Blessed with stunning natural beauty, the island of Sri Lanka is famous for its idyllic beaches that offer a perfect escape amidst the sun, sand and surf. However, the island is also home to breathtaking patches of forests that are teeming with a rich biodiversity including endemic species. Those heading to the country’s famed south coast city of Galle should definitely make time to visit one of the country’s most enchanting reserves, the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary.
Home to a lowland wet evergreen forest, this reserve can be found east of Galle, near the Nilwala and Gin rivers. Visitors interested in exploring the area can set off on one of the trails in the reserve; those setting off on the Narangas Ella trail will enjoy an unforgettable journey deep into the forest, while travellers venturing along the Kabbale mountain trail can enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the summit.
As you set off on a nature tour in the Kanneliya Wild Sanctuary you will notice that the trees have formed a sort of canopy covering the forest floor. Sunlight barely penetrates through some densely covered areas of this enchanting forest which also features waterfalls and rivers; it provides a truly exciting escape far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among the attractions one should look to see while here are the Anagimale falls and the Giant Navada tree.
The reserve is an ideal place for such activities as bird watching. There are more than 100 species of birds that can be seen here and bird watchers have the chance to see such species as the blue magpie, green billed coucal and the spot-winged thrush. Endemic species such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl, red-faced malkoha and Sri Lanka spurfowl have also found a home here. Apart from bird life, the Kanneliya reserve is also known for its endemic freshwater fish species along with a variety of butterflies, amphibians and reptiles.
Those in search of Galle resorts from which to set off on excursions to the region and visit such sites as the Kanneliya reserve can stay at Jetwing Kurulubedda. Set amidst lush greenery, it features villas in Galle that offer an idyllic getaway surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
survive. There are over 200 varieties of insects that live in various high tech environments that are specially made for the different creatures. Among the many developed environments the museum houses a desert, a country side, a valley, a swamp, a forest, a rainforest and so on.
There are four routes that one could trek and hike around. The most famous route during the monsoon is the castle rock route where you will reach the castle rock station along a pretty 14 km route and then to the waterfall. The second is the Kulem route which is equally beautiful as the first but less popular. Kuveshi route is the most adventurous and is not accessible during monsoon seasons. The travelers of Dudhsagar can have a rest in a 
Visiting Hong Kong for a short stay or spending a few hours in the city before catching your next flight? Instead of choosing to spend that time in the airport, step out and experience Hong Kong at its best. Once you land in Hong Kong, make your way to the Airport Express Train through which one can access the Hong Kong Central Station in just below half an hour. Alternatively, one can choose to travel via the double-decker Airbus which is operational even at night. Once in the city, one can choose between taking the ferry and opting for the underground train service, buses or trams.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the hybrid culture prevalent in the city, a visit to the temples hidden away in street corners and tucked away in the hills would surely provide you with much needed moments of peace and tranquillity. Alternatively, one could opt to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps by climbing Victoria’s Peak for the view at the summit of the mountain, of Kowloon, Hong Kong and the Victoria Harbour will surely be worth the climb.
Until recent times, the scorching day time temperatures of Abu Dhabi made any formation of large bodies of frozen water an extreme improbability. But for this city that extracts black gold from its sands to become one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the improbable is not impossible! The Ice Rink of the Zayed Sports City is an example of how such deeds can happen in this oasis at the edge of the Empty Quarter.
The ice rink is one of two in the country, and is the largest of them, with a capability of seating 1,200 people. Recreational skating times are open to the public while time slots are allocated for ice hockey and figure skating teams. The rink is becoming an increasingly popular attraction with not just tourists but locals as well, many of whom have never even laid eyes on snow. The special ‘Learn to Skate’ programme offers coached lessons – individual and group – for beginners of all ages. Although you may fall down a couple of time in the precarious edges of skates, a few lessons with professionals are sure to have you gliding on ice, like it was second nature.