Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Experience the Grandeur of Galle, Sri Lanka

Blessed with stunning natural beauty and rustic grandeur, Galle is a popular tourist destination in the island country of Sri Lanka.

Galle

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a pristine beach nearby and boasts of lush surroundings and historical monuments reflecting grand colonial architecture. Read on to know more about the attractions of Galle in Sri Lanka.

Old Gate

The Old Gate is one of the best places to explore the city’s colonial history. The site has a stunning entrance with a beautifully engraved British coat of arms at its top on the outer side. As you explore the Old Gate, notice the engravings on the inside of the gate, which is flanked by a couple of lions and a cock. This section of the old wall was also used as a warehouse to store the spices that were to be exported.

The Dutch Fort

One of the main attractions of the region is the Dutch Fort of Galle, which is best explored on foot. Enjoy an early morning stroll or walk across the ramparts of the fort to marvel at its colonial grandeur. The Dutch Fort is considered to be one of the biggest remaining fortresses in Asia to have been built by Europeans.

Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch Reformed Church is a part of the Galle Fort and visitors can go through the entire church in around half an hour’s time. Experience the soothing vibe of the serene environs of the church and admire the antiquity of its organ loft, which used to contain a cumbrous Dutch organ. Also, check out the wall hatchments, tombstone engravings, and the orthodox pulpit.

Koggala

Visit the charming coastal town of Koggala in Galle, which is also the hometown of a renowned local writer named Martin Wickramasinghe. His old residence has been converted into a museum called the Museum of Folk, Art & Culture. It displays a fantastic collection of early 20th century local folk artefacts, including folk dance costumes, sports items, household goods, and furniture. The Koggala Lake and its lagoon is a bird watcher’s paradise as the several small islands here attract lots of birds.

Unawatuna Bay

To enjoy water sports and scenic ocean views, head out to the fantastic Unawatuna Bay. Protected by a reef, the bay is popular with tourists and locals alike for its safe swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Visitors can also buy the local handicraft Galle lace, an excellent souvenir.

Top Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka!

Rich and beautiful Ceylon, popularly called Sri Lanka, is a popular destination in Asia. The island country lures travellers with its myriad charms – it has serene golden beaches, lush mountains, grand historical attractions, and exotic wildlife to name a few.

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While here, sip the world-famous Ceylon tea and also enjoy exotic ayurvedic spa experiences to collect memories of a lifetime. Check out some of the top reasons to book flights to this amazing country.

Spectacular Natural Beauty

Sri Lanka is blessed with diverse landscapes spread across and also extending beyond several national parks and nature reserves. It is surrounded by the ocean and has a majestic coastline punctuated by numerous pristine beaches, rocky coves, and lagoons. Also, there are dense forests, wetlands, waterfalls, and misty mountains. A true heaven for nature enthusiasts!

Diverse Wildlife

Wildlife spotting is one of the most famous activities here. The country shelters a variety of animals, birds, and marine species. It is home to the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site; the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and has around 14 national parks. You are likely to spot huge elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambhar, spotted deer, and many other wild animals. A bird watcher’s paradise, the country is home to around 233 resident species and many migratory species.

Adventure sports

Sri Lanka’s wonderful landscapes make it a paradise for adventure seekers. The country’s long coastline makes it a perfect place for water-based sports such as wind-surfing, water-skiing, surfing, sailing, and scuba-diving across popular sites such as Negombo, Wadduwa, Kalutara, and Beruwela. Go kayaking, white-water rafting, and canoeing on Kalu Ganga, Kelani Ganga, and scores of other rivers are also quite popular. Besides, here are plenty of trekking trails, with some of the most popular ones being at the Sinharaja rainforest, the cloud-forests of Horton Plains, and the Knuckles mountain range.

Cuisine

The delectable local cuisine is another highlight of a trip to Sri Lanka. The country is well endowed with the best of vegetation, including several kinds of rice, spices, vegetables, and fruits. So while here, enjoy its staple rice with an assortment of curries of eggplant, potato, green banana, chicken, or fish. Don’t forget the local favourites; hoppers and pittu (a flour and coconut delicacy). Seafood aficionados will be spoilt for choice with abundant and fresh fish, prawns, crab, squid, and crayfish.

