Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Kottawa Rainforest Reserve

Sprawled across 37 acres in the heart of the emerald isle’s southern coast, lies one of its most secluded nature reserves. Located along the road to Udugama this tranquil quarter of Galle in Sri Lanka is known as the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve and serves as one of the island’s most verdant lowland rainforests. Travellers to the region in search of luxurious Galle hotels can choose Jetwing Lighthouse for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests the best in modern amenities in the ‘Down South’ area of the island, this stylish rest is one of the finest Sri Lanka hotels on the coastal belt.

Relatively unknown to the visiting multitudes to the island, the isolated Kottawa Rainforest Reserve is well worth the visit for nature lovers in search of breathtaking natural beauty off the beaten track.

Displaying all the features of a lowland rainforest, the area’s vegetation mainly consists of wet evergreen trees that tower above the canopies of other plants that struggle to feed off the sun’s ray due to the dense foliage above. The lack of sunlight penetrating the lower reaches of the rainforest has lead to a great propagation of Dipterocarpus variety plants and other fern species which occupy the forest bed in addition to orchids that depend on large tree trunks for nourishment.

An impressive 170 species of trees are believed to inhabit the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve of which a hundred have been identified as those endemic to Sri Lanka alone. More than 80 non-endemic tree species are also found in the rainforest and have been labelled with their botanical name for easy identification. As a part of the Kottawa Kombala Conservation Forest which occupies an impressive 1,800 hectares, the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts touring Galle; the Kottawa Arboretum showcases well over 70 species of winged beauties from all across the world.

The endemic bird species which have been identified to number around a dozen include the spot-winged thrush, yellow-fronted barbet, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler and the Sri Lankan spurfowl. Stunning butterflies are another attraction at the venue as Tree Nymph, Birdwing and Blue Oakleaf butterflies are abundantly found here. Giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys and toque monkeys are also frequently spotted in addition to non-venomous Sri Lankan snake varieties and lizards.

Dart Stables- Gear up and ride across the valley

Queenstown is one of the top holiday destinations in New Zealand and its perfect picturesque landscapes will make you realize why it is considered so. Make your holiday a relaxed and a peaceful one by finding a convenient Queenstown hotel accommodation which promises you all modern comforts. Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is one such New Zealand Queenstown hotel recommended by most of the travellers to the city. The best way to explore the scenic beauty of Queenstown is by riding across Glenorchy and Te Wahipounamu on a horseback. Dart Stable is popular among the travellers to the city for offering unforgettable memories of horse riding. You can watch horses of numerous breeds at the Dart Stable while riding across exciting treks in Queenstown.

Family Adventures

When you are looking for a family getaway this vacation, there cannot be any place better than Family Adventures in Queenstown. The place has numerous activities in offer to keep the whole family occupied and content. Ideally located Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview provides perfect Queenstown hotel accommodation for the holidaymakers who are looking for convenient hotel within the vicinity of the city’s many attractions. This New Zealand Queenstown hotel offers a luxurious stay and a peaceful sanctuary after tiring outdoor adventure pursuits. You can engage in sightseeing trips, adventurous excursions such as rafting and cycling. Sightseeing in Queenstown is an exciting activity as the city is steeped with history. Family Adventures will promise you a memorable visit to Queenstown.

Duolun Culture Street- Cultural Awakening

Duolun Street in Shanghai was originally constructed in the early 20th century and went by the name of a long forgotten British missionary. It came into its own in the 1920s and 30s when the writer Lu Xun and other progressive writers of the time like Mao Dun, Guo Moruo and Ding Ling moved into the area gathering other similar literary types around them making the street a cultural and literary centre. Doulun Street was opened to the public as Culture Street in 1998 and is the place that people come to, to find links with China’s pre revolutionary cultural scene. Located north of the Bund the once lavish homes and shops in this 8 km stretch have been refurbished and cars have been banned so that it is now a lovely pedestrian area of bookshops, tea houses, antique shops, galleries and historic homes. The Duolun Museum of Modern Art is there as is a 1920s Christian church with upturned eaves, the old film café that shows Chinese movies of the 1920s and 30s, the League of Leftist Writers Museum with the hall where the league was founded restored to its original condition and a mid 1920s mansion of a fabulously wealthy Shanghai entrepreneur are all in the neighbourhood.

