If you visit to Singapore you may want to try this incredible new tourist activity in Singapore. While you are there you can smell one iconic fragrance that was re-launched recently: Singapore Girl femme fragrance.
Congratulations to Singapore Memories for being awarded for the Best Newcomer 2019 Best Fragrance (Femme) for their fragrance Singapore Girl. This iconic fragrance was created by Ms. Christina Balsara and Mr. Dadi Balsara in the 1960s. Ms. Cristina after she left Singapore for museum visits and ceramic appreciation, she found her inspiration to create Singapore scents. As soon as she returned to Singapore she developed Singapore Girl. Since the beginning, Singapore Girl was a favorite among locals and tourists and sold very well at department stores, and hotels.
In 1983, there was a rough patch in business, like most company’s experience. During this time, Mr. Dadi Balsara created another scent, known as Singapore Bliss, for a company called SIA and was a huge success when launched in 1988. After a long reign of impactful creations, in the year 2000, the now older Mrs. Christina Balsara and wanted to dial down her business to a smaller scale. Finally in 2007, Perfume of Singapore closed down the factories and shut down the business in 2008, and that was the last bit of their iconic presence.
Herbal Usage: The entire plant is used in rural Thailand as a tonic to strengthen the body. Root paste is applied externally on scorpion and snake bites in the eastern peninsular Indian state of Orissa. Here, leaf paste is consumed with a clove of garlic daily for 7 days to obtain relief from chest or epigastric pain. At Uttarakhand in Western Himalaya, A. carinata is used to treat rheumatism, sciatica and nerve pain. Some of the phytochemicals like alkaloid, anthocyanins, arundinan, bibenzyl, cypripedin, dendrobine, gigantol, glucoside, glycoside, gymopusin, hircinol, jibantine, kinsenoside, loroglossin, nidemin and orchinol, phenanthrene, phenanthropyran, rotundatin and moscatin, stilbenoid, triterpenoid are reported from Acampe Genome.
Revival of Old & Iconic Singapore Girl™ Perfume – ‘Singapore Girl’ scent was a brilliant mix of notes, designed for traditional, suave and sexy girl. Born in 1960’s, this beautiful creation had stopped production in 2006. We acquired this amazing formulation in 2014 and since then we have been producing it in hand-crafted, small batches. We have taken the original creation and we present you the same old beautiful fragrance. It was and still is, for a girl who knows how to balance traditional expectations with modern demands. She carefully manages expectations, and yet at the same time is carefree to enjoy her own independence. The top of the creation is soft-citrus. Lotus, Water-lily make the heart and and Teak-wood finishes this refreshing ode to her. Discover even more details at https://singapore-memories.com/products/singapore-girl-best-perfume-for-her.
After an $118 million refurb and rebranding job, the Singapore History Museum reopened as the National Museum of Singapore: the largest museum on the island. There are two main galleries: the Singapore History Gallery, which traces the history of Singapore from its beginnings in the fourteenth century to the present day and the Singapore Living Galleries, which focus on four lifestyle themes – food, fashion, film and photography. It’s worth a visit just for the building, an imposing neoclassical structure, complemented by modern glass additions. Shoehorning art and science into the same room and doing justice to both was always going to be a big risk. But by and large, the ArtScience Museum succeeds. Future World: Where Art Meets Science is a collaboration with Japanese art collective teamLab and features interactive experiences that are also perfect Instagram fodder.
The most adrenalin-inducing thing to do in Singapore has got to be the G-Max Reverse Bungy, Singapore’s first ever bungy. Get launched skywards at 200 km per hour to a height of 60 metres and bounce for approximately 5 minutes. The experience is not unlike being an astronaut in a rocket launch as you sit in an open-sided ‘capsule’. Also, for a few extra dollars, riders get a T-shirt and a DVD recording of themselves in action, taken by an onboard camera.
Fort Canning is located right in the centre of the island. The place has played a significant role in the history of Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles built his first home on Fort Canning hill, and during World War II it served as the headquarters of the British Army and later as the Japanese Army during their occupation of Singapore. Famous for its ‘open’ captivity models, the Singapore Zoo is designed so that many of the animals are kept in large enclosures that are surrounded by moats and other relatively noninvasive barriers. The zoo is home to over 300 animal species, 15% of which are classified as threatened. See additional details at https://singapore-memories.com/.
