Jungle Tourism | The Adventure Travel Site

The Ancient City of Sigiriya

One of the most popular historic sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya was named a UNESCO Heritage Site and is a brief capital of a tragic king who ruled during the 5^th century.

Image result for sigiriya — Sevenryder, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

A Brief History

The fortress and city surrounding the rock was built around the 5^th century by Kashyapa who became king after murdering his father as he had no legitimate claim for the throne being the son of a concubine even though he was the eldest.

He left the capital Anuradhapura behind for fear that his half-brother would seek revenge. He made sure the fortress was impenetrable with fortified walls, moats and a network of waterways that would flood the city and make it impassable.

When his half-brother did come, Kashyapa met him outside of the fortress in battle and died by falling on his sword. How it got to that is shrouded in mystery.

Sigiriya was lost to history after that and was only discovered in the early 1800s. Kashyapa’s rule though it lasted no more than 11 years made the city the spectacle it is today, even in ruins.

Tips to Remember

Sigiriya can be accessed from two small cities nearby; Dambulla and Habarana; each with a drive less than 30 minutes. The site belongs to the Cultural Triangle and is a celebrated area by both tourists and locals in Sri Lanka. Resort hotels have come up in the area to cater to the many tourists. One of the closer resorts is Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

Things to do in Saudi Arabia

Heir to its rich history, Saudi Arabia extends through most of the northern and central Arabian Peninsula. Religion, tribalism and untold wealth are the three elements that have fuelled the country’s history. Here are a few places you can visit when in Saudi Arabia.

Masmak Fortress

This large structure was built around 1865 and looks like it’s right out of a movie. If you’re interested in going through highlights showcasing Saudi Arabia from the years 1912 to 1937, the diverse galleries found in this site exhibit maps and photographs.

Al Shafee Mosque

One of the finest mosques in Jeddah, the historic Al Shafee mosque is named after one of the four great imams of Sunni Islam. The mosque is made according to the Ottoman style, as seen by the impressive minaret. The building also dates back to the 16 century but has been beautifully restored and maintained.

Ithra

20 minutes from Ascott Corniche Al Khobar is where you’ll find this world-class cultural centre. The one of a kind building resembles a space station and is home to a number of things such as; a cinema, exhibition galleries, a library, a museum and a theatre. When you’re at one of the many Al Khobar apartments, take time off to visit this iconic building.

National Museum

One of the finest museums found in the Middle East, this state-of-the-art museum is situated in Riyadh. Inside of this building, you’ll find eight informative galleries different aspects of Saudi Arabia, such as culture, art and history.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across 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 | 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

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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+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

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+

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka prides itself for being home to a plethora of wildlife. A rare collection of birds, reptiles, mammals and fish are found in various parts of the nation making this destination a paradise for nature lovers.

Leopards in Sri Lanka | Image Credit : Gihan Jayaweera, Leopard at Wilpattu National Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yala

Located in the Southernmost region of Sri Lanka, Yala is home to the nation’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. The city of Yala is located roughly 6 hours from the capital Colombo and excursions can be organized by many of the pioneers in Sri Lanka wildlife holidays and planning such as Cinnamon Nature Trails.

Udawalawe

Not too far from Yala, Udawalawe is yet another city that is famed for its wildlife park. Unlike Yala, Udawalawe does not house any leopards but the National Park in this region has an exciting collection of mighty elephants making it the best elephant sanctuary in all of Sri Lanka. Udawalawe can easily be accessed on your way back from Yala to Colombo.

Wilpattu

Wilpattu is the city where one can find the largest National Park in the island. Yet another home for the leopards in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also more often than not visited to spot these ferocious wild cats.

Sinharaja

A historic city in Sri Lanka Singharaja literally translates to the Lion King. Despite its name, you do not find big cats in this part of the country, but you do however have a large and lush rain forest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rain forest is rich in biodiversity making it paradise for the eco-tourist.

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Getting up close with elephants

Everyone that witnesses an elephant is truly fascinated by these majestic beings and their intelligent behaviour. As one of the few remaining megaherbivores on the planet, elephants hold great national value as a major tourist attraction. There are numerous places to see elephants in the country, listed below are a few.

