Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024]

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!

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 18, 2023

Nestled deep in the heart of the Great Smokies, Pigeon Forge attracts travelers with its breathtaking expanse and abundant recreation. Named after the Little Pigeon River, this vibrant mountain town is the home of Appalachian crafts, folklore, and heritage. This multifaceted town delights serenity seekers with its old-fashioned and sleepy countryside charm and the tranquility of the wilderness. Moreover, thrill seekers can embark on rip-roaring alpine adventures, nature trails, amusement parks, and outdoor recreation spots. Most importantly, this family-friendly destination offers a plethora of live entertainment venues and a culturally rich food scene brimming with variety. Planning the perfect Pigeon Forge vacation demands extensive research to set priorities and divide your time between must-have experiences. The Smoky Mountains region is a popular destination attracting scores of tourists year-round. Therefore, we advise planning your vacation in early spring or late fall to escape the crowds and enjoy the town’s old-world charm. Read on to explore our detailed guide to planning an unforgettable Pigeon Forge vacation. Finding An Ideally Located Home Base Mountain towns like Pigeon Forge serve as alpine home bases to explore the Great Smokies and hike through the trail networks. In other words, the town’s privileged location allows vacationers to visit innumerable local and regional attractions without being overwhelmed by distance. For instance, travelers can easily access the Smoky Mountains National Park, drive to Dollywood, or dine in Sevierville. Finding an ideally located accommodation is of the utmost significance to pack up your itinerary with local attractions and day trips. Pigeon Forge offers an impressive lineup of luxurious vacation rentals situated at the foothills of the verdant rolling hills. Families with children will enjoy the independence of renting 2 bedroom cabins in Pigeon Forge, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Travelers commonly undermine the impact of a lavishly appointed accommodation until exposed to bug-riddled bedding, pest infestation, and badly-cooked breakfast. A tastefully appointed cabin will give you a home away from home, maximizing comfort and relaxation with modern amenities. Most cabins feature hot tubs, fully-functional kitchens, and outdoor areas with lounging furniture, firepits, and BBQ equipment. A comfortable home base will help you unwind and recharge before setting out for the day’s adventure. Besides, who wants to miss the joy of waking up to a majestic view of the sun rising atop the rolling hills? Connect With Mother Nature In The Great Smokies The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Pigeon Forge’s most popular attraction, beckoning adventures, and nature lovers to explore its breathtaking expanse. The park is home to over 800 miles of nature trails, opening up a spectacular network of rewarding hikes. The Great Smokies are home to hidden caves and coves, cascading waterfalls, fragrant wildflower meadows, and synchronized fireflies. Hiking through the park allows travelers to connect with Mother Nature while discovering historical Appalachian remnants and settlements. Passionate hikers would want to cover the park’s iconic section of the legendary Appalachian Trail – a trek brimming with beauty and intrigue. The region offers a multitude of beginner and child-friendly hikes that lead you through serene wooded sections, meadows, and