Travel and Leisure Articles

India is a haven for the lovers of wildlife and nature. Most of the Indian states have excellent wildlife. Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu…there are many Indian states that entice the travellers to visit them and explore the many wonders of their deep jungles.

The coastal state of Orissa located in the eastern part of India especially is one such state which is rich in flora and fauna and which has an excellent wildlife. The state’s wonderful wildlife is much on display in its many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

Besides having exceptional wildlife in its several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Orissa has a rich wildlife in its many tribal belts also. No wonder, the wildlife of Orissa much attracts the wildlife lovers.

Among the many national parks of the state, Bhitarkanika, Simlipal, Nandankanan, Balpakram and Bandhavgarh are much famous. And among the wildlife sanctuaries, Chilika, Sunabeda, Satkosia Gorge, Kotgarh, Debrigarh and Baisipalli are renowned and frequently visited by the many wildlife enthusiasts.

The pride of Orissa–the Chilka Lake-is, perhaps, the state’s biggest wildlife attraction. Chilka Lake, the largest brackish water lake of Asia, is rich in wildlife and marine life. Every year more than thousands of migratory birds visit the lake from the distant parts of Asia, and add to the beauty of the region that’s much renowned the world over for many other wildlife attractions as well.

Simlipal is another famous wildlife region of the state and is every wildlife enthusiast’s delight. This main attractions of this national park situated in the Mayurbhanj district is its 150-odd tigers, more than 230 species of birds, and the mammoth mugger crocodiles.

The Badrama (Usakothi) wildlife sanctuary–another famous wildlife region of the state–has many varieties of wild animals including tiger, leopard, sambar, elephant, and bison. The presence of many watch towers at vantage points inside the sanctuary enables the visitors to enjoy good views, and they observe the many inhabitants of the wilds easily and clearly.

The Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, yet another wildlife attraction of the state, is famous for huge crocodiles and the Olive Ridley Turtles, and is frequented by the wildlife lovers in great numbers.

Explore the natural wonder that is Orissa! The thrilling wildlife of the state would surely mesmerize you.

Sipadan Island, located off the town of Semporna on the East Coast of Sabah, is considered to be one of the best diving areas in this part of the world. What makes this island special is that it is the only oceanic island (not connected to the continental shelf) in Malaysia rising 2,000 feet (600 meters) on a limestone pinnacle that ‘mushrooms’ out near the surface.

Not only are there fascinating coral structures but also marine caves. Pulau Sipadan is reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world. Turtles swim and frolic freely in the waters around Sipadan and divers will find lobster, barracudas, beautiful coral fishes and sharks swimming by.

Sipadan has 12 marked dive sites. All dives are wall dives. Just 20 feet from the shore, the wall plunges a staggering 2,800ft down and is rated as one of the top 5 Beach Dives in the world.

Water temp: 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F)

Suit: 3mm or 5mm shortie

Visibility: 20 to 60 metres (66 - 200 feet)

Rating: *****

Type of diving: There are 12 wall dive sites to plan your dives at. From dives at Turtle Cavern’ for the green and hawksbill turtle to ‘South Point’ for the sharks, jacks, and barracudas, to the shallow dives at ‘Lobster Lair’ and to the beautiful lush corals at ‘Coral Garden’.

Marine life: Hawksbill and green turtle, white tip reef and grey sharks, hammerheads, jacks, barracudas, clown trigger fish, bump-head parrotfish, leaf fish, nudi branch, and mantis scrimp.

When to go: Open all year round.

How to get there: Fly via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, then onward to Kota Kinabalu, and then fly to Tawau. Tawau Borneo drivers will drive you to Semporna town, where the ferry departs for Sipadan every morning.

Sipadan is also a bird sanctuary and bird-watchers will be able to observe the many frigates, sea eagles, terns, sea gulls, and Nicobar pigeons that glide across the clear skies. The wall is encrusted with different varieties of coral, turtles abound and a multitude of lionfish & smaller reef dwelling fish live on this wall. The entrance to Turtle Cavern is also found about 70ft down along this wall.

