Unusual Attractions in Botswana

Although attractions the likes of Mokolodi Nature Reserve are popular among the ones who travel to Botswana, there are many places that are worth a visit, yet so hidden that most of us simply do not even know of their existence!

Three Chiefs Monument

The Three Dikgosi figures are quite popular among the guests of hotel properties the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. These are three historical figures immortalized in bronze and is a definite must-see for those history and architecture lovers!

US Army AfricaThree Dikgosi Monument – March 2010CC BY 2.0

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Those who stay in hotels in Gaborone, Botswana often visit Northern Botswana as well, and Makgadikgadi salt Pans are an attraction you find there. They span over 10,000 square miles and of course, are one of the largest salt pans on the planet.

Diego Delso, Salar del parque nacional Makgadikgadi Pans, Botsuana, 2018-07-30, DD 37CC BY-SA 4.0

Kebokwe’s Cave

You may call it a cave with a lot of historical significance. Although this is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful Botswana locals, for tourists it’s more of a curiosity spot!

Matsieng Footprints

According to legendary myths, the first humans were created in the pools here and the footprints you can see behind the rock are theirs. As this place is just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Gaborone, the accessibility is not at all difficult.

 

The History of Angkor Wat

The temples were originally constructed in dedication to the god Vishnu and then converted into a Buddhist temple circa the 14th century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage that a lot of effort is spent on preserving for the future.

Image credit- Pixabay,Poswiecie,CC0

The Largest City in the World

Many guests that stay in Angkor Wat hotels and make sure to head over to see the ruins at sunrise. The city of Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer empire and contains hundreds of temples and was home to a population of over one million people.

The Architecture

Angkor Wat is 200 metres wide with a perimeter of about 3 miles. The moat is 4 metres deep and was probably constructed to make sure that the foundations of the temple remain strong.

Vishnu and King

Angkor Wat was built by Suryavarman II; a usurper who came to power after murdering his uncle. He venerated Vishnu and wanted to build the god a temple. Signs of devotion are all over the temple, some of them surviving till today.

Construction Techniques

If you are staying locally at a hotel like FCC Angkor Siem Reap, be sure to visit the temple at sunrise or sunset to get the best photos and really appreciate the construction techniques that were used centuries ago.

Top Things to Do in Maldives

Island escapes, a world of wonder above and below the water, sublime relaxation; there’s never a dull moment in the Maldives with plenty to see, do and experience.

Water Sports

The ocean which surrounds the Maldives offers water sports enthusiasts lots to look forward to. Those staying at resorts the likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can enjoy snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides and SEABOB experiences to name but a few!

Image Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

 

Enjoy Entertainment

Of course, when on holiday, enjoying some entertainment is as good a “thing to do” as any! In the Maldives, celebrations can be experienced at various resorts or inhabited islands. For something different, travellers can look to visit venues such as The Marina @ CROSSROADS which features band performances, special events and live music.

Indulge in Spa Rituals

Resort spas provide holistic healing that will certainly help you unwind and feel revitalised. From traditional Asian therapies with herbs and oils to innovative western treatments featuring sound vibrations, an enriching wellness journey awaits!

Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst

Embark on Ocean Voyages

There is much to discover on voyages out to sea be it on a luxury yacht, modern boat or traditional vessel known as a dhoni. Sunset cruises are popular for couples, while dolphin watching excursions and visits to inhabited as well as uninhabited islands provide many adventures too.

 

Top reasons to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is indeed a great destination for any type of traveller, from any part of the world. Although it’s just a small island, the heritage, scenic beauty and the hospitality of its people are just unmatchable with any other country in the world.

It’s a paradise for surfers

If adventure is the main purpose of your tour in Sri Lanka, why miss a great surfing session on the Sri Lankan seas that have the best waves and reef breaks that are ideal for this!?

Sri Lankan local cuisine is mind-blowing

Arrange your tour with popular travel partners like Walkers Tours and explore the local lives of the Sri Lankans within a day or two. Try some of their local food items that are simple and of course the most delicious!

It’s so rich in wildlife biodiversity

 

Img via Walkers Tours

Sri Lanka is one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. Considering the number of national parks, elephant and bird sanctuaries that it has, it’s no wonder that this country is the best for any nature lover.

Its culture is just so magical

The proud heritage that this country holds is beyond our average imagination. Enjoy the festivals and rituals that Sri Lankans celebrate quite so regularly, and you will feel this uniqueness.

 

The celestial temple of Angkor

Phimeanakas is a small, laterite Hindu temple and it takes the shape of a three-stepped pyramid. In addition to the temple, there are several things to see such as the pools which have been used for different tasks back in the day.

Image credit- sam garzaBuddhist monks in front of the Angkor WatCC BY 2.0

Entrance gopura

It’s the main entrance to the temple which consists of a gopura building. The building has a central entrance door and a single tower on top.  Gorgeous indeed!

The 03 steep tiers

This pyramid temple is a popular attraction in the city, especially to the travellers staying in hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia mainly because of its unique shape. There are three steep tiers of a diminishing size which have guardian elephant statues at each of their corners.

On top of the pyramid

You find a platform surrounded by small galleries on the top of this pyramid and at the centre of this platform, there are ruins of a small cruciform sanctuary.

The Phimeanakas stele

If you stay at hotels such as FCC Angkor Siem Reap during your holidays and are looking for some good options that will help you discover more about the history of the city, this attraction is ideal not only because the small temple takes an impressive shape; but also because you find treasures like the stele here, which reveals some wealthy information of a past king.

