Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh – Himachal Pradesh Guide

BY  Sibashree Jan 14, 2026

You think of the nature resorts, the famous wine tours, hiking, and birdwatching when we talk about exploring Tucumán. However, Tucumán has recently also emerged as an astrotourism hotspot.  The Ampimpa Astronomical Observatory in the Calchaquí Valleys of Tucumán is at the epicenter of this happening astrotourism scenario.  Now, this is an added feather to the crown of Tucumán, the smallest province of Argentina. It offers a vertical journey from the jungle to the desert in 50 kms.  Also, the nickname of Tucumán is not just a fancy phrase. It means a biological reality and refers to the historical event of Argentina’s independence from Spain in 1816.  Furthermore, El Jardín de la República, or the Garden of the Republic moniker, goes well with its subtropical climate and the lush landscape.   You guessed it right, as today, this Tucumán nature guide will take you to the Yungas Rainforest and the highlands of the Andes. Also, if you are planning a road trip, you must go through our Tucuman Argentina, itinerary. The Yungas Rainforest (The Green Belt) The Yungas Rainforest is known as the Green Belt, as it is an ecodiverse region. Home to a diverse flora and fauna, the Yungas Rainforest hosts a variety of bromeliads, orchids, and ferns.  Furthermore, among the animals here, you will find tapirs, wild cats, and panthers. You will even spot species such as Yungas Guan while birdwatching in Yungas, Argentina.  Also, it is home to the Campo Los Alisos in Tucumán, which helps to preserve the threatened ecosystem of the Yungas Rainforest region.  Moreover, containing around 50% of the biodiversity of Argentina, parts of the Yungas Rainforest are also marked as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.  1. Parque Sierra De San Javier View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parque Sierra de San Javier (@parquesierradesanjavierunt) Parque Sierra de San Javier, or the San Javier Mountain Range Park, was established in 1974, and now the National University of Tucumán (UNT) maintains it.  It is one of the top nature reserves in Tucumán, Argentina.  The home to various flora and fauna of Argentina, this park also functions as the green lung by cleaning the air, protecting the watersheds for the city, and regulating the climate.  This park, furthermore, has many beautiful trails. You can enjoy an easy 30-minute jungle walk through the Cascada del Río Noque trail. If you are seeking silence while hiking in San Javier, Tucumán, you can opt for the Sendero Anta Yacu trek.  It is around 25 km west of Tucumán. If you are a budget traveler like me, you can take the Bus No 340 to reach the park.  2. Reserva Experimental Horco Molle View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asociación de Prestadores de Turismo Activo de Tucumán (@aptattucuman) This small but compact nature park is ideal for families. It is home to the tapir and condor rescue projects. It covers 600 acres and is just 15 km from the capital.  Also, it has picnic areas, barbecue areas, and play areas for children.  3. Aconquija National Park: The Untouched Wilderness View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parque Nacional Aconquija (@parquenacionalaconquija) Aconquija National Park, with over 600 species of endemic animals and birds, is the jewel of North America.  Taruca deer, puma, and ocelot are some of the endemic animals living here. In addition, you will find several Incan ruins scattered through the park. The Incan Highway remains, and the “Ciudacita” ruins are part of the UNESCO World Sites.  The Campo de los Aliso near Alpachiri is the main Aconquija National Park entrance. Furthermore, Cochuna is the wilder southern entrance of the Aconquija National Park.  Furthermore, the Mythical Trek of La Ciudacita, the Inca Ruins at 4400 meters, is the main highlight of this national park.   The High Andes & Puna (Tafí del Valle & Beyond) The harsh, cold conditions and a rich wildlife with the presence of vicuñas, flamingos are the highlighting features of the High Andes and Puna, at an altitude of 3000 meters.  This region has critical water resources that support livelihoods such as alpaca and llama. Let’s find out about the major nature reserves of this region.  1. Quebrada De Los Sosa Nature Reserve Take a drive up through Route 307 to find the Quebrada De Los Sosa Nature Reserve, where the jungle meets the clouds.  It is a 30 km-long gorge carved by the Los Sosa River, and it is home to more than 100 bird species.  With a winding pathway, it is also home to the Tafí del Valle. 2. Los Núñorcos & Reserva La Angostura Los Núñorcos, or the Cerro Núñorco mountain and Parque provincial Los Ñuñorcos are the prominent locations for hiking in Tucuman, Argentina.  As you explore the challenging trails here, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Dique la Angostura lake and the Tafí del Valle. Tafí del Valle also has the Bald Mountain, or the Cerro El Pelao. You can start the trek near the Tafí del Valle center. It is a 1.5-hour-long trek.    Wildlife Watching Calendar In Tucuman, Argentina  Tucuman in Argentina is ideal for wildlife sightings throughout the year. Tafí del Valle and areas around Route 307, especially the best areas for wildlife spotting in Tucumán.  Check out the wildlife watching calendar in Tucuman below. Year-Round Sightings• Mammals: Capybaras, Some Foxes, and South American Sea Lions• Birds: Doves, Hummingbirds, and Toucans Spring (September to November) • Birds: Doves and Hummingbirds • Flowers: Pink Trumpets and Jacaranda treesSummer (December to February) • Mammals: Elephant Seals and Sea Lions• Birds: Penguins in Patagonia and Burrowing ParrotsAutumn (March to May)• Mammals: The Red Deer Rut• Birds: PigeonsWinter (June to August) • Reptiles: Yellow Anacondas• Birds: Waterfowl  What Are The Expert Tips For Hiking In Tucumán?  An entry to the Aconquija National Park is free. However, do you know that you have to register at the ranger station at least 48 hours in advance? It is crucial for the safety of the hikers. For more such insider knowledge, these expert tips will be very handy. 1. Bus #118 Is Your Friend  You don’t have to hire a car to see the jungle and the nature reserves. You can take the 118 bus from San Miguel de Tucumán directly to the foot of the San Javier trails.  The ticket price is even less than $1.  2. Watch The Fog (Neblina) The Fin del Mundo" statue area on route 307 is often the zero-visibility zone. There is dense fog in this area even at around 4 PM. You have to drive the car carefully, and there must be low beams to defeat the fog.  3. Ticks Exist In The Yungas  The lush greenery of the Yungas is ideal for picnics and nature exploration. However, there are ticks. So, you must check your ankles after a hike or use a blanket.  