How About Exploring The Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park?

It’s hard to imagine that a watery wonder and a versatile geological place exist so close to the Californian Mainland. Yes, we are talking about the Channel Islands National Park. 

Rich in diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife, this national park, consisting of five islands, is a hiker’s favorite. The hiking trails on each island are different. For example, the trails in Anacapa are flatter, and they get steeper as you visit Santa Rosa or Santa Cruz. 

Also, as a critical marine sanctuary, this national park offers an amazing experience for people interested in aquatic pursuits. Boating and scuba diving here are activities that an adventurous soul will surely look upto. 

Are you ready to pack your bags and hit the trails? Let us join you.

Channel Islands Hikes That You Just Cannot Miss 

Hiking trails in the five islands of this national park vary in their difficulty parameters. The trails in Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are easy (Cavern Point Loop), moderate (Potato Harbor), and hard (Montañon Ridge Loop). 

As a hiker, you have to be sure of your physical and mental endurance before you start exploring specific trails. Further, you will encounter many challenges as you explore the hiking trails. 

Common perils here include poisonous oaks, scorpions, ticks, wildfire risks, reptiles, and Hantavirus spread by deer mice. To deal with these hazards, you must make the most of the buddy system and, most importantly, be respectful to the wildlife. 

However, the pain you have to undergo throughout the journey is worth the dramatic experience the trails offer. It’s time to know about them. 

Anacapa Island Hiking 

Anacapa Island got its current name from its original Chumash Native American Indian name, Anypakh. This island is made of East, Middle, and West Anacapa islets, and surprisingly, none of these are connected to each other. 

Before I introduce you to some of the most amazing trekking trails in Anacapa, let me share some highlights about the island.

Anacapa Island: Things To Know
Anacapa is known for its diverse vegetation, wildlife, culture, and history.
Coreopsis and sunflowers come to life after the winter rain, and you can see them from the California Mainland.
Anacapa is the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world.
It is also the largest breeding colony of the California brown pelicans, which are endangered species.
Chumash Indian people used to camp here thousands of years ago.

Inspiration Point Hike (Easy)

Just a 1.5-mile hiking trail, Inspiration Point offers the most amazing view of the island. Enjoy the sheer contrast created by vibrant wildflowers and the tranquil blue water. 

Pinniped Point Hike (Easy)

Pinniped Point hike, which is a 4-mile distance, is known for its sea lion rookery and lighthouse. 

Cathedral Cove Hike (Easy)

The 6-mile hiking trail is the best place to see the most amazing rock formations. Here, you will also find beautiful kelp forests, sea lions, sea caves, and birds. 

San Miguel Hiking 

Hiking in San Miguel is a little tricky as you cannot take the off-trail roads. Further, hiking is only limited to certain spots, as its unique geological features, wildlife, and plants need preservation. 

Caliche Forest Hike (Hard) 

Despite its difficulty level, Caliche Forest is the most exciting trail to hike in San Miguel. This landscape of five miles has naturally calcified prehistoric vegetation. So, the entire area has the most surreal “fossilized” appearance.

A visit to this trail is like a time travel, and the feeling is, at times, eerie. 

Cuyler Harbor Beach Hike (Easy)

Enjoy the pristine beauty of the 2 miles of white sand stretch and observe the adorable seals. Take a walk along the beach to find the sand running into the rocks. 

Cabrillo Monument Hike (Hard) 

The distance of this trail is 2 miles. However, the steep climb makes the hiking experience very strenuous. You will visit the monument of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore this island.  

Santa Cruz Island Hiking 

Santa Cruz, or the La Isla de Santa Cruz, is the land of the Sacred Cross. Known as Mini California, this island has endless bounties to offer. From the Transverse Mountain ranges to the deep valleys, canyons, and beaches! You will meet the most diverse geological picture here.

Here, I will talk about some of its most prominent hiking trails. However, before that, let’s share some interesting facts about the island.

