Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Water Excursions in Praslin

The island nation of Seychelles, located close to the African continent is famous all around the world and is considered safe for travelers apart from being exquisitely beautiful. One stay at a hotel Praslin Seychelles is all it takes to understand the warmth, hospitality and suitability of the country as a tourist destination. The island of Praslin is located to the northwest of the largest island of Seychelles and one of the relatively more populous of the islands. Nevertheless, some of the grand residences such as the Berjaya Praslin Resort are located on this island due to its unstinted beaches and green hilly terrain.
A few days in sunny Praslin entails an endless journey through water, in water, and around water. Therefore always pack plenty of beachwear, sunscreen lotion, sun hats, bath towels and shades when you head this way. You could commence with a quiet cruise in a medium sized boat; first along a river, then in the choppy sea and finally dock at a different island or a different part of Praslin itself. The scuba diving experience should not be missed while you are here as you would be able to find wreckages of ships many feet underwater in the area close to Praslin. The experts of the area will be able to guide you to precise locations and they would be able to let you rent their gear as well. Learn to paddle and pop up on your surfboard as the rippling waves are safe and challenging both. There are plenty of places that would offer surfing lessons if that is the next item on your ‘must – dos’.

Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises www.seychelles-cruises.com — Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises
www.seychelles-cruises.com

The river excursions are as attractive and popular as the ocean wave excursions with both calm flows of water and rapids with unexpected undercurrents. The rafting experience in Praslin would depend on your appetite for adventure or relaxation. You should choose a long winded float along a slow flowing river if you want to relax and don on all the safety gear if you hop into a raft where the waters are rough.

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+

Langkawi Cable Car

The duty-free archipelago of Langkawi located in the Andaman Sea and owned by Malaysia is populated sparingly with many of the tiny islands uninhabited. However, the main island of Langkawi where most of the action takes place is replete with the most resplendent opportunities for tourists where they get to take a number of rides in the sky and in the water, a 3D Art Museum and much more. The excitement doesn’t stop there as visitors can indulge in the comforts offered by a hotel in Langkawi while everything else goes on. This string of islands experiences good rainfall during the months of September and October and the vegetation is luscious. In spite of the millions of tourists that call over each year the island remains beautifully green throughout, a remark made quite often by those who reap the most benefits of staying at Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
The Langkawi cable car is unlike the usual rides in the sky as one can choose between taking a sky cab which is a tiny capsule that transports people along a steep incline for 440m. Each cabin which is known as a gondola can accommodate 06 passengers, but if you wish to you could request a private gondola. There is only one stop en route to the summit and it is best that you do not alight at this intersection since the top most cable car station allows you to enjoy the unhampered splendour of Mount Machinchang. Food and drink are not permitted during these rides which usually commence at 09.30 am each day and go on until 07.00 pm. The administration takes maintenance related matters very seriously, hence always check the availability of the cable car operation prior to scheduling your trip.

For those who find this enclosed cable car too mainstream, there is always the option to choose the glass Sky Glide. The glass panels on all sides permit the travelers to enjoy the scenic views of the mountain range as the unit moves up and down on a track.

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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Boat Riding In Madu River

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
-The Water Rat, The Wind in the Willows

Want to “mess about in boats” like the water rat? Then Sri Lanka is the perfect country for you to holiday in. This little teardrop of a nation has a multitude of freshwater veins running from its lush mountains to its sunny beaches. From all these rivers there is one that is just ideal for pleasuring, exploring and simply ‘messing about’ and that is the bubbling, beautiful Madu River.
Located in the South West of Sri Lanka, the Madu or ‘Maduganga’ River falls into the sea at Balapitiya. Calling home to this majestic shallow water body are 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals. Unfortunately, this precious river might be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The Madu River offers plenty of excursions such as fishing, white water rafting, swimming (in areas that are marked safe- the river is home to crocodiles too :P) , and exploring the mangroves rich in bio-diversity. If you’re the adventurous type you can also go on riverside adventures and camping. But, if you’re not that keen on spending the nights on a river bank, don’t worry there are plenty of accommodation options around. Take the River House Balapitiya for example. This boutique hotel in Sri Lanka is situated just by the river banks and guess what, they also offer kayaking and boat rides, so that’s killing two birds with one stone!
So make sure to tick off ‘exploring Madu River’ from your list of things to do in Sri Lanka. Your respect for this majestic river will increase once you learn that the Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sector decided to have its first higher ordination ceremony on a fleet of boats anchored upon the Madu River in 1803.

8223 — Boat Riding In Madu River, Image Credit:{srilankanexpeditions}

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+

Explore to your heart’s content

The playground of Townsville, Image Courtesy: sureplay

Although home to over 2500 people, it is the furry residents of the Magnetic Islands, along with its breath-taking beauty that allures the traveller. The Magnetic Islands are located offshore Townsville, in Queensland and comprises of a total area of 52km2. There is much to do here, and much to see, that it is a favourite destination of everyone, no matter their type of accommodation. Townsville – of which the Magnetic Islands is the playground – offers many places to stay, for example Oaks M on Palmer, all located within easy reach of the islands.

