Safari in Minneriya National Park -A journey to the centre of wildlife

Minneriya National Park is the prominent national park in Sri Lanka for elephant viewing. Centred around the giant Minneriya tank, elephants from the park, as well as from the adjoining Kaudulla National Park, make their way to the tank towards late afternoon to cool off. Thus, the best time to visit the Park would be during the dry season, when most of the life revolves around the tank, which becomes the sole source of water.

If you are familiar with the country, you could go to the entrance of the Park on your own and hire a jeep for the safari. However, it is easier to make this reservation through your hotel. Jetwing Vil Uyana, for example, offers safaris that are dedicated for their guests, which means you will have complete privacy – as much as you can have in an open jeep – as you observe Sri Lankan wildlife. The jeeps are designed to accommodate 6 to 8 people at once. There is a tarp covering the open back, which is often rolled away if the Sun is not too severe. There are benches or high seats at the back of the jeep for you to sit on. However, most visitors prefer to stand, holding on to the iron bars that run the length of the jeep, to get a better view of the surrounding. The ride is going to be quite bumpy, and you must heed the word of your driver who often acts as a guide. There are leopards in Minneriya National Park, although sightings are rare. It is only by paying close attention to your guide, that you will be able to reap the maximum benefit of the safari. They are often well-versed in English. However, if you are worried, you could inquire for an interpreter from a Sigiriya hotel. At the end of the day, there is not much that words can convey when you are sitting so close to an elephant munching on coconut fronds, that you could reach out and pat his back if you want to.

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

Fun Things to do in Tioman

Lying 20 miles off the east coast of Malaysia is the beautiful Tioman Island. The island is covered in forests and hardly inhabited. Today, Tioman Island is an attractive tourist destination thanks to the exotic coral reefs off its coast, water sporting activities and many other exciting things to do on the island.

For those who share a passion for the great blue waters of the ocean, Tioman Island’s untouched reefs boast an array of beautiful exotic marine life which offer great exotic undersea adventures. As a bonus when on holiday for more than five days in Tioman, the Island issues a diving license for a much affordable price of about thousand Ringgits than the main Island itself. As a tourist, it is always good to have a local diving expert accompanying diving sessions to help guide you through the underwater terrain. As such it would be advisable to partner with a reliable Tioman resort such as the Berjaya Tioman Resort which offers the services of good diving experts.

Travellers can proceed to watch turtles being born! The Juara Turtle Hatchery where little turtle eggs are carefully protected and hatched creates a whole new experience for holiday goers! This centre helps foster four of the seven species of turtles in the world. They come in all different sizes and shapes and one is able to closely observe how the Juara project strives to help in the survival of these endangered exotic animals.

Fishing in Tioman is perhaps one of the most enjoyable, for those who know the art and would love to catch some tropical fish. All it takes is having the right gear and enthusiasm, besides, there are no restrictions on fishing in the waters of Tioman.

Trekking in the tropical forest is a must do when on the island. Within close proximity from the Paya beach, one can experience the lush greenery and the gushing of noisy streams while visitors pay special attention to the mangrove trees endemic to this part of the world. It is worthwhile to note the fascinating fauna and flora while trekking through a biologist’s treasure trove!

The pristinely breathtaking waters along the Salang Sayang beach is a haven for all marine life thriving in shallow waters and in return offers travellers exciting snorkelling expeditions. The tropical sea of Tioman island is the habitat of the many beautiful species of fish and crustaceans who put on an exuberant underwater show!

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

Exciting water sports in Bali

Famous as the ‘Island of the Gods’, the exotic landscapes of Bali continue to attract thousands of travellers to its pristine shores, dense mountainous interior and ancient hillside temples, each year. The seas around Bali in particular are a favourite for avid water sport enthusiasts, with the majority of sporting action taking place around the Benoa peninsula. Surfing still remains the main attraction, with most of the best breaks located near large resorts in Kuta, like the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, for example, one of the many 5 star resort in Bali.

