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A Memorable Time at Colombo Dutch Hospital

In case you are wondering, this “hospital” has nothing to do with medical care, but rather retail therapy and foodie fulfilment. Intrigued? Read on to find out more!

A Bit of History
This hospital dates back to Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century; it was mainly established to take care of sick or ailing seafarers of the Dutch East India Company upon arrival at the nearby Colombo Port. In more modern times, it was a police headquarters though was later disused before its transformation in 2011.

Getting There
This site can be found near the popular Galle Face public park by the coast and is within a 15-minute drive from hotels such as Cinnamon Red Colombo. It is located along Hospital Street across from the World Trade Centre building; if you are looking for where to stay in Colombo, find a place close by!

Shopping Fun
Though not huge, theDutch Hospitaloffers some great shopping in Colombo. Stores such as Barefoot and Luv SL by Odel offer ethnic souvenirs from clothing to ornaments, while for traditional handicrafts there’s Shilpa National Crafts. Check out Colombo Jewellery Store for some bling orSpa Ceylon for a revitalising massage!

Dine and Drink
After all that shopping, you can enjoy the wonderful dining options here. There’s a charming open-air courtyard where you can have meals and listen to live music too. Popular dining venues include the Ministry of Crab, Colombo Fort Café and Heladiv Tea Club; also well-known is Tap House by RnR a happening pub to chill out with friends.

A Guide to Wildlife in Sri Lanka

If you are looking for a “wild” holiday which is more about wildlife encounters than nightlife fun, then Sri Lanka is an ideal destination! Here’s a glimpse into the many species you may come across.

Mammals
Sri Lanka has over 100 mammal species including the endemic leopard and elephant. Leopards can be spotted at the Yala National Park, while elephants can be seen at Minneriya National Park near Habarana; hotel options in the area such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offer excursions to see “The Gathering” of hundreds of elephants around July. The sloth bear, sambar deer, toque macaque and European otter are some of the other local mammals.

Birds
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Sri Lanka which encompasses endemic (like the Sri Lankanjunglefowl and Sri Lanka spurfowl) and migratory (like the Pacific golden plover and greater flamingo) species.The Sinharaja Forest Reserve andBundala National Park are two bird watching hotspots.

Reptiles
There are plenty of reptile species in the island which include a great many snakes such as the sand boa, green vine snake andIndian cobra. Also grouped amongst reptiles are the mugger and saltwater crocodiles as well as five sea turtle species like olive ridley, hawksbill and green turtles.

Marine Species
Out at sea, Sri Lanka is blessed with more diversity and one will find over 900 marine fish species; these include reef fish as well as larger varieties like marlin and sailfish. The country also offers one a chance to spot marine mammals from blue and sperm whales to spinner and bottlenose dolphins.\

Wakeboarding in Maldives

Planning a holiday to the Maldives and looking for some speed-filled thrills? With plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun on offer, wakeboarding is the water sport for you!

What is Wakeboarding?
This water sport is like a combination of several activities; the board is somewhat like what you will see in snowboarding, techniques used are similar to surfing and you are pulled at pace by a speedboat as in water-skiing. Besides staying at villas in Maldives resorts, you should try this experience too!

Where to Try It
Not all accommodation options provide this activity so do check ahead; properties on private islands such as Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences do offer it and you can soon be out in the water. April to October is a great time to try wakeboarding though it can also be enjoyed at other periods.

Lagoon and Sea
When looking to enjoy such water sports in Maldives, you can try it either out at sea or in more tranquil lagoon waters. Most operators will provide the needed training and guidance for novices, while seasoned pros can take part in this activity as soon as possible and show off their aerial tricks and manoeuvres too!

Tips to Remember
While you will get help with the techniques of wakeboarding, it’s always good to keep in mind a few basics;

• Figure out which foot you should lean on / place forward
• When standing up, put more than half your weight on the front foot
• When in the water before starting, keep the board on its side

A Doha Holiday with Kids

An ideal place for a family vacay, Doha has much to offer young travellers who will not have to suffer from boredom! Here are some of the many things that you and the kids can enjoy.