Northern Australia’s largest colony of koala bears reside in the Magnetic Islands, among the eucalypt forests and the rugged landscape. In fact, two thirds of the island is a National Park that is home to 166 different species. You can simply stroll under the canopies, enjoying the nature and carried life it offers as there are 25km of walking tracks snaking through the park.

If you are on the lookout for something more than a mere walk into nature’s wonders, if you are seeking a bit of a thrill, there are plenty of activities available on the island. You can get on a boat and ride around the island on boat trips; go on a guided tour to find out the history, culture and importance of the island; engage in water sports – jet skiing, scuba diving; fish for salt for species in the gorgeous waters that surround the island; play golf; or hire a topless car and wander to your heart’s content.

The Magnetic Islands is an amazing destination that somehow manages to enthral every type of visitor. From watching cuddly koalas to walking under glorious greens to plunging into the wondrous waters of the island, there is much to explore here, to your heart’s content.

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+

Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the city of Coral Gables, founded in the nineteen twenties, it is a city 45 minutes south of Miami.

The Venetian Pool is a public pool but looks nothing of a sort because of the Venetian-style lagoon carved out of a coral rock. This former rock quarry was turned into the Venetian Pool in 1924, then called the “Venetian Casino,” and has remained the most beautiful and unique public pool in the country. Palm trees surround the Venetian Pool and the roaring waterfall drowns all sounds of traffic out – there’s not a building in sight. Even if you are staying in a luxury hotel in Miami Beach such as the Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach take some time to take a dip in the Venetian Pool.

The pool is filled with fresh water from an underground aquifer, which is surrounded by the original coral rock. The surrounding of the pool is unlike any other with caves, waterfalls and little nooks carved into the coral and sandy area where you can enjoy being dry. What stands out the most about the pool is that the water used is free of any chemicals and it is refilled from the fresh water from artesian wells.

The Venetian pool is very popular amongst kids and young locals who reserve it for birthday parties and special holidays. For young children and beginners you find the shallow kiddy area connected to the main pool by the island. You also get dark caves and waterfalls, which are located on the far side of the pool.The Venetian pool is a lovely place to catch up on reading or lounge on in the sun and a good alternative to the beach.

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+

Cruising and Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Generally, a holiday in the Middle East entails camel rides, traversing through deserts over sand dunes, some shopping for electronics and recreation at theme parks. However, that may have been in the past; now with the advent of 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi, a plethora of opportunities are available for those who reside at Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara or any other luxurious accommodation. The capital city of the highly acclaimed United Arab Emirates is cosmopolitan, commercialized and advanced, yet it is also steeped in its own culture, thus offering a wide mix of options to tourists.

For instance, if you are more of a night creature, you can engage in the boat riding adventure under the star spangled sky in a traditional dhow where you will be served a lavish meal while you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline from the lulling waves or the expanse of water of the Gulf Sea. The quest in search of pearls is a great learning experience in addition to being a relaxing voyage over the waves for over one and a half hours. There is a competent guide who unravels the stories of the past with respect to pearl discovery and everyone is shown how a pearl is extracted from a natural oyster. There are special tours for fishing which usually commence in the wee hours of the day and such a tour typically requires four hours. There are mariners who will provide their expertise, equipment, boat and even the fishing bait should you make a hurried decision to go fishing.

One can choose between dhows, speed boats, and yachts depending on the type of journey and the occasion. The organizers of the sea riding facilities have a diverse range of services on offer including deep sea fishing, BBQs, swimming, snorkeling and even hosting birthday parties or wedding receptions on board. They also arrange team building activities followed by a camping trip for corporate entities.

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

Importance of Conserving Wildlife -A glimpse of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island located in the Indian Ocean, is considered a biological hotspot due to its multitude of ecosystems that co-exist harmoniously in a limited space. Although the country is just over 65,000 km2 in area, it is among the 35 bio-diversity hotspots in the world due to its high point endemism. Having the highest biodiversity in Asia, National Red List 2012 states that Sri Lanka is home to 2,936 species of fauna, 3,492 species of flora and 3,021 marine species. The country is also home to the largest animals in the world, on land and sea, elephants and whales. The wildlife aspect of the country is so rich that over 14% of the total land in Sri Lanka is protected under Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka. This remarkable ranking in nature’s treasures makes Sri Lanka a favourite tourist destination, which only raises the stakes in the importance of conserving the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

There are many threats to wildlife in the country, high rate of development prominent among them. Many of the developmental activities tend to take over or destroy the habitats of flora and fauna, which is a major problem. Another major threat is the high rate of tourism, where wildlife is being domesticated for the sake of financial gain among the locals. It is in this light that many animals are slaughtered to make mementos, and other animals are domesticated as a photo opportunity. If one happens to go on a Sri Lanka wildlife tour, one is likely to encounter animals such as elephants who, though in the wild, are accustomed to being fed by the tourists and have made it a photo op. activities such as these threaten the survival of wildlife, which needs to be preserved. However, there are many responsible touring companies operating in the country too. Mahoora Tented Safari Camps is one such endeavour, which is world’s only Carbon neutral safari camp.

