Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Madu Ganga Boat Safari -Discover Balapitiya’s Estuary

Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful rivers and lakes that run through the country making it one of the most popular tourist destinations. The Madu Ganga or Madu River in particular is a river located in the south west of Sri Lanka which joins the sea at Balapitiya and is visited by locals and tourists all-round the year. Madu Ganga is complete with hundreds of little islands scattered through the river and plenty of Madu Ganga hotels, which are dotted along the river.

A boat ride along the river will take the keen explorer in between the mangroves, where travellers are advised to keep a keen eye out for crocodiles or water monitors! So be careful not to fall over! While on the boat safari, it is a great way to spot some wild fauna in Sri Lanka, like monkeys swinging from the trees or colourful kingfishers diving for their prey. As the surrounding islands are mostly wet and marshy, visitors are treated to a wide array of flora as well. The boat ride through the Madu Ganga usually lasts for a couple of hours, although be sure to watch as the sea water mixes with the fresh water, as the tides change. Many hotels in the area such as The River House Balapitiya offer guests boat rides along Madu Ganga.
The largest island known as MahaDuwa, or locally known as Maduwa, is home to a Buddhist monastery. This island is thus the more popular one for the travellers of the Madu Ganga. Worshippers flock to this island to offer flowers and prayers, while young monks excitedly display a 150 year old religious book, fringed by coconut palms which were believed to have held the Sacred Tooth Relic once.
The locals that live along the river are known to produce cinnamon and is therefore a great place to get some fresh, real cinnamon! The river is also a great source for seafood, in particular lagoon prawns! Big, delicious prawns are caught in traps, mostly after the sun sets.

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

Dubai Desert Wildlife

The camel is the most well-known creature to roam the desert; therefore it has earned an accolade for itself as the ‘ship of the desert’. Apart from endless golden sand, dry gusts of wind and desert palms very few images come to mind when picturing a desert. Boutique hotels in Dubai are usually packed with people who want to explore and learn about the actual topology, geology, and biodiversity of deserts. The hotels in the city promote desert treks; Desert Palm PER AQUUM is one hotel that does so, complete with guides, food, and vehicles included in the package.

The exploration of Dubai deserts would bring to earth the realities that are hidden amidst the sand and rocks. It is believed that in the past there were far more species of life that existed in the desert terrains of Dubai, but as the years passed some have become extinct while others are endangered. Some are seen so rarely that they even wildlife experts are unsure of their continuity as a species.

The existence of gazelles, oryx, and invertebrates in addition to the much spoken of camels has been confirmed. Arabian leopards have been spotted prowling around in mountainous areas where there is access to water while the hares that reside in this part of the world do not live in burrows but out in the open. Their beige fur acts as the camouflage and they survive easily from the wetness of the grass they consume. The tahrs and mountain gazelles occupy the mountainous regions with the leopards but only the tahrs squabble with the Arabian leopards for water as the mountain gazelles can do with or without for long periods of time.

The invertebrates such as snails, scorpions and spiders are common in the sand and fall prey to some of the larger animals. Yet, their population is always on the rise, unlike their larger counterparts who devour them.

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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Ubud Rice Field Trekking

Ubud regarded as the cultural capital of Bali is cocooned in lush green hills, rice paddy terraces and verdant forests. The place is loved for its vivid display of arts and crafts that will prove to be a treat to any culture buff. As for rice field trekking that is simply the icing on the cake to your holistic journey in Ubud.

What is Rice Field Trekking – An Experience of Nature

A rice field trek will include visits to ancient temples, treks through misty mountains and rolling paddy fields as well as time for a refreshing plunge in the natural pools located around the area.

Allures of a Rice Field Trek

Starting at a rustic north Ubud village the trek offers one a taste of the nation’s traditions and culture. You will visit Taman Sari Temple one of the oldest in the area home to a natural spring. Continue along the backroads across olden villages and stumble upon famous Bukit Temple. Along the way your guide will point out local plants such as cocoa, tamarin, soursop and coffee.

