Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

A Guide to Minneriya National Park – Thrilling Wildlife Encounters

Providing some amazing wildlife sightings including wild elephants, the Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is not to be missed; here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Planning Your Visit

This national park is in the island’s north-central region, within easy reach of Polonnaruwa; properties here including Hotel Sudu Araliya provide ideal accommodation options and will help organise excursions to Minneriya as well as places to visit in Polonnaruwa. The dry season from April to October is generally the best time to visit the park.

The Elephant Gathering

The key attraction at Minneriya National Park is undoubtedly what is known as the ‘Gathering’. From July to October each year, as many as 300 elephants gather around the park’s reservoir to bathe, feed and play. It offers an unforgettable elephant safari and the chance to see these gentle giants and their young up close.

Other Wildlife Species

On your safari, you will have the chance to spot many of the park’s other animal residents too. Keep watch to see toque macaques or purple-faced langurs swinging in the trees, mugger crocodiles soaking up the sun and cautious spotted deer in the jungle. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard.

Diverse Birdlife

Minneriya National Park is also ideal for birdwatching and more than 170 avifauna species have been recorded here. This includes endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lankan junglefowl. Due to the park’s reservoir, you will also see water birds such as painted storks, little cormorants and herons.

Visiting the Emerald Pool in Krabi – A Mesmerising Natural Attraction

A site of great natural beauty in Krabi, where you can also enjoy a refreshing dip, the Emerald Pool is well worth a visit; here is more to help you plan a trip to this attraction.

What to Expect

Set amidst the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the Emerald Pool is light green though becomes turquoise when the water temperature changes! Ideal for excursions from properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, this pool features freshwater from natural streams and is a great place for a swim.

The Blue Lagoon

Those visiting from a hotel Ao Nang Krabi has to offer by the coast, can also head to the Blue Lagoon, about 400 metres from the Emerald Pool. While you are not permitted to swim here, you can take in the sight of this beautiful lagoon that is fed by a hot underground spring, surrounded by the forest.

Other Things to Do

On your visit, you can enjoy other captivating things to do including trekking through the forest where you will come across everything from waterfalls to exotic wildlife. Also within the same reserve is another natural attraction, the Klong Thom Hot Springs fed by underground volcanic chambers, perfect for a relaxing soak!

Planning Your Visit

The Emerald Pool is about an hour’s drive from Krabi town; some resorts organise excursions here, while you can take a tuk-tuk, sign up with a tour group or rent a car or motorbike and get there yourself. There aren’t changing rooms and remember to bring a towel; additionally, weekday visits will feature fewer crowds.

Catch a Glimpse of Leopards in Yala

Though Yala is loved for over 44 species of mammals, its leopard population is what attracts many tourists here. Many wildlife enthusiasts – be it foreign or local – don’t forget to go on a safari at this national park while they’re holidaying at a Yala hotel.

Overview

Yala National Park is the most visited of its kind in Sri Lanka. It’s divided into five blocks but only the first and the last are accessible for visitors. Block One is the most popular as it is home to around 40 leopards.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yala National Park is the dry season of the country. February and March are considered the ideal months to visit should you wish to spot leopards.

Don’t Evade Personal Space

Choose to go on your safari with responsible and eco-minded drivers and guides. Plan to get the services of reputable companies such as Cinnamon Wild Yala that emphasises the well-being of animals over photo opportunities.

Identify Leopards

Lepoads yala national park | Image via Flickr

Just like fingerprints of humans, leopard spots are unique for each leopard. Experienced guides might be able to point out leopards by their names and describe their behavioural patterns.

What Is Thailand Most Famous For? – Reasons to enjoy your next vacation in Thailand

Thailand is a paradise for all sorts of travellers, especially for the backpackers out there! It’s famous for many great reasons. Here are a few of them.

