Exciting National Parks in Asia, for an Adventurous Vacation!

There is quite no experience that can come close to waking up early morning just to see wildlife in their habitat from the comfort of a safari cabin. Picture this, wild elephants on a river bank splashing water at their calves before the break of dawn; that is exactly what you are in for in your next holiday to Asia. We at Holidayscapes have put together four famous safari parks in Asia that you can choose from for your next big adventure. So pack your bags and get your cameras ready for some of the best safaris you’ll ever experience.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Located in the southern-east region of Sri Lanka, along the borders of the southern and uva provinces, this national park covers an approximate area of 377.9 square miles (978.8 sq km). Known to be the most visited and the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, it also features various ecosystems such as Thorn forests, Dry monsoon forests, marshes, freshwater wetlands, and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast. At the present day, the national park is known for the variety of wild animals it consists of and plays an important role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, aquatic birds, and Sri Lankan Leopards.

The Yala National park experience will be a surreal one; you can choose between full-day safaris and half-day safaris (3 hours) with the best times for wildlife spotting being between 6.00 am – 9.00 am and 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm we recommend staying in accommodation close to the park for convenience and carrying snacks with you along with disposal bags as littering is strictly prohibited. On choosing Sri Lanka as your next travel destination, Yala National park is an experience that is not to be missed. So get a vacation package to Sri Lanka and experience this destination for yourself.

Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park, also known as Minneriya safari park is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent national parks. Located in the North Central province, it was originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and plays a vital role in protecting both surrounding wildlife and the historical catchment of the Minneriya tank which was built by the Ancient King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The marshes, evergreen forests, scrub plains, along with rocky outcrops collectively make up the park's topography all while providing a diverse range of habitats for various animals.

Taking up a tour of this national park gives you access to the central wildlife consisting of various birds such as Peacock, Eagle, Pelicans, Parrots, Crane, and Parakeet to name a few, along with other wild animals such as water buffaloes, grey langers, deers, without up to 300 elephants gathering near the Minneriya water tank. Fasten your seat belts as this is the only place in Sri Lanka where you will see such an elephant herd gathering in one location. Visiting from May to September allows you to experience these features in one go. It is truly an adventure in the Horizons! So get a tour package to Sri Lanka and visit this unique national park for an adventurous vacation.

Safari World, Thailand

Safari world is one of the most famous tourist attraction sites in Bangkok, Thailand. With a total area of 480 acres, this site was opened to the public after major renovations to the land area, in 1988. What may capture your interest is the segregation of it into two main parks known as the Marine Park and the safari park. The safari park is the largest section of the two is a 50-minute drive-thru that unfolds a typical savannah habitat. This part of the safari world is home to enormous herds of Ungulates (modern hoofed mammals) and a free-flying water bird sanctuary. Upon starting the safari journey you will be met with herds of massive giraffes, Grant's zebras, white rhinoceros, cape buffalos, and Hippopotamus just to name a few.

The Marine Park features a display of water animals from all around the world. Safari world is your ideal destination if travelling with a family. While being truly Instagram-worthy be prepared to be struck with close-up experiences from some of the world's most extraordinary animals. Safari world is not to be missed on your next visit to Bangkok, Thailand! So get a customised tour package to Thailand and visit this destination for a unique experience.

Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam

Known to be a semi-wild animal care and conservation park, Vinpearl Safari is located on the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. It is the largest wildlife conservation park in Vietnam and conserves many indigenous plants and animals. This wildlife sanctuary is home to nearly 400 species of plants and 4000 wild animals that represent 200 different species from which several rare species are present. What makes this safari park different from many others is how closely visitors can interact with the animals, under supervision.

From 9.00 am to 4.00 pm each day the park allows interested visitors to feed giraffes and elephants alongside allowing visitors to take close-up photographs with several birds and animals. It also consists of 2000 colourful birds and 20 different reptile species making it more exciting to visit. So if you have been longing to take a picture with Macaws or get a close look at green tree pythons, Vinpearl safari has got it all and is just the place for you. So make sure to add this destination to your customised tour package to Vietnam for an adventurous vacation.

From herds of wild animals to different bird species, these four safari destinations are an experience of a lifetime and are nature's very own route to tropical fun and adventure. Ideal for visiting with family and friends, your next getaway awaits you on the brink of Asia and we guarantee you, it is one you will keep coming back for.

Unique Train Rides to experience at least once in a lifetime..

They say it is the journey that matters more than the destination. While this is difficult to apply to flying, it is unquestionably true with rail travel.

Nothing like a train ride for romance and an opportunity for window-side sightseeing. And it's not always that you come across a train ride that will be stuck in your memory forever, but we're sure, that without a doubt, the below ones will. So sit back and buckle up for some unique train rides that you should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

The train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is known as one of the most beautiful and delightful train trips you’ll ever come across. Moving through staggering scenes of lush greenery, mountains, cascading waterfalls, tea manors, and beautiful villages as local kids run around the train tracks, this train journey will surely leave you impressed and is one of the best methods to travel from Kandy to Ella.

