South Africa : Interesting facts about the greatest shoal on earth – The Sardine Run

South Africa : Interesting facts 

Around June each year, word gets out along the KwaZulu-Natal coast that the sardines have arrived. They’ve swum for more than 30 days from their spawning ground in the Cape to reach South Africa's east coast. Scores of fishermen join the sharks, game fish, marine mammals and birds that gorge themselves on the shimmering band of silver fish. Being a part of this great phenomenon is an opportunity that should not be missed!

Why large shoals of sardines swim to the KwaZulu-Natal coast during the winter months remains a mystery. And yet each year it's the same: starting in May, millions of small, shiny fish make the one-way journey from the cold waters of the Cape to the warmer tides of KwaZulu-Natal, colouring the shoreline silver as they convene close to the coast. By the end of July they’re gone – disappeared just as suddenly as they arrive, vanishing into the great blue beyond.

Like whale watching in Hermanus or travelling to Namaqualand to see the wildflowers in bloom, South Africa’s famed sardine run is a seasonal peculiarity that is popular among local and international visitors. It’s a phenomenon certainly worth watching – from land, the ocean surface or underwater. Typically, the sardine shoals are massive and can stretch for kilometers along the coast. And following the shoal – above and below water – is a caravan of predators in feeding-frenzy mode. Schools of sharks, such as the bronze whaler, dusky and blacktip shark, follow the shimmering path of prey, feasting on the fish. Marine mammals and game fish follow in hot pursuit.

The Sardine run is a marine spectacle at its best – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view creatures of the earth, sky and water taking part in one of nature’s unexplained mysteries.

You can watch as Dolphins employ a tactical hunting strategy by ‘herding’ part of the sardine shoal into densely packed groups, termed ‘bait balls’. Working together underwater the dolphins drive the bait ball toward the surface, whirling, twisting and swimming below the shoal. Also, as the sardines move closer to the surface of the water, birds plummet out of the sky to pillage from above. Cape gannets, cormorants, terns and gulls all dive-bomb the coast in an unrelenting aerial assault. You can also witness game fishermen and local sardine lovers wade into the water and secure their share in areas where the sardines swim very close to the coast.

The fact that National Geographic, Discovery Channel and dozens of other world renown TV stations, magazines and photographers flock to these waters is testimony to the colossal status of the sardine run.

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of viewing options such as from the coast, from the deck of a boat, scuba dive or with a snorkel.

DID YOU KNOW? Sardine-run shoals are usually 15km long, 4km wide and approximately 40m deep. BEST TIME TO VISIT Book your trip anytime from mid-May to mid-July. TOURS TO DO Those wanting to capture the phenomenon on film should contact Apex Predators, which offers a photographic marine safari with marine wildlife photography expert Chris Fallows – Renowned photographer, conservationist and the author of Great White: The Majesty Of Sharks

Flores Islands at Indonesia

Visiting Flores is an adventure, so leave behind any expectations of high-end accommodation, expensive restaurants & modern shopping malls. Here, everything is basic. However, don’t let this be a barrier to visit the Island. It's beauty makes up for everything.

Flores is most famous for “Komodo National Park”, home to the unique Komodo dragon, a monitor lizard of impressive size & appearance which attracts thousands of people to visit here from around the world.

Flores does not restrict itself to only Komodo; there are white sandy virgin beaches and enchanting views of sunsets which attracts you like a magnet! It revives you away from the hustle bustle of daily life. Beautiful rice fields nestled amongst soft hilly landscapes, perfect for a laid back stroll; a concert of birdsong in lush coffee plantations to soothe the mind; a walk in the stone mirror cave; enjoy snorkeling or a swim in the beaches around after a muddy trek in the island.

There are unlimited natural beauties waiting for you to discover here. It is a paradise for nature lovers.

The magic of Flores comes from its people, who receive guests with heart-warming friendliness & an everlasting smile on their faces. 

FEEL ALIVE IN DEAD SEA, ISRAEL

FEEL ALIVE IN DEAD SEA, ISRAEL

Press Release

All India, 28th April 2016: Heavy with salt and rich with minerals, Dead Sea is fascinating. Often addressed as the lowest place on earth or the largest health spa in the world, Dead Sea is breath taking and a natural beauty. This unique hypersaline lake is famous as a tourist spot all around the world. The crystal shape salt formation, the cobalt blue waters with compelling history and modern mineral spas is a perfect combination to rejuvenate the body and refresh the mind.

