Miscellaneous Adventures | The Adventure Travel Site

Emerald Pool in Krabi

Although Thailand may be well known for its numerous cultural and historical attractions, there are several lesser known attractions, more like well kept secrets that any traveller will be thrilled to explore and one such place is Emerald Pool in Krabi. Be sure to book a Trang resort close to regional attractions and Krabi resorts such as Anantara Si Kao Thailand are ideal in this regard. As an interesting Eco-tourism place, Emerald Pool in Krabi can be reached by taking a drive from Ao Nang in Krabi. With its beautiful green aquamarine waters, the pool and its surroundings are bound to be a treat for nature lovers and Bird Watchers.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Surfing in Kuala Lumpur- Strengthen your skills in the man- made wave pool

Being the vibrant capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a city with many fascinating attractions and exciting things to do. A convenient Kuala Lumpur hotel would always let you make the most of your trip while you try out adventurous outdoor activities in the city. Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is one such luxury hotel in Bukit Bintang where you can reside while you enjoy and grasp every fun-filled activity in the city. Surfing in Kuala Lumpur is one of the thrilling outdoor activities you get to experience while you are in the city. The outstanding feature of surfing in KL is that you do not get to surf in the sea but in a grand man-made wave pool. This wave pool is an ideal place to learn surfing and strengthen your skills as it lets you release your tension. One of the places which offers this modern facility is Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Kuala Lumpur. Even the best surfers in the world have visited this man-made wave pool and performed amazing stunts in these artificial pools.

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+

Bird watching in Abu Dhabi

Though bird watching might not top your list among attractions in Abu Dhabi, it is indeed a good way to spend the day and you will be surprised by the numbers and different species found in Abu Dhabi. Situated on the route of migrating birds on their way to southern or central Asia for breeding and wintering in Arabia and Eastern Africa with the coastline facing the northwest, it attracts hundreds of species of birds annually. The cultivated gardens, tidal creek and watered central reservations of Abu Dhabi create a haven for birds flying across large expanse of desert lands in search of their breeding and resting grounds further east. Although with rapid development the numbers have decreased in the past years, the hope is that with the increased gardens and greenery, more birds will continue to rest at Abu Dhabi despite the busy city.

There are a number of vantage points to watch bird migrations in Abu Dhabi but one can simply watch from anywhere green and still count a considerable number of birds and species during certain peak periods. There are a number of scattered islands along the Arabian Gulf where colonies of seabirds breed and their migrations can be viewed from the spit running northwest. The best place would be right at the northwesterly edge of the spit from May to August and also though autumn and winter till April when birds arrive in large numbers from their northern breeding grounds. Species seen here include reef heron, great blackheaded gull, lesser sand plover, slenderbilled gull, small waders and a number of other seabirds.

Along the Batin are patches of greenery and deserted beaches as well as areas of reclamation where birds such as masked shrike, redstart, isabelline shrike, hoopoe and many others have been seen. Great numbers can be seen at dawn and dusk during April behind some of the quieter roads where well watered central reservations can be found. Most impressive place to see waders are at the sewage outfall at the tidal creek on the east side of the island. Birds such as great white egret, purple heron, greyleg goose, and many others who come to feed near the creek including male black francolin and baillon crake can be seen if you are lucky.

Abu Dhabi beach hotels along the coast with little clusters of green are sure to attract migrating birds as well as those on their way to the islands on the gulf. After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping in the city come relax at a spa in the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara with the sounds of the twittering birds to soothe your mind. It is an Abu Dhabi Resort that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Jordanian Plateau

With its outstanding geographical features, Jordan boasts of many attractive places to go on sightseeing. A conveniently located hotel in Amman Jordan would always be a great choice if you are planning to explore the area during your visit. Millennium Hotel Amman is a luxury Amman hotel that would let the travellers make the most of their journey by exploring all the top attractions around the city. For a thrill-seeking vacationer in Amman, Jordanian Plateau is a perfect site. Bordering from the Jordan Valley and Great Syrian Desert, Jordanian Plateau rises up to 3000 feet in certain parts. There are various rock formations in the area and this picturesque plateau is popular among the film producers as a breathtaking location for movies. Apart from many other tourist attractions and adventurous excursions, an exciting visit to the Jordanian Plateau would leave you with many unforgettable memories.

