Interesting Facts About Beaches That Will Surprise You

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Barsha Aug 17, 2022

Weather Conditions In Himachal PradeshMAR-JUNEOCT-FEBJUL-SEP22 - 37 degree Celcius0 - 15 degree Celcius15 - 25 degree Celcius The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh varies according to your preference. The best part about going to this beautiful state is that it looks different in different seasons - so whichever season you choose, you are kinda choosing the right destination! Scroll down and find out when you can visit Himachal Pradesh and what to expect from each season! Journey To The Dev Bhoomi: Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh! The land of Dev Bhoomi is best known for its picturesque landscapes, godly mountains, lots of comfort food, and every other ingredient that you need for some much-needed peace! Dotted with beautiful hill stations, tourists from all around the world visit Himachal every year, and there’s no reason why you should not! The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh would be between February to June, during Summer and Spring. You could also consider visiting this beautiful state during winter between October and February to experience snowfall. As every season unfolds, Himachal Pradesh changes colors, be it spring or winter, or even Summer. It honestly depends upon how you want to see this colorful land - are you looking for the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh for honeymoon, or are you looking for the perfect time you can travel to Himachal solo? Check out the tables below for a more comprehensive understanding of the Himachali seasons. Travel SeasonsMin/Max TemperatureWeather ConditionsMarch - June22-37 °CSunny days, pleasant nightsJuly - September15-25°COccasional thunderstormsDecember - February0-15°CCold, dry The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh also depends on when you want to go - do you want to hit the Dev Bhoomi during the peak season time? Or do you want to travel when it’s off-season in Himachal?  Peak Season: March - June Shoulder Season: November - February Low Season: July - September Exploring Himachal In Summer (March To June): Temperature: 22 - 37 °C Weather: Neither too cold nor too hot Months: March - June Summer in Himachal Pradesh is a soothing affair - the cold won’t bother you by sending shivers across your spine. Instead, it’s one of those times of the year when you can enjoy the cold while sipping on a hot cup of traditional Himachali tea by the hills. You know that feeling when the air conditioner is running, and you snuggle under the blanket? That is exactly how summer nights at Himachal feel! Are you looking for answers to questions such as ‘Himachal Pradesh best time to visit?’ - you can always opt for Summer considering you hate the excessive cold and want to spend a comfy time while traveling! The weather is great, but you know this season is also known for its own share of celebrations and festivities. Locals celebrate the Doongri Fair, also known as the Hadimba Devi Fair - the purpose? To celebrate the beginning of Summer! These local festivities are characterized by vibrant colors, blooming flowers, and lots of entertainment. Another great event that celebrates Summer in Himachal is the Summer Festival, which is held at The Ridge in Shimla every year. A 10-day event, the Summer Festival is known for handicraft exhibitions, fun sports activities, and folk dance performances - pet lovers, can even enjoy a dog show! Exploring Himachal In Monsoon (July To September): Temperature: 15 - 25 °C Weather: Monsoon with incessant rain Months: July - September Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh is all about petrichor with this rain-clad hamlet looking like a ‘breath of fresh air.’  The ‘freshly bathed streets’ and the smell of rain will greet you - think about the misty hills and quaint cafés, all patiently waiting for your arrival. Enjoy the magic of monsoon at Himachal and get lost in the beauty of the hamlet. While the earthy scent and lush landscapes will be enough to stunt your senses, a series of events will prevent the dampening of your spirits. The town of Chamba, for instance, celebrates the Minjar Festival in the months of July and August - the festivities are held for seven days and are mostly marked by grand processions. Locals visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple to offer both money and sweets as a prayer for a good harvest. The rains are beautiful, and they end up breathing life into the lush greenery that Himachal has to offer. If your best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is monsoon, then you must check out Kasol - spend hours by the side of the massive Parvati river, as the rain keeps creating a rippling effect on the water surface. Exploring Himachal In Winter (December To February): Temperature: 0 - 15 °C Weather: Snowy heaven Months: December - February Himachal Pradesh is a snow-lovers paradise in winter. If you want to experience the magical aura of snowfall in Himachal, then the best time to visit in Himachal Pradesh is this time! From indulgent snowball fights with your friends or family to walk through white streets while playing fun winter sports, winter in Himachal is a gift to all travelers out there - snowclad mountains, frozen lakes, crystalline ponds, and the landscape you will remember forever. The breathtaking beauty of Khajjar Lake is something you can’t miss out on during this time. Moreover, places like Manali and Shimla celebrate the onset of winter with the Winter Carnival - the ski slopes of Solang Valley and the winter sports activities of Rohtang Range are popular tourist attractions during this season. If you want to travel to Himachal during the winter, it’s a crazy decision considering the beauty during this time. You can also pay a visit to the Winter Queen contest a sort of beauty contest held in Manali. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh mentioned below. 1. What Are The Top Places To Go To In Himachal Pradesh? Ans: The top places to go to in Himachal Pradesh are as follows,➼ Kinnaur,➼ Kasol,➼ Malana,➼ Dharamshala,➼ Solang Valley, and➼ Kufri. 2. What Is The Best Way To Plan A Himachal Trip? The best way to plan a Himachal trip is by following the itinerary mentioned below,➼ Day 1: Delhi to Shimla.➼ Day 2: Shimla to Kufri.➼ Day 3: Shimla to Manali.➼ Day 4: Manali to Rohtang Pass.➼ Day 5: Manali to Dharamshala. 3. Which Season Is Going To Himachal Pradesh? In Himachal Pradesh, winter begins sometime in October and lasts throughout February. Since December happens to be the coldest month of the year, there are several places in Himachal Pradesh during that time experiencing snowfall. If you want to enjoy the snowfall, then you must plan a trip in winter - places such as Shimla, Narkanda, Manali, and Kufri enjoy snowfall. 4. Which Is The Most Visited Place In Himachal? The most visited places in Himachal Pradesh are as follows,➼ Shimla,➼ Manali, and➼ Dharamshala. The Mountains Are Calling…And Himachal Is Waiting! The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh can vary depending on which season you prefer. Another factor that can influence your decision is whether you want to visit Himachal when everyone else is visiting or you prefer a smaller crowd. Himachal Pradesh is a huge state in terms of tourism because there’s so much to see, explore, and enjoy!  The best time to visit Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh will vary from the best time to visit another hill station in the same state. All you need to do is pick a time when you can see more, explore more, and naturally enjoy more. In the meantime, don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on the same in the comments below. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities  Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do.  Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities.  Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches.  2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park.  Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise.  Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers.  These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device.  Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm.  You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District.  4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn.  So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing.  5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace.  Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities.  Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March.  Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees.  You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities.  Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.”  9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December.  Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.