Author: auburn

Visit to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: A truly wild experience

Nature lovers who crave to see forests with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to make a visit to. It is located in Canacona Taluka, South Goa district, of Goa, India. This sanctuary is renowned for its dense forest of tall trees, some of which reach 30 metres in height. The forest supports moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees. A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower positioned 25 metres above a watering hole where animals go to drink. The best times to visit the watchtower are dawn and dusk when animals are most likely to be visiting. The approach to the sanctuary is very convenient from a Beach resort in Goa such as Alila Diwa Goa where you can spend a relaxing holiday while enjoying the marvels of nature. Visitors can interact with the tribal groups including the Velip and Kunbil who live in and around the sanctuary and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Animals in the sanctuary include the flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, draco or flying lizard, golden-back gliding snake, and Malabar tree toad.

You will find an eco-tourism complex run by the Forest Department at the entrance of the sanctuary that houses a Nature Interpretation Centre which provides information to visitors, cottages, toilets, library, reception area, rescue centre, canteen, children’s park, and forest ranger office. For those who seek a little bit of adventure facilities like snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents, reference material or even cots and mosquito-nets can be provided by the Forest Department. There are endless possibilities for those who really want to rough it out to make a truly adventurous experience in this sanctuary.

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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Scuba Diving to explore the World beneath the Water

Galle and Hikkaduwa is known as one of the best places in the Southwest coast in Sri Lanka and the World for Scuba Diving with its impressive coral reefs and a wide variety of tropical fish. The Coral Reef is known worldwide for its sophisticated, beautiful and unique coral reef beds. There are also many water caves, which are created by the boulders of the sea bed, and includes beautiful coral reef which are often like flowers in a garden, creating a tropical paradise for colorful fish and turtles and many more unique sea creatures. These coastline is the best because of many shipwrecks and reef dives. Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing is a luxurious Boutique Hotel, which was once a family home in the Dutch Period. The Galle Heritage Villa is surrounded by lush greenery and walled courtyards, offering guests with wide spaces to relax and unwind in seclusion.

Galle also provide breathtaking snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. In the west of Sri Lanka. Tourists can head to ‘Bar Reef’ , which is known to be Sri Lanka’s largest reef, easily accessible from the Puttalam district town of, spanning an impressive 3 nautical miles in length and 1 nautical mile in breadth.Due to the monsoon seasons, west coast diving and snorkeling is generally best from November to April whilst the east coast waters are at their calmest April – September.There is a very reputed and long-running diving school located in the town itself, PADI diving instructors are available throughout the season for training and certification as well as leading more experienced divers in some of the country’s best ship wreck and reef dives.

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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Amazing Secret Places to Find in London

The entrancing metropolis of London is renowned for its splendid attractions and cosmopolitan ambience. An excellent London luxury hotel would be the Metropolitan by COMO London. This alluring hotel is well-known for its sumptuous accommodations and gracious hospitality.

As you might expect the vast city of London offers a myriad of attractions for the visitor. However in addition to its well-known landmarks the city offers a host of less well-known sites which will draw the imagination of the visitor.

As you may well know 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However there is another building in the city which almost exactly resembles this famous residence; namely 10 Adam Street in the Strand, which is almost indistinguishable from its lookalike. Many tourists take pictures at this location.

Another intriguing sight is the amazing Rolling Bridge in Paddington Basin which at noon on every Friday is rolled up into a jaw-dropping octagonal form. Meanwhile the Seven Noses which are to be seen in the locality of Soho are the work of a local artist. The story goes that if you manage to find all seven, situated in different places in this neighbourhood, you will gain good luck. Another attraction in a similar mould, this time in Covent Garden is the Hidden Ears which are scattered around the locality. Another fascinating site in the city is Wilton’s Music Hall, which has the distinction of being the oldest such music hall on the globe.

The inquisitive visitor will also be captivated by the quaint Victorian Pet Cemetery in the well-known Hyde Park, where you can see innumerable graves dedicated to beloved deceased pets. A little-known attraction of a very different kind is the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in Aldgate East which as its name indicates is a functioning foundry where bells like the Liberty Bell and Big Ben were created. Another engrossing sight is the water pump of John Snow, a prominent physician of the 19th century.

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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Sky Club Paramotor Hua Hin

With the term ‘Bucket list’ entering popular vernacular, many people have constructed a list of activities and experiences they wish to have and places they wish to visit. For those staying in hotels in Hua Hin Thailand, Sky Club offers patrons an opportunity to fulfil one such dreams and tick off a bucket list entry! Suitable for the adventurous few who seek an adrenaline filled experience, paragliding provides patrons with the opportunity to defy gravity and enjoy a unique vantage point akin to a bird’s eye view of the world. Many who seek out paragliding do so in iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Heidelberg, Germany for it provides them with a beautiful view of the cities.

