Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers

BY  Ankita Feb 14, 2024

Get ready to set sail on your next fishing adventure. Choose a private charter that meets your needs, inshore or offshore. Depending on what kind of fishing experience you want, you can choose from various offshore and inshore charter options that match the plans you have for your next sea excursion.  If you're a more experienced angler, try something more challenging than you're accustomed to, such as fishing for your trophy catch in an offshore charter. Or you may enjoy the thrill of tackling sea creatures in deeper waters. Whatever floats your boat, there's a private charter for every angler, regardless of experience.  For those looking to relax, consider a less intensive fishing experience, like inshore fishing. For something unique, book an island charter adventure; this caters to both beginner and seasoned anglers. Read on to learn more about the Private Fishing Charters San Diego options you can choose from and start planning your trip.  Inshore Private Charters Enjoy a half-day exploration of inshore fishing. With this style, you'll be closer to shore, which is the perfect place to catch yellowtail, bass, and rockfish. For those new to ocean fishing, inshore private charters are the way to go. Since you'll be closer to the shoreline, you can enjoy fishing without as much effort as offshore fishing typically entails.  Offshore Private Fishing Charters San Diego For angler experts or beginners, head out on an offshore private charter to catch tuna, dorado, shark, and more. If you're ready to dive in and catch big game fish, head out on an offshore venture and catch some massive trophy fish in prime fishing locations. Keep in mind that offshore charters go farther into the ocean than inshore charters. If you’re comfortable traveling farther out to sea, consider booking an extended Private Fishing Charters San Diego trip to make the most of your time in the sea. The private charter provider you go with will have various options for trip durations. Most of the time, you can typically choose from a half-day to a full-day trip or even an extended trip for certain charters. No matter your experience level, you can enjoy a safe and memorable offshore fishing experience with the guidance of a licensed crew onboard. Island Fishing Charters Island charters are ideal for those looking to catch some of the more boast-worthy catches, including lingcod, tuna, and bonito. This private charter option allows you to fish for various fish in waters past the shore. You'll fish near the islands, take in scenic views, and fish for impressive species like halibut, calico bass, and rockfish. Whether you're new to sport fishing or an expert angler, you can enjoy island fishing through charter providers like Private Fishing Charters San Diego.  Kids Private Charters You can even book a charter for your young anglers. Designed with their needs and safety in mind, the charter will allow your kids to enjoy a safe and fun fishing environment and experience the fun of deep-sea fishing. Kids will catch interesting fish and gain an appreciation for the marine life around them when you book a kid’s private charter through Private Fishing Charters San Diego. Benefits Of Private Charters What can be more fun than to use a high-quality fishing boat which you do not have to maintain? There are a variety of locations where people can go fishing, so you can enjoy a day out in the water. Renting the private charters for a few times will help you decide about a boat, if you ever got one for your own privately. It is a terrific method to test out boats however, a fun one. You will have a top-notch experience of the local fishing as it is much less expensive as compared to you owning a fishing boat. Quality matters when it comes to having access to the best gear and tackle in the fishing boat. If you did not own your own boat, it is a lot less work especially when it comes to efficiency and safety. A rented private charter is much well maintained which helps in water navigation. With the private charter boats, you can explore new areas in the water. easily towing the boat into unknown territories exploring the location along with experiencing some of the best fishing experiences while on the boat. There are professional captains who work actively to maintain and operate the charter boats. The proud boat owners rent these boats out based on their conveniences. At times, they also enjoyed taking the boat out to sit back, relax and catch fish. Drawbacks Of Private Charters Of course there are some concerns when it comes to renting private charters. It was not directly impacting your experiences but there are concerns. The first concern was that the private charters are not as spontaneous as it seems! One major issue is preference. There are times when you might like one private charter especially if you have children or friends for company, you might have some specific requirements. However, you might not always have the boat you always prefer. Maybe the boat is already rented out to someone else or the owners are present that day hence, it is not available for renting. So, it will be difficult for you to rent the specific boat you require. If you are someone who likes owning things, this is something you will miss when you rent a private charter. You do not get to own a boat nor can you share the joy of sharing anecdotes or professional guidelines regarding the ownership. Customizing Your Trip For those on a budget, inshore fishing is the most affordable option for a Private Fishing Charters San Diego. You'll see a diverse range of marine life and have all the fun of sportfishing in less time. If you're prone to seasickness, inshore fishing is best, as you can keep fishing for intricate fish species without going very far out into the sea.  