4 Fun Destinations For All-Inclusive Holidays

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 23, 2019

Sikkim borders Bhutan, Nepal, and China and has been viewed to be among the Himalayan Shangri-las. This state was an independent Kingdom till 1975 when India took over it after a period of political unrest and anti-royal riots. Sikkim is not an easily accessible area in India because it is remote and you need permits. However, it is among the most refreshing and energetic destinations in India. The ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and the mountainous beauty of Sikkim are soothing to the soul. The distance looks short but it will take you several hours to travel through it. Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Sikkim. 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim: 1. Gangtok: Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim that is constructed on a crowdy ridge, 5500 feet above the sea level. When clouds clear, you are able to see all the way to the soaring peaks of Khangchendzonga National Park that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. It is a well-organized and refreshingly clean and most tourists spend several days here to see the sights and make their travel arrangements. It is an excellent base for individuals heading off on treks. 2. Rumtek: Sikkim is a fantastic mediation place and close to two hundred monasteries dote these divine hilltops. Rumtek is the most popular monasteries in West Sikkim near Pelling and Tashiding. The other monasteries that you can visit are the old Sanga-Choeling monastery, Enchey monastery in Gangtok, Karma Kagyu monastery that has two hindered year-old murals in Phodong, North Sikkim. These monasteries hold several festivals especially near Losar in February. In July, Tse Chu features the Buddhist dances at Rumtek. Enchey is the other place that hosts the Charm festival in December and January. 3. Nathu La: Nathu La is three hours on the eastern side of the Chinese border was the main passageway on the Old Silk Route between Tibet and India before being closed in 1962. The border comprises a lone barbed wire fence and you will enjoy the strange thrill of viewing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. The most unfortunate thing is that only Indians are allowed to travel this far and only on Sundays, Saturdays, Thursdays, and Wednesdays. Also, you will have to obtain a special permit through a licensed travel agency in Gangtok. 4. Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries: Sikkim is well known for having astonishing varieties of animals, birds, and even flowers. It has more than 40 species of rhododendron, 450 varieties of orchids, 400 species of butterflies, and 450 species of birds. The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in Singalila Range on Sikkim’s south-west corner and is the best place to visit during spring. You will get Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary close to Ravangla on the southern side of Sikkim. The other highlight near Lachung is the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary. You can have an amazing butterfly, birding, and wildlife tour in Sikkim. 5. Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail: Sikkim is a trekking paradise and the historical Yuksom is a great trekking gateway towards Mount Khangchendzonga. If you are up to the challenge, you can trek to Rathong Glacier and Dzongri peak from Yuksom and even further on to the Goecha Peak. It is Sikkim’s most popular trek. You will pass through the powerful rivers of the Khangchendzonga National Park, magnificent rhododendron gardens, and the unspoiled forests. Spare ten days of trekking from Yuksom to the peak of Goecha and back. Foreigners must have additional permits for this trekking. 6. Yumthang Valley, Lachen, and Lachung: The Yumthang valley and Lachung are located on the northern part of Sikkim from Gangtok and nine thousand feet above the sea level close to the Chinese/Tibetan border. It is a dramatic pristine scenery that dazzles visitors. Lachung was a traditional post between Tibet and Sikkim before the annexation of Tibet to Chinese. Currently, it is the base camp for the famous trekking of the Rhododendron Valley from the Lachen valley to the Yumthang valley. The other attractions that you will find in this region include Yumesamdong or Zero Point, Lachung monastery, and the astonishing Guredongmar high-attitude Lake. It is among the highest lakes in the world with over 17,0000 feet above sea level. 7. Pelling: Pelling is a three to four-hour drive on the western side of Gangtok. It is a charmless tiny town but the best places to visit in Sikkim for the unapparelled viewing of Mount Khangchendzonga at dawn. You can lodge at the Ifseen Villa that has top budget homestays and guesthouses in the Indian Himalayas. In addition to these views, the other main attractions are the monasteries and the ruins of Rabdentse. Previously, it was Sikkim’s royal city from 1670 to 1814 and very little remains of Rabdentse nowadays. 