Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of South Asia’s most vibrant tourist destinations. Located just south of India, this beautiful tropical island nation boasts a rich heritage and colorful and diverse cultures. With its splendid beaches, world-renowned archeological landmarks, scenic mountain ranges and forests, and thriving ecosystem, Sri Lanka offers its visitors an exciting and unforgettable experience. A great travel agency that will help you plan your visit to Sri Lanka as well as find out details about exciting things to do in like go on a hot air balloon Sri Lanka is Nkar Travel House.

There are many ways to discover the beauty and wonders of Sri Lanka, but few are comparable to discovering Sri Lanka while on a hot air balloon. Sri Lanka is a great location for hot air ballooning, and the experience of witnessing the island’s mesmerizing beauty 2,500 feet above the ground is one which is becoming increasing sought after. Flying over luscious paddy fields, thick and green rainforests, sparkling rivers, and some of Sri Lanka’s historical locations is sure to be an experience that you are sure to cherish for a life time.

Hot air balloons, using gas powered flames to keep the balloon afloat and the wind to travel, are perhaps one of the best ways of exploring vast areas. After taking off and beginning to drift with the wind, the hot air balloon is rather stable, giving its passengers the opportunity to settle in and observe the sights and scenery below. Hot air ballooning over Sri Lanka will give you the opportunity of witnessing the bountiful natural resources of the island, as you can witness the many luscious forests, sprawling plantations and fields, and its many water-bodies. You can even witness flocks of birds flying along your side, or herds of wild buffalo, elephants, and deer as they feed. Most hot air balloon tours also fly through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, giving a bird’s eye view of archeological landmarks in Anuradhapura, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Sukhumvit Soi Cowboy

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is arguably the best most famous tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Known for its vibrant culture and amazing attractions, Bangkok is home to timeless landmarks, bustling shopping districts, cultural attractions, and many options for leisure and recreation. Some of Bangkok’s iconic highlights include the the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, traditional Bangkok floating markets, Wat Arun, the Bangkok National Museum, and thriving red-light districts. A great hotel to accommodate yourself while looking for things to do in Sukhumvit is The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok.

Red-light districts and late-night entertainment zones are quite common in Bangkok, yet one which is truly a favorite in the city is Sukhumvit Soi Cowboy. Sukhmuvit Soi Cowboy, or simply Soi Cowboy, is a red-light district, in the form of an entire street, known for its high spirited and carefree atmosphere. Home to over 40 bars, night clubs and pubs, this straightforward red-light district is easily one of the most exotic and exciting places to visit for late-night entertainment.

Soi Cowboy is located between Soi 21 and Soi 23 in Sukhumvit, and is one of the most popular landmarks of Bangkok; there is hardly any local that does not know about it. The name ‘Soi Cowboy’ is a nod to the late T. G. Edwards, one of the first owners of a go-go bar, who was known for his signature cowboy hat. Soi Cowboy has come a long way since the days of T. G. Edwards, as today the street is flanked with some of Bangkok’s hottest go-go bars! Another reason why Soi Cowboy is so famous is that it is known for being straightforward with no scams; what you see is what you will get. Operating till about 2.30am each night, and catering especially to tourists and expatriates, Soi Cowboy is well worth visiting if you want to experience the wild Bangkok nightlife.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Adventures on the Ayung River

Bali, an island province of the Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia, is one of the most beautiful retreats in the region. Known for its splendid beaches, lovely lush forests, many archeologoical and cultural landmarks, and recreational attractions, Bali is also one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations. Towns such as Ubud, Semiyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua, are the island’s hottest locations for tourists. A great Ubud hotel that offers tranquil accommodation and a host of leisure and recreational facilities is the Alila Ubud Bali.

The longest river flowing through the island of Bali is the Ayung River. Originating from the Northern mountain ranges, this 75km long river flows close to Ubud and is a source of life and nourishment to the luscious forests in the area. The Ayung River, whose banks are known for its beautiful forest scenery, is also a top attraction for those seeking some exciting and adventure, as the river is a great location for white water rafting.

