Author: pushpitha

Fun with Wind Surfing in Maldives

Velassaru Maldives is one of the most amazing Maldives resort that one would come across while on the search for a Maldives island hotel. This hotel is modern and includes all necessary facilities to pamper you throughout your vacation. The friendly staff and the beautiful natural surrounding would add more value to your stay.

While in these beautiful island you would come across many activities based on the turquoise blue sea around it. Windsurfing is one such exhilarating activity that you could take part. Even if you’re a beginner do not worry because this is one perfect place in the world where you could learn windsurfing throughout the year. Sail in the beautiful Indian Ocean while feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and the water splashes that would be refreshing. While cutting through the waves feel the soothing sea breeze that would touch your face and make your ride relaxing. Enjoy paradise and take home lovely memories.

Exploring Nan Luo Gu Xiang in Beijing

One of the oldest hutongs in the Chinese capital, Nan Luo Gu Xiang has both an old world charm and a rich heritage set amidst a lively atmosphere. Those wanting to truly experience life amidst the city’s traditional hutongs should look to stay at luxury hotels in Beijing such as Regent Beijing. Centrally located in the midst of these charming alleyways, it is one of the best placed 5 star hotels Beijing has to offer in the historic quarter. Make sure to make your way to Nan Luo Gu Xiang in the downtown area of the city where you can explore this area that has become a popular night time haunt. As you walk along the alleys you will come across quaint cafés, shops and galleries. A perfect place for some people watching as well, Nan Luo Gu Xiang also has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while watching the world go slowly by.

Heritage

Mihintale is famous as the place where in 247 BCE King Devanam Piyatissa met the Buddhist monk Mahinda, the son Emperor Asoka of India on a full moon day on the month of Poson changing the religious orientation of the country forever. Mihintale is a 300 meter peak in a range of four mountain peaks on the Anuradhapura – Trincomalee road.

While Mihintale is close to the hearts of Buddhists because of its religious implications, it is also a very important archaeological site containing some of the country’s most ancient historical remains. According to Fa Hsien a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Mihintale in the 5th century, it was the site of a monastic complex of 2000 priests. The remains of monastic buildings and stupas scattered about the hill seem to bear this out. The pieces of archaeological interest start with the 1840 steps cut into the rock face leading to the top of the hill. It is said that the steps were specially designed to suit the sedate gait of the monks. The ‘Aradhana Gala’ a rocky prominence on the hill is said to be the site on which Mahinda and his disciples stood during the encounter with King Devanampiyatissa. A cave on the side of the hill is supposedly the place where Mahinda rested and meditated. The most impressive antiquity at the site is the bubble shaped 45 meter high Mihintale Maha Seya built around the 10th century. Artistically, Kantaka Chethiya may be the most important monument here. Dating back to 119 BCE it has examples of some of the country’s earliest sculptures and paintings. The highest point at Mihintale is Eth Vehera considered part of an inner temple. The best views of the whole Mihintale complex are from here. Another set of important remains are those of the hospital complex at the bottom of the hill, thought to be one of the most ancient in Sri Lanka. The main structure is built round a central courtyard and the remains adjacent to it have been identified as a medicine store, clinic, steam bath, the refractory and an herb grinding stone. Kaludiya Pokuna is the largest of the storage reservoirs around Mihintale. Around it are remains of a bath house, meditation spaces, walled caves and two dagobas. The landscaping here is distinguished by the fact that the boulders around are incorporated into the buildings. The rock caves in Rajagiri Kanda, a hill with large boulders opposite the Kaludiya Pokuna dates to the 3rd century BCE. At the top of the boulder strewn hill is a large cave with several compartments with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another interesting part of the ancient remains is that of a vihara adjoining the alms hall with an inscription setting out rules and regulations of the monastery and payments to various categories of staff. The remains of an assembly hall in the vicinity appears to have been constructed as an open sided pavilion and those of a refectory has two stone canoes thought to have been receptacles for rice and porridge.