Attractions in Melbourne

Australia’s second-largest city with plenty on offer. Here are a few spots you must include in your holiday itinerary when in Melbourne.

Federation Square

Federation square opened up in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation. This spot has become an integral part of the city and also a great place for tourists to start their sightseeing.

DonaldytongFederation Square, MelbourneCC BY-SA 3.0

Royal Botanic Gardens

Amongst the many Melbourne city attractions, you’ll have to take the time to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Close to many a hotel, the likes of Avani Central Melbourne Residences, the gardens cover an area of 38 hectares and boast over 8500 species of plants.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne is known for its love of sports – there it is no surprise that a sports stadium is among the city’s top tourist attractions. MCG is known the world over and is considered one of the world’s greatest stadiums.

Abhishek050592Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, VictoriaCC BY-SA 4.0

National Gallery of Victoria

This is the oldest public art gallery in Australia, holding more than 70,000 works of art in two city locations. The building is renowned for The Great Hall, where visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and gaze at the colour stained glass ceiling!

 

10 Adventures in Langkawi

An archipelago of 99 islands, Pulau Langkawi is situated off the western coast of Malaysia and is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. It is a collection of adventurous wonder for every kind of traveller and here are some of the things you can do there.

1. Langkawi Skybridge
At 660 meters above sea level, this is the best place to get unhindered panoramas of Langkawi. It can be easily accessed from any of the Langkawi resorts so be sure to ask at your front desk.

2. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Langkawi and highly encouraged by resorts such as Berjaya Langkawi Resort, the Geopark is a unique mangrove forest which is also home to the most magical-looking limestone formations.

3. Payar Island Marine Park
Consisting of 4 uninhabited islands, the Marine park is surrounded by a lush coral reef and is great for snorkelling.

4. Hiking in Langkawi
Take a jungle walk through the rainforests of Langkawi and get up close and personal with the wildlife.
5. Island Hopping
There are 99 islands and if you’re not island hopping around at least 10 of them, you’re not doing it right.

5. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
The Seven Wells waterfall is a sight to behold, with seven natural pools formed by the cascading water. It’s okay to bathe in too.

Why Sri Lanka is a Trending Destination in the World!

Sri Lanka is a trending destination with more and more people paying attention to the little island that is known by so many names including paradise island. Here’s why:

Whale Watching
Whale Watching | Image Credit : DammikaD, Whale watching in Mirissa, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. It’s Wild

Dive into the oceans to see whales and dolphins all year long. Sri Lanka is the best place to go on marine safaris and that’s not all, there are also over 5800 elephants in the wild and the largest density of leopards in the world.

2. Cricket in Galle

There’s always plenty of cricket to go around, and where better to enjoy a match than in Galle under the shadow of the Dutch colonial fort?

3. The Ministry of Crab

There’s an entire ministry of crab! It is a restaurant where you can eat gourmet styled Sri Lankan chili crab – an expensive and delicious delicacy. It is one of the most visit places suggested by tour agencies like Walker Tours.

4. Atmospheric Caves

Take a tour in Sri Lanka and discover the magic of ancient kingdoms in cave paintings, from Dambulla and its depictions of Buddhism to the prehistory of the Fa Hien Caves.

5. Take a Train

Taking a train in Sri Lanka is unlike taking a train in any other country thanks to their sprawling and scenic routes. It’s all about the journey not the destination!

Top Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur offers plenty of adventures for the whole family. Here are some of the key attractions in KL well worth visiting on your holiday.

Petronas Twin Towers

Iconic and inspiring, the Petronas Twin Towers is a stunning modern marvel that spans a total of 88 storeys. When searching for the best hotels & resorts in Malaysia, do look to stay close to this attraction which offers amazing panoramas from the Skybridge that connects the two towers.

Image Credit: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

One of the most dynamic areas in the city, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre is where you will not only find the Petronas Twin Towers but a host of other attractions too. Within easy reach of many city properties including those belonging to Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, these sites include the Suria KLCC Shopping Complex, Petrosains, The Discovery Centre and Aquaria KLCC.

Jakub MichankowKuala Lumpur City CentreCC BY 2.0

Bukit Bintang

One of the key areas for shopaholics, Bukit Bintang is home to some of the city’s most popular shopping hubs. Retail therapy abounds in this locale where you can shop to your heart’s content at malls the likes of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Times Square, Fahrenheit 88 and Sungei Wang Plaza.

Patrice78500Bukit Bintang, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Central Market

One of the historic attractions in Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market dates back to the 1880s; within this heritage site, you will find a number of traders selling souvenirs, batiks, handicrafts, sculptures, artworks, clothing and more. It also has food stalls which give you a chance to sample some yummy local dishes.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Places You Can’t-miss in Doha

The capital city of Qatar- the rich country of Doha has now become a great tourist destination due to its availability of multiple attractions, luxury accommodation options, and good infrastructure.

Doha International Airport
If you spend your Doha holiday in a resort the likes of Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, why not go and visit the 27th busiest airport- the Doha International Airport? It is just a 15-minute ride from the hotel.

The Rumeila Park
All 5-star hotels in Doha offer you the same experiences sometimes. This is the moment you will need a change and at the Rumeila Park, you find a good diversity. It has an art gallery; an outdoor theatre and a kids’ play area too to make your moments amazing!

Doha Heritage Village
The heritage village hosts several events that are well-loved by tourists all around the world. And here, you can also explore several historical monuments like the Al Koot Fort and the Clock Tower.

The Al Zunara Fort
This is an archaeological center, that you should visit especially if you would love to see Arabic books and a collection of many other books as well.