Miscellaneous Adventures - The Adventure Travel Site

Discover Birdlife at Yala

Fondly known by many epithets such as the Resplendent Isle, the island nation of Sri Lanka nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a haven for tropical and exotic birdlife and panoramic sceneries. Sri Lanka is home to around four hundred species of birds of which only around twenty are endemic to the island. The remainder is predominantly made up of migratory birds that travel to in search of a tropical climate, away from the harsh Scandinavian, European and Indian winters.

While a number of parks such as the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, the Biodhinala Sanctuary and Kumana National Park have been designated as official bird sanctuaries, other national parks such as the Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamua and Yala National Parks are also rich with flourishing bird communities. Visiting the Yala National Park is a must-do when in Sri Lanka and while a rich variety of Yala hotels are available, the national park can be accessed with ease from Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Also known as the Ruhunu National Park, Yala is a famous safari and wildlife destination for tourists and locals alike. Initially established 1938, Yala is home to an amazing variety of bird species as well as other animals. Visitors to Yala will be able to view the Black Necked Stork, the Malabar Pied, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the European Bea Eater, the Blue Faced Malkoha, the Yellow Fronted Pied, the Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, the Lesser Whistling Teal and the Green Bee Eater whose feathers create a camouflage effect as it fades into the greenish and brownish background of the park.

In addition to bird watching, when at the Yala Natoinal Park, visitors can also watch elephants in the wild, beautiful and colourful butterfly species as well as crocodiles and, if they are lucky, leopards. The Park is a wonderful natural getaway, both relaxing and awe-inspiring for any intrepid traveller.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Mossman Gorge Port Douglas

Tucked away in Daintree Rainforest , a declared world heritage site is Mossman Gorge. Considered as the oldest , but continuously surviving rain forest on the planet. Five minutes away from one of Queensland’s most hospitable towns , Mossom , is where one could find themselves in the midst of this lush tropical treasure.

Port Douglas is not too far from Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reefs. Surrounded by tropical forests and coral reefs this is the only place where two listed world heritage sites exist. The convenient location to both these tourist attraction makes it a popular tourist destination. Among the Port Douglas Resorts, a noteworthy choice among tourist would be Oaks Lagoons, which consists of both deluxe hotel style accommodation as well as apartment style accommodation to suit one’s needs. The name Oaks lagoons come from te six lagoon style pools surrounding the resort.

Mossman Gorge situated in the southern part of the Daintree forest which has one of the most complex eco systems at present. The river Mossom flows through this scenic site and the clear water pools are perfect for a refreshing dip. The native “kuku Yalanji ” people are warm and welcoming to tourist and have become part and parcel of the whole experience.

Some of the activities one can engage in are the dream time walks , swimming, self guided tours among many others without causing any destruction to this 130 million year worthy treasure. The Mossman Gorge Center strives to preserve this pristine blessing. There is an indigenous art gallery and a retail center, a cafe and a retail center within its premises.

Other attractions around the forest area would be driving up to the Barrier Reef , where one can engage in snorkeling, diving and enjoy the great beaches that Queensland has to offer.

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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Visit to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: A truly wild experience

Nature lovers who crave to see forests with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to make a visit to. It is located in Canacona Taluka, South Goa district, of Goa, India. This sanctuary is renowned for its dense forest of tall trees, some of which reach 30 metres in height. The forest supports moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees. A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower positioned 25 metres above a watering hole where animals go to drink. The best times to visit the watchtower are dawn and dusk when animals are most likely to be visiting. The approach to the sanctuary is very convenient from a Beach resort in Goa such as Alila Diwa Goa where you can spend a relaxing holiday while enjoying the marvels of nature. Visitors can interact with the tribal groups including the Velip and Kunbil who live in and around the sanctuary and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Animals in the sanctuary include the flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, draco or flying lizard, golden-back gliding snake, and Malabar tree toad.

You will find an eco-tourism complex run by the Forest Department at the entrance of the sanctuary that houses a Nature Interpretation Centre which provides information to visitors, cottages, toilets, library, reception area, rescue centre, canteen, children’s park, and forest ranger office. For those who seek a little bit of adventure facilities like snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents, reference material or even cots and mosquito-nets can be provided by the Forest Department. There are endless possibilities for those who really want to rough it out to make a truly adventurous experience in this sanctuary.

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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Take a Bullock Cart Ride through the Village

Even with the rapid development witnessed by the 21st century, small villages in Sri Lanka remain largely untouched by the dramatic changes in transportation and lifestyle. A place where time seems to slow down and life becomes uncomplicated, most villages in the island scarcely witness fancy modes of transportation and stick to bullock carts to transport produce and other items from the fields to their homes or to the local village markets as they are cost efficient. A glimpse into this village lifestyle is a valuable insight tourists can obtain when staying at a Sigiriya hotel in the vicinity of the Habarana villages such as Chaaya Village Habarana. One such way, in addition to close proximity, is to indulge in a bullock cart ride through the village while a three wheeler, or in the more popular vernacular, a tuk tuk, would be the best way to explore the city.

