Travel Destinations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a wonderful tourist destination with a variety of locations to see. This island offers visitors a staggering variety of environments and tourist attractions to enjoy and experience. It is situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India.

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In places like Colombo and Kandy, tourists may explore the island’s interesting history, which spans from prehistoric times through the colonial era to the present. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this very small island where that past is still present.

Large national parks including Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe, which are home to many elephants and leopards, offer breathtaking outdoor scenery and safari adventures. A variety of opulent beach resorts can be found in Sri Lanka, which is also a beach lover’s heaven and is bordered by some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Remember that the rainy season in Sri Lanka, which lasts from May through August, makes December through April often the best time to travel there while planning your journey. Visitation is also recommended during the shoulder season in September, October, and November.

1. Colombo

The nation’s capital city blends the vibrant indigenous and colonial histories of the nation with contemporary metropolitan comforts. Sri Lanka has always retained strategic significance for European commercial powers as a significant stop on the global spice trade routes. Portugal, the Netherlands, and most recently the British all colonised the country, and all of these civilizations converge with indigenous culture to create a wonderful hybrid. These influences can be tasted in the cuisine, seen in the architecture and the arts, and felt in Colombo.

There are several museums and other attractions in the city that can introduce you to Sri Lankan culture. Colombo is a coastal city, and the Indian Ocean is separated from an area known as Fort by a sizable green space and beach area right in the middle of the city. It’s a great site to visit, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, as it serves as the city’s public playground.

The Colombo Lotus Tower, a new mega-tower in the city, is a fantastic destination. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is the tallest free-standing tower in Southeast Asia. A sophisticated restaurant and a well-known food court are located in the mall at the tower base in addition to indoor and outdoor observation spots.

2. Kandy

You can study and enjoy Sri Lankan history at Kandy. The city, which lies in the centre of Sri Lanka, served as the country’s primary capital prior to colonialism and was the previous seat of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty. The “Kandyan Era” peaked between the 15th and 18th centuries, during which time the region maintained its independence while the majority of the coastal districts were colonised by European forces.

Visit the city’s National Museum of Kandy, which uses exhibits and artefacts to tell the history of the area and its inhabitants. A very revered Buddhist shrine that is close by and a component of the royal palace complex is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. 

Mountains all around Kandy are the location of several tea plantations. Some are open for tours and samples of tea. It is encircled by rainforests as well. Within the boundaries of the city is the woodland park known as the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. The forest reserve features a great nature centre with informative displays and miles of hiking routes.

3. Udawalawe National Park

About an hour’s drive from the Hambantota tourist area, this substantial wildlife park is located in the southern region of the nation. Due to the park’s location on the country’s wet and dry borders, the topography and ecology are diverse.

Elephants are abundant in the park, and visitors can also view crocodiles, water buffalo, and other animals there. In fact, it’s one of the best locations outside of Africa to watch elephants in the wild.

There are also leopards there, but they can be quite difficult to find or follow. In addition, there are a variety of deer and other mammals, as well as monkeys. Additionally, it’s a great location for watching birds.

There are a few modest lodgings and guesthouses both outside of and within of Udawalawe. The best times to visit are very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. You can also go as a day trip.

4. Galle

One of the nation’s first contemporary superhighways connects Colombo with the city of Galle in around two hours of travel time. This historic trading harbour is centred on a sizable seaside fort from the 17th century and recalls its colonial past.

Galle Fort is a complete walled town that has been preserved; it is now populated by upscale hotels, stores, and restaurants (along with real residents). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.

Since there are no cars everywhere in the Fort area, it’s a great place to explore on foot. You can’t get lost because the sea is on three sides of you.

In addition to the fort, the city is encircled by some spectacular beaches. The expansive sand beach extends into blue, clear water like others seen throughout the nation. Even a beach may be found directly below the well-known lighthouse in Galle.

5. Hikkaduwa Beach

This beach is all about water sports, including surfing, bodyboarding, snorkelling, and scuba diving, and it’s only 90 minutes from Colombo. From one of the beachfront stands, you can easily hire all the necessary equipment. The best waves are found there between November and March, making it one of the most well-liked surfing spots in the nation.

Due to the size of the beach, it never feels overcrowded. If you choose to spend the night, there are many seaside stalls providing a variety of delectable local street food, as well as many modest hotels and guesthouses.

It is renowned for its coral as well. Just offshore is the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, a marine preserve that is a part of the larger Hikkaduwa National Park. It was established to safeguard the region’s coral reefs.

Why Should I Visit Tangiers?