Exploring Nan Luo Gu Xiang in Beijing

One of the oldest hutongs in the Chinese capital, Nan Luo Gu Xiang has both an old world charm and a rich heritage set amidst a lively atmosphere. Those wanting to truly experience life amidst the city’s traditional hutongs should look to stay at luxury hotels in Beijing such as Regent Beijing. Centrally located in the midst of these charming alleyways, it is one of the best placed 5 star hotels Beijing has to offer in the historic quarter. Make sure to make your way to Nan Luo Gu Xiang in the downtown area of the city where you can explore this area that has become a popular night time haunt. As you walk along the alleys you will come across quaint cafés, shops and galleries. A perfect place for some people watching as well, Nan Luo Gu Xiang also has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while watching the world go slowly by.

Heritage

Mihintale is famous as the place where in 247 BCE King Devanam Piyatissa met the Buddhist monk Mahinda, the son Emperor Asoka of India on a full moon day on the month of Poson changing the religious orientation of the country forever. Mihintale is a 300 meter peak in a range of four mountain peaks on the Anuradhapura – Trincomalee road.

While Mihintale is close to the hearts of Buddhists because of its religious implications, it is also a very important archaeological site containing some of the country’s most ancient historical remains. According to Fa Hsien a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Mihintale in the 5th century, it was the site of a monastic complex of 2000 priests. The remains of monastic buildings and stupas scattered about the hill seem to bear this out. The pieces of archaeological interest start with the 1840 steps cut into the rock face leading to the top of the hill. It is said that the steps were specially designed to suit the sedate gait of the monks. The ‘Aradhana Gala’ a rocky prominence on the hill is said to be the site on which Mahinda and his disciples stood during the encounter with King Devanampiyatissa. A cave on the side of the hill is supposedly the place where Mahinda rested and meditated. The most impressive antiquity at the site is the bubble shaped 45 meter high Mihintale Maha Seya built around the 10th century. Artistically, Kantaka Chethiya may be the most important monument here. Dating back to 119 BCE it has examples of some of the country’s earliest sculptures and paintings. The highest point at Mihintale is Eth Vehera considered part of an inner temple. The best views of the whole Mihintale complex are from here. Another set of important remains are those of the hospital complex at the bottom of the hill, thought to be one of the most ancient in Sri Lanka. The main structure is built round a central courtyard and the remains adjacent to it have been identified as a medicine store, clinic, steam bath, the refractory and an herb grinding stone. Kaludiya Pokuna is the largest of the storage reservoirs around Mihintale. Around it are remains of a bath house, meditation spaces, walled caves and two dagobas. The landscaping here is distinguished by the fact that the boulders around are incorporated into the buildings. The rock caves in Rajagiri Kanda, a hill with large boulders opposite the Kaludiya Pokuna dates to the 3rd century BCE. At the top of the boulder strewn hill is a large cave with several compartments with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another interesting part of the ancient remains is that of a vihara adjoining the alms hall with an inscription setting out rules and regulations of the monastery and payments to various categories of staff. The remains of an assembly hall in the vicinity appears to have been constructed as an open sided pavilion and those of a refectory has two stone canoes thought to have been receptacles for rice and porridge.

Shanti Travels Sri Lanka, an experienced travel organization, offers some of the best Sri Lanka tour packages that has been put together to reflect the cultural and ecological diversity of the country. Holiday packages Sri Lanka offered by the agency includes some of the country’s best known hotels close to iconic heritage sites, wildlife parks and pristine beaches.