Things To Know About Santa Cruz Island
Size: 96 Square Miles (The Largest Of The 5 Channel Islands)
Plant Species: 600
Plant Communities: 10
Landbird Species: 140
Land Mammal Species: 11
Cultural History: More than “10,000 years of American Indian habitation, 150 years of European exploration”

Cavern Point Loop Hike (Easy)

Cavern Point Loop is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and seasonal whale watching. As you trek through the 2 miles route, you will get to see the most magnificent coastal vistas. 

Potato Harbor Hike (Moderate) 

The harbor gets its name from its unique oval or potato shape. The cliffs here are steep and dangerous. The bright white sedimentary rocks (diatomaceous earth) here are formed by diatoms or single-cell sea plants made of silicon dioxide. 

Diatomaceous earth has wide applications in filtering water. 

The Giant Kelp Forest is another attraction in Potato Harbor. Kelp is a nutrient-rich and fast-growing algae that helps build a rich marine ecosystem. The California sea lions here will make your visit to the island most delightful with their playful nature. 

Montañon Ridge Loop (Hard)

Montañon Ridge, with Montañon Peak and High Mount, is the highest ridge on the eastern side of the island. This trekking trail is only for experienced hikers. 

The total distance of the hiking trail is 10 miles

Santa Barbara Hiking 

Santa Barbara is an island for endless outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, fishing, and watching wildlife

Further, Santa Barbara is the island to be if you want to explore the local vegetation. If you visit the island in spring and winter, you will meet the most colorful wildflowers here. Also, delightful flowers like poppies and verbenas are in full bloom in the summer.

Do you want to hike on this island? Here are some trails for you. 

Lizard’s Mouth Hiking Trail (Moderate)

You have to take just a quarter-mile walk off West Camino to find this hiking spot. It’s also a favorite Santa Barbara destination for picnics. 

The place gets its name from the rock formation resembling a lizard’s open mouth. This place is picturesque and perfect for photoshoots. 

La Cumbre Peak (Diificult) 

With the highest elevation of 1215 m, the La Cumbre Peak (the highest in Santa Barbar) hike is full of challenges. However, this trekking trail is full of highlights like the Cathedral and Arlington Peaks, the coastline to the sea, etc. 

San Roque Creek (Easy)

The San Roque Creek trail is located in the 25-acre recreation area in the park. The area is called Stevens Park. With just an elevation gain of just 93 m, it is an easy trail to explore, and you can have a great time walking with your dogs here. 

Santa Rosa Hiking 

The hiking trails in Santa Rosa are a combination of flat and steep terrains. The trails to the Water Canyon Beach are flatter. At the same time, roads to the Black Mountain are strenuous. 

Water Canyon Campground Hike (Easy)

This 3-mile hiking trail is one of the easiest routes in Santa Rosa or all over the Channel Islands. Enjoy a gala picnic with your group here. 

Water Canyon Hike (Moderate To Strenuous)

The perennial canyon and the local vegetation make the water canyon hike the most amazing experience. If you want, you can also follow the stream bed and get wet. 

Black Mountain Hike (Hard)

With a distance of 8 miles, this trail offers the most amazing views of the mainland and San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands. 

Did You Know?

By 1928, many fossils of pygmy mammoths were found in the Channel Islands. Further, almost a complete skeleton of an adult pygmy mammoth was excavated on Santa Rosa Island in 1994.

These mammoths were very similar to the Californian mainland mammoths. However, they evolved and got smaller in size to accommodate on the Channel Island. Worldwide, these mammoths are known as Channel Islands Pygmy Mammoths. 

Final Words 

Channel Islands National Park had 328,746 visitors in 2023 (Source). Despite being close to the California mainland, these islands offer tranquility, and with many places to visit and activities to do on the five islands, you will surely be spoilt by the choices at this national park. 

On all the islands, you can trek, fish, camp, and take part in many water sports. However, two of the most coveted activities in these parks are hiking and exploring marine life. The variety you find here in whales and other marine mammals can be a close match to the vibrant marine ecosystem of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

In this guide, I have highlighted trekking through the trails in this national park. Do you want to know more about its wildlife and marine ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comment below. 

