It is the best Hawaiian Islands to visit for your honeymoon because of its geography, culture and hospitality. Take the time to experience all of the amazing, romantic activities that Maui has to offer.

Romantic Things to do in in Maui Island

1. Watch the Haleakala sunrise

10,000 feet above sea level is Mount Haleakala. While it can be a bit of an early start and a long drive, depending on where you’re staying, seeing the sunrise is romantic enough to be worth it. Be sure to dress warmly as the top of the mountain can be cool before the sun warms the air. Also be sure to research what time the sun rises, as you don’t want to drive all the way there and realize you’ve missed it.

2. Drive the road to Hana

Chance are you’ll have rented a car for your Maui honeymoon, so take advantage of it and drive this historic road. The route includes 59 historic bridges that connect to Hana village. Along the drive you can stop and explore the hidden gems of the island. These include swimming under waterfalls, hiking through a bamboo forest and visiting the Kahuna National Tropical Botanical Garden. As you drive along you will also have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean coastline.

The road ends at Hana village and here you will find gorgeous black sand beaches and restaurants with delicious food. There are also spas, great for a romantic couples massage. End the day with a view of the sunset before you head back to your hotel.

3. Enjoy a Maui luau

Luau feasts are one of the most attended activities in Hawaii, and you don’t want to miss out. The evening of dancing and feasting is a great event to experience. Sip on drinks like Mai Tais and eat pork, squid and an abundance of tropical fruit. After your stomach is full you’ll be treated to Hawaiian culture at its finest as performers dance, chant and drum with a giant fire as their backdrop. It’s a magical event to experience with your loved one.

4. Sail away on a cocktail cruise

As Maui is surrounded by water, you’ll want to experience the ocean is as many ways as possible. One way is to board a small ship for a cocktail cruise. Here you’ll be able to party with others as you sip on local, tasty drinks and dance the night away. Onboard you’ll be treated to stunning views of the coastline and the even beautiful setting sun. If things get too crowded, find a corner to cozy up with your partner to enjoy the romance of your honeymoon.

5. Go on a helicopter ride

Maui is a tropical paradise and one of the best ways to appreciate this is on a private helicopter ride. Ride through cloud mists as you take in the expanse of jungles. You’ll be able to see waterfalls from above and discover hidden beaches. Most helicopter trips can be booked for one or two hours. It will be an experience you’ll never forget, even after you return home.

6. Book a romantic photo-shoot

Sure you’ll be taking nonstop pictures, but chance are there won’t be many of you and your newlywed together. Professional photographers will make sure that both of you are in the same frame and will find a number of romantic venues to snap pictures at. You can take home these priceless souvenirs as a reminder that you were both on your honeymoon.

7. Go horseback riding

A great way to experience the countryside of Maui on your honeymoon is on horseback. This exciting adventure will allow you and your love one to see a different side of the island. There are many horseback riding tours to choose from. You can go riding just the two of you, or in a group. You can choose from the hillside overlooking the ocean or down on the beach. Whatever interests you the most, there will be an option for you. It’s a great bonding activity.

8. Go zip lining

Why not add some spice to your new marriage by going zip lining. If you’re an adventure seeking couple, then this activity is a must do on your honeymoon. The Piholo Ranch Zip line course on the North Shore is a great place to go to. Here you can zip above the amazing landscape including forests, flowers and livestock. There are different options depending on your adventurous spirit.

9. Book a spa together

Because there are so many amazing activities to partake in on Maui, it’s important to schedule some time to relax and unwind. Take advantage of the many spas that the island has to offer. Book a couple’s massage, or mud bath, or any of the relaxing activities that spas have to offer. By pampering yourself you can make sure that you are as happy as possible on your honeymoon.

10. Go snorkelling

Maui’s coastline is filled with coral reefs and sea life and you and your partner should definitely experience it. If you didn’t bring snorkelling gear, don’t worry as there are many rental places. If you want to purchase your own there are also many places that sell masks and flippers. Swim with your partner and take joy in pointing out different sea life to each other. Try to bring a waterproof camera with you to snap photos of what you see.

The best Hawaiian island to visit for your honeymoon is Maui. It is a tropical paradise with an array of exciting activities to do with your loved one. Have fun exploring the island, whether it is on land, in the air, or in the water. Don’t forget to take some time to relax together, too so that you can begin your married life together with amazing memories and a relaxed frame of mind.

