Adventures to Explore in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England in Sri Lanka, is where you will spoil your eyes with the most dazzling sights of misty mountains, serene lakes, and charming cottages. If your adrenaline calls out for you during your visit to this alluring city, here are some actions to indulge in.

Biking

Cycling and Mountain biking in Sri Lankan Hil country | Image by Amila Tennakoon via Flickr,CC BY 2.0

Bike through the serene tea plantations and lush greenery around you to get to the best places to see in Nuwara Eliya for an exhilarating feeling. The fresh breeze on your face and the scenic views will make you feel refreshed. You can even ride back and forth from our stay at Araliya Green City without having to find taxis or tuk-tuks.

Jet Skiing

The most stunning attraction in the heart of Nuwara Eliya is the gorgeous Gregory Lake, where you can go jet skiing to get the adrenaline pumping through your body. The lake water turning into vapor combined with the fresh and cold wind will make jet skiing the most refreshing experience for you.

Hiking and Trekking

Follow the hiking trails to witness the breathtaking sunrise enlightening the skies at Adam’s Peak and worship the sacred footprint of Lord Buddha. You can also go hiking in the mountains gracing the skyline and enjoy the lush greenery and the spectacular views.

  

Marine life in the Maldives

With gorgeous white-sand beaches, clean oceans, and opulent resorts, the Maldives’ topography is already breathtaking. Underneath its alluring exterior, however, is something even better: a thriving aquatic life that can easily exceed your expectations and astound you. Here are some of the creatures you can meet on your next trip.

Manta Rays

Manta rays are thought to have the largest brains of all the species of cold-blooded fish. They are very intelligent and can even pass the mirror test, which may help to explain this. Manta rays can perform remarkable self-directed activities, such as dolphins and elephants, as well as contingency checking.

Whale Sharks

They are the largest and slowest swimming fish in the ocean that feeds on filters. The length of each confirmed individual is 18.8 meters. It extends its powerful jaws when it wants to eat and passively filters everything that gets in its way. With their enormous gaping mouths, they suck up neighbouring small fishes, plants, and other creatures that are swimming close to the water’s surface.

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles
Image via Wikimedia Commons – RobertoCostaPinto, Green Sea Turtle swimming, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Maldives is home to seven different kinds of sea turtles, often known as marine turtles: green, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback, and leatherback. In comparison to their terrestrial or freshwater relatives, sea turtles generally have a more fusiform body pattern. And unlike many other turtles and tortoises, sea turtles cannot retreat their head and limbs into their shells for protection because of this tapering at both ends.

Where they commonly are

Manta rays like to feed in Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll. While scuba diving is no longer legal, you may still swim or snorkel among these gentle giants and get up close to whale sharks. Between June and the beginning of October is the ideal season to travel. Dhigurah in the South Ari Atoll is a location where you can take part in whale shark snorkelling or diving. South Ari Atoll is another excellent place to watch whale sharks. The best months for sightings are from August to November, though they are excellent year-round. The northeast monsoon, which lasts from around October to May, is another time when manta rays can be spotted. If you want to see them, you can easily book one of Maldives beach hotels the likes of Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and have your hotel arrange an excursion for you.

 

 

 

 

Must-Try Adventure Activities in Maldives

If you’re looking to add some adventure to your getaway of beachside bliss in the Maldives, here are some activities that will add some exhilaration to your holiday.

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benjamin-l-jones-XGygXrXUSGM-unsplash | Image by Benjamin L. Jones via Unsplash

Snorkelling

This water sport is one that the whole family can try and with the waters surrounding the islands home to thriving coral and marine life, you can look forward to many fascinating discoveries. For something truly memorable, stay at properties like Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences and go snorkelling amidst manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll during the season! You also get night snorkelling that offers a whole new perspective of life beneath the waves.

Scuba Diving

There are more marine marvels to encounter deeper underwater which is why scuba diving is amongst the best things to do in Maldives for adventure seekers. Stay at a resort that not only offers the needed PADI certification and training but access to key sites in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. On your exploration, apart from vibrant coral, you can encounter butterflyfish, manta rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, squirrelfish, stingrays, moray eels, turtles and more.

Dolphin Watching

Back above the waves, you can embark on a captivating dolphin-watching cruise at sunset. This time of the day makes excursions even more special as the skies radiate with colour as the sun slips below the horizon; best of all, is the chance to see dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat without a care in the world. Amongst the memorable encounters, you can look forward to, is spotting playful spinner dolphins spinning or even leaping above the ocean waters!

Fishing

Those who love to fish are in for a treat since there are various activities to try including big game fishing; you get a chance to reel-in sought-after species like barracuda, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and barracuda. If you’re looking to experience something different, you can head off on a traditional sunrise fishing excursion to catch emperor fish or jackfish. Alternatively, you also get sunset fishing using the traditional Maldivian handline technique.

