Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Experiencing Maldivian Culture & Life – Captivating Island Insights

For a truly enriching holiday in the Maldives, you should look to experience local culture and life and here are some ways you can do just that.

Image via Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Local Island Visits

While you will no doubt love relaxing at your Maldives pool villa, also make time to visit a local island (if pandemic-related guidelines allow for such excursions). This is an ideal way to soak up the local culture and witness traditional livelihoods; some islands also have museums where you can learn more about the days of old.

Sail the Seas

Local life is linked to the sea and fishing and this can be experienced on excursions on a traditional or luxury dhoni, a local boat. Such journeys are offered at resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas where one can try traditional Maldivian fishing at sunset; dhonis are ideal to enjoy some dolphin watching too!

Maldivian Cuisine

The cuisine is part of the culture and dishes in Maldives offer flavour-filled culinary discoveries. To help visitors truly gain an appreciation for local food, some resorts have immersive cooking classes worth joining; you will get hands-on guidance on making key main dishes utilising local ingredients or even a traditional dessert.

Below the Waves

The rich marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean waters that surround the islands here is a part of the country’s natural heritage. Some resorts have a bio centre with a resident marine biologist so that guests can learn about this precious ecosystem, while guided snorkelling and diving are also on offer for marine life encounters.

Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand – For an exciting adventure like no other

If you are interested in learning something new on your holiday to the rip-roaring island of Krabi, well, you’ve certainly picked the right destination to get started! The islands got rocks that are perfect for the novice climbers out there and you can sign up for lessons too.

Sign up for a lesson

If you are planning your vacation with a travel agent, then you can discuss with your agent about the best rock-climbing package for you. However, if you’ve planned your trip on your own, you might need to inquire with your local hotel, the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort for more information on how to get started.

Phranang Cave Beach

The beach here is absolutely amazing with a wide shoreline, crystal blue waters and limestone cliffs on either side. Try your skills at rock climbing and enjoy the mesmerising views as a reward for sweating it out.

A guide for every step

Arriving at the beach and taking a look at the cliffs could hit your nerves quite hard if this is our first time. But never fear, your guide on the excursion will carefully advise you on how to conquer what seems impossible at first.

Deepwater solo climbing

Of all the Ao Nang things to do, this is one of the most thrilling. You will be taken by boat to an island where the rock cliffs are in the water. Next, you will climb the rock formation without a harness, reach the top and take the plunge into the water from there. Exhilarating indeed!

Best Adventure Activities to do in Cairns That Will Surely Increase Your Adrenaline – Test your bravery!

Wondering what could be the best place for adventure activities in Australia? Don’t have second thoughts because Cairns is the perfect place to address all your adventurous passions.

Whitewater rafting

If you are planning to spend your summer in Cairns, this will be the perfect water adventure for you. Enjoy the scenery and celebrate your moments.

Bungy jumping

Heard about Aj Hackett Cairns? Yes, it’s one of the most popular Bungy towers in the world. Once you do your first jump, this is going to be addictive!

MartinRe at the English Wikipedia, BungyViewCairns, CC BY-SA 3.0

Skydiving

The best place for this adventure is the Great Barrier Reef. Forget all your fears for a while and get ready to be rewarded with mind-blowing views of the Australian east coast.

Crocodile spotting

If you need a different kind of adventure, just go crocodile spotting. All you have to do is to say yes to a Daintree River cruise. In addition to the crocodiles, spot snakes, pythons, and birds too.

Holidaying in Cairns

If you are looking for hotel accommodation in Cairns, make sure you opt for a good one such as Oaks Cairns Hotel.

Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Knuckles Mountain Range is amongst the key places for trekking in Sri Lanka and here’s a guide on this scenic attraction.

Where is It?

Named for its resemblance to knuckles, this mountain range can be found in the Matale and Kandy districts; Kandy is a great place to stay and is around a 90-minute drive from this site; properties like Mountbatten Bungalow make an ideal base for your excursions and you can easily enjoy a day trip and back.

