Mount Lavinia Beach: Sand, Sea Turtles, Food And More

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! Read Also: 5 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures The Perfect Destination For Adventure Enthusiasts In Jamaica- Yaaman Adventure

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

The Sigiriya Rock was my next big cultural stop in Central Sri Lanka after the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  Also known as the “Lion Rock,” it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with whiffs of mythology and major archaeological importance.  Despite the absence of any archaeological evidence, there is a strong mythological belief that it is the place of Ravana’s Golden Palace.  However, scientific evidence says that the rock fortress with its massive columns was once the seat of power of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD).  He built the fortress with magnificent frescoes and the palace at the top of the rock column. Also, the palace got such a name because one had to access the fortress through the mouth of an enormously carved lion.  The area was earlier used as a Buddhist monastery from the third to the first century BCE.  So, along with the Hindu temples of Jaffna and the Ambuluwawa Tower, which has Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim sites, the Sigiriya Rock also remains a major attraction for religious and spiritual seekers.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the location of the Sigiriya Rock, how to reach it, the climbing experience, history, the entry fee, the structure, and other details.  What Is The History Of The Sigiriya Rock?  Sigiriya Rock was a Buddhist Monastery. It rose in prominence after King Kashyapa took the throne and shifted the monks to Pidurangala, a nearby outcrop.  He found the top of this near-vertical rock formation more defensible and built a fortress on its top. It had a magnificent moat, water gardens, temples, and meeting halls.  However, deserted by his own force, King Kashyapa killed himself as he did not want to be a captive of his brother.  The Sigiriya Rock again became a monastery after Anuradhapura became the capital again.  However, after a few years, the place was abandoned until George Turnour translated the Buddhist texts and identified the Sigiriya Rock. Further, in 1831, Jonathan Forbes located the city. Then, after 20 years, Harry Bell, the Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon, at that time discovered the Lion’s Paws.  Finally, the Sigiriya Rock became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.  Where Is The Sigiriya Rock? How To Reach The Sigiriya Rock?  The Sigiriya Rock is located in the central region of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is the closest town, and it is the gateway to the Sigiriya Rock by road from Colombo and Kandy, the capital of the central province.  The distance is around 17 km, and the travel time is close to 25 minutes.  The distance between Kandy and the Sigiriya Rock is around 89 km, and the travel time by road is close to 2 hours and 31 minutes.  Furthermore, the distance from Colombo to the Sigiriya Rock is 177 km. So, the travel time is around 3 hours and 50 minutes.  Nevertheless, I took a bus from Dambulla to the Sigiriya Rock. The bus ticket price was around 50 LKR.  You will also get taxis and tuk-tuks from Dambulla.  Moreover, Habarana railway station, at a distance of around 20-30 minutes, is the closest to the Sigiriya Rock. Once you are done exploring Colombo or the things to do in Trincomalee, you can easily take a train ride to the Habarana railway station and take a taxi or tuk-tuk from there to the Sigiriya Rock.  What Are The Opening Hours And Entry Fee To The Lion Rock And Museum?  Sigiriya remains open from 7 AM to 6 PM. However, 5:30 PM is the latest time you can enter.  The entry fee to the Sigiriya Rock is around 11,149 LKR or 36 USD. This charge includes the museum entry fee.  However, you can also visit the museum on a different day and pay a fee of $5 or 1600 LKD.  