Welcome To The Pecos National Historical Park: The Land Of The First American Revolution

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities.  So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine.  However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past.  So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss! Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit  For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list! 1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands  One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India.  The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese.  When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps.  2. Jallianwala Bagh Location: Amritsar City, Punjab The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule. Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people.  Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre.  A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was.  3. Roopkund Lake  Location: Uttarakhand Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India.  However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.”  Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry.  However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons.  4. Shaniwar Wada Location: Pune, Maharashtra Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort. Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince.  5. Kuldhara  Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village. Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.”  6. Dumas Beach Location: Surat, Gujarat Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up.  The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses. While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows.  There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents.  7. Bhangarh Fort In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen. Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 3 No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths) Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well. The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives.  Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 16, 2021

What is the best time to visit New York?  Well, the answer is tricky. Google will tell you that the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit New York.  New York is indeed delightful from April to May and September to October. However, a seasoned traveler knows that New York shows its beauty across all seasons.  For example, you may spend the most happening Christmas in New York. So, for you, of course, December is the best time to visit New York.  So, New York is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit New York depends on the experience you want and the places in New York you plan to visit.  Best Time To Visit New York: Plan Your Trip Right The temperature in New York is always pleasant, and it is always fine for us to visit New York.  Having said that, New York has some specialties in every season. When To Visit New York City? If you are asking for my recommendation? Then I would recommend from April to June, September to early November is the best time to visit New York. During this period, the temperature in NYC is quite pleasant. But you might find the crowd a little uncomfortable during this season. But if you wish to visit New York at low expenditure, then from mid-Jan to the end of Feb is the most fitting travel season for you. If you are looking to visit New York in the best season possible, you need to plan well in advance for your hotel bookings. New York sees a lot of tourists during the best seasons hence it is best that you work on the hotel and travel bookings with cozycozy.com. This will ensure that you have the best stay in New York City. In my opinion, September is the best time to visit NYC.  Let us check some of the best times in New York City which we can enjoy the most.  2. Best Time To Visit New York For Good Weather Conditions The good weather in New York is usually found from May to October although from July to August it is usually very hot and humid. This time period can not be considered the best time to visit New York.  If you are visiting New York during the Spring, you are in for a treat. The bustling Central Park, the high-energy Wall Street, and other attractions really come into their own. Open Bus Tours in New York City can be enjoyed during this period. The same will take you through the major city spots and allow you to enjoy the food, culture, and history of the place. Further, Autumn, with all the leaves turning yellow and red, is the season of festivals, including Halloween and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony.  So, here, I present a table featuring the highest and lowest temperatures in New York by month. MonthHighest Temperature (°C)Lowest Temperature (°C)Rainfall (Number of Days)January5-38February7-27March1038April1889May22159June271710July302110August292011September29157October25106November1756December1008 3. Best Time For Sight Seeing In New York Summer and winters are both have different flavors essences. For the travel thirsty people, every season is the best time for sightseeing of course obviously without natural calamity. April to November is the best time for sightseeing in New York. However, the months of June, July, and August may throw some restrictions on outdoor activities as the days of rainfall are higher in these months. 4. Best Time To Explore The Nightlife Of New York The best time for nightlife in NYC has no boundaries, it can be done throughout the year. The nightlife in NYC throughout the year looks magnificent and unbelievably beautiful. The night charm of New York City is full of entertainment. Manhattan is a popular area where you are going to get hundreds of street sidebars along with discos and pubs. Most of these pubs and disc are remain open for the whole night. If you want to spend your whole night, focus on Manhattan city to enjoy your entire night with good food and drinks. Best Time To Book Hotels New York is one of the most expensive places to visit in the world, so one should make plans beforehand. You must find out the best hotels in New York or the best hotels for a family stay in NYC.  