Top Diving Spots in the world

There’s no better way to explore the beauty that makes up the underwater world of fascinating marine creatures, colourful coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and so much more, than with scuba diving. Whether you are just beginning or have been diving for years, there are a host of different diving sites around the world, with each offering its own uniquely wonderful diving experience.

The turquoise waters and vast coral formations are just some of the reasons that attract divers to the stunning Maldives Islands. Resorts themselves boast great diving opportunities within their house reefs, like the Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, for example, which is located near other note-worthy diving sites. Maldives offers several deep reefs and shipwreck dives along with the mesmerising experience of leisurely swimming alongside groups of manta rays and sharks.
Travel further east, and discover the many exciting diving locations that Indonesia has to offer. From the coral gardens off Bali’s coast, to the staggering amount of life diversity at Raja Ampat, the options are endless, but it’s the Lembeh Strait that wins out as best Indonesian diving location. Under the calm waters that divides Lembeh Island from the mainland, lies an extraordinary world, full of exotic looking flora and fauna. An underwater photographer’s dream, the dark ocean’s bed is home to an amazing display of rare sea creatures – mandarin fish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, hairy frog fish and dragonets to name a few.
However, if you’re more interested in wrecks than reefs, the Red Sea is the place to be. The tumultuous waters and strong winds and numerous reefs make this area hazardous to navigate. The ancient Egyptians and Romans travelled along Red Sea regularly and often ran aground. Even today, it’s not unusual to hear of vessels sinking near the reefs; plus, there are several sunken war ships in the area. These are of course, just a few places that offer great diving sites. From beautiful coral reefs to wreck diving, there’s so many diving destinations in the world to discover.

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

The Ghost Tower

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Do you love ghost stories? Does hearing about a real life haunting make your hair stand on end, but leave you wanting to find out more? Then, by all means, do read on and hear the tale of the infamous Ghost Tower in Sathorn, Bangkok!

While traversing the streets of Sathorn you will come across a rather derelict looking building that has now become amongst the well known Bangkok tourist attractions in the city.

This structure which was originally known as Sathorn Unique was initially meant to offer luxury apartments, but when the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 hit, construction was suspended too.

Video by It’s better in thailand via Youtube

Neglect and disrepair took over and this unfinished tower soon attracted a whole different set of “crowd” than was originally intended.

Stories of it being haunted soon began to propagate with claims including that the building had been constructed on the grounds of what was once a graveyard, which angered the spirits here and who in turn plagued the project and those who worked on it.

Little wonder that for those who love ghost stories, this 49-storey tower has become such a popular attraction amongst the many others you can find out more on at travel blog sites like Travel Bangkok Now.

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The Ghost Tower is something to be seen from the outside and is generally off-limits to the public.

However, there have been instances where people have snuck inside and made their way up to the top floor.

Alexander Blecher, blecher.info [CC BY-SA 3.0 de , CC BY-SA 4.0  or GFDL ], via Wikimedia Commons
This is by no means advised, though since it is an abandoned building that is unsafe, not taking into account encounters with any angry spirits that may still wander its hallways.

Adding a new twist to the tale, in 2014, a body of a Swedish national was found on the 43rd floor of the building, apparently having committed suicide by hanging himself.

And so the frightening tales of the Ghost Tower continue to grow and provide quite a unique sightseeing opportunity in Bangkok… from the outside of course!

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+

Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives

Tipped to be one of the most exhilarating and unique underwater experiences on offer in the Maldives, diving with manta rays is not for the faint of heart. Though these gentle giants are in fact, one of the most docile marine species in the ocean, they do cut imposing figures especially when one interacts with them in their own turf. Available through a variety of Maldives villas and resorts with diving centres including the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and innumerable others, diving with manta rays is specifically geared for seasoned divers.

