Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Minneriya National Park

Giving you the perfect respite from becoming ‘templed-out during your stay in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park will feast your eyes with its famous ‘elephant gathering’. Read and know more facts.

Overview

Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park unfolds plenty of lush forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It’s located in the North Central Province, Polonnaruwa district. The wetlands closer to the reservoir provides an important feeding ground during the dry season. If you are starting your journey from Colombo, book an air taxi in Sri Lanka with an entity like Cinnamon Air, to make your journey faster and hassle-free

The elephant gathering

This is an entirely natural phenomenon that takes place between August and September annually. The largest meeting venue for Asian elephants! Park’s reservoir welcomes more than 300 elephants during the dry season. An amazing sight to behold!

Vegetation

The park’s vegetation comprises wetlands, grasslands, abandoned chena cultivated lands, and tropical dry mixed lush forests. The reservoir along with its surroundings plays a significant role as a wetland, speaking volumes of its rich biodiversity.

Fauna

The Minneriya National Park is home to more than 24 species of endemic animals. The most important of them is the ‘wild elephant’. You can also spot different species of aquatic birds and fishes.

Surfing in Unawatuna

Those who come to Sri Lanka for holidays, never miss out on a trip to Unawatuna if they are into surfing. Unawatuna surfing is super great for both beginners and intermediates.

Unawatuna

Located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is a coastal destination that’s immensely popular among world travellers. Thanks to properties such as Unawatuna Beach Resort owned by popular hospitality chain ‘Araliya Beach Resort & Spa‘, this beach town is 100% tourist-friendly.

Surf points

Dewata Beach (also known as Clossenburg Beach), Bonavista, Dalawella Reef, and Kabalana are some of the most popular surf spots available in this area. They all offer some decent waves.

What to take for your surfing tour

Unawatuna Beach | Image via Flickr by Iris Liu

Be it vests, shorts, or skinnies, make sure they absorb heat well enough. Do not forget to take good sunscreen with you because Unawatuna can be hotter and sunnier than you think!

Other things to do in Unawatuna

You can surely explore Galle- the ancient colonial city in Sri Lanka during your tour to Unawatuna. If you have enough time, you may also head to explore the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the Jungle Beach.

What You Need to Know About the Sacred City of Kandy

Popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura, the sacred city of Kandy was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Drawing tourists, pilgrims and other visitors in numbers, this city radiates a celestial atmosphere which makes it stand out among other cities in Sri Lanka.

The Positioning

1024px-Knuckles_Forest,_Sri_lanka — Abishek Palraj, Knuckles Forest, Sri lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kandy is located in the central part of the country, with an elevation of 500 metres from sea level. Hidden in the thick forests and majestic mountain ranges, the city stands in pride in all its glory. These mountain ranges include two of Sri Lanka’s most beloved hiking hot spots, Knuckles and Hanthana. Kandy’s location and historical significance have been core reasons for opening up many hotels and resorts like Hunas Falls Hotel, Kandy. Most tourists and pilgrims who visit this sacred city often seek accommodation in a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka for a comfortable stay as a day’s trip will not do justice to the beauty of the city.

The History

Kandy was the last capital of the country in the era of the ancient kings. It is also home to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth which shelters the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha. Although the locals rebelled massively to save the kingdom of Kandy from British rule, the efforts were finally beaten as the British Ceylon period rose from 1815 to 1948, until the country was freed of colonial rule and gained independence.

Climate

While Sri Lanka is widely known for its tropical weather conditions, Kandy’s geographical positioning deviates the city climate to a wetter and cooler temperature as a result of its 500-metre elevation from sea level. However, the city is still a part of the country’s tropical climate and faces the monsoon seasons from May to July and October to December.

The Kandy City

The cityscape of Kandy includes a quadrangular manmade lake at its centre, with two open spaces in which one corner is occupied by the administration buildings of the old capital. Although not as commercialised as Colombo, Kandy still welcomes tourists and hosts several hotels, shopping complexes and local eateries to taste the traditional flavours of Sri Lanka.

Visiting Maya Bay Krabi – Cliffs, Coasts and More!

If you’ve watched “The Beach”, you already know how beautiful Maya Bay is! No trip to Krabi is complete without checking out one of the world’s most famous coves. So read on to find out more before you go!

