Author: Lavinia Woolf

Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary

The tropical island of Sri Lanka holds many wonders in terms of natural beauty, ranging from rainforests to resorts such as Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes. Following a drawn-out civil war, the country is only now managing to truly discover the wonders that are contained in Sri Lanka’s Northern section. Of recent times, various sections have been converted into National Parks and Sanctuaries, and when it comes to the latter, one of the finest examples is the Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary.

The bird sanctuary should definitely one of the top places to visit in Trincomalee, since it’s close proximity to the immensely popular beach-bound port-city of Sri Lanka.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary was developed by the administrative district in the province of Mullaitivu along with the United Nations Development Programme, and was recently extended to include the panoramic nearby Nai Aru Lagoon. The lagoon is a mangrove swamp that is teeming with bird-life such as ducks, gulls, and various shore-birds. The thick rainforest surroundings prove to be a perfect habitat and sanctuary for these exotic birds.
The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary as a whole contains a diverse host of bird species, with some cameo-appearances from other animal species such as Elephants. One species found in abundance in the bird sanctuary is the Commorant, one of the most symbolic birds in the world. The Commorant has been used by famed author John Milton as a holy symbol due to their wing-drying pose resembling a crucifix, and the bird was also used as a guise by Satan as he spied over Adam and Eve.
Additionally, the park plays sanctuary to ducks, flamingos, herons, pelicans and much more. It is a true bird-watcher’s paradise so if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit this incredible locale.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Indulge in adventure at Milford Sound

Rudyard Kipling would not have thought twice when he named Milford Sound as the world’s eighth wonder.

Nestled on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, Milford Sound is a sight for sore eyes with its stunning natural features. It is a fiord located within Fiordland national park marine reserve. A recent international survey recognised Milford Sound as one of the top travel destinations in the world, in addition to being reputed as the most famous tourist destination in New Zealand.

The best way to experience Milford Sound is take a boat cruise. The cruises are available either during the daytime or night. If you need more kick of adventure, opt for sea kayaking or diving. As you dive deep down, you will come across a marine life unique to Milford Sound. Black coral, anemones and 11-legged sea stars are a few to name. A few metres away, you will see the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove.

If you are into trekking or hiking, try the Milford track. Starting from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, this track is spread across the picturesque wilderness of Milford Sound. You will reach the end of your journey with a boat trip from Sandfly Point to the wharf in Milford Sound.

Although this is an established tourist hotspot, Milford Sound is a small area. If you plan to spend a few days, best option is to book a hotel such as Oaks Shores or any other accommodation in advance. There is a limited number of Queenstown ski hotels, which you can check online for availability. As you travel around the village you will come across a number of cafeterias so that you can indulge in local cuisine.

Most tourists visit Milford Sound on a day trip. Just walking around the village will be an enthralling experience.

Kayaking is also equally enjoyable, as you will get to explore the hidden depths of Milford Sound. As you paddle along, you will likely spot creatures such as dolphins and seals in addition Fiordland crested penguin. Overnight kayaking adventures are also available for those who really love an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Cycle at Picton Botanical Gardens

Sydney, the capital city of the state of New South Wales in Australia, is one of the most developed and popular cities in the world. This urban city is known for its rich culture and exciting attractions making it a premier tourist destination. Sydney has also gained a reputation for its development in performing arts and entertainment, while also being home to cultural and recreational attractions of all kinds. Accommodation in an apartment hotel in Sydney, such as the Oaks On Castlereagh, is ideal for families and groups of travellers.
There are many parks in Sydney, but one that is known to be one of the most peaceful parks Sydney has to offer is the Picton Botanical Gardens. Established in 1986 and located on Regreme Road, the Picton Botanical Garden is a luscious garden with many species of trees, plants and flowers. The relaxing ambiance of the park has made it an attractive location for many Sydney locals who just want to spend a few hours in quiet contemplation or take a quiet stroll through the greenery.
The Picton Botanical Gardens is known for its walkway that goes through the park, passing some of the most scenic and popular areas of the park. The walkway spans a distance of 9km and is on a flat surface. Beside this walkway is a cycling path that is regarded as being a recommendable place to cycle. If you enjoy cycling and wish you cycle through a scenic garden, then cycling through Picton Botanical Gardens is just the thing for you. As you cycle you will pass through the beautiful lawns of the gardens, the rows of trees and hedges, the popular areas where families are having BBQ’s, and through the gardens’ tennis courts and oval. All in all, cycling down the Picton Botanical Gardens is a great outdoor experience that is relaxing and refreshing.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Taling Chan Floating Market

Bangkok is one of the most prosperous cities in Asia, and since the recent boom in business began in the 1980s, what was once a small trading post has been transformed into a sprawling metropolis by the emergence of business activity. Although Bangkok is a popular tourist location for her unique culture carved out of a rich history laden with traditional arts and customs, the rise in tourism is causing this very culture and heritage to seemingly disappear. Fear not however, for there is one place where one can truly enjoy a descent into Thai history and culture, untouched by the hands of globalisation, a place called the Taling Chan Floating Market.

