Dark Tourism in India Exploring Shadows and Must-Visit Sites

BY  Nabamita Aug 4, 2022

Are you planning your next trip? Are you thinking about going to Harlem? Are you looking for things to do in Harlem? If the answer to all these questions is YES, then you are in the right place. Here, in this article, we will provide you with a complete insight about the place Harlem. To indulge the best of the African-American culture of New York City, you have to visit Harlem. This is a neighborhood with vibrant colors, historical sites, soulful food, and melodious jazz music. Welcome To Harlem! Located inside New York City, Harlem is the center of Black Culture and Heritage. It is referred to as the “Black Mecca of the World.” But it has been the humble abode to other races as well, like, Jewish, Italian, Irish, German, and Dutch. It is a paradise for fun activities and attractive entertainment choices, with food, music, and theater. This vibrant neighborhood should definitely be a part of your itinerary for your next visit to New York City. You will definitely find a lot of fun things to do in Harlem. How To Reach Here? Before indulging yourself in all those things to do in Harlem, it is best to get route details. So, here it is.  Harlem is quite a large area in the city, stretching all the way from the Hudson River to the East River. It is from 110th street to 155th street. Looking up the directions on Google Maps is the best option, but just in case, there are many viable transport options to reach there. By Bus If you are willing to take the bus, then here are the buses you should take. M7, M1, M10, M102, M102, M104, M103, M116, M106. Other than these options, there are bus tours that have many stops in Harlem. For an easier experience, you can look into these bus tours. By Subway If you want to experience the famous New York City subway, then here are the trains you should consider. The A, C, B, or D till the 125th street. Take the 3 or 2 trains till the 125th street. You can take either 6, 5, or the 4 trains till the 125th street. Then you can either take the bus or a taxi. 7 Things To Do In Harlem Once you visit Harlem, you will see there are a lot of things to do here. But I have narrowed down seven of the best things to do here. Harlem is a very friendly and pocket-friendly neighborhood. Best for tourists to experience the culture of New York City. Now, let’s prepare your “things to do in Harlem” list. 1. Take A Walking Tour If you go through a few travel companies, you will see there are many walking tours available through Harlem. There are many different types of tours available focusing on different parts of Harlem. A few of these tours are GPS Audio Harlem Tour, the Social Justice Tour, and the Bronx-Harlem Bike Tour. 2. Apollo Theatre Located near 253 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The Apollo Theater is a popular landmark in Harlem, built-in 1934. The Theater witnessed giants in the music industry. Legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Visiting these historical places is among the best things to do in Harlem today. 3. National Jazz Museum This institution is yet another landmark located near 58 West 129th Street at Malcolm X Blvd. This Smithsonian-affiliated Jazz museum is perfect for all you Jazz fans. With a wide collection of Smithsonian Jazz, engaging discussions and lectures, and foremost live performances. The Museum is open from Thursday to Monday- 11 am- 5 pm. Read More: Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe 4. Abyssinian Baptist Church The Abyssinian Baptist Church is located at 132W 138th Street. It was founded in the year 1808 and was known as a “mega church.” It was led by one of the famous leaders, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. It is a popular place for gospel services. 5. Check Out The Harlem Murals As I mentioned before, Harlem is very colorful and vibrant; one of the reasons for that is the murals painted on the walls. Visiting these street arts is the best things to do in Harlem. Here you will find a Grafitti Hall of Fame with countless murals for you to see. Two of the newer murals here are of the legendary Jazz artist Dizzy Gillespie. 6. Sylvia’s Restaurant A staple here in Harlem is the famous Sylvia’s Restaurant, located near 328 Malcolm x Blvd. at 127th Street. This is one of the most popular places to eat here in Harlem, with affordable and soulful food amidst culture and history. Sylvia’s Restaurant is the heart of Harlem, where the renaissance took place. It is an experience you simply can’t miss when you are here. 7. Marcus Garvey Park If you had a busy day yesterday and looking for things to do in Harlem today, a bit low-key, then visit Marcus Garvey Park. The park has certain qualities for everyone to enjoy. It is the best place to cool off and just chill during the summer. In the amphitheater in the park, often live performances of music, comedy, and plays are done. You can even visit the park's website to look for any upcoming events. Read More: 10 Best Things To Do In Phoenix(Arizona) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Above here, I have discussed most of the things about Harlem, even thorough here are a few questions people ask. This will also give you another insign of things to do in Harlem. 1. How Do I Spend A Day In Harlem?  If you are spending only one day here in Harlem, here is how you should spend it.1. Eat your breakfast at Amy Ruth’s.2. In the afternoon, visit the fitness class here in Marcus Garvey Park.3. Learn more about the culture and history of Harlem in the Studio Museum.4. Bite into juicy barbecue ribs in Sylvia’s Restaurant.5. In the evening, see a concert at the Apollo Theater.6. At night drink as many cocktails as you can at Bill’s place. 2. Which Is The Most Famous Street In Harlem? The most famous street here in Harlem is the 125th Street. This is the most important street as it connects the most transportation services and cultural landmarks. 3. How Did Harlem Become A Black Neighborhood? The wealthiest of black people moved into the neighborhood during the Great Migration. This created a huge increase in the black population in the city. With the help of black churches played a major role in financing the neighborhood. Wrapping Up! Harlem plays a huge part in portraying black history and culture. With its vibrant and colorful neighborhood and lovely people, music, art, culture, and delicious food. These are the history of black culture and the Harlem neighborhood showcased in front of the world. I believe now you are all prepared with your list of things to do in Harlem. Now, book the tickets, make the reservations in hotels, and start packing your bags. Read Also: Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen

BY  Arnab Dec 27, 2023

White water rafting delivers a thrilling experience, balancing stunning natural vistas with adrenaline-fueled excitement. If you're new to this adventure, you likely have queries and considerations regarding what to expect and how to prepare for maximizing your thrill.It might surprise you, but white-water rafting can be equally thrilling for beginners and experienced adventurers, provided you choose the right location and know what to expect. Here Are Eight Prime Ideas For A Fun And Memorable White Water Rafting Experience In this blog post, we'll provide eight essential tips and insights to ensure your first expedition is both enjoyable and safe, leaving a memorable impact. 1. Choose the Right Attire Staying in your boat for the entire duration of the outdoor adventure won’t stop you from getting wet. Anticipate getting wet on your journey, and don waterproof and anti-chafing garments that can serve as a barrier between you and the raft. Fabrics such as cotton and wool take an extended period to dry and draw heat away from your body, potentially leaving you feeling cold. Ideally, you want to go for synthetic materials that dry quickly and don’t absorb a lot of water. When picking shoes, choose those that have laces. Flip flops and sandals can easily get lost if you happen to lose balance or fall into the water. Depending on the weather forecast and expected temperatures, you can wear a wetsuit. It will offer extra buoyancy and protect you from temperature drops that characterize the colder months. 2. Always Bring a Helmet Safety is of key concern whenever you go on an outdoor adventure and rafting is not an exception. Make sure you have all your safety equipment, including a helmet. White water rafting rivers often have rocks, branches, and logs lining the bottom and you may not notice them from your sitting position in the boat. If you happen to fall into the water, hitting your head against one of these could leave you with severe injuries that you want to avoid. Always keep your helmet on to stay on the safe side. 3. Know What to Do if You Fall Out of the Raft You may take every precautionary measure but even your guide may not stop you from falling into the water. In the eventuality of it occurring, your subsequent actions could carry significant weight. Upon entering the raft, ensure to don your life vest and maintain its presence until disembarking from the boat. If you fall into the water, stay calm swim towards the vessel, and grab the outside safety line. Call out to the guide or rafting mates and wait for someone to pull you back in. If you can’t swim towards the raft, call out to a rafting mate and they will toss you the throw bag and a paddle that you can hold onto. If neither of these is possible, lie in the whitewater swimming position and wait for a guide to reach you. 4. Listen to Your Guide White water rafting guides are experienced in handling the wilderness and river terrain. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rafter, it's crucial to heed instructions attentively when they are given. These directives will provide essential information for navigating challenging waters, including what to avoid, where to swim, and when to paddle. They may seem like simple instructions but they dictate the speed, direction, and weight balance of your vessel. 5. Master the T-Grip The T-grip is an important aspect of white water rafting as it is the only way to ensure that the paddle does not slip out of your hands. The T-grip is the end part of the paddle-shaped like a “T” and is made of hard plastic. Most white water rafting guides will always show you the T-grip before you set out. Essentially, you need to keep one hand at the base of the paddle on the shaft while the other holds firmly over the T-grip. This ensures that you have control of the paddle and cushion any blows to you or your rafting mates in case of anything. 6. Practice Your Swimming Like we said before, you cannot stop yourself from falling into the water when you go white water rafting. Understanding the different swimming techniques such as aggressive and defensive swimming can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in the water. Rivers meant for white water rafting have high currents so you need to be sure with what you are doing. If you choose to swim to the banks, make sure you only go for the banks and avoid standing still in the water even if you need time to think. Standing still or walking in the river could cause foot entrapment which could be dangerous. 7. Research Your Destination Different rafting sites offer different experiences. You could find a beautiful river headed up by a dam that allows for scheduled water releases like the Pigeon River. A Yellowstone whitewater rafting day trip, on the other hand, will bring with it the excitement of Class II and Class III white water rapids allowing you to relax and enjoy the pristine wilderness. Taking time to familiarize yourself with the destination allows you to prepare in terms of choosing attire and packing guides. You want to go with a guide who has sailed the same waters for a while. 8. Avoid Carrying Electronics White water rafting is nothing like riding in a fishing boat or a yacht. The waves will constantly toss you around in the raft and some water will definitely get in potentially damaging your electronics. At the very worst, your device could fall into the water and get lost in case of an accident. Even then, white water rafting is not one of those adventures where you can pull out your phone to snap a quick photo. It is an activity that requires you to stay fully engaged and attentive to the paddling patterns and commands from your guides. Some companies will provide you with photographers so they can capture every memorable moment. Endnote You will definitely have lots of fun when you go rafting so make sure you do it with a group of people you are close to. The adrenaline rush will be a source of new memories you will cherish. However, make sure you follow your guide’s instructions to stay safe especially if it is your first time. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague Five Tips for First Time Traveler to India

