Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Watersports in Goa

An ideal coastal escape for those heading to India, Goa is known for its picturesque beaches and energetic nightlife. It is equally famous for its thrilling water sports which offer plenty of excitement for young and old alike. Combining sailing and surfing, windsurfing is a popular activity here especially in the area known as Dona Paula bay. Scuba diving gives you the chance to explore the fascinating underwater world that lies beneath the waves, while angling offers more relaxed fun on the water. Jet skiing, dinghy sailing and parasailing are among the other popular watersports here. Those in search of a beach resort in Goa from which to experience the very best the region has to offer can stay at Alila Goa. This exquisite Goa resort offers a secluded sanctuary that has a spa as well.

Bali Harley Davidson City Tours

Bali has much to offer in way of sightseeing; from stunning natural landscapes to ancient temples, this enchanting island has it all. Offering a unique way to see some of these attractions are the Bali Harley Davidson City Tours that let you enjoy a carefree sightseeing experience with nothing but the open road in front of you and the wind in your hair! There are several tours to choose from, each offering something different to see and experience. Tours include visits to such sites as Denpasar, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Culture Park, Tanah Lot and Nusa Dua. Travellers in search of Bali hotels by the beach where they can unwind after a long day of riding can stay at Anantara Seminyak Bali. This luxurious Bali hotel also features a spa where you can experience a wide range of therapeutic treatments.

Great Getaway

Lantau Hong Kong’s largest outlying island, home to Hong Kong’s international airport, is the place to go to get away from the relentless buzz of the city. Its lush green environment and peaceful ambience is in direct contrast to the hive of activity that is Hong Kong city.
Take the cable car for a 25 minute 5.7 km journey to the island, which is the most exciting way to get there and to enjoy the best aerial views en route. Get out at Ngong Ping Village and head to the Ngong Ping Piazza a Buddhist themed square sporting Qing Dynasty style buildings and Chinese gardens just below the 34 meter high Tian Tan Buddha statue. Climb the 268 steps up the verdant mountain to pay homage to the Buddha and enjoy unparalleled views of mountains and sea. Take a break at the Wisdom Path on the Ngong Ping hill with its 38 wooden stakes with prayers carved into them. It also offers beautiful views of the South China Sea.
Visit Tai O village to get in touch with the history of Lantau Island. See the stilt houses of the Tanka people who have had their homes here for decades and sample dried and fresh seafood. Visit the local museums displaying historical and cultural artefacts. Visitors can access the village via an 85 year old rope drawn ferry or a drawbridge. Yim Tin mangrove forest which is home to most of Hong Kong’s mangrove species is close by.
Head to Discovery Bay the resort style area one of Hong Kong’s best oceanfront dining destinations. Take in the balmy air, ocean views and enjoy gourmet meals under starry skies.
Exercise freaks have plenty to do here. For starters they can do a round on the 1500 meter jogging trail at Inspiration Lake Recreation centre that also features the largest artificial lake in Hong Kong. Hike up Lantau Peak the second highest summit in Hong Kong to catch the sunrise and beautiful views and go up to Sunset Peak to see more fabulous views. Beach buffs can swim and surf at the area’s longest stretch of sandy beach at Cheung Sha and Piu O.
The Disney Theme park here is a hit with young children and families and offers nonstop fun for all age groups.
Stay close to the action at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong to enjoy the best the city has to offer. Easy access to transport links, entertainment, shopping and business areas makes this Hong Kong hotel the ideal base for long or short trips. Take advantage of comfortable well appointed contemporary accommodation and a series of excellent guest services and facilities at this Wan Chai Hotel Hong Kong that consistently delivers good value.

Mountain Biking in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the centre of international trade due to its bustling commercial harbour. The city was once a British protectorate shielded from the regional communist upheaval that took place decades ago, making it a safe haven for capitalists in the region. With time the country’s economy kept growing at a breakneck speed, which drew in world famous tourist resorts, entertainment venues and designer boutiques. Many travellers that come to Hong Kong come to experience the glamorous shopping malls and exciting entertainment that is on offer. Few have even heard of a different side of Hong Kong further away from the city. The hills surrounding the commercial district have recently undergone a transformation; it has become a tourist attraction in itself for the scenic beauty as well as the various adventure sports that are on offer.
Whether you are by nature adventurous or just a business person looking to forget the day’s work, mountain biking out on the hills would be an enjoyable experience. The Hong Kong Mountain Biking Association (HKMBA) which was initially a collection of expatriates who liked cycling on weekends, has grown into a professional sports body that encourages locals as well as tourists to try out this sport. The HKMBA has been instrumental in setting up several biking trails in various parts of the island that are of varying difficulty.
Each trail has been planned out so that the difficulty of the course varies so that an absolute novice and a professional rider can both enjoy this outdoor activity in Hong Kong. A popular trail among tourists is the one that goes through Hoi Ha village. This trail starts off gently on paved road before coming to the tougher terrain so that beginners can get a feel for their bikes as the ride progresses. It passes through some beautiful countryside scenery and also some rural villages, which allows riders to experience a bit of rural living in Hong Kong. 
Another popular trail for more advanced riders is the Tsai track; here while on the climbs and the tops of the hills riders can see across the ocean in to mainland China. 
Those visiting the city and looking for a well placed Hong Kong hotel from which to explore and experience the region can stay at Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong features contemporary accommodation options and comforts that help make for a truly memorable stay.

