Also known as the Rainbow Reef because of the vividness of its bio diversity, the HP Reef is indeed a paradise beyond the surface. There are plenty of Maldives luxury resorts located surrounding this site and if you are interested in a bit of diving, choose Baros Maldives, a popular diving resort Maldives has to offer for those avid divers. Coral blocks, caves and crevices dot this magnificent reef and this very formation itself acts as a magnet to the abundance of marine life that can be observed here. The overhangs and swim troughs are covered with a beautifully soft coral while many schools of fish are seen swimming about the reef. Some of the most commonly seen fish are schools of Trevallies, Snappers, Fusiliers, Sweetlips, and White Tip Sharks while Eagle Rays, turtles and Grey Reef sharks too are seen in abundance here.
Category: Miscellaneous Adventures
Elephant Safari in Hua Hin
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit atop an elephant and embark on a thrilling safari into the wild? Well when you next visit Hua Hin you can do just that! Look to stay at Hua Hin hotels such as Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort which organises such excursions that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. It is one of the best beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has to offer and provides an idyllic setting in which to experience the very best the region is known for.
An iconic animal in Thailand, the elephant provides the perfect way in which to head off the beaten track and explore areas rich in flora and fauna. An elephant safari in Hua Hin give you a chance to discover the rich biodiversity of the country, taking you past lush forests and local villages where one can experience some traditional culture. It also lets you get up close with these majestic creatures who are gentle giants in every sense of the word. Some tours also include visits to elephant camps where one can observe elephants engaging in a whole host of activities ranging from dancing to painting!
Mountain Climbing at Knuckles
If you love outdoor adventure and trekking amidst enchanting hills, then mountain climbing at the Knuckles Mountain Range is definitely worth trying out when on your Sri Lanka holidays. This well known site can be found in the island’s central region and those in search of Sri Lanka tours to this region can sign up with Walkers Tours which provide specialised excursions.
Home to lush forests and often shrouded in mist, the Knuckles Mountain Range has many paths and trails making it ideal for mountain climbing. Perfect for camping trips too, this mountainous area offers plenty of exciting hikes past ancient trees and scenic landscapes with mysterious caves, tranquil waterfalls and picturesque tea plantations. You are also likely to encounter a fascinating array of endemic flora and fauna which make this area such a biodiversity hotspot. Best of all it offers an idyllic getaway amidst the fresh mountain air where one can take time to soak up the breathtaking vistas that abound.
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+
Devon Falls Nuwara Eliya
Ideally located 6km from the heart of Thalawakele lies a spectacular cascade that has captured the hearts and minds of locals and tourists since time immemorial. Propelling down an impressive 97m, the Devon Falls as it is popularly known is the 19th tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Towering above the surrounding landscapes at an altitude of 1140m, this breathtaking waterfall is one of the chief tourist attractions in the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Deriving its name from a well-known British coffee planter of the same name, the plantation which was cultivated by the pioneer Englishman is located within a stone’s throw of Devon Falls.
Fed by the Kothmale Oya which is a main tributary of the Malaweli River, Devon Falls is a tiered waterfall with three visible drops. Easily accessible to those travelling the Nuwara Eliya – Hatton main road, visitors can catch a glimpse of the famed waterfall from places along the way. Reaching the Devon Falls involves a short 1km trek which allows visitors an up-close view of the natural wonder. Locals in the area profess that the best view of the falls is visible from Midigama where the frontal view is unhindered by natural or manmade elements.
Surrounded by lush greenery and dense foliage that is typical of the Nuwara Eliya District, this natural wonder gushes earthbound in milky sheets of white and frothy water all year long although it is particularly ferocious during the rainy season. A Hindu kovil is also located near the falls and is a sacred venue revered by the Tamil plantation workers of the area. Just opposite the Devon Falls lies a colonial bungalow constructed by a former English governor in the early 1920’s. Innumerable hospitality establishments and residential areas have also propped up near the famed waterfall due to the influx of visitors all year round.
Travellers on the lookout for advantageous Sri Lanka tour packages this season should look to Country Feeling Holidays for the widest range of vacation options. Offering visitors a plethora of engaging Sri Lanka holidays this reputed name in the hospitality industry pulls out all the stops when it comes to unforgettable excursions in the emerald isle.
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.