Rice Fields and Traditions

Your trek across the paddy fields promise to be quite a thrill. Watch as local farmers tend to the crops using traditional methods. The fields are made up of sloping terraces cut into the hills that exude quite a stunning effect. You will love the salubrious climes inundated with the trill of birds, refreshing breezes and breath-taking views.

Perfect Ending

After your trek to the paddy terraces you get a refreshing break and drink of sweet coconut water; right within the paddy fields. After which the trek continues to the valley where you cross the Wos River bridge to meet your pickup. This fabulous and soothing tour aimed at revitalising mind body and soul is offered by COMO Shambhala as one of the wellness activities practised in and around the holistic confines of Ubud.

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+

Saiq Plateau In Oman

Oman in the Middle East is not only a center of commerce- it has a vibrant and vivid history and Mother Nature has been very bountiful and gifted Oman with some unique natural features. The ancient township of Nizwa has historical, cultural and natural wonders and visitors will never lack things to do in NIzwa. Quite the contrary they will be hard put to choose between the many activities like visiting the Nizwa Fort and Souq and Jabrin Castle.. Being comfortable goes a long way in enhancing enjoyment of travel and for visitors to this region the Alila Jabal Akhdar with its spectacular setting combined with luxurious facilities would be an ideal choice.

Saiq Plateau is one of Oman’s unusual natural curiosities and is an upland plateau of vast extent in the Hajar Mountain Range with the Oman’s much loved limestone massif Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain in Arabic ) rising skywards from the center. The plateau has an altitude of approximately two thousand meters above sea level and is north east of the historic township of Nizwa and bounded to the north by craggy mountain peaks and by the vertiginous Wadi Al Ayn to the south. Wild donkeys, lizards and birds populate the plateau while some ancient beehive shaped cairn tombs can be seen to the far left of the vast space. The road to the bottom of the mountain range is well engineered but the upward climb to the hills involves dramatic hairpin bends and only four wheel drives are allowed. Wild olive and juniper trees dot the wayside.

The Mediterranean like climate has resulted in the Saiq Plateau being farmed for over a thousand years and a wide range of fruits which do not adapt well to the climate of the lowlands are grown here and among them are peaches, pears, pomegranates and grapes. A wide range of roses bloom here and the fragrant damask rose grows near the summit of Jebel Al Akhdar.

Many traditional villages can be found in the area and are well worth a visit.

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.

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Hiking in Al Hajar Mountains

Trekking to North-eastern Oman will bring you to the wonderful Al Hajar mountain range which provides a wealth of tales to learn of. Having served as a barrier which prevented foreign invasions from overpowering Oman, this mountain range is by far the most stunning of its kind in order for adventure enthusiasts to set about for some hiking. Easily reachable from most Oman resort properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, some of the more frequented hiking trails can be found in regions such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar where warm, searing temperatures would greet hikers by day before more freezing climes would tend to take over the minute the sun begins to go into hiding.

While hiking in this region would be better with the aid of a guide, journeying to these parts from wherever you maybe based would have to be done in a robust 4×4 which could easily navigate this terrain with no fuss at all. First up is the Balcony Hike which can be enjoyed in Jabal Shams and takes approximately 4 hours to complete though the views of Oman that will be at your disposal would quite simply leave you breathless. Though moderate in nature, this hiking experience will lead you past abandoned villages while guiding you across a well-marked out trail along the rim of a canyon. If you do keep your eyes peeled for sudden surprises then you will be treated to the odd sight of hidden waterfalls that only add to the charm of the journey. Next up would be the region demarcated as the Western portion of the Al Hajar Mountains that hold its own secrets and fascinations. Walking on top of cliffs and savouring the cool mountain air may seem like the best feeling in the world right now but do make it a point to venture deeper, into parts that have been lost to the modern world. Moving into the wadis in this part will lead you into a collection of old villages where no trace of life can be found but the stillness and eerie silence of these once thriving communities will welcome you to a side of Oman which has now been forgotten though in terms of a hiking experience, is “just up one’s street,” so to speak. However though carrying your camera would be a pre-requisite, so too would be your trusty canister of water as you must not be placed in a position where you would be caught out by the weather in these regions.