Channel Islands National Park FAQs 

Which Island Is The Best To Hike In Channel Islands National Park?

Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are great for hiking in the Channel Islands. However, if I am to share my opinion, Anacapa will be my silent favorite

The trekking trails here are way easier in Anacaopa than in Santa Cruz. So, irrespective of your expertise level, you will be able to hike the entire island in a day. 

Also, as the trekking journey here is less arduous, you will be able to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty even more. You will meet the most adorable sea birds, sea lions, and seals. Also, if you are lucky enough to be in these mountains during spring or late winter, you will find the mountains replete with colorful wildflowers.

Inspiration Point, Cathedral Cove, and Pinniped Point are some of the highlights of hiking expeditions in the Anacapa Islands. 

What Is Special About Channel Islands National Park? 

Channel Islands National Park is special because it is a paradise for trekkers, nautical surfers, and wildlife explorers. 

Its San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and the largest, Santa Cruz islands have many hiking trails with Transverse Ranges. 

Further, half of the national park is under the ocean, and you will find six nautical miles of water around it. So, it is a critical marine sanctuary and a great place for scuba diving, boating, and other aquatic pursuits. 

In addition, its wildlife is mesmerizing, with the presence of animals like island foxes, spotted skunks, salamanders, whales, California sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, giant black seabass, and more. 

Which Island Is The Largest In Channel Islands National Park?

The largest island in the Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz, which is also known as the epitome of California. Its size is 96 square miles

Its geology is versatile, with Transverse Ranges, fault systems, springs, streams, and canyons. You will also come across sea caves, beaches, and coastline cliffs. Among the sea caves, the Painted Cave is the most prominent one with lichens, algae, and colorful rocks.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE how old do you have to be to rent an airbnb

Unlocking Airbnb: What’s The Minimum Age To Book Your Dream Stay?

