Thrilling White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves lots of action-packed thrills, then white water rafting in Sri Lanka is for you! Here’s what you need to know about this activity in this tropical island paradise.

White Water Rafting| Img by: Timeworks via Pixabay

Rapids of Sri Lanka

The premier place for white water rafting is Kitulgala, a favourite stop on adventure tours in Sri Lanka. The Kelani River here offers grade two to three rapids ideal for younger participants too. Those with more experience can look to tackle the rapids at the Sitawaka (grade three to four), Mahaweli (grade two to five) or Kotmale (grade four to five) rivers.

The Kitulgala Rapids

Those enjoying white water rafting offered by adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey can look forward to challenging several of the Kelani River’s distinctive rapids. The experience lasts for around 90 minutes and the rapids have uniquely named sections such as Killer Fall, Head Chopper and Butter Crunch!

The Ideal Period

The months from May to December are generally considered the best time for this activity in Kitulgala; this is mainly because the seasonal south-western monsoon makes the river swell which leads to faster rapids too.

Other Activities

The ideal complement to Kitulgala white water rafting is the many activities you can enjoy in and around the Kelani River. These include waterfall abseiling, rainforest trekking, canyoning and performing confidence jumps from varying heights to rock pools below!

 

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A Travel Guide to Suzhou

China is an ancient civilization that has managed to preserve much of its history even to date. One of these preserved age-old cities situated a short distance away from Shanghai is the skilfully landscaped Suzhou.

Gardens in Suzhou
Gardens in Suzhou | image Credit : SteFou! from Lübeck, Germany, Suzhou-classical-garden-corner-1, CC BY 2.0

Classic Gardens

The beautiful city of Suzhou has famed the world over with its amazing classic garden collection. There are approximately 60 gardens in the area of which 9 have been recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Water Towns

The brilliance of archaic China is still evident in the marvellous water towns in Suzhou. Water from various rivers and canals flow across the towns. One may come across short bridges, interconnected streets and so on bringing out a nostalgic feel to the surrounding.

Kun Opera

Being one of the oldest forms of opera in the world, the Kun Opera combines the perfect mix of rich literature, traditional dance and ancient tunes to bring together a masterpiece! For this, the opera was deemed Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. The best place to watch the Opera would be at Suzhou Opera Museum a short distance away from Ascott Midtown Suzhou.

Travel & lodging

If you are planning on visiting Suzhou, many a Suzhou serviced apartment have come up and are readily available for accommodation. As for travel, since the city is located close to the capital, there are trains running from Shanghai to Suzhou.

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Venture into the dark corners of the ocean floor in Hikkaduwa

Venture into the dark corners of the ocean floor in Hikkaduwa to explore under sea marvels of ship wrecks, rock formations, caves and the beautiful coral reefs. The sea surrounding Hikkaduwa has hidden underwater mysteries and magical marine life for people to explore.

Water sports, Hikkaduwa| Img by: Amila Tennakoon via FlickrCC BY 2.0

 

Water sports

There are many things to do in Hikkaduwa while staying at luxury hotels such as Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon. Hikkaduwa is ideal for many kinds of water sports, deep sea diving, snorkelling and viewing of coral reefs under water via taking a ride on a glass bottom boat. There are variety of colourful tropical fish and other gorgeous marine life to be viewed as well.

Deep diving

There are so many under water sites for divers to explore; ship wrecks, reef and rock formations, underground caves and multi-coloured coral and tropical fish inhabiting the reefs are all part of an exciting diving experience in Hikkaduwa.

Historic shipwrecks

The shipwreck is a main attraction for divers here. Many divers visit this site to enjoy the adventure of diving to explore these underwater shipwrecks. An oil tanker known as Steam Ship SS Conch transporting oil to Madras hit the rocks and sank on 3rd June 1903. The parts of this broken ship are scattered over a large area on the sea beds of Hikkaduwa and part of the hull had turned upside down forming a large cave which became a safe haven for marine life and a variety of fish inhabiting it now. Divers can have a great experience swimming through this cave.

 

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A Thrilling Kithulgala Adventure Experience

If you are an adrenaline junkie or are just looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure, then make visiting Kithulgala in Sri Lanka a top priority! From white water rafting to abseiling down a waterfall there is plenty of action-packed excitement to look forward to.

Kithulgala Adventure| Img by:  Nature Odyssey

White Water Rafting

The Kelani River has made Kithulgala the most popular place in Sri Lanka for white water rafting. Local tour specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey give you a chance to enjoy grade 2 and 3 rapids which have some rather unusual names for certain areas; Butter Crunch, Rib Cage, Killer Fall and Head Chopper are a few. Don’t be put off by their names though, it really is a lot of fun!