 

 

A Scenic Train Ride to the Hillside of Sri Lanka

 

There is no better way to explore the scenic hillside of Sri Lanka than hopping on board a train. As you pass by the verdant hills, lush tea terraces and stunning cascades, do not forget to stop by and take in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

image via https://www.flickr.com/

The Train Ride

Journeying across the hillside of Sri Lanka on a train ride is an absolute pleasure. Some Kandy hotels like the cosy Amaya Hills are located within proximity to the train station, so hopping on board the train is hassle-free. As you embark on this spectacular train ride, do not forget to stop and explore the beautiful Haputale, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and many more.

Haputale

Surrounded by cloud forests and leafy tea terraces, the quaint town of Haputale gives a glimpse of the local village life. Here you can escape the hubbub of the city and relish the tranquillity of the hillside. Some of the most delightful things to do as you while away in this serene locality include hiking up to the Lipton’s seat, exploring the Adisham Bungalow and trekking through the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary.

Ella

An hour-long train ride away from Haputale, Ella is a hidden gem for the modern-day adventurer. Teeming with stunning tea terraces and misty mountain trails, no trip to this small town is complete without stopping by the famous Nine Arches Bridge and taking a hike to the panoramic little Adam’s peak.

Traversing the Train Tracks

As dangerous as it may sound, walking along the train tracks surrounded by sweeping mountains and lush greenery is a dream come true. Start your walk from the Ella railway station and pass through the long tunnels and bridges until you come across the towering Nine Arches bridge. It will surely be a 30-minute-long scenic walk that you will never forget.

 

 

Must Try Water Sports in Sri Lanka

 

It is no secret that Sri Lanka is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. If you are looking for something more exciting than just lazing by the beach, here are some thrilling water sports to try while holidaying in this tropical paradise.

image via https://www.flickr.com/

Scuba Diving

Home to a host of natural reefs and sunken ships, Sri Lanka is a hotspot for divers. You can choose between dive stations offering easy dives and those offering full PADI certifications. Some of the most famous scuba diving destinations in and around the island may include Unawatuna, Mirissa, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Hikkaduwa.

Surfing

The rippling ocean waves in this tropical paradise are ideal for surf lovers. Considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for some fun under the sun, there is no reason to be discouraged if you are still an amateur in the sport, simply because there is a host of places offering surf lessons to level up your skills. With waves that can be surfed all year round, next time you are holidaying on the island, make sure you ride these swelling waves.

Kayaking

With ample rivers, lakes and rainwater tanks scattered across the island, Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations to have a fun kayaking expedition. As you paddle across the river, you are bound to encounter exotic wildlife not to mention plenty of exquisite flora, you have never seen before. Interestingly, if you are staying at a beach resort belonging to the famous chain Amaya resorts & spa, a range of water sports including kayaking expeditions can be easily arranged at your convenience.

White water rafting

As dangerous as it may sound, white water rafting is one of the most exciting watersports to be enjoyed. As long as you are above the age of 10 years and are equipped with all the safety gear, you meet all the requirements to try this watersport. Kithulgala would be one of the best places to try this thrilling sport.

  

 

Exploring the Streets of Sukhumvit in Bangkok – Making lasting memories in Bangkok

If there is one place in Bangkok that you should explore while taking in everything around you, then it is most definitely the streets of Sukhumvit.

Image by travelphotographer from Pixabay

Visit Terminal 21

Not located too far from Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence and most other hotels, Terminal 21 will allow you to take a trip around the world without having to spend too much money or time. Different parts of the shopping mall take the theme of different cities of the world.

Visit outdoor markets

If you are staying at a Bangkok hotel in Sukhumvit, one thing you will come across quite often is the outdoor markets. The open-air markets are a great place to shop and explore when you are in Sukhumvit. Known as one of the longest streets in Thailand, there are so many shops that you can visit on this street.

Try different food

Even if you are a street food lover or someone who wishes to enjoy food at a high-end restaurant, you will love the food scene in Sukhumvit.

Try a spa treatment

There is nothing more relaxing than a full-body massage or a steam bath after a long day of exploring and walking.

 

Doha Quest

Doha Quest is the newest addition to the list of theme parks in Qatar. The high-tech indoor amusement park includes roller coasters, interactive games, and brightly lit kids’ rides.

Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar
Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar | Image by David McKelvey via flickr

Details

Located in Doha Oasis, Doha Quest is the recent most attraction added to the list of attractions in Doha. It is a location that has attractions for everyone, so no one has to stay behind in any hotels in Doha while the others go have fun. Quest is open from Monday to Saturday from 2 in the afternoon to 10 in the night, but it is closed on Sundays.

Highlights

Opened only in 2021, Doha Quest has already made history as it is home to the tallest indoor roller coaster known as EpiQ Coaster and the world’s highest drop water ride, which is known as Magma Blast.