BY  sagnika Sep 25, 2023

If you plan a staycation with friends, Airbnb is the way to go! However, do you know how old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb? It is an important context, especially when Airbnb is an application ideal for short-term renters and travelers. I often go through specific platforms such as Vrbo, Booking.com, and Airbnb whenever I have a group vacation plan! Especially when it is a group of friends or colleagues, I prefer to rent a whole house or an apartment because it is convenient and easier to manage. However, with recent developments, Airbnb has levied age restriction policies. Any person, be it a guest or host using the Airbnb platform, must be aware of these restrictions so that they can accordingly rent entire homes or rent out entire homes. Unlocking Airbnb: What's The Minimum Age To Book Your Dream Stay? You need to know how old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb because it will help you make your choices! Many policies have been in place in recent times, making severe challenges for people to book Airbnb rentals. Domestic bookings are creating more issues regarding parties and chaos, disturbing neighbors. It has led to the implementation of new age restriction policies. Wanna know how old to rent Airbnb? Read along! Read the article to learn about the age restrictions levied by Airbnb! Not just about the limits, but I will also highlight how certain reviews have influenced the company's decision concerning age restrictions. What To Know Before You Book An Airbnb? Be it a business trip or a vacation, it is important to book an Airbnb if you have a bigger group of people traveling! That way, the whole process is more coordinated, along with an established budget where food and accommodation can be managed effectively. Booking a rental home is a much cheaper option when traveling in a group, especially when rooms per night in a luxury hotel or resort will cost you much more. Your movement will also be restricted. So, read the article to know how old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb! Some couches or futons can accommodate more people, while hotel rooms have limited options. There are treehouses and other delightful features, along with many Airbnb rentals, making it a perfect vacation spot for you. However, there are certain challenges in the form of security issues. So, finally the question is, how old do you have to be to book an Airbnb? Read the article to learn more about security issues, thus implementing age restrictions in 2023! Age Restrictions At Airbnb In 2023 You have to know the Airbnb age limit before making your bookings! The Airbnb age restrictions levied in 2023 protect both its hosts and guests in the long term. The restrictions protect young guests, neighbors, and hosts from disruptive and damaging experiences. Two age restrictions have been developed and integrated by Airbnb as of 2023. One of the restrictions is based on guests aged 18, while another limitation is based on guests under 25. The first rule is guests under 18 cannot create an account on Airbnb! Hence, they will need an account and can book a rental independently. However, if they are registered on a group booking on Airbnb, they can accompany the group. Note: To know more about registering someone on an Airbnb booking, follow the steps. The second rule is that guests aged 18 to 24 can create their own Airbnb account. However, in certain countries such as Spain, France, the UK, the US, and Canada, young guests under 25 are not allowed to book an entire home within their domestic area. People under 25 can book Airbnb homes worldwide. However, no domestic bookings are allowed. There are further collateral agreements, such as guests must have zero negative reviews and three positive reviews to make a booking! So if you are wondering, can you rent an Airbnb at 18? No you cannot! You cannot even open an account on Airbnb! Why Are Age Restrictions Implemented At Airbnb? Airbnb has been known for parties, considering there have been no security restrictions before this. Young individuals rent the unauthorized parties hosted in Airbnb homes, and they do open-invites. These parties are well known, considering they upset neighbors and damage properties. However, no complaints or steps have been taken against these parties, considering the damages are 0.05% of the listings out of the reported total safety-related issues. The brand, however, tried very hard to decrease the overall percentage. The age restriction policy resulted from the severe incident in 2019 at a Halloween party shooting hosted at an Airbnb property in California. The party was the outcome of a single-night rental, even with the "no-party agreement" expressly established between the host and the guest. A total of 5 people died in that part, leading to the introduction of age restriction policies by Airbnb in 2023. It has been observed that young guests are the most at risk of accidents, especially if they are living locally, increasing the chances of open invites and unlimited visits. Is It Safe To Book An Airbnb? It is completely safe to book an Airbnb, especially when both the hosts and the guests have to provide their identification numbers or copies of valid documents as identity proof. The issue arises when young guests under 25 take advantage of no authorities. The shooting at the Airbnb that led to death created an awareness among people regarding the safety of such places. Even though people have criticized such decisions, ultimately, it has been observed that they will contribute to better reservations and security management. The restrictions for age have been first applied in Canada. Later, it was involved in the US, UK, France and Spain. Some people complain that age restrictions make it difficult for them to travel with their teenagers or young adults! However, in the long run, the policy is not discriminatory! Instead, it works towards creating a more safe and more secure environment. Do You Want To Save Money On Airbnb Bookings? When making bookings on Airbnb, there are certain conventional tricks that you can apply to save money. There are, of course, redeeming credit card points along with airline miles with every Airbnb stay. These are beneficial for short-term vacations. Apart from that, if you are booking Airbnb for a longer period, to get discounted rates, you need to search properly based on the number of days and the discount you will receive on the nightly rate! Sometimes, one-night stays are 46% more costly compared to 30-night visits! Start Booking… With more bookings every year, Airbnb has received a lot of exposure. But do you know how old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb? Read the article to learn more, especially when there have been severe security risks. In the case of Airbnb hosts, it is also important to understand how important it is to remember how young people are taking advantage of the situation and are not following protocols or restrictions. Comment below regarding your perspective on how old you have to be to rent an Airbnb and whether there should be any such restrictions! Read Also: Top 10 Business Travel Booking Platforms Of 2023 Hotwire.Com – Best Review By Users Priceline.Com – Best Review By Users Expedia.Com – Best Review By Users

READ MORE mountains of kenya

Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya!