Image result for Udawalawe — Mstyslav Chernov, Bathing elephants. Udawalawe National Park. Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawalawe
Declared a national park in 1972 and spanning 30,800 hectares, Udawalawe is home to roughly 500 elephants and other animals. A former teak plantation, they graze in scattered herds in the grasslands amongst the remaining teak trees. There’s an elephant orphanage nearby, where you’ll find injured or abandoned elephants being cared for, after which they’re released into the park.

Minneriya
Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 to protect the Minneriya tank and wildlife of the surrounding area, you’ll find between 150 to 200 elephants roaming the park from July to August. In the dry season, an event is known as the ‘elephant gathering’ occurs and is a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe the social behaviour of the elephants in the wild. Just a 30-minute drive from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a rather well-known Sri Lanka Resort, Minneriya is ideal for those looking to get a glimpse of these beasts in their natural habitat.

Pinnawala
Located in the central hills, this elephant orphanage was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Abandoned and disabled wild elephants get care and protection at this special place that spreads across 24 acres. You can observe elephants bathing, as they play and splash around.

My Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka

Looking for a splendid beach vacation in Sri Lanka? The Eastern coast of Sri Lanka retains much of its pristine beauty with its unspoiled beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Do read on to know more facts!

Mirissa

If you want to make the best out of your holiday, you should spare some time to visit Mirissa for Whale and Dolphin watching. You will have the opportunity to view the most famous and the largest marine mammals, “Blue Whales”. Also, you will see several other whale species, exotic marine life, and dolphins.

Arugam Bay

If you want to receive the best out of Sri Lanka beach holidays, it’s worth visiting the stunning Arugam Bay to have a great experience while feasting your eyes on glorious sunset views. Undoubtedly, this place is a heaven for those of you who seek a laid-back ambience along with a welcoming and diverse community.

Yala National Park

As one of Sri Lanka’s premier safari hotspots, the Yala National Park is a thriving safari hub worthy of exploration. It will give you the opportunity to witness a broad variety of wildlife in Sri Lanka. If you are luckier, you’ll be able to witness magnificent a leopard. Those visiting this part of the country will have a plethora of accommodation like Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts which offers some of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, also known as the Lion’s Rock, is a popular hotspot among many tourists who visit Sri Lanka. Visit this heavenly place on earth and get to know the rich history of the country. You’ll certainly be mesmerized seeing this giant rock palace against the backdrop of lush green surroundings and clear blue skies!

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Explore Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

As one of the world’s greatest Biodiversity hotspots, Sri Lanka, is an excellent place to witness wildlife. The island has numerous, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, here are some top spots.

Yala National Park

Being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park has been a favourite hotspot among many tourists who visit the country. If you want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nature Odyssey and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is undoubtedly one of the, if not the most, beautiful wildlife park in the country. Situated about 30km from Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is the nation’s oldest national park and its largest one. The National Park’s most prominent feature is its unique complex of more than 50 natural lakes, called ‘Villus’ which largely contribute to both its natural beauty and its lush fertility.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular adventure tours in Sri Lanka, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

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+

Discovering the Amazing Wildlife of Sri Lanka

One of Sri Lanka’s most captivating highlights is its exotic wildlife. Be it fearsome, feathery, menacing, majestic, stealthy or slithery, these diverse species each have their own unique character!

wildlife SriLanka | Img by: pen_ash via pixabay

Where to Go

The country’s national parks are great places to see local wildlife in their natural habitats. Yala and Minneriya are two of the most popular national parks and are included on excursions by tour operators like Silvertree Travel. Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Bundala and Wasgamuwa are a few of the other parks you can visit too.

Mammals

There are over 120 mammal species including leopards, elephants, sloth bears and toque macaques which can be spotted on adventure tours in Sri Lanka. The sambar deer, giant squirrel, wild boar and porcupine are a few of the other species here. Not to be forgotten are the marine mammals such as whales and dolphins that can be found in the surrounding Indian Ocean.

Birds

A birdwatcher’s paradise, Sri Lanka has recorded a little over 440 bird species. Amongst the endemic species are the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Layard’s parakeet and yellow-fronted barbet. The island also attracts many migratory species like the lesser sand plover, blue-tailed bee-eater and greater flamingo.

Reptiles

When it comes to snakes one can find species such as the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper and sand boa. Reptile species don’t only include snakes though; mugger and saltwater crocodiles, five turtle species including the green turtle and olive ridley sea turtle, rough-horned and pygmy lizards and water monitors can be found here too.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+