Category: Round the world

Travel from around the world

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers its visitors an astonishing range of environments to experience and enjoy. Cities such as Kandy and Colombo help trace the enthralling history of the island from early times to the colonial era to the present day. The country is a paradise for any beach lover since the place is swamped by some of the best beaches in the world.

Following are some of the best places of interest to visit in Sri Lanka

Colombo

The capital city blends urban amenities with colourful native and colonial history. Sri Lanka has had strategic significance for trading powers in Europe as a major stop on the spice trade routes in the world. One can observe the influence of the British, Portugal, and the Netherlands culture in arts, architecture, and food. The city has the best museums on the island and several other things and places that help you connect with the local culture.

Arugam Bay

You are sure to have the best experiences in the country at this place. It is custom-made for people who like adrenaline-pumping activities. Take your swim-wear and head to the waters to indulge in speed-boating, surfing and several other activities. The blue waters and coconut tree rows make the location one of the appealing destinations on the island.

Beira Lake

Once you are done with your shopping or sightseeing, you can hop in for a peaceful boat ride here. Located in the heart of the capital city, this lake provides green and calm waters that offer a stimulating experience. You can rent a paddle-boat and go out on the lake while observing cute ducks and swans around.

Yala National Park

This national park is a well-known wildlife sanctuary situated nearly 200 km from Bentota. You can go on an adventurous trip into the forest. It is one of the perfect places to go to on the entire island and so you need to make sure you list it out in your itinerary. You will get to see some Sri Lankan leopards and elephants on your trip.

Galle Fort

One amongst the most famous tourist spots in the entire country, the Galle Fort was constructed during the 16th century by the Portuguese and reinforced in the 17 century by the Dutch. You can take pleasure in the stunning sea view from this fort or stroll around the cobblestoned trail around the fort area. The area surrounding the fort has several food joints, shops and cafes. You can look at the most splendid sunset view at this fort.

Dambulla Cave Temple

You can go to this temple to get a touch of old culture and history. This cultural hotspot is one amongst the largest temple complex in the country and hosts a wide assortment of paintings and statues that date back to the 12th century. This temple has 5 rooms each containing a striking statue of Buddha of various sizes. You can climb to the temple’s top to get a good view of the surroundings.

Jaffna

The capital city of Sri Lanka’s northern province has some of the finest temples. The Nallur Kovil temple is the most crowded in the area. You can visit the Jaffna Fort to know more about the rich history of Sri Lanka. The Nagadeepa Purana Vihara temple is yet another best place to go in Sri Lanka and is accessible only by boat. The calmness that you get to experience here is beyond compare.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee’s beach getaway is little known, however, a great place for spending a good time when you are in the country. It is a famous tourist spot that provides exceptional watersport activities. The perfect part of the place is the opportunity it offers for deep-sea diving. You can get in touch with the SLDT [Sri Lanka Diving Tours] to assist you to take a quick look into the marine life in the Trincomalee waters. You can indulge in beach hopping and temple sighting as well.

Pollonnaruwa

This significant city ruin site is one of the World Heritage Sites of the country. It was the 2nd capital city prospering approximately over a thousand years ago. The city is preserved, though the majority of its structures are remnants. There are palaces, gardens, temples and while the place is compact mostly, it can be explored easily by bicycle. There is a modern, small-town located a few miles from this place with bike rentals, guesthouses and cafes.

Polonnaruwa Sri-Lanka Buddha Asia Image by lapping from Pixabay

Ella

At times it is as much as important to consider the journey and not worry much about the destination. Ella is a good example. It is a hill-country town located amongst the tea plantations in Sri Lanka. The place is filled with amazing food, small guesthouses and friendly people. It is a place for anyone who wants to get away from the buzz of the city and enjoy hiking for a few days. The slow train goes up and down the hills, via small towns and arrives in the mountain town after nearly 6 hours.

The compact island possesses 8 of the World Heritage Sites and some of the best outdoor landscapes you will ever get to see in your life. You can opt for the Sri Lanka tour package from India offered by Packyoutrail. Their team of experts will help you make full use of your time in the country at an affordable cost.

How to Spend 5 Days in the UAE with Family

August 29, 2020

Kash Pals

With a plethora of places to visit in the UAE, deciding where to go on your vacation isn’t always easy. Read on to start creating your 5 days in the UAE itinerary.

Day 1 – Lost Chambers Aquarium

Built around the theme of the lost city of Atlantis, this aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine life. Wander around the 10 chambers of wildlife and 20 exhibits and see the magical wonders that this underwater world holds. Schedule a “behind the scenes” tour where your kids can talk to animal experts and learn the many secrets of what it takes to look after all the aquatic creatures. If you’re interested in a more in-depth experience at the Lost Chambers Aquarium then you can sign up for a snorkelling or diving session and get an up-close and personal experience.

