Land - The Adventure Travel Site

Sri Lankan Leopards – A mystique like no other!

Both trodden and untrodden paths of jungles in Sri Lanka hold an abundance of adventure and intrigue. After witnessing the elusive leopards, one’s appetite for adventure will certainly be satisfied.

Sri Lankan Leopard

Also known as Panthera pardus kotiya, the Sri Lankan Leopard is the biggest of the eight known world’s leopard species. These creatures usually come out at dusk and swagger through the jungle to catch their prey. That’s why this apex predator is called the “The Prince of Dusk”. In most of the countries leopards are nocturnal and quite difficult to spot but in Sri Lanka, it’s much easier due to the lack of any other predators’ presence.

Where to spot?

For those who wish to spot this terrifying creature, there will be no better place than the Yala National Park. It is home to more than 40 leopards and the park is recognized as having the world’s highest density of leopards. If you wish to receive the best of the Sri Lanka wild life tours, plan your journey with one the local tour operators such as Cinnamon Nature Trails, to experience magical encounters of these majestic predators.

Behavioral pattern

Young leopards are often not difficult to spot because they don’t try to hide like their adults. They automatically catch all the survival tricks as they grow up. All the female leopards are better hunters while male leopards are a bit lethargic when it comes to hunting a prey.

Leopard watching

Observing these wild creatures up close is an interesting activity adored by many tourists who visit Sri Lanka. Don’t get excited as you get closer to view a leopard on a tree or stalking its next prey!

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

Here’s Why You Should Visit the Maldives

A vacation in the Maldives is a tempting offer no one wants to pass up. Read on to find out about the top 4 reasons why you should be planning a mini getaway to the archipelago now!

Marine life| Img by: Ahmed Abdul Rahman via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fantastic Marine Life

The Maldives have long since been famed for its fantastic marine life. It’s home to numerous reefs filled with colourful corals and nudibranchs along with exotic fish such as lionfish and stingrays. It’s also THE place to go to if you wish to dive with whale sharks and stingrays!

Spectacular Sunsets

Whether it’s all by yourself, your family or significant other, catching a flaming tropical sunset while lounging on a sandbank is another reason to visit. Or why not go all out enjoy a delicious dinner out by the ocean during sunset at one of the many restaurants located on the islands?

Fresh Seafood

If you are an absolute fan of fresh seafood, then a visit to the Maldives is a must. Tease your taste buds with an extensive selection of dishes served by some exclusive underwater restaurants and some of the best Maldives resorts including the likes of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.

Bioluminescent Beaches

Treat yourself to a magical bioluminescent sight while visiting the islands of Vilamendhoo, Angaga, and Kurumathi. A natural phenomenon which occurs at night, phytoplankton which collides with the sand, water or even feet give off a bright neon blue light!

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Why Renting a Car is better than Traveling by Taxi

There’s a great deal of freedom when it comes to driving oneself. Not everyone might feel the same way, and sometimes having a vehicle with or without a driver, a good one at least, can make life much easier.

Look Cool and Professional

There’s definitely a sense of prestige about driving around, and it’ll definitely add a bit of status to your entrance. If you rent one that is chauffeur-driven, the cars are generally classier models as well, from brands such as Mercedes Benz or BMW.

Time

Anyone who drives would be intimately acquainted with the hassle that involves procuring a parking space. If you’re late for a meeting or date, finding a parking space would add an extra 10-15 minutes. But, driving yourself also means you can leave earlier, and not wait for the taxi to find the way to your pick-up location.

Convenience

If you’re going on a trip to say, Sri Lanka, there are many services where you can take care of car rental. Sri Lanka is a place with some serious traffic, which is more reason to utilise an entity like Casons Rent a Car Sri Lanka.

Local Knowledge

Probably the best advantage of having a driver or driving yourself around is the fact that you will get to know the entire area and would easily take navigate yourself anywhere you’d be interested in visiting. Having a car and GPS means that your chances of getting lost and losing precious time are minimal.

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

Adventures in Praslin

Praslin is one most beautiful island in Seychelles that features pristine white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. Apart from indulging in its natural splendour, the island of Praslin also offers its guests a myriad of fun activities to engage in. Read on to know more about this wondrous island and the things you can do here

Aerial View from Praslin, Image by Marco Verch via Flickr (CC By 2.0)

The Island

Being the second largest island in the archipelago of Seychelles, Praslin is located 44 kilometres northeast of Mahe. The island has a lot of tempting destinations; serene and calm beach resorts, and so much more.

