Natural | The Adventure Travel Site

Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives

Tipped to be one of the most exhilarating and unique underwater experiences on offer in the Maldives, diving with manta rays is not for the faint of heart. Though these gentle giants are in fact, one of the most docile marine species in the ocean, they do cut imposing figures especially when one interacts with them in their own turf. Available through a variety of Maldives villas and resorts with diving centres including the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and innumerable others, diving with manta rays is specifically geared for seasoned divers.

The Maldives is not only home to large schools of manta rays but is also one of the few diving hotspots in the world where spotting the large creatures is almost guaranteed due to their large local populace. Visitors who wish to experience a scuba diving excursion with manta rays will typically be transported to a site in the Indian Ocean such as Hanifaru where many mantas are known to feed during high tide. After the speedboat ride, divers will typically wait for high tide as the rising waves cause the manta rays to gather in one location to feed on plankton. Hanifaru is, in fact, one of the top diving destinations in the paradise archipelago and is especially well-known as a popular spot to witness manta rays as well as other marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Although manta rays appear fierce and imposing their nature is anything but hazardous to humans although divers must be careful when coming face to face and interacting with the creatures. Noticing the various patterns and spots on their bellies and skin has helped marine biologists and seasoned divers in the area to differentiate one manta ray from another. Diving fanatics who are based in the Maldives are certainly adept at interacting and recognising individual manta rays and also look to photograph them using underwater cameras. Tourists and those who are diving with the rays for the first time, however, should exercise caution and respect the distance between one’s self and the ray and enjoy the experience.

Stay Adventurous, Img. Src:[Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives]

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

Safari Holiday in Yala

The Yala National Park which is also known as a leopard spotting hotspot is a must visit place on a safari holiday if you are a leopard lover. It is believed that Yala has the highest population density of leopards in the world. Local car rental Sri Lanka companies the likes of Casons Rent a Car not only offer vehicles that can be used to tour such parks, but tour packages too. Driving through the seemingly endless tracks in Yala witnessing the amazing wildlife and magnificent sceneries is definitely a rewarding experience.

The park is also famous for its large herds of majestic elephants that freely roam in the natural terrain. Besides leopards and elephants, the park is a thriving natural habitat for deer, buffaloes, sloth bears, peacocks, crocodiles and jackals. It is the home to a large number of mammal varieties and bird species too. This wild kingdom was once supposed to have been home to one of the greatest civilisations, believed to have existed more than 2000 years ago. Traces from that era still remain with dilapidated tanks reflecting a bygone time period where agriculture took centre-stage. Yala was named as a Sri Lankan National Park in the year 1938. It covers a massive area of land that consists of scrub areas, light forests, grasslands, lagoons and tanks.

Yala wildlife sanctuary is divided into five sections and two of them are opened for visitors while the others are reserved for animals as breeding grounds and places of rest. The park is connected with the Indian Ocean on one side which provides a panoramic landscape for nature lovers. The memorial of those who died during the devastating Tsunami that hit the park in 2004 can be seen by getting off the vehicles. The tanks seen in this epic wildlife reserve provide much-needed water during the extremely dry seasons for all animals and help to keep them sustained.

Yala National Park. Image Courtesy:[Kumendra Dharmadasa]

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Bird Watching in Sigiriya

Of many things to do in Sigiriya, bird watching is a must do. As any bird watching enthusiast knows, one should always get an early start to see these feathered-folks at their best. The area surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a forest reserve and a great place to observe birds in their natural habitat. Many hotels in the area such as Water Garden Sigiriya offer their guests the chance to go on excursions to this UNESCO World Heritage Site accompanied by bird watching experts. Starting as early as 6 am, a walk to the sanctuary will allow visitors to spot a wide range of birds varying from kingfishers, eagles, hornbills, herons, cuckoo birds and much more. Bird watching in Sigiriya like in any other area should be done in smaller groups of like-minded people.

The key to a good bird watching experience lies on how patient you are, the skills of your local guide and your ability to stay still, without making any noise- as the slightest noise may spook the birds away and depriving you of a good opportunity to click a few pictures. Bird watching trek in Sigiriya allows one plenty of chances to photograph these vibrantly hued shy yet active species of birds. Both endemic and migrant bird species can be spotted in Sigiriya. Some of the birds that can be seen in Sigiriya include, Barred Buttonquail, Peregrine Falcon, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Drongo Cuckoo, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Crested Treeswift, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Rufos Woodpecker, and Golden fronted Leaf bird.

It can be a very interesting and a peaceful way to spend your morning hours in Sigiriya, observing the routines of these lovely bird species’ in their natural habitats.

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

Adam’s Peak Trekking

Shadow of the Peak — Shadow of the Adam’s Peak

The mysterious mountain known as Adam’s Peak is a well-known religious and sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. Innumerable devotees, as well as sightseers, undertake the exhausting but greatly rewarding trek up the mountain, which is sure to be a memorable experience. For convenient transportation, during your holidays in Sri Lanka a well-reputed specialist that you could consider would be Aitken Spence Travels.

Adam’s Peak is held in esteem by devotees of various religions, each claiming the famous footprint at the summit of the mountain to be a feature of their own. However, the vast majority of the pilgrims who make the climb up the mountain are members of the local Buddhist community.

sri pada, adams peak — Climbing Adam’s Peak

Traditionally the climb up the mountain is undertaken at night, which will permit you to reach the summit before the break of dawn. If you are at the peak when dawn breaks you will have a good chance to enjoy the spectacular views without obstructing clouds, as well as an opportunity to glimpse the mountain’s mysterious shadow. Most climbers ascend Adam’s Peak during the pilgrimage season when you will be able to enjoy the experience the most.

The easiest and most popular route up the mountain is the ascent from the town of Dalhousie, which is the route taken by most climbers. An alternative would be the route from the town of Ratnapura, which is considerably longer.

The actual ascent of the mountain is likely to an exhausting experience, but will undoubtedly be a memory to treasure. You will be able to enjoy tea and refreshments at the numerous teashops found along the route. Climbers will find that the route begins with a gentle elevation, increasing to steep steps further up the mountain. On the other hand, you will find that the descent is comparatively quicker but no less arduous because by now your leg muscles are likely to be exhausted. However, this experience is unique and is sure to be a highlight of your travels in Sri Lanka.

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

Nature Excursions in Wombarra -Explore & Fall in Love with Nature

Tucked away on the northern shores of Wollongong, New South Wales in Australia is a quaint little beach town that has much to offer for the nature lover. Meet cute-as-a-pie Koala bears, hike up to the beautiful Maddens Falls and relax away at the charming Wombarra Beach.

If you’re visiting Wombarra with the family, one place that you should definitely visit is the Symbio Wildlife Park. It’s just a 14-minute drive away from the town. Here you will find a wonderful assortment of some of the most curious and cutest of creatures from koalas to kangaroos, meerkats, emu birds and much more! Some of the celebrities of the Symbio Wildlife Park include Imogen the “sweetest, most adorable Koala in the world”; Cinta the Bengal tiger, Kesari the red panda and Boo and Lion, cheetahs brother who were the latest arrivals at the park. The park has numerous features and programs to enjoy and one of the most popular is the experience with the meerkats, who are said to “climb, nibble and snuggle their way into your hearts”. Then there’s the Keeper for the Day program where you can assist the zookeepers and get up, close and personal with the animals!

For ardent hikers, Maddens Falls is the destination to head over to when in Wombarra. The falls are situated within the Dharawal National Park, which is about 24 minutes away from the city. The stunning falls are the goal and the hike towards this is fairly easy that you can even go with your kids. The park is home to a curious collection of creatures such as the red wattlebirds, honeyeaters, golden whistlers, brown froglets and banjo frogs to name a few. A visit to Maddens Falls is always recommended during the spring time when the flowers are in full bloom or in April when the Madden falls are at their fullest.

Last, but never the least, is the beach! The Wombarra Beach is the ideal spot get away from all the stress and concentrate on relaxing. If you’re thinking of more than a day’s stay in Wombarra, accommodation is in plenty here. They can vary from hostels to hotels and the most exclusive of all, villas the likes of The Wombarra Beach Residence Holiday House by Emerald + Aqua Holiday Homes.

Have a picnic on the beach with your friends or family or go for a romantic stroll at sunset with your loved one- there’s plenty to do! One of the highlights of Wombarra Beach is the beautiful little rock pool that placed in such a way that it offers views of the waves on one side and the cliffs on the other. If you’re worried about sea swimming, the rock pool is ideal for you.

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