travel tours

Biking the Confederation Trail
The perfect way for bikers to see Prince Edward Island is by way of the Confederation Trail. It is an island tip to island tip journey through wetlands, picturesque villages and alongside meandering rivers, unmatched by any other trail on the North American continent.
Prince Edward Island completed its portion of the Trans Canada Trail back in 2000. It was the first province to finish. The trail starts in Tignish and ends up five days later in Elmira on the other side of the Island. In addition there are several other side trips for exploration and for extending your stay, should you desire. The trail covers 274 km. If you add in the side trips, well that’s another 98km to cycle. It is broken down into sections and rated easy to moderate with no sections, so far listed as difficult to maneuver.

Many businesses and facility owners participate in a program called the “Cyclists Welcome Program,” to enable ease of accommodations for tourists, allowing for a more pleasurable experience. There are several brochures that can be accessed online or ordered through the mail that describes the different sections of the Confederation Trail. These include:
* Day 1 – Tignish to O’Leary (45 km easy to moderate)
* Day 2 – O’Leary to Wellington (45 km easy to moderate)
* Day 3 – Wellington to Hunter River (65 km moderate to hard)
* Day 4 – Hunter River to Morell (65 km moderate to hard)Â
* Branch Trail – Royalty Junction to Charlottetown (9 km easy)
* Branch Trail – Mt. Stewart to Georgetown (40 km moderate)
* Branch Trail – Cardigan Junction to Montague (10 km easy)
* Day 5 – Morell to Elmira (54 km moderate)
* Branch Trail – Iona to Murray Harbour (39 km moderate)
There are also scheduled rides and events throughout all seasons and a check with the cycling centers can help you find the right one for you and your family and friends.
Activity on the Confederation Trail is limited to bikers, hikers, walkers, wheelchairs, runners and snowmobiles in the winter time. Right now, it’s a “no horses allowed” area. However equestrian trails to parallel the Confederation Trail are in the making on the western end. So be patient, if you’re like traveling with your horse.

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051311762-1-pei-cranford-inn-charlottetown-bed-and-breakfast-pei-hotels/

Read Users' Comments (0)

Prince Edward Island is literally surrounded by water with the warmest waters and sandiest beaches north of the Carolinas. In fact, there are more than 1600km of coastline in which to swim, play or simply get your toes wet. Deep sea fishing is just one of the many family activities that are possible from almost any location on PEI.
Fishing tours or charters can make for a relaxing and exciting day on the water. Most fishermen go after mackerel, cod or even herring to fill their baskets. Many charters offer tuna fishing expeditions for the more adventurous. A few charters will take you shark fishing at certain times of the year. These are popular charters and must be booked well in advance. They are also not kid friendly so don’t take your two year old to the docks and expect to jump onto a shark fishing charter, because it’s not going to happen. If you like the unusual, then book a day on a lobster boat, working as a lobster fisherman for a day.

So, maybe the deep blue sea is not calling you. Maybe you prefer inner coastal waters complete with white caps. Then book a kayak or canoe tour in places like Rustic Bay. There are kayaking and canoeing adventures on all rivers as well as some on the sea itself. Be sure to book a tour that is appropriate for your skill level. Tours are available for everyone from those who have never held a paddle to those who are expert enough to conduct the tour themselves.
Probably one of the fastest growing sports around Prince Edward Island and Green Gables is kite boarding. PEI’s shallow bays and constant makes for an excellent adventure on the water. There is no better way to spend a day over the water than parasailing. Select from three different rope lengths and go for it. But don’t forget your camera. And of course, it is okay to bring your own boat, if you want as there are plenty of places to simply drop ship and go. Maybe you’re looking to learn how to sail. Well, PEI offers a sailing schools for educating beginners and helping others improve their sailing and water skills. So pick a region and then pick a harbor and book your adventure.
Travel is a passion for Richard Verkley and he has had the good fortune to visit over 30 countries, working and living in several of them. This broad experience, coupled with his business adventures as an entrepreneur give Richard a unique perspective on what a region has to offer.