The Ayung River boasts of many Class II and Class III rapids, and its pristine and safe waters make it ideal for white water rafting. Unlike most other white water rivers, the Ayung River is not seasonal; meaning rafting enthusiasts can surf through these waters at any time of the year. The rapids, while promising loads of excitement and adventure can be enjoyed by both veterans and amateurs. There are many rafting centers around the area that will be more than happy to rent out internationally approved equipment and trained guides so that your adventure of the river will be that much more enjoyable. The stunning scenic beauty of the river, its hidden waterfalls, unique rock formations, and the luscious greenery of the river banks, make rafting through the Ayung an adventurous experience you are unlikely to ever forget!

Another great adventure activity is elephant trekking. You can explore the wonders of the banks of the Ayung River on top of a majestic elephant, which is sure to be an exciting and extraordinary experience.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Gunung Raya

Langkawi, is an archipelago of a hundred and four islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, about thirty kilometres off the northwest coast of Malaysia’s mainland. The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa offers a truly luxurious experience in a stunning natural setting. The picturesque islands are one of the most sought after tropical getaways in South East Asia.
Despite the indisputable beauty of the location, the history of Langkawi Island is shrouded in myth and legend. Gungung Raya is Langkawi’s highest peak, standing tall at around two thousand eight hundred and sixty feet. The mountain has a tale of its own. The locals believe the two soaring peaks Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang were once two giants named Mat Raya and Mat Cincang who ruled the land. Legend goes on to explain that Mat Raya’s son was to marry Mat Cincang’s daughter. A fight broke out between the giants on the wedding day and a large gravy pot that was thrown, overturned and is now Langkawi’s main town named Kuah, which means gravy. The two giants turned into two mountains facing each other; while a neighbour who came to settle the dispute also became a peak, Bukit Sawar, standing between them.
The mountain is located towards the centre of the Langkawi. Gunung Raya’s summit is accessible by car or foot and boasts breath taking views of the rest of the island and the surrounding seas. Visitors can buy a ticket for ten Malaysian Ringgits to climb to the top deck of an observation tower. The deck has a lounge which sells drinks though the ticket price includes a cup of ginger tea. A government complex is located at the top along with the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre, neither is open to the public.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Hua Hin Safari: Adventure & Excitement Awaits You Here!

A beautiful little seaside resort town located on the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is filled with magnificent temples, buzzing shopping malls and markets, national parks and of course endless dreamy beaches of white sands and shimmering, blue waters offering hours and hours of relaxation. But if you’re searching for a little (or alot!) of adventure and excitement, there is one place in Hua Hin that is perfect for you- and that is the Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park! Located just a 5 minute drive away from the Center of Hua Hin, the park offers a multitude of attractions for adventure loving individuals and families. If you’re planning a visit to the park and spend a vacation at the seaside resort, it’s always best to be comfortably accommodated amidst Hua Hin’s splendor, and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, is an ideal resort Pranburi for you to spend your vacation at, as it is located about half an hour’s away from the park by stunning beach settings.

Surrounded by the tropical settings of mountains, foliage and pineapple fields, the Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park offers a range of exciting attractions out of which elephants are the main attraction as the park is home to many Thai elephants who are taken good care of and trained by experienced mahouts. Embark on an exciting and unique Elephant trek through mountains, villages, pineapple fields and even cross the river! While sipping on complimentary coconut water and munching fresh pineapple see the amazing elephant show where nine year old Boanee the elephant plays Football, Basket ball, plays music and many other tricks!

Want more adventure? Ride through special tracks or up to Monkey Mountain on an ATV! Team up with your friends or your family and play the exciting and fun game of Paintball. Watch in absolute awe and shock as experienced trainers handle dangerous snakes and crocodiles.

