Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Al-Hoota Cave – Nizwa, Oman – A Mesmeric Creation of Nature

Located in the Al Hamra district, Oman, the Al-Hoota Cave is a natural creation beyond compare. Within the cave all forms of life thrive. In order to ensure that these life forms are protected and not impinged upon, only 500m of the cave is open to tourists. The length of the cave is 4.5km and only 10% is revealed to the public. A forty five minute tour would disclose quite a few secrets of the cave. Be prepared to gaze upon the dangling stalactites and trace unusual shapes that might come alive on your visit. Less than two hours from the cave one would come across the Alila Jabal Akhdar. An ideal resort in Oman from which to set out on your adventures, it enjoys a unique location which affords an incredible view of the Al Hajar Mountains and creates an appetite for exploration, more precisely to the Al-Hoota Cave.

The Al-Hoota Cave was opened to the public in November 2006. However it dates back to approximately two million years ago. A chemical yet ‘magical’ reaction helped form the stalactites. Limestone reacts when dissolved in carbonic acid water, and the results are seen within the cave. When touring the cave, look overhead and what you will find is a galaxy of stalactite formations.

A small northern lake and a central lake also punctuate the tour of the cave. The large amounts of water within the cave create the ideal surroundings for all forms of life. Gliding in the waters of the main lake are blind fish also called “garra barreimiae”. Arthropods, molluscs, bats, water beetles, large spiders and other rare and endemic species have also made the cave their humble home.

The right amount of light shines through the cave providing a unique view. Make sure to book your tour to the cave as only a limited amount of visitors are allowed in each day. It is truly a marvel of nature!

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+

Dehiwala Zoo- One of the Oldest Zoological Gardens in Asia

The capital city of Colombo is a metropolitan city, and is the economic and business hub of the country. Given this perception, tourists travelling to the country may be reluctant to explore Colombo as they may feel that there is not much to see in the city. This perception is grossly unfounded for Colombo, though being the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, boasts of a location close to the ocean, and hosts a number of attractions that tourists will be thrilled to visit. While those who wish to reside in a resort close to the ocean can do so at the Mount Lavinia Hotel without having to make their way down south, tourists looking for places of interest will find the National Museum, Galle Face Green, Independence Square, the Old Parliament and the Colombo Zoo within remarkably close vicinity to one another.
Those who wish to explore the endemic wildlife of Sri Lanka, and do not have the time to make a visit to one of the National Parks such as Wilpattu or Yala, which are located several hours outside the capital, the Colombo Zoo can provide a glimpse of insight. This Zoo located in Dehiwala is home to over three thousand animals and marine species and is open to the public and tourists.
The National Zoological Gardens were opened in 1936 and is geared towards conservation and research, while enabling and enhancing the knowledge of the public of various animals. While travellers may be surprised to learn that this particular zoo is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia, the Zoo consists of a Butterfly Garden, a Bird Park and a number of species such as jaguars, lions, elephants and bears. The Zoo also has an array of performances such as elephant and sea lion performances in addition to several educational programmes.

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Alimantha Island

Maldives is sure to be on most people’s travel bucket list. The island’s surrounding waters are one of the main reasons for most of the tourist to make their way down to this paradise island. One of the reasons for many people to visit the island is to stay at an Maldives luxury hotel as the accommodation itself can turn out to be quite an experience. Among the various resorts that have come up here one that has managed to earn a reputation for itself among its guests is, Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives that offers 33 over water suites.

Alimantha is one of the government-sanctioned lists of dive sites in the Eastern part of Maldives. The surrounding waters of the island are an excellent place to go diving and explore the abundant marine life of Maldives. There are dive centres that organise full day as well as half a day tours into the Ocean. There are also night dives that are organised off the shore of Alimantha, which is a once in a lifetime experience. The reefs around the island are also a spectacular site not to be missed. Alimantha is often listed in the must visit places in Maldives. There are also water activities offered by the sports centre located on the island. Perfect for all those adrenaline junkies.

There are plenty of other places to visit while in the Maldives such as Hukuru Miskiiy which is the Old Friday Mosque located in the capital Male. As well as the national museum that is located in the capital. Apart from that sitting and watching the waters sweep the shore from your recliner itself is a great experience!.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Self-Guided Walk in Abu Dhabi

A booming tourist destination in the Middle East is Abu Dhabi. Competing with its fellow Emirates, it still has managed to be in the forefront in terms of tourism. One of the best ways to explore and make the most of a city is to stroll around it; one’s self is the best tour guide. When considering Abu Dhabi as your next holiday destination, one of the key questions that pop up in one’s mind is accommodation during the stay. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is an excellent choice to stay while here as this beach resort Abu Dhabi is located on the famous Sir Bani Yas Island the hotel is nothing but a symbol of luxury, offering many indoor as well outdoor activities to complete the exotic vacation.
A self-guided walk in Abu Dhabi should be able to cover most of the important landmarks in the city. One of the places to make a stop would be the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an iconic landmark that has 82 impressive white domes.

