Adventure Sports in Oman

Be it thrills above or below the waves or exciting excursions amidst stunning natural landscapes, Oman offers fantastic adventure sports for those in search of an action-packed holiday.

Scuba diving

Image Credit-Soljaguar [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons

There is nothing like heading into the mysterious ocean depths to get your heart racing with excitement. Cockleshell Bay, Coral Garden and Mermaid Cove are among the diving hotspots in Oman. What’s more, resorts like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara even offer PADI Open Water Courses for first timers.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While it may not be fast-paced, stand-up paddleboarding or SUP does offer an adventure-filled way to do some exploring as you paddle your board across the waters. Easy to find at a Salalah beach resort, this activity is best enjoyed from October till May.

Canyoning

For land-based fun, you could always enjoy some canyoning as you scramble, climb, swim and sometimes even abseil through rugged terrains. Snake Gorge and Majlis Al Jinn Cave are among the places in Oman you can try this activity.

Safari in the Desert

While technically not a “sport”, a desert safari is nevertheless one of the most thrilling activities in Oman, especially at sites like Wahiba Sands, Bawshar Sands and the Empty Quarter. On this adventure, you can look forward to seeing everything from wildlife to traditional Bedouin lifestyles.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Springbrook and Tambourine Rainforest Tour in Brisbane

Submerge into the lush greenery and to a multifarious fauna that is hidden on the outskirts of Brisbane. Visitors in Brisbane are often spoilt by the variety of outdoor activities available for them to enjoy.

Info

Springbrook is a world heritage listed, a national park located on a 23-million-year-old volcanic plateau whilst adjoining Tamborine is also a mountain plateau and rainforest with a 360 view of Queensland from the Surfer’s paradise to the Rim Mountain Range. With waterfalls, caves, brooks and even nature’s own bridges, these rainforests are an ecosystem of those.

Winery

If you are joining one of the rainforest tours expect to stop at the winery for a hearty lunch. To enter the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery in Mount Tamborine you would have to go through the estate’s purpose-built glow worm cave.

Location

Located near the Queensland & NSW border, the rainforest is over an hour’s drive south from Brisbane CBD. Hotels in the business district also host a wide variety of long stay accommodations like the Oaks Lexicon Apartments which would be ideal for you if you are hoping to stay in CBD to explore Queensland.

spectacular view of Brisbane city skyline at night from Oaks Lexicon Apartments hotel balcony — Image Credit: Oaks Lexicon Apartments

Additional facilities

End the day in Tamborine by taking a gallery walk browsing the arts and craft stores. Grab an ice-cream on your way out or simply get a coffee at The Tree House café which on Long Road and sharpens your senses for your journey home.

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+

Explore Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka being one of the best all-round wildlife destinations in the world showcases diverse wildlife creatures in their natural habitat. Read on to know some of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife reserves.

Image by Patty Ho Uploaded on Wikimedia Commons by Lkcl_it, Yala National Park (Sri Lanka 2012), CC BY 2.0

Wilpattu National Park

Those who keen on discovering diverse and numerous wildlife in Sri Lanka can look forward to a multitude of wild encounters in Willpattu. Being one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country, the best time to visit this park is from February to October, as this when the Wilpattu National Park quite literally comes alive different species of wildlife encounters. Cormorants, painted stroke, terns, whistling teals and spoonbills are some of the birds that nest and breed in Willpattu.

Yala National Park

Being one of the most popular wildlife reserves, the Yala National Park features brackish lagoons, grassy plains, and a light forest. Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nkar Travel House and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Kumana National Park

Also known as ‘Yala East’, spotting animals is not an easy task in Kumana! However, it possesses a certain authenticity and a significant bird population. The nesting season which comes in the months of May and June makes it an ideal place to visit the park.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Staying true to its name, the Sinharaja Forest which means the ‘Lion Kingdom’ is an important biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is home to more than 50% of endemic species including mammals, butterflies as well as many kinds of insects and reptiles

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+

Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts of stunning environs which change from misty mountains, rustic coasts to dense jungles. Within these the most exotic wildlife creatures exist!

