Category Amazing Places

It is a complex of dolomite caves in South Africa where fossils of early plants, animals and hominids have been found. Read on to know more about the caves where human life originated

About 50 km from Johannesburg in South Africa lies a complex of dolomite caves from where the fossilised remains of a number of early plants, animals and hominids have been found. The cluster of about three dozen caves, of which the Sterkfontein caves are the most famous, are together named the ‘Cradle of Humankind’. They boast over 850 hominid fossils, one of the world’s richest and oldest concentrations of such remains. The site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.

The caves offer a window to the past, throwing light on how our ancestors evolved. In 1947, paleontologist Robert Broom found an almost complete skull of a female Australopithecus Africanus, nicknamed ‘Mrs Ples’, dating back 2.8 million years, at Sterkfontein.

More recently in 1997, Ronald Clarke discovered ‘Little Foot, an almost complete hominin skeleton, estimated to be about 3.5 million years old.

Sustained excavation activities since 1966 have so far yielded an impressive 500 hominid specimens from the caves. The hominid remains corroborated the scientific view that the first humans lived in Africa. The fossil evidence has led scientists to believe that early human lineage separated from the apes in Africa about 5-6 million years ago.

The fossil remains from Broom’s excavations are housed in the Transvaal Museum in Pretoria while the finds from 1966 onwards are housed at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

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Icehotel, the world’s first ice hotel, has been melting and being rebuilt since 1990, and is one of the Seven Wonders of Sweden. Located in Jukkasjarvi village, the 64,600 sq foot hotel is rebuilt each year with snow and ice from the Torne River. The hotel exists from December until mid-April when it melts and returns to the river. It has around 100 rooms designed by artists from all over the world who vie annually for the opportunity to design one of the rooms. The hotel features chandeliers, furnishings, running fountains and statuary, all crafted of ice and snow. It hosts an ice chape, an ice restaurant, and a bar with glasses made of ice! The entire structure remains below freezing, around -5 degree C.

Given that climate control is one of the biggest challenges, steel pipes are drilled into the permafrost (at 16 feet below ground) to keep the building at 23 degrees (Fahrenheit)—the ideal temperature for the preservation of the hotel plus its ice and snow sculptures, according to Bergqvist. “That way, the building works like a thermos where it doesn’t let the cold air out nor the heat in,” he said. What’s more, approximately 7,320 square feet of solar-powered refrigerating plants will be used to keep the hotel cool during the summer months too.

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The Eravikulam National Park, spread over 97 sq km, is a green paradise which is home to rare flora, fauna and wildlife. However, the biggest attraction of the park is Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), an endangered species of mountain goat. Around one-third of the world’s population of this species lives in this park. Neelakurinji, the plant which flowers once in twelve years, grows in abundance here making the park a must-visit place during the kurinji flowering season. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, is situated in the park. The Eravikulam National Park is around 13 km away from Munnar town.
The Nilgiri tahr is a congener of the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), found in Kashmir and Bhutan and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), found in Oman and United Arab Emirates. The Nilgiri tahr is one of the few species of mountain Caprinae, and the only Tahr, which is adapted to a cold and wet tropical environment. The species is diurnal, but are most active grazing in the early morning and late afternoon.

The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 m (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into large grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas. These grassland habitats are surrounded by dense forests at the lower elevations. The Nilgiri tahrs formerly ranged over these grasslands in large herds, but hunting and poaching in the 19th century reduced their population.

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Udhagamandalam, also spelled Uthagamandalam, formerly Ootacamund, also called Ooty, town, western Tamil Nadu state, southern India. It is situated in the Nilgiri Hills at an elevation of about 7,500 feet (2,300 metres) above sea level and is sheltered by several peaks—including Doda Betta (8,652 feet [2,637 metres]), the highest point in Tamil Nadu.

Ooty lake is an artificial lake constructed by John Sullivan, in 1824. The water flowing down mountain streams in the Ooty valley was dammed to form the lake. The lake became empty on three occasions when it breached its bund. The lake was originally intended to be used for fishing with ferries being used to travel across the lake. It gradually shrunk from its original size giving place to the current bus stand race course, and the lake park. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on behalf of the Tourism Department took the possession of the lake in 1973, for providing boating facilities as a tourist attraction.

The boat house, which adjoins the lake, was opened by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). Boating is the prime attraction at the lake. The boat house offers boating facilities with Paddle boats, Row boats, and Motor boats. It also features a garden, a mini train and an amusement park. The other notable features include a canteen run by the TTDC and pony rides in front of the boat house.

Other fun activity inside ooty lake Mini train especially for kids 7D cinema Horror and Mirror House cost Dashing car Break-dance and Columbus

Other things to do nearby Ooty Lake Horse ride cycling.

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Kodagu is a hilly district of Karnataka popularly called as Coorg. This hilly region is a part of Western Ghat and it covers an area of 4103 sq. km. located about 257 km away from state capital, Bangalore. Madikeri is the main town of Coorg and it also serve as the district headquarters. Other major cities of the Kodagu are Virajpet, Kushalanagara and Somwarpet. Coorg District is divided into the three talukas namely Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet.

Coorg is a lovely hill station for the travelers where you will find several beautiful waterfalls, tea & coffee estates and lovely site scenes including lots of religious places.

You also search out lots of famous peeks here like Tadiandamol, Kote Betta, Pushpagiri, Nishani Motte, Tumbe Male, etc. Larger amounts of population in Coorg are considered as Kodava regional community and they usually utilize Kodagu Takk or Coorgi Language as their prime dialect. Some other major communities of the state are Gowdas, Tamilians, Malayalees, Muslims, Kurubas, Kudiyas, Yeravas, etc.

As per 2011 census report of India about 554764 people reside in Coorg. Maximum of population follows Hinduism (warrior class or Kshatriya’s) as their religions. We know the Coorgi language is main dialect of the district but Kannada Language is accepted as official language of Coorg. English-written widely uses for educational purpose in this hilly region.

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Araku Valley, popularly known as Araku, is a scenic hill station in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Relatively lesser known, the hill station has retained its pristine charm.

At an elevation of about 3200 ft, Araku is famous for its coffee plantations surrounded by beautiful gardens, streams, waterfalls and valleys that are covered with lush green forests. Situated in the Eastern Ghats, the hill station is about 112 km southeast of Vishakhapatnam.

Araku Valley can be reached by road that goes through thick forests which is an adventure in itself. There are many places of interest like the government silk farm, famous for its mulberry gardens and the tribal museum. The region is home to many tribes and the area is rich in tribal culture.

There are no luxury hotels in Araku Valley. There are many options for eating out in Araku Valley with restaurants and food stalls serving North Indian, South Indian, Odiya and Chinese cuisine.

The best time to visit the region is between October and March.

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How about a visit to India’s smallest and Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. Of course, it is a must visit place in the bucket list of all those adrenaline junkies.

Matheran, meaning ‘forest on the forehead’ is an eco-sensitive region lying about 100 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune.

There are altogether 40 points, two lakes, two parks, four major worship places and a race course to visit in Matheran.

It takes about 2–3 days by foot for a complete tour of all the points. Alternatively, if one manages to start early, one can rent a horse and complete all the points in a single day. Important points are Alexander Pt., Rambag Pt, Little Chowk Pt, Big Chowk Pt, One Tree Hill Pt, Belvedere Pt, Olympia Race Course (established in 1892-93 by Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji), Lords Pt, Charlotte Lake, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, Celia Pt (a waterfall mouth), Echo Pt, Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt), Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt), Khandala Pt, Madhavji Garden & Point, Matheran Railway Station, Louisa Point, Mayra Point, Pisarnath Temple, Matheran Shiv Mandir.

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Mawlynnong made an appearance on the travel itineraries of people for the first time in 2003, when travel magazine Discover India declared it the “Cleanest Village” in Asia. The road from Shillong to Mawlynnong passes through such diverse terrain that it takes time for one to come to terms with the fact that you are still within the geographical bounds of the same state. 