Adventure travel cabins in San Blas and deals for 2020! Your San Blas adventure starts early in the morning. A friendly driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging between 5:15am and 5:45am and safely transport you and up to five other guests to the Port of Carti. Relax and start enjoying during the 2.5-3 hour journey through the spectacular jungle highlands. Oftentimes we encounter wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths on the road and will gladly stop the car to give you opportunities to admire these beautiful animals and to take photos. Our drivers will also stop at a grocery store in case you want to purchase any items, such as snacks, water or fruit. When arriving at the port your “lancha” boat and San Blas trip tour guide will be waiting for you, ready to commence the San Blas tour. The 30-minute boat ride to the first island may be a little bumpy and, depending on ocean conditions, there may be some ocean spray. All of our boats have ample space and feature sun protection that will make this journey more comfortable.
The Kuna people are the indigenous tribe that inhabit some of the islands. We had the chance to be able to stay on one of their islands for 2 out of the three nights we were there. On the second night we had the chance to play football with the kids and hang out at the local bar in the evening. They’re very welcoming people, and it was definitely a great experience to see the way that the Kuna people live.
The mountain town of Boquete has a wonderful climate, where you can escape the sometimes oppressive heat of the coast and lower areas. The town is relaxed and safe, catering to expats and people escaping the winters in northern climates, and local Panamanians looking for a weekend getaway. Some of the appeal here is the variety of good restaurants, as well as a mix of quality hotels and luxury inns. It’s also one of Panama’s most important coffee-growing areas, and known as a hot spot for nature and wildlife, particularly hiking and birdwatching. Having a vehicle here is quite handy for touring the surrounding mountains and reaching trailheads and nearby sites, but you can also arrange tours with transportation to the coffee plantations. One of the best short drives in Panama leaves from the outskirts of Boquete. This scenic loop of about 15 miles passes the main hiking trails, a beautiful river, an abandoned castle, and waterfalls. The road also provides amazing views down the valley and up the slopes of Volcan Baru. Read extra info on San Blas day tour.
The 360 or so tropical islands off Panama’s northern coast are home to the Kuna people, who since a revolution against the Panamanian government in 1925 have maintained political autonomy from the mainland. As such, they control tourism on their own terms – a very rare thing for an indigenous group. They know how many visitors are coming to their islands on a given day, where they will be staying, and they benefit directly from most of the tourist dollars spent. Aside from fuel for their motorboats, much of it goes on education, health or permaculture.
Few locations include Playa Las Lajas is a beautiful beach that extends for more than 13 km (8 miles) along the Gulf of Chiriqui on the Pacific Coast. With little current and perfect water temperatures, Las Lajas is ideal for swimming and bodysurfing. Rustic shacks and cheap restaurants are clustered on the beach at the end of the road. For now it remains a hidden treasure still undiscovered by the large hotel chains and hordes of tourists.
There is no shortage of adventure in the San Blas Islands. Exploration opportunities include sailing from island to island and fishing and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. You can also opt to kayak and paddle board the open waters, and you can even reach other islands if you’re up for the journey.
San Blas adventure travel locations are a fabulous thing to do right now. So how long should you stay? I stayed on the San Blas Islands for two nights and felt it was sufficient – it’s a beautiful place but it is roughing it a bit and I felt ready to leave the morning we headed out. I’m going to share some essential things I think you’ll want to know before you visit San Blas like budgeting, where to stay, if you should take a day tour, if you can bring your luggage, and what about food and electricity – and is it really just sleeping in the sand!? These were questions I had and I’m going to answer them all for you. Find more info at https://www.taotravel365.com/.
5 top attractions in Magdalena del Mar, Lima with rooms to rent: Also called Plaza Mayor, this broad square is the historical center of Lima and the most logical starting point for sightseeing. Most of the buildings from the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746 – the only original structure standing in Lima’s Plaza de Armas is the bronze fountain in the center, built in 1651. Its buildings reconstructed following the quake, Plaza de Armas is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the cathedral, the square is surrounded by the Archbishop’s Palace; the Casa del Oidor; and the Palacio del Gobierno, official residence of the president that was built on the spot where Jose San Martin declared the Independence of Peru on July 28, 1821. You can see the changing of the guard there on weekdays at noon.
