Category: Activities

Weligama Stilt Fishing, idyllic fishing village -Admiring an ancient craft

You might have seen fishing in various forms, but stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a technique that would leave you gasping in awe. Stilt fishing an ancient tradition of fishing in the shallower waters, that is practised in several areas of the country, prominent among them being Weligama. According to State records, this has been in practice since the Second World War. Whenever it may have started, the skill of stilt fishing seems to be something that has been perfected by the villagers.
A long vertical rod is placed on the seabed, and a cross bar is attached to it at the height of about 2m from the surface of the water. This cross bar is called “petta”, and is where the fishermen perch. If you visit Weligama at sunrise, around noon, and towards late evening, you would see the men of the village perched on the crossbar, one hand holding the vertical rod while the other hand holds onto the fishing line. They stay in this posture for hours at an end until they get a catch. As per the tradition, no bait is used on the hook and is a simple battle of patience.
While walking to the coast of Weligama can give you a clear view of the stilt fishermen, the most amazing view is from air, from an air taxi. Sri Lanka is a small island, and as such do not have domestic flights for commercial purpose. However, certain companies like Cinnamon Air does flights for tourists that target on flying over more beautiful areas of the country. Thus, if you are able to take in the aerial view of the fishermen of Weligama, it is going to be one image you are unlikely to forget for the rest of your life.

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+

Attractions in Tanjung Benoa

An old fishing village turned a place of interest to discerning travellers all over the world, Tanjung Benoa is a truly Balinese adventure awaiting discovery. Over the years this picturesque spot on earth has turned into a sought after family holiday destination with the availability of ample family accommodation. Bali has always remained a beloved spot for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts and Tanjung Benoa is no different.

Adventurous spirits with a penchant towards an adrenaline rush flock to Tanjung Benoa to jet-ski or parasail while the beautiful white beaches and the relatively serene waves of its seas beckon the rest of the world to indulge in a little bit of sea world charm and laidback beach days. If you are looking for good family accommodation in Tanjung Benoa, you will find plenty of comfortable resorts such as Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa.

Tanjung Benoa offers plenty of pleasant excursions like fishing tours and banana boat rides as well as the latest addition to its list of charms, water jetpacks. If you are more inclined towards a laidback and an indulgent holiday, the calm waters surrounding Tanjung Benoa can accommodate your whims too. You could go for a quiet swim and be lulled into a trance amidst the calm and welcoming waves or take a stroll with your family on the sandy beaches, letting the soft shores provide a comfortable pathway for family time.

The beach is ideal for sunbathing with a delicious tropical beverage and a good book by your side. If you feel like exploring this old fishing village, visit the curious sea temples where sacred monuments made out of corals beckon explorers to look closely. The ancient Chinese temples in the area, on the other hand, amaze visitors with their architectural wonders and refined edges.

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+

Lunuganga

Lunuganga or Lunuganga Estate as it is famously called is a place quite immaculate in its design, laden with terraced gardens and a collection of personal arts and crafts. A curiosity in the south that is referred to as, the Lunuganga Estate was award winning architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country home.
Geoffrey Bawa was not just a man of the arts, but he was skilled in the field of law and obtained his degree at Middle Temple, London. Born to a wealthy lawyer at the time, young Bawa schooled at Royal College, Colombo. Bawa’s interest in architecture came after the death of his mother when he took to travelling around the world and exploring his passions. When he did realize his passion for architecture, Bawa soon left for England to study the subject.
Among the many things to do in Bentota, visiting the quaint southern country home of Geoffrey Bawa is a must do. The roots of this beautiful country house can be traced back to the era of the Dutch when it was first used as a cinnamon estate. When the country gained independence in 1948, Lunuganga Estate found its new owner to be a tax collector. History also has it that the country house was used as a rubber plantation under the British. When Bawa came across this beautiful country dwelling, he instantly fell for it and soon purchased it with the intention of converting this estate bungalow into a weekend house.
The house which overlooks the scenic Dedduwa Lake of Bentota was concurrently named as ‘Lunuganga’ meaning ‘salt river’. Bawa continued to turn each aspect of the estate into something artistic for the next 40 years until his death. What’s even more interesting is, the estate houses works from other renowned artists like Donald Friend and Laki Senanayake along with many Asian and European artefacts.
The estate is within a half an hour’s drive from convenient accommodation options including Shinagawa Beach Balapitiya. Since Bawa’s death in 2003, the estate is run by a group of his close associates and is open to public viewing. The Lunuganga Estate can be viewed as a symbol of the country’s rich history.