The street is also famous for a variety of architectural styles ranging from Islamic to French Neo Classical to traditional Chinese styles and a fusion of eastern and western styles typical of the 1920s and 30s. Life size bronze statues of individuals who contributed to the areas heritage are found everywhere in all kinds of poses as if they are participating in the life going on around them. An outdoor museum of sorts, it is an interesting place to spend some time learning about Shanghai’s literary roots away from the tourist hordes.

Stay at the 88 Xintiandi Shanghai to enjoy a unique location amidst a thriving shopping, dining and entertainment district just outside Shanghai with easy access to the city. The well-appointed studio, one and two bedroom suites offer some of the most contemporary and comfortable residences in Shanghai, a boon to modern travelers looking for longer stays and a place to unwind. Guests at this Shanghai boutique hotel find this an excellent place from which to explore the big city.

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Cardrona Adventure Park

Located halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka in New Zealand, on the Cardrona Valley, the Cardrona Adventure Park guarantees fun for the whole family. With so many activities ranging from quad bikes, buggy and monster truck rides, visitors whether amateurs or veterans, will love the energetic experience of the park. There is something for everyone here. The park is open from 10.00 am to 5 pm every day, and all you need to bring along is sturdy footwear. Be dressed in appropriate clothes for the ride, and bring along your excitement of course!

The drive to the park itself is a beautiful experience. You will have a view of the magnificent crown range of hills. The drive of about 40 minutes although long is a picturesque journey.

With various rides catering to the skill level and physical abilities of participants, there is indeed something for everyone. Children and adults alike will enjoy the Cardrona experience. Children as young as six years can drive their own quad bikes, while most adults have a tendency to like the famous snow run experience.

If you prefer a more scenic experience then the park offers rides over water, mud and snow on the drastic hills. Or maybe you would like to try one of the adrenalin pumping all terrain action rides meant for thrill seeking adventure junkies. Monster trucks and off road vehicles are also renowned experiences of the park mostly among those who just cannot get enough.

Queenstown makes an ideal base from which to visit this attraction. The city is renowned for its beautiful sceneries surrounded by the majestic mountains and Lake Wakatipu, country like atmosphere and clear skies, but above all for the warmth of its hospitality. Excitement, peace and serenity all packed into one city; what more can you ask for while on vacation.

If you wish to retire to a luxury hotel Queenstown after all those scream inducing rides and thrills then look no further than Millennium Hotel Queenstown. This Queenstown hotel, is well known for its luxurious accommodation and star class service standards. It is the ideal place to stay at for the traveller in need of a little pampering, at the end of a long day of sightseeing and excitement.

Bird Watching in the Maldives- Taking Wing

While the Maldives is celebrated for its amazing diversity of marine life, due to its location far away from a large landmass and its small size the Maldives does not have an abundance of its own avifauna. Most birds found on the islands are Eurasian migratory birds and therefore are seasonal while some are typical of the region and a few are found among the vegetation and marshes of the various islands.

According to bird checklists around 165 varieties of birds inhabit the islands from time to time. Some rare and threatened varieties of birds that visit the islands intermittently include the Feruginous Duck, Jouanin’s Petrel, Spot Billed Pelican, Pallid Harrier, Black Tailed Godwit, the Lesser Kestrel and the Eurasian Curlew. The common Mynah and the House Sparrow that are visible on the larger islands are listed as introduced species. Among the commonest birds spied in the Maldives are the crow, the koel with its distinctive cry and the white breasted water hen found nesting under low bushes. While the large grey heron is also a common sight several other species of heron are also glimpsed from time to time. Two types of frigate birds are known to use the Maldives as their breeding grounds. Two species of noddies, several species of terns, the Audubon’s shearwater and the white tailed tropic bird are also to be found here during breeding time. Addu Atoll in the south of the Maldives is known as a nesting ground for the fairy tern.

For keen bird watchers the best way to see pelagic birds in the Maldives is to take a trip out to sea with fishermen who locate shoals of tuna by identifying concentrations of sea birds feeding on shrimp and small fish chased to the top by the big fish hunting below. Birding tours organized as part of the live aboard experience is also another wonderful way to view tropical pelagic birds and migrants from the palaearctic eco zone. The most rewarding time to view these birds may be during the spring and autumn migrations when a whole variety of birds can be spotted. Early mornings are also a good time to view birds as they are most active and noisy at this time. Due to its small size bird watchers in the Maldives may need to visit several locations to see a variety of avifauna.

