Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

Top Reasons to Choose Yala for Your Next Safari Adventure – A Day Out Among Nature and Wildlife

One of the most well-known safari destinations in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park boasts the highest density of leopards in the world. While leopards steal the show, the park is also home to elephants, and the birdlife here is spectacular.

Wildlife Encounters

Leopards are, of course, the top highlight, but you can also see elephants, sloth bears, deer, and crocodiles. The park is also reported to have over 200 bird species.

Safari Tours

Going on a safari is one of the best things to do in Yala. You can choose from a range of options, from half-day tours to full-day tours. These tours are often led by experienced local guides. Most safaris are done in open jeeps and allow you to get close to nature from a safe distance. You can book your safari through hotels like Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Best Time to Go

The dry season from February to July is the best time to visit Yala. During this period, animals come out of their hiding places in search of water, which they find in waterholes. The weather is also much more pleasant.

Tips

If you’re visiting during the peak season, remember to book your safari early. Wear light, comfortable clothes and use sunscreen. Don’t forget your hat and water bottle. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are the best. Bring your camera as well, but turn off the flash when taking pictures.

A Surfer’s Guide to Riding the Waves in Hikkaduwa: A Tropical Getaway Filled with Adventure

A peaceful town on the southwest coast, Hikkaduwa remains calm, even though it’s one of the most visited places in the country. Its surf scene attracts surfers from across the world. The best thing about Hikkaduwa is that both beginners and pros can enjoy surfing there.

Getting to Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is about 100 km from Colombo. Getting there takes two to three hours. The train ride is an experience in itself – the coastal scenery is absolutely breathtaking and calming. Taxis and buses are also available.

Accommodation

This coastal town is one of the most popular in the country. As you’d expect, accommodation offers a wide range of choices, including Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon. If you’re visiting during the high season, make sure to book your stay in advance.

Surf Spots

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Hikkaduwa – and for good reason. There are several surf breaks in Hikkaduwa. The main beach break is ideal for those with no experience. If you’re more advanced, the reef break near the main point offers more challenging waves. North Jetty and Benny’s are also popular.

Best Time for Surfing in Hikkaduwa

The surf season runs from November to April. During these months, it’s usually sunny with consistent waves. The only challenge is the crowds, but it’s worth it for the good waves.

Cultural and Adventurous Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos: River Safaris, Temples, and So Much More!

A beautiful, old-timey town in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a place where history, culture, and nature greet you all at once. It’s the sort of place where temples sit by the rivers and streets lead you to waterfalls. It’s a dream come true for those who enjoy a slow pace of life.

Alms Giving Ceremony

If you’re an early bird, you should go and see the Alms Giving Ceremony – a ritual with deep meaning. Each morning, local monks take to the streets, collecting offerings from the town’s residents. You can observe, or make an offering yourself.

Mekong River Cruise

A Mekong River cruise in Luang Prabang is a must. It’s a delightful way to experience the beautiful landscape of Laos. You can opt for a short sunset cruise or a full-day trip. Get in touch with a tour operator like Mekong Kingdoms to arrange a river cruise for yourself.

Temples

Luang Prabang is home to beautiful old temples. One of the must-visit temples is Wat Xieng Thong, which is famous for its golden details and tiered roofs. Give yourself enough time to walk through the temple grounds and appreciate Buddhist culture.

Kuang Si Falls

Craving a bit of adventure? Head to Kuang Si Falls – it’s only a short drive from town. The waterfall has multiple levels and turquoise pools, perfect for a midday swim.

Cuisine

Don’t miss out on the delicious local food while you’re here. Laap, sticky rice, and grilled fish are local favorites. Visit the night market to try a bit of everything.

How to Enjoy Colombo’s Nightlife Without Breaking the Bank: Sip, Dance, and Chill

Colombo might be known for its luxurious hotels and posh lounges, but you don’t need deep pockets to experience the city after dark. Whether you’re a solo traveller or out with your crew, here’s how to enjoy Colombo’s vibrant nightlife scene without breaking the bank.

Pre-Game Like a Pro: Get the night started right
Before hitting the clubs, gather your friends for a budget-friendly pre-game session. Grab a few drinks from a local wine store or supermarket, crank up some tunes, and enjoy a balcony hangout or beachside chill before heading out.

Rooftop Vibes on a Deal: Views and brews
You don’t need to pay premium prices for skyline views. Places like Cinnamon Red Colombo offer rooftop bars with happy hour deals and stunning cityscapes. It’s a great way to enjoy luxury without the luxury price tag.

Street Food Fuel: Feast before the party
Skip the fancy restaurants and hit up Colombo’s street food scene. From kottu to isso wade, these late-night bites are not only delicious but super affordable. Galle Face Green is a great spot to snack before your night out.