Image by Anton Croos, Sri Lanka Elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala National Park

For those who want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Don’t get excited as you get closer to view a leopard on a tree or stalking its next prey! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. If you wish to go on a thrilling safari in Yala, consider planning your trip with one of the local travel agents such as Holidays by Design to spend an amazing day in the wild.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular Sri Lanka wildlife tours, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Wilpattu National Park

Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the Wilpattu National Park has gained extra popularity for its topographical feature called ‘Villu’. You can always trust the park to spot herds of spotted deer, lazy crocodiles and beautiful peacocks in full plumage and a jungle fowl on a scout for food.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

The Paradise of Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Both trodden and untrodden paths of jungles in Sri Lanka hold an abundance of adventure and intrigue. Despite its small size, the country boasts a wide variety of wildlife. Do read on!

Yala National Park

If you want to spot a Sri Lankan leopard, there will be no better place than the Yala National Park! Don’t get excited as you get closer to view a leopard on a tree or stalking its next prey! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Cinnamon Nature Trails and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Sinharaja Forest

Staying true to its name, the Sinharaja Forest which means the ‘Lion Kingdom’ is an important biodiversity hotspot in the country. In 1988, this forest became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional geological features. It is home to more than 50% of endemic species including mammals, butterflies as well as many kinds of insects and reptiles.

Minneriya National Park

Bundala National Park

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

Elephants in Sri Lanka

When we talk about the wildlife of Sri Lanka, it’s the elephants that come to our minds first. If on a holiday in Sri Lanka, you’ll come across many sanctuaries to view these majestic creatures.

Image by Rohit Varma, Elephas Maximus (19201959), CC BY-SA 3.0

About

Majestic elephants in Sri Lanka are known as the iconic constituent of the country’s wildlife. Elephants have been living for more than thousands of years and they’ve been revered from time immemorial. What’s more, Sri Lanka is home for the world’s largest herd of orphaned elephants. Elephas maximus maximus, the largest of the Asian elephant’ genus is found only in Sri Lanka!

Disposition

Sri Lankan elephants are self-aware, highly intelligent, emotional as well as robust in nature. These gentle jumbos often show emotional appeal using their head, trunk, tail, and their large ears. Even though the elephants were used for carrying, hauling and lifting heavy objects in ancient Sri Lanka, now they are mostly used in religious and cultural festivals such as ‘Kandy Esala Perahara’.

Where to spot

Those who wish to experience an elephant safari in Sri Lanka can plan your journey with one of the leading local tour operators such as Cinnamon Nature Trails for an exhilarating experience. Pinnawala is the best spot to witness a large volume of elephants. If you love spending more time with the jumbos, have a nice time bathing an elephant! Udawalawa, Minneriya, and Wagamuwa are some other places where one can catch a glimpse of elephants in the wild.

Lifestyle

At any given time, you’ll hardly find male elephants in a herd because mostly these herds include female and baby elephants. They are very active in the night and usually sleep under large trees in the daytime.

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

Desert animal survival adaptations that will blow your mind!

Deserts are certainly one of the harshest environments on the planet but even in these environs, nature has amazed us giving a number of creatures abilities to tackle these unforgiving conditions. Read on to know about some of these unique survival adaptations of animals who live in deserts.

WikimediaImages, Camel Race Algeria Desert Animal Track Riding, CC0 1.0

Scaly Skin

Most of the creatures of deserts particularly reptiles have scaly and patterned skin, these are an adaption formed through thousands of years of evolution. Scaly skins of these creatures retain moisture and help them evenly dissipate heat. The sidewinder snakes, the thorny devil, Earless lizard, the Gila monster are some of the creatures who have developed this adaptation.

Sophisticated digestive system

Almost all the desert creatures have a highly adapted digestive system that can synthesise food to extract water. Since these environments do not hold water for these creatures to drink, most creatures like The desert tortoise, the Greater Roadrunner, Brewer’s Sparrow, camels are some of the examples of desert creatures with sophisticated digestive systems.

