Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park is paradise for the nature lover. With captivating scenery and an array of chirping birds providing the perfect backdrop, the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park makes the perfect niche for relaxation.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat has the best of all sorts of natural wonders. The area in its entirety is covered by cave-ridden limestone hills and thick forested greenery. Inside the park, you can find an interesting walking trail that stretches up to 3km. This trail takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery that is adorned by an array of beautiful flora and fauna and plenty of natural rock formations.

Surrounding the park beauty already dawns, for the trip to the park is more like a prologue for what you find in the park. The many limestone quarries that you will meet on the way leading to the mountains are very artistic and are quite fascinating to look at.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park has two important mountains called Khao Chomprasart and Khao Chaolai. These are situated between 60-372 meters above sea level. The mountain has a unique shape that is noticed by everyone visiting the park. Both the mountains together resemble a great giant lying on her side. It really comes as no surprise that the park was named Nang Phanthurat because in Thai Folklore this is the name of a famous female giant.

Every where you turn, the park is adorned by ever green forests and mixed deciduous forest. Year round the park enjoys a healthy green landscape and is home to an array of different species that includes plants, animals and birds. The park with its soothing ambience makes an excellent location for a picnic or a jog.

When it comes to staying in one of the Hua Hin hotels, the beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has are a popular choice. There is something so serene about the Thai beaches that it actually reflects the ambience you will experience at the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park. For the best of all the beach hotels, stay at the exoticAnantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort .

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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Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Marina Island, which is also home to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The track, which is used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was a design of the renowned racecourse architect, Herman Tilke. It is Middle East’s second Formula One race track after the one in Bahrain. With a total length of almost six kilometres, the racecourse has the capacity to seat about fifty thousand people. Construction on the course began in 2007 and took only about two years to complete, with the track opening in October 2009.

Since it was opened the track has hosted multiple international events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA Formula One, V8 Supercars and GT1 World. The track, which bears a resemblance to the F1 track in Monaco, has a distinct Arabian flavour. There are a total of twenty one turns and each one is unique, making for highly thrilling races. There are five grandstands from which audiences can view all the action. The grandstands are designed to enhance the viewing experience. The track is only about thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi City and tourists visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to visit this place even if there are no races scheduled.

Visitors to the Yas Marina Circuit should also try to stop by the Ferrari World Theme Park located nearby. The park is the largest indoor theme park on the planet and contains over twenty rides, including the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in operation. In addition to rides, the park also provides fascinating insights into the world of racing and is sure to resonate with racing enthusiasts from around the world.

Travellers planning a tour of the attractions in the Middle East should consider getting accommodation with hotel chains like the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. They contain a series of Middle East hotels including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE hotels. Getting accommodation with a hotel chain ensures that one gets the same standard of service no matter where one visits and it minimises the hassles of booking multiple hotels.

 

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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Kawarau River Combos

Queenstown has an awesome reputation for being New Zealand’s most impassioned adventure capital. The town offers adrenaline seekers enough thrills and chills to satiate the most dedicated daredevils, and when you’re looking for a place to unwind, experience Queenstown hotel accommodation at its finest at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. This prime Queenstown resort offers its guests the chance to relax and rejuvenate in the midst of scenic lake views and five star amenities before resuming the excitement anew the next day! The adventure website Queenstown Combos offers all adventure seekers the chance to experience the thrilling landscape of the New Zealand wilderness in innovative ways. Take on the almighty Kawarau River using a variety of spine-tingling means via jetboating, white water rafting and gondola riding. Or if you want excitement in the midst of the rugged, unspoiled landscape of Skipper Canyon, the Shotriver combo offers you some spills and thrills in a river famous for gold and adventure. Experiences include jetboating, rafting, gondola riding, as well as the exhilarating canyon swing for the next level of adrenaline chasers. And of course, what experience in adventure town is complete without a bout of bungee jumping? Jump off the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge and hurtle towards the rushing and roaring waters of the Kawarau River or take an extreme leap of faith at the Nevis jump, which is 134 metres off the ground. In addition, you can skydive or take the amazing Nevis Arc Swing at a height of an amazing 160 metres for a truly unforgettable all-round adventure guaranteed to leave your heart racing!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.
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Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