Waterfall Abseiling

A quintessential part of the Kithulgala adventure experience, abseiling down a waterfall is a pure adrenaline rush that lets you truly be “one” with the cascading water. Reputed operators ensure safety comes first as you make your way down the rock face, which sometimes can be over 100 feet high.

Confidence Jumps

Also called a waterfall jump, this activity involves jumping down from a height to natural pools below. The jump-off point can be at varying heights depending on where you are taken; greater heights require greater confidence in yourself! Do make sure to choose experienced excursion providers who follow proper safety measures.

Rainforest Walks

For a land-based adventure in Kithulgala, travellers can embark on a trek through pristine rainforest areas. On your journey, you will encounter picturesque waterfalls and streams along with wildlife including colourful bird species.

 

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The Sir Bani Yas Challenge – A challenge like no other! – An outdoor challenge for all

The first of its kind, the Sir Bani Yas Island challenge is an outdoor triathlon organised by Husak Adventures. The challenge consists of a run-bike-kayak race across the island and is meant to be an enjoyable experience for all.

Image Credit- JKrabbe at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Challenge Summary:

A Fun outdoor triathlon open to anyone over the age of twelve with various fitness abilities.

Event route

Using three different disciplines the event route covers the entire island a complete distance of 50 km. The breakdown of the route consists of 10 kilometres of trail running, 37 kilometres of mountain biking and finally three kilometres of kayaking. Campsites will be alongside the beach usually at one of the two Anantara Abu Dhabi beach resorts. The participants will switch between two legs of trail runs and mountain biking to conclude with a couple hundred meters run after the final a Kayaking leg.

Your checklist

Your checklist should include a sleeping bag, headlight, change of clothes and swimwear since the camp is located at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which is beside the ocean. For the challenge, it is recommended that the participants wear sportswear and/or synthetic shirts.

Provisions by the organiser

The challenge organisers will provide you with a kayak and a mountain bike, water, a map of the course and the stations closing time, a challenge t-shits and finally the challenge medal.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Adventure Sports in Oman

Be it thrills above or below the waves or exciting excursions amidst stunning natural landscapes, Oman offers fantastic adventure sports for those in search of an action-packed holiday.

Scuba diving

Image Credit-Soljaguar [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons

There is nothing like heading into the mysterious ocean depths to get your heart racing with excitement. Cockleshell Bay, Coral Garden and Mermaid Cove are among the diving hotspots in Oman. What’s more, resorts like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara even offer PADI Open Water Courses for first timers.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While it may not be fast-paced, stand-up paddleboarding or SUP does offer an adventure-filled way to do some exploring as you paddle your board across the waters. Easy to find at a Salalah beach resort, this activity is best enjoyed from October till May.

Canyoning

For land-based fun, you could always enjoy some canyoning as you scramble, climb, swim and sometimes even abseil through rugged terrains. Snake Gorge and Majlis Al Jinn Cave are among the places in Oman you can try this activity.

Safari in the Desert

While technically not a “sport”, a desert safari is nevertheless one of the most thrilling activities in Oman, especially at sites like Wahiba Sands, Bawshar Sands and the Empty Quarter. On this adventure, you can look forward to seeing everything from wildlife to traditional Bedouin lifestyles.

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Adventure sports to try in Sri Lanka

A country that boasts stunning natural beauty, a utopia for thrill seekers; Sri Lanka offers its visitors a myriad of attraction that will quench their thirst for Adventure.

White Water Rafting | Image Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/96147639@N00">Rob Chandler</a> from Toronto, Canada, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_water_rafting,_Rangitata_Valley,_NZ.jpg">White water rafting, Rangitata Valley, NZ</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY 2.0</a>
White Water Rafting | Image Credit: Rob Chandler from Toronto, Canada, White water rafting, Rangitata Valley, NZ, CC BY 2.0

Hiking and Trekking

Sri Lanka is home to a varied collection of landscapes ranging from undulating mountain ranges with stunning views, to breezy and serene plains that are ideal for trekking. Most of these places are also safe for camping since least of the wildlife in Sri Lanka poses threats to campers.

Rock Climbing

Sri Lanka is filled with a number of natural rock formations that are very much exciting to climb Most of the mountains located in the highlands of Sri Lanka and are easily climbable yet you’ll cherish a wonderful experience because of the stunning sceneries you see during your climb!

Paintballing

This is a recently emerging adventure sport that is gaining popularity among youth. If you are interested and you are travelling to Sri Lanka as a group this is certainly an adventure sport worth trying. Most of the adventure sports destinations are located far from major cities but if you are stationed at a luxury apartment in Colombo the likes of One Galle Face, the “Splatter Paintball” range located near a small town close to Colombo area is called Ambagaspitiya.