Historical Sites

The island country has a rich cultural heritage. It is home to around six World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO. Explore the likes of the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, sacred temples of Dambulla and Kandy, and the historical and colonial heritage of Galle. Discover the gems of the ancient world with a tour of the ancient royal capital Kandy, which now houses the Sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Ayurveda & Spa

The relaxing and soothing Ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenating spa treatments are a must for travellers. Don’t leave the country without getting a massage. The massages truly rejuvenate one’s body, mind, and soul.

Travellers, Here’s what NOT to Miss in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, affectionately called ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, is truly unique! The diverse landscapes in the form of rainforests, plains, highlands, and beaches amaze one and all.

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The vibrant cities have a magic of their own. In fact, there are quite a few absolutely not to be missed attractions and activities at the destination. Here, take a look!

Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is the ultimate spot for relaxation. The soft sands and views of the deep blue ocean draw people in hordes. It’s also a treat to enjoy refreshing beverages under the bright sun. Those who are looking for ‘Me-Time’ must walk further into the beach, where it’s delightfully secluded. With almost no waves or currents, the waters of Jungle Beach are considered suitable for swimming.

Kandy Esala Perahera in Kandy

The Kandy Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and biggest Buddhist festivals of the nation. It encompasses dancers, musicians, and jugglers who showcase their talents and skills in a graceful manner. The extravagantly decorated elephants startle everyone. This 10-day festival comes to an end with the time-honoured diya-kepeema ritual – a water cutting ceremony which is conducted annually at Mahaweli River in Getambe, Kandy.

Yala National Park

Tourists who want to spot wild animals should head to Yala National Park. It is home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. Lucky visitors can spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, jackals, peacocks, and crocodiles. The best time to visit Yala is from February to July when the water level of the park is very low, encouraging wild animals to come out in the open. It is advisable to carry water, first-aid, and snacks.

Take a Guided Tour of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. It grows a tea that is acknowledged by connoisseurs as among the finest in the world. One may join guided tours to learn about tea production. Formerly, Nuwara Eliya grew coffee but the weather played spoilsport. Consequently, tea was extensively cultivated in the same region and it flourished.

Ride the Train

This is a marvellous experience! Train rides in Sri Lanka make people feel as if they are stepping back in time. This old mode of transport chugs through hills and valleys at a slow pace. The scenic beauty grabs the attention of foreigners and locals alike. Journeying in trains is affordable as the rates are attractively low. The train ride from Ella to Kandy is an outstanding one.

Visit Maldives on a Limited Budget

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Maldives is one of the top beach destinations in the world. The island country is known for its pristine waters, picturesque beaches, bright sunshine, lush greenery, vibrant underwater wildlife and adventure water sports. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a good vacation without straining your finances.

Flights & Arrivals

You can find a good deal on air tickets to Malé, the capital of Maldives, if you book from Asia. Travellers can buy tickets at cheap rates particularly from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and India. Visitors travelling directly from the US, UK and European countries can also find reasonable deals on flights if they are flexible with dates, times and departure points.

For budget travellers, it is important to ensure arrival in the mornings or afternoons. No ferries leave from Malé to other islands after a particular time in the afternoon. So, arriving early will allow you to continue your trip without interruption, as late afternoon or evening landings would mean being stuck in Malé for 24 hours.

Accommodation

Maldives is made up of hundreds of small islands. Some of these are expensive private resort islands, while there are local islands too. These are inhabited by the local Maldivian people and are quite cheap. So, budget travellers should definitely consider hotels in the locally-inhabited islands. However, there is limited choice for budget hotels and locally-owned guest houses.

Also, many locals in the Maldives offer to share their apartments with tourists and this option can get you some really cheap deals. Use Couchsurfing and Airbnb to get good accommodation options at reasonable prices.

