Miscellaneous Adventures - The Adventure Travel Site

Importance of Conserving Wildlife -A glimpse of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island located in the Indian Ocean, is considered a biological hotspot due to its multitude of ecosystems that co-exist harmoniously in a limited space. Although the country is just over 65,000 km2 in area, it is among the 35 bio-diversity hotspots in the world due to its high point endemism. Having the highest biodiversity in Asia, National Red List 2012 states that Sri Lanka is home to 2,936 species of fauna, 3,492 species of flora and 3,021 marine species. The country is also home to the largest animals in the world, on land and sea, elephants and whales. The wildlife aspect of the country is so rich that over 14% of the total land in Sri Lanka is protected under Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka. This remarkable ranking in nature’s treasures makes Sri Lanka a favourite tourist destination, which only raises the stakes in the importance of conserving the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

There are many threats to wildlife in the country, high rate of development prominent among them. Many of the developmental activities tend to take over or destroy the habitats of flora and fauna, which is a major problem. Another major threat is the high rate of tourism, where wildlife is being domesticated for the sake of financial gain among the locals. It is in this light that many animals are slaughtered to make mementos, and other animals are domesticated as a photo opportunity. If one happens to go on a Sri Lanka wildlife tour, one is likely to encounter animals such as elephants who, though in the wild, are accustomed to being fed by the tourists and have made it a photo op. activities such as these threaten the survival of wildlife, which needs to be preserved. However, there are many responsible touring companies operating in the country too. Mahoora Tented Safari Camps is one such endeavour, which is world’s only Carbon neutral safari camp.

Wildlife, no matter where they are, needs to be conserved. In the context of Sri Lanka, this is more important as a significant component of country’s social, economic and biological well-being is dependent on the wildlife of the country.

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.

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National Institute for Zorig Chusum Bhutan

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum also referred to, as the painting school is an initiative of the Bhutanese government to preserve local art and culture. The school provides four to six-year courses for students in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts including calligraphy, painting, sculpture, wood carving, casting, pottery, embroidery, tailoring, weaving, masonry, silver and gold smithy. Established in 1971, the school is seen as a foundation to protect and preserve the invaluable heritage of arts and crafts in Bhutan.

If you are visiting the country and worried about finding good accommodation, don’t worry there are plenty of luxury hotels in Bhutan such as the COMO Uma by COMO Hotels & Resorts; that are well-equipped. During your stay in Bhutan, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where you can witness the effortless talents of the youngsters studying in the school.

The art taught in Bhutan today was introduced to the country by the treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa during the fifteenth century. The traditional crafts taught in the school represent the knowledge and ability that has been passed down to many generations over hundreds of years. During the 4-6 year training, the students board at the institute’s hostel where they receive all necessary facilities which is financed by the government.

The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under the National Technical Training Authority, which was created in 1999 to look after the quality of vocational training. For over thirty years the institute has instructed students in the thirteen areas of study. The school has been fortunate to receive generous grants from the Netherlands, which has helped to improve the curriculum and facilities. Apart from the thirteen main subjects, the school also offers metal work, weaving, gold-grinding, and the making of religious drums in the curriculum and these courses last up to two years.

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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Trekking On Dunes

Mountains, Sun and Sand. The best way to completely enjoy and be a part of the picturesque and unique topography of Arabia and its breath-taking mountain landscape is to go on a trekking trip in Oman. Throwing in a liberal dash of sand dunes, a sprinkling of wadi walks, a pinch of mountain trekking and a smattering of beach walks, Oman concocts the perfect adventure blend for the visitor, making trekking on dunes one of the key attractions in Oman.
Oman sits in the comfortable seclusion with some of the world’s oldest rocks that date back over 800 million years. With an enchanting enigma of natural beauty, there is much to do in terms of dune trekking in Oman. If you want to truly experience the desert in all its glory, look for hotels such as the Desert Night Camp as they offer an authentic experience. Not only will you be able to walk along sandy dunes with its spontaneous sand art courtesy of Middle Eastern wind, but you will be able to stroll through ancient mountains and happen across wild wadi walks with their miles and miles of unspoiled, untouched sands.
One unique feature of sandy dune trekking is its changing topography that keeps you engaged throughout. One minute you may be hiking down sandy wadis and next minute stumbling on stunning sand dunes. Providing rest to your weary eyes during this adventure are beautiful canyons, wild wadis and obligatory oasis that you will not be able to forget. Limestone canyons, mountains that resemble rugged and used table-tops, ranges of rocks that speak of a history untold, desert with its uniform but varied nature, and the unexpected wildness that you will stumble upon, all contribute to making trekking on dunes in Oman the perfect activity for trekking enthusiast.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Wildlife in Maldives

