Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

Visit the City of Da Nang to Witness a Fire-Breathing Dragon – Myths come to life in Da Nang

Da Nang city is well known for the stunning Dragon bridge that brings together visitors from the neighbouring suburbs as well as the visitors who enjoy the night-time view of the city skyline.

How is the Dragon Bridge constructed?

Iron and concrete combine to form the bridge, which has six lanes to accommodate the high volume of traffic. Roughly half a mile long, with a span of about 40 yards, the bridge is made up of 8,000 tonnes. What makes this bridge so unique? It can change colour, breathe fire, and even change its shape!

The story behind the bridge

Over 85 million dollars was spent on constructing the Dragon Bridge, an American-designed monument, to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end. Da Nang’s port city has slowly transformed into a new commercial and cultural hub since it finally launched in 2013.

When to visit the bridge

If you are on any Hoi An travel and are onboard The Vietage, you will have the stunning opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective on this landmark in all its glory.

Christophe95, Dragon Bridge at night 8, CC BY-SA 4.0

Another layer to the Dragon Bridge

In addition to facilitating mobility between Han River districts, the bridge’s goal was to attract tourists. The dragon has been a beloved symbol of the Far East since ancient times, and this useful piece of art is a tribute to that tradition.

Stay at a Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido

Ski holidays and adventures in the snow are always a great idea. Read on to find out more about Japan’s most popular ski resort and what you can expect when you make your way to chilly Niseko!

Where Can You Stay?

You can bet that there’s ample choice of Niseko accommodation given how popular this spot is the world over for its amazing slopes. Hotels such as Chatrium Niseko Japan offer a warm and cosy respite from the chilly breeze and the ample snow outside!

What Can You Do?

Whether or not you’ve ever skied before, Niseko is a great place to have at it! Learn how to manoeuvre the baby slopes under the care of a trained instructor or else just do some snowboarding to make the most of the snowy slopes.

Ski Terrain

As far as world-famous ski terrains and slopes, Niseko is rated up there by avid skiers. Widely acclaimed as the best place to ski in Japan, the slopes are perfect for those who want to put their skiing skills to the test!

What Else Can I Do?

Niseko has plenty of places to eat and drink! So, if you aren’t in the snow, you can warm yourself with a hot chocolate or a delicious meal at one of its many restaurants. Apart from local delights, there’s plenty of international cuisine on offer to accommodate the influx of skiers from the world over!

Top Experiences and Adventures in Indonesia You Should Definitely Try

Those with a passion for adventurous activities and thrilling excursions will find Indonesia meets their holiday needs. Let’s explore some of the most exciting experiences available in the country.

Mangrove Forest Tour

Ranked among the most rewarding things to do in Indonesia, exploring the mangrove forests occupying breathtaking Bintan is a must for those who wish to walk on the wild side with mangrove snakes staring back from branches above. There’s no better way to uncover the beauty of nature than embarking on this mangrove tour. Visitors based at The Residence Bintan and similar rests will find that it is one of the top things to do in Bintan.

Snorkelling in Kanawa

Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling destinations in Indonesia, Kanawa offers tourists a glimpse of the coral gardens and the marine life occupying the Indonesian sea bed. Often compared to the exquisite underwater landscapes of Koh Phi Phi, Kanawa is a less crowded locale to engage in your favourite activity.

Ayung River Rafting

Those who head down to Ubud for a beach holiday can also sign up for a river rafting excursion of a lifetime. Taking rafters through the dense jungles of this tropical paradise, the rapids of Ayung River offer experienced and newbie rafters a fantastic challenge.

ATV Ride

ATV rides are not only accessible on the beaches of Indonesia and its pastoral villages but also in the country’s lush jungles. Travellers hankering for an off-road adventure will find that there’s nothing more engaging than driving down the rocky surfaces of Indonesia’s untamed wildernesses.

Underwater World Pattaya – Make A Splash!

The Underwater World is a great choice for those who want to learn more about life under the sea! Apart from frolicking amidst the waves and chilling on the beach, make sure you stop by this attraction to have yourself a superb time!

Hotels in Pattaya

Whether or not you’re travelling with a group of people, there are plenty of Pattaya resorts to choose from! Centrally located hotels such as Avani Pattaya Resort are a great idea since they are also SHA+ certified guaranteeing guests both comfort and peace of mind on their break!

What is Underwater World!

As the only aquarium in Pattaya, it makes it a worthwhile attraction to visit whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart and want to learn more about corals, critters and life under the sea!

Tunnels Galore!

With over 150 meters of large, see-through tunnels, visitors can experience marine life like never before! From coral gardens to an abundance of jellyfish dancing about in the water, it’s a surreal way to experience life under the sea, on land!

Zone Out!

Apart from the largest collection of jellyfish, the tunnels are divided into different zones. With a special collection of corals, sharks and stingrays, each area is replete with fun facts and information to ensure you leave knowing more about these mysterious underwater creatures than when you walked in.

