Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 29, 2020

With many natural sights, monuments, and other adventurous places, Flagstaff is the largest city in northern Arizona. Trust me, you’re going to find a lot of exciting things to do in Flagstaff. I visited Flagstaff last year along with several other best places in the USA.   It was a truly exhilarating journey from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Apart from this, I also had a great time on the Maryland trip.   Now, in this post, you will find many attractive places with a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.   Best Things to Do in Flagstaff   The best place to start your Flagstaff trip is from the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. Know the other exciting things to do here.   1. Exploring Historic Downtown and Railroad District  https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GKpULKpQx/ When you plan your Flagstaff trip, I would recommend that you start the trip from the Historic Downtown and Railroad District.   I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the beauty of the town walking along the streets. You will find historic buildings that are now being converted into hotels, restaurants, breweries, etc.   Even at night, you’ll find a crowd in the town. I remember when I came back from a movie show, some college students were out on the street. You can book a day or two of your stay here to enjoy the farmer’s market, local events, entertainment shows, shopping, eating, and drinking.   The town allows easy access to many other tourist spots in Flagstaff. A wonderful park is located within walking distance of the visitors’ center.  2. Visiting Wheeler Park is One of the Best Things to Do in Flagstaff  https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctj4PRiK9Ts/ Take a short walk from the visitor center of the historic downtown to get to this park.  Visiting Wheeler Park is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.   The park hosts a variety of events, such as regular park runs and weekly art festivals like Park Art, Hullabaloo, and more.   The park is full of trees that give you a green space to relax and enjoy. When I visited this park, a lot of people came with books to read, but my friends and I enjoyed a picnic in the park.   3. Grand Canyon Day Tour  This place is out of town, so you can book a day trip to discover different historic buildings and hike in different locations. If you have time, then a day trip to the Grand Canyon is one of the great things to do in Flagstaff.  You’ll find the El Tovar Lodge and the Desert View Watchtower on this day trip. You’ll get a chance to have lunch and explore the Navajo Trading Post. Usually, it’s best if you’re traveling in a group.  4. Walnut Canyon National Monument  Exploring the Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. You might be thinking, why is the name of the monument called so? The reason is simple: the name is because this national monument is full of Arizona Walnut trees.  This monument is in the East of Flagstaff, which has many types of plants. The canyon has more than 500 species of plants, and you’ll find various wildlife in the forest.  Another interesting part of the monument is the loop trail, which descends along the canyon. There are several other trails around the Walnut Canyon, but the loop trail is the most attractive one.   Along this way, you will discover 25 historical limestone cliff residents where the Sinagua people were staying in the past.   5. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument  Have you ever heard of a volcano eruption? The Sunset Volcano National Monument is a place in Flagstaff where you can discover the eruption of volcanoes.   Around 900 years ago, a massive volcano eruption shook the city. In this eruption, a significant volume of lava was released and dispersed over 4 miles and coated 800 + acres of land in ash and rock fragments.  It’s been a long time since this eruption happened, but today, you can still find evidence of the violent and destructive events that occurred. The crater gives you a perfect hiking trail to explore the three lava flows.   However, certain areas of the crater are not permitted to be explored for safety reasons. Head to the visitor center, where you can learn about the volcano eruption and how it affected the region. Many visitors recommend exploring the crater, which is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.  6. Wupatki National Monument  Among other National Monuments, the Wupatki is one of the most famous monuments in America. However, this monument is abandoned but safeguarded by the Hopi clans. They tell the lifestyle and stories about their ancestors. To their beliefs, people at that time died here and remained as spiritual guides.   If you want to discover the rich American history, then visiting the Wupatki National Monument is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff. Ancient Pueblo people built this monument.    