Climbing The Sigiriya Rock  I started from the ancient water garden with the caves on the left. Furthermore, the octagonal man-made lake was in the shadow of the massive monolith.  As I proceeded, I found two big boulders forming a natural arch and creating a circular road upward. The path took a turn to the left.  The entire path was a part of the natural rock garden and was a sheer contrast against the water gardens below.  I met some spiders, monkeys, and street dogs on the way until I reached the Lion’s paws. 1. The Lion’s Paws The Lion’s Paws had a staircase in the center. This stone-made staircase is ancient, and the claws with the Lion’s paws are now the only remnants explaining why the Sigiriya Rock has the nickname of the Lion Rock.  The head and body of the lion are decayed and mostly engulfed by the jungle.  Furthermore, this ancient stone staircase is like a transition from history to the metal route up the mountain.  However, here, you have to be careful and be as silent as possible to avoid the wasp attacks.  2. From The Top Of The Lion Rock After climbing around 1200 steps, I reached the top of the Lion Rock. As Sigiriya is the tallest peak in the region, it offered me a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The sparkling rivers and lakes and the lush greenery of Central Sri Lanka won me over. The Pidurangala Rock was to the north, and it rose like a little volcano from the forest beneath.  3. The Mirror Wall  I walked through the remnants of the Sigiriya Rocks, the platforms, and the pools before I finally reached the Mirror Wall.  On my way, I also had an encounter with a giant lizard and a street dog who just knew how to pose.  Between the first plateau and the Lion’s Paws, there is a fork in the path. I took that path and turned left to come across the Mirror Wall.  With a plaster casing, the ancient Mirror Wall used to shine and reflect light. Also, today, when you visit the mirror wall, you can see thousands of graffiti. 4. The Frescoes From the Mirror Wall, I took a spiral staircase to reach the frescoes. However, for me, the cave paintings were more fascinating. There is a major debate about the figures drawn on the caves. Some claim that these are holy entities and they make offerings to them.  On the other hand, many say that these depict the concubines from the harem of the king.  5. The Cobra Head  I spotted the Cobra Head Cave while descending from the Sigiriya Rock. The cave resembles a cobra, which is ready to attack you with its fangs.  Furthermore, I spotted a reception hall and an ancient urinal.  Wildlife And Safety While Climbing The Sigiriya Rock  I could spot many monkeys while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Also, the moat has signs that crocodiles can be spotted here. However, I could not find any.  Having said that, the lizards here are huge, and they are no less scary than crocodiles.  Furthermore, there is a caution regarding elephants roaming in the water gardens after dark.  Now, the scariest part. You will see huge wasp nests across various sections of the Sigiriya Rock. Keep silent and be responsible not to disturb those nests.  Amenities Available At The Sigiriya Rock Site There are toilet facilities at the base of the Sigiriya Rock. Furthermore, you will get a cafe or food stall near the ticket counter.  You can collect chips, ice creams, soft drinks, and water for this cafe.  Also, you can refill your bottle from the free fountain.  Tips And Tricks While Visiting The Sigiriya Rock  You have to carry enough water while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Otherwise, you will be dehydrated, especially when climbing up after 8 AM.  Furthermore, you cannot take photos of the frescoes and cave paintings. Noone will allow you to ruin the historical artwork which has been there for more than 1600 years now.  Moreover, the stairs and paths are steep. So, if you have vertigo issues, you have to take precautions. Also, the path is full of wasps. So, be careful while climbing up the rock. 

