Water | The Adventure Travel Site

Mekong River Cruise Experience

The Mekong river is the main reason why so many powerful civilisations thrived in South East Asia. And a cruise down the river is the perfect way to really understand how much influence a river can have on mankind and their development.

Asia’s Most Legendary River

A luxury Mekong river cruise is one of the best ways to understand the influence the great river has had on civilisation. The river has enriched culture and traditions for more than 2000 years in the region which means a cruise with Mekong Kingdoms will take you on that same journey years later.

Cambodia

The cruise will take you through Cambodia following in the footsteps of royalty who sailed the same seas years before. Cambodia is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat and other spectacular remnants of Khmer culture.

Vietnam

Vietnam is next on the Mekong River, the easternmost country on the Indochinese peninsula. It is a visual masterpiece of colour and wonders fast evolving into a prime tourist destination.

Mekong River

The Mekong River is the 12th longest in the world. It flows from the Tibetan plateau to the South China sea through China to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the lower end of the river, the basin that spreads across Cambodia and Vietnam that is mostly traversed.

Bentota Beach

Located 64km south of Colombo, Bentota beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along the southern coastline. It has long been popular among tourists and locals alike. It is very easy to distinguish the beach by just mentioning its name.

Location

Two of the most popular beaches in the south are located along the same stretch of coastline. The Beruwala beach can be found just before the town of Aluthgama and the Bentota beach is accessed as soon as you pass over the Bentota Bridge.

Water Sports

Bentota Beach is not just very pretty, it is also a great place to get involved in water sports. If you are hoping to catch the best waves, head there around October to April when the waves are calmer and perfect for engaging in water sports.

Luxury Hotels

Bentota is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. You can find 5-star service, delicious international menus and all the comfort you could ask for at places like Saman Villas.

Shopping

It is also quite possible to get your souvenir shopping done in the small boutiques and shops that come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase traditional crafts, gems, batik-wear and other small ornaments that you can take home with you.

The History of Nuwara Eliya

There are only vestiges of it left in the town today, but Nuwara Eliya was once an uninhabited network of forests and meadows shaded by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Here’s the history you did not know.

The History
Though now you would be finding all kinds of accommodation in Nuwara Eliya, the city was born completely of British influence after it was discovered to have climates that were comfortable and agreeable to the colonial planters.

The City of Light
The area, which was afterwards named Nuwara Eliya, or “city of lights,” was first visited by John Davy in 1819.

The English Influence
The English were pleased to discover that the climate agreed with growing English vegetables and began to grow strawberries, lettuce and other produce that were consumed by the colonists.
This evolved into growing coffee which was later switched to tea. Both of these experiments were extremely successful. And resulted in the upcountry being dubbed “The Tea Capital of Sri Lanka.”

The Plantation Connection
Since the local populace refused to work on the plantations, the British brought labour over from India and settled them in slums on the estates. Today their descendants make up the demographics of upcountry Tamils who are different from the Tamil population in the North and East of Sri Lanka that was native to the country.
Today, Nuwara Eliya grows vegetables and tea but has evolved into a quaint and beautiful resort town. Resorts like Galway Heights are great places to spend a vacation.

Cruise Planning tips

A vacation on a cruise is a vacation that’s always well-spent. Many of us are little afraid to arrange a cruise holiday on our own because we think planning is a terrific process. No, it’s not! Just follow these simple steps.

Before everything, pick your destination and itinerary

First, plan the destination you are going to explore among the many options you have. If you select a Mekong River cruise for instance, as your next adventure, make sure you plan your itinerary that goes in hand with the cruise.

Then pick a Stateroom or Suite

The next big decision lies with the type of accommodation you need to stay on board. Cruises with agents like Mekong Kingdoms are considerate about the needs and wants of their travelers and help them pick the best for them.

Before you board, reserve the dining options

Before you board, make sure you reserve the entertainment and dining spaces too. If you like some wine or cocktails onboard, make sure you book your beverage package in advance too.

Basic packing tips

This is about planning your travel suitcase, finally. Make sure you have the basics such as sunglasses, medications, swimsuits, and clothing for different types of excursions all packed in your suitcase, together with the other things that you may need.

Spotting Dolphins in Sri Lanka

Playful and swift, dolphins are amongst the most fascinating creatures that call the ocean home and can be found off the coasts of Sri Lanka.

Spinner Dolphins
Also referred to as the long snouted dolphin, spinner dolphins are relatively small in size. This species can be seen in areas like Kalpitiya as part of dolphin watching excursions offered by tour specialists like Walkers Tours. One of the features of spinner dolphins is that they are known for their acrobatics, and sometimes leap in the air!

Bottlenose Dolphin
One of the most well known species, bottlenose dolphins can easily be seen on a dolphin watching tour Sri Lanka has to offer in areas like Mirissa. This species has a diet that’s mainly forage fish and is generally known to be part of pods that can be 10 to 30 in number.

Risso’s Dolphin
One of the largest species of dolphins, Risso’s dolphins can also be spotted off the island’s coastlines. While this species has a sizable anterior body, it can sometimes grow to lengths of around 14 feet! You can look to spot them while on excursions out to sea in Trincomalee on the country’s east coast.

Striped Dolphin
Commonly found in tropical and temperate waters, the striped dolphin is relatively smaller in size and generally feeds on squid and pelagic fish. One of the characteristics of this species is its body colour, which is different from other dolphins and makes it easier to spot as well.

Which Seychelles Island You Must Visit and Why

The archipelago of Seychelles will not leave you disappointed. Here are three islands and some information on them to help make it easier for you to decide!