A visit to the Taling Chan Floating Market is very easy, since it is one of the fifty districts that make up Bangkok, and located only a short distance away from popular places of accommodation such as the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, a popular Luxury Hotel Bangkok has to offer.

The main reason the Taling Chan Floating Market is appreciated is for its sincerity to Thai culture that makes it stand apart from the bigger floating markets that adorn the cityscape. A foreign tourist can easily traverse the market without having to book a tour or becoming overwhelmed by legions of people.

The food in the Taling Chan Floating Market is iconic Thai seafood, ranging from massive Shrimp to Blue Crabs and large fish, typically prepared on small boats using smaller barbeques. If you’re uncomfortable eating on the floor, many restaurants have little plastic tables and chairs placed for the convenience of the guests, although these would tend to fill up fast when during the hours after 12pm.

So there you have it, the Taling Chan Floating Market, the go-to place should you choose to taste a sincere slice of Bangkok.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Sigiriya Water Gardens

The story of Sigiriya is a captivating one dating back to the fifth century. It begins with a prince who killed his father in a fit of rage and fled to Sigiriya. The prince, who went on to become King Kassapa, chose the top of a giant boulder as the location for his palace. The ‘palace in the sky’ was built in the form of a crouching lion. The fortress expanded into the lands surrounding the rock. Within its bounds, beautiful gardens were created. The king enjoyed a luxurious existence until the day his brother arrived with an army seeking vengeance for the murder of their father. King Kassapa took his own life after his army abandoned him and much of the magnificent palace was destroyed by the attackers.

The Sigiriya story is as much of a landmark in Sri Lankan history as the actual rock itself. The ruins of what was arguably one of the most impressive palaces ever built can still be seen today. The rock fortress is a historic attraction that continues to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. Sigiriya hotel properties have been built in most part, simply to provide accommodation for visitors who come to admire this architectural marvel; Aliya Resort & Spa even offers views of the towering rock in the distance.

The palace on the rock is not the only feature worthy of mention, the gardens that are spread out at the foot of the rock are also fascinating. The lawns have been meticulously laid out with geometric precision. The water garden, located on the lowest level, is surrounded by walls; it boasts ponds and dancing fountains, complete with flowering water plants and birds. The fountains were designed to work on a highly complex hydraulic system. With heavy rainfall, the fountains gurgle to life even today. However, their sophisticated mechanism has not been completely unraveled by engineers of the present day. A more recent discovery, the miniature water garden, has intricately designed waterways that feed shallow reflecting pools.

Wadi Bani Khalid

A Wadi, meaning a valley in Arabic, formed by fast rushing streams, is predominantly seen in Israel, Morocco and a number of other Middle Eastern countries. These Wadis were often used by travellers to traverse countries and reach other cities with the assistance of camels. A Wadi can also contain water or even a small stream when there is heavy rain fall. While Wadis are seen across the Middle East, Wani Bani Khalid is noteworthy for its beauty. Located around two hundred kilometres from Muscat, it is not a day trip that can be completed from a Muscat based hotel in Oman. Therefore, many tourists seek to indulge in a desert night camp to explore the Wadi and return to Muscat a few days later.

Located in the Sharqiyah region, Wadi Bani Khalid, unlike most of its kind, maintains a steady flow of water. Because of this, and also the shape of the valley, water accumulates in large pools and reflects the surroundings making for a rather picturesque view. The Wadi is quite large as well as it covers a large extent of low land areas as well as parts of the surrounding mountains.

Tourists who are gearing up for an adventure in Oman will be thrilled to discover that the Wadi Bani Khalid is also home to some interesting caves, including an underground chamber of the Sultanate known as Kahf Maqal. However, this adventure is not for the faint hearted for it requires a great deal of stamina, especially given the warm climate.

Nevertheless, tourists who wish to merely explore the valley can enjoy the fresh water springs known as Ain al Sarooj and Ain Hamouda and take in the natural beauty of the area. Given its attraction to tourists, a souvenir can be purchased from the shop in Badaa, a close by village, to remember the valley and the excursion.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Quad Biking in the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

In the Binh Thuan Province of Vietnam is the beautiful coastal village of Mui Ne. This quaint fishing village is one of the most serene and picturesque areas of Southeastern Vietnam; and over the past two decades, Mui Ne has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The village is known for its golden sandy beaches, excellent conditions for water sports, chilled out restaurants and bars, and relaxing ambiance. The Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, a luxury beach resort Mui Ne, is a great choice of accommodation.

