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

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

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 KnowAnacapa 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 IslandSize: 96 Square Miles (The Largest Of The 5 Channel Islands)Plant Species: 600Plant Communities: 10Landbird Species: 140Land Mammal Species: 11Cultural 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)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnkXAfgbE0s 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.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) 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  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) 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? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXwoKEDtdlM 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. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 4, 2019

One of the key aspects of traveling is booking flights. As a globetrotter, one of the biggest challenges that you would have faced is planning a trip in your budget. Moreover, flight tickets might leave a dent in your pocket. In such a scenario, it becomes important that you must be aware of certain tips and tricks that will help you get the best deal to buy cheap air tickets. With many online sites coming up, you now have the opportunity to surf through various options of flights. You can compare the pricing and get a great deal on them. Cleartrip provides you with many benefits that might help you in making sure that you have booked only the cheap tickets and flights. Let us have a look at some useful tips to get cheap air tickets. Searching on incognito mode If you are a frequent traveler, then this tip is a must-try for you. A major hack that many of us should try is to search for our flight tickets on the incognito mode. If you regularly search for flights on your browser, then the prices tend to be higher if the cookies on our computer are higher. Hence to avoid this increase in price we should make sure that we search for the flights on a private mode or an incognito mode on our browser. This way we can stop the website registering the cookies on our computer. This may not seem like a good option initially and may also lead you to believe that the trick does not work. However, you should try for yourself and then judge. Hence make sure you search for your flight tickets on incognito mode.  Alerts on websites There are many benefits that we can get from booking through travel sites such as Cleartrip. The website offers q unique feature wherein you can put in the request for alert in case of the price drop. Once the flight’s price drops, you will get an intimation for the same.  If you are about to travel on a specified date you can easily set up alerts on the cleartrip website by logging in to the website with your mobile number or e-mail and make sure that you are notified whenever there is a drop-in fare for the prices. The website shall send you an email or a message stating the drop-in prices and also help you in finding the best deals for the flight tickets. Hence as you can understand that this is also a great way of booking cheap tickets for your travel period. Consider online booking portals One of the biggest trends that we have seen today is that you must try booking cheap air tickets. Although there is a certain apprehensions association with online flight booking, many websites offer safe flight booking and keep your information secured. Cleartrip is a popular flight booking website that offers a safe and easy to use platform for buying affordable flight tickets. Besides, there are other benefits too. Let us have a look at some of the benefits we get from booking flight tickets online Convenience – one of the major reasons why people stick to online flight tickets bookings is that these are a convenient way of making sure that we have the best flight tickets. You can easily book your tickets at any time of the day and while doing any work. This way you can avoid the travel to the travel agency and also avoid wasting your time by engaging in lengthy phone calls with travel agencies. Easy customer service – Another great benefit that we get from online booking is that we can easily make changes to our flight tickets anytime. These websites offer easy cancellation policy and refund process. Also, with online booking, we do no have to worry about being charged extra on cancellation. Offers and deals – While booking through online portals one can also have access to various deals that are exclusive to the online booking sites and hence we can save a lot on our travel bookings we may also get offers and deals on food provided in the flight for our long flights. Hence we should make sure that we go through online booking sites for best deals and offers for cheap air tickets. Hence as you can see that these are some of the benefits that we get from online bookings through travel sites. One such very famous travel site for online bookings of hotels and flight tickets is Cleartrip. Rewards or loyalty points Cleartrip also offers loyalty programs to its members, wherein you can become their privileged customer who is eligible to get various deals and discounts. Since most people have to travel for various reasons such as family emergencies, vacations or work having loyalty points in these cases may help us get unexpected discount offers. Using these tips to book cheap air tickets, you can enjoy huge savings! Read Also: Expert Tips For Earning Frequent Flyer Points For Travelling In Business Class Flights 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love Making The Most Out Of Your Next Flight

