Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Dec 29, 2025

Timing is not just a tip to remember for divers in Raja Ampat. A change of season and the difference? It’s as big as having a glass boat ride to a Manta cleaning station and a bumpy trek through monsoon winds.   Known as the "Last Paradise," Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle. Here, the seasons do not just mean the weather. The seasons also dictate the challenges the waters will throw at you and the giants you will meet.   In this guide on Raja Ampat diving season tips, I will start with a short answer about the diving seasons and then give you the details.   The Short Answer: Peak Vs. Off-Peak Season For Diving In Raja Ampat   Feature Peak Season (October – April) Off-Peak Season (May – September) Sea Conditions Calm, glassy water Choppy in the South, calm in the North Visibility Excellent (15m–30m) Variable (can be lower near islands) Marine Life Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Dolphins Resident Reef Life, Macro, "Walking" Sharks Crowds High (Book 12-18 months early) Low (Peaceful dive sites) Price Premium Potential discounts (10-20% off)  Have you already booked your dates? Check our guide on Raja Ampat diving trips for a detailed itinerary planning.   The Two Main Seasons Of Diving In Raja Ampat: A Detailed Breakdown  The character and conditions of the dive sites in Raja Ampat change in dry and wet seasons.   The Dry Season (October to April) The Wet Season (May – September)  • Low Winds  • Calm Water  • Ultimate Raja Ampat Liveaboard Season  • Ideal for Spotting Reef and Oceanic Mantas • High Southern Winds  • Misool Becomes Inaccessible  • Dampier Strait is Accessible  • Ideal for Spotting Snapper and Barracuda  Raja Ampat Marine Life Calendar  For you, the best diving season in Raja Ampat Indonesia depends on the kind of marine animal you want to encounter. Here, I will give you details about the Oceanic and Reef Manta Ray season, the whale and dolphin migration season, and the season for walking sharks and macro life.   1. Manta Ray Season (Oceanic Vs. Reef)  December to March is the best season for spotting these marine animals.   Manta Sandy cleaning station is great for Reef Manta sightings. Magic Mountain in Misool is one of the sites where you will find Oceanic and Reef Mantas together.   Furthermore, Dr. Setyawan, in a report published by Conservation International on 9th October 2024, has shared some interesting facts about the Reef Mantas. He mentioned that   “...reef manta rays can travel hundreds of kilometres, and there aren’t any obvious barriers to movement between these three regions in Raja Ampat.”  2. The Whale And Dolphin Migration (November – December)  You will find Pilot Whales and different dolphin species in the deep channels of the Dampier Strait in November and December.   3. Walking Sharks & Macro Life (Year-Round)  The endemic Walking Sharks, or Raja Ampat Epaulette Sharks, are visible in the water year-round. Night dives are the best to watch these marine creatures in action.   You will also spot the Pygmy Seahorses and Nudibranchs across all seasons.   Regional Differences: The Misool Vs Dampier Strait Season  Let’s check out the regional differences in Raja Ampat across seasons. 1. Dampier Strait (North/Central)  Sheltered by large islands, the Dampier Strait offers safe diving conditions even when the wind is high.  So, you can dive here safely in all seasons.   2. Misool (South)  Thanks to the southern monsoon, crossing Misool is dangerous in the wet season. The frotier is wilder than the north and central zones.   Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Liveaboard Vs. Resort  There is no "bad" time to visit Raja Ampat, only the "wrong" region for the season. If you want Mantas and luxury liveaboards, aim for January. If you want solitude and budget-friendly resort stays, June in the Dampier Strait is a hidden gem.  1. The Komodo Switch And The liveaboard Season   In May, about 80% of the liveaboard fleet sails west to Komodo National Park to follow the dry weather. If you want a luxury boat experience, you must visit Raja Ampat between October and April.  2. Choose Diving Resorts For Off-Peak Season Diving   If you are traveling in the summer, between June and August, you must choose the land-based resorts in the Dampier Strait. These resorts offer stability, and you can take shorter boat rides to reach the dive sites. Enjoy the low-season pricing.   What Are The Expert Tips For the Raja Ampat Diving Season?  You cannot fear the rain when you are diving in Raja Ampat. Also, the consistent temperature of the water in Raja Ampat makes diving possible, especially in the Dampier Strait sites.  Here are some other things to remember if you are diving in Raja Ampat.   Expert Tips What It Means Don't Fear the Rain It is a rainforest; it rains even in the dry season. The fish don't mind, and you're already wet.  