Thai Food

Forget about the unreadable names of Thai dishes, just enjoy their unique tastes. Thailand is a paradise for those who love street food and even seafood. Diverse kinds of noodles, meat, and spices, you find it all there.

The Temples

The main religion of the Thais is Buddhism. This is why you find many Buddhist Temples (pagodas) and statues that are over a thousand years of age. There are also monasteries that you can visit when you are in Thailand.

© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, Wat Saket, Prayer, Bangkok, Thailand, CC BY 4.0

Thai Hospitality

Since Thailand is a country that considerably depends on the tourism industry, you find many good hotels everywhere. You may head to a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for your stay, and you are sure to enjoy the best of authentic hospitality.

Martial Arts

Those who know about Martial Arts, know about Muay Thai too. Muay Thai has been originated in Thailand. It has its unique ways of kicking, punching, and fighting and that’s worth watching.

Conserving the Marine Treasures of the Maldives – Preserving an Underwater Paradise

While travellers enjoy seeing the array of coral and fish species in Maldives, many are unaware that this marine ecosystem faces threats too. Here’s what you should know.

Climate Change

While the Maldives has strict laws to protect coral and fish species, one thing it has no control over is climate change, especially rises in water temperature which harm reefs the world over; this has a direct impact on marine life that depends on the reefs and in turn, the survival of larger creatures up the food chain.

Coral Conservation

Coral conservation is vital and resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have initiated coral adoption programmes that travellers can get involved in; apart from enjoying a stay at a Maldives pool villa, guests can help the resort team to transplant broken coral in a reef nursery and get updates on its progress.

Responsible Tourism

Travellers should choose resorts that are vested in conservation including responsible snorkelling and diving in Maldives. Such properties will have a resident marine biologist who will help you get a greater understanding of marine life too; be it swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay or spotting turtles and dolphins, there’s much to enjoy.

Shaping Young Minds

The next generation will also play an important role in marine conservation in Maldives; to this end, some resorts have marine biology courses for kids with a resident marine biologist. It can include fun Indian Ocean adventures where they can see dolphins, swim with turtles, learn about conservation efforts and even get training on diving.

A Guide to Explore Brighton, Melbourne – An Idyllic Suburb by the Ocean

One of Melbourne’s charming coastal suburbs, Brighton is the ideal place to spend the day on your holiday and offers more than just beachside bliss; here’s what to expect.

Donaldytong, Elsternwick Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Planning Your Visit

This suburb is around 11 km from the CBD of Melbourne; hotel apartments in the city centre including the likes of Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites are about 30 minutes away by car. You can also take the train from Flinders Street Station (Sandringham line) to Brighton Beach Station, the bus (#600, 922, 923) or tram (#64).

Brighton Beach

Nestled along Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is made up of three sections; of these, the most popular is Dendy Street Beach as it’s home to 82 historical and colourful Victorian-era bathing boxes that are an Instagram favourite too! Overall, the white sandy beaches here are perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Shopping & Dining

Apart from spending time at the beach, one can also explore Brighton for retail therapy and foodie adventures. Start at Church Street, home to the Dendy Plaza Shopping Centre, clothes shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. Also of note is Bay Street, a historic shopping strip with dining options as well.

Other Highlights

Amongst the best things to do in Brighton is to walk or cycle along the 17 km Bayside Coastal Art Trail that features lovely coastal views and signs regarding artworks by local artists. Other key attractions to visit include the historic Middle Brighton Baths, Billilla Historic Mansion, Brighton Public Golf Course and Elsternwick Park.

Amazing facts you didn’t know about Namibia – An excellent choice for your upcoming holiday

Did you know that ‘Namib’ in Namibia means ‘vast place’? There are many more things you don’t know about this beautiful destination- Namibia.

The oldest desert in the world is here

During your holiday spent at one of the hotels in Namibia the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino, do not forget to visit the Namib Desert. It’s over 80 million years old and thus, it’s considered the oldest desert in the world.

