Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

48 Hours in Doha

Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a brief excursion, Doha is the perfect destination for a 48-hour romp in a cosmopolitan setting. Here are some of the best things to do during a sojourn in Doha.

Retail Mecca

Regarded as one of the world’s leading shopping destinations, it should come as no surprise that most of one’s time in Doha will be spent exploring its exclusive boutiques and mammoth department stores. Some of the best shopping venues in the city of Doha include The Villaggio where local designer boutiques and globally renowned brands all share space. A shopping spree in the Souq Waqif traditional market is also a must as one can find everything from handicrafts and spices to bronze work and clothing in this maze of a marketplace.

Wine and Dine

Revered as a foodie’s paradise, wining and dining is a serious affair when in Doha. Offering visitors an array of restaurants serving up nearly every cuisine known to man, exploring the local culinary treats such as hummus, baba ganoush and tabbouleh is just the tip of the iceberg. Al Mourjan, Ard Canaan and Parisa are arguably the best eateries in the city in addition to the fine dining establishments at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli and other similar 5 star hotels in Doha are also excellent.

Desert Safari

No two day trip to Doha would be complete without enjoying an adventure in the desert such as a safari across the arid landscapes bordering the city. A half a day desert safari includes a camel ride and opportunities to go dune bashing like a pro.

15 Hours in Doha, Qatar

There’s plenty to see and experience if one has a mere 15 minutes in the capital of Qatar. Here are some of the most enjoyable ways to spend half a day in Doha city.

Explore Souq Waqif
Those who want to experience a crash course in Qatari culture should spend a few hours exploring the labyrinthine web of alleys at the Souq Waqif. As one of the most extensive and traditional retail spaces in the city, the exquisite architecture, the conventional wares for sale and the merchant shops allow visitors to truly experience local culture and enjoy a shopping spree at the same time. The venue is also home to a host of food stalls selling traditional sweets and other meals so one can also dine one’s way through this ancient marketplace.

Relax at the Doha Corniche
Tipped to be one of the most popular recreational hotspots in the city, the Corniche looks out over the breathtaking Doha Bay and is a seaside promenade lined with shops, food vendors and other leisure facilities. A trip to the Doha Corniche also allows visitors to pop by the Museum of Islamic Art which is situated nearby.

Tour the Al Zubarah Fort
Regardless of the time available, a tour of the iconic Al Zubarah Fort is a must for all first-time visitors. Located inside the Al Zubarah town which is one of Doha’s best known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the beautifully preserved defence fort is a prime example of an 18th-19th-century structure. Those who secure a room at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli or any other 5 star hotels in Doha can visit the site before their departure time.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island with a priceless variety, so as its wildlife- ranging from authentic birds, mammals like elephants and even colourful marine life. The safari parks and sanctuaries there have been designed in such a way that they give the best experiences to their visitors, and this is why you should allocate some time to admire the wildlife in Sri Lanka- once you visit it.

The Birdlife

During your tour in Sri Lanka, travel to Kumana, Yala, Horton Plains or even the Sinharaja Rainforest with Walkers Tours and enjoy the best of birdlife in the country. Discover the behaviours of the migrant species as well as the endemic ones.

The Mammals

As the country is blessed with a diverse climate, vegetation and altitude, there are different species of mammals extensively distributed in Sri Lanka. If you visit any national park here, you will be blessed to see mammals moving in herds in the wild so make sure you capture these rare moments as memories.

The Marine Life

During your tour in Sri Lanka visiting the beaches will obviously be one of your top priorities. Make sure you allocate some time to admire the whales, dolphins, whale sharks and marine turtles- which can be explored via excursions arranged as per your requirements.

The top attractions

While all the above-mentioned experiences are worth enjoying, there are also some super special sceneries that you won’t need to miss. The leopard at Yala National Park, herds of Elephants roaming at Uda Walawe National Park and the monkey population at Polonnaruwa are just some of them.

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+

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hills of Kandy

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a dense forest-covered mountain range that is among the most popular and one of the toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. There are smaller, easier hiking trails like the one situated in the vicinity of Hunas Falls, which is also as picturesque and breath-taking. Here are some of the most popular trails and adventures.

Dothalugala Nature Trail

This trail winds along the Dothalugala mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the south side of the mountain range. The whole trail extends 5.8 kilometres and once the circuit has been completed, you will have made it a full circle around the mountain.

Mini World’s End

Named Mini World’s End because it too is a sheer drop of 1,192 metres like the World’s End at Horton Plains, this trail snakes across two other trails. Since it begins in the Knuckles Conservation Centre, you will need a permit to enter the reserve. If you are staying in a hotel in Kandy, you can ask for more information.

Nitro Caves

An eleven-kilometre path which begins at Corbett’s Gap and extends for 5 hours leads to the Nitro Caves which is a massive cave full of bats.

Duwili Ella Trail

Duwili Ella| Img by: Gayan Rajapakshe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The most spectacular hike, Duwili Ella trail ends in a 40-metre waterfall deep within the forest. There is also a cave behind the waterfall which is what makes this hike most spectacular.

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

Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

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

“Big Cat” diaries in Botswana

Graced with an abundance of Africa’s well-known predators, Botswana is a great year-round destination for wildlife and animal enthusiasts! Here’s a little more information on where you can spot the big cats.