Don’t know how to swim or scared of water? - Then Dead Sea is a perfect place to experience being in a body of water without being anxious. Float without even trying as high salt concentration lets you float effortlessly on the water without sinking. Imagine floating on the surface of the water with a drink and your favourite read without sinking in the water. Floating in the Dead Sea is one of the most popular ‘must dos’ for the thousands of people visiting Israel each year. The abundance of bromine present in the air in the Dead Sea area also helps with relaxation by calming your nerves. Still not in a mood to take a dip and float, just be in the area for some scenic views breathing the fresh air.

The black mud found in the Dead Sea area is believed to cure certain ailments – spread the black mud on the body and let the nourishing minerals do their magic on you. Mud, salt and floating is a perfect combination for a sound sleep. Visitors can also take the miraculous mud home in forms of mud packs, infused oil soap bars, massage and face creams and other products.

Dead Sea offers a modern vacation with the ultimate spa experience. The Dead Sea salt is known to ease rheumatologic conditions and stimulate blood circulation. Various hotels situated near the Dead Sea offers spa treatments using Dead Sea products. The luxurious spas de-stress and rejuvenate completely, leaving your body and mind fresh. With different types of treatments, indoor salt water pool, private Jacuzzis, ‘hammam’ and fitness centres, the hotels located near Dead Sea of Israel are adept.

If you prefer a private beach and a pool of Dead Sea water all for yourself, the luxurious hotels here offer comfort beyond comparison. Dead Sea area of Israel is filled with modern hotels which allow you to cut off from work and social media and enjoy in your private oasis. Each of these hotels and resorts are known for pampering their guests while offering privacy and lavish facilities.

There is more to do than just relaxing in the spas and floating in the Dead Sea. Visit the ancient archaeological sites to experience the desert with treks, walking trails, jeep tours as well as organised tours. The historic fortress of Masada near the Dead Sea area can be explored by taking a cable car ride to the top for some picturesque sights, Ein Gedi, located west of Dead Sea is an oasis and a natural reserve in the middle of a desert, Kibbutz Ein Gedi located hilltop is home to plants and trees from all over the world. The Qumran Caves, an archaeological site dating back 2,000 years, are 11 caves located northwest of the Dead Sea are the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls, containing the oldest version of the Bible ever found.

About Israel:

Israel is a vibrant and modern country with vast diversity and rich culture. Jerusalem - the well known city; is among the most sacred places in the world. Along the eastern Mediterranean coastline is the vibrant, modern, fashionable and cosmopolitan Tel Aviv. One must explore Israel’s diversity and visit archaeological sites of Eilat, beautiful beaches of Haifa, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre (Akko) and fascinating history of Nazareth. Be it family and leisure getaways, party and nightlife experiences, adventure and rejuvenation, Israel has a variety of holiday options to explore.

5 Things to do when in Canada

5 Things to do when in Canada

Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. It’s vast area includes ten provinces and three territories which are extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northwt ard into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's second largest country by it’s area. Canada shares a border with United States of America making it the world's longest land border. Canada is densely populated, its land territory being dominated by forest and tundra along with the Rocky Mountains. The majority of Canada has a cold or severely cold winter climate, but southerly areas are warm in summer. Canada has deep rooted and complex relations with the United States which has a significant impact on its economy and culture. Read below to know what one must do when in Canada.

1. Columbia Ice field Glacier Adventure and Glacier Sky walk

Everyone who steps out of the massive Brewster Ice Explorer onto the Columbia Ice field in Jasper National Park has the same experience. They breathe in the cool mountain wind, squint their eyes in the brilliant sunshine reflecting off the snow, spin around to see the vast untouched landscape and say the same first word "Wow!" And now, it’s a double "Wow!" with the introduction of the Glacier Skywalk. Two spectacular experiences tucked deep in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains that are must-do experiences to include on any summer adventure to Banff and Jasper National Parks.

                    

2. Dining at 360,The Restaurant at the CN Tower 

360, The Restaurant at the CN Tower is one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. 360 also feature an award-winning wine selection of over 550 international and Canadian wines from its "cellar in the sky". The restaurant is the recipient of several awards and wonderful place to celebrate any special occasion. 

A prix fixe menu (fixed price) offered for lunch and dinner, is supplemented by vegetarian and seafood options.  Elevation to 360 Restaurant and access to the Lookout and Glass floor levels of the CN Tower, following your meal, are complimentary with the purchase of a prix fixe by each guest.

3. Shopping at West Edmonton Mall

The story of West Edmonton Mall is the story of how a handful of visionaries took an ordinary idea like a shopping centre and turned it into a world-class destination. 