There are a number of living root bridges across the state, most of which can be reached by undertaking a long trek. These formations are unique to the state of Meghalaya. The most easily accessible of these is the Living Root Bridge, located in the neigh-bouring village of Riwai.

This hamlet is only a couple of minutes away from Mawlynnong, and has found its way on the tourist map because of the spectacular living root bridges. As you enter Riwai, a small clearing serves as a parking lot, and it is surrounded by many eateries selling local dishes. A paved road takes you to the ticket counter.

Set in verdant environs, this single-decker bridge at Riwai spans over a gushing stream peppered with rocks. The living bridge was fashioned from the roots of the rubber fig tree by the Khasi villagers in order to cross over the stream. Such root bridges become stronger with time, and take 10 to 15 years to become fully functional. The bridges are, however, strong enough to hold the weight of upto 50 people at a time. Visitors can even descend to the stream below and take a dip in the cool waters.

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Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Flaming red rhododendrons, sparkling white magnolias, miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir – all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the queen of hill stations. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title.

Traditional dances in Darjeeling include the Jhaure dance, Chutkay dance, Maruni dance and Tamang Selo, which find their origins in Nepal. Other forms of dance include the Tibetan Cham performed with elaborate costumes and masks during the eve of Losar, the Tibetan New Year.

Undeniably, the most popular food of Darjeeling is the Momo. Momos are steamed dumplings stuffed with either pork, beef or vegetables and served with a spicy chilli and tomato paste along with soup. Another popular dish is the Thukpa, which is a noodle dish with meat and/or vegetables in soup. Apart from these dishes, the restaurants in Darjeeling offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines to cater to different palates.

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Road To Mussoorie is Ruskin Bond’s typical version of a hill station. He recalls many interesting incidents, writes down stories of various people he came across and his own fond memories of what is India’s first famous hill station. His writing immediately takes you to the mountains. Today, Mussoorie has changed drastically from what it was before. It nonetheless continues to be a frequently-visited getaway destination.

Ruskin Bond (born 19 May 1934) is an Indian author of British descent. He lives with his adopted family in Landour, Mussoorie, India. Since 1963 he has lived as a freelance writer in Mussoorie, a town in the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand where he lives with his adoptive family in Landour, Mussoorie’s Ivy Cottage, which has been his home since 1980. Asked what he likes the most about his life, he said, “That I have been able to write for so long. I started at the age of 17 or 18 and I am still writing. If I were not a professional writer who was getting published I would still write.” In his essay, “On being an Indian”, he explains his Indian identity; “Race did not make me one. Religion did not make me one. But history did. And in the long run, its history that counts.

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Shimla is a quaint little hill station nestled in Himachal Pradesh and is located at a comfortable driving distance from Delhi and other cities in Punjab. It is without a doubt one of the most popular hill stations in the country, and there many places to see in Shimla and many activities do in and around this quaint little town.

You can also enjoy many adventure activities such as River Water Rafting, Camping, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Golfing, Ice Skating among other things.

Shimla is home to a number of buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples, and the natural environment of the city attracts tourists. Attractions include the Viceregal Lodge, the Christ Church, the Jakhoo Temple, the Mall Road, the Ridge and Annadale which together form the city centre. The Kalka–Shimla Railway line built by the British, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major tourist attraction. Owing to its steep terrain, Shimla hosts the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya, which started in 2005 and is regarded as the biggest event of its kind in South Asia. Shimla also has the largest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. Apart from being a tourism centre, the city is also an educational hub with a number of colleges and research institutions.

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In the 1990s, the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir affected tourism in Gulmarg. With the abatement of terrorism in the area, tourism started to recover in late 1990s. Work on the cable car project between Gulmarg and Apharwat Peak, which was commissioned in 1988 by Government of Jammu and Kashmir but was subsequently abandoned due to militancy in 1990, was resumed in 1998. In May 1998, Phase 1 of the project, between Gulmarg and Kongdori, began its commercial operation. In May 2005, Phase 2 of the project was also inaugurated making it one of the longest and highest rope ways of Asia. The chairlift installed as a part of Phase 3 of the project began its operations in 2011. The National Winter Games were held in Gulmarg in 1998, 2004 and 2008. In 2014, Government of Jammu and Kashmir drafted a Master Plan–2032 for Gulmarg. The plan includes development of a solid-waste treatment plant on 20 acres of land close to Gulmarg.

The first ever Khelo India Winter Games will begin from March 7 at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 900 participants will take part in the 5-day event. Organised by Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Games will be held in various sports disciplines at famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir from March 7 to 11.

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Victoria Falls also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘smoke that thunders’), is a breathtaking waterfall located in Africa. A World Heritage Site, the waterfall is formed as the river Zambezi drops over the edge of a 100m deep chasm. One of the tourist attractions at the Victoria Falls is the Devil’s Pool.

The Devil’s Pool is a naturally formed pool located near the edge of the falls. Every year, when the dry season reduces the water level and makes the current safe, tourists take a dip in the pool and swim as close as possible to the edge of the waterfall.

The Devil’s Pool is definitely not for the faint-hearted. It takes a rocky walk and swim in the Zambezi to reach the pool before slipping into the adrenalin-pumping swimming hole. When people jump or step into the waters they face the terrifying prospect of being pulled by the water currents towards the edge before the rock wall stops them just a few feet away from the 100m fall!

The view from the edge is totally exhilarating as you feel the force of the Zambezi flowing past you and crashing down over the precipice; a hundred metre drop.

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    The Great Wall of China was built in the Third Century B.C. to keep out the raiding Tartars of Mongolia. It is 20 to 30 feet high and 15 to 25 feet wide at the top, with towers 60 feet high every few hundred yards.

   The wall stretches from Shamhaikwan on the yellow Sea to the borders of Kansu and Sinkiang in the west, crossing high mountains and deep valleys. Probably over 500,000 workers were employed to build it. Even today, the wall is in a wonderful state of preservation.

    This marvelous structure is constructed of brick and stones. The sides have battlements-parapets with openings or embrasures through which weapons could be discharged.

   All large cities of China were provided with similar walls, and the gates were closed at night to give the citizens protection against surprise attack. For China has been envied by her neighbors throughout history. Many times these neighbors have invaded the country, seized the capital and begun a new dynasty.

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          The great Flavian Amphitheatre, or Colosseum, was built between A.D. 69 and 81 by the Emperors Vespasian and Titus on the site of an artificial lake in the grounds of Nero’s palace, the Golden House. The name Colosseum was bestowed on it, because of its colossal size, sometime after the 8th century.

         In its full magnificence the Colosseum must have been one of the most imposing buildings in the Roman Empire, a gigantic oval measuring 620 feet by 513 feet with a height of 160 feet. Round the actual arena-287 feet by 180 feet-tiers of marble seats provided accommodation for 50,000 spectators.

          The building was constructed to the house gigantic spectacles organized by the authorities for the entertainment-and distraction-of the public. It became a scene of much bloodshed. Here were staged gladiatorial combats (fights to the death between men) and contests between wild beasts or between men and animals. And here, too, many of the early Christians met martyrdom with a courage that helped greatly to spread their faith.

        The highest tiers of seats and the fourth storey were rebuilt in the 3rd century, and the building was seriously damaged by lightning and earthquakes during Roman times and the middle ages. For hundreds of years this symbol of Roman power was used as a quarry. But even today its ruins form one of the most famous buildings in the world.

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In ancient legends about the Norsemen, Valhalla was the place where all the brave warriors went when they died.

     The kind of man they most admired was one who had great courage and a spirit of adventure. The warriors who went to Valhalla were supposed to lead a very happy life, eating boar’s meat daily and amusing themselves by fighting each other. They were supposed to live in Valhalla till Doomsday, led by Odin, father of the gods, they would march out of the 640 doors of the palace to fight against the giants.

               The Statue of Liberty which is one of the world’s tallest was built to celebrate the birth of the United States of America. It was a gift from the French people to the Americans symbolizing the spirit of liberty, friendship and fraternity. This Statue stands on Bedloe’s Island, now called Liberty Island, at the mouth of New York harbour. This was put here as desired by its sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.