The Maldives is not only home to large schools of manta rays but is also one of the few diving hotspots in the world where spotting the large creatures is almost guaranteed due to their large local populace. Visitors who wish to experience a scuba diving excursion with manta rays will typically be transported to a site in the Indian Ocean such as Hanifaru where many mantas are known to feed during high tide. After the speedboat ride, divers will typically wait for high tide as the rising waves cause the manta rays to gather in one location to feed on plankton. Hanifaru is, in fact, one of the top diving destinations in the paradise archipelago and is especially well-known as a popular spot to witness manta rays as well as other marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Although manta rays appear fierce and imposing their nature is anything but hazardous to humans although divers must be careful when coming face to face and interacting with the creatures. Noticing the various patterns and spots on their bellies and skin has helped marine biologists and seasoned divers in the area to differentiate one manta ray from another. Diving fanatics who are based in the Maldives are certainly adept at interacting and recognising individual manta rays and also look to photograph them using underwater cameras. Tourists and those who are diving with the rays for the first time, however, should exercise caution and respect the distance between one’s self and the ray and enjoy the experience.

Stay Adventurous
Stay Adventurous, Img. Src:[Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives]
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Top Ski Spots in Queenstown

queenstown, lake view
Lake Wakatipu , Queenstown by Oaks Club Resort

In the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown has been a popular tourist destination for a number of years and has been steadily increasing in popularity. This city is regarded as Australia’s and New Zealand’s favourite winter playground, enticing many a ski enthusiast to plan ski holidays to the glistening alpine peaks of the region. When looking for accommodation for your visit, be sure to choose a Queenstown hotel which will cater to your individual needs. There is a plethora of Queenstown ski resort in the area such as the Oaks Club.

Skydiving is one of the biggest challenges you will face in the name of adventure. A free fall from 15,000 ft above the ground level, this sport is not only about adventure, but also a challenge t conquer your fears. A visit to Queenstown is almost incomplete without experiencing its famous bungee jump. You can leap from bridges, climbs or special platforms perches on the edge of a cliff or stadium roofs. You can leap off against the stunning backdrops of Queensland that will simply take your breath away.

This city warmly welcomes winter sports enthusiasts from all around the world visiting the four main ski fields: Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. Queenstown offers a huge variety of activities for the adventure sports enthusiasts which include bungee jumping, tramping, sky diving, jet boating, snowboarding and much more. It is no easy game; you need to be mindful all the time if yourself. There are a number of restaurants and bars that feature the wine of the region for those visiting Queenstown for a more relaxed holiday and also malls for those who would like to indulge in a bit of retail therapy.

Queenstown is the ideal venue to let loose among the slopes and enjoy a ski holiday like no other. Surrounded by snow-capped hills and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see the breathtaking winter wonderland that is Queenstown is a dream come true for winter sports enthusiasts the world over.

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

Journey to the Lion Rock, Sigiriya -A cornucopia of natural beauty

sigiriya rock fortress
Sigiriya rock fortress |  Photo by Poswiecie via Pixabay , CC0 Public Domain

 

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking to conquer great heights or an artist, inspired by the enigmas of time, the Lion Rock in Sigiriya will compel you to plan your next trip here. The Lion Rock is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic places. The lush greenery and wildlife add to the revelry of what is rumoured to have been the country’s capital during the reign of King Kashyapa. And with the likes of Jetwing Vil Uyana just 5km away, one can expect but the best in luxury from a Sigiriya hotel.

The story of Sigiriya is one of political mastery. This story starts with a misguided prince Kashyapa killing his father, King Datusena for the throne. Anticipating retaliation from his brother’s camp, the young king built the capital of his kingdom nearly 200 metres above the ground. The top of the rock provides an uninhibited view from every direction. An approaching army would have had to use extreme stealth to avoid detection by the king’s guards.

Among other defensive measures were a moat around the rock and narrow flights of steps that restricted movement in groups. If one were to tackle all the hurdles, he/she would get to the main entrance of the castle; the majestic Lion structure, of which only the paws remain today. This was, of course, never achieved by the king’s enemies. It is said that the king realized the gravity of his mistakes and turned to Buddhism for salvation. He lived a long pious life and died a natural death, according to the Chulawamsa.

