, as it is a spiritual fantasyland that employs elements from Balinese spirituality. Two winding marble staircases represent the apparent duality of the world, and three floors representing the earthly realm, the middle realm and the heavens provide a playground for gods, humans and beasts. The topmost floor rightly holds all of Don Blanco’s artwork while the second showcases his poetry. The mansion’s interiors are ornate in nature and are windowless, although a spectacular stained-glass dome draws in ample amounts of natural light. The mansion complex also boasts beautiful manicured gardens and even a gorgeous family temple contained within the complex. Visitors can marvel at the paintings hung for display, purchase some souvenirs and knick-knacks at the quaint little boutique, and later on, grab a delicious bite at the onsite café that serves a blend of exquisite European and Asian cuisine. An exquisite feast for the senses, this renaissance museum is guaranteed to mesmerize you in body, mind and soul.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Climbing Doi Inthanon Mountain in Thailand

Chiang Mai is a rare gem of the Southeast Asian landscape, offering unique facets of discovery for the cultural treasure hunter. Discover the amazing sights along the Chao Phraya River, one of the major arteries of trade and tourism in Bangkok, via a Bangkok cruise tour that is ideal for some river exploration, and will take you all the way to Chain Mai, in the verdant Northern part of the country. Discover the delights afforded by Anantara Cruises Thailand, which is one company offering some of the best Bangkok cruises for you to discover the natural wonders along the verdant riverscape. While you’re in the city and craving a break from all the steel and concrete, take a day trip and climb up the Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, set in the midst of a scenic national park. But this isn’t as labourious as it sounds, as there are many options for transport to the top. A public bus will take you up the well-built road as will many private tours, or you could even rent a car, which may be the best option as you can take your time and enjoy the various sights on the way to the top, for around USD 60-70. The park boasts a number of waterfalls that demand the nature lover’s attention, two of which are the Sirithan and the Wachirathan waterfalls. Wachirathan also has restroom stops, restaurants and a car park. Two unique sights are also the two royal chedis or stupas built in honour of the King and Queen of Thailand, to celebrate their 60^th birthday anniversaries, which fell in 1987 and 1992, respectively. Inner shrines and beautiful wall murals await visitors to the royal tributes. The summit of the mountain is close by, and you can drive almost to the top, if you wanted. Take your picture underneath the “highest point in Thailand” sign, but remember to be quick about it, because there’s always a long line of people wanting the same privilege! Follow the winding path past the sign into the temperate forest, which will take you to a quaint little rangers hut and a souvenier boutique, where you can purchase some knickknacks to commemorate your visit to the summit in the form of hats, t-shirts, magnets, etc. If you want to tread off the beaten path, take a short hike from here through a wooden walkway, which will evoke a sense of timeless wonder as you tread a path flanked by mosses, lichens and aged fern trees. A short walk will take you back to the visitor’s car park as you bid Doi Inthanon goodbye.

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Indulge in an Adventure of a Lifetime on a Wadi Bashing Safari of Abu Dhabi

Renowned as one of Abu Dhabi most engaging off-road adventures Wadi bashing is fast becoming one of the best reasons to holiday in the desert landscapes of the country. With hundreds of acres of vast desert expanses littered with sand dunes at one’s disposal there could hardly be a more conducive environment to engage in Wadi bashing safaris. Experienced tour operators offer a variety of Wadi bashing encounters that are conducted in the sandy terrains of the Liwa’s 300m sand dune stretch which is deemed a perfect location for the adrenalin pumping activity by experts.

The breathtaking sand valley of Liwa is home to dozens of sand dunes that make for a challenging desert driving experience on a 4×4. Although drivers can rent a vehicle from the city and take on the sand dunes without the aid of tour operators or guides tourist are advised not to traverse the desert landscapes alone but travel in a retinue of at least two vehicles.

Inexperienced off-road drivers or those who are looking to take up the adventure sport can take a one day crash course offered by Wadi bashing tour vendors or go for a more intensive five day course where skills on navigating the sand dunes can be acquired and honed at leisure. The off-road 4×4 vehicles used in Wadi bashing expeditions are fitted with state-of-the-art recovery gear such as winch cables, tyre gauges that automatically aerates the tyre for specific driving situations and communication devices.

Most tours explore the dunes along the Rub Al Khali or the Empty Quarter where 300m high dunes are a staple while the captivating sandy mountains of Moreeb Hill offer equally challenging Wadi bashing surfaces. Historic sites such as Fossil Rock, Camel Rock and Saddle Rock also come in to view during the trip which culminates with snacks and refreshments. Riders can also explore camel farms and camp out for the night beneath the stars if they so desire.

Travellers in search of luxury Abu Dhabi beach hotels should look no further than the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally situated in a scenic location, this elegant Abu Dhabi resort is a truly desirable option.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Reef Casting In Maldives

The archipelago of Maldives consists of over a thousand islands that were formed many centuries ago. The islands started off as volcanoes of various sizes. As time progressed, the volcanoes were overrun with coral. Eventually the volcanoes receded, leaving behind the coral formations that became the world-famous holiday spot. The islands of Maldives are completely made of coral and this not only explains the pure white sandy beaches, but also the profusion of life found around the coast. The extensive reef system that surrounds Maldives makes it the perfect home for a variety of strange and exotic aquatic life.

Maldives is home to many popular water related activities and fishing is one of them. Boasting an amazing marine biodiversity, the country is a haven for professional and amateur anglers alike. Visitors looking for a relaxing way to spend the day will definitely enjoy a spot of fishing in this unique locale. Reef casting is one type of fishing that has been gaining popularity in recent times. For this, one needs to hire a boat to get close to the reefs. Try hiring a dhoni, which is a traditional Maldivian seafaring vessel.

Fishing in the reefs is the best way to capture certain fish like the Giant Trevally Jack, which can grow nearly two metres in length. Other popular species that can be found near the reefs include Bluefin Trevally Jack, snappers, barracuda, and different types of groupers. Remember, reef casting is a little tricky and requires some patience. Anglers looking to tackle bigger game can try deep sea fishing. There are many operations in Maldives that can arrange fishing expeditions. Not only do they provide the boats and the necessary equipment but can also offer tips on the best fishing spots around.

Tourists can enjoy fishing and a whole host of other activities at the Adaaran Meedhuppary, one of the best Maldives hotels in the country. This quality Maldives resort provides plush accommodation and a range of services, including spa treatments. It is the ideal place to stay, whether one is planning on having an excitement-filled vacation spent trying out various water sports or a quiet time lounging in the sun.

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