Dubai Marina

If you have time left over in your day, then make be sure to add this to your UAE itinerary. The Dubai Marina is another example of Dubai’s ability to create magical structures from nothing. A waterfront that is completely man-made while being the largest of its kind. Built on Dubai’s shoreline, it runs 3 kilometers long. Take a walk on this beautiful strip while enjoying a stunning water fountain. You can bring the whole family along, as this is a parent-approved kids’ activity in Dubai. The kids can splash around and play in the water while they cool off from the heat. You can visit the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Skydive Dubai as they are located close by. Tired after your walk? Choose from the many appetizing restaurants and cafes that are along the marina.

Day 2 –Dubai Mall

You can’t make a 5-day in the UAE itinerary without visiting the largest mall in the world. Inside the Dubai Mall you will find more than 1200 retail outlets and around 200 places that serve food and drinks. The collection of luxury brands located within the mall makes it the fashion capital of the Middle East. Are you more interested in finding kids’ activities? Take your pick. You can either take them to the aquarium and underwater zoo that contains thousands of marine life. Stroll through the 270-degree walkthrough tunnel, as you look up in awe at the animals in their natural habitat. Or spend the day with your children inside KidZania, which is a city built just for kids to educate and entertain them. You can also skate on the Olympic-sized ice rink, watch a movie in one their cinemas, or visit the VR Park.

VR Park Dubai

VR Park Dubai is an indoor gaming theme park located inside Dubai Mall. Designed with gamers in mind, this park contains 18 rides and interactive experiences to ensure each family member finds what they are looking for. Depending on what kind of game you’re seeking to play, you and your kids can choose to engage in adventure, horror, or even something more relaxing. One of the attractions in VR Park Dubai is the Black Badge where you’ll work together with your crew and be transported to the place where Black Badge’s shuttle was supposed to have landed. It will be your mission to save a comrade from an unknown enemy monster. Or try out the Paradrop where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the first Virtual Reality paragliding ride in the Middle East that combines physical movement with stunning virtual reality content. It’s an adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Day 3 – Lahbab Desert Safari

Of the many things to add to your UAE itinerary, this desert safari is quite unique. You can choose from a morning, evening or overnight safari experience. You will be transported from Dubai to the beautiful Lahbab part of the Arabian Desert. The adventure begins with dune bashing in a 4×4. Then you can either take a camel ride or a horse ride around the sandbanks followed by the fun of surfing the dunes while sand boarding. The kids can enjoy the henna art and even get henna tattoos of their very own. You’ll also be able to enjoy live shows including belly dancing, Tanoura show, and other cultural exhibitions. End your day with a delicious BBQ and a local cuisine buffet.

Day 4 – Burj Khalifa

Standing as one of the most remarkable architectural accomplishment of modern history, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world (829.8 meters). It also has the highest number of stories in the world… an astounding 160 floors. This skyscraper is home to many residential apartments and commercial offices. The Armani Hotel within contains 304 luxury hotel rooms and suites as well as an exceptional spa. You can also find a fancy nightclub and world-class restaurants. The scenic views from all around are breathtaking. You can book a tour of the observation decks located on the 124^th, 125^th and 148^th floors. Or you can visit “At The Top” where you can look through a telescope to get a better view of the surrounding scenery or shop some of their souvenirs. Burj Khalifa breaks many records including having the highest restaurant in the world and the elevator with the longest travel distance. Another “must visit” destination on your 5 days in the UAE itinerary.

Day 5 – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Last but not least on your UAE itinerary is this one-of-a-kind theme park. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi promises you and your family a thrilling experience. Roaming around Abu Dhabi with kids just got a lot more interesting! Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was built and dedicated to the Formula 1 world and wants to offer you and your family the chance to have some of those experiences. It’s also famous hosting many Formula 1 sports events. The special touch of this theme park is not only does it offer you rides and attractions, but also provides you with knowledge about changing tires and other engineering facts regarding the racecar field. Some of the other attractions include the Formula Rossa, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world. Or how about the thrilling adventures of getting into a world-class go-kart on a 290-meter long track and competing with your family and friends!

Don’t forget to bring your loved ones along while you spend these 5 days in the UAE exploring some of the world’s most sought out attractions. Keep these places in mind the next time you’re planning your UAE itinerary!

7 Amazing Thailand Facts You Should Know

July 13, 2020

Kash Pals

Round the world Travel No Comments

Thailand is one of the most famed and visited Southeast Asian countries. It has the warmest locals, charming ever culture, wonderful architecture, breathtaking nature, unspoiled islands and beaches, mouth-watering foods, and most importantly, the hassle-free travel and Thailand visa procedures. Apart from these, there are some amazing and interesting things to know about Thailand – some of which you’ll be aware and some not. So come test your knowledge about Thailand by taking a look at these surprising facts about the country.