Resort Activities

The family-friendly resorts here not only offer spacious beachside villas or suites in Doha but captivating activities as well. Some resorts feature clubs for both kids and teens with plenty of games and things to do; depending on the property, there can be bowling, a cinema and a surf pool on offer too.

Image Credit: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Water Sports

At such properties the likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, you will also find exciting water sports to try. Banana boating is a perennial favourite for children, while stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are ideal for some family exploration. Older kids can look forward to wakeboarding as well.

Places to Visit

The kids will have a blast at some of the best family attractions in Doha; these include Aqua Park Qatar, the Doha Festival City mall with its Angry Birds World and the Gondolania amusement park at the Villaggio Mall. You can also enjoy time at the Doha Corniche and have a picnic at Aspire Park.

Beach Escapes

Nothing beats a day out on the sand and beside the ocean which the kids are bound to love when at the beaches in Doha. The Katara Beach which also features water sports and a play area is amongst the most popular, while Al Wakrah Beach and the Simaisma Family Beach are worth heading to as well.

Cultural Sites in Ella

Walking into Ella itself feels like walking into magical heaven because of everything it has got. The climate, attractions, people, and the happy vibes it brings are all mind-blowing.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adam’s Peak- one of the main attractions in the area as per what online sources such as Travel to Ella suggest. It’s a very short trek to reach the peak and once you get to the top, you are sure to be rewarded with amazing views.

Ella Rock

One of the favourite things to do in Ella is to enjoy a hike to Ella Rock. The hike is not at all difficult, but to avoid the sun, it’s always better if you can arrange this hike in the morning.

Ravana Falls

A place that has many links to the ever-famous Ramayana story, Ravana Falls is a three-layered waterfall in Ella. If you are okay with another rock climb, you may hike up to the 3rd layer and enjoy its beauty from there.

Nine Arches Bridge

A must-visit attraction in Ella, the Nine Arches Bridge has been built entirely with bricks, and the architectural and engineering skills that have been used to construct this bride are still adored.

Explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

While the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is famed for beaches and surfing, the Hinterland area offers exciting discoveries away from the coast and amidst stunning mountain backdrops.

Image by Cindy Andrie Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The Glass House Mountains
Made up of volcanic plugs that date back millions of years ago, the Glass House Mountains are part of a national park with much to explore. Ideal for excursions from an Alexandra Headlands hotel, this area has an amazing lookout point at the Beerburrum State Forest and offers abseiling, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Beerwah
A town full of old-world charm, Beerwah can be found in the Glass House Mountains area, around a 30-minute drive from properties like Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort. Experienced climbers can look to make the ascent up Mount Beerwah, while families will love the Australia Zoo; home of famed Steve Irwin, the zoo offers unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Maleny
Another town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny is set amidst the inspiring beauty of the Blackall Range. You can explore rainforest trails at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve or enjoy some birdwatching too. The town also has arts and craft galleries as well as restaurants and cafes for some foodie discoveries.

Kenilworth
The town of Kenilworth has an atmosphere that harks back to the 1920s and is well worth visiting including its historical museum and a couple of art galleries. Located in the upper Mary Valley Country, it also offers activities like fishing, horse riding, and hiking at the picturesqueKenilworth State Forest.

Special Experiences in Glenelg

One of the most popular attractions in Adelaide, the coastal suburb of Glenelg is an ideal place for unwinding at the beach. But there is much more to do here for a truly memorable getaway.

Enjoy Dolphin Encounters
One of the best experiences to look forward to is to get up close to dolphins in Glenelg Holiday accommodation can be found by the shore which offers easy access to such dolphin watching tours in Hold fast Bay; some of them even give you the chance to swim with these playful marine mammals!

