Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

Travelling by Seaplane & Speedboat in Maldives

There are two main ways to get around the Maldives, which is by air or sea; considering the country has over 1,000 islands it’s hardly surprising! Here are a couple of available transport options.

Image credit- Unsplash,Shifaaz shamoon,CC0

Seaplanes

Be it from the main airport in Hulhule or one of the other international airports, you may have to take a seaplane to your island resort if it’s located far away. Some properties will offer transfer options of a seaplane or a speedboat with the former taking much less time to reach the destination.

Speedboats

For those arriving at Hulhule near Male, the capital of the Maldives, resort properties in this atoll can be easily reached by speedboat be it a shared or private transfer. In fact, resorts the likes of Kurumba Maldives are only around ten minutes away meaning you can maximise your holiday time!

Scenic Seaplane Flights

Be it on the way to or from the resort or as part of excursions by air, seaplanes offer an amazing perspective of the country. Generally, chartered or private seaplane flights will fly closer to the ground level so you can enjoy the view of the islands and reefs surrounded by the ocean even more.

The Thrills of Speedboats

Of course, those looking for an exhilarating ride will enjoy the thrills of skimming along the water at high speeds! It is little surprise that speedboats are also used at island resorts in Maldives for water sports like wakeboarding, parasailing, banana boating and water-skiing as well as to provide fast access to Male for tours.

Unforgettable Snorkelling in Queensland

Ever swum amongst vibrant reef fish or majestic mantas? It is an experience that you won’t forget and one that you can enjoy when snorkelling in Queensland.

Lady Elliot Island
At the Great Barrier Reef’s southern tip, off the Bundaberg coast is Lady Elliot Island, one of the best spots to encounter manta rays especially during the winter season. It’s a popular family snorkelling destination with many underwater marvels to witness close to shore, while in deeper waters you can see turtles and dolphins too.

Keswick Island
Keswick Island, part of the Whitsunday Islands, can be easily reached by boat from Mackay Hotels close to the marina such as Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel are ideal for those planning excursions to this island where you can snorkel above teeming coral reefs and tropical fish; highlights include spotting hawksbill and green turtles and manta rays.

Moreton Island

Those snorkelling around Moreton Island will come across an artificial harbour with old ships that have been intentionally sunk here. Amidst crystal clear waters, they create unique backdrops to spot all manner of marine life be it lionfish, yellowtails, stingrays, kingfish, turtles, dolphins and even wobbegong sharks.

Ribbon Reefs
For snorkelling enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Queensland is to also explore the Ribbon Reefs which can be reached from Port Douglas. This site is in fact, made up of 10 reefs home to marine species like parrotfish, potato cod and unicornfish. In June and July, you may even get the chance to encounter dwarf minke whales!

Discover Middlemount

Like many other mining towns in Queensland, Middlemount came into existence in the early 1980s. It has many facilities such as a shopping centre, swimming pool, banks, parks, a golf course, and many Middlemount service apartments.

Bundoora Dam

A perfect spot for activities such as water skiing, Bundoora Dam can hold up to 10,000 megalitres of water when full. Located close to properties such as Oaks Middlemount Suites, it is also a great place for fishing as well.

Blue Mountain Park

Blue Mountain Park Image by Aneesh Yellishetty Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A picturesque setting in Middlemount, the Blue Mount Park is a great place to enjoy a barbeque while drinking in the scenic vistas of its surroundings. One can even look forward to seeing fascinating animal life such as blue mountain parrots, kookaburras, and wallabies.

Emerald Botanic Gardens

Located within a driving distance from Middlemount is Emerald Botanic Gardens – an oasis-like destination that can be found on the banks of the Nogoa River. It is an ideal location for a relaxing stroll during the day. These gardens house many plant species that are native to the region and can be observed in twelve different plant communities.

Norwich Park Coal Mine

Another attraction that lies just outside Middlemount is the Norwich Park Coal Mine. This mine, situated 25 kilometres Southeast of Dysart, has been closed due to economical reasons.

