Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Get one with nature! Discover the native bird species of Sri Lanka

One of the places in Sri Lanka where numerous species of birds are present throughout the year would be Yala National Park. Most of the birds seen here are indigenous birds while migrating birds drop by as well.

Image Credit- Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland CC BY-SA 2.0 () via Wikimedia Commons

The Sri Lankan Junglefowl

This class of bird is much like the red junglefowl. It is also called the Ceylon Junglefowl. The bird wears a feather coating of shades of bright yellow on the upper body, gradually darkening into orange and then a dark blue at the tail. It is also the national bird of Sri Lanka.

The Indian Peafowl

This is undeniably one of the most gorgeous birds in Yala. The male bird holds an astonishing tail in countless hues of blue. These beautiful feathered creatures are quite commonly seen when on bird watching tours.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

Also known as the white-breasted eagle, this takes after the Sanford’s Sea Eagle of Solomon Islands when it comes to looks. Fish is this bird’s main diet. Its call is like the loud honking of a goose.

Bird watching in Sri Lanka

If you wish to embark on a bird watching adventure during your stay in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of tour agents offering great packages. Also, properties belonging to major hotel chains such as those under Minor Hotels chain may offer excursions to Yala park as well.

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

Top water sports in Bentota

Holidaying in Bentota inevitably succumbs you to taking part in some of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. Some of the top ones that we would recommend are:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving into the warm Indian ocean and swimming with the fish while taking a peak at all the sea creatures and corals is a fun activity to enjoy with the family. Stay at a resort in Bentota that is near areas that have this activity so that it is easier and faster to travel.

Wind Surfing

Weather its your own gear or something hired, wind surfing is quite a popular water sport on the beaches of Bentota. Hotels like AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa help you sign up for such activities. Just speak to their front office concierge for more info.

Banana Boat Rides

One of the most fun and thrilling water activities you can do in Bentota is the banana boat ride! As per its name, the banana boat is shaped like a banana and accommodates a group of people while being pulled by a jet-ski. If you are tipped over, you are bound to fly off and end up in the lake so hold on tight!

Jet & Water skiing

From beginners to pros, everyone can take part in this super exciting water sport! Bentota has professional instructors who can assist you if you need help. Whizz around in the jet ski with your friends and make memories that will be cherished forever!

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

Friendly Advice for Parasailing Thrill Seekers

Parasailing has become a popular pastime on many coastal resorts around the world. Although this is definitely one of the safer extreme sports, there are still a few things you should know before you sign up.

Image Credit: Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Get to know the ropes

Most parasailing accidents are caused by the ropes breaking. This could be because of strain, overexposure to the elements, knots and numerous other factors. Even if your instructor has years of experience, always check the ropes yourself. If the ropes look frayed or dirty, insist on changing them.

Keep an eye on the weather

Parasailing during strong winds is a big no! Some countries have strict rules about parasailing, and even large resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, for example, a luxury resort in Maldives, have guidelines. However, others are based solely on the decision of the instructor. The rule to follow is if it’s too windy for an umbrella, then stay on the ground.

A seated position is safer than standing

There are two positions for parasailing: sitting in a gondola or hanging upright in a harness. The first is the safest choice, the latter might sound more fun, but the possibility of an accident is much greater.

Don’t stick too close to shore

The accepted rule for parasailing is the 3-to-1 distance from the beach. Basically, if the instructor gives you 500ft of rope then he should keep a minimum of 1500ft distance from the shore. If he boasts about going closer, pass on the ride.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Conquer the rocks in Oman

With Oman being a rather mountainous nation, it comes as no surprise that it’s an ideal location to go rock climbing. Want to know more about the perfect places in Oman to go climbing.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

The Wall

Whether it’s before or after your climb, treat yourself to some comfort at a nice Nizwa hotel, you’ll find plenty around like the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for instance. The Wall is a great place to start as it is Oman’s only indoor rock gym. Here you can inquire about the climbing scene and the local routes and get some gear. You can even hire a local guide to help you out.

5 O’Clock Rock

Located just 5 minutes up Al Amerat Road, you can drive up here. It’s a big slab of limestone and has 10mm expansion bolts equipped to make things easier for you.

