A Thrilling Kithulgala Adventure Experience

If you are an adrenaline junkie or are just looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure, then make visiting Kithulgala in Sri Lanka a top priority! From white water rafting to abseiling down a waterfall there is plenty of action-packed excitement to look forward to.

Kithulgala Adventure| Img by:  Nature Odyssey

White Water Rafting

The Kelani River has made Kithulgala the most popular place in Sri Lanka for white water rafting. Local tour specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey give you a chance to enjoy grade 2 and 3 rapids which have some rather unusual names for certain areas; Butter Crunch, Rib Cage, Killer Fall and Head Chopper are a few. Don’t be put off by their names though, it really is a lot of fun!

Waterfall Abseiling

A quintessential part of the Kithulgala adventure experience, abseiling down a waterfall is a pure adrenaline rush that lets you truly be “one” with the cascading water. Reputed operators ensure safety comes first as you make your way down the rock face, which sometimes can be over 100 feet high.

Confidence Jumps

Also called a waterfall jump, this activity involves jumping down from a height to natural pools below. The jump-off point can be at varying heights depending on where you are taken; greater heights require greater confidence in yourself! Do make sure to choose experienced excursion providers who follow proper safety measures.

Rainforest Walks

For a land-based adventure in Kithulgala, travellers can embark on a trek through pristine rainforest areas. On your journey, you will encounter picturesque waterfalls and streams along with wildlife including colourful bird species.

 

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

 

 

Early morning fishing excursions in Maldives

There are many things to do in Male Maldives while staying in a hotel like Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon – one of them is to go fishing. An early morning fishing excursion in Maldives will be an experience of a life time as the Maldivian waters are filled with many varieties of fish and underwater marine life.

Fishing in Maldives

 

Fishing in Maldives| Img by: Shine2705 via Pixabay

Many of the anglers aspire to go fishing in clear warm waters around hundreds of islands with varieties fish inhabiting the channels in between islands to feed on nutrients brought from the Indian Ocean. Watch as they bring in their daily catch or even take part in these fishing excursions if you are interested in such activities.
Types of fishing excursions available

Shore fishing

These methods use live bait in shallow waters that involve the use of braided lines, wading into shallow waters. There are hundred varieties of fish found here like, reef fish, small Grouper, Bone fish, Jack, Snapper fish and even small Barracuda.

Big Game Fishing Jigging/Popping

This type is used mainly for large fish like Tuna, big Barracuda Red Bass and giant Trevally that generally put up a big fight. These are early morning off shore day excursions, which can land in big fish such as Marin, Dorado, Sailfish and Wahoo. Heavy duty fishing gear is essential for this kind of fishing and the best way to enjoy game fishing is to cast the line from a boat at a fishing spot.

 

 

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

 

 

Snorkeling in Sri Lanka

When on vacation, you often find yourself searching for fun things to do. Sri Lanka often referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, has world-class snorkeling and scuba-diving tours that will keep you enchanted right throughout your trip.

Snorkeling | Image Credit - tata_aka_T, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons
Snorkeling | Image Credit – tata_aka_T, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

Why Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view under-water life without damaging them. The shallow seas of Sri Lanka allow you to do this without a hassle. View colourful coral reefs and shoals of fish by snorkeling in the warm waters of the Indian ocean while holidaying in Sri Lanka.

Locations
For snorkeling and scuba diving in Sri Lanka, the best locations are Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Kirinda. If you are heading towards the west, you could check out ‘Bar Reef’, which is Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef, located just off Puttalam. The best way to check out all these locations is if you go through a good tour company such as Walkers Tours, that specialize in customized tour packages for their clients

Get Ready to Snorkel
Obviously, to go snorkeling you need to have the proper gear. You can rent some from shops that are located alongside the Sri Lankan beaches or you could even bring your own. All under-water activities are normally conducted by well trained and experienced UDI and PADI instructors to ensure the utmost safety and enjoyment of all travelers, so you have nothing to worry about!

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

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Exploring the Isaan

There’s an old saying which says, ‘if you haven’t explored Isaan, you haven’t experienced Thailand’, this rings true to almost everything that’s on offer here. Want to know more?