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While the islands are closer geographically to Thailand, they are actually controlled by India. The landmass is about 8000 square kilometers and is close to the equator.

Things to Do in Andaman and Nicobar islands

1. Hike in Madhuban

In South Andaman you can find amazing hiking trails that run from Mount Harriet to Madhuban. Along the trails you can find exotic flowers and forest that will leave you mesmerized. If you are staying in Port Blair there is a short ferry ride that will take you to the area through Chatham Harbor.

2. Sea Walk at North Bay Beach

If you love fish, and want to get really close to them, then make sure you visit North Bay Beach. It is just north of Port Blair, across the water.

Here you can find one of the most popular places to engage in the activity of sea walking. The waters are home to large coral reefs that are home to a variety of types of sea life. Sea walking includes wearing special gear similar to scuba diving. The rental companies employ lifeguards and trained staff to instruct you and monitor you so it is a safe yet exciting activity.

3. Scuba Diving

While scuba diving was once only available at Havelock Island, it is has now been extended to Neil Island as well. The waters have tons of coral and sea life and are an amazing place to explore. The islands have a lot of trained scuba divers to guide you to the best underwater places.

4. Savor the local food

One of the best things to do while on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is to sample the delicious, local food. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea and there is little doubt that the catch of the day really was caught that day. Food on the islands is a mixture of Indian, Thai and Malay cuisine, and offers something for everyone’s palate.

5. Watch the sunset and sunrise

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are relatively unblemished by tourism. While tourists do frequent the islands, the area has still been able to maintain its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Even the most popular beach won’t have throngs of tourists taking up space. The islands are a place to relax and enjoy what nature does best.

Places to See in Andaman and Nicobar islands

6. Baratang Island

Covered in dense tropical forest and lined with stretches of sandy beaches, Baratang Island is a tropical paradise. It is in the middle of the Andaman Islands.

The island is home to limestone caves which are one of the most interesting places to visit in the Andaman Islands. There is also a mangrove ecosystem on the island which is home to many birds. Near here is also Parrot Island, which is a truly unique sight to see. At sunset parrots return to their home, filling the sky with their amazing colors. It is one of nature’s most beautiful sights.

7. Havelock Island

One of the largest of the Andaman Islands, this land has beautiful, unspoiled beaches. The forests are green and dense and home to many species of animals. While part of the island has places to see for tourists, another part of the island is inhabited by Aboriginal people. On Havelock Island you can sail, scuba dive and kayak and almost anything else you can think of that allows you to connect to nature.

8. Radha Nagar Beach

On Havelock Island, a four hour ferry ride from Port Blair, you can find Radha Nagar Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. The beaches are filled with lush white sand and the waters are a tranquil blue. The beach will make you forget that the rest of the world exists. Take your time and relax and enjoy the peacefulness of your stay.

9. The Village of Wandoor

Just 30 kilometers from Port Blair is a small village called Wandoor, which is home to the Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park. Here you can an abundant array of coral reef and tropical fish that inhabit it. Just off the coast of Wandoor are the Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island, both which are open to tourists. You can take a day trip and travel by boat to the islands.

10. Chidiya Tapu

This tiny village 25 km from Port Blair is home to hundreds of species of birds. It is a great spot for anyone that loves bird watching. You will have the chance to spot parakeets, sea eagles and emerald doves.

11. Chatham Saw Mill

Chatham Island is connected to Port Blair by a bridge and on this island you can find one of the oldest sawmills in all of Asia. The saw mill was constructed in 1883 and is currently owned by the government. There is a museum on its premises in which you can see the types of wood found on the island and the history of how the saw mill evolved. The smell of freshly cut trees in the air making it a fragrant experience.

12. The Cellular Jail Memorial

Formerly known as Black Waters, or Kaala Paani, this jail was used by the British as a colonial prison for political prisoners. The memorial allows tourists to understand the role that the Andaman Islands played in India’s fight for independence. The jail memorial is located in Port Blair and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

The things to do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include everything from watching the sunrise to walking among fish to relaxing at sunset. The places to see on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands bring together the natural elements with the cultural history. This hidden gem in the middle of the ocean might be overlooked, but if you have the chance, a visit to these amazing islands is well worth it.

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Places to Visit in Daman

1. Fort of St Jerome

On the north side of the Daman Ganga River you can find Fort Jerome, which was built to keep watch over the nearby sea. The fort is named after Saint Jerome whose statues has been placed on top of the main entrance.

