Land - The Adventure Travel Site

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+

Penang Travel Guide

Penang is a perfect mix of different cultures where Chinese, Indians and Malays reside together. Penang has a population of 1.8 million and there’s plenty to keep you occupied! Here’s a list.

Image credit- Semi-auto, 2018 New Year Fireworks in George Town, Penang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Blue Mansion

Also known as the most photographed building in George Town, this beautiful building was built in the 1880s. The 38 room and 228 window mansion contain several unique features, each explained through guided tours. You must listen to the story of Cheong Fatt Tze, the ‘rags to riches’ Hakka merchant commissioned the blue mansion for his 7th wife.

Penang National Park

15 minutes from PARKROYAL Penang Resort and easy to get to from any Penang hotel, the Penang National Park is Malaysia’s smallest national park. There are trails with varying distances, each serving gorgeous views of nature!

Butterfly Farm

For a completely beautiful and surreal experience, you mustn’t miss the Butterfly Farm! Over 15,000 free-flying butterflies together with 200 species of varying fauna, you get to learn all about butterflies and their lives.

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+

Explore Koneswaram Kovil

The temple is known as Thirukonamalai Konesar and is what gave the city its name “Trincomalee.” It’s one of the most sacred medieval temples for the Hindu devotees. It sits atop Swami Rock, also known as Konamalai and has been referred to in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. During its golden age, it was known as the Rome of the Gentiles.

The Ravana Connection

The Ramayana tells of the temple being patronised by Ravana the legendary king of Lanka and his mother who was a pious devotee of Shiva. Legend has it that Ravana was attempting to lift the temple and take it to his mother after she fell ill and could no longer visit the temple, but the god in anger made Ravana trip and he dropped his sword where it created the cut on the cliff face which is known to this day Ravana’s Cleft.

The Temple of a Thousand Pillars

The temple was said to consist of a thousand golden pillars and richly decorated thanks to the generosity of the Chola dynasties and after them the Pandayan kings. The temple contains carvings that date back as far as the 5th century.

The Colonial Desolation

The temple can be visited today with a short drive through Fort Frederick from any of the resorts in Trincomalee. However, the present temple was reconstructed recently after the old temple was shoved off the cliff into the sea by Portuguese invaders. Arranging a tour with a resort like Trinco Blu by Cinnamon will give visitors some background to what they will be seeing.

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.

Traveling the Maldives on a Budget: It’s Possible!

You may have always pictured the Maldives as an expensive tourist destination, but as per the current state, it is really not. Although Maldivian islands are the homes for many of the super-luxury resorts and private apartments, there are also inexpensive options for you to follow during your tour.

Go for good accommodation options

If you are searching for the very best resorts in the Maldives, you will have to forget the affordability factor. But, since Maldivian islands have been attracting budget travelers in bulk for the past couple of years, now there are good places to stay for reasonable prices, which you can try out.

Use local transportation modes

You may have to forget seaplanes if you are budget concerned. Always use local ferries that are available or even the boat services that are offered by local fishermen in islands. You have the option of speedboats, but they are expensive.

Find inexpensive excursions

Many resort properties belonging to chains the likes of Adaaran Maldives provide their visitors the excursion experiences. There is a saving you can make when you book an excursion through the hotel, rather than direct booking with a third-party service provider.

Take good food-at affordable rates

The best thing is that there are many Maldivian resorts that provide free breakfast options. For other meals, you may try restaurants on your island, but make sure you check their rates before you order your food.

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+

See the Best of Colombo in a Day

For starters, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo, has so much to see, you should ideally spend more than a day here! But, if you only have one day, here’s what to add to your itinerary.

Colombo Fort

A bustling area which offers some bargaining shopping too, Colombo Fort is easy to reach be you staying at a budget or luxury hotel Colombo has to offer. Within its maze of streets, you will find all manner of shops and pavement vendors selling everything from clothes and mobile phones to fresh fruits and sweets.

Gangaramaya Temple

To soak up some culture, head to the Gangaramaya Temple located near Beira Lake and around a five minute drive from Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This sacred Buddhist site features a mix of architectural styles and also has a fascinating museum with an eclectic array of statues and items given as gifts.

Independence Square

One of Colombo’s most popular spots for recreation and relaxation, Independence Square is also home to the Independence Memorial Hall which is worth a visit. You can spend time exploring the area, enjoying bike rides or indulging in some retail therapy at the adjoining Arcade Independence Square mall.

Galle Face Green

The ideal place to end the day, Galle Face Green is a public space beside the ocean where one can just unwind, fly kites or even have a family picnic. There’s a small stretch of shore if you want to get your feet wet in the waves, while you can also try some of Colombo’s famous street food here including “kottu roti”.

