Dikwella is a quiet coastal town some 20 kilometres to the east of Matara in the South of Sri Lanka. Up until recently, the place was only of interest to Buddhist pilgrims on their way to pay homage to the Wewurukulana Vihara along the Beliatta road, the site of the tallest Buddha stature in Sri Lanka. In recent decades however, the town is growing in popularity as a tourist resort and with it, more and more people are discovering the fascinating natural phenomenon found nearby – the Blow Hole of Dikwella.
A blow hole is a something which occurs when a rock set upon high tides contains a fissure. When the pressure of the collected water below grows high, a jet of water forces its way upward from within the fissure, creating what is known as a blow hole. This is a very rare and engaging natural phenomenon.
Despite its name, the blow hole is actually found at Kudawela, 6 kilometres to the east of Dikwella. Here, secreted in a beautiful beach of golden surf and turquoise sea is found the only blow hole in the country; one of the handful found in the world. This is locally known as the “Hoo-maniya”, named thus because of the sound the blow hole makes before the water spurts upward. R.L. Broheir first catapulted this site into the international awareness by including an account of it in his famous book “Seeing Ceylon”, published in the 1960s.
Today, the popularity of the blow hole as a tourist attraction is evidenced by the number of food and drink kiosks and vendors who cluster around the shallow stairs that lead up the cliff. The sea-food delicacies hawked here are a particular favourite among sight-seers.
The blow hole is seen upon a wide expanse of rock atop a cliff. The stream of water spurts up from a fissure that runs down a split in the middle of the rock. The ominous “hoo-hoo” noise that emanates from this opening can be heard like distant thunder from some distance away. This is the sound of the water pressure rising, causing onlookers to tense in anticipation. However, the moment when the fountain erupts upward always catches them unawares. A loud whooshing sound accompanies a great sea spray shoots into the sky, reaching to a height of 120 feet at times before forming a mushroom at its apex and drenching sight-seers around.
Although this usually happens at 10-15 minute intervals, the wait is always tense, especially for a photographer waiting to capture the fountain in all its glory. Only the lucky and persevering few are rewarded in this respect. The monsoon season of June to July is considered the time when the blow hole is at its finest.
Visitors who travel here to view this rare occurrence can also delight in the surrounding shore, which is among some of the loveliest Sri Lanka beaches, with rock pools of vibrant fish and shallows suitable for swimming. The resorts of the John Keells Hotels Group are recommended options for those seeking accommodation at one of the nearby Sri Lanka beach hotels, as this chain of hotels is a well-reputed for its luxury hospitality.
When it comes to a tropical beach holiday in Asia, the enigmatic and bountiful allure of Thailand is quite unmistakable. The seafront landscape of the land teems with holidaymakers every year as they crowd the sun-swept beaches to enjoy the best beach vacation you can find in Asia. The cream of Thai beaches are found towards the South of the country as the land thins out and reaches out like an arm into the sea, and the Si Kao district in Trang province is never a place overlooked in the hunt for the perfect seaside.
Si Kao is home to several outstandingly beautiful beaches along its coastline. Apart from that, an inquisitive traveller is free to explore inland as the district has several other places bound to stoke your curiosity such as the Wat Tham Khaopedan caves and Angthong waterfall. The beaches of Si Kao are good for a nice refreshing swim, a bit of surfing or just soaking up the sun lazing on the sands, and they are home to many chic resorts and hotels as well.
One of the most well-known among Si Kao’s beaches is Pakmeng beach which lies towards the south west. The waters are very shallow here, and even if it’s not ideal for a swim, the place is good for some family fun or just wading out to explore the islands dotting the shoreline. Further along near the Si Kao bay, you will find the lesser known but picturesque beachfront of Kong Thuan which is an ideal hangout if you’re in the mood for some solitude and peace of mind. Hat Chao Mai National Park is also close by, where beachgoers enjoy the sunlight and shade in equal measure among green groves and clean white sands. Even if it is a favoured spot among travellers, you’ll find this beach to be quite peaceful. To your delight, most beaches of Si Kao will be having good food and beverages available, with showers and toilet facilities close at hand.