Shanti Travels Sri Lanka, an experienced travel organization, offers some of the best Sri Lanka tour packages that has been put together to reflect the cultural and ecological diversity of the country. Holiday packages Sri Lanka offered by the agency includes some of the country’s best known hotels close to iconic heritage sites, wildlife parks and pristine beaches.

A day at Dhangethi Island

One of the most elegant and contemporary Maldives Island Resorts that you would find is the Maafushivaru Maldives. This Maldives resort is breathtakingly beautiful and offers an impeccable accommodation service compared to other resorts in Maldives. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty of these islands spare some time to explore and witness the normal lifestyle of the friendly Maldivian people.

One of the best places for this is the Dhangethi Islands. All the government offices, business centers, schools and normal houses are located within this island. This is the third largest populated island of Alif Dhaal Atoll. You would see that the major source of income of the locals in the island is fishing, apart from this handicraft, boat building and carpentry some of the occupations of the citizens. Spend a day with these amazing people and get to know their ways of living in this beautiful country!

Marine wildlife in abundance in Maldives

The Maldives islands as a land base is quite minimal and previously uninhabited islands too have now been developed in order to sustain the growth of visitors to the island nation. As a result land based wildlife is fairly limited. Those that are present are largely water related.

However when it comes to marine wildlife there is certainly no other place quite as satisfying nor as photographic as what lies beneath the waters off the beaches of Maldives.

On land whilst there are a few goats and cats, dogs and pigs are not allowed on the island for religious reasons. There are also two species of lizards and geckos as well as two species of snakes. There are quite a number of species of birds however most are migratory who fly in from Europe during winter. Some types of heron, terns, hens and crows are island based.

A significant display that is a sight to see is when a large group of birds simultaneously sweep down onto the water in pursuit of fish. In fact many fishermen base their catches on this display.

Under the waters however sharks, dolphins, rays, tuna, coral fish of every shape, size and colour can be found in and around the island waters at different times of the year, according to weather and current conditions.

A visit to the Maldives should most definitely include a couple of days journeying to various islands, snorkelling and scuba diving in the waters as this will provide you with the most colourful and breathtaking impression Maldives has to offer. The best part is that all this is possible not too far from the comfort of your Maldives Resort and assistance and service in this aspect can be obtained easily from almost every resort.

A Maldives Luxury Hotel is easy to find and accommodation options are numerous. Most offer a full gamut of services including safaris around the islands, and all water sport related activities. Cocoa Island Maldives is an inspirational resort that is well matched to meet your every comfort and luxury requirement. So indulge yourself this year in Maldives.

Yas Island Bike Tours

Home to stunning natural beauty, Yas Island in the UAE offers a truly exiting excursion that can be best experienced while using some good old fashioned pedal power! The island can be found within easy reach of Abu Dhabi and those in search of a well placed hotel in Abu Dhabi can consider Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. This hotel Abu Dhabi is ideally located in the financial district making it well suited for those looking to mix business with pleasure.

Plan a visit to Yas Island and make sure to hire a bike or even sign up for bike tours which give you a relaxing opportunity to explore this enchanting isle. The island has well laidout cycle paths that feature maps and directions so you can easily navigate around the many sights of interest here. Apart from the breathtaking vistas that will unfold around you, one can also head to such sites as the Yas Links golf course, Yas Marina and the world famous Yas Marina Circuit which plays host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For a truly unique perspective of Yas Island, cycle at night when the landscape is transformed into quite a glittering site.