Most countries have a certain kind of local wildlife that they are proud of, from the big game that roam Africa’s national parks to the majestic Bengal tigers in India; the Maldives archipelagos is no different, except here, you won’t need a 4×4 vehicle to admire the local wildlife as most of its located under the clear turquoise waters that the Maldives is famous for.

The waters surrounding the atolls have a worldwide reputation for spectacular diving that entices hordes of visitors to the country every year, and with good reason. There’s an enormous diversity of sea life, a vast formation of colourful coral reefs and over 2,000 species of tropical fish found in the waters surrounding the famed Resort Maldives islands.
The area is home to several indigenous varieties of mantra rays, sting rays and eagle rays, as well as many kinds of sea anemones and jellyfish. Most of the leading resorts located here, like the Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives include special diving and snorkelling excursions for guests to get up close the marine life and appreciate the beauty of these sea creatures.

It’s not uncommon to see schools of whales, dolphins and even the elusively timid whale shark, passing by or sea turtles like the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle. Indigenous land mammals and reptiles are rare here and the most common birds in the Maldives are ocean birds.

Wherever you go, there’s always something or some creature that will captive your attention, whether it’s a school of fish in the shallows waters near the shore or whales in the deep blue seas further from the islands. Whatever it may be, one thing is for sure; the crystal clear water and beautiful coral, brightly illuminated by the tropical sunshine is truly an underwater paradise that is not to be missed.

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.
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Strive to Discover Amazing Natural Wonders in Mauritius -An assortment of sea, sand and everything in between

Mauritius, a lone island located in the Indian Ocean, boasts of world’s most picturesque and unique natural wonders – from sparkling waters to dormant volcanoes to culturally rich natural wonders, the island is a destination that fits the definition of word “amazing” in every way.
As an island, the waters of Mauritius is world renowned. If you are to stay at a Mauritius resort such as InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, you will be lulled to sleep, woken up and constantly be accompanied by the soothing sound of waves kissing the shore; and be treated to a mesmerizing view of the Indian Ocean, sparkling with the rays of tropical sun on it.

Mauritius | Ourplnt ourplnt.com — Mauritius | Ourplnt
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Venture inland and a plethora of wonders await you. Seven Coloured Earths, naturally occurring colourful geological phenomena that are also the most famous spot for tourists in Mauritius is one place you must visit. Located on the Chamarel plain, this is an area of sand dunes where sand is of seven distinct colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. With the shifting wind, the coloured sand arranges themselves in captivating patterns, with different colours spontaneously settling in different layers. The dunes never erode, and this nature’s magic can be witnessed in a handful of sand from the dunes as well.
Plunging 300 feet into an opaque pool of cooling water, Chamarel waterfall was once called “paradise” Mark Twain. Surrounded by the lush vegetation of Black River Gorges, the waterfall is formed by St. Denis River. You are offered two equally captivating viewpoints to admire this cascading beauty: an upper deck located at Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Reserve, and the bottom of the waterfall where a plunge into cool ultramarine waters of a shallow pool with is also possible.
Culturally speaking, Grand Bassin, a natural pool formed at the crevice of one of Mauritius’s many dormant volcanoes is prominent. Hindus flock here in numbers, especially during Maha Siva Rathri festival, as it is believed to be connected to holy river Ganges. The area surrounding the Crater Lake is scattered with temples and statues, allowing a glimpse into a harmonious blend of nature with man-made structures.
Be it the sea, the sand or something else altogether that you seek for, Mauritius offers a unique and unusual assortment of natural wonders that can cater to any palate.

