Miscellaneous Adventures - The Adventure Travel Site

Nature Trails in Habarana

Lankarama Temple | Image Courtesy : Orient Tours

Cushioned between Sri Lanka’s most prominent historical sites and exuberant nature, Habarana is a tiny town located in the Anuradhapura district. Its strategic location has made it a favourite among locals and tourists. Also, if you want to meet the royalty of Sri Lanka’s jungles – the elephant – Habarana is the ideal place for you. Habarana Village by Cinnamon is an eco-friendly Sigiriya hotel that has developed a lasting relationship with its surrounding nature. Such properties offer the ideal starting point to begin a nature trail.

Located in very close proximity to Habarana, the Minneriya National Park is a hotspot for elephant lovers. A knowledgeable guide and sporty jeep will take you on a mud strewn track, through a penetrable jungle. Wayward branches and tiny twigs fling tiny blows onto your face. However your eyes stay peeled to spot the undisputed kings and queens of the Sri Lankan wild.

Soon, the waters of the Minneriya tank glisten in the distance and the horizon is speckled with grey dots. Slight movements are visible even from a distance and on a close observation, you will notice that these female elephants show great maternal care as they guide their calves to safety. In order to avoid disturbing the animals, your jeep will be parked a safe distance away from the herds.

Tusker in Minneriya National Park |Image Courtesy : The Hungry Grape

A close and rather scary encounter with a lone elephant must also be anticipated. You would be truly fortunate to spot this majestic being, spending some alone-time rummaging through the jungle. Maintain your calm and be as least intrusive as possible, and the King will loosen his defences.

Visit Habarana for adventures with nature!

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

Fishing at Lake Awoonga; “sweetwater fishing”

The Awoonga Dam is built beautifully across the Boyne River which is positioned in the southwestern region of Gladstone. The rock-fill construction consists of a concrete slab while the edge of the dam was said to have been built from a rock that was dug up from a quarry. The bank of the dam is a massive expanse which is more than 650 meters long and over 54 meters tall. The volume of the embankment could be well over two million cubic meters of rock according to records. The construction of the dam and its original design permits room for further building.
The Gladstone water board and the port authority of the city have started a program for breeding the species of mullet and the mangrove jack for various stocking requirements. It is recorded that around 300,000 fish are let into the Lake Awoonga on an annual basis and that the fish are then bred at a hatchery of sorts. This hatchery is said to be the biggest breeding program in the area. The board maintains a “fishery monitoring program” that uses various surveys to keep track of the restocking progress in the lake. Most visitors travel to the dam and Lake Awoonga to catch a glimpse of the beautiful water body while admiring the fish that thrive there in abundance. There are many apartments at Oaks Grand Gladstone such as Oaks Grand Gladstone that cater to the lodging requirements of many visitors to the area.
It has been estimated that since the year of 1996 more than 2 million barramundi and 340,000 mullets have been let into the Lake Awoonga and that about 10 to 25 kilograms are fished from the lake at regular intervals. There are many species of fish in the lake such as the eastern rainbow fish, bony bream, sea mullet, mangrove jack, silver perch, Saratoga, sleepy cod and sooty grunter.

Lake Awoonga Guided Barra Fishing, Img. Src:[fishingcharterbase]

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

Bird Watching in Bundala National Park

The Bundala National Park is located in the Southeast of Sri Lanka. Of course the more frequented, Yala National Park is located in close proximity to it. But it is important to know the distinctness of the National Park in Bundala. It lives up to its status as a popular birding ground and attracts the quiet wanderer and the keen bird watcher. The National Park is said to be the home and temporary home of 197 species of bird. And you will not be disappointed because on merely one visit you are certain to spot over 50 species of bird. Cinnamon Wild Yala is amongst the Yala hotels, in the region that provide easy access to such national parks. If you are keen to spot more and more birds, you simply need to be an early riser.

