Cardrona Adventure Park

Located halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka in New Zealand, on the Cardrona Valley, the Cardrona Adventure Park guarantees fun for the whole family. With so many activities ranging from quad bikes, buggy and monster truck rides, visitors whether amateurs or veterans, will love the energetic experience of the park. There is something for everyone here. The park is open from 10.00 am to 5 pm every day, and all you need to bring along is sturdy footwear. Be dressed in appropriate clothes for the ride, and bring along your excitement of course!

The drive to the park itself is a beautiful experience. You will have a view of the magnificent crown range of hills. The drive of about 40 minutes although long is a picturesque journey.

With various rides catering to the skill level and physical abilities of participants, there is indeed something for everyone. Children and adults alike will enjoy the Cardrona experience. Children as young as six years can drive their own quad bikes, while most adults have a tendency to like the famous snow run experience.

If you prefer a more scenic experience then the park offers rides over water, mud and snow on the drastic hills. Or maybe you would like to try one of the adrenalin pumping all terrain action rides meant for thrill seeking adventure junkies. Monster trucks and off road vehicles are also renowned experiences of the park mostly among those who just cannot get enough.

Queenstown makes an ideal base from which to visit this attraction. The city is renowned for its beautiful sceneries surrounded by the majestic mountains and Lake Wakatipu, country like atmosphere and clear skies, but above all for the warmth of its hospitality. Excitement, peace and serenity all packed into one city; what more can you ask for while on vacation.

If you wish to retire to a luxury hotel Queenstown after all those scream inducing rides and thrills then look no further than Millennium Hotel Queenstown. This Queenstown hotel, is well known for its luxurious accommodation and star class service standards. It is the ideal place to stay at for the traveller in need of a little pampering, at the end of a long day of sightseeing and excitement.

Bird Watching in the Maldives- Taking Wing

While the Maldives is celebrated for its amazing diversity of marine life, due to its location far away from a large landmass and its small size the Maldives does not have an abundance of its own avifauna. Most birds found on the islands are Eurasian migratory birds and therefore are seasonal while some are typical of the region and a few are found among the vegetation and marshes of the various islands.

According to bird checklists around 165 varieties of birds inhabit the islands from time to time. Some rare and threatened varieties of birds that visit the islands intermittently include the Feruginous Duck, Jouanin’s Petrel, Spot Billed Pelican, Pallid Harrier, Black Tailed Godwit, the Lesser Kestrel and the Eurasian Curlew. The common Mynah and the House Sparrow that are visible on the larger islands are listed as introduced species. Among the commonest birds spied in the Maldives are the crow, the koel with its distinctive cry and the white breasted water hen found nesting under low bushes. While the large grey heron is also a common sight several other species of heron are also glimpsed from time to time. Two types of frigate birds are known to use the Maldives as their breeding grounds. Two species of noddies, several species of terns, the Audubon’s shearwater and the white tailed tropic bird are also to be found here during breeding time. Addu Atoll in the south of the Maldives is known as a nesting ground for the fairy tern.

For keen bird watchers the best way to see pelagic birds in the Maldives is to take a trip out to sea with fishermen who locate shoals of tuna by identifying concentrations of sea birds feeding on shrimp and small fish chased to the top by the big fish hunting below. Birding tours organized as part of the live aboard experience is also another wonderful way to view tropical pelagic birds and migrants from the palaearctic eco zone. The most rewarding time to view these birds may be during the spring and autumn migrations when a whole variety of birds can be spotted. Early mornings are also a good time to view birds as they are most active and noisy at this time. Due to its small size bird watchers in the Maldives may need to visit several locations to see a variety of avifauna.

For anyone thinking of pristine white beaches, sun, warm blue sea, gorgeous marine life, privacy and sublime accommodation then Cocoa Island Maldives is the place to be. Enjoy well appointed spacious contemporary villas and suites with wonderful ocean views at this Maldives luxury hotel as well as tasteful Asian fusion cuisine, rejuvenating holistic spa treatments and blissful days in total relaxation. Head to this exceptional Maldives resort for that much dreamed of vacation.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Diving in Passikudah

Located in a hidden stretch in the Eastern borders of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, Passikudah is certainly a treat both on the surface and under. With shallow waters stretching several meters into the ocean, the Passikudah beach has come to be famously known as Natures very own shallow pool. Now the Eastern Sri Lanka is slowly blossoming with a whole new vigor that is making it on par or perhaps even better than the rest of the island.

For many the name Passikudah barely rings a bell and the reason is simple; for years this tiny little town was occupied by the rebellions. Destroyed and damaged, the many wonders of Passikudah that was once cherished by locals had become the forgotten treasure of the island. With the end of the internal conflict in the island, Sri Lanka blossomed with a whole new vigor and ardor. The many zones in the island that were neglected due to war became the primary focus of the government and private funders. Passikudah was one such town; known for its sparkling blue shallow ocean Passikudah is paradise for a long lazy splash and also quite famous for snorkeling. Of late diving has become a popular activity in this town. With perfect water, with a clear and a warm soothing temperature, the underwater world is not short of wonder in Passikudah. Schools of fish swim pass you and corals garland your way as you swim through the many wonders of the aquatic zone. Passikudah Sea is the underwater Eden in Sri Lanka that is quite interesting to explore if you are a good swimmer, you need not be a professional; the ocean in Passikudah is calm and ever so welcoming.