The Mall's stores, attractions, and services combine to form the most comprehensive retail, hospitality and entertainment complex on Earth. As the prototype for mixed-use entertainment facilities, West Edmonton Mall is a place where people come to shop, play, and stay. The Mall's concept is inspired by the traditional urban bazaars of Persia, where shopping and entertainment were plentiful and operated in tandem, fulfilling a variety of consumer needs all in one place. At 5.3 million square feet, the Mall is the size of a small city and is accredited as a zoo. West Edmonton Mall is home to more than 800 stores and services including nine world-class attractions, two hotels, over 100 dining venues, the widest variety of one-of-a-kind retailers, and entertainment for all ages. Average yearly visitation is approximately 30.8 million, making West Edmonton Mall the province's number-one tourist attraction.

4. Northern Lights - Mother Nature’s Technicolor light show

Race to the window or run outside to see ribbons of green, red, blue and purple rippling across the sky, gathering momentum until the Northern Lights shimmer and loop over the entire horizon in surreal swathes of colour. Watch in silence this entire episode& you’ll understand how many Inuit believe the lights become so intense they sing or crackle. The Aurora Borealis is Mother Nature’s light show so grab a front row seat in fall, winter and early spring when nights are long and dark.

5. Visit to the 1000 Islands

Spy the haunts of villains and vagabonds on islands big and small. Sail beneath the Thousand Islands International Bridge connecting Canada and the United States. Hear tales of four centuries of shipwrecks lying in the St. Lawrence, a watery resting place. Come away with a sense of the mighty river’s history, mystery, tragedy and heart-break.

Royal Orchid Fort Resort at Mussoorie - Solution to relaxation, family holidays and destination weddings

With the knocking of the summers here in Delhi, I knew hills will be soon knocking at my Door. It was again Mussoorie where I have been hundreds of times before & still love to return back. I had a stay at this lavishly done up luxurious Fort next to the mall road “Royal Orchid Fort Resort”.  It is right in the heart of the town yet away from the hustle bustle.  I was stunned to have such a drive in, in the fort structured resort.

Our welcome was with a vermillion & an amazing deluxe room with a balcony was given to us. I liked this walkway which led us to my room.

The entire room was very tastefully done. Besides, the basic necessities in the room, it was more spacious & huge, with high ceilings, giving us a comfort of staying in a palace. The balcony was also quite spacious with a table & two chairs to sit back & relax.  

I just loved the view from my room’s balcony. We could also gaze the stars & the Doon Valley which was shining like diamonds at night.

What took all my attending here, were the various shades & colours of greens around me. It was all lush green wherever I looked around.

Me & my mom kept admiring the flora & fauna around us with a cuppa coffee & chatting. Plans were grown in cut-tree trunks. It was a great innovation.

There were some garden swings too, to laze around in the sunlight. The cutest thing which hooked my eyes were the birds houses in the lawns. They were at a height with a pole attached to it.

When we looked at this outstanding amplifier, “Sundeck”, we were told this area is used as a “mandap” during weddings & for parties as a “bonfire” area. This open area is vast & can easily be used for weddings & parties. 

After getting ready, we went to the mall road, by a taxi which charged us Rs.100 from the hotel as this service is not provided by the hotel due to strong taxi union. One who is physically fit can easily take a walk from the hotel to the mall road (picture palace) as it is about a km.

After returning back to the Hotel in the evening, we reached to our room, only to find this small surprise awaiting us.

Now, it was dinner time. That night was cold & breezy. We enjoyed our dinner with some lovely singers singing in the dining area. This was like a cherry over the cake.

Their buffet had a great variety laid, to choose from. The resort has one restaurant “Pinxx” which serves multi cuisines for all the taste buds. It is open round the clock with a special menu

“Änytime Menu”. Here, we were served both breakfast & dinner.

Next day, I went for a Spa therapy. The spa area is separate for men & women. I was assisted by a lady called “Baby” who did my therapy. She did a great job by removing all the fatigue I carried with me from Delhi. Her every massage stroke was with the right pressure. It made me realize & forgot the hecticness we carry with us in our everyday life.

“Royal Orchid Fort Resort” also has a small gym for fitness freaks.

One most important & common question which keeps pounding on me from all the “moms” I know-”Where should we stay in Mussoorie which is close to the mall road & also have a kiddies corner?”. It is here! 

It has a lot of toys for your little ones to keep them busy. This area is bright & colourful.You can leave your kids to play alone here & have your own time relaxing time. 

Not only for your little ones, the resort also offers games like carom-board, badminton etc for the families too, to keep them busy!

I would like to also add, the staff here at “Royal Orchid Fort Resort” are very well mannered and hygienic. They always wear a smile on their faces with an attitude of go-getter and are always willing to help you.

Pack your bags with your loved ones & rejuvenate your holidays in this treasure waiting for you. Carry back loads of good cherishable memories for a life time.

P.S. It was an Invite from “Royal Orchid Fort Resort”, Mussoorie.