The architecture at Fort Jerome is very typical of Portuguese style and inside of the fort can be found the Church of Our Lady of the Sea. Part of the church has recently been converted into a school. As well as the church there is also a Portuguese war cemetery which was created shortly after the fort was built, in the 17th century.

2. Basilica of Bom Jesus Church

Construction on this church in Daman began in 1559 C.E. and was completed in 1603 C.E. The church is an excellent example of Roman styled architecture as inside the church can be found statues of different saints. The altar itself was carved from wood by Portuguese artisans. The ceiling have a series of murals on them. Overall the Bom Jesus Church is an artfully crafted experience.

3. The Lighthouse

The lighthouse can be found at the St Jerome Fort, on the Daman Ganga Bridge. It was built during the Portuguese era and is a major landmark in Daman. The lighthouse is still in use and helps sea traffic navigate the shores.

4. Jampore Beach

Located in the south of Daman, this beach is one of the best places to visit. The waters are calm and perfect for swimmers of all abilities. The tide can be very low at times and great for exploring. The sand offers an ideal place for a picnic as there are many shady areas.

5. Devka Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Daman is Devka Beach. The water is rockier than other places along the coast, and not ideal for swimming, but the beach itself is perfect for an evening stroll. Along Devka Beach you can find an amusement park as well as a musical fountain. There are many restaurants to eat at.

6. Mirasol Water Park

The main amusement park in Daman is a fun place to hang out at, especially if you are with your family. There are thrilling slide, go-karting and many exciting rides to enjoy. The water park is in the Kadaiya Lake in the northern part of Daman.

7. Satya Sagar Udyan

This colorful garden area is a great place to come and relax. There are promenades to walk on and a snack bar and restaurant to eat at. Take a stroll through this natural place and be happy.

8. The Dominican Monastery

Also known as the ancient seat of religious learning in Daman, the monastery was famous for theological studies across the globe by Catholics wanting to learn more. The monastery as an altar decorated with floral motifs carved on stone and is an interesting place to visit. A religious mass is held every third Sunday in December to honor Saint Dominic.

Places to Visit in Diu

9. Zampa Gateway

The entrance to the District of Diu is one of the many places to visit because of its intricate architecture. The gateway was constructed in the Medieval Era and is very unique. On the walls you can find carvings of priests, angels and lions. A chapel can be found immediately inside the gates which was built around 1702 C.E.

10. Diu Fort

Constructed between 1535 and 1541 C.E, this Portuguese landmark is one of the best places to visit in Diu. The fort is located right on the shoreline, which signifies the allied relationship between the former Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese explorers who built the fort.

The fort is around 29 meters high and from the top of it you can have a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The sea surrounds the fort on three sides with a canal on its fourth side.

11. Diu Museum

One of the most interesting places to visit in Diu is its museum which is actually located at the old St Thomas Church. Because Diu is a tiny area and there was no space to build a new building, the church was converted into the museum. Inside you can find stone inscriptions of ancient rulers, antique statues, wood carvings and multi-colored fountains.

The museum is also home to artefacts, idols and clocks. The highlight of the museum are 400 year old wooden and marble statues of St Thomas and St Benedict.

12. Gangeshwar Temple

Three kilometers from Diu is the Gangeshwar Temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Because of its history, the temple is an important pilgrimage spot for people of Hindu faith. The architectures is amazing as the temple looks like it had been carved out of a cave. The temple is near the ocean and the breeze that flows through the complex is warm and calming.

13. Nagoa Beach

On the eastern part of Diu you can find this perfect semi-circle of a beach that has lush white sand and beautiful calm waters. The beach is not too crowded yet offers the opportunity to partake in many water sports. There are palm trees to shade you while you lay on the beach and contemplate your evening plans.

14. St Paul Church

Dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, St Paul Church was constructed in 1610 C.E. The architectural style of the church is Gothic and is really interesting to see. The façade on the church is quite ornate and is illuminated by flood lights which makes it great to visit at night. The inside of the church has wood panelling.

15. Sunset Point

This small beach in the southern part of Diu is famous for just what its name would suggest: sunsets. The beach is full of white sand and the waters are fairly calm. Relax under a palm tree and watch as the sun sets over the ocean. There are no obstructed views here; just water.

The places to visit in Daman and Diu offer a blend of Portuguese colonisation with Indian culture. While the two areas are across the ocean from each other, their heritage brings them together.