Beaches around Si Kao and in the Province of Trang in general have no lack of visitors, and ever in demand Si Kao hotels are set and waiting to welcome them to a holiday worth enjoying to your heart’s content. Hotels in Si Kao such as the Anantara Saiko, Thailand are stylish affairs that proudly embrace the delightfully pleasant Thai traditions which are bound to leave you with a lingering feeling of familiarity and homely warmth. Enjoy your stay at the hotels and resorts but do not stop your quest for the perfect beach; apart from what’s mentioned here, the coast of Si Kao are home to many more wondrous stretches of sand that are waiting to be explored.
The island nation of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wealth of natural bounty throughout its shores and when it comes to beaches, there is no exception. Travellers will find a vast offering of beaches located all over the island during their travel in Sri Lanka.
In most parts of Sri Lanka visitors will find that they can access a beach with relative ease due to the sheer number of them in the country. These pristine beaches provide a host of activities in addition to the prospect of a cool breeze, soothing scenery and generally pleasant weather.
For travellers who don’t like to get wet, just briefly wading in the water provides a relaxing sensation of having water run over your feet as you move about the soft sand. The more adventurous can venture out in to the waters for a leisurely swim.
Travellers can also dive beneath the waves and discover coral reefs in the waters off Bentota for example while diving off any of the beaches will presents visitors with a diverse array of marine life to spot. Snorkelling is another popular activity that allows those afraid of diving to still gaze upon the many wonders that lie beneath the waves in Sri Lanka. The many beaches also lend themselves well for surfing which can be indulged in just about any beach. Sri Lanka has gained popularity amongst surfing enthusiasts worldwide.
Sea turtles are another popular attraction especially in the beaches of Kosgoda. These peaceful and gentle creatures come ashore to lay their eggs, which has become a popular event to witness.
Sri Lanka with its many beaches is a perfect destination for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of water surface related activities including jet skiing. During your Sri Lanka travel renting a car removes the hassle of find transport during your trip. Malkey Rent A Car provides a Sri Lanka car rental option that offers a variety of automobiles ensuring that travellers will find an option suitable to their needs.
The island state of Penang is known among the locals by many names such as Pulau Mutiara, Pulau Pinang and Pulau Ka Satu which have evolved with the passing of time and is now simply known as Penang. All the former names which were given to Penang had meaning behind it. For an example Pulau Mutiara meant ‘the pearl of the orient’ while Pulau Pinang meant ‘betel nut island’. Although its name has changed from the pearl of the orient it still retains the charm that it used to boast of decades ago. The sub tropical weather conditions that prevail in this region make it an ideal breeding ground for hundreds of animal species and plants alike. Travellers to the island can also look forward to sampling a fascinating array of mouthwatering local delicacies.
Another aspect of Penang which draws in hundreds of travellers to its shores each year is its gorgeous beaches which decorate the extremities of the island. The golden sand, the turquoise seas and the healing warmth of the sun is exactly what you get when you visit Batu Ferringhi Beach which is one of the most popular coastal locations in the northern part of the island among travellers to the region. This stretch of beach has a number of hotels where you can find accommodation in and the Batu Ferrighi Sidewalk Bazaar which comes to life in the evening gives you the chance to cash in on some great deals.
Teluk Bahang Beach on the other hand is a not as busy, which is ideal for a private picnic or a perfect spot to soak up the sun while enjoying a good read. This beach is located to the west of Batu Ferringhi Beach and is in close proximity to the Forest Recreation Park and Museum where visitors get the chance to get an understanding about the plant and animal life in the area. The Fishing village of Teluk Bahang is the best place for you to enjoy a satisfying Chinese seafood meal that comes with an unmistakable Malaysian touch.
Guests can stay in any that meets their fancy when they visit the island but the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang offers unparallel services to ensure a comfortable stay in the city. This one of a kind hotel in Penang is an ideal rest for leisure and business travellers alike.