Image credit- Pixabay,EnchantingTravels,CC0

Overview
Animals in Botswana are made up of the majestic big 5, amongst the five you’ll find lions – fascinating animals. There are plenty of reasons to go on a big cat safari in Botswana, as you’ll leave with plenty of gathered knowledge and memories.

Lions
Luckily for you, the largest of the big cat group, the lion and its pride can be found almost everywhere throughout Botswana. If you’re looking to witness the lions and buffalos face each other, the Kwedi Concession is the ideal location. The ultimate Big 5 encounter between the two aggressive animals is not to be missed! In order to spot the black-maned lions, you’ll only find them in the Kalahari Desert.

Leopards
Leopards are as easy to spot as lions in Botswana due to their large numbers! To witness leopards in their natural habitat and in all their glory, the Linyanti Concession in northern Botswana is the best!

Cheetahs
Considered the weakest of the big cats, the cheetah is the fastest and the most difficult to see. You can see them in some areas such as Okavango Delta and Linyanti near Chobe National Park. When staying at hotel chains in Botswana the likes of Minor Hotels, pick a property that isn’t too far from such locations!

A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+

Exploring Doha in one day

As Doha is increasingly becoming popular as the hub for international travelers, many of them have one day in Doha and cover everything it has to offer within that one day. It is possible, but with proper planning.

Image by: https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/souq-waqif-doha

Use taxis

To get around Doha in one day, you will mostly have to rely on taxis, and this is the best option too. Taxis are relatively cheap and even if you want to travel in between hotels in Doha, for your business visits, this mode is ideal.

The Museum of Islamic Art- a must visit

The Museum of Islamic Art which is also known as the MIA is a place that you must not miss at any cost during your one day in Doha. A 09-minute drive away from hotels such as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli, this is an iconic piece of architecture, that tourists fall in love with.

Take a Dhow Cruise

Doha skyline is another must-see sight here and a good way to see this is by taking a Dhow Cruise. A Dhow is a traditional wooden boat in the region which now provide tourists with leisure cruises.

A visit to Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif means the standing market- and indeed the number one Doha tourist attraction. If you are thinking of ending your day with a good dinner here, it is, of course, a good choice!

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

Spotting Dolphins in Sri Lanka

Playful and swift, dolphins are amongst the most fascinating creatures that call the ocean home and can be found off the coasts of Sri Lanka.

Spinner Dolphins
Also referred to as the long snouted dolphin, spinner dolphins are relatively small in size. This species can be seen in areas like Kalpitiya as part of dolphin watching excursions offered by tour specialists like Walkers Tours. One of the features of spinner dolphins is that they are known for their acrobatics, and sometimes leap in the air!

Bottlenose Dolphin
One of the most well known species, bottlenose dolphins can easily be seen on a dolphin watching tour Sri Lanka has to offer in areas like Mirissa. This species has a diet that’s mainly forage fish and is generally known to be part of pods that can be 10 to 30 in number.

Risso’s Dolphin
One of the largest species of dolphins, Risso’s dolphins can also be spotted off the island’s coastlines. While this species has a sizable anterior body, it can sometimes grow to lengths of around 14 feet! You can look to spot them while on excursions out to sea in Trincomalee on the country’s east coast.

Striped Dolphin
Commonly found in tropical and temperate waters, the striped dolphin is relatively smaller in size and generally feeds on squid and pelagic fish. One of the characteristics of this species is its body colour, which is different from other dolphins and makes it easier to spot as well.

Which Seychelles Island You Must Visit and Why

The archipelago of Seychelles will not leave you disappointed. Here are three islands and some information on them to help make it easier for you to decide!

Praslin

Praslin has a contrast of atmosphere on either end, therefore, if you’re looking for a laid back and calm time then you must stay on the west side. However, if you’re looking for more of a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars, then you must stay in the east. If you’re interested in nature, then you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Praslin National Park.

Mahe

During your stay at any resort in Seychelles, the likes of Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort when in Mahe, you’ll undoubtedly get a feel of the local life of Seychelles. Make sure you visit Victoria, the capital, to buy your own fresh produce and goods. The best thing to do in Mahe is to chill by the beach and take in the gorgeous waters.

Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa), Seychelles 019, CC BY-SA 2.5

La Digue

A small and chilled out island, La Digue is home to a number of pristine beaches. The roads on the island are perfect for strolls and cycling. Due to the number of private beaches dotting the island, you’ll easily find some private time for yourself!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Planning the Perfect Vacation to Myanmar

Myanmar was previously known as Burma and even from the earlier days, this country was known to the world for its stunning temples, beautiful historic landscapes and much more. A tour to Myanmar can be really exciting if you do some proper planning beforehand.

The best time to visit
To visit Myanmar, the best time would be the shoulder season which falls from April to May and October to November. But every hotel in Yangon as well as in other regions gets their maximum number of visitors from November to February when the weather is cooler.

Organizing visas
If you want to travel to this country, applying for visas is a must. But the process is easy because it can be done online. There is a fee applicable and the process does not take too long if all documents are fine and clear.

Where to stay in Myanmar
It is not a big burden to find accommodation in Myanmar, because these are in abundance. From hostels, guesthouses to resorts such as Sedona Hotel Yangon the country has it all, and they provide safe accommodation to all their travellers as well – so security is never an issue here.

The top attractions
If you are interested in temples, the country has the best places to visit. Pick from places such as Shwedagon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple amongst many other historical monuments. Also, if time permits visit Bagan if you have a passion to explore architecture and Inle’s Waterways if you want to see the largest freshwater body in the country.