The Sanya Sailing Race

China is truly a cultural destination, offering something for both the young and the old. They have a very diverse culture and have many events to promote them. The most interesting part of visiting this enchanting country is participating in their festivals such as the dragon festival and so much more. One of the most compelling factors that draws visitors there in thousands every year is the world wonder, the Great Wall of China. So when you do get the opportunity to travel to this wonderful land do not forget to experience everything that the country has to offer. Yet, there is another interesting facet of China that is still to be explored. This is the Sanya Sailing Race. Hainan is a famous place for its excellent service industry and of course for their great cuisine.

After having been held in February 2012, the race will once again return to Sanya, which is the tourist capital in the province of Hainan. The area is considered to be the best venue for the race as the racers can sail up close to the shore and even on to the bay. This is a great time to visit China because the excitement is quite overwhelming and you can see international competitors right here at the event. Due to the excellent weather conditions, you are bound to have yourself a great time and it is something that the entire family can enjoy. This is an event that is visited by over thousands of spectators who come there for their share of the fun. This two day event provides a lot of fun and entertainment that you are bound not to forget any time soon.

Staying in the area is quite an experience. Stay in a Sanya hotel or even a Sanya resort such as the Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa. Sanya has so much to offer you, so do not miss out on this splendid opportunity and explore everything that this place is renowned for. Visit the Sanya bay and also the Nanwan Monkey Island. This is a trip that you are sure to remember and you and your whole family can enjoy because as said before, there is something for everyone in the wonderful place.

 

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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White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Colombo, Sri Lanka is a wonderful place and with a vibrancy like no other. Being an island you can travel to the ‘interior’ and down south area in a short time and get back. One such place that should be a priority for you is Kitulgala. Located just about 80 kilometres from the city of Colombo, this beautiful area runs into the world famous town of Nuwara Eliya. A famous thing to do in Kitulgala is to check out the palm trees from whose sap a local sweet known as ‘jaggery’ is produced.

Yet, the town of Kitulgala is famous for something even more exiting; there is more to the town that just ‘Kitul trees’ since it is also the island’s white-water rafting haven. The entire experience takes place on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. You can white-water raft for over five kilometres and tours are generally arranged for one hour to half a day, depending on your preference.

The best three months of the year for white water rafting are at the beginning, with February being a favourite. There are also different types of white-water rafting such as black rafting too. This is where you would go in the night time, adding that much more excitement to your journey. Equipped with head lights and all the necessary safety gear, this is a must try for the more experienced rafters out there.

Kitulgala is also a nice place to relax and enjoy some bird watching too. There are some species here that cannot be found anywhere on the island. You can catch a glimpse of the spot-winged Thrush and many other types of birds as well.

While in the town of Kitulgala, visit the locations where the Academy award winning film, ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed. The foundations of the bridge remain to this day. When planning a trip to this wonderful town, check out the many tours to Sri Lanka and make sure you get good Holiday in Sri Lanka tour packages such as those offered by Sri Lankan Dreams. It provides truly fascinating sightseeing tours that take you to some of the country’s most well known landmarks and attractions.

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. Google+

Batu Bolong Temple

For those holidaying in the west of Tanah Lot, a trip to the enchanting Batu Bolong Temple would go a long way in completing an unforgettable escape in Bali. Perched on a volcanic rock that leads out to sea, this Hindu temple is easily accessible from any of the luxury villas in Bali. From all of the luxury villas Bali has to offer, Alila Villas Soori will captivate you and put you in the mood for a trip to this popular destination.

Be enthralled by the stunning sunset by evening or the beautiful turquoise waters by day when visiting the temple. A feature of the temple is that the rock on which it is situated on possesses a giant cavity which adds to the ambience. Batu Bolong Temple comprises of a small yard and faces Bali’s most scared mountain; Gunung Agung.

Deep Water Diving in Kathu

One of the premier destinations for deep water diving, Kathu in Phuket provides an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves. Look to combine diving excursions with health retreats Phuket has to offer, letting you find peace for mind, body and spirit. Thanyapura is one such option and features holistic wellness that combines perfectly with the active lifestyle Asia is known for.

Diving enthusiasts can head to Kathu where one can find colourful coral reefs and vibrant marine life amidst the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Pa Tong town is an ideal base from which to set off on your diving adventures and lets you truly explore Phuket’s fascinating marine world. Plan a trip to the Similan and Surin National Marine Parks which offer plenty of diving fun, while not to be missed is a chance to head underwater and visit Richelieu Rock. The Koh Racha Islands are also known for dive sites worth exploring. On your excursions you may come across such marine life as blacktip reef sharks, lionfish and fusiliers to name but a few of the species that inhabit these waters.