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+

Best Beaches in Sunshine Coast

In a country blessed with an unspoiled coastline and endless stretches of sandy beaches, picking some of the best beaches to visit can be more than difficult. Queensland is well-known for its tropical azure waters and sunny skies, and the sunshine coast is one of the best places to experience all the fun and beauty that Australia’s beaches have to offer. Whether you’re on the lookout for accommodation to hang with friends or comfortable family accommodation, Sunshine Coast has something for everyone.
The resort town of Mooloolaba has an outstanding beach that’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. A popular spot for locals complete with clear waters, golden sands and the myriad of accommodation on offer, like Oaks Seaforth Resort to smaller guest houses; you can find something to suit anyone’s budget. Mooloolaba beach is known as one of the safest beaches on the east coast; backed by a long promenade, the beach has a mild current, which is good news for those who aren’t strong swimmers.
Head further up north and you’ll find the Noosa main beach; a sheltered beach with waves that rarely go over a meter and are deemed safe for swimming year round. In addition, the beach is one of the few beaches along the sunshine coast that faces north and is patrolled, making it family friendly. A popular tourist spot, Noosa is more often than not, crowded, but definitely worth a visit.
If you’ve got surfing on your mind, Kings Beach is the place to be! This beach is safe from northern winds during the summer months, which is ideal for surfers. It’s also patrolled and offers enough wide open spaces to enjoy yourself without bumping into other people. These are just a few of beaches from a long list of memorable locations dotted along the sunshine coast. Wherever you choose to visit, just make sure to soak up the sun and enjoy the blue waters this great state has to offer.

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+

Windsurfing in Pasikuda

The rush of adrenaline as you zip along the ocean surface, the feel of a mighty wind propelling you onwards at greater speeds and the promise of adventure driving you towards the horizon; windsurfing offers all this and more! When in Sri Lanka, Pasikuda on the island’s East Coast is a great place to try this action packed water sport.

If you are an avid windsurfer or are keen to try this water sport for the first time, ideally look to find a Sri Lanka resort in Pasikuda right by the beach, offering easy access to the sea. Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa part of Theme Resorts & Spas is one option in the region worth considering.

A combination of both sailing and surfing, windsurfing features the use of a board measuring around two to three metres in length and which has a large sail affixed to it. No motor is used to power it, just the pure force of the ocean’s wind. Depending on your skill level and experience, you can be skimming along the surface of the Indian Ocean in no time, enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the East Coast. One of the great things about Pasikuda is that it is sheltered by a bay providing a relatively calm ocean playground for you to explore on your windsurfing adventures.

Water sports enthusiasts have much more to enjoy here as well. Snorkelling and diving provide amazing perspectives of the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. Those looking for more adrenaline pumping thrills can try jet skiing, while kayaking is a great activity if you want to explore the seas at your own pace and get a good cardio workout at the same time!

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

Experience the wild side of Maldives under the crystal clear waters

Maldives is the unanimous choice if you are looking for an ultimate underwater experience. Its group of 1192 coral islands, which form 26 coral atolls and 80 islands, and which are home to many tourist resorts, have made the Maldives one of the most popular tourist destinations for water-based activities.

That said, tourism is a major source of income in the Maldives. You can easily find 5 star and 4-star resorts in Maldives. You will find more tourists than locals in these resorts. You have nothing to worry about regarding transportation, as speedboats will carry you across to your resort after you have touched down at Malé International Airport. It is simply a matter of choosing a hotel or a resort and planning your ‘underwater’ schedule.

Diving is the best option if you are looking to have an adventure under water. Most hotels and resorts offer diving equipment. If you are not so familiar with diving, you can take a diving course, which is abundantly available on the island. Note that you will most probably be required to pass a medical examination before you are allowed to dive. Most hotels such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer this medical examination on a complimentary basis.

Once under the water, you will spot creatures such as napoleon wrasses and eagle rays in addition to manta rays and whale sharks. You are also likely to meet the hammerhead shark, though they are a rare sight. In plain words, diving under the crystal clear waters of the Maldives will introduce you to a wide range of fish life amid magnificent coral gardens.

As the Maldivian water is crystal clear, you can see clearly up to around a good 40 metres away. And the Maldives is recognised as an ideal location for underwater photography as well. If you are interested in underwater photography, then the Maldivian waters offer not only rich wildlife but also other interesting sights such as shipwrecks. Wreck diving teaches you about how the marine system can gradually digest the remains of manmade products. It is interesting and ironic to see that coral reefs have grown over the hulls of shipwrecks, which were once the glorious man-made products. These coral reefs are now the home of many marine creatures.

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

Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary

The tropical island of Sri Lanka holds many wonders in terms of natural beauty, ranging from rainforests to resorts such as Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes. Following a drawn-out civil war, the country is only now managing to truly discover the wonders that are contained in Sri Lanka’s Northern section. Of recent times, various sections have been converted into National Parks and Sanctuaries, and when it comes to the latter, one of the finest examples is the Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary.