BY  sagnika Aug 11, 2023

Want to learn more about the mountains of Kenya? A geographically and topographically diverse country, the Republic of Kenya has beautiful mountains that are more than just a geographical feature! Please read this article to learn about the features of the mountains, their cultural significance, as well as their beauty. There are almost 3888 mountains, out of which 3856 are named mountains. Mount Kenya is the highest peak of all these mountains, with an elevation of 5199 meters. It is one of the second-highest mountains in Africa and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa, more towards the southern horn of Africa, with diverse geographical features ranging from towering alpine peaks to mangrove swamps. The mountains' beauty adds to the country's natural features, making it a perfect place to visit! Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya! As a country with a topographical contrast, Kenya is located in the eastern section of Africa. The equator crosses the country across Nanyuki, Maseno, and Timboroa. These features highlight Kenya as a stunning destination that many wish to visit! Being a topographically diverse country where the forests offer diverse wildlife, it is perfect to visit if you love taking safaris. There are also coasts and grasslands, making the location more diverse. The nation is also highly agricultural, with diverse produce, including vegetables, fruits, and animals, even though the location is remote and can be difficult for regular travel. An African safari holiday is a dream for every hodophile, and Kenya offers the perfect backdrop. With spectacular wildlife, astounding landscapes, and a melting pot of culture, Kenya ranks at the top of the travel list of everyone! Moreover, the beautiful mountains play an important role in making Kenya a fascinating place! The country borders nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. So want to know more about the up-warped giants of the earth? Read along! Highest Mountains Of Kenya The total area of Kenya is 586,000 square kilometers, with high-rising regions such as high plateaus, mountains, arid deserts, and low-lying coastal areas, including islands and coral reefs. 7 freshwater and salt lakes are creating the Great Rift Valley cutting the country in half! Kenya has two of the tallest mountains on the continent. There are several other mountains, most inactive or extinct volcanoes. The landscape is diversified, yet the mountains are as beautiful as ever! Read more on some of the noteworthy mountains in Kenya. Mount Kenya The highest mountain in Kenya is Mount Kenya, located in the center of Kenya, approximately 100 miles northeast of the Capital, Nairobi. The mountain has several summits. Nelion, Lenana, and Batian are some. Bastian is the highest, with 17,058 feet, indicating the mountain's peak. The mountain formed about 3.5 million years ago. A well-known tourist destination, the Mount Kenya National Park surrounds Mount Kenya at the base. You can see elephants, buffalo, as well as colobus monkeys in the park. You can trek the mountain's peak of Lenana Summit as it is feasible without any mountaineering expertise. The rock kente is only available on Mount Kenya as well as the Antarctic, situated at the South Pole. The Spiritual Connection Of Mount Kenya Riuki is found on Mount Kenya, which in a spiritual context is considered the symbolization of the throne of God. Riuki is regarded as the pathfinder by the Gikuyu medicine men. They also believe it therapeutic as they put pebbles at risk as seers. The history of Mount Kenya is interconnected with the Egyptians, Jews, and Ethiopians. Mount Kenya is called Ta-Neteru by the Egyptians, which means the abode of the gods. The God Hapi or lotus, the gods of the Nile Floods, lived on the mountain. The farming communities that settled in Egypt in 7000 BC before the inundation of the Nile corresponded with "Isis," the heliacal rising of the star. It was after the water from the Nile flooding receded, leading to rich dark silt across the Central African countries and highlands. The land is