You can Google or use apps to find out the best hotels in New York.   Best Time To Do Shopping In New York New York is famous for its bargain market. At most shopping plazas, sales are available at least twice a year in New York. So there is no such great time to go shopping in New York. New York is famous for shopping, so don’t worry, you are likely to meet any of the sale seasons whenever you visit are heading towards New York.  Brookfield Place is the best shopping plaza for travelers. And Manhattan is the best place where you get the whole package of the entertainment shopping mall to restaurants everything is present in the same place. Best Time To Avoid Crowd In New York  People usually do not like to visit New York during the chilly winter months that is from January to mid of March. Usually, most of the families going to New York do not like to get into the crowd, or it is actually difficult to go sightseeing in very winter and the crowded places in New York. The plus point of going to New York during crowd time is that you will get air tickets at a cheap cost, plus the stay in New York would be cheap. New York City Events And Festival  As I have already told you beforehand the new York is a great place to be all throughout the year. But especially the events and the festival of New York City make the place even more charming and cheerful. Let’s Start month-wise, this information is something which I collected when I went to New York. Best Things To Do In New York In January There is always something or the other going on in New York throughout the year. But in January, some special events happen in New York. Out of everything that happens in the January season, I have chosen some of the best things to do in New York in January.  New York is anyway famous for its Jazz Fest, which is held in more than 11 venues. Birdland and Blue note are the most famous jazz pub in New York. In the entire month of January, there are at least 100 shows that are put up. There some Broadway shows.  You can attend the Broadway show with one more person paying for one person.  In the month of January, January is the best month to enjoy food, during this month. An entire week is solely dedicated to the Restaurants, which is why this week is called Restaurant’s week in New York. Best Things To Do In New York In February As of February sets in the fashion week sets in New York, It is actually great to find out about New York’s Fashion Week which is held in the month of February. All the best Designers of the world showcase their masterpieces in this fashion week.  * The March and April months remain quite less-festive, there is barely any such eventful event that you will be covering in your visit. Then again the events set in from May month onwards.  Best Things To Do In New York In May The three major things that happen in the month of May are the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibition, and Fleet Week. These events are taking place in New York in the month of February. These three festivals are facing innumerable visitors from all over the world. Hence, these events are famous all across the world. worldwide, so do not forget to visit this event to get a worldwide traveling experience. Best Things To Do In New York In June And July This is the peak time when a lot of people fly to New York, so the most amazing events are hosted at this time. The events are Belmont Stakes, Pride Festival and March, Shakespeare in the Park, NYC Restaurant Week, Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival.  Best Things To Do In New York From September To December This is the best time to visit New York and is famous for the festive season, right from festivals to celebrations. There are many best things which you can do in New York from September to December. Such as the village Halloween Parade, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, Ice Skating Rinks, Holiday Window Displays, New Year’s Eve at Times Square, New Year’s Eve Fireworks. These all are the events of New York which New York events are make helping to make the mood of the travelers. This time the aura of New York amazingly becoming unique and lovely.  New York has many places that people are unaware of. But if you are in New York, then do not forget to visit Maryland and Manhattan. It is advisable to make a wise decision by choosing the best time to visit New York according to you. These places are extraordinarily beautiful, and there are many things to do in New York, which I will discuss in my next article. If you like this article, then keep tuned in to Tour and Travel Blog for more insights on New York. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) What is the cheapest month to visit New York? As you know the cheapest month of the year that is suitable to visit New York is from January to March. In these three months the costs of both flight and hotel are average for the whole year.  Where should I stay for my first trip to New York? Here is a list of places, Middle Town Upper East Side Chelsea and Greenwich Village Soho and Lower East Side Queens How many days do you need in New York? You actually need three days to see the main things in New York. If you want to cut the three days in two, that can be done as well. Should I stay in Times Square? Absolutely, with no doubt. The main reason to stay in Times Square is for the location. You are basically in the heart of the city. It's a tourist attraction. At night it is perfect for walking with holding hands with your loved ones. You May Also Like:  Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going

BY  Shahnawaz Mar 1, 2024

