Colorado Calling: RV Camping Amidst Stunning Mountain Peaks 

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

Are you looking for a unique and fun travel destination for your upcoming trip? If yes, head to Gatlinburg. This town- nestled in the mountains of Tennessee-allows you to see breathtaking views from every location, adding a gorgeous background to the area. From Ober Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, you can enjoy mountain vistas from everywhere. Moreover, there is never a shortage of adventurous points to observe the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, whether you’re hiking or riding along in a car. This enchanting town is home to some of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Tennessee, and its vibrant downtown is full of unique attractions. Whether you’re hunting for an action-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg stores something for every visitor. Additionally, Gatlinburg is full of shops and novelty stores. In fact, the Village Shops have about 25 unique galleries and boutiques, providing you with an unforgettable experience. Alongside, this town is also filled with delicious restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, southern BBQ, pizza, pancakes, or Mexican, you can find it all in this town. But that’s not all. One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that it’s a budget-friendly destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or the hundredth, there are countless ways to save money during the vacation. After all, you can get Gatlinburg vacation packages and the best vacation experience within your budget. Here Are 4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg 1. Have Fun at Anakeesta Trust us, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without visiting Anakeesta. Anakeesta is one of the best attractions and is a must-visit during your trip to Gatlinburg. With scenic views and an impressive number of exciting activities, this is an excellent spot for visitors of all types and ages. But what can you do at Anakeesta? Some of the fun activities to try at this attraction include: Gem mining: During your trip to Anakeesta, don’t forget to stop by and find your treasure at Gem Mining. An interactive cascade and sluice gate let visitors of all ages looking for an exceptional fossil or gemstone. Grab a meal: If you want to enjoy your meal with breathtaking views, make sure you visit the Cliff Top Restaurant. They offer various meals such as desserts, burgers, steaks, appetizers, and whatnot. Rail Runner: This is a personal roller coaster on a single rail at Anakeesta. The exciting ride starts with 1600 feet of downhill turns and ends with a picturesque uphill ride back to the Anakeesta. 2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Wondering what makes Ripley's Aquarium a must-visit place in Gatlinburg? One of the best parts about this attraction is that it's perfect for everybody. Everyone will have a blast at Ripley's Aquarium if you have kids or grandparents in your group. The displays are interesting to everybody, and they will all love watching sea creatures like fish and sharks, providing you with a unique chance to bond with the whole crew.  Besides that, throughout the aquarium, you can see creatures up close. For instance, you get the unique opportunity to touch live stingrays as they swim at Touch-a-ray bay. Whereas in the Discovery Center, you can hold horseshoe crabs. This attraction offers a reasonably priced adventure for the whole group. With all the exhibits of the aquarium and the fantastic creatures you can learn about, the price to enter this aquarium is worth it. Moreover, you can even watch one of the interesting live shows at the aquarium. This allows you to watch divers clean and maintain exhibits while being close to the massive predators in Shark Lagoon Dive. Not just that, you can even explore coral reefs and learn more about the colorful fish living during the Coral Reef Drive, guaranteeing you the best time of your life. 3. Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers

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  sagnika Feb 26, 2025

Are you planning to travel on a cruise? Have you ever traveled to the Caribbean? One of the best ways to explore the Caribbean is on a cruise. Apart from catching the most beautiful sunsets, you will get to experience delicious cuisine and beautiful locales.   Some of these places are perfect for the February vacation ideas you have got! They will ensure that you will enjoy it to your heart’s content, be it with your partner, your family, or your kids.   Let me share with you some of the best Caribbean cruises destinations so that you can make your plans. Did you know, you have to be on the port side when traveling on northbound cruises so that you can check out the beautiful sunsets?   Imagine the beauty of the place and exploring it while on a cruise. Further, you can also book the cruises based on the itinerary which also includes guided tours of visiting locations, eating local food, and trying different activities.   Wander to Beautiful Locales on the Best Caribbean Cruises!   Do you know what is the best time to travel to the Caribbean via cruise? I would suggest that the best time to book your cruise is between December to April. One of the major reasons is that during these months, you will find a milder temperature.   So, if you are looking for warm places to travel in February, I have got the perfect suggestion for you. You can easily book cruises to the Caribbean and follow some of these places to explore.   The sun is beautifully present thus, you will have an amazing winter vacation on the cruise. There are several cruise lines that take you to some of the most exotic locales in the Caribbean. Some of the best cruise lines which organize cruise trips and packages are as follows:   Celebrity Cruises   Disney Cruise Line   Virgin Voyages   These cruise companies make sure that you get the best experience when on Caribbean cruises. Let me share with you some of the best Caribbean cruises destinations that you must explore on these cruises.   1. Barbados   It is one of the safest and cheapest Caribbean islands to travel to! An eastern Caribbean Island, Barbados is an independent British Commonwealth nation. The port of the island is Bridgetown, which is also the capital of Barbados.   You must check out this beautiful place with colonial buildings. You can also visit the synagogue there, the Nidhe Israel which was founded in 1654. Additionally, there are botanical gardens, 17th-century plantation houses, and Harrison’s Cave, a rock formation for tourists.   Of course, we cannot forget several beaches surrounding the coastline, a perfect haven for tourists. You must visit Carlisle Bay with its shipwrecks where you can go snorkeling!   2. Puerto Rico   If you are going on a solo trip, this is the perfect place for you to visit. The unincorporated U.S. territory is a combination of all elements on the landscape of Puerto Rico, a tropical rainforest, several waterfalls, and a range of mountains.   When you travel via cruise, you can check out some of the beautiful beaches, as a tourist they are your perfect hangout spots! Starting from hotel strips, casinos, and beach bars, you can do all the touristy things.   Let's not forget the neighborhood of San Juan with its vibrant street culture, and Spanish colonial buildings that are colorful along delicious food. Simultaneously, two of the massive fortresses, La Fortaleza and El Morro, are centuries old. If you are a history fan, you have got to check it out!   3. George Town, Grand Cayman   One of the prettiest locations in the Caribbean, Georgetown is the capital city of the Cayman Islands. One of the most popular locations when it comes to deciding Cruise ship destinations, George Town has tropical weather all year round.   If you are looking forward to white sandy beaches, this is the one place for you! The Cayman Islands is one of the most popular destinations, so the clear blue waters offer you the perfect background for your vacation pictures.   If you are an adventure freak, you can go on one of these best Caribbean cruises to go diving and snorkeling in the blue waters! Furthermore, you can check out the coral reef around the beautiful location.   4. Bahamas   The beauty of this island cannot be explained with words especially when we start describing Paradise Island, Andros, Bimini Island, and others. These are some of the most popular places in the Bahamas that tourists like us love.   When you get down to any one of the ports available on the island, you get to enjoy stunning beaches with their crystal-clear waters. If you are someone who loves colors and vibrancy, you have to check marine life. This is one of the best cruises for couples on their honeymoon or even anniversary trip!   With its picturesque landscapes, the Bahamas offers relaxation and adventure side by side. You can totally let your hair down with the amazing nightlife there. Be a little cautious when you are relaxing because the place is known for its crime, be it pickpocket or fraud.   5. Dominica   When you travel to Dominica on a cruise, you will find that it is quite cheap to travel to! The activities, food, and visiting various destinations will be quite affordable if you are on budget travel. Roseau is the capital of Dominica, so when you get down the port, you can go for a walk.   For breathtaking views, you can also visit the enchanting town of Marigot. Additionally, for adventure, you can go hiking, snorkeling, diving in the ocean, snorkeling and enjoy trails across national parks.   Being a national park fan, I would request you to visit the beautiful national parks in Dominica, be it Morne Diablotin National Park, Cabrits National Park, or Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Along with the national parks, there are beautiful waterfalls perfect for a tourist visit.   6. Honduras   When you are booking a cruise to Honduras, you have to visit some of the coolest places on the Island. One of the largest natural lakes in Honduras, Lake Yojoa is a perfect place for you if you want bird watching. It is a haven for bird lovers, so a perfect natural paradise for tourists to visit.   There are several places for bird watching and wildlife in Honduras. If you are a nature lover, you must visit this island. Additionally, you can go for white water river rafting in Honduras. This is of course if you are an adventure freak. If you are looking for historical places, you must go to Copan.   Copan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see ancient hieroglyphics and pyramids. You will get to know about the ancient Maya civilization from this site! Your kids will love you when you book one of the best cruises for families when going to Honduras.   7. Mexico   From the coast of Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy your cruise experience. In Mexico, there are several unique and culturally diverse cities like Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.   There are beautiful beaches across various tourist locations like Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo, the city of Mexico City, Tulum, and others. Additionally, the places offer picturesque locales, stunning nightlife, and serene landscapes.   Furthermore, you should not miss the natural wonder, “El Arco”. Another city, Tulum is a Mayan city that has beautiful ruins of city walls and temples that have been well preserved over the years.   Another eco-tourism destination that is known for its rainforest surroundings is Huatulco. You can go visit and enjoy the crystalline bays. They are beautiful and you can create a lifetime of memories there.   8. Antigua   It is one of the top spots whenever someone recommends one of the places to visit for the best Caribbean cruises. If you visit an underwater park, Cades Reef, to check out a variety of sea creatures, you will thank me.   With clear visibility, you will love the place and the water surrounding the place. Additionally, you can also visit a restored park, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park with its historic buildings and nature trails.   Furthermore, you can also go check out St. John’s Cathedral, a beautiful cathedral that overlooks St. John’s. Do not forget the amazing museums giving you the perfect view of the artifacts housed there.   Pack Your Bags Now!   Now that we have identified the best Caribbean cruise destinations, tell me which one you want to go to. Have you decided on the specific cruise line with which you want to book your trip? Tell us if you have ever visited the beautiful locales that the Caribbean has to offer.   Furthermore, what are your other plans when visiting the Caribbean? Let us know how much help this blog gave with your plans to go on a cruise trip.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.