called "Kemet," which is fertile land ready for planting. They consider the lands around Mount Kenya as one of the fertile lands. It also believed that the goddess Isis hid her son, her husband Horus, to raise him from the dead. They say the mountain has medical properties, and the locals consider it amazing. They pray to the mountains for protection and safety. Communities such as Maasai and Samburu are semi-nomadic people who use the northland of the mountain as a paying ground. Mount Elgon The second tallest peak in Kenya is Mount Elgon, located on the country's western side, closer to the Kenya-Uganda border. The mountain has distinguishing characteristics, such as having one of the largest volcanic craters. The top of the mountain is a flat-topped plateau made of basalt. The total height of the mountain is 13,852 feet, with lava tube tunnels across the mountain. Elephants and buffaloes often visit the lava tube tunnels. A national park surrounding Mount Elgon also has rhinos, eagles, leopards, and duikers. Mount Longonot Mount Longonot is an inactive volcano that last erupted in the 1860s but is not completely extinct. The height of the mountain is 9108 feet, and the mountain's slopes are filled with ridges. Mount Longonot is a mountain in Kenya. A park nearby has plenty of wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes. The mountain is situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Travelers can visit the park by car, and the base of Mount Longonot has a lot of forest, even around the top crater. Compared to many stony mountains, this one is thickly wooded across the slopes and the summits. Satima Mount Satima is also "Ol Donyo Satima," which roughly translates to "Mountain of the bull calf." It is one of the Kenya mountains! It is the highest mountain across the Aberdare range, with a height of 13,127 feet, and is located on the northern side of the mountain range. The mountain has tussock grass and rocks in some areas and rainforests. There are bamboo forests and Moorland across a section of the mountain. The mountain has a collection of 150 species of plants, such as Podo and Cedar. The mountain is part of the water catchment area for both the Sasumua and Ndakaini dams. The two dams for Nairobi City are the primary source of water. Kinangop Kinangop is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley and the west of the Kinangop Plateau. It is also situated in the Aberdares, with extensive bamboo forests across the mountain in the lower portion. The height of the mountain is 12815 feet. Moreover, the higher sections of the mountain are covered with tussock grass. The top of the mountain is rocky with open moorlands. The top of the mountain is quite chilly and turns freezing at night. Ngiro Mount Ngiro is located in the northern region of Kenya, with a height of 9344 feet. The mountain is part of the Great Rift Valley to the west overlooking the Suguta Valley. The upper slopes have forests, while the mountains is popular for cultivating bees. The mountain falls under the territory of the Samburu people, while the Lmasula phratry performs bee cultivation. The clan claims exclusive rights to the water and the land. Several other mountains and hills are situated in the nation, creating an exciting place for vacationing. If you are a hiking person, Kenya is the perfect place to visit as there are several advantages. There are enough mountains in Kenya for you to go hiking, as well as trails. It is a perfect spot to share holidays as well as weekends with your hiking partners. Some of the tallest mountains are situated in East Kenya. Kulal The mountain Kulal is identified as a biosphere reserve with lava fields, and the origin of the mountain is a volcano. The moisture in the biosphere leads to rain as well as mist, providing hydrological services to the people in northern Kenya. The mountain is located in the middle of East Africa, with steep slopes while deep canyons go across the mountain. It is also one of the driest places in Africa. There are forests across the mountain, a habitat for black rhinoceroses and elephants. Marsabit