It has three buildings and 29 structures in an area of 35,000 acres (about half the area of Athens, Georgia). I didn’t get a chance to explore the place with the rangers when I visited. But if your luck is good, you might have an opportunity to discover the monument with the rangers. You can hike to some parts of the monument.  7. Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift  https://www.instagram.com/p/C75FlFhpVmS/?img_index=1 Riding the scenic chairlift to see the Arizona Snowbowl and the San Francisco Peaks is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. If you’re planning your trip in the autumn (that’s from October to December), you’ll enjoy the scenic chairlift ride. In this season, the landscape of Arizona showcases different colors and is truly mesmerizing.  When you reach the top, you will gain some information about the place from the rangers. They offer you knowledge on various topics such as the habitats of the region, geology, and history. Apart from this, you can enjoy adventurous activities like snowboarding, walking on the trails, and skiing.   8. Exploring the Lowell Observatory is one of the Unique Things to Do in Flagstaff  Lowell Observatory offers you the opportunity to get a view of space through telescopes. Do you know that this is the place where Pluto was discovered?   Here, you will find the original telescope that was used to discover the planet Pluto. Now, it is a working research center that is open to visitors to learn about space, the universe, galaxies, etc.  I would say visiting the Lowell Observatory is one of the most exciting things to do in Flagstaff. The observatory also hosts different special programs that allow you to meet an astronomer or attend different events, such as meteor showers.  9. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv-CXpCL-tn/ Do you like adventurous or challenging activities? Taking a rope drive on the zip lines in the Forthfill Country Park will pump your adrenaline. This spot will give you a thrilling experience by suspending between the trees.   I had a fear of heights, and it was really challenging for me, but I really enjoyed the rope drive. Trust me, this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Flagstaff, in my opinion.   If you travel in a group or alone, you can enjoy different adventure courses, from walking on the ropes to swinging between the trees. This place offers a different level of activities for adults and kids.  10. Camping At Lockett Meadow  This is the most beautiful place to visit on the list of things to do in Flagstaff. This is a fantastic place in the Coconino National Forest, inside Flagstaff. If you want to visit this place, one day is not enough and, fortunately, you can enjoy camping here.  The best time to visit this place is all year round because you’ll have a different experience in every season. You’ll find the ash tree leaves turning yellow in the summer, and the whole place looks amazing. Meanwhile, in spring, the entire meadow is full of flowers.  11. Museum of Northern Arizona  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2nVq3esjJ_/?img_index=1 This is a place where you can learn about the history of Flagstaff. The museum is built on lava stone. It allows you to discover the dinosaurs, the geology of Northern Arizona, and the ancient people who lived there. In my opinion, this is a place that you should never miss if you ever travel to Flagstaff.   Here, you will learn about the history, biology, arts, geology, and many other things about Northern Arizona. Along with that, the museum has a central garden that shows different species of plants in the area. Visiting the museum can give you some knowledge about this place. It is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.   Why Is Flagstaff Called a Dark City?   Flagstaff became the official “Dark City” in 2001. On 24th October 2001, it was named the “First International Dark Sky City” because of the unforeseen work it did to preserve the natural resources of the night sky.   The preservation effort was to ensure economic security and public safety. Also, it was instrumental in ensuring Flagstaff’s position as a “premiere astronomic site” in the world. In addition, it was an expression of community values.   You can even watch the Milky Way in Flagstaff, and the view is stellar. If the weather is good, you will see the stars shooting one after another.   Bon Voyage!  Hopefully, you’ve found some useful travel ideas and unique things to do in Flagstaff. From my experience, I recommend that you plan your trip from October to December.   To explore every place on the list and have a memorable experience, plan your tour for 10 to 15 days (about 2 weeks). As I mentioned above, you’re going to explore the National Monuments, a few parks, and more. Hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and rope driving are some of the outdoor activities you’ll enjoy on your Flagstaff tour.  Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago. Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience.