The Lion Rock was hence abandoned as a palace. Until the 14th century, the rock and the adjoining caves served as a Buddhist monastery. After around 1500, only the foundation of the large structure atop the rock remains. The ponds that supposed to have supplied water to the top of the rock still work their unimaginable feats of engineering. The world famous frescoes and the lesser known poem wall mesmerize many a visitor. The unrestricted view births poets from its bosom, on top of the Lion rock.

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+

Bird Watching Spots in Sri Lanka

crane, birds in sri lanka
Crane (Bird) | Photo by nuzree via Pixabay , CC0 Public Domain

The bird population of Sri Lanka range from those that are endemic to the island to some of those that are migratory. Bird watching in Sri Lanka is a popular activity among wild life enthusiasts. One of the areas that is famous is Dambulla and it’s near by bird watching hubs such as Habarana and Sigiriya forests. The surrounding lush green tropical forests are a great place to explore the beaks and feathers within them. There are several eco friendly accommodation options within the areas that are great for one to getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. They often also provide facilities to explore the surroundings such as organizing excursions and bird watching tours as well as safaris,one such hotel is Kalundewa Retreat.

The tropical climate and the presence of wetlands that surround the bird sanctuaries make Sri Lanka a great location in South Asia for bird watching. There are well over 400 species of birds that can be observed across various locations of the country. 23 out of them are endemic to the country. Most of the species that are endemic to Sri Lanka can be found around the wetlands and mostly concentrated around the hill country. They are often seen throughout the year.

In the areas in and around Dambulla, such as the Sigiriya forest Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill one could spot birds such as Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Woodshrike ,Malabar Pied Hornbill , Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher among many others. Migratory birds often come to Sri Lanka during the winters in the Europe and Soviet countries hence it is worthwhile to have a look at the season before heading out on one of the tours. The month of December has been declared as the National Bird Month. There are also a handful of bird sanctuaries spread across various parts of the island.

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+

Exploring the underwater beauties in a whale submarine

 

Maldives is a group of islands that are surrounded by crystal clear azure waters that are teeming with a rich variety of marine life. To explore the beautiful life below the seas, diving and snorkelling is always the more popular options as it allows you to discover the marine life at your own pace. However, for non swimmers and those who have an innate fear of swimming in the sea, this can be problematic. In Maldives, all inclusive hotel excursions feature a variety of water sports and activities, like diving and snorkelling, that will keep you entertained and busy during your entire holiday, such as those offered at Maafushivaru Maldives.

Travelling with little kids can also mean that they won’t be able to experience the beautiful life that lives under the glistening waters of the Maldives, but fear not! The German Whale Submarine, the first of its kind, was created to allow anyone and everyone a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the diverse population of sea creatures. This submarine that was invented by the Germans and can hold a total of 50 passengers is believed to be the largest deep diving submarine that’s used for tourist activity.

The submarine initially dives to a depth of 25m, then 40 meters and finally up to a depth of 150 metres. Each of the three stops promises you a completely different view of the sea, without ever getting wet!

Each tour will be accompanied with an expert guide in marine life who will be point out the various species you come across, such as lionfish, anemone fish, parrotfish, eels, manta rays, sting rays, sea turtles, butterfly fish, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, eels and many more! So keep your eyes peeled for the exotic marine life. Some submarine tours even allow for night dives.

 

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

Wildlife Holiday at Muthurajawela Wetland

In the stillness, water splashes against the boat as you drift gently along. A peculiar bird call carries across the breeze, sometimes answered in return by another bird, a unique form of communication that humans are not privy to. Suddenly in your line of sight, you catch a flash of brown; you scan the skies and then you spot it; a majestic Brahminy kite soaring through the air, wings fully expanded, surveying the territory below. The Muthurajawela Wetland offers such outdoor adventures, perfect for bird watching enthusiasts.

A saltwater coastal peat bog which is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Muthurajawela Wetland is a protected sanctuary and is rich in biodiversity. This wetland is within easy reach of the coastal city of Negombo known for offering both luxury and budget hotels in Sri Lanka. Amongst the budget options, Hotel J Negombo is amongst the choices one can consider and is a little over half an hour drive from the Muthurajawela Visitor Centre.

