Discovering London’s Hidden Gems: Best Places To Visit In London

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is as fascinating as its geology. So, along with the geysers, many tourists also visit this park to explore its wildlife. The grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and more make the park the biggest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. However, the park is also a popular birder hub with ospreys, eagles, and falcons. You just need to know the spots well to encounter these wild creatures, with respect, of course.  Here, I will give you a brief idea about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish found in this park. I will also share where to spot them.  Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park May to June or spring is the ideal season for watching mammals at Yellowstone National Park. You will especially get to see many bears and wolves in this season. Further, at the advent of the fall season, this park has elk bulls in great numbers.  Moreover, mammals like elk, bulls, and bison are also visible in the park in winter. Winter is also a great time to glimpse the Lamar Valley wolves. So, watching wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is a year-round activity.  Tour and Travel Tips For Wildlife Watching At Yellowstone National ParkTrek the park in the early morning or evening to have better visibility of the wildlife. The temperature remains moderate during these hours of the day.Further, you will need spotting scopes or binoculars to see the wild animals.Maintain at least 25 yards of distance from elk, bison, and other wild animals. However, for bears and wolves, you must maintain at least 100 yards of distance.  Let’s learn about the most prominent mammals in the park in detail.  American Bison Where to Find: Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grasslands Best Time to Find: July to August Did you know that bison in Yellowstone make up the largest (remaining) bison population on American public land?  The biggest mammals of the park, bison, have been there since pre-historic times. A male bison weighs 1,800 pounds on average, while the weight of a female bison is close to 1300 pounds.  Black And Grizzly Bears Where to Find: Mammoth and Tower Areas (Black Bear) and Lamar and Hayden Valleys (Grizzly Bears) Best Time to Find: May to June Black and grizzly bears co-exist in many parts of the national park. Grizzlies are bigger than black bears, with a hump on their shoulders and a rounder face. Bear safari is a popular activity in the park. However, you need to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards and follow all safety regulations, as bears can get violent, especially when they are with their cubs.  Elk Where to Find: Lamar Valley, Madison Canyon, Mammoth Valley Best Time to Find: September to November Due to the impressive antlers, elks are probably the most photographed animals in this national park. Do you know that the antler of an elk can grow up to 6 feet? Moose and deer, closely related to elks, are other prominent park mammals. Moose is the largest of the Cervidae family, and elks are the second largest.  Further, moose are seen in the park’s marshy areas and near water bodies. Bighorn Sheep Where to Find: Gardner Canyon and Near the Yellowstone River Best Time to Visit Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone National Park - November and December The large and curved horns of bighorn sheep make them stand out. You will find these horns on the males. Bighorn sheep live in a herd, and in the fall season, the males get involved in loggerheads to win over their female companion.  There is one fascinating fact about bighorn sheep. When a baby bighorn sheep (lamb) is born, it can climb and walk within one day. Wolves Where to Find: Throughout the Park Best Time to See Wolves: May to June Around 100 wolves live in the Yellowstone National Park. Leopold packs, Yellowstone Delta, and Slough Creek are the biggest wolf packs in the park.  Wolves are native to the park. However, in 1995, they were re-introduced here.  Along with the types discussed, you will also find mammals like coyotes, martens, red foxes, wolverines, mule deer, marmots, and more in the park. Overall, around 67 species of mammals live here.  Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park Thanks to a unique geology, there are various ponds and wetlands across the Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find the following varieties. Boreal Chorus Frog Western Tiger Salamander Western Toad Columbia Spotted Frog Plains Spadefoot Toad Further, these amphibians play a crucial role in the maintenance of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the park. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish prey on them. Also, they eat many vertebrate and invertebrate creatures to balance the food chain. Moreover, the amphibians in the park are indicators of high pollution rates or changes in the weather. They even indicate the advent of diseases and the arrival of any nonnative species.  So, research on amphibian populations in the park is crucial to know about any impending danger that may affect the ecosystem.  Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone has six species of reptiles. However, there is a greater scope for studying and identifying these reptiles. As of today, the reptile species found in the park are: Terrestrial garter snake Common garter snake Rubber boa Prairie rattlesnake Bullsnake Sagebrush lizard Prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park, while bullsnake is the largest variety found here. Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise A 2018 survey in Yellowstone National Park announced the presence of 82 species of birds in the park.  Further, the species of birds here are varied, and the table below mentions the variety you will come across in the park. OwlsNorthern saw-whet owl Northern pygmy-owlBoreal owl Great-horned owl EaglesBald eagleGolden eagleColony Nesting BirdsPelicanHeronsIbisesSong Birds Ruby-crowned kinglet American RobinDark-eyed junco You will also find birds like woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swans, falcons, and ospreys in this national park.  