Parque Kennedy, named after the 35th US president, hosts nightly events from dancing to art exhibits. It also houses hundreds of cats that prowl the park at night. Watch the cats and do some people-watching while eating picarones, a fried Peruvian dessert made of fried sweet potatoes dipped in honey. Peñas are music venues or restaurants, or even someone’s house, where traditional Peruvian music is played by a live band. This music is worlds apart from the electronic cumbia that has captured Lima.
For a cultured afternoon, nothing beats checking out the old haunts of Peru’s most famous writer, Mario Vargas Llosa, whose novels such as The War of the End of the World, saw him rise to international acclaim. Having spent most of his childhood in Miraflores, the district is scattered with places that influenced his writing. Contact the Municipality to join the tour starting from Parque Kennedy, which stops via various roads and buildings that have been featured in his work. One of Lima’s most prominent landmarks, the hill of Cerro San Cristobal, rises to the northeast of downtown Lima. If you want a panoramic view of the city, this is where to go. Take a taxi or a tour bus from the Plaza de Armas (walking here isn’t particularly safe). From the top, you can see right across the city and all the way out to sea—at least on a clear day. Thick coastal fog can severely obscure the view, so pick your moment wisely, while a tour in the late afternoon allows for views enhanced by the twinkling lights of the city below.
Lima is stuffed with old temples, and Magdalena has one of their own, the Huaca Huantille (at the corner of 28 de Julio and Castilla). It was closed the day I went, so if you’d like more information kindly step on over to En Peru, where Stuart as usual has put together a fantastic report. There’s a lot of little places all through Magdalena, but these were some of our favorites: Speciale Cafe – 1229 Jr. Libertad. This cutesy old-time ice cream parlor serves up almost 20 different flavors, including frozen yogurt, and has some of the best espresso in Lima. My tips: get a cup of coffee and a scoop of Cappuccino ice cream to go in it. Rob’s tips: try everything first and then try the Magdalena flavor (with figs, nuts, and chopped cherries) again. They also sell little frozen bonbons that are divine. See additional images of this amazing ocean view penthouse on @AmazingPeruPenthouse on Facebook. Need a place to book in Lima, Peru? Find even more info on Amazing penthouse in Lima, Peru with full ocean view.
The Parque de la Reserva is a lovely park by day, but transforms itself into a spectacular water, sound and light show at night. The park’s 13 fountains are turned off during the day, but spring to life at night at this family-oriented tourist attraction in Lima. Visitors who stroll the Magic Water Tour are awed by the fantastic displays that transform ordinary fountains into wondrous eruptions when combined with laser lights and music, including classics and Peruvian melodies. The Guinness Book of Records says the Magic Water Tour is the largest fountain complex in the world.
Paris travel attractions: If you know the Hunchback, you know the cathedral. After Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’, Disney’s plucky ’90s movie brought the wonderfully foreboding Gothic architecture of the historic icon (built between 1163 and 1345) to a whole new generation. Even after the inferno that tore through the roof in April 2019, which millions watched unfold on screens worldwide, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame still stands majestic on the Ile de la Cite. On your next visit, look up at its timeless facade and imagine its future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast?
Paris restaurant pick : Okay, it costs a freaking fortune (145 euros), but the vegetarian tasting menu by three-Michelin-starred chef Alain Passard is as close to nirvana as Paris can deliver for vegetarians. It’s so good that accompanying non-vegetarians will forget they came as a somewhat selfless gesture, too. Passard’s vegetables come from his own organic farm, and what you’ll get depends on what’s available at the time. A sample of Passard’s talent with the bounty of the garden includes dishes like cep mushrooms with lemon and a vol au vent (puff pastry case) filled with baby peas, turnips, and snow peas in a sauce spiked with Cote du Jura wine. It’s worth pointing out that people have strong feelings about L’Arpege — the restaurant has its share of critics, including Eater’s own Ryan Sutton.
Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique Sacre-Coeur has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname). Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. The sanctuary is illuminated with many candles, which provide a contrast to the dark, somber space. Visitors can spend time on the terrace admiring the views of Paris or climb the tower for an even higher perspective. The Esplanade that leads up (by a staircase of over 200 steps) to the Sacre-Coeur church is a popular area for people to hang out and is often animated by street musicians. Explore extra details on Travel blog for Paris.
