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Stay at a Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido

Ski holidays and adventures in the snow are always a great idea. Read on to find out more about Japan’s most popular ski resort and what you can expect when you make your way to chilly Niseko!

Where Can You Stay?

You can bet that there’s ample choice of Niseko accommodation given how popular this spot is the world over for its amazing slopes. Hotels such as Chatrium Niseko Japan offer a warm and cosy respite from the chilly breeze and the ample snow outside!

What Can You Do?

Whether or not you’ve ever skied before, Niseko is a great place to have at it! Learn how to manoeuvre the baby slopes under the care of a trained instructor or else just do some snowboarding to make the most of the snowy slopes.

Ski Terrain

As far as world-famous ski terrains and slopes, Niseko is rated up there by avid skiers. Widely acclaimed as the best place to ski in Japan, the slopes are perfect for those who want to put their skiing skills to the test!

What Else Can I Do?

Niseko has plenty of places to eat and drink! So, if you aren’t in the snow, you can warm yourself with a hot chocolate or a delicious meal at one of its many restaurants. Apart from local delights, there’s plenty of international cuisine on offer to accommodate the influx of skiers from the world over!

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.

Why Kandy is Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital

A popular day-trip destination for all, Kandy is not only home to the Temple of the Tooth but some of Sri Lanka’s top cultural highlights. Here’s why this hill station is deemed the cultural heart of the island.

Ceylon_tea — Charles R. Benedict, Ceylon tea, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Temple of the Tooth

The main reason why Kandy is dubbed the cultural epicentre of Sri Lanka is that it is where the Temple of the Tooth is located. The sacred dental remains of Lord Buddha are contained within this iconic shrine, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site decades ago.

Historic Kandy Lake

Although most visitors know that enjoying a boat ride on Kandy Lake is one of the top things to do in Kandy, few are aware of the legacy of this manmade body of water. Having been the execution site for many Sri Lankan nobles during British colonial rule, Kandy Lake is most infamously connected with the beheading of local hero Madduma Bandara and his family.

Tea Country

Whether you are based at the Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy or any other rest, a tour of the tea estates and factories surrounding the city will illustrate how it is a prime tea-producing region in Sri Lanka. World-famous Ceylon Tea is linked with the plantations and colonial-era tea factories that still function today and form a part of the hillside’s tea country.

Kandyan Dance and Drumming Heritage

As a dance tradition that differs significantly from the island’s southern dance school, Kandyan dance and drumming techniques date back centuries and have been preserved by local artists.

The Best Places to Visit in Doha

A destination with plenty to discover, Doha, the capital of Qatar, will not disappoint intrepid travellers and here are some of the key places to explore and experience.

Souq Waqif

Amongst the most famous attractions in Doha, the historical Souq Waqif is a sprawling traditional marketplace where one can soak up local culture as well. As you wander around this site, you will come across everything from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing and spices to gold, art and falcons! When hunger strikes, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes here too.

Al Wakra

A seaside locale, Al Wakra is not only a great place to visit but also stay at for those looking to enjoy luxurious comforts and holistic healing at a spa in Doha, Qatar. Not to be missed is Souq Al Wakra a popular coastal marketplace located next to Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli; also nearby is an idyllic public family beach with shallow waters and playgrounds ideal for kids.

Doha Corniche

A waterfront promenade that runs along Doha Bay for around 7 km, the Doha Corniche is another must-visit place of interest. A well-known spot for both relaxation and recreation, it is popular with joggers and skaters too; there are parks and play areas for kids here, while you can also head to the stunning Museum of Islamic Art and take a dhow cruise as well.

Katara Cultural Village

Amongst the best things to do in Doha is to visit the Katara Cultural Village which offers more insights into local culture. Noteworthy highlights include the Katara Mosque, Gold Mosque, Al Thuraya Planetarium, and a Greek-style amphitheater, while there are various art galleries and eateries too. Here, you will also find Katara Beach with lots of water sports on offer.

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.

The Underrated Safari Experiences in Sri Lanka

Famed for its tropical beaches and alluring sunsets, Sri Lanka may not appear to be the bearer of forests and jungles of untamed wildlife. However, the country’s reputation as a tropical vacation hub overshadows its ability to provide some of the best-known safaris.