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1. Temple of the Tooth

Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temple can be found at the eastern end of Kandy in central Sri Lanka. Here you can find a tooth relic of the Buddha.

The temple itself has a golden roof and white walls. It is very popular and is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Often flowers and incense are left at the temple. While visiting the temple you will most likely hear ancient forms of drumming and sacred chanting.

2. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

In the eastern part of Colombo city you can find this modern Buddhist temple that has images of the Buddha as well as ceiling and wall paintings done by a local artist named Solius Mendis. The artwork depicts that important life events of the Buddha as well as the spread of Buddhism into Sri Lanka.

According to the Mahavamsa, a chronical of Buddhism, the Buddha stopped at this location in the 6th Century BCE while visiting Sri Lanka.

3. Dambulla Cave Temple

Dating back to the 1st century BCE, the temple complex has five caves intricately spaced amongst overhanding rock. The caves were accentuated with arches and gables in 1938. Inside the caves can be found intricate patterns of religious images included those of the Buddha as well as other gods and goddesses.

The caves were gilded in 1190 and over 70 Buddha statues were added making it one of the best temples in Sri Lanka to visit.

4. Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

This Buddhist temple can be found atop a rock over 200 meters above sea level. To reach it you must travel up 533 steps. The temple itself is comprised of seven Viharas or monasteries along with seven Buddha statues.

Around the temple you can find ancient murals that depict Sri Lanka’s history with Buddhism. It is a great mini lesson on the history of the religion.

5. Ridi Vihara

This Buddhist temple’s name can be translated into ‘Silver Temple‘ and is named so because silver ore was discovered at this site in the 2nd Century BCE. Ridi Vihara is a lesser known temple in Sri Lanka, but still worth visiting. It is near the town of Ridigam, north west of Kandy.

The temple has a lot of interesting art in it including frescoes and Dutch tiles. The artwork is a mixture of many religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, and a great example who diverse people can come together.

6. The Big Buddha

Overlooking Kandy is a very large statue of the Buddha. Part of a small temple complex, the Buddha towers over everything. The view from the top is just as amazing as you can see the city, the mountains and the lake.

7. Lankatilaka Temple

Located in the Udunuwara region of Kandy, this temple is considered one of the most magnificent architectural feats of the 14th century. Around the temple you ca find paintings and sculptures as well as rock curved inscriptions.

8. Polonnaruwa

Located in the northern part of the island, this city was once the capital of Sri Lanka, over 1000 years ago. Because of its importance temples, monasteries and statues were built to honor Buddhism. The city has actually been declared a World Heritage Site and as you walk through the many amazing ruins, you’ll understand why.

9. Aluhivare Rock Temple

This sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lank is located in the Matale District, 30 kilometers north of Kandy. It is surrounded by caves but the temple itself is in a cave. The history of the temple dates back to the 3rd century BCE when the King began plans for the temple shortly after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.

The Pali Canon, a collection of Buddhist scriptures was written at this location and there are many nearby monastery caves that feature Buddhist frescoes.

10. Buduruvagala

This Buddhist temple is located just southeast of Wellawaya, in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka. It is home to the largest standing statue of Buddha in all of the island, measuring 51 feet high. The temple complex dates back to the 10th century and there are seven statues which belong to the Mahayana school of thought.

11. Dhowa Rock Temple

Located 210 kilometers east of Colombo and 120 kilometers south of Kandy, this Buddhist temple in Sri Lank is off the beaten path. It is located in the village of Dhowa in a mountainous region.

The temple is over 200 years old and features a very large, unfinished image of Buddha carved into the rock face. Across the plateau of the village is a river that flows, making this a magical seeming place.

12. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

In the Mahamewna Gardens of Anuradhapura, is a sacred fig tree that was once the offshoot of the sacred tree under which the Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. The tree was planted in 249 BCE and is now the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. It is an incredibly sacred relic for Buddhist in Sri Lanka and indeed, Buddhists all over the world.

Around the tree are many statues of Buddha as well as ruins of ancient temples. In order to protect the sacred fig tree, the government banned all construction within 500 meters of the tree in 2014.

The best Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka feature a mixture of caves, statues and artwork. Some are old and crumbling while some are new and pristine. Every city and town has a Buddhist temple and many are hidden in the rural countryside.

Any trip to Sri Lanka is not complete until touring these sites that pay homage to this ancient religion. Sri Lanka was a founding country of Buddhism and its culture is reflected in its history.