4. Hire A Guide For "La Ciudadacita" Are you planning a 4-day trek to La Ciudacita or the Inca Ruins? You must have a guide because the high altitude path, at an elevation of over 4000 meters, is unmarked. You need technical assistance for the navigation. Moreover, you must contact the Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña to hire a guide.  5. The "El Indio" Stop You will find the best dried meat or Charqui at the vendor stalls at the El Indio monument on Route 307. These stalls also have the best local honey.  Stop by these stalls and have the dried meat and honey for a great start to your hike.  6. The Waterfalls In Tucuman Are Seasonal  No Instagram reel will tell you that the waterfalls in Tucuman are seasonal. March to May, or the end of the rainy season, is ideal for visiting these waterfalls.  7. Beware Of The "Mala Mala" Local folklore speaks of the "Mala Mala" spirit in the mountains. Whether you believe it or not, respecting silence in nature is a huge part of the local culture. 8. No Cell Signal Once you pass the "El Indio" monument or enter Aconquija Park, your cell signal dies. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) before leaving the city. 9. Condors Fly At Noon If you want to spot Andean Condors, look up between 11 AM and 1 PM when the thermal currents are strongest. They rarely fly early in the morning. Tucumán Nature Guide: Listen To The Authority Voices  Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña (AAGM): The Aconquija range is "one of the most undervalued trekking destinations in Argentina," offering Himalayas-like isolation without the crowds. Birding Ecotours (Global Operator) Rio Los Sosa is a prime spot for seeing the "Torrent Duck" (Pato de Torrente), a bird that can swim upstream in raging rapids. La Ruta Natural (Argentine Tourism Ministry) "Ruta de las Yungas" is a key scenic drive, highlighting the importance of driving slowly to spot the crossing fauna like the Corzuela (small deer). Tucumán Nature Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Tucumán Nature Guide.  1. What Is The Best Time Of Year For Hiking In Tucumán? April to September, or the dry season, is ideal for hiking in Tucuman. The cool temperature is ideal for outdoor exploration. On the other hand, heavy summer rains make the trekking trails here dangerous and muddy.  2. Do I Need To Pay To Enter The Nature Reserves? The entry fee to the national parks depends on the specific administrative and management authority. For example, you don’t need to pay any entry fee for the Aconquija National Park. However, prior registration is crucial. Further, for Reserva Horco Molle, you will have to pay an entry fee of $2.  3. Is It Safe To Hike Alone? Yes, it is safe to hike alone on the well-marked trails of Tucuman, such as the Rio Noque or Funicular. However, if you are going to high-altitude summits or jungle treks, you will need a guide. It is more crucial because of the presence of the fog and the absence of signage.  4. Are There Snakes In The Yungas? Yes, the Yungas have pit vipers or Yarará. So, you wear long trousers and watch your steps. Furthermore, you must follow the trail marks properly to not disturb the habitats of the snakes or other wildlife.  5. How Do I Get To Aconquija National Park Without A car? It is difficult to reach the Aconquija National Park without a car. You have to first take a bus to Concepción and then a local bus to Alpachiri. From Alpachiri, it is another 10 km taxi ride to the park entrance.  6. Can I Camp In The Reserves Of Tucuman? Yes, Aconquija National Park has designated wild camping zones (like Puesto La Mesada). However, Sierra de San Javier does not allow camping. So, it is for day use only. 7. What Is The "Yungas"? The Yungas, or a cloud forest in Tucuman, Argentina, is a mountain rainforest. It functions as a connector between the Andes and the Amazon.It has ferns, moss, and high humidity.  8. Can I See Toucans In Tucuman? Yes, you can see toucans in Tucumán. In recent years, toucans have made a comeback in this region.You can spot them in the trees around San Javier and Horco Molle. 9. What Is Hiking Altitude In Tucuman?  Hiking in Tucumán covers a wide altitude range, from the lows of San Javier (around 600 to 1200 meters) to the moderate Tafí del Valle (2000m). Furthermore, the Aconquija high summits reach more than 5000 meters. 10. Is The Water In The Streams Safe To Drink In Tucuman? No, the water in the Tucuman streams is not drinkable even with a clear view. Cattle graze in the higher areas and thus make the water unsuitable for drinking. So, you have to use purification tablets or a filter for purified drinking water. 

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  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities.  So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine.  However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past.  So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss! Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit  For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list! 1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands  One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India.  The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese.  When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps.  2. Jallianwala Bagh Location: Amritsar City, Punjab The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule. Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people.  Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre.  A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was.  3. Roopkund Lake  Location: Uttarakhand Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India.  However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.”  Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry.  However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons.  4. Shaniwar Wada Location: Pune, Maharashtra Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort. Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince.  5. Kuldhara  Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village. Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.”  6. Dumas Beach Location: Surat, Gujarat Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up.  The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses. While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows.  There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents.  7. Bhangarh Fort In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen. Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 3 No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths) Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well. The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives.  Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]