               The plan for this monument was made by the famous French historian Edouard de Laboulaye after the American civil war. The cost of the statue was met by the French people, while the money for the 150 ft pedestal was raised in the United States. The statue was made of copper sheets. In 1885, the complete statue, 152 feet high and weighing 225 tons was shipped to New York City. It was put on the pedestal at Bedloe’s Island and dedicated to the nation by President Grover Cleveland on Oct. 28, 1886.

               The total height of this monument from the pedestal upto the torch is 305 feet. It represents a women wearing a robe and holding a burning torch aloft in her right hand. The left hand holds a tablet bearing the date of American Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776). At night the statue is floodlit and the torch shines with a powerful light. An elevator rises to the balcony level, and a spiral staircase leads to an observation platform in the figure’s crown.

               The statue was at first administered by the Lighthouse Board, because the illuminated torch was considered as a navigational aid. In 1901 the statue was transferred to the War Department. In 1924, it was declared a National monument. In 1956 Bedloe’s Island was renamed as Liberty Island.

               This colossal statue stands as a symbol of freedom and equality. The French people made this gift to the Americans on the 100th anniversary of US independence. 

Phan Thiet is a city on the coast in south eastern Vietnam. It is a place that is noted for its coastal attractions.

          Kyoto is a city located in the west-central part of the Honshu Island in Japan noted for its history and culture. It is the capital of the Kyoto Prefecture of the Kansai region and forms a major part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. The city was once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and hence, is also called the thousand-year capital.

          Not much about the early history of Kyoto is known. But archaeological evidences suggest that human settlements in the region began in the Paleolithic Era. By around the 6th century AD, the Shimogamo Shrine was established here.

          At present, Kyoto is an important city in Japan. It is also a major tourist place noted for its architecture, gardens, and palaces. There are around 2000 religious places in Kyoto including 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. While the Katsura Imperial Villa in the suburbs of the city is regarded as a fine architectural treasure, the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa stands out as the best garden in the country. The city is a major centre for the manufacturing of Kimono, the traditional Japanese garment.

           The Santorini Island or Thera is an island on the southern Aegean Sea that lies about 200 kilometres southeast of Greece. It is part of an archipelago of the same name, and covers a total land area of around 90 square kilometres. The municipality of Santorini consists of the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia, and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana.

           It has been found that Santorini is geologically, the remaining eastern half of an exploded volcano. There is a central, rectangular lagoon that is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides. The main part of the island slopes downward to the sea.

           Experts hold that the site of the island has witnessed one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. Known as the Minoan eruption or the Thera eruption, it took place some 3600 years ago at the height of the Minoan Civilization.

           History goes that the name of the island ‘Santorini’ had arisen in the 13th century, and is a reference to Saint Irene. 

               Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheatre is a huge amphitheater that was built in Rome between 70 and 72 BC. It was constructed during the rule of Vespasian, a Roman emperor of the Flavian dynasty. The magnificent structure is located just east of the Palatine Hill. 

          The Colosseum, said to be the biggest amphitheatre in the entire Roman Empire, could house around sixty thousand spectators. Structurally, it was an oval or round building that had rising levels of seats arranged around a central open space. This space called the arena was meant for staging entertainment, gladiator fights etc.

          However, in medieval times the Colosseum was damaged by lightning and earthquake. It was also largely vandalized, as a result of which its marble seats and decorative materials disappeared. The building was subsequently used as a place to house animals and slaves. The Serious efforts to preserve the majestic construction were made only in the 19th century.

          Bora Bora is a striking volcanic island part of the Leeward group in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Surrounded by a lagoon and coral reefs, it lies in the central South Pacific Ocean. The earliest name of the island is known to have been ‘Pora pora mai to pora’, meaning ‘created by the gods’ in the local Tahitian dialect. It later became ‘Bora Bora’.

          Historically, the island was inhabited by Polynesian people sometime in the 4th century BC. It gained global attention only in the 18th century when the Dutch admiral Jacob Roggeveen spotted it in 1722. In the late 19th century, Bora Bora was annexed by France.

          In terms of its geography, the settlement of Vaitape lies on the western side of the main island. In the central region, there are two peaks rising from an extinct volcano. They are the Mount Pahia and the Mount Otemanu. Other than these, the island offers much more too visiting tourists.

          The Great Barrier Reef is the longest and the largest reef system in the world. It is a complex of coral reefs, shoals and small islands in the Pacific Ocean, located off the northeastern coast of Australia. Roughly covering an area of 350,000 square kilometres the reef is one of the largest structures ever built by living creatures. Tiny organisms called coral polyps work behind the composition of this wonderful marine system.

          Interestingly, there are many other forms of life supported by the Great Barrier Reef. This includes around 300 species of hard coral as well as anemones, sponges, worms, gastropods, lobsters, crayfish, prawns, crabs, and a great variety of fishes and birds. Historical evidences suggest that the reef has also been important for humans, especially the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They have been living in the region for thousands of years and the reef is part of their culture.

           The Sydney Harbour of Australia is a waterway known to the world for its striking scenery and environment. It is one of the favourite destinations of people who love swimming, sailing, yachting, kayaking and diving. With over hundred kilometres of shorelines, natural parks and historical sites surrounding, this natural harbour is a trademark of the city of Sydney.

           The renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge and the performing art centre of Sydney Opera House lie close to the harbour. There are other amazing islands as well nearby, including the Fort Denison, Shark Island, Clark Island, Rodd Island, Goat Island and Cockatoo Islands.

           Going by historical evidence, one can perceive that Sydney Harbour had a considerable role during the Second World War. It was related to the construction of the Sydney Harbour anti-submarine boom net in 1942 as a measure to protect the harbour from submarine attack. 

          Any inland area that lies far from large, populated centres is called an Outback in Australia. It usually refers to the semiarid inland areas of eastern Australia and the arid centre of the Western Plateau and its semi arid northern plains where water bodies are scattered and sometimes dry. Such places are important in terms of environment as well as tourism.

          Historically, even the driest remote regions have been inhabited by indigenous Australians for around 50,000 years. As a result, such areas have become part of the Australian heritage, history and folklore.

          Today, the Outback is regarded as the largest remaining, intact natural area on Earth. The MacDonnell Ranges, the town of Birdsville, the Katherine Gorge, Uluru and the Devil’s Marbles are some of the popular tourist attractions in the country’s Outback. Many animals like red kangaroos and dingoes that are well-adapted to the climatic conditions can be seen in the regions.

          Livestock grazing or pastoralism, using cattle and sheep form the largest industry across the Outback. 

           The smallest of the Australian states, Tasmania is famous across the world as a ‘natural state’ with about 45 per cent of its area lying in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites. Geographically, this island is located 240 kilometres to the south of the Australian mainland, and has its capital in Hobart. It encompasses the main island of Tasmania and 334 islands surrounding it.

           Historical evidences show that the name ‘Tasmania’ comes from Abel Janszoon Tasman, the Dutch explorer who happened to be the first European to discover the island.

           Today, Tasmania is most famous for its spectacular mountains, lakes and coastal scenery. At a height of 1,617 metres, Mount Ossa is the highest peak on the island. It stands proudly in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park which is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that preserves all the national parks and reserves in the state.

          The Canadian Rockies are a magnificent segment of the Rocky Mountains that extend some 1600 kilometres from the northern British Columbia in Canada. They form a border between the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

          There are a number of peaks and ranges on the Canadian Rockies. This includes Mount Robson that stands the highest, Mount Joffre. Mount Assiniboine and Mount Columbia.

          Out of the high peaks, only Mount Temple has an established scrambling route. But even this is dangerous for climbers without adequate experience. Besides, the upper slopes of the mountain are covered with snow, making it all the more difficult to move upward.

          A good portion of the mountain range is protected by five national and three provincial parks. The Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes National Parks among these on the eastern slopes in Alberta are also famous for the spectacular alpine scenery they offer.