Located in between the Kelani River and the Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela is one of the island’s most important wetlands and is part of a habitat that encompasses more than 6,000 hectares of mangroves and marshland. Within this thriving ecosystem, one can find around 190 plant species and more than 200 animal species, of which bird species number more than a hundred.

One of the best ways to explore and experience the natural heritage of the Muthurajawela Wetland is to take a boat ride along the waters. If you are into bird watching make sure you have a field guide book or a knowledgeable friend or guide who can identify the different birds you may come across. Keep your eyes peeled for varieties such as cormorants, purple swamp hens, common moorhens, common redshanks, lesser whistling-ducks and white-bellied sea eagles. Birds aside, you may also spot toque monkeys, water monitors and saltwater crocodiles, among the other animal residents that call Muthurajawela home.

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

Safari Holiday in Yala

 

The Yala National Park which is also known as a leopard spotting hotspot is a must visit place on a safari holiday if you are a leopard lover. It is believed that Yala has the highest population density of leopards in the world. Local car rental Sri Lanka companies the likes of Casons Rent a Car not only offer vehicles that can be used to tour such parks, but tour packages too. Driving through the seemingly endless tracks in Yala witnessing the amazing wildlife and magnificent sceneries is definitely a rewarding experience.

The park is also famous for its large herds of majestic elephants that freely roam in the natural terrain. Besides leopards and elephants, the park is a thriving natural habitat for deer, buffaloes, sloth bears, peacocks, crocodiles and jackals. It is the home to a large number of mammal varieties and bird species too. This wild kingdom was once supposed to have been home to one of the greatest civilisations, believed to have existed more than 2000 years ago. Traces from that era still remain with dilapidated tanks reflecting a bygone time period where agriculture took centre-stage. Yala was named as a Sri Lankan National Park in the year 1938. It covers a massive area of land that consists of scrub areas, light forests, grasslands, lagoons and tanks.

Yala wildlife sanctuary is divided into five sections and two of them are opened for visitors while the others are reserved for animals as breeding grounds and places of rest. The park is connected with the Indian Ocean on one side which provides a panoramic landscape for nature lovers. The memorial of those who died during the devastating Tsunami that hit the park in 2004 can be seen by getting off the vehicles. The tanks seen in this epic wildlife reserve provide much-needed water during the extremely dry seasons for all animals and help to keep them sustained.

Yala National Park.
Yala National Park. Image Courtesy:[Kumendra Dharmadasa]
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Bird Watching in Sigiriya

Of many things to do in Sigiriya, bird watching is a must do. As any bird watching enthusiast knows, one should always get an early start to see these feathered-folks at their best. The area surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a forest reserve and a great place to observe birds in their natural habitat. Many hotels in the area such as Water Garden Sigiriya offer their guests the chance to go on excursions to this UNESCO World Heritage Site accompanied by bird watching experts. Starting as early as 6 am, a walk to the sanctuary will allow visitors to spot a wide range of birds varying from kingfishers, eagles, hornbills, herons, cuckoo birds and much more. Bird watching in Sigiriya like in any other area should be done in smaller groups of like-minded people.

The key to a good bird watching experience lies on how patient you are, the skills of your local guide and your ability to stay still, without making any noise- as the slightest noise may spook the birds away and depriving you of a good opportunity to click a few pictures. Bird watching trek in Sigiriya allows one plenty of chances to photograph these vibrantly hued shy yet active species of birds. Both endemic and migrant bird species can be spotted in Sigiriya. Some of the birds that can be seen in Sigiriya include, Barred Buttonquail, Peregrine Falcon, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Drongo Cuckoo, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Crested Treeswift, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Rufos Woodpecker, and Golden fronted Leaf bird.

It can be a very interesting and a peaceful way to spend your morning hours in Sigiriya, observing the routines of these lovely bird species’ in their natural habitats.

 

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