Matsu Cultural Village Macau
Visitors to Macau should avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the attractive Matsu Cultural Village which has attained the status of a popular tourist destination. Matsu, also known as Tian Hou or A-Ma, is a goddess who is said to be the benefactor of seafarers and sailors. Probably Macau’s most venerated deity, Matsu is revered by innumerable millions of worshippers across the globe, mainly in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The splendid Matsu Cultural Village is a captivating creation which has been designed to replicate a palace complex of the Qing Dynasty. Visitors will encounter an imposing stone stairway, decorated with fine handcrafted engravings of auspicious features, which ascends to the magnificent gateway which opens into the inner courtyard of the complex. This expansive courtyard is flanked by two towers, the drum tower as well as the bell tower and a number of statues. Towards the rear of the courtyard you will see the elaborately decorated shrine which houses the principal figure of Matsu.
This entire building is filled with beautifully crafted statues, relief sculptures and other adornments which demonstrate the devotion of the builders of the shrine towards their beloved goddess.
Visitors will see that the location also features altars fashioned in marble, hallways, a museum and numerous attractive shops. You will also find several stalls within the compound selling souvenirs and folk handicraft items.
At the summit of the hill which rises above this cultural site you will see an immense statue of the deity which stands precisely 19.99 m, representing the year in which China received sovereignty over the territory of Macau. Visitors will be able to enjoy the delightful bird’s eye views available from this vantage point.
The Cultural Village is surrounded by a beautiful area of parkland. The visitor will also see that the lane leading to the site passes through a picturesque arboretum which features over a hundred species of unusual trees. These attractive surroundings add to the religious and cultural importance of the location.
Travellers to the area desiring a Macau hotel will find an outstanding rest in the Galaxy Macau Resort Hotel. One of the appealing Macau hotels this quality accommodation offers excellent rooms and service.
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.
Elephant Trekking in Thailand
Home to some spectacular natural landscapes, Thailand provides plenty of adventure for those who love the outdoors. To make these excursions even more special one can choose an elephant trekking tour that provides a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle creatures. Chiang Rai is one of the best areas in Thailand for such excursions and those in search of Chiang Rai hotels that also offer elephant treks can consider Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand. This luxurious hotel Chiang Rai has to offer also features a range of other activities that will help you experience the very best of the country.
Before setting off on elephant treks make sure you choose a reputable service that treats these gentle giants with care. These treks will take you off the beaten track and past some breathtaking vistas that one may otherwise not get a chance to see. As you traverse through bamboo jungles, along riversides and across lush fields of paddy, one has the opportunity to get a sense of the country’s old world charm and rich natural heritage. Some tours also include other activities such as river rafting and visiting traditional villages which add to the fun.
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. Google+
Historical Sites in Ho Chi Minh City
Showcasing the influences of the French and the Chinese; two countries that once that governed Vietnam, the area of Ho Chi Minh City is filled with countless buildings that date back to the beginning of the 18th century. For those looking for a serviced residence in Ho Chi Minh City, perhaps Somerset Ho Chi Minh City can be considered. Select a serviced apartment Ho Chi Minh City and from where you could head out on a journey of discovery and excitement.
Thien Hau Temple which was built in the 19th century is a Chinese style shrine dedicated to Thien Hau; the Lady of the Sea. Visit the main alter of the temple and be awed by the three statuettes of the goddess that dominate the premises. A partly covered courtyard plays host to the interior of the temple and here if one stares at the roof one could encounter a myriad of features. Colourful figures ranging from demons, animals, actors and European traders and sailors adorn the roof of the temple and make for quite a mesmeric sight. Referred to as Gai Long Palace before the fall of Saigon, the museum of Ho Chi Minh City was once the residence of French colonial officers. From handicrafts, currency to artefacts that showcase the colonial rule of the country, this museum is a definite ‘must-do’. Get a more in-depth perspective of the local lifestyle by coming over to the Binh Tay Market. Have a chat with some of the elders who will tell you tales of its glorious past before making your way through the narrow lanes that makeup this colourful trading centre, set in Cho Lon.
