Liwa Tour, a Desert Experience

The golden dunes of the desert are one of the most renowned treasures of Abu Dhabi. In fact, a holiday to the Middle east is never really complete without basking in the beautiful desert vista that opens doors to authentic Arabia; a landscape largely replaced by towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi however, a large portion of its desert is well preserved for its many ardent explorers. In here you find massive rolling dunes, plenty of camels and all the fun and adventure that come with them both. Indulge in a Liwa tour and enjoy the most unparalleled desert experience ever.

On the vast expanses of the Liwa Desert located on the largest chunk of empty land in all of Arabia, tours are provided with all the exciting components of a desert experience. Beginning with wild adrenaline pumping adventures such as Dune bashing and Dune rolling you will get to unravel all the unimaginable fun tucked in this huge pile of sand. The tour then lets you to thoroughly experience the treasures of Arabia; the camel. You will get to ride atop its back, drink its milk and spend some time in their unique Company. Then you shall explore; the Saddle rocks, ancient fossil rocks and the camel rocks are all exciting places to discover. As night dawns upon the desert enjoy the company of countless twinkling starts as you relish Arabian delicacies with a smoke of Sheesha while belly dancing beauties provide plentiful entertainment. After a long thoroughly entertaining day in the desert the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will be waiting for you to come home to. Being one of the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has, you are sure to be pampered here in the perfect Emirati style.

The best part about the Liwa tour is that it can be tailor made according to the time you have in hand. Some packages are for day lovers and others for the night lovers and if you are keen on spending the night camping in the desert, that too can be arranged as well.

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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Great Night Spots in Colombo

Like big cities around the world Colombo offers a selection of clubs, pubs, lounges, bars and casinos spread throughout the city with a concentration in the Fort area and down Galle Road and Duplication Road. The bars and clubs in the Fort area are usually part of big hotels. However exciting new venues appear to be changing the city’s night time scene. Cinnamon Red Colombo one of the newest business hotels Colombo in the heart of Colpetty is located close to where the action is.

Although many night spots are still the traditional dim indoor venues crowded with people, the culture is changing somewhat with many night owls preferring to sit out in the open on rooftops of the latest lounges that offer gorgeous city views, informal seating and innovative cocktail mixes. Some venues also offer open cobblestoned areas where pub crawlers can sit on wooden chairs and enjoy drinks, listen to live music, dance if they want to and have their pick of food from the restaurants around. The high point of many city clubs are the special events held throughout the year featuring music for dancing, good food and drink. Ladies nights and other promotions draw the crowds. The city pubs are not to be out done. Some of them have promotions during the weekends that attract a full house and some have always been more popular than others. Some pubs have created an interesting ambience, offer specially designed cocktails and are popular with people who enjoy a quiet drink and chat with friends. Pub crawlers can also head down to the Mt Lavinia beach to enjoy food, drinks and dancing on the beach. Colombo also has a series of restaurants cum bars that are frequented by local tipsters although no live music and dancing is available here and they are not the usual ‘night spot’. Some of these are now classified as dodgy bars and are part of a popular nighttime city tour. Night spots routinely start at around 10 pm and continue into the wee hours of the morning.

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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River Cruising in Bentota; explore the exotic mangroves of Bentota

Bentota, a coastal town in the South of Sri Lanka, is situated on the mouth of the Bentota River. Its unique location makes it an attractive tourist destination because not only are you able to enjoy the immaculate beaches of Bentota, more adventurous visitors may enjoy exploring the mangroves along the Bentota river. Bentota is home to a number of other attractions such as the famous Turtle Hatchery, the Kande Vihare Buddhist Temple, and the Brief Gardens. When in Sri Lanka do not pass up a chance to visit this unique location while staying at a luxury hotel. Sri Lanka may be known for its beautiful beaches but the natural beauty of the mangroves are breathtaking. The mangroves are widely believed to be one of the last pristine wetlands in Sri Lanka.