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+

Madu Ganga

Thinking of visiting the sleepy sea-side town of Beruwala to unwind and relax? You will certainly be spoilt for choice for a hotel in Beruwala. Opt for some old-fashioned sunbathing by the pool, a well deserved spa day at the Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara or many other such facilities and set sail down the panoramic Madu Ganga.
Madu Ganga is a River located in the South-West of the island which eventually meets the Indian Ocean at Balapitiya. It is also home to around twenty five islands which host human settlements. Many of the inhabitants are engaged in the cinnamon trade and make a living by peeling cinnamon and making cinnamon oil. The Madu Ganga, along with the Randombe Lake make up the Madu Ganga Wetland which was declared as such in accordance with the Ramsar Convention in 2003 possibly because the Wetland area boasts of 303 plant species as well as nearly two hundred and fifty species of vertebrae. Furthermore, it is believed that nearly twenty of plant species are actually indigenous to this particular area.
Because of its aesthetic beauty as well as its rich biodiversity, River Safaris of the Madu Ganga are presently being offered to visitors and travellers who wish to witness its immense natural beauty for themselves. During such a boat ride, patrons can expect to see numerous aquatic species and because there are numerous bird species in the area, it is an ideal activity for a bird-watcher to engage in as well. The River Safari lasts between one and a half to two hours. Guests can also opt to watch cinnamon peelers at work and even purchase cinnamon products as souvenirs.

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

Wilderness Safaris in South Africa

Kruger National Park | Image Courtesy : Namaste South Africa

From mountains to the open savannah, deserts to tropical forests, South Africa is a treat for those who live on the wild side. If you are looking for a travel agency in Sri Lanka to help you book your next trip to explore South Africa and all that it inhabits, one of the many tour options that providers like Aitken Spence Holidays will be able to assist you. Keep in mind there is no particular season to visit this exotic place as all throughout the year each season has its own highlights. However, if birdwatching is your biggest interest, December to April is the best season for you!

Situated on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa forming merely 1% of the planet’s total land surface is home to 10% of the planet’s known fish, plant and bird species and 5% of the planet’s mammal and reptile species, making this Earth’s third most biologically diverse country. This is a result of the country’s varying geology, climate and landscapes.
Numerous game reserves and national parks can be found across the country, its eastern edges boasting savannahs with some of Africa’s greatest conservation and wildlife, such as Kruger National Park and the ISimangaliso Wetland Park. There are so many things for visitors to look forward to when in South Africa, such as viewing the wildlife, meeting the people of various ethnic backgrounds, scuba diving in Maputaland and in Cape Town itself one can climb the majestic Table Mountain and opt to pay a visit to the historic Robben Island. In fact, Cape Town is located amidst one of the six Plant Kingdoms on Earth, the Cape Floral Kingdom consisting of over 20,300 species of flowering plants with approximately 8,000 plant species grown only in “the Fair Cape”.
Once you’ve booked your holiday, be sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses, sunblock, good walking shoes, a cap or hat, some mosquito repellent and of course a good camera preferably with a waterproof/dustproof cover to capture the wonder that is South Africa!

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

Highest Point of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak Tower, Image Credit: Expedia

Gazing at the beautiful cityscape from the vantage point that is Victoria Peak would be the ideal ending to a Hong Kong shopping & sightseeing tour. At an altitude of 1811 feet, Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong and affords a spectacular view of the Victoria Harbour and the multitude of skyscrapers including the 72 storey high Bank of China Tower teeming with the pulsating energy that is the signature flavour of Hong Kong.

This energy is even more pronounced if you watch the city from the peak after sundown. A good way to enjoy the night time view would be to take the shuttle service to the city centre offered by Cosmopolitan Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong (soon to be rebranded as Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong), indulge in retail therapy and fine dining during the day and catch the peak tram after sunset to capture the city’s beauty at night. The flickering light of hundreds of buildings and the inimitable night life aura of Hong Kong can capture the imagination and make poets out of even the most pragmatic individuals. The most enjoyable and scenic way to travel to the peak is to catch the peak tram which departs every 10 to 15 minutes. Rising approximately 1300 feet above sea level and sloping 4 to 27 degrees, the tram ride in itself is an amazing experience.

