Paradise

Situated 17km from Munnar this sanctuary was established to protect the endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr. This is the most beautiful wildlife reserve of Kerala famous for its picturesque grasslands and striking natural elegance. In 1978 this sanctuary was declared as a National Park.

Climate: This area is very hot during the months of April and May, but during monsoon it receives a heavy rainfall. The climate of Eravikulam is affected due to southwestern monsoon which is responsible for the immense greenery in this region. During winters the weather is very pleasant. The best time to visit this park is between November to March.

Flora and Fauna: This Park is a host of large variety of animals. Beside Nilgiri Tahr one can also watch Nilgiri langur, Lion tailed Macaque, Asian Elephants, Indian Bison, Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Rusty spotted cats, Giant Squirrel, Large Brown Squirrel, Sambhar and Barking Deer. Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary is also a home to many birds like Black Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Black Baza, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Pipit, Mountain Imperial Pigeon and many more. One can also find four species of monitor lizards and snakes in this reserve. In the plant kingdom one can see lush green rain forests and prairies. This region is also known for its shrub lands, bushes and shoals.

Other Attractions: Travelers can also visit the serene backwaters and temples while holidaying in the town of Eravikulam.

Travelling Tips: Kerala is known for heavy rainfall so travelers should be ready for this. No cars or jeeps are allowed in the reserve so tourists have to travel by road. Damaging the floral life is strictly prohibited. Also any kind of fire, radio, plastic bags and firearms are not allowed inside the park.

Chartering a boat to cruise the Dalmatian coast, where scenic islands are just a few hours sail apart and protected harbors welcome overnight boats is probably the easiest and best way to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea up close and to explore otherwise inaccessible islands, coves and villages. This was one of our best family vacation adventures ever!

We started out in Dubrovnik and set sail toward Split, focusing on the southern Dalmatian coast, which boasts some of the most spectacular wooded islands and warm crystalline waters. The many isles we passed- Lopud, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Brac – just a few of the over 1100 islands found along the Croatian coast, were picturesque, white limestone-laden and pine-clad. We anchored in beautiful fishing village coves, where we relaxed and swam, enjoyed spectacular views, ashore adventures and great seafood.

On Mljet Island, we took a side trip, one of the highlights of our adventure, to scenic Mljet National Park where we hopped on bikes and cycled around Veliko Jezero, the salt water lake with a remarkable 12th century Benedictine monastery set upon an islet in the lake’s center.

We neared Korcula early morning, where we had one of the best photo opportunities in all Croatia – the early morning sun shining on the orange-yellow-ochre of the stone walls, towers and tiled roofs of the Old Town served to create an awesome artists’ portrait. This walled pedestrian town is a delight, full of architectural treasures and its centerpiece, the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St. Mark.

It would be difficult for even the most seasoned traveller to fit all the history and beauty of England into 20 vacations, let alone one – which is why taking privately arranged England vacations can be the most rewarding way of all to enjoy one of the oldest continuous island civilisations in the world. Using a professional private tour arranger ensures that you can get under the surface of the things that really interest you – cherry picking all that history and environment, so to speak, to make sure that your own personal treasures don’t escape you, while the things that you are less bothered about don’t waste valuable time.

For such a small place, England has some of the most varied landscaped and destinations on earth. Privately arranged England vacations can make sense of all that information on your behalf- you’ll go to the right coastline for your tastes, whether those tastes lie more to the rugged and awe inspiring vistas of Cornwall and Devon, or the flatlands and gentle sloped beaches of East Anglia.