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051314571-1-green-gables-sandpiper-cottages-and-hotels/

Read Users' Comments (0)

Deep Sea Fishing off Prince Edward Island
Excursions into the deep blue sea are readily available off the coasts of Prince Edward Island. There is nothing like catching, preparing and eating your own seafood. Doesn’t matter what kind of fish, whether it be fresh mackerel or a huge blue finned tuna, you will fall in love with deep sea fishing five minutes after you climb onto the boat, whether you’ve done it once or a hundred times before.
Possibly you’re the adventurous type who wants to try fishing for shark. That opportunity is also available. Ask your travel agent to help locate those boat captains willing to guide you into shark infested waters for that special high seas adventure. Whatever your preference, Prince Edward Island has it all. The best mackerel fishing can be had off the coast in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or in the Northumberland Strait. Most fishing charters are booked from early July to September, with the hotspots being, Naufrage, North Lake, Red Head, Savage Harbour, Covehead Harbour and Malpeque, to name a few.
A standard charter is three and half hours long and can be a great activity for the whole family. The crew will even help you filet and dress your catch, so that all you will have to do is put in the pan and fry it up and serve. If you prefer, bigger quarry then you may want to try shark or tuna fishing. But leave the kids at home on this trip. Tuna charters are available all over PEI, however it takes a special boat to go after shark. These boats are few and their charters fill up fast. So once you decide to go after shark, you will have to act quickly to shore up your reservations and planning. Bookings start in September based on migratory patterns of the giant predator. The sharks hang in the cooler waters of the channels so there is no need for land dwellers to worry about seeing them when they’re swimming off the beaches. There has never been a shark attack off any PEI beach which all have the warmest waters north of the American Carolinas.
Tuna charters are booked beginning in July. These big fish are known to fight for up to three hours after they are hooked, sometimes dragging a boat up to six miles before wearing down. Bluefin Tuna will weigh on the high side of 400 kg and often won’t show themselves until you’ve actually pulled them into the boat. North Lake is considered the Tuna Capital of the World so if you’re looking for this type of adventure, North Lake should be your first consideration. One thing you will need to remember, unlike other fish, anything you catch belongs to the captain of the boat. In exchange he or she will give you a free charter. But they keep the fish, while you must content yourself with pictures and lots and lots of vacation memories.
Travel is a passion for Richard Verkley and he has had the good fortune to travel to over 30 countries, working and living in several of them. This broad experience, coupled with his business adventures as an entrepreneur give Richard a unique perspective on what a region has to offer.

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051311974-1-pei-bonshaw-breezes-cottages-pei-cottages-and-hotels/

Read Users' Comments (0)

The portfolio will range from walking it, ham ping it or riding it away on what to many is a real value Kenya Safari.
Walking safaris are finally getting into brochures as packaged itineraries with some going from two days to ten days for really fit ones. The beauty about it is that moderate fitness is all you require to be on one.
Mountain climbing is not what we are looking at, but walking in spectacular landscapes amidst wild life and into tribal villages and possibly staying in for a couple of nights.
Kenya being the vast land it’s renowned for, open natural spaces have been identified for and there is no better experience than walking past a herd of Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes and Baboons somewhere in the wild Kenya.
A bit of coaching and survival drill by your local guide who interacts well with the tribes men who live and dwell in these locations is all it takes and off you walk.
Barakitabu and Shompole plains are home to the Masai people, located deep in the Masai territory and south of the Masai mara game reserve, the plains are haven for camping walking safaris.
Culture is always part of the walking safaris in Kenya. Most locations are guided by the locals who know and understand their territories.
Some times camels or donkeys are employed as pack animals, traversing a sparsely populated but varied terrain. Open savannah, dried river courses, deep canyons, lava fields, scrub or semi desert plains, mountain passes, dried soda lakes and pure desert are encountered in one form or another dependent on the chosen route.
These are not luxury walking safaris with all ‘mod-cons’ laid on. They are designed to give a more authentic version of how the local nomadic people transport themselves across their territory.
At camp, party members will be expected to assist with loading and unloading the camels or donkeys, contribute towards the collection of firewood (basic evening meals are cooked on an open fire) and the pitching of tents when necessary.
Sleeping arrangements usually involve bedding down under the stars. No worry it has never been safer.
Interaction with passing nomadic herders is common and presents the opportunity to relate to these people on equal terms. In turn this allows the trekker the opportunity to glean something of the techniques the nomads practice to survive in the harsh environment they are passing through.
Cycling safaris in Kenya are favorites for persons wishing to cover distances and enjoy the country side without possibly affecting the environment and seeing as much.
Mountain bikes cycling safaris are guided by experienced bikers, camping is part of the cycling and the adventure of setting up a camp base in a safe wild environment is a thrill by itself.
Safaris can be several half day stints combined with game drives and walks or can be a journey in itself. A trip could take you from the outskirts of Nairobi down into the Great Rift Valley and across to Lake Naivasha and on to Lakes Nakuru, Baringo and Bogoria viewing much wildlife along the way and flamingos by the million.