Praslin

Praslin has a contrast of atmosphere on either end, therefore, if you’re looking for a laid back and calm time then you must stay on the west side. However, if you’re looking for more of a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars, then you must stay in the east. If you’re interested in nature, then you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Praslin National Park.

Mahe

During your stay at any resort in Seychelles, the likes of Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort when in Mahe, you’ll undoubtedly get a feel of the local life of Seychelles. Make sure you visit Victoria, the capital, to buy your own fresh produce and goods. The best thing to do in Mahe is to chill by the beach and take in the gorgeous waters.

Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa), Seychelles 019, CC BY-SA 2.5

La Digue

A small and chilled out island, La Digue is home to a number of pristine beaches. The roads on the island are perfect for strolls and cycling. Due to the number of private beaches dotting the island, you’ll easily find some private time for yourself!

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

The Rising Trend of Co-Living Spaces

The trend of co-living spaces has been quickly embraced by young people and millennials across countries as it is the answer to a lot of problems. Here’s a breakdown for you to understand this concept.

Co Living Concept | Image Credit : Pos arch, POS architekten, CO-living JAspern, Foto © Markus Kaiser, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is co-living?

Simply put, co-living is the trend of living with several other people in one space. This is thought to encourage people to interact and work together. Most of the time, co-living residents have their very own room but have to share common spaces such as living spaces and the kitchen – almost like they are a big family. Several that opt for a shared living space, such as the ones offered by lyf Corporate are open to the concept of sharing and collaboration.

Co-working and co-living

Don’t get the two of these wrong, they are similar but not entirely the same concept. Many co-living establishments will double as a co-working space, but not vice versa. Both environments, however, allow you to meet a lot of like-minded people and form relationships.

Why is it so popular?

The rise of this concept comes from a number of different factors, such as enjoying living with others and sharing similar interests. There are co-living spaces in the United States, Singapore and other multiple locations around the world.

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. Google+

Mekong River Cruise experience

Around great rivers, civilizations and cultures have evolved for centuries and this is the same story with Mekong River too. A cruise across this river is, of course, a very nice experience, and there are certain things you should know before planning this voyage.

Why it’s special?
A Mekong River cruise experience is possible with a trusted party the likes of Mekong Kingdoms, with whom you get the best options, excitement and most importantly the knowledge. The expedition is special because it gives you knowledge of a rich heritage and traditions enriched by over 2000 years of human history.

Best time to visit
There is generally a tropical climate in Cambodia and Vietnam. Thus, temperatures are warm year-round which makes it fine to go there any period of the year. Cruises also run year-round leaving you nothing to worry about the best times.

Highlights
During a Mekong River cruise, there are many things one can explore, and culture is one of the main. You can also embrace the unique landscapes of the river basin during the cruise and even meet some guides and local community who would talk to you with smiles on their faces.

Your cruise options
Choose your luxury Mekong River cruise according to your specific requirements. For those who have time, the 07-night cruises can give you more experiences and exposures so this would be the ideal choice. However, there are also 3 and 4-night options available for these cruises as well.

Kuang Si Falls

The Kuang Si falls is a must-visit if you are nature lover who is holidaying at or are passing through Luang Prabang.

Image credit-Benh LIEU SONG, Kuang Si Waterfalls Luang Prabang Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

About Kuang Si falls

The waterfalls from a height of about 200 feet and a trail beginning at the shallow bottom pools take you right to the top of the Kuang Si Falls. The colour of the water is a beautiful aqua blue and makes for a great photo backdrop too.

Why you must visit Kuang Si falls

This gorgeous work of nature is a favourite side quest for the travellers in Luang Prabang and if you want to have a bit of nature time in your trip, add this to your list.

Getting there

Being about 30 kilometres away from the south of Luang Prabang hotels, this waterfall will take about two hours to get to if you leave from Avani+ Luang Prabang, for instance.

Entrance

You will be charged a fee of 20,000 kips to gain access to the falls, but it is definitely worth the cash since the trails and paths are so clean and amazingly maintained by the people of Luang Prabang. Most of the pools here can be swum in except one or two, which are holy.

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

Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Adventurous Travellers

Sri Lanka is the perfect vacation location for adventure-seeking travellers. There is plenty to do and most of it does not involve putting your life in mortal danger. Here are a few of the most adventurous experiences in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka has three major wildlife reserve, famous of which is Yala which is home to the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards in the world. There are also sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and sambhurs not to mention the very many species of birds.

That’s only on land, at sea, there are all year round sites for dolphin and whale watching.

Kody8958, Play time for young elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Picturesque Train Rides

The three major long-distance train lines; Colombo – Jaffna, Colombo – Kandy – Ella and The Southern Coastal Line are some of the most picturesque train rides in the world. Hang out of the open doors for the best views and some breath-taking photography.

Chandimal Pathirage from Gampaha, Sri Lanka, Udarata Manike, CC BY 2.0

The Surf Party

The South and East of the country are not only packed with pristine beaches each more magical than the next, there are some great places to surf and really take on the waves. Surf all day and party all night for these beaches come equipped with a wild nightlife.

An Adrenaline Pumping Climb

Scale the beautiful blue-tinged mountains on a hike through the wilds or climb for the history and architectural wonder as it is in the case of Sigiriya and its rock fortress or Adam’s Peak; a holy site for all four major religions in the country.

There is plenty of adventure to be had and sometimes in the case of high-flying long-distance bus rides, you don’t have to go looking for it. Plan the perfect adventure in Sri Lanka with tour operators like Tangerine Tours.

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. Google+