For all the intricate information and equipment that you need for diving choose the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa as your hotel to come home to. This is a new and the finest resort in Passikudah. Maalu Maalu has all the information and items you need when it comes to water sports in the area. This is one Sri Lanka Spa Resort that boasts as a perfect authentic Sri Lanka resort with a touch of luxury and class.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Roppongi Hills

Development in Tokyo has moved forward in leaps and bounds, and today the capital city of Japan is definitely one of the greatest cities in the world. While life moves on the fast lane in this busy city the locals are always able to make time for style, and maintain it in their lifestyles. As the country heads towards becoming one recognized for this trait, the numbers that visit the nation in seek of exciting vacations too increases. Most of these visitors opt to stay in and explore Tokyo and in the city the Roppongi area is popular among visitors. Roppongi Hills is a mix use development that has arisen in the area and for many reasons it is a site fun seeking visitors should head to.

This development was opened in 2003, and since then has changed the face of Roppongi, helping to transform it into one of the most stylish areas to visit. Made up of several skilfully architected buildings, there is a host of ways to spend time in the area. It is a place to visit that will have almost anything that visitors are looking for. Those with an interest in modern culture will enjoy a visit to the Mori Art Museum in the iconic Mori Tower, and from this same tower which is one of the tallest in the area, you can enjoy the views from the observation deck.

Roppongi Hills is one of the best places for world class shopping, with most of the best renowned brands available here. Visitors will not only find trendy apparel here but a range of other products as well. When looking for a way to treat the taste buds too Roppongi Hills is the place to head over to, as there are a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars that serve up delicious dishes from many cuisines. The area is made pleasant by the presence of greenery in beautifully kept gardens, including an exciting rooftop garden. The cinema on site shows both Japanese and English movies for visitors’ enjoyment. It is definitely an ideal place to head over to when looking for some excitement in Tokyo.

When visitors to this city are selecting a hotel Tokyo, one that will meet all their needs is The Peninsula Tokyo. The beauty and opulence of this luxury hotel Tokyo, along with the lavish comforts and experiences available, have made it a popular choice of accommodation.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

For a fierce adventure with the wild side of China visit the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Located in the Sanzao town some 20 km from the city center, the park is easily accessible and makes a popularly visited destination during weekends and holidays. The Shanghai Wild Animal National Park makes the first park of its kind in the whole of China. It covers an area of over 150 hectares and houses over 200 different species of animals. The rare, the endangered and the fierce are all found in this manmade wildlife sanctuary and the best part of all is that this zoo allows an up-close and personal experience with its many amazing species. You can either walk along and enjoy a typical zoo exploration or you can hop into a bus and enjoy the most spine chilling contact with the animals.

The Zoo is divided into 5 major areas; the wild beast zone, herbivore zone, performing hall, penned animal zone and other animal zone. Each area is a world full of its very own surprises. In the performing hall you are greeted with a number of talented animals each exhibiting its very own artistic skill. These animals are renowned nationwide as some of the most talented set of zoo inhabitants ever. The real highlight of this zoo however is the wild animal zone. Quite interestingly the zoo feeds the lions and tigers with living prey in order to retain their original survival instincts. This in turn provides quite a show for visitors who enjoy the opportunity to see right before their eyes, the jungle king delving for his kill. With the supervision of a professional one can indulge in feeding elephants and giraffes and taking photographs with them.

The Shanghai zoo is haven for both adults and children. There is a Ferris wheel enabling you to enjoy a wholesome view of the zoo and electric cart to carry you along the trip in case you feel tired. If you are hungry there are lovely little restaurants and if you are in the mood for some souvenir shopping there are plenty of outlets for that too. All in all you can get a wholesome day out in this zoo in Shanghai.

The The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai has the most remarkable hotel rooms in Shanghai whose ambience makes this a popular choice of many people who are looking for a Shanghai luxury hotel.

Hiking in Greenstone Track

Choose centrally located Queenstown hotel accommodation such as Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront which is a prominent Queenstown resort. Traveller visiting this part of New Zealand should take time to experience a unique outdoor adventure at the Greenstone Valley. The Greenstone Track can be reached by Te Anau and Queenstown. The journey will bring you to The Divide from where you can embark on a walk past an exceptional viewpoint into the valleys. The path will lead you to the McKellar Hut atop the Greenstone Valley, making for an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Explore The Sigiriya Gardens- The ravishing beauty of one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden

continues to attract tourists with its rugged imposing exterior, the contrasting softness of surrounding greenery, the head turning beauty of its maidens and the galleries and murals that combine to give a sensational aesthetic experience.