The "Green Water" is Good Lower visibility often means plankton, and dense plankton is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays. Book Christmas Early This is the busiest window, and some boats sell out 2 years in advance.  Currents and Moons For the most intense fish action, book your trip during the New or Full Moon.  Surface Intervals Use sun protection in the dry season and bring a windbreaker for the wet season boat rides.  Water Temp is Constant It stays 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year. A 3mm wetsuit is plenty.  Check Boat Locations Ensure your preferred boat hasn't already moved to Komodo for the summer. Flight Reliability Pad your travel schedule in July/August, as wind can delay small island hops or ferries.  Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Photographers: The Lens Guide  Seasons  Ideal Lens What to Capture  October to April Wide Angle • Perfect for Capturing Mantas  • Sweeping Schools of Fish  Split Shots with Blue Skies  May to September Macro Lens • Fluctuating Visibility  • Perfect to Focus on Pygmy Seahorses, Blue-ringed Octopus, and Ornate Ghost Pipefish.  Late April and Early October (The Shoulder Season Secret) Macro Lens  • These are Sweet Spots, and You Get to Frame the Calm Transition of the Marine Animals.   • Still, the Crowd of the Big 5 is Not Intense as the December and January Holidays.   Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Raja Ampat diving season tips.   1. What Is The Absolute Best Month To Dive Raja Ampat?  January is the absolute best or the prime month to dive in Raja Ampat. You get peak visibility, around 25 to 30 meters in the water, and it is the ideal month to spot Reef and Oceanic Mantas due to plankton increases.  Furthermore, all the regions, the south, the central, and the north, remain accessible this month.   2. Can I Dive Raja Ampat In August? Yes, you can dive in Raja Ampat in August. In fact, August is a great month if you want to explore Cape Kri and Blue Magic without the crowd. However, if you are diving in Raja Ampat in August, stick to the sites in Waigeo, Gam, and Mansuar and along the Dampier Strait in the North and Central zones. 3. When Is The Best Time For Whale Sharks In Raja Ampat? October to April is the best time to see Whale Sharks in Raja Ampat. You can find them in Misool and the Dampier Strait sites. However, for a better and more certain visibility of Whale Sharks, you must visit Triton Bay, south of Raja Ampat. The Full Moon Nights are ideal for spotting Whale Sharks.  4. Is The Wet Season Cheaper In Raja Ampat? Yes, the wet season is cheaper in Raja Ampat as it is the off-peak season for diving. In the diving resorts, mostly concentrated around the Dampier Strait Region, you will get a discount of around 10-15%. There is also a hefty discount on the diving packages. On the other hand, the liveaboards will offer around 20-30% discount in the wet season.  5. What Is The Water Temperature Like Year-round In Raja Ampat? The year-round water temperature in Raja Ampat is around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. One of the best things about diving in Raja Ampat is the incredibly stable, bathtub-warm water. Because the archipelago is located just one degree from the equator, you won't experience the dramatic temperature drops or "thermoclines" found in other parts of Indonesia, like Komodo or Bali.  6. Do I Need A Dry Suit Or A Thick Wetsuit In The Off-season? No, you don’t need a dry suit or thick wetsuit to dive in Raja Ampat, even in the off-season. It is because the temperature of the waters here hovers around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A 3mm thick wetsuit is enough if you are doing deep diving. It ensures that your body does not lose temperature rapidly. It also protects you from the irritants in the water and helps in buoyancy. 7. Does Visibility Change With The Seasons In Raja Ampat? Yes, visibility changes with the seasons in Raja Ampat. However, remember that having clear water does not mean the ideal condition for spotting the marine life in Raja Ampat. In the dry season, from October to April, the visibility is around 15 to 30 meters. Still, from December to March, nutrient-rich currents flood the archipelago. This creates "green" or "particulate" water. While this might frustrate wide-angle photographers looking for a pure blue background, it is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.Furthermore, during the wet season, from May to September, the visibility is 10 to 20 meters. However, this is an ideal time for many photographers as the water is clearer due to the lack of plankton blooms. 