Top 5 Unexplored Treks in Himachal | Adventure Tourism

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 19, 2021

These national parks Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Chicago, the windy city! That is the first thought that comes to our mind when we think about the state Illinois located in the central estern region of the United States Of America. Although Chicago is the perfect destination when it comes to relieving the American nostalgia with vintage buildings and dinners, all our nature’s enthusiasts will be leaning more towards the Mississippi river bay of Illinois. One more thing that attracts travellers towards this town are the breathtaking national parks illinois. It is no short of windy roads and state parks giving you the serene experience that the city of Chicago can’t. These national parks near Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Following the general US restrictions, travel to Illinois from other states and countries have been open. National Parks In Illinois Taking the famous route 66 which trails to the pacific west coast, then you will tumble across two of the most well known Illinois national parks which can be a jackpot for people who take a special interest in the history of the state. It is known as the ‘Land of Lincoln’ afterall! These national parks in Illinois also have excellent hiking trails. Are There Any National Parks In Illinois? Yes, Illinois has two major national parks. These are Pullman National Monument Lincoln Home National Historic Site. However, they are mostly national park services. Nevertheless, they don’t fall short of showing the mesmerizing beauty of nature. However, if hiking is more in your forte then here are the three more National historic trails of the national park Illinois which you can add to your itinerary. Here Are The List Of National Park Illinois Trails Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Are Illinois National Parks Open? Following every Covid Guideline, National parks Illinois have been opened for travel. Pullman National Monument This Illinois national park is located in the northern side of the state. It will take you less than thirty minutes to reach the location from Chicago. It is a small national park which is evidently surrounded by districts which have found their place in American history. This district is known to be the first planned one in the whole country. Other than the short walks you can take throughout the community and fill your day with other attractive sightseeing then go for the Pullman park which is a must. If you are nature’s prodigy and love camping then you might find a place right in this national park Illinois. However, on travelling a little west you will find the beautiful MacMahon Woods to have a night or two in the wilderness. Lincoln Home National Historic Site This Illinois national park is located in the breathtaking state capital Springfield. It gets its name because of the fact that the former president resided here with his family before becoming the president of the United States. The national park itself is not that big, but nevertheless sublime. Therefore, it won't take you more than an hour or two to cover the entire ground. However, the main attraction here is not there woods, it is Lincoln house itself which has a visiting entry. There is also a show that airs regarding this subject. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail National park Illinois trails are the perfect blend which will give you a look at the locals and the mesmerizing nature that surrounds it. Although, make sure you know your route and sites since there are certain private properties that do not allow the entrance of outside public. Since it is in the south of the Mississippi River, you can find hiking trails, scenic beauties, and camping ground. If you have plans to travel a little towards the west, Shimek state forest among the national parks in Illinois. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail The next on the list of the best national parks in Illinois is the Trail of Tears, also known as the “Journey of Injustice.” Most urban places may be reached by car in just one hour from one of these routes, which are dispersed all throughout the nation. We can better appreciate Native Americans' history and struggles by studying the Trail of Tears, a national historic trail. The Indian Removal Act was established by Congress in 1830, which is when the trail's history began. The law signed by President Andrew Jackson permitted "for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and for their removal west of the river Mississippi". What Is The Most Beautiful National Park In Illinois? Shawnee National Forest which is located in Harrisburg is known to be the most beautiful national park trail in Illinois. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail This historic trail doesn’t restrict national park Illinois. The headquarters of this park is situated in the state of Omaha however, it stretches up to Hartford Illinois. It is situated in the west of the Mississippi River from St.Louis. Other than the breathtaking landscape which you can explore, you can also squeeze some time for the historical attractions with old buildings and exhibits that are flourishing around this area. The closest camping site for this trail is Granite City, or if the riverside camping is what you desire then you can drive to Sioux Passage Park. What Is The Biggest National Park In Illinois? Although, the measurement of national park Illinois cannot be given, in terms of state parks the biggest one which covers almost 8000 acres in Pere Marquette State Park. These are some of the best national parks in Illinois. However, if Illinois is not your last stop and national parks aren’t the only trails you are looking for, then here is a list of other state parks or national parks in the driveaway neighbourhood that you can explore. In just a three hour drive, you can reach Mark Twain National park in the neighbouring state of Missouri. You can Visit Chicago and dive into the city life for a little while.  