A bullock cart ride is undeniably a very traditional mode of travel, but it is a modern way to explore the undisturbed village life in the rural areas. When travelling in a bullock cart, tourists will have the opportunity to travel through lush green paddy fields and observe the manner in which the villagers lead their daily lives. Since the roads are often mere footpaths, travelling by car would be highly uncomfortable, but the bullock cart traverses the well trodden country lanes with ease. The slow paced travel provides tourists with ample time and opportunity to witness the beauty and serenity of the village.

Exploring the nearby villages should also include a visit to a village house where tourists can have the opportunity to taste the delights of a ‘plain tea’ sweetened with a small piece of juggery. This coupled with an authentic Sri Lankan lunch of red rice and curry is bound to leave tourists yearning for the simple life.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Amazing Secret Places to Find in London

The entrancing metropolis of London is renowned for its splendid attractions and cosmopolitan ambience. An excellent London luxury hotel would be the Metropolitan by COMO London. This alluring hotel is well-known for its sumptuous accommodations and gracious hospitality.

As you might expect the vast city of London offers a myriad of attractions for the visitor. However in addition to its well-known landmarks the city offers a host of less well-known sites which will draw the imagination of the visitor.

As you may well know 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However there is another building in the city which almost exactly resembles this famous residence; namely 10 Adam Street in the Strand, which is almost indistinguishable from its lookalike. Many tourists take pictures at this location.

Another intriguing sight is the amazing Rolling Bridge in Paddington Basin which at noon on every Friday is rolled up into a jaw-dropping octagonal form. Meanwhile the Seven Noses which are to be seen in the locality of Soho are the work of a local artist. The story goes that if you manage to find all seven, situated in different places in this neighbourhood, you will gain good luck. Another attraction in a similar mould, this time in Covent Garden is the Hidden Ears which are scattered around the locality. Another fascinating site in the city is Wilton’s Music Hall, which has the distinction of being the oldest such music hall on the globe.

The inquisitive visitor will also be captivated by the quaint Victorian Pet Cemetery in the well-known Hyde Park, where you can see innumerable graves dedicated to beloved deceased pets. A little-known attraction of a very different kind is the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in Aldgate East which as its name indicates is a functioning foundry where bells like the Liberty Bell and Big Ben were created. Another engrossing sight is the water pump of John Snow, a prominent physician of the 19th century.

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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Exploring the Rottnest Island: An Unforgettable Coastal Experience

Located a little beyond the coast of Perth in Western Australia, the Rottnest Island is considered a perfect vacation destination with its sun kissed beaches, azure waters and fascinating wild life. Able to reach either by a ferry ride or by air, this island is certainly worth visiting due to the picturesque views from the island and the array of exciting land and water based excursions.

The island is so named by a Dutch explorer due to the high population Quokkas, a quirky looking land dweller that resembles the common rat. For travelers who are keen on island hopping and exploring the Australian waters while wishing to stay on the mainland and seeking, Perth apartment accommodation, there are number of luxurious resorts and hotels such as the Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth that provides superior comforts and services after a day of exciting explorations.

The Rottnest Island provides ample opportunity for avid surfers as well as proving to be a great location for diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing making it an ideal vacation destination for families, couples and groups of friends. The island is home to an impressive coral reef as well as daunting shipwrecks with information plaques that are bound to delight seasoned divers. There are also a number of land based activities for visitors to indulge in such as hiking, biking climbing, as well as golf and lawn bowls at the newly renovated Country Club and a family fun park with a games arcade and movie theatre.

After an exhausting day of exploration one can reenergize and freshen up by sampling from the many varieties of fresh seafood stands, cozy coffee shops, and sophisticated restaurants as well the popular island bar. Regardless of all other attractions, the island is definitely a must see destination during a holiday to Western Australia only for the stunning panoramic views from the higher grounds of the island, of the ocean vistas below.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park

Discover the unique traditions of the Dai ethnic community in the beautiful Yunnan Province of China. Learn of age old customs, and watch mesmerizing ceremonies that focus on long stemmed beliefs. The colourful festivities celebrated at the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park are indeed a treat to all visitors staying at a hotel Yunnan. If you wish to enjoy the beautiful province in absolute comfort do consider a stay at the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa.

This amazing resort hotel in Yunnan blends in with the pristine beauty of the Yunnan Province. Snuggled up within a forest next to the Lusouo River the luxury Yunnan hotel boasts the best in comforts and amenities while giving you a taste of the areas rich culture and traditions. Expect typical Anantara hospitality here as you unwind at the spa; indulge in regional and traditional Dai dishes at the scenic restaurant or simply chill out at the pool. Accommodation is luxurious and utterly comfortable; choose from 80 deluxe rooms and 23 pool villas all boasting contemporary amenities and luxurious settings. Guests are offered village tours within Dai Park and excursions to Wild Elephant Valley and the White Pagoda.