Relaxed and laidback, Abu Dhabi is one of the few tourist destinations in the UAE where the traveller is able to visit a variety of unique attractions. Although some might label Abu Dhabi as a money hungry metropolis which attracts thousands of petrodollars on a daily basis, the city has much more to offer and very seldom disappoints. Blessed with enchanting oases, Abu Dhabi has the golden desert sun shining on its lands during most parts of the year and gives the adventurous traveller the chance to engage in a range of great leisure activities such as desert safaris, camel rides, and bird watching. Although most might believe that bird watching in Abu Dhabi offers very little chance of actually spotting birds, visitors are often pleasantly surprised as several varieties of migratory birds can be seen in several specific locations in and around the city. Sir Bani Yas is a small island located not too far away from Abu Dhabi. Among the surrounding desert regions this plentiful little island stands out as it boasts plenty of greenery and picturesque mountainous terrain. This environment happens to be ideal for migratory birds in search of resting grounds while travelling to find greener pastures.
The bird sanctuary located on the island itself features a number of bird species such as cranes, Egyptian geese, pheasants and guinea fowl, together with a few flightless varieties such as African ostriches, emus and even rheas. Some of the most common migratory birds spotted on the island and in various locations in Abu Dhabi include the socotra cormorant, sandwich tern, sooty gull, Arctic skua, swift tern, lesser black-backed gull and the lesser crested tern. Along the coastal regions of Abu Dhabi you will have the chance to see several kinds of seafaring birds as well.
Arguably the best time to visit Abu Dhabi if you’re a bird witching enthusiast is between March and July. While the weather is quite pleasant during this time of the year hundreds of birds on their annual migratory journeys glide through these regions.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers ideal accommodation options for the discerning traveller in search of quality Abu Dhabi resort hotels. This flagship Abu Dhabi resort also offers great spa facilities for a truly memorable stay.
Everybody wants a perfect honeymoon. Therefore selecting the right destination which is unbeatable in its romantic appeal is very important. Let Caribbean honeymoons be the getaway for you and your loved one, for that memorable trip that you can cherish for a lifetime. Recharge, unwind, and weave a lifetime of memories against the panorama of a vibrant culture, colors and the warmth of the sand and the sun of the Caribbean beaches.
The sea for a backdrop, lush tropical landscaping, the fine dining and luxurious accommodations is just simply perfect for honeymooners and those seeking an adults-only environment. Any of the Caribbean Islands are splendid for an unforgettable time with your loved one. The hotels with understated opulence and pampering services, the scenic coastal drive, the abundance of water sports and horseback riding will provide active vacations for couples on their honeymoon. It is also economical to combine the wedding and honeymoon into one package. One can chose from a range of honeymoon resorts and hotels that emphasize privacy, natural environment, and tranquility. There are set packages to be decided upon; for a Caribbean Island wedding, Caribbean beach wedding, or a Caribbean cruise wedding,
An enthusiastic couple can find a wedding organizing company specialized in handling the worries of the organization part of a wedding. They are dedicated towards handling all wedding planning including accommodations for the couple and guests, the reception, décor, food, music, the hairdresser and make up artist, the photography arrangements and even the marriage license process.
Canouan Island in the southeastern Caribbean presents the epitome of such a perfect host, overlooking the northern Grenadines. A Caribbean wedding can be organized with the help of resort wedding coordinators, with whichever concept you wish to adapt for your wedding. There are many elegant resorts in the Caribbean which features all the trimmings and frills to ensure the most blissful Caribbean honeymoon.
Popularly known as Bakheng Phnom, the hill is reminiscent of a temple mountain where you can catch one of the best sunrise and sunset views that you will see in the Angkor area. Atop the hill stands a temple that is built in a manner that resembles Mount Meru which is believed to be a shrine to the Hindu gods.
Streams of tourists crowd the upper levels of this famous temple hill to experience the magnificent rays of the sun as it highlights the surrounding area. An ideal time to ascend this mountain would be early morning before the sunrise to see the golden hues of the sun as it begins to radiate the magnificence of the area. The setting and rising of the sun illuminates the Angkor Wat main temple, which lies approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast in the lush greenery that surrounds Bakheng Hill. Other places such as the Phnom Krom to the southwest near the Grand Lake, Phnom Kulen in the east and the West Baray can also be seen in its majesty and splendour during this time.
Visitors wanting to view the beauty of nature in the rising and setting of the sun can also enter the mysterious world of the Khmer by exploring the temple that stands on this site. The mountain and the temple can be accessed from all 4 cardinal directions. You can take a peek into history as the site is home to ancient relics and architecture. There are 5 sandstone sanctuaries that lay in a quincunx design on the topmost level of the temple which is worth a look.