A number of hotels offer packages for travellers; whether you require a boat to go deep sea fishing, or cruise along the Bentota River, hotels such as Saman Villas Bentota will accommodate you. These tours can be for a few hours or can span the course of a day, including a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in a secluded village along the banks of the Bentota River. The guides are well versed with the wildlife of the area and will be ready to answer any questions you have.

During the river cruise, expect to see an abundance of exotic flora and fauna, monitor lizards, a wide variety of river birds and possibly even crocodiles. Not only is the Bentota River ideal for river cruises, a number of hotels and companies offer water sporting activities such as jet skiing, sailing and banana boating. These are ideal for the thrill-seeker looking to spice up their holiday however those who seek a more relaxed holiday can relax on one of the many tranquil beaches in Bentota.

 

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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Fishing in Muscat, a fisherman’s dream in the desert

When one thinks of the Middle East, and its many deserts, fishing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However Muscat boasts a fruitful marine habitat, making it one of the best fishing locations in the world, ideal for both beginners and big game fishing expeditions all year-round. While you may visit Muscat for the fishing, it is also in close proximity to a number of other must-see tourist destinations in Oman such as Sur, and the port town of Sohar. Accommodation in Sohar can be found easily as a number of hotels have updated websites; one such hotel is the Al Wadi Hotel, Sohar.

The best period to visit Muscat is between October and April as the day is warm but not uncomfortable, and the evenings are quite cool. However a large number of fish do frequent the waters around Muscat during the summer months when the water is warmer however be warned as the temperature on land can reach up to 40°C on land. The waters surrounding Muscat are home to a number of species of fish, such as the Yellowfin tuna, the Striped Bonito, the Dorado and the Barracuda.

In addition, the waters are home to dolphins, turtles and a number of species of whales such as the sperm whale and the killer whale. Arrange whale or dolphin watching expeditions with a tour guide as such a vibrancy of species is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. There are a number of charter companies which rent boats out to tourists looking to spend time on the open sea. Some boats can hold up to as many as 10 passengers, and can be booked for either a few hours or even entire days. All boats are accompanied by a captain, and come equipped with life vests, safety gear, fish tackle and even bait to make your fishing trip run smoothly.

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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Submarine Tour; come face to face with exotic creatures living in the famous Maldivian reefs

99% of the island nation of the Maldives consists of water and while the lure of its pristine beaches may be what brings most tourists to the Maldives, it is not the only attraction that can take your breath away. While the Maldives is known as a divers paradise because of the rich variety of sea-life in and around its reefs, this may not benefit visitors that are not divers. However the Whale Submarine, Submarine tour will remedy this as there are no skills required to witness one of nature’s most majestic dive sites.

When looking for accommodation in the Maldives, villas are a viable option for budgets of all types. Hotels such as Adaaran Hudhuranfushi have a number of luxurious ocean and beach villas that won’t break the bank. While at your resort, you may book your submarine tour at the reception desk, online or even at the ticketing office in Male. The submarine tours are conducted every 90 minutes, with the first tour starting at 9am, and ending with the night dive at 8pm. The entire tour, including the waiting time before the dive and after, will take approximately 3 hours.

The submarine tour begins with the state-of-the-art submarine diving up to 25 feet beneath the surface where a number of reef fish and coral can be seen. After this the submarine dives to 40 meters below the surface, stopping near a big cave which has a number of species living inside. Depending on a number of factors such as the current and weather, the tour may take you through an ancient shipwreck or even a shark feeding area. The powerful exterior lights of the submarine light up the sea floor during the night dive, where guests can see sleeping manta rays and even sharks.

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+

Uncover Leopard Trails on a Safari Tour of Yala

Travellers in search of well-situated hotels in Yala should look to The Secret Yala for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a breathtaking base from which to explore Yala National Park this stylish rest offers modern luxuries in the heart of the wilderness.