England has also been the seat of some of the most important artistic and cultural moments in the history of Western civilisation – which makes privately arranged England vacations ideal for theming. The country that invented Literature with a capital L can offer tours of Shakespeare’s England; tours of Jane Austen’s West Country; poet tours, featuring the haunts and resting places of luminous Shelley, lunatic Coleridge and wistful Wordsworth; and even rock n roll tours, taking in some of the most famous spots in the whole story of popular music. Want to visit Abbey Road, and recreate that famous album cover? Or hit the Cavern Club, where they first played; and the Marquee, which has just reopened in all its circular North London glory? Themed England vacations are the way to do it – and privately themed tours are the way to do it in style. With a privately arranged professional tour you go at your own pace and you do what you like. There are no other group members to accommodate – the time, and the energy, is all directed to you and your personal experience of the English town, city, village, forest – whatever you like, that’s what you get.

Are you an aquatic person? Then you might want to spend some Pembrokeshire holiday wherein you can enjoy its wonderful and long length of sand and the crystal clear sea water. Actually, this is just one of the spectacular views you can see once you stepped in the land of Wales. Setting your feet on those fine sands will give you a relaxing feeling and will trigger your excitement at the thought that there are still more to come while you are having a Pembrokeshire holiday.

Perhaps, you would like to get to know about those beaches that are deemed to be the pride of Wales. Let’s peek in first at the Marloes Sands. Your Pembrokeshire holiday will never be complete if you will not even pass by on this great spot. Marloes Sands has these outstanding orange-tinged cliffs that serve as a breathtaking view while your back is settled on its fine beach sands. Getting a good tan has never been better here once you get in contact with the sand and roll over on it. Well, it’s not just you who will enjoy staying on this place but also your little kids. While you are lying on your back and feasting your eyes on those scenic views, your children can go fishing up to their heart’s content. Yes, the resort management won’t restrict them because fishing is one of their most sought after activities. Unlike in your other vacation get away, towing with you all of your kids will never be tough because you wouldn’t have to deal with bored children. They can enjoy fishing with the use of nets and expect them to catch several fishes. Isn’t it great when you can just grill them on the spot and share it with your other companions? That is possible and allowed especially if you did not bring any food. Now, that is another cost effective idea while you are on Pembrokeshire holiday.

Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai has attained an iconic and legendary status in its relatively short tenure along the coastline of Jumeirah beach. The emblematic hotel has fascinated international tourists and has ensured its position as one of the most photographed structures in the world along with the epithet of being the ‘world’s most luxurious hotel.’

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai propels to the dizzying height of more than 320 metres. Comprehensibly dominating the Dubai skyline, the masterpiece is a sight in night with all its synchronised lighting that represents both water and fire. Inspired, incredible, impressive – words surely fail to describe this gaudy monstrosity of man.

The flamboyant and elaborate all-suite luxury hotel features the very finest that the world has to offer. A discreet in-suite check-in, reception desk on each of its 60 floors, a contingent of highly skilled butlers, a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce – Burj Al Arab redefines the word ‘luxury’ and is surely miles apart from other hotels in Dubai.

Features
Bordered by the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and perched by ashen sandy beaches, Burj Al Arab is one of the prominent leisure spots for water sports and activities. Soak up the abundant sun rays on the private beach, unwind in the terrific outdoor pool or workout in the ultra modern spacious gymnasium featuring state of the art in equipment and machinery. Additionally, the guests at the Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai enjoy unlimited access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Loosen up and rejuvenate your body and mind in the lavish settings of Assawan Spa, an ultimate health spa that spans over 5,000 square metres and offers the wonderful journey of relaxation and revitalisation. Assawan Spa delivers supreme health treatments, fitness facilities and inspiring customised treatments using the best products from around the world.

The difficulty level in planning a family vacation that pleases everyone often ranks around 9.5 out of 10. The Sun Valley Resort, in Idaho, has such a variety of top shelf amenities and activities, which should rank it near the top of all resort destination lists, that it greatly reduces family trip planning difficulty.

An All New Nine

In 2008, the resort opened a new nine holes, to add to its 18-hole championship golf course. The new nine, designed by golf course architect Don Knott, features challenging golf and breathtaking, panoramic views of the Northern Rockies that envelope the resort. An all new clubhouse, which doubles as the Nordic Center in winter, also opened in 2008. For guests who can’t squeeze in 18-holes, or a quick nine, Sun Valley Resort has enhanced their golf practice facility. They now offer clinics as short as two-hours, as well as private instruction and a driving range for individual practice.