Transport

Getting around the islands on a budget is a bit tricky. The best and cheapest option will be to exclusively use ferries for island hopping. However, this will need time and careful planning from your part. Missed or cancelled ferries are common. Do check online for various ferry timetables.
Shared speedboats or exclusive private speedboats are also reasonable for island hopping, with the latter being more expensive. However, travellers will have more convenience and flexibility with these.

For budget travellers, the last option for changing islands should be the seaplanes as they are quite costly.

Food

Travellers can also save a lot by choosing to eat at local food joints rather than at restaurants or hotels. Local eateries and food stalls also sell delicious local cuisine and seafood at lower prices.

Activities

A Maldivian holiday would definitely include adventure sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, trekking, canoeing and much more. Try these excursions at the more reasonable centres of the regular inhabited islands. Also, a vacation in the Maldives during the off-season will do its bit to help you grab good deals on activities and excursions.

Most Popular National Parks in Pakistan

If you are a nature enthusiast, you may consider Pakistan as your next holiday destination. The beautiful country has lots of natural wonders.

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Take a look at some of the most stunning national parks in Pakistan.

Ayub National Park

Feel the essence of around 900 hectares of natural beauty. Nestled peacefully in Rawalpindi, Ayub National Park is one of the largest parks in Asia. Cherish a day of blissful sightseeing and enjoy various delightful activities. The park also has an open air theatre. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings.

Central Karakorum National Park

Established in the year 1993, Central Karakoram National Park is a paradise for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts. It is home to some of the highest peaks in the world such as the Gashebrum II, K-2, Broad Peak, and Gashebrum. The sights of these lofty mountains are truly jaw dropping. And to top it all, the national park also has the world’s greatest glacier known as the Baltaro Glacier.

Chitral Gol National Park

Chitral Gol National Park is a stunning valley near the Chitral River. Visit this spectacular park to spot some of the rarest and most endangered wildlife in the region, including snow leopard, golden eagle and markhor. Spread across 19,151 acres of fertile land, it promises a majestic aura in the lap of nature to relax your senses.

Khunjerab National Park

The beautiful Khunjerab National Park is a mystifying destination, which will enchant you to the core. The scintillating park has an abundance of wildlife. Established in 1975, it is spread across nearly 560,714 acres of heavenly terrain in the Gilgit-Balistan province of Pakistan. If lucky, one can spot leopards and other elusive wildlife.

Kirthar National Park

Settled serenely between Karachi and Jamshoro District of Sindh, Kirthar National Park was once home to the largest number of leopards. It is a wonderful place to witness the amazing scenic vistas of high mountains full of flora and fauna.

Magnificent Maldives – An Island Holiday Destination Loved by Tourists

The Maldives is one of the most famous Indian Ocean destinations. Millions of travellers fly to this fabulous island nation every year to laze around on its beautiful beaches, try the exciting water sports and or to enjoy the terrific cultural charms of the place.

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But before lapping up the entire gamut of splendid experiences waiting for you in the Maldives, it is important that tourists learn as much as possible about this island nation which lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India in the Indian Ocean.

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is the main airport of the country and is served by many well-known and reputable carriers which connect the Maldives with different parts of the globe. Maldivian, the country’s flag carrier, has its main base at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The airline has a limited flight network which includes mostly domestic and regional destinations.

Once here, travellers can enjoy all the different offerings of the island country. Do try out the special Maldivian cuisine which is extremely popular with foreign tourists. Seafood is a prominent part of the diet here and you will find that most of the famous dishes include fish in some form or the other. Theluli Mas (spicy fried fish), Fihunu Mas (barbecued fish) and Garudhiya (a fish broth served with rice) are some of the must try delicacies in the Maldives.