A visit to Siem Reap would not be complete without climbing up Bakheng Hill to witness the spectacular sunset. Visitors looking for a Siem Reap hotel should consider the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. It is aluxury hotel in Siem Reap and provides an elegant base from which to explore the surrounding area.
Horton Plains is one of the most unique and most scenic gifts found in the tropical island of Sri Lanka. This is conserved parkland situated upon a plateau at one of the highest elevations in the island, at the country’s mountainous heart. Semi-embraced by the great rivers of Kelani and Mahaveli, flanked by the towering majesty of the Thotapolakanda and Kirigalpottha mountains, this sun-dappled plateau is a dichotomy of evergreen forests and verdant montane grasslands.
The World’s End, the Mini-World’s End and Baker’s Falls form the trifecta of main attractions within the park, all three of which are found along a single semi-circular, 9-kilometre trail. World’s End is a 4000 foot high escarpment that affords a stunning panorama of the island, stretching even to the azure seas of the coastline. Mini-world’s end is a more easily accessible precipice with less sheer a drop while the Baker’s Falls is indubitably one of the most picturesque waterfalls found in the beautiful hill country.
Baker’s Falls is found on one of the tributaries of the Belihul Oya, and is named after the famous 19th century colonial explorer and huntsman Sri Samuel Baker. Cascading down from a height of 20 metres, the falls do not simply hurtle downwards in a mist of white; instead, white curtains of water gush over three elevations of smooth rock, into a steep gorge from which emerge flourishing ferns and Rhododendrons. The waterfall is said to be one of the spots Sir Baker would use as a resting point in his numerous hunting trips.
There are many crystal-clear pools and shallow streams in and around the waterfall, which are rather curiously overrun with trout – a fish which is not native to the island. This singular occurrence also harks back to the efforts of Sir Samuel Baker, who imported various livestock from England as part of his vision in establishing an English-style farming community in Nuwara Eliya. The chilly climes of his area mimic that of his colonial motherland, making it ideally suited to this enterprise and helping to popularize Nuwara Eliya as a popular holiday resort among Europeans, while the colony was still largely underdeveloped.
Baker’s Falls are easily accessible to visitors who trek along the well-used hiking trail, appearing seemingly out of nowhere after only a shirt journey. The more adventurous will be able to go right down to the water’s edge (although it must be cautioned that the rocks are slippery) and find their way to the large flat rock face on which they can sit and splash their feet in the falls. Tourists with exceptional bravado even take a dip in the pool found downstream, although the line between refreshing and hypothermic is rather fine when it comes to these waters.
This is one of the key natural attractions that tourists staying in Nuwara Eliya hotels are strongly encouraged to see. In terms of nearby accommodation, St. Andrews is a beautiful escape and well-reputed hotel Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka that affords great access to both the Horton Plains and other picturesque draws of Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country.
Weddings are a special time for families, and it literally is a once in a lifetime event and wanting the day’s proceedings to go on without a hitch with just the right setting goes without saying. For an occasion as special as one’s wedding the location plays a major role in setting the right tone and mood. For those looking to hold there special day on a sandy beach surrounded by clear blue water need look no further then beautiful Maldives islands.
This nation comprising of beautiful islands offers some breathtaking scenery right in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives comprises of twenty six little islands that spread themselves across a North South direction closer towards the Indian island of Lakshadweep and has an equally stunning neighboring country towards the south west of its location in Sri Lanka.
Among the countries in Asia the Maldives is the smallest and Male is the capital city. Its population is a little over a hundred thousand. Male is situates towards the south of the Male Atoll and not only is it the commercial hub it’s also the administrative capital of the Maldives.
Tourism is the major foreign exchange earner for these beautiful islands and many tour operators offer wedding packages as well. A popular beach for weddings is the Kuda Bandos Beach. A wedding in the Maldives offers everything from traditional to a modern style ceremony. A traditional ceremony will incorporate Maldivian cultural aspects included into the function.
A traditional wedding would include decorations with a local theme and beautifully attired Maldivian drummers heralding the new couple as they walk off into the sunset. Imagine a cruise round the island on a boat called a dhoni and later on enjoy either a private dinner or reception for family and friends on the beach.