Golf is only the beginning of Sun Valley Resort’s activities. The resort was the first to bring the look, feel and mystique of European ski resorts to America. Since 1936, the resort-goers have enjoyed world-class skiing on the 9,150 foot summit of Bald Mountain, as well as on the beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain.

Ice Skating Year-Round

The country’s first ski destination also boasts the country’s first year-round outdoor skating rink, allowing guests to skate under the sun, even during the hottest of summer days. Sun Valley’s ice-skating rink has been named to Budget Travel’s Top 10 list. Home to legendary ice shows that feature Olympic medalists and greats such as Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen and the Canadian team of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, Sun Valley’s outdoor rink rests in the heart of the resort and offers spectacular views of the majestic mountains. The resort’s ice skating complex also features an indoor rink for organized hockey.

Bristol is a sports-loving city and that’s immediately evident when you visit the Bristol City Ground or the Gloucestershire Country Cricket Club.

Golf lovers will feel right at home in Bristol, with its superb golf courses. The best golf courses around are hands-down the mesmerizing Manor House Golf Club at Castle Combe and the beautiful Woodlands Golf and Country Club in Almondsbury.

If you love outdoor activities, you will not run out of things to do at High Action in Winscombe, a great venue for couples and entire families. Here, you can try rock climbing, abseiling and a host of other adrenaline pumping diversions. If you prefer something less strenuous, High Action’s amazing woodlands and parkland are ideal for pony trekking and tobogganing.

For young kids or simply the young at heart, Bristol Indoor Paintball in Kingswood is a favourite venue for a rollicking good time. You will have to pay a small entrance fee, but that already includes your gun and safety equipment. It’s a small price to pay to play in this fantastic venue that puts a premium on adventure and will push your stamina to the limits.

If ice skating is your idea of fun, then The Bristol Ice Rink on Frogmore Street is the kind of venue where you can lose yourself. Less experienced skaters who feel too wobbly to stay on their feet can benefit from the ice skating lessons at the venue.

Now, if you prefer skiing to ice skating, Bristol has something to offer you too. The Avon Ski Centre boasts of the best skiing in the area. Located on Lyncombe Drive in Churchill, the Avon Ski Centre is a great place for a grand time on the slopes. Skiing neophytes can also visit Avon to take lessons.

Independent travel is nearly always an exercise in compromise. Everything from where you go, to how you travel, and what you do when you arrive all involve choices between functionality, cost, and comfort. Finding a place to sleep on the road is one of the biggest areas to consider when planning an adventure, and your choice may depend on your budget, your itinerary, and even how ‘authentic’ of a journey you wish to make.

On past journeys I’ve slept just about everywhere – 5 star hotels, luxurious guesthouses, “couchsurfing” home stays, trains, planes, picnic tables and porches have all been my bed for at least a night; each option has its time and place, and at the end of the day knowing which option to take can be the difference between restful sleep, and a night of tossing and turning with worry about robbers, security guards, loud parties or hungry critters looking to snack on your last protein bar.

Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular options:

Hotels: The easiest and nearly always the most expensive option, hotels offer a convenient place to stay, a (usually) secure place to store your things, and simple terms for booking a reservation. For many travelers hotels are the default choice for accommodations and some people aren’t even aware that there are any other options for temporary housing other than the local park bench.

Camp Grounds: Camp grounds are a great place to save money and still have some measure of security while traveling. Prices for campgrounds range all across the board with full service sites for people with trailers costing as much or more as a night at some hotels, to walk-in primitive sites at state parks often available for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. Private campgrounds often come with a camp store – sometimes even a restaurant attached – hot showers, and community areas with electrical outlets. Some places have added amenities like pools, and wireless internet access as well.