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Yearly Archives: 2011

My Romantic Travel   →  2011
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Auckland Bay of Islands: New Zealand at its best

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

With 144 spectacular islets, the Bay of Islands is regarded as one of the most attractive holiday destinations in New Zealand. Positioned about 237 kilometres away from Auckland, these stunning islands are considered the best way to enjoy and explore a peaceful, romantic holiday in New Zealand complete with the best of natural beauty.

Facing the South Pacific, the Bay of Islands was first discovered by Captain James Cook, the famous English explorer. Soon after he discovered these magnificent islands and its secluded bays, the first English settlers in this part of the world arrived.

Receiving its name from Captain James Cook, the Bay of Islands is located approximately 4 hours away from Auckland. The entire journey from Auckland to the splendid Bay of Islands is extremely picturesque since it falls right along the northern coastal area. Waitangi which is situated close to the bay is where the important treaty was signed between the chiefs of the Maori and the British.

The bay is not only complete with scenic natural beauty but is also abundant with marine life such as whales, dolphins, big marlin, gannets, penguins and so much more. This tranquil part of New Zealand has also become a hub for overseas yachts sailing on world tours, those keen on marine life and golfers. With over 40 sites spread across the islands, the maritime and historic park is a great way to discover European as well as Maori culture and influence in the area. The main information desk of the maritime and historic park of the Bay of Islands is located in Russell.

Although most islands here are yet to be explored, there is no shortage of recreation, attractions and activities at the Bay of Islands. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as enthralling boat rides, fishing, diving, kayaking, scuba diving and much more.

The Bay of Islands offers its guests convenient and cosy accommodation from hotels and resorts, luxury boutique lodging, motels and apartments as well as holiday homes. For instance, travelers also have the option of staying at any of the fine Auckland hotels such as The Langham Auckland that offers easy access to explore New Zealand’s extraordinary Bay of Islands. This unparalleled Auckland hotel provides its guests luxurious and contemporary accommodation for an exceptionally memorable stay.

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Wedding Celebrations in Maldives for a Lifetime of Memories

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Maldives consists of 26 atolls and is world renowned for its beautiful beaches and the warm demeanor of its peoples. The islands are surrounded by azure waters and reefs with a plethora of colourful marine life inhabiting it. The white beaches stretch along for miles making it perfect for a destination wedding.
A wedding being the most memorable event in one’s life, demands an effort which can be easily catered by many luxury hotels Maldives. There are many themes to choose from, be it traditional or avant-garde. Settings can range from a serene beach wedding in the morning or a spectacular evening ball with the sunset as a backdrop. The weather in Maldives is perfect all-year round, usually with sunlit mornings and breezy, quiet nights. Bridal couples usually opt for a fully white deco to blend in with the surroundings or prefer a tropical theme with the wedding reception being garlanded with many a flower. Nuptials can be made extra special by carrying out a typical Maldivian wedding custom of planting a coconut palm together to symbolize eternal love, all this while traditional drums will be played to add to the celebration. The couple will then sip coconut water together, sealing their union and providing a simple yet romantic setting for the bridal party.

The happy couple is in for a treat during their stay in sunny Maldives, with dinner under the stars and even opportunities to explore completely uninhabited islands all day. Spectacular spa treatments such as massages, body exfoliations and wraps are also available in many of the resorts for him and her, offering tranquility and bliss.

Each resort island is beautifully set in green surroundings with paths lined with hibiscus and bougainvillea and lapping waves to lull you to sleep as you unwind with your significant other. A destination wedding in Luxury Hotels Maldives such as the Baros Maldives offers world class accommodation and dining in its award winning restaurants. Guests can explore the many atolls by seaplane, by cruise or snorkeling the reefs and diving into the rich underwater paradise Maldives offers. A wedding set in a Maldives Resort truly is a place to fall and stay in love.

Categories Travel

Weddings in Anchorage

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Perhaps one of the greatest natural settings in the world, Anchorage is embraced by the bountiful hands of nature. Showcasing a myriad of natural splendors, it is home to six mountain ranges with picturesque sceneries of lush greenery and vibrant flora. Surrounded by diverse wilderness, it is a modern city where adventure and excitement captures the interests of travellers.
Described by many, the days of summer usually seem endless, where the home gardens are adorned with dazzling displays of flowers. Having a series of exuberant seasonal festivities, the city is a pulsating land where live music fills the air. Alive all year around, there are many recreational options which ignite excitement and thrill in the travellers. A wonderland during winter, the downtown city is lit with thousands of dazzling lights. As the streets glitter under the night sky, there are many activities organized in the city that reverberate anticipation and exhilaration among the locals.

Arguably one of the best places to spend your holiday, the captivating beauty of the city has grasped the interest of many couples wanting to tie the knot as it is presently a budding destination for weddings. Warmed by the pleasant nature of maritime climate, the city has the perfect setting for a memorable wedding. For a truly unusual and one of a kind wedding ceremony, Anchorage is the perfect place as it provides an event setting that transports its guests to the notion of embracing nature in all its glory. Providing a unique, yet adventurous special occasion, weddings in the beautiful city will be a picturesque way to start your life with your partner. Exchanging vows amidst the natural surroundings of the city will be an experience that is bound to be treasured for a lifetime.