For anyone thinking of pristine white beaches, sun, warm blue sea, gorgeous marine life, privacy and sublime accommodation then Cocoa Island Maldives is the place to be. Enjoy well appointed spacious contemporary villas and suites with wonderful ocean views at this Maldives luxury hotel as well as tasteful Asian fusion cuisine, rejuvenating holistic spa treatments and blissful days in total relaxation. Head to this exceptional Maldives resort for that much dreamed of vacation.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Roppongi Hills

Development in Tokyo has moved forward in leaps and bounds, and today the capital city of Japan is definitely one of the greatest cities in the world. While life moves on the fast lane in this busy city the locals are always able to make time for style, and maintain it in their lifestyles. As the country heads towards becoming one recognized for this trait, the numbers that visit the nation in seek of exciting vacations too increases. Most of these visitors opt to stay in and explore Tokyo and in the city the Roppongi area is popular among visitors. Roppongi Hills is a mix use development that has arisen in the area and for many reasons it is a site fun seeking visitors should head to.

This development was opened in 2003, and since then has changed the face of Roppongi, helping to transform it into one of the most stylish areas to visit. Made up of several skilfully architected buildings, there is a host of ways to spend time in the area. It is a place to visit that will have almost anything that visitors are looking for. Those with an interest in modern culture will enjoy a visit to the Mori Art Museum in the iconic Mori Tower, and from this same tower which is one of the tallest in the area, you can enjoy the views from the observation deck.

Roppongi Hills is one of the best places for world class shopping, with most of the best renowned brands available here. Visitors will not only find trendy apparel here but a range of other products as well. When looking for a way to treat the taste buds too Roppongi Hills is the place to head over to, as there are a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars that serve up delicious dishes from many cuisines. The area is made pleasant by the presence of greenery in beautifully kept gardens, including an exciting rooftop garden. The cinema on site shows both Japanese and English movies for visitors’ enjoyment. It is definitely an ideal place to head over to when looking for some excitement in Tokyo.

When visitors to this city are selecting a hotel Tokyo, one that will meet all their needs is The Peninsula Tokyo. The beauty and opulence of this luxury hotel Tokyo, along with the lavish comforts and experiences available, have made it a popular choice of accommodation.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

For a fierce adventure with the wild side of China visit the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Located in the Sanzao town some 20 km from the city center, the park is easily accessible and makes a popularly visited destination during weekends and holidays. The Shanghai Wild Animal National Park makes the first park of its kind in the whole of China. It covers an area of over 150 hectares and houses over 200 different species of animals. The rare, the endangered and the fierce are all found in this manmade wildlife sanctuary and the best part of all is that this zoo allows an up-close and personal experience with its many amazing species. You can either walk along and enjoy a typical zoo exploration or you can hop into a bus and enjoy the most spine chilling contact with the animals.

The Zoo is divided into 5 major areas; the wild beast zone, herbivore zone, performing hall, penned animal zone and other animal zone. Each area is a world full of its very own surprises. In the performing hall you are greeted with a number of talented animals each exhibiting its very own artistic skill. These animals are renowned nationwide as some of the most talented set of zoo inhabitants ever. The real highlight of this zoo however is the wild animal zone. Quite interestingly the zoo feeds the lions and tigers with living prey in order to retain their original survival instincts. This in turn provides quite a show for visitors who enjoy the opportunity to see right before their eyes, the jungle king delving for his kill. With the supervision of a professional one can indulge in feeding elephants and giraffes and taking photographs with them.

The Shanghai zoo is haven for both adults and children. There is a Ferris wheel enabling you to enjoy a wholesome view of the zoo and electric cart to carry you along the trip in case you feel tired. If you are hungry there are lovely little restaurants and if you are in the mood for some souvenir shopping there are plenty of outlets for that too. All in all you can get a wholesome day out in this zoo in Shanghai.

The The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai has the most remarkable hotel rooms in Shanghai whose ambience makes this a popular choice of many people who are looking for a Shanghai luxury hotel.

Explore The Sigiriya Gardens- The ravishing beauty of one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden

continues to attract tourists with its rugged imposing exterior, the contrasting softness of surrounding greenery, the head turning beauty of its maidens and the galleries and murals that combine to give a sensational aesthetic experience.