Paris shopping pick : Boulevard Saint Germain, Bon Marche & Rue du Bac: Running through the elegant 7th arrondissement, the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and into the lively Latin Quarter, Boulevard Saint Germain is a street shoppers won’t want to miss in Paris. Starting at the Seine River in the 7th, this pretty street is lined with trees and beautiful Parisian buildings. It’s a great spot for home decor shops, fashion boutiques and gourmet food shops. As you reach the intersection with Rue du Bac and Boulevard Raspail, you’ll enter a fabulous shopping neighborhood. Follow Boulevard Raspail down to Rue de Rennes, and along the way you’ll find many interesting stores, including Genevieve Lethu for dishes, tablecloths and so on (95 Rue de Rennes). Plastiques (103 Rue de Rennes) is great for home gift ideas, including cool cheese trays, salad bowls out of clear plastic with Provencal flowers inside and so on.
A triumph of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame stands in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cite near the attractions of the Latin Quarter. An island in the Seine River, the Ile de la Cite is the historical and geographical center of Paris. On this small plot of land, the Romans built the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, and from the 6th century to the 14th century, the Kings of France resided here. The Notre-Dame Cathedral was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style. Tourists are immediately struck by the ornamental design of the facade, with its profusion of sculptures and gargoyles, while elaborate flying buttresses provide structural integrity for the enormous building. Look out for the 21 figures above the doorway in the Gallery of Kings, who lost their heads during the Revolution. (The heads are now on display in the Musee de Cluny.) Discover a few more info on FranceTravelBlog.com.
Malaysia is an amazing destination, so much colour, a must see for any travel fan. Situated approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Malacca town, the Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary is one of the most visited attractions in Ayer Keroh. Also known as Taman Rama-Rama & Reptilia Melaka, it is home to a collection of animals ranging from beautiful butterflies to more than 20 species of snakes as well as lizards, crocodiles, colourful koi fish, not to mention a few prickly hedgehogs.
This nature reserve borders an old Dutch colonial fort and the paddy fields of the old town of Sekinchan. Loved by history and nature lovers, many flock to this mangrove swamp to watch huge colonies of fireflies during the mating season, or to spot the elusive leopard and playful river otters. Malacca is one of the best states to visit for heritage sites and antique stores, and is immensely popular with history lovers and artists. By day it is a town-sized museum, filled with relics from Dutch settlers and Malaysia’s unique Baba Nyonya Peranakan culture; by night it turns into a giant night market, lining the length of Jonker Street.
Another best place in Malaysia to fulfill your dream of exploring a tropical rainforest is Gunung Mulu National Park. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, GMNP is situated in Borneo and is home to 3500 species of vascular plants and exceptional 109 species of palm. What catches the eye in the national park are the 295 kms stretch of caves that reflect a geological history of more than 1.5 million years. The Sarawak Chamber, which is 600 m by 415 m and 80 m high, is the largest known cave chamber in the world and is housed in Gunung Mulu National Park. Aside this, canyons, wild rivers, rainforest-covered mountains, and limestone pinnacles all add to the mesmerizing beauty of this must see national park in Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia’s capital city, doesn’t really personify Borneo – the capital isn’t a jumble of leafy greens and seaside shanties, but it is the place to go for a cache of Sabahan’s superlative sights. Home to the 4095-metre Mount Kinabalu – Southeast Asia’s highest peak, the Kinabalu National Park, located in northwest Sabah, is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has one of the world’s largest collections of flora and fauna and the two-day journey across its landscape to get to the summit of the Borneo peak is a sure-fire adventure challenge for intrepid climbers. Read more info on Homestay Melaka.
Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Fringed with long, white beaches and with an interior of jungle covered hills and craggy mountain peaks, it’s easy to see why this is Malaysia’s most heavily promoted tourist destination. The most popular beaches can be found on the west coast with a wide choice of restaurants and eateries and some of the best resorts in Langkawi.
For our malaysian guests:
Homestay Melaka ini Berdekatan Kawasan Pelancongan, Tumpuan, University dan Pejabat Kerajaan. Saban hari, satu persatu tempat yang menjadi tumpuan dan pelancungan di bina dan diwujudkan. Semakin hari semakin banyak tempat-tempat menarik yang baru yang belum anda lawati atau terokai. Lebih-lebih lagi jika telah 2-3 tahun kali terakhir anda mengunjungi Melaka. Ini menjadikan sebab mengapa anda harus berkunjung ke Melaka semula dengan bermalam di Malacca homestay di samping terdapat juga tempat-tempat pelancungan sedia ada juga ada yang telah di naik taraf atau diberikan nafas baru. Penemuan tambahan butiran di laman web ini www.anugerahhomestay.com.