waterfalls. The Porters Creek Trail and Laurel Falls Trail are the most popular hikes in the park. Both trails are easy and beginner-friendly, covering historic settlements, waterfalls, and streams. If you love cooling off in the sun after a hike, we strongly suggest visiting the 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls. The Grotto Falls trail is another soul-satisfying route passing through a hemlock forest with a child-friendly beaten path. Seasoned hikers can embark on the Ramsey Cascades Trail to witness the park’s tallest waterfall and an enchanting cove hardwood forest. Feast On Traditional Tennessee Cuisine One can hardly visit Pigeon Forge without enjoying the comforting flavors of a traditional Tennessee feast. The local cuisine focuses on comfort foods that melt in your mouth with a burst of herbs, spices, and well-seared meat. Pigeon Forge offers a diverse variety of multicultural cuisine, with innumerable high-rated restaurants specializing in local delicacies. You can delight your taste buds with various classic Southern delicacies, like rainbow trout and fried chicken with fluffy biscuits. Stone-ground cornmeal is a hearty treat that elevates every meal after slathering it with locally farmed wildflower honey. Local restaurants offer a multitude of generational recipes passed down by grandmothers and preserved with exceptional craft. For instance, the local homemade maple syrup is mind-blowing, and homemade desserts like fudge and taffy are decadent treats. Vacationers with a sweet tooth must try the locally grown jellies, fruit preserves, and traditional Tennessee-style apple dumplings. Tennessee meals fill up the belly with the magical warmth of aromatic gravies paired with fluffy biscuits and hand-churned butter. Amusement Parks And Sightseeing Pigeon Forge is brimming with indoor and outdoor attractions, including art galleries, museums, amusement parks, and live entertainment venues. The Adventure Park at Five Oaks combines the magnificent beauty of the Smokies with adrenalin-raising rides that will test your mettle. Children adore the action-packed sequences at the Smoky Mountain Escape Games while Xtreme Racing Center beckons go-karting enthusiasts. Parents eager to combine fun with interactive learning experiences will find Pigeon Forge brimming with incredible venues. For instance, Ripley’s Aquarium allows visitors to connect with sea creatures in their natural habitats and learn from immersive exhibits. Crime fanatics wouldn’t want to miss out on Alcatraz East, a one-of-its-kind attraction designed into a 19th-century prison. Alcatraz is a crime museum featuring enthralling displays and exhibits on America’s iconic criminals, including Al Capone and John Dillinger. Read Also: Six Things To Do If You’re In Pigeon Forge Final Thoughts There’s much to do and discover in Pigeon Forge, and this adventurous destination encourages travelers to step outside their comfort zones. The region is ideal for whitewater rafting, and vacationers can find state-of-the-art facilities and training centers along the Pigeon River. If rafting seems intimidating, embark on a thrilling tubbing adventure at the Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park. We strongly urge travelers to hop aboard the Pigeon Forge trolly to explore the town and a few sections of Sevierville. Operational since 1986, these trolleys are a convenient and memorable way to discover local attractions and connect with like-minded travelers. Read Also: Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers 8 Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge Top Tips For A Terrific Vacation