Nuwara Eliya’s Top Attractions

Little England is the name given to Nuwara Eliya. You will at once see why when you visit this town because the buildings you see in this area, the climate, and everything else is very much similar to an English setup.

Image credit-Unsplash,Egle Sidaraviciute,CC0

Nuwara Eliya Water Falls

Nuwara Eliya is an area blessed with beautiful waterfalls. Glen Falls, Lovers Leap, and Ramboda Falls are just some of them. To witness the beauty of some, you will have to hike a little, but the views are astonishing!

Tea Bluefield Tea Factory

This region has a lot of tea estates, from where the world-famous tea brand ‘Ceylon Tea’ was originated from. During your tour, head to the Bluefield Tea Factory and enjoy an impressive cup of tea after a detailed factory visit.

Horton Plains National Park

Although this National Park is located 30km away from the city, it is worth a visit. You will find the World’s End here at the Horton Plains. It’s a bit of a long hike, but you are sure to enjoy it!

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya?

Since it’s a very touristy area, you don’t need to worry about options for accommodation in Nuwara Eliya. Hotels such as Galway Heights are available with world-class services to welcome you for a blissful holiday.

A Travel Guide to Khon Kaen

Located in north-eastern Thailand, Khon Kaen is a key city in Isan and is a captivating destination for work, rest and play. Check out these insights which will help those planning a trip here.

Accommodation

Before getting into sightseeing find a suitable hotel Khon Kaen has to offer. Ideally, choose a property within easy reach of city centre attractions as well as the main airport and train station. Added features to look for would be onsite conference and function venues, free Wi-Fi, a spa, gym and dining options too.

Image Credit: Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre

Local Attractions

Those looking to learn more on the region’s heritage can visit the National Museum located within easy reach of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Family fun awaits at the Dino Water Park, while Wat Thung Setthi, Ban Khok Sanga King Cobra Village and the day and night markets are worth visits too.

Escape to Nature

Offering both relaxation and recreation, Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a picturesque lake area home to idyllic parks and temples, while being popular for riding bikes and fishing. For more nature-based excursions in Khon Kaen, one can explore the Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham and Phu Wiang national parks, the latter known for its dinosaur graveyard!

When to Visit

Generally, November to April is the best time to visit Khon Kaen; it’s also an ideal place to witness the water-filled New Year festival of Songkran (in April). From May to October the monsoon brings with it rains, though do keep in mind the rates and crowds at these times will be less too!

Cultural Sites in Ella

Walking into Ella itself feels like walking into magical heaven because of everything it has got. The climate, attractions, people, and the happy vibes it brings are all mind-blowing.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adam’s Peak- one of the main attractions in the area as per what online sources such as Travel to Ella suggest. It’s a very short trek to reach the peak and once you get to the top, you are sure to be rewarded with amazing views.

Ella Rock

One of the favourite things to do in Ella is to enjoy a hike to Ella Rock. The hike is not at all difficult, but to avoid the sun, it’s always better if you can arrange this hike in the morning.

Ravana Falls

A place that has many links to the ever-famous Ramayana story, Ravana Falls is a three-layered waterfall in Ella. If you are okay with another rock climb, you may hike up to the 3rd layer and enjoy its beauty from there.

Nine Arches Bridge

A must-visit attraction in Ella, the Nine Arches Bridge has been built entirely with bricks, and the architectural and engineering skills that have been used to construct this bride are still adored.

Special Experiences in Glenelg

One of the most popular attractions in Adelaide, the coastal suburb of Glenelg is an ideal place for unwinding at the beach. But there is much more to do here for a truly memorable getaway.

Enjoy Dolphin Encounters
One of the best experiences to look forward to is to get up close to dolphins in Glenelg Holiday accommodation can be found by the shore which offers easy access to such dolphin watching tours in Hold fast Bay; some of them even give you the chance to swim with these playful marine mammals!