One of the great geographical features of Mui Ne is its sand dunes, particularly the White Sand Dunes. This endless terrain of pristine silky white sand with its towering dunes and gentle slopes is a dazzling and mesmerizing location. And there is no better way to explore the beautiful White Sand Dunes than on a Quad Bike. The Quad Bike is the technological equivalent of riding a horse through blissful white sandy dunes, and thus is a must do activity by all who visit Vietnam.

The clear blue skies, milky white sand terrain for as far as the eye can see, and sand dunes varying in all sizes, makes the perfect setting for Quad Biking. Renting out a Quad Bike is quite hassle-free as Quad Biking through the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne is quite a popular activity. Thus, numerous service providers offer Quad Bikes are reasonable rates to any person who wishes to explore the paradise that is the White Sand Dunes. Hop on a Quad Bike and make your own adventure at the dunes, as you ride through the endless sands with nothing but the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You can power your Quad Bike up the dunes and skillfully descend the slopes, or stop a top a dune and admire the breath-taking scenery it offers. Thus, it is without a doubt that Quad Biking through the dunes is sure to be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Hat Chao Mai National Park

The Hat Chao Mai National Park(230.86skqm) is located on Thailand’s western coast of Trang. A gorgeous park encompassing land and sea, Hat Chao promises an unforgettable experience of flora, fauna, traditional villages and amazing scenery. Choosing to stay at a Trang resort means loads of beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and hidden coves to enjoy. Taking this experience to higher levels is the Anantara Si kao Thailand Resort & Spa.

Shady pine trees, siestas on hammocks rocked by ocean breezes and excursions to Anantara’s private beach club Koh Kradan, are some of the thrills to be experienced here. Indulge and unwind at the serene spa, snorkel dive or chill out at the pool. Sunbathe on the bleached white sand beaches and enjoys views of the nearby Hat Chao Mai National Park. Ideal for families couples or single stays the hotel offers enough activities to keep everyone happy. Enjoy the comforts within any one of the 139 rooms, suites, pool suites and family rooms where plenty of light and space coupled with modern amenities add a touch of magic for total relaxation.

Just next door is the Hat Chao National Park a spectacle of nature to be enjoyed for its pristine coastline, rainforests, Limestone Mountains and abundance of flora and fauna. One of the few unspoilt destinations around the world this park is home to the old fishing communities of Thailand, experience their rustic lifestyles, charming abodes and of course the stunning coasts of Trang.

This park is home to the treasured Dugong, a rare marine mammal of Thailand while 2 species of endangered birds have made their homes in this serene abode. Explore the mangrove forests, hike through the limestone caves and rejuvenate mind body and soul within the tranquil ambiance.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Underwater Adventures in Maldives

As a country comprising mostly of ocean and just one percent land scattered over a thousand islets it is not surprising that adventure in the Maldives is to be had underwater. This is made exciting by the presence of coral reefs, rocky pinnacles rising from shallow lagoons and channels that offer varying landscapes and swim throughs teeming with marine life. As a prominent Maldives resort, Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa Maldives offer access to underwater adventures that make some of the most memorable vacation experiences here.

The Maldives underwater landscape is made up of many highly rated dive sites where an abundance of coral, varied marine life at different depths and an interesting variety of geological features makes scuba diving an adventure. Channels that connect groups of islets with the ocean offer some of the greatest underwater adventures as they have the deepest dive spots and the most surprises. Varying in size and depth, the range of caves, caverns and overhangs festooned with marine creatures attract larger fish because of the nutrients that pass through these waterways in a steady stream. The channels are also where large marine creatures come to make use of the services of cleaning wrasses and shrimp giving the opportunity for underwater adventure seekers to get the thrill of their lives because of close quarter views of several large pelagic species. Other underwater features that are great adventures sites are the rocky pinnacles rising up from the bottom of lagoons. Because of their size some ‘thilas’ or pinnacles cannot be explored in a single day. They host large populations of crustaceans and schools of fish enough to engage the attentions of scuba divers as long as the air in their tanks last.

While underwater adventures are usually experienced among the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off a range of well equipped water crafts is one of the best ways to experience life beneath the water in the Maldives as adventurers can visit several popular dive sites. While underwater adventures during the day is undoubtedly exciting looking at micro and mega fauna beneath the waves illuminated only by the beam of a hand held torch is probably even more exciting. Different underwater adventures are possible during the southwest and the northeast diving seasons when large concentrations of pelagic species are to be found in different places.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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