Category: Hiking And Trekking

Best Mountains to Explore near Sydney – Get rewarded with peace of mind

Appreciate the great outdoors while you are in Sydney. You get the perfect chance to get closer to nature through this activity, and you can gain some self-satisfaction too!

Blue Mountains National Park (Mount Banks)

Mount Banks is surely for those who are interested in the beautiful views. Enjoy heavenly views of the Grose Valley while you are at the top.

Barrington Tops National Park (Careys Peak)

This is a World Heritage Site and known for the best that the Barrington Tops National Park has. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the Australian wilderness.

Linda Muldoon, Barrington Tops National Park, Honeysuckle Walk, CC BY-SA 4.0

Wolgan Valley (Donkey Mountain)

Reaching this summit will surely delight the adventurers out there! Expect to meet pagodas, canyons, caves, and rock orchids while you take your journey.

Burning Mountain

This is also known as Mount Wingen. 30 m beneath the mountain, there has been a fire for over 5500 years, and yes… now you see why it’s given the title ‘Burning Mountain’

Holidaying in Sydney

While you are enjoying all the beautiful harbour views from any Sydney Darling Harbour hotel the likes of Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, just decide to enjoy a hike or a stroll over these beautiful places.

Pidurangala rock hike in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock is one of the best-hiking destinations that Sri Lanka has to offer. The trek up is full of amazing sights to see and you get treated to an amazing view of the surrounding landscape once you reach the top – here’s a closer look at what this hike is like.

Image credit- Unsplash, Damien Cornu,CC0

The History

Pidurangala was first established by King Kashyapa – the same king who commissioned the famous Sigiriya Fortress found close by – and was to serve as a Buddhist monastery and holy site. Pilgrims from all across the kingdoms would make the trek up the mountains to offer tribute and receive blessings.

The Way Up

There are plenty of Sigiriya hotels in the vicinity – for example, the Aliya Resort Resort and Spa – that will include a hike up Pidurangala in their itinerary. Do keep in mind that the hike can be a bit challenging – granted the reward is well worth it.

The Pidurangala Temple

Before you reach the top of the rock, you’ll first come across the Pidurangala Temple. While most of the temple has now unfortunately fallen into ruin, the massive Reclining Buddha Statue still remains and makes for an impressive sight.

The View

The view from the top of Pidurangala is simply amazing – from up here, you’ll get a great look at the nearby Sigiriya Fortress and well the endless expanse of forests and distant mountains that spread around in all directions.

Unusual Things to Do in Kandy

Kandy is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka and is known as the cultural capital of the country. Here are a few things you can try out to experience the city better.

Image credit- Unsplash,
Kirsty barnby,CC0

Visit the Temple of The Tooth Relic

Yes, this is the most iconic attraction here and it doesn’t really seem like an unusual thing to do. But ever thought of visiting in the evening? There are special rituals being carried out on some days after dusk, so you can inquire with your hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka before your visit.

Visit a spice garden

Ask around and you’ll find your way easily to the spice garden. It is usually one of the free things to do here in Kandy. You will come across plants like vanilla, cocoa, citronella, turmeric and much more.

Take the train to Ella

So, one of the most scenic train rides in the world would be the ride from Kandy to Ella. Try your best to hitch a ride and check out Ella as well.

Visit a gushing waterfall

If you stay at a hotel like Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the sound of the water will reach your ears no sooner you step out. Go on a tour and explore this wonder of nature, Hunas Falls.

Exploring Jebel Samhan in Oman – Discovering A Breathtaking Viewpoint

Towering above the landscape, Jabal Samhan is the tallest mountain in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and offers stunning vistas from its viewpoint that’s well worth visiting.

A Protected Sanctuary

Apart from being one of the key Oman attractions, this mountain that reaches a height of 2,100 metres, is also home to a wildlife reserve where the critically endangered Arabian leopard resides; other wildlife can be found here too including the Arabian gazelle. Keep in mind, to visit this sanctuary, special permission is needed.

Planning an Excursion

Jabal Samhan is about an hour’s drive from Salalah and the Kharif or monsoon season (end of July to early September) is an ideal time to visit since the landscapes are more verdant. Properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara organise excursions here which also include visits to other local attractions such as the Tawi Atayr sinkhole.

StellarD, Tawi Atayr Dhofar Oman, CC BY-SA 4.0

Making the Ascent

Depending on the tour, you can drive to the plateau viewpoint or undertake a six-hour trek. Set amidst deep mountain passes and limestone caves, Jabal Samhan also features fascinating flora. On your journey, you may come across spiky dragon trees that are centuries old, beautiful desert roses and frankincense trees.

The Famed Viewpoint

Near the summit, you will find the viewpoint with some truly spectacular coastal panoramas over 1,000 metres above the ground. Depending on when you visit, you will also see thick clouds below which add to the area’s charm. Be mindful that the wind can be quite strong and don’t forget your camera to capture this spellbinding sight!

 

Pigeon Island: Dive into the Marine World of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two main marine national parks, and one of them is the Pigeon Island National Park in Trincomalee. Exploring coral reefs and diving as you wish are all possible here!

It’s a Marine National Park

This important marine national park has two islands (the Small Pigeon Island and the Large one). The large one is considered the most important because it’s fringed by the coral reef.

