Category: Activities

Safari in Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is located in the north central province of Sri Lanka and was marked as a national park in August 1997, after being designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The park is home to the ancient Minneriya water tank, which provides as the main source of life to its inhabitants. If you’re staying at a hotel in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, it’ll be easier to get to the Minneriya national park, due to its close proximity. Some hotels such as Fresco Water Villa will be able to organize safari trips to the national park.

The Minneriya National Park is famous and most ideal for spotting elephants. Elephants numbers in the park are known to reach up to 200 or more, and are usually seen grazing near the watering holes for long periods of time before returning back to the thick jungles during the night. The park measures to about 90 square kilometres and attracts visitors, mostly to watch The Gathering – where elephants cluster near the famous watering hole. The ideal season to watch these gentle beasts in their natural habitat would be between the months from May to September, as most animals, including the elephants would be seen grazing and munching on the new grass that has sprung up, following the dry weather. This season is also a great time to watch these friendly giants frolic, socialise and bathe in their natural habitat, and provides for great photo opportunities. Do keep in mind not to pollute or cause any loud disturbances – remember to respect the animals in the wild.
Visitors are advised to keep a keen out for other species that reside in the park such as wild buffalo, deer, birds, crocodiles, sloth bears, sambar and monkeys!

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

Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka

elephants in sri lanka, minneriya, elephant gathering
Photo Courtesy : Jetwing Travels

Your drive begins along winding roads that go up and down on a relatively wide path through the jungles. The trees act as sentinels on either side, varying in shape, size and height. You hear the cry of birds echoing through the leaves. You suddenly catch a glimpse of movement in the foliage and as your jeep rushes by, you spot a monkey swinging unhurriedly on its way. Soon you reach a clearing that opens out onto wide expansive areas of greenery with patches of blue reflecting the clear skies above. And as you head close to the water you see a gathering of blurry shapes of brown or perhaps gray. With each passing moment, the shapes get larger until you finally reach a point where they come into focus; a gathering of elephants, roaming wild and free, oblivious to these visitors. It is a truly awe-inspiring sight and one that will be etched in your mind, reminding you of your Sri Lanka holidays at Minneriya National Park.

One of the best places for an elephant safari, this popular national park and wildlife sanctuary has much to offer in terms of wildlife. Local tour operators such as Jetwing Travels provide exciting excursions to such parks. The best time to visit Minneriya is between July and October when one can witness the spectacular natural event known as ‘The Gathering’. Seeing close to 300 elephants gathered around the Minneriya Tank is truly an experience of a lifetime.

But the park has more to offer than just these gentle giants. On your safari at Minneriya National Park be on the lookout for some of the park’s other animal inhabitants. Spotted deer, toque macaques, sloth bears and the gray slender loris have all found a home here and if you are really lucky you may even spot one of the resident leopards. The park is also a hotspot for bird watching and has a rich avifauna be it endemic or migratory species. The brown-capped babbler, grey heron, little cormorant, Sri Lanka junglefowl and great white pelican have all been sighted here.

Discovering Sri Lanka’s ‘wild side’ is an experience like no other!

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

Best Adventure Activities to Try in Abu Dhabi

The Legendary Arabian Oryx, sir bani yas island
The Legendary Arabian Oryx | Courtesy: Desert Island Resorts & Spa by Anantara

A visit to this glistening Middle Eastern city is not just about being pampered in the lap of luxury at one of the Abu Dhabi resorts. It is also about getting your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, and enjoying an array of adventure activities that are not possible anywhere else.

You could start off your list with a visit to the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club. This is a property of the Royal Yacht Association and has a beach that is one hundred metres long to call its own, in addition to yachts and boats that you can rent to explore the sea. You could revisit the grandeur of Old Arabia, with a visit to the Arabian Nights Village. There is no guarantee that what you think are myths, are actually myths. You could visit the homeland of popular Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island which is a manmade wildlife park that has over 10,000 animals roaming free among its luscious foliage. If seeing a leopard during your safari doesn’t set your heart racing, seeing it chase down an oryx might. You can have your mind reset itself by watching Camel Races. Not only can you place your trust in the animal you think is most likely to win, but the speed with which these usually lethargic animals race is sure to give you a whole new perspective on Arab as a whole. Visit the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi for an adrenaline pumping motor drive or a goose bump inducing roller coaster ride. Try flyboarding in the sea to see if you are more dolphin or bird. There is so much to do in Abu Dhabi that moves above and beyond the traditional vacation. It is definitely worth taking a risk.

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

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Banana Reef

Maldives is well known for its remarkable natural dive sites. Banana Reef is one of the oldest dive sites that can be found in Maldives that is renowned internationally. The reef is shaped like a banana which provides excellent protection to the marine area. It is also a protected marine spot due to its exceptional shape, a large number of fish varieties that dwell beneath the shimmering waters and rare caves and canyons that are found scattered across the depths of the sea. Due to its popularity among divers, it is frequented by tourists as well as locals who enjoy diving in spectacular natural locations. If you are a diving fan and staying in a Maldives luxury resort the likes of COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives, you can take a boat trip to this must visit location to fulfil your diving fantasies. Beginners, as well as professional divers, are sure to enjoy this panoramic reef that boasts beautiful soft coral growths, overhangs and small canyons.