You must see Caribbean Bahamas at least once : These peaceful islands are dotted with sleepy fishing villages and secluded beaches, and flourishing coral reefs rim many of their shores. The other islands all offer something for discerning travelers. From the big game fishing of Bimini, and the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island, to bonefishing, regattas, and uncrowded outer cays, it’s hard to beat the Bahamas. For those visiting around the New Year, don’t miss the throbbing drums and kaleidoscopic costumes of Junkanoo, the nation’s most popular festival.
The Port Lucaya Marketplace is considered to be the commercial hub of Grand Bahama. It is the largest shopping, dining, and entertainment open-air facility in the Bahamas, with over 40 specialty stores and boutiques, along with restaurants and bars. The Pink Sand beach at Harbour Island is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the Caribbean. The light pink sand gets its hue from thousands of broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera that live in the coral reefs that surround the beach. Visit this natural phenomenon for yourself at Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is a hub of all tourist activities and is located on the New Providence Island. It is a charming and lively city that blends the old world charm and culture with the modern amenities and lifestyle.Comfortable resorts, hotels, mouth watering restaurants, nightlife for the night birds, golf course, casino and an aquarium make Nassau, a true tourist attraction in the Bahamas. Discover extra details on Bahamas vacation travel agency.
Scuba diving enthusiasts flock to the Bahamas to explore its many underwater shipwrecks, but did you know there’s one you can see without getting into the water, too? SS Sapona was once a vast cargo steamer, initially used as a floating casino. A storm in 1926 saw the ship run aground, and it has remained in place to this day. The ship is easily visible above the water, and divers can choose to explore what lurks beneath the waves, too. It’s a spooky sight, and definitely one of the creepiest of these Bahamas landmarks.
This tropical haven is not only restricted to mesmerizing you with its natural bounty, there’s much more to it. Especially the nightly hotspots. When the sun finally sets down, it means that the party is just about to begin. From quiet, soothing to thundering beats, this place echoes of Caribbean best. Curl up to a classic martini amidst the old world charm or groove the night away, blend in with the locals or sing along at a jazz concert- Bahamas never runs out of options.
Creating moments: Going on a vacation is entirely about spending quality time with your beloved and we ensure to craft your holiday in the finest way possible. Effortless ease: Make the most of your stress-free vacation. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Dependency: Offering certainty along with quality, only for you. Harvard Vacations is devoted to providing you with the best travel assistance. The Cruise Line International Association has been around since 1975 and has a membership of over 14,000 travel agencies and 26 cruise lines. The CLIA represents over 97% of the cruises marketed in North America and are a premier resource for cruise information and verification. Harvard Vacations is a CLIA accredited company, dedicated to bringing you the best value in Bahamas travel. Read more info at https://www.harvardvacations.com/.
Travel to Sri Lanka for an incredible holiday tour ?Sri Lank safaris and vacation tours … an incredible destination that we will focus in this post. Udawalawe National Park: is well known for its Sri Lankan elephant population because they are attracted to the Udawalawe reservoir, an important source of water for them. There are around 500-700 elephants at Udawalawe, so your chances of spotting this beautiful creature on a safari are close to 100%! Udawalawe is also famous for its rich diversity of species, which includes 33 reptiles, 184 birds, 43 mammals and 135 species of butterflies. Udawalawe also has some leopards (as explained above). During our safari at Udawalawe, we saw lots of spotted deer, water buffalos, crocodiles, wild boars, and peacocks.
Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest park, is situated in the dry lowlands of the island’s north-west and comprises a series of lakes – or villus – with varying degrees of freshness and salinity. The park reopened in 2003 after nearly 15 years of closure. Over time, the wildlife should recover to its former abundance and become more habituated to vehicles – at the moment the animals are wary of any human presence. Wilpattu was famous for its leopards, and big-cat enthusiasts are hoping this reputation will return. The park’s fauna is similar to Yala, but visitors also have a chance of seeing barking deer.