Providing the best setting for an outdoor wedding that connects deeply to nature, couples will have an unforgettable experience amidst the rustic and untamed beauty of Alaska. Couples can helicopter to the mountain top of Mountain Alyska or exchange rings in the backdrop of the breathtaking expanse of the dazzling waters. They also have the option to hike up to a romantic viewpoint overlooking the icy blue glaciers or even tie the knot whilst aboard on a small cruise ship passing along the striking beauty of the city’s wildlife. Other places to tie the knot include Alaska Botanical Garden, Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, Suomi-Finland Club and Bayshore Clubhouse.

For indoor weddings, couples can rent a ballroom at Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or at Alaska Native Heritage Center. Providing a unique option, both places offer stunning backdrops and spacious accommodations for you to get married.

For those interested in visiting the city, there are many Anchorage hotels to consider. One such hotel is Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage which offers the perfect environment for Anchorage weddings. Providing spacious room capacities, couples will have the convenience of hiring a wedding specialist to ensure their wedding will be an extraordinary event.

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Boat Tour In Negombo- An Experience To Remember

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
One of the best things about Negombo is the fact that it is a multi-ethnic city that is most often than not easy-paced and traveler-friendly. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, the city is also popular for its fabulous sea food offerings. From live and kicking crabs to colorful prawns, the selection of seafood at any of the town’s great restaurants is simply astonishing. Slowly but surely Negombo seems to be developing over the recent past and has been recognized as one of the top tourist destinations in the country, as many tourists are drawn to its captivating shores on a regular basis.

Travelers to Negombo thinking of the best way to get closer to the natural aspect of its offerings will find that taking a boat tour gives you the opportunity to get a feel for what Negombo is all about. Muthurajawela Marsh is a marshland habitat located in Negombo abounding in bio-diversity. This damp and watery region teems with all sorts of life-forms and supports a diverse eco system which draws many a traveler to the region.


As these marshy lands are home to an abundant population of fresh water fish and swamp dwellers, a significant bird population too thrives here due to the abundance of prey. Visitors on a boat tour should preferably request to be taken out over the water either very early in the morning or just before sunset, as this is the time of day when the birds of this habitat are at their liveliest. Several tour operators in Negombo offer such boat tours to visitors both local and foreign.

Jetwing Seashells is located in the heart of the city offering easy access to many of the city’s key tourist attractions. Travelers in search of Sri Lanka hotel with outstanding facilities and exquisite accommodation are in luck as this opulent Negombo beach hotel offers just that to the discerning traveler.

Categories Travel

Perdana Lake Gardens

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Think of Kuala Lumpur and the image that springs to mind is of soaring neon-lit skyscrapers interspersed with dignified mosques and temples among teeming throngs of humanity. Malaysia’s capital is a city flush with its commercial prosperity and driving ambitiously ever higher toward greater architectural and economic grandeur. Easy as it is to get caught up in the flashy currents of city life, one must pay due regards to the sprawling city parks which provide a brief respite from its breathless pace.
The Perdana Lake Gardens is the oldest and most popular of these city parks. The 90-hectare grounds which sprawl in a valley around two artificial lakes provide a tranquil oasis where city dwellers come to jog, exercise, boat or indulge in some tai chi. Lying on the fringes of the city, this used to be the area where the elite British colonists built their pleasure homes. Two of these colonial mansions have now been converted into the Carosa Seri Negara, Malaysia’s most exclusive hotel.

Although the main attraction is the Tasik Perdana, or the Premier Lake, where families rent boats for leisurely weekend afternoon paddles, the Panggung Anniversary is also a major draw, being an open theatre for cultural and musical shows. However, these are the least of the park’s attractions. The Orchid Garden housed within the park boasts 800 species of orchids while a small terraced space is devoted to hibiscus (Malaysia’s national flower). The Deer Park is a favourite haunt of the mousedeer, the world’s smallest hoofed species, and spotted deer imported from Holland. Children and insect enthusiasts will delight in the Butterfly Park, home to over 120 species of butterfly whose rainforest environs have been carefully recreated to mirror the insects’ natural habitat. The Bird Park is the largest in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest walk-in aviary housing more than 3000 migrant and indigenous birds.

Travelers seeking holiday accommodation Kuala Lumpur or even businessmen looking for Kuala Lumpur corporate housing should find the park quite accessible from the commercial city centres. Located in the KL central business district, adjacent to the Petronas Towers, the Ascott Kuala Lumpur’s serviced apartments cater to the extended stays of both business and leisure guests who wish for prime access to train stations and cab services that lead to all the city’s major attractions.

