Dambulla Cave Temple (a World Heritage Site)

Dambulla cave temple also famous as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon.

The temple is composed of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. The caves, built at the base of a 150m high rock during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa times are by far the most impressive of the many cave temples found in Sri Lanka. Access is along the gentle slope of the Dambulla Rock, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the rock fortress Sigiriya, 19 km away. Dusk brings hundreds of swooping swallows to the cave entrance. The largest cave measures about 52m from east to west, and 23m from the entrance to the back, this spectacular cave is 7m tall at its highest point. Hindu deities are also represented here, as are the kings Valagamba and Nissankamalla, and Ananda - the Buddha’s most devoted disciple.

However, the temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It consists of five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. The inner side of the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Valagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Apart from the temple side and the surrounding caves, being there will open you a wonderful opportunity to explore the surrounding area, meaning that inside the jungle, where is perhaps the oldest garden in Sri Lanka, the Iron Wood Forest and the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia. The site had been declared as a human sanctuary by King Dappula in 10 century AD as shown in an inscription at the entrance to Namal Uyana. Trees believed to have been planted by those who sought sanctuary here and subsequently turned in to a vast plantation of Iron wood forest. Apart from the biodiversity of the site as it contains many other plants, it is also geologically important because of the Rose Quartz mountain range in the garden, which is believed to be over 500 million years old. White, rose and violet colour quartz deposits can be seen there.

Atauro Island (is a wonderful spiritual place)

Atauro Island is a wonderful spiritual place situated almost at the end of the world, to be more specific it lies on the extinct Wetar segment, 25km north of Dili, East Timor. Its lush mountain interior hemmed by uninterrupted beach and coral reef. This is pure escapism: you’re free to do a lot or a little, with excellent walking trails and snorkelling opportunities (off the pier at Beloi and in front of Tua Koin), and seemingly endless beaches to prop on and watch passing outriggers.

Atauro’s isolation made it a natural prison, and it’s been used by both the Portuguese and Indonesian governments as a place of exile. The community today comprises around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers, living in a few villages spread across the island. The main centres are along the east coast: Makili (a carving centre), Vila (with leafy lanes and a few colonial vestiges) and Beloi (where the public ferry docks), with Macadade in the mountains. However, you truly adventure will begin of you take take the 90 minute trip via Water taxi from Dili Harbour to Atauro across the 30 km Wetar Straight. You may see dolphins in the water taxi as you head to Atauro. Upon arrival at Atauro, you will be greeted by joyful Timorese smiles of the locals. The boat will drop you off right at your accommodation, in most cases situated right on the beach.

Relax on the beach or in a hammock and soak-up the glorious views of the crystal clear water. As I mentioned in the upper lines snorkelling is a must, so find those superb coral reefs that extend along most of the northern stretch of the west coast of the island and dive into the water with grace!

If you wish, stroll through the villages sitting on the coast around the island, including Vila, the biggest village with an underground prison that was built by the Portuguese. On Fridays, you will find a local market where the locals gather to buy and sell their wares. To the south, you will find the village of Makili, where local people create wooden statues and handmade baskets that can be purchased. Not far from your accommodation is Ekmonu, where you will find a mountain spring and if there is enough water you can take a dip. For the energetic, you can climb Mt. Manucoco (995m) which is approximately a three hour trek from Vila. Vila is 6km from Barry’s Place and a local truck transport costs 3 USD each way.

The Lava Lake of Erta Ale (one magnificent panorama)

These days only a handful of real lava lakes are known and remember there are really not plenty and very rare! Then is could be a challenge of whether and how to get to the shore in the room. In the Ethiopian Danakil Depression is one of the most interesting, most beautiful and most mythical of its kind – the lava lake of Erta Ale. Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, the most active volcano there. To be more specific it comprises a badland desert area spanning the border with Eritrea, and the volcano itself is surrounded completely by an area below sea level, making it a relatively low-elevation volcano.

Once past the 613m high Erta Ale, opens a one magnificent panorama. At the feet then spreads to almost 1.2 km long and ~ 500m wide caldera of the volcano, and sign in the distance you can make a big hole, the orange glow of fire reflected in the steam against a deep blue night sky.

