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The Best Surf Spots in Sri Lanka

If you are hoping to catch a good surf wave in Sri Lanka, then here is a list of the best beaches and surf spots in the areas to help you plan your surf trip!

Hikkaduwa

Located on the south-west coast and about 120 km from Colombo the Hikkaduwa beach is an ideal spot to ride the waves. Those staying in luxury hotels in Galle Sri Lanka such as the Heritance Ahungalla can easily reach this destination in a mere 40-45 minutes. Initially just a surf-spot, it is now a party destination too. Some good surf spots here are Bennys, Main Reef and North Jetty.

Weligama

Ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers, the Weligama beach is also a good spot to surf. The tides are not very high and there are also many hostels and motels dotting the city that can put you up with some good accommodation. A few good surf spots here would be Weligama Beach Break and Midigama that you should definitely check out.

Unawatuna

The Unawatuna Bay is yet another popular surfing destination in the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. There a few secret good swells that the locals can point you to, so its just a matter of asking them! Some of the best surf spots in Unawatuna are Delwalla Beach, Bonavista Bay and Kalabana Beach Break.

Arugambay
Known as a surfers paradise in Sri Lanka, Arugambay is by far the most famous surf spot in the island. Frequented by a lot of tourists, this beach is located on the east coast. The best time to visit this beach would be from April to Sep. Some of the best Arugambay surf spots are Elephant Rock, Baby and Main Point and Pottuvil and Whisky Point.

Weekend Escape Series Hervey Bay!

Spend some time over the weekend in Hervey Bay with your children. It’s the best little holiday you can have as a family and let us tell you how to go about it.

Where is Hervey Bay?

Hervey Bay is located about 290 km away from Brisbane and is a natural harbour that rests between Queensland and Fraser Island. The seas are sheltered thanks to the island and are shallow and flat making the beaches ideal for small children.

Hervey_Bay_beach — The original uploader was PDH at English Wikipedia., Hervey Bay beach, CC BY 2.0

How to Get There

If you are driving in from Brisbane it’s about 3.5 hours and from the Sunshine Coast, it’s about 2.5 hours. You can also fly into the regional airport as there are flights from Sydney and Brisbane daily.

Places to Stay

There are many a great Hervey Bay hotel that you can stay in, like Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa that is great for the whole family. There are also plenty of Airbnbs and camping spots you can stay at.

What to See and Do

There’s so much to see and do in Hervey Bay from whale watching to fishing, tours of Fraser Island, visiting marketplaces and learning all about the history spanning as far back as the mid-1800s. you can also take the children out to the water parks and aquariums as well as the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Culture of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi community is enriched by its unique customs and values that were unbelievably preserved through its journey towards modernisation. The uniqueness of Saudi culture stems from a civilisation that dates back to over one million years.

Language

Arabic, the official language of Saudi Arabia, is one of the oldest language groups in the world. It consists of a variety of dialects, one of which is the Gulf dialect. English is also a widely spoken language in the country.

Music, Dance & Poetry

One of the most prominent folk rituals in Saudi Arabia is the “Al Ardha,” which is considered as the country’s national dance. It is a form of a sword dance that is based on Bedouin traditions. The variety of folk music called “Al sihba” has its roots stemming from Al Andalus. Poetry took a significant place in the Saudi Arabic culture and was used as a means of preserving tradition, values, and history during the olden days.

Cuisine

Saudi Arabian dishes are similar to that of the other countries in the Arabian peninsula and display influences of Turkish, Persian, African, and Indian cuisines. Pork is not consumed, and other meats are obtained following halal rules. Delicious Arabian delicacies can be enjoyed during your stay at one of the Al Khobar apartments belonging to properties such as Ascott Corniche Al Khobar.

Festivals

The oldest of all the festivals in Saudi Arabia is the Janadriya Festival, which is the most traditional as well. It features camel races and strives to embrace other aspects of its proud heritage. Riyadh festival offers its visitors a shopping fiesta where they can shop for a myriad of things. The Saudi Food Festival is one of the longest-running food exhibitions in the country.