Board riding comes in several forms aside from surfing; there’s paddle boarding and body boarding, to other challenging forms like windsurfing and kite surfing. Most of the resorts and several tour operators provide day packages for adventure seekers looking for a thrill. A more recent addition to the lineup is parasailing around the shore. Parasailing successfully combines the exhilaration of speed with gorgeous panoramic views over the crystal blue waters and shoreline; and unlike other water sports, training is not necessary so anyone can do it.

If you would rather be under the water than on top, deep below, off Bali’s shores, are some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world. As one of a string of islands that makes up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali’s waters are home to majestic coral reefs and abundant marine life. Underwater diving sites also include drop-off walls and shipwrecks.

A new addition to line up of water sports in Benoa is water Jetpack rides. These amazing kits are designed to use the force of water to thrust you up to 10 meters high. After a quick briefing from your instructor, the jetpack is strapped on to you, and you can start ‘flying’ around the coast for the allotted time. The devices can push you up in a fixed position, or allow you to move in any direction you want. Other thrilling activities include walking on the seabed and white water rafting along Bali’s main rivers.

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

Adventurous things to do in Maldives

Maldives, a nation of infinite beauty that it has been called a paradise by many a traveller. So if you’re an adventurous soul who is lucky to be travelling to these wondrous islands, there are enough and more adventures to fill your appetite. You’ll be delighted to know that most of these adventures are centered on the crystal clear waters that Maldives are world-famous for.

First off, before you set out it is essential you plan and book a Maldives hotel, the likes of the Kandolhu Island Maldives; that organizes tours and excursions as part of their facilities as then you will save time and energy from the hassle of organizing the excursions yourself. Next, talk with the concierge at the hotel and plan out a package where you will be able to enjoy some of the most adventurous activities.

Snorkeling and diving is undoubtedly on the top of the list. Maldives is blessed with an abundance of colorful coral and marine life that makes going under the waves seem like an exploration into a whole new world. If you book one of these with your hotel, you will be taken on a high-speed boat ride to top diving sites such as the HP Reef, Manta Point, and Banana Reef to swim with manta rays, sea turtles, and a whole lot of other extraordinary sea creatures!

With its profusion of marine life Maldives makes the ideal destination for fishing trips, but to add adventure to the scene, try out Night Fishing! After the sun sets, get on aboard a nocturnal escapade to reel in a big catch that you can cook and eat right on the boat itself!

If you’re not the one to have fun on the waves, island hopping is the best chance for a bit of adventure in the Maldives. Talk to your hotel or tour operator to get on board an island hopping cruise. Visit remote and sometimes uninhabited islands and live your dreams of the life Robin Crusoe!

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+

Weligama Stilt Fishing, idyllic fishing village -Admiring an ancient craft

You might have seen fishing in various forms, but stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a technique that would leave you gasping in awe. Stilt fishing an ancient tradition of fishing in the shallower waters, that is practised in several areas of the country, prominent among them being Weligama. According to State records, this has been in practice since the Second World War. Whenever it may have started, the skill of stilt fishing seems to be something that has been perfected by the villagers.
A long vertical rod is placed on the seabed, and a cross bar is attached to it at the height of about 2m from the surface of the water. This cross bar is called “petta”, and is where the fishermen perch. If you visit Weligama at sunrise, around noon, and towards late evening, you would see the men of the village perched on the crossbar, one hand holding the vertical rod while the other hand holds onto the fishing line. They stay in this posture for hours at an end until they get a catch. As per the tradition, no bait is used on the hook and is a simple battle of patience.
While walking to the coast of Weligama can give you a clear view of the stilt fishermen, the most amazing view is from air, from an air taxi. Sri Lanka is a small island, and as such do not have domestic flights for commercial purpose. However, certain companies like Cinnamon Air does flights for tourists that target on flying over more beautiful areas of the country. Thus, if you are able to take in the aerial view of the fishermen of Weligama, it is going to be one image you are unlikely to forget for the rest of your life.

