The Knuckles Forest Reserve

The Knuckles Mountain Range is located in the central highlands of Kandy and is a famous range of mountains that dissect the central province from the Matale District.

Image credit: flickr.com

A Biodiverse Hotspot

The Knuckles are considered a biodiversity hotspot and are situated at 3000 ft above sea level covering an area of 21 hectares. The range has five peaks: Kirigalpoththa, Gombaniya, Knuckles, Koboneelagala and Dotulugala.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The misty mountains were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in in 2009 after being declared a climate reserve in 1873. It is one of two UNESCO World Heritage nature sites in the country and is home to many Knuckles Sri Lanka hotels.

Climate and Weather

The climate in the Knuckles can range from very hot to freezing cold. During the season of January to March, there are instances of reported frost on the higher elevations.

Distinct Features

The Knuckles massif separates the hills of the Dumbara valley in a deep gorge. There are many picturesque waterfalls and several hiking trails each with their distinct features. Wild Glamping Knuckles is one of the ways you can choose to spend a comfortable hike in the mountains.

The Forest Reserve Diversity

The reserve has a list of 1033 species of plants of which 15% are endemic to the region. There are 128 species of birds, 31 species of mammals and 20 species of amphibians.

Backpacking Adelaide Travel Guide

Backpacking is a fun and exciting thing to do, especially as you learn a lot of skills and knowledge as time goes by. Here are some tips when you backpack in Adelaide!

Cost

Adelaide is known to be one of the easily affordable cities in Australia so you won’t have to fret too much! For the first few days, those who are looking for the best hotel in Adelaide can consider staying at places such as Avani Adelaide Residences before you start on your adventures.

Image Credit: Avani Adelaide Residences

Cooking

Once you get started on your backpacking, the best way to save money is to buy your own groceries and cook at home. You can even improve your cooking skills as you do this!

Bargain shopping

In need of something? Then you can always go bargain shopping. There’s always a sale in Adelaide, so you’re in luck.

Travellers travel photobook from Melbourne, Australia, Australia, Adelaide – SA (28182515789)CC BY 2.0

Free things to do

There are plenty of fun and free things to do in Adelaide. Do your research first so that you can experience these and save some money.

 

Mount Phou Si

Ever heard of the sacred mountain in Luang Prabang with a challenging flight of 300 stairs with a magnificent panoramic view as a reward? Yes, this article speaks of none other than Mount Phousi which is a must-see attraction here. Here are a few things to know if you plan on visiting the mountain.

Gerd Eichmann, Luang Prabang-Phou Si-06-gje, CC BY-SA 4.0

Entrance fees and timing

The entrance fee for the mountain is about 20,000 kip. The fare will be collected once you are halfway uphill. Also, the mountain is open for sightseeing from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm.

A Sacred Mountain

Mount Phousi translates to “sacred mountain” or “sacred hill”. It bears great significance to the Buddhists in the local area. On the stairways, flower vendors and bird vendors sit, selling. their blessing offerings to visitors. Remember to dress appropriately and respect the peaceful atmosphere here.

Wat Chom Si

This is a temple with a golden stupa on the top of the mountain which was built in 1804. With the temple is a grotto that shelters a big statue of Buddha which is worshipped by the locals with offerings and prayers.

Allie CaulfieldWat Chom Si stupa (2009a)CC BY 2.0

Best time to visit

Mount Phousi offers breath-taking views of both the sunrise and the sunset. However, if you want to avoid the mad rush of crowds, its better to be there before sunrise. This would be even more convenient if you are lodged at Avani+ Luang Prabang or another hotel in Luang Prabang a short distance away from the property.

Gerd EichmannLuang Prabang-Phou Si-14-Sonnenuntergang-gjeCC BY-SA 4.0

 

Tamborine Mountain

The Tamborine Mountain region has quite a rich history and is home to stunning national parks and rainforests. Read on to find out what you can do when you’re here!

High up in the skies!

If you’re up for a great start, you have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise from above the Tamborine mountain – Hot Air Balloon Scenic Rim takes you up into the sky, gifting you with awe-inspiring 360 – degree views of the landscape. After you’ve completed your things to do in Broadbeach, head over here, which is less than an hour away!

simone.brunozziTamborine Mountain 3CC BY-SA 2.0

On top of the world!

Don’t miss out on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – which will give you the full idea as to how beautiful Mount Tamborine really is. You can wander among the treetops and follow the path that leads you to the cantilever that stands 30 metres above, offering sweeping views of the area!

Chase waterfalls

Make an early start from your hotel or apart-hotel such as Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences and put on your walking shoes as you go exploring the waterfalls! There are several paths you can follow, so pick the one you feel like you’ll enjoy the most!

Korkut Tas, Curtis Falls Mt. Tamborine – panoramioCC BY-SA 3.0

 

A Hiker’s Guide to Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range

The knuckles mountain range lies in central Sri Lanka and is a popular spot for hikers. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the ideal location for those interested in hiking. Here’s more information for you!

Image by: Free-Photos  via pixabay | CC0

Hiking the mountain range

Considered a rather tough hiking trail in the country, it’s best attempted by those who have a history of experience behind them. It’s best if you have a guide when exploring Knuckles Sri Lanka, hotels in the vicinity such as the unique Wild Glamping Knuckles as it’s easy to lose track of where you are!