After all that adventure, pay a visit to the park’s pineapple farm on a horse carriage! On the way to the farm you will get a chance to stop at the beach, see a Thai temple and the Khao Takiab Village. At the Pineapple Farm not only will you be able to explore the farm either by foot or on an ATV, you can also taste delicious and fresh pineapple.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Baruna Dive Centre

Bali, an island province like no other, is the very definition of a beach holiday. The island’s popularity as a tourist destination, in recent times, has led to a mushrooming of restaurants, bars, shopping malls and beach activities. Bali family resorts are also in demand with more and more families looking to travel and spend quality time together. To get the very best of a tropical getaway, the view must include: sun, sea and sand. A few luxuries should be on hand like an in house spa and gym, so where better to stay than Kuta, the island’s most exciting beach. The Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is a great option to consider here.

The Baruna Dive Centre is where you need to go for all the heart pumping, adrenalin flowing action. You can take a drift dive, a shore dive, a night dive, a boat dive or a wreck dive. Each experience is thrilling in a different way and gives you a chance to get a closer look at the colourful, local marine life and even learn some interesting historical facts about old ships that now lie on the ocean floor. Snorkelling tours and diving safaris are also available for those keen to explore the very best underwater sites in depth. Dive courses certified by PADI and SSI, are also available for those pursing diving as a serious area of interest. Inquire about speciality courses that include navigation, search and recovery, waves, tides and currents, equipment techniques, underwater digital photography and more. Single dive prices start at $60.

The centre is based in Amed, on the north east coast of Bali. Excursions come with instruction in three different languages: English, Spanish and French. Diving and snorkelling equipment can be rented in house. Also remember to collect a free photo of yourself on the dive before leaving!

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Nature Watch in Habarana

Sri Lanka is known around the world for its palm tree lined beaches and warm tropical waters. The heart of the country however boasts vistas of a different kind. Mountains, rocky outcrops and lush greenery are a stark contrast to the coastal areas. Habarana is located in the district of Anuradhapura which is part of the North Central Province. Chaaya Village Habarana offers a real feel for the land and maintains a close to nature setting with cottage type accommodation that is styled on the thatched roof huts found in the surrounding areas.
Habarana is located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’. It is a convenient base for exploring the historical cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya. Hotel accommodation is also easy enough to find. Minneriya National Park is located close by and having a more tranquil setting than some of the other parks in the country, it is perfect for observing the local fauna. The park surrounds the Minneriya tank which is frequented by sambar, deer, leopard, sloth bear and birds such as jungle fowl, grey herons, white pelican, grey hornbills and more. It is also a good place to spot large gatherings of Asian elephants.
Habarana and the surrounding towns, in general, are brimming with picturesque scenery: lakes, reservoirs, colossal trees, sweeping open spaces and more. You can book a guide and a vehicle to visit Minneriya or Kaudulla Park, explore the village shops on foot or go on a bird watching excursion. Cycling, hiking and boat tours can also be arranged through the hotel concierge or a tour company. The historic sites in Polonnaruwa are woven around waterways; the ancient palace in Sigiriya is built on an imposing, natural rock while the cave temple in Dambulla is built making use of a natural rock formation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Discover the Wild Life in Sri Lanka

Being an island in the Indian Ocean Sri Lanka is known world over for its natural beauty and the beaches that wash the shores of the island. However this tropical island is also home to countless number of wild life. Having one of the UNESCO world heritage site declared rain forest it’s no surprise for the abundance of the flora and fauna in the country. Some of the famous national parks in the country include , Yala , Udawalawe , Wilpaththu , Kumana among others.

Yala is a key sanctuary in the south and remains a popular spot to catch a glimpse of leopards. With its popularity rising there has been a significant expansion of hotels in yala Sri Lanka. One that remains in the forefront is The Secret Hotels set among the thick tropical forests the surroundings of the hotel is home to many exotic species. The hotel is a perfect place to make the most of Yala.