BY  Ankita Nov 21, 2023

For those who love venturing off the beaten path to experience the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer, your success and your safety in enjoying your next adventure will depend on the essentials you pack to carry with you. While enjoying the wind and sun or exploring a new destination can be exciting, gratifying, and even relaxing, these emotions can quickly turn into worry, fear, and exhaustion if you’re unprepared. Selecting what is essential to your well-being on the move can be challenging, whether planning a six-month, six-day, or six-hour adventure, mainly if you have limited packing space. Planning is the key to your success. Phone  It’s impossible nowadays to even think of going somewhere without your smartphone. You don’t want to leave home without yours. Consider including a universal travel adapter depending on your destination and acquiring a local SIM card to remain connected in the event of an emergency or if you want to enjoy a bit of entertainment while on the go. Portable Charger While a charger and power bank may be among your best options if you’ll be off the grid for a while, carrying an extra battery is one of the top tips to follow when adventuring. A spare battery can be beneficial, especially for your phone as well as a camera or laptop, if you bring these along. Lots of things can go wrong, and the unexpected is always to be expected. You may become lost, need help, contact your family, or request medical assistance, and your phone may be your only lifeline to civilization. Pack that extra battery. Maps If you travel to a remote location, a phone or the internet may not be viable tools. Include physical maps, a GPS device, or even a basic compass among your adventure essentials to keep you on track. Water And Snacks Snacks like nuts and seeds, granola bars, or chocolate, along with a variety of pop tart flavors, can help maintain energy levels, and hydration is essential to general health and well-being. Reusable water bottles or boxed water aid in preventing dehydration and protect the environment as well. If you are refilling your water bottle, include water disinfection tablets. Carry extra snacks if you are embarking on an active trip. First Aid Kit Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but especially when selecting a natural destination, bumps, bruises, bites, and scrapes are to be expected. A fall, unwelcome insect, thorny vegetation, or an upset stomach can leave you miserable and, in some cases, susceptible to infection. A compact first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, tape, antiseptic cream or wipes, painkillers, antihistamine pills, eyewash, ibuprofen, a small pair of scissors, tweezers, hand sanitizer, and even some electrolyte tablets needs to be among your travel gear. Consider packing some bug spray, moisturizer, and sunscreen if the climate warrants them, and don’t forget prescription medicines and a copy of prescriptions, just in case. A pair of protective sunglasses and a hat will complete your protective gear. Eco-Friendly Essentials If traveling off the beaten path, consider bringing reusable items such as cutlery sets, plates, containers, and a reusable shopping bag. A portable knife or pocket multi-tool is an excellent item to carry. If you’re traveling by plane, place it in checked luggage. Use solid hygiene products like soap or shampoo that require less space in your backpack or suitcase and are environment-friendly. Don’t forget a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, and glasses if you wear them. A small sewing kit with needles may prove handy, too. Toilet Paper Roll A toilet paper roll may not seem obvious, but depending on where you are headed, you’ll be happy you thought to bring a roll along. Some cultures will not use toilet paper; wilderness destinations can be challenging when nature calls. Add in some tissues and wet wipes if you don’t have a place to wash up. Flashlight/Torch A flashlight is an essential tool to always have on hand. You don’t want to wander about in the darkness in a location you are unfamiliar with, especially should you lose track of time or your way. Flashlight torches and headlamps will reduce the risk of getting lost as well as bodily harm because you’ll be able to see where you are heading. Bring along an extra set of batteries and a lighter or matches, just in case. Comfortable Shoes And Clothing If you plan on walking a lot or hiking, comfortable footwear can make or break your overall experience. Plan for local weather conditions as well. You may be better prepared with waterproof shoes or boots. Don’t forget the proper type of socks, especially in colder climates. Choose the correct type of clothing, such as swimwear, goggles, and flip-flops for a warm beach destination, breathable fabrics for the tropics,  or heavier clothing for winter climates. Waterproof instruments may be called for if you’re visiting rainy locations. You may want an extra blanket or two as well. Portable Shelter If the wilderness is your final destination, portable emergency shelters are suitable to carry along. Reflective thermal shelters can be packed or attached to your backpack. Don’t Forget Your Documents! Regardless of where you are headed, you’ll need your documents. Necessary papers might include a driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, passport, and perhaps a visa. Carry photocopies of these documents in a separate location in the event of loss or theft. Prepare a mix of credit cards and local currency, as not all places may accept your plastic, and use a money belt or anti-theft bag if possible. Final Considerations Finally, bring a lock to keep your things safe during hostel visits or overnight train trips. If you use a backpack, have a rain cover so your items don’t become drenched in a downpour. Include a whistle among your packed essentials. You never know when you may need to call for help or fend off a critter! Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?

BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2026

After exploring the Tamil culture and the Hindu temples of Jaffna, it was time to visit an ancient and secluded Buddhist meditation retreat in Sri Lanka.  It has stone ruins from the 1st century BC, and it was once home to the Pamsukulika Sect of monks, who were known for their meditation-based and secluded lives in the forest.  Moreover, the Ritigala Forest Monastery has an association with the stories of the Ramayana. Also, this monastery is inside the Ritigala Forest Reserve. So, it is a place where history, spirituality, and wildlife await you.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how I climbed up the stone steps to reach the Ritigala Monastery in Sri Lanka, the history, legends, and the main attractions of visiting the ancient monastery today.  I will also talk about the transportation options.  Where Is Ritigala Forest Monastery? Sri Lanka maybe one of the cheapest places to travel in the world. However, its natural beauty and the cultural and historical richness are matchless. The Ritigala Forest Monastery is one of the hidden gems in Sri Lanka.  The Ritigala monastery is located across the mountain of Ritigala. The mountain of Ritigala is the highest mountain in the dry northern region of Sri Lanka.  It is close to Harbarana, which is again the epicenter of the cultural triangle, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Polonnaruwa. It is also the gateway to many wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka.  The distance between Harbarana and the Ritigara mountain is around 21 km. Other important locations near the mountain are Anuradhapura, which is at a distance of 42 km, and Sigiriya, at a distance of 32 km.  Furthermore, the Ritigala Forest Monastery is inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve.  However, remember one thing. As I mentioned in my Jaffna, Sri Lanka, travel guide, you have to rely on the locals when you are exploring the cultural landmarks or a secluded place like the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  You cannot trust Google Maps completely for locating the Ritigara mountains and monastery.  How To Reach The Ritigala Forest Monastery?  Harbarana was the base for my road trip to the Ritigara mountain and trekking further.  1. Reaching Harbarana From The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) I took a flight to the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The distance between the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Habarana is around 151 km. You can take a car rental for the entire journey. However, being a fan of the LowDownUnder Travel, I chose a different path.  After reaching the Bandaranaike International Airport, I took a taxi to Gampaha and then took a train to Harbarana. The ticket cost me around INR 400, and the travel time was around 4 hours and 40 minutes.  The Sri Lankan Railways runs two trains daily from Gampaha to Habarana.  Other airports close to Harbarana are Sigiriya Airport (18 minutes), Kandy Airport (2 hours), and Trincomalee (1 hour and 36 minutes).  2. From Harbarana To The Ritigara Mountain  From Harbarana, I took a taxi to reach Ritigara. It cost around INR 420, and the travel time was around 35-40 minutes.  You can also reserve a car or tuk-tuk to take you to the mountains, wait for you at the entrance gate, and take you back home when you are done trekking. In such cases, the reserve cost will be around INR 1000-1200.  The route from Harbarana to Ritigara was beautiful. My cab driver pointed out the local farming practices and the land on the way.  It was a fulfilling experience, and as Jaffna has a unique food scene based on its local agricultural practices, the food habits of this northern-central region of Sri Lanka. Red rice, jackfruit curry, and river fish are the staples here.   Also, my driver told me to keep my eyes open to spot elephants. However, I was not lucky enough to spot my favorite animal. I noticed some fresh dung in the road, though.  Furthermore, when the car came off the main road, the ride became a little bumpy. The route from here to the Ritigara mountain was a combination of dirt tracks and semi-paved roads.  Finally, I reached the entrance of Ritigara and purchased my ticket. The ticket cost me around INR 450, and I even got a guide for INR 1200. What Is The History Of Ritigala Forest Monastery?  