Accommodation

Krabi is teeming with plenty of great choices whether you’re travelling solo, with your better half or with your entire family in tow. Secluded and peaceful Ao Nang beach hotels such as the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort are a great choice for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

About Maya Bay

Maya Bay is located in the Thai province of Krabi, and its shores are graced by the waters of the Andaman Sea. This cove is one of two of the main islands in Phi Phi and is a part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia, Maya Bay (4296451463), CC BY 2.0

Best Time to Go

Keep in mind the monsoon showers which are to be expected in the tropics! So, the sunniest and driest spell runs from November to April. Given that this time is considered the peak season, one can expect to share the shores and waters with plenty of other tourists!

Things to Do

Maya Bay is first and foremost highly picturesque, which means you can find yourself in awe just taking in the beautiful sights. Apart from relaxing on the sandy beach, the calm waters are a great place to wade in, snorkel and dive if you’re up for some adventure!

A Solo Female Travel Guide to Angkor

Amongst the most stunning attractions in Cambodia, Angkor is well worth exploring and here are some insights for solo female travellers planning to visit this site.

What to Expect

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses a massive area and features what remains of the ancient Khmer Empire’s capital. A key attraction here is the 12th century Angkor Wat temple, while there are many other places of interest to visit including the Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm.

Accommodation

When looking for a nearby place to stay, be it a budget or boutique hotel, Siem Reap is the town you should be based in. Consider properties like Anantara Angkor Resort which is not only 15 minutes away from Angkor Wat but is also safe for travellers. You can easily reach and explore Angkor by tuk-tuk or Vespa, while some properties offer helicopter tours too.

Exploring Angkor

Because the complex is so vast, it’s best to get off to an early start and have a map too. You can easily explore various sites on foot, though another eco-friendly way to do so is to rent a bicycle and use some pedal power! Some companies offer bicycle tours, while personalised excursions are also available to visit lesser-known ruins as well.

Keep in Mind

Angkor Wat opens at 5:00am and by visiting at dawn, you can catch a spellbinding sunrise that will be well worth photographing too. You get several ticket types depending on the number of days you plan to visit though you will need more than a day to properly explore the complex. Additionally, since these are religious sites, wear attire that covers bare shoulders, legs and midriffs.

Pattaya Floating Market – Riverside Retail!

Ever wondered what it’s like to shop on water? Pattaya Floating market is the perfect place to experience some riverside shopping unlike ever before. Read on to find out more about this fascinating Thai market!

What is Pattaya?

Pattaya is a vibrant coastal town which has been a popular tourist destination for many decades. Holidaymakers can take their pick from numerous Pattaya resorts such as the Avani Pattaya Resort for a relaxing and unforgettable holiday in the sun!

The Floating Market

For an epic time, make your way to the Pattaya Floating Market. This beautiful market is the perfect place to pick up some mementoes and souvenirs from your holiday in Thailand. You can also hop on a colourful canoe and take a ride down the stream!

Local Delicacies

Make sure you bring your appetite when you come to this floating market! From meat skewers to full-fledged buffets, you can delight in the most sumptuous and delicious local food and feast like a king or a queen!

Things To Do

Apart from shopping and eating, there are plenty of things to see and do in this market! If you want to unwind, opt for a relaxing massage or else you can get your heart racing by checking out the zip-lining experience!

Everything you need to know about snorkelling in the Maldives

If you are an adventurer travelling to the Maldives all ready and set to explore what lies beneath these waters, a brief guide might just help you out! Here are a few things to know before your snorkelling trip to the Maldives.

When to Snorkel in the Maldives

The best thing about snorkelling or scuba diving in Maldives is that the weather is wonderful all year long. However, there are a few months where the water is clearer than it is the rest of the year. January through April is the best time for your underwater adventure.

Best Snorkelling Environments

Most resorts in Maldives, the likes of Reethi Faru Resort have great snorkelling opportunities. This is either because of the house reef located close to the island or the lagoon and house reef within the accessible range surrounding the island.

What to Expect

There is just so much to see when it comes to the underwater kingdom. Colourful corals, black-tipped reef sharks, morays and different kinds of turtles too. So, be prepared to uncover a true treasure of nature.

