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A Thrilling Kithulgala Adventure Experience

If you are an adrenaline junkie or are just looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure, then make visiting Kithulgala in Sri Lanka a top priority! From white water rafting to abseiling down a waterfall there is plenty of action-packed excitement to look forward to.

Kithulgala Adventure| Img by: Nature Odyssey

White Water Rafting

The Kelani River has made Kithulgala the most popular place in Sri Lanka for white water rafting. Local tour specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey give you a chance to enjoy grade 2 and 3 rapids which have some rather unusual names for certain areas; Butter Crunch, Rib Cage, Killer Fall and Head Chopper are a few. Don’t be put off by their names though, it really is a lot of fun!

Waterfall Abseiling

A quintessential part of the Kithulgala adventure experience, abseiling down a waterfall is a pure adrenaline rush that lets you truly be “one” with the cascading water. Reputed operators ensure safety comes first as you make your way down the rock face, which sometimes can be over 100 feet high.

Confidence Jumps

Also called a waterfall jump, this activity involves jumping down from a height to natural pools below. The jump-off point can be at varying heights depending on where you are taken; greater heights require greater confidence in yourself! Do make sure to choose experienced excursion providers who follow proper safety measures.

Rainforest Walks

For a land-based adventure in Kithulgala, travellers can embark on a trek through pristine rainforest areas. On your journey, you will encounter picturesque waterfalls and streams along with wildlife including colourful bird species.

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

The Enchanting Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka

Featuring a rich biodiversity, the Sinharaja Rainforest is a true natural treasure home to a wealth of endemic flora and fauna. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve the forest offers much to discover.

Getting There

Due to its vast size, Sinharaja can be reached from different directions; the Veddagala – Kudawa route passing Ratnapura en route to Kudawa is generally the most widely used. Another option is the Morningside Route also from Ratnapura or via Deniyaya. For convenience, it always helps to stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge in Sri Lanka, ideally by the fringes of the reserve.

Birdlife

The Sinharaja Rainforest is home to around 147 bird species, including 21endemic species; these include the Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and the Sri Lankan Junglefowl which are amongst the species you may see on birdwatching excursions offered by eco-friendly properties such as The Rainforest Ecolodge. Not to be missed is the chance to witness the ‘Mixed Species Feeding Bird Flocks’ featuring various bird species.

Other Wildlife

Eight endemic species of mammals have been recorded here including the torque macaque and the giant squirrel. Sinharaja also has a high number of butterfly species as well as amphibians and reptiles such as the Green Pit Viper.

Tree and Plant Life

Made up of tropical wet evergreen forest or tropical lowland rainforest, Sinharaja is a rich storehouse for plant and tree species; in fact, more than 60% of trees found here are endemic. Amongst the flora are many medicinal plants too, used in traditional medicine.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Early morning fishing excursions in Maldives

There are many things to do in Male Maldives while staying in a hotel like Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon – one of them is to go fishing. An early morning fishing excursion in Maldives will be an experience of a life time as the Maldivian waters are filled with many varieties of fish and underwater marine life.

Fishing in Maldives

Many of the anglers aspire to go fishing in clear warm waters around hundreds of islands with varieties fish inhabiting the channels in between islands to feed on nutrients brought from the Indian Ocean. Watch as they bring in their daily catch or even take part in these fishing excursions if you are interested in such activities.
Types of fishing excursions available

Shore fishing

These methods use live bait in shallow waters that involve the use of braided lines, wading into shallow waters. There are hundred varieties of fish found here like, reef fish, small Grouper, Bone fish, Jack, Snapper fish and even small Barracuda.

Big Game Fishing Jigging/Popping

This type is used mainly for large fish like Tuna, big Barracuda Red Bass and giant Trevally that generally put up a big fight. These are early morning off shore day excursions, which can land in big fish such as Marin, Dorado, Sailfish and Wahoo. Heavy duty fishing gear is essential for this kind of fishing and the best way to enjoy game fishing is to cast the line from a boat at a fishing spot.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

Sri Lankan sloth bears with their shaggy black coats are now restricted to the Northern and Eastern lowlands jungles of Sri Lanka. They normally aren’t easily seen as they are quite the shy animals and enjoy their solitude.