8. Ravangla: Ravangla is along the way from Pelling to Gangtok and is highly notable for the Buddha park that has a 130-foot towering Buddha statue that surrounds the manicured gardens. The Monastic Palchen Choeling Institute is close to Ralong and houses a massive size of golden Buddha. It houses more than 100 monks and you will hear their chanting in the mid-afternoon and early morning. You can also visit a large number of other monasteries in this area. This is the only tea garden in Sikkim and it nests the tranquil Cherry resort amidst it. 9. Namchi: The giant statues are what make Namchi famous. Currently, it has two of them, one Hindu and the other Buddhist. Apparently, the third one is under planning. The Buddhist statue is approximately 140 feet tall and has a commanding position of 7,000 feet above sea level on the Samdrupte Hill. These two statues make Namchi the best places to visit in Sikkim. 10. Teesta River Rafting: The latest adventure activity is Sikkim is Rafting and you will get some world class opportunities at the Teesta River. The main path is Rongpo – Bardang – Sirwani – Makha. There is an interspersing of grade 2 to 4 with several white sandy beaches for camping at night. High gorges and cliffs, together with the strewn-boulder river beds increase the thrill. The Rangeet River has more turbulent waters that provide advanced rafting opportunities. The best time to rate in Sikkim ranges from October to December and March to May. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India 10 best places to visit in Argentina Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 18, 2024

Washington, aptly dubbed the Evergreen State, is awash in pristine nature, breathtaking scenery, and striking landscapes. It has world-class cities, museums, and tourist attractions in addition to stunning mountains, forests, beaches, and volcanoes. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, this rough terrain has the Cascade Mountains all around it. Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and the ocean surrounds it. Many of Puget Sound's biggest and most significant settlements are located around Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. With its historic sites and bustling markets, Washington State offers a plethora of activities. But what appeals most to many people are Washington's countless wild places, islands, and national parks. This is because you can fully immerse yourself in the natural world and explore its breathtaking scenery while hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping all in one region. Here are the best things to do in Washington state. Things To Do in Washington State If you are looking for some of the most unique things to do in Washington State, then here are your top choices. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest The expansive Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located two hours east of Seattle, is another beautiful place to visit in nature. Its nearly infinite forests and valleys cover the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This makes it a very untamed and isolated area for the most part. Glistening lakes, rivers, and glaciers pierce its greenery as it stretches from Canada to Mount Rainier, covering a vast expanse. You can hike, ride a bike, go horseback riding, or ski and snowboard down the slopes of the magnificent Mount Baker. Moreover, all of them are set against a breathtaking backdrop. Due to the presence of bald eagles, grizzly bears, and deer on the mountain slopes, wildlife viewing is also highly satisfying. The national forest is a fantastic place to explore. It offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration, such as waterfalls, impressive viewpoints, and rock formations. Fort Worden State Park The wonderful Fort Worden State Park is located directly at the Puget Sound entrance. It is conveniently located north of Port Townsend. It offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities amidst beautiful scenery, wildlife, and views. Owing to its strategic significance, there are three robust forts near the inlet's entrance in the late 1880s. Visitors can now explore the deteriorating batteries, fortifications, and buildings of the "Triangle of Fire." However, they never fired a single shot. They permit tours of the castle and museum of the former military installation. Visitors can bike, hike, and camp in the immaculate park. Many choose to swim and boat in its waters. Moreover, it features some of the best views from its beaches and coastal bluffs. Museum of Pop Culture Another one of the top things to do in Washington State is see the Museum of Pop Culture. It is located right next to the Space Needle. In addition to housing a plethora of iconic artifacts and hosting exhibitions that have won awards, it offers visitors a ton of enjoyable, interactive experiences. Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, founded the company in 2000. Its shiny exterior, as well as eye-catching shapes and colors, make it instantly recognizable. Its collection and galleries are in devotion to modern popular culture. They feature everything from music, television, and video games to literature and film. Alongside historical photos, costumes, and film clips, guests can see instruments used by Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, amongst others. Once you've explored its interactive exhibits and Hall of Fame, you can snap pictures of its movie memorabilia or try your DJing skills in the Sound Lab. This option is also one of the free things to do in Washington state. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Colorful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the biggest, most beautiful events in the Pacific Northwest. Its flower-filled fields and exquisite display gardens are scattered throughout the large valley of the same name, and it takes place every April. Bulbs were first planted in the rich soils of the Puget Sound region as early as the 1890s, but growers were forced to relocate south to Skagit County due to a string of freezes. Even though the festival wasn't founded until 1984, people had been visiting the tulip farms for several decades before then. Tulip Town and Roozengaarde are great places to visit. They both have expansive flower-filled fields and gardens that make for picturesque photos. Sporting events, art exhibits, and lively street fairs are all regularly held throughout the month. This one should easily get a space on your list of fun things to do in Washington state. Lake Chelan There's no better place to de-stress, enjoy the great outdoors, and engage in outdoor activities than the picturesque Lake Chelan. The lengthy lake, which is tucked away amid stunning mountains and forests in north-central Washington, is sure to please nature enthusiasts. Its glittering surface is just over fifty miles long overall, with state parks, private beaches, and coves all along its edge. Therefore, those who enjoy the great outdoors can swim, fish, and hike along the trails. There are also several wineries, campsites, and water sports available, and everywhere you look, there are guaranteed to be breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Most of the surrounding area is wonderfully unspoiled and untouched, except for the small communities of Manson, Chelan, and Stehekin. There are quiet lakeside lodges, quaint stores, eateries, and marinas where you can rent kayaks, jet skis, and boats at each of these. Mount St. Helens Ever since the state's famous and massive eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens has practically become synonymous with it. Outdoor enthusiasts can now hike up to its lava-scarred site to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding desolate yet stunning landscapes. Until the avalanche and explosion, the mighty mount was the fifth-highest peak in the country. Following the remarkable event, the summit of 9,677 feet was lowered by more than a thousand feet, leaving behind the large, horseshoe-shaped crater that is still visible today. In addition to hiking up to Windy Ridge's notable peak, you can take pictures of the slowly regaining flora and fauna as well as get a peek inside the caldera. You can find out everything there is to know about the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in US history at the visitor center and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Wrapping Up The list of things to do in Washington state is endless, but hopefully, this has given you some inspiration to begin prepping for the ideal getaway. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Weekend Escapades: Things To Do In Chattanooga Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath

BY  Ankita Mar 27, 2024

Los Angeles is a bustling, multifaceted city that provides visitors with a wide range of activities to discover and relish. Everything from iconic parks to hidden gems, LA has something for everyone.  We'll look more closely at some of the must-do things in this article that should be on every traveler's itinerary when visiting the City of Angels. Best Activities For Travelers In LA 1. Visit The Hollywood Walk Of Fame No trip to LA is complete without a visit to the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, this iconic attraction features more than 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. Take a leisurely stroll along the Walk of Fame and see if you can spot the stars of your favorite actors, musicians, and entertainers. 2. Exploring LA Skatepark Adventures For skateboarding lovers and novices alike, exploring iconic LA skateparks is a quintessential experience. One such iconic destination is the Venice Beach Skatepark, nestled along the picturesque shores of Venice Beach. This sprawling concrete jungle features a diverse array of ramps, bowls, and rails, attracting skaters from around the globe. Whether you're perfecting your ollies or simply soaking in the vibrant skate culture, Venice Beach Skatepark promises an exhilarating experience against the backdrop of palm trees and ocean breezes. 