Renowned as the most popular national park in the island Yala National Park is the second largest parkland of its kind in Sri Lanka. Spread out over 979km2 this sprawling enclosure is one of the country’s most coveted wildlife sanctuaries that were declared protected reserved as early as 1900. Located within 190 miles of the capital Colombo the vast expanse of forested landscapes is a hotbed of activity all year round as tourists and locals visit to explore its verdant confines and catch glimpses of its most famed inhabitants.
Well-known as a hub to witness the majestic Asian elephants and leopards, one of the must-have experiences on a tour of Yala is a safari excursion along its leopard trails. Available through a variety of tour operators leopard safaris in Yala are typically two day or 3 day excursions that also includes camping out within the wilderness at designated campsites. Equipped with modern necessities and comforts the camp sites offer cozy accommodation, with tour packages also including barbeque fare, traditional Sri Lankan meals and camp fires.

Setting off in the morning hours and then once more at the hour of dusk the leopard safaris offer once in a lifetime opportunities to witness one of the most fearsomely majestic big cats in the world. The male leopards of Yala National Park are known to be a confident group that often walks the leopard trails during various times of the day. Unfettered by the safari jeeps that scour the parkland all year long visitors will have plenty of opportunities to snap close range photographs of the creatures. Other highlights along the Yala leopard trails include spotting elephant herds, spotted deer, sloth bears and bird species the likes of Paradise Flycatchers, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters, Rose Starlings and Crested Hawk Eagles.

 

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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Explore Breathtaking Abu Dhabi on an Engaging Horse Ride across the Desert

Visitors in search of a stylish hotel in Abu Dhabi should look no further than the elegant Eastern Mangroves Resort & Spa. Offering guests a scenic desert hideaway with its very own spa facility this luxurious rest is perfect for holidaymakers as well as business travellers.

As a former fishing hamlet that has blossomed in to one of the Emirates’ thriving crown jewels Abu Dhabi is an island that is in touch with its roots as well as its modern day successes. Frequented by globetrotters from around the world the intriguing desert landscapes of this island holiday Mecca is what sets it apart from other nations bordering the Persian Gulf. Although dune bashing, mountain biking and camel rides are the hot pick activities among seasoned visitors to the Islamic nation, the venue also enjoys a reputation as an equestrian hub in the region with its fair share of facilities where one can saddle up.
The most popular riding establishments in Abu Dhabi include the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and the Al Forsan International Sports Resort while a number of resorts and five star hotels in the island also offer horse riding excursions in some of Abu Dhabi’s most exotic terrains. Desert riding expeditions are the most popular tour packages among tourists as the excursions offer visitors a different vantage point from which to discover Abu Dhabi and its natural beauty.

Morning and evening horse riding excursions are available to those who wish to take in the sights and sounds of the vast desert terrains that dot the city. Setting off with a guide who will keep visitors informed on the geographical and cultural significance of the landscapes on the tour route riders can combine the joy of horse riding and a desert adventure in to one all encompassing tour package. Relaxing as well as invigorating a horse ride across the desert is a once in a lifetime experience that is not just reserved for riders with some level of riding time under their belt but for novices and curious corporate travellers eager to make the most of their free time in Abu Dhabi.

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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Willpattu National Park

Be it the elusive leopard or the iconic elephant, the Willpattu National Park in Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of exotic wildlife that can be seen when on a safari. If you are in search of a coastal base from which to head to this site consider Kalpitiya hotels such as Palagama Beach Kalpitiya, which organises safaris to this national park as well.

Located around 180 kms from the commercial capital, Colombo, the Willpattu National Park is the largest of its kind in the island. Encompassing the jungle and the northwest coast, the park is characterised by its many freshwater lakes that attract a wide range of wildlife. A perfect activity for the entire family, a safari at the park give you a chance to head off on a thrilling drive into the wild and spot leopards, elephants, water buffalos, spotted deer and more, all in their natural habitats. The lakes of Willpattu also attract a wide variety of birds making it an ideal spot for bird watching. As you embark on your adventures keep your eyes open to spot bird species such as cormorants, Sri Lanka junglefowl, eagles, gray herons and painted storks, all of which have been seen here.