Maldives

The Maldives has some charming tourist places like Malé, Kudahuvadhoo, Mirihi Islands and Addu City. Malé, the capital city, is home to several tourist attractions and certainly deserves more than just a cursory glance. Tourists will be impressed by [sg_popup id="51"]Malé Friday Mosque[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="54"]Sultan Park[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="50"]National Museum[/sg_popup] and the architectural landmark, [sg_popup id="52"]the Islamic Centre[/sg_popup]. A Maldivian holiday, however, is largely about the stunning beaches, rich marine life and exciting water sports. You can find it all at any of the several resort islands in North Malé Atoll. However, [sg_popup id="55"]Banana Reef[/sg_popup] and [sg_popup id="56"]Manta Point[/sg_popup] are two of the most popular places that divers and snorkellers would love to explore!

Travellers must be aware of the country’s weather pattern before planning their holidays in the region. The Maldives is warm and humid for most parts of the year and receives rainfall from July to August and from November to March. December to March is the busiest season for tourism in the country.

Also, pay heed to travel and health tips that can make all the difference between a great and a not-so great holiday! Travellers who have diving and snorkelling on their minds must buy the compulsory Maldivian diving insurance. Also, divers should be aware of the potential ear infections or coral cuts. Other than that, tourists are advised to dress conservatively when visiting local inhabited islands.

Mauritius – A Beautiful Indian Ocean Gem You Must Learn About

A beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is famous for its incredible natural riches and fantastic culture and traditions. It is not surprising that millions of honeymooners, family holidaymakers, and adventurers visit this fabulous island nation year on year.  It is important that tourists learn as much as possible about the country before hitting its shores.

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Mauritius lies some 2,000 km off the southeast coast of the African continent and is connected to most of the world’s major destinations by Air Mauritius, the flag carrier of the country, or other global operators. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the key gateway to the country and welcomes over 2 million passengers annually.

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Mauritius has long list of tourist attractions, which ensures elaborate sightseeing excursions for the visitors.  [sg_popup id="21"]Mauritius Botanical Garden[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="20"]Black River Gorges National Park[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="22"]Île aux Cerfs Island[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="19"]Port Louis[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="23"]Ile aux Aigrettes[/sg_popup] are some of the key tourist spots you’ll love to visit in the country. When it comes to climatic conditions, Mauritius remains pleasantly warm, more or less, throughout the year.

As a result of its multicultural population, a number of festivals are celebrated in Mauritius and each one of them is enjoyed by the locals. Most of the major Indian festivals are celebrated here and so are the Chinese ones. The island is extremely lively during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Along with enjoying the colourful festivals, do sample some of the region’s best known delicacies.  Mauritian cuisine is a mix of Indian, Chinese, and European/ Mediterranean food. You can enjoy rougaille, briyani, curries and other local dishes popular in the country.

In regards to health tips, travellers must opt for comprehensive health insurance for their holidays in the country. Also, visitors to Mauritius are advised to carry insect or mosquito repellents. To enjoy a happy and safe holiday in the nation, one must practise basic safety measures.

Best Place in Sri Lanka to Enjoy Wildlife

srilanka-wildlife

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Sri Lanka will delight you no end. Despite its small size, the country is one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots and promises a blissful experience for nature lovers and wildlife buffs. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park

Sprawling over an area of 131, 693 hectares, it is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and is believed to be one of the best places in the country to spot leopards. One of the highlighted features of Wilpattu is the abundance of lakes and ponds, which are scattered throughout the park. So apart from wildlife safaris, the park also offers opportunities for fishing, camping and bird watching. Elephants, sloth bears, leopards, spotted deer, and mongoose are some of the animals that can be spotted here.

Yala National Park

One of the most visited and the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is home to a tremendous variety of flora and fauna. The park has a very high density of the leopard population and is home to over 215 bird species, six of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Other animals and reptiles you might spot here include sloth bears, sambars, wild pigs, golden jackals and crocodiles. Visitors are also enthralled by its historical and cultural significance; two important pilgrimage sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, are located inside the park.

Uda Walawe National Park

Uda Walawe National Park boasts a variety of eco systems including grassland, scrub jungle and riverine forests. It is considered to be amongst the best places in South Asia for sighting elephants in their natural habitat. There are plenty of walking trails here that allow visitors to explore the region at a leisurely pace. The park may not be very rich in terms of wildlife, however, the stunning landscape more than makes up for it. Meandering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a number of bird species and of course, lush greenery make the park worth exploring.

