Miscellaneous Adventures - The Adventure Travel Site

Sri Lankan Elephant Safaris

One of the activities that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and several Sri Lanka resorts offer is elephant safaris. For all of you who love elephants, elephant safaris are sure to be a treat. A safari through the mysterious jungles and beautiful open spaces of Sri Lanka is exciting enough, and the experience only gets better when you are on a safari in search of the majestic elephant.

The Heritage of Elephant and Man in Sri Lanka

Since the ancient times, the elephant was closely linked to the day-to-day life of Sri Lanka. So much so that the elephant is a symbol of great value and is featured prominently in Sri Lankan art and literature. Thus, the elephant is a creature that inspires wonder and amazement in Sri Lankans, and the same is true of the many tourists that visit Sri Lanka with the intention of witnessing elephants.

Elephant Safaris

Elephant safaris are always exciting as it is not always easy to spot the large herds of elephants, which is rather strange given the size of the animal and its herd. But with the help of a guide you will be, more often than not, be able to witness the herds of wild elephants as they feed or gather near the watering hole to bathe, drink water, or just escape the heat. Witnessing these amazing herds is truly a wonderful experience as you will see the close bonds the elephants have with each other, and their fascinating mannerisms.

The Best Places for Elephant Safaris

Habarana is the undisputed location for elephant safari’s in Sri Lanka, as the unique terrain which is perfect for elephants makes it a great place for elephant safaris. Plus, with resorts such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana in the area, accommodation is also not an issue. The Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are also great for elephant safaris.

Adventurous Wildlife in Sri Lanka -A world in a drop of land

Sri Lanka, a tiny island that is gigantic in terms of its wildlife diversity, is located in the Indian Ocean. The topography of Sri Lanka is such that it is home to a wide range of habitats, ranging from tropical rain forests to plains and tundra. This diversity has made contributed towards making the island one of the declared biodiversity hotspots, and a favourite among wildlife watching countries in the region.

Wildlife Srilanka | srilanka miracle tours | www.srilankamiracletours.com — Wildlife Srilanka | srilanka miracle tours |
www.srilankamiracletours.com

The scope for adventurous wildlife that is present in the country has been identified by the tourist board and other official bodies, so much that there is a multitude of reservations, safaris, national parks and protected zones that provide the opportunity for experiencing wildlife. Even the most casual and uninterested visitor to the island will be in awe of the giant elephants that roam in herds, the enormous whales that frequent the coast of the island, leopards that are common but rarely seen, dolphins that follow as one streams through the crystal blue waters, thousands of birds – both indigenous and migrant, just like the visitor – and schools of fish that have made the colourful coral reefs of Sri Lankan coast their home. In addition to the country’s authorities, there is another important party that organizes wildlife adventures in Sri Lanka. Hotels, such as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, among others, are aware of the novelty that the wildlife offers to the visitor, and have many activities lined up. Some hotels offer camping to safaris to in-house wildlife gardens that allow the visitor to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience.

If Sri Lanka happens to be on your list of places to visit, don’t forget that among the beaches and mountains of the island, there exists a tremendous wildlife, preserved in its isolation, diverse in its grandeur and welcoming in the style of its human co-habitants awaiting to render you speechless with their beauty.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Island Hopping Adventures in the Maldives; Island Explorations

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives | Image Credit : Island Travel

