Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka

Srilanka Ella Landscape
Srilanka Ella Landscape | Img Credit : amanjahemal via  Pixabay (CC0 Creative Commons)

 

Are you a first-time visitor to the beautiful, culturally and historically rich island of Sri Lanka? Here are some of the top things you should do when you’re here.

 

Hike
Sri Lanka is blessed with an array of jaw-dropping landscapes that are begging to be hiked on and explored. Don your hiking boots and set forth on any of the trails of Sri Pada, World’s End, Mini World’s End, Knuckles Mountain Range and much more.

 

Beach
Lay all day on the golden sands or enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Indian Ocean, with an island cocktail in one hand. The southern and eastern beaches are the most popular for beach lovers. In Sri Lanka, resorts around the beach can be found in abundance, with accommodation options from Theme Resorts & Spas.

 

Temples
Being a Buddhist country, there are a number of temples you can visit, from the iconic Sri Dalada Maligawa to other temples in the country.

 

Wildlife
Did you know Sri Lanka is possibly the only country in the world where you can see the largest land animal and the largest sea mammal?! Visit Minneriya National Park for a chance to see elegant elephants or embark on a whale watching safari to see the ginormous blue whale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Trang Island Adventures

Thailand is one of the most ultimate choices for a tropical getaway and there are many breathtaking experiences to be had in this nation. A Trang Island adventure however, is something remarkable.

The Islands

There are more than 46 islands to explore outside of the mainland area, offering secluded beaches, snorkelling experiences, and many Krabi resorts to choose from such as Anantara Si Kao Resort.

Now showing Photo, Resort And Andaman Sea Panorama
Image Credit: Anantara Si Kao Resort

Pak Meng Pier

This is where most voyages concerning the Trang Islands begin, and the moment you set foot on this pier you will be able to witness the exquisite tropical splendour of these islands and Thailand as a whole.

Ko Lao Liang Phi in Mu Ko Phetra National Park
LerdsuwaLaoLiangPhiCC BY-SA 3.0

Ko Muk

This is the most popular first stop on a Trang Islands adventure. It features a range of affordable lodgings, a beautiful white-sand bar on the eastern side known as Hat Sivalai, and spectacular beaches on the west side, Hat Farang, which are eclipsed by looming limestone cliffs.

File:2016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Muk (02).jpg
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.02016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Muk (02)CC BY-SA 4.0

Ko Kradan

If you’re looking for someplace that is simplistic and isolated then Ko Kradan might just be perfect for you. The island has pristine beaches with fresh powdery sand leading to shallow aquamarine waters.

File:2016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Kradan (02).jpg
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.02016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Kradan (02)CC BY-SA 4.0

Ko Ngai

A direct contrast to Ko Kradan, this is one of the most developed of the Trang Islands so it is best to visit Ko Ngai towards the end of the tour so you can feast on expertly prepared Thai cuisine at one of their many restaurants.

File:Koh Ngai 07.jpg
KhunkayKoh Ngai 07CC BY-SA 3.0

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+

Extreme Water Sports to try out in Kalutara

Kalutara is a quiet coastal town located in the south of Sri Lanka and is one of the best places on the island to partake in a variety of water sports.

Jet Ski

Hop on a jet ski and rip through the mesmerizing lagoon waters of Kalutara. This adrenaline pumping sport is a great way to spend the afternoon, especially if you’re staying at AVANI Kalutara Resort.

Surfing

Surfing is an island wide favourite and if you’re looking for popular things to do in Kalutara– this is it! Grab a surf board and catch some of the biggest and baddest waves around the coastal areas.

Parasailing

With the wind as your friend, parasailing is a great way to enjoy the scenery and partake in a thrilling activity! Feel the adrenaline rush through your bones as you soar above the shimmering ocean waters.

Wind Surfing

Sri Lankan beaches, lagoons and rivers are the best places to try this water sport as you’re constantly blessed with the gusts of wind. Glide along the waves and let the wind be your guide.

Diving

Don your flippers and scuba diving kit and dive into the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Only those with a PADI license are permitted to dive.

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

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Best Leopard Spotting At Yala National Park

Yala has become Sri Lanka’s most visited national park mainly due to the number of leopards that can be spotted during a jungle safari.

Image Credit - jetwingeco
Image Credit – jetwingeco

Important things to remember

As you will be stepping in to wild life territory, do keep in mind that you are the guests here and refrain from polluting or feeding any animals.

Why choose Yala

If you’re planning a leopard safari in Sri Lanka, then Yala National Park is definitely the place to go, as there it is one of the only parks on the island with a large number of leopards.

Safe and Responsible tourism

For those looking for a reputable service, tour agencies such as Jetwing Eco Holidays will be able to provide you with a safe and responsible safari tour, as some of the safari jeeps are known to create havoc inside the park, putting the animals’ lives at risk simply for a picture.