The Elevated Tiger Cave Temple – A Home for the Monks, Religion and History

A visit to the Tiger Cave Temple is a mandatory checklist item during a stay in Krabi, the beautiful island of coral reef vistas, alluring beaches and breathtaking views. This Buddhist temple situated in the northeast part of Krabi is a worthy uphill climb.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) — kallerna, Wat Tham Sua 9, CC BY-SA 3.0

The History of the Temple

Located only 33 minutes away from Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea attracts guests from so many Ao Nang beach hotels. The story of the temple dates back to B.E. 2518 when a Jumnean Seelasettho, a Vipassana monk arrived at the caves to meditate, where tigers roamed around the cave. However, another legend states that a large tiger occupied the caves, and the temple was given its name due to the tiger paw prints on its walls.

Geographical Location

The Tiger Cave Temple, which is also a meditation centre is surrounded by a rainforest and mighty old trees that have stood the test of time. The surrounding grounds of the temple have been a source of ancient artefacts where Thanu artefacts had been discovered. However, the small caves in the Tham Sua region are not accessible to tourists.

Statues Worth a Click

The holy grounds of Wat Tham Suea are decorated with a statue that depicts the religious significance of the temple. The most prominent of all is the golden Buddha statue situated right at the top of the mountain. As one reaches the shrine at the top of the stairs, the statue, along with other temple buildings and the town of Krabi can be viewed.

The Stairway

Pilgrims and visitors can reach the top by climbing up the stairs or taking the lift at the left of the stairs. A recent update was made to the stairs which increased its number from 1,237 to 1,260. At an elevation of 278 metres, the Tiger Cave Temple is also home to monks. Monkeys are known to roam about the stairway and visitors are often warned to act cautiously around them.

The Underrated Safari Experiences in Sri Lanka

Famed for its tropical beaches and alluring sunsets, Sri Lanka may not appear to be the bearer of forests and jungles of untamed wildlife. However, the country’s reputation as a tropical vacation hub overshadows its ability to provide some of the best-known safaris.

1024px-Minneriya_National_Park,_elephants_gathering — Walter Gehr, Minneriya National Park, elephants gathering, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Road to a Minneriya Safari

A 17-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Minneriya National Park from hotels like Aliya Resort and Spa. The park is known to be one of the best places on the island to witness the largest elephant gatherings that occur during the months of June to September. Most accommodations in the area offer safari packages to tourists which are inclusive of well-trained drivers to educate them along the way, and it is also about a 20-30 minutes distance from most other Sigiriya hotels in the area.

A Jungle Exploit

While visitors can witness herds of elephants freely roaming out and about, they are not the only wildlife that can be spotted at the Minneriya National Park. The sanctuary is home to a wide array of species ranging from eagles, monkeys and peacocks that can be seen in numbers. The park shelters 24 species of mammals, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 75 species of butterflies and 26 species of fish.

Travelling with Young Ones

A safari at the Minneriya National Park is not one that is catered only for adults but is considered a safe experience for children as well. While older children are likely to appreciate wildlife and the knowledge of their lifestyles, younger ones are more drawn to the thrill of the jeep ride and climbing up the rocks in the park

The Overall Experience

Many travellers have shared positive testimonies of their fabulous experiences at the Minneriya National Park, commenting on the expertise of the drivers and guides that accompany them throughout the journey. This family-friendly safari is certain to be one of education as well as a real-life adventure for adults and children alike.

Kingdom of Kandy

Located amidst the green swathes of Sri Lanka’s upcountry, Kandy was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Its proud history dictates that it was the only region in Sri Lanka that remained independent for the longest time period possible, under the foreign powers. All over the city are historical, cultural, religious, and natural attractions.

1024px-Kandy_War_Cemetery — AntanO, Kandy War Cemetery, CC BY-SA 4.0

Temple of the Tooth Relic

This has to be the single most important religious site to Sri Lankan Buddhists. The temple houses Buddha’s tooth relic inside a pagoda-shaped casing, made of gold and adorned with jewellery. Sri Lankans believe that this tooth relic has the power to bring about rains to nourish the Sri Lankan soil. The temple is part of a palace complex.

Kandy Lake

Looking for a respite from the mid-day sun? Take a stroll around Kandy Lake. Located right in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake is part of the temple complex. The lake offers several hiking trails.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The gardens are called the Royal Botanical Gardens as it was once reserved for royals, but now it’s open to everyone! This is one of the must-visit attractions in Kandy. Located one hour and eighteen minutes from Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the garden nurtures a wide variety of plant species. The main attraction, however, is the palm-fringed walkway that often seems to grace Instagram.

Commonwealth War Cemetery

There are several commonwealth war cemeteries, but the one found in Kandy is one of the most important historical sites. The cemetery is the resting place of soldiers who fought during the Second World War. Despite having a gloomy historical element, the cemetery features a calm and beautiful atmosphere. You can get here from almost any hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka in around an hour.

Conclusion

The list of Kandy attractions is endless. The city offers plenty of things to do and see, to keep you sufficiently occupied for more than a week. To make the most of your time here, take your time and plan your itinerary, and don’t forget to book your accommodation well in advance!

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.

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.

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.