Qantab (Bandar Al Jissah)

Invoking the feel of sea-cliffs off southern Thailand or eastern Spain, Qantab will most definitely leave you pumped and asking for more.

Khubrah Canyon (Secret Canyon)

Located around an hour from the busy capital of Muscat, Khubrah Canyon offers a thorough sense of solitude and independence. It features beautiful weather and a boundless rock that is ideal for any skill level.

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

The Sir Bani Yas Challenge – A challenge like no other! – An outdoor challenge for all

The first of its kind, the Sir Bani Yas Island challenge is an outdoor triathlon organised by Husak Adventures. The challenge consists of a run-bike-kayak race across the island and is meant to be an enjoyable experience for all.

Image Credit- JKrabbe at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Challenge Summary:

A Fun outdoor triathlon open to anyone over the age of twelve with various fitness abilities.

Event route

Using three different disciplines the event route covers the entire island a complete distance of 50 km. The breakdown of the route consists of 10 kilometres of trail running, 37 kilometres of mountain biking and finally three kilometres of kayaking. Campsites will be alongside the beach usually at one of the two Anantara Abu Dhabi beach resorts. The participants will switch between two legs of trail runs and mountain biking to conclude with a couple hundred meters run after the final a Kayaking leg.

Your checklist

Your checklist should include a sleeping bag, headlight, change of clothes and swimwear since the camp is located at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which is beside the ocean. For the challenge, it is recommended that the participants wear sportswear and/or synthetic shirts.

Provisions by the organiser

The challenge organisers will provide you with a kayak and a mountain bike, water, a map of the course and the stations closing time, a challenge t-shits and finally the challenge medal.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction!

The Arabian Oryx a species of antelope indigenous to the middle east has been under threat of extinction since the early 1900s. By the 1960s it was believed that the last existing two separate populations of oryxes found in the middle east were diminishing and would go extinct within the next couple of years.

Oryx|Via-Pixabay,xbqs42,CC0

Operation Oryx

A captive breeding programme name Operation Oryx was initiated within the next couple of years with funding from the WWF and the technical support of the Phoenix Zoo and the Flora and Fauna International. A “World herd” of oryxes donated by the different middle eastern and north African nations were taken to the Phoenix Zoo. A reintroduction programme was later initiated to bring in the oryx back to the MENA region.

United Arab Emirates

Just beyond Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which is one of Anantara’s two Abu Dhabi beach resorts, is the Sir Bani Yas island reserves where a heard of over 400 oryxes now roam free. The island is a sanctuary to most species found in the emirate.

Oman

By 1980 the number of Arabian oryxes bred in captivity was reintroduced to Oman. A population which was once 450 individual species have now, unfortunately, dropped to a staggering number of 65 oryxes due to oil drilling activity and illegal poaching.

Saudi Arabia

After several failed attempts of reintroduction, Saudi Arabia has now been successful in hosting a free-ranging heard within the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area a fenced reserve of 866 square miles.

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

Top rock-climbing spots in Oman – A rock climbers paradise! – Explore the vast rocky outdoors of Oman

Known as the Riviera of Middle East Oman attracts a substantial number of rock-climbing enthusiasts due to its mountainous topography. While in Oman luxury resorts the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort provide speciality packages for guests to experience rock climbing with the aid of a guide, you always have the option find adventure on your own in the rocky terrains. Here are four locations for you to explore if you are planning to go rock climbing.

5 ‘o’ clock Rock

A slab of limestone which is just a five-minute walk from the Al Amerat Road towards Wadi Adai. This rock is easily accessible even by your 4×4.

Qantab

For those searching for a deep-water Soloing experience, Qantab is the ideal climb. With mountains ridges, the likes of sea cliffs in Eastern Spain or Thailand Qantab is for those searching for that extra thrill. There are nine spots overall for you to climb and take the plunge.

Khutbah Canyon

Experience miles and miles of boundless rock. Ten hours away from the nearest rescue base this sparsely populated canyon is the epitome of rock climbing in Oman. Khurabh or the secret canyon as it is known has something to offer for all types of skill and taste. The climb, even the lower reaches can be a struggle but is always worth it when considering the scenic views and the amazing weather.