Whitewater rafting

The country is home to a myriad of rivers that features white waters and are a paradise for kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. Kithulgala is a town located in the banks of the mighty Kelani River and it is one of the most popular rafting destinations in Sri Lanka which never fails to thrill adventure seekers.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Spending the day out in Tioman

Malaysia is known for its heavenly beauty both inland and on the coast. Tioman Island is one of the most favoured islands by any tourist visiting Malaysia. This is because of its stunning greenery, beaches and little villages that fill the area.

Tioman Island | Image Credit: By Glueball at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tioman_runway_01.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>
Tioman Island | Image Credit: By Glueball at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Diver’s delight

Tioman is the biggest island towards the eastern coast of Malaysia. It is also the main diving grounds for tourists who like to take trips underwater. The aquatic life here is vibrant and full of diversity. A spot all deep-sea divers are sure to love is Pulau Chebeh, in the deep blue here you will get a glance at giant manta rays and enormous gorgonian sea fans!

Diving into dining

There are dining options in plenty on Tioman Island. Dine by the beach in restaurants where your meal is prepared with fresh fish selected by you! Or simply try out some barbecue or authentic Malaysian delicacies while sitting in the cool cover of the palm trees. Treat yourself to a fantastic breakfast too at popular dining spots that are ubiquitous around the island.

Island activities

With a rich ecosystem of rainforests and marine life, it is no wonder that there is much to do in Tioman! Take pleasure in visiting the Tioman Marine Park, or simply go diving in Monkey Beach. If you are the sporty type, rent that surfboard to ride the waves or have a fun time going kayaking. Venture to the uninhabited islands here for a quiet picnic and swim.

Accommodation

There is a wide choice of places to stay in Tioman Island. One such Tioman resort is the much sought-after Berjaya Tioman Resort. What’s more, the Salang bay is packed with many hotels and resorts. Not to mention, the many restaurants and shops available for all your requirements.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Here’s Why You Should Visit the Maldives

A vacation in the Maldives is a tempting offer no one wants to pass up. Read on to find out about the top 4 reasons why you should be planning a mini getaway to the archipelago now!

Marine life| Img by: Ahmed Abdul Rahman via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Fantastic Marine Life

The Maldives have long since been famed for its fantastic marine life. It’s home to numerous reefs filled with colourful corals and nudibranchs along with exotic fish such as lionfish and stingrays. It’s also THE place to go to if you wish to dive with whale sharks and stingrays!

Spectacular Sunsets

Whether it’s all by yourself, your family or significant other, catching a flaming tropical sunset while lounging on a sandbank is another reason to visit. Or why not go all out enjoy a delicious dinner out by the ocean during sunset at one of the many restaurants located on the islands?

Fresh Seafood

If you are an absolute fan of fresh seafood, then a visit to the Maldives is a must. Tease your taste buds with an extensive selection of dishes served by some exclusive underwater restaurants and some of the best Maldives resorts including the likes of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.

Bioluminescent Beaches

Treat yourself to a magical bioluminescent sight while visiting the islands of Vilamendhoo, Angaga, and Kurumathi. A natural phenomenon which occurs at night, phytoplankton which collides with the sand, water or even feet give off a bright neon blue light!

 

 

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Greatest Experiences You Must Try in the Beautiful Tioman Island

Sandy beaches, azure blue waters, and lush rainforests await you on Timon Island, one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world. Read on to find out about the best activities to do while there.

Tioman Island| Img by: _paVan_ via FlickrCC BY 2.0

Swimming

The island is home to some stunning beaches such as Juara and Salang beach which in turn lays claim to crystal clear warm waters in which visitors can swim freely.

Diving

Timon has been featured extensively as one of the best places to dive in the world. It’s home to some spectacular reefs and dive spots such as Tiger reefs and Renggis island which attracts divers of various calibre from all over the world.

Nature Walks

Trails dominate the island and provide visitors, the perfect opportunity to explore the lush isle at their own pace. Going on a hike to the Asah waterfall or exploring the vicinity of the dormant volcano, Gunung Kajang will prove quite interesting.

Dining

Malaysian cuisine is famous for its rich fusion of Chinese, Indian and Indonesian flavours among a plethora of others, and the dining options on Timon Island will not disappoint. While there are plenty of small beach side restaurants serving great food, one can head over to a hotel on Timon Island including the likes of Berjaya Tioman Resort, for a more varied spread featuring international favorites along with traditional favourites.

 

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+