caleb | The Adventure Travel Site

Mountain Biking At Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island belonging to the United Arab Emirates. It is found off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital. The natural island is home one of the biggest and greenest wildlife reserves in the region. The reserve, which was established in 1971, is home to a large number of birds and animals. The island has established a name for itself as an adventure destination and visitors can take part in a variety of adventure sports here. Those visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to head to this enchanting destination.

Sir Bani Yas Island measures nearly eighteen kilometres from its northernmost point to its southernmost point and about nine kilometres from the easternmost point to its westernmost point, so even though it is fairly large, it can be easily explored on bicycle. Mountain biking is a terrific way of exploring some of the less accessible parts of the island and get a good cardio workout at the same time. The activity is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Carriages are usually provided for riders who bring along children younger than five.

A variety of routes are available and one can also choose a route depending on fitness levels. An average ride can last about one to two hours. Those planning on going mountain biking should remember to wear comfortable shoes and to take along a hat and water bottle. Many bike routes go through highly scenic areas so one should to bring a camera along as well. Those who find cycling too much of a challenge can try hiking instead. There are some very good walking trails that are fun to explore. Visitors may also come across a variety of birds and animals on leisurely walk.

There are several resorts Abu Dhabi that offer facilities for these adventure activities. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas is one such place. Not only do they offer exceptional Abu Dhabi villas but they also have facilities for mountain biking, kayaking, archery, snorkelling, and dune bashing. The resort also has an excellent spa where guests can unwind after a tiring day of activity.

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+

White Water Rafting in Kithulgala

If your idea of paradise involves spending lazy days on a pristine stretch of beach drenched by the tropical sun, while azure ocean waters surround you then Sri Lanka is the place for you. If on the other hand you are in search of a thrill ride of a lifetime as you rush along rapids, then Sri Lanka is still the place for you! This action packed activity can be enjoyed when going white water rafting in Kithulgala and those in search of a Sri Lanka travel company that offers tours to this part of the island can make use of Jetwing Travels. This trusted name provides a variety of Sri Lanka tours that let you have an authentic holiday experience.

Situated around 80 kms from the commercial capital Colombo, Kithulgala is home to grade 2 and 3 rapids that provide plenty of thrills along the Kelani River. Set amidst stunning natural scenery, the course runs for around 6.5 kms and has rather unique sounding sections such as Butter Crunch, Rib Cage and the ominous sounding Head Chopper! Despite these names, white water rafting in Kithulgala is a fun and safe activity which includes the use of safety equipment and modern rafts. May to December is generally considered the best times for white water rafting here and offers a power-packed alternative to lazing by the sea!

Snorkelling in Bight Reef

If you love combining soaking up the sun with a thrilling adventure at sea, then the Caribbean is the place for you. Those looking for a place to start their excursions can head to Bight Reef which is a great site to snorkel. This well known site can be found in Providenciales which belongs to the Turks & Caicos islands and those in search of well placed Turks and Caicos hotels from which to set off on their travels can stay at Regent Palms Turks & Caicos. One of the leading Turks and Caicos resorts, this luxurious property can be found on Grace Bay Beach which is also well suited for underwater exploration.

Encompassing the Princess Alexandra National Park, the Bight Reef provides plenty of snorkelling fun for the entire family. The reef starts near the shore making it an easy site to explore even for beginners. As you witness the wondrous sight that enfolds before your eyes make sure not to touch or break the coral which are an integral part of this marine ecosystem. Parrot fish, French grunt fish, turtles and rays are among the many species you can see here as you discover a whole new world that lies beneath the waves.

Wonderla

Exciting water rides, adrenaline pumping thrills and fun filled amusements are all ingredients for the perfect family theme park and you will find just such a place at Wonderla in Bangalore. This popular attraction is around 28 kms from the city and those in search of Bangalore service apartment accommodation which makes a convenient base can consider Citadines Richmond Bangalore. Situated near the business district, these serviced apartments Bangalore are well suited for those looking to explore the “Garden City”.

Spread across a land area of around 82 acres, the Wonderla park has a plethora of action packed rides and even more milder attractions that cater to all ages. If you are looking for some heart pounding thrills then Equinox which reaches speeds of up to 70km/h while offering a ride full of twists and turns, Hurricane which spins at dizzying speeds at heights as much as 20 metres and the Wavy and Vertical Fall that takes you on a high-speed water ride are among the not to be missed attractions here. For younger kids there are such rides as the Jumping Frog and the Mini Pirate Ship, while the Lazy River, Rain Disco and Wave Pools provide ideal options in which to beat the heat and have fun at the same time.