Explore Charming Jetty Road

For some exploration, you can head to Jetty Road, only around five minutes by foot from Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites. This lively precinct has many shops and boutiques offering retail therapy as well as art galleries, cafes and restaurants. As day turns to dusk, you can enjoy entertainment and live music here as well.

Spend Time at The Beachouse
In Glenelg, family attractions don’t get any better than The Beachouse, an entertainment complex packed with fun activities,heated waterslides, rides, games and more. Highlights include the Speed Slide, Formula 1 dodgem cars,mini-golf, a huge play castle, bumper boats and a good old fashioned carousel which has over 100 years of history!

Visit the Bay Discovery Centre
For an enriching visit, head to the Bay Discovery Centre which is a social history museum where you can learn about the area’s and South Australia’s rich heritage. Home to diverse photographs, paintings, objects and textiles, the centre offers insights into the indigenous Kaurna People of Adelaide.

Why you should travel around Sri Lanka?

There is more than one specific reason to visit this amazing island nation – Sri Lanka – during one of your holidays coming up. Here are just some of the best.

The wildlife

Sri Lanka is a wildlife hotspot that’s popular among everyone in the world. There are 26 National Parks and 2 Marine Parks in this amazing destination, where you can see some rare species that you’ve never seen before.

The culture

Culture is an integral part of the lives of Sri Lankans. They do have a proud heritage that’s more than 2500 years old and, in cities such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Galle, where you can explore the best of their cultural pride.

Modern Charm

Sri Lanka is full of ancient and colonial charms. It doesn’t lack modernity either. Staying at one of the hotels near Colombo Airport the likes of Pegasus Reef will expose you to all the charms that Colombo and its suburbs have.

Local dishes

Needless to say, this country is rich in its exotic spices. Be it a curry or a salad that they prepare, it’s sure to have a distinctive taste, and you’ll never find this taste anywhere else in the world.

The Whistler Essential Guide to Ski

If you are someone who enjoyed the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, then you will just love to have a ski vacation in Whistler for so many reasons. This guide will help you realize your dream.

Where to spend your ski vacation?

Choosing any of the Whistler ski resort establishments is what you need to do to have a great vacation. Many resort options the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre are available for your consideration.

Image Credit: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

The ski area

The ski area linked by two mountains Whistler and Blackcomb covers a huge area of 8171 acres. This area has a lift-served vertical drop of 1,610 m and that serves 37 lifts.

Plan your day

Start your day from the Whistler Mountain because it’s generally sunnier in the morning there. Enjoy the Blackcomb peak in the afternoon and this is what that most of the visitors do.

Getting to know the ski area

If you are a beginner, note that the Whistler Mountain is very beginner-friendly. There is a learning area in which you can undertake confidence-boosting green runs and some lifts as well.

Adventurous guide to Oman

While most travel aficionados might not think of Oman as a great vacation destination, it is in fact full attraction see and experiences to be had. In particular, if you’re a thrill-seeker, the region has a number of great options for you to choose from.

Desert Camping

A massive portion of Oman’s land actually belongs to the Great Oman Desert. This wilderness of heat and sand covers an area of over 64,000 square kilometres, and it’s the perfect destination for an overnight camping trip. Spread across this vast sea of sand are several camping sots for you to choose from, so pick one and get this adventure started.

Dolphin Watching

If you prefer some fun out on the open waves catching sight of some fascinating marine mammals, consider a dolphin watching tour off the coast of Oman. Certain Oman hotels – say, for example, the Al Falaj Hotel – will most likely recommend this activity on their itinerary, so don’t miss out!

Taking a Hike

If you prefer a bit of quiet seclusion and some alone time with nature, a hike up the Jabal Akhdar Mountains will offer the best mix of excitement and tranquillity. If you’re into rock climbing, some of the cliffs face present out here will surely get your blood pumping.

Sinkhole Diving

Many stories try to explain the origins of the mysterious pool that lies right next to the main highway near Wadi Shab– some even state it was caused by an ancient meteorite. Whatever the case may be, put on a pair of shorts and dive right in to escape the searing midday heat!