The history of the Ritigala Forest Monastery goes back to the 1st century BC. You will find here more than 70 rock caves, the 9th-century meditation spots of the "Pansukulika” monks, and unadorned stone pathways.  Here is a brief historical timeline of the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  1. Establishment Of The Ritigara Forest Site For Monks Buddhist monks came here and started living in the sacred mountains in the 1st century BC. There were more than 70 caves where monks started meditating in solitude.  Even today, there are many rock inscriptions from which we can learn about how many patrons helped to build and maintain the site, which was home to monks who left the luxury of monasteries and used to meditate in the caves.  2. Receiving Royal Patronage This site received adequate royal patronage, and from the inscriptions, we especially get to know about King Pandukabhaya.  He founded Anuradhapura and built a reservoir at the base of the mountain for the hermits here in the 4th century BC.  3. Building Of The Pansukulika Sect Monastery King Sena I built the Ritigara Monastery in 833, and it was meant for the Pansukulikas or monks in rag robes.  These monks practiced the highest form of asceticism, and they were on a mission to revive the simple teachings of Lord Buddha.  4. The Decline Of The Pansukulika Sect And The Monastery  From the 9th to the 11th century, the Ritigala Forest Monastery and the Pansukulika Sect of monks enjoyed immense glory.  However, with increasing donations and the monks getting inclined toward what they earlier rejected, the core philosophy of the sect was lost.  Two rival sub-sects were formed within the Pansukulika Sect. Finally, King Vijayabahu I confiscated their extensive holdings in 1070-1110 CE as a part of a Buddhist monastic reform.  5. Abandonment And Discovery Of The Ancient Monastery Despite the royal patronage, the Ritigara Forest Monastery was abandoned around the 10th to 12th centuries due to the Chola invasions.  It was an unprotected ruin until James Mantell, the British colonial surveyor, saw the ruins while climbing up the mountain.  Then, he drew the attention of H.C.P. Bell, the first Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon. He understood the historical and religious importance of the place and expanded it extensively in 1893.  Finally, in 1941, the 1528 hectares of the forest area, including the ruins, were designated as a Strict Nature Reserve.  Today, the conservation efforts strike a balance between the ecological and archaeological preservation of the monastery and the site.  Design And Engineering Of The Ritigala Forest Monastery: The Incredible Ruin The monastery does not look like the traditional stupas. Here, you will find interconnected stones, paved pathways, and stone bridges.  Furthermore, there are bathing areas like the famous Banda Pokuna.  The most unique thing about the Ritigara Monastery is that here you will not find any Bodhi Tree or any Buddha statue.  It is a place where you can walk, meditate, and contemplate.  You may call it a failed attempt to revive the radical simplicity of Buddhism, but for every seeker, it will always be a place to introspect and connect to a higher energy.  I had goosebumps the moment I entered the monastery. Let’s delve deeper into the unique architecture of the monastery.  1. The Padhanaghara And Stone Pathways  The ruins of the Ritigala Forest Monastery cover an area of around 120 acres. You will see around 50 distinct meditation houses or Padhanaghara in the area.  Inside each meditation house, you will find two raised platforms in the east-west direction, and those were made of stone. A small maot surrounded the platforms, and a small stone bridge connected the platforms.  Probably, these structures were used for some rituals or meditation purposes.  Interlinking stone pathways connect these meditation houses. These pathways are 1.5 meters in width, and the width is consistent as the pathways ascend the slope. These pathways also have circular intersections.  2. Water Management System, The water management system in Ritigala Forest Monastery was sophisticated. Banda Pokuna and Kumbuk Wewa, these twin ponds were carved from rocks.  Furthermore, I found a large stone trough in the courtyard, which was used for cooking food.  Also, I saw the ruins of the monastery hospital and stone mortars, which were used to grind and prepare herbal medicines.  Moreover, the monastery did not have any residential complex. The monks lived and meditated in the caves.  However, there were urinal stones, which were the only amenities or the luxury the monks enjoyed in this austere setup.  