Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park has 8890 hectares, and is located between Habarana and Polonarruwa. This park consists of mixed evergreen forestland scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as Sambar Deer, leopards and mainly elephants. The Hotel Sigiriya is a luxury Hotel in Sigiriya, which gives an opportunity to marvel at the grandeur and mystique of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Fabulous and scrumptious culinary cuisine will be offered at the hotel. Guests can get pampered at the Spa and by the Ayurvedic professionals. The hotel will give a unique experience that is guaranteed to make you relax and unwind. Guests will be enthralled by lush green landscapes and the rich cultural heritage.

The Central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century by the King Mahasena. The Tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses, as well as a huge flock of birds that come to fish in the water. Among the reptiles that can be seen are the Red-Lipped lizard and Skinhal, both are endemic to Sri Lanka as well as endangered. Minneriya National Park mainly affords the opportunity to sight herds of Elephants throughout the year. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. Gathering is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Reservoir. This amazing Gathering was listed as Number 6 in the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Natural Wildlife Spectacles of the World.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Visit the kingdom of the giants at Mirissa

Down the Southern Coast of the island one can find a small coastal town , Mirissa, a popular destination for whale watching in Sri Lanka. One can catch a glimpse of the beautiful whales , large groups of dolphins when travelling in the seas off Mirissa.

There are many tour organizers who take visitors into the sea on whale watching cruises. One of the pioneers in this regard would be Jetwing Travels. They have perfect packages centered around the whale watching and Dolphin watching experience. They do airport pick ups to providing accommodation as well as taking visitors on whale watching cruises that are experiences of a life time as they enable visitors to dine on the deck and are unforgettable experiences.

The whale watching season in Sri Lanka is from November to April while the peak is from December to March. The ideal time to go on a tour would be the early hours. Some of the most beautiful blue whales, Bryde’s whales, Sperm whale , Killer whale and Pilot whales. There are different types of Dolphins found in these waters , such as the Spinner Dolphins, bottle nose Dolphins , Risso’s Dolphin , Stripped Dolphin.

The Sri Lankan coast guards are on constant alert during the peak seasons to ensure the safety of the tourists and locals.

Mirissa is not too far from Galle and Hikkaduwa , which are other busy towns in the Southern belt of the country. Galle boasts of the world famous Galle fort , a declared UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Hikkaduwa popular for its corals and the sandy beaches.

Whale watching in Sri Lanka is a not to be missed experience for those visiting Sri Lanka.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Enjoy a fly away experience on the sea with surfing

The golden beaches of Sri Lanka are not only breath taking but the island is a much sought after destination among surfers from the 1960s’. In the recent past Arugam Bay rose to its glory among surfers , however there are many other surfing points in the island some can be found in the Southern belt of the country. Ahangama is one such place away from the hustle and bustle compared to other surfer points.

The area has excellent accommodation options with some of the best holiday villas in Sri Lanka. A noteworthy holiday villa would be Mosvold Villa by Jetwing sitting in Ahangama, over looking the Indian ocean the villa has tastefully designed rooms and a crystal clear pool to take a perfect dip and unwind. Ahangama being a small coastal town is not short of accommodation options , such as guest houses, motels and other inns.

The Kabalana surf point is the primary surf point in Ahangama. The peak season for this would be January to February where waves can stand up to eight feet tall. A perfect spot for beginners , however the currents could get strong and it is advisable to always have advanced surfers at hand to help. The A framed reef break gives good power for surfing.

Other surfing points around Ahangama would be , Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa and on the east coast places such as Potuvil and Arugam Bay. Surfing tours are conducted by trained local professionals , who at all times ensure your safety and instruct you on the right place to be at.

Apart from surfing there are other water sports activities in the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. One can also take a laid back approach and engage in a boat ride in one of the lagoons or rivers along the coast and take a trip into the mangroves , or enjoy bird watching.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Wadi Bani Khalid

A Wadi, meaning a valley in Arabic, formed by fast rushing streams, is predominantly seen in Israel, Morocco and a number of other Middle Eastern countries. These Wadis were often used by travellers to traverse countries and reach other cities with the assistance of camels. A Wadi can also contain water or even a small stream when there is heavy rain fall. While Wadis are seen across the Middle East, Wani Bani Khalid is noteworthy for its beauty. Located around two hundred kilometres from Muscat, it is not a day trip that can be completed from a Muscat based hotel in Oman. Therefore, many tourists seek to indulge in a desert night camp to explore the Wadi and return to Muscat a few days later.

Located in the Sharqiyah region, Wadi Bani Khalid, unlike most of its kind, maintains a steady flow of water. Because of this, and also the shape of the valley, water accumulates in large pools and reflects the surroundings making for a rather picturesque view. The Wadi is quite large as well as it covers a large extent of low land areas as well as parts of the surrounding mountains.