          There are numerous river systems that have their source in the Canadian Rockies. 

            Churchill is a town in northern Manitoba in Canada, most famous for polar bears. It is the northernmost seaport of the country, and is located on the west shore of the Hudson Bay.

            As said before, Churchill is home to a large number of polar bears and has earned the title ‘the Polar Bear Capital of the World’.

            In autumn, the town witnesses the movement of animals from inland towards the shores. The tourism industry in the region is developed by focusing on the migration habits of the bears. There are modified buses called ‘tundra buggies’ that carry tourists safely to view polar bears.

            In addition to this, there are thousands of beluga whales in the waters of Churchill that make the place even more interesting. The movement of the whales into the warmer waters of the Churchill River estuary in the months of July and August is said to be a major attraction.

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               Machu Picchu that stands in the mountains of south-central Peru is a deserted city of the Inca people.

               It is one of the very few American Indian sites that still remain mostly undamaged. Historical sources indicate that the dwellings at the site were built and occupied probably during the mid-1400s and 1500s. In Quechua, the language of the Incas, Machu Picchu means the ‘old peak’.

               The ancient city lies between two sharp peaks in the eastern Andes Mountains at a height of 2350 metres. There were two sections in Machu Picchu, one for farming and the other one, urban. Step-like fields called terraces constituted the farming section. In the urban section, there were houses, temples and a cemetery.

               It is believed that Machu Picchu remained hidden from the Spanish when they conquered the Incas in the 1500s. The city was covered by plants and remained known only to a few people living there, for hundreds of years.

               In 1911, when a local farmer led US archaeologist Hiram Bingham to the ruins of this ancient city, it started getting global attention. 

            The Iguazu Falls are a series of scenic waterfalls located on the stretch of the Iguazu River. Extending for 2.7 kilometres, they form the border between Brazil and Argentina. They are almost three times wider than the famous Niagara Falls in North America.

            The name Iguazu has come from the Guarani Indian word meaning ‘great water’. The falls are known as Iguacu, or Iguassu in Brazil.

            The Iguazu Falls are situated where the Iguazu River tumbles over the edge of the Parana Plateau. There are numerous rocky and wooded islands that lie along the edge.

            Depending on the water level, the numbers of the falls too change from 150 to 275. It has been found that almost half of the river water falls into what is called the Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped narrow chasm close to it. Breathtaking views of this section can be obtained from the Brazilian as well as Argentine sides.

          The Galapagos Islands are a famous cluster of volcanic islands spread on the either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean.

          It consists of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and a group of islets, lying about a 1000 kilometres west of the mainland Ecuador. The archipelago covers a total land area of 8,010 square kilometres which scatters over 59570 square kilometres of ocean. The Galapagos National Park forms a part of the islands.

          Isabella Island is the largest of the islands in Galapagos. It is around 132 kilometres long and constitutes more than half of the archipelago. Mount Azul, which is the highest point of Galapagos, is situated in Isabella.

          History says that the scenic island cluster was discovered by the bishop of Panama, Tomas de Berlanga in 1535. It gained international attention after the visit of the English naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835. It was the unique fauna of the islands that contributed to the groundbreaking theories on natural selection presented in Darwin’s work ‘On the Origin of Species’ in1859. 

          The Amazon rainforest is a large tropical rainforest that covers most of Amazon basin in South America. Spread over an area of 6,000,000 square kilometres, the rainforest comprises about 40 per cent of the total area of Brazil. The region includes territories belonging to other eight more nations- Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. In short, Amazon comprises the largest and the most diverse biodiverse tract of tropical rainforests in the world.

          The rainforest is guarded by the Guiana Highlands in the north, the Andes Mountains in the west, the Brazilian central plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

          The lush vegetation includes a large variety of trees including species of myrtle, laurel, palm, and acacia, rosewood, Brazil nut, and rubber tree. Considering the wildlife, the Amazon is very rich with jaguars, manatees, tapirs, red deer, capybara and many other types of rodents, and several types of monkeys. 

          The Torres del Paine National Park is a national park in southern Chilean Patagonia. It covers an area of around 242,242 hectares and is one of the largest and most-visited parks in Chile. In 1978, it was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

          Part of the National System of Protected Forested Areas of Chile, the Torres del Paine national park promises many spectacular views and moments to a visitor. One of the main attractions here is a small mountain group called the Cordillera Paine. Besides, the region also encompasses glaciers, lakes and rivers. The Dickson Lake, Nordenskjold Lake, Pehoe Lake, Grey Lake, Sarmiento Lake, and Del Toro Lake are some of the famous lakes here. Another water body flowing through the park is the beautiful Paine River.

          In addition to these, the Torres del Paine national park is noted for its flora and fauna. It has documented a wide variety of plant species including 85 non-native ones. It is also home to many animals like Guanacos, pumas, foxes and the endangered Chilean Huemul.

               Lake Atitlan is a magnificent lake in southwestern Guatemala, lying in the central highlands. It is said to be the deepest lake in Central America with a maximum depth of about 340 metres. The three cone-shaped volcanoes of Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro lie on the borders of the lake.

               There are many reasons why Lake Atitlan remains a global attraction. On the shores of this lake are situated numerous villages that still have the Mayan culture.

               As it is known to the rest of the world, the Atitlan Lake is very attractive. It stands out for its immense and picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and wildflowers. According to German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, it is ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’. In 1955, the region around the lake became a national park. Corn, onions, beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and pitahaya fruit are the major crops in the area on which the indigenous people depend.

            The Geiranger Fjord is one of many inlets from the sea along Norway’s western coast. It is located in the Sunnmore region of More og Romsdal County and is one of the most visited tourist sites in the country.

            What makes the Geiranger Fjord special is its scenic beauty. There are a number of abandoned farms that lie along the sides of the fjord. Skagefla, Knivsfla, and Bloomberg are the most visited among these today. Close to them lies the beautiful village of Geiranger, which is thought to be one of the best travel destinations in Europe for its scenery.

            Another feature that adds to the charm of the fjord is the impressive waterfalls called ‘Seven Sisters’ and ‘Suitor’. Both the falls face each other across the fjord. An interesting story about them is that the ‘Suitor’ is trying to woo the sisters opposite. There is one more attractive falls here – the Bridal Veil.

            For its splendour, the Geiranger fjord has been the subject of many films. The famous animated movie by Disney named ‘Frozen’ was inspired by the fjord. 

            The Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle monument, cemetery, and archaeological site located on the Salisbury Plain in England. It is believed to have been built between 3000 and 1520 BC, in six stages.

            There are many stories on why the Stonehenge was built. Many scholars hold that it was a place of worship or a burial ground.

            However, it is unique for its artificially shaped sarsen stones, arranged in a peculiar way. There were two groups in which the large stones were arranged – one was a circle of flat stones that rested on top of stones standing upright. The other was a group within the circle – a horseshoe shaped group of five pairs of upright stones.

            There is a straight path called the Avenue that leads away from the circles. An upright stone named the Heel Stone stands near the centre of the Avenue.

          The Lake District is a region credited with a fascinating countryside in Cumbria, the north-west of England. With numerous lakes and more than 100 mountain peaks, it covers a total area of 2,243 square kilometres. The region was declared a national park in 1951 in order to protect its natural resources for future generations.

          Also known as the Lakes or the Lakeland, this breathtaking destination has been very special to nature lovers since time immemorial. Poet William Wordsworth is one of them whose early writings reflect the beauty of this place. In fact, there was a group called the Lake Poets during the turn of the nineteenth century, comprising poets and writers all of whom lived in the Lake District.

          As mentioned earlier, there are many important lakes and mountains situated in the Lake District. This includes the largest, Lake Windermere and the highest English mountain Scafell Pike. The area is also one of the most populated notional parks in the country having major settlements within the mountainous areas. Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Winder-mere are the four large towns here. 

               The Giant’s Causeway is an extensive area covering about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. It is spread over six kilometres along the northern coast of Northern Ireland, on the edge of the Antrim plateau. These stone pillars with up to seven irregular sides that point out of the cliff are just a spectacular sight.