There is more to Victoria Peak other than the view; the mountainous landscape is packed with lush foliage and bird life while the peak garden presents a beautiful grassy scope. The peak tower is home to a myriad of shops and restaurants to indulge ones taste buds as well as the love for souvenirs of your Hong Kong visit. For a glimpse of history one can visit the site of the old governor’s summer lodge along the Mt Austin Road which was burned down by Japanese soldiers during WWII. The beautiful garden has been refurbished with sundials, gazebos and stone pillars.

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

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Snorkelling Tips

The Maldives is an island paradise situated in the Indian Ocean, a sweet escape from your nine-to-five life. Its tropical nature, white sands and clear blue waters provide for the perfect atmosphere for some relaxation and rejuvenation.
In the midst of the calm and serene setting, fun and adventure is not far-fetched if you’re staying at a water bungalow in Maldives. Island resorts and hotels, such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, offer a variety of activities to engage in the beautiful surroundings.
One of the many outdoor resort activities available is snorkelling. Without the burden of having to lug around heavy scuba equipment, one can explore the turquoise lagoons in a safer and easier manner through snorkelling, engaging with the vast underwater world amongst the extraordinary marine life it has to offer.
As always, practice makes perfect even when it comes to snorkelling and the most vital pointer to keep in mind is to stay relaxed and to avoid over analysis. Your mask should at all times fit your face perfectly and the best way to figure this out is to hold the mask against your face and inhale through the nose. If the mask fits and stays in place without having to hold it, you are good to go because if air seeps through always remember the water will too.
Pick a pair of fins that give you a snug fit but make sure they aren’t too tight for this may lead to cramps. Another important pointer is the art of defogging as snorkelling is not fun if you don’t get to see anything clearly. Some prefer gel products for their lenses whilst others use a drop of baby shampoo washed with some ocean water. Crushed leaves have also been used to do the trick, so really it’s what works best for you.
Lastly, always practice your breathing before you dip into the water. Wear your mask on and inhale through the tube and remember not to bite it, keeping your teeth and jaws rested at all times.

Maggie Tulliver is a passionate travel writer. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+

Camel Trekking in the Desert

The Rub’Al Khali desert remains relatively untouched and is adjudged one of the most peaceful deserts in the world. In the UAE it receives much attention by streams of tourists who enjoy the remarkable landscape and endless sand dunes. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is located in the ‘Empty Quarter’ of this gigantic desert. It is a Liwa Desert resort that will allow you to gaze upon a desert that is filled with mystery. You can also explore the desert on the backs of the dearly-loved camels.

Travel expert Samantha Brown and Chris Grundy — Travel experts Samantha Brown and Chris Grundy | Source

Camels hold a sense of secrecy and magic in their eyes. Well, you would say its gait deceives, and shows no sign of adventure and excitement. But it’s acknowledged that the desert is best explored on the ‘humpy-bumpy’ backs of camels. Nature reveals its beauties and history comes alive only when this sea of sand is explored in a ‘slow & steady’ manner.

The duration of your trek can vary depending on your travel buddies and favorite time of the day. If you have kids on board, you can choose the ‘family trek’. As long as your kids are above four years of age, you can choose this trek that will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Your kids are sure to be thrilled by this unique mode of transport.

Camel Trekking Qasr Al Sarab — Camel Trekking – Guests are enjoying the ride at Qasr Al Sarab Resort

Sunsets are twice as beautiful when experienced in the desert. Choose the ‘sunset trek’ and be mesmerized as the red sands take on a golden hue as the sun sets. Be armed with a camera and be sure to ‘click’ away. The trek will last around one hour and forty five minutes and this includes a short stop for refreshments. Be refreshed by the sights and sounds of the desert.

If you are in a hurry to rush around, you can also opt for a short camel trek that will last forty five minutes. Life on the desert is slow-motioned but exotic and mystical, and there is no better way to experience it all than on the back of a camel.

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