Categories Travel

Ballooning in Christchurch

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you engage in an exhilarating hot air balloon ride in Christchurch. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch and the city’s surrounding areas from a vantage point that few have ventured on, and capture breathtaking photography from the balloon’s comfortable interior! All this and more can be experienced upon boarding a hot air balloon when holidaying in the scenic environs of Christchurch. Ideal for families and couples, this thrilling ride is a popular recreational activity among both locals and tourists looking to relax and create memories with loved ones and friends.
Christchurch is one of the few places in the world where visitors can balloon from the centre of the city, journeying towards the snowy peaks of the Alps over the striking greenery of the scenic Canterbury Plains. As you gently float towards the nearby mountains, be sure to capture some outstanding photos of Christchurch’s diverse topography. Several hot air balloon operators can be found in the city centre where visitors will be able to book a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon rides include a refreshing glass of champagne upon arriving at the desired destination, and a flight certificate that is awarded to all who participated in this fantastic journey through Christchurch.

Staying at a Christchurch New Zealand hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central provides the ideal place from which the vibrant and beautiful city of Christchurch can be explored. With picturesque views of the Avon River, Victoria Square and the Southern Alps, this leading business class hotel in Christchurch is a preferred accommodation base among both business and leisure travellers seeking comfort and class in the heart of the city. Guests staying at this stylish hotel will easily be able to access all that Christchurch has to offer!

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The Ideal Beginning to an Ideal Marriage in the Captivating Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Tucked away in the Indian Ocean lies an island archipelago where the sun soaked landscapes are bordered by stunning coral islands, an unspoilt hideaway of the sort that is only found in literature. With all these extenuating natural attributes, it is hardly a wonder that the Maldives is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. The honeymoon venue of choice for celebrities such as Katie Perry, the white, powdery beaches of the cou ntryhas become synonymous with caramel-hued sunsets and breathtaking secluded islands.

Littered with numerous honeymoon resorts, romantic vacations don’t get any better than this. Offering newlyweds a host of luxurious amenities the beachfront properties with shady palms and water bungalows are the stuff of dreams although this island paradise is as real as the bronze shaded sand beneath one’s feet. Most resorts also offer special spa packages for couples while beach barbeques and live music events are almost a nightly occurrence in this idyllic archipelago.

The adventurous couple can also engage in many of the water sporting activities that are available on the islands. Sailing is one such activity and couples can tour the various islands that make up the nation and take in the mesmerizing sights surrounded by multi-hued oceans of turquoise and green. Cruising each of the atolls at one’s own pace is only rivalled by the combination of parachuting and sailing that is parasailing which is also a popular activity here.

Couples can also discover what lies beneath the azure waters in one of the world’s premier scuba diving and snorkelling destinations. Expect to find over 70 species of vibrant shaded coral reefs that serve as stony flowers in this submerged metropolis while 700 fish species of every conceivable colours, size and stature are also found roaming the crystal clear waters surrounding the islands. Other popular activities include angling and surfing as the country is also a dream destination for avid surfers worldwide.

When it comes to Maldives luxury hotels there’s none quite like the breathtaking resort that is the Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Pleasantly situated on the sun-kissed shores on Dhigu Island this stylish Maldives resort offers guests water villas and a wide variety of soothing therapies in its signature Anantara Spa.

Categories Travel

The Wedding Destination of Your Dreams

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The beautiful paradise island where miracles happen – Sri Lanka is one of the most popular holiday and honeymoon destinations in the world. This small Island has much to offer with its seductive sandy beaches and beautiful sceneries. Sri Lanka is full of things to do and places to see, trekking, surfing, wildlife excursions or just laying in the sun, this exotic isle will satisfy any of your needs.

This paradise island is one of the most sought after destinations in the world for weddings. With a rich cultural heritage the island has a varied selection of places where one can have weddings at. Whatever your requirement is whether it is wedding by the beach, in the hill country or in the country side having it in Sri Lanka will make it a memorable and unique experience which you will treasure for the rest of your lives. One can have a Civil, Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist wedding ceremony. Traditional to the locals is the Lankan Poruwa Ceremony which can be done after the couple’s religious or civil ceremony or in combination with it. The Poruwa ceremony takes about 45 minutes, where the groom would be escorted by colorfully attired traditional dancers and drummers to a small stage which is called the Poruwa, which would be beautifully decorated with flowers. You could also make it a bit more exciting by arriving on the back of a elaborately dressed elephant. The entire ceremony is performed on the Poruwa and at the conclusion, the couple will light a traditional oil lamp which symbolizes their togetherness and resolve to be committed to each other for a brighter future. To organize a wedding in Sri Lanka you can use the services of the hotel you are planning to have it in or a local wedding planner.

If the thought of a Sri Lankan wedding excites you, it is important that you have reliable source to rent a car from in which you can do all your Sri Lanka travel. It is advisable that you rent a car from a reputed and established Sri Lanka car rental. Malkey Rent A Car will ensure that you have the perfect car on time with a chauffer to make your wedding day that much special.

Categories Travel

The Dikwella Blow Hole

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
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.

Categories Travel

Beaches

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

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.
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