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051314722-1-walk-it-and-touch-it-when-on-a-kenya-safari/

Read Users' Comments (0)

Kerala is perhaps the most picturesque state of India. The state is rich in scenic natural beauty. Fittingly known as the God’s Own Country, Kerala is dotted with romantic beaches and terrific temples. Popular beach locations of Kerala are in Kovalam, Alappuzha, Kappad and Cherai. You may enjoy a care free leisure stroll alongside the romantic beaches of Kerala during your Kerala tours. All of these beaches have resorts which are fitted with all modern amenities like spa and massaging facilities. You could also enjoy mouth watering cuisines which are prepared in traditional ways.

Kerala backwaters are most popular attraction of this southern state of India. Your South India tour would be incomplete without a visit to these backwaters. You may enjoy a joy sailing in a houseboat in the pristine Kerala backwaters. The natural beauty of these backwaters is simply awesome and will leave you speechless. Kerala backwaters are highly popular among honeymooners and romance seekers. Besides sailing, you may also enjoy a variety of sports in Kerala like beach volleyball, wind surfing, angling, swimming, river rafting, horse riding, elephant safari etc. Kerala is a nice place to enjoy water sports, excursions, elephant safaris and adventure sports.

Kerala is equally rich and flora and fauna. The exotic wildlife of the state is admired a lot by nature lovers. A large number of wildlife lovers are simply pulled to Kerala, thanks to its variety of rare animals and bird species. The popular destinations of nature lovers in Kerala are Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. Besides this, the state also has several forest reserves which are rich in rare plant species, herbs and sandalwood. You may view a herd of wild elephants roaming carelessly in the forest reserves of Kerala during your South India tour.

Kerala is also known for its terrific temples and churches. Famous temples of the state are Sabarimala Temple, Guruvayoor Temple and Parthasarthy Temple. All these temples are visited by thousands of faithful every day. You may witness traditional rituals of locals in these temples. Your Kerala tour would be incomplete if you do not enjoy traditional dance performances of the skilled artists. The state has evolved several dance forms over a period of time and the popular ones among them are Kathakali and Mohiniattam. In fact, both of these dance forms are admired by masses throughout India and beyond.

Munnar is among the most popular destinations of Kerala tours. The picturesque town has a large range of rolling hills and meadow greenery. Spice plantations fill the surrounding air with fragrant aroma. Other popular destinations of Kerala tours are Kochi, Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Key attractions of Kochi (also known as Cochin) are Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue and Willington Island. Trivandrum is one of the popular destinations of South India tour. This capital city of Kerala has excellent infrastructure for travelers. You may visit Christ Church, Napier Museum, Ponmudi Hill Station, Kovalam Beach and Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the city

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anushka_Roy

Read Users' Comments (0)

One of the most coveted destinations of South India tours, Kerala is a haven of a place for nature lovers. The southern tip of India is renowned worldwide for its cultural legacy, pristine greenery, secluded and sandy beaches, enticing performing art forms and rejuvenating effect of Ayurveda. Kerala imbibes all these features that symbolize South India and is further embellished by quaint charms of backwaters. A houseboat ride across crystal clear backwaters is one of the most cherished experiences and thus is included in all South India tour packages. Nestled in the lap of Mother Nature Kerala, dazzles with scintillating water bodies, swaying palms and azure sea front thereby providing ample opportunity to explore the region via a houseboat cruise.

Tourists of varied nature are charmed by the bewitching beauty of backwaters and they all find a ride by a traditional houseboat to explore the region. Some natural and some man-made, backwaters came into existence by the merging of sea water with the fresh waters of rivers. The formation of these serene backwaters led to the creation of tranquilizing greenery around. Traverse on crystal clear water at your own pace, enjoy the gorgeous sight of thick foliage, coconut groves and green paddy fields, stop at local people’s settlement to learn more about the culture and enjoy fishing from your own private deck at the traditional houseboat.

Traditional Houseboat: Kettuvalloms or the traditional houseboats of Kerala were originally used as a mode of transportation bringing goods from the far flung distances to the interiors of the villages. In the older times, houseboats were constructed by compiling large logs of wood together and without using a single nail. With the advent of technology, these houseboats are transformed into large wooden cruises. The look and feel of these houseboats is kept the traditional way while the amenities have been modernised. Thus while the interiors comprises of wooden furnishing, can furniture for the deck and a soothing ambiance, these houseboats are replete with all the amenities including a private crew for cooking and managing the boat thereby making a houseboat ride one of the picture perfect moment of one’s tour to South India.