Wildlife, no matter where they are, needs to be conserved. In the context of Sri Lanka, this is more important as a significant component of country’s social, economic and biological well-being is dependent on the wildlife of the country.

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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National Institute for Zorig Chusum Bhutan

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum also referred to, as the painting school is an initiative of the Bhutanese government to preserve local art and culture. The school provides four to six-year courses for students in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts including calligraphy, painting, sculpture, wood carving, casting, pottery, embroidery, tailoring, weaving, masonry, silver and gold smithy. Established in 1971, the school is seen as a foundation to protect and preserve the invaluable heritage of arts and crafts in Bhutan.

If you are visiting the country and worried about finding good accommodation, don’t worry there are plenty of luxury hotels in Bhutan such as the COMO Uma by COMO Hotels & Resorts; that are well-equipped. During your stay in Bhutan, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where you can witness the effortless talents of the youngsters studying in the school.

The art taught in Bhutan today was introduced to the country by the treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa during the fifteenth century. The traditional crafts taught in the school represent the knowledge and ability that has been passed down to many generations over hundreds of years. During the 4-6 year training, the students board at the institute’s hostel where they receive all necessary facilities which is financed by the government.

The Institute for Zorig Chusum falls under the National Technical Training Authority, which was created in 1999 to look after the quality of vocational training. For over thirty years the institute has instructed students in the thirteen areas of study. The school has been fortunate to receive generous grants from the Netherlands, which has helped to improve the curriculum and facilities. Apart from the thirteen main subjects, the school also offers metal work, weaving, gold-grinding, and the making of religious drums in the curriculum and these courses last up to two years.

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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Trekking On Dunes

Mountains, Sun and Sand. The best way to completely enjoy and be a part of the picturesque and unique topography of Arabia and its breath-taking mountain landscape is to go on a trekking trip in Oman. Throwing in a liberal dash of sand dunes, a sprinkling of wadi walks, a pinch of mountain trekking and a smattering of beach walks, Oman concocts the perfect adventure blend for the visitor, making trekking on dunes one of the key attractions in Oman.
Oman sits in the comfortable seclusion with some of the world’s oldest rocks that date back over 800 million years. With an enchanting enigma of natural beauty, there is much to do in terms of dune trekking in Oman. If you want to truly experience the desert in all its glory, look for hotels such as the Desert Night Camp as they offer an authentic experience. Not only will you be able to walk along sandy dunes with its spontaneous sand art courtesy of Middle Eastern wind, but you will be able to stroll through ancient mountains and happen across wild wadi walks with their miles and miles of unspoiled, untouched sands.
One unique feature of sandy dune trekking is its changing topography that keeps you engaged throughout. One minute you may be hiking down sandy wadis and next minute stumbling on stunning sand dunes. Providing rest to your weary eyes during this adventure are beautiful canyons, wild wadis and obligatory oasis that you will not be able to forget. Limestone canyons, mountains that resemble rugged and used table-tops, ranges of rocks that speak of a history untold, desert with its uniform but varied nature, and the unexpected wildness that you will stumble upon, all contribute to making trekking on dunes in Oman the perfect activity for trekking enthusiast.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Safaris in Yala

Often regarded as Sri Lanka’s most popular safari hotspot the Yala National Park is no ordinary wildlife sanctuary in the island nation. Offering visitors a glimpse of some of the tropical country’s most coveted wildlife inhabitants and its most breathtaking natural surroundings, a safari experience is a must for all visitors based in properties along the South Coast such as Cantaloupe Hotels. Organizing a safari in Yala Sri Lanka is as simple as finding a local tour operator and selecting a safari package while resorts and hotels in the area and the national park itself offer safari experiences to suit every type of traveller and budget.

As the second most expansive national park in the country, the Yala National Park is spread out over 97,880 hectares. Divided in to five blocks, two blocks are open to visitors and have been named the Kumana National Park and the Ruhuna National Park. Having been declared a wildlife sanctuary as early as 1900, the park is famed as the best venue to spot Sri Lankan Leopards and elephants in the wild.
Home to countless herds of elephants, the gentle giants will not be the only mammals safari-goers spot on an outbound excursion in Yala. Housing around 44 species of mammals, the park also boasts the highest density of leopards on the planet. Other frequently spotted animals on a safari encounter in Yala include wild water buffalos, Sri Lankan Sloth Bears and golden palm civets. The red slender loris, toque macaques and fishing cats are among the top wildlife inhabits occupying Yala.
The sanctuary is also home to a whopping 215 species of birds, most of which occupy the designated bird park in Yala known as the Kumana National Park. Some of Yala’s most prized birdlife varieties include the brown-capped babbler and Indian paradise flycatcher while the black-headed ibis and crimson-fronted barbets are also popular bird species occupying Yala. Creepy crawlies large and small are also the pride of the national park which provides a verdant home for 47 species of reptiles including an equal number of endemic species. Safari excursions in Yala can be booked in the form of morning tours or after dark safaris for spotting nocturnal inhabitants of the parkland.

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+