Rank “Diyawadana Nilame” was appointed by Buddhist clergy for administrative matters and caretake of the Tooth Relic in Dalada Maligawa, up to date the Diyawadana Nilame do supervise and hold the responsibilities to protect the standard of historical tradition in the procession by getting advice and blesses from the Mahanayaka Theros(chief monks) of Malwathu and Asgiri temple, two Buddhist monasteries. These two temple holds the custodianship of sacred tooth relic. The procession begins with planting Kap at the auspicious time that prepared by astrologists. The main reason for planting Kap is to protect participants in the procession activities from any obstruction. Also believe that gods and goddesses in ‘four maha Dewalaya’ shrine of god Natha, the shrine of god Vishnu, the shrine of god Kataragama, and the shrine of goddess Paththini give their blesses to them. Read extra info Kandy Esala Perahera Seat booking.
You’ll see elephants everywhere you go in Sri Lanka: working on a tea plantation, running wild in national parks, and leading the Esala Peraha parade in Kandy in all their bejewelled and sequined glory. Uda Walawe National Park offers you your best chance of seeing elephants roaming free. Created to protect the watershed of the enormous Uda Walawe Reservoir, this park is home to around 400 pachyderms and has extensive stretches of grassland as well as scrub jungle and riverine forest. It is one of the best places to go birdwatching in Sri Lanka too.
One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights is the Nine Arch Bridge in the small mountain town of Ella. This viewpoint offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding area, which is made up of verdant greenery and tea fields. Visitors can watch trains roll over the bridge as they make their way along the Demodara Loop. Constructed in the early days of the railway expansion in Sri Lanka, the bridge is particularly impressive because it is made of cement, stone and brick, without the use of any steel. Mihintale is a mountain near the town of Anuradhapura. Its summit has much spiritual significance to the Buddhist community. It’s believed that on this mountain top a Buddhist monk named Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and together this meeting introduced Buddhism to the country. Monk Mahinda impressed the King with the peacefulness of the Buddhist doctrine and his contented, serene nature. The King subsequently renounced war, and went on to spread peace throughout the nation. There are several impressive religious and historical structures on and around Mihintale Mountain. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the site each year.
Best tailor made holidays Sri Lanka and book Perahera Seats ?Sri Lank wildlife safaris and holiday tours … a fabulous destination that we will focus in this post. Udawalawe National Park: does not have an “ideal” time to visit as animals at Udawalawe can be spotted at any time of the year, including leopards. The park has the biggest concentration of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, so your probabilities to see them are very high. Udawalawe is always open for safaris even during the dry season in September / October. This is when the water levels are at the lowest and when most of the mating occurs for the Asian elephant. If you want to spot baby elephants, come from October to January during the rainy season when most births are occurring.
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for seeing wildlife. It is also one of the best all-round wildlife destinations in the world for a mix of big game, marine life and varied landscapes, all packed into a compact area with a very good tourism infrastructure.The island’s isolation from the mainland, the heavy rainfall of the two diagonally-blowing monsoons, and the country’s wide range of altitudes, have given Sri Lanka a variation in climate and biodiversity normally found only across an entire continent. On top of that, the island has become known as the easiest place in the world to see the hitherto elusive blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived in the planet.
History of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha: When the war-torn situation of India threatens the existence of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, king Guhasiwa decided to take the relic to Sri Lanka for safekeeping. King himself assigns this important job to his son-in-law prince Dantha and his own daughter princess Hemamala. Their ship secretly landed to Lankapattana during the reign of Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura in 4th century BC and handed over the tooth relic to king King himself. The King Sirimeghavanna enshrined it Meghagiri Vihara, now it is called as Isurumuniya Viharaya. Safeguarding the relic became king’s responsibility, overtime custodianship of the relic came to signify the right to rule. Time passed and reigning monarchs used to build tooth relic temples considerably close to their royal palace. Last Sinhalese King of Sri Lanka, Vira Narendra Sinha of Kandy built the present-day temple Meghagiri Vihara, First Tooth relic temple, present-day Isurumuniya Viharaya Famous painting of princess Hemamali and prince Danthaat at Kalani vihara. Present-day tooth relic temple Sri Dalada Maligawa Casket of tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, this charming throwback to the country’s colonial years is rich with the heritage of home-county England. Tour neatly-terraced tea estates, watch pickers at work, and buy your own samples to take home. Tea lovers will want to visit the Hill Country’s Haputale Mountains, where Sir Thomas Lipton launched his tea empire. To see where it all began, organise transport to Lipton’s Seat – Mr Lipton’s favourite spot to sit and watch over his enormous estate. It is possible (and maybe a bit more comfortable) to take a car up, but an open air tuk-tuk ride is much more fun. Head out early before the afternoon fog cloaks the surrounding mountains, clouding the awe-inspiring views. Find extra info Best tropical holiday destinations.