Sky Club Asia based in Hua Hin and Phuket seek to take this experience one step further. Providing a blend of aviation and leisure activity, Sky Club Asia offers patrons the opportunity to paraglide, not in a traditional sense but in a modern and convenient manner. For those residing in a hotel such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Sky Club based in Hua Hin can be contacted for an excursion. Patrons can choose from a variety of options depending on the time they wish to spend, their budget and the type of experience they wish to have.

To enjoy a paramotor flight, patrons need not have had previous experience in aviation or even in paragliding for Sky Club facilitates the flights with experienced and professional pilots. The experience itself is quite safe and all that you need to do is to sit back, relax and enjoys the bird’s eye views of the city and the vast oceans. For a truly spectacular experience, opt for a twenty or thirty minute flight during sunset and be enthralled as the dying golden rays illuminate Dolphin Bay, Sam Roi Yod National Park and witness Hua Hin in a whole new light.

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+

Baiyun Mountain The snowy white peaks in Guangzhou city

The Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain is one of Guangzhou city’s eight sights recommended to visit. Located on the north of the city it is a famous site that has inspired many artists, scholars and poets to create some great work.

When sunrises after the rains a wreath of airy clouds circles around the mountain and the name White Cloud Mountain derives from this. The complete area of the White Cloud Mountain is approximately 28 square kilometers and it consists of thirty peaks. The star scraping ridge which is known as the first peak under the southern sky is about three hundred and eighty meters high. When you stand on the summit you get a spectacular view of the beautiful Guangzhou and you can see the spellbinding Pearl River flowing through the city.

The Baiyun Mountain is a popular historic attraction in the city of Guangzhou. This is an area that is great to relax while you explore the city’s significant attractions. Since Baiyun is one of the eight must see sites in the city the other seven includes the Pearl Tower, Mo Xing Ling, Ming Chun Valley, San Tai Ling, Luhu Lake, Fei E Ling and He Yi ing.

There is much to discover within the city of Guangzhou and there’s no better way to do so but by finding accommodation within close vicinity. Guangzhou Apartment Hotel is a great choice for travellers from around the world. If you seek fully serviced luxury residence to stay during your visit to Beijing then try the Ascott Guangzhou. With easy access to the city’s business areas, shopping malls, dining spots as well as the main attraction sites this is the best in terms of location. You will be swept away by the fabulous services standards and facilities that await those who stay at the Ascott.

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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Cultural Holiday Experience in Kandy

Kandy, is the last kingdom of our island, where once kings used to rule. Kandy is steeped in cultural heritage and natural beauty, historic monuments, enchanting forests, great rivers, breath taking vistas and picturesque mountains and valleys. Kandy is one of the most peaceful cities in the island, with its quaint city of old-world charm and ancient history. This city is mostly suited for rest and relaxation, and with its rich heritage, there is a lot of ancient and cultural places that one can visit. One of the best Kandy hotels to stay over, when visiting Kandy is the Cinnamon Citadel hotel. This hotel is one of the best of the luxury hotels in the hills of Sri Lanka, it is ideal for whose seek rest and relaxation and to those who come in search of the treasures of this ancient city. This hotel is one of the most unique hotels, designed with fused retro chic design with the rich heritage of this ancient kingdom.

The most important place that one should visit is the Temple of the Tooth, it is considered as the Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic- a tooth of the Buddha. The entire temple covers a large area as well as the main shrine and other temples and museums within the complex. Also, the World Buddhism Museum contains photographs, displays which illustrates Buddhism around the world. There are also Devales, four kandyan devales to the gods who are followers of the Buddha. The National Museum features royal regalia and reminders of Pre-European Sinhalese life. The museum also features the old Tusker the stuffed animal himself. It is a fascinating place, it is a well worth a look for the artefacts alone.
Walk over the main wall and admire the views of the gardens which are great photo opportunities. The Kandy Lake is also a beautiful and a peaceful setting that one can walk around and just relax by. There is also a very large shopping complex, called the Kandy shopping complex which has one of the most of the best brands in Sri Lanka.

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+

Eco adventures at Parrot Cay & Caicos

The Parrot Cay by COMO is a private island resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The island consists of thousand acres of land, a mile long beach and an exclusively luxurious beach resort with sixty one rooms.

The Turks Island itself is a biodiversity hotspot. When you are at the resort you find plenty of Eco adventures at Turks & Caicos that you can enjoy. During a stay at Parrot Cay, you can ‘go wild’ with private eco adventures that the resort has in store. Your adventure excursions can be scheduled according to you requirements.

For those who simply want to explore the island can go on a historical walk around the Wades Green cotton plantation but if you are looking for something more energizing then you can try kayaking, mountain biking, caving, swimming or cliff walking. Boat trips are also a popular activity here since there is crystal clear water’ surrounding the island.

All the eco adventure tours offered at the resort can be customized to suit individual requirements. The Kayak Eco-tour is an exciting excursion where the tour begins with a ride on the Parrot Cay ferry to Providenciales. Afterwards the guests go on a three to four hour eco tour to explore the beautiful Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve.