Famous Houseboat Cruise Circuits: These Kerala backwaters flow mainly through four districts namely, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. These backwaters are fed by a total number of 38 rivers; Lake Vembanad being the largest backwater stretch flows through Alleppey and Kottayam. The pristine Kottayam backwaters flows parallel to the seashores and the scenery of rubber plantation is spectacular. Also known as “Venice of the East”, Alappuzha is a beautiful backwater destination and is best visited during the annual event of Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. Situated on the blissful banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom offers an opportunity to explore beauteous bird life on the shores of its scenic water bodies. Kollam is an ancient seaport located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake; the cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha is one magical ride which lasts for about eight hours showcasing the best of panorama always added in one’s South India tour.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Surya_Prakash_Mishra

Read Users' Comments (0)

Serene waterways form the best attractions of every India tour. And when it comes to the best of cruises, Kerala backwaters take you to lagoons, canals and lakes that form the superb attraction in this divine green state. Included among the 1001 best attractions of the world, the backwaters of Kerala comprise the beauty of 44 rivers of the state.

Kerala Houseboats

Earlier known as ‘Kettuvalloms’, these traditional houseboats provide you with the world class luxurious accommodation as any of the star rated hotel. These huge boats measure up to 70 feet in length and about 15 feet in width in the middle. In earlier days, these cargo boats were the modes to transport rice, coriander, ginger, dried chillies, turmeric, and black mustard seeds.

Today, these are transformed to luxurious accommodation units to spend quality vacations on waters. Almost every houseboat is well equipped with facilities like bedrooms with attached bathrooms, kitchen, cooks, assistants, and sun decks etc. The best part with these houseboats lies in their construction, which is done by eco-friendly materials like bamboo mat, Arecanut trees and coir.

True Joy of Backwater Cruise in Kerala

These houseboats take you to freshwater lakes, streams, lagoons and canals from where you can have a closer view to all the beauty, daily village activities, coir industries, tea shops, paddy fields, temples, and beaches.

Specially designed for relaxing holidays in Kerala during your India tour, these boats take you to the wonderlands like Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Quilon, Mararikulam, Kollam, Thiruvallam and Vembanad Lake (the largest lake in Kerala covering an area of 200 sq km).

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manish_Caper

Read Users' Comments (0)

Wish to go for a leisurely cruise on a multi deck boat, which allows you enjoy the scenic backwater life? Kerala backwaters with their spectacular beauty are meant specially for you. Those who are really looking for peace of mind, can take a break at the backwaters of Kerala. These centuries old palm fringed backwaters, stretching over 1900 km, are formed by the vast network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes flowing from north to south.

Traditional Houseboats

These houseboats, which offer you the unique opportunity of spending your vacations on waters, were traditionally called ‘Kettuvalloms’. These are made by tying together pieces of wood. Surprisingly, not even a single nail is used in the making of these Kettuvalloms. The boats are generally made from eco-friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. Earlier used as a medium of import-export, these giant 80-foot long crafts have now been converted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. A houseboat generally has one or two bath attached rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional lanterns are used as the source of light in the dark.

Activities

These boats take you along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala, which is undoubtedly the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. You can watch ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. Backwater cruise is the only way to discover the real Kerala. It is best known for experiencing village life, exploring many species of birds and aqua and relaxing.

Kollam to Alappuzha, Vembanad Lake, and Kuttanad region are best known for backwater cruises in Kerala. A Kerala backwater tour provides you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the waterways of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjog_KR

Read Users' Comments (0)

If you are looking forward to touring Southern India, then it’s always better to go for Kerala Backwater tour program. There can be no comparison to Kerala Backwater tour as it provides you opportunity to view the accumulation of sea water at the beach. The best and the key highlight of Kerala backwater tour is it serves as one of the 1001 best attractions of the world, and even takes you to a mesmerizing voyage to virgin green countryside.