Again in just a three hour ride, you can visit Indiana Dunes National Parks which has some of the most desirable camping grounds. A night of wild adventures and sweet smokey smores!  Some Of The State Parks You Can Visit If you have crossed all the national parks Illinois in the list then step towards some of the state parks. With gorgeous sites and fun activities like fishing, camping, and boating filled in these trips, you won’t be disappointed.  Clinton Lake State Recreation Area  Rock Cut State Park  Fort Massac State Park  Illinois Beach State Park  Hennepin Canal State Trail  The best part is, the government charges no extra penny for you to enter these paradises.  Are Covid 19 Tests Required To Travel To National Park Illinois? If you are an unvaccinated traveler then you have to get a Covid Test for travelling to Illinois. You don’t have to get quarantined though.  Final Thoughts  With big cities of the country getting all the limelight, we are forgetting the other smaller states where lies the sublime beauties of mother nature as well as the nostalgia of American history.  So, this season let us rekindle the hidden beauties of national parks illinois that will tweek all your travel love metre again. Read Also: A Guide To National Parks In Alabama – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Arkansas – Latest Guide Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

Are you aware of Chikmagalur's Coffee? The taste is counted among the richest coffees in the world. You may have tasted the coffee from here. But did you care to visit the most prestigious coffee estate in the country yet?  You’ll be amazed by the hills covered by mist. As you graze past, you will see the lush green plantations.  The contrasts of the green top against the grey rocks will surely amaze you. But the best part is something else. You will come across the rich coffee aroma. It’s always present in the air.  The bottom line is that this characteristic coffee station is a must-visit. There’s a reason why it is called the Distinct Coffee Land of Karnataka.  The Rich Heritage You Can't-Miss The coffee culture started under the British Raj. Now it has flourished beyond leaps. But things were different from the start. The coffee culture was prevalent among the Britishers and a small section of the Indian elites only.  But that has spread now. Subsequently, Chikmagalur's Coffee is now reputed as one of the finest Indian coffee. Meanwhile, the estate has also risen to the helm of fame. When you visit her, you will encounter one of the biggest and finest coffee estates in the country.  Planning a Chikmagalur Tour Plan your Chikmagalur tour today. Begin with a coffee plantation tour. When you come here,, you will meet a plethora of global and domestic tourists who flock here every year. Firstly, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery around. Next, you will soak yourself in the rich coffee aroma in the surroundings.  From coffee beans to the brewery, you will witness every step with your eyes. At the same time, you will get insights that you make you a coffee pro. So, make your visit to Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations more memorable and insightful! The History of Chikmagalur Coffee Coffee dates back to the 17th century India. Baba Budan, who also goes by the name of  Hazarat Shah Janab Allah Magatabi, paid a Haj visit. He was mesmerized by the strong beverage he had in Yemen. And the stark aroma with a rich taste took a toll on his tastebuds.  Then he decided to take coffee back to his land. That’s how coffee occurred in India.  undertook a pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. During his travels, he encountered the rich, aromatic coffee of Yemen and was so impressed by its refreshing qualities that he decided to bring it back to India. The Challenge  Back then, exporting coffee from the Arabian estates was not allowed. But the legend says that he smuggled around 7 beans. He just hid them in his robes.  When he returned in 1670, he paid a visit to the Chikmagalur's Coffee Hills. At first, he didn’t know it would be a coffee plantation paradise. But the rich soil and the soothing weather worked like magic.  Later the surrounding Sufi hills were named Baba Budan Giri, honoring him.  How Did It Spread? Initial coffee’s acceptance was slow. Hence the cultivation was limited too. But coffees started to spread like wildfire when the English came here.  The Europeans were mesmerized. At first, The Dutch made spreading coffee plantations a personal agenda in India. But the real reign of coffee started under the British. Around 1850, coffee plantations became normal in India.  What’s The Status Now? The Chikmagalur's Coffee is now popular across India and abroad too. However there is a sheer economic importance of this beverage as well. At first, the story began with just 7 coffee beans. But it has now grown into a fully fledged industry.  Today, the coffee plantation is a separate tourist attraction. If you ever go by the scenic Chikmagalur's Coffee estate, check out the coffee plantations with awe!  The Art of Coffee-Making Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations are home to two distinct varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its delicate flavor and sweet undertones and is in high demand in international markets.  