BY  Arnab Apr 11, 2023

The Vatican Museums was recently in the news for unveiling one of its restored masterpieces. Further, the unveiling on 15th August 2024 showcased the restored form of a stunning marble sculpture of the Greek God Apollo in the Pio Clementino Museum of the Museums.  Now, the sculpture known as the “Apollo Belvedere” has inspired poets and artists across generations. Further, the statue had damage to the legs and knees. Along with repairing these damages, the restoration work also increased the stability of the statue.  This type of restoration... is the expression of what we want the Vatican Museums to be. "A balance of tradition, linguistics and study, with a gaze that looks to the future."Barbara Jatta, Director, The Vatican Museums  Furthermore, this Apollo Belvedere was one of the first masterpieces in the museum, and the way it depicts the curled hair and musculature is impeccable.  Above all, along with the Apollo Statue, the Vatican Museums is home to some of the world’s most famous and historic museums, making it a must-see destination for visitors from around the globe.  So, with its impressive collections spanning art, history, and culture, there are countless opportunities for exploration at the Vatican Museums. It has the best artifacts of ancient Egypt and Rome.  Moreover, from guided tours to self-guided visits, here is a flavor of what you need to know about taking a tour of the region’s museums and what you might see. Did You Know?Pope Julius II brought the Apollo statue to the Vatican in the early 16th century.Further, the Apollo Belvedere statue in the Vatican Museums is an emulation of a Greek bronze statue.Moreover, The Vatican Museums is the most consistent source of income for the Holy See's. Every year, the museum has around 7 million visitors and it generates a yearly revenue of $100 million.  The Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums  One of the most popular ways to tour The Vatican's Museums is by taking a guided Vatican tour. These can provide visitors with an expert guide who can take them through the galleries and explain the art, history, and culture in each room. Tour guides will typically provide details about the artwork, architecture, and artifacts throughout the museum. If you want the information in addition to taking in all the magnificent sights, then this is a good way to get it into your head and have something of interest to take to the dinner party table back home. Guided tours typically cost a few extra Euros, but they are well worth the money. You cannot beat having some direction when visiting museums that are full of interest. Self-Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums If you would rather explore The Vatican's Museums yourself, you can also opt for a self-guided tour. Self-guided visits allow tourists to explore their surroundings individually and at their own pace, as well as focus on what interests them most. Of course, you will need to purchase any tickets in advance, and all visitors must adhere to the museum’s dress code if they have one. If you have elderly family members who may struggle to keep up with the pace of the younger tourist, or you have children with particular educational interests, then it is good to be able to stroll around at your leisure. It does provide the opportunity to only explore what you are most interested in as a smaller group or perhaps a couple. Main Attractions These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. Other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Different Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are composed of several different museums, each with its unique collection. The Pio-Clementino Museum, for example, is focused on antiquities and sculptures from Ancient Rome and Greece. Other museums include the Pinacoteca, which features European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries; and the Etruscan Museum, which is devoted to the art of the ancient Etruscans. Regardless of how you choose to explore, it is sure to be a memorable experience. With its stunning artwork and historic artifacts, visitors are able to gain insight into some of the world's most renowned collections. Gregorian Egyptian Museum Gregorian Etruscan Museum Pio Clementino Museum Chiaramonti Museum Lapidary Gallery New Wing Gregoriano Profano Museum Lapidario Profano ex Lateranense Pius-Christian Museum Christian Lapidarium Jewish Lapidarium Pinacoteca Ethnological Museum Anima Mundi Carriage Pavilion Christian Museum Profane Museum Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding Chapel of St. Peter Martyr Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art Sistine Chapel Raphael's Rooms Borgia Apartment Niccoline Chapel Chapel of Urban VIII Room of the Immaculate Conception Room of the Chiaroscuri Before you visit the Vatican Museums in person, you can also take a virtual tour by visiting its official website. Further, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the different museums and their masterpieces.  Moreover, the site has an online catalog that you can go through for an easy, self-guided tour. Also, there are so many things to see that you will need at least 4 to 5 hours to complete a tour of the museum.  Main Attractions Of The Vatican Museums These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. In many ways the ceiling is a compendium, of Michelangelo’s art, of the Renaissance, of Christian theology. Like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony or Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ceiling is a transcendent work of genius that can never be exhausted through looking or describing. In the words of Goethe: “Until you have seen the Sistine Chapel, you can have no adequate conception of what man is capable of accomplishing.William E. Wallace, Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture Moreover, other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Collections To Remember At The Vatican Museums  With its incredible collections and fascinating history, a visit to the Vatican Museums should definitely be on the bucket list of every avid traveler. After all, it is one of the world’s greatest cultural sites!  So, most sections of the Vatican Museums have several masterpieces.  Vatican Museums MasterpiecesGregorian Egyptian MuseumVatican NaophorousShroud of the “Lady of the Vatican”Sarcophagus of DjedmutGregorian Etruscan MuseumLarge Wall FibulaCalabresi AmpouleMars of TodiPio Clementino MuseumApoxyomenosApollo BelvedereRiver God ArnoGregoriano Profano MuseumAthena and MarsyasMarble from the ParthenonJulius CaesarPinacotecaMelozzo da Forli, An Angel Playing the LuteLeonardo Da Vinci, St. JeromeEthnological MuseumPukumani Grave PostsPhoenix Crown Throughout the centuries, the Catholic Church and the papacy have curated and preserved artwork from the world in the Vatican Museums. Moreover, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vatican City, this museum is a wonderful fusion of archaeology, art, and history.  Read Also: Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade LoraNocarter+Absecon: 10 Best Things To Do There Six Things To Do If You’re In Pigeon Forge