Snorkelling and diving

The oceans surrounding the island of Praslin is crystal clear and very clean and it is also home to a number of reefs that accommodate a diverse range of sea life which makes it ideal for snorkelling. There are also many dive spots scattered in the ocean surrounding Praslin where you can see and swim along with turtles, reef fish and even dolphins

Surfing

Anse Lazio beach of Praslin is very famous among surfers and the waves here are ideal for amateur surfers who are trying to improve their surfing skills.

Exploring the wilderness

The islands of Praslin is home to a small rainforest that has small waterfalls and scenic places that a worth a visit you can also see some of the rarest birds and small animals here.

Other activities and accommodations

Game fishing, boat riding, island skipping are some of the other things you can do during your stay at this paradise island. Apart from all the adventures, this is a place to forget all your problems and to unwind and relax. You can find a number of accommodations across the island which offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere to indulge in. The Berjaya Praslin Resort, for example, is a good accommodation option and a renowned Seychelles resort.

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

What to do in Hong Kong in 24 Hours

Hong Kong is a truly cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of things to do that are varied as much as they are numerous. Here are four experiences you shouldn’t miss out on.

Ride a Ding Ding

The Hong Kong trams are a fun and cost-efficient way to navigate the metropolitan sprawl, and they are referred to as ‘ding dings’ due to the bells which are utilised in place of car horns.

Tim Ho Wan

Who would want to miss a chance to dine in one of the cheaped Michelin-starred eateries in the world? At Tim Ho Wan you can gorge on expertly prepared dim sum, such as their world-famous pork baked-bun.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

This temple is legendary for the number of prayers that get answered. If you find yourself staying at a family room hotel in Hong Kong the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong, with your loved ones and wish to try your luck, then you should definitely pay a visit to the temple.

Go for a Hike

Despite Hong Kong being a world-famous metropolis, there’s no shortage of hiking trails to be found here. Through embarking on a hiking adventure you can burn a load of calories and also experience some of the most astonishing sights the city has to offer.

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+

Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is a protected UNESCO world heritage site which is located in the Praslin island of Seychelles Archipelago. This tropical reserve is home to a number of distinctive plant and animal species that cannot be seen elsewhere in the world. Read on to know more.

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve | Img by: Leila Maziz via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

About

Located in the middle of the Praslin Island which is the second largest Island in Seychelles; the Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity. The reserve is composed of a well- preserved palm forest that is home to the world’s rarest plants and animals in the world.

History

The park was an unspoilt virgin forest till 1930 and after the exploration and researches done by environmentalists, the forest obtained a Nature Reserve status in 1966. The reserve later, became a popular tourist destination and words about this wondrous reserve started to spread and during 1983 under Criterion (vii), (viii), (ix), and (x) the reserve obtained recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Flora

The reserve is home to 6 endemic plant species that includes the flagship species of global significance as the largest seed-bearing plant in the world – their coco-de-mer. The 19.5 ha area of palm forest includes a wide range of plants that have not undergone any changes since the prehistoric times.

Fauna

The animal species that belong to the reserve include a myriad of bird species most of them being endangered species, law enforcement and penalties for harming these creatures have been made strict by the government. The reserve is also home to small amphibians and mammals such as turtles, hedgehogs, fruit bats and more.

Visiting here and accommodation options

You can visit the island by a boat or ferry which is located 40 kilometers away from Mahe. You can choose to stay at a hotel in Seychelles in the mainland of Mahe the likes of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino or you can also find accommodations in the island of Praslin itself where the reserve is located.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travelers across all walks of life. Google+

Exploring the Religious Town of Kataragama

The small town of Kataragama is one of the most venerated religious sites on the island of Sri Lanka, which people of all ethnicities flock to pay homage to.

Image Credit- Adbar, Kataragama temple entrance, CC BY-SA 3.0

Background

Kataragama embodies a sense of spiritual divinity and lays claim to historical relevance dating back to the 2nd century BC. The town’s most popular temple is the one dedicated to the Kataragama deity, a Hindu / Buddhist lord. It is believed that King Dutugamunu built the shrine for the deity to fulfil a vow made to him when he defeated, King Elehara.