The Maldives is known and for its lovely beaches and generates a huge income from the booming tourism industry that the islands support each year. The beautiful and clear waters, fragile yet elegant coral reefs, the culture, cuisine and people all contribute in their own ways to make this island a true paradise. Island Hopping in Maldives is probably one of the best ways to experience most of what the location has to offer in comfort, ease and within a short span of time. Some of the best Maldives resorts offer island hopping as part of a recreational package to their guests so that they could experience this unique opportunity. It is important to bear in mind that even though these islands are tiny, they each offer a completely contrasting experience with a plethora of diverse activities that you could take part in at each island you visit. Most resorts such as the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and many others offer cruises and tours that offer guests the chance to visit the islands in a cost-effective yet comfortable and safe manner.
Ancient shipwrecks, brightly coloured coral reefs, thousands upon thousands of juvenile reef fish, sharks, turtles and a whole kingdom of plant and animal life that thrives in the perfect waters off the coast provide the best possible ambiance for island hopping. You could also tread upon the shores of remote and uninhabited islands that are quite and filled with adventures of their own. Make sure to take lots of pictures and even buy a few miniatures as souvenirs on your stop at each island so that you could add them to your collection of travel souvenirs once you get back home. Taste the local specialty in each region and observe the simple lifestyles of these people who are majorly anglers. Experience Maldives like never before with a once-in-a-lifetime island hopping adventure.

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

Thrilling tour to Dudhsagar falls, off road

India is not only is a culturally diverse country but also a country that has endless things to offer to its explorers. Every state and city of India have something interesting and unique to speak of. One of the popular tourist states in India is Goa. Booking a beach resort in Goamay be your first step towards a holiday for making countless memories. Known famously for its hippie culture, Goa is considered to be one of the hubs for tourism in India. One of the attractions in Goa apart from the beaches is Dudhsagar falls.
The drive to the fall through the lush green jungles is an experience in itself. A wheel jeep ride is a perfect way to experience the jungle and head to the falls. Many hotels have in-house organised excursions or tours to make life easy for the foreigners. If you want to find out such packages offered by local hotels, the Alila Diwa Goa Official Site can be very informative.

dudhsagar falls | TripAdvisor www.tripadvisor.in — dudhsagar falls | TripAdvisor
www.tripadvisor.in

The drive takes you to the Dhudsagar rivulets which are a spectacular view. The holding ponds of the falls are a great place to unwind and, feed the monkeys or take a stroll in the jungle nearby. The waterfalls name means “Ocean of milk”; it is the highest waterfall in Goa.
It is believed that a princess used to bathe in the falls and enjoy sugared milk that her maids brought to her , however, one day a prince was passing by and made his way to the ponds after hearing the chitter chatter from the ponds. The princess who was taken aback poured the jug of milk into the pond to cover her naked body that was visible through the clear waters. A miracle happened and the water turned frothy and white to her surprise. It is believed that from that day on the waterfall is supposed to have become milky and frothy.

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

The story of Sigiriya is a captivating one dating back to the fifth century. It begins with a prince who killed his father in a fit of rage and fled to Sigiriya. The prince, who went on to become King Kassapa, chose the top of a giant boulder as the location for his palace. The ‘palace in the sky’ was built in the form of a crouching lion. The fortress expanded into the lands surrounding the rock. Within its bounds, beautiful gardens were created. The king enjoyed a luxurious existence until the day his brother arrived with an army seeking vengeance for the murder of their father. King Kassapa took his own life after his army abandoned him and much of the magnificent palace was destroyed by the attackers.

The Sigiriya story is as much of a landmark in Sri Lankan history as the actual rock itself. The ruins of what was arguably one of the most impressive palaces ever built can still be seen today. The rock fortress is a historic attraction that continues to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. Sigiriya hotel properties have been built in most part, simply to provide accommodation for visitors who come to admire this architectural marvel; Aliya Resort & Spa even offers views of the towering rock in the distance.