It’s a THE place to spot cheetahs

Head to the Etosha National Park during your days spent in Namibia. Among the many animals you spot, cheetahs will surely be your favourite. They roam freely and you may explore how fast they are during your safari.

Ken Blum, Cheetah Namibia (139333461), CC BY-SA 3.0

Conservation is real here

Did you know that 40% of Namibia is conserved? Environmental protection is in their constitution, and they seriously are committed to protecting the wildlife they are blessed with.

Namibia was not Namibia 3 decades ago

This country became Namibia only in 1990. Ever before that, it was known to the world as South West Africa. This country was under South Africa since the era of the First World War.

The oldest & most highly revered temple in North Thailand – A place once the Lord Buddha visited

Constructed in the mid-15th century, this old temple, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong is popular among all travellers who visit Chiang Mai. It houses one of the sacred Buddha Relics as well.

Iudexvivorum, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong – 2017-07-08 (002), CC0 1.0

The Viharas

The temple has two viharas. The larger one out of these two is a two-storied building and this houses the Buddha Relic. This relic is said to be the sacred skull of the Lord Buddha.

The Ku

The Ku is also known as the Buddha Throne. It’s where hundreds of Buddha statues and images are kept for public display. The smaller vihara also houses many Buddha images.

It’s a great place to engage in meditation

The temple also conducts meditation classes. Even if you are a foreigner, you have the opportunity to learn meditation as they instruct in English as well. You can either choose the Samatha meditation practices or the Vipassana approach.

Getting to the Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong

If you are from a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you can simply take a bus and reach this temple. A private taxi would also do, but make sure you agree on the price before you start your ride.

Top Things to Do in Oman

From beachside bliss and historical sites to desert landscapes and bustling souqs, Oman has plenty to offer; here is a glimpse into the best things to do on your holiday.

Spend Time at the Beach

There are some sublime beaches in Oman where you can not only visit but be based at as well. Amongst such popular places is Salalah home to pristine stretches of shore. Properties here like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offer luxurious pool villas and water sports such as snorkelling, diving, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Visit Historical & Cultural Sites

You can find out more about the country’s heritage by visiting key Oman attractions including the Bahla Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sohar Fort and the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Ancient Sumhuram ruins can be seen at Wadi Darbat, while the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is not to be missed either.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pukomuko/, Al Balid Archeological Park 5, CC BY 2.0

Explore Deserts & Mountains

Amongst the best things to do in Oman is to explore the deserts be it the Wahiba Sands or those in the Dhofar province; you can enjoy camping, dune bashing and camel safaris too. More adventures await at the Jabal Akhdar Mountains and Jabal Samhan Mountain including trekking amidst spectacular vistas.

Shop at Local Souqs in Oman

Souqs are the name for traditional Arabian markets where one can not only shop for unique souvenirs but soak up some local culture as well. Such markets to visit include the historical Mutrah Souq with it numerous stalls, the Sohar Handicrafts Souk and Al Husn Souq, known for its frankincense products.

Celebrate the trio of bronze giants

Anyone who visits Botswana does not forget to visit the trio of massive bronze figures. This monument reveals many facts about the history of Botswana too.

The Three Dikgosi

This monument is also known as the Three Dikgosi. These 3 statues represent Sebele I, Bathoen I and Khama III who were considered three tribal leaders who took measures to talk on behalf of the people of Botswana once.

Their story

They travelled from Botswana to Britain in 1885 when the country was about to be threatened due to the exploitative British South Africa Company. The case was brought to the Queen and the situation was handled.

Recognition and celebration

According to the historical facts, their actions brought both good and bad to Botswana. But still, this monument was built and 2005 for the locals to pay their due respect. The statues have been done in regal bronze and they are 18 ft tall.

Visiting this monument

If you are holidaying in one of the hotels in Gaborone Botswana the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, you will surely visit Botswana Square. Once you visit this place, you’ll find these three statues standing proudly there.