Thaiwand Wall

Adventure sport enthusiasts have many exciting activities to choose from when in Thailand, including rock climbing. Those interested in testing their strength, patience and endurance as they scale up a cliff or rock face can visit such sites as Thaiwand Wall in Krabi. Located near Railey Sunset Beach, this famous rock wall offers plenty of challenges for climbers. There are several trails and paths that lead you up to the wall, including those that snake their way past caves and dark tunnels. The sight of the surrounding landscapes as you climb Thaiwand Wall is a truly rewarding experience. Those visiting the region and looking for Krabi resorts can stay at Anantara Si Kao Thailand. Set amidst the coastal splendor of Changlang Beach, this Trang resort provides a perfect seaside retreat for couples and families alike.

Visit to the Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is a lake located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It was constructed in 1873 by damming the Thalagala Stream, which originates from the Piduruthalagala Mountain, as part of a program to supply the town with electricity. The lake takes its name after the then British Governor, Sir William Gregory, who oversaw its construction. It was used by the British for recreational activities and water sports. Although its popularity has waned a little since then, recent renovations aim to return the lake to its former glory. One has to purchase a ticket to enter the lake region and once inside there are several choices of activity. Tickets can be purchased for motor boat rides or one can hire a foot powered boat.

While adults may just want to sit and enjoy the scenery, children may enjoy taking a lap of the ground on top of a pony. Gregory Lake can get pretty crowded in April which is the peak tourist season. The lake is approximately a kilometre outside of town. It is currently a take-off and landing spot for domestic seaplanes. When in town one should also try to visit Victoria Park which was built in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s sixtieth year on the throne. Located within the city limits, the park contains a variety of plants with brightly hued flowers.

Nuwara Eliya (literally ‘City of Light’) is a part of Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Compared to most parts of the island, the city enjoys a cool climate throughout the year due to its high elevation. It is an important area for tea cultivation. The town is the ideal base point to visit surrounding attractions such as the Horton Plains National Park. The town also contains an excellent golf course where one can play a round or two.
The city proper is quite urban and tourists who want to enjoy the area’s famous greenery should try staying at Nuwara Eliya accommodation near the outskirts. Jetwing Warwick Gardens offers one of the best Nuwara Eliya bungalows, with gorgeous vistas of the surrounding mountains. Resembling the Scottish manors of old, the bungalow gives the feeling of seclusion but is actually quite close to town.

Earnslaw steam ship

Popularly referred to as the ‘Lady of the Lake’, Earnslaw steam ship has long been conveying passengers and transporting goods to remote settlement through the Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. A cruise aboard this much admired vintage ship affords the chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas. The ship will take you on a nostalgic journey during when you can explore the ship’s bridge and decks, view historic displays and the engine room and enjoy singing a song with the ship’s pianist. A preferred option in Queenstown hotel  accommodation, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview offers exceptional comforts. This ideally located New Zealand Queenstown hotel ensures nothing but the best. 

Te Puia Thermal Centre

Providing a unique experience that lets you learn more about Maori culture, the Te Puia Thermal Centre is a “must visit” attraction in Rotorua. This centre is where you will find the Geothermal Valley which features boiling mud pools, awe-inspiring geysers, steaming waters and more than 500 pools. One of the main attractions is the famous Pohutu Geyser which reaches heights of up to 30 metres, while other sites of interest include “Pikirangi”, a traditional Maori Village, the Kiwi House and the National Carving School.

Those looking for a hotel in Rotorua that is within easy reach of the Te Puia Thermal Centre can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This centrally located Rotorua hotel offers a perfect base from which to see the sights and sounds of the city.

Desert Safari in Dubai

When visiting Dubai, Desert Safari in Dubai is a must- try outdoor activity. The tour is extremely exceptional as it is something that you cannot try anywhere else in the world. The journey would be a breathtaking one with the sights of golden splendid sunsets and sand dunes.
Desert safaris in Dubai are action packed excursions with camel rides, visits to camel farms, belly dancing performances and mouthwatering barbeque dinners. When planning your luxury travel Dubai must be on top of your list of must- visit destinations. Let Paradise Vacations plan your luxury holidays to all top destinations that you please to go.  

Singing Fish of the Batticaloa Lagoon

The historic city of Batticaloa offers plenty to see and do and provides a one of a kind perspective into the area’s cultural heritage. The city is also famous for a unique attraction that has fascinated visitors from the world over; singing fish! Found in the Batticaloa lagoon and close to the Kallady Lady Manning Bridge, these special fish are said to emanate a sound similar to singing. Believed to be particularly clear on nights near the full moon, the sound of the singing fish provide an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to hear it! Travellers to the region looking for Sri Lanka boutique hotels by the coast can stay at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. This idyllic Sri Lanka resort has its own spa where you can enjoy some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.