Exploring the sea through private charters like Private Fishing Charters San Diego is customizable. Personalize your trip to meet your plans, whether you want to relax on a peaceful fishing trip, fish for yellowtail and barracuda, or celebrate a corporate or family event. You can even book your kids a charter and watch them safely explore the world of ocean fishing.  Of course you will have some of the best experiences when it comes to fishermen and how they consider the quality of the boat well maintained. There are different types of boats, all of which you can experience if you keep chartering private boats. It might not have the flexibility of owning a boat but it does benefit you regarding having a fully fueled, rigged up or cleaned fishing boat. While you own a boat, you might forget to maintain the boat’s tools. There might have been concerns regarding the fuel or all the technological equipment functioning fine! If you are not a professional captain for boats or ships, it is better to rent because you are in the hands of experts. Planning Your Trip and Making Memories  Whatever your goals for your fishing adventure, there's a private charter for you. Contact a private charter company like Private Fishing Charters San Diego and inquire about planning your trip. Customize your plans for a trip filled with memories you’ll cherish forever. Learn More About: Road Trip USA: Adventures Across The States Bali Beyond The Beaches: Exploring The Hidden Gems Of The Island 8 Things You Need To Know About Using E-Bikes For Your Hunting Adventures

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 8, 2023

No one likes staying home for the summer. Your summer holidays are the best time to get out there and explore what is happening worldwide. If you’re eager to play tourist, you should check out Gatlinburg this summer. This popular tourist destination, located in Tennessee, is well-loved by millions of tourists all over the world. Gatlinburg is a quaint little town located near the Smoky Mountains National Park. So when tourists feel like visiting this impressive Tennessee monument, they often stop by Gatlinburg. Once you arrive here, there is much to do, from attractive sites to see to delicious food that will leave your taste buds singing. Choosing the right season to visit Gatlinburg makes all the difference to your holiday, and here are some reasons why you should go in the summer: Gatlinburg Is Brimming With Activities Gatlinburg knows how to keep tourists entertained throughout the year. If you stop by in the summer, you will witness many events that will make your trip memorable. Whether you want to visit the Ober Gatlinburg, zip line at the Anakeesta, or walk across the Sky lift Park bridge, these top attractions in Gatlinburg are waiting for your arrival with comfortable accommodations. But, if you want to wind down and enjoy the open air, Gatlinburg also has a selection of live events to experience. One of these noteworthy events is the Barbecue and Bluegrass event which is held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg is roughly fifteen minutes away from Pigeon Forge, so you don’t need to book plane tickets to get there. The Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival runs from May 25th to June 10th and is a delicious combination of two Southern traditions, BBQ and live bluegrass music. While attending this event, you will feast on mouthwatering barbecue dishes such as smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. After you’ve stuffed yourself to your heart’s content, you can enjoy live Bluegrass music. This genre of American roots music features close harmony and heartfelt notes, so don’t be surprised if you start swaying to the rhythm. The Best Time To Hike Take advantage of the summer and go for a hike in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountains National Park is a sight to be held during the warm weather. You will have a chance to smell the blooming flowers, gaze at the wildlife roaming away from the tourists, and observe the impressive trees that populate this park. Hiking is also much more manageable in the summer. If you try accessing these trails during the winter, the snow will make it hard to thread on them. The Smokies has over 800 tracks for you to try, some of which include the Abrams Falls, Porters Creek, and Big Creek trails. Abrams' Fall is one of the most notable waterfall hikes. The whole trip is about 5 miles long and is the ideal route if you’re new to hiking. Along your journey, you will encounter a 20 feet high waterfall which is soothing to look at, refreshing to feel on your skin. On the other hand, if you opt for the Porters Creek Trail, the entire route is about 4 miles long. During the first mile, you will have to use the gravel road that lines the banks of the creek as water flows in thick streams around you. As you progress, you will catch views of the old remains of the communities that settled in Porters Creek in the 1900s. These include their farmstead and their graveyard. Another mile, and you will run into the spectacular 40-foot waterfall known as the Fern Branch Falls. Before you start hiking, ensure you have all the essential items you need to make this endeavor possible. This