               This Causeway was formed some 50 million years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption that caused lava to flow towards the coast. When it came in contact with the sea, the lava cooled, forming layers of basalt columns. And because of the pressure between the columns, each of them sculpted into different shapes. Ever since it was first documented. in 1693, the Giant’s Causeway has been subjected to studies by geologists. It stands as a special place, not just for the formations but also for the grasslands close by. There were human settlements in the area during the 1800s, but it is now uninhabited. However, more than three lakh persons visit the site every year. 

          Andalusia is a historical region of Spain, located in the southern portion of the country. It is an autonomous community which has the city of Sevilla as its capital.

          Divided into eight provinces, Andalusia is the most populated and the second largest of the communities.

          Andalusia was a wealthy and politically influential region. Even today the remains of its culture and traditions can be seen in the community’s architecture, language and customs. The famous bull fights and the gypsy flamenco music with dance are two highlights of the culture.

          Other major tourist attractions here include the city centres of Ubeda and Baeza in the province of Jaen, both which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra in Granada, along with numerous museums, cathedrals, castles, forts, monasteries and stunning beaches. 

            The Dolomites are a fascinating group of mountains that lie on the eastern section of the northern Italian Alps. It consists of a number of majestic peaks out of which 18 rise to more than 1000 feet. The Marmolada is the highest of all, at a height of 3341.8 metres.

            The first scientific study about the region was made by the 18th century French geologist Dieudonne Dolomieu. It is from him that the mountain range and its rock took their name. Geologically, the range is formed of light-coloured dolomitic limestones. As many as 41 glaciers are seen in the region. Most of the lower slopes of the mountain were once covered by thick forests, but today only patches of woodland remain.

            The main peaks of the Dolomites were climbed in the 1860s by English mountaineers. However, the range has witnessed major disasters after that. In 1963, more than 2500 people died after a landslide occurred in the southern Dolomites. It caused the Vaiont Dam to overspill and flood the village of Longarone.

            Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco is the highest mountain in Europe. It is located in the Alps and lies along the border of France and Italy, extending to Switzerland. Ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence, the mountain rises to a height of 4,808 metres above the sea level.

            Literally meaning ‘White Mountain’, the Mont Blanc is covered for at least 100 square kilometres by glaciers.

            The importance of the mountain was brought before the world in the 18th century when P. Martel, Jean A. Deluc and Horace Benedict de Saussure drew attention to it as the Western Europe’s highest mountain, in separate attempts. It later created an interest among climbers.

            In 1786, the summit was conquered by Michel-Gabriel Paccard and Jacques Balmat Today, the region is one of the most important tourist centres on the continent, and has facilities for winter sports as well. The famous Mont Blanc Tunnel is another major attraction here. 

            Petra tou Romiou or the Rock of the Greek is a sea stack seen in the coastal city Pafos in Cyprus.

            What make the formation famous are its beauty as well as mythological relevance. The rock has a magnificent structure with corals, seaweed and pieces of shells on it.

            According to legend, Petra tou Romiou is situated where the Greek goddess Aphrodite was born. Hence, it is also known as Aphrodite’s Rock. According to another folk story, a person who swims around the rock is believed to be blessed with eternal beauty. However, this may not be easy, as the sea is usually very rough making it difficult to enter the water. Tourists are often advised not to swim here. Climbing the rock is also prohibited.

            There is one more legend associated with the Petra tou Romiou. It says that the rock was thrown by Basil, the legendary hero in the epic of Digenes Akrites, from the Toodos Mountains. He did this to destroy the Arab ships that were on the way to take over Cyprus. The rock landed where it is now situated.

           The Black Forest is a thickly wooded mountain region in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, in southwestern Germany.

          The name of this region comes from the dark-coloured fig and pine trees present in the region. Other than this lushness there are many features in the area that attract thousands of people to this location every year. The Titisee and the Schluchsee lakes are two of them. They offer opportunities for water sports like diving and wind surfing for adventure lovers. Then there is the spa-town of Baden-Baden that is noted for the numerous thermal baths, the imperial town of Gengenbach and the flower and wine village of Sasbachwalden.

          For travellers in search of picturesque, old towns, places like Altensteig, Dornstetten, Freiburg im Breisgau, and Gernsbach would be the ultimate options. There are as well the former monasteries of St. Blasien, the abbeys of Saint Trudpert that fascinate people from all over the world. 

          Tuscany is a region in west-central Italy that is marked for its landscapes, traditions, art and history. The city of Florence is its capital. Geographically, the region comprises the provinces of Massa-Carrara, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, Firenze, Livorno, Pisa, Arezzo, Siena, and Grosseto.

          There are multiple reasons why tourists across the world prefer Tuscany for a vacation. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most visited places in the world. For people in love with culture, the region has much to offer. The churches, palaces, art galleries, museums and villages of Tuscany reflect its unique cultural and artistic heritage. There are also many art schools which have created famous artists, and contributed to the region’s nickname as the ‘art palace of Italy’. Hence the place is rightly regarded as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance which was a major cultural movement in world history.

            Oaxaca or the Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca are a state in southern Mexico. Specifically, it is one of the states that constitute the 32 federative entities of Mexico. What make the state so famous are its land, culture, and people.

             A large part of the state is mountainous, covered by the mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur range. As it goes down south, the mountains turn narrower, and form a plain along the Pacific coast. In the east, it descends to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

            Historically, there were different native groups inhabiting the region that is now called Oaxaca.

           In the early 16th century, Spanish rulers conquered the region and controlled it for a long 300 years. Later, Mexico gained independence from the Spanish, and Oaxaca became a free state in 1824.

            It is now one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country with a number of indigenous groups. The capital of the state, Oaxaca de Juarez is the site of the major cultural institutions here, including the Benito Juarez University of Oaxaca and the Regional Museum of Oaxaca.

            Tikal was a major city and ceremonial site of the Ancient Mayan civilization. It was also an urban centre in the southern Maya lowlands which stood 30 kilometres north of Lake Peten ltza. Today, this place is in the archaeological region of Peten in northern Guatemala.

            Historically, Tikal was first developed as a small village during 900-300 BC. With the construction of pyramids and temples, it later became a ceremonial centre. It was also an important point in the trading network that had been established in Southern Mexico and Central America by the central Mexican city of Teotihuacan.

            However, the city reached its greatness during AD 600 when palaces, pyramids and plazas were built. This was also the time when Mayan art flourished in sculpture, monumental and vase painting. The city reached its architectural and artistic peak between AD 600 and 800, after which it saw a steep decline. Population fell and so did its art. By the 10th century, Tikal was abandoned.

            The Tikal Project of the University of Pennsylvania recorded over 200 monuments at the site.

Vieques or the Isla de Vieques is a beautiful island of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean. It is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands and retains influences from centuries-long Spanish presence in the land.

Geographically, Vieques is about 34 kilometres long and 6 kilometers wide. Isabel Segunda, the chief town and Esperanza, a fishing village are two of the important places on the isle.

There are many reasons why Vieques is known to the world. The closeness to waters as well as the hilly terrain is indeed fascinating. But what brought this little island to global attention was a series of protests.

History says that in the early 1940s, a large part of the island was occupied by the US Navy. But, the protests from the natives forced the US Navy to withdraw from the island. Following this, Vieques was designated a National Wildlife Refuge. Today, it is a major hub of ecotourism with unspoiled beaches along with historical remains attracting thousands of visitors each year. 

          Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America that is located close to the centre of the Alaska Range in South-Central Alaska.

          After Mount Everest and Aconcagua, Denali is the third most prominent and isolated peak on Earth. It is a giant block of granite believed to have been lifted above the earth’s crust due to tectonic activity, millions of years ago.

          There are two significant summits on the peak, the South Summit which is the higher one, and the North Summit. Flowing off the slopes of the mountain are five large glaciers.