Other animals

While you may be keen to see leopards, these wild animals may not always be around when and where you want them to. Appreciate the chance of seeing other animals of the park like deer, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, birds and so much more!

Things to remember

You are not permitted to get off the vehicle at any point during the safari. The park will provide a tracker for every safari jeep. The park opens at 6am and closes at 6pm.

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

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Minneriya Elephant Gathering

Via-pixabay,ajoheyho,CC0

Although poachers have ruthlessly brought down the elephant population across the regions of Asia and Africa, Sri Lanka is home to some 5,000-8,000 elephants. Found in north-central Sri Lanka is the Minneriya National Park where hundreds of elephants every year travel to the banks of the reservoir constructed by King Mahasena to mate, feed, bathe and even socialize.

One of world’s biggest “gatherings”

Welcoming jeeps full of tourists from across the world, this wildlife spectacle occurs every year. Known as “The Gathering”, it offers a great chance to catch glimpses of elephants spraying muddy water onto each other, calves playing around and older elephants pulling the lush grass off the ground.

When and where?

The Minneriya National Park is found about a ten-minute drive away from the popular Habarana forest. As the water in the other sources in the park recedes during the dry season from July through early November, massive herds of elephants start to advance toward the reservoir. Many a popular travel & lifestyle magazine published online such as Cinnamon Magazine features The Gathering during the season providing enough information for enthusiastic tourists and locals.

How can you head to The Gathering?

Luckily enough, there are many safari planners and tour guides around the Minneriya Park. You can easily arrange a tailor-made safari to visit and witness The Gathering.

The plus points

Although relatively small compared to other reserves in Sri Lanka, Minneriya Park is also home to other wildlife including sambar, spotted deer, langurs and even macaques.

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+

Things To Do In Kalutara You Didn’t Know About

 

Kalutara in the dazzling western coast offers more than just golden beaches. Here are a few things to do in Kalutara, Sri Lanka that you probably didn’t know about.

Canoeing in Kalu River

a couple canoeing on a river
Canoeing is the best way to explore Kalu River

Gently flow along the Kalu Ganga (කළු ගඟ ) (River) which in Sinhalese means the “Black River”. According to local travel guides such as Travel Kalutara this can be done as a half day tour or overnight tour. Along the way, you’ll see verdant tropical greenery, exotic birds and cheeky monkeys who’ll make funny faces at you!

Water Sports

jetskiing is a motorized water sport
Jet Skiing – Photo via Pixabay

Where there’s a beach, there’s almost always a chance for some fun in the water. In Kalutara you can try out a number of watersports such as

  • Jet skiing
  • Water skiing
  • Bodyboarding
  • Banana or tube rides, to name just a few.

 

Fishing Trips

fishing trips in kalu river
Hope on to a traditional boat ( Oruwa) and go on a fishing trip

Have some fun and catch your lunch at the same time! There are many hotels and tour operators who offer deep sea fishing expeditions in Kalutara. Hunt for a variety of fish ranging from tuna to sailfish, dorado, mackerel, and even the humoungous Marlin!

Spa in Kalutara

anantara spa in kalutara
A luxury spa in Kalutara – Photo by Anantara Kalutara Resort

You need a good break, after all, that adventuring around right? So book a spa session at one of the many luxury hotels in Kalutara and be prepared to be pampered like a prince or princess with a wide range of holistic Ayurvedic treatments.


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.

How To Enjoy a Non Hiker’s vacation in Nepal

top vacation destinations , nepal
Phewa Lake , Pokhara , Nepal – Photo via Pixabay

Over the last couple of years, Nepal has been one of the top vacation destinations to visit, especially for hikers. But, if you’re not one, visit Nepal anyway – here’s how to enjoy your trip!

Bird watching

bird watching in nepal
Himalayan Monal Pheasant | Ryan E. Poplin, Himalayan Monal Pheasant 6, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nepal is known to be home to around 10% of the world’s bird population with over 856 species that have been identified. Online blogs such as The Vacation Gateway will also be able to provide other popular locations for bird watching enthusiasts.

Food

nepal food
User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage, Dal Bhat Tarkari,Nepal, CC BY-SA 4.0

There are many good local restaurants in Nepal which offers a fresh choice of ingredients and lean meats for diners. Common ingredients used in Nepalese cuisine include tomatoes, potatoes, yoghurt, garlic and lentils.

Adrenaline activities

nepal landscape
Lush landscape in Nepal , Photo : Pixabay

With beautiful breathtaking landscapes, Nepal is the ideal destination for adrenaline junkies. You have the option of rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, riding on a hot air balloon or on a wildlife safari!