8. When Do The Liveaboards Move To Komodo? The famous Indonesian Switch, or the transition of liveaboards to and from Komodo, happens twice a year. In April and May, the peak diving season in Raja Ampat approaches its end. So, 80% of the liveaboards in Raja Ampat move toward the Komodo National Park. These liveaboards often pass through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Island, where you can spot hammerhead sharks in late April and May. Again, these liveaboards return in September and October as Komodo starts getting heavy rainfall, but the water of Raja Ampat becomes still. On the way, you can spot deep-sea pinnacles and incredible whale shark encounters in Triton Bay or the Banda Sea.  9. Is It Safe To Visit Raja Ampat During The Monsoon? Yes, the rainy season does not mean a complete shutdown for tourists to Raja Ampat. In fact, the central zone (Dampier Strait) and areas such as Waigeo/Gam remain quite accessible even in high winds due to the protection of huge land masses. However, the diving sites in the southern zone of Misool are risky in these months.  10. When Is The Best Time For Underwater Photography In Raja Ampat? The best time for underwater photography in Raja Ampat will depend on the kind of backdrop you want. The waters of Raja Ampat always amaze you with an impressive marine life. October to November is the time for the best all-round photography experience. You will get calm seas, returning Mantas, and massive schools of baitfish. Great for wide-angle and split shots. Also, for a truly unique photographic subject, aim for the Full Moons in October and November. This is when the reefs often experience mass coral spawning. It is a spectacular nighttime event that turns the water into a "snow globe" of biological activity.Again, January and February are ideal for framing the Manta action. Plankton blooms can create "green" water, but offer world-class Manta displays. These are the months for macro specialists. The months of March and April offer peak visibility. You will now find the clearest water of the year (30m+). Ideal for large reefscapes and blue backgrounds.Finally, June to September is ideal for shooting the empty reef and macros in action. 

BY  Sibashree May 31, 2025

People are calling Dubrovnik a travel secret, a hidden gem in the Mediterranean region, and whatnot! I don’t agree with these, as for the longest time, Dubrovnik has been famous as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Also, the Old Town of Dubrovnik was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Moreover, this city in Croatia has been facing overtourism since the HBO series Game of Thrones became so huge.  It is the filming location of the series.  Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, you will love the blue water of the Adriatic Sea, the walls around the Old City, the cobblestone streets, and, overall, the quaint charm.  While it takes almost a week to explore the best of Dubrovnik and indulge in its happening culinary scene, here I have curated a quick itinerary of what to do in Dubrovnik.  This time, the best activities in Dubrovnik span over 3 days, and here you go! However, before that, I want to share how I fell in love with this Mediterranean gem and what the best time to visit this beautiful city is. What Is The Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik? May to September is the best time to visit Dubrovnik.  Pleasant weather conditions Affordable hotel rates Less crowd An ideal situation for exploring beaches and water activities These are the benefits of scheduling your trip to Dubrovnik during these months.  Further, have a look at the table below to understand the weather conditions of Dubrovnik by month.  MonthsHighest Temperature (°C)Lowest Temperature (°C)Days of RainfallJanuary13710February1499March15109April17128May22156June27205July30223August31233September27204October23177November191110December 15810 Moreover, if you want to explore the festive scenario of Dubrovnik, you can plan your visit during the following months. Festivals in DubrovnikTimeSignificance of the FestivalFestival of St. Blaise3rd FebruaryThe two-day festivities include a grand procession, and the city celebrates St. Blaise, its patron saint, on this day. It is also an intangible cultural heritage identified by UNESCO. Dubrovnik Summer FestivalJuly-AugustUnique cultural programs and artistic performances are the festival's highlights. Festivities take place across various areas of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik Winter FestivalNovember to JanuaryThe historic Old Town comes to life with music, lights, family fun, and more. Dubrovnik Good Food FestivalOctoberIt is a two-week-long food festival, including vibrant events. Stradun ClassicSeptember to OctoberMusicians around the globe perform at Stradun Classic. Midsummer SceneJune-JulyThis festival takes place at the Lovrjenac Fortress.Croatian and British theatre artists collaborate to perform the celebrated Shakespearean plays.  How I Fell In Love With Dubrovnik? Being the biggest fan of Game of Thrones, I, of course, got to know about this beautiful Croatian City.  Dubrovnik was the King’s Landing or the capital of Westeros in the series. The Red Keep and the unforgettable scene of Cersei’s “Walk of Shame.”  