1024px-Minneriya_National_Park,_elephants_gathering — Walter Gehr, Minneriya National Park, elephants gathering, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Road to a Minneriya Safari

A 17-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Minneriya National Park from hotels like Aliya Resort and Spa. The park is known to be one of the best places on the island to witness the largest elephant gatherings that occur during the months of June to September. Most accommodations in the area offer safari packages to tourists which are inclusive of well-trained drivers to educate them along the way, and it is also about a 20-30 minutes distance from most other Sigiriya hotels in the area.

A Jungle Exploit

While visitors can witness herds of elephants freely roaming out and about, they are not the only wildlife that can be spotted at the Minneriya National Park. The sanctuary is home to a wide array of species ranging from eagles, monkeys and peacocks that can be seen in numbers. The park shelters 24 species of mammals, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies and 26 species of fish.

Travelling with Young Ones

A safari at the Minneriya National Park is not one that is catered only for adults but is considered a safe experience for children as well. While older children are likely to appreciate wildlife and the knowledge of their lifestyles, younger ones are more drawn to the thrill of the jeep ride and climbing up the rocks in the park

The Overall Experience

Many travellers have shared positive testimonies of their fabulous experiences at the Minneriya National Park, commenting on the expertise of the drivers and guides that accompany them throughout the journey. This family-friendly safari is certain to be one of education as well as a real-life adventure for adults and children alike.

Adventurous Tours Around the Wildlife Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is well known for its iconic wildlife and national parks among many travellers who visit the country. Are you a wildlife enthusiast too? Here are a few national parks that you cannot miss out on when you visit the island.

Yala National Park

Prepare for an adventure like no other when you visit Yala National Park. This land area has a rich ecosystem from monsoon forests to grasslands and sandy beaches. The highlight of your safari here would be observing the elephants and Sri Lankan leopards.

Horton Plains

Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, this is where you ought to be to observe the splendour of the island’s natural environment. The precipice known as World’s End is the most popular spot to visit here.

Udawalawa National Park

This park has mainly marshes and plains that are full of wildlife activity. If you are lodged at one of the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka close to this national park, do visit to observe the wild elephants and beautiful birds that live here.

Wilpattu National Park

This is a land area that is rich in flora and fauna due to the many lakes within its premises. Around these bodies of water live leopards, elephants, water buffalos and the lazy sloth bears too. Don’t forget to enjoy a stay at hotels by KK Collection too as you embark on your safaris.

Minneriya Elephant Gathering

The elephant gathering at Minneriya is one of the most famous wildlife phenomena in the world! Elephants from different herds all gather together to travel in search of water to Minneriya Wewa. One could even call it the elephant’s summer home for their summer vacation.

When and where?

Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is the spot where elephants from all over the country gather. This occurs during the dry season from July to October.

Why?

During the dry season of Sri Lanka, the water available for these huge mammals decrease in other parts of the country. Minneriya National Park has plenty of water and shelter for these giants of the wild.

How can I see the gathering?

This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. You can rent a vehicle from Malkey Rent A Car and drive up to this region. There are a few hotels that provide easy access to this national park at which you could stay and set out with a guide at the right time.

Best time to go

Although you’ve got time from July to October, the best time to visit for the best experience would be in August and September.

Minneriya National Park

Giving you the perfect respite from becoming ‘templed-out during your stay in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park will feast your eyes with its famous ‘elephant gathering’. Read and know more facts.

Overview

Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park unfolds plenty of lush forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It’s located in the North Central Province, Polonnaruwa district. The wetlands closer to the reservoir provides an important feeding ground during the dry season. If you are starting your journey from Colombo, book an air taxi in Sri Lanka with an entity like Cinnamon Air, to make your journey faster and hassle-free

The elephant gathering

This is an entirely natural phenomenon that takes place between August and September annually. The largest meeting venue for Asian elephants! Park’s reservoir welcomes more than 300 elephants during the dry season. An amazing sight to behold!

Vegetation

The park’s vegetation comprises wetlands, grasslands, abandoned chena cultivated lands, and tropical dry mixed lush forests. The reservoir along with its surroundings plays a significant role as a wetland, speaking volumes of its rich biodiversity.

Fauna

The Minneriya National Park is home to more than 24 species of endemic animals. The most important of them is the ‘wild elephant’. You can also spot different species of aquatic birds and fishes.