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+

Attractions in Tanjung Benoa

An old fishing village turned a place of interest to discerning travellers all over the world, Tanjung Benoa is a truly Balinese adventure awaiting discovery. Over the years this picturesque spot on earth has turned into a sought after family holiday destination with the availability of ample family accommodation. Bali has always remained a beloved spot for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts and Tanjung Benoa is no different.

Adventurous spirits with a penchant towards an adrenaline rush flock to Tanjung Benoa to jet-ski or parasail while the beautiful white beaches and the relatively serene waves of its seas beckon the rest of the world to indulge in a little bit of sea world charm and laidback beach days. If you are looking for good family accommodation in Tanjung Benoa, you will find plenty of comfortable resorts such as Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa.

Tanjung Benoa offers plenty of pleasant excursions like fishing tours and banana boat rides as well as the latest addition to its list of charms, water jetpacks. If you are more inclined towards a laidback and an indulgent holiday, the calm waters surrounding Tanjung Benoa can accommodate your whims too. You could go for a quiet swim and be lulled into a trance amidst the calm and welcoming waves or take a stroll with your family on the sandy beaches, letting the soft shores provide a comfortable pathway for family time.

The beach is ideal for sunbathing with a delicious tropical beverage and a good book by your side. If you feel like exploring this old fishing village, visit the curious sea temples where sacred monuments made out of corals beckon explorers to look closely. The ancient Chinese temples in the area, on the other hand, amaze visitors with their architectural wonders and refined edges.

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+

Lunuganga

Lunuganga or Lunuganga Estate as it is famously called is a place quite immaculate in its design, laden with terraced gardens and a collection of personal arts and crafts. A curiosity in the south that is referred to as, the Lunuganga Estate was award winning architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country home.
Geoffrey Bawa was not just a man of the arts, but he was skilled in the field of law and obtained his degree at Middle Temple, London. Born to a wealthy lawyer at the time, young Bawa schooled at Royal College, Colombo. Bawa’s interest in architecture came after the death of his mother when he took to travelling around the world and exploring his passions. When he did realize his passion for architecture, Bawa soon left for England to study the subject.
Among the many things to do in Bentota, visiting the quaint southern country home of Geoffrey Bawa is a must do. The roots of this beautiful country house can be traced back to the era of the Dutch when it was first used as a cinnamon estate. When the country gained independence in 1948, Lunuganga Estate found its new owner to be a tax collector. History also has it that the country house was used as a rubber plantation under the British. When Bawa came across this beautiful country dwelling, he instantly fell for it and soon purchased it with the intention of converting this estate bungalow into a weekend house.
The house which overlooks the scenic Dedduwa Lake of Bentota was concurrently named as ‘Lunuganga’ meaning ‘salt river’. Bawa continued to turn each aspect of the estate into something artistic for the next 40 years until his death. What’s even more interesting is, the estate houses works from other renowned artists like Donald Friend and Laki Senanayake along with many Asian and European artefacts.
The estate is within a half an hour’s drive from convenient accommodation options including Shinagawa Beach Balapitiya. Since Bawa’s death in 2003, the estate is run by a group of his close associates and is open to public viewing. The Lunuganga Estate can be viewed as a symbol of the country’s rich history.