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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Enjoy Deep Sea Fishing Expeditions in Desert Angling Hub Abu Dhabi

Travellers on the lookout for Abu Dhabi beach hotels will find no finer alternative to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located in a scenic landscape this verdant oasis with its own spa is suitable for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers.

Although one might regard Abu Dhabi as an unlikely fishing hub in the Emirates this bustling metropolis in the desert offers angling enthusiasts a plethora of engaging attractions. The main contributing factor to its success as a deep sea fishing heartland is due to its advantageous location on the fringes of the Persian Gulf with the ocean within close driving distance from nearly every corner of the island. As a land that is bound to the ocean Abu Dhabi was once a tranquil fishing hub with angling and fishing serving as its core industry. Although the discovery of oil altered the prominence given to fishing activities the island remains one of the Emirates’ most potent fishing locations with numerous tour operators offering angling expeditions on chartered vessels.

Fishing fans heading to Abu Dhabi should be aware of the fishing regulations in the city as certain guidelines on the size and amount of fish one can catch are in place for fishing expeditions. Most tour operators and boat charters will inform tourists of the guidelines before heading off to the designated fishing areas in the ocean surrounding the island as fishing is banned in certain regions. A 7-day recreational fishing license in another important requirement fishing enthusiasts must secure setting sail. Blessed with tranquil waters with fantastic visibility fishing excursions in Abu Dhabi is a popular hobby among locals as well as expats. The best season for fishing falls between the months of November to February although official fishing season begins in October and lasts till May.

A typical deep sea fishing tour can last up to 3 hours while those who wish to engage in the activity without a guide can charter a vessel and rent fishing gear and bait from a number of vendors around the city. Some of the fish varieties up for grabs in Abu Dhabi include Sail Fish, Tuna, King Fish and Dorados while Spanish Mackerels, Wahoos, White Marlins, Giant Trevallies and Groupers are other species that occupy the deeper sea bed off the island’s coast.

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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A breath of Fresh Air

Abu Dhabi has significant mangrove forests around islands and sheltered coastal zones. While some new planting of mangrove trees were necessary to improve their condition, a great part of the 70 sq miles of mangrove forests spread along its 547 km shoreline is naturally occurring. The nutrient rich waters among the trees provide habitats for birds and nurseries for coastal fish species. Mangrove kayaking can be enjoyed at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, an Abu Dhabi resort on Yas Island.

Leaving the city behind and taking a kayaking trip deep into the mangroves, paddling along coastal channels and among low hanging branches introduces many to a different side of the emirate. Although the mangrove forests are close to the city, it is another world out here. The predominant noises are the dip of the paddle in the water, the call of birds and the soft sounds of fish moving about in the water.

Kayakers can take advantage of specially tailored trips to experience this exceptional natural environment. A trip to navigate the Eastern and Yas Island mangroves for instance takes about one to two hours. However the experience is dependent on tides. High tide allows kayakers to move in the shallows under the mangrove canopy but as the shore is inundated there is no shore life. Low tide allows access to the bigger channels and little or no access to the mangrove forest. However paddlers can observe life on the exposed shore. Avid birders will find both expeditions fascinating. There is also a moonlight option but this is understandably only for expert kayakers. Taking an eco mangrove tour is a great way to learn about the mangrove ecosystem and its wildlife. Experienced kayakers can take a three hour trip to Abu Dhabi Island and lunch on shore or circumnavigate it and camp overnight. Other kayaking experiences include catch and release fishing, a paddle along the Umm Al Quwain coastline known for its marine life including black tipped reef sharks, green turtles, flamingos and storks in the summer and dolphins and dugongs during the cooler months.

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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