Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Uncover Leopard Trails on a Safari Tour of Yala

Travellers in search of well-situated hotels in Yala should look to The Secret Yala for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a breathtaking base from which to explore Yala National Park this stylish rest offers modern luxuries in the heart of the wilderness.

Renowned as the most popular national park in the island Yala National Park is the second largest parkland of its kind in Sri Lanka. Spread out over 979km2 this sprawling enclosure is one of the country’s most coveted wildlife sanctuaries that were declared protected reserved as early as 1900. Located within 190 miles of the capital Colombo the vast expanse of forested landscapes is a hotbed of activity all year round as tourists and locals visit to explore its verdant confines and catch glimpses of its most famed inhabitants.
Well-known as a hub to witness the majestic Asian elephants and leopards, one of the must-have experiences on a tour of Yala is a safari excursion along its leopard trails. Available through a variety of tour operators leopard safaris in Yala are typically two day or 3 day excursions that also includes camping out within the wilderness at designated campsites. Equipped with modern necessities and comforts the camp sites offer cozy accommodation, with tour packages also including barbeque fare, traditional Sri Lankan meals and camp fires.

Setting off in the morning hours and then once more at the hour of dusk the leopard safaris offer once in a lifetime opportunities to witness one of the most fearsomely majestic big cats in the world. The male leopards of Yala National Park are known to be a confident group that often walks the leopard trails during various times of the day. Unfettered by the safari jeeps that scour the parkland all year long visitors will have plenty of opportunities to snap close range photographs of the creatures. Other highlights along the Yala leopard trails include spotting elephant herds, spotted deer, sloth bears and bird species the likes of Paradise Flycatchers, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters, Rose Starlings and Crested Hawk Eagles.

 

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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Willpattu National Park

Be it the elusive leopard or the iconic elephant, the Willpattu National Park in Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of exotic wildlife that can be seen when on a safari. If you are in search of a coastal base from which to head to this site consider Kalpitiya hotels such as Palagama Beach Kalpitiya, which organises safaris to this national park as well.

Located around 180 kms from the commercial capital, Colombo, the Willpattu National Park is the largest of its kind in the island. Encompassing the jungle and the northwest coast, the park is characterised by its many freshwater lakes that attract a wide range of wildlife. A perfect activity for the entire family, a safari at the park give you a chance to head off on a thrilling drive into the wild and spot leopards, elephants, water buffalos, spotted deer and more, all in their natural habitats. The lakes of Willpattu also attract a wide variety of birds making it an ideal spot for bird watching. As you embark on your adventures keep your eyes open to spot bird species such as cormorants, Sri Lanka junglefowl, eagles, gray herons and painted storks, all of which have been seen here.

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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Hammerhead Shark Point, a diving highlight

The beautiful seas of the Maldive Islands offer a host of attractive diving sites for enthusiasts of this pursuit. Amidst the crystal clear waters you will find a myriad of coral reefs as well as other locations where you will encounter an array of fascinating marine creatures. If you desire an appealing Maldives holiday resort which offers access to these local pleasures a discerning choice would be the Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives. This appealing accommodation offers attractively furnished rooms as well as considerate hospitality.

Divers will be enthralled by the opportunity to observe the intriguing hammerhead sharks at the well-known Hammerhead Shark Point at Rasdhoo Atoll. This is one of the few remaining locations on the globe where you will have the opportunity to dive with these enigmatic creatures of the deep which capture the imagination of the observer with their amazingly shaped heads.

Often a liveaboard will take you to the dive site, with company in the form of other divers. The best time to dive with the hammerhead sharks is at sunrise; accordingly you will have to enter the waters in the early dawn hours, at which time the tropical waters will have a comfortable temperature. A dive of about 30 m will be ideal to encounter these engrossing creatures of the deep.

The hammerheads will soon arrive, often in the form of schools of many individuals. If you are lucky you will encounter large, perhaps 4 m long individuals, which will inspire awe with their impressive proportions. Hammerhead Point features a number of undersea caverns and overhangs which are interesting to explore. On your dive you will also encounter such marine creatures as dolphinfish, dogtooth tuna, sailfish and black snapper.

Hammerhead sharks are not usually dangerous to humans, and feed on fish, particularly stingrays. As these sharks possess eyes located on the sides of their distinctively shaped heads they can easily see and capture their chosen prey.

 

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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Bird Handling

Falcons have been used as a hunting weapon by the Bedouins in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert region for centuries. Taking falcons out into the desert on hunting expeditions lasting several days was how rulers kept in touch with tribes at one time. Although they are not used for practical purposes anymore, falconry is now a popular sport in the Liwa desert although using them to hunt wildlife is restricted. Sporting birds are taken out into the desert each day as they have to be flown and trained daily. The main species of falcon being used for sport are the saker and the peregrine. One of popular luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers a selection of desert based leisure activities that include falconry.

