Bean to Mug: The Journey of Chikmagalur’s Coffee from the Plantation to Your Cup

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

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

BY  Subham Saha Jan 12, 2021

Whenever we are taking the name of Bogota in Colombia, what comes first into your mind? A beautiful dreamlike country with full of colors and the magnificent tropical landscape or beautiful Spanish-speaking people, I think almost everything. You will amaze to see all these things just within a single City. If we are telling you that more astonishing things to do in Bogota are the most desired outcome of visiting the place. The city is full of vibrant colors and small scattered towns. If you want to taste the real flavor of Colombia, then there are no other options than Bogota. Bogota is a well-balanced city in Colombia, where you can see 400 hundred years old historical churches, along with modern high rise buildings. Bogota is the combination of these best two. For these reasons, the capital of Colombia just scores 10 out of 10, and it has become every traveler's most desired destination.  You will see the old and new two different flavors but mixed up and serve you the best traveling experiences. The stunning colorful pebbled path and the colorful houses with the painted walls always give you the thrill of the old and historical flavor. The century-old plazas and the new boutiques are the great combinations of old and the new. 10 Most Popular Destination In Bogota  As Bogota is famous among history-loving travelers and excavators, Colombia provides us with the clearest, natural, and a beautiful tropical environment full of modern pubs and cafeterias.  So here is the list of the most popular destinations among all age travelers to get the perfect flavor of Colombia and Bogota. And you will get the full idea about things to do in Bogota Colombia. 1. Bolivar Square Bolivar Square has a rich pre-Columbian history. This is the Oldest and the ancient square of Bogota. Bolivar Square is the all-time attention point of Bogota. As the oldest cathedral is in here and the Christmas and the other celebrations and the festivals are always taking place here. Previously it was used as the bull market and for the public circus, but now almost every program occurs here. This is the main downtown in the whole city. If you are traveling at Christmas, you will see how the full square is just flowing with thousand lights. This feeling will be heavenly when you can see the beautiful candlelights under the approx 400 years old building structures.  Bolivar Square is surrounded by some very important buildings like the Sacred Museum, Archbishop's Palace, Caracas Cathedral, City Hall, Chapel of Santa Rosa de Lima, the Yellow House and the Main Theater, and the building of the Government of the Capital District. The most important structure in the Bolivar square is Simón Bolívar,  which is in the center of the square. This statue was first inaugurated in 1874. Apart from Square, more things to do in Bogota are just mentioned below. 2. Museo Botero The Borato Musume or Museo Botero is one of the popular destinations among tourists. This museum is one of the oldest and the most important art that affects the Museum of Latin American history. This museum is the best collection of art effects as almost 1,000 people are visiting here. One month 2000 art students are visiting here to gain knowledge about the place and the art effects. This museum is very near to the popular Gold Museum of Bogotá and the Luis Ángel Arango Library. This museum is the full treasure island for any art enthusiast and the art students. They provide almost 208 types of artworks, a safe house of collections. Among them, 123 artworks are of Fernando Botero. You can see other famous artist artworks like  Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, Balthus, Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso. 3. Gold Museum Are you not fond of the yellow Noble metal, the shiny, glittery gold? Bogota’s Gold Museum is one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Colombian gold pieces. This museum has almost 55,000 pieces of archeologically excavated gold. Among them, 6,000 are on public display. Without visiting the gold Museum things to do in Bogota is quite an incomplete list. The first floor of the museum consists of one entrance and restaurants. The real gold collections are starting on the second floor. You can see the different cultural gold, which is dated almost pre Spanish colonies arrival. If you want to feel the real Old Colombia, this museum is the best option for you. The Gold Museum is the most visited museum in Bogota; almost every 500,000 tourists are visiting here. 4. Monserrate Monserrate is the 10,000 feet high mountain that dominates the whole of Bogota city. Beside the hill, there is one oldest 17th Century church named El Señor Caído, which is almost 10,341 ft above sea level. This mountain was always counted as the secret place for the people from the pre-Colombian time, but after the Spanish colonial arrival, these are just becoming the home of all God’s heaven on earth. Hiking, cycling, and climbing are the two main things to do in Bogota. There are two ways to climb the peaks of these hills one is by hiking routes another one consists of cable car roots. The hiking path is not very long, only 2.5 Km. The travelers and the pilgrims are always taking the walking trails. This mountain is just behind Bolivar Square. You can see the sunrise and the setting from Bolivar Square. 5. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá The salt cathedral of Zipaquirá is built under the Roman Catholic Church. It was a 200miter salt mine and almost 600 miter underground from the halite mountain. Now it has become a very well-known tourist destination. The cathedral is the most notable Colombian structure of history.  The halite rocks are fully curved with Jesus’s birth, life, and death. This cathedral is also weighted for its archaeological value. If we are telling you the salt mine age, you may be amused by the date. This halite mine was exploited at the time before Colombian history, and the Zipaquirá has one of the oldest human civilizations. This Cathedral is just 49 km far from Bogota’s main city. 6. Laguna de Guatavita The lake Guatavita is just a perfect spot for chilling down beside the natural tropical lake. This lake is surrounded by small green hills and beautiful trees. The circular lake is almost 19.8 hectares and only 57 km from the Bogota main city. There is a hot water spring near the lake. These lakes also have a very old archeological value as the lake is the secreted ground among the local Muisca people. The gold is everywhere in Bogota; few gold items are found from the bottom of the lake. The gold museum to Lake Guatavita, everywhere you will get to see the beauty of the old and the new. The pre-Columbian cultural people are involved in the sacred cultural duties, which are gold disposal rituals. Maybe you can find gold from the bottom of the lake, but the bright golden color sun rays reflect on the lakes’ clearwater, just giving you the gold achieving feelings. 7. Tejo If you are in Colombia but do not have the time to play Tejo. Then your Colombia tour is just incomplete without playing these traditional throwing games. Without Tejo, things to do in Bogota are quite colorless. Many scientists and the archaeologist say these new forms of playing Tejos are the ancestors of the century-old pre-Colombian throwing games.  At the present time, the target is designed with gunpowder; whenever any participant shoots the target at that time, the gunpowder explosion just alarms the crowd who are watching the game.  8. Zona G Are you a Gourmet food lover? So there is the best choice of things to do in Bogota but with the delicious food, the list is incomplete. Zona G is the best destination for you to take the authentic Colombian Gourmet food taste. This is the best dining destination for all travelers and the locals. The whole area is crowded with multiple types of food serving restaurants. The Chinese, French, Italian are the main cushion restaurants which are just offering their service here. The whole area is the biggest food plaza, which consists of multiple dining options.  9. Museo Nacional de Colombia If you are asking about the most archeologically valued Museum, then Colombia's National Museum is the best things to do in Bogota. It has 20,000 pieces of art effects. This is the oldest Museum in Colombia, built-in 1823. The 10,000 art effects are from the Afro Colombian period. The museum fortress itself has very high archaeological value. The structure is just built with stone walls, and this was the old fortress. This huge building serves as the prison till 1946. After 1975 this building was adopted as the national Musume. Not only art effects but also you will enjoy the historical paintings.  10. Bicycle Tour Bogota is a perfect place for bicycle tours. The small walking trails and the bicycle path are just covering the whole of Bogota city. If you want to feel the thrill, then just book for the bicycle riding tours. So this is one of the best things to do in Bogota. The local plazas and the local areas are just best for taking the ride. Bogota has a wide range of bicycle trails, and they offer such a good traveling plan for bicycle renters. While riding the bicycle, you can enjoy the beautiful small villages and each house’s painted walls, and the colorful cobbled path is the best view you will get to enjoy. Conclusion If you want to explore the whole city entirely, then you must travel to the city by bicycle or on foot. The hill's narrow roads are just perfect for bicycle riding or walking tours. The flavor of the small city is just so attractive. If you once go to Bogota, you will feel the warmth and the hospitality of the locals. If you can not find the proper walking way, then communicate with local people and they will guide you towards your destinations. Visit Bogota and feel the real heritage of Colombia. You can also visit Medellin which is just 260 miles away from Bogota. And enjoy the best amazing things to do in Medellin Colombia in the same way. 