Colombo After Dark: Adventure meets affordability
Hop on a tuk-tuk with your mates and explore Colombo and its buzzing streets. Night markets, live music cafés, and beachside bars await, all without wrecking your budget.

Dance Floors Without the Drama: Party smart
Look out for budget-friendly club nights and bars with no cover charge. Places in Colombo 07 or Marine Drive often have midweek deals, making them perfect for spontaneous plans.

Riding Waves in the Maldives: A Beginner’s Surfing Handbook

Ready to swap your desk chair for a surfboard? The Maldives might be famous for its overwater villas and crystal-clear lagoons, but it’s also an underrated hotspot for beginner surfers. With gentle swells, soft sandy bottoms, and tropical charm, it’s the perfect place to learn the ropes. Here’s your crash course in surfing, Maldives style.

Start Slow: Pick the Right Beach
Beginners should avoid the reef breaks popular with pros and instead head to mellow beach breaks like Thulusdhoo or Himmafushi. These spots offer smaller, more manageable waves perfect for your first pop-up. Bonus: local surf schools make it easy to dive right in.

Suit Up: What to Pack for a Surf Trip

You won’t need a full wetsuit here, just reef-safe sunscreen, a long-sleeve rash guard, and surf booties to protect your feet from coral. Don’t worry about boards; most surf resorts and schools offer rentals included in their packages.

Know the Etiquette: Surf Respectfully
Even as a beginner, learning the unspoken rules of the lineup is key. Don’t drop in on others, respect locals, and wait your turn. A little courtesy goes a long way in building good surf karma.

Stay Close to the Action
When choosing accommodation, proximity to beginner-friendly breaks can make all the difference. Some of the best surf resorts in Maldives offer direct beach access, in-house instructors, and a front-row seat to daily swells.

Make It a Mindset
Surfing is as much mental as it is physical. Expect a few wipeouts and celebrate the small wins. With each wave, you’re not just learning a sport—you’re stepping into an ocean-loving lifestyle.

Sir Bani Yas Island as a Wildlife Haven: Intriguing Species on the Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is often hailed as a paradise for tourists looking to escape the hustle of Abu Dhabi, but it’s also an important home for many animal species, on land, in the air and the water. Here’s a quick rundown of the species that call the island home, and that make it a true haven for wildlife.

A Wildlife Haven for Many

Sir Bani Yas Island has always been linked to conservation, from its beginnings as a Royal Nature Reserve in 1971 to its current status as a luxury destination. It features the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 11,000 animals of 30 different species, with resorts like Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara providing guests with guided excursions to witness these animals.

Animals on Land

One of the more iconic animal species on the island is the rare Arabian oryx, which now has a population of 700+. Cheetahs, sand gazelles, urial sheep, and blackbuck antelope are some of the other endangered species present, making safaris on the island one of the best Abu Dhabi things to do.

Vibrant Birds

There are also many species of birds on Sir Bani Yas, which include flamingos, cormorants, crab plovers, grey herons, shovelers, wildfowl, and black-winged stilts. Many of these species are non-indigenous and have settled on the island during migration, making it their home.

Marine Species

The waters around Sir Bani Yas Island also make up a safe home for several marine species. This includes the 8-kilometre no-fishing zone that is home to turtles, dugongs and dolphins that can safely thrive without interference from marine traffic.

Zambia’s Top National Parks for an Unforgettable Safari Experience – Roam Wild

Zambia is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. It offers wild landscapes, fewer crowds, and some of the best guides on the continent. If you’re building your safari trip, these four national parks should be high on your list. Each one offers a different experience and a fresh view of Zambia’s wildlife.

South Luangwa National Park

Known for walking safaris, South Luangwa is where you trade vehicles for foot trails. It’s home to elephants, leopards, hippos, and over 400 bird species. Some of the best things to do in Zambia include sunrise bush walks and sundowner drives by the Luangwa River.

Lower Zambezi National Park

This park sits along the Zambezi River and offers canoe safaris, fishing trips, and riverside game drives. The view from the water gives you a different angle on wildlife, especially elephants wading in to drink. If you’re staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, tour operators can help you plan a side trip here with ease.

Kafue National Park

Kafue is vast and less visited, which means you often have the plains to yourself. It’s a great place to spot cheetahs and wild dogs. The Busanga Plains area, in the north, is especially known for big cats and dramatic skies during the dry season.

Liuwa Plain National Park

Remote and seasonal, Liuwa is perfect for travellers looking for something off the beaten path. It hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration and is home to hyenas, lions, and rare birds.

Nature Trails Near Kandy That Locals Love – Hidden Paths and Hills

Kandy’s charm goes beyond its temples and city streets. Just outside the busy centre, locals escape into green trails that wind through hills, forests and waterfalls.

