Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Pidurangala Rock

It is doubtful whether any other dry zone in the world possesses this many memories, temples and popular tourist sites; the area of Sigirya in Sri Lanka, where the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, is a well patronized tourist destination. The rock fortress claimed global recognition through its murals, inscriptions, gardens, irrigation system and the lion formations at the entrance.

The historical narrations reveal that the Sigiriya rampart and the adjoining rock, Pidurangala, were both inhabited by Buddhist monks who engaged in meditation during the era that King Kashyapa wished to make Sigiriya his royal house. The chronicles further divulge that King Kashyapa completed the Pidurangala Monastery Complex according to the ‘Panchavansa’ concept, where a bo tree, a chapter house, an image house, a meditation chamber and a dagoba are included within the temple premises. The monks who resided on the Sigiriya Rock were given lodging at the Pidurangala Rock and the monastery was the king’s royal temple.

The mound with a slightly stubby surface is visible from the road that takes you to Sigiriya, but after the glamour and wonders that the latter affords, the environment itself seems to dull into oblivion. The monastery which is spread over an area of 13 acres would have been an ideal abode for meditating monks as it offers ample solitude and silence. This remains true to date and since there is no influx of tourists, the incumbent monks are able to engage in religious activities with ease. It is easy to get lost in thought at this site and imagine life lived in another day and age, in the silence and sacredness of this site.
Only those who are well informed visit the Pidurangala Rock, even while they holiday ever so close to it at a hotel in Sigiriya. Inform your tour guide that you are well aware of the overshadowed treasure that sits a whisker away from hotels Sigiriya has to offer and insist on a tour of it. With the daunting view of the world renowned rock garrison, Hotel Sigiriya, is one of the top favourites among those visiting the area.

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+

Yala Safari

The Yala National Park is a major national park in Sri Lanka. Spanning an area of almost one thousand square kilometres, it is the second biggest national park in the country and is the most widely visited. No trip to the tropical island can be considered complete without a visit to Yala; after all, the park is home to some of the country’s best loved and most elusive animals. It was established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary and was only designated as a national park in 1938. Although the park is made up of five blocks, only two of them are open to the public.

Yala boasts a rich biodiversity and is home to numerous animals. This includes elephants and leopards, the two icons of Sri Lankan wildlife. The park’s leopard population is huge and although the animal is notoriously shy, leopard sightings are a common occurrence. In total, it is home to about forty four mammalian species including sloth bears, wild water buffalos, civets and macaques. Reptilian species are numbered at forty five although the number could be much higher. Of these five species, the Sri Lankan krait and the Wiegmann’s Agama, are endemic.

However, it is the avian populace that makes this a truly memorable place. Yala is home to over two hundred types of birds of which six are endemic. Tourists who want to experience the island’s natural bounty will definitely have to take a trip down to Yala. The exotic and lively inhabitants are sure to make any visit here one to remember.

Although small in size, the tropical island contains many attractions and the best way to visit them all is by using Sri Lanka tour packages. Taking such tours will eliminate all the hassles of planning and travel so that tourists can have a fun, stress free vacation. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka offer holiday packages Sri Lanka that covers all the major attractions. They show a side of the island that only locals get to enjoy and is the ideal option for foreigners who want a taste of the real Sri Lanka and its enchanting cultural, historical and natural heritage.

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+

Banana Reef, Maldives -The Perfect Getaway

Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world which offers a myriad of choices with holidaying, diverse cuisine, all year sunshine, amazing resorts, spas and many more. Maldives is also famed as an underwater delight among travelers for its mesmerizing coral growths. With panoramic views of the mystic ocean, Maldives ensures to present you memories of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a fantastic dive and snorkel in lagoons, then the banana reef in Maldives is the ideal location for you. Banana reef which inherits the name due to its unusual shape is the first dive site to be discovered in Maldives and is still one of the best among tourists. The dive can be from 5 meters to 30 meters if you are up for it, with many more mesmerizing traits including a pinnacle and some overhangs. This abundant and vibrant coral garden attracts an extensive variety of fish including squirrelfish, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips .Adorned by magical lagoons and pristine crystal shores, banana reef of Maldives is a divine paradise island with an abundance of luxurious amenities with a wide range of hotels around the banana reef.

