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Sri Lanka for Wildlife lovers

Sri Lanka is a country with a rich bio-diversity and many landscapes. Here is a list of the best national parks, spread across the island, giving you a taste of the different environments.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located 260km from Colombo. It will approximately take you 3 hours to reach Yala. There are three sanctuaries and five smaller national parks. Yala is very popular among tourists as well as local nature lovers. The location of the park, climate and the leopard population are some of the key factors that attract many travellers to the park.

Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park is 5 hours away from Colombo. The park is in the South East part of Sri Lanka, belonging to the Uva Province. You can arrange a camping trip to Udawalawe and spend the night. Bonfires and the quiet forest will be a highlight of your vacation. A Sinharaja eco lodge in Sri Lanka the likes of Rainforest EcoLodge would be a good accommodation choice.

Wilpattu

This is one of the more scenic wildlife parks on the island. The park is located 5 hours away from Colombo and is closer to the town of Anuradhapura. October is the best month to visit Wilpattu.

Kumana

Kumana is different from the rest of the national parks. It is popular for being the home for thousands of bird species. There are many endangered species and migrant birds in the park. The wading bird and waterfowls are some of the most popular immigrant birds here. Don’t visit the park during May because that’s when the birds settle into their nests.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Sule Pagoda

Myanmar is a land quite unlike any other, waiting to surprise you. The landscape is scattered with golden wonders, simple pleasures and plenty of tradition. The Sule Pagoda carries with a strong religious significance, here’s a little more information!

Myanmar Pagoda | Img by: LuisValiente via pixabay

The Golden Pagoda

The pagoda, or tower, is 44 metres high and is a glowing gold in colour. The unusual design of the pagoda is an octagon. The pagoda enshrines a hair relic of the Buddha, which is why it’s highly cherished by the Burmese people, as they bring offerings continuously.

Named after the Sule Nat

Named after Sularata, the spirit who lived at the spot of the pagoda. Nat spirits have long been worshipped in Burma, even before the introduction of Buddhism.

Other structures

There are several shrines around the pagoda, housing images of the Buddha. The circular structure around the pagoda has small shops where services such as palm reading, and astrology are offered. There are four entrances to this pagoda. Depictions of mythological birds sit in several places inside of the Sule grounds.

How to get there

Easy to reach from any hotel in Yangon, this landmark is located roughly 30 minutes from Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon. Halfway between the central railway station and the Yangon river is where you’ll find the Sule Pagoda, in the centre of Yangon. Open daily from 6 AM until 10 PM, you can hire a guide for more information and a deeper understanding of the religious site.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Kalutara Thudugala Ella Falls

Image Credit-Chananand, Another view of the waterfall, CC BY-SA 3.0

It is not just the astounding sandy beaches that are appealing about Kalutara, other natural attractions such as the Thudugalle Ella Falls too charm tourists visiting the district. Here are a few things to know:

Location

The course to the waterfall commences from Katukurunda junction off Mathugama road to Thudugala junction. The Thudugalle Estate is the place this flourishing waterfall calls home. The attraction is roughly 20km away from many Kalutara hotels such as the well-known Mermaid Hotel & Club.

The longstanding edifice

The estate was previously owned by the British who subjugated Sri Lanka many years ago. A bungalow from that age can still be seen on the trail towards the waterfall. Most of the building lay there crumpled on the ground. Yet, the sight is still enthralling.

For the nature enthusiasts

On the way to the waterfall, the nature lover will be able to discover many plants such as Ketala plants and giant pus creepers. There are numerous types of lovely birds that sing sweet songs as if to welcome you to their home, the Yellow Magta and Dicaeum Erythornynchos are 2 common species seen here.

The waterfall

What is most quaint about this waterfall is that there is an underpass that runs beneath the falls, this tunnel ends at the top of the falls. It is a common bathing spot as well.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Adventure Sports in Oman

Be it thrills above or below the waves or exciting excursions amidst stunning natural landscapes, Oman offers fantastic adventure sports for those in search of an action-packed holiday.

