Lavinia Woolf | The Adventure Travel Site

Enthral yourself with an Exciting Trek to Explore the Forbidden Beauties of Udawattakele

Udawattakele is a forest haven found on the outskirts of Kandy and is a refuge for all manner of unique and fascinating wildlife. This wilderness also contains the ruins of a bygone era, making this refuge quite the treat to explore!

Z thomas, Udawattakele kandy 2017-10-20 (5), CC BY-SA 4.0

The Wildlife

Most Kandy hotels found close to Udawattakele – for example, the Cinnamon Citadel Kandy– will make mention of all the wonderful wildlife you’re likely to see when visiting the forest. Some of the notable species found here include the elusive fishing cat – one of only four species of wild cat found in Sri Lanka – and the rowdy toque macaque.

A Bird Lover’s Paradise

Now, when it comes to wildlife, the avifauna is without a doubt Udawattakele’s main attraction. If you’re at all into birdwatching, a trip here is a no-brainer. Many exotic bird varieties are found in this forest haven, including the rare Layard’s parakeet and the nocturnal brown fishing owl.

Ancient Kandyan Ruins

Deep in the forest, you’ll find the remnants of the fallen Kingdom of Kandy – a call-back to the glory days of proud kings and Sri Lankan royalty. Some of the more important ruins include the Royal Pond and Lady Horton’s Road.

Exploring Buddhist Hermitages

Dotted around the forest are a series of ancient caves that were once used by Buddhist monks as a refuge to rest and meditate in. The most notable of these is the Senkada Cave, which is thought to have been used by a lone hermit once – now you’ll find that it has been reclaimed by the forest’s denizens!

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

Planning visiting Abu Dhabi? You’re sure to feel like you’ve made a great choice from the moment you step into the city! Here’s a little more information.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Also known as The Grand Mosque, this is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction and is quite the masterpiece. You’re sure to be left awe-struck with its architecture, such as the 82 intricately detailed domes and reflective pools. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is believed t be the most beautiful mosque’s in the world.

Desert Safari

Let’s be real, no trip to the middle east is complete without experiencing a desert safari! Depending on when you’re in the mood, you can do either opt for a morning or evening desert safari depending on how you feel. You can request the resort in Abu Dhabi you’re staying in, the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort to recommend the best times.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

It doesn’t matter if you’re not into museums as the Louvre is truly an iconic structure that will leave you speechless! The collections housed inside are quite impressive and include artefacts from civilizations from all over the world, in different timelines.

Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

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+

Getting to Know Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a favourite romantic hideaway to many and a favourite destination among many beach lovers too. Because of its ample availability of pristine beaches, it is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and leisure travellers who need a real change in their lives.

Getting here

From Bangkok and Phuket, it’s just an hour’s flight away and does not require you to go through any hassle. After you arrive at Koh Samui if accommodation is your next concern. Do not worry, the city has many options the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort which are loved especially by tourists.

Exploring the beaches

As this is a beach paradise, you find several beaches with unique characteristics. Chaweng Beach is known as one of the best beaches, around which many Chaweng beach resorts are also located. Lamai Beach and BoPhut Beach are some other options if you want a list.

Exploring the Nathon Town

This is a cosy little township that has a commercial and administrative significance. You’ll be surprised to hear that this is literally the only town Koh Samui has because you find all features such as shopping areas, dining areas in it.

Per Meistrup, Thai-Night-market wIMG 3912, CC BY-SA 4.0

Exploring the touch of Buddhism in the city

Big Buddha is a beach town and owns one of the most serene and clean beaches that Koh Samui has. If you wonder why the name goes like this, it’s because of the giant Buddha Statue located here, that is quite loved by tourists who visit this city.

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+

Before you plan your trip to Whistler

Whistler is an incredible city, which used to be an exclusive one season resort town. But today, the town is an all-season destination loved by honeymooners, families as well as adventure lovers. Here are some facts you should know when planning your long-awaited trip to Whistler.

Know where to stay

If you visit Whistler with your friends or family, our advice is to find a good Whistler ski resort. The place you choose for your night stays is important because a comfortable stay can make you forget all the troubles you had to face during daytime adventures.

Picture all your activities well in advance

Keep in mind that there are also activities that can be done off the mountain. If you stay at a resort the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, then you are lucky because there are chances for you to experience the lifestyles of the local community.

Identify the best places to eat from

At Function Junction, you will find a handful of great bakeries and cafes, and the prices here are very reasonable. There are also some top-class restaurants in this town where you will have to spend a little more, but the food is guaranteed to be tasty.

Know what adventures you can take

If you love adventures, the Ziptrek tour is a must-try for you! You may also try a biking adventure with your whole family! Why not even try your hand at riding an electric bike for a change?

