Hyde Park in London is one of the many Royal Gardens that are interconnected – yet separate. Spreading over an area of 350 acres, Hyde Park is joined to Kensington Gardens and together covers an area of 625 acres. Though Kensington Park closes at dusk, Hyde Park is open till midnight.

King Henry VIII acquired the Hyde Park property from the Westminster Abbey and it was used as a hunting ground. It was only in 1637, under Charles I that the park was opened to the general public.

When King William III moved his residence to Kensington Palace which is at one end of Hyde Park, he installed what is now known as Rotten Row – meaning the Kings Road. It was the first London Street to be lit up at night. It now serves as a horse back riding and jogging track. The park entrance is marked by a stunning grand entrance which is 33M in length.

As the park is used regularly by groups to protest and have public gatherings, a speaker’s corner was constructed. Other attractions in the park include the Holocaust Memorial and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain which is more like a river than a traditional fountain. It was declared open by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.
The park has also been the setting for many a rock concert, most memorable being that of Queen as well as the Red Hot Chillie Peppers. The artificial lake running through the park – The Serpentine – is used for boating and swimming activities.

A historic park that is ideal for a quiet picnic or a relaxing stroll in the evening, Hyde Park makes an enchanting tourist attraction. If travellers seek Knightsbridge hotels, then Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge is an ideal choice. With its convenient location in the heart of the city this hotel in Knightsbridge London is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike.

Fort Canning is a hillock just over 60 m in elevation situated in Singapore’s southeast section bordering the city’s central business district. Although it is not of great size, it is a significant place as it has an eventful history connected intimately with the heritage of the city-state. Today the scenic area is a well-known site for concerts and musical shows.

Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore taking note of the historical importance of the location – it was held in great esteem by the natives – and the panoramic view it provided of the newly created colony, constructed his initial residence on the site. This building also functioned as the residence for the state’s subsequent governors, which led it to becoming called ‘Government Hill’. An enthusiastic botanist, Raffles also established the first botanical gardens in Singapore at the location.

Today Fort Canning Park looks across Orchard Road and offers numerous recreational opportunities as well as educational, historical, cultural and entertainment features. It is also a focus for artistic and cultural activities, and has served as a preferred location for a multitude of popular events such as art festivals, theatre carnivals, music festivals and starlight cinemas.

Today various fascinating elements can be seen within Fort Canning Park. The imposing Gothic Gates enable the visitor to reach Fort Canning Green, once a graveyard for Christians but now a popular venue for outdoor carnivals and concerts. The Spice Garden is a copy of the initial botanical garden created by Sir Stamford Raffles, and contains the exotic spices favoured by him.

Meanwhile the Fort Canning Centre once housed the British Army’s barracks, and is now the base of the Singapore Dance Theatre. Visitors should also make it a point to take a glimpse of the Fort Wall and Gate and the impressive 9-pound cannon; the latter was capable of launching 9-pound cannonballs but had a ceremonial rather than defensive function. Many other features of interest including the Raffles House may be seen at the park.

A Singapore boutique hotel such as Hotel Fort Canning Singapore is an ideal choice for visitors to the Lion City. This excellent boutique hotel in Singapore offers all the luxuries and comforts expected by the modern traveller.

Sri Lanka is a captivating island located in the Indian Ocean. The country’s rich bio-diversity offers many attractions for those seeking leisure activities. White sandy beaches stretching endlessly, lush rainforests and a culture that is rich in tradition and history provide a tropical haven for visitors.

The country’s tropical weather coupled with its lavish bird and wildlife create the perfect ambience for the nature lover. The rich diverse environment provides a veritable boon to bird life. Sri Lanka plays hosts to over 400 species some even rare and endangered. Due to the humid locale many migratory birds are also set to make their home in Sri Lanka.

The rich rainforests, rives, lagoons and lakes all appeal to these species with popular bird watching haunts such as Kumana, Kitulgala, Minneriya, Muthurajawela, Bundala National Park, Minipe and Bellanwila. These areas are spread throughout the country with bird species being varied. Some of the birds that can be found are the Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Red-Faced Malkoha, and the Ceylon Grey Hornbill to name a few.

Located in the hills of Sri Lanka’s little England, Nuwara Eliya is the Galway’s Land Bird Sanctuary situated near the Victoria Park and neighboring the famed Lake Gregory. Spanning an area of over 20 acres, this sanctuary is diminutive in size when compared to the other parks and reservations in the island. However, it makes up in terms of housing over 20 species of migrating birds and over 30 indigenous varieties.

Travellers seeking to experience the fascinating serenity of the country’s tea and lush landscapes, a stay in Nuwara Eliya hotels will provide the perfect getaway. Among the Sri Lanka hotels, those located in these hilly climbs provide spectacular views and a foretaste of the quaint living experienced by British settlers.

Jetwing St.Andrew’s is a majestic hideaway located in the Nuwara Eliya hills. This regal abode pays homage to a timeless age of colonist rule. Antique furniture blends with modern conveniences where visitors can simply relax and take in the spectacular scenery.