You can find out more at http://www.divingpleasures.com/

In the United States, each year an average of 8,000 people receive snake bites from venomous snakes. Some of these people are bitten from the result of not being able to identify the snake, while some others are bitten for the result of identifying the snake incorrectly and getting close to it thinking that it is safe to do so. Even the ‘harmless’, non-venomous snakes can cause a severe infection or an allergic reaction in many people.

If ever bitten by a venomous snake, most doctors give you antivenin, an antidote to cure snake bites, to treat a serious snake bite. Each antivenin is created in a horse’s blood serum when the horse is injected with snake venom. So they won’t just give you any snake venom, for if it is not from the right kind of snake it can be like giving you poison. They will give you the venom for the kind of snake that bit you. So what if you don’t know what kind of snake bit you? Well they normally have ways of finding that out, by the description of the snake or from the symptoms you have of the venom, but not all the time. For this reason it would be very useful to know your snakes.

For those who live on or near woody lands, swamps, or any source of water, it would be very good to know your snakes backwards and forward. Even the people who hunt, fish, hike, camp, and do other outdoor things. Knowing your snakes is really important. If you are any of these people above then take the time to learn all the snakes in your area or at least learn the basic features to tell the venomous and the non-venomous apart. For the one’s that don’t won’t to take the time at all, when you see a snake, do like some people would do and just run as fast as you can. This may save you from being bitten.

All you you really have to know about snakes to identify them is listed below:

1. body length - this is can be very useful if the snake is fully grown

2. body shape- this is a very effective way of identifying most snakes especially water snakes and water moccasins

3. head & neck shape - this is can be used to identify any snake and some times tell the venomous apart from the non-venomous

4. color & pattern - very effective to identify a snake with, it can be hard if the snake is shedding its skin or if the snake is a small snake

5. scale texture - if you can see the scales this can be useful, but you may have to get closer to the see to see it. I don’t recommend this way

6. eye pupil shape- this is probably the best way to tell the venomous and non-venomous snakes apart. If you can’t do this without getting close then forget this method

Now to summarize all I have written in a few words, KNOW YOUR SNAKES.

These trails are spread through out the state. People who are interested in the outdoors would find these Arizona Hiking Trails beneficial. There are different kinds of trails available and one can make his own choice starting from the Phoenix trails to the Sierra Vista trails. Every kind of these trails offer something exclusive but they all endow you with a glance of the best landscapes you would have ever seen. One can make an easy choice on them if they are sure of what they want their trails with.

DECIDE YOUR MILEAGE

These trails are accessible in every part of the state. There is ample number of mileage choices and one can make his choice without much difficulty. E.g.: The Parison Trail which is generally for the beginners is around seven miles and if you are on search for the length then you must go for the Wet Bever Loop which is at 22 miles and this would suit your need. Please make sure you decide on basis of your time, skill and the place you are in.

CHOOSE YOUR CONVOLUTION STRATUM

One should choose their Arizona Trails on the stratum they are presented with. A beginner can start off with the Ruin Trails in Sierra Vista at the Massi point. Immense number of choices is available for those who begin with and they can take a simple one instead of an arduous one. The easy trails will also be physically demanding. There are also kid friendly Arizona trails obtainable for E.g.: In the Phoenix zone there are the Tortilla creek loop, the Overton loop where the Spring valley Trail which is otherwise named the Tortuga Trail is more advisable.

If one is on look out for an Arizona hiking trail that is of average basis, many of the state’s trails are of these kinds. One can find several of these in any region of the state. An ample range of difficult trails are also available here. If one wants to go in for a challenging one then he can take up in the Chitty falls Loop or the Upper First Water Creek. The trails in the Wet Beaver Loop are considered to be the most intense one.

Arizona hiking trails offer the best trails for the people who are on look out for one. These are suitable for individuals of any age and one can really have an amazing experience if they go with this. One can also go for a test drive on the challenging ones or if preferred, on the longer ones. One can also take up a family adventure with the kid friendly trails. Thus Arizona has something exclusive to proffer for all stratum of hikers.