The beautiful Ravana Falls are used for bathing in the hot summer months. In the rainy season, the water flow is exceptionally strong and is an impressive sight. The falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and the nearby cave complex is rich in local legend. Conveniently located on the main road on the way to Ella town, the caves are a common stop off point for visitors during their journey. Many cheeky monkeys live in the surrounding trees and they are often seen on the roadside dining on fruit. However, don’t let them get too close, as sometimes they can get over-friendly with visitors. The Dambulla Cave Temple is a sacred Buddhist site. There is no entry fee to get into the temple on full-moon days; however, these days are especially busy because of the religious significance of this lunar phase. Devotees from all over the world make pilgrimage to this place. There are over 80 caves documented in the area, but the most famous five are outfitted with impressive statues and paintings. Some of the caves date back to 1000 BC, when prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived within them, so it is unsurprising that they would have created temples inside at that time. If you do plan to visit, please be aware that visitors must cover their shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering the temple.
Adventure travel tours in San Blas and winter 2020 deals! San Blas adventure travel destinations are a trendy thing to do right now. When I was researching about the San Blas Islands in Panama before this trip, I was so disappointed with the information I found – and after going, I can honestly say it’s so outdated or written by people who did a day trip and stayed for a couple of hours. It seemed like this very difficult place to get to and that taking a day trip to San Blas Islands (on a tour) was the only option. This is not the case and I want to share some more recent San Blas Island travel tips so you can be much more prepared than I was. Before the trip, Silvia and I were messaging each other questions and both were unable to find answers online – it made me nervous about booking to stay there since it seemed everyone just went for the day and left but I’m so glad we gave it a go anyway!
Arriving at your first destination you will be greeted by a tropical palm-fringed island paradise and calm waters with various shades of blue and green inviting you to dive in and play with the multitude of colorful fish surrounding you, while snorkeling on the sunken shipwreck reef located close to the beach. You will have plenty of time to relax in the shade of a palm tree, to explore the island, to meet the amazing Kuna population or to bath in the crystal clear ocean, surrounding yourself with the iridescent turquoise water colors allowing for postcard perfect photo shots. We provide all of our guests with free snorkel equipment to marvel at the colorful reef and the multitude of fish species surrounding the wreck. On our second stop, a typical San Blas paradise island, you will be served a tasty and freshly prepared lunch, with a choice of fresh fish, mixed seafood or chicken (note: we also offer alternatives, if you have diet restrictions). Spend time exploring this beautiful island, meet the friendly Kuna family that inhabits it and learn about their culture, or just relax in the shade of a palm tree.
Have you ever wanted to spend a day and a night on your own beautiful island? An island paradise smack-bang in the middle of gorgeous clear blue seas where there’s no one else around?A place where all you have to do is jump in the water when it gets too hot? Well, the island you see in the image above is one of those. We stayed there on our second night. Well that’s San Blas. It gets even better. We had a Kuna Native visit us. An hour after he left he dropped off some ice cold beers we could enjoy around the fire on our own island. I guess Robinson Crusoe wouldn’t have minded that service! Read extra info on San Blas day trip.
There’s not a great deal to do on the San Blas islands – in a way, that’s the point. Much of the time you’ll be swimming, snorkelling or reading on the beach. Normally there will be day-trip or two, to a nearby island that offers something different; that could be a shipwreck to explore, or an area full of starfish. Meals will usually be rice and fish. Once the generator cuts out in the evenings, it’s time to bed down. As the better tour operators will tell you, when you visit the San Blas islands you are doing so as a guest of the Kuna – and they are an indigenous group, not a tourist operation. So the jeep that picks you up from Panama City might be late, or might make unscheduled stops. The water taxi at the port might take a while to turn up. The toilets will be very basic. And so on. It’s certainly worth reading this list of what to expect before you go.