What Is The Legend Of The Ritigala Forest Monastery?  The Ritigala mountain has a connection to the Hindu mythology, the Ramayana. Attacked by Ravana, Lakshama, the brother of Lord Ramachandra, became unconscious on the battlefield.  Lord Hanuman, on Lord Rama’s command, went to fetch a life-saving medicinal herb from the Dronagiri. However, he forgot the name of the herb and carried the entire mountain on his shoulder.  When he was crossing the Palk Strait, five segments of the mountain fell from his grasp. The biggest fragment fell on the site of the Ritigara Mountain.  Now, you may not believe the legend of the Ritigala Mountain. However, the presence of various medicinal plants in the mountains keeps the myth alive.  Moreover, among the 417 species of plants here, around 96 varieties are for medicinal purposes. Moreover, the northern peaks have names such as the Wannati-kanda and Aushada-kanda.  Climbing To The Ritigala Forest Monastery In Sri Lanka  Climbing up to the Ritigara Forest Monastery was a free-flowing experience. There are many things to see, but more to feel.  Here is how I explored the ruins.  1. The Bathing Pond  As I left the ticket counter behind, I found the first ruin. I took the stone steps to visit a massive bathing area.  You have to be careful with the steps here, as they are cracks and have overgrown tree roots.  Large trees have grown in the bathing area now. However, you can still understand its massive scale.  2. A Winding Stone Path And Ruins Of The Monastery The winding stone pathway took me through various ruins, and they stood like the blueprints from a bygone era.  The most striking one among them was the ruins of the hospital. It still had a sunken bath and grinding stones for preparing medicines.  As I climbed up, I found the meditation platforms, big multi-chambered rooms, and urinals.  3. The Large Pavilion With Columns  I found a large pavilion here with big columns. However, the more intriguing was the Big Tree behind the ruin.  It is so massive that its ground roots have created a labyrinth. The road seems to fizzle out at this stage. However, my gut instinct said that there is something more.  4. The Hidden Ruin  My guide was not happy with me for continuing further. As I headed down, after the initial disappointment of landing on the forest floor, I found another ruin.  There was a stone bridge, and it took me to a promontory with a square structure. It was the ruins of the library that had many precious manuscripts.  The view from the promontory was amazing.  It is a shame that most trekkers miss it, as the signs are not adequate and often hidden in the overgrown bushes. Furthermore, most of them are only in the Sinhalese language, which only locals can read.  However, I used the absence of signboards to my advantage.  Practical Tips For A Visit To The Ritigara Forest Monastery  If you are traveling with your partner or in a group, you must reserve a tuk-tuk or car to bring you back. You may not get a passing traffic. I took the risk as it was a solo adventure.  You have to carry snacks and water. Wear sunscreen and carry insect repellents.  You will find a toilet at the entrance of the ruins. I did not use it. So, I am not sure about the condition or the amenities available.  Ritigala Forest Monastery: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Ritigala Forest Monastery. 1. How Much Time Is Needed At Ritigala? Trekking the Ritigala Forest Monastery is going to take around 2 hours. So, overall, you will at least need 3 hours in Ritigala. Trekking up the route is easy. However, walking through the cracked stone steps can be challenging.Also, signboards are scarce and incomprehensible on the route. So, you must take a local guide.  2. Where To Stay Near The Ritigala Forest Monastery? I stayed at Habarana, and the name of my hostel was The Lake Breeze. The tariff for the hostel was around INR 2000. The amenities were basic, with fans, Wi-Fi, and mosquito nets.  3. Is Taking A Tour Of Ritigala Forest Monastery Worth It? Yes, taking a tour of the Ritigala Forest Monastery is absolutely worth it. Here, you will find the ruins of the 1st century BC, and it is great for anyone with a keen interest in the history and evolution of Buddhism. Furthermore, the ambiance of the ruins is introspective and meditative. Moreover, you can easily reserve a car or tuk-tuk to reach the base of the Ritigara Mountain and then start your trek for 1.5 to 2 hours.