Image by Diego Delso, Isla Tapu, Phuket, Tailandia, 2013-08-20, DD 36, CC BY-SA 3.0

1) Ton Tann Night Market

Generally considered a little more upscale than the conventional night market, here at the Ton Tann Night Market you will find various traditional food stalls and street vendors. There are many boutique shops as well, and even a large centre stage that features an array of live performances.

2) Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake

Of all the lakes in Khon Kaen, the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake located to the southeast of the city centre features a variety of bars, coffee shops and restaurants all around it. Food stalls which pop up towards the evenings serve an assortment of local delicacies. If you’re looking for a hotel, Khon Kaen has many that you can check out, such as the AVANI Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for example.

3) Wat Nong Wang

Learn about the culture of Buddhism and the history behind it at the Wat Nong Want temple which feature many relics as well as a gorgeous panoramic view of the town.

4) Horse Races

The horse races on Sundays are something to treat yourself to. You can grab a bite and even bet if you feel like it, all while enjoying a spectacle of a sport.

 

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+

 

Bentota river safari in Sri Lanka

Discover a whole new experience that is exciting and tranquil all at the same time. Bentota river safaris are extremely popular amongst all who visit. Want to know more about it?

Image by Hafiz Issadeen from Dharga Town, Sri Lanka, Bentota River in Dharga, Sri Lanka, CC BY 2.0

1) Where

There are tons of places to check out when you’re looking for accommodation, from villas to even a simple resort. Bentota is beaming with many options such as the AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa for example.

2) When

It’s best to visit during the months between January and March as its mostly sunny during this season. The monsoon season here begins in April and must be avoided at all costs. The wettest months, however, are between June and September. Another interesting time to visit is during Diwali, which falls between October and November.

3) How

Whether it’s through your resort or privately, you’ll find numerous ways to book a boat tour in Bentota. Most usually take around 2.5 hours and cost about 2000 rupees per person.

4) Discover

On your boat safari, you will come across all sorts of amazing creatures such as water monitors. Native to southeast Asia, these massive lizards grow up to 2 metres in length. The largest one found in Sri Lanka was a gigantic 3.2 metres.

 

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

Top water sports in Bentota

Holidaying in Bentota inevitably succumbs you to taking part in some of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. Some of the top ones that we would recommend are:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving into the warm Indian ocean and swimming with the fish while taking a peak at all the sea creatures and corals is a fun activity to enjoy with the family. Stay at a resort in Bentota that is near areas that have this activity so that it is easier and faster to travel.

Wind Surfing

Weather its your own gear or something hired, wind surfing is quite a popular water sport on the beaches of Bentota. Hotels like AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa help you sign up for such activities. Just speak to their front office concierge for more info.

Image result for AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa Wind Surfing
Image Credit: AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa

Banana Boat Rides

One of the most fun and thrilling water activities you can do in Bentota is the banana boat ride! As per its name, the banana boat is shaped like a banana and accommodates a group of people while being pulled by a jet-ski. If you are tipped over, you are bound to fly off and end up in the lake so hold on tight!

Jet & Water skiing

From beginners to pros, everyone can take part in this super exciting water sport! Bentota has professional instructors who can assist you if you need help. Whizz around in the jet ski with your friends and make memories that will be cherished forever!

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

The Adventure of Snorkelling

 

From vibrant corals to a range of fish species including ethereal-like manta rays, the Maldives offers one of the best snorkelling destinations on the planet. Here’s your chance to enter this whole new “world”.

Best times for snorkelling

Snorkelling in Maldives can be pretty much enjoyed all year round while at your Maldives resort; however January to April is a particularly great time for this activity since the waters are clearer and the weather at its best. Do keep in mind that the weather from May to September can be less predictable.

In search of Nemo & Co.

Be it clownfish (Nemo!), bannerfish, powder blue tangs, fusiliers parrotfish, butterflyfish or hawksbill turtles, the ocean surrounding the Maldives offers much to see. Resorts the likes of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort have reefs nearby providing the ideal chance to get up close to this marine life.

Underwater superstars

Of course, there are certain marine creatures that add to the excitement of a snorkelling adventure; graceful manta rays, unhurried whale sharks and stealthy blacktip reef sharks swimming in their natural habitats are sights that are certainly unforgettable.