Image Credit-Sandhillcrane, Sri Lanka Sloth Bear, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sri Lankan sloth bear

It is a sub species a little different to its Indian cousin and are omnivores, so they enjoy eating small fruits, bee hives and even small insects like ants and termites. They have specially developed a lower lip for gathering these small insects. You will most often find the young cubs sometimes ride on their mother’s back or perched on top of a tree as these animals are excellent climbers.

Habitat

Sri Lankan sloth bears are found in jungles especially in the dry zone. This bear can easily be spotted in Yala and Wilpattu national parks. There are many instances where humans have been attacked by the she bears with her cubs and some tribal villagers have suffered as a result of this. Therefore, close encounters are best avoided while on your jungle trek.

How to view these sloth bears

The best way to see them is to get assistance from a tour operator like Cinnamon Nature Trails, one of the many Sri Lanka wildlife tour operators that provide customized packages for customers.

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

Snorkeling in Sri Lanka

When on vacation, you often find yourself searching for fun things to do. Sri Lanka often referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, has world-class snorkeling and scuba-diving tours that will keep you enchanted right throughout your trip.

Snorkeling | Image Credit - tata_aka_T, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons — Snorkeling | Image Credit – tata_aka_T, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

Why Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view under-water life without damaging them. The shallow seas of Sri Lanka allow you to do this without a hassle. View colourful coral reefs and shoals of fish by snorkeling in the warm waters of the Indian ocean while holidaying in Sri Lanka.

Locations
For snorkeling and scuba diving in Sri Lanka, the best locations are Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Kirinda. If you are heading towards the west, you could check out ‘Bar Reef’, which is Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef, located just off Puttalam. The best way to check out all these locations is if you go through a good tour company such as Walkers Tours, that specialize in customized tour packages for their clients

Get Ready to Snorkel
Obviously, to go snorkeling you need to have the proper gear. You can rent some from shops that are located alongside the Sri Lankan beaches or you could even bring your own. All under-water activities are normally conducted by well trained and experienced UDI and PADI instructors to ensure the utmost safety and enjoyment of all travelers, so you have nothing to worry about!

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

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Exploring the Isaan

There’s an old saying which says, ‘if you haven’t explored Isaan, you haven’t experienced Thailand’, this rings true to almost everything that’s on offer here. Want to know more?

Image by Diego Delso, Isla Tapu, Phuket, Tailandia, 2013-08-20, DD 36, CC BY-SA 3.0

1) Ton Tann Night Market

Generally considered a little more upscale than the conventional night market, here at the Ton Tann Night Market you will find various traditional food stalls and street vendors. There are many boutique shops as well, and even a large centre stage that features an array of live performances.

2) Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake

Of all the lakes in Khon Kaen, the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake located to the southeast of the city centre features a variety of bars, coffee shops and restaurants all around it. Food stalls which pop up towards the evenings serve an assortment of local delicacies. If you’re looking for a hotel, Khon Kaen has many that you can check out, such as the AVANI Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for example.

3) Wat Nong Wang

Learn about the culture of Buddhism and the history behind it at the Wat Nong Want temple which feature many relics as well as a gorgeous panoramic view of the town.

4) Horse Races

The horse races on Sundays are something to treat yourself to. You can grab a bite and even bet if you feel like it, all while enjoying a spectacle of a sport.

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

The Hill Country Tour to Sri Lanka

If you think that Sri Lanka is only a tropical beach destination and has nothing more to offer you are wrong! Located in the central part of the country there lies a misty and hilly region which will certainly leave you speechless.

Overview

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is certainly mesmerising! The region mostly consists of magnificent mountain ranges that are blanketed by lush greenery. There are also a plethora of tea estates which are also well worth visiting.;

A paradise for nature lovers

The region offers a myriad of attractions most of them will be a treat for nature lovers. Horton Plains, Ella, The Royal Botanical Gardens, Udawalawa National Park, Pinnawala Elephant sanctuary are some of the places you could visit to witness the glorious aspects of Nature in the central highlands.

For a relaxing getaway

One could also enjoy a relaxing vacation experience just by planning your stay at any of the many exquisite accommodation options that are located in the midst of the most scenic places in the country. Destinations such as Nuwara Eliya offers cool and very appealing climate and could also find good accommodation options along with lucrative Holiday Packages in Sri Lanka.