Bainunah Roundabout Fountain is one of the other pit-stops worth making, located on the Bainunah Roundabout by the Zalamat Garden the fountain is considered both breathtaking and miraculous and perfectly complements the surrounding.

Abu Dhabi Corniche is yet another exciting place to explore on a walking tour. The 6-kilometer-long road is a not to miss when visiting Abu Dhabi. This is considered to be the border of the city and has many gardens along the way.
There are many other interesting landmarks and attractions in this beautiful Middle Eastern City for you to explore.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

The beautiful tropical island of Sri Lanka is not only home to just 20 million people but to a lot of other beautiful living beings that add to the beauty of this paradise. Among them are the birds that decorate the clear blue skies of the island. It is regarded as the paradise for all the bird watching enthusiasts. Sri Lanka Bird watching tours are a popular activity for those bird-loving tourists who come to the island. One of the pioneers in organising such tours is Nkar Travel House. They offer specialised bird watching tours in various parts of the island to suit the various needs of tourists.

The tropical climate and the exotic landscape of the Indian ocean island make it a heaven for bird lovers. There are around 427 different species of birds in Sri Lanka. Out of which 23 are endemic and around 200 are migratory. They make their flight from India, Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe to escape the weather and for various other factors. The best time to engage in bird watching is to arrive in the island during the later part of the year. The month of December has been declared as the National Bird watching month.

The best places to engage in bird watching are spread across various parts of the island. There are some dedicated bird sanctuaries in various parts of the island. Some of them include, Kumana National Park, The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Sinharaja Forest, Kitulgala Forest Reserve, the Bodhinagala Sanctuary, Kandalama Bird Sanctuary and Udawatte Kele among many others. One of the highlights about the avifauna in the country is the presence of a mixed species flock, which adds more excitement to the whole experience.

Apart from bird watching for those wildlife enthusiasts, there are many national parks across the island worth checking.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Diving in Doha

Doha is the capital city of the State of Qatar and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The city is renowned for the wide range of shopping, dining and luxury accommodation settings it offers tourists. However, an often underrated attraction in Doha is the amazing diving opportunities it serves.

Due to its popularity among tourists in Doha, hotels you can choose from vary in price, service and luxury. For a fine mix of all three, consider staying at the Banana Island Resort, Doha, by Anantara. It places within close proximity to leading dive centres in the region as well.

The city is home to seven popular dive sites, all of which are accessible via PADI certified dive instructors from a number of centres in the region. The Old Club Reef (OCR) and New Club Reef (NCR) are both situated close to the Mesaieed sealine, about half hour away from Doha. The former is an artificial reef and is approximately 16 metres deep. NCR is about 20 metres deep. OCR and NCR are both rich in marine life and home to resident fish types such as Arabian Blue Angel Fish, Sergeant Major, Groupers, Batfish, Barracuda, Spangled Emperors, Twobar Seabream and much more. Other similar dive sites that immerse you in the regions rich marine life are the Inland Sea and Eel Garden.

Fans of wreckages are in for a treat as well. The Pericles Shipwreck of Al Ed-Al Gharbi is 35 metres deep. Here divers get to see an enormous sunken shipwreck with plenty of exploration opportunities. Its massive propeller is sure to leave you in awe. The Al Ed-Al Sharqi sea line, about an hour and half from the city, boasts of another huge sunken shipwreck called the MO Wreck. About 25 metres deep, this wreck is also home to some beautiful fish species.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Hua Hin elephant camps and trekking

A mere two hundred kilometers from Bangkok, on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, you will find Hua Hin. Resorts of the luxurious kind, upscale condominiums and holiday homes all offer spectacular ocean views. This beach side town has become a popular holiday getaway for both locals from Bangkok and tourists. Hua Hin was even a favourite vacation spot for the Royal Family in the 1920’s. It was once a quiet fishing village; today there are multiple housing developments, golf courses, shopping malls and hotels like the Anantara Hua Hin Resort but the town has managed to hold onto much of its old world charm.

Elephants have been a part of Thai history for centuries. They were used for transportation of people and goods, they were made to assist in construction and even participated in cultural and religious rituals. Today, elephants have become almost redundant as a mode of transport but in Hua Hin you will have the rare opportunity to visit an elephant camp make a trip on elephant back. These tours also offer the experience of meeting the elephants, petting and feeding them.