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9 of the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

1. Colombo

The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo and it is home to over 5 million people. It is on the western coast of the island and is a mix of modern metropolis and tropical beaches. Throughout the city you can see evidence of British, Dutch and Portuguese occupation.

2. Yala National Park

If you love wild animals, then your next trip to Sri Lanka must include a visit to Yala National Park. On the southeast coast of the island you can find a protected area home to leopards, elephants and hundreds of species of birds. The surrounding nature is beautiful and calming and will transport you to another world.

3. Polonnaruwa

Located in the northern part of the island, this city was once the capital of Sri Lanka, over 1000 years ago. Because of its importance temples, monasteries and statues were built to honor Buddhism.

The city has actually been declared a World Heritage Site and as you walk through the many amazing ruins, you’ll understand why.

4. Sigiriya

Rising 200 meters above a forested plain, this ancient rock fortress is a true sight to behold. It can be found in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, near the town of Dambulla.

The rock formation is so immense that it caught the attention of King Kasyapa who, 1500 years ago, built his palace on the top of the rock. He then decorated the sides with colorful frescoes. Halfway up the side of the rock, on a small plateau, an enormous lion protrudes over a gateway, which inspire the name for the rock formation – The Lion Rock.

After King Kasyapa’s death the palace was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century and in the modern age has become the most visited historic sites in all of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.

5. Kandy

The second most populated city in Sri Lanka is Kandy, located in the heart of the country. The city is home to a number of Buddhist temples including the famed Temple of the Tooth, which houses a tooth relic from the Buddha. There are many tea plantations near Kandy, which make for a great experience to see how the famous drink is created.

6. Galle

On the southern tip of Sri Lanka you can find this city that blends the history of Sri Lanka with the colonization of the Dutch. Galle was also home to Portuguese explorers and as a result became a fortified city. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the largest remaining fortress in Asia that was built by European occupiers.

7. Unawatuna

Located just east of the city of Galle you can find one of the best beaches in all of the world. Golden sans and clear blue water make it a tropical paradise. Just off the beach is a coral reef which not only makes for calm waters, but provides ample opportunity to snorkel. Relax on the beach and soak in the beauty that nature has to offer.

8. Dambulla Buddhist Cave

Filled with colorful statues carved into the surrounding rock, this series of five adjacent caves is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka. The first cave was created more than 2000 years ago and to visit the caves is to really step back in time.

Without the caves you can find standing Buddhas and sitting Buddhas amongst different paintings. The caves are also hope to a functioning temple and its practices should be respected. Visitors to the temple are expected to remove their shoes and cover their knees and shoulders.

9. Bentota Turtle Sanctuary

After the 2004 tsunami, the turtles of Sri Lanka was almost wiped out. Because of this, turtle sanctuaries have emerged as a way of protecting the amphibian species. Along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka you can find Bentota, home to this large turtle sanctuary.

As you tour the sanctuary you’ll learn about turtles including the fact that most sanctuaries pay for turtle eggs in an attempt to stop people from selling them to restaurants to be eaten. The sanctuary is dependent on donations and tourism, so it is very worthwhile to stop by.

Best Things to do in Sri Lanka

10. See the wildlife

Sri Lanka is home to so many animals it’s amazing what you’ll see. Whether it’s on the coast or inland, the country will constantly provide some new animal to look at. You can visit the national parks where wildlife is protected, but you can also come across animals on your day to day journeys. Macaques are everywhere, eagerly waiting for even a morsel of food. Be careful not to feed them or they’ll follow you around forever.

11. A day at the beach

Sri Lanka is home to truly mesmerizing beaches. Golden sand and the reflected sunrise are a marvel to see. The coastline is also home to a number of fishing villages, as fishing is a major industry in Sri Lanka. Relax at a local restaurant or bring a picnic to the beach and get lost in its majesty.

12. Go shopping

Sri Lanka, like most destinations is an opportunity to purchase local goods. From local crafts to souvenirs to clothing and cloths, shopping in Sri Lanka is varied. While there are shopping malls, the best deals to be had are from street vendors who ply their local wares.

13. Eat a lot of food

If you love trying new culinary adventures, then Sri Lanka is the place for you. Some of its local cuisine is similar to Southern Indian cooking but Sri Lankans have their own spin on traditional dishes. Fish and meat can be found on menus next to a wide selection of vegetarian options. After enjoying your meal, be sure to order a cup of tea to wind down with.