Fiji kayaking tours will be far more enjoyable if you have a moderate level of fitness. In addition, these kinds of holidays are ideal for those people who are looking for a little adventure and enjoy being outside. This is because most of the time you are on the trip most of the camping will take place in very remote areas.

Most of the companies, which offer such kayaking tours, provide other single or double kayaks plus all other essential pieces of kayaking equipment. Moreover, they try to keep the groups small as this makes it far easier to cope with any untoward situations.

Generally these kinds of tours are sea ones and help you explore parts of the region that are normally inaccessible. You will not only get to see beautiful rainforests and jungles but spend time enjoying waterfalls, hot springs and coral reefs.

As you slowly glide along with your tour guide, you are able to see an abundance of marine life just below the surface. Then as the day slowly comes to an end before it gets completely dark you head to shore and set up camp where you can watch the sun setting slowly below the waves.

These tours are ideal for anyone aged between 20 and 60, but ideally, the person should have some basic canoing or kayaking skills to really enjoy them. Although some companies do offer tours for those who are complete novices to this particular water sport. But all ensure that the safety of their customers comes first.

If you love horses and you would like your next vacation to include horseback riding, then why not consider taking a trip to Asia? Vacationing with horses is something that quite a lot of people like to do and Asia provides a unique picturesque backdrop for horseback riding. Usually you have to compete with traffic and fences every few hundred yards if you are riding in most countries. However, in Asia you don’t have to put up with that and you can go for miles without having to stop your horse.

Recommendations for Horse Lovers

One of the most popular places in Asia to take part in horseback riding is Mongolia. Travel agents everywhere will easily be able to book you a horseback riding adventure in Mongolia as well as the rest of Asia as they know that horse lovers everywhere will pay good money to ride in the picturesque country.

A particularly good trek to go on if you do visit Asia is the Gobi Grasslands Trek. It goes on for eight days and five of them are spent riding. To get there you take a flight to Mongolia which will take roughly one day and then you get a van to Ulaanbaatar. Once there you will realize that there is nothing but grass and mud to greet you.

Once you have arrived at your destination, you will be shown your horse that will be with you for the next eight days. You should notice that they are similar to Mustangs and they do tend to be fairly small. However they are really sturdy horses and before you set off you will have to take part in a small test ride to see if your chosen horse is right for you. After all - you do not want to select a horse only to find that half way around the trip you are not suited together! A horse is much more choosy about its fare than say taxis.

Overall travel to Asia is definitely recommended to those who love horses. There are many gorgeous trails to follow and whilst Mongolia is the most popular, there are many other fantastic places in Asia to take part in horseback riding. There is often nothing better than feeling the wind in your face as you go for miles on your horse, forgetting about the everyday stresses that life brings. So if you have not yet considered Asia for your next horseback riding adventure, then it may definitely be time to think about it now.

There’s a really simple way to reduce the chances of having a less rewarding journey. And the simple way is just planning before you depart. You should research about the obstacles you may face along the way and your destination.

I’m going to give you some of the problems most travelers face on their journey and destinations so you can know what you may face and how to avoid it. Most travelers ignore these obstacles which makes their journey less rewarding.

Form of transport

The forms of transport you will or may have to use is one of the first things you have to take into consideration. Are you going to have to travel by road, sea, air or train? Knowing what you will use helps you in organizing your transport budget. But now how are you going to estimate your travel budget? by contacting various travel agents or your travel agent. They have information on car hires, air tickets, sea cruises and various transport resources. And they are always up to date with current ticket prices. So when you know what form of transport you will have to use to reach your destination, you can then get the actual ticket rates from your travel agent.

The exchange rate

Now as you know that currency is different from country to country and not forgetting the exchange rate that is always changing, you definitely have to check with your local news resource for the latest in exchange rate. This is another factor that most people turn to ignore and end up under budget. But one good advice I will give you on this point is that you should go just above your calculated budget, just to be on the safe side.