The jungle tour consists of a wooden seat placed on the elephant’s back. It is in this seat, fitted with a hand rail that riders will sit. The mahout sits up front, on the animal’s neck. He will direct the elephant on the course. An hour’s trip will show you elephants bathing, how they are used for logging and guests will be offered refreshments. It is wise to carefully follow instructions of the mahout, as elephants are large beasts that can be very dangerous if angered. In recent times there has been much scrutiny into the welfare of elephants and controversy surrounding elephant rides. It is worth conducting your own research prior to visiting these attractions, in order to make an informed decision.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Island Safari

Koh Samui was once a sleepy remote location, home to only a quiet fishing community; today, Thailand’s largest island is a popular holiday destination. It attracts travellers of all descriptions. Accommodation on the island ranges from beachside bungalows to luxury resorts. Koh Samui is famous for palm-fringed, white, sandy beaches, coconut groves and rugged rainforest. It stands apart from Thailand’s big cities with the frenzied activity that is usually expected. However Koh Samui is known for its raging after dark activity. Chaweng Beach, on which you will find Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, has a party atmosphere and is well known for its cabaret shows.

To explore the mountains of Koh Samui in style take a Land Rover tour and get ready for an adventure. Several tour companies now offer full day or half day trips that take you off road and bring you up close and personal with the highlights of the island. You can expect to see: the famous Grandma and Grandpa rocks located on Lamai Beach; Luang Pordaeng, the mummified monk which is a sacred local relic; Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Temple that houses several shrines and statues; the twelve meter tall golden Buddha statue that is the most celebrated landmark in Samui, it can be found on Big Buddha Beach on the northern coast of the island but can be seen several kilometers away. Stunning views await as you drive high into the mountains, along sea cliffs and then into low valleys, like Nuns Valley with its rural villages.

You can pick a tour depending on your interests. Some companies will transport you to and from your hotel and you can expect a tour guide who will explain the attractions and experiences. Refreshments and a traditional meal maybe provided, depending on the type of tour. Animal shows using baby elephants, crocodiles and monkeys are also offered on some itineraries but welfare of the animals is often questionable and in most cases, best avoided.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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River & Wildlife Experiences in Zambia: The Adventure of a Lifetime in South Luangwe

Africa is a land that is synonymous with adventure and wild-life, and there is no better way to experience the glory of an African wilderness quite like a safari, and there is no safari quite like a Zambian safari in South Luangwa. The Luangwa region is iconic for its spectacular scenery and wild-life amidst an unforgiving and rugged wilderness. Despite this, the safaris in Luangwa are renowned for providing a comfortable voyage into some of the harshest yet most beautiful terrains of Africa.

You can enjoy your stay in Luangwa in a variety of ways, one is by spending it at one of the area’s many lodges in the heart of the wilderness, if you wish to venture even deeper, the accompanying professionals will set up a camp for you to intimately experience the African wilderness. If the first two options are a tad too extreme for you, there you can go for a luxury hotel such as the Victoria Falls Hotel Zambia by the renowned Anantara Hotels, Resorts Spas where you can comfortably enjoy the river and wild-life experiences in Zambia amidst five-star luxury.

The safari providers in the area have decades worth of experience as well as recognition and will uncompromisingly provide you the best, and safest, experience you can hope for. The South Luangwa National Park encompasses almost ten thousand square kilometers and plays refuge to over four hundred species of birds and more than sixty different species of mammals. Leopards, Elephants and Crocodiles in particular are known to gather in large numbers in South Luangwa Park. The dry season from April to October is the best time for a visit, since the rivers dry up and the animals wander towards the lagoons where water is plentiful.

So if you seek a safari adventure like no other, head on to South Luangwa for a voyage you will surely cherish for a lifetime.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Nature and Wildlife Walks in Abu Dhabi

In the 21st century, the Middle East is known well for its abundant and thriving oil industry, which has contributed to the development of the region in the last fifty years. One country that has benefited greatly from this discovery is the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Middle Eastern region, the United Arab Emirates is composed of seven Emirates, namely, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Given the present perception of the Middle East, many would be surprised to know that the emirate of Abu Dhabi was a haven for wildlife prior to its rapid development due to the discovery of oil in the mid-twentieth century. This natural heritage is evident in the name Abu Dhabi as well, which literally means ‘Father of the Gazelle’, as well as Sir Bani Yas Island which is a reputed wildlife reserve in the United Arab Emirates.

Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island are scarce with given the status of the island as a bird sanctuary in addition to a wildlife reserve. Therefore, for tourists who wish to reside on the island itself, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi can be recommended.

The emphasis placed on preserving and conserving wildlife in the emirate extends to initiatives outside the United Arab Emirates as well and the emirate has, on multiple occasions, organised events to raise awareness or protest against certain global initiatives in the form of wildlife walks. One such wildlife walk took place in March 2014 at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre to raise awareness about Canned Hunting, a practice predominantly in South Africa where lions are bred for the industry and hunters are given the opportunity to shoot them in closed enclosures, and to protest the practice.

Abu Dhabi places great importance on such initiatives and encourages tourists to visit their wildlife reserves in the least disruptive manner possible as well.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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