Tangiers in Morocco is one of the increasingly popular tourist destinations in recent times. This hidden gem of a city is one that truly has a way of making anyone relax. In fact, for a unique and relaxing vacation in 2023, Tangiers is one of the top recommended destinations. Here are two major reasons why:

It is a City for Everyone

There is a certain diversity in Tangiers that is difficult to find anywhere else. This might be because it rests at the very edge of the continent and is just about 9 miles away from the Spanish coast. It has a few Spanish, some French, and a lot of Arabic structures. For a lot of people, it is a home away from home. 

Tangier Medina

The medina is “where everyone is’. Streets filled with cafes, makeshift stores, terraces, and all kinds of merchants make up the medina. Although not as epic or popular as the labyrinths in Marrakesh, Tangier’s medina has its unique features. For one, the chances of you getting lost are considerably reduced (even without a guide). In a few days, it will become easy to navigate this intriguing souvenir lane. 

The beautiful coastline view and relaxing Mediterranean lifestyle make Tangiers a perfect vacation destination. …

Why Should I Visit Portugal in 2023?

For one thing, Portugal is one of the friendliest countries in the world. The typical Portuguese is always eager to welcome you into their space and show you the best parts of their culture. Ask anyone who has been to the country. They will tell you that Portuguese are easygoing and chill people to hang around. Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Portugal as the second friendliest country in the world. 

Another major attraction to Portugal is that there are a lot of cities to visit. For a great nightlife experience, spectacular cuisine, and architectural wonders, Lisbon is the city to visit. But for more picturesque views, beautiful destinations, and natural wonders, check out Porto

Additionally, Portugal is also quite famous for its amazing world-class beaches. The Gondarem beach in particular is simply perfect. It is relatively close to Porto’s central area. But even better, it is one of the best beaches in the region. A perfect beach day doesn’t get much better than a well-planned day in Gondarem.

Beautiful beaches and amazing waves make Portugal every surfer’s ideal vacation spot. Even for those who don’t surf, it could be quite a thrill to watch people ride waves as tall as story buildings. 

Whether you are chasing an adventure or looking to relax, Portugal is perfect for you.…

Top Interesting Facts About Portugal

In 2022 Portugal was named the Best Country in the World by Readers’ Choice Awards. This culturally vibrant country has in recent times. This spectacular country has become a major hit among first-time, as well as seasoned travelers.  Here are a few reasons why Portugal is outclassing other tourist destinations in recent times:

  1. The Wine Collection is Exquisite:

Portugal is home to some of the smoothest and most exquisite bottles of wine on the planet. The Portuguese seem to have an even greater appreciation for fine wine and dining than other European nations. There are lots of tours that include vineyard visits and wine tastings.  

  1. Home to Christiano Ronaldo:

As a football fan, this particular reason is all one needs to visit Portugal. Regardless of whether one is on the Messi or Ronaldo train, all will have to agree that both men have contributed significantly to football history. The Ronaldo museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

  1.  It is Economically Friendly:

With a dollar, one could enjoy a decent traditional Portuguese treat in any of the many bakeries or cafes. Food and accommodation are cheaper in Portuguese than in a lot of other popular European tourist hotspots.

Great views, exquisite wine, and delicious food are all available at pocket-friendly prices.  Portugal is the perfect tourist destination. …

What Makes Portugal So Special?

Could be as a result of its beautiful scenery, or its fascinating history, or maybe something else. Either way, Portugal is rapidly becoming one of the most visited cities in the world. Here are however some of the most interesting facts about Portugal:

  • The climate in Portugal is simply perfect. It is never too hot or too cold to have a good time. This means that whenever you find time to visit, there will be tons of activities to engage in. The warm relaxing sun makes afternoon coffee time a delight.   
  • The magical beaches of this European gem attract lots of tourists annually. There are so many beaches that you might have to travel to various regions just to visit them all. But for those hoping to have a little quiet, those in the Algarvean region will be perfect.
  • Portugal similar to their other European neighbors enjoys a mouthwatering cuisine. From exquisite seafood options to delicious meat-based and vegetable-based dishes, Portugal has them all. 
  • For wine enthusiasts, the Duoro valley in Portugal is a must-see. The valley is the oldest wine-producing district in the world. With good wine and delicious food, at least the visit is already 60 percent worth it.

The magnificent views and gentle Portuguese people all add to the unique charm of the country. Everyone should get to see Portugal at least once.…

Visitors for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia

The holy travelers!

There’s no place on the face of this universe that hosts such a big number of visitors like Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah do. People don’t visit these places for entertainment purposes or for fun but only for the fulfillment of their religious rituals. Muslims from all over the world visit these two cities the whole year except three Islamic months when the authorities take some rest and development works goes at its full potential. This is the only time in the year when no outside visitors can visit for the purpose of performing religious activities.

Services by authorities:

The authorities in Saudi Arabia make sure that not a single visitor faces any problems. All the time development works go on and work is being done on different projects. As hundreds of thousands of people frequently move between three cities, Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, transportation has always been a big hurdle as well. But the strategy and planning by the authorities has solved this problem easily. They allow private car owners to carry passengers to and fro these cities. In the meanwhile big train and road projects are going on.

Recently the Saudi government has started a rail project which is known as metro and it helps pilgrims move between Mina and Makkah during Hajj season. Normally in Hajj season transportation is the biggest challenge. Because almost 4 million Muslims leave together for Mina when the Hajj starts and then they travel to and from Makkah gradually.

In Mina and Arafat, where almost 4 million people gather for religious activities, free food and drinks are distributed by government authorities as well as private organizers. Government makes sure that all the facilities, including latrines, first aid, hospitals and refreshment are available easily to each and every pilgrim.

Response to accommodation challenge

Recently, a large number of hotels have been demolished and new projects have been launched simultaneously. This definitely has given rise to a shortage of hotels and visitors are facing some problems. But this is only for a time being. It is expected to take 5 years more before new hotels will be constructed and this problem is likely to be solved. But once it’s done, it is expected that there’ll be no need for a similar plan for the next fifteen to twenty years.

Hotels are usually very expensive in Makkah because of visitors’ tendency towards Makkah. In Madina hotels are not too expensive. The reason is that the number of visitors is comparatively less than what they are in Makkah. The other reason is the timely completion of projects in Madina.…

Camping Destinations in Saudi Arabia

Camping on the shores of the Red Sea and diving in its warm waters year round is one of the main attractions if you are visiting or live on the west coast. Unlike the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, where the reefs are literally dived out, the Saudi side has pristine virgin reefs due to the small number of people who dive there.

Rabigh and Shuwaiba beaches are two great spots to head to for the weekend in your pop up camper or just pitch a tent or better still, sleep under the stars.

Reef sharks, manta rays, moray eels, lionfish, black carol and a vast array of other fish, including the humpback wrasse are seen on a regular basis when you are diving or snorkelling in the warm waters of the Red Sea. As it is a major shipping channel and many warships were destroyed there in the wars you’ll find numerous shipwrecks to dive on. If you are not a diver, snorkelling is just as fun and the vast array of different corals and fish life will keep you in the water for hours.

When you think of Saudi Arabia you think desert and much of it is, with the high moving sanddunes or the flat rocky landscapes but every now and again, as you are driving across the vast desert landscape you will come across something very unexpected. One of these is the Wahba Crater, east of Jeddah, a large volcanic crater formed thousands of years ago, and now offering great camping spots around the rim of the crater.

You can climb down into the crater where a large salt pan covers most of the bottom- it’s a bit of a scramble but worth it.

As you travel across the vast expanse of Saudi Arabia the sun shimmers off the desert floor and mirages start to appear before your eyes as the hot Arabian sun beats down on you. Then all of a sudden an oasis will appear offering a bit of respite under the palm trees and amongst the reeds and bulrushes in the pools of water.

Wadi Mur and Wadi Dribble are two such examples.

Medain Saleh, to the north of Medina, was built by the Nabetaeans, who built Petra in Jordan. Tombs cut out of the weathered sandstone cliffs are seen everywhere and there are some interesting sculptures that have been formed by the erosion of the wind and sand over many years. Some of the tombs contain many separate chambers (which you can climb into) to cater for all the members of the family.…

The Historic Land Of Saudi Arabia Must Be Seen By The Inquiring Traveler

Intrigue surrounds the Middle Eastern country of Saudi Arabia. Vital in world events dating back to more than a thousand years ago, the country is steeped in history and tradition. Enthusiastic travelers might want to think about getting visas for the country, since it truly is can’t-miss.

The prophet Muhammad and the Islamic religion were both born here. A large proportion of the world’s population is Muslim, and the religion currently being the second biggest on earth is a result of its having been disseminated throughout a large section of the Eastern Hemisphere during the Middle Ages. The focal point of the set of beliefs is the sacred city of Mecca, as this is where its birth happened. One of the tenets of the denomination, in fact, requires that Muslims must in their lifetime complete a pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque in the urban center. While non-Muslims are not permitted in the holy city by law, a few travelers throughout the past hundred years have disguised themselves as Arabs and gotten entry to it. The city of Medina is likewise of major relevance to Muslims, being the location that Muhammad and his devotees moved to from Mecca and created the other sections of the Koran not drafted in their previous city. Muhammad’s burial place is situated here, encircled by one of the world’s three earliest mosques, the other two also within the city limits. Those of other faiths are also not allowed into Medina.