BY  Sibashree Sep 16, 2024

Everest Base Camp is situated on the southern side of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world at 5,364 meters. The place is accessible for climbers and trekkers to stay and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas.  However, before you begin your trekking, you should enjoy and relish the places, towns, and bazaars. They offer many holiday centers like billiards, and gambling areas to enjoy the time. Also, do not forget beautiful food and antique pieces to enhance your trekking experience.  So, look down to see the things before you Experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.  Things to See While Camping at Everest Base Camp Trek  Here are a few places and things to see while camping at Everest base camp trek -  Lukla  Lukla is one of the famous destinations for travelers. It stands at 2860 meters and is situated in the northeastern part of Nepal, where you can see the beautiful sight of the Himalayas. Moreover, it is the place where you start your trekking journey.  Hence, the town has evolved over the years to become a commercial place where tourists can find the best food and shops to buy. Also, the city has a small airport with a landing strip of 525 meters and boasts of having the most petite landing strip and being the airport at the highest peak in the world.  Syangboche and Everest View Hotel  Syangboche is one of the famous places to visit when you visit Everest base camp. Everest View Hotel is located at the highest peak in the world, which gave it a Guinness record for being the highest-placed hotel in the world. That way, you can see the 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountain from the hotel.  Peaks like Mt. Everest, Tawache, Ama Dablam, and Khumbu Himal are sights to behold. Takashi Miyahara and Yoshinobu Kumagaya envisioned the hotel's construction. Moreover, they had to transport loads of materials to the Himalayas with the help of local Sherpas. The task began in 1960 and came into action in 1971.  Tengboche Tengboche is one of the towns located near the Imja Khola, a typical night halt after Namche. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Tenzing Norgay was also born in Tengboche.  Furthermore, every year in October, the Tengboche Monastery holds the Mani Rimdu festival. This is primarily a Buddhist celebration that includes religious gatherings, ritual singing, and dancing. During the celebration, famous people visit the place, especially Rinpoche, who blesses pilgrims and travelers.  Namche Bazaar Namche Bazaar is one of the bubbling places in Nepal. From the town, you can see the Everest Region. It is also one of the vibrant markets where you can buy Tibetan antiquities, especially trekking and climbing attire. From every point of the city, you can see a panoramic view of the Himalayas.  Moreover, the town has been preserving its historical culture and natural friendliness. It is a trading town known for its yak cheese and butter. Also, you can see a pub, motels, and hotels where travelers can enjoy and have fun. Thus, you can stop in the town for two days before you move on to the trek. Lastly, many Sherpa settlements like Khunde, Khumjung, and Thane can be seen when you visit the town.    Dingboche Dingboche is another popular point from which trekkers move on to Mount Everest from the base camp. You can stay for two nights in the town to see the beautiful Imja River and the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. Thus, many lodges and tents are available, providing the best accommodation for tourists.  Also, a helicopter landing pad lies on the west of Imja River, especially near Moonlight Lodge. Moreover, you can find a satellite cafe and enjoy playing billiards in one of the tallest billiards parlors. Lastly, you can see the kilometers of Mani Walls, which is a great way to create a tourist sight. Additionally, it is made in various sizes and put on top of the kilometers of walls.  Gorakshep Gorakshep is the last stop before you go on your trekking journey. It is a village amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, a hub for Sherpa guides, tourism businesses, and porters. Beyond this point, there is no accommodation facility, so you have to stay in tents amidst the cold weather and winds of the Himalayas.  You will find various guesthouses to stay in before you go for a hike. It is the last resting point for trekkers to experience the great wilderness of the Himalayas. Thus, you can visit Gorakshep before you start your trekking to Mt. Everest. So, spend the night in the lodging house and enjoy the great wilderness of the Himalayas.      The Bottom Line  In the end, Everest Base Camp is where you can begin your trekking journey. However, if you go trekking, you have to wait and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. The serene nature that comes along with the great wilderness and bazaar is full of Tibetan things. Furthermore, you can gamble and play billiards in the parlor, as it is one of the best places for visitors to have fun.  Hence, you can visit the place mentioned above, where you must carry a hard disk to capture millions of beautiful pictures. Consequently, you can taste beautiful Nepali and Tibetan dishes, filling your soul. So, pack your bags and start your trekking journey right now.  FAQs  Here are a few frequently asked questions -  Do you need oxygen at Everest Base Camp? Yes, you need a reliable oxygen tank before you go on a trek to higher altitudes.  Can you drink alcohol at Everest Base Camp? You should avoid drinking alcohol while camping at the Everest Base Camp. It will reduce your vision and judgment as the trails are rough.  How many hours of walking is Everest Base Camp? You must walk 7 to 8 hours a day before walking to the Everest Base Camp.   What is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp? The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is during the late-May to mid-September. Also read Top Reasons To Do Everest Trekking – Himalaya View Treks. Explore Human History And Wildlife With Backcountry Camping In Gates Of The Arctic National Park. From Himalayan Peaks to Cultural Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek.