Tourism in Doha

The city of Doha is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of Qatar. Here’s some more information and a few places you can visit during your time there!

Overview
Considered as a ‘world city’ by the Globalisation and World Cities Research Network and in 2015, Doha was considered one of the ‘New7Winders Cities. The majority of the population living in Doha are Muslims, however, you’ll also find plenty of Catholics in the city.

Museum of Islamic Art
Boasting a world-class collection that spans 1400 years, the Museum of Islamic Art allows it’s visitors to gain a broad insight into the world of art, together with its rich history. Just 11 minutes from Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli and other such hotels in Doha, Qatar, this museum is quite an experience.

Souq Waqif
Your trip to Doha is incomplete if you do not visit Souq Waqif, a vibrant complex with an atmosphere that’s unmatched. Built on an ancient market site, Souq Waqif is known to be the social heart of Doha. The market is a true journey to the past, showing the old Qatari village lifestyle in the best way possible.

Doha Corniche
If you’re looking for just a relaxing stroll, the Doha Corniche is the answer. The corniche was built to reach from one end of the city to the other, the view from the corniche is amazing!

Art Galleries in Doha, Qatar

If you are staying in one of the hotels in Doha and hope to take a couple of days to explore, make sure that you put the famous art galleries into your list. Here are a few you can consider.

1. Museum of Islamic Art
Called the Mathaf Al-Fann Al-Islami, the Museum of Islamic Art was built in 2008 and holds works of art taken from across central Asia and the Middle East.

2. National Museum of Qatar
Considered one of the most important places to learn of the culture of Qatar, the National Museum of Qatar. It was designed by Jean Nouvel who is an award-winning French architect.

3. Arab Museum of Modern Art
Considered the hub of modern and contemporary Arabian art, the Arab Museum of Art is situated about 15 km away from Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli. You could incorporate it into your adventures for a day.

4. ALRIWAQ
A non-collection-based exhibition space was built in 2010 and is very closely situated to the Museum of Islamic Art. It has played host to some of the most famous art shows and continues to put Doha on the map when it comes to international art exhibitions.

5. Katara Art Centre
Dedicated to showcasing art and culture in a modern and contemporary sense. The Katara Art Centre and Cultural Village is a place by the sea full of art spaces, music stages and eateries. Experience the culture of the Qatari.

 

Amazing Attractions in Langkawi

Surrounded by the beauty of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is a destination where adventure abounds with plenty to see and experience for the whole family.

Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge

Here are two great experiences in one; head to Oriental Village, a short drive from Berjaya Langkawi Resort, and take a breathtaking cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Mat Cincang. At the top, you will find the 124-metre-long Langkawi Sky Bridge which offers even more inspiring panoramas, 700 metres above sea level!

Image by ZHI ZENG from Pixabay 

Umgawa Legendary Adventures

A thrilling way to immerse yourself in nature, Umgawa Legendary Adventures provides exciting ziplining experiences that are a perfect addition to your holiday at a Langkawi resort. Be it zip lining past waterfalls, or rainforests amidst the scenic backdrop of Langkawi Geopark, this attraction has much to offer and features several sky-bridges and abseiling as well.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Referred to as the Seven Wells Waterfalls, this pictures site is a stunning attraction that is known for its seven connected natural pools. Of course, if you want more adventure, you can plan a hike up to the summit of the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and spot wildlife on your journey too.

Langkawi Wildlife Park

Offering a fun day out for the whole family, the Langkawi Wildlife Park is home to more than 2,500 birds including hornbills, flamingos, eagles and owls and features a huge walk-in aviary. You will also find a variety of animals here like rabbits, deer, raccoons and monkeys along with interactive wildlife experiences.

 

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

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hills of Kandy

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a dense forest-covered mountain range that is among the most popular and one of the toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. There are smaller, easier hiking trails like the one situated in the vicinity of Hunas Falls, which is also as picturesque and breath-taking. Here are some of the most popular trails and adventures.

Dothalugala Nature Trail

This trail winds along the Dothalugala mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the south side of the mountain range. The whole trail extends 5.8 kilometres and once the circuit has been completed, you will have made it a full circle around the mountain.

Mini World’s End

Named Mini World’s End because it too is a sheer drop of 1,192 metres like the World’s End at Horton Plains, this trail snakes across two other trails. Since it begins in the Knuckles Conservation Centre, you will need a permit to enter the reserve. If you are staying in a hotel in Kandy, you can ask for more information.

Nitro Caves

An eleven-kilometre path which begins at Corbett’s Gap and extends for 5 hours leads to the Nitro Caves which is a massive cave full of bats.

Duwili Ella Trail

Duwili Ella| Img by: Gayan Rajapakshe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The most spectacular hike, Duwili Ella trail ends in a 40-metre waterfall deep within the forest. There is also a cave behind the waterfall which is what makes this hike most spectacular.

 

 

 

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Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

 

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Getting to Know Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a favourite romantic hideaway to many and a favourite destination among many beach lovers too. Because of its ample availability of pristine beaches, it is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and leisure travellers who need a real change in their lives.

Getting here

From Bangkok and Phuket, it’s just an hour’s flight away and does not require you to go through any hassle. After you arrive at Koh Samui if accommodation is your next concern. Do not worry, the city has many options the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort which are loved especially by tourists.

Image Credit: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

Exploring the beaches

As this is a beach paradise, you find several beaches with unique characteristics. Chaweng Beach is known as one of the best beaches, around which many Chaweng beach resorts are also located. Lamai Beach and BoPhut Beach are some other options if you want a list.

Exploring the Nathon Town

This is a cosy little township that has a commercial and administrative significance. You’ll be surprised to hear that this is literally the only town Koh Samui has because you find all features such as shopping areas, dining areas in it.

Per Meistrup, Thai-Night-market wIMG 3912CC BY-SA 4.0

Exploring the touch of Buddhism in the city

Big Buddha is a beach town and owns one of the most serene and clean beaches that Koh Samui has. If you wonder why the name goes like this, it’s because of the giant Buddha Statue located here, that is quite loved by tourists who visit this city.

Image Credit: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

“Big Cat” diaries in Botswana

Graced with an abundance of Africa’s well-known predators, Botswana is a great year-round destination for wildlife and animal enthusiasts! Here’s a little more information on where you can spot the big cats.

Image credit- Pixabay,EnchantingTravels,CC0

Overview
Animals in Botswana are made up of the majestic big 5, amongst the five you’ll find lions – fascinating animals. There are plenty of reasons to go on a big cat safari in Botswana, as you’ll leave with plenty of gathered knowledge and memories.

Lions
Luckily for you, the largest of the big cat group, the lion and its pride can be found almost everywhere throughout Botswana. If you’re looking to witness the lions and buffalos face each other, the Kwedi Concession is the ideal location. The ultimate Big 5 encounter between the two aggressive animals is not to be missed! In order to spot the black-maned lions, you’ll only find them in the Kalahari Desert.

Leopards
Leopards are as easy to spot as lions in Botswana due to their large numbers! To witness leopards in their natural habitat and in all their glory, the Linyanti Concession in northern Botswana is the best!

Cheetahs
Considered the weakest of the big cats, the cheetah is the fastest and the most difficult to see. You can see them in some areas such as Okavango Delta and Linyanti near Chobe National Park. When staying at hotel chains in Botswana the likes of Minor Hotels, pick a property that isn’t too far from such locations!

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Elephants in Sri Lanka

An iconic animal, elephants in Sri Lanka are very much a part of the island’s identity. However, conservation efforts are vital if these gentle giants are to survive.

Image credit- Pixabay,photoliver,CC0

Endemic Species
The largest subspecies of the Asian elephant, the Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is endemic to the island. While the country was once home to around 20,000 elephants, currently there are only about 5,000 some of which can be seen on a safari tour in Sri Lanka.

Elephant Safaris
National parks including those at Minneriya, Yala, Udawalawe and Kaudulla are ideal for elephant safaris organised by tour specialists such as Walkers Tours. One of the key elephant hotspots is Minneriya where between June and September you can witness “The Gathering” that features hundreds of elephants in and around the park’s reservoir.

Human-Elephant Conflict
Sadly, due to the expansion of human habitation and the loss of natural habitats, the human-elephant conflict has claimed many lives, mostly elephants. Farmers and villagers look to protect their crops and lands, while elephants are driven to find food and water; this deadly cycle continues every year. Throw illegal poaching into the mix and you will see why elephant conservation is vital.

Conservation Efforts
Amongst the efforts being made to conserve this endangered animal is the introduction of tougher penalties for those harming or poaching wild elephants. Other initiatives include using electrical fences or infrared alarm systems to keep out elephants from human habitations without harming them and the proposed setting up of Managed Elephant Reserves (MER). Hopefully, such efforts will help in conserving these majestic animals.

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Exploring Doha in one day

As Doha is increasingly becoming popular as the hub for international travelers, many of them have one day in Doha and cover everything it has to offer within that one day. It is possible, but with proper planning.

Image by: https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/souq-waqif-doha

Use taxis

To get around Doha in one day, you will mostly have to rely on taxis, and this is the best option too. Taxis are relatively cheap and even if you want to travel in between hotels in Doha, for your business visits, this mode is ideal.

The Museum of Islamic Art- a must visit

The Museum of Islamic Art which is also known as the MIA is a place that you must not miss at any cost during your one day in Doha. A 09-minute drive away from hotels such as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli, this is an iconic piece of architecture, that tourists fall in love with.

Take a Dhow Cruise

Doha skyline is another must-see sight here and a good way to see this is by taking a Dhow Cruise. A Dhow is a traditional wooden boat in the region which now provide tourists with leisure cruises.

A visit to Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif means the standing market- and indeed the number one Doha tourist attraction. If you are thinking of ending your day with a good dinner here, it is, of course, a good choice!

 

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Spotting Dolphins in Sri Lanka

Playful and swift, dolphins are amongst the most fascinating creatures that call the ocean home and can be found off the coasts of Sri Lanka.

 

Spinner Dolphins
Also referred to as the long snouted dolphin, spinner dolphins are relatively small in size. This species can be seen in areas like Kalpitiya as part of dolphin watching excursions offered by tour specialists like Walkers Tours. One of the features of spinner dolphins is that they are known for their acrobatics, and sometimes leap in the air!

Bottlenose Dolphin
One of the most well known species, bottlenose dolphins can easily be seen on a dolphin watching tour Sri Lanka has to offer in areas like Mirissa. This species has a diet that’s mainly forage fish and is generally known to be part of pods that can be 10 to 30 in number.

Risso’s Dolphin
One of the largest species of dolphins, Risso’s dolphins can also be spotted off the island’s coastlines. While this species has a sizable anterior body, it can sometimes grow to lengths of around 14 feet! You can look to spot them while on excursions out to sea in Trincomalee on the country’s east coast.

Striped Dolphin
Commonly found in tropical and temperate waters, the striped dolphin is relatively smaller in size and generally feeds on squid and pelagic fish. One of the characteristics of this species is its body colour, which is different from other dolphins and makes it easier to spot as well.