The places to visit and things to do in Sri Lanka are varied and exciting. You can see wild elephants, visit ancient Buddhist temples and experience the modernity of large cities. Sri Lanka is a country not to be missed.

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1. Temple of the Tooth

Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temple can be found at the eastern end of Kandy in central Sri Lanka. Here you can find a tooth relic of the Buddha.

The temple itself has a golden roof and white walls. It is very popular and is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Often flowers and incense are left at the temple. While visiting the temple you will most likely hear ancient forms of drumming and sacred chanting.

2. The Big Buddha

Overlooking Kandy is a very large statue of the Buddha. Part of a small temple complex, the Buddha towers over everything. The view from the top is just as amazing as you can see the city, the mountains and the lake. To get to the top of the hill you can either walk or take a tuktuk.

3. Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya

Just 5 kilometers west of the city center, you can find Kandy’s botanical garden that is home to over 400 species of plants. You can see orchids, palm trees and medicinal plants.

4. Spice Gardens

Kandy is home to many spice gardens where you can tour the grounds and learn about different spices native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon and aloe vera come alive when they are growing. There are many opportunities to purchase the spices, but beware as they are heavily marked up for tourists. You could find the same local spices at a grocery store for much less.

5. International Buddhist Museum

The local name for the museum is Dalada Maligawa Museum and it features the history of Buddhism throughout Asia. Each room focuses on a different country and how Buddhism is practices in that region. The museum is near the Temple of the Tooth.

6. Kandy Lake

Located in the heart of Kandy, near the Temple of the Tooth, this man-made lake is one of the most iconic parts of the city. It was made in 1807 by former king of Sri Lanka, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and measures 2 miles in circumference.

The lake itself is beautiful and acts as a mini oasis in the heart of the city. The lake has a small island with palm trees and bamboo plants. Pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon at the lake.

7. Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Under the administration of the Wildlife Conservation Department, this forest reserve is also a wildlife sanctuary. Here you can find a large collection of trees and shrubs along with native animals. These animals include monkeys, who while harmless, are relentless in their pursuit of food. If you feed them, even a little bit, they will follow you throughout your journey.

8. Commonwealth War Cemetery

Near the right bank of the River Mahaweli, you can find this cemetery for veterans of both World War I and World War II. The cemetery is beautiful thanks to its landscaped greenery and attention to detail.

9. Shop at Kandy City Center

Newly opened in 2005 after a lengthy 12 years of construction, the shopping complex is a staggering 10 stories high. You can find just about anything you’re looking for here and prices are reasonable. There aren’t many other shopping malls in Kandy, so make sure to check this one out.

10. Traditional Dance Performances

The culture of Kandy is rich in dance, and one of the best things to do is to watch a Kandyan dance show. These shows happen every night and are very popular. After the dance show performers often go outside to walk barefoot through fire.

11. See the elephants

While Sri Lanka is known for its elephant rides, the experience of visiting these elephant camps can be downright sad. While some treat elephants OK, others do not. Riding an elephant may look like a fun experience, but this is not what the animals were meant for.

Instead, visit one of Sri Lanka’s national parks where elephants roam free. 100 kilometers north of Kandy is the Minneriya National Park. Here you can go on a guided tour and see elephants in their natural habitat. They are majestic and most importantly, free.

12. Enjoy a tea garden

Sri Lanka is the number one tea producing country in the world and in Kandy you can find many tea gardens to visit. Just outside of Kandy is the Giragama Team Plantation where you can tour the factory and see how tea is produced.

There are plenty of varieties of tea to purchase from the gift shops, which makes for great souvenirs to bring home.

13. Take a boat ride on Kandy Lake

While the lake itself is magnificent to look at, you can also catch a glimpse of its shores while on a relaxing boat ride. In front of the Queen’s Hotel you will find a small pier where the Joy Boat Service operates. Boat rides travel from the pier to the far end of the lake and back again.

14. Eat the local cuisine

Kandy has many restaurants, but not many that cater to western appetites. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine in all its splendor. Fragrant spices and delicious combinations will leave you wanting more.

15. Shop for a new sari

The women of Kandi often wear a Kanduan sari for either formal or casual settings. As opposed to a traditional Indian sari, this sari if frillier and comes in two pieces. You can find many of these saris for purchase at local street markets.

There are so many places to visit and things to do in Kandy which makes the city a top spot to stay at in Sri Lanka. This city is in the middle of the country, making it the heart of the area.