Mount Marsabit is surrounded by Mt. Marsabit National Park and Reserve, with a height of 1703 meters above sea level. The mountain has many craters, while the hills around it highlight the mountain. Across the mountain are many low-lying arid plains with elliptical shapes 70 km long on the northeast-southwest as well as 45 km wide on the northeast-southwest. The mountain comprises weathered lava flow. Mogila Mogila is one of the mountains of Kenya with a height of 1698 meters. A local relief of 300 meters, steep slopes, and a small summit area characterize the mountain. Moreover, it is located in the Turkana, creating the Great Dividing Range. Namanga Hills The mountain is in the southern part of Kenya. It is located on the borders of Tanzania, with the highest point being 2548 meters. The Great Rift Valley has four peaks: Suswa, Paka, Namarunu, and Menengai. The hills have a collection of hyenas, zebras, ostriches, as well as Antelopes. Cultural Relations Of The Mountains Of Kenya According to the Kikuyu tribe, they say the local Kikuyu god, N'gai resides at the summit of Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is one such place that the local cultures worship. They consider these mountains the home of spirits as well as gods. Mount Kenya is a spiritual mountain, as the local communities think of it as the residence of God. Ethiopians also consider it the home of God and revered in its presence. The belief gains further confirmation because of the snow at the top of the mountain. The mountain is very close to the equator. Hence, it is quite surprising that there is snowfall at the top. There are thick forests around the mountain, and initially, the military dug the woods to flush the Maumau freedom fighters. According to the traditional version of Mount Kenya in Kikuyu, a star fell on the ground with a bang and formed the mountain. The mountain has volcanic ashes and oozing magma which forms the Kenyte. Mount Longonot has its Masai name, "Oloonong'ot," meaning "mountain with many spurs." The mountains are important as well as are traditional sites for worship by the local populations. Some vow in the mountain's name, while some send prayers based on cultural traditions. Both visitors and the natives join in collaborative activities such as mountain climbing and hiking. Are The Mountains Of Kenya A Cult? The high places in Kenya, especially mountains with snow caps, high mountain ranges, and island mountains, are cults. There are psychological roots of the communities who believe that mountains act as a heavenly ladder. Besides the spiritual connection for the community, mountains are also helpful natural elements for humans as they bring rain, while they also have volcanoes. Volcanoes have a fiery side to them, representing the element of earth. According to the myths based on the world's origin, mountains are the first natural element from ancient water. The indigenous people believe mountains are a great phenomenon of the earth, symbolizing cosmic connection. The local communities consider the mountains as shrines or altars for the Gods and worship them. For example, people in Africa often blame an earth deity when there is an earthquake. They also consider snakes to be culprits, a belief that their cult teaches in the cultural practices of Africa. Conclusion Did you notice something unique about the mountains of Kenya? Most of these mountains have physical features giving an Alpine appearance. There are many ridges across the mountains, giving it a ragged nature. So now you know about the beauty of the mountains, especially when it comes to the cultural aspect of it. People worshiping mountains is one tradition that integrates respect and protection of the natural elements. People from different cultures in Kenya believe in spirituality and offer prayers to the mountains. Let us know in the comments below if you see any culture where people worship mountains too! Read Also: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know The Blue Train: A Luxurious Expedition Across South Africa You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji!