Image of resort
Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Adding splashes of colour

Marine life aside, you can also look forward to seeing a stunningly vibrant array of corals on your snorkelling expeditions; staghorn, finger, brain and table corals are amongst the varieties that can be spotted here, each adding to the charm of this underwater spectacle.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

 

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

Surfing experience in the Maldives

Would you like to surf the mellow and playful waves in Maldives? Everyone who visits the island is sure to be enchanted by the majestic splendour of oceans. Know these tips before planning your surf trip.

Image by Ishan @seefromthesky seefromthesky, North Central Province, Maldives (Unsplash KgCbvOWYuU0), CC0 1.0

Right time?

In order to spend an enjoyable time of surfing in Maldives, you must ensure that the visit is made at the right time. Try your best to visit the island during the surfing season to enjoy an unforgettable experience. The surf season in Maldives starts in late February and generally lasts until November. During this time the size of the breakers averages between 4-5 feet.

The best destination?

If you’re planning to visit Maldives between April and October, consider staying at a resort in the North Male Atoll as the conditions for surfing are best in that area during this period. Always make sure whether the resort you’ve chosen provides all the necessary facilities for your surf excursion. Amongst many a surfing resort in Maldives the likes of Niyama Private Islands Maldives come as an excellent venue featuring excellent surfing spots to indulge in an unforgettable surfing experience.

Beginners!

If you wish to discover the sublime delights of surfing for the first time, you’ll find a myriad of surfing spots across the atolls that are ideal for beginners. Places such as Ninjas/ Piddlies in the Male Atolls as well as the Mulhaku Rights/ Lefts in the Central Atolls are quite safe for beginners and intermediates.

Tips to know

The heat of the sun can be brutal when you go out into the ocean so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Most of the surf spots are often crowded, so remain calm and wait for your turn!

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Whale Watching in Sri Lanka –The Gentle Giants of the Ocean!

The island of Sri Lanka is quite a popular whale watching destination in South Asia, and many travellers head to the tropical isle to get a close and tantalising glimpse of these gentle giants.

Image by Oren Rozen, NZ280315 Kaikoura Whale Watching 03, CC BY-SA 3.0

Top Spots

The major locations to enjoy whale watching in Sri Lanka are Kalpitiya, Mirissa, and Trincomalee. All of these three destinations are wildly popular among tourists and have much to offer them in terms of marine life and more.

Best Time

The best time to set off on whale watching excursions is considered to be during the months of December, January, and April. During these times, you have a 95% chance of spotting whales migrating just off Dondra Point. Many travel companies on the island such as Nkar Travel House offer great packages to do so with minimal hassle.

Types of Whale Species to Spot

The Sri Lankan waters are home to the largest pod of blue whales in the world. Among the types of whale species you will encounter, include sperm and Byrde’s whales. If you happen to be really lucky you might even spot a killer whale.

Other Types of Sea Life

Apart from the whales, you can also spot plenty of bottlenose dolphins, Risso ‘s dolphins along with large pods of spinner and striped dolphins.

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Trick or Treating in Maldives

The diversity and density of underwater fauna in Maldives have made this beautiful island paradise one of the most popular destinations for divers. Read on to know some of its best dive sites.

Image by Summitandbeach, Discover Scuba Diving — St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Fotteyo Kandu

The Fotteyo Kandu at the Vaavu Atoll is a very popular dive site that you should definitely visit. Don’t scratch this off your list. The site has plenty of colourful coral and fish, your eyes need to behold with all its natural beauty. The place includes caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs that is laced with soft yellow corals.

Kandooma Thila

Kandooma Thila is another famous dive site that you should not miss. It is home to some of the artistic scenes and an interesting marine life. Around the pinnacle, you can see for yourself some soft corals layering the walls which are often visited by the big-eyed trevally and the red bass fish. Those who are residing at one of the many luxury Maldives resorts the likes of Heritance Aarah, can plan a memorable dive excursion to witness the magnificent underwater world in Kandooma Thila.

Broken Rock

Broken Rock at the South Ari Atoll is a unique place which has been naturally crafted by a canyon that separated the reef into two sections. What to look for? Large fan corals, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, eels, scorpion fish and so on. There are more to witness!

Kudarah Thila

This fascinating dive site is a protected area and it is home to small reef filled with plenty of soft corals and marine life. Make sure to take with you a dive light to explore the large overhang and the arch making the place quite unique and marvellous.

 

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+