Tourists who are gearing up for an adventure in Oman will be thrilled to discover that the Wadi Bani Khalid is also home to some interesting caves, including an underground chamber of the Sultanate known as Kahf Maqal. However, this adventure is not for the faint hearted for it requires a great deal of stamina, especially given the warm climate.

Nevertheless, tourists who wish to merely explore the valley can enjoy the fresh water springs known as Ain al Sarooj and Ain Hamouda and take in the natural beauty of the area. Given its attraction to tourists, a souvenir can be purchased from the shop in Badaa, a close by village, to remember the valley and the excursion.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Sheikh Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a bustling, modern city with broad boulevards, gleaming skyscrapers, high-rise apartment buildings and busy shopping malls. This wealthy city still has its fascinating culture and provides fantastic opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Abu Dhabi is surrounded by several major islands with multi-billion dollar resorts, playgrounds for wealthy locals and holiday makers sampling a bit of the 5-star lifestyle that the Emirates have become famous for. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is among the best of the luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi. This luxury Resort is located in the legendary Rub’Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara embraces the epic adventures of this evocative landscape by providing a luxury oasis for discerning traveler. This resort offers many activities such as camel trekking, fat biking and the best Abu Dhabi Desert Tour for their guests.

The Sheikh Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi is the best place in Abu Dhabi for relaxation, fun and entertainment. Located in Al Matar, behind the old airport of Abu Dhabi, this major landmark is one of the city’s larger parks. The design derived from Islamic and Arabic architecture park has lot on offer to all types of visitors. Visually, the park boasts of a beautifully landscaped grand avenue, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. The park offers an exciting range of things to do for children including a time tunnel ride, miniature railway, women & children’s garden and Murjan Splash Park. Tours can be carried out via train or by foot, whichever is more convenient. Khalifa Park was a gift for the people of Abu Dhabi from UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa. The Khalifa Park is a park for all people to visit and enjoy.

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. Google+

Discover Birdlife at Yala

Fondly known by many epithets such as the Resplendent Isle, the island nation of Sri Lanka nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a haven for tropical and exotic birdlife and panoramic sceneries. Sri Lanka is home to around four hundred species of birds of which only around twenty are endemic to the island. The remainder is predominantly made up of migratory birds that travel to in search of a tropical climate, away from the harsh Scandinavian, European and Indian winters.

While a number of parks such as the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, the Biodhinala Sanctuary and Kumana National Park have been designated as official bird sanctuaries, other national parks such as the Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamua and Yala National Parks are also rich with flourishing bird communities. Visiting the Yala National Park is a must-do when in Sri Lanka and while a rich variety of Yala hotels are available, the national park can be accessed with ease from Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Also known as the Ruhunu National Park, Yala is a famous safari and wildlife destination for tourists and locals alike. Initially established 1938, Yala is home to an amazing variety of bird species as well as other animals. Visitors to Yala will be able to view the Black Necked Stork, the Malabar Pied, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the European Bea Eater, the Blue Faced Malkoha, the Yellow Fronted Pied, the Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, the Lesser Whistling Teal and the Green Bee Eater whose feathers create a camouflage effect as it fades into the greenish and brownish background of the park.

In addition to bird watching, when at the Yala Natoinal Park, visitors can also watch elephants in the wild, beautiful and colourful butterfly species as well as crocodiles and, if they are lucky, leopards. The Park is a wonderful natural getaway, both relaxing and awe-inspiring for any intrepid traveller.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Mossman Gorge Port Douglas

Tucked away in Daintree Rainforest , a declared world heritage site is Mossman Gorge. Considered as the oldest , but continuously surviving rain forest on the planet. Five minutes away from one of Queensland’s most hospitable towns , Mossom , is where one could find themselves in the midst of this lush tropical treasure.

Port Douglas is not too far from Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reefs. Surrounded by tropical forests and coral reefs this is the only place where two listed world heritage sites exist. The convenient location to both these tourist attraction makes it a popular tourist destination. Among the Port Douglas Resorts, a noteworthy choice among tourist would be Oaks Lagoons, which consists of both deluxe hotel style accommodation as well as apartment style accommodation to suit one’s needs. The name Oaks lagoons come from te six lagoon style pools surrounding the resort.

Mossman Gorge situated in the southern part of the Daintree forest which has one of the most complex eco systems at present. The river Mossom flows through this scenic site and the clear water pools are perfect for a refreshing dip. The native “kuku Yalanji ” people are warm and welcoming to tourist and have become part and parcel of the whole experience.