READ MORE Visit Udaipur

Top 5 Unique Things to do in Udaipur

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 3, 2021

Udaipur is also famous as “Venice of the East” and is located in the western reaches of Rajasthan. It had a history of more than 1000 years. Udaipur is well known for its magnificence and elegance. It is well known for desert safari, palace tours, shopping, celebrations and class functions. The best time to visit Udaipur is in the winter season. The Indian state of Rajasthan receives millions of global tourists every year. Some of the cities, which see the highest number of visits include Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer. Udaipur has been famously named as the ‘City of Lakes’, owing to the presence of majestic lakes that are situated around Palaces. If you wish to see Indian royalty at its best, a trip to Udaipur should be right on top of your list. Udaipur is a concoction of the royal luxurious life, as well as the life of commoners. Tourists visiting the city can experience a slice of both in this majestic abode. From sun-kissed deserts to 7-star palaces turned hotels, Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Here Are 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur: 1. Karni Mata Temple Ropeway: Karni Mata Temple Ropeway is a ride which connects Machala Hilltop, Sri Karni Mata temple, and Deendayal Upadhyay Park. It is a prominent pilgrim spot. There are 2 ways to reach the temple, staircase, and ropeway. This is a unique experience and the best way of transportation to the temple. Other major reasons are the architectural attraction and a panoramic view of the temple surroundings. The ropeway can be accessed easily, as it is located in the heart of the city. It will provide the best views of Sajjangarh Fort, City Palace Complex, Fateh Sagar Lake and Pichola Lake. There is also a viewpoint which is the privileged place to see the sunset over the city. In addition, at night, the lighting of the different palaces gives a splendid view. 2. Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola is a prominent tourist attraction place in Udaipur. The sparkling lake reflects the hues of the sunset, magnificent palaces, and the incredible city of Udaipur mingling together to create magical effects. The lake contains 4 islands called as Arsi Vilas, Mohan Mandir, Jag Niwas, and Jag Mandir. It is really a blissful and relaxing experience to take a boat cruise into the freshwater lake during the time of sunset. Enjoy some crisp sunshine as they hit the lake giving sparkling reflections. Lake Pichola along with City Palace Lake and Udai Sagar Lake form the magnificent trio of scenic destinations that arouse magnificence. Lake Pichola is surrounded by luxurious 5 star and 7-star properties like Taj Lake Palace and Leela Palace. You can also look up accommodation in other properties that are affordable and within your budget. There are a number of options, which offer beautiful views of the lake from their rooms. 3. Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a village located near Udaipur. A 10-day will be celebrated every year during the winter season. It is famous for fairs which will be conducted for craft items, handicrafts, and textiles. Besides fairs, workshops will also be conducted for locals and tourists. It is the best place for souvenir shopping. Shilpgram will be organized at the western side of the Udaipur. The highlights of the region are mirror work, bandhani, tie and dye, terracotta sculptures and marble. It is especially a pleasure for those who are interested in learning pottery or any other type of craft. Crafts and tourism are an important industry for the state of Rajasthan. This is where you will be able to find some of the best handicrafts of Rajasthan. Local women do most of these artworks. NGOs along with Government appointed self-help women groups to help local women find sources of employment through handicrafts. Not only will you be able to get a fine piece of Indian handicraft, but you will also end up contributing towards sustaining the livelihood of women and the local population.  4. Horse Riding around Aravalli Hills: Taking a horse ride along the sloppy regions of Aravalli Hills is the best experience you can have in Udaipur. You can also spot animals like blue bulls, antelope and many more. For beginners, it is better to take the horse ride for a short period. For professionals, it is advised to hire the horse for a long time and have overnight riding. All the equipment required will be provided by the service providers. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the city while you ride. This is one of the most fun experiences and a quirky experience to try. Explore the countryside through villages and nearby rural areas. If you want to feel like the Royals, there is no better way to imitate their lifestyle than exploring the mountain ranges of the Aravallis as they used to do hundreds of years ago. Horse riding is an intrinsic part of Rajasthan’s royal culture. Some of the Rajput kings were famous for their horse-riding skills. Most of them had thousands of horses of Arabian descent in their stables. 5. Sound and Light Show: The Sound and Light Show will be held at Kumbhalgarh fort. A show to watch, attend the flamboyant performances depicting the history and rich culture of the kingship of Mewar and Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is one of the amazing things to do in Udaipur. The sound and Light show will take place in the evening, every day. The sound and light show will narrate the history of the fort with the help of music and lights. Rajasthan State Government Tourism Department used to organize this show. The fort continues to be lightened for one hour after the show. This extraordinary sight creates a lasting impression. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is special in Udaipur? A: Udaipur being the capital of Mewr, Rajasthan is known to be the royal tourist destination.  Travellers with the love of history, culture and architecture can enjoy the place very much. The place is renowned for its massive palaces, ancient forts, beautiful lakes, green gardens, temples and so much more.  Q2: What are the famous foods in Udaipur? A: 1.Pav Bhaji at Pandit. Daal baati ata Manoj Prakash. Vada pav at Shankar. Tea in Kamlesh Tea Stall.     Momos ate Meals on wheels.  Q3: Where should I stay in Udaipur? A: 1.Fateh Prakash Place.     2.The Lalit Laxmi Vilas.      3.The Fern Residency. Hotel Le Roi.  Q4: What seasons are good times to visit Udaipur?  A: The best months are September, October, November, December, February and March. July is the beginning season of monsoon in Udaipur that stays till September. The rainy season makes Udaipur look good and the summer season in Udaipur is extremely hot.  Conclusion The mystical, enchanting and visually rich city of Udaipur will captivate all your senses. For thousands of visitors all over the world, Udaipur is a necessary visit. Whatever your budget, Udaipur will be able to offer its finest hospitality to all. P.S- while in Udaipur, please do try to eat ‘Rarha Gosht’. It is a preparation of Mutton Shanks in thick gravy- a dish loved by the Royals of the land! Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Experience Udaipur Through Deccan Odyssey