includes the proper boots, a map, water bottles, spare clothes, and a first aid kit. The Cabins Are Affordable Cabins are by far the coziest and best option when it comes to vacation rentals. These lodgings offer far more privacy than the average hotel for half the price. Most cabins also have amenities like a jacuzzi, a home theater, and a fully stocked kitchen. So what better time to enjoy these perks than during peak summer? Additionally, if you get a cabin near the lake, you’ll hear the gentle flow of water, soft chirps of insects and smell all the flowers blooming near your accommodations. At night, you can come out for a session of stargazing and enjoy the warmth of the night air. Cabins are also far more affordable in the summer than in any other season. This is because they’re more accessible when the weather is warm, and you don’t have to pay extra to clear off the snow to make a path to walk on. Great Time For Fishing Gatlinburg is home to numerous lakes and fishing streams where you can try your luck and gauge if you’re an expert angler. In the summer, fish come to the surface early morning. While in the afternoon, they swim about in large schools, increasing the probability of you reeling one in. Fishing is therapeutic. It can help you shut off your mind and allows you to relish the cool water body beneath your boat. If you happen to visit Gatlinburg with your family, fishing proves to be the ultimate bonding experience. You will never forget the precious moment of teaching your child to hold a fishing rod, guiding them on baiting a fish, and watching the smile on their face when they emerge successful. Try visiting the Horseshoe fishing spot at Cades Cove near Upper Abrams Creek. This region is known for its rainbow trout, about an eight to twelve-inch-long fish. Although you may have slight difficulty in accessing this zone since there aren’t nearby trails that can safely take you to the Horseshoe, with a little perseverance, you can still access the water. Moreover, if you want a picturesque lake, visit the Little River at Elkmont. This is a large stream that you can access from the roadside. But, if you’re willing to work, a further two-mile hike up the creek through the Little River Trail can give you a front-seat view of both rainbow and brown trout, which are a joy to catch. Final Thoughts Spend your holidays this summer by visiting Gatlinburg. The warm Tennessee weather and hospitality of the locals will beckon you to visit. Gatlinburg is popular among tourists for the right reasons. It has exciting restaurants, breathtaking views, and hiking trails that you should explore. Furthermore, you can’t deny this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing the Smokies up close. This park is Tennessee’s most significant treasure and is responsible for keeping the tourist industry alive. You can also try your hand at activities that are not usually available all year round, like fishing. Nothing beats a successful fishing expedition when you bring home a prized trout. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Gatlinburg now! 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BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2026

After exploring the Tamil culture and the Hindu temples of Jaffna, it was time to visit an ancient and secluded Buddhist meditation retreat in Sri Lanka.  It has stone ruins from the 1st century BC, and it was once home to the Pamsukulika Sect of monks, who were known for their meditation-based and secluded lives in the forest.  Moreover, the Ritigala Forest Monastery has an association with the stories of the Ramayana. Also, this monastery is inside the Ritigala Forest Reserve. So, it is a place where history, spirituality, and wildlife await you.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how I climbed up the stone steps to reach the Ritigala Monastery in Sri Lanka, the history, legends, and the main attractions of visiting the ancient monastery today.  I will also talk about the transportation options.  Where Is Ritigala Forest Monastery? Sri Lanka maybe one of the cheapest places to travel in the world. However, its natural beauty and the cultural and historical richness are matchless. The Ritigala Forest Monastery is one of the hidden gems in Sri Lanka.  The Ritigala monastery is located across the mountain of Ritigala. The mountain of Ritigala is the highest mountain in the dry northern region of Sri Lanka.  It is close to Harbarana, which is again the epicenter of the cultural triangle, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Polonnaruwa. It is also the gateway to many wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka.  The distance between Harbarana and the Ritigara mountain is around 21 km. Other important locations near the mountain are Anuradhapura, which is at a distance of 42 km, and Sigiriya, at a distance of 32 km.  Furthermore, the Ritigala Forest Monastery is inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve.  However, remember one thing. As I mentioned in my Jaffna, Sri Lanka, travel guide, you have to rely on the locals when you are exploring the cultural landmarks or a secluded place like the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  You cannot trust Google Maps completely for locating the Ritigara mountains and monastery.  How To Reach The Ritigala Forest Monastery?  Harbarana was the base for my road trip to the Ritigara mountain and trekking further.  