BY  Arnab Mar 10, 2023

There are hundreds of thousands of locations where you can find flowers. They can be in the wild or cultivated, making flower tourism a common hobby worldwide. Tulips, roses, and poppies are among the world's most beautiful flowering plants. Angiosperms derive from the Greek words for "vessel" and "seed" and are flowering plants. Checkout Seven Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers Here are some of the best locations around the world where you can enjoy the wealth and beauty of nature— 1. Jacaranda Trails, Australia The jacaranda tree is native to New South Wales, and Grafton is home to an annual jacaranda festival that paints the town purple. Sydney's top locations for jacaranda trees are Macquarie Street in the city center, Lavender Bay on the north shore, Hunters Hill North Shore, and the Eastern Suburbs. These spots are well-liked by visitors and residents and provide breathtaking views of the harbor and Opera House. Hunters Hill is a terrific spot to spend an afternoon walking along Oxford Street with a coffee in one hand and a camera in the other when the trees are fully bloomed, turning the Downtown into a purple sanctuary. The locations of Sydney's famous harbourside gardens, Glebe market, Parramatta Park, Grafton, and Woolwich Dock are the most crucial information in this article. The finest place to see purple-hued flowers is at the Royal Botanic Garden, while Glebe and Parra Park are fantastic places to explore after lunch. You can use these flowers even if you want to send flowers brisbane and gift someone with an authentic bouquet of love! 2. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands The largest flower garden in the world, Keukenhof in the Netherlands, offers breathtaking vistas of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers. It provides a variety of events and activities for visitors of all ages but is only open for a short period of time each year, usually from mid-March to mid-May. It is conveniently accessible by vehicle or public transit and is situated in Lisse, close to Amsterdam. For anybody who values the splendor of nature and desires to experience the brilliant hues and aromas of springtime in the Netherlands, Keukenhof is a must-visit location. More than seven million flower bulbs may be found there, and four pavilions are filled with tulips, daffodils, orchids, roses, and other blooms. For the greatest views, go in April or May and cross this off your bucket list. 3. Munnar Flower Valley, Kerala, India Travelers are drawn to Munnar by the Neelakurinji bloom from all over the world. It is renowned for its luxuriant spice, tea, and coffee plantations, forested areas, vibrant species of flora and animals, dramatic weather, and for an exceptional experience. As it only blooms once every 12 years, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The next bloom is anticipated to occur in 2030, having occurred last in 2018. The most recent bloom is only a 4-hour drive from Munnar, and thousands of people travel there daily to see it. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Munnar is the perfect location. A rare occurrence, the Neelakurinji bloom, may be photographed and preserved. Tourists may travel with friends, family, and coworkers, or they may go alone. A magnificent experience of Munnar can be one of the most relevant trips if you’re out to see all the beautiful flowers around the world. 4. Japan During The Cherry Blossom Season The cherry blossom season in Japan begins in late March and lasts through mid-May. About 30,000 sakura blanket the Kii Mountains and the town of Yoshino, Kansai, one of over 1,000 spots where you may find them. Himeji Castle, Hirosaki Castle, Tokyo, and Kyoto are a few other excellent locations to see them. If you go at the correct time, you won't have any trouble seeing the cherry blossoms, even if they can be crowded in certain spots. Visit Japan during cherry blossom season for the best experience! In many areas of Japan, cherry blossom season normally begins in late March and lasts until mid-May, with the real full bloom only lasting two weeks. Have a picnic, meet locals, and see temples and castles with stunning cherry blossoms, such as Hirosaki Castle and Himeji Castle. Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is mostly associated with home-cooked dinners and BYOB picnics with friends and family. 5. Floral Carpets, Sicily, Italy Italy has a long-standing custom known as the Infiorata, or "covered with flowers," in which the streets are decorated to commemorate the Corpus Domini feast. The entire town of Spello, an ancient Umbrian town, takes part in creating the Infiorata. You can find flower carpets outside of Italy in La Ortawa, the Canary Islands, and Brussels. Sicily in the spring is renowned for its delectable cuisine, extensive history, and Mediterranean scenery. The world's most stunning flowers are displayed in vibrant carpets at the Infiorata di Noto, a Baroque Spring Festival. Using a kaleidoscope of specially produced flower petals, artists produce intricate patterns. Children are permitted to run through the petal-filled streets on the Monday after the festival, bringing the revelry to a close. Go for a cultural adventure tour on the third weekend in May to witness the flower festival! 6. Jeju Island, South Korea Cherry blossoms, vivid yellow rapeseed, and canola blooms are prominent on Jeju Island. Tourists can visit Jeaonnon-ro to see the well-known cherry blossom street, Noksan-ro to witness the six-mile road, and Sanbangsan Mountain to provide the ideal backdrop. Visitors may see the island completely covered in the stunning yellow of the canola blossom seasons every final week of March. An outstanding backdrop for Jeju's springtime splendor is the canola carpet with blue trunks and golden blossoms. Due to its beautiful scenery and vibrant blossoms, Jeju Island is a well-liked tourist destination in the spring. The season of canola blossoms is both visually and olfactorily delightful, as the blooms give out a delicious perfume that permeates the atmosphere. Visitors may stroll or ride bikes across the fields and enjoy the lovely environment. Jeju Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts because of the aromatic flowers, soft sunshine, and sea air. 7. Istanbul Tulip Festival, Turkey The Istanbul Tulip Festival is a vibrant and stunning occasion in Istanbul, where the municipal administration has planted millions of tulips in parks, avenues, traffic roundabouts, and open ground. The tulips bloom for many weeks, beginning at the end of March or early April. The Sultanahmet Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Mosque are the two greatest venues to admire tulips, and the festival's official dates are from April 1 to April 30. Daffodils, purple grape hyacinths, and pansies are among the festival's blooms; in early May, roses will replace the tulips. Tulips may bloom earlier than normal if the current warm weather persists, but a cold snap may still be on the horizon. In the first few weeks of April last year, the pictures below were taken in Emirgan Park. Read Also: 6 Tips To Stay Safe While On A Road Trip A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing 6 Great Reasons Why You Had An Amazing Luxury Holiday In Phú Quốc, Vietnam