Top 3 Tourist Attractions in and around Sialkot, Pakistan

Sialkot is one of the popular cities, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is known as the “football production capital of the world”, exporting around 30 million footballs annually.

Pakistan

Sialkot is connected to all the major cities in Pakistan, by road, trains and flights. It takes just two hours to reach the city from Lahore and four hours from Islamabad. Although it is known for its trade and commerce, it has a rich historical and cultural significance too. Have a look at three popular attractions in Sialkot.

Iqbal Manzil

Iqbal Manzil lies in the heart of the historic city and is one of the most popular attractions of Sialkot. It is the birthplace of the renowned poet Sir Muhammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal and is revered in many countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He is also known as the national poet of Pakistan. Iqbal Manzil was the family residence of Iqbal and was purchased by Iqbal’s Grandfather, Mohammad Rafique. Many international as well as local tourists come to Sialkot just to visit the residence of the famous poet. The residence was renovated and converted into a museum-cum-library in 1977 and ever since, it has been a part of the national heritage.

Tomb of Imam Ali-ul-Haq

Imam Ali-ul-Haq, also known as Imam Sahib lived during the times of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, in the 13th Century CE. He was one of the most influential figures in spreading Islam in Sialkot. He is known as a martyr who sacrificed his life fighting against the Rajah of Sialkot and his shrine is located at the place where he attained martyrdom. The mausoleum comprises of narrow corridors which leads to the shrines. It has a beautiful courtyard where you can sit and reflect. There is a bustling market outside.

Marala Headworks

The Marala Headworks is located on the Chenab River, near Sialkot. This colossal hydro-engineering project is considered to be a great place for family picnics and outings. It is also popular as a fishing and angling spot. Countless people come here to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and indulge in outdoor activities. During winter, it becomes a home for various bird species such as Common Cranes, Mallards, Greylag Geese, Pallas Gull’s, Eurasian Bitterns, and many others, which make it a bird-watching haven.

Top Attractions in and around Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, often billed as “Little England”, is said to be like a toy town. Located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, it is packed full of beautiful places. The town lies in the heart of tea plantations and has numerous attractions. In fact, you may well require more than a couple of days to explore it in entirety. So we recommend you to set at least two days aside for this scenic hill town. Have a look at our recommendations.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of the most popular places in Nuwara Eliya. The park, located in the heart of the town has various garden areas, a playground for kids, and various varieties of plants.

Victoria-Park

Different species of birds also flock here. It is often said to be “one of the nicest, and best maintained, town parks in South Asia”. It is a good place to take a stroll, exercise, unwind or spend romantic time with your partner.  You will have to buy entry tickets for the park. The price of these tickets is different for domestic visitors, foreigners and kids. The park has free Wi-Fi hotspot services too.

Pedro Tea Estate

As mentioned previously, Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by tea plantations, where you can go on tours and also sample fabulous tea.

Pedro-Tea-Estate

Pedro Tea Estate is one such popular place, where you can treat yourself to some of the finest quality of tea available in the region. The estate is easily accessible by rickshaws and public buses. You can go for a factory tour and see tea processing and packaging, apart from the regular tea estate tours. The equipment used in the factory is simple and it is fun to watch the tea-making process. It is a family-friendly place and there is an entry fee for adults.

Gregory Lake

About two kilometres from the town centre of Nuwela Eliya, lies the beautiful Gregory Lake. It is probably one of the most picturesque sunset points in the area and the highlights include, long walkways, motorboats, paddle boats and a beautiful houseboat.

Gregory-Lake

There are several rides for the kids, while different food stalls dish out appetising food.  It is a beautiful and serene place to spend long leisurely moments with your partner and family. We would recommend you to visit before sunset in order to catch the mesmerising sunset. There are entry tickets for adults, while kids can enter for free. Boat rides cost LKR 200 for adults and a hundred for kids.