Things to Do

While the town is peaceful, it undergoes a dramatic transformation when its time for the evening Pooja. Hundreds of devotees assemble on the site carrying platters of fresh fruits and garlands of scented flowers to seek blessings, and taking part in it would prove to be an unforgettable experience!

Festivities

If you ‘re planning on visiting the sacred town, choosing to do so in the month of July would be ideal as it will enable you to experience the Kataragama Festival. Rituals rooted in ancient traditions along with a colourful parade known as a Perehara which includes dances and acrobatics could be seen in all its glory.

How to Get There

Kataragama can be reached approximately in 5 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway. If you wish to stay for a few days, then there are many hotels in Kataragama, Sri Lanka including the likes of Mandara Rosen Kataragama to choose from.

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

Visit the AO Vertical Artspace in Wan Chai

The Asian One Vertical Art Space is a unique platform which showcases the work of local and international artists in a special ”staircase” setting.

Image Credit - Almond Chu Via Wikipedia — Image Credit – Almond Chu Via Wikipedia

The Museum

The Vertical Art Space was first established in May 2012. An avid supporter of the local art community, it’s one of the most unique art galleries in the whole of Hong Kong. Artwork and photography are showcased in a ”staircase” setting which stretches over ten flights of stairs.

The Collections

The stairwells house a collection consisting of over 100 works of art including sculptures, paintings and photographs of 28 artists and more, mainly from Hong Kong and China such as Jeani Leung and Chun Wai.

How to Get There

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., throughout Monday to Saturday, and is located in the Photo Book Centre, 1-14th floors, Asia One Tower, 8 Fung Yip Street. The gallery can be reached easily from a 4 star hotel in Hong Kong including the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong. If one is taking the MTR, from Chai Wan, the 47m will stop directly in front of the bookshop.

Things to Do

Apart from taking in the art, one can also visit the bookshop on the ground floor which offers a wide selection of books on art. However, it is only open by appointment so it’s best to call ahead before visiting.

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

Google+

Visit the Viva Blue House in Wan Chai

Located in Nullah Lane, this Wan Chai building is a primary attraction in Hong Kong Island. If you are some interested in architect and are in this part of the world, do visit the building.

Blue House, Wan Chai | Image Credit - Gloriashek91, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons — Blue House, Wan Chai | Image Credit – Gloriashek91, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

About

A three floored building with Spanish style balconies made of cast iron, the house will remind one of New Orleans. Standing as one of the remnants of tong lau, this house stands out among the other structures on the street and is one of the most photographed attractions in Wan Chai.

History

Built in the early 1920s, the Blue House has a Yellow House and Orange House right beside it. Known as the Viva Blue House, on the whole, the main attraction of the three is still the Blue House.

Location

Any hotel accommodation in Hong Kong the likes of Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong would be able to point you in the right direction to the Blue House, and if it’s not within walking distance you can always hail a taxi or a tuk-tuk.

What to expect

The Orange House has about 20 flats inside it and is a residential building. The Blue and Yellow Houses are more like an open museum of sorts.

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

Google+

Greatest Experiences You Must Try in the Beautiful Tioman Island

Sandy beaches, azure blue waters, and lush rainforests await you on Timon Island, one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world. Read on to find out about the best activities to do while there.

Tioman Island| Img by: _paVan_ via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Swimming

The island is home to some stunning beaches such as Juara and Salang beach which in turn lays claim to crystal clear warm waters in which visitors can swim freely.

Diving

Timon has been featured extensively as one of the best places to dive in the world. It’s home to some spectacular reefs and dive spots such as Tiger reefs and Renggis island which attracts divers of various calibre from all over the world.

Nature Walks

Trails dominate the island and provide visitors, the perfect opportunity to explore the lush isle at their own pace. Going on a hike to the Asah waterfall or exploring the vicinity of the dormant volcano, Gunung Kajang will prove quite interesting.

Dining

Malaysian cuisine is famous for its rich fusion of Chinese, Indian and Indonesian flavours among a plethora of others, and the dining options on Timon Island will not disappoint. While there are plenty of small beach side restaurants serving great food, one can head over to a hotel on Timon Island including the likes of Berjaya Tioman Resort, for a more varied spread featuring international favorites along with traditional favourites.

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