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. Google+

Diving in Negombo

While Negombo offers an idyllic escape along the west coast of Sri Lanka, this laidback haven by the sea is also a great spot from which to embark on an exciting diving expedition. Before setting off on such excursions, make sure to find suitable accommodation at one of the Negombo Sri Lanka hotels in the region. A perfect base for your travels, Hotel J is one such hotel in Negombo which is an ideal starting point to your diving adventures.

December through April is generally considered the best period for diving off the island’s West Coast. When in Negombo there are several sites worth considering when it comes to diving such as Hanova where one can find a range of marine species including sweetlips, cuttlefish, snappers and groupers. Lionfish, star fish and sting rays can be seen at Barracuda Point, while not to be missed is a chance to explore the shipwreck that can also be reached from Negombo’s coast. Those in search of more underwater adventure can head to the area known as the “Third Reef”; located further out to sea, it is a great spot to catch sight of a variety of rays including the marble ray.

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. Google+

Deep Sea Fishing in Bentota

While the sun drenched coastal locale of Bentota, Sri Lanka is known as being one of the best places on the island for exciting water sports, those in search of more relaxed fun on the water which is no less thrilling can consider deep sea fishing. Before heading out to sea look to find accommodation at a Bentota hotel or resort that lets you easily explore this charming coastal area. Located near the beach, AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa is one such Bentota resort that lets you enjoy a range of water sports too.

Those who love the challenge and excitement of catching fish can try their hand at deep sea fishing. Boats generally leave early in the mornings and excursions can sometimes go on for 4 to 5 hours. Part of the fun is lying in wait for something to tug at your bait; while you may enjoy a time of relaxation till then, be ready for quite a tussle as you try reel in your catch! Those planning to go deep sea fishing in Bentota have the chance to catch such species as barracuda, wahoo, jack fish, tuna and snappers and such excursions provide an unforgettable adventure at sea.

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. Google+

Wild Wadi Water Park

The emirate of Dubai is one which blends old world charm with modern development, offering a truly stunning oasis in the desert. This cosmopolitan city has a rich heritage as well and makes for an ideal destination for a family holiday. There is much to see and do here, and if you are looking to spend some fun family time with the kids then a visit to the Wild Wadi Water Park is definitely worth doing.

Located across from the Burj Al Arab, this expansive water park in the Jumeirah area offers a stunning array of attractions that provide plenty of excitement for young and old alike. Based on the story of “Juha” who is known in Arabian folklore, the Wild Wadi Water Park has 30 rides catering to those looking for some adrenaline pumping thrills to visitors in search of more relaxed water based fun.

Master Blasters are “not to be missed” rides which gives you the chance to enjoy the thrills of a water rollercoaster! With names such as Flying Falls, Thunder Rapids, the Tunnel of Doom and Falcon Fury, each Master Blaster provides an action packed ride that one will not soon forget. For more fast paced action make sure to try Tantrum Alley with its downhill waterslides and tornado sections and the Jumeirah Sceirah which features tandem slides that take you on an exhilarating ride that reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h!

Those who love water sports can head to the Wipeout & Riptide section where one can try body-boarding or knee-boarding on artificial waves, while Breaker’s Bay which is home to the Middle East’s biggest wave pool is also a great spot to have some fun in the surf. For a more laidback ride, try Juha’s Journey which takes one on a carefree ride along a lazy river which measures around 360 metres in length. Parents with small kids can head to Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon where younger visitors can have plenty of fun with the water guns and racing slides on offer.

Travellers to the region in search of accommodation in Dubai within easy reach of Wild Wadi Water Park can stay at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. This Jumeirah beach hotel can be found on the famed Palm Jumeirah and provides an ideal base from which to set off on your many adventures in Dubai.

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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Fish Head Dive Site in Maldives: One of the Ten Best Dive Sites in the World

The wonders that lie beneath the calm blue surface of the ocean are both marvellous and mysterious and have piqued the innate curiousity of mankind in a quest for discovery. Whether it is swimming through an underwater wreck, marvelling at the vibrancy of the world that lies beneath or whether it is a shallow dive to exclaim in absolute wonder at the vitality and picturesque beauty of the coral reefs, the great blue sea has never ceased to amaze even the most experienced diver. Therefore, it is no surprise that scuba diving and deep diving are some of the most sought after activities by holiday makers. While Rocktail Bay in South Africa, Sulawesi in Indonesia and Cocos and Malpelo in the Eastern Pacific rank among the best diving sites in the world, the small cluster of islands nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is determined not to be undermined in terms of its underwater brilliance. True to form, the Fish Head dive site in Maldives has proven to be one of the best dive sites in Asia that capture the essence of the marine world.

Known by the locals as Mushi Mas Mingili Thila, the Fish Head diving site is located in a protected marine area in the North Ari Atoll. The site is complete with overhanging caves, a square reef and a number of ledges. The main reason for being ranked among the best dive sites in the world is because the habits of Grey Reef Sharks can be observed at close quarters in this marine area, an advantage that is unavailable at other dive sites. Other sightings of underwater life include Napoleon Wrasse, Jacks, Tuna and White Tip Reef Sharks and the site is conducive to amateur divers as well provided the tide isn’t too strong. Therefore, ensure that you inquire from your Maldives hotel with regard to when the tide is low prior to making arrangements to visit the site.

While those staying at Maldives island resorts in the North Atoll will find it easier to access the site, tourists residing in the South Atoll at hotels such as Naladhu Maldives, need not be disheartened. Maldivian hospitality will ensure that your excursion to the Fish Head Diving Site is well co-ordinated and organised in order to ensure optimum convenience to the guests.

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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Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, which is in the catchment of the Minneriya reservoir built in the 3rd century CE, is synonymous with the Sri Lanka elephant ever since it was observed that a large number of them congregate here to graze during the dry season. This event has been identified as the largest seasonally recurring wildlife phenomenon in the country. The importance of the area around the Minneriya reservoir to wildlife was recognized as far back as 1938 when it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1997 it was upgraded to a Wildlife Park.

Other than the elephants the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including the Sri Lanka leopard, the Sri Lanka sloth bear, the purple faced langur, the toque macaque, two species of deer and the gray slender loris that are among the 26 species of mammals, both large and small that are found here. The park has also been identified as an important bird area in Sri Lanka with 160 species of birds being spotted around the reservoir. They range from large populations of water birds to migrants and residents and include flocks of pelicans, jungle fowl, cormorants, grey herons, babblers, parrots and bulbuls among others.

Pythons, water monitors and crocodiles are among the 25 species of reptiles that inhabit the park. The park’s other denizen’s include nine species of amphibians, 26 species of fish and 75 species of butterflies.

However the other wildlife pales in comparison to the elephants that can be easily spotted and are in a large group. The ‘Gathering’ as the congregation of elephants here is now called, are elephant herds from Matale, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts that come to graze on the succulent grasses and enjoy the water of the reservoir from mid July till end October. The elephants usually come out of the surrounding jungle in the cool of the evening and it is indeed one of the most amazing sights to see them trickle out until they form into quite a large herd said to number 400 sometimes. This is a rare opportunity to observe them in the wild and in endearing family groups.

Whether it is viewing elephants or any other wild life, the natural beauty of the park is part of the amazing experience at Minneriya National Park.

Stay at Hotel Sigiriya in the shadow of one of Sri Lanka’s famous cultural sites and in the heart of the dry zone, home to many of the country’s wildlife. This prominent hotel in Sigiriya provides guests with spacious, comfortable accommodation and a host of modern facilities and amenities including relaxing Ayurveda spa treatments that make a stay here enjoyable. Stay at such conveniently located hotels Sigiriya to have unforgettable cultural and nature experiences.

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. Google+

Guangzhou Ocean World

Providing a valuable space for marine research and education, the Guangzhou Ocean World provides hours of education and fun for all those who visit it. Look for a Guangzhou serviced apartment which would render getting about the town easier and a recommended place of accommodation would be Ascott IFC Guangzhou offering luxurious serviced apartments Guangzhou is quite proud of. Covering 13,000 square meters, the Guangzhou Ocean World is a cheerful mishmash of stories of evolution of marine life coupled together with colourful displays of shoals of fish and other fascinating aquatic life forms. Occupying the latest technology, the Guangzhou Ocean World exhibits more than 200 species of fish and many other rare ocean creatures not to be witnessed anywhere else. It is truly a delight to witness these creatures playing amongst vibrant corals while one can also witness carnivorous marine creatures such as shark hunting for their next meal amongst the reefs.