Worldwide there are currently only four lava lakes , maybe five, if developed renewed activity of the volcano on Ambrym back to what it once was times. A Prussian would comment on the most common of lava lakes with well-”They will be held on the middle of nowhere …” and in fact is the unreal Danakil Depression, the upper part of the North African Afar Triangle , saying that more than satisfies. There is shaking the Nubian, Somali and Arabian tectonic plate hands. Well, actually they do not meet there, but rather go their own ways. Their drift tearing Africa formally and precisely on top of that tectonic interface are the Afar Triangle and the Danakil. One such region is particularly active volcano, is somehow obvious, which is located here, but a quarter of all active volcanoes in Africa, is already a little superlative.

Among the lava lakes of Erta Ale of this world is definitely something very special. While his counterparts, such as that of the Nyiragongo volcano, literally cook and strong outgassing, pushes the Erta Ale rather a pretty cushy. For observers, the clear view and the means of them lying about 40m and over 60m in diameter, constantly in motion molten rock. On the day the lake has a relatively dull and hard light and sun to appear this inhospitable place. At night, however, and more especially at dusk, unites the universe and the glow of the earth a spectacle unprecedented scale. Then stroll across the lake cooled Lavaplatten push together, drifting apart again, fall off and new lava rises up to while they boil at the edges of the lake and hissing rid of their gas content carried along.

The Erta Ale not the children’s playground and not to be underestimated, not least, he proved with his outburst in 2005. Also in early 2010 was caution, because the lava flooded the first terrace of Pitkraters and was only about 20 meters below the crater rim. Friends of electronic music, I recommend at the sight of the fires of earth a few sounds of Jon Hopkins or Moshic (especially the album Salamat) add.

 

Simien Mountains (the chess table of gods)

The Simien Mountains are located in North-Western corner of Ethiopia and contain the country’s highest peaks. The tallest point is Ras Dashen (4543m), the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Many tourists would say that Simien Mountains offer the most dramatic mountain scenery on the continent. They have National Park status and consist of a high plateau which ends abruptly in deep escarpments up to 2000m deep from which there are vistas of up to 100km over the surrounding lowland valleys. The Northern escarpment offers the most dramatic scenery with wonderful views to numerous deep canyons, dramatic ridges, and isolated monoliths and spires.

According to an ancient greek myth this mountain is “the chess table of gods”. The lot of spires, towers, canyons and rock formations shows this is true. There are lot of villages, where the local Amharic people live. The mountain is not a home only for the local people, than the home for some endemic species. These attributes means the mountain has got a unique, beautiful and the same time wild faces.  The mountain lies in the northern part of Ethiopia. The mountain is a huge 60 km long escarpment.
Large section of the mountain has been incorporated into the Simien National Park, covering almost 180 km². The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

he mountain is home for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife and birdlife species. In the mountain range, you will meet plenty of troops of Gelada Baboons, with their scarlet bleeding heart on the chest and long fur on their body.  The other endemic mammals is the Wyala ibex which is usually stand on the rocky edges of cliffs. The world population of these mammals about 400, which over half lives in the Simien.

The highly endangered Ethiopian wolf rarely show himself. In Ethiopia has got about 500 survivors!!! These wolves lives in the afroalpine zone, only in the Simien Mountain and the Bale Mountain which lies in the country’s south part. Above the rocks the huge endemic bird, the Lamergeyer – unique species of vultures – shows its sometimes almost 3 meters wing-spread. These species have some of the biggest measures, but this mountain is home of some smaller animals and home for 3 species of rat…While the afroalpine zone means mountain grassland this spotted plant gigantism. The highest plant is the giant lobelia, which is common in every african alpine zone, like in the Simien. Other important elements of the flora are the erica grass, heathers, everlasting flowers, and the yellow flowers saint john’s wort.

How to get there: The town in Debark is the gateway to the Simien mountains which ascend immediately East. Debark is located approximately 100km North of Gondar, which has an airport with daily flights to the Addis Ababa. Buses from Gondar to Debark take about 3-4 hours along an unpaved road and leave daily.