That is not all that the banana reef of Maldives offer. You could experience the reef’s drop off, deep gutters, steep overhangs, underwater tunnels and caves and if you are in luck you could catch a glimpse of various exotic fish including sharks, barracudas and grey reef sharks.

The waters of Maldives offer an array of activities like underwater adventures, personal boating activities, riding the waves and many more. A diving safari is ideal to explore the stunning reefs with lots of soft corals, small canyons and overhangs giving you a unique experience or else you could simply snorkel leisurely on the edge of the lagoon while deep dives are offered too!

The banana reef of Maldives offers you an ideal holiday experience where you can dine and pamper yourself to no end. If you are looking for accommodation in Maldives, do not forget to try Anantara Dhigu Maldives and make your stay here one of your cherished holidays. With endless choices from adventure to relaxing on a powdery white sandy beach, this Maldives resort would provide anything you prefer to make your visit just that much better.

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+

Hunhe Amusement Park

The very name Hunhe Amusement Park summons forth an adrenaline rush so strong that makes one want to relive that experience over and over again. There are many serviced apartments in Shenyang located around the area but the true sense of excitement that this amusement park brings forth is best experienced while residing at an apartment Shenyang such as Somerset Heping Shenyang renowned for its star class accommodation and convenient location. The ideal place for a quality day out, the standout features of the amusement park includes the Ice and Snow World where one could experience the full glory of winter all year round while taking the opportunity to get some ice skating under the belt as well. fully equipped with a wide selection of eateries, a rifle range and a golfing course for the adults, this is an all day fun area well worth a visit the next time you visit the region. 

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+

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain literally provides a breath of fresh air over the city of Guanzhou, China, as a layer of viresence that hovers above the city enables it to absorb 2800 tonnes of carbon dioxide and release 2100 tonnes of oxygen per day. Breath in the sights of the beautiful city from one of many excellent serviced apartments Guangzhou offers its visitors. The Ascott Guangzhou boasts stylish modern interiors and a central location, and it is an example of one of the best service apartments in Guangzhou that caters to business or leisure visitors. When staying in the city, take the time to take in the natural splendour of Baiyun Mountain, which has nurtured a claim to scenic fame for centuries. Its name is rather poetic, as it refers to the view of the mist-covered peaks seen in late Spring, or after the sky has cleared after rainfall. The mountain is a wellspring of lush verdure, with various parks, hills and lakes gracing the 30-peak mountain range, and makes it ideal for sightseeing during the summer period, especially. With a development history of over 1,000 years, it boasts six splendid sight-seeing zones: Mingzhu Tower, Moxing Ridge (star-scraping ridge), Santai Ridge, Luhu Lake, Mingchun Valley and Fei’e Ridge. In addition, the past ten years have see the addition of more spectacular scenic spots such as the Baiyun Cableway, the Forest of Steles, Xinghai Garden, Yuntai garden and Nengren temple. Any visitor to Guangzhu should definitely take a break from the trappings of the concrete jungle and witness the serenity afforded by the scenic Baiyun Mountain.

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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Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

An attempt taken by a group of birdwatchers, upon discovering this ecologically rich location, later saw the incorporation of this site as a nature park in 1989. It was later developed in to a much larger conservatory of wetland nature with the help of experts in the field such as the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and the World Wide Fund for Nature. It was gazetted the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve much later in 2002, when it was also deemed a site of immense international importance for migratory birds.

A diverse variety of flora and fauna can be observed here at the park from worms to mollusks. Birds such as whimbrels, common redshank Mongolian plover and yellow bittern are common here. There is also a resident family of smooth otters, a favourite among visitors to the park. There are observation areas within the reserve that allow visitors to observe the beautiful flora and fauna around them from a tranquil spot without getting too close to these animals. Occasionally saltwater crocodiles are visible at the reserve.