1. Reaching Harbarana From The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) I took a flight to the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The distance between the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Habarana is around 151 km. You can take a car rental for the entire journey. However, being a fan of the LowDownUnder Travel, I chose a different path.  After reaching the Bandaranaike International Airport, I took a taxi to Gampaha and then took a train to Harbarana. The ticket cost me around INR 400, and the travel time was around 4 hours and 40 minutes.  The Sri Lankan Railways runs two trains daily from Gampaha to Habarana.  Other airports close to Harbarana are Sigiriya Airport (18 minutes), Kandy Airport (2 hours), and Trincomalee (1 hour and 36 minutes).  2. From Harbarana To The Ritigara Mountain  From Harbarana, I took a taxi to reach Ritigara. It cost around INR 420, and the travel time was around 35-40 minutes.  You can also reserve a car or tuk-tuk to take you to the mountains, wait for you at the entrance gate, and take you back home when you are done trekking. In such cases, the reserve cost will be around INR 1000-1200.  The route from Harbarana to Ritigara was beautiful. My cab driver pointed out the local farming practices and the land on the way.  It was a fulfilling experience, and as Jaffna has a unique food scene based on its local agricultural practices, the food habits of this northern-central region of Sri Lanka. Red rice, jackfruit curry, and river fish are the staples here.   Also, my driver told me to keep my eyes open to spot elephants. However, I was not lucky enough to spot my favorite animal. I noticed some fresh dung in the road, though.  Furthermore, when the car came off the main road, the ride became a little bumpy. The route from here to the Ritigara mountain was a combination of dirt tracks and semi-paved roads.  Finally, I reached the entrance of Ritigara and purchased my ticket. The ticket cost me around INR 450, and I even got a guide for INR 1200. What Is The History Of Ritigala Forest Monastery?  The history of the Ritigala Forest Monastery goes back to the 1st century BC. You will find here more than 70 rock caves, the 9th-century meditation spots of the "Pansukulika” monks, and unadorned stone pathways.  Here is a brief historical timeline of the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  1. Establishment Of The Ritigara Forest Site For Monks Buddhist monks came here and started living in the sacred mountains in the 1st century BC. There were more than 70 caves where monks started meditating in solitude.  Even today, there are many rock inscriptions from which we can learn about how many patrons helped to build and maintain the site, which was home to monks who left the luxury of monasteries and used to meditate in the caves.  2. Receiving Royal Patronage This site received adequate royal patronage, and from the inscriptions, we especially get to know about King Pandukabhaya.  He founded Anuradhapura and built a reservoir at the base of the mountain for the hermits here in the 4th century BC.  3. Building Of The Pansukulika Sect Monastery King Sena I built the Ritigara Monastery in 833, and it was meant for the Pansukulikas or monks in rag robes.  These monks practiced the highest form of asceticism, and they were on a mission to revive the simple teachings of Lord Buddha.  4. The Decline Of The Pansukulika Sect And The Monastery  From the 9th to the 11th century, the Ritigala Forest Monastery and the Pansukulika Sect of monks enjoyed immense glory.  However, with increasing donations and the monks getting inclined toward what they earlier rejected, the core philosophy of the sect was lost.  Two rival sub-sects were formed within the Pansukulika Sect. Finally, King Vijayabahu I confiscated their extensive holdings in 1070-1110 CE as a part of a Buddhist monastic reform.  5. Abandonment And Discovery Of The Ancient Monastery Despite the royal patronage, the Ritigara Forest Monastery was abandoned around the 10th to 12th centuries due to the Chola invasions.  It was an unprotected ruin until James Mantell, the British colonial surveyor, saw the ruins while climbing up the mountain.  Then, he drew the attention of H.C.P. Bell, the first Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon. He understood the historical and religious importance of the place and expanded it extensively in 1893.  Finally, in 1941, the 1528 hectares of the forest area, including the ruins, were designated as a Strict Nature Reserve.  Today, the conservation efforts strike a balance between the ecological and archaeological preservation of the monastery and the site.  Design And Engineering Of The Ritigala Forest Monastery: The Incredible Ruin The monastery does not look like the traditional stupas. Here, you will find interconnected stones, paved pathways, and stone bridges.  Furthermore, there are bathing areas like the famous Banda Pokuna.  The most unique thing about the Ritigara Monastery is that here you will not find any Bodhi Tree or any Buddha statue.  It is a place where you can walk, meditate, and contemplate.  You may call it a failed attempt to revive the radical simplicity of Buddhism, but for every seeker, it will always be a place to introspect and connect to a higher energy.  I had goosebumps the moment I entered the monastery. Let’s delve deeper into the unique architecture of the monastery.  1. The Padhanaghara And Stone Pathways  The ruins of the Ritigala Forest Monastery cover an area of around 120 acres. You will see around 50 distinct meditation houses or Padhanaghara in the area.  