Family attractions

Another speciality about Doha Quest is that it is separated into three different times, the past, the present and the future. The rides and the attractions are dedicated to each of the three themes giving them a story and a unique experience.

Adventures

Not located too far from Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and the city centre, Doha Quest has something for everybody varying from rides, games, food and shopping.

 

A Day Trip to Ferrari World

Ferrari world has no shortage of thrilling rides, scrumptious dishes and sweeping driving experiences, here is a list of fun activities you can enjoy in this one-of-a-kind theme park.

 Yas Island

The multi-purpose Yas Island is a haven for you to have the ultimate shopping, adventure, or leisure experience. Nestled within a 30-minute drive away from lavish Serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi the likes of Oaks Liwa Executive Suites, the Island offers an array of rip-roaring activities that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the biggest highlights of the island includes the Ferrari world, an indoor amusement park with an amass of Ferrari model cars, exhilarating rides, and exciting dining places.

 Thrilling rides

Roller coaster ride in Ferrari World | Image via picryl

Whether you are on the lookout to race with your friends and have a fun Formula one experience or reach the skies in some of the most exhilarating roller coaster rides in the world, Ferrari world is the place to be.  Interestingly, the place is also home to Flying Aces, the world’s highest rollercoaster loop and Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster ride. So, make sure you buckle up for the ride!

 Dining

Dining in Ferrari world will be quite like you are in Italy munching on a juicy pizza. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or an icy gelato to escape the heat, here you can find restaurants of every kind, each one having its own distinct feel.

 Driving experience

Here is your chance to experience a joy ride around Yas island behind the wheels of your dream Ferrari. You can either be the driver or the passenger for the day as you buckle up to experience one of the most extravagant rides on a top-down Ferrari. The good news is that you get to be accompanied by a Ferrari-trained instructor who will guide you every step of the way.

  

The Most Picturesque Beaches in Ao Nang – A Moment in Tranquillity

Ao Nang is home to many beaches, located in the Krabi Province. Some of the best beaches in Thailand are in Ao Nang, and the view, the waters, and the relaxing time you spend will be the most memorable. Here is the list!

Railay Beach

Undoubtedly the number one beach in Ao Nang and one of the most scenic beaches in Thailand as well, this beach is popular for the turquoise blue clear waters, the white glistening beaches and paradise-like views. If you’re staying in any Ao Nang beach hotels, this would be a minute’s ride for you, especially from resorts like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

dronepicr, Beach Railay beach, Thailand – Strand (19940274098), CC BY 2.0

Pai Plong Beach

Another picture-perfect beach is located quite close to Ao Nang beach; this beach is hidden behind a gigantic limestone cliff. You can enjoy a luxury private beach experience here without having to pay any money. The palm tree hues, surrounding cliffs, and longtail boats resting on the sand make the view even more beautiful.

Tonsai Beach

Tonsai beach has many breathtaking views and a few limestone cliffs surrounding the beach, where you will see many backpackers and rock climbers often wander. There are several reggae bars around the area and budget-friendly dining options too. So if you’re on a tight budget and need to save some cash, Tonsai beach is the best place to relax and enjoy your vacation.

A Visit to Yala National Park

Being one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka, a visit to Yala National Park is a must if you are ever on vacation on this charming island. Here are some of the highlights.  

 Yala National Park

Spanning a total area of 900 sq km, Yala National Park is easily one of the most enormous national parks in Sri Lanka. This exotic sanctuary was once a popular hunting ground for the British but now claims to have the highest leopard density in Asia whilst sheltering a host of other fauna the likes of sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and exotic bird species.

 What to see and do

Yala National Park
Yala National Park – Image by Nadil Jayakody from Pixabay

The Yala National Park tops as a hotspot for spotting leopards. Hop on board a 4 x 4 safari ride with binoculars in your hand during dawn or dusk to catch these inimitable animals in action. Whilst catching a glimpse of leopards has become a coveted attraction among travellers, there is a host of other wildlife to be seen amidst these exotic savannahs. During a ride along this wildlife sanctuary, you can easily spot some sloth bears, ample endemic birds emerging out of mangroves and elephants roaming across the land.

 Hotspots for Accommodation

From small boutique hotels and eco-friendly villas to opulent hotels and retreats by the jungle, you are spoilt for accommodation choices when holidaying in Yala. Amongst the top-notch accommodation spots in the area, a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala is indeed a wise pick for the hotel is kin to camping in the wild except with luxurious amenities brought to your arms.

 Best time to go on safari

The dry season from February to June is the idyllic time to go on a safari in this exotic wildlife paradise. With water levels decreasing, there is ample opportunity to witness wild animals emerging out of their habitats in search of water. The park also boasts a serene year-round temperature of 29°C and only experiences heavy showers during the months from September to December.