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

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, an unforgettable experience at Townsville

Everyone cannot accomplish that feat of snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. Probably with the exception of one: you! If you are such a prodigy, you should not miss this unforgettable experience at Townsville for its snorkeling experience is unique.

Remember however, it comes at a price. A little exorbitant, you may feel. But that price is fully worth when you think of the adventurous spirit. That experience would never be the same anywhere else. If you stay at one of the Townsville holiday apartments, you can save up some money for the snorkeling session.

An average traveler has ample reasons to be scared of snorkeling. In reality there is not so much to be scared of. Especially when Great Barrier Reef is an excellent spot for easy snorkeling. What you require is your swimming capacity as well as physical strength. Physical strength is of course a must as you have to depend on energy all the time while snorkeling. If you stay somewhere like Oaks Gateway on Palmer, you can ask them about the place to buy the right gear required for snorkeling.

At the Great Barrier Reef, you can of course opt in for a guided tour. The tours would introduce you to islands. You will also spot buoys placed with short difference in each other’s gap. You can choose that area to snorkel too. You can rent out float coats to give you extra props and more confidence.

Suppose you have not snorkeled before, but if you have good physical fitness as well as swimming capacity, then by all means you are eligible to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Waters are comfortably warm and you will hardly know the duration that you had been swimming. Even if you are not so skilled, you can obtain services of expert instructors to help you snorkel properly.

All that is really worth as it will add another extraordinary memory into your life journey.

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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Explore Coral Reef Hikkaduwa

Take a trip to Sri Lanka’s much loved South Coast. The main roads run along the coast offering spectacular views of palm fringed beaches and the Indian Ocean. You will pass quaint, up and coming beach towns along the way. Make a stop at the country’s most popular party beach, Hikkaduwa. Hotels line the beachfront along with quirky bars and eateries. It is also known for water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, and for the less adventurous, glass bottom boat rides. To experience the Ocean right at your doorstep, stay at Citrus Hikkaduwa.

Hikkaduwa Beach is a long sandy stretch and its biggest attraction is its main shallow fringing reef that runs from close to the fishing harbour four kilometers to the south. The sea is calm and shallow; the reef is easily accessible and close to the shore. It is the main reason for Hikkaduwa’s popularity as a diving and snorkelling destination. The best time to explore the coral reefs around Hikkaduwa is between the months of November and April. During these months the sea is at its calmest and the clear waters help with good visibility.
The stunning reef is home to a host of marine creatures of all colours and shapes. Less obvious to observers but just as important is the role the reef plays in protecting the coast from sea erosion. There are plenty of coral species that make up the reefs of Hikkaduwa. You will find as many as sixty species of hard coral. Boulder type coral and encrusting corals are present along with large stands of Montipora corals and small stands of branching Acropora corals. The rising sea water temperatures that were recorded in 1998 damaged a significant amount of the coral along Hikkaduwa’s reefs but today, scientists have found evidence that new corals are forming.

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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Adventures in Juara, Tioman

The island of Tioman is always an alluring place to visit, offering picturesque scenery and many interesting things to do that will capture the interest of the active visitor. There is only one sizable village on the eastern coast of the island, Juara; however you will have the opportunity to engage in many engrossing adventure activities here. As you enjoy these adventures stay at a quality Tioman resort such as the Berjaya Tioman Resort. At this charming getaway you can enjoy the best this island has to offer.

You will find that Juara boasts an appealing stretch of beach featuring palm-lined shores, soft white sands and shimmering clear seas. From this stretch of beachfront you will have the opportunity to indulge in a number of water sports. Visitors can engage in swimming and snorkelling amidst the splendid coral reefs of the area, which is sure to be an enthralling experience. You will also have the opportunity to go canoeing in the waters of the area. Diving and sea fishing are other water sports that you can enjoy in Juara. Divers will find a diving centre which features certified instructors and the necessary equipment.