Apart from adventure activities Parrot Cay is recognized as one of the best holiday hideaways for celebrities around the world. The privacy and the seclusion of the resort has attracted many well-known stars including Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Barbra Streisand and Penelope Cruz to spend their vacations here. The resort also hosted major wedding celebrations for well-known couples such as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in 2005 as well as and Bruce Willis and Emma Heming in 2009.

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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Hin Ta and HinYai Rocks in Koh Samui

When one plans to embark on a truly indulgent vacation, Thailand is one of the best locations to enjoy a beautiful atmosphere, fun excursions, and rich culture. Also famous for luxurious accommodations at a hotel or a vacation club, Thailand boasts star class establishments such as Anantara vacation club.

Among the many fun excursions along the coast area, Hin Ta and HinYai, an odd and humors rock formation on the Lamai beach in KohSamui, Thailand, is considered a must-see destination by many vacationers. Also known as known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai) rocks, in a surprising twist, nature has imitated man giving these rock formationsa striking resemblance to human body parts, specifically the male and female genitalia. Therefore many tourist guides include this location mainly for this amusing sight which renders most the travelers in fits of laughter or embarrassed chuckles.

Behind the humors sights of the rock formation however, there lays a folklore tinged with sorrow about the appearance of Hin Ta/HinYairocks. The tales speaks of an old married couple by the name of Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and YaiRiem (Grandma Riem) who died at sea during a storm on their way to seek a suitable bride for their only son who had come of age. It is said that these rocks stand till today attesting to their true intentions.

The views from this location are truly exceptional and while the surrounding white sandy beaches does not offer a place to bathe, it allows travelers to relax and unwind as they sip on a delicious coconut drink easily available from the many vendors in the near vicinity. Travelers can also indulge in some holiday shopping along the road to the rocks where there are stalls on either sides selling a wide variety of products ranging from traditional souvenirs, locally handcrafted/handmade products, and unique sweets and candy made from coconut.While Thailand offers many other spectacular beaches and lush forests this unique attraction still manages to attract a steady stream of on lookers.

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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Elephant Safari

How would it feel to sit on a teak wood chair placed on top of the world’s largest land mammal and ride along the river, rainforests and in to the city? That’s exactly what you will experience if you head to Bali, Indonesia. The experience of riding on an elephant back is truly unforgettable and it will certainly add colour and an unusual vibe to your next tropical vacation.

The Bali Elephant back safari is simply an extraordinary and exhilarating experience for the entire family. Elephant trekking has become an important part of a vacation in Bali. Kuta in southern Bali is a great place to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Internationally acclaimed Elephant safari parks such as the Elephant safari park lodge and Elephant safari park Taro are located close to Bali, Kuta. Those who wish to make the most out of this adrenaline filled experience can choose to stay at a resort in Bali Kuta such as the conveniently located Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. Special safari tour packages offer the services of picking you up from your Kuta resort and taking you to some of the world’s most fascinating safari parks.

An Elephant Safari in Bali Kuta is not merely riding on an elephant’s back. Travellers will also get the chance to witness elephants bathe and play. Elephant lovers can even hand feed them during special feeding sessions. Surrounded by dense forest, the Elephant Safari park in Taro is home to the largest herd of Sumatran Elephants. Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable ride through peaceful rainforests whilst viewing the exotic and natural scenery. An Elephant safari in Bali will also let you discover the village life in Indonesia and mingle with the local people. This one of a kind trekking experience will let you discover some charming local temples, busy local markets and sweeps of lush green paddy fields. Elephant Safari tours in Bali generally range from 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes to 1 hour.

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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Maldives wildlife

The Maldives, the magical island located in the heart of the Indian Ocean consists of around 1200 little islands. Each island is unique in its own way but the pristine white sandy beaches, the gently swaying palm trees, the turquoise waters and the warm hospitality is common to all.

The beauty and excitement of the Maldives is multiplied by its fascinating wildlife. Maldives Wildlife is not restricted to its marine species, but the flora and fauna of its islands are truly remarkable. This tropical Island is home to approximately 170 different types of colourful birds. Since the islands of the Maldives are relatively small in size and the majority of the land is occupied by resorts, reptiles are hard to find. The Maldives is dotted with amazing resorts that are built in harmony with Mother Nature. For instance, the Cocoa Island by COMO is a wonderful eco-friendly accommodation option for those who want to enjoy a holiday close to nature and wildlife.

There are only a handful of land mammals in the Maldives. The endemic flying fox and a unique type of shrew exist in the Maldive Islands. The Koel, white breasted water hen and the crow are three of the most common bird types in the Maldives. The stunning fairy tern can be spotted at the Addu atoll in the southern region of the country.

The Indian Ocean surrounding the Maldive Islands is blessed with abundant marine life. Close to 18 types of different whales and dolphins are found in the surrounding waters. The Bottlenose Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin and Striped Dolphin are some of the Dolphin types found swimming close to the islands. The Dwarf sperm whale, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale and Beaked whale are also commonly visible. The 15meter long Whale Shark is one of the key wildlife attractions of the Maldives.

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+