When Heli-Skiing in the best area in Southern New Zealand, there’s only one motto: if you can ski, you can heli-ski! Queenstown is home to some gorgeous powder snow in breathtaking mountains and valleys that serve up the best landscapes for exciting skiing adventures. Finding quality Queenstown hotel accommodation is easy, and adrenaline junkies can choose a lovely family hotel Queenstown has to offer at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, set on the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu. This well-appointed property offers modern amenities and chic comfort – perfect for relaxing after a day of pounding the powder. Harris Mountains Heli-ski takes you to some of the finest Southern alpine ski locations in the country. Tapping miles and miles of wild, unspoiled terrain, adrenaline seekers are sure to get their share of thrills, spills and chills in the sun-kissed snow of Queenstown’s finest mountains. It is the perfect getaway from the bustle of the cities, as it is just the skier poised on top of a vast, white winterland of excitement. Take a deep breath of the pristine mountain air and reflect on the unimaginable majesty of all your surroundings. You’re king or queen of the snow world at this moment…let it all just sink in as you push off and fly into euphoria. Come to a smooth stop at the bottom of the snow trail, where the helicopter will be waiting to lift you to the tippity-top of another gorgeous powder-kissed peak. Relax, repeat, re-live the excitement over and over again on Queenstown’s soaring, brilliant snowscapes.

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+

A J Hackett Bungy Jumping

Adrenaline junkies unite! At New Zealand’s very own “adventure-capital” Queenstown, which delights outdoors enthusiasts with an excitement array of fun activities, from skiing and snowboarding to heli-skiing and bungee-jumping. The town also opens up some quality Queenstown hotel accommodation featuring the perfect setting to relax after a hard day of outdoor adventures. One great family hotel Queenstown boasts of is the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront serving up modern comforts and stylish interiors to soak in the scenic views of Lake Wakatipu out front. Set out the next morning and check out the fantastic array of adrenaline pumping skyward adventures from A J Hackett Bungy Jumping. Traditional bunjee-jumping fans will be in for the thrill of a lifetime, as they plummet from a cable car set an unbelievably high 134 metres off the ground. Experience an exhilarating ground rush that lasts for 8.5 heart-stopping seconds. But jumping is not all that is offered. How about prolonging the thrills by swinging way up high from a suspension cable? No falling here, just the heady sensation of flying towards the Remarkables Mountain. Your own body weight dictates the direction and speed of the “flight”, so simply spin around and twirl upside down, covering a massive 300m aerial arc over New Zealand’s unspoiled verdure. Or, if high-flying thrills are not your thing, take a fun zip-line slide over the pristine Kawaru River. Perfect for all ages, three 130m zip lines offer the chance to zip along over the river at riveting speeds of 60mph. Riders can go alone or in tandem and afterward, enjoy a relaxing cruise back to the starting point. For those who prefer to get their thrills while touching something solid, embark on a scenic bridge climb over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a panoramic 1.5 hour trek. Featuring custom-engineered walkways, it is a safe and enjoyable way to take in one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy extensive commentary on Auckland and its surroundings. Whatever your adventure preference you’re sure to find something up your speed at AJ Hackett Bunjy Jumping!

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+

Whale Watching in Thailand

Looking for a break from all that shopping while in fascinating Thailand? Go whale watching in the Gulf of Thailand. The areas of Koh Samet and Koh Chang dress the upper part of the gulf while the southern part is formed by Koh Samui, Koh Phangana dn and Koh Tao. This is an area known for magical beaches, amazing weather and calm and quiet surroundings.