Thailand is the ‘Land of the Free’

In Thai language, Thailand is known as Prathep Thai. And it absolutely lives up to its literal meaning, ‘Land of the Free.’ After all, it holds the distinction of being the only country in the Southeast Asia that was never occupied by the European colonial powers.

The official name of Thailand’s capital city is the longest of its kind

Thailand is famous all over for its largest as well as the vibrant capital city, Bangkok. But did you know that the official name of its capital city is the world’s longest city name? So get ready to give your tongue a twist or exercise; the official name of Bangkok is, ‘Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.’

This comprises Pali and Sanskrit words and is translated in English as the city of angels, the glorious city, the abode of the Emerald Buddha, the invincible city of Lord Indra (unlike Ayutthaya), the world’s imposing capital blessed with nine precious gems, the cheerful city with an enormous Royal Palace which resembles the heavenly abode reigned by the reincarnated god.”

Find the world’s largest and smallest creature in Thailand

Black and beige monitor lizard, Thailand — Black and beige Monitor lizard
Photo by **Sudipta Mondal** from **Pexels**

Yes, Thailand bags this rare credit of being the country that inhabits both the largest and smallest creature in the world. Growing to a length of up to just 33 centimetres and weighing not more than two grams, the Bumblebee Bat is the world’s smallest mammal and you can find them in Thailand’s Sai Yok National Park at Kanchanaburi Province. Speaking of the largest creatures, you’ll not only find the biggest fish (white shark) in the sea but also the largest of its kind lizard, known as Monitor Lizard (growing up to seven feet).

Siamese cats are actually from Thailand

Siamese cats Thailand — Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay

Siamese cats are captivating for its distinctive charm and sleek appearance. It’s one of the world’s oldest cat breeds and more fascinatingly, it’s believed to have been originated in Thailand, back in the 14^th century. This is also found mentioned in an ancient Thai manuscript. Many interesting beliefs revolve around this type of cat. For instance, its considered auspicious to gift a Siamese cat to the brides.

Thailand has only a fraction of forest than it had a century ago

Any people travelling to Thailand instantly fall for its lush yet supremely appealing landscape with verdant jungles, laid-back islands, and other natural formations such as mountains, waterfalls, natural hot springs, striking valleys etc. However, the sad reality is that the country, especially in its northern part, was once completely blanketed with dense forests and trees. In fact, what now left is just a quarter of than it did over a hundred years ago. But the good news is that the logging activities are now completely banned in the country.

There is a festival dedicated to monkeys

One of the main reasons that make Thailand really unique is its weird beliefs and alluring festivals including the monkey buffet festival. It takes place annually in the province of Lophuri, also known as the land of monkeys, with thousands of long-tailed macaques. Interestingly, they are considered the descendants of Lord Hanuman. As indicative of its name, the festival’s major highlight is a sumptuous feast arranged for its revered residents, wherein they are allowed to devour on endless pounds of food including fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, desserts etc. Placed about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Bangkok, it’s held at a ruined Khmer shrine whose origin traces back to the 10^th century.

Thailand has a type of fish which can walk on land

Cave Angel Fish in Mae Hongson, Thailand by Chulabush Khatancharden Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Thailand is home to some rare and endangered wildlife and underworld species, and one of the most fascinating among them is the Cryptotora Thamicola. This is an amphibious fish which however is unlike any other fish species. With four legs, it’s not only able to swim out of water and walk like any other ordinary four-legged animal, but also come with the ability to climb the sheer rock surfaces along the waterfalls. This is probably the reason it’s also known as the Waterfall Climbing Cavefish. Interestingly, this fish is blind and mostly found in the caves across Northern Island.

CONCLUSION

From boasting one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs to being the land of over 35,000 shrines, there are more such interesting facts about Thailand. So how many of these amazing Thailand facts are you already aware of? Let us know in the comment section below.

Abu Dhabi with Family: Things to do and See

July 8, 2020

Kash Pals

Round the world Travel No Comments

The capital of UAE, the cosmopolitan city, the heritage preserving emirate, and the home to a futuristic skyscraper, Abu Dhabi has an array of tourist attractions covering the interests of all family members. Millions of visitors flock every year to this ultimate destination to observe the radiating Sheikh Zayed Mosque, adrenaline-pumping Ferrari ride, grandeur embodiment Emirates Palace, and unbelievable Louvre Museum. Read on to discover the best things to do in Abu Dhabi:

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world and a glistening architectural marvel with an astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers and visitors, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the top attraction to be seen in Abu Dhabi with family. The idea behind building this beacon of splendor was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate the diversity. Right from the 82 onion-top domes to the largest chandelier and carpet, from floral designs to stone-embedded columns, this picturesque mosque allows you to capture Instagram-worthy moments.