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+

Best Beaches in Sunshine Coast

In a country blessed with an unspoiled coastline and endless stretches of sandy beaches, picking some of the best beaches to visit can be more than difficult. Queensland is well-known for its tropical azure waters and sunny skies, and the sunshine coast is one of the best places to experience all the fun and beauty that Australia’s beaches have to offer. Whether you’re on the lookout for accommodation to hang with friends or comfortable family accommodation, Sunshine Coast has something for everyone.
The resort town of Mooloolaba has an outstanding beach that’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. A popular spot for locals complete with clear waters, golden sands and the myriad of accommodation on offer, like Oaks Seaforth Resort to smaller guest houses; you can find something to suit anyone’s budget. Mooloolaba beach is known as one of the safest beaches on the east coast; backed by a long promenade, the beach has a mild current, which is good news for those who aren’t strong swimmers.
Head further up north and you’ll find the Noosa main beach; a sheltered beach with waves that rarely go over a meter and are deemed safe for swimming year round. In addition, the beach is one of the few beaches along the sunshine coast that faces north and is patrolled, making it family friendly. A popular tourist spot, Noosa is more often than not, crowded, but definitely worth a visit.
If you’ve got surfing on your mind, Kings Beach is the place to be! This beach is safe from northern winds during the summer months, which is ideal for surfers. It’s also patrolled and offers enough wide open spaces to enjoy yourself without bumping into other people. These are just a few of beaches from a long list of memorable locations dotted along the sunshine coast. Wherever you choose to visit, just make sure to soak up the sun and enjoy the blue waters this great state has to offer.

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+

Windsurfing in Pasikuda

The rush of adrenaline as you zip along the ocean surface, the feel of a mighty wind propelling you onwards at greater speeds and the promise of adventure driving you towards the horizon; windsurfing offers all this and more! When in Sri Lanka, Pasikuda on the island’s East Coast is a great place to try this action packed water sport.

If you are an avid windsurfer or are keen to try this water sport for the first time, ideally look to find a Sri Lanka resort in Pasikuda right by the beach, offering easy access to the sea. Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa part of Theme Resorts & Spas is one option in the region worth considering.

A combination of both sailing and surfing, windsurfing features the use of a board measuring around two to three metres in length and which has a large sail affixed to it. No motor is used to power it, just the pure force of the ocean’s wind. Depending on your skill level and experience, you can be skimming along the surface of the Indian Ocean in no time, enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the East Coast. One of the great things about Pasikuda is that it is sheltered by a bay providing a relatively calm ocean playground for you to explore on your windsurfing adventures.

Water sports enthusiasts have much more to enjoy here as well. Snorkelling and diving provide amazing perspectives of the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. Those looking for more adrenaline pumping thrills can try jet skiing, while kayaking is a great activity if you want to explore the seas at your own pace and get a good cardio workout at the same time!

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

Experience the wild side of Maldives under the crystal clear waters

Maldives is the unanimous choice if you are looking for an ultimate underwater experience. Its group of 1192 coral islands, which form 26 coral atolls and 80 islands, and which are home to many tourist resorts, have made the Maldives one of the most popular tourist destinations for water-based activities.

That said, tourism is a major source of income in the Maldives. You can easily find 5 star and 4-star resorts in Maldives. You will find more tourists than locals in these resorts. You have nothing to worry about regarding transportation, as speedboats will carry you across to your resort after you have touched down at Malé International Airport. It is simply a matter of choosing a hotel or a resort and planning your ‘underwater’ schedule.

Diving is the best option if you are looking to have an adventure under water. Most hotels and resorts offer diving equipment. If you are not so familiar with diving, you can take a diving course, which is abundantly available on the island. Note that you will most probably be required to pass a medical examination before you are allowed to dive. Most hotels such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer this medical examination on a complimentary basis.

Once under the water, you will spot creatures such as napoleon wrasses and eagle rays in addition to manta rays and whale sharks. You are also likely to meet the hammerhead shark, though they are a rare sight. In plain words, diving under the crystal clear waters of the Maldives will introduce you to a wide range of fish life amid magnificent coral gardens.

As the Maldivian water is crystal clear, you can see clearly up to around a good 40 metres away. And the Maldives is recognised as an ideal location for underwater photography as well. If you are interested in underwater photography, then the Maldivian waters offer not only rich wildlife but also other interesting sights such as shipwrecks. Wreck diving teaches you about how the marine system can gradually digest the remains of manmade products. It is interesting and ironic to see that coral reefs have grown over the hulls of shipwrecks, which were once the glorious man-made products. These coral reefs are now the home of many marine creatures.

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