Kalpitiya Lagoon Boat Safari

Located in the North-West coastline of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is quite a famous tourist destination in Sri Lanka. If you are heading to this famous seaside destination, one thing that you must try out is a riverboat safari in the Kalpitiya Lagoon. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect.

About Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya was previously known as a ‘fishing village’ as it was mostly inhabited by fishermen in Sri Lanka. But today this sea-side town has become one of the most sought-after tourist hotspots on the island. Many hotels the likes of Dolphin Beach Resort have been set up here and can cater to the mass of tourists that visit this destination.

The Boat Safari

Kalpitiya Boat Safari| Img by: Sompop S via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

If you are ever considering going on a river safari in Sri Lanka, then Kalpitiya will not disappoint you. The lagoon is ideal for a laid back river cruise and there are many tour companies in the area that you could reach out to help arrange one for you.

What you can see on the safari

On the river safari, your boat will glide through the wilderness where you will spot many wildlife, including different species of birds, amphibians, and other marine lifeforms. 14 islands dot the lagoon and you will most likely be passing them as well. A rare sight that you may get to see if you are lucky is the pink dolphin – for which the Kalptiya Lagoon is home to.

What is included in the safari

Most river safaris will include an English speaking guide and refreshments while on the tour, There are some tours that also make a picnic-stop in the jungle, which will be ideal if you are travelling with that special someone.

Air Ballooning in Dambulla

Get aboard a hot-air-balloon and fly over a magical land where great kingdoms flourished millennia ago and be awestruck by the immaculate vistas that comprise of ancient edifices, mountains and lush vegetation! Read on to know more about this enticing experience.

Ballooning over dambulla

Located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle, Dambulla is an ancient city that is home to many historic attractions. Though visiting the region by foot is exciting, seeing them from above is certainly a unique experience. Seeing attractions such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala and surrounding forestland from a hot air balloon will create memories that will certainly tug at your heartstrings.

When can you partake in this experience

The experience entirely depends on the weather and due to monsoonal winds and rain conditions, you cannot partake in this experience during the rainy season. But the weather clears up during the months between November to April which is the ideal time for this experience.

How can you join a hot air balloon tour

Several tour operators offer this experience and you can get in touch with them easily if you are stationed at Sigiriya hotels the likes of Heritance Kandalama; all you have to do is reach out to the front desk and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Things to remember

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing if you have the experience scheduled during day-time. Make sure that you bring your camera and also a pair of shades and a hat will come in handy. Listen and follow the instructions given by your pilot during your journey.

Walk along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is named after a Chinese cloth peddler who became an influential figure and grew quite wealthy later in life. It is home to many old and new businesses that breathes life into the street. Located nearby to many a Johor hotel the likes of Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, it is more than just a heritage site.

Becoming a Heritage Site

Previously an old-fashioned but picturesque street, it was transformed into a historic venue by the Malaysian government in 2009.

Visit Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

Paying a small entrance fee, the Chinese Heritage Museum takes you through the journey of the Chinese settlement in Johor Bahru. Using audio guides that contain fascinating stories, you can tour the museum at your own pace.

Chongkian, Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy Delicious Coffee at Art52 Gallery

Open from 9 O’ clock onwards throughout the week, Art52 Gallery is truly a gem at the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. Preserving the historic charm of the old building, the owner has succeeded in converting the space into a simple, low-profile café that exudes genuineness.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds

Walking along the street, one would come across several eateries that offer a wide variety of food. The street is such a great place to become acquainted with the scrumptiousness of the traditional cuisine.

Kayaking in Nga Bay

When amazing rock formations, islets, and caves are combined with the surrounding waters, it is definitely a pleasing sight to see. If you kayak in Phang Nga Bay, this sight is surely yours to explore!

Location

This bay is located between Phuket and the Malay Peninsula. This area is also home to many Thailand luxury villas for sale such as the famous Avadina Hills by Anantara promising a piece of heaven in terms of tourism and investors who are interested in real estate in this area.