Among some of the fascinating facts about Yala , the national park has the highest leopard population in the world. The second most visited national park in Sri Lanka Yala has thousands of visitors every year.

Sri Lanka has one of the highest endemism in the world , most species of flora and fauna are endemic to the country. Sri Lanka also boasts of the highest elephant concentration density in the world , and Habarana secondary forest take credit for this.

The reason for the wild array of wild life in Sri Lanka can be attributed to the difference in altitude in the country. From sea level elevations rise upto 2500m. The country remains home to many species that are endemic , however in the recent past there has been expansion of human population which resulted in loss of habitat and as a result the reduction of habitat.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Coral Sanctuary in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a popular tourist destination in the South of Sri Lanka. Located under 100 km away from the capital it is now accessible in less than an hour thanks to the Southern express way. Given credit for its beautiful beaches the small town is a host to many hotels. Hikkaduwa streets are filled with street vendors selling colourful beach wear and their are plenty of eateries and cafes to make one’s stay as comfortable as possible.

Among the many places available to stay in while in Hikkaduwa one that gains significant prominence is Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. The property is designed in order to preserve the surrounding natural habitat and tries to be environment friendly at all times. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and is located in close proximity to the beach.

One of the key attractions in Hikkaduwa is the natural coral reefs it is blessed with. It is one of the popular places to observe corals in the country. Not too far from the shore or not too deep under the water one can find many varieties of multi colored corals. The identified varieties of corals are approximately 70. The waters are around three to four meters deep and this environment is ideal to go snorkeling in. There are many facilities in the area that rent out fins and masks as well as allow visitors to hire equipment at reasonable rates. These corals are home to a wide variety of fish and make up a vital part of the marine eco system due to their richness in bio diversity. Hence it is the responsibility of the visitors to leave this nature’s blessing unharmed.

One of the popular options to explore the corals is the glass bottom boat rides which is an up close and personal experience for those who do not want to dive in.

 

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Wild Life Holidays to Sri Lanka

Lying in the shape of a teardrop in the Indian Ocean is a tiny miracle of an island called Sri Lanka. Though small in size this little island is a mighty land that boasts a spectacular array of rich history, culture and of course Wildlife. You might not believe it when you hear that this country, which just a little bit bigger than the US state of West Virginia, is home to a staggering 123 species of mammals, 173 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds, 93 species of freshwater fish, 119 species of amphibians and whole lot of other species! So what are you waiting for? Book a tour operator like the prestigious Walkers Tours Sri Lanka and set out on a range of wildlife Sri Lanka holidays and meet some of our most interesting and fascinating subspecies in the lush jungles of Sri Lanka.

So after you packed your bags and arrived in the Garden of Eden where to go you ask? First journey to the Land of Lakes, the Wilpattu National Park, located in the North West of the island. The unique feature about this park is what gives it its name, Willus- natural, sand rimmed water basins sprawled throughout the park. Among the many creatures you can see here, the highlight will be the magnificent Asian elephant, the fuzzy sloth bear, the ferocious mugger crocodile, and the majestic Sri Lankan Leopard. Yala National Park, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, is another prominent wildlife park of Sri Lanka. Located in the southeast of the island, the park has similar residents as Wilpattu but with one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

Bird lovers will love the Kumana National Park that houses the Kumana Bird Sanctuary. Nestled within the park are roughly about 255 species of birds. During April and July tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area. Another park in Sri Lanka famous for bird watching is the Bundala National Park situated in the Southern Province.

Other Wildlife Park to trails through in Sri Lanka includes the Minneriya National Park-where the great Elephant Gathering takes place, Udawalawe and Wasgamuwa. For a different (and colder) wildlife experience in Sri Lanka, travel to the hill country to the Horton Plains where montane grassland and cloud forest house the giant sambar deer and grizzled giant squirrels among other creatures.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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