3. Explore Griffith Observatory Griffith Observatory, located atop Mount Hollywood, provides stunning views of the Los Angeles cityscape and the renowned Hollywood sign. Visitors may explore interactive astronomy displays, view celestial objects through telescopes, and watch captivating planetarium programs. The observatory also acts as an entrance to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, which has miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views. 4. Tennis Enthusiastic Tennis in Los Angeles offers the ideal combination of skill development and pleasure for those looking for a more sophisticated sporting experience. With an abundance of world-class facilities and professional coaches, LA provides an unmatched tennis experience in stunning surroundings. You can also take private tennis lessons to improve your abilities and techniques. 5. Exploring LA And Indulge In Culinary Delights At Grand Central Market Located in the heart of downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a culinary mecca that showcases the city's diverse food scene. From artisanal tacos to gourmet burgers and handcrafted ice cream, the market offers a tantalizing array of dining options to satisfy every palate. Grab a bite to eat, soak in the bustling atmosphere, and sample flavors from around the world. 6. Exploring LA Arts District Explore LA's lively Arts District, which is home to galleries, street art, and creative spaces. Stroll around the bright streets and enjoy the beautiful murals created by local and international artists. Don't miss the opportunity to see Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery built in a former flour mill that exhibits cutting-edge works by established and upcoming artists. 7. Hike To The Hollywood Sign For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to the Hollywood Sign is a must-do activity in LA. Several trails lead to prime viewpoints where you can capture Instagram-worthy photos of the iconic landmark against the backdrop of the city skyline. Choose from routes ranging in difficulty, including the popular Hollyridge Trail or the more challenging Brush Canyon Trail, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Los Angeles along the way. 8. Experience The Magic Of Disneyland No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.  Located in nearby Anaheim, this iconic theme park provides a fantastic experience for guests of all ages, with thrilling rides, fascinating attractions, and beloved Disney characters around every corner. Spend a day exploring the various themed lands, from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. 9. Exploring LA: Take A Studio Tour Get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Hollywood by taking a studio tour at one of LA's famed film studios. From Warner Bros. to Paramount Pictures, several studios offer guided tours that take visitors through iconic sets, soundstages, and backlots where some of the world's most beloved movies and TV shows were filmed. Learn about the history of filmmaking in Los Angeles and gain insight into the inner workings of the entertainment industry. 10. Catch A Sunset At Santa Monica Pier End your day in Los Angeles by visiting Santa Monica Pier, where you can watch the sun fall below the horizon in a blaze of color. Take a leisurely stroll down the landmark pier, enjoy a ride on the ancient carousel, and marvel at the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica Pier, with its vibrant ambiance and breathtaking views, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of a Southern California sunset. 11. Los Angeles Has Multiple City Inside  Los Angeles is a confluence of diverse cultures, and people from different places come and join there. There are different neighborhoods in these regions. Let us give a few examples. You have  Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.  Even the same idea persists for some of the valley cities. There, you have the bustling Manhattan Beach and the different communities within the San Gabriel Valley, like Alhambra, Monterey Park, and others. There are areas where you can find far-flung spots like Malibu and Pasadena, which are part of Los Angeles. If you speak culturally, Los Angeles is a bustling city within the city.  12. Los Angeles Have Public Transit Option  The life of a thriving city is determined by its hustle, bustle, and movement of people from one corner of the city to the other. The same goes in for Los Angeles.  Though it does not have an extensive subway system like that of London, Paris, and New York, the city has six metro lines and many efficient bus routes, which builds a solid communication network in the city. Therefore, if you are visiting Los Angeles, do not think you can easily hover from one part of the city to another, meaning you will not find metro systems on the west side, except for St. Monica.  Read Also… Save Money On Your Next Trip How To Make The Most Of Your Trip To Rome How Do I Keep My Child Occupied When Traveling? Tips To Pack Your Dog’s CBD When Going On A Trip