The bird sanctuary should definitely one of the top places to visit in Trincomalee, since it’s close proximity to the immensely popular beach-bound port-city of Sri Lanka.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary was developed by the administrative district in the province of Mullaitivu along with the United Nations Development Programme, and was recently extended to include the panoramic nearby Nai Aru Lagoon. The lagoon is a mangrove swamp that is teeming with bird-life such as ducks, gulls, and various shore-birds. The thick rainforest surroundings prove to be a perfect habitat and sanctuary for these exotic birds.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary as a whole contains a diverse host of bird species, with some cameo-appearances from other animal species such as Elephants. One species found in abundance in the bird sanctuary is the Commorant, one of the most symbolic birds in the world. The Commorant has been used by famed author John Milton as a holy symbol due to their wing-drying pose resembling a crucifix, and the bird was also used as a guise by Satan as he spied over Adam and Eve.
Additionally, the park plays sanctuary to ducks, flamingos, herons, pelicans and much more. It is a true bird-watcher’s paradise so if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit this incredible locale.

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+

Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi

Riding a camel through the seemingly endless desert landscape while navigating its myriad of sand dunes as star tingles beckon your romantic side to savour each moment, can be a truly memorable experience. There are many desert oases that a keen traveller can traverse and one of the best is Liwa. Desert resort options in the area can be found at places such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offering special tour packages to guests.

Camels are called ‘ships of the desert’ not simply because they are capable of enduring the harsh clime of the desert for days with minimal care, but also for the way they sway back and forth and side to side as they take careful steps on the sandy ground, as if they are sailing the rough seas like colossal ships. If you are the adventurous sort, catch the sunset ride with a small group. Riding a camel takes a bit of practice but the trick is to hold on tight and concentrate on enjoying the experience. Traversing the desert as the sun bids goodbye for the day is guaranteed to usher in an unforgettable experience as it is one of the best ways to view the startlingly beautiful desert landscape, from a height that is not too high or not too low.

Riding atop a camel is a chance to witness the vast desert from the perspective of an ancient trader who crossed the desert to make a living. If you’re lucky you may spot a gazelle, a lone desert owl or even a cunning desert fox. Once the camel starts ascending a dune, it becomes important to hold on to the saddle tight but the view is worth the while. Most camel ride organizers will be ready to welcome you to the top of the dune after your ride offering refreshing drinks.

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

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

When it concerns the United Arab Emirates, the metropolitan madness of Dubai takes centre stage, and is immediately recognised as being the major city within this Arab nation. The capital city, Abu Dhabi has retained a lot of the traditional roots of the Middle-East. The capital city contains many attractions that will enable you to discover the UAE’s amazing past. One such attraction is the Pearl Diving Adventure that is sure to be mentioned by any of the 5 star hotels, Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara.

The United Arab Emirates has a rich history of Pearl Diving, especially in regions such as Ras Al Khaimah, which was interestingly the original site of Abu Dhabi, before the population migrated to where Abu Dhabi is now.

When embarking on the Pearl Diving adventure, the travellers board a traditional boat known as a Jalboot, which is a very sleek vessel that is known to be one of the swiftest of her kind due to her sleekness and a particularly sharp front end.

Along the way you will pass many mangrove forests, which is an incredibly rich ecosystem that plays refuge to a variety of wild-life such as herons, egrets and flamingos.

During the journey, you will gain an extensive knowledge of pearl diving, through expert lectures and a practical demonstration. You will also learn survival techniques that were used by crews to live at sea for months on end. Towards the end, a session on the art of opening oysters will be conducted, and travellers will be given a pearl to keep as a souvenir of their adventure.

The next time you’re in the United Arab Emirates, think about embarking on an adventure 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+

Adventureland in Dubai

Dubai is well known for its leisure activities and family theme parks to help adventure lovers have the best time of their lives. Adventureland is an entertainment centre for young and old that has become one of the most popular Dubai tourist attractions. Dubai is home to some of the biggest high-end shopping centres and luxurious accommodation options such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. It is also an extremely busy city in the entire Middle East.

Since a vast amount of the expatriate working community from across the world and their families live in Dubai, there are numerous cultural and fun activity centres that have been established to cater to their leisure activities. Adventureland in Dubai is known to provide innovative and quality leisure to an extremely diverse cultural mix. The theme-based entertainment centre was inaugurated in 2002 (February) on a massive land area to accommodate large crowds with an ever increasing demand for patronage each year. Some of the thrilling attractions you can enjoy here include Motorcoaster which is a rollercoaster running with motorbikes on many levels.

Due to high demand and lack of space to accommodate the massive crowds, the floor area of Adventureland was increased and it is today one of highly acclaimed, biggest & best indoor adventure parks found in the entire region. You will enjoy its latest look & feel depicting a fantastic jungle theme that is filled with characters of animals, modern trendy designs, murals and a spectacular sound system. Some of the diverse and thrilling rides the park offers include Asteroids, Tidal Wave, a roller coaster named Quantum Leap and a water ride called Log Jam. Besides these, you can enjoy many family adventure activities and kids’ rides here as well.

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+