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The Bright Lights of Beijing

The majestic capital of China oozes power and beauty and is a vital stop on your Chinese travel itinerary. Explore the mysterious Forbidden City, which housed emperors for over 500 years. Now the Forbidden City has swapped royalty for artwork, and is the Palace Museum which boasts extensive collections of art and artefacts relating to the Ming dynasty. After drinking in the culture, hire a row boat to float around the stunning Shichahai lakes, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant bars and restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine.

Indulge yourself in a spot of retail therapy by wandering the narrow streets of Nanluoguxiang, which is home to hundreds of shops boasting quirky clothes, excellent souvenirs and wonderful galleries. End your delightful day by dining at the impeccably chic Temple Restaurant; as the name would suggest, this fine dining establishment is housed in a former temple, and serves up gastronomical delights such as succulent lobster, smoked duck and goose liver, all with a Chinese twist.

A World Wonder

The mind blowing Great Wall of China spans a staggering 5,500 miles through stunning and diverse scenery. Comprising of over sixteen sections, it is highly recommended to take a tour of the Great Wall of China to fully comprehend the incredible history and majesty of this landmark, witnessing wonderful rolling hills and tranquil rivers along the way. A visit to this wonderful world wonder is guaranteed to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Total Tranquillity

China is saturated with some of the most staggeringly stunning places on earth, and is a mecca for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. One of the most gorgeous is the incomprehensibly beautiful Jiuzhaigou, Chinas first national park, where bright turquoise pools lie beside snow capped, majestic mountains shrouded in eerie mist, roaring waterfalls and verdant greenery. The breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world, and allows avid hikers the opportunity to scale rocky banks while wandering beside icy, crystal clear rivers and observing incredible wildlife along the way.

You will feel like you’ve stepped straight into an painted masterpiece when cruising down the idyllic Li River, which is bordered by surging peaks, green bamboo and huge water buffalo. This selection of natural wonders barely scrape the surface of China’s incredible offering, so a tailor made tour of these incredible sights is right at your fingertips as your plan your life changing trip to China.

Photos by Sam Gao, See-ming Lee and DragonWoman

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It is said that money is not the key to happiness, but you can dare say if you have some money, you can definitely get a key, made for the gates of happiness, to open. Welcome to Maldives, a land of 1,200 tiny coral islands exuberating with fun, excitement and happiness at sky-high. The reasons are neatly stacked and you can explore all of them one at a time.

Key for a Resort

Instead of being an inventor of boomerang grenade and exploding your happy holiday in fumes, begin with choosing your accommodation at world-class resorts like Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, which provides you all the comforts you need. The splendorous ocean view and the scenic surroundings draw you out from your inner-self and you can’t help admiring the world. It is a happy world with luxuries of private swimming pools, sun deck, shaded pool garden, spas, yoga center, water sports and many other fun filled activities.

Key for Water Fun

Can a landscape which hardly rises 6 meters from sea level, and has huge volumes of ocean waters surrounding it, be far away from water sports? Obviously no, and so do the many centers for water sports in Maldives say. They are stacked up with gears like masks, snorkels, and boards of different sizes to facilitate your endeavors for thrills in water. You can go snorkeling down below and say hello to the colorful marine creatures and be a part of them. You have a wide array to choose from like parasailing, kayaking, water-surfing, jet-skiing or kite-surfing. Maldives is the Mecca for water-surfers, who can’t resist the swell of the sea waters with wave range from 3 to 8 feet.

Key for Diving

The crystal clear water of Maldives makes it a wonderful place to dive in and have a fantastic view of the seascape. About 3000 odd coral reefs add up the beauty of the landscape with over thousand species of colorful fishes swimming along in the clear waters. They are just amazing to watch. The best part is that you don’t have to be an expert in diving to go through with it. You will be given all the diving guidance, and with diving gears at your service, you are all set to go and explore the wonders down below. You may specially find the dives in the reefs very much spectacular, which are at short distances from the beaches. You can get a boat and go around the whole day to the many diving sites and explore them one by one.

Key for Health

The soothing effects of scenic beauty of Maldives, its wonderful white sandy beaches and blue calm waters will drift you into a body and mind healing process. Hence no wonders that this place is littered with many spas and health centers. The spas are the fusion of many traditional methods of healing which have been passed on for generations.

Maldives is a perfect get-away from the busy city life and spend some time with nature. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind. It is a relaxant your body needs.

Photo by Ibrahim Iujaz

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