Watch the collection at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre, Abu Dhabi — **Louvre Abu Dhabi**

It is the first universal museum in the Arab World, designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel. Combining light and shadow, reflection and calm, the museum is internationally recognized for art, education, and culture. The 8 layered dome looks like floating on the water and the unconvincing design leaves the millions of guests to drop their jaw. The museum boasts a unique collection of both ancient and contemporary works of historic, cultural, and sociological interest. Later linger in tempting bookstores, and taste local teas, coffees, and delicacies.

Meander through The Corniche

White sandy beaches, landscaped gardens, entertaining parks, children’s playgrounds, and fountains, the Corniche is a 5-mile stretched waterfront avenue. And the best way to explore all of this is to grab a bike and ride across the attractions. Its beach is split into three sections- families, singles, and a public beach—and has clean waters, children’s play equipment, bikes and karts for hire. Offering one of the city’s main recreational opportunities and a spectacular view of the iconic high-rises, the Corniche is an exciting destination. You can swim, walk and cycle; hire sunbeds for the beach and later have some refreshments.

Feel the rush at Ferrari World

Home to world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, Ferrari World introduces an impressive mix of 37 record-breaking thrill rides and an array of world-class cuisines. Beneath its red roof, there is a jam-packed world of riveting rides and experiences. Get ready to scream with joy as you hop on the world’s fastest roller coaster with a top speed of 250kmph in 4.9 seconds. The family-friendly attractions, electric-powered go-karts, advanced simulator, live shows, and an inspiring collection of racing memorabilia will have you set for the day. Reserve your tickets in advance to skip the line, soon when you receive the UAE tourist Visa.

Revel in the nature at Umm Al Emarat Park

Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi — **Umm Al Emarat Park**

Built in 1982, it is one of the oldest and largest water parks in Abu Dhabi. Being a big crowd puller today, the park has undergone extensive renovation and has updated with Shade House, Animal Barn, Amphitheatre, Great Lawn, Botanic Garden, Children’s Garden, and Evening Garden. Observe the 12 animals including a camel, baby goat, cow, and a pony, and an iconic structure shielding plants in a moisture-controlled environment. There is a range of cool activities- kids can run wild, pet animals, kick back in the green ground, and admire the cascading waters and stone pools.

Enjoy a day out at Warner Bros World

Warner Bros world, Abu Dhabi — Warner Bros World

Located on Yas Island, the Warner Bros World is home to legendary fictional characters that are brought to life through mind-blowing rides. From Superman to Batman and Wonder Woman to Scooby-Doo, you can interact with the 29 state-of-the-art rides in the 6 fascinating worlds. Refuel yourselves by having small bites and munching on mouth-watering meals in the cafes. Complete with live shows and endless family experiences, this is the best theme park.

Ascend the Observation Deck at 300

Isn’t it amazing to be checking out the 360-degree view of the city along with savoring the afternoon tea in the finest restaurant? Observation Deck at 300 is nestled on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. You see an uninterrupted bird-eye view of the incredible skyline and sip hot tea or freshly ground coffee with sweet treats. Soak in these dramatic views fully as you won’t find it anywhere else.

Splash the fun at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

An action-packed experience and the leading water park across the globe, Yas Waterworld helps you raise the adrenaline with its record-breaking slides. From the first freefall waterslide to the Middle East’s longest suspended rollercoaster, from 5D adventure to intense water wars, this park has over 40 exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions. Some favorite rides include Dawwama, Bandit Bomber, Falcons Falaj, and Bubble Barrel. So, carry your kids along and engage in family-building activities all day long.

Marvel at Emirates Palace

Featuring 394 rooms and suites, 114 gold and marble-covered domes, spas, pools, multiple restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafés — blend with ethereal lighting and plush interiors, the Emirates Palace is a beach-front lavish hotel. It offers a perfect photo opportunity with its stunning backdrop. The hallways are inlaid with gold, crystal and marble patterns and adorned with Swarovski chandeliers. However, you can enjoy luxury without booking a suite, by booking a coffee tour or reserving a table at one of its royal restaurants.

Devour flavorful dishes at Cafe Mandarina

Eating at fantastic restaurants is one of the main pleasures in life here. Cafe Mandarina is a family-friendly restaurant in Abu Dhabi that has fresh and delicious ingredients to cook an amazing variety of food. Choose the mouth-watering dishes from the impeccable menu for the little appetite, including beverages as hot chocolates, fruit juices, and more. Reach its awesome rooftop terrace to watch the horses working in the school, and you can learn to ride them too in the Mandara Equestrian Club.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi is an emirate of amazing activities that keep the whole family entertained throughout the vacation. And these top recommendations will help you spend more memorable days without any interruption. So, get your visa and fly to this city.