Birds watching | Image Courtesy: Riolta Lanka Holidays

Arrive at the park at 5.30 am, this is when these flighty beings relax in the watery areas of the park. Hop onto a rickety jeep at the entrance and make sure you request the assistance of a ‘bird tracker’. The fact that your tracker is immersed in his surroundings, gives him the ability to spot the birds of the area with far greater skill than you would imagine.

Greater Flamingos in Bundala | Image Courtesy : Srilankan Spirit

You will be surprised to find that the birds are quite accustomed to the noise of your rickety jeep. In fact, they crave some attention. Colourful Painted Stork, Asian Openbills, Spot-billed Pelicans , Black-headed Ibises and flocks of Greater Flamingos are a few birds that you will be able to spot in the park. You will be thrilled at the variety of birds and the great skill of your tracker in spotting these beautiful beings.

It is impossible to keep count of the birds you will spot and there are countless amounts at the Bundala National Park.

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

Elephant Riding in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is one of Thailand’s most popular cities owning to the city being home to some of the most stunning archeological and historic attractions of Thailand. The natural beauty of the city, coupled with iconic landmarks such as the Wat Phra Sing, the Gate of Siam, and Wat Phra Kaeo, as well as other fascinating attractions such as the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and the Hill Tribes Museum, visitors of the city are sure to have an amazing experience in Chiang Rai. One of the most recommendable Chiang Saen hotels is the charming.
There are many outdoor activities that one can engage while in Chiang Rai, and one of the most exciting activities is elephant riding. The city of Chiang Rai has a long history of rearing elephants, which are used in the day to day activities of the folk in Chiang Rai. With the boom in tourism, elephant rides became one of the most sought after activities, and today, elephant riding is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences you can have in Chiang Rai. This attraction has become so popular among tourists that a few Chiang Saen hotels the likes of the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort have given priority to promoting it and even including it part of their facilities.
Elephants are fascinating creatures, and riding on top of these majestic beasts while exploring the hidden beauty of Chiang Rai is truly amazing. There are many elephant camps in Chiang Rai which have trained elephants a top that you can ride. The elephant’s back in fitted with a carriage of sorts that has comfortable seats giving you maximum comfort while being able to observe everything from the top of the elephant, and thus giving you an unimpeded view of the beauty of Chiang Rai. You will go through luscious forests, shallow streams, winding pathways, and secluded areas, to give you an exotic and mesmerizing experience. Elephant riding in Chiang Rai is, therefore, a must-do thing, as it lets you interact with elephants and lets to explore the city like you’ve never done it before.

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+

Wild life at Bundala National Park

Bunadala National Park | Image Courtesy : Deep South

Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches, but do take a closer look to discover some of its other wonders. Sri Lanka, despite its size, is one of the best countries in South Asia to watch animals in the wild. And with the recently introduced air taxi, Sri Lanka is even easier to explore. The various different habitats have been converted into national parks to protect the species that they support. Visit the wilds of Sri Lanka to observe large herds of elephants, solitary leopards, shimmering peacock and more.
Bundala National Park is located in the Hambantota District; two hundred and fifty kilometres from the capital city of Colombo. The quickest way to travel the distance is by taking a flight with an airline such as Cinnamon Air to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The park spans over six thousand hectares but is smaller and less popular than the neighbouring Yala National Park. The region is hot, dusty and dry. You will notice the surrounding areas are mostly flat with thorny scrubs for vegetation but the lagoons and interwoven waterways make for a picturesque view.
Bundala National Park is of international significance because the park plays host to several species of migratory birds. Over two hundred species of bird have been recorded inside the park some travelling from as far as Siberia. It is best known for playing host to flamingoes who make it their winter home; as many as two thousand have been sighted at one time. Other types of fauna include the timid spotted deer, the spirited grey langur monkey and the pangolin, which is a rare sight. The park also has twenty kilometres of beachfront that stretches from Kirinda to Hambantota, where sea turtles sometimes come to nest.

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+

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.