Many visitors choose to walk from the town of Tekek to Juara which is always a captivating experience as you will pass through a picturesque stretch of natural scenery. Visitors will encounter cascading waterfalls and plenty of interesting flora and fauna including monkeys, lizards and attractive flowers and plants.

From Juara you will have the opportunity to explore the nearby jungles by hiring a boat with a guide. You will experience the majesty of the mangrove forests with their denizens such as giant lizards, butterflies, rodents and snakes. You may also undertake a boat excursion to the well-known Mukut waterfalls. Another unusual experience in the environs of Juara would be to visit the local turtle sanctuary which is dedicated to the preservation of the threatened local turtles.

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+

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Steeped in history, The Victoria and Albert Museum was first founded in 1852. This imposing landmark in London is situated on thirteen acres of land. The halls and passages that constitute the museum have a gamut of history to offer its visitors. It is impossible to take in such a lot of history in one visit. You might have to visit the museum more than twice to absorb every little bit of art and history. Multiple visits to the museum would not be cumbersome when temporarily residing at The Halkin by COMO, London. You can gain the complete London-experience when staying at this London boutique hotel.

The curators of the museum have a great vision! This is made apparent in the sections into which the museum is divided. Let’s take a sneak peek into this grand, unforgettable museum.

Displaying an astounding amount of arts and crafts from Britain’s rich history are The British Galleries. Be drawn into art from Tudor and Stuart Britain, Georgian Britain and Victorian Britain. Undoubtedly, the styles differ and reflect the politics and concerns of the times.

Changing trends and flashy jewellery are displayed in the sections dedicated to Fashion and Textiles and The Jewellery Gallery. Power and Royalty glare in the faces of visitors, while more artistic clothing and jewellery are also on display. The sections function as a runway in Britain’s fashion history.

The Ceramics and Glass Collection is also expansive. It showcases 80,000 objects from every continent. It is an implication of Britain’s imperial prowess and the manner in which influences from around the world continue to impact the ex-Colonial power.

Inspired by Britain’s good old days as an Imperial power, is the section dedicated to Asia, India and Islam. This collection is incredibly impressive and is one of the largest collections of its kind.

There is much more to discover at The Victoria and Albert Museum. It’s best to unravel the other secrets on multiple visits!

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

Migrant Birds in Sri Lanka

If you are thinking of a tropical destination to visit in the South Asian region, look no further than the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Located just south of the Indian peninsula, the island of Sri Lanka is one of South Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. This is due to the fact that Sri Lanka boasts a rich heritage of over 2500 years, a vibrant culture, stunning beaches, many recreational attractions, and exciting wildlife and bird watching locations. Visitors who want to explore the wildlife and forests of Sri Lanka can make a reservation with Mahoora Tented Safari Camps; a great way to accommodate yourself while on bird watching tours Sri Lanka has to offer.

Sri Lanka, being a tropical country with a warm temperature throughout the entire year, is a fertile ground of various species of avifauna. It is for this reason that Sri Lanka has become one of the main stops for migratory flocks of birds in the region. During the peak of the migratory season, Sri Lanka is visited by many exotic species of birds, thus making Sri Lanka a prime destination of bird-watching enthusiasts.

The migratory season of Sri Lanka spans from August through March, and includes both summer and winter migratory birds. During this season it is estimated that at least 103 different species of avifauna regularly enter the forests and national parks of Sri Lanka. In addition to this at least another 100 migratory and nomadic birds visit Sri Lanka on rare occasions. Interestingly, during the summer migration only the Pink Tern visits Sri Lanka, whereas all the other species that migrate to Sri Lanka do so during the winter season. Among the migratory birds that one can witness in Sri Lanka are the Sandpipers, Philippine Shrikes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Black Storks, Great White Pelicans, Little Grebes, and many other exotic birds. The best time to go bird-watching is during the start of the season, when the birds are tired from their long flights and tend to stay together and move slowly.

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

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