Explore Sapodilla Hill

Known for their stunning natural beauty, idyllic beaches and azure waters, the Turks and Caicos Islands provide a truly intimate coastal getaway. There are many sites of interest to be seen here and one such place that warrants a visit is Sapodilla Hill from where you not only enjoy panoramic vistas but discover a part of maritime history as well. This site can be found on the island of Providenciales and those in search of Turks and Caicos hotels here can consider Regent Palms Turks & Caicos. One of the leading Turks and Caicos resorts, it is ideally situated right near the famed Grace Bay Beach and is a perfect starting point to your island excursions. If you love an outdoor adventure then make your way west of South Dock and up Sapodilla Hill. Looking out across the picturesque Sapodilla Bay, the hill also features several rocks where you can see some fascinating carvings. These are in fact names of sailors who having been shipwrecked here made these carvings. Some even believe there are codes hidden here which can lead the way to a secret treasure! Of course even if your hunt for hidden fortune proves unsuccessful there is always another kind of treasure you can find here; the site of a magical sunset!

Bingin Beach Uluwatu

If you love the feeling of riding the waves surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes as the sun shines brightly on your back and the wind blows freely in your hair, then Bingin Beach is definitely worth heading to the next time you are in Bali. This well known surfing point can be found in the Uluwatu area and avid surfers in search of Bali luxury villas in the region can stay at Alila Villas Uluwatu. Featuring elegant Bali resort villas, this property enjoys a cliff top location amidst truly breathtaking vistas. Once you have settled in, get off to an early morning start and make your way to Pecatu Village where you will find surfers from all over gathering at Bingin Beach. While accessing the site might take an effort, the views you will come across are certainly worth it. The huge waves one will find here are ideal for seasoned surfers and the months between April and August are considered the best time for surfing here. Best of all it is an excellent place to just get away from it all as you paddle along the waters on your board, in search of that perfect wave!

Bali Safari Park

The Eastern island of Bali is world known for their exotic location, the many things to do and relax and its proximity to Mother Nature. Amongst all these diverse attractions available for the tourists, there is Bali Safari Park. It is home to as many as sixty different species and some of them are rare and endangered species that one may not see elsewhere in the world. There is a diversity of attractions at this premise. They range from Sumatran tigers, leopards, white tigers, komodo dragons, Sumatran elephants and cheetahs to name a few. The setting is one of typical Balinese culture and that of an African savannah. One of the main highlights at this place is its safari journey. The visitors can explore the typical habitat of Indonesia, India and all the way to Africa making one familiarize with the diversity and similarity of all these places and the habitats despite them being continents apart.

The air conditioned safari tram will take visitors up close to some of the animals and still be safe and secure. Thus it is a great and a memorable trip for many families travelling with young children as they get a closer look at wildlife. The open range regions within the park provide visitors a chance to see these wild animals living in a natural setting and it is possible to take as many photos as one would please. The guide who travels along with the safari group will be happy to answer any questions and help travellers spot the animals in wilderness.
It is truly an ideal place to be close to animals. For those who dare they can enter the lions’ den, and for those who don’t the closest would be a curious animal coming and tapping on the tram window. One can get as close as they want to some animals while others can be spotted at a distance from the tram car. What is more there is also a marine park in the premises adding more excitement to any visit here. It is in close proximity to many a Bali Spa Resort. So for those who are looking to stay at Bali Spa Resorts, there is COMO Shambhala Estate Bali providing excellent service and a great holiday.

Ravana Falls

Named after a popular Sri Lankan legend as depicted in the epic tale of Ramayanaya, the Ravana Falls cascades majestically, sprawling itself generously over an area of more than 82 ft. Bandarawela Hotel is one of the best hotels Sri Lanka located quite close by to this location and one can easily seek accommodation in this charming hotel Sri Lanka while exploring the vicinities. The amount of local legends that enrobes these falls is truly astounding. It is believed that it is here within a cave located in the heavy wilderness surrounding the falls that King Ravana had hidden Rama’s queen Sita. The cave now known as the Ravana Cave as well as the waterfall forms part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary while it is also said that Queen Sita had bathed in a rock pool that accumulated water that falls from this waterfall. Located in the Ella area which derived its name from the number of waterfalls that one could catch a glimpse of in the area, the drive up to the Ravana Falls itself would indeed be quite a treat as the area is well known for the scenic beauty of its surroundings.