The gardens of Sigiriya indeed are a fine tribute to the architects of the olden days. While the construction of the fortress itself on so high a rocky climb is indeed a matter of applause, the gardens constitute a more detailed insight into how far exactly the techniques of that era were developed. As one of the world’s oldest landscaped garden in the world, it is a scholar’s adventure trip and a photographer’s paradise. Even for the average tourist, the fine boundaries and neat contours of the ponds and pools and water drainage systems gives a sense of harmony without an oppressive feeling of being in a technical workshop. The serpentine waterways and reclining pools blend so well into the spacious of the garden as the unchartered winds ruffle through the plantation to roam in the green wilderness beyond and the birds that chirp among the clusters of bushes relieve the impeccable neatness with an unruly charm of their of their own.

The gardens indeed are three in type although they are clearly interlinked. While the water garden takes the centre of attention as the most intricately designed one, the other two, boulder garden as well as Terrace garden do not fall far behind. The largest garden is surrounded by water connected with causeways and is an island with a walled enclosure. In the fountain garden, marbled serpentine streams drain into the two large deep pools. The fountains in Sigiriya are indeed another cause for wonder as they operate even this day, and are fed by underground water channels and arise through the perforations in the limestone circular plates. The miniature water gardens adds to the picturesque beauty of the garden while the cooling palaces or water pavilions reminds a visitor of warm days spent here in reverie.

Sigiriya accommodation can be exotic as Sigiriya itself. Jetwing Vil Uyana takes you back in time to the olden days when Sigiriya was a kingdom and life in a village was simple and charming. The exotic clusters of villas appear like an ancient village with their coconut fringed roofs interconnected by foot paths and lanterns setting up their illuminations at night like scattered fire flies in the darkness. The villas are surrounded by lakes brimming with water lilies or marshy lands amongst where the lotuses bring out their fine petals or forrests that shrouds you in dark and unfathomable mysteriousness.

The wooden villas with their polished timber walls and floors with coconut shells on their tops appear rugged and primitive externally while their interior resemble a king’s abode. This famous Sigiriya hotel is more than a hotel. It offers a chance to live another life, in another day, with the primitive charms of an uncomplicated lifestyle closely mingling with nature while still enjoying the comforts of a modern hotel that you simply cannot do without.

Elephant Trekking in Krabi

Krabi is one of the most breathtaking beaches Thailand has to offer to its visitors. When you are in Krabi, the things to do in the island are endless. Elephant trekking is one those exciting things to do in Krabi when you are holidaying in Thailand. For the travelers who are looking for a more relaxed vacation in the island, there are many Krabi resorts available to keep you satisfied. Anantara Si Kao Thailand is one such Trang resort which boasts of warm hospitality and luxury amenities. You can explore the beauty of the island and its lush green forest from the back of an elephant. Experience the breathtaking views of the river and the natural surroundings of Ao Nang along the trek while swaying from side to side with each step taken by this giant of the jungle.

Biking in Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis full of modernity and old world charm, it also has areas of great natural beauty that are perfect for biking adventures. It is best to base yourself in a central location before heading out on your excursions and those in search of a well placed hotel Hong Kong can stay at Eaton Smart, Hong Kong. Situated in the Kowloon peninsula, it is one of the leading hotels in Hong Kong and is well suited for both business and leisure. The New Territories is an ideal place to go biking and you will find guided cycling tours that take you on a thrilling journey of discovery going past breathtaking natural landscapes. These cycling tours also offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in such activities as bird watching and provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Golfing in Bangalore: Enjoy the Gentleman’s Game in Style

When in the city of Bangalore for business and you are looking to stay at one of the many Bangalore luxury hotels, there is no better accommodation and facilities offered to suit your needs than at Alila Bangalore. Complete with all the essential facilities to conduct your business affairs smoothly, this is one of the best 5 star Bangalore hotels one can choose to stay at thanks to its opulence and efficiency and lets you enjoy various leisure activities for a pleasurable stay.

Golf, fondly known the world over as the “Gentleman’s Game” is enjoyed by nearly 30 million golfers worldwide. Historically, golf, or at the very least, the most basic form of the game has been enjoyed by Romans, Europeans and even the Chinese throughout ancient history though the origin of the modern game that is played appears to have originated in Scotland around the 15th century. The game being played by all these civilizations throughout history is a testament to its popularity in the 21st century.

When in Bangalore, whether you feel like playing for leisure or whether you are a seasoned player, there are a number of golf courses that will captivate you. Of these, the most well known course belongs to the Bangalore Golf Club which was established in the late 19th century and said to be one of the oldest golf courses in India. This golf course is of pleasant beauty and well maintained in order to provide the best possible golfing experience to its patrons.

Another course is found at the Karnataka Golf Association and is famous for having hosted a number of high profile golfing events. The grounds are also equipped with a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool so after a solid session of golfing, patrons can relax and refresh themselves all in the same clubhouse. The Eagleton International Resort is another noteworthy golfing course that would thrill those who wish to enjoy the sport in a luxurious and relaxing fashion and is conveniently located alongside the Hindustan airport.

Physical exercise, enhancement of concentration and the opportunity to socialize are only some of the benefits of playing the game and most golfers opt for the gentleman’s game for its ability to de-stress its players. Therefore, it matters not whether you are in Bangalore on business, for a conference or a string of meetings, for clearing up your schedule for a bit of golf will only help you to relax and gain some perspective.