La Georgette

This crag considered one of the steepest climbs in Oman and is surrounded by beautiful camping spots.

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

Adventure Sports in Oman

Be it thrills above or below the waves or exciting excursions amidst stunning natural landscapes, Oman offers fantastic adventure sports for those in search of an action-packed holiday.

Scuba diving

Image Credit-Soljaguar [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons

There is nothing like heading into the mysterious ocean depths to get your heart racing with excitement. Cockleshell Bay, Coral Garden and Mermaid Cove are among the diving hotspots in Oman. What’s more, resorts like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara even offer PADI Open Water Courses for first timers.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While it may not be fast-paced, stand-up paddleboarding or SUP does offer an adventure-filled way to do some exploring as you paddle your board across the waters. Easy to find at a Salalah beach resort, this activity is best enjoyed from October till May.

Canyoning

For land-based fun, you could always enjoy some canyoning as you scramble, climb, swim and sometimes even abseil through rugged terrains. Snake Gorge and Majlis Al Jinn Cave are among the places in Oman you can try this activity.

Safari in the Desert

While technically not a “sport”, a desert safari is nevertheless one of the most thrilling activities in Oman, especially at sites like Wahiba Sands, Bawshar Sands and the Empty Quarter. On this adventure, you can look forward to seeing everything from wildlife to traditional Bedouin lifestyles.

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Springbrook and Tambourine Rainforest Tour in Brisbane

Submerge into the lush greenery and to a multifarious fauna that is hidden on the outskirts of Brisbane. Visitors in Brisbane are often spoilt by the variety of outdoor activities available for them to enjoy.

Info

Springbrook is a world heritage listed, a national park located on a 23-million-year-old volcanic plateau whilst adjoining Tamborine is also a mountain plateau and rainforest with a 360 view of Queensland from the Surfer’s paradise to the Rim Mountain Range. With waterfalls, caves, brooks and even nature’s own bridges, these rainforests are an ecosystem of those.

Winery

If you are joining one of the rainforest tours expect to stop at the winery for a hearty lunch. To enter the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery in Mount Tamborine you would have to go through the estate’s purpose-built glow worm cave.

Location

Located near the Queensland & NSW border, the rainforest is over an hour’s drive south from Brisbane CBD. Hotels in the business district also host a wide variety of long stay accommodations like the Oaks Lexicon Apartments which would be ideal for you if you are hoping to stay in CBD to explore Queensland.

spectacular view of Brisbane city skyline at night from Oaks Lexicon Apartments hotel balcony — Image Credit: Oaks Lexicon Apartments

Additional facilities

End the day in Tamborine by taking a gallery walk browsing the arts and craft stores. Grab an ice-cream on your way out or simply get a coffee at The Tree House café which on Long Road and sharpens your senses for your journey home.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Explore Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka being one of the best all-round wildlife destinations in the world showcases diverse wildlife creatures in their natural habitat. Read on to know some of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife reserves.

Image by Patty Ho Uploaded on Wikimedia Commons by Lkcl_it, Yala National Park (Sri Lanka 2012), CC BY 2.0

Wilpattu National Park

Those who keen on discovering diverse and numerous wildlife in Sri Lanka can look forward to a multitude of wild encounters in Willpattu. Being one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country, the best time to visit this park is from February to October, as this when the Wilpattu National Park quite literally comes alive different species of wildlife encounters. Cormorants, painted stroke, terns, whistling teals and spoonbills are some of the birds that nest and breed in Willpattu.

Yala National Park

Being one of the most popular wildlife reserves, the Yala National Park features brackish lagoons, grassy plains, and a light forest. Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nkar Travel House and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Kumana National Park

Also known as ‘Yala East’, spotting animals is not an easy task in Kumana! However, it possesses a certain authenticity and a significant bird population. The nesting season which comes in the months of May and June makes it an ideal place to visit the park.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Staying true to its name, the Sinharaja Forest which means the ‘Lion Kingdom’ is an important biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is home to more than 50% of endemic species including mammals, butterflies as well as many kinds of insects and reptiles

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+