The old-fashioned train is well known for its open windows and doors, which is a favourite among people who want to feel the wind through their hair as they take the journey to the mountains of Sri Lanka. Due to this, it is very common to find travellers coming from all over the world just to experience the scenery and is among one of the most famous things to do on the Island.

Apart from the scenery, the train and the locals itself is a witness to Sri Lanka’s unique culture. As the train starts to move, the friendly locals gather around to sing songs and play drums, while others play card games and savour the food brought from various vendors that walk up and down the aisle. You can purchase delicious Sri Lankan snacks such as pickles, juicy pineapples, guava, and even chai tea.

But the most exciting part of the whole journey is when the train goes through the dense forest of the Horton Planes National Park. At the sight of this, the whole train goes silent as all the passengers take in the stunning beauty of the tiny Island, Sri Lanka. To experience this at its best, always make sure to get a seat near the window.

Overall, the Kandy to Ella train ride is surely a jaw-dropping experience. It is the ideal journey for anyone to experience with their family, or partner, or even for solo travellers. So visit us at Holidayscapes and get a customised tour package to Sri Lanka or a couples tour package to Sri Lanka and let a train ride like you’ve never seen before begin.

The Orient Express

If one had to choose three words to describe Belmond's Venice Simplon Orient Express, it would be nostalgia, Romance, and glamour all in one. Being the inspiration of famous writers such as Agatha Christie, The Orient Express is a dream that had become a reality. Today, many travellers wish to experience a ride in this golden age of travel via the train and only a lucky few get to actually make it happen.

The reasons for its popularity are simple, most know it through the book "Murder on the Orient Express" written by Agatha Christie. But apart from that, it is famous for its luxury. The cabins of this train have been successfully restored to 1920s cars, which are quite small yet unique. In the evening a banquette converts to a twin bed along with twin cabins that feature the top berth for the second guest. Each cabin has its wash basin along with a lavatory at the end of each car. Extravagant cherry-wood panelling and vintage details beautify the cabins which will certainly take you back in time.

But if you want the ultimate experience, make sure to book one of the three grand suites. Each of these suites encompasses an entire train car and is made in such a way that it reflects the city. They also include a double bed, and en-suite bathroom along with a shower and a sitting area.

A typical French chef prepares a multi-course meal for lunch and dinner that is centered on regional delicacies. For lunch and dinner, there are two seatings, and tables are reserved. The three meticulously restored 1920s dining carriages each have a distinctive interior. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your cabin.

The best way to spend the afternoon is to take in the breathtaking vistas of Italy and Austria after the welcome glass of Champagne in your cabin and a three-course meal in one of the dining cars. Of course, you cannot pass up the chance to enjoy pre-or post-dinner drinks and conversation in the stunning Bar Car, "3674," where you can sip on the "Guilty 12" signature drink, which alludes to the twelve suspects in Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" and sample the legendary "Chaos" cocktail.

A day on the orient express will surely make you feel like you travelled back in time to the luxurious train that never fails to impress. It’s definitely worth it and is surely something that you should experience at least once in your lifetime.

Hanoi to Da Nang, Vietnam

Being rich in culture, the capital of Vietnam is a great sight in itself, but admiring its beauty through a train ride is the ideal way to add a cherry on top of a train ride that one would call unique. It would be a huge opportunity lost if visitors don’t take their time to admire the scenery of Vietnam.

Thus one of the best methods to do this is through the Reunification Express. The section from Hanoi to Da Nang is a beautiful experience in and of itself. Miles beneath the canopy of the jungle stand in contrast to close-up views of communities and breathtaking cliffside glimpses of the South China Sea. French colonial buildings and pagodas that date back a century can be seen in Da Nang.

The word beautiful does not do justice to the Vietnamese countryside as it is way more than that. The train swiftly moves through the waking streets of the Hue suburbs and shortly rushes through ponds full of blossoming lotus flowers, rice fields, and humungous limestone cliffs, jutting straight out of the ground. Just moments later the scenery changes and large agricultural areas surround the moving train, with the flat plains dotted with water buffalo’s and the bamboo conical hats of farmers.

Once the sun begins to set and the journey comes closer to an end, darkness creeps in through the tiny villages where men gather around short tables on plastic stools, playing cards and drinking beer. This is without a doubt the ideal way to experience the beauty of the country and its culture all in one. So make sure to get a tour package to Vietnam and take the Reunification Express for a train ride that you'll never forget.

Overall, since modes of travel are an important part of a vacation, make sure to always include a train ride on your bucket list. The above 3 train rides are bound to leave you amazed as soon as they start moving through the train tracks. So pack your bags and buckle up for a train ride like never before.