Koh Tao is well known among travellers for it’s clear waters that make it an excellent area for diving and whale watching. Beautiful coral life and sea life found in abundance here makes it an exciting diving site. The famous Bryde’s whales in the area have attracted many tourists to the location as of late. There are plenty of tour boats that could be hired to go close to these beautiful whales.

Apart from these beautiful whales there are also a number of other beautiful species such as whale sharks, and dolphins. A famous diving site in the area that guarantees you a sighting would be the Sail rock. For the best views of the dolphins it is necessary to travel to the upper reaches of the gulf such as Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. There have been sightings of the rare Minkhe whales here too.

Look for accommodation close to Koh Samui to arrive early in the mornings and be greeted by the beautiful sunset, while you eagerly wait to see these beautiful sea creatures. Stay at a luxury resort that will ease you in to a heavenly feeling as you surf, dive and go whale watching to your heart’s content. A Koh Samui Resort that speaks of pure luxury is the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. This Chaweng Hotel boasts of star class comforts within its authentic ambience and well-appointed rooms. For a truly relaxing experience, in star class luxuries, state-of-the-art amenities and an experience close to nature’s wonders head over to this part of Thailand and come face to face with a fascinating whale. What more would you want from your beachside holiday?

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+

Deep Sea Diving in Koh Samui

The second most popular tourist destination after Phuket, Koh Samui is an island that has gained popularity as a tourist area mainly after the 1970s. The most popular areas of the island are the beaches and activities based at these picturesque stretches of shoreline provide plenty of fun in the sun, sand and surf.

Diving is one of the key attractions of Koh Samui and visitors can dive all year round. Because of its relatively calm waters and popularity as a diving destination, Koh Samui is also perfect for those embarking on their underwater journey for the first time. In some areas of Koh Samui you can see up to 10-30m, which means the corals, schools of colourful fish and whale sharks during the season will give you a very unique experience.

Taking use of this opportunity many locals run diving schools. You need not worry about authenticity as finding an accredited diving school is easy and most courses are short term, especially designed keeping tourists in mind. Prices are extremely affordable and there are many sites such as Sail Rock and Ang Thong National Marine Park that will be a delight for the more experienced divers.

The beaches are lined with many a Koh Samui resort that lets you soak up the sun and have fun in the sand and surf. Chaweng beach is one of the most popular of such areas and those in search of a hotel in Samui at this beach can stay at Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. The hotel arranges many water sports for its guest including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and private boat charters. Allowing the hotel make arrangements for you means that you have less hassle and also you can be assured of being provided with responsible and dependable operators with good rates.

Other than the beaches you can also take time to visit the Wat Khunaram Koh Samui temple, Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks and the Big Buddha Temple. Apart from these there are other sites that are quite interesting including the Sea Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, Butterfly Garden as well as the Insect Museum and Monkey Shows at the open air theatre.

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+

Pidurangala Rock

It is doubtful whether any other dry zone in the world possesses this many memories, temples and popular tourist sites; the area of Sigirya in Sri Lanka, where the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, is a well patronized tourist destination. The rock fortress claimed global recognition through its murals, inscriptions, gardens, irrigation system and the lion formations at the entrance.

The historical narrations reveal that the Sigiriya rampart and the adjoining rock, Pidurangala, were both inhabited by Buddhist monks who engaged in meditation during the era that King Kashyapa wished to make Sigiriya his royal house. The chronicles further divulge that King Kashyapa completed the Pidurangala Monastery Complex according to the ‘Panchavansa’ concept, where a bo tree, a chapter house, an image house, a meditation chamber and a dagoba are included within the temple premises. The monks who resided on the Sigiriya Rock were given lodging at the Pidurangala Rock and the monastery was the king’s royal temple.