Utila Sunsets (a wonderful paradise)

Utila is a wonderful paradise in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System of Honduras and the second-largest island in the world. It has been documented in history since Columbus’ fourth voyage, and currently enjoys growing tourism with emphasis on recreational diving. More than sixty diving sites are located around the island among its extensive reefs teeming with marine life, including the elusive whale shark. Unique local cuisine includes white bread made with coconut milk, mango jam, conch meat, and crab. Utila is also home to the yearly party known as Sunjam. Sunjam has a set date every year, the first Saturday in August. Sunjam was the brainchild of Alun Gordon, who brought DJs in from around the world to play house music on the paradise desert island of Water Cay. The first parties were charity events, with any monies raised being put towards Utila’s garbage truck.

Moreover, Utila is legendary for its macro creatures. Utila rewards the diver that perfects their buoyancy and is willing to slow down and spend time to find the hidden little creatures of the reef. While Utila is not known for its beaches, there is some excellent snorkeling available right offshore- especially towards the Blue Bayou area. It is possible to snorkel either right off the few small beaches, or with most of the dive boats. Snorkel equipment rental ranges from $5-$15 USD Utila also has fantastic waters for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The island is split east/west by a canal that you can kayak through; kayaks can be rented from Coral View Hotel near the southern canal entrance or from several dive shops. Guided kayaking trips (see Kayak Utila to the North Shore through the Mangrove Channel and down to the Cays are a great option to safely explore these waters as well.

On the land, as a tourist you will also have a variety of things to do like spending a day of hiking to. A crashed drug runner airplane in the jungle north of the airport is an interesting sight. Freshwater caves on the eastern shore can make for good swimming or exploring, but be very careful if you plan to go deep into them as people have gotten lost and died inside (take 2 waterproof flashlights). The view from the top of pumpkin hill is not to be missed. Similarly panoramic is the view from the top of the water tower.

The island has a wide variety of fruit, seafood meals, pasta, vegetarian and breakfast fitting for a king with fresh and full-bodied coffee. Many establishments offer a discount for larger groups, so be sure to round up a posse at your hostel before you go out to eat. There are also many small grocery stores and corner stores to buy food for cooking. Almost all the hotels have shared public kitchens. Bush’s is the largest grocery store, similar to a north american supermarket, but is considerably more expensive than everywhere else. At time of writing, the cheapest grocery stores were Mermaids and Tiende del Pueblo. However, sometimes goods do not arrive every day, so not everything will be available all the time. The ATMs sometimes run out of money, produce not grown locally is often only available for a couple days after it has arrived, etc. Internet costs 30-50 lps ($1.50-$2.50 USD) per hour. There are several internet cafes, such as Annie’s (right when you get off the ferry) and Mermaids (east of the ferry dock and just before the cinema). Lots of dive shops and restaurants have free wi-fi, and some dive shops have a computer that guests can use.

Notten’s Bush Camp (one of most treasured natural sanctuaries)

Notten’s Bush Camp is part of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. The region is privately owned, situated within the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which is one of South Africa‘s most treasured natural sanctuaries. It’s neighbours are the south western side of the Kruger National Park, Mala Mala on the eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on the western boundary. The Big 5 Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard all roam the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve one therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. As there are no fences between the private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, the animals can move unhindered between the two areas.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

If it’s exclusivity, comfort and an intimate experience that one is seeking, away from the hassles of city life. Notten’s is the answer. All game drives are undertaken in an open four-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker has an innate and instinctive attunement to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute senses of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush in order to locate game. Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark night. Cool off next to the sparkling pool with refreshments from the fully stocked bar, or relax in the shade of the Marula trees on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole.

Accommodation consists of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Two of the chalets have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. The Tulbagh Hotel now has a conference facility for up to 35 delegates. All chalets have hot showers but no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles are used for lighting. All the rooms are cooled with an overhead ceiling fan. Facilities are available for the re-charging of video machines and camera batteries in the reception area. A main line telephone facility is also available.

Lulama (an ideal getaway)

Lulama is simply a hidden treasure, a secret hideaway amongst the pine trees of the Phantom Pass in South Africa. This luxurious cabin will rejuvenate your soul in its breathtaking and tranquil surroundings, and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It has three spacious bedrooms with spectacular forest views and an extra loft bedroom. Guests are greeted with freshly laid out linen and towels.

The main bedroom, with a queen size bed and large picture windows, has the most beautiful forest views – you might not want to get out of bed!. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and shower, and while lying in the bath you will feel closer to nature than you could ever imagine… It also has an entrance onto the outside deck, as does the second bedroom, which has a double bed (and the stunning views!). The third bedroom and loft each have two single beds. The second bathroom also has a bath and shower, and situated between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.