BY  Mashum Oct 21, 2021

In these difficult times as well as the world where it has become so busy with work. People barely have time to chill and have some adventurous fun with friends. Running only behind money and work will not keep you healthy mentally.  For that, you have to hang out with your friends and do thrilling things that you can later tell your children, while you all sit in the same room. The most important thing you need for yourself is when you can say in the end after doing something crazy “ I am glad I did this, it was so cool”. Life is not all about serious things, they are part of life. The other part is where you can enjoy yourself with your favorite people and do incredible things like fly in a spitfire over some incredible landscapes. Let’s dive into the article where I will mention 25 crazy, adventurous things you can try with your friends. Go get a vacay and enjoy! Here are some adventure Ideas To Go With Your Friends 1. Go Ice-Cross Karting The chilling ice, provoking you to take the challenge of riding a kart, crisscrossing your way through. Imagine zooming down a smooth road. What is the fun in that? The real thrill is when the road will be full of frozen lakes. You and your friends waving at others saying ‘I'll race you is an amazing feeling. Though frozen lakes are pretty dangerous and can cause an accident anytime, that doesn't mean you will not take risks in life. This activity falls under adventure ideas. If you are up for the adventure. Continue reading. 2. Megavalanche Bike Racing Remember the song by Kaleo? ‘Way down we go’. There is only one way you can while participating in the Megavalanche bike ride….DOWN!. Imagine the freezing sharp pin-like air hits your face as you are on your bike just forward towards the bottom of the mountain.  The Megavalanche race is held every year in the French Alps at the Alpe D’Huez ski resort. Make a plan with your friends for fun adventures like this. Go ride that bike! 3. Upper Antelope Canyon When you think of American Canyon there is a usual picture that pops up in your mind, but if you are thinking something precise. The Upper Antelope Canyon in Arizona is the place you and your friends must visit. It has a narrow slot and a petrified sand dune. The sand dune got its beauty from the wind and water that has carved her for millennia. Get the guide of Navajo, they hold tours seven times a day. This is most desirable adventure ideas with your friends.  The best time is the morning when the rocks come alive by the kiss of the bright gleam of light. 4. World’s Largest Video Screen  Leave it to Las Vegas when it comes to doing the craziest thing. It has the biggest video screen turned into a giant disco where the Fremont Light Tunnel is about 460 meters long. Go get theta crazy sound and light show with your pals. They change the program every day but there is still a chance where you might find yourself in the world’s coolest and craziest LED block party!  5. Drinks And Axes Most of the beer bars have dart boards in there, but not in Louisville! They have something better and bigger, axes to throw at a dart-board-shaped board.  It is located in a warehouse, a huge space to do this activity as well as drink several beers.  Think of this scenario: you and your friends drinking beer and throwing axes on the dartboard! How crazy is that?. Don’t worry it’s a safe place, people don’t die there They have a strict ‘ no drunk people policy’, if they see that you are way too drunk, you won’t be allowed to do the activity.  Be careful about it and one of you from the gang, keep checking on others. 6. Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad For more than 120 years a tiny engine has been puffing through canyons of Colorado.  You and your friends can easily be on board and enjoy the beautiful jaw-dropping scenario of the one and only Durango and the railroad. This steam engine is the only engine in America that runs the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, in the San Juan Mountains. Just like it used to in 1882. 7. Kayak With Orcas Kayaking in Johnstone Strait on Vancouver Island, Canada for weekend adventure ideas is going to be the best decision ever.  If you and your friends are into dolphins and orcas then better not leave this place out.  It is the most beautiful place to watch orcas in their natural habitat. Kayaking is the best way to explore the place as you will witness dolphins, seals, curious orca, and minke whales. 8. New River Gorge Bridge  It was established in 1977 and at that time it was the highest bridge in the world. Now, the world has many other high bridges to compare. So what, if the Gorge bridge is no longer the highest one? I am sure it has the same impressive sight. The bridge’s steel beams are nearly 300m upwards. Imagine standing together, holding hands, and promising each other to always live life to the fullest. You can’t appreciate the construction unless you are standing right under it. 9. Camp In Siberia The stunning nomadic tribe of reindeer herders named Nenet has lived for centuries. It is just above the Arctic circle on the Yamal Peninsula. 2018 was the first of the reindeer’s life when they allowed human interactions, they invited more travelers upon their land.  Plan a camp in the village of Labrovaya. Spend the entire night under the starry sky and find the beautiful beast just outside your tents, when you wake up.   10. Nepal’s Nubra Valley  Have friends and carry a bigger camera. Visiting Ladakh is not a big deal, it's just a tiny kingdom located in the Himalayas.  This compact scenario makes the Nubra Valley a special place that is surrounded by boulders and mountain peaks that also has a sandy expanse. There are few companies that provide the service of camels riding past tiny habitats and clear mountain streams. Together with friends, you can enjoy the place to its best. 11. Taiwan’s Sun-Moon Lake The location of sun-moon lake is just epic, it is nested high in Taiwan’s central mountain range. It is protected by jungle-covered slopes. But the magic begins at dawn, the blue water turns to gold because of the sun. Sitting there and talking about life among friends would be such a stress reliever. No wonder why CNN has ranked this place as one of the best on the entire planet. 12. Hang Son Doong This place is famous for its cave which is the biggest one in the world. No one actually knows the size of it. The cave has its own world inside of it, it owns a river and a jungle.  So huge that it can easily fit a 40 storey skyscraper inside. This place was not known by anyone until the British cave searchers found it in 2009.  You and your friends yelling each other's names which echoing, this feeling is like ‘top of the world’. This is worthful adventure ideas with your buddies. 13. Ras al-Jinz Have a love for animals? And curious about the endangered species? Pack your bags and Ras al-Jinz. Sea turtles are the main focus here. Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead turtles call this place their home. They come to the sand from the sea, dig holes and lay eggs there. To watch this beautiful process of nature even in a better way, the Ras al-Jinz sanctuary is the best place to visit. Click pictures of the turtles and your gang together. 14. The Omo Valley  While many city people are busy in their fast-forward life, the tribes of Omo valley live their traditional way in peace. Goats are still herded on the dry, rough savannah scrub, the famous jumping of the bulls ceremony happens here as well as the Mursi warriors stretch their lips with lip palates.  This is one of the best adventures to go on with friends. On market days the tribes exchange goods using a barter system. This kind of scenario should not be missed, because we don’t have any traditional way to live life anymore.  15. Spirits In Chile A spiritual place is always a bit more exciting for adventure ideas. It’s normal for a group of friends planning to visit the mystical Chiloe.  The place has its own way of showing beauty, once you are in there it won’t feel like the rest of the world.  The morning starts with dense fog. The countryside can be heard whispering about myths, ghost ships, legends, and forest gnomes, Wow!. The place is so spiritual that the energy is very different there, so most people can’t connect with the place and therefore there is no crowd.  Conclusion  The article is for a bunch of friends who are planning a vacation together. It is no crime to ditch your work for a bit and enjoy life with the people you trust most. Here I am share top 15 adventure ideas. These are the places for an adventurous trip and adventures to have for sure. Forget the crowded world and dive into peace. ‘Keep your circle small and beer cold’. Leave a comment below and share your experience with us. Read More: Why You Should Move To San Diego Why You Should Travel as a Couple How to Fund the Cost of Travelling 10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day How To Plan A Best One Day Trip To Atlanta With Family?