The mound with a slightly stubby surface is visible from the road that takes you to Sigiriya, but after the glamour and wonders that the latter affords, the environment itself seems to dull into oblivion. The monastery which is spread over an area of 13 acres would have been an ideal abode for meditating monks as it offers ample solitude and silence. This remains true to date and since there is no influx of tourists, the incumbent monks are able to engage in religious activities with ease. It is easy to get lost in thought at this site and imagine life lived in another day and age, in the silence and sacredness of this site.
Only those who are well informed visit the Pidurangala Rock, even while they holiday ever so close to it at a hotel in Sigiriya. Inform your tour guide that you are well aware of the overshadowed treasure that sits a whisker away from hotels Sigiriya has to offer and insist on a tour of it. With the daunting view of the world renowned rock garrison, Hotel Sigiriya, is one of the top favourites among those visiting the area.

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+

Yala Safari

The Yala National Park is a major national park in Sri Lanka. Spanning an area of almost one thousand square kilometres, it is the second biggest national park in the country and is the most widely visited. No trip to the tropical island can be considered complete without a visit to Yala; after all, the park is home to some of the country’s best loved and most elusive animals. It was established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary and was only designated as a national park in 1938. Although the park is made up of five blocks, only two of them are open to the public.

Yala boasts a rich biodiversity and is home to numerous animals. This includes elephants and leopards, the two icons of Sri Lankan wildlife. The park’s leopard population is huge and although the animal is notoriously shy, leopard sightings are a common occurrence. In total, it is home to about forty four mammalian species including sloth bears, wild water buffalos, civets and macaques. Reptilian species are numbered at forty five although the number could be much higher. Of these five species, the Sri Lankan krait and the Wiegmann’s Agama, are endemic.

However, it is the avian populace that makes this a truly memorable place. Yala is home to over two hundred types of birds of which six are endemic. Tourists who want to experience the island’s natural bounty will definitely have to take a trip down to Yala. The exotic and lively inhabitants are sure to make any visit here one to remember.

Although small in size, the tropical island contains many attractions and the best way to visit them all is by using Sri Lanka tour packages. Taking such tours will eliminate all the hassles of planning and travel so that tourists can have a fun, stress free vacation. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka offer holiday packages Sri Lanka that covers all the major attractions. They show a side of the island that only locals get to enjoy and is the ideal option for foreigners who want a taste of the real Sri Lanka and its enchanting cultural, historical and natural heritage.

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+

Banana Reef, Maldives -The Perfect Getaway

Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world which offers a myriad of choices with holidaying, diverse cuisine, all year sunshine, amazing resorts, spas and many more. Maldives is also famed as an underwater delight among travelers for its mesmerizing coral growths. With panoramic views of the mystic ocean, Maldives ensures to present you memories of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a fantastic dive and snorkel in lagoons, then the banana reef in Maldives is the ideal location for you. Banana reef which inherits the name due to its unusual shape is the first dive site to be discovered in Maldives and is still one of the best among tourists. The dive can be from 5 meters to 30 meters if you are up for it, with many more mesmerizing traits including a pinnacle and some overhangs. This abundant and vibrant coral garden attracts an extensive variety of fish including squirrelfish, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips .Adorned by magical lagoons and pristine crystal shores, banana reef of Maldives is a divine paradise island with an abundance of luxurious amenities with a wide range of hotels around the banana reef.

That is not all that the banana reef of Maldives offer. You could experience the reef’s drop off, deep gutters, steep overhangs, underwater tunnels and caves and if you are in luck you could catch a glimpse of various exotic fish including sharks, barracudas and grey reef sharks.

The waters of Maldives offer an array of activities like underwater adventures, personal boating activities, riding the waves and many more. A diving safari is ideal to explore the stunning reefs with lots of soft corals, small canyons and overhangs giving you a unique experience or else you could simply snorkel leisurely on the edge of the lagoon while deep dives are offered too!

The banana reef of Maldives offers you an ideal holiday experience where you can dine and pamper yourself to no end. If you are looking for accommodation in Maldives, do not forget to try Anantara Dhigu Maldives and make your stay here one of your cherished holidays. With endless choices from adventure to relaxing on a powdery white sandy beach, this Maldives resort would provide anything you prefer to make your visit just that much better.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+