          Starting from 1903, many attempts were made to climb the summit of Denali. However, the first successful ascent was recorded on June 7, 1913, by climbers Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum. Today, Denali is a famous spot among climbers.

          The term ‘Denali’ was the name given to the mountain by native Athabascan Indians. It means ‘The Great One’. 

          The Katmai National Park and Preserve is an area in southwestern Alaska, US, most noted for its wilderness and distinctive geologic features.

          Named after Mount Katmai, the park has 18 individual volcanoes out of which seven are active. In fact, the area was made a national monument in 1918, six years after the violent eruption of the Novarupta Volcano.

          One of the important landmarks of the Katmai National Park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. It was a green valley that got converted into an ash-filled wasteland after the eruption of the Novarupta.

          The park is also noted for its lakes, forests, rivers, marshlands and wildlife. The Snowshoe hare, Alaskan moose, Canadian lynx, wolverine, river otter, mink, red fox, weasel, marten etc., are some of the mammals in the area. There are also marine mammals like the harbour seal, sea lion and sea otter. However, the most prominent animal here is the Alaskan brown bear. Katmai has the world’s largest protected brown bear population. 

          The Dry Tortugas National Park is a name that remains synonymous with marine beauty. Located on the Dry Tortugas islands in southwestern Florida, the park covers an area of 262 square kilometers. It was built to preserve Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands that lie west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico.

          As mentioned before, the Dry Tortugas National Park is noted for its rich sea life. The colourful coral reefs, legends of shipwrecks, and tropical bird breeding grounds are some of the best spectacles here. Fort Jefferson is another reason why the park is important. It is a massive, unfinished coastal fortress, which happens to be the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.

          The fort was built with more than 16 million bricks. Besides its historical significance, the park is also a renowned site for bird watching. The parade ground of the Fort is the place where one can spot numerous birds.

              The Oneonta Gorge is a gorge located in the Columbia River Gorge area of the Oregon state. A gorge, as some of you might know, is a narrow valley with steep walls lying between hills or mountains.

               The Oneonta Gorge is a highly impressive formation that is often described as ‘one of the true dramatic chasms in the State’. The gorge is special for the unique aquatic and woodland plants growing in the region. The walls of the basalt rocks here are home to a wide variety of ferns, mosses, hepatics or liverworts and lichens which are found exclusively within the Columbia River gorge.

               There are four major waterfalls on the Oneonta creeks that run through the gorge. The Middle falls can be seen clearly from a footpath at a distance, but the lower falls can be seen only by walking upstream from the creek’s outlet at the Historic Columbia River Highway.

               Similarly, the Upper Falls can be viewed if one can climb up the creek or climb down a canyon wall.

               The fourth falls or the Triple Falls can be seen from a point on the upper trails of the canyon.

            The Big Sur is a scenic region in Western California, US that comprises a 160 kilometre long stretch of sea coast along the Pacific Ocean.

            It is regarded as the greatest meeting of land and water in the world, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise sharply from the ocean.

            The coastal roads that are winding and narrow provide enchanting views of the Pacific Ocean and the wild areas of the Los Padres National Forest nearby. Another important place here is the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, spread over more than 323.7 hectares. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and trees like coastal red-woods.

            The park contains the village of Big Sur. The Garrapata, Andrew Molera, and San Simeon, and Point Sur State Historic Park are some of the other state parks in the Big Sur area.

            This place which is now a major tourist destination was once just cattle ranches and small farms. Many writers have appreciated the beauty of Big Sur in their works. American poet Robinson Jeffers is one of them. His home is now one of the landmarks of Big Sur. 

          Kauai is a stunning volcanic island in Hawaii, US. It is believed to be the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the features of Kauai is that it is dominated by Mount Waialeale, at its centre. The summit of this mount is one of the wettest places on Earth.

          There are a few cities on the island, like the Lihue, which is the centre of business and the chief port, and Kapaa, the most populous town. The Kauai museum is among the most visited places on Kauai.

          Other attractions on the isle include the Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park and the Kilauea Light-house, which contains the world’s largest lighthouse clamshell lens, although now inactive.

          However, one cannot miss the Waimea Canyon lying on the west of the island. For its grandeur, it is often called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. 

          The Mammoth Cave National Park is a highly popular park that preserves the Mammoth cave, which has the longest cave system in the world. It is located in Kentucky in the US. Explorers have mapped more than 650 kilometres of caves here, and still continue to discover new passages.

          For the surprises inside, the Mammoth caves are nothing but a magnificent creation. There are underground lakes, rivers and numerous geologic formations that leave any visitor spell-bound. Apart from the large natural entrance, there are as well many artificial ones as well, including an access by elevator that helps visitors to enter the caves. Inside the passages live numerous animals that perfectly adapt to the cave conditions. The eyeless fish and cave crickets are two of them.

           Various kinds of birds, reptiles, animals like the white-tailed deer, foxes and opossums are some of the wild animals inhabiting the park. 

          Monument Valley is a wide expanse that is marked by enormous rock features, including mesas, cliffs, and buttes. Part of the Colorado Plateau, it lies between the borders of Arizona and Utah in the US. It is estimated that the valley covers an area of over 36826 hectares.

          The biggest attraction of Monument Valley is the buttes, or isolated hills that are steep on sides and flat on top.

          Yet another much visited site on the valley is the Mittens, which are a pair of thumb-like outcrops. In addition, there is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that makes it a must-see place for travellers across the world.

          One of the features that contribute to the attractiveness of the valley is its vivid red colour. This coloration happens due to the presence of iron oxide. There are also blue-gray rocks here, making it a rare combination of beauty. 

               The Grand Canyon is one of the most celebrated sites in the world, noted for its impressive shapes and colours.

               As the name suggests, it is an extensive canyon that was cut by the Colorado River in the plateau region of Arizona. It runs almost 446 kilometres through the north-western part of Arizona and ranges from 0.2 to 29 kilometres in width. Believe it or not, there are places where the canyon is more than a kilometre deep!

               Historians note that many of the rocks in the canyon are at least 4 billion years old. Some of them even resemble temples or castles, making it a beautiful spectacle from a distance. As mentioned earlier, there is a wide range of colours one can see here. The canyon is said to be mostly red, but there are layers of rocks that appear buff, gray, green, pink, and violet.

              Below the Grand Canyon lie magnificent forests of pine, fir, spruce, and aspen. There are also a large number of wildlife in the region, including coyotes, foxes, deer, badgers, pumas, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks.

            Lake Tahoe is a famous freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of the United States. It is said to be the largest alpine lake in North America.

            There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe is important. One of them is that the water from the lake is supplied for the Newlands Irrigation Project in Nevada.

            Another reason is its attractiveness. For its clear water and the panorama of surrounding mountains, the lake has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

            In addition to such scenery, Tahoe is a famous spot for winter sports and summer outdoor recreation. Thousands of people visit the place in winter to enjoy activities like down-hill skiing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding and snowshoeing.

            History goes that Lake Tahoe was once the centre of the Washoe Indian territory, and the area was inhabited by the Washoe tribe of Native Americans.

            In fact, the very name of the lake comes from the Washoe Indian word meaning ‘big water’. 

          The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a gigantic sculpture built in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the United States of America.

          It is a huge representation of the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, the former presidents of the country.

          Each of the carving is about 18.2 metres tall, and is made out of granite. The work is seen on the southeast side of Mount Rushmore, hence the name of the memorial.

          The idea of a monumental sculpture was put forward by a historian named Doane Robinson in 1923. In 1927, the work began under the sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

          He proposed that the four heads in the sculpture symbolize the first 150 years of the United States. The work was completed in 1941.

          Today, the Mount Rushmore sculpture is one of the greatest iconic images in the US. 

           Since time immemorial, valleys and mountains have remained among the most cherished places in the world. One may not be able to climb them, but the very sight of a valley itself fills our minds with joy and creates everlasting memories.

           One such is the Yosemite Valley, located in the western Sierra Nevada mountain of Northern California. Adding to the attractions is the Yosemite Falls, the highest in North America.