Fish In Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is home to many native and non-native fish species. Eastern Brook Trout, brown trout, lake chub, rainbow trout, and lake trout are some non-native fish species in the park. Further, this park has native fish species, such as mountain sucker, speckled dace, Utah chub, Redside Shiner, etc.  Human Imprint On Yellowstone National Park  The home to Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park displays a human tapestry of almost 11000 years. The natives of the place have survived on hunting and fishing. Further, they have known the medicinal properties of the herbs available in the park. In addition, the healing properties and religious importance of the thermal water here had a major impact on the local human lives.  Yellowstone National Park: At A Glance  How to Reach Yellowstone National Park: Reach the Yellowstone Airport and take a cab or bus to Yellowstone National Park. Highest Point: Eagle Peak Established: 1st March 1872 Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site for “globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity.” Entry Fee: $25-80 based on the entrance pass  Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Grant Visitor Center, etc.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  sagnika Feb 13, 2025

I am a traveler by heart, and I am sure you are too! Isn’t that why you are on my blog trying to finalize that trip you are planning in February? But aren’t you a little late? Are you confused?   I have got your bud! Let me share with you some of the best places to visit in February so that you can make some of the best memories of your lifetime. You will get your February vacation ideas, and I will get to give you unwanted advice, win win!   Apart from the stunning scenery, this blog will also help you finalize the places that will get you the best deal possible! Let’s dive deeper!   The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2025!   If you are someone who is a sucker for stunning scenery, let me share with you some of the best places I have visited in the USA! I visited some of the best places in the winter months in the past and will share my experience with you.   Simultaneously, I will also guide you to make a perfect itinerary. This will perfect your list of the best places to visit in February especially when it comes to choosing warmer weather like Hawaii or Texas or smoky landscape like the snowy mountains!    1. New Orleans, Louisiana   New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in February especially because of the mild weather and a hint of celebration! The Mardi Gras season brings colors, music and lively festivals into town.   Places To Visit   St. Louis Cathedral – You must visit between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to look at the outside and the inside of this 1700s circa church. It is a catholic cathedral located in the French Quarter and is the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the USA.   French Quarter – Known as the Vieux Carre, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. It has seen a lot of history and is often known as the crown jewel of New Orleans.   The National WWII Museum – The time to visit the museum is between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Apart from the exhibits, there is an eatery downstairs so you can have food if you have spent the whole day and did not realize it.   What To Do   Pray at St. Louis Cathedral – while praying, you get to see the interior of the church. It is designed with stained glass, a grand ceiling which is painted and with an active congregation!   Explore the French Quarter – you will get to see beautiful architecture along with ornate balconies! Walk along the narrow little streets with cafes and eateries, brimmed with people, merry and mixing!   Visit The National WWII Musuem – Did you know there is an interactive submarine exhibit? Apart from that, there is a 4-D theater, oh the realistic experience you will have while watching all the documented photographs and mementos of war.   2. San Antonio, Texas   The vibrant city is the perfect place for you to visit if you are making a list of the best places to visit in February. Even with its high humidity, it is perfect in February, with comfortable vibe, several cultural attractions and the hint of Spanish heritage.   Places To Visit   The Alamo – A striking fortress, this historical museum is a must for you if you are going to Texas. Apart from the artifacts, there are beautiful gardens that you should check out, as they are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.   San Antonio Botanical Garden – If you are planning to visit the garden, you can go between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 38 acres of area, you will see a glass conservatory, native plants, roses, a pond with beautiful flora and fauna surrounding it and trails.   Brackenridge Park – Open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. This is a historical riverside park! There are several athletic fields along with a zoo. It is perfect for you kid or even you, if you love exploring a zoo.   What To Do   Visit The Alamo – It was built as a chapel initially, but it gives a vibe of a fortress! When exploring the artifacts, you must check the different paintings and how they tell history.   Walk across the San Antonio Botanical Garden – You can check out the exotic plants and visit the green house that houses several plants, very unique. You can also visit the cafe, which is located inside the Botanical Garden!   Explore Brackenridge Park – You can walk or hike a trail or even organize picnic areas along with play areas. Furthermore, you can take miniature train rides as they are available across the park!   3. Palm Springs, California   Known for its design elements, the cultural scene is quite trending here in Palm Springs, California. The desert city is sunny in February and is perfect for fine dining, going to world-class golf courses and exploring modern architecture.   