The gardens of Sigiriya indeed are a fine tribute to the architects of the olden days. While the construction of the fortress itself on so high a rocky climb is indeed a matter of applause, the gardens constitute a more detailed insight into how far exactly the techniques of that era were developed. As one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden in the world, it is a scholar’s adventure trip and a photographer’s paradise. Even for the average tourist, the fine boundaries and neat contours of the ponds and pools and water drainage systems gives a sense of harmony without an oppressive feeling of being in a technical workshop. The serpentine waterways and reclining pools blend so well into the spacious of the garden as the unchartered winds ruffle through the plantation to roam in the green wilderness beyond and the birds that chirp among the clusters of bushes relieve the impeccable neatness with an unruly charm of their of their own.

The gardens indeed are three in type although they are clearly interlinked. While the water garden takes the centre of attention as the most intricately designed one, the other two, boulder garden as well as Terrace garden do not fall far behind. The largest garden is surrounded by water connected with causeways and is an island with a walled enclosure. In the fountain garden, marbled serpentine streams drain into the two large deep pools. The fountains in Sigiriya are indeed another cause for wonder as they operate even this day, and are fed by underground water channels and arise through the perforations in the limestone circular plates. The miniature water gardens adds to the picturesque beauty of the garden while the cooling palaces or water pavilions reminds a visitor of warm days spent here in reverie.

Sigiriya accommodation can be exotic as Sigiriya itself. Jetwing Vil Uyana takes you back in time to the olden days when Sigiriya was a kingdom and life in a village was simple and charming. The exotic clusters of villas appear like an ancient village with their coconut fringed roofs interconnected by foot paths and lanterns setting up their illuminations at night like scattered fire flies in the darkness. The villas are surrounded by lakes brimming with water lilies or marshy lands amongst where the lotuses bring out their fine petals or forrests that shrouds you in dark and unfathomable mysteriousness.

The wooden villas with their polished timber walls and floors with coconut shells on their tops appear rugged and primitive externally while their interior resemble a king’s abode. This famous Sigiriya hotel is more than a hotel. It offers a chance to live another life, in another day, with the primitive charms of an uncomplicated lifestyle closely mingling with nature while still enjoying the comforts of a modern hotel that you simply cannot do without.

Agroventures Adventure Park

Looking for an awesome, one of a kind adventure experience that will make your hair stand on end? Agroventures Adventure Park just outside Rotorua, New Zealand may just be able to satisfy this yearning! Billed as the country’s ‘most thrilling adventure playground’, five hair raising unique rides are guaranteed to give visitors the time of their lives.

Try the Swoop which raises riders 40 metres into the air and with the release of a rip cord plunges everyone down to earth at 130 mph. It is ideally tried with a small group of friends for the best effect. Screaming is very much in order!

The G force sensation of the Agrojet, a 450 HP Hamilton Jet Boat with a V-8 engine has been likened to the ride in a Formula I car at full throttle. Accelerating from 0 to 100 KPH in a trice while manoeuvring around seven islands on a specially designed water course and finishing the ride with a stomach churning 360 degree turn is an experience that is indescribable.

Freefall Xtreme is body flying where riders are borne on a high powered column of air and is the closest many will get to a zero gravity ride. Try twists, spins and rolls while air borne and feel like a super hero out to save the world!

Race against other riders and even set records in bullet shaped cycling pods suspended from a track, powered only by the rider’s legs. Race along at 45 mph on a 600 metre long, 7 metre high track. Named the Shweeb meaning suspend in German, the ride is the first of its kind in the world.

The park also features bungee jumping from a 43 metre tower. Every jumper bold enough to step into nothingness receives a congratulatory certificate.

Located in lovely Paradise Valley the park aims to provide easily accessible, unique and the most amazing adventure experiences in one location.

With a city centre location, virtually on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Rotorua not only offers an excellent location but also features all the modern conveniences required of an international hotel. Enjoy the many facilities and amenities at this Rotorua hotel from spacious, well appointed contemporary accommodation with lake or garden views, to food and beverage venues that serve fresh local and international fare. Leisure options range from relaxing spa therapies to heated pools, a sauna and a modern gym and up to date business and conference facilities. Stay in this prominent hotel in Rotorua to enjoy a many faceted city adventure.