The bird’s eyes are covered with a hood during the acclimatization process to keep it calm. Out in the desert when the hoods are removed the birds soar up into the air reveling in the wide open spaces. A GPS transmitter attached to their tail feathers keep track of movements. The falcons are capable of flying at 200 miles an hour and are efficient hunters in open terrain. Training comprises of the bird’s handler whirling a feathered, baited lure until the falcon dives for it. When the bird catches the lure it receives a reward. Later the falcon is trained to dive on a live prey. This time the handler lures it away before it can get its talons into the prey, getting the bird used to not killing the prey immediately. When the sun goes down over the desert, it is time for the falcons to go back to their roost. At the end of the sporting season some falconers release the birds into the wild after embedding a micro chip for identification. The capturing and training of falcons need patience, skill and even bravery as they are dangerous raptors. They have to be trained for months before they can be used for sport.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Explore Mui Ne’s Natural Wonders on a Tour of the Red and White Sand Dunes

Travellers in search of a luxury resort in Mui Ne will be more than pleased with the stylish Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. Offering guests a resplendent hideaway with spa facilities this cozy rest is the ideal base for holidaymakers.

Tipped to be one of Vietnam’s most intriguing tourist attractions the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne are a geological anomaly that is worthy of exploration. Frequented by locals and travellers alike this captivating stretch of sand dunes have expanded to become one of the most popular tour options in central Vietnam.

Located on either side of a massive lake the White Dunes are situated the farthest from Mui Ne city centre and is considered the most arid area in all of Southeast Asia. Dubbed Bau Trang in the local tongue the White Dunes is a miniature desert with the Lotus Lake serving as its only body of water. Lotus flowers gaze up from the water source that is anything but a mirage and creates a sharp contrast with the sandy confines of its location. A series of cafes are pine trees are on hand to offer shade and refreshments as well as a quiet space for picnics, if one should so desire.

The Red Dunes on the other hand are easier to reach and is located close to the touristic heart of Mui Ne. Littered with small slopes and red hued sand the venue is a hotbed for local photographers and videographers who use the venue’s rich, textured landscapes as the back drop for music videos and the like.

Visitors can take a jeep tour across both dunes or opt for a more eco-friendly bike tour or motorbike tour and explore the area in its entirety with guides providing valuable information on the venues. Sledding activities are also popular at both dunes with sleds for adults and children available for rent nearby. Visitors can also go for a swim at Lotus Lake and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a different vantage point.

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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Explore Sanya’s Hidden Treasures on Engaging Day Tours and Activities

Travellers in search of luxury hotel resorts in Sanya should look to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests with stylish rests across the continent this reputed name in hospitality caters to those on business as well as leisure.

Regarded as one of the world’s favorite coastal holiday hubs in China, Sanya is a tropical haven for the masses. Littered with breathtaking coastlines and blessed with sunny skies for most of the year this one- stop vacation heartland is also the perfect base from which to explore Hainan’s other treasures. With a myriad of engaging attractions and activities scattered around the city, day excursions from this popular seaside resort town are a must-have experience for all tourists.
Golfing enthusiasts can head down to the Luhuitou Golf Club and Driving Range which is home to a pristine 18-hole course complete with 7310 yards of green fairways. A gymnasium and dining facilities are also available at the venue where golfers young and old tee-off in the lap of luxury.

Water sports enthusiasts on the other hand can sail around the city’s azure oceans on chartered vessels. Traversing across some of the finest terrains in the South China Sea the sunset sailing tours are particularly spectacular all year round. Snorkelers can discover the vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs on a snorkelling expedition in Sanya while surfers can also let lose among the towering waves of this surfing Mecca. Sea kayaking tours are equally popular among seasoned visitors as paddling across the ocean water allows one to take in the sights on both and land and sea at a leisurely pace.
Nature lovers can trek through the Ganza Ridge Natural Reserve in Sanya and discover the indigenous Li community and their way of life. Hikers and trekking enthusiasts can also explore mangroves and verdant landscapes on a walk across a tropical rainforest while shooting fanatics can try their luck at the International Olympics Shooting Centre in Sanya. Hot spring baths and healing therapies are also available at the famed Sanya Hot Springs.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Most Exquisite Dazu Rock Carvings

The beautifully executed Dazu Rock Carvings which have been skilfully sculpted into local cliffsides have acquired renown around the world. These fascinating carvings are accessible from the Chinese city of Chongqing, where visitors may find attractive Chongqing apartment accommodation such as the Somerset JieFangBei Chongqing. This appealing rest offers quality accommodations and a selection of convenient amenities.

The attractive rock carvings are to be found in a number of localities in Dazu County, namely the locations known as Baodingshan, Beishan, Shimenshan, Nanshan and Shizhuanshan. All of these sites feature exquisite carvings that demonstrate great skill and artistic talent. Visitors will be surprised by the capabilities of these ancient artisans.

The rock carvings date from three Chinese imperial dynasties, having initially been commenced in the time of the Tang Dynasty and continued in the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Amongst the carvings you will see over 5,000 individual statues as well as in excess of 100,000 Chinese calligraphic characters in the form of epigraphs and inscriptions. The Buddhist figures are most prominent in the carvings, with Confucian and Taoist statues also frequently seen.

The rock carvings of Baodingshan consist of no less than 13 clusters of stone carvings, totalling almost 10,000 stone figures. A special aspect of these particular collections of carvings is that the intriguing carved figures seem to tell a story.