Places To Visit   Joshua Tree National Park – The 24-hour open park is a perfect place for you if you love walking across beautiful trails, trees, native wildlife, and vegetation. There are allotted places for you to have a barbeque get-together for which you need to get a pass from recreation.gov!   Palm Springs – There are several trails that you can explore when you visit such as Araby trail or Andreas Canyon trail at Indian Canyons. Another thing you can do is visit Champagne Yacht, a perfect dinner cruise with your partner! It is one of the best cruises for couples!   Agua Caliente Cultural Museum – The museum exhibits the history of the natives, the Agua Caliente Tribal people. The Gallery is about 10,000 square feet with several exhibition areas. You have to pay $10 as an adult while children under 5 years are free to visit! Seniors and children need to pay $5 as an entry fee!   What To Do   Explore Joshua Tree National Park – You can see the rock formations and effects of severe earthquakes. Furthermore, there are Joshua trees along with wildlife such as ground sloths, camels, Columbian mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats.   Hike the Indian Canyon – It is a 2-mile hike, where you can check out the historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians grounds. There are several hiking trails with wildlife and vegetation!   Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum – You should visit the museum if you want to learn about the history of the Cahuilla Nation! With digital animation and projection of pictures and paintings, you will get to learn about the migration stories of Cahuilla Indians.   4. Kauai, Hawaii   The average temperature of the place is warm so, if you are craving some sun, you know what to do! Known as the “Garden Isle” it is one of the perfect places for you to visit this February. Lush beauty all around, you can do several activities to make the best of the trip.   Places To Visit   Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park – Spread across 17 miles, the Na pali Coast is extraordinarily beautiful. With hidden caves, towering cliffs and clear turquoise water below, it is nature’s gift to mankind!   Waimea Canyon State Park – You can get a perfect view of Niihau Island from the viewpoint at the canyon. The Park is stretched across 14 miles with a depth of 3600 feet giving you some of the coolest views of deep valley gorges.   Wailua River – The river is beautiful and when you visit, you can check out one of the main attractions, the Kauai vistas of Mt. Waialeale. It takes about 5 hours to complete the 2 miles of the river while kayaking! So, if you were wondering about warm places to travel to in February, here we are!   What To Do   Hike the Na Pali Coast – Known as the Kalalau Trail, it is a challenging 11-mile trail that is not for beginners. A challenging hike, you get to see the Hanakapiai Falls and visit the Hanakapiai Beach!   Explore the Waimea Canyon – You will take a minimum of 9 hours and 21 minutes to explore the whole canyon! It is challenging but if you are looking for some quite time, it is a popular trail for camping, hiking and backpacking.   Go Kayaking at the Wailua River – You can try something new with the different kayak guides and trips organized! You get brief, then gear up and paddle across the clear waters of the river! All your sightseeing is covered while you kayak your way across the river.   5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee   In February, you must visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you are a mountain lover! Afterall, with fewer landscapes, you can enjoy the snow landscapes and beauty of the scenic views.   Places To Visit   Cades Cove – A valley, the popular destination is known for its wildlife, scenic views and historical buildings. Log cabins and churches are worth taking pictures of along with spotting black deer, white-tailed deer, raccoons and coyotes!   Grotto Falls Trail – with a 2.6-mile distance to cover, this trail actually leads to a waterfall of 25 foot! The mountain cove at the top will give you some of the best views of the exotic forest around it.   Kuwohi – The highest point of the valley, Kuwohi is worth visiting if you are visiting Tennessee. The mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a perfect place for you to visit at a height of 6643 feet!   What To Do   Visit Cades Cove – I would suggest you drive down the Cades Cove Loop Road, a beautiful scenic road creating a perfect romantic drive! Once you reach it, you will be surprised with the beautiful historic structures, explore the culture heritage along with the wildlife.   Trek the Grotto Falls Trail – You get to see rhododendron when passing the old forests along with the various falls that spread across the trail. The trail is moderate so if you do not have any experience, having a guide might help!   Go to Kuwohi – You have to hike the trail, a bit difficult considering it is the highest mountain in the valley. You can check out a Deer Farm situated quite close to it along with a Gazebo at Applebarn in Sevierville!   Keep the Wheels Turning...   Why is winter the best time to travel? If you are asking this, I am sure you have gone through the best places to visit in February this year. With beautiful landscape, mild weather, and amazing scenery, you will enjoy the best of any place you visit.   Furthermore, you can also decide on making plans to visit any one of these locations if you have more days for your vacation! Comment and let us know what you think is the best place to travel in February.  Also read Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Beautiful Places In Antarctica. Best Romantic Experiences In Orlando | A Travel Guide For Couples. 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