Tag: Srilanka

Dehiwala Zoo- One of the Oldest Zoological Gardens in Asia

The capital city of Colombo is a metropolitan city, and is the economic and business hub of the country. Given this perception, tourists travelling to the country may be reluctant to explore Colombo as they may feel that there is not much to see in the city. This perception is grossly unfounded for Colombo, though being the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, boasts of a location close to the ocean, and hosts a number of attractions that tourists will be thrilled to visit. While those who wish to reside in a resort close to the ocean can do so at the Mount Lavinia Hotel without having to make their way down south, tourists looking for places of interest will find the National Museum, Galle Face Green, Independence Square, the Old Parliament and the Colombo Zoo within remarkably close vicinity to one another.
Those who wish to explore the endemic wildlife of Sri Lanka, and do not have the time to make a visit to one of the National Parks such as Wilpattu or Yala, which are located several hours outside the capital, the Colombo Zoo can provide a glimpse of insight. This Zoo located in Dehiwala is home to over three thousand animals and marine species and is open to the public and tourists.
The National Zoological Gardens were opened in 1936 and is geared towards conservation and research, while enabling and enhancing the knowledge of the public of various animals. While travellers may be surprised to learn that this particular zoo is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia, the Zoo consists of a Butterfly Garden, a Bird Park and a number of species such as jaguars, lions, elephants and bears. The Zoo also has an array of performances such as elephant and sea lion performances in addition to several educational programmes.

 

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

Surfing in Uluwatu

When the coast is a glorious sight and the waves differ between fierce and timid, you know that you ought to be in one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Uluwatu is located on the south-western tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia and is on the bucket list of many experienced surfers. After all, Uluwatu is among the top five surf destinations in the world. While surfing is a major attraction in the area, so are the luxuries afforded by some of the region’s world class accommodation options such as Alila Villas Uluwatu. Waking up in these Uluwatu villas is a privilege in itself. Situated precariously on a cliff top plateau, these villas ensure a delightful view of the sea and also hypnotize visitors to such an extent that they walk to the coast, surfboard in hand!

In case you take baggage on your surfing expeditions, the ideal solution would be to leave them in the safe hands of those in charge of one of the restaurants along the coast. Your belongings will be neatly packed into a basket, while you surf away. Of course, you must consider having a delicious meal in the restaurant of your choice when you return.

Ascertaining if the conditions of the sea suit your skill-level is crucial. If you are an intermediate surfer, on days when there is a low tide and the waves are big, you must certainly reconsider surfing. Instead you can stay on the shore and relax while nibbling a snack. Don’t be disheartened, your day is sure to come soon. Make the tide chart your constant friend, and also talk to those around you about the conditions of the sea. If the chart indicates that the tide is more than a metre, you can joyfully head down to the cave and paddle out to sea. It is sure to be an exciting day for you.

Always aim to reach the cave once you are fatigued, however if you don’t manage to do this, fear not! The currents will take you to safe shores. You will only have to endure an adventurous walk back to the charming villas.

 

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+

Things to do in Yala

Wildlife is undoubtedly one of the biggest assets that the paradise island nation of Sri Lanka flaunts. From the many wildlife parks and reserves spread throughout the country there is none other that is as acclaimed as the Yala National Park. Best known for its wide variety of animals and also for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Yala presents a range of activities for those ardent explorers.

Now before you set out to quench your wanderlust in Yala, its imperative that you find a comfortable accommodation among the plethora of hotels in Yala Sri Lanka. Almost hidden in the verdant jungle land, is The Secret Yala by The Secret Hotels, a premier hotel that’s conveniently just 10 minutes away from the park.

After settling down, it’s time to set off and explore! The Yala Safari undoubtedly tops the list of the many things to do in Yala. Parked near the entrance to the park are many safari jeeps you can hire. The best time to enter the park is when the park opens just after 6:00am or after 4:00pm when animals resurface after taking cover from the sun. During your safari you will get to see a wide range of truly remarkable creatures such as elephants, sloth bears, colourful peacocks, wild boar, massive crocodiles, endemic and migratory bird species and of course Yala’s crowning glory, the magnificent Sri Lankan Leopard.

Pay a visit to ‘the hill of the quiet mind’- Chiththala Pabbatha or the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya that’s situated deep within the Yala National Park. This ancient Buddhist monastery houses number of rock caves, pagodas, chapter houses and ponds. The walls of these caves are adorned with many beautiful paintings.

Take a stroll along pristine sands to relax and stretch your legs. The primary beach spot in Yala that’s open for public was once the location of a bungalow that was tragically wiped out by the 2004 Tsunami along with its occupants. Today, as you stroll through the beach you can see the remnants of the devastation the monument built to honour them.

 

 

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Melissa Somawardana, concealed under the name of Kanya Mae, writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+