           The Sierra Nevada salamander, the rattlesnake, Gilbert’s skink, American black bear, chickaree are some of the wildlife here. There are birds as well, like the American dipper, dark-eyed junco and the white headed woodpecker seen. The presence of trees like sugar pines, white fir, and ponderosa pines make the region all the more lush.

          The Yosemite Valley is also known to be a dream place for hikers, with different trails around. The Yosemite Falls Trail that leads to the top of the waterfalls and the Four Mile Trail leading to the glacier point are two of them.

          The Antelope Canyon is a world famous slot canyon located in Arizona. A slot canyon is one which is formed by the wear of water rushing through rock. Normally, the depths of such canyons are larger than their width.

          There are two separate sections on the Antelope Canyon, namely the Upper Antelope and the Lower Antelope. They are both located in the LeChee Chapter of Navajo.

          As per historical records, the canyon was formed after an erosion of Navajo Sandstone, caused mainly by flash flooding. As some of you might know, a flashflood is the occurrence of sudden, unexpected local flood.

          However, the Antelope Canyon is presently the most important point of tourism in the Navajo Nation, contributing to its economy. It is also a popular destination among photographers, because of the spectacle it offers.

          The Florida Keys is an interesting chain of islands located off the coast of southern Florida. It begins in the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Miami Beach and curves into the Gulf of Mexico.

          What makes the Keys special is their incomparable ecological richness and coral reefs. It is said that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park here contains the largest living coral formations in North America.

          The Key Largo is the largest of the keys, extending long 50 kilometres. But the most populated and economically developed area is the Key West. The Overseas Highway that runs from the mainland to the Key West connects all of the islands. It consists of 42 bridges, and is one of the longest overwater roads in the world.

          The Great Smoky Mountains is a popular mountain range in the United States. Geographically, they form a segment of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee and the western North Carolina. Also known by the name Great Smokies or Smokies, the place is highly praised for its rich ecosystem.

          The most important part of the Great Smoky Mountains is the national park with the same name.

          Trees like hemlock, black cherry, black walnut, yellow birch etc. can be found inside the park. Also, there are many species of wildlife like the black bears, white tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild boars, raccoons and numerous attractive song-birds, that make the Great Smoky National Park all the more fascinating.

          There are as well a number of historical structures maintained within the Smokies Park as well, like those at the Cades Cove, and the Elk-mont. As per records, more than 9 million people visit the place every year. 

          Acadia was the name of a colony established by the French in North America. It included the places that we now know as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and parts of New Brunswick, the Gaspe Peninsula, and Maine. The colony was important for its geographic position as it was close to fishing grounds, shipping routes and the British colonies along the Atlantic coast.

          However, there are more reasons that add to the relevance of Acadia. It stood out in beauty and diversity that captivated any visitor. As a result the Acadia National Park was founded in the US state of Maine in the early 20th century.

          The biggest attractions of the park are the mountains, wood-lands, lakes, and an ocean shoreline.

          It spreads across more than 49,000 acres, including 30,000 acres on the Mount Desert Island, and on smaller islands close by.

          The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most riveting places in the continent. It is located off the southern coast of Mozambique. Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue are the five islands that make up the cluster.

          The deep blue waters, unspoiled sandy beaches, palm trees and coral reefs are what make the islands an international travel destination. The rock island of Santa Carolina, particularly, has three beautiful beaches with coral reefs. It is regarded as the ‘gem’ of the islands, and sometimes, also called the Paradise Island.

          Besides such attractiveness, the islands are also said to be home to a large number of marine animals on the Indo-Pacific region. These include the humpback whales, spinner, humpback and bottlenose dolphins, marlins, barracudas, marine turtles and dugongs, a marine mammal.

          In 1971, the archipelago became a national park, ensuring more protection to the species. 

               Mount Mulanje or the Mulanje Massif is a large rock hill located in Malawi. The peculiarity of the mount is that it rises sharply from the plains of Chiradzulu that surrounds it, and the tea-growing Mulanje district.

               There are as many as 20 rocky peaks on the plateaus, out of which the Sapitwa is the highest point. It stands at a height of 3002 metres.  

               Incidentally, Mount Mulanje is one of the biggest in Africa. The mountain is rich in wildlife, where one can spot tiny ante-lopes like the klipspringer to various other small mammals. There are as well a variety of birds as well, like the buzzard, and black eagle.

               In fact, it is part of the protected Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve. It is also home to the famous Mulanje cypress, a tree that is heavily logged and thought to be endangered.

               For its natural ecosystem and beauty, the Mount Mulanje remains one of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in Africa, with thousands visiting it each year.

          The Spitzkoppe is a world famous group of rounded granite mountains seen in the Namib Desert. They are located between the towns of Usakos and Swakopmund and are more than 120 million years old. Standing at a height of 1784 metres, the Spitzkoppe is a very popular spot among climbers across the world. The first ascent was recorded in 1946 by Hans and Else Wong-schofsky and J. de V. Graaf.

          There are many features that attract visitors to the Spitzkoppe. The ‘Small Spitzkoppe’ that stands at a height of 1584 metres above sea level and the dome-like Pondok Mountains are two of them.

          On the eastern side lies the Bushman’s Paradise, a cave that offers a walk up the steep incline through a fixed steel cable. In these parts, one can see remains of Bushman paintings and rock art. Sadly, most of it has been damaged in the course of time. However, there are some rock paintings still preserved at the Small Bushman’s Paradise and Golden Snake sites. 

               The Sossusvlei is best known for its sand dunes, which are believed to be the highest in the world. It is located in the southern part of the Namib Desert.

                Geologically, Sossusvlei is a claypan that holds rain water to form a lake. In other words, it is a circular shaped depression filled with water in the heart of the Namib. Due to its high clay content, this pan retains water for a long time, making it a rare sight. There are many animals that live in the Sossusvlei. These include those which can survive with little water, like the anthropods, rodents, jackals, reptiles, antelopes etc.

              As a matter of fact, sand dunes are present in various parts of the world. But what makes the dunes in Sossusvlei special is their colour composition.

               The varying shades of red, depending on the age of the dunes, define the stark beauty of the Namib Desert. 

          Located in Aswan, in Southern Egypt, the Abu Simbel is yet another work of wonder that fascinates travellers across the world. It is a complex of two massive rock temples, carved into a mountainside on the west bank of the Nile River. There are many debates regarding the construction of this epic complex. But what remains universally accepted is that the structures were built by Pharaoh Ramses II, sometimes in the 13th century. It is said to have taken twenty long years for the completion of work.

          However, despite its grand size, the Abu Simbel complex was covered by desert sand for hundreds of years. It remained forgotten until a Swiss scholar named Jean-Louis Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1813. But he couldn’t dig out an entry to the temple. In 1817, an Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni managed to enter the temple complex, and reintroduced it to the world.

          In 1968, the complex was relocated in its entirety on an artificial hill made from a domed structure above the Aswan High Dam reservoir.

            Bagamoyo is a famous town in Tanzania that is at once beautiful and disturbing. It is beautiful for its cultural heritage, but disturbing for its history of slavery.

            Founded at the end of the 18th century, Bagamoyo is situated 72 kilometres north of Dar es Salaam. Under German rule, it was the first capital of Tanzania. This place was also famous for the ivory trade, besides slavery.

            Presently, the Bagamoyo town is the capital of the Bagamoyo district. The name of the place has been derived from the Swahili words ‘bwagamoyo’, meaning ‘throw down your heart’.

            There are many important sites in the town, like the ‘Bagamoyo Church’ which was perhaps the first on the East Coast of Africa, the ‘Bagamoyo Museum’ that preserves old photos and remains of the slave trade and the Kaole ruins of the 12th century. Another important place is the Ruvu River Delta, a paradise for birds.

            In addition to these, the Bagamoyo white sand beaches are something known to leave visitors fascinated. They are among the finest beaches on the whole of the East African coast. 

          There are numerous reasons why South Africa remains a traveller’s favourite. One of it is the famous Table Mountain that overlooks the capital city of Cape Town. In fact, it is one of the few natural wonders that are located in the middle of a major city.