Culture and language

The culture and language of your destination is what can make or break the inviting atmosphere. The way we do things and speak to one another is different from one country to another. If you have bad habits, manners and language then please leave them all in your own room. Try to learn the basic language they use like greeting, please, thank you, help, etc. This will not only bring a pleasant welcome but in the long run you will get to the know and understand different cultures and language.

Climate and crime rate

Climate is not a factor to be ignored. Once you know the climate you will know what clothes to carry, unless you will have time for some shopping. Knowing this will also reduce your luggage since you won’t be carrying unnecessary clothing. Some countries and continents are either very cold or hot. If it’s a hot place, you definitely have to

consider carrying a cargo hat and some open shoes. If it’s a cold place, then carry a lot of warm clothing.

Crime rates also play a major role. You have to know which places to avoid and availability of security. Some individuals can take advantage of you if they see that you don’t have proper knowledge of the surroundings. Make sure you don’t find you self up in the mix of these situations just only because to thought it was as safe as your neighborhood. If you’re going for mountain hiking or what ever adventure you may be up too in an unknown land, make sure you have an authorized personal who will guide you.

Now, don’t take things for granted and then end up in another travel mess. If you do your research you will most definitely have a less stressful journey. I always do my research before I depart for any trip. I contact my travel agent in time, get to know the exchange rate, whether and so on. This helps me to stay in course with my trip plan.

Start putting these tips into plan on each and every journey, and you will always get a more rewarding trip after trip.

No matter when you are spending time in the great outdoors, it is extremely important to be sure that you are prepared for what ever might happen, including getting stuck in the outdoors at night. There are some really great lights that are available on the market today that would be great for making sure you are prepared.

One of these lights is the Diamond Lites Lighting System, which are lights that are extremely bright and practically unbreakable with over one hundred thousand hours of life. These lights have thermal-sealed connectors that are waterproof and they are very low maintenance and pre-wired for easy connection to any twelve volt system. As any fisherman knows, there is a lot of great fishing that can be had at night, especially during the summer months when it may be too hot to be out on the river or lake. Night time is great time to escape the sun and have the fishing usually to yourself.

Of course, the only problem with it is not having enough light, until now. You have to use your lights to see, but you also have to conserve battery power to get home safely, but with these lights you no longer have to worry about running down the battery. These lights are great for using on boats, RVs, tractor-trailers, and much more simply due to the Diamond Lites utilize a “string” of bright LEDs that draw only five-tenths of amps per foot.

The diodes are encased in a solid polymer extrusion piece that is exterior-grade PVC material that is durable and includes special UV additives for exposure to sunlight, salt, dirt, and weather conditions. To hook up the lights all you have to do is use the included stainless steel mounting hardware and parts. You will find that once you hook a few up, then you will find a plethora of uses for them. You can rig up your boat trailer, truck, car or anything that uses a twelve volt battery. Give them a shot and make those night-time trips on the water a lot easier on the tackle and the eyes.

Another top of the line headlamp is the Princeton Tec EOS LED Headlamp, which are regulated with LED that provides a steady and constant stream of light. If you enjoy spending time doing outdoor activities that are being pursued during those twilight hours, then you are well aware that it requires a good light source. During the twilight hours is the best time to hook those big fish, especially since you do not have to fight crowds for your secluded favorite spot.

If you do spend a lot of time fishing at night, then I am sure you have gone through many cheap headlamps, and I am sure you have found out why they are so cheap. The cheaper lights do not put out enough light for a long enough period of time and they just can not handle the moisture and abuse dealt out by wade fishing. However, this new light will make the difference for your night time fishing excursions. At twenty-five lumens, this light is extremely bright, which is due to its one-watt Maxbright LED bulb. The Maxbright is a regulated LED, which means it provides a steady light output over a given time period where other non-regulated LED’s have constantly diminishing light over that same period of time.