Planning your tour

You could plan a tour to this amazing region witnessing all of the attractions the hill country has to offer by signing up with a tour organizer. You could even create your own itinerary. Tour organizers the likes of Holidays by Design offer carefully orchestrated tour packages during which you get to visit amazing places of interests and stay at exquisite accommodation options at the same time.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Plan a Trip to Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka

Embark on a journey to witness nature at its best and raw state, discover tranquillity as you wander through the wilderness at the Wilpattu National Park.

Image Credit- Rehman Abubakr, WilpattuNationalPark-April2014 (8), CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Located 26 Kilometers north of Puttalam and 30 Kilometers west Anuradhapura, Wilpattu Sri Lanka is placed at the lowland dry zone in the north western region of Sri Lanka. It has a number of lakes and tanks supporting a variety of wildlife. It is also regarded as one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Sri Lanka.

A bit of History

The park was designated as a sanctuary in 1905 and was upgraded to a national park in the year of 1938. Today it has become as one of the most sought over nature travel destinations in Sri Lanka.

Climate

The region receives an annual rainfall of approximately 1000mm and the average temperature fluctuates between 25-30 Degrees. The inter monsoonal rains during March and the north east monsoonal period from December – February are the main sources of rain and what makes this land thrive with wildlife.

The Experience

The reserve is home to an extensive range of flora and fauna, some of the species of plants and animals are endemic to Sri Lanka. Witnessing them up-close and personal will certainly be a worthy experience and you can make that happen by planning your tour with Cinnamon Nature Trails.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

A Guide to Hiking in Sri Lanka

The temperature in the hill country barely goes over 21 degrees normally, and the best way to start your hikes would be during the early morning hours.

World’s End in Horton Plains

If you ask anyone the most famous hill country hike in Sri Lanka, they would tell you about World’s End in Horton Plains featuring a stunning precipice. The trail here is approximately 4km, with an additional 2km if you visit Baker’s Falls. Early morning between 6-9am is the best time to visit so that you can see right to the bottom of the sheer drop; or else you will just be seeing a cloud of white swirls. You can easily plan a day excursion here from properties like Bandarawela Hotel.

Central Sri Lanka

Bandarawela, Ella and Haputale are some of the most famous areas for hiking in Central Sri Lanka; they are lined with beautiful green tea estates where you can see colourful tea pluckers in the wee hours hard at work. Best is to stay at a Bandarawela hotel that can help organise your hiking excursion.

The Knuckles Range

Image Credit- Astronomyinertia, Knuckles Range, CC BY-SA 3.0

If you explore Central Sri Lanka more, you will come across a broad mountain range called “Knuckles”. Like its name, the mountain is shaped like the knuckles on your hand. Located off Kandy, the Knuckles Mountain Range is approximately 18,512 hectares and is a hiker’s paradise, with rocky mountain tops and cascading waterfalls.

Lipton’s Seat

In Haputale, you can hike up to the point known as Lipton’s Seat where stunning views of the Dambetenne Tea Estate await. This enchanting spot was once used by Sir Thomas Lipton and this lofty vantage point can be reached via a 7km track.

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

Bentota river safari in Sri Lanka

Discover a whole new experience that is exciting and tranquil all at the same time. Bentota river safaris are extremely popular amongst all who visit. Want to know more about it?

Image by Hafiz Issadeen from Dharga Town, Sri Lanka, Bentota River in Dharga, Sri Lanka, CC BY 2.0

1) Where

There are tons of places to check out when you’re looking for accommodation, from villas to even a simple resort. Bentota is beaming with many options such as the AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa for example.

2) When

It’s best to visit during the months between January and March as its mostly sunny during this season. The monsoon season here begins in April and must be avoided at all costs. The wettest months, however, are between June and September. Another interesting time to visit is during Diwali, which falls between October and November.

3) How

Whether it’s through your resort or privately, you’ll find numerous ways to book a boat tour in Bentota. Most usually take around 2.5 hours and cost about 2000 rupees per person.

4) Discover

On your boat safari, you will come across all sorts of amazing creatures such as water monitors. Native to southeast Asia, these massive lizards grow up to 2 metres in length. The largest one found in Sri Lanka was a gigantic 3.2 metres.

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