Non-Muslims are, however, permitted in the major cities of Riyadh (the capital), Jeddah, and Dammam (these last two are shipping towns). The latter two cities have many gorgeous beaches, the first two include beautiful old architecture, and all three are full of fine delicacies and interesting museums.

Saudi Arabia is a major player in the world financially, attributable to its huge oil supplies. Given that petroleum is utilized by all industrialized nations, it is incredibly important and the country’s main export. There are a large number of oil tycoons who are citizens of the nation, although a handful of wealthy Saudis have been involved in other areas like construction and fast food.

Saudi Arabia is a hotbed of tradition, as well. In the realm of visual art, professionals must be creative, as the Sunni Muslims who control the country do not permit visual representations of human beings. Calligraphy, along with production of eye-catching geometric patterns and floral themes are what are prevalent in the fine art realm. The classic dance form of Ardah, which features men moving in lines with cutting weapons or rifles, is reliant upon a backbeat generated by specially crafted drums and tambourines, examples of the traditional musical instruments of the nation, along with a sort of three-string fiddle. Soccer, well-liked throughout the Middle East, is an extensively-followed pastime, and camel racing, hundreds of years old, is still enjoyed by many.

The breathtaking beauty of this country and number of comforts it offers makes it a real gem in the desert. Obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia and visiting the country is almost imperative for anyone who believes themselves to be a connoisseur of worldly pleasures.…

Top Reasons to Visit Paris

One of the top reasons to visit Paris is that there is something for everyone. This French capital has managed to bring the best parts of every great vacation to one place. For those seeking a mellow or relatively chill vacation, visiting the museums and various art galleries would be a wonderful experience. For those who grade their vacations by fun events, Paris is also perfect. Shopping for designer goods in their market districts is a luxury that is open to everyone. 

Another wonderful reason to visit Paris is its world-class market district. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, most reputable designers have some form of presence in Paris. This makes getting designer products anything but difficult. As a result of the availability of these designer goods, the prices are friendly and perfect for those on a budget.

Last but not least, the reason to visit Paris is the mouth-watering meal array. From simple snacks and appetizers to elaborate meals and desserts, the Parisian meal scape will blow your mind. Anyone who gets to experience the exquisite café culture in Paris will leave with a greater appreciation for the little things like taking time out to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

A Paris vacation can truly be described as being life-changing.…

What Makes Paris Special?

Paris has always and will always be a tourist hotspot. Why is that?

First of all, the city’s landscape is dotted with numerous magnificent sights. There are lots of architectural wonders in Paris. Most of which are vestiges of a past world that continues to echo through time. Some of the most visited historical sites in Paris are:

1.   Arc of Triumph

2.   Eiffel Tower

3.   The Notre Dame Cathedral

Second, the city has a relaxed feel to it. Mostly apparent from their exquisite café culture. The various cafés found around every corner make it easy to take a breather out from your busy schedule and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Seeing as it is the capital of French cuisine, they offer what in my opinion is one of the best snack options on the planet.

Third, Paris as a city could be referred to as one of the fashion centers of the world. Most fashion designer brands either originate from or operate majorly out of Paris. This makes it easy to find magnificent dresses and designer products. Even if you’re on a budget, the market district has stores that offer affordable prices. You get to upgrade your wardrobe while sticking to your budget.

A vacation in Paris could very well be considered a vacation well spent.…

Why Should I Vacation in Paris?

Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world and for good reason. From the magnificent and modern views to the cobblestone skyline and old architecture, Paris has a unique flavor. While in Paris, it is easy to get carried away. This is what makes it a perfect vacation spot.

Paris is known as the city of love because of its unique atmosphere. Truly enjoying Paris involves evening walks and eating in quaint little restaurants. What better way to spend a quiet vacation with your partner than by doing these exact things?

As a food enthusiast, the city of Paris is paradise. Seeing as Paris is the French capital, it has all the best elements of French cuisine. A cuisine that kind of plays a part in shaping the world’s idea of what proper dining should entail. Croissants and other snacks can be found on just about every corner. So take note, it is not exactly a walk in the park to maintain your summer body in Paris. But what’s the point of a vacation if you can’t let loose for a bit?

In short, Paris is the perfect vacation destination because it has everything needed to truly help you enjoy your vacation.