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+
Trekking Along the Yellow Mountain
The Yellow Mountain in China is one of the most significant of its attractions, as thousands of visitors every year travel from all over the world to climb and admire her surpassing beauty and magnificence. The Yellow Mountain is also known as Huangshan Mountain, in fond remembrance of the great, unforgotten ancestor of the Chinese people, the legendary, Huang Di. It is said that upon this majestic mountain, Huang Di made magical pills of immortality. The mighty mountains have seemingly absorbed the immortality concocted here, as it glows with unending, unchanging, timeless beauty throughout all seasons and times.
The Yellow Mountain is counted among the greatest mountains of China, the We Yue. The Wue Yue includes five other mountains, namely Mount Taishan, Mount Huashan, Mount Hengshan, Mount Songshan and Mount Hengshan. The Wue Yue indeed receives great prominence along with the Yellow River, Yangtze River and the Great Wall as being symbols of China.
The Yellow Mountain has been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site owing to the magnificence of its treasures in the lines of biology as well as zoology.
The sunrise viewed from atop the mountain is indeed a breathtaking experience and many travel from all over the world to catch a glimpse of her mighty golden rays. Trekking along the Yellow Mountain to its peak, you will reach the best spots to capture the perfect moment of sublime beauty. The east facing areas such as the Refreshing Platform, Lion Peak, Dawn Pavilion, Rosy Clouds Peak, Bright Peak Summit, Lotus Bloom Peak, Jade Screen Peak and the Heavenly Capital Peak give one the perfect opportunity to witness the rising sun in all her beauty.
A trek along the rugged paths of Yellow Mountain leading you to its summit will also spread the breathtaking vista of the sea of clouds beneath your feet, giving you a wonderful sensation of being at the top of the world, far away from all its cares and burdens. The sight is indeed worth seeing at least once in one’s lifetime.
If you are planning to visit China and to see the wonders of this site and admire its breathtaking views, while also being pampered by the finest of Asian comforts and delights available at hotels in China, consider Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China. This well known name in the hospitality industry features some of the country’s best Greater China hotels.
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.
Qatar Boat & Fishing Trips
An ideal way to explore Qatar and experience the laidback charm of this historic state is by embarking on boat & fishing trips, set amidst idyllic landscapes. If you are in search of a well placed Doha hotel from which to set off on your excursions then consider Millennium Hotel Doha. This hotel in Doha is ideally located only around 16 kms from the Doha Sailing Club as well.
There are several options when it comes to boat and fishing tours in Qatar. One way well worth considering is to take dhow charters which let you hop aboard traditional style vessels. Ranging from half day trips to full day tours, these charters can include visits to such destinations as Safliya Island along with activities such as fishing and water sports. Head to Katara Beach if you are interested in setting off on fishing trips, while those looking to charter yachts can do so from the Regatta Sailing Academy.
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.
Zayed Sports Ice Rink
During Christmas and especially around the winter season, one dreams contentedly of a white Christmas, filled with gentle snow falls, country sides covered in white snow, making of snow men and snow angels and enjoying a hot cup of cocoa by a warm and blazing fire. For others, ice skating in a nearby frozen pond or lake brings a different kind of joy as the icy wind gently touches one’s cheeks as they glide around gracefully on the ice.
Making this seasonal dream an all year around reality are ice rinks found across the world where people can enjoy some recreational skating or competitive skating which includes figure skating as well as sports such as ice hockey, rink bandy, ringette, aikido and speed skating. Some of these sports are also included in the list of Olympic Games and are thus, taken very seriously by most enthusiasts.
In terms of sports rinks, the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink located in Abu Dhabi, one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates, deserves special mention. This rink boasts of being the city’s only skating surface which which has hosted a number of high level skating and ice hockey tournaments in the United Arab Emirates. It is also where the Abu Dhabi Figure Skating Team practices. The rink also offers amateurs with the option of coaching and includes a number of activities and services as well. Zayed Sports City Ice Rink is open from 9.00am to 10.00pm daily and is open only to ladies on Thursdays.
For those who are visiting the rink while staying at a hotel Abu Dhabi UAE, the rink is also home to a number of restaurants including Figaro’s Pizza. Therefore when one visits this eatery, one is in for quite a good time as the quality of meals provided will easily rival that of any Abu Dhabi hotel. The rink would also make for an ideal distraction if shopping is the purpose of your visit. Abu Dhabi being the shopping central of the Middle East, staying in the Grand Millennium Al Wahda will offer you with a multitude of malls, shops and more located within close proximity.
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.