Arabica plants are smaller and thrive at higher altitudes. They require more manual attention and meticulous care. On the other hand, Robusta is more resilient, growing at lower elevations and having a bold, strong taste. Robusta plants are also easier to maintain. While a casual coffee drinker may be unable to distinguish between the two easily, estate owners carefully select their preferred variety based on climate conditions, maintenance needs, and market demand. Both coffee varieties play a crucial role in Chikmagalur’s coffee industry. The journey from coffee cherry to mug is an intricate, labor-intensive process. The steps of coffee-making are as follows: Step 1: Harvesting Skilled coffee pickers handpick only the ripest coffee cherries, ensuring quality and consistency. Step 2: Processing The harvested cherries undergo various processing methods to remove the outer layers and prepare the beans. Step 3: Drying In this stage, the main aim is to dry the coffee. You can use the sun drying method. Most roasteries use it too.  Once there is no moisture in the beans, you can go to the next stage.  Step 4: Roasting Once done, the coffee beans go through the penultimate stage. Each bean goes through careful roasting. But you need to maintain a precise temperature during the process. It helps to infuse the rich gourmet smell and characteristic taste.  This careful process, perfected over generations, is what makes Chikmagalur’s coffee so exceptional. Explore the Coffee Museum For those eager to explore the world of coffee, a visit to the Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum in Chikmagalur, is a must. The Coffee Board of India started this museum as a solo initiative. Now this is the main Indian coffee museum that educates visitors about coffee. You can learn about coffee’s journey from scratch here.  Located in Dasarahalli, just a short drive from Chikmagalur’s city center, the museum offers an enriching experience that is ideal for both casual coffee lovers and connoisseurs. Pay A Visit Today! For a truly immersive coffee experience, a stay amid Chikmagalur’s Coffee plantations is ideal. Gateway Chikmagalur provides the perfect luxury stay, offering modern comforts while keeping visitors close to the town’s coffee heritage.  With its proximity to key attractions like the Coffee Museum, it serves as a great base to explore the region’s rich coffee culture, while indulging in a luxurious, nature-infused getaway.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 5, 2023

Review #1 I paid cash for my $100 incidental payment. And stayed there for one night from October 13 to October 14. I never write reviews like this, but what the black women with big bodies who worked on 10/14/22 did was basically theft. I told the night lady that my room smelled like smoke, and she told me that most rooms smell like smoke and it's fine. When I checked out, the morning clerk told me she wouldn't return my cash deposit because the room smelled like smoke. I told her I don't smoke and what the night lady said, but she was rude and didn't care about what I had to say. Heard that if you pay cash as a deposit, they will make up reasons to keep it and share it with the people who clean the room. They did not make me sign anything saying they were keeping my $100. I'll talk to corporate about this because I've been traveling for work for 9 years and never had a problem like this. The woman at the front desk basically stole my deposit, and I might have to go to court over this. I'll do just that. Check out the people who pay cash for a deposit. Heard that the black woman who worked at the front desk on 10/14/22 had been accused of the same thing many times before. When you make $10 to $14 an hour, I'm sure that stealing that $100 deposit helps you pay your bills. Review #2 The folks at the Motel 6 down the street gave me a recommendation to park at Quality since they said it was the safest overnight option in town because to the plenty of lighting and frequent police patrols. The check-in process was lengthy due to the slowness of the desk staff. Another visitor convinced me to call in for the lowest rate, but I was stuck listening to a vacation package sales pitch from an extremely persistent agent for what felt like 30 minutes. In the end, I decided that the points weren't worth the discomfort, but I did it for the experience. It left me pretty irritated by the end, and it still does to this day. Not even after all that effort did I get a better rate! After I checked in, I noticed how well-kept the room was (kudos to Natasha at reception for her attention to detail). The cleanliness of the tub was unparalleled; it appeared to be brand new. However, the bottle's stopper was missing, rendering it useless. In addition, the room was unexpectedly roomy. It seemed like the only negative aspect was an old chair sitting at the desk. When I showed up early for a free breakfast, I was told that it was grab-and-go only and that they didn't actually start serving breakfast until Friday. The convenient snack pack included a blueberry muffin, a yogurt cup, and a croissant sandwich made with sausage, eggs, and cheese that had previously been frozen. Although one of the treadmills in the exercise room was broken, the facility was otherwise adequate. Unfortunately, once I had settled into my room, I read some quite unsettling comments about the hotel online. Except for a slightly off-putting hallway odor and some dubious carpet stains, I couldn't find any physical manifestations of the issues highlighted in the previous complaints. The reports of bedbugs were the most alarming. Thankfully, my thorough search turned up no evidence of such odors, but hearing about them from other guests tainted my overall impression of the hotel. Additional: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? India’s New Airline, Akasa Airs, Is Set To Pets In Cabin And Cargo Best Places For Highest Bungee Jumping In India – Adventure Guide