The Beishan rock carvings demonstrate masterly craftsmanship and are exceptionally well preserved. Meanwhile the Shizhuanshan site displays a combination of integrated Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist statues, an unusual blend when considering Chinese cave art as a whole. On the other hand the rock carvings of Nanshan focus on the Taoist faith, featuring innumerable representations of the Taoist deities. Not to be missed is the site known as Shimenshan, which boasts an array of stone figures, some of which are remarkably vivid and lifelike. With so much to see and admire, visitors are sure to be enthralled by the splendid rock carvings of Dazu.

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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Nature & Wild Life Activities in Abu Dhabi

Explore the wild side of Sir Bani Yas by indulging in a 4×4 Nature and Wild Life excursion specially organized by one of the finest Abu Dhabi Beach hotels; Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Book a 4 hour tour and explore nature to your heart’s content. The hotel also provides its guest with learned guides who are more than happy to share all sorts of interesting information about this fascinating natural island.

The Sir Bani Yas Island is located some 100kms south west of Abu Dhabi and makes the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. The unparalleled scenic appeal and rich array of flora and fauna makes Sir Bani Yas extremely popular with the tourists. Infact the wild life reserve in Sir Bani Yas is the islands biggest attraction. Established in 1971, the reserve has blossomed into a successful wild life sanctuary that is today home to 1000s of large, free roaming animals and a number of rare species of plants. In addition to the wildlife reserve the park houses an interesting bird sanctuary as well, altogether occupying over half of Sir Bani Yas Island.

Some of the interesting species found in Sir Bani Yas includes the Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Deers, giraffes and even dolphins and sea turtles. The Arabian Oryx is particularly fascinating as it is one species that has been completely extinct in the wild but in this sanctuary the world’s largest herd of Arabian Oryx can be found. The Bird sanctuary of the Park is home to a number of wild birds, some of which are even indigenous to the island.

Like everything else in the Emirates the park goes all out in ensuring its guests have an excellent time here. Nature is showcased in this reserve through a number of interesting activities such as safaris, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. The Sir Bani Yas gives you the finest experience that you could have with the Wild life of the Emirates.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Dolphin Quest in Veli

Refresh, rejuvenate and relish your holiday by spending a few nights in one of the finest Maldives Bungalows there is. The Anantara Veli, Maldives is a hotel that redefines luxury altogether. Located along a coral framed island in the South Male Atoll, Anantara Veli is the very definition of a paradise abode. Apart from basking in the sheer beauty of your surroundings and enjoying the comfort and services of the hotel, Anantara Veli is an excellent start off point for a world of adventures. Nature has never been closer to any other resort.

The list of activities available for you to indulge in is endless. Some require more skill and expertise and others not so much. Most of them are water based and require you to feel on your skin the warm waters of the Maldives. However, if you are looking to stay dry while savoring the famous wonders of Maldives; why not take part in the Dolphin Quest.

The Ocean around the many Maldivian Islands is adorned with thousands of dolphins. In fact Dolphins thrive perfectly here and even certain rare varieties have been sighted. Indulge in a Cruise around the lagoon and look out for spinner dolphins. The thrill of sighting these creatures in the midst of one of their acrobatic stunts is truly incomparable. A dolphin cruise never leaves you disappointed for these creatures love the Company of humans and they are never too shy to show off a little bit. The best part about the Dolphin Quest in Veli is that each trip across the ocean includes the company of a learned marine biologist. In addition to providing you with a short lecture on the life of dolphins the biologist is also available to answer any questions and queries that you may have about the thriving marine life of the Maldives.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Abu Dhabi Travelling Tips

The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital and center of governance of the United Arab Emirates. Adorned with the epitome of luxury, Abu Dhabi and its neighboring city Dubai makes perhaps the two most exciting regions in the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. Characterized by thousands of sky high buildings, unparalleled cityscapes, lush manmade gardens and opulent shopping malls, Abu Dhabi is nothing short of paradise for the luxury loving tourist. Almost every hotel in Abu Dhabi mirrors the sheer class that is synonymous to this city’s name. People come from afar to bask in this jewel studded city and the many comforts that it beholds. Perfectly located in close proximity to the many attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is a popular choice for many who visit the city; be it for business or leisure purpose.

Abu Dhabi’s location on the Eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula makes it prone to dry and extremely hot weather conditions; particularly in the months between May and August. When heading out on the many excursions in Abu Dhabi particularly to the deserts or the beaches, sun screen is almost always an absolute must. On many occasions the luxury again comes to rescue Abu Dhabi from the harsh weather conditions as excellent temperature control is found in nearly every enclosed region in the city.
Although far more cosmopolitan than the rest of the Arabian nations put together, a little modesty would be appreciated in regions sensitive to culture or religion. The breathtaking Sheikh Zayed mosque is an excellent example of such a location. One of the most spectacular attractions of the city, the mosque demands its female visitors to be head covered while touring the premises of this place of worship.

Abu Dhabi is a city that enjoys its tourists and in turn tourists fall in love with this city. So hold back nothing and indulge in this city completely and bask in its luxury from dawn till dusk and even beyond.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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