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – A Forest Within the City

This peaceful forest reserve sits just behind the Temple of the Tooth. It’s one of the oldest places to visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka, known for its canopy walks and birdwatching spots. Locals enjoy the quiet here, especially early in the morning when the air feels fresh and cool.

Hanthana Mountain Range – For the Adventurous

Just a short drive from the city, Hanthana’s hills offer a mix of easy walks and tougher climbs. With peaceful trails and sweeping views, it’s a well-loved spot among those looking to escape the bustle of Kandy for a few hours. Travel companies like Walkers Tours sometimes include places like Hanthana in their itineraries when travellers are after a bit of fresh air and scenery.

Galmaduwa to Degaldoruwa – A Scenic Country Walk

This lesser-known route connects two historic temples through a trail lined with paddy fields and small village roads. Locals enjoy this for weekend strolls away from traffic and crowds.

Hulu Ganga River Walk – Calm by the Water

Follow the riverbanks of the Hulu Ganga as it winds past small farms and rock pools. It’s ideal for a relaxed walk and even a quick dip. This spot is loved by families and solo walkers alike.

The Caves of Vietnam – Lesser-Known Expeditions in the Country

If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your Vietnam trip, exploring the country’s caves is a great way to do it. Tucked away in jungle-clad mountains and along winding rivers, these caves offer everything from underground rivers and towering chambers to strange rock formations and peaceful hideaways. It’s the kind of experience that takes you off the beaten path and straight into nature’s hidden wonders.

Paradise Cave

A boardwalk takes you through the first stretch of this massive cave, which runs for an incredible 31 kilometres and was only discovered back in 2005. A local company built the access and internal paths, and it’s been open to visitors since 2010. It feels like stepping into a giant underground cathedral, with glittering formations all around.

Dark Cave

If you’re into a bit of adrenaline, this cave adventure definitely brings the thrill. Imagine stepping into total darkness, swimming through chilly water, and then plunging into a giant mud bath—all deep inside a cave made of jagged limestone and black basalt rock. It’s dark (obviously), kind of eerie, and totally unforgettable. If you’re embarking on Vietnam tours from Sri Lanka, such as the ones provided by Mackinnons Tours, consider one which provides a trip to this part of the country.

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave holds the title of the world’s largest cave—and its story is just as wild as the place itself. It was first stumbled upon in 1991 by a local man named Hồ Khanh, but back then, hardly anyone dared to go inside. The strange whistling sounds coming from deep within (thanks to the underground river) spooked the jungle folk enough to stay away. It wasn’t until 2009 that the cave really caught the world’s attention, and by 2013, small group tours were finally allowed.

Hang En Cave

Just a few kilometres from the famous Son Doong, this cave ranks as the third largest in the world—and it’s an absolute must for adventurous travellers. The two-day, one-night trek to get there is the kind of journey you’ll be talking about for years. Named “Hang En,” which means “swift,” the cave gets its name from the huge number of birds that call it home.

Here’s Where to Go Hiking (and Walking!) in Dubai – From Desert Trails to City Strolls

Dubai may be synonymous with glitz and glamour, but don’t forget it’s a great place for those looking to go hiking or even enjoy foot-powered sightseeing. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or more of a casual stroller (no judgment here!), these are some sites worth heading to.

Sites in the City
Starting things off with sites in the city itself, which can be reached while staying at properties like Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai. For scenic urban strolls, head to the Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Marina Walk. Meanwhile, the Mushrif, Safa and Creek parks offer dedicated tracks if you prefer green over concrete. And for culture with your cardio, explore the narrow lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood on foot.

Al Qudra Lakes
Those based at the top luxury hotels in Dubai can plan excursions to the Al Qudra Lakes, perfect for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. The sand might slow you down a bit, but who needs a treadmill when the dunes do the work? Of course, part of the joy of exploring this area is the chance to see wildlife too, from bird species like swans and flamingos to the occasional oryx.

Hatta
For something a bit more rugged, head to Hatta in the Hajar Mountains. With over 32 km of marked trails (free and open all year) on offer, suffice it to say, it’s a hiker’s paradise. The terrain varies, so whether you are up for a gentle stroll or a challenging climb, there’s something for you. Pro tip: Don’t miss hiking to the ‘Hatta’ sign that’s perfect for photos (and selfies!) amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Nearby Emirates

Keep in mind that when it comes to hiking in Dubai, you can also enjoy adventurous treks in nearby emirates as well. In Sharjah, Fossil Rock offers desert views and a chance to see ancient fossils, too. In Fujairah, Wadi Ghub’s colourful Rainbow Valley is Instagrammable as it gets. These hikes give you the best of both worlds: nature, novelty, and a story to tell when you are back in the city!