Best Attractions in Yangon

Yangon was once the capital of Myanmar, known as Rangoon when the country was Burma. It is a very interesting city which was in the background as a tourist spot compared to giant tourist pullers like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Today it is slowly coming into the spotlight and is an experience unlike any other. Here are some must-see sites in Yangon.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most important temple in Myanmar and is such a spectacular sight that can be seen from many angles of the city. The main pagoda is 325 ft tall and the entire temple takes over two hours to explore. The Burmese believe that the temples are over 2,600 years old.

Maha Bandula Road Night Market

The Maha Bandula Road Night Market is a bizarre and loud market that is always crowded and is a complete kaleidoscope of smells. You can try the local beer which is also called Myanmar and maybe try a fried insect if you feel like it. It is about 10 minutes by car from PARKROYAL Yangon.

Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake and Nature Park is a great place for a little quiet in a loud and boisterous city. If you’ve come out to explore the city from a hotel in Yangon Myanmar and you want to explore the Great Royal Lake you can spend some time in Kandawgyi. It is also a great place for a lunch or dinner stop.

China Town

Maha Bandula Road and other street food stalls are all situated in China Town making it the best place to grab a bite.

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

The Maldives Travel Guide

A Maldives vacation does not always have to be an expensive holiday that empties your wallet. To know how you can plan a great holiday, read on.

Image result for Maldives — Priyaflorenceshah, Gangway at Medhufushi Island Resort in the Maldives, CC BY-SA 4.0

Places to Explore

Once you land in the Maldives, you will probably go right to your resort island unless you choose to stay in Male. Many a beach resort in Maldives the likes of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives have their own island spaces and private beaches for your joy. At the end of your holiday, you could look around Male before you board your flight back home.

Things to do

Known for its wide range of water sports offered, Maldives is not short of activities for you to partake in while on a holiday there. From scuba diving to jet skiing, kayaking and dolphin watching, there are things to do for all kinds of vacationers.

Costs

The Maldives is quite an expensive place to holiday at, and you must keep in mind that food and drinks on the islands are imported and are, therefore, costlier too. To get the full benefit of a cheaper Maldivian vacation, try to visit during the offseason, as you will find more deals then.

Ways to Save

When booking accommodation, go for the full board packages including food as easting out when in the Maldives can be quite a costly adventure. You will likely get the same yummy Maldivian food right at your hotel buffet every morning.

In the Hills of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country

The city of Kandy, compared to other cities in Sri Lanka, still maintains a firm grip on its past of kings and traditions. It was after all, resilient, withstanding the onslaughts of the Portuguese and the Dutch finally succumbing to the British colonial rule with the expulsion of the last king.

The City in Rain

Kandy has a very tightly packed city centre despite being the second biggest city in Sri Lanka after Colombo. It is one of the cities that is navigable even when it is raining. The rain adds a sheen of mystery to the city and covers it in a comfortable and cold mist.

The Lake, the Gardens, the Palace

Staying at any of the hotels in Kandy Sri Lanka will put you in very close vicinity to the Kandy Lake which is a small man-made lake in the middle of the city with a very bloody history. You will also be able to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is set in the middle of the former palace and the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens which are about a 15-minute drive from each other.

Tea All Around

Stay at a hotel like Cinnamon Citadel Kandy and tour the many tea estates around the city. The tea museum and Loolecondera; which is the first estate in the country are places that should be part of any itinerary. Have a cup of tea and meet a planter to understand all the work that goes into making the perfect cuppa.

The Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for those who love wildlife and this island nation is home to sanctuaries where one can see truly exotic species living wild and free.

Leopard Safaris

Yala is undoubtedly the premier spot for leopard safaris in Sri Lanka. Such safaris are organised by local adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey and give one a chance to see this majestic and endemic predator along with a host of other animals; these include elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

Whale Safaris

When it comes to safaris in Sri Lanka, wildlife tours don’t have to be only on land! The waters off the coast of areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Mirissa are where one can spot sperm whales, blue whales and killer whales, not forgetting countless dolphins too.

Elephant Safaris

Many of the national parks in Sri Lanka are great for elephant safaris, though the most popular is arguably the Minneriya National Park and for good reason; from late June to September the park is where one can witness “The Gathering” when hundreds of elephants can be seen in and around the reservoir.

Birdwatching Safaris

While spotting birds may not be your idea of “thrilling”, it certainly can be; just ask those who have enjoyed birdwatching at the Kumana National Park! This bird sanctuary hosts thousands of migrating birds, especially from April to July. Spoonbills, herons, pelicans, egrets and little cormorants are just some of the species that can be spotted here.\

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+