What to Expect

The Knuckles Mountain Range features thriving flora and fauna and amongst the best things to do in Kandy is to plan a trekking adventure here; you will come across enchanting cloud forests sometimes shrouded in mist, idyllic waterfalls, crystal clear streams, traditional villages and various wildlife and birdlife too.

Diverse Trails

There are over 30 trails for trekking in Knuckles Mountain Range, best explored with a guide. These include the Dothalugala nature trail to the summit of a mountain and the Mini World’s End trail, both offering spectacular views. There’s also the Duwili Ella trail to a waterfall in the forest and Nitro Caves trail to an intriguing cave.

Keep in Mind

Have a guide who can also help to get any needed permits. Wear light clothing and hiking boots; have a raincoat and bring swimwear if you plan to have a dip at a waterfall. Take enough water and remember you can fill bottles at streams. Also, have anti-leech socks and spray to deal with these pesky creatures!

Tips for desert driving in Qatar

Driving in the desert may seem like a daunting task. However, once you know the tricks that make driving in the desert a more comfortable experience, you are bound to have a lot of fun.

Make sure your vehicle is in order

Desert Driving Jeeps in Qatar | Image via Piqsels

Oil and water levels, 4 by 4 operations, soundness of wheels and tyres, lock operations, etc. are some of the key things you should check about your vehicle before going on your drive.

See if you can get help from an expert

You may meet experts in desert driving when you hang out at some of the restaurants in Wakra. Try and start a conversation with them and they will be able to tell you what to look out for.

Never go on your own

This is the golden rule in desert driving because it is quite a dangerous task. So make sure you go with a friend, and especially with someone who can help you out in the case of an emergency. Ideally, a convoy of 3 – 8 vehicles would go together. If you’re staying at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, you may come across others who are interested in the activity.

Sand conditions

Make sure that someone in your convoy is aware of the local sand conditions. This is critical to make sure that you have a safe trip back and forth.

Breath-taking Hikes in Ella

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is known for its wide range of mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. This very fact makes it a great hiking destination.

Image credit- Unsplash,Kirsty barnby,CC0

Little Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the mountain range that’s called ‘Sri Pada’. This is not about it. Little Adam’s Peak is in Ella, and of course, is much smaller than Sri Pada. For the entire hike, you’ll only need around one hour. The hike is easy but rewards you with some of the best views.

Ella Rock

Ella hiking adventures will be incomplete if you miss out on this one. Unlike the Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock is considered a difficult hike. On websites such as Travel to Ella, this hiking trail has been recognized as one of the most wonderful, thanks to the flora and fauna around.

Dambatenne to Lipton’s Seat

Dambatenne is a popular tea factory in Sri Lanka. From here, take the hiking trail to the Lipton’s Seat which is located 6,463 ft above sea level.

Idalgashinna to Haputale

The best way to do this hike is to take the train from Ella to Idalgashinna and then, taking the hiking trail back to Haputale. The views across will be memorable, for sure!

A Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Maldives

A truly unforgettable encounter, swimming with manta rays can be enjoyed in the Maldives though you must follow some vital steps as given below.

Choosing an Excursion

For such encounters, stay at a resort that offers manta ray excursions in an ethical and sustainable manner. This includes properties like Velassaru Maldives that have a resident marine biologist who will provide you with a deeper understanding of these ocean denizens and will accompany you on your adventures.

Entering the Water

From such a luxury hotel, Maldives manta ray encounters await, though before you begin, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember to enter the water calmly and quietly, about 33 feet (10 metres) away from the mantas; when swimming, ensure your fins are below the water to avoid splashing and scaring them off.

Approaching Mantas

Don’t get closer than 10 feet (3 metres) to the mantas; remain still and let them come towards you. Remember to give them a clear path to swim and only make your approach from the side. It is also important to NOT touch these creatures and refrain from chasing after them once they swim past you.