The multicoloured coral reefs and large schools of small to big fish that can be seen here make your dive worthwhile. Some of the predators that can be seen here include barracudas, sharks and groupers. It is also home to an array of small and attractive fish species that can be widely seen while diving.

Banana Reef is situated north of Male within the atoll when you pass the airport. Diving takes a new meaning at Banana Reef when the current is relatively mild. It is the best time for all types of divers to take a plunge and explore the breathtakingly beautiful soft corals quite safely. However, diving near the middle of this reef area can be quite risky for amateurs due to the strong incoming currents across the channel that can create an effect of a spinning washing machine!

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+

Ocean Drive -The celebrity Art Deco thoroughfare

The Ocean Drive is located about ten minutes from COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach. It is an iconic drive that is an ideal place to appreciate the history and architecture of Miami, as well as the glorious beaches represented by South Beach. A Miami hotel located on this stretch of the beach would, therefore, have the architectural attractions on one side, while the golden beaches would beckon from the other.

The architecture of the Drive dates back to early 1900s, where pastel was a big hit. You have the Beacon by Henry O. Nelson built in 1926, Waldorf Towers by Alber Anis built in 1937, the Colony Hotel and the Cardozo by Henry Hohauser (former built in 1936 and the latter in 1939), the Breakwater by Anton Skislewicz built in 1939, and the Cavalier by Roy F. France built in 1936. All these buildings are examples of Art Deco style, which is what the Ocean Drive is famous for. This is also known as the heart of Art Deco district and has made cameos in many films and TV shows including Dexter. There is also a popular culture of cabaret dance and singing in the district, with several bars being dedicated to the LGBTQIA community.

The best way to explore the Ocean Drive is to take a drive through the street, or a slow cruise through the blue waters. This is best done during the day as well as the night, as the sights during each time period is completely different from each other. Cycling down the Ocean Drive early in the morning or in the afternoon will have you mesmerised by the calling of the sea from one side while the other side will have a gorgeous tapestry of sunlight playing artist with the Drive’s architecture. In the night, it has more of an 80s movie feel to it, with neon lights lighting the way and the ocean’s invisible presence felt only through its chant.

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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Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The highlands of Bali are world famous as the heart and soul of the island’s deep cultural and artistic roots. The cool, mountainous region of Ubud in particular, has attracted many a traveller to its lush green valleys, cultural villages, markets and dense forests. Accommodation wise, like most of the accommodation in Bali, Ubud has its share of scenic retreats, like the COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, for example.

While there are plenty of captivating things to see and do in the region, one of Ubud’s biggest attractions for visitors, is the celebrated Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest, the six hectares of fertile forestland, shrouded by giant nutmeg trees, is home to Bali’s mischievous looking, long-tailed grey macaque.

Around 600 macaques are said to live in the sanctuary, with 5 main groups located in different areas. While they generally live in peace, conflicts are known to arise between the monkey groups due to territory crossings. Once notorious for stealing from visitors, over the years, their behaviour toward humans has improved, thanks to a management program run by the surrounding community. However, while they look cute and seem friendly, all visitors are advised to remain on guard and treat them as wild animals. Aside from the macaques, the forest is also home to 22 varieties of birds, 5 species of mammals, various reptiles and several other creatures.

Besides watching the monkeys lazing around trails or swinging through the canopies; located further in the thick forest, ancient temples, surrounded by stone statues covered in moss, can be found in several places. The most famous of which is the 17th century Bukit Sari Temple. A full day is needed to really explore the forest trails and take in the beauty of the tall trees, mystical stone temples and of course, watch the monkey families.

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

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Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zooligical Park or AAZP for short also goes by the name Vandalur Zoo. Located as the latter name suggests, in Vandalur, Chennai, which forms part of the state of Tamil Nadu in India, this zoological garden is considered to be the largest zoo in the country, in terms of sheer size; Arignar Anna Zoological Park covers over one thousand and three hundred acres of land. When it was still situated at its former location, this zoo was renowned as the first public zoo in all of India.

Vandalur Zoo holds an affiliation with the CZA or Central Zoo Authority of India and is the second most important wildlife sanctuary in the state, the foremost being Mudumalai National Park. It contains over two thousand and five hundred plant and animal species within its borders. The zoos denizens fall under a vast range of categories in the animal kingdom. There are several species of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, fishes and birds in the park, and quite a few of them are endangered too. Arignar Anna Zoological Park also houses around one hundred and thirty eight species of plants. Examples of some of the plant life you can find here are eucalyptus plants and cashew trees.