Xishuang Banna in Yunnan is home to the country’s largest Dai community; which is why a tour of Dai Park is a must for a taste of age old customs and traditions. Located within a tropical rain forest the village comprises of typical bamboo huts which on its own is quite a treat to explore. Find out how the Dai use clever construction to heat the house and you may just be able to partake in a house building ceremony which is quite a serious affair involving food, drink and traditions.

Festival time is the best season to visit the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park make it in time for the Water Festival in April and you will be blessed with good luck all year round. Other colourful ceremonies include Opening the Door and Closing the Door Festivals in July and October, which are a reflection of the gentle nature and united front of this fascinating minority in gorgeous Yunnan.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Rainforest Trail

Hiyare Reservoir Rainforest is a small mysterious rainforest which has been known as an absolute paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, who are attracted to the area by its lush flora. There is plenty of lush and abundant flora. When compared with other national parks in Sri Lanka, Hiyare is more serene and peaceful with a quiet but large eco-system of plants, birds, insects and the occasional mammal such as deer or porcupine and many more types of small animals, Hiyare is seldom visited by tourists, so therefore its undisturbed, remote and peaceful. The Hiraye rainforest is situated within very close proximity to the Chaya Tranz Hikkaduwa Hotel, which one of the best Beach Hotels in Hikkaduwa. Hiyare Rainforest is one of the most important landmarks to discover in Hikkaduwa. The Chaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is located along the Southern coastline offering tourists a vibrant atmosphere of fun and adventure. This unique hotel provides guests with Southern Sri Lankan hospitality and unlimited beach life, the resort has been redesigned to reflect the easy going life style of Hikkaduwa with the luxurious touch of the Chaaya Hotel Chain. There are 150 superior, deluxe rooms and suites, and the resort also offers an assortment of facilities

Birds are the dominating species in the Hiraye Rainforest, there are 118 bird species, among which 13 are endemic such as the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Ceylon Rose, Two-spotted Threadtail and Black Ruby Barb. 29 mammal species are found here including the Mongoose, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Hog Deer, an extremely wary and nocturnal animal that is rarely seen in the wild by naturalists. There are also 78 butterfly species and 55 dragonfly species that can be seen peacefully fluttering among the lower foliage. Among the 34 reptile species, 14 are endemic reptiles such as the Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper and sub-species of the Indian Python.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Boating in the Muthurajawela Marsh

Ceylon has undergone some diverse political and economic changes during the last four centuries due to colonisation. While the Portuguese controlled the coastal belt and handed them over to the Dutch in the late 17th century, the Dutch sought to establish their own legal system in the island. Subsequent to the British conquering the island and bringing the entirety of Ceylon under their control in 1815, the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the island were significantly influenced leading to the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka from the latter part of the 20th century. With the development of the economy and infrastructure, Negombo hotels are greatly sought after due to their location and the easy access from the airport facilitated by the highway. While accommodation is available for almost all budgets, for a high-end luxurious stay, opt for Heritance Negombo.

In Negombo, there are a myriad of attractions and activities that would enthral a newcomer to Sri Lanka ranging from the intricate Dutch canal systems and the energetic local bazaars to the Negombo Beach and the Muthurajawela Marsh. The Marsh itself is quite extensive and covers around six thousand hectares including the Negombo Lagoon. Therefore, Muthurajawela is home to a diverse eco-system that sustains a myriad of wild species ranging from water birds and butterflies to crocodiles and pythons.

A boat ride through the Marsh would also allow tourists to see a number of native fish species including some which are endangered, as well as the Star Tortoise. The natural surroundings of the Marsh, particularly due to the lofty flora, provide the area with canopies and a sense of being in a forest. Given this diversity and the breathtaking natural beauty, a boat ride through the Marsh is an activity one should not miss out on when in Negombo.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Moranbah – “The Mining Town” – The Youngest Town in Queensland, Australia

The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of development and advancement that led to the rapid increase in modes of transport. As a result, mining towns became an increasingly popular phenomenon especially in places such as Germany where historical communities were found in Lower Saxony, North Rhine Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden Wuttemberg, in the United States of America and Australia. Mining towns in the state of Queensland in Australia were found in Blackwater, Middlemount, Moranbah, Mount Mulligan and Willows Gemfields. One such town, Moranbah, is found in the Isaac Region and was established in 1969.

This mining town can be explored by any traveller staying in Moranbah hotels and one should not be deceived into imaging the town as one which has not been touched by modernity. Moranbah is peppered with a number of entertainment facilities such as AFL, a skate park, off road racing and motocross as well as quality accommodation such as the Oaks Moranbah.

Given that it was established only in the 20th century, this town is unsurprisingly one of the youngest towns in the state even though it was explored by colonial powers in 1845, specifically by Ludwig Leichhardt. Though the town was initially established to provide miners and their families with a place to reside in that was close to the mines, Moranbah experienced rapid growth in the late 20th century. Being one of the youngest towns in the state, it has been the subject of investigative journalism where many assessed the impact of the industry on the rural population

For tourists visiting the area, the mining town holds greater attraction in that the Peak Range National Park is located in the vicinity. The Park, established in 1983, is also noteworthy, especially for environmentalists and nature enthusiasts as types of plant and animal species have been identified there.