Alas Kedaton at Kukuh Village, Tabanan

Set amidst lush woodlands and home to an ancient temple, Alas Kedaton at Kukuh Village in Bali offers an enchanting getaway and lets you experience the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Those in search of luxury villas in Bali which to use as a base to visit such sites can consider Alila Villas Soori. Featuring some of the finest luxury villas Bali has to offer, this well placed property lets you enjoy the very best the island has t offer. Situated around 4 km from Tabanan town, Alas Kedaton is home to an enchanting forest where you will find troupes of macaque monkeys and even bats. When you visit the site make sure to head to the old temple that has been covered by moss, lending to its charm. There is also an art market near the temple which lets you enjoy some art shopping too when visiting this sacred site.

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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A day at Dhangethi Island

One of the most elegant and contemporary Maldives Island Resorts that you would find is the Maafushivaru Maldives. This Maldives resort is breathtakingly beautiful and offers an impeccable accommodation service compared to other resorts in Maldives. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty of these islands spare some time to explore and witness the normal lifestyle of the friendly Maldivian people.

One of the best places for this is the Dhangethi Islands. All the government offices, business centers, schools and normal houses are located within this island. This is the third largest populated island of Alif Dhaal Atoll. You would see that the major source of income of the locals in the island is fishing, apart from this handicraft, boat building and carpentry some of the occupations of the citizens. Spend a day with these amazing people and get to know their ways of living in this beautiful country!

Marine wildlife in abundance in Maldives

The Maldives islands as a land base is quite minimal and previously uninhabited islands too have now been developed in order to sustain the growth of visitors to the island nation. As a result land based wildlife is fairly limited. Those that are present are largely water related.

However when it comes to marine wildlife there is certainly no other place quite as satisfying nor as photographic as what lies beneath the waters off the beaches of Maldives.

On land whilst there are a few goats and cats, dogs and pigs are not allowed on the island for religious reasons. There are also two species of lizards and geckos as well as two species of snakes. There are quite a number of species of birds however most are migratory who fly in from Europe during winter. Some types of heron, terns, hens and crows are island based.

A significant display that is a sight to see is when a large group of birds simultaneously sweep down onto the water in pursuit of fish. In fact many fishermen base their catches on this display.

Under the waters however sharks, dolphins, rays, tuna, coral fish of every shape, size and colour can be found in and around the island waters at different times of the year, according to weather and current conditions.

A visit to the Maldives should most definitely include a couple of days journeying to various islands, snorkelling and scuba diving in the waters as this will provide you with the most colourful and breathtaking impression Maldives has to offer. The best part is that all this is possible not too far from the comfort of your Maldives Resort and assistance and service in this aspect can be obtained easily from almost every resort.

A Maldives Luxury Hotel is easy to find and accommodation options are numerous. Most offer a full gamut of services including safaris around the islands, and all water sport related activities. Cocoa Island Maldives is an inspirational resort that is well matched to meet your every comfort and luxury requirement. So indulge yourself this year in Maldives.

Explore Sapodilla Hill

Known for their stunning natural beauty, idyllic beaches and azure waters, the Turks and Caicos Islands provide a truly intimate coastal getaway. There are many sites of interest to be seen here and one such place that warrants a visit is Sapodilla Hill from where you not only enjoy panoramic vistas but discover a part of maritime history as well. This site can be found on the island of Providenciales and those in search of Turks and Caicos hotels here can consider Regent Palms Turks & Caicos. One of the leading Turks and Caicos resorts, it is ideally situated right near the famed Grace Bay Beach and is a perfect starting point to your island excursions. If you love an outdoor adventure then make your way west of South Dock and up Sapodilla Hill. Looking out across the picturesque Sapodilla Bay, the hill also features several rocks where you can see some fascinating carvings. These are in fact names of sailors who having been shipwrecked here made these carvings. Some even believe there are codes hidden here which can lead the way to a secret treasure! Of course even if your hunt for hidden fortune proves unsuccessful there is always another kind of treasure you can find here; the site of a magical sunset!