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+

Most Thrilling Wildlife in Sri Lanka

From tropical rainforests to the coastal wilderness, Sri Lanka is teeming with wildlife, some species found nowhere else. Here is a destination for the avid bird watchers and pachyderm lovers alike.

Butterfly Sinharaja Rainforest| Img by: Kelum Chathuranga via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, holiday packages that include a visit to Yala National Park should be given most consideration, especially if you wish to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Situated along the south-eastern coast of the island it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Considered by many as the last home of the Sri Lankan lion, a diverse array of wildlife and plant species can be found here. Nestled in clouds it is only accessible by foot, a knowledgeable guide can be the decisive factor on this awe-inspiring trek. Tour operators such as Tangerine Tours offer comprehensive tour packages to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Udawalawa National Park

One of the three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant roams across the ranges of the island. But nowhere will you see such a concentration of these gentle giants as in Udawalawe National Park. It is truly a paradise for the Pachyderm lover.

Horton Plains National Park

One of the most unique eco-systems in the country, this plateau is teeming with herds of Sambar Deer and Wild Boar. Horton Plains is also home to the endemic Bear Monkey, Toque Monkey, and the Long-tailed Squirrel. No visit to the island is complete without a trip to this Shambala hidden in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

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+

Penang Travel Guide

Penang is a perfect mix of different cultures where Chinese, Indians and Malays reside together. Penang has a population of 1.8 million and there’s plenty to keep you occupied! Here’s a list.

Image credit- Semi-auto, 2018 New Year Fireworks in George Town, Penang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Blue Mansion

Also known as the most photographed building in George Town, this beautiful building was built in the 1880s. The 38 room and 228 window mansion contain several unique features, each explained through guided tours. You must listen to the story of Cheong Fatt Tze, the ‘rags to riches’ Hakka merchant commissioned the blue mansion for his 7th wife.

Penang National Park

15 minutes from PARKROYAL Penang Resort and easy to get to from any Penang hotel, the Penang National Park is Malaysia’s smallest national park. There are trails with varying distances, each serving gorgeous views of nature!

Butterfly Farm

For a completely beautiful and surreal experience, you mustn’t miss the Butterfly Farm! Over 15,000 free-flying butterflies together with 200 species of varying fauna, you get to learn all about butterflies and their lives.

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+

SCUBA Diving in the Maldives

On land , the Maldives is everything; the perfect island paradise. It is all that and much more, underwater, with spectacular marine life and colourful coral structures. As such it has become a must-visit location for snorkelling and

Tchami, Maldives (32684393662), CC BY-SA 2.0

SCUBA diving enthusiasts.
Coral structures are abundant in the Maldives and a conscious effort is being made by hotels and resorts situated on the islands to preserve the corals and provide them with a rich habitat to thrive in.

Diving in the Maldives
Maldives diving is mostly done from liveaboards with the current acting as the anchor that drives you forward. It makes one great ride as the currents ebb and flow through the atolls and bring you in close quarters to all the wide varieties of fish. Diving facilities are often provided by resorts like Kandolhu Maldives.

Features of the Sites
There are two features at dive sites that scuba divers will encounter, and they are the pinnacles and current swept channels. If you are exploring the channels you will come across caves and caverns and are lush in soft coral.

The pinnacles are often found in atoll lagoons and shoot straight up almost breaking the surface. They are home to sessile life forms that act as a great base for sponges and soft corals. This, in turn, makes it the perfect habitat for crustaceans and schools of fish.
Swimming out from the reefs will bring you in close quarters of the pelagics which include eagle rays, manta rays and a great many species of shark.

Hiking in the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Encounters with Sri Lankan Leopards

Did you know that Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards in a national park in the world? That makes it the ideal location to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard while on a safari.

Yala National Park

The 950 square kilometre Yala National Park can be found on the south-eastern coast and is the preferred location for a leopard safari in Sri Lanka. You can visit this reserve on an eco-friendly adventure tour offered by the likes of Nature Odyssey. If you’re lucky, you will also spot jackals, elephants, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, water buffalos, land and water monitors and over 200 species of birds.

Sri Lankan Leopards

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a dapper russet yellow big cat with dark spots and is the largest subspecies of leopard in the world. At roughly 78 kgs, the males are 30% larger than females and are found throughout the country in various habitats. While leopards are considered nocturnal, it is common to spot them in the early mornings or late evenings.

An Endangered Beauty

However, the leopard count in Sri Lanka has fallen to 250 animals due to poaching and fragmentation of habitat. The Sri Lankan Leopard has been listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered.

Big Cat Conservation

The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) is working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation to study the leopard and aid in its conservation. It is hoped that with a concerted effort the leopard population will once again thrive in Sri Lanka

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+