In today's world, where wanderlust meets savvy investment strategies, there's a growing trend among travelers and investors alike: vacation properties. This unique approach not only satisfies the urge to explore new destinations but also presents a prudent financial investment through the acquisition of real estate. Here's how blending the love for travel with the intricacies of mortgages can create a rewarding venture. Why Consider Vacation Properties? Vacation properties serve dual purposes; they are a getaway retreat for you and your family and a potential source of income through rental. In picturesque locales, from the sandy beaches of Bali to the quaint villages of Tuscany, these properties beckon with the promise of adventure and the allure of financial returns. Investing in a vacation property has a lot of benefits. The first thing is, as mentioned above, it is an amazing source of passive income. When you rent out the property, you get back substantial returns, especially during the peak seasons. Moreover, vacation rentals have higher rental rates as compared to long-term rentals, which gives you more revenue. Along with the financial benefits, when you own a vacation rental property, you get to spend a lot of time enjoying your personal vacations as well. You can spend a lot of time on your own property when the place is vacant. You get to enjoy all the amenities you have set for others.it is a perfect relationship between investment and vacation home. Understanding the Mortgage Process for Vacation Homes Investing in a vacation property often involves navigating the mortgage landscape, which can be daunting for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers. The process entails several unique considerations: Interest Rates and Terms: Mortgage loans for vacation homes may come with different interest rates and terms compared to primary residences. Lenders often view these properties as higher risk, which can influence the loan conditions. Down Payment Requirements: Typically, vacation homes require a larger down payment, sometimes as much as 20-30% of the purchase price, reflecting their status as luxury or non-essential purchases. Rental Income Consideration: If you plan to rent out your vacation home, lenders might take potential rental income into account, which can aid in qualifying for a mortgage. However, this requires thorough documentation and, sometimes, previous landlord experience. The Joy of Travel and the Wisdom of Investment Owning a vacation property allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite destinations. Whether it's a ski lodge in the Rockies or a beachfront villa in the Caribbean, these homes offer a personal escape with the warmth and comfort of your own space. Beyond personal enjoyment, these properties can be rented out to vacationers, providing a steady income stream that can offset mortgage payments and maintenance costs. Navigating Challenges and Rewards The journey of buying and owning a vacation property is not without its challenges. From managing the property remotely to understanding local real estate laws, it requires diligence and research. Yet, the rewards can be substantial. Not only do you enjoy personal retreats in beloved locales, but you also stand to gain from property appreciation and rental income. A Call to Adventure and Investment As we navigate our world, the concept of investing in vacation properties presents a compelling blend of adventure and financial prudence. It embodies a spirit of exploration, not just in the sense of travel but in the realm of financial growth and stability. For those bitten by the travel bug and those seeking to expand their investment portfolio, vacation homes offer a horizon worth exploring. Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is essential. Here are some of the crucial factors that you should consider: Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is important. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider: Local attractions and tourism demand How successful your vacation rental property is going to be depends on the demand of the place. Before you invest, check for the popularity of the place among travelers. Identify the local attractions that are drawing the visitors to itself. Consider the things that are making the place popular. Whether it is their cultural heritage, its natural beauty, or how close the place is to the popular destinations. Properties that are close to tourist spots or close to vacation destinations have a tendency to attract more renters. You can choose coastal destinations, urban hotspots, ski resorts, historical and cultural sites, and some emerging destinations. Along with the well-established vacation sports, the emerging destinations are a good investment.  Look for places that are rapidly developing; they have high potential for getting you a high rental return. Rental and seasonality demand Having a good understanding of the tourist season in the place is important. Research about the holidays, special events, and the peak tourist seasons that will take the rental demand to the next level. If the location is such, which has a year-round demand, it is going to get you a consistent source of income. But if the property is in a seasonal location, then you might get fluctuations in the rental bookings. Regulatory environment Before you get a vacation rental property, it is important to know the regulatory environment of the location. Some countries and cities have specific rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals. Get yourself familiar with the restrictions and local laws to make sure you abide by all the regulations. Try not to ignore the legal aspects, as that could land you with a penalty or even cause your rental business to close. Amenities and infrastructure Think about the accessibility and proximity of the essential infrastructure as well as the amenities. Choose an area that has good transportation links, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Guests always prefer properties that are convenient and have easy access to the services and local attractions.  Final Thoughts Before embarking on this journey, it's crucial to conduct thorough research, consult with real estate and financial professionals, and consider all aspects of the investment, including the potential need for a mortgage. With the right preparation and mindset, owning a vacation property can be an enriching experience that combines the joys of travel with the benefits of real estate investment. ADDITIONAL READING: A Guide To Planning Your First Family Ski Trip The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok From Britain To Australia: A Guide For Brits Making The Move Down Under