Other tips for snorkelling in the Maldives

Always be vigilant about the weather and make sure it’s a clear sunny day before your set out to the water. Bringing your own gear would be best, however, some resorts also provide snorkel equipment on rent. Yet another important thing to keep in mind would be to use plenty of sunscreen and make sure that your product is eco-friendly.

An Unforgettable Visit to Mount Huashan

Be you looking for daring adventures or hiking escapades, Mount Huashan in China is not to be missed and here’s more on what to expect.

Planning Your Visit

Mount Huashan is in the Shaanxi Province around 120 km from Xian; accommodation can be easily found here including at coliving properties like lyf Dayanta Xi’an which make an ideal base. For transport, consider the 30-40-minute high-speed train from Xian North Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station, only around 5 km from the mountain.

What to Expect

Rising to a height of approximately 2,154 metres, Mount Huashan is considered one of China’s famed “Five Mountains”. It has five peaks (North, South, East, West, Middle), each with something different to offer; those exploring this enchanting site will come across amazing panoramas, ancient Taoist temples and some seemingly death-defying paths to traverse!

Changkong Plank Trail

Billed as the most dangerous hiking trail in the world, the Huashan Plank Walk will test even the hardiest of adrenaline junkies. It features an old plank trail along the cliff face of the South Peak; some sections are a mere 30 cm and there are no handrails and a sheer drop beneath; those daring to try this trail can breathe a little easier knowing there’s a safety harness in case you lose your footing!

Other Attractions

Those not quite so keen to “walk the plank”, can take in some of the many other attractions here. These include Yuquan Temple which is a sacred Taoist site, the Thousand Feet Zhuang Path with its narrow steps cut into the mountain and Black Dragon Ridge; also, of note is the Chess Playing Pavilion set amidst a “sea” of mists and clouds.

Hiking Adventures

This mountain is the perfect place for those looking to go hiking in China; the best thing is, one can explore trails on each of the five peaks. The North Peak is the gateway to the other peaks and home to sites like the Golden Lock Pass; you can also ascend the South Peak, which is the highest of the five, while the West and East peaks are known for their stunning sunsets and sunrises respectively.

Flight of the Gibbon

There is nothing quite like the feeling of zooming across the treetops of a vast forest. The rush and thrill are what most people sign up for to spice up their vacation!

The Flight of the Gibbon

This landmark attracted was established back in 2007 in the hopes of bringing to the people a new form of entertainment. If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Sriracha such as the Somerset Harbourview Sri Racha, be sure to spend some time trying out the zipline as well!

Safety

This zipline is extremely safe and is built using the best quality equipment from Europe and has been tested to meet all international regulations.

History of Flight of the Gibbon

This brand was the first zipline tour operator in Thailand and home to the longest zipline in Asia.

Locations

People who are in Thailand and are hoping to experience the zipline for themselves can now visit the Chonburi and Mae Kham locations.

Your complete guide to Bangkok – Navigating the Chao Phraya

The Chao Phraya area in Bangkok is one of those places where you can commute through the entire city through the river. These canals that run through the city of Bangkok are like the lifeline of the city, with long and interesting histories. Here are some user-friendly tips when you’re here for your holiday.

History

Also known as the River of Kings, it is formed by four major rivers combined. This is the main waterway for central Thailand. Many people live on the spacious and luscious banks of the Chao Phraya and for some this has been the main source of living for centuries. The hotels in riverside Bangkok too flaunt precious views of this graceful flow of water.

Sightseeing

Some of Bangkok’s most famous attractions are on the banks of the Chao Phraya. You can access the Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun quite easily through the river. These are the hottest tourist hubs in all of Thailand so be warned; they’re extremely crowded and packed with all sorts of vendors, and scammers alike.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

These boats are the cheapest way to get around the city. You can easily get your tickets either from the pier or once you board the boat. The boats are easily reached from your hotels such as Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. There are three types of boats, demarcated by the flags they carry.

User: (WT-shared) Flip666 at wts wikivoyage, Bangkok RiverExpressBoat Flip666, CC BY-SA 1.0

Dinner Cruises

These are another way to see the canals but they’re on the pricier side. However, you can enjoy a nice dinner and the view while you flow calmly along the scenic Chao Phraya. If you’re willing to spend around $40 per person for a dinner on the cruise, you can have a splendid evening with your loved ones with good food!