Then, I researched Dubrovnik and its magnificent walls surrounding the Old Town, and the seafood delicacies here made me fall in love with the city.  So, if you thought that Dubrovnik was all about pasta and pizza and exploring the Old Town on the hottest days, it’s time to guide you on how to do it right.  What To Do In Dubrovnik: A Complete 3-Day Itinerary For You Here is what to do in Dubrovnik during a 3-day trip.  Day 1: What To Do In Dubrovnik Your day 1 in Dubrovnik will be focused on exploring the walled Old City. You can also take your time to relax by the pool or the sea, visit the local restaurants, enjoy a cable car ride, indulge in fine dining and the best wines, and end your day with a night stroll.  1. Exploring The Walled Old City Of Dubrovnik The Dubrovnik Old City celebrates Croatia's rich medieval history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taking a stroll across the cobblestone street and visiting places like the Cultural History Museum are the ultimate experiences here.  “The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention 2. Relaxing By The Pool Or The Sea If you want a delightful beach experience, you can visit Mlini Bay or Lapad Peninsula in Dubrovnik.  However, if you are feeling too lazy to explore the beach, you can explore hotels with pools for the perfect lounging time.  3. Visiting Local Restaurants Dubrovnik has places such as Proto, where you can have the best shrimp, scallops, and octopus delicacies.  Further, fish cooked in sea salt is something you cannot miss in Dubrovnik.  4. Enjoying A Cable Car Ride A ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car before Sunset is truly magical. During this ride, you can enjoy the changing colors of the Sun in the sky.  Further, as you approach the top of Mount Srd, you will see wonderful views of the Elafiti Islands to the north.  5. Fine Dining And Wine Tasting Local restaurants, such as Panorama Restaurant in Dubrovnik, offer wonderful views alongside the best local cuisine.  They serve amazing steak sandwiches and Chicken “Rustico.”  Furthermore, you can taste red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines here. D’Vino Wine Bar is another hotspot in Dubrovnik to relish the best of Croatian wines.  6. Taking A Walk In The City At Night Are you a Dark Academia fan? Do you want to enjoy your “Everything is Grey” moment in the city?  Take a walk around the city at night when there are no cruise passengers, and the lights and darkness create a mysterious ambiance. Day 2: What To Do In Dubrovnik Kayaking, chilling by the beach, and exploring the City Walls are some of the best activities you can do on day 2.  1. Adventurous Kayaking In Dubrovnik Kayaking at the City Beach will be the best way to start your second day. Kayaking tours start here at $43.  2. Relaxing At The Beach If kayaking is not your forte, you can plan a visit to the City Beach and enjoy the crystal clear water and Sunshine while exploring the views of the Old City.  3. Exploring The Walls of Dubrovnik During The Sunset You can take a 2-hour walk along the city walls to relish the beauty of the Sunset. Once you reach the top, you can also grab some local snacks and the best coffee at the cafes.  You need to buy tickets to explore the City Walls, and the ticket prices are: During the high season, tickets for adults to explore the City Walls cost 40 EUR, while children's tickets are 15 EUR.  However, in the low season, ticket prices are 15 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children. 4. Relishing Croatian Peka Meal If you're looking for a fun-filled community-building experience, consider the Peka Meal in the signature Dubrovnik style. Here, you will have the option of lamb, veal, or octopus in a communal pot. Further, potatoes will be cooked over the coal and served to everyone. Day 3: What To Do In Dubrovnik Your day three will begin a journey to Lokrum Island. This Island houses the Benedictine Monastery and the Dubrovnik Visitor Center.  The Visitor Center has the Iron Throne, where you can sit and live your Game of Thrones moments.  Furthemore, the Dalmatian Coast has rock slab beaches. You can jump into the water there and enjoy the most unique views of the Old City. Additionally, you can visit Mljet Island, home to the Mljet National Park and stunning saltwater lakes.  Then, the Red History Museum, located across from the Gruž Ferry Port, will be your next destination. The ticket to the museum is 9 EUR for adults, 7.20 EUR for seniors and university students, and 3.60 EUR for primary and secondary students.  Furthermore, for students under the age of 10, admission to the museum is free. Where To Stay In Dubrovnik?  Hotel Dubrovnik Palace and Hotel Excelsior are two of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik. Hotel Excelsior is located close to the walls of the Old Town and the City Beach.  On the other hand, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers a luxury resort experience, and it offers the best views of the Adriatic Coast.