Some of the activities one can engage in are the dream time walks , swimming, self guided tours among many others without causing any destruction to this 130 million year worthy treasure. The Mossman Gorge Center strives to preserve this pristine blessing. There is an indigenous art gallery and a retail center, a cafe and a retail center within its premises.

Other attractions around the forest area would be driving up to the Barrier Reef , where one can engage in snorkeling, diving and enjoy the great beaches that Queensland has to offer.

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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Visit to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: A truly wild experience

Nature lovers who crave to see forests with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to make a visit to. It is located in Canacona Taluka, South Goa district, of Goa, India. This sanctuary is renowned for its dense forest of tall trees, some of which reach 30 metres in height. The forest supports moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees. A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower positioned 25 metres above a watering hole where animals go to drink. The best times to visit the watchtower are dawn and dusk when animals are most likely to be visiting. The approach to the sanctuary is very convenient from a Beach resort in Goa such as Alila Diwa Goa where you can spend a relaxing holiday while enjoying the marvels of nature. Visitors can interact with the tribal groups including the Velip and Kunbil who live in and around the sanctuary and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Animals in the sanctuary include the flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, draco or flying lizard, golden-back gliding snake, and Malabar tree toad.

You will find an eco-tourism complex run by the Forest Department at the entrance of the sanctuary that houses a Nature Interpretation Centre which provides information to visitors, cottages, toilets, library, reception area, rescue centre, canteen, children’s park, and forest ranger office. For those who seek a little bit of adventure facilities like snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents, reference material or even cots and mosquito-nets can be provided by the Forest Department. There are endless possibilities for those who really want to rough it out to make a truly adventurous experience in this sanctuary.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Take a Bullock Cart Ride through the Village

Even with the rapid development witnessed by the 21st century, small villages in Sri Lanka remain largely untouched by the dramatic changes in transportation and lifestyle. A place where time seems to slow down and life becomes uncomplicated, most villages in the island scarcely witness fancy modes of transportation and stick to bullock carts to transport produce and other items from the fields to their homes or to the local village markets as they are cost efficient. A glimpse into this village lifestyle is a valuable insight tourists can obtain when staying at a Sigiriya hotel in the vicinity of the Habarana villages such as Chaaya Village Habarana. One such way, in addition to close proximity, is to indulge in a bullock cart ride through the village while a three wheeler, or in the more popular vernacular, a tuk tuk, would be the best way to explore the city.

A bullock cart ride is undeniably a very traditional mode of travel, but it is a modern way to explore the undisturbed village life in the rural areas. When travelling in a bullock cart, tourists will have the opportunity to travel through lush green paddy fields and observe the manner in which the villagers lead their daily lives. Since the roads are often mere footpaths, travelling by car would be highly uncomfortable, but the bullock cart traverses the well trodden country lanes with ease. The slow paced travel provides tourists with ample time and opportunity to witness the beauty and serenity of the village.

Exploring the nearby villages should also include a visit to a village house where tourists can have the opportunity to taste the delights of a ‘plain tea’ sweetened with a small piece of juggery. This coupled with an authentic Sri Lankan lunch of red rice and curry is bound to leave tourists yearning for the simple life.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Amazing Secret Places to Find in London

The entrancing metropolis of London is renowned for its splendid attractions and cosmopolitan ambience. An excellent London luxury hotel would be the Metropolitan by COMO London. This alluring hotel is well-known for its sumptuous accommodations and gracious hospitality.

As you might expect the vast city of London offers a myriad of attractions for the visitor. However in addition to its well-known landmarks the city offers a host of less well-known sites which will draw the imagination of the visitor.

As you may well know 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However there is another building in the city which almost exactly resembles this famous residence; namely 10 Adam Street in the Strand, which is almost indistinguishable from its lookalike. Many tourists take pictures at this location.

Another intriguing sight is the amazing Rolling Bridge in Paddington Basin which at noon on every Friday is rolled up into a jaw-dropping octagonal form. Meanwhile the Seven Noses which are to be seen in the locality of Soho are the work of a local artist. The story goes that if you manage to find all seven, situated in different places in this neighbourhood, you will gain good luck. Another attraction in a similar mould, this time in Covent Garden is the Hidden Ears which are scattered around the locality. Another fascinating site in the city is Wilton’s Music Hall, which has the distinction of being the oldest such music hall on the globe.

The inquisitive visitor will also be captivated by the quaint Victorian Pet Cemetery in the well-known Hyde Park, where you can see innumerable graves dedicated to beloved deceased pets. A little-known attraction of a very different kind is the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in Aldgate East which as its name indicates is a functioning foundry where bells like the Liberty Bell and Big Ben were created. Another engrossing sight is the water pump of John Snow, a prominent physician of the 19th century.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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