The lounge has 2 large very comfortable leather couches, a log fireplace perfect for winter, satellite television and a CD player. Large sliding doors lead onto the spacious deck, ideal for early morning breakfast, sundowners or a tasty meal around the table.
Enjoy the luxury of a kitchen fully-equipped with every convenience, including a washing machine, and the open-plan dining area has a large 8-seater table. Tea, coffee and sugar are also provided.

The braai / barbecue area is situated in the end of the garden, with unsurpassed views over the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and relax in the serenity of the surrounding nature… Double under cover parking is available.

 

Calao Tented Camp (an stopover enjoyable )

Calao Tented Camp is situated on a 27 hectare property bordering one of the few perennial rivers in South Africa. Calao Tented Camp is an enjoyable and affordable stopover and offers various types of accommodation on a self-catering basis, but breakfast and dinner can also easily be arranged on request. The camp has two well-designed tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. There are also three safari tents with outdoor bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. Another small tent is provided for children or a third guest. There are lights in all the tents that work with batteries and we can charge your camera or cellphone batteries for you.

 Calao Tented Camp is just ten minutes from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, 30 minutes from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, and 30 minutes from Swadini in the Drakensberg. There is easy access from the R40 but the last kilometer on the property is a dirt road and can sometimes be a difficult drive. The camp is perfect for a quick stop, 2 or 3 days, just to have a rest and to enjoy the african beauty on easy pace. The whole structure of the campsite is ecological and visitors can practice their own dishes and share them with others guests. Nights there are full of starts and the lovely sounds of the African nature, make your dreams come true…!

Muhu Island (a great holiday destination)

Muhu Island is an Estonian paradise, charactarized with sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages, plenty of deer, moose and birds, tombstones and is one of the oldest in Estonia. Muhu is more secluded than the two larger islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, yet easily accessible. At 198 km² Muhu is a small, but still Estonia’s third largest island in the Baltic Sea. It is linked by ferry to Virtsu on the mainland, and to Saaremaa by a causeway, the Vainatamm. In winter, when its cold enough an ice roadconnects the island to the mainland.

The island is also home to thousands of sweet foxes, deers and moose and lots of birds – even three couples of the rare and majestic sea eagle nest on Muhu Island. Muhu is also famous for having a working traditional wooden windmill. St. Catherine’s church is one of the oldest in Estonia and is notable for its trapezium-shaped tombstones with pagan symbols. The most intricate tombstone depicts the pagan Tree of Life.

Over the centuries Muhu has developed at its own pace and its traditions are well known throughout Estonia. The famous Muhu patterns are a refined expression of folk-art as are popular souvenirs made of aromatic juniper wood. Each midsummer a jazz music festival takes place in Muhu, features famous international musicians and attract jazz fans from far and aside.

Muhu is a great holiday destination for those who value nature and culture,luxury and relaxation, peace and quiet.It’s also an ideal location for walking, riding, fishing, camping and swimming. Nearby attractions include Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands.

Leadwood Lodge (an extremely exclusive accommodation)

Leadwood Lodge is an extremely exclusive accommodation in South Africa, and offers the ideal self-catering bush lodge in a secure and secluded bushveld setting. The lodge is tucked amongst large indigenous trees overlooking a non-perennial riverbed where game such as impala, giraffe and zebra roam freely, and guests can enjoy listening to the calls of abundant bird life.

he lodge boasts with two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable king-size beds in the main lodge, and there is a separate self-contained room with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Indulge yourself in a unique open-air shower experience. Take your sirit on bush walks, game drives, mountain bike rides or simply relax.

The right location of the lodge is in the area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate which is a mere 40-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. The town of Hoedspruit offers various restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on personal food supplies. Visit the surrounding areas such as the Panorama Route, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

The staff at the lodge will made your experience very enjoyable. The lodge even had a very romantic dinner set up and Mack, which is the safari guide, is an excellent one. He really knew his stuff and will manage to find everything you want to see. The intimacy of the lodge is great and it will make the personalized service so much more enjoyable. You will feet like you were visiting a family. You can’t wait till the next safari.