While enjoying your Kerala backwater tour, you can enjoy some splendid scenes like shoals of ducks that pass by or even the rippling sound of water waves of the backwater. Today backwater in Kerala plays the most vital role in the industry of tourism of Kerala and even features some of the most popular destinations. This season, if you are planning for family holiday or even romantic honeymoon, opting Kerala backwater tours won’t be wrong idea at all as it provides opportunity to feel the magic of the mystical backwaters of Kerala. The destinations mentioned below are some of the most popular destinations that you must explore during your Kerala backwater tour:

Alappuzha – Alappuzha is one of the exotic backwater tourist destinations of India’s southern state Kerala. Interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this small tourist paradise is famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Imposing buildings of a colonial past along with beautiful landscape, temples and churches are some of the major attractions that you can enjoy while cruising through its backwater. Popular for its boat races along with a region called Kuttanad, the backwaters of Alappuzha reasonably bask in the warmth of ample tourist attention every year.

Trivandrum- Trivandrum is yet another place that you would love to tour. The intricate lagoons and the dense tropical vegetation lined along the rivers are few features that you would love. In fact, the widespread backwaters of Trivandrum provide the picturesque view of soothing greenery. However, the major attractions of Trivandrum backwaters are Kanakakkunnu Palace, Padmanabhaswamy temple and Sanghumugham beach.

Kottayam -Best known as the land of three Ls – Lakes, Latex and Letters, this backwater destination is another place that too provides opportunity viewing various beautiful sceneries. The renowned Vembanad Lake constitutes Kottayam’s magnificent backwaters, a famous tourist attraction. Nevertheless, this beautiful city also has a number of tourist attractions besides the serene backwaters such as St. Mary’s Church, St. Joseph’s Monastery and Ettumanoor Shiva temple. Your tour to Kottayam is just not finish, unless you visit this spots.

Kumarakom – This tourist heaven is more like a cluster of little islands and situated on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. Cruising in the backwater of Kumarakom is all together different experience as it offers visitors different sort of leisure options. Multi-hued birds and luscious freshwater fishes along with blooming flowers are few different faces of nature that you would enjoy. In fact, this destination allures tourists from all over the world every year because of the migration of different exotic birds.

Cochin – Counted among the finest natural harbors in the world, enjoying your tour to backwater of Cochin provides you opportunity enjoying the breathtaking view to its lush green lawns sloping down to the water’s edge. The backwaters is generally extended from east and south of the harbor and contain numerous tiny islands formed naturally over a long time by alluvial deposits from the rivers that empty into them. However, the key attractions that you must explore are Dutch Palace, Chottanikkara temple, Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, and the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal.

Kozhikode- This place is an important and scenic town in North Kerala. The bustling Kozhikode backwaters promise you enchanting holiday experiences. Here you can sail along the Kallai River and Canoli canal on your Kozhikode backwaters tour and enjoy a romance filled holiday surrounded by a soothing green cloud. In fact, you can also sail through the Kadalundi bird sanctuary situated on an island on the Kozhikode backwaters. Apart from all these, some of the other major attractions that you can also explore are Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery and Kappad Beach.

Today all across Kerala the merging of clear water of rivers and salted sea water has given birth to backwaters. Enjoying Kerala backwater tour opportunity to get up close with the local life residing on the shores and get familiar with different delectable flavors of Kerala.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kandpal_Chandra_Subhash

Read Users' Comments (0)

Magical greens, magical attractions and magical waterways altogether form the soul of God’s own country ‘Kerala’! Serving as one of the 1001 best attractions of the world, Kerala backwaters take you to a mesmerising trip to virgin green countryside, swaying palms, emerald rice fields and enchanting wildlife. When it comes to the finest relaxing holidays in India, Kerala backwaters seem to be quite pleasant.

Kerala Backwaters

These serene waterways or ‘Kayals’ are formed by the huge network of canals, lagoons and about 44 rivers in Kerala. Not to just facilitate inland communication, these backwaters let you explore the true beauty of Kerala, lifestyle of local villagers and their traditional folk art forms.

The renowned Vembanad lake in Kerala comprises of over 205 sq km are of entire backwater belt that stretches up to around 900 sq km. While on a trip to Kerala, one can visit places like Alleppey, Cochin, Trivandrum, Kollam and Kumarakom to visit the best of backwaters.

Kerala Houseboats

Luxurious houseboats or traditional ‘Kettuvalloms’ prove to be the best modes of travelling across backwaters in Kerala. As the name suggests, these houseboats offer proper facility of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living area, sun deck, etc. to facilitate your stay on waters.

Earlier used as the mode of transporting food grains, Kerala houseboats were transformed in to luxurious water vessels in 1990s. These premium accommodation units take you to a tour of entire Kerala, including picturesque wildlife sanctuaries and aromatic spice / tea / coffee plantations.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjog_KR

Read Users' Comments (0)