How to Choose the Perfect Yacht for Your Charter

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC 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  sagnika Aug 28, 2023

Want to know more about Manuel Antonio Costa Rica? Why not, given that it is one of Central America's most popular tourist destinations? Apart from the wildlife and the beaches, you have to know you will have many activities tailor-made for any vacation. Sport-fishing, snorkeling, hiking, parasailing, surfing, and exciting nightlife are just some things you can attempt in Manuel Antonio. Read the article to learn about exploring Paradise, the tropical gem of Costa Rica. Paradise Found: Exploring Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's Tropical Gem! A popular beach town, Manuel Antonio is in Central America with a beautiful collection of wildlife and scenery. The view of Manuel Antonio Costa Rica is to die for, especially if you are a nature and sky lover, as the magnificent views of the clouds, sky, and mountains across the Pacific Ocean recreate Paradise. It is Quepos that you will be visiting if you are traveling by plane or car. There might be limited inclusive resorts in Manuel Antonio. However, boutique resorts, hotels, and villas are perfect for the rainforest hillside. Want to learn things to do in Manuel Antonio? I will list activities you can attempt across the lush and the Pacific tropical surroundings giving you an incredible view of the beaches, mountains, and the town. Exploring And Hiking Manuel Antonio National Park! The main attraction, Manuel Antonio National Park, is for nature lovers. It is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica and yet is one of the most popular due to the enormous collection of wildlife! Across the park, the Manuel Antonio beach Costa Rica is situated. As a tourist, you can peek into the forests with its iguanas, squirrel monkeys, capuchin, howler, agoutis, and sloths. There are also varieties of birds across the national park, after which you can visit the beach. There are guides and naturalists available while the limited number of daily visitors is 1200 per day! The park is closed on Thursdays! There are several trails; one of the main ones is a 1.3-mile flat sandy trail connecting with the beaches. Visit The Damas Island Mangrove Estuary! Are you looking for a unique experience? I suggest going on a kayaking or a boat tour across the waterways of Damas Island Estuary. With an amazing collection of wildlife, the estuary boasts a diverse coastal ecosystem inclusive of sloths, snakes, crocodiles, and monkeys. Don't Miss The Ultimate Beach Experience! The beaches are popular in Manuel Antonio, offering some of the most stunning views across the Pacific coast. The town of Manuel Antonio Costa Rica is filled with beaches, and they are known for their soft white sands, palm trees, and clean, pristine water. Some of the best beaches in Central America are in Manuel Antonio, and I will be making you a list of the beaches you cannot miss when you go on that next vacation! The Manuel Antonio National Park beaches are also picturesque, especially with their lush green and wildlife. Playa Espadilla Beach Image Source: irp.cdn-website.com The beach in Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Beach is called the Playa Numero Uno. It is one of the most visited Manuel Antonio towns beside the Manuel Antonio National Park! This beach is the favorite of the natives, and so are the tourists! It is a bevy of activities where you can eat delicious food and cold drinks as the locals sell their products. The water activities on this beach are the best across the town, and you can't stop being entertained! Playa Manuel Antonio Beach Image Source: puravidamoms.com The highlight of the Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Manuel Antonio Beach, is especially because of its beauty, almost like Paradise with turquoise water and white sand. A land bridge separates the beach and the park. One of the gorgeous beaches across Manuel Antonio, the Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica is a must-visit for travelers worldwide with its exotic wildlife and lush tropical forests. There is also a hiking trail to Playa Gemelas! Playa La Macha Are you looking for an isolated and private experience for your honeymoon? A hidden gem across all the Manuel Antonio beaches, Playa La Macha, is your ideal destination! Especially if you are in the mood for a serene beach, secludedness, and some hiking! You probably get to see more wildlife because of its secludes. The hiking trail is difficult, yet you enjoy it if you want to explore and adventure. What can be better for sunbathing, especially with warm and clear water? Villa Rental In Costa Rica If you plan on renting a villa and enjoying the ocean views in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, book Vista Hermosa Estate! The villa's rooms are spacious, but what is noteworthy is the Playitas Beach which is just within walking distance from the beach villa. There is a private beach trail that the guests at the estate can use and walk down to the sandy white beach within 10 to 15 minutes. Are you planning a multi-generational family get-together for the 50th marriage anniversary of your parents or the 60th birthday of your grandmother? This is it! It is a perfect vacation villa with access to the beach, white sand, pristine water, and privacy. Go Out On a Food Tour! You visit a place, and you do not try their food? You are no sport! Apart from the beaches and wildlife, you must have an amazing culinary experience across Costa Rica. You will experience the local produce and the ranch products when you taste their food. The main course dishes I recommend when you visit Manuel Antonio are beef short rib, roasted chicken, rack of lamb, and grilled beef tenderloin! You should also try Chifrijo, fried pork and red beans, Chorreadas, corn pancakes, and Ceviche! You cannot miss the seafood dishes on a beach town with its grilled octopus, seafood pasta, seared tuna, the Makanda signature Tuna Tartar and seafood paella! Feeling Adventurous? Take A Guided Night Tour! If you want to experience Manuel Antonio to its hilt, a night tour with a guide is the way to go! The perfect time to start is between 5:30 to 6 p.m. The sun sets across the town, revealing the secrets of the rainforests and the exotic locale. A night tour is organized at Sukia Park, where you can explore the forests at night. Get a peek into the exotic reptiles and tropical frogs that the greens have to offer! The tour is handmade for you if you are a nocturnal individual or a wildlife enthusiast. What Do We Know? A blend of rainforest and beaches creates the perfect background for Paradise, Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. It acts as a gateway to Paradise with white sand across the beaches, clear pristine water showcasing the Pacific Ocean's beauty, and hiking trails across the rainforests. Explore the wildlife with your partner, family, solo, or friend group, and rejuvenate your life with unforgettable experiences and beautiful scenic views. The area is rich in biodiversity! Many resorts are established across the beaches and the town, creating the perfect backdrop for your next vacation! In the comments below, let us know what activities interest you when you visit Manuel Antonio! Read Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit! This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do!