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

The Shenandoah National Park has many wonders that you just cannot miss. So, you can witness the beauty of Bearfence Mountain and its waterfalls and explore its endless hiking trails.   As a rich wildlife hub, it is also home to white-tailed deer, black bears, red-tailed hawks, Carolina chickadees, and many more.   So, to cut a long story short, the Shenandoah National Park has everything for everyone. Moreover, it does not matter whether you are a birder or an avid trekker.   However, one thing is certain: you can only enjoy the park to the fullest if you are camping here or at least spending nights at the local lodges. Therefore, I am sharing a brief guide about the campsites and other accommodation options in the park.   Shenandoah National Park Camping   https://www.instagram.com/p/CvPj7WmAt6a/ Shenandoah National Park offers you the best chance to sleep under the stars with its five functional campgrounds.   Further, these campgrounds are open from early spring to late fall. Also, you can know about their availability with a simplified alert system.   So, do you want to plan your next camping expedition at Shenandoah National Park?  Loft Mountain Campground  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bykz80iADRN/ In the southern part of the Shenandoah National Park lies the Loft Mountain. Further, it is at the top of the  Big Flat Mountain. Also, it is a large camping zone with a total of 207 sites.   Further, you will get a beautiful view of the eastern and western sides from the Loft Mountain Campground. In addition, the waterfalls and the trails to the Big Run Wilderness allow you to explore the park fully. Moreover, the table below shows the amenities available (not available) at Loft Mountain Campground.  Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Seasonal availability  Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale Yes Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park's fire and stove policy. * Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  *You can only use USDA-certified firewood in the park, and this is a measure to stop the unnecessary spread of emerald ash borer. However, you can also use deadwood or brunches in the park to ignite fire in the fire grates provided by the park.   Further, you must fully extinguish the fire before leaving the spot, and you cannot use charcoal.   Fees And Reservation At Loft Mountain Campground  Loft Mountain Campground has non-electric sites for tents and RVs. Further, only six people can stay at a time at a standard campsite. Moreover, a camping site can accommodate one RV at a time.   In addition, the fee for each campsite is $30.   Further, the campsites of Loft Mountain Campground come on a combination basis. Nevertheless, the best method is to reserve a site.   However, campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.   Lewis Mountain Campground  Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest in the park, with a stretch of only 57.5 miles. Also, just 7 miles away from the Big Meadows, this campground offers a quiet and more private experience.   The sites are available on self-registrations. Further, you can get a site on a first-come and first-served basis.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Yes, on a seasonal basis Food Storage Lockers  Seasonal Availability Ice for Sale Yes, Available Seasonally Staff on Site Seasonal  Amphitheater No Firewood for Sale Available Seasonally** Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station No Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  **You must abide by the fire safety regulations to stop the spread of the emerald ash borer. Further, remember the following points to avoid fire-related mishaps.   You can use deadwood or dried branches to light a fire in the fire grates.  Further, make sure that you extinguish the fire properly after use.  Also, you can carry camping and backpacking stoves.  However, you cannot use charcoal grills inside the park.   Reservation And Fees At Lewis Mountain Campground  A standard, non-electric campsite at Lewis Mountain Campground will cost you $30. Further, you don’t need to reserve your campsite in advance as all sites are available on a first-come and first-served basis.   Big Meadows Campground  https://www.instagram.com/p/B4a4lAAFP52/ The 51.2-mile Big Meadows Campground is the busiest camping zone in the park, with 221 camping sites. Further, with sites available on a reservation basis, this campground offers access to the following park areas.  Big Meadows  Byrd Visitor Center, and  Dark Hollow Falls  Moreover, every campsite for a tent or RV here comes with a picnic table and fire ring.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Seasonal availability  Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale Yes Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park's fire and stove policy. *** Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  *** The fire safety policies at Big Meadows Campground include using USDA-certified firewood. Further, you can use deadwood and branches in the fire grates.   