Nocturnal lifestyle

Most of the desert creatures avoid the scorching sun by this ingenious method. That is by becoming nocturnal. This particular behaviour can be seen among Mammals and other warm-blooded creatures such as badgers, coyotes and foxes.

Heightened Senses

Finding food in the desert is like finding a needle in a haystack and some of these creatures have developed adaptations such as an acute sense of hearing and smell to pinpoint the location of food. This works both ways i.e. predator such as fennec foxes and coyotes use them to hunt their prey and creatures like the desert hare use their sense of hearing to not become the hunted.

Animals of these special survival adaptations can be spotted in desert regions and you are more likely to spot one of these during your Abu Dhabi Desert Tour or a stroll on the deserts during your stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

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

Gladstone East Shores

The port centre of Queensland now has more recreational facilities for both locals and those visiting. From an accessible foreshore area to waterfront boardwalk this park is accessible by and suitable for all.

About

Administered by the Gladstone ports corporations this facility is a multi-faceted attraction for both locals and tourists. This world-class recreational facility often hosts food festivals, fund raisers and a monthly-events for dog owners.

Visit

East shores provide a world-class recreational precinct for Gladstone residents and visitors of all ages to hang out, stay active, rejuvenate and enjoy the foreshore area.

Facilities

With a play area for kids, barbecue facilities, all-day security, water play park and waterfront boardwalk, the precinct spans along Flinders Parade and includes a stretch of luscious greens.

Location

Gladstone is the multi-commodity port centre of Queensland Whilst there are many hotels in Gladstone QLD you could stay at the Oaks Grand Gladstone which is just 800 meters and three minutes away from the precinct. The precinct is also located next to Victoria Park, the Gladstone regional art gallery & museum and the Gladstone yacht club which results in picturesque views for miles around.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Drifting down the Yarra River

Melbourne’s Yarra River provides a scenic backdrop to the busy city. although far from crystal clear, head up the river where the water is much cleaner and take a dip during the summer months.

Ride the river like an Aussie

Most locals opt to kayak or drift down the river on inflatable tires and rafts. This is a laid-back way of experiencing the river, but it can take you far from roads, so make sure you get to know the route well.

The best time to enjoy the river

The river is at its best between December to March, but if you’re staying at a hotel like Oaks On Lonsdale, for instance, a Melbourne hotel apartment, you can always check with them for the best times and locations along the river to visit. Locals usually avoid swimming after heavy rains, which tends to wash debris into the river.

Stay safe and covered

Protect yourself against the harsh sun with sunscreen and wear long sleeves if you plan on being in the water for more than an hour or two. Also, try to wear surf or river shoes since most of the river bed is made up of sharp stones.

Explore the riverside

There are several spots along the river you can experience, from shallow beds and streams to the deeper parts of the river. Depending on how much time you have, try and check them out.

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

The Adventure of Snorkelling

From vibrant corals to a range of fish species including ethereal-like manta rays, the Maldives offers one of the best snorkelling destinations on the planet. Here’s your chance to enter this whole new “world”.

Best times for snorkelling

Snorkelling in Maldives can be pretty much enjoyed all year round while at your Maldives resort; however January to April is a particularly great time for this activity since the waters are clearer and the weather at its best. Do keep in mind that the weather from May to September can be less predictable.

In search of Nemo & Co.

Be it clownfish (Nemo!), bannerfish, powder blue tangs, fusiliers parrotfish, butterflyfish or hawksbill turtles, the ocean surrounding the Maldives offers much to see. Resorts the likes of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort have reefs nearby providing the ideal chance to get up close to this marine life.

Underwater superstars

Of course, there are certain marine creatures that add to the excitement of a snorkelling adventure; graceful manta rays, unhurried whale sharks and stealthy blacktip reef sharks swimming in their natural habitats are sights that are certainly unforgettable.

Image of resort — Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Adding splashes of colour

Marine life aside, you can also look forward to seeing a stunningly vibrant array of corals on your snorkelling expeditions; staghorn, finger, brain and table corals are amongst the varieties that can be spotted here, each adding to the charm of this underwater spectacle.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

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