The palace on the rock is not the only feature worthy of mention, the gardens that are spread out at the foot of the rock are also fascinating. The lawns have been meticulously laid out with geometric precision. The water garden, located on the lowest level, is surrounded by walls; it boasts ponds and dancing fountains, complete with flowering water plants and birds. The fountains were designed to work on a highly complex hydraulic system. With heavy rainfall, the fountains gurgle to life even today. However, their sophisticated mechanism has not been completely unraveled by engineers of the present day. A more recent discovery, the miniature water garden, has intricately designed waterways that feed shallow reflecting pools.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud; Tales of Reincarnation

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud covers about 27 greenery filled acres of land which provides a serene home to over 600 long-tailed macaques. These monkeys are classified into 4 groups in accordance with the areas of the park that they occupy. The sanctuary is an eminent cultural and spiritual landmark that hosts about 10,000 visitors each month. The sanctuary is owned and operated under the leadership of the Padangtegal. The forest itself is sacred to the villagers and there are a few sacred sites located within the reserve that draws from the Balinese Hindu beliefs revolving around death and reincarnation. The Temple of Death, Temple of Cremation and Holy Springs Bathing Temple are among the few sacred sites inside. The area is also home to many Ubud Villas such as Alila Ubud Bali and many other lodging service providers that cater to the large crowds that visit the sanctuary on a monthly basis.
If you are wondering how monkeys fit into the life and death beliefs of Indonesia, the Ramayana epic gives you all the answers. The epic goes on to say that Sita the wife of Rama is abducted by the evil king Ravana. Rama is said to have enlisted the help of Sugriva and Hanuman who both resemble monkeys, to bring her back safely. Hanuman and Sugriva battle many antagonistic monkeys ruled by Ravana before they finally bring Sita safely home. The villagers, who believe in the religious lore, both love and hate the monkeys which they feed daily and revere. At the same time, their mischief which escalates to stealing household items of the villagers also turns the villagers’ reverence into malice when the monkeys attack and bite them, becoming a menace to the village.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Adam’s Peak

The much venerated Adam’s Peak is regarded as Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, attracting a steady stream of devotees – in addition to many sightseers – who gladly make the demanding trek to the summit of the mountain. The focus of the reverence is the enigmatic feature that is found at the mountain’s peak, which Buddhists regard as the footprint of Buddha. Other religions provide their own interpretations of the sacred footprint. As you plan your visit to Adam’s Peak, an attractive choice of accommodation would be Nuwara Eliya holiday bungalows such as the appealing The Cottage by Jetwing. This attractive accommodation makes an ideal base from which to head out on your adventures.

Many Sri Lankans of all ages undertake the challenging climb to the summit of Adam’s Peak. For most the objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise which is a remarkable natural phenomenon that is shrouded in mystery. Most pilgrims also visit the shrine that may be found at the summit of the mountain.

You will find that the climb to the peak may be commenced from either Dalhousie or Ratnapura, with the former being the shorter and more popular option. You will have no problem locating the path to the top as you will find a host of souvenir stalls and teashops lining the route. As you commence the hike you will see a line of alluring lights stretching all the way to the top of the mountain.

The ascent to the top of the mountain takes some time, but you will find many tea shops and snack stalls on the way if you desire to replenish your energies. The objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise, when the sun projects the mountain’s shadow onto the billowing clouds and countryside below. Climbing Adam’s Peak is always a remarkable and rewarding experience that is sure to capture the imagination of the adventurous visitor.

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+

Explore the Mysterious Peaks in Beautiful Mauritius

Pristine beaches, lush green peaks and emerald green lagoons make up the tropical paradise that the island of Mauritius has become world famous for. A medley of contrasting colours, cultures and fragrances, the diverse landscapes of Mauritius make for an unforgettable holiday, whether it’s a family adventure or soul searching getaway.

Apart from the white sandy beaches and Mauritius Resort and luxury hotels that provide a selection of exciting water sports and other activities, like the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort for example, another attraction here is the mesmerising peaks rising up in the distance and capturing the imagination of all who visit this wonderful island. The island is home to mountain ranges, isolated peaks and plateaus, all remnants of a big volcano which erupted millions of years ago. The jagged, mountains covered in dense jungle, invoke a sense of wonder at first glance. Despite appearances, the mountain ranges are not very high and for the adventurous travellers, it’s possible to go rock climbing and canyoning on certain peaks.

Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius //mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius — Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius
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The Mauritius Mountains are named according to their shapes e.g. Lion Mountain in the Grand Port Range was named by locals who likened it to the creatures shape while Montagne Blanche has been named after the greyish white colour of the rocks found on the mountain. Some mountains also important culturally and historically; the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rocky mountain that extends out into the Indian Ocean and was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early years of the 19th centuries. Sheltered by the isolated and almost inaccessible precipices, the slaves formed settlements in mountain caves and on the summit.
The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area around it is protected by law. Travellers can still visit and explore the historical Le Morne Mountain and many others like it with their own fascinating stories to tell. With everything from exotic beaches to thrilling mountain range expeditions, the island Mauritius is the perfect tropical paradise.

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

Jungle Trekking in Tioman Island

Tioman Island Malaysia has so much to offer in terms of beautiful environs, gorgeous beaches, glistening oceans and underwater adventures. Jungle trekking into the verdant folds of the island is by far one of the most popular. The best way to enjoy this activity is to base yourself close to the many Tioman attractions. A resort sitting on the golden sandy beaches of Tioman is the Berjaya Tioman Resort.
This fabulous tropical escape boasts beach frontage, access to an ocean thriving with all manner of marine life and misty blue hills in the background – What more could a soul long for. Well for instance the Berjaya Tioman Resort is complete with traditional Malaysian styles chalets and luxury suites which are hidden away in the lush folds of the resorts garden. Perfect for families, couples or individuals each room is tastefully furnished and promise the ultimate in comfort. Enjoy a range of leisure facilities aimed at the whole family. There’s tennis, cycling, snorkelling, diving, boat charters, an 18 hole golf course and a whole gamut of options. Look forward to the utterly relaxing confines of the Tioman resorts – spa; while jungle trekking is another leisure service offered by the hotel.
Jungle trekking in Tioman is a whole new adventure for the whole family. There are various trail options to choose from; for instance if you are travelling as a family there are short tracks that take you past lots of wildlife that promise to impress all members of the family.

Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman swiss-cottage-tioman.com — Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman
swiss-cottage-tioman.com

Nature lovers can take the trek across Genting and Paya Villages where you can absorb the traditions and culture of the simple island villagers, trek through the verdant rainforests, admire the unusual flora and fauna and explore the beautiful highlands, from where you are afforded with stunning views of the water below.
Adventure lovers can take on the jungle trak between the villages of Tekek and Juara the 7km rather isolated track is one for all nature lovers. This trek generally lasts around 4 hours and is well rewarded with sights of exotic birds, lizards, cheeky monkeys and unusual insects.

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.
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Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the city of Coral Gables, founded in the nineteen twenties, it is a city 45 minutes south of Miami.

The Venetian Pool is a public pool but looks nothing of a sort because of the Venetian-style lagoon carved out of a coral rock. This former rock quarry was turned into the Venetian Pool in 1924, then called the “Venetian Casino,” and has remained the most beautiful and unique public pool in the country. Palm trees surround the Venetian Pool and the roaring waterfall drowns all sounds of traffic out – there’s not a building in sight. Even if you are staying in a luxury hotel in Miami Beach such as the Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach take some time to take a dip in the Venetian Pool.

The pool is filled with fresh water from an underground aquifer, which is surrounded by the original coral rock. The surrounding of the pool is unlike any other with caves, waterfalls and little nooks carved into the coral and sandy area where you can enjoy being dry. What stands out the most about the pool is that the water used is free of any chemicals and it is refilled from the fresh water from artesian wells.

The Venetian pool is very popular amongst kids and young locals who reserve it for birthday parties and special holidays. For young children and beginners you find the shallow kiddy area connected to the main pool by the island. You also get dark caves and waterfalls, which are located on the far side of the pool.The Venetian pool is a lovely place to catch up on reading or lounge on in the sun and a good alternative to the beach.

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+