Scuba diving

Image Credit-Soljaguar [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons

There is nothing like heading into the mysterious ocean depths to get your heart racing with excitement. Cockleshell Bay, Coral Garden and Mermaid Cove are among the diving hotspots in Oman. What’s more, resorts like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara even offer PADI Open Water Courses for first timers.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While it may not be fast-paced, stand-up paddleboarding or SUP does offer an adventure-filled way to do some exploring as you paddle your board across the waters. Easy to find at a Salalah beach resort, this activity is best enjoyed from October till May.

Canyoning

For land-based fun, you could always enjoy some canyoning as you scramble, climb, swim and sometimes even abseil through rugged terrains. Snake Gorge and Majlis Al Jinn Cave are among the places in Oman you can try this activity.

Safari in the Desert

While technically not a “sport”, a desert safari is nevertheless one of the most thrilling activities in Oman, especially at sites like Wahiba Sands, Bawshar Sands and the Empty Quarter. On this adventure, you can look forward to seeing everything from wildlife to traditional Bedouin lifestyles.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts of stunning environs which change from misty mountains, rustic coasts to dense jungles. Within these the most exotic wildlife creatures exist!

Image by Anton Croos, Sri Lanka Elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala National Park

For those who want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Don’t get excited as you get closer to view a leopard on a tree or stalking its next prey! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. If you wish to go on a thrilling safari in Yala, consider planning your trip with one of the local travel agents such as Holidays by Design to spend an amazing day in the wild.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular Sri Lanka wildlife tours, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Wilpattu National Park

Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the Wilpattu National Park has gained extra popularity for its topographical feature called ‘Villu’. You can always trust the park to spot herds of spotted deer, lazy crocodiles and beautiful peacocks in full plumage and a jungle fowl on a scout for food.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Gladstone East Shores

The port centre of Queensland now has more recreational facilities for both locals and those visiting. From an accessible foreshore area to waterfront boardwalk this park is accessible by and suitable for all.

About

Administered by the Gladstone ports corporations this facility is a multi-faceted attraction for both locals and tourists. This world-class recreational facility often hosts food festivals, fund raisers and a monthly-events for dog owners.

Visit

East shores provide a world-class recreational precinct for Gladstone residents and visitors of all ages to hang out, stay active, rejuvenate and enjoy the foreshore area.

Facilities

With a play area for kids, barbecue facilities, all-day security, water play park and waterfront boardwalk, the precinct spans along Flinders Parade and includes a stretch of luscious greens.

Location

Gladstone is the multi-commodity port centre of Queensland Whilst there are many hotels in Gladstone QLD you could stay at the Oaks Grand Gladstone which is just 800 meters and three minutes away from the precinct. The precinct is also located next to Victoria Park, the Gladstone regional art gallery & museum and the Gladstone yacht club which results in picturesque views for miles around.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Scuba Diving in Passikudah

Being under the mighty waves, in a place where the only thing that you can see and hear is nature, will definitely be an amazing experience. How about scuba diving in Passikudah?

Image Credit - 12019 — Image Credit – 12019 Via Pixabay

A whole new world!

When talking about the beautiful eastern coast of Sri Lanka one cannot forget Passikudah which a splendid destination for all dive enthusiasts. Being a paradise for a long lazy splash and crystal-clear deep waters, it has become a diving hotspot among many tourists. The underwater world in Passikudah has no shortage of natural wonders to excite you!

When to go?

Even though Passikudah is an all year destination for scuba diving, the best time to visit here would be in the months of May and June when the visibility of the sea is excellent to spot many underwater marine creatures. However, it’s better to avoid planning your dive excursion in July and August because there will be a strong wind.

Accommodation

If you are on holiday, a good way to indulge in an exhilarating scuba diving experience would be to first make a booking at any of the beachfront hotels in Passikudah. One such option that you will come across would be Amethyst Resort, Passikudah which offers some of the most stunning dive sites in the island.

Wreck Diving

The priceless underwater world in Passikudah is an excellent base for wreck diving. The British Sergeant shipwreck is a popular highlight among those who do scuba diving in Passikudah. It was a British Armed Merchant Navy ship that served during the Second World War.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Visit Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud

For those enthused by the serenity of nature, the ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud will prove to be well worth the time and energy. Do visit this place and witness the marvel in this fascinating site.

‘Elephant Cave’?