Mount Wellington Descent Cycling Tour

If you want to experience all the high-octane fun of a roller coaster ride while also having the possibility to take in some truly breathtaking views, then a descent of Mount Wellington on a bicycle is just the thing for you! An extinct volcano, Mount Wellington can be found at the edge of the city of Hobart in New Zealand and those in search of centrally located accommodation in Hobart from which to make the journey to this site can consider Somerset on Salamanca Hobart. Featuring modern apartment accommodation Hobart has to offer, this well placed property makes an ideal base for your visit.

Towering to a height of around 1,271 metres, Mount Wellington is covered by snow during winter, while during the warmer months it provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy some cycling fun. Though the journey up near the summit may take some gruelling pedal power, the ride downhill is one full of adrenaline pumping thrills. Mount Wellington descent cycling tours are specially designed to provide you with a chance to not only enjoy this experience (minus the uphill climb), but also take in the panoramic views from certain viewpoints; witness the stunning landscapes of Hobart including the Derwent Valley and the coastal scenery that stretches into the distance. Enjoy the pure thrill of speed and freedom as you rush downhill on this tour which takes around 3 hours, though it is shorter if you plan to just focus on the need for speed!

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.

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.

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.

Phuket Cable Jungle Adventure

A bird flies carefree from tree to tree; the wind crushes across its face as it spans views that we can only imagine. You watch Tarzan and envy his artistic skill of flying from mountain to mountain and enjoying the experience of a bird even for an instance. In Phuket the ecstatic fantasy of feeling like a bird actually becomes reality in its very famous cable jungle adventures. While you are safely strapped to a cable you are actually able to ‘fly’ through the jungle enjoying sceneries you have never seen before and a taste of this world like you have never experienced before.

The cable jungle adventure is a highlight in the city that brings to you a package of fun and excitement. It is edgy enough to give you that full blown adrenaline kick yet safe enough to sail through this activity without even the slightest fear of dropping down. There are 15 stations in total each with a different level of intensity. Heights vary from 6 to 1200 meters and you can choose the drop depending on your threshold for heights. The entire setting is seated in the heart of the forest; the most perfect lay out to watch the world from the eyes of the bird. The technique behind the Jungle Cable Adventure is just as interesting as the adventure itself. The participant is actually strapped in harnesses as you glide with the aid of a pulley attached to cables that are connected from tree to tree. The best part about the cable Jungle Adventure is that it is open for the whole family. Seven years of age is old enough to enjoy this activity that is nothing but pure fun. You don’t need a training course to soar through the jungles of Phuket; just an introductory briefing where you can practice a few brake techniques from a test cable and then you are good to go.

For all you adventure lovers, a sports hotel Thailand has, is your place to stay and who wouldn’t like a sports hotel touched with luxury. In Thanyapura, you can enjoy the best of both worlds as it is a renowned luxury boutique hotel in Phuket.

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. Google+

Hua Hin Elephant Camp

Hua Hin remained a tiny coastal town with pretty beaches and relatively no noise as compared to Thailand’s all famous Pattaya. It was found by King Prajadhipok in the 1920s who decided to make it sort of a royal getaway town. The king who was so taken up by the quiet beauty of the town built Klai Kangwon literally meaning far from worries in Hua Hin in 1928. From 2007 it has become the official residence of the current king and is not open to the public.

As a Kingdom of Thailand it has many traditions that they still hold on to and its vibrant culture and history makes a colourful spectacle for any tourist. From ancient times elephants have played an important role in Thailand. Used mainly for transport, they had the ability to carry heavy loads and also travel across varied terrains without much difficulty.

Like the rest of the world, with modernization this means of travel was discarded for automobiles. However, during ceremonies one can still witness elephants take their place. 60kms west from the town of Hua Hin is the beautiful Pala-U waterfalls, located just 3 kms away from this is the Hua Hin Elephant Camp.

Once you arrive here you are introduced to the majestic creatures and even allowed to feed them bananas. Then you can get on atop the elephants and go for a ride as they lumber ahead guided by experienced mahouts. While the mahout will be seated right ahead on the neck of the elephant, you will have a wooden bench to accommodate yourself. It is important that all riders pay heed to the advice of the mahout as elephants are animals that when disturbed or frightened can go on a rampage. As part of your ride you will be given the opportunity of watching the elephants finish their morning ritual of bathing, carrying lumber and also ride back to camp where lunch awaits you.

Being the vacation site for royalty means there are plenty of Hua Hin hotels available in the region. If you would like to be treated like royalty and pampered in luxury, then check out Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. It is a popular hotel Hua Hin has to offer and lets you truly enjoy your stay.