On the 15th anniversary of the reserve in 2008, plans to develop the reserve were unveiled as designed by a team that represented National Boards and Societies in Singapore. According to these plans the park will be expanded to include recreational activity for the visitors. Four activity areas with specific programmes will be developed to cater to the various types of visitors. These zones will have different difficulty levels to choose from, with the 4th Zone dedicated to research and conservation activity.

There are concessions for group visits and various demonstrations and workshops to keep everyone engaged in exploring this amazing ecological jewel. You are able to conveniently get to the park via public transport, by getting to Kranji MRT Station and taking a 15 minute walk to the park. Alternatively visitors could drive to the beautiful northwest of Singapore.

Looking for a place to reside in while you discover beautiful Singapore? Choose a Singapore city hotel that puts you within easy reach of many of the attractions. M Hotel Singapore is a 4 star hotel Singapore that provides comfortable and chic accommodation at an affordable price.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Queenstown

Winter sport junkies have a host of excitement to look forward to in New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown. It is one of the country’s best locations for skiing and snowboarding and adrenaline-seekers looking for a quality Queenstown hotel have a thrilling array of choices. To relax and unwind after an exciting day of pounding the powder, the Millennium Hotel Queenstown offers stylish modern comfort that is a prime example of the best luxury hotel Queenstown features. Skiiers of all abilities will love the snow at Coronet Peak, which features a variety of slopes from the gentle bunny slopes for beginners to the rolling backcountry runs, and long, groomed ski trails. The Remarkables ski area offers a fun environment for family-friendly skiing, as 30% of the slopes are rated beginner-level, and ensure soft, dry and cold snow, ideal for shredding. Djs and live bands are also featured, and families can enjoy some fun inner tubing in between time on the slopes. Adrenaline junkies will find their nirvana in the form of heli skiing, perfect for those who are chasing the ultimate alpine adventure in the New Zealand wilderness, available through Alpine Heli Ski, true professionals in the field of winter sports. Snow Chaser is another great resource to tap into for those wanting the ultimate guided snowboard/ski experience. They know the terrain well and employ experienced local guides who know the New Zealand ski landscape like the back of their hand for that ultimate personal touch in snow adventuring. They arrange everything, from equipment rental and ski passes to heli skiing, cat skiing and snow mobile tours. No matter what your passion, visit New Zealand’s adventure capital for the best experience in some fine kiwi powder – bar none!

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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An intriguing landscape of of karst caves and murals

Drift through the limestone archways as they stand in their own rugged but protective stance, enclosing you in their giant arms and secluding you and cradling you in a mysterious nook. Glide across the waters that appear deceptively thick and green as they take on the shade of the clusters of trees above them while under the bright and shiny sun, they turn lustrous and crystal clear. The Krabi experience of Kayaking is a retreat into nature’s own seclusion with a historic backdrop of limestone caves and their engravings and murals to intrigue one with their complexity at an era so by gone.

Being on a Kayak is indeed not only the best way to explore the waters around the Ao Luk, Ao Thalane and Koh Hong island but it is also the most nature friendly option as these create little noise and pollution. Most hotels offer guided tours with the option to rent Kayaks together with tourist guides who have a lot to explain when it comes to the limestone caves and their murals. The scenery is simply spectacular and with dramatic Karst topography and the caves among which the famous Big Headed Ghost cave is the most decorative cave that contains paintings as old as 3000 years. A drift thorough the Anaconda cave can be a mysterious adventure as you glide in almost darkness listening to the ripples and the drips that maintain their own watery melody in the dark . There is so much flora as well as fauna to be explored and identified, from thickly grown kind of mangrove swamps to the kingfishers and hornbills to the bright coloured crabs on Hong Island. One can also go snorkeling or for a simple dip in the water at selected place where the water is cold and the currents can be quite deceptively strong or better still pay a visit to a fish and oyster farm.