For those thinking about visiting the park, if you reside in one of the Chennai airport hotels such as that by the Turyaa Hotels & Resorts chain, you can make a day trip here as it will be under an hour’s drive away.
Once you get to the park, you are likely to see a whole host of animals ranging from hippopotami, camels and llamas, to bears, tigers and vultures. The park also hosts over fifty butterfly varieties. If you’re travelling with children, this is sure to be a favourite exhibit as they will be able to spot dozens of different kinds of butterflies, all displaying a wonderful mix of colorations and wing shapes.

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

 

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Almost every city in the world has a river flowing through it and the history of the city and the river are often intertwined. So does one of South East Asia’s favourite cities, Bangkok. The Chao Phraya river is considered to be the lifeblood of the city. It has been a busy river even in the early years and it still continues to be one. The scenes around the river have been changing over the year with the condos, the sky scrapers, the hotels and the hotel apartments in Bangkok all lining up the banks. With hotel-style apartments being the latest addition to the Bangkok accommodation options, properties such as Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok is located a stone’s throw away from Chao Phraya.

The river was chosen by early settlers due to the fertility soil as well as the abundance of fish. Today the river has evolved into a tourist central with activities. There are countless river cruises with dining options and there is entertainment on the river as well as on the banks of the river. The river is still used for transportation, with locals using it for their daily commute and for commodities to be transported. Some of the tours not only allow you to explore the river and it’s banks but also let you to explore some of the iconic monuments and landmarks of Bangkok such as the reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace.

The river is known as the river of the kings as after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taskin made this his new capital and later king Rama I followed through finding the Eastern banks of Chao Phraya more favourable. Today it still is the lifeblood of Bangkok with around 50 000 people’s daily commute depending on it. The river and its canals have earned the city the name “The Venice of the East”.

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

Hiking in Rumassala

Sri Lanka is renowned for its remarkable natural attractions and the island is sure to be a delight for those who appreciate the wonders of nature. The southern part of the island is appealingly picturesque and the renowned Rumassala Mountain would be a captivating locality in which to undertake an enjoyable hike. If you are visiting this part of the country and would be interested in Unawatuna hotels consider the attractively located Cantaloupe Levels.

The town of Unawatuna and its environs is always an agreeable place to visit. Here you will find inviting shimmering beaches with lively waves that will capture the interest of the leisure seeker. One of the most renowned natural attractions in this area is the mysterious Rumassala Mountain, which is considered to be a splendid locality for an invigorating hike.

A hike up Rumassala Mountain is sure to be a challenge, but it will undoubtedly be a rewarding experience. This area is renowned for its magical scenery and you will have the opportunity to admire the stunningly picturesque surroundings first hand on an enjoyable hike up this mountain.

Rumassala Mountain which was formerly also referred to as ‘Buono Vista’ is an intriguing place which is also linked with a number of local legends. It will also be a delightful setting for the nature lover with its outstanding flora and fauna. You may have the opportunity to spot playful monkeys in this area, with birds of prey also regularly spotted from the slopes of the mountain.

On the peak of the mountain, you will encounter the tranquil Peace Pagoda which is a well-known local Buddhist feature. You will also notice a statue of Hanuman, the monkey deity who is associated with the local folklore. However, perhaps the greatest reward of all would be the spectacular views over the surrounding areas that you can experience from the peak of this famous mountain.

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+

Skydiving in Melbourne

Renowned as the cultural capital of Australia, the city of Melbourne is a dynamic mix of art museums, stately architecture, bohemian lifestyle and close-knit communities. Sports are an integral part of Melbourne culture, with cricket, rugby, tennis and horse racing being big events for the community; and skydiving is slowly becoming one of the much loved outdoor activities. All of this and more is one of the reasons visitors to Melbourne are heading out to the suburbs, like South Yarra, where you’ll find the closest skydiving centre in the city, Skydive Melbourne. Accommodation wise, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments in South Yarra, such as the Oaks South Yarra, which is located in close proximity to several well-known venues, including the centre. If you’re an Adrenaline junkie, this is the place to be. The sky diving centre lets you experience the thrill of jumping out of a plane at 14,000 ft, high above the beautiful shoreline of St Kilda beach. The centre provides a range of services, and tandem skydiving is their specialty. For all you first timers, tandem skydiving means you’ll be connected at all times to an instructor by a harness, so no experience is needed and you won’t need to worry about all the fiddly bits of the parachute. Once you sign up and pick an instructor, you’ll be put through some basic training, before boarding a plane and Port Phillip Bay for your first tandem skydive. Jumpers exit the plane at around 14,000 feet and then free-fall for an exhilarating 60 seconds, before the instructor pulls the parachute open. You can then take in the beauty of the city skyline and surrounding bay as you float for about 5 to 7 minutes. In addition to regular tandem jumps, the centre has several packages to choose from, for solo divers to group jumps which include skydiving video and GoPro photos.

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+