Built as an ethereal place for meditation, the history of the ‘Elephant Cave’ dates back to the 11th Century. Locally known as Goa Gajah, the site has got its name due to its location in close proximity to the Elephant River. The mysterious cave, bathing pools set amidst lush paddy fields and ancient relics lure tourists from all around the world to immerse in the balmy atmosphere of this historical site.

What to see

As you reach the place, you’ll get an eerie feeling seeing the menacing entrance of a demonic mouth. According to Balinese mythology, it represents the child-eating witch Rangda. The cave itself is quite small, yet you’ll come across three stone idols wrapped individually in black, red and yellow cloth. Those with a keen eye will be able to spot many indentations where monks sat to meditate.

Location

The cave is located just minutes away from Central Ubud. Before commencing your journey in this part of the world, do take note of available accommodation options. Consider staying at one of the top hotels in Ubud close to the attraction, such as Alila Villas Uluwatu, from where visiting the Elephant Cave is not that difficult.

Surroundings

Besides its archaeological importance, the eye-catching view of the surroundings is sure to capture your mind! Lush gardens, rice paddies, stone steps and cascading waterfalls await to immerse you in tranquil seclusion.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Renting a car is cheaper than buying one

The choice between renting and buying a car is often a tough decision. On one hand, buying a car requires higher costs but you own something in the end. Read on and know why it’s cheaper to rent a car.

Image by wilkernet via Pixabay

Value falling with time
When it comes to renting a car, it often has a lower monthly payment than the cost of buying a car with the same loan terms. This is primarily due to the fact that the biggest cost of owning a car will be depreciation. With the passage of time, the value of your car along with its financial cost will fall down.

Risk of repair bills
Once you rent a car for an agreed period of time which is known as ‘personal leasing’, you can drive a car for a fixed monthly cost. If you’re in Sri Lanka and have thought of spending some time in the country, you’ll come across plenty of car rental services. Many like Casons Rent a Car Sri Lanka are flexible, offering a variety of vehicles to choose from, even for a self-drive tour. Such services also offer some great travel advice. Sri Lanka adventures are thus not only made more cost-effective but are rewarding too.

A new car with the latest features
This is regarded as a good side of renting a car. If you are craving for the upgraded model of your favourite car, leasing might be a better choice since you can keep that car for a certain period and switch to a new one.

Less commitment
Renting a car will make great sense if you need a car for a defined period of time. It can help you bridge the time period until you buy the next car.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Exciting experiences in Bangkok

We all know that Bangkok is one of the ultimate tourist destinations! Why? Of course, it’s an amazing city with all kinds of attractions and that includes the weird ones too! Here are some queer places to visit in this city that will ensure that you leave taking back fun memories of the awesome time you had;

Image by 12019 via Pixabay

A glimpse at death
Siriraj Medical Museum, otherwise known as the Museum of Death is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places to visit in the city of Bangkok! It is not a typical tourist destination; however, there certainly is a gruesomely welcoming vibe about it. There are illustrations of dissected bodies with detailed explanations. What’s more, in the Forensics area is a mummified body of the first serial killer who terrified Thailand!

Furry hang out spots
If you are the traveller who is a pet lover, then you are in luck! In this city, you will find places like Caturday Cat Café and True Love Café that give you the pleasure of having a meal and a cuppa with friendly cats and dogs just waiting for a dose of petting from you! You could even bring along a pet, there are special treats for you and your furry friends too after all!

An airplane graveyard
Once soaring cross the skies with hundreds of passengers on board is now a collection of measly shells that lie in the airplane graveyard in Bangkok. The graffiti-stained rotting planes are now a shelter for 3 families. It certainly is adventurous to examine these remains of old airliners.

Blind dining
Experience what it is like to dine while your sight is taken away. This café was initiated to help others experience how the visually impaired people have their meals. You can be sure to have a flavourful experience even without sight as the rest of your senses will be heightened at this point. If you are on a cruise in Bangkok, perhaps with agents like Manohra Cruises, do stop by at Dine in the Dark.

Khlong Toei
Khlong Toei is a part of Bangkok that is filled with slums and has not adapted much compared to the metropolitan façade that the city puts up. Fresh groceries and meats can be found here for cheap prices too!

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+