Explore Charming Jetty Road

For some exploration, you can head to Jetty Road, only around five minutes by foot from Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites. This lively precinct has many shops and boutiques offering retail therapy as well as art galleries, cafes and restaurants. As day turns to dusk, you can enjoy entertainment and live music here as well.

Spend Time at The Beachouse
In Glenelg, family attractions don’t get any better than The Beachouse, an entertainment complex packed with fun activities,heated waterslides, rides, games and more. Highlights include the Speed Slide, Formula 1 dodgem cars,mini-golf, a huge play castle, bumper boats and a good old fashioned carousel which has over 100 years of history!

Visit the Bay Discovery Centre
For an enriching visit, head to the Bay Discovery Centre which is a social history museum where you can learn about the area’s and South Australia’s rich heritage. Home to diverse photographs, paintings, objects and textiles, the centre offers insights into the indigenous Kaurna People of Adelaide.

Why you should travel around Sri Lanka?

There is more than one specific reason to visit this amazing island nation – Sri Lanka – during one of your holidays coming up. Here are just some of the best.

The wildlife

Sri Lanka is a wildlife hotspot that’s popular among everyone in the world. There are 26 National Parks and 2 Marine Parks in this amazing destination, where you can see some rare species that you’ve never seen before.

The culture

Culture is an integral part of the lives of Sri Lankans. They do have a proud heritage that’s more than 2500 years old and, in cities such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Galle, where you can explore the best of their cultural pride.

Modern Charm

Sri Lanka is full of ancient and colonial charms. It doesn’t lack modernity either. Staying at one of the hotels near Colombo Airport the likes of Pegasus Reef will expose you to all the charms that Colombo and its suburbs have.

Local dishes

Needless to say, this country is rich in its exotic spices. Be it a curry or a salad that they prepare, it’s sure to have a distinctive taste, and you’ll never find this taste anywhere else in the world.

Getaway to Dickwella, Sri Lanka

Dickwella is a coastal city in Sri Lanka located just beyond the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, ‘Dondrahead’. It’s a quiet city, but indeed has great experiences in store for you!

The beach
The term ‘Dickwella’ when translated into English means ‘long beach’. Yes, that’s quite right. It’s an endless beach that’s so pristine and perfect for snorkelling. You can also just sit back and relax on the beach as much as you want.

Nearby attractions
One of the most favourite attractions located close to Dickewella is ‘Hummanaya’. It’s a natural blowhole that is believed to be the 02nd largest in the world. It’s an enjoyable experience to wait for the water spray that happens every 10-15 minutes.

Tourism in Dickwella
The tourism sector in this area is booming. Many beach hotels in Sri Lanka have been newly established in this area, and Dickwella Resort & Spa is one of them. These hotels also provide many authentic experiences that are adored by guests from other countries.

Souvenirs to shop
If you ever get a chance to visit this beautiful destination, do not forget to shop for some ‘beeralu lace’ or ‘bobbin lace’ creations. This will be great support you can be a part of to strengthen the local livelihood as well.

Top Taboos in Thailand

Thailand is a country with a rich culture. It’s amazing, but westerners may sometimes find this culture to be a little strange. This is why you should know mainly about its top taboos before you go.

Don’t touch the head of a person

In Thailand, they believe that the most significant body part of a person is the head, and because of this, touching the head will be considered so wrong.

No shorts or miniskirts to temples

Are you planning to visit any temples during your holiday spent at a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre? Adhere to modest clothing as much as possible, you can’t even wear a sleeveless top to a temple.

Do not touch monks

Touching a monk is forbidden in Thailand. You can have friendly conversations with them, but you should know your limits. Even when you need to take a picture together, you should first ask for permission and do it.

Do not criticize the royal family

Thailand Royal Family|Government of Thailand , Princess Ubolratana 2009-12-7 Royal Thai Government House , CC BY 2.0

Since you do not know about the King or his family, it’s always wise to avoid any conversations about them. Criticizing them is a serious offense in Thailand.