Explore the beaches

The best thing about the beaches here is that they are very shallow. It’s safe to explore the beaches, and if you want, there are shops from which you can get safety jackets for rent.

Diving experiences

The best way to explore the waters is by snorkelling or diving. Don’t worry about the equipment as there are many diving schools to offer you their services.

Getting to Pigeon Island

If you have made plans to stay at one of the Trincomalee hotels the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, getting to Pigeon Island is not at all a difficulty. It’s located just 1km away from Nilaweli Beach.

Waterfall Hunting in Bandarawela

Among the hundreds of waterfalls beautifying Sri Lanka, the most beautiful ones are located in Bandarawela and around. Here are just a few of them.

Kaleelnisfa , Ravana Water Falls Bandarawela , CC BY-SA 4.0

Bambarakanda Waterfall
The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka (789 feet), Bambarakanda Waterfall is found when you are on your way to Haputale.

Ravana Falls
Interested in the Rama-Sita legend? Then, visit Ravana Falls during your stay at Bandarawela Hotel. Ravana Falls located 1.5 km from the hotel is one of the places in which Ravana hid Sita before she was rescued by Rama. The waterfall is not that tall, but it’s picturesque.

Devon Waterfall
Devon is a waterfall that’s to be adored from a distance. Stop by on your way to one of the Bandarawela hotels and enjoy what a graceful beauty she has, especially in the monsoon season.

Diyaluma Waterfall
Although Diyaluma looks taller than Bambarakanda, it’s really not! It’s the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a height of 720 feet. On your way to the waterfall, you may find many small shops selling everything ranging from boiled corn to fancy items. Do not forget to lend a helping hand to those small vendors too.

 

 

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.

 

 

A Day at Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya

It is said that the name ‘Sithulpawwa’ has been derived from the word ‘Chiththala Pabbatha,’ meaning ‘the hill of the quiet mind,’ which accurately describes its ambience. Located close to many a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala, this temple complex is believed to have been built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C.

Getting There

If you’re travelling from Tissamaharama, you can visit the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya via Kirinda – Sithulpawwa Road in less than an hour. Upon arrival, you may be approached by several wild boars who frequent the area, who are completely harmless if you aren’t trying to interact with them. The premises also carries notices asking visitors to refrain from feeding these animals.

Main Stupa

Overlooking a large pond is a mountainous area, over which you need to ascend to approach the main stupa area. If you go to the left just before entering the main stupa, you will be greeted by the breathtaking bird’s eye vistas of the entire region. The main stupa has been built by flattening the top of this rocky mountain.

Be Respectful

You may need to wear light-coloured clothing that should cover from your shoulders up to your ankles when entering this sacred place in Sri Lanka.

Nearby Attractions

Apart from this main stupa, you can also hike towards the Small Sithulpawwa at this place. You will pass the scenic South Tissa Lake on your way to this place, which contains attractions such as stone umbrella, twin ponds, Buddha statues, and another stupa upon its windy summit.

 

Dambulla in One Day

Located close to many Sigiriya hotels the likes of Aliya Resort& Spa, Dambulla is a significant city of the Central Province in Sri Lanka. Due to its central location, Dambulla is also used as a major vegetable distribution point in the country.

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – Morning

Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. It is one of the mostextensive and best-preserved cave complexes of the country.

Explore Ibbankatuwa Prehistoric Burial Site – Afternoon

Within a three-kilometre radius of the Dambulla Cave Temple lies an ancient burial site of the country called the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. Many ancient tools and goods along with cremated remains have been found during excavations.

Hike the Rose Quartz Mountain Range – Evening

Not many know that there is a Rose Quartz Mountain Range in Sri Lanka, which is the largest of its kind in Asia. At the very top of this mountain, one may come across a gleaming white statue of Lord Buddha. The legends say that Emperor Shah Jahan used rose quartz from this place to build his masterpiece, the iconic Taj Mahal.

Relax in NamalUyana – Late Evening

Spread over 260 acres of land is a forest of Ironwood trees in Dambulla. It also houses the Rose Quartz Mountain Range and contributes to an ecosystem of various birds and mammals.

 

 

Adventurous guide to Oman

While most travel aficionados might not think of Oman as a great vacation destination, it is in fact full attraction see and experiences to be had. In particular, if you’re a thrill-seeker, the region has a number of great options for you to choose from.

Desert Camping

A massive portion of Oman’s land actually belongs to the Great Oman Desert. This wilderness of heat and sand covers an area of over 64,000 square kilometres, and it’s the perfect destination for an overnight camping trip. Spread across this vast sea of sand are several camping sots for you to choose from, so pick one and get this adventure started.

Dolphin Watching

If you prefer some fun out on the open waves catching sight of some fascinating marine mammals, consider a dolphin watching tour off the coast of Oman. Certain Oman hotels – say, for example, the Al Falaj Hotel – will most likely recommend this activity on their itinerary, so don’t miss out!

Taking a Hike

If you prefer a bit of quiet seclusion and some alone time with nature, a hike up the Jabal Akhdar Mountains will offer the best mix of excitement and tranquillity. If you’re into rock climbing, some of the cliffs face present out here will surely get your blood pumping.

Sinkhole Diving

Many stories try to explain the origins of the mysterious pool that lies right next to the main highway near Wadi Shab– some even state it was caused by an ancient meteorite. Whatever the case may be, put on a pair of shorts and dive right in to escape the searing midday heat!