Few locations include Sendero Los Quetzales near the small town of Cerro Punto is one of Panama’s most beautiful trails. The 9 km (5 miles) route starts east of town and takes between four and seven hours. The trail winds through the cloud forest of Parque Nacional Volcan Baru and follows the Río Caldera, crossing it several times en route. It ends in the mountains above Boquete. The trail can also be hiked in reverse, but it’s entirely uphill from Boquete. Because the trail is not well marked it is recommend to hire a guide or join an organized tour.
Although you may not believe, bird watchers come to San Blas from many parts of the world, given its wide variety of birds of various kinds: Mountain, Middle Mountain, Lagoon, Sea and Estero. San Blas is considered one of the most important refuges in the Western Hemisphere. In January we celebrate the International Festival of Migratory Birds that offers several events for attendees, among them bird watching tours, children’s meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, among others.
Panama’s most famous attraction is by far the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watching a massive ship, piled high with colorful containers, gliding quietly into the locks reveals the true enormity of this great feat of engineering. Taking a boat tour through the canal gives you even more perspective. If you want to simply see the Panama Canal, the best place to do this is at the Miraflores Locks, about 25 minutes from downtown Panama City. You can see the canal from the five-story visitor center, complete with a small museum, a restaurant, and an IMAX theater in a separate building. Discover more info on San Blas Adventures.
Top hiking gear online shopping and backpacking tricks. Dinner: Look for all-in-one meals such as packaged noodle or rice entrees. Boxed meals can be removed and placed in a plastic bag for easier packing. Lunches and snacks: Bring high-calorie, high-protein energy bars and trail mix to munch on during the day because backpacking burns a lot of metabolic fuel. Keep thing simple by making lunch a trailside affair with ample snacks and a longer rest. Other backpacking lunch options include bagels, jerky, dried fruit and nuts. Breakfast: This can range from a cooked entrée (pancakes anyone?) to hot oatmeal from a mix to two or three breakfast bars. You have to weigh the advantages of starting your day warmed up and fueled up versus hitting the trail earlier. If you can’t go without your caffeinated beverage, your simplest option is an instant coffee mix or tea bags.
Lowering backpack weight tip : Ultralight gaiters. Get some of these. They are like those elastic book sock covers from school. Great to keep out any debris from your shoes and much lighter than other gaiter options. Leave your puffy jacket (if it’s not too cold). Even in freezing temperatures on the Appalachian Trail, I was always shedding layers and still sweating buckets while hiking. You can always bundle with your sleeping bag on breaks and at camp. See ultralight down jackets. Wool socks. Wool naturally fights odors and still insulates when wet, unlike cotton. Read additional info at Ultralight Hiking Backpacks Online Shopping.
Don’t hike in winter conditions unless you have experience doing so. Every year I see dozens of preventable hiker deaths in the winter. Hikers attempt a trail that’s straightforward in the summer, but in the winter becomes a mountaineering exercise. Don’t push yourself past your limits. Build your strength and distance in a gradual way. Stay hydrated and fed, even if you aren’t hungry or thirsty. Heed signs and warnings. Sometimes they seem very basic and aimed at beginners, but they’re there for a reason. Stay on the trail, avoid shortcuts, and always know where you are and where you’re going. Check out my “hiking for beginners” post to make sure you haven’t missed anything important. Leave your hiking plans with a friend or family member, along with a time that you will be back by. If you’re not back by that time, let them know that they should call 911 and alert the authorities of your situation. Usually this is as simple as forwarding a link to a hike web page in an email. Worth the 2 minutes it takes. Practice camping overnight with your emergency gear in your backyard (or a nearby park). Learn some primitive skills to help you survive in the outdoors. You can watch videos on Youtube, or even attend classes all over the country. I’ve gone to the Tom Brown Tracker school and it was pretty awesome. And even though I know primitive survival skills, I still bring all of the emergency gear that I mentioned earlier. It’s better to have as many options as possible.
Who is Hilltop Packs? We are a family owned business. You can find more info about us here. Does Hilltop Packs have an affiliate program? Yes! Earn 5% on every order you refer to us. Sign up here. What is the current lead time from when I place my order? While we do keep many items in stock a lot of our products are made to order. Current lead times can be found here. Where is Hilltop Packs located? Waynesburg PA. We share space with the photography studio that our family owns downtown. However we make a lot of our products off-site in a shop we built in our home. We currently do not have a shop open to walk-ins. However, that may change in the future. See more info on www.hilltoppacks.com.