Shifting one’s wedding destination overseas and having family and friends over would require some comfortable accommodation and the little island nation has many Maldives villas to choose from. For the couple who are looking to enjoy a bit of pampering and luxury Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is the ideal place to accommodate the special couple. These Maldives resorts have warm and friendly staff who will make sure everything runs as planned for that special day.
The Trang province of Southern Thailand is chiefly dominated by its flora and fauna, thriving in the mist-wrapped mountain peaks, verdant forests and pristine beaches. The western boundary of the province hugs the Malay peninsula’s coastline facing the Andaman Sea and claims ten districts, including an archipelago of 46 islands. The Trang River, one of Thailand’s most significant rivers, flows down from the Khao Luang mountain terrain across the Trang province.
The province is home to many wildlife sanctuaries and preservations that create protected havens for both exotic and indigenous plant and animal life. This has resulted in natural landscapes that are among the most unsullied by the touch of man. Although the coast of Trang enjoys worldwide recognition for its excellent diving and snorkelling sites, its mainland also presents a myriad of breathtaking natural marvels, chief among which are its waterfalls.
In the centre of a lush forest, the Roi Chan Pan Wang falls hurtle down a steep precipice into the rock pools below, from which arise curling tendrils of white mist. Its name translates into “hundreds of steps, thousands of palaces”, an apt description of the majestic rock formation that has been polished into steep ladders by needle-sharp threads of gushing water. A row of towering rubber trees stand atop this semi-circular rock like silent sentinels.
The Pak-Jaem falls, also known as the “Virgin Falls”, is a majestic cascade that streams down four tiers of rock in a sheet of misty white. Framed by blooming vines and creepers and a favourite haunt of colourful native birds, this waterfall appears as a long, virgin-white bridal veil.
The Water Garden of the Asoka Forest of the Khao Laem National Park is an area which boasts innumerable cascades threading through the limestone boulders and trees of a lush and verdant forest. Its main waterfall is Chong Banpot, which appears through a gap in the mountain.
The Tone Tok is a cascade that is yet more stunning. Accessible via a bumpy 3 kilometre track, this waterfall appears in a thick, relentless cascade over innumerable tiers of rock of a wide cliff into a basin below, suffusing the whole area in a rain-like mist. There is no uniformity among the rock formations here; some are rounded while others are simply flat. Nor are these limestone or granite rocks as usually found; beneath their moss-covered surface shines iridescent layers and colourful patterns. The panorama surrounding these falls is truly breathtaking, with sprawling rubber and rice plantations blanketing the vista of high and low hills.
The waters of the Tone Teh falls are among the most beautiful in Thailand. Indeed, it is also known as the “King of Waterfalls”. Appearing at the centre of one of the most scenic forests in the region, these falls have a sort of violent, hypnotic beauty, hurtling down from a spectacular 320 metre drop across a path of boulders, cliffs and stoic foliage. Many bathing pools are formed by these falls at different tiers. These falls and the surrounding wilderness come under the management of the Forest Conservation Unit.
The virgin beauty of the Chaopa waterfall rewards the traveller who braves its rough terrain. Surrounded by durian plantations in the mountain foothills, the route to the falls, which are locally known as Namtok Clongtong, is a scenic obstacle course of limestone cliffs, wading waters and a steep trek to the top of the mountain. However, the cold, crisp air, leafy shade and crystal clear waters are well worth the trek.
Saving the best for last, the Praisawan and Sairung (Rainbow) waterfalls are seen a mere four kilometres apart from each other. Fourteen kilometres away from Thanonkot an uphill trek yields the Sairung falls and its sister cascade Praisawan. The inspiration for many poets, both these sites are shrouded in an atmospheric charm, the uninterrupted sheets gushing across a many-tiered terrace of rock surrounded by lush green foliage. The basin of clear water at the foot of Praisawan is singularly inviting as a bathing pool. The area is also a known haunt of local avian life.
It is recommended that travellers wishing to experience the many marvels of the Trang Province find accommodation at Amphur of Si Kao. This district encompasses over half the archipelago of islands belonging to the province. There are many elegant and star-class Si Kao hotels that provide great access to the great sightseeing venues both at sea and on the mainland. Anantara Si Kao, Thailand is one of the best reputed luxury hotels in Si Kao, offering a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a pampered and relaxing stay.