World Heritage Sites

Mayadevi Temple from South, Lumbini.
Photo Dharma from Penang, Malaysia, Lumbini – Mayadevi Temple from South, Lumbini (9244243566), CC BY 2.0

In addition to Nepal’s unique cultural charm of monasteries, temples, etc, you will be able to find several UNESCO World Heritage Sites here such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Lumbini etc.

Lakes

Rara lake nepal
Ardahal.nitw, Rara, CC BY 3.0

Nepal is said to have over 200 jaw dropping lakes with glacier origin. Popular lakes to visit are Rara Lake, Tilicho Lake etc.

Related

Bhutan Adventure Travel


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+

Diving in Maldives -Beauty of the world under

Anyone who ever plans to visit Maldives will surely have diving in mind, it is one of the must try activities on the islands.

Discover Scuba Diving
Img by: Summitandbeach via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Diving in the Maldives is an extra ordinary experience as the clear blue waters let you see every colour and beautiful coral reef the seabed has to offer. Planning your vacation with travel agencies like Maldives Resorts Club lets you put together the perfect holiday activities for your tastes, be it a lazy day lounging by the beach or having thrilling adventures.

Best Dives

scuba diver
  Img via : publicdomainpictures

Literally, every island in Maldives will have a diving spot around it, and of them, all the greatest dives are at the Fotteyo Kandu, Kuredu Express, Okobe Thila, Kandooma Thila, Broken Rock and Kudarah Thila. These sites have some of the most vibrant fishes and are home to both soft and hard corals respectively.

Going underwater

Going underwater
 Img by : Uxbona via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The water is not chilling and the temperature stays around 27 degrees throughout the year. Diving can be done during all the months except the monsoon periods and during the sunnier days, the visibility under water can up to an impressive 70 feet. Manta rays, tuna, eagle rays, a variety of sharks and more pelagic animals can be found in the open ocean near the reefs.

 

 

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+

Dampier Peninsular; A Must Visit Attractions

 

Broome, a tourist town that is situated in the Kimberley region of Australia has some of the most beautiful sights in the region, making for an ideal adventure hotspot.

Broome
Img by: christophe mallet via  Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque
The breathtakingly beautiful Dampier Peninsula has a length of more than two-hundred kilometres and is only accessible through Cape Leveque road. Natural coastal splendour doesn’t get much better than it does over here.

Indigenous Experiences

There are many captivating colonies of indigenous Australians present throughout this region. One can learn a great deal about their culture as well as the history of the peninsula, which includes the Sacred Heart Church, built by the indigenous locals and Phallatine monks in 1917.

Accommodation
There are many choices of places to stay available at the Dampier Peninsula. If you’re feeling really adventurous there are camping sites and bush-shelters, but if you’re looking for something more comfortable there’s nearby Cable Beach accommodation to choose from with options like Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary.

Getting There
Making your way to the Dampier Peninsula is an adventurous task, and if you’re going to take the unsealed Camp Leveque road, you’re going to need a 4X4. Sometimes the road can be closed due to flooding so be sure to check the road conditions beforehand. Although you can get fuel along the way, getting other facilities can be quite tricky.

 

 

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

Ubud Monkey Forest Bali -Kingdom of the Swingers!

Remember King Louie and his kingdom in Jungle Book? Though you won’t meet the ‘King of Swingers’, you will meet many of his subjects at the amazing Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali. So, quit ‘monkeyin’ around’ and read this!

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Where Monkeys Rule

Flickr user: D.Meutia //www.flickr.com/photos/dewimeutia/, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0
Image Credit – Flickr user: D.Meutia, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0

Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. This natural forest sanctuary is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques that have taken over the entire area as their kingdom. The locals believe that the forest is an important economic, educational, and spiritual conservation centre for the village.

How To Get There

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0

The forest is located about 10 minutes away from Ubud City and an hour away from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. There are plenty of options for accommodation – rooms and villas can be found within easy reach of the forest as well as high-end resorts like COMO Uma Ubud. If you’re driving there by yourself take the Ubud main road and go south towards Jalan Hanoman. This will lead you to a right turn towards the forest.

Monkeys Galore

William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0
Image Credit – William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0

Since monkeys are the main attraction here, there are many conservation efforts underway that include many studies and research dedicated to observe the monkeys’ diet, health, and breeding habits. The monkeys come very near tourists and this makes it tempting to touch and feed them, but you are advised against it. Why? Because they are wild animals and no matter how cute they look you always need to exercise caution. You are also advised to not wear any loose apparel or jewellery that the creatures will snatch from you.

Much More Awaits

Image Credit - っ, Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – , Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0

There are three Hindu temples located within the Ubud Monkey Forest that are said to be built around 1350. They are the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal or the Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, the Pura Beji Temple and the Pura Prajapati Temple. All of these temples have amazing statues and relics.

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.

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