BY  Nabamita Aug 17, 2022

Meghalaya, or the Abode of Clouds, here you will find that nature has to give. It is one of the best places for its biodiversity richness. Known best for its famous monsoon seasons, Meghalaya has the most dramatic natural terrains with rich cultural festivals. Having such beautiful natural diversities, which are among the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The tribals of Garos, Jaintias, and Khasis make up the majority of the population. Meghalaya: Abode Of Clouds! Located in the northeastern parts of India, with Shilong as its capital. During the British rule of India, it was dubbed the “Scotland of the East.” With a range of beautiful terrains, Meghalaya is surely going to surprise your imagination. With beautiful greenery everywhere, with forests, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, that are one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. But since Meghalaya is known for its monsoon seasons, what is the best time to visit there? What Is The Best Time To Visit Meghalaya? Since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, with the occasional cloudbursts and landslides, you need to know the best time to visit there. Weather Condition In Meghalaya Oct-Feb = 9c        Apr-Jun = 21c        June-Oct =15c  Peak Season When the temperature is between 16c and 31c, that is the best time to visit Meghalaya. This will probably be from April and June. During this time, Meghalaya has the optimum temperature for you to explore the place. Shoulder Season From the months of November to March receives a moderate amount of tourists, as the weather is cold and misty at the same time. Low Season The lowest season for tourism in Meghalaya is from July to October. During this time, the state receives about moderate to heavy rainfall. Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya is, you need to know what are the top Meghalaya tourist places. 1. Cherrapunji Popularly regarded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji has the best lush greenery you will ever see. Here you will find the highest rainfall any time of the year. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the most beautiful waterfalls, like Dain-Thlen,Nohkalikai, and Kyrem. Cherrapunji is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - An abundance of natural scenic beauty and environmental attractions. Places To Stay - Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee, Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee and Saimika Resort. Attractions - Krem Mawmluh, Wakaba Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls. How To Reach - From Guwahati, it's 166km, And from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, it's 79km. 2. Shillong Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Away from the bustling life of the city, Shillong has beautiful forests, hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Shillong is considered the Meghalayan Gateway. Popular landmarks of Shillong are Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Specialty - Mesmerizing view, the beauty of nature, and its popular landmarks. Attractions - Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Places To Stay - Pinewood Hotel, The Loft-Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, and Tripura Castle. Location - East Central Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From September to May. 3. Mawsynram Out of all the places in Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the most rainfall each year. This is why here you will find the most greenery and beautiful green hills and valleys. Mawsynram receives about 11,872 mm of rainfall each year. Specialty - The most beautiful waterfalls. Location - The East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From April to June. 4. Balpakaram National Park Known as a traveler’s paradise, the Balpakaram National Park is a “Land of Spirits” for its rich natural biodiversity. With its beautiful wildlife with animals like Tiger, Leopard, Deer, Buffalo, Elephant, and Red Panda. Specialty - It is rich in natural biodiversity. Location - Western Meghalaya and Garo Hills. Best Time To Visit - From October to March. Entry Free - Free. 5. Nohkalikai Falls The Nohkalikai Falls is the 4th most noted waterfalls in the World. The height of this fall is about 335 meters from the cliff to the ground. The falls are considered “the pride of the territory of Meghalaya.” Specialty - It is like paradise with an extraordinary scenic view. Entry Fee - INR 10. Timing - From 8 am to 5 pm. 6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge Located in Cherrapunji, the double-decker living root bridge is famous all over, as the bridge is made up of roots. The roots are of rubber trees. The bridge is about 3km long and about 2400ft in height. Specialty - The oldest of natural bridges. Location - Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime other than from May to September, due to the slippery. Trek Time - It takes about 4 to 6 hours. 7. Kyllang Rock This extraordinary rock is made entirely out of red stone. The rock is 54ooft above sea level and 1000ft in width. The hike up the rock gives a beautiful scene with rhododendrons and shrubs. Specialty - It is on the highest points in all of Meghalaya. Location - West Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime, except the monsoon. Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 8. Elephant Falls Meghalaya is known to have the best waterfalls in all of India. And Elephant Falls is definitely one of that beautiful waterfalls. It is called Elephant falls as it has an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot of it. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - The falls are surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty. Location - It is only 12km from Shillong. Best Time To Visit - During Monsoon. Read Also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya and the best tourist places is, you won’t have any other problems. But if you do, here are some questions asked by other people. 1. What Is The Popular Place Of Meghalaya? The most popular Meghalaya places to visit are:1. Mawsynram2. Nohakalikai Falls3. Mawlynnong Village4. Umiam Lake5. Seven Sisters Falls6. Living Root Bridges 2. Does Meghalaya Have Snow? Though the state of Meghalaya has a higher elevation, it doesn’t receive any snowfall throughout the year. But due to humidity and low temperature, frost forms which can look like snow but are not. 3. What Is Famous Food Of Meghalaya? The food that is famous in Meghalaya is a spicy preparation of fish or meat and rice. They are great at rearing pigs, goats, cows, ducks, and fowl for their meat. Visit Now! If you are an avid nature lover, then visiting Meghalaya should definitely be on your bucket list. There are some beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. And if you are a mountain lover, then you need to visit here once. Hopefully, this article encourages you to book your tickets soon for Meghalaya. Let us know in the comments where in India you wanna visit next. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India