          Geographically, the Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain. The major attraction here is the national park with the same name, situated close by. The region is known to be one of the richest areas for plants in the world, with numerous unique species. The most important ones among them are the 1460 varieties of fynbos, a unique kind of vegetation and the rare amphibian Table Mountain Ghost Frogs.

          Adding to the attractions of the mountain is the enchanting cableway that takes visitors to the plateau at its top. The upper cable station offers a breathtaking sight of the Cape Town, Table Bay and Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. The mountain is also a popular destination among hikers and para-gliders across the globe. 

Seychelles, officially, the Republic of Seychelles, is one of the most attractive tropical islands in the world. It is an archipelago located 1600 kilometres east of the African coast in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 115 islands. The capital city is Victoria on the Mahe Island, which is the largest of all.

The most fascinating feature of the island includes the beaches. It also has to its credit six marine national parks and a wide variety of marine life. Specifically, the island is home to a large number of Aldabra tortoises, and the hawksbill sea turtles.

Cousin Island on the archipelago is the best place to see these turtles as the nesting population here is very high. Besides, Seychelles is considered to be the best destination for scuba divers. 

          Fez is best known to the world as the cultural centre of Morocco. It was founded in 789 by Idris I. Until 1925, Fez was the capital city of the country. Even today it remains the best-conserved city of the Arab world, and is an international destination.

          The most attractive features of the city include its splendid architecture, and historical remains. Fez is divided into three zones. Among these, the most popular is the Fez el Bali Medina. The historical quarter and traditional houses make it an altogether interesting place for travellers. It is also one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones.

          According to some historians, the Medina of Fez is among the best conserved historic towns of the Arab world.

          Another prominent place in the city is the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in AD 859. It is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world today. Fez is known by different names across the world, popularly as the ‘Athens of Africa’.

           If you are one who has seen a huge mountain in real life, there is little chance that you went away without appreciating its grandeur. Such is the glory that structures like mountains have. And if it is something like Mount Kenya, it cannot but leave a spectator spellbound.

           Located in Kenya, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. It stands at a height of 5199 metres above sea level, making it one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

           Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano which was active thousands of years ago. Currently, there are eleven small, shrinking glaciers on the mountain.

           There are three major peaks on the mountain- Batian, Nelion and Lenana. The first persons to climb Batian were Sir Halford John Mackinder, Josef Brocherel, and Cesar Oilier.

          Located in North Africa, the Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.

           Geographically, the Sahara Desert covers as many as eleven different countries including Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan, with an area of around 9.4 million square kilometres.

          The term ‘Sahara’ has its origin in the Arabic language, meaning ‘desert’. Predictably, it is one of the most consistently hottest places in the world.

          On the other hand, it can drop below freezing point rapidly at nights. In general, the climate is hot, dry, and windy. While it rarely rains in some parts, there are regions which do not see a drop of rain in years!

          All this makes Sahara an inhospitable place to live. It is estimated that only less than 2.5 million people live in the region, despite its vastness.

          The highest point in the desert is the volcano named Emi Koussi in Chad. Historians note that thousands of years ago, the Sahara Desert had enough water to let people live well.

          The Pyramids of Giza are something most of us are familiar with.

          The Great Pyramid is one of the oldest structures in the world today. The magnificent structure was built for the Pharaoh Khufu, around 2560 BC. In fact, it is part of a complex of three large pyramids in the Giza Necropolis located in modern Cairo, Egypt. The other two are the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Along with these, the complex also consists of a majestic Sphinx statue.

          There are various stories regarding the construction and completion of the pyramids and it is believed to have taken around 20 years to complete the works.

          Inside the Great Pyramid, there are three major rooms – the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Grand Gallery. There are also small tunnels and air shafts that lead to the chambers from outside. Incidentally, the Great Pyramid remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3800 years.

          The island nation of Madagascar is a place unique for its ecosystem and extraordinary wildlife. It is the fourth largest island in the world, and is located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa.

          Experts have found out that approximately around 90 per cent of the reptiles, plants and mammals seen in the country exist nowhere else in the world! Due to its ecological diversity, Madagascar is sometimes referred to as the ‘eighth continent’ by ecologists.

          One of the unique animals found in the country is a lemur known as the silky sifaka, which is a critically threatened species. The island is also home to the rare ploughshare tortoise whose population today is just less than 1000. Similarly, there are more than 11000 endemic plant species, and a variety of mammals, and amphibians present on the island. Therefore, Madagascar is thought to be one of the most amazing places to visit across the world.

          The Serengeti is a world famous ecosystem in East-Central Africa, located in north 4100 Tanzania, and extending to southwestern Kenya. Its area is as vast as 30,000 square kilometres, giving rise to its name which means ‘endless plains’ in the Maasai language.

          Much of the Serengeti was known to outsiders as Maasai land. The Maasai are known as fierce warriors.

          The most important part of the Serengeti is the national park in it with the same name that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are as well a number of other protected reserves and conservation areas in this region as well, like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

          However, the spot is most famous for having the largest mammal migration in the world and, is a popular destination of African safaris.

          Some of the most commonly found mammals in Serengeti include gazelles, zebras, African buffaloes, waterbucks etc.

          The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland in Botswana that covers an area of about 16,800 square kilometres. A wetland is a place where the water is shallow, and the soil is very soggy.

          What makes the Okavango Delta special is that it is one of the world’s largest inland river deltas, as well as a breathtaking sight.

          The source of the delta is the Okavango River, one of the longest rivers in southern Africa. It is interesting to see how the delta is formed. The Okavango River, which begins in the mountains of Central Angola, flows southward, and reaches the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana. There, it spreads out to form the delta. Interestingly, both the river and the delta are named after the Okavango people of northern Namibia. It is also home to some of the most endangered species of mammals like the white rhinoceros, cheetah.

          Victoria Falls is one of the biggest and most impressive waterfalls on Earth. It is located in the middle of the Zambezi River. It is said that almost 600 million cubic litres of water hit the ground every minute from the waterfalls! It has been described by CNN as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

          Although the falls is popularly known as ‘Victoria’, locals in the area call it ‘Mosi-oa-Tun-ya’, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’, because of its noise and water splashes. It was the Scottish missionary David Livingstone who named this wonder in November 1855, after Queen Victoria of Britain.

          Apart from its beauty, the Victoria Falls is also important for other reasons. It supplies energy to several cities in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Boaruka Island and the Living-stone Island are the two islands that are situated on the crest of the falls.

          There are many labels and descriptions given to the majestic Victoria. One such popular description in modern terms is this- the greatest curtain of falling water in the world! 

          The Namib Desert is best known as one of the oldest deserts in the world, and has been in existence for over 50 million years! It is also one of the largest ones, stretching along the Atlantic coasts of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.

          The term ‘Namib’ is said to have originated from the Nama language, in which it means ‘vast area’.

          There are many reasons why this coastal desert remains a wonderful sight. It has beautiful sand dunes and rugged mountains. It is also an important location for the mining of materials like diamonds, and tungsten.

          Apart from these, the Namib is also home to a number of strange plants and animals that can be found nowhere else in the world. An example for this is the shrub like plant named Welwitschia mirabilis that grows just two leaves, but lives for over 1000 years. Then, there are animals like the mountain zebra, gemsbok etc. 

          Mount Kilimanjaro is famous across the globe for being the highest point in Africa. It stands at a height of 5,895 metres. The most important fact about Mount Kilimanjaro is that it is not really a mountain as such, but a dormant volcano, made up of three volcanic cones named Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. The first two are extinct, meaning they cannot erupt again, but Kibo is dormant, and there are chances of it erupting in future.

          Another fact about Kilimanjaro is that it is one of the Seven Summits in the world. More than 1000 square kilometres around the mountain are known to be covered by thick forests that accommodate as many as 140 different species of animals.

          The summit of the mountain, on the other hand, is covered by glaciers and snow. It was in 1889 that the first ascent to the peak was recorded, by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller.