Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Camel Safari in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi the second largest city and the capital of the UAE, is a land of many facets. Abu Dhabi’s rich history in the pearl business and its current oil trade made it the richest city in the world as of 2007. It is also home to the fastest F1 race track in the world and they host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year, starting November/December. Abu Dhabi, a modern cosmopolitan, is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy, experience and assimilate the true Arabic culture.

Among the many attractions that the city has to offer, is also camel safaris. Rich in desert land, a camel safari is a must-do if you are in the city. Camels, in Abu Dhabi are considered to be the old ‘Rolls Royce’ which were used either for trading or for the transportation of goods. These ‘ships of the desert’ have the ability to endure harsh conditions and as thus for their value, they are strongly considered to be a part of the Arabic tradition. It is really no wonder then, that these majestic creatures would be such an attraction, and definitely one not to be missed out on. A camel safari is truly a unique way of exploring sites of interest. Sit back and relax as your sailing ship manoeuvres the sand dunes, allowing you to take in the beauty and enjoy your surroundings. Arrange to stay the night out in the Bedouin Camps and enjoy dinner by the camp fire. What’s more is that camel safaris are customizable to your own schedule, thereby not interfering with your other activities, and making it a journey to remember.

While on your journey to the land of the dunes for your camel safari check out the many comforts Abu Dhabi hotels have to offer. Experience unparalleled comfort and satisfaction while staying at these luxury hotels. Abu Dhabi has a host of wonderful accommodation options and among them is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located in the Liwa Desert. The resort offers a luxury oasis for its travellers with a notable feature being the exquisite plunge pool that is located outside your own luxury villa. Enjoy your stay and enjoy your very own camel safari as you dwell into the land of magic and mystery.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Edayar Island

An idyllic getaway where you can enjoy some peace and calm, Edayar Island in Kerala, India is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors to the state in search of a 3 star hotel in Kerala can consider Poovar Island Resort. This Kerala resort is set amidst both the famous backwaters and the Arabian Sea, letting you enjoy the very best this part of India has to offer.

Located in the Thiruvananthapuram District, Edayar Island can be found along the way to the well known Kovalam beach resort. Only spanning a length of around 2 sq km, this quiet island retreat can be reached by way of ferry, while there is also a bridge that connects to the mainland. As you explore Edayar Island you will come across a temple and a church that are linked with local culture. You will also find several tea stalls where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with family and friends before you continue your adventures.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Diving in Daymaniyat Islands

Making up what is the sultanate’s main nature reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands in Oman offer an incredible diving experience for those looking for adventure. Travellers in search of Oman hotels that would make a good base from which to set off on excursions to these islands can stay at Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. Located in what was once the maritime capital, Sohar, this Oman hotel is a convenient starting point to your trips to this marine reserve.

Made up of 9 islands, the Daymaniyat Islands can be found near the Batinah Coast and are home to around 12 dive sites each offering something new to discover. On your excursions below the waves you will come across colourful fish, coral gardens, moray eels, sharks, turtles and wrecks seemingly lost in time. Among the many dive sites you can explore are the ‘3 Sisters Daymaniyat’ where you will find an array of soft corals and ‘Aquarium Daymaniyat’ with its huge array of species including snappers, jacks, batfish, barracuda, eagle rays, moray eels and bull sharks. Noodle Daymaniyat is a site known for its leopard sharks, while the Fahal Wreck is also worth visiting when on a diving tour.

Bundalla National Park

A tropical haven set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the miracle of Sri Lanka is home to over ten national parks. These national parks are given this designation due to the diverse and rare plant life, animal life or bird life that frequents its forests. When in Sri Lanka, three main sanctuaries are revered: Yala, Sinharaja and Wasgamuwa, and these three areas are frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are an animal lover, a photographer or even a travel writer, these natural sanctuaries take up a special place in Sri Lankan tourism. Its beauty and diversity, unparalleled in the region, are also home to a series of national parks. Though sometimes overlooked, the Bundalla National Park is one such icon of national pride that is located close to Yala, just off Hambantota.

Home to widespread populations of elephants, turtles, crocodiles and even the occasional leopard, tourists visiting Sri Lanka would be remiss if they avoid venturing into the greenery of the Bundalla National Park. The natural beauty alone merits a visit for the park is located adjacent to a lagoon and the azure waters are beautifully complemented by the lush green shrubbery surrounding the waterway. It is also an ideal location to watch crocodiles as they lazily cut through the clear waters or bask in the sun.

When visiting, most tourists find it beneficial to hire a tracker or a guide who is familiar with the park for they are often quite adept at drawing out wildlife for an optimum experience in the wild. A Sri Lanka beach resort in the area would also co-ordinate the hiring of such a guide as well as the transport necessary to traverse across the terrain of the site. The Bundalla National Park is also an ideal excursion for those staying at Tangalle hotels as they would have the opportunity to experience the abundant wildlife in the country while also enjoying their beach vacation. Guests who choose to stay at Ranna 212, a safari hotel located down south, will also have the opportunity of visiting bird sanctuaries as well as the Udawalawe National Park thereby adding value to their vacation in the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world for a thrilling leopard safari, the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of this enchanting island. Those planning tours to Sri Lanka and looking to explore this national park can sign up for a wildlife tour offered by Sri Lankan Dreams. This tour company also has a variety of other Sri Lanka tour packages that take you to the island’s many famed sites of interest.

Spanning an area of more than 100,000 hectares, the Yala National Park is divided into five separate blocks, with block one being the most visited due to the high number of Sri Lankan leopards found in the area. The sight of leopards roaming free in this stunning natural sanctuary is truly a sight worth seeing, though there is much more to witness in the park as well. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, toque macaques, wild water buffalo and not forgetting a large variety of endemic birds, the Yala National Park is the perfect spot for an exciting wildlife safari in Sri Lanka.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Whale Watching in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka, a tiny island paradise, boasts of the world’s longest and finest whale watching season in any part of the world. The speciality of Sri Lanka being Blue Whales has a sighting period that extends from March to August in Trincomalee and December to April in the small town of Mirissa. In both these areas, blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins, be it spinner dolphins or bottlenose dolphins can be seen in large numbers. Sometimes sightings of even 200 or more have been seen at one spot.

Travel just 6-8 nautical miles from Trincomalee and you can spot these magnificent creatures of the sea. With the world’s 5th largest natural harbour, famed Koneswaram Temple, hot water springs and its association with the legend Ramayana, Trincomalee has more than enough attractions on land to delight any tourist. The added chance to watch wonderful whales is the cherry on the cake. In fact the rocky outcrop on Koneswaram Temple has the fame of being the world’s best on-shore whale watching sight.

Your encounters with whales and dolphins will be very close and many have enjoyed spontaneous performances by the dolphins, untamed friends of the sea doing stunts for our entertainment. The site is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving, which means you can experience more of the rich and colourful marine life that is unique to this country.

Many tour operators as well as the Sri Lankan navy offer cruises to watch the whales, ranging from luxury to more modest choices. However it is important that you choose one that is not only cost effective but also is authorized to engage in such activity. Responsible tourism in this case is very important not only for your safety but to also ensure the survival of these endangered creatures.

You can always ask your hotel to arrange a cruise for you or opt for one of the many sri lanka tour packages. There are many Sri Lanka tailor made tours that can be arranged for your specific needs. Shanti travel Sri Lanka is among the island’s foremost tour operators with strong emphasis on eco tourism.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+

Window of the World

If you’ve wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and the Manhattan neighbourhood within a span of an hour, then visit Window of the World in Shenzhen, which unites the world’s wonders in one convenient location. The best way to soak in all of the city’s attractions is from one of the best Shenzhen serviced apartments on offer at the Ascott Maillen Shenzhen. Combining luxury interiors, five-star service and a central location, this property is an excellent choice of serviced accommodation Shenzhen has to offer its visitors. Travel the world when you visit Shenzhen and hop over several continents and numerous cities too, while you’re at it. At Window of the World, you can encounter some 130 reproductions of the world’s wonders that all share a space of 48 hectares, which roughly translates into 118 acres. As you walk up to the entrance, you’ll notice the majestic reaches of the Eiffel Tower peeking shy in the background at an impressive height of 108 metres. The Eiffel, along with the famous Pyramids of Giza and the stunning Taj Mahal, are among some of the most popular draws of this unique theme park. Travel to all areas of the globe such as the Americas where you will see Mount Rushmore, Disney Land, Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial Hall, and you don’t even have to visit Florida or Washington DC for the privilege. Fly to the Sydney Opera House, lock gazes with the Sphinx of Egypt encounter the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan. Visit the world over the course of an afternoon without whipping out your passport even once.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Escape To The Hills in Bali

While Bali may be well known for its sun kissed beaches and thrilling water sports, those venturing inland will find hilly landscapes that offer a memorable outdoor adventure. Those in search of Bali hotels that can be used as a base for such excursions can consider Anantara Seminyak Bali. This luxurious Bali hotel provides a great starting point for your excursions.

The island of Bali is blessed with stunning natural scenery that can be experienced while trekking the hills and valleys. These lush green landscapes offer the perfect escape and provide a sanctuary in which to get away from it all. As you wonder these areas you are bound to come across picturesque paddy fields and old villages where traditions are still followed. Best of all, the hills in Bali give you a chance to commune with nature and discover why this island is referred to as the ‘Island of Gods’.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Wildlife in Sir Bani Yas Island

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a unique wildlife adventure amidst haunting desert landscapes, then Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is the place for you. Those in search of Abu Dhabi beach hotels that are ideally located on the island can stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This luxurious Abu Dhabi resort also offers nature and wildlife walks and drives that give you a chance to fully experience the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Home to thousands of free roaming animals, the Arabian Wildlife Park at Sir Bani Yas Island is a perfect place to start ones outdoor adventures. On your excursions in this stunning wilderness area you will comes across a wide range of wildlife including giraffes, gazelles, the Arabian Oryx, Urial sheep and red deer. You may even come across majestic cheetahs roaming the savannah which is truly a sight to behold. Guides can be hired to lead you through this thrilling journey of discovery as you explore this unique island and get up close views of its fascinating animal inhabitants.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Elephant Mountain

The Mountains of Vietnam are fit for the most soothing poetry. The aura of peace that it emulates makes it one of the most soothing attractions in the whole nation. Its popularity has been recognised and many resorts and bungalows have been built in such a way that a good mountainous view is guaranteed. There is one particular mountain that boasts a fascinating legend in addition to its unmatched beauty; it is the Elephant Mountain.

Many years ago there lived a man by the name of Mr. Lang. He was the Chief of the Lach community and was known for his kind heart, his intelligence and his bravery. His popularity grew the day he conquered two wild elephants that came from the village of La Ngu Ha. These elephants were actually disturbed creatures but after coming back with Lang to the village they transformed themselves and through his inspiration became better animals. One day Lang rescued the young maiden Biang who was actually the daughter of the Chief of the Sre community. Instantly the 2 fell in love and the entire village rooted for their big day. Especially the 2 elephants became very close to Lang and Biang. However sadly that big day never came as the 2 lovers came from different communities who did not believe in binding each other. The heartbroken lovers headed to the highest point of a mountain in the village and grieved till one day their souls fled the earth. The elephants upon seeing their lifeless bodies sat next to them and never moved which eventually led to their death as well. Legends has it that they became this 1753m mountain; hence the name Elephant Mountain.

The Elephant Mountain boasts some of the most breathtaking sceneries of Haiphong. During early mornings and late nights, coolness blankets the region. The location is famous for those seeking inspiration, just gazing at it can carry your burdens away. When you plan to visit the Elephant Mountain choose good hotels in Vietnam to come home to. The Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam is the finest of all Haiphong hotels as it is known for its luxurious ambience and unmatched views.