The Krabi resorts are just as privileged by nature to possess some strong landscape as a backdrop that provide a strong attraction to the tourists. Anantara Si Kao Thailand is located on the pristine sands of the beach with the ravishing view of the Andaman sea in front while it is close to other attractions like national parks, country clubs and golf parks. Reachable by land or even boat, this Trang resort is made closer to the world by the Trang air port and also the Krabi international air port that is a mere 1.5 kilometres away.

Jungle Trekking in Bali

Bali is one city known for its amazing natural wonders. It is adorned by Gods most spectacular artwork and throughout the world it has been renowned as the haven for quiet relaxation. All those adventure lovers headed towards Bali, Jungle Trekking is a must indulge in activity. It is an exploration of authentic Bali; a city adorned in timeless beauty. It is an opportunity to bask in the raw beauty of this place while you hike up narrow paths, steep mountains and dense forests. Through Jungle Trekking you can enjoy the best of adventures and the best of Bali.

There are several locations where trekking is popular. The most famous one happens to be Mount Batukaru. In this nature reserve you can enjoy an array of chirping birds; some endangered and some endemic. In addition to the exotic species you can find breathtaking sceneries here. At a staggering height from sea level you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bali countryside. The Trek over here is more like a nature walk and is not that intense when it comes to energy but nevertheless the insight you can get in Balinese culture is adventurous all the same! Lake Tamblingan is also another interesting location when it comes to jungle trekking. This is a completely undisturbed region which boasts an array of medicinal plants. A Balinese guide will give you excellent insight into the use of such herbs. You can also enjoy a ride in the traditional dugout canoe. Then there is the Melangit River that boasts exquisite views of blocks of rice fields. This location has a sacred significance and one can find many historical temples here as well. The waters of the river that cascade down a breathtaking waterfall are considered to be holy as well.

Bali has an array of nature’s finest wonders. It is a relaxing location that is best experienced with a relaxing Bali resort. There are several Bali Resorts to choose from. But nothing tops the Anantara Seminyak Bali. This Bali Resort is simply spectacular in a nut shell. The ambience reflects the serenity outside your windows and you are sure to fall in love with the place.

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+

Boat Trips to Hat Chao Mai- Marine Park

The Hat Chao Mai is a Marine Park that boasts beauty just as it does species. It is a protected region in the city that nature lovers almost always fall in love with. It houses an array of endangered species some of which you would have never seen before. This atmosphere combined with the gentle beach side breeze and the unspoilt scenic appeal makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The Hat Chao Mai was proclaimed a marine national park on 14 October 1982 and it spans over the two districts; Kantang and Sikao. The coastline itself runs for around 20 km of which 5km is made up of crystal white sand beaches set amidst beautiful limestone hills and caves. In addition to its magnificent scenic appeal the park boasts historic significance as well. Most of the caves found here actually belonged to the prehistoric era and certain human remains from that period were found here as well.

There is an array of beaches that makes up for the land based attractions of the park. The names include Pak Meng, Chang Lang, San Beach, Yao Beach, Yong Ling and Chao Mai Beach. All can be rather easily accessed by car. The park also consists of 7 other islands and features the Marine Natural Study Center. The islands are spectacular in beauty and are to be accessed by boat. The boat trips to the islands are a highlight of the Hat Chao Mai Marine Park. The water perfectly clear and sparkling makes an excellent base against the most exotic skyline giving one the perfect backdrop for the perfect boat trip. With the park names of endangered species includes the rare black necked stork, wild pigs, pangolins, macaques, pacific reef egrets, and several dugong can also be found.

There are several good resorts scattered across Krabi but if you are looking for the best of the best choose the Anantara Si Kao Thailand. This Trang resort is absolutely fantastic in everything it offers and actually leaves you craving for more. Known as one of the top Krabi resorts, Anantara is one of the prominent hotel chains in the world.