For Scuba Divers

While the above tips are for general manta encounters including snorkelling, there are additional guidelines for scuba divers. On your dive, remain near the seabed but ensure not to damage the reef; also, whenever a manta ray swims towards you, don’t block its way and instead, stay where you are and keep low.

The best seasons for diving in the Maldives – Know your way around

Diving in the Maldives is a popular pastime and one that calls for careful planning. Provided below are the best times to pay a visit to these awe-inspiring isles for a riveting dive.

Northeast monsoon period

Conducive weather conditions are the need of the hour ahead of any water sporting activity in this part of the world and in the case of scheduling diving expeditions, take note of the northeast monsoon season which descends from December to May. During this time, the winds are calmer which in turn contributes towards sunny skies and pleasing oceans; the perfect combination to delight in some diving. Further, the currents that flow through the atolls from December to March make for excellent visibility, especially if you’ve chosen the eastern atolls as your springboard. The eastern portion of the channels witness sharks congregates whilst western sections can be looked at for manta ray viewing.

Southwest monsoon period

With the advent of the southwest monsoons come June through November, the currents are known to move east within the channels. Importantly, visibility is at its best if one opts to dive in the western parts of the channels. However, you will have to deal with rough seas and stronger winds. In terms of the species that can be spotted, whale sharks, mantas, and turtles are one’s, constant companions.

Where can you stay?

Should you be seeking assistance in planning out a holiday where you can experience such excursions to the deep blue, then it is advisable to check in with properties such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas who will also offer you convenient Maldives pool villa accommodation to come home to.

A guide to navigating the Whistler Valley Trail

Enjoying the Whistler Valley Trail is something that every traveller would do during his/her holiday spent in Vancouver.

Holidaying in Vancouver

If you are visiting Vancouver, a few days at a Whistler ski resort is probably on your itinerary. Whether you chose to stay at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre or any other resort in the area here are a few things to keep in mind.

Know where each trail leads

First light on the Valley trail opposite Nordic |Image via Unsplash

The whistler valley trail consists of over 40 km of road that leads to different beautiful destinations depending on which direction you head to. For example, a hike leading to the North will take you to either Rain Park or one of the two lakes (Green and Lost). Each of these locations comes with unique views and a range of nature-based activities that you can indulge in.

Find out where you can stop and relax on the way

There are stops on the way to these destinations which can be used to rest, eat, or even enjoy a nice drink. Several smaller places on the way also offer snacks and coffee to visitors.

Pick an ideal location for your activities

The Southern stroll that leads to Whistler Creekside provides easy access for skiers to make their way to the mountain. Most of the other destinations provide nice running loops to get in a morning jog or run.

Khon Kaen: Everything you need to Know for a Perfect Trip – A Thai getaway

Khon Kaen is a hub for tourists, be it work or otherwise, and if you want to know how to have the perfect trip in this part of Thailand, read on.

About Khon Kaen

Civilisations settled here thousands of years ago, and later, further cultures came in and settled too. After the Khmer empire ended, the place remained untouched until King Rama the first decided to take over and create a new town here. The Vietnamese, Indians and Chinese have been trading silk for more than 200 years now, and when you are exploring the town, you will be able to see the influences of these cultures everywhere.

Where to stay

Khon Kaen has many places for you to choose from, and you can find suitable places to stay according to your budget. A centrally located hotel in Khon Kaen you can check out while there is Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, for instance.

Image via Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre

When to go

The monsoon in this part of Thailand happens during July, August and September. These are the worst months in terms of being unable to explore the town freely. April is a good time to visit the area since the Songkran, which is the Thailand New Year, happens then too.

Getting around in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is quite a big place, and the public transport system here is great. You can also rent your own set of wheels to have more flexibility in terms of getting around. Tuk-tuks are found almost in every corner of Khon Kaen and it is a cheap and fast way of getting around.