However, even if you can carry backpacking and camping stoves, using charcoal grills is prohibited.   Further, the Big Meadows Campground has standard and group camping sites. Moreover, the group camping site will cost you $75, and the fee for the standard site is $30.   Mathews Arm Campground  If you enter the Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, you will first encounter the Mathews Arm Campground. Further, this 22.1 campground is home to 165 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, tents, and RVs.   However, this camping site has no camp store or shower facility. It also does not offer wood and ice for sale. So, you will have to walk for 2 miles to Elkwallow Wayside to collect the essentials.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store No Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale No Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale No Laundry No Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type No  Reservation And Fees At Mathews Arm Campground   The Mathews Arm Campground  combines reserved and first-come, first-served based sites. Further, it has standard and group campsites.   Moreover,  standard and group campsite fees are $30 and $75, respectively.   Explore More Lodging Options At Shenandoah National Park  If you don’t want to compromise on comfort, you can explore the three Shenandoah National Park lodging options for an overnight stay.   Further, these lodges are located in the prime locations of the park, and offer the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moreover, they have pet-friendly accommodation. So, if you are traveling with your canine or feline friends, you can enjoy stress-free time.   Skyland Resort  https://www.instagram.com/p/CdqQODytuCm/?img_index=1 Along the Skyline Drive, the Skyland Resort offers the most comfortable accommodation options at Skyland Resort.   Further, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the park from the Skyland Resort. Also, this resort gives you easy access to many popular hiking trails in the park.   Lewis Mountain Cabins  Are you in for some rugged experience at Shenandoah National Park with the comfort factor intact? So, why don’t you get a place at Lewis Mountain Cabins?  Big Meadows Lodge  https://www.instagram.com/p/C-DcPBOADEx/ Built with stones from the Massanutten Mountains, the Big Meadows Lodge has a natural charm and warmth. Further, residents love spending evenings here watching the sunrise and sharing their park experience.  Exploring The Unique Geology Of Shenandoah National Park     https://www.instagram.com/p/CSwssncAg6D/ The geology of Shenandoah National Park tells ancient stories that are constantly evolving. Further, you will find many types of rocks that have formed the  park’s unique geology. So, let’s have a brief understanding of these rocks.   Basement Rocks  The basement rocks of Shenandoah National Park are older than Appalachians. Further, these rocks are the foundations of the Shenandoah Blue Ridge Mountains. These rocks are also responsible for the dramatic topography of Hogback Mountain, Old Rag Mountain, and Marys Rock.   Moreover, these rocks take you back billions of years.   Greenstone Lava Flows   Have you seen the  Hawksbill and Stony Man cliffs in Shenandoah National Park? These all are formed of greenstone lava flows at least 570 million years old.   Further, these lava flows form a staircase-like topography, and you will also find flat benches here and there. Moreover, the major waterfalls in the park cut through the greenstone lava flows and plunge into canyons.   Chilhowee Metasedimentary Rocks  These rocks come from the shores of an ocean older than the Atlantic. Further, these rocks form the park’s steep slopes and rugged terrain. Moreover, you will find these rocks in the Southern District of the park.   Further, they have transformed under pressure and have formed cliffs like the Calvary Rocks, Rocky Mountain, and Blackrock South. In addition, these rocks have formed many boulder fields.   Shenandoah National Park At A Glance  Location: Virginia, United States  Area: Around 198,000 Acres  Highest Point: Hawksbill Mountain (1,234 Meters)  Visitor Centers: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center, and Mobile Visitor Center  Hiking Trails: 500 Miles  Moreover, Shenandoah National Park is home to more than 50 mammal and 190 bird species with amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Further, this park has more than 12 waterfalls.   So, camping in the park will be a truly amazing experience. However, plan a trip to the park in the spring or fall to have the best experience of the wildlife flora and fauna.  However, the park has multiple entrance gates, and the route directions could be clearer. So, get a detailed idea from the park authority about the entrance gate and route based on your location.    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.