BY  Anindita Dey Mar 27, 2025

When introducing Mawryngkhang trek, I would like to highlight that it is one of the most beautiful trek destinations in Meghalaya. A bit difficult, it is one of the coolest places to be if you love nature. With the pace you set, you can experience some of the most beautiful flora and fauna.   Additionally, you will see how monsoons as a season can make a place look so much more beautiful. Meghalaya with its lush green forests, waterfalls, steep slopes, and bamboo bridges welcomes you with all its glory in this trek.   I would even go on to say that it is one of the best places to visit in February for a trek. The weather is dry along with a bit of a mix with various wildlife and trees.   Things You Need to Know to Do the Mawryngkhang Trek!   Known as the Bamboo Trek, when you are preparing for the Mawryngkhang Trek, you must be prepared. Moderately difficult, this trek will need you to be at your best, both physically and mentally. There are some essential gears which you must carry so that you can have a good trek.  Simultaneously, you also need to be aware of the inclination of the slopes, the sheer drops, the height and also the number of bamboo bridges on the trail. Overall, read the blog to follow the significant tips which will make your travel to Mawryngkhang trek location much easier.   I wouldn’t say it is one of the best places to travel with kids, especially if you are trekking. What is more important is you have to do good research before you plan on traveling there.   Best Time to Visit   If you ask me, the best season to visit Meghalaya if your purpose is to trek is during the dry season. From October to April, you can go on a trek and enjoy yourself while taking a walk across the trails.   The Mawryngkhang trek is a bit difficult hence, it is important for you to be careful and do not risk as the trail can be slippery. The round trip is about 3.54 kilometers hence, for an experienced trekker, it might take 3 to 5 hours.   It also depends on your fitness level and your pace. With the difficulty level as moderately difficult, you should do proper research, fitness evaluation and then go ahead with the trek.   Essential Gear to Take   There are important things to carry with you, especially when you are going on a trek. The trail of the Mawryngkhang Trek can be a bit tricky and slippery hence, you need these essential gears to carry so that you do not face any issues while enjoying the trek.   Going to one of the exotic places to travel, you should know the significant things you must carry on this trip.   Comfortable clothing   It is important to wear comfortable clothing especially when you are trekking. Comfortable clothing also means breathable clothing which lets you move well, with flexibility and easy movement.   Furthermore, comfortable clothing also ensures that you're clothing easily dries if you get drenched or if you sweat profusely.   Water bottle   Constantly drinking water is advisable in our daily routine. So, imagine when you are going on a trek, your body is going through severe physical movement! Drink water regularly while on the trek, hence you need to stay hydrated.   You should use reusable water bottles especially when you are on a trek. You need to be sustainable along with environmentally friendly because it reflects your nature lover streak.   Sun protection   While going on a trek, you need to carry things that will protect you from the direct rays of the sun including sunglasses, a hat, and scarves. Additionally, apply sunscreen constantly and before you start your trek which will protect you from getting sunburned.   Sturdy shoes   It is quite important to wear sturdy shoes especially when it comes to having a good grip. When trekking, you also need good ankle support, henceforth, you do not get sprains. It is therefore significant for you to wear sturdy shoes that will support your feet while crossing bamboo bridges and walking on uneven terrains.   Rain gear   Meghalaya is well known for its changing weather, especially the way rain comes. It is therefore imminent a step for you to carry your rain gear, be it a poncho or a raincoat. Overall, unpredictable weather can be a concern for your trek so focus on your overall plans so that you do not face any concern.   Snacks   Carry some granola bars, nuts or fruits that will give you energy and are easy to carry. When you are on a trek, you should have bites of energy boosting food items or drinks that will establish your energy throughout the duration of your trek.   Safety Precautions You Need to Trek   There are some precautions which you need to take when traveling to Meghalaya, especially when you go to Mawryngkhang Trek. Follow the precautions that I am mentioning below and do implement them so that you resolve any issues.   Respecting Nature   Meghalaya is known for its nature and respecting nature is one of the most important rules here. When you have decided to go on a vacation, trekking to different places, visiting waterfalls and other elements, do respect nature.   You must respect the environment there and follow the available trail. Try not to walk all over the flowers, plants, roots and trees while going off road. It damages the plants along with increasing the risks of hampering many unique plants.    Also, please do not litter on the forest floor! Trails are often filled with plastic packets and wrappers of food, drinks, and other used things. Please avoid doing that because it disrespects nature.   Follow Bridging Rules   One of the most important elements that you will find mostly everywhere in Meghalaya when outdoors is the bamboo bridges. These bridges are mostly manually designed hence, the capacity of the bridge is limited.   It is therefore advised that only one person crosses a bridge at a time. Please remember this and accordingly cross one at a time so that the next person can cross it relaxedly.   Hire Local Guides   You can hire a local guide because it is not just about you experiencing something adventurous but also about enhancing the overall experience. The terrain might not be completely understandable to you because you are visiting it for the first time.   This is where a local guide will help you because they know the landscape better than you. Additionally, the local guide also helps you if there is an emergency such as a fall, cut and gashes to the skin, sprained ankle and others.   Tips to Trek the Mawryngkhang Trek   These are significant tips that will help you plan your trek to Mawryngkhang. I am sharing with you these tips because I felt, if I knew these before, it would have been for me. Let's make you more prepared to deal with certain issues that might make it a little difficult for you.   No Accommodation   This is one of the most important things to know especially because it will dictate your overall plan to visit Meghalaya. There are no accommodation or lodge facilities available in Wahkhen, which is the nearest location to Mawryngkhang Trek.    It is better if you book your stay somewhere else. Accordingly arrange your own transport and visit the place. Then you can go ahead and do the trek which once completed, arrange your own transport to pick you up to return.   Be Prepared for Heights   The trek is a bit difficult due to its height as you will have to cross steep climbs while on the trek. There are several narrow bridges which you need to cross while on this trek hence, if you are fearful of heights, you need to reconsider the trek. It is better to avoid the trek if you have serious issues of height.   Start Early   If you are someone who loves tranquility, this is the place for you. However, you need to start early when going on Mawryngkhang Trek so that you are not forced to speed up if there is a line behind you. Considering the place is quite popular for trekking, there is a bit of a rush.   It is better if you go early and enjoy your trek, taking time and relaxing while trekking. Instead, if you constantly fret about how there are people behind you and the narrow climbs and bridges ensure that you must make a single file while trekking.   Enjoy the Views   A stunning view awaits you on your trek to Mawryngkhang Trek because the trails are filled with unique flora and fauna. You experience beauty in all its glory where there is no human influence. Instead, it is all just the lush green beauty of nature.   Check out the stunning valleys, lakes and waterfalls which you see while on the Mawryngkhang Trek. Keep in mind that there will be issues with the trail paths as there are some difficulties hence, it is better if you are regularly moving, flexible and fit.   Let’s get that Backpack!   Now that I have shared with you all about Mawryngkhang trek, you should start planning your next visit. It will be a more fun trip if you make a group of all your trekking friends who will enjoy the place just like you.   Comment below on what you think of the information I have shared. You can further add some of the safety tips that you swear by when traveling for a trek.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.