It has four different modes, which allow you to determine brightness given the light need of situation. Most individuals will use the low setting most often as most of their light needs are close range, such as finding flies and tying knots. Wearing this light is not a burden in the least due to it only weighing one hundred five grams, which makes it extremely lightweight and the light casing is not big or bulky at all. The hinged bracket allows you to adjust the light angle perfectly, and the bracket holds the light firmly in place-especially nice when trying to wade back to shore over slick rock. The push-button activator is easy to depress, and it is easy to cycle through all four modes.

To me there is nothing better than getting outdoors and going for a nice long trek. I love the adventure, the physical challenge and exploring new places. I also have a certain proclivity towards glaciers. I think that they are amazing, though I have never actually seen one up close. Last month I got the chance to do just that.

I didn’t go to Iceland just for hiking, I was there on business. But over the weekend, I decided to get book a tour. There are several hiking and trekking tour companies in Iceland so it wasn’t hard. With the help of the front desk clerk at the hotel I was staying at, I got in touch with a company that offers tours right from Reykjavik; turns out that you don’t necessarily have to travel far to get out in nature or to commune with a glacier.

Anyways, I made my choice of tour operators and told them what I wanted to do. They suggested a tour that fit my time frame and desire to explore a glacier, in this case Sólheimajökull glacier. I think this translates as ’sun home glacier,’ at least I think that is what it translates to with my rough knowledge of Icelandic. This particular glacier is located about two hours away from the capital city.

The tour company picked me up from my hotel in the morning and off we went. I was amazed at how quickly we were in the country - Reykjavik is not a very big capital city and most of Iceland is uninhabited. When we arrived at the glacier, I instantly fell in love. The weather was picture perfect and the contrasting colors of blue sky and the white glacier were outstanding.

We took a few minutes to go over a safety brief, put on our extra clothes and crampons and then we were off. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us all kinds of facts about Iceland, glaciers and such. But, what I liked best was when everyone stopped talking. Rarely in our busy lives do we get to experience absolute silence and that was one of the early pleasures of this glacier tour - we all stopped walking and talking and there it was, total silence. I turned my face to the sun and just soaked up this moment.

Later, we got to explore some crevasses and beautiful blue-white ice sculptures. When you touch this kind of ice, you are amazed by how smooth it is - like polished glass. We got to walk through long ridges that were like narrow ice hallways.

What struck me about this glacier was that it seemed to have a positive affect on everyone’s mood. It is kind of like the glacier is pumping out negative ions and it helps you feel content and grounded in that moment. I also think that the glacier, by the fact that it has been around for so long, imparts a certain sense of history and almost embodies a wise personality. Maybe it was just me, I tend to anthropomorphize everything.

One the way back to the city, our guide also stopped by two beautiful waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Being from the western US, I am not used to seeing so much water and I was struck by the raw power and beauty of these falls. Raw power and beauty is a good analogy for Iceland in general.

All-in-all I was very satisfied with my Iceland hiking tour experience. This particular tour wasn’t very strenuous, so if you want something more physical, you can choose a different tour. I think that one day I would like to come back here and do one of their multi-day tours.

Rivers in Jamaica

There are more than 100 rivers in Jamaica but not all of them have been explored or can be navigated. The most popular of all the rivers to be found on this island are in fact the Great River, the Rio Grande and the Martha Brae River. But other rivers around the island are actually increasing in popularity as well.

The Black River which is the widest of them all is 73km long but only the first 28km can be traveled along in small vessels. Then there is the Rio Minho which is the longest of all the islands rivers and flows south to southwest where it starts at Portland Point and ends up at Carlisle Bay. The major town that is situated on this rivers bank is May Pen, Clarendon. But as well as those rivers that you can see there are a number of underground rivers located in the limestone regions of the island. The main ones of these being the Hectors and Cave Rivers.

Many of the rivers on the island and not just used for pleasure but have other uses as well. The Rio Cob and Milk River are used to irrigate the land surrounding them. Also the Rio Cob is used to produce hydro electricity for the island as well and this also goes for the White River and Rio Bueno. Certainly the Rio Grande is probably a river that many people have heard the name of and this is where one can try a spot of rafting if you wish.