Mini World’s End

Located south of the mountain range lies ‘Mini World’s End’, as the name suggests, is a 1,192-metre cliff offering the best views of the mountains. The trail begins at the Knuckles Conservation Centre and is roughly 1.5 kilometres in length.

Nitro Caves

Another popular trail is the nature trail leading to the Nitro Caves, a massive cave that hundreds of bats call home. This 11-kilometre trek begins at the Corbett’s Gap and takes roughly five hours to complete.

Tips

Although streams are aplenty, there is a high chance some of them may have dried up. Therefore, it is best to bring enough water bottles and re-fill them at every stream you pass!

A Hiker’s Guide to the Hills of Kandy

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a dense forest-covered mountain range that is among the most popular and one of the toughest hiking trails in Sri Lanka. There are smaller, easier hiking trails like the one situated in the vicinity of Hunas Falls, which is also as picturesque and breath-taking. Here are some of the most popular trails and adventures.

Dothalugala Nature Trail

This trail winds along the Dothalugala mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views of the south side of the mountain range. The whole trail extends 5.8 kilometres and once the circuit has been completed, you will have made it a full circle around the mountain.

Mini World’s End

Named Mini World’s End because it too is a sheer drop of 1,192 metres like the World’s End at Horton Plains, this trail snakes across two other trails. Since it begins in the Knuckles Conservation Centre, you will need a permit to enter the reserve. If you are staying in a hotel in Kandy, you can ask for more information.

Nitro Caves

An eleven-kilometre path which begins at Corbett’s Gap and extends for 5 hours leads to the Nitro Caves which is a massive cave full of bats.

Duwili Ella Trail

Duwili Ella| Img by: Gayan Rajapakshe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The most spectacular hike, Duwili Ella trail ends in a 40-metre waterfall deep within the forest. There is also a cave behind the waterfall which is what makes this hike most spectacular.

 

 

 

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

Mystery Manila for brave hearts!

The commotion that never seems to end, the streets crammed to the last inch don’t paint a nice picture. But that’s where the secret to having a fun holiday lies.

Intramuros: the oldest part of the city

The contrast between the oldest part of the city and the region around it is profound. The way the houses line the streets give you the feeling that you are in a European city. You can journey the city on foot or by a horse-drawn carriage.

Visit Ayala Museum

Located in close proximity to Berjaya Makati Hotel, the museum encapsulates the city’s history. The museum was established in 1974 and displays a collection of valued items pertaining to the country’s maritime and colonial history.

Culinary Fare

For a bit of upscale dining, you can pop into one of the hotels in Makati. But other than that, if you want to grab something cheap, the streets of Manila are brimming with local specialities.

Bonifacio Global City

Other than what you see in museums, Manila is known for street art. If you go to Bonifacio Global City, you can see buildings painted with massive murals.

 

Explore the Highest Peak in Langkawi: Gunung Raya

Found in the northern coast of the country, Langkawi is home to the tallest peak in the area, the Gunung Raya.

Tu7uhGUNUNG RAYA PANORAMACC BY 3.0

About Langkawi

Once you are done chilling at one of the Langkawi resorts the likes of Berjaya Langkawi Resort and are ready for some adventure, you can keep aside a day and get yourself to the Gunung Raya. Being about 880 metres above the sea level, the highest point of this mountain will give you a mind-boggling view.

The hike

Many people tend to go on the hike by themselves, but if you want to know about the things you pass and the plants you see, you might want to get yourself a guide to walk with you. The hiking trails are marked pretty clearly and don’t need much help with.

During the climb

During the climb, you will spot many wild monkeys who will try to grab your stuff. Also, carry insect repellent since you will see insects here that you have not ever heard of or seen before in your life!

Once you get to the top

After you climb about 4200 stairs and more, you will reach the top and be rewarded with the greatest view of them all. Misty hills, the ocean and endless skies await.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Hike to the Highest Mountain on Tioman: Gunung Kajang

A hike to the highest mountain on Tioman – Gunung Kajang is undoubtedly the next adventure for you if you are an adventure seeker in life. The journey is difficult and requires a lot of your energy, but the breath-taking views you get right at the top of the mountain are priceless, and the hard hike is worth it.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Mount Kajang

If you stay at a Tioman resort, the likes of Berjaya Tioman Resort, Mount Kajang cannot be too far away. The peak of the mountain is an extinct volcano that dwells in the clouds and this is the whole purpose of the hike too. The special fact about this is that this mountain which is covered by a dense rain forest has a volcanic past.

The trek up

There are not many set trails to the mountain. On your way to it, you may see a noticeable difference between the flora you get to find in the mainland and those you find here. Try to keep talking to a minimal and take in the beautiful surroundings on your trek up.

Up at the summit

The reason we recommend this difficult hike to you is the relaxation you get to feel when you go up the summit. There are also some mysterious caves that you can explore and then the beauty of Tioman island is all yours to feel and enjoy.

Things to keep in mind

It is always better if you have this climb with a crew and especially with the presence of an experienced guide. The general rules do apply for this hike too where you can’t leave anything other than footprints when you come out of the premises.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

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
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+