Inside each meditation house, you will find two raised platforms in the east-west direction, and those were made of stone. A small maot surrounded the platforms, and a small stone bridge connected the platforms.  Probably, these structures were used for some rituals or meditation purposes.  Interlinking stone pathways connect these meditation houses. These pathways are 1.5 meters in width, and the width is consistent as the pathways ascend the slope. These pathways also have circular intersections.  2. Water Management System, The water management system in Ritigala Forest Monastery was sophisticated. Banda Pokuna and Kumbuk Wewa, these twin ponds were carved from rocks.  Furthermore, I found a large stone trough in the courtyard, which was used for cooking food.  Also, I saw the ruins of the monastery hospital and stone mortars, which were used to grind and prepare herbal medicines.  Moreover, the monastery did not have any residential complex. The monks lived and meditated in the caves.  However, there were urinal stones, which were the only amenities or the luxury the monks enjoyed in this austere setup.  What Is The Legend Of The Ritigala Forest Monastery?  The Ritigala mountain has a connection to the Hindu mythology, the Ramayana. Attacked by Ravana, Lakshama, the brother of Lord Ramachandra, became unconscious on the battlefield.  Lord Hanuman, on Lord Rama’s command, went to fetch a life-saving medicinal herb from the Dronagiri. However, he forgot the name of the herb and carried the entire mountain on his shoulder.  When he was crossing the Palk Strait, five segments of the mountain fell from his grasp. The biggest fragment fell on the site of the Ritigara Mountain.  Now, you may not believe the legend of the Ritigala Mountain. However, the presence of various medicinal plants in the mountains keeps the myth alive.  Moreover, among the 417 species of plants here, around 96 varieties are for medicinal purposes. Moreover, the northern peaks have names such as the Wannati-kanda and Aushada-kanda.  Climbing To The Ritigala Forest Monastery In Sri Lanka  Climbing up to the Ritigara Forest Monastery was a free-flowing experience. There are many things to see, but more to feel.  Here is how I explored the ruins.  1. The Bathing Pond  As I left the ticket counter behind, I found the first ruin. I took the stone steps to visit a massive bathing area.  You have to be careful with the steps here, as they are cracks and have overgrown tree roots.  Large trees have grown in the bathing area now. However, you can still understand its massive scale.  2. A Winding Stone Path And Ruins Of The Monastery The winding stone pathway took me through various ruins, and they stood like the blueprints from a bygone era.  The most striking one among them was the ruins of the hospital. It still had a sunken bath and grinding stones for preparing medicines.  As I climbed up, I found the meditation platforms, big multi-chambered rooms, and urinals.  3. The Large Pavilion With Columns  I found a large pavilion here with big columns. However, the more intriguing was the Big Tree behind the ruin.  It is so massive that its ground roots have created a labyrinth. The road seems to fizzle out at this stage. However, my gut instinct said that there is something more.  4. The Hidden Ruin  My guide was not happy with me for continuing further. As I headed down, after the initial disappointment of landing on the forest floor, I found another ruin.  There was a stone bridge, and it took me to a promontory with a square structure. It was the ruins of the library that had many precious manuscripts.  The view from the promontory was amazing.  It is a shame that most trekkers miss it, as the signs are not adequate and often hidden in the overgrown bushes. Furthermore, most of them are only in the Sinhalese language, which only locals can read.  However, I used the absence of signboards to my advantage.  Practical Tips For A Visit To The Ritigara Forest Monastery  If you are traveling with your partner or in a group, you must reserve a tuk-tuk or car to bring you back. You may not get a passing traffic. I took the risk as it was a solo adventure.  You have to carry snacks and water. Wear sunscreen and carry insect repellents.  You will find a toilet at the entrance of the ruins. I did not use it. So, I am not sure about the condition or the amenities available.  Ritigala Forest Monastery: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Ritigala Forest Monastery. 1. How Much Time Is Needed At Ritigala? Trekking the Ritigala Forest Monastery is going to take around 2 hours. So, overall, you will at least need 3 hours in Ritigala. Trekking up the route is easy. However, walking through the cracked stone steps can be challenging.Also, signboards are scarce and incomprehensible on the route. So, you must take a local guide.  2. Where To Stay Near The Ritigala Forest Monastery? I stayed at Habarana, and the name of my hostel was The Lake Breeze. The tariff for the hostel was around INR 2000. The amenities were basic, with fans, Wi-Fi, and mosquito nets.  3. Is Taking A Tour Of Ritigala Forest Monastery Worth It? Yes, taking a tour of the Ritigala Forest Monastery is absolutely worth it. Here, you will find the ruins of the 1st century BC, and it is great for anyone with a keen interest in the history and evolution of Buddhism. Furthermore, the ambiance of the ruins is introspective and meditative. Moreover, you can easily reserve a car or tuk-tuk to reach the base of the Ritigara Mountain and then start your trek for 1.5 to 2 hours.