Phang-nga_Bay, — Tony Ng, Phang-nga Bay, leading to James Bond Island – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting to the Bay

Just as the name suggests, it’s a Bay and the only way to get to it is via water. Most resorts will offer this service and so you can get to the bay first by a boat.

Your sea-kayaking experience

You can enjoy the kayaking experience in the day time or even in the night. But the most common is the day trip. While you kayak peacefully, do not forget to explore the beautiful sceneries all around you. You’ll come across tunnels, caves, and many other special places and they’ll bring you an exciting feeling.

Useful tips

The caves can sometimes be very dark and you should be prepared to experience this on your journey. If you are enjoying this experience during the summer, make sure you take more water bottles with you so you can stay hydrated.

Scuba diving in the Maldives

When compared to freediving, scuba diving is much more practical if your goal is to take in the underwater world at a slower pace. It is a highly-sought activity, especially among first-time divers or amateurs in the field.

Diving Lessons

For some of us, scuba diving can be an unnerving task. But with professional training, you will be able to swim like a pro alongside the colourful inhabitants of the sea. Check with the Maldivian resort you are staying at, such as Saii Lagoon Maldives and they are sure to recommend a place that provides diving lessons.

The Equipment

If you can see yourself becoming a regular diving enthusiast, having your own equipment would be a lot easy on your wallet. A regulator, a BCD, and a wet suit are what you need when diving. If you don’t want to carry these around, you can always rent the equipment. Just be sure to check some of the best and the exclusive Maldives offers before opting for a particular resort.

Diving Sites

Reefs, Kandus, Thilas, and Giris, are some of the fascinating diving sites around the Maldivian atolls. You could even explore a wreck and discover something from the past. All these sites will offer you mindblowing experiences of a world that transcends time.

The Experience

It isn’t that surprising that diving is one of the best attractions of Maldives. From being transfixed by vibrant reef fish to getting up close to a gorgeous manta ray, it offers an exhilarating feeling that would last for a lifetime.

Interesting Facts about Botswana

Botswana is one of the most beautiful and wild countries found in Africa – and that really is saying something. It is home to some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife as well as untamed expanses like the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta. So, here’s a few facts you might not have known about this hidden gem of a travel destination.

The Safari Capital

Botswana is renowned for its great safari adventures, but it truly is astounding just how many wildlife reserves the country has. For example, if you’re staying at one of the Botswana resorts found in the capital city of Gaborone – say for instance the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino – you’re just a 20-minute drive away from a game reserve!

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is undoubtedly Botswana’s biggest attraction. Surrounded by the dry expanses of the Kalahari Desert, the Delta is a beacon for a myriad of wildlife who seek hydration – these include animals like hippos, lions, and cape buffalo.

The Resident Elephants

Botswana actually has the largest population of African elephants on the continent! Massive herds are known to roam national parks like Chobe and nomadic herds are known to constantly traverse the Kalahari.

A Wild Land

Botswana is roughly the size of France in terms of area. However, it only has 2 million people living in it compared to France’s 66 million. The low number of humans is one of the chief reasons that wildlife tends to thrive in the country, there’s plenty of wilderness for them to call home.

Elephant back safari ride in Habarana

Elephant Back Safaris in Sri Lanka is one of the most joyful leisure activities for a number of reasons. It is also a very rare experience that’s loved by westerners the most.

Why elephant back safaris are fun?

Rather than just holidaying in a Sri Lanka resort enjoying luxury, experiencing an elephant back safari is fun and exciting. You simply share some hours of your day with an elephant while exploring nature.

The experience

On one such safari, you can view the exotic wildlife from the back of a majestic elephant. You also get the chance to feed the elephant and see how it gets groomed after a bath, which is a rare sight to enjoy.

Why Habarana?

Habarana is one perfect transit point for herds of wild elephants who belong to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. So, Habarana has become one of the